Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
Springfield, Massachusetts

A GENUINE MERRIAM-WEBSTER

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Copyright © 2020 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary
ISBN 978-1-68150-001-0

Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary principal copyright 1986

All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyrights hereon may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems—without written permission of the publisher.

Made in the United States of America

CONTENTS

→ Copyright

→ Using Your Kindle Dictionary

→ Browse Dictionary A-Z

→ Preface

→ Using Your Dictionary

→ Abbreviations Used in This Dictionary

→ Pronunciation Symbols

→ Abbreviations and Symbols for Chemical Elements

→ Browse Biographical, Biblical, and Mythological Names

→ Browse Geographical Names

→ Tables

→ Signs and Symbols

→ A Handbook of Style

Using Your Kindle Dictionary

Searching for a Word

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On a Kindle (4th generation), Kindle Keyboard, or Kindle DX, a search dictionary box appears when you open the dictionary. Simply type in a word to find it in the dictionary.

Making This Dictionary Your Default Dictionary

On Kindle e-readers, follow these steps to set this as your default dictionary for looking up words while reading:

- Press Home.

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- Select "Settings" from the menu.

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- If you see a "Dictionaries" setting, select it. Select "English" from the list of languages, then choose this dictionary from the list that appears.

- If you do not see this setting, press Menu, then select "Change Primary Dictionary" from the menu. Choose this dictionary from the list that appears.

On Kindle Fire with Fire OS 4+, Kindle for iPhone/iPad (version 2.0+), and Kindle for Android (version 4.0+), you need to look up a word in the built-in default dictionary before you can change the setting. In the definition window, choose the option to change your dictionary, then select this dictionary from the list that appears.

Browse Dictionary A-Z

A  af-  an-  as-

B  bi-  br-

C  ch-  co-  con-  cr-

D  dem-  dis-  do-

E  en-  ex-

F  fl-  fr-

G  go-

H  hi-

I  in-  ir-

J

K

L  lo-

M  mi-

N  non-

O  out-

P  pe-  pi-  po-  pri-

Q

R  reg-  ri-  ru-

S  se-  sh-  so-  st-

T  th-  tr-

U  unn-

V

W  wi-

X

Y

Z

Biographical, Biblical, and Mythological Names

Geographical Names

A

a

a-

aardvark

ab-

abaca

aback

abacus

abaft

abalone

abandon

abandoned

abase

abash

abate

abatement

abattoir

abbess

abbey

abbot

abbreviate

abbreviation

Abdias

abdicate

abdomen

abduct

abductor

abeam

abed

Aberdeen Angus

aberrant

aberration

abet

abeyance

abhor

abhorrent

abide

ability

-ability

abiotic

abject

abjure

ablate

ablation

ablaze

able

-able

able–bodied

abloom

ablution

ably

ABM

abnegate

abnormal

abnormality

aboard

abode

abolish

abolition

abolitionist

A–bomb

abominable

abominable snowman

abominate

abomination

aboriginal

aborigine

abort

abortion

abortionist

abortive

abound

about

about–face

above

aboveboard

aboveground

abracadabra

abrade

abrasion

abrasive

abreast

abridge

abridgment

abroad

abrogate

abrupt

abscess

abscissa

abscission

abscond

absence

absent

absentee

absentminded

absolute

absolutely

absolute temperature

absolute value

absolute zero

absolution

absolve

absorb

absorbent

absorption

abstain

abstemious

abstention

abstinence

abstract

abstracted

abstraction

abstruse

absurd

abundance

abundant

abuse

abusive

abut

abutment

abysmal

abyss

abyssal

ac-

acacia

academic

academy

a cappella

accede

accelerando

accelerate

acceleration

acceleration of gravity

accelerator

accelerometer

accent

accent mark

accentuate

accept

acceptable

acceptance

acceptation

access

accessible

accession

accessorize

accessory

accessory fruit

access time

accident

accidental

accipiter

acclaim

acclamation

acclimate

acclimatize

accolade

accommodate

accommodating

accommodation

accompaniment

accompanist

accompany

accomplice

accomplish

accomplished

accomplishment

accord

accordance

according as

accordingly

according to

accordion

accost

account

accountable

accountant

accounting

accoutre

accoutrement

accredit

accretion

accrue

accumulate

accumulation

accumulator

accuracy

accurate

accursed

accusation

accusative

accusatory

accuse

accused

accustom

accustomed

ace

acellular

-aceous

acetaminophen

acetate

acetic

acetic acid

acetone

acetylcholine

acetylene

acetylsalicylic acid

ache

achene

achieve

achievement

Achilles' heel

Achilles tendon

achromatic

acid

acid–fast

acidic

acidify

acidity

acid precipitation

acid rain

acknowledge

acknowledged

acknowledgment

acme

acne

acolyte

aconite

acorn

acorn squash

acoustic

acoustics

acquaint

acquaintance

acquiesce

acquiescent

acquire

acquired

acquired immune deficiency syndrome

acquired immunity

acquirement

acquisition

acquisitive

acquit

acquittal

acre

acreage

acre–foot

acrid

acrimony

acrobat

acrobatics

acronym

acrophobia

acropolis

across

acrostic

acrylic

acrylic fiber

acrylic resin

act

actin

acting

actinium

action

action figure

action verb

activate

activation energy

active

active immunity

active transport

activewear

activist

activity

actor

act out

actress

Acts

actual

actually

actuary

actuate

act up

acuity

acumen

acupuncture

acute

ad

ad-

adage

adagio

adamant

adamantine

Adam's apple

adapt

adaptation

adapted

adapter

add

addend

addendum

adder

adder's–tongue

addict

addiction

addictive

addition

additional

additive

additive identity

additive inverse

addle

address

addressable

addressee

adduce

adduct

adductor

add up

adenine

adenoid

adenoidal

adenosine diphosphate

adenosine triphosphate

adept

adequacy

adequate

adhere

adherence

adherent

adhesion

adhesive

adhesive tape

adiabatic

adieu

adios

adipose

adipose tissue

adjacent

adjective

adjoin

adjourn

adjudge

adjudicate

adjunct

adjure

adjust

adjustment

adjutant

ad–lib

ad lib

ad libitum

administer

administration

administrative

administrator

administratrix

admirable

admiral

admiralty

admiration

admire

admissible

admission

admit

admittance

admittedly

admixture

admonish

admonition

admonitory

ado

adobe

adolescence

adopt

adoption

adoptive

adorable

adore

adorn

adornment

ADP

adrenal

adrenal gland

adrenaline

adrift

adroit

adsorb

adsorption

adulate

adult

adulterant

adulterate

adultery

advance

advanced

advancement

advantage

advantageous

advent

adventitious

adventure

adventurer

adventuresome

adventurous

adverb

adversarial

adversary

adverse

adversity

advert

advertise

advertisement

advertising

advice

advisable

advise

advised

advisement

advisory

advocacy

advocate

adze

aëdes

aegis

aeolian

aeon

aer-

aerate

aerial

aerial root

aerie

aerobatics

aerobic

aerobics

aerodrome

aerodynamics

aerogel

aeronaut

aeronautics

aeroplane

aerosol

aerospace

aesthetic

aesthetics

aestivate

af-

afar

affable

affair

affect

affectation

affected

affecting

affection

affectionate

afferent

affiance

affidavit

affiliate

affinity

affirm

affirmative

affirmative action

affix

afflict

affliction

affluence

affluent

afford

affray

affright

affront

Afghan

Afghan hound

aficionado

afield

afire

aflame

afloat

aflutter

afoot

afore

aforementioned

aforesaid

aforethought

afoul of

afraid

afresh

African

African–American

African elephant

African sleeping sickness

African violet

Afrikaans

Afrikaner

Afro

Afro–American

aft

after

after all

afterbirth

afterburner

afterdeck

aftereffect

afterglow

afterguard

afterimage

afterlife

aftermath

afternoon

aftershave

aftertaste

afterthought

afterward

ag-

again

against

agape

agar

agate

agave

age

-age

aged

ageism

ageless

agency

agenda

agent

Age of Fishes

Age of Mammals

Age of Reptiles

age–old

ageratum

Aggeus

agglomerate

agglomeration

agglutinate

agglutination

agglutinin

aggrandize

aggravate

aggravation

aggregate

aggregate fruit

aggregation

aggression

aggressive

aggressor

aggrieved

aghast

agile

aging

agitate

agitator

aglitter

aglow

agnostic

ago

agog

agonize

agony

agora

agoraphobia

agouti

agrarian

agree

agreeable

agreement

agricultural

agriculture

agronomy

aground

ague

ah

aha

ahead

ahead of

A horizon

ahoy

aid

aide

aide–de–camp

AIDS

AIDS virus

aikido

ail

ailanthus

aileron

ailment

aim

aimless

ain't

air

air bag

air base

air bladder

airborne

air brake

airbrush

air–condition

air–cool

aircraft

aircraft carrier

air–cushion vehicle

airdrome

airdrop

Airedale

airfield

airflow

airfoil

air force

airframe

air gun

air lane

air letter

airlift

airline

airliner

air lock

airmail

airman

airman basic

airman first class

air mass

airplane

airplane mode

air plant

air pocket

airport

air pump

air raid

air sac

airship

airsick

airspeed

airstrip

airtight

airwave

airway

airworthy

airy

aisle

ajar

akimbo

akin

Akkadian

al-

-al

alabaster

à la carte

alacrity

à la mode

alanine

alarm

alarm clock

alarmist

alas

Alaskan malamute

Alaska time

alb

albacore

Albanian

albatross

albeit

albino

albite

album

albumen

albumin

alchemy

alcohol

alcoholic

alcoholism

alcove

Aldebaran

alder

alderman

alderwoman

aldrin

ale

alee

alert

A level

alewife

alfalfa

alga

algebra

algin

ALGOL

Algonquian

algorithm

alias

alibi

alien

alienate

alienation

alight

align

alignment

alike

aliment

alimentary

alimentary canal

alimony

A–line

alive

alizarin

alkali

alkali metal

alkaline

alkaline battery

alkaline–earth metal

alkane

alkyd

all

Allah

all along

all–American

allargando

all–around

allay

all but

allegation

allege

allegiance

allegory

allegretto

allegro

allele

alleluia

Allen wrench

allergen

allergic

allergist

allergy

allergy shot

alleviate

alley

alley cat

alleyway

All Fools' Day

all fours

Allhallows

all hours

alliance

allied

allies

alligator

alligator clip

alligator gar

alligator pear

all–important

alliteration

allocate

allosaurus

allot

allotment

allotropy

all–out

all out

allover

all over

allow

allowance

alloy

all–powerful

all–purpose

all right

all–round

All Saints' Day

All Souls' Day

allspice

all–star

all–terrain vehicle

allude

allure

allusion

alluvial

alluvium

all–wheel drive

ally

-ally

alma mater

almanac

almandine

almandite

almighty

Almighty

almond

almoner

almost

alms

almshouse

alnico

aloe

aloe vera

aloft

aloha

alone

along

alongshore

alongside

aloof

aloud

alp

alpaca

alpha

alphabet

alphabetical

alphabetize

alpha particle

alpha ray

alpine

already

alright

Alsatian

alsike clover

also

also–ran

altar

altar boy

altar server

alter

alteration

altercation

alter ego

alternate

alternate angle

alternating current

alternation

alternation of generations

alternative

alternative medicine

alternator

althorn

although

altimeter

altitude

alto

altocumulus

altogether

altostratus

altruism

alum

alumina

aluminium

aluminize

aluminum

aluminum oxide

aluminum sulfate

alumna

alumnus

alveolar

alveolus

always

Alzheimer's disease

am

AM

amain

amalgam

amalgamate

amalgamation

amanita

amanuensis

amaranth

amaryllis

amass

amateur

amatory

amaze

amazement

amazing

amazon

Amazonian

ambassador

amber

Amber alert

ambergris

ambidextrous

ambience

ambient

ambiguity

ambiguous

ambition

ambitious

amble

amblyopia

ambrosia

ambulance

ambulatory

ambuscade

ambush

ameba

amebiasis

amebic dysentery

ameliorate

amen

amenable

amend

amendment

amends

amenity

ament

American

American chameleon

American elm

American Indian

Americanism

Americanize

American pit bull terrier

American Sign Language

American Spanish

American Standard Version

americium

Amerindian

amethyst

amiable

amicable

amice

amid

amidships

amine

amino acid

Amish

amiss

amity

ammeter

ammo

ammonia

ammonite

ammonium

ammonium chloride

ammonium hydroxide

ammonium nitrate

ammonium sulfate

ammunition

amnesia

amnesty

amniocentesis

amnion

amniotic

amoeba

amoeboid

amok

among

amontillado

amoral

amorous

amorphous

Amos

amount

amour

amp

amperage

ampere

ampersand

amphetamine

amphibia

amphibian

amphibious

amphibole

amphioxus

amphipod

amphitheater

amphora

ample

amplification

amplifier

amplify

amplitude

amplitude modulation

amputate

amputee

amuck

amulet

amuse

amusement

amusement park

amyl acetate

amylase

an

an-

-an

ana-

anabolic steroid

anabolism

anachronism

anaconda

anadromous

anaemia

anaerobe

anaerobic

anaesthesia

anagram

anal

anal fin

analgesia

analog computer

analogous

analogue

analogy

analysis

analyst

analytic

analyze

anapest

anaphase

anarchic

anarchism

anarchist

anarchy

anathema

anatomist

anatomize

anatomy

-ance

ancestor

ancestral

ancestress

ancestry

anchor

anchorage

anchorite

anchorman

anchorperson

anchorwoman

anchovy

ancient

anciently

-ancy

and

andante

andesite

andiron

andradite

androgen

androgynous

Andromeda

-ane

anecdote

anemia

anemometer

anemone

aneroid barometer

anesthesia

anesthesiologist

anesthetic

anesthetist

anesthetize

anew

angel

angelfish

angel food cake

anger

angina

angina pectoris

angiosperm

angle

angle bracket

angle of incidence

angle of reflection

angler

anglerfish

Angles

angleworm

Anglican

anglicize

angling

Anglo

Anglo–American

Anglo–Saxon

angora

Angora cat

Angora goat

Angora rabbit

angry

angst

angstrom

anguish

angular

Angus

anhinga

anhydride

anhydrite

anhydrous

aniline

animal

animalcule

animal heat

animal husbandry

animal kingdom

animate

animated

animated cartoon

animation

animator

anime

animosity

anion

anise

aniseed

anisotropic

ankle

anklebone

anklet

ankylosaur

annalist

annals

annatto

anneal

annelid

annex

annihilate

anniversary

anno Domini

annotate

annotation

announce

announcement

announcer

annoy

annoyance

annoying

annual

annual ring

annuity

annul

annular

annular eclipse

Annunciation

anode

anodize

anoint

anole

anomalous

anomaly

anon

anonymity

anonymous

anopheles

anorexia

anorexia nervosa

anorexic

anorthite

another

anoxia

answer

answerable

answering machine

answering service

ant

ant-

-ant

antacid

antagonism

antagonist

antagonistic

antagonize

antarctic

antarctic circle

ant bear

ant cow

ante-

anteater

antebellum

antecedent

antechamber

antedate

antediluvian

antelope

ante meridiem

antenna

antennule

anterior

anteroom

anthem

anther

anthill

anthocyanin

anthology

anthracite

anthrax

anthropoid

anthropology

anti-

antiaircraft

antibacterial

antiballistic missile

antibiotic

antibody

antic

anticipate

anticipation

anticlimax

anticline

anticyclone

antidote

antidrug

anti–federalist

antifreeze

antigen

antihistamine

antiknock

antilock

antimalarial

antimatter

antimony

antineutron

antioxidant

antiparticle

antipathy

antiperspirant

antipode

antipollution

antiproton

antiquarian

antiquary

antiquate

antiquated

antique

antiquity

antiseptic

antiserum

antislavery

antisocial

antistatic

antitank

antithesis

antitoxin

antivenin

antivenom

antler

ant lion

antonym

antsy

anus

anvil

anxiety

anxious

any

anybody

anyhow

anymore

anyone

anyplace

anything

anyway

anywhere

anywise

A–OK

A1

aorta

aoudad

ap-

apace

Apache

apart

apartheid

apartment

apartment building

apathetic

apathy

apatite

apatosaurus

ape

ape–man

aperture

apex

aphelion

aphid

aphid lion

aphis

aphorism

apiary

apiece

apish

aplomb

apo-

apocalypse

Apocalypse

apocrypha

Apocrypha

apogee

apologetic

apologist

apologize

apology

apoplectic

apoplexy

apostasy

apostate

apostle

apostolic

apostrophe

apothecaries' measure

apothecaries' weight

apothecary

app

appall

appalling

Appaloosa

appanage

apparatus

apparel

apparent

apparently

apparition

appeal

appear

appearance

appease

appellant

appellate

appellation

appellee

append

appendage

appendectomy

appendicitis

appendix

appertain

appetite

appetizer

appetizing

applaud

applause

apple

apple–pie

applesauce

applet

appliance

applicable

applicant

application

applicator

applied

appliqué

apply

appoint

appointed

appointee

appointive

appointment

apportion

apposite

apposition

appositive

appraisal

appraise

appreciable

appreciate

apprehend

apprehension

apprehensive

apprentice

apprenticeship

apprise

approach

approachable

approbation

appropriate

appropriation

approval

approve

approximate

approximately

approximation

apricot

April

April fool

April Fools' Day

apron

apropos

apropos of

apse

apt

aptitude

aqua

aquacade

aquaculture

aquamarine

aquanaut

aquaplane

aqua regia

aquarist

aquarium

Aquarius

aquatic

aqueduct

aqueous

aqueous humor

aquifer

aquiline

-ar

Arab

arabesque

Arabian

Arabian camel

Arabian horse

Arabic

Arabic numeral

arable

arachnid

aragonite

Aramaean

Aramaic

aramid

Arapaho

Arawak

arbiter

arbitrary

arbitrate

arbitration

arbitrator

arbor

Arbor Day

arboreal

arboretum

arborist

arborvitae

arbutus

arc

arcade

arcade game

arch

arch-

archaea

archaeology

archaeopteryx

archaic

archaism

archangel

archbishop

archbishopric

archdeacon

archdiocese

Archean

archenemy

Archeozoic

archer

archery

archetype

archfoe

archiepiscopal

Archimedes' principle

archipelago

architect

architecture

archive

archivist

archrival

archway

-archy

arc lamp

arctic

arctic circle

arctic fox

arctic hare

Arcturus

ardent

ardor

arduous

are

area

area code

areaway

arena

aren't

areola

argent

argentite

argillaceous

arginine

Argive

argon

argonaut

argosy

argot

arguable

argue

argument

argumentative

aria

arid

Aries

aright

arise

aristocracy

aristocrat

arithmetic

arithmetic mean

ark

arm

armada

armadillo

armament

armature

armchair

armed

armed forces

Armenian

armful

armhole

armistice

Armistice Day

armlet

armor

armored

armorer

armorial

armory

armpit

army

army ant

armyworm

aroma

aromatic

arose

around

arouse

arpeggio

arquebus

arraign

arrange

arrangement

arrant

array

arrears

arrest

arresting

arrival

arrive

arrogance

arrogant

arrogate

arrow

arrowhead

arrowroot

arrow worm

arroyo

arsenal

arsenic

arsenopyrite

arsine

arson

art

arterial

arteriole

arteriosclerosis

artery

artesian well

artful

arthritis

arthropod

artichoke

article

articular

articulate

articulation

artifact

artifice

artificer

artificial

artificial heart

artificial intelligence

artificial respiration

artificial selection

artillery

artisan

artist

artistic

artistry

artless

arum

-ary

Aryan

as

as-

asafetida

asbestos

ascend

ascendance

ascendancy

ascendant

ascension

Ascension Day

ascent

ascertain

ascetic

ASCII

ascomycete

ascorbic acid

ascot

ascribe

ascription

-ase

asepsis

aseptic

asexual

as for

Asgard

ash

ashamed

Ashanti

ashen

ashore

ashtray

Ash Wednesday

ashy

Asian

Asian–American

Asian elephant

Asiatic

aside

aside from

as if

asinine

ask

askance

askew

aslant

asleep

as of

asp

asparagus

aspartic acid

aspect

aspect ratio

aspen

asperity

asperse

aspersion

asphalt

asphodel

asphyxia

asphyxiate

aspic

aspidistra

aspirant

aspirate

aspiration

aspirator

aspire

aspirin

ass

assail

assassin

assassinate

assault

assault rifle

assay

assemblage

assemble

assembler

assembly

assembly language

assembly line

assemblyman

assemblywoman

assent

assert

assertion

assertive

assess

assessment

assessor

asset

assiduous

assign

assignee

assimilate

assimilation

assist

assistance

assistant

assize

associate

association

association neuron

associative

assonance

as soon as

assort

assorted

assortment

assuage

assume

assumption

assurance

assure

assured

astatine

aster

asterisk

astern

asteroid

asteroid belt

asthma

as though

astigmatism

astir

as to

astonish

astound

astraddle

astrakhan

astral

astray

astride

astringency

astringent

astro-

astrolabe

astrology

astronaut

astronautics

astronomical

astronomical unit

astronomy

astrophysics

astute

asunder

as well as

asylum

asymmetrical

asymptomatic

at

at-

at all

atavistic

ataxia

ate

-ate

a tempo

atheism

atherosclerosis

athirst

athlete

athlete's foot

athletic

athletics

athletic supporter

athwart

-ation

-ative

Atlantic salmon

Atlantic time

atlas

ATM

atmosphere

atmospheric

atoll

atom

atomic

atomic bomb

atomic clock

atomic mass

atomic mass unit

atomic number

atomic pile

atomic reactor

atomic theory

atomic weight

atomize

atomizer

atom smasher

atonal

atone

atonement

atop

ATP

atrium

atrocious

atrocity

atrophy

atropine

at sign

attach

attaché

attaché case

attachment

attack

attack dog

attain

attainder

attainment

attar

attempt

attend

attendance

attendant

attention

attention deficit disorder

attention span

attentive

attenuate

attest

attic

Attic

attire

attitude

attorney

attorney general

attract

attractant

attraction

attractive

attribute

attributive

attrition

attune

ATV

atypical

auburn

auction

auctioneer

audacious

audacity

audible

audience

audio

audio-

audiobook

audio–lingual

audiologist

audiology

audiometer

audiotape

audiovisual

audiovisuals

audit

audition

auditor

auditorium

auditory

auditory canal

auditory nerve

auger

aught

augite

augment

augmented reality

au gratin

augur

augury

august

August

auk

auld

auld lang syne

aunt

aura

aural

aureole

au revoir

auricle

auricular

Auriga

aurochs

aurora

aurora australis

aurora borealis

auspice

auspicious

austere

austerity

Australian

Australoid

australopithecine

aut-

authentic

authenticate

author

authoritarian

authoritative

authority

authorize

Authorized Version

authorship

autism

auto

auto-

autobiography

autoclave

autocorrect

autocracy

autocrat

autocratic

autograph

autoimmune

automate

automatic

automation

automatize

automaton

automobile

automotive

autonomic

autonomic nervous system

autonomous

autonomy

autopsy

autoradiograph

autos

autotroph

autumn

auxiliary

auxiliary verb

auxin

avail

available

avalanche

avarice

avaricious

avast

avatar

avaunt

avenge

avenue

aver

average

averse

aversion

avert

avian

aviary

aviation

aviator

avid

avocado

avocation

avocet

avoid

avoidance

avoirdupois

avoirdupois weight

avouch

avow

avowal

avowed

aw

await

awake

awaken

award

aware

awash

away

awe

awesome

awestruck

awful

awfully

awhile

awhirl

awkward

awl

awning

awoke

awoken

AWOL

awry

ax

axial

axilla

axiom

axiomatic

axis

axle

axolotl

axon

aye

aye–aye

Ayrshire

azalea

azimuth

azo

AZT

Aztec

azure

azurite

B

b

baa

babble

babe

babel

baboon

babushka

baby

baby boom

baby oil

baby powder

baby's breath

babysit

baby talk

baby tooth

bachelor

bachelorette

bachelor's button

bacillus

back

backache

backbeat

backbite

backboard

backbone

backcourt

back down

backdrop

backfield

backfire

backflip

backgammon

background

background music

backhand

backhanded

backhoe

backing

backlash

backlog

back of

back off

back order

backpack

backrest

backside

backslash

backslide

backspace

backspin

backstage

backstop

backstretch

backstroke

backswimmer

back talk

backtrack

backup

back up

backward

backwash

backwater

backwoods

backyard

bacon

bacteria

bacterial

bacteriologist

bacteriology

bacteriophage

bacterium

Bactrian camel

bad

bade

badge

badger

badland

badly

badminton

bad–mouth

baffle

bag

bagel

baggage

Baggies

baggy

bag of waters

bagpipe

baguette

bagworm

bail

bailiff

bail out

bairn

bait

baize

bake

baker's dozen

bakers' yeast

bakery

bake sale

bakeshop

bakeware

baking powder

baking soda

balance

balance beam

balance of nature

balance wheel

balcony

bald

bald cypress

bald eagle

baldric

bale

baleen

baleen whale

baleful

balk

balky

ball

ballad

ball–and–socket joint

ballast

ball bearing

ballcarrier

ballerina

ballet

ballistic

ballistic missile

ballistics

ball joint

balloon

ballot

ballpark

ballpoint

ballroom

ballyhoo

balm

balm of Gilead

balmy

balsa

balsam

balsam fir

balsam poplar

Baltic

Baltimore oriole

baluster

balustrade

bamboo

ban

banal

banana

banana oil

bananas

banana split

band

bandage

Band–Aid

bandanna

bandbox

bandicoot

bandit

bandmaster

bandmate

bandolier

band saw

bandstand

bandwagon

bandwidth

bandy

bandy–legged

bane

baneful

bang

bangle

bang–up

banish

banister

banjo

bank

bankbook

bank card

banker

banking

bank note

bankroll

bankrupt

bankruptcy

banner

bannister

banns

banquet

banshee

bantam

bantamweight

banter

Bantu

banyan

baobab

baptism

Baptist

baptize

bar

barb

barbarian

barbaric

barbarism

barbarity

barbarous

barbecue

barbed wire

barbel

barbell

barber

barberry

barbershop

barbiturate

barbituric acid

barbwire

barcarole

bar chart

bar code

bard

bare

bareback

barefaced

barefoot

barehanded

bareheaded

barf

bargain

barge

bar graph

barite

baritone

barium

barium sulfate

bark

bark beetle

barker

barley

barleycorn

barlow

bar mitzvah

barn

barnacle

barn owl

barnstorm

barn swallow

barnyard

barograph

barometer

barometric pressure

baron

baroness

baronet

baronial

baroque

barque

barracks

barracuda

barrage

barred

barrel

barrel cactus

barrel organ

barren

barrette

barricade

barrier

barrier island

barrier reef

barring

barrio

barroom

barrow

bartender

barter

Baruch

basal

basal metabolic rate

basalt

base

baseball

baseball cap

baseboard

baseborn

base exchange

base hit

baseline

basement

basenji

base on balls

base path

base runner

bash

bashful

basic

BASIC

basicity

basic training

basil

basin

basis

bask

basket

basketball

basketry

basking shark

bas mitzvah

bas–relief

bass

bass clef

bass drum

basset hound

bass horn

bassinet

basso

bassoon

bass staff

bass viol

basswood

bast

bastard

baste

Bastille Day

bastion

bat

batch

bate

bath

bathe

bathhouse

bathing suit

batholith

bathrobe

bathroom

bathtub

bathyscaphe

bathysphere

batik

batiste

bat mitzvah

baton

battalion

batten

batter

battering ram

battery

battery jar

batting

batting average

battle

battle–ax

battlefield

battleground

battlement

battleship

batty

bauble

baud

bauxite

bawdy

bawl

bawl out

bay

bayberry

bayonet

bayou

bay rum

bay window

bazaar

bazooka

BB

bcc

B cell

B complex

be

be-

beach

beach buggy

beachcomber

beach flea

beach grass

beachhead

beach plum

beach towel

beacon

bead

beading

beadwork

beady

beagle

beak

beaker

beam

bean

beanbag

bean curd

bear

bearable

bearberry

beard

bear down

bearer

bear hug

bearing

bear out

bearskin

bear up

beast

beastly

beast of burden

beat

beatbox

beaten

beatific

beatify

beatitude

beat–up

beau

Beaufort scale

beau ideal

beauteous

beautician

beautiful

beautify

beauty

beauty mark

beauty shop

beaver

becalm

because

because of

beck

beckon

becloud

become

becoming

bed

bed–and–breakfast

bedaub

bedazzle

bedbug

bedchamber

bedclothes

bedding

bedeck

bedevil

bedew

bedfast

bedfellow

bedight

bedim

bedizen

bedlam

Bedlington terrier

bedouin

bedpan

bedraggled

bedridden

bedrock

bedroll

bedroom

bedsheet

bedside

bedsore

bedspread

bedstead

bedstraw

bedtime

bed–wetting

bee

beebread

beech

beef

beef cattle

beefsteak

beefy

beehive

beekeeper

beeline

been

beep

beeper

beer

beer belly

beeswax

beet

beetle

befall

befit

befog

before

beforehand

before long

befoul

befriend

befuddle

beg

beget

beggar

beggarly

beggar–ticks

beggary

begin

beginner

beginning

begone

begonia

begrime

begrudge

beguile

behalf

behave

behavior

behead

behemoth

behest

behind

behindhand

behold

beholden

behoof

behoove

behove

beige

being

belabor

belated

belay

belch

beldam

beleaguer

belfry

Belgian

Belgian sheepdog

belie

belief

believe

belike

belittle

bell

belladonna

bell–bottoms

bellboy

bell captain

belle

bellflower

bellhop

bellicose

belligerence

belligerency

belligerent

bell jar

bellow

bellows

bellpull

bells and whistles

bellwether

belly

bellyache

belly button

belly flop

belly–land

belong

belongings

beloved

below

belt

belting

belt–tightening

beluga

bemoan

bemuse

bench

benchmark

benchwarmer

bend

beneath

benediction

Benedict's solution

benefaction

benefactor

benefactress

benefice

beneficence

beneficent

beneficial

beneficiary

benefit

benevolence

benevolent

Bengali

benighted

benign

benignant

benison

bent

bent grass

benthos

bentonite

benumb

benzene

benzine

benzoic acid

benzoyl peroxide

bequeath

bequest

berate

Berber

bereaved

bereavement

bereft

beret

berg

beriberi

berkelium

berm

Bermuda grass

berry

berserk

berth

beryl

beryllium

beseech

beseem

beset

besetting

beside

besides

besiege

besmear

besmirch

besom

bespatter

bespeak

bespectacled

Bessemer process

best

bestial

bestie

bestir

bestow

bestrew

bestride

best–seller

bet

beta

beta–carotene

betake

beta particle

beta ray

betatron

betel

Betelgeuse

betel nut

bête noire

bethel

bethink

betide

betimes

betoken

betray

betroth

betrothal

betrothed

betta

better

better half

betterment

bettor

between

betwixt

bevel

beverage

bevy

bewail

beware

bewhiskered

bewilder

bewitch

bewray

beyond

bi-

biannual

bias

bias tape

bib

Bible

biblical

bibliography

bibulous

bicameral

bicarbonate

bicarbonate of soda

bicentenary

bicentennial

biceps

bicker

bicolored

bicultural

bicuspid

bicycle

bid

biddy

bide

bidirectional

biennial

bier

bifocal

big

bigamy

big bang

big bang theory

big cat

Big Dipper

bigfoot

big game

bighorn sheep

bight

big league

bigot

bigotry

big shot

big toe

big top

big tree

bigwig

bike

bikini

bilateral

bilateral symmetry

bile

bilge

bilge water

biliary

bilingual

bilious

bill

billboard

billet

billet–doux

billfold

billiards

billion

billionaire

bill of fare

bill of rights

billow

billowy

billy

billy club

billy goat

bimetal

bimetallic

bimonthly

bin

binary

binary fission

binary star

binary system

binaural

bind

binder

bindery

binding

binding energy

bindweed

binge

binge–watch

bingo

binnacle

binocular

binomial

binomial nomenclature

bio-

biochemistry

biodegradable

biodiesel

biodiversity

biography

biological

biological clock

biological control

biological warfare

biological weapon

biology

biomass

biome

bionic

bionics

biophysics

biopsy

biosphere

biosynthesis

biota

biotechnology

bioterrorism

biotic

biotin

biotite

bipartisan

bipartite

biped

biplane

bipolar

bipolar disorder

biracial

birch

bird

birdbath

bird dog

birdhouse

birdlike

birdman

bird–of–paradise

bird of paradise

bird of passage

bird of prey

birdseed

bird's–eye

bird's–foot trefoil

bird–watcher

biretta

birth

birth canal

birth control

birth control pill

birthday

birth defect

birthmark

birthplace

birthrate

birthright

birthstone

biscuit

bisect

bisector

bisexual

bishop

bishopric

bismuth

bison

bisque

bistro

bisulfide

bit

bitch

bite

bite plate

biting

bitter

bittern

bittersweet

bitty

bituminous coal

bivalve

bivouac

biweekly

biyearly

bizarre

blab

blabbermouth

black

black–and–blue

blackball

black bass

black bean

black bear

black belt

blackberry

blackbird

blackboard

blackbody

black book

black crappie

black death

black diamond

blacken

black eye

black–eyed pea

black–eyed Susan

black flag

blackfly

Blackfoot

black–footed ferret

blackguard

blackhead

black hole

black ice

blacking

blackjack

black light

blacklist

black lung

blackmail

black market

black oak

blackout

black pepper

black plague

black power

black sheep

blacksmith

blacksnake

blackthorn

blacktop

black walnut

black widow

bladder

bladderwort

blade

blah

blahs

blame

blameless

blameworthy

blanch

bland

blandish

blank

blanket

blank verse

blare

blarney

blaspheme

blasphemy

blast

blast furnace

blast off

blastula

blatant

blaze

blazer

bleach

bleacher

bleak

blear

bleat

bleed

bleeder

bleeding heart

blemish

blench

blend

blender

blenny

bless

blessed

Blessed Sacrament

blessing

blew

blight

blimp

blind

blind carbon copy

blinder

blindfold

blindman's buff

blind spot

bling–bling

blink

blinker

blip

bliss

blister

blister beetle

blistering

blithe

blithesome

blitz

blitzkrieg

blizzard

bloat

blob

bloc

block

blockade

blockage

block and tackle

blockbuster

blockhead

blockhouse

block letter

blog

bloke

blond

blood

blood cell

blood count

bloodcurdling

blooded

blood group

bloodhound

bloodless

bloodletting

bloodline

bloodmobile

blood plasma

blood platelet

blood poisoning

blood pressure

bloodroot

blood serum

bloodshed

bloodshot

bloodstain

bloodstone

bloodstream

bloodsucker

blood sugar

blood test

bloodthirsty

blood type

blood vessel

bloody

bloom

bloomers

blossom

blot

blotch

blot out

blotter

blotting paper

blouse

blow

blow–dry

blow–dryer

blower

blowfish

blowfly

blowgun

blowhole

blown

blowout

blow over

blowpipe

blowtorch

blowup

blow up

blowy

BLT

blubber

bludgeon

blue

blue baby

bluebell

blueberry

bluebird

bluebonnet

bluebottle

blue cheese

blue chip

blue–collar

bluefish

blue flag

bluegill

bluegrass

blue–green alga

blue heron

blueing

blue jay

blue jeans

blue mold

blue plate

blueprint

blue racer

blue ribbon

blues

blue shark

bluestem

bluet

blue vitriol

blue whale

bluff

bluing

bluish

blunder

blunderbuss

blunt

blur

blurb

blurt

blush

bluster

B lymphocyte

BMX

boa

boa constrictor

boar

board

boarder

board game

boardinghouse

boarding school

boardwalk

boast

boat

boater

boathouse

boatload

boatman

boatswain

bob

bobber

bobbin

bobble

bobby

bobby pin

bobby socks

bobby–soxer

bobcat

bobolink

bobsled

bobtail

bobwhite

bode

bodice

bodied

bodiless

bodily

bodkin

body

bodybuilding

body cavity

bodyguard

body language

body louse

body mass index

bodywash

Boer

bog

bogey

bogeyman

boggle

bogus

Bohemian

bohrium

boil

boil down

boiler

boiling point

boil over

boisterous

bola

bold

boldface

bold–faced

bole

bolero

bolivar

boll

bollard

boll weevil

bolo

bologna

Bolshevik

Bolshevism

bolster

bolt

bomb

bombard

bombardier

bombardier beetle

bombast

bomber

bombproof

bombshell

bona fide

bonanza

bonbon

bond

bondage

bondholder

bondman

bondsman

bone

bone black

bone marrow

bonemeal

boner

bonfire

bongo

bonito

bonnet

bonny

bonsai

bonus

bon voyage

bony

bony fish

boo

boo–boo

booby

booby trap

book

bookbinder

bookbinding

bookcase

bookend

bookish

bookkeeper

booklet

book louse

book lung

bookmaker

bookmark

bookmobile

bookplate

bookseller

bookstore

bookworm

Boolean

Boolean algebra

boom

boom box

boomerang

booming

boomtown

boon

boondocks

boor

boos

boost

booster

booster shot

boot

bootblack

boot camp

bootee

Boötes

booth

bootjack

bootleg

bootless

booty

booze

bop

borate

borax

border

borderland

borderline

bore

boreal

boredom

borer

boric acid

boring

born

borne

bornite

boron

borough

borrow

borrowing

borscht

borzoi

bos'n

bosom

boss

bossy

Boston ivy

Boston terrier

bot

botanical

botanist

botany

botch

botfly

both

bother

bothersome

bottle

bottled gas

bottle–feed

bottleneck

bottle–nosed dolphin

bottlenose dolphin

bottom

bottom dollar

bottomland

bottomless

botulism

bouclé

boudoir

bough

bought

bouillabaisse

bouillon

boulder

boulevard

bounce

bouncer

bouncing

bound

boundary

bounden

boundless

bounteous

bountiful

bounty

bouquet

bourgeois

bourgeoisie

bourne

bourrée

bout

boutique

boutonniere

bovine

bow

bowel

bowel movement

bower

bowerbird

bowie knife

bowl

bowlegged

bowler

bowl game

bowline

bowling

bowl over

bowman

bowsprit

bowstring

bow tie

bow window

box

box camera

boxcar

box cutter

box elder

boxer

boxer shorts

boxing

Boxing Day

boxing glove

box office

box score

box seat

box stall

box turtle

boxwood

boy

boycott

boyfriend

Boy Scout

boysenberry

bra

brace

bracelet

brachiopod

bracken

bracket

bracket fungus

brackish

bract

brad

brag

braggadocio

braggart

Brahman

braid

braille

brain

braincase

brain death

brain freeze

brainless

brain stem

brainstorm

brainstorming

brainteaser

brainwash

brain wave

brainy

braise

brake

brakeman

bramble

bran

branch

brand

brandish

brand–new

brandy

brash

brass

brass band

brassiere

brass instrument

brassy

brat

bravado

brave

bravery

bravo

brawl

brawn

bray

braze

brazen

brazier

Brazil nut

breach

bread

bread–and–butter

breadbasket

breadfruit

breadline

breadstuff

breadth

breadwinner

break

breakage

breakdown

break down

breaker

breakfast

break–in

break in

breakneck

break off

break out

breakthrough

breakup

break up

breakwater

bream

breast

breastbone

breast–feed

breastplate

breaststroke

breastwork

breath

breathe

breather

breathing tube

breathless

breathtaking

breccia

breech

breechcloth

breechclout

breed

breeding

breeding ground

breeze

breezeway

breezy

brethren

Breton

breve

breviary

brevity

brew

brewer's yeast

brewery

briar

bribe

bribery

bric–a–brac

brick

brickbat

bricklayer

brickwork

bridal

bride

bridegroom

bridesmaid

bridge

bridgehead

bridle

bridle path

brief

briefcase

brier

brig

brigade

brigadier general

brigand

brigantine

bright

brighten

brilliance

brilliancy

brilliant

brim

brimstone

brindle

brindled

brine

brine shrimp

bring

bring about

bring off

bring out

bring to

bring up

brink

brinkmanship

briny

briquette

bris

brisk

brisket

bristle

bristlecone pine

Britannia metal

britches

British

Britisher

British thermal unit

Briton

Brittany spaniel

brittle

brittle star

bro

broach

broad

broadax

broadband

broad bean

broadcast

broadcloth

broaden

broad jump

broad–leaved

broadloom

broad–minded

broadside

broadsword

Broadway

brocade

broccoli

brochure

brogan

brogue

broil

broiler

broke

broken

broken–down

brokenhearted

broker

brokerage

bromide

bromine

bromthymol blue

bronc

bronchial

bronchial tube

bronchiole

bronchitis

bronchus

bronco

brontosaurus

bronze

Bronze Age

brooch

brood

brooder

broody

brook

brooklet

brook trout

broom

broomstick

bros

broth

brother

brotherhood

brother–in–law

brotherly

brougham

brought

brow

browbeat

brown

brown alga

brown–bag

brown bear

brown coal

brown dwarf

Brownian motion

brownie

brownout

brown rat

brown recluse spider

brownstone

brown sugar

brown trout

browridge

browse

browser

bruin

bruise

bruiser

bruit

brunch

brunet

brung

brunt

brush

brush–off

brush up

brushwood

brushy

brusque

brussels sprout

brutal

brutality

brute

brutish

bryophyllum

bryophyte

Btu

bubble

bubble chamber

bubble gum

bubbly

bubo

bubonic plague

buccaneer

buck

buckaroo

buckboard

bucket

bucket brigade

bucketful

bucket seat

buckeye

buckle

buckler

buckram

bucksaw

buckshot

buckskin

bucktooth

buckwheat

bucolic

bud

Buddhism

buddy

budge

budgerigar

budget

budgie

bud scale

buff

buffalo

buffalo grass

buffalo wing

buffer

buffer state

buffet

buffoon

buffoonery

bug

bugaboo

bugbear

bug–eyed

buggy

bugle

build

builder

building

building block

buildup

built–in

bulb

bulbous

Bulgarian

bulge

bulgur

bulimia

bulk

bulkhead

bulky

bull

bulldog

bulldoze

bulldozer

bullet

bulletin

bulletin board

bulletproof

bullet train

bullfight

bullfrog

bullhead

bullheaded

bullhorn

bullion

bullmastiff

bullock

bull pen

bull's–eye

bull snake

bull terrier

bully

bulrush

bulwark

bum

bumblebee

bummer

bump

bumper

bumper car

bumpkin

bumpy

bun

bunch

bunchgrass

bundle

bundle up

bung

bungalow

bungee

bungee cord

bungee jump

bunghole

bungle

bunion

bunk

bunk bed

bunker

bunkhouse

bunny

Bunsen burner

bunt

bunting

buoy

buoyancy

buoyant

bur

burb

burden

burdensome

burdock

bureau

bureaucracy

bureaucrat

bureaucratic

burg

burgeon

burger

burgess

burgher

burglar

burglarize

burglary

burgomaster

burial

burka

burlap

burlesque

burly

bur marigold

Burmese

burn

burned–out

burner

burn–in

burnish

burnoose

burnout

burn out

burp

burr

burrito

burro

burrow

bursa

bursitis

burst

bury

bus

busboy

bush

bush baby

bushed

bushel

bushing

Bushman

bushmaster

bush pilot

bushy

business

businesslike

businessman

businesspeople

businessperson

businesswoman

bust

bustle

bustline

busy

busybody

but

butadiene

butane

butcher

butchery

butler

butt

butte

butter

butter–and–eggs

butter bean

buttercup

butterfat

butterfingered

butterfish

butterfly

butterfly fish

butterfly weed

buttermilk

butternut

butterscotch

butt in

buttock

button

buttonhole

buttonholer

buttonwood

butt out

buttress

butyric acid

buxom

buy

buzz

buzzard

buzz cut

buzzer

buzz saw

B vitamin

by

by–and–by

by and by

by and large

bye–bye

bygone

bylaw

byline

bypass

bypath

by–product

byroad

bystander

bystreet

byte

byway

byword

Byzantine

C

c

cab

cabal

cabana

cabaret

cabbage

cabbage butterfly

cabbie

cabdriver

cabin

cabin boy

cabin cruiser

cabinet

cabinetmaker

cabinetwork

cable

cable car

cablegram

cable modem

cable television

caboodle

caboose

cabriole

cacao

cache

cackle

cacophony

cactus

cad

cadaver

cadaverous

caddie

caddis fly

caddy

cadence

cadenza

cadet

Cadette

cadmium

cadmium sulfide

caduceus

caecal

Caesar

caesarean

caesura

café

cafeteria

caffeinated

caffeine

caftan

cage

cagey

caiman

caïque

cairn

caisson

caisson disease

cajole

Cajun

cake

calabash

calamari

calamine

calamitous

calamity

calcareous

calciferol

calciferous

calcify

calcite

calcium

calcium carbonate

calcium chloride

calcium hydroxide

calcium oxide

calcium phosphate

calcium sulfate

calculate

calculating

calculation

calculator

calculus

caldera

caldron

calendar

calf

calfskin

caliber

calibrate

calico

calico bass

California condor

California poppy

californium

caliper

caliph

caliphate

calisthenics

calk

call

calla lily

callback

caller ID

calligraphy

calling

calliope

call number

call off

callosity

callous

callow

call–up

callus

call–waiting

calm

calomel

caloric

calorie

calorific

calorimeter

calve

calves

calypso

calyx

calzone

cam

camaraderie

cambium

Cambrian

cambric

camcorder

came

camel

camel hair

camellia

Camelopardalis

Camembert

cameo

camera

camomile

camouflage

camp

campaign

campanile

campanula

camper

campfire

Camp Fire Girl

campground

camphor

camphor tree

camporee

campsite

campus

camshaft

can

Canada Day

Canada goose

Canadian

Canadian bacon

Canadian lynx

canal

canary

cancel

cancellation

cancer

candela

candelabra

candelabrum

candid

candidacy

candidate

candidiasis

candle

candlelight

Candlemas

candlepower

candlestick

candor

candy

candy striper

cane

canebrake

cane sugar

canine

canister

canker

canker sore

cankerworm

canna

cannabis

canned

cannery

cannibal

cannibalism

cannibalize

cannon

cannonade

cannonball

cannoneer

cannot

canny

canoe

canola

canola oil

canon

cañon

canonical

canonize

canon law

Canopus

canopy

canst

cant

can't

cantaloupe

cantankerous

cantata

canteen

canter

Canterbury bell

canticle

Canticle of Canticles

cantilever

canto

canton

cantonment

cantor

canvas

canvasback

canvass

canyon

caoutchouc

cap

capable

capacious

capacitor

capacity

caparison

cape

Cape buffalo

Capella

caper

capillarity

capillary

capital

capitalism

capitalist

capitalize

capitol

capitulate

capo

capon

caprice

capricious

Capricorn

capsize

capstan

capsule

captain

caption

captious

captivate

captive

captor

capture

capture the flag

capuchin

capybara

car

carafe

carambola

caramel

carapace

carat

caravan

caravansary

caravel

caraway

carbide

carbine

carbohydrate

carbolic acid

carbon

carbonaceous

carbonado

carbonate

carbon copy

carbon cycle

carbon dating

carbon dioxide

carbon disulfide

carbon footprint

carbon 14

carbonic acid

carboniferous

carbonize

carbon monoxide

carbon paper

carbon tetrachloride

carbuncle

carburetor

carcass

carcinogen

carcinoma

card

cardboard

card catalog

cardiac

cardigan

Cardigan Welsh corgi

cardinal

cardinal flower

cardinality

cardinal number

cardinal point

cardiopulmonary

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

cardiovascular

card table

care

careen

career

carefree

careful

careless

caress

caret

caretaker

careworn

carfare

cargo

Carib

caribou

caricature

caries

carillon

carload

carmine

carnage

carnal

carnation

carnelian

carnival

carnivore

carnivorous

carnotite

carob

carol

carom

carotene

carotid

carousal

carouse

carousel

carp

carpal

carpel

carpenter

carpenter ant

carpentry

carpet

carpetbag

carpetbagger

carpet beetle

carpeting

car pool

carport

carpus

carrageenan

carriage

carrier

carrion

carrot

carry

carryall

carry away

carrying charge

carry on

carry out

car seat

carsick

cart

cartel

cartilage

cartilaginous

cartilaginous fish

cartographer

cartography

carton

cartoon

cartridge

cartwheel

carve

carving

caryatid

casaba

cascade

case

case–harden

casein

case in point

case knife

casement

casework

cash

cashew

cashier

cashier's check

cash in

cashmere

cashmere goat

cash register

cash value

casing

casino

cask

casket

casque

cassava

casserole

cassette

cassia

Cassiopeia

cassiterite

cassock

cassowary

cast

cast about

castanet

cast around

castaway

caste

castellated

caster

castigate

casting

cast iron

castle

cast–off

Castor

castor bean

castor oil

castor–oil plant

castrate

casual

casualty

cat

catabolism

cataclysm

catacomb

catalepsy

cataleptic

catalog

catalpa

catalysis

catalyst

catalytic

catalytic converter

catalyze

catamaran

catamount

catapult

cataract

catarrh

catastrophe

catbird

catboat

catcall

catch

catchall

catcher

catching

catchment

catch on

catchup

catch up

catchy

catechism

catechist

catechize

categorical

categorize

category

cater

catercorner

caterpillar

caterwaul

catfish

catgut

cathartic

cathedral

cathode

cathode ray

cathode–ray tube

catholic

Catholic

cation

catkin

catlike

catnap

catnip

cat–o'–nine–tails

CAT scan

cat's cradle

cat's–eye

catsup

cattail

cattle

cattleman

catty

catty–corner

catwalk

Caucasian

caucus

caught

cauldron

cauliflower

caulk

causal

causative

cause

causeway

caustic

caustic potash

caustic soda

cauterize

caution

cautionary

cautious

cavalcade

cavalier

cavalry

cave

cave–in

caveman

cavern

cavernous

caviar

cavil

caving

cavitation

cavity

cavort

caw

cay

cayenne

cayman

cayuse

CB

cc

CCD

C–clamp

CD

CD–ROM

cease

cease–fire

ceaseless

cecropia moth

cecum

cedar

cedar waxwing

cede

cedilla

ceiling

celandine

celebrant

celebrate

celebrated

celebrity

celerity

celery

celesta

celestial

celestial equator

celestial navigation

celestial pole

celestial sphere

celibacy

celibate

cell

cellar

cell body

cell division

cellist

cell membrane

cello

cellophane

cell phone

cell sap

cell theory

cellular

celluloid

cellulose

cell wall

Celsius

Celt

Celtic

cement

cementum

cemetery

Cenozoic

censer

censor

censorship

censure

census

cent

centaur

centavo

centenarian

centenary

centennial

center

centerboard

center field

centerline

center of gravity

center of mass

centerpiece

centesimo

centi-

centigrade

centigram

centiliter

centime

centimeter

centimeter–gram–second

centimo

centipede

central

central angle

centralize

central nervous system

central processing unit

central tendency

central time

centre

centrifugal

centrifugal force

centrifuge

centriole

centripetal

centripetal force

centromere

centrosome

century

century plant

CEO

cephalopod

cephalothorax

Cepheid

Cepheus

ceramic

cercus

cereal

cerebellum

cerebral

cerebral hemisphere

cerebral palsy

cerebrospinal fluid

cerebrum

ceremonial

ceremonious

ceremony

cerium

cermet

certain

certainly

certainty

certificate

certification mark

certified milk

certify

certitude

cerulean

cervical

cervix

cesarean

cesarean section

cesium

cessation

cession

cesspool

cetacean

Cetus

cetyl alcohol

chador

chafe

chafer

chaff

chaffer

chafing dish

chagrin

chai

chain

chain reaction

chain saw

chain–smoke

chain store

chair

chairman

chairperson

chairwoman

chaise

chaise longue

chaise lounge

chalaza

chalcedony

chalet

chalice

chalk

chalkboard

challenge

challenged

challis

chamber

chambered nautilus

chamberlain

chambermaid

chamber music

chambray

chameleon

chamois

chamomile

champ

champagne

champion

championship

chance

chancel

chancellery

chancellor

chancery

chancre

chandelier

change

changeable

changeful

changeless

changeling

change of life

changeover

channel

channelize

channel surfing

chant

chantey

chanticleer

Chanukah

chaos

chap

chaparral

chapel

chaperone

chaplain

chappie

chaps

chapter

char

character

characterisation

characteristic

characterization

characterize

character sketch

charade

charcoal

chard

charge

charge account

charge card

charged

charged–coupled device

charger

chariot

charioteer

charisma

charitable

charity

charlatan

charley horse

charm

charming

charnel

chart

charter

charter school

charwoman

chary

chase

chasm

chassis

chaste

chasten

chastise

chastity

chasuble

chat

château

chat room

chattel

chatter

chatterbox

chatty

chauffeur

chauvinism

cheap

cheapskate

cheat

check

checkbook

checker

checkerberry

checkerboard

checkered

checkers

check–in

check in

checking account

checklist

checkmate

checkout

check out

checkpoint

checkroom

checks and balances

checkup

cheddar

cheek

cheekbone

cheeky

cheep

cheer

cheerful

cheerleader

cheerless

cheery

cheese

cheeseburger

cheesecake

cheesecloth

cheesy

cheetah

chef

chef's knife

chelicera

chemical

chemical engineering

chemise

chemistry

chemo-

chemotaxis

chemotherapy

chemotropism

chenille

cheque

cherish

Cherokee

cherry

chert

cherub

Chesapeake Bay retriever

Cheshire cheese

chess

chessman

chest

chesterfield

chestnut

chestnut blight

chest of drawers

chevron

chew

chewing gum

chew out

chew over

Cheyenne

chi

chic

chicanery

Chicano

chick

chickadee

Chickasaw

chicken

chickenhearted

chicken pox

chicken wire

chickpea

chickweed

chicle

chicory

chide

chief

chief executive

chief justice

chiefly

chief master sergeant

chief master sergeant of the air force

chief of staff

chief of state

chief petty officer

chieftain

chief warrant officer

chiffon

chiffonier

chigger

chignon

Chihuahua

chilblain

child

childbearing

childbirth

childhood

childish

childlike

childproof

child's play

child support

chili

chili con carne

chili dog

chili powder

chili sauce

chill

chilling

chill out

chilly

chime

chime in

chimera

chimichanga

chimney

chimney pot

chimney sweep

chimney swift

chimp

chimpanzee

chin

china

chinaberry

china clay

Chinatown

China tree

chinaware

chinch bug

chinchilla

chine

Chinese

Chinese cabbage

Chinese checkers

Chinese lantern

chink

chino

Chinook

Chinook salmon

chintz

chintzy

chip

chip in

chipmunk

chipped beef

chipper

Chippewa

chipping sparrow

chiropodist

chiropody

chiropractic

chirp

chirr

chirrup

chisel

chitchat

chitin

chiton

chitterlings

chivalric

chivalrous

chivalry

chive

chivy

chlordane

chlorella

chloride

chloride of lime

chlorinate

chlorine

chlorite

chlorofluorocarbon

chloroform

chlorophyll

chloroplast

chock

chock–full

chocolate

Choctaw

choice

choir

choirboy

choirmaster

choke

chokecherry

choker

choky

cholera

choleric

cholesterol

choline

chomp

choose

choosy

chop

chopper

choppy

chops

chop shop

chopstick

chop suey

choral

chorale

chord

chordate

chord organ

chore

choreography

chorion

chorister

choroid

choroid coat

chortle

chorus

chorus girl

chose

chosen

chow

chow chow

chowder

chow mein

christen

Christendom

christening

Christian

Christian Era

Christianity

Christianize

Christian name

Christmas

Christmas cactus

Christmas club

Christmas fern

Christmas rose

Christmastide

Christmastime

Christmas tree

chromatic

chromatic aberration

chromatic scale

chromatin

chromatograph

chromatography

chrome

chromite

chromium

chromosome

chromosome number

chromosphere

chronic

chronicle

Chronicles

chronograph

chronological

chronology

chronometer

chronoscope

chrysalid

chrysalis

chrysanthemum

chrysophyte

chubby

chuck

chuckle

chuck wagon

chuckwalla

chug

chum

chummy

chump

chunk

chunky

chuppah

church

churchyard

churl

churn

chute

chutzpah

chyle

chyme

cicada

-cide

cider

cig

cigar

cigarette

ciliary

ciliate

ciliated

cilium

cinch

cinchona

Cinco de Mayo

cincture

cinder

cinder block

cinema

cinematography

cinnabar

cinnamon

cinquefoil

cion

cipher

circa

circle

circle graph

circlet

circuit

circuit breaker

circuitous

circuitry

circular

circular cylinder

circular saw

circulate

circulation

circulatory

circulatory system

circumcenter

circumcise

circumcision

circumference

circumflex

circumlocution

circumlunar

circumnavigate

circumpolar

circumscribe

circumspect

circumstance

circumstantial

circumvent

circus

ciré

cirque

cirrhosis

cirrocumulus

cirrostratus

cirrus

cislunar

cistern

citadel

citation

cite

citify

citizen

citizenry

citizens band

citizenship

citrate

citric acid

citron

citronella

citrus

city

city hall

city manager

city–state

citywide

civet

civet cat

civic

civics

civil

civil defense

civil engineer

civilian

civility

civilization

civilize

civilly

civil rights

civil service

civil war

clabber

clabbered

clack

clad

claim

claimant

clairvoyance

clairvoyant

clam

clambake

clamber

clammy

clamor

clamp

clamp down

clamshell

clam up

clam worm

clan

clandestine

clang

clangor

clank

clannish

clansman

clap

clapboard

clapper

claptrap

claret

clarify

clarinet

clarion

clarity

clash

clasp

class

classic

classical

classically

classicism

classification

classified

classify

classmate

classroom

classy

clatter

clause

claustrophobia

clavichord

clavicle

claw

clay

clayey

clay pigeon

clean

clean–cut

cleaner

cleanly

cleanse

cleanser

cleanup

clear

clearance

clear–cut

clearheaded

clearing

clearinghouse

clearly

clear off

clear out

clear–sighted

cleat

cleavage

cleave

cleaver

clef

cleft

cleft lip

cleft palate

clematis

clemency

clement

clench

clerestory

clergy

clergyman

clergyperson

clergywoman

cleric

clerical

clerical collar

clerk

clever

clew

cliché

click

click beetle

clicker

client

clientele

cliff

climactic

climate

climatology

climax

climb

clime

clinch

clincher

cling

cling peach

clingstone

clinic

clinical

clinical thermometer

clink

clinker

clinometer

clip

clip art

clipboard

clipper

clipping

clique

clitoris

cloaca

cloak

cloakroom

clobber

clock

clock radio

clockwise

clockwork

clod

clodhopper

clog

clog dance

cloister

clomp

clone

clop

close

close call

closed

closed–circuit

closefisted

close in

close–knit

closemouthed

closeout

closet

close–up

closing

closure

clot

cloth

clothe

clothes

clotheshorse

clothesline

clothes moth

clothespin

clothespress

clothier

clothing

cloud

cloudburst

cloud chamber

cloud computing

cloud forest

cloudlet

cloudy

clout

clove

cloven

cloven foot

cloven hoof

clover

cloverleaf

clown

cloy

club

clubfoot

club fungus

clubhouse

club moss

club sandwich

cluck

clue

clueless

clump

clumsy

clung

cluster

clutch

clutter

Clydesdale

cnidarian

co-

coach

coach dog

coachman

coadjutor

coadjutrix

coagulate

coal

coalesce

coal gas

coalition

coal oil

coal tar

coarse

coast

coaster

coast guard

coastguardsman

coastline

coast redwood

coastwise

coat

coati

coatimundi

coating

coat of arms

coat of mail

coatroom

coattail

coauthor

coax

coaxial cable

cob

cobalamin

cobalt

cobalt chloride

cobalt 60

cobble

cobbler

cobblestone

COBOL

cobra

cobweb

coca

cocaine

coccus

coccyx

cochineal

cochineal insect

cochlea

cock

cockade

cockatoo

cockcrow

cockerel

cocker spaniel

cockeyed

cockfight

cockle

cocklebur

cockleshell

cockney

cockpit

cockroach

cocksure

cocktail

cocky

cocoa

cocoa butter

coconut

coconut oil

coconut palm

cocoon

cod

coda

coddle

code

codeine

codfish

codger

codify

codling moth

cod–liver oil

coed

coeducational

coefficient

coelacanth

coelenterate

coelom

coequal

coerce

coeval

coevolution

coexist

coextensive

coffee

coffee break

coffeehouse

coffeemaker

coffeepot

coffee table

coffer

coffin

cog

cogency

cogent

cogitate

cognac

cognition

cognitive

cognizance

cognomen

cogwheel

cohabit

cohere

cohesion

cohort

coif

coiffure

coil

coin

coinage

coincide

coincidence

coincident

coincidental

coir

coitus

coke

Coke

cokehead

col-

cola

colander

colchicine

cold

cold–blooded

cold chisel

cold cream

cold cuts

cold frame

cold front

cold shoulder

cold sore

cold sweat

cold war

cole

coleoptera

coleslaw

coleus

colic

coliseum

collaborate

collage

collagen

collapse

collar

collarbone

collard

collateral

colleague

collect

collected

collection

collective

collective bargaining

collective farm

collective mark

collector

college

collegian

collegiate

collide

collie

collier

colliery

collimate

collision

collocation

colloid

colloquial

colloquialism

colloquy

collusion

cologne

colon

colonel

colonial

colonialism

colonist

colonize

colonnade

colony

color

Colorado potato beetle

coloration

color–blind

colored

colorfast

color filter

colorful

color guard

colorimeter

coloring

coloring book

colorless

colossal

colosseum

Colossians

colossus

colostrum

colour

colt

coltish

columbine

columbium

Columbus Day

column

columnar

columnist

com-

coma

Comanche

comb

combat

combatant

combative

comber

combination

combine

combings

combining form

combo

combust

combustible

combustion

combustor

come

come about

come along

come around

comeback

come by

comedian

comedienne

comedown

come down

comedy

comely

come out

come round

comet

come to

come up

comfort

comfortable

comforter

comic

comical

comic book

comic strip

coming

comity

comma

command

commandant

commandeer

commander

commander in chief

commanding officer

commandment

command module

commando

comma splice

commemorate

commemoration

commemorative

commence

commencement

commend

commendation

commensal

commensalism

commensurate

comment

commentary

commentate

commentator

commerce

commercial

commercial bank

commercialize

commingle

commiserate

commissar

commissariat

commissary

commission

commissionaire

commissioned officer

commissioner

commit

commitment

committee

committeeman

committeewoman

commode

commodious

commodity

commodore

common

common cold

common denominator

common divisor

commoner

Common Era

common law

common multiple

common noun

commonplace

common salt

common sense

commonweal

commonwealth

commotion

communal

commune

communicable

communicant

communicate

communication

communicative

communion

communiqué

communism

communist

community

community center

community college

commutation

commutative

commutator

commute

compact

compact disc

compadre

companion

companionable

companionship

companionway

company

comparable

comparative

compare

comparison

compartment

compass

compassion

compatible

compatriot

compel

compendious

compensate

compensation

compete

competence

competency

competent

competition

competitive

competitor

compilation

compile

compiler

complacence

complacency

complacent

complain

complainant

complaint

complaisance

complement

complementary

complementary angles

complementary colors

complete

complete metamorphosis

complete protein

completion

complex

complex fraction

complexion

complexity

compliance

compliant

complicate

complicated

complication

complicity

compliment

complimentary

comply

component

comport

comportment

compose

composed

composer

composite

composition

compositor

compost

composure

compote

compound

compound–complex

compound eye

compound fracture

compound interest

compound leaf

compound microscope

comprehend

comprehension

comprehensive

compress

compressed air

compression

compressor

comprise

compromise

comptroller

compulsion

compulsive

compulsory

compunction

computation

compute

computed tomography

computer

computerize

computer science

comrade

con

con-

concatenate

concave

conceal

concealment

concede

conceit

conceited

conceive

concentrate

concentration

concentration camp

concentric

concept

conception

concern

concerned

concerning

concert

concerted

concertina

concertmaster

concerto

concession

concessionaire

conch

conciliate

concise

conclave

conclude

conclusion

conclusive

concoct

concomitant

concord

concordance

concordant

concourse

concrete

concretion

concubine

concur

concurrence

concurrent

concussion

condemn

condensate

condensation

condense

condensed milk

condenser

condescend

condescension

condiment

condition

conditional

conditioned

conditioner

condo

condole

condom

condominium

condone

condor

conduce

conduct

conductance

conduction

conductive

conductivity

conductor

conductress

conduit

cone

Conestoga

coney

confection

confectioner

confectioners' sugar

confectionery

confederacy

confederate

Confederate Memorial Day

confederation

confer

conferee

conference

confess

confessedly

confession

confessional

confessor

confetti

confidant

confidante

confide

confidence

confident

confidential

confiding

configuration

configure

confine

confines

confirm

confirmation

confirmed

confiscate

conflagration

conflict

confluence

confluent

conform

conformable

conformal

conformation

conformity

confound

confront

Confucian

confuse

confusion

confute

conga

congeal

congenial

congenital

congest

congestive heart failure

conglomerate

Congo red

congratulate

congratulation

congratulatory

congregate

congregation

congregational

congress

congressman

congresswoman

congruence

congruency

congruent

congruity

congruous

conic

conical

conic section

conifer

coniferous

conjectural

conjecture

conjoin

conjoint

conjugal

conjugate

conjugation

conjunction

conjunctiva

conjunctive

conjunctivitis

conjuration

conjure

conk

connect

connection

connective

connective tissue

conning tower

connivance

connive

connoisseur

connotation

connote

connubial

conquer

conquest

conquistador

conscience

conscientious

conscientious objector

conscious

consciousness

conscript

consecrate

consecration

consecutive

consensual

consensus

consent

consequence

consequent

consequential

consequently

conservation

conservationist

conservation of energy

conservation of mass

conservatism

conservative

Conservative Judaism

conservatory

conserve

consider

considerable

considerate

consideration

considering

consign

consignment

consist

consistency

consistent

consolation

console

consolidate

consolidated school

consommé

consonance

consonant

consort

conspicuous

conspiracist

conspiracy

conspiracy theory

conspirator

conspiratorial

conspire

constable

constabulary

constancy

constant

constellation

consternation

constipate

constipated

constipation

constituency

constituent

constitute

constitution

constitutional

constitutionality

constrain

constraint

constrict

constriction

constrictor

construct

construction

construction paper

constructive

construe

consul

consulate

consult

consultant

consultation

consume

consumer

consumerism

consummate

consumption

consumptive

contact

contact lens

contagion

contagious

contain

container

containership

contaminant

contaminate

contemplate

contemplation

contemplative

contemporaneous

contemporary

contempt

contemptible

contemptuous

contend

content

contented

contention

contentious

contentment

contest

contestant

context

contiguity

contiguous

continent

continental

continental drift

continental shelf

continental slope

contingency

contingent

continual

continuance

continuation

continue

continued fraction

continuity

continuous

continuum

contort

contortion

contortionist

contour

contour line

contra-

contraband

contrabassoon

contraception

contraceptive

contract

contractile

contractile vacuole

contraction

contractor

contractual

contradict

contradiction

contradictory

contrail

contralto

contraption

contrariwise

contrary

contrast

contribute

contribution

contributory

contrite

contrition

contrivance

contrive

control

control experiment

controlled experiment

controller

controlling

controversial

controversy

contusion

conundrum

conurbation

convalesce

convalescence

convalescent

convection

convection oven

convene

convenience

convenience store

convenient

convent

convention

conventional

conventionality

converge

convergence

convergent

conversant

conversation

conversationalist

converse

conversion

convert

converted rice

convertible

convex

convey

conveyance

conveyor

convict

conviction

convince

convincing

convivial

convocation

convoke

convoluted

convolution

convolvulus

convoy

convulse

convulsion

convulsive

cony

coo

cook

cookbook

cooker

cookery

cookie

cooking spray

cookout

cookstove

cookware

cool

coolant

cooler

coolheaded

coon

coonhound

coon's age

coonskin

coop

co–op

cooper

cooperage

cooperate

cooperation

cooperative

Cooper's hawk

co–opt

coordinate

coordinate axis

coordinate system

coordinating conjunction

coordination

coot

cootie

cop

copacetic

copal

cope

copepod

Copernican

copernicium

copier

copilot

coping

copious

copolymer

copolymerization

cop–out

cop out

copper

copperhead

copper sulfate

coppice

copra

coprocessor

copse

copter

copulate

copy

copycat

copy editor

copyist

copyreader

copyright

copywriter

coquetry

coquette

coquina

coracle

coral

coral reef

coral snake

cord

cordage

corded

cordial

cordless

cordon

cordovan

corduroy

cordwood

core

coriander

Corinthian

Corinthians

Coriolis effect

Coriolis force

cork

corker

cork oak

corkscrew

corky

corm

cormorant

corn

corn belt

corn borer

corn bread

corn chip

corncob

corncob pipe

corncrib

corn dog

cornea

corn earworm

corner

corner kick

cornerstone

cornet

cornfield

cornflakes

cornflower

cornice

Cornish

Cornishman

cornmeal

corn oil

corn pone

cornstalk

cornstarch

corn syrup

cornucopia

corny

corolla

corollary

corona

coronary

coronary artery

coronary heart disease

coronary occlusion

coronary thrombosis

coronation

coroner

coronet

corporal

corpora lutea

corporate

corporation

corporeal

corps

corpse

corpsman

corpulence

corpulent

Corpus Christi

corpuscle

corpus luteum

corral

correct

correction

correction fluid

corrective

correlate

correlation

correlative

correspond

correspondence

correspondent

corresponding angles

corridor

corroborate

corrode

corrosion

corrosive

corrosive sublimate

corrugate

corrugation

corrupt

corruptible

corruption

corsage

corsair

corse

corselet

corset

cortege

cortex

cortisone

corundum

corvette

cosily

cosine

cosmetic

cosmetologist

cosmic

cosmic dust

cosmic ray

cosmology

cosmonaut

cosmopolitan

cosmos

Cossack

cost

costal

coster

costermonger

costive

costly

costume

costumer

cosy

cot

cote

coterie

cotillion

cottage

cottage cheese

cottager

cottar

cotter

cotter pin

cotton

cotton candy

cotton gin

cottonmouth

cottonmouth moccasin

cottonseed

cottonseed oil

cottontail

cottonwood

cottony

cotyledon

couch

couch potato

cougar

cough

cough drop

cough syrup

could

couldn't

couldst

coulee

coulomb

council

councillor

councilman

councilwoman

counsel

counselor

count

countdown

countenance

counter

counter-

counteract

counterattack

counterbalance

counter check

counterclaim

counterclockwise

countercurrent

counterfeit

counterfoil

counterintelligence

countermand

countermarch

countermeasure

countermelody

counteroffensive

counterpane

counterpart

counterpoint

counterpoise

counterrevolution

countersign

countersink

counterspy

countertenor

countertop

counterweight

countess

countinghouse

counting number

countless

count noun

countrified

country

country and western

country club

countryman

country music

countryseat

countryside

countrywoman

county

county agent

county seat

coup

coup d'état

coupé

couple

couplet

coupling

coupon

courage

courageous

courier

course

courser

court

courteous

courtesy

courthouse

courtier

courtly

court–martial

court plaster

courtroom

courtship

courtyard

cousin

cove

coven

covenant

cover

coverage

coverall

cover charge

cover crop

covered wagon

cover glass

covering

coverlet

coverslip

covert

cover–up

covet

covetous

covey

cow

coward

cowardice

cowardly

cowbell

cowbird

cowboy

cowcatcher

cower

cowgirl

cowhand

cowherd

cowhide

cowl

cowlick

cowling

cowman

coworker

cowpea

Cowper's gland

cowpoke

cow pony

cowpox

cowpuncher

cowrie

cowslip

cox

coxcomb

coxswain

coy

coyote

coypu

cozen

cozy

cpu

crab

crab apple

crabbed

crabby

crabgrass

crab louse

crack

crackbrain

crack down

cracked

cracker

crackerjack

cracking

crackle

crackling

crackpot

crack–up

crack up

cradle

craft

craftsman

craftspeople

craftsperson

craftswoman

crafty

crag

cram

cramp

crampon

cranberry

crane

crane fly

crania

cranial

cranial nerve

cranium

crank

crankcase

crankshaft

cranky

cranny

crape

crape myrtle

crappie

craps

crapshooter

crash

crash–land

crass

crate

crater

cravat

crave

craven

craving

craw

crawdad

crawfish

crawl

crawlway

crayfish

crayon

craze

crazy

crazy bone

crazy quilt

creak

creaky

cream

cream cheese

creamer

creamery

cream of tartar

cream puff

creamy

crease

create

creation

creative

creator

creature

crèche

credence

credentials

credibility

credible

credit

creditable

credit card

creditor

credit union

credo

credulity

credulous

Cree

creed

creek

Creek

creel

creep

creeper

creepy

cremate

crematorium

crematory

crenellated

creole

Creole

creosote

creosote bush

crepe

crepe de chine

crepe myrtle

crepe paper

crepe suzette

crept

crepuscular

crescendo

crescent

cress

crest

crestfallen

Cretaceous

cretin

cretinism

cretonne

crevasse

crevice

crew

crew cut

crewel

crewman

crib

cribbage

crick

cricket

crier

crime

criminal

criminology

crimp

crimson

cringe

crinkle

crinoid

crinoline

cripple

crisis

crisp

crispy

crisscross

criterion

critic

critical

criticism

criticize

critique

critter

croak

croaker

Croat

Croatian

croc

crochet

crock

crockery

Crock–Pot

crocodile

crocodile tears

crocodilian

crocus

croft

croissant

Cro–Magnon

crone

crony

crook

crooked

crookneck

croon

crop

crop duster

cropland

cropper

crop rotation

croquet

croquette

crosier

cross

crossbar

crossbill

crossbones

crossbow

crossbred

crossbreed

cross–country

crosscut

cross–dressing

crosse

cross–examine

cross–eyed

cross–fertilization

cross fire

cross hair

crosshatch

crossing

crossing–over

cross–legged

cross–link

cross multiply

crossover

crosspiece

cross–pollinate

cross–pollination

cross product

cross–purpose

cross–reference

crossroad

cross section

cross–stitch

crosstown

cross–train

cross–trainer

crosswalk

crossways

crosswise

crossword puzzle

crotch

crotchet

crotchety

crouch

croup

croupier

crouton

crow

crowbar

crowd

crowdedness

crowdfunding

crowdsourcing

crown

crown glass

crown prince

crown princess

crow's–foot

crow's nest

crozier

cruces

crucial

crucible

crucifix

crucifixion

cruciform

crucify

crude

crudity

cruel

cruelty

cruet

cruise

cruiser

cruller

crumb

crumble

crumbly

crummy

crumpet

crumple

crunch

crunchy

crupper

crusade

cruse

crush

crust

crustacea

crustacean

crusty

crutch

crux

cruzeiro

cry

crybaby

cry down

crying

cryogenics

cryolite

crypt

cryptic

cryptogram

cryptograph

cryptography

crystal

crystal ball

crystalline

crystalline lens

crystallize

crystallography

crystalloid

CT scan

cub

cubbyhole

cube

cube root

cubic

cubicle

cubic measure

cubism

cubit

cuboidal

Cub Scout

cuckoo

cuckoo clock

cucumber

cud

cuddle

cudgel

cue

cue ball

cuff

cuff link

cuirass

cuirassier

cuisine

culex

culinary

cull

culminate

culotte

culpable

culprit

cult

cultigen

cultivate

cultivated

cultivation

cultivator

cultural

culture

cultured

culvert

cum

cumbersome

cumbrous

cum laude

cummerbund

cumulative

cumulonimbus

cumulus

cuneiform

cunner

cunning

cup

cupbearer

cupboard

cupcake

cupful

cupid

cupidity

cupola

cuprite

cur

curable

curare

curate

curative

curator

curb

curbing

curd

curdle

cure

cure–all

curettage

curfew

curie

curio

curiosity

curious

curium

curl

curler

curlew

curlicue

curling

curling iron

curl up

curly

curmudgeon

curragh

currant

currency

current

curriculum

curry

currycomb

curry powder

curse

cursed

cursive

cursor

cursory

curt

curtail

curtain

curtain call

curtsy

curvature

curve

curvet

cushion

cusp

cuspid

cuss

custard

custodian

custody

custom

customary

customer

customhouse

customize

custom–made

cut

cutability

cutaneous

cutaway

cutback

cut back

cut down

cute

cut glass

cuticle

cutin

cut in

cutlass

cutler

cutlery

cutlet

cutoff

cut off

cutout

cut out

cut–rate

cutter

cutthroat

cutting

cutting board

cutting edge

cuttlebone

cuttlefish

cutup

cut up

cutworm

-cy

cyan

cyanide

cyanobacterium

cyanogen

cyber

cyber-

cyberbullying

cybercrime

cybernetics

cyberspace

cycad

cyclamen

cycle

cyclist

cycloid

cyclone

cyclopedia

cyclops

cyclotron

cygnet

Cygnus

cylinder

cymbal

cynic

cynical

cynicism

cynosure

cypress

cyst

cystic fibrosis

cytochrome

cytologist

cytology

cytoplasm

cytosine

czar

czarina

czarist

Czech

D

d

'd

dab

dabble

da capo

dace

dachshund

Dacron

dactyl

dad

daddy

daddy longlegs

dado

daemon

daffodil

daffy

daft

dagger

daguerreotype

dahlia

daily

dainty

daiquiri

dairy

dairy cattle

dairying

dairymaid

dairyman

dais

daisy

daisy wheel

Dakota

dale

dalliance

dally

dalmatian

dal segno

dam

damage

damask

dame

damn

damnable

damnation

damp

dampen

damper

damsel

damselfish

damselfly

dance

dandelion

dander

dandle

dandruff

dandy

Dane

danger

dangerous

dangle

Daniel

Danish

Danish pastry

dank

danseur

danseuse

daphnia

dapper

dapple

dappled

dare

daredevil

daring

dark

Dark Ages

darken

dark horse

dark lantern

darkling

darkroom

darksome

darling

darmstadtium

darn

darning needle

dart

Darwinian

Darwinism

Darwin's finches

dash

dashboard

dashcam

dashed

dashiki

dashing

dastard

data

data bank

database

data processing

date

dated

dateless

date line

date rape

dative

datum

daub

daughter

daughter–in–law

daunt

daunting

dauntless

dauphin

davenport

davit

Davy Jones's locker

daw

dawdle

dawn

day

daybed

daybreak

day care

daydream

day laborer

daylight

daylight saving time

daylily

Day of Atonement

daytime

day–to–day

daze

dazzle

DDT

de-

deacon

deaconess

deactivate

dead

deadbeat

dead bolt

deaden

dead–end

dead end

dead heat

dead letter

deadline

deadlock

deadly

deadly nightshade

deadly sin

dead march

deadpan

dead reckoning

deadweight

deadwood

deaf

deafen

deaf–mute

deal

dealing

dean

dear

dearth

death

deathbed

deathblow

death cap

deathless

deathly

death rate

death ray

death's–head

death trap

deathwatch

deb

debacle

debar

debark

debase

debatable

debate

debauch

debauchery

debilitate

debility

debit

debit card

debonair

debrief

debris

debt

debtor

debug

debunk

debut

debutante

deca-

decade

decadence

decaf

decaffeinated

decagon

decagram

decal

decaliter

decalogue

decameter

decamp

decant

decanter

decapitate

decathlon

decay

decease

deceased

decedent

deceit

deceitful

deceive

decelerate

December

decency

decennial

decent

decentralize

deception

deceptive

deci-

decibel

decide

decided

deciduous

deciduous tooth

decigram

deciliter

decillion

decimal

decimal fraction

decimal notation

decimal place

decimal point

decimal system

decimate

decimeter

decipher

decision

decisive

deck

deckhand

declaim

declaration

declarative

declare

declension

declination

decline

declivity

decode

decolorize

decommission

decompose

decomposer

decomposition

decompress

decompression sickness

decontaminate

decorate

decoration

Decoration Day

decorative

decorator

decorous

decorum

decoy

decrease

decree

decrement

decrepit

decrepitude

decrescendo

decry

dedicate

dedication

deduce

deduct

deduction

deed

deejay

deem

deep

deep–dish

deepen

deep fat

deep–fry

deep–rooted

deep–sea

deep–seated

deep–set

deep–sky

deep space

deepwater

deer

deer fly

deer mouse

deerskin

deer tick

de–escalate

deface

defame

default

defeat

defeatism

defecate

defect

defective

defence

defend

defendant

defender

defense

defenseman

defensive

defer

deference

deferential

deferment

defiance

defiant

deficiency

deficiency disease

deficient

deficit

defile

define

definite

definition

definitive

deflate

deflation

deflect

defoliant

defoliate

deforestation

deform

deformed

deformity

defragment

defraud

defray

defrost

deft

defunct

defy

degas

degeneracy

degenerate

degeneration

degenerative

degradation

degrade

degree

dehumidify

dehydrate

dehydrogenase

dehydrogenation

deice

deify

deign

deionize

deity

déjà vu

dejected

dejection

deka-

dekagram

dekaliter

dekameter

Delaware

delay

delectable

delectation

delegate

delegation

delete

deleterious

delft

delftware

deli

deliberate

deliberation

deliberative

delicacy

delicate

delicatessen

delicious

Delicious

delight

delighted

delightful

delimit

delineate

delinquent

deliquesce

deliquescent

delirious

delirium

deliver

deliverance

delivery

deliveryman

dell

delouse

delphinium

delta

delude

deluge

delusion

delusive

delusory

deluxe

delve

Dem

demagnetize

demagogue

demand

demanding

demarcate

demean

demeanor

demented

dementia

demerit

demesne

demi-

demigod

demijohn

demilitarize

demise

demitasse

demo

demobilize

democracy

democrat

democratic

Democratic–Republican

democratize

demodulate

demography

demolish

demolition

demon

demoniac

demonstrable

demonstrate

demonstration

demonstrative

demonstrator

demoralize

demote

demount

demur

demure

den

denature

dendrite

dendrology

Deneb

denial

denier

denigrate

denim

denitrification

denitrify

denizen

den mother

denominate

denominate number

denomination

denominator

denotation

denote

denouement

denounce

dense

density

dent

dental

dental floss

dental hygienist

dentifrice

dentin

dentist

dentistry

dentition

denture

denude

denunciation

deny

deodorant

deodorize

deoxidize

deoxyribonucleic acid

deoxyribose

depart

departed

department

department store

departure

depend

dependable

dependence

dependency

dependent

dependent variable

depict

depilatory

deplete

deplorable

deplore

deploy

deponent

depopulate

deport

deportment

depose

deposit

deposition

depository

depot

deprave

depravity

deprecate

deprecatory

depreciate

depreciation

depredation

depress

depressant

depressed

depression

depressor

depressurize

deprive

deprived

depth

depth charge

deputation

depute

deputize

deputy

derail

derailleur

derange

derby

derecho

derelict

dereliction

deride

derision

derivation

derivative

derive

dermal

dermatitis

dermatologist

dermatology

dermis

derogatory

derrick

derring–do

dervish

desalinate

desalinization

desalt

descant

descend

descendant

descent

describe

description

descriptive

descry

desecrate

desegregate

deselect

desert

deserve

deserved

deserving

desex

desiccator

design

designate

designation

designedly

designer

designing

desirable

desire

desirous

desist

desk

desktop

desmid

desolate

desolation

desoxyribonucleic acid

despair

despairing

despatch

desperado

desperate

desperation

despicable

despise

despite

despiteful

despoil

despoliation

despond

despondency

despondent

despot

despotism

dessert

destigmatize

destination

destine

destiny

destitute

de–stress

destroy

destroyer

destruct

destructible

destruction

destructive

destructive distillation

desultory

detach

detached

detachment

detail

detailed

detain

detect

detective

detector

detention

deter

detergent

deteriorate

determinant

determinate

determination

determine

determined

determiner

deterrence

deterrent

detest

detestable

dethrone

detonate

detonator

detour

detract

detriment

detrimental

detritus

deuce

deuterium

Deuteronomy

deutsche mark

devastate

develop

developed

developer

developing

development

developmental

developmental disability

deviance

deviant

deviate

deviation

device

devil

devilfish

devilish

devil–may–care

devilment

devil ray

devilry

devil's advocate

devil's darning needle

devil's food cake

devil's paintbrush

devious

devise

devoid

Devonian

devote

devoted

devotee

devotion

devour

devout

dew

dewberry

dewdrop

Dewey decimal classification

dewlap

dew point

dexterity

dexterous

dextrose

DH

di-

diabetes

diabetes mellitus

diabetic

diabolical

diacritic

diacritical mark

diadem

diaeresis

diagnose

diagnosis

diagnostic

diagnostician

diagonal

diagram

dial

dialect

dialogue

dial–up

dialysis

diameter

diametric

diamond

diamondback

diamondback rattlesnake

diamondback terrapin

diapause

diaper

diaphragm

diarrhea

diary

diastase

diastole

diastolic

diastrophism

diatom

diatomaceous earth

diatomic

diatomite

diatonic

diatribe

dibble

dice

dichotomous

dichotomous key

dichotomy

dickens

dicker

dickey

dicot

dicotyledon

dicotyledonous

dictate

dictation

dictator

dictatorship

diction

dictionary

dictum

did

didactic

didn't

didst

die

die–hard

die–off

dieresis

diesel

diesel engine

diet

dietary

dieter

dietetic

dietetics

dietitian

diff

differ

difference

different

differential

differential gear

differentiate

differentiation

difficult

difficulty

diffident

diffract

diffraction

diffraction grating

diffuse

diffusion

dig

digest

digestible

digestion

digestive

digestive system

digger wasp

diggings

dig in

digit

digital

digital camera

digital computer

digitalis

digital versatile disc

digital video disc

digital video recorder

digitize

dignified

dignify

dignitary

dignity

digress

dihedral angle

dihybrid

dike

dilapidated

dilapidation

dilatation

dilate

dilation

dilatory

dilemma

dilettante

diligence

diligent

dill

dill pickle

dillydally

dilute

dilution

dim

dime

dimension

dime store

diminish

diminuendo

diminution

diminutive

dimity

dimmer

dimple

din

dinar

dine

diner

dinette

ding

ding–dong

dinghy

dingle

dingo

dingy

dining car

dining room

dinky

dinner

dinnertime

dinnerware

dinoflagellate

dinosaur

dint

diocesan

diocese

diode

diorama

dioxide

dip

diphtheria

diphthong

diplococcus

diplodocus

diploma

diplomacy

diplomat

diplomatic

diplomatist

diplopod

dip net

dipole

dipper

dipstick

dipteran

dipterous

dire

direct

direct current

directed

direction

directional

directive

directly

directly proportional

direct object

director

directory

direct variation

direful

dirge

dirigible

dirk

dirndl

dirt

dirt bike

dirty

dirty rice

dis

dis-

disability

disable

disabled

disabuse

disadvantage

disadvantageous

disaffect

disagree

disagreeable

disagreement

disallow

disappear

disappoint

disappointed

disappointment

disapprobation

disapproval

disapprove

disarm

disarrange

disarray

disassemble

disaster

disavow

disband

disbar

disbelief

disbelieve

disburden

disburse

disbursement

disc

discard

disc brake

discern

discerning

discernment

discharge

discharge tube

disciple

disciplinarian

disciplinary

discipline

disc jockey

disclaim

disclaimer

disclose

disclosing

disclosure

disco

discolor

discombobulate

discomfit

discomfort

discommode

discompose

disconcert

disconnect

disconnected

disconsolate

discontent

discontented

discontinue

discontinuous

discord

discordance

discordant

discotheque

discount

discountenance

discourage

discouragement

discourse

discourteous

discourtesy

discover

discovery

discredit

discreet

discrepancy

discrepant

discrete

discretion

discriminant

discriminate

discriminating

discrimination

discriminative

discriminatory

discursive

discus

discuss

discussion

disdain

disdainful

disease

disembark

disembody

disembowel

disempower

disenchant

disencumber

disenfranchise

disengage

disentangle

disfavor

disfigure

disfranchise

disgorge

disgrace

disgruntle

disguise

disgust

disgusting

dish

dishcloth

dishearten

dishevel

disheveled

dishonest

dishonesty

dishonor

dishonorable

dish out

dishwasher

dishwater

disillusion

disincline

disinfect

disinfectant

disinherit

disintegrate

disintegration

disinter

disinterested

disjoin

disjoint

disjointed

disk

disk drive

disk flower

disk jockey

dislike

dislocate

dislocation

dislodge

disloyal

dismal

dismantle

dismay

dismember

dismiss

dismount

disobedience

disobey

disoblige

disorder

disordered

disorderly

disorganize

disorient

disown

disparage

disparate

dispassionate

dispatch

dispel

dispensable

dispensary

dispensation

dispense

dispenser

dispersal

disperse

dispersion

dispirit

displace

displacement

display

displease

displeasure

disport

disposable

disposal

dispose

disposition

dispossess

disproof

disproportion

disproportionate

disprove

disputable

disputant

disputation

disputatious

dispute

disqualification

disqualify

disquiet

disregard

disrepair

disreputable

disrepute

disrespect

disrespectable

disrobe

disrupt

dissatisfaction

dissatisfactory

dissatisfy

dissect

dissection

dissemble

disseminate

dissension

dissent

dissenter

dissentient

dissertation

disservice

dissever

dissidence

dissident

dissimilar

dissimulate

dissipate

dissipated

dissipation

dissociate

dissociation

dissolute

dissolution

dissolve

dissonance

dissonant

dissuade

distaff

distance

distant

distaste

distasteful

distemper

distend

distension

distill

distillate

distillation

distiller

distillery

distinct

distinction

distinctive

distinguish

distinguished

distort

distortion

distract

distraction

distraught

distress

distressful

distributary

distribute

distribution

distributive

distributor

district

district attorney

distrust

disturb

disturbance

disturbed

disulfide

disunion

disunite

disunity

disuse

disused

ditch

dither

ditto

ditty

ditzy

diuretic

diurnal

diva

divan

dive

diverge

divergence

divergent

divers

diverse

diversify

diversion

diversity

divert

divest

divide

divided

dividend

divider

divination

divine

diving bell

diving board

divining rod

divinity

divisible

division

divisor

divorce

divorcé

divorcée

divulge

Dixieland

DIY

dizzy

DJ

D layer

DNA

DNA fingerprinting

do

doable

Doberman pinscher

dobsonfly

docile

dock

docket

dockside

dockworker

dockyard

doctor

doctorate

doctrine

docudrama

document

documentary

documentation

dodder

doddering

dodecahedron

dodge

dodgeball

dodo

doe

doer

does

doeskin

doesn't

doff

dog

dogcart

dog days

doge

dog–ear

dog–eared

dogface

dogfight

dogfish

dogged

doggie bag

doggy

doghouse

dogie

dogma

dogmatic

dogmatism

dog paddle

dogsled

Dog Star

dog tick

dogtooth violet

dogtrot

dog watch

dogwood

doily

do in

doing

do–it–yourself

doldrums

dole

doleful

doll

dollar

dollar sign

dollhouse

doll up

dolly

dolman sleeve

dolomite

dolor

dolorous

dolphin

dolt

-dom

domain

domain name

dome

domestic

domestic animal

domesticate

domesticity

domestic science

domestic violence

domicile

dominance

dominant

dominate

domineer

Dominican

dominie

dominion

Dominion Day

domino

domino theory

don

doña

donate

donation

done

doneness

donjon

donkey

donor

don't

doodle

doodlebug

doom

doomsday

door

doorbell

doorjamb

doorkeeper

doorknob

doorman

doormat

doorpost

doorstep

door–to–door

doorway

dooryard

dope

doper

dopey

Doppler effect

Doppler radar

do–rag

Doric

dork

dorky

dorm

dormancy

dormant

dormer

dormitory

dormouse

dorsal

dorsal fin

dory

dosage

dose

dosimeter

dossier

dost

dot

dote

doth

dot matrix

dotty

Douay Version

double

double bass

double boiler

double bond

double–breasted

double–check

double cross

double–dealing

double–decker

doubleheader

double helix

double hyphen

double–jointed

double knit

double negative

double play

double pneumonia

double–space

double standard

double star

doublet

double take

double–talk

double–time

double time

double vision

doubloon

doubly

doubt

doubtful

doubtless

douche

dough

doughboy

doughnut

doughty

Douglas fir

dour

douse

dove

dovecote

dovetail

dowager

dowdy

dowel

down

downbeat

downburst

downcast

downdraft

downer

downfall

downgrade

downhearted

downhill

download

down payment

downpour

downright

downsize

Down syndrome

downstage

downstairs

downstream

downstroke

down–to–earth

downtown

downtrodden

downward

downwind

downy

downy woodpecker

dowry

dowse

doxology

doze

dozen

dozer

DP

drab

dracaena

drachma

Draco

draft

draftee

draftsman

drafty

drag

dragger

draggle

dragnet

dragon

dragonfly

dragoon

drag race

dragster

drag strip

drain

drainage

drainpipe

drake

dram

drama

dramatic

dramatics

dramatis personae

dramatist

dramatize

drank

drape

draper

drapery

drastic

draught

draw

drawback

drawbar

drawbridge

drawer

drawing

drawing board

drawing room

drawl

drawn butter

draw on

draw out

drawstring

draw up

dray

dread

dreadful

dreadlocks

dreadnought

dream

dreamland

dreamless

dreamy

drear

dreary

dredge

dregs

drench

dress

dress down

dresser

dressing

dressing–down

dressing gown

dressing room

dressing table

dressmaking

dress rehearsal

dress up

dressy

drew

dribble

driblet

drier

driest

drift

drifter

driftwood

drill

drilling

drillmaster

drink

drinkable

drip

drip–dry

drippings

drive

drive–in

drivel

driver

drive shaft

drive–through

drive–up

driveway

driving range

drizzle

drogue

droll

-drome

dromedary

drone

drool

droop

drop

drop–down

dropkick

droplet

dropout

drop out

dropper

dropping bottle

droppings

dropsy

drosophila

dross

drought

drove

drover

drown

drowse

drowsy

drub

drudge

drudgery

drug

druggist

drugstore

druid

drum

drumbeat

drumlin

drum major

drum majorette

drummer

drumstick

drunk

drunkard

drunken

drupe

dry

dryad

dry cell

dry–clean

dry dock

dryer

dry–erase board

dry farmer

dry farming

dry fly

dry goods

dry ice

dry measure

drypoint

dry rot

dry run

dry–shod

drywall

dual

dub

dubious

dubnium

ducal

ducat

duchess

duchy

duck

duckbill

duckling

duck sauce

duck soup

duckweed

duct

ductile

ductless gland

duct tape

dud

dude

dude ranch

dudgeon

due

duel

duenna

duet

due to

duff

duffel

duffel bag

dug

dugong

dugout

duiker

duke

dukedom

dulcet

dulcimer

dull

duly

dumb

dumbbell

dumbfound

dumbwaiter

dummy

dump

dumpling

dumps

dump truck

dumpy

dun

dunce

dune

dune buggy

dung

dungaree

dung beetle

dungeon

dunghill

dunk

dunk shot

duo

duodecimal

duodenum

dupe

duple

duplex

duplicate

duplication

duplicator

duplicity

durable

durable press

durance

duration

duress

during

durra

durum wheat

dusk

dusky

dust

dust bowl

dust devil

duster

dust jacket

dustpan

dust storm

dusty

dutch

Dutch

Dutch door

Dutch elm disease

Dutchman

Dutchman's–breeches

Dutch oven

Dutch treat

dutiable

dutiful

duty

DVD

DVR

dwarf

dwarf planet

dwell

dwelling

dwindle

dye

dyestuff

dying

dyke

dynamic

dynamics

dynamite

dynamo

dynasty

dyne

dysentery

dysfunction

dyslexia

dyslexic

dyspepsia

dyspeptic

dyspnea

dysprosium

dystopia

E

e

e–

each

each other

eager

eagle

Eagle Scout

eaglet

-ean

ear

earache

earbud

ear canal

eardrum

eared seal

earl

earless seal

earlobe

early

early on

earmark

earmuff

earn

earned run

earned run average

earnest

earnings

earphone

earpiece

earring

earshot

earsplitting

earth

earthen

earthenware

earthlight

earthling

earthly

earthquake

earth science

earthshine

earthwork

earthworm

earthy

earwax

earwig

ease

easel

easily

east

eastbound

Easter

Easter lily

easterly

eastern

Easterner

eastern hemisphere

Eastern Orthodox

eastern time

eastward

easy

easygoing

eat

eatable

eating disorder

eave

eavesdrop

eaves trough

ebb

ebb tide

EBCDIC

Ebola

ebony

e–book

eccentric

eccentricity

Ecclesiastes

ecclesiastic

ecclesiastical

Ecclesiasticus

echelon

echidna

echinoderm

echo

echolocation

echo sounder

éclair

eclectic

eclipse

ecliptic

eco-

E. coli

ecologist

ecology

economic

economical

economics

economize

economy

ecosystem

ecru

ecstasy

ecto-

ectoderm

ectoplasm

ectotherm

ecumenical

eczema

-ed

Edam

edaphic

eddy

eddy current

edelweiss

edema

Eden

edentate

edge

edgewise

edging

edgy

edible

edict

edifice

edify

edit

edition

editor

editorial

educable

educate

educated

education

educative

educe

-ee

eek

eel

eelgrass

e'en

-eer

e'er

eerie

efface

effect

effective

effector

effectual

effectuate

effeminacy

effeminate

efferent

effervesce

effete

efficacious

efficacy

efficiency

efficient

effigy

effluent

effort

effortless

effrontery

effulgence

effusion

effusive

eft

eftsoons

egad

egg

eggbeater

egg case

egg cell

egghead

eggnog

eggplant

egg roll

eggshell

egg white

eglantine

ego

egocentric

egoism

egotism

egregious

egress

egret

Egyptian

eider

eiderdown

eight

eighteen

eighth

eighth note

eighth rest

eighty

einsteinium

either

ejaculate

ejaculation

eject

eke out

el

elaborate

eland

elapse

elastic

elasticized

elastin

elate

elation

E layer

elbow

elbow grease

elbowroom

eld

elder

elderberry

elderly

elder statesman

eldest

elect

election

electioneer

elective

elector

electoral

electoral college

electorate

electr-

electric

electrical engineering

electrical storm

electric eel

electric eye

electric field

electrician

electricity

electric ray

electrify

electrochemical

electrochemistry

electrocute

electrode

electroencephalogram

electroencephalograph

electrolysis

electrolyte

electrolytic

electromagnet

electromagnetic

electromagnetic radiation

electromagnetic spectrum

electromagnetic wave

electromagnetism

electromechanical

electromotive force

electron

electron gun

electronic

electronic mail

electronics

electron microscope

electron tube

electroplate

electroscope

electrostatic

electrostatic generator

electrostatic precipitator

electrostatics

electrum

elegance

elegancy

elegant

elegy

element

elemental

elementary

elementary particle

elephant

elephant grass

elephantiasis

elephantine

elevate

elevated

elevation

elevator

eleven

elf

elfin

elf owl

elicit

eligible

eliminate

elimination

elite

elixir

Elizabethan

elk

ell

ellipse

ellipsis

elliptic

elm

El Niño

elocution

elodea

elongate

elope

eloquence

eloquent

else

elsewhere

elucidate

elude

elusive

elver

elves

elvish

Elysium

elytron

em-

emaciate

e–mail

emanate

emancipate

emasculate

embalm

embank

embankment

embargo

embark

embarrass

embarrassment

embassy

embattle

embattled

embed

embellish

ember

embezzle

embitter

emblazon

emblem

emblematic

embodiment

embody

embolden

embolism

embolus

embosom

emboss

embower

embrace

embrasure

embroider

embroidery

embroil

embryo

embryologist

embryology

embryonic

embryo sac

emcee

emend

emerald

emerge

emergence

emergency

emergency room

emeritus

emery

emery board

emetic

emigrant

emigrate

émigré

eminence

eminent

eminent domain

emir

emirate

emissary

emission

emit

emmer

emoji

emolument

emote

emoticon

emotion

emotional

empanel

empathy

emperor

emphasis

emphasize

emphatic

emphysema

empire

empirical

empirical formula

empiricism

emplace

emplacement

employ

employee

employer

employment

employment agency

emporium

empower

empress

empty

empty–handed

empurple

empyrean

EMT

emu

emulate

emulation

emulous

emulsifier

emulsify

emulsion

en-

-en

enable

enact

enactment

enamel

enamelware

enamor

encamp

encampment

encapsulate

encase

-ence

encephal-

encephalitis

enchain

enchant

enchanted

enchanter

enchanting

enchantment

enchantress

enchilada

encipher

encircle

enclave

enclose

enclosure

encode

encomium

encompass

encore

encounter

encourage

encroach

encrust

encrustation

encumber

encumbrance

-ency

encyclical

encyclopedia

encyclopedic

encyst

end

end-

endanger

endangered

endear

endearment

endeavor

endemic

ending

endive

endless

end line

endmost

endocrine

endocrine gland

endocrine system

endocytosis

endoderm

endometrium

endoplasm

endoplasmic reticulum

endorse

endorsement

endoscope

endoskeleton

endosperm

endotherm

endothermic

endow

endowment

endpoint

end rhyme

end run

end table

endue

endurance

endure

end user

endways

endwise

end zone

-ene

enema

enemy

energetic

energize

energy

energy level

energy pyramid

enervate

enfeeble

enfold

enforce

enfranchise

engage

engaged

engagement

engaging

engender

engine

engineer

engineering

English

English horn

English ivy

Englishman

English saddle

English setter

English sonnet

English sparrow

English springer spaniel

English system

Englishwoman

engorge

engrave

engraving

engross

engulf

enhance

enigma

enjoin

enjoy

enjoyment

enlarge

enlargement

enlighten

enlist

enlisted

enliven

en masse

enmesh

enmity

ennoble

ennui

enormity

enormous

enough

enow

enplane

enquire

enrage

enrapture

enrich

enroll

en route

ensconce

ensemble

enshrine

enshroud

ensign

ensilage

enslave

ensnare

ensue

ensure

entail

entangle

enter

enteritis

enterprise

enterprising

entertain

entertaining

entertainment

enthrall

enthrone

enthuse

enthusiasm

enthusiast

enthusiastic

entice

entire

entirety

entitle

entity

entomb

entomologist

entomology

entrails

entrain

entrance

entrant

entrap

entreat

entreaty

entrée

entrench

entrenchment

entrepreneur

entrust

entry

entryway

entry word

entwine

enumerate

enunciate

envelop

envelope

envenom

enviable

envious

environ

environment

environmentalism

environmentalist

environs

envisage

envision

envoy

envy

enwrap

enzyme

Eocene

eohippus

eolian

Eolithic

eon

eosinophil

-eous

epaulet

ephedrine

ephemeral

Ephesians

epi-

epic

epicenter

epicure

epicycle

epidemic

epidemiologist

epidemiology

epidermal

epidermis

epididymis

epiglottis

epigram

epigrammatic

epilepsy

epileptic

epilogue

epinephrine

Epiphany

epiphyte

epiphytic

episcopacy

episcopal

Episcopalian

episcopate

episiotomy

episode

epistle

epistolary

epitaph

epithelium

epithet

epitome

epitomize

epoch

epoxy

epoxy resin

epsilon

Epsom salt

equable

equal

equality

equalize

equal sign

equanimity

equate

equation

equator

equatorial

equerry

equestrian

equestrienne

equi-

equiangular

equidistant

equilateral

equilibrium

equine

equinoctial

equinox

equip

equipage

equipment

equipoise

equisetum

equitable

equitation

equity

equivalence

equivalency

equivalent

equivocal

equivocate

-er

era

eradicate

eradicator

erase

eraser

erasure

erbium

ere

e–reader

erect

erectile

erection

erelong

erepsin

erg

ergo

ergonomics

Erlenmeyer flask

ermine

erne

erode

erosion

erosive

erotic

err

errand

errant

erratic

erroneous

error

erstwhile

erudite

erudition

erupt

eruption

-ery

erythroblastosis fetalis

erythrocyte

erythromycin

erythropoietin

-es

escalate

escalator

escapade

escape

escapee

escape velocity

escapism

escargot

escarole

escarpment

eschew

escort

escrow

escudo

esculent

escutcheon

Esdras

-ese

esker

Eskimo

Eskimo dog

esophagus

esoteric

ESP

espadrille

espalier

esparto

especial

espionage

esplanade

espousal

espouse

espresso

esprit

esprit de corps

espy

-esque

esquire

-ess

essay

essayist

essence

essential

essential amino acid

-est

establish

established church

establishment

estate

esteem

ester

Esther

esthetic

estimate

estimation

estivate

Estonian

estrange

estrogen

estrous cycle

estrus

estuary

-et

eta

étagère

et cetera

etch

etching

eternal

eternity

-eth

ethane

ethanol

ethene

ether

ethereal

etherize

ethical

ethics

Ethiopic

ethnic

ethnocentric

ethnologist

ethnology

ethologist

ethology

ethyl alcohol

ethylene

ethylene glycol

ethyne

etiolated

etiology

etiquette

Etruscan

-ette

étude

etymology

eucalypt

eucalyptus

Eucharist

Euclidean

eudiometer

eugenic

eugenics

euglena

euglenoid

euglenoid movement

eukaryote

eulogize

eulogy

euphemism

euphonium

euphony

euphoria

Eurasian

eureka

euro

Euro–American

European

Europeanism

Europeanize

europium

eurozone

eustachian tube

euthanasia

evacuate

evacuee

evade

evaluate

evanesce

evanescence

evanescent

evangelical

evangelism

evangelist

evaporate

evaporated milk

evaporation

evaporite

evasion

evasive

eve

even

evenhanded

evening

evening primrose

evening star

evensong

event

eventful

eventide

eventual

eventuality

eventually

ever

everglade

evergreen

everlasting

evermore

every

everybody

everyday

everyone

everyplace

everything

everywhere

evict

evidence

evident

evidently

evil

evildoer

evil eye

evil–minded

evince

eviscerate

evocation

evocative

evoke

evolution

evolutionist

evolve

ewe

ewer

ex-

exact

exacting

exactitude

exactly

exaggerate

exalt

exaltation

exam

examination

examine

example

exasperate

exasperation

Excalibur

excavate

excavation

exceed

exceeding

exceedingly

excel

excellence

excellency

excellent

excelsior

except

except for

exception

exceptionable

exceptional

excerpt

excess

excessive

exchange

exchange student

exchequer

excise

excitable

excitation

excite

excited

excitement

exciting

exclaim

exclamation

exclamation mark

exclamation point

exclamatory

exclude

exclusive

exclusive of

exclusivity

excommunicate

excoriate

excrement

excrescence

excreta

excrete

excretion

excretory

excruciating

exculpate

excurrent

excursion

excursionist

excuse

execrable

execrate

execute

execution

executioner

executive

executor

executrix

exemplar

exemplary

exemplify

exemplum

exempt

exemption

exercise

exert

exertion

exeunt

exfoliation

exhalation

exhale

exhaust

exhaustion

exhaustive

exhibit

exhibition

exhilarate

exhilaration

exhort

exhortation

exhume

exigence

exigency

exile

exist

existence

existent

exit

exo-

exocrine

exocrine gland

exocytosis

exodus

ex officio

exonerate

exorbitant

exorcise

exorcism

exoskeleton

exosphere

exothermic

exotic

expand

expanded notation

expanse

expansion

expansive

expatiate

expatriate

expect

expectancy

expectant

expectation

expectorant

expectorate

expedience

expediency

expedient

expedite

expedition

expeditionary

expeditious

expel

expend

expendable

expenditure

expense

expensive

experience

experienced

experiment

experimental

experimenter

experiment station

expert

expertise

expiate

expiration

expiration date

expiratory

expire

explain

explain away

explanation

explanatory

expletive

explicable

explicate

explicit

explode

exploded

exploit

exploration

exploratory

explore

explorer

explosion

explosive

exponent

exponential

exponentiation

export

expose

exposé

exposition

ex post facto

expostulate

exposure

expound

express

expression

expressive

expressly

expresso

expressway

expropriate

expulsion

expunge

expurgate

exquisite

extant

extemporaneous

extempore

extemporize

extend

extended family

extender

extensible

extension

extension agent

extensive

extensor

extent

extenuate

exterior

exterior angle

exterminate

external

external–combustion engine

external ear

extinct

extinction

extinguish

extirpate

extol

extort

extortion

extortionate

extra

extra-

extracellular

extract

extraction

extracurricular

extradite

extradition

extralegal

extramarital

extraneous

extraordinary

extra point

extrapolate

extrasensory

extrasensory perception

extraterrestrial

extravagance

extravagant

extravaganza

extravehicular

extreme

extremism

extremity

extricate

extrinsic

extrovert

extrude

extrusion

extrusive

exuberant

exude

exult

exultant

exulttation

exurb

exurbanite

exurbia

-ey

eye

eyeball

eyebrow

eye–catching

eye chart

eye contact

eyecup

eye doctor

eyedropper

eyeful

eyeglass

eyehole

eyelash

eye lens

eyelet

eyelid

eyeliner

eye–opening

eyepiece

eye shadow

eyesight

eye socket

eyesore

eyespot

eyestalk

eyestrain

eyetooth

eyewash

eyewitness

eyrie

Ezechiel

Ezekiel

Ezra

F

f

fa

fable

fabled

fabric

fabricate

fabulous

facade

face

face card

-faced

facedown

face–first

faceless

face–lift

face–off

face off

faceplate

facet

facetious

face–to–face

faceup

face value

facial

facile

facilitate

facility

facing

facsimile

fact

faction

factitious

fact of life

factoid

factor

factorial

factorization

factor tree

factory

factual

faculty

fad

fade

faerie

fag

fag end

fagot

fagoting

Fahrenheit

fail

failing

failure

fain

faint

fainthearted

fair

fair ball

fairground

fairly

fair trade

fair–trade agreement

fairway

fairy

fairyland

fairy ring

fairy shrimp

fairy tale

faith

faithful

faithless

fake

fakir

falcon

falconer

falconry

fall

fallacious

fallacy

fall back

fall guy

fallible

falling–out

falling star

fallopian tube

fallout

fall out

fallow

fallow deer

fall to

false

falsehood

falsetto

falsify

falsity

falter

fame

familial

familiar

familiarity

familiarize

family

family name

family planning

family tree

famine

famish

famous

famously

fan

fanatic

fancier

fanciful

fancy

fancy–free

fancywork

fandango

fanfare

fang

fanlight

fanny

fanny pack

fantasia

fantastic

fantasy

far

far and away

faraway

farce

far cry

fare

farewell

far–fetched

far–flung

farina

farm

farmer

farmhand

farmhouse

farming

farmland

farmstead

farmyard

far–off

far–out

far–reaching

farrow

Farsi

farsighted

farsightedness

farther

farthermost

farthest

farthing

fascinate

fascinating

fascism

fashion

fashionable

fast

fastback

fastball

fasten

fastening

fast–food

fast–forward

fastidious

fast lane

fastness

fast–track

fast track

fat

fatal

fatalism

fatality

fatback

fat cell

fate

fateful

fathead

father

father–in–law

fatherland

fatherly

Father's Day

fathom

fatigue

fatten

fatty

fatty acid

fatuity

fatuous

faucet

fault

faultfinder

faulty

faun

fauna

faux

fava bean

favor

favorable

favorite

favoritism

fawn

fax

fay

faze

F clef

fealty

fear

fearful

fearless

fearsome

feasible

feast

feat

feather

feather bed

featherbrain

featherweight

feature

February

feces

fecund

federal

Federal

federalist

federalize

federate

federation

fedora

fed up

fee

feeble

feebleminded

feed

feedback

feeder

feedlot

feedstuff

feel

feeler

feel–good

feeling

feet

feetfirst

Fehling's solution

feign

feint

feldspar

felicitate

felicitous

felicity

feline

fell

fellah

fellow

fellow man

fellowship

felon

felony

felt

female

feminine

feminism

femur

fen

fence

fencing

fend

fender

feng shui

fennec

fennel

feral

fer–de–lance

ferment

fermentation

fermium

fern

ferocious

ferret

ferric

ferric oxide

Ferris wheel

ferromagnetic

ferrous

ferrous sulfate

ferrule

ferry

ferryboat

fertile

fertilization

fertilize

fertilizer

fervent

fervid

fervor

fescue

festal

fester

festival

festive

festivity

festoon

feta

fetal

fetal alcohol syndrome

fetch

fetching

fetch up

fete

fetid

fetish

fetlock

fetter

fettle

fetus

feud

feudal

feudalism

fever

fever blister

feverish

few

fewer

fez

fiancé

fiancée

fiasco

fiat

fib

fiber

fiberboard

fiberfill

fiberglass

fiber–optic

fiber optics

Fibonacci number

Fibonacci sequence

fibre

fibrin

fibrinogen

fibrosis

fibrous

fibrous root

fibrovascular bundle

fibula

fickle

fiction

fictionalize

fictionize

fictitious

fiddle

fiddlehead

fiddler crab

fiddlestick

fidelity

fidget

fie

fief

field

field corn

field day

fielder

field event

field glass

field goal

field guide

field hockey

field magnet

field marshal

field mouse

field of view

field of vision

fieldstone

field trip

fiend

fierce

fiery

fiesta

fife

fifteen

fifth

fifty

fifty–fifty

fig

fight

fighter

figment

figurative

figure

figured

figurehead

figure of speech

figure out

figure skating

figurine

figwort

filament

filbert

filch

file

filefish

filet mignon

filial

filibuster

filigree

filing

Filipina

Filipino

fill

filler

fillet

fill in

filling

fillip

fill out

filly

film

filmstrip

filmy

filter

filterable

filterable virus

filter bed

filter feeder

filter paper

filth

filthy

filtrate

filtration

fin

finagle

final

finale

finalist

finality

finalize

finance

finance charge

finance company

financier

finback

finch

find

finder

finding

find out

fine

fine art

finery

finesse

finfish

finger

fingerboard

finger bowl

finger food

finger hole

fingering

fingernail

finger painting

fingerprint

fingertip

finicky

finis

finish

finish line

finite

Finn

finnan haddie

Finnish

finny

fin whale

fiord

fir

fire

fire alarm

fire ant

firearm

fireball

fireboat

firebox

firebrand

firebreak

firebrick

firebug

fireclay

firecracker

fired

firedamp

firedog

fire drill

fire engine

fire escape

fire extinguisher

firefighter

firefly

firehouse

fire irons

firelight

fire line

fireman

fireplace

fireplug

firepower

fireproof

fireship

fireside

fire station

fire tower

firetrap

fire truck

fire wall

fireweed

firewood

firework

firing squad

firkin

firm

firmament

firmware

first

first aid

first base

first baseman

firstborn

first–class

first class

first cousin

first–degree burn

firsthand

first lady

first lieutenant

firstling

firstly

first person

first–rate

first responder

first sergeant

firth

fiscal

fish

fish–and–chips

fisher

fisherman

fishery

fish hawk

fishhook

fish ladder

fish–liver oil

fishnet

fishpond

fish protein concentrate

fish stick

fishy

fission

fissionable

fissure

fist

fist bump

fisticuffs

fistula

fit

fitful

fitted

fitter

fitting

five

five–and–ten

fix

fixation

fixative

fixed

fixed star

fixer

fixing

fixity

fixture

fizz

fizzle

fjord

flabbergast

flabby

flaccid

flag

Flag Day

flagellate

flagellum

flageolet

flagging

flagman

flagon

flagpole

flag rank

flagrant

flagship

flagstaff

flagstone

flail

flair

flak

flake

flaky

flambeau

flamboyance

flamboyant

flame

flamingo

flammable

flange

flank

flanker

flannel

flannelette

flap

flapjack

flare

flare–up

flash

flashback

flashbulb

flash card

flash drive

flasher

flashlight

flash memory

flashy

flask

flat

flatbed

flatboat

flatcar

flatfish

flatfoot

flatiron

flat–panel

flat–screen

flatten

flatter

flattery

flattop

flatulence

flatware

flatworm

flaunt

flauta

flautist

flavor

flavoring

flaw

flax

flaxen

flaxseed

flay

F layer

flea

fleabane

flea collar

flea market

fleck

fledge

fledgling

flee

fleece

fleet

fleet admiral

fleet–footed

fleeting

Fleming

Flemish

flerovium

flesh

fleshly

fleshy

fleur–de–lis

flew

flex

flexible

flexion

flexor

flexure

flick

flicker

flier

flight

flight attendant

flight control

flight engineer

flightless

flight path

flighty

flimsy

flinch

fling

flint

flint glass

flintlock

flip

flippancy

flippant

flipper

flirt

flit

flivver

float

floating–point

floating rib

flock

floe

flog

flood

floodgate

floodlight

floodplain

flood tide

floodwater

floor

flooring

flop

floppy

flora

floral

Florence flask

floret

florid

florin

florist

floss

flotation

flotilla

flotsam

flounce

flounder

flour

flour beetle

flourish

floury

flout

flow

flowchart

flower

flowered

flower head

flowering plant

flowerpot

flowery

flown

flu

flub

fluctuate

flue

fluency

fluent

fluff

fluffy

fluid

fluid dram

fluidity

fluid mechanics

fluid ounce

fluke

flume

flung

flunk

flunk out

flunky

fluoresce

fluorescence

fluorescent

fluorescent lamp

fluoridate

fluoride

fluorinate

fluorine

fluorite

fluorocarbon

fluoroscope

fluorspar

flurry

flush

fluster

flute

fluting

flutist

flutter

flux

fly

fly ash

fly ball

flyblown

flyby

fly–by–wire

flycatcher

flyer

flying

flying boat

flying buttress

flying fish

flying fox

flying machine

flying saucer

flying squirrel

flyleaf

flypaper

flyspeck

flyway

flyweight

flywheel

FM

foal

foam

foam rubber

fob

focal

focal length

focal point

fo'c'sle

focus

fodder

foe

foehn

foetal

fog

foggy

foghorn

fogy

foible

foil

foist

folacin

fold

-fold

folder

foliage

foliated

folic acid

folio

folk

folk art

folklore

folk medicine

folksinger

folk song

folktale

follicle

follicle–stimulating hormone

follow

follower

following

follow through

follow–up

follow up

folly

foment

fomentation

fond

fondant

fondle

fondue

font

fontanel

food

food bank

foodborne

food chain

food court

foodie

food poisoning

food processor

food pyramid

food stamp

foodstuff

food vacuole

food web

fool

foolery

foolhardy

foolish

foolproof

fool's gold

foot

footage

foot–and–mouth disease

football

footboard

footbridge

foot–candle

footed

footfall

footgear

foothill

foothold

footing

footlights

footlocker

footloose

footman

footnote

footpad

footpath

foot–pound

foot–pound–second

footprint

footrace

footrest

foot soldier

footsore

footstep

footstool

footwear

footwork

foozle

fop

for

fora

forage

foramen magnum

foraminifer

foraminifera

foraminiferan

foray

forbear

forbearance

forbid

forbidding

forbode

force

forced

force–feed

forceful

forceps

forcible

ford

fore

fore-

fore–and–aft

fore–and–aft rig

forearm

forebear

forebode

forebrain

forecast

forecastle

foreclose

foredeck

foredoom

forefather

forefinger

forefoot

forefront

foregather

forego

foregoing

foregone

foreground

forehand

forehanded

forehead

foreign

foreigner

foreign minister

foreknow

foreleg

forelimb

forelock

foreman

foremast

foremost

forename

forenoon

forensic

foreordain

forepart

forepaw

forequarter

forerunner

foresail

foresee

foreshadow

foreshock

foreshorten

foresight

foreskin

forest

forestall

forestation

forested

forester

forest fire

forest floor

forest ranger

forestry

foreswear

foretaste

foretell

forethought

foretop

forever

forevermore

forewarn

forewent

forewing

foreword

forfeit

forfeiture

forgather

forge

forgery

forget

forgetful

forget–me–not

forging

forgive

forgiveness

forgiving

forgo

fork

forked

forkful

forklift

forlorn

form

formal

formaldehyde

formalism

formality

formalize

format

formation

formative

former

formerly

formic acid

formidable

formless

formula

formulate

fornicate

fornication

for–profit

forsake

forsooth

forswear

forsythia

fort

forte

forth

forthcoming

forthright

forthwith

fortification

fortify

fortissimo

fortitude

fortnight

FORTRAN

fortress

fortuitous

fortunate

fortunately

fortune

fortune cookie

fortune–teller

forty

forty–five

forty–niner

forty winks

forum

forward

forwarder

forward pass

forwards

forwent

fossa

fossil

fossil fuel

fossilize

foster

foster home

Foucault pendulum

fought

foul

foul ball

foul line

foul of

foul out

foul play

foul shot

foul–up

foul up

found

foundation

founder

founding father

foundling

foundry

fount

fountain

fountainhead

fountain pen

four

4x4

fourfold

four–footed

4–H

four–in–hand

four–o'clock

four–poster

fourscore

foursome

foursquare

fourteen

fourth

fourth estate

Fourth of July

four–wheel

fovea

fowl

fowling piece

fox

fox fire

foxglove

foxhole

foxhound

foxtail

fox terrier

foxy

foyer

fracas

fracking

fractal

fraction

fractional

fractionate

fracture

fragile

fragment

fragmental

fragmentary

fragrance

fragrant

frail

frailty

frame

frame–up

framework

franc

franchise

francium

Franco-

Francophile

frangipani

frank

Frank

frankfurter

frankincense

Franklin stove

frankly

frantic

fraternal

fraternal twin

fraternity

fraternize

fraud

fraudulent

fraught

fray

frazzle

freak

freaky

freckle

free

freebase

freebie

freeboard

freebooter

freeborn

freedman

freedom

freedom fighter

freedwoman

free enterprise

free–fall

free–fire zone

free–for–all

freehand

free hand

freehanded

free kick

freelance

freeman

free market

free on board

free–range

free speech

free–spoken

freestanding

freestone

freestyle

free–swimming

free throw

free trade

free verse

freeware

freeway

freewheeling

freewill

free will

freewriting

freeze

freeze–dry

freezer

freezer burn

freezing point

freight

freighter

French

French bread

French Canadian

French cuff

French door

French dressing

french fry

French horn

Frenchman

French provincial

French toast

French window

Frenchwoman

frenemy

frenetic

frenzied

frenzy

Freon

frequency

frequency distribution

frequency modulation

frequent

fresco

fresh

freshen

freshet

freshman

freshwater

fret

fretful

fretwork

friable

friar

friary

fricassee

friction

Friday

friend

friendly

friendship

frier

frieze

frigate

frigate bird

fright

frighten

frightful

frigid

frigid zone

frijole

frill

frilly

fringe

fringe benefit

fringy

frippery

Frisbee

Frisian

frisk

frisky

fritillary

fritter

frivol

frivolity

frivolous

frizzle

frizzy

fro

frock

frock coat

frog

frogman

frolic

frolicsome

from

frond

front

frontage

frontal

front–end loader

frontier

frontiersman

frontispiece

frost

frostbite

frostfree

frosting

frostwork

frosty

froth

froward

frown

frowsy

froze

frozen

fructose

frugal

fruit

fruit bat

fruitcake

fruit fly

fruitful

fruiting body

fruition

fruitless

fruit sugar

fruity

frustrate

frustrating

frustration

fry

fry bread

fryer

frying pan

fry pan

fuchsia

fuchsin

fucus

fuddy–duddy

fudge

fuel

fuel cell

fuel oil

fugitive

fugue

-ful

fulcrum

fulfill

full

fullback

full blast

full–blooded

full–blown

full–bodied

full dress

fullerene

fuller's earth

full–fledged

full–grown

full–length

full moon

full–on

full–scale

full–service

full–size

full steam ahead

full tilt

full–time

fully

fulminate

fulsome

fumble

fume

fumigant

fumigate

fun

function

functional

functionary

function word

fund

fundamental

funeral

funeral director

funeral home

funereal

fungal

fungible

fungicide

fungous

fungus

funicular

funk

funky

funnel

funny

funny bone

funny paper

fur

furbearer

furbelow

furious

furl

furlong

furlough

furnace

furnish

furnishings

furniture

furor

furore

furrier

furrow

furry

fur seal

further

furtherance

furthermore

furthermost

furthest

furtive

fury

furze

fuse

fuselage

fusible

fusillade

fusion

fuss

fussy

fustic

fusty

futile

futility

futon

future

futureless

future perfect tense

future tense

futurist

futuristic

futurity

fuze

fuzz

fuzzy

-fy

G

g

G

gab

gabardine

gabble

gabby

gabfest

gable

gable roof

gad

gadabout

gadfly

gadget

gadolinium

Gael

Gaelic

gaff

gaffe

gag

gage

gaggle

gaiety

gaily

gain

gainful

gainsay

gait

gaiter

gal

gala

galactic

galactose

Galatians

galavant

galaxy

gale

galena

gall

gallant

gallantry

gallbladder

galleon

gallery

galley

gallfly

Gallic

galling

gallinule

gallium

gallivant

gallon

gallop

gallows

gallstone

gall wasp

galoot

galore

galosh

galumph

galvanize

galvanometer

gamble

gambol

gambrel roof

game

game changer

gamecock

game fish

gamekeeper

game plan

gamer

game show

gamete

gametophyte

gamin

gamine

gaming

gamma

gamma globulin

gamma radiation

gamma ray

gamut

gamy

gander

gang

gangland

gangling

ganglion

gangly

gangplank

gangrene

gangster

gang up

gangway

gannet

gantlet

gantry

gaol

gap

gape

gar

garage

garage sale

garb

garbage

garbageman

garbanzo

garble

garden

gardener

gardenia

garden–variety

gargantuan

gargle

gargoyle

garish

garland

garlic

garlic salt

garment

garner

garnet

garnet paper

garnish

garret

garrison

garrote

garrulous

garter

garter snake

gas

gaseous

gas–guzzler

gash

gasket

gaslight

gas mask

gasohol

gasoline

gasp

gas station

gassy

gastric

gastric juice

gastritis

gastrocnemius

gastrointestinal

gastronomy

gastropod

gastrotrich

gastrula

gastrulation

gas turbine

gasworks

gat

gate

gated

gatehouse

gatekeeper

gateway

gateway drug

gather

gathering

gator

gauche

gaucho

gaud

gaudy

gauge

gaunt

gauntlet

gauze

gave

gavel

gavotte

gawk

gawky

gay

gayety

gayly

gaze

gazebo

gazelle

gazette

gazetteer

gazillion

gazpacho

G clef

gear

gearbox

gearing

gearshift

gearwheel

gecko

gee

geese

geezer

Geiger counter

Geiger–Müller counter

geisha

gel

gelatin

gelatinous

geld

gelding

gem

Gemini

gemstone

gendarme

gender

gene

genealogy

gene mutation

genera

general

generalissimo

generalist

generality

generalization

generalize

generally

general of the air force

general of the army

general practitioner

general relativity

general store

generate

generation

generator

generic

generosity

generous

genesis

Genesis

gene therapy

genetic

genetic code

genetic engineering

geneticist

genetics

genial

genie

genital

genital herpes

genitalia

genitals

genitive

genitourinary

genius

genocide

genotype

genre

gent

genteel

gentian

gentian violet

gentile

gentility

gentle

gentlefolk

gentleman

gentlewoman

gentry

genuflect

genuine

genus

geo

geocaching

geocentric

geochemistry

geode

geodesic

geodetic survey

geography

geologic time

geology

geomagnetic

geometer

geometric

geometry

geophysics

Georgian

geoscience

geotaxis

geothermal

geotropism

geranium

gerbil

geriatric

geriatrics

germ

German

German cockroach

germane

Germanic

germanium

German measles

German shepherd

German silver

germ cell

germfree

germicidal

germicide

germinate

germ theory

gerrymander

gerund

gesso

gestation

gesticulate

gesture

gesundheit

get

get across

get along

get around

getaway

get back

get by

get off

get on

get out

get–together

getup

get up

gewgaw

geyser

g–force

ghastly

gherkin

ghetto

ghost

ghostly

ghost town

ghostwrite

ghoul

GI

giant

giant anteater

giant cactus

giant panda

giant sequoia

giant squid

giant star

giant tortoise

gibber

gibberellin

gibberish

gibbet

gibbon

gibbous

gibe

giblets

giddy

giddyap

gift

gift card

gift certificate

gifted

gig

giga-

gigabyte

gigahertz

gigantic

giggle

Gila monster

gild

gill

gill arch

gill raker

gill slit

gilt

gimlet

gimmick

gin

ginger

ginger ale

gingerbread

gingerly

gingerroot

gingersnap

gingham

gingivitis

ginkgo

ginormous

ginseng

Gipsy

giraffe

gird

girder

girdle

girl

girlfriend

Girl Scout

girt

girth

gist

give

give–and–take

giveaway

give away

give in

given

given name

give off

give out

give up

gizmo

gizzard

glacial

glaciate

glacier

glad

gladden

glade

gladiator

gladiola

gladiolus

gladsome

glamorize

glamorous

glamour

glance

gland

glanders

glandular

glans

glare

glaring

glass

glassblowing

glass ceiling

glassmaker

glass snake

glassware

glassy

glaucoma

glaze

glazier

gleam

glean

gleanings

glee

glee club

glen

gliadin

glib

glide

glider

glimmer

glimpse

glint

glissando

glisten

glister

glitch

glitter

glitz

gloaming

gloat

glob

global

Global Positioning System

global warming

globe

globule

globulin

glockenspiel

gloom

Gloria Patri

glorify

glorious

glory

gloss

glossary

glossy

glottis

glove

glove compartment

glow

glower

glowworm

gloxinia

gloze

glucose

glue

glum

glut

glutamic acid

gluten

gluteus maximus

glutinous

glutton

gluttony

glycerin

glycerol

glycogen

G–man

gnarl

gnash

gnat

gnaw

gneiss

gnome

gnomon

gnu

go

goad

goal

goalie

goalkeeper

goal line

goalpost

goaltender

goat

goatee

goatfish

goatherd

goatskin

gob

gobbet

gobble

gobbledygook

gobbler

go–between

goblet

goblin

goby

god

godchild

goddaughter

goddess

godfather

godforsaken

godhead

godless

godly

godmother

godparent

godsend

godson

Godspeed

goes

go–getter

goggle

goggles

going

goings–on

goiter

go–kart

gold

golden

golden–ager

golden–brown alga

golden eagle

Golden Fleece

golden hamster

golden mean

golden retriever

goldenrod

golden rule

gold–filled

goldfinch

goldfish

gold leaf

goldsmith

golf

Golgi apparatus

Golgi body

-gon

gonad

gonadotropin

gondola

gondolier

gone

goner

gong

gonococcus

gonorrhea

goo

goober

good

good book

good–bye

good faith

Good Friday

good–hearted

good–humored

goodish

goodly

goodman

good–natured

good–sized

good–tempered

goodwife

goodwill

goody

goody–goody

Goody Two–shoes

goof

go off

goofy

google

googol

goon

go on

goose

gooseberry

goose bumps

goose egg

gooseflesh

goosefoot

gooseneck

goose pimples

goose step

go out

go over

gopher

gopher snake

gore

gorge

gorgeous

Gorgon

Gorgonzola

gorilla

gormandize

gorp

gorse

gory

goshawk

gosling

gospel

gossamer

gossip

got

Gothic

gotten

gouge

goulash

gourd

gourmand

gourmet

gout

govern

governance

governess

government

governor

gown

GPS

graafian follicle

grab

grace

graceless

grace note

gracious

grackle

grad

gradation

grade

grade crossing

grade point

grade point average

grader

grade school

gradient

gradual

gradualism

graduate

graduated cylinder

graduation

graffiti

graffito

graft

graham cracker

grain

grain alcohol

grain elevator

grain sorghum

gram

-gram

grama

gramercy

grammar

grammarian

grammar school

grammatical

grana

granary

grand

grandam

grandaunt

grandchild

granddaughter

grandee

grandeur

grandfather

grandfather clock

grandiloquence

grandiose

grand jury

grandmother

grandnephew

grandniece

grand opera

grandparent

grand piano

grandsire

grand slam

grandson

grandstand

granduncle

grange

granger

granite

granny

granny glasses

granny knot

granola

grant

grantee

granular

granulate

granulation

granule

granum

grape

grapefruit

grape hyacinth

grapeshot

grape sugar

grapevine

graph

-graph

graphic

graphical user interface

graphic equalizer

graphic novel

graphics tablet

graphite

graphology

graph paper

-graphy

grapnel

grapple

grasp

grasping

grass

grasshopper

grassland

grass roots

grate

grateful

gratify

grating

gratis

gratitude

gratuitous

gratuity

grave

gravel

gravelly

gravestone

graveyard

gravid

gravimeter

gravitate

gravitation

gravity

gravy

gray

graybeard

gray fox

grayling

gray matter

gray squirrel

gray whale

gray wolf

graze

grease

greasepaint

grease pencil

greasewood

greasy

great

great ape

great auk

great–aunt

Great Bear

great blue heron

great circle

greatcoat

Great Dane

great divide

greatest common divisor

greathearted

great horned owl

great–nephew

great–niece

great power

great–uncle

great white shark

grebe

Grecian

Greco-

greed

greedy

Greek

green

green alga

green anole

greenback

green bean

greenbelt

greenery

greengrocer

greenhorn

greenhouse

greenhouse effect

greenhouse gas

green manure

green mold

green onion

green pepper

green snake

green soap

greensward

green tea

green thumb

green turtle

green vegetable

Greenwich mean time

greenwood

greet

greeting

greeting card

gregarious

Gregorian calendar

Gregorian chant

gremlin

grenade

grenadier

grew

grey

greyhound

grid

griddle

griddle cake

gridiron

grief

grievance

grieve

grievous

griffin

grill

grille

grim

grimace

grime

grin

grind

grinder

grindstone

griot

grip

gripe

grippe

grisly

grist

gristle

gristmill

grit

grits

grizzled

grizzly

grizzly bear

groan

groat

grocer

grocery

grog

groggy

groin

grommet

groom

groomsman

groove

groovy

grope

grosbeak

gross

gross national product

grot

grotesque

grotto

grouch

ground

ground ball

ground cover

ground crew

grounder

ground finch

groundhog

Groundhog Day

groundless

groundling

groundnut

ground pine

ground plan

ground rule

ground squirrel

ground state

ground swell

groundwater

groundwork

ground zero

group

grouper

groupie

grouse

grove

grovel

grow

growing pains

growing point

growing season

growl

grown

grown–up

growth

growth hormone

growth ring

grow up

grub

grubby

grubstake

grudge

gruel

grueling

gruesome

gruff

grumble

grump

grungy

grunt

Gruyère

gryphon

G suit

guacamole

guanaco

guanine

guano

guarantee

guarantor

guaranty

guard

guard cell

guarded

guardhouse

guardian

guardrail

guardroom

guardsman

guava

guayule

gubernatorial

Guernsey

guerrilla

guess

guesswork

guest

guffaw

guidance

guide

guidebook

guided missile

guide dog

guideline

guidepost

guide word

guidon

guild

guile

guileless

guillotine

guilt

guilty

guinea

guinea fowl

guinea hen

guinea pig

guise

guitar

gulch

gulden

gulf

gull

gullet

gullible

gully

gully erosion

gulp

gum

gum arabic

gumbo

gumboil

gumdrop

gummy

gumption

gun

gunboat

gunfight

gunfire

gung ho

gunman

gunner

gunnery

gunnery sergeant

gunnysack

gunpoint

gunpowder

gunship

gunshot

gun–shy

gunslinger

gunsmith

gunwale

guppy

gurgle

guru

gush

gusher

gushy

gusset

gust

gustatory

gusto

gut

gutsy

gutter

guttural

guy

guzzle

gybe

gym

gymnasium

gymnast

gymnastics

gymnosperm

gynecologist

gynecology

gyp

gypsum

Gypsy

gypsy moth

gyrate

gyrfalcon

gyro

gyrocompass

gyroscope

H

h

ha

Habacuc

Habakkuk

habeas corpus

haberdasher

haberdashery

habiliment

habit

habitable

habitant

habitat

habitation

habit–forming

habitual

habituate

hachure

hacienda

hack

hackberry

hacker

hackle

hackney

hackneyed

hacksaw

hackwork

had

haddock

Hadean

hades

hadj

hadn't

hadst

hae

hafnium

haft

hag

Haggai

haggard

haggle

Hagiographa

hah

haiku

hail

Hail Mary

hailstone

hailstorm

hair

hairbreadth

hairbrush

haircloth

haircut

hairdo

hairdresser

hair follicle

hairline

hairnet

hairpin

hair–raising

hair seal

hairsplitter

hair spray

hairspring

hairstreak

hairstyle

hairstylist

hair–trigger

hairworm

hairy

hairy woodpecker

hajj

hake

halal

halberd

halberdier

halcyon

hale

half

halfback

half–baked

half brother

half–cocked

half–dollar

halfhearted

half hitch

half hour

half–knot

half–life

half line

half–mast

half–moon

half note

halfpenny

half plane

half rest

half sister

half sole

half step

halftime

halftone

half–track

half–truth

halfway

halfway house

half–wit

halibut

halite

hall

hallelujah

hallmark

hallow

Halloween

hallucinate

hallucination

hallucinatory

hallucinogen

hallway

halo

halogen

halt

halter

haltere

halting

halve

halves

halyard

ham

hamburger

hamlet

hammer

hammerhead

hammer out

hammock

hamper

hamster

hamstring

hand

handbag

handball

handbill

handbook

handcar

handcraft

handcuff

hand down

handed

handful

handgun

handheld

handicap

handicapped

handicraft

handily

handiness

hand in hand

handiwork

handkerchief

handle

handlebar

hand lens

handmade

handmaiden

hand–me–down

handoff

hand organ

handout

hand over

handpick

handrail

handsaw

hands down

handshake

handsome

handspring

hand–to–hand

hand–to–mouth

handwork

handwriting

handwritten

handy

handyman

hang

hangar

hang around

hang back

hangdog

hanger

hanger–on

hang glider

hang in

hanging

hangman

hangnail

hang on

hangout

hangover

hangtag

hang–up

hang up

hank

hanker

hanky–panky

Hansen's disease

hansom

Hanukkah

hap

haphazard

hapkido

hapless

haply

happen

happening

happily

happiness

happy

happy camper

happy–go–lucky

haptics

harangue

harass

harbinger

harbor

harborage

hard

hard–and–fast

hardback

hardball

hard–bitten

hard–boiled

hard coal

hard copy

hard core

hard disk

hard drive

hard–driving

harden

hardening

hardhack

hard hat

hardheaded

hard–hearted

hardihood

hard–luck

hardly

hardness

hard–of–hearing

hard palate

hard put

hard rubber

hardship

hardtack

hardtop

hard up

hardware

hard wheat

hardwired

hardwood

hardworking

hardy

hare

harebell

harebrained

harelip

harem

hark

hark back

harlequin

harm

harmful

harmless

harmonic

harmonica

harmonious

harmonize

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infrastructure

infrequent

infringe

infuriate

infuse

infusion

-ing

ingenious

ingenue

ingenuity

ingenuous

ingest

inglenook

inglorious

ingot

ingrain

ingrained

ingrate

ingratiate

ingratiating

ingratitude

ingredient

ingress

inground

ingrown

inhabit

inhabitant

inhalant

inhalation

inhalator

inhale

inhaler

inharmonious

inhere

inherent

inherit

inheritance

inhibit

inhibited

inhibition

inhospitable

inhuman

inhumane

inhumanity

inimical

inimitable

iniquitous

iniquity

initial

initiate

initiation

initiative

inject

injection

injudicious

injunction

injure

injurious

injury

injustice

ink

inkhorn

ink–jet

inkling

inkstand

inkwell

inky

inlaid

inland

in–law

inlay

inlet

in–line skate

inmate

inmost

inn

innards

innate

inner

inner city

inner ear

inner light

innermost

inner tube

inning

innkeeper

innocence

innocent

innocuous

innovate

innovation

innuendo

innumerable

inoculate

inoculation

inoffensive

inoperable

inoperative

inopportune

in order that

inordinate

inorganic

inpatient

input

inquest

inquire

inquiry

inquisition

inquisitive

inquisitor

inroad

inrush

insane

insanitary

insanity

insatiable

inscribe

inscription

inscrutable

inseam

insect

insecticide

insectivore

insectivorous

insecure

inseminate

insensate

insensible

insensitive

inseparable

insert

insertion

inset

inshore

inside

inside of

inside out

insider

insidious

insight

insignia

insignificance

insignificant

insincere

insinuate

insipid

insist

insistence

insistent

in situ

insofar as

insolation

insole

insolence

insolent

insolubility

insoluble

insolvency

insolvent

insomnia

insomniac

insouciance

inspect

inspection

inspector

inspiration

inspire

instability

Instagram

install

installation

installment

installment plan

instance

instant

instantaneous

instanter

instantly

instant messaging

instate

instead

instead of

instep

instigate

instill

instinct

instinctive

instinctual

institute

institution

institutionalize

instruct

instruction

instructive

instructor

instrument

instrumental

instrumentalist

instrumentality

instrumentation

instrument panel

insubordinate

insubstantial

insufferable

insufficiency

insufficient

insular

insulate

insulation

insulator

insulin

insulin shock

insult

insuperable

insupportable

insurable

insurance

insure

insurgency

insurgent

insurmountable

insurrection

intact

intaglio

intake

intangible

integer

integral

integrate

integrated circuit

integration

integrationist

integrity

integument

intellect

intellectual

intellectual disability

intellectual property

intelligence

intelligence quotient

intelligence test

intelligent

intelligentsia

intelligible

intemperance

intemperate

intend

intended

intense

intensify

intensity

intensive

intensive care

intent

intention

intentional

inter

inter-

interact

interaction

interactive

interatomic

interbreed

intercede

intercellular

intercept

interceptor

intercession

interchange

intercollegiate

intercom

intercommunicate

intercommunication system

interconnect

intercontinental

intercourse

intercrop

interdepend

interdict

interest

interesting

interestingly

interface

interfacing

interfere

interference

interferometer

interferon

intergalactic

interglacial

intergovernmental

interim

interior

interior angle

interior decoration

interior decorator

interior design

interior designer

interject

interjection

interlace

interline

interlinear

interlining

interlock

interloper

interlude

intermarriage

intermarry

intermediary

intermediate

intermediate host

interment

intermesh

intermezzo

interminable

intermingle

intermission

intermit

intermittence

intermittent

intermix

intermolecular

intern

internal

internal combustion engine

internal medicine

internal rhyme

internal secretion

international

international date line

internationalism

internationalize

International System of Units

internecine

internee

Internet

Internet of Things

interneuron

internist

internment

internode

internship

interpenetrate

interpersonal

interphase

interplanetary

interplay

interpolate

interpose

interpret

interpretation

interpreter

interpretive

interracial

interregnum

interrelate

interrogate

interrogation point

interrogative

interrogatory

interrupt

interscholastic

intersect

intersection

intersex

interspace

interspecific

intersperse

interstate

interstellar

interstice

interstitial

intertidal

intertwine

interurban

interval

intervene

intervertebral disk

interview

interweave

intestate

intestinal

intestine

intifada

intimacy

intimate

intimidate

into

intolerable

intolerance

intolerant

intonation

intone

intoxicant

intoxicate

intoxication

intra-

intracellular

intractable

intradermal

intramural

intramuscular

intransitive

intraspecific

intrastate

intrauterine

intrauterine device

intravenous

intrepid

intricacy

intricate

intrigue

intrinsic

intro-

introduce

introduction

introductory

introspection

introvert

intrude

intrusion

intrusive

intuition

intuitive

Inuit

inundate

Inupiat

inure

invade

invalid

invalidate

invaluable

invariable

invariably

invariant

invasion

invasive

invective

inveigh

inveigle

invent

invention

inventive

inventory

inverse

inversely

inversely proportional

inverse square law

inverse variation

inversion

invert

invertebrate

invest

investigate

investiture

investment

inveterate

invidious

invigorate

invincible

inviolable

inviolate

invisible

invitation

invite

inviting

in vitro

in vivo

invocation

invoice

invoke

involuntary

involuntary muscle

involution

involve

involved

invulnerable

inward

inwardly

in–your–face

iodide

iodine

iodize

Io moth

ion

-ion

ionic

Ionic

ionic bond

ionize

ionosphere

iota

IOU

-ious

IP address

ipecac

IQ

ir-

Iranian

irascible

irate

ire

iridescence

iridescent

iridium

iris

iris diaphragm

Irish

Irishman

Irish moss

Irish potato

Irish setter

Irish terrier

Irish wolfhound

Irishwoman

irk

irksome

iron

Iron Age

ironbound

ironclad

iron curtain

iron horse

ironic

iron lung

iron out

iron oxide

ironstone

iron sulfide

ironware

ironweed

ironwood

ironwork

irony

Iroquois

irradiate

irrational

irrational number

irreconcilable

irrecoverable

irredeemable

irreducible

irrefutable

irregular

irregularity

irrelevant

irreligious

irremediable

irremovable

irreparable

irreplaceable

irrepressible

irreproachable

irresistible

irresolute

irrespective of

irresponsible

irretrievable

irreverent

irreversible

irrevocable

irrigate

irrigation

irritability

irritable

irritant

irritate

irritation

irrupt

is

is-

Isaiah

Isaias

ischium

-ish

isinglass

Islam

island

islander

island universe

isle

islet

islet of Langerhans

ism

-ism

isn't

isobar

isolate

isolation

isolationism

isomer

isometric

isometrics

isopod

isoprene

isopropyl alcohol

isosceles

isostasy

isotherm

isotope

Israeli

Israelite

issuance

issue

-ist

isthmus

-istic

it

Italian

Italian sandwich

italic

italicize

itch

it'd

-ite

item

itemize

iteration

itinerant

itinerary

-itis

it'll

its

it's

itself

-ity

IUD

-ive

I've

ivied

ivory

ivory–billed woodpecker

ivy

-ize

J

j

jab

jabber

jabberwocky

jabot

jack

jackal

jackass

jackboot

jackdaw

jacket

jackhammer

jack–in–the–box

jack–in–the–pulpit

jackknife

jack–of–all–trades

jack–o'–lantern

jack pine

jackpot

jackrabbit

jackscrew

jackstone

jackstraw

jack–tar

jade

jade green

jag

jagged

jaguar

jai alai

jail

jailbird

jailbreak

jailer

jalopy

jalousie

jam

jamb

jambalaya

jamboree

James

jam–pack

jam session

Jane Doe

Jane Roe

jangle

janitor

January

Japanese

Japanese beetle

Japanese maple

jar

jardiniere

jargon

jasmine

jasper

jaundice

jaundiced

jaunt

jaunty

Java man

javelin

jaw

jawbone

jawbreaker

jawless fish

jay

jaywalk

jazz

jazzy

jealous

jealousy

jean

jeep

jeer

Jehovah

jejunum

jell

jelly

jelly bean

jellyfish

jennet

jenny

jeopardize

jeopardy

jerboa

Jeremiah

Jeremias

jerk

jerkin

jerkwater

jerky

jerry–rigged

jersey

jessamine

jest

jester

jet

jet airplane

jet engine

jet lag

jet–propelled

jet propulsion

jetsam

jet set

jet stream

jettison

jetty

Jew

jewel

jewel box

jeweler

jewelry

jewelweed

Jewry

Jew's harp

jib

jibe

jicama

jiffy

jig

jigger

jiggle

jigsaw

jigsaw puzzle

jilt

jim crow

jim–dandy

jimmy

jimsonweed

jingle

jingo

jinni

jinricksha

jinx

jitney

jitterbug

jitters

jiujitsu

jive

job

Job

jobber

jobholder

jock

jockey

jock itch

jock strap

jocose

jocular

jocund

jodhpur

Joel

jog

joggle

John

John Doe

johnnycake

Johnny–jump–up

join

joiner

joint

joist

joke

joker

jokester

jollification

jollity

jolly

Jolly Roger

jolt

Jonah

Jonas

Jonathan

jonquil

josh

Joshua

Joshua tree

jostle

Josue

jot

joule

jounce

journal

journalese

journalism

journalist

journey

journeyman

joust

jovial

jowl

joy

joyful

joyous

joyride

joystick

jubilant

jubilation

jubilee

Judaism

Jude

judge

Judges

judgment

judgment call

Judgment Day

judicial

judiciary

judicious

Judith

judo

jug

jugful

juggle

jugglery

jugular

jugular vein

juice

juicer

juicy

jujitsu

jukebox

julep

Julian calendar

July

jumble

jumbo

jump

jump drive

jumper

jumping bean

jumping jack

jump shot

jumpsuit

jumpy

junco

junction

juncture

June

Juneberry

june bug

jungle

jungle gym

junior

junior college

junior high school

junior varsity

juniper

junk

junk e–mail

junket

junk food

junkie

junk mail

junta

junto

Jupiter

Jurassic

jurisdiction

jurisprudence

jurist

juristic

juror

jury

just

justice

justice of the peace

justification

justify

jut

jute

Jute

juvenile

juvenile delinquency

juvenile delinquent

juxtapose

K

k

Kaaba

Kabuki

kaftan

kaiser

kalanchoe

kale

kaleidoscope

kame

kangaroo

kangaroo court

kangaroo rat

kaolin

kaolinite

kapok

kappa

karakul

karaoke

karat

karate

kart

karyotype

katydid

kayak

kayo

kazoo

keel

keelboat

keelhaul

keel over

keen

keep

keeper

keeping

keepsake

keep up

keg

kelp

kelvin

Kelvin

ken

kennel

Kentucky bluegrass

Kentucky rifle

keratin

kerchief

kerf

kernel

kerosene

Kerry blue terrier

ketch

ketchup

kettle

kettledrum

key

keyboard

key deer

keyhole

keyhole saw

keynote

keynote address

keypad

keypunch

key signature

keystone

keystroke

keyword

khaki

khan

khedive

Khmer

Khoikhoi

kibbutz

kibitzer

kibosh

kick

kickback

kick back

kickball

kick in

kickoff

kick off

kickstand

kid

kiddo

kidnap

kidney

kidney bean

kidskin

kill

killdeer

killer

killer T cell

killer whale

killing

killjoy

kiln

kilo

kilo-

kilobyte

kilocalorie

kilocycle

kilogram

kilohertz

kilojoule

kiloliter

kilometer

kilopascal

kiloton

kilovolt

kilowatt

kilowatt–hour

kilt

kilter

kimono

kin

-kin

kind

kindergarten

kindergartner

kindhearted

kindle

kindling

kindly

kindness

kind of

kindred

kine

kinesics

kinetic

kinetic energy

kinetic theory

kinfolk

king

kingbird

king cobra

king crab

kingdom

kingdom come

kingfish

kingfisher

King James Version

kinglet

kingly

king mackerel

kingpin

Kings

kingship

king–size

king snake

king's ransom

kink

kinkajou

kinky

-kins

kinsfolk

kinship

kinsman

kinswoman

kiosk

Kiowa

kipper

kirk

kiss

kisser

kit

kitchen

kitchenette

kitchen garden

kitchen police

kitchenware

kite

kith

kitten

kittenish

kittiwake

kitty

kitty–corner

kiva

kiwi

kiwifruit

Kleenex

kleptomania

kleptomaniac

klezmer

klieg light

klutz

knack

knapsack

knave

knavery

knead

knee

kneecap

knee–deep

kneehole

knee–jerk

knee jerk

kneel

knell

knew

knickerbockers

knickers

knickknack

knife

knife–edge

knight

knight–errant

knighthood

knish

knit

knitting

knitwear

knob

knock

knockabout

knock down

knocker

knock–kneed

knock–knock joke

knock off

knockout

knock out

knockwurst

knoll

knot

knothole

knotted

knotty

knout

know

know–how

knowing

know–it–all

knowledge

knowledgeable

known

know–nothing

knuckle

knuckleball

knuckle down

knuckle under

KO

koala

Koch's postulates

kohl

kohlrabi

koi

kola nut

Komodo dragon

koodoo

kook

kookaburra

kopeck

Koran

Korean

koruna

kosher

kowtow

KP

kraal

krait

kraken

Krebs cycle

krill

krona

krone

krypton

K–T

K–T boundary

kudu

kudzu

kumquat

kung fu

Kurd

Kwanzaa

kwashiorkor

L

l

la

lab

lab coat

label

labial

labium

labor

laboratory

Labor Day

labored

laborer

laborious

laborsaving

labor union

Labrador retriever

labrum

labyrinth

lac

lace

lacerate

laceration

lacewing

lachrymal

lachrymose

lacing

lack

lackadaisical

lackey

lackluster

laconic

lacquer

lacrosse

lactase

lactate

lacteal

lactic acid

lactose

lacustrine

lacy

lad

ladder

laddie

lade

ladle

lady

lady beetle

ladybird

ladybug

lady–in–waiting

ladylike

ladylove

ladyship

lady's slipper

lag

laggard

lagniappe

lagomorph

lagoon

laid

laid–back

lain

lair

laird

laissez–faire

laity

lake

lake trout

lam

lama

Lamaism

Lamarckism

lamasery

lamb

lambaste

lambda

lambent

lambkin

lamb's ears

lambskin

lamb's–quarter

lame

lame duck

lamella

lament

lamentable

Lamentations

lamina

laminaria

laminate

lamp

lampblack

lamplight

lamplighter

lampoon

lamppost

lamprey

lampshell

LAN

lance

lance corporal

lancelet

lancet

land

landed

landfall

landfill

landform

landholder

landing

landing craft

landing field

landing gear

landing strip

landlady

landline

landlocked

landlord

landlubber

landmark

landmass

land mine

landowner

landscape

landslide

landsman

landward

lane

language

language arts

languid

languish

languor

La Niña

lank

lanky

lanolin

lantana

lantern

lantern fish

lantern fly

lanthanum

lanugo

lanyard

Lao

Laotian

lap

lapdog

lapel

lapidary

lapis lazuli

Lapp

lapse

laptop

larboard

larceny

larch

lard

larder

large

large calorie

large intestine

largely

largemouth bass

large–scale integration

largesse

largish

largo

lariat

lark

larkspur

larva

larvicide

laryngitis

larynx

lasagna

lascivious

laser

laser printer

lash

lashing

lass

lassie

lassitude

lasso

last

lasting

lastly

last straw

Last Supper

last word

latch

latchkey

late

latecomer

lateen

lately

latent

lateral

latewood

latex

lath

lathe

lather

Latin

Latina

Latin alphabet

Latino

Latinx

latish

latitude

latrine

latter

latterly

lattice

Latvian

laud

laudable

laudanum

laudatory

laugh

laughable

laughing gas

laughing jackass

laughingly

laughingstock

laughter

launch

launchpad

launder

Laundromat

laundry

laureate

laurel

lava

lavaliere

lavatory

lave

lavender

lavish

law

law–abiding

lawbreaker

lawful

lawgiver

lawless

lawmaker

lawman

lawn

lawn bowling

lawn mower

law of definite proportions

law of dominance

law of independent assortment

law of segregation

lawrencium

lawsuit

lawyer

lax

laxative

laxity

lay

layaway

lay away

lay down

layer

layering

layette

layman

layoff

lay off

lay on

layout

lay out

layover

lay over

laypeople

layperson

layup

lay up

lazy

lazybones

lazy eye

lazyish

LCD

lea

leach

lead

leaden

leader

lead–in

leading

leading lady

leading light

leading man

leading tone

leadoff

lead on

lead pencil

lead poisoning

lead up

leaf

leafage

leaf bud

leafhopper

leaflet

leaf miner

leaf mold

leafstalk

leafy

league

leaguer

leak

leakage

leaky

lean

leaning

lean–to

leap

leapfrog

leap year

learn

learned

learning

learning disability

lease

leash

least

least common denominator

least common multiple

leastwise

leather

leatherback

leathern

leatherneck

leathery

leave

leaved

leaven

leavening

leave off

leaves

leave–taking

leavings

lecithin

lectern

lecture

led

LED

ledge

ledger

ledger line

lee

leech

leek

leer

leery

lees

leeward

leeway

left

left field

left–hand

left–handed

leftist

leftover

leftward

leg

legacy

legal

legal holiday

legality

legalize

legal tender

legate

legatee

legation

legato

legend

legendary

legerdemain

legged

legging

leggy

leghorn

legible

legion

legionary

legionnaire

legislate

legislation

legislative

legislator

legislature

legitimacy

legitimate

legitimize

legless

legman

legume

leguminous

legwork

lei

leisure

leisurely

lek

lemming

lemon

lemonade

lemon shark

lemur

lend

length

lengthen

lengthways

lengthwise

lengthy

lenience

leniency

lenient

lenity

lens

Lent

lenticel

lentil

lento

Leo

leonine

leopard

leopardess

leopard frog

leotard

leper

lepidoptera

lepidopteran

leprechaun

leprosy

leprous

lesbian

lesion

lespedeza

less

-less

lessee

lessen

lesser

lesser celandine

lesser panda

lesson

lessor

lest

let

-let

let alone

letdown

let down

lethal

lethal gene

lethargy

let on

let's

Lett

letter

letter carrier

letterhead

lettering

letter–perfect

Lettish

lettuce

letup

let up

leucine

leucoplast

leukemia

leukocyte

levator

levee

level

levelheaded

lever

leverage

leviathan

Levi's

levitate

levitation

Leviticus

levity

levulose

levy

lewd

lexical

lexicographer

lexicography

lexicon

Leyden jar

liability

liable

liaison

liana

liar

lib

libation

libel

libelous

liberal

liberal arts

liberalism

liberality

liberalize

liberate

liberated

liberation

libertarian

libertine

liberty

Libra

librarian

library

library paste

librettist

libretto

lice

license

licensed practical nurse

license plate

licentious

lichee

lichen

lick

licorice

lid

lie

lie detector

lief

liege

lien

lieu

lieutenancy

lieutenant

lieutenant colonel

lieutenant commander

lieutenant general

lieutenant governor

lieutenant junior grade

life

life–and–death

life belt

lifeblood

lifeboat

life buoy

life cycle

life expectancy

lifeguard

life history

life insurance

life jacket

lifeless

lifelike

lifeline

lifelong

life preserver

life raft

lifesaver

lifesaving

life science

life scientist

life–size

life span

lifestyle

life–support system

lifetime

lifework

lift

liftgate

liftoff

ligament

ligation

ligature

light

lightbulb

light–emitting diode

lighten

lighter

lighter–than–air

lightface

light–footed

light–headed

lighthearted

light heavyweight

lighthouse

lighting

light meter

lightning

lightning arrester

lightning bug

lightning rod

light opera

light out

light pen

lightproof

lightship

lightsome

light trap

lightweight

light–year

lignin

lignite

likable

like

-like

likelihood

likeliness

likely

liken

likeness

likewise

liking

lilac

lilt

lily

lily–livered

lily of the valley

lily pad

lily–white

lima bean

limb

limber

limbo

lime

limelight

limerick

limestone

limewater

limit

limitation

limited

limited war

limiting

limnologist

limnology

limonite

limousine

limp

limpa

limpet

limpid

limy

linchpin

Lincoln's Birthday

linden

line

lineage

lineal

lineament

linear

linear accelerator

linear equation

linear function

linear measure

linear programming

linebacker

line drawing

line drive

line graph

lineman

linen

line of force

line of scrimmage

line printer

liner

line segment

linesman

lineup

line up

-ling

linger

lingerie

lingo

lingual

linguist

linguistic

linguistic form

linguistics

liniment

lining

link

linkage

linked

linking verb

links

linkup

Linnaean

linnet

linoleum

Linotype

linseed

linseed oil

linsey–woolsey

lint

lintel

lion

lioness

lionhearted

lion's share

lip

lipase

lipid

liposuction

lipped

lip–read

lipreading

lipstick

liquefied petroleum gas

liquefy

liqueur

liquid

liquidate

liquid crystal display

liquid measure

liquor

lira

lisle

lisp

lissome

list

listen

listen in

listing

listless

list price

lit

litany

litchi

liter

literacy

literal

literally

literary

literate

literature

-lith

lithe

lithesome

lithium

litho-

lithograph

lithography

lithology

lithosphere

Lithuanian

litigant

litigate

litmus paper

litre

litter

litterbug

littermate

little

Little Bear

little by little

Little Dipper

little finger

little toe

littoral

liturgy

livable

live

live–bearer

-lived

live down

livelihood

livelong

lively

liven

live oak

liver

-livered

liver fluke

liveried

livermorium

liverwort

liverwurst

livery

livery stable

lives

livestock

live wire

livid

living

living fossil

living room

lizard

'll

llama

llano

lo

load

loaded

load line

loadstar

loadstone

loaf

loafer

loam

loan

loan shark

loanword

loath

loathe

loathing

loathsome

lob

lobby

lobe

lobe–finned fish

lobelia

loblolly pine

lobster

lobster pot

local

local area network

local color

locale

localism

locality

localize

locate

location

locator

loch

loci

lock

locker

locker room

locket

lockjaw

lockout

locksmith

lockstep

lockstitch

lockup

loco

locomotion

locomotive

locomotor

locoweed

locus

locust

locution

lode

lodestar

lodestone

lodge

lodgepole pine

lodger

lodging

lodging house

lodgment

loess

loft

lofty

log

loganberry

logarithm

logbook

loge

logger

loggerhead

logic

logical

logician

logistics

logo

Logo

log on

log out

logrolling

logwood

logy

-logy

loin

loincloth

loiter

loll

lollipop

lone

lonely

loner

lonesome

lone wolf

long

longboat

long bone

longbow

long–distance

long distance

long division

longevity

long–haired

longhand

longhorn

long–horned

longhouse

long hundredweight

longing

longish

longitude

longitudinal

long johns

long jump

longleaf pine

long–leaved pine

long–lived

long–playing

long–range

longship

longshoreman

long shot

long–standing

long–suffering

long–term

long–winded

loofah

look

looker–on

looking glass

lookout

look over

lookup

look up

loom

loon

loony

loop

looper

loophole

loop of Henle

loose

loose end

loose–jointed

loose–leaf

loosen

loosestrife

loot

lop

lope

lop–eared

lopsided

loquacious

loquat

lord

lordly

lordosis

lordship

Lord's Prayer

Lord's Supper

lore

loris

lorn

lorry

lose

losing

loss

lost

lot

loth

lotion

lots

lottery

lotus

loud

loudmouth

loudspeaker

lounge

lour

louse

louse up

lousy

lout

louver

lovable

love

love affair

lovebird

love knot

lovelorn

lovely

lover

love seat

lovesick

loving

low

low beam

low blood pressure

lowboy

lowbred

lowbrow

lowdown

lower

lowercase

lower–class

lowering

lowermost

lowest common denominator

lowest common multiple

lowest terms

low frequency

Low German

low–grade

lowland

lowlander

low–level

lowly

low–lying

low–pressure

low–spirited

low tide

lox

loyal

loyalist

loyalty

lozenge

LP

LPN

LSD

luau

lubber

lube

lubricant

lubricate

lucent

lucid

Lucifer

luck

luckily

lucky

lucrative

lucre

ludicrous

luff

luffa

lug

luggage

lugger

Lugol's solution

lugsail

lugubrious

Luke

lukewarm

lull

lullaby

lumbago

lumbar

lumber

lumberjack

lumberman

lumberyard

lumen

lumin-

luminary

luminescence

luminescent

luminosity

luminous

lump

lumpish

lumpy

lunacy

luna moth

lunar

lunar eclipse

lunar module

lunatic

lunch

luncheon

luncheonette

lunchroom

lung

lunge

lungfish

lupine

lurch

lure

lurid

lurk

luscious

lush

lust

luster

lustful

lusty

lute

luteinizing hormone

lutetium

Lutheran

lux

luxuriant

luxuriate

luxurious

luxury

-ly

lyceum

lychee

lycopodium

lye

lying

Lyme disease

lymph

lymphatic

lymphatic system

lymph node

lymphocyte

lymphoma

lynch

lynx

lynx–eyed

lyre

lyrebird

lyric

lyrical

lysine

lysis

lysosome

M

m

'm

ma

ma'am

macabre

macadam

macadamia nut

macaque

macaroni

macaroon

macaw

Maccabees

mace

MacGuffin

Mach

Machabees

machete

Machiavellian

machinate

machine

machine gun

machine language

machine–readable

machinery

machine shop

machine tool

machinist

Mach number

mackerel

mackerel sky

mackinaw

mackinaw trout

mackintosh

MacPherson strut

macramé

macro

macrocosm

macro lens

macron

macrophage

macroscopic

mad

madam

madame

madcap

madden

maddening

madder

made

mademoiselle

made–up

madhouse

madman

Madonna

madras

madrigal

madwoman

maelstrom

maestoso

maestro

Mafia

mafioso

magazine

Magen David

magenta

maggot

maggoty

magi

magic

magician

magic lantern

magic square

magisterial

magistracy

magistrate

magma

magna cum laude

magnanimity

magnanimous

magnate

magnesia

magnesium

magnesium chloride

magnesium hydroxide

magnesium oxide

magnesium sulfate

magnet

magnetic

magnetic disk

magnetic field

magnetic north

magnetic pole

magnetic resonance imaging

magnetic tape

magnetism

magnetite

magnetize

magneto

magnetometer

magnetosphere

magnification

magnificence

magnificent

magnify

magnifying glass

magnitude

magnolia

magnum opus

magpie

maguey

Magyar

maharaja

maharani

mahatma

Mahican

mahogany

maid

maiden

maidenhair fern

maiden name

maid of honor

maidservant

mail

mailbox

mail carrier

mailman

mail order

maim

main

mainframe

mainland

mainmast

mainsail

main sequence

mainspring

mainstay

mainstream

maintain

maintenance

maintop

maize

majestic

majesty

major

majordomo

majorette

major general

majority

major league

make

make–believe

make out

make over

maker

makeshift

makeup

make up

making

mal-

Malachi

malachite

maladjusted

maladjustment

maladroit

malady

Malagasy

malaise

malamute

malaria

malathion

Malay

malcontent

male

malediction

malefaction

malefactor

malevolence

malevolent

malfeasance

malformation

malformed

malfunction

malice

malicious

malign

malignancy

malignant

malignity

malinger

mall

mallard

malleable

mallet

malleus

mallow

malnourished

malnutrition

malodorous

Malpighian tubule

malpractice

malt

maltase

malted milk

Maltese

Maltese cross

malt liquor

maltose

maltreat

mama

mamba

mambo

mammal

mammalian

mammary

mammary gland

mammoth

man

manacle

manage

management

manager

man–at–arms

manatee

Manchu

mandamus

mandarin

mandarin orange

mandate

mandatory

mandible

mandolin

mandrake

mandrill

mane

man–eater

maneuver

manful

manga

manganese

manganese dioxide

mange

manger

mangle

mango

mangrove

mangy

manhandle

manhole

manhood

man–hour

manhunt

mania

maniac

maniacal

manicotti

manicure

manicurist

manifest

manifestation

manifesto

manifold

manikin

manila

Manila hemp

manila paper

man in the street

manioc

manipulate

mankind

manlike

manly

man–made

manna

manned

mannequin

manner

mannered

mannerism

mannerly

manning

mannish

manoeuvre

man of the world

man–of–war

manometer

manor

manor house

man–o'–war bird

man power

mansard

manse

manservant

mansion

man–size

manslaughter

manta ray

mantel

mantelpiece

mantid

mantilla

mantis

mantle

manual

manual training

manufactory

manufacture

manufacturer

manumission

manumit

manure

manuscript

Manx cat

many

manzanita

Maori

map

maple

maple sugar

maple syrup

mapmaker

mar

maraca

maraschino

marathon

marathoner

maraud

marble

marbled

marbling

march

March

marchioness

Mardi Gras

mare

margarine

margin

marginal

marginalize

marigold

marijuana

marimba

marina

marinade

marinate

marine

mariner

marionette

marital

maritime

marjoram

mark

Mark

markdown

mark down

marked

marker

market

marketable

marketplace

market value

marking

markka

marksman

markup

mark up

markup language

marl

marlin

marmalade

marmoset

marmot

maroon

marquee

marquess

marquis

marquise

marquisette

marred

marriage

marriageable

married

marring

marrow

marry

Mars

marsh

marshal

marsh gas

marsh hawk

marshland

marshmallow

marsh marigold

marsupial

mart

marten

martial

martial art

martial law

Martian

martin

martinet

martini

Martinmas

martyr

martyrdom

marvel

marvelous

marzipan

masa

masa harina

mascara

mascot

masculine

maser

mash

mash–up

mask

masked

masker

masking tape

mason

masonry

masque

masquer

masquerade

mass

massacre

massage

massasauga

masseur

masseuse

massive

mass medium

mass noun

mass number

mass–produce

massy

mast

master

master chief petty officer

master chief petty officer of the coast guard

master chief petty officer of the navy

masterful

master gunnery sergeant

masterly

mastermind

master of ceremonies

masterpiece

master sergeant

mastery

masthead

mastic

masticate

mastiff

mastodon

mastoid

mastoid process

masturbation

mat

matador

match

matchbook

matchbox

matchless

matchlock

matchmaker

mate

maté

material

materialism

materialize

matériel

maternal

maternity

math

mathematical

mathematician

mathematics

matinee

matins

matriarch

matriarchy

matricide

matriculate

matrimony

matrix

matron

matronly

matron of honor

matte

matted

matter

matter of course

matter–of–fact

Matthew

matting

mattock

mattress

maturation

mature

maturity

matzo

maudlin

maul

maunder

Maundy Thursday

mausoleum

mauve

maverick

maw

mawkish

max

maxi

maxilla

maxim

maximal

maximize

maximum

may

May

Maya

mayapple

maybe

Mayday

May Day

mayflower

mayfly

mayhap

mayhem

mayn't

mayonnaise

mayor

mayoralty

maypole

maze

mazurka

mazy

McCoy

McIntosh

McMansion

me

mead

meadow

meadowlark

meager

meal

mealtime

mealworm

mealy

mealybug

mealymouthed

mean

meander

meaning

meaningful

meaningless

mean–spirited

meantime

meanwhile

measles

measly

measurable

measure

measured

measureless

measurement

measure up

measuring worm

meat

meatball

meat loaf

meaty

mecca

mechanic

mechanical

mechanical advantage

mechanical drawing

mechanical engineering

mechanics

mechanism

mechanize

medal

medalist

medallion

meddle

meddlesome

medfly

media

mediaeval

medial

median

mediant

mediate

mediator

medic

Medicaid

medical

Medicare

medicated

medication

medicinal

medicine

medicine ball

medicine dropper

medicine man

medicine show

medieval

mediocre

mediocrity

meditate

meditation

meditative

Mediterranean

Mediterranean fruit fly

medium

medley

medulla

medulla oblongata

medusa

meek

meerkat

meerschaum

meet

meeting

meetinghouse

meg

mega-

megabit

megabyte

megacycle

megadose

megahertz

megahit

megalopolis

megaphone

megapixel

megaplex

megaspore

megaton

meiosis

meitnerium

melancholia

melancholy

Melanesian

mélange

melanin

melanism

melanocyte

melanoma

melatonin

meld

melee

meliorate

mellifluous

mellophone

mellow

melodeon

melodic

melodious

melodrama

melodramatic

melody

melon

melt

meltdown

melting point

melting pot

melton

meltwater

member

membership

membrane

memento

memo

memoir

memorabilia

memorable

memorandum

memorial

Memorial Day

memorialize

memorize

memory

men

menace

ménage

menagerie

mend

mendacious

mendelevium

Mendelian

Mendel's law

mendicant

menfolk

menhaden

menial

meninges

meningitis

meninx

meniscus

Mennonite

menopause

menorah

menservants

menses

menstrual

menstrual cycle

menstruate

menstruation

mensuration

menswear

-ment

mental

mental age

mentality

mental retardation

menthol

mention

mentor

menu

menu–driven

meow

mercantile

mercenary

mercer

mercerize

merchandise

merchant

merchantman

merchant marine

merchant ship

merciful

merciless

mercurial

mercuric

Mercurochrome

mercury

mercy

mercy killing

mere

meretricious

merganser

merge

merger

meridian

meringue

merino

meristem

merit

meritorious

mermaid

merman

merriment

merry

merry–go–round

merrymaking

mesa

mescal

mescaline

mesdames

mesdemoiselles

meseems

mesentery

mesh

mesmerism

mesmerize

mesoderm

mesoglea

meson

mesopause

mesophyll

mesosphere

mesothorax

Mesozoic

mesquite

mess

message

message board

messeigneurs

messenger

messenger RNA

mess hall

messiah

messieurs

messmate

Messrs.

messy

mestiza

mestizo

met

metabolic

metabolism

metabolite

metabolize

metacarpal

metal

metallic

metalloid

metallurgy

metalwork

metalworking

metamorphic

metamorphose

metamorphosis

metaphase

metaphor

metaphysical

metaphysics

metastasis

metastasize

metatarsal

metathorax

metazoan

mete

meteor

meteoric

meteorite

meteoroid

meteorology

meter

meter–kilogram–second

meterstick

methadone

methamphetamine

methane

methanol

methicillin

methinks

method

methodical

Methodist

methyl

methyl alcohol

methylene blue

methyl orange

meticulous

metre

metric

metrical

metricize

metric system

metric ton

metro

metronome

metropolis

metropolitan

mettle

mettlesome

mew

mewl

Mexican

Mexican bean beetle

Mexican jumping bean

mezuzah

mezzanine

mezzo forte

mezzo piano

mezzo–soprano

mi

miasma

mica

Micah

mice

Michaelmas

Micheas

micr-

micro

microbe

microbiologist

microbiology

microblogging

microchip

micrococcus

microcomputer

microcosm

microfiber

microfiche

microfilm

microgravity

micrometeorite

micrometer

micrometer caliper

microminiature

micron

microorganism

microphone

microphotograph

microprocessor

microscope

microscopic

microscopist

microscopy

microsecond

microwave

microwave oven

mid

midafternoon

midair

midbrain

midday

midden

middle

middle age

Middle Ages

middlebrow

middle C

middle class

middle ear

Middle English

middle finger

middle ground

middleman

middlemost

middle name

middle–of–the–road

Middle Passage

middle school

middleweight

middling

middy

midge

midget

midland

midlife

midline

midmost

midnight

midpoint

midrib

midriff

midshipman

midships

midsize

midst

midstream

midsummer

midway

midweek

midwife

midwifery

midwinter

midyear

mien

might

mightily

mightn't

mighty

migraine

migrant

migrate

migration

migratory

mikado

mike

mil

milch

mild

mildew

mile

mileage

milepost

miler

milestone

milieu

militancy

militant

militarily

militarism

militarize

military

military police

militate

militia

militiaman

milk

milk chocolate

milkmaid

milkman

milk of magnesia

milk shake

milk snake

milk sugar

milk tooth

milkweed

milky

Milky Way

Milky Way galaxy

mill

milldam

millennial

millennium

miller

millet

milli-

milliamp

milliampere

milliard

millibar

milligram

milliliter

millimeter

milliner

millinery

million

millionaire

millipede

millisecond

millpond

millrace

millstone

millstream

mill wheel

millwright

milt

mime

mimeograph

mimetic

mimic

mimicry

mimosa

minaret

mince

mincemeat

mind

minded

mindful

mindless

mine

mineral

mineral kingdom

mineralogy

mineral oil

mineral water

minestrone

minesweeper

mingle

mini

mini-

miniature

miniaturize

minibike

minibus

minicomputer

minicourse

minim

minimal

minimize

minimum

minimum wage

mining

minion

miniskirt

minister

ministerial

ministry

minivan

mink

minnow

minor

minority

minor league

minor party

minstrel

minstrelsy

mint

minuend

minuet

minus

minuscule

minus sign

minute

minute hand

minuteman

Miocene

miracle

miracle drug

miracle play

miraculous

mirage

Miranda

mire

mirror

mirror image

mirth

mirthful

mis-

misadventure

misanthrope

misanthropy

misapply

misapprehend

misappropriate

misbegotten

misbehave

misbelief

miscalculate

miscall

miscarriage

miscarry

miscast

miscegenation

miscellaneous

miscellany

mischance

mischief

mischievous

misconceive

misconception

misconduct

misconstruction

misconstrue

miscount

miscreant

miscue

misdeal

misdeed

misdemeanor

misdirect

misdoing

miser

miserable

miserly

misery

misfile

misfire

misfit

misfortune

misgive

misgiving

misgovern

misguide

mishandle

mishap

mishmash

misinform

misinterpret

misjudge

mislay

mislead

mismanage

mismatch

mismate

misname

misnomer

misogamist

misogynist

misplace

misplay

misprint

mispronounce

mispronunciation

misquote

misread

misrepresent

misrule

miss

missal

missend

misshapen

missile

missing

missing link

mission

missionary

Mississippian

missive

misspell

misspelling

misspend

misstate

misstep

mist

mistake

mister

mistime

mistletoe

mist net

mistreat

mistress

mistrial

mistrust

misty

misunderstand

misunderstanding

misuse

mite

miter

miter joint

mitigate

mitochondrion

mitosis

mitt

mitten

mix

mixed

mixed media

mixed nerve

mixed number

mixer

mixture

mix–up

mizzen

mizzenmast

mnemonic

moa

moan

moat

mob

mobile

mobile home

mobile phone

mobilize

Möbius strip

mobster

moccasin

moccasin flower

mocha

mock

mockery

mockingbird

mock orange

mock–up

mod

modacrylic fiber

modal

modal auxiliary

mode

model

modem

moderate

moderation

moderato

moderator

modern

modernism

modernize

modest

modesty

modicum

modification

modifier

modify

modish

modular

modular arithmetic

modulate

modulation

module

modulo

modulus

Mogen David

mogul

mohair

Mohammedan

Mohawk

Mohegan

Mohican

Mohs' scale

moiety

moil

moiré

moist

moisten

moisture

moisturize

mojo

molar

molasses

mold

molder

molding

moldy

mole

molecular

molecular biology

molecular formula

molecular mass

molecular weight

molecule

molehill

molest

mollify

mollusk

molly

mollycoddle

molt

molten

molto

molybdenum

mom

moment

momentarily

momentary

momently

momentous

momentum

momma

mon-

monarch

monarch butterfly

monarchical

monarchism

monarchy

monastery

monastic

Monday

Monel Metal

moneran

monetary

monetize

money

moneybags

money changer

moneyed

moneylender

money market

money order

Mongol

Mongolian

Mongoloid

mongoose

mongrel

monitor

monitor lizard

monk

monkey

monkeyshine

monkey wrench

monkshood

mono-

monochromatic

monochrome

monocle

monocot

monocotyledon

monocyte

monoecious

monogamy

monogram

monolith

monologue

monophonic

monoplane

monopolist

monopolize

monopoly

monorail

monosaccharide

monosodium glutamate

monosyllable

monotheism

monotone

monotonous

monotony

monotreme

monounsaturated

monoxide

monseigneur

monsieur

monsignor

monsoon

monster

monstrance

monstrosity

monstrous

montage

Montezuma's revenge

month

monthly

monument

monumental

moo

mooch

mood

moody

moon

moonbeam

moonlight

moonlit

moonroof

moonscape

moonshine

moonstone

moonstruck

moony

moor

Moor

moorhen

mooring

moorland

moose

moot

mop

mope

moped

moppet

moraine

moral

morale

moralist

moralistic

morality

morality play

moralize

morass

moratorium

moray eel

morbid

morbidity

mordant

more

morel

more or less

moreover

mores

Morgan

morganatic

morgue

moribund

Mormon

morn

morning

morning glory

morning sickness

morning star

morocco

moron

morose

morph

morpheme

morphine

morphology

morris

morris chair

morrow

Morse code

morsel

mortal

mortality

mortal sin

mortar

mortarboard

mortgage

mortgagee

mortgagor

mortician

mortify

mortise

mortuary

mosaic

mosasaur

moscovium

Moslem

mosque

mosquito

mosquito net

moss

mossy zinc

most

-most

mostly

mote

motel

motet

moth

mothball

moth–eaten

mother

motherboard

Mother Carey's chicken

Mother Hubbard

mother–in–law

motherland

mother lode

motherly

Mother Nature

mother–of–pearl

mother of vinegar

Mother's Day

mother tongue

motif

motile

motion

motion picture

motion sickness

motivate

motivation

motive

motley

motocross

motoneuron

motor

motorbike

motorboat

motorcade

motorcar

motor court

motorcycle

motor home

motorist

motorize

motorman

motor neuron

motor scooter

motortruck

motor vehicle

mottle

motto

mould

moult

mound

mount

mountain

mountain ash

mountain bike

mountaineer

mountaineering

mountain goat

mountain laurel

mountain lion

mountainous

mountain sheep

mountainside

mountain time

mountaintop

mountebank

Mountie

mounting

mourn

mournful

mourning

mourning cloak

mourning dove

mouse

mouse pad

mouser

moussaka

mousse

moustache

moustachio

mousy

mouth

mouthed

mouthful

mouth organ

mouthpart

mouthpiece

mouth–to–mouth

mouthwash

mouton

movable

move

moveless

movement

mover

movie

moviegoer

moving

moving picture

mow

mozzarella

MP

MP3

Mr.

MRI

Mrs.

MRSA

Ms.

mu

much

mucilage

muck

muck about

muckraker

mucous

mucous membrane

mucus

mud

mud dauber

muddle

muddy

mudflat

mudflow

mud puppy

mud turtle

muezzin

muff

muffin

muffle

muffler

mufti

mug

muggy

mughal

mug shot

Muhammadan

mujahideen

mukluk

mulberry

mulch

mulct

mule

mule deer

mule skinner

muleteer

mulish

mull

mullein

mullet

mullion

multi-

multicellular

multicolored

multicultural

multidimensional

multifaceted

multifarious

multiform

multilateral

multilayered

multimedia

multimillionaire

multinational

multiple

multiple–choice

multiple fruit

multiple sclerosis

multiplex

multiplicand

multiplication

multiplication sign

multiplicative

multiplicative identity

multiplicative inverse

multiplicity

multiplier

multiply

multipurpose

multiracial

multistage

multitasking

multitude

multitudinous

multivitamin

mum

mumble

mumbo jumbo

mummer

mummery

mummify

mummy

mumps

munch

munchies

mundane

municipal

municipality

munificent

munition

mural

murder

murderous

murk

murky

murmur

murmurous

Murphy's Law

murrain

murre

muscatel

muscle

muscle–bound

muscle shirt

muscle spindle

Muscovite

muscular

muscular dystrophy

musculature

muse

museum

mush

mushroom

music

musical

musical comedy

musicale

musicality

music box

musician

musk

musk deer

muskeg

muskellunge

musket

musketeer

muskie

muskmelon

musk ox

muskrat

musk turtle

musky

Muslim

muslin

muss

mussel

must

mustache

mustachio

mustang

mustard

mustard gas

mustard plaster

muster

muster out

mustn't

musty

mutable

mutant

mutate

mutation

mute

mutilate

mutineer

mutinous

mutiny

mutt

mutter

mutton

muttonchops

mutual

mutualism

muumuu

muzzle

muzzle–loader

my

mycelium

-mycin

mycologist

mycology

mycorrhiza

myelin

myelinated

myelin sheath

mynah

mynheer

myocardium

myofibril

myopia

myosin

myriad

myriapod

myrrh

myrtle

myself

mysterious

mystery

mystery play

mystic

mystical

mysticism

mystify

mystique

myth

mythical

mythology

myxomycete

N

n

-n

nab

nabob

nacelle

nacho

nacre

nadir

nag

Nahum

naiad

nail

nailbrush

nail file

naive

naïvete

naked

naked mole rat

name

nameless

namely

namesake

nankeen

nanny

nanny goat

nano–

nanogram

nanometer

nanoscale

nanosecond

nanotech

nanotechnology

nap

napalm

nape

naphtha

naphthalene

napkin

napoleon

narc

narcissism

narcissus

narcosis

narcotic

nares

narrate

narration

narrative

narrow

narrow–minded

narwhal

nasal

nasal cavity

nasturtium

nasty

natal

nation

national

national bank

national guard

nationalism

nationalist

nationality

nationalize

national monument

national park

nationwide

native

Native American

nativity

natty

natural

natural childbirth

natural food

natural gas

natural history

naturalist

naturalization

naturalize

naturally

natural number

natural resource

natural science

natural selection

nature

naught

naughty

nausea

nauseate

nauseating

nauseous

nautical

nautical mile

nautilus

Navajo

naval

naval stores

nave

navel

navel orange

navigable

navigate

navigation

navigator

navvy

navy

navy bean

navy yard

nawab

nay

Nazarene

Nazi

NCO

NC–17

-nd

Neanderthal

Neapolitan ice cream

neap tide

near

nearby

nearly

nearsighted

neat

nebula

nebulous

necessary

necessitate

necessity

neck

neck and neck

neckerchief

necklace

neckline

necktie

neckwear

necromancy

necropsy

nectar

nectarine

nectary

née

need

needful

needle

needlefish

needleleaf

needlepoint

needless

needlework

needn't

needs

needy

ne'er

ne'er–do–well

nefarious

negate

negation

negative

negative sign

neglect

neglectful

negligee

negligence

negligent

negligible

negotiable

negotiate

Negrito

negritude

Negro

Nehemiah

neigh

neighbor

neighborhood

neighborly

neither

nekton

nematocyst

nematode

nemesis

neo-

neoclassic

neodymium

Neolithic

neologism

neon

neophyte

neoplasm

neoprene

nepenthe

nephew

nephritis

nephron

nepotism

Neptune

neptunium

nerd

Nereid

nerve

nerve cell

nerve center

nerve cord

nerve ending

nerve fiber

nerve gas

nerve impulse

nerveless

nerve net

nervous

nervous breakdown

nervous system

nervy

-ness

nest

nest egg

nester

nestle

nestling

net

netbook

nether

nethermost

netherworld

netiquette

netizen

netting

nettle

net–veined

network

neural

neuralgia

neurohormone

neurologist

neurology

neuron

neurosis

neurospora

neurosurgeon

neurotic

neurotransmitter

neuter

neutral

neutralism

neutralist

neutrality

neutralize

neutrino

neutron

neutron star

neutrophil

never

nevermore

nevertheless

new

New Age

newbie

newborn

newcomer

newel

newfangled

new–fashioned

Newfoundland

newly

newlywed

new moon

news

news agency

newsboy

newscast

newsgroup

newsletter

newsman

newspaper

newspaperman

newsprint

newsreel

newsstand

newsworthy

newsy

newt

New Testament

newton

New World

New Year

New Year's Day

next

next–door

next door

next to

Nez Percé

niacin

niacinamide

nib

nibble

nicad

nice

nicety

niche

nick

nickel

nickelodeon

nicker

nickname

nicotine

nicotinic acid

nictitating membrane

niece

nifty

niggard

niggardly

nigh

night

night blindness

night–blooming cereus

nightcap

nightclothes

nightclub

night crawler

nightdress

nightfall

nightgown

nighthawk

nightingale

nightly

nightmare

night owl

nightshade

nightshirt

nightstick

nighttime

nihonium

nil

Nilotic

nimble

nimbostratus

nimbus

nincompoop

nine

ninepin

nineteen

ninety

ninja

ninny

ninth

niobium

nip

nip and tuck

nipper

nipple

Nipponese

nippy

nisei

nit

niter

nitpick

nitrate

nitric acid

nitrification

nitrifier

nitrifying

nitrite

nitrogen

nitrogen cycle

nitrogen dioxide

nitrogen fixation

nitrogen–fixer

nitrogen–fixing

nitrogen oxide

nitroglycerin

nitrous oxide

nitty–gritty

nitwit

no

nobelium

Nobel Prize

nobility

noble

nobleman

noblewoman

nobody

nocturnal

nocturne

nod

nodal

nodding

noddle

noddy

node

nodule

noel

noggin

no–good

no–hitter

noise

noiseless

noisemaker

noise pollution

noisome

noisy

nomad

no–man's–land

nom de plume

nomenclature

nominal

nominate

nomination

nominative

nominee

nomogram

nomograph

non-

nonagon

nonbusiness

nonce

nonchalance

nonchalant

noncom

noncombatant

noncomedogenic

noncommissioned officer

noncommittal

nonconductor

nonconform

nonconformist

nonconformity

noncooperation

nondairy

nondeductible

nondescript

nondestructive

nondividing

none

noneconomic

nonelectrolyte

nonentity

nonessential

nonetheless

nonexistence

nonfat

nonferrous

nonfiction

nonfigurative

nonflammable

nonflowering

nongreen

nonillion

nonintervention

noninvolvement

nonliterate

nonmetal

nonmetallic

nonmoral

nonnegative

nonnuclear

no–no

nonobjective

no–nonsense

nonpareil

nonpartisan

nonpathogenic

nonplus

nonpolar

nonprescription

nonproductive

nonprofit

nonprotein

nonreader

nonresident

nonresistance

nonresistant

nonrestrictive

nonreturnable

nonscheduled

nonsectarian

nonsense

nonskid

nonstandard

nonstick

nonstop

nonsupport

nontaster

nonthermal

nonthreatening

nonunion

nonuse

nonuser

nonvascular plant

nonverbal

nonviolence

nonviolent

non–Western

nonwhite

nonwoven

nonzero

noodle

nook

noon

noonday

no one

noontide

noontime

noose

nor

noradrenaline

norepinephrine

norm

normal

normal curve

normalcy

normality

normalize

Norman

Norse

Norseman

north

northbound

northeast

northeaster

northeasterly

northeastern

Northeasterner

northeastward

norther

northerly

northern

Northerner

northern harrier

northern hemisphere

northern lights

northland

Northman

north pole

north–seeking pole

North Star

northward

northwest

northwester

northwesterly

northwestern

Northwesterner

northwestward

Norway maple

Norway rat

Norwegian

nos

nose

nosebleed

nose cone

nosedive

nose–dive

no–see–um

nosegay

nose out

nosepiece

nosewheel

nostalgia

nostril

nosy

not

notable

notarize

notary public

notation

notch

notched

note

notebook

noted

notepad

noteworthy

nothing

notice

noticeable

notification

notify

notion

notochord

notoriety

notorious

notwithstanding

nougat

nought

noun

nourish

nourishing

nourishment

nova

novel

novelette

novelist

novella

novelty

November

novena

novice

novitiate

novocaine

now

nowadays

noway

nowhere

nowhere near

nowise

noxious

nozzle

-n't

nth

nu

nuance

nub

nubbin

nubble

nubby

nuclear

nuclear family

nuclear membrane

nucleic acid

nucleolus

nucleoplasm

nucleotide

nucleus

nuclide

nude

nudge

nudism

nudity

nugget

nuisance

null

null and void

nullification

nullify

numb

number

number cruncher

numberless

number line

Numbers

numbskull

numeral

numerate

numeration

numerator

numeric

numerical

numerous

numismatics

numskull

nun

nuncio

nunnery

nuptial

nurse

nursemaid

nursery

nurseryman

nursery rhyme

nursery school

nurse's aide

nurse shark

nursing bottle

nursing home

nursling

nurturance

nurture

nut

nutcracker

nuthatch

nutlet

nutmeg

nutria

nutrient

nutriment

nutrition

nutritional

nutritionist

nutritious

nutritive

nuts

nutshell

nutty

nuzzle

nylon

nymph

O

o

o'

O

oaf

oak

oakum

oar

oarlock

oarsman

oasis

oat

oath

oatmeal

Obadiah

obbligato

obduracy

obdurate

obedience

obedient

obeisance

obelia

obelisk

obese

obey

obi

obituary

object

object ball

objection

objectionable

objective

object lesson

objet d'art

obligate

obligation

obligatory

oblige

obliging

oblique

oblique angle

obliterate

oblivion

oblivious

oblong

obnoxious

oboe

obscene

obscenity

obscure

obscurity

obsequious

observable

observance

observant

observation

observatory

observe

obsess

obsession

obsessive

obsidian

obsolescence

obsolescent

obsolete

obstacle

obstetric

obstetrician

obstetrics

obstinacy

obstinate

obstreperous

obstruct

obstruction

obstructionism

obstructive

obtain

obtrude

obtrusive

obtuse

obverse

obviate

obvious

obviously

ocarina

occasion

occasional

occasionally

Occident

occidental

Occidental

occipital

occipital bone

Occitan

occlude

occluded front

occlusion

occult

occultism

occupancy

occupant

occupation

occupational

occupy

occur

occurrence

ocean

oceangoing

oceanography

ocelot

ocher

o'clock

octa-

octagon

octahedron

octal

octane

octave

octavo

octet

octillion

October

octogenarian

octopus

ocular

oculist

OD

odd

oddball

oddity

oddly

oddment

odds

odds and ends

ode

-ode

odiferous

odious

odium

odometer

odor

odoriferous

odorous

odyssey

o'er

of

off

offal

offbeat

offend

offense

offensive

offer

offering

offertory

off–grid

offhand

offhanded

office

officeholder

officer

official

officialdom

officiate

officious

offing

off–key

off–limits

off–line

off of

off–ramp

off–road

off–roader

off–season

offset

offshoot

offshore

offside

offspring

offstage

off–the–record

off–the–wall

off–white

oft

often

oftentimes

oganesson

ogle

ogre

oh

ohm

ohmmeter

Ohm's law

-oid

oil

oilcan

oilcloth

oiler

oil field

oil gland

oil of wintergreen

oil paint

oil painting

oil palm

oilseed

oil shale

oilskin

oil slick

oil well

oily

ointment

Ojibwa

OK

okapi

okra

old

old country

olden

Old English

oldfangled

old–fashioned

Old French

Old Glory

old–growth

old hand

oldish

old lady

old maid

old man

Old Norse

Old Prussian

oldster

Old Style

Old Testament

old–time

old–timer

old wives' tale

old–world

Old World

oleander

olefin

oleo

oleomargarine

O level

olfaction

olfactory

olfactory bulb

olfactory nerve

oligarchy

Oligocene

olive

olive branch

olive drab

olive oil

olivine

olympiad

Olympian

Olympic

Olympic Games

Olympics

ombudsman

omega

omelet

omen

omicron

ominous

omission

omit

omnibus

omnipotence

omnipotent

omnipresent

omniscience

omniscient

omnivore

omnivorous

on

once

once–over

onchocerciasis

oncogene

oncologist

oncology

oncoming

one

one another

one–dimensional

one–horse

oneness

onerous

oneself

one–sided

ones place

onetime

one–to–one

one–way

ongoing

onion

onionskin

online

onlooker

only

onomastics

onomatopoeia

on–ramp

onrush

onset

onshore

onslaught

onstage

on–target

on–the–job

onto

onward

onyx

oodles

oogenesis

oolite

oolong

oops

Oort cloud

ootid

ooze

oozy

opacity

opal

opaque

ope

open

open air

open–and–shut

open arms

open dating

open door

opener

open–eyed

openhanded

open–heart

openhearted

open–hearth

open house

opening

open letter

open–minded

openmouthed

open season

open secret

open sentence

open sesame

open up

openwork

opera

operable

opera glasses

operant

operant conditioning

operate

operating system

operation

operational

operative

operator

operetta

ophthalmologist

ophthalmology

ophthalmoscope

opiate

opine

opinion

opinionated

opioid

opium

opium poppy

opossum

opponent

opportune

opportunism

opportunist

opportunistic

opportunity

opposable

oppose

opposite

opposition

oppress

oppression

oppressive

opprobrious

opprobrium

opt

optic

optical

optical disk

optical fiber

optical illusion

optician

optic lobe

optic nerve

optics

optimal

optimism

optimist

optimistic

optimum

option

optional

optometrist

optometry

opulence

opulent

opus

or

-or

oracle

oracular

oral

orange

orangeade

orange hawkweed

orangewood

orangutan

orate

oration

orator

oratorical

oratorio

oratory

orb

orbit

orbiter

orchard

orchestra

orchestral

orchestrate

orchid

orchis

ordain

ordeal

order

ordered

orderly

ordinal

ordinal number

ordinance

ordinary

ordinate

ordination

ordnance

Ordovician

ore

oread

oregano

organ

organdy

organelle

organ–grinder

organic

organism

organist

organization

organize

organized

organ of Corti

orgasm

orgy

oriel window

orient

Orient

oriental

Oriental

Oriental poppy

Oriental rug

orientate

orientation

orienteering

-ories

orifice

origami

origin

original

originality

originally

original sin

originate

oriole

Orion

orison

Orlon

ornament

ornamental

ornate

ornery

ornithologist

ornithology

orphan

orphanage

orthoclase

orthodontics

orthodontist

orthodox

Orthodox Judaism

orthodoxy

orthography

orthopedic

orthopedics

orthopedist

-ory

oryx

Osage

oscillate

oscillation

oscillator

oscilloscope

Osee

osier

osmium

osmosis

osprey

ossicle

ossification

ossify

ostensible

ostensibly

ostentation

ostentatious

osteoarthritis

osteoblast

osteocyte

osteopath

osteopathy

osteoporosis

ostler

ostracism

ostracize

ostrich

other

other than

otherwise

otherworld

otolaryngology

otter

ottoman

Ottoman

ouch

ought

oughtn't

ounce

our

Our Father

ours

ourselves

-ous

oust

ouster

out

out-

out–and–out

outbid

outboard

outboard motor

outbound

outbrave

outbreak

outbreeding

outbuilding

outburst

outcast

outcaste

outclass

outcome

outcrop

outcropping

outcross

outcry

outdated

outdistance

outdo

outdoor

outdoors

outer

outer ear

outermost

outer space

outerwear

outfield

outfight

outfit

outflank

outflow

outfox

outgo

outgoing

outgrow

outgrowth

outguess

outhouse

outing

outlander

outlandish

outlast

outlaw

outlay

outlet

outline

outlive

outlook

out loud

outlying

outmaneuver

outmoded

outmost

outnumber

out of

out–of–bounds

out–of–date

out–of–door

out–of–doors

out of doors

out–of–the–way

outpace

outpatient

outplay

outpost

outpouring

output

outrage

outrageous

outrank

outré

outrider

outrigger

outright

outrun

outsell

outset

outshine

outside

outside of

outsider

outsize

outskirts

outsmart

outspoken

outspread

outstanding

outstay

outstretch

outstrip

out–there

outward

outwardly

outwear

outweigh

outwit

outwork

outworn

ouzel

ova

oval

oval window

ovarian

ovary

ovate

ovation

oven

ovenbird

over

over-

overachiever

overact

overactive

overage

overall

overalls

over and above

over and over

overarm

overawe

overbalance

overbear

overbearing

overbid

overbite

overboard

overbuy

overcast

overcharge

overcloud

overcoat

overcome

overcrowd

overdo

overdose

overdraft

overdraw

overdress

overdrive

overdue

overeat

overestimate

overexpose

overextend

overfeed

overfill

overfish

overflight

overflow

overfly

overgarment

overgraze

overgrow

overgrown

overhand

overhand knot

overhang

overhaul

overhead

overhear

overjoy

overkill

overland

overlap

overlay

overleap

overlearn

overlie

overlook

overlord

overly

overmaster

overmatch

overmuch

overnight

overnight bag

overnighter

overpass

overplay

overpopulate

overpopulation

overpower

overprice

overprint

overrate

overreach

override

overripe

overrule

overrun

oversea

overseas

oversee

overseer

oversell

overshadow

overshoe

overshoot

overshot

oversight

oversimplify

oversize

overskirt

oversleep

overspread

overstate

overstay

overstep

overstock

overstuffed

oversubscribe

oversupply

overt

overtake

over–the–counter

overthrow

overtime

overtone

overtop

overture

overturn

overuse

overvalue

overview

overweening

overweigh

overweight

overwhelm

overwhelming

overwinter

overwork

overwrite

overwrought

oviduct

oviparous

ovipositor

ovoid

ovulate

ovule

ovum

ow

owe

owing

owing to

owl

owlet

owlish

own

ox

oxblood

oxbow

oxcart

oxeye

oxeye daisy

oxford

oxford cloth

oxidation

oxidation state

oxide

oxidize

oxyacetylene

oxygen

oxygenate

oxygen debt

oxygen mask

oxygen tent

oxyhemoglobin

oxymoron

oy

oyez

oyster

oyster bed

oyster catcher

oyster cracker

ozone

ozone hole

ozone layer

P

p

pa

pace

pacemaker

pachyderm

pacific

Pacific salmon

Pacific time

pacifier

pacifism

pacify

pack

package

package deal

package store

pack animal

packed

packer

packet

pack ice

packinghouse

pack rat

packsaddle

packthread

pact

pad

padding

paddle

paddle wheel

paddock

paddy

padlock

padre

paean

paella

pagan

page

pageant

pageantry

pager

pagoda

paid

pail

pailful

pain

painful

painkiller

painstaking

paint

paintbrush

painted bunting

painted lady

painted turtle

painter

painting

pair

paisley

Paiute

pajamas

pal

palace

paladin

palanquin

palatable

palate

palatial

palaver

pale

Paleocene

Paleolithic

paleontologist

paleontology

Paleozoic

palette

palfrey

palindrome

paling

palisade

palisade cell

palisade layer

pall

palladium

pallbearer

palled

pallet

palliate

palliative

pallid

palling

pallor

palm

palmate

palmer

palmetto

palmistry

palm off

Palm Sunday

palmtop

palmy

palomino

palpable

palpitate

palpitation

palpus

palsied

palsy

palter

paltry

pampa

pamper

pamphlet

pamphleteer

pan

panacea

panama

Pan–American

panbroil

pancake

panchromatic

pancreas

pancreatic duct

pancreatic juice

panda

pandemic

pandemonium

pander

pane

panegyric

panel

paneling

panelist

panfish

panfry

pang

pangolin

panhandle

panic

panicle

panic–stricken

panino

panned

pannier

panning

panoply

panorama

pan out

panpipe

pansy

pant

pantaloon

panther

pantie

pantograph

pantomime

pantomimist

pantothenic acid

pantry

pants

pantsuit

panty hose

pap

papa

papacy

papain

papal

paparazzo

papaw

papaya

paper

paperback

paper birch

paperboard

paper clip

paperhanger

paper money

paper mulberry

paper nautilus

paper trail

paper wasp

paperweight

paperwork

papery

papier–mâché

papilla

papoose

paprika

Pap smear

papyrus

par

parable

parabola

parachute

parade

paradichlorobenzene

paradigm

paradise

paradox

paraffin

paragon

paragraph

parakeet

Paralipomenon

parallax

parallel

parallel bars

parallelism

parallelogram

parallel–veined

paralysis

paralytic

paralyze

paramecium

paramedic

paramedical

parameter

paramount

paramour

paranoia

paranoid

parapet

paraphernalia

paraphrase

paraprofessional

parasite

parasitic

parasitism

parasitize

parasol

parasympathetic

parasympathetic nervous system

parathormone

parathyroid

parathyroid gland

parathyroid hormone

paratroops

paratyphoid

parboil

parcel

parcel post

parch

parched

parchment

pardon

pare

paregoric

parenchyma

parent

parentage

parental

parenthesis

parenting

par excellence

parfait

pariah

parietal

paring

parish

parishioner

parity

park

parka

parking lot

Parkinson's disease

parkour

parkway

parlance

parlay

parley

parliament

parliamentarian

parliamentary

parlor

parlous

Parmesan

parochial

parochial school

parody

parole

parotid

parotid gland

paroxysm

parquet

parquetry

parrot

parrot fever

parrot fish

parry

parse

Parsi

parsimony

parsley

parsnip

parson

parsonage

part

partake

parthenogenesis

partial

partiality

partial product

participant

participate

participial

participle

particle

particleboard

particular

particularity

particularize

particularly

particulate

parting

partisan

partition

partly

partner

partnership

part of speech

partook

partridge

partridgeberry

part–song

part–time

parturition

partway

party

party pooper

pascal

Pascal's triangle

paschal

pasha

pass

passable

passage

passageway

pass away

passbook

passé

passel

passenger

passenger pigeon

passerby

passing

passion

passionate

passion play

Passion Sunday

Passiontide

Passion Week

passive

passive immunity

passive resistance

passkey

pass off

pass out

Passover

pass over

passport

password

past

pasta

paste

pasteboard

pastel

pastern

pasteurization

pasteurize

pastime

past master

pastor

pastoral

pastorale

pastorate

past participle

past perfect tense

pastrami

pastry

past tense

pasturage

pasture

pastureland

pasty

PA system

pat

patch

patch pocket

patch test

patchwork

patchy

pate

patella

paten

patent

patentee

patent leather

patent medicine

paternal

paternity

path

pathetic

pathfinder

pathogen

pathogenic

pathological

pathologist

pathology

pathos

pathway

patience

patient

patio

patois

patriarch

patriarchy

patrician

patrimony

patriot

patriotic

patriotism

patrol

patrolman

patrol wagon

patron

patronage

patroness

patronize

patron saint

patroon

patted

patter

pattern

patting

patty

paucity

paunch

paunchy

pauper

pause

pave

pavement

pavilion

paving

paw

pawl

pawn

pawnbroker

Pawnee

pawnshop

pawpaw

pay

payable

paycheck

payday

pay dirt

payee

payload

paymaster

payment

payoff

pay off

pay–per–view

payroll

pay up

paywall

PC

PDA

pea

peace

peaceable

peaceful

peacekeeping

peacemaker

peacetime

peach

peacock

pea jacket

peak

peaked

peal

peanut

peanut butter

peanut oil

pear

pearl

pearl onion

pearly

peasant

peasantry

pease

peat

peat moss

pebble

pecan

peccadillo

peccary

peck

pecking order

pectin

pectoral

pectoral fin

pectoral muscle

peculiar

peculiarity

pecuniary

pedagogics

pedagogue

pedagogy

pedal

pedal pushers

pedant

pedantry

peddle

pedestal

pedestrian

pediatrician

pediatrics

pediculosis

pedicure

pedigree

pediment

pedometer

peduncle

peek

peel

peeling

peep

peeper

peephole

peeping Tom

peer

peerage

peerless

peeve

peevish

peewee

peg

Pegasus

Peg–Board

pegmatite

Pekingese

Peking man

pekoe

pelage

pelagic

pelargonium

pelf

pelican

pellagra

pellet

pellicle

pell–mell

pellucid

pelt

pelvic

pelvic fin

pelvic girdle

pelvis

Pembroke Welsh corgi

pemmican

pen

penal

penalize

penalty

penance

pence

penchant

pencil

pendant

pendent

pending

pendulous

pendulum

peneplain

penetrable

penetrate

penetrating

penetration

penguin

penicillin

penicillium

peninsula

penis

penitence

penitent

penitential

penitentiary

penknife

penlight

penman

penmanship

pen name

pennant

penniless

pennon

Pennsylvania Dutch

Pennsylvanian

penny

penny arcade

pennyweight

penny–wise

pen pal

pension

pensioner

pensive

penstock

pent

pentagon

pentagonal

pentameter

pentathlon

Pentecost

penthouse

pentose

penult

penultimate

penumbra

penurious

penury

peon

peony

people

pep

pepo

pepper

peppercorn

peppered moth

peppermint

pepperoni

peppery

pepsin

peptic

peptidase

peptide

peptone

per

peradventure

perambulate

perambulator

per annum

percale

per capita

perceive

percent

percentage

perceptible

perception

perceptive

perch

perchance

Percheron

perchlorate

perchloric acid

percolate

percolation

percolator

percussion

percussion cap

percussion instrument

percussionist

per diem

perdition

peregrinate

peregrine falcon

peremptory

perennial

perfect

perfectible

perfection

perfectionist

perfectly

perfect number

perfect square

perfect tense

perfidious

perfidy

perforate

perforation

perforce

perform

performance

perfume

perfumery

perfunctory

perhaps

perianth

pericardium

perigee

perihelion

peril

perilous

perimeter

period

periodic

periodical

periodic table

periodontal

periosteum

peripatetic

peripheral

peripheral nervous system

periphery

periscope

perish

perishable

peristalsis

peritoneum

peritonitis

periwig

periwinkle

perjure

perjury

perk

perky

perlite

perm

permafrost

permanent

permanent magnet

permanent press

permanent tooth

permeability

permeable

permeate

Permian

permissible

permission

permissive

permit

permutation

pernicious

pernicious anemia

peroration

peroxide

perpendicular

perpetrate

perpetual

perpetuate

perpetuity

perplex

perplexity

perquisite

persecute

persecution

Perseus

perseverance

persevere

persevering

Persian

Persian cat

Persian lamb

persiflage

persimmon

persist

persistence

persistent

person

personable

personage

personal

personal computer

personal effects

personality

personalize

personally

personal pronoun

personalty

personification

personify

personnel

perspective

perspicacious

perspicuous

perspiration

perspire

persuade

persuasible

persuasion

persuasive

pert

pertain

pertinacious

pertinence

pertinency

pertinent

perturb

perturbation

pertussis

peruke

perusal

peruse

pervade

pervasive

perverse

perversion

perversity

pervert

perverted

Pesach

peseta

pesky

peso

pessimism

pessimistic

pest

pester

pesthole

pesticide

pestiferous

pestilence

pestilent

pestilential

pestle

pesto

pet

petal

peter

Peter

petiole

petite

petit four

petition

petit jury

petr-

petrel

Petri dish

petrifaction

petrification

petrify

petrochemical

petrol

petroleum

petroleum jelly

petticoat

pettifog

petting zoo

pettish

petty

petty cash

petty officer

petty officer first class

petty officer second class

petty officer third class

petulance

petulant

petunia

pew

pewee

pewter

peyote

PG

PG–13

pH

phage

phagocyte

phalanx

phalarope

phallus

Phanerozoic

phantasm

phantasy

phantom

pharaoh

pharmaceutical

pharmacist

pharmacologist

pharmacology

pharmacopoeia

pharmacy

pharyngeal

pharynx

phase

phase out

pheasant

phenobarbital

phenol

phenolphthalein

phenomenal

phenomenon

phenotype

phenylketonuria

phenylthiocarbamide

pheromone

phi

phial

philander

philanthropic

philanthropy

philatelist

philately

-phile

Philemon

philharmonic

Philippians

Philistine

philodendron

philology

philosopher

philosopher's stone

philosophical

philosophize

philosophy

phishing

phlebotomy

phlegm

phlegmatic

phloem

phlox

-phobe

phobia

phoebe

Phoenician

phoenix

phon-

phonation

phone

-phone

phoneme

phonemic

phonetic

phonetics

phonic

phonics

phonograph

phony

phooey

phosphate

phospholipid

phosphor

phosphorescence

phosphorescent

phosphoric acid

phosphorus

phot-

photo

photocell

photocopy

photoelectric

photoelectric cell

photoelectric effect

photo finish

photogenic

photograph

photographic

photography

photomicrograph

photon

photoperiod

photoplay

photoshop

photosphere

photosynthesis

phototaxis

phototropism

phragmites

phrase

phraseology

phrasing

phylactery

phylogeny

phylum

phys ed

physic

physical

physical education

physical examination

physical geography

physical science

physical therapist

physical therapy

physician

physicist

physics

physiognomy

physiography

physiological

physiologist

physiology

physiotherapy

physique

-phyte

phytoplankton

pi

pianissimo

piano

pianoforte

piastre

piazza

pibroch

pica

picador

picaresque

picayune

piccalilli

piccolo

pick

pickaback

pickax

picked

pickerel

pickerelweed

picket

picket line

pickings

pickle

pickled

pick–me–up

pick off

pick out

pick over

pickpocket

pickup

pick up

picky

picnic

pico-

picot

pictogram

pictograph

pictorial

picture

picture book

picture graph

picture–perfect

picturesque

picture tube

picture window

picture writing

piddling

pidgin

pie

piebald

piece

piece by piece

pièce de résistance

piecemeal

piece of cake

piece of eight

piecework

pie chart

pied

piedmont

pie plant

pier

pierce

pierced

piercing

pier glass

pierogi

piety

piffle

pig

pigeon

pigeonhole

pigeon–toed

piggish

piggyback

piggy bank

pigheaded

pig iron

pig latin

piglet

pigment

pigmentation

pigmy

pig out

pigpen

pigskin

pigsty

pigtail

pigweed

pika

pike

piker

pikestaff

pilaf

pilaster

pile

pileated woodpecker

pile driver

pilfer

pilgrim

pilgrimage

piling

pill

pillage

pillar

pillbox

pill bug

pillion

pillory

pillow

pillowcase

pilot

pilot balloon

pilot fish

pilothouse

pilot light

pilot whale

pimento

pimiento

pimple

pin

pinafore

piñata

pinball machine

pince–nez

pincer

pinch

pincher

pinch hitter

pincushion

pine

pineal gland

pineapple

pine cone

pine tar

pinewood

pinfeather

ping

Ping–Pong

pinhead

pinheaded

pinhole

pinion

pink

pinkeye

pinkie

pinking shears

pin money

pinna

pinnace

pinnacle

pinnate

pinned

pinning

pinniped

pinochle

piñon

pinpoint

pinprick

pins and needles

pinstripe

pint

pintail

pinto

pinto bean

pint–size

pin tuck

pinwale

pinwheel

pinworm

pinyin

pinyon

pioneer

pious

pip

pipe

pipe cleaner

pipe down

pipe dream

pipefish

pipe fitter

pipeline

pipe organ

pipette

pipe up

piping

piping hot

pip–squeak

piquancy

piquant

pique

piqué

piracy

piranha

pirate

pirogi

pirogue

pirouette

pis

Pisces

pistachio

pistil

pistillate

pistol

pistolero

pistol–whip

piston

pit

pita

pit–a–pat

pit bull

pit bull terrier

pitch

pitch–black

pitchblende

pitch–dark

pitched battle

pitcher

pitcher plant

pitchfork

pitch in

pitchout

pitch pipe

pitchy

piteous

pitfall

pith

pithy

pitiable

pitiful

pitiless

piton

pit stop

pittance

pitted

pitter–patter

pitting

pituitary

pituitary gland

pit viper

pity

pivot

pivotal

pixel

pixie

pizza

pizzeria

pizzicato

pj's

placard

placate

place

placebo

placeholder

placekick

place mat

placement

placenta

placer

place setting

place value

placid

placket

plagiarism

plagiarize

plague

plaid

plain

plainclothesman

Plains

plainsman

plainsong

plainspoken

plaint

plaintiff

plaintive

plain weave

plait

plan

planaria

planarian

plane

planet

planetarium

planetary

planetesimal

planetoid

plank

plankton

plano–concave

plano–convex

plant

plantain

plantation

planter

plant food

plant hormone

plantigrade

plant kingdom

plant louse

plaque

plash

plasma

plasma membrane

plasmodium

plaster

plasterboard

plaster cast

plaster of paris

plastic

plasticity

plastic surgeon

plastic surgery

plastid

plat

plate

plateau

plateful

plate glass

platelet

plate tectonics

platform

plating

platinum

platinum record

platitude

platoon

platoon sergeant

platter

platy

platypus

plaudit

plausible

play

playacting

playback

play back

playbill

playboy

play down

player

player piano

playfellow

playful

playground

playhouse

playing card

playing field

playlet

playmate

play–off

play off

play out

playpen

plaything

play up

playwright

plaza

plea

plead

pleasant

pleasantry

please

pleasing

pleasurable

pleasure

pleat

plebeian

plebiscite

plectrum

pledge

Pleiades

Pleistocene

plenary

plenipotentiary

plenitude

plenteous

plentiful

plentitude

plenty

plesiosaur

pleura

pleurisy

plexiglass

plexus

pliable

pliant

plied

pliers

plies

plight

plinth

Pliocene

plod

plonk

plop

plot

plough

plover

plow

plowboy

plowman

plowshare

ploy

pluck

plucky

plug

plug–in

plug in

plum

plumage

plumb

plumb bob

plumber

plumber's helper

plumbing

plumb line

plume

plummet

plump

plum pudding

plum tomato

plumule

plunder

plunge

plunger

plunk

plural

plurality

pluralize

plus

plush

plus/minus sign

plus or minus

plus sign

Pluto

plutocracy

plutonian

plutonium

ply

Plymouth Rock

plywood

PMS

pneumatic

pneumococcus

pneumonia

poach

po'boy

pock

pocket

pocketbook

pocketful

pocket gopher

pocketknife

pocket money

pocket–size

pocket veto

pockmark

pod

podcast

podiatrist

podiatry

podium

poem

poesy

poet

poetess

poetic

poet laureate

poetry

pogo stick

poi

poignancy

poignant

poikilotherm

poinsettia

point

point–blank

pointed

pointer

pointless

point of view

pointy

poise

poison

poison gas

poison ivy

poison oak

poisonous

poison sumac

poke

poker

pokeweed

poky

polar

polar bear

polar body

Polaris

polariscope

polarity

polarize

Polaroid

pole

Pole

pole bean

polecat

polemic

polenta

polestar

pole vault

police

police dog

police force

policeman

police officer

police state

policewoman

policy

policyholder

polio

poliomyelitis

polish

Polish

polish off

polite

politic

political

politically correct

political science

politician

politics

polka

polka dot

poll

pollack

polled

pollen

pollen basket

pollen grain

pollen sac

pollen tube

pollinate

pollination

pollinator

pollster

poll tax

pollutant

pollute

pollution

Pollux

pollywog

polo

polonaise

polonium

polo shirt

poltergeist

poltroon

poly-

polyanthus

polychromatic

polychrome

polydactyly

polyester

polyethylene

polygamous

polyglot

polygon

polygraph

polyhedron

polymer

polymerization

Polynesian

polynomial

polyp

polyphony

polysaccharide

polystyrene

polysyllabic

polytechnic

polytheism

polyunsaturated

pome

pomegranate

Pomeranian

pommel

pomp

pompadour

pompano

pom–pom

pompous

poncho

pond

ponder

ponderosa pine

ponderous

pond lily

pond scum

pondweed

pone

pongee

poniard

pontiff

pontificate

pontoon

pony

pony express

ponytail

pooch

poodle

pooh

pooh–pooh

pool

poop

poor

poor boy

poor farm

poorhouse

poorly

pop

popcorn

pope

popeyed

pop fly

popgun

popinjay

poplar

poplin

popover

popper

poppy

Popsicle

populace

popular

popularize

populate

population

populous

pop–up

porcelain

porch

porcupine

porcupine fish

pore

porgy

pork

pork barrel

porker

pornography

porosity

porous

porphyry

porpoise

porridge

porringer

port

portable

portage

portal

portal vein

portcullis

portend

portent

portentous

porter

porterhouse

portfolio

porthole

portico

portion

portland cement

portly

portmanteau

portrait

portray

portrayal

Portuguese

Portuguese man–of–war

pose

poser

poseur

posh

posies

position

positive

positron

posse

possess

possession

possessive

possibility

possible

possibly

possum

post

post-

postage

postage stamp

postal

postal card

postal service

postcard

postconsumer

postdate

poster

posterior

posterity

postern

post exchange

postgraduate

posthaste

posthole

posthumous

postilion

postlude

postman

postmark

postmaster

postmaster general

post meridiem

postmistress

postmortem

postmortem examination

postnasal drip

postnatal

post office

postpaid

postpone

post road

postscript

postulate

posture

postwar

posy

pot

potable

potash

potassium

potassium chlorate

potassium chloride

potassium cyanide

potassium dichromate

potassium hydroxide

potassium nitrate

potassium permanganate

potassium sulfate

potato

potato beetle

potato bug

potato chip

potbellied pig

potbellied stove

potbelly

potency

potent

potentate

potential

potential difference

potential energy

potentiality

potful

pothead

pother

potherb

pot holder

pothole

pothook

potion

potluck

potpie

potpourri

pot roast

potshot

pottage

potted

potter

potter's field

potter's wheel

pottery

potting

potty

pouch

poultice

poultry

poultryman

pounce

pound

pound cake

pour

pout

poverty

poverty–stricken

POW

powder

powder blue

powder horn

powdery

powdery mildew

power

powerboat

power dive

powerful

powerhouse

powerless

power plant

power station

power strip

power up

powwow

pox

PR

practicable

practical

practical joke

practically

practical nurse

practice

practiced

practitioner

praetor

praetorian

pragmatic

pragmatism

prairie

prairie chicken

prairie dog

prairie schooner

praise

praiseworthy

praline

prance

prank

prankster

praseodymium

prate

pratfall

prattle

prawn

pray

prayer

prayerful

praying mantis

pre-

preach

preacher

preamble

prearrange

Precambrian

precarious

precaution

precede

precedence

precedent

preceding

precept

preceptor

precession

precinct

precious

precipice

precipitate

precipitation

precipitous

précis

precise

precision

preclude

precocious

preconceive

precook

precursor

predaceous

predate

predation

predator

predatory

predecessor

predestination

predestine

predetermine

predicament

predicate

predict

prediction

predilection

predispose

predominance

predominant

predominate

preeminence

preeminent

preempt

preen

preexist

preexistence

prefab

prefabricate

preface

prefect

prefecture

prefer

preferable

preference

preferential

preferment

prefigure

prefix

pregnancy

pregnant

preheat

prehensile

pre–Hispanic

prehistoric

prehistory

prejudge

prejudice

prejudicial

prelate

preliminary

preliterate

prelude

premature

premedical

premeditate

premenstrual

premenstrual syndrome

premier

premiere

premise

premium

premix

premolar

premonition

prenatal

preoccupied

preoccupy

preordain

prepackage

preparation

preparatory

preparatory school

prepare

prepared

preparedness

prepay

preponderance

preponderant

preposition

prepossess

prepossessing

prepossession

preposterous

prep school

prepuce

prerecorded

preregistration

prerequisite

prerogative

presage

presbyter

Presbyterian

preschool

preschooler

prescience

prescient

prescribe

prescription

presence

presence of mind

present

presentable

presentation

present–day

presentiment

presently

presentment

present participle

present perfect tense

present tense

preservation

preservative

preserve

preset

preshrink

preside

presidency

president

Presidents' Day

presoak

presort

press

press agent

press conference

presser foot

pressing

press secretary

pressure

pressure cooker

pressure point

pressurize

prestidigitation

prestige

presto

presumably

presume

presumption

presumptuous

presuppose

presweetened

preteen

pretend

pretender

pretense

pretension

pretentious

preterit

preternatural

pretest

pretext

pretreat

pretty

pretzel

prevail

prevailing

prevalence

prevalent

prevaricate

prevent

preventative

prevention

preventive

preview

previous

previous to

prewar

prewash

prewriting

prey

price

priceless

prick

pricker

prickle

prickly

prickly heat

prickly pear

pride

prideful

pried

priest

priestess

priesthood

priestly

prig

prim

primacy

prima donna

primal

primarily

primary

primary color

primate

primatology

prime

prime meridian

prime minister

prime number

primer

prime time

primeval

priming

primitive

primordial

primp

primrose

prince

Prince Albert

prince consort

princely

princess

principal

principality

principal parts

principle

principled

prink

print

printable

printer

printer's devil

printing

printing press

printmaker

printout

print out

prior

prioress

priority

prior to

priory

prise

prism

prison

prison camp

prisoner

prisoner of war

pristine

prithee

privacy

private

private detective

privateer

private first class

private investigator

private parts

privation

privet

privilege

privileged

privily

privy

prize

prizefight

prizewinner

pro

pro-

proactive

probability

probable

probably

probate

probate court

probation

probationer

probation officer

probe

probity

problem

problematic

proboscis

procaine

procedure

proceed

proceeding

proceeds

process

process cheese

procession

processional

processor

pro–choice

proclaim

proclamation

proclivity

proconsul

procrastinate

procreate

proctor

procurator

procure

prod

prodigal

prodigious

prodigy

produce

producer

product

production

productive

productivity

prof

profane

profanity

profess

professed

professedly

profession

professional

professionalize

professor

professorship

proffer

proficiency

proficient

profile

profit

profitable

profiteer

profligacy

profligate

profound

profundity

profuse

profusion

progeny

progesterone

prognosis

prognosticate

prognostication

program

programme

programmer

programming

program music

progress

progression

progressive

prohibit

prohibition

prohibitionist

prohibitive

project

projectile

projection

projectionist

projector

prokaryote

proleg

proletarian

proletariat

pro–life

proliferate

prolific

prolix

prologue

prolong

prolongation

prom

promenade

promethium

prominence

prominent

promiscuity

promiscuous

promise

promised land

promising

promissory

promontory

promote

promoter

promotion

prompt

prompter

promptitude

promulgate

prone

prong

pronghorn

pronominal

pronoun

pronounce

pronounced

pronouncement

pronto

pronunciation

proof

proofread

prop

propaganda

propagandize

propagate

propagation

propane

propel

propellant

propeller

propensity

proper

proper adjective

proper fraction

properly

proper name

proper noun

propertied

property

prophase

prophecy

prophesy

prophet

prophetess

prophetic

Prophets

prophylactic

propitiate

propitious

proponent

proportion

proportional

proportionate

proposal

propose

proposition

propound

proprietary

proprietor

propriety

prop root

propulsion

pro rata

prorate

pros

prosaic

proscenium

proscribe

proscription

prose

prosecute

prosecuting attorney

prosecution

prosecutor

proselyte

proselytize

prose poem

prosimian

prosody

prospect

prospective

prospector

prospectus

prosper

prosperity

prosperous

prostate

prostate gland

prosthesis

prostitute

prostitution

prostrate

prostration

prosy

protactinium

protagonist

protean

protect

protection

protective

protective coloration

protector

protectorate

protégé

protein

pro tempore

Proterozoic

protest

protestant

protestation

prothorax

protist

protocol

proton

protoplanet

protoplasm

prototype

protozoa

protozoan

protozoologist

protozoology

protract

protractor

protrude

protrusion

protuberance

protuberant

proud

prove

Provençal

provender

proverb

proverbial

Proverbs

provide

provided

providence

provident

providential

province

provincial

provincialism

proving ground

provision

provisional

proviso

provocation

provocative

provoke

provoking

provost

provost marshal

prow

prowess

prowl

prowl car

proximity

proxy

prude

prudence

prudent

prudential

prudery

prune

prurient

pry

prying

psalm

psalmist

psalmody

Psalms

Psalter

psaltery

p's and q's

pseud-

pseudo

pseudonym

pseudopod

pseudopodium

pshaw

psi

psilocybin

psittacosis

psoriasis

psych

psyche

psychedelic

psychiatrist

psychiatry

psychic

psycho

psycho-

psychoactive

psychoanalysis

psychoanalyst

psychoanalytic

psychoanalyze

psychological

psychologist

psychology

psychopath

psychosis

psychosomatic

psychotherapist

psychotherapy

psychotic

psychrometer

ptarmigan

PT boat

PTC

pteridophyte

pterodactyl

pterosaur

ptomaine

ptomaine poisoning

ptyalin

pub

puberty

pubic

pubis

public

public–address system

publican

publication

public house

publicist

publicity

publicize

public relations

public school

public servant

public service

public utility

public works

publish

publisher

puck

pucker

pudding

pudding stone

puddle

pudgy

pueblo

puerile

puff

puff adder

puffball

puffer

puffer fish

puffin

pug

pugilist

pugnacious

pug nose

puissance

puke

pule

pull

pull–down

pullet

pulley

Pullman

pullover

pull through

pulmonary

pulmonary artery

pulmonary circulation

pulmonary vein

pulp

pulpit

pulpwood

pulpy

pulsate

pulsation

pulse

pulverize

puma

pumice

pummel

pump

pumpernickel

pumpkin

pumpkinseed

pun

punch

puncheon

punctilio

punctilious

punctual

punctuate

punctuation

punctuation mark

puncture

pungency

pungent

punish

punishment

punitive

punk

punk rock

punt

puny

pup

pupa

pupate

pupil

puppet

puppeteer

puppy

purblind

purchase

pure

purebred

puree

purely

purgative

purgatory

purge

purify

Purim

purine

purism

puritan

purity

purl

purlieu

purloin

purple

Purple Heart

purplish

purport

purpose

purposely

purr

purse

purser

pursuance

pursuant to

pursue

pursuit

purvey

pus

push

push–button

push button

pushcart

pusher

pushover

push–up

pusillanimous

puss

pussy

pussyfoot

pussy willow

pustule

put

put about

put across

put by

put down

put in

put off

put–on

put on

putout

put out

put over

putrefaction

putrefy

putrid

putt

putter

put through

putting

putty

putty knife

put up

puzzle

puzzlement

pygmy

pyjamas

pylon

pylorus

pyorrhea

pyramid

pyre

pyrethrum

Pyrex

pyridoxine

pyrimidine

pyrite

pyro-

pyrolusite

pyromania

pyromaniac

pyroxene

pyruvic acid

Pythagorean theorem

python

Q

q

Q–tip

quack

quackery

quack grass

quad

quadrangle

quadrant

quadraphonic

quadratic

quadratic equation

quadratic formula

quadri-

quadrilateral

quadrille

quadrillion

quadriplegic

quadruped

quadruple

quadruplet

quadruplicate

quaff

quagmire

quail

quaint

quake

quaker

qualification

qualified

qualifier

qualify

qualitative

quality

quality point

quality point average

qualm

qualmish

quandary

quantitative

quantity

quantum

quantum theory

quarantine

quark

quarrel

quarrelsome

quarry

quart

quarter

quarterback

quarterdeck

quarter horse

quarter hour

quartering

quarterly

quartermaster

quarter note

quarter rest

quarterstaff

quartet

quarto

quartz

quartzite

quasar

quash

quasi-

Quaternary

quatrain

quaver

quay

queasy

Quechua

queen

Queen Anne's lace

queenly

queen mother

queen–size

queer

quell

quench

querulous

query

quest

question

questionable

question mark

questionnaire

quetzal

queue

quibble

quick

quick bread

quicken

quick–freeze

quickie

quicksand

quicksilver

quick–tempered

quick–witted

quid

quiescent

quiet

quietude

quietus

quill

quilt

quilting

quince

quinine

quinoa

Quinquagesima

quint

quintal

quintessence

quintet

quintillion

quintuple

quintuplet

quip

quirk

quirt

quisling

quit

quite

quits

quittance

quitter

quiver

quixotic

quiz

quizzical

quoit

quorum

quota

quotable

quotation

quotation mark

quote

quoth

quotient

R

r

R

rabbi

rabbinate

rabbit

rabbit punch

rabble

rabble–rouser

rabid

rabies

raccoon

race

racecourse

racehorse

racer

racerunner

racetrack

raceway

racial

racialism

racism

rack

racket

racketeer

rack up

racoon

racquetball

racy

radar

radar gun

radial

radial symmetry

radiance

radiant

radiant energy

radiate

radiation

radiator

radical

radicalism

radicalize

radical sign

radicand

radii

radio

radio-

radioactive

radioactivity

radio astronomy

radiocarbon

radiocarbon dating

radio frequency

radiogram

radioisotope

radiolarian

radiology

radioman

radiometer

radiophone

radiosonde

radiotelephone

radio telescope

radio wave

radish

radium

radius

radon

radula

raffia

raffish

raffle

raft

rafter

rag

ragamuffin

ragbag

rag doll

rage

ragged

raggedy

raging

raglan sleeve

ragman

ragout

ragpicker

ragtag

ragtime

ragweed

rah

raid

rail

railcar

railing

raillery

railroad

railroading

railway

raiment

rain

rainbow

rainbow trout

raincoat

rain date

raindrop

rainfall

rain forest

rain gauge

rainmaking

rain out

rainproof

rainstorm

rainwater

rainwear

rainy

rainy day

raise

raised

raisin

raja

rake

rakish

rale

rally

ram

RAM

Ramadan

ramble

rambler

rambunctious

ramification

ramify

ramjet

ramp

rampage

rampant

rampart

ramrod

ramshackle

ran

ranch

rancher

ranchero

ranch house

ranchman

rancid

rancor

rand

random

random–access

random–access memory

randomize

rang

range

range finder

rangeland

ranger

rangy

rani

rank

rank and file

rankle

ransack

ransom

rant

rap

rapacious

rapacity

rape

rapid

rapid eye movement

rapid–fire

rapid transit

rapier

rapine

rappel

rapper

rapport

rapprochement

rapscallion

rapt

raptor

rapture

rare

rarebit

rarefaction

rarefy

rarely

raring

rarity

rascal

rascality

rascally

rash

rasp

raspberry

raspy

rat

ratable

ratchet

rate

rather

rather than

ratification

ratify

rating

ratio

ration

rational

rationale

rationality

rationalize

rational number

ratline

rat snake

rattan

ratter

rattle

rattler

rattlesnake

rattletrap

rattling

rattly

ratty

raucous

ravage

rave

ravel

raveling

raven

ravenous

ravine

ravioli

ravish

ravishing

raw

rawboned

raw deal

rawhide

raw material

ray

rayed

ray flower

rayon

raze

razor

razorback

razor dam

razz

RBI

-rd

re

re-

're

reach

react

reactant

reaction

reactionary

reactive

reactor

read

readable

reader

readership

reading

read–only memory

readout

ready

ready–made

ready room

ready–to–wear

real

real estate

realign

real image

realism

realistic

reality

realize

real–life

really

realm

real number

Realtor

realty

ream

reamer

reap

reaper

reapportion

rear

rear admiral

rear guard

rearm

rearmost

rearrange

rearview mirror

rearward

reason

reasonable

reasoning

reassurance

reassure

reata

rebate

rebel

rebellion

rebellious

rebirth

reborn

rebound

rebozo

rebranch

rebuff

rebuild

rebuke

rebus

rebut

rebuttal

recalcitrance

recalcitrant

recall

recant

recap

recapitulate

recapture

recast

recede

receipt

receivable

receivables

receive

receiver

receivership

recency

recent

receptacle

reception

receptionist

receptive

receptor

recess

recession

recessional

recessive

recharge

recipe

recipient

reciprocal

reciprocate

reciprocity

recital

recitation

recitative

recite

reckless

reckon

reckoning

reclaim

reclamation

recline

recluse

recognition

recognizance

recognize

recoil

recollect

re–collect

recollection

recombination

recombine

recommend

recommendation

recommit

recompense

reconcile

recondite

recondition

reconfirm

reconnaissance

reconnoiter

reconsider

reconstitute

reconstruct

reconstruction

reconversion

reconvert

record

recorder

recording

record player

recount

recoup

recourse

recover

re–cover

recovery

recovery room

recreant

recreate

re–create

recreation

recreational vehicle

recriminate

recrudescence

recruit

recrystallize

rectangle

rectangular

rectify

rectitude

rector

rectory

rectum

rectus

recumbent

recuperate

recuperative

recur

recurrent

recurved

recyclable

recycle

red

red alga

redate

redbird

red blood cell

red–blooded

redbreast

redcap

red–carpet

red cedar

red cell

red clover

redcoat

red corpuscle

red cross

red deer

Red Delicious

redden

reddish

red dwarf

redecorate

redeem

redefine

redemption

redesign

redevelop

red fox

red giant

red–handed

redhead

redheaded

redheaded woodpecker

red herring

red–hot

redial

red ink

redirect

redistribute

redistrict

red lead

red–letter

red maple

red marrow

red meat

red mullet

redo

red oak

redolence

redolent

redouble

redoubtable

redound

red panda

red pepper

redress

red–shafted flicker

redshift

red snapper

red spider

red spruce

red squirrel

redstart

red–tailed hawk

red tape

red tide

reduce

reduction

reduction division

redundancy

redundant

reduplicate

reduplication

red–winged blackbird

redwood

reecho

reed

reeducate

reedy

reef

reefer

reek

reel

reelect

reel off

reenact

reenter

reentrance

reentry

reeve

ref

refashion

refectory

refectory table

refer

referee

reference

reference mark

referendum

referent

referral

refigure

refill

refine

refined

refinement

refinery

refinish

refit

reflect

reflecting telescope

reflection

reflective

reflector

reflex

reflex arc

reflexion

reflexive

reflux

reforestation

reform

re–form

reformation

reformative

reformatory

reformer

Reform Judaism

reform school

refract

refracting telescope

refraction

refractive index

refractor

refractory

refrain

refresh

refreshen

refresher

refreshing

refreshment

refried beans

refrigerant

refrigerate

refrigerator

refuel

refuge

refugee

refulgence

refund

refurbish

refusal

refuse

refutation

refute

regain

regal

regale

regalia

regard

regardful

regarding

regardless

regatta

regency

regenerate

regeneration

regenerative

regent

reggae

regicide

regime

regimen

regiment

regimentals

region

regional

regionalism

register

registered nurse

registrant

registrar

registration

registry

regress

regression

regressive

regret

regretfully

regrettable

regrettably

regroup

regrow

regrowth

regular

regularity

regularize

regulate

regulation

regurgitate

rehabilitate

rehash

rehearsal

rehearse

rehydrate

reichsmark

reign

reign of terror

reimburse

rein

reincarnate

reincarnation

reindeer

reindeer moss

reinfection

reinforce

reinforcement

reinforcer

reinstate

reinterpret

reinvent

reinvest

reissue

reiterate

reject

rejection

rejoice

rejoicing

rejoin

rejoinder

rejuvenate

relaid

relapse

relate

related

relater

relation

relationship

relative

relative humidity

relatively

relative to

relativistic

relativity

relax

relaxant

relaxation

relaxed

relay

release

releaser

relegate

relent

relentless

relevance

relevancy

relevant

reliability

reliable

reliance

reliant

relic

relict

relied

relief

relief map

relief pitcher

relieve

religion

religious

reline

relinquish

reliquary

relish

relive

relocate

reluctance

reluctant

rely

REM

remain

remainder

remake

remand

remark

remarkable

remarry

rematch

remediable

remedial

remediation

remedy

remember

remembrance

remind

reminisce

reminiscence

reminiscent

remiss

remissible

remission

remit

remittal

remittance

remnant

remodel

remonstrance

remonstrant

remonstrate

remora

remorse

remorseful

remorseless

remote

remote control

remount

removable

removal

remove

removed

remover

remunerate

remuneration

remunerative

renaissance

renal

rename

renascence

renascent

rend

render

rendezvous

rendition

renegade

renege

renew

renewable

renewal

rennet

rennin

renominate

renounce

renovate

renown

renowned

rent

rental

renter

renunciation

reopen

reorder

reorganization

reorganize

rep

repackage

repair

repairman

reparable

reparation

reparative

repartee

repast

repatriate

repay

repeal

repealer

repeat

repeated

repeatedly

repeater

repeating decimal

repel

repellency

repellent

repent

repentance

repentant

repercussion

repercussive

repertoire

repertory

repetition

repetitious

repetitive

repine

replace

replacement

replacement set

replant

replenish

replete

repletion

replica

replicate

replication

reply

report

reportable

report card

reportedly

reporter

reportorial

repose

reposeful

reposition

repository

repossess

reprehend

reprehensible

reprehension

represent

representation

representative

repress

repressed

repression

repressor

reprieve

reprimand

reprint

reprisal

reproach

reprobate

reprocess

reproduce

reproduction

reproductive

reproof

reprove

reptile

reptilian

republic

republican

republicanism

repudiate

repugnance

repugnant

repulse

repulsion

repulsive

reputable

reputation

repute

reputed

reputedly

request

requiem

requiem shark

require

requirement

requisite

requisition

requital

requite

reradiate

rerun

resale

rescind

rescission

rescue

research

reseed

resemblance

resemble

resend

resent

resentful

resentment

reservation

reserve

reserved

reservist

reservoir

reset

reshape

reshuffle

reside

residence

residency

resident

residential

residual

residue

resign

resignation

resigned

resilience

resiliency

resilient

resin

resist

resistance

resistant

resister

resistibility

resistible

resistless

resistor

resolute

resolution

resolve

resolved

resonance

resonant

resonate

resonator

resort

resound

resounding

resource

resourceful

respect

respectable

respectful

respecting

respective

respectively

respell

respiration

respirator

respiratory

respiratory system

respire

respite

resplendence

resplendency

resplendent

respond

response

responsibility

responsible

responsive

rest

restart

restate

restatement

restaurant

restaurateur

rested

restful

rest home

rest house

resting

restitution

restive

restless

restoration

restorative

restore

restrain

restrained

restraint

restrict

restricted

restriction

restrictive

restroom

restructure

result

resultant

resume

résumé

resumption

resurface

resurgence

resurgent

resurrect

resurrection

resuscitate

resuscitation

resuscitator

ret

retail

retain

retainer

retake

retaliate

retard

retardant

retardation

retarded

retch

retell

retention

retentive

rethink

reticence

reticent

reticular

reticulate

reticule

retina

retinol

retinue

retire

retired

retiree

retirement

retiring

retool

retort

retouch

retrace

retract

retractile

retraction

retractor

retrain

retranslate

retread

retreat

retrench

retrial

retribution

retributive

retributory

retrieval

retrieve

retriever

retro

retro-

retroactive

retrofire

retrofit

retrograde

retrogress

retrogression

retro–rocket

retrospect

retrospection

retrospective

retrovirus

retted

retting

return

returnable

returnee

retweet

reunion

reunite

reusable

reuse

rev

revaluate

revalue

revamp

reveal

reveille

revel

revelation

Revelation

revelatory

revelry

revenge

revenue

revenuer

reverberant

reverberate

revere

reverence

reverend

reverent

reverential

reverie

reversal

reverse

reversible

reversion

revert

review

revile

revise

Revised Standard Version

Revised Version

revision

revisit

revitalize

revival

revivalism

revivalist

revive

revocable

revocation

revoke

revolt

revolting

revolution

revolutionary

revolutionist

revolutionize

revolve

revolver

revolving

revue

revulsion

revved

revving

rewake

reward

rewarding

rewind

reword

rework

rewrite

reynard

rezone

rhapsodize

rhapsody

rhea

rhenium

rheostat

rhesus monkey

rhetoric

rhetorical

rheum

rheumatic

rheumatic fever

rheumatism

Rh factor

rhinestone

rhino

rhinoceros

rhizoid

rhizome

Rh–negative

rho

Rhode Island Red

rhodium

rhododendron

rhombic

rhomboid

rhombus

Rh–positive

rhubarb

rhyme

rhyme scheme

rhyolite

rhythm

rhythm and blues

rhythmic

rhythm method

riata

rib

ribald

ribbon

rib cage

riboflavin

ribonucleic acid

ribose

ribosomal RNA

ribosome

rice

rice paper

ricer

rich

Richard Roe

richen

riches

richly

Richter scale

rick

rickets

rickettsia

rickety

rickey

rickrack

rickshaw

ricochet

ricotta

rid

riddance

ridden

riddle

ride

rideable

rider

ridge

ridgepole

ridgy

ridicule

ridiculous

riding

rife

riffle

riffraff

rifle

rifleman

riflery

rifling

rift

rift valley

rig

Rigel

rigging

right

right angle

right away

right circular cone

right circular cylinder

righteous

right field

rightful

right–hand

right–handed

rightist

rightly

right–minded

right now

right–of–way

right on

right prism

right triangle

rightward

right whale

rigid

rigmarole

rigor

rigor mortis

rigorous

rile

rill

rim

rime

rimrock

rimy

rind

ring

ringbolt

ringer

ring finger

ringgit

ringleader

ringlet

ringmaster

ring–necked

ring–necked pheasant

ringside

ring stand

ring–tailed

ringtone

ring up

ringworm

rink

rinse

riot

riot act

riotous

rip

rip cord

ripe

ripen

rip–off

rip off

riposte

ripping

ripple

ripply

rip–roaring

ripsaw

rise

riser

risible

risk

risk factor

risky

ritardando

rite

ritual

ritualism

ritzy

rival

rivalry

rive

river

riverbank

riverbed

river blindness

riverboat

riverside

rivet

rivulet

riyal

RN

RNA

roach

road

roadbed

roadblock

roadhouse

roadrunner

roadside

roadstead

roadster

road test

roadway

roam

roan

roar

roaring

roast

roaster

rob

robber fly

robbery

robe

robin

robot

robotics

robust

roc

Rochelle salt

rock

rock–and–roll

rock bass

rock bottom

rockbound

rock candy

rock crystal

rock dove

rocker

rocket

rocketry

rocket ship

rocket sled

rock garden

rock hound

rocking chair

rocking horse

rock lobster

rock 'n' roll

rock salt

rockweed

rock wool

rocky

Rocky Mountain sheep

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

rococo

rod

rode

rodent

rodenticide

rodeo

roe

roentgen

roentgenium

roentgen ray

Rogation Day

roger

rogue

rogue elephant

rogues' gallery

roguish

roil

roister

role

role model

role–play

roll

roll bar

roll call

roller

roller bearing

roller coaster

roller rink

roller skate

rollick

rollicking

rolling pin

rolling stock

rolltop desk

roll up

roly–poly

ROM

romaine

Roman

Roman candle

Roman Catholic

romance

Romance

Romanesque

Romanian

Roman numeral

Romano

Romans

Romansch

romantic

romanticism

romanticize

Romany

romp

romper

rood

roof

roofing

rooftop

rooftree

rook

rookery

rookie

room

roomer

roomful

rooming house

roommate

roomy

roost

rooster

root

root beer

root canal

root cap

root cellar

root hair

rootlet

root pressure

rootstock

rope

ropewalk

ropewalker

ropy

Roquefort

Rorschach test

rosary

rose

rose–breasted grosbeak

rosebud

rosebush

rose–colored

rose hip

rosemary

Rosetta stone

rosette

rosewood

Rosh Hashanah

rosin

roster

rostrum

rosy

rot

rotary

rotate

rotation

rote

rotenone

rotifer

rotisserie

rotor

rototiller

rotten

rotund

rotunda

rouble

rouge

rough

roughage

roughen

rough–hewn

roughhouse

roughneck

Rough Rider

roughshod

roulette

round

roundabout

round dance

rounded

roundelay

roundhouse

roundly

round–robin

round–shouldered

round steak

round table

roundup

round up

roundworm

rouse

rousing

roustabout

rout

route

router

routine

rove

rover

roving

row

rowboat

rowdy

rowel

row house

rowing

rowlock

royal

royal blue

royalist

royal jelly

royalty

rRNA

RSS

rub

rubber

rubber band

rubberized

rubberneck

rubber plant

rubber–stamp

rubber stamp

rubber tree

rubbing

rubbing alcohol

rubbish

rubble

rubdown

rubella

rubicund

rubidium

rub in

ruble

rub off

rub out

rubric

ruby

ruby–throated hummingbird

rucksack

ruckus

ruction

rudder

ruddy

rude

rudiment

rudimentary

rue

rueful

ruff

ruffed grouse

ruffian

ruffle

rug

rugby

rugged

ruin

ruination

ruinous

rule

rule of thumb

rule out

ruler

ruling

rum

Rumanian

rumba

rumble

rumble seat

rumen

ruminant

ruminate

rummage

rummage sale

rummy

rumor

rump

rumple

rumpus

run

runabout

runagate

runaround

runaway

run away

runback

rundown

run–down

run down

rune

rung

run–in

runner

runner–up

running

running board

running knot

running light

running mate

running stitch

runny

runoff

run off

run–of–the–mill

run–on

run on

run–on sentence

run out

run over

runt

run through

run up

runway

rupee

rupiah

rupture

rural

rural free delivery

rural route

ruse

rush

rush hour

rusk

russet

Russian

Russian dressing

Russian wolfhound

Russo-

rust

rustic

rustle

rustproof

rusty

rut

rutabaga

Ruth

ruthenium

rutherfordium

ruthless

RV

Rx

-ry

rye

rye bread

S

s

-s

's

-'s

Sabbath

sabbatical

saber

saber–toothed tiger

Sabine

sable

sabotage

saboteur

sac

saccharin

saccharine

sacerdotal

sac fungus

sachem

sachet

sack

sackcloth

sack coat

sackful

sacking

sacrament

sacred

sacrifice

sacrifice fly

sacrifice hit

sacrificial

sacrilege

sacristan

sacristy

sacrosanct

sacrum

sad

sadden

saddle

saddlebag

saddlebow

saddle horse

saddler

saddlery

saddle shoe

saddle sore

saddletree

sadism

sadist

sadness

safari

safe

safe–deposit box

safeguard

safekeeping

safelight

safe sex

safety

safety belt

safety match

safety pin

safety razor

safety valve

safflower

safflower oil

saffron

sag

saga

sagacious

sagamore

sage

sagebrush

Sagittarius

sago

sago palm

saguaro

said

sail

sailboat

sailcloth

sailfish

sailor

sailplane

saint

Saint Agnes' Eve

Saint Andrew's cross

Saint Bernard

sainted

sainthood

saintly

Saint Patrick's Day

saintship

Saint Valentine's Day

saith

sake

salaam

salable

salad

salad bar

salad dressing

salad oil

salamander

salami

sal ammoniac

salaried

salary

sale

salesclerk

salesman

salespeople

salesperson

sales tax

saleswoman

salicylic acid

salient

saline

saliva

salivary

salivary gland

salivate

Salk vaccine

sallow

sally

salmon

salmonberry

salmonella

salmon pink

salon

saloon

salsa

salt

salt–and–pepper

salt away

saltbush

saltcellar

salt flat

saltine

salt lake

salt lick

salt marsh

salt pan

saltshaker

saltwater

salty

salubrious

salutary

salutation

salutatorian

salutatory

salute

salvage

salvation

salve

salver

salvo

samara

samarium

same

sameness

Samoa time

samovar

Samoyed

sampan

sample

sampler

sample space

Samuel

samurai

sanatorium

sanctify

sanctimonious

sanction

sanctity

sanctuary

sanctum

sand

sandal

sandalwood

sandbag

sandbank

sandbar

sandblast

sandbox

sandbur

sand dollar

sander

sand flea

sand fly

sandglass

sandhill crane

sandlot

sandman

sandpaper

sandpiper

sandstone

sandstorm

sand trap

sandwich

sandwich man

sandy

sane

sang

sanguinary

sanguine

sanitarian

sanitarium

sanitary

sanitary landfill

sanitary napkin

sanitation

sanitize

sanity

San Jose scale

sank

sans

sansevieria

Sanskrit

Santa Claus

Santa Gertrudis

sap

sapience

sapient

sapling

sapodilla

sapphire

sappy

saprophyte

sapsucker

sapwood

saran

sarape

sarcasm

sarcastic

sarcophagus

sardine

sardonic

sargasso

sargassum

sari

sarong

sarsaparilla

sartorial

sash

Sasquatch

sass

sassafras

sassy

sat

Satan

satchel

sate

sateen

satellite

satellite dish

satiate

satiety

satin

satin weave

satire

satirist

satirize

satisfaction

satisfactory

satisfy

satrap

saturate

saturated

saturation

Saturday

Saturn

saturnalia

saturnine

satyr

sauce

saucepan

saucer

saucy

sauerbraten

sauerkraut

sauna

saunter

saurian

sausage

sauté

sauterne

savage

savagery

savanna

savant

save

saving

savings account

savings and loan association

savings bank

savings bond

savior

savor

savory

savvy

saw

sawbuck

sawdust

sawed–off

sawfish

sawfly

saw grass

sawhorse

sawmill

saw–toothed

sawyer

sax

Saxon

saxophone

say

saying

say–so

scab

scabbard

scabby

scabies

scads

scaffold

scaffolding

scalable

scalar

scalare

scalawag

scald

scalding

scale

scaled

scale insect

scalene

scallion

scallop

scallywag

scalp

scalpel

scaly

scam

scamp

scamper

scan

scandal

scandalize

scandalous

scandium

scanner

scansion

scant

scantling

scanty

scapegoat

scapula

scapular

scar

scarab

scarce

scarcely

scarcity

scare

scarecrow

scare up

scarf

scarify

scarlet

scarlet fever

scarlet runner bean

scarlet tanager

scarp

scar tissue

scary

scat

scathe

scathing

scatter

scatterbrain

scattering

scatter rug

scavenge

scavenger

scavenger hunt

scenario

scenarist

scene

scenery

scene–stealer

scenic

scent

scented

scepter

sceptic

schedule

schematic

schematize

scheme

scheming

schilling

schism

schismatic

schist

schizophrenia

schizophrenic

schlemiel

schmaltz

schmooze

schmoozy

schmuck

schnauzer

scholar

scholarship

scholastic

school

schoolbag

school board

schoolbook

schoolboy

school bus

schoolchild

schoolfellow

schoolgirl

schoolhouse

schooling

schoolmarm

schoolmaster

schoolmate

schoolmistress

schoolroom

schoolteacher

schooltime

schoolwork

schoolyard

schooner

schottische

schuss

schwa

sciatica

sciatic nerve

science

science fair

science fiction

scientific

scientific method

scientific notation

scientist

sci–fi

scimitar

scintillate

scion

scissor

scissors

scissors kick

sclera

sclerosis

sclerotic

sclerotic coat

scoff

scold

scolex

scoliosis

sconce

scone

scoop

scoot

scooter

scope

-scope

scopolamine

scorch

scorched earth

scorcher

score

scoreboard

scorecard

scorekeeper

scoria

scorn

scornful

Scorpio

scorpion

Scot

scotch

Scotch

Scotchman

Scotch terrier

Scotchwoman

scoter

scot–free

Scotland Yard

Scots

Scotsman

Scotswoman

scottie

Scottish

Scottish terrier

scoundrel

scour

scourge

scouring rush

scout

scouting

scoutmaster

scow

scowl

scrabble

scrag

scraggly

scraggy

scram

scramble

scrap

scrapbook

scrape

scraping

scrapple

scrappy

scratch

scratch hit

scratch test

scratchy

scrawl

scrawny

scream

screaming

screech

screeching

screech owl

screen

screening

screenplay

screen saver

screenwriter

screw

screw around

screwball

screwdriver

screw eye

screw propeller

screwup

screw up

screwworm

screwy

scribble

scribe

scrimmage

scrimp

scrimshaw

scrip

script

scriptorium

scriptural

scripture

scriptwriter

scrivener

scrod

scroll

scrollwork

scrooge

scrotum

scrounge

scrub

scrubby

scrubland

scruff

scruffy

scrumptious

scrunch

scrunchie

scruple

scrupulous

scrutinize

scrutiny

scuba

scuba diver

scud

scuff

scuffle

scull

scullery

scullion

sculpin

sculpt

sculptor

sculptress

sculpture

scum

scupper

scuppernong

scurrilous

scurry

scurvy

scutcheon

scuttle

scuttlebutt

scythe

sea

sea anemone

seabag

sea bass

seabed

seabird

seaboard

seaborgium

sea breeze

seacoast

sea cow

sea cucumber

sea devil

sea dog

sea fan

seafarer

seafaring

seafloor

seafood

seagoing

sea green

sea gull

sea horse

seal

sea lamprey

sea–lane

sea lavender

sea legs

sealer

sea lettuce

sea level

sea lily

sealing wax

sea lion

seal off

sealskin

seam

seaman

seaman apprentice

seaman recruit

seamanship

sea mile

sea monkey

seamount

seamstress

seamy

séance

sea otter

seaplane

seaport

seaquake

sear

search

search engine

searchlight

search warrant

seascape

Sea Scout

sea serpent

seashell

seashore

seasick

seaside

sea slug

season

seasonable

seasonal

seasoning

season ticket

sea star

seat

seat belt

sea trout

sea turtle

sea urchin

seawall

seaward

seawater

seaway

seaweed

seaworthy

sebaceous gland

secant

secede

secession

secessionist

seclude

secluded

seclusion

second

secondary

secondary color

secondary school

secondary sex characteristic

second base

second baseman

second–best

second–class

second cousin

second–degree burn

second fiddle

second growth

second–guess

secondhand

second hand

secondhand smoke

second lieutenant

second person

second–rate

second–string

second wind

secrecy

secret

secretariat

secretary

secretary–general

secrete

secretion

secretive

secret police

Secret Service

sect

sectarian

section

sectional

sectionalism

sector

secular

secularism

secularize

secure

securement

security

sedan

sedate

sedative

sedentary

sedge

sediment

sedimentary

sedimentation

sedition

seditious

seduce

seductive

seductress

sedulous

sedum

see

seeable

seed

seedbed

seedcase

seed coat

seedeater

seeder

seed leaf

seedless

seedling

seed plant

seedpod

seedy

seeing

Seeing Eye

seek

seem

seeming

seemly

seen

see out

seep

seepage

seer

seersucker

seesaw

seethe

segment

segmentation

sego lily

segregate

segregated

segregation

segregationist

seigneur

seignior

seigniory

seine

seism-

seismic

seismicity

seismogram

seismograph

seismology

seismometer

seize

seizure

selaginella

seldom

select

selection

selective

selectman

selector

selenium

self

self-

self–acting

self–actualize

self–addressed

self–admiration

self–appointed

self–assertion

self–assurance

self–assured

self–awareness

self–centered

self–conceit

self–concept

self–confessed

self–confidence

self–conscious

self–contained

self–control

self–deception

self–defeating

self–defense

self–denial

self–destruction

self–determination

self–directed

self–discipline

self–doubt

self–educated

self–employed

self–esteem

self–evident

self–explanatory

self–expression

self–fertilization

self–government

self–harm

self–help

selfhood

self–identity

selfie

self–image

self–importance

self–imposed

self–improvement

self–incrimination

self–indulgence

self–indulgent

self–inflicted

self–interest

selfish

selfless

self–made

self–pity

self–pollination

self–portrait

self–possessed

self–possession

self–preservation

self–proclaimed

self–produced

self–propelled

self–propelling

self–protective

self–regard

self–reliance

self–reproach

self–respect

self–restraint

self–righteous

self–rising flour

self–rule

self–sacrifice

selfsame

self–satisfaction

self–satisfied

self–sealing

self–seeker

self–serve

self–service

self–starter

self–styled

self–sufficiency

self–sufficient

self–support

self–supporting

self–taught

self–will

self–winding

self–worth

sell

sellout

sell out

selvage

selves

semantic

semantics

semaphore

semblance

semen

semester

semi-

semiannual

semiaquatic

semiarid

semicircle

semicircular canal

semiclassical

semicolon

semiconductor

semiconscious

semidarkness

semifinal

semiformal

semimonthly

seminar

seminarian

seminary

seminiferous tubule

Seminole

semiofficial

semipermeable

semiprecious

semiprivate

semipro

semiprofessional

semireligious

semiskilled

semisoft

semisolid

semisweet

Semite

Semitic

semitone

semitrailer

semitropical

semiweekly

semolina

senate

senator

senatorial

send

send–off

Seneca

seneschal

senile

senility

senior

senior airman

senior chief petty officer

senior citizen

seniority

senior master sergeant

senna

senor

senora

senorita

sensation

sensational

sense

senseless

sense organ

sensibility

sensible

sensitive

sensitive plant

sensitivity

sensitize

sensor

sensory

sensory neuron

sensual

sensuous

sent

sentence

sentence fragment

sententious

sentient

sentiment

sentimental

sentimentalism

sentimentality

sentinel

sentry

sepal

separable

separate

separation

separatist

separator

sepia

sepoy

September

septet

septic sore throat

septic tank

septillion

septuagenarian

Septuagesima

septum

sepulcher

sepulchral

sepulture

sequel

sequence

sequential

sequester

sequestration

sequin

sequined

sequoia

sera

seraglio

serape

seraph

seraphim

Serb

Serbian

Serbo–Croatian

sere

serenade

serendipity

serene

serenity

serf

serge

sergeant

sergeant at arms

sergeant first class

sergeant major

sergeant major of the army

sergeant major of the marine corps

serial

serialize

serial number

sericulture

series

serif

serious

serious–minded

sermon

serous membrane

serpent

serpentine

serrate

serrated

serried

serum

servant

serve

server

service

serviceable

serviceberry

service charge

service club

serviceman

service mark

service module

service station

servicewoman

servile

serving

servitor

servitude

sesame

sesqui-

sesquicentennial

sessile

session

sestet

set

seta

setback

set down

set–in

set in

setline

set off

set out

settee

setter

set theory

setting

settle

settlement

settlement house

settler

setup

set up

seven

seven–league

seven seas

seventeen

seventeen–year locust

seventh

seventy

sever

several

severance

severe

severity

sew

sewage

sewer

sewerage

sewing

sewing machine

sew up

sex

sex-

sexagenarian

sex cell

sex chromosome

sex gland

sex hormone

sexism

sex–linked

sextant

sextet

sextillion

sexton

sextuple

sextuplet

sexual

sexual harassment

sexual intercourse

sexuality

sexually transmitted disease

sexual relations

sexy

sforzando

shabby

Shabuoth

shack

shackle

shad

shadbush

shade

shade tree

shadow

shadowbox

shadowy

shady

shaft

shag

shagbark hickory

shaggy

shah

shake

shakedown

shaker

Shakespearean

shake–up

shake up

shako

shaky

shale

shall

shallop

shallow

shalt

sham

shamble

shambles

shame

shamefaced

shameful

shameless

shampoo

shamrock

shanghai

shank

shan't

shanty

shantytown

shape

shapeless

shapely

shape up

shard

share

sharecrop

sharecropper

shareholder

shareware

shark

sharkskin

sharp

sharpen

sharper

sharp–eyed

sharpshooter

sharp–witted

shatter

shatterproof

shatters

shave

shaver

shaves

shaving

shawl

Shawnee

shay

she

sheaf

shear

shearwater

sheath

sheathe

sheathing

sheath knife

sheave

shebang

shed

she'd

sheen

sheep

sheepdog

sheepfold

sheepherder

sheepish

sheepshead

sheepskin

sheer

sheet

sheeting

sheet metal

sheet music

Sheetrock

sheikh

shekel

shelf

shelf fungus

shelf life

shell

she'll

shellac

shellacking

shell bean

shelled

shellfish

shell shock

shell–shocked

shelly

shelter

shelve

shelving

shenanigans

shepherd

shepherdess

shepherd's check

sherbet

sheriff

sherpa

sherry

she's

Shetland pony

Shetland sheepdog

Shia

shibboleth

shied

shield

shield volcano

shier

shies

shiest

shift

shifter

shift key

shiftless

shifty

Shiite

shillelagh

shilling

shilly–shally

shimmer

shin

shinbone

shindig

shindy

shine

shiner

shingle

shining

shinny

Shinto

shiny

ship

-ship

shipboard

shipbuilder

shipload

shipmate

shipment

shippable

shipper

shipping

shipshape

shipworm

shipwreck

shipyard

shire

shirk

shirr

shirring

shirt

shirtsleeve

shirttail

shirtwaist

shirty

shish kebab

shiver

shivery

shlemiel

shmooze

shoal

shoat

shock

shock absorber

shocking

shockproof

shock wave

shoddy

shoe

shoehorn

shoelace

shoemaker

shoestring

shoe tree

shogun

shone

shoo

shoofly pie

shoo–in

shook

shook–up

shoot

shooting star

shoot–out

shop

shopkeeper

shoplift

shoplifter

shopping center

shopping mall

shoptalk

shopworn

shore

shorebird

shoreline

shore patrol

shoreward

shoring

shorn

short

shortage

shortbread

shortcake

shortchange

short–circuit

short circuit

shortcoming

shortcut

short division

shorten

shortening

short fuse

short–haired

shorthand

shorthanded

short–haul

shorthorn

short–horned grasshopper

short hundredweight

short–lived

shortly

shortness

short–order

short–range

short shrift

shortsighted

shortstop

short story

short–tempered

short–term

short ton

shortwave

Shoshone

shot

shotgun

shot put

should

shoulder

shoulder blade

shoulder strap

shouldest

shouldn't

shouldst

shout

shove

shovel

shoveler

shovelful

show

showbiz

showboat

show business

showcase

showdown

shower

showman

show–off

show off

showpiece

showplace

showroom

showtime

show up

showy

shrapnel

shred

shrew

shrewd

shriek

shrift

shrill

shrimp

shrimper

shrine

shrink

shrinkage

shrive

shrivel

shroud

Shrovetide

Shrove Tuesday

shrub

shrubbery

shrubby

shrug

shrug off

shuck

shudder

shuffle

shuffleboard

shul

shun

shunt

shush

shut

shutdown

shute

shut–in

shutoff

shut off

shutout

shut out

shutter

shutterbug

shuttle

shuttlecock

shut up

shy

shyster

si

Siamese

Siamese cat

Siamese twin

Siberian husky

sibilant

sibling

sick

sick bay

sickbed

sicken

sickening

sickish

sickle

sickle cell

sickle–cell anemia

sickly

sickness

sickroom

side

sidearm

sideboard

sideburns

side by side

sidecar

sided

side dish

side effect

sidekick

sidelight

sideline

sidelong

sidesaddle

sideshow

sideslip

sidespin

side–splitting

sidestep

side street

sidestroke

sideswipe

sidetrack

sidewalk

sidewall

sideward

sideways

side–whiskers

sidewinder

sidewise

siding

sidle

siege

sienna

sierra

siesta

sieve

sieve tube

sift

sigh

sight

sighted

sightless

sightly

sight–read

sightsee

sightseeing

sight unseen

sigma

sign

signal

signalize

signalman

signature

signboard

significance

significant

significant digit

signification

signify

sign in

sign language

sign off

sign of the cross

sign on

sign out

signpost

sign up

Sikh

silage

silence

silencer

silent

silent treatment

silhouette

silica

silicate

silicon

silicon dioxide

silicone

silicosis

silk

silken

silk moth

silk screen

silkworm

silky

sill

silly

silo

silt

Silurian

silvan

silver

silver bromide

silverfish

silver fox

silver iodide

silver lining

silver nitrate

silver plate

silversmith

silverware

silvery

Simchas Torah

simian

similar

similarity

simile

similitude

simmer

simmer down

simper

simple

simple fraction

simple fracture

simple interest

simple machine

simpleminded

simple sugar

simpleton

simplicity

simplify

simplistic

simply

simulate

simulated

simulation

simulator

simultaneous

sin

since

sincere

sine

sinew

sinewy

sinful

sing

singe

singer

single

single bond

single–breasted

single file

single–handed

single–minded

singlet

singletree

singly

singsong

singular

singularity

sinister

sink

sinker

sinkhole

sinking fund

sinned

sinner

sinning

Sino-

sinuosity

sinuous

sinus

sinusitis

Siouan

Sioux

sip

siphon

sir

Sirach

sire

siren

Sirius

sirloin

sirup

sisal

sissy

sister

sisterhood

sister–in–law

sit

sitcom

sit–down

site

sit–in

Sitka spruce

sitter

sitting

sitting duck

sitting room

situate

situated

situation

situation comedy

sit–up

six

six–gun

sixpence

six–shooter

sixteen

sixteenth note

sixteenth rest

sixth

sixth sense

sixty

sizable

size

sized

sizing

sizzle

ska

skate

skateboard

skate park

skating

skeet

skein

skeletal

skeleton

skeleton key

skeptic

skeptical

skepticism

sketch

sketchbook

sketchy

skew

skewer

skew lines

skewness

ski

ski boot

skid

skid row

skies

skiff

skiing

ski jump

ski lift

skill

skilled

skillet

skillful

skim

skimmer

skim milk

skimp

skimpy

skin

skin–deep

skin–dive

skinflint

skin graft

skink

skinner

skinny

skinny–dip

skintight

skip

ski pole

skipper

skirmish

skirt

skit

ski tow

skitter

skittish

skoal

skulduggery

skulk

skull

skull and crossbones

skullcap

skunk

skunk cabbage

sky

sky blue

skycap

skydiving

sky–high

skyjacker

skylark

skylight

skyline

skyrocket

skyscraper

skyward

skywriting

slab

slack

slacken

slacker

slag

slain

slake

slalom

slam

slam–bang

slam dunk

slander

slang

slangy

slant

slant height

slantways

slantwise

slap

slapdash

slapjack

slap shot

slapstick

slash

slash pine

slat

slate

slattern

slatternly

slaty

slaughter

slaughterhouse

Slav

slave

slave driver

slaveholder

slaver

slavery

Slavic

slavish

Slavonic

slaw

slay

sleazy

sled

sled dog

sledge

sledgehammer

sleek

sleep

sleeper

sleeping bag

sleeping car

sleeping pill

sleeping sickness

sleepless

sleepover

sleepwalk

sleepy

sleepyhead

sleet

sleeve

sleigh

sleight

sleight of hand

slender

sleuth

slew

slice

slick

slicker

slide

slider

slide rule

slideway

slier

sliest

slight

slighting

slim

slime

slime mold

slimy

sling

slingshot

slink

slinky

slip

slipcover

slipknot

slippage

slipped disk

slipper

slippery

slipshod

slipup

slip up

slit

slither

slithery

sliver

slob

slobber

sloe

sloe–eyed

sloe gin

slog

slogan

slo–mo

sloop

slop

slope

slope–intercept form

sloppy

slosh

slot

slot car

sloth

slothful

slot machine

slouch

slouchy

slough

Slovak

sloven

Slovene

slovenly

slow

slowdown

slow motion

slowpoke

sludge

slue

slug

sluggard

slugger

sluggish

sluice

slum

slumber

slumberous

slumlord

slump

slung

slunk

slur

slurp

slush

slushy

sly

smack

smack–dab

small

small arm

small calorie

small capital

small–claims court

small–fry

small intestine

small–minded

smallmouth bass

small potatoes

smallpox

small talk

smart

smart aleck

smart card

smarten

smartphone

smarty

smash

smashup

smattering

smear

smeary

smell

smelling salts

smelly

smelt

smelter

smidgen

smile

smiley

smirch

smirk

smirky

smite

smith

smithereens

smithy

smock

smocking

smog

smoggy

smoke

smoke and mirrors

smoke detector

smokehouse

smoke jumper

smokeless

smoke screen

smokestack

smoke tree

smoky

smolder

smooch

smooth

smooth muscle

smooth–tongued

smoothy

smorgasbord

smote

smother

smudge

smug

smuggle

smut

smutty

snack

snack bar

snag

snaggletooth

snail

snail mail

snake

snakebird

snakebite

snake in the grass

snake plant

snakeroot

snakeskin

snaky

snap

snapback

snap back

snap bean

snapdragon

snapper

snapping turtle

snappish

snappy

snapshot

snare

snare drum

snark

snarl

snatch

snazzy

sneak

sneaker

sneaking

sneaky

sneer

sneeze

snick

snicker

snide

sniff

sniffish

sniffle

snigger

snip

snipe

snippet

snippy

snips

snitch

snivel

snob

snob appeal

snobbery

snobbish

snobbism

snobby

snood

snoop

snoopy

snoot

snooty

snooze

snooze button

snore

snorkel

snort

snot

snotty

snout

snout beetle

snow

snowball

snowbank

snowbird

snow–blind

snow blindness

snowblower

snowboard

snowbound

snowcap

snowdrift

snowdrop

snowfall

snow fence

snowflake

snow leopard

snow line

snowman

snowmobile

snow pea

snowplow

snowshoe

snowshoe hare

snowslide

snowstorm

snowsuit

snow thrower

snow tire

snow tube

snow under

snow–white

snowy

snowy owl

snub

snub–nosed

snuff

snuffbox

snuffle

snug

snuggery

snuggle

so

soak

so–and–so

soap

soapberry

soapbox

soap opera

soapstone

soapsuds

soapy

soar

sob

sober

sobriety

sobriquet

so–called

soccer

sociability

sociable

social

social climber

socialism

socialite

socialize

socially

social media

social networking

social science

social scientist

social security

social studies

social work

society

sociological

sociologist

sociology

sock

socket

sod

soda

soda cracker

soda fountain

soda jerk

sodality

soda pop

soda water

sodden

sodium

sodium bicarbonate

sodium carbonate

sodium chloride

sodium citrate

sodium fluoride

sodium hydroxide

sodium nitrate

sodium nitrite

sodium sulfate

sodium thiosulfate

sofa

sofa bed

soft

softball

soft–boiled

soft coal

soft drink

soften

softhearted

soft–serve

soft–shell

soft–shoe

soft soap

soft–soap

software

soft wheat

softwood

softy

soggy

soil

soilage

soilless

soil science

soil scientist

soiree

sojourn

sol

solace

solar

solar cell

solar collector

solar eclipse

solar flare

solarium

solar panel

solar plexus

solar system

solar wind

sold

solder

soldering iron

soldier

soldier of fortune

soldiery

sole

solecism

solely

solemn

solemnize

solenoid

soli

solicit

solicitor

solicitous

solicitude

solid

solidarity

solidify

solidity

solid–state

soliloquize

soliloquy

solitaire

solitary

solitude

solo

soloist

solon

so long

so long as

solstice

solubility

soluble

solution

solution set

solvable

Solvay process

solve

solvency

solvent

somatic

somatic cell

somber

sombrero

some

-some

somebody

someday

somehow

someone

someplace

somersault

somerset

something

sometime

sometimes

someway

somewhat

somewhere

somewheres

somnolence

somnolent

so much as

son

sonar

sonata

song

songbird

songfest

Song of Solomon

Song of Songs

song sparrow

songster

songstress

songwriter

sonic

sonic boom

son–in–law

sonnet

sonneteer

sonny

sonority

sonorous

soon

soot

sooth

soothe

soothing

soothsayer

sooty

sop

sophism

sophist

sophisticate

sophisticated

sophistry

sophomore

sophomoric

Sophonias

sopping

soppy

soprano

sorbet

sorcerer

sorceress

sorcery

sordid

sore

sorehead

sorely

sore throat

sorghum

sorority

sorrel

sorrow

sorrowful

sorry

sort

sortie

sort of

sorus

SOS

so–so

sot

sotto voce

sou

soubriquet

soufflé

sough

sought

soul

soulful

soulless

soul music

soul–searching

sound

sound barrier

soundboard

sound effects

sounder

sounding

sounding board

sounding line

soundless

sound off

sound pollution

soundproof

sound track

sound truck

sound waves

soup

souped–up

soupy

sour

sour ball

source

sour cherry

sour cream

sourdough

sour grapes

sousaphone

souse

south

southbound

southeast

southeaster

southeasterly

southeastern

Southeasterner

southeastward

southerly

southern

Southern Cross

Southerner

southern hemisphere

southern lights

southland

southpaw

south pole

south–seeking pole

southward

southwest

southwester

southwesterly

southwestern

Southwesterner

southwestward

souvenir

sou'wester

sovereign

sovereignty

soviet

sovietize

sow

sowbelly

sow bug

sox

soy

soya

soybean

soy sauce

spa

space

space–age

space cadet

spacecraft

spaceflight

space heater

spaceman

space medicine

space opera

space out

spaceport

spaceship

space shuttle

space station

space suit

space walk

spacing

spacious

spade

spadework

spaghetti

spaghetti strap

spake

spam

span

spandex

spangle

Spanglish

Spaniard

spaniel

Spanish

Spanish American

Spanish moss

Spanish omelet

Spanish rice

spank

spanking

spanner

spar

spare

spareribs

sparing

spark

sparking plug

sparkle

sparkler

spark plug

sparky

sparred

sparring

sparring partner

sparrow

sparrow hawk

sparse

Spartan

spasm

spasmodic

spastic

spat

spate

spatial

spatter

spatula

spavin

spavined

spawn

spay

speak

speakeasy

speaker

speakership

speak out

speak up

spear

spearfish

speargun

spearhead

spearman

spearmint

spec

special

special delivery

special education

specialist

speciality

specialization

specialize

specialized

special relativity

specialty

speciation

specie

species

specific

specification

specific gravity

specific heat

specificity

specify

specimen

specious

speck

speckle

specs

spectacle

spectacled

spectacular

spectator

specter

spectral

spectrograph

spectrometer

spectrophotometer

spectroscope

spectrum

speculate

speculation

speculative

speculum

speech

speechless

speed

speedboat

speed bump

speed dial

speeder

speed limit

speed of light

speedometer

speed–reading

speedster

speedway

speedy

speleology

spell

spellbind

spellbinder

spellbound

spell–check

spellchecker

speller

spelling

spelling bee

spell out

spelt

spelunker

spend

spendable

spending money

spendthrift

spent

sperm

spermaceti

spermatid

spermatogenesis

spermatophyte

spermatozoon

sperm cell

spermicide

sperm whale

spew

sphagnum

sphere

spherical

spheroid

sphincter

sphinx

sphinx moth

sphygmomanometer

spice

spicebush

spick–and–span

spicule

spicy

spider

spider crab

spider mite

spider plant

spiderweb

spidery

spied

spiel

spies

spiffy

spigot

spike

spiked

spikelet

spikenard

spiky

spile

spill

spillage

spillway

spin

spinach

spinal

spinal column

spinal cord

spinal nerve

spindle

spindly

spindrift

spine

spineless

spinet

spinnaker

spinner

spinneret

spinning

spinning jenny

spinning reel

spinning wheel

spin–off

spinster

spiny

spiny anteater

spiny lobster

spiracle

spiral

spire

spirea

spirillum

spirit

spirited

spiritless

spiritual

spiritualism

spirochete

spirogyra

spit

spitball

spite

spiteful

spitfire

spitting image

spittle

spittlebug

spittle insect

spittoon

spit up

spitz

splash

splashdown

splashy

splat

splatter

splay

spleen

splendid

splendiferous

splendor

splenetic

splice

splint

splint bone

splinter

split

split infinitive

split–level

split pea

split personality

split second

split–second

splitting

splotch

splurge

splutter

spoil

spoilage

spoiler

spoilsport

spoke

spoken

spokesman

spokesmodel

spokesperson

spokeswoman

spondee

sponge

sponge cake

spongin

spongy

spongy cell

spongy layer

sponsor

spontaneity

spontaneous

spontaneous combustion

spontaneous generation

spoof

spook

spooky

spool

spoon

spoonbill

spoon bread

spoonerism

spoon–feed

spoonful

spoor

sporadic

sporangium

spore

spore case

sporophyte

sporozoan

sporran

sport

sporting

sportive

sports car

sportscast

sportsman

sportsmanship

sports medicine

sportswear

sportswoman

sportswriter

sport–utility vehicle

sporty

sporulation

spot

spot–check

spotless

spotlight

spotted

spotted fever

spotted owl

spotted turtle

spotter

spotty

spouse

spout

sprain

sprawl

spray

spray gun

spread

spread–eagle

spreader

spreadsheet

spree

sprier

spriest

sprig

sprightly

spring

spring beauty

springboard

springbok

springer spaniel

spring fever

spring peeper

spring roll

spring tide

springtime

springwood

springy

sprinkle

sprinkling

sprint

sprite

sprocket

sprout

spruce

sprung

spry

spud

spume

spumoni

spun

spun glass

spunk

spunky

spun sugar

spur

spurious

spurn

spur–of–the–moment

spurred

spurt

Sputnik

sputter

sputum

spy

spyglass

squab

squabble

squad

squad car

squadron

squalid

squall

squally

squalor

squamous

squander

square

square away

square bracket

square dance

square knot

squarely

square measure

square number

square one

square–rigged

square–rigger

square root

square shooter

squarish

squash

squash bug

squash racquets

squashy

squat

squatter

squatty

squawk

squeak

squeaky

squeal

squeamish

squeegee

squeeze

squelch

squib

squid

squiggle

squinch

squint

squint–eyed

squire

squirm

squirrel

squirt

squirt gun

squishy

SRO

S–shaped

SST

-st

stab

stability

stabilize

stabilizer

stable

stabler

staccato

stack

stackable

stack up

stadium

staff

staffer

staff sergeant

stag

stage

stagecoach

stage direction

stage fright

stagehand

stage manager

stagestruck

stage whisper

stagger

staggering

staghound

staging

stagnant

stagnate

staid

stain

stained glass

stainless steel

stair

staircase

stairway

stairwell

stake

stalactite

stalagmite

stale

stalemate

stalk

stall

stallion

stalwart

stamen

stamina

staminate

stammer

stamp

stampede

stance

stanch

stanchion

stand

standard

standard–bearer

standardbred

standard deviation

standardize

standard of living

standard time

standby

stand by

standee

stand–in

stand in

standing

standing room

standing wave

standoff

standoffish

standout

stand out

stand pat

standpoint

standstill

stand up

stank

stanza

stapes

staph

staphylococcus

staple

stapler

star

starboard

starch

starchy

star–crossed

stardom

stare

starfish

star fruit

stargaze

stark

starlet

starlight

starling

starlit

star–nosed mole

Star of David

starry

Stars and Bars

Stars and Stripes

starshine

starship

star–spangled

start

starter

startle

startling

starvation

starve

starveling

stash

state

state bird

statecraft

stated

state flower

statehood

statehouse

stately

statement

stateroom

stateside

statesman

states' rights

statewide

static

static electricity

static line

station

stationary

station break

stationer

stationery

stationmaster

station wagon

statistic

statistician

statistics

statuary

statue

statuesque

statuette

stature

status

status quo

statute

statute mile

statutory

staunch

stave

stave off

staves

stay

staying power

STD

stead

steadfast

steady

steady state

steady state theory

steak

steal

stealth

stealthy

steam

steamboat

steam engine

steamer

steam iron

steamroller

steamship

steam shovel

steam turbine

steamy

stearic acid

stearin

steed

steel

steelhead

steel wool

steely

steelyard

steep

steepen

steeple

steeplechase

steer

steerage

steering wheel

stegosaurus

stein

stellar

stem

stem cell

stemmed

stemware

stem–winder

stench

stencil

steno

stenographer

stenography

stentor

stentorian

step

stepbrother

step–by–step

stepchild

stepdaughter

step down

stepfather

step–in

stepladder

stepmother

step out

stepparent

steppe

stepping–stone

stepsister

stepson

step stool

step up

-ster

stereo

stereophonic

stereopticon

stereoscope

stereoscopic

stereotype

stereotyped

sterile

sterilize

sterilizer

sterling

stern

sternum

stern–wheeler

steroid

stethoscope

Stetson

stevedore

stew

steward

stewardess

stewardship

stick

stick around

stickball

sticker

stick figure

stick insect

stick–in–the–mud

stickleback

stickler

stick out

stickpin

sticktight

stickup

stick up

sticky

stiff

stiffen

stifle

stigma

stigmatize

stile

stiletto

still

stillbirth

stillborn

still life

stilly

stilt

stilted

stimulant

stimulate

stimulation

stimulus

sting

stinger

stingray

stingy

stink

stinkbug

stint

stipe

stipend

stipple

stipulate

stipulation

stipule

stir

stir–fry

stirring

stirrup

stitch

stoat

stock

stockade

stockbroker

stock car

stock certificate

stock company

stock exchange

stockfish

stockholder

stocking

stocking cap

stock market

stockpile

stockroom

stock–still

stocky

stockyard

stodgy

stoic

stoke

stole

stolen

stolid

stolon

stoma

stomach

stomachache

stomacher

stomate

stomp

stomping ground

stone

Stone Age

stone–blind

stonecutter

stone–deaf

stone fly

stone–ground

stonemason

stone's throw

stoneware

stonewashed

stonework

stony

stood

stooge

stool

stool pigeon

stoop

stop

stop bath

stopcock

stopgap

stop knob

stoplight

stopover

stoppage

stopper

stopwatch

storable

storage

storage battery

store

storehouse

storekeeper

storeroom

storewide

storied

stork

storm

storm petrel

storm window

stormy

stormy petrel

story

storyteller

stoup

stout

stouthearted

stove

stovepipe

stow

stowage

stowaway

stow away

straddle

strafe

straggle

straight

straightaway

straightedge

straighten

straight face

straightforward

straightway

strain

strained

strainer

strait

straiten

straitjacket

straitlaced

strand

stranded

strange

stranger

strangle

stranglehold

strangulate

strangulation

strap

strapless

strapping

stratagem

strategic

strategist

strategize

strategy

stratification

stratify

stratigraphy

stratocumulus

stratosphere

stratum

stratus

straw

strawberry

straw boss

straw vote

stray

streak

streak camera

streaked

streaky

stream

streamer

streaming

streamlet

streamline

streamlined

street

streetcar

streetlight

street–smart

street smarts

streetwise

strength

strengthen

strenuous

strep

strep throat

streptococcus

streptomyces

streptomycin

stress

stressed–out

stressful

stress mark

stretch

stretcher

stretch receptor

strew

striated

striated muscle

striation

stricken

strict

stricture

stride

strident

strife

strike

strikebound

strikebreaker

strikebreaking

strike down

strike off

strikeout

strike out

strikeover

striker

strike up

strike zone

striking

string

string along

string bass

string bean

stringed instrument

stringent

stringer

stringing

stringy

strip

strip cropping

stripe

striped

striped bass

stripling

strip mine

strive

strobe

strode

stroke

stroll

stroller

strong

strongbox

strong force

stronghold

strong–minded

strontium

strontium 90

strop

strophe

strove

struck

structural

structural formula

structure

strudel

struggle

struggle for existence

strum

strung

strut

strychnine

stub

stubble

stubborn

stubby

stucco

stuck

stuck–up

stud

student

student council

student government

studied

studio

studio couch

studious

study

study hall

stuff

stuffing

stuffy

stultify

stumble

stumbling block

stump

stumpy

stun

stung

stun gun

stunk

stunner

stunning

stunt

stupefy

stupendous

stupid

stupidity

stupor

sturdy

sturgeon

stutter

sty

style

stylish

stylist

stylize

stylus

stymie

Styrofoam

suasion

suave

sub

sub-

subantarctic

subarctic

subcommittee

subcompact

subconscious

subcontinent

subcontract

subcutaneous

subdivide

subdivision

subdominant

subdue

subdued

subentry

subfreezing

subgroup

subhead

subheading

subject

subjective

subject matter

subjugate

subjunctive

sublease

sublet

sublimate

sublime

subliminal

submachine gun

submarginal

submarine

submariner

submediant

submerge

submerse

submersible

submersion

subminiature

submission

submissive

submit

subnormal

subnotebook

subordinate

subordinating

subplot

subpoena

subpolar

subroutine

sub–Saharan

subscribe

subscript

subscription

subsense

subsequent

subservience

subserviency

subservient

subset

subside

subsidiary

subsidize

subsidy

subsist

subsistence

subsoil

subsonic

subspecies

substance

substandard

substantial

substantiate

substantive

substation

substitute

substrate

substratum

substructure

subsume

subteen

subterfuge

subterranean

subtitle

subtle

subtlety

subtonic

subtopic

subtotal

subtract

subtraction

subtractive

subtrahend

subtropical

subtropics

subtweet

subunit

suburb

suburbanite

suburbia

subversion

subvert

subway

subwoofer

subzero

succeed

success

successful

succession

successive

successor

succinct

succor

succotash

succulence

succulent

succumb

such

suchlike

suck

sucker

sucker punch

sucking louse

suckle

suckling

sucrase

sucrose

suction

suction cup

sudden

sudden death

sudoku

suds

sudsy

sue

suede

suet

suffer

sufferance

suffering

suffice

sufficiency

sufficient

suffix

suffocate

suffrage

suffragette

suffragist

suffuse

sugar

sugar beet

sugar bush

sugarcane

sugarcoat

sugarhouse

sugarless

sugarloaf

sugar maple

sugarplum

sugary

suggest

suggestible

suggestion

suggestive

suicide

suing

suit

suitable

suitcase

suite

suitor

Sukkoth

sulfa

sulfa drug

sulfanilamide

sulfate

sulfide

sulfur

sulfur dioxide

sulfuric

sulfuric acid

sulfurous

sulfurous acid

sulk

sulky

sullen

sully

sultan

sultana

sultanate

sultry

sum

sumac

Sumerian

summa cum laude

summarization

summarize

summary

summation

summer

summerhouse

summer school

summer squash

summertime

summerwood

summery

summit

summon

summons

sumo

sump

sumptuous

sum total

sum up

sun

sunbaked

sunbath

sunbathe

sunbeam

sunblock

sunbonnet

sunburn

sunburst

sundae

Sunday

Sunday school

sunder

sundew

sundial

sundown

sundowner

sundries

sundry

sunfish

sunflower

sung

sunglasses

sun god

sun goddess

sunk

sunken

sunlamp

sunless

sunlight

sunlit

Sunni

sunny

sunrise

sunroof

sunscreen

sunset

sunshade

sunshine

sunspot

sunstroke

suntan

sunup

sunward

sup

super

super-

superabundant

superannuate

superannuated

superb

supercilious

supercomputer

supercontinent

supercool

superficial

superfine

superfluity

superfluous

superglue

superheat

superhero

superhighway

superhuman

superimpose

superintend

superintendence

superintendency

superintendent

superior

superiority

superior vena cava

superlative

superman

supermarket

supermicro

supermini

superminicomputer

supernal

supernatural

supernova

supernumerary

superphosphate

superpose

superpower

supersaturated

superscribe

superscript

superscription

supersede

supersensitive

supersession

supersonic

superstar

superstition

superstitious

superstore

supertanker

supertonic

supervene

supervenient

supervise

supervision

supervisor

superwoman

supine

supped

supper

supping

supplant

supple

supplement

supplementary

supplementary angle

suppliant

supplicant

supplicate

supply

support

supporter

support hose

support system

suppose

supposed

supposition

suppress

suppressant

suppurate

supra-

supranational

supremacist

supremacy

supreme

Supreme Being

supreme court

sur-

surcease

surcharge

surcingle

surcoat

sure

surefire

sure–footed

surely

surety

surf

surface

surface tension

surfacing

surfboard

surfeit

surfing

surge

surgeon

surgeon general

surgery

surgical

surly

surmise

surmount

surname

surpass

surplice

surplus

surprise

surprising

surprisingly

surrender

surreptitious

surrey

surrogate

surround

surroundings

surtax

surveillance

survey

surveying

surveyor

survival

survival of the fittest

survive

susceptibility

susceptible

sushi

suspect

suspend

suspended animation

suspender

suspense

suspension

suspension bridge

suspicion

suspicious

sustain

sustenance

suture

SUV

svelte

swab

swaddle

swaddling clothes

swag

swagger

swagman

Swahili

swain

swallow

swallowtail

swam

swami

swamp

swampland

swampy

swan

swank

swan song

swap

sward

swarm

swarthy

swash

swashbuckler

swashbuckling

swastika

swat

swatch

swath

swathe

sway

swaybacked

swear

swear in

swearword

sweat

sweatband

sweater

sweat gland

sweat lodge

sweat out

sweatpants

sweatshirt

sweatshop

sweaty

swede

Swedish

sweep

sweeping

sweep–second hand

sweepstakes

sweet

sweet basil

sweetbread

sweetbriar

sweet clover

sweet corn

sweeten

sweetening

sweet gum

sweetheart

sweetmeat

sweet pea

sweet pepper

sweet potato

sweet tooth

sweet william

swell

swelling

swelter

sweltering

swept

swept–back

swerve

swift

swig

swill

swim

swim bladder

swimmer's ear

swimming

swimmingly

swimming pool

swimsuit

swimwear

swindle

swine

swineherd

swing

swinish

swipe

swirl

swish

Swiss

Swiss chard

Swiss steak

switch

switchback

switchblade

switchboard

switch–hitter

switchman

switchyard

swivel

swivel chair

swollen

swoon

swoop

swoosh

swop

sword

swordfish

swordplay

swordsman

swordsmanship

swordtail

swore

sworn

swum

swung

sycamore

sycophant

syenite

syllabary

syllabic

syllabication

syllabification

syllabify

syllable

syllabus

syllogism

sylph

sylvan

symbiont

symbiosis

symbol

symbolic

symbolism

symbolist

symbolistic

symbolize

symmetrical

symmetry

sympathetic

sympathetic nervous system

sympathetic vibration

sympathize

sympathy

symphonic

symphony

symphony orchestra

symposium

symptom

symptomatic

synagogue

synapse

synapsis

synchronize

synchronous

syncline

syncopate

syncopation

syncope

syndicate

syndrome

synergism

synergistic

synod

synonym

synonymize

synonymous

synonymy

synopsis

syntactic

syntax

synthesis

synthesize

synthesizer

synthetic

syphilis

syphon

Syriac

syringa

syringe

syrinx

syrup

sysop

system

systematic

systematize

systemic

systemic circulation

systems analyst

systole

systolic

T

t

't

tab

tabard

tabby

tabernacle

table

tableau

tablecloth

tableland

table salt

tablespoon

tablespoonful

table sugar

tablet

table talk

table tennis

tabletop

tableware

table wine

tabloid

taboo

tabor

tabular

tabulate

tachometer

tacit

taciturn

tack

tackiness

tackle

tacky

taco

taconite

tact

tactful

tactic

tactical

tactician

tactics

tactile

tad

tadpole

tae kwon do

taffeta

taffrail

taffy

tag

Tagalog

tagalong

tag along

tag end

tag line

tag up

tai chi

taiga

tail

tailbone

tail end

tailgate

taillight

tailor

tailorbird

tailored

tailoring

tailor–made

tailor's ham

tailor's tack

tailpiece

tail pipe

tailspin

tail wind

taint

take

takeaway

take back

takedown

take down

take–home pay

take in

taken

take–no–prisoners

takeoff

take off

take on

takeout

take out

take over

take–up

take up

takings

talc

talcum powder

tale

talebearer

talent

talent scout

talent show

talisman

talk

talkative

talk down

talking book

talking–to

talk over

talk show

talky

tall

tallith

tallow

tall ship

tally

tallyho

Talmud

talon

talus

tamale

tamarack

tamarind

tamarisk

tambourine

tame

tam–o'–shanter

tamp

tamper

tampon

tan

tanager

tandem

tandem bicycle

tang

tangelo

tangent

tangerine

tangible

tangle

tango

tangram

tangy

tank

tankard

tanker

tank top

tanned

tanner

tannery

tannest

tannic acid

tannin

tanning

tantalite

tantalize

tantalum

tantamount

tantrum

tap

tap dance

tape

tape deck

tape measure

taper

tape–record

tape recorder

taper off

tapestry

tapeworm

tapioca

tapir

taproot

taps

tap water

tar

tarantula

tardy

tare

target

tariff

tarmac

tarnish

taro

tarp

tar paper

tarpaulin

tarpon

tarry

tarsal

tar sand

tarsier

tarsus

tart

tartan

tartar

tartar sauce

tase

Taser

task

taskmaster

Tasmanian devil

tassel

taste

taste bud

tasteful

tasteless

taster

tasty

tat

tatter

tattered

tatting

tattle

tattler

tattletale

tattoo

tau

taught

taunt

taupe

Taurus

taut

tautology

tavern

taw

tawdry

tawny

tax

taxable

taxation

taxi

taxicab

taxidermist

taxidermy

taxis

taxonomist

taxonomy

taxpayer

Tay–Sachs disease

TB

T–ball

T cell

tea

tea bag

teach

teachable

teacher

teaching

teacup

teak

teakettle

teal

team

teammate

teamster

teamwork

teapot

tear

tear down

teardrop

tearful

teargas

tear gas

tearoom

tease

teasel

teaspoon

teaspoonful

teat

tech

technetium

technical

technicality

technical sergeant

technician

technique

technologist

technology

techno–pop

tectonic

tectonics

tectonism

teddy bear

tedious

tedium

tee

teem

teen

teenage

teenager

teens

teeny

teenybopper

teeny–weeny

tee off

teepee

tee shirt

teeter

teeterboard

teeter–totter

teeth

teethe

Teflon

tele-

telecast

telecommute

telegram

telegraph

telegraphy

telemarketing

telemeter

telemetry

telepathy

telephone

telephone booth

telephoto

teleprinter

telescope

telescopic

telethon

Teletype

teletypewriter

televangelist

televise

television

telex

tell

teller

telling

tell off

telltale

tellurium

telophase

temerity

temp

temper

tempera

temperament

temperamental

temperance

temperate

temperate rain forest

temperate zone

temperature

temperature inversion

tempered

tempest

tempestuous

template

temple

tempo

temporal

temporal bone

temporary

temporize

tempt

temptation

tempting

temptress

ten

tenable

tenacious

tenacity

tenancy

tenant

tenant farmer

Ten Commandments

tend

tendency

tender

tenderfoot

tenderhearted

tenderize

tenderloin

tendon

tendril

tenement

tenement house

tenet

tenfold

tennessine

tennis

tennis shoe

tenon

tenor

tenpenny nail

tenpin

tens digit

tense

tension

tensor

ten–speed

tens place

tent

tentacle

tentative

tent caterpillar

tent city

tenth

tenths digit

tenths place

tenuous

tenure

tenured

tepee

tepid

tequila

tera-

terabyte

terawatt

terbium

tercet

teredo

term

termagant

terminal

terminate

terminating decimal

terminology

term insurance

terminus

termite

term paper

tern

terrace

terra–cotta

terra firma

terrain

terrapin

terrarium

terrestrial

terrible

terrier

terrific

terrify

territorial

territoriality

territory

terror

terrorism

terrorize

terry

terse

tertiary

Tertiary

test

testa

testament

testator

test bed

testcross

tested

tester

testes

testicle

testify

testimonial

testimony

testis

testosterone

test pilot

test tube

testy

tetanus

tête–à–tête

tether

tetherball

tetra

tetra-

tetrachord

tetracycline

tetraethyl lead

tetrahedron

tetrameter

Teuton

Teutonic

Tex–Mex

text

textbook

textile

text message

text messaging

textual

texture

texturize

-th

Thai

thalamus

thallium

than

thane

thank

thankful

thankless

thanks

thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day

thanks to

thank–you

that

thatch

thaw

the

theater

theatergoer

theatrical

theatricals

thee

theft

their

theirs

theism

them

theme

theme park

themselves

then

thence

thenceforth

thenceforward

theocracy

theodolite

theology

theorem

theoretical

theorist

theorize

theory

therapeutic

therapeutics

therapist

therapy

there

thereabouts

thereafter

thereat

thereby

there'd

therefor

therefore

therefrom

therein

there'll

thereof

thereon

there's

thereto

theretofore

thereunto

thereupon

there've

therewith

therewithal

thermal

thermal pollution

thermocouple

thermogram

thermograph

thermometer

thermonuclear

thermoplastic

thermos

thermostat

thermotaxis

thesaurus

these

thesis

Thessalonians

theta

they

they'd

they'll

they're

they've

thiamine

thick

thick and thin

thicken

thickening

thicket

thickheaded

thickness

thickset

thick–skinned

thief

thieve

thievery

thievish

thigh

thighbone

thigmotaxis

thigmotropism

thimble

thin

thine

thing

thingamabob

thingamajig

think

thinking

thinking cap

think tank

thinner

thin–skinned

third

third base

third baseman

third class

third degree

third–degree burn

third party

third person

third–rate

third world

thirst

thirsty

thirteen

thirty

this

thistle

thistledown

thistle tube

thither

tho

thole

thong

thoracic

thorax

thorium

thorn

thorny

thorough

thoroughbred

thoroughfare

thoroughgoing

those

thou

though

thought

thoughtful

thoughtless

thought–out

thousand

thousand–legger

thousands digit

thousands place

thousandth

thrall

thrash

thrasher

thread

threadbare

thready

threat

threaten

three

3–D

three–decker

three–dimensional

threefold

three–legged race

threepence

threepenny

three–pointer

three–point line

three–ring circus

three R's

threescore

threesome

three–toed sloth

three–wheeler

threnody

thresh

thresher

thresher shark

threshing machine

threshold

threw

thrice

thrift

thriftless

thrift shop

thrifty

thrill

thriller

thrive

throat

throaty

throb

throe

thrombosis

thrombus

throne

throng

throttle

through

throughout

throve

throw

throwaway

throw away

throwback

throw off

throw out

throw rug

throw up

thru

thrum

thrush

thrust

thruster

thruway

thud

thug

thulium

thumb

thumb drive

thumbnail

thumbprint

thumbtack

thump

thunder

thunderbolt

thunderclap

thundercloud

thunderhead

thunder lizard

thunderous

thundershower

thunderstorm

thunderstruck

thunk

Thursday

thus

thwack

thwart

thy

thyme

thymine

thymus

thyroid

thyroid–stimulating hormone

thyrotropin

thyroxine

thyself

ti

tiara

Tibetan

tibia

tibiofibula

tic

tick

ticker

ticker tape

ticket

ticking

tickle

ticklish

tick–tac–toe

ticktock

tidal

tidal wave

tidbit

tiddledywinks

tide

tideland

tide pool

tidewater

tidings

tidy

tie

tie–dyeing

tie in

tier

tie–up

tie up

tiff

tiger

tiger beetle

tiger cat

tigerish

tiger lily

tiger moth

tiger shark

tiger swallowtail

tight

tighten

tightfisted

tight–lipped

tightrope

tights

tightwad

tigress

tike

tilde

tile

till

tillage

tiller

tilt

tilth

tiltmeter

timber

timberland

timberline

timber wolf

timbre

timbrel

time

time and a half

time capsule

time card

time clock

time deposit

time exposure

time–honored

timekeeper

time lag

timeless

timely

time machine

time–out

timepiece

timer

times

time–saving

timescale

time–sharing

time signature

times sign

timetable

time–tested

time zone

timid

timing

timorous

timothy

Timothy

timpani

tin

tin can

tincture

tinder

tinderbox

tine

tinfoil

tinge

tingle

tinker

tinkle

tin lizzie

tinny

tinplate

tinsel

tinsmith

tint

tintinnabulation

tintype

tinware

tiny

tip

tip

tipi

tip–off

tipper

tippet

tipple

tipsy

tiptoe

tip–top

tirade

tire

tired

tireless

tiresome

'tis

tissue

tissue paper

tit

titan

titanic

titanium

titbit

tithe

titillate

title

titled

title page

titmouse

titration

titter

tittle

titular

Titus

TiVo

tizzy

T lymphocyte

TNT

to

toad

toadstool

toady

to–and–fro

toast

toaster

toaster oven

toasty

tobacco

tobacco mosaic

to–be

Tobias

Tobit

toboggan

tocopherol

tocsin

today

toddle

toddler

to–do

toe

toed

toehold

toenail

toffee

tofu

toga

together

toggle

toggle bolt

toggle switch

togs

toil

toilet

toilet paper

toiletry

toilet water

toilsome

token

told

tolerable

tolerance

tolerant

tolerate

toll

tollbooth

toll call

tollgate

tollhouse

tom

tomahawk

tomato

tomb

tomboy

tombstone

tomcat

tome

tomfoolery

tommy gun

tomorrow

tom–tom

ton

tonal

tonality

tone

tone–deaf

tone language

tongs

tongue

tongue–in–cheek

tongue in cheek

tongue–lashing

tongue–tied

tongue twister

tonic

tonic water

tonight

tonnage

tonsil

tonsillectomy

tonsillitis

tonsure

too

took

tool

toolbox

toolmaker

toolshed

toot

tooth

toothache

tooth and nail

toothbrush

toothed

toothed whale

toothpaste

toothpick

tooth powder

toothsome

toothy

top

topaz

topcoat

top dollar

top–dress

topdressing

topgallant

top hat

top–heavy

topiary

topic

topical

topic sentence

topknot

topmast

topminnow

topmost

top–notch

top–of–the–line

topographic

topography

topology

topper

topping

topple

topsail

top secret

topside

topsoil

topspin

topstitch

topsy–turvy

toque

tor

Torah

torch

torchlight

tore

toreador

torero

torment

torn

tornado

torpedo

torpedo boat

torpid

torpor

torrent

torrential

torrid

torrid zone

torsion

torsion bar

torso

torte

tortellini

tortilla

tortoise

tortoiseshell

tortuous

torture

torturous

Tory

toss

toss–up

tostada

tot

total

totalitarian

totality

totally

tote

tote bag

tote board

totem

totem pole

totter

toucan

touch

touch and go

touchback

touchdown

touch down

touching

touchline

touch–me–not

touch off

touch pad

touch screen

touchstone

touch–tone

touch–up

touch up

touchy

tough

toughen

toughie

toupee

tour

tourism

tourist

tourist class

tourmaline

tournament

tourney

tourniquet

tousle

tout

tow

toward

towboat

towel

toweling

tower

towering

towhead

towhee

towline

town

town clerk

town crier

town hall

town house

townie

town meeting

townsfolk

township

townspeople

towpath

towrope

tow truck

toxemia

toxic

toxin

toxoid

toy

trace

trace element

tracer

tracery

trachea

tracheid

trachoma

tracing

tracing paper

tracing wheel

track

track–and–field

trackball

tract

tractable

tract house

traction

tractor

trade

trade–in

trade in

trademark

trade–off

trader

trade route

trade school

tradesman

tradespeople

trade union

trade wind

trading card

trading post

tradition

traditional

traduce

traffic

traffic circle

traffic light

traffic signal

tragedian

tragedy

tragic

tragic flaw

tragicomedy

trail

trailblazer

trailer

trailing arbutus

trail mix

train

trainee

trainer

training

training wheels

traipse

trait

traitor

traitorous

trajectory

tram

trammel

tramp

trample

trampoline

trance

tranquil

tranquilize

tranquilizer

tranquillity

trans-

transact

transaction

transatlantic

transborder

transcend

transcendence

transcendent

transcendental

transcontinental

transcribe

transcript

transcription

transcultural

transept

transfer

transference

transfer RNA

transfiguration

transfigure

transfix

transform

transformation

transformer

transfuse

transfusion

transgender

transgress

transgression

transient

transistor

transit

transition

transition element

transitive

transitory

translate

translation

transliterate

translucency

translucent

transmigration

transmissible

transmission

transmit

transmitter

transmutation

transmute

transoceanic

transom

transpacific

transparency

transparent

transpiration

transpire

transplant

transport

transportation

transpose

transubstantiation

transversal

transverse

transverse wave

trap

trapdoor

trap–door spider

trapeze

trapezoid

trapline

trappings

trapshooting

trapunto

trash

trauma

traumatize

travail

travel

travel agency

traveled

traveler

traveler's check

traveling

traveling bag

traveling salesman

travelogue

traversal

traverse

travertine

travesty

travois

trawl

trawler

tray

treacherous

treachery

treacle

tread

treadle

treadmill

treason

treasonable

treasure

treasurer

treasure trove

treasury

treat

treatise

treatment

treaty

treble

treble clef

treble staff

tree

treed

tree farm

tree fern

tree frog

treehopper

tree house

tree line

tree of heaven

tree ring

tree toad

treetop

trefoil

trek

trellis

trematode

tremble

tremendous

tremolo

tremor

tremulous

trench

trenchant

trench coat

trencher

trencherman

trench mouth

trend

trendy

trepidation

trespass

tress

trestle

T. rex

trey

tri-

triacetate

triad

trial

trial and error

triangle

triangular

triangular number

triangulation

Triassic

triathlon

triatomic

tribal

tribe

tribesman

tribulation

tribunal

tribune

tributary

tribute

trice

triceps

triceratops

trichina

trichinosis

trichomoniasis

trick

trickery

trickle

trick or treat

trickster

tricky

tricolor

tricorn

tricot

tricuspid valve

tricycle

trident

tried

tried–and–true

triennial

trifle

trifling

trig

trigger

trigonometric

trigonometric function

trigonometry

trilateral

trill

trillion

trillium

trilobite

trilogy

trim

trimeter

trimming

trimonthly

trinity

Trinity Sunday

trinket

trinomial

trio

triode

trip

tripartite

tripe

triple

triple bond

triple jump

triple play

triple point

triplet

triplex

triplicate

triply

tripod

tripper

trippingly

trisect

trisyllabic

trite

tritium

triton

triumph

triumphal

triumphant

triumvir

triumvirate

trivet

trivia

trivial

triviality

triweekly

trochee

trod

trodden

Trojan

Trojan horse

Trojan War

troll

trolley

trombone

tromp

troop

trooper

trophic

trophy

tropic

tropical

tropical aquarium

tropical fish

tropical rain forest

tropical storm

Tropic of Cancer

Tropic of Capricorn

tropism

tropopause

troposphere

trot

troth

trotter

troubadour

trouble

troublemaker

troubleshoot

troubleshooter

troublesome

troublous

trough

trounce

troupe

trouser

trousers

trousseau

trout

trowel

troy

troy weight

truancy

truant

truant officer

truce

truck

trucker

truck farm

truck garden

truckload

truculence

truculent

trudge

true

true–blue

true bug

true–false test

true seal

truffle

truism

truly

trump

trump card

trumped–up

trumpery

trumpet

trumpeter

trumpeter swan

trumpet vine

truncate

truncheon

trundle

trundle bed

trunk

truss

trust

trust company

trustee

trusteeship

trustful

trusting

trustworthy

trusty

truth

truthful

truth set

try

trying

try on

tryout

try out

trypanosome

trypsin

trypsinogen

tryptophan

tryst

tryworks

tsar

tsetse fly

T–shirt

tsk

tsk–tsk

T square

tsunami

Tuareg

tuatara

tub

tuba

tubby

tube

tube foot

tubeless

tube nucleus

tuber

tubercle

tubercular

tuberculin

tuberculin test

tuberculosis

tuberose

tuberosity

tuberous

tube worm

tubing

tubular

tubule

tuck

tucker

Tuesday

tuffet

tuft

tug

tugboat

tug–of–war

tuition

tularemia

tulip

tulip tree

tulle

tumble

tumblebug

tumbledown

tumble dry

tumbler

tumbleweed

tumid

tummy

tumor

tumpline

tumult

tumultuous

tumulus

tuna

tundra

tune

tuneful

tune in

tune out

tuner

tune–up

tung oil

tungsten

tunic

tunicate

tuning fork

tunnel

tunnel vision

tunny

tuppence

turban

turbid

turbine

turbojet

turbojet engine

turboprop

turboprop engine

turbulence

turbulent

tureen

turf

turgid

turgor

Turk

turkey

turkey–cock

turkey vulture

Turkish

Turkish towel

turmeric

turmoil

turn

turnabout

turnaround

turn around

turn away

turn back

turncoat

turn down

turner

turn in

turning point

turnip

turnoff

turn off

turn on

turnout

turn out

turnover

turn over

turnpike

turnstile

turntable

turn up

turpentine

turquoise

turret

turtle

turtledove

turtleneck

turves

tusk

tusker

tussle

tussock

tussock moth

tutelage

tutor

tutorial

tutu

tux

tuxedo

TV

TV dinner

twaddle

twain

twang

'twas

tweak

tweed

tweedy

tween

tweet

tweeter

tweezers

twelfth

Twelfth Day

Twelfth Night

twelve

twelvemonth

twentieth

twenty

twenty–twenty

twenty–two

twerp

twice

twiddle

twig

twilight

twill

twin

twin bed

twine

twinge

twinkle

twinkling

twin–size

twirl

twist

twister

twist tie

twitch

twitter

twixt

two

two–bit

two bits

two–by–four

2–D

two–dimensional

two–faced

twofold

2, 4–D

two–handed

twopence

twosome

two–toed sloth

two–way

two–wheeler

two–winged fly

tycoon

tyer

tying

tyke

tympani

tympanic membrane

tympanum

type

typewrite

typewriter

typewriting

typhoid

typhoid fever

typhoon

typhus

typhus fever

typical

typify

typist

tyrannical

tyrannize

tyrannosaur

tyrannosaurus

tyrannous

tyranny

tyrant

tyre

tyro

tzar

U

u

ubiquitous

U–boat

udder

UFO

ugh

uglify

ugly

ugly duckling

ukase

uke

Ukrainian

ukulele

ulcer

ulcerate

ulceration

ulna

ulster

ulterior

ultima

ultimate

Ultimate Frisbee

ultimatum

ultra

ultra-

ultrahigh frequency

ultralight

ultramarine

ultramodern

ultrasonic

ultrasound

ultraviolet

ulva

um

umbel

umber

umbilical cord

umbilicus

umbra

umbrage

umbrella

Umbrian

umiak

umlaut

umpire

umpteen

un-

unabashed

unabated

unable

unabridged

unacceptable

unaccommodated

unaccompanied

unaccountable

unaccounted

unaccustomed

unadorned

unadulterated

unadvised

unaffected

unalienable

unaligned

unalloyed

unalterable

un–American

unanimous

unanswerable

unappealing

unappeasable

unapt

unarm

unarmed

unasked

unassailable

unassertive

unassuming

unattached

unattractive

unavailing

unavoidable

unaware

unawares

unbacked

unbalance

unbalanced

unbar

unbearable

unbeatable

unbeaten

unbeautiful

unbecoming

unbeknownst

unbelief

unbelievable

unbeliever

unbend

unbending

unbiased

unbidden

unbind

unblushing

unbolt

unborn

unbosom

unbound

unbounded

unbowed

unbraid

unbranched

unbridled

unbroken

unbuckle

unbudging

unbuilt

unburden

unbutton

unbuttoned

uncage

uncalled–for

uncanny

uncap

unceasing

unceremonious

uncertain

uncertainty

unchain

unchangeable

unchanging

uncharged

uncharitable

uncharted

unchaste

unchristian

uncivil

uncivilized

unclad

unclasp

unclassified

uncle

unclean

uncleanly

unclench

Uncle Sam

Uncle Tom

unclinch

uncloak

unclog

unclose

unclothe

uncoil

uncomfortable

uncommitted

uncommon

uncommunicative

uncompetitive

uncomplaining

uncomplimentary

uncompromising

unconcern

unconcerned

unconditional

unconquerable

unconscionable

unconscious

unconsidered

unconstitutional

uncontrollable

unconventional

uncork

uncounted

uncouple

uncouth

uncover

uncovered

uncreated

uncross

uncrown

unction

unctuous

uncurl

uncut

undaunted

undeceive

undecided

undemonstrative

undeniable

under

underachiever

underactive

underage

underarm

underbelly

underbid

underbody

underbred

underbrush

undercarriage

undercharge

underclassman

underclothes

underclothing

undercoat

undercover

undercurrent

undercut

underdeveloped

underdog

underdone

underdrawers

underdress

underestimate

underexpose

underfeed

underfoot

underfur

undergarment

undergird

undergo

undergraduate

underground

Underground Railroad

undergrowth

underhand

underhanded

underlay

underlie

underline

underling

underlying

undermine

undermost

underneath

undernourished

underpants

underpart

underpass

underpay

underpin

underpinning

underplay

underprivileged

underproduction

underrate

underscore

undersea

undersecretary

undersell

undershirt

undershorts

underside

undersigned

undersized

underskirt

understand

understanding

understate

understated

understood

understory

understudy

undersurface

undertake

undertaker

undertaking

underthrow

undertone

undertow

undervalue

underwater

under way

underwear

underweight

underwent

underwood

underworld

underwrite

undesirable

undeviating

undies

undirected

undo

undoing

undone

undoubted

undrape

undreamed

undress

undressed

undue

undulant

undulant fever

undulate

undulation

unduly

undying

unearned

unearth

unearthly

uneasy

uneducated

unemployable

unemployed

unemployment

unending

unequal

unequaled

unequivocal

unerring

uneven

uneventful

unexampled

unexceptionable

unexpected

unfading

unfailing

unfair

unfaithful

unfamiliar

unfasten

unfathomable

unfavorable

unfeeling

unfeigned

unfetter

unfilial

unfinished

unfit

unflagging

unflappable

unfledged

unflinching

unfold

unfollow

unforgettable

unformed

unfortunate

unfounded

unfrequented

unfriend

unfriendly

unfruitful

unfurl

ungainly

unglued

ungodly

ungovernable

ungracious

ungrateful

ungrounded

unguarded

unguent

ungulate

unhallowed

unhand

unhandsome

unhandy

unhappy

unharness

unhealthful

unhealthy

unheard

unheard–of

unhinge

unhitch

unholy

unhook

unhorse

unhurried

unicameral

unicellular

unicorn

unicycle

uniform

uniformitarianism

uniformity

uniform resource locator

unify

unilateral

unimpeachable

uninhibited

uninstall

unintelligent

uninterested

union

Union

unionism

unionize

union jack

union suit

unique

unisex

unisexual

unison

unit

unitard

unitarian

unitary

unite

united

unitize

units digit

units place

unity

univalve

universal

universal donor

universality

universalize

universal joint

Universal Product Code

universal recipient

universal resource locator

universal set

universe

university

unjust

unkempt

unkind

unkindly

unknowable

unknowing

unknown

unlace

unlade

unlash

unlatch

unlawful

unleaded

unlearn

unlearned

unleash

unless

unlettered

unlike

unlikelihood

unlikely

unlimber

unlimited

unlink

unlisted

unload

unlock

unlooked–for

unloose

unloosen

unlovely

unlucky

unmake

unman

unmanly

unmanned

unmannerly

unmarried

unmask

unmentionable

unmerciful

unmistakable

unmitigated

unmoral

unmoved

unmuffle

unmuzzle

unnatural

unnecessarily

unnecessary

unnerve

unnumbered

unobtrusive

unoccupied

unorganized

unorthodox

unpack

unpaid

unpaired

unparalleled

unparliamentary

unpile

unpin

unpleasant

unplug

unplugged

unplumbed

unpolitical

unpopular

unprecedented

unpredictable

unpretending

unpretentious

unprincipled

unprintable

unprofessional

unprofitable

unpromising

unprotected

unqualified

unquestionable

unquestioning

unquiet

unquote

unravel

unread

unreadable

unreal

unreality

unreasoned

unreasoning

unreel

unregenerate

unrelenting

unremitting

unreserved

unrest

unrestrained

unrestraint

unrighteous

unripe

unrivaled

unroll

unround

unruffled

unruly

unsaddle

unsaturated

unsaved

unsavory

unsay

unscathed

unschooled

unscientific

unscramble

unscrew

unscrupulous

unseal

unseasonable

unseat

unseemly

unseen

unsegregated

unselfish

unsettle

unsettled

unshaped

unshapen

unsheathe

unship

unshod

unsightly

unskilled

unsling

unsnap

unsnarl

unsocial

unsophisticated

unsought

unsound

unsparing

unspeakable

unspotted

unstable

unsteady

unstick

unstinting

unstop

unstrap

unstressed

unstring

unstudied

unsubstantial

unsuccessful

unsuitable

unsung

unswerving

unsymmetrical

untangle

untapped

untaught

untenable

untether

unthinkable

unthinking

unthought–of

unthread

unthrone

untidy

untie

until

untimely

untitled

unto

untold

untouchable

untouched

untoward

untried

untrodden

untrue

untruth

untruthful

untuck

untutored

untwine

untwist

unused

unusual

unutterable

unvalued

unvarnished

unveil

unvoiced

unwarrantable

unwary

unwearied

unwell

unwholesome

unwieldy

unwilling

unwind

unwise

unwitting

unwonted

unworldly

unworthy

unwrap

unwritten

unyielding

unyoke

unzip

up

up–and–down

upbeat

upbraid

upbringing

upcoming

up–country

update

updraft

upend

upgrade

upheaval

uphill

uphold

upholster

upholstery

upkeep

upland

uplift

upload

upmost

upon

upped

upper

uppercase

upper class

upperclassman

upper crust

uppercut

upper hand

uppermost

upping

uppish

uppity

upraise

upright

upright piano

uprise

uprising

upriver

uproar

uproarious

uproot

upset

upshot

upside down

upside–down cake

upsilon

upstage

upstairs

upstanding

upstart

upstate

upstream

upstroke

upsurge

upsweep

upswept

upswing

uptake

uptight

uptilt

up to

up–to–date

uptown

uptrend

upturn

upward

upwards of

upwelling

upwind

uracil

uraninite

uranium

uranium hexafluoride

uranium 238

uranium 235

Uranus

urban

urbane

urbanite

urbanize

urban renewal

urban sprawl

urchin

-ure

urea

ureter

urethra

urge

urgency

urgent

uric

uric acid

urinal

urinalysis

urinary

urinary tract

urinate

urine

URL

urn

Ursa Major

Ursa Minor

us

usable

usage

USB

use

used

useful

useless

user name

use up

usher

usual

usurer

usurious

usurp

usury

utensil

uterine

uterus

utilitarian

utility

utilize

utmost

utopia

utter

utterance

uttermost

uvula

V

v

vacancy

vacant

vacate

vacation

vacationist

vacationland

vaccinate

vaccination

vaccine

vacillate

vacuity

vacuole

vacuous

vacuum

vacuum bottle

vacuum cleaner

vacuum–packed

vacuum pump

vacuum tube

vagabond

vagary

vagina

vagrancy

vagrant

vague

vain

vainglorious

vainglory

valance

vale

valedictorian

valedictory

valence

valentine

Valentine's Day

valet

Valhalla

valiant

valid

validate

validity

valise

Valkyrie

valley

valor

valorous

valuable

valuation

value

value judgment

valve

valvular

vampire

vampire bat

van

vanadium

Van Allen belt

vandal

vandalism

vandalize

Van de Graaff generator

Vandyke

vane

vanguard

vanilla

vanilla bean

vanish

vanishing cream

vanishing point

vanity

vanquish

vantage

vantage point

vape

vapid

vapor

vaporize

vaporizer

vaporware

vapour

vaquero

variable

variable star

variance

variant

variation

varicolored

varicose

varied

variegated

variety

variety meat

variety show

variety store

various

varlet

varmint

varnish

varsity

varve

vary

varying hare

vascular

vascular bundle

vascular plant

vascular ray

vasculum

vas deferens

vase

Vaseline

vassal

vast

vasty

vat

vaudeville

vault

vaunted

VCR

've

veal

vector

veejay

veer

vegan

vegetable

vegetable oil

vegetarian

vegetarianism

vegetate

vegetation

vegetative

veggie

veggie burger

vehemence

vehement

vehicle

vehicular

veil

vein

veined

veining

Velcro

veld

vellum

velocipede

velocity

velour

velvet

velveteen

velvety

vena cava

venal

venation

vend

vendetta

vending machine

vendor

veneer

venerable

venerate

veneration

venereal

venereal disease

venetian blind

vengeance

vengeful

venial

venison

Venn diagram

venom

venomous

venous

vent

ventilate

ventilation

ventilator

ventral

ventricle

ventriloquist

venture

venturesome

venturous

venue

venule

Venus

Venus flytrap

Venus's flower–basket

veracious

veracity

veranda

verb

verbal

verbalize

verbal noun

verbatim

verbena

verbiage

verbose

verb phrase

verdant

verdict

verdure

verge

verger

verier

veriest

verifiable

verification

verify

verily

verisimilitude

veritable

verity

vermicelli

vermiculite

vermiform appendix

vermilion

vermin

vermouth

vernacular

vernal

vernier

vernier caliper

versatile

verse

versed

versification

versify

version

versus

vertebra

vertebral

vertebral column

vertebrate

vertex

vertical

vertical angle

vertical file

vertigo

verve

very

very high frequency

vesicle

vespers

vessel

vest

vestibule

vestige

vestment

vestry

vet

vetch

veteran

Veterans Day

veterinarian

veterinary

veto

vex

vexation

vexatious

vexing

via

viable

viaduct

vial

viand

viaticum

vibe

vibes

vibrancy

vibrant

vibraphone

vibrate

vibration

vibrato

vibrator

vibratory

viburnum

vicar

vicarage

vicarious

vice

vice-

vice admiral

vice presidency

vice president

viceregal

viceroy

vice versa

vicinity

vicious

vicious circle

vicissitude

victim

victimize

victor

victoria

Victorian

victorious

victory

victual

victualler

vicuña

video

video camera

videocassette

videocassette recorder

videodisc

video game

videography

videophone

videotape

videotape recorder

vie

Vietcong

Vietnamese

view

viewer

viewfinder

viewpoint

vigil

vigilance

vigilant

vigilante

vignette

vigor

vigorous

Viking

vile

vilify

villa

village

villager

villain

villainess

villainous

villainy

villein

villus

vim

vinaigrette

vincible

vinculum

vindicate

vindictive

vine

vinegar

vinegar eel

vinegar fly

vinegary

vineyard

vintage

vintner

viny

vinyl

viol

viola

violate

violation

violence

violent

violet

violin

violinist

violoncello

VIP

viper

viperine

viperous

virago

viral

vireo

virgin

virginal

Virginia creeper

Virginia reel

virginity

Virgo

virile

virility

virology

virtual

virtual reality

virtue

virtuosity

virtuoso

virtuous

virulence

virulent

virus

visa

visage

viscera

visceral

viscid

viscosity

viscount

viscountess

viscous

viscus

vise

visibility

visible

vision

visionary

visit

visitant

visitation

visitor

visor

vista

visual

visual aid

visual field

visualization

visualize

visual purple

vital

vital capacity

vitality

vitalize

vitals

vital signs

vital statistics

vitamin

vitamin A

vitamin B

vitamin B complex

vitamin B1

vitamin B6

vitamin B12

vitamin B2

vitamin C

vitamin D

vitamin E

vitamin K

vitelline membrane

vitiate

vitreous humor

vitriol

vittles

vituperate

vituperation

vivace

vivacious

vivacity

vivarium

vivid

vivify

viviparous

vivisection

vixen

vizard

vizier

vizor

VJ

vlog

vocab

vocabulary

vocal

vocal cords

vocalic

vocalist

vocalization

vocalize

vocation

vocational

vociferate

vociferous

vodka

vogue

voice

voice box

voiced

voiceless

voice mail

voice–over

void

voile

volatile

volcanic

volcano

vole

volition

volley

volleyball

volt

voltage

voltaic

voltmeter

voluble

volume

voluminous

voluntarily

voluntary

voluntary muscle

volunteer

voluptuous

volvox

vomit

voodoo

voodooism

voracious

vortex

vorticella

votary

vote

voter

voting machine

votive

votive candle

vouch

voucher

vouchsafe

vow

vowel

voyage

vulcanize

vulgar

vulgarism

vulgarity

vulgarize

Vulgate

vulnerable

vulture

vulva

vying

W

w

Wac

wacky

wad

wadding

waddle

wade

wader

wadi

wading bird

Waf

wafer

waffle

waffle iron

waft

wag

wage

wager

wage scale

waggery

waggish

waggle

wagon

wagonload

waif

wail

wain

wainscot

wainscoting

waist

waistband

waistcoat

waistline

wait

waiter

waiting list

waiting room

wait–list

waitperson

waitress

waitstaff

waive

waiver

wake

wakeful

waken

wake–robin

wake–up call

Waldorf salad

wale

walk

walkable

walker

walkie–talkie

walk–in

walking stick

Walkman

walkout

walk out

walk–up

walkway

wall

wallaby

wallboard

wallet

walleye

wallflower

wallop

wallow

wallpaper

Wall Street

wall–to–wall

walnut

Walpurgis Night

walrus

waltz

wampum

wan

wand

wander

wandering Jew

wanderlust

wane

wangle

want

want ad

wanting

wanton

wapiti

war

warble

warbler

warbonnet

war cry

ward

-ward

warden

warder

wardrobe

wardroom

ware

warehouse

warfare

warhead

war–horse

warier

wariest

warlike

warlock

warlord

warm

warm–blooded

warmer

warm front

warmhearted

warming pan

warmonger

warmth

warm–up

warn

warning

warning coloration

warp

warpath

warp knit

warrant

warrant officer

warranty

warred

warren

warring

warrior

warship

wart

warthog

wartime

wary

was

wash

washable

wash–and–wear

washbasin

washboard

washbowl

washcloth

washed–out

washed–up

washer

washerwoman

washing

washing machine

washing soda

Washington's Birthday

washout

wash out

washroom

washstand

washtub

wash up

wasn't

wasp

WASP

waspish

wasp waist

wassail

wassailer

wast

wastage

waste

wastebasket

wasteful

wasteland

wastepaper

waster

wastrel

watch

watchdog

watchful

watchmaker

watchman

watch out

watchtower

watchword

water

water bed

water beetle

waterbird

water blister

waterborne

waterbuck

water buffalo

water bug

water chestnut

water clock

water closet

watercolor

watercourse

watercraft

watercress

water cycle

waterer

waterfall

water flea

waterfowl

waterfront

water gas

water glass

water hole

water hyacinth

water ice

water jump

water lily

waterline

waterlogged

watermark

watermelon

water moccasin

water ouzel

water park

water pistol

water polo

waterpower

waterproof

water rat

water–repellent

water–resistant

watershed

water–ski

water ski

waterslide

water snake

water spaniel

waterspout

water strider

water table

watertight

water vapor

water–vascular system

waterway

waterweed

waterwheel

water wings

waterworks

watery

watt

wattage

wattle

wave

Wave

wavelength

wavelet

wave pool

waver

wavy

wax

wax bean

waxed paper

waxen

wax museum

wax myrtle

waxwing

waxwork

waxy

way

wayfarer

waylay

way–out

-ways

wayside

way station

wayward

we

weak

weaken

weakfish

weak force

weakling

weakly

weak–minded

weakness

weal

wealth

wealthy

wean

weapon

weaponry

wear

wearable

wear and tear

wearisome

wear out

weary

weasel

weasel word

weather

weather–beaten

weathercock

weathering

weatherman

weatherperson

weatherproof

weather station

weather strip

weather vane

weave

weaver

weaver bird

web

webbed

webbing

webcam

web–footed

webisode

webmaster

Web page

website

wed

we'd

wedding

wedge

wedlock

Wednesday

wee

weed

weeds

weedy

week

weekday

weekend

weekly

weep

weeping

weeping willow

weevil

weft

weft knit

weigh

weight

weightless

weight lifter

weighty

weimaraner

weir

weird

weirdo

welcome

weld

welfare

welfare state

well

we'll

well–being

wellborn

well–bred

well–disposed

well–done

well–fixed

well–founded

wellhead

well–heeled

well–known

well–meaning

wellness

well–nigh

well–off

well–read

well–rounded

well–spoken

wellspring

well–to–do

well–wisher

Welsh

Welsh corgi

Welshman

Welsh rabbit

Welsh rarebit

Welsh springer spaniel

welt

welter

welterweight

wen

wench

wend

went

wept

were

we're

weren't

werewolf

wert

west

westbound

wester

westerly

western

Westerner

western hemisphere

western hemlock

western omelet

western saddle

West Highland white terrier

westward

wet

wet blanket

wetland

wet suit

we've

whack

whacking

whale

whaleboat

whalebone

whalebone whale

whale oil

whaler

whale shark

wharf

what

whatever

whatnot

whatsoever

wheat

wheaten

wheat germ

wheat rust

whee

wheedle

wheel

wheel and axle

wheelbarrow

wheelbase

wheelchair

wheeler

wheelhouse

wheeze

wheezy

whelk

whelm

whelp

when

whence

whenever

whensoever

where

whereabouts

whereas

whereat

whereby

wherefore

wherefrom

wherein

whereof

whereon

wheresoever

whereupon

wherever

wherewith

wherewithal

whet

whether

whetstone

whew

whey

which

whichever

whiff

whiffletree

Whig

while

whilom

whilst

whim

whimper

whimsical

whimsy

whine

whinny

whip

whipcord

whiplash

whippersnapper

whippet

whipping boy

whippletree

whip–poor–will

whir

whirl

whirligig

whirligig beetle

whirlpool

whirlpool bath

whirlwind

whirlybird

whish

whisk

whisk broom

whisker

whiskey

whisper

whispery

whist

whistle

whit

white

white ant

white blood cell

whiteboard

whitecap

white cedar

white chocolate

white clover

white–collar

white crappie

white dwarf

white elephant

whitefish

white flag

white gold

white goods

whitehead

white lead

white matter

whiten

white noise

white oak

white pages

white pepper

white pine

white–pine blister rust

white potato

white rice

white sauce

white shark

whitetail

white–tailed deer

whitethroat

white–throated sparrow

whitewash

white water

whither

whitish

whitlow

Whitsunday

Whitsuntide

whittle

whiz

whiz–bang

who

whoa

whodunit

whoever

whole

wholehearted

whole hog

whole language

whole note

whole number

whole rest

wholesale

wholesome

whole step

whole wheat

wholly

whom

whomever

whomsoever

whoop

whoopee

whooping cough

whooping crane

whoops

whoosh

whopper

whopping

whorl

whorled

whose

whoso

whosoever

why

wick

wicked

wicker

wickerwork

wicket

wickiup

wide

wide–awake

wide–eyed

widemouthed

widen

widespread

widow

widower

width

wield

wiener

wife

wifely

Wi–Fi

wig

wigeon

wiggle

wiggler

wiggly

wight

wigwag

wigwam

wild

wild boar

wild carrot

wildcat

wildebeest

wilderness

wildfire

wildflower

wildfowl

wild geranium

wild–goose chase

wildlife

wild rice

Wild West

wildwood

wile

will

willed

willful

willies

willing

williwaw

will–o'–the–wisp

willow

willowy

willpower

willy–nilly

wilt

wily

wimp

wimple

win

wince

winch

wind

windage

windbag

windblown

windbreak

Windbreaker

windburn

windchill

windfall

windflower

winding

winding–sheet

wind instrument

windjammer

windlass

windmill

window

window box

windowpane

window shade

window–shop

windowsill

windpipe

windrow

wind shear

windshield

windstorm

windswept

wind tunnel

windup

wind up

windward

windy

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wing

wing case

wing chair

wingless

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wingspread

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winner

winning

winnow

winsome

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wintergreen

winterize

winter–kill

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winter squash

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wipeout

wipe out

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wired

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wirehaired

wireless

wireless telegraphy

wire service

wiretap

wireworm

wiring

wiry

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Wisdom

Wisdom of Solomon

wisdom tooth

wise

-wise

wiseacre

wisecrack

wise guy

wish

wishbone

wishful

wish list

wishy–washy

wisp

wisteria

wistful

wit

witch

witchcraft

witch doctor

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witch hazel

witch–hunt

witching

with

withal

withdraw

withdrawal

withdrawn

withe

wither

withers

withhold

withholding tax

within

with–it

without

withstand

witless

witness

witness stand

witted

witticism

witting

wittingly

witty

wives

wiz

wizard

wizardry

wizen

wobble

woe

woebegone

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wok

woke

woken

wold

wolf

wolf dog

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wolfram

wolframite

wolf spider

wolverine

woman

womanhood

womanish

womankind

womanlike

womanly

womb

wombat

womenfolk

women's rights

won

wonder

wonder drug

wonderful

wonderland

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wondrous

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won't

wonted

woo

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woodbine

woodblock

wood–carver

woodchopper

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woodcock

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woodcutter

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woodlot

wood louse

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woodpecker

woodpile

wood rat

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woodsman

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wooer

woof

woofer

wool

woolen

woolgathering

woolly

woolly bear

woolly mammoth

woozy

Worcestershire sauce

word

wordage

wordbook

word–for–word

word for word

wording

wordless

word of mouth

word order

wordplay

word processing

word processor

wordy

wore

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workable

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workbench

workbook

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workforce

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workload

workman

workmanlike

workmanship

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work out

workroom

workshop

work up

workweek

world

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world–class

worldling

worldly

worldly–wise

world music

world war

worldwide

World Wide Web

worm

wormer

worm gear

wormhole

wormwood

wormy

worn

worn–out

worried

worrisome

worry

worrywart

worse

worsen

worship

worshipful

worst

worsted

wort

worth

worthless

worthwhile

worthy

wot

would

would–be

wouldn't

wouldst

wound

wounded

wove

woven

wrack

wraith

wrangle

wrangler

wrap

wraparound

wrapper

wrapping

wrap–up

wrap up

wrath

wrathful

wreak

wreath

wreathe

wreck

wreckage

wrecker

wren

wrench

wrest

wrestle

wrestling

wretch

wretched

wriggle

wriggler

wright

wring

wringer

wrinkle

wrist

wristband

wristlet

wristwatch

writ

write

write–in

write in

write off

writer

writer's block

writer's cramp

write–up

write up

writhe

writing

writing paper

Writings

wrong

wrongdoer

wrongful

wrongheaded

wrote

wroth

wrought

wrought iron

wrung

wry

wyandotte

WYSIWYG

X

x

X

x–axis

X chromosome

x–coordinate

xebec

xenon

xenophobia

xeric

xerography

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xerox

Xerox

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x–intercept

Xmas

x–ray

X–ray

xylem

xylophone

Y

y

Y

-y

yacht

yachting

yachtsman

yahoo

yak

yam

yammer

yank

Yank

Yankee

Yanomami

yap

yard

yardage

yardarm

yardmaster

yard sale

yardstick

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yaw

yawl

yawn

yawp

yaws

y–axis

Y chromosome

yclept

y–coordinate

ye

yea

yeah

year

yearbook

yearling

yearly

yearn

yearning

year–round

yeast

yell

yellow

yellow fever

yellowhammer

yellowish

yellow jack

yellow jacket

yellow pages

yellow perch

yellow–shafted flicker

yelp

yen

yeoman

yeomanly

yeomanry

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yerba maté

yes

yeshiva

yes–man

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yesteryear

yet

yeti

yew

Yiddish

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yielding

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yippee

YMCA

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yodel

yoga

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yogurt

yoke

yokefellow

yokel

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Yom Kippur

yon

yond

yonder

yore

Yorkshire pudding

Yorkshire terrier

you

you–all

you'd

you'll

young

youngest

youngish

youngster

your

you're

yours

yourself

yourselves

youth

youthful

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you've

yowl

yo–yo

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yttrium

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yucca

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Yule log

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z

Zacharias

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zap

zeal

zealot

zealous

zebra

zebu

Zechariah

zed

zenith

Zephaniah

zephyr

zeppelin

zero

zero gravity

zero hour

zest

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zigzag

zilch

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zinc oxide

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Zionism

zip

zip code

zip gun

zip line

zipper

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zirconium

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zone

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zookeeper

zoological

zoological garden

zoological park

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zoology

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zoom lens

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Buffalo Bill

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Daniel

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Golconda

Gold Coast

Golden Gate

Good Hope, Cape of

Gorki

Goteborg

Grampian

Grand Banks

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon of the Snake

Grande, Rio

Grand Prairie

Grand Rapids

Graz

Great Australian Bight

Great Barrier Reef

Great Basin

Great Bear

Great Britain

Great Dividing Range

Greater Antilles

Greater London

Greater Manchester

Greater Sudbury

Great Lakes

Great Plains

Great Rift Valley

Great Salt

Great Slave

Great Smoky

Greece

Green

Green Bay

Greenland

Greensboro

Greenwich

Greenwich Village

Grenada

Grenadines, The

Grozny

Guadalajara

Guadalcanal

Guadalquivir

Guadeloupe

Guam

Guanabara Bay

Guangzhou

Guantánamo Bay

Guatemala

Guayaquil

Guaynabo

Guernsey

Guiana

Guinea

Guinea, Gulf of

Guinea–Bissau

Guiyang

Gulf States

Gulf Stream

Guyana

Gwangju

Hackney

Hades

Hagatna

Hague, The

Haidarabad

Haikou

Haiphong

Haiti

Haleakala Crater

Halifax

Hamburg

Hamhung

Hamilton

Hammersmith and Fulham

Hampshire

Hampton

Hampton Roads

Hangzhou

Hannibal

Hannover

Hanoi

Harare

Harbin

Haringey

Harlem

Harrisburg

Harrow

Hartford

Hatteras, Cape

Havana

Havant

Havering

Hawaii

Hayward

Hebrides

Helena

Hellespont

Hells Canyon

Helsinki

Henderson

Henry, Cape

Hertfordshire

Herzegovina

Hialeah

Hibernia

Higashiōsaka

Highlands

High Plains

Hillingdon

Himalayas, the

Hindu Kush

Hindustan

Hiroshima

Hispaniola

Hobart

Ho Chi Minh City

Hohhot

Hokkaido

Holland

Hollywood

Holy Land

Holy Roman Empire

Honduras

Hong Kong

Honiara

Honolulu

Honshu

Hood, Mount

Hoover Dam

Hormuz, Strait of

Horn, Cape

Horseshoe Falls

Hounslow

Houston

Howrah

Hsi–an

Huang

Huddersfield

Hudson

Hugli

Huhehot

Hull

Hungary

Huntington Beach

Huntsville

Huron, Lake

Hyderabad

Ibadan

Iberian

Iceland

Idaho

Iguaçú

IJssel

IJsselmeer

Ilium

Illinois

Illyria

Imperial Valley

Inchon

Independence

India

Indian

Indiana

Indianapolis

Indian River

Indian Territory

Indies

Indochina

Indonesia

Indore

Indus

Inglewood

Inland Sea

Inner Hebrides

Inner Mongolia

Inside Passage

Inverness

Ionian

Iowa

Ipswich

Iqaluit

Iran

Iraq

Ireland

Irish Sea

Irkutsk

Irrawaddy

Irtysh

Irvine

Irving

Isfahan

Islamabad

Islas Malvinas

Isle of Man

Isle of Wight

Isle Royale

Isles of Scilly

Islington

Ispahan

Israel

Istanbul

Istria

Italy

Itasca, Lake

Ivory Coast

Iwo Jima

Izhevsk

Izmir

Iztapalapa

Jackson

Jacksonville

Jaipur

Jakarta

Jamaica

James

James Bay

Jamestown

Jamshedpur

Japan

Japan, Sea of

Java

Jefferson City

Jersey

Jersey City

Jerusalem

Jidda

Jilin

Jinan

Jinzhou

Jiulong

Johannesburg

Joliet

Jordan

Juan de Fuca, Strait of

Juba

Judaea

Jugoslavia

Juneau

Jura

Jutland

Kabul

Ka Lae

Kalahari

Kalgan

Kalimantan

Kaliningrad

Kamchatka

Kampala

Kampuchea

Kandahar

Kano

Kanpur

Kansas

Kansas City

Kao–hsiung

Karachi

Karaganda

Karakoram Pass

Karelia

Karoo

Kashmir

Kathiawar

Kathmandu

Katmai, Mount

Kattegat

Kauai

Kaunas

Kawasaki

Kazakhstan

Kazan

Keewatin

Kemerovo

Kenai

Kennedy, Cape

Kensington and Chelsea

Kent

Kentucky

Kenya

Key West

Khabarovsk

Khambat Gulf of

Kharkiv

Khartoum

Khmer Republic

Khyber

Kibo

Kiel

Kiev

Kigali

Kilauea

Kilimanjaro

Killarney, Lakes of

Kingston

Kingston upon Hull

Kingston upon Thames

Kingstown

Kinshasa

Kirghiz Republic

Kiribati

Kirin

Kirkwall

Kishinev

Kitakyushu

Kitchener

Kitty Hawk

Klondike

Knoxville

Kobe

Kodiak

Kola

Königsberg

Korea

Koror

Kosciusko, Mount

Kosovo

Kowloon

Krakatau

Krakow

Krasnodar

Krasnoyarsk

Kryvyy Rih

K2

Kuala Lumpur

Kuei–yang

Kunlun

Kunming

Kurdistan

Kuril

Kuwait

Kuybyshev

Kuznetsk Basin

Kwajalein

Kwangju

KwaZulu–Natal

Kyiv

Kyoto

Kyrgyzstan

Kyushu

Labrador

Laccadive

Lacedaemon

Laconia

Lafayette

Lagos

Lahore

Lake District

Lakewood

Lambeth

Lanai

Lancashire

Lancaster

Land's End

Lansing

Lanzhou

Laos

La Paz

Lapland

Laredo

Larne

Lassen Peak

Las Vegas

Latin America

Latin Quarter

Latvia

Laurentian Mountains

Laurentian Plateau

Laval

Lawrence

League of Nations

Lebanon

Leeds

Leeward Islands

Le Havre

Lehman Caves

Leicester

Leicestershire

Leinster

Leipzig

Lena

Leningrad

León

Lerwick

Lesotho

Lesser Antilles

Levant

Lewes

Lewisham

Lewis with Harris

Lexington

Leyte

Lhasa

Liberia

Liberty

Libreville

Libya

Libyan

Liechtenstein

Liffey

Liguria

Ligurian Sea

Lilongwe

Lima

Limavady

Limpopo

Lincoln

Lincolnshire

Line

Lisbon

Lisburn

Lithuania

Little Rock

Liverpool

Livonia

Ljubljana

Llandrindod Wells

Llano Estacado

Lobamba

Lodz

Lofoten

Logan, Mount

Loire

Lomé

Lomond, Loch

London

Londonderry

Long Beach

Long Island

Long Island Sound

Longueuil

Lorraine

Los Angeles

Louise, Lake

Louisiana

Louisiana Purchase

Louisville

Low Countries

Lowell

Lower 48

Lowlands

Luanda

Lubbock

Lubumbashi

Lucknow

Lüda

Luray Caverns

Lusaka

Lüshun

Luton

Luxembourg

Luzon

L'viv

Lyallpur

Lydia

Lynn

Lyon

Macao

Macedonia

Macgillicuddy's Reeks

Machu Picchu

Mackenzie

Mackinac, Straits of

Macon

Madagascar

Madeira

Madinat ash Sha'b

Madison

Madras

Madrid

Madurai

Magellan, Strait of

Magherafelt

Maidstone

Main

Maine

Majorca

Majuro

Malabar Coast

Malabo

Malacca, Strait of

Malawi

Malawi, Lake

Malay

Malaya

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Malvinas, Islas

Mammoth Cave

Man, Isle of

Managua

Manama

Manchester

Manchuria

Manhattan

Manila

Manitoba

Manitoulin

Maputo

Maracaibo

Maracaibo, Lake

Marathon

Mariana

Mariana Trench

Marinduque

Maritime Provinces

Mariupol'

Marmara, Sea of

Marne

Marquesas

Marrakech

Marseille

Marshall Islands

Martha's Vineyard

Martinique

Maryland

Masbate

Maseru

Mashhad

Mason–Dixon Line

Masqat

Massachusetts

Matabeleland

Matlock

Matterhorn

Maui

Mauna Kea

Mauna Loa

Mauretania

Mauritania

Mauritius

May, Cape

Mayon, Mount

Mayotte

Mazama, Mount

Mbabane

Mbini

McAllen

McKinley, Mount

Mead, Lake

Mecca

Medan

Medellín

Medina

Mediterranean

Mekong

Melanesia

Melbourne

Melekeok

Melos

Melville

Memphis

Memphremagog, Lake

Mendocino, Cape

Mercia

Mersey

Merseyside

Merton

Mesa

Mesabi Range

Mesopotamia

Mesquite

Meuse

Mexico

Mexico, Gulf of

Miami

Miami Beach

Michigan

Michigan, Lake

Micronesia

Micronesia, Federated States of

Middle East

Middlesbrough

Middle West

Midian

Midlands

Midway

Midwest

Milan

Milwaukee

Minas Basin

Mindanao

Mindoro

Minneapolis

Minnesota

Minorca

Minsk

Mississauga

Mississippi

Missouri

Mitchell, Mount

Mobile

Modesto

Mogadishu

Mohawk

Mohenjo Daro

Mojave

Mold

Moldavia

Moldova

Molokai

Moluccas

Mombasa

Monaco

Mongolia

Monongahela

Monrovia

Montana

Mont Blanc

Montenegro

Monterrey

Montevideo

Montgomery

Montpelier

Montreal

Montserrat

Moravia

Moreno Valley

Morocco

Moroni

Moscow

Moselle

Moyle

Mozambique

Mpumalanga

Mukden

Multan

Mumbai

Munich

Munster

Murcia

Murray

Murrumbidgee

Muscat

Myanmar

Mycenae

Mysore

Nabataea

Nagoya

Nagpur

Nairobi

Namibia

Nanchang

Nanjing

Nantucket

Naperville

Naples

Narragansett Bay

Nashville

Nassau

Natal

Nauru

Nay Pyi Taw

Nazareth

N'Djamena

Neagh, Lough

Near East

Nebraska

Negev

Negro

Negros

Nepal

Ness, Loch

Netherlands

Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Indies

Neva

Nevada

Nevis

New Amsterdam

Newark

New Britain

New Brunswick

New Caledonia

Newcastle

New Delhi

New England

Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador

New France

New Guinea

Newham

New Hampshire

New Haven

New Hebrides

New Jersey

New Mexico

New Netherland

New Orleans

Newport

Newport News

New Providence

Newry and Mourne

New South Wales

New Spain

New Sweden

Newtownabbey

Newtownards

Newtown Saint Boswells

New World

New York

New York State Barge Canal

New Zealand

Niagara Falls

Niamey

Nicaea

Nicaragua

Nice

Nicobar

Nicosia

Niger

Nigeria

Niihau

Nile

Nilgiri

Nineveh

Nipigon, Lake

Nizhniy Novgorod

Nord–Ostsee

Norfolk

Normandy

North

Northallerton

North America

Northampton

Northamptonshire

North Cape

North Carolina

North Dakota

North Down

Northern

Northern Cape

Northern Cook

Northern Hemisphere

Northern Ireland

Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Rhodesia

Northern Territory

North Korea

North Las Vegas

North Macedonia

North Slope

Northumberland

Northumbria

North Vietnam

North West

Northwest Passage

Northwest Territories

North York

North Yorkshire

Norwalk

Norway

Norwich

Nottingham

Nottinghamshire

Nouakchott

Nouméa

Nova Scotia

Novokuznetsk

Novosibirsk

Nubia

Nukualofa

Numidia

Nunavut

Nuremberg

Nursultan

Nuuk

Nyasa, Lake

Nyasaland

Oahu

Oakland

Ob'

Oceania

Oceanside

Oder

Odessa

Ohio

Okayama

Okeechobee, Lake

Okefenokee

Okhotsk, Sea of

Okinawa

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

Oldham

Old Point Comfort

Olduvai Gorge

Old World

Olympia

Olympic

Olympus

Omagh

Omaha

Oman

Oman, Gulf of

Omsk

Ontario

Ontario, Lake

Oporto

Oran

Orange

Orange Free State

Oregon

Oregon Trail

Orinoco

Orkney

Orlando

Osaka

Oshawa

Oslo

Oswiecim

Ottawa

Ottoman Empire

Ouagadougou

Outer Hebrides

Overland Park

Oxford

Oxfordshire

Oxnard

Ozark Plateau

Pacific

Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the

Pacific Rim

Padang

Padre

Pago Pago

Painted Desert

Pakistan

Palau

Palawan

Palembang

Palermo

Palestine

Palikir

Palisades

Palmdale

Pamirs

Pamlico Sound

Panama

Panama, Isthmus of

Panama Canal Zone

Panay

Pangaea

Panmunjom

Pao–t'ou

Papua, Territory of

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Paramaribo

Paraná

Paricutin

Paris

Parnassus

Paros

Parramatta

Parthia

Pasadena

Patagonia

Paterson

Patmos

Patna

Pearl Harbor

Peking

Pelion

Peloponnese

Pembroke Pines

Pennine Chain

Pennsylvania

People's Democratic Republic of Yemen

Peoria

Pergamum

Perm

Pernambuco

Persia

Persian Gulf

Perth

Peru

Peterborough

Petra

Petrograd

Philadelphia

Philippines

Phnom Penh

Phoenicia

Phoenix

Phrygia

Piedmont

Pierre

Pietermaritzburg

Pikes Peak

Pindus

Pisa

Pitcairn

Pittsburgh

Placid, Lake

Plano

Plovdiv

Plymouth

Po

Podgorica

Po Hai

Pohnpei

Poland

Polynesia

Pomerania

Pomona

Pompeii

Ponce

Ponta Delgada

Pontchartrain, Lake

Pontus

Poole

Popocatepetl

Port Arthur

Port–au–Prince

Port Jackson

Portland

Port Louis

Port Moresby

Porto

Porto Alegre

Port of Spain

Porto–Novo

Port Phillip Bay

Port Said

Portsmouth

Portugal

Portuguese India

Port–Vila

Potomac

Poughkeepsie

Powys

Prague

Praia

Prairie Provinces

Preston

Pretoria

Pribilof

Prince Edward Island

Prince Rupert's Land

Princeton

Príncipe

Pristina

Provence

Providence

Provo

Prudhoe Bay

Prussia

Pueblo

Puerto Rico

Puget Sound

Pune

Punjab

Pusan

Pyongyang

Pyrenees

Qaraghandy

Qatar

Qingdao

Qiqihar

Quebec

Queens

Queensland

Quezon City

Quito

Rabat

Rainier, Mount

Rajputana

Raleigh

Rancho Cucamonga

Rand

Rangeley Lakes

Rangoon

Rawalpindi

Reading

Recife

Red

Redbridge

Regina

Reno

Republic of the Congo

Réunion

Reykjavik

Rhine

Rhineland

Rhode Island

Rhodes

Rhodesia

Rhone

Richmond

Richmond upon Thames

Riga

Rio

Rio de Janeiro

Rio Grande

Río Muni

Riverside

Riviera

Riyadh

Roanoke

Roanoke Island

Robson, Mount

Rochester

Rockford

Rocky Mountains

Roman Empire

Romania

Romblon

Rome

Rosario

Roseau

Rostov–on–Don

Roswell

Rota

Rotterdam

Ruanda–Urundi

Rudolf, Lake

Ruhr

Rumania

Rupert's Land

Rushmore, Mount

Russia

Ruthenia

Ruwenzori

Rwanda

Ryukyu

Saar

Sabah

Sacramento

Saguenay

Sahara

Sahel

Saigon

Saint Albans

Saint Catharines

Saint Christopher

Saint Clair, Lake

Saint Croix

Saint Elias, Mount

Saint George's

Saint George's Channel

Saint Gotthard

Saint Helena

Saint Helens

Saint Helens, Mount

Saint John

Saint John's

Saint Kitts

Saint Lawrence

Saint Louis

Saint Lucia

Saint Paul

Saint Petersburg

Saint Thomas

Saint Vincent

Saipan

Sakai

Sakhalin

Salamis

Salem

Salford

Salinas

Salisbury

Salop

Salt Lake City

Salvador

Salween

Samar

Samara

Samarqand

Samnium

Samoa

Samos

Sanaa

San Andreas Fault

San Antonio

San Bernardino

San Buenaventura

San Diego

Sandwich

Sandwich Islands

San Francisco

San Joaquin

San Jose

San José

San Juan

San Marino

San Pedro Sula

San Salvador

Santa Ana

Santa Barbara

Santa Clara

Santa Clarita

Santa Fe

Santa Fe Trail

Santa Rosa

Santiago

Santo Domingo

São Paulo

São Tomé

São Tomé and Príncipe

Sapporo

Sarajevo

Saratov

Sarawak

Sardinia

Sargasso Sea

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon

Saudi Arabia

Sault Sainte Marie Canals

Savaii

Savannah

Savoy

Scafell Pike

Scandinavia

Scarborough

Schelde

Schuylkill

Scilly, Isles of

Scotia

Scotland

Scottsdale

Scythia

Seattle

Seine

Selkirk

Semarang

Sendai

Seneca Falls

Senegal

Seoul

Serbia

Serbia and Montenegro

Serengeti Plain

Seven Hills

Severn

Seville

Seychelles

Shanghai

Shannon

Sharon, Plain of

Shasta, Mount

Shatt al Arab

Sheffield

Shenandoah

Shenyang

Sherbrooke

Sherwood Forest

Shetland

Shijiazhuang

Shikoku

Shiraz

Shreveport

Shrewsbury

Shropshire

Shumagin

Siam

Siam, Gulf of

Siberia

Sicily

Sierra Leone

Sierra Madre

Sierra Nevada

Sikkim

Silesia

Silk Road

Simcoe, Lake

Simi Valley

Sinai

Singapore

Sinkiang Uighur

Sioux Falls

Skaggerak

Skagway

Skopje

Slavonia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Smyrna

Snake

Snowdon

Society

Sofia

Soho

Solihull

Solomon

Somalia

Somaliland

Somerset

Sonoran

Soo Canals

South

South Africa, Republic of

South America

Southampton

South Australia

South Bend

South Cape

South Carolina

South China Sea

South Dakota

Southend–on–Sea

Southern Alps

Southern Hemisphere

Southern Rhodesia

South Korea

South Seas

South Shields

South Sudan

South Vietnam

Southwark

South–West Africa

South Yorkshire

Soviet Central Asia

Soviet Russia

Soviet Union

Soweto

Spain

Spanish America

Spanish Guinea

Spanish Sahara

Sparta

Spokane

Springfield

Sri Lanka

Srinagar

Stafford

Staffordshire

Staked Plain

Stamford

Stanley

Staten Island

Sterling Heights

Stirling

Stockholm

Stockport

Stockton

Stoke–on–Trent

Stone Mountain

Stornoway

Strabane

Stromboli

Stuttgart

Styx

Süchow

Sucre

Sudan

Sudbury

Suez, Gulf of

Suez, Isthmus of

Suez Canal

Suffolk

Suisun Bay

Sulawesi

Sulu

Sumatra

Sumer

Sunbelt

Sunda

Sunderland

Sunnyvale

Sun Valley

Superior, Lake

Surabaya

Suriname

Surrey

Sutton

Suva

Sverdlovsk

Swansea

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

Sydney

Syracuse

Syria

Syrian Desert

Table Bay

Tabriz

Tacoma

Taegu

Taejon

Tagus

Tahiti

Taibei

Taichung

T'ai–nan

Taiwan

Taiyuan

Taizhong

Tajikistan

Taklimakan

Ta–lien

Tallahassee

Tallinn

Tampa

Tanganyika

Tanganyika, Lake

Tangshan

Tanzania

Tarawa

Tarrytown

Tarsus

Tashkent

Tasman Sea

Tasmania

Tatry

Taunton

Tbilisi

Tegucigalpa

Tehran

Tel Aviv

Tempe

Tennessee

Tenochtitlan

Texas

Texas Panhandle

Thailand

Thailand, Gulf of

Thames

Thar

Thebes

Thessaloníki

Thimphu

Thousand Islands

Thousand Oaks

Thrace

Thunder Bay

Thurrock

Tianjin

Tian Shan

Tiber

Tiberias, Lake

Tibesti

Tibet

Tierra del Fuego

Tiflis

Tigris

Tijuana

Timbuktu

Timor

Timor–Leste

Tirane

Tirol

Titicaca, Lake

Tobago

Togo

Tokyo

Toledo

Tol'yatti

Tonga

Tonkin, Gulf of

Topeka

Torbay

Toronto

Torrance

Torres

Toulouse

Tower Hamlets

Toyonaka

Transvaal

Transylvania

Transylvanian Alps

Trenton

Trinidad

Tripoli

Tristan da Cunha

Trivandrum

Trobriand

Trois–Rivieres

Trondheim

Troy

Truk

Truro

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Tshwane

Tsinan

Tsingtao

Tucson

Tula

Tulsa

Tunis

Tunisia

Turin

Turkana, Lake

Turkey

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos

Tutuila

Tuvalu

Tyne and Wear

Tyre

Tyrol

Tyrrhenian Sea

Ufa

Uganda

Ukraine

Ulaanbaatar

Ulsan

Ulster

Uluru

Umbria

Ungava

Union of South Africa

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United Nations

United States of America

Upper Volta

Ural

Uruguay

Ürümqi

Uspallata

Utah

Uzbekistan

Vaduz

Valdez

Valencia

Vallejo

Valley Forge

Valletta

Vancouver

Van Diemen's Land

Vanuatu

Varanasi

Vatican City

Venezuela

Venice

Ventura

Veracruz

Vermont

Verona

Vesuvius

Vicksburg

Victoria

Victoria, Lake

Vienna

Vientiane

Vieques

Vietnam

Vila

Vila Nova de Gaia

Vilnius

Vinland

Virginia

Virginia Beach

Virginia City

Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands of the United States

Visayan

Vishakhapatnam

Vistula

Viti Levu

Vladivostok

Vojvodina

Volga

Volgograd

Volta

Voronezh

Vosges

Waco

Waddenzee

Wake

Wakefield

Walachia

Wales

Wallonia

Walsall

Waltham Forest

Wandsworth

Warley

Warren

Warsaw

Warwick

Warwickshire

Wasatch

Washington

Washington, Mount

Waterbury

Weddell

Weimar Republic

Welland

Wellington

Wessex

West Bank

West Bromwich

West Covina

Western Australia

Western Cape

Western Ghats

Western Hemisphere

Western Isles

Western Sahara

Western Samoa

West Germany

West Indies

West Midlands

Westminster

West Pakistan

Westphalia

West Point

West Quoddy Head

West Sussex

West Valley City

West Virginia

West Yorkshire

White

Whitehorse

White Mountains

Whitney, Mount

Wichita

Wichita Falls

Wien

Wight, Isle of

Willemstad

Williamsburg

Wilmington

Wiltshire

Winchester

Windermere

Windhoek

Windsor

Windward Islands

Winnipeg

Winnipeg, Lake

Winnipesaukee, Lake

Winston–Salem

Wisconsin

Witwatersrand

Wollongong

Wolverhampton

Worcester

Wrangell, Mount

Wroclaw

Wuhan

Wuxi

Wyoming

Xi'an

Xianggang

Xinjiang Uygur

Xizang

Xuzhou

Yakima

Yalu

Yamoussoukro

Yangon

Yangtze

Yaoundé

Yap

Yaren

Yaroslavl

Yazoo

Yekaterinburg

Yellow

Yellowknife

Yemen

Yenisey

Yerevan

Yokohama

Yonkers

York

York, Cape

Yosemite Falls

Youngstown

Yucatán

Yugoslavia

Yukon

Yuma

Zagreb

Zaire

Zambezi

Zambia

Zanzibar

Zaporizhzhya

Zetland

Zhangjiakou

Zhdanov

Zhengzhou

Zimbabwe

Zuider Zee

Zululand

Zurich

Preface

Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary is part of a series of dictionaries prepared especially for elementary and secondary students. It is preceded by Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary and followed by Merriam-Webster’s School Dictionary. Merriam-Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary is intended for use primarily by students in middle school and junior high school. The range of vocabulary covered is suited to the needs of older students, but the definitions have been written in everyday language that will be clear to younger students.

The dictionary has been written and edited by Merriam-Webster’s permanent staff of trained and experienced lexicographers. They have included words chiefly on the basis of their occurrence in textbooks and other materials in all subjects. The editors have also had access to the many millions of examples of English words used in context that form the extensive Merriam-Webster citation files and that underlie the entire family of Merriam-Webster dictionaries, including Webster’s Third New International Dictionary and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.

By basing their work on this broad body of evidence, the editors have ensured that the current general vocabulary of English has received its proper share of attention, while also giving the language of special subjects—such as mathematics, science, social studies, and computers—the full coverage that today’s students need.

Merriam-Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary will give students all of the information they need about how words are spelled, how they are pronounced, and what they mean. In addition, it also has some features found in more advanced dictionaries. For example, word history paragraphs at many entries, each followed by a traditional dictionary etymology, introduce the fascinating study of where words come from and build dictionary skills in understanding etymologies. Synonym paragraphs introduce students to the small but important differences in meaning that make one word more appropriate than another in a particular context.

Special tables throughout the book answer questions about such matters as the name of a chemical element, the relation of a U.S. measure to its metric equivalent, or the diameter of a planet in our solar system.

In the back of the dictionary there are separate sections giving information about common abbreviations; names of figures from history, mythology, and the Bible; names of places; and signs and symbols.

Merriam-Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary can become a very valuable book for students facing the special challenges of developing language skills and basic knowledge across a broad range of topics. The more a student uses the dictionary, the more useful it becomes. However, using a dictionary is not always an easy and obvious matter. To assist students in building necessary dictionary skills, this dictionary includes an introductory section called “Using Your Dictionary.” Students should read this section carefully and become thoroughly familiar with what it tells them about the variety of type styles, symbols, special words, and abbreviations used in this dictionary. By doing this, students will be sure to get the most from their dictionary.

Using Your Dictionary

Dictionary Entries

The entries in the dictionary are all the words printed in boldface type. The main entries are the entries that are listed in alphabetical order at the far left in a column. Most main entries are provided with a pronunciation, a part-of-speech label, and a definition.

Most main entries are single words, but some are not. A main entry can also be a prefix like 1a-, a suffix like -ability, a combining form like bio-, a combination of words like abominable snowman and about–face, a combination of letters like IOU, or a combination of a numeral and a letter like 3-D.

Run-on Entries

At the end of many entries are additional boldface words and sometimes boldface phrases introduced with a dash. These are known as run-on entries. These words and compounds are derived from the main-entry word in different ways. They may come about through a shift in function (as the noun implant comes from the verb implant) or they may be formed by the addition of suffixes (as the adverb closely and the noun closeness come from the adjective close). The derived words are run on without definitions when their meaning is easy to figure out. But if the meaning of the run-on word is not easy to figure out from the meaning of the base word and the meaning of any added suffix, we always enter it as a main entry with a definition.

The boldface phrases run on at the end of many entries are common idioms whose meanings are more than the sum of the meanings of the individual words. These phrases are generally entered under the first major element (for example, a noun or verb or sometimes an adjective or adverb, rather than a preposition or article).

For example, the phrases on board, in any case, and to date will appear at the entries board, case, and date, respectively. Break camp, cast lots, and now and then will appear respectively under break, cast, and now.

Order of Entries

Throughout the dictionary, main entries are alphabetized by first letter, then second letter, and so on, regardless of any spaces or hyphens that may appear in them. When a main entry contains a numeral, consider the numeral as though it were a spelled-out word and you will find it at its alphabetical place. For example, 4–H appears between four–footed and four–in–hand. Likewise, when a word is usually spelled with an abbreviation, such as St. Bernard, consider the spelled-out form (in this case Saint) and you will find it at its alphabetical place between Saint Andrew's cross and sainted.

When main entries are spelled exactly alike but have different functions in a sentence (such as noun and verb) or have different origins, they are called homographs. Each homograph is indicated by a small raised numeral at the very beginning of the word. For example, 1account and 2account are entered as separate homographs because they have different functions (the first is a noun, the second is a verb). The entries 1calf and 2calf are separate homographs because they have different origins (the first from an Old English word, the second from a Norse word). In general, homographs are listed and numbered in the order in which they came into the language. The word calf meaning a young cow came into the language before the word calf meaning a part of the leg.

When main entries are spelled alike except that one of them is capitalized, the one not capitalized is listed first. For example, frank is listed before Frank.

When main entries are compounds, such as layoff, lay off, long–distance, and long distance, the solid form is entered first, then the hyphenated form, and then the open form with a space between the parts. Thus, layoff comes before lay off, and long–distance comes before long distance.

Variant Spellings

A number of main entries have a second and sometimes a third spelling also shown in boldface. These alternate spellings are called variants.

Variants that are separated by the word or are equal variants. This means that either spelling is equally acceptable with the other in current English. Equal variants are usually listed in alphabetical order.

bobby socks or bobby sox

However, if one of the equal variants is used slightly more frequently, that one is entered first even though it may not fall alphabetically first.

pol·ly·wog or pol·li·wog

Variants that are separated by the word also are not equal variants, and the one listed before the word also is quite a bit more common than the one that follows the word also. So, at the entry

glam·or·ous also glam·our·ous

the first spelling is used more often than the second, but both spellings are considered acceptable.

Occasionally both or and also are used to separate a number of variants at a single entry. The example below indicates that neither bogy nor bogie is as commonly used as bogey, but all three are considered acceptable.

bo·gey also bo·gy or bo·gie

Some variants are entered separately at their own alphabetical places. These are followed by the italicized words variant of and a cross-reference in small capital letters to the more common spelling or form.

lichee variant of LYCHEE

despatch chiefly British variant of DISPATCH

Variants that are standard in American English are given at the main entry and are entered again at their own alphabetical places only if they fall one column or more away from the main entry. Variants that are restricted in some way (as by being chiefly British or dialect) are found only at their own alphabetical places.

When one variant is more common for a particular meaning than for other meanings, it is given before the definition with an indication of how common it is.

1disk or disc…2 : a thin circular object: as a usually disc : a phonograph record

1nick·el…2 a also nick·le : the U.S. five-cent piece made of nickel and copper

If the variant is shown in boldface at the beginning of the entry, as disc is, it appears in italic before the definition. If it is not shown at the beginning of the entry, as nickle is not, it appears in boldface before the definition.

Centered Dots and Hyphenation

This dictionary shows you how to divide words for two distinct purposes: for end-of-line division by the use of centered dots in the entry word, and second, for syllabification by the use of hyphens in the pronunciations.

The boldface centered dots in entries indicate the acceptable places to put a hyphen when the word is divided at the end of a line. For example, the dots in the entry in·ter·con·ti·nen·tal indicate that the word may be broken at the end of a line as follows:

in-

tercontinental

or

inter-

continental

or

intercon-

tinental

or

interconti-

nental

or

intercontinen-

tal

It is customary to avoid dividing a word so that a single letter is left at the end of one line or the beginning of the next line. For this reason this dictionary does not show any division in such words as eject, away, and lily.

It is very important to understand that the dots that show end-of-line division do not always separate the syllables of a word. Syllables are shown only in the pronunciation, explained in the next section.

In the case of homographs, the divisions are usually indicated only in the first homograph. The divisions shown in the first homograph apply to all the following homographs.

1mas·ter…n

2master adj

3master vb

A word in a compound made up of two or more separate words is divided only when no individual entry exists for that word.

Dew·ey decimal classification… n

diabetes mel·li·tus…n

ha·be·as cor·pus…n

There are no separate entries for Dewey, mellitus, habeas, or corpus.

Pronunciation

It is often difficult to tell how a word is pronounced from its spelling. For example, in bat, late, any, and above the letter a stands for a different sound in each word. In addition, there are many words that are pronounced in more than one way, even though there may be only one accepted spelling.

In order to represent the sounds of spoken English in a written form, a special set of pronunciation symbols is used. Each symbol stands for only one sound and each sound is represented by only one symbol.

The pronunciation of most entry words is shown immediately following the boldface entry. To make it clear that pronunciation symbols are being used and not regular letters, the symbols are always shown between slant lines \ \.

A complete list of pronunciation symbols used in this dictionary appears just before the beginning of the dictionary proper. After most of the symbols in the chart are words containing the sound of that symbol. The boldface letters in these words are the letters which have the same sound as the symbol.

For example, following the symbol j are the words job, gem, edge. The boldface j in job, the g in gem, and the dge in edge are all pronounced \j\.

At the beginning of the list of pronunciation symbols is the symbol ə, called a schwa \ˈshwä\. This symbol often represents the sound of an unstressed vowel (as the first and last vowels in America), but it may also represent the sound of a stressed vowel (as the first vowel of brother).

Hyphens are used in the pronunciation to indicate the syllables of a word.

noisy \ˈnȯi-zē\ (2 syllables)

no·tice·able \ˈnōt-ə-sə-bəl\ (4 syllables)

Of course, the syllables of words are not separated when we speak. One sound follows right after another without pause. It is obvious in the example noticeable above that the number and position of hyphens are not the same as the number and position of dots in the entry word. Only the hyphens show syllables; the dots mark acceptable places to divide the word at the end of a line.

Some syllables are spoken with greater force or stress than others. In this dictionary the primary (strongest) stress is shown by a high-set vertical mark \ˈ\ placed immediately before the stressed syllable. Secondary (slightly weaker) stress is shown by a low-set vertical mark \ˌ\ also placed immediately before the stressed syllable. In the word notify, for example, the first syllable receives primary stress and the last syllable receives secondary stress. The middle syllable receives weak stress and is not marked in the dictionary. All of this is shown in the pronunciation \ˈnōt-ə-ˌfī\.

Many words can be pronounced in more than one way. Variant pronunciations are separated by commas, and sometimes groups of variants are separated by semicolons. When the word also separates variant pronunciations, the one following the also is not as common as the one preceding it. All the variant pronunciations shown in this dictionary are quite acceptable and are used by educated speakers of English.

Sometimes when a variant pronunciation is shown, only part of the pronunciation of the word changes. When that happens, only the part that changes may be shown. To get the full pronunciation, add the part that changes to the part that stays the same.

ec·o·nom·ic \ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-ik, ˌē-kə-\

1ei·ther \ˈē-thər also ˈī-\

ex·pi·ra·to·ry \ik-ˈspī-rə-ˌtōr-ē, ek-, -ˌtȯr-; ˈek-sp(ə-)rə-\

If a variant is used mostly in a particular region of the U.S. or a part of the English-speaking world outside the U.S., that location is identified.

1sure \ˈshu̇(ə)r, especially Southern ˈshō(ə)r\

1sched·ule \ˈskej-ü(ə)l, -əl, Canadian also ˈshej-, British usually ˈshed-yü(ə)l\

When a pronunciation symbol is enclosed in parentheses, that sound may or may not be pronounced.

1ear \ˈi(ə)r\

The parentheses at 1ear indicate that ear may be pronounced \ˈir\ or \ˈiər\.

If an incomplete pronunciation is given for an entry word, the missing portion may be found at a preceding entry.

cat·bird \ˈkat-ˌbərd\

cat·boat \-ˌbōt\

Thus, the full pronunciation of catboat is \ˈkat-ˌbōt\. In the case of homographs, if the pronunciation is the same for each homograph, the pronunciation is given only for the first.

1cheer \ˈchi(ə)r\ n

2cheer vb

1her·ald \ˈher-əld\ n

2herald vb

Many entries for compounds made up of two or more separate words will also have missing pronunciations. Look at the entries for the separate words to determine the pronunciation. If one of the words has no entry of its own, however, the pronunciation of that word will be shown at the entry for the compound.

monarch butterfly n

hog·nose snake \ˌhȯg-ˌnōz-, ˌhäg-\ n

Some undefined run-on entries show no pronunciation. In these cases, the pronunciation of the run-on is the pronunciation of the main entry plus the pronunciation of the suffix, which may be found at its own alphabetical place.

bossy \ˈbȯ-sē\ adj …— boss·i·ness n

Thus, the pronunciation of bossiness is \ˈbȯ-sē-nəs\; it is not shown because it is simply \ˈbȯ-sē\ plus \nəs\.

The Functions of Words

Words are used in many different ways in a sentence. A word may serve as the name of something, or be used to indicate an action or to describe a thing or the way something happens. The several different grammatical functions of words are known as parts of speech. This dictionary identifies the function of most entry words with one of the eight traditional part-of-speech labels, abbreviated, italicized, and placed after the boldface entry itself or after the pronunciation, when one is given.

bur·glar…n (noun)

cease…vb (verb)

de·li·cious…adj (adjective)

fair·ly…adv (adverb)

you…pron (pronoun)

in·to…prep (preposition)

or…conj (conjunction)

ouch…interj (interjection)

When a noun is always used in the plural, the label n pl is used. A noun so labeled always takes a plural verb.

munch·ies…n pl

Sometimes an entry word that is spelled as a plural may take either a singular or a plural verb, depending on its use. For example, although the word acrobatics is plural in form, it may be singular in such uses as “Acrobatics is a strenuous activity” or plural in “You make these acrobatics look easy.” To indicate such uses, the word acrobatics is given the label n sing or pl.

In addition to the traditional part-of-speech labels, there are a number of other functional labels used in this dictionary.

may…helping verb

me·thinks…impersonal verb

avast…imperative verb

an…indefinite article

the…definite article

Fris·bee…trademark

Re·al·tor…collective mark

NC–17…certification mark

-gram…n combining form

-ous…adj suffix

non-…prefix

-nd…symbol

Inflected Forms

The plural forms of nouns, the past tense, past participle, and present participle forms of verbs, and the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs are known as inflected forms. In most instances, these forms are regular (that is, they are formed by the addition of -s or -es to nouns, -ed and -ing to verbs, and -er and -est to adjectives and adverbs). These regular inflected forms are not shown in this dictionary. Irregular inflected forms, such as those that involve a change in the spelling of the root word or a doubling of a final letter, are shown in boldface.

Just as with variants of main entries, variants of inflected forms are equal when they are separated by or. If they are out of alphabetical order, the one shown first is slightly more common. Variants separated by also are not equal, however, and the one shown first is considerably more common than the other. Even so, both variants are acceptable.

An effort is usually made to save space in showing inflected forms by showing only the last part for words of more than two syllables. The form is usually cut back to the point that corresponds to the last indicated end-of-line division in the main entry.

can·di·da·cy…n, pl -cies

or·ga·nize…vb -nized; -nizing

Inflected forms whose own alphabetical places are more than one column away from the main entry are given separate entry there with a cross-reference in small capital letters to the main entry.

geese plural of GOOSE

brought past and past participle of BRING

PLURALS OF NOUNS

Nouns that form their plurals simply by the addition of -s or -es are not shown unless there is a chance that they may be mistaken or misspelled.

mon·key…n, pl monkeys (not monkies)

mon·goose…n, pl mon·goos·es (not mongeese)

Nouns that form their plurals in any other way than by the addition of -s or -es to an unchanged base have such plurals shown.

cad·dy…n, pl caddies (-y changes to -i-)

child…n, pl chil·dren (irregular ending)

knife…n, pl knives (-f- changes to -v-)

oa·sis…n, pl oa·ses (Greek plural)

se·ta…n, pl se·tae (Latin plural)

ser·aph…n, pl ser·a·phim…(Hebrew plural)

deer…n, pl deer (no change at all)

Most compound nouns form their plural by pluralizing the final element. Such plurals are not shown when the final element is a recognizable word entered at its own place (such as blueberry and eyetooth). Plurals for compounds that pluralize any but the last element are shown.

mother–in–law…n, pl mothers–in–law

postmaster general n, pl postmasters general

Plurals are also given for all entries that have variant plural forms.

1in·dex…n, pl in·dex·es…or in·di·ces

mon·si·gnor…n, pl monsignors or mon·si·gno·ri

ban·jo…n, pl banjos also banjoes

Irregular plural forms are also entered at their own alphabetical place in this dictionary when they fall more than one column away from the singular entry. You will find the plural form feet, for example, entered at its own alphabetical place between feeling and feetfirst because it falls more than a column away from the singular foot. However, the irregular plural oxen is not shown at its own place because it does not fall more than a column away from ox. Irregular plurals that are shown at their own alphabetical place have a cross-reference in small capital letters to the singular form.

lice plural of LOUSE

media plural of MEDIUM

FORMS OF VERBS

Some inflected forms of a verb are especially important because they are used to form all of the verb tenses. These forms are the present tense, past tense, past participle, and present participle. Most verbs in English form the past tense and past participle by the addition of -ed to the base form, which is also the present tense form. They form the present participle by the addition of -ing to the base form. These verbs are considered to be regular, and their inflected forms are not shown in this dictionary.

Inflected forms are shown if they are created in any other way, even if it is no more than a matter of dropping a final -e before the ending is added. Variants of inflected forms are always shown. When the past participle has the same form as the past tense, only one form is shown.

1blow…vb blew…; blown…; blow·ing

1fade…vb fad·ed; fad·ing

1chop…vb chopped; chop·ping

2bias vb bi·ased or bi·assed; bi·as·ing or bi·as·sing

2picnic vb pic·nicked; pic·nick·ing

1fry…vb fried; fry·ing

FORMS OF ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS

Most adjectives and adverbs form their comparative and superlative forms with the words more or most or with the addition of -er and -est to the simple form. These adjectives and adverbs are considered regular, and such forms are not shown in this dictionary. Any other spelling changes (such as the changing of -y to -i-, the doubling of the final consonant, or the dropping of -e) are shown. All variant forms are shown. To save space, superlative forms are often cut back to the ending -est.

1good…adj bet·ter…; best

mad…adj mad·der; mad·dest

2dandy adj dan·di·er; -est

3fine adj fin·er; fin·est

1ear·ly…adv ear·li·er; -est

2much adv more; most

spry…adj spri·er or spry·er…; spri·est or spry·est

Definitions

A definition is the statement of the meaning of an entry word. In this dictionary each definition is introduced by a boldface colon.

3fan n : an enthusiastic follower or admirer

op·ti·mis·tic…adj : showing optimism : expecting everything to come out all right : HOPEFUL

Often, instead of a statement or in addition to it, one or more cross-references to synonymns are given in small capital letters.

law·mak·er…n : LEGISLATOR

mer·i·to·ri·ous…adj : deserving reward or honor : PRAISEWORTHY

This tells you that the meaning of lawmaker and the meaning of legislator are the same, and the meaning of meritorious and the meaning of praiseworthy are the same.

When an entry word has more than one sense, the appropriate number precedes each sense.

hoax…n 1 : an act intended to trick or deceive 2 : something false passed off or accepted as genuine

Sometimes a particular relationship between two meanings is shown by the use of an italic label. Two labels are used: esp (for especially) and also. The divider esp is used to introduce the most common meaning that is included in the general definition just before it. The divider also is used to introduce a meaning that is closely related to the meaning given just before it but is not as common.

opus…n…: 1WORK 7; esp : a musical composition or set of compositions

demi·tasse…n : a small cup of black coffee; also : the cup used to serve it

A numbered sense can be further divided into subsenses preceded by small boldface letters. Sometimes an unnumbered sense is divided into lettered subsenses.

erode…vb…1 a : to destroy gradually by chemical means : CORRODE b : to wear away by or as if by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice 2 : to undergo erosion

2scope n : any of various instruments for viewing: as a : MICROSCOPE b : 1TELESCOPE c : OSCILLOSCOPE

In this dictionary, the definitions of senses of a word are generally listed in historical order, just as homographs are. This means that sense 1 was used in English before sense 2, sense 2 before sense 3, and so forth. It does not mean, however, that sense 3 necessarily developed from sense 2. It may have done so, or sense 2 and sense 3 may have developed independently from sense 1. Sometimes it is possible to see that one sense developed out of another just by the way their definitions are worded.

1branch…n 1 : a natural division of a plant stem (as a bough growing from a trunk or twig from a bough) 2 : something extending from a main line or source <river branch> <a railroad branch> 3 : a separate or subordinate division or part of a central system <executive branch of the government> <a branch of a bank>

In the above entry, phrases are provided within angle brackets < > to illustrate common ways of using the entry word in the indicated sense. These phrases are called verbal illustrations.

Sometimes, in addition to or in place of a definition, you will find a cross-reference to a table in which other similar terms are listed or a cross-reference that sends you to another entry for related information.

Leo…n… 2 a : the fifth sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC table

Dan·iel…n — see BIBLE table

digital computer n : a computer that operates with numbers expressed as digits (as in the binary system) — compare ANALOG COMPUTER

Capitalization

When an entry word is usually capitalized in ordinary writing, it is entered in this dictionary with a capital letter. Other entries begin with a lowercase letter. A few such entries also have an italic label often cap. This label indicates that the word is capitalized about as often as not.

Oc·to·ber…n

back·ground…n

an·gli·cize…vb…often cap

Some words have special meanings when capitalized that they do not have when they are written without a capital letter. This dictionary shows the use of the capital with such entries by putting the label cap or often cap at the appropriate sense.

re·nais·sance…n 1 cap : the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries marked by a flourishing of art and literature inspired by ancient times and by the beginnings of modern science 2 often cap : a movement or period of great activity (as in literature, science, and the arts)

Occasionally, some words that are almost always capitalized in their usual meanings have special meanings in which they are not capitalized. In this dictionary the labels not cap or often not cap are given at the proper sense.

DJ…n, often not cap : DISC JOCKEY

2Roman adj 1 : of or relating to Rome or the Romans or the empire of which Rome was the original capital 2 a…b…3 not cap : of or relating to a type style with upright characters (as in “these definitions”)

Special Usage Labels and Guide Phrases

For many entries italic labels identify the kind of context in which the word or a sense of the word is usually found. Some of the most commonly used labels in this dictionary are the following:

archaic (once standard but now used only in special contexts)

slang (very informal usage not usually found in formal writing)

substandard (not normally used by educated speakers and writers)

nonstandard (sometimes used by well-educated people but not always considered appropriate for good usage)

British (common only in Great Britain or the British Commonwealth countries)

Scottish (common only in Scotland)

dialect (common only in one or more regions of the U.S.)

Regional labels like the last three in the list above are often preceded by the word chiefly. This modifier indicates that the word or meaning is most common in the named region but has some use outside of it.

The following examples illustrate the use of such special usage labels:

1fain…adj 1 archaic : GLAD, HAPPY

lid…n…3 slang : HAT

learn…vb…4 substandard : to cause to learn : TEACH

1lay…vb…4 nonstandard : 1LIE

3chap n, chiefly British : 1FELLOW 4a

auld…adj, chiefly Scottish : OLD

craw·dad…n, dialect : CRAYFISH 1

At a few entries an italicized guide phrase may be provided before a definition to identify the reference of a special meaning.

1bounce…vb 5 of a check : to be returned by a bank…

Usage Notes

For some entries, a note beginning with a phrase such as “used as”, “used in”, or “used to” may be added to a definition. This usage note is set off by a dash.

le·ga·to…adv or adj : in a manner that is smooth and connected — used as a direction in music>

2cave vb…: to fall or cause to fall in or down : COLLAPSE — usually used with in

1chamber…n…3…b : a room where a judge conducts business out of court — usually used in plural

When a word has a special use that cannot easily or clearly be explained in a definition, a usage note may take the place of a definition.

ouch…interj — used to express sudden pain

2let vb…3…b — used to introduce a request

Synonym Paragraphs

At selected entries, the boldface italic word synonyms introduces a paragraph of explanation at the end of the definition. This synonym paragraph explains and illustrates with examples the relation of words that are similar in meaning to the main entry. Following is one such paragraph:

1de·cline…vb…5…
synonyms DECLINE, REFUSE, REJECT mean to express unwillingness to go along with a demand or request. DECLINE suggests a polite negative response <decline an invitation to a party>. REFUSE suggests a forceful or absolute denial <refused to see him at all>. REJECT may suggest an unwillingness even to consider a demand or request <rejected her plan before she could explain it>.

Notice that the words being discussed are listed at the beginning of the paragraph in small capital letters, followed by a statement of the meaning which they have in common. Next something is said about the special element of meaning each word has that makes it different from the other words in the list. A verbal illustration follows showing the special meaning of the word in action.

At the main entries for these words (except the first word) you will find a cross-reference to this synonym paragraph. This cross-reference is also introduced by the boldface italic word synonyms following the definition.

1re·fuse…vb…3…synonyms see DECLINE

1re·ject…vb…4…synonyms see DECLINE

Etymologies

At many entries, the origin of the entry word is shown by tracing it or its parts back to the earliest known forms and meanings. Such information is called an etymology. In this dictionary the etymologies are shown within square brackets [ ] generally just after the definition.

Names of languages in etymologies are given in full rather than abbreviated. No attempt has been made to distinguish the major historical periods of languages other than English. The appearance of the phrase “derived from” before a new language name and form indicates that one or more minor stages of development have been omitted for clarity and simplicity. Language forms within etymologies are given in italics, and their meanings are placed inside quotation marks. If no language name appears before a form, the language is the last one named. Thus, in the etymology of abbreviate, abbreviare and brevis are Latin words and ad- is a Latin prefix.

li·co·rice…n…[Middle English licorice “licorice,” from early French licoris (same meaning), from Latin liquiritia (same meaning), derived from Greek glykyrrhiza, literally “sweet root”]

ab·bre·vi·ate…vb…[Middle English abbreviaten “abbreviate,” from Latin abbreviatus “made short,” from abbreviare “to shorten,” from earlier ad- “to” and brevis “short” — related to ABRIDGE, BRIEF

Sometimes an etymology explains how the word came to be applied to something.

red–let·ter…adj : worth remembering especially in a happy or joyful way <a red-letter day> [from the practice of marking holy days in red letters in church calendars]

When a word comes from the name of a person, the name of a place, or some other proper name, this fact is often given in the etymology.

sax·o·phone…n [named for Antoine “Adolph” Sax 1814–1894 a Belgian maker of musical instruments]

pan·de·mo·ni·um…n…[from Pandemonium, name of the place of demons in Paradise Lost by John Milton, from Greek pan- “all, every, completely” and Greek daimon “evil spirit, demon”]

Wal·dorf salad…n…[named for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City]

To some extent words exist in families, just as people do. Particularly with borrowings into English from Latin and Greek, many words may be derived from a single ancestor. Sometimes the connection is evident when you see the words together, as in the case of final, define, finish, and infinity. Sometimes, however, the connection may have been blurred somewhat by changes in spelling, pronunciation, and meaning over the centuries, as in the case of nautical, nausea, and noise. Such connections between words are interesting in themselves, and they can also be helpful to you in learning new words. Your attention is drawn to such connections in etymologies by a note that begins “—related to” and continues with one or more cross-references in small capital letters to the related entries. Each of the entries named will have its own etymology and a similar note

1cross…n…[Old English cros, probably from an early Norse or an early Irish word derived from Latin crux “cross” — related to CRUCIAL, CRUISE, CRUSADE, CRUX, EXCRUCIATING]

cru·cial…adj…[from French crucial “having the form of a cross, being or involving a crisis,” from Latin cruc-, crux “cross, trouble, torture” — related to CROSS, CRUCIFY, CRUX]

cruise…vb…[from Dutch kruisen “to cruise, move crosswise,” from early Dutch crūce “cross,” from Latin crux “cross” — related to CROSS, CRUCIAL]

1cru·sade…n…[derived from early French croisade and Spanish cruzada, both meaning literally “an expedition of persons marked with or bearing the sign of the cross” and both derived from Latin cruc-, crux “cross” — related to CROSS]

crux…n…[from Latin crux “cross, torture, trouble” — related to CROSS, CRUCIAL, CRUCIFY]

ex·cru·ci·at·ing…adj…[derived from Latin excruciatus, past participle of excruciare “to torture,” from ex- “out of, from” and cruciare “to torment, crucify,” from cruc-, crux “cross” — related to CROSS, CRUCIAL, CRUCIFY]

Word Histories

Some of the many English words that have interesting histories are provided with a Word History paragraph. Such a paragraph follows the definition and is followed by the etymology.

can·di·date…n…
Word History In ancient Rome it was the custom for a person who wanted to be elected to public office to wear a toga that had been rubbed with chalk to make it white. The Latin word for “dressed in white” was candidatus. In time this word came to be used for the person himself, or the candidate. The Latin word candidatus came from candidus, meaning “bright, shining white.” This in turn came from candēre, a verb meaning “to shine, be bright.” Latin candēre has given us two other English words: candid, which at first meant “white, free from prejudice” but now usually means “honest, natural,” and candle, the mass of wax with a wick that is burned to give off a bright light. [from Latin candidatus “candidate,” from candidatus (adjective) “dressed in white,” from candidus “shining white,” from candēre “to be bright, shine” — related to CANDID, CANDLE]

Lists of Undefined Words

Lists of words appear without definitions at the following prefix entries in this dictionary:

- non-

- over-

- re-

- un-

The meanings of the listed compounds formed with these prefixes are easily understandable from the meaning of the prefix and the meaning of the base word. Compounds that are not easily understandable in this way are entered at their own place with definitions. For example, nonobjective is entered and defined at its own place because its meaning is not easily understandable as the sum of the meanings of non- and objective.

Abbreviations Used in This Dictionary

A.D.

anno Domini

adj

adjective

adv

adverb

a.m.

ante meridiem

B.C.

before Christ

C

Celsius, centigrade

cap

capitalized

conj

conjunction

constr

construction

E

east, eastern

ENE

east-northeast

ESE

east-southeast

esp

especially

F

Fahrenheit

interj

interjection

n

noun

N

north, northern

NE

northeast, northeastern

NNE

north-northeast

NNW

north-northwest

n pl

noun plural

NW

northwest, northwestern

pl

plural

p.m.

post meridiem

prep

preposition

pron

pronoun

S

south, southern

SE

southeast, southeastern

sing

singular

SSE

south-southeast

SSW

south-southwest

SW

southwest, southwestern

U.S.

United States

U.S.S.R.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

usu

usually

vb

verb

W

west, western

WNW

west-northwest

WSW

west-southwest

Pronunciation Symbols

ə

(called schwa \ˈshwä\) banana, collide, abut; in stressed syllables as in humdrum, mother, abut

ə

used before \l\, \n\, and \m\, as in battle, mitten, and one pronunciation of open \ˈōp-əm\

ər

further, merger

a

ax, map

ā

age, vacation, day

ä

father, cot, cart

ȧ

used for a sound between \a\ and \ä\, as in an eastern New England pronunciation of aunt, half

au̇

out, now

b

baby, rib

ch

chin, match, nature \ˈnā-chər\

d

did, ladder

e

less

ē

seaweed, any, serial, cereal

f

fifty, cuff, phone

g

gift, pig, bigger

h

hat, ahead

hw

whale as pronounced by those who do not pronounce whale and wail the same

i

trip

ī

life, buy, my

j

job, gem, edge

k

kin, cook, chasm

k

used for a rasping sound between \k\ and \h\, as in German ich, Buch, one pronunciation of loch, chutzpah

l

lily, pool, mortal

m

murmur

n

nine, cotton

ŋ

sing, singer, finger, ink

ō

low, bone, cooperate

ȯ

moth, law, sort, all

œ

French bœuf, German Hölle

œ̄

French feu, German Höhle

ȯi

coin, destroy

p

pepper, lip

r

rarity

s

spice, less

sh

shy, dish, machine, mission, special

t

tight, latter

th

thin, ether

th

this, either

ü

boot, rule

u̇

foot, pull

German füllen, hübsch

French rue, German fühlen

v

give, vivid

w

we, away

y

you, yet

yü

few, union, mule, youth

yu̇

furious

z

zone, raise

zh

vision, beige

\ \

slant line used in pairs to mark the beginning and end of a pronunciation: \ˈpen\

ˈ

mark at the beginning of a syllable that has primary (strongest) stress: \ˈpen-ə-ˌtrāt\

ˌ

mark at the beginning of a syllable that has secondary (next-strongest) stress: \ˈpen-ə-ˌtrāt\

-

mark of syllable division in pronunciations [the mark of end-of-line division in boldface entry words is a centered dot · and the position of the two kinds of division often does not agree, as in build·ing \ˈbil-diŋ\, spe·cial \ˈspesh-əl\, ca·ter \ˈkāt-ər\]

( )

parentheses indicate that what is between is present in some utterances but not in others: at fac·to·ry, \ˈfak-t(ə-)rē\ = \ˈfak-tə-rē, ˈfak-trē\ or \ˈfak-trē, ˈfak-tə-rē\

A

1a \ˈā\ n, pl a's or as often cap
1 : the first letter of the English alphabet
2 : a musical note referred to by the letter A : the sixth tone of a C-major scale
3 : a grade rating a student's work as superior

2a \ə, (ˈ)ā\ indefinite article
1 : someone or something unspecified <a man in the street> <a dozen>
2 : the same : ONE <two of a kind> <birds of a feather>
3 : of whatever kind : ANY <a person who is sick can't work well> — used in all senses before words beginning with a consonant sound — compare AN [Old English ān “one”]

3a \ə, (ˈ)ā\ prep : in each : to each : for each <twice a week> <one a piece> [Old English a-, an, on “on”]

1a- \ə\ prefix
1 : on : in : at <abed>
2 : in a specified state or condition <afire>
3 : in a specified manner <aloud>
4 : in the act or process of <gone a-hunting> [Old English a- “on, in, at”]

2a- \(ˈ)ā\ or an- \(ˈ)an\ prefix : not : without <asexual> — a- before consonants other than h and sometimes before h, an- before vowels and usually before h <anhydrate> [Greek a-, an- “not”]

aard·vark \ˈärd-ˌvärk\ n : a large burrowing African mammal that feeds on insects and especially termites with its long sticky tongue [from early Afrikaans (now erdvark), “earth pig”]

ab- prefix : from : away : departing from <abnormal> [Latin ab- “from, away”]

ab·a·ca \ˌab-ə-ˈkä, ˈab-ə-ˌkä\ n : a strong fiber that comes from a banana plant native to the Philippines — called also Manila hemp

aback \ə-ˈbak\ adv
1 archaic : 2BACK 1, BACKWARD
2 : by surprise : UNAWARES <taken aback by the turn of events>

aba·cus \ˈab-ə-kəs, ə-ˈbak-əs\ n, pl aba·ci \ˈab-ə-sī, -ˌkē; ə-ˈbak-ˌī\ or aba·cus·es : an instrument for making calculations by sliding counters along rods or in grooves

1abaft \ə-ˈbaft\ adv : toward the stern : at the stern

2abaft prep : to the rear of; esp : toward the stern from

ab·a·lo·ne \ˌab-ə-ˈlō-nē, ˈab-ə-ˌ\ n : a mollusk with a flattened slightly spiral shell that has holes along the edge and is lined with mother-of-pearl

1aban·don \ə-ˈban-dən\ vb
1 : to give up completely
2 : to withdraw from often in the face of danger <abandon ship>
3 : to withdraw protection, support, or help from <abandoned the dog>
4 : to give oneself up to an emotion
— abandoner n

— aban·don·ment \-mənt\ n
synonyms ABANDON, DESERT, FORSAKE, mean to leave without intending to return. ABANDON suggests that the person or thing left behind is helpless or needs protection <the baby was abandoned on the steps of the church>. DESERT suggests the breaking of a promise, duty, or relationship <deserted the cause when there was trouble> <mining towns that were deserted after the gold rush>. FORSAKE stresses leaving behind something known or loved well <could not forsake her friends>.

2abandon n : a complete yielding to natural impulses; esp : ENTHUSIASM 1, EXUBERANCE

aban·doned \ə-ˈban-dənd\ adj
1 : that has been deserted : left empty or unused <an abandoned house>
2 : completely free from restraint <abandoned laughter>

abase \ə-ˈbās\ vb abased; abas·ing : to lower in rank or position : HUMBLE, DEGRADE
— abase·ment \-mənt\ n

abash \ə-ˈbash\ vb : to destroy the self-control or self-confidence of  synonyms see EMBARRASS
— abash·ment \-mənt\ n

abate \ə-ˈbāt\ vb abat·ed; abat·ing : to make or become less <the wind abated> <abated their prices>
— abat·er n

abate·ment \ə-ˈbāt-mənt\ n
1 : the act or process of abating : the state of being abated
2 : an amount abated (as from a tax)

ab·at·toir \ˈab-ə-ˌtwär\ n : SLAUGHTERHOUSE

ab·bess \ˈab-əs\ n : the head of a convent of nuns

ab·bey \ˈab-ē\ n, pl abbeys
1 a : MONASTERY  b : CONVENT
2 : a church that once belonged to an abbey <Westminster Abbey>

ab·bot \ˈab-ət\ n : the head of a monastery for men

ab·bre·vi·ate \ə-ˈbrē-vē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make briefer : SHORTEN; esp : to reduce (as a word) to a shorter form intended to stand for the whole [Middle English abbreviaten “abbreviate,” from Latin abbreviatus “made short,” from abbreviare “to shorten,” from earlier ad- “to” and brevis “short” — related to ABRIDGE, BRIEF]

ab·bre·vi·a·tion \ə-ˌbrē-vē-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the act or result of abbreviating : ABRIDGMENT
2 : a shortened form of a written word or phrase used in place of the whole

Ab·di·as \ab-ˈdī-əs\ n : OBADIAH

ab·di·cate \ˈab-di-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to formally give up sovereign power, office, or responsibility
— ab·di·ca·tion \ˌab-di-ˈkā-shən\ n

ab·do·men \ˈab-də-mən, ab-ˈdō-mən\ n
1 a : the part of the body between the chest and the hips  b : the body cavity containing the chief digestive organs — called also abdominal cavity
2 : the hind portion of the body behind the thorax in an arthropod — see INSECT ILLUSTRATION
— ab·dom·i·nal \ab-ˈdäm-ən-əl, -nəl\ adj

— ab·dom·i·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

ab·duct \ab-ˈdəkt\ vb
1 : to carry (a person) off by force
2 : to draw (a part of the body) away from a middle plane or line that divides the body or a bodily part into right and left halves
— ab·duc·tion \-ˈdək-shən\ n

ab·duc·tor \ab-ˈdək-tər\ n : one that abducts; esp : a muscle that draws a body part (as an arm or finger) away from a plane or a line that divides the body or a hand or foot into right and left halves

abeam \ə-ˈbēm\ adv or adj : at right angles to a ship or plane's length

abed \ə-ˈbed\ adv or adj : in bed

Ab·er·deen An·gus \ˌab-ər-ˌdē-ˈnaŋ-gəs\ n : ANGUS

ab·er·rant \ə-ˈber-ənt, ˈab-ə-rənt\ adj : being different from the usual or natural type

ab·er·ra·tion \ˌab-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act of differing especially from a moral standard or normal state
2 : unsoundness or disorder of the mind
3 : a small regularly occurring change of apparent position in heavenly bodies due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer

abet \ə-ˈbet\ vb abet·ted; abet·ting : to actively encourage or aid
— abet·ment \-mənt\ n

— abet·tor also abet·ter \-ˈbet-ər\ n

abey·ance \ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s\ n : a temporary interruption of activity <plans held in abeyance>
— abey·ant \-ənt\ adj

ab·hor \əb-ˈhȯ(ə)r, ab-\ vb ab·horred; ab·hor·ring : to shrink from in disgust  synonyms see HATE
— ab·hor·rence \-ˈhȯr-ən(t)s, -ˈhär-\ n

— ab·hor·rer \-ˈhȯr-ər\ n

ab·hor·rent \əb-ˈhȯr-ənt, -ˈhär-, ab-\ adj
1 : causing or deserving strong dislike
2 : not agreeable : CONTRARY <a notion abhorrent to their beliefs>
— ab·hor·rent·ly adv

abide \ə-ˈbīd\ vb abode \-ˈbōd\ or abid·ed; abid·ing
1 : to wait for
2 : to bear patiently : TOLERATE
3 : 1LAST 1, ENDURE <an abiding friendship>
4 : to live or continue in a place : DWELL
— abid·ance \ə-ˈbīd-ən(t)s\ n

— abid·er n

— abide by : to accept the terms of : be obedient to <abide by the rules>

abil·i·ty \ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : the quality or state of being able : power to do something  b : competence in doing : SKILL
2 : natural or learned skill
synonyms ABILITY, APTITUDE, TALENT, mean the capacity for doing or achieving something. ABILITY suggests having from birth the power to do a thing especially well <always has had the ability to run fast>. APTITUDE suggests a quickness to learn and a natural liking usually for a field or activity <people with a natural aptitude for computers>. TALENT suggests a great ability to create things and one that needs to be developed <you should work on your talent for writing short stories>.

-abil·i·ty also -ibil·i·ty \ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n suffix, pl -ties : ability, fitness, or likeliness to act or be acted on in (such) a way <readability> [derived from Latin -abilitas, -ibilitas “-ability”]

abi·ot·ic \ˌā-bī-ˈät-ik\ adj : not living or composed of living things <water and soil are abiotic>

ab·ject \ˈab-ˌjekt\ adj : very low in spirit or hope : WRETCHED <abject misery> <an abject coward>
— ab·ject·ly \ˈab-ˌjek-(t)lē, ab-ˈjek-\ adv

— ab·ject·ness \-ˌjek(t)-nəs, -ˈjek(t)-\ n

ab·jure \ab-ˈju̇(ə)r\ vb ab·jured; ab·jur·ing : to give up, abandon, or reject solemnly <abjure allegiance>

ab·late \a-ˈblāt\ vb ab·lat·ed; ab·lat·ing : to remove or become removed by cutting, wearing away, evaporating, or vaporizing

ab·la·tion \a-ˈblā-shən\ n : the process of ablating: as  a : surgical cutting and removal  b : removal of a part (as the outside of a nose cone) by melting or vaporization

ablaze \ə-ˈblāz\ adj
1 : being on fire
2 : radiant with light or bright color

able \ˈā-bəl\ adj abler \-b(ə-)lər\; ablest \-b(ə-)ləst\
1 a : having enough power, skill, or resources to do something <able to swim>  b : not prevented <able to vote>
2 : SKILLFUL, COMPETENT [Middle English able “able,” from early French able (same meaning), from Latin habilis “easily managed, skillful,” from habēre “to have”]

-able also -ible \ə-bəl\ adj suffix
1 : capable of, fit for, or worthy of being <collectible>
2 : tending, given, or likely to <perishable> <agreeable> [derived from Latin -abilis, -ibilis “-able”]

able–bod·ied \ˌā-bəl-ˈbäd-ēd\ adj : having a healthy strong body : physically fit

abloom \ə-ˈblüm\ adj : being in bloom

ab·lu·tion \ə-ˈblü-shən, a-ˈblü-\ n : washing oneself especially as a religious rite

ably \ˈā-blē\ adv : in an able manner

ABM \ˌā-(ˌ)bē-ˈem\ n : ANTIBALLISTIC MISSILE

ab·ne·gate \ˈab-ni-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to give up a right or privilege <abnegate her power>
2 : to deny to oneself : RENOUNCE <abnegating outdated beliefs>
— ab·ne·ga·tion \ˌab-ni-ˈgā-shən\ n

ab·nor·mal \(ˈ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl\ adj : differing from the normal or average : UNUSUAL
— ab·nor·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

ab·nor·mal·i·ty \ˌab-nər-ˈmal-ət-ē, -(ˌ)nȯr-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being abnormal
2 : something abnormal

1aboard \ə-ˈbōrd, -ˈbȯrd\ adv : on, onto, or within a vehicle (as a car, ship, or airplane)

2aboard prep : on or into especially as a passenger <go aboard ship>

abode \ə-ˈbōd\ n : the place where one stays or lives

abol·ish \ə-ˈbäl-ish\ vb : to do away with completely : put an end to
— abol·ish·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— abol·ish·er n

— abol·ish·ment \-mənt\ n

ab·o·li·tion \ˌab-ə-ˈlish-ən\ n
1 : the act of abolishing : the state of being abolished
2 : the abolishing of slavery
— ab·o·li·tion·ary \-ˈlish-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj

ab·o·li·tion·ist \ab-ə-ˈlish-(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who is in favor of abolishing especially slavery
— ab·o·li·tion·ism \-ˈlish-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

A–bomb \ˈā-ˌbäm\ n : ATOMIC BOMB

abom·i·na·ble \ə-ˈbäm-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj
1 : deserving or causing disgust : HATEFUL, DETESTABLE <abominable behavior>
2 : quite disagreeable <abominable weather>
— abom·i·na·bly \-blē\ adv

abominable snow·man \-ˈsnō-mən, -ˌman\ n, often cap A&S : a creature somewhat resembling a human being or ape that is reported to exist in the Himalayas — called also yeti

abom·i·nate \ə-ˈbäm-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : HATE, LOATHE
— abom·i·na·tor \-ˌnāt-ər\ n

abom·i·na·tion \ə-ˌbäm-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : something detestable
2 : extreme disgust and hatred : LOATHING

ab·orig·i·nal \ˌab-ə-ˈrij-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : being the first of its kind in a region : INDIGENOUS
2 : of, relating to, or being aborigines
— ab·orig·i·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

ab·orig·i·ne \ˌab-ə-ˈrij-ə-(ˌ)nē\ n
1 : a member of the original people to live in an area : NATIVE
2 often cap : a member of any of the native people of Australia [from Latin aborigines “original inhabitants,” from ab origine “from the beginning,” from origin-, origo “beginning, source,” from oriri “to rise” — related to ORIGIN]

abort \ə-ˈbȯrt\ vb
1 : to bring forth premature or stillborn offspring
2 : to become checked in development
3 : to put an end to before completion <abort a project>

abor·tion \ə-ˈbȯr-shən\ n
1 : the termination of a pregnancy whether natural or caused artificially that is accompanied by, results in, or follows the death of the fetus
2 : failure of a project or action to reach full development; also : a result of such failure

abor·tion·ist \ə-ˈbȯr-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : one who produces abortions

abor·tive \ə-ˈbȯrt-iv\ adj
1 : unsuccessful in achieving the desired conclusion or result <an abortive escape attempt>
2 : imperfectly formed or developed : RUDIMENTARY
— abor·tive·ly adv

— abor·tive·ness n

abound \ə-ˈbau̇nd\ vb
1 : to be present in large numbers or in great quantity <wildlife abounds>
2 : to be filled or abundantly supplied <a stream abounding in fish>

1about \ə-ˈbau̇t\ adv
1 : on all sides : AROUND <wander about> <people standing about>
2 a : reasonably close to : APPROXIMATELY, NEARLY <about three years> <about ready to go>  b : on the verge of <is about to go home>
3 : in the opposite direction <face about>

2about prep
1 : on every side of : AROUND <houses about the lake>
2 a : 2NEAR  b : in the possession of <had no pencil about her>  c : in the control of <keeps her wits about her>
3 : in the act or process of doing <do it well while you're about it>
4 : having to do with : CONCERNING <tell me about it> <a book about birds>
5 : over or in different parts of <traveled about the country>

about–face \ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās\ n
1 : a reversal of direction
2 : a reversal of attitude or point of view
— about–face vb

1above \ə-ˈbəv\ adv
1 : in or to a higher place : OVERHEAD
2 : higher on the same or a preceding page
3 : in or to a higher rank or number

2above prep
1 : in or to a higher place than : OVER
2 : superior to <a captain is above a lieutenant> <above criticism>
3 : too proud or honorable to stoop to <above such mean tricks>
4 : exceeding in number, quantity, or size : more than <above the average>
5 : as distinct from and in addition to <heard the bell above the roar of the crowd>

3above adj : written above

above·board \ə-ˈbəv-ˌbōrd, -ˌbȯrd\ adv or adj : without concealment or deceit

above·ground \ə-ˈbəv-ˌgrau̇nd\ adj : located or happening on or above the surface of the ground <an aboveground swimming pool>

ab·ra·ca·dab·ra \ˌab-rə-kə-ˈdab-rə\ n
1 : a magical charm or word
2 : unintelligible language : JARGON

abrade \ə-ˈbrād\ vb abrad·ed; abrad·ing
1 : to rub or wear away especially by friction
2 : to irritate or roughen by rubbing
— abrad·er n

abra·sion \ə-ˈbrā-zhən\ n
1 : a rubbing, grinding, or wearing away by friction
2 : a place where the surface has been rubbed or scraped off <an abrasion on her knee>

1abra·sive \ə-ˈbrā-siv, -ziv\ adj : having the effect of abrading
— abra·sive·ly adv

— abra·sive·ness n

2abrasive n : a substance (as sand) used for grinding, smoothing, or polishing

abreast \ə-ˈbrest\ adv or adj
1 : side by side with bodies in line <lined up three abreast>
2 : up to a standard or level especially of knowledge <keep abreast of the times>

abridge \ə-ˈbrij\ vb abridged; abridg·ing
1 : to make less : DIMINISH <forbidden to abridge the rights of citizens>
2 : to shorten in duration or extent
3 : to shorten by omission of words : CONDENSE [Middle English abregen “deprive, reduce,” from early French abreger (same meaning), from Latin abbreviare “to shorten” — related to ABBREVIATE]
— abridg·er n

abridg·ment or abridge·ment \ə-ˈbrij-mənt\ n
1 a : the action of abridging  b : the state of being abridged
2 : a shortened form of a written work

abroad \ə-ˈbrȯd\ adv or adj
1 : over a wide area
2 : away from one's home <doesn't go abroad at night>
3 : in or to foreign countries <travel abroad>
4 : in wide circulation <rumors were abroad>

ab·ro·gate \ˈab-rə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to do away with or cancel by authority <abrogate a law>
— ab·ro·ga·tion \ˌab-rə-ˈgā-shən\ n

abrupt \ə-ˈbrəpt\ adj
1 a : SUDDEN 1A <an abrupt change in the weather>  b : rudely brief : CURT <an abrupt manner>
2 : 1STEEP 1 <the high abrupt bank of a stream>
— abrupt·ly \ə-ˈbrup-(t)lē\ adv

— abrupt·ness \ə-ˈbrəp(t)-nəs\ n
Word History If a person is rudely brief in speech or manner or stops you before you finish talking, you could say that that person is abrupt. If a road ends suddenly, you could say that the road comes to an abrupt end. In both of these cases you might think of something that is abrupt as “breaking off.” Abrupt comes from the Latin word abruptus, meaning “broken off, ending suddenly.” That word is formed (with the addition of the prefix ab-, meaning “from”) from the Latin word rumpere, meaning “to break.” Latin rumpere has given us several other English words that carry the idea of breaking: interrupt, rupture, and corrupt. [from Latin abruptus “abrupt,” derived from abrumpere “to break off,” from ab- “from” and rumpere “to break” — related to CORRUPT, INTERRUPT, RUPTURE]

ab·scess \ˈab-ˌses\ n : a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue at some point in the body
— ab·scessed \-ˌsest\ adj

ab·scis·sa \ab-ˈsis-ə\ n : the number in an ordered pair of numbers (as x in (x, y)) that gives the location of a point along the x-axis — called also x-coordinate; compare ORDINATE

ab·scis·sion \ab-ˈsizh-ən\ n
1 : the act or process of cutting off
2 : the natural separation of flowers, fruit, or leaves from plants

ab·scond \ab-ˈskänd, əb-\ vb : to leave secretly and hide oneself
— ab·scond·er n

ab·sence \ˈab-sən(t)s\ n
1 : the state of being absent
2 : the time that one is absent
3 : 2WANT 1A, LACK <absence of detail>

1ab·sent \ˈab-sənt\ adj
1 : not present or attending : MISSING
2 : not existing <enthusiasm was absent>
3 : lost in thought : PREOCCUPIED
— ab·sent·ly adv

2ab·sent \ab-ˈsent\ vb : to keep (oneself) away

ab·sen·tee \ˌab-sən-ˈtē\ n : a person who is absent
— absentee adj

ab·sent·mind·ed \ˌab-sənt-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions
— ab·sent·mind·ed·ly adv

— ab·sent·mind·ed·ness n

ab·so·lute \ˈab-sə-ˌlüt, ˌab-sə-ˈlüt\ adj
1 a : free from imperfection : PERFECT  b : free or nearly free from mixture : PURE <absolute alcohol>
2 : free from restraint or limitation <absolute power> <an absolute monarch>
3 : having no exceptions <an absolute requirement> <absolute freedom>
4 : free from doubt : CERTAIN <absolute proof>
5 a : independent of standards of measurement that reflect individual choice : ACTUAL <absolute brightness of a star> <absolute motion>  b : relating to or coming from the basic units of length, mass, and time <absolute electric units>  c : relating to the absolute-temperature scale <10° absolute>
— ab·so·lute·ness \-ˌlüt-nəs, -ˈlüt-\ n

ab·so·lute·ly \ˈab-sə-ˌlüt-lē, ˌab-sə-ˈlüt-\ adv : in an absolute way : completely or definitely <you are absolutely right>

absolute temperature n : temperature measured on a scale that has absolute zero as the zero point

absolute value n : a nonnegative number that is equal to a given number with any negative sign removed <the absolute value of -3 is 3>

absolute zero n : a hypothetical temperature that has never been reached, represents no heat at all, and is equal to approximately −273.15°C or −459.67°F

ab·so·lu·tion \ˌab-sə-ˈlü-shən\ n : the act of absolving; esp : a forgiving of sins

ab·solve \əb-ˈzälv, -ˈsälv, -ˈzȯlv, -ˈsȯlv\ vb ab·solved; ab·solv·ing : to set free from an obligation or punishment
— ab·solv·er n

ab·sorb \əb-ˈsȯrb, -ˈzȯrb\ vb
1 : to take in or suck or swallow up <a sponge absorbs water> <plant roots absorb water>
2 : to hold the interest of : ENGROSS <absorbed in thought>
3 a : to receive without giving back <a sound-absorbing surface>  b : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usually with a resulting rise in temperature <the earth absorbs the sun's rays>
— ab·sorb·abil·i·ty \əb-ˌsȯr-bə-ˈbil-ət-ē, -ˌzȯr-\ n

— ab·sorb·able \əb-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl, -ˈzȯr-\ adj

— ab·sorb·er n

ab·sor·bent \əb-ˈsȯr-bənt, -ˈzȯr-\ adj : able to absorb <as absorbent as a sponge>
— ab·sor·ben·cy \əb-ˈsȯr-bən-sē, -ˈzȯr-\ n

— absorbent n

ab·sorp·tion \əb-ˈsȯrp-shən, -ˈzȯrp-\ n
1 : the process of absorbing or being absorbed: as  a : the passing of digested food through the wall of the intestines into the blood or lymph  b : the stopping and taking in especially of radiant energy or sound waves
2 : entire occupation of the mind
— ab·sorp·tive \-ˈsȯrp-tiv, -ˈzȯrp-\ adj

ab·stain \əb-ˈstān\ vb : to keep oneself from doing something <abstain from voting>
— ab·stain·er n

ab·ste·mi·ous \ab-ˈstē-mē-əs\ adj : not eating and drinking much
— ab·ste·mi·ous·ly adv

ab·sten·tion \əb-ˈsten-chən, ab-\ n : the act or practice of abstaining; esp : a formal refusal to vote <3 ayes, 5 nays, and 2 abstentions>

ab·sti·nence \ˈab-stə-nən(t)s\ n
1 : an abstaining from giving in to an appetite or from eating some foods
2 a : habitual abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages  b : abstention from sexual intercourse
— ab·sti·nent \-nənt\ adj

— ab·sti·nent·ly adv

1ab·stract \ab-ˈstrakt, ˈab-ˌstrakt\ adj
1 : expressing a quality or idea without reference to an actual person or thing <“honesty” is an abstract word>
2 : difficult to understand : HARD <abstract problems>
3 : using elements of form (as color, line, or texture) with little or no attempt at creating a realistic picture <abstract art> [from Latin abstractus “abstract,” from earlier abstrahere “to draw away,” from abs-, ab- “from, away” and trahere “to draw” — related to ATTRACT, 1TRACE, 3TRACE]
— ab·stract·ly \ab-ˈstrak-(t)lē, ˈab-ˌstrak-\ adv

— ab·stract·ness \ab-ˈstrak(t)-nəs, ˈab-ˌstrak(t)-\ n

2ab·stract \ˈab-ˌstrakt\ n : a brief statement of the main points or facts : SUMMARY

3ab·stract \ab-ˈstrakt, ˈab-ˌstrakt, in sense 3 usually ˈab-ˌstrakt\ vb
1 : to take out : REMOVE <abstract a diamond from a pile of sand>
2 : to consider apart from a particular instance <abstract the idea of roundness from a ball>
3 : to make an abstract of : SUMMARIZE
4 : to draw away the attention of
— ab·strac·tor or ab·stract·er \-ˈstrak-tər, -ˌstrak-\ n

ab·stract·ed \ab-ˈstrak-təd, ˈab-ˌstrak-\ adj : PREOCCUPIED 1, ABSENTMINDED
— ab·stract·ed·ly adv

— ab·stract·ed·ness n

ab·strac·tion \ab-ˈstrak-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of abstracting : the state of being abstracted  b : an abstract idea or term
2 : an artistic composition or creation having designs that do not represent actual objects
— ab·strac·tive \-ˈstrak-tiv\ adj

ab·struse \əb-ˈstrüs, ab-\ adj : hard to understand
— ab·struse·ly adv

— ab·struse·ness n

ab·surd \əb-ˈsərd, -ˈzərd\ adj : completely unreasonable or untrue : RIDICULOUS
— ab·sur·di·ty \-ˈsərd-ət-ē, -ˈzərd-\ n

— ab·surd·ly adv

— ab·surd·ness n

abun·dance \ə-ˈbən-dən(t)s\ n
1 : a large quantity : PLENTY
2 : WEALTH 1

abun·dant \ə-ˈbən-dənt\ adj : existing in or possessing abundance : ABOUNDING  synonyms see PLENTIFUL
— abun·dant·ly adv

1abuse \ə-ˈbyüz\ vb abused; abus·ing
1 a : to use wrongly : MISUSE <abuse a privilege>  b : to use excessively <abuse alcohol>
2 : to treat cruelly : MISTREAT <abuse a dog>
3 : to attack in words : scold rudely
— abus·er n

2abuse \ə-ˈbyüs\ n
1 : a corrupt practice or custom <election abuses>
2 a : improper or excessive use or treatment : MISUSE <abuse of privileges> <drug abuse>  b : physical mistreatment
3 : harsh insulting language

abu·sive \ə-ˈbyü-siv, -ziv\ adj : using or characterized by abuse
— abu·sive·ly adv

— abu·sive·ness n

abut \ə-ˈbət\ vb abut·ted; abut·ting : to touch along a border or with a part that sticks out
— abut·ter n

abut·ment \ə-ˈbət-mənt\ n
1 : the place of abutting
2 : something against which another thing rests its weight or pushes with force <abutments that support a bridge>

abys·mal \ə-ˈbiz-məl\ adj
1 : resembling an abyss in huge extent <abysmal ignorance>
2 : ABYSSAL
— abys·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

abyss \ə-ˈbis\ n : a gulf so deep or a space so great that it cannot be measured

abys·sal \ə-ˈbis-əl\ adj : of or relating to the bottom waters of the ocean depths

ac- — see AD-

aca·cia \ə-ˈkā-shə\ n
1 : GUM ARABIC
2 : any of numerous shrubs and trees of the legume family that grow in warm areas and have white or yellow flower clusters

ac·a·dem·ic \ˌak-ə-ˈdem-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to school or college
2 : literary or general rather than technical <took the academic course>
3 : having no practical importance : THEORETICAL <an academic question>
— ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly \-ˈdem-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

acad·e·my \ə-ˈkad-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies
1 a : 1SCHOOL 1A; esp : a private high school  b : an institution for training in special subjects or skills <military academy>
2 : an organization of people specializing in knowledge in a particular subject
Word History Our word academy comes from the Greek word Akadēmeia, the name of the park or grove outside of ancient Athens where the philosopher Plato taught his students. Just as schools and parks today are often named after famous persons, the Akadēmeia had been named in honor of a Greek hero, Akadēmos. [Greek Akadēmeia, the grove outside Athens where Plato had his school]

a cap·pel·la also a ca·pel·la \ˌäk-ə-ˈpel-ə\ adv or adj : without accompanying instrumental music <sing a cappella> [from Italian a cappella “in chapel style”]

ac·cede \ak-ˈsēd, ik-\ vb ac·ced·ed; ac·ced·ing
1 : to give consent : AGREE <accede to a proposed plan>
2 : to enter upon an office or position <acceded to the throne in 1838>

ac·ce·le·ran·do \(ˌ)ä-ˌchel-ə-ˈrän-dō\ adv or adj : gradually faster — used as a direction in music

ac·cel·er·ate \ik-ˈsel-ə-ˌrāt, ak-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to bring about earlier <accelerated our departure>
2 : to move or cause to move faster
— ac·cel·er·a·tive \-ˌrāt-iv\ adj

ac·cel·er·a·tion \ik-ˌsel-ə-ˈrā-shən, ak-\ n
1 : the act or process of accelerating : the state of being accelerated
2 : the rate of change of velocity with respect to time; also : change in velocity

acceleration of gravity : the acceleration of a freely falling body under the influence of gravity that is expressed as the rate of increase of velocity per unit of time and that amounts to a value of about 9.81 meters (32.2 feet) per second per second

ac·cel·er·a·tor \ik-ˈsel-ə-ˌrāt-ər, ak-\ n
1 : one that accelerates
2 : a device (as a pedal) in a motor vehicle used to control the speed of the motor
3 : a device that is used to give high velocities to charged particles (as electrons and protons)

ac·cel·er·om·e·ter \ik-ˌsel-ə-ˈräm-ət-ər, ak-\ n : an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

1ac·cent \ˈak-ˌsent\ n
1 : a way of talking shared by a group (as the people of a country)
2 : greater stress or force given to a syllable of a word in speaking <before has the accent on the last syllable>
3 : a mark (as ´, `, or ˆ accents) identifying a syllable that is stressed in speaking
4 : greater stress given to a beat in music
5 : an emphasized detail used for contrast

2ac·cent \ak-ˈsent, ˈak-ˌsent\ vb
1 : to make more noticeable : EMPHASIZE
2 a : to say with an accent : STRESS  b : to mark with a written or printed accent

accent mark n
1 : 1ACCENT 3
2 : one of several symbols used to indicate musical stress

ac·cen·tu·ate \ik-ˈsen-chə-ˌwāt, ak-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to pronounce or mark with an accent
2 : EMPHASIZE <the blue shirt accentuates your eyes>
— ac·cen·tu·a·tion \ik-ˌsen-chə-ˈwā-shən, (ˌ)ak-\ n

ac·cept \ik-ˈsept, ak-\ vb
1 a : to receive or take willingly <accept a gift> <accepted her as a member>  b : to be able or designed to take or hold (something applied or added) <a surface that will not accept ink> <a computer program ready to accept commands>
2 a : to agree to <accept an offer>  b : to agree to undertake (a responsibility) <accept a job>  c : to take on an obligation to pay; also : to take in payment <don't accept checks>
3 : to think of as proper or normal <the idea is widely accepted> [Middle English accepten “receive, accept,” from early French accepter (same meaning), derived from Latin accipere “receive,” from ac-, ad- “to” and capere “to take” — related to CAPTURE, EXCEPT, RECEIVE]
— ac·cept·er or ac·cep·tor \-ˈsep-tər\ n

ac·cept·able \ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl, ak-\ adj
1 : capable or worthy of being accepted : SATISFACTORY <an acceptable excuse>
2 : barely good enough <plays an acceptable game>
— ac·cept·abil·i·ty \ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē, ak-\ n

— ac·cept·ably \ik-ˈsep-tə-blē, ak-\ adv

ac·cep·tance \ik-ˈsep-tən(t)s, ak-\ n
1 : the act of accepting
2 : the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable

ac·cep·ta·tion \ˌak-ˌsep-ˈtā-shən\ n : the generally understood meaning of a word or expression

1ac·cess \ˈak-ˌses\ n
1 : permission or power to enter, approach, or make use of <access to secret information> <Internet access>
2 : a way or means of approach <a nation's access to the sea>

2access vb : to get at : gain access to

ac·ces·si·ble \ik-ˈses-ə-bəl, ak-\ adj
1 : capable of being reached <a resort accessible by train or bus>
2 : capable of being used, seen, or known : OBTAINABLE <accessible information>
— ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty \ik-ˌses-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē, ak-\ n

— ac·ces·si·bly \-blē\ adv

ac·ces·sion \ik-ˈsesh-ən, ak-\ n
1 : something added : ACQUISITION
2 : increase by something added
3 : the act of agreeing <accession to a proposal>
4 : the act of coming to office or power <the accession of a king>

ac·ces·so·rize \ik-ˈses-ə-ˌrīz, ak-\ vb -rized; -riz·ing : to wear or decorate with accessories

1ac·ces·so·ry \ik-ˈses-(ə-)rē, ak-\ n, pl -ries
1 : something (as an object or device) that is not necessary in itself but adds to the beauty, convenience, or effectiveness of something else
2 : a person who aids another in doing wrong or in an attempt to escape justice

2accessory adj : aiding or helping in a secondary way : SUPPLEMENTARY

accessory fruit n : a fruit (as the strawberry, apple, or fig) of which a conspicuous part consists of tissue other than that of the ripened ovary

access time n : the time lag between the time stored information (as in a computer) is requested and the time it is delivered

ac·ci·dent \ˈak-səd-ənt, -sə-ˌdent\ n
1 a : an event occurring by chance or from unknown causes  b : 1CHANCE 1 <we met by accident>
2 : an unintended and usually sudden and unexpected event resulting in loss or injury <an automobile accident>

1ac·ci·den·tal \ˌak-sə-ˈdent-əl\ adj
1 : happening unexpectedly or by chance <an accidental discovery of oil>
2 : not happening or done on purpose <an accidental fall>
— ac·ci·den·tal·ly \-ˈdent-lē, -ˈdent-əl-ē\ adv

2accidental n : a musical note whose pitch is changed (as by a sharp or a flat) from the pitch shown in the key signature

ac·cip·i·ter \ak-ˈsip-ət-ər\ n : any of various low-flying hawks that have short wings and long tails

1ac·claim \ə-ˈklām\ vb
1 : to welcome with applause or great praise <a novel acclaimed by the critics>
2 : to proclaim by or as if by acclamation [from Latin acclamare, literally “to shout at,” from ac-, ad- “to, toward” and clamare “to shout” — related to CLAIM, CLAMOR]
— ac·claim·er n

2acclaim n
1 : the act of acclaiming
2 : APPLAUSE, PRAISE

ac·cla·ma·tion \ˌak-lə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : a loud eager expression of approval, praise, or agreement
2 : an overwhelming positive vote by voice <elected by acclamation>

ac·cli·mate \ˈak-lə-ˌmāt, ə-ˈklī-mət, -ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing : to adapt to a new climate, environment, or situation
— ac·cli·ma·tion \ˌak-lə-ˈmā-shən, ˌak-ˌlī-\ n

ac·cli·ma·tize \ə-ˈklī-mə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : ACCLIMATE
— ac·cli·ma·ti·za·tion \ə-ˌklī-mət-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

ac·co·lade \ˈak-ə-ˌlād\ n
1 : a formal salute (as a tap on the shoulder with the blade of a sword) that marks the conferring of knighthood
2 : a mark of recognition of merit : PRAISE

ac·com·mo·date \ə-ˈkäm-ə-ˌdāt\ vb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
1 : ADAPT
2 : to bring into agreement <accommodate the differences>
3 : to do a favor for : OBLIGE 2B <accommodated me with a ride>
4 : to provide with something desired: as  a : to provide with lodgings  b : to make or have room for <the table accommodates 12 comfortably>
5 : to undergo visual accommodation <the lens of the eye accommodates>  synonyms see CONTAIN
— ac·com·mo·da·tive \-ˌdāt-iv\ adj

— ac·com·mo·da·tive·ness n

accommodating adj : ready and willing to help : OBLIGING
— ac·com·mo·dat·ing·ly adv

ac·com·mo·da·tion \ə-ˌkäm-ə-ˈdā-shən\ n
1 a : something supplied that is useful and handy  b pl : lodging and meals or traveling space and related services <overnight accommodations>
2 : the act of accommodating : the state of being accommodated
3 : the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances
4 : an adjustment of differences : SETTLEMENT

ac·com·pa·ni·ment \ə-ˈkəmp-(ə-)nē-mənt\ n
1 : music played along with a solo part to enrich it
2 : an accompanying object, situation, or event

ac·com·pa·nist \ə-ˈkəmp-(ə-)nəst\ n : a musician who plays an accompaniment

ac·com·pa·ny \ə-ˈkəmp-(ə-)nē\ vb -nied; -ny·ing
1 : to go with or attend as a companion
2 : to perform an accompaniment to or for
3 : to occur at the same time as or along with <a thunderstorm accompanied by high winds> [Middle English accompanien “to accompany,” from early French acompaigner (same meaning), from a- “to” and cumpaing “companion,” from Latin companio “companion” — related to COMPANION, COMPANY]
synonyms ACCOMPANY, ATTEND, ESCORT, mean to go along with. ACCOMPANY stresses the closeness of the relationship and stresses that the people are equals <my friends accompanied me to the movies>. ATTEND suggests waiting upon and serving someone of higher rank <assistants and bodyguards attended the President>. ESCORT suggests that one is going along as a matter of protection, ceremony, or courtesy <a marching band escorted the heroes>.

ac·com·plice \ə-ˈkäm-pləs, -ˈkəm-\ n : someone associated with another in wrongdoing

ac·com·plish \ə-ˈkäm-plish, -ˈkəm-\ vb : to bring to a successful finish : PERFORM
— ac·com·plish·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

ac·com·plished \-pisht\ adj
1 a : skilled or polished through practice or training : EXPERT <an accomplished pianist>  b : having done or achieved many good or important things
2 : shown or known to be true <an accomplished fact>

ac·com·plish·ment \ə-ˈkäm-plish-mənt, -ˈkəm-\ n
1 : the act of accomplishing : COMPLETION
2 : something accomplished : ACHIEVEMENT
3 : an ability, social quality, or skill gained through training or practice

1ac·cord \ə-ˈkȯrd\ vb
1 : to grant as suitable or proper <rights accorded to citizens>
2 : to be in harmony : AGREE <a theory that accords with known fact>

2accord n
1 a : AGREEMENT 1B, HARMONY  b : an agreement between parties <reach an accord>
2 : willingness to act or do something <went of their own accord>

ac·cor·dance \ə-ˈkȯrd-ən(t)s\ n : AGREEMENT 1B, CONFORMITY <in accordance with a rule>

ac·cord·ing as \ə-ˈkȯrd-iŋ-\ conj
1 : in accord with the way in which
2 : depending on how or whether

ac·cord·ing·ly \ə-ˈkȯrd-iŋ-lē\ adv
1 : in accordance : CORRESPONDINGLY
2 : CONSEQUENTLY, SO

according to prep
1 : in agreement with <did everything according to the rules>
2 : as stated by <according to the experts>
3 : depending on <dress according to the weather>

1ac·cor·di·on \ə-ˈkȯrd-ē-ən\ n : a musical instrument that has a keyboard and a bellows and that produces tones when air is forced past metal reeds
— ac·cor·di·on·ist \-ē-ə-nəst\ n

2accordion adj : creased to fold like an accordion <accordion doors>

ac·cost \ə-ˈkȯst, -ˈkäst\ vb : to approach and speak to often in a challenging or aggressive way

1ac·count \ə-ˈkau̇nt\ n
1 : a record of money paid out and money received
2 : a statement listing purchases and credits : BILL
3 a : 1VALUE 3 <a man of little account>  b : 1REGARD 2A <held in high account>
4 : 1PROFIT 1, ADVANTAGE <labored to no account>
5 a : a statement of reasons, causes, or motives <gave an account of her actions>  b : a statement of facts <accounts of the game>  c : a reason for an action <on that account I must refuse>
6 a : a sum of money deposited in a bank  b : an arrangement in which a person uses the Internet or e-mail services of a particular company [Middle English acount, accompt “the act or result of counting,” from early French acunte (same meaning), from acunter (verb) “to add, count,” from a- “to” and cunter “to count,” from Latin computare “to count, compute” — related to COMPUTE, 1COUNT]  synonyms see NARRATIVE
— on account of : for the sake of : by reason of : BECAUSE OF

— on no account : in no circumstances

2account vb
1 : to think of as <accounts herself lucky>
2 : to give an explanation <have to account for the money I spent>
3 : to be the cause <illness accounts for so many absences>

ac·count·able \ə-ˈkau̇nt-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : responsible for giving an account (as of one's acts) <will be held accountable>
2 : capable of being accounted for : EXPLAINABLE
— ac·count·abil·i·ty \-ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ac·count·ably \-ˈkau̇nt-ə-blē\ adv

ac·coun·tant \ə-ˈkau̇nt-ənt\ n : a person professionally trained in accounting

ac·count·ing \ə-ˈkau̇nt-iŋ\ n
1 : the system or practice of recording the amounts of money made and spent by a person or business
2 : a statement explaining one's conduct : ACCOUNT 5A

ac·cou·tre or ac·cou·ter \ə-ˈküt-ər\ vb -cou·tred or -cou·tered; -cou·tring or -cou·ter·ing \-ˈküt-ə-riŋ, -ˈkü-triŋ\ : to provide with equipment : OUTFIT

ac·cou·tre·ment or ac·cou·ter·ment \ə-ˈkü-trə-mənt, -ˈküt-ər-mənt\ n : an accessory item of clothing or equipment — usually used in plural

ac·cred·it \ə-ˈkred-ət\ vb
1 : to send with credentials and authority to act as representative <accredit an ambassador to France>
2 : to certify as in agreement with a standard <an accredited school>
3 : to give credit to
— ac·cred·i·ta·tion \ə-ˌkred-ə-ˈtā-shən, -ˈdā-\ n

ac·cre·tion \ə-ˈkrē-shən\ n
1 : the process of growth or enlargement; esp : increase or growth by addition on the outside
2 : a product or result of accretion

ac·crue \ə-ˈkrü\ vb ac·crued; ac·cru·ing
1 : to come about as a natural growth or addition <benefits accrue to society from education>
2 : to accumulate over a period of time <accrued interest>
— ac·cru·al \-ˈkrü-əl\ n

ac·cu·mu·late \ə-ˈkyü-myə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to gather or pile up especially little by little : AMASS <accumulate a fortune>
2 : to increase in quantity, number, or amount <rubbish accumulates quickly>

ac·cu·mu·la·tion \ə-ˌkyü-myə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : a collecting together : AMASSING
2 : increase or growth by addition
3 : something accumulated : COLLECTION

ac·cu·mu·la·tor \ə-ˈkyü-m(y)ə-ˌlāt-ər\ n : one that accumulates; esp : a part (as in a computer) where numbers are totaled or stored

ac·cu·ra·cy \ˈak-yə-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : freedom from error : CORRECTNESS
2 : conformity to a standard : EXACTNESS

ac·cu·rate \ˈak-yə-rət\ adj
1 : free from mistakes especially as the result of care <an accurate count>
2 : agreeing exactly with truth or a standard <an accurate copy>
3 : able to give an accurate result <an accurate gauge> [from Latin accuratus “accurate,” from accurare “to take care of,” from ac-, ad- “to” and cura “care” — related to CURE, CURIOUS; see Word History at CURE]  synonyms see CORRECT
— ac·cu·rate·ly \-yə-rət-lē, -yərt-\ adv

— ac·cu·rate·ness \-nəs\ n

ac·cursed \ə-ˈkərst, -ˈkər-səd\ or ac·curst \ə-ˈkərst\ adj
1 : being under a curse
2 : DAMNABLE 2, DETESTABLE
— ac·curs·ed·ly \-ˈkər-səd-lē\ adv

— ac·curs·ed·ness \-ˈkər-səd-nəs\ n

ac·cu·sa·tion \ˌak-yə-ˈzā-shən, -yü-\ n
1 : the act of accusing : the fact of being accused
2 : a charge of wrongdoing

ac·cu·sa·tive \ə-ˈkyü-zət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or being the grammatical case that marks the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition
— accusative n

ac·cu·sa·to·ry \ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : containing or expressing accusation <an accusatory look>

ac·cuse \ə-ˈkyüz\ vb ac·cused; ac·cus·ing : to blame for wrongdoing : to charge with a fault and especially with a crime
— ac·cus·er n

— ac·cus·ing·ly \-ˈkyü-ziŋ-lē\ adv

ac·cused \ə-ˈkyüzd\ n, pl accused : one charged with wrongdoing; esp : the defendant in a criminal case

ac·cus·tom \ə-ˈkəs-təm\ vb : to make familiar

ac·cus·tomed \ə-ˈkəs-təmd\ adj
1 : CUSTOMARY <my accustomed lunch hour>
2 : familiar with
3 : being in the habit or custom <accustomed to making decisions>

1ace \ˈās\ n
1 : a playing card with one large figure in its center
2 : a very small amount or degree <within an ace of winning>
3 : a point scored on a serve (as in tennis) that an opponent fails to touch
4 : a golf hole made in one stroke
5 a : a combat pilot who has shot down at least five enemy airplanes  b : a person who is expert at something

2ace vb aced; ac·ing
1 : to score an ace against <the tennis player aced her opponent>
2 : to earn the grade of A on (an examination)

3ace adj : of first or high rank or quality

acel·lu·lar \(ˈ)ā-ˈsel-yə-lər\ adj : not made up of cells

-a·ceous \ˈā-shəs\ adj suffix : consisting of <carbonaceous> : having the nature or form of <herbaceous> [from Latin -aceus “consisting of”]

acet·amin·o·phen \ə-ˌsēt-ə-ˈmin-ə-fən\ n : a crystalline compound used in medicine to relieve pain and fever

ac·e·tate \ˈas-ə-ˌtāt\ n
1 : a chemical compound formed by the reaction of acetic acid with another substance
2 : something made from acetate or from cellulose and acetate combined

ace·tic \ə-ˈsēt-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or producing acetic acid or vinegar

acetic acid n : a colorless strong-smelling liquid acid that gives the sour taste to vinegar and that is used especially in making chemical compounds (as plastics)

ac·e·tone \ˈas-ə-ˌtōn\ n : an easily evaporated fragrant flammable liquid compound used chiefly to dissolve or to make chemical compounds

ace·tyl·cho·line \ə-ˌset-əl-ˈkō-ˌlēn, -ˌsēt-; ˈas-ə-ˌtēl-\ n : a compound released at autonomic nerve endings that functions in carrying nerve impulses

acet·y·lene \ə-ˈset-əl-ən, -əl-ˌēn\ n : a compound of carbon and hydrogen that is a colorless gas used chiefly in welding and soldering and in making chemical compounds

ace·tyl·sal·i·cyl·ic acid \ə-ˈsēt-əl-ˌsal-ə-ˌsil-ik-\ n : ASPIRIN 1

1ache \ˈāk\ vb ached; ach·ing
1 : to suffer a dull persistent pain
2 : to long painfully : YEARN

2ache n : a dull persistent pain
— achy \ˈā-kē\ adj

achene \ə-ˈkēn\ n : a small dry one-seeded fruit (as of the sunflower) that ripens without bursting open
— ache·ni·al \ə-ˈkē-nē-əl\ adj

achieve \ə-ˈchēv\ vb achieved; achiev·ing
1 : ACCOMPLISH <achieved our purpose>
2 : to get by effort <achieve greatness> [Middle English acheven “achieve,” from early French achever “to finish,” from a- “to” and cheef “end, head,” from Latin caput “head” — related to CAPITAL, CHIEF]
— achiev·able \-ˈchē-və-bəl\ adj

— achiev·er n

achieve·ment \ə-ˈchēv-mənt\ n
1 : the act of achieving
2 : something achieved

Achil·les' heel \ə-ˌkil-ēz-\ n : a special or personal weakness
Word History In Greek legend, Achilles' mother protected him from harm by dipping him in the River Styx. However, she held him by the heel while doing it. As a result this heel did not get wet and thus was not protected. Later, during the Trojan War, Achilles was killed by Paris, a Trojan prince, who shot him in the unprotected heel with an arrow. The term Achilles' heel has since come to refer to any weak spot or point. [named for Achilles, warrior in Greek legend]

Achilles tendon n : the strong tendon joining the muscles in the calf of the leg to the bone of the heel

ach·ro·mat·ic \ˌak-rə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : giving an image practically free from colors not in the object <an achromatic lens>
2 : being black, gray, or white

1ac·id \ˈas-əd\ adj
1 : sour, bitter, or stinging to the taste : resembling vinegar in taste
2 : sharp or sour in temper : CROSS <acid remarks>
3 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an acid <acid soil> <acid indigestion>
— ac·id·ly adv

— ac·id·ness n

2acid n
1 : a sour substance
2 : a compound that usually dissolves in water, has a sour taste, reacts with a base to form a salt, and turns litmus paper red
3 : LSD

ac·id–fast \ˈas-əd-ˌfast\ adj : not easily made to lose color by acids

acid·ic \ə-ˈsid-ik, a-\ adj
1 : acid-forming
2 : ACID

acid·i·fy \ə-ˈsid-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to make acid
2 : to change into an acid
— acid·i·fi·ca·tion \ə-ˌsid-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

acid·i·ty \ə-ˈsid-ət-ē, a-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality, state, or degree of being acid
2 : the state of being extremely acid

acid precipitation n : precipitation (as rain or snow) with increased acidity that is caused by environmental factors

acid rain n : rain with increased acidity that is caused by environmental factors (as atmospheric pollutants)

ac·knowl·edge \ik-ˈnäl-ij, ak-\ vb -edged; -edg·ing
1 : to recognize the rights or authority of
2 : to admit the truth or existence of
3 : to make known that something has been received or noticed <acknowledge a letter>
synonyms ACKNOWLEDGE, ADMIT, OWN, CONFESS, mean to make public something one would rather keep private. ACKNOWLEDGE suggests revealing something that has been or might be concealed <the company acknowledged that it had been polluting the lake>. ADMIT stresses a demand to reveal and an unwillingness to do so <why don't you admit that you made a mistake?>. OWN suggests acknowledging something of a personal nature <I own that I can be rude sometimes>. CONFESS suggests an admission of weakness, failure, or guilt <confessed involvement in the scam>.

ac·knowl·edged \ik-ˈnäl-ijd, ak-\ adj : generally recognized or accepted <the acknowledged leader>

ac·knowl·edg·ment also ac·knowl·edge·ment \ik-ˈnäl-ij-mənt, ak-\ n
1 a : the act of acknowledging  b : an act of acknowledging some deed or achievement
2 : something done or given in return for something received

ac·me \ˈak-mē\ n : the highest point : PEAK <the acme of perfection>

ac·ne \ˈak-nē\ n : a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles and marked by pimples especially on the face

ac·o·lyte \ˈak-ə-ˌlīt\ n : a person who assists a member of the clergy in a service

ac·o·nite \ˈak-ə-ˌnīt\ n
1 : MONKSHOOD
2 : a drug obtained from the poisonous root of the common Old World monkshood

acorn \ˈā-ˌkȯrn, -kərn\ n : the roundish one-seeded thin-shelled nut of an oak tree usually having a woody cap

acorn squash n : an acorn-shaped winter squash with ridges on its dark green outer surface and somewhat sweet yellow to orange flesh

acous·tic \ə-ˈkü-stik\ or acous·ti·cal \-sti-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds: as  a : deadening or absorbing sound  b : operated by or using sound waves
2 : of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electronically modified <acoustic guitar>
— acous·ti·cal·ly \-sti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

acous·tics \ə-ˈkü-stiks\ n sing or pl
1 : a science dealing with sound
2 also acous·tic \-stik\ : the qualities in an enclosed space (as an auditorium) that make it easy or hard for a person in it to hear distinctly

ac·quaint \ə-ˈkwānt\ vb
1 : to cause to know socially <became acquainted at school>
2 : to cause to know firsthand : INFORM <acquaint her with her duties>

ac·quain·tance \ə-ˈkwānt-ən(t)s\ n
1 : knowledge gained by personal experience <had some acquaintance with the subject>
2 : a person one knows slightly
— ac·quain·tance·ship \-ˌship\ n

ac·qui·esce \ˌak-wē-ˈes\ vb -esced; -esc·ing : to accept, agree, or give consent by keeping silent or by not raising objections
— ac·qui·es·cence \-ˈes-ən(t)s\ n

ac·qui·es·cent \ˌak-wē-ˈes-ənt\ adj : acquiescing or tending to acquiesce
— ac·qui·es·cent·ly adv

ac·quire \ə-ˈkwī(ə)r\ vb ac·quired; ac·quir·ing : to come to have often by one's own efforts : GAIN
— ac·quir·able \-ˈkwī-rə-bəl\ adj

acquired adj
1 : gained by or as a result of effort or experience
2 : caused by environmental forces and not passed from parent to offspring in the genes <acquired characteristics>

acquired immune deficiency syndrome n : AIDS

acquired immunity n : immunity that develops following exposure (as through infection or vaccination) to something that causes disease

ac·quire·ment \ə-ˈkwī(ə)r-mənt\ n
1 : the act of acquiring
2 : ACCOMPLISHMENT 3

ac·qui·si·tion \ˌak-wə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : the act of acquiring
2 : something acquired

ac·quis·i·tive \ə-ˈkwiz-ət-iv\ adj : having a strong wish to acquire things
— ac·quis·i·tive·ness n

ac·quit \ə-ˈkwit\ vb ac·quit·ted; ac·quit·ting
1 : to declare innocent of a crime or wrongdoing
2 : to conduct (oneself) usually satisfactorily

ac·quit·tal \ə-ˈkwit-əl\ n : the freeing (as by verdict) of a person from the charge of a crime

acre \ˈā-kər\ n
1 pl : property consisting of land : ESTATE
2 : a unit of area equal to 43,560 square feet (about 4047 square meters) — see MEASURE TABLE [Old English æcer “field, cultivated land”]

acre·age \ˈā-k(ə-)rij\ n : area in acres

acre–foot n : the volume (as of irrigation water) that would cover one acre to a depth of one foot

ac·rid \ˈak-rəd\ adj
1 : biting or bitter in taste or odor
2 : bitterly irritating to the feelings <an acrid remark>
— ac·rid·ly adv

— ac·rid·ness n

ac·ri·mo·ny \ˈak-rə-ˌmō-nē\ n, pl -nies : harsh or biting sharpness especially of words, manner, or disposition
— ac·ri·mo·ni·ous \ˌak-rə-ˈmō-nē-əs\ adj

— ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ly adv

— ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ness n

ac·ro·bat \ˈak-rə-ˌbat\ n : a person (as a circus performer) who is very good at stunts like jumping, balancing, tumbling, and swinging from things
— ac·ro·bat·ic \ˌak-rə-ˈbat-ik\ adj

— ac·ro·bat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ac·ro·bat·ics \ˌak-rə-ˈbat-iks\ n sing or pl
1 : the art or performance of an acrobat
2 : stunts of or resembling those of an acrobat <airplane acrobatics>

ac·ro·nym \ˈak-rə-ˌnim\ n : a word (as radar) formed from the beginning letter or letters of each or most of the parts of a compound term

ac·ro·pho·bia \ˌak-rə-ˈfō-bē-ə\ n : fear of heights

acrop·o·lis \ə-ˈkräp-ə-ləs\ n : the upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city

1across \ə-ˈkrȯs\ adv
1 : from one side to the other <boards sawed directly across>
2 : to or on the opposite side <got across in a boat>
3 : so as to be understandable or successful <get the message across>

2across prep
1 : to or on the opposite side of <across the street>
2 : so as to cross or pass at an angle <lay one stick across another>

acros·tic \ə-ˈkrȯs-tik, -ˈkräs-\ n : a poem in which a set of letters (as the first letter of the lines) taken in order form a word or phrase

acryl·ic \ə-ˈkril-ik\ n
1 : ACRYLIC FIBER
2 : a paint containing an acrylic resin

acrylic fiber n : a quick-drying synthetic fiber used for woven and knitted cloth

acrylic resin n : a glassy synthetic plastic used for cast and molded parts or as coatings and adhesives

1act \ˈakt\ n
1 : something that is done <an act of kindness>
2 : the doing of something <caught in the act>
3 : a law made by a governing body <an act of Congress>
4 a : one of the main divisions of a play or opera  b : one of the parts of a variety show or circus
5 : a display of behavior that is not sincere <just putting on an act> [Middle English act “act, deed,” from Latin actus “action of doing” and from Latin actum “something done,” both from agere “to drive, do” — related to AGENT]

2act vb
1 : to perform by action especially on the stage
2 : to play the part of <act the man of the world>
3 a : to behave in a manner suitable to <act your age>  b : to conduct oneself <act like a fool>
4 : to take action : MOVE <think before you act>
5 a : to perform a function : SERVE <act as mayor>  b : to produce an effect : WORK <wait for a medicine to act>

ac·tin \ˈak-tən\ n : a protein of muscle that with myosin is active in muscular contraction

act·ing \ˈak-tiŋ\ adj : serving temporarily or in place of another <acting president>

ac·tin·i·um \ak-ˈtin-ē-əm\ n : a radioactive metallic element found especially in pitchblende — see ELEMENT TABLE

ac·tion \ˈak-shən\ n
1 : a legal proceeding in a court by which one demands one's right or the correction of a wrong
2 : the working of one thing on another so as to produce a change <the action of acids on metals>
3 : the process or manner of acting or functioning; also : such an action expressed by a verb
4 a : a thing done : DEED  b pl : BEHAVIOR, CONDUCT
5 : combat in war : BATTLE
6 : the plot of a drama or work of fiction

action figure n : a small-scale figure (as of a superhero) used especially as a toy

action verb n : a verb that expresses action <“lingered” in “they lingered over dinner” and “bring” in “bring me the broom” are action verbs> — compare LINKING VERB

ac·ti·vate \ˈak-tə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to make active
2 : to make (as molecules) more chemically active
3 : to make (a substance) give off radioactive particles, give off light at low temperatures, be easily affected by light, or carry an electric charge under the influence of light or other electromagnetic radiation
4 : to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve the amount of adsorption
5 : to place on active military duty <activate the reserves>
— ac·ti·va·tion \ˌak-tə-ˈvā-shən\ n

— ac·ti·va·tor \ˈak-tə-ˌvāt-ər\ n

activation energy n : the least amount of energy required to change a stable molecule into a reactive molecule

ac·tive \ˈak-tiv\ adj
1 : producing or involving action or movement
2 : representing the subject as performing the action expressed by the verb <“hits” in “she hits the ball” is an active verb>
3 : having or requiring quick or energetic movements <an active child> <active sports>
4 a : ready for action <takes an active interest>  b : engaged or participating in an action or activity <an active member>  c : erupting or likely to erupt <an active volcano>
5 : engaged in or requiring full-time service especially in the armed forces <active duty>
6 : marked by present action or use <an active account> <a student's active vocabulary>
7 a : capable of acting or reacting <active ingredients>  b : tending to progress or increase <active tuberculosis>
— ac·tive·ly adv

— ac·tive·ness n

active immunity n : immunity produced by the individual when exposed to an antigen — compare PASSIVE IMMUNITY

active transport n : the movement (as across a cell membrane) of substances from regions of lower concentration to regions of higher concentration by the use of energy

ac·tive·wear \ˈak-tiv-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : SPORTSWEAR

ac·tiv·ist \ˈak-ti-vəst\ n : a person who believes in forceful action (as a mass demonstration) for political purposes
— ac·tiv·ism \-ˌviz-əm\ n

ac·tiv·i·ty \ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being active
2 : forceful or energetic action
3 : a natural, normal, or assigned function: as  a : a process that an organism carries on or participates in by virtue of being alive  b : a similar process that involves or is capable of involving mental function
4 : an educational exercise designed to teach by firsthand experience
5 : an active force <solar activity>
6 a : something done especially for relaxation or fun  b : a form of organized recreation

ac·tor \ˈak-tər\ n : one that acts; esp : a person who acts especially in a play or movie or on television

act out vb
1 : to represent in action <children act out what they read>
2 : to behave badly especially as a way of letting out painful emotions

ac·tress \ˈak-trəs\ n : a woman or girl who acts especially in a play or movie or on television

Acts \ˈak(t)s\ or Acts of the Apostles : a book in the New Testament narrating the beginnings of the Christian church — see BIBLE TABLE

ac·tu·al \ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl, ˈak-sh(ə-w)əl\ adj : existing in fact and not merely as a possibility  synonyms see REAL
— ac·tu·al·i·ty \ˌak-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē, -shə-\ n

— ac·tu·al·i·za·tion \ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -sh(ə-w)ə-\ n

— ac·tu·al·ize \-ˌīz\ vb

ac·tu·al·ly \ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē, ˈak-sh(ə-w)ə-lē\ adv : in fact or in truth : REALLY <she actually spoke Spanish> <actually, I didn't want to go>

ac·tu·ary \ˈak-chə-ˌwer-ē, -shə-\ n, pl -ar·ies : a person who calculates insurance premiums and dividends
— ac·tu·ar·i·al \ˌak-chə-ˈwer-ē-əl\ adj

ac·tu·ate \ˈak-chə-ˌwāt, -shə-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to put into action <the windmill actuates the pump>
2 : to arouse to action <actuated by the hope of winning>

act up vb : to act in an unruly, abnormal, or annoying way

acu·ity \ə-ˈkyü-ət-ē\ n : sharpness of perception

acu·men \ə-ˈkyü-mən, ˈak-yə-mən\ n : keenness of mind : SHREWDNESS

acu·punc·ture \ˈak-yə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər\ n : an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specified points especially to cure disease or relieve pain [Latin acus “needle” and English puncture]

acute \ə-ˈkyüt\ adj acut·er; acut·est
1 a : SEVERE 3, SHARP <acute pain>  b : having a sudden onset and short duration <acute disease>
2 : being or forming an angle measuring less than 90 degrees <an acute angle>
3 a : marked by keen awareness : SHREWD <an acute observation>  b : having sharp perceptions : OBSERVANT
4 : needing speedy attention : URGENT <an acute shortage of blood plasma>
5 : felt or experienced intensely <acute distress>  synonyms see SHARP
— acute·ly adv

— acute·ness n

ad \ˈad\ n : ADVERTISEMENT 2

ad- or ac- or af- or ag- or al- or ap- or as- or at- prefix : to : toward — usually ac- before c, k, or q and af- before f and ag- before g and al- before l and ap- before p and as- before s and at- before t and ad- before other sounds but sometimes ad- even before one of the listed consonants [Latin ad- “to, toward”]

ad·age \ˈad-ij\ n : an old familiar saying : PROVERB

1ada·gio \ə-ˈdäj-ō, -ˈdäj-ē-ˌō, -ˈdäzh-\ adv or adj : in an easy graceful manner : SLOWLY — used as a direction in music

2adagio n
1 : a musical composition or movement in adagio tempo
2 : a ballet duet or trio displaying difficult feats of balance, lifting, or spinning

1ad·a·mant \ˈad-ə-mənt, -ˌmant\ n
1 : an imaginary stone of great hardness
2 : an unbreakable or extremely hard substance [Middle English adamant “an imaginary stone of great hardness, diamond,” from early French adamant (same meaning), from Latin adamant-, adamas “hardest metal, diamond,” from Greek adamant-, adamas (same meaning) — related to DIAMOND; see Word History at DIAMOND]

2adamant adj : firmly fixed or decided especially against something : UNYIELDING
— ad·a·mant·ly adv

ad·a·man·tine \ˌad-ə-ˈman-ˌtēn, -ˌtīn\ adj
1 : made of or having the quality of adamant
2 : 2ADAMANT

Ad·am's apple \ˈad-əmz-\ n : the lump in the front of the neck formed by the largest cartilage of the larynx

adapt \ə-ˈdapt\ vb : to make or become suitable; esp : to change so as to fit a new or specific use or situation <adapt to life in a new school> <adapt the novel for children> [from French adapter and Latin adaptare, both meaning “to adapt,” from Latin ad- “to” and aptus “apt, fit” — related to APT]
— adapt·abil·i·ty \-ˌdap-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— adapt·able \-ˈdap-tə-bəl\ adj

ad·ap·ta·tion \ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp-\ n
1 a : the act or process of adapting  b : the state of being adapted
2 : adjustment to environmental conditions: as  a : adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation  b : change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment; also : a structure resulting from this change
3 : something that is adapted; esp : a composition rewritten into a new form
— ad·ap·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— ad·ap·ta·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

adapt·ed \ə-ˈdap-təd\ adj : suited by nature or design to a particular use, purpose, or situation

adapt·er also adap·tor \ə-ˈdap-tər\ n
1 : someone or something that adapts
2 a : a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of a usually larger device  b : an attachment for adapting a device for uses not originally intended

add \ˈad\ vb
1 a : to join or unite to a thing so as to increase or improve it <add a wing to the house> <color adds a creative touch>  b : to unite or combine in a single whole  c : to include as a member of a group <add me in>
2 : to say something more <add to her remarks>
3 : to combine (numbers) into a single number that has the same total value
— add·able or add·ible \ˈad-ə-bəl\ adj

ad·dend \ˈad-ˌend\ n : a number that is to be added to another

ad·den·dum \ə-ˈden-dəm\ n, pl -den·da \-ˈden-də\ : something added (as to a book)

1ad·der \ˈad-ər\ n
1 : a poisonous European viper; also : any of several related snakes
2 : any of several harmless North American snakes (as the hognose snakes)

2add·er \ˈad-ər\ n : one that adds

ad·der's–tongue \ˈad-ərz-ˌtəŋ\ n
1 : a fern whose spore-bearing stalk resembles a serpent's tongue
2 : DOGTOOTH VIOLET

1ad·dict \ə-ˈdikt\ vb
1 : to devote or surrender oneself to something habitually <addicted to detective stories>
2 : to cause to make a habit of using a drug <nicotine is addicting>

2ad·dict \ˈad-(ˌ)ikt\ n
1 : one who is addicted (as to a drug)
2 : a person devoted to something <a TV addict>

ad·dic·tion \ə-ˈdik-shən, a-\ n : the quality or state of being addicted; esp : uncontrollable use of habit-forming drugs

ad·dic·tive \ə-ˈdik-tiv, a-\ adj : causing or characterized by addiction <an addictive drug> <an addictive game>

ad·di·tion \ə-ˈdish-ən, a-\ n
1 : the result of adding : INCREASE
2 : the act, process, or operation of adding
3 : a part added (as to a building)
— in addition : as something more : BESIDES

— in addition to : 2BESIDES

ad·di·tion·al \ə-ˈdish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : being an addition : EXTRA
— ad·di·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

1ad·di·tive \ˈad-ət-iv\ adj : relating to or produced by addition
— ad·di·tive·ly adv

2additive n : a substance added to another in small amounts to give or improve desirable qualities or decrease unwanted qualities <a gasoline additive> <additives which color, flavor, or preserve food>

additive identity n : an element (as zero in the set of real numbers) of a mathematical set that leaves every element of the set unchanged when added to it

additive inverse n : a number that when added to a given number sums to zero <the additive inverse of 4 is −4> — compare 2OPPOSITE 3

ad·dle \ˈad-əl\ vb ad·dled; ad·dling \ˈad-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to make or become confused
2 : to become rotten : SPOIL <addled eggs>

1ad·dress \ə-ˈdres, a-\ vb
1 a : to direct the attention of oneself <addressed themselves to the problem>  b : to deal with <prepares to address the problem>
2 a : to communicate directly <address a petition to the governor>  b : to deliver a formal speech to <address the convention>
3 : to mark directions for delivery on <address a letter>
4 : to greet by a prescribed form
5 : to identify (as a computer peripheral or a piece of information) by an address or name for information transfer
— ad·dress·er n

2ad·dress \ə-ˈdres, ˈad-ˌres\ n
1 : manner of speaking : DELIVERY
2 : a rehearsed speech
3 a : a place where a person or organization can usually be reached  b : the directions for delivery on mail
4 a : a location (as in the memory of a computer) where particular information is stored  b : a series of symbols (as numerals or letters) that identifies the location of information in a computer's memory or on the Internet or that specifies the source or destination of an e-mail message

ad·dress·able \ə-ˈdres-ə-bəl\ adj : able to be reached through an address <addressable registers in a computer>

ad·dress·ee \ˌad-ˌres-ˈē, ə-ˌdres-ˈē\ n : one to whom mail is addressed

ad·duce \ə-ˈd(y)üs\ vb ad·duced; ad·duc·ing : to offer as example, reason, or proof

ad·duct \ə-ˈdəkt\ vb : to draw (a part of the body) toward or past a middle plane or line that divides the body or a bodily part into right and left halves

ad·duc·tor \ə-ˈdək-tər\ n : a muscle that draws a body part (as an arm or finger) toward or past a plane or a line that divides the body or a hand or foot into right and left halves

add up vb
1 a : to come to a total and especially the expected total  b : to make sense <her story just doesn't add up>
2 : to amount to a lot <just a little each time, but it all adds up>

ad·e·nine \ˈad-ən-ēn\ n : one of the bases which make up the genetic code of DNA and RNA — compare CYTOSINE, GUANINE, THYMINE, URACIL

1ad·e·noid \ˈad-ən-ˌȯid, ˈad-ˌnȯid\ n : either of two masses of tissue at the back of the pharynx that usually interfere with breathing when abnormally enlarged — usually used in plural

2adenoid adj
1 : of or relating to the adenoids
2 : relating to or affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids

ad·e·noi·dal \ˌad-ən-ˈȯid-əl\ adj : exhibiting the signs (as a nasal voice) of one affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids : ADENOID <an adenoidal singer> — not usually used technically

aden·o·sine di·phos·phate \ə-ˈden-ə-ˌsēn-dī-ˈfäs-ˌfāt\ n : ADP

adenosine tri·phos·phate \-trī-ˈfäs-ˌfāt\ n : ATP

1ad·ept \ˈad-ˌept\ n : a highly skilled or well-trained individual : EXPERT

2adept \ə-ˈdept\ adj : very good at something  synonyms see SKILLFUL
— adept·ly adv

— adept·ness \-ˈdep(t)-nəs\ n

ad·e·qua·cy \ˈad-i-kwə-sē\ n, pl -cies : the quality or state of being adequate

ad·e·quate \ˈad-i-kwət\ adj
1 : suitable or enough for a requirement <food and water adequate for six people>
2 : good enough <your grades are barely adequate>
— ad·e·quate·ly adv

— ad·e·quate·ness n

ad·here \ad-ˈhi(ə)r, əd-\ vb ad·hered; ad·her·ing
1 : to stay loyal (as to a cause or promise)
2 : to stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or melting
3 : to agree to observe <adhere to the rules>

ad·her·ence \ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s, əd-\ n
1 : the action or quality of adhering
2 : steady or faithful attachment <adherence to the truth>

1ad·her·ent \ad-ˈhir-ənt, əd-\ adj : able or tending to adhere

2adherent n : a person who adheres to a leader, belief, or group

ad·he·sion \ad-ˈhē-zhən, əd-\ n
1 : steady or firm attachment; esp : a sticking together
2 : abnormal union of tissues following inflammation (as after surgery)
3 : the molecular attraction between surfaces of bodies in contact

1ad·he·sive \ad-ˈhē-siv, əd-, -ziv\ adj : tending to adhere : prepared for adhering
— ad·he·sive·ness n

2adhesive n : an adhesive substance (as glue or cement)

adhesive tape n : tape that is coated on one side with an adhesive and is used especially for medical purposes

adi·a·bat·ic \ˌad-ē-ə-ˈbat-ik, ˌā-ˌdī-ə-\ adj : occurring without loss or gain of heat <adiabatic expansion of a gas>
— ad·i·a·bat·i·cal·ly \-ˈbat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

adieu \ə-ˈd(y)ü, a-\ n, pl adieus or adieux \-ˈd(y)üz\ : 2FAREWELL 1 — often used interjectionally [Middle English adieu “farewell,” from early French adieu (same meaning), from a Dieu, literally “(I commit you) to God,” from Latin Deus “God” — related to ADIOS, DEITY]

adi·os \ˌad-ē-ˈōs, ˌäd-\ interj — used to express farewell [from Spanish adiós “farewell,” from a Dios, literally “(I commit you) to God,” from Latin Deus “God” — related to ADIEU, DEITY]

ad·i·pose \ˈad-ə-ˌpōs\ adj : of or relating to animal fat : FATTY
— ad·i·pos·i·ty \ˌad-ə-ˈpäs-ət-ē\ n

adipose tissue n : tissue in which fat is stored and which has the cells swollen by droplets of fat

ad·ja·cent \ə-ˈjās-ənt\ adj
1 : lying next or near : having a border or point in common <a field adjacent to the road>
2 : having a vertex or a vertex and side in common <adjacent angles> <adjacent sides of a rectangle>
— ad·ja·cent·ly adv

ad·jec·tive \ˈaj-ik-tiv\ n : a word that modifies a noun by describing a quality of the thing named, indicating its quantity or extent, or specifying a thing as distinct from something else
— adjective adj

— ad·jec·ti·val \ˌaj-ik-ˈtī-vəl\ adj or n

— ad·jec·ti·val·ly \-və-lē\ adv

ad·join \ə-ˈjȯin, a-\ vb
1 : to add or attach by joining
2 : to lie next to or in contact with

ad·journ \ə-ˈjərn\ vb
1 : to bring or come to a close for a period of time <Congress adjourned> <adjourn a meeting>
2 : to move to another place <let us adjourn to the sitting room>
— ad·journ·ment \-mənt\ n

ad·judge \ə-ˈjəj\ vb ad·judged; ad·judg·ing
1 : to decide or rule upon as a judge : ADJUDICATE
2 : to consider or say to be : DEEM <they adjudged the play a success>

ad·ju·di·cate \ə-ˈjüd-i-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to decide, award, or sentence judicially <adjudicate a claim>
— ad·ju·di·ca·tion \-ˌjüd-i-ˈkā-shən\ n

ad·junct \ˈaj-ˌəŋ(k)t\ n : 1ACCESSORY 1

ad·jure \ə-ˈju̇(ə)r\ vb ad·jured; ad·jur·ing : to command solemnly under or as if under oath
— ad·ju·ra·tion \ˌaj-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

ad·just \ə-ˈjəst\ vb
1 : to bring to a better state : set right <adjust conflicts> <adjust the error>
2 : to move the parts of an instrument or a piece of machinery until they fit together in the best working order <adjust a watch> <adjust the brakes on a car>
3 : to determine the amount of an insurance claim
4 : to adapt oneself to conditions <had trouble adjusting to the new job>
— ad·just·able \-ˈjəs-tə-bəl\ adj

— ad·just·er also ad·jus·tor \-ˈjəs-tər\ n

ad·just·ment \ə-ˈjəs(t)-mənt\ n
1 : the act or process of adjusting
2 : a settlement of a claim or debt
3 : the state of being adjusted
4 : a means of adjusting one part (as in a machine) in relation to another <an adjustment for focusing a microscope>

ad·ju·tant \ˈaj-ət-ənt\ n
1 : an officer (as in the army) who assists the commanding officer in clerical work
2 : ASSISTANT

1ad–lib \(ˈ)ad-ˈlib\ vb ad–libbed; ad–lib·bing : to improvise especially lines or a speech

2ad–lib adj : spoken, composed, or performed without preparation <an ad-lib speech>

ad lib adv : without restraint or limit <known for talking ad lib>

ad li·bi·tum \(ˈ)ad-ˈlib-ət-əm\ adj : freely as one wishes — used as a direction in music [modern Latin, “according to one's desire”]

ad·min·is·ter \əd-ˈmin-ə-stər\ vb ad·min·is·tered; ad·min·is·ter·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to direct the affairs of : MANAGE <administer a government>
2 : to give out as deserved <administer justice>
3 : to give formally or ceremonially <administer the sacraments>
4 : to give as treatment <administer a drug>

ad·min·is·tra·tion \əd-ˌmin-ə-ˈstrā-shən, ad-\ n
1 : the act or process of administering
2 : performance of supervising duties : MANAGEMENT
3 : the work involved in managing public affairs as distinguished from policy-making
4 a : a group of persons who administer  b cap : the executive branch of a government

ad·min·is·tra·tive \əd-ˈmin-ə-ˌstrāt-iv, -strət-\ adj : of or relating to administration <an administrative position>

ad·min·is·tra·tor \əd-ˈmin-ə-ˌstrāt-ər\ n : a person who administers especially business, school, or government affairs

ad·min·is·tra·trix \əd-ˌmin-ə-ˈstrā-triks\ n, pl -tra·tri·ces \-ˈstrā-trə-ˌsēz\ : a woman who is an administrator

ad·mi·ra·ble \ˌad-mə-rə-bəl, -mrə-bəl\ adj : deserving to be admired : EXCELLENT
— ad·mi·ra·ble·ness n

— ad·mi·ra·bly \-blē\ adv

ad·mi·ral \ˈad-mə-rəl, -mrəl\ n
1 : a naval commissioned officer with a rank above that of captain; esp : an officer with a rank just above that of vice admiral
2 : any of several brightly colored butterflies
Word History It is a curiosity of history that admiral, a word meaning “naval commander,” ultimately has its source in Arabic, the language of a desert people who acquired their seafaring skills largely from the Mediterranean peoples they dominated after the great expansion of Islam in the 7th century A.D. As the name for a Muslim chieftain, the Arabic word amīr appears as a loanword in the 9th century in Medieval Latin documents, in spellings such as amiratus, admirandus, and admirallus. These words display a variety of suffixes and an extra d, through confusion with the Latin verb admirari, “to admire.” The ending -allus is probably from the Arabic definite article al, which actually belongs to the following word in phrases such as amīr al-‘alī, “supreme commander.” The specific application of admirallus to a commander of a fleet originated in 12th century Sicily. The usage was acquired by the Genoese and then spread to the rest of western Europe, including France and England. [Middle English admiral “naval commander,” from early French amiral “commander” and Latin admirallus “naval commander,” from Arabic amīr-al- “commander of the” (as in amīr al-‘alī “supreme commander”)]

1admiralty n
1 : a group of officials formerly in charge of the British navy
2 : the court having authority over questions of maritime law; also : the system of law administered by admiralty courts

2ad·mi·ral·ty \ˈad-mə-rəl-tē, -mrəl-\ adj : of or relating to conduct on the sea

ad·mi·ra·tion \ˌad-mə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : an object of admiring regard
2 : a feeling of great and delighted approval

ad·mire \əd-ˈmī(ə)r\ vb ad·mired; ad·mir·ing
1 : to look at with admiration <admire the scenery>
2 : to have high regard for <admired her courage> [from early French admirer “to marvel at,” from Latin admirari (same meaning), from ad- “at” and mirari “to wonder” — related to MIRACLE]
— ad·mir·er \-ˈmīr-ər\ n

ad·mis·si·ble \əd-ˈmis-ə-bəl\ adj : that can be or is worthy to be admitted or allowed <admissible evidence>
— ad·mis·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌmis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

ad·mis·sion \əd-ˈmish-ən, ad-\ n
1 : the act of admitting; esp : an admitting of something that has not been proved <an admission of guilt>
2 : the right or permission to enter <standards of admission to a school>
3 : the price of entrance

ad·mit \əd-ˈmit, ad-\ vb ad·mit·ted; ad·mit·ting
1 a : to allow room for : PERMIT <a question that admits two answers>  b : to make known usually with some unwillingness <admitted that he really didn't know> <admit a mistake>
2 : to allow entry : let in <admit a state to the Union>  synonyms see ACKNOWLEDGE

ad·mit·tance \əd-ˈmit-ən(t)s, ad-\ n : permission to enter : ENTRANCE

ad·mit·ted·ly \-əd-lē\ adv : acknowledged as true

ad·mix·ture \ad-ˈmiks-chər\ n
1 a : the act of mixing  b : the fact of being mixed
2 a : something added by mixing  b : a product of mixing

ad·mon·ish \ad-ˈmän-ish\ vb
1 : to criticize or warn gently but seriously : warn of a fault
2 : to give friendly advice or encouragement to <admonished them to keep trying>  synonyms see REBUKE
— ad·mon·ish·ment \-mənt\ n

ad·mo·ni·tion \ˌad-mə-ˈnish-ən\ n : a gentle or friendly criticism or warning

ad·mon·i·to·ry \ad-ˈmän-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : expressing admonition : WARNING

ado \ə-ˈdü\ n : 1FUSS 1, TROUBLE <much ado about nothing>

ado·be \ə-ˈdō-bē\ n
1 : a brick or building material made of a sun-dried mixture of earth and straw
2 : a building made of adobe bricks [Spanish]

ad·o·les·cence \ˌad-əl-ˈes-ən(t)s\ n : the state or process of growing up; also : the period of life from puberty to maturity [Middle English adolescence “adolescence,” from early French adolescence (same meaning), from Latin adolescentia (same meaning), from adolescere “to grow up” — related to ADULT]
— ad·o·les·cent \-ənt\ adj or n

adopt \ə-ˈdäpt\ vb
1 : to take legally as one's own child <adopted a baby girl>
2 : to take as one's own <adopt a point of view>
3 : to accept formally <the assembly adopted a constitution>
— adopt·able \ə-ˈdäp-tə-bəl\ adj

— adopt·er n

adop·tion \ə-ˈdäp-shən\ n : the act of adopting : the state of being adopted

adop·tive \ə-ˈdäp-tiv\ adj : made by or associated with adoption <the adoptive parents>

ador·able \ə-ˈdōr-ə-bəl, -ˈdȯr-\ adj
1 : deserving to be adored
2 : CHARMING, LOVELY <an adorable child>
— ador·able·ness n

— ador·ably \-blē\ adv

adore \ə-ˈdō(ə)r, -ˈdȯ(ə)r\ vb adored; ador·ing
1 : 2WORSHIP 1 <adore God>
2 : to be very fond of [from early French adourer “to adore,” from Latin adorare (same meaning), from ad- “to” and orare “to speak, pray” — related to ORACLE, ORATION]
— ad·o·ra·tion \ˌad-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— ador·er \ə-ˈdōr-ər, -ˈdȯr-\ n

adorn \ə-ˈdȯrn\ vb : to enhance the appearance of with ornaments
synonyms ADORN, DECORATE, EMBELLISH, BEAUTIFY, mean to improve the appearance by adding something that is not essential. ADORN suggests that the thing added is beautiful in itself <a gold star adorned the tree>. DECORATE suggests adding color or design to something that is plain or dull <decorated her room with posters>. EMBELLISH stresses the adding of something not needed <dishes embellished with a leaf design>. BEAUTIFY stresses the improvement of something plain or ugly <flower boxes beautify the street>.

adorn·ment \ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt\ n
1 : the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2 : something that adorns

ADP \ˌā-ˌdē-ˈpē, ā-ˈdē-ˌpē\ n : a compound formed in living cells that reacts to form ATP

1ad·re·nal \ə-ˈdrē-nəl\ adj : of, relating to, or derived from the adrenal glands or their secretions

2adrenal n : ADRENAL GLAND

adrenal gland n : either of a pair of endocrine glands that are located near the kidney and produce the hormone epinephrine

adren·a·line \ə-ˈdren-əl-ən\ n : EPINEPHRINE

adrift \ə-ˈdrift\ adv or adj
1 : without power or anchor <a ship adrift in the storm>
2 : without guidance or purpose <alone and adrift in the city>

adroit \ə-ˈdrȯit\ adj : having or showing great skill or cleverness <an adroit leader> <the candidate's adroit use of television>
— adroit·ly adv

— adroit·ness n

ad·sorb \ad-ˈsȯrb, -ˈzȯrb\ vb : to take up and hold or to become taken up by adsorption

ad·sorp·tion \-ˈsȯrp-shən, -ˈzȯrp-\ n : the sticking of molecules (as of a gas or liquid) in a very thin layer to the surfaces of solid objects or liquids which the molecules come in contact with

ad·u·late \ˈaj-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to flatter or admire slavishly
— ad·u·la·tion \ˌaj-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— ad·u·la·tor \ˈaj-ə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

— ad·u·la·to·ry \ˈaj-ə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

1adult \ə-ˈdəlt, ˈad-ˌəlt\ adj
1 : fully developed and mature
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of adults [from Latin adultus “having grown up,” from adolescere “to grow up” — related to ADOLESCENCE]
— adult·hood \ə-ˈdəlt-ˌhu̇d\ n

— adult·ness \ə-ˈdəlt-nəs, ˈad-ˌəlt-\ n

2adult n : a fully grown person, animal, or plant
— adult·like \ə-ˈdəlt-ˌlīk\ adj

adul·ter·ant \ə-ˈdəl-tə-rənt\ n : something used to adulterate another thing

adul·ter·ate \ə-ˈdəl-tə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make impure or weaker by adding an unnecessary or lower-grade substance; esp : to prepare for sale by using in whole or in part a substance that reduces value or strength [from Latin adulterare “to make impure,” from ad- “to” and alter “other” — related to ALTER]
— adul·ter·a·tion \ə-ˌdəl-tə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— adul·ter·a·tor \ə-ˈdəl-tə-ˌrāt-ər\ n

adul·tery \ə-ˈdəl-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ter·ies : voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse
— adul·ter·er \-tər-ər\ n

— adul·ter·ess \-t(ə-)rəs\ n

— adul·ter·ous \-t(ə-)rəs\ adj

1ad·vance \əd-ˈvan(t)s\ vb ad·vanced; ad·vanc·ing
1 : to move forward <advance a few yards>
2 : to help the progress of <sacrifices that advance the cause of freedom>
3 : to raise to a higher rank or position : PROMOTE <was advanced from clerk to assistant manager>
4 : to give and expect to be paid back <advance a loan>
5 : SUGGEST 1, PROPOSE <advance a new plan>
— ad·vanc·er n

2advance n
1 : a forward movement
2 : progress in development : IMPROVEMENT <recent advances in medicine>
3 : a rise in price, value, or amount
4 : a first step or approach <an unfriendly look discourages advances>
5 a : the giving of something in payment (as money) before goods or services are received <I need an advance on my salary>  b : the money or goods given
— in advance : 1BEFORE, BEFOREHAND <knew of the change two weeks in advance>

— in advance of : AHEAD OF

3advance adj
1 : made, sent, or furnished ahead of time <an advance payment>
2 : going or situated before <an advance guard> <an advance scout>

ad·vanced \əd-ˈvan(t)st\ adj
1 : far on in time or course <a man advanced in years>
2 : being beyond the elementary or introductory level <advanced mathematics>
3 : being far along in progress or development <an advanced civilization> <a disease in an advanced stage>
4 : having changed from a more primitive state found in an ancestor <advanced insects like the wasps and bees>

ad·vance·ment \əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt\ n
1 : the action of advancing : the state of being advanced
2 a : a raising or being raised to a higher rank or position  b : progression to a higher stage of development
3 : an improved feature

ad·van·tage \əd-ˈvant-ij\ n
1 : the fact of being in a better position or condition <gain the advantage>
2 : 1BENEFIT 1, GAIN
3 : something that helps the one it belongs to <speed is an advantage in sports>
— to advantage : so as to give a favorable impression

ad·van·ta·geous \ˌad-ˌvan-ˈtā-jəs, -vən-\ adj : giving an advantage : HELPFUL, FAVORABLE
— ad·van·ta·geous·ly adv

— ad·van·ta·geous·ness n

ad·vent \ˈad-ˌvent\ n
1 cap : the season beginning four Sundays before Christmas
2 : the first appearance : ARRIVAL <the advent of spring> [Middle English advent “Christmas season,” from Latin adventus (same meaning), from earlier adventus “arrival”]

ad·ven·ti·tious \ˌad-(ˌ)ven-ˈtish-əs, -vən-\ adj
1 : coming from an outside source and not an essential part : ACCIDENTAL
2 : appearing in other than the usual or normal place <adventitious roots>
— ad·ven·ti·tious·ly adv

1ad·ven·ture \əd-ˈven-chər\ n
1 : an action involving unknown risks or dangers
2 : the encountering of risks <the spirit of adventure>
3 : an unusual or exciting experience <the field trip was an adventure>

2adventure vb -ven·tured; -ven·tur·ing \-ˈvench-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : 2RISK 1, VENTURE
2 : to venture upon <explorers adventuring the wilderness>

ad·ven·tur·er \əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rər\ n
1 : a person who looks for adventures
2 : a person who tries to become wealthy or powerful by trickery

ad·ven·ture·some \əd-ˈven-chər-səm\ adj : ADVENTUROUS 1

ad·ven·tur·ous \əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : ready to take risks or to deal with the new and unknown <adventurous explorers>
2 : having unknown dangers and risks <an adventurous voyage>
— ad·ven·tur·ous·ly adv

— ad·ven·tur·ous·ness n
synonyms ADVENTUROUS, VENTURESOME, DARING, mean taking unnecessary risks. ADVENTUROUS suggests a willingness to accept risks but does not rule out showing good sense <adventurous youths hiking in the woods>. VENTURESOME suggests an eagerness for dangerous undertakings <venturesome deep-sea explorers>. DARING stresses lack of fear and even boldness in looking for danger <early pilots were especially daring>.

ad·verb \ˈad-ˌvərb\ n : a word used to modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a preposition, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence and often used to show degree, manner, place, or time
— adverb adj

— ad·ver·bi·al \ad-ˈvər-bē-əl\ adj or n

— ad·ver·bi·al·ly \-bē-ə-lē\ adv

ad·ver·sar·i·al \ˌad-vər-ˈser-ē-əl\ adj : involving two people or two sides who oppose each other

1ad·ver·sary \ˈad-və(r)-ˌser-ē\ n, pl -sar·ies : someone or something that struggles with, opposes, or resists : ENEMY, OPPONENT

2adversary adj : involving two persons or two sides who oppose each other <our adversary system of justice>

ad·verse \ad-ˈvərs, ˈad-ˌvərs\ adj
1 : acting in an opposite direction <adverse winds>
2 : opposed to one's interests <adverse testimony>; esp : not friendly or favorable <adverse criticism>
3 : causing harm <adverse effects of a drug>
— ad·verse·ly adv

— ad·verse·ness n

ad·ver·si·ty \ad-ˈvər-sət-ē\ n, pl -ties : an instance or condition of serious or continued misfortune

ad·vert \ad-ˈvərt\ vb : to make a reference : REFER

ad·ver·tise \ˈad-vər-ˌtīz\ vb -tised; -tis·ing
1 : to announce publicly especially by a printed notice or a broadcast <advertise a sale>
2 : to call public attention to especially by pointing out desirable qualities so as to create a desire to buy or to do business with <advertise a cereal> <advertise a store>
3 : to give a public notice or advertisement <advertise for a lost dog>
— ad·ver·tis·er n

ad·ver·tise·ment \ˌad-vər-ˈtīz-mənt, əd-ˈvərt-əz-\ n
1 : the act or process of advertising
2 : a public notice; esp : one published or broadcast

ad·ver·tis·ing \ˈad-vər-ˌtī-ziŋ\ n
1 : the action of calling something to the attention of the public especially by paid announcements
2 : published or broadcast advertisements
3 : the business of preparing advertisements

ad·vice \əd-ˈvīs\ n : an opinion or suggestion offered about a decision or course of conduct : COUNSEL

ad·vis·able \əd-ˈvī-zə-bəl\ adj : reasonable or proper under the circumstances : WISE, PRUDENT
— ad·vis·abil·i·ty \-ˌvī-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ad·vis·ably \-ˈvī-zə-blē\ adv

ad·vise \əd-ˈvīz\ vb ad·vised; ad·vis·ing
1 a : to give advice to  b : RECOMMEND 3 <advised caution>
2 : to give information or notice to <were advised of the news>
3 : to talk over a problem or decision <advised with her parents>
— ad·vis·er or ad·vi·sor \-ˈvī-zər\ n

ad·vised \əd-ˈvīzd\ adj : thought about : CONSIDERED <an ill-advised plan>
— ad·vis·ed·ly \-ˈvī-zəd-lē\ adv

ad·vise·ment \əd-ˈvīz-mənt\ n : careful consideration <take a matter under advisement>

1ad·vi·so·ry \əd-ˈvīz-(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : having the power or right to advise <an advisory committee>
2 : giving or containing advice <an advisory opinion>

2advisory n : a report giving information and often recommending action to be taken <a weather advisory>

ad·vo·ca·cy \ˈad-və-kə-sē\ n : the act or process of advocating : SUPPORT

1ad·vo·cate \ˈad-və-kət, -ˌkāt\ n
1 : a person who argues for the cause of another especially in a court of law
2 : a person who argues for, recommends, or supports a cause or policy [Middle English advocat “one that pleads a case for another (in court),” from early French advocat (same meaning), from Latin advocatus (same meaning), derived from advocare “to call to one's aid, summon,” from ad- “to, toward, near” and vocare “to call” — related to PROVOKE, REVOKE, VOCATION]

2ad·vo·cate \ˈad-və-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to speak in favor of : argue for

adze also adz \ˈadz\ n : a cutting tool that has a thin arched blade set at right angles to the handle and is used chiefly for shaping wood

aë·des \ā-ˈēd-ēz\ n, pl aëdes : any of a genus of mosquitoes including carriers of disease (as yellow fever)

ae·gis \ˈē-jəs\ n
1 : PROTECTION 1A, DEFENSE <under the aegis of the law>
2 : PATRONAGE 1, SPONSORSHIP <under the aegis of the museum>

aeolian variant of EOLIAN

aeon chiefly British variant of EON

aer- or aero- combining form
1 : air : atmosphere <aerate> <aerobic>
2 : gas <aerosol>
3 : aviation <aeronautics> [from Greek aer-, aero- “air”]

aer·ate \ˈa(-ə)r-ˌāt, ˈe(-ə)r-\ vb aer·at·ed; aer·at·ing
1 : to expose to or supply or fill to the limit with air <aerate the soil>
2 : to supply (blood) with oxygen by respiration
3 : to combine or fill with gas
— aer·a·tion \ˌa(-ə)r-ˈā-shən, ˌe(-ə)r-\ n

— aer·a·tor \ˈa(-ə)r-ˌāt-ər, ˈe(-ə)r-\ n

1ae·ri·al \ˈar-ē-əl, ˈer-\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or occurring in the air or atmosphere <an aerial display on a trapeze>  b : living or growing in the air rather than on the ground or in water  c : running on cables or rails that are raised above the ground <an aerial railway>
2 a : of or relating to aircraft <aerial navigation>  b : designed for use in, taken from, or operating from aircraft <aerial photograph>
— aer·i·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

2aerial n
1 : ANTENNA 2
2 : FORWARD PASS

aerial root n : a root (as for clinging to a wall) that does not enter the soil

aer·ie \ˈa(ə)r-ē, ˈe(ə)r-, ˈi(ə)r-\ n
1 : the nest of a bird on a cliff or a mountaintop
2 : a dwelling placed high up

aer·o·bat·ics \ˌar-ə-ˈbat-iks, ˌer-\ n sing or pl : spectacular flying feats and maneuvers
— aer·o·bat·ic \-ik\ adj

aer·o·bic \ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik, ˌe(-ə)r-\ adj
1 : living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen
2 : of, relating to, or caused by aerobic organisms (as bacteria)
3 : involving or increasing oxygen use <aerobic exercise>
— aer·o·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adv

aer·o·bics \ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-biks, ˌe(-ə)r-\ n sing or pl : a system of exercises intended to improve the body's ability to take in and use oxygen

aero·drome \ˈar-ə-ˌdrōm, ˈer-\ n, British : AIRPORT, AIRFIELD

aero·dy·nam·ics \ˌar-ō-dī-ˈnam-iks, ˌer-\ n : a science that deals with the motion of fluids (as air) that are gases and with the forces acting on bodies exposed to them
— aero·dy·nam·ic \-ik\ adj

aero·gel \ˈar-ō-ˌjel, ˈer-\ n : a light highly porous solid formed by replacement of liquid in a gel with a gas so that the resulting solid is the same size as the original

aero·naut \ˈar-ə-ˌnȯt, ˈer-, -nät\ n : a person who operates or travels in an airship or a balloon

aero·nau·tics \ˌar-ə-ˈnȯt-iks, ˌer-\ n
1 : a science dealing with the operation of aircraft
2 : the art or science of flight
— aero·nau·ti·cal \-ˈnȯt-i-kəl\ adj

aero·plane \ˈar-ə-ˌplān, ˈer-\ chiefly British variant of AIRPLANE

aero·sol \ˈar-ə-ˌsäl, ˈer-, -ˌsȯl\ n : a mixture of fine solid or liquid particles and gas <smoke and fog are aerosols>

1aero·space \ˈar-ō-ˌspās, ˈer-\ n
1 : the earth's atmosphere and the space beyond
2 : a science dealing with aerospace

2aerospace adj : of or relating to aerospace, to the vehicles used in aerospace or their manufacture, or to travel in aerospace <aerospace medicine>

aes·thet·ic or es·thet·ic \es-ˈthet-ik, is-\ adj : of or relating to beauty or what is beautiful
— aes·thet·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə)-lē\ adv

aes·thet·ics also es·thet·ics \es-ˈthet-iks, is-\ n : a branch of philosophy that studies and explains the principles and forms of beauty especially in art and literature

aestivate, aestivation variant of ESTIVATE, ESTIVATION

af- — see AD-

1afar \ə-ˈfär\ adv : from, to, or at a great distance

2afar n : a great distance <a voice from afar>

af·fa·ble \ˈaf-ə-bəl\ adj : being at ease and pleasant especially in conversation <an affable host>  synonyms see GRACIOUS
— af·fa·bil·i·ty \ˌaf-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— af·fa·bly \ˈaf-ə-blē\ adv

af·fair \ə-ˈfa(ə)r, -ˈfe(ə)r\ n
1 a pl : commercial, professional, public, or personal business <government affairs> <arranged my affairs before leaving>  b : 2CONCERN 1, MATTER <not your affair at all>
2 a : EVENT 1B, ACTIVITY <a social affair>  b : PRODUCT 2, THING <the house was a two-story affair>
3 : a brief romantic relationship

1af·fect \ə-ˈfekt, a-\ vb
1 : to show a liking for : FANCY <affect flashy clothes>
2 : FEIGN 1, PRETEND <affect indifference>

2affect vb : to produce an effect upon: as  a : to produce a significant influence upon or change in <paralysis affected his limbs>  b : to act upon (as a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response <the criticism affected her deeply>

af·fec·ta·tion \ˌaf-ˌek-ˈtā-shən\ n : an unnatural form of behavior usually intended to impress others <the accent was an affectation>

af·fect·ed \ə-ˈfek-təd, a-\ adj : not natural or genuine
— af·fect·ed·ly adv

— af·fect·ed·ness n

af·fect·ing \ə-ˈfek-tiŋ, a-\ adj : causing a feeling of pity, sympathy, or sorrow
— af·fect·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adv

af·fec·tion \ə-ˈfek-shən\ n
1 : a quality or feeling of liking and caring for another
2 : DISEASE, DISORDER <an affection of the brain>

af·fec·tion·ate \ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət\ adj : feeling or showing a great liking for a person or thing : LOVING
— af·fec·tion·ate·ly adv

af·fer·ent \ˈaf-ə-rənt, ˈaf-ˌer-ənt\ adj : bearing or conducting inward; esp : conveying impulses toward the central nervous system
— af·fer·ent·ly adv

af·fi·ance \ə-ˈfī-ən(t)s\ vb -anced; -anc·ing : to promise in marriage

af·fi·da·vit \ˌaf-ə-ˈdā-vət\ n : a sworn statement in writing

1af·fil·i·ate \ə-ˈfil-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to connect closely often as a member, branch, or associate
— af·fil·i·a·tion \-ˌfil-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

2af·fil·i·ate \ə-ˈfil-ē-ət\ n : an affiliated person or organization

af·fin·i·ty \ə-ˈfin-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : relationship by marriage
2 a : a feeling of closeness or sympathy because of shared interests  b : ATTRACTION; esp : an attractive force between substances or particles that causes them to enter into and remain in chemical combination

af·firm \ə-ˈfərm\ vb : to state positively or with confidence  synonyms see ASSERT
— af·fir·ma·tion \ˌaf-ər-ˈmā-shən\ n

1af·fir·ma·tive \ə-ˈfər-mət-iv\ adj
1 : declaring that the fact is so <gave an affirmative answer>
2 : being positive or helpful <take an affirmative approach>
— af·fir·ma·tive·ly adv

2affirmative n
1 : an expression (as the word yes) of agreement
2 : the affirmative side in a debate or vote

affirmative action n : an active effort to improve the educational and employment opportunities of members of minority groups and women

1af·fix \ə-ˈfiks, a-\ vb
1 : to attach physically : FASTEN <affix a stamp to a letter>
2 : to attach in any way : ADD <affix a signature to a document>

2af·fix \ˈaf-ˌiks\ n : a letter or a group of letters attached to the beginning or end of a word that serves to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form

af·flict \ə-ˈflikt\ vb : to cause suffering or unhappiness to

af·flic·tion \ə-ˈflik-shən\ n
1 : the state of being afflicted
2 : something that causes pain or unhappiness

af·flu·ence \ˈaf-ˌlü-ən(t)s also a-ˈflü-, ə-ˈflü-\ n : the state of having much wealth or property

af·flu·ent \ˈaf-ˌlü-ənt also a-ˈflü-, ə-ˈflü-\ adj : having plenty of money and the things money can buy [Middle English affluent “abundant,” derived from Latin ad- “to” and fluere “to flow” — related to FLUID]
— af·flu·ent·ly adv

af·ford \ə-ˈfōrd, -ˈfȯrd\ vb
1 : to be able to do or to bear without serious harm <you can't afford to waste your strength>
2 : to be able to pay for <unable to afford a new car>
3 : to supply one with : PROVIDE, FURNISH <tennis affords good exercise>
— af·ford·able \-ˈfōrd-ə-bəl, -ˈfȯrd-\ adj

af·fray \ə-ˈfrā\ n : a noisy quarrel or fight

af·fright \ə-ˈfrīt\ vb, archaic : FRIGHTEN 1, ALARM

1af·front \ə-ˈfrənt\ vb : to insult openly : OFFEND

2affront n : a deliberately insulting or disrespectful act or utterance

Af·ghan \ˈaf-ˌgan\ n
1 : a person born or living in Afghanistan
2 not cap : a blanket or shawl made of knitted or crocheted colored wool
— Afghan or Af·ghani \af-ˈgan-ē, -ˈgän-\ adj

Afghan hound n : any of a breed of tall swift hunting dogs originating in Afghanistan with a coat of long silky hair and a long silky bunch of hair on the head

afi·cio·na·do \ə-ˌfish-(ē-)ə-ˈnäd-ō, -ˌfis-ē-\ n, pl -dos : a person who really likes and appreciates something <an aficionado of Mexican food> <science fiction aficionados> [Spanish, derived from Latin affectio “affection”]

afield \ə-ˈfēld\ adv
1 : to, in, or on the field
2 : away from home
3 : out of a regular, planned, or proper course : ASTRAY

afire \ə-ˈfī(ə)r\ adj or adv : being on fire

aflame \ə-ˈflām\ adj or adv : AFIRE

afloat \ə-ˈflōt\ adj or adv
1 a : carried on or as if on the water  b : being at sea
2 : circulating about : RUMORED <there was a story afloat>

aflut·ter \ə-ˈflət-ər\ adj
1 : flapping quickly
2 : nervously excited

afoot \ə-ˈfu̇t\ adv or adj
1 : on foot <travels afoot>
2 : in the process of development : UNDER WAY <a plan was afoot to seize power>

afore \ə-ˈfō(ə)r, -ˈfȯ(ə)r\ adv or conj or prep, chiefly dialect : BEFORE

afore·men·tioned \-ˌmen-chənd\ adj : mentioned before

afore·said \-ˌsed\ adj : said or named before

afore·thought \-ˌthȯt\ adj : thought of or planned beforehand : PREMEDITATED <with malice aforethought>

afoul of \ə-ˈfau̇-ləv\ prep
1 : in or into collision or entanglement with <one ship ran afoul of the other>
2 : in or into conflict with <they fell afoul of the law>

afraid \ə-ˈfrād, Southern also -ˈfre(ə)d\ adj
1 : filled with fear or dread <afraid of snakes>
2 : filled with concern or regret <afraid she might be late>
3 : having a dislike for something <not afraid to work hard> [Middle English affraied “filled with fear,” from affraien “to frighten,” from early French affraier, effreer “to frighten” — related to 1FRAY]

afresh \ə-ˈfresh\ adv : from a new start : AGAIN

Af·ri·can \ˈaf-ri-kən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Africa
2 : a person of African ancestry
— African adj

African–American n : an American having African and especially black African ancestors
— African–American adj

African elephant n : ELEPHANT A

African sleeping sickness n : SLEEPING SICKNESS 1

African violet n : a tropical African plant widely grown as a houseplant for its velvety fleshy leaves and showy purple, pink, or white flowers

Af·ri·kaans \ˌaf-ri-ˈkän(t)s, -ˈkänz\ n : a language developed from 17th century Dutch and used in the Republic of South Africa

Af·ri·ka·ner \ˌaf-ri-ˈkän-ər\ n : a person born in South Africa whose native language is Afrikaans and whose ancestors were from Europe

Afro \ˈaf-rō\ n : a hairdo of tight curls in a full evenly rounded shape
— Af·roed \-rōd\ adj

Af·ro–Amer·i·can \ˌaf-rō-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən\ n : AFRICAN-AMERICAN
— Afro–American adj

aft \ˈaft\ adv : near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft

1af·ter \ˈaf-tər\ adv : following in time or place : LATER, BEHIND [Old English æfter “behind, later”]

2after prep
1 a : behind in time or place <following after us> <after dinner>  b : below in rank or order <the highest mountain after Mount Everest>
2 : for the reason of catching, seizing, or getting <ran after the ball> <go after gold>
3 a : with the name of or a name derived from that of <named after his father>  b : in imitation of <patterned after a Gothic cathedral>

3after conj : later than the time when <opened the door after she knocked>

4after adj
1 : later in time <in after years>
2 : located toward the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft

after all adv : in spite of what was indicated or expected <decided to go after all> <it rained after all>

af·ter·birth \ˈaf-tər-ˌbərth\ n : the placenta and membranes of the fetus that are expelled after childbirth

af·ter·burn·er \-ˌbər-nər\ n : a burner attached to the tail pipe of a turbojet engine for forcing fuel into the hot exhaust gases and burning it to provide extra forward push

af·ter·deck \-ˌdek\ n : the rear half of the deck of a ship

af·ter·ef·fect \-ə-ˌfekt\ n : an effect that arises after the first or immediate effect has decreased or disappeared <a medicine with no noticeable aftereffects>

af·ter·glow \-ˌglō\ n
1 : a glow remaining (as in the sky after sunsets) where a light has disappeared
2 : a pleasant feeling that lingers after something is done, experienced, or achieved <the afterglow of success>

af·ter·guard \-ˌgärd\ n : the sailors stationed on the poop or after part of a ship

af·ter·im·age \-ˌim-ij\ n : a usually visual sensation continuing after the stimulus causing it has ended

af·ter·life \-ˌlīf\ n
1 : an existence after death
2 : a later period in one's life

af·ter·math \ˈaf-tər-ˌmath\ n
1 : 2RESULT 1, CONSEQUENCE <felt tired as an aftermath of the race>
2 : the period immediately following a usually destructive event <the aftermath of war>
Word History The second part of aftermath comes from the Old English word mæth, meaning “the result of a mowing or harvesting,” that is, a crop. This word was derived from the Old English verb māwan, which survives today as our modern English mow. During a good growing season in England, a second and sometimes a third crop of hay could be grown after the first mowing. When this crop was cut, it was the aftermath. Since the 17th century, the meaning of aftermath has broadened to include all kinds of results, not just those of a second mowing. [Old English mæth “mowing,” from māwan “to mow”]

af·ter·noon \ˌaf-tər-ˈnün\ n : the part of day between noon and sunset
— afternoon adj

af·ter·shave \ˈaf-tər-ˌshāv\ n : a lotion for use on the face after shaving

af·ter·taste \-ˌtāst\ n : a sensation (as of flavor) continuing after the stimulus causing it has ended

af·ter·thought \-ˌthȯt\ n
1 : a later thought about something one has done or said
2 : something not thought of originally

af·ter·ward \ˈaf-tə(r)-wərd\ or af·ter·wards \-wərdz\ adv : at a later time

ag- — see AD-

again \ə-ˈgen, -ˈgin, -ˈgān\ adv
1 : in return <send the message and bring us word again>
2 : another time : ANEW <come see us again>
3 : in addition <half as much again>
4 : on the other hand <I may, and again I may not>
5 : MOREOVER, FURTHER <again, there is another matter to consider> [Old English ongēan “opposite, back”]

against \ə-ˈgen(t)st, -ˈgin(t)st, -ˈgān(t)st\ prep
1 a : opposed to <a campaign against disease> <play against each other>  b : contrary to <against the law>
2 : 4OPPOSITE <over against the park>
3 a : in preparation for <storing food against the winter>  b : as a protection from <a shield against aggression>
4 : in or into contact with <ran against a tree> <leaning against the wall>
5 : in a direction opposite to <against the wind>
6 : before the background of <green trees against the blue sky>

agape \ə-ˈgāp also ə-ˈgap\ adj : having the mouth open in wonder or surprise <the crowd stood agape at the sight>

agar \ˈäg-ər\ also agar–agar \ˈäg-ə-ˈräg-ər\ n
1 : a jellylike substance obtained from a red alga and used especially in culture media or to give firmness to foods
2 : a culture medium containing agar

ag·ate \ˈag-ət\ n
1 : a smooth-looking quartz having its colors arranged in stripes or forms that look like clouds or moss
2 : a playing marble of agate or glass

aga·ve \ə-ˈgäv-ē\ n : any of a genus of plants (as the century plant) that have spiny-edged leaves and flowers in tall branched clusters and include some cultivated for fiber or for ornament

1age \ˈāj\ n
1 a : the time of life when a person attains some right or capacity <the voting age is 18>; esp : MAJORITY 1 <come of age>  b : the time from birth to a specified date <a child six years of age>  c : normal lifetime  d : the later part of life <youth and age>
2 : a period of time associated with a particular person or thing <machine age> <Age of Discovery>
3 : a long period of time <did it ages ago>  synonyms see PERIOD

2age vb aged; ag·ing or age·ing
1 : to become or cause to become old or old in appearance <his troubles aged him>
2 : to become or cause to become mellow or mature : RIPEN <letting cheese age>

-age \ij\ n suffix
1 : total amount : collection <mileage>
2 a : action : process <coverage>  b : result of <breakage>  c : rate of <dosage>
3 : house or place of <orphanage>
4 : state : status <bondage>
5 : fee : charge <postage> [Middle English -age “collection,” from early French -age (same meaning), from Latin -aticum, suffix of mass and abstract nouns]

aged adj
1 \ˈā-jəd\ : very old <an aged oak>
2 \ˈājd\ : having reached a specified age <a child aged ten>
— ag·ed·ness \ˈā-jəd-nəs\ n

age·ism \ˈā-(ˌ)jiz-əm\ n : prejudice or discrimination against people of a particular age and especially against the elderly
— age·ist \-jist\ adj

age·less \ˈāj-ləs\ adj
1 : not growing old or showing the effects of age <an ageless face>
2 : ETERNAL 1, TIMELESS <an ageless story>
— age·less·ly adv

— age·less·ness n

agen·cy \ˈā-jən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the office or function of an agent
2 : a person or thing through which power is used or something is achieved : MEANS
3 : an establishment doing business for another <an insurance agency>
4 : a part of a government that manages projects in a certain area <a health agency>

agen·da \ə-ˈjen-də\ n : a list of items of business to be considered (as at a meeting)

agent \ˈā-jənt\ n
1 a : something that produces an effect <a cleansing agent>  b : a chemically, physically, or biologically active substance
2 : a person who acts or does business for another <government agents> <a real estate agent> [Middle English agent “one that produces an effect,” derived from Latin agere “to drive, act, do” — related to ACT, AGILE]

Age of Fishes : the Devonian period

Age of Mammals : the Cenozoic era

Age of Reptiles : the Mesozoic era

age–old \ˈa-ˈjōld\ adj : having existed for ages : ANCIENT <an age-old story>

ag·er·a·tum \ˌaj-ə-ˈrāt-əm\ n : any of a large genus of tropical American herbs related to the daisies and often cultivated for their small showy heads of blue or white flowers

Ag·ge·us \a-ˈgē-əs\ n : HAGGAI

1ag·glom·er·ate \ə-ˈgläm-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to gather into a ball, mass, or cluster

2ag·glom·er·ate \ə-ˈgläm-ə-rət\ n
1 : a jumbled mass or collection
2 : a rock composed of volcanic pieces of various sizes

ag·glom·er·a·tion \ə-ˌgläm-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the action or process of collecting in a mass
2 : a heap or cluster of dissimilar elements
— ag·glom·er·a·tive \ə-ˈgläm-ə-ˌrāt-iv\ adj

ag·glu·ti·nate \ə-ˈglüt-ən-āt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to cause to stick : FASTEN
2 : to cause to clump or experience agglutination
3 : to unite into a group or gather into a mass

ag·glu·ti·na·tion \ə-ˌglüt-ən-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the action or process of agglutinating
2 : a mass or group formed by the union of separate elements
3 : a reaction in which particles (as red blood cells or bacteria) suspended in a liquid collect into clumps usually as a response to a specific antibody
— ag·glu·ti·na·tive \-ˈglüt-ən-ˌāt-iv, -ət-\ adj

ag·glu·ti·nin \ə-ˈglüt-ən-ən\ n : an antibody causing agglutination

ag·gran·dize \ə-ˈgran-ˌdīz also ˈag-rən-\ vb -dized; -diz·ing : to make great or greater (as in power, wealth, or reputation)
— ag·gran·dize·ment \ə-ˈgran-dəz-mənt, -ˌdīz- also ˌag-rən-ˈdīz-mənt\ n

— ag·gran·diz·er n

ag·gra·vate \ˈag-rə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to make more serious or severe <aggravate an injury>
2 : to make angry by bothering again and again [from Latin aggravare “to make heavier,” from ad- “to” and gravare “to burden,” from gravis “heavy” — related to 3GRAVE, GRAVITY, GRIEVE]

ag·gra·va·tion \ˌag-rə-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 : the act or result of aggravating
2 : something that aggravates

1ag·gre·gate \ˈag-ri-gət\ adj
1 : formed by the collection of units or particles into one mass or sum <aggregate expenses>
2 : clustered in a dense mass or head <an aggregate flower> [Middle English aggregat “made up of a collection,” derived from Latin aggregare “to cause to join together,” from ag-, ad- “to, toward” and greg-, grex “flock, herd” — related to CONGREGATE, SEGREGATE]

2ag·gre·gate \ˈag-ri-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to collect or gather into a mass or whole
2 : to amount to as a whole : TOTAL

3ag·gre·gate \ˈag-ri-gət\ n
1 : a collection or sum of units or parts
2 a : a hard material (as sand or gravel) used especially in making concrete  b : a clustered mass of individual soil particles considered the basic structural unit of soil

aggregate fruit n : a compound fruit (as a raspberry) made up of the several separate ripened ovaries of a single flower

ag·gre·ga·tion \ˌag-ri-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : the collecting of units or parts into a mass or whole
2 : a group, body, or mass composed of many distinct parts

ag·gres·sion \ə-ˈgresh-ən\ n
1 : an attack made without reasonable cause
2 : the practice of making attacks
3 : hostile or destructive behavior or outlook [derived from Latin aggredi “to attack,” from ad- “to” and gradi “to step, go”]

ag·gres·sive \ə-ˈgres-iv\ adj
1 a : showing readiness to attack <an aggressive dog>  b : practicing aggression <an aggressive nation>
2 : being forceful in getting things done <an aggressive sales campaign>
3 : growing, developing, or spreading rapidly <aggressive weeds>
— ag·gres·sive·ly adv

— ag·gres·sive·ness n

ag·gres·sor \ə-ˈgres-ər\ n : a person or country that attacks without reasonable cause

ag·grieved \ə-ˈgrēvd\ adj
1 : troubled or distressed in spirit
2 : having a cause for complaint; esp : suffering from injury or loss

aghast \ə-ˈgast\ adj : struck with terror, amazement, or horror

ag·ile \ˈaj-əl, -ˌīl\ adj
1 : able to move quickly and easily : NIMBLE <an agile gymnast>
2 : mentally quick <an agile thinker> [Latin agilis “nimble, agile,” from agere “to drive, act, do” — related to ACT, AGENT]
— ag·ile·ly \-ə(l)-lē, -ˌī(l)-lē\ adv

— agil·i·ty \ə-ˈjil-ət-ē\ n

aging present participle of AGE

ag·i·tate \ˈaj-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to move with an irregular, rapid, or violent action <water agitated by wind>
2 : to stir up : EXCITE, DISTURB <agitated by bad news>
3 : to try to stir up public feeling <agitate for equal rights>
— ag·i·tat·ed·ly \-ˌtāt-əd-lē\ adv

— ag·i·ta·tion \ˌaj-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

ag·i·ta·tor \ˈaj-ə-ˌtāt-ər\ n
1 : a person who stirs up public feeling
2 : a device for stirring or shaking

aglit·ter \ə-ˈglit-ər\ adj : glittering by reflecting light

aglow \ə-ˈglō\ adj : glowing with warmth or excitement

ag·nos·tic \ag-ˈnäs-tik, əg-\ n : a person who believes that whether God exists is not known and probably cannot be known [from Greek agnōstos “unknown,” from a- “not” and gnōstos “known”]
— agnostic adj

— ag·nos·ti·cism \-ˈnäs-tə-ˌsiz-əm\ n

ago \ə-ˈgō\ adj or adv : earlier than the present time <many years ago>

agog \ə-ˈgäg\ adj : full of interest or excitement <kids all agog over new toys>

ag·o·nize \ˈag-ə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to suffer or cause to suffer extreme pain or anguish of body or mind
— ag·o·niz·ing·ly \-ˌnī-ziŋ-lē\ adv

ag·o·ny \ˈag-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : intense pain of mind or body
2 : a strong sudden display of emotion : OUTBURST <an agony of delight>
Word History In ancient Greece a public gathering was called agōn. Since the Greeks placed a high value on sports and athletic competition, there were almost always athletic events at gatherings on festival days. The struggle to win the prize in such contests came to be called agōnia. This term came also to be used for any difficult physical struggle and then for the pain that went with it, physical or mental. Our English word agony, meaning “intense pain of mind or body,” thus comes from a word that originally meant a happy celebration. [Middle English agonie “agony,” from Latin agonia (same meaning), from Greek agōnia “struggle,” from agōn “gathering, contest for a prize”]

ag·o·ra \ˈag-ə-rə\ n, pl agoras \-rəz\ or ag·o·rae \-ˌrē, -ˌrī\ : the marketplace or gathering place in an ancient Greek city

ag·o·ra·pho·bia \ˌa-gə-rə-ˈfō-bē-ə\ n : abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation which is embarrassing or inescapable and that leads to the avoidance of open or public places
— ag·o·ra·pho·bic \-ˈfō-bik\ adj

agou·ti \ə-ˈgüt-ē\ n
1 : a tropical American rodent about the size of a rabbit
2 : a gray-streaked color of fur resulting from the barring of each hair in several alternate dark and light bands

agrar·i·an \ə-ˈgrer-ē-ən, -ˈgrar-\ adj
1 : of or relating to fields or lands or their ownership <agrarian reforms>
2 : of, relating to, or concerned with farmers or farming interests <an agrarian political party>
3 : AGRICULTURAL 2 <an agrarian country>

agree \ə-ˈgrē\ vb agreed; agree·ing
1 : to give one's approval : CONSENT <agree to a plan>
2 : ADMIT 1B, CONCEDE <all agreed they had been wrong>
3 : to be alike : CORRESPOND <both copies agree>
4 : to get along well
5 : to come to an understanding <agree on a price>
6 : to be fitting, pleasing, or healthful : SUIT <the climate agrees with you>
7 : to be alike or correspond grammatically in gender, number, case, or person <a verb should agree with its subject> [Middle English agreen “admit, accept,” from early French agreer (same meaning), from a- “to, toward” and gre “will, pleasure,” derived from Latin gratus “pleasing, thankful, agreeable” — related to GRACE]

agree·able \ə-ˈgrē-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : pleasing to the mind or senses : PLEASANT <an agreeable taste>
2 : ready or willing to agree <I'm agreeable to the idea>
3 : being in harmony : CONSONANT
— agree·able·ness n

— agree·ably \-blē\ adv

agree·ment \ə-ˈgrē-mənt\ n
1 a : the act of agreeing  b : harmony of opinion, action, or character : CONCORD <all are in agreement>
2 a : an arrangement or understanding (as a contract or treaty) about action to be taken  b : a written record of such an agreement
3 : the fact of agreeing grammatically
synonyms AGREEMENT, CONTRACT, BARGAIN, mean an arrangement between persons on a matter of common interest. AGREEMENT suggests a shared understanding that is arrived at after some discussion <an agreement to work as a team>. CONTRACT suggests a formal often written agreement <a contract with a recording studio>. BARGAIN applies to a firm agreement especially about purchase and sale <we made a bargain to sell the land>.

ag·ri·cul·tur·al \ˌag-ri-ˈkəlch-(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or used in agriculture <agricultural machinery>
2 : engaged in or concerned with agriculture <an agricultural society>
— ag·ri·cul·tur·al·ly \-ē\ adv

ag·ri·cul·ture \ˈag-ri-ˌkəl-chər\ n : the science or occupation of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock : FARMING
— ag·ri·cul·tur·ist \ˌag-ri-ˈkəlch- (ə-)rəst\ or ag·ri·cul·tur·al·ist \-(ə-)rə-ləst\ n

agron·o·my \ə-ˈgrän-ə-mē\ n : a branch of agriculture that deals with the raising of crops and the care of the soil
— agron·o·mist \-məst\ n

aground \ə-ˈgrau̇nd\ adv or adj : on or onto the shore or the bottom of a body of water <the ship ran aground>

ague \ˈā-gyü\ n
1 : a fever (as malaria) marked by outbreaks of chills, fever, and sweating that recur at regular intervals
2 : a fit of shivering : CHILL

ah \ˈä\ interj — used to express delight, relief, regret, or scorn

aha \ä-ˈhä\ interj — used to express surprise, triumph, or scorn

ahead \ə-ˈhed\ adv or adj
1 : in or toward the front <the road ahead> <go ahead>
2 : in, into, or for the future <think ahead>
3 : in or toward a better position <came out $20 ahead on the deal>
4 : at or to an earlier time : in advance <make payments ahead>

ahead of prep : in or at a place or time before <got ahead of me> <we're ahead of schedule>

A ho·ri·zon \ˈā-hə-ˌrī-zən\ n : the outer dark-colored soil with a light texture consisting usually of soil rich in debris obtained from living things in various stages of disintegration

ahoy \ə-ˈhȯi\ interj — used in calling out to a passing ship or boat

1aid \ˈād\ vb : to provide with what is useful or necessary : HELP, ASSIST
— aid·er n

2aid n
1 a : the act of helping  b : help given : ASSISTANCE
2 : ASSISTANT
3 : someone or something that is of help or assistance <a visual aid>

aide \ˈād\ n : a person who acts as an assistant

aide–de–camp \ˌād-di-ˈkamp, -ˈkän\ n, pl aides–de–camp \ˌād(z)-di-\ : an aide to a high military or naval officer

AIDS \ˈādz\ n : a serious disease of the human immune system marked by destruction of a large proportion of the helper T cells in the body due to infection by the HIV virus commonly transmitted especially in blood and semen

AIDS virus n : HIV

ai·ki·do \ˌī-ki-ˈdō, ī-ˈkē-ˌdō\ n : a Japanese art of self-defense characterized by the use of techniques that force an opponent's own weight to work against him or her

ail \ˈāl\ vb
1 : to be the matter with : TROUBLE <what ails you?>
2 : to have something the matter; esp : to suffer ill health <has been ailing for years>

ai·lan·thus \ā-ˈlan(t)-thəs\ n : TREE OF HEAVEN

ai·le·ron \ˈā-lə-ˌrän\ n : a movable part (as a flap) of an airplane wing or a movable body apart from the wing for giving a rolling motion and as a result providing control sideways

ail·ment \ˈāl-mənt\ n : a bodily disorder : SICKNESS

1aim \ˈām\ vb
1 : to point a weapon
2 : ASPIRE, INTEND <aims to please>
3 : to direct to or toward an object or goal <aim a camera>

2aim n
1 : the directing of a weapon or a missile at a mark
2 : GOAL 2, PURPOSE

aim·less \ˈām-ləs\ adj : lacking a goal or purpose <aimless wandering>
— aim·less·ly adv

— aim·less·ness n

ain't \(ˈ)ānt\
1 a : are not  b : is not  c : am not
2 a : have not  b : has not — used by many educated speakers and writers in certain set phrases (as “two out of three ain't bad” or “and that ain't hay”) and to catch attention but more common in less educated speech

1air \ˈa(ə)r, ˈe(ə)r\ n
1 a : the invisible mixture of odorless tasteless gases (as nitrogen and oxygen) that surrounds the earth  b : a light breeze
2 : the state of being empty or nothing — usually used in the phrase into thin air <vanished into thin air>
3 : 1TUNE 1, MELODY
4 a : outward appearance <an air of mystery>  b pl : an artificial way of acting <put on airs>
5 : COMPRESSED AIR <put air in a tire>
6 a : AIRCRAFT <travel by air>  b : AVIATION <air safety>
7 a : the substance through which radio waves travel  b : a radio or television broadcast <went on the air>
8 : an air-conditioning system <turn on the air>
9 : the height achieved in performing a maneuver in the air <a snowboarder catching big air>

2air vb
1 : to place in the air for cooling, freshening, or cleaning <air blankets>
2 : to make known in public <air one's complaints>
3 : to broadcast on radio or television

air bag n : an automobile safety device consisting of a bag designed to inflate automatically especially in front of a rider in case of a collision

air base n : a base of operations for military aircraft

air bladder n
1 : SWIM BLADDER
2 : a cavity found in various algae that contains gases and serves to keep the algae afloat

air·borne \ˈa(ə)r-ˌbōrn, -ˌbȯrn, ˈe(ə)r-\ adj : supported or transported by air <airborne troops>

air brake n
1 : a brake operated by a piston driven by compressed air
2 : a surface that may be quickly positioned into the air for lowering the speed of an airplane

air·brush \ˈa(ə)r-ˌbrəsh, ˈe(ə)r-\ n : a device that uses compressed air to apply a liquid (as paint or a protective coating) as a fine spray
— airbrush vb

air–con·di·tion \ˌa(ə)r-kən-ˈdish-ən, ˌe(ə)r-\ vb : to equip with a device for cleaning air and controlling its humidity and temperature
— air con·di·tion·er \-ˈdish-(ə-)nər\ n

— air–con·di·tion·ing \-ˈdish-(ə-)niŋ\ n

air–cool \ˈa(ə)r-ˈkül, ˈe(ə)r-\ vb : to cool (as an internal combustion engine) by air

air·craft \ˈa(ə)r-ˌkraft, ˈe(ə)r-\ n, pl aircraft : a machine (as an airplane, glider, or helicopter) that can travel through the air and that is supported either by its own buoyancy or by the action of the air against its surfaces

aircraft carrier n : a warship with a deck from which aircraft can take off and on which they can land

air–cushion vehicle n : HOVERCRAFT

air·drome \ˈa(ə)r-ˌdrōm, ˈe(ə)r-\ n : AIRPORT

air·drop \-ˌdräp\ n : delivery of cargo, supplies, or people by parachute from an airplane
— air–drop \-ˌdräp\ vb

Aire·dale \ˈa(ə)r-ˌdāl, ˈe(ə)r-\ n : any of a breed of large terriers with a black and tan coat

air·field \ˈa(ə)r-ˌfēld, ˈe(ə)r-\ n
1 : the landing field of an airport
2 : AIRPORT

air·flow \-ˌflō\ n : a flow of air; esp : the motion of air (as around parts of an airplane in flight) compared to the surface of a body surrounded by the air

air·foil \-ˌfȯil\ n : an airplane surface (as a wing or rudder) designed to produce reaction from the air through which it moves

air force n : the military organization of a nation for air warfare

air·frame \ˈa(ə)r-ˌfrām, ˈe(ə)r-\ n : the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the engine and related parts

air gun n
1 : a gun that fires with a compressed gas (as air or carbon dioxide)
2 : any of various hand tools that work by compressed air; esp : AIRBRUSH

air lane n : a route followed by airplanes

air letter n
1 : an airmail letter
2 : a sheet of airmail writing paper that can be folded and sealed with the message inside and the address outside

air·lift \ˈa(ə)r-ˌlift, ˈe(ə)r-\ n : a system of transporting cargo or passengers by aircraft to or from an area otherwise impossible to reach
— airlift vb

air·line \-ˌlīn\ n : a system of transportation by airplanes including its routes, equipment, and workers

air·lin·er \-ˌlī-nər\ n : an airplane operated by an airline

air lock n : an air space with two airtight doors that permits movement between two spaces with different pressures or different temperatures

air·mail \ˈa(ə)r-ˈmāl, ˈe(ə)r-, -ˌmāl\ n
1 : the system of transporting mail by aircraft
2 : mail transported by air
— airmail vb

air·man \-mən\ n
1 : 1PILOT 3, AVIATOR
2 a : an enlisted person in the air force  b : an enlisted person in the air force with a rank below that of sergeant; esp : one with the rank just below that of airman first class

airman basic n : an enlisted person of the lowest rank in the air force

airman first class n : an enlisted person in the air force with a rank just below that of sergeant

air mass n : a body of air extending hundreds or thousands of miles sideways and sometimes as high as the stratosphere and having nearly the same conditions of temperature and humidity at any single level

air·plane \ˈa(ə)r-ˌplān, ˈe(ə)r-\ n : a fixed-wing heavier-than-air aircraft that is driven by a propeller or by a forceful stream of gases backward and is supported by the reaction of the air against its wings

airplane mode n : an operating mode for an electronic device (as a smartphone) in which the device does not connect to wireless networks and cannot send or receive communications (as calls) or access the Internet but is usable for other functions

air plant n
1 : EPIPHYTE
2 : any of several kalanchoes

air pocket n : a condition of the atmosphere that causes an airplane to drop suddenly

air·port \ˈa(ə)r-ˌpōrt, ˈe(ə)r-, -ˌpȯrt\ n : a place from which aircraft operate that usually has paved runways and maintenance facilities and often serves as a terminal

air pump n : a pump for removing air from a closed space or for compressing air or forcing it through other equipment

air raid n : an attack by armed airplanes on a surface target

air sac n
1 : one of the air-filled spaces connected with the lungs of a bird
2 : one of the thin-walled microscopic pouches in which gases are exchanged in the lungs

air·ship \ˈa(ə)r-ˌship, ˈe(ə)r-\ n : a lighter-than-air aircraft with its own power and steering

air·sick \-ˌsik\ adj : sick to one's stomach while riding in an airplane because of its motion
— air·sick·ness n

air·speed \-ˌspēd\ n : the speed of an airplane according to measurements of the surrounding air rather than of the ground below

air·strip \-ˌstrip\ n : a runway without normal air base or airport equipment

air·tight \-ˈtīt\ adj
1 : so tightly sealed that no air can get in or out <an airtight container>
2 : too strong or effective to fail or be defeated <an airtight argument>

air·wave \-ˌwāv\ n : 1AIR 7A — usually used in plural

air·way \-ˌwā\ n
1 : a passage for a current of air; esp : one through which air passes to and from the lungs
2 : a regular route for aircraft; esp : one equipped with aids for guiding aircraft
3 : AIRLINE

air·wor·thy \-ˌwər-thē\ adj : fit or safe for operation in the air <a very airworthy plane>
— air·wor·thi·ness n

airy \ˈa(ə)r-ē, ˈe(ə)r-\ adj air·i·er; -est
1 a : of or relating to air : ATMOSPHERIC  b : high in the air : LOFTY <airy perches>  c : performed in air <airy leaps>
2 : lacking a sound or solid basis <airy romance>
3 a : light and graceful in movement and manner <an airy dancer>  b : extremely light, delicate, or refined <an airy perfume>
4 : open to the air : BREEZY <an airy room>
— air·i·ly \ˈar-ə-lē, ˈer-\ adv

— air·i·ness \ˈar-ē-nəs, ˈer-\ n

aisle \ˈī(ə)l\ n
1 : a passage between sections of seats (as in a church or theater)
2 : a passage between shelves (as in a store)

ajar \ə-ˈjär\ adv or adj : slightly open <left the door ajar>

akim·bo \ə-ˈkim-bō\ adj or adv
1 : having the hand on the hip and the elbow turned outward
2 : set in a bent position <legs akimbo> [Middle English in kenebowe “akimbo”]

akin \ə-ˈkin\ adj
1 : related by blood
2 : essentially similar or related

Ak·ka·di·an \ə-ˈkād-ē-ən\ n
1 : an extinct Semitic language of ancient Mesopotamia
2 : a member of a Semitic people living in Mesopotamia before 2000 b.c.
— Akkadian adj

al- — see AD-

1-al \əl, əl\ adj suffix : of, relating to, or characterized by <directional> <fictional> [Middle English -al “relating to,” from early French -al (same meaning), from Latin -alis “relating to”]

2-al n suffix : action : process <rehearsal> [Middle English -aille “action, process,” from early French -aille (same meaning), derived from Latin -alis “relating to”]

al·a·bas·ter \ˈal-ə-ˌbas-tər\ n
1 : a smooth usually white and nearly transparent gypsum used for carving (as vases)
2 : a hard calcite that is nearly transparent and sometimes has stripes

à la carte also a la carte \ˌal-ə-ˈkärt, ˌäl-\ adv or adj : with a separate price for each item on the menu or list <an à la carte dinner> [from French à la carte, literally “by the bill of fare”]

alac·ri·ty \ə-ˈlak-rət-ē\ n : a cheerful readiness to do something <accepted with alacrity>
— alac·ri·tous \-rət-əs\ adj

à la mode also a la mode \ˌal-ə-ˈmōd, ˌäl-\ adj
1 : STYLISH, FASHIONABLE
2 : topped with ice cream <pie à la mode> [from French à la mode, literally “according to the fashion”]

al·a·nine \ˈal-ə-ˌnēn\ n : an amino acid formed especially by the breakdown of proteins

1alarm \ə-ˈlärm\ n
1 : a warning of danger
2 : a device that warns or signals (as by a bell, buzzer, or whistle) <sound the alarm> <set the alarm for six o'clock>
3 : the fear caused by a sudden sense of danger  synonyms see FEAR
Word History Today we usually think of an alarm as a loud noise that awakens us or warns us of fire or some other danger. Its first use, however, was as a call to arms to soldiers in Italy. The Italian phrase all'arme! means literally “to arms” or “to your weapons.” It was still used this way when borrowed into other languages, but gradually this call came to be shortened to alarme in early French and Middle English. The final -e was later dropped in English. The word also came to be used as the name for the cry, as for example to “give the alarm.” Then it came to be used for any warning. A bell or gun used to sound a warning was called an alarm bell or an alarm gun. It wasn't long before people started thinking of alarm as the signal device itself. Then they dropped the second part of the phrase. Since an alarm can cause fright or worry, such feelings also came to be known as alarm. By the 17th century, the word was used as a verb, meaning “to warn of danger” and then “to frighten.” [Middle English alarme “a call to arms,” from early French alarme (same meaning), derived from early Italian all'arme, literally “to arms,” from all' “to the” and arme “weapon,” from Latin arma “weapon” — related to 3ARM]

2alarm vb
1 : to warn of danger
2 : to cause to feel a sense of danger : FRIGHTEN <alarmed by the noise>
— alarm·ing·ly \ə-ˈlär-miŋ-lē\ adv

alarm clock n : a clock that can be set to sound an alarm at any desired time

alarm·ist \ə-ˈlär-məst\ n : a person who alarms others especially needlessly
— alarm·ism \-ˌmiz-əm\ n

alas \ə-ˈlas\ interj — used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

Alas·kan malamute \ə-ˌlas-kən-\ n : any of a breed of strong heavy-coated working dogs developed in Alaska for pulling sleds

Alas·ka time \ə-ˈlas-kə-\ n : the time of the ninth time zone west of Greenwich that includes most of Alaska

alb \ˈalb\ n : a full-length white linen vestment worn by priests at the Eucharist

al·ba·core \ˈal-bə-ˌkō(ə)r, -ˌkȯ(ə)r\ n, pl -core or -cores : a large tuna with long pectoral fins that is the source of most canned tuna

Al·ba·nian \al-ˈbā-nē-ən, -nyən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Albania
2 : the Indo-European language of the Albanian people
— Albanian adj

al·ba·tross \ˈal-bə-ˌtrȯs, -ˌträs\ n, pl -tross or -tross·es : any of various large web-footed seabirds that are related to the petrels and include the largest birds of the sea

al·be·it \ȯl-ˈbē-ət, al-\ conj : even though : ALTHOUGH

al·bi·no \al-ˈbī-nō\ n, pl -nos : an organism deficient in coloring matter; esp : a human being or animal that is born with a lack of pigment and usually a milky skin, white or colorless hair, and eyes with pink or blue iris and deep red pupil
— al·bi·nism \ˈal-bə-ˌniz-əm, al-ˈbī-\ n

— albino adj

al·bite \ˈal-ˌbīt\ n : a usually white feldspar containing sodium

al·bum \ˈal-bəm\ n
1 a : a book with blank pages in which to put a collection (as of autographs, stamps, or photographs)  b : a container for a phonograph record  c : one or more recordings (as on tape or disc) produced as a single collection
2 : a collection usually in book form of literary selections, musical compositions, or pictures : ANTHOLOGY

al·bu·men \al-ˈbyü-mən\ n
1 : the white of an egg
2 : ALBUMIN

al·bu·min \al-ˈbyü-mən\ n : any of numerous proteins that dissolve in water and are found especially in blood, the whites of eggs, and various animal and plant tissues

al·che·my \ˈal-kə-mē\ n : a medieval chemical science with the goals of changing less valuable metals into gold, discovering a single cure for all diseases, and discovering how to live forever [Middle English alkamie, alquemie, from early French alquemie or Latin alchymia (both same meaning), from Arabic al-kīmiyā' (same meaning), from al “the” and kīmiyā' “alchemy,” from Greek chēmeia “alchemy” — related to CHEMO-, CHEMISTRY]

al·co·hol \ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl\ n
1 a : ethanol especially when used as the substance in fermented or distilled liquors (as beer or whiskey) that can make one drunk  b : drink (as beer, wine, or whiskey) containing ethanol
2 : any of various carbon compounds that are similar to ethanol in having one or more hydroxyl groups

1al·co·hol·ic \ˌal-kə-ˈhȯl-ik, -ˈhäl-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or containing alcohol
2 : affected with alcoholism
— al·co·hol·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2alcoholic n : a person affected with alcoholism

al·co·hol·ism \ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm\ n : continued, uncontrolled, and greater than normal use of alcoholic drinks; also : an abnormal bodily state associated with such use

al·cove \ˈal-ˌkōv\ n
1 : a small section of a room set back from the rest of it
2 : an arched opening (as in a wall) : NICHE

Al·deb·a·ran \al-ˈdeb-ə-rən\ n : a very bright red star in Taurus

al·der \ˈȯl-dər\ n : any of a genus of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs related to the birches

al·der·man \ˈȯl-dər-mən\ n : a member of a city legislative body
— al·der·man·ic \ˌȯl-dər-ˈman-ik\ adj

al·der·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a female member of a city legislative body

al·drin \ˈȯl-drən, al-\ n : a very poisonous long-acting insecticide that is no longer used

ale \ˈā(ə)l\ n : an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops that is usually more bitter than beer

alee \ə-ˈlē\ adv or adj : on or toward the lee

1alert \ə-ˈlərt\ adj
1 a : being watchful and ready to meet danger  b : quick to understand and act
2 : ACTIVE 3, BRISK  synonyms see INTELLIGENT
— alert·ly adv

— alert·ness n

2alert n
1 : a signal of danger
2 : the period during which an alert is in effect
— on the alert : on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity

3alert vb : to call to a state of readiness : WARN

A level n : the later of two British examinations in a secondary school subject

ale·wife \ˈā(ə)l-ˌwīf\ n : a food fish that is related to the herrings and is common along the Atlantic coast of the U.S.

al·fal·fa \al-ˈfal-fə\ n : a deep-rooted southwest Asian plant of the legume family with purple flowers and leaves like clover that is widely grown for hay and forage

al·ga \ˈal-gə\ n, pl al·gae \ˈal-(ˌ)jē\ : any plant or plantlike organism (as a seaweed) that includes forms mostly growing in water, lacking a system of vessels for carrying fluids, and often having chlorophyll masked by brown or red coloring matter
— al·gal \ˈal-gəl\ adj

al·ge·bra \ˈal-jə-brə\ n : a branch of mathematics that uses letters to represent numbers and that studies numbers and the operations (as multiplication and addition) that are used on them
— al·ge·bra·ic \ˌal-jə-ˈbrā-ik\ adj

— al·ge·bra·i·cal·ly \-ˈbrā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adv

al·gin \ˈal-jən\ n : a substance obtained from marine brown algae that is used especially in food and paints to give thickness or firmness or to make a stable liquid mixture in which drops of one liquid are scattered evenly throughout the other

AL·GOL or Al·gol \ˈal-ˌgäl, -ˌgȯl\ n : a computer programming language that is used especially in mathematics and science [from algorithm and language]

Al·gon·qui·an \al-ˈgän-kwē-ən, -ˈgäŋ-\ n
1 : a family of American Indian languages spoken from Labrador to the Carolinas and westward to the Great Plains
2 : a member of any of the peoples speaking Algonquian languages

al·go·rithm \ˈal-gə-ˌrith-əm\ n : a step-by-step method for solving a problem (as finding the greatest common divisor) or accomplishing a goal

1alias \ˈā-lē-əs, ˈāl-yəs\ adv : otherwise called : otherwise known as <John Doe alias Richard Roe>

2alias n : an assumed or additional name

1al·i·bi \ˈal-ə-ˌbī\ n, pl -bis \-ˌbīz\
1 : the plea made by a person accused of a crime of having been at another place when the crime occurred
2 : an excuse intended to avoid blame [from Latin alibi “elsewhere”]

2alibi vb -bied; -bi·ing
1 : to make an excuse for
2 : to offer an excuse <tried to alibi for showing up late>

1alien \ˈā-lē-ən, ˈāl-yən\ adj
1 : relating or belonging to another country : FOREIGN <alien residents>
2 : EXOTIC 1
3 : wholly different in nature or character <opinions alien to his outlook>

2alien n
1 : a resident who was born elsewhere and is not a citizen of the country in which he or she now lives
2 : a being that comes from or lives in another world : EXTRATERRESTRIAL
3 : EXOTIC

alien·ate \ˈā-lē-ə-ˌnāt, ˈāl-yə-ˌnāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to transfer (as a title, property, or right) to another
2 : to cause (one who used to be friendly or loyal) to become unfriendly or disloyal

alien·ation \ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌāl-yə-ˈnā-\ n
1 : a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affection from an object of past attachment
2 : a transfer of property to another

1alight \ə-ˈlīt\ vb alight·ed \-ˈlīt-əd\ also alit \ə-ˈlit\; alight·ing
1 : to get down : DISMOUNT
2 : to descend from the air and settle : LAND <the bird alighted on a twig>

2alight adj : full of light : lighted up <the sky was alight with stars>

align also aline \ə-ˈlīn\ vb
1 : to bring into or be in line or alignment
2 : to cause to be for or against something (as a belief or political party) <aligned himself with the opposition>
— align·er n

align·ment also aline·ment \ə-ˈlīn-mənt\ n
1 a : the act of aligning : the state of being aligned  b : the proper adjustment of parts in relation to each other
2 : an arrangement of groups or forces <a new political alignment>

1alike \ə-ˈlīk\ adj : SIMILAR 1
— alike·ness n

2alike adv : in the same manner, form, or degree <we think alike>

al·i·ment \ˈal-ə-mənt\ n : FOOD 1, NUTRIMENT; also : food for the mind or spirit

al·i·men·ta·ry \ˌal-ə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj : of or relating to nourishment or nutrition [from Latin alimentarius “relating to or involving the nourishing process,” derived from alere “to nourish” — related to ALUMNUS, ALMA MATER]

alimentary canal n : a long tube made up of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine into which food is taken and digested and from which wastes are passed out

al·i·mo·ny \ˈal-ə-ˌmō-nē\ n : money paid to one spouse by the other for support during or after divorce or separation

A–line \ˈā-ˌlīn\ adj : having a flared bottom and a close-fitting top <an A-line skirt>

alive \ə-ˈlīv\ adj
1 : having life : not dead
2 : still in existence, force, or operation : ACTIVE <kept hope alive>
3 : extremely aware or conscious : SENSITIVE <alive to the beauty of life>
4 : marked by much life or activity <blossoms alive with bees>
— alive·ness n

aliz·a·rin \ə-ˈliz-ə-rən\ n : a compound of orange or red crystals that is used as a red dye and in making red pigments

al·ka·li \ˈal-kə-ˌlī\ n, pl -lies or -lis
1 : a substance (as a hydroxide) that has a bitter taste and neutralizes acids
2 : ALKALI METAL
3 : a salt or mixture of salts easily dissolved in water and present in some soils of very dry regions [Middle English alkali “alkali,” from Latin alkali (same meaning), from Arabic al-qili “ashes of a particular plant”]

alkali metal n : any of the metals in the group that consists of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium

al·ka·line \ˈal-kə-lən, -ˌlīn\ adj : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an alkali : BASIC
— al·ka·lin·i·ty \ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē\ n

alkaline battery n : a long-lasting battery containing alkaline chemicals

alkaline–earth metal n : any of the strongly basic metals consisting of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium — called also alkaline earth

al·kane \ˈal-ˌkān\ n : any of a series of compounds of carbon and hydrogen atoms in which each carbon atom is attached to four other atoms

al·kyd \ˈal-kəd\ n : any of numerous synthetic resins used especially for protective coatings (as paint)

1all \ˈȯl\ adj
1 a : the whole of <sat up all night>  b : as much as possible <in all seriousness>
2 : every one of <all students can go>
3 : any whatever <beyond all doubt>

2all adv
1 : WHOLLY, ALTOGETHER <sat all alone> <all across the country>
2 : so much <all the better for it>
3 : for each side : APIECE <the score is two all>

3all pron
1 a : the whole number, quantity, or amount <all that I have> <all of us>  b — used in such phrases as for all I know, for all I care, and for all the good it does to show a lack of knowledge, interest, or effectiveness
2 : EVERYONE, EVERYTHING <known to all> <sacrificed all for love>
— all in all : on the whole <all in all, it could be worse>

— and all : and everything else especially of a kind mentioned before

Al·lah \ˈal-ə, ˈäl-ə, ˈäl-ˌä, ä-ˈlä\ n : GOD 1 — used in Islam [Arabic allāh]

all along adv : all the time <knew the truth all along>

all–Amer·i·can \ˌȯ-lə-ˈmer-ə-kən\ adj
1 : representing or typical of the U.S. or its ideals <an all-American boy>
2 : selected as the best in the U.S. <the all-American football team>
— all–American n

al·lar·gan·do \ˌäl-ˌär-ˈgän-dō\ adv or adj : gradually slower with crescendo — used as a direction in music

all–around \ˌȯ-lə-ˈrau̇nd\ also all–round adj
1 : considered as a whole or including all parts <the best all-around performance so far>
2 : good in many fields <an all-around athlete>
3 : having general usefulness <all-around tools>
— all around adv

al·lay \a-ˈlā, ə-\ vb -layed; -lay·ing
1 : to make less severe : RELIEVE <allay pain>
2 : to make quiet : CALM <allay fears>

all but adv : very nearly : ALMOST <would be all but impossible>

al·le·ga·tion \ˌal-i-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : the act of alleging
2 : something alleged; esp : a statement not supported by proof or evidence <allegations of criminal involvement>

al·lege \ə-ˈlej\ vb al·leged; al·leg·ing
1 : to state as a fact but without proof <allege a person's guilt>
2 : to offer as a reason or excuse <allege illness to avoid work>
— al·leged \ə-ˈlejd, -ˈlej-əd\ adj

— al·leg·ed·ly \ə-ˈlej-əd-lē\ adv

al·le·giance \ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s\ n
1 : loyalty and obedience owed to one's country or government
2 : devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause

al·le·go·ry \ˈal-ə-ˌgōr-ē, -ˌgȯr-\ n, pl -ries : a story in which the characters and events are symbols that stand for truths about human life
— al·le·gor·i·cal \ˌal-ə-ˈgȯr-i-kəl, -ˈgär-\ adj

— al·le·gor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

al·le·gret·to \ˌal-ə-ˈgret-ō, ˌäl-\ adv or adj : faster than andante but not so fast as allegro — used as a direction in music

1al·le·gro \ə-ˈleg-rō, -ˈlā-grō\ n, pl -gros : a piece or movement in allegro tempo

2allegro adv or adj : in a brisk lively manner — used as a direction in music

al·lele \ə-ˈlē(ə)l\ n : one of several forms of a gene that determine alternate forms of one or more genetic traits and occupy identical places on two chromosomes having the same genes arranged in the same order
— al·le·lic \-ˈlē-lik, -ˈlel-ik\ adj

al·le·lu·ia \ˌal-ə-ˈlü-yə\ interj : 1HALLELUJAH

Al·len wrench \ˈal-ən-\ n : an L-shaped hexagonal metal bar used to turn a screw or bolt

al·ler·gen \ˈal-ər-jən\ n : a substance (as pollen) that causes allergy
— al·ler·gen·ic \ˌal-ər-ˈjen-ik\ adj

al·ler·gic \ə-ˈlər-jik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy <an allergic reaction>
2 : having a dislike for something <allergic to hard work>

al·ler·gist \ˈal-ər-jəst\ n : a specialist in treating allergies

al·ler·gy \ˈal-ər-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people
2 : a feeling of dislike

allergy shot n : an injection containing very small amounts of an allergen (as mold or grass pollen) to which a person is sensitive that is given at regular intervals usually over a period of several years to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic symptoms

al·le·vi·ate \ə-ˈlē-vē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make easier to put up with : RELIEVE
— al·le·vi·a·tion \ə-ˌlē-vē-ˈā-shən\ n

al·ley \ˈal-ē\ n, pl alleys
1 : a garden or park walk bordered by trees or bushes
2 : a narrow wooden floor on which balls are rolled in bowling; also : a room or building housing a number of such alleys
3 : a narrow street or passageway between buildings

alley cat n : a stray cat

al·ley·way \ˈal-ē-ˌwā\ n : ALLEY 3

All Fools' Day n : APRIL FOOLS' DAY

all fours n pl : all four legs of a four-legged animal or the two legs and two arms of a person <got down on all fours>

All·hal·lows \ȯl-ˈhal-ōz, -əz\ n : ALL SAINTS' DAY

all hours n pl : a very late time <stayed up until all hours>

al·li·ance \ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the state of being allied
2 a : a union between persons, families, or parties  b : a union between nations for assistance and protection
3 : a treaty of alliance

al·lied \ə-ˈlīd, ˈal-ˌīd\ adj
1 : being related or connected in some way <chemistry and allied subjects>
2 a : joined in alliance <allied nations>  b cap : of or relating to the nations united against Germany and its allies in World War I or World War II

allies plural of ALLY

al·li·ga·tor \ˈal-ə-ˌgāt-ər\ n
1 : either of two large short-legged reptiles resembling crocodiles but having a shorter and broader snout
2 : leather made from alligator's hide [from Spanish el lagarto “the lizard”]

alligator clip n : a clip that has jaws resembling an alligator's and is used to make temporary electrical connections

alligator gar n : a large freshwater gar of the central U.S.

alligator pear n : AVOCADO

all–im·por·tant \ˌȯ-lim-ˈpȯrt-ənt, -ənt\ adj : of very great importance <an all-important question>

al·lit·er·a·tion \ə-ˌlit-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n : the repetition of a sound at the beginning of two or more neighboring words (as in wild and woolly or a babbling brook)
— al·lit·er·a·tive \ə-ˈlit-ə-ˌrāt-iv, -rət-\ adj

— al·lit·er·a·tive·ly adv

al·lo·cate \ˈal-ə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to divide and distribute for a special reason or to particular persons or things <allocate funds among charities>
2 : to set apart for a particular purpose <allocate materials for a project>
— al·lo·ca·tion \ˌal-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n

al·lo·sau·rus \ˌal-ə-ˈsȯr-əs\ n : any of several very large meat-eating dinosaurs of the Jurassic period that were related to the tyrannosaur

al·lot \ə-ˈlät\ vb al·lot·ted; al·lot·ting : to assign as a share or portion <allot 10 minutes for the speech>

al·lot·ment \ə-ˈlät-mənt\ n
1 : the act of allotting
2 : something allotted

al·lot·ro·py \ə-ˈlä-trə-pē\ n : the existence of a substance and especially a chemical element in two or more different forms <diamond and graphite show the allotropy of carbon>
— al·lo·trope \ˈal-ə-ˌtrōp\ n

— al·lo·trop·ic \ˌal-ə-ˈträp-ik\ adj

all–out \ˈȯ-ˈlau̇t\ adj : made with maximum effort : EXTREME <an all-out attempt to finish on time>

all out adv : with maximum effort <went all out to win>

all·over \ˈȯ-ˌlō-vər\ adj : covering the whole surface of something <a sweater with an allover pattern>

1all over adv : EVERYWHERE

2all over prep
1 : in very affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of <the band's fans were all over them>
2 : in or into a state marked by all-out criticism of <reporters were all over the coach after the loss>

al·low \ə-ˈlau̇\ vb
1 a : to assign as a share or suitable amount (as of time or money)  b : to take into consideration as a deduction or an addition <allow a gallon for leakage>
2 : ADMIT 1B, CONCEDE <allowed that the situation was serious>
3 : 1PERMIT <gaps allow passage> <will not allow smoking>
4 : to give thought to what will probably happen later <allow for growth>
— al·low·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— al·low·ably \-blē\ adv

al·low·ance \ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : a share or portion given out  b : a sum given <gets a weekly allowance> <an allowance for expenses>  c : a reduction from a stated price <a trade-in allowance on a car>
2 : an allowed difference between parts that fit together in a machine
3 : the act of allowing : PERMISSION
4 : an allowing for things that may partly excuse an offense or mistake or for things that may happen <make allowance for age>

1al·loy \ˈal-ˌȯi, ə-ˈlȯi\ n : a substance consisting of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal united usually by being melted together

2al·loy \ə-ˈlȯi, ˈal-ˌȯi\ vb
1 : to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal
2 : to mix so as to form an alloy
3 : to make worse by mixing with something else

all–pow·er·ful \ˈȯl-ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl\ adj : having complete power <an all-powerful leader>

all–pur·pose \-ˈpər-pəs\ adj : suitable for many uses <an all-purpose tool>

1all right adj
1 : SATISFACTORY, CORRECT <it is all right with me>
2 : 1SAFE 1, WELL <he was sick but he's all right now>

2all right adv
1 : very well : YES <all right, I'll come> — used as an interjection especially to show agreement or acceptance or to show the continuation of a discussion
2 : beyond doubt : CERTAINLY <that's the one all right>
3 : reasonably well <does all right in school>

all–round variant of ALL-AROUND

All Saints' Day n : November 1 observed as a church festival in honor of the Christian saints

All Souls' Day n : November 2 observed in some Christian churches as a day of prayer for the dead

all·spice \ˈȯl-ˌspīs\ n
1 : the berry of a West Indian tree related to the myrtle
2 : a spice made from dried allspice berries

all–star \ˌȯl-ˌstär\ adj : made up chiefly or entirely of stars <an all-star team>
— all–star \ˈȯl-ˌstär\ n

all–terrain vehicle n : a small motor vehicle with three or four wheels for use on various types of ground

al·lude \ə-ˈlüd\ vb allud·ed; allud·ing : to speak of or hint at without mentioning directly

1al·lure \ə-ˈlu̇(ə)r\ vb al·lured; al·lur·ing : to try to attract or influence by offering what seems to be a benefit or pleasure
— al·lure·ment \-mənt\ n

2allure n : power of attraction : CHARM

al·lu·sion \ə-ˈlü-zhən\ n : a reference made to something that is not directly mentioned <the book contains many allusions to earlier books>
— al·lu·sive \-ˈlü-siv, -ziv\ adj

— al·lu·sive·ly adv

— al·lu·sive·ness n

al·lu·vi·al \ə-ˈlü-vē-əl\ adj : relating to, composed of, or found in alluvium

al·lu·vi·um \ə-ˈlü-vē-əm\ n, pl -vi·ums or -via \-vē-ə\ : soil material (as clay, silt, sand, or gravel) deposited by running water

all–wheel drive n : a system that applies engine power directly to all four wheels of a vehicle together or separately

1al·ly \ə-ˈlī, ˈal-ˌī\ vb al·lied; al·ly·ing : to form a connection or relation between : UNITE; esp : to join in an alliance [Middle English allien “unite,” from early French alier (same meaning), derived from Latin al-, ad- “to” and ligare “to bind” — related to LIGAMENT]

2al·ly \ˈal-ˌī, ə-ˈlī\ n, pl al·lies
1 : a plant or animal linked to another by genetic or evolutionary relationship <ferns and their allies>
2 a : one associated or united with another for some common purpose  b pl cap : the Allied nations in World War I or World War II

-al·ly \(ə-)lē\ adv suffix : -{H,2}LY [from {h,1}-al + -ly]

al·ma ma·ter \ˌal-mə-ˈmät-ər\ n : a school, college, or university that one has attended [Latin, literally “fostering mother,” from almus “nourishing” (from alire “to nourish”) and mater “mother” — related to ALIMENTARY, MATERNAL]

al·ma·nac \ˈȯl-mə-ˌnak, ˈal-\ n : a book containing a calendar of days, weeks, and months and usually facts about the rising and setting of the sun and moon, changes in the tides, and information of general interest

al·man·dine \ˈal-mən-ˌdēn, -ˌdīn\ n : ALMANDITE

al·man·dite \ˈal-mən-ˌdīt\ n : a deep red garnet containing iron and aluminum

al·mighty \ȯl-ˈmīt-ē\ adj, often cap : having unlimited power <Almighty God>

Almighty n : GOD 1 — used with the

al·mond \ˈäm-ənd, ˈam-; ˈäl-mənd, ˈal-\ n : a small tree related to the roses and having flowers like those of a peach tree; also : the edible kernel of its fruit used as a nut

al·mo·ner \ˈal-mə-nər, ˈäm-ə-\ n : a person who gives out alms

al·most \ˈȯl-ˌmōst, ȯl-ˈmōst\ adv : only a little less than : NEARLY <we're almost finished>

alms \ˈämz, ˈälmz\ n, pl alms : something and especially money given to help the poor : CHARITY
— alms·giv·er \-ˌgiv-ər\ n

— alms·giv·ing \-ˌgiv-iŋ\ n

alms·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : POORHOUSE

al·ni·co \ˈal-ni-ˌkō\ n : a powerful permanent-magnet alloy containing iron, nickel, aluminum, and one or more of the elements cobalt, copper, and titanium

al·oe \ˈal-ō\ n
1 : any of a large genus of chiefly southern African plants related to lilies and having spikes of often showy flowers
2 : the dried bitter juice of the leaves of an aloe used especially formerly as a strong laxative and tonic — usually used in plural
3 : ALOE VERA

aloe vera \-ˈver-ə, -ˈvir-\ n : an aloe plant whose leaves contain a jellylike substance that is soothing to the skin; also : such a substance or a preparation consisting mostly of such a substance

aloft \ə-ˈlȯft\ adv or adj
1 : in the air; esp : in flight
2 : at, on, or to the higher rigging of a sailing ship

alo·ha \ə-ˈlō-ə, -ˌhä; ä-ˈlō-ˌhä\ interj — used to express greeting or farewell [from Hawaiian aloha “love”]

1alone \ə-ˈlōn\ adj
1 : separated from others <alone in her room>
2 : not including anyone or anything else <money alone is not enough>

2alone adv
1 : SOLELY 1 <the proof rests on that statement alone>
2 : without company, aid, or support <did it alone>

1along \ə-ˈlȯŋ\ prep
1 : in a line matching the length or direction of <walk along the beach> <lined up along the wall>
2 : at a point or points on <stopped along the way>
3 : in accordance with <a new agreement along the lines of the first>

2along adv
1 : 1ONWARD, FORWARD <move along>
2 : as a companion or associate <brought my best friend along>
3 : in addition : ALSO <the bill came along with the package>
4 : at or on hand <had a camera along>

along·shore \-ˌshō(ə)r, -ˌshȯ(ə)r\ adv or adj : along the shore or coast

1along·side \-ˌsīd\ adv : along or close at the side : in parallel position <a guard with a prisoner alongside>

2alongside prep : side by side with; esp : parallel to <boats alongside the dock>

1aloof \ə-ˈlüf\ adv : at a distance : out of involvement

2aloof adj : removed or distant in interest or feeling : RESERVED
— aloof·ly adv

— aloof·ness n

aloud \ə-ˈlau̇d\ adv : so as to be clearly heard <read aloud>

alp \ˈalp\ n : a high rugged mountain

al·paca \al-ˈpak-ə\ n
1 : a mammal with fine long woolly hair domesticated in Peru and related to the llama
2 : wool of the alpaca or a cloth made of it; also : a rayon or cotton imitation of this cloth [Spanish]

al·pha \ˈal-fə\ n
1 : the first letter of the Greek alphabet — A or α
2 : something that is first : BEGINNING

al·pha·bet \ˈal-fə-ˌbet, -bət\ n
1 : the letters of a language arranged in their usual order
2 : a system of signs or signals that serve as equivalents for letters [Middle English alphabete “alphabet,” derived from Greek alphabētos “alphabet,” from alpha and bēta, the first and second letters of the Greek alphabet]

al·pha·bet·i·cal \ˌal-fə-ˈbet-i-kəl\ also al·pha·bet·ic \ˌal-fə-ˈbet-ik\ adj : arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet
— al·pha·bet·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

al·pha·bet·ize \ˈal-fə-bə-ˌtīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to arrange in alphabetical order
— al·pha·bet·i·za·tion \ˌal-fə-ˌbet-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— al·pha·bet·iz·er n

alpha particle n : a positively charged particle that is identical with the nucleus of a helium atom, consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, and is thrown at high speed from a radioactive atomic nucleus

alpha ray n
1 : an alpha particle moving at high speed
2 : a stream of alpha particles — called also alpha radiation

al·pine \ˈal-ˌpīn\ adj, often cap
1 a : of, relating to, or resembling mountains and especially the Alps  b : of, relating to, or growing on upland slopes above the highest elevation where trees grow
2 cap : of or relating to competitive ski events consisting of slalom and downhill racing

al·ready \ȯl-ˈred-ē, ˈȯl-ˌred-ē\ adv : before a certain time : by the time <I had already left when you called>

al·right \ȯl-ˈrīt, ˈȯl-ˌrīt\ adv or adj : ALL RIGHT

Al·sa·tian \al-ˈsā-shən\ n : GERMAN SHEPHERD

al·sike clover \ˌal-ˌsak-, -ˌsīk-\ n : a European perennial clover widely grown as food for browsing or grazing animals

al·so \ˈȯl-sō\ adv
1 : LIKEWISE 1
2 : in addition : TOO

al·so–ran \-ˌran\ n
1 : a horse or dog that does not finish in the first three places in a race
2 : a contestant that does not win

al·tar \ˈȯl-tər\ n
1 : a raised place on which sacrifices are offered
2 : a platform or table used as a center of worship

altar boy n : a boy who assists the priest in a church service

altar server n : a boy or girl who assists the priest in a church service

al·ter \ˈȯl-tər\ vb
1 : to change partly but usually not completely <alter a dress>
2 : CASTRATE, SPAY [Middle English alteren “to make different,” from Latin alterare (same meaning), from Latin alter “other (of two)” — related to ADULTERATE]
— al·ter·abil·i·ty \ˌȯl-t(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ə-tē\ n

— al·ter·able \ˈȯl-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— al·ter·er n

al·ter·ation \ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of altering  b : the state of being altered
2 : the result of altering : MODIFICATION

al·ter·ca·tion \ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən\ n : a noisy or angry dispute

al·ter ego \ˌȯl-tər-ˈē-gō\ n
1 : a trusted friend or personal representative
2 : the opposite side of a personality

1al·ter·nate \ˈȯl-tər-nət also ˈal-\ adj
1 : occurring or following by turns <a day of alternate sunshine and rain>
2 a : occurring first on one side and then on the other at different levels along an axis <alternate leaves on a plant stem>  b : arranged one above, beside, or next to another <alternate layers of meat and cheese>
3 : every other : every second <works on alternate days>
4 : being one of the things between which a choice is to be made <we took an alternate route>
— al·ter·nate·ly adv

2al·ter·nate \ˈȯl-tər-ˌnāt also ˈal-\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to do, occur, or act by turns
2 : to cause to alternate

3al·ter·nate \-nət\ n : a person named to take the place of another when necessary

alternate angle n
1 : one of a pair of angles on opposite sides of a line intersecting two other lines and between the two intersected lines — called also alternate interior angle
2 : one of a pair of angles on opposite sides of a line intersecting two other lines and outside the two intersected lines — called also alternate exterior angle

alternating current n : an electric current that reverses its direction at regular intervals — abbreviation AC

al·ter·na·tion \ˌȯl-tər-ˈnā-shən also ˌal-\ n
1 : the act or process of alternating
2 : alternate position or occurrence : SUCCESSION
3 : regular reversal in direction of flow <an alternation of an electric current>

alternation of generations : the alternate occurrence of two or more forms and especially of a sexual and an asexual generation in the life cycle of a plant or animal

1al·ter·na·tive \ȯl-ˈtər-nət-iv also al-\ adj
1 : offering or expressing a choice <alternative plans>
2 : being one of the things between which a choice is to be made : ALTERNATE <an alternative route>
— al·ter·na·tive·ly adv

— al·ter·na·tive·ness n

2alternative n
1 : a chance to choose between two or more things only one of which may be chosen <the alternative of going by bus or car>
2 : one of the things between which a choice is to be made

alternative medicine n : any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as herbal medicine) involving approaches not customarily taught or practiced in the U.S.

al·ter·na·tor \ˈȯl-tər-ˌnāt-ər also ˈal-\ n : an electric generator for producing alternating current

alt·horn \ˈalt-ˌhȯ(ə)rn\ n : an alto horn often used in bands in place of the French horn

al·though also al·tho \ȯl-ˈthō\ conj : in spite of the fact that : THOUGH

al·tim·e·ter \al-ˈtim-ət-ər, ˈal-tə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring altitude; esp : a barometer that registers changes in atmospheric pressure accompanying changes in altitude

al·ti·tude \ˈal-tə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 a : the angular height of a celestial object above the horizon  b : the vertical distance of an object above a given level (as sea level)  c : a perpendicular line from a vertex of a geometric figure (as a triangle) to the opposite side or from one side or face to a parallel side or face; also : the length of such a line
2 : an elevated region — usually used in plural  synonyms see HEIGHT

al·to \ˈal-tō\ n, pl altos
1 a : CONTRALTO  b : the second highest of the four voice parts of a mixed chorus — compare 2BASS 1A, 2SOPRANO 1, TENOR 2A
2 : the second highest member of a family of musical instruments; esp : ALTHORN

al·to·cu·mu·lus \ˌal-tō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs\ n : a fleecy cloud formation consisting of large whitish globular masses with shaded portions

al·to·geth·er \ˌȯl-tə-ˈgeth-ər\ adv
1 : WHOLLY, THOROUGHLY <an altogether different problem>
2 : with everything taken into account : in all <the bill came to $25 altogether>
3 : on the whole <altogether their efforts were successful>

al·to·stra·tus \ˌal-tō-ˈstrāt-əs, -ˈstrat-\ n : a layer of gray cloud similar to cirrostratus but darker and at a lower level

al·tru·ism \ˈal-tru̇-ˌiz-əm\ n : unselfish interest in the welfare of others
— al·tru·ist \-tru̇-əst\ n

— al·tru·is·tic \ˌal-tru̇-ˈis-tik\ adj

— al·tru·is·ti·cal·ly \-ˈis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

al·um \ˈal-əm\ n
1 : either of two colorless crystalline compounds containing aluminum that are used in medicine (as to check local sweating or to stop bleeding)
2 : ALUMINUM SULFATE

alu·mi·na \ə-ˈlü-mə-nə\ n : the oxide of aluminum that occurs in nature as corundum and in bauxite and is used as a source of aluminum, as an abrasive, and as an absorbent

al·u·min·i·um \ˌal-yə-ˈmin-ē-əm\ n, chiefly British : ALUMINUM

alu·mi·nize \ə-ˈlü-mə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to treat or coat with aluminum

alu·mi·num \ə-ˈlü-mə-nəm\ n : a silver-white malleable light element that conducts electricity and heat well, is highly resistant to oxidation, and is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust — see ELEMENT TABLE

aluminum oxide n : ALUMINA

aluminum sulfate n : a white salt made from bauxite and used in making paper, purifying water, and tanning

alum·na \ə-ˈləm-nə\ n, pl -nae \-(ˌ)nē\ : a girl or woman who has attended or graduated from a particular school, college, or university

alum·nus \ə-ˈləm-nəs\ n, pl -ni \-ˌnī\ : a person who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university [Latin, literally “foster son,” from alere “to nourish” — related to ALIMENTARY, ALMA MATER]

al·ve·o·lar \al-ˈvē-ə-lər\ adj : of, relating to, resembling, or having alveoli

al·ve·o·lus \al-ˈvē-ə-ləs\ n, pl -li \-ˌlī, -(ˌ)lē\ : a small cavity or pit; esp : an air cell of the lungs

al·ways \ˈȯl-wēz, -wəz, -ˌwāz\ adv
1 : at all times : INVARIABLY <always ready for a party>
2 : throughout all time : FOREVER <I'll remember you always>

Alz·hei·mer's disease \ˈälts-ˌhī-mərz, ˈalts-\ n : a brain disease of later life that is characterized by changes in brain tissue with gradual loss of memory and mental abilities — called also Alzheimer's

am present 1st singular of BE

AM \ˈā-ˌem\ n : a system of broadcasting using amplitude modulation; also : a receiver of radio waves broadcast by such a system
— AM adj

amain \ə-ˈmān\ adv
1 : with all one's might
2 a : at full speed  b : in great haste

amal·gam \ə-ˈmal-gəm\ n
1 : an alloy of mercury with some other metal or metals that is used especially for tooth filling
2 : a combination or mixture of different elements <an amalgam of fact and fiction>

amal·gam·ate \ə-ˈmal-gə-ˌmāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to unite in an amalgam
2 : to combine into a single body : MERGE

amal·gam·ation \ə-ˌmal-gə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of amalgamating <made by the amalgamation of mercury with silver>  b : the state of being amalgamated
2 : a combination of different elements into a single body

am·a·ni·ta \ˌam-ə-ˈnīt-ə, -ˈnēt-\ n : any of various mostly poisonous fungi with white spores and a globe-shaped swelling about the base of the stem

aman·u·en·sis \ə-ˌman-yə-ˈwen(t)-səs\ n, pl -en·ses \-ˈwen(t)-sēz\ : a person employed to write from dictation or to copy manuscript : SECRETARY

am·a·ranth \ˈam-ə-ˌran(t)th\ n : any of various herbs including some considered weeds and others grown for their colorful leaves or spikes of flowers

am·a·ryl·lis \ˌam-ə-ˈril-əs\ n : any of various plants of a group related to the lilies; esp : an African herb having a bulb and grown for its cluster of large showy flowers

amass \ə-ˈmas\ vb : to collect into a mass : ACCUMULATE
— amass·er n

am·a·teur \ˈam-ə-ˌtər, -ət-ər, -ə-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r, -ə-chu̇(ə)r, -ə-chər\ n
1 : a person who takes part in an activity (as a study or sport) for pleasure and not for pay
2 : a person who engages in something without experience or skill <mistakes made only by an amateur> [from French amateur “one who admires or is devoted to something,” derived from Latin amare “to love” — related to AMOROUS]
— amateur adj

— am·a·teur·ish \ˌam-ə-ˈtər-ish, -ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r-ish\ adj

— am·a·teur·ish·ly adv

— am·a·teur·ish·ness n

am·a·to·ry \ˈam-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : of, relating to, or expressing sexual love

amaze \ə-ˈmāz\ vb amazed; amaz·ing : to surprise or astonish greatly : fill with wonder
— amaz·ing·ly adv

amaze·ment \ə-ˈmāz-mənt\ n : great surprise or astonishment

amazing adj : causing amazement, great wonder, or surprise

am·a·zon \ˈam-ə-ˌzän, -ə-zən\ n
1 cap : a member of a race of female warriors of ancient Greek mythology
2 often cap : a tall strong woman

Am·a·zo·nian \ˌam-ə-ˈzō-nē-ən, -ˈzō-nyən\ adj
1 : of or resembling an Amazon
2 : of or relating to the Amazon River or its valley

am·bas·sa·dor \am-ˈbas-əd-ər, əm-, -ˈbas-ə-dȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a person sent as the chief representative of his or her own government in another country
2 : an official representative or messenger
— am·bas·sa·do·ri·al \(ˌ)am-ˌbas-ə-ˈdōr-ē-əl, -ˌdȯr-, əm-\ adj

— am·bas·sa·dor·ship \am-ˈbas-əd-ər-ˌship, əm-\ n

am·ber \ˈam-bər\ n
1 : a hard yellowish partly transparent resin from trees long dead that can be highly polished and is used for ornamental objects (as beads)
2 : a dark orange yellow
— amber adj

Amber alert n : a widely publicized bulletin that alerts the public to a recently abducted or missing child

am·ber·gris \ˈam-bər-ˌgris, -ˌgrēs\ n : a waxy substance from the sperm whale that is used to make perfumes

am·bi·dex·trous \ˌam-bi-ˈdek-strəs\ adj : using both hands with equal ease
— am·bi·dex·trous·ly adv

am·bi·ence or am·bi·ance \ˈam-bē-ən(t)s, ˈäm-bē-än(t)s\ n : a feeling or mood that is related to a particular place, person, or thing

am·bi·ent \ˈam-bē-ənt\ adj : surrounding on all sides

am·bi·gu·ity \ˌam-bə-ˈgyü-ət-ē\ n, pl -ities
1 : the fact or state of being ambiguous
2 : something ambiguous

am·big·u·ous \am-ˈbig-yə-wəs\ adj : able to be understood in more than one way [from Latin ambiguus “ambiguous,” from ambigere “to be undecided,” from ambi “around, both,” and agere “to drive, do” — related to ACT, AGENT]
— am·big·u·ous·ly adv

— am·big·u·ous·ness n

am·bi·tion \am-ˈbish-ən\ n
1 a : an eager desire for social standing, fame, or power  b : desire to achieve a particular goal : ASPIRATION
2 : the particular goal of ambition
Word History When political candidates in ancient Rome wanted to be elected, they had to do what modern candidates must do. They had to spend their time going around the city urging the citizens to vote for them. The Latin word for this effort was ambitio, which came from ambire, a verb meaning “to go around.” Since this “ambition” was caused by a desire for honor or power, the word eventually came to mean “the desire for honor or power.” This word came into French and English as ambition in the late Middle Ages. Later its meaning broadened to include “an admirable desire for advancement or improvement” and still later “the object of this desire.” [Middle English ambition “desire for power,” from early French ambition (same meaning), derived from Latin ambire “to go around,” from ambi- “around” and ire “to go”]

am·bi·tious \am-ˈbish-əs\ adj
1 : controlled by or having ambition <ambitious to be captain of the team>
2 : showing ambition <an ambitious plan>
— am·bi·tious·ly adv

1am·ble \ˈam-bəl\ vb am·bled; am·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to go at an amble [Middle English amblen “to walk in a leisurely manner,” from early French ambler (same meaning), from Latin ambulare “to walk” — related to AMBULANCE; see Word History at AMBULANCE]
— am·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

2amble n
1 : an easy gait of a horse in which the legs on the same side of the body move together
2 : a leisurely way of walking

am·bly·opia \ˌam-blē-ˈō-pē-ə\ n : reduced vision in one eye that results from poor development of the part of the brain which serves the affected eye — called also lazy eye

am·bro·sia \am-ˈbrō-zh(ē-)ə\ n
1 : the food of the Greek and Roman gods
2 : something extremely pleasing to taste or smell
3 : a dessert made of oranges and shredded coconut
— am·bro·sial \-zh(ē-)əl\ adj

am·bu·lance \ˈam-byə-lən(t)s\ n : a vehicle that is equipped for transporting the injured or the sick
Word History When the term ambulance first came into use, it did not refer to a vehicle. To meet the urgent needs of the wounded during war, the French about 200 years ago set up temporary movable hospitals close to the battlefields. They called such a hospital hôpital ambulant, meaning literally “walking hospital.” The French adjective ambulant can be traced back to the Latin verb ambulare, meaning “to walk.” In time the French dropped the word hôpital from the phrase and changed the adjective to the noun ambulance. This word was also later applied to the wagon used for transporting the wounded to the field hospital. Before long, the word ambulance came to be used for civilian temporary hospitals set up during emergencies and also for the vehicles used to take the sick and injured to the hospital. English borrowed the word from French to refer to such vehicles. [from French ambulance “field hospital,” from (hôpital) ambulant, literally “traveling hospital,” derived from Latin ambulare “to walk” — related to AMBLE]

am·bu·la·to·ry \ˈam-byə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
1 : of or relating to walking
2 : able to walk about

am·bus·cade \ˈam-bə-ˌskād, ˌam-bə-ˈskād\ n : 2AMBUSH
— ambuscade vb

— am·bus·cad·er n

1am·bush \ˈam-ˌbu̇sh\ vb : to attack from an ambush

2ambush n : a trap in which hidden persons wait to attack by surprise

ame·ba, ame·boid variant of AMOEBA, AMOEBOID

am·e·bi·a·sis \ˌam-i-ˈbī-ə-səs\ n, pl -a·ses \-ˈbī-ə-ˌsēz\ : infection with or disease caused by amoebas

amebic dysentery n : severe amebiasis affecting the intestines of human beings and marked by dysentery, pain, and injury to the intestine

ame·lio·rate \ə-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to make or grow better or more tolerable
— ame·lio·ra·tion \-ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən, -ˌmē-lē-ə-\ n

— ame·lio·ra·tive \-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt-iv, -ˈmē-lē-ə-\ adj

amen \(ˈ)ä-ˈmen, (ˈ)ā-; ˈä- when sung\ interj — used to express agreement or approval

ame·na·ble \ə-ˈmē-nə-bəl, -ˈmen-ə-\ adj : readily giving in or agreeing <amenable to our wishes>
— ame·na·bil·i·ty \ə-ˌmē-nə-ˈbil-ət-ē, -ˌmen-ə-\ n

— ame·na·bly \ə-ˈmē-nə-blē, -ˈmen-ə-\ adv

amend \ə-ˈmend\ vb
1 : to change for the better : IMPROVE
2 : to change the wording or meaning of : ALTER <amend a legislative bill>  synonyms see CORRECT
— amend·able \-ˈmen-də-bəl\ adj

— amend·er n

amend·ment \ə-ˈmen(d)-mənt\ n
1 : the act or process of amending especially for the better
2 : a change in wording or meaning especially in a law, bill, or motion

amends \ə-ˈmen(d)z\ n sing or pl : something done or given by a person to make up for a loss or injury he or she has caused <make amends>

ame·ni·ty \ə-ˈmen-ət-ē, -ˈmē-nət-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality of being pleasant or agreeable
2 : something (as good manners or household appliances) that makes life easier or more pleasant — usually used in plural

ament \ˈam-ənt, ˈā-mənt\ n : CATKIN

1Amer·i·can \ə-ˈmer-ə-kən\ n
1 : a person born or living in North America or South America; esp : a citizen of the U.S.
2 : the English language used in the U.S.

2American adj
1 : of or relating to North or South America or their residents <American coastline>
2 : of or relating to the U.S. or its citizens

American chameleon n : GREEN ANOLE

American elm n : a large ornamental tree common in the eastern U.S.

American Indian n : a member of any of the native peoples of the western hemisphere except often those distinguished as Eskimos or Inuits; esp : an American Indian of North America and especially the U.S.
— American Indian adj

Amer·i·can·ism \ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : a word or meaning of a word that is common only in American English
2 : loyalty to the traditions, interests, or standards of the U.S.
3 : a custom or attitude common only to Americans

Amer·i·can·ize \ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make or become American (as in customs, habits, dress, or speech)
— Amer·i·can·i·za·tion \ə-ˌmer-ə-kə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

American pit bull terrier n : any of a breed of medium-sized dogs with a stocky build, powerful jaws, and great strength

American Sign Language n : a sign language for the deaf

American Spanish n : any of the varieties of Spanish used in North, Central, and South America and in the West Indies

American Standard Version n : an American revision of the Authorized Version of the Bible published in 1901 — called also American Revised Version

am·er·i·ci·um \ˌam-ə-ˈris-ē-əm, -ˈrish-\ n : a radioactive metallic element produced by bombardment of plutonium with high-energy neutrons — see ELEMENT TABLE

Am·er·in·di·an \ˌam-ə-ˈrin-dē-ən\ also Am·er·ind \ˈa-mə-ˌrind\ n : AMERICAN INDIAN
— Amerindian also Amerind adj

am·e·thyst \ˈam-ə-thəst, -(ˌ)thist\ n
1 : a clear purple or bluish violet variety of crystallized quartz used as a gem
2 : a medium purple
Word History Gems were once believed to have magical qualities. An amethyst, for example, was supposed to have the power to prevent or cure drunkenness in its wearer. For this reason the Greeks gave it the name amethystos, which comes from the prefix a-, meaning “not,” and methyein “to be drunk.” [Middle English amatiste “amethyst,” from early French amatiste and Latin amethystus (both with the same meaning), from Greek amethystos, literally “remedy against drunkenness,” from a- “not” and methyein “to be drunk,” from methy “wine”]

ami·a·ble \ˈā-mē-ə-bəl\ adj : generally agreeable : having a friendly and pleasant manner <an amiable comedy>
— ami·a·bil·i·ty \ˌā-mē-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ami·a·ble·ness \ˈā-mē-ə-bəl-nəs\ n

— ami·a·bly \-blē\ adv

am·i·ca·ble \ˈam-i-kə-bəl\ adj : showing kindness or goodwill : PEACEABLE <neighbors maintaining amicable relations>
— am·i·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌam-i-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— am·i·ca·bly \ˈam-i-kə-blē\ adv

am·ice \ˈam-əs\ n : a white linen cloth worn around the neck and shoulders under other vestments by a priest at Mass

amid \ə-ˈmid\ or amidst \-ˈmidst\ prep : in or into the middle of <amid the crowd>

amid·ships \ə-ˈmid-ˌships\ adv : in or near the middle of a ship

amine \ə-ˈmēn, ˈam-ˌēn\ n : any of various carbon compounds derived from ammonia

ami·no acid \ə-ˈmē-nō-\ n : any of numerous acids that include some which are the building blocks of proteins and are made by living cells from simpler compounds or are obtained in the diet

Amish \ˈäm-ish, ˈam-, ˈām-\ adj : of or relating to the Mennonites who were followers of Amman and settled in America [probably from German amisch, from Jacob Amman or Amen, flourished 1693–97, Swiss Mennonite bishop]
— Amish n

1amiss \ə-ˈmis\ adv
1 : in the wrong way <don't take this remark amiss>
2 : ASTRAY 2 <something had gone amiss>

2amiss adj
1 a : not in accordance with the right order  b : FAULTY, IMPROPER <something is amiss here>
2 : out of place in given circumstances

am·i·ty \ˈam-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : FRIENDSHIP; esp : friendly relations between nations

am·me·ter \ˈam-ˌēt-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring electric current in amperes

am·mo \ˈam-ō\ n : AMMUNITION

am·mo·nia \ə-ˈmō-nyə\ n
1 : a colorless gas that is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, has a sharp smell and taste, is easily dissolved in water, can easily be made a liquid by cold and pressure, is used to make ice, fertilizers, and explosives, and is the chief nitrogen-containing waste product of many organisms that live in water
2 : a solution of ammonia in water [from Latin sal ammoniacus “ammonium chloride,” literally “salt of Ammon,” named for the Egyptian god Ammon near whose temple the salt was extracted]
— am·mo·ni·a·cal \ˌam-ə-ˈnī-ə-kəl\ adj

am·mo·nite \ˈam-ə-ˌnīt\ n : any of numerous flat spiral fossil shells of mollusks related to the nautilus that are especially abundant in the Mesozoic era of geological history
— am·mo·nit·ic \ˌam-ə-ˈnit-ik\ adj

am·mo·ni·um \ə-ˈmō-nē-əm\ n : an ion that comes from the combination of ammonia with a hydrogen ion

ammonium chloride n : a white crystalline volatile salt used in dry cells and to cause the discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract

ammonium hydroxide n : a compound that is formed when ammonia dissolves in water and that exists only in solution

ammonium nitrate n : a colorless crystalline salt used in explosives and fertilizers

ammonium sulfate n : a colorless crystalline salt used chiefly as a fertilizer

am·mu·ni·tion \ˌam-yə-ˈnish-ən\ n
1 a : objects (as bullets) fired from guns  b : explosive objects (as bombs) used in war
2 : material that may be used in attacking or defending a position <results of the study provided more ammunition>

am·ne·sia \am-ˈnē-zhə\ n : severe loss of memory
— am·ne·si·ac \-z(h)ē-ˌak\ adj or n

am·nes·ty \ˈam-nə-stē\ n, pl -ties : the granting of pardon (as by a government) to a large number of persons

am·nio·cen·te·sis \ˌam-nē-ō-(ˌ)sen-ˈtē-səs\ n, pl -te·ses \-ˈtē-ˌsēz\ : the procedure of inserting a hollow needle through the wall of the abdomen and into the uterus of a pregnant female to withdraw a sample of the fluid surrounding the fetus that is used to find out its sex and especially to check for abnormal chromosomes which may predict a birth defect

am·ni·on \ˈam-nē-ˌän\ n : a thin membrane forming a closed sac about the embryo or fetus of a reptile, bird, or mammal and containing a watery fluid in which the embryo or fetus is immersed

am·ni·ot·ic \ˌam-nē-ˈät-ik\ adj : of or relating to the amnion <amniotic fluid>

amoe·ba also ame·ba \ə-ˈmē-bə\ n, pl -bas or -bae \-(ˌ)bē\ : any of a large genus of protozoans that have no permanent cell organs or structures, that change shape to form temporary lobes for moving and taking in food, and that are widespread in fresh and salt water and in moist soils
— amoe·bic \-bik\ adj

amoe·boid also ame·boid \ə-ˈmē-ˌbȯid\ adj : resembling an amoeba especially in moving or changing shape by means of the flow of cytoplasm

amok \ə-ˈmək, -ˈmäk\ or amuck \ə-ˈmək\ adv
1 : in a violently excited state <run amok>
2 : in an undisciplined, uncontrolled, or faulty manner <paper shredded by a copier run amok>

among \ə-ˈməŋ\ also amongst \-ˈməŋ(k)st\ prep
1 : in or through the midst of <among the crowd>
2 : in company with <you're among friends>
3 : through all or most of <discontent among the poor>
4 : in the class of <among my good qualities is modesty>
5 : in shares to each of <divided among the heirs>

amon·til·la·do \ə-ˌmän-tə-ˈläd-(ˌ)ō\ n, pl -dos : a medium dry sherry

amor·al \ā-ˈmȯr-əl, -ˈmär-\ adj : not being moral nor immoral
— amor·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

am·o·rous \ˈam-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : tending to love : easily falling in love <an amorous nature>
2 : of, relating to, or caused by love <an amorous glance> [Middle English amorous “moved by love,” from early French amorous (same meaning), derived from Latin amare “to love” — related to AMATEUR]
— am·o·rous·ly adv

— am·o·rous·ness n

amor·phous \ə-ˈmȯr-fəs\ adj : having no fixed form <an amorphous cloud>
— amor·phous·ly adv

— amor·phous·ness n

Amos \ˈā-məs\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

1amount \ə-ˈmau̇nt\ vb
1 : to add up <the bill amounted to ten dollars>
2 : to be the same in meaning or effect <acts that amount to treason>

2amount n : the total number or quantity : AGGREGATE <the amount to be paid>
2 : a given or particular quantity or number <add the same amount to both columns>

amour \ə-ˈmu̇(ə)r, ä-, a-\ n : a love affair; esp : a secret love affair

amp \ˈamp\ n
1 : AMPERE
2 : AMPLIFIER

am·per·age \ˈam-p(ə-)rij, -ˌpi(ə)r-ij\ n : the rate of flow of a current of electricity expressed in amperes

am·pere \ˈam-ˌpi(ə)r\ n : a unit for measuring the rate of flow of an electric current

am·per·sand \ˈam-pər-ˌsand\ n : a character & standing for the word and [from older and per se and, spoken form of the phrase & per se and, which followed Z in early lists of letters of the alphabet and meant “(the character) & by itself (stands for) and”]

am·phet·amine \am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, -mən\ n : a compound or one made from it used medically to increase the activity of the central nervous system but often abused for its stimulant effects

am·phib·ia \am-ˈfib-ē-ə\ n pl : AMPHIBIANS

am·phib·i·an \am-ˈfib-ē-ən\ n
1 : any organism that is able to live both on land and in water; esp : any of a class of cold-blooded vertebrate animals (as frogs and salamanders) that in many respects are between fishes and reptiles
2 : an airplane designed to take off from and land on either land or water
— amphibian adj

am·phib·i·ous \am-ˈfib-ē-əs\ adj
1 : able to live both on land and in water <amphibious plants>
2 a : designed for use on both land and water <amphibious vehicles>  b : carried out by land, sea, and air forces acting together <an amphibious assault> [from Greek amphibios “living a double life,” from amphi- “around, on both sides” and bios “mode of life”]
— am·phib·i·ous·ly adv

— am·phib·i·ous·ness n

am·phi·bole \ˈam(p)-fə-ˌbōl\ n : any of a group of rock-forming minerals of similar crystal structure that contain silicon, oxygen, calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, and sodium

am·phi·ox·us \ˌam(p)-fē-ˈäk-səs\ n, pl -oxi \-ˈäk-ˌsī\ or -ox·us·es : LANCELET

am·phi·pod \ˈam(p)-fi-ˌpäd\ n : any of a large group of small crustaceans including the sand fleas and related forms
— amphipod adj

am·phi·the·a·ter \ˈam(p)-fə-ˌthē-ət-ər\ n
1 : a building with seats rising in curved rows around an open space on which games and plays take place
2 : something (as a piece of level ground surrounded by hills) that resembles an amphitheater

am·pho·ra \ˈam(p)-fə-rə\ n, pl -pho·rae \-fə-ˌrē, -ˌrī\ or -pho·ras \-rəz\ : an ancient Greek jar or vase with two handles; also : such a jar or vase used elsewhere in the ancient world

am·ple \ˈam-pəl\ adj am·pler \-p(ə-)lər\; am·plest \-p(ə-)ləst\
1 : generous in size, scope, or capacity : COPIOUS <ample room for a garden>
2 : enough to satisfy a need <ample money for the trip>  synonyms see PLENTIFUL
— am·ple·ness n

— am·ply \-plē\ adv

am·pli·fi·ca·tion \ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : an act, example, or product of amplifying

am·pli·fi·er \ˈam-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n : one that amplifies; esp : a device usually using electron tubes or transistors to obtain an increase of voltage, current, or power

am·pli·fy \ˈam-plə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : ENLARGE 2; esp : to add details or illustrations to <amplify a statement>
2 : to increase (voltage, current, or power) in magnitude or strength

am·pli·tude \ˈam-plə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : the quality or state of being ample : FULLNESS, ABUNDANCE
2 : EXTENT 1, RANGE
3 a : the extent of a back-and-forth movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the midpoint to an extreme  b : one half of the up-and-down extent of the vibration of a wave (as of alternating current)

amplitude modulation n
1 : changes in the amplitude of a radio carrier wave according to the strength of the signal
2 : a broadcasting system using amplitude modulation

am·pu·tate \ˈam-pyə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to cut off; esp : to cut off an arm or leg from the body
— am·pu·ta·tion \ˌam-pyə-ˈtā-shən\ n

am·pu·tee \ˌam-pyə-ˈtē\ n : one that has had an arm or leg amputated

amuck variant of AMOK

am·u·let \ˈam-yə-lət\ n : a small object worn as a charm against evil

amuse \ə-ˈmyüz\ vb amused; amus·ing
1 : to occupy with something pleasant <amuse a child with a toy>
2 : to please the sense of humor of <the story amused everyone>
— amus·ed·ly \-ˈmyü-zəd-lē\ adv

— amus·ing·ly \-ˈmyü-ziŋ-lē\ adv
synonyms AMUSE, DIVERT, ENTERTAIN, mean to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly. AMUSE suggests that one's attention is lightly held <amused herself by playing solitaire>. DIVERT suggests turning the attention from worry or routine to something funny <the patients found the play diverting>. ENTERTAIN suggests amusing with specially prepared activity or performance <put on a show to entertain the troops>.

amuse·ment \ə-ˈmyüz-mənt\ n
1 : something that amuses
2 : the condition of being amused

amusement park n : a park with many rides (as a roller coaster or merry-go-round) and games for entertainment

am·yl acetate \ˈam-əl-\ n : BANANA OIL

am·y·lase \ˈam-ə-ˌlās, -lāz\ n : an enzyme that speeds up the digestion of starch or glycogen — called also diastase

an \ən, (ˈ)an\ indefinite article : 2A — used before words beginning with a vowel sound <an oak> <an hour>

an- — see 2A-

1-an or -ian also -ean n suffix
1 : one that belongs to <American> <Bostonian>
2 : one skilled in or specializing in <magician> [derived from Latin -anus, -ianus (adjective and noun suffixes)]

2-an or -ian also -ean adj suffix
1 : of or belonging to <American>
2 : characteristic of : resembling <Herculean>

ana- or an- prefix : up : upward <anabolism> [derived from Greek ana “up, back”]

anabolic steroid n : any of several man-made hormones that are used in medicine to help tissue grow, that are sometimes abused by athletes to increase muscle size and strength, and that may have harmful effects (as stunted growth in teenagers)

anab·o·lism \ə-ˈnab-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n : the part of metabolism concerned with the building up of the substance of plants and animals
— an·a·bol·ic \ˌan-ə-ˈbäl-ik\ adj

anach·ro·nism \ə-ˈnak-rə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : the placing of persons, events, objects, or customs in times to which they do not belong
2 : a person or a thing out of place in time and especially the present time
3 : the state or condition of being out of place in time [probably from Greek anachronismos “anachronism,” derived from earlier anachronizein “to be late,” from ana- “up” and chronos “time” — related to CHRONIC, CHRONICLE, SYNCHRONOUS]
— anach·ro·nis·tic \ə-ˌnak-rə-ˈnis-tik\ adj

— anach·ro·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

an·a·con·da \ˌan-ə-ˈkän-də\ n : a large South American snake that crushes its prey in its coils; also : any large snake that crushes its prey like an anaconda

anad·ro·mous \ə-ˈnad-rə-məs\ adj : traveling up rivers from the sea to breed <anadromous shad and salmon>

anae·mia chiefly British variant of ANEMIA

an·aer·obe \ˈan-ə-ˌrōb; (ˈ)an-ˈa(-ə)r-ˌōb, -ˈe(-ə)r-\ n : an anaerobic organism

an·aer·o·bic \ˌan-ə-ˈrō-bik; ˌan-ˌa-(ə-)ˈrō-, -ˌe-(ə-)ˈrō-\ adj : living, active, or occurring in the absence of free oxygen <anaerobic bacteria>
— an·aer·o·bi·cal·ly \ˌan-ə-ˈrō-bi-k(ə-)lē; ˌan-ˌa-(ə-)ˈrō-, -ˌe-(ə-)ˈro-\ adv

an·aes·the·sia, an·aes·thet·ic chiefly British variant of ANESTHESIA, ANESTHETIC

ana·gram \ˈan-ə-ˌgram\ n : a word or phrase made out of another by changing the order of the letters <“rebate” is an anagram of “beater”>

anal \ˈān-əl\ adj : of, relating to, situated near, or involving the anus
— anal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

anal fin n : a single fin located on the lower back part of the body of a fish behind the excretory opening

an·al·ge·sia \ˌan-əl-ˈjē-zhə, -z(h)ē-ə\ n : loss of the ability to feel pain while awake
— an·al·ge·sic \-ˈjē-zik, -sik\ adj or n

analog computer n : a computer that works with numbers represented by directly measurable quantities (as voltages or resistances) — compare DIGITAL COMPUTER

anal·o·gous \ə-ˈnal-ə-gəs\ adj
1 : showing analogy : SIMILAR <the two stories are analogous>
2 : related by analogy
— anal·o·gous·ly adv

— anal·o·gous·ness n

an·a·logue or an·a·log \ˈan-əl-ˌȯg, -ˌäg\ n
1 : something that is analogous to something else
2 : an organ or part similar in function to an organ or part of another animal or plant but different in structure and origin
3 : of or relating to an analog computer
4 : being a clock or watch that has hour and minute hands

anal·o·gy \ə-ˈnal-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 a : resemblance in some details between things otherwise unlike : SIMILARITY  b : comparison based on such resemblance
2 : similarity in function between bodily parts of different structure and origin
— an·a·log·i·cal \ˌan-əl-läj-i-kəl\ adj

— an·a·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

anal·y·sis \ə-ˈnal-ə-səs\ n, pl -y·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\
1 a : an examination of a whole to discover its elements and their relations  b : a statement of such an analysis
2 : an explanation of the nature and meaning of something <analysis of the news>
3 : the identification or separation of the parts of a substance
4 : PSYCHOANALYSIS [derived from Greek, from analyein “to break up,” from ana- “up” and lyein “to loosen”]

an·a·lyst \ˈan-əl-əst\ n
1 : a person who analyzes or who is skilled in analysis <news analyst>
2 : PSYCHOANALYST

an·a·lyt·ic \ˌan-ə-ˈlit-ik\ or an·a·lyt·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to analysis  b : separating something into its parts or elements
2 : skilled in or using analysis <a keenly analytic person>
— an·a·lyt·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

an·a·lyze \ˈan-əl-ˌīz\ vb -lyzed; -lyz·ing : to study or find out the nature and relationship of the parts of by analysis
— an·a·lyz·able \-ˌī-zə-bəl\ adj

— an·a·lyz·er n

an·a·pest \ˈan-ə-ˌpest\ n : a metrical foot consisting of two unaccented syllables followed by one accented syllable (as in the accused)
— an·a·pes·tic \ˌan-ə-ˈpes-tik\ adj

ana·phase \ˈan-ə-ˌfāz\ n : a stage of mitosis or meiosis in which the chromosomes move from the center toward the opposite ends of a dividing cell

an·ar·chic \a-ˈnär-kik, ə-\ adj : of or relating to anarchy
— an·ar·chi·cal·ly \-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adv

an·ar·chism \ˈan-ər-ˌkiz-əm, -ˌär-\ n : a political theory that government is not necessary

an·ar·chist \ˈan-ər-kəst, -ˌär-\ n : a person who believes in anarchism or anarchy or practices anarchy
— anarchist or an·ar·chis·tic \ˌan-ər-ˈkis-tik, -(ˌ)är-\ adj

an·ar·chy \ˈan-ər-kē, -ˌär-\ n
1 : the condition of a country where there is no government
2 : a state of lawlessness, confusion, or disorder

anath·e·ma \ə-ˈnath-ə-mə\ n
1 a : a ban or curse declared by church authority and accompanied by excommunication  b : 1CURSE 1
2 : a person or thing that is cursed or strongly disliked <taxation without representation was anathema to the colonists>

anat·o·mist \ə-ˈnat-ə-məst\ n : a specialist in anatomy

anat·o·mize \ə-ˈnat-ə-ˌmīz\ vb -mized; -miz·ing : to cut up carefully so as to show or to examine the structure and use of the parts

anat·o·my \ə-ˈnat-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies
1 : a branch of knowledge that deals with the structure of organisms; also : a book on bodily structure
2 : structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts
— an·a·tom·ic \ˌan-ə-ˈtäm-ik\ or an·a·tom·i·cal \-ˈtäm-i-kəl\ adj

— an·a·tom·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

-ance \ən(t)s, ən(t)s\ n suffix
1 : action or process <avoidance> <performance>
2 : quality or state : instance of a quality or state <protuberance>
3 : amount or degree <conductance> [derived from Latin -antia “-ancy”]

an·ces·tor \ˈan-ˌses-tər\ n
1 : one from whom an individual, group, or species is descended
2 : something from which something else has developed : FORERUNNER [Middle English ancestre “ancestor,” from early French ancestre (same meaning), from Latin antecessor “one that goes before,” derived from earlier antecedere “to go before,” from ante- “before” and cedere “to go, yield” — related to CONCEDE, PREDECESSOR]

an·ces·tral \an-ˈses-trəl\ adj : of, relating to, or developed from an ancestor <ancestral home>
— an·ces·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adv

an·ces·tress \ˈan-ˌses-trəs\ n : a female ancestor

an·ces·try \ˈan-ˌses-trē\ n
1 : line of descent
2 : one's ancestors

1an·chor \ˈaŋ-kər\ n
1 : a device usually of metal that is attached to a boat or ship by a cable and that when thrown overboard digs into the earth and holds the boat or ship in place
2 : something that serves to hold an object firmly or that gives a feeling of stability <the anchor of a bridge>
3 : ANCHORPERSON

2anchor vb an·chored; an·chor·ing \-k(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to hold in place by means of an anchor <anchor a ship>
2 : to fasten to a firm foundation <anchor the cables of a bridge>
3 : to drop anchor : become anchored <the boat anchored in the harbor>

an·chor·age \ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij\ n
1 : a place where boats may be anchored
2 : a firm hold to resist a strong pull
3 : a means of security

an·cho·rite \ˈaŋ-kə-ˌrīt\ n : HERMIT 1

an·chor·man \ˈaŋ-kər-ˌman\ n
1 : one who competes or is placed last
2 : an anchorperson who is a man

an·chor·per·son \-ˌpər-sən\ n : a broadcaster who reads the news and introduces the reports of other broadcasters

an·chor·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n
1 : a woman who competes or is placed last
2 : an anchorperson who is a woman

an·cho·vy \ˈan-ˌchō-vē, an-ˈchō-vē\ n, pl -vies or -vy : any of numerous small fishes resembling herrings that include several that are important food fishes used especially for sauces and relishes

1an·cient \ˈān-shənt, -chənt; ˈāŋ(k)-shənt\ adj
1 : having existed for many years <ancient customs>
2 : of or relating to a period of time long past
3 a : AGED, VENERABLE  b : OLD-FASHIONED 1, ANTIQUE  synonyms see OLD
— an·cient·ness n

2ancient n
1 : an aged person
2 pl : the civilized peoples of ancient times and especially of Greece and Rome

an·cient·ly \ˈān-shənt-lē, -chənt-; ˈāŋ(k)-shənt-lē\ adv : in ancient times

-an·cy \ən-sē, ən-sē\ n suffix, pl -ancies : quality or state <vacancy> [derived from Latin -antia “quality or state”]

and \ən(d), (ˈ)an(d)\ conj
1 : added to <2 and 2 make 4>
2 : AS WELL AS — used to join words or word groups <ice cream and cake> <strong and healthy> <swerved and avoided an accident>
— and so on
1 : and others or more of the same or similar kind
2 : further in the same or similar manner
3 : and the rest
4 : and other things

1an·dan·te \än-ˈdän-ˌtā, an-ˈdant-ē\ adv or adj : slow but not too slow — used as a direction in music

2andante n : a musical piece or movement in andante tempo

an·des·ite \ˈan-di-zīt\ n : a usually dark grayish rock of feldspar that is formed from lava
— an·des·it·ic \ˌan-di-ˈzit-ik\ adj

and·iron \ˈan-ˌdī(-ə)rn\ n : one of a pair of metal supports for firewood in a fireplace

an·dra·dite \an-ˈdräd-ˌīt, ˈan-drə-ˌdīt\ n : a garnet ranging from yellow and green to brown and black and containing calcium and iron

an·dro·gen \ˈan-drə-jən\ n : a male sex hormone (as testosterone)

an·drog·y·nous \an-ˈdrä-jə-nəs\ adj : having both male and female characteristics
— an·drog·y·nous·ly adv

— an·drog·y·ny \-nē\ n

An·drom·e·da \an-ˈdräm-əd-ə\ n : a northern group of stars in a straight line south of Cassiopeia between Pegasus and Perseus [from Greek Andromedē, a mythological princess]

-ane \ˌān\ n suffix : a carbon compound in which each carbon atom is attached to four atoms [altered form of -ene]

an·ec·dote \ˈan-ik-ˌdōt\ n : a brief story about something interesting or funny in a person's life
— an·ec·dot·al \ˌan-ik-ˈdōt-əl\ adj

— an·ec·dot·al·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

ane·mia \ə-ˈnē-mē-ə\ n : a condition in which the blood has less than the normal amount of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or total volume and which is usually marked by weakness, exhaustion, pale skin, shortness of breath, and abnormal heartbeat
— ane·mic \-mik\ adj

an·e·mom·e·ter \ˌan-ə-ˈmäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring the force or speed of the wind

anem·o·ne \ə-ˈnem-ə-nē\ n
1 : any of a large genus of herbs related to the buttercups that have showy flowers
2 : SEA ANEMONE

aneroid barometer n : an instrument in which atmospheric pressure bends a metallic surface which in turn moves a pointer

an·es·the·sia \ˌan-əs-ˈthē-zhə\ n : loss of bodily sensation with or without loss of consciousness

an·es·the·si·ol·o·gist \ˌan-əs-ˌthē-zē-ˈäl-ə-jist\ n : ANESTHETIST; esp : a doctor specializing in giving anesthetics to patients

1an·es·thet·ic \ˌan-əs-ˈthet-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or capable of producing anesthesia
— an·es·thet·i·cal·ly \-ˈthet-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2anesthetic n : a substance that produces anesthesia in part or all of the body

anes·the·tist \ə-ˈnes-thət-əst\ n : one who gives anesthetics to patients

anes·the·tize \ə-ˈnes-thə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to make insensible to pain especially by the use of an anesthetic

anew \ə-ˈn(y)ü\ adv
1 : over again : for another time <begin anew>
2 : in a new or different form <a story told anew as a movie>

an·gel \ˈān-jəl\ n
1 : a spiritual being serving God especially as a messenger or as a guardian of human beings
2 : MESSENGER, HARBINGER <angel of death>
3 : a person as pure, lovely, or good as an angel [Middle English angel “spiritual being,” from Old English engel and early French angele (both, same meaning), derived from Greek angelos “messenger”]
— an·gel·ic \an-ˈjel-ik\ or an·gel·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— an·gel·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

an·gel·fish \ˈān-jəl-ˌfish\ n
1 : any of several brightly colored bony fishes that are very thin from side to side and live in warm seas
2 : a similarly thin black and silver South American fish popular in aquariums

angel food cake n : a usually white sponge cake made of flour, sugar, and whites of eggs

1an·ger \ˈaŋ-gər\ n : a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of opposition toward someone or something
synonyms ANGER, RAGE, FURY, WRATH, mean an intense emotional state caused by displeasure. ANGER is a broad term that applies to various levels of emotion that may or may not be shown <kept her anger inside herself>. RAGE suggests loss of self-control from great anger <screaming with rage>. FURY suggests loss of self-control from violence of emotion <could not contain his fury>. WRATH suggests a desire to gain revenge or to punish <they feared her wrath if caught>.

2anger vb an·gered; an·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ : to make angry

an·gi·na \an-ˈjī-nə, ˈan-jə-nə\ n : a disorder marked by sudden bursts of intense pain; esp : ANGINA PECTORIS
— an·gi·nal \an-ˈjīn-əl, ˈan-jən-\ adj

angina pec·to·ris \-ˈpek-t(ə-)rəs\ n : a heart disorder in which the heart muscle receives too little oxygen and which is marked by brief attacks of intense chest pain that occur again and again

an·gio·sperm \ˈan-jē-ə-ˌspərm\ n : FLOWERING PLANT
— an·gio·sper·mous \ˌan-jē-ə-ˈspər-məs\ adj

1an·gle \ˈaŋ-gəl\ n
1 : a sharp projecting corner
2 : the figure formed by two lines extending from the same point
3 : a measure of the amount that one line of an angle would have to be turned to be in exactly the same place as the other line <a 90-degree angle>
4 : POINT OF VIEW, ASPECT <consider a problem from a new angle>
5 : an often improper way of getting an advantage <a cheater looking for an angle>
6 : a sharply curving course or direction <the road went off at an angle> [Middle English angle “corner,” from early French angle (same meaning), from Latin angulus “angle”]
— an·gled \-gəld\ adj

2angle vb an·gled; an·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to turn, move, or direct at an angle
2 : to present (as a news story) from a particular point of view : SLANT

3angle vb an·gled; an·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to fish with hook and line
2 : to try to get what one wants in a sly way <angling for a promotion> [derived from Old English angel “fishhook,” from anga “hook”]

angle bracket n : BRACKET 3B

angle of incidence : the angle that a ray meeting a surface makes with a perpendicular to the surface at the point of contact

angle of reflection : the angle between a reflected ray and the perpendicular to a reflecting surface drawn at the point of contact

an·gler \ˈaŋ-glər\ n
1 : a person who fishes with hook and line especially for pleasure
2 : ANGLERFISH

an·gler·fish \-ˌfish\ n : a bottom-dwelling marine fish that has a large flat head with parts that stick out and lure other fish within reach of its broad mouth

An·gles \ˈaŋ-gəlz\ n pl : a Germanic people conquering England with the Saxons and Jutes in the 5th century a.d. and joining with them to form the Anglo-Saxon people [from Latin Angli “the Angles,” of Germanic origin]

an·gle·worm \ˈaŋ-gəl-ˌwərm\ n : EARTHWORM

An·gli·can \ˈaŋ-gli-kən\ adj : of or relating to the established Church of England
— Anglican n

— An·gli·can·ism \-kə-ˌniz-əm\ n

an·gli·cize \ˈaŋ-glə-sīz\ vb -cized; -ciz·ing often cap : to make English (as in habits, speech, or outlook)

an·gling \ˈaŋ-gliŋ\ n : fishing with hook and line for pleasure

An·glo combining form
1 \ˈaŋ-ˌglō, -glə\ : English <Anglo-Norman>
2 \-ˌglō\ : English and <Anglo-Japanese> [derived from Latin Angli “the Angles”]

An·glo–Amer·i·can \ˌaŋ-glō-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən\ n
1 : a person living in the U.S. who was born in or whose ancestors were born in England
2 : a North American whose native language is English and especially whose culture is of European origin
— Anglo–American adj

An·glo–Sax·on \ˌaŋ-glō-ˈsak-sən\ n
1 : a member of the Germanic people who conquered England in the 5th century a.d.
2 : a person whose ancestors were English
3 : OLD ENGLISH
— Anglo–Saxon adj

an·go·ra \aŋ-ˈgōr-ə, an-, -ˈgȯr-\ n
1 : yarn or cloth made from the hair of the Angora goat or the Angora rabbit
2 cap  a : ANGORA CAT  b : ANGORA GOAT  c : ANGORA RABBIT

Angora cat n : a long-haired domestic cat [from Angora (former name of Ankara, Turkey)]

Angora goat n : any of a breed of domestic goats raised for their long silky hair which is used to make true mohair fabrics

Angora rabbit n : a usually white rabbit raised for its long fine soft hair

an·gry \ˈaŋ-grē\ adj an·gri·er; -est
1 a : feeling or showing anger  b : threatening as if in anger <an angry sky>
2 : painfully inflamed <an angry rash>
— an·gri·ly \-grə-lē\ adv

— an·gri·ness \-grē-nəs\ n

angst \ˈäŋ(k)st, ˈaŋ(k)st\ n : a feeling of anxiety : DREAD

ang·strom \ˈaŋ-strəm\ n : a unit of length used especially of wavelengths (as of light) and equal to one ten-billionth of a meter — abbreviation Å

an·guish \ˈaŋ-gwish\ n : extreme pain or distress of body or mind
— an·guished \-gwisht\ adj

an·gu·lar \ˈaŋ-gyə-lər\ adj
1 : having one or more angles : sharp-cornered : POINTED <an angular mountain peak>
2 : measured by an angle <the angular distance between two stars as observed from earth>
3 : being lean and bony <an angular face>
— an·gu·lar·i·ty \ˌaŋ-gyə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n

— an·gu·lar·ly \ˈaŋ-gyə-lər-lē\ adv

An·gus \ˈaŋ-gəs\ n : any of a breed of usually black hornless beef cattle originating in Scotland

an·hin·ga \an-ˈhiŋ-gə\ n : a fish-eating bird having a long neck and sharply pointed bill and occurring from the southern U.S. to Argentina

an·hy·dride \(ˈ)an-ˈhī-ˌdrīd\ n : a compound that comes from another (as an acid) by removal of water

an·hy·drite \(ˈ)an-ˈhī-ˌdrīt\ n : a mineral consisting of calcium sulfate free from water

an·hy·drous \(ˈ)an-ˈhī-drəs\ adj : free from water

an·i·line \ˈan-əl-ən\ n : an oily poisonous liquid that is used in making dyes

1an·i·mal \ˈan-ə-məl\ n
1 : any of a kingdom of living things composed of many cells typically differing from plants in capacity for active movement, in rapid response to stimulation, in being unable to carry on photosynthesis, and in lack of cellulose cell walls
2 a : one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings  b : MAMMAL
Word History Latin anima means “breath” or “soul,” and animalis, the adjective that comes from it, means “having breath or soul.” An animal such as a cat or dog can be seen to breathe. Plants breathe too, by taking in certain gases from the atmosphere and releasing others. However, this process cannot be observed by the naked eye. So the noun animal, which comes from animalis, was borrowed from Latin for that group of living beings that breathe visibly. [from Latin animal “living being that can move,” derived from animalis “animate,” from anima “soul, breath” — related to ANIMATE; see Word History at ANIMATE]

2animal adj
1 : of, relating to, or derived from animals
2 : of or relating to the body rather than the mind

an·i·mal·cule \ˌan-ə-ˈmal-kyül\ n : a very small organism that is invisible or nearly invisible to the naked eye
— an·i·mal·cu·lar \-ˈmal-kyə-lər\ adj

animal heat n : heat produced in the body of a living animal by its chemical and physical activity

animal husbandry n : a branch of agriculture concerned with raising domestic animals

animal kingdom n : a basic group of natural objects that includes all living and extinct animals — compare MINERAL KINGDOM, PLANT KINGDOM

1an·i·mate \ˈan-ə-mət\ adj
1 : having life : ALIVE
2 : ANIMATED 1, LIVELY
— an·i·mate·ly adv
Word History The same Latin word anima meaning “breath, soul” that gave us animal has given us other words. The English adjective animate meaning “alive” comes from the Latin verb animare meaning “to give life to,” which in turn came from anima. A characteristic of animals is their ability to move about. When a cartoon is drawn and filmed in such a way that lifelike movement is produced, we say it is animated. An animated film seems to have a life of its own. [Middle English animate “alive,” from Latin animatus (same meaning), derived from anima “soul, breath” — related to ANIMAL; see Word History at ANIMAL]

2an·i·mate \ˈan-ə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to give life to : make alive
2 : to give spirit and vigor to : ENLIVEN
3 : to make as an animated cartoon <animate a story>

an·i·mat·ed \ˈan-ə-ˌmāt-əd\ adj
1 : full of life and energy : LIVELY
2 : appearing to be alive or moving
3 : made in the form of an animated cartoon <an animated movie>  synonyms see LIVELY
— an·i·mat·ed·ly adv

animated cartoon n : a movie that is made from a series of drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of inanimate objects (as puppets) and that gives the appearance of motion by small changes in each frame

an·i·ma·tion \ˌan-ə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : the state of being animate or animated
2 a : a film made by photographing a series of positions of objects (as puppets)  b : ANIMATED CARTOON
3 : the making of animations

an·i·ma·tor \ˈan-ə-ˌmāt-ər\ n : someone who makes an animated cartoon

an·i·me \ˈan-ə-ˌmā, ˈä-nē-\ n : a style of animation originating in Japan that has stark colorful graphics, action-filled plots, and often fantastic or futuristic themes [from Japanese, literally, “animation,” short for animēshiyon (from English)]

an·i·mos·i·ty \ˌan-ə-ˈmäs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a feeling of dislike or hatred

an·ion \ˈan-ˌī-ən\ n : a negatively charged ion

an·ise \ˈan-əs\ n : an herb that is related to the carrot and produces seeds with an aroma; also : ANISEED

ani·seed \ˈan-ə(s)-ˌsēd\ n : the seed of anise often used as a flavoring

an·iso·trop·ic \ˌan-ˌī-sə-ˈträp-ik\ adj : having properties that differ when measured in different directions <an anisotropic crystal>

an·kle \ˈaŋ-kəl\ n : the joint between the foot and the leg; also : the region of this joint

an·kle·bone \-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn\ n : the bone that in human beings bears the weight of the body and with the tibia and fibula forms the ankle joint

an·klet \ˈaŋ-klət\ n
1 : something (as an ornament) worn around the ankle
2 : a short sock reaching slightly above the ankle

an·ky·lo·saur \ˈaŋ-kə-lō-ˌsȯr\ n : any of several plant-eating dinosaurs of the Cretaceous period having a thickset body with bony plates covering the back

an·nal·ist \ˈan-əl-əst\ n : a writer of annals : HISTORIAN
— an·nal·is·tic \ˌan-əl-ˈis-tik\ adj

an·nals \ˈan-əlz\ n pl
1 : a record of events arranged in yearly order
2 : historical records

an·nat·to \ə-ˈnät-ō\ n, pl -tos : a yellowish red substance used for dyeing that is made from the pulp around the seeds of a tropical tree

an·neal \ə-ˈnē(ə)l\ vb : to heat and then cool so as to toughen and make less brittle

an·ne·lid \ˈan-əl-əd, ˈan-ə-lid\ n : any of a phylum of long invertebrate animals that have segments and a body cavity and include the earthworms, leeches, and related forms
— annelid adj

1an·nex \ə-ˈneks, ˈan-ˌeks\ vb
1 : to attach as an addition : APPEND
2 : to add (a territory) to one's own territory to form a larger country <the United States annexed Texas in 1845>
— an·nex·a·tion \ˌan-ˌek-ˈsā-shən\ n

2an·nex \ˈan-ˌeks, ˈan-iks\ n : something annexed; esp : an added part of a building

an·ni·hi·late \ə-ˈnī-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to destroy completely
— an·ni·hi·la·tion \ə-ˌnī-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— an·ni·hi·la·tor \ə-ˈnī-ə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

an·ni·ver·sa·ry \ˌan-ə-ˈvərs-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 a : the annual return of the date of a special event  b : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time <the 6-month anniversary of the accident>
2 : the celebration of an anniversary [Middle English anniversarie “anniversary,” from Latin anniversarium (same meaning), literally “turning of the year,” from annus “year” and versus “turned,” from vertere “to turn” — related to CONVERSE, UNIVERSE, VERSATILE]

an·no Do·mi·ni \ˌan-ō-ˈdäm-ə-nē, -ˈdō-mə-, -ˌnī\ adv, often cap A — used to indicate that a time division falls within the period dating from the birth of Christ [Latin, literally “in the year of the Lord”]

an·no·tate \ˈan-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to make or add explanatory notes
— an·no·ta·tor \-ˌtāt-ər\ n

an·no·ta·tion \ˌan-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of annotating
2 : a note added as a comment or explanation

an·nounce \ə-ˈnau̇n(t)s\ vb an·nounced; an·nounc·ing
1 : to make known publicly : PROCLAIM
2 : to give notice of the coming, arrival, or presence of

an·nounce·ment \ə-ˈnau̇n(t)s-mənt\ n
1 : the act of announcing
2 : a public notice announcing something

an·nounc·er \ə-ˈnau̇n(t)-sər\ n : one who announces: as  a : a person who introduces television or radio programs, makes commercial announcements, or gives station identification  b : a person who describes and comments on the action in a broadcast sports event

an·noy \ə-ˈnȯi\ vb : to disturb or irritate especially by repeated acts : VEX
— an·noy·er n

an·noy·ance \ə-ˈnȯi-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : the act of annoying  b : the feeling of being annoyed
2 : a source of annoyance : NUISANCE

an·noy·ing \ə-ˈnȯi-iŋ\ adj : causing annoyance <an annoying habit>
— an·noy·ing·ly adv

1an·nu·al \ˈan-y(ə-w)əl\ adj
1 : covering the period of a year <annual rainfall>
2 : occurring or performed once a year : YEARLY <an annual meeting>
3 : completing the life cycle in one growing season or single year <annual plants> [Middle English annual “for a year,” from early French annuel and Latin annualis (both, same meaning), derived from Latin annus “year”]
— an·nu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2annual n
1 : a publication appearing yearly
2 : an annual plant

annual ring n : the layer of wood produced by a single year's growth of a woody plant — called also tree ring

an·nu·ity \ə-ˈn(y)ü-ət-ē\ n, pl -ities
1 : a sum of money paid at regular intervals
2 : an insurance contract providing for the payment of an annuity

an·nul \ə-ˈnəl\ vb an·nulled; an·nul·ling
1 : to make ineffective : NEUTRALIZE
2 : to bring to an end legally <annul a marriage>
— an·nul·ment \ə-ˈnəl-mənt\ n

an·nu·lar \ˈan-yə-lər\ adj : of, relating to, or forming a ring

annular eclipse n : an eclipse in which a thin outer ring of the sun's disk is not covered by the moon's dark disk

An·nun·ci·a·tion \ə-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən\ n : the announcement to the Virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of the Messiah; also : March 25 observed as a church festival in honor of the Annunciation

an·ode \ˈan-ˌōd\ n
1 : the positive electrode of an electrolytic cell to which the negative ions are attracted — compare CATHODE
2 : the negative terminal of a battery that is delivering electric current
3 : the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube
— an·od·ic \a-ˈnäd-ik\ adj

an·od·ize \ˈan-ə-ˌdīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to cause (a metal) to undergo electrolytic action as the anode of a cell in order to coat with a protective or decorative film

anoint \ə-ˈnȯint\ vb
1 : to rub over with oil or an oily substance
2 : to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony
— anoint·er n

— anoint·ment \-mənt\ n

ano·le \ə-ˈnō-lē\ n : any of various chiefly tropical lizards that are able to change color and in the males have a usually brightly colored flap of skin on the throat

anom·a·lous \ə-ˈnäm-ə-ləs\ adj : not following a general rule or method : IRREGULAR, UNUSUAL
— anom·a·lous·ly adv

— anom·a·lous·ness n

anom·a·ly \ə-ˈnäm-ə-lē\ n, pl -lies
1 : an act or instance of not following the general rule or method
2 : something anomalous : something different, abnormal, strange, or not easily described

anon \ə-ˈnän\ adv : SOON 1; also : at a later time <more of that anon>

an·o·nym·i·ty \ˌan-ə-ˈnim-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being anonymous

anon·y·mous \ə-ˈnän-ə-məs\ adj
1 : not named or identified <the donor remained anonymous>
2 : made or done by someone unknown <anonymous gifts> <an anonymous poem> [from Latin anonymus “anonymous,” from Greek anonymos (same meaning), from an-, a- “not, without” and onyma, onoma “name” — related to SYNONYMOUS]
— anon·y·mous·ly adv

— anon·y·mous·ness n

anoph·e·les \ə-ˈnäf-ə-ˌlēz\ n : any of a genus of mosquitoes that includes all mosquitoes which transmit malaria to human beings
— anoph·e·line \-ˌlīn\ adj or n

an·orex·ia \ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə\ n : ANOREXIA NERVOSA

anorexia ner·vo·sa \-(ˌ)nər-ˈvō-sə, -zə\ n : a serious eating disorder especially of young women in their teens in which an abnormal fear of weight gain leads to faulty eating habits and extreme weight loss

an·orex·ic \ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sik\ adj : affected with anorexia nervosa

an·or·thite \ə-ˈnȯr-ˌthīt\ n : a white, grayish, or reddish calcium-containing feldspar

1an·oth·er \ə-ˈnəth-ər\ adj
1 : different or distinct from the first one considered <viewed from another angle>
2 : some other <at another time> <choose another book>
3 : one more in addition <have another piece of toast>

2another pron
1 : one more of the same kind <I've had one piece, but I think I'll have another>
2 : one that is different : someone or something else <living in another's house>
3 : one of a group that is not specified <at one time or another>

an·ox·ia \a-ˈnäk-sē-ə\ n : a condition in which too little oxygen (as at high altitudes) reaches the tissues

1an·swer \ˈan(t)-sər\ n
1 a : something spoken or written in reply especially to a question  b : a correct response <knew the answer>  c : a solution of a problem
2 : something said or done in response

2answer vb an·swered; an·swer·ing \ˈan(t)s-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to speak or write in reply
2 a : to take responsibility for something <answered for the children's safety>  b : to make amends <must answer for their crime>
3 : CONFORM 2, CORRESPOND <answered to the description>
4 : to be what is needed for : SERVE <answered the purpose>
5 : to find a solution for <answer a riddle>
— an·swer·er \ˈan(t)-sər-ər\ n

an·swer·able \ˈan(t)s-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj
1 : getting the credit or blame for one's acts or decisions : RESPONSIBLE
2 : capable of being answered or proved wrong
— an·swer·abil·i·ty \ˌan(t)s-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

answering machine n : a machine that receives telephone calls by recording messages from callers

answering service n : a commercial service that answers telephone calls for its clients

ant \ˈant\ n : any of a family of small insects that are related to the bees and wasps and live in colonies in which different types of individuals perform special duties
— ants in one's pants : impatience for action or activity : RESTLESSNESS

ant- — see ANTI-

1-ant \ənt, ənt\ n suffix
1 : one that performs a specified action <coolant> <deodorant>
2 : thing that is acted upon in a specified manner <inhalant> [derived from Latin -ant (verb or adjective suffix)]

2-ant adj suffix
1 : performing a specified action or being in a specified condition <propellant>
2 : causing a specified action or process

ant·ac·id \(ˈ)ant-ˈas-əd\ adj : tending to prevent or neutralize acidity <antacid tablets>
— antacid n

an·tag·o·nism \an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n : a state of being opposed to something or unfriendly toward someone

an·tag·o·nist \an-ˈtag-ə-nəst\ n : one that opposes another

an·tag·o·nis·tic \(ˌ)an-ˌtag-ə-ˈnis-tik\ adj : showing antagonism
— an·tag·o·nis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

an·tag·o·nize \an-ˈtag-ə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to stir up dislike or anger in

ant·arc·tic \(ˈ)ant-ˈärk-tik, -ˈärt-ik\ adj, often cap : of or relating to the South Pole or to the region near it

antarctic circle n, often cap A&C : the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66½ degrees south of the equator

ant bear n : AARDVARK

ant cow n : an aphid which secretes a sugary substance used by ants

ante- prefix
1 a : prior : earlier <antedate>  b : before or toward the front : forward <anteroom>
2 : prior to : earlier than <antediluvian> [derived from Latin ante “before, in front”]

ant·eat·er \ˈant-ˌēt-ər\ n : any of several mammals (as an echidna or aardvark) that feed on ants

an·te·bel·lum \ˌant-i-ˈbel-əm\ adj : existing before a war; esp : existing before the American Civil War

1an·te·ced·ent \ˌant-ə-ˈsēd-ənt\ n
1 : a noun, pronoun, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun <in “the house that we live in,” “house” is the antecedent of “that”>
2 : an event or cause coming before something
3 pl : one's ancestors or parents

2antecedent adj : coming earlier in time or order
— an·te·ced·ent·ly adv

an·te·cham·ber \ˈant-i-ˌchām-bər\ n : ANTEROOM

an·te·date \ˈant-i-ˌdāt\ vb
1 : to date with a date earlier than that of actual writing <antedate a check>
2 : to come before in time <automobiles antedate airplanes>

an·te·di·lu·vi·an \ˌant-i-də-ˈlü-vē-ən, -dī-\ adj
1 : of or relating to the period before the Flood described in the Bible
2 : very old or old-fashioned
— antediluvian n

an·te·lope \ˈant-əl-ˌōp\ n, pl -lope or -lopes
1 : any of various cud-chewing mammals chiefly of Africa and southwest Asia that are related to the goats and oxen and that have a slender lean build and usually horns directed upward and backward
2 : PRONGHORN

an·te me·ri·di·em \ˌant-i-mə-ˈrid-ē-əm, -ē-ˌem\ adj : being before noon — abbreviation a.m. [Latin]

an·ten·na \an-ˈten-ə\ n, pl -ten·nae \-ˈten-(ˌ)ē\ or -tennas
1 pl usually antennae : one of a pair of slender movable organs of sensation on the head of an arthropod (as an insect or a crab) that are made up of segments
2 pl usually antennas : a device (as a rod or wire) for sending or receiving radio waves

an·ten·nule \an-ˈten-(ˌ)yü(ə)l\ n : a small antenna (as of a crayfish)

an·te·ri·or \an-ˈtir-ē-ər\ adj
1 : placed or being before or toward the front
2 : coming before in time
— an·te·ri·or·ly adv

an·te·room \ˈant-i-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room used as an entrance to another

an·them \ˈan(t)-thəm\ n
1 : a sacred composition with words usually from the Scriptures
2 : a song of praise or gladness

an·ther \ˈan(t)-thər\ n : the part of the stamen of a flower that produces and contains pollen and is usually borne on a stalk

ant·hill \ˈant-ˌhil\ n : a mound made by ants in digging their nest

an·tho·cy·a·nin \ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən\ n : any of various soluble pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

an·thol·o·gy \an-ˈthäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : a collection of literary pieces
— an·thol·o·gist \-jəst\ n

an·thra·cite \ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsīt\ n : a hard glossy coal that burns without much smoke or flame

an·thrax \ˈan-ˌthraks\ n : an infectious and usually fatal disease of warm-blooded animals (as cattle and sheep) caused by a bacterium and transmissible to humans; also : a bacterium causing anthrax

1an·thro·poid \ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌpȯid\ adj : of, relating to, or being an anthropoid <anthropoid apes>

2anthropoid n
1 : APE 1B
2 : a person resembling an ape (as in behavior)

an·thro·pol·o·gy \ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpäl-ə-jē\ n : the science of human beings and especially of their physical characteristics, their origin, their environment and social relations, and their culture
— an·thro·po·log·i·cal \-pə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— an·thro·pol·o·gist \-ˈpäl-ə-jəst\ n

anti- \ˌant-i, ˌant-ē, ˌan-ˌtī\ or ant- or anth- prefix
1 : opposite in kind, position, or action <antihistamine>
2 : opposed to <antisocial>
3 : working against <antibacterial> <antipollution> [derived from Greek anti- “against”]

an·ti·air·craft \ˌant-ē-ˈa(ə)r-ˌkraft, -ˈe(ə)r-\ adj : designed or used for defense against aircraft <an antiaircraft gun>

an·ti·bac·te·ri·al \ˌant-ē-ˌbak-ˈtir-ē-əl, ˌan-ˌtī-ˌbak-\ adj : directed or effective against bacteria <antibacterial soap>

an·ti·bal·lis·tic missile \ˌant-i-bə-ˌlis-tik-, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : a missile for stopping and destroying ballistic missiles

an·ti·bi·ot·ic \ˌant-i-bī-ˈät-ik, ˌan-ˌtī-, ˌant-i-bē-\ n : a substance produced by an organism (as a fungus or bacterium) that in dilute solution inhibits or kills a harmful microscopic plant or animal and especially one that causes disease
— antibiotic adj

an·ti·body \ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē\ n : a substance produced by special cells of the body that combines with an antigen and counteracts its effects or those of the microscopic plant or animal on which the antigen may occur

1an·tic \ˈant-ik\ n : a wildly playful or funny act or action

2antic adj : wildly playful : FROLICSOME

an·tic·i·pate \an-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt\ vb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
1 : to foresee and deal with or provide for beforehand <anticipated their objections> <anticipated my every need>
2 : to expect especially with pleasure <anticipate your visit next week> [from Latin anticipatus “having dealt with ahead of time,” from anticipare “anticipate,” literally “to occupy beforehand,” from anti-, altered form of ante- “before” and -cipare, derived from capere “to take” — related to ACCEPT, CAPTURE]
— an·tic·i·pa·tor \-ˌpāt-ər\ n

an·tic·i·pa·tion \(ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən\ n
1 : an earlier action that takes into account and deals with or prevents a later action
2 : pleasurable expectation
3 : the act of providing for an expected event or state
— an·tic·i·pa·to·ry \an-ˈtis-ə-pə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

an·ti·cli·max \ˌant-i-ˈklī-ˌmaks\ n
1 : a shift in writing or speaking from an important idea to an unimportant or silly one
2 : an event, result, or ending that is strikingly less important than expected
— an·ti·cli·mac·tic \-klī-ˈmak-tik, -klə-\ adj

an·ti·cline \ˈant-i-ˌklīn\ n : an arch of rock arranged in layers that bend downward in opposite directions from the top — compare SYNCLINE

an·ti·cy·clone \ˌant-i-ˈsī-ˌklōn\ n : a system of winds that rotates about a center of high atmospheric pressure clockwise in the northern hemisphere, that usually advances at 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) per hour, and that usually has a diameter of 1500 to 2500 miles (about 2400 to 4000 kilometers)
— an·ti·cy·clon·ic \-sī-ˈklän-ik\ adj

an·ti·dote \ˈant-i-ˌdōt\ n : a remedy to counteract the effects of poison
— an·ti·dot·al \ˌant-i-ˈdōt-əl\ adj

— an·ti·dot·al·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

an·ti·drug \ˈan-ˌtī-ˌdrəg\ adj : acting against or opposing illegal drugs <antidrug programs>

an·ti–fed·er·al·ist \ˌant-i-ˈfed-(ə-)re-ləst\ n, often cap A&F : a member of the group that opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

an·ti·freeze \ˈant-i-ˌfrēz\ n : a substance added to a liquid (as the water in an automobile radiator) to prevent freezing

an·ti·gen \ˈant-i-jən, -ˌjen\ n : a substance (as a protein) that causes the body to form antibodies against it when it is introduced into the body either alone or as part of a microscopic plant or animal
— an·ti·gen·ic \ˌant-i-ˈjen-ik\ adj

an·ti·his·ta·mine \ˌant-i-ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn, -mən, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : any of various drugs used for treating allergic reactions and cold symptoms

an·ti·knock \ˌant-i-ˈnäk, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : a substance that is added to the fuel of an internal combustion engine to help prevent knocking

an·ti·lock \ˈan-ˌtī-ˌläk, ˈan-ti-\ adj : being a braking system for a motor vehicle designed to keep the wheels from locking and skidding

an·ti·ma·lar·i·al \ˌant-i-mə-ˈler-ē-əl, ˌan-ˌtī-\ adj : serving to prevent, control, or cure malaria
— antimalarial n

an·ti·mat·ter \ˈant-i-ˌmat-ər\ n : matter whose parts match parts of ordinary matter except in having some opposite properties (as a positive instead of a negative charge)

an·ti·mo·ny \ˈant-ə-ˌmō-nē\ n : a metallic silvery white element that is used especially in alloys and medicine — see ELEMENT TABLE

an·ti·neu·tron \ˌant-i-ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : the uncharged part of antimatter that is related to the neutron

an·ti·ox·i·dant \ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : a substance that opposes oxidation or prevents or makes difficult reactions made easier by oxygen

an·ti·par·ti·cle \ˈant-i-ˌpärt-i-kəl, ˈan-ˌtī-\ n : an elementary particle identical to another elementary particle in mass but opposite to it in electric or magnetic properties

an·tip·a·thy \an-ˈtip-ə-thē\ n, pl -thies
1 : a strong dislike
2 : a person or thing that arouses strong dislike
— an·ti·pa·thet·ic \ˌant-i-pə-ˈthet-ik\ adj

an·ti·per·spi·rant \ˌant-i-ˈpər-sp(ə-)rənt, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : a preparation used to stop or reduce perspiration

an·ti·pode \ˈant-ə-ˌpōd\ n, pl an·tip·o·des \an-ˈtip-ə-ˌdēz\
1 : the parts of the earth opposite each other at a distance of the earth's diameter — usually used in plural
2 : the exact opposite
— an·tip·o·dal \an-ˈtip-əd-əl\ adj

— an·tip·o·de·an \(ˌ)an-tip-ə-ˈdē-ən\ adj

an·ti·pol·lu·tion \ˌant-i-pə-ˈlü-shən, ˌan-ˌtī-\ adj : designed to stop or reduce pollution <antipollution laws>

an·ti·pro·ton \ˌant-i-ˈprō-ˌtän, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : the part of antimatter related to the proton

1an·ti·quar·i·an \ˌant-ə-ˈkwer-ē-ən\ n : ANTIQUARY

2antiquarian adj : of or relating to antiquaries or antiquities

an·ti·quary \ˈant-ə-ˌkwer-ē\ n, pl -quar·ies : a person who collects or studies antiquities

an·ti·quate \ˈant-ə-ˌkwāt\ vb -quat·ed; -quat·ing : to make old or obsolete
— an·ti·qua·tion \ˌant-ə-ˈkwā-shən\ n

an·ti·quat·ed \ˈant-ə-ˌkwāt-əd\ adj
1 : OBSOLETE 1
2 : OLD-FASHIONED 1, OUTMODED <antiquated methods of farming>
3 : advanced in age

1an·tique \an-ˈtēk\ n : an object of an earlier period; esp : a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period

2antique adj
1 : belonging to antiquity
2 : belonging to earlier periods <antique furniture>
3 : belonging to or resembling a former style or fashion <silver of an antique design>  synonyms see OLD

an·tiq·ui·ty \an-ˈtik-wət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : ancient times; esp : those before the Middle Ages
2 : very great age
3 pl : objects or monuments from ancient times

1an·ti·sep·tic \ˌant-ə-ˈsep-tik\ adj
1 : killing or preventing the growth of germs that cause disease or decay
2 : relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptic substances
— an·ti·sep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2antiseptic n : a substance that helps stop the growth or action of microorganisms especially in or on living tissue

an·ti·se·rum \ˈant-i-ˌsir-əm, ˈan-ˌtī-\ n : a serum that contains specific antibodies and is used to prevent or cure disease

an·ti·slav·ery \ˌant-i-ˈslāv-(ə-)rē, ˌan-ˌtī-\ adj : opposing slavery

an·ti·so·cial \ˌant-i-ˈsō-shəl, ˌan-ˌtī-\ adj
1 : UNFRIENDLY 1
2 : being against or bad for society; esp : being or exhibiting behavior that is very different from accepted behavior

an·ti·stat·ic \ˌant-i-ˈstat-ik, ˌan-ˌtī-\ adj : reducing, removing, or preventing the collection of static electricity

an·ti·tank \ˌant-i-ˈtaŋk\ adj : designed to destroy or stop tanks

an·tith·e·sis \an-ˈtith-ə-səs\ n, pl -tith·e·ses \-ˈtith-ə-ˌsēz\ : the exact opposite : CONTRARY
— an·ti·thet·i·cal \ˌant-ə-ˈthet-i-kəl\ adj

an·ti·tox·in \ˌant-i-ˈtäk-sən\ n : an antibody that is formed in response to a foreign and usually poisonous substance introduced into the body and that can often be produced in animals for use in treating human diseases (as tetanus)
— an·ti·tox·ic \-sik\ adj

an·ti·ven·in \ˌant-i-ˈven-ən, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : a serum containing an antitoxin to a poison of an animal (as a snake)

an·ti·ven·om \ˌant-i-ˈven-əm, ˌan-ˌtī-\ n : ANTIVENIN

ant·ler \ˈant-lər\ n : the solid often branched horn of a deer or one of its close relatives that is cast off and grown anew each year; also : a branch of such horn
— ant·lered \-lərd\ adj

— ant·ler·less \-ləs\ adj

ant lion n : a four-winged insect that when a larva digs a cone-shaped pit in which it lies in wait to catch insects (as ants) on which it feeds

ant·onym \ˈant-ə-ˌnim\ n : a word of opposite meaning <“hot” and “cold” are antonyms>
— an·ton·y·mous \an-ˈtän-ə-məs\ adj

ant·sy \ˈant-sē\ adj : RESTLESS 3, IMPATIENT

anus \ˈā-nəs\ n : the lower or posterior opening of the alimentary canal

an·vil \ˈan-vəl\ n
1 : a heavy iron block on which metal is shaped (as by hammering)
2 : the middle bone of the chain of three small bones in the ear of a mammal — called also incus

anx·i·ety \aŋ-ˈzī-ət-ē\ n, pl -eties
1 : fear or nervousness about what might happen
2 : fearful concern or interest <anxiety to succeed>

anx·ious \ˈaŋ(k)-shəs\ adj
1 : afraid or nervous about what may happen : WORRIED <anxious about their son's health>
2 : desiring earnestly <anxious to make good>  synonyms see EAGER
— anx·ious·ly adv

— anx·ious·ness n

1any \ˈen-ē\ adj
1 : one taken at random <any person you meet>
2 : EVERY 1 <any child knows that>
3 : of whatever number or amount <haven't any money>

2any pron sing or pl
1 : any individuals <are any of you ready>
2 : any number or amount <there isn't any left>

3any adv : to the least amount or degree <can't get it any clearer> <was never any good>

any·body \ˈen-ē-ˌbäd-ē, -bəd-ē\ pron : ANYONE

any·how \ˈen-ē-ˌhau̇\ adv
1 : in any way, manner, or order
2 : without regard to or in spite of other considerations : in any case

any·more \ˌen-ē-ˈmō(ə)r, -ˈmȯ(ə)r\ adv : at the present time : NOWADAYS <never see them anymore>

any·one \ˈen-ē-(ˌ)wən\ pron : any person at all

any·place \ˈen-ē-ˌplās\ adv : ANYWHERE

any·thing \ˈen-ē-ˌthiŋ\ pron : a thing of any kind

any·way \ˈen-ē-ˌwā\ adv : ANYHOW

any·where \ˈen-ē-ˌ(h)we(ə)r, -ˌ(h)wa(ə)r\ adv : in, at, or to any place

any·wise \ˈen-ē-ˌwīz\ adv : in any way whatever

A–OK \ˌā-(ˌ)ō-ˈkā\ adv or adj : very well or fine

A1 \ˈā-ˈwən\ adj : of the very best kind

aor·ta \ā-ˈȯrt-ə\ n, pl aortas or aor·tae \-ˈȯrt-ē\ : the main artery that carries blood from the heart to branch arteries by which it is carried throughout the body
— aor·tic \-ˈȯrt-ik\ adj

aou·dad \ˈau̇-ˌdad, ˈä-u̇-\ n : a wild sheep of North Africa

1ap- — see AD-

2ap- — see APO-

apace \ə-ˈpās\ adv : at a quick pace : FAST

Apache \ə-ˈpach-ē\ n, pl Apache or Apaches : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of the American Southwest

1apart \ə-ˈpärt\ adv
1 : away from each other <five miles apart>
2 : as something separate <viewed apart from the others>
3 : in or into two or more parts <took the clock apart>
4 : one from another <can't tell the twins apart>

2apart adj : separate from others <in a place apart>
— apart·ness n

apart·heid \ə-ˈpär-ˌtāt, -ˌtīt\ n : racial segregation; esp : a policy of racial segregation formerly practiced in the Republic of South Africa

apart·ment \ə-ˈpärt-mənt\ n
1 : a room or set of rooms used as a dwelling
2 : APARTMENT BUILDING

apartment building n : a building containing several individual apartments

ap·a·thet·ic \ˌap-ə-ˈthet-ik\ adj : having or showing little or no feeling or interest
— ap·a·thet·i·cal·ly \-ˈthet-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ap·a·thy \ˈap-ə-thē\ n : lack of feeling or of interest

ap·a·tite \ˈap-ə-ˌtīt\ n : any of a group of variously colored minerals that are phosphates of calcium and that are used as a source of phosphorus and its compounds

apato·sau·rus \ə-ˌpat-ə-ˈsȯr-əs\ n : any of several very large long-necked plant-eating dinosaurs

1ape \ˈāp\ n
1 a : 1MONKEY 1; esp : one of the larger tailless or short-tailed forms  b : any of two families of large primates including the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and gibbon
2 : 3MIMIC 1
3 : a large uncouth person

2ape vb aped; ap·ing : to copy closely but often clumsily  synonyms see IMITATE
— ap·er n

ape–man \ˈāp-ˈman, -ˌman\ n : a primate (as an australopithecine) between human beings and the higher apes in character

ap·er·ture \ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər\ n
1 : an opening or open space : HOLE
2 a : the opening in a camera lens that allows light through  b : the diameter of the opening in a camera lens

apex \ˈā-ˌpeks\ n, pl apex·es or api·ces \ˈā-pə-ˌsēz, ˈap-ə-\
1 : the uppermost point : TOP <apex of a mountain>
2 : 4TIP 1 <apex of the tongue>
3 : the highest point <at the apex of her career>

aph·elion \a-ˈfēl-yən\ n, pl aph·elia \-yə\ : the point in the orbit of a heavenly body (as a planet) that is farthest from the sun

aphid \ˈā-fəd also ˈaf-əd\ n : any of numerous small soft-bodied insects that suck the juices of plants

aphid lion n : any of several insect larvae (as a lacewing or ladybug larva) that feed on aphids

aphis \ˈā-fəs, ˈaf-əs\ n, pl aphi·des \ˈā-fə-ˌdēz, ˈaf-ə-\ : APHID

aph·o·rism \ˈaf-ə-ˌriz-əm\ n : a short statement of a general truth or idea
— aph·o·rist \-rəst\ n

— aph·o·ris·tic \ˌaf-ə-ˈris-tik\ adj

— aph·o·ris·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

api·ary \ˈā-pē-ˌer-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies : a place where bees are kept; esp : a collection of hives of bees kept for their honey
— api·a·rist \ˈā-pē-ə-rəst\ n

apiece \ə-ˈpēs\ adv : for each one

ap·ish \ˈā-pish\ adj
1 : very silly <apish antics>
2 : imitating closely
— ap·ish·ly adv

— ap·ish·ness n

aplomb \ə-ˈpläm, -ˈpləm\ n : complete freedom from nervousness or uncertainty

apo- or ap- prefix : away from : off <aphelion> [from Greek apo “away, off”]

apoc·a·lypse \ə-ˈpäk-ə-ˌlips\ n
1 : something thought of as a prophetic revelation
2 a : the place or time of the final battle between good and evil  b : a decisive battle
3 : a great disaster
— apoc·a·lyp·tic \ə-ˌpäk-ə-ˈlip-tik\ adj

Apocalypse n : one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 B.C. to A.D. 150 by an author writing under a pseudonym that is marked by symbolic imagery and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a heavenly kingdom — see BIBLE TABLE

apoc·ry·pha \ə-ˈpäk-rə-fə\ n sing or pl : writings or statements of doubtful authenticity
— apoc·ry·phal \-fəl\ adj

Apocrypha n sing or pl : books included in some collections of biblical writings but excluded from the Jewish and Protestant canons of the Old Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

apo·gee \ˈap-ə-(ˌ)jē\ n : the point farthest from the center of a heavenly body (as the earth or the moon) reached by an object (as a satellite) orbiting it — compare PERIGEE

apol·o·get·ic \ə-ˌpäl-ə-ˈjet-ik\ adj
1 : offered by way of apology <an apologetic smile>
2 : sorry for some fault or failure
— apol·o·get·i·cal·ly \-ˈjet-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

apol·o·gist \ə-ˈpäl-ə-jəst\ n : one who speaks or writes in defense of a faith, cause, or institution

apol·o·gize \ə-ˈpäl-ə-ˌjīz\ vb -gized; -giz·ing : to make an apology
— apol·o·giz·er n

apol·o·gy \ə-ˈpäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : an expression of regret (as for a mistake or for rudeness)
2 : a poor example

ap·o·plec·tic \ˌap-ə-ˈplek-tik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or causing stroke
2 : affected with or inclined to stroke
3 : seeming likely to cause stroke <an apoplectic rage>; also : very angry <was apoplectic over the news>

ap·o·plexy \ˈap-ə-ˌplek-sē\ n, pl -plex·ies : 2STROKE 5

apos·ta·sy \ə-ˈpäs-tə-sē\ n, pl -sies : a giving up of a religious faith or a previous loyalty

apos·tate \ə-ˈpäs-ˌtāt, -tət\ n : one who commits apostasy
— apostate adj

apos·tle \ə-ˈpäs-əl\ n
1 a : one of a group made up of Christ's twelve original disciples and Paul  b : the first Christian missionary to a region
2 a : the person who first puts forward an important belief or starts a great reform  b : a loyal supporter : ADHERENT [Middle English apostle “teacher sent out by Christ,” derived from Greek apostolos “one sent on a mission”]
— apos·tle·ship \-ˌship\ n

ap·os·tol·ic \ˌap-ə-ˈstäl-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to an apostle or the apostles
2 : PAPAL

1apos·tro·phe \ə-ˈpäs-trə-(ˌ)fē\ n : the addressing of an absent person as if present or of a personified thing (as in “O grave, where is thy victory?”)

2apostrophe n : a mark ' used to show that letters or figures are missing (as in can't for cannot or '76 for 1776) or to show the possessive case (as in Steven's) or the plural of letters or figures (as in “cross your t's”)

apoth·e·car·ies' measure \ə-ˈpäth-ə-ˌker-ēz-\ n : a measure of capacity used chiefly by pharmacists

apothecaries' weight n : a system of weights used chiefly by pharmacists — see MEASURE TABLE

apoth·e·cary \ə-ˈpäth-ə-ˌker-ē\ n, pl -car·ies : DRUGGIST

app \ˈap\ n : APPLICATION 6

ap·pall \ə-ˈpȯl\ vb : to cause to feel fear, shock, or disgust

ap·pall·ing \ə-ˈpȯl-iŋ\ adj : inspiring horror or dismay : SHOCKING
— ap·pall·ing·ly adv

Ap·pa·loo·sa \ˌap-ə-ˈlü-sə\ n : any of a breed of saddle horses developed in western North America that have small dark spots on a white or solid-colored coat

ap·pa·nage \ˈap-ə-nij\ n
1 : a grant (as of land) made by a ruler to a member of the royal family
2 : a customary right or privilege

ap·pa·ra·tus \ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs, -ˈrāt-\ n, pl -tus·es or -tus
1 : the equipment or material for a particular use or job <laboratory apparatus>
2 : a complicated instrument or device

ap·par·el \ə-ˈpar-əl\ n : things that are worn : CLOTHING

ap·par·ent \ə-ˈpar-ənt, -ˈper-\ adj
1 : open to view : VISIBLE
2 : clear to the understanding : EVIDENT <apparent that the road was little used>
3 : appearing to be true or real <the apparent meaning of the speech>

ap·par·ent·ly \ə-ˈpar-ənt-lē, -ˈper-\ adv : it seems apparent : EVIDENTLY <the door had apparently been forced open> <apparently, we're supposed to wait here>

ap·pa·ri·tion \ˌap-ə-ˈrish-ən\ n
1 : an unusual or unexpected sight
2 : GHOST

1ap·peal \ə-ˈpē(ə)l\ n
1 : a legal proceeding by which a case is brought to a higher court for review
2 : an asking for something badly needed or wanted : PLEA <an appeal for help>
3 : the power to cause enjoyment : ATTRACTION <movies had a great appeal for him>

2appeal vb
1 : to make a legal appeal
2 : to call upon another for a decision <appealed to the umpire>
3 : to ask for something badly needed or wanted
4 : to be pleasing or attractive <the idea appeals to her>

ap·pear \ə-ˈpi(ə)r\ vb
1 : to come into sight : become plain : SHOW <stars appeared in the sky>
2 : to present oneself formally (as to answer a charge) <appear in court>
3 : SEEM 1, LOOK <things are not always as they appear> <appears to be tired>
4 : to come before the public <appears on television>

ap·pear·ance \ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the way someone or something looks <the room has a cool appearance> <gave every appearance of being healthy> <keep up appearances>
2 : the act, process, or an instance of appearing
3 : something that appears

ap·pease \ə-ˈpēz\ vb ap·peased; ap·peas·ing
1 : to make calm or quiet
2 : to make less severe : RELIEVE <appeased my hunger>
3 : to give in to even when it is wrong to do so [Middle English appesen “to appease,” from early French apaiser (same meaning), from a- “to” and pais “peace,” from Latin pac-, pax “peace” — related to PACIFY, PEACE]  synonyms see PACIFY
— ap·pease·ment \-mənt\ n

— ap·peas·er n

ap·pel·lant \ə-ˈpel-ənt\ n : one that appeals; esp : one that appeals a judicial decision

ap·pel·late \ə-ˈpel-ət\ adj : having the power to review the decisions of a lower court <an appellate court>

ap·pel·la·tion \ˌap-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n : an identifying or descriptive name or title

ap·pel·lee \ˌap-ə-ˈlē\ n : one against whom an appeal is taken

ap·pend \ə-ˈpend\ vb : to add as something extra <append a postscript to a letter>

ap·pend·age \ə-ˈpen-dij\ n
1 : something attached to a larger or more important thing
2 : a projecting part (as an antenna) of an animal or plant body; esp : an arm, leg, or similar part

ap·pen·dec·to·my \ˌap-ən-ˈdek-tə-mē, ˌap-ˌen-\ n, pl -mies : surgical removal of the human appendix

ap·pen·di·ci·tis \ə-ˌpen-də-ˈsīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the appendix

ap·pen·dix \ə-ˈpen-diks\ n, pl -dix·es or -di·ces \-də-ˌsēz\
1 : additional material attached at the end of a piece of writing
2 : a small tube that is closed at one end and projects from the pouch marking the beginning of the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen

ap·per·tain \ˌap-ər-ˈtān\ vb : PERTAIN 1

ap·pe·tite \ˈap-ə-ˌtīt\ n
1 : a natural desire especially for food
2 : 2TASTE 4 <an appetite for adventure>

ap·pe·tiz·er \ˈap-ə-ˌtī-zər\ n
1 : a food or drink usually served before a meal to make one hungrier
2 : something that creates a desire for more

ap·pe·tiz·ing \ˈap-ə-ˌtī-ziŋ\ adj : appealing to the appetite
— ap·pe·tiz·ing·ly adv

ap·plaud \ə-ˈplȯd\ vb
1 : PRAISE 1, APPROVE <applaud their efforts>
2 : to show approval especially by clapping the hands [from early French aplaudir “to applaud,” from Latin applaudere (same meaning), from ap-, ad- “to, toward” and plaudere “to clap” — related to EXPLODE, PLAUDIT, PLAUSIBLE; see Word History at EXPLODE, PLAUSIBLE]
— ap·plaud·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— ap·plaud·er n

ap·plause \ə-ˈplȯz\ n : approval shown especially by clapping the hands

ap·ple \ˈap-əl\ n : a rounded fruit with a red, yellow, or green skin, firm white flesh and a seedy core; also : the tree of the rose family that bears this fruit

ap·ple–pie \ˌap-əl-ˌpī\ adj : just right : PERFECT <in apple-pie order>

ap·ple·sauce \-ˌsȯs\ n : a sauce or dessert made of sweetened stewed apples

ap·plet \ˈap-lət\ n : a small computer application

ap·pli·ance \ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s\ n
1 : a piece of equipment for making a tool or machine suitable for a special purpose : ATTACHMENT
2 : a device designed for a particular use <a fire-fighting appliance> <an appliance serving as an artificial arm>
3 : a household device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) or piece of office equipment that runs on gas or electricity

ap·pli·ca·ble \ˈap-li-kə-bəl also ə-ˈplik-ə-\ adj : capable of being put to use or put into practice : APPROPRIATE
— ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē also ə-ˌplik-ə-\ n

ap·pli·cant \ˈap-li-kənt\ n : one who applies for something <an applicant for work>

ap·pli·ca·tion \ˌap-lə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : an act of applying <application of paint to a house>  b : an act of putting to use <application of a new method>  c : the use to which something is put
2 : ability to fix one's attention on a task
3 a : a request made personally or in writing <an application for a job>  b : a form used for making a request <fill out a job application>
4 : something put or spread on a surface <hot applications on a sprained ankle>
5 : ability to be put to practical use
6 : a computer program that performs one of the major tasks for which a computer is used

ap·pli·ca·tor \ˈap-lə-ˌkāt-ər\ n : a device for applying a substance (as medicine or polish)

ap·plied \ə-ˈplīd\ adj : put to use in practice or action; esp : applying general principles to solve problems that have clear limits <applied sciences>

1ap·pli·qué \ˌap-lə-ˈkā\ n : a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material

2appliqué vb -quéd; -qué·ing : to apply an appliqué to a larger surface

ap·ply \ə-ˈplī\ vb ap·plied; ap·ply·ing
1 a : to put to use <apply knowledge>  b : to lay or spread on <apply a coat of paint>  c : to place in contact <apply heat>  d : to put into operation or effect <apply a law>
2 : to give one's full attention <applied myself to the work>
3 : to have relation or a connection <this law applies to everyone>
4 : to make an application : make a request <apply for a job>
— ap·pli·er \-ˈplī(-ə)r\ n

ap·point \ə-ˈpȯint\ vb
1 : to decide on usually from a position of authority <the teacher appointed a time for our meeting>
2 : to choose for some job or offices <I was appointed to wash the dishes> <the school board appointed three new teachers> <the president appoints a cabinet>

ap·point·ed \ə-ˈpȯin-təd\ adj : provided with furnishings and equipment <a well-appointed house>

ap·poin·tee \ə-ˌpȯin-ˈtē, ˌa-ˌpȯin-\ n : a person appointed to a position or an office

ap·point·ive \ə-ˈpȯint-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or filled by appointment <an appointive office>

ap·point·ment \ə-ˈpȯint-mənt\ n
1 : the act or an instance of appointing <holds office by appointment>
2 : a position or office to which a person is named <holds an appointment from the president>
3 : an agreement to meet at a fixed time <an appointment with the dentist>
4 : FURNISHINGS — usually used in plural

ap·por·tion \ə-ˈpōr-shən, -ˈpȯr-\ vb -tioned; -tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\ : to divide and distribute in proportion
— ap·por·tion·ment \-shən-mənt\ n

ap·po·site \ˈap-ə-zət\ adj : highly appropriate : PERTINENT, APT <apposite remarks>
— ap·po·site·ly adv

— ap·po·site·ness n

ap·po·si·tion \ˌap-ə-ˈzish-ən\ n : a grammatical construction in which a noun or noun equivalent is followed by another that explains it <in “my friend the doctor,” the word “doctor” is in apposition with “friend”>

1ap·pos·i·tive \ə-ˈpäz-ət-iv, a-\ adj : of, relating to, or standing in apposition
— ap·pos·i·tive·ly adv

2appositive n : the second of a pair of nouns or noun equivalents in apposition

ap·prais·al \ə-ˈprā-zəl\ n : an act or instance of appraising

ap·praise \ə-ˈprāz\ vb ap·praised; ap·prais·ing
1 : to set a value on
2 : to judge how good someone or something is
— ap·praise·ment \-mənt\ n

— ap·prais·er n

ap·pre·cia·ble \ə-ˈprē-shə-bəl, ə-ˈprish(-ē)-ə-bəl\ adj : large enough to be noticed or measured <no appreciable difference>
— ap·pre·cia·bly \-blē\ adv

ap·pre·ci·ate \ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt, ə-ˈprish-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to see the worth, quality, or significance of <appreciate the difference between right and wrong>
2 : to admire highly <appreciates the artist's work>
3 : to be fully aware of <must experience it to appreciate it>
4 : to be grateful for <we appreciate your help>
5 : to increase in number or value <savings appreciate over time> [from Latin appretiatus “having put a value on,” derived from ap-, ad- “to” and pretium “price” — related to PRICE]
— ap·pre·ci·a·tion \ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən, -ˌprish-ē-\ n

— ap·pre·cia·tive \ə-ˈprē-shət-iv, -ˌprish-ət-\ adj

— ap·pre·cia·tive·ly adv

— ap·pre·cia·tive·ness n

ap·pre·hend \ˌap-ri-ˈhend\ vb
1 : 1ARREST 2 <apprehend a burglar>
2 : to look forward to with fear and uncertainty
3 : UNDERSTAND 1A

ap·pre·hen·sion \ˌap-ri-ˈhen-chən\ n
1 : 2ARREST 2
2 : an understanding of something
3 : fear of or uncertainty about what may be coming

ap·pre·hen·sive \ˌap-ri-ˈhen(t)-siv\ adj : fearful of what may be coming
— ap·pre·hen·sive·ly adv

— ap·pre·hen·sive·ness n

1ap·pren·tice \ə-ˈprent-əs\ n : a person who is learning a trade or art by experience under a skilled worker

2apprentice vb -ticed; -tic·ing : to set at work as an apprentice

ap·pren·tice·ship \ə-ˈprent-əs-ˌship\ n
1 : service as an apprentice
2 : the period during which a person serves as an apprentice

ap·prise \ə-ˈprīz\ vb ap·prised; ap·pris·ing : to give notice to : INFORM <apprised him of his rights>

1ap·proach \ə-ˈprōch\ vb
1 : to come near or nearer
2 : to begin to deal with <approach a problem>

2approach n
1 : an act or instance of approaching
2 : a beginning step toward an end
3 : way of dealing with something <try a new approach>
4 : a way (as a path or road) to get to some place

ap·proach·able \ə-ˈprō-chə-bəl\ adj : easy to meet or deal with <a friendly and approachable teacher>
— ap·proach·abil·i·ty \-ˌprō-chə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

ap·pro·ba·tion \ˌap-rə-ˈbā-shən\ n : APPROVAL

1ap·pro·pri·ate \ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to take for one's own often without right
2 : to set apart for a particular purpose or use <appropriate funds for research>

2ap·pro·pri·ate \ə-ˈprō-prē-ət\ adj : especially suitable or fitting  synonyms see FIT
— ap·pro·pri·ate·ly adv

— ap·pro·pri·ate·ness n

ap·pro·pri·a·tion \ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : an act or instance of appropriating
2 : a sum of money appropriated for a specific use

ap·prov·al \ə-ˈprü-vəl\ n : an act or instance of approving
— on approval : for a customer to buy or send back <goods sent on approval>

ap·prove \ə-ˈprüv\ vb ap·proved; ap·prov·ing
1 : to think well of
2 : to accept as satisfactory
— ap·prov·ing·ly \-ˈprü-viŋ-lē\ adv

1ap·prox·i·mate \ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət\ adj : nearly correct or exact <the approximate cost> <approximate rhyme>

2ap·prox·i·mate \ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to bring near or close
2 : to come near in position, value, or characteristics : APPROACH <tried to approximate the singer's style>

ap·prox·i·mate·ly \-mət-lē\ adv : reasonably close to <approximately 5 miles> <at approximately six o'clock>

ap·prox·i·ma·tion \ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : a coming near or close (as in value)
2 : something approximate; esp : an estimate or figure that is almost exact

apri·cot \ˈap-rə-ˌkät, ˈā-prə-\ n : an oval orange-colored fruit resembling the related peach and plum in flavor; also : a tree that bears apricots

April \ˈā-prəl\ n : the 4th month of the year
Word History The English word April comes from the Latin Aprilis, the name given to the month by the ancient Romans. No one knows for certain why the Romans named it as they did. Some Roman authors thought that Aprilis was related to the Latin verb aperire meaning “to open,” because April “opened” the buds of leaves and flowers. A more likely theory is that the name was based on Apru, an Etruscan form of the name of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. [Middle English April “April,” from early French avrill and Latin Aprilis (both meaning “April”)]

April fool n : one who is tricked on April Fools' Day

April Fools' Day also April Fool's Day n : April 1 on which many people like to play practical jokes

apron \ˈā-prən, -pərn\ n
1 : a garment worn on the front of the body to keep the clothing from getting dirty
2 : something that suggests or resembles an apron in shape, position, or use: as  a : the part of the stage in front of the curtain  b : the paved part of an airport next to the terminal area or hangars [from Middle English napron “protective garment” (a napron was mistaken for an apron), derived from early French nape “cloth,” from Latin mappa “napkin” — related to MAP, NAPKIN]

1ap·ro·pos \ˌap-rə-ˈpō, ˈap-rə-ˌpō\ adv : at the right time

2apropos adj : being to the point : PERTINENT

apropos of prep : CONCERNING

apse \ˈaps\ n : a part of a building (as a church) that sticks out from one end of the building, is usually semicircular, has an arched roof, and is often richly decorated especially in Gothic churches

apt \ˈapt\ adj
1 : just right; esp : being to the point : RELEVANT <an apt remark>
2 : having a tendency : INCLINED, LIKELY <apt to become angry>
3 : quick to learn <an apt pupil> [Middle English apt “suitable,” from Latin aptus “apt, fit” — related to ADAPT]  synonyms see QUICK
— apt·ly adv

— apt·ness \ˈap(t)-nəs\ n

ap·ti·tude \ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : ability to learn : APTNESS
2 : a natural ability <an aptitude for mathematics>  synonyms see ABILITY

aqua \ˈak-wə, ˈäk-\ n : a light greenish blue

aqua·cade \ˈak-wə-ˌkād, ˈäk-\ n : a water spectacle that consists usually of exhibitions of swimming and diving accompanied by music

aqua·cul·ture \ˈak-wə-ˌkəl-ˌchər, äk-\ n : the cultivation of living things (as fish or shellfish) naturally occurring in water
— aqua·cul·tur·ist \-ˈkəlch-(ə-)rəst\ n

aqua·ma·rine \ˌak-wə-mə-ˈrēn, ˌäk-\ n
1 : a transparent beryl that is blue, blue-green, or green
2 : a pale blue to light greenish blue

aqua·naut \ˈak-wə-ˌnȯt, ˈäk-\ n : a person who lives for a long while in an underwater shelter used as a base for research

aqua·plane \ˈak-wə-ˌplān, ˈäk-\ n : a board towed behind a motorboat and ridden by a person standing on it
— aquaplane vb

— aqua·plan·er n

aqua re·gia \ˌak-wə-ˈrē-j(ē-)ə, ˌäk-\ n : a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

aquar·ist \ə-ˈkwar-əst, -ˈkwer-\ n : one who keeps an aquarium

aquar·i·um \ə-ˈkwar-ē-əm, -ˈkwer-\ n, pl -i·ums or -ia \-ē-ə\ : a container (as a glass tank) in which living water animals or plants are kept; also : an establishment where collections of such animals or plants are kept and shown

Aquar·i·us \ə-ˈkwar-ē-əs, -ˈkwer-\ n
1 a : the 11th sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Aquarius
2 : a group of stars between Capricorn and Pisces usually pictured as a man pouring water

1aquat·ic \ə-ˈkwät-ik, -ˈkwat-\ adj
1 : growing or living in or often found in water <aquatic animals>
2 : performed in or on water <aquatic sports>

2aquatic n : an aquatic animal or plant

aq·ue·duct \ˈak-wə-ˌdəkt\ n
1 : an artificial channel for water; esp : one for carrying a large quantity of flowing water
2 : a structure that carries the water of a canal across a river or hollow [from Latin aquaeductus “aqueduct,” from aquae, form of aqua “water,” and ductus “act of conducting or leading” — related to DUCT]

aque·ous \ˈā-kwē-əs, ˈak-wē-\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or resembling water  b : made from, by, or with water <an aqueous solution>
2 : of or relating to the aqueous humor

aqueous humor n : a clear fluid between the lens and the cornea of the eye

aqui·fer \ˈak-wə-fər, ˈäk-\ n : a water-bearing layer of rock, sand, or gravel capable of absorbing water
— aquif·er·ous \a-ˈkwif-ə-rəs, ä-\ adj

aq·ui·line \ˈak-wə-ˌlīn, -lən\ adj
1 : of or resembling an eagle
2 : curving like an eagle's beak <an aquiline nose>
— aq·ui·lin·i·ty \ˌak-wə-ˈlin-ət-ē\ n

-ar \ər also ˌär\ adj suffix : of or relating to <molecular> : being <spectacular> : resembling <oracular> [derived from Latin -aris (adjective suffix)]

Ar·ab \ˈar-əb\ n
1 a : a member of the Semitic people of the Arabian Peninsula  b : a member of an Arabic-speaking people
2 : ARABIAN HORSE
— Arab adj

ar·a·besque \ˌar-ə-ˈbesk\ n : an ornament or style of decoration that uses outlines of flowers, leaves, branches, or fruit and sometimes animal and human figures to produce a pattern of lines that cross over one another
— arabesque adj

Ara·bi·an \ə-ˈrā-bē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Arabia or its people
— Arabian n

Arabian camel n : DROMEDARY

Arabian horse n : a horse of a breed originally used in Arabia and nearby areas and noted for its graceful build, intelligence, and spirit

1Ar·a·bic \ˈar-ə-bik\ adj
1 : ARABIAN, ARAB
2 : expressed in or making use of Arabic numerals

2Arabic n : a Semitic language that is the chief language of a wide region of southwestern Asia and northern Africa

Arabic numeral n : any of the number symbols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0

ar·a·ble \ˈar-ə-bəl\ adj : fit for or cultivated by plowing : suitable for producing crops <arable soil>
— ar·a·bil·i·ty \ˌar-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

arach·nid \ə-ˈrak-nəd, -ˌnid\ n : any of a class of arthropods including the spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks and having a segmented body divided into two regions of which the front part bears four pairs of legs but no antennae
— arachnid adj

ara·go·nite \ə-ˈrag-ə-ˌnīt, ˈar-ə-gə-\ n : a mineral that is chemically the same as calcite but heavier per unit volume and with different crystalline form

Ar·a·mae·an \ˌar-ə-ˈmē-ən\ n
1 : a member of a Semitic people of the 2nd millennium b.c. in Syria and northern Mesopotamia
2 : ARAMAIC
— Aramaean adj

Ar·a·ma·ic \ˌar-ə-ˈmā-ik\ n : a Semitic language of the Aramaeans

ar·a·mid \ˈar-ə-məd, -ˌmid\ n : any of a group of light but very strong heat-resistant synthetic materials used especially in woven fabrics and plastics

Arap·a·ho or Arap·a·hoe \ə-ˈrap-ə-ˌhō\ n, pl -ho or -hos or -hoe or -hoes : a member of an American Indian people of the plains region extending from Saskatchewan and Manitoba to New Mexico and Texas

Ar·a·wak \ˈar-ə-ˌwäk\ n, pl -wak or -waks : a member of an Indian people chiefly of Guyana

ar·bi·ter \ˈär-bət-ər\ n
1 : ARBITRATOR
2 : a person whose judgment or opinion decides what is right or proper <an arbiter of taste>

ar·bi·trary \ˈär-bə-ˌtrer-ē\ adj
1 : coming from or given to free exercise of the will without thought of fairness or right <an arbitrary punishment> <an arbitrary ruler>
2 a : based on or determined by a person's preference or opinion <an arbitrary choice>  b : seeming to have been chosen by chance <an arbitrary sampling>
— ar·bi·trari·ly \ˌär-bə-ˈtrer-ə-lē\ adv

— ar·bi·trari·ness \ˈär-bə-ˌtrer-ē-nəs\ n

ar·bi·trate \ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt\ vb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 : to settle a disagreement after hearing the arguments of both sides <arbitrate between management and labor>
2 : to refer a dispute to others for settlement : submit to arbitration

ar·bi·tra·tion \ˌär-bə-ˈtrā-shən\ n : the act of arbitrating; esp : the settling of a dispute in which both sides present their arguments to a third person or group for settlement

ar·bi·tra·tor \ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt-ər\ n : a person chosen to settle differences in a disagreement

ar·bor \ˈär-bər\ n : a shelter of vines or branches or a structure of crossed wood or metal strips covered with climbing shrubs or vines

Arbor Day n : a day in April set aside as a day to plant trees

ar·bo·re·al \är-ˈbōr-ē-əl, -ˈbȯr-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a tree
2 : living in or often found in trees

ar·bo·re·tum \ˌär-bə-ˈrēt-əm\ n, pl -retums or -re·ta \-ˈrēt-ə\ : a place where trees and plants are grown for scientific and educational purposes

ar·bor·ist \ˈär-bə-rəst\ n : a specialist in the care of trees

ar·bor·vi·tae \ˌär-bər-ˈvīt-ē\ n : any of various evergreen trees and shrubs with closely overlapping scalelike leaves that are often grown for ornament and hedges [modern Latin arbor vitae, literally “tree of life”]

ar·bu·tus \är-ˈbyüt-əs\ n : TRAILING ARBUTUS

1arc \ˈärk\ n
1 a : something curved  b : a curved path
2 : a glowing flow of electricity across a gap in a circuit or between electrodes
3 : a continuous portion of a curved line (as part of the circumference of a circle)

2arc vb
1 : to form an electric arc
2 : to follow an arc-shaped course

ar·cade \är-ˈkād\ n
1 : a row of arches with the columns that support them
2 : an arched or covered passageway (as between shops)
3 : a place with many games to be played by putting coins in them

arcade game n : VIDEO GAME

1arch \ˈärch\ n
1 : a usually curved part of a structure that is over an opening and serves as a support
2 : something resembling an arch in form or function; esp : either of two portions of the bony structure of the foot that give it flexibility
3 : ARCHWAY [Middle English arche “arch,” from early French arche (same meaning), derived from Latin arcus “bow (weapon)”]

2arch vb
1 : to cover or provide with an arch
2 : to form into an arch
3 : to take an arch-shaped path

3arch adj
1 : PRINCIPAL, CHIEF <an arch opponent>
2 : being clever and mischievous <an arch look> [from arch- (prefix)]
— arch·ly adv

— arch·ness n

arch- prefix : chief : principal <archenemy> [derived from Greek archein “to begin, rule”]

ar·chaea \är-ˈkē-ə\ n pl : single-celled organisms that are prokaryotes often of harsh environments (as hot springs) and include forms that produce methane

ar·chae·ol·o·gy or ar·che·ol·o·gy \ˌär-kē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n : the science that deals with past human life as shown by fossil relics and the monuments and tools left by ancient peoples
— ar·chae·o·log·i·cal \-kē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— ar·chae·ol·o·gist \-kē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n

ar·chae·op·ter·yx \ˌär-kē-ˈäp-tə-riks\ n : a primitive extinct bird of the Jurassic period of geological history in Europe having characteristics (as teeth) of a reptile as well as wings and feathers

ar·cha·ic \är-ˈkā-ik\ adj : of, relating to, characteristic of, or surviving from an earlier time; esp : no longer in general use <the archaic words “methinks” and “saith”>  synonyms see OLD

ar·cha·ism \ˈär-kē-ˌiz-əm, -kā-\ n
1 : the use of archaic words
2 : an archaic word or expression

arch·an·gel \ˈärk-ˌān-jəl\ n : an angel of high rank
— arch·an·gel·ic \ˌärk-ˌan-ˈjel-ik\ adj

arch·bish·op \(ˈ)ärch-ˈbish-əp\ n : the bishop of highest rank in a group of dioceses

arch·bish·op·ric \(ˈ)ärch-ˈbish-ə-(ˌ)prik\ n : the office or area of authority of an archbishop

arch·dea·con \(ˈ)ärch-ˈdē-kən\ n : a church official who assists a bishop

arch·di·o·cese \(ˈ)ärch-ˈdī-ə-səs, -ˌsēz, -ˌsēs\ n : the diocese of an archbishop

Ar·che·an or Ar·chae·an \är-ˈke-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or being the earliest eon of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Archean n

arch·en·e·my \(ˈ)ärch-ˈen-ə-mē\ n : a principal enemy

Ar·cheo·zo·ic \ˌär-kē-ə-ˈzō-ik\ adj : ARCHEAN
— Archeozoic n

ar·cher \ˈär-chər\ n : a person who shoots with a bow and arrow

ar·chery \ˈärch-(ə-)rē\ n : the art, practice, or skill of shooting with bow and arrow

ar·che·type \ˈär-ki-ˌtīp\ n : the original pattern or model from which something is copied
— ar·che·typ·al \ˌär-ki-ˈtī-pəl\ adj

arch·foe \(ˌ)ärch-ˈfō\ n : a principal foe : ARCHENEMY

ar·chi·epis·co·pal \ˌär-kē-ə-ˈpis-kə-pəl\ adj : of or relating to an archbishop

Ar·chi·me·des' principle \ˌär-kə-ˈmēd-ēz-\ n : a law of fluid mechanics: a body in a fluid is lifted up with a force equal to the weight of the fluid whose place was taken by the body

ar·chi·pel·a·go \ˌär-kə-ˈpel-ə-ˌgō, ˌär-chə-\ n, pl -goes or -gos : a wide stretch of water with many scattered islands; also : a group of islands

ar·chi·tect \ˈär-kə-ˌtekt\ n : a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction

ar·chi·tec·ture \ˈär-kə-ˌtek-chər\ n
1 : the art or science of designing and building structures and especially ones that can be lived in
2 : architectural product or work
3 : a method or style of building
— ar·chi·tec·tur·al \ˌär-kə-ˈtek-chə-rəl, -ˈtek-shrəl\ adj

— ar·chi·tec·tur·al·ly \-ē\ adv

1ar·chive \ˈär-ˌkīv\ n
1 : a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved; also : the material preserved — usually used in plural
2 : a collection of information

2archive vb ar·chived; ar·chiv·ing : to file or collect in or as if in an archive <was archiving documents>

ar·chi·vist \ˈär-kə-vəst, -ˌkī-\ n : a person in charge of archives

arch·ri·val \(ˌ)ärch-ˈrī-vəl\ n : a principal rival

arch·way \ˈärch-ˌwā\ n : a passage under an arch; also : an arch over a passage

-ar·chy \ˌär-kē, in some words also ər-kē\ n combining form, pl -archies : rule : government <matriarchy> [derived from Greek archein “to rule”]

arc lamp n : a lamp that produces light when an electric current passes between two hot electrodes surrounded by gas — called also arc light

1arc·tic \ˈärk-tik, ˈärt-ik\ adj
1 often cap : of, relating to, or suitable for use at the north pole or the region around it <arctic waters> <arctic animals> <arctic clothing>
2 : very cold : FRIGID [Middle English artik “arctic,” derived from Greek arktikos “arctic,” from Arktos “the Bear,” name of the most easily recognizable constellation near the north pole of the sky]

2arc·tic \ˈärt-ik, ˈärk-tik\ n : a rubber overshoe : GALOSH

arctic circle n, often cap A&C : the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66½ degrees north of the equator

arctic fox n : a small fox of arctic regions having fur that is blue-gray or brownish in summer and white in winter

arctic hare n : a large hare of arctic America that is almost completely white in winter

Arc·tu·rus \ärk-ˈt(y)u̇r-əs\ n : a very large bright star in Boötes that does not appear to move

ar·dent \ˈärd-ənt\ adj
1 : showing or having warmth of feeling : PASSIONATE <an ardent admirer>
2 : ZEALOUS, DEVOTED <an ardent supporter>
— ar·dent·ly adv

ar·dor \ˈärd-ər\ n
1 : a warmth of feeling
2 : great eagerness : ZEAL

ar·du·ous \ˈärj-(ə-)wəs\ adj : extremely difficult : LABORIOUS <an arduous climb>
— ar·du·ous·ly adv

— ar·du·ous·ness n

1are present 2nd singular or present plural of BE [Old English earun “are”]

2are \ˈa(ə)r, ˈe(ə)r, ˈär\ n : a unit of area equal to 100 square meters — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE [from French are (unit of measure), from Latin area “open space, area”]

ar·ea \ˈar-ē-ə, ˈer-\ n
1 : a particular piece of ground or extent of space often set aside for special use <a picnic area> <a waiting area>
2 : the surface inside a figure or shape; esp : the number of unit squares equal to the amount of space the surface covers <a circle with an area of 500 square meters>
3 : REGION 2A <a farming area>
4 : a field of activity or study
5 : a part of the brain having a particular function (as vision or hearing) [from Latin “open space, threshing floor” — related to AERIE]

area code n : a usually three-digit number that represents each telephone service area in a country (as the U.S. or Canada)

area·way \ˈar-ē-ə-ˌwā, ˈer-\ n : a sunken space providing entrance to and air and light for a basement

are·na \ə-ˈrē-nə\ n
1 : an enclosed area used for public entertainment
2 : a building containing an arena
3 : a field of activity <the political arena>

aren't \(ˈ)ärnt, ˈär-ənt\ : are not

are·o·la \ə-ˈrē-ə-lə\ n, pl -lae \-ˌlē\ or -las : a colored ring (as about the nipple)
— are·o·lar \-lər\ adj

ar·gent \ˈär-jənt\ adj : resembling silver : SILVERY, WHITE

ar·gen·tite \ˈär-jən-ˌtīt\ n : a dark gray mineral with a metallic luster that is a sulfide of silver and an ore of silver

ar·gil·la·ceous \ˌär-jə-ˈlā-shəs\ adj : of, relating to, or containing clay or the minerals of clay

ar·gi·nine \ˈär-jə-ˌnēn\ n : an amino acid that is found in various proteins

Ar·give \ˈär-ˌjīv, -ˌgīv\ adj : of or relating to the Greeks or Greece and especially to the city of Argos
— Argive n

ar·gon \ˈär-ˌgän\ n : a colorless odorless element that is a gas found in the air and in volcanic gases and used especially in electric bulbs — see ELEMENT TABLE

ar·go·naut \ˈär-gə-ˌnȯt, -ˌnät\ n
1 cap : one of a band of heroes sailing with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece
2 : PAPER NAUTILUS

ar·go·sy \ˈär-gə-sē\ n, pl -sies : a large merchant ship

ar·got \ˈär-gət, -gō\ n : a more or less private vocabulary used by a particular class or group

ar·gu·able \ˈär-gyü-ə-bəl\ adj : open to argument, dispute, or question
— ar·gu·ably \-(ə-)blē\ adv

ar·gue \ˈär-gyü\ vb ar·gued; ar·gu·ing
1 : to give reasons for or against <argue in favor of lowering taxes>
2 : to talk about some matter usually with different points of view <argue about politics>
3 : to persuade by giving reasons <tried to argue their parents into getting a new car>  synonyms see DISCUSS
— ar·gu·er n

ar·gu·ment \ˈär-gyə-mənt\ n
1 a : a reason for or against something  b : a discussion in which arguments are presented : DEBATE
2 : an angry disagreement : QUARREL

ar·gu·men·ta·tive \ˌär-gyə-ˈment-ət-iv\ adj : marked by or given to argument : QUARRELSOME
— ar·gu·men·ta·tive·ly adv

aria \ˈär-ē-ə\ n : a song in an opera sung by a single voice

ar·id \ˈar-əd\ adj : very dry; esp : not having enough rainfall to support agriculture
— arid·i·ty \ə-ˈrid-ət-ē, a-\ n

Ar·i·es \ˈer-(ē-)ˌēz, ˈar-\ n
1 a : the first sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Aries
2 : a group of stars between Pisces and Taurus usually pictured as a ram

aright \ə-ˈrīt\ adv : so as to be correct : RIGHTLY <if I remember aright>

arise \ə-ˈrīz\ vb arose \-ˈrōz\; aris·en \-ˈriz-ən\; aris·ing \-ˈrī-ziŋ\
1 : to get up from sleep or after lying down <arising at dawn>
2 a : to begin at a source <arteries that arise from the aorta>  b : to come into being or to attention <a question arose>
3 : to move upward <mist arose from the valley>

ar·is·toc·ra·cy \ˌar-ə-ˈstäk-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : a government run by a small class of people
2 a : an upper class that is usually based on birth and is richer and more powerful than the rest of society  b : persons thought to be better than the rest of the community

aris·to·crat \ə-ˈris-tə-ˌkrat, a-; ˈar-ə-stə-\ n
1 : a member of an aristocracy
2 : a person who has habits and ideas like those of the aristocracy
— aris·to·crat·ic \ə-ˌris-tə-ˈkrat-ik, a-ˌris-tə-, ˌar-ə-stə-\ adj

— aris·to·crat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

arith·me·tic \ə-ˈrith-mə-ˌtik\ n
1 : a branch of mathematics that deals with real numbers and their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
2 : an act or method of computing
— ar·ith·met·ic \ˌar-ith-ˈmet-ik\ or ar·ith·met·i·cal \-ˈmet-i-kəl\ adj

— ar·ith·met·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— arith·me·ti·cian \ə-ˌrith-mə-ˈtish-ən\ n

arithmetic mean \ˌar-ith-ˌmet-ik-\ n : a number equal to the sum of a set of numbers divided by how many numbers are in the set <the arithmetic mean of 3, 4, 6, and 7 is 5>

ark \ˈärk\ n
1 : the ship in which Noah and his family were saved from the Flood
2 a : a sacred chest in which the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets of the Law  b : a place in a synagogue for the scrolls of the Torah

1arm \ˈärm\ n
1 a : a human upper limb; esp : the part between the shoulder and wrist  b : a corresponding limb of a lower vertebrate animal
2 : something resembling an arm in shape or position <an arm of the sea> <the arm of a chair>
3 : 1POWER 1A <the long arm of the law>
4 : SLEEVE 1 [Old English earm “arm”]
— armed \ˈärmd\ adj

— arm·less \ˈärm-ləs\ adj

— arm·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— arm in arm : with arms linked together <walked down the street arm in arm>

2arm vb
1 : to provide with weapons <arm a regiment>
2 : to provide with a way of fighting, competing, or succeeding <armed herself with facts>
3 : to make ready for action or use <arm a bomb>

3arm n
1 a : WEAPON; esp : FIREARM  b : a branch of an army  c : a branch of the military forces
2 pl : the designs on a shield or flag of a family or a government
3 pl  a : actual fighting : WARFARE <a call to arms>  b : military service [Middle English armes “weapons,” from early French armes (same meaning), from Latin arma “weapons” — related to ALARM; see Word History at ALARM]

ar·ma·da \är-ˈmäd-ə, -ˈmād-\ n
1 : a large fleet of warships
2 : a large force or group of usually moving things <an armada of fishing boats> [from Spanish armada “fleet,” derived from Latin arma “weapons”]

ar·ma·dil·lo \ˌär-mə-ˈdil-ō\ n, pl -los : any of several small burrowing mammals of warm parts of the Americas whose head and body are protected by hard bony armor

ar·ma·ment \ˈär-mə-mənt\ n
1 : the military strength and equipment of a nation
2 : a supply of war materials
3 : the process of preparing for war

ar·ma·ture \ˈär-mə-chər, -ˌchu̇(ə)r\ n
1 : a covering or structure (as the spines of a cactus) used for protection or defense
2 : the part of an electric generator that consists of coils of wire around an iron core and that induces an electric current when it is rotated in a magnetic field
3 : the part of an electric motor that consists of coils of wire around an iron core and that is caused to rotate in a magnetic field when an electric current is passed through the coils
4 : the movable part of an electromagnetic device (as a loudspeaker)

arm·chair \ˈärm-ˌche(ə)r, -ˌcha(ə)r; ˈarm-ˈche(ə)r, -ˈcha(ə)r\ n : a chair with supports for a person's arms

armed adj
1 : furnished with weapons <an armed guard>
2 : furnished with something that provides security or strength <armed with knowledge>

armed forces n pl : the military, naval, and air forces of a nation

Ar·me·nian \är-ˈmē-nē-ən, -nyən\ n
1 : a member of a people native to Armenia
2 : the Indo-European language of the Armenians
— Armenian adj

arm·ful \ˈärm-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl arm·fuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ or arms·ful \ˈärmz-ˌfu̇l\ : as much as a person's arm can hold <an armful of books>

arm·hole \ˈärm-ˌhōl\ n : an opening for the arm in a garment

ar·mi·stice \ˈär-mə-stəs\ n : a pause in fighting brought about by agreement between the two sides

Armistice Day n : VETERANS DAY

arm·let \ˈärm-lət\ n : a band (as of cloth or metal) worn around the upper arm

ar·mor \ˈär-mər\ n
1 : a covering (as of metal) to protect the body in battle
2 : a protective covering (as the steel sides of a battleship or the covering of an animal or plant)
3 : armored forces and vehicles (as tanks)

ar·mored \ˈär-mərd\ adj
1 : protected by armor <an armored car> <armored reptiles>
2 : supplied with armored equipment <an armored force>

ar·mor·er \ˈär-mər-ər\ n
1 : one that makes armor or arms
2 : a person who repairs, puts together, and tests firearms

ar·mo·ri·al \är-ˈmōr-ē-əl, -ˈmȯr-\ adj : of, relating to, or carrying designs on a shield or flag of a family or a government

ar·mory \ˈärm-(ə-)rē\ n, pl ar·mor·ies
1 : a supply of weapons
2 : a place where arms are kept and where soldiers are often trained
3 : a place where arms are made

arm·pit \ˈärm-ˌpit\ n : the hollow beneath the spot where the arm and shoulder join

ar·my \ˈär-mē\ n, pl ar·mies
1 a : a large body of men and women organized for land warfare  b often cap : the complete military organization of a nation for land warfare
2 : a great number of persons or things
3 : a body of persons organized to promote an idea [Middle English armee “army,” from early French armee (same meaning), derived from Latin arma “weapons”]

army ant n : any of various ants that live in groups, move from place to place in search of food, are found from Mexico to South America, and feed especially on insects and spiders

ar·my·worm \-ˌwərm\ n : any of numerous moths that in the larval stage travel in large numbers from field to field destroying crops (as grass or grain)

aro·ma \ə-ˈrō-mə\ n : a noticeable and usually pleasant smell <the aroma of coffee>

ar·o·mat·ic \ˌar-ə-ˈmat-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or having aroma
— aromatic n

arose past of ARISE

1around \ə-ˈrau̇nd\ adv
1 : in circumference <a tree five feet around>
2 : in or along a curving path
3 : on all sides <papers lying around>
4 : NEARBY <stick around a while>
5 : here and there in various places <travel around>
6 : to each in turn <pass the fruit around>
7 : from beginning to end <mild the year around>
8 : in or to an opposite direction or position <turn around>
9 : close to : APPROXIMATELY <costs around $20>

2around prep
1 a : on all sides of <were fields around the village>  b : so as to encircle or enclose <people seated around the table>  c : on or to another side of <voyage around Cape Horn>  d : near to <lives around Chicago>
2 : here and there in or throughout <travel around the country>

arouse \ə-ˈrau̇z\ vb aroused; arous·ing
1 : to awaken from sleep
2 : to rouse to action : EXCITE

ar·peg·gio \är-ˈpej-ō, -ˈpej-ē-ˌō\ n, pl -gios
1 : the playing of the tones of a chord in succession and not at the same time
2 : a chord played in arpeggio

arquebus variant of HARQUEBUS

ar·raign \ə-ˈrān\ vb : to call before a court to answer to a charge
— ar·raign·ment \-mənt\ n

ar·range \ə-ˈrānj\ vb ar·ranged; ar·rang·ing
1 : to put in order; esp : to put in a particular order <arrange books on shelves>
2 : to make plans for <arrange a program>
3 : to come to an agreement about : SETTLE <arrange a time for the meeting>
4 : to make a musical arrangement of
— ar·rang·er n

ar·range·ment \ə-ˈrānj-mənt\ n
1 : a putting in order : the order in which things are put <the arrangement of furniture in a room>
2 : preparation or planning done in advance <make arrangements for a trip>
3 : something made by arranging <a flower arrangement>
4 : a changing of a piece of music to suit voices or instruments other than those for which it was first written

ar·rant \ˈar-ənt\ adj : OUT-AND-OUT, COMPLETE <an arrant fool>
— ar·rant·ly adv

1ar·ray \ə-ˈrā\ vb
1 : to set in order : DRAW UP <soldiers arrayed for review>
2 : to dress especially in fine clothing : ADORN
— ar·ray·er n

2array n
1 : regular order or arrangement; also : persons (as troops) in array
2 : rich or beautiful clothing
3 : an impressive group : large number <a whole array of problems>; also : VARIETY 2, ASSORTMENT
4 : a group of mathematical elements (as numbers or letters) arranged in rows and columns

ar·rears \ə-ˈri(ə)rz\ n pl
1 : the state of being behind in the paying of debts <two months in arrears>
2 : unpaid and overdue debts

1ar·rest \ə-ˈrest\ vb
1 a : to stop the progress or movement of  b : 2CHECK 3, SLOW <arrest a disease>
2 : to take or keep in one's control by authority of law <arrest someone on suspicion of robbery>
3 : to attract and hold the attention of <colors that arrest the eye>

2arrest n
1 a : the act of stopping  b : the state of being stopped
2 : the act of taking or holding in one's control by authority of law

ar·rest·ing \ə-ˈres-tiŋ\ adj : catching the attention <an arresting painting>

ar·riv·al \ə-ˈrī-vəl\ n
1 : the act of arriving <await the arrival of guests>
2 : a person or thing that has arrived <late arrivals at a concert>

ar·rive \ə-ˈrīv\ vb ar·rived; ar·riv·ing
1 : to reach the place one started out for <arrive home at six o'clock>
2 : COME 4 <the time arrived to begin>
3 : to be successful
— arrive at : to reach by effort or thought <arrive at a decision>

ar·ro·gance \ˈar-ə-gən(t)s\ n : a sense of one's own importance that shows itself in a proud and insulting way

ar·ro·gant \ˈar-ə-gənt\ adj
1 : overly proud of oneself or one's own opinions
2 : marked by arrogance <arrogant remarks>
— ar·ro·gant·ly adv

ar·ro·gate \ˈar-ə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to take or claim for one's own without right
2 : to attribute to another especially without good reason
— ar·ro·ga·tion \ˌar-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n

ar·row \ˈar-ō\ n
1 : a weapon that is made to be shot from a bow and is usually a stick with a point at one end and feathers at the other
2 : a mark (as on a map) to show direction

ar·row·head \-ˌhed\ n
1 : the wedge-shaped striking end of an arrow
2 : something (as a mark) resembling an arrowhead

ar·row·root \-ˌrüt, -ˌru̇t\ n
1 : any of several plants of warm regions of Central and South America with starchy roots
2 : an edible starch from the roots of an arrowroot plant

arrow worm n : any of various small ocean animals that look like worms

ar·royo \ə-ˈrȯi-ə, -ˈrȯi-(ˌ)ō\ n, pl -royos
1 : a waterway (as a creek) in a dry region
2 : an often dry gully or channel carved by water

ar·se·nal \ˈärs-nəl, -ən-əl\ n
1 : a place for the manufacture or storage of arms
2 : a collection of weapons

ar·se·nic \ˈärs-nik, -ən-ik\ n
1 : a solid poisonous element that is commonly metallic steel-gray and brittle — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 : a white or transparent extremely poisonous oxide of arsenic used especially in insecticides

ar·se·no·py·rite \ˌärs-ən-ō-ˈpī-ˌrīt\ n : a hard bluish or grayish white mineral consisting of iron, arsenic, and sulfur

ar·sine \är-ˈsēn, ˈär-ˌsēn\ n : a colorless flammable extremely poisonous gas with an odor like garlic

ar·son \ˈär-sən\ n : the illegal burning of a building or other property
— ar·son·ist \-əst\ n

1art \(ˈ)ärt, ərt\ archaic present 2nd singular of BE [Old English eart “art”]

2art \ˈärt\ n
1 : skill that comes through experience or study <the art of making friends>
2 : a branch of learning; esp : one of the nonscientific branches of learning (as literature) — usually used in plural <a degree in the arts>
3 : an occupation that requires knowledge or skill <cooking is an art>
4 : the use of skill and creativity especially in the making of things that are beautiful to look at, listen to, or read
5 : the works (as pictures, poems, or songs) produced by artists [Middle English art “art, skill,” from early French art (same meaning), from Latin art-, ars “skill”]

ar·te·ri·al \är-ˈtir-ē-əl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to an artery  b : being the bright red oxygen-rich blood present in most arteries
2 : of, relating to, or being routes for through traffic <arterial highways>
— ar·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

ar·te·ri·ole \är-ˈtir-ē-ˌōl\ n : a very small artery connecting a larger artery to capillaries
— ar·te·ri·o·lar \är-ˌtir-ē-ˈō-ˌlär, -lər\ adj

ar·te·rio·scle·ro·sis \är-ˌtir-ē-ō-sklə-ˈrō-səs\ n : a disease characterized by abnormal thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries
— ar·te·rio·scle·rot·ic \-ˈrät-ik\ adj or n

ar·tery \ˈärt-ə-rē\ n, pl -ter·ies
1 : one of the tube-shaped branching muscular-walled and elastic-walled vessels that carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body
2 : a channel (as a river or highway) of transportation or communication; esp : the main channel in a branching system

ar·te·sian well \är-ˌtē-zhən-\ n
1 : a drilled well from which water flows up like a fountain
2 : a deep well

art·ful \ˈärt-fəl\ adj
1 : done with or showing art or skill
2 : clever at taking advantage
— art·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— art·ful·ness n

ar·thri·tis \är-ˈthrīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the joints
— ar·thrit·ic \-ˈthrit-ik\ adj or n

ar·thro·pod \ˈär-thrə-ˌpäd\ n : any of a phylum of invertebrate animals (as insects, arachnids, and crustaceans) having a segmented body, jointed limbs, and a shell of chitin that is shed periodically
— arthropod adj

ar·ti·choke \ˈärt-ə-ˌchōk\ n : a tall plant related to the daisies and having a flower head which is cooked and eaten as a vegetable

ar·ti·cle \ˈärt-i-kəl\ n
1 : a separate part of a document dealing with a single subject <the third article of the U.S. Constitution>
2 : a piece of writing other than fiction or poetry that forms an independent part of a publication (as a magazine)
3 : a word (as a, an, or the) used with a noun to limit it or make it clearer
4 : a member of a class of things <articles of clothing>

ar·tic·u·lar \är-ˈtik-yə-lər\ adj : of or relating to a joint

1ar·tic·u·late \är-ˈtik-yə-lət\ adj
1 a : clearly understandable <an articulate argument>  b : able to express oneself clearly and well <an articulate speaker>
2 : consisting of segments united by joints : JOINTED <articulate animals>
— ar·tic·u·late·ly adv

— ar·tic·u·late·ness n

2ar·tic·u·late \är-ˈtik-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 a : to speak in clear syllables or words  b : to express clearly
2 : to unite or become united or connected by or as if by a joint
— ar·tic·u·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

ar·tic·u·la·tion \(ˌ)är-ˌtik-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the making of articulate sounds (as in pronunciation)
2 : a joint between rigid parts of an animal; esp : one between bones or cartilages

ar·ti·fact \ˈärt-i-ˌfakt\ n : a usually simple object (as a tool or ornament) showing human work and representing a culture or a stage in the development of a culture

ar·ti·fice \ˈärt-ə-fəs\ n
1 a : a clever device : TRICK  b : false or dishonest behavior <social artifice>
2 : clever skill <a vase made with much artifice>

ar·ti·fi·cer \är-ˈtif-ə-sər, ˈärt-ə-fə-sər\ n : a skilled or artistic worker

ar·ti·fi·cial \ˌärt-ə-ˈfish-əl\ adj
1 : made, produced, or performed by human beings often following a natural model or process <artificial flowers> <artificial pollination>
2 : not genuine or sincere : FORCED <an artificial smile> [Middle English artificial “made or done by humans rather than occurring in nature,” from early French artificiel (same meaning) or Latin artificialis “contrived by art,” from Latin artificium “skill, artistry, craft,” derived from arti- (from art-, ars “skill”) and facere “to make, do” — related to FASHION, MANUFACTURE, PERFECT]
— ar·ti·fi·ci·al·i·ty \ˌärt-ə-ˌfish-ē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— ar·ti·fi·cial·ly \ˌärt-ə-ˈfish-(ə-)lē\ adv

artificial heart n : a device designed to maintain the flow of blood to the tissues of the body

artificial intelligence n : the power of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior

artificial respiration n : the rhythmic forcing of air into and out of the lungs of a person whose breathing has stopped

artificial selection n : the process of modifying living things (as plants and animals) by selective breeding controlled by human beings

ar·til·lery \är-ˈtil-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ler·ies
1 : large firearms (as cannon or rockets)
2 : a branch of an army armed with artillery
— ar·til·lery·man \-mən\ n

ar·ti·san \ˈärt-ə-zən, -sən\ n : a skilled worker; esp : one (as a carpenter) whose occupation requires skill with the hands

art·ist \ˈärt-əst\ n
1 : a person skilled in one of the arts (as painting, sculpture, music, or writing)
2 : a person showing unusual ability in an occupation requiring skill

ar·tis·tic \är-ˈtis-tik\ adj
1 : relating to or characteristic of art or artists
2 : showing skill and imagination
— ar·tis·ti·cal·ly \-ˈtis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

art·ist·ry \ˈärt-ə-strē\ n
1 : artistic quality of effect or skill <the artistry of her novel>
2 : artistic ability

art·less \ˈärt-ləs\ adj
1 : lacking art, knowledge, or skill : UNCULTURED
2 a : made without skill <an artless attempt to win>  b : being simple and sincere : NATURAL <artless grace>
3 : not trying to deceive others
— art·less·ly adv

— art·less·ness n

ar·um \ˈar-əm, ˈer-\ n : any of a family of plants (as the jack-in-the-pulpit or the skunk cabbage) having heart-shaped or sword-shaped leaves and flowers in a fleshy spike enclosed in a leafy covering

1-ary \usually ˌer-ē after an unstressed syllable, ə-rē or rē after a stressed syllable\ n suffix, pl -aries : thing or person belonging to or connected with <boundary> [derived from Latin -arius, -aria, -arium (noun suffix), from -arius (adjective suffix)]

2-ary adj suffix : of, relating to, or connected with <legendary> [derived from Latin -arius (adjective suffix)]

Ary·an \ˈar-ē-ən, ˈer-, ˈär-yən\ n
1 : INDO-EUROPEAN 2
2 : a member of the subgroup of Indo-European speakers ancestral to speakers of Indo-Aryan and Iranian languages
— Aryan adj

1as \əz, (ˌ)az\ adv
1 : to the same degree or amount <as cold as ice> <a number twice as large>
2 : for example <various trees, as oak or pine>

2as conj
1 : in or to the same degree that <mad as a hornet>
2 : in the way or manner that <do as I say>
3 : at the same time that : WHILE, WHEN <sang as they marched along>
4 : 2THOUGH <improbable as it seems, it's true>
5 : BECAUSE, SINCE <stayed home, as I had no car>
6 : that the result is <so clearly guilty as to leave no doubt>
— as is : in the present condition without any changes <bought the clock at an auction as is>

3as pron
1 : 1THAT, WHO, WHICH — used after same or such <had the same name as my cousin>
2 : a fact that <they are smart, as you know> <as I said before, it's time to go>

4as prep
1 : 4LIKE 2 <came dressed as a clown>
2 : in the position or role of <working as an editor>

as- — see AD-

asa·fet·i·da or asa·foe·ti·da \ˌas-ə-ˈfet-əd-ə\ n : a hard gum that has an unpleasant smell, comes from several Asian plants related to the carrot, is used in Indian cooking, and was once thought to prevent disease

as·bes·tos \as-ˈbes-təs, az-\ n : a grayish mineral that easily separates into long flexible fibers, that is used to make materials that are fireproof, do not conduct electricity, and are chemically resistant, and that can cause serious lung disease if inhaled as a dust

as·cend \ə-ˈsend\ vb : to go up : CLIMB, RISE <ascend a hill> <smoke ascends>
— as·cend·able or as·cend·ible \-ˈsen-də-bəl\ adj

as·cen·dance \ə-ˈsen-dən(t)s\ n : ASCENDANCY

as·cen·dan·cy \ə-ˈsen-dən-sē\ n : controlling influence

1as·cen·dant \ə-ˈsen-dənt\ n : a state or position of commanding power

2ascendant adj
1 : moving up : RISING
2 a : in a superior position  b : inclined to control

as·cen·sion \ə-ˈsen-chən\ n : the act or process of ascending

Ascension Day n : the Thursday 40 days after Easter observed by Christians in honor of Christ's ascension into heaven after the Resurrection

as·cent \ə-ˈsent, a-\ n
1 : the act of rising or climbing up <began their ascent of the mountain>
2 : an upward slope

as·cer·tain \ˌas-ər-ˈtān\ vb : to learn with certainty : FIND OUT <could not ascertain the correct date>
— as·cer·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adj

— as·cer·tain·ment \-ˈtān-mənt\ n

as·cet·ic \ə-ˈset-ik, a-\ adj
1 : following a practice of not giving in to one's desires especially as a means of religious discipline <an ascetic way of life>
2 : harshly simple : AUSTERE <ascetic surroundings>
— ascetic n

— as·cet·i·cism \ə-ˈset-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n

ASCII \ˈas-(ˌ)kē\ n : a computer code for expressing numerals, letters of the alphabet, and other symbols [American Standard Code for Information Interchange]

as·co·my·cete \ˌas-kō-ˈmī-ˌsēt, -mī-ˈsēt\ n : any of a class of higher fungi (as yeasts and molds) that have the hyphae divided by partitions and the spores produced in sacs — called also sac fungus

ascor·bic acid \ə-ˌskȯr-bik-\ n : VITAMIN C

as·cot \ˈas-kət, -ˌkät\ n : a broad neck scarf that is looped under the chin

as·cribe \ə-ˈskrīb\ vb as·cribed; as·crib·ing : to think of as coming from a specified cause, source, or author <a statement ascribed to Plato>
— as·crib·able \-ˈskrī-bə-bəl\ adj

as·crip·tion \ə-ˈskrip-shən\ n : the act of ascribing : ATTRIBUTION

-ase \ˌās, ˌāz\ n suffix : enzyme <maltase> [French -ase (suffix), from the enzyme diastase]

asep·sis \(ˈ)ā-ˈsep-səs, ə-\ n : the condition of being aseptic; also : the methods of making or keeping aseptic

asep·tic \(ˈ)ā-ˈsep-tik, ə-\ adj : preventing infection; also : free or freed from disease-causing germs
— asep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

asex·u·al \(ˈ)ā-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsek-shəl\ adj
1 : lacking sex <asexual organisms>
2 : occurring or formed without the production and union of two kinds of gametes <asexual reproduction> <asexual spores>
— asex·u·al·ly \-ē\ adv

as for prep : CONCERNING <as for me>

As·gard \ˈas-ˌgärd, ˈaz-\ n : the home of the Norse gods

1ash \ˈash\ n
1 : any of a genus of trees related to the olive and having bark with grooves and ridges and winged seeds
2 : the hard strong wood of an ash [Old English æsc “ash tree”]

2ash n
1 a : the solid that remains after material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical means  b : fine particles of mineral matter from a volcanic vent
2 pl : the remains of something destroyed : RUINS
3 pl : the remains of the dead human body especially after cremation [Old English asce “the remains of something burned”]

ashamed \ə-ˈshāmd\ adj
1 : feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace <ashamed of my behavior>
2 : kept from doing something by an expectation of shame <ashamed to beg>
— asham·ed·ly \-ˈshā-məd-lē\ adv

Ashan·ti \ə-ˈshant-ē, -ˈshänt-\ n, pl Ashanti or Ashantis : a member of a people of southern Ghana

ash·en \ˈash-ən\ adj
1 : of the color of ashes
2 : deadly pale <ashen with fear>

ashore \ə-ˈshō(ə)r, -ˈshȯ(ə)r\ adv : on or to the shore

ash·tray \ˈash-ˌtrā\ n : a container for tobacco ashes and for cigar and cigarette butts

Ash Wednesday n : the first day of Lent

ashy \ˈash-ē\ adj ash·i·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or resembling ashes
2 : ASHEN 2

Asian \ˈā-zhən, ˈā-shən\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Asia or its people
— Asian n

Asian–American \-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən\ n : an American who has Asian ancestors
— Asian–American adj

Asian elephant n : ELEPHANT B

Asi·at·ic \ˌā-zhē-ˈat-ik, -zē-\ adj, sometimes offensive : ASIAN
— Asiatic n, sometimes offensive

1aside \ə-ˈsīd\ adv
1 : to or toward the side <stepped aside>
2 : out of the way especially for future use : AWAY <put money aside for school>
3 : away from one's thought or consideration <all kidding aside>

2aside n : words meant not to be heard by someone; esp : an actor's words supposedly not heard by others on the stage

aside from prep : with the exception of : EXCEPT FOR <aside from a few pieces of bread, the food is gone>

as if conj
1 : the way it would be if <it was as if we had never left>
2 : the way one would do if <they acted as if they'd never heard of us>
3 : 2THAT 1A <it seemed as if the day would never end>

as·i·nine \ˈas-ən-ˌīn\ adj : extremely foolish <an asinine excuse>
— as·i·nine·ly adv

— as·i·nin·i·ty \ˌas-ən-ˈin-ət-ē\ n

ask \ˈask, ˈȧsk\ vb
1 : to seek information : INQUIRE <asked about our trip>
2 a : to make a request <ask for help>  b : to make a request to <ask your teacher to help you>
3 : to set as a price : DEMAND <asked $20 for the bicycle>
4 : 1INVITE 2A <asked friends to a party>
5 : to behave as if looking <asking for trouble>
— ask·er n

askance \ə-ˈskan(t)s\ adv
1 : with a side glance
2 : with distrust or disapproval <eyed the stranger askance>

askew \ə-ˈskyü\ adv or adj : out of line : AWRY 1

aslant \ə-ˈslant\ adv or adj : in a slanting direction

1asleep \ə-ˈslēp\ adj
1 : being in a state of sleep
2 : lacking sensation : NUMB <my foot was asleep>

2asleep adv : into a state of sleep

as of prep : 1ON 3, AT <we begin work as of Tuesday> <as of the moment, things are fine>

asp \ˈasp\ n : a small poisonous snake of Egypt

as·par·a·gus \ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs\ n : a tall branching long-lived herb related to the lilies and widely grown for its thick edible young shoots

as·par·tic acid \ə-ˌspärt-ik-\ n : an amino acid found especially in plants

as·pect \ˈas-ˌpekt\ n
1 : a position facing a certain direction : EXPOSURE
2 : a certain way in which something appears or may be regarded <studied every aspect of the question>
3 : the appearance of something : LOOK

aspect ratio n : a comparison of one dimension (as width) to another (as height)

as·pen \ˈas-pən\ n : any of several poplars with leaves that flutter in the lightest breeze

as·per·i·ty \a-ˈsper-ət-ē, ə-ˈsper-\ n, pl -ties
1 : something making for hardship : RIGOR, SEVERITY
2 : harshness of temper, manner, or tone

as·perse \ə-ˈspərs, a-\ vb as·persed; as·pers·ing : to attack with evil reports or false charges : SLANDER

as·per·sion \ə-ˈspər-zhən\ n : an evil report or false charge <cast aspersions on a person>

1as·phalt \ˈas-ˌfȯlt\ n
1 : a brown to black substance that is found in natural beds or obtained as something left in petroleum or coal-tar refining and that consists chiefly of compounds of carbon and hydrogen
2 : any of various compositions of asphalt having different uses (as for pavement or for waterproof cement or paint)
— as·phal·tic \as-ˈfȯl-tik\ adj

2asphalt vb : to cover with asphalt

as·pho·del \ˈas-fə-ˌdel\ n : any of several herbs related to the lilies and bearing white or yellow flowers in long upright spikes

as·phyx·ia \as-ˈfik-sē-ə\ n : a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body usually caused by interruption of breathing or insufficient oxygen supply and resulting in unconsciousness and often death

as·phyx·i·ate \as-ˈfik-sē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to cause asphyxia in
— as·phyx·i·a·tion \(ˌ)as-ˌfik-sē-ˈā-shən\ n

as·pic \ˈas-pik\ n : a jelly of fish or meat stock used especially to make a mold of meat, fish, or vegetables

as·pi·dis·tra \ˌas-pə-ˈdis-trə\ n : an Asian plant related to the lilies, having large leaves at the base of the stem, and often grown as a houseplant

as·pi·rant \ˈas-p(ə-)rənt, ə-ˈspī-rənt\ n : a person who aspires

1as·pi·rate \ˈas-pə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to pronounce with an initial \h\
2 : to remove (as blood) by suction

2as·pi·rate \ˈas-p(ə-)rət\ n : the sound \h\ or a letter or symbol representing it

as·pi·ra·tion \ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : pronunciation with or as an aspirate
2 : a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by suction
3 a : a strong desire to achieve something high or great  b : an object of such desire

as·pi·ra·tor \ˈas-pə-ˌrāt-ər\ n : an apparatus for producing suction or moving or collecting materials by suction

as·pire \ə-ˈspī(ə)r\ vb as·pired; as·pir·ing : to work to get something high or great
— as·pir·er n

as·pi·rin \ˈas-p(ə-)rən\ n
1 : a white drug used as a remedy for pain and fever
2 : a tablet of aspirin

ass \ˈas\ n
1 : any of several mammals resembling but smaller than the related horses and having a shorter mane, shorter hair on the tail, and longer ears; esp : DONKEY
2 sometimes vulgar : a stupid or stubborn person

as·sail \ə-ˈsā(ə)l\ vb : to attack violently with blows or words
— as·sail·able \-ˈsā-lə-bəl\ adj

— as·sail·ant \-ˈsā-lənt\ n

as·sas·sin \ə-ˈsas-ən\ n : a person who kills another person; esp : one who murders a politically important person either for pay or from loyalty to a cause

as·sas·si·nate \ə-ˈsas-ən-ˌāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to murder a usually important person by a surprise or secret attack  synonyms see KILL
— as·sas·si·na·tion \ə-ˌsas-ən-ˈā-shən\ n

as·sault \ə-ˈsȯlt\ n
1 : a violent or sudden attack
2 : an unlawful attempt or threat to do harm to another [Middle English assaut “assault,” from early French assaut (same meaning), derived from Latin assilire, adsilire “to leap upon,” from as-, ad- “to, toward” and salire “to leap, spring” — related to INSULT, RESILIENT]
— assault vb

assault rifle n : any of various especially automatic rifles designed for military use — called also assault weapon

1as·say \ˈas-ˌā, a-ˈsā\ n : examination (as of an ore, metal, or drug) for the purpose of determining the presence, absence, or amount of one or more substances

2as·say \a-ˈsā, ˈas-ˌā\ vb
1 : 1TRY 4, ATTEMPT
2 : to analyze (as an ore) for one or more valuable substances
— as·say·er n

as·sem·blage \ə-ˈsem-blij, for 3 also ˌas-ˌäm-ˈbläzh\ n
1 : a collection or gathering of persons or things
2 : the act of assembling
3 : an artistic composition made by putting together scraps or junk

as·sem·ble \ə-ˈsem-bəl\ vb -bled; -bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to collect into one place or group <assembled the crew>
2 : to fit together the parts of <assemble a toy>
3 : to meet together <the right to assemble peacefully> [Middle English assemblen “to bring together, assemble,” from early French assembler (same meaning), derived from Latin ad- “to” and simul “together” — related to ENSEMBLE, SIMULTANEOUS]  synonyms see GATHER

as·sem·bler \ə-ˈsem-b(ə-)lər\ n
1 : one that assembles
2 : a computer program that turns instructions written in assembly language into machine language

as·sem·bly \ə-ˈsem-blē\ n, pl -blies
1 : a body of persons gathered together (as to make laws or for discussion, worship, or entertainment)
2 cap : a governing body; esp : the lower house of a legislature
3 : the act of gathering together or state of being assembled
4 : a signal for troops to assemble
5 : a collection of parts that go to make up a complete machine, structure, or unit of a machine
6 : the translation of assembly language to machine language by an assembler
7 : a meeting of a student body and usually teachers for educational or recreational purposes

assembly language n : a code for programming a computer that is a close approximation of machine language but is more easily understood by humans

assembly line n : an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled

as·sem·bly·man \ə-ˈsem-blē-mən\ n : a member of a legislative assembly

as·sem·bly·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is a member of a legislative assembly

as·sent \ə-ˈsent, a-\ vb : to give one's approval : agree to something
— assent n

as·sert \ə-ˈsərt, a-\ vb
1 : to state clearly and strongly
2 : to make others aware of <assert your rights>
— assert oneself : to act or speak up so others are aware of one's interests and opinions
synonyms ASSERT, DECLARE, AFFIRM, AVOW, mean to state positively usually in the face of denial or objection. ASSERT suggests declaring with confidence often without need for proof or evidence <I assert that our team can win the game>. DECLARE stresses an open or public statement <declared that she would run for the senate>. AFFIRM suggests a firm belief based on evidence, experience, or faith <affirmed that there is good in everyone>. AVOW suggests an open and forceful statement that declares responsibility <the newspaper avowed responsibility for its mistake>.

as·ser·tion \ə-ˈsər-shən, a-\ n : the act of asserting; also : something asserted : DECLARATION

as·sert·ive \ə-ˈsərt-iv, a-\ adj : having a bold or confident manner
— as·sert·ive·ly adv

— as·sert·ive·ness n

as·sess \ə-ˈses, a-\ vb
1 : to set the rate or amount of <the jury assessed damages of $5000>
2 : to set a value on (as property) for tax purposes <a house assessed at $163,000>
3 : to put a tax or charge on <the city assessed all car owners $25>
4 : to find out or decide the importance, size, or value of <assess the problem>
— as·sess·able \-ˈses-ə-bəl\ adj

as·sess·ment \ə-ˈses-mənt, a-\ n
1 : the act of assessing
2 : the amount or value assessed

as·ses·sor \ə-ˈses-ər\ n : an official who assesses property for taxes

as·set \ˈas-ˌet\ n
1 pl : all the property of a person, corporation, or estate that may be used in payment of debts
2 : a quality or thing that can be used to advantage <a real asset to the team>

as·sid·u·ous \ə-ˈsij-(ə-)wəs\ adj : constantly attentive : DILIGENT
— as·si·du·ity \ˌas-ə-ˈd(y)ü-ət-ē\ n

— as·sid·u·ous·ly adv

— as·sid·u·ous·ness n

as·sign \ə-ˈsīn\ vb
1 : to give (as a title or right) to someone legally
2 : to pick for a specific use or job <assigned them to work in the kitchen>
3 : to give out as a portion or task <parts in the play were assigned to each person> <assign homework>
4 : to give a certain quality, role, or importance to <events assigned to certain periods of history> <assign number values to different letters>
— as·sign·able \ə-ˈsī-nə-bəl\ adj

— as·sign·er \ə-ˈsī-nər\ or as·sign·or \ə-ˈsī-nər; ˌas-ə-ˈnȯ(ə)r, ˌas-ˌī-, ə-ˌsī-\ n

— as·sign·ment \ə-ˈsīn-mənt\ n

as·sign·ee \ˌas-ə-ˈnē, ˌas-ˌī-, ə-ˌsī-\ n : a person to whom something is assigned

as·sim·i·late \ə-ˈsim-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to take something in and make it part of the thing it has joined

as·sim·i·la·tion \ə-ˌsim-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the act or process of assimilating <the assimilation of immigrants>; esp : the bodily process of changing nutrients (as of digested food) into cells and tissues

1as·sist \ə-ˈsist\ vb : to give support or aid : HELP

2assist n
1 : an act of assisting
2 : the action of a player who by passing a ball or puck makes it possible for a teammate to make a putout or score a goal

as·sis·tance \ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s\ n : the act of assisting; also : the help given

as·sis·tant \ə-ˈsis-tənt\ n : a person who assists another : HELPER
— assistant adj

as·size \ə-ˈsīz\ n : a session of an English court formerly held by judges traveling through various counties — usually used in plural

1as·so·ci·ate \ə-ˈsō-shē-ˌāt, -sē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to join or come together as partners, friends, or companions
2 : to connect in thought <associate hot chocolate with winter>
3 : to combine or join with other parts : UNITE [Middle English associat “connected, related,” derived from Latin associare “to unite,” from ad- “to” and sociare “to join,” from socius “companion” — related to SOCIABLE]

2as·so·ci·ate \ə-ˈsō-shē-ət, -sē-ət, -shət, -shē-ˌāt, -sē-ˌāt\ n
1 : a fellow worker : COLLEAGUE
2 : 1COMPANION 1, FRIEND
3 often cap : a degree given especially by a junior college <associate in arts>
— associate adj

as·so·ci·a·tion \ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən, -ˌsō-shē-\ n
1 : the act of associating : the state of being associated
2 : an organization of persons having a common interest <an athletic association>
3 : a feeling, memory, or thought connected with a person, place, or thing <pleasant associations with the beach>
4 : the formation of loosely bound groups of ions or molecules

association neuron n : INTERNEURON

as·so·cia·tive \ə-ˈsō-shē-ˌāt-iv, -sē-, -shət-iv\ adj
1 : of or relating to association
2 : of, having, or being the property of producing the same mathematical value no matter how an expression's elements are grouped so long as the order of those elements is the same <addition is associative since (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)>
— as·so·cia·tive·ly adv

— as·so·cia·tiv·i·ty \ə-ˌsō-shē-ə-ˈtiv-ət-ē, -ˌsō-sē-, -ˌsō-shə-ˈtiv-\ n

as·so·nance \ˈas-ə-nən(t)s\ n : the repetition of vowel sounds but not consonants in words (as “red hen”) for poetic effect
— as·so·nant \-nənt\ adj

as soon as conj : immediately at or just after the time that <left as soon as the meeting was over>

as·sort \ə-ˈsȯ(ə)rt\ vb : to sort into groups

as·sort·ed \ə-ˈsȯrt-əd\ adj
1 : consisting of various kinds <assorted cheeses>
2 : matching or fitting together <an ill-assorted pair>

as·sort·ment \ə-ˈsȯ(ə)rt-mənt\ n
1 a : arrangement in classes  b : the quality or state of being made up of various kinds
2 : a collection of different things or persons

as·suage \ə-ˈswāj\ vb as·suaged; as·suag·ing
1 : to lessen or make easier to bear : SOOTHE, EASE
2 : SATISFY 2B, QUENCH
— as·suage·ment \-mənt\ n

as·sume \ə-ˈsüm\ vb as·sumed; as·sum·ing
1 : to take upon oneself <assume control> <assumed the presidency>
2 : TAKE ON 3, RECEIVE <it assumes greater importance now>
3 : to pretend to have or be : PUT ON <immediately assumed a look of innocence>
4 : to take as true : SUPPOSE <I assumed he knew>

as·sump·tion \ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən\ n
1 cap : August 15 observed as a church festival to mark the taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven
2 a : the act of taking upon oneself or taking possession of something
3 a : the belief that something is true  b : a fact or statement taken for granted

as·sur·ance \ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of assuring
2 : the state of being sure or certain
3 chiefly British : INSURANCE 1
4 : SELF-CONFIDENCE

as·sure \ə-ˈshu̇(ə)r\ vb as·sured; as·sur·ing
1 : to provide a guarantee of <assure security>
2 : to give words of comfort or confidence to : REASSURE <tried to assure the worried children>
3 : to cause to be sure or certain <assure himself that the door was locked>
4 : to inform positively <can assure you of her dependability>

as·sured \ə-ˈshu̇(ə)rd\ adj
1 : made sure or certain
2 : very confident <rest assured we will be there>
— as·sur·ed·ly \-ˈshu̇r-əd-lē\ adv

— as·sur·ed·ness \-əd-nəs\ n

as·ta·tine \ˈas-tə-ˌtēn\ n : a radioactive element discovered by bombarding bismuth with helium nuclei — see ELEMENT TABLE

as·ter \ˈas-tər\ n : any of various mostly fall-blooming leafy-stemmed herbs related to the daisies usually with showy white, pink, purple, or yellow flower heads

as·ter·isk \ˈas-tə-ˌrisk\ n : a symbol * used especially to refer a reader to a note [Middle English astarisc “asterisk,” derived from Greek asteriskos, literally “little star,” from aster-, astēr “star”]

astern \ə-ˈstərn\ adv
1 : in, at, or toward the stern
2 : in a reverse direction : BACKWARD <full speed astern>

as·ter·oid \ˈas-tə-ˌrȯid\ n : one of thousands of small rocky bodies between Mars and Jupiter with diameters from a fraction of a kilometer to nearly 800 kilometers

asteroid belt n : the region of interplanetary space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter in which most asteroids are found

asth·ma \ˈaz-mə\ n : a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing
— asth·mat·ic \az-ˈmat-ik\ adj or n

— asth·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

as though conj : AS IF

astig·ma·tism \ə-ˈstig-mə-ˌtiz-əm\ n : a defect of an optical system (as of the eye) that prevents light from focusing accurately and results in a blurred image or unclear vision
— as·tig·mat·ic \ˌas-tig-ˈmat-ik\ adj

astir \ə-ˈstər\ adj
1 : being in a state of activity : STIRRING
2 : being out of bed : UP

as to prep
1 : with respect to : ABOUT <confused as to what happened>
2 : ACCORDING TO 1 <graded as to size>

as·ton·ish \ə-ˈstän-ish\ vb : to strike with sudden wonder or surprise
— as·ton·ish·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

— as·ton·ish·ment \-mənt\ n

as·tound \ə-ˈstau̇nd\ vb : to fill with puzzled wonder

astrad·dle \ə-ˈstrad-əl\ adv or prep : ASTRIDE

as·tra·khan \ˈas-trə-kən, -ˌkan\ n, often cap
1 : sheepskin of the karakul lamb from Russia
2 : a cloth made to look like karakul sheepskin

as·tral \ˈas-trəl\ adj : of or relating to the stars

astray \ə-ˈstrā\ adv or adj
1 : off the right path or route
2 : in or into error

1astride \ə-ˈstrīd\ adv : with one leg on each side

2astride prep : on or above and with one leg on each side of <astride a horse>

as·trin·gen·cy \ə-ˈstrin-jən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being astringent

1as·trin·gent \ə-ˈstrin-jənt\ adj : able or tending to shrink body tissues <astringent lotions>
— as·trin·gent·ly adv

2astringent n : an astringent substance

astro- combining form : star : heavens : outer space : astronomical <astrophysics> [Latin astro- “star,” derived from Greek astēr, astron “star”]

as·tro·labe \ˈas-trə-ˌlāb\ n : an instrument for observing the positions of heavenly bodies that was used before the sextant was invented

as·trol·o·gy \ə-ˈsträl-ə-jē\ n : the study of the supposed influences of the stars on human affairs by their positions in relation to each other
— as·trol·o·ger \-jər\ n

— as·tro·log·i·cal \ˌas-trə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— as·tro·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

as·tro·naut \ˈas-trə-ˌnȯt, -nät\ n : a traveler in a spacecraft [from astro- “star, heavens” (derived from Greek astron “star”) and -naut (derived from Greek nautēs “sailor,” from naus “ship”) — related to NAUSEA, NAUTICAL; see Word History at NAUSEA]
— as·tro·nau·tic \ˌas-trə-ˈnȯt-ik\ or as·tro·nau·ti·cal \-i-kəl, -nät-\ adj

as·tro·nau·tics \ˌas-trə-ˈnȯt-iks, -nät-\ n : the science of the construction and operation of spacecraft

as·tro·nom·i·cal \ˌas-trə-ˈnäm-i-kəl\ also as·tro·nom·ic \-ˈnäm-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to astronomy
2 : extremely or unbelievably large <the cost was astronomical>
— as·tro·nom·i·cal·ly \-ˈnäm-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

astronomical unit n : a unit of length used in astronomy equal to the average distance of the earth from the sun or about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers)

as·tron·o·my \ə-ˈsträn-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies : the science of the heavenly bodies and of their sizes, motions, and composition
— as·tron·o·mer \-mər\ n

as·tro·phys·ics \ˌas-trə-ˈfiz-iks\ n : a branch of astronomy dealing with the physical and chemical measurements of the heavenly bodies
— as·tro·phys·i·cal \-ˈfiz-i-kəl\ adj

— as·tro·phys·i·cist \-ˈfiz-ə-səst\ n

as·tute \ə-ˈst(y)üt, a-\ adj : having or showing understanding and the skill to make good choices or decisions : WISE, SHREWD <an astute investor>
— as·tute·ly adv

— as·tute·ness n

asun·der \ə-ˈsən-dər\ adv or adj
1 : into parts <torn asunder>
2 : far apart

1as well as conj : and in addition <catch fish for food as well as for sport>

2as well as prep : in addition to : BESIDES <is a real scholar as well as being a poet>

asy·lum \ə-ˈsī-ləm\ n
1 : a place of safety : SHELTER
2 : protection given especially to political refugees
3 : an institution for the care of those unable to care for themselves and especially for the insane

asym·met·ri·cal \ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl\ or asym·met·ric \-trik\ adj : not symmetrical
— asym·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— asym·me·try \(ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē\ n

asymp·tom·at·ic \ˌā-ˌsim(p)-tə-ˈmat-ik\ adj : presenting no signs of disease

at \ət, (ˈ)at\ prep
1 — used to indicate location in space or time <staying at a hotel> <be here at six> <sick at heart>
2 — used to indicate a goal that an action is aimed towards <aim at the target> <laugh at him>
3 — used to indicate a condition one is in <at work> <at liberty> <at rest>
4 — used to indicate how or why <sold at auction> <angry at his answer>
5 — used to indicate the rate, degree, age, or position in a scale or series <the temperature at 90> <retire at 65>

at- — see AD-

at all \ət-ˈȯl, ə-ˈtȯl, at-ˈȯl\ adv : in any way : under any circumstances <will go anywhere at all> <doesn't mind at all> <not at all likely>

at·a·vis·tic \ˌat-ə-ˈvis-tik\ adj : coming from or associated with one's most primitive ancestors <atavistic behavior>

atax·ia \ə-ˈtak-sē-ə, (ˈ)ā-\ n : inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements
— atax·ic \-sik\ adj

ate past of EAT

1-ate \ət, ˌāt\ n suffix : office : function : rank : group of persons holding a specified office or rank [derived from Latin -atus (noun suffix)]

2-ate adj suffix : marked by having <chordate> [derived from Latin -atus (adjective suffix)]

3-ate \ˌāt\ vb suffix
1 : cause to be modified or affected by <hydrogenate>
2 : cause to become <activate>
3 : furnish with <aerate> [derived from {h,2}-ate]

a tem·po \ä-ˈtem-pō\ adv or adj : in time — used as a direction in music to return to the original speed

athe·ism \ˈā-thē-ˌiz-əm\ n : the belief that there is no God
— athe·ist \-thē-əst\ n

— athe·is·tic \ˌā-thē-ˈis-tik\ adj

ath·ero·scle·ro·sis \ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs\ n : hardening and thickening of the walls of arteries due to deposit of fatty substances in the inner layer

athirst \ə-ˈthərst\ adj : EAGER <athirst for knowledge>

ath·lete \ˈath-ˌlēt\ n : a person who is trained in or good at games and exercises that require physical skill, endurance, and strength

athlete's foot n : ringworm of the feet

ath·let·ic \ath-ˈlet-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of athletes or athletics
2 : VIGOROUS 1, ACTIVE
3 : STRONG 1, MUSCULAR
— ath·let·i·cal·ly \-ˈlet-i-k(ə)lē\ adv

ath·let·ics \ath-ˈlet-iks\ n sing or pl : games, sports, and exercises requiring strength and skill

athletic supporter n : an elastic pouch to support the male genitals worn especially while playing sports

1athwart \ə-ˈthwȯ(ə)rt, nautical often -thȯ(ə)rt\ prep
1 : 2ACROSS 1
2 : in opposition to

2athwart adv : 1ACROSS 1

-a·tion \ˈā-shən\ n suffix
1 : action or process <flirtation>
2 : something connected with an action or process <discoloration> [derived from Latin -ation-, -atio (noun suffix)]

-a·tive \ˌāt-iv, ət-iv\ adj suffix
1 : of, relating to, or connected with <authoritative>
2 : tending to <talkative> [derived from Latin -ativus (adjective suffix)]

At·lan·tic salmon \ət-ˈlant-ik-, at-\ n : SALMON 1A

Atlantic time n : the time of the fourth time zone west of Greenwich that includes the Canadian Maritime Provinces, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands

at·las \ˈat-ləs\ n : a book of maps
Word History Atlas was one of the giants of Greek mythology who ruled the world in an early age. Their rule was overthrown after a mighty battle with other gods. After his defeat, the story goes, Atlas was forced to hold up the sky on his shoulders. In the 16th century the Flemish mapmaker Gerardus Mercator published a collection of maps. On the title page he showed a picture of Atlas supporting his burden. Mercator gave the book the title Atlas. Later collections of maps included similar pictures of Atlas, and such books came to be called atlases. [named for Atlas, a giant in Greek mythology]

ATM \ˌā-ˌtē-ˈem\ n : a computerized machine that performs basic banking functions (as issuing cash withdrawals) [automatic teller machine]

at·mo·sphere \ˈat-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n
1 a : the whole mass of air surrounding the earth  b : a mass of gases surrounding a heavenly body (as a planet)
2 : the air in a particular place <the stuffy atmosphere of this room>
3 a : a surrounding influence or set of conditions <a friendly atmosphere>  b : the main mood or feeling in a creative work  c : a unique or appealing effect or mood <a restaurant with atmosphere>
4 : a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or about 10 newtons per square centimeter (about 14.7 pounds per square inch) [derived from Greek atmos “vapor” and Latin sphaera “sphere”]

at·mo·spher·ic \ˌat-mə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik, -ˈsfer-\ adj : of or relating to the atmosphere <atmospheric pressure>
— at·mo·spher·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

atoll \ˈa-ˌtȯl, -ˌtäl, -ˌtōl, ˈā-\ n : a coral island consisting of a coral reef surrounding a lagoon

at·om \ˈat-əm\ n
1 : a tiny particle : BIT
2 : the smallest particle of an element that has the properties of the element and can exist either alone or in combination
3 : the atom considered as a source of vast potential energy [Middle English atom “particle,” from Latin atomus (same meaning), derived from Greek atomos “unable to be divided,” from a- “not” and temnein “to cut”]

atom·ic \ə-ˈtäm-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or concerned with atoms, atomic bombs, or nuclear energy <atomic physics> <the atomic age> <atomic energy>
2 : extremely small
3 : found in the state of separate atoms <atomic hydrogen>

atomic bomb n
1 : a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of energy resulting from the splitting of nuclei of a heavy chemical element (as plutonium or uranium) by neutrons — called also atom bomb
2 : HYDROGEN BOMB

atomic clock n : an extremely exact clock that depends for its operation on the natural vibrations of atoms (as of cesium)

atomic mass n : the mass of any kind of atom usually expressed in atomic mass units

atomic mass unit n : a unit of mass for expressing masses of atoms, molecules, or nuclear particles that is equal to 1/12 of the atomic mass of the most abundant kind of carbon

atomic number n : a number that is characteristic of a chemical element and represents the number of protons in the nucleus

atomic pile n : REACTOR 2

atomic reactor n : REACTOR 2

atomic theory n
1 : a theory of the nature of matter: all material substances consist of very tiny particles or atoms of not really many kinds and all the atoms of the same kind are uniform in size, weight, and other properties
2 : any of several theories of the structure of the atom; esp : one saying that the atom consists essentially of a small positively charged heavy nucleus in relation to a large arrangement of electrons that surround the nucleus

atomic weight n : the average atomic mass of an element compared to 1/12 the mass of the most abundant kind of carbon

at·om·ize \ˈat-ə-ˌmīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to reduce to very tiny particles or to a fine spray

at·om·iz·er \ˈat-ə-ˌmī-zər\ n : a device for giving a very fine spray of a liquid (as a perfume)

atom smasher n : ACCELERATOR 3

aton·al \(ˈ)ā-ˈtōn-əl, (ˈ)a-\ adj : being music written without traditional organization based on a scale
— ato·nal·i·ty \ˌā-tō-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n

— aton·al·ly \(ˈ)ā-ˈtōn-ə-lē, (ˈ)a-\ adv

atone \ə-ˈtōn\ vb atoned; aton·ing : to do something to make up for a wrong that has been done

atone·ment \ə-ˈtōn-mənt\ n
1 : the return to a state of love and harmony between God and human beings through the death of Jesus Christ
2 : something that makes up for an offense or injury

atop \ə-ˈtäp\ prep : on top of

ATP \ˌā-ˌtē-ˈpē, ā-ˈtē-ˌpē\ n : a compound that occurs widely in living tissue and serves as a major source of energy for many cellular processes

atri·um \ˈā-trē-əm\ n, pl atria \-trē-ə\ also atri·ums : a chamber of the heart receiving blood from the veins and forcing it into a ventricle that in lung-breathing vertebrates (as frogs and human beings) is one of two chambers of which the right receives blood full of carbon dioxide from the body and the left receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs but in gill-breathing vertebrates (as fishes) is only a single chamber

atro·cious \ə-ˈtrō-shəs\ adj
1 : savagely wicked, brutal, or cruel
2 : very bad <atrocious weather>
— atro·cious·ly adv

— atro·cious·ness n

atroc·i·ty \ə-ˈträs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being atrocious
2 : something that is atrocious

1at·ro·phy \ˈa-trə-fē\ n, pl -phies : decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue

2atrophy vb -phied; -phy·ing : to undergo atrophy

at·ro·pine \ˈa-trə-ˌpēn\ n : a poisonous white compound from belladonna and related plants used especially to relieve spasms and to dilate the pupil of the eye

at sign n : the symbol @ especially when used as part of an e-mail address

at·tach \ə-ˈtach\ vb
1 : to take money or property by legal authority especially to gain or force payment of a debt <attach a person's salary>
2 : to fasten or join one thing to another <attach a light to a bicycle> <attach a file to an e-mail>
3 : to tie or bind by feelings of affection <the children were attached to their dog>
4 : to assign (an individual or unit in the military) temporarily <attach an officer to a headquarters>
5 : to think of as belonging to something <attach no importance to a remark>
— at·tach·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

at·ta·ché \ˌat-ə-ˈshā, ˌa-ˌta-, ə-ˌta-\ n : a technical expert on a diplomatic staff <military attaché>

at·taché case \ˌa-ˌta-ˈshā-, ˌat-ə-; ə-ˈtash-(ˌ)ā-\ n : a small suitcase especially for carrying papers and documents

at·tach·ment \ə-ˈtach-mənt\ n
1 : a legal taking of property
2 : strong affection : FONDNESS
3 : a device with a special use that is attached to a machine or tool <attachments for a vacuum cleaner>
4 : the connection by which one thing is attached to another
5 : the process of physically attaching
6 : a document or file that is sent with e-mail

1at·tack \ə-ˈtak\ vb
1 : to take strong action against <the dog attacked a skunk>
2 : to use unfriendly or bitter words against
3 : to begin to cause something harmful or destructive to happen to <attacked by fever>
4 : to start work on <attack a problem>
— at·tack·er n

2attack n
1 : the act or action of attacking : ASSAULT
2 : a beginning of work on something (as a problem or project)
3 : a spell of sickness; esp : one of a disease that is long-lasting or that tends to occur over and over again

attack dog n : a dog trained to attack upon receiving a command or upon seeing a certain object (as a person)

at·tain \ə-ˈtān\ vb
1 : to reach as a goal : ACCOMPLISH, ACHIEVE
2 : to come to possess : OBTAIN
3 : to arrive at : REACH <attain the top of the mountain> — often used with to
— at·tain·abil·i·ty \ə-ˌtā-nə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— at·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adj

at·tain·der \ə-ˈtān-dər\ n : the taking away of a person's civil rights when that person has been declared an outlaw or sentenced to death

at·tain·ment \ə-ˈtān-mənt\ n
1 : the act of attaining : the state of being attained
2 : something attained : ACCOMPLISHMENT

at·tar \ˈat-ər, ˈa-ˌtär\ n : a fragrant oil that comes from a plant (as the rose) and is used in perfumes or flavorings; also : FRAGRANCE

1at·tempt \ə-ˈtem(p)t\ vb
1 : to try to do or perform <attempt an escape>
2 : to make an effort : TRY <attempt to solve the problem>

2attempt n
1 : the act or an instance of attempting; esp : an unsuccessful effort
2 : 2ATTACK 1 <an attempt on the president's life>

at·tend \ə-ˈtend\ vb
1 a : to pay attention to <attend my words>  b : to give one's attention <attend to business>
2 : to go or stay with especially as a companion or servant <attend the sick>
3 : to be present with <a cold attended by fever>
4 : to go to or be present at especially to take part or observe <attend a party> <attend school>
5 : to take charge of : look after <a doorman attending the entrance>  synonyms see ACCOMPANY

at·ten·dance \ə-ˈten-dən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of attending
2 a : the number of persons attending  b : the number of times a person attends <perfect attendance>

1at·ten·dant \ə-ˈten-dənt\ adj : accompanying or following as a result

2attendant n
1 : one who goes with or serves another <a bride and her attendants>
2 : an employee who waits on customers <a gas station attendant>

at·ten·tion \ə-ˈten-chən\ n
1 : the act or power of fixing one's mind upon something : careful listening or watching <pay attention>
2 a : a state of being aware : AWARENESS, NOTICE <attract attention>  b : consideration with the idea of taking action <a problem that needs prompt attention>
3 : an act of kindness, care, or courtesy
4 : a posture taken by a soldier with the body stiff and straight, heels together, and arms at the sides

attention deficit disorder n : a condition that is characterized by an inability to maintain attention or by excessively active and impulsive behavior or by a combination of both and that interferes with one's ability to function in school, home, work, or with others

attention span n : the length of time during which one is able to concentrate or remain interested

at·ten·tive \ə-ˈtent-iv\ adj
1 : paying attention
2 : thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : COURTEOUS
— at·ten·tive·ly adv

— at·ten·tive·ness n

at·ten·u·ate \ə-ˈten-yə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make thin or slender
2 : to make less in amount, force, or value : WEAKEN
3 : to become thin, fine, or less
— at·ten·u·a·tion \ə-ˌten-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n

at·test \ə-ˈtest\ vb : to give proof of : testify to <the result attests the truth of that statement> <I can attest to your innocence>
— at·tes·ta·tion \ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən\ n

— at·test·er \ə-ˈtes-tər\ n

at·tic \ˈat-ik\ n : a room or a space just below the roof of a building
Word History In ancient Greece the region around Athens was known as Attica, and many of the buildings in Attica had a special feature of a second wall that extended above the top of the main wall or row of columns supporting the roof. When builders in Europe later copied this feature of Attica's buildings, their buildings were said to be in the style of Attica, or the Attic style. Eventually, the word attic came to be used as a noun to refer to this upper wall and later to a room behind the wall under the roof. Today we refer to any room just underneath the roof as the attic, even when the building is not in the style of those in ancient Attica. [from French attique “attic,” from attique (an adjective) “of Attica,” from Latin Atticus “of Attica”]

At·tic \ˈat-ik\ adj : of or relating to Athens

1at·tire \ə-ˈtī(ə)r\ vb at·tired; at·tir·ing : to put clothes and especially special or fine clothes on

2attire n : CLOTHING 1; esp : fine clothes

at·ti·tude \ˈat-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : a position of the body or a figure : POSTURE
2 : a particular feeling or way of thinking about something
3 : the position of something in relation to something else

at·tor·ney \ə-ˈtər-nē\ n, pl -neys : a person who is appointed to conduct business for another; esp : LAWYER

attorney general n, pl attorneys general or attorney generals : the chief law officer of a nation or state who represents the government in legal matters

at·tract \ə-ˈtrakt\ vb
1 : to pull to or toward oneself or itself <a magnet attracts iron>
2 : to draw by appealing to interest or feeling <attract attention> [Middle English attracten “attract, cause to adhere,” derived from Latin attrahere, literally “to draw near,” from at-, ad- “to, toward” and trahere “to draw” — related to ABSTRACT, 1TRACE, 3TRACE]

at·trac·tant \ə-ˈtrak-tənt\ n : something that attracts; esp : a substance that attracts animals (as insects)

at·trac·tion \ə-ˈtrak-shən\ n
1 : the act, process, or power of attracting
2 : something that attracts or pleases
3 : a force acting between particles of matter, tending to draw them together, and resisting their separation

at·trac·tive \ə-ˈtrak-tiv\ adj : having the power or quality of attracting; esp : CHARMING, PLEASING
— at·trac·tive·ly adv

— at·trac·tive·ness n

1at·tri·bute \ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt\ n
1 : a quality belonging to a particular person or thing
2 : a word that indicates a quality; esp : ADJECTIVE

2at·trib·ute \ə-ˈtrib-yət, -ˌyüt\ vb -ut·ed; -ut·ing
1 : to explain as the cause of <attribute our success to hard work>
2 : to think of as likely to be a quality of a person or thing <attribute stubbornness to mules>
— at·trib·ut·able \-yət-ə-bəl\ adj

— at·tri·bu·tion \ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-shən\ n

at·trib·u·tive \ə-ˈtrib-yət-iv\ adj : joined directly to a modified noun without a verb <“city” in “city streets” is attributive> — compare PREDICATE

at·tri·tion \ə-ˈtrish-ən, a-\ n
1 : the act of wearing down by or as if by friction
2 : a reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death

at·tune \ə-ˈt(y)ün\ vb : to bring into harmony : TUNE
— at·tune·ment \-mənt\ n

ATV \ˌā-(ˌ)tē-ˈvē\ n : ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE

atyp·i·cal \(ˈ)ā-ˈtip-i-kəl\ adj : not typical : IRREGULAR
— atyp·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

au·burn \ˈȯ-bərn\ adj : of a reddish brown color <auburn hair>

1auc·tion \ˈȯk-shən\ n : a sale at which things are sold to those who offer to pay the most [from Latin auction-, auctio, from augēre “to increase” — related to AUGMENT]

2auction vb auc·tioned; auc·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\ : to sell at auction

auc·tion·eer \ˌȯk-shə-ˈni(ə)r\ n : a person in charge of an auction
— auctioneer vb

au·da·cious \ȯ-ˈdā-shəs\ adj
1 : very bold and daring : FEARLESS
2 : showing a lack of proper respect
— au·da·cious·ly adv

— au·da·cious·ness n

au·dac·i·ty \ȯ-ˈdas-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or fact of being audacious

au·di·ble \ˈȯd-ə-bəl\ adj : heard or capable of being heard <the sound was barely audible>
— au·di·bil·i·ty \ˌȯd-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— au·di·bly \ˈȯd-ə-blē\ adv

au·di·ence \ˈȯd-ē-ən(t)s\ n
1 : a group that listens or watches (as at a play or concert)
2 : an interview with a person of high rank
3 : those of the general public who give attention to something said, done, or written <books with an audience of millions>

1au·dio \ˈȯd-ē-ˌō\ adj
1 : of or relating to electrical or other frequencies occurring in the range of sound waves that can be heard
2 a : of or relating to sound or its reproduction and especially accurate reproduction <bought new audio equipment>  b : relating to or used in sending or receiving sound — compare 2VIDEO 1

2audio n
1 : the sending, receiving, or reproducing of sound
2 : the part of television or motion-picture equipment that deals with sound

audio- combining form
1 : hearing <audiometer>
2 : sound <audiophile>
3 : auditory and <audiovisual> [derived from Latin audire “to hear”]

au·dio·book \ˈȯd-ē-ō-ˌbu̇k\ n : a recording of a book being read

au·dio–lin·gual \ˌȯd-ē-ō-ˈliŋ-g(yə-)wəl\ adj : involving the use of listening and speaking drills in language learning

au·di·ol·o·gist \ˌȯd-ē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in audiology

au·di·ol·o·gy \ˌȯd-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of science concerned with hearing and especially with the treatment of individuals having trouble with their hearing

au·di·om·e·ter \ˌȯd-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument used to measure the keenness of hearing
— au·dio·met·ric \ˌȯd-ē-ō-ˈme-trik\ adj

— au·di·om·e·try \ˌȯd-ē-ˈäm-ə-trē\ n

au·dio·tape \ˈȯd-ē-ō-ˌtāp\ n : a tape recording of sound

au·dio·vi·su·al \ˌȯd-ē-ō-ˈvizh(-ə)-wəl, -ˈvizh-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or using both sound and sight <audiovisual teaching aids>

au·dio·vi·su·als \ˌȯd-ē-ō-ˈvizh(-ə)-wəlz, -ˈvizh-əlz\ n pl : audiovisual teaching materials

1au·dit \ˈȯd-ət\ n
1 : a thorough check of accounts especially of a business
2 : a careful check or review <an energy audit of our house>

2audit vb : to make an audit of

1au·di·tion \ȯ-ˈdish-ən\ n
1 : the power or sense of hearing
2 : a short performance to test the talents of a musician, singer, dancer, or actor

2audition vb -di·tioned; -di·tion·ing \-ˈdish-(ə-)niŋ\ : to test or try out in an audition

au·di·tor \ˈȯd-ət-ər\ n
1 : a person who listens to or hears something or someone; esp : a member of an audience
2 : a person who audits accounts

au·di·to·ri·um \ˌȯd-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əm, -ˈtȯr-\ n
1 : the part of a public building where an audience sits
2 : a room, hall, or building used for public gatherings

au·di·to·ry \ˈȯd-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : of or relating to hearing or to the sense or organs of hearing

auditory canal n : the passage leading from the opening of the external ear to the eardrum

auditory nerve n : a nerve connecting the inner ear with the brain and carrying nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance

au·ger \ˈȯ-gər\ n : any of various tools made like a spiral or screw and used for boring holes or moving loose material
Word History The tool called an auger has nothing to do with people's navels, but the words auger and navel are related. This tool was first used to bore a hole for the axle in the nave or hub of a wheel. Such a nave was called nafu in Old English. Nafu is related to the word nafela, which has become our word navel. The Old English ancestor of auger was nafogār, which was made up of nafu and gār, meaning “spear.” By Middle English nafogār had lost a syllable and shrunk to nauger, and it no longer made sense as a compound. Since a nauger sounds just like an auger, many people began to write an auger. That is how our modern spelling of the word was born. [Middle English auger “auger,” an altered form of nauger, from Old English nafogār “tool for boring holes in the hub of a wheel”]

1aught \ˈȯt, ˈät\ pron : 3ALL 1 <for aught we know> [Old English āwiht “anything,” from ā “ever, always” and wiht “creature, thing”]

2aught n
1 : 1ZERO 1
2 : the first decade of a century [from naught “zero,” from mistaking a naught for an aught]

au·gite \ˈȯ-ˌjīt\ n : a black to dark green variety of pyroxene

aug·ment \ȯg-ˈment\ vb
1 : to increase especially in size, amount, or degree
2 : to add to : SUPPLEMENT [Middle English augmenten “to increase,” from early French augmenter (same meaning), derived from Latin augēre “to increase” — related to AUCTION]
— aug·men·ta·tion \ˌȯg-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n

augmented reality n : an enhanced version of reality created by the use of technology to overlay digital information on an image of something being viewed through a device (as a smartphone camera); also : the technology used to create augmented reality

au gratin \ō-ˈgrat-ən, ȯ-, -ˈgrät-\ adj : covered with bread crumbs or grated cheese and browned

1au·gur \ˈȯ-gər\ n : a person (as in ancient Rome) who foretells the future by omens

2augur vb
1 : to predict from signs or omens
2 : to give promise of <this augurs well for the future>

au·gu·ry \ˈȯ-gyə-rē, -gə-\ n, pl -ries
1 : predicting the future especially from omens
2 : a sign of the future : OMEN

au·gust \ȯ-ˈgəst\ adj : being grand and noble : MAJESTIC
— au·gust·ly adv

— au·gust·ness n

Au·gust \ˈȯ-gəst\ n : the eighth month of the year
Word History The first calendar used by the ancient Romans began the year with March. The month that we now call August was then the sixth month of the year and was known by the name Sextilis, a Latin word meaning “sixth.” When the emperor Augustus Caesar was in power, however, he wished to have a month named after himself. The Roman senate satisfied him by changing Sextilis to Augustus. The English word August comes from the Latin Augustus. [Old English August “the eighth month,” from Latin Augustus “August,” from Augustus (Caesar)]

auk \ˈȯk\ n : any of several black-and-white short-necked diving seabirds that breed in colder parts of the northern hemisphere

auld \ˈȯl(d), ˈäl(d)\ adj, chiefly Scottish : OLD

auld lang syne \ˌōl-ˌ(d)aŋ-ˈzīn, ˌōl-ˌ(d)laŋ-, ˌȯl-\ n : the good old times [from Scots, literally “old long ago”]

aunt \ˈant, ˈȧnt\ n
1 : the sister of one's father or mother
2 : the wife of one's uncle

au·ra \ˈȯr-ə\ n : a special quality or impression associated with something <an aura of holiness>

au·ral \ˈȯr-əl\ adj : of or relating to the ear or sense of hearing
— au·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

au·re·ole \ˈȯr-ē-ˌōl\ or au·re·o·la \ȯ-ˈrē-ə-lə\ n
1 : a radiant light around the head or body in a picture of a sacred person
2 : a bright area surrounding a bright light (as of the sun's disk) when seen through thin cloud or mist

au re·voir \ˌōr-əv-ˈwär, ˌȯr-\ n : GOOD-BYE [French, literally “till seeing again”]

au·ri·cle \ˈȯr-i-kəl\ n
1 : PINNA 2
2 : a small pouch in each atrium of the human heart

au·ric·u·lar \ȯ-ˈrik-yə-lər\ adj
1 : of or relating to the ear or the sense of hearing
2 : told privately <auricular confession>
3 : learned or recognized through the sense of hearing
4 : of or relating to an auricle

Au·ri·ga \ȯ-ˈrī-gə\ n : a group of stars between Perseus and Gemini

au·rochs \ˈau̇(ə)r-ˌäks, ˌȯ(ə)r-\ n : an extinct large long-horned wild ox of Europe that is the wild ancestor of domestic cattle

au·ro·ra \ə-ˈrōr-ə, ȯ-ˈrōr-, -ˈrȯr-\ n, pl -ras or -rae \-ē\
1 : 2DAWN 1
2 : AURORA BOREALIS
3 : AURORA AUSTRALIS
— au·ro·ral \-əl\ adj

aurora aus·tra·lis \-ȯ-ˈstrā-ləs, -ä-ˈstrā-\ n : a display of light that is the same as the aurora borealis but occurs in the southern hemisphere — called also southern lights

aurora bo·re·al·is \-ˌbōr-ē-ˈal-əs, -ˌbȯr-\ n : broad bands of light that have a magnetic and electrical source and that appear in the sky at night especially in the arctic region — called also northern lights

aus·pice \ˈȯ-spəs\ n, pl aus·pic·es \-spə-səz, -ˌsēz\
1 : predicting the future especially according to the flight of birds
2 : OMEN; esp : a favorable sign
3 pl : support and guidance of a sponsor <a concert given under the auspices of the school> [from Latin auspicium “auspice,” derived from avis “bird” and specere “to look at” — related to AVIARY, EXPECT, SPECTACLE]

aus·pi·cious \ȯ-ˈspish-əs\ adj
1 : promising success : FAVORABLE <an auspicious beginning>
2 : SUCCESSFUL 1, PROSPEROUS <has been an auspicious year>
— aus·pi·cious·ly adv

— aus·pi·cious·ness n
Word History In ancient Rome the flight of birds was thought to be a sign from the gods. If a bird swooped down or soared up, it might mean good or bad luck for a person. But only special people were thought to be able to read these signs. Such a person was called in Latin an auspex, meaning literally “bird observer.” The word was formed from Latin avis, meaning “bird,” and the Latin verb specere, meaning “to see.” The art of predicting the future in this way came to be called auspicium. A reading of bird actions was taken each time a person or the state was about to take an important step, such as marriage, a new business, or war. The word was taken into English by borrowing the Latin stem auspici- of auspicium and adding the adjective suffix -ous. Although auspicium could mean either good news or bad news, when auspicious came to be used in English, it was always used of something favorable. [from Latin auspicium “reading the future from the flight of birds” and English -ous (adjective suffix)]

aus·tere \ȯ-ˈsti(ə)r\ adj
1 : stern and unfriendly in appearance and manner
2 : living a harsh life with few pleasures : ASCETIC
3 : SIMPLE 4A, UNADORNED <an austere room>
— aus·tere·ly adv

aus·ter·i·ty \ȯ-ˈster-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being austere
2 : an austere act, manner, or attitude
3 : a way of living with few or no luxuries

Aus·tra·lian \ȯ-ˈstrāl-yən, ä-\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Australia or its people

Aus·tra·loid \ˈȯs-trə-ˌlȯid, ˈäs-\ adj : of or relating to a human population group including the Australian aborigines and related peoples
— Australoid n

aus·tra·lo·pith·e·cine \ȯ-ˌstrā-lō-ˈpith-ə-ˌsīn, ä-ˌstrā-; ˌȯs-trə-, ˌäs-trə-\ adj : of or relating to a group of extinct southern African apes that stood upright, walked on two legs, and had teeth somewhat like those of human beings but had a smaller brain
— australopithecine n

aut- or auto- combining form : self : same one <autobiography> [derived from Greek aut- “self,” from autos “self, same”]

au·then·tic \ə-ˈthent-ik, ȯ-\ adj
1 : being really what it seems to be : GENUINE <authentic examples of Hopi jewelry>
2 : made to be or look just like an original <authentic colonial costumes> <authentic French-style mustard>
— au·then·ti·cal·ly \-ˈthent-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— au·then·tic·i·ty \ˌȯ-ˌthen-ˈtis-ət-ē, -thən-\ n

au·then·ti·cate \ə-ˈthent-i-ˌkāt, ȯ-\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to prove or serve to prove that something is authentic
— au·then·ti·ca·tion \-ˌthent-i-ˈkā-shən\ n

au·thor \ˈȯ-thər\ n
1 : a person who creates a written work : WRITER
2 : one that starts or creates <author of a plan for education>
— author vb

au·thor·i·tar·i·an \ȯ-ˌthär-ə-ˈter-ē-ən, ə-, -ˌthȯr-\ adj
1 : expecting strict obedience to one's authority <had authoritarian parents>
2 : based on the principle that the leaders and not the people have the final authority <an authoritarian state>
— authoritarian n

— au·thor·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

au·thor·i·ta·tive \ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtāt-iv, ȯ-, -ˈthȯr-\ adj : having or coming from authority
— au·thor·i·ta·tive·ly adv

— au·thor·i·ta·tive·ness n

au·thor·i·ty \ə-ˈthär-ət-ē, ȯ-, -ˈthȯr-\ n, pl -ties
1 a : a fact or statement that is used to support a position or decision  b : a person looked to as an expert
2 : the right to give commands : the power to influence the behavior of others <the authority to hire workers>
3 : persons having powers of government <local authorities>
4 : the quality of being convincing <spoke with authority>

au·tho·rize \ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing
1 : to give authority to
2 : to give legal or official approval to
— au·tho·ri·za·tion \ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— au·tho·riz·er \ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər\ n

Authorized Version n : a revision of the English Bible made under King James I and widely used by Protestants

au·thor·ship \ˈȯ-thər-ˌship\ n
1 : writing as an occupation
2 : the origin especially of a written work

au·tism \ˈȯ-ˌtiz-əm\ n : a disorder that is characterized especially by problems in interacting and communicating with other people and by doing some activities over and over again

au·to \ˈȯt-ō, ˈät-\ n, pl au·tos : AUTOMOBILE

auto- — see AUT-

au·to·bi·og·ra·phy \ˌȯt-ə-bī-ˈäg-rə-fē, -bē-\ n : a biography written by the person it is about
— au·to·bi·og·ra·pher \-rə-fər\ n

— au·to·bio·graph·i·cal \-ˌbī-ə-ˈgraf-i-kəl\ also au·to·bio·graph·ic \-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

— au·to·bio·graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

au·to·clave \ˈȯt-ō-ˌklāv\ n : a device (as for sterilizing) that uses steam under pressure

au·to·cor·rect \ˈȯt-ō-kə-ˈrekt\ n : a computer feature that attempts to correct the spelling of a word as the user types
— autocorrect vb

au·toc·ra·cy \ȯ-ˈtäk-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies : government in which one person has unlimited power

au·to·crat \ˈȯt-ə-ˌkrat\ n : a person who rules with unlimited authority

au·to·crat·ic \ˌȯt-ə-ˈkrat-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling autocracy or an autocrat
— au·to·crat·i·cal·ly \-ˈkrat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1au·to·graph \ˈȯt-ə-ˌgraf\ n : a person's signature written by hand

2autograph vb : to write one's signature in or on

au·to·im·mune \ˌȯt-ō-im-ˈyün\ adj : relating to or caused by an abnormal condition in which an organism's immune system attacks and destroys parts of its own cells or tissues <multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease>

au·to·mate \ˈȯt-ə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to operate by automation
2 : to convert to mainly automatic operation

1au·to·mat·ic \ˌȯt-ə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 a : largely or wholly involuntary; esp : REFLEX 2  b : acting or done without conscious thought or intention <an automatic smile>
2 : having devices or mechanisms that permit operation without help from a person <automatic washer>
3 : firing repeatedly until the trigger is released <an automatic rifle>
— au·to·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2automatic n : an automatic machine or device; esp : an automatic firearm

au·to·ma·tion \ˌȯt-ə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : the method of making a device, a process, or a system operate by itself
2 : automatic operation of a device, process, or system by mechanical or electronic devices that replace human operators

au·tom·a·tize \ȯ-ˈtäm-ə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to make automatic
— au·tom·a·ti·za·tion \ȯ-ˌtäm-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

au·tom·a·ton \ȯ-ˈtäm-ət-ən, -ˈtäm-ə-ˌtän\ n, pl -atons or -a·ta \-ət-ə\
1 : a machine that can move by itself; esp : ROBOT 1A
2 : a person who acts in a mechanical way

1au·to·mo·bile \ˈȯt-ə-mō-ˌbēl, ˌȯt-ə-mō-ˈbē(ə)l, ˌȯt-ə-ˈmō-ˌbēl\ adj : of or relating to automobiles

2automobile n : a usually four-wheeled vehicle with its own power system (as an internal combustion engine) designed for passenger transportation
— automobile vb

— au·to·mo·bil·ist \-mō-ˈbē-ləst\ n

au·to·mo·tive \ˌȯt-ə-ˈmōt-iv\ adj
1 : SELF-PROPELLED
2 : of, relating to, or concerned with automobiles, trucks, or buses

au·to·nom·ic \ˌȯt-ə-ˈnäm-ik\ adj : of, relating to, controlled by, or being part of the autonomic nervous system

autonomic nervous system n : the part of the vertebrate nervous system that controls involuntary actions (as heart rate and breathing) and that is made up of the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system

au·ton·o·mous \ȯ-ˈtän-ə-məs\ adj
1 : having autonomy : SELF-GOVERNING
2 : existing independent of anything else
— au·ton·o·mous·ly adv

au·ton·o·my \ȯ-ˈtän-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies : the power or right of self-government

au·top·sy \ˈȯ-ˌtäp-sē, ˈȯt-əp-\ n, pl -sies : an examination of a dead body especially to find out the cause of death [from Greek autopsia “the act of seeing with one's own eyes,” from aut- “self” and opsis “sight,” from opsesthai “to be going to see” — related to OPTIC]
— autopsy vb

au·to·ra·dio·graph \ˌȯt-ō-ˈrād-ē-ə-ˌgraf\ n : an image made on a photographic film or plate by the radiation from a radioactive substance in a nearby object

autos plural of AUTO

au·to·troph \ˈȯt-ə-ˌtrōf, -ˌträf\ n : an organism (as a plant) that can make its own food from substances that do not come from other living things
— au·to·troph·ic \ˌȯt-ə-ˈtrō-fik\ adj

au·tumn \ˈȯt-əm\ n
1 : the season between summer and winter including in the northern hemisphere usually the months of September, October, and November — called also fall
2 : a time late in an existence <in the autumn of life>
— au·tum·nal \ȯ-ˈtəm-nəl\ adj

1aux·il·ia·ry \ȯg-ˈzil-yə-rē, -ˈzil-(ə-)rē\ adj : available to provide something extra when needed <auxiliary police>

2auxiliary n, pl -ries : an auxiliary person, group, or device

auxiliary verb n : HELPING VERB

aux·in \ˈȯk-sən\ n : a plant hormone that causes the shoot to grow in length and usually controls other growth processes (as root formation)

1avail \ə-ˈvā(ə)l\ vb : to be of use or help
— avail oneself of : to make use of <availed themselves of his services>

2avail n : help toward reaching a goal <effort of no avail>

avail·able \ə-ˈvā-lə-bəl\ adj
1 : easy or possible to get, get to, or use <kept emergency supplies available> <called every available hardware store>
2 : present in a form that a plant or animal can use <a food that contains available iron>
— avail·abil·i·ty \ə-ˌvā-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— avail·able·ness n

— avail·ably \ə-ˈvā-lə-blē\ adv

av·a·lanche \ˈav-ə-ˌlanch\ n
1 : a large mass of snow and ice or of earth and rock sliding down a mountainside
2 : a sudden large amount <an avalanche of words>

av·a·rice \ˈav-(ə-)rəs\ n : strong desire for riches : GREED

av·a·ri·cious \ˌav-ə-ˈrish-əs\ adj : greedy for riches
— av·a·ri·cious·ly adv

— av·a·ri·cious·ness n

avast \ə-ˈvast\ imperative verb — a command to stop or cease used by sailors

av·a·tar \ˈav-ə-ˌtär\ n
1 : someone who represents a type of person, an idea, or a quality
2 : an electronic image that represents and may be manipulated by a computer user (as in a game)

avaunt \ə-ˈvȯnt, -ˈvänt\ adv : AWAY 2

avenge \ə-ˈvenj\ vb avenged; aveng·ing : to take vengeance for (an action) or on behalf of (a person)
— aveng·er n

av·e·nue \ˈav-ə-ˌn(y)ü\ n
1 : a way or route to a place or goal : PATH
2 : a usually wide street

aver \ə-ˈvər\ vb averred; aver·ring : to declare positively

1av·er·age \ˈav-(ə-)rij\ n
1 : ARITHMETIC MEAN
2 : a level typical of a group, class, or series <their work is above the average>
3 : a ratio of successful tries to total tries <batting average>

2average adj
1 : equaling or close to an arithmetic mean
2 : being ordinary or usual <the average person> <an average day>
— av·er·age·ly adv

— av·er·age·ness n

3average vb -aged; -ag·ing
1 : to amount to on the average <they average four feet in height>
2 : to do or get usually <she averaged 40 miles a day>
3 : to find the average of <average the grades>

averse \ə-ˈvərs\ adj : having an active and strong dislike <averse to exercise>
— averse·ly adv

— averse·ness n

aver·sion \ə-ˈvər-zhən\ n
1 : a strong dislike
2 : something strongly disliked

avert \ə-ˈvərt\ vb
1 : to turn away <avert one's eyes>
2 : to keep from happening <averted an accident>

avi·an \ˈā-vē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or derived from birds

avi·ary \ˈā-vē-ˌer-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies : a place (as a large cage or a building) where many live birds are kept usually for exhibition [from Latin aviarium “place to keep birds,” from avis “bird”]

avi·a·tion \ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən, ˌav-ē-\ n : the operation of aircraft (as airplanes or helicopters) that are heavier than air

avi·a·tor \ˈā-vē-ˌāt-ər, ˈav-ē-\ n : 1PILOT 3

av·id \ˈav-əd\ adj
1 : having so much desire for something as to be greedy <avid for attention>
2 : very eager : ENTHUSIASTIC <an avid football fan>
— avid·ity \ə-ˈvid-ət-ē, a-\ n

— av·id·ly \ˈav-əd-lē\ adv

— av·id·ness n

av·o·ca·do \ˌav-ə-ˈkäd-ō, ˌäv-\ n, pl -dos also -does : the usually green pear-shaped edible fruit of a tropical American tree that has a rich oily flesh; also : the tree that bears this fruit

av·o·ca·tion \ˌav-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : customary employment : VOCATION
2 : an activity one engages in regularly for enjoyment rather than as a job : HOBBY
— av·o·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

av·o·cet \ˈav-ə-ˌset\ n : any of several rather large long-legged shorebirds with webbed feet and a slender bill that curves upward

avoid \ə-ˈvȯid\ vb
1 : to keep away from <they have been avoiding me>
2 : to keep from happening <avoid an accident>
3 : to keep from doing or being <avoid getting too tired>
— avoid·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— avoid·ably \-blē\ adv

— avoid·er n

avoid·ance \ə-ˈvȯid-ən(t)s\ n : the act or an instance of avoiding something

av·oir·du·pois \ˌav-ərd-ə-ˈpȯiz, ˈav-ərd-ə-ˌpȯiz\ n
1 : AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT
2 : the fact or quality of being heavy : WEIGHT [Middle English avoir de pois “goods sold by weight,” from early French, literally “goods of weight”]

avoirdupois weight n : the series of units of weight based on the pound of 16 ounces and the ounce of 16 drams — see MEASURE TABLE

avouch \ə-ˈvau̇ch\ vb
1 : to declare positively as a fact : AFFIRM
2 : to give a guarantee of : vouch for <avouched her reputation>
— avouch·ment \-mənt\ n

avow \ə-ˈvau̇\ vb : to declare or acknowledge openly and frankly  synonyms see ASSERT

avow·al \ə-ˈvau̇(-ə)l\ n : an open declaration or admission

avowed \ə-ˈvau̇d\ adj : openly declared or admitted
— avowed·ly \ə-ˈvau̇-əd-lē\ adv

aw \ˈȯ\ interj — used to express mild sympathy, pleading, disbelief, or disappointment

await \ə-ˈwāt\ vb
1 : to wait for : EXPECT <await a train>
2 : to be ready or waiting for <a reward awaits you>

1awake \ə-ˈwāk\ vb awoke \-ˈwōk\ also awaked \-ˈwākt\; awo·ken \-ˈwō-kən\ or awaked also awoke; awak·ing
1 : to arouse from sleep : wake up
2 : to become aware of something <awoke to their danger>
3 : to make or become active : STIR <awoke old memories>

2awake adj
1 : not sleeping
2 : 1ALERT 1A

awak·en \ə-ˈwā-kən\ vb awak·ened; awak·en·ing \-ˈwāk-(ə-)niŋ\ : 1AWAKE
— awak·en·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

1award \ə-ˈwȯ(ə)rd\ vb
1 : to give by court decision (as after a lawsuit) <award damages>
2 : to give or grant as a reward <award a prize to the best speaker>

2award n : something (as a prize) that is awarded

aware \ə-ˈwa(ə)r, -ˈwe(ə)r\ adj : having or showing understanding or knowledge : CONSCIOUS
— aware·ness n

awash \ə-ˈwȯsh, -ˈwäsh\ adj
1 : washed by waves or tide
2 : floating about
3 a : flooded or covered with water  b : filled or covered as if by a flood <an event awash in emotion>

1away \ə-ˈwā\ adv
1 : on the way <get away early>
2 : from this or that place <go away>
3 : in or to another place or direction <turn away>
4 : to an end : out of existence <echoes dying away>
5 : from one's possession <gave away a fortune>
6 : without stopping or slowing down <talk away>
7 : at or to a great distance in space or time : FAR <away back in 1910>

2away adj
1 : absent from a place : GONE <he is away from home>
2 : distant in space or time <a lake not far away> <the season is two months away>

1awe \ˈȯ\ n : a feeling of mixed fear, respect, and wonder

2awe vb awed; aw·ing : to fill with awe

awe·some \ˈȯ-səm\ adj
1 : showing awe
2 : causing a feeling of awe
3 : TERRIFIC 2, EXTRAORDINARY <had an awesome time>
— awe·some·ly adv

— awe·some·ness n

awe·struck \ˈȯ-ˌstrək\ adj : filled with awe

1aw·ful \ˈȯ-fəl\ adj
1 : AWESOME 2
2 : extremely disagreeable or unpleasant
3 : very great <took an awful chance>
— aw·ful·ness n

2awful adv : 2VERY 1 <awful tired>

aw·ful·ly \usually ˈȯ-fə-lē in sense 1, ˈȯ-flē in sense 2\ adv
1 : in a disagreeable or unpleasant manner
2 : 2VERY 1 <awfully nice of you>

awhile \ə-ˈhwī(ə)l, ə-ˈwī(ə)l\ adv : for a while : for a short time <sit and rest awhile>

awhirl \ə-ˈhwərl, ə-wərl\ adj : being in a whirl

awk·ward \ˈȯ-kwərd\ adj
1 : lacking skill and flexibility (as in the use of the hands)
2 : not graceful : CLUMSY
3 : causing embarrassment <an awkward situation>
4 : difficult to use or handle <an awkward tool>
— awk·ward·ly adv

— awk·ward·ness n

awl \ˈȯl\ n : a pointed tool for marking surfaces or for making small holes (as in leather or wood)

aw·ning \ˈȯn-iŋ, ˈän-\ n : a cover (as of canvas) that shades or shelters like a roof

awoke past and past participle of AWAKE

awoken past participle of AWAKE

AWOL \ˈā-ˌwȯl, ˌā-ˌdəb-əl-yu̇-ˌō-ˈel\ n : a person who is absent without permission [absent without leave]
— AWOL adv or adj

awry \ə-ˈrī\ adv or adj
1 : turned or twisted to one side
2 : off the right course : WRONG <their plans went awry>

ax or axe \ˈaks\ n : a cutting tool that consists of a heavy edged head attached to a handle and that is used for chopping and splitting wood

ax·i·al \ˈak-sē-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis
2 : situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis <axial flowers>
— ax·i·al·ly \-sē-ə-lē\ adv

ax·il·la \ag-ˈzil-ə, ak-ˈsil-\ n : ARMPIT

ax·i·om \ˈak-sē-əm\ n : a rule or principle widely accepted as obviously true and not needing to be proved

ax·i·om·at·ic \ˈak-sē-ə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to an axiom
2 : resembling an axiom
— ax·i·om·at·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ax·is \ˈak-səs\ n, pl ax·es \ˈak-ˌsēz\
1 a : a straight line about which a body or a geometric figure rotates or may be supposed to rotate <the earth's axis>  b : a straight line with respect to which a body or figure is symmetrical — called also axis of symmetry  c : one of the reference lines of a coordinate system
2 a : a bodily structure around which parts are arranged in a symmetrical way  b : the main stem of a plant from which leaves and branches arise

ax·le \ˈak-səl\ n : a pin, pole, or bar on or with which a wheel revolves

ax·o·lotl \ˈak-sə-ˌlät-əl\ n : any of several salamanders of mountain lakes of Mexico and the western U.S. that ordinarily live and breed while keeping the larval form

ax·on \ˈak-ˌsän\ also ax·one \-ˌsōn\ n : a usually long and single process of a neuron that usually carries impulses away from the cell body — compare DENDRITE 2
— ax·o·nal \ˈak-sən-əl; ak-ˈsän-, -ˈsōn-\ adj

1aye also ay \ˈā\ adv : FOREVER 1, ALWAYS [Middle English aye “always”; of Scandinavian origin]

2aye also ay \ˈī\ adv : 1YES 1 <aye, aye, sir> [perhaps from Middle English ye “yes, yea”]

3aye also ay \ˈī\ n, pl ayes : a vote yes or a person who votes yes

aye–aye \ˈī-ˌī\ n : a lemur of Madagascar that has large eyes and ears and is active at night

Ayr·shire \ˈa(ə)r-ˌshi(ə)r, ˈe(ə)r-, -shər\ n : any of a breed of hardy dairy cattle varying in color from white to red or brown

aza·lea \ə-ˈzāl-yə\ n : any of numerous rhododendrons that have funnel-shaped flowers, usually shed their leaves in the fall, and include many grown as ornamental plants

az·i·muth \ˈaz-(ə-)məth\ n : horizontal direction of an object from a fixed point expressed as an angle

azo \ˈaz-ō\ adj : relating to or containing two nitrogen atoms united to each other and at both ends to carbon <an azo dye>

AZT \ˌā-(ˌ)zē-ˈtē\ n : a drug used to treat AIDS

Az·tec \ˈaz-ˌtek\ n : a member of an American Indian people that founded the Mexican empire conquered by Cortes in 1519

azure \ˈazh-ər\ n : the blue color of the clear sky

azur·ite \ˈazh-ə-ˌrīt\ n : a blue mineral that is a carbonate of copper and an ore of copper

B

b \ˈbē\ n, often cap
1 : the second letter of the English alphabet
2 : a musical note referred to by the letter B : the seventh tone of a C-major scale
3 : a grade rating a student's work as good

baa \ˈba, ˈbä\ n : the bleat of a sheep
— baa vb

1bab·ble \ˈbab-əl\ vb bab·bled; bab·bling \ˈbab-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to make meaningless sounds  b : to talk foolishly or too much
2 : to make the sound of a brook
— bab·bler \ˈbab-(ə-)lər\ n

2babble n
1 : talk that is not clear
2 : the sound of a brook

babe \ˈbāb\ n : 1BABY 1A <a babe in arms>

ba·bel \ˈbā-bəl, ˈbab-əl\ n, often cap
1 : a confusion of sounds or voices
2 : a scene of noise or confusion [from the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4–9, the building of which was interrupted by a confusion of languages]

ba·boon \ba-ˈbün\ n : any of several large African and Asian monkeys having long squarish muzzles and usually short tails

ba·bush·ka \bə-ˈbüsh-kə, -ˈbu̇sh-\ n : a kerchief usually folded into a triangle and worn on the head [from Russian babushka, “grandmother”]

1ba·by \ˈbā-bē\ n, pl ba·bies
1 a : a very young child; esp : INFANT  b : a very young animal
2 : the youngest of a group
3 : a childish person
— ba·by·hood \-bē-ˌhu̇d\ n

— ba·by·ish \-ish\ adj

2baby adj
1 : being or relating to a baby <a baby deer> <my baby sister> <baby clothes>
2 : much smaller than usual <a baby grand piano> <baby carrots> <a baby spaceship>

3baby vb ba·bied; ba·by·ing
1 : to use or treat as a baby : PET
2 : to operate or treat with care <babied the car>

baby boom n : a marked rise in a birthrate (as in the U.S. after World War II)
— baby boom·er \ˈbü-mər\ n

baby oil n : a usually pleasant-smelling oil used especially to add moisture to and clean the skin

baby powder n : a fine powder composed mainly of talc or cornstarch that is sprinkled or rubbed on the skin especially to absorb moisture and relieve chafing

baby's breath n : a tall branching herb that is related to the carnation, has clusters of small fragrant white or pink flowers, and is often used in flower arrangements

ba·by·sit \ˈbā-bē-ˌsit\ vb -sat \-ˌsat\; -sit·ting : to care for children usually while the parents are away for a short time
— ba·by·sit·ter n

baby talk n
1 : the speech used by very young children learning to talk
2 : speech like baby talk sometimes used by adults to speak to very young children

baby tooth n : MILK TOOTH

bach·e·lor \ˈbach-(ə-)lər\ n
1 : a person who has received the lowest degree given by a college, university, or professional school <bachelor of arts>; also : the degree itself
2 a : an unmarried man  b : an unmated male animal
— bach·e·lor·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

bach·e·lor·ette \ˌbach-lə-ˈret, ˌbach-ə-\ n : an unmarried woman

bachelor's button n : a European plant related to the daisies and often grown for its showy blue, pink, or white flower heads — called also cornflower

ba·cil·lus \bə-ˈsil-əs\ n, pl -cil·li \-ˈsil-ˌī also -ˈsil-ē\ : any of numerous straight rod-shaped bacteria that require oxygen for growth; also : a disease-producing bacterium

1back \ˈbak\ n
1 a : the rear part of the human body especially from the neck to the end of the spine  b : the corresponding part of a four-footed or lower animal
2 : the part of something that is opposite or away from the front part
3 : something at or on the back for support <back of a chair>
4 a : a position in some games (as football or soccer) behind the front line of players  b : a player in this position
— backed \ˈbakt\ adj

— back·less \ˈbak-ləs\ adj

— behind one's back : without one's knowledge : in secret

2back adv
1 a : to, toward, or at the rear  b : in or into the past : AGO  c : in or into a reclining position  d : under control : in check <held back>
2 : to, toward, or in a place from which a person or thing came
3 : in return or reply <write back> <talk back>
— back and forth : backward and forward : from one place to another

3back adj
1 a : being at or in the back <back door>  b : distant from a central or main area <back roads>
2 : not yet paid : OVERDUE <back rent>
3 : no longer current <back issues of a magazine>

4back vb
1 : to give aid or support to
2 : to move or cause to move back or backward
3 : to shift in a counterclockwise direction <the wind backed around>
4 : to provide with a back
— back·er n

back·ache \ˈbak-ˌāk\ n : pain usually in the lower back

back·beat \-ˌbēt\ n : a steady pronounced rhythm stressing the second and fourth beats of a four-beat measure

back·bite \-ˌbīt\ vb -bit; -bit·ten; -bit·ing : to say mean things about a person who is not present
— back·bit·er n

back·board \ˈbak-ˌbōrd, -ˌbȯrd\ n : a board placed at the back or serving as a back; esp : a rounded or rectangular board behind the basket on a basketball court

back·bone \-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn\ n
1 : the skeleton of the trunk and tail of a vertebrate that consists of a jointed series of vertebrae enclosing and protecting the spinal cord — called also spinal column
2 : the foundation or sturdiest part of something
3 : firmness of character <a coward with no backbone>
— back·boned \-ˈbōnd, -ˌbōnd\ adj

back·court \-ˈkō(ə)rt, -ˈkȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : a basketball team's defensive half of the court
2 : the positions of the guards on a basketball team; also : the guards themselves <a team with a strong backcourt>

back down vb : to retreat from a stand one has taken or from a challenge one has accepted

back·drop \ˈbak-ˌdräp\ n
1 : a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage
2 : BACKGROUND 1, 3A

back·field \-ˌfēld\ n : the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage

1back·fire \-ˌfī(ə)r\ n
1 : a fire that is set to check the spread of a forest fire or a grass fire by burning off a strip of land ahead of it
2 : a loud noise caused by the improperly timed explosion of fuel in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine

2backfire vb
1 : to make a backfire
2 : to have a result opposite to what was planned <their plans backfired>

back·flip \-ˌflip\ n : a backward somersault especially in the air

back·gam·mon \ˈbak-ˌgam-ən, ˌbak-ˈgam-\ n : a board game for two played with dice in which the object is to be the first to move all one's pieces around and off the board

back·ground \ˈbak-ˌgrau̇nd\ n
1 : the scenery or ground that is behind a main figure or object (as in a painting)
2 : a position that attracts little attention <always tries to keep in the background>
3 a : the setting within which something takes place  b : the events leading up to a situation  c : information needed to understand a problem or situation  d : the total of a person's experience, knowledge, and education
4 a : a somewhat steady level of radiation in the natural environment (as from cosmic rays or radio activity)  b : undesired sound that is heard in a system (as in radio or a tape recording) that produces sound from other sources

background music n : music played to go along with and add to the story or mood of a movie or radio or television show

1back·hand \-ˌhand\ n
1 a : a stroke (as in tennis) made with the back of the hand turned in the direction of movement  b : a catch made with the arm across the body and the palm turned away from the body
2 : handwriting in which the letters slant to the left

2backhand adj : using or made with a backhand

3backhand vb : to do, hit, or catch with a backhand

4backhand or back·hand·ed \ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd\ adv : with a backhand

back·hand·ed \ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd\ adj
1 : 2BACKHAND
2 : not sincere <a backhanded compliment>

back·hoe \-ˌhō\ n : a large machine that digs into the earth with a metal scoop drawn toward the machine

back·ing \ˈbak-iŋ\ n
1 : something forming a back
2 a : 2SUPPORT, AID  b : ENDORSEMENT 3, APPROVAL

back·lash \ˈbak-ˌlash\ n : a reaction against some political or social development

back·log \-ˌlȯg, -ˌläg\ n
1 : a large log at the back of a fire in a fireplace
2 : an accumulation of tasks that have not been finished

back of prep : 2BEHIND 1 <out back of the barn>

back off vb : BACK DOWN

back order n : a business order that is to be fulfilled later because the item is unavailable

1back·pack \ˈbak-ˌpak\ n : a camping pack carried on the back; also : KNAPSACK

2backpack vb : to hike with a backpack
— back·pack·er n

back·rest \ˈbak-ˌrest\ n : a rest for the back

back·side \ˈbak-ˈsīd\ n : BUTTOCK 2A

back·slash \-ˌslash\ n : a mark \ used especially in computer programming

back·slide \ˈbak-ˌslīd\ vb -slid \-ˌslid\; -slid or -slid·den \-ˌslid-ən\; -slid·ing \-ˌslīd-iŋ\
1 : to go back to a less religious or less moral condition
2 : to go back to a worse condition
— backslide n

— back·slid·er \-ˌslīd-ər\ n

back·space \-ˌspās\ vb : to move back one space in a text with the press of a key
— backspace n

back·spin \-ˌspin\ n : a backward spinning motion of a ball

back·stage \ˈbak-ˈstāj\ adv or adj : in or to an area behind the stage of a theater

back·stop \ˈbak-ˌstäp\ n
1 : a screen or fence to keep a ball from leaving the field of play
2 : a baseball catcher

back·stretch \-ˌstrech, -ˈstrech\ n : the side of a racetrack that is opposite the part between the last turn and the finish line

back·stroke \-ˌstrōk\ n : a swimming stroke made by a swimmer who lies in the water facing upward

back·swim·mer \-ˌswim-ər\ n : any of a family of bugs that live in the water and swim on their backs

back talk n : a rude or quarrelsome reply

back·track \ˈbak-ˌtrak\ vb
1 : to go back over a course or path
2 : to reverse a position or stand

back·up \ˈbak-ˌəp\ n
1 : a person or thing that takes the place of or supports another <has a backup in case he gets sick>
2 : a gathering or piling up because the flow has been stopped <a traffic backup>
3 : a copy of a computer file to protect against loss of data; also : the act or an instance of making a backup

back up vb
1 : to gather or pile up because the flow has been stopped <traffic backed up for miles>
2 : to make a copy of (as a computer file) to protect against loss of data

1back·ward \ˈbak-wərd\ or back·wards \-wərdz\ adv
1 : toward the back <look backward>
2 : with the back first <ride backward>
3 : opposite to the usual way : in reverse <count backward>
4 : toward a worse state

2backward adj
1 a : directed or turned toward the back <a backward glance>  b : done backward
2 : 1SHY 1, BASHFUL
3 : slow in learning or development <backward nations>
— back·ward·ly adv

— back·ward·ness n

back·wash \ˈbak-ˌwȯsh, -ˌwäsh\ n : backward movement (as of water or air) produced by a propelling force (as the motion of oars)

back·wa·ter \ˈbak-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n
1 : water held or turned back from its course
2 : a backward place or condition

back·woods \ˈbak-ˈwu̇dz, -ˌwu̇dz\ n pl
1 : wooded or partly cleared areas far from cities
2 : a place that is slow to adopt the ways of the city

back·yard \-ˈyärd\ n
1 : an area in back of a house
2 : an area in which one has a special interest

ba·con \ˈbā-kən\ n
1 : salted and smoked meat from the sides and the back of a pig
2 : money gained through employment or legislation <bring home the bacon>

bacteria plural of BACTERIUM

bac·te·ri·al \bak-ˈtir-ē-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

bac·te·ri·ol·o·gist \(ˌ)bak-ˌtir-ē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in bacteriology

bac·te·ri·ol·o·gy \(ˌ)bak-ˌtir-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n
1 : a science that deals with bacteria and their relations to medicine, industry, and agriculture
2 : bacterial life, facts, and events of scientific interest
— bac·te·ri·o·log·ic \-ē-ə-ˈläj-ik\ or bac·te·ri·o·log·i·cal \-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

bac·te·rio·phage \bak-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌfāj, -ˌfāzh\ n : any of various viruses that specifically attack bacteria

bac·te·ri·um \bak-ˈtir-ē-əm\ n, pl -ria \-ē-ə\ : any of a group of single-celled microorganisms that live in soil, water, the bodies of plants and animals, or matter obtained from living things and are important because of their chemical effects and disease-causing abilities

Bac·tri·an camel \ˌbak-trē-ən-\ n : CAMEL B

1bad \ˈbad\ adj worse \ˈwərs\; worst \ˈwərst\
1 a : below standard : POOR  b : not favorable <a bad impression>  c : ROTTEN 1 <bad meat>
2 : not good or right : morally evil or wrong <a bad person> <bad behavior>
3 : not enough <bad lighting>
4 : DISAGREEABLE 1, UNPLEASANT <bad news>
5 a : HARMFUL <bad for the health>  b : SEVERE 3 <a bad cold>
6 : INCORRECT, FAULTY <bad spelling>
7 : 1ILL 2C, SICK <feel bad>
8 : SORROWFUL 1, SORRY <don't feel bad about losing>
— bad·ness n

2bad n
1 : a bad thing or part <take the bad with the good>
2 : a bad or unhappy state <go to the bad>

3bad adv : BADLY <not doing so bad>

bade past of BID

badge \ˈbaj\ n : a mark or sign worn to show that a person belongs to a certain group, class, or rank

1bad·ger \ˈbaj-ər\ n : any of several sturdy burrowing flesh-eating mammals widely distributed in the northern hemisphere; also : the pelt or fur of a badger

2badger vb bad·gered; bad·ger·ing \ˈbaj-(ə-)riŋ\ : to annoy again and again

bad·land \ˈbad-ˌland\ n : a region where natural forces have worn away the soft rocks into sharp and complicated shapes and where plant life is scarce — usually used in plural

bad·ly \ˈbad-lē\ adv worse \ˈwərs\; worst \ˈwərst\
1 : in a bad manner <played badly>
2 : very much <wanted the jeans badly>

bad·min·ton \ˈbad-ˌmit-ən\ n : a game in which a shuttlecock is hit back and forth over a net by players using light rackets

bad–mouth \-ˌmau̇th, -ˈmauth\ vb : to say bad things about

1baf·fle \ˈbaf-əl\ vb baf·fled; baf·fling \ˈbaf-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to defeat or check by confusing : PERPLEX
2 : to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle
— baf·fle·ment \-əl-mənt\ n

— baf·fler \-(ə)lər\ n

2baffle n : a device (as a wall or screen) to turn aside, check, or regulate flow (as of a fluid, light, or sound)

1bag \ˈbag\ n
1 a : a container made of flexible material (as paper or plastic)  b : 1PURSE 1, HANDBAG  c : SUITCASE
2 a : a pouched or hanging bodily part or organ (as an udder); also : a puffy sagging area of loose skin <bags under the eyes>  b : a puffed-out sag or bulge in cloth  c : a square white stuffed canvas container that marks a base in baseball
3 : the amount contained in a bag
4 : a quantity of game taken or permitted to be taken
— in the bag : 1SURE 4, CERTAIN <a win is in the bag>

2bag vb bagged; bag·ging
1 : to swell out <pants bag at the knees>
2 : to put into a bag <bagging groceries>
3 : to kill or capture in hunting <the hunter bagged a deer>

ba·gel \ˈbā-gəl\ n : a firm doughnut-shaped roll

bag·gage \ˈbag-ij\ n : the traveling bags and personal belongings of a traveler : LUGGAGE

Bag·gies \ˈbag-ēz\ trademark — used for clear plastic bags

bag·gy \ˈbag-ē\ adj bag·gi·er; -est : loose, puffed out, or hanging like a bag <baggy pants>
— bag·gi·ly \ˈbag-ə-lē\ adv

— bag·gi·ness \ˈbag-ē-nəs\ n

bag of waters : the double-walled fluid-filled pouch that encloses and protects the fetus in the uterus and that breaks releasing its fluid during the birth process

bag·pipe \ˈbag-ˌpīp\ n : a musical instrument played especially in Scotland that consists of a bag for air, a mouth tube for blowing up the air bag, and pipes which give a sound when air passes through them — often used in plural
— bag·pip·er \-ˌpī-pər\ n

ba·guette \ba-ˈget\ n
1 : a gem (as a diamond) cut in a long narrow rectangle; also : the shape itself
2 : a long thin loaf of French bread

bag·worm \ˈbag-ˌwərm\ n : a moth that as a larva lives in a silk case covered with plant debris and is often destructive to the leaves of plants

1bail \ˈbā(ə)l\ n : a container used to remove water from a boat [Middle English baille “bucket, bail,” from early French baille “bucket,” from Latin bajula “water container,” derived from bajulus “porter, carrier”]

2bail vb : to remove (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side — usually used with out

3bail n
1 : the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for a deposit of money ensuring the later appearance of the prisoner in court
2 : the deposit of money needed to temporarily free a prisoner
3 : a person who provides bail [Middle English bail “custody, bail,” derived from early French baillier “to give, entrust,” derived from Latin bajulare “to carry a load,” from bajulus “porter, carrier”]

4bail vb : to get the release of (a prisoner) by giving bail

5bail n
1 : a semicircular support
2 : the handle of a kettle or pail [Middle English beil, baile “half hoop, bail”]

bai·liff \ˈbā-ləf\ n
1 : any of various officials; esp : a minor officer of some U.S. courts usually serving as a messenger or doorkeeper
2 chiefly British : one who manages an estate or farm

bail out vb
1 : to jump out of an airplane with a parachute
2 : to help from a difficult situation

bairn \ˈba(ə)rn, ˈbe(ə)rn\ n, chiefly Scottish : CHILD 1, 2A

1bait \ˈbāt\ vb
1 : to torment by repeated attacks
2 : to torment (an animal) with dogs
3 : to put bait on or in <bait a hook> [Middle English baiten “to tease, torment,” from an early Norse word originally meaning “to cause to bite”]
— bait·er n

2bait n
1 : something (as food) used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap
2 : a poisonous material put where it will be eaten by and kill harmful or undesirable animals
3 : LURE 1, TEMPTATION [Middle English bait “a lure,” from two early Norse words, one meaning “pasture” and the other meaning “food”]

baize \ˈbāz\ n : a fabric made to resemble felt

1bake \ˈbāk\ vb baked; bak·ing
1 : to cook or become cooked by dry heat especially in an oven
2 : to dry or harden by heat <bake bricks>
3 : to be or become very hot <a sidewalk baking in the sun>
— bak·er n

2bake n
1 : the act or process of baking
2 : a social gathering at which a baked food is served; esp : CLAMBAKE

baker's dozen n : THIRTEEN

bakers' yeast n : a yeast used or suitable for use in making dough rise

bak·ery \ˈbā-k(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : a place where bread, cakes, and pastry are made or sold

bake sale n : a fund-raising event at which usually homemade foods (as cakes and cookies) are sold

bake·shop \ˈbāk-ˌshäp\ n : BAKERY

bake·ware \ˈbāk-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : dishes used for baking and serving food

baking powder n : a powder that usually consists of sodium bicarbonate, an acidic substance (as cream of tartar), and starch or flour and that makes the dough rise in baked goods (as cakes)

baking soda n : SODIUM BICARBONATE

1bal·ance \ˈbal-ən(t)s\ n
1 : an instrument used for measuring mass or weight
2 : a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence
3 : a vibrating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the mechanical motions of a timepiece
4 : a condition in which opposing forces are equal to each other
5 : equality between the totals of the two sides of an account
6 : an orderly and artistic arrangement of elements that is pleasing : HARMONY
7 a : something left over : REMAINDER  b : the amount by which one side of an account is greater than the other <a balance of $10 on the credit side>
8 : mental and emotional steadiness
9 : the maintenance (as in a natural habitat) of a population in about the same condition and numbers

2balance vb bal·anced; bal·anc·ing
1 : to figure out the difference between the debits and credits of an account <balanced her checkbook>
2 a : to arrange so that one set of elements exactly equals another <balance an equation>  b : to complete (a chemical equation) so that the same number of atoms and electric charges of each kind appears on each side
3 a : 2COUNTERBALANCE, OFFSET  b : to equal or make equal in weight, number, or proportion <balanced the powers of the three branches of government>
4 : to weigh against one another : COMPARE
5 : to bring or come to a state or position of balance
— bal·anc·er n

balance beam n : a narrow wooden beam supported in a horizontal position above the floor and used for balancing feats in gymnastics

balance of nature : the fine state of balance in a natural ecosystem due to the effects of the living and nonliving parts of the environment on each other

balance wheel n : a wheel that adjusts the motion of a mechanism (as a timepiece or a sewing machine)

bal·co·ny \ˈbal-kə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : a platform enclosed by a low wall or railing and built out from the side of a building
2 : a platform inside a building extending out over part of the main floor (as of a theater)

1bald \ˈbȯld\ adj
1 : lacking a natural or usual covering (as of hair)
2 : 2PLAIN 1, UNADORNED <the bald facts>
— bald·ly adv

— bald·ness \ˈbȯl(d)-nəs\ n

2bald vb : to become bald <his head is balding>

bald cypress n : either of two large swamp trees related to the pine and found in the southern U.S.

bald eagle n : a North American eagle which is mostly brown when young but has white head, neck, and tail feathers when mature

bal·dric \ˈbȯl-drik\ n : a belt worn over one shoulder to provide a device from which to hang a sword or bugle at the opposite hip

1bale \ˈbā(ə)l\ n : a large bundle of goods tightly tied for storing or shipping <a bale of cotton>

2bale vb baled; bal·ing : to make up into a bale
— bal·er n

ba·leen \bə-ˈlēn, ˈbā-ˌlēn\ n : a horny substance found in two rows of long plates which hang down from the upper jaw of baleen whales — called also whalebone

baleen whale n : any of various usually large whales lacking teeth but having baleen for filtering small ocean animals (as krill) out of seawater — compare TOOTHED WHALE

bale·ful \ˈbāl-fəl\ adj
1 : deadly or harmful in influence
2 : threatening harm or evil <a baleful look>
— bale·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— bale·ful·ness n

1balk \ˈbȯk\ n
1 : something that prevents movement or action
2 : an illegal motion of a baseball pitcher while in position to pitch with a runner on base

2balk vb
1 : to check or stop by or as if by something in the way : BLOCK
2 : to stop and refuse to go <the horse balked>
3 : to make a balk in baseball
— balk·er n

balky \ˈbȯ-kē\ adj balk·i·er; -est : likely to refuse to act or function as directed or expected <a balky mule> <a balky engine>

1ball \ˈbȯl\ n
1 a : something round or roundish <a ball of twine>  b : a usually round object used in a game or sport  c : a usually round shot for a firearm  d : the rounded bulge at the base of the thumb; also : the rounded wide part of the bottom of the human foot between the toes and arch
2 : a game or sport (as baseball) played with a ball <play ball>
3 : a pitched baseball that fails to pass through the strike zone and is not struck at by the batter [Middle English bal “ball”]

2ball vb : to make or come together into a ball

3ball n : a large formal party for dancing [from French bal “a dance,” derived from Latin ballare “to dance” — related to BALLET]

bal·lad \ˈbal-əd\ n
1 : a poem that tells a story of adventure, of romance, or of a hero, that is suitable for singing, and that usually has stanzas of four lines with a rhyme on the second and fourth lines
2 : a simple song
3 : a usually slow or sentimental popular song

ball–and–socket joint n : a joint (as in the hip) in which a rounded part moves within a socket so as to allow movements in many directions

1bal·last \ˈbal-əst\ n
1 : heavy material used especially to make a ship steady or to control the rising of a balloon
2 : gravel or broken stone laid in a foundation for a railroad or used in making concrete

2ballast vb : to provide with ballast

ball bearing n
1 : a bearing in which the revolving part turns on steel balls that roll easily in a groove
2 : one of the balls in a ball bearing

ball·car·ri·er \ˈbȯl-ˌkar-ē-ər\ n : a football player who carries the ball on offense

bal·le·ri·na \ˌbal-ə-ˈrē-nə\ n : a female ballet dancer

bal·let \ˈbal-ā, ba-ˈlā\ n
1 a : an art form that uses dancing to tell a story or express a theme  b : dancing in which poses and steps are combined with leaps and turns
2 : a group that performs ballets [from French ballet “ballet,” derived from Italian ballare “to dance,” from Latin ballare “to dance” — related to 3BALL]

bal·lis·tic \bə-ˈlis-tik\ adj : of or relating to ballistics

ballistic missile n : a missile that moves under its own power, is guided as it rises in a steeply curving path, and falls freely on the way back to earth

bal·lis·tics \bə-ˈlis-tiks\ n sing or pl
1 : the science that deals with the motion of objects (as bullets or rockets) that are thrown or driven forward
2 : the flight characteristics of an object (as a bullet or rocket) that is thrown or driven forward

ball joint n : BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT

1bal·loon \bə-ˈlün\ n
1 : a bag of tough light material filled with heated gas or a gas lighter than air so as to rise and float in the atmosphere and that usually carries a suspended load (as a gondola with passengers)
2 : a toy or decoration consisting of an inflatable bag (as of rubber)
3 : an outline containing words spoken or thought by a character (as in a cartoon)

2balloon vb
1 : to go up or travel in a balloon
2 : to swell or puff out
3 : to increase rapidly <ballooning prices>

1bal·lot \ˈbal-ət\ n
1 : a small ball or sheet of paper used to cast a secret vote
2 a : the action or system of voting  b : the right to vote
3 : the number of votes cast
Word History Small objects have long been used as a means of tallying votes. In ancient Greece, a word for “pebble,” psēphos, came to designate any voting token, and then to mean simply “vote,” from the practice of dropping a pebble into one of two urns as decisions were made in public assemblies. In medieval Venice, small balls were used in public lotteries and elections; in one such lottery, members of the city's Great Council would draw gold and silver balls from vases to determine nominating committees for officeholders. The word for “small ball” in the Venetian form of Italian was ballotta, which was extended to other tokens used in drawing lots and voting, such as scraps of linen or paper. Familiarity with Venetian customs led to the adoption of the word as ballot in English. [from Italian ballotta “little ball (used in voting),” from balla “ball”]

2ballot vb : to vote or decide by ballot

ball·park \ˈbȯl-ˌpärk\ n : a park in which ball games are played

ball·point \-ˌpȯint\ n : a pen whose writing point is a small metal ball that inks itself from an inner supply

ball·room \ˈbȯl-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a large room for dances

bal·ly·hoo \ˈbal-ē-ˌhü\ n : extravagant statements and claims made for publicity
— ballyhoo vb

balm \ˈbäm, ˈbälm\ n
1 : resin from small tropical evergreen trees
2 : a fragrant healing or soothing preparation (as an ointment)
3 : something that comforts or refreshes

balm of Gil·e·ad \-ˈgil-ē-əd\
1 : a small African and Asian tree with fragrant evergreen leaves; also : its fragrant oily resin
2 : any of several poplars (as balsam poplar) having buds that are full of resin

balmy \ˈbäm-ē, ˈbäl-mē\ adj balm·i·er; -est
1 a : gently soothing  b : TEMPERATE 5 <balmy weather>
2 : FOOLISH, INSANE
— balm·i·ly \ˈbäm-ə-lē, ˈbäl-mə-\ adv

— balm·i·ness \ˈbäm-ē-nəs, ˈbäl-mē-\ n

bal·sa \ˈbȯl-sə\ n
1 : 1RAFT; esp : one made of two cylinders of metal or wood joined by a frame
2 : a tropical American tree with extremely light strong wood used especially for floats; also : its wood

bal·sam \ˈbȯl-səm\ n
1 a : a fragrant and usually oily substance that slowly flows from various plants  b : a preparation containing or smelling like balsam
2 a : a balsam-yielding tree (as balsam fir)  b : IMPATIENS; esp : one grown as an ornamental
3 : BALM 2
— bal·sam·ic \bȯl-ˈsam-ik\ adj

balsam fir n : a North American fir tree widely used for pulpwood and as a Christmas tree

balsam poplar n : a North American poplar that is often cultivated as a shade tree and has buds coated with a resin

Bal·tic \ˈbȯl-tik\ adj
1 : of or relating to the Baltic Sea or to the states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
2 : of or relating to a branch of the Indo-European languages containing Latvian, Lithuanian, and Old Prussian

Bal·ti·more oriole \ˌbȯl-tə-ˌmō(ə)r-, -ˌmȯ(ə)r-, -mər-\ n : an oriole of eastern and central parts of the U.S. that is orange below and in the male mostly black above and in the female mostly greenish-brown above

bal·us·ter \ˈbal-ə-stər\ n : a short post that supports a rail (as of a staircase)

bal·us·trade \ˈbal-ə-ˌstrād\ n : a row of balusters topped by a rail; also : a low wall or barrier

bam·boo \bam-ˈbü\ n, pl bamboos : any of various chiefly tropical tall woody grasses including some with strong hollow stems used for building, furniture, or utensils; also : the strong woody stem of bamboo
— bamboo adj

1ban \ˈban\ vb banned; ban·ning
1 : to forbid especially by law or social pressure
2 : 2BAR 4

2ban n
1 : 1CURSE 1
2 : an official order forbidding something

ba·nal \bə-ˈnal, ba-, -ˈnȧl; bā-ˈnal; ˈbān-əl\ adj : not original, fresh, or exciting : STALE, COMMONPLACE
— ba·nal·i·ty \bə-ˈnal-ət-ē also bā- or ba-\ n

— ba·nal·ly \bə-ˈnal-lē, ba-, -ˈnȧl-; bā-ˌnal-; ˈbān-əl-(l)ē\ adv

ba·nana \bə-ˈnan-ə\ n : a treelike tropical plant with large leaves and flower clusters that develop into a bunch of finger-shaped fruit which are usually yellow when ripe; also : its fruit

banana oil n : a colorless liquid acetate that has a fruity odor and is used to dissolve things and to make artificial fruit scents

ba·nan·as \bə-ˈnan-əz\ adj : CRAZY <you're driving me bananas> <the crowd went bananas>

banana split n : ice cream served on a banana split in half lengthwise and usually covered with syrups, fruits, nuts, and whipped cream

1band \ˈband\ n
1 : something that confines or constricts while allowing some movement
2 : something that binds or restrains legally, morally, or spiritually
3 : a strip serving to join or hold things together
4 : a strip that is different (as in color, texture, or composition) from nearby matter <a black beak with a white band>
5 : a range of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies between two specified limits [partly from a word of Norse origin meaning “something that binds” and partly from early French bande “stripe”; of Germanic origin]
— band·ed \ˈban-dəd\ adj

2band vb
1 : to put a band on
2 : to tie up with a band
3 : to join in a group <banded together for protection>

3band n
1 : a group of persons, animals, or things
2 : a group of musicians playing together [from early French bande “troop,” derived from an earlier word of Germanic origin]

1ban·dage \ˈban-dij\ n : a strip of fabric used especially to cover and bind up wounds and as a means of applying healing medicines or ointments

2bandage vb ban·daged; ban·dag·ing : to bind or cover with a bandage

Band–Aid \ˈban-ˈdād\ trademark — used for a small adhesive strip with a gauze pad for covering minor wounds

ban·dan·na or ban·dana \ban-ˈdan-ə\ n : a large handkerchief usually with a colorful design printed on it

band·box \ˈban(d)-ˌbäks\ n : a usually round box of paperboard or thin wood often used for storing a hat

ban·di·coot \ˈban-di-ˌküt\ n : any of various small insect-eating and plant-eating marsupial mammals especially of Australia

ban·dit \ˈban-dət\ n, pl bandits also ban·dit·ti \ban-ˈdit-ē\ : a person who lives by stealing and often as a member of a band : ROBBER, OUTLAW [from Italian bandito, literally, “one who is banished”]
— ban·dit·ry \ˈban-də-trē\ n

band·mas·ter \ˈban(d)-ˌmas-tər\ n : a conductor of a musical band

band·mate \ˈban(d)-ˌmāt\ n : a fellow member of a band

ban·do·lier or ban·do·leer \ˌban-də-ˈli(ə)r\ n : a belt worn over the shoulder and across the body along the length of which items (as cartridges) may be carried in loops or pouches

band saw n : a saw in the form of a continuous steel band running over pulleys

band·stand \ˈban(d)-ˌstand\ n : an outdoor platform on which a band performs

band·wag·on \ˈban-ˌdwag-ən\ n
1 : a wagon carrying musicians in a parade
2 : a popular movement or activity that attracts growing support <jump on the bandwagon>

band·width \ˈband-ˌwidth\ n
1 : a range of frequencies
2 : the capacity for or rate of data transfer <a high bandwidth Internet connection>

1ban·dy \ˈban-dē\ vb ban·died; ban·dy·ing
1 : to exchange (words) in argument
2 : to discuss or mention in gossip or small talk <several names were bandied about>

2bandy adj : curved especially outward <bandy legs>

ban·dy–legged \ˌban-dē-ˈleg(-ə)d\ adj : having bandy legs

bane \ˈbān\ n
1 : 1POISON 1
2 : a source of harm, ruin, or unhappiness <greed is the bane of humanity>

bane·ful \ˈbān-fəl\ adj : causing destruction or serious harm <a baneful influence>
— bane·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

1bang \ˈbaŋ\ vb : to beat, strike, or shut with a loud noise [probably of Scandinavian origin]

2bang n
1 : a violent blow
2 : a sudden loud noise
3 a : a quick burst of energy <start off with a bang>  b : a feeling of being thrilled or pleased <you'll get a bang out of this>

3bang n : hair cut short across the forehead — usually used in plural [probably from earlier bangtail “a short tail (on a horse)”]

4bang vb : to cut (front hair) short and squarely across

ban·gle \ˈbaŋ-gəl\ n
1 : a stiff bracelet or anklet
2 : a small ornament hanging from a bracelet or necklace

bang–up \ˈbaŋ-ˌəp\ adj : FIRST-RATE, EXCELLENT <had a bang-up time> <a bang-up job>

ban·ish \ˈban-ish\ vb
1 : to force to leave a country
2 : to drive away <banish fears>
— ban·ish·ment \-mənt\ n

ban·is·ter also ban·nis·ter \ˈban-ə-stər\ n
1 : one of the slender posts used to support the handrail of a staircase
2 : a handrail with its supporting posts
3 : the handrail of a staircase

ban·jo \ˈban-jō\ n, pl banjos also banjoes : a musical instrument with a round body like a drum, a long fretted neck, and four or five strings
— ban·jo·ist \-ˌjō-ist\ n

1bank \ˈbaŋk\ n
1 : a mound, pile, or ridge of earth
2 : a piled-up mass of cloud or fog
3 : a rise in the sea bottom
4 : the rising ground at the edge of a lake, river, or sea
5 : a steep slope (as of a hill)
6 : the inward tilt of a surface along a curve or of a vehicle (as an airplane) when turning [Middle English bank “piled up mass”; probably of Scandinavian origin]

2bank vb
1 : to raise a bank around
2 : to cover (as a fire) with fresh fuel to reduce the speed of burning
3 : to build with the foundation of a road or railroad sloping upward from the inside edge <bank a curve>
4 : to heap or pile in a bank
5 : to rise in or form a bank
6 : to tilt an airplane sideways when turning

3bank n
1 : a place of business that lends, exchanges, takes care of, or issues money
2 : a small closed container in which money may be saved
3 : a storage place (as for a reserve supply) <a blood bank> [Middle English bank “table or counter of a money changer,” from early French banque (same meaning) or early Italian banca, literally, “bench”; of Germanic origin]

4bank vb
1 : to have an account in a bank
2 : to deposit or store in a bank <banks $10 every week>
— bank on : to depend on <we're banking on fair weather for the trip>

5bank n : a group or series of objects arranged close together in a row <a bank of seats> [Middle English bank “bench for rowers,” from early French banc “bench”; of Germanic origin]

bank·book \ˈbaŋk-ˌbu̇k\ n : the depositor's book in which a bank enters deposits and withdrawals

bank card n : a card (as a credit card or an ATM card) issued by a bank

bank·er \ˈbaŋ-kər\ n : a person who is engaged in the business of a bank

bank·ing \ˈbaŋ-kiŋ\ n : the business of a bank or banker

bank note n : a note issued by a bank that must be paid without interest to anyone presenting it at any time and that may be used as money

bank·roll \ˈbaŋk-ˌrōl\ n : supply of money : FUNDS

1bank·rupt \ˈbaŋ-(ˌ)krəpt\ n : an individual or group who becomes bankrupt; esp : one whose property by court order is turned over to be managed for the benefit of the creditors

2bankrupt adj
1 : unable to pay one's debts
2 : legally declared bankrupt <the company went bankrupt>

3bankrupt vb : to make bankrupt

bank·rupt·cy \ˈbaŋ-(ˌ)krəp-(t)sē\ n, pl -cies : the condition of being bankrupt

1ban·ner \ˈban-ər\ n
1 : 2FLAG 1
2 : a strip of cloth with a design, picture, or writing on it

2banner adj : unusually good : OUTSTANDING <a banner year for apples>

bannister variant of BANISTER

banns \ˈbanz\ n pl : public announcement especially in church of a proposed marriage

1ban·quet \ˈbaŋ-kwət, ˈban- also -ˌkwet\ n : a formal dinner for many people often in honor of someone

2banquet vb : to treat or be treated with a banquet : FEAST
— ban·quet·er n

ban·shee \ˈban-(ˌ)shē, ban-ˈshē\ n : a female spirit in Gaelic folklore whose wailing warns that a death will occur soon [from Irish bean sídhe & Scottish Gaelic bean sìth, literally, “woman of fairyland”]

ban·tam \ˈbant-əm\ n : any of numerous small domestic fowls that are often miniatures of members of the standard breeds
— bantam adj

ban·tam·weight \-ˌwāt\ n : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 118 pounds

1ban·ter \ˈbant-ər\ vb : to speak in a friendly but teasing or witty way
— ban·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

— ban·ter·ing·ly \ˈbant-ə-riŋ-lē\ adv

2banter n : good-natured teasing or joking

Ban·tu \ˈban-(ˌ)tü, ˈbän-\ n, pl Bantu or Bantus
1 : a group of African languages spoken in central and southern Africa
2 : a member of any of a group of African peoples who speak Bantu languages

ban·yan \ˈban-yən\ n : a large East Indian tree with branches that send out roots which grow downward into the ground and form new supporting trunks

bao·bab \ˈbau̇-ˌbab, ˈbā-ə-\ n : a tree native to Africa with a very wide trunk

bap·tism \ˈbap-ˌtiz-əm\ n
1 : the act or ceremony of baptizing
2 : an act or experience that baptizes <a soldier's baptism of fire>
— bap·tis·mal \bap-ˈtiz-məl\ adj

— bap·tis·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

Bap·tist \ˈbap-təst\ adj : of or relating to any of several Protestant denominations practicing baptism by immersion
— Baptist n

bap·tize \bap-ˈtīz, ˈbap-ˌtīz\ vb bap·tized; bap·tiz·ing
1 : to dip in water or sprinkle water on as a part of the ceremony of receiving into the Christian church
2 a : to make pure in spirit (as by a painful experience)  b : 1INITIATE 3
3 : to give a name to (as in the ceremony of baptism) : CHRISTEN
— bap·tiz·er n

1bar \ˈbär\ n
1 a : a straight piece (as of metal or wood) that is longer than it is wide  b : a usually rectangular piece or block of material <a bar of soap>
2 : something that hinders or blocks : OBSTACLE
3 : a bank (as of sand) partly or entirely under water along a shore or in a river
4 a : the railing in a courtroom around the place where the business of the court is carried on  b : a court of law  c : the profession of law
5 : 3STRIPE 1
6 a : a counter on which alcoholic drinks or food is served  b : BARROOM
7 a : a vertical line across the musical staff before the beginning of a measure  b : 1MEASURE 4C
8 : 1STANDARD 2A <raise the bar for improving new medicines> [Middle English barre “bar,” from early French barre (same meaning)]
— behind bars : in jail

2bar vb barred; bar·ring
1 : to fasten with a bar <bar the door>
2 : to mark with bars : STRIPE <gray feathers barred with brown>
3 : to block off : CLOSE <bar the road with a chain>
4 a : to keep out : EXCLUDE <bar reporters from a meeting>  b : PREVENT 1, FORBID <the judge barred them from talking to reporters>

3bar prep : with the exception of <bar none>

4bar n : a unit of pressure equal to 100,000 pascals [from German Bar “unit of pressure,” from Greek baros “weight, pressure”]

barb \ˈbärb\ n
1 a : a sharp point that sticks out and backward (as from the point of an arrow or fishhook)  b : any of various sharp parts (as the side branch of a feather) that stick out from a plant or animal
2 : an often witty remark intended to hurt a person's feelings [Middle English barbe “barb, beard,” from early French barbe (same meaning), from Latin barba “beard” — related to BARBER]
— barb·less \-ləs\ adj

bar·bar·i·an \bär-ˈber-ē-ən, bär-ˈbar-\ n : an uncivilized person

bar·bar·ic \bär-ˈbar-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of barbarians
2 : CRUEL 2, SAVAGE

bar·ba·rism \ˈbär-bə-ˌriz-əm\ n : the state, ideas, or behavior of a barbarian

bar·bar·i·ty \bär-ˈbar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : BARBARISM
2 a : CRUELTY 1  b : a cruel act

bar·ba·rous \ˈbär-b(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : UNCIVILIZED 1
2 : CRUEL 2, SAVAGE
— bar·ba·rous·ly adv

— bar·ba·rous·ness n

1bar·be·cue \ˈbär-bi-ˌkyü\ vb -cued; -cu·ing
1 : to cook over or before an open source of heat (as hot coals)
2 : to cook in a highly seasoned sauce
— bar·be·cu·er n

2barbecue also bar·be·que n
1 a : a large animal (as a hog or steer) roasted or broiled over an open fire  b : barbecued food
2 : an outdoor social gathering at which barbecued food is eaten [from American Spanish barbacoa “a rack for hanging meat over a fire,” of Caribbean Indian origin]

barbed wire \ˈbä(r)b-ˈ(d)wī(ə)r\ n : wire (as for a fence) with sharp points spaced evenly along it — called also barbwire

bar·bel \ˈbär-bəl\ n : a slender process on the lip of some fishes (as a catfish) that is used for feeling

bar·bell \ˈbär-ˌbel\ n : a bar with adjustable weighted disks attached to each end that is used for exercise and in weight lifting

bar·ber \ˈbär-bər\ n : a person whose business is cutting and dressing hair and shaving beards [Middle English barber “barber,” from early French barbour (same meaning), derived from Latin barba “beard” — related to BARB]
— barber vb

bar·ber·ry \ˈbär-ˌber-ē\ n : any of a genus of spiny yellow-flowered shrubs with bright red or blackish berries

bar·ber·shop \ˈbär-bər-ˌshäp\ n : a barber's place of business

bar·bit·u·rate \bär-ˈbich-ə-rət, -ˌrāt, ˌbär-bə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət, -ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r-ˌāt\ n : any of various drugs related to barbituric acid that are used especially to calm or to produce sleep and are often habit-forming

bar·bi·tu·ric acid \ˌbär-bə-ˌt(y)u̇r-ik-\ n : an organic acid used in making plastics and drugs

barb·wire \(ˈ)bä(r)b-ˈwī(ə)r\ n : BARBED WIRE

bar·ca·role or bar·ca·rolle \ˈbär-kə-ˌrōl\ n
1 : a Venetian boat song
2 : a piece of music imitating a barcarole

bar chart n : BAR GRAPH

bar code n : a code made up of a group of printed and variously spaced bars and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that contains information (as identification) about the object it labels

bard \ˈbärd\ n
1 : a person in ancient societies skilled at composing and singing or reciting verses about heroes and their deeds
2 : POET
— bard·ic \ˈbärd-ik\ adj

1bare \ˈba(ə)r, ˈbe(ə)r\ adj bar·er; bar·est
1 a : lacking a covering : NAKED <trees bare of leaves>  b : lacking any tool or weapon <opened the box with his bare hands>
2 : open to view <the scandal was laid bare>
3 : 1EMPTY 1 <the cupboard was bare>
4 a : just enough with nothing to spare <a bare majority> <the bare necessities of life>  b : not decorated or added to : PLAIN <the bare facts> <a bare outline of the story>
— bare·ly adv

— bare·ness n

2bare vb bared; bar·ing : to make or lay bare : UNCOVER, REVEAL

bare·back \ˈba(ə)r-ˌbak, ˈbe(ə)r-\ or bare·backed \-ˈbakt\ adv or adj : on the bare back of a horse : without a saddle <rode bareback> <bareback riding>

bare·faced \-ˈfāst\ adj : not pretending to be anything else : not appearing to be something different <a barefaced lie> <a barefaced liar>
— bare·faced·ly \-ˈfā-səd-lē, -fāst-lē\ adv

— bare·faced·ness \-ˈfā-səd-nəs, -ˈfās(t)-nəs\ n

bare·foot \-ˌfu̇t\ or bare·foot·ed \-ˈfu̇t-əd\ adv or adj : with the feet bare : without shoes

bare·hand·ed \-ˈhan-dəd\ adv or adj
1 : with the hands bare : without gloves or mittens
2 : without tools or weapons <fight an animal barehanded>

bare·head·ed \-ˈhed-əd\ adv or adj : with the head bare : without a hat

barf \ˈbärf\ vb : 2VOMIT

1bar·gain \ˈbär-gən\ n
1 : an agreement between parties settling what each is to give or receive in a business deal
2 : something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price  synonyms see AGREEMENT

2bargain vb : to talk over the terms of a purchase or agreement
— bar·gain·er n

— bargain for : EXPECT 1 <more trouble than we bargained for>

1barge \ˈbärj\ n : a broad flat-bottomed boat that is usually towed and used chiefly to transport goods in harbors and on rivers and canals

2barge vb barged; barg·ing
1 : to carry by barge
2 : to move or push oneself clumsily or rudely <barged right in>

bar graph n : a graph that shows rectangles with lengths proportional to numbers as a visual way of comparing the numbers — called also bar chart

bar·ite \ˈba(ə)r-ˌīt, ˈbe(ə)r-\ n : a white, yellow, or colorless mineral consisting of barium sulfate and occurring in crystals or as a mass

bar·i·tone \ˈbar-ə-ˌtōn\ n
1 a : a male singing voice between bass and tenor  b : a singer having such a voice
2 : a horn with a range between that of the trumpet and the tuba

bar·i·um \ˈbar-ē-əm, ˈber-\ n : a silver-white poisonous metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

barium sulfate n : a colorless crystalline compound that is a sulfate of barium used especially in taking X-ray photographs of the digestive tract

1bark \ˈbärk\ vb
1 : to make the short loud cry of a dog or a similar noise
2 : to shout or speak sharply <bark out an order> [Old English beorcan “to bark”]

2bark n : the sound made by a barking dog

3bark n : the tough covering of a woody root or stem [Middle English bark “tree covering,” of Scandinavian origin]

4bark vb
1 : to strip the bark from
2 : to rub or scrape the skin of <barked her knee>

5bark or barque n
1 : a small sailing ship
2 : a three-masted ship with the first two masts square-rigged and the last fore-and-aft rigged [Middle English bark “a small ship,” from early French barque (same meaning)]

bark beetle n : any of a group of beetles that bore under the bark of trees both as larvae and adults

bark·er \ˈbär-kər\ n : a person who stands at the entrance to a show and tries to attract customers by loud fast talk

bar·ley \ˈbär-lē\ n : a cereal grass with flowers in dense spikes; also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, in foods (as soups and cereals), or as feed for livestock

bar·ley·corn \-ˌkȯ(ə)rn\ n : a grain of barley

bar·low \ˈbär-ˌlō\ n : a sturdy inexpensive jackknife [named for Barlow, a family of 18th century English knife makers]

1bar mitz·vah \bär-ˈmits-və\ n, often cap B&M
1 : a Jewish boy who on his 13th birthday reaches the age of religious duty and responsibility
2 : the ceremony recognizing a boy as a bar mitzvah [from Hebrew bar miṣwāh, literally, “son of the (divine) law”]

2bar mitzvah vb bar mitz·vahed; bar mitz·vah·ing : to administer the ceremony of bar mitzvah to

barn \ˈbärn\ n : a building used chiefly for storing grain and hay and for housing farm animals or farm equipment

bar·na·cle \ˈbär-ni-kəl\ n : any of numerous small saltwater crustaceans with feathery outgrowths for gathering food that are free-swimming as larvae but as adults are permanently fastened (as to rocks or the bottoms of ships)
— bar·na·cled \-kəld\ adj

barn owl n : a widely distributed owl with brown, gray, and white feathers that is found near barns and other buildings and preys especially on rodents

barn·storm \ˈbärn-ˌstȯrm\ vb : to travel through the country making brief stops to entertain (as with shows or flying stunts) or to campaign for political office
— barn·storm·er n

barn swallow n : a common swallow that often nests in barns

barn·yard \ˈbärn-ˌyärd\ n : a usually fenced area around a barn

baro·graph \ˈbar-ə-ˌgraf\ n : a barometer that records pressure changes on a graph

ba·rom·e·ter \bə-ˈräm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument that measures the pressure of the atmosphere to determine probable weather changes
— baro·met·ric \ˌbar-ə-ˈme-trik\ adj

barometric pressure n : the pressure of the atmosphere usually expressed as the height of a column of mercury

bar·on \ˈbar-ən\ n
1 : a member of the lowest rank of the British nobility
2 : a person of great power or influence <a cattle baron>

bar·on·ess \ˈbar-ə-nəs\ n
1 : the wife or widow of a baron
2 : a woman holding the rank of baron

bar·on·et \ˈbar-ə-nət also ˌbar-ə-ˈnet\ n : a man holding a rank of honor below a baron but above a knight

ba·ro·ni·al \bə-ˈrō-nē-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or suitable for a baron <baronial splendor>

ba·roque \bə-ˈrōk, ba-, -ˈräk\ adj : of or relating to a style of art and music common in the 17th century that is marked especially by the use of much fancy decoration
— baroque n

barque variant of 5BARK

bar·racks \ˈbar-əks, -iks\ n sing or pl : a building or group of buildings in which soldiers live

bar·ra·cu·da \ˌbar-ə-ˈküd-ə\ n, pl -da or -das : any of several large fierce marine fishes of warm seas that have strong jaws and sharp teeth and that include some used for food

bar·rage \bə-ˈräzh, -ˈräj\ n
1 : a barrier formed by continuous artillery or machine-gun fire directed upon a narrow strip of ground
2 : a rapid or furiously active flow (as of speech or writing)

barred \ˈbärd\ adj : having alternate bands of different color

1bar·rel \ˈbar-əl\ n
1 : a round bulging container that is longer than it is wide and has flat ends
2 a : the amount held by a barrel  b : a great quantity <a barrel of laughs>
3 : a part shaped like a cylinder or tube <gun barrel> <the barrel of a carburetor>
— bar·reled \-əld\ adj

2barrel vb -reled or -relled; -rel·ing or -rel·ling : to travel at a high speed <barreling down the highway>

barrel cactus n : any of various spiny cacti that resemble a barrel in shape, have many ridges on the outside, and are found in Mexico and in nearby parts of the U.S.

barrel organ n : an instrument producing music by a series of pegs arranged around a revolving cylinder so that they open valves to admit air from a bellows to a set of pipes

1bar·ren \ˈbar-ən\ adj
1 a : not able to produce offspring — used especially of females  b : usually failing to fruit <barren apple trees>
2 a : producing inferior or little to no vegetation <barren soils>  b : not producing results or gain <a barren plan>
— bar·ren·ly adv

— bar·ren·ness \-ən-nəs\ n

2barren n : a tract of barren land

bar·rette \bä-ˈret, bə-\ n : a clip or bar for holding a girl's or woman's hair in place

1bar·ri·cade \ˈbar-ə-ˌkād, ˌbar-ə-ˈkād\ vb -cad·ed; -cad·ing : to block off with a barricade

2barricade n : a barrier usually made in a hurry for protection against attack or for blocking the way

bar·ri·er \ˈbar-ē-ər\ n
1 : something (as a fence, railing, or natural obstacle) that blocks the way
2 : something not material that keeps apart or makes progress difficult <language barriers>

barrier island n : a long broad sandy island parallel to a shore that is built up by the action of waves, currents, and winds

barrier reef n : a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it by a lagoon

bar·ring \ˈbär-iŋ\ prep
1 : with the exception of <barring none>
2 : apart from the possibility of <will be there on time, barring accidents>

bar·rio \ˈbär-ē-ˌō, ˈbar-\ n, pl -ri·os : a neighborhood where most of the people speak Spanish

bar·room \ˈbär-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a place of business for the sale of alcoholic drinks

1bar·row \ˈbar-ō\ n : a large burial mound of earth or stones [Old English beorg “mound”]

2barrow n
1 : a structure that has handles and sometimes a wheel and is used for carrying things
2 : a cart with a shallow box body, two wheels, and shafts for pushing it : PUSHCART [Old English bearwe “barrow”]

bar·tend·er \ˈbär-ˌten-dər\ n : a person who serves alcoholic drinks at a bar
— bar·tend \ˈbär-ˌtend\ vb

1bar·ter \ˈbärt-ər\ vb : to trade one thing for another without the use of money
— bar·ter·er \ˈbärt-ər-ər\ n

2barter n : the exchange of goods without the use of money

Ba·ruch \bə-ˈrük, ˈbär-ˌük\ n : a book of homilies included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha — see BIBLE TABLE

bas·al \ˈbā-səl, -zəl\ adj : relating to, located at, or forming a base
— bas·al·ly \-sə-lē, -zə-lē\ adv

basal metabolic rate n : the rate at which heat is given off by an organism at complete rest

ba·salt \bə-ˈsȯlt, ˈbā-ˌsȯlt\ n : a dark gray to black usually fine-grained igneous rock
— ba·sal·tic \bə-ˈsȯl-tik\ adj

1base \ˈbās\ n, pl bas·es \ˈbā-səz\
1 a : a thing or part on which something rests : BOTTOM, FOUNDATION <the base of a lamp>  b : the part of a plant or animal structure by which it is attached to another more central structure <the base of the thumb>  c : one of the lines or flat surfaces of a geometric figure from which an altitude is or can be constructed <bases of a trapezoid>; esp : one on which the figure stands <base of a triangle>
2 : a main ingredient <paint having a water base>
3 : a fundamental part : BASIS
4 a : the place from which a start is made  b : a line in a survey that is used to calculate distances or positions  c : a place where a military force keeps its supplies or from which it starts its operations <naval base> <air base>  d : a number equal to the number of units that would be equivalent to one in the next higher place in a given number system <in base 10 it takes 10 ones in the units place to equal a one in the tens place>; also : a system of writing numbers using a given base <convert base 10 to base 2>  e : 1ROOT 5
5 a : the starting place or goal in various games  b : any of the four stations a runner in baseball must touch in order to score
6 : any of various compounds that react with an acid to form a salt, have a bitter taste, and turn red litmus paper blue
7 : a number that is multiplied by a rate or of which a percentage or fraction is calculated <to find the interest on $90 at 10% multiply the base 90 by .10>
— based adj

— base·less \ˈbās-ləs\ adj

2base vb based; bas·ing
1 : to make, form, or serve as a base for
2 : to use as a base or basis for : ESTABLISH

3base adj
1 a : being of low value and having less desirable properties when compared with something else <a base metal such as iron>  b : containing more than the usual amount of base metals
2 : not honorable or moral : MEAN <base conduct>
— base·ly adv

— base·ness n

base·ball \ˈbās-ˌbȯl\ n : a game played with a bat and ball by two teams of nine players each on a field with four bases that mark the course a runner must take to score; also : the ball used in this game

baseball cap n : a cap of the kind worn by baseball players that has a rounded crown and a long visor

base·board \-ˌbōrd, -ˌbȯrd\ n : a board placed at or forming the base of something; esp : a molding covering the crack between a wall and floor

base·born \-ˈbȯrn\ adj
1 : born into a poor family : LOWLY
2 : of illegitimate birth : BASTARD

base exchange n : a store at a naval or air force base that sells to military personnel and authorized civilians

base hit n : a hit in baseball that allows the batter to reach base safely with no error made and no base runner forced out

base·line \ˈbās-ˌlīn\ n
1 : a line used as a base
2 a : either of two straight lines on a baseball field leading from home plate to first base and third base and extending into the outfield  b : BASE PATH

base·ment \ˈbās-mənt\ n : the part of a building that is entirely or partly below ground level

ba·sen·ji \bə-ˈsen-jē, -ˈzen-\ n : a small curly-tailed hunting dog native to Africa that does not bark

base on balls : an advance to first base given to a baseball batter who takes four pitches that are balls

base path n : the area between the bases of a baseball field used by a base runner

base runner n : a baseball player of the team at bat who is on base or is trying to reach a base

bash \ˈbash\ vb
1 : to strike violently : BEAT
2 : to smash by a blow
3 : 1CRASH 1A

bash·ful \ˈbash-fəl\ adj : awkward or afraid around other people  synonyms see SHY
— bash·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— bash·ful·ness n

1ba·sic \ˈbā-sik, -zik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or forming the base or basis : FUNDAMENTAL <basic research>
2 : of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base
— ba·si·cal·ly \-si-k(ə-)lē, -zi-\ adv

2basic n : something basic : FUNDAMENTAL

BA·SIC \ˈbā-sik, -zik\ n : a simplified language for programming and interacting with a computer [Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code]

ba·sic·i·ty \bā-ˈsis-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality, state, or extent of being a base

basic training n : the first part of training for a military recruit

bas·il \ˈbaz-əl, ˈbāz-, ˈbas-, ˈbās-\ n : any of several plants of the mint family; esp : SWEET BASIL

ba·sin \ˈbās-ən\ n
1 a : a wide usually round container with sloping or curving sides for holding liquids  b : the amount that a basin holds
2 : a hollow area or enclosure containing water; esp : a partly enclosed water area for anchoring ships
3 a : the land drained by a river and its branches  b : a large or small hollow area in the surface of the land or in the ocean floor  c : a great hollow area in the surface of the lithosphere filled by an ocean
4 : a broad area of the earth beneath which layers of sedimentary rock dip usually from the sides toward the center

ba·sis \ˈbā-səs\ n, pl ba·ses \ˈbā-ˌsēz\ : something on which some other thing is based or established

bask \ˈbask\ vb : to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere <bask in the sun> <basked in their success>

bas·ket \ˈbas-kət\ n
1 a : a container made by weaving together materials (as reeds, straw, or strips of wood)  b : the contents of a basket
2 : something that resembles a basket
3 a : a net open at the bottom and hung from a metal ring that is the goal in basketball  b : a score made in basketball by tossing the ball through the basket
— bas·ket·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

bas·ket·ball \-ˌbȯl\ n : a court game in which each of two teams tries to toss an inflated ball through a raised goal; also : the ball used in this game

bas·ket·ry \ˈbas-kə-trē\ n
1 : the art or craft of making objects (as baskets) by weaving or braiding long slender pieces
2 : objects produced by basketry

basking shark n : a large shark that feeds on plankton and may reach 45 feet (13.7 meters) in length

bas mitzvah variant of BAT MITZVAH

bas–re·lief \ˌbä-ri-ˈlēf, ˈbä-ri-ˌlēf\ n : a sculpture in which the design is raised very slightly from the background

1bass \ˈbas\ n, pl bass or bass·es : any of various spiny-finned freshwater or saltwater sport and food fishes [Old English bærs “bass”]

2bass \ˈbās\ n
1 a : the lowest musical part in harmony for four parts — compare ALTO 1B, 2SOPRANO 1, TENOR 2A  b : the lower half of a musical tone range — compare TREBLE
2 a : the lowest male singing voice or a person who has this voice  b : a person or instrument performing the bass part [Middle English bas (adjective) “being or having a low solemn tone”]
— bass adj

bass clef n
1 : a clef that places the F below middle C on the fourth line of the staff
2 : BASS STAFF

bass drum n : a large drum that has two heads and that produces a booming sound

bas·set hound \ˈbas-ət-\ n : any of an old French breed of short-legged long-eared hunting dogs — called also basset

bass horn n : TUBA

bas·si·net \ˌbas-ə-ˈnet\ n : an infant's bed often with a hood over one end

bas·so \ˈbas-(ˌ)ō, ˈbäs-\ n, pl bas·sos or bas·si \ˈbäs-ˌē\
1 : a bass singer; esp : an operatic bass
2 : a low deep voice

bas·soon \bə-ˈsün, ba-\ n : the woodwind instrument of the oboe family that plays the lowest part
— bas·soon·ist \-ˈsü-nəst\ n

bass staff n : the musical staff carrying the bass clef

bass viol n : DOUBLE BASS

bass·wood \ˈbas-ˌwu̇d\ n : any of several linden trees

bast \ˈbast\ n : a strong woody fiber obtained chiefly from the phloem of plants and used especially in fabrics and ropes or cords

bas·tard \ˈbas-tərd\ n : an illegitimate child
— bastard adj

1baste \ˈbāst\ vb bast·ed; bast·ing : to sew with long loose stitches so as to hold the work temporarily in place
— bast·er n

2baste vb bast·ed; bast·ing : to moisten with liquid (as melted fat or juices) while roasting
— bast·er n

Bas·tille Day \ba-ˈstē(ə)l-\ n : July 14 observed in France as a national holiday in memory of the capture of the Parisian prison the Bastille by revolutionary forces in 1789

bas·tion \ˈbas-chən\ n : some place or something that gives protection against attack <a bastion of democracy>

1bat \ˈbat\ n
1 : a stout solid stick : CLUB
2 : a sharp blow
3 : a usually wooden implement used for hitting the ball in various games (as baseball)
4 : a turn at batting <next at bat> [Old English batt “club”]

2bat vb bat·ted; bat·ting
1 : to strike or hit with or as if with a bat
2 : to take one's turn at bat in baseball
3 : to have a batting average of <is batting .300>

3bat n : any of an order of night-flying mammals with the forelimbs modified to form wings [from Middle English bakke “flying bat”; probably of Scandinavian origin]

4bat vb bat·ted; bat·ting : to wink especially in surprise or emotion <never batted an eye> [probably an altered form of earlier bate “to beat the wings in an impatient manner”]

batch \ˈbach\ n
1 a : a quantity used or made at one time <a batch of cookies>  b : a group of jobs to be run on a computer at one time with the same program <batch processing>
2 : a group of persons or things : LOT

bate \ˈbāt\ vb bat·ed; bat·ing : to reduce the force or intensity of : RESTRAIN <listen with bated breath>

bath \ˈbath, ˈbȧth\ n, pl baths \ˈbathz, ˈbaths, ˈbȧthz, ˈbȧths\
1 : a washing of the body <take a bath>
2 a : water for bathing <draw a bath>  b : a liquid in which objects are placed so that it can act upon them
3 a : BATHROOM  b : a building containing rooms for bathing

bathe \ˈbāth\ vb bathed; bath·ing
1 : to take a bath
2 : to go swimming
3 : to give a bath to <bathe the baby>
4 : to apply a liquid to <bathe the eyes>
5 : to cover with or as if with a liquid <a scene bathed in moonlight>
— bath·er \ˈbā-thər\ n

bath·house \ˈbath-ˌhau̇s, ˈbȧth-\ n
1 : BATH 3B
2 : a building containing dressing rooms for swimmers

bathing suit n : SWIMSUIT

batho·lith \ˈbath-ə-ˌlith\ n : a great mass of igneous rock that forced its way into or between other rocks and that stopped in its rise quite a distance below the surface

bath·robe \ˈbath-ˌrōb, ˈbȧth-\ n : a loose robe worn before or after bathing or as a dressing gown

bath·room \-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n
1 : a room containing a bathtub or shower and usually a sink and toilet
2 : LAVATORY 2

bath·tub \-ˌtəb\ n : a tub in which to take a bath

bathy·scaphe \ˈbath-i-ˌskaf, -ˌskāf\ or bathy·scaph \-ˌskaf\ n : a ship that can be guided underwater for deep-sea exploration and has a round watertight cabin attached to its underside

bathy·sphere \ˈbath-i-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : a strongly built steel ball in which a person can dive to great depth for deep-sea observation

ba·tik \bə-ˈtēk, ˈbat-ik\ n
1 : an Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating with wax the parts not to be dyed
2 : a design or fabric printed by batik

ba·tiste \bə-ˈtēst, ba-\ n : a fine soft sheer fabric of plain weave

1bat mitz·vah \bät-ˈmits-və\ also bas mitz·vah \bä-ˈsmits-və\ n, often cap B&M
1 : a Jewish girl who at about 12 years of age takes on religious responsibilities
2 : the ceremony recognizing a girl as a bat mitzvah [from Hebrew bath miṣwāh, literally, “daughter of the (divine) law”]

2bat mitzvah also bas mitzvah vb bat mitz·vahed also bas mitz·vahed; bat mitz·vah·ing also bas mitz·vah·ing : to administer the ceremony of bat mitzvah to

ba·ton \bə-ˈtän, ba-\ n
1 : a staff borne as a symbol of office
2 : a stick with which a leader directs a band or orchestra
3 : a hollow rod passed from one member of a relay team to another
4 : a staff with a ball at one or both ends carried by a drum major or baton twirler

bat·tal·ion \bə-ˈtal-yən\ n
1 : a large body of troops : ARMY
2 : a military unit composed of two or more smaller units (as companies or batteries)
3 : a large body of persons organized to act together

1bat·ten \ˈbat-ən\ n
1 : a thin narrow strip of lumber used especially to seal or strengthen a joint
2 : a strip, bar, or support like or used like a batten (as in a sail)

2batten vb bat·tened; bat·ten·ing \ˈbat-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to get ready especially for stormy weather by or as if by fastening everything down — usually used with down
— batten down the hatches : to prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation

1bat·ter \ˈbat-ər\ vb
1 : to beat with repeated violent blows <batter down the door>
2 : to wear down or injure by hard use <wore a battered old hat> [Middle English bateren “to beat”]
— bat·ter·er n

2batter n : a thin mixture chiefly of flour and liquid beaten together <cake batter> [Middle English bater “thin mixture,” probably derived from batteren “to beat”]

3batter n : one that bats; esp : the baseball player at bat [bat and -er (noun suffix)]

battering ram n
1 : an ancient military machine consisting of a large iron-tipped wooden beam used to beat down walls
2 : a heavy metal bar with handles used (as by firefighters) to batter down doors and walls

bat·tery \ˈbat-ə-rē, ˈba-trē\ n, pl -ter·ies
1 a : the act of beating  b : the unlawful beating or use of force upon a person
2 : two or more big military guns that are controlled as a unit
3 : an electric cell or connected electric cells for providing electric current <a flashlight battery>
4 : a number of similar articles, items, or devices arranged, connected, or used together <a battery of tests>
5 : the pitcher and catcher of a baseball team

battery jar n : a glass container with straight sides used especially in biology and chemistry laboratories

bat·ting \ˈbat-iŋ\ n : layers or sheets of cotton or wool or of synthetic material used mostly for stuffing quilts or packaging goods

batting average n : the average of a baseball batter found by dividing the number of official times at bat into the number of base hits

1bat·tle \ˈbat-əl\ n
1 : a fight between two persons <trial by battle>
2 : a fight between armies, warships, or airplanes
3 : a long or hard struggle or contest <a battle of wits>

2battle vb bat·tled; bat·tling \ˈbat-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to engage in battle
2 : CONTEND 2, STRUGGLE <battle for a cause>
3 : to fight against <battling a forest fire>
— bat·tler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

bat·tle–ax or bat·tle–axe \ˈbat-əl-ˌaks\ n : an ax with a broad blade formerly used as a weapon

bat·tle·field \-ˌfēld\ n : a place where a battle is fought or was once fought

bat·tle·ground \-ˌgrau̇nd\ n : BATTLEFIELD

bat·tle·ment \ˈbat-əl-mənt\ n : a low wall (as at the top of a castle or a tower) with open spaces to shoot through

bat·tle·ship \ˈbat-əl-ˌship\ n : a large warship with heavy armor and large guns

bat·ty \ˈbat-ē\ adj bat·ti·er; -est : mentally unstable : CRAZY

bau·ble \ˈbȯ-bəl, ˈbäb-əl\ n : an object of little value

baud \ˈbȯd, ˈbōd\ n : a unit of speed (as one bit per second) at which data is sent in communications

baux·ite \ˈbȯk-ˌsīt, ˈbäk-\ n : a clayey substance that is the principal ore of aluminum

bawdy \ˈbȯd-ē\ adj bawd·i·er; -est : morally objectionable : OBSCENE
— bawd·i·ly \ˈbȯd-əl-ē\ adv

— bawd·i·ness \ˈbȯd-ē-nəs\ n

1bawl \ˈbȯl\ vb
1 : to shout or cry out loudly : YELL
2 : to weep noisily
— bawl·er n

2bawl n : a loud cry

bawl out vb : to scold severely

1bay \ˈbā\ adj : reddish brown <a bay mare> [Middle English bay “reddish brown,” from early French bai (same meaning), from Latin badius “reddish brown”]

2bay n
1 : a horse with a bay-colored body and black mane, tail, and lower legs
2 : a reddish brown

3bay n
1 : a section or compartment of a building or vehicle <a bomb bay> <a cargo bay>
2 : BAY WINDOW [Middle English bay “main part of a building,” from early French baee “opening,” derived from earlier baer “to be wide open, gape”]

4bay vb
1 : to bark or bark at with long deep tones <wolves baying at the moon>
2 : to cry out : SHOUT
3 : to bring (as an animal) to bay [Middle English baien, abaien “to bay,” from early French abaier (same meaning), originally a word to imitate the sound]

5bay n
1 : the baying of a dog : a deep bark
2 : the position of an animal or person forced to face pursuers when it is impossible to escape <brought the fox to bay>
3 : the position of one restrained or held off <used strong medicines to keep the infection at bay>

6bay n : an inlet of a body of water (as the sea) that is usually smaller than a gulf [Middle English baye “inlet,” from early French bai, perhaps from baer “to be wide open”]

7bay n
1 a : LAUREL 1  b : any of several shrubs or trees resembling the laurel
2 : a laurel wreath given as a prize [Middle English bay “berry, laurel berry,” from early French baie (same meaning), from Latin baca “berry”]

bay·ber·ry \ˈbā-ˌber-ē\ n
1 : any of several wax myrtles; esp : a hardy shrub of coastal eastern North America that produces clusters of small berries covered with grayish white wax
2 : the fruit of a bayberry

1bay·o·net \ˈbā-ə-nət, -ˌnet, ˌbā-ə-ˈnet\ n : a weapon like a dagger made to fit on the muzzle end of a rifle

2bayonet vb -net·ed also -net·ted; -net·ing also -net·ting : to stab with a bayonet

bay·ou \ˈbī-ō, ˈbī-ü\ n : a marshy or slowly flowing body of water (as a stream or inlet)

bay rum n : a fragrant liquid used as a cologne or aftershave lotion

bay window n : a window or set of windows that sticks out from the wall of a building

ba·zaar \bə-ˈzär\ n
1 : a marketplace (as in the Middle East) containing rows of small shops
2 : a place where many kinds of goods are sold
3 : a fair for the sale of articles especially to raise money for charity

ba·zoo·ka \bə-ˈzü-kə\ n : a light portable shoulder weapon that consists of an open tube and shoots an explosive rocket able to pierce the armor of tanks [from bazooka, name of a homemade musical instrument consisting of pipes and a funnel]

BB \ˈbē-ˌbē\ n : a small round piece of shot

bcc \ˌbē-ˌsē-ˈsē\ vb bcc'd; bcc·ing
1 : to send a blind carbon copy to
2 : to send as a blind carbon copy

B cell \ˈbē-ˌsel\ n : any of the lymphocytes that produce antigen-binding antibodies and that arise and mature in the bone marrow — compare T CELL

B complex n : VITAMIN B COMPLEX

be \(ˈ)bē\ vb past 1st & 3rd sing was \(ˈ)wəz, ˈwäz\; 2nd sing were \(ˈ)wər\; pl were; past subjunctive were; past participle been \(ˈ)bin, chiefly British (ˈ)bēn\; present participle be·ing \ˈbē-iŋ\; present 1st sing am \əm, (ˈ)am\; 2nd sing are \ər, (ˈ)är\; 3rd sing is \(ˈ)iz, əz\; pl are; present subjunctive be
1 a : to have the same meaning as : serve as a sign for <January is the first month> <let x be 10>  b : to have identity with <the first person I met was my brother> <she is my mother>  c : to have the quality or character of <the leaves are green>  d : to belong to the class of <the fish is a trout> <apes are mammals>
2 a : EXIST 1, LIVE <I think, therefore I am> <there once was a knight>  b : to occupy a place, situation, or position <the book is on the table> <I was sick>  c : to remain undisturbed or uninterrupted — used only in infinitive form <let it be>  d : to take place : OCCUR <the concert was last night>
3 — used with the past participle of transitive verbs to form the passive auxiliary <the money was found> <the house is being built>
4 — used with the present participle to express continuous action <they are studying> <I have been sleeping>
5 — used with the infinitive with to to express the future or something one must do <she was to become famous> <I am to leave today>

be- prefix
1 : on : around : over <besmear>
2 : provide with or cover with : dress up with <bejewel> <bewhiskered>
3 : about : to : upon <bemoan>
4 : make : cause to be <belittle> <befriend> [Old English be-, bi- “on, over”]

1beach \ˈbēch\ n : a sandy or gravelly part of the shore of a body of water

2beach vb : to run or drive ashore <beach a boat>

beach buggy n : DUNE BUGGY

beach·comb·er \ˈbēch-ˌkō-mər\ n
1 : a drifter or loafer especially on a South Pacific island
2 : a person who searches along a beach (as for seashells or items to sell)

beach flea n : SAND FLEA 2

beach grass n : any of several tough grasses with strong roots that grow on exposed sandy shores and include some planted to bind the soil on dunes or sandy slopes

beach·head \ˈbēch-ˌhed\ n : an area on an enemy shore held by an advance force of an invading army to protect the later landing of troops or supplies

beach plum n : a shrubby plum with showy flowers that grows along the Atlantic coast of the northern U.S. and Canada; also : its dark purple fruit often used in preserves

beach towel n : a very large usually brightly colored towel made for use at the beach

bea·con \ˈbē-kən\ n
1 : a signal fire commonly on a hill, tower, or pole
2 a : a guiding or warning signal (as a lighthouse)  b : a radio station sending out signals to guide airplanes
3 : something that inspires <a beacon of hope>

1bead \ˈbēd\ n
1 : a small piece of solid material with a hole by which it can be strung on a thread
2 : a small round mass <beads of perspiration>
3 : a small knob on a gun used in taking aim
4 : a rim or molding (as on a board or tire) that sticks out
Word History The beads you might wear around your neck once represented prayers. The Middle English word bede at first meant “a prayer.” People then, as now, often kept track of the number and order of a series of prayers with the help of a string of little balls. Because each of these balls stands for a prayer, the word bede came to be used for the balls themselves. Today this same word, now spelled bead, is used to refer to any small piece of material with a hole in it for threading on a string or wire. It has also been used to refer to any small, round object such as a drop of sweat. [Middle English bede “prayer, rosary bead,” from Old English bed “prayer”]

2bead vb
1 : to cover with beads or beading
2 : to string together like beads
3 : to form into a bead
— bead·er n

bead·ing \ˈbēd-iŋ\ n : BEADWORK

bead·work \ˈbēd-ˌwərk\ n : ornamental work made of beads

beady \ˈbēd-ē\ adj bead·i·er; -est : resembling beads; esp : small, round, and shiny <beady eyes>

bea·gle \ˈbē-gəl\ n : any of a breed of small hounds with short legs and smooth coats

beak \ˈbēk\ n
1 a : the bill of a bird; esp : the bill of a bird of prey adapted for striking and tearing  b : any of various rigid mouth structures (as of a turtle) that stick out; also : the long sucking mouth of some insects  c : the human nose
2 : a part shaped like a beak
— beaked \ˈbēkt\ adj

bea·ker \ˈbē-kər\ n : a deep cup or glass with a wide mouth and usually a lip for pouring

1beam \ˈbēm\ n
1 : a long heavy piece of timber or metal used especially as a main horizontal support of a building or ship
2 : the bar of a balance from which scales hang
3 : the width of a ship at its widest part
4 a : a ray of light  b : a collection of nearly parallel rays (as X-rays) or a stream of particles (as electrons)
5 : a constant radio signal sent out to guide pilots along a course

2beam vb
1 : to send out in beams or as a beam
2 : to send out beams of light : SHINE
3 : to smile with joy

bean \ˈbēn\ n
1 a : BROAD BEAN  b : the seed or pod of various erect or climbing plants of the legume family  c : a plant bearing beans
2 : a seed or fruit like a bean <coffee beans>

bean·bag \ˈbēn-ˌbag\ n
1 : a cloth bag usually filled with dried beans and used in many games
2 : a bag filled with pellets that is used as a chair

bean curd n : TOFU

1bear \ˈba(ə)r, ˈbe(ə)r\ n, pl bears
1 or pl bear : any of a family of large heavy mammals that have long shaggy hair and small tails and feed largely on fruit, plants, and insects as well as on flesh
2 : a rude, burly, or clumsy person <a real bear in the morning> <a great bear of a man>
3 : a person who sells stocks or bonds in the expectation that the price will go down [Old English bera “a bear”]
— bear·ish \ˈba(ə)r-ish, ˈbe(ə)r-\ adj

2bear vb bore \ˈbō(ə)r, ˈbȯ(ə)r\; borne \ˈbō(ə)rn, ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ also born \ˈbȯ(ə)rn\; bear·ing
1 a : to move while holding up and supporting : CARRY <the right to bear arms> <arrived bearing gifts>  b : to hold in the mind <bear a grudge>  c : BEHAVE 1 <bore himself like a gentleman>  d : to give as testimony <bear false witness>  e : to have as a feature or characteristic <bears marks of suffering> <bore a resemblance to her aunt>
2 a : to give birth to <bear children> <the baby was born last week>  b : to bring forth : PRODUCE <bear fruit>
3 a : to hold up : SUPPORT  b : to put up with : STAND <I can't bear the suspense>  c : ASSUME 1 <bore the costs> <bear the blame>
4 : to push down on : PRESS <bears down on her pencil>
5 : to move or lie in an indicated direction <bear right at the fork in the road>
6 a : to have a relation to the matter at hand <facts bearing on the question>  b : to exercise force or influence <bring pressure to bear> [Old English beran “to carry, support”]
— bear in mind : to think of especially as a warning : REMEMBER

— bear with : to be indulgent or patient with

bear·able \ˈbar-ə-bəl, ˈber-\ adj : possible to bear

bear·ber·ry \ˈba(ə)r-ˌber-ē, ˈbe(ə)r-\ n : a trailing evergreen plant with glossy red berries that is related to the heath

1beard \ˈbi(ə)rd\ n
1 : the hair that grows on a man's face often not including the mustache
2 : a hairy or bristly growth or bunch (as on the chin of a goat)
— beard·ed \-əd\ adj

— beard·less \-ləs\ adj

2beard vb : to face or challenge boldly <bearded his enemy>

bear down vb
1 : OVERWHELM, OVERCOME
2 : to press or weigh down
3 : to make an all-out effort
4 : to weigh heavily on : BURDEN

bear·er \ˈbar-ər, ˈber-\ n
1 : someone or something that bears, supports, or carries
2 : a person holding a check or order for payment

bear hug n : a rough tight hug
— bear–hug vb

bear·ing \ˈba(ə)r-iŋ, ˈbe(ə)r-\ n
1 : the manner in which one carries or conducts oneself
2 : a machine part in which another turns or slides
3 a : the position or direction of one point with respect to another or to the compass  b : a calculating of position <take a bearing>  c pl : understanding of one's location or situation <lost their bearings>
4 : CONNECTION 2 <personal feelings had no bearing on our decision>

bear out vb : CONFIRM 4 <the facts bore out her story>

bear·skin \ˈba(ə)r-ˌskin, ˈbe(ə)r-\ n : an article made of the skin of a bear

bear up vb : to have the strength or courage <bear up under the strain>

beast \ˈbēst\ n
1 a : a four-footed mammal as distinguished from human beings and from lower animals both with and without backbones  b : a farm animal especially when kept for heavy work
2 : a mean or brutal person

1beast·ly \ˈbēst-lē\ adj beast·li·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a beast : BESTIAL
2 : DISAGREEABLE 1, UNPLEASANT <beastly weather>
— beast·li·ness n

2beastly adv : 2VERY 1 <a beastly cold day>

beast of burden n : an animal (as an ox or horse) used for carrying or pulling heavy loads

1beat \ˈbēt\ vb beat; beat·en \ˈbēt-ən\ or beat; beat·ing
1 a : to hit again and again <beat a drum> <rain beating on the roof> — often used with up <two bullies beat him up>  b : to flap against <wings beating the air>  c : to mix by stirring : WHIP <beat two eggs>
2 a : to drive or force by blows <beat off the intruder>  b : to make by walking or riding over <beat a path>  c : to shape by blows <beat gold into thin strips>
3 : to cause to strike or flap repeatedly <birds beating their wings>
4 a : to win against : DEFEAT  b : 1BAFFLE 1 <it beats me where they are>  c : SURPASS 1 <can you beat that?>
5 a : to act ahead of <beat me to the punch>  b : to arrive before <beat us home>
6 : to measure or mark off by strokes <beat time to the music>
7 : to glare or strike harshly <the sun beats down>
8 : PULSATE, THROB <the heart beating>
— beat·er n

— beat about the bush or beat around the bush : to fail to get to the point

— beat a retreat : to leave in haste

— beat it : to hurry away : SCRAM

— beat up on : to attack physically or verbally <beat up on the candidate in campaign ads>

2beat n
1 a : a stroke or blow especially in a series  b : PULSATION  c : a sound produced by or as if by beating <the beat of waves against the rock>
2 a : a rhythmic stress in poetry or music  b : the tempo given to a musical performer  c : RHYTHM 2 <likes music with a Latin beat>
3 : a place or area regularly visited in the course of work or duty <a police officer's beat> <a reporter's beat>

3beat adj
1 : being tired out
2 : having lost one's morale

beat·box \ˈbēt-ˌbäks\ n : an electronic device that adds a backbeat, manipulates sounds, and mimics musical instruments

beat·en \ˈbēt-ən\ adj : worn smooth by passing feet <the beaten path>

be·atif·ic \ˌbē-ə-ˈtif-ik\ adj : having a blissful appearance <a beatific smile>

be·at·i·fy \bē-ˈat-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to declare to have reached the blessedness of heaven
— be·at·i·fi·ca·tion \bē-ˌat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

be·at·i·tude \bē-ˈat-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : any of the declarations made in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3–12) beginning “Blessed are” [derived from Latin beatus “happy, blessed”]

beat–up \ˈbēt-ˌəp, -ˈəp\ adj : worn or damaged by use or neglect <a beat-up old car>

beau \ˈbō\ n, pl beaux \ˈbōz\ or beaus \ˈbōz\ : BOYFRIEND 2 [from French beau “boyfriend,” from beau (adjective) “fine, beautiful,” derived from Latin bellus “pretty” — related to BEAUTY, BELLE]

Beau·fort scale \ˌbō-fərt-\ n : a scale in which the force of the wind is indicated by numbers from 0 to 12

beau ide·al \ˌbō-ī-ˈdē(-ə)l\ n, pl beau ideals : a perfect model <the beau ideal of a basketball player>

beau·te·ous \ˈbyüt-ē-əs\ adj : BEAUTIFUL 1
— beau·te·ous·ly adv

— beau·te·ous·ness n

beau·ti·cian \byü-ˈtish-ən\ n : COSMETOLOGIST

beau·ti·ful \ˈbyüt-i-fəl\ adj
1 : having the qualities of beauty
2 : very good : EXCELLENT
— beau·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— beau·ti·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n
synonyms BEAUTIFUL, PRETTY, LOVELY, HANDSOME, mean giving pleasure to the mind or senses. BEAUTIFUL applies to things that give the greatest pleasure and stir the emotions <beautiful mountain scenery>. PRETTY applies to things that give immediate but often shallow pleasure especially to the senses <a pretty dress>. LOVELY applies to things that excite the emotions by being very graceful, delicate, or exquisite <a lovely melody>. HANDSOME applies to things that please the mind because of their good proportions or elegance <the gardens of the mansion are quite handsome>.

beau·ti·fy \ˈbyüt-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make beautiful or more beautiful  synonyms see ADORN
— beau·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌbyüt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

beau·ty \ˈbyüt-ē\ n, pl beauties
1 : the qualities of a person or a thing that give pleasure to the senses
2 : a lovely person or thing; esp : a lovely woman
3 : an outstanding example <that's a beauty of a black eye> [Middle English beaute “beauty,” derived from early French bel “beautiful,” from Latin bellus “pretty” — related to BEAU, BELLE]

beauty mark n : a small dark mark (as a mole) on the skin especially of the face

beauty shop n : a place of business for the care of customers' hair, skin, and nails — called also beauty parlor, beauty salon

1bea·ver \ˈbē-vər\ n, pl beaver or beavers
1 : a large plant-eating rodent that has webbed hind feet and a broad flat tail and that builds dams and houses of mud and branches which are partly underwater
2 : the fur of a beaver

2beaver n : a piece of armor protecting the lower part of the face

be·calm \bi-ˈkäm, -ˈkälm\ vb : to bring to a stop by lack of wind <a ship becalmed>

be·cause \bi-ˈkȯz, -(ˈ)kəz\ conj : for the reason that

because of prep : by reason of

beck \ˈbek\ n : a beckoning gesture
— at one's beck and call : ready to obey any command

beck·on \ˈbek-ən\ vb beck·oned; beck·on·ing \ˈbek- (ə-)niŋ\
1 : to call or signal to a person usually by a wave or nod <they beckoned us to come over>
2 : to appear inviting <new adventures were beckoning>

be·cloud \bi-ˈklau̇d\ vb : to hide as if with a cloud

be·come \bi-ˈkəm\ vb be·came \-ˈkām\; -come; -com·ing
1 : to come or grow to be <a tadpole becomes a frog> <the days become shorter as summer ends>
2 : to look well on : SUIT <her suit becomes her>
— become of : to happen to <whatever became of our old friend>

be·com·ing \bi-ˈkəm-iŋ\ adj : SUITABLE 2; also : looking good on a person <a becoming hairdo>
— be·com·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

1bed \ˈbed\ n
1 a : a piece of furniture on which to lie or sleep  b : 1SLEEP 1; also : a time for sleeping <watched TV before bed>
2 a : a plot of ground prepared for plants  b : the bottom of a body of water <the bed of a river>
3 : a supporting surface or structure : FOUNDATION
4 : 1LAYER 2 <a bed of sandstone>

2bed vb bed·ded; bed·ding
1 : to put or go to bed <bed down for the night>
2 : to fix in or on a foundation <an argument bedded on good sense>
3 : to plant or arrange in beds

bed–and–breakfast n : a place for tourists to stay that offers lodging and breakfast

be·daub \bi-ˈdȯb, -ˈdäb\ vb : to smear or soil with something thick, dirty, or sticky

be·daz·zle \bi-ˈdaz-əl\ vb : DAZZLE 1
— be·daz·zle·ment \-mənt\ n

bed·bug \ˈbed-ˌbəg\ n : a wingless bloodsucking bug sometimes infesting houses and especially beds

bed·cham·ber \-ˈchām-bər\ n : BEDROOM

bed·clothes \-ˌklō(th)z\ n pl : coverings (as sheets and blankets) for a bed

bed·ding \ˈbed-iŋ\ n
1 : BEDCLOTHES
2 : material for a bed

be·deck \bi-ˈdek\ vb : to dress up with showy things <bedecked in furs and jewels>

be·dev·il \bi-ˈdev-əl\ vb : to trouble or annoy again and again : PESTER, HARASS <bedeviled by problems>
— be·dev·il·ment \-mənt\ n

be·dew \bi-ˈd(y)ü\ vb : to wet with or as if with dew

bed·fast \ˈbed-ˌfast\ adj : BEDRIDDEN

bed·fel·low \ˈbed-ˌfel-ō\ n : one who shares a bed with another

be·dight \bi-ˈdīt\ adj, archaic : being dressed or decorated

be·dim \bi-ˈdim\ vb
1 : to make less bright : DIM
2 : to make indistinct or obscure

be·di·zen \bi-ˈdīz-ən, -ˈdiz-ən\ vb : to dress or decorate especially with showy finery

bed·lam \ˈbed-ləm\ n : a place or scene of uproar and confusion
Word History Around 1402 the home of a religious community in London was turned into a hospital for the insane. This new hospital kept the name of the community and was known as the Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem. People soon shortened this name to Bethlehem. In Middle English, though, the town of Bethlehem in Palestine was called Bedlem or Bethlem, so this was the pronunciation used for the hospital's name. In time the name Bedlem or Bedlam came to refer to any home for the insane. Today we use bedlam for any scene of noise and confusion like that found in the early hospitals for the insane. [from Middle English Bedlem “Bethlehem”]

Bed·ling·ton terrier \ˌbed-liŋ-tən-\ n : any of a breed of terriers with a narrow head, arched back, and usually curly coat

bed·ou·in \ˈbed(-ə)-wən\ n, pl -in or -ins often cap : a nomadic Arab of the Arabian, Syrian, or north African deserts

bed·pan \ˈbed-ˌpan\ n : a shallow pan for use as a toilet by a person forced to stay in bed

be·drag·gled \bi-ˈdrag-əld\ adj : limp, soggy, or dirty from or as if from rain or mud

bed·rid·den \ˈbed-ˌrid-ən\ adj : forced to stay in bed especially by illness or weakness

bed·rock \ˈbed-ˌräk\ n
1 : the solid rock lying under surface materials (as soil) that are not in layers
2 : a solid foundation

bed·roll \ˈbed-ˌrōl\ n : bedding rolled up for carrying

bed·room \-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room used for sleeping

bed·sheet \-ˌshēt\ n : 1SHEET 1

bed·side \-ˌsīd\ n : the place beside a bed especially of a sick or dying person

bed·sore \-ˌsō(ə)r, -ˌsȯ(ə)r\ n : a sore caused by constant pressure against a bed (as in a long illness)

bed·spread \-ˌspred\ n : a decorative cover for a bed

bed·stead \-ˌsted\ n : the framework of a bed

bed·straw \-ˌstrȯ\ n : any of several herbs related to madder and having squarish stems and small flowers

bed·time \ˈbed-ˌtīm\ n : time to go to bed

bed–wet·ting \-ˌwet-iŋ\ n : the accidental release of urine especially when occurring in bed during sleep
— bed–wet·ter \-ər\ n

1bee \ˈbē\ n : any of numerous insects (as the honeybees and bumblebees) that feed on pollen and nectar and sometimes produce honey and that differ from the wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts [Old English bēo “bee”]

2bee n : a gathering of people for a specific purpose <a quilting bee> [perhaps from a dialect word been “help given by neighbors,” derived from Old English bēn “prayer”]

bee·bread \ˈbē-ˌbred\ n : a bitter yellowish brown pollen mixture stored in honeycomb cells and used with honey by bees as food

beech \ˈbēch\ n, pl beech·es or beech : any of a genus of trees with smooth gray bark and small edible nuts; also : its wood
— beech·en \ˈbē-chən\ adj

1beef \ˈbēf\ n, pl beefs \ˈbēfs\ or beeves \ˈbēvz\
1 : the flesh of a steer, cow, or bull
2 : a steer, cow, or bull especially when fattened for food
3 pl beefs : COMPLAINT 1
— beef·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2beef vb
1 : to add weight, strength, or power to — usually used with up <beef up the staff>
2 : COMPLAIN 1

beef cattle n pl : cattle developed primarily for effective production of meat

beef·steak \ˈbēf-ˌstāk\ n : a slice of beef suitable for broiling or frying

beefy \ˈbē-fē\ adj beef·i·er; -est
1 : heavily and powerfully built <a beefy wrestler>
2 : of or suggesting beef <a beefy flavor>

1bee·hive \ˈbē-ˌhīv\ n
1 : 1HIVE 1
2 : 1HIVE 2 <a beehive of activity>

2beehive adj : resembling a dome-shaped beehive

bee·keep·er \ˈbē-ˌkē-pər\ n : a person who raises bees
— bee·keep·ing n

bee·line \ˈbē-ˌlīn\ n : a straight direct course

been past participle of BE

beep \ˈbēp\ n : a sound that signals or warns
— beep vb

beep·er \ˈbē-pər\ n : PAGER; esp : one that beeps

beer \ˈbi(ə)r\ n
1 : an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops
2 : a nonalcoholic drink made from roots or other parts of plants <birch beer>

beer belly n : POTBELLY 1
— beer–bel·lied \ˈbi(ə)r-ˌbel-ēd\ adj

bees·wax \ˈbēz-ˌwaks\ n : 1WAX 1

beet \ˈbēt\ n : a garden plant with thick long-stalked edible leaves and usually an enlarged purplish red root used as a vegetable, as a source of sugar, or as food for livestock; also : this root

1bee·tle \ˈbēt-əl\ n
1 : any of an order of insects having four wings of which the first pair are stiff cases that fold over and protect the second pair when at rest
2 : any of various insects resembling a beetle [Old English bitula “beetle,” from the root of bītan “to bite” — related to BITE]

2beetle adj : sticking out and hanging over <beetle brows> [Middle English bitel-browed “having overhanging brows,” probably from bitel, betylle “beetle,” from Old English bitula “beetle”]

3beetle vb bee·tled; bee·tling \ˈbēt-(ə-)liŋ\ : to stick out or hang over <beetling cliffs>

be·fall \bi-ˈfȯl\ vb -fell \-ˈfel\; -fall·en \-ˈfȯ-lən\; -fall·ing
1 : to take place : HAPPEN
2 : to happen to

be·fit \bi-ˈfit\ vb be·fit·ted; be·fit·ting : to be suitable to or proper for <clothes befitting the occasion>

be·fog \bi-ˈfȯg, -ˈfäg\ vb
1 : CONFUSE 2
2 : to make foggy : OBSCURE

1be·fore \bi-ˈfō(ə)r, -ˈfȯ(ə)r\ adv
1 : in advance : AHEAD <go on before>
2 : at an earlier time <was here before>

2before prep
1 a : forward of : in front of <stood before a mirror>  b : in the presence of <spoke before the legislature>
2 : under the consideration of <the case before the court>
3 : earlier than <got there before me> <come before six>

3before conj
1 : earlier than the time when <think before you speak>
2 : more willingly than <I'd starve before I'd steal>

be·fore·hand \-ˌhand\ adv : ahead of time : in advance

before long adv : in the near future : SOON

be·foul \bi-ˈfau̇(ə)l\ vb : to make dirty : SOIL

be·friend \bi-ˈfrend\ vb : to become or act as a friend to

be·fud·dle \bi-ˈfəd-əl\ vb -fud·dled; -fud·dling \-ˈfəd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to dull the senses of with or as if with too much drink : STUPEFY
2 : CONFUSE 1A, PERPLEX
— be·fud·dle·ment \-mənt\ n

beg \ˈbeg\ vb begged; beg·ging
1 : to ask for money, food, or help as charity <beg in the streets>
2 : to ask earnestly or politely <beg a favor> <beg pardon>

be·get \bi-ˈget\ vb -got \-ˈgät\ also -gat \-ˈgat\; -got·ten \-ˈgät-ən\ or -got; -get·ting
1 : to become the father of
2 : 2CAUSE
— be·get·ter n

1beg·gar \ˈbeg-ər\ n
1 : a person who lives by begging
2 : a very poor person : PAUPER

2beggar vb beg·gared; beg·gar·ing \ˈbeg-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to reduce to beggary
2 : to go beyond the ability of <the costumes almost beggar description>

beg·gar·ly \ˈbeg-ər-lē\ adj : MEASLY
— beg·gar·li·ness n

beg·gar–ticks \ˈbeg-ər-ˌtiks\ also beg·gar's–ticks \-ərz-\ n sing or pl : BUR MARIGOLD; also : its prickly fruits

beg·gary \ˈbeg-(ə-)rē\ n : extreme poverty

be·gin \bi-ˈgin\ vb be·gan \-ˈgan\; be·gun \-ˈgən\; be·gin·ning
1 : to do or be the first part of an action or course : START <begin your homework> <it began to rain>
2 : to come or bring into existence : ORIGINATE <the war began in 1939>
3 : to do or succeed in the least degree <does not begin to fill our needs>

be·gin·ner \bi-ˈgin-ər\ n : a person who is beginning something or doing something for the first time : an inexperienced person

be·gin·ning \bi-ˈgin-iŋ\ n
1 : the point at which something begins <the beginning of the year>
2 : the first part <go back to the beginning of the song>
3 : an early stage or period <the beginnings of American history>

be·gone \bi-ˈgȯn also -ˈgän\ vb : to go away — used especially in the imperative mood <begone from my sight!>

be·go·nia \bi-ˈgō-nyə\ n : any of a large genus of tropical herbs often grown for their colorful leaves and bright waxy flowers

be·grime \bi-ˈgrīm\ vb be·grimed; be·grim·ing : to make dirty with grime

be·grudge \bi-ˈgrəj\ vb : to give or do reluctantly <begrudge a person a favor>
— be·grudg·ing·ly \-ˈgrəj-iŋ-lē\ adv

be·guile \bi-ˈgī(ə)l\ vb be·guiled; be·guil·ing
1 : to deceive by cunning means <was beguiled into thinking everything was all right>
2 : to draw notice or interest by charm <a beguiling manner> <it is the scenery that beguiles the tourists>
3 : to cause time to pass pleasantly <beguile the time by telling stories>
— be·guile·ment \-ˈgī(ə)l-mənt\ n

— be·guil·er \-ˈgī-lər\ n

be·half \bi-ˈhaf, -ˈhȧf\ n : useful aid : SUPPORT <spoke in my behalf>
— in behalf of or on behalf of
1 : in the interest of <spoke in behalf of the other candidate>
2 : as a representative of <accepted on behalf of the whole class>

be·have \bi-ˈhāv\ vb be·haved; be·hav·ing
1 : to conduct oneself <behaved badly at the meeting>
2 : to conduct oneself properly <please behave>
3 : to act, function, or react in a particular way <how metals behave under heat and pressure>

be·hav·ior \bi-ˈhā-vyər\ n
1 : the way in which one conducts oneself
2 : the way in which something (as a machine) behaves
3 : anything that a living being does that involves action and response to stimulation
— be·hav·ior·al \-vyə-rəl\ adj

be·head \bi-ˈhed\ vb : to cut off the head of

be·he·moth \bi-ˈhē-məth, ˈbē-ə-ˌməth, -ˌmäth, -ˌmȯth\ n
1 often cap : an animal described in the Bible that is probably the hippopotamus
2 : something of monstrous size or power

be·hest \bi-ˈhest\ n : 2ORDER 5B, COMMAND <built monuments at their ruler's behest>

1be·hind \bi-ˈhīnd\ adv or adj
1 a : in a place or time that is being or has been departed from <stay behind> <left years of poverty behind>  b : at, to, or toward the back <look behind> <fall behind>
2 a : not up to the general level <behind in school>  b : not keeping up to a schedule <behind in the car payments>

2behind prep
1 : at, to, or toward the back of <look behind you> <a garden behind the house>
2 : not up to the level of <sales are behind those of last year> <behind the rest of the class>
3 a : in the background of <the reasons behind our success>  b : in support of <we're behind you all the way>

be·hind·hand \bi-ˈhīnd-ˌhand\ adv or adj : not keeping up : BEHIND <behindhand with the rent>

be·hold \bi-ˈhōld\ vb be·held \-ˌheld\; -hold·ing : to look upon : SEE
— be·hold·er n

be·hold·en \bi-ˈhōl-dən\ adj : being indebted for a favor or gift

be·hoof \bi-ˈhüf\ n : 1ADVANTAGE 1, BENEFIT <acted only for his own behoof>

be·hoove \bi-ˈhüv\ vb be·hooved; be·hoov·ing : to be necessary, fitting, or proper for <such behavior ill behooves you> <it behooves a good citizen to obey the law>

be·hove \-ˈhōv\ chiefly British variant of BEHOOVE

beige \ˈbāzh\ n : a light grayish yellowish brown
— beige adj

be·ing \ˈbē-iŋ\ n
1 : the state of having life or existence
2 : one that exists in fact or thought
3 : a living thing; esp : HUMAN BEING

be·la·bor \bi-ˈlā-bər\ vb
1 : to keep explaining or insisting on to excess <I don't want to belabor the point>
2 : ASSAIL, ATTACK

be·lat·ed \bi-ˈlāt-əd\ adj : delayed beyond the usual time
— be·lat·ed·ly adv

— be·lat·ed·ness n

be·lay \bi-ˈlā\ vb
1 : to make (as a rope) fast by turns around a cleat or pin
2 : CEASE, STOP

1belch \ˈbelch\ vb
1 : to force out gas from the stomach through the mouth
2 : to throw out or be thrown out violently <smoke belching from the chimney>

2belch n : a belching of gas

bel·dam or bel·dame \ˈbel-dəm\ n : an old woman

be·lea·guer \bi-ˈlē-gər\ vb -guered; -guer·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to surround with an army so as to prevent escape : BESIEGE 1
2 : to subject to troublesome forces : HARASS <the pests that beleaguer farmers>

bel·fry \ˈbel-frē\ n, pl belfries : a tower or a room in a tower for a bell or set of bells
Word History In our day belfry means “bell tower”; the first syllable is a perfect match with bell, whatever -fry might mean. But in fact belfry does not derive from bell, and the original meaning of its medieval French source, berfroi, was not “bell tower,” but rather “siege tower.” A siege tower was a wheeled wooden structure that was pushed up to the walls of a besieged fortress to provide shelter and a base of attack for the besiegers. A variant of French berfroi that was also borrowed into English was belfroi. The resemblance of this word to Middle English belle, “bell,” most likely set in motion a shift in meaning that gave belfry its current meaning. [Middle English belfrey, berfrey “bell tower, war tower,” from early French berfroi “war tower,” of Germanic origin]

Bel·gian \ˈbel-jən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Belgium
2 : any of a Belgian breed of heavy usually roan or chestnut draft horses
— Belgian adj

Belgian sheepdog n : any of a breed of active black dogs developed in Belgium for herding sheep

be·lie \bi-ˈlī\ vb -lied; -ly·ing
1 : to give a false idea of <her looks belied her age>
2 : to show to be false <their actions belie their claim to be innocent>
— be·li·er n

be·lief \bə-ˈlēf\ n
1 : a feeling sure that someone or something exists or is true or trustworthy <a belief in Santa Claus> <a belief in democracy>
2 : something that one thinks is true <political beliefs>
synonyms BELIEF, CREDENCE, FAITH, mean an accepting of something or someone as true or reliable without asking for proof. BELIEF may suggest going along without careful thought <the widespread belief in flying saucers>. CREDENCE suggests ready acceptance of rumors, reports, or opinions as a basis for belief <during the panic people gave credence to wild stories>. FAITH suggests full trust and confidence in the source <the members of the team had great faith in their coach's strategy>. synonyms see in addition OPINION

be·lieve \bə-ˈlēv\ vb be·lieved; be·liev·ing
1 : to have a firm religious faith
2 : to have faith or confidence in the existence or worth of <believe in ghosts> <believe in regular exercise>
3 : to accept as true <believe the reports>
4 : to accept the word or evidence of <they believed us> <I could hardly believe my ears>
5 : to hold as an opinion : THINK <believe it will rain>
— be·liev·able \-ˈlē-və-bəl\ adj

— be·liev·ably \-blē\ adv

— be·liev·er n

be·like \bi-ˈlīk\ adv, archaic : most likely

be·lit·tle \bi-ˈlit-əl\ vb -lit·tled; be·lit·tling \-ˈlit-əl-iŋ, -ˈlit-liŋ\ : to make (a person or a thing) seem little or unimportant <belittle the success of a rival>
— be·lit·tle·ment \-əl-mənt\ n

— be·lit·tler \-ˈlit-əl-ər, -ˈlit-lər\ n

1bell \ˈbel\ n
1 : a hollow usually cup-shaped metallic device that makes a ringing sound when struck
2 : the stroke or sound of a bell that tells the hour
3 : a half hour period of a watch on shipboard indicated by the strokes of a bell
4 : something (as a flower or the mouth of a trumpet) shaped like a bell

See TABLE

2bell vb
1 : to provide with a bell <bell a cat>
2 : to take the form of a bell : FLARE

bel·la·don·na \ˌbel-ə-ˈdän-ə\ n
1 : a European poisonous herb of the nightshade family with purple or green bell-shaped flowers, glossy black berries, and a root and leaves that are a source of atropine — called also deadly nightshade
2 : a drug or extract from the belladonna [from Italian bella donna, literally, “beautiful lady”; so called because the extract was formerly used in cosmetics]

bell–bot·toms \ˈbel-ˈbät-əmz\ n pl : pants with legs that widen out at the bottom
— bell–bottom adj

bell·boy \ˈbel-ˌbȯi\ n : BELLHOP

bell captain n : a person in charge of hotel bellhops

belle \ˈbel\ n : a popular attractive girl or woman [French belle “a beautiful girl,” from belle (adjective), feminine form of beau “beautiful,” from Latin bellus “pretty” — related to BEAU, BEAUTY]

bell·flow·er \ˈbel-ˌflau̇(-ə)r\ n : any of various herbs that are often grown for their showy flowers shaped like bells

bell·hop \-ˌhäp\ n : a hotel or club employee who takes guests to rooms, carries luggage, and runs errands

bel·li·cose \ˈbel-ə-ˌkōs\ adj : likely to quarrel or fight
— bel·li·cos·i·ty \ˌbel-ə-ˈkäs-ət-ē\ n

bel·lig·er·ence \bə-ˈlij(-ə)-rən(t)s\ n : a belligerent attitude or disposition

bel·lig·er·en·cy \bə-ˈlij-(ə-)rən-sē\ n
1 : the state of being at war
2 : BELLIGERENCE

bel·lig·er·ent \bə-ˈlij(-ə)-rənt\ adj
1 : waging war <belligerent nations>
2 : eager to or showing eagerness to fight <belligerent remarks>
— belligerent n

— bel·lig·er·ent·ly adv
synonyms BELLIGERENT, PUGNACIOUS, QUARRELSOME, CONTENTIOUS, mean having an aggressive or fighting attitude. BELLIGERENT suggests either being actually at war <the belligerent nations refused to have peace talks> or having angry aggressive feelings <the new girl at school is belligerent and is not making many friends>. PUGNACIOUS suggests a nature that takes pleasure in conflict <a pugnacious fellow always getting into fights>. QUARRELSOME stresses a bad-tempered readiness to fight for no good reason <our neighbors are quarrelsome>. CONTENTIOUS suggests an odd and annoying fondness for arguing <irritated by contentious people>.

bell jar n : a bell-shaped usually glass container, designed to cover objects, hold gases, or keep a vacuum

bel·low \ˈbel-ō\ vb : to make a deep loud roar like that of a bull
— bellow n

bel·lows \ˈbel-ōz, -əz\ n sing or pl
1 : a device that produces a strong current of air when it is spread apart and then pressed together
2 : a part of some cameras that is pleated and can expand

bell·pull \ˈbel-ˌpu̇l\ n : a cord or wire or a handle or knob attached to it that one pulls to ring a bell

bells and whistles n pl : items or features that are useful or decorative but not necessary <a new car with lots of bells and whistles>

bell·weth·er \ˈbel-ˈweth-ər, -ˌweth-\ n : someone or something that leads the way or points out a trend <a bellwether of fashion> <a county that is a bellwether in national elections> [from earlier bellwether “leading sheep (or wether) of a flock,” from the fact that this sheep wore a bell which told the shepherd where the flock was]

1bel·ly \ˈbel-ē\ n, pl bellies
1 a : ABDOMEN 1  b : the undersurface of an animal's body; also : hide from this part  c : 1STOMACH 1A
2 : an internal cavity : INTERIOR
3 : a curved or rounded surface or object <the belly of an airplane>

2belly vb bel·lied; bel·ly·ing : to swell or bulge out

1bel·ly·ache \ˈbel-ē-ˌāk\ n : pain in the abdomen and especially in the stomach : STOMACHACHE

2bellyache vb : to complain in a whining or irritable way <kept bellyaching about the wait>
— bel·ly·ach·er n

belly button n : the human navel

belly flop n : a dive (as into the water) in which the front of the body lands flat
— belly flop vb

bel·ly–land \ˈbel-ē-ˌland\ vb : to land an airplane without use of landing gear
— belly landing n

be·long \bi-ˈlȯŋ\ vb
1 : to be in a proper place <this book belongs on the top shelf>
2 a : to be the property of a person or group of persons <the watch belongs to me>  b : to be a member <belongs to our club>
3 : to be a part of : be connected with : go with <the parts belonging to the clock>
4 : to be classified <whales belong among the mammals>

be·long·ings \bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋz\ n pl : the things that belong to a person : POSSESSIONS

be·loved \bi-ˈləv(-ə)d\ adj : dearly loved
— be·loved n

1be·low \bi-ˈlō\ adv
1 : in or to a lower place
2 : on a lower floor or deck
3 : below zero <the temperature was 20 below>

2below prep : lower than <the diver descends below 25 meters> <below average> <selling below cost>

1belt \ˈbelt\ n
1 : a strip of flexible material (as leather) worn around a person's body for holding in or supporting something (as clothing, tools, or weapons) or for ornament
2 : a flexible continuous band running around wheels or pulleys and used for moving or carrying something <a fan belt on a car>
3 : a region suited to or producing something or having some special feature <the corn belt> <a storm belt>
— belt·ed \ˈbel-təd\ adj

— below the belt : in an unfair way : UNFAIR

— under one's belt : as part of one's experience

2belt vb
1 : to put a belt on or around
2 : to hit hard <belt a home run>
3 : to mark with a band
4 : to sing in a forceful way <belt out a song>

3belt n : a jarring blow

belt·ing \ˈbel-tiŋ\ n : material for making belts

belt–tight·en·ing \ˈbelt-ˌtīt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ n : a reduction in spending

be·lu·ga \bə-ˈlü-gə\ n : a toothed whale that becomes 10 to 15 feet (3.0 to 5.0 meters) long and white when adult — called also beluga whale [from earlier beluga “a white sturgeon,” from Russian beluga (same meaning), from belyǐ “white”]

be·moan \bi-ˈmōn\ vb : to express grief over

be·muse \bi-ˈmyüz\ vb
1 : CONFUSE 1A
2 : to cause to have feelings of tolerant amusement <bemused by the many rumors>

1bench \ˈbench\ n
1 a : a long seat for two or more persons  b : a seat where the members of a team wait for a chance to play
2 a : the seat where a judge sits in a court of law  b : the position or rank of a judge <appointed to the bench>  c : a person or persons engaged in judging
3 a : a long table for holding tools and work  b : SHELF 2

2bench vb
1 : to furnish with benches
2 : to seat on a bench
3 : to remove from or keep out of a game

benchmark n
1 usually bench mark : a mark on a permanent object indicating elevation and serving as a reference in geological surveys
2 : something (as a test) that can be used as a standard to check other things (as computer programs) against

bench·warm·er \ˈbench-ˌwȯr-mər\ n : a reserve player on a sports team

1bend \ˈbend\ vb bent \ˈbent\; bend·ing
1 : to pull tight <bend a bow>
2 : to curve or cause a change of shape <bend a wire into a circle>
3 : to turn in a certain direction <bent their steps toward town>
4 : to apply or apply oneself closely <she bent herself to the task>
5 : to curve out of line <the road bends to the left>
6 : to curve downward : STOOP <bend over and pick it up>
— bend over backward or bend over backwards : to make extreme efforts <would bend over backwards to help>

2bend n
1 : the act or process of bending : the state of being bent
2 : something (as a curved part of a stream) that is bent
3 pl : a severe disorder marked by pain (as in joints), by difficulty in breathing, and often by collapsing and caused by release of gas bubbles (as of nitrogen) in the tissues upon too rapid a change from an environment of high air pressure to one of lower air pressure — called also caisson disease, decompression sickness

1be·neath \bi-ˈnēth\ adv : in or to a lower position : BELOW

2beneath prep
1 a : lower than : BELOW  b : directly under
2 : not worthy of <work beneath your dignity>

bene·dic·tion \ˌben-ə-ˈdik-shən\ n
1 : an expression of good wishes
2 : the short blessing at the end of a religious service [Middle English benediccioun “an expression of blessing or good wishes,” from Latin benediction-, benedictio (same meaning), from benedicere “to bless,” from earlier bene dicere “to praise, speak well,” from bene “well” and dicere “to say” — related to DICTATE]

Ben·e·dict's solution \ˈben-ə-ˌdik(t)s-\ n : a blue liquid that is used to detect some sugars (as glucose) with which it reacts when warmed to produce a red, yellow, or orange solid that separates from the liquid

bene·fac·tion \ˈben-ə-ˌfak-shən, ˌben-ə-ˈfak-\ n
1 : the action of benefiting
2 : a benefit given; esp : a donation to charity

bene·fac·tor \ˈben-ə-ˌfak-tər\ n : one who helps another especially by giving money

bene·fac·tress \ˈben-ə-ˌfak-trəs\ n : a woman who is a benefactor

ben·e·fice \ˈben-ə-fəs\ n : a post held by a member of the clergy that gives the right to use certain property and to receive income from stated sources

be·nef·i·cence \bə-ˈnef-ə-sən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being beneficent
2 : BENEFACTION

be·nef·i·cent \bə-ˈnef-ə-sənt\ adj : doing or producing good; esp : performing acts of kindness or charity
— be·nef·i·cent·ly adv

ben·e·fi·cial \ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl\ adj : producing results that are good for health and happiness
— ben·e·fi·cial·ly \-ˈfish-ə-lē\ adv

— ben·e·fi·cial·ness n

ben·e·fi·ci·ary \ˌben-ə-ˈfish-ē-ˌer-ē, -ˈfish-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ar·ies : a person who benefits or is expected to benefit from something <the beneficiary of life insurance>

1ben·e·fit \ˈben-ə-ˌfit\ n
1 a : something that does good to a person or thing <the benefits of fresh air and sunshine>  b : useful aid : HELP <had to perform without the benefit of a rehearsal>
2 a : money paid at death or when sick, retired, or unemployed (as by an insurance company or public agency)  b : something (as health insurance or vacation time) provided to a worker by an employer in addition to pay
3 : an entertainment or social event to raise funds for a person or cause [Middle English benefet, benefit “good deed,” derived from Latin bene factum (same meaning), from bene factus, past participle of bene facere “to do good,” from bene “well” (akin to bonus “good”) and facere “to do, make” — related to BONUS, FASHION]

2benefit vb benefit·ed \-ˌfit-əd\ also -fit·ted; -fit·ing also -fit·ting
1 : to be useful or profitable to <medicines that benefit all>
2 : to receive benefit <I benefited from the experience>

be·nev·o·lence \bə-ˈnev(-ə)-lən(t)s\ n : KINDNESS, GENEROSITY

be·nev·o·lent \bə-ˈnev(-ə)-lənt\ adj : having a desire to do good : KINDLY, CHARITABLE <a benevolent organization>
— be·nev·o·lent·ly adv

Ben·gali \ben-ˈgȯ-lē, beŋ-\ n
1 : a person born or living in Bengal
2 : the language of Bengal
— Bengali adj

be·night·ed \bi-ˈnīt-əd\ adj : IGNORANT 1, 2

be·nign \bi-ˈnīn\ adj
1 : of a gentle disposition : GRACIOUS
2 : FAVORABLE <a benign climate>
3 : of a mild type or character; esp : not becoming cancerous <a benign tumor>
— be·nig·ni·ty \-ˈnig-nət-ē\ n

— be·nign·ly \-ˈnīn-lē\ adv

be·nig·nant \bi-ˈnig-nənt\ adj
1 : showing kindly feelings or intentions
2 : BENEFICIAL
— be·nig·nant·ly adv

ben·i·son \ˈben-ə-sən, -zən\ n : BLESSING 1

1bent \ˈbent\ n : BENT GRASS [Middle English bent “grassy place, bent grass”]

2bent adj
1 : changed by bending : CROOKED <a bent pin>
2 : strongly favorable to : quite determined <doctors bent on finding a cure> [Middle English bent “crooked,” from benden “to bend”]
— bent out of shape : extremely upset or angry <got all bent out of shape over the news>

3bent n
1 : a strong natural liking
2 : a special inclination or capacity : TALENT [from bend “to turn in a certain direction”]

bent grass n : any of a genus of stiff or velvety grasses that are used especially for pastures and lawns

ben·thos \ˈben-ˌthäs\ n : the plant and animal life that lives on or in the bottom of a body of water (as an ocean)

ben·ton·ite \ˈbent-ən-ˌīt\ n : an absorbent clay

be·numb \bi-ˈnəm\ vb : to make numb especially by cold

ben·zene \ˈben-ˌzēn, ben-ˈzēn\ n : a colorless flammable liquid that evaporates easily and is used to make or dissolve other chemicals or as a motor fuel

ben·zine \ˈben-ˌzēn, ben-ˈzēn\ n : any of various flammable chemicals from petroleum that evaporate easily and are used especially to dissolve fatty substances or as motor fuels

ben·zo·ic acid \ben-ˌzō-ik-\ n : a white crystalline organic acid that is used especially to increase the life of foods, to make other chemicals, and in medicine

ben·zo·yl peroxide \ˈben-zə-ˌwil-, -ˌzȯil-\ n : a white crystalline compound used in bleaching and in medicine especially in the treatment of acne

be·queath \bi-ˈkwēth, -ˈkwēth\ vb
1 : to give or leave property by a will
2 : HAND DOWN 1 <traditions bequeathed by our ancestors>
— be·queath·al \-əl\ n

be·quest \bi-ˈkwest\ n
1 : the action of bequeathing
2 : something given or left by a will

be·rate \bi-ˈrāt\ vb : to scold forcefully

Ber·ber \ˈbər-bər\ n
1 : a member of a people of northwestern Africa
2 : any of a group of languages spoken in northwestern Africa

1be·reaved \bi-ˈrēvd\ adj : suffering the death of a loved one <bereaved family members>

2bereaved n, pl bereaved : a person who is bereaved

be·reave·ment \bi-ˈrēv-mənt\ n : the state or fact of being bereaved

be·reft \bi-ˈreft\ adj
1 : not having something needed, wanted, or expected <bereft of money>
2 : 1BEREAVED

be·ret \bə-ˈrā\ n : a soft flat wool cap without a visor

berg \ˈbərg\ n : ICEBERG

ber·i·beri \ˌber-ē-ˈber-ē\ n : a disease marked by weakness, wasting, and damage to nerves and caused by a lack of thiamine in the diet or by an inability to absorb and use it

berke·li·um \ˈbər-kle-əm\ n : an artificially prepared radioactive chemical element — see ELEMENT TABLE

berm \ˈbərm\ n : a shelf or path at the top or bottom of a slope; also : a mound or wall of earth

Ber·mu·da grass \bər-ˈmyüd-ə-\ n : a trailing grass that is native to Europe and is used for lawns and pasture especially in the southern U.S.

1ber·ry \ˈber-ē\ n, pl berries
1 : a small pulpy and usually edible fruit (as a strawberry or raspberry)
2 : a fruit (as a grape, blueberry, tomato, or cucumber) that develops from a single ovary and has the wall of the ripened ovary pulpy
3 : the dry seed of some plants (as coffee)
— ber·ry·like \-ē-ˌlīk\ adj

2berry vb ber·ried; ber·ry·ing
1 : to bear or produce berries
2 : to gather or look for berries <go berrying>

1ber·serk \bə(r)-ˈsərk, ˌbər-, -ˈzərk; ˈbər-ˌsərk, -zərk\ adj : gone out of control : CRAZY, AMOK
— berserk adv
Word History Many hundreds of years ago in what is now Scandinavia, certain warriors were known for their wild and savage behavior in battle. These fighters wore masks or garments of animal skin and the early Norse word for such a person was berserkr, meaning literally, “bear shirt.” The word was borrowed into English in the early 19th century when many people became interested in Norse history and legend. From berserker, with the sense of “a Scandinavian warrior,” the word became berserk, a general term for a person whose behavior is reckless and wild. [from early Norse berserkr, from ber- (derived from the word for “bear”) and serkr “shirt”]

2berserk or ber·serk·er \bə(r)-ˈsərk-ər, ˌbər-, -ˈzərk-; ˈbər-ˌsərk-ər, -ˌzərk-\ n : a Scandinavian warrior of ancient times who fought with great fury in battle and was believed impossible to kill or wound

1berth \ˈbərth\ n
1 a : enough room to maneuver a ship  b : a safe distance <give it wide berth>
2 : a place where a ship lies at anchor or at a wharf
3 : a place to sleep on a ship or train
4 : JOB 3, POSITION

2berth vb : to bring or come into a berth

ber·yl \ˈber-əl\ n : a mineral consisting of a silicate of beryllium and aluminum that has great hardness and occurs in crystals of a variety of colors

be·ryl·li·um \bə-ˈril-ē-əm\ n : a steel-gray light strong brittle toxic metallic element used chiefly to help harden alloys — see ELEMENT TABLE

be·seech \bi-ˈsēch\ vb be·sought \-ˈsȯt\ or be·seeched; be·seech·ing : to ask earnestly for

be·seem \bi-ˈsēm\ vb, archaic : to be proper for

be·set \bi-ˈset\ vb -set; -set·ting
1 : to trouble with problems
2 : to set upon : ASSAIL

be·set·ting \bi-ˈset-iŋ\ adj : constantly present or attacking <a besetting danger>

be·side \bi-ˈsīd\ prep
1 a : by the side of <walk beside me>  b : in comparison with <the kitten looks tiny beside that big dog>
2 : 1BESIDES <was the only one, beside me, who objected>
3 : not relating to <beside the point>
— beside oneself : very upset or excited

1be·sides \bi-ˈsīdz\ prep
1 : EXCEPT FOR <no one besides me knows about it>
2 : in addition to <besides being useful, it looks good>

2besides adv : in addition : ALSO <had a big dinner and dessert besides>

be·siege \bi-ˈsēj\ vb be·sieged; be·sieg·ing
1 : to surround with armed forces for the purpose of capturing
2 : to trouble with requests
3 : to cause worry or distress to <doubts besieged him>
— be·sieg·er n

be·smear \bi-ˈsmi(ə)r\ vb : 2SMEAR

be·smirch \bi-ˈsmərch\ vb : to make soiled or less pure

be·som \ˈbē-zəm\ n : a broom made of twigs

be·spat·ter \bi-ˈspat-ər\ vb : 1SPATTER

be·speak \bi-ˈspēk\ vb be·spoke \-ˈspōk\; be·spo·ken \-ˈspō-kən\; -speak·ing
1 : to ask or arrange for in advance
2 : to make plain : SHOW <her performance bespeaks much practice>

be·spec·ta·cled \bi-ˈspek-ti-kəld\ adj : wearing glasses

Bessemer process n : a process of making steel from pig iron by burning out impurities (as carbon) by means of a blast of air forced through the hot liquid metal

1best \ˈbest\ adj superlative of GOOD
1 : better than all others <my best friend>
2 : good or useful in the highest degree : most excellent <the best movie I ever saw>
3 : 3MOST, LARGEST <it rained for the best part of a week>

2best adv superlative of WELL
1 : in the best way : to the greatest advantage <some things are best left unsaid>
2 : to the highest degree : MOST <best able to do the work>

3best n, pl best
1 : the best state or part <the best is yet to come>
2 : one that is best <even the best lose once in a while>
3 a : one's greatest effort <do your best>  b : best performance or achievement <ran a new personal best>
4 : best clothes <put on your Sunday best>
— at best : under the best conditions

4best vb : to get the better of : OUTDO <bested us in every event>

bes·tial \ˈbes-chəl, ˈbēs-\ adj
1 : resembling a beast
2 : having or showing qualities like those of a beast : BRUTAL, INHUMAN
— bes·ti·al·i·ty \ˌbes-chē-ˈal-ət-ē, ˌbēs-\ n

— bes·tial·ly \-chə-lē\ adv

best·ie \ˈbes-tē\ n : best friend

be·stir \bi-ˈstər\ vb : to stir up : rouse to action

be·stow \bi-ˈstō\ vb : to present as a gift
— be·stow·al \-ˈstō-əl\ n

— be·stow·er n

be·strew \bi-ˈstrü\ vb -strewed; -strewed or -strewn \-ˈstrün\; -strew·ing
1 : STREW 2
2 : to lie scattered over

be·stride \bi-ˈstrīd\ vb -strode \-ˈstrōd\; -strid·den \-ˈstrid-ən\; -strid·ing \-ˈstrīd-iŋ\ : to ride, sit, or stand with one leg on each side of

best–sell·er \ˈbes(t)-ˈsel-ər\ n : an article (as a book) whose sales are among the highest of its kind
— best–sell·ing \-ˈsel-iŋ\ adj

1bet \ˈbet\ n
1 : an agreement requiring the person whose guess about the result of a contest or the outcome of an event proves wrong to give something to a person whose guess proves right
2 : the money or thing risked
3 : a choice made by considering what might happen <our best bet is to take the back road>

2bet vb bet also bet·ted; bet·ting
1 : to risk in a bet <I'll bet a nickel>
2 : to make a bet with <I bet you he won't>
3 : to be certain enough to bet <I bet it will rain>

be·ta \ˈbāt-ə\ n : the 2nd letter of the Greek alphabet — Β or β

be·ta–car·o·tene \-ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn\ n : a form of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits

be·take \bi-ˈtāk\ vb -took \-ˈtu̇k\; -tak·en \-ˈtā-kən\; -tak·ing : to cause (oneself) to go

beta particle n : an electron or positron that is thrown out from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay; also : a high-speed electron or positron

beta ray n
1 : BETA PARTICLE
2 : a stream of beta particles

be·ta·tron \ˈbāt-ə-ˌträn\ n : a device that speeds up electrons by the action of a rapidly changing magnetic field

be·tel \ˈbēt-əl\ n : a climbing pepper of southeastern Asia whose dried leaves are chewed together with betel nut and lime to increase the activity of the nervous system

Be·tel·geuse \ˈbēt-əl-ˌjüs, ˈbet-, -ˌjüz, -ˌjə(r)z\ n : a red giant star in Orion that changes in brightness

betel nut n : the seed of an Asian palm

bête noire \ˌbet-nə-ˈwär, ˌbāt-\ n, pl bêtes noires \ˌbet-nə-ˈwär(z), ˌbāt-\ : a person or thing strongly disliked or feared

beth·el \ˈbeth-əl\ n : a place of worship especially for sailors [from Hebrew bēth'ēl “house of God”]

be·think \bi-ˈthiŋk\ vb -thought \-ˈthȯt\; -think·ing
1 a : REMEMBER 1, RECALL  b : to cause (oneself) to be reminded
2 : to cause (oneself) to consider

be·tide \bi-ˈtīd\ vb be·tid·ed; be·tid·ing : to happen or happen to <woe betide you if they ever find out what you've done>

be·times \bi-ˈtīmz\ adv : in time : EARLY <was up betimes this morning>

be·to·ken \bi-ˈtō-kən\ vb be·to·kened; be·to·ken·ing \-ˈtōk-(ə-)niŋ\ : to be a sign of : INDICATE

be·tray \bi-ˈtrā\ vb
1 : to give over to an enemy by treachery
2 : to be unfaithful to <betrayed our trust>
3 : to reveal without meaning to <betrayed their ignorance>
4 : to tell in violation of a trust <betray a secret>  synonyms see REVEAL
— be·tray·al \-ˈtrā(-ə)l\ n

— be·tray·er \-ˈtrā-ər\ n

be·troth \bi-ˈträth, -ˈtrȯth, -ˈtrōth, or with th\ vb : to promise to marry or give in marriage

be·troth·al \-ˈtrōth-əl, -ˈtrȯth-, -ˈtrōth-\ n : an engagement to be married

be·trothed \-ˈträtht, -ˈtrȯtht, -ˈtrōthd\ n : the person to whom one is betrothed

bet·ta \ˈbet-ə\ n : any of a genus of small brilliantly colored long-finned freshwater fishes of southeastern Asia

1bet·ter \ˈbet-ər\ adj comparative of 1GOOD
1 : improved in health
2 : of higher quality
— better part : more than half <the better part of an hour>

2better adv comparative of WELL
1 : in a more excellent manner
2 a : to a higher or greater degree <knows the story better than I do>  b : 2MORE <better than an hour's drive to the lake>

3better n
1 a : a better thing or state <a change for the better>  b : a superior especially in merit or rank <be respectful of your betters>
2 : ADVANTAGE 1 <get the better of someone>

4better vb
1 : to make better
2 : to be or do better than

better half n : SPOUSE

bet·ter·ment \ˈbet-ər-mənt\ n : IMPROVEMENT 1

bet·tor or bet·ter \ˈbet-ər\ n : one that bets

1be·tween \bi-ˈtwēn\ prep
1 : by the common action of <ate six pizzas between them>
2 : in the time or space that separates <between nine and ten o'clock> <between the desk and the wall>
3 a : from one to the other of <flying between Miami and Chicago>  b : joining or linking in some relationship <the bond between friends> <the difference between soccer and football>
4 : in comparison of <there's not much to choose between the two coats>
5 : staying known by only certain people <a secret between you and me>
6 : taking together the combined effect of <between school and sports, they have little time for TV>

2between adv : in an intermediate space or interval <two cars with a truck between>

be·twixt \bi-ˈtwikst\ adv or prep : BETWEEN

1bev·el \ˈbev-əl\ n
1 : the angle that one surface or line makes with another when they are not at right angles
2 : the slant of a bevel

2bevel vb bev·eled or bev·elled; bev·el·ing or bev·el·ling \ˈbev-(ə-)liŋ\ : to cut or shape (as an edge) so as to form a bevel

bev·er·age \ˈbev-(ə-)rij\ n : a liquid for drinking

bevy \ˈbev-ē\ n, pl bev·ies : a large group <a bevy of girls>

be·wail \bi-ˈwāl\ vb : to express great sorrow over <bewailing their fate>

be·ware \bi-ˈwa(ə)r, -ˈwe(ə)r\ vb
1 : to be on one's guard <beware of the dog>
2 : to be suspicious of <beware the quick excuse>

be·whis·kered \bi-ˈhwis-kərd, -ˈwis-\ adj : having whiskers

be·wil·der \bi-ˈwil-dər\ vb -dered; -der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to confuse especially with a great many things to worry about
— be·wil·der·ing·ly \-d(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adv

— be·wil·der·ment \-dər-mənt\ n

be·witch \bi-ˈwich\ vb
1 : to put under a spell
2 : to attract or delight as if by magic
— be·witch·ment \-mənt\ n

be·wray \bi-ˈrā\ vb, archaic : BETRAY, REVEAL

1be·yond \bē-ˈänd\ adv : on or to the farther side

2beyond prep
1 : on or to the farther side of <beyond that tree> <beyond the sea>
2 : out of the reach or sphere of <beyond help> <beautiful beyond belief>

bi- combining form
1 : two <bipartisan>
2 : coming or occurring every two <bimonthly>
3 : into two parts <bisect> [derived from Latin bi- (prefix) “two”]

bi·an·nu·al \(ˈ)bī-ˈan-yə(-wə)l\ adj : occurring twice a year
— bi·an·nu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

1bi·as \ˈbī-əs\ n
1 : a line diagonal to the grain of a fabric
2 : an attitude that always favors one way of feeling or acting over any other : PREJUDICE
3 : a voltage applied to a device (as a transistor control electrode) to establish a reference level for operation

2bias vb bi·ased or bi·assed; bi·as·ing or bi·as·sing : to give a prejudiced outlook to

bias tape n : a narrow strip of cloth cut on the bias, folded, and used for finishing or decorating clothing

bib \ˈbib\ n
1 : a cloth or plastic shield tied under a child's chin to protect the clothes
2 : the upper part of an apron or of overalls

Bi·ble \ˈbī-bəl\ n
1 a : a book made up of the writings accepted by Christians as coming from God  b : a book containing the sacred writings of some other religion
2 not cap : a publication widely read and considered very important <the bible of show business> [Middle English Bible “the Bible,” from early French Bible (same meaning), from Latin biblia (same meaning), from Greek biblia (plural) “books,” derived from Byblos, ancient city in Phoenicia from which the Greeks imported papyrus]

See TABLE

bib·li·cal \ˈbib-li-kəl\ adj : relating to, taken from, or found in the Bible
— bib·li·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

bib·li·og·ra·phy \ˌbib-lē-ˈäg-rə-fē\ n, pl -phies : a list of writings about a subject or author or by an author
— bib·lio·graph·ic \ˌbib-lē-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ or bib·lio·graph·i·cal \-ˈgraf-i-kəl\ adj

bib·u·lous \ˈbib-yə-ləs\ adj
1 : highly absorbent
2 : fond of alcoholic drinks
— bib·u·lous·ly adv

— bib·u·lous·ness n

bi·cam·er·al \(ˈ)bī-ˈkam-(ə-)rəl\ adj : consisting of two legislative chambers <a bicameral legislature>

bi·car·bon·ate \(ˈ)bī-ˈkär-bə-ˌnāt, -nət\ n : an acid carbonate

bicarbonate of soda : SODIUM BICARBONATE

bi·cen·te·na·ry \ˌbī-(ˌ)sen-ˈten-ə-rē, (ˈ)bī-ˈsent-ən-ˈer-ē, ˌbī-(ˌ)sen-ˈtē-nə-rē\ adj : BICENTENNIAL
— bicentenary n

bi·cen·ten·ni·al \ˌbī-(ˌ)sen-ˈten-ē-əl\ adj : relating to a 200th anniversary
— bicentennial n

bi·ceps \ˈbī-ˌseps\ n, pl biceps : a muscle having the end at which it begins divided into two parts; esp : a large muscle of the front of the upper arm

bick·er \ˈbik-ər\ vb bick·ered; bick·er·ing \ˈbik-(ə-)riŋ\ : to quarrel in an irritating way especially over unimportant things
— bick·er·er n

bi·col·ored \ˈbī-ˌkəl-ərd\ adj : two-colored
— bi·col·or \-ər\ n

bi·cul·tur·al \(ˌ)bī-ˈkəl-chər-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or including two distinct cultures <bicultural education>
— bi·cul·tur·al·ism \-ə-ˌli-zəm\ n

1bi·cus·pid \(ˈ)bī-ˈkəs-pəd\ adj : having or ending in two points

2bicuspid n : a human tooth located in front of the molar teeth

1bi·cy·cle \ˈbī-ˌsik-əl, -ˌsīk-\ n : a light vehicle with two wheels behind one another, handlebars, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is made to move

2bicycle vb bi·cy·cled; bi·cy·cling \-ˌsik(-ə)-liŋ\ : to ride a bicycle
— bi·cy·cler \-lər\ n

— bi·cy·clist \-ləst\ n

1bid \ˈbid\ vb bade \ˈbad, ˈbād\ or bid; bid·den \ˈbid-ən\ or bid; bid·ding
1 a : 1ORDER 2A, COMMAND <did as we were bidden>  b : 1INVITE 2A
2 : to express to <bade me farewell>
3 past and past participle bid : to make an offer for something (as at an auction) <bid $10 for a chair>
— bid·der n

— bid fair : to seem likely

2bid n
1 : an offer to pay a certain sum for something or to perform certain work at a stated fee
2 : a turn or opportunity to bid
3 : INVITATION 2 <received a bid to the state tournament>
4 a : an announcement of what a card player will try to win  b : the amount of such a bid
5 : an attempt to win, achieve, or attract <made a strong bid for the job>

bid·dy \ˈbid-ē\ n, pl biddies : HEN 1; also : a young chicken

bide \ˈbīd\ vb bode \ˈbōd\ or bid·ed; bided; bid·ing : to wait or wait for <bided his time before acting>

bi·di·rec·tion·al \ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl, -dī-\ adj : involving, moving, or taking place in usually two opposite directions

bi·en·ni·al \(ˈ)bī-ˈen-ē-əl\ adj
1 : occurring every two years
2 : growing stalks and leaves one year and flowers and fruit the next before dying
— biennial n

— bi·en·ni·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

bier \ˈbi(ə)r\ n : a stand on which a coffin is placed

1bi·fo·cal \(ˈ)bī-ˈfō-kəl\ adj : having two focal lengths

2bifocal n
1 : a bifocal glass or lens
2 pl : eyeglasses with bifocal lenses that correct for both near vision and distant vision

1big \ˈbig\ adj big·ger; big·gest
1 : of great force <a big storm>
2 a : large in size, bulk, or extent <a big house> <big government> <a big city>  b : large in number or amount <a big fleet> <big money>  c : 1CAPITAL 2 <big letters>
3 : of great importance <my big chance> <a big star in movies>
4 : being older <my big sister>
— big·ness n

— big on : very much in favor of : enthusiastic about <is big on stamp collecting>

2big adv
1 : in a big way <win big>
2 : so as to boast <talk big>

big·a·my \ˈbig-ə-mē\ n : the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another [Middle English bigamie “bigamy,” derived from Latin bi- “two” and Greek gamia “marriage”]
— big·a·mist \-məst\ n

— big·a·mous \-məs\ adj

— big·a·mous·ly adv

big bang n : the explosion that caused the beginning of the universe according to the big bang theory

big bang theory n : a theory that the universe was created billions of years ago as a result of a giant explosion

big cat n : a large wild cat (as a leopard or tiger)

Big Dipper n : DIPPER 3A

big·foot \ˈbig-ˌfu̇t\ n, often cap : a large hairy humanlike creature reported to exist in the Pacific Northwest — called also Sasquatch

big game n : large animals hunted for sport

big·horn sheep \ˈbig-ˌhȯrn-\ n : a usually grayish brown wild sheep of mountainous western North America — called also bighorn, Rocky Mountain sheep

bight \ˈbīt\ n
1 : a bend in a coast or the bay it forms
2 : a slack part or loop in a rope

big league n : the highest level especially in baseball
— big–league adj

— big leaguer n

big·ot \ˈbig-ət\ n : a person who won't listen to anyone whose ideas or beliefs are different from his or her own; esp : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial group) with hatred and intolerance
— big·ot·ed \-ət-əd\ adj

big·ot·ry \ˈbig-ə-trē\ n, pl -ries
1 : the state of mind of a bigot
2 : behavior or beliefs characteristic of a bigot

big shot n : an important person

big toe n : the innermost and largest toe of the foot

big top n
1 : the main tent of a circus
2 : CIRCUS 2

big tree \-ˌtrē\ n : GIANT SEQUOIA

big·wig \ˈbig-ˌwig\ n : BIG SHOT

bike \ˈbīk\ n
1 : 1BICYCLE
2 : MOTORCYCLE
— bike vb

— bik·er n

bi·ki·ni \bə-ˈkē-nē\ n : a scanty two-piece bathing suit for a girl or woman [from French bikini “two-piece bathing suit,” from Bikini, atoll in the Marshall Islands]

bi·lat·er·al \(ˈ)bī-ˈlat-ə-rəl, -ˈla-trəl\ adj
1 : having or involving two sides or parties <a bilateral treaty>
2 : characterized by bilateral symmetry
— bi·lat·er·al·ly \-ē\ adv

bilateral symmetry n : plant and animal symmetry in which similar parts are arranged so that one and only one plane can divide the individual into identical or nearly identical halves — compare RADIAL SYMMETRY

bile \ˈbī(ə)l\ n
1 : a thick bitter yellow or greenish fluid that is secreted by the liver and aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the duodenum
2 : ILL WILL, ANGER

1bilge \ˈbilj\ n
1 : the bulging part of a cask or barrel
2 : the part of a ship's hull between the bottom and the point where the sides begin to rise nearly straight up

2bilge vb bilged; bilg·ing : to become damaged in the bilge

bilge water n : water that collects in a ship's bilge

bil·i·ary \ˈbil-ē-ˌer-ē\ adj : of, relating to, or conveying bile

bi·lin·gual \(ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-g(yə-)wəl\ adj
1 : of, expressed in, or using two languages <a bilingual dictionary>
2 : able to use two languages especially with fluency

bil·ious \ˈbil-yəs\ adj
1 a : of or relating to bile  b : marked by or suffering from a disorder of the liver
2 : of an irritable disposition
— bil·ious·ly adv

— bil·ious·ness n

1bill \ˈbil\ n
1 : the jaws of a bird together with their horny covering
2 : a mouthpart (as the beak of a turtle) resembling a bird's bill
3 : the visor of a cap [Old English bile “bill (of a bird)”]
— billed \ˈbild\ adj

2bill vb
1 : to touch bills
2 : to caress affectionately

3bill n
1 : a draft of a law presented to a legislature for consideration <introduce a bill in Congress>
2 : a record of goods sold, services performed, or work done together with the costs involved <a telephone bill>
3 : a sign or poster advertising something
4 : a piece of paper money <a dollar bill> [Middle English bill “document,” perhaps derived from Latin bulla “papal seal, bull,” from earlier bulla “bubble, amulet” — related to 2BOIL, BULLET]

4bill vb : to send a bill to

bill·board \ˈbil-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a flat surface on which outdoor advertisements are displayed

1bil·let \ˈbil-ət\ n
1 : an official order that a soldier be put up in a private home
2 : quarters assigned by or as if by a billet
3 : JOB 3, POSITION [Middle English bylet “brief note,” from early French billette, literally, “little document,” derived from Latin billa “document”]

2billet vb : to assign lodging to : QUARTER

3billet n
1 : a chunky piece of wood (as for firewood)
2 : a bar of metal; esp : one of iron or steel [Middle English bylet “chunk of wood,” from early French billete, literally, “little log”; of Celtic origin]

bil·let–doux \ˌbil-ē-ˈdü, ˌbil-(ˌ)ā-\ n, pl bil·lets–doux \-ˈdü(z)\ : a love letter [French, literally, “sweet letter”]

bill·fold \ˈbil-ˌfōld\ n : a folding case for money : WALLET

bil·liards \ˈbil-yərdz\ n : a game played by driving solid balls with a cue into one another or into pockets on a large rectangular table

bil·lion \ˈbil-yən\ n
1 : a number equal to 1,000 million : 1,000,000,000 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : a very large number
— billion adj

— bil·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adj or n

bil·lion·aire \ˌbil-yə-ˈna(ə)r, -ˈne(ə)r; ˈbil-yə-ˌna(ə)r, -ˌne(ə)r\ n : one whose wealth is a billion dollars or more

bill of fare : MENU 1

bill of rights often cap B&R : a statement of basic rights and privileges guaranteed to a people; esp : the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

1bil·low \ˈbil-ō\ n
1 : 2WAVE 1; esp : a large wave
2 : a rolling mass like a high wave <billows of smoke>

2billow vb
1 : to rise or roll in waves <the billowing ocean>
2 : to bulge or swell out <sails billowing in the breeze>

bil·lowy \ˈbil-ə-wē\ adj bil·low·i·er; -est : full of billows

bil·ly \ˈbil-ē\ n, pl billies
1 : BILLY CLUB
2 : BILLY GOAT

billy club n : a heavy wooden club; esp : NIGHTSTICK

billy goat \ˈbil-ē-\ n : a male goat

bi·met·al \ˈbī-ˌmet-əl\ adj : BIMETALLIC

bi·me·tal·lic \ˌbī-mə-ˈtal-ik\ adj : composed of two different metals — often used of devices having a part in which two metals that expand differently are bonded together

1bi·month·ly \(ˈ)bī-ˈmən(t)th-lē\ adj
1 : occurring every two months
2 : occurring twice a month : SEMIMONTHLY

2bimonthly adv
1 : once every two months
2 : twice a month

3bimonthly n : a bimonthly publication

bin \ˈbin\ n : a box, frame, or enclosed place for storage

bi·na·ry \ˈbī-nə-rē\ adj
1 : compounded or consisting of or marked by two things or parts
2 : relating to, being, or belonging to a system of numbers having two as its base <the binary digits 0 and 1>
3 : relating exactly two mathematical or logical elements at a time <multiplication is a binary operation>

binary fission n : reproduction of a cell by division into two approximately equal parts

binary star n : a system of two stars that revolve around each other under the gravitation of both

binary system n : a system of two objects that revolve around each other; esp : BINARY STAR

bin·au·ral \(ˈ)bī-ˈnȯr-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or used with both ears <a binaural stethoscope>
2 : of, relating to, or making up sound reproduction using two separated microphones and two channels to get a stereophonic effect
— bin·au·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

1bind \ˈbīnd\ vb bound \ˈbau̇nd\; bind·ing
1 a : to fasten by tying  b : to hold or restrict by force or obligation <bound by an oath>
2 : 2BANDAGE <bind a wound>
3 a : to stick together  b : to form a mass that sticks together  c : to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) : combine with
4 : to make firm or sure <a deposit binds the sale>
5 a : to finish or decorate with a binding  b : to fasten together and enclose in a cover

2bind n : something that binds
— in a bind : in trouble

bind·er \ˈbīn-dər\ n
1 : a person or machine that binds something (as books)
2 : a cover for holding together loose sheets of paper
3 : something that holds other substances together <use egg as a binder in meat loaf>

bind·ery \ˈbīn-d(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : a place where books are bound

bind·ing \ˈbīn-diŋ\ n
1 : the cover and fastenings of a book
2 : a narrow strip of fabric used along the edge of an article of clothing

binding energy n : the energy required to break up a molecule, atom, or atomic nucleus completely into the particles that make it up

bind·weed \ˈbīn-ˌdwēd\ n : any of various twining plants related especially to the morning glories

binge \ˈbinj\ n
1 : SPREE
2 : an act of consuming something (as food) to excess
— binge vb

— binge·able \ˈbin-jə-bəl\ adj

binge–watch vb : to watch many episodes of a program in rapid succession

bin·go \ˈbiŋ-ˌgō\ n : a game in which players match numbered squares on a card with numbers called out until someone wins by matching certain squares

bin·na·cle \ˈbin-i-kəl\ n : a box or stand containing a ship's compass and a lamp

1bin·oc·u·lar \bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bə-\ adj : of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes <binocular vision>

2bin·oc·u·lar \bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bī-\ n
1 : a binocular optical instrument
2 : a handheld instrument for seeing at a distance that consists of two telescopes, a focusing device, and usually prisms — usually used in plural <a pair of binoculars>

bi·no·mi·al \bī-ˈnō-mē-əl\ n
1 : a mathematical expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus sign or minus sign
2 : a biological species name consisting of two terms according to the system of binomial nomenclature
— binomial adj

— bi·no·mi·al·ly \-mē-ə-lē\ adv

binomial nomenclature n : a system of naming plants and animals in which each species is given a name consisting of two terms of which the first names the genus and the second the species itself

bio- combining form
1 : life <biosphere>
2 : living organisms or tissue <biochemistry> [from Greek bi-, bio- “life”]

bio·chem·is·try \ˌbī-ō-ˈkem-ə-strē\ n : chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in living things
— bio·chem·i·cal \-ˈkem-i-kəl\ adj

— bio·chem·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— bio·chem·ist \-ˈkem-əst\ n

bio·de·grad·able \-di-ˈgrād-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being broken down especially into harmless products by the action of living things (as bacteria)
— bio·de·grad·abil·i·ty \-ˌgrād-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— bio·de·grade \-di-ˈgrād\ vb

bio·die·sel \-ˈdē-zəl, -səl\ n : a fuel that is similar to diesel fuel and is usually derived from plants (as soybeans)

bio·di·ver·si·ty \-də-ˈvər-sət-ē, -dī-\ n : biological variety in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals

bi·og·ra·phy \bī-ˈäg-rə-fē, bē-\ n, pl -phies : a history of a person's life
— bi·og·ra·pher \-fər\ n

— bio·graph·i·cal \ˌbī-ə-ˈgraf-i-kəl\ adj

— bio·graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

bi·o·log·i·cal \ˌbī-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ also bi·o·log·ic \-ˈläj-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to biology or to life and living things
2 : connected by a relationship involving heredity rather than by one involving adoption or marriage <his biological father>
— bi·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

biological clock n : a mechanism that exists in living things and controls the timing of behaviors and bodily functions which occur in cycles

biological control n : attack upon pests by interference with their ecology (as by introduction of parasites)

biological warfare n : warfare involving the use of biological weapons

biological weapon n : a harmful living thing (as a disease-causing bacterium) or something (as a poisonous substance) produced by a living thing that is used as a weapon to cause death or disease

bi·ol·o·gy \bī-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n
1 : a branch of knowledge that deals with living organisms and life processes
2 a : the plant and animal life of a region or environment  b : the life processes of an organism or group [from German Biologie “biology,” derived from Greek bi-, bio- “life” and -logia “study, science”]
— bi·ol·o·gist \-jəst\ n

bio·mass \ˈbī-ō-ˌmas\ n
1 : the amount of living matter (as in an area or volume of habitat)
2 : plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel

bi·ome \ˈbī-ˌōm\ n : a major type of ecological community

bi·on·ic \bī-ˈän-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to bionics
2 : having the normal biological ability to perform a physical task increased by special devices

bi·on·ics \bī-ˈän-iks\ n : a branch of science concerned with applying facts about the working of biological systems to the solution of engineering problems

bio·phys·ics \ˈbī-ō-ˌfiz-iks\ n : a branch of science concerned with applying the principles and methods of physics to biological problems
— bio·phys·i·cal \ˌbī-ō-ˈfiz-i-kəl\ adj

— bio·phys·i·cist \-ˈfiz-ə-səst\ n

bi·op·sy \ˈbī-ˌäp-sē\ n, pl -sies : the removal and examination of tissue, cells, or fluids from the living body

bio·sphere \ˈbī-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : the part of the world in which life can exist

bio·syn·the·sis \ˌbī-ō-ˈsin(t)-thə-səs\ n : the production of a chemical compound by a living thing

bi·o·ta \bī-ˈōt-ə\ n : the plants and animals of a region

bio·tech·nol·o·gy \ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n : the manipulation (as by changing genetic material) of living things to produce useful products (as crops resistant to disease)

bio·ter·ror·ism \-ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm\ n : terrorism involving the use of biological weapons
— bio·ter·ror·ist \-ər-əst\ n

bi·ot·ic \bī-ˈät-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or caused by living things

bi·o·tin \ˈbī-ə-tən\ n : a growth vitamin of the vitamin B complex found especially in yeast, liver, and egg yolk

bi·o·tite \ˈbī-ə-ˌtīt\ n : a generally black or dark green mica containing iron, magnesium, potassium, and aluminum

bi·par·ti·san \(ˈ)bī-ˈpärt-ə-zən, -sən\ adj : representing, made up of, or organized by members of two political parties <a bipartisan foreign policy>

bi·par·tite \(ˈ)bī-ˈpär-ˌtīt\ adj
1 : being in two parts
2 : shared by two <bipartite treaty>

bi·ped \ˈbī-ˌped\ n : a two-footed animal
— bi·ped·al \(ˈ)bī-ˈped-əl\ adj

bi·plane \ˈbī-ˌplān\ n : an airplane with two sets of wings usually placed one above the other

bi·po·lar \(ˈ)bī-ˈpō-lər\ adj
1 : having or involving two poles
2 : having or marked by two mutually repellant forces or wholly opposed natures or views
3 : being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder
— bi·po·lar·i·ty \-pō-ˈlar-ə-tē, -pə-\ n

bipolar disorder n : a mental illness in which a person experiences periods of strong excitement and happiness followed by periods of sadness and depression

bi·ra·cial \(ˈ)bī-ˈrā-shəl\ adj : of, relating to, or involving people from two races <biracial communities>; esp : having biological parents of two different ethnic identities

1birch \ˈbərch\ n
1 : any of a genus of trees or shrubs with typically an outer bark that peels easily in thin layers and leaves that are shed each fall; also : its hard pale close-grained wood
2 : a birch rod or bundle of twigs used as a whip
— birch or birch·en \ˈbər-chən\ adj

2birch vb : to whip with or as if with a birch

1bird \ˈbərd\ n
1 : any of a class of warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate animals with the body covered with feathers and the forelimbs modified as wings
2 : INDIVIDUAL 2, FELLOW; esp : a peculiar person

2bird vb : to observe or identify wild birds in their natural environment
— bird·er n

bird·bath \ˈbərd-ˌbath, -ˌbȧth\ n : a basin set up for wild birds to bathe in

bird dog n : a dog that has been trained to hunt or bring back game birds

bird·house \ˈbərd-ˌhau̇s\ n : an artificial nesting place for birds; also : AVIARY

bird·like \ˈbərd-ˌlīk\ adj : resembling a bird especially in quickness or voice

bird·man \ˈbərd-mən also -ˌman\ n
1 : one who deals with birds
2 : 1PILOT 3

bird–of–paradise n : a plant from southern Africa that has a colorful flower head resembling the head of a bird with a crest

bird of paradise : any of numerous brilliantly colored birds of the New Guinea area that often have large graceful tail feathers and are related to the crows

bird of passage : a bird that migrates

bird of prey : a meat-eating bird (as a hawk) that feeds partly or completely on the animals it hunts

bird·seed \ˈbərd-ˌsēd\ n : a mixture of seeds (as of sunflowers and millet) used for feeding birds

bird's–eye \ˈbərd-ˌzī\ adj
1 a : seen from above as if by a flying bird <bird's-eye view>  b : 1GENERAL 3, CURSORY <a bird's-eye survey of American history>
2 : having spots resembling birds' eyes <bird's-eye maple>; also : made of wood containing such spots

bird's–foot trefoil \ˌbərdz-ˌfu̇t-\ n : a European plant with claw-shaped pods that is related to the pea and is widely grown as food for livestock and to control erosion

bird–watch·er \ˈbərd-ˌwäch-ər\ n : an observer of wild birds
— bird–watch \-ˌwäch\ vb

bi·ret·ta \bə-ˈret-ə\ n : a square cap with three ridges on top worn by Roman Catholic clergymen

birth \ˈbərth\ n
1 a : the coming out of a new individual from the body of its parent  b : the act or process of bringing forth young from the uterus
2 : DESCENT 1, LINEAGE <noble birth>
3 : BEGINNING 1, ORIGIN

birth canal n : the channel through which the fetus of a mammal passes during birth

birth control n
1 : control of the number of births especially by preventing or lessening the occurrence of conception
2 : devices or preparations used to prevent pregnancy

birth control pill n : any of various pills usually taken every day to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation

birth·day \ˈbərth-ˌdā\ n
1 : the day or anniversary of one's birth
2 : the day or anniversary of a beginning

birth defect n : a serious defect (as in physical or mental function) that is present at birth and is inherited or caused by something that happens or exists in the environment

birth·mark \ˈbərth-ˌmärk\ n : an unusual mark or blemish on the skin at birth

birth·place \-ˌplās\ n : place of birth or origin

birth·rate \-ˌrāt\ n : the number of births for every hundred or every thousand persons in a given area or group during a given time

birth·right \-ˌrīt\ n : a right or possession that a person is entitled to by birth

birth·stone \-ˌstōn\ n : a gemstone associated with the month of one's birth

bis·cuit \ˈbis-kət\ n, pl biscuits also biscuit
1 : a crisp flat baked product; esp British : CRACKER 2
2 : a small light bread made with baking powder or baking soda
Word History Long ago it was often a great problem to keep food from spoiling, especially on long journeys. One way to preserve the flat loaves of bread made then was to bake them a second time in order to dry them out. In early French, this bread was known as pain bescuit or “bread twice-cooked.” Later the term came to be shortened to just bescuit. The idea of being “twice-cooked” was lost as the term was used for any crisp, dry, flat bread product or for a type of bread made with baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast. The word was borrowed into Middle English as bisquite but later came to be spelled biscuit on the model of the French spelling. [Middle English bisquite “biscuit,” from early French bescuit (same meaning), from earlier pain bescuit “bread twice-cooked”]

bi·sect \ˈbī-ˌsekt, bī-ˈsekt\ vb
1 : to divide into two usually equal parts
2 : INTERSECT 1, CROSS

bi·sec·tor \ˈbī-ˌsek-tər, bī-ˈsek-tər\ n : one that bisects; esp : a straight line that bisects an angle or a line segment

bi·sex·u·al \(ˈ)bī-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsek-shəl\ adj
1 : possessing characters of or having sexual desire for both sexes
2 : of, relating to, or involving two sexes
— bisexual n

— bi·sex·u·al·i·ty \ˌbī-ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n

bish·op \ˈbish-əp\ n
1 : a high-ranking member of various sects of the Christian clergy usually in charge of a diocese
2 : a chess piece that moves diagonally
Word History The Old English word bisceop, from which we get our modern English word bishop, comes to us from the Latin word episcopus. Like many other Latin words connected with religion and the church, this was borrowed from Greek, the language in which the New Testament was written. The Greek word episkopos, meaning literally “overseer,” was first used of officials in government and later came to be used for church leaders. In the Bible the word meaning “bishop” and the word meaning “priest” were used for the same thing. It was not until much later that the bishop did indeed become overseer of a large district, or diocese. [Old English bisceop “bishop,” from Latin episcopus (same meaning), from Greek episkopos, literally, “overseer,” from epi- “on, over” and skopos “watcher, goal, object” — related to EPISCOPAL, HOROSCOPE, SCOPE]

bish·op·ric \ˈbish-ə-(ˌ)prik\ n
1 : DIOCESE
2 : the position of bishop

bis·muth \ˈbiz-məth\ n : a heavy brittle grayish white metallic element that is chemically like arsenic and antimony and is used in alloys and drugs — see ELEMENT TABLE

bi·son \ˈbīs-ən, ˈbīz-\ n, pl bison : any of several large shaggy-maned mammals related to the ox with a large head, short horns, and a large fleshy hump above the shoulders; esp : BUFFALO C

bisque \ˈbisk\ n : a thick cream soup made with shellfish, meat, or vegetables

bis·tro \ˈbēs-(ˌ)trō, ˈbis-\ n : a small or modest restaurant

bi·sul·fide \(ˈ)bī-ˈsəl-ˌfīd\ n : DISULFIDE

1bit \ˈbit\ n
1 : the usually metal bar attached to a bridle and put in the mouth of a horse
2 : the biting or cutting edge or part of a tool <the drill bit> [Old English bite “act of biting”]

2bit n
1 : a small piece or amount
2 : a short time <rest a bit> [earlier bit “small piece of food,” from Old English bita (same meaning)]
— a bit : 2SOMEWHAT <was a bit tired>

3bit n
1 : a unit of computer information that represents the selection of one of two possible choices (as yes or no, on or off)
2 : something (as an electrical pulse, a magnetized spot, or a punched hole) that physically represents a bit [binary digit]

bitch \ˈbich\ n : a female dog

1bite \ˈbīt\ vb bit \ˈbit\; bit·ten \ˈbit-ən\; bit·ing \ˈbīt-iŋ\
1 : to seize, grip, or cut into with or as if with teeth <bite an apple>
2 : to wound, pierce, or sting <bitten by a snake> <a mosquito bit me>
3 : to cause to smart : STING <pepper bites the mouth>
4 : to eat into <acid biting into metal>
5 : to take bait <the fish are biting>
6 : to respond to something tempting [Old English bītan “to bite, grip with the teeth” — related to BEETLE]
— bite the dust : to fall dead especially in battle

2bite n
1 a : a seizing of something by biting  b : the grip taken in biting
2 a : the amount of food taken at a bite  b : a small amount of food : SNACK
3 : a wound made by biting
4 : a sharp penetrating quality or effect <the bite of the cold wind on our cheeks>

bite plate n : a removable usually plastic device used in orthodontics: as  a : one worn in the upper or lower jaw especially to reposition the jaw or prevent the habit of grinding one's teeth  b : RETAINER 3

bit·ing \ˈbīt-iŋ\ adj : causing bodily or mental distress : SHARP, CUTTING <biting wit> <a biting cold>

bit·ter \ˈbit-ər\ adj
1 : having or being a disagreeable sharp taste that is one of the four basic taste sensations <bitter coffee> — compare 3SALT 1B, 1SOUR 1, 1SWEET 1B
2 : hard to accept or bear : PAINFUL <bitter disappointment>
3 : sharp and resentful <a bitter reply>
4 : unpleasantly cold <a bitter wind>
— bit·ter·ly adv

— bit·ter·ness n

bit·tern \ˈbit-ərn\ n : any of various small or medium-sized short-necked usually secretive herons

1bit·ter·sweet \ˈbit-ər-ˌswēt\ n
1 : a poisonous woody vine of the nightshade family with purple flowers and oval reddish orange berries
2 : a North American woody vine with yellow seedcases that open when ripe to show the scarlet seed covers

2bittersweet adj : being both bitter and sweet <a bittersweet story>

bit·ty \ˈbit-ē\ adj : very small : TINY

bi·tu·mi·nous coal \bə-ˈt(y)ü-mə-nəs-, bī-\ n : a coal that when heated yields considerable matter that escapes as gases — called also soft coal

1bi·valve \ˈbī-ˌvalv\ adj : having or being a shell composed of two movable valves <a bivalve mollusk>

2bivalve n : any of a class of typically marine mollusks (as clams, oysters, and scallops) that have a shell made up of two parts joined by a hinge, are usually filter feeders, and lack a distinct head

1biv·ouac \ˈbiv-ˌwak, -ə-ˌwak\ n : a temporary camp [French, from a German dialect word biwacht, literally, “on guard”]

2bivouac vb -ouacked; -ouack·ing : to camp in a bivouac

1bi·week·ly \(ˈ)bī-ˈwē-klē\ adj
1 : occurring, done, or produced every two weeks
2 : occurring, done, or produced twice a week
— biweekly adv

2biweekly n : a biweekly publication

bi·year·ly \(ˈ)bī-ˈyi(ə)r-lē\ adj
1 : BIENNIAL 1
2 : BIANNUAL

bi·zarre \bə-ˈzär\ adj : strikingly unusual or odd : FANTASTIC
— bi·zarre·ly adv

— bi·zarre·ness n

1blab \ˈblab\ n
1 : TATTLETALE
2 : too much talk : CHATTER
— blab·by \ˈblab-ē\ adj

2blab vb blabbed; blab·bing
1 : to make known by careless talk <blab a secret>
2 : to talk too much
— blab·ber n

blab·ber·mouth \ˈblab-ər-ˌmau̇th\ n : TATTLETALE

1black \ˈblak\ adj
1 a : of the color black  b : very dark
2 often cap : of or relating to various peoples having dark skin and especially those of African origin or ancestry <black people>
3 a : 1EVIL 1, WICKED <a black deed>  b : very sad or gloomy <the outlook was black>  c : SULLEN 1A
4 : characterized by grim or distorted humor
— black·ish \-ish\ adj

— black·ly adv

— black·ness n

2black n
1 : a black pigment or dye; esp : one consisting largely of carbon
2 : the characteristic color of soot or coal
3 : black clothing <dressed in black>
4 : a black animal (as a horse)
5 a : a person belonging to any of various peoples with dark skin and especially one who has African ancestry  b : AFRICAN-AMERICAN
6 : absence of light : DARKNESS <the black of night>
7 : the condition of making a profit <in the black>

3black vb : BLACKEN 1

black–and–blue \ˌblak-ən-ˈblü\ adj : darkly discolored as the result of a bruise

1black·ball \ˈblak-ˌbȯl\ n
1 : a small black ball used to vote against a person
2 : a vote against a person

2blackball vb : to vote against; esp : to keep (a person) from joining something by voting against

black bass n : any of several highly prized freshwater sunfishes native to eastern and central North America

black bean n
1 : a black kidney bean commonly used in Latin American cooking
2 : a black soybean commonly used usually fermented in east Asian cooking

black bear n : the common usually black-furred bear found in North American forests

black belt n : one holding the rating of expert especially in various arts of self-defense (such as karate); also : the rating itself

black·ber·ry \ˈblak-ˌber-ē\ n
1 : the usually black or dark purple juicy but seedy edible fruit of various prickly bushes
2 : a plant that bears blackberries

black·bird \ˈblak-ˌbərd\ n : any of various birds of which the males are mostly or entirely black: as  a : a common European thrush  b : any of several American birds (as a red-winged blackbird) related to the meadowlarks and orioles

black·board \ˈblak-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : CHALKBOARD

black·body \ˈblak-ˈbäd-ē\ n : a body or surface that absorbs all radiant energy falling upon it with no reflection

black book n : a book containing a blacklist

black crappie n : a silvery black mottled sunfish of the central and eastern U.S. — called also calico bass

black death n : plague (as bubonic plague) caused by a bacterium and especially in the epidemic form that spread through Asia and Europe in the 14th century; also : the 14th-century epidemic of plague

black diamond n : CARBONADO

black·en \ˈblak-ən\ vb black·ened; black·en·ing \ˈblak-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to make or become dark or black
2 : to hurt the reputation of
— black·en·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

black eye n : a dark discoloration of the skin around the eye as the result of a bruise

black–eyed pea \ˌblak-ˌīd-\ n : COWPEA

black–eyed Su·san \-ˈsüz-ən\ n : a North American daisy with deep yellow or orange ray flowers and a dark center

black flag n : JOLLY ROGER

black·fly \ˈblak-ˌflī\ n, pl -flies or -fly : a two-winged fly that bites and whose larvae live in flowing streams

Black·foot \-ˌfu̇t\ n, pl Black·feet \-ˌfēt\ or Blackfoot : a member of an American Indian people of Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan

black–foot·ed ferret \ˈblak-ˌfu̇t-əd-\ n : an endangered weasel of western North American prairies having a yellowish coat, black feet and face markings, and a black-tipped tail

black·guard \ˈblag-ərd, -ˌärd; ˈblak-ˌgärd\ n : a rude or dishonest person
— black·guard·ly \-lē\ adj or adv

black·head \ˈblak-ˌhed\ n : a small oily bit of material blocking the outlet of a fat-secreting gland in the skin

black hole n : an invisible region believed to exist in space having a very strong gravitational field and thought to be caused by the collapse of a star

black ice n : a thin film of ice (as on a road) that is difficult to see

black·ing \ˈblak-iŋ\ n : a substance (as a paste or polish) that is applied to an object to make it black

black·jack \ˈblak-ˌjak\ n
1 : a small leather-covered club with a flexible handle
2 : a small oak of the southern U.S. with very dark bark

black light n : invisible ultraviolet or infrared light

black·list \ˈblak-ˌlist\ n : a list of persons who are disapproved of and are to be punished
— blacklist vb

black lung n : a disease of the lungs caused by the repeated breathing in of coal dust over a long time — called also black lung disease

black·mail \ˈblak-ˌmāl\ n
1 : the act of forcing a person to do or pay something especially by a threat to reveal a secret
2 : something (as money) obtained through blackmail
— blackmail vb

— black·mail·er n
Word History The word blackmail has no connection at all with the postal system. In the 16th and part of the 17th centuries, the area along the border between England and Scotland was not usually protected by the officials on either side. Landholders were beset not only by outlaws but also by their own chieftains, who told them that in return for payment they would not be raided. In Scotland mail means “rent” or “payment.” This word comes ultimately from an Old Norse word māl meaning “agreement” or “speech.” The mail delivered by a letter carrier originally meant “sack, bag,” and referred to the sack in which letters were carried; it is hence completely distinct in origin from the mail of blackmail. [from black (the color) and mail “rent, payment,” from Old English māl “agreement,” of Norse origin]

black market n : trade that is against government controls (as of prices or rationing); also : the place where such trade is carried on
— black mar·ket·er \-ˈmär-kət-ər\ or black mar·ke·teer \-ˌmär-kə-ˈti(ə)r\ n

black oak n : a large timber tree of the central and eastern U.S. with a yellow inner bark used for tanning; also : any of several other North American oaks

black·out \ˈblak-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : a period when lights are kept off to guard against enemy airplane attack in a war
2 : a period when lights are off as a result of an electrical power failure
3 : a temporary dulling or loss of vision or consciousness
— black out \-ˈau̇t\ vb

black pepper n : a spice that is made by grinding the fruit of the East Indian pepper with the black husk still on

black plague n : BLACK DEATH

black power n, often cap B&P : the use of the political and economic power of American blacks especially to achieve racial fairness

black sheep n : a person having a bad reputation in a group with a good reputation

black·smith \ˈblak-ˌsmith\ n : a worker who shapes iron (as into horseshoes) by heating it and then hammering it on an iron block
— black·smith·ing n

black·snake \-ˌsnāk\ n
1 : any of several snakes largely black or dark in color; esp : either of two large harmless snakes of the U.S.
2 : a long braided leather whip

black·thorn \-ˌthȯrn\ n : a European spiny plum with hard wood and small white flowers

black·top \-ˌtäp\ n : a bituminous material (as asphalt) used especially for surfacing roads; also : a surface paved with blacktop
— blacktop vb

black walnut n : a walnut of eastern North America with hard strong heavy dark brown wood and oily edible nuts; also : its wood or nut

black widow n : a poisonous New World spider the female of which is black with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of the abdomen

blad·der \ˈblad-ər\ n
1 : a pouch in an animal in which a liquid or gas is stored; esp : one into which urine passes from the kidneys and is stored temporarily until discharged by way of the urethra
2 : something resembling a bladder; esp : a bag or container that can be blown up with air
— blad·der·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

blad·der·wort \-ˌwərt, -ˌwȯ(ə)rt\ n : any of several plants growing in water or on wet shores and having insect-catching bladders on the stem

blade \ˈblād\ n
1 a : a leaf of a plant and especially of a grass  b : the broad flat part of a leaf as distinguished from its stalk
2 a : the broad flat part of an oar or paddle  b : an arm of a propeller, electric fan, or steam turbine
3 a : the cutting part of a tool  b : SWORD 1  c : the runner of an ice skate
4 : a bold lively man
— blad·ed \ˈblād-əd\ adj

blah \ˈblä\ adj : lacking interest or excitement <a blah winter day>

blahs \ˈbläz\ n pl : a feeling of boredom, lack of energy, or general unhappiness

1blame \ˈblām\ vb blamed; blam·ing
1 : to find fault with : CENSURE
2 a : to hold responsible <blame them for everything>  b : to place responsibility for <blames it on me> [Middle English blamen “to find fault with,” from early French blamer, blasmer (same meaning), from Latin blasphemare “to speak ill of,” from Greek blasphemein “to blaspheme” — related to BLASPHEME]
— blam·able \ˈblā-mə-bəl\ adj

— blam·ably \-blē\ adv

— blam·er n

2blame n
1 : expression of disapproval <receive both blame and praise>
2 : responsibility for something that fails : FAULT <take the blame for the defeat>

blame·less \ˈblām-ləs\ adj : free from blame or fault
— blame·less·ly adv

— blame·less·ness n

blame·wor·thy \ˈblām-ˌwər-thē\ adj : deserving blame
— blame·wor·thi·ness n

blanch \ˈblanch\ vb
1 a : to take the color out of : BLEACH  b : to scald in order to remove the skin from or whiten <blanch almonds>
2 : to become white or pale
— blanch·er n

bland \ˈbland\ adj
1 : smooth and soothing in manner : GENTLE <a bland smile>
2 a : having soft and soothing qualities : not irritating <bland diet>  b : not interesting : DULL <a bland story>
— bland·ly \ˈblan-(d)lē\ adv

— bland·ness \ˈblan(d)-nəs\ n

blan·dish \ˈblan-dish\ vb : to coax or persuade with flattery
— blan·dish·ment \-mənt\ n

1blank \ˈblaŋk\ adj
1 : being without writing, printing, or marks <a blank sheet of paper>
2 : having empty spaces to be filled in <a blank form>
3 : having no expression <a blank look>
4 : lacking variety, change, or accomplishment : EMPTY <a blank day>
5 : without exceptions : ABSOLUTE 3 <blank refusal>
6 : not shaped into finished form <a blank key>
— blank·ly adv

— blank·ness n

2blank n
1 a : an empty space (as on a paper)  b : a paper with spaces for the entry of information
2 : an empty place <my mind was a blank>
3 : a piece of material prepared to be made into something (as a key)
4 : a cartridge loaded with gunpowder but no bullet

3blank vb
1 : to keep from scoring <were blanked for eight innings>
2 : to become confused <blanked out for a moment>

1blan·ket \ˈblaŋ-kət\ n
1 : a large warm usually rectangular covering used for beds
2 : a covering of any kind <a horse blanket> <a blanket of snow>

2blanket vb : to cover with or as if with a blanket

3blanket adj : covering all instances or members of a group or class <blanket approval>

blank verse n : unrhymed verse; esp : unrhymed iambic pentameter verse

1blare \ˈbla(ə)r, ˈble(ə)r\ vb blared; blar·ing
1 : to sound loud and harsh
2 : to sound or say in a harsh noisy manner <loudspeakers blaring advertisements>

2blare n : a loud disagreeable noise <the blare of trumpets>

blar·ney \ˈblär-nē\ n
1 : skillful flattery : BLANDISHMENT
2 : NONSENSE [from the Blarney stone, a stone in the wall of Blarney Castle, Ireland, said to give skill in flattery to those who kiss it]
— blarney vb

blas·pheme \blas-ˈfēm, ˈblas-ˌfēm\ vb blas·phemed; blas·phem·ing
1 : to speak of or talk to with disrespect
2 : to speak blasphemy
3 : REVILE [Middle English blasfemen “to blaspheme,” from Latin blasphemare “to speak ill of, blaspheme,” from Greek blasphēmein “to blaspheme” — related to BLAME]
— blas·phem·er n

blas·phe·my \ˈblas-fə-mē\ n, pl -mies : great disrespect shown to God or to sacred persons or things
— blas·phe·mous \-məs\ adj

— blas·phe·mous·ly adv

— blas·phe·mous·ness n

1blast \ˈblast\ n
1 : a strong gust of wind
2 : a stream of air or gas forced through an opening
3 : the continuous blowing that ore or metal receives in a blast furnace
4 : the sound made by a wind instrument (as a horn) or by a whistle
5 a : EXPLOSION 1  b : an explosive charge  c : the sudden air pressure produced around an explosion
6 : a sudden harmful effect from or as if from a hot wind
7 : 1SPEED 1B, OPERATION <go full blast>
8 : a very enjoyable event

2blast vb
1 : BLARE <music blasting from a radio>
2 a : to use an explosive  b : SHOOT
3 : to injure or destroy by or as if by the action of wind <seedlings blasted by the hot dry wind>
4 : to shatter by or as if by an explosive
5 : to attack vigorously <blasted by the local press>
6 : to cause to blast off <will blast themselves from the moon's surface>
— blast·er n

blast furnace n : a furnace in which combustion is forced by a stream of air under pressure; esp : one for the reduction of iron ore

blast off \ˈblas-ˈtȯf\ vb : TAKE OFF 4B — used especially of rocket-driven missiles and vehicles
— blast–off \-ˌtȯf\ n

blas·tu·la \ˈblas-chə-lə\ n, pl -las \-ləz\ or -lae \-ˌlē\ : an early embryo typically having the form of a hollow fluid-filled rounded cavity bounded by a single layer of cells — compare GASTRULA

bla·tant \ˈblāt-ənt\ adj
1 : noisy especially in a rude way
2 : completely obvious especially in a disagreeable way <a blatant lie>
— bla·tant·ly adv

1blaze \ˈblāz\ n
1 : a very strongly burning fire
2 : very bright direct light often accompanied by heat <the blaze of TV lights>
3 : a sudden outburst <a blaze of flame> <a blaze of fury>
4 : a dazzling display <a blaze of autumn leaves> [Old English blæse “torch”]

2blaze vb blazed; blaz·ing
1 a : to burn brightly  b : to flare up : FLAME
2 : to be noticeably brilliant <fields blazing with flowers>
3 : to shoot rapidly and repeatedly

3blaze vb blazed; blaz·ing : to make public : PROCLAIM <blaze the news> [Middle English blasen “to make public,” from early Dutch blāsen “to blow”]

4blaze n
1 : a long white mark down the center of the face of an animal
2 : a mark made on a tree usually to leave a trail [perhaps from Dutch or Low German bles “a white mark on an animal”]

5blaze vb blazed; blaz·ing : to mark with blazes <blaze a trail>

blaz·er \ˈblā-zər\ n : a sports jacket in bright stripes or solid color

1bleach \ˈblēch\ vb
1 : to remove color or stains from
2 : to make whiter or lighter
3 : to grow white : lose color

2bleach n
1 : the act or process of bleaching
2 : a chemical used in bleaching

bleach·er \ˈblē-chər\ n : a usually open stand of benches arranged like steps for people to watch from (as at a game) — usually used in plural

bleak \ˈblēk\ adj
1 : open to wind or weather <a bleak coast>
2 : 1COLD 1, RAW <a bleak November evening>
3 : DREARY, CHEERLESS <the future looks bleak>
4 : very plain
— bleak·ly adv

— bleak·ness n

1blear \ˈbli(ə)r\ vb
1 : to make (the eyes) sore or watery
2 : 2DIM 1, BLUR <bleared sight>

2blear adj : dim with water or tears
— bleary \ˈbli(ə)r-ē\ adj

1bleat \ˈblēt\ vb
1 : to utter a bleat or similar sound
2 : to speak in a bleating way

2bleat n : the characteristic cry of a sheep or goat

bleed \ˈblēd\ vb bled \ˈbled\; bleed·ing
1 : to lose or shed blood
2 : to be wounded <bleed for one's country>
3 : to feel pain or deep sympathy <my heart bleeds for them>
4 : to ooze or flow from a cut surface
5 a : to draw liquid or air from <bleed a carburetor>  b : to run when wetted <dyes that bleed>
6 : to get or force money from

bleed·er \ˈblēd-ər\ n : one that bleeds; esp : HEMOPHILIAC

bleeding heart n
1 : a garden plant having drooping spikes of deep pink or white heart-shaped flowers
2 : a person who always shows a great amount of sympathy to victims of misfortune or persecution — used to express disparagement

blem·ish \ˈblem-ish\ n : a mark that makes something imperfect
— blemish vb
synonyms BLEMISH, DEFECT, FLAW, mean an imperfection that mars or damages. BLEMISH suggests something that affects only the surface or appearance <peaches with blemishes can still be eaten>. DEFECT suggests a lack, often hidden, of something that is essential to completeness or perfect functioning <discovered that the car had major defects>. FLAW suggests a crack, nick, or break in smoothness or a weak spot <the beam of the roof broke because of a flaw>.

1blench \ˈblench\ vb : to shrink back out of fear : FLINCH

2blench vb : to make or grow pale : BLANCH

1blend \ˈblend\ vb
1 : to mix thoroughly so that the things mixed cannot be recognized
2 : to shade into each other : MERGE
3 : HARMONIZE 2 <furniture that blends with the draperies>  synonyms see MIX

2blend n
1 : a thorough mixture
2 : a product (as coffee) prepared by blending

blend·er \ˈblen-dər\ n : a person or thing that blends; esp : an electric appliance with blades for chopping or mixing food

blen·ny \ˈblen-ē\ n, pl blennies : any of numerous usually small and relatively long and often scaleless fishes living about rocky seashores

bless \ˈbles\ vb blessed \ˈblest\ also blest \ˈblest\; bless·ing
1 : to make holy : HALLOW
2 : to make the sign of the cross upon or over
3 : to ask divine care or protection for
4 : to praise or honor as holy
5 : to make successful or happy
6 : ENDOW 2, FAVOR [Old English blētsian, blēdsian “to bless, to consecrate (originally with blood),” derived from blōd “blood”]

bless·ed \ˈbles-əd\ also blest \ˈblest\ adj
1 : HOLY 3 <the blessed Trinity>
2 : enjoying happiness
— bless·ed·ly \ˈbles-əd-lē\ adv

— bless·ed·ness \ˈbles-əd-nəs\ n

Bless·ed Sacrament \ˌbles-əd-\ n : the objects used in Communion; esp : 4HOST

bless·ing \ˈbles-iŋ\ n
1 : the act or words of one that blesses
2 : APPROVAL <gave my blessing to the plan>
3 : something that makes one happy or content
4 : grace said at a meal

blew past of BLOW

1blight \ˈblīt\ n
1 a : a disease of plants marked by withering and death of parts (as leaves)  b : an organism that causes blight
2 a : something that harms or destroys  b : a damaged or worsened condition <urban blight>

2blight vb
1 : to affect with blight
2 : to damage or worsen the quality or condition of <slums and blighted areas>
3 : to suffer from or become affected with blight

blimp \ˈblimp\ n : an airship filled with gas like a balloon

1blind \ˈblīnd\ adj
1 a : SIGHTLESS  b : having less than 1/10 normal vision in the best eye even with the aid of glasses
2 : lacking in judgment or understanding
3 : made or done without the aid of sight or knowledge that could provide guidance or cause bias <a blind taste test>
4 a : having only one opening or outlet <a blind street>  b : having no opening <a blind wall>
— blind·ly \ˈblīn-(d)lē\ adv

— blind·ness \ˈblīn(d)-nəs\ n

2blind vb
1 : to make blind
2 : to make blind for a short time : DAZZLE <blinded by the lights>
3 : to take judgment or understanding away from <blinded by love>

3blind n
1 : a device (as a window shade) to prevent sight or keep out light
2 : a hiding place for hunters or wildlife observers

4blind adv
1 : without seeing outside of an airplane <fly blind>
2 : without knowledge of facts that could guide or cause bias

blind carbon copy n : a copy of a message (as an e-mail) that is sent without the knowledge of the other recipients

blind·er \ˈblīn-dər\ n : either of two leather flaps on a horse's bridle to keep it from seeing to the side

1blind·fold \ˈblīn(d)-ˌfōld\ vb : to cover the eyes of with or as if with a strip of cloth
— blindfold adj

2blindfold n : a strip of cloth for covering the eyes

blind·man's buff \ˌblīn(d)-ˌmanz-ˈbəf\ also blindman's bluff n : a game in which a blindfolded player tries to catch and identify another

blind spot n
1 a : a point in the retina through which the optic nerve enters and which does not respond to light  b : a part of an area that cannot be seen with available equipment
2 : an area of weakness (as in judgment)

bling–bling \ˈbliŋ-ˌbliŋ\ also bling \ˈbliŋ\ n : expensive and flashy possessions and especially jewelry

1blink \ˈbliŋk\ vb
1 a : to look with half-shut eyes  b : to close and open the eyes involuntarily
2 : to wink quickly <blink back tears>
3 : to shine with a light that goes or seems to go on and off <streetlights blinking through rain>

2blink n
1 : GLIMMER 1A, SPARKLE
2 : a shutting and opening of the eyes
— on the blink : not working properly <the TV is on the blink>

blink·er \ˈbliŋ-kər\ n
1 : one that blinks; esp : a blinking light used as a warning or for signaling
2 : BLINDER

blip \ˈblip\ n : a spot on a screen <a radar blip>

bliss \ˈblis\ n : complete happiness : JOY
— bliss·ful \-fəl\ adj

— bliss·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— bliss·ful·ness n

1blis·ter \ˈblis-tər\ n
1 : a raised area of the outer skin containing liquid — compare WATER BLISTER
2 : a raised spot (as in paint) resembling a blister
3 : something that causes blistering
4 : any of various structures (as a gunner's compartment on an airplane) that bulge out
— blis·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adj

2blister vb blis·tered; blis·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to develop a blister : rise in blisters
2 : to raise a blister on

blister beetle n : any of a family of soft-bodied beetles including some whose dried bodies are used in medicine to blister the skin

blistering adj
1 : very intense <blistering heat>
2 : very fast <a blistering pace>

blithe \ˈblīth, ˈblīth\ adj
1 : of a happy carefree nature
2 : HEEDLESS <blithe unconcern>
— blithe·ly adv

blithe·some \ˈblīth-səm, ˈblīth-\ adj : GAY 1, MERRY

blitz \ˈblits\ n
1 a : an all-out series of air raids  b : AIR RAID
2 : a fast thorough campaign <an advertising blitz for a new product>
— blitz vb

blitz·krieg \ˈblits-ˌkrēg\ n : a sudden violent enemy attack [German, literally, “lightning war”]
— blitzkrieg vb

bliz·zard \ˈbliz-ərd\ n
1 : a long heavy snowstorm
2 : a very strong cold wind filled with fine snow
3 : an overwhelming rush or deluge <a blizzard of mail>

bloat \ˈblōt\ vb : to swell by filling with or as if with water or air : puff up

blob \ˈbläb\ n : a small lump of something thick and wet

bloc \ˈbläk\ n : a combination of persons, groups, or nations united by treaty, agreement, or common interest <a bloc of voters> [French, literally, “block”]

1block \ˈbläk\ n
1 a : a solid piece of material (as stone or wood) usually with one or more flat sides <building blocks>  b : a hollow rectangular piece of material (as of glass or concrete) used for building <cinder block>
2 a : a piece of wood on which condemned persons are beheaded  b : a mold or support on which something is shaped or displayed  c : the molded part that contains the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine
3 a : OBSTACLE  b : the act of slowing down or stopping an opponent's play in sports  c : interruption of normal function of bodily processes <a heart block>; also : interruption especially of train of thought <a mental block>
4 : a wooden or metal case for one or more pulleys
5 : a number of things forming a group or unit <a block of seats>
6 : a large building divided into separate units
7 a : a usually rectangular space enclosed by streets  b : the length of the side of such a block <three blocks south>
8 : a stand for something to be sold at auction
9 : a hand-carved piece of material from which copies are to be printed

2block vb
1 a : to stop up or close off : OBSTRUCT  b : to slow down or stop the progress of; esp : to interfere with an opponent (as in football)  c : to shut off from view <block the sun>  d : to prevent normal functioning or action of <block a nerve with an anesthetic>
2 : to mark the main lines of <block out a sketch>
3 : to shape on, with, or as if with a block
4 : to make (lines of writing or type) even at the left or at both left and right
5 : to secure, support, or provide with a block
— block·er n

block·ade \blä-ˈkād\ n : the cutting off of an area by means of troops or warships to stop the coming in or going out of people or supplies
— blockade vb

— block·ad·er n

block·age \ˈbläk-ij\ n : an act or instance of blocking : the state of being blocked <a blockage in an artery>

block and tackle n : an arrangement of pulley blocks and rope or cable for hoisting or hauling

block·bust·er \ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər\ n : one that is very large, successful, or violent <a blockbuster of a movie>

block·head \-ˌhed\ n : a stupid person

block·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : a building of heavy timbers or of concrete built with holes in its sides through which persons inside may fire out at an enemy
2 : a building used as an observation point for an operation likely to be accompanied by heat, blast, or radiation hazard

block letter n : an often hand-printed capital letter having all lines of equal thickness

blog \ˈblȯg, ˈbläg\ n : a website that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer; also : the contents of such a site [short for Weblog, from Web + log “record of events”]
— blog vb

— blog·ger n

— blog·ging n

bloke \ˈblōk\ n, chiefly British : 1MAN 1A, FELLOW

1blond or blonde \ˈbländ\ adj : of a pale yellowish brown color <blond hair>; also : having blond hair <a blond actor> — spelled blond when used of a boy or man and often blonde when used of a girl or woman
— blond·ish \ˈblän-dish\ adj

2blond or blonde n
1 : a blond person — spelled blond when used of a boy or man and usually blonde when used of a girl or woman
2 : a light yellowish brown to dark grayish yellow

1blood \ˈbləd\ n
1 a : the red fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal and that brings nourishment and oxygen to and carries away waste products from all parts of the body  b : a fluid resembling blood
2 a : LINEAGE 2, DESCENT; esp : royal lineage  b : relationship through a common ancestor : KINSHIP
3 : 2TEMPER 3D [Old English blōd “blood”]

2blood vb : to give experience to [from an earlier sense, meaning “to smear the face of an inexperienced fox hunter with blood of the fox killed on his first hunt”]

blood cell n : a cell normally present in blood

blood count n : the counting or estimating of the blood cells in a definite volume of blood; also : the number of cells counted or estimated in this way

blood·cur·dling \ˈbləd-ˌkərd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ adj : causing great horror or fear : TERRIFYING <bloodcurdling screams>

blood·ed \ˈbləd-əd\ adj
1 : entirely or largely purebred <blooded horses>
2 : having blood of a certain type — used in combination <cold-blooded>

blood group n : one of the classes into which people or their blood can be separated on the basis of the presence or absence of specific antigens in their blood — called also blood type
— blood grouping n

blood·hound \ˈbləd-ˌhau̇nd\ n : any of a breed of large powerful hounds with a wrinkled face and a very good sense of smell

blood·less \ˈbləd-ləs\ adj
1 : having less blood than normal
2 : done without bloodshed <a bloodless revolution>
3 : lacking in spirit or feeling
— blood·less·ly adv

— blood·less·ness n

blood·let·ting \ˈbləd-ˌlet-iŋ\ n
1 : the opening of a vein for the purpose of drawing blood
2 : BLOODSHED 2

blood·line \-ˌlīn\ n : a sequence of direct ancestors especially in a pedigree; also : FAMILY 2, STRAIN 1A

blood·mo·bile \-mō-ˌbēl\ n : a motor vehicle staffed and equipped for collecting blood from donors

blood plasma n : the fluid portion of whole blood

blood platelet n : PLATELET

blood poisoning n : a serious condition marked by the passage of disease-causing microorganisms into the blood

blood pressure n : pressure of the blood on the walls of blood vessels and especially arteries that varies with physical condition and age

blood·root \ˈbləd-ˌrüt, -ˌru̇t\ n : a plant related to the poppies, having a red root and sap, and bearing a single leaf and a white flower in early spring

blood serum n : blood plasma from which certain substances (as fibrinogen) involved in the clotting of blood have been removed

blood·shed \-ˌshed\ n
1 : the shedding of blood
2 : the taking of life : SLAUGHTER

blood·shot \-ˌshät\ adj : red and inflamed <bloodshot eyes>

blood·stain \-ˌstān\ n : a discoloration caused by blood
— blood·stained \-ˌstānd\ adj

blood·stone \-ˌstōn\ n : a green quartz with red spots

blood·stream \-ˌstrēm\ n : the flowing blood in a living thing with a circulatory system

blood·suck·er \-ˌsək-ər\ n : an animal that sucks blood; esp : LEECH 1
— blood·suck·ing \-ˌsək-iŋ\ adj

blood sugar n : the glucose in the blood; esp : the amount or percentage of such sugar

blood test n : a test of the blood (as to detect the presence of disease-causing agents or determine the number of blood cells)

blood·thirsty \ˈbləd-ˌthər-stē\ adj : eager to hurt or kill : CRUEL
— blood·thirst·i·ly \-stə-lē\ adv

— blood·thirst·i·ness \-stē-nəs\ n

blood type n : BLOOD GROUP
— blood–type vb

blood vessel n : a vessel (as an artery or vein) in which blood circulates in the body of an animal

bloody \ˈbləd-ē\ adj blood·i·er; -est
1 a : containing, smeared, or stained with blood <a bloody handkerchief>  b : dripping blood <a bloody nose>
2 : causing or accompanied by bloodshed <a bloody battle>
3 : BLOODTHIRSTY, MURDEROUS <a bloody deed>
— blood·i·ly \ˈbləd-əl-ē\ adv

— blood·i·ness \ˈbləd-ē-nəs\ n

— bloody vb

1bloom \ˈblüm\ n
1 a : {h,1}BLOSSOM 1  b : the period or state of flowering <the roses are in bloom>  c : an excessive growth of plankton
2 a : {h,1}BLOSSOM 3  b : a state or time of beauty, freshness, and strength
3 a : a delicate powdery coating especially on some fruits and leaves  b : a rosy appearance of the cheeks

2bloom vb
1 : to produce flowers : BLOSSOM
2 a : 2BLOSSOM 2  b : to be in a state of youthful beauty or freshness : FLOURISH
3 : to glow with rosy color
— bloom·er n

bloo·mers \ˈblü-mərz\ n pl : full loose pants gathered at the knee and once worn by women for sports; also : underpants of similar design worn chiefly by girls [named for Amelia Bloomer who introduced the garment]

1blos·som \ˈbläs-əm\ n
1 : the flower of a seed plant <apple blossoms>; also : the mass of such flowers on a single plant <a light blossom on the rose bush>
2 : {h,1}BLOOM 1B
3 : a peak period or stage of development
— blos·somy \-ə-mē\ adj

2blossom vb
1 : 2BLOOM 1
2 : to grow and do well <students who blossom in college>

1blot \ˈblät\ n
1 : 1SPOT 2A, B, STAIN
2 : 1DISHONOR 1

2blot vb blot·ted; blot·ting
1 : 2SPOT 1, STAIN
2 : 2OBSCURE, DIM
3 : 1DISGRACE
4 : to dry with something absorbent
5 : to mark or become marked with a blot

blotch \ˈbläch\ n
1 : BLEMISH, FLAW
2 : a large irregular spot (as of color or ink)
— blotch vb

— blotched \ˈblächt\ adj

— blotchy \ˈbläch-ē\ adj

blot out vb
1 : to make unimportant
2 : to make hard to see or invisible : HIDE
2 : DESTROY 1, KILL

blot·ter \ˈblät-ər\ n
1 : a piece of blotting paper
2 : a book in which entries are made temporarily <a police blotter>

blotting paper n : a spongy paper used to absorb wet ink

blouse \ˈblau̇s also ˈblau̇z\ n
1 : a loose outer garment like a shirt or smock varying from hip-length to calf-length
2 : a usually loose-fitting garment especially for women covering the body from the neck to the waist

1blow \ˈblō\ vb blew \ˈblü\; blown \ˈblōn\; blow·ing
1 : to move or become moved especially rapidly or with power <wind blowing from the north>
2 : to send forth a strong stream of air (as from the mouth) <blow on your soup>
3 : to drive or become driven by a stream of air <trees blown down>
4 a : to make a sound or cause to sound by or as if by blowing <blow a horn> <blow a whistle>  b : to project by blowing <blow a kiss>
5 a : to breathe hard or rapidly : PANT  b of a whale : to force moisture-filled air out of the lungs through the blowhole
6 a : to melt when overloaded <the fuse blew>  b : to cause (a fuse) to blow
7 : to open or break or tear apart by too much pressure <blew a seal> <the tire blew out>
8 : to clear by forcing air through <blew his nose>
9 : to produce or shape by the action of blown or otherwise forced air <blow bubbles> <blow glass>
10 : to shatter, burst, or destroy by explosion
11 : to spend recklessly <blew all the money in one day>
12 a : 1BOTCH  b : to lose or miss (as an opportunity) especially through clumsiness <blew my chance> [Old English blāwan “to blow, to move quickly”]

2blow n
1 : a blowing of wind especially when strong or violent
2 : a forcing of air from the mouth or nose or through an instrument

3blow vb blew \ˈblü\; blown \ˈblōn\; blow·ing : 2FLOWER 1, BLOOM [Old English blōwan “to bloom”]

4blow n
1 : a hard hit using a part of the body or an instrument
2 : an unfriendly act : COMBAT <come to blows>
3 : a sudden act or effort <solve all our problems with one blow>
4 : a sudden disaster <a heavy blow to the nation> [Middle English blaw “stroke”]

blow–dry \ˈblō-ˌdrī\ vb : to dry and usually style (hair) with a blow-dryer

blow–dry·er \-ˌdrī(-ə)r\ n : a handheld hair dryer

blow·er \ˈblō(-ə)r\ n
1 : one that blows
2 : a device for producing a stream of air or gas

blow·fish \ˈblō-ˌfish\ n : PUFFER FISH

blow·fly \ˈblō-ˌflī\ n : any of various two-winged flies (as a bluebottle) that deposit their eggs on meat or in wounds

blow·gun \-ˌgən\ n : a long narrow tube from which an arrow or dart may be blown

blow·hole \-ˌhōl\ n
1 : a nostril in the top of the head of a whale or related animal
2 : a hole in the ice to which aquatic mammals (as seals) come to breathe

blown \ˈblōn\ adj
1 : being swollen or inflated
2 : being out of breath

blow·out \ˈblō-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : a big festive party
2 : a bursting of a container (as a tire) by pressure of the contents on a weak spot
3 : an eruption of an oil or gas well that is not under control and is the result of too much natural pressure

blow over vb : to come to an end without a lasting effect <hoped the problem would blow over soon>

blow·pipe \ˈblō-ˌpīp\ n
1 : a small tube for blowing a jet of gas (as air) into a flame so as to increase the heat in a small area
2 : BLOWGUN

blow·torch \-ˌtȯrch\ n : a small burner whose flame is made hotter by a blast of air or oxygen

blow·up \ˈblō-ˌəp\ n
1 : EXPLOSION 1
2 : an outburst of bad temper
3 : a photographic enlargement

blow up \ˈblō-ˈəp\ vb
1 : to expand or become expanded to extraordinary size
2 : to fill up or become filled with a gas and especially air <blow up a balloon>
3 : to make an enlargement of <blow up a photograph>
4 a : to destroy or become destroyed by explosion  b : to become violently angry

blowy \ˈblō-ē\ adj blow·i·er; -est : WINDY 1

BLT \ˌbē-ˌel-ˈtē\ n : a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich

1blub·ber \ˈbləb-ər\ n
1 : the fat of whales and other large sea mammals
2 : the action of blubbering

2blubber vb blub·bered; blub·ber·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to weep noisily
2 : to talk and weep at the same time

1blud·geon \ˈbləj-ən\ n : a short club with one end thicker and heavier than the other

2bludgeon vb : to hit very hard : BEAT

1blue \ˈblü\ adj
1 : of the color blue
2 : low in spirits : MELANCHOLY
— blue·ness n

2blue n
1 : the color of the clear daytime sky or of the colors of light between green and violet
2 : blue clothing or cloth
3 a : SKY 1  b : SEA 1A
— out of the blue : without advance notice : UNEXPECTEDLY <came out of the blue>

3blue vb blued; blue·ing or blu·ing : to make or turn blue

blue baby n : an infant with a bluish tint usually from a defect of the heart

blue·bell \ˈblü-ˌbel\ n : any of various plants (as a harebell) with blue bell-shaped flowers

blue·ber·ry \-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ n : the edible blue or blackish small-seeded berry of any of several plants of the heath family; also : a low or tall shrub producing these berries — compare HUCKLEBERRY 1

blue·bird \-ˌbərd\ n : any of three small North American songbirds related to the robin but more or less blue above

blue·bon·net \ˈblü-ˌbän-ət\ n : a low-growing annual lupine of Texas with silky leaves and blue flowers

blue·bot·tle \-ˌbät-əl\ n : any of several blowflies with a shiny blue abdomen or body

blue cheese n : strong-flavored cheese streaked with blue mold

blue chip n : a stock issue that has a high value because of public faith in its worth and stability; also : a company that issues such stock

blue–collar \ˈblü-ˈkäl-ər\ adj : of or relating to the class of workers whose duties require work clothes

blue·fish \ˈblü-ˌfish\ n : an active saltwater food and sport fish that is bluish above with silvery sides

blue flag n : a blue-flowered iris; esp : a common wild iris of the eastern U.S.

blue·gill \ˈblü-ˌgil\ n : a common food and sport sunfish of the eastern and central U.S.

blue·grass \-ˌgras\ n
1 : any of several grasses with usually bluish green stems; esp : KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
2 : country music played on a small group of instruments (as banjo, fiddle, and mandolin) with melody or harmony often made up by players during a performance

blue–green alga \ˌblü-ˌgrēn-\ n : any of a major group of microorganisms that typically live in water and undergo photosynthesis and that are now usually classified as bacteria or sometimes as plants — called also cyanobacterium

blue heron n : either of two herons with bluish plumage; esp : GREAT BLUE HERON

blueing or bluing present participle of BLUE

blue jay \ˈblü-ˌjā\ n : a bright blue North American jay having a small bunch of feathers pointing upward and backward from the top of the head

blue jeans n pl : pants usually made of blue denim

blue mold n : a fungus and especially a penicillium that produces blue or blue-green growths

blue plate \-ˌplāt\ adj : being a main course usually offered at a special price in a restaurant

1blue·print \ˈblü-ˌprint\ n
1 : a photographic print made with white lines on a blue background and used especially for copying mechanical drawings, maps, and architects' plans
2 : a detailed plan or program of action

2blueprint vb : to make a blueprint of or for

blue racer n : a blue or greenish blue harmless snake found from southern Ontario to Missouri

blue ribbon n : a blue ribbon awarded the first-place winner in a competition

blues \ˈblüz\ n pl
1 : low spirits : MELANCHOLY
2 : a song often expressing sadness and characterized by the continual occurrence of the flatted third, fifth, and seventh tones of a scale in both the melody and harmony

blue shark n : an active shark of warm and temperate seas that is blue above and white below and that occasionally attacks people

blue·stem \ˈblü-ˌstem\ n : either of two important grasses of North America with bluish leaf sheaths that are used to feed livestock

blu·et \ˈblü-ət\ n : a low North American herb bearing small bluish or white flowers

blue vitriol n : a compound of copper sulfate chemically combined with water

blue whale n : a whale that may reach a weight of 150 tons (135 metric tons) and a length of 100 feet (30 meters) and is generally considered the largest living animal

1bluff \ˈbləf\ adj
1 : rising steeply with a broad front <a bluff coastline>
2 : frank and outspoken in a good-natured manner [from an obsolete Dutch word blaf “flat”]
— bluff·ly adv

— bluff·ness n
synonyms BLUFF, BLUNT, CURT, mean speaking in a frank rough manner. BLUFF usually suggests hearty and good-natured roughness <farmers talking in a bluff manner>. BLUNT may suggest plain speech that disregards the feelings of others <a blunt appraisal of the student's work>. CURT usually suggests briefness of speech that is upsetting or rude <a curt reply to a polite question>.

2bluff n : a high steep bank : CLIFF

3bluff vb : to deceive or frighten by pretending to have strength or confidence that one does not really have [probably from Dutch bluffen “to boast”]
— bluff·er n

4bluff n
1 a : an act or instance of bluffing  b : the practice of bluffing
2 : one who bluffs

blu·ing or blue·ing \ˈblü-iŋ\ n : a mixture used in laundering to prevent yellowing of white fabrics

blu·ish \ˈblü-ish\ adj : somewhat blue

1blun·der \ˈblən-dər\ vb blun·dered; blun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to move unsteadily or blindly
2 : to make a mistake (as through stupidity or carelessness)
3 : to say stupidly or thoughtlessly : BLURT
— blun·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

2blunder n : a bad or stupid mistake

blun·der·buss \ˈblən-dər-ˌbəs\ n : a muzzle-loader with a short barrel and cone-shaped muzzle to make loading easier [derived from an obsolete Dutch word donderbus, literally, “thundergun”]

1blunt \ˈblənt\ adj
1 : slow or lacking in feeling or understanding
2 : having an edge or point that is not sharp
3 : abrupt in speech or manner  synonyms see BLUFF
— blunt·ly adv

— blunt·ness n

2blunt vb : to make or become less sharp

1blur \ˈblər\ n
1 : a smear or stain that dims but does not completely cover
2 : something vague or lacking definite outline
— blur·ry \-ē\ adj

2blur vb blurred; blur·ring
1 : to make hard to see or read by smearing
2 : to make or become vague or unclear

blurb \ˈblərb\ n : a short description (as in advertising) praising a product highly

blurt \ˈblərt\ vb : to say suddenly and without thinking — usually used with out <blurt out a secret>

1blush \ˈbləsh\ vb
1 : to become red in the face especially from shame, confusion, or embarrassment
2 : to feel shame or embarrassment
3 : to have a rosy color : BLOOM
— blush·er n

2blush n
1 : outward appearance : VIEW <at first blush>
2 : a reddening of the face especially from shame, confusion, or embarrassment
3 : a red or rosy tint

1blus·ter \ˈbləs-tər\ vb blus·tered; blus·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to blow violently and noisily
2 : to talk or act in a noisy boastful way
— blus·ter·er \-tər-ər\ n

2bluster n
1 : a violent noise or commotion
2 : loudly boastful or threatening speech
— blus·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adj

B lymphocyte n : B CELL

BMX \ˌbē-(ˌ)em-ˈeks\ n : bicycle racing that is similar to motocross with dirt tracks and jumps and the use of special heavy-duty bicycles

boa \ˈbō-ə\ n
1 : any of various large snakes (as the boa constrictor, anaconda, or python) that crushes its prey
2 : a long fluffy scarf of fur, feathers, or fabric

boa con·stric·tor \-kən-ˈstrik-tər\ n : a brown tropical American boa that grows to 10 feet (3 meters) or longer

boar \ˈbō(ə)r, ˈbȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a male pig; also : the male of any of several mammals (as a guinea pig or raccoon)
2 : WILD BOAR

1board \ˈbō(ə)rd, ˈbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : the side of a ship
2 a : a long thin flat piece of lumber  b pl : 1STAGE 2B <trod the boards for 40 years>
3 a : a dining table  b : daily meals especially when provided for pay <room and board>
4 : a group of persons who manage, direct, or investigate <board of directors> <board of examiners>
5 a : a flat usually rectangular piece of material designed for a special purpose <cutting board> <chess board> <diving board>  b : a surface, frame, or device for putting up notices
6 : a sheet of insulating material carrying circuit elements and connectors so that it can be inserted in an electronic device (as a computer)
— on board : ABOARD

2board vb
1 : to go or put aboard : get or put on <board a plane>
2 : to cover with boards <board up a window>
3 : to provide or be provided with regular meals and often lodging usually for pay
4 : to live at a boarding school

board·er \ˈbōrd-ər, ˈbȯrd-\ n
1 : one who pays for meals and sometimes lodging at another's house
2 : a person who rides a snowboard

board game n : a game of strategy (as chess, checkers, or backgammon) played by moving pieces on a board

board·ing·house \ˈbōrd-iŋ-ˌhau̇s, ˈbȯrd-\ n : a house at which persons are boarded

boarding school n : a school at which most of the pupils live during the school term

board·walk \ˈbō(ə)rd-ˌwȯk, ˈbȯ(ə)rd-\ n : a walk of planks especially along a beach

1boast \ˈbōst\ n
1 : the act of boasting
2 : a cause for pride
— boast·ful \ˈbōst-fəl\ adj

— boast·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— boast·ful·ness n

2boast vb
1 : to praise one's own possessions, qualities, or accomplishments
2 : to have and display proudly <our band boasted new uniforms>
— boast·er n
synonyms BOAST, BRAG, CROW, mean to express pride in oneself or what one has done. BOAST often suggests exaggeration <boasted that she was the best runner in the school> but sometimes it applies to claims made with justifiable pride <the town boasts one of the best hospitals in the area>. BRAG suggests crude praising of oneself <always bragging about how much money they had>. CROW suggests jubilant and noisy bragging <the team crowed over their surprise victory>.

1boat \ˈbōt\ n
1 : a small vessel for travel on water
2 : 1SHIP 1
3 : a boat-shaped utensil <gravy boat>
— in the same boat : in the same situation

2boat vb
1 : to put into or carry in a boat
2 : to travel by boat

boat·er \ˈbōt-ər\ n
1 : a person who travels in a boat
2 : a stiff straw hat

boat·house \ˈbōt-ˌhau̇s\ n : a shelter for boats

boat·load \-ˌlōd\ n
1 : a load that fills a boat
2 : a large amount <a boatload of money>

boat·man \ˈbōt-mən\ n : a person who manages, works on, or deals in boats

boat·swain or bo·sun also bo·s'n \ˈbō-sən\ n : a sailor in the navy or merchant marine responsible for supervising work related to maintenance of the hull

1bob \ˈbäb\ vb bobbed; bob·bing
1 a : to move or cause to move up and down in a short quick movement <bob the head> <a cork bobbing in the water>  b : to appear suddenly or unexpectedly <may bob up anywhere>
2 : to grasp or make a grab with the teeth <bob for apples> [Middle English boben, bobben “to hit or beat”]

2bob n : a short jerky motion <a bob of the head>

3bob n
1 : a woman's or child's short haircut
2 : a weight hanging from a line
3 : 1FLOAT 2A [from earlier bob “a knot or twist of yarn or hair,” from Middle English bobbe “bunch, cluster”]

4bob vb bobbed; bob·bing
1 : to cut shorter : CROP
2 : to cut (hair) in the style of a bob

bob·ber \ˈbäb-ər\ n : one that bobs; esp : 1FLOAT 2A

bob·bin \ˈbäb-ən\ n : a spool or spindle on which yarn or thread is wound (as in a sewing machine)

bob·ble \ˈbäb-əl\ vb bob·bled; bob·bling \ˈbäb-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : 1BOB 1A
2 : to handle in a clumsy or unsure way : FUMBLE
— bobble n

bob·by \ˈbäb-ē\ n, pl bobbies British : POLICE OFFICER [named for Sir Robert (Bobby) Peel 1788–1850 English politician who first organized the London police force]

bob·by pin \ˈbäb-ē-\ n : a flat metal clip with flexible closed tips for holding the hair in place

bobby socks or bobby sox n pl : girls' thick socks reaching above the ankle

bob·by–sox·er \ˈbäb-ē-ˌsäk-sər\ n : an adolescent girl

bob·cat \ˈbäb-ˌkat\ n : a common usually rusty-colored North American lynx with dark spots

bob·o·link \ˈbäb-ə-ˌliŋk\ n : an American songbird that has plumage which is streaky brown above and yellowish brown below except for the breeding season when the male is chiefly black and white

bob·sled \ˈbäb-ˌsled\ n
1 : a short sled usually used as one of a joined pair
2 : a racing sled made with two sets of runners, a hand brake, and often a steering wheel
— bobsled vb

— bob·sled·der n

bob·tail \-ˌtāl\ n
1 : a short or bobbed tail
2 : a horse, dog, or cat with a short or bobbed tail
— bobtail or bobtailed \-ˌtāld\ adj

bob·white \(ˈ)bäb-ˈhwīt, -ˈwīt\ n : any of several American quails; esp : a gray, white, and reddish game bird of the eastern and central U.S.

1bode \ˈbōd\ vb bod·ed; bod·ing : to indicate (as a future event) by signs : FORESHADOW

2bode past of BIDE

bod·ice \ˈbäd-əs\ n : the upper part of a dress

bod·ied \ˈbäd-ēd\ adj : having a body of a certain kind — used in combination <long-bodied>

bodi·less \ˈbäd-i-ləs, ˈbäd-əl-əs\ adj : having no body : INCORPOREAL

1bodi·ly \ˈbäd-əl-ē\ adj : of or relating to the body : PHYSICAL

2bodily adv
1 : in the flesh : by the body <removed them bodily>
2 : as a whole : ENTIRELY

bod·kin \ˈbäd-kən\ n
1 a : DAGGER 1, STILETTO  b : a sharp slender instrument for making holes in cloth
2 : a blunt needle with a large eye for drawing tape or ribbon through a loop or hem

body \ˈbäd-ē\ n, pl bod·ies
1 a : the physical whole of a living or dead organism  b : the trunk or main part of an organism  c : a human being : PERSON
2 : the main or central part <the body of a truck> <the body of a letter>
3 : the section of a garment covering the main part of the body
4 : a mass or portion of matter different from other masses <a body of water> <a body of cold air>
5 : a group of persons or things with a common aim or character <a body of troops> <a body of laws>
6 : richness or fullness of flavor or texture

body·build·ing \ˈbäd-ē-ˌbil-diŋ\ n : the developing of the body through exercise and diet
— body·build·er \-ˌbil-dər\ n

body cavity n : a cavity within an animal body; esp : COELOM

body·guard \ˈbäd-ē-ˌgärd\ n : a person or group of persons whose job is to protect someone

body language n : movements (as with the hands) or posture used as a means of expression

body louse n : a sucking louse that lives in the clothing and feeds on the human body

body mass index n : a measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters

body·wash \ˈbäd-ē-ˌwȯsh, -ˌwäsh\ n : a liquid product for washing the body (as in a shower or bath)

Boer \ˈbō(ə)r, ˈbȯ(ə)r, ˈbu̇(ə)r\ n : a South African usually of Dutch descent [Dutch, literally, “farmer”]

1bog \ˈbäg, ˈbȯg\ n : wet spongy ground; esp : a poorly drained acid area in which dead plant matter accumulates and sphagnum grows in abundance
— bog·gy \-ē\ adj

2bog vb bogged; bog·ging : to sink or become stuck in or as if in a bog <get bogged down in too much detail>

bo·gey also bo·gy or bo·gie n, pl bogeys also bogies
1 \ˈbu̇g-ē, ˈbō-gē, ˈbü-gē\ : GHOST, PHANTOM
2 \ˈbō-gē also ˈbu̇g-ē or ˈbü-gē\ : something one is afraid of especially without reason

bo·gey·man \ˈbu̇g-ē-ˌman, ˈbō-gē-, ˈbü-gē-\ n
1 : an imaginary monster used in threatening children
2 : a terrifying or dreaded person or thing

bog·gle \ˈbä-gəl\ vb bog·gled; bog·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to start with fright or amazement <the mind boggles at the effort>
2 : to hesitate because of doubt or fear
3 : to overwhelm with wonder or confusion <boggles the mind>
— boggle n

bo·gus \ˈbō-gəs\ adj : not genuine : COUNTERFEIT, SHAM

Bo·he·mi·an \bō-ˈhē-mē-ən\ n
1 a : a person born or living in Bohemia  b : the Czech dialects used in Bohemia
2 often not cap  a : 2VAGABOND, WANDERER  b : a person (as an artist or writer) who does not have a typical lifestyle
— bohemian adj, often cap

— bo·he·mi·an·ism \-mē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n, often cap

bohr·i·um \ˈbō(ə)r-ē-əm, ˈbȯ(ə)r-\ n : a radioactive element that is produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE

1boil \ˈbȯi(ə)l\ n : a painful swollen inflamed area of the skin resulting from infection — compare CARBUNCLE 2 [an altered form of Middle English bile “a boil,” from Old English bȳl (same meaning)]

2boil vb
1 a : to produce bubbles of vapor when heated <the water is boiling>  b : to come or bring to the boiling point <the coffee boiled>
2 : to churn violently as if boiling <boiling floodwaters>
3 : to be excited or stirred up <boil with anger>
4 : to go through or cause to go through the action of a boiling liquid <boil eggs> [Middle English boilen “to boil,” from early French boillir, derived from Latin bulla “a bubble” — related to 3BILL, 2BOWL]

3boil n : the act or state of boiling <bring to a boil>

boil down vb : to reduce or become reduced by or as if by boiling <let the sauce boil down> <boil down a report>

boil·er \ˈbȯi-lər\ n
1 : a container in which something is boiled
2 : a strong metal container used in making steam
3 : a tank in which water is heated or hot water is stored

boiling point n
1 : the temperature at which a liquid boils
2 : the point at which a person becomes uncontrollably angry
3 : the point of crisis

boil over vb
1 : to overflow while boiling
2 : to become so angry as to lose one's temper

bois·ter·ous \ˈbȯi-st(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 a : noisily rough : ROWDY <a boisterous crowd>  b : marked by high spirits <boisterous laughter>
2 : vigorously active : STORMY
— bois·ter·ous·ly adv

— bois·ter·ous·ness n

bo·la \ˈbō-lə\ or bo·las \-ləs\ n, pl bo·las \-ləz\ : a cord with weights attached to the ends for throwing at and entangling an animal [American Spanish bolas “bola,” from Spanish bola “ball”]

bold \ˈbōld\ adj
1 a : willing to meet danger or take risks : DARING  b : showing daring spirit <a bold plan>
2 : IMPUDENT, SAUCY
3 : 1STEEP 1 <bold cliffs>
4 : standing out in a very noticeable way : CONSPICUOUS <bold colors>
5 : being or set in boldface <bold letters>
— bold·ly \ˈbōl-(d)lē\ adv

— bold·ness \ˈbōl(d)-nəs\ n

bold·face \ˈbōl(d)-ˌfās\ n
1 : a type having thick dark lines — compare LIGHTFACE
2 : printing set in boldface

bold–faced \-ˈfāst\ adj
1 : bold in manner or conduct
2 usually bold·faced : being or set in boldface

bole \ˈbōl\ n : the trunk of a tree

bo·le·ro \bə-ˈle(ə)r-ō\ n, pl -ros
1 : a Spanish dance in ¾ time
2 : a waist-length jacket open at the front

bo·li·var \bə-ˈlē-ˌvär, ˈbäl-ə-vər\ n, pl bo·li·vars or bo·li·va·res \ˌbäl-ə-ˈvär-ˌās, ˌbō-li-\
1 : the basic unit of money of Venezuela
2 : a coin representing one bolivar [American Spanish bolívar “unit of money,” named for Simón Bolívar]

boll \ˈbōl\ n : the usually roundish pod of some plants <cotton bolls>

bol·lard \ˈbäl-ərd\ n : a post of metal or wood on a wharf around which to fasten mooring lines

boll weevil n : a gray or brown weevil whose larva lives in and feeds on the buds and bolls of the cotton plant

bo·lo \ˈbō-lō\ n, pl bolos : a long heavy single-edged knife used in the Philippines

bo·lo·gna \bə-ˈlō-nē also -n(y)ə\ n : a large smoked sausage of beef, veal, and pork

Bol·she·vik \ˈbōl-shə-ˌvik, ˈbȯl-, ˈbäl-, -ˌvēk\ n, pl Bolsheviks or Bol·she·vi·ki \ˌbōl-shə-ˈvik-ē, ˌbȯl-, ˌbäl-, -ˈvē-kē\
1 : a member of the communist party that seized power in Russia by the Revolution of November 1917
2 : COMMUNIST 2
— Bolshevik adj

Bol·she·vism \ˈbōl-shə-ˌviz-əm, ˈbȯl-, ˈbäl-\ n : the doctrine or program of the Bolsheviks

1bol·ster \ˈbōl-stər\ n
1 : a long pillow or cushion
2 : a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support

2bolster vb bol·stered; bol·ster·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\ : to support with or as if with a bolster; also : REINFORCE <came with me to bolster my spirits>
— bol·ster·er \-stər-ər\ n

1bolt \ˈbōlt\ n
1 : a missile (as an arrow) for a crossbow or catapult
2 a : a lightning stroke : THUNDERBOLT  b : a sudden surprise <a bolt from the blue>
3 : a sliding bar used to fasten a door
4 : the part of a lock worked by a key
5 : a metal pin or rod usually with a head at one end and a screw thread at the other that is used to hold something in place
6 : a roll of cloth or wallpaper
7 : the device that closes the breech of a firearm

2bolt vb
1 : to move suddenly or nervously
2 : to move rapidly : DASH <reporters bolted for the door>
3 : RUN AWAY 1 <the horse shied and bolted>
4 : to break away from or oppose one's political party
5 : to say thoughtlessly : BLURT
6 : to fasten with a bolt
7 : to swallow hastily or without chewing
— bolt·er n

3bolt n : an act of bolting

1bomb \ˈbäm\ n
1 a : an explosive device that has a fuse and is designed to go off under any of various conditions  b : ATOMIC BOMB; also : nuclear weapons in general — usually used with the
2 : a container in which a substance (as an insecticide) is stored under pressure and from which it is released in a fine spray
3 : 2FLOP 2

2bomb vb
1 : to attack with bombs
2 : to fail completely

bom·bard \bäm-ˈbärd also bəm-\ vb
1 : to attack especially with artillery or bombers
2 : to attack forcefully or continuously (as with questions)
3 : to put under the force of rapidly moving particles (as electrons or alpha rays)
— bom·bard·ment \-mənt\ n

bom·bar·dier \ˌbäm-bə(r)-ˈdi(ə)r\ n : a bomber-crew member who releases the bombs

bombardier beetle n : any of numerous beetles that when disturbed discharge an irritating vapor

bom·bast \ˈbäm-ˌbast\ n : boastful speech or writing
— bom·bas·tic \bäm-ˈbas-tik\ adj

— bom·bas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

bomb·er \ˈbäm-ər\ n : one that bombs; esp : an airplane designed for dropping bombs

bomb·proof \ˈbäm-ˈprüf\ adj : safe against the explosive force of bombs

bomb·shell \-ˌshel\ n
1 : 1BOMB 1A
2 : a great surprise

bo·na fide \ˈbō-nə-ˌfīd, ˈbä-nə-; ˌbō-nə-ˈfīd-ē, -ˈfīd-ə\ adj
1 : made or done in good faith <bona fide offer>
2 : made with earnest intent : SINCERE
3 : GENUINE 1 <a bona fide cowboy> [from Latin bona fide, literally, “in good faith”; bona from bonus “good” and fide from fides “faith” — related to BONUS, FAITH]

bo·nan·za \bə-ˈnan-zə\ n
1 : a large and rich mineral deposit
2 : something that brings a rich return

bon·bon \ˈbän-ˌbän\ n : a candy with a soft coating (as chocolate) and a creamy center [French, literally, “good good,” from bon “good,” from Latin bonus “good” — related to BONUS, BOUNTY]

1bond \ˈbänd\ n
1 : something that binds
2 a : a material or device for binding  b : a means by which atoms, ions, or groups of atoms are held together in a molecule or crystal
3 : a uniting or binding force or influence : TIE <the bonds of friendship>
4 a : a pledge to do an act or pay a sum on or before a set date or forfeit a sum if the pledge is not fulfilled  b : a certificate promising payment of a certain sum on or before a stated day and issued by a government or corporation as an evidence of debt
5 : a binding or connection made by overlapping parts of a structure (as in laying brick)

2bond vb
1 : to protect or secure by or operate under a bond
2 : to hold together or make solid by or as if by a bond
3 : to form a close relationship especially through frequent togetherness <the new mother bonded with her child>
— bond·able \ˈbän-də-bəl\ adj

— bond·er n

bond·age \ˈbän-dij\ n : the state of being a slave or serf

bond·hold·er \ˈbänd-ˌhōl-dər\ n : the owner of a government or corporation bond

bond·man \ˈbän(d)-mən\ n : 1SLAVE 1, SERF

1bonds·man \ˈbän(d)z-mən\ n : BONDMAN

2bondsman n : one who gives a bond or bail for another

1bone \ˈbōn\ n
1 a : a hard material which is largely calcium phosphate and of which the skeleton of most vertebrate animals is formed; also : one of the hard parts in which this material occurs <break a bone>  b : a hard animal substance (as baleen or ivory) similar to bone
2 : a cause of disagreement — used in the phrases bone of contention and bone to pick
3 pl : something usually or originally made from bone (as dice or clappers)
4 a : the basic part <cut costs to the bone>  b : the most deeply ingrained part <knew in her bones it was wrong>
5 pl : BODY <rest my weary bones>
— bone·less \-ləs\ adj

— bone·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2bone vb boned; bon·ing
1 : to remove the bones from <bone a fish>
2 : to study hard <bone up on math>

bone black n : the black chiefly carbon matter that is left from bones heated in a closed container and is used especially as a pigment or a material to remove color from other things

bone marrow n : a soft tissue rich in blood vessels that fills the cavities of most bones and occurs in two forms:  a : one that is yellowish and fatty and is found especially in long bones (as the femur)  b : one that is reddish, is the main place where blood cells are formed, and in adults is limited especially to certain flat or short bones (as the ribs)

bone·meal \ˈbōn-ˌmē(ə)l\ n : crushed or ground bone used especially as fertilizer or animal feed

bon·er \ˈbō-nər\ n : a stupid or ridiculous mistake

bon·fire \ˈbän-ˌfī(ə)r\ n : a large outdoor fire

bon·go \ˈbäŋ-gō\ n, pl bongos also bongoes : either of a pair of small drums of different sizes fitted together and played with the fingers

bo·ni·to \bə-ˈnēt-ō, -ˈnēt-ə\ n, pl -tos or -to : any of various medium-sized tunas

bon·net \ˈbän-ət\ n
1 : a child's or woman's hat tied under the chin by ribbons or strings
2 : a soft woolen cap worn in Scotland

bon·ny \ˈbän-ē\ adj bon·ni·er; -est chiefly British : HANDSOME 3, ATTRACTIVE

bon·sai \(ˈ)bōn-ˈsī, ˈbōn-ˌsī, ˈbän-ˌsī\ n, pl bonsai : a miniature plant (as a tree) grown in a pot by special methods to restrict its growth; also : the art of growing such a plant [Japanese]

bo·nus \ˈbō-nəs\ n : something given to somebody (as a worker) in addition to what is usual or owed [from Latin bonus “good” — related to BONA FIDE, BONBON, 2BOON, BOUNTY]

bon voy·age \ˌbōn-ˌvwī-ˈäzh, -ˌvwä-ˈyäzh, ˌbän-\ n : 2FAREWELL 1 — usually used as an interjection [French, literally, “good journey”]

bony \ˈbō-nē\ adj bon·i·er; -est
1 : of or relating to bone <the bony structure of the body>
2 : full of bones
3 : resembling bone especially in hardness <a bony substance>
4 : having large or noticeable bones <a bony face>
5 : SKINNY 2, SCRAWNY

bony fish n : any of a class of fishes (as eels, mackerels, and trout) with bony rather than cartilaginous skeletons

1boo \ˈbü\ interj — used to express contempt or disapproval or to startle or frighten

2boo n, pl boos
1 : a shout of disapproval or contempt
2 : any sound at all <never said boo>
— boo vb

boo–boo \ˈbü-ˌbü\ n, pl boo-boos
1 : a usually small bruise or scratch especially on a child
2 : a foolish mistake

boo·by \ˈbü-bē\ n, pl boobies
1 : a foolish person : DOPE
2 : any of several tropical seabirds related to the gannets

booby trap n : a trap for a careless or unsuspecting person; esp : a concealed explosive device set to go off when a harmless-looking object is touched
— boo·by·trap \ˈbü-bē-ˌtrap\ vb

1book \ˈbu̇k\ n
1 : a set of sheets of paper bound together
2 a : a long written work  b : a major division of a written work
3 a : a volume of business records <the company's books show a profit>  b pl : 2RECORD 2B <an outdated law still on the books>
4 cap : BIBLE 1A
5 : a pack of items bound together <a book of matches>
— in one's book : in one's own opinion

— one for the book : an act or event worth noting

2book vb
1 : 1RESERVE 3 <book a hotel room>
2 : to schedule engagements for <book a singer>
3 : to enter charges against in a police register <book a suspect>

3book adj
1 : gotten from books <book learning>
2 : shown by account books <book value>

book·bind·er \ˈbu̇k-ˌbīn-dər\ n : BINDER 1

book·bind·ing \-ˌbīn-diŋ\ n
1 : the binding of a book
2 : the art or trade of binding books

book·case \ˈbu̇k-ˌkās\ n : a set of shelves to hold books

book·end \-ˌend\ n : something placed at the end of a row of books to hold them up

book·ish \ˈbu̇k-ish\ adj
1 : fond of reading
2 : tending to rely on knowledge from books rather than practical experience
3 : resembling the language of books : FORMAL
— book·ish·ly adv

— book·ish·ness n

book·keep·er \ˈbu̇k-ˌkē-pər\ n : a person who keeps accounts for a business
— book·keep·ing \-ˌkē-piŋ\ n

book·let \ˈbu̇k-lət\ n : a little book; esp : PAMPHLET

book louse n : any of several minute wingless insects that feed on and injure books

book lung n : a specialized breathing organ of spiders and related animals

book·mak·er \ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər\ n : a person who receives and pays off bets

1book·mark \-ˌmärk\ n
1 : something placed in a book to mark a page
2 : something on a computer screen that serves as a shortcut (as to a website)

2bookmark vb : to create a computer bookmark for <bookmark a website>

book·mo·bile \ˈbu̇k-mō-ˌbēl\ n : a truck that serves as a traveling library

book·plate \ˈbu̇k-ˌplāt\ n : a label pasted inside a book to show who owns it

book·sell·er \-ˌsel-ər\ n : a person who owns or works in a bookstore

book·store \-ˌstō(ə)r, -ˌstȯ(ə)r\ n : a store that sells mainly books

book·worm \-ˌwərm\ n
1 : any of various insect larvae that feed on the binding and paste of books
2 : a person devoted to reading or study

Bool·ean \ˈbü-lē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or being Boolean algebra

Boolean algebra n : any of several logical systems of combining abstract quantities; esp : an arithmetic of sets in which the intersection and union of sets are operations [named for George Boole 1815–1864 English mathematician]

1boom \ˈbüm\ n
1 : a long pole used especially to stretch the bottom of a sail
2 a : a long beam sticking out from the mast of a derrick to support or guide something that is being lifted  b : a long arm used to move a microphone
3 : a line of connected floating timbers (as across a river) to obstruct passage or catch floating objects [from Dutch boom “tree, wooden beam”]

2boom vb
1 : to make a deep hollow rumbling sound
2 a : to increase in importance or popularity  b : to experience a boom (as in growth) [a word imitating the sound]

3boom n
1 : a booming sound or cry
2 : a rapid increase in growth, popularity, or prosperity; esp : a rapid widespread expansion of business

boom box n : a large portable radio and often tape deck or CD player with two attached speakers

1boo·mer·ang \ˈbü-mə-ˌraŋ\ n : a curved club that can be thrown so as to return to the thrower [the native word for this club in Australia]

2boomerang vb : 2BACKFIRE 2

boom·ing \ˈbü-miŋ\ adj
1 : making a deep sound <his booming voice>
2 : forcefully or powerfully done <hit a booming serve>

boom·town \ˈbüm-ˌtau̇n\ n : a town experiencing a sudden growth in business and population

1boon \ˈbün\ n
1 : something asked or granted as a favor
2 : something pleasant or helpful that comes at just the right time : BLESSING [Middle English boon “favor,” from an early Norse word meaning “a request, plea”]

2boon adj : MERRY 1 <a boon companion> [Middle English boon, bon “favorable,” from early French bon “good,” derived from Latin bonus “good” — related to BONUS]

boon·docks \ˈbün-ˌdäks\ n pl
1 : rough country filled with dense brush
2 : a rural area

boor \ˈbu̇(ə)r\ n
1 a : PEASANT  b : 2RUSTIC
2 : a crude or impolite person
— boor·ish \-ish\ adj

— boor·ish·ly adv

— boor·ish·ness n

boos plural of BOO

1boost \ˈbüst\ vb
1 : to push or shove up from below
2 : to increase in force, power, or amount <boost production> <boost prices>
3 : 2FURTHER, RAISE <boost morale>
4 : to support enthusiastically : PLUG

2boost n
1 : a push upward
2 : an increase in amount <a boost in production>
3 : an act that gives help or encouragement

boost·er \ˈbü-stər\ n
1 : one that boosts
2 : an enthusiastic supporter
3 : BOOSTER SHOT
4 : a device for strengthening radio or television signals
5 : the first stage of a multistage rocket providing force for the launching and the first part of the flight

booster shot n : an extra dose of an immunizing agent given to maintain or restore the effects of previously established immunity

1boot \ˈbüt\ n, chiefly dialect : something given to make a trade equal [Old English bōt “remedy”]
— to boot : 2BESIDES

2boot n
1 : a covering usually of leather or rubber for the foot and part of the leg
2 a : 2KICK 1A  b : a rude dismissal or discharge — used with the
3 : a new member of the Navy or Marine Corps while in boot camp [Middle English boot “a covering for the foot”]

3boot vb
1 : to put boots on
2 a : 1KICK 1  b : to get rid of or dismiss rudely — often used with out <was booted out of the office>
3 a : to load (a program) into a computer from a disk  b : to start or make ready for use especially by booting a program <boot a computer>

boot·black \ˈbüt-ˌblak\ n : a person who shines boots and shoes

boot camp n : a camp where recently enlisted members of the Navy or Marine Corps receive their basic training

boot·ee or boot·ie \ˈbüt-ē\ n : an infant's knitted or crocheted sock

Bo·ö·tes \bō-ˈōt-ēz\ n : a northern group of stars including the bright star Arcturus [Greek Boōtēs, literally, “plowman”]

booth \ˈbüth\ n, pl booths \ˈbüthz, ˈbüths\
1 : a covered stand for selling or displaying goods (as at a fair or exhibition) or for providing services <information booth>
2 : a small enclosure giving privacy for one person <voting booth> <telephone booth>
3 : a section of a restaurant consisting of a table between two high-backed benches

boot·jack \ˈbüt-ˌjak\ n : a device with a notch used to help pull off one's boots

1boot·leg \-ˌleg\ vb boot·legged; boot·leg·ging
1 : to make, transport, or sell alcoholic liquor illegally
2 a : to produce or sell illegally or without permission <bootlegged recordings>  b : SMUGGLE 1
— boot·leg·ger n

2bootleg n : something bootlegged; esp : MOONSHINE 3
— bootleg adj

boot·less \ˈbüt-ləs\ adj : USELESS, UNPROFITABLE

boo·ty \ˈbüt-ē\ n
1 : money or goods taken in war or by robbery : SPOILS
2 : a rich gain or prize

booze \ˈbüz\ n : alcoholic liquor

1bop \ˈbäp\ vb bopped; bop·ping : 1HIT 1, SOCK

2bop n : a blow (as from a fist or club) that strikes a person

bo·rate \ˈbō(ə)r-ˌāt, ˈbȯ(ə)r-\ n : a chemical compound formed by the reaction of boric acid with another substance

bo·rax \ˈbō(ə)r-ˌaks, ˈbȯ(ə)r-\ n : a borate of sodium that occurs as a mineral and is used in agricultural chemicals, as a cleansing agent, and as a water softener

1bor·der \ˈbȯrd-ər\ n
1 : an outer part or edge
2 : a boundary especially of a country or state
3 : a narrow bed of plants along the edge of a garden or walk
4 : an ornamental design at the edge of a fabric or rug
— bor·dered \-ərd\ adj
synonyms BORDER, MARGIN, EDGE, mean the outermost part of something. BORDER applies to an area on or just within a boundary line <guards were placed along the border>. MARGIN suggests a border of exact width <do not write in the margin of the page>. EDGE suggests a sharp line marking a fixed limit <the edge of the table>.

2border vb bor·dered; bor·der·ing \ˈbȯrd-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to put a border on <border the garden with flowers>
2 : to be located close or next to <the U.S. borders on Canada>
3 : to come very close to being : VERGE <that remark borders on the ridiculous>
— bor·der·er \-ər-ər\ n

bor·der·land \ˈbȯrd-ər-ˌland\ n
1 : territory at or near a border : FRONTIER
2 : an unclear condition or region separating two clearly different ones <the borderland between sleeping and waking>

bor·der·line \-ˌlīn\ adj
1 : situated between two points or states
2 : not quite normal or acceptable

1bore \ˈbō(ə)r, ˈbȯ(ə)r\ vb bored; bor·ing
1 : to make a hole in especially with a drill
2 : to make (as a hole shaped like a cylinder) by boring or digging away material <bore a well>
3 : to move forward steadily especially by overcoming an opposing force <the plane bored through the storm> [Old English borian “to bore”]

2bore n
1 : a hole made by or as if by boring
2 : a cavity (as in a gun barrel) shaped like a cylinder
3 : the diameter of a hole or tube; esp : the interior diameter of a gun barrel

3bore past of BEAR

4bore n : a tidal flood with a high abrupt front [probably of Norse origin]

5bore n : an uninteresting person or thing [origin unknown]

6bore vb bored; bor·ing : to make weary and restless by being dull or monotonous

bo·re·al \ˈbō(ə)r-ē-əl, ˈbȯ(ə)r-\ adj : of, relating to, or located or growing in northern or mountainous regions

bore·dom \ˈbō(ə)rd-əm, ˈbȯ(ə)rd-\ n : the state of being bored

bor·er \ˈbōr-ər, ˈbȯr-\ n
1 : one that bores; esp : a tool used for boring
2 a : SHIPWORM  b : an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants

bo·ric acid \ˌbōr-ik-, ˌbȯr-\ n : a white boron-containing weak acid that is used as a mild antiseptic

bor·ing \ˈbō(ə)r-iŋ, ˈbȯ(ə)r-\ adj : causing boredom : UNINTERESTING, TEDIOUS
— bor·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

born \ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ adj
1 a : brought into life by or as if by birth  b : 1NATIVE 2 <American-born>
2 : having from birth a certain ability or characteristic <a born leader>
3 : meant from or as if from birth <born to rule>

borne past participle of BEAR

born·ite \ˈbȯ(ə)r-ˌnīt\ n : a brittle metallic-looking mineral consisting of a sulfide of copper and iron and making up a valuable ore of copper

bo·ron \ˈbō(ə)r-ˌän, ˈbȯ(ə)r-\ n : a metalloid element found in nature only in combination (as in borax) — see ELEMENT TABLE

bor·ough \ˈbər-ō\ n
1 a : a town or urban area in Great Britain that sends a member to Parliament  b : a self-governing urban area in Great Britain
2 : a self-governing town or village in some states
3 : one of the five political divisions of New York City

bor·row \ˈbär-ō, ˈbȯr-\ vb
1 : to take or receive something with the promise or intention of returning it
2 : to take for one's own use something begun or thought up by another : ADOPT <borrow an idea>
3 : to take 1 from the digit in a minuend and add it as 10 to the digit in the next lower place
— bor·row·er \ˈbär-ə-wər, ˈbȯr-\ n

bor·row·ing \ˈbär-ə-wiŋ, ˈbȯr-\ n : something borrowed; esp : a word or phrase adopted from one language into another

borscht or borsch \ˈbȯ(ə)rsh(t)\ n : a beet soup often served with sour cream [from Yiddish borsht and Ukrainian and Russian borshch “beet soup”]

bor·zoi \ˈbȯr-ˌzȯi\ n : any of a breed of large long-haired dogs developed in Russia especially for hunting wolves [from Russian borzoǐ “borzoi dog, swift”]

bos'n or bosun variant of BOATSWAIN

1bos·om \ˈbu̇z-əm\ n
1 : the front of the human chest; esp : a woman's breasts
2 : the chest thought of as the center of secret thoughts and feelings
3 : a close and comforting relationship <in the bosom of her family>
4 : the part of a garment covering the breast
— bos·omed \-əmd\ adj

2bosom adj : 2INTIMATE 3A, CLOSE <bosom friends>

1boss \ˈbȯs, ˈbäs\ n : a raised rounded part often used ornamentally (as on a shield or a ceiling) : STUD [Middle English boce “raised rounded part,” from early French boce (same meaning)]

2boss vb : to ornament with bosses : EMBOSS

3boss \ˈbȯs\ n
1 : the person (as an employer or supervisor) who tells workers what to do
2 : the head of a group; esp : a powerful politician who controls party business [from Dutch baas “master”]
— boss adj

4boss \ˈbȯs\ vb
1 : to be in charge of <boss a job>
2 : to give orders to <don't boss me around>

5boss \ˈbȯs\ adj, slang : EXCELLENT, FIRST-RATE

bossy \ˈbȯ-sē\ adj boss·i·er; -est : fond of ordering people around : DOMINEERING
— boss·i·ness n

Bos·ton ivy \ˌbȯ-stən-\ n : a woody Asian vine that is related to the grape, has leaves with three lobes, and often grows over walls

Boston terrier n : any of a U.S. breed of small short-haired dogs having erect ears and a broad flat face — called also Boston bull

1bot \ˈbät\ n : the larva of a botfly

2bot n
1 : ROBOT
2 : a computer program that performs automatic, repetitive, and sometimes harmful tasks
3 : a computer program or character that mimics human actions

1bo·tan·i·cal \bə-ˈtan-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to plants or botany
2 : made or obtained from plants <botanical drugs>
— bo·tan·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2botanical n : a usually cosmetic or medicinal product prepared from or containing a plant part or extract; also : the plant part or extract used in such a product

bot·a·nist \ˈbät-ən-əst, ˈbät-nəst\ n : a person who specializes in botany or in a branch of botany

bot·a·ny \ˈbät-ən-e, ˈbät-ne\ n
1 : a branch of biology dealing with plant life
2 a : plant life (as of a given region)  b : the biology of a plant or plant group

1botch \ˈbäch\ vb : to make or do something in a clumsy or unskillful way : SPOIL, BUNGLE

2botch n : a botched job : MESS
— botchy \-ē\ adj

bot·fly \ˈbät-ˌflī\ n : any of various stout two-winged flies whose larvae are parasitic in various mammals

1both \ˈbōth\ adj : the two : the one and the other

2both pron : the one as well as the other <both of us>

3both conj — used before two words or phrases connected with and to stress that each is included <both New York and London>

1both·er \ˈbäth-ər\ vb both·ered; both·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to upset often with minor details : ANNOY  b : to intrude upon : INTERRUPT
2 a : to cause to be worried or concerned  b : to become concerned
3 : to take the trouble : make an effort <don't bother to knock>

2bother n
1 a : the state of being bothered  b : someone or something that bothers in a small way <what a bother a cold can be>
2 : COMMOTION 2, FUSS

both·er·some \ˈbäth-ər-səm\ adj : causing bother

1bot·tle \ˈbät-əl\ n
1 a : a container (as of glass or plastic) with a narrow neck and mouth and usually no handle  b : a bag made of skin used to hold a liquid
2 : the quantity held by a bottle
3 : a bottle with a rubber or plastic nipple for feeding an infant
— bot·tle·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n

2bottle vb bot·tled; bot·tling \ˈbät-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to put into a bottle
2 : to shut up as if in a bottle : RESTRAIN <bottled up their anger>
— bot·tler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

bottled gas n : gas under pressure in portable cylinders

bot·tle–feed \ˈbät-əl-ˌfēd\ vb -fed; -feed·ing : to feed (as an infant) with a bottle

bot·tle·neck \ˈbät-əl-ˌnek\ n
1 : a narrow passageway
2 : someone or something that holds up progress <a traffic bottleneck>

bot·tle–nosed dolphin \ˌbät-əl-ˌnōzd-\ n : BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

bot·tle·nose dolphin \ˌbät-əl-ˌnōz-\ n : a medium-sized stout-bodied whale with teeth and a short snout

1bot·tom \ˈbät-əm\ n
1 a : the undersurface of something  b : a supporting surface or part : BASE  c : BUTTOCK 2A, RUMP
2 : the surface on which a body of water lies
3 a : the part of a ship's hull lying below the water  b : 1BOAT 1, SHIP
4 : the lowest part, place, or point <the bottom of the page>
5 : the part of a garment worn on the lower part of the body; esp : the trousers of pajamas — usually used in plural
6 : lowland along a river <the Mississippi River bottoms>
7 : the most basic or central part : HEART <get to the bottom of the problem>
8 : the last half of an inning of baseball
— bot·tomed \-əmd\ adj

— at bottom : REALLY 1 <no manners, but good-hearted at bottom>

2bottom vb
1 : to provide a foundation for
2 : to rest on, bring to, or reach the bottom

bottom dollar n : one's last dollar <you can bet your bottom dollar>

bot·tom·land \ˈbät-əm-ˌland\ n : 1BOTTOM 6

bot·tom·less \ˈbät-əm-ləs\ adj
1 : having no bottom
2 : very deep <a bottomless pit>

bot·u·lism \ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n : poisoning caused by eating food containing a toxin made by a spore-forming bacterium

bou·clé or bou·cle \bü-ˈklā\ n
1 : an uneven yarn of three fibers one of which forms evenly spaced loops
2 : a fabric of bouclé yarn [from French bouclé “curly”]

bou·doir \ˈbüd-ˌwär, ˈbu̇d-\ n : a woman's dressing room, bedroom, or private sitting room [from French boudoir “lady's dressing room,” literally, “a place to sulk,” from bouder “to sulk”]

bough \ˈbau̇\ n : a branch of a tree; esp : a main branch
— boughed \ˈbau̇d\ adj

bought past and past participle of BUY

bouil·la·baisse \ˌbü-yə-ˈbās, ˈbü-yə-ˌbās\ n : a spicy stew made from a variety of fish and shellfish

bouil·lon \ˈbü(l)-ˌyän, ˈbu̇(l)-; ˈbu̇l-yən\ n : a clear seasoned soup made usually from beef [from French bouillon “clear soup,” derived from early French boillir “to boil,” derived from Latin bulla “a bubble” — related to 2BOIL]

boul·der \ˈbōl-dər\ n : a large detached and rounded or worn mass of rock

bou·le·vard \ˈbu̇l-ə-ˌvärd, ˈbül-\ n : a wide avenue often having grass strips with trees along its center or sides [from French boulevard “walkway lined with trees,” derived from early Dutch bolwerc “bulwark, rampart”; so called because the earliest boulevards were at sites of razed fortifications — related to BULWARK]

1bounce \ˈbau̇n(t)s\ vb bounced; bounc·ing
1 a : to cause to rebound <bounce a ball>  b : to spring back or up after striking a surface
2 : to remove from a place by force
3 : to recover quickly from a blow or defeat <bounced back after the loss>
4 : to leap suddenly : BOUND
5 of a check : to be returned by a bank because of lack of funds in a checking account

2bounce n
1 a : a sudden leap or bound  b : a bouncing back : REBOUND
2 : ENTHUSIASM 1, SPIRIT
— bouncy adj

bounc·er \ˈbau̇n(t)-sər\ n : one that bounces; esp : someone employed in a public place to remove troublemakers

bounc·ing \ˈbau̇n(t)-siŋ\ adj : HEALTHY 1A, LIVELY <a bouncing baby>
— bounc·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adv

1bound \ˈbau̇nd\ adj : going or intending to go <bound for home> <college-bound> [Middle English boun “ready”; of Norse origin]

2bound n
1 : a boundary line
2 : a point or line beyond which one cannot go : LIMIT <out of bounds>
3 : the land within a boundary — usually used in plural [Middle English bound “boundary,” from early French bodne (same meaning), from Latin bodina “boundary”]

3bound vb
1 : to set limits to : CONFINE
2 a : to form the boundary of : ENCLOSE  b : to lie next to
3 : to name the boundaries of

4bound past and past participle of BIND

5bound adj
1 : fastened by or as if by bands : CONFINED <desk-bound>
2 : required by law or duty
3 : having a binding <bound notebook>
4 : firmly determined <we were bound we would succeed>
5 : very likely to do something : CERTAIN, SURE
6 : always found in combination with another word or word part (as un- in unknown and -er in speaker) [Middle English bounden “fastened, tied,” from binden “bind”]

6bound n
1 : a long easy leap
2 : 2BOUNCE 1B, REBOUND [from early French bond “a leap,” from bondir “to leap”]

7bound vb
1 : to move by leaping
2 : 1REBOUND 1, BOUNCE

bound·ary \ˈbau̇n-d(ə-)rē\ n, pl -aries : something that points out or shows a limit or end : dividing line

bound·en \ˈbau̇n-dən\ adj
1 archaic : INDEBTED
2 : required as if by law : NECESSARY <our bounden duty>

bound·less \ˈbau̇nd-ləs\ adj : having no boundaries or limits : VAST <the boundless sky>
— bound·less·ly adv

— bound·less·ness n

boun·te·ous \ˈbau̇nt-ē-əs\ adj
1 : giving freely or generously <a bounteous host>
2 : given in plenty <bounteous gifts>
— boun·te·ous·ly adv

— boun·te·ous·ness n

boun·ti·ful \ˈbau̇nt-i-fəl\ adj
1 : GENEROUS 1
2 : PLENTIFUL 2 <a bountiful supply>
— boun·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— boun·ti·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

boun·ty \ˈbau̇nt-ē\ n, pl bounties
1 a : GENEROSITY 1  b : something given generously
2 : money given as a reward (as for killing a harmful animal or capturing a criminal) [Middle English bounte “goodness,” from early French bunté (same meaning), derived from Latin bonus “good” — related to BONUS]

bou·quet \bō-ˈkā, bü-\ n
1 : a bunch of flowers
2 : FRAGRANCE, AROMA

1bour·geois \ˈbu̇(ə)rzh-ˌwä, bu̇rzh-ˈwä\ adj
1 : of or relating to townspeople or members of the middle class
2 : marked by a concern for comfort, wealth, and what is respectable

2bourgeois n, pl bour·geois \-ˌwä(z), -ˈwä(z)\ : a person of the middle class of society [from early French bourgeois “a resident of a town,” from earlier burgeis (same meaning), from burc “town,” from Latin burgus “fortified place” — related to BURGESS]

bour·geoi·sie \ˌbu̇rzh-ˌwä-ˈzē\ n : the middle class of society

bourne also bourn \ˈbōrn, ˈbȯrn, ˈbu̇(ə)rn\ n
1 : BOUNDARY, LIMIT
2 : GOAL 2, DESTINATION

bour·rée \bu̇-ˈrā\ n : a lively 17th century French dance

bout \ˈbau̇t\ n
1 : a spell of activity <nonstop bout of reading>
2 : an athletic match <wrestling bout>
3 : 2ATTACK 3 <a bout of measles>

bou·tique \bü-ˈtēk\ n : a small fashionable store [from French boutique “shop”]

bou·ton·niere \ˌbüt-ən-ˈi(ə)r, ˌbü-tən-ˈye(ə)r\ n : a flower or bouquet worn in a buttonhole

1bo·vine \ˈbō-ˌvīn, -ˌvēn\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling the bovines and especially the ox or cow
2 : slow-moving or patient like an ox or cow

2bovine n : any of a group of ruminant mammals including the oxen, bison, and buffalo that have hollow horns and are related to the sheep and goats

1bow \ˈbau̇\ vb
1 : to bend the head, body, or knee in greeting, respect, agreement, or obedience
2 : 1YIELD 5 <bow to authority>
3 : 1BEND 6 <bowed with age>
4 : to express by bowing <bow one's thanks> [Middle English bowen “to bend, yield,” from Old English būgan “to bend in obedience”]

2bow n : a bending of the head or body expressing respect, agreement, obedience, or greeting

3bow \ˈbō\ n
1 : RAINBOW
2 : a weapon used for shooting arrows that is usually made of a strip of wood bent by a cord connecting the two ends
3 : something that is curved like a bow
4 : a wooden rod with horsehairs stretched from end to end used for playing a violin or similar instrument
5 : a knot made with two or more loops <tie the ribbon in a bow> [Middle English bowe “something curved,” from Old English boga (same meaning)]

4bow \ˈbō\ vb
1 : to bend into a curve
2 : to play a stringed instrument with a bow

5bow \ˈbau̇\ n : the forward part of a ship [Middle English bowe (same meaning), probably from early Dutch boech “bow, shoulder”]

bow·el \ˈbau̇(-ə)l\ n
1 a : 2INTESTINE, GUT — usually used in plural  b : a division of the intestine
2 pl : the interior parts <the bowels of the earth>
3 archaic : supply of mercy or courage — usually used in plural

bowel movement n : an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus; also : fecal matter expelled at one passage : STOOL

bow·er \ˈbau̇(-ə)r\ n
1 : a safe and private place for rest
2 : a shelter in a garden made of tree boughs or vines twisted together
— bow·ery \-ē\ adj

bow·er·bird \ˈbau̇(-ə)r-ˌbərd\ n : any of various birds of Australia and New Guinea of which the male builds a chamber or passage arched over with twigs and branches and often ornamented with bright-colored objects especially to attract the female

bow·ie knife \ˈbü-ē-, ˈbō-ē-\ n : a large hunting knife with a single-edged blade [named for James Bowie]

1bowl \ˈbōl\ n
1 : a rounded dish generally deeper than a basin and larger than a cup
2 : the contents of a bowl
3 : the bowl-shaped part of something (as a spoon)
4 a : a rounded valley or geographical region <the dust bowl>  b : a bowl-shaped stadium or theater
5 : BOWL GAME [Old English bolla “bowl”]
— bowled \ˈbōld\ adj

2bowl n
1 a : a ball shaped to roll in a curved path for use in lawn bowling  b pl : LAWN BOWLING
2 : a cast of the ball in bowling or bowls [Middle English boule “a weighted ball,” from early French boule (same meaning), from Latin bulla “bubble” — related to 2BOIL]

3bowl vb
1 : to roll a ball in bowling or bowls
2 : to move smoothly and rapidly

bow·leg·ged \ˈbō-ˈleg(-ə)d\ adj : having legs that bow outward at or below the knee

1bowl·er \ˈbō-lər\ n : a person who bowls

2bow·ler \ˈbō-lər\ n : DERBY 3

bowl game n : a football game played after the regular season between specially invited teams

bow·line \ˈbō-lən, -ˌlīn\ n
1 : a rope used to keep the edge of a sail pulled forward
2 : a knot used for making a loop that will not slip or get stuck

bowl·ing \ˈbō-liŋ\ n
1 : a game played by rolling balls so as to knock down pins set up at the far end of an alley
2 : LAWN BOWLING

bowl over vb
1 : to hit and knock down while quickly moving past
2 : to greatly surprise or impress

bow·man \ˈbō-mən\ n : ARCHER

bow·sprit \ˈbau̇-ˌsprit\ n : a large pole for sails sticking out from the bow of a ship

bow·string \ˈbō-ˌstriŋ\ n : the cord connecting the two ends of a bow

bow tie n : a short necktie tied in a bow

bow window \ˈbō-\ n : a usually curved window that sticks out from the side of a building

1box \ˈbäks\ n, pl box or box·es : an evergreen shrub or small tree used especially for hedges [Old English box “box (shrub),” from Latin buxus (same meaning), from Greek pyxos “box tree”]

2box n
1 a : a container usually having four sides, a bottom, and a cover  b : the amount held by a box <ate a whole box of popcorn>
2 : a small compartment for a group of spectators in a theater
3 : the driver's seat on a carriage
4 : a shed that protects
5 : a container (as for a car transmission) that resembles a box
6 : a rectangle which encloses and draws attention to something printed
7 : a space on a baseball diamond where a batter, coach, pitcher, or catcher stands
8 : the limits of ordinariness <thinking outside the box> [Old English box “container,” from Latin buxis (same meaning), from Greek pyxis, literally, “a container made from boxwood”]

3box vb : to enclose in or as if in a box

4box n : a punch or slap especially on the ear [Middle English box “a blow or slap on the ear”]

5box vb
1 : to strike with the hand
2 : to engage in boxing : fight with the fists

box camera n : a camera of simple box shape with a simple lens and shutter

box·car \ˈbäk-ˌskär\ n : a roofed freight car usually with sliding doors in the sides

box cutter n : a small cutting tool used especially for opening cardboard boxes

box elder n : a North American maple with compound leaves

1box·er \ˈbäk-sər\ n : one that engages in the sport of boxing

2boxer n : any of a German breed of medium-sized dogs with a smooth coat and a short square face

boxer shorts n pl : men's or boys' underwear shorts characterized by loose fit

box·ing \ˈbäk-siŋ\ n : the sport of fighting with the fists

Box·ing Day \ˈbäk-siŋ-\ n : the first weekday after Christmas observed as a legal holiday in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and celebrated by the giving of Christmas gifts in boxes (as to postal workers)

boxing glove n : one of a pair of padded leather mittens worn in boxing

box office n : an office in a public place (as a theater or stadium) where admission tickets are sold

box score n : a printed table giving the score of a game (as baseball), a record of how it was played, and the names and positions of the players

box seat n : a seat in a box of a theater or stadium

box stall n : a four-sided enclosure within a barn or stable in which an animal can move around freely

box turtle n : any of several North American land turtles able to withdraw completely into the shell and to close it by hinged joints in the lower shell

box·wood \ˈbäk-ˌswu̇d\ n : the tough hard wood of the box; also : the box tree

boy \ˈbȯi\ n
1 : a male child from birth to young manhood
2 : SON 1A
— boy·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

— boy·ish \-ish\ adj

— boy·ish·ly adv

— boy·ish·ness n

1boy·cott \ˈbȯi-ˌkät\ vb : to join with others in refusing to deal with a person, organization, or country usually to express disapproval or to force acceptance of terms
Word History In the autumn of 1880 there was much unrest in the Irish countryside as the result of a depression. Many farmers who did not own the land they worked were unable to pay their rent. A Land League was formed to fight eviction of tenants, and the first victim of their campaign was one Charles S. Boycott, a retired English army captain who worked as an agent for an absentee landlord in County Mayo. When this landlord's tenants refused to pay their rents unless they received a reduction, Boycott attempted to serve eviction notices. As a result, he was shunned by the community, his laborers and servants quit, and the crops on his own farm began to rot. Fifty volunteers from northern Ireland were sent to Mayo to harvest his crops, guarded by hundreds of troops and police. The new tactic of shunning a person to assert a grievance needed a name, and Boycott's name was at hand. Though the British government banned the Irish Land League, the word boycott is still part of English. [named for Charles Boycott 1832–1897 estate manager in Ireland]

2boycott n : the process or an instance of boycotting

boy·friend \ˈbȯi-ˌfrend\ n
1 : a male friend
2 : a frequent or regular male companion in a romantic relationship

Boy Scout n
1 : a member of any of various national scouting programs (as Boy Scouts of America) for boys usually 11 to 17 years of age
2 : a person whose values or actions are characteristic of a Boy Scout

boy·sen·ber·ry \ˈbȯiz-ən-ˌber-ē, ˈbȯis-\ n
1 : a large berry like a blackberry with the flavor of a raspberry
2 : the trailing bramble that produces boysenberries and was developed by crossing blackberry and raspberry plants

bra \ˈbrä\ n : BRASSIERE

1brace \ˈbrās\ vb braced; brac·ing
1 a : to make firm or tight  b : to get ready : PREPARE <braced herself for the test>
2 : to furnish or support with a brace
3 : to give life or energy to : FRESHEN
4 : to place firmly
5 : to regain one's courage <brace up, all is not lost> [Middle English bracen “to fasten, bind,” from early French bracer “to embrace,” from brace “pair of arms,” derived from Latin bracchium “arm” — related to BRACELET, BRASSIERE, EMBRACE; see Word History at EMBRACE]

2brace n, pl brac·es or brace
1 : two of a kind : PAIR <several brace of quail>
2 : something that connects, fastens, or tightens
3 : a tool with a U-shaped bend that is used to turn wood-boring bits
4 a : something that transfers, resists, or supports weight or pressure; esp : a slanted timber used as a support in a structure  b pl : SUSPENDER 2  c : a device for supporting a body part (as the shoulders)  d pl : a usually wire device attached to the teeth to make them straight and pull them into position
5 a : a mark { or } used to connect words or items or musical staffs that are to be considered together  b : one of a pair of such marks enclosing words or symbols [Middle English brace “pair, clasp,” from early French brace “pair of arms,” derived from Latin bracchium “arm” — related to PRETZEL; see Word History at PRETZEL]

brace·let \ˈbrā-slət\ n
1 : an ornamental band or chain worn around the wrist
2 : something (as handcuffs) resembling a bracelet [Middle English bracelet “band for the arm,” from early French bracelet, literally, “little arm,” from bras “arm,” derived from Latin bracchium “arm” — related to BRACE, BRASSIERE]

bra·chio·pod \ˈbrā-kē-ə-ˌpäd\ n : any of a phylum of invertebrate marine animals that have bivalve shells and a pair of arms bearing tentacles — called also lampshell
— brachiopod adj

brack·en \ˈbrak-ən\ n : a large coarse branching fern; also : a growth of such ferns

1brack·et \ˈbrak-ət\ n
1 : a support for a shelf or other weight usually attached to a wall
2 : a short wall shelf
3 a : one of a pair of marks [ ] used to enclose words or mathematical symbols to be taken together — called also square bracket  b : one of a pair of marks < > — used to enclose written or printed matter; called also angle bracket
4 : 1CLASS 3A, GROUP; esp : one of a series of groups sorted according to income
5 : a pairing of opponents in an elimination tournament

2bracket vb
1 : to place within or as if within brackets
2 : to put into the same class : ASSOCIATE

bracket fungus n : a fungus that forms shelflike fruiting bodies

brack·ish \ˈbrak-ish\ adj : somewhat salty <brackish water>

bract \ˈbrakt\ n : a small leaf or leaflike structure at the base of a flower or flower cluster

brad \ˈbrad\ n : a thin nail with a small cylindrical head

1brag \ˈbrag\ n
1 : a boastful statement
2 : overly proud talk or manner
3 : BRAGGART

2brag vb bragged; brag·ging : to praise oneself or one's possessions or achievements  synonyms see BOAST
— brag·ger \ˈbrag-ər\ n

brag·ga·do·cio \ˌbrag-ə-ˈdō-shē-ˌō, -sē-ˌō, -shō\ n, pl -cios
1 : BRAGGART
2 : loud and empty boasting [from Braggadochio, a boasting character in literature]

brag·gart \ˈbrag-ərt\ n : a person who brags a lot
— brag·gart adj

Brah·man or Brah·min n
1 \ˈbräm-ən\ : a member of the highest priestly class of Hindu society
2 \ˈbrām-ən, ˈbräm-ən, ˈbram-ən\ : a large silvery gray ox that is resistant to heat and was developed in the U.S. from the zebu

1braid \ˈbrād\ vb
1 : to form strands into a braid
2 : to ornament especially with ribbon or braid
— braid·er n

2braid n : a length of cord, ribbon, or hair formed of three or more strands woven together

braille \ˈbrā(ə)l\ n, often cap : a system of writing for the blind in which letters are represented by raised dots [named for Louis Braille who developed the system]

1brain \ˈbrān\ n
1 a : the portion of the central nervous system of vertebrate animals that is the organ of thought and the central control point for the nervous system, is enclosed within the skull, and is continuous with the spinal cord  b : the main nervous center in an invertebrate animal
2 a : INTELLIGENCE 1 — often used in plural <plenty of brains in that family>  b : a very intelligent person
— brainlike adj

2brain vb
1 : to kill by smashing the skull
2 : to hit on the head

brain·case \ˈbrān-ˌkās\ n : the cranium enclosing the brain

brain death n : the final stopping of activity in the central nervous system as indicated by an electroencephalogram showing no brain waves for a set length of time that is often used as a criterion for human death
— brain–dead \ˈbrān-ˌded\ adj

brain freeze n : a sudden sharp pain in the head caused by eating or drinking something very cold

brain·less \ˈbrān-ləs\ adj : lacking intelligence
— brain·less·ly adv

brain stem n : the back and lower part of the brain including the midbrain and medulla oblongata

brain·storm \ˈbrān-ˌstȯ(ə)rm\ n : a sudden inspiration or idea

brain·storm·ing \-stȯrm-iŋ\ n : a technique used to solve problems and encourage creativity in which members of a group share their ideas about a subject
— brain·storm vb

brain·teas·er \-ˌtē-zər\ n : something demanding mental effort for its solution : PUZZLE

brain·wash \-ˌwȯsh, -ˌwäsh\ vb
1 : to try to change someone's ideas by force <terrorists brainwashed the prisoners>
2 : to try to influence someone's habits through sly persuading <advertising that brainwashes children>

brain wave n : rhythmic changes in voltage between parts of the brain

brainy \ˈbrā-nē\ adj brain·i·er; -est : INTELLIGENT 1B
— brain·i·ness n

braise \ˈbrāz\ vb braised; brais·ing : to cook slowly in fat and little moisture in a covered pot

1brake \ˈbrāk\ n : a common bracken fern

2brake n : a device for slowing or stopping motion (as of a wheel, vehicle, or engine) especially by friction

3brake vb braked; brak·ing
1 : to slow or stop by or as if by a brake
2 : to use or operate the brake on a vehicle

4brake n : rough or marshy overgrown land : THICKET

brake·man \ˈbrāk-mən\ n : a member of a train crew who inspects the train and assists the conductor

bram·ble \ˈbram-bəl\ n : any of a large genus of usually prickly shrubs (as a raspberry or blackberry) that are related to roses
— bram·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adj

bran \ˈbran\ n : the edible broken coat of the seed of a cereal grain left after the grain has been ground and the flour or meal sifted out

1branch \ˈbranch\ n
1 : a natural division of a plant stem (as a bough growing from a trunk or twig from a bough)
2 : something extending from a main line or source <river branch> <a railroad branch>
3 : a separate or subordinate division or part of a central system <executive branch of the government> <a branch of a bank>
— branched \ˈbrancht\ adj

— branch·less \ˈbranch-ləs\ adj

2branch vb
1 : to send out branches : spread or separate into branches <a great elm branches over the yard>
2 : to spring out from a main body or line : DIVERGE <streets branching off the highway>
3 : to extend activities <the business is branching out all over the state>

1brand \ˈbrand\ n
1 : a burnt or burning piece of wood
2 a : a mark made by burning (as on cattle) to show ownership, maker, or quality  b : a printed mark made for similar purposes : TRADEMARK
3 a : a mark once put on criminals with a hot iron  b : a mark of disgrace : STIGMA
4 a : a class of goods identified as the product of a single maker  b : a particular kind : VARIETY

2brand vb
1 : to mark with or as if with a brand
2 : to describe or identify with a word that expresses disapproval <was branded a coward>

bran·dish \ˈbran-dish\ vb
1 : to shake or wave in a threatening manner <brandish a stick at a dog>
2 : to exhibit in a showy or aggressive manner

brand–new \ˈbran-ˈn(y)ü\ adj : completely new and unused

bran·dy \ˈbran-dē\ n, pl brandies : an alcoholic liquor made from wine or fruit juice

brash \ˈbrash\ adj
1 : RECKLESS, RASH <a brash attack>
2 : rudely bold : IMPUDENT <a brash youth>
3 : marked by vivid contrast <brash colors>
— brash·ly adv

— brash·ness n

brass \ˈbras\ n
1 : an alloy containing copper and zinc
2 : the reddish yellow color of brass
3 : the brass instruments of a band or orchestra — often used in plural
4 : bright metal ornaments, fixtures, or utensils
5 : bold self-assurance : GALL
6 : high-ranking officers especially in the armed forces
— brass adj

brass band n : a band made up of brass and percussion instruments

bras·siere \brə-ˈzi(ə)r also ˌbras-ē-ˈe(ə)r\ n : a woman's close-fitting undergarment to cover and support the breasts [from obsolete French brassière “bodice,” from early French braciere “arm protector,” from bras “arm,” from Latin bracchium (same meaning) — related to BRACE, BRACELET]

brass instrument n : any of a group of musical instruments made of curved tubes of brass in various shapes that includes trumpets, trombones, tubas, and French horns — compare PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT, STRINGED INSTRUMENT, WOODWIND 1

brassy \ˈbras-ē\ adj brass·i·er; -est
1 a : shamelessly bold  b : UNRULY
2 : resembling brass especially in color
3 : resembling the sound of a brass instrument
— brass·i·ly \ˈbras-ə-lē\ adv

— brass·i·ness \ˈbras-ē-nəs\ n

brat \ˈbrat\ n : CHILD 2A; esp : an ill-mannered annoying child
— brat·tish \ˈbrat-ish\ adj

— brat·ty \ˈbrat-ē\ adj

bra·va·do \brə-ˈväd-ō\ n, pl -does or -dos : a display of reckless or pretended bravery

1brave \ˈbrāv\ adj
1 : feeling or displaying no fear : COURAGEOUS
2 : making a fine show : SPLENDID <brave banners flying in the wind>
— brave·ly adv

2brave vb braved; brav·ing : to face or bear with courage <pioneers who braved the dangers of the frontier>

3brave n : one who is brave; esp : a North American Indian warrior

brav·ery \ˈbrāv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : the quality or state of being brave : FEARLESSNESS
2 a : fine clothes  b : impressive or showy display  synonyms see COURAGE

1bra·vo \ˈbräv-ō\ n, pl bravos or bravoes : VILLAIN 2, DESPERADO; esp : a hired assassin

2bra·vo \ˈbräv-ō, brä-ˈvō\ n, pl bravos : a shout of approval — often used to applaud a performance

brawl \ˈbrȯl\ vb
1 : to quarrel noisily : WRANGLE
2 : to make a loud confused noise
— brawl n

— brawl·er n

brawn \ˈbrȯn\ n
1 : full strong muscles
2 : muscular strength
3 British : the meat of a boar
— brawn·i·ness \ˈbrȯ-nē-nəs\ n

— brawny \ˈbrȯ-nē\ adj

bray \ˈbrā\ vb
1 : to utter the loud harsh cry of a donkey
2 : to produce a sound like the call of a donkey
— bray n

braze \ˈbrāz\ vb brazed; braz·ing : to join metals with an alloy that melts at a lower temperature than that of the metals joined

1bra·zen \ˈbrāz-ən\ adj
1 : made of brass
2 : sounding harsh and loud like struck brass
3 : not ashamed of or embarrassed by one's bad behavior : IMPUDENT
4 : of the color of polished brass
— bra·zen·ly adv

— bra·zen·ness \ˈbrāz-ən-(n)əs\ n

2brazen vb bra·zened; bra·zen·ing \ˈbrāz-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to face boldly or defiantly <an enemy who'd rather brazen it out than surrender>

bra·zier \ˈbrā-zhər\ n
1 : a pan for holding burning coals
2 : a utensil on which food is grilled

Bra·zil nut \brə-ˌzil-\ n : a large 3-sided oily edible nut that occurs packed inside the round fruit of a tall tree of tropical South America

1breach \ˈbrēch\ n
1 : violation of a law, duty, or tie <a breach of trust>
2 a : a broken or torn condition or area  b : a gap (as in a wall) made by breaking through
3 : a break in friendly relations
4 : a leap especially of a whale out of water

2breach vb
1 : to make a breach in
2 : 1BREAK 2, VIOLATE <breach an agreement>
3 : to leap out of water

1bread \ˈbred\ n
1 : a baked food made of flour or meal
2 : FOOD 1
3 slang : MONEY 1A

2bread vb : to cover with bread crumbs <breaded pork chops>

bread–and–butter \ˌbred-ən-ˈbət-ər\ adj
1 a : concerned with or being as basic as earning a living <bread-and-butter economic issues>  b : DEPENDABLE <bread-and-butter products that always sell>
2 : sent or given as thanks for hospitality <a bread-and-butter note>

bread·bas·ket \ˈbred-ˌbas-kət\ n
1 : a major cereal-producing region
2 slang : 1STOMACH 1

bread·fruit \-ˌfrüt\ n : a round usually seedless fruit that resembles bread in color and texture when baked; also : a tall tropical tree that is related to the mulberries and bears this fruit

bread·line \-ˌlīn\ n : a line of people waiting to receive free food

bread·stuff \-ˌstəf\ n
1 : a cereal product (as grain or flour)
2 : 1BREAD 1

breadth \ˈbredth, ˈbretth, ˈbreth\ n
1 : distance from side to side : WIDTH
2 a : something of full width  b : a wide area
3 : 1SCOPE 2 <breadth of knowledge>

bread·win·ner \ˈbred-ˌwin-ər\ n : a person whose wages provide support for his or her family

1break \ˈbrāk\ vb broke \ˈbrōk\; bro·ken \ˈbrō-kən\; break·ing
1 a : to separate into parts suddenly or forcibly <break a stick> <glass breaks easily> <break a bone>  b : to fracture a bone of <broke her arm>  c : to curl over and fall apart <waves breaking against the shore>
2 : to fail to keep : VIOLATE <broke the law> <break a promise>
3 a : to force a way <burglars broke into the house> <break out of jail>  b : to appear or burst forth suddenly <day was breaking in the east> <the storm broke> <pandemonium broke loose>  c : to become fair <wait for the weather to break>  d : to run suddenly <break for cover>  e : to penetrate the surface of <fish breaking water>
4 : to cut into and turn over the surface of <break ground for a new school>
5 a : to defeat completely : CRUSH <broke the revolt>  b : to lose or cause to lose health, strength, or spirit <broke under the strain> <broken by grief>  c : to lose or cause to lose the ability to function because of damage, wear, or strain <the TV set is broken> <I broke my watch>
6 : to reduce in rank
7 a : to bring to an end : STOP <break a habit> <broke silence>  b : to have or cause an interruption <we'll break to let local stations identify themselves> <broke in with a comment>
8 : to train an animal <break a horse to the saddle>
9 : to make known <break the news>
10 : to turn aside or lessen the force of <the bushes broke his fall>
11 : to do better than <broke the school record>
12 : 2OPEN 1A <break an electric circuit> <broke the shotgun to load it>
13 : SOLVE <broke the code>
14 a : to curve, drop, or change direction sharply <the pitch broke over the plate for a strike>  b : to change sharply in tone, pitch, or intensity <her voice broke>
— break·able \ˈbrā-kə-bəl\ adj

— break camp : to pack up and leave a camp or campsite

— break even : to reach a point (as in running a business) where profits match losses

— break into
1 : to begin suddenly <broke into a trot>
2 : to get a start <break into show business>

— break the ice : to make a beginning especially in friendly relations

— break wind : to expel gas from the intestine

2break n
1 : an act, action, or result of breaking
2 : a gap in an electric circuit interrupting the flow of current
3 a : a short rest from or an interruption of work, duty, or studies  b : a planned interruption in a radio or television program  c : a noticeable change (as in a surface, course, movement, or direction)  d : a sudden run : DASH
4 : a place or situation at which a break occurs : GAP
5 : a stroke of luck <a bad break>; esp : a stroke of good luck <got all the breaks>
6 a : a favorable situation <a big break in show business>  b : favorable treatment <a tax break>

break·age \ˈbrā-kij\ n
1 a : the action of breaking  b : a quantity broken
2 : an allowance for things broken

break·down \ˈbrāk-ˌdau̇n\ n
1 a : a failure to function properly  b : a physical, mental, or nervous collapse
2 : DECOMPOSITION
3 : division into categories : CLASSIFICATION

break down \ˈbrāk-ˈdau̇n\ vb
1 : to stop working properly <the car broke down on the highway>
2 a : to separate (as a chemical compound) into simpler substances : DECOMPOSE  b : to go through decomposition
3 : to separate or become separated into parts or groups <this report breaks down into three sections>
4 a : to become overwhelmed by strong emotion <broke down and cried>  b : to lose the strength to resist or fight <broke down and confessed>
5 : to use force to push (something) to the ground <break down a door>

break·er \ˈbrā-kər\ n
1 : a person or thing that breaks something
2 : a wave breaking into foam against the shore

break·fast \ˈbrek-fəst\ n : the first meal of the day
— breakfast vb

break–in \ˈbrā-ˌkin\ n : an act or instance of breaking in

break in \(ˈ)brā-ˈkin\ vb
1 : to enter a house or building by force
2 a : to make used to an activity <breaking in a new employee>  b : to overcome the newness or stiffness of <breaking in a new pair of shoes>

break·neck \ˌbrāk-ˌnek\ adj : very fast or dangerous <breakneck speed>

break off vb : to stop suddenly

break out vb
1 : to develop or erupt suddenly and with force <fire broke out> <a riot broke out>
2 : to develop a skin rash <broke out in hives>

break·through \ˈbrāk-ˌthrü\ n : a sudden advance in knowledge or technique <a breakthrough in medical science>

break·up \ˈbrā-ˌkəp\ n : an act or an instance of breaking up

break up \(ˈ)brā-ˈkəp\ vb
1 : to separate into parts <enzymes help break up protein molecules>
2 : to bring or come to an end <the police broke up the demonstration> <the party began to break up>
3 : to end a romance <they dated for a while but broke up>
4 : to go or cause to go into a fit of laughter <that joke always breaks me up>

break·wa·ter \ˈbrāk-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : an offshore structure (as a wall) to protect a harbor or beach from the force of waves

bream \ˈbrim, ˈbrēm\ n, pl bream or breams
1 : any of various freshwater fishes; esp : any of several sunfishes (as a bluegill)
2 : any of several saltwater fishes related to the porgy

1breast \ˈbrest\ n
1 : either of two milk-producing glands extending from the front of the chest in the human female and some other mammals; also : MAMMARY GLAND
2 : the front part of the body between the neck and the abdomen
3 : the center of emotion
4 : something resembling a breast
— breast·ed \ˈbres-təd\ adj

2breast vb : to face or oppose bravely : CONFRONT <breasted the waves> <breast a storm>

breast·bone \ˈbres(t)-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn\ n : STERNUM

breast–feed \ˈbrest-ˌfēd\ vb -fed \-ˌfed\; -feed·ing : to feed a baby from a mother's breast

breast·plate \ˈbres(t)-ˌplāt\ n : metal armor for covering the breast

breast·stroke \ˈbres(t)-ˌstrōk\ n : a swimming stroke performed by extending the arms in front of the head while drawing the knees forward and outward and then sweeping the arms back with palms out while kicking backward and outward

breast·work \ˈbrest-ˌwərk\ n : a wall thrown together to serve as a defense in battle

breath \ˈbreth\ n
1 a : air filled with a fragrance or odor  b : a slight indication : SUGGESTION <a faint breath of scandal>
2 a : the ability to breathe  b : an act of breathing  c : BREATHER 2
3 : a slight breeze
4 a : air inhaled and exhaled in breathing  b : something (as moisture on a cold surface) produced by breathing
5 : a spoken sound
— out of breath : breathing very rapidly (as from hard exercise)

breathe \ˈbrēth\ vb breathed; breath·ing
1 : to draw air into and expel it from the lungs
2 : 1LIVE 1
3 : to blow softly
4 : to send out by exhaling <breathe a sigh of relief>
5 : to bring by or as if by breathing <breathe new life into the movement>
6 : to say quietly or softly <don't breathe a word to anybody>
7 : to allow to rest after hard work <breathe a horse>
8 : to take in in breathing <breathe the scent of roses>
9 : to allow air or moisture to pass through <a fabric that breathes>
— breath·able \ˈbrē-thə-bəl\ adj

breath·er \ˈbrē-thər\ n
1 : one that breathes
2 : a pause for rest : BREAK

breathing tube n
1 : a trachea or bronchial tube of an air-breathing vertebrate
2 : TRACHEA 2
3 : a usually small plastic tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an unobstructed passageway especially to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs

breath·less \ˈbreth-ləs\ adj
1 a : not breathing  b : 1DEAD 1
2 a : panting or gasping for breath  b : BREATHTAKING 1
3 : difficult to bear because of lack of fresh air or breeze <a hot breathless day>
— breath·less·ly adv

— breath·less·ness n

breath·tak·ing \ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ\ adj
1 : making one out of breath <breathtaking speed>
2 : EXCITING, THRILLING <breathtaking beauty>
— breath·tak·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adv

brec·cia \ˈbrech-(ē-)ə\ n : a rock composed of sharp pieces surrounded by a fine-grained material

1breech \ˈbrēch\ n
1 pl \ˈbrich-əz also ˈbrē-chəz\  a : short trousers fitting snugly at or just below the knee  b : PANTS 1
2 : BUTTOCK 2A
3 : the part of a gun at the rear of the barrel

2breech adj : involving or being a fetus in which the buttocks or legs rather than the head are situated to emerge first through the birth canal <a breech delivery>
— breech adv

breech·cloth \-ˌklȯth\ n : LOINCLOTH

breech·clout \ˈbrēch-ˌklau̇t\ n : LOINCLOTH [from breech and clout “cloth”]

1breed \ˈbrēd\ vb bred \ˈbred\; breed·ing
1 : to produce (plants or animals) by sexual reproduction <breed cattle>
2 : to produce offspring by sexual reproduction
3 : BRING UP 1, TRAIN <born and bred in this town>
4 : BRING ABOUT, CAUSE <familiarity breeds contempt>
5 : to produce (a fissionable element) by bombarding an element that is not fissionable with neutrons from a radioactive element so that more fissionable material is produced than is used up
— breed·er n

2breed n
1 : a group of animals or plants usually found only under human care and different from related kinds <a breed of cattle>
2 : KIND, CLASS

breed·ing n
1 : ANCESTRY 1
2 : training especially in manners
3 : the producing and raising of plants or animals by sexual reproduction

breeding ground n
1 : the place where animals go to breed
2 : a place or situation that helps or allows something to grow or develop <an expanse of warm ocean that is a breeding ground for hurricanes>

1breeze \ˈbrēz\ n
1 : a gentle wind
2 : something easy to do <the test was a breeze>

2breeze vb breezed; breez·ing
1 : to move quickly and lightly <look who just breezed in>
2 : to proceed easily

breeze·way \ˈbrēz-ˌwā\ n : an open passage connecting two buildings (as a house and garage)

breezy \ˈbrē-zē\ adj breez·i·er; -est
1 : somewhat windy
2 : lively and somewhat carefree
— breez·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— breez·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

breth·ren \ˈbreth-(ə-)rən, ˈbreth-ərn\ plural of BROTHER — used chiefly in formal or solemn address

Bret·on \ˈbret-ən\ n : a person born or living in Brittany

breve \ˈbrēv, ˈbrev\ n : a mark ˘ placed over a vowel to show that the vowel is short [from Latin breve, brevis “short, brief” — related to BRIEF]

bre·via·ry \ˈbrē-v(y)ə-rē, -vē-ˌer-ē\ n, pl -ries : a book containing prayers, hymns, and readings especially for priests for each day of the year

brev·i·ty \ˈbrev-ət-ē\ n : the condition of being brief

1brew \ˈbrü\ vb
1 : to make (as beer or ale) from water, malt, and hops
2 : to try to bring about : PLOT, PLAN <brew mischief>
3 : to prepare (as tea) by soaking in hot water
4 : to start to form <a storm is brewing>
— brew·er \ˈbrü-ər, ˈbru̇(-ə)r\ n

2brew n : a brewed beverage

brewer's yeast n : a yeast used or suitable for use in brewing; also : the dried ground-up cells of such a yeast used as a source of the vitamin B complex

brew·ery \ˈbrü-ə-rē, ˈbru̇(-ə)r-ē\ n, pl -er·ies : a plant where malt liquors are brewed

1bri·ar or bri·er \ˈbrī(-ə)r\ n : a plant (as a rose) with a thorny or prickly usually woody stem; also : a mass or twig of these [Old English brēr “thorny plant”]
— briary adj

2briar or brier n : a pipe for smoking tobacco made from the root or stem of a European heath [short for briar pipe, from briar “wood of the European heath,” from French bruyère “heath”]

1bribe \ˈbrīb\ n : something given or promised to a person in order to influence a decision or action dishonestly

2bribe vb bribed; brib·ing : to influence or try to influence by a bribe
— brib·able \ˈbrī-bə-bəl\ adj

— brib·er n

brib·ery \ˈbrī-b(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : the act or practice of bribing

bric–a–brac \ˈbrik-ə-ˌbrak\ n : small ornamental articles

1brick \ˈbrik\ n
1 a pl bricks or brick : a building or paving material made from clay molded into blocks and baked  b : a block made of brick
2 : a block shaped like a brick <a brick of ice cream>
3 : a semisoft mild-flavored cheese
4 : a badly missed shot in basketball

2brick vb
1 : to close, face, or pave with bricks
2 : to cause (an electronic device) to become nonfunctional (as by damage, hacking, or software changes)

brick·bat \ˈbrik-ˌbat\ n : a piece of a hard material (as a brick)

brick·lay·er \ˈbrik-ˌlā-ər, -ˌle(-ə)r\ n : a person who builds with bricks
— brick·lay·ing \-ˌlā-iŋ\ n

brick·work \ˈbrik-ˌwərk\ n : work made of bricks and mortar

1brid·al \ˈbrīd-əl\ n : WEDDING

2bridal adj : of or relating to a bride or a wedding

bride \ˈbrīd\ n : a woman just married or about to be married

bride·groom \-ˌgrüm, -ˌgru̇m\ n : a man just married or about to be married

brides·maid \ˈbrīdz-ˌmād\ n : a woman who attends a bride at her wedding

1bridge \ˈbrij\ n
1 : a structure built over something (as a river or a railroad) so people can cross
2 : a platform above and across the deck of a ship for the captain or officer in charge
3 a : something resembling a bridge (as the upper part of the nose)  b : music that connects the sections of a song or composition
4 : a curved piece that raises the strings of a musical instrument
5 : an artificial replacement for one or more teeth that is fastened to the remaining nearby teeth [Old English brycg “bridge”]

2bridge vb bridged; bridg·ing : to make a bridge over or across <bridge a gap>
— bridge·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

3bridge n : a card game for four players in two teams [origin unknown]

bridge·head \ˈbrij-ˌhed\ n : a position seized in enemy territory as a place to begin a further advance

1bri·dle \ˈbrīd-əl\ n
1 : a device for controlling a horse made up of a set of straps enclosing the head, a bit, and a pair of reins
2 : something that works or is used like a bridle
3 : RESTRAINT 2 <set a bridle on his power>

2bridle vb bri·dled; bri·dling \ˈbrīd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to put a bridle on
2 : to hold back with or as if with a bridle <bridled her anger>
3 : to hold the head high and draw in the chin as a show of resentment <bridle at criticism>

bridle path n : a path for horseback riding

1brief \ˈbrēf\ adj : not very long : SHORT [Middle English bref, breve “short, brief,” from early French brief, bref (same meaning), from Latin brevis “short” — related to BREVE]
— brief·ly adv

— brief·ness n

2brief n
1 : a brief statement of the case a lawyer will present in court
2 pl : short snug underpants [Middle English bref “formal letter,” from early French bref (same meaning), derived from Latin brevis “summary,” from earlier brevis (adjective) “short, brief”]

3brief vb : to give information or instructions to

brief·case \ˈbrēf-ˌkās\ n : a flat case for carrying papers or books

brier variant of BRIAR

1brig \ˈbrig\ n : a square-rigged sailing ship with two masts

2brig n : a place (as on a ship) for temporary imprisonment of offenders in the U.S. Navy

bri·gade \brig-ˈād\ n
1 : a body of soldiers consisting of two or more regiments
2 : a group of people organized for acting together <a fire brigade>

brig·a·dier general \ˌbrig-ə-ˈdi(ə)r-\ n : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below major general

brig·and \ˈbrig-ənd\ n : BANDIT

brig·an·tine \ˈbrig-ən-ˌtēn\ n : a square-rigged ship with two masts but without a square mainsail

bright \ˈbrīt\ adj
1 : giving off or filled with much light
2 : very clear or vivid in color
3 : INTELLIGENT 1B, CLEVER <a bright child> <a bright idea>
4 : CHEERFUL 1 <a bright smile>
5 : full of promise <a bright future>
— bright adv

— bright·ly adv

— bright·ness n
synonyms BRIGHT, SHINING, BRILLIANT, RADIANT, mean giving off strong light. BRIGHT applies to a light that is strong when compared to other lights from a similar source <a bright star>. SHINING suggests steady or constant brightness <the shining moon>. BRILLIANT suggests the giving off of a striking, strong, or sparkling light <a brilliant display of fireworks>. RADIANT stresses the giving off or the apparent giving off of rays of light <the sun is a radiant body> <radiant with joy>.

bright·en \ˈbrīt-ən\ vb bright·ened; bright·en·ing \ˈbrīt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become bright or brighter

bril·liance \ˈbril-yən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being brilliant

bril·lian·cy \ˈbril-yən-sē\ n, pl -cies : BRILLIANCE

1bril·liant \ˈbril-yənt\ adj
1 : flashing with light : very bright <brilliant jewels>
2 a : very impressive <a brilliant career>  b : very smart or clever <a brilliant student> <a brilliant idea>
— bril·liant·ly adv

2brilliant n : a gem (as a diamond) cut so as to sparkle

1brim \ˈbrim\ n
1 : the edge or rim of something hollow (as a container) <full to the brim>
2 : the part of a hat that sticks out around the lower edge
— brim·ful \-ˈfu̇l\ adj

— brim·less \-ləs\ adj

— brimmed adj

2brim vb brimmed; brim·ming : to be or become full to overflowing <brimming with happiness> <eyes brimming with tears> <boats brimming with tourists>

brim·stone \ˈbrim-ˌstōn\ n : SULFUR

brin·dle \ˈbrin-dəl\ n : a brindled color or animal

brin·dled \ˈbrin-dəld\ or brindle adj : having faint dark streaks or spots on a gray or tawny background <a brindled cow>

brine \ˈbrīn\ n
1 : water containing a great deal of salt
2 : the water of a sea or salt lake

brine shrimp n : any of a genus of crustaceans found especially in salt lakes

bring \ˈbriŋ\ vb brought \ˈbrȯt\; bring·ing \ˈbriŋ-iŋ\
1 : to cause to come with oneself by carrying or leading especially to the place from which the action is viewed <bring a lunch>
2 : to cause to reach a certain state or take a certain action <bring water to a boil> <couldn't bring myself to say it>
3 : to cause to arrive or exist <winter will bring snow> <bring legal action>
4 : to sell for <will bring a good price>
— bring·er n

— bring forth : to give birth to : PRODUCE

— bring forward
1 : INTRODUCE 3B <brought new evidence forward>
2 : to carry (a total) to the next line of an account (as in a checkbook) <what is the balance brought forward>

— bring to light : to make known or capable of being seen

— bring to mind : 1RECALL 2B

— bring up the rear : to come last

bring about vb : to cause to happen : ACCOMPLISH

bring off vb : to bring to a successful conclusion <I knew you could bring it off>

bring out vb
1 : to develop fully <a difficult task seems to bring out your best>
2 : to produce and offer for sale <bring out a new book>

bring to vb : to bring back from unconsciousness : REVIVE

bring up vb
1 : to bring to maturity through care and education <bring up a child>
2 : to bring to attention : INTRODUCE <I hate to keep bringing this up>

brink \ˈbriŋk\ n
1 : the edge at the top of a steep place
2 : a point of beginning : VERGE <on the brink of war>

brink·man·ship \ˈbriŋk-mən-ˌship\ n : the practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the limit of safety before stopping

briny \ˈbrī-nē\ adj brin·i·er; -est : of, relating to, or resembling salt water : SALTY
— brin·i·ness n

bri·quette or bri·quet \brik-ˈet\ n : a compact mass of powdery or ground-up material pressed together and molded <charcoal briquettes>

bris also briss \ˈbris\ n : the Jewish rite of circumcision

brisk \ˈbrisk\ adj
1 : very active or alert : LIVELY
2 : very refreshing <brisk autumn weather>
3 : ENERGETIC, QUICK <a brisk pace>
— brisk·ly adv

— brisk·ness n

bris·ket \ˈbris-kət\ n : the breast or lower chest of a four-footed animal; also : a cut of beef from the brisket

1bris·tle \ˈbris-əl\ n : a short stiff hair or something like a hair
— bris·tled \-əld\ adj

— bris·tly \-(ə-)lē\ adj

2bristle vb bris·tled; bris·tling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to rise up and stiffen like bristles <makes your hair bristle> <quills bristling in all directions>
2 : to show signs of anger <bristled at the insult>
3 : to appear as if covered with bristles <a harbor bristling with the masts of ships>
— bris·tly \-(ə-)lē\ adj

bris·tle·cone pine \ˌbris-əl-ˌkōn-\ n : either of two pines of the western U.S. that include the oldest living trees

Bri·tan·nia metal \bri-ˌtan-yə-\ n : a silver-white alloy that is similar to pewter and consists largely of tin, antimony, and copper

britch·es \ˈbrich-əz\ n pl : 1BREECH 1, PANTS 1

1Brit·ish \ˈbrit-ish\ n
1 pl British : the people of Great Britain or their descendants
2 : the English language as spoken in England

2British adj
1 : of or relating to the original people of Britain
2 a : of or relating to Great Britain or the British  b : 1ENGLISH

Brit·ish·er \ˈbrit-ish-ər\ n : a British person

British thermal unit n : the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at a specified temperature (as 39°F or 60°F) and equal to about 1055 joules — called also Btu

Brit·on \ˈbrit-ən\ n
1 : a member of one of the peoples living in Britain before the Anglo-Saxon invasions
2 : BRITISHER

Brit·ta·ny spaniel \ˌbrit-ə-nē-\ n : any of a French breed of medium-sized pointers that resemble spaniels

1brit·tle \ˈbrit-əl\ adj brit·tler \ˈbrit-lər, -əl-ər\; brit·tlest \-ləst, -əl-əst\ : easily broken, cracked, or snapped <brittle glass>
— brit·tle·ness \ˈbrit-əl-nəs\ n

2brittle n : a hard candy made with sugar and nuts and spread in thin sheets <peanut brittle>

brittle star n : any of a group of sea animals similar to the related starfishes but having slender flexible arms

bro \ˈbrō\ n
1 : BROTHER 1
2 : BROTHER 3

1broach \ˈbrōch\ n : any of various pointed or narrowed tools or parts; esp : one used for shaping a hole already bored

2broach vb
1 : to make a hole in (as a cask) in order to draw off the contents
2 : to bring up for discussion <broach a subject>
3 : to break the surface (as of water) from below <saw a submarine broaching>

broad \ˈbrȯd\ adj
1 : not narrow : WIDE <a broad stripe>
2 : extending far and wide : SPACIOUS <broad prairies>
3 : 1FULL 2C <broad daylight>
4 : very clear : OBVIOUS <a broad hint>
5 : not limited : large in range or amount <a broad choice of subjects> <education in its broadest sense>
6 : not covering the fine points : GENERAL <broad outlines of a problem>
7 : pronounced like the a in father
— broad·ly adv

— broad·ness n

broad·ax or broad·axe \ˈbrȯd-ˌaks\ n : an ax with a broad blade

broad·band adj : of, relating to, or being a high-speed communications network <a broadband Internet connection>
— broadband n

broad bean n
1 : an Old World upright vetch widely grown for its seeds and as fodder
2 : the large flat edible seed of a broad bean

1broad·cast \ˈbrȯd-ˌkast\ adj
1 : scattered in all directions
2 : made public by means of radio or television

2broadcast vb broadcast also broad·cast·ed; broad·cast·ing
1 : to scatter or sow over a broad area
2 : to make widely known <a secret that I wouldn't want broadcast to the whole world>
3 : to send out by radio or television
— broad·cast·er n

3broadcast adv : so as to spread far and wide

4broadcast n
1 : the act of sending sound or images by radio or television
2 : a single radio or television program

broad·cloth \ˈbrȯd-ˌklȯth\ n : a fine cloth with a firm smooth surface

broad·en \ˈbrȯd-ən\ vb broad·ened; broad·en·ing \ˈbrȯd-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become broad or broader <broaden your horizons>

broad jump n : LONG JUMP
— broad jumper n

broad–leaved \ˈbrȯd-ˈlēvd\ or broad·leaf \-ˌlēf\ also broad–leafed \-ˈlēft\ adj
1 : having broad leaves; esp : having leaves that are not needles
2 : composed of broad-leaved plants <broad-leaved forests>

broad·loom \ˈbrȯd-ˌlüm\ adj : woven on a wide loom <broadloom rugs>
— broadloom n

broad–mind·ed \ˈbrȯd-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : willing to accept opinions, beliefs, or practices that are unusual or different from one's own
— broad–mind·ed·ly adv

— broad–mind·ed·ness n

1broad·side \ˈbrȯd-ˌsīd\ n
1 : the part of a ship's side above the waterline
2 : a firing of all of the guns that are on the same side of a ship
3 : a sheet of paper printed usually on one side (as an advertisement)
4 : a strongly worded attack <a broadside of criticism>

2broadside adv
1 : with one side forward : SIDEWAYS <turned broadside>
2 : from the side <hit the car broadside>

broad·sword \ˈbrȯd-ˌsō(ə)rd, -ˌsȯ(ə)rd\ n : a sword with a wide blade

Broad·way \ˈbrȯd-ˌwā, -ˈwā\ n : the world of the theater in New York City : the New York stage <a big star on Broadway>
— Broadway adj

bro·cade \brō-ˈkād\ n : a cloth with a raised design woven into it
— bro·cad·ed \-ˈkād-əd\ adj

broc·co·li \ˈbräk-(ə-)lē\ n : an open branching form of cauliflower that bears young flowering shoots used as a vegetable

bro·chure \brō-ˈshu̇(ə)r\ n : a pamphlet containing advertising or descriptive material

bro·gan \ˈbrō-gən, -ˌgan; brō-ˈgan\ n : a heavy shoe

1brogue \ˈbrōg\ n
1 : BROGAN
2 : a low shoe with decorative holes along the seams and often at the toe [from Irish bróg and Scottish Gaelic bròg “stout shoe,” derived from an early Norse word meaning “leg covering”]

2brogue n : a dialect or regional pronunciation; esp : an Irish accent [Irish barróg “accent, speech impediment,” literally, “wrestling grip, tight hold”]

broil \ˈbrȯi(ə)l\ vb
1 : to cook directly over or under heat
2 : to make or become extremely hot <broiling in the sun>

broil·er \ˈbrȯi-lər\ n
1 : a rack and pan or an oven equipped with a rack and pan for broiling meat
2 : a young chicken suitable for broiling

1broke past of BREAK

2broke \ˈbrōk\ adj : having no money : PENNILESS

bro·ken \ˈbrō-kən\ adj
1 : shattered into pieces <broken glass>
2 a : 1ROUGH 1A, UNEVEN <broken terrain>  b : having gaps or breaks <a broken line>
3 : not kept <a broken promise>
4 : subdued completely <a broken spirit>
5 : imperfectly spoken <broken English>
6 : having undergone fracture <a broken leg>
7 : having one parent missing (as because of divorce) <children from broken homes>
— bro·ken·ly adv

— bro·ken·ness \-kən-(n)əs\ n

bro·ken–down \ˌbrō-kən-ˈdau̇n\ adj : WORN-OUT 1, WEAK

bro·ken·heart·ed \ˌbrō-kən-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : overwhelmed by grief

bro·ker \ˈbrō-kər\ n : a person who acts as an agent in the purchase and sale of property

bro·ker·age \ˈbrō-k(ə-)rij\ n
1 : the business of a broker
2 : the fee or commission charged by a broker

bro·mide \ˈbrō-ˌmīd\ n : any of various compounds of bromine with another element or a chemical group including some used as sedatives

bro·mine \ˈbrō-ˌmēn\ n : an element that is a deep red liquid that has two atoms per molecule, gives off an irritating reddish brown vapor of disagreeable odor, and tends to eat into other matter — see ELEMENT TABLE

brom·thy·mol blue \ˌbrōm-ˌthī-ˌmȯl-, -ˌmōl-\ n : a dye that is an acid-base indicator — called also bro*mo*thy*mol blue \ˌbrō-mō-\

bronc \ˈbräŋk\ n : BRONCO

bron·chi·al \ˈbräŋ-kē-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or involving the bronchi or their branches

bronchial tube n : a primary bronchus or any of its branches

bron·chi·ole \ˈbräŋ-kē-ˌōl\ n : a tiny thin-walled branch of a bronchial tube

bron·chi·tis \brän-ˈkīt-əs, bräŋ-\ n : inflammation of the bronchial tubes or a disease marked by this

bron·chus \ˈbräŋ-kəs\ n, pl bron·chi \ˈbräŋ-ˌkī, -ˌkē\ : either of the main divisions of the trachea each leading to a lung

bron·co \ˈbräŋ-kō\ n, pl broncos
1 : an untamed or partly tamed horse of western North America
2 : MUSTANG 1

bron·to·sau·rus \ˌbränt-ə-ˈsȯr-əs\ also bron·to·saur \ˈbränt-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r\ n : any of several very large four-footed plant-eating dinosaurs [derived from Greek brontē “thunder” and Greek sauros “lizard”]

1bronze \ˈbränz\ vb bronzed; bronz·ing : to make bronze in color

2bronze n
1 : an alloy of copper and tin and sometimes other elements (as zinc)
2 : something (as a medal or a statue) made of bronze
3 : a yellowish brown color
4 : a bronze medal awarded as the third prize in a competition
— bronzy \ˈbrän-zē\ adj

Bronze Age n : a period of human culture marked by the use of bronze (as for weapons and tools) that began between 4000 and 3000 b.c.

brooch \ˈbrōch, ˈbrüch\ n : an ornamental pin or clasp worn on clothing

1brood \ˈbrüd\ n : a family of young animals or children; esp : the young (as of a bird) hatched or cared for at one time

2brood vb
1 : to sit on eggs in order to hatch them
2 : to cover young with the wings
3 : to think long and anxiously about something <brooded over his mistake>
— brood·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

3brood adj : kept for breeding <a brood mare> <a brood flock>

brood·er \ˈbrüd-ər\ n
1 : a person or animal that broods
2 : a heated structure for raising young poultry

broody \ˈbrüd-ē\ adj : being in a condition to brood eggs <a broody hen>

1brook \ˈbru̇k\ vb : TOLERATE 1 <brooks no interference> [Old English brūcan “to use, enjoy”]

2brook n : a small stream [Old English brōc “brook, creek”]

brook·let \ˈbru̇k-lət\ n : a small brook

brook trout n : a common speckled cold-water char of eastern North America

broom \ˈbrüm, ˈbru̇m\ n
1 : a plant of the legume family that has long slender branches along which grow many drooping yellow flowers
2 : a brush that has a long handle and is used for sweeping

broom·stick \-ˌstik\ n : the handle of a broom

bros plural of BRO

broth \ˈbrȯth\ n, pl broths \ˈbrȯths, ˈbrȯthz\
1 : liquid in which food has been cooked
2 : a fluid culture medium

broth·er \ˈbrəth-ər\ n, pl brothers also breth·ren \ˈbreth- (ə-)rən, ˈbreth-ərn\
1 : a male who has one or both parents in common with another
2 : a male relative
3 : a fellow member of a group

broth·er·hood \ˈbrəth-ər-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : the state of being brothers or a brother
2 : an association of people for a particular purpose
3 : the persons engaged in the same business or profession

broth·er–in–law \ˈbrəth-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ, ˈbrəth-ərn-ˌlȯ\ n, pl broth·ers–in–law \ˈbrəth-ər-zən-\
1 : the brother of one's husband or wife
2 : the husband of one's sister

broth·er·ly \ˈbrəth-ər-lē\ adj
1 : of or relating to brothers
2 : 1KINDLY 2, AFFECTIONATE
— broth·er·li·ness n

brougham \ˈbrü(-ə)m, ˈbrō-əm\ n : a light closed carriage pulled by horses with the driver outside in front [named for Henry Brougham 1778–1868 Scottish judge who designed the carriage]

brought past and past participle of BRING

brow \ˈbrau̇\ n
1 a : EYEBROW  b : FOREHEAD
2 : the upper edge of a steep slope

brow·beat \ˈbrau̇-ˌbēt\ vb -beat; brow·beat·en \-ˌbēt-ən\; -beat·ing : to frighten by a stern manner or threatening speech : BULLY

1brown \ˈbrau̇n\ adj
1 : of the color brown
2 : of dark or tanned complexion

2brown n : a color like that of coffee or chocolate that is a blend of red and yellow darkened by black
— brown·ish \ˈbrau̇-nish\ adj

3brown vb : to make or become brown

brown alga n : any of a group of mostly marine algae with the chlorophyll masked by brown coloring matter

brown–bag vb brown–bagged; brown–bag·ging : to carry one's lunch usually in a brown paper bag <brown-bagging it to the game>
— brown–bag adj

brown bear n : any of several bears that are mostly brown in color, are usually lumped together in a single species including the grizzly bear, and at one time inhabited much of North America from Alaska to northern Mexico as well as Europe and Asia

brown coal n : LIGNITE

brown dwarf n : an object in space that is much smaller and dimmer than a normal star

Brown·ian motion \ˌbrau̇-nē-ən-\ n : a random movement of microscopic particles in liquids or gases that results from collisions with molecules of the fluid surrounding the particles — called also Brownian movement [named for Robert Brown 1773–1858 Scottish scientist]

brown·ie \ˈbrau̇-nē\ n
1 : a good-natured elf believed to perform helpful services at night
2 cap : a member of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America from six through eight years of age
3 : a small square or rectangle of rich usually chocolate cake often containing nuts

brown·out \ˈbrau̇-ˌnau̇t\ n : a reduction in the use or availability of electric power; also : a period of dimmed lighting resulting from such reduction

brown rat n : the common rat that is found about human dwellings

brown recluse spider n : a poisonous spider especially of the southern and central U.S. that has a dark violin-shaped mark on the front half of its back

brown·stone \ˈbrau̇n-ˌstōn\ n
1 : a reddish brown sandstone used for building
2 : a dwelling covered with a layer of brownstone

brown sugar n : soft sugar whose crystals are covered by a film of purified dark syrup

brown trout n : a speckled European trout widely introduced as a game fish

brow·ridge \ˈbrau̇-ˌrij\ n : a prominent ridge on the bone above the eye caused by sinuses in the skull

1browse \ˈbrau̇z\ vb browsed; brows·ing
1 : to nibble or feed on leaves and shoots
2 : to read or look over something in a light or careless way

2browse n
1 : tender shoots and leaves used by animals for food
2 : an act or instance of browsing

brow·ser \ˈbraü-zər\ n
1 : one that browses
2 : a computer program providing access to information on a network and especially to websites

bru·in \ˈbrü-ən\ n : 1BEAR 1 [from Bruin, name of a bear in literature, from early Dutch bruin “brown”]

1bruise \ˈbrüz\ vb bruised; bruis·ing
1 a : to cause a bruise on  b : to become bruised
2 : to crush (as leaves or berries) by pounding
3 : to hurt the feelings of

2bruise n
1 : an injury (as from a blow) in which the skin is not broken but is discolored from the breaking of small blood vessels that lie underneath the skin : CONTUSION
2 : an injury to a plant or fruit that resembles a bruise

bruis·er \ˈbrü-zər\ n : a big husky person

1bruit \ˈbrüt\ n, archaic : 1REPORT 1A, RUMOR

2bruit vb : to spread by report or rumor

brunch \ˈbrənch\ n : a late breakfast, an early lunch, or a combination of the two [breakfast and lunch]

bru·net or bru·nette \brü-ˈnet\ adj : having brown or black hair and dark eyes
— brunet or brunette n

brung \ˈbrəŋ\ chiefly dialect past and past participle of BRING

brunt \ˈbrənt\ n : the main force or stress (as of an attack) <the brunt of the storm>

1brush \ˈbrəsh\ n
1 : BRUSHWOOD 1
2 a : short trees or shrubs of poor quality  b : land covered with brush [Middle English brusch “broken or cut twigs or branches,” from early French broce “small broken branches, brushwood”]

2brush n
1 : a tool made of bristles set in a back or handle and used especially for cleaning, smoothing, or painting
2 : a bushy tail (as of a fox or squirrel)
3 : a conductor for an electric current between a moving and a still part of an electric motor or generator
4 a : an act of brushing  b : a quick light stroke [Middle English brusshe “brush (for sweeping),” derived from early French broisse]
— brush·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

3brush vb
1 a : to clean, smooth, scrub, or paint with a brush  b : to apply with or as if with a brush
2 a : to remove with or as if with a brush <brush the lint off your coat>  b : to pay no attention to : DISMISS <brush off criticism>
3 : to pass lightly across : touch gently against in passing <twigs brushed my cheek>

4brush n : a brief fight or meeting <a brush with disaster> [Middle English brusche “a rush, collision,” from bruschen “to rush,” probably from early French brosser “to dash through underbrush,” from broce “brushwood”]

5brush vb : to move quickly past without stopping or paying attention <brushed by the reporters>

brush–off \ˈbrəsh-ˌȯf\ n : rude treatment or behavior by someone who is not interested at all in what another person wants or asks for

brush up vb : to refresh one's memory, skill, or knowledge <brush up on your Spanish>

brush·wood \ˈbrəsh-ˌwu̇d\ n
1 : small branches cut from trees or shrubs
2 : a heavy growth of small trees and shrubs

1brushy \ˈbrəsh-ē\ adj brush·i·er; -est : SHAGGY

2brushy adj brush·i·er; -est : covered with or full of brush or brushwood

brusque \ˈbrəsk\ adj : so short and frank in manner or speech as to be impolite <spoke in a brusque tone>
— brusque·ly adv

— brusqueness n

brus·sels sprout \ˌbrəs-əl-\ n, often cap B : one of the edible small green heads that grow on the stem of a plant related to the cabbage; also : this plant

bru·tal \ˈbrüt-əl\ adj : being cruel and inhuman : SAVAGE <a brutal attack>
— bru·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

bru·tal·i·ty \brü-ˈtal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being brutal
2 : a brutal act or course of action

1brute \ˈbrüt\ adj
1 : of or relating to beasts
2 : typical of beasts : like that of a beast <brute force> <brute strength>

2brute n
1 : 1ANIMAL 2A
2 : a brutal person

brut·ish \ˈbrüt-ish\ adj
1 : resembling, befitting, or typical of a brute or beast <lived a short and brutish life as a slave>
2 a : 2ANIMAL 2  b : showing little intelligence or sense <brutish lack of understanding>
— brut·ish·ly adv

— brut·ish·ness n

bry·o·phyl·lum \ˌbrī-ə-ˈfil-əm\ n : KALANCHOE

bry·o·phyte \ˈbrī-ə-ˌfīt\ n : any of a division of nonflowering green plants comprising the mosses and liverworts

Btu \ˌbē-ˌtē-ˈyü\ n : BRITISH THERMAL UNIT

1bub·ble \ˈbəb-əl\ vb bub·bled; bub·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to form or produce bubbles
2 : to flow with a gurgling sound <a brook bubbling over rocks>
3 : to be or become lively <bubbling with joy>

2bubble n
1 : a tiny round body of air or gas in a liquid <bubbles in boiling water>
2 : a thin film of liquid filled with air or gas <soap bubbles>
3 : a round body of air inside a solid <a bubble in glass>

bubble chamber n : a chamber of heated liquid in which the path of a charged particle is made visible by a string of vapor bubbles

bubble gum n : a chewing gum that can be blown into large bubbles

bub·bly \ˈbəb-(ə-)lē\ adj bub·bli·er; -est
1 : full of bubbles
2 : showing lively good spirits

bu·bo \ˈb(y)ü-bō\ n, pl buboes : an inflamed swelling of a lymph node especially in the groin
— bu·bon·ic \b(y)ü-ˈbän-ik\ adj

bubonic plague n : a form of plague that is spread especially from rats to humans by fleas and is marked by chills, fever, weakness, and buboes

buc·ca·neer \ˌbək-ə-ˈni(ə)r\ n : 1PIRATE
Word History In the 17th century Frenchmen living off the land on West Indian islands were known as boucaniers because they preserved meat by smoking it over a wooden grill. The grill was called a boucan, after the Brazilian Indian name for it. When some of these men took to the sea as pirates, the word boucanier continued to be applied to them, and was borrowed into English as buccaneer. [from French boucanier “hunter who smokes meat over a grill”]

1buck \ˈbək\ n, pl bucks
1 or pl buck : a male animal; esp : a male deer or antelope
2 a : 1MAN 1A  b : DANDY 1
3 a : DOLLAR 3B  b : a sum of money especially to be gained <make a quick buck>

2buck vb
1 a : to spring into the air with the back arched <a bucking horse>  b : to throw (as a rider) by bucking
2 : to move or act against the action of <bucking a storm> <buck a trend>
3 : to move or start jerkily
— buck·er n

3buck n : an act or instance of bucking

4buck n : RESPONSIBILITY <pass the buck> [short for buckhorn knife, formerly used in poker to mark the next player to deal]

buck·a·roo \ˌbək-ə-ˈrü, ˈbək-ə-ˌrü\ n, pl -roos : COWBOY [an altered form of Spanish vaquero “cowboy,” from vaca “cow,” from Latin vacca “cow” — related to VACCINE, VAQUERO; see Word History at VACCINE]

buck·board \ˈbək-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a four-wheeled vehicle with a floor made of long springy boards

buck·et \ˈbək-ət\ n
1 : a usually round container for catching, holding, or carrying liquids or solids : PAIL
2 : an object for collecting, scooping, or carrying something
3 : BUCKETFUL

bucket brigade n : a chain of persons acting to put out a fire by passing buckets of water from hand to hand

buck·et·ful \ˈbək-ət-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl buck·et·fuls \-ət-ˌfu̇lz\ or buck·ets·ful \-əts-ˌfu̇l\ : the amount a bucket holds; also : a large quantity

bucket seat n : a low seat for one person used chiefly in automobiles and airplanes

buck·eye \ˈbək-ˌī\ n : any of several trees or shrubs related to the horse chestnut; also : the large nutlike seed of a buckeye

1buck·le \ˈbək-əl\ n : a fastening device which is attached to one end of a belt or strap and through which the other end is passed and held

2buckle vb buck·led; buck·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to fasten with a buckle <buckle your seat belt>  b : to fasten a buckle <buckle up for safety>
2 : to apply oneself <buckle down to the job>
3 : to give way : BEND, CRUMPLE <the pavement buckled in the heat> <knees buckled>

3buckle n : a product of buckling

buck·ler \ˈbək-lər\ n : a small round shield worn on the arm

buck·ram \ˈbək-rəm\ n : a stiff fabric used in garments, hats, and bookbindings

buck·saw \ˈbək-ˌsȯ\ n : a saw set in a usually H-shaped frame that is used for sawing wood

buck·shot \-ˌshät\ n, pl buckshot or buckshots : a large shotgun pellet

buck·skin \-ˌskin\ n
1 a : the skin of a buck  b : a soft flexible leather
2 pl : buckskin breeches
3 : a horse of a dull yellowish color with black mane and tail

buck·tooth \-ˈtüth\ n : a large front tooth that sticks out
— buck–toothed \-ˈtütht\ adj

buck·wheat \ˈbək-ˌhwēt, -ˌwēt\ n : either of two plants with white or greenish flowers that are grown for their dark triangular seeds which are used as a cereal grain; also : the seeds of a buckwheat

bu·col·ic \byü-ˈkäl-ik\ adj : 1PASTORAL 1A, RURAL

1bud \ˈbəd\ n
1 : a small growth at the tip or on the side of a plant stem that later develops into a flower, leaf, or new shoot
2 : a flower that has not fully opened
3 : a part that grows out from the body of a plant or animal and develops into a new individual
4 : a stage in which something is not yet fully developed <trees in bud> <a plan still in the bud>

2bud vb bud·ded; bud·ding
1 : to set or put forth buds
2 : to be or develop like a bud (as in freshness and promise of growth) <a budding diplomat>
3 : to reproduce by the pinching off of a small part of the parent <budding yeast cells>
4 : to insert a bud from one plant into an opening cut in the bark of (another plant) in order to grow a desired variety

Bud·dhism \ˈbü-ˌdiz-əm, ˈbu̇d-ˌiz-\ n : a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Gautama Buddha
— Bud·dhist \ˈbüd-əst, ˈbu̇d-\ n or adj

— Bud·dhis·tic \bü-ˈdis-tik, bu̇-\ adj

bud·dy \ˈbəd-ē\ n, pl buddies : 1COMPANION 1, PAL

budge \ˈbəj\ vb budged; budg·ing
1 : 1MOVE 1
2 : GIVE IN, YIELD <wouldn't budge on their opinion>

bud·ger·i·gar \ˈbəj-(ə-)ri-ˌgär\ n : a small brightly colored Australian parrot often kept as a pet

1bud·get \ˈbəj-ət\ n
1 : 2SUPPLY 1A, QUANTITY
2 a : a statement of estimated income and expenses  b : a plan for using money  c : the amount of money available for some purpose [Middle English bowgette “small leather pouch,” derived from early French bouge “leather bag,” from Latin bulga “leather bag” — related to BULGE]
— bud·get·ary \ˈbəj-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj

2budget vb
1 : to put on or in a budget <budget $50 for entertainment>
2 : to provide funds for in a budget <budget a new car>
3 : to plan the use of <budget one's time>

bud·gie \ˈbəj-ē\ n : BUDGERIGAR

bud scale n : one of the leaves resembling scales that form the covering of a plant bud

1buff \ˈbəf\ n
1 : an orange yellow
2 : a device with a soft absorbent surface (as of cloth) for applying polishing material
3 : 3FAN, ENTHUSIAST <a tennis buff>

2buff adj : of the color buff

3buff vb : to polish with or as if with a buff

buf·fa·lo \ˈbəf-ə-ˌlō\ n, pl -lo or -loes : any of several wild mammals related to oxen: as  a : WATER BUFFALO  b : CAPE BUFFALO  c : a large shaggy-maned North American mammal with short horns and heavy forequarters with a large muscular hump
Word History The Greeks traveled over much of the ancient world, and Greek authors gave names to a number of unfamiliar animals. The African gazelle they called boubalos, apparently deriving part of the name from the Greek word bous, meaning “ox.” Later the Romans borrowed this Greek word, which they used for “gazelle” and for “wild ox.” In Latin the form was first bubalus and later bufalus. This Latin word for wild ox later passed into Italian as bufalo and into Spanish as búfalo. From these languages the English picked it up and gave it the spelling buffalo. When English settlers arrived in America, they gave the name buffalo to the big, shaggy animal that scientists prefer to call bison. [from Italian bufalo and Spanish búfalo, both meaning “wild ox,” from Latin bubalus, bufalus “wild ox, African gazelle,” from Greek boubalos “African gazelle,” probably from bous “ox, cow” — related to BUTTER]

buffalo grass n : a low-growing grass native to the Great Plains

buffalo wing n : a deep-fried chicken wing coated with a spicy sauce and usually served with a blue cheese dressing [named for Buffalo, NY]

1buf·fer \ˈbəf-ər\ n
1 : a device or material for reducing shock resulting from contact
2 : something that serves as a protective barrier
3 : a substance that in solution can neutralize both acids and bases
4 : a temporary storage unit (as in a computer); esp : one that accepts information at one rate and delivers it at another

2buffer vb buf·fered; buf·fer·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to lessen the shock of : CUSHION
2 : to treat (a solution) with a buffer; also : to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid
3 : to collect (as data) in a buffer

3buff·er \ˈbəf-ər\ n : one that buffs

buffer state n : a small neutral state lying between two larger rival powers

1buf·fet \ˈbəf-ət\ n : a blow especially with the hand [Middle English buffet “a blow with the hand,” derived from early French buffe “a blow”]

2buffet vb : to pound repeatedly : BATTER

3buf·fet \(ˌ)bə-ˈfā, bü-ˈfā, ˈbü-ˌfā\ n
1 : SIDEBOARD
2 : a meal set out on a sideboard, table, or countertop for guests to serve themselves [French]

buf·foon \(ˌ)bə-ˈfün\ n
1 : 1CLOWN 2
2 : a crude or stupid person

buf·foon·ery \(ˌ)bə-ˈfün-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ries : foolish or playful behavior

1bug \ˈbəg\ n
1 a : an insect (as a beetle) or other creeping or crawling invertebrate animal (as a centipede)  b : any of an order of insects (as bedbugs and stinkbugs) that have sucking mouthparts and the forewings part leathery and part membranous and that undergo incomplete metamorphosis — called also true bug
2 : an unexpected mistake or imperfection <a bug in a computer program>
3 : a disease-producing germ; also : a disease caused by it
4 : 3FAN, ENTHUSIAST <a camera bug>
5 : a concealed listening device

2bug vb bugged; bug·ging
1 : to place a concealed microphone in
2 : 1BOTHER 1, ANNOY
3 : 3FREAK — usually used with out

bug·a·boo \ˈbəg-ə-ˌbü\ n, pl -boos : BUGBEAR 2, BOGEY

bug·bear \ˈbəg-ˌba(ə)r, -ˌbe(ə)r\ n
1 : an imaginary creature used to frighten children
2 : something one is afraid of
3 : a continuing source of annoyance

bug–eyed \-ˌīd\ adj : having the eyes bulging (as in astonishment)

1bug·gy \ˈbəg-ē\ adj bug·gi·er; -est : full of bugs <it's too buggy outside> <a buggy computer program>

2buggy n, pl buggies
1 : a light carriage having a single seat and drawn by one horse
2 : a hand-pushed carriage for a baby

bu·gle \ˈbyü-gəl\ n : a brass musical instrument like the trumpet but without valves
— bugle vb

— bu·gler \-glər\ n
Word History In early English the word bugle meant “wild ox.” The horns of oxen were made into signaling devices for soldiers and hunters, first called bugle horns. Later this was shortened to bugle. [Middle English bugle “wild ox,” from early French bugle (same meaning), from Latin buculus “young steer”]

1build \ˈbild\ vb built \ˈbilt\; build·ing
1 : to make by putting together parts or materials : CONSTRUCT <build a house> <build a bridge>
2 : to produce or create gradually <build a winning team> <build up your strength>
3 : to move or grow toward a peak <excitement was building>

2build n : form or kind of structure; esp : PHYSIQUE

build·er \ˈbil-dər\ n : one that builds; esp : a person whose business is the construction of buildings

build·ing \ˈbil-diŋ\ n
1 : a permanent structure built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity or for storage <an office building>
2 : the art, work, or business of assembling materials into a structure

building block n : a unit of construction or composition

build·up \ˈbil-ˌdəp\ n
1 : something produced by building up
2 : the act or process of building up

built–in \ˈbil-ˈtin\ adj
1 : forming a permanent part of a structure or object <built-in bookcases>
2 : built into the ground <a built-in swimming pool>

bulb \ˈbəlb\ n
1 a : an underground resting stage of a plant (as an onion or tulip) consisting of a short stem base bearing one or more buds enclosed in overlapping leaves  b : a fleshy structure (as a tuber or corm) resembling a bulb in appearance or function
2 : a rounded object or part shaped more or less like a bulb <a flashlight bulb>

bulb·ous \ˈbəl-bəs\ adj
1 : having a bulb : growing from or bearing bulbs
2 : resembling a bulb in being rounded or swollen <a bulbous nose>

Bul·gar·i·an \ˌbəl-ˈgar-ē-ən, bu̇l-, -ˈger-\ n
1 : a person born or living in Bulgaria
2 : the Slavic language of the Bulgarians
— Bulgarian adj

1bulge \ˈbəlj\ vb bulged; bulg·ing
1 : to swell, curve outward, or stick out <bulging eyes>
2 : to be filled to overflowing <a bulging notebook>

2bulge n : a part that swells or sticks out [from early French boulge, bouge “leather bag,” from Latin bulga “leather bag” — related to BUDGET]

bul·gur \ˈbəl-gər, ˈbu̇l-\ n : dried cracked wheat [Turkish]

bu·lim·ia \bü-ˈlē-mē-ə, byü-\ n : a serious eating disorder mainly of young women that is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by intentional vomiting or laxative abuse
— bu·lim·ic \-ˈlē-mik\ adj

1bulk \ˈbəlk\ n
1 : greatness of size or mass : VOLUME
2 : a large body or mass
3 : the main or greater part <did the bulk of the work>
4 : FIBER 1F
— in bulk
1 : not divided into parts or packaged in separate units
2 : in large quantities <bought canned goods in bulk>

2bulk vb
1 : to cause to swell or bulge
2 : to appear as a consideration <an issue that bulks large in her mind>

3bulk adj : being in bulk <bulk foods>

bulk·head \ˈbəlk-ˌhed\ n
1 : a wall separating compartments
2 : an external structure with a sloping door leading to the cellar stairway of a house

bulky \ˈbəl-kē\ adj bulk·i·er; -est
1 : large in size or mass
2 : being large and hard to handle
— bulk·i·ness n

bull \ˈbu̇l\ n
1 a : an adult male bovine animal  b : an adult male of some other large animals (as an elephant, a moose, or a whale)
2 : a person who buys stocks or bonds in the expectation that the price will go up — compare BEAR 3
3 slang : POLICE OFFICER
— bull adj

— bullish \-ish\ adj

1bull·dog \ˈbu̇l-ˌdȯg\ n : any of a breed of stocky short-haired dogs with a broad square head and forelegs set widely apart that was developed in England to fight bulls

2bulldog adj : suggestive of a bulldog <bulldog courage>

3bulldog vb : to throw a steer by seizing the horns and twisting the neck

bull·doze \ˈbu̇l-ˌdōz\ vb bull·dozed; bull·doz·ing
1 : to move, clear, or level with a bulldozer
2 : to force as if by using a bulldozer <bulldozed their way through the crowd>

bull·doz·er \ˈbu̇l-ˌdō-zər\ n : a piece of earth-moving equipment that rides on tracks and has a broad blade for pushing (as in clearing land of trees)

bul·let \ˈbu̇l-ət\ n
1 : a usually cone-shaped lead pellet fixed in the front of a firearms cartridge
2 a : something like a bullet  b : a large dot used in print to call attention to a particular passage
3 : a very fast and accurately thrown or hit object (as a ball) [from early French boulette “small ball” and boulet “something thrown or shot,” from boule “ball,” from Latin bulla “bubble” — related to BOIL, BOWL]
— bul·let·ed \-ət-əd\ adj

bul·le·tin \ˈbu̇l-ət-ən\ n : a brief public notice usually from an informed or official source <news bulletin>

bulletin board n
1 : a board for posting notices (as at a school)
2 : a place on a computer network (as the Internet) where people can leave or read public messages

bul·let·proof \ˈbül-ət-ˌprüf\ adj : so made as to prevent the passing through of bullets <bulletproof glass>

bullet train n : a very high-speed passenger train

bull·fight \ˈbu̇l-ˌfīt\ n : a public entertainment in which people excite bulls, display daring in escaping their charges, and finally kill them
— bull·fight·er n

— bull·fight·ing n

bull·frog \-ˌfrȯg, -ˌfräg\ n : a large heavy frog that makes a booming or bellowing sound

bull·head \-ˌhed\ n : any of various fishes with large heads; esp : any of several common freshwater catfishes of the U.S.

bull·head·ed \ˈbu̇l-ˈhed-əd\ adj : STUBBORN 1
— bull·head·ed·ness n

bull·horn \ˈbu̇l-ˌhȯ(ə)rn\ n : a handheld combined microphone and loudspeaker

bul·lion \ˈbu̇l-yən\ n : gold or silver especially in bars or blocks

bull·mastiff \ˈbu̇l-ˌmas-təf\ n : any of a breed of large powerful dogs developed by crossing bulldogs with mastiffs

bull·ock \ˈbu̇l-ək\ n
1 : a young bull
2 : 1STEER 1

bull pen n
1 : a large cell where prisoners are held until brought into court
2 a : a place on a baseball field where relief pitchers warm up  b : the relief pitchers of a team

bull's–eye \ˈbu̇l-ˌzī\ n
1 : a round hard candy
2 a : the center of a target  b : a shot that hits the center of a target

bull snake n : any of several large harmless North American snakes feeding chiefly on rodents

bull terrier n : any of a breed of short-haired terriers developed in England by crossing the bulldog with terriers

1bul·ly \ˈbu̇l-ē\ n, pl bullies : a person who purposely hurts, intimidates, threatens, or ridicules another usually more vulnerable person especially repeatedly

2bully vb bul·lied; bul·ly·ing : to act like a bully toward

bul·rush \ˈbu̇l-ˌrəsh\ n : any of several large sedges or rushes growing in wet land or water

bul·wark \ˈbu̇l-(ˌ)wərk, -ˌwȯrk; ˈbəl-(ˌ)wərk\ n
1 : a solid structure like a wall built for defense
2 : a strong support or protection
3 : the side of a ship above the upper deck — usually used in plural [Middle English bulwerke “bulwark,” from early Dutch bolwerc (same meaning) — related to BOULEVARD]

1bum \ˈbəm\ n : BUTTOCK 2A [Middle English bom]

2bum adj
1 a : INFERIOR 3, WORTHLESS <bum advice>  b : not true or deserved <a bum rap>  c : not enjoyable <a bum trip>
2 : unable to work properly : DISABLED <a bum knee> [perhaps from {h,4}bum]

3bum vb bummed; bum·ming
1 : to wander around avoiding work
2 : to obtain by asking or begging <bum a ride> [probably from bummer “one who avoids work”]

4bum n
1 : a person who avoids work and tries to live off others
2 : 2TRAMP 1, HOBO [probably short for bummer “one who avoids work,” probably from German Bummler “loafer”]

5bum vb : SADDEN — usually used with out <the news really bummed me out> [probably from bummer]

bum·ble·bee \ˈbəm-bəl-ˌbē\ n : any of numerous large hairy social bees

bum·mer \ˈbəm-ər\ n
1 : an unpleasant experience, event, or situation
2 : something that fails : FLOP [{h,2}bum]

1bump \ˈbəmp\ n
1 : a forceful blow, shock, or jolt
2 : a rounded lump; esp : a swelling of tissue (as from a blow)

2bump vb
1 : to strike or knock against something with force or violence
2 : to move along unevenly : JOLT
— bump into : to meet especially by chance

1bum·per \ˈbəm-pər\ adj : unusually large or fine <a bumper crop>

2bump·er \ˈbəm-pər\ n : a device for absorbing shock or preventing damage (as in collision); esp : a bar at the front or back of a motor vehicle

bumper car n : a small electric car made to be driven around in an enclosure and to be bumped into others (as in an amusement park)

bump·kin \ˈbəm(p)-kən\ n : 2RUSTIC, YOKEL

bumpy \ˈbəm-pē\ adj bump·i·er; -est : marked by bumps or bumping <a bumpy ride> <bumpy skin>
— bump·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adv

— bump·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ n

bun \ˈbən\ n
1 : a sweet or plain small bread; esp : a round roll
2 : a knot of hair shaped like a bun

1bunch \ˈbənch\ n
1 : a number of things of the same kind <a bunch of grapes>
2 : 1GROUP 1, COLLECTION <a bunch of friends>
3 : a large amount : LOT <a bunch of money>
— bunchy \ˈbən-chē\ adj

2bunch vb : to gather in a bunch

bunch·grass \ˈbənch-ˌgras\ n : any of several grasses chiefly of the western U.S. that grow in bunches

1bun·dle \ˈbən-dəl\ n
1 a : a number of things fastened or wrapped together : PACKAGE, PARCEL  b : 1BUNCH
2 a : a small band of mostly parallel fibers (as of nerve)  b : VASCULAR BUNDLE

2bundle vb bun·dled; bun·dling \ˈbən-(d)liŋ, -dəl-iŋ\
1 : to make into a bundle : WRAP
2 : to hurry off : HUSTLE <bundled us off to school>
— bun·dler \-dlər, -dəl-ər\ n

bundle up vb : to dress warmly

1bung \ˈbəŋ\ n
1 : the stopper in the bunghole of a barrel
2 : BUNGHOLE

2bung vb : to plug with or as if with a bung

bun·ga·low \ˈbəŋ-gə-ˌlō\ n : a house with a single story and a roof with a low slope; also : a house having one and a half stories and usually a front porch [from Hindi baṅglā, literally, “(house) in the style of Bengal”]

bun·gee \ˈbən-jē\ n : BUNGEE CORD

bungee cord n : an elastic cord used especially as a fastening device or to absorb shocks — called also bungee

bungee jump vb : to jump from a high place while attached to an elastic cord
— bungee jumper n

bung·hole \ˈbəŋ-ˌhōl\ n : a hole for filling or emptying a barrel

bun·gle \ˈbəŋ-gəl\ vb bun·gled; bun·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to act, do, make, or work badly <bungle a job>
— bungle n

— bun·gler \-g(ə-)ler\ n

bun·ion \ˈbən-yən\ n : an inflamed swelling on the first joint of the big toe

1bunk \ˈbəŋk\ n
1 : BUNK BED
2 : a built-in bed (as on a ship)
3 : a sleeping place [probably a shortened form of bunker]

2bunk vb
1 : to sleep in a bunk or bed
2 : to provide with a bunk or bed

3bunk n : NONSENSE 1
Word History The word bunk is a shortened form of bunkum, which came from the name Buncombe County, North Carolina. Around 1820, the congressman for the district in which this county was located decided to give a very long, boring speech to the Congress. This speech had nothing at all to do with what was under discussion. Still he stubbornly made it, just to please the voters of Buncombe County. The word buncombe and its other spelling bunkum quickly caught on as a name for empty political nonsense. It didn't take long before its use broadened to include any kind of empty or insincere talk or action. In time it was shortened to the more emphatic bunk. [short for bunkum, from Buncombe County, North Carolina]

bunk bed n : one of two single beds placed one above the other

bun·ker \ˈbəŋ-kər\ n
1 : a large bin (as for coal or oil on a ship)
2 : a shelter dug into the ground and made strong against attack
3 : SAND TRAP

bunk·house \ˈbəŋk-ˌhau̇s\ n : a simple building providing sleeping quarters

bun·ny \ˈbən-ē\ n, pl bunnies : RABBIT

Bun·sen burner \ˌbən(t)-sən-\ n : a gas burner consisting typically of a tube with small holes at the bottom where air enters and mixes with the gas to produce a very hot blue flame [named for Robert Bunsen 1811–1899 German chemist]

bunt \ˈbənt\ vb
1 : to strike or push with the horns or head : BUTT
2 : to push or tap a baseball lightly without swinging the bat
— bunt n

— bunt·er n

1bun·ting \ˈbənt-iŋ\ n : any of various finches that are similar to sparrows in size and habits but have stout bills [Middle English buntynge “bunting”]

2bunting n
1 : a thin cloth used chiefly for making flags and patriotic decorations
2 : flags or decorations made of bunting [possibly derived from a dialect word bunt “to sift (meal)”]

1buoy \ˈbü-ē, ˈbȯi\ n
1 : a floating object anchored in a body of water to mark a channel or warn of danger
2 : LIFE BUOY

2buoy vb
1 : to keep from sinking : keep afloat
2 : to brighten the mood of <the news buoyed him up>

buoy·an·cy \ˈbȯi-ən-sē, ˈbü-yən-\ n
1 : the tendency of a body to float or to rise when in a fluid <the buoyancy of a cork in water>
2 : the power of a fluid to put an upward force on a body placed in it <the buoyancy of seawater>

buoy·ant \ˈbȯi-ənt, ˈbü-yənt\ adj
1 : having buoyancy; esp : capable of floating
2 : being in a happy mood : CHEERFUL
— buoy·ant·ly adv

bur variant of BURR

burb \ˈbərb\ n : SUBURB 2 — usually used in plural

1bur·den \ˈbərd-ən\ n
1 a : something carried : LOAD  b : something taken as a duty or responsibility <tax burdens>
2 : something hard to take <a burden of sorrow>
3 a : the carrying of loads <beast of burden>  b : capacity for carrying cargo <a ship of 100 tons burden> [Old English byrthen “load, burden”]
— burden vb

2burden n
1 : the refrain or chorus of a song
2 : a main idea : GIST [an altered form of earlier bourdon “a refrain or chorus of a song,” from Middle English burdoun (same meaning), from early French burdun “bass horn”]

bur·den·some \ˈbərd-ən-səm\ adj : so heavy or hard to take as to be a burden
— bur·den·some·ness n

bur·dock \ˈbər-ˌdäk\ n : any of a genus of coarse herbs that are related to the daisies and have globe-shaped flower heads surrounded by prickly bracts

bu·reau \ˈbyu̇(ə)r-ō\ n, pl bureaus also bu·reaux \-ōz\
1 a : a subdivision of a government department <Federal Bureau of Investigation>  b : a business office providing services for the public <a travel bureau>
2 : a low chest of drawers for use in a bedroom

bu·reau·cra·cy \byu̇-ˈräk-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : a body of government officials
2 : a system of managing an organization (as a government or business) by strictly following a fixed routine or procedure that often results in delay

bu·reau·crat \ˈbyu̇r-ə-ˌkrat\ n : a member of a bureaucracy

bu·reau·crat·ic \ˌbyu̇r-ə-ˈkrat-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a bureaucracy or bureaucrat
— bu·reau·crat·i·cal·ly \-ˈkrat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

burg \ˈbərg\ n
1 : a fortress or walled town in the Middle Ages
2 : CITY 1, TOWN

bur·geon \ˈbər-jən\ vb
1 a : to put forth new growth (as buds)  b : 2BLOOM 1
2 : EXPAND 3, FLOURISH

bur·ger \ˈbər-gər\ n
1 : HAMBURGER
2 : a sandwich like a hamburger <veggie burger>

bur·gess \ˈbər-jəs\ n
1 : a citizen of a British borough
2 : a member of the lower house of the legislature of colonial Maryland or Virginia [Middle English burgeis “citizen of a borough,” from early French burgeis “resident of a town,” from earlier burc “town,” from Latin burgus “fortified place” — related to BOURGEOIS]

bur·gher \ˈbər-gər\ n : a person who lives in a borough or a town

bur·glar \ˈbər-glər\ n : a person who commits burglary

bur·glar·ize \ˈbər-glə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to break into and steal from <burglarize a house>

bur·glary \ˈbər-glə-rē\ n, pl -glar·ies : the act of breaking into a building (as a house) especially at night to steal

bur·go·mas·ter \ˈbər-gə-ˌmas-tər\ n : the mayor of a town in some European countries

buri·al \ˈber-ē-əl\ n : the act of burying

bur·ka or bur·qa \ˈbu̇r-kə\ n : a loose garment that covers the head, face, and body and is worn in public by certain Muslim women

bur·lap \ˈbər-ˌlap\ n : a rough fabric made usually from jute or hemp and used mostly for bags and wrappings

1bur·lesque \(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk\ n
1 : a written or dramatic work that makes fun of something by making it appear ridiculous
2 : theatrical entertainment consisting of comic skits and dance
— burlesque adj

2burlesque vb bur·lesqued; bur·lesqu·ing : to mock or make fun of through burlesque

bur·ly \ˈbər-lē\ adj bur·li·er; -est : strongly and heavily built <a burly man>
— bur·li·ness n

bur marigold n : any of a genus of coarse herbs related to the daisies and having burs that stick to clothing and fur

Bur·mese \ˌbər-ˈmēz, -ˈmēs\ n, pl Burmese
1 : a person born or living in Burma
2 : the language of the Burmese people
— Burmese adj

1burn \ˈbərn\ vb burned \ˈbərnd, ˈbərnt\ or burnt \ˈbərnt\; burn·ing
1 : to be or set on fire
2 a : to feel hot or inflamed <the burning sand>  b : to become excited <burn with anger>  c : 1SCORCH 1 <burned the toast>  d : to appear as if on fire : GLOW <leave a light burning in the window>  e : to destroy by fire <burn trash>  f : to use as fuel <this furnace burns gas> <your body burns food>
3 a : to produce by the action of fire or heat <burn a hole in the rug>  b : to record data or music on a disk using a laser <burn a CD>
4 : to injure or change by or as if by fire or heat <burn out a bearing>
5 : to suffer sunburn <she burns easily>
— burn·able \ˈbər-nə-bəl\ adj

— burn·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adv

2burn n : injury, damage, or effect produced by or as if by burning

burned–out \ˈbərnd-ˈau̇t, ˈbərnt-\ or burnt–out \ˈbərnt-\ adj
1 : WORN-OUT 2
2 : destroyed by fire <a burned-out building>

burn·er \ˈbər-nər\ n : one that burns: as  a : the part of a fuel-burning or heat-producing device (as a furnace or stove) where a flame or heat is produced  b : a device for recording data on an optical disk

burn–in n : the continuous operation of a device (as a computer) as a test for defects or failure prior to putting it to use

bur·nish \ˈbər-nish\ vb : to make shiny especially by rubbing : POLISH
— bur·nish·er n

bur·noose or bur·nous \(ˌ)bər-ˈnüs\ n : a hooded cloak worn especially in desert areas (as of northern Africa or eastern Mediterranean countries) [derived from Arabic burnus “hooded cloak”]

burn·out \ˈbər-ˌnau̇t\ n
1 : the ending of operation of a jet or rocket engine as a result of the using up or shutting off of fuel
2 : the point in a flight at which burnout occurs
3 : exhaustion of one's bodily or mental strength

burn out vb
1 : to drive out or destroy the property of by fire
2 : to cause to wear out or become exhausted

1burp \ˈbərp\ n : 2BELCH

2burp vb
1 : 1BELCH 1
2 : to help a baby expel gas from the stomach especially by patting or rubbing the baby's back

burr \ˈbər\ n
1 usually bur \ˈbər\  a : a rough or prickly envelope of a fruit  b : a plant that bears burs
2 : roughness left in cutting or shaping metal
3 usually bur : a bit used on a dentist's drill
4 : a rough trilled \r\ used by some speakers of English especially in northern England and in Scotland
— burred \ˈbərd\ adj

bur·ri·to \bə-ˈrēt-ō\ n, pl -tos : a flour tortilla rolled or folded around a filling (as of meat, beans, and cheese) [American Spanish burrito “baked stuffed tortilla,” from Spanish burrito, literally, “little donkey”]

bur·ro \ˈbər-ō, ˈbu̇r-; ˈbə-rō\ n, pl burros : a small donkey often used as a pack animal

1bur·row \ˈbər-ō, ˈbə-rō\ n : a hole in the ground made by an animal (as a rabbit or fox) for shelter or protection

2burrow vb
1 : to construct by tunneling
2 : to hide oneself in or as if in a burrow
3 : to move or enter by or as if by digging
— bur·row·er n

bur·sa \ˈbər-sə\ n, pl bursas or bur·sae \-ˌsē, -ˌsī\ : a bodily pouch; esp : a small fluid-containing pouch between a tendon and a bone

bur·si·tis \(ˌ)bər-ˈsīt-əs\ n : inflammation of a bursa (as of the shoulder or elbow)

1burst \ˈbərst\ vb burst; burst·ing
1 a : to break open or in pieces (as by an explosion from within) <the balloon burst> <buds bursting open>  b : to cause to burst
2 a : to suddenly show one's feelings <burst into tears>  b : to begin to do something suddenly <burst into song>
3 : to come or go suddenly <burst into the room>
4 : to be filled to the breaking point <just bursting with energy>

2burst n
1 : a sudden release or effort <a burst of speed>
2 : a firing of many shots at the same time

bury \ˈber-ē\ vb bur·ied; bury·ing
1 : to place a dead body in the earth, a grave, or the sea
2 : to place in the ground and cover over for concealment <buried treasure>
3 : to cover up : HIDE <buried her face in her hands>

1bus \ˈbəs\ n, pl bus·es also bus·ses
1 : a large motor vehicle for carrying passengers
2 : a conductor or group of conductors for collecting electric currents and sending them to outgoing wires

2bus vb bused also bussed; bus·ing also bus·sing : to travel or transport by bus

bus·boy \ˈbəs-ˌbȯi\ n : a person employed in a restaurant to remove dirty dishes and set tables

bush \ˈbu̇sh\ n
1 : SHRUB; esp : a low densely branched shrub
2 : a stretch of uncleared or lightly settled country
3 : a bushy tuft or mass

bush baby n : any of several small African lemurs

bushed \ˈbu̇sht\ adj : 1WEARY 1, TIRED

bush·el \ˈbu̇sh-əl\ n
1 : any of various units of dry capacity — see MEASURE TABLE
2 : a container holding a bushel
3 : a large quantity

bush·ing \ˈbu̇sh-iŋ\ n
1 : a usually removable cylindrical lining in an opening of a mechanical part to limit the size of the opening, resist wear, or serve as a guide
2 : an electrically insulating lining for a hole to protect a conductor going through the hole

Bush·man \ˈbu̇sh-mən\ n, sometimes offensive : a member of a group of peoples of southern Africa who traditionally live by hunting and foraging

bush·mas·ter \ˈbu̇sh-ˌmas-tər\ n : a tropical American pit viper that is the largest New World poisonous snake

bush pilot n : a pilot who flies a small plane over remote or lightly settled country where commercial airlines do not go

bushy \ˈbu̇sh-ē\ adj bush·i·er; -est
1 : overgrown with bushes
2 : resembling a bush : being thick and spreading <a bushy beard>
— bush·i·ness n

busi·ness \ˈbiz-nəs, -nəz\ n
1 : an activity that takes a major part of the time, attention, or effort of a person or group
2 a : a commercial or industrial activity or organization  b : the making, buying, and selling of goods and services
3 : something to be dealt with : AFFAIR, MATTER <a strange business>
4  a : personal concern <none of your business>  b : 2RIGHT 2 <you had no business saying that>

busi·ness·like \ˈbiz-nə-ˌslīk, -nəz-ˌlīk\ adj : having or showing qualities desirable in business

busi·ness·man \ˈbiz-nə-ˌsman, -nəz-ˌman\ n : a man in business especially as an owner or manager

busi·ness·peo·ple \-ˌspē-pəl\ n pl : persons active in business

busi·ness·per·son \-ˌspər-sən\ n : a businessman or businesswoman

busi·ness·wom·an \-ˌswu̇m-ən\ n : a woman in business especially as an owner or manager

1bust \ˈbəst\ n
1 : a piece of sculpture representing the upper part of the human figure including the human head and neck
2 : the upper part of the human body; esp : the breasts of a woman [from French buste “head and shoulders sculpture,” from Italian busto (same meaning), from Latin bustum “tomb”]

2bust vb bust·ed also bust; bust·ing
1 a : to break or smash with force <busted my watch>  b : to bring an end to : BREAK UP 2  c : to ruin or become ruined financially  d : 1EXHAUST 1B, WEAR 3C — used in phrases like bust one's butt to describe the act of trying very hard
2 : to tame an animal <bust a bronco>
3 : DEMOTE
4 slang  a : 1ARREST 2  b : 2RAID
5 : 1HIT 1A, PUNCH [an altered form of burst]
— bust·er n

3bust n
1 : 2PUNCH 1
2 : a complete failure : FLOP
3 slang : a police raid or arrest

1bus·tle \ˈbəs-əl\ vb bus·tled; bus·tling \ˈbəs-(ə-)liŋ\ : to move about busily or noisily

2bustle n : noisy or energetic activity

bust·line \ˈbəst-ˌlīn\ n : a line around a woman's body at the bust; also : the length of this line

1busy \ˈbiz-ē\ adj bus·i·er; -est
1 a : involved in action : actively at work <too busy to eat>  b : being in use <the phone line is busy>
2 : full of activity <a busy street>
— busi·ly \ˈbiz-ə-lē\ adv

— busy·ness \ˈbiz-ē-nəs\ n
synonyms BUSY, INDUSTRIOUS, DILIGENT, mean seriously involved in doing something. BUSY stresses actively doing something as opposed to idleness <busy getting the house ready>. INDUSTRIOUS suggests working at something steadily or with determination <industrious students working on projects>. DILIGENT suggests working toward a particular goal especially over a long period of time <a diligent search for the perfect present>.

2busy vb bus·ied; busy·ing : to make or keep busy

busy·body \ˈbiz-ē-ˌbäd-ē\ n : a person who meddles in the affairs of others

1but \(ˈ)bət\ conj
1 a : except that : UNLESS <it never rains but it pours>  b : 3THAT 1B — used after a negative <there is no doubt but he won>
2 a : while just the opposite <I ski but you don't>  b : yet nevertheless <fell but wasn't hurt>  c : EXCEPT 2 <no one but you may enter>

2but prep
1 : with the exception of <no one there but me>
2 : other than <this letter is nothing but an insult>

3but adv : no more than : ONLY <we have but two weeks to get ready>

bu·ta·di·ene \ˌbyüt-ə-ˈdī-ˌēn, -ˌdī-ˈēn\ n : a flammable gas that is a hydrocarbon used in making synthetic rubbers

bu·tane \ˈbyü-ˌtān\ n : either of two flammable gases that are hydrocarbons obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used especially as a fuel

1butch·er \ˈbu̇ch-ər\ n
1 a : one whose business is killing animals for sale as food  b : a dealer in meat
2 : a person who kills in large numbers or in a brutal manner

2butcher vb butch·ered; butch·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to slaughter and prepare for market <butcher hogs>
2 : to kill in a barbarous manner : MASSACRE
3 : to make a mess of : BOTCH <butchered the performance>

butch·ery \ˈbu̇ch-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : brutal murder : great slaughter

but·ler \ˈbət-lər\ n : a chief male household servant [Middle English buteler “household servant in charge of wines,” from early French butiller (same meaning), from botele “bottle,” derived from Latin buttis “cask”]

1butt \ˈbət\ vb : to strike or thrust with the head or horns

2butt n : a blow or thrust with the head or horns

3butt n : a person who is treated badly or is made fun of <the butt of a joke>

4butt n
1 : BUTTOCK 2A — often used in idiomatic expressions <saved our butts> <get your butt over here>
2 : the thicker or bottom end of something <the butt of a rifle>
3 : an unused remainder <a cigarette butt>

butte \ˈbyüt\ n : a hill with steep sides standing in a flat area

1but·ter \ˈbət-ər\ n
1 : a solid yellow fatty food made by churning milk or cream
2 : a substance resembling butter in texture or use <apple butter> [Old English butere “butter,” from Latin butyrum (same meaning), from Greek boutyron, from bous “ox, cow” and tyros “cheese” — related to BUFFALO]
— but·tery \-ə-rē\ adj

2butter vb : to spread with or as if with butter

but·ter–and–eggs \ˌbət-ə-rə-ˈnegz, -ˈnāgz\ n sing or pl : any of several plants related to the snapdragons and having flowers of yellow and orange

butter bean n
1 : WAX BEAN
2 : LIMA BEAN
3 : a green shell bean especially as opposed to a snap bean

but·ter·cup \ˈbət-ər-ˌkəp\ n : any of a genus of herbs having cuplike yellow flowers

but·ter·fat \-ˌfat\ n : the natural fat of milk from which butter is made

but·ter·fin·gered \-ˌfiŋ-gərd\ adj : likely to let things fall or slip through the fingers

but·ter·fish \-ˌfish\ n : any of numerous fishes with a slippery coating of mucus

but·ter·fly \-ˌflī\ n
1 : any of numerous slender-bodied day-flying insects with large often brightly colored wings — compare MOTH
2 : a swimming stroke performed by moving both arms together in a circular motion while kicking the legs up and down
3 pl : a queasy feeling caused by nervousness

butterfly fish n : any of various fishes having spots or stripes of several colors, broad fins, or both

butterfly weed n : a showy orange-flowered milkweed of eastern North America

but·ter·milk \ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk\ n
1 : the liquid left after the butterfat has been churned from milk or cream
2 : milk from which all or part of the cream has been removed and which has been soured by adding certain bacteria

but·ter·nut \-ˌnət\ n : the edible oily nut of a North American tree related to the walnut; also : this tree

but·ter·scotch \-ˌskäch\ n : a candy or dessert topping made from sugar, corn syrup, and water

butt in vb : to meddle in someone else's business

but·tock \ˈbət-ək\ n
1 : the back of the hip which forms one of the fleshy parts on which a person sits
2 pl  a : the seat of the body  b : RUMP 1A

1but·ton \ˈbət-ən\ n
1 a : a small knob or disk used for holding parts of a garment together or as an ornament  b : a usually round badge bearing a design or slogan <a campaign button>
2 : something (as a small or young mushroom) that resembles a button
3 : PUSH BUTTON; also : a computer image that resembles a push button in appearance and function

2button vb but·toned; but·ton·ing \ˈbət-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to close or fasten with buttons
— but·ton·er \-nər, -ən-ər\ n

1but·ton·hole \ˈbət-ən-ˌhōl\ n : a slit or loop for fastening a button

2buttonhole vb -holed; -hol·ing : to detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the clothes of

but·ton·hol·er \ˈbət-ən-ˌhō-lər\ n : a sewing machine attachment for making buttonholes

but·ton·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n : SYCAMORE 2

butt out vb : to stop meddling in someone else's business

1but·tress \ˈbə-trəs\ n
1 : a structure built against a wall or building to give support and strength
2 : something that supports, props, or strengthens

2buttress vb : to support with or as if with a buttress

bu·tyr·ic acid \byü-ˌtir-ik-\ n : an acid with an unpleasant odor found in sweat and spoiling butter

bux·om \ˈbək-səm\ adj : having a healthy plump form
— bux·om·ness n

1buy \ˈbī\ vb bought \ˈbȯt\; buy·ing
1 : to get by paying money for : PURCHASE
2 : to gain control over by bribery <buy votes>
3 : BELIEVE 3 <I don't buy that nonsense>
— buy·er \ˈbī(-ə)r\ n

— buy it or buy the farm : to get killed : DIE

— buy time : to delay an action or decision : STALL

2buy n : 1BARGAIN 2

1buzz \ˈbəz\ vb
1 : to make a low continuous humming sound like that of a bee
2 : to be filled with a low hum or murmur <the room buzzed with excitement>
3 : to send for or signal by means of a buzzer
4 : to fly an airplane low over

2buzz n
1 : a sound of buzzing
2 a : a signal given by a buzzer  b : a telephone call

buz·zard \ˈbəz-ərd\ n : any of various usually large slow-flying birds of prey — compare TURKEY VULTURE

buzz cut n : CREW CUT
— buzz–cut adj

buzz·er \ˈbəz-ər\ n : an electric signaling device that makes a buzzing sound

buzz saw n : CIRCULAR SAW

B vitamin n : any vitamin of the vitamin B complex

1by \(ˈ)bī, especially before consonants bə\ prep
1 : close to : NEAR <by the sea>
2 a : so as to go along or through <by a different route> <enter by the door>  b : 2PAST 2 <went right by them>
3 a : AT, DURING <studied by night>  b : not later than <be there by 2 p.m.>
4 : through the means or agency of <by force>
5 : ACCORDING TO 1 <by the rules> <called by a different name>
6 : with respect to <a doctor by profession>
7 : to or in the amount or length of <win by a nose> <sold by the pound>
8 : in a series of <walk two by two>
9 — used as a function word in multiplication and division and in measurements <divide 6 by 2> <a room 15 feet by 20 feet>
10 : in the opinion of <it's fine by me>
— by oneself : 2ALONE 2

2by \ˈbī\ adv
1 a : close at hand : NEAR <standing by>  b : at or to another's home <stop by for a chat>
2 : 4PAST <cars went by>
3 : 1ASIDE 2 <putting some money by>

3by or bye \ˈbī\ n, pl byes \ˈbīz\ : something incidental
— by the by : by the way : INCIDENTALLY

by–and–by \ˌbī-ən-ˈbī\ n : a future time or occasion

by and by \ˌbī-ən-ˈbī\ adv : BEFORE LONG, SOON

by and large \ˌbī-ən-ˈlärj\ adv : on the whole : in general

bye–bye or by–by \ˈbī-ˌbī, ˌbī-ˈbī\ interj — used to express farewell

by·gone \ˈbī-ˌgȯn also -ˌgän\ adj : gone by : PAST <a bygone era>
— by·gone n

by·law \ˈbī-ˌlȯ\ n : a rule adopted by an organization for governing its members and regulating its affairs [Middle English bilawe “bylaw,” probably from an early Norse compound of bȳr “town” and lǫg “law”]

by·line \ˈbī-ˌlīn\ n : a line at the head of a newspaper or magazine article giving the writer's name

1by·pass \ˈbī-ˌpas\ n : a passage to one side or around a blocked or very crowded area

2bypass vb : to make a detour around <bypass a city>

by·path \ˈbī-ˌpath, -ˌpȧth\ n : BYWAY

by–prod·uct \ˈbī-ˌpräd-(ˌ)əkt\ n : a product or result produced in addition to the main product or result

by·road \ˈbī-ˌrōd\ n : BYWAY

by·stand·er \-ˌstan-dər\ n : a person standing near but taking no part in what is happening

by·street \-ˌstrēt\ n : a street off a main street

byte \ˈbīt\ n : a group of eight bits that a computer handles as a unit [possibly an altered form of bite]

by·way \ˈbī-ˌwā\ n : a little-traveled side road

by·word \-ˌwərd\ n : PROVERB

1Byz·an·tine \ˈbiz-ən-ˌtēn, bə-ˈzan-, ˈbīz-ən-; ˈbiz-ən-ˌtīn\ n : a person born or living in Byzantium or in the Byzantine Empire

2Byzantine adj
1 : of, relating to, or typical of Byzantium or the Eastern Roman Empire
2 : of or relating to a style of architecture developed in the Byzantine Empire especially in the 5th and 6th centuries characterized by a central dome over a square space and by much use of mosaics

C

c \ˈsē\ n, often cap
1 : the third letter of the English alphabet
2 : one hundred in Roman numerals
3 : a musical note referred to by the letter C : the tone on which a C-major scale is based
4 : a grade rating a student's work as fair or mediocre

cab \ˈkab\ n
1 a : a light closed carriage (as a hansom)  b : a carriage for hire
2 : TAXICAB
3 a : the covered compartment for the engineer and the controls of a locomotive  b : a similar compartment on a truck, tractor, or crane [sense 1 from French cabriolet “a one-horse carriage”; sense 2 a shortened form of taxicab]

ca·bal \kə-ˈbal, -ˈbäl\ n : a small group of persons working together secretly (as to take over a government)

ca·bana \kə-ˈban-(y)ə\ n : a shelter usually with an open side facing the sea or a swimming pool

cab·a·ret \ˌkab-ə-ˈrā, ˈkab-ə-ˌrā\ n : NIGHTCLUB

cab·bage \ˈkab-ij\ n : a garden plant related to the turnips and mustards that has a round firm head of leaves used as a vegetable

cabbage butterfly n : any of several mostly white butterflies whose caterpillars feed on cabbages

cab·bie or cab·by \ˈkab-ē\ n, pl cabbies : CABDRIVER

cab·driv·er \ˈkab-ˌdrī-vər\ n : a driver of a cab

cab·in \ˈkab-ən\ n
1 a : a small private room on a ship  b : a compartment below deck on a small boat for passengers or crew  c : a compartment (as in an airplane, airship, or spacecraft) for cargo, crew, or passengers
2 : a small simple dwelling usually having only one story

cabin boy n : a boy working as a servant on a ship

cabin cruiser n : CRUISER 3

cab·i·net \ˈkab-(ə-)nət\ n
1 a : a case or cupboard usually having doors and shelves  b : a case for a radio or television
2 : a group of advisers to the political head of a government <the British cabinet> <the president's cabinet>

cab·i·net·mak·er \-ˌmā-kər\ n : a skilled woodworker who makes fine furniture
— cab·i·net·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ n

cab·i·net·work \-ˌwərk\ n : the finished work made by a cabinetmaker

1ca·ble \ˈkā-bəl\ n
1 : a very strong thick rope, wire, or chain
2 : a wire or wire rope by which force is applied to operate a piece of machinery <brake cable>
3 : a bundle of electrical wires held together usually around a central core
4 : CABLEGRAM
5 : CABLE TELEVISION

2cable vb ca·bled; ca·bling \ˈkā-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to fasten or provide with a cable
2 : to telegraph by cable

cable car n : a car moved on tracks by an endless cable or along an overhead cable

ca·ble·gram \ˈkā-bəl-ˌgram\ n : a message sent by a submarine cable

cable modem n : a modem used to connect a computer to the Internet over a cable television line

cable television n : a system of television reception in which signals from distant stations are picked up by a main antenna and sent by cable to the sets of paying subscribers — called also cable TV

ca·boo·dle \kə-ˈbüd-əl\ n : all of a group of things — used in the phrase the whole caboodle or the whole kit and caboodle

ca·boose \kə-ˈbüs\ n : a car usually at the rear of a freight train for the use of the train crew and railroad workers

cab·ri·ole \ˈkab-rē-ˌōl\ n
1 : a ballet leap in which one leg is extended and the other struck against it
2 : a curved furniture leg ending in an ornamental foot

ca·cao \kə-ˈkau̇, kə-ˈkā-ō\ n, pl cacaos
1 : a South American tree that bears small yellowish flowers followed by fleshy yellow pods containing many seeds
2 : the dried fatty seeds of the cacao from which cocoa and chocolate are made — called also cacao bean

1cache \ˈkash\ n
1 : a place for hiding, storing, or preserving treasure or supplies
2 : something hidden or stored in a cache
3 : a computer memory with very short access time

2cache vb cached; cach·ing : to hide or store in a cache

cack·le \ˈkak-əl\ vb cack·led; cack·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make the sharp broken noise or cry that a hen makes especially after laying an egg
2 : to laugh or chatter noisily
— cackle n

— cack·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

ca·coph·o·ny \ka-ˈkäf-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies : harsh unpleasant sound
— ca·coph·o·nous \-ə-nəs\ adj

cac·tus \ˈkak-təs\ n, pl cac·ti \-ˌtī, -(ˌ)tē\ or cac·tus·es also cactus : any of a large family of flowering plants able to live in dry regions and having fleshy stems and branches that bear scales or prickles instead of leaves

cad \ˈkad\ n : a rude and selfish man [from an earlier dialect word cad “an unskilled worker,” shortened from Scots caddie (same meaning) — related to CADDIE, CADET; see Word History at CADDIE]

ca·dav·er \kə-ˈdav-ər\ n : a dead body especially of a person : CORPSE

ca·dav·er·ous \kə-ˈdav-(ə-)rəs\ adj : resembling a corpse: as  a : 1PALE 1B, GHASTLY  b : 1THIN 3, HAGGARD

cad·die or cad·dy \ˈkad-ē\ n, pl caddies : a person who carries a golfer's clubs
— caddie or caddy vb
Word History In Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries, a person who made a living by doing odd jobs was called a cawdy or caddie. The word caddie comes from the French word cadet, which was borrowed into English in the 17th century. The chief meaning of cadet in both French and English is “a student military officer.” The first Scottish caddies formed an organized group, and it may be that the somewhat military structure of the group suggested the name. These caddies looked for odd jobs wherever they could, and after a time the name spread from Scotland into England. Some of the caddies lived near the English universities and took jobs working for students. With scorn the students referred to the lower-class caddies as cads. Then they used the term for any person they thought of as having poor manners. That is how we get our modern English word cad for “a rude and selfish man.” Other caddies found jobs carrying clubs for players of golf, which began in Scotland. As the popularity of golf grew, so did use of caddie for one who carries a golfer's clubs. [from Scottish caddie, cawdy “one who works at odd jobs,” from French cadet “one training for military service,” derived from Latin caput “head” — related to CAD, CADET, CAPTAIN]

cad·dis fly \ˈkad-əs-\ n : any of an order of four-winged insects with a larva which lives in water in a silk case covered especially with bits of wood, gravel, sand, or plant matter

cad·dy \ˈkad-ē\ n, pl caddies : a small box or chest; esp : one to keep tea in

ca·dence \ˈkād-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : rhythmic flow of sounds : the beat of rhythmic motion or activity
2 : a melodic or rhythmic pattern that serves as the close of a musical phrase or composition
— ca·denced \-ən(t)st\ adj

ca·den·za \kə-ˈden-zə\ n : an impressive solo part usually near the close of a musical composition

ca·det \kə-ˈdet\ n
1 : a student military officer
2 : a student at a military school [from French cadet “a younger brother or son, one training for military service,” derived from Latin capitellum, literally, “little (younger) head or chief,” from caput “head” — related to CAD, CADDIE, CAPITAL, CAPTAIN, CHIEF; see Word History at CADDIE]
— ca·det·ship \-ˌship\ n

Ca·dette \kə-ˈdet\ n : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls in the sixth through ninth grades

cad·mi·um \ˈkad-mē-əm\ n : a bluish white metallic element used especially in protective coatings — see ELEMENT TABLE

cadmium sulfide n : a yellow-brown poisonous salt used especially in electronic parts, in photoelectric cells, and in medicine

ca·du·ceus \kə-ˈd(y)ü-sē-əs, -shəs\ n, pl -cei \-sē-ˌī\
1 : a figure of a staff with two snakes wound around it and two wings at the top
2 : an emblem bearing a caduceus and symbolizing a physician

caecal, caecum variant of CECAL, CECUM

Cae·sar \ˈsē-zər\ n : any of the Roman emperors after Caesar Augustus [from Latin Caesar (title of a line of emperors after Caesar Augustus, adopted son of Julius Caesar) — see Word History at EMPEROR]

caesarean, caesarean section variant of CESAREAN, CESAREAN SECTION

cae·su·ra \si-ˈzu̇r-ə, -ˈzhu̇r-\ n, pl -ras or -rae \-ˈzu̇(ə)r-(ˌ)ē, -ˈzhu̇(ə)r-\ : a break in the flow of sound usually in the middle of a line of verse

ca·fé also ca·fe \ka-ˈfā, kə-\ n
1 : a usually small restaurant
2 : BARROOM
3 : NIGHTCLUB

caf·e·te·ria \ˌkaf-ə-ˈtir-ē-ə\ n
1 : a restaurant in which the customers serve themselves or are served at a counter but carry their own food to their tables
2 : LUNCHROOM

caf·fein·at·ed \ˈkaf-ə-ˌnāt-əd\ adj
1 : stimulated by or as if by caffeine
2 : containing caffeine <caffeinated coffee>

caf·feine \ka-ˈfēn, ˈka-ˌfēn\ n : a bitter stimulating compound found especially in coffee, tea, cacao, and kola nuts

caf·tan also kaf·tan \kaf-ˈtan, ˈkaf-ˌtan\ n : an ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is worn in eastern Mediterranean countries

1cage \ˈkāj\ n
1 : an enclosure that has large openings covered usually with wire net or bars and is used for keeping animals or birds
2 : an enclosure like a cage in form or purpose
— cageful n

2cage vb caged; cag·ing : to put or keep in or as if in a cage

ca·gey also ca·gy \ˈkā-jē\ adj ca·gi·er; -est : very careful of not being trapped or deceived <a cagey buyer>
— ca·gi·ly \-jə-lē\ adv

— ca·gi·ness \-jē-nəs\ n

cai·man also cay·man \kā-ˈman, kī-; ˈkā-mən\ n : any of several Central and South American reptiles closely related to and resembling alligators

ca·ïque \kä-ˈēk\ n
1 : a light rowboat used on the Bosporus
2 : a Greek sailing vessel usually equipped with an engine [from Turkish kayik “rowboat”]

cairn \ˈka(ə)rn, ˈke(ə)rn\ n : a heap of stones piled up as a landmark or as a memorial

cais·son \ˈkā-ˌsän, ˈkā-sən\ n
1 a : a chest for ammunition  b : a usually two-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition
2 : a watertight chamber used in construction work underwater or as a foundation

caisson disease n : 2BEND 3

ca·jole \kə-ˈjōl\ vb ca·joled; ca·jol·ing : to coax or persuade especially by flattery or false promises : WHEEDLE
— ca·jol·ery \-ˈjōl-(ə-)rē\ n

1Ca·jun \ˈkā-jən\ n : a Louisianian whose ancestors were French-speaking immigrants from Acadia, Canada [from an altered form of Acadian]

2Cajun adj
1 : of or relating to the Cajuns
2 : prepared in a cooking style originating with the Cajuns and marked by the use of hot seasonings (as cayenne pepper)

1cake \ˈkāk\ n
1 : a small piece of food (as dough or batter, meat, or fish) that is baked or fried
2 : a baked food made from a sweet batter or dough
3 : a substance hardened or molded into a solid mass <a cake of soap>

2cake vb caked; cak·ing
1 : ENCRUST <caked with dust>
2 : to form or harden into a cake

cal·a·bash \ˈkal-ə-ˌbash\ n : GOURD 2; esp : one whose hard shell is used for a utensil (as a bottle)

cal·a·mari \ˌkä-lə-ˈmär-ē\ n : squid used as food

cal·a·mine \ˈkal-ə-ˌmīn, -mən\ n : a mixture of zinc oxide and a small amount of ferric oxide used in lotions, liniments, and ointments

ca·lam·i·tous \kə-ˈlam-ət-əs\ adj : causing or accompanied by calamity <calamitous events>
— ca·lam·i·tous·ly adv

— ca·lam·i·tous·ness n

ca·lam·i·ty \kə-ˈlam-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : deep distress or misery
2 : an event that causes great harm

cal·car·e·ous \kal-ˈkar-ē-əs, -ˈker-\ adj
1 : resembling calcite or calcium carbonate especially in hardness
2 : consisting of or containing calcium carbonate; also : containing calcium

cal·cif·er·ol \kal-ˈsif-ə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl\ n : a vitamin D that is sometimes added to human and animal diets and is used in medicine to treat rickets and related disorders

cal·cif·er·ous \kal-ˈsif-(ə-)rəs\ adj : producing or containing calcium carbonate

cal·ci·fy \ˈkal-sə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make or become stony by deposit of calcium salts
— cal·ci·fi·ca·tion \ˌkal-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

cal·cite \ˈkal-ˌsīt\ n : a mineral substance made up of calcium carbonate and found in numerous forms including limestone, chalk, and marble
— cal·cit·ic \kal-ˈsit-ik\ adj

cal·ci·um \ˈkal-sē-əm\ n : a silver-white soft metallic element that is found only in combination with other elements (as in limestone) and is one of the necessary elements making up the bodies of most plants and animals — see ELEMENT TABLE [derived from Latin calc-, calx “lime” — related to CALCULATE, CHALK]

calcium carbonate n : a solid substance found in nature as limestone and marble and in plant ashes, bones, and shells and used especially in making lime and portland cement

calcium chloride n : a salt that absorbs moisture from the air and is used to dry other substances

calcium hydroxide n : a white compound in the form of crystals that is used especially in making mortar and plaster and in softening water

calcium oxide n : an oxide of calcium that is white when pure and makes up the major part of lime

calcium phosphate n : any of various phosphates of calcium: as  a : one used as a fertilizer  b : a naturally occurring phosphate containing other elements (as fluorine) and occurring as an important part of phosphate-bearing rock, bones, and teeth

calcium sulfate n : a white odorless compound of calcium that is used especially in building materials and to dry other substances

cal·cu·late \ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to find by performing mathematical operations (as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) : COMPUTE <calculate the average>
2 : 1ESTIMATE 1 <calculate the risk of losing>
3 : to plan by careful thought <a program calculated to succeed> [from Latin calculatus “calculate,” derived from calculus “pebble (used in counting),” from calc-, calx “stone used in gambling, lime” — related to CALCIUM, CHALK]

cal·cu·lat·ing \ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-iŋ\ adj
1 : designed to make calculations <a calculating machine>
2 a : tending to plan or study things with much care and caution  b : SCHEMING
— cal·cu·lat·ing·ly adv

cal·cu·la·tion \ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 a : the process or an act of calculating  b : the result obtained by calculation
2 : care in planning : CAUTION

cal·cu·la·tor \ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-ər\ n
1 : one that calculates
2 : a usually small electronic device for making mathematical calculations

cal·cu·lus \ˈkal-kyə-ləs\ n, pl cal·cu·li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ also -lus·es
1 : a branch of higher mathematics concerned especially with rates of change and the finding of lengths, areas, and volumes
2 a : a mass that consists mostly of mineral salts and is formed in a hollow organ or bodily duct  b : 1TARTAR 2

cal·de·ra \kal-ˈder-ə, kȯl-, -ˈdir-\ n : a large crater formed by the collapse of a volcanic cone or by an explosion

caldron variant of CAULDRON

1cal·en·dar \ˈkal-ən-dər\ n
1 a : an arrangement of time into days, weeks, months, and years  b : a chart showing the days, weeks, and months of a year
2 a : a list of items in proper order  b : a schedule of coming events [Middle English calender “calendar,” from early French calender and Latin kalendarium (both, same meaning), derived from Latin kalendae “the first day of the (Roman) month”]

2calendar vb -dared; calen·dar·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to enter in a calendar

1calf \ˈkaf, ˈkȧf\ n, pl calves \ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz\
1 a : the young of the domestic cow  b : the young of various other large animals (as the elephant or whale)
2 pl calfs : CALFSKIN [Old English cealf “young cow”]

2calf n, pl calves : the fleshy or muscular back part of the leg below the knee [Middle English calf “part of the leg”; of Norse origin]

calf·skin \ˈkaf-ˌskin, ˈkȧf-\ n : leather made from the skin of a calf

cal·i·ber or cal·i·bre \ˈkal-ə-bər\ n
1 : degree of excellence or importance
2 : the diameter of a missile (as a bullet)
3 : the inside diameter of a gun barrel

cal·i·brate \ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt\ vb -brat·ed; -brat·ing
1 : to measure the caliber of
2 a : to determine, correct, or put the measuring marks on (as a thermometer tube)  b : make standard (as a measuring instrument) by finding out and correcting for the differences from an accepted or ideal value
— cal·i·bra·tion \ˌkal-ə-ˈbrā-shən\ n

cal·i·co \ˈkal-i-ˌkō\ n, pl -coes or -cos
1 : cotton cloth especially with a colored pattern printed on one side
2 : a blotched or spotted animal <a calico cat> [named for Calicut, a city in India, which exported such cloth]
— calico adj

calico bass n : BLACK CRAPPIE

Cal·i·for·nia condor \ˌkal-ə-ˌfȯr-nyə-\ n : a very large nearly extinct vulture of mountainous southern California that is related to the condor of South America

California poppy n : any of a genus of herbs related to the poppies and including one widely grown for its usually yellow or orange flowers

cal·i·for·ni·um \ˌkal-ə-ˈfȯr-nē-əm\ n : an artificially prepared radioactive element — see ELEMENT TABLE

cal·i·per \ˈkal-ə-pər\ n : a measuring instrument with two legs or jaws that can be adjusted to determine thickness, diameter, or distance between surfaces — usually used in plural <a pair of calipers>

ca·liph also ca·lif \ˈkā-ləf, ˈkal-əf\ n : an important Muslim political and religious leader — used as a title

ca·liph·ate \ˈkā-lə-ˌfāt, -fət; ˈkal-ə-\ n : the office or dominion of a caliph

cal·is·then·ics \ˌkal-əs-ˈthen-iks\ n sing or pl
1 : exercises to develop strength and flexibility that are done without special equipment
2 : the art or practice of calisthenics
— cal·is·then·ic \-ik\ adj
Word History The benefits that exercise can have for both strength and looks are suggested by the origin of the word calisthenics. Calisthenics was made by joining the Greek kalos, meaning “beautiful,” and sthenos, meaning “strength.” The word was originally used to refer to exercises done by young women, but it later gained the more general meaning that we now know. [from Greek kalos “beautiful” and sthenos “strength”]

calk variant of CAULK

1call \ˈkȯl\ vb
1 : to speak so as to be heard at a distance : SHOUT <call for help>
2 : to utter in a loud clear voice <call out a command>
3 a : to announce with authority : PROCLAIM <call a halt>  b : to announce the action of (as a sports game)
4 : SUMMON 1 <call a meeting>
5 : to bring into action or discussion <call up reserves>
6 a : to make a request or demand of or for <call for an end to war>  b : to give temporary control of a computer to a particular set of instructions
7 : to make a telephone call to
8 : to make a brief visit <no salesperson will call>
9 a : to give a name to <called the cat “Patches”>  b : to address by a name <what did you call me>
10 : to regard as being of a certain kind <you can call them generous>
11 : to estimate as being <call it an even dollar>
12 a : to utter a cry <crows calling>  b : to attract game by imitating its cry
13 : 4HALT 2, SUSPEND <call a game on account of rain> <call time>
— call·er n

— call for
1 : to stop by (as at one's house) to get <I'll call for you later>
2 : to require as necessary <the job calls for computer skills>

— call on
1 : to ask or require : DEMAND
2 : to choose (as a student) to answer <the teacher called on her first>

— call the shots : to be in charge or control

— call upon
1 : 2DEMAND 2
2 : to depend on

2call n
1 : a loud cry : SHOUT
2 a : a cry of an animal  b : an imitation of an animal's cry or a device used to make such an imitation
3 a : 1SUMMONS 1, INVITATION  b : ATTRACTION 1 <the call of the wild>
4 a : 1DEMAND 1A, CLAIM  b : 1REQUEST 1
5 : a brief visit
6 : the act of calling on the telephone
7 : a ruling made by an official of a sports contest
8 : a temporary transfer of control of computer processing to a particular set of instructions

cal·la lily \ˈkal-ə-\ n : a plant often grown for its large white bract surrounding a fleshy spike of small yellow flowers

call·back \ˈkȯl-ˌbak\ n
1 : a return call
2 : 2RECALL 5

caller ID \-ˌī-ˈdē\ n : a telephone service that identifies the phone number of a caller

cal·lig·ra·phy \kə-ˈlig-rə-fē\ n
1 a : beautiful handwriting  b : the art of producing such handwriting
2 : PENMANSHIP 2
— cal·lig·ra·pher \-rə-fər\ n

call·ing \ˈkȯ-liŋ\ n : OCCUPATION 1, PROFESSION

cal·li·ope \kə-ˈlī-ə-(ˌ)pē also ˈkal-ē-ˌōp\ n : a keyboard musical instrument consisting of a set of whistles sounded usually by steam [named for Calliope, one of the nine goddesses in Greek mythology who had control over music and poetry]

call number n : a combination of numbers and letters assigned to a library book to indicate its location in the library

call off vb
1 : to draw away : DIVERT <call off a dog>
2 : CANCEL 2A <call off a meeting>

cal·los·i·ty \ka-ˈläs-ət-ē, kə-\ n, pl -ties : 1CALLUS 1

cal·lous \ˈkal-əs\ adj
1 a : being hardened and thickened  b : having calluses <callous hands>
2 : feeling or showing no sympathy for others : UNFEELING <a callous refusal to help the poor>
— cal·lous·ly adv

— cal·lous·ness n

cal·low \ˈkal-ō\ adj : lacking adult experience : IMMATURE <callow youth>
— cal·low·ness n

call–up \ˈkȯ-ˌləp\ n : an order to report for military service

1cal·lus \ˈkal-əs\ n, pl cal·lus·es
1 : a hard thickened area on skin or bark
2 : a mass of tissue that forms around a break in a bone and is changed into bone in the healing of the break
3 : tissue that forms over an injured plant surface

2callus vb : to form callus

call–wait·ing \ˈkȯl-ˈwāt-iŋ\ n : a telephone service that signals (as by a click) to the user when an incoming call is received while a call is in progress

1calm \ˈkäm, ˈkälm\ n
1 a : a period or state of freedom from storm, wind, or rough water  b : complete lack of wind or the presence of wind of no more than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour
2 : a state of freedom from excitement or disturbance : PEACEFULNESS

2calm vb : to make or become calm

3calm adj
1 : marked by calm : STILL <a calm sea>
2 : free from excitement or disturbance <a calm manner>
— calm·ly adv

— calm·ness n
synonyms CALM, TRANQUIL, SERENE, PEACEFUL, mean quiet and free from disturbance. CALM may suggest that one is free from disturbance even when there is cause for excitement <stayed calm during the fire>. TRANQUIL suggests a total or lasting state of rest <led a tranquil life in a rural area>. SERENE suggests a lofty and dignified kind of tranquillity <the queen looks serene on her throne>. PEACEFUL suggests a quiet state that follows a period of turmoil <grown peaceful in old age>.

cal·o·mel \ˈkal-ə-məl, -ˌmel\ n : a white tasteless chemical compound of mercury and chlorine that is used especially as a fungicide

ca·lor·ic \kə-ˈlȯr-ik, -ˈlōr-, -ˈlär-; ˈkal-ə-rik\ adj
1 : of or relating to heat
2 : relating to or containing calories
— ca·lor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cal·o·rie also cal·o·ry \ˈkal-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : a unit of heat:  a : the heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius and equal to about 4.19 joules — called also small calorie  b : the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree Celsius and equal to 1000 small calories — used especially to indicate the value of foods in the production of heat and energy; called also large calorie, kilocalorie
2 : an amount of food having an energy-producing value of one large calorie [from French calorie “a unit of heat,” from Latin calor “heat,” from calēre “to be hot” — related to CAULDRON, NONCHALANT]

cal·o·rif·ic \ˌkal-ə-ˈrif-ik\ adj : CALORIC

cal·o·rim·e·ter \ˌkal-ə-ˈrim-ət-ər\ n : a device for measuring quantities of heat given off or taken in

calve \ˈkav, ˈkȧv\ vb calved; calv·ing
1 : to give birth to a calf
2 of an ice mass : to break so that a large part becomes separated <a glacier calving icebergs>

calves plural of CALF

ca·lyp·so \kə-ˈlip-sō\ n, pl -sos : a folk song or style of singing of West Indian origin having a lively rhythm and words which are usually made up by the singer

ca·lyx \ˈkā-liks also ˈkal-iks\ n, pl ca·lyx·es or ca·ly·ces \ˈkā-lə-ˌsēz also ˈkal-ə-\ : the usually green or leafy outside part of a flower consisting of sepals

cal·zo·ne \kal-ˈzōn, -ˈzō-ˌnē, -ˈzō-nā; käl-ˈzȯn-ā\ n, pl calzone or calzones : a baked or fried turnover of pizza dough with various fillings usually including cheese

1cam \ˈkam\ n : a device by which circular motion may be transformed into stop-and-start or back-and-forth motion [perhaps from French came “cam,” from German Kamm, literally, “comb”]

2cam n : CAMERA 2

ca·ma·ra·de·rie \ˌkäm-(ə-)ˈräd-ə-rē, kam-(ə-)ˈrad-\ n : good feeling existing between comrades

cam·bi·um \ˈkam-bē-əm\ n, pl cam·bi·ums or cam·bia \-bē-ə\ : a thin cell layer between the xylem and phloem of most vascular plants from which new cells (as of wood and bark) develop
— cam·bi·al \-bē-əl\ adj

Cam·bri·an \ˈkam-brē-ən, ˈkām-\ adj : of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Paleozoic era of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks marked by fossils of nearly every major invertebrate animal group — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Cambrian n

cam·bric \ˈkām-brik\ n : a fine thin white linen or cotton fabric

cam·cord·er \ˈkam-ˌkȯrd-ər\ n : a small portable combined camera and VCR

came past of COME

cam·el \ˈkam-əl\ n : either of two large cud-chewing mammals used for carrying burdens and for riding in desert regions especially of Africa and Asia:  a : DROMEDARY  b : a two-humped camel of central Asia — called also Bactrian camel

camel hair also camel's hair n
1 : the hair of a camel or a substitute for it (as hair from squirrels' tails)
2 : a cloth made of camel hair or of camel hair and wool

ca·mel·lia \kə-ˈmēl-yə\ n : a greenhouse shrub that is related to the tea plant and has glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers

Ca·mel·o·par·da·lis \kə-ˌmel-ə-ˈpärd-əl-əs\ n : a northern group of stars between Cassiopeia and Ursa Major

Cam·em·bert \ˈkam-əm-ˌbe(ə)r\ n : a soft cheese with a whitish rind and a yellow inside [named for Camembert, a village in France where the cheese is made]

cam·eo \ˈkam-ē-ˌō\ n, pl -eos
1 : a carved gem in which the design is higher than its background
2 : a small role (as in a movie) performed by a well-known actor

cam·era \ˈkam-(ə-)rə\ n
1 : a judge's private office <hearings held in camera>
2 : a lightproof box fitted with a lens through which the image of an object is projected onto a surface that is sensitive to light for recording (as on film) or for converting into electrical signals (as for a live television broadcast) [from Latin camera “room, chamber”; sense 2 from the scientific Latin phrase camera obscura, literally, “dark chamber” — related to CHAMBER]

camomile variant of CHAMOMILE

1cam·ou·flage \ˈkam-ə-ˌfläzh, -ˌfläj\ n
1 : the hiding or disguising of something by covering it up or changing the way it looks
2 : the material (as paint or leaves and branches) used for camouflage

2camouflage vb -flaged; -flag·ing : to hide or disguise by camouflage

1camp \ˈkamp\ n
1 a : a place usually away from cities where tents or buildings are erected for shelter or for living in temporarily  b : a group of tents, cabins, or huts  c : a tent or cabin to be lived in temporarily (as during vacation)  d : a place usually in the country for recreation or instruction often during the summer <summer camp>; also : a program offering access to recreational or educational facilities for a limited period of time <a resort offering boating and hiking camps> <computer camp>
2 : a body of persons in a camp

2camp vb
1 : to make or occupy a camp
2 : to live in a camp or outdoors <camp out overnight>

cam·paign \kam-ˈpān\ n
1 : a series of military operations in a particular area or for a particular purpose as part of a war
2 : a connected series of activities designed to bring about a particular result <an election campaign>
— cam·paign vb

— cam·paign·er n

cam·pa·ni·le \ˌkam-pə-ˈnē-lē, ˌkäm-, -(ˌ)lā, especially of U.S. structures also ˌkam-pə-ˈnē(ə)l\ n, pl -niles or -nili : a bell tower; esp : one built separate from another building

cam·pan·u·la \kam-ˈpan-yə-lə\ n : BELLFLOWER

camp·er \ˈkam-pər\ n
1 : a person who camps
2 : a portable dwelling or a specially equipped vehicle for use during travel and camping

camp·fire \ˈkamp-ˌfī(ə)r\ n : a fire built outdoors (as at a camp)

Camp Fire Girl n : a member of a national organization for girls from ages 7 to 18

camp·ground \ˈkamp-ˌgrau̇nd\ n : the area or place used for a camp or for camping

cam·phor \ˈkam(p)-fər\ n : a tough gummy fragrant compound obtained especially from the wood and bark of the camphor tree and used in medicine and as an insect repellent

camphor tree n : a large Asian evergreen tree that is related to the laurels and is the source of camphor

camp·o·ree \ˌkam-pə-ˈrē\ n : a gathering of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts from a given geographic area

camp·site \ˈkamp-ˌsīt\ n : a place suitable for or used as the site of a camp

cam·pus \ˈkam-pəs\ n, pl cam·pus·es : the grounds of a college or a school

cam·shaft \ˈkam-ˌshaft\ n : a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms a part

1can \kən, (ˈ)kan\ helping verb past could \kəd, (ˈ)ku̇d\; pres sing & pl can
1 a : know how to <we can read>  b : be able to <I can hear you>  c : be permitted by conscience or feeling to <they can hardly blame you>  d : have the power or right to
2 : have permission to : MAY <you can go now> [Old English can “to know, know how to”]

2can \ˈkan\ n
1 : a metal container usually shaped like a cylinder <a soda can>
2 : the contents of a can <ate the whole can of beans> [Old English canne “container”]

3can \ˈkan\ vb canned; can·ning
1 : to prepare for future use by sealing in an airtight can or jar <can tomatoes>
2 : to dismiss from a job : FIRE
3 slang : to put a stop or end to
— can·ner n

Can·a·da Day \ˌkan-əd-ə-\ n : July 1 observed as a legal holiday in honor of the proclamation of dominion status in 1867

Canada goose n : a common wild goose of North America that is mostly gray and brownish with a black head and neck

Ca·na·di·an \kə-ˈnād-ē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Canada or its people
— Cana·dian n

Canadian bacon n : bacon from the loin of a pig that has little fat and is cut into round or oblong slices for cooking

Canadian lynx or Canada lynx n : LYNX 1

ca·nal \kə-ˈnal\ n
1 : a tube-shaped bodily passage or channel : DUCT
2 : an artificial waterway for boats or for draining or irrigating land
3 : any of various faint narrow lines on the planet Mars seen through telescopes and formerly thought to be canals built by Martians

ca·nary \kə-ˈne(ə)r-ē\ n, pl ca·nar·ies : a small usually yellow or greenish finch native to the Canary Islands that is often kept in a cage

can·cel \ˈkan(t)-səl\ vb -celed or -celled; -cel·ing or -cel·ling \-s(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to cross out or strike out with a line : DELETE
2 a : to destroy the force or effectiveness of <cancel an order> <cancel an appointment>  b : to match in force or effect : 2OFFSET <cancelled each other out>
3 a : to divide a numerator and denominator by the same number  b : to remove something equivalent from both sides of an equation or account
4 : to mark a postage stamp or check so that it cannot be reused
— can·cel·er or can·cel·ler \-s(ə-)lər\ n

can·cel·la·tion \ˌkan(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : an act of canceling
2 : a mark made to cancel something

can·cer \ˈkan(t)-sər\ n
1 cap : a group of stars between Gemini and Leo usually pictured as a crab
2 cap  a : the fourth sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Cancer
3 : a tumor that tends to spread locally and to other parts of the body and often causes death if not treated; also : an abnormal state marked by such tumors
4 : a dangerous evil that destroys slowly
— can·cer·ous \ˈkan(t)s-(ə-)rəs\ adj
Word History The Latin word cancer, meaning “crab,” was also given as a name to several diseases. One of the diseases was the abnormal, spreading mass of tissue we call a tumor. A possible explanation for this extended use of cancer is that the Romans thought some tumors looked like many-legged crabs. A French descendant of this Latin word was borrowed into English as canker. It is now applied to several plant and animal disorders. In the 14th century the Latin word cancer in the sense of “tumor” was borrowed directly into English, giving us our modern spelling and sense. [Middle English Cancer “‘Crab’ star group,” from Latin cancer “crab, cancer (disease)”; sense 3 directly from Latin cancer “crab, cancer” — related to CANKER, CHANCRE]

can·de·la \kan-ˈdē-lə, -ˈdel-ə\ n : a unit of measurement for the intensity of light

can·de·la·bra \ˌkan-də-ˈläb-rə also -ˈlab-\ n : CANDELABRUM

can·de·la·brum \ˌkan-də-ˈläb-rəm also -ˈlab-\ n, pl -bra \-rə\ also -brums : a candlestick that has several branches for holding candles

can·did \ˈkan-dəd\ adj
1 : marked by or showing sincere honesty : FRANK
2 : relating to photography of people acting naturally without being posed <candid picture> [from French candide “white” and Latin candidus “white, bright,” from Latin candēre “to shine, be bright” — related to CANDIDATE, CANDLE; see Word History at CANDIDATE]
— can·did·ly adv

— can·did·ness n

can·di·da·cy \ˈkan-dəd-ə-sē, ˈkan-əd-\ n, pl -cies : the state of being a candidate

can·di·date \ˈkan-də-ˌdāt, ˈkan-ə-, -dət\ n : one who runs in an election contest or is proposed for an office or honor
Word History In ancient Rome it was the custom for a person who wanted to be elected to public office to wear a toga that had been rubbed with chalk to make it white. The Latin word for “dressed in white” was candidatus. In time this word came to be used for the person himself, or the candidate. The Latin word candidatus came from candidus, meaning “bright, shining white.” This in turn came from candēre, a verb meaning “to shine, be bright.” Latin candēre has given us two other English words: candid, which at first meant “white, free from prejudice” but now usually means “honest, natural,” and candle, the mass of wax with a wick that is burned to give off a bright light. [from Latin candidatus “candidate,” from candidatus (adjective) “dressed in white,” from candidus “shining white,” from candēre “to be bright, shine” — related to CANDID, CANDLE]

can·di·di·a·sis \ˌkan-də-ˈdī-ə-səs\ n, pl -a·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\ : infection with a fungus that resembles a yeast

1can·dle \ˈkan-dəl\ n
1 : a mass of tallow or wax containing a wick that is burned to give light
2 : CANDELA [Old English candel “candle,” from Latin candela “candle,” from candēre “to shine, be bright” — related to CANDID, CANDIDATE; see Word History at CANDIDATE]

2candle vb can·dled; can·dling \ˈkan-dliŋ, -dəl-iŋ\ : to examine an egg by holding it between the eye and a light
— can·dler \-dlər, -dəl-ər\ n

can·dle·light \ˈkan-dəl-ˌ(l)īt\ n
1 : the light of a candle
2 : soft artificial light
— can·dle·lit \-dəl-ˌ(l)it\ adj

Can·dle·mas \ˈkan-dəl-məs\ n : February 2 observed as a Christian festival in honor of the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary

can·dle·pow·er \ˈkan-dəl-ˌpau̇(-ə)r\ n : intensity of light expressed in candelas

can·dle·stick \-ˌstik\ n : a holder with a socket for a candle

can·dor \ˈkan-dər, -dȯ(ə)r\ n : sincere and honest expression : FRANKNESS

1can·dy \ˈkan-dē\ n, pl candies : a sweet made of sugar often with flavoring and filling

2candy vb can·died; can·dy·ing : to coat or become coated with sugar; esp : to cook (fruit or fruit peel) in sugar syrup

candy strip·er \-ˌstrī-pər\ n : a teenage volunteer hospital worker [so called from the fact that the uniform is traditionally striped like some stick candies]

1cane \ˈkān\ n
1 a : a jointed plant stem that is usually slender and more or less flexible  b : any of various tall woody grasses or reeds; esp : SUGARCANE
2 a : WALKING STICK 1  b : a rod for flogging  c : RATTAN 2

2cane vb caned; can·ing
1 : to beat with a cane
2 : to make with cane <cane the seat of a chair>

cane·brake \ˈkān-ˌbrāk\ n : a thicket of cane

cane sugar n : sugar from sugarcane

1ca·nine \ˈkā-ˌnīn\ adj : of or relating to dogs or to the family that includes the dogs, wolves, jackals, and foxes [from Latin caninus “having to do with dogs,” from canis “dog”]

2canine n
1 : a pointed tooth; esp : one located between the outer incisor and the first premolar
2 : 1DOG 1A, B

can·is·ter also can·nis·ter \ˈkan-ə-stər\ n : a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)

can·ker \ˈkaŋ-kər\ n
1 : an often spreading sore that eats into tissue
2 a : an area of dead tissue in a plant  b : a plant disease marked by cankers
3 : any of various animal diseases marked especially by inflammation [Middle English canker “spreading sore,” from an early French dialect word cancre (same meaning), from Latin cancer “crab, cancer” — related to CANCER, CHANCRE; see Word History at CANCER]
— can·ker·ous \ˈkaŋ-k(ə-)rəs\ adj

canker sore n : a small painful open sore especially of the mouth

can·ker·worm \ˈkaŋ-kər-ˌwərm\ n : a moth larva that injures plants especially by feeding on buds and leaves

can·na \ˈkan-ə\ n : a tall tropical herb with large leaves and bright-colored flowers

can·na·bis \ˈkan-ə-bəs\ n : HEMP 1; also : a preparation (as marijuana) made from hemp and affecting the mind

canned \ˈkand\ adj
1 : preserved in a sealed can or jar <canned peaches>
2 a : prepared or recorded in advance; esp : prepared in one form for ordinary use or wide distribution <canned laughter>  b : lacking originality as if mass-produced <a canned speech>

can·nery \ˈkan-(ə-)rē\ n, pl can·ner·ies : a factory for the canning of food

can·ni·bal \ˈkan-ə-bəl\ n : a human being or an animal that eats its own kind
Word History On Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the New World the American Indian peoples whom he encountered in Cuba and Hispaniola told him about a people living to their east, who periodically raided them and whom they greatly feared. In his log Columbus recorded a number of phonetically similar names for this people, including caníbales and caribes. The Spanish court historian Petrus Martyr wrote a Latin account of Columbus's discoveries, first printed in 1516, that used these two words and widely distributed them throughout Europe. In Petrus Martyr's words, “the inhabitants of these islands assert that the Canibales or Caribes are eaters of human flesh.” Later, the meaning of the two words diverged. Caribes was applied to the Carib-speaking peoples of the Lesser Antilles and South America who were so feared by their neighbors; it is also ultimately the base of the word Caribbean. Canibales passed into English as a generic word for any creature that eats the flesh of its own kind. [from New Latin Canibalis “Carib,” from Spanish Caníbal (same meaning), from Taino (American Indian language of the Greater Antilles) Caniba (same meaning), of Carib origin]

can·ni·bal·ism \ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌliz-əm\ n
1 : the eating of human flesh by a human being
2 : the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of the same kind
— can·ni·bal·is·tic \ˌkan-ə-bə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

can·ni·bal·ize \ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to take apart a machine for parts to be used as replacements in other machines

can·non \ˈkan-ən\ n, pl cannons or cannon
1 : a large heavy gun usually mounted on wheels
2 : an automatic gun of large caliber on an airplane

can·non·ade \ˌkan-ə-ˈnād\ n : heavy firing of artillery

can·non·ball \ˈkan-ən-ˌbȯl\ n : a usually round solid missile for firing from a cannon

can·non·eer \ˌkan-ə-ˈni(ə)r\ n : a person who operates artillery

can·not \ˈkan-(ˌ)ät; kə-ˈnät, ka-ˈnät\ : can not
— cannot but or cannot help but : to be unable to do something other than

can·ny \ˈkan-ē\ adj can·ni·er; -est : watchful of one's own interest
— can·ni·ly \ˈkan-əl-ē\ adv

— can·ni·ness \ˈkan-ē-nəs\ n

1ca·noe \kə-ˈnü\ n : a long light narrow boat with pointed ends and curved sides that is usually moved by someone using a paddle

2canoe vb ca·noed; ca·noe·ing : to travel or carry in a canoe
— ca·noe·ist \-ˈnü-əst\ n

ca·no·la \kə-ˈnō-lə\ n
1 : a rape plant of an improved variety having seeds that are the source of canola oil
2 : CANOLA OIL

canola oil n : an edible vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of canola that is low in saturated and high in monosaturated fatty acids

1can·on \ˈkan-ən\ n
1 : a church law or decree
2 : an official list (as of the books of the Bible)
3 : an accepted standard or rule <canons of good taste>

2canon n : a member of the clergy who is on the staff of a cathedral

cañon variant of CANYON

ca·non·i·cal \kə-ˈnän-i-kəl\ adj
1 : relating to or allowed by church law
2 : following a general rule or accepted procedure
— ca·non·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

can·on·ize \ˈkan-ə-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to declare to be a saint and worthy of public respect
2 : to treat something as if it were sacred
— can·on·iza·tion \ˌkan-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

canon law n : the body of religious laws that govern a church

Ca·no·pus \kə-ˈnō-pəs\ n : a very bright star not visible north of 37° latitude

1can·o·py \ˈkan-ə-pē\ n, pl -pies
1 a : a covering over a bed, throne, or shrine or carried on poles (as over a person of high rank)  b : AWNING
2 : a shade or shelter that hangs over something; esp : the uppermost spreading layer of a forest
3 : the fabric part of a parachute that catches the air

2canopy vb -pied; -py·ing : to cover with or as if with a canopy

canst \kən(t)st, (ˈ)kan(t)st\ archaic present 2nd singular of CAN

1cant \ˈkant\ n
1 : a slanting surface
2 : 3SLOPE 2, INCLINE [Middle English cant “corner,” from early Dutch cant or early French cant, both meaning “edge, corner,” from Latin canthus, cantus “iron rim on a wheel,” perhaps of Celtic origin]

2cant vb : to give a slant to

3cant n
1 a : ARGOT  b : JARGON 2
2 : insincere speech [probably derived from an early French dialect word canter “to tell,” from Latin cantare “to sing,” from canere “to sing” — related to CANTATA, CHANT, CHANTEY]

can't \ˈkant, ˈkȧnt, especially Southern ˈkānt\ : can not

can·ta·loupe also can·ta·loup \ˈkant-əl-ˌōp\ n : a muskmelon with a hard rough skin and reddish orange flesh

can·tan·ker·ous \kan-ˈtaŋ-k(ə-)rəs, kən-\ adj : difficult or irritating to deal with
— can·tan·ker·ous·ly adv

— can·tan·ker·ous·ness n

can·ta·ta \kən-ˈtät-ə\ n : a poem, story, or play set to music to be sung by a chorus and soloists [from Italian cantata “music for a chorus,” from Latin cantata (same meaning), derived from canere “to sing” — related to CANTOR, CHANT, CHANTEY]

can·teen \kan-ˈtēn\ n
1 : a store (as in a camp) in which food, drinks, and small supplies are sold
2 : a place of recreation and entertainment for people in military service
3 : a small container for carrying liquids (as on a hike)

1can·ter \ˈkant-ər\ n : a three-beat gait of a horse resembling but smoother and slower than the gallop

2canter vb : to go or cause to go at a canter

Can·ter·bury bell \ˌkant-ə(r)-ˌber-ē-\ n : a cultivated bellflower

can·ti·cle \ˈkant-i-kəl\ n : a song from the Bible used in church services

Canticle of Canticles : SONG OF SOLOMON

can·ti·le·ver \ˈkant-əl-ˌē-vər also -ev-ər\ n
1 : a beam or support fastened at only one end
2 : either of two beams or structures that stick out from piers toward each other and when joined form a span in a bridge

can·to \ˈkan-ˌtō\ n, pl cantos : a major division of a long poem

can·ton \ˈkant-ən, ˈkan-ˌtän\ n
1 : a division of a country (as Switzerland)
2 : the top inner quarter of a flag

can·ton·ment \kan-ˈtōn-mənt, -ˈtän-\ n : a military station in India

can·tor \ˈkant-ər\ n
1 : a choir leader
2 : a synagogue official who sings or chants religious music and leads the congregation in prayer [from Latin cantor “singer,” from canere “to sing” — related to CANTATA, CHANT, CHANTEY]

can·vas \ˈkan-vəs\ n
1 a : a strong cloth of hemp, flax, or cotton used for clothing and formerly much used for tents and sails  b : a piece of cloth used as a surface for painting; also : a painting on such a surface
2 : something made of canvas
3 : a stiff material (as of coarse cloth or plastic) that has regular meshes for working with a needle (as in needlepoint)

can·vas·back \-ˌbak\ n : a North American wild duck with a reddish brown head and black breast

1can·vass \ˈkan-vəs\ vb : to go through (a district) or go to (people) to ask for votes, contributions, or orders or to determine public opinion
— can·vass·er n

2canvass n : an act of canvassing

can·yon also ca·ñon \ˈkan-yən\ n : a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it

caou·tchouc \ˈkau̇-ˌchu̇k, -ˌchük, -ˌchü\ n : 1RUBBER 2A

1cap \ˈkap\ n
1 : a head covering; esp : one that has a visor and no brim
2 : something that serves as a cover or protection for something <a bottle cap>
3 : a natural cover or top: as  a : the umbrella-shaped part that bears the spores of a mushroom  b : the top of a bird's head
4 : a paper or metal container holding a small explosive charge (as for a toy pistol) [Middle English cappe “cap,” from Old English cæppe “cap,” from Latin cappa “head covering, cloak” — related to 2CAPE, CHAPEL]

2cap vb capped; cap·ping
1 : to cover or provide with a cap
2 : to follow with something : OUTDO
3 : to bring to a conclusion <capped off the show with a song>
4 : to prevent from growing or spreading : set a limit on <capped oil prices>

ca·pa·ble \ˈkā-pə-bəl\ adj
1 : having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something <you are capable of better work>
2 : having qualities or features permitting <a new train capable of very high speeds>
3 : able to do one's job well : generally efficient <tries to hire capable people>
— ca·pa·bil·i·ty \ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ca·pa·bly \ˈkā-pə-blē\ adv

ca·pa·cious \kə-ˈpā-shəs\ adj : able to contain much or many : ROOMY  synonyms see SPACIOUS
— ca·pa·cious·ly adv

— ca·pa·cious·ness n

ca·pac·i·tor \kə-ˈpas-ət-ər\ n : a device for storing electric charge — called also condenser

ca·pac·i·ty \kə-ˈpas-ət-ē, -ˈpas-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the ability to hold or contain <the seating capacity of a room>
2 : the largest amount or number that can be contained <a jug with a capacity of four liters> <the auditorium was filled to capacity>
3 : mental or physical ability
4 : 1POSITION 4A, FUNCTION <in your capacity as drama critic>

1ca·par·i·son \kə-ˈpar-ə-sən\ n
1 : an ornamental covering for a horse
2 : fancy clothing or decoration

2caparison vb : to dress with or as if with fancy clothes

1cape \ˈkāp\ n : a point of land that extends out into the sea or a lake [Middle English cap “cape, point of land,” derived from an early Occitan word cap (same meaning), from Latin caput “head” — related to CAPITAL]

2cape n : a sleeveless garment worn so as to hang over the shoulders, arms, and back [probably from Spanish capa “cloak,” from Latin cappa “head covering, cloak” — related to CAP, CHAPEL, CHAPERON, 1COPE, ESCAPE]

Cape buffalo \ˈkāp-\ n : a large wild buffalo of Africa south of the Sahara

Ca·pel·la \kə-ˈpel-ə\ n : a very bright star in Auriga

1ca·per \ˈkā-pər\ n : a pickled flower bud or young berry of a low prickly shrub of the Mediterranean region that is used as a seasoning [from earlier capers “caper shrub or berry” (mistaken as a plural), from Middle English caperis (same meaning), from Latin capperis “caper shrub”]

2caper vb ca·pered; ca·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\ : to leap about in a lively way [probably an altered form of English capriole “a playful leap, a leap by a trained horse,” from early French capriole or early Italian capriola (both, same meaning), derived from Latin capreolus “goat, male deer”]

3caper n
1 : a playful bounding leap or spring
2 : a playful or mischievous trick
3 : an illegal or questionable act

cap·il·lar·i·ty \ˌkap-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n : the action by which the surface of a liquid where (as in a slender tube) it is in contact with a solid is raised or lowered depending upon how much the molecules of the liquid are attracted to one another and to those of the solid

1cap·il·lary \ˈkap-ə-ˌler-ē\ adj
1 : having a long slender form and a very small inner diameter <a capillary tube>
2 : of or relating to capillaries or capillarity

2capillary n, pl -lar·ies : a capillary tube; esp : any of the tiny blood vessels connecting the small arteries and veins

1cap·i·tal \ˈkap-ət-əl, ˈkap-təl\ adj
1 a : punishable by death <a capital crime>  b : resulting in death <capital punishment>
2 : belonging to the series A, B, C, etc. rather than a, b, c, etc. <capital letters>
3 : being the location of a government <the capital city>
4 : of or relating to capital <capital investment>
5 : EXCELLENT <a capital idea> [Middle English capital “of the head, principal, causing death,” from early French (same meaning), from Latin capitalis (same meaning); from caput “head” — related to ACHIEVE, CADET, 1CAPE, CAPTAIN, CHIEF]

2capital n
1 a : accumulated wealth especially as used to produce more wealth  b : persons owning or investing capital
2 : profitable use <make capital out of another's weakness>
3 : a capital letter
4 : a capital city
5 : a city that is most important for a particular activity or product <the oil capital of the country>

3capital n : the top part of an architectural column [Middle English capitale (same meaning), from early French (same meaning), from Latin capitellum “small head, top of a column,” from caput “head”]

cap·i·tal·ism \ˈkap-ət-əl-ˌiz-əm, ˈkap-təl-\ n : an economic system in which resources and means of production are privately owned and prices, production, and the distribution of goods are determined mainly by competition in a free market
— cap·i·tal·ist \-əst\ or cap·i·tal·is·tic \ˌkap-ət-əl-ˈis-tik, ˌkap-təl-\ adj

— cap·i·tal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cap·i·tal·ist \ˈkap-ət-əl-əst, ˈkap-təl-\ n
1 : a person who has capital and especially business capital
2 : a person who supports capitalism

cap·i·tal·ize \ˈkap-ət-əl-ˌīz, ˈkap-təl-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to write or print with a beginning capital letter or in capital letters
2 a : to supply capital for (as a business or a project)  b : to use as capital (as in business)
3 : to use to help oneself <capitalize on an opponent's mistake>
— cap·i·tal·i·za·tion \ˌkap-ət-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌkap-təl-\ n

cap·i·tol \ˈkap-ət-əl, ˈkap-təl\ n
1 : the building in which a state legislature meets
2 cap : the building in which the U.S. Congress meets in Washington, D.C.

ca·pit·u·late \kə-ˈpich-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to surrender usually on terms agreed upon in advance
— ca·pit·u·la·tion \kə-ˌpich-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n

ca·po \ˈkā-pō\ n, pl capos : a bar that can be fitted on the fingerboard especially of a guitar to raise the pitch of all the strings

ca·pon \ˈkā-ˌpän, -pən\ n : a castrated male chicken

ca·price \kə-ˈprēs\ n
1 : a sudden change in feeling, opinion, or action
2 : a disposition to change one's mind suddenly

ca·pri·cious \kə-ˈprish-əs, -ˈprē-shəs\ adj : moved or controlled by caprice : apt to change suddenly <a capricious child> <capricious weather>
— ca·pri·cious·ly adv

— ca·pri·cious·ness n

Cap·ri·corn \ˈkap-ri-ˌkȯ(ə)rn\ n
1 : a group of stars between Sagittarius and Aquarius that is usually pictured as a goat
2 a : the 10th sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Capricorn

cap·size \ˈkap-ˌsīz, kap-ˈsīz\ vb cap·sized; cap·siz·ing : to become or cause to become upset or overturned : TURN OVER <canoes capsize easily>

cap·stan \ˈkap-stən, -ˌstan\ n : a device that consists of a drum to which a rope is fastened and that is used especially on ships for moving or raising weights

1cap·sule \ˈkap-səl, -(ˌ)sül\ n
1 : a surrounding cover of a bodily part (as a knee joint)
2 : a case bearing spores or seeds
3 : a shell usually of gelatin that is used for packaging something (as a drug); also : such a shell together with its contents
4 : an envelope of carbohydrate around a microbe and especially a bacterium
5 : a small compartment with nearly normal atmospheric pressure for a pilot or astronaut; esp : SPACECRAFT

2capsule adj : very brief <capsule movie reviews>

1cap·tain \ˈkap-tən\ n
1 a : the commanding officer of a military unit  b : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below that of major
2 a : the commanding officer of a ship  b : a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of commodore
3 : a fire or police department officer with a rank usually between that of chief and lieutenant
4 a : the leader of a team or side  b : a person in charge of several waiters in a restaurant [Middle English capitane “military leader,” from early French capitain (same meaning), from Latin capitaneus “chief,” from caput “head” — related to CADET, CAPITAL, CHIEF]
— cap·tain·cy \-sē\ n

2captain vb : to be captain of

cap·tion \ˈkap-shən\ n
1 : the heading especially of an article or document
2 : the explanation or description accompanying a pictorial illustration (as a cartoon or photograph)
3 : SUBTITLE 2
— caption vb

cap·tious \ˈkap-shəs\ adj : quick to find fault especially over small things
— cap·tious·ly adv

— cap·tious·ness n

cap·ti·vate \ˈkap-tə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing : to influence or fascinate by some special charm
— cap·ti·va·tion \ˌkap-tə-ˈvā-shən\ n

1cap·tive \ˈkap-tiv\ adj
1 : taken and held prisoner especially in war
2 : held or confined so as to prevent escape <a captive animal>
3 : in a situation that makes free choice or leaving difficult <the airline passengers were a captive audience>
— cap·tiv·i·ty \kap-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

2captive n : one that is captive : PRISONER

cap·tor \ˈkap-tər, -ˌtȯ(ə)r\ n : one that has captured a person or thing

1cap·ture \ˈkap-chər, -shər\ n
1 : the act of catching or gaining control by force or trickery
2 : something or someone captured [from early French capture “capture,” from Latin captura (same meaning), from captus “taken (as a prisoner),” from capere “to take” — related to ACCEPT, CATCH, RECEIVE]

2capture vb cap·tured; cap·tur·ing \ˈkap-chə-riŋ, ˈkap-shriŋ\
1 a : to take and hold especially by force <capture a city>  b : to gain or win as if by force <captured first prize>
2 : 1PRESERVE 1 <captured her smile on film>  synonyms see CATCH

capture the flag n : a game in which players on each of two teams seek to capture the other team's flag and return it to their side without being captured and imprisoned

cap·u·chin \ˈkap-yə-shən, kə-ˈp(y)ü-\ n : a brown or black monkey of South and Central America with a whitish face, chest, and shoulders

cap·y·bara \ˌkap-i-ˈbar-ə, -ˈbär-\ n : a tailless South American rodent often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length that is often found in or near water

car \ˈkär\ n
1 : a vehicle (as an automobile or part of a passenger train) moving on wheels
2 : the passenger compartment of an elevator
3 : the part of a balloon or an airship that carries the passengers and equipment

ca·rafe \kə-ˈraf, -ˈräf\ n : a bottle that has a lip and is used to hold water or beverages

car·am·bo·la \ˌkar-əm-ˈbō-lə\ n : STAR FRUIT

car·a·mel \ˈkär-məl; ˈkar-ə-məl, -ˌmel\ n
1 : burnt sugar used for coloring and flavoring
2 : a firm chewy candy

car·a·pace \ˈkar-ə-ˌpās\ n : a bony or horny case or shield covering all or part of the back of an animal (as a turtle)

1carat variant of KARAT

2car·at \ˈkar-ət\ n : a unit of weight for precious gems (as diamonds) equal to 200 milligrams

car·a·van \ˈkar-ə-ˌvan\ n
1 a : a group (as of merchants or pilgrims) traveling together on a long journey through desert or dangerous regions  b : a group of pack animals or of vehicles traveling together one behind the other
2 : a covered vehicle; esp : one equipped as traveling living quarters

car·a·van·sa·ry \ˌkar-ə-ˈvan(t)-sə-rē\ or car·a·van·se·rai \-sə-ˌrī\ n, pl -ries or -rais or -rai
1 : an inn in eastern countries where caravans rest at night
2 : HOTEL, INN

car·a·vel \ˈkar-ə-ˌvel, -vəl\ n : a small 15th and 16th century ship with a broad bow, a high stern, and usually three masts

car·a·way \ˈkar-ə-ˌwā\ n : a usually white-flowered herb related to the carrot and having fruits used in seasoning and medicine

car·bide \ˈkär-ˌbīd\ n : a compound of carbon with another element

car·bine \ˈkär-ˌbēn, -ˌbīn\ n : a light short-barreled rifle

car·bo·hy·drate \ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt, -drət\ n : any of various compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, or celluloses) most of which are formed by plants and are a major animal food

car·bol·ic acid \kär-ˌbäl-ik-\ n : PHENOL

car·bon \ˈkär-bən\ n
1 : a nonmetallic element found more or less pure in nature (as in diamond and graphite) or as a part of coal and petroleum and of the bodies of living things or obtained artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 a : a sheet of carbon paper  b : CARBON COPY 1

car·bo·na·ceous \ˌkär-bə-ˈnā-shəs\ adj : relating to, containing, or made up of carbon

car·bo·na·do \ˌkär-bə-ˈnād-ō, -ˈnäd-\ n, pl -dos : an impure dark-colored fine-grained mass of diamond particles valuable for great strength and hardness

1car·bon·ate \ˈkär-bə-ˌnāt, -nət\ n : a compound formed by the reaction of carbonic acid with another substance

2car·bon·ate \ˈkär-bə-ˌnāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to change into a carbonate
2 : to saturate with carbon dioxide <a carbonated beverage>
— car·bon·ation \ˌkär-bə-ˈnā-shən\ n

carbon copy n
1 : a copy made with carbon paper
2 : 2DUPLICATE

carbon cycle n : the cycle of carbon in living things in which carbon dioxide is used in photosynthesis to form food and growth substances and is later returned to the environment by respiration, decay, and burning

carbon dating n : the measurement of age (as of a fossil) by means of the amount of carbon 14 in the material

carbon dioxide n : a heavy colorless gas CO_2 that is formed especially by the burning and breaking down of organic substances (as in animal respiration), is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and has many industrial uses

carbon disulfide n : a colorless flammable poisonous liquid used especially to dissolve rubber and as an insecticide — called also carbon bisulfide

carbon footprint n : the amount of greenhouse gases and especially carbon dioxide given off by something (as a person's activities or a product's manufacture and transport) during a given period

carbon 14 \-(ˈ)fōr(t)-ˈtēn, -(ˈ)fȯr-\ n : a heavy radioactive form of carbon of mass number 14 used especially in finding out the age of very old remains (as bones or charcoal) of formerly living materials

car·bon·ic acid \kär-ˈbän-ik-\ n : a weak acid that is formed from water and carbon dioxide, is found only in mixtures with water, and breaks down easily

car·bon·if·er·ous \ˌkär-bə-ˈnif-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : producing or containing carbon or coal
2 cap : of, relating to, or being a period of the Paleozoic era of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks that includes coal beds — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Carboniferous n

car·bon·ize \ˈkär-bə-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to change or become changed into carbon
— car·bon·i·za·tion \ˌkär-bə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

carbon monoxide n : a colorless odorless very poisonous gas formed by the incomplete burning of carbon

carbon paper n : a thin paper coated with a coloring matter and used for making copies of something written or typed

carbon tet·ra·chlo·ride \-ˌte-trə-ˈklō(ə)r-id, -ˈklȯ(ə)r-\ n : a colorless nonflammable poisonous liquid used to dissolve things (as grease)

car·bun·cle \ˈkär-ˌbəŋ-kəl\ n
1 : a rounded and polished garnet
2 : a painful inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues that releases pus from several openings — compare 1BOIL

car·bu·re·tor \ˈkär-b(y)ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n : the part of an engine in which fuel (as gasoline) is mixed with air to make it burn easily

car·cass \ˈkär-kəs\ n : a dead body; esp : the body of a meat animal prepared for market

car·cin·o·gen \kär-ˈsin-ə-jən, ˈkärs-ən-ə-ˌjen\ n : a substance that causes cancer
— car·ci·no·gen·ic \ˌkärs-ən-ō-ˈjen-ik\ adj

car·ci·no·ma \ˌkärs-ən-ˈō-mə\ n, pl -mas or -ma·ta \-mət-ə\ : a tumor that consists of epithelial cells and is often fatal if not treated

1card \ˈkärd\ vb : to clean and untangle fibers by combing with a card before spinning
— card·er n

2card n : an instrument usually having bent wire teeth for combing fibers (as wool or cotton) [Middle English carde “instrument for combing fibers,” from Latin cardus, carduus “instrument for combing fibers, thistle,” from earlier Latin carduus “thistle”]

3card n
1 : PLAYING CARD
2 pl  a : a game played with cards  b : card playing
3 : an amusing person : WAG
4 : a flat stiff usually small and rectangular piece of paper, thin cardboard, or plastic: as  a : POSTCARD  b : such a card on which computer information is stored  c : CREDIT CARD  d : GREETING CARD
5 : a sports program
6 : a removable circuit board (as in a personal computer) [Middle English carde “playing card,” from early French carte (same meaning), probably from early Italian carta, literally, “leaf of paper,” from Latin charta “piece of papyrus” — related to CARTON, CARTOON, CHART]

4card vb
1 : to provide with a card
2 : to ask for identification

card·board \ˈkärd-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a material made from cellulose fiber (as wood pulp) like paper but usually thicker

card catalog n : a catalog of library books in which a card for each book is alphabetically filed with its call number usually under the title, author, and subject of the book

car·di·ac \ˈkärd-ē-ˌak\ adj : of, relating to, situated near, or acting on the heart

car·di·gan \ˈkärd-i-gən\ n : a usually collarless sweater opening down the front

Car·di·gan Welsh corgi \ˈkärd-i-gən-\ n : any of a breed of Welsh corgis with rounded ears, a long tail, and forelegs turned slightly outward — called also Cardigan

1car·di·nal \ˈkärd-nəl, -ən-əl\ n
1 : a high official of the Roman Catholic Church ranking next below the pope
2 : CARDINAL NUMBER
3 : a North American finch of which the male is bright red with a black face and a pointed bunch of feathers on its head
Word History Our word cardinal can be traced back to the Latin adjective cardinalis, which at first meant “serving as a hinge.” The root of this word is the noun cardo, meaning “hinge.” Since a hinge is the device on which a door turns, the noun cardo also came to be used for “something on which a development turns or depends,” or in other words, “something very important.” Following this, the adjective took on the meaning “very important, chief, principal.” Later the Roman Catholic Church applied this adjective in referring to principal churches and priests. By the late Middle Ages cardinalis had come to be used for “a clergyman of the highest rank, next to the pope.” When borrowed into English, cardinalis became cardinal. Then other senses of the word developed. A cardinal's robes are a deep red color, and this color influenced the naming of a type of bird whose color was like that of a cardinal's robes. [Middle English cardinal “high church official,” from Latin cardinalis (same meaning), from cardinalis (adjective) “principal, most important, of a hinge,” from cardo “hinge”]

2cardinal adj
1 : 1CHIEF 2, PRIMARY <a cardinal rule>
2 : very serious <a cardinal sin>

cardinal flower n : a North American plant that bears brilliant red flowers

car·di·nal·i·ty \ˌkärd-ən-ˈal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the number of elements in a given mathematical set

cardinal number n : a number (as 1, 5, 15) that is used in simple counting and that tells how many elements there are in a set but not the order in which they are arranged — compare ORDINAL NUMBER; see NUMBER TABLE

cardinal point n : one of the four principal points of the compass: north, south, east, west

car·dio·pul·mo·nary \ˈkärd-ē-ō-ˈpu̇l-mə-ˌner-ē, -ˈpəl-\ adj : of or relating to the heart and lungs

cardiopulmonary resuscitation n : a procedure used to restore normal breathing when the heart stops beating that includes clearing the air passages to the lungs, mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration, and applying pressure to the chest to massage the heart

car·dio·vas·cu·lar \ˌkärd-ē-ō-ˈvas-kyə-lər\ adj : of, relating to, or involving the heart and blood vessels <cardiovascular disease>

card table n : a table designed for playing cards; esp : a square table with folding legs

1care \ˈke(ə)r, ˈka(ə)r\ n
1 : a heavy sense of responsibility
2 : serious attention <take care in crossing streets>
3 : PROTECTION 1, SUPERVISION <under a doctor's care>
4 : an object of one's care

2care vb cared; car·ing
1 : to feel interest or concern <we care what happens>
2 : to give care <care for the sick>
3 : to have a liking or a desire <would you care for some pie?>
— car·er n

ca·reen \kə-ˈrēn\ vb
1 : to cause a boat to lean or tilt over on one side for cleaning or repairing
2 : to sway from side to side
3 : 2CAREER

1ca·reer \kə-ˈri(ə)r\ n
1 a : 1COURSE 1, PROGRESS  b : full speed or activity <in full career>
2 : a course of continued progress or activity
3 : a profession followed as a permanent occupation

2career vb : to go at top speed <a car careered off the road>

care·free \ˈke(ə)r-ˌfrē, ˈka(ə)r-\ adj : free from care: as  a : LIGHTHEARTED  b : IRRESPONSIBLE 2 <carefree with money>

care·ful \ˈke(ə)r-fəl, ˈka(ə)r-\ adj
1 : using care : WATCHFUL <a careful driver>
2 : made, done, or said with care <a careful examination>
— care·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— care·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n
synonyms CAREFUL, CAUTIOUS, WARY, mean taking care to avoid trouble. CAREFUL suggests that one is alert and thus able to prevent mistakes or accidents <be careful not to get paint on the rug>. CAUTIOUS suggests that one takes special care to avoid problems ahead of time <a cautious driver going slowly around the curve>. WARY suggests that one is suspicious of danger and sly in avoiding it <be wary of strangers>.

care·less \ˈke(ə)r-ləs, ˈka(ə)r-\ adj
1 : free from care : not troubled
2 : not taking proper care <a careless worker>
3 : done, made, or said without proper care <a careless mistake>
— care·less·ly adv

— care·less·ness n

ca·ress \kə-ˈres\ n
1 : a tender or loving touch or hug
2 : a light stroking, rubbing, or patting
— caress vb

car·et \ˈkar-ət\ n : a mark ‸ used to show where something is to be inserted

care·tak·er \ˈke(ə)r-ˌtā-kər, ˈka(ə)r-\ n : one that takes care of buildings or land often for an absent owner

care·worn \-ˌwō(ə)rn, -ˌwȯ(ə)rn\ adj : showing the effect of grief or worry <a careworn face>

car·fare \ˈkär-ˌfa(ə)r, -ˌfe(ə)r\ n : the fare charged for carrying a passenger (as on a bus)

car·go \ˈkär-ˌgō\ n, pl cargoes or cargos : the goods transported in a ship, airplane, or vehicle : FREIGHT

Car·ib \ˈkar-əb\ n : a member of an Indian people of northern South America and the Lesser Antilles

car·i·bou \ˈkar-ə-ˌbü\ n, pl -bou or -bous : a large animal of the deer family that is found in cold northern regions — used especially for one of the New World; called also reindeer [from Canadian French caribou “caribou,” from Micmac (American Indian language of northeastern Canada) γalipu]

1car·i·ca·ture \ˈkar-i-kə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r\ n
1 : exaggeration of the actions, parts, or features of someone or something usually for comic or satirical effect
2 : something (as a drawing) produced by using caricature
3 : something that seems like a caricature

2caricature vb -tured; -tur·ing : to make or draw a caricature of
— car·i·ca·tur·ist \-ˌchu̇r-əst, -ˌt(y)u̇r-əst\ n

car·ies \ˈka(ə)r-ēz, ˈke(ə)r-\ n, pl caries : a progressive destruction of bone or tooth; esp : tooth decay

car·il·lon \ˈkar-ə-ˌlän, -lən\ n : a set of bells sounded by hammers controlled from a keyboard

car·load \ˈkär-ˈlōd\ n : a load (as of passengers) that fills a car

car·mine \ˈkär-mən, -ˌmīn\ n : a vivid red

car·nage \ˈkär-nij\ n : great destruction of life (as in battle) : SLAUGHTER

car·nal \ˈkärn-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the body
2 : not spiritual : CORPOREAL
3 : SENSUAL 1
— car·nal·i·ty \kär-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n

— car·nal·ly \ˈkärn-əl-ē\ adv

car·na·tion \kär-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : a moderate red
2 : any of the numerous cultivated herbs of the genus of pinks with reddish, pink, yellow, or white usually double flowers

car·ne·lian \kär-ˈnēl-yən\ n : a hard tough reddish quartz used as a gem

car·ni·val \ˈkär-nə-vəl\ n
1 : a season or festival of merrymaking before Lent
2 : a noisy merrymaking
3 a : a traveling group that puts on a variety of amusements  b : a program of entertainment

car·ni·vore \ˈkär-nə-ˌvō(ə)r, -ˌvȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a flesh-eating animal; esp : any of an order of flesh-eating mammals
2 : a plant that traps and digests insects

car·niv·o·rous \kär-ˈniv-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 a : feeding on animal tissues  b : trapping and digesting insects <carnivorous plants>
2 : of or relating to the carnivores

car·no·tite \ˈkär-nə-ˌtīt\ n : a radioactive mineral from which radium and uranium are obtained

car·ob \ˈkar-əb\ n : the sweet pod of a Mediterranean evergreen tree of the legume family that can be prepared to resemble chocolate and is used in various foods

1car·ol \ˈkar-əl\ n : a usually religious song of joy

2carol vb -oled or -olled; -ol·ing or -ol·ling
1 : to sing especially in a joyful manner
2 : to sing carols and especially Christmas carols
— car·ol·er or car·ol·ler n

1car·om \ˈkar-əm\ n : a rebounding especially at an angle

2carom vb : to strike and rebound at an angle

car·o·tene \ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn\ n : any of several orange or red pigments which occur in plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and from which vitamin A is formed

ca·rot·id \kə-ˈrät-əd\ n : one of the pair of arteries that pass up each side of the neck and supply the head — called also carotid artery
— carotid adj

ca·rous·al \kə-ˈrau̇-zəl\ n : CAROUSE

ca·rouse \kə-ˈrau̇z\ n : a drunken merrymaking
— carouse vb

— ca·rous·er n

car·ou·sel also car·rou·sel \ˌkar-ə-ˈsel also -ˈzel; ˈkar-ə-ˌsel also -ˌzel\ n : MERRY-GO-ROUND 1

1carp \ˈkärp\ vb : to find fault : COMPLAIN
— carp·er n

2carp n, pl carp or carps : a large Asian freshwater fish often raised for food and widely introduced into U.S. waters; also : any of various related or similar fishes

1car·pal \ˈkär-pəl\ adj : relating to the wrist or carpus

2carpal n : a carpal bone or cartilage

car·pel \ˈkär-pəl\ n : one of the structures deep inside a flower that together make up the ovary of a flowering plant

car·pen·ter \ˈkär-pən-tər, ˈkärp-əm-tər\ n : a worker who builds or repairs wooden structures
— carpenter vb

carpenter ant n : any of several ants that nest and gnaw passageways in dead or decaying wood

car·pen·try \ˈkär-pən-trē, ˈkärp-əm-trē\ n : the work or trade of a carpenter

car·pet \ˈkär-pət\ n
1 : a heavy fabric used especially as a floor covering
2 : a covering like a carpet
— carpet vb

1car·pet·bag \-ˌbag\ n : a traveling bag made of carpeting and very popular in the U.S. in the 19th century

2carpetbag adj : of or relating to carpetbaggers

car·pet·bag·ger \ˈkär-pət-ˌbag-ər\ n : a Northerner in the South after the American Civil War usually seeking private gain under the reconstruction governments

carpet beetle n : a small beetle whose larva damages woolen goods

car·pet·ing \ˈkär-pət-iŋ\ n : material for carpets; also : CARPET 1 <wall-to-wall carpeting>

car pool n : an arrangement by a group of automobile owners in which each in turn drives his or her own car and carries the others as passengers usually to and from work
— car·pool \ˈkär-ˌpül\ vb

— car·pool·er n

car·port \ˈkär-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ n : an automobile shelter with open sides that is usually attached to the side of a building

car·pus \ˈkär-pəs\ n, pl car·pi \-ˌpī, -ˌpē\ : the wrist or its bones

car·ra·geen·an or car·ra·geen·in \ˌkar-ə-ˈgē-nən\ n : a substance obtained from various red algae (as Irish moss) that is used in foods especially to stabilize and thicken them

car·riage \ˈkar-ij\ n
1 : the act of carrying
2 : manner of holding the body : POSTURE
3 : a horse-drawn wheeled vehicle designed for carrying persons
4 : a wheeled support carrying a load <gun carriage>
5 : a movable part of a machine for supporting some other movable object or part <a typewriter carriage>

car·ri·er \ˈkar-ē-ər\ n
1 : one that carries <mail carrier>
2 : a person or firm engaged in transporting passengers or goods
3 a : a bearer and transmitter of disease germs; esp : one who carries germs of a disease (as typhoid fever) in his or her system but is immune to the disease  b : one who has a gene for a trait or condition (as sickle-cell anemia) that is not expressed in his or her system
4 : an electric wave or alternating current that is used to send signals (as for radio, television, telephone, and telegraph)

car·ri·on \ˈkar-ē-ən\ n : dead and decaying flesh

car·rot \ˈkar-ət\ n : the long orange edible root of a common garden plant that is eaten as a vegetable; also : a plant that produces a carrot

1car·ry \ˈkar-ē\ vb car·ried; car·ry·ing
1 : to support and take from one place to another : TRANSPORT <carry a package>
2 : to influence by appeal to the mind or emotions <the speaker carried the audience>
3 : 1WIN 3B, CAPTURE <carried off the prize>
4 : to transfer from one place (as a column) to another <carry a number in addition>
5 : to contain and direct the flow of <a pipe carries water>
6 a : to wear or have on one's person <carries a camera>  b : to bear upon or within one <carries a scar> <she is carrying an unborn child>
7 : IMPLY 1, INVOLVE <the crime carries a penalty>
8 : to hold the body or a part of it <carry your head high>
9 : to sing in correct pitch <carry a tune>
10 : to stock for sale <carries three brands of tires>
11 : to keep on a list or record <carrying six drivers on the payroll>
12 : 1SUPPORT 4A <pillars carry an arch>
13 a : to succeed in <carry an election>  b : to win a majority of votes in (as a state)
14 : to present for the public <newspapers carry weather reports>
15 : to reach or travel a distance <a voice that carries well>

2carry n, pl carries : a quantity that is transferred in addition from one number place to the one of next higher place value

car·ry·all \ˈkar-ē-ˌȯl\ n : a large bag or carrying case

carry away vb : to arouse strong feelings or enthusiasm in

carrying charge n : a charge added to the price of merchandise sold on the installment plan

carry on vb
1 : 2CONDUCT 2, MANAGE <carries on a business>
2 : to continue especially in spite of difficulties <still carrying on>
3 : to behave badly <embarrassed at the way you carried on>

carry out vb : to put into action or effect <carry out a plan>

car seat n : a portable seat for an infant or a small child that attaches to an automobile seat and holds the child safely

car·sick \ˈkär-ˌsik\ adj : having motion sickness associated with riding in a car
— car sickness n

1cart \ˈkärt\ n
1 : a heavy two-wheeled wagon usually pulled by a horse
2 : a light usually two-wheeled vehicle <pony cart>

2cart vb : to carry in or as if in a cart
— cart·er n

car·tel \kär-ˈtel\ n : a combination of business firms to control world markets and fix prices

car·ti·lage \ˈkärt-əl-ij, ˈkärt-lij\ n
1 : an elastic tissue which composes most of the skeleton of the vertebrate embryo and much of which is changed to bone later in life
2 : a part or structure composed of cartilage

car·ti·lag·i·nous \ˌkärt-əl-ˈaj-ə-nəs\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling cartilage

cartilaginous fish n : any of the fishes having the skeleton composed largely of cartilage

car·tog·ra·pher \kär-ˈtäg-rə-fər\ n : a person who makes maps

car·tog·ra·phy \kär-ˈtäg-rə-fē\ n : the making of maps
— car·to·graph·ic \ˌkärt-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

car·ton \ˈkärt-ən\ n : a paperboard box or container [from French carton “cardboard box,” from Italian cartone “pasteboard,” from carta “sheet of paper,” from Latin charta “piece of papyrus” — related to 3CARD, CARTOON]

car·toon \kär-ˈtün\ n
1 : a design, drawing, or painting made as a model for the finished work
2 a : a drawing intended as a humorous comment on public affairs  b : COMIC STRIP
3 : ANIMATED CARTOON [from Italian cartone “pasteboard, a sketch of a planned drawing or painting done on heavy paper,” from carta “sheet of paper,” from Latin charta “piece of papyrus” — related to 3CARD, CARTON]
— car·toon·ist \-ˈtü-nəst\ n

car·tridge \ˈkär-trij\ n : a case or container that holds a substance or device which is difficult, troublesome, or awkward to handle and that can be easily changed: as  a : a tube containing a complete charge for a firearm  b : a holder for photographic film  c : a device on a phonograph that changes vibrations of the needle into electrical signals  d : a case for holding a magnetic tape or disk  e : a case for holding integrated circuits containing a computer program <a video-game cartridge>

cart·wheel \ˈkärt-ˌhwēl, -ˌwēl\ n
1 : a large coin (as a silver dollar)
2 : a sideways handspring with arms and legs extended

carve \ˈkärv\ vb carved; carv·ing
1 : to cut with care or exactness
2 : to cut into pieces or slices
3 : to cut up and serve meat
— carv·er n

carv·ing \ˈkär-viŋ\ n
1 : the act or art of a person who carves
2 : a carved object, design, or figure

cary·at·id \ˌkar-ē-ˈat-əd\ n, pl -atids or -at·i·des \-ˈat-ə-ˌdēz\ : a sculptured figure of a woman in flowing robes used as a column in architecture

ca·sa·ba \kə-ˈsäb-ə\ n : any of several muskmelons that have a usually yellow rind and sweet flesh and keep well

1cas·cade \kas-ˈkād\ n : a steep usually small waterfall

2cascade vb cas·cad·ed; cas·cad·ing : to fall in or as if in a cascade

1case \ˈkās\ n
1 : a situation requiring investigation, action, or consideration <a case for the police>
2 a : a form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective showing its grammatical relation to other words <the word “child's” in “a child's shirt” is in the possessive case>  b : such a relation whether shown by change of form or not <the subject of a verb is in the nominative case>
3 : what actually exists or happens : FACT <thought he had failed, but that wasn't the case>
4 : a question or claim to be settled in a court of law
5 : a convincing argument <made a good case for accepting the plan>
6 a : an instance of disease or injury <a case of chicken pox>  b : 2PATIENT
7 : EXAMPLE 3 <a case of injustice> [Middle English cas “situation needing action,” from early French cas (same meaning), from Latin casus “fall, chance,” from cadere “to fall, happen, come by chance”]
— in any case : no matter what happens <I'll probably go in any case>

— in case
1 : IF 1 <in case you couldn't figure it out from the first clue, here's a second>
2 : as a precaution <carry an umbrella just in case>
3 : as a precaution against the event that <have extra money in case we need it>

— in case of : in the event of <for use in case of fire>

2case n
1 a : a box or container to hold something  b : a box with its contents
2 : an outer covering or protective shield
3 : CASING 2 [Middle English cas “box, container,” from early French case, chase (same meaning), from Latin capsa “chest, box,” from capere “to take” — related to CAPTURE, CASH]

case–hard·en \ˈkās-ˌhärd-ən\ vb : to harden (an iron alloy) so that the surface layer is harder than the interior
— case–hard·ened adj

ca·sein \ˈkā-ˌsēn, kā-ˈsēn\ n
1 : a phosphorus-containing protein that is separated from milk especially by the action of acid that is used in making paints and adhesives
2 : a phosphorus-containing protein that is produced when milk is made to form curds by rennet, that makes up a major part of cheese, and that is used in making plastics

case in point : a typical or relevant case

case knife n
1 : SHEATH KNIFE
2 : a table knife

case·ment \ˈkā-smənt\ n
1 : a window frame opening on hinges like a door
2 : a window with a casement

case·work \ˈkā-ˌswərk\ n : social work involving close study of the problems and needs of a person or family
— case·work·er \-ˌswər-kər\ n

1cash \ˈkash\ n
1 : money in the form of coins or bills
2 : money or its equivalent (as a check) paid for goods at the time of purchase or delivery [from early French casse or early Italian cassa, both meaning “money box,” from Latin capsa “chest, box” — related to 2CASE]

2cash vb : to pay or obtain cash for <cash a check>

ca·shew \ˈkash-ü, kə-ˈshü\ n : an edible nut that is shaped like a kidney and comes from a tropical American tree that is related to the sumacs; also : the tree that produces cashews

1cash·ier \ka-ˈshi(ə)r\ n
1 : an officer of a bank who is responsible for all money received and paid out
2 : an employee of a store or restaurant who receives and records payments made by customers

2ca·shier \ka-ˈshi(ə)r, kə-\ vb : to remove from a job; esp : to dismiss in disgrace

cashier's check n : a check drawn by a bank upon its own funds and signed by its cashier

cash in vb
1 : to obtain cash for <cashed in her bonds>
2 : to benefit financially <souvenir sellers cashed in at the fair> <cashing in on their brother's fame>

cash·mere \ˈkazh-ˌmi(ə)r, ˈkash-\ n
1 : fine wool from the undercoat of cashmere goats
2 : a soft yarn or fabric once made from cashmere wool but now often from sheep's wool

cashmere goat n : an Indian goat whose fine soft undercoat forms cashmere wool

cash register n : a business machine that usually has a money drawer, records the amount of money received, and exhibits the amount of each sale

cash value n : the amount paid to the owner of a life insurance policy if it is cashed in before the person named to receive the benefits is due the full amount

cas·ing \ˈkā-siŋ\ n
1 : something that encloses or surrounds
2 : a frame around a door or window opening

ca·si·no \kə-ˈsē-nō\ n, pl -nos : a building or room used for gambling

cask \ˈkask\ n
1 : a barrel-shaped container usually for liquids
2 : the quantity contained in a cask

cas·ket \ˈkas-kət\ n
1 : a small chest or box (as for jewels)
2 : COFFIN

casque \ˈkask\ n : HELMET 1

cas·sa·va \kə-ˈsäv-ə\ n : any of several tropical plants with a fleshy root that yields a nourishing starch; also : the root or its starch — compare TAPIOCA

cas·se·role \ˈkas-ə-ˌrōl\ n
1 : a dish in which food can be baked and served
2 : the food cooked and served in a casserole

cas·sette \kə-ˈset, ka-\ n : a container holding film, photographic plates, or magnetic tape

cas·sia \ˈkash-ə\ n
1 : the dried coarse bark of any of several cinnamons
2 : any of a genus of herbs, shrubs, and trees of the legume family which grow in warm regions

Cas·si·o·pe·ia \ˌkas-ē-ə-ˈpē-(y)ə\ n : a northern group of stars between Andromeda and Cepheus

cas·sit·er·ite \kə-ˈsit-ə-ˌrīt\ n : a brown or black mineral that consists of tin and oxygen and is the chief source of tin

cas·sock \ˈkas-ək\ n : a close-fitting ankle-length garment worn by clergy (as in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches)

cas·so·wary \ˈkas-ə-ˌwer-ē\ n, pl -war·ies : any of several tall swift-running birds of New Guinea and Australia that are closely related to the emu

1cast \ˈkast\ vb cast; cast·ing
1 a : 1THROW 1A, TOSS <cast a stone>  b : to throw a fishing line  c : 1DIRECT 3 <cast a glance>  d : to place as if by throwing <cast doubt on their honesty>  e : to deposit formally <cast a ballot>  f : to throw off, out, or away <the horse cast a shoe> <a snake casts its skin>
2 a : COMPUTE  b : to arrange into parts or into a proper form <cast the story in the form of a letter>
3 : to assign parts to actors <cast a play>
4 : to shape a substance by pouring it in liquid or very soft form into a mold and letting it harden without pressure <cast steel> <cast machine parts>
— cast lots : to draw lots to determine a matter by chance

2cast n
1 : an act of casting
2 a : the form in which a thing is constructed  b : the characters or the actors in a story or play
3 : the distance to which a thing can be thrown
4 a : a glance of the eye  b : APPEARANCE 1, LOOK
5 a : CASTING 2  b : a rigid casing (as of gauze and plaster of paris) for immobilizing a body part
6 : 2FORECAST
7 : a tinge of color : SHADE
8 : one of the characteristics associated with a person or thing <the humorous cast of his stories> <her strict cast of mind>
9 : something thrown out or off or shed

cast about vb : to look around here and there : SEEK

cas·ta·net \ˌkas-tə-ˈnet\ n : a rhythm instrument that consists of two small ivory, wood, or plastic shells fastened together and attached to the thumb and clicked together by the fingers — usually used in plural [from Spanish castañeta “castanet,” from castaña “chestnut”]

cast around vb : CAST ABOUT

cast·away \ˈkas-tə-ˌwā\ adj
1 : thrown away
2 : cast adrift or ashore
— castaway n

caste \ˈkast\ n
1 : one of the classes into which the Hindu people of India were formerly divided
2 a : a division of society based upon differences of wealth, rank, or occupation  b : social rank : PRESTIGE
3 : a specialized form of a social insect that carries out a particular purpose in the colony <the worker caste in a colony of honeybees>

cas·tel·lat·ed \ˈkas-tə-ˌlāt-əd\ adj : having battlements like a castle

cast·er \ˈkas-tər\ n
1 : one that casts
2 or cas·tor \ˈkas-tər\ : a small container (as for salt) with a top having small holes
3 : a small wheel that turns freely and is used for the support and movement of furniture

cas·ti·gate \ˈkas-tə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to punish, scold, or criticize harshly
— cas·ti·ga·tion \ˌkas-tə-ˈgā-shən\ n

— cas·ti·ga·tor \ˈkas-tə-ˌgāt-ər\ n

cast·ing \ˈkas-tiŋ\ n
1 : the act of one that casts
2 : something cast in a mold
3 : 2CAST 9

cast iron n : a hard brittle alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon shaped by being poured into a mold while melted

cas·tle \ˈkas-əl\ n
1 a : a large building or group of buildings usually having high walls with towers and a surrounding moat for protection  b : a large or impressive house
2 : 3ROOK [Middle English castel “castle,” from early French castel (same meaning), from Latin castellum “castle, fortress” — related to CHâTEAU]

cast–off \ˈkas-ˌtȯf\ adj : thrown away or aside <cast-off clothes>
— castoff n

Cas·tor \ˈkas-tər\ n : the more northern of the two bright stars in Gemini [from Greek Kastōr (name of one of the twin heroes in mythology) — see Word History at GEMINI]

cas·tor bean \ˈkas-tər-\ n : the very poisonous seed of the castor-oil plant; also : CASTOR-OIL PLANT

castor oil n : a pale thick oil obtained from castor beans and used chiefly as a lubricant or a laxative

castor–oil plant n : a tropical Old World herb widely grown as an ornamental plant or for its oil-rich seeds

cas·trate \ˈkas-ˌtrāt\ vb cas·trat·ed; cas·trat·ing : to remove the ovaries or especially the testes of
— cas·tra·tion \ka-ˈstrā-shən\ n

ca·su·al \ˈkazh-(ə-)wəl, ˈkazh-əl\ adj
1 : happening unexpectedly or by chance : not planned or foreseen <a casual meeting>
2 : happening without regularity : OCCASIONAL <casual employment>
3 a : feeling or showing little concern : NONCHALANT <a casual approach to cooking>  b : designed for ordinary or informal use <casual clothes>
— ca·su·al·ly \-ē\ adv

— ca·su·al·ness n

ca·su·al·ty \ˈkazh-əl-tē, ˈkazh-(ə-)wəl-\ n, pl -ties
1 : a serious or fatal accident : DISASTER
2 a : a military person lost (as by death or capture) during warfare  b : a person or thing injured, lost, or destroyed

cat \ˈkat\ n
1 a : a small domestic meat-eating mammal kept by people as a pet or for catching rats and mice  b : an animal (as the lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cougar, wildcat, lynx, and cheetah) that belongs to the same family as the domestic cat
2 slang : 1MAN 1A, FELLOW

ca·tab·o·lism \kə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n : metabolism that breaks down complex materials within living plants and animals and usually involves the release of energy and formation of waste products
— cat·a·bol·ic \ˌkat-ə-ˈbäl-ik\ adj

cat·a·clysm \ˈkat-ə-ˌkliz-əm\ n
1 : a great flood
2 : a violent and destructive natural event (as an earthquake)
3 : a violent social or political change
— cat·a·clys·mal \ˌkat-ə-ˈkliz-məl\ or cat·a·clys·mic \-mik\ adj

cat·a·comb \ˈkat-ə-ˌkōm\ n : an underground place of burial — usually used in plural

cat·a·lep·sy \ˈkat-əl-ˌep-sē\ n : a condition in which there is a loss of movement and the arms and legs stay in any position in which they are placed

1cat·a·lep·tic \ˌkat-əl-ˈep-tik\ adj : of, having, or being like catalepsy <a cataleptic state>

2cataleptic n : a person who has catalepsy

1cat·a·log or cat·a·logue \ˈkat-əl-ˌȯg, -ˌäg\ n
1 : a list of names, titles, or articles arranged according to a system
2 : a book or file containing a catalog

2catalog or catalogue vb -loged or -logued; -log·ing or -logu·ing
1 : to make a catalog of
2 : to enter in a catalog <catalog books>
— cat·a·log·er or cat·a·logu·er \-ˈȯ-gər, -ˈä-gər\ n

ca·tal·pa \kə-ˈtal-pə, -ˈtȯl-\ n : any of several trees of North America and Asia with broad oval leaves, showy flowers, and long narrow pods [Creek katáłpa “catalpa,” from iká “head” and táłpa “wing”]

ca·tal·y·sis \kə-ˈtal-ə-səs\ n : the change and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction caused by a catalyst

cat·a·lyst \ˈkat-əl-əst\ n
1 : a substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction but is itself unchanged at the end of the process; esp : such a substance that speeds up a reaction or enables it to proceed under milder conditions
2 : a person or event that quickly causes change or action <the scandal was a catalyst for reform>

cat·a·lyt·ic \ˌkat-əl-ˈit-ik\ adj : causing, involving, or relating to catalysis <the catalytic action of an enzyme>

catalytic converter n : a device containing a catalyst for changing automobile exhaust into mostly harmless products

cat·a·lyze \ˈkat-əl-ˌīz\ vb -lyzed; -lyz·ing : to bring about or produce by chemical catalysis

cat·a·ma·ran \ˌkat-ə-mə-ˈran, ˈkat-ə-mə-ˌran\ n : a boat with twin hulls

cat·a·mount \ˈkat-ə-ˌmau̇nt\ n : any of various wild cats: as  a : COUGAR  b : LYNX

1cat·a·pult \ˈkat-ə-ˌpəlt, -ˌpu̇lt\ n
1 : an ancient military device for hurling missiles
2 : a device for launching an airplane (as from the deck of an aircraft carrier)

2catapult vb
1 : to throw or launch by or as if by a catapult
2 : to become catapulted <he catapulted to fame>

cat·a·ract \ˈkat-ə-ˌrakt\ n
1 : a clouding of the lens of the eye or of the transparent cover around it that blocks the passage of light
2 a : a large waterfall  b : a sudden rush like a waterfall : FLOOD

ca·tarrh \kə-ˈtär\ n : inflammation of a mucous membrane; esp : inflammation of the human nose and air passages that lasts a long time
— ca·tarrh·al \-ˈtär-əl\ adj

ca·tas·tro·phe \kə-ˈtas-trə-(ˌ)fē\ n
1 : a sudden disaster
2 : complete failure : FIASCO
— cat·a·stroph·ic \ˌkat-ə-ˈsträf-ik\ adj

— cat·a·stroph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cat·bird \ˈkat-ˌbərd\ n : a dark gray American songbird with a black cap and a reddish underside of the base of the tail

cat·boat \-ˌbōt\ n : a sailboat with a single mast set far forward and a single large sail with a long boom

cat·call \-ˌkȯl\ n : a sound like the cry of a cat or a noise expressing disapproval
— catcall vb

1catch \ˈkach, ˈkech\ vb caught \ˈkȯt\; catch·ing
1 a : to capture or seize in flight or motion <catch butterflies> <catch a ball>  b : 2TRAP 1A
2 a : to discover unexpectedly <was caught in the act>  b : to stop suddenly <caught himself before he gave away the secret>
3 : to take hold of : SNATCH
4 a : to get entangled <catch a sleeve on a nail>  b : to have the parts connect firmly <this lock will not catch>  c : to attach, join, or fasten tightly
5 : to fall sick with <catch a cold>
6 : to take or get for a short time or quickly <catch a glimpse of a friend> <catch a little sleep>
7 a : to catch up to <will have to hurry to catch the leaders>  b : to get aboard in time <catch the bus>
8 : UNDERSTAND 1A <didn't catch what she said>
9 : to play baseball as a catcher [Middle English cacchen “to catch,” from early French cacher “to hunt,” derived from Latin captare “to chase,” from capere “to take” — related to CAPTURE]
— catch fire
1 : to begin to burn
2 : to become excited or exciting

— catch one's breath : to pause or rest long enough to regain normal breathing
synonyms CATCH, CAPTURE, TRAP, SNARE, mean to come to possess or control by seizing. CATCH suggests the taking of something that is moving, flying, or hiding <catch that dog>. CAPTURE suggests taking only after overcoming resistance or difficulty <finally captured the fort after many days>. TRAP, and SNARE suggest the use of a device that catches by surprise and then holds the prey <trapped wild animals> <trying to snare fish with nets>.

2catch n
1 a : something caught  b : the quantity caught at one time <a large catch of fish>
2 a : the act of catching  b : a pastime in which a ball is thrown and caught
3 : something that checks, fastens, or holds immovable <a catch on a door>
4 : one worth discovering or finding
5 : a round for three or more voices
6 : a hidden difficulty <there must be a catch>

catch·all \ˈkach-ˌȯl, ˈkech-\ n : something to hold a variety of odds and ends

catch·er \ˈkach-ər, ˈkech-\ n : one that catches; esp : a baseball player who plays behind home plate

catching adj : INFECTIOUS <the flu is catching>

catch·ment \ˈkach-mənt, ˈkech-\ n
1 : the action of catching water
2 : something that catches water

catch on vb
1 : to realize something <they had been teasing me, and I never caught on>
2 : to become popular <will the new style catch on>

catchup variant of KETCHUP

catch up vb
1 : to pick up suddenly or quickly <caught the mouse up by the tail>
2 : to go fast enough to get even with someone ahead <trying to catch up with the rest of the class>
3 : to bring oneself up to date <have to catch up on my homework> <catch up on the news>

catchy \ˈkach-ē, ˈkech-ē\ adj catch·i·er; -est
1 : likely to attract attention
2 : easily remembered <catchy lyrics>
3 : TRICKY 2 <a catchy question>

cat·e·chism \ˈkat-ə-ˌkiz-əm\ n
1 : a summary of religious doctrine in the form of questions and answers
2 : a set of questions requiring memorized answers put as a test

cat·e·chist \ˈkat-ə-ˌkist, -ə-kəst\ n : a person who catechizes

cat·e·chize \ˈkat-ə-ˌkīz\ vb -chized; -chiz·ing : to instruct by means of a catechism

cat·e·gor·i·cal \ˌkat-ə-ˈgȯr-i-kəl, -gär-\ also cat·e·gor·ic \-ik\ adj
1 : not restricted or limited in any way : ABSOLUTE <a categorical denial>
2 : of, relating to, or being a category
— cat·e·gor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cat·e·go·rize \ˈkat-i-gə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing : to put into a category : CLASSIFY
— cat·e·go·ri·za·tion \ˌkat-i-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

cat·e·go·ry \ˈkat-ə-ˌgōr-ē, -ˌgȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 : one of the divisions or groupings used in a system of classification <“species” and “genus” are biological categories>
2 : 1CLASS 3A, KIND

ca·ter \ˈkāt-ər\ vb
1 : to provide a supply of food <cater for parties>
2 : to supply what is wanted or needed
— ca·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

cat·er·cor·ner or cat·er–cor·nered variant of KITTY-CORNER

cat·er·pil·lar \ˈkat-ə(r)-ˌpil-ər\ n : the long wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth; also : any of various similar insect larvae (as of a sawfly)
Word History On looking at a fuzzy caterpillar you might see a resemblance to another animal. One kind of caterpillar must have reminded some people of a bear and was at one time called a bear worm and later a woolly bear. In France long ago, the fuzzy caterpillars probably made some people think of little dogs. The French word for caterpillar is chenille, which comes from a Latin word for “little dog.” But our word caterpillar comes from an early French dialect word, catepelose, which is made up of two words meaning “hairy cat.” Pelose, meaning “hairy,” was taken from Latin pilus, “hair.” This Latin word is the same root that gives us our modern English word pile, meaning “a coat or surface of short furry hairs.” Since many caterpillars are covered with such a coat, the name is very fitting. [Middle English catyrpel “caterpillar,” from an early French dialect word catepelose “caterpillar,” literally, “hairy cat,” from cate “female cat” and pelose “hairy,” derived from Latin pilus “hair” — related to 5PILE]

cat·er·waul \ˈkat-ər-ˌwȯl\ vb : to make a harsh cry
— caterwaul n

cat·fish \ˈkat-ˌfish\ n : any of numerous usually freshwater stout-bodied fishes with large heads and long thin feelers about the mouth

cat·gut \-ˌgət\ n : a tough cord made from intestines of animals (as sheep) and used for strings of musical instruments and rackets and for sewing in surgery

ca·thar·tic \kə-ˈthärt-ik\ n : a strong laxative
— cathartic adj

ca·the·dral \kə-ˈthē-drəl\ n : the principal church of a district headed by a bishop

cath·ode \ˈkath-ˌōd\ n
1 : the negative electrode of an electrolytic cell — compare ANODE 1
2 : the positive terminal of a battery
3 : the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
— ca·thod·ic \ka-ˈthäd-ik\ adj

cathode ray n
1 : one of the high-speed electrons driven in a stream from the heated cathode of a vacuum tube under the force of a strong electric field
2 : a stream of cathode-ray electrons

cathode–ray tube n : a vacuum tube in which a beam of electrons is projected upon a fluorescent screen and produces a glowing spot

cath·o·lic \ˈkath-(ə-)lik\ adj
1 cap  a : of or relating to the Christian church as a whole  b : ROMAN CATHOLIC
2 : broad in sympathies, tastes, or interests <a catholic taste in music>
— Ca·thol·i·cism \kə-ˈthäl-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n

Catholic n
1 : 1CHRISTIAN 2
2 : a member of the Roman Catholic church

cat·ion \ˈkat-ˌī-ən\ n : the ion in solution during electrolysis that travels to the cathode; also : a positively charged ion

cat·kin \ˈkat-kən\ n : a flower cluster (as of the willow or birch) in which the flowers grow in close circular rows along a slender stalk

cat·like \ˈkat-ˌlīk\ adj or adv : resembling a cat especially in being quick and silent

cat·nap \-ˌnap\ n : a short light nap
— catnap vb

cat·nip \-ˌnip\ n : a strong-scented herb of the mint family that is especially attractive to cats

cat–o'–nine–tails \ˌkat-ə-ˈnīn-ˌtālz\ n, pl cat–o'–nine–tails : a whip made of nine knotted cords fastened to a handle

CAT scan \ˈkat-\ n : a three-dimensional image of a body part made by a computer from a series of cross-sectional images that are formed by exposure to radiation (as X-rays) [CAT from computerized axial tomography]

cat's cradle n : a game played with a string looped on the fingers so as to resemble a small cradle

cat's–eye \ˈkats-ˌī\ n : any of various gems (as chalcedony) with a changeable luster suggestive of reflections from the eye of a cat

catsup variant of KETCHUP

cat·tail \ˈkat-ˌtāl\ n : a tall marsh plant that bears very tiny flowers and fruit in brown furry spikes at the end of long stalks

cat·tle \ˈkat-əl\ n, pl cattle : domestic four-footed animals held as property or raised for use; esp : bovine animals (as cows, bulls, or steers) kept on a farm or ranch

cat·tle·man \-mən, -ˌman\ n : a person who raises cattle

cat·ty \ˈkat-ē\ adj cat·ti·er; -est
1 : resembling a cat
2 : mean in a sly way <catty remarks>
— cat·ti·ly \ˈkat-ə-lē\ adv

— cat·ti·ness \ˈkat-ē-nəs\ n

catty–corner or catty–cornered variant of KITTY-CORNER

cat·walk \ˈkat-ˌwȯk\ n : a narrow walk or way (as along a bridge)

Cau·ca·sian \kȯ-ˈkā-zhən, -ˈkazh-ən\ adj
1 : of or relating to the Caucasus or persons living there
2 : of, constituting, or characteristic of a race of humankind native to Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia and classified according to physical features — used especially in referring to light-skinned persons of European descent
— Caucasian n

cau·cus \ˈkȯ-kəs\ n : a closed meeting of members of a political party or faction usually to select candidates or decide policy
— caucus vb

caught past and past participle of CATCH

caul·dron also cal·dron \ˈkȯl-drən\ n
1 : a large kettle
2 : something resembling a boiling cauldron in intensity or degree of agitation <a cauldron of intense emotion> [Middle English caldron, cauldron “cauldron,” from earlier cauderon (same meaning), derived from an early French dialect word caudiere “basin,” derived from Latin calidus “warm,” from calēre “to be hot” — related to CALORIE, NONCHALANT]

cau·li·flow·er \ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r\ n : a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

caulk or calk \ˈkȯk\ vb : to fill up a crack, seam, or joint so as to make it watertight
— caulk·er n

caus·al \ˈkȯ-zəl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a cause

caus·a·tive \ˈkȯ-zə-tiv\ adj : making something happen or exist <a causative agent of disease>

1cause \ˈkȯz\ n
1 : something or someone that brings about a result or condition
2 : a good or adequate reason <a cause for celebration>
3 a : a ground of legal action  b : something supported or deserving support <a worthy cause>
— cause·less \ˈkȯz-ləs\ adj
synonyms CAUSE, REASON, MOTIVE, mean something that explains an effect or result. CAUSE applies to any event, circumstance, or condition that brings about or helps bring about a result <slippery roads were the cause of many accidents>. REASON applies to a traceable or explainable cause of a known effect <too little rain was the reason for the poor harvest>. MOTIVE applies to actions explained by a feeling or desire <greater knowledge was her motive for studying so hard> <police are trying to find a motive for the crime>.

2cause vb caused; caus·ing : to be the cause of

cause·way \ˈkȯz-ˌwā\ n : a raised way or road across wet ground or water

1caus·tic \ˈkȯ-stik\ adj
1 : capable of eating away by chemical action : CORROSIVE
2 : likely to offend or hurt someone's feelings <a caustic remark>
— caus·ti·cal·ly \-sti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2caustic n : a caustic substance (as caustic soda)

caustic potash n : POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE

caustic soda n : SODIUM HYDROXIDE

cau·ter·ize \ˈkȯt-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to burn with a hot iron or a chemical substance usually to destroy infected tissue <cauterize a wound>
— cau·ter·i·za·tion \ˌkȯt-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

1cau·tion \ˈkȯ-shən\ n
1 : ADMONITION, WARNING
2 : carefulness in regard to danger
3 : someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention

2caution vb cau·tioned; cau·tion·ing \ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ\ : to advise caution to : WARN

cau·tion·ary \ˈkȯ-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj : serving as or offering a warning <a cautionary tale>

cau·tious \ˈkȯ-shəs\ adj : marked by or given to caution <a cautious reply>  synonyms see CAREFUL
— cau·tious·ly adv

— cau·tious·ness n

cav·al·cade \ˌkav-əl-ˈkād, ˈkav-əl-ˌkād\ n
1 : a procession especially of riders or carriages
2 : a dramatic series (as of related events)

1cav·a·lier \ˌkav-ə-ˈli(ə)r\ n
1 : a mounted soldier : KNIGHT
2 : a brave and courteous gentleman [from early French cavalier “cavalier,” from early Italian cavaliere (same meaning), derived from Latin caballarius “horseman,” from earlier caballus “horse” — related to CAVALRY, CHIVALRY; see Word History at CHIVALRY]

2cavalier adj
1 : lighthearted and charming in manner
2 : having an unconcerned or disdainful attitude about important matters
— cav·a·lier·ly adv

— cav·a·lier·ness n

cav·al·ry \ˈkav-əl-rē\ n, pl -ries : troops mounted on horseback or moving in motor vehicles or helicopters [from Italian cavallerie “cavalry, chivalry,” from cavaliere “cavalier, knight,” derived from Latin caballarius “horseman,” from earlier caballus “horse” — related to CAVALIER, CHIVALRY; see Word History at CHIVALRY]

1cave \ˈkāv\ n : a natural underground chamber or series of chambers open to the surface

2cave vb caved; cav·ing : to fall or cause to fall in or down : COLLAPSE — usually used with in

cave–in \ˈkā-ˌvin\ n
1 : the action of caving in
2 : a place where earth has caved in

cave·man \ˈkāv-ˌman\ n : a person living in a cave especially during the Stone Age

cav·ern \ˈkav-ərn\ n : a cave often of large or unknown size

cav·ern·ous \ˈkav-ər-nəs\ adj
1 : having caverns or cavities
2 : resembling a cavern in being large and hollow
3 : composed largely of spaces capable of filling with blood to bring about the enlargement of a body part
— cav·ern·ous·ly adv

cav·i·ar also cav·i·are \ˈkav-ē-ˌär also ˈkäv-\ n : the salted eggs of a large fish (as the sturgeon) usually served as an appetizer

cav·il \ˈkav-əl\ vb -iled or -illed; -il·ing or -il·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make objections of little worth or importance : QUIBBLE
— cavil n

— cav·il·er or cav·il·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

cav·ing \ˈkā-viŋ\ n : the sport of exploring caves : SPELUNKING

cav·i·ta·tion \ˌkav-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n : the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid by a swiftly moving solid body (as a propeller) or by high-frequency sound waves

cav·i·ty \ˈkav-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a hollow place; esp : an unfilled bodily space <lung cavity>
2 : a hole hollowed out in a tooth by decay

ca·vort \kə-ˈvȯ(ə)rt\ vb : to leap or dance about in a lively manner

caw \ˈkȯ\ vb : to utter the harsh call of a crow or a similar cry
— caw n

cay \ˈkē, ˈkā\ n : 4KEY

cay·enne \ˌkī-ˌen-, ˌkā-\ n : the ground dried fruits and seeds of hot peppers used to add flavor to food — called also cayenne pepper

cayman variant of CAIMAN

cay·use \ˈkī-ˌ(y)üs, kī-ˈ(y)üs\ n : a small native horse of the western U.S.

CB \ˌsē-ˈbē\ n
1 : CITIZENS BAND
2 : the radio set used for citizens-band communications

cc \ˌsē-ˈsē\ vt cc'd; cc'·ing : to send someone a copy of (an e-mail, letter, or memo) <cc an e-mail to a coworker> [carbon copy]

CCD \ˌsē-ˌsē-ˈdē\ n : CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICE

C–clamp \ˈsē-ˌklamp\ n : a clamp shaped like the letter C

CD \ˌsē-dē\ n : a small plastic disk on which information (as music or computer data) is recorded digitally and read by using a laser

CD–ROM \ˌsē-ˌdē-ˈräm\ n : a CD containing computer data that cannot be altered [compact disc read-only memory]

cease \ˈsēs\ vb ceased; ceas·ing : to come or bring to an end : STOP

cease–fire \ˈsēs-ˈfī(ə)r\ n : a temporary stopping of warfare

cease·less \ˈsēs-ləs\ adj : 1CONSTANT 4, CONTINUAL
— cease·less·ly adv

— cease·less·ness n

ce·cro·pia moth \si-ˌkrō-pē-ə-\ n : a red and dark brown moth that is the largest moth of North America and has a caterpillar which spins a cocoon of coarse silk

ce·cum also cae·cum \ˈsē-kəm\ n, pl ce·ca also cae·ca \-kə\ : a cavity open at one end; esp : the pouch in which the large intestine begins
— ce·cal also cae·cal \-kəl\ adj

ce·dar \ˈsēd-ər\ n
1 a : any of a genus of usually tall trees related to the pines and noted for their fragrant durable wood  b : any of numerous cone-bearing trees (as some junipers) resembling the true cedars especially in having fragrant long-lasting wood
2 : the wood of a cedar

cedar waxwing n : a brown waxwing of North America that has a yellow band on the tip of the tail

cede \ˈsēd\ vb ced·ed; ced·ing : to give up especially by treaty <Russia ceded Alaska to the U.S. in 1867>

ce·dil·la \si-ˈdil-ə\ n : a mark placed under the letter c (as ç) to show that it is to be pronounced like s [from Spanish cedilla “mark under a c,” originally a name for the obsolete letter ç, from ceda, zeda “the letter z,” derived from Greek zēta “zeta”]

ceil·ing \ˈsē-liŋ\ n
1 : the overhead inside lining of a room
2 : something that hangs over or is above
3 : the height above the ground of the base of the lowest layer of clouds when over half of the sky is hidden by clouds
4 : the greatest height at which an airplane can operate efficiently
5 : an upper usually prescribed limit <a ceiling on prices>

cel·an·dine \ˈsel-ən-ˌdīn, -ˌdēn\ n
1 : a yellow-flowered herb related to the poppies
2 : a buttercup with fleshy roots — called also lesser celandine

cel·e·brant \ˈsel-ə-brənt\ n : a person who celebrates; esp : the priest who is celebrating Mass

cel·e·brate \ˈsel-ə-ˌbrāt\ vb -brat·ed; -brat·ing
1 : to perform publicly and according to certain rules <celebrate Mass>
2 : to observe in some special way (as by merrymaking or by staying away from work) <celebrate a birthday> <celebrate Memorial Day>
3 : to praise or make known publicly <her poetry celebrates the beauty of nature>  synonyms see KEEP
— cel·e·bra·tion \ˌsel-ə-ˈbrā-shən\ n

— cel·e·bra·tor \ˈsel-ə-ˌbrāt-ər\ n

cel·e·brat·ed adj : widely known and often mentioned <a celebrated writer>  synonyms see FAMOUS

ce·leb·ri·ty \sə-ˈleb-rət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being celebrated : FAME <his short-lived celebrity>
2 : a famous or celebrated person

ce·ler·i·ty \sə-ˈler-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : 1SPEED 1A

cel·ery \ˈsel-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : a European herb related to the carrot and widely grown for the thick edible stems; also : the stems of celery used for food

ce·les·ta \sə-ˈles-tə\ n : a keyboard instrument with hammers that strike steel plates to make ringing sounds

ce·les·tial \sə-ˈles-chəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or suggesting heaven <angels are celestial beings>
2 : of or relating to the sky <a star is a celestial body>
— ce·les·tial·ly \-chə-lē\ adv

celestial equator n : the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles

celestial navigation n : navigation by observation of the positions of heavenly bodies

celestial pole n : one of two points on the celestial sphere around which the daily rotation of the stars appears to take place

celestial sphere n : an imaginary sphere of infinite radius against which the celestial bodies appear to be projected

cel·i·ba·cy \ˈsel-ə-bə-sē\ n : the state of not being married; esp : the state of one who has taken a vow not to marry

cel·i·bate \ˈsel-ə-bət\ n : one who lives in celibacy
— celibate adj

cell \ˈsel\ n
1 : a very small room (as in a convent or prison) usually for one person
2 : a small compartment, cavity, or bounded space <the cells in a honeycomb often contain honey>
3 : one of the tiny units that are the basic building blocks of living things, that carry on the basic functions of life either alone or in groups, and that include a nucleus and are surrounded by a membrane
4 a : a container (as a jar) with electrodes and an electrolyte either for generating electricity by chemical action or for use in electrolysis  b : a single unit in a device for changing radiant energy into electrical energy
5 : CELL PHONE
— celled \ˈseld\ adj

cel·lar \ˈsel-ər\ n : a room or set of rooms below the surface of the ground : BASEMENT

cell body n : the central part of a neuron that includes the nucleus but not the axons and dendrites

cell division n : a process by which cells increase in number that usually involves division into similar parts of more or less equal size — compare MEIOSIS, MITOSIS

cel·list \ˈchel-əst\ n : a person who plays the cello

cell membrane n : a semipermeable outside layer surrounding the contents of a cell

cel·lo \ˈchel-ō\ n, pl cellos : a large musical instrument of the violin family that plays the bass or tenor part [shortened form of violoncello]

cel·lo·phane \ˈsel-ə-ˌfān\ n : a thin transparent material made from cellulose and used as a wrapping

cell phone n : a portable cellular telephone

cell sap n : a watery solution of food and wastes that fills the vacuole of most plant cells

cell theory n : a general statement in biology that all living things consist of cells each of which has come from a previously existing cell

cel·lu·lar \ˈsel-yə-lər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of cells
2 : of, relating to, or being a radiotelephone system in which a geographical area (as a city) is divided into small sections each served by a transmitter of limited range <cellular phones>

cel·lu·loid \ˈsel-(y)ə-ˌlȯid\ n
1 : a tough flammable plastic
2 : a motion-picture film <watch a western on celluloid>

cel·lu·lose \ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs\ n : a complex carbohydrate that is the chief part of the cell walls of plants and is commonly obtained as a white stringy substance from vegetable matter (as wood or cotton) which is used in making various products (as rayon and paper)
— cel·lu·los·ic \ˌsel-yə-ˈlō-sik\ adj

cell wall n : the firm nonliving layer that encloses and supports the cells of most plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae

Cel·sius \ˈsel-sē-əs, ˈsel-shəs\ adj : relating to or having a scale for measuring temperature on which the interval between the triple point and the boiling point of water is divided into 99.99 degrees with 0.01° representing the triple point and 100.00° the boiling point; also : CENTIGRADE — abbreviation C

Celt \ˈkelt, ˈselt\ n : a member of a division of the early Indo-European peoples spread out from the British Isles and Spain to Asia Minor; also : a person whose ancestors were Celts

1Celt·ic \ˈkel-tik, ˈsel-\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Celts or their languages

2Celtic n : a group of languages including Gaelic and Welsh

1ce·ment \si-ˈment\ n
1 a : CONCRETE  b : a fine powder that is produced from a burned mixture chiefly of clay and limestone and used as an ingredient of mortar and concrete
2 a : a binding element or substance  b : an adhesive substance
3 a : CEMENTUM  b : a material for filling cavities in teeth

2cement vb
1 : to unite by or as if by cement <cemented their friendship>
2 : to cover with concrete
— ce·ment·er n

ce·men·tum \si-ˈment-əm\ n : an outside bony layer that covers the part of the tooth normally within the gum

cem·e·tery \ˈsem-ə-ˌter-ē\ n, pl -ter·ies : a place where dead people are buried : GRAVEYARD [Middle English cimitery “cemetery,” from early French cimiterie (same meaning), from Latin coemeterium “cemetery,” from Greek koimētērion “sleeping chamber, burial place,” from koiman “to put to sleep”]

Ce·no·zo·ic \ˌsē-nə-ˈzō-ik, ˌsen-ə-\ adj : of, relating to, or being an era of geological history that extends from the beginning of the Tertiary period to the present time and is marked by a rapid evolution of mammals and birds and of flowering plants and especially grasses; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Cenozoic n

cen·ser \ˈsen(t)-sər\ n : a container in which incense is burned

1cen·sor \ˈsen(t)-sər\ n : an official who checks materials (as publications or movies) to take out things thought to be objectionable

2censor vb cen·sored; cen·sor·ing \ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)riŋ\ : to examine in order to prevent publication or take out things thought to be objectionable; also : to delete things thought to be objectionable

cen·sor·ship \ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship\ n : the system or practice of censoring

1cen·sure \ˈsen-chər\ n
1 : the act of blaming or condemning sternly
2 : an official expression of disapproval

2censure vb cen·sured; cen·sur·ing \ˈsench-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to find fault with
2 : to express formal disapproval of <censured the senator for misconduct>
— cen·sur·able \ˈsench-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— cen·sur·er \ˈsen-chər-ər\ n

cen·sus \ˈsen(t)-səs\ n : a counting of the population (as of a country, city, or town) and a gathering of related statistics done by a government every so often

cent \ˈsent\ n
1 : a unit of value equal to 1/100 part of a basic unit of money (as of a dollar or euro)
2 : a coin or bill representing one cent [from early French cent “hundred,” from Latin centum “hundred”]

cen·taur \ˈsen-ˌtȯ(ə)r\ n : a creature in Greek mythology that is half human and half horse

cen·ta·vo \sen-ˈtäv-ō\ n, pl -vos
1 : a unit of value equal to 1/100 part of any of several basic units of money (as the Mexican peso)
2 : a coin representing one centavo

cen·te·nar·i·an \ˌsent-ən-ˈer-ē-ən\ n : a person 100 years old or older
— centenarian adj

cen·ten·a·ry \sen-ˈten-ə-rē, ˈsent-ən-ˌer-ē\ adj or n : CENTENNIAL

1cen·ten·ni·al \sen-ˈten-ē-əl\ n : a 100th anniversary or its celebration

2centennial adj : relating to a period of 100 years
— cen·ten·ni·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

1cen·ter \ˈsent-ər\ n
1 : the point inside a circle or sphere that is an equal distance from all the points on the edge
2 a : a place in or around which an activity takes place or from which something begins <the center of the scandal>  b : a place for a particular activity or service <a day-care center>  c : a group of neurons that have a common purpose <respiratory center>
3 : the middle part (as of a stage)
4 : a player occupying a middle position on a team

2center vb cen·tered; cen·ter·ing \ˈsent-ə-riŋ, ˈsen-triŋ\
1 : to place or fix at or around a center or central area
2 : to give a central focus <the story is centered on his adventures>
3 : to collect at or around a center

cen·ter·board \ˈsent-ər-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a keel that can be raised and is used especially in sailboats

center field n
1 : the part of the baseball outfield between right field and left field
2 : the position of the player defending center field
— center fielder n

cen·ter·line \ˈsen-tər-ˈlīn\ n : a real or imaginary line that runs down the middle of something <the centerline of the highway>

center of gravity : the point at which the entire weight of a body can be thought of as concentrated

center of mass : the point in a body or system of bodies at which the whole mass can be thought of as concentrated

cen·ter·piece \ˈsent-ər-ˌpēs\ n : a piece put in the center of something and especially a decoration (as flowers) for the center of a table

cen·tes·i·mo \sen-ˈtes-ə-ˌmō\ n, pl -mos
1 : a unit of value equal to 1/100 part of a Uruguayan peso
2 : a coin representing one centesimo [Spanish centésimo, from Latin centesimus “hundredth,” from centum “hundred”]

centi- combining form
1 : hundred <centigrade>
2 : one hundredth part of <centimeter> — used in terms of the metric system [from Latin centum “hundred”]

cen·ti·grade \ˈsent-ə-ˌgrād, ˈsänt-\ adj : relating to or having a thermometer scale on which the interval between the freezing point and the boiling point of water is divided into 100 degrees with 0° representing the freezing point and 100° the boiling point — abbreviation C — compare CELSIUS

cen·ti·gram \ˈsent-ə-ˌgram, ˈsänt-\ n : a unit of mass equal to 1/100 gram — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

cen·ti·li·ter \ˈsent-ə-ˌlēt-ər, ˈsänt-\ n : a unit of capacity equal to 1/100 liter — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

cen·time \ˈsän-ˌtēm, ˈsen-\ n
1 : a unit of value equal to 1/100 franc
2 : a coin representing one centime

cen·ti·me·ter \ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər, ˈsänt-\ n : a unit of length equal to 1/100 meter — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

centimeter–gram–second adj : of, relating to, or being a system of units based upon the centimeter as the unit of length, the gram as the unit of mass, and the second as the unit of time — abbreviation cgs

cen·ti·mo \ˈsent-ə-ˌmō\ n, pl -mos
1 : a unit of value equal to 1/100 part of a basic unit of money (as of a bolivar or sol)
2 : a coin representing one Peruvian centimo [Spanish céntimo]

cen·ti·pede \ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd\ n : any of a class of long flattened arthropods that have many segments with each segment having one pair of legs except for the first segment which has a pair of poison fangs — compare MILLIPEDE [from Latin centipeda “centipede,” from centi- “hundred” and -peda, from ped-, pes “foot” — related to PEDESTRIAN]

cen·tral \ˈsen-trəl\ adj
1 : containing or being a center <the central office>
2 : 1CHIEF 2, PRINCIPAL <the central figure in a story>
3 : situated at, in, or near the center <the store is in a central location>
4 : of, relating to, or consisting of the brain and spinal cord; also : originating within the central nervous system
— cen·tral·i·ty \sen-ˈtral-ət-ē\ n

— cen·tral·ly \ˈsen-trə-lē\ adv

central angle n : an angle with its vertex at the center of a circle and with sides that are radii of the circle

cen·tral·ize \ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to bring to a central point or under a single control
— cen·tral·i·za·tion \ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

central nervous system n : the part of the nervous system that in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord

central processing unit n : CPU

central tendency n : the extent to which statistical values fall around a middle value <the mean, median, and mode are all used to measure central tendency>

central time n, often cap C : the time of the 6th time zone west of Greenwich that includes the central U.S.

cen·tre \ˈsent-ər\ chiefly British variant of CENTER

cen·trif·u·gal \sen-ˈtrif-yə-gəl, -ˈtrif-i-gəl\ adj
1 : proceeding or acting in a direction away from a center or axis
2 : using or acting by centrifugal force [from scientific Latin centrifugus “centrifugal,” literally, “fleeing from the center,” from centri- “center” and -fugus, from Latin fugere “to run away, flee” — related to FUGITIVE, REFUGEE]

centrifugal force n : the force that tends to cause a thing or parts of a thing to go outward from a center of rotation

cen·tri·fuge \ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj\ n : a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for causing gravitational effects

cen·tri·ole \ˈsen-trē-ˌōl\ n : one of a pair of minute bodies that are located next to the nucleus of a cell, are important in cell division, and consist of a cylinder-shaped central part surrounded by a circle of nine tiny tubes

cen·trip·e·tal \sen-ˈtrip-ət-əl\ adj : proceeding or acting in a direction toward a center or axis
— cen·trip·e·tal·ly \-ət-əl-ē\ adv

centripetal force n : the force that tends to cause a thing or parts of a thing to go inward toward a center of rotation

cen·tro·mere \ˈsen-trə-ˌmi(ə)r\ n : the point on a chromosome to which the spindle attaches during cell division

cen·tro·some \ˈsen-trə-ˌsōm\ n
1 : CENTRIOLE
2 : the region of a cell that is located next to the nucleus and contains the centrioles

cen·tu·ry \ˈsench-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : a group of 100 things
2 : a period of 100 years

century plant n : a Mexican agave maturing and flowering only once in many years and then dying

CEO \ˌsē-ˌē-ˈō\ n : the executive with the chief decision-making power in an organization or business [chief executive officer]

ceph·a·lo·pod \ˈsef-ə-lə-ˌpäd\ n : any of a class of mollusks that include the squids, cuttlefishes, and octopuses and have a group of muscular sucker-bearing arms, highly developed eyes, and usually a bag of inky fluid which can be released for defense

ceph·a·lo·tho·rax \ˌsef-ə-lə-ˈthō(ə)r-ˌaks, -ˈthȯ(ə)r-\ n : a combined head and thorax (as of a spider or crab)

Ce·phe·id \ˈsē-fē-əd\ n : one of a class of pulsating stars whose changes in brightness are very regular

Ce·pheus \ˈsē-ˌfyüs, ˈsē-fē-əs\ n : a group of stars between Cygnus and the north pole

1ce·ram·ic \sə-ˈram-ik\ adj : of or relating to the manufacture of a product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made from a nonmetallic mineral by heating at high temperatures

2ceramic n
1 pl : the art of making ceramic articles
2 : a product of ceramic manufacture

cer·cus \ˈsər-kəs\ n, pl cer·ci \ˈsər-ˌsī\ : a thin many-jointed part of an insect that sticks out from the hind end of its body

1ce·re·al \ˈsir-ē-əl\ adj : relating to grain or to the plants that produce it; also : made of grain [derived from Latin cerealis “of grain,” literally, “of Ceres,” from Ceres (name of Roman goddess of grain)]

2cereal n
1 : a plant (as a grass) that produces starchy grain suitable for food; also : its grain
2 : a prepared food (as oatmeal or cornflakes) of grain

cer·e·bel·lum \ˌser-ə-ˈbel-əm\ n, pl -bellums or -bel·la \-ˈbel-ə\ : a large portion of the back part of the brain that is concerned especially with the action of groups of muscles and with bodily balance

ce·re·bral \sə-ˈrē-brəl, ˈser-ə-\ adj
1 : of or relating to the brain
2 : of, relating to, or being the cerebrum
3 : 1INTELLECTUAL 1 <a cerebral novel>

cerebral hemisphere n : either of the two hollow many-ridged right or left halves of the cerebrum

cerebral palsy n : a disease resulting from damage to the brain usually before or during birth and resulting in imperfect control of muscles, paralysis, and speech disturbances

ce·re·bro·spi·nal fluid \sə-ˌrē-brō-ˌspīn-əl-\ n : a colorless fluid that occupies the cavities of the brain and spinal cord and the space between these and the membranes surrounding them

ce·re·brum \sə-ˈrē-brəm, ˈser-ə-brəm\ n, pl -brums or -bra \-brə\
1 : 1BRAIN 1A
2 : the expanded front or upper part of the brain that consists of the cerebral hemispheres and connecting structures and is reported to be the seat of conscious mental processes

1cer·e·mo·ni·al \ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or forming a ceremony
— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ism \-nē-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n

— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ist \-nē-ə-ləst\ n

— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ly \-nē-ə-lē\ adv

— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ness n

2ceremonial n : a ceremonial act, action, or system

cer·e·mo·ni·ous \ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əs\ adj
1 : 1CEREMONIAL
2 : careful to observe forms and ceremony : FORMAL
— cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ly adv

— cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ness n

cer·e·mo·ny \ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : a formal act or series of acts performed in some regular way according to fixed rules <graduation ceremonies>
2 : very polite behavior : FORMALITY <dined without ceremony>

ce·ri·um \ˈsir-ē-əm\ n : a soft metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

cer·met \ˈsər-ˌmet\ n : a strong alloy of a heat-resistant compound (as carbide of titanium) and a metal (as nickel) used especially for turbine blades

1cer·tain \ˈsərt-ən\ adj
1 : FIXED 1B <receive a certain share of the profits>
2 : not to be doubted : known to be true <it is certain that diamonds are hard>
3 : known but not named <a certain person told me>
4 : RELIABLE, SURE <a certain cure>
5 a : sure to happen : bound to occur : INEVITABLE <defeat was certain>  b : decided in advance by or as if by fate <the plan was certain to succeed>
6 : assured in mind or action <feel certain they will come>

2certain pron : certain ones <certain of my classmates are absent>

cer·tain·ly \ˈsərt-ən-lē\ adv
1 : in a manner that is certain : for certain <the earliest voyage of which anything is certainly known>
2 : without doubt : SURELY <certainly you can do better than that>

cer·tain·ty \ˈsərt-ən-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : something certain
2 : the quality or state of being or feeling certain

cer·tif·i·cate \(ˌ)sər-ˈtif-i-kət\ n
1 : a document that is proof of some fact; esp : one showing that a person has fulfilled the requirements of a school or profession <teaching certificate>
2 : a document showing ownership <stock certificate> <bond certificate>

certification mark n : a mark used to identify a product or service that has been certified to conform to a certain set of standards

certified milk n : milk of high quality produced under the rules and regulations of an authorized medical milk commission

cer·ti·fy \ˈsərt-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to guarantee to be true or valid or as claimed or meeting a standard
2 : to recognize as having met special qualifications within a field <certify teachers>
— cer·ti·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

— cer·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌsərt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— cer·ti·fi·er \ˈsərt-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

cer·ti·tude \ˈsərt-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : CERTAINTY

ce·ru·le·an \sə-ˈrü-lē-ən\ adj : colored blue like the sky

cer·vi·cal \ˈsər-vi-kəl\ adj : of or relating to a neck or cervix

cer·vix \ˈsər-viks\ n, pl cer·vi·ces \ˈsər-və-ˌsēz\ or cer·vix·es : the narrow outer end of the uterus that opens into the cavity of the vagina

ce·sar·e·an or cae·sar·e·an \si-ˈzar-ē-ən, -ˈzer-\ n, often cap C : CESAREAN SECTION
— cesarean or caesarean adj

cesarean section or caesarean section n, often cap C : a surgical operation making an opening in the walls of the abdomen and uterus for delivery of a baby [from Cesar, alternate form of Caesar, and -ean (adjective suffix); from the belief that the original bearer of the name Caesar was cut (Latin caesus) from his mother's womb]

ce·si·um \ˈsē-zē-əm\ n : a silver-white soft element used especially in photoelectric cells — see ELEMENT TABLE

ces·sa·tion \se-ˈsā-shən\ n : a stopping of action

ces·sion \ˈsesh-ən\ n : a giving over (as of territory or rights) to another

cess·pool \ˈses-ˌpül\ n : an underground pit or tank for liquid waste (as household sewage)

ce·ta·cean \si-ˈtā-shən\ n : any of an order of aquatic mammals (as a whale, dolphin, or porpoise)
— cetacean adj

Ce·tus \ˈsēt-əs\ n : a group of stars seen above the equator and south of Pisces and Aries [Latin, literally, “whale”]

ce·tyl alcohol \ˌsēt-əl-\ n : a waxy crystalline alcohol used especially in cosmetics, drugs, and detergents

cha·dor \ˈchəd-ər, ˈchäd-\ n : a large cloth worn as a combination head covering, veil, and shawl usually by Muslim women

chafe \ˈchāf\ vb chafed; chaf·ing
1 a : IRRITATE 1, VEX  b : to feel irritation, dissatisfaction, or impatience : FRET
2 : to warm by rubbing
3 : to rub so as to wear away or make sore

cha·fer \ˈchā-fər\ n : any of various large beetles

1chaff \ˈchaf\ n
1 : the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain
2 : something worthless
— chaffy \-ē\ adj

2chaff n : light jesting talk : BANTER

3chaff vb : to tease good-naturedly

chaf·fer \ˈchaf-ər\ vb chaf·fered; chaf·fer·ing \ˈchaf-(ə-)riŋ\ : to dispute about a price
— chaf·fer·er n

chaf·ing dish \ˈchā-fiŋ-\ n : a dish for cooking or warming food at the table

1cha·grin \shə-ˈgrin\ n : a feeling of being annoyed by failure or disappointment

2chagrin vb cha·grined \-ˈgrind\; cha·grin·ing \-ˈgrin-iŋ\ : to cause to feel chagrin

chai \ˈchī\ n : a beverage that is a blend of black tea, honey, spices, and milk

1chain \ˈchān\ n
1 a : a series of connected links or rings  b : a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying  c : a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2 : something that restricts or binds : BOND
3 a : a series of things joined together as if by links <a chain of mountains> <a chain of events>  b : a number of atoms united like links in a chain

2chain vb : to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain

chain reaction n
1 : a series of events so related to each other that each one sets the next one going
2 : a chemical or nuclear reaction producing energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

chain saw n : a portable power saw that has teeth linked together to form a continuous chain

chain–smoke \ˈchān-ˈsmōk\ vb : to smoke cigarettes one right after another
— chain–smok·er \-ˌsmō-kər\ n

chain store n : any of a number of stores under the same ownership selling the same lines of goods

chair \ˈche(ə)r, ˈcha(ə)r\ n
1 : a seat with legs and a back for use by one person
2 a : an official seat or a seat of authority or honor  b : an office or position of authority or honor  c : an official who conducts a meeting

chair·man \ˈche(ə)r-mən, ˈcha(ə)r-\ n : CHAIR 2C
— chair·man·ship \-ˌship\ n

chair·per·son \-ˌpər-sən\ n : CHAIR 2C

chair·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who conducts a meeting

chaise \ˈshāz\ n : a two-wheeled carriage with a folding top

chaise longue \ˈshāz-ˈlȯŋ\ n : a long chair that one can lie on [French, literally, “long chair,” from chaise “chair” and longue “long”]

chaise lounge \ˈshāz-ˈlau̇nj, ˈchās-\ n : CHAISE LONGUE [from chaise longue; the spelling lounge influenced by the more familiar English word lounge “sofa”]

cha·la·za \kə-ˈlā-zə, -ˈlaz-ə\ n, pl -zae \-ˌzē\ or -zas : either of two twisted bands in the white of a bird's egg that are located at opposite ends of the egg and extend to the yolk

chal·ced·o·ny \kal-ˈsed-ən-ē, ˈchal-sə-ˌdän-ē\ n, pl -nies : a nearly transparent quartz of various colors and with waxy luster

cha·let \sha-ˈlā, ˈshal-ˌā\ n
1 : a herdsman's hut in the Alps away from a town or village
2 a : a Swiss dwelling with a roof that sticks far out past the walls  b : a cottage built to look like a chalet

chal·ice \ˈchal-əs\ n : GOBLET; esp : the cup used in the sacrament of Communion

1chalk \ˈchȯk\ n
1 : a soft white, gray, or buff limestone made up mainly of the shells of tiny saltwater animals and especially foraminifers
2 : chalk or material like chalk especially when used as a crayon [Old English cealc “chalk,” from Latin calc-, calx “lime” — related to CALCIUM ]
— chalky \ˈchȯ-kē\ adj

2chalk vb
1 : to rub, mark, write, or draw with chalk
2 a : to outline roughly <chalk out a plan of attack>  b : to record or add up with or as if with chalk <chalk up the totals>

chalk·board \ˈchȯk-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a dark smooth surface (as of slate) used for writing or drawing on with chalk

1chal·lenge \ˈchal-ənj\ vb chal·lenged; chal·leng·ing
1 : to order to stop and prove identity
2 a : to object to as bad or incorrect : DISPUTE  b : to demand proof that something is right or legal
3 : to invite or dare to take part in a contest
4 : to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties
— chal·leng·er n

2challenge n
1 a : a demand that someone take part in a duel  b : an invitation or dare for someone to compete in a contest or sport
2 : an objection to something as not being true, genuine, correct, or proper or to a person (as a juror) as not being qualified or approved
3 : a sentry's command to halt and prove identity
4 : a stimulating task or problem

chal·lenged \ˈchal-ənjd\ adj : having a disability or lacking some necessary quality or element <physically challenged>

chal·lis \ˈshal-ē\ n, pl chal·lises \ˈshal-ēz\ : a lightweight soft clothing fabric

1cham·ber \ˈchām-bər\ n
1 : a room in a house and especially a bedroom
2 : an enclosed space or compartment <the chamber of a pistol> <the chambers of the heart>
3 a : a meeting hall of a government body (as an assembly)  b : a room where a judge conducts business out of court — usually used in plural
4 a : a group of people organized into a lawmaking body <the lower chamber of the legislature>  b : a board or council of volunteers (as businesspeople) [Middle English chambre “chamber,” from early French chambre (same meaning), from Latin camera “room, chamber” — related to CAMERA]
— cham·bered \-bərd\ adj

2chamber vb cham·bered; cham·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\ : to place or hold in or as if in a chamber

chambered nautilus n : NAUTILUS 1

cham·ber·lain \ˈchām-bər-lən\ n
1 : a chief officer in the household of a ruler or noble
2 : TREASURER

cham·ber·maid \ˈchām-bər-ˌmād\ n : a maid who takes care of bedrooms (as in a hotel)

chamber music n : instrumental music to be performed by a few musicians in a room or small hall

cham·bray \ˈsham-ˌbrā, -brē\ n : a lightweight clothing fabric with colored and white yarns

cha·me·leon \kə-ˈmēl-yən\ n
1 : any of various lizards that can vary the color of their skin
2 : a person who easily or frequently changes attitude or purpose
Word History The chameleon of the Old World has a fierce look. The Greeks called it chamaileōn, combining their words chamai, meaning “on the ground,” and leōn “lion.” It may be that the upright ridge of skin behind the head of many of these lizards reminded them of the lion's mane. The Romans borrowed the Greek word for this little creature, and the French later took the Latin word. For a long time after the word was borrowed into Middle English, it was spelled chamelion, with the ending like our modern word lion. But later writers who knew the form of the word in ancient Greek and Latin changed the spelling to chameleon, to match the original form. From its use as the name of a creature able to change color with its mood or the temperature, the word came to be used for a person who is changeable. [Middle English chamelion “chameleon,” from early French chamelion (same meaning), from Latin chamaeleon (same meaning), from Greek chamaileōn, from chamai “on the ground” and leōn “lion”]

cham·ois \ˈsham-ē\ n, pl cham·ois also cham·oix \ˈsham-ē(z)\
1 : a small goatlike mountain antelope of Europe and the Caucasus
2 : a soft yellowish leather made from the skin of the chamois or from sheepskin

cham·o·mile or cam·o·mile \ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl, -ˌmēl\ n
1 : an herb related to the daisies with strong-scented leaves and flower heads
2 : the dried flower heads of chamomile often used in making tea

1champ \ˈchamp\ vb
1 : to bite or chew noisily <a horse champing its bit>
2 : to show impatience — usually used in the phrase champing at the bit

2champ n : 1CHAMPION 2

cham·pagne \sham-ˈpān\ n : a white sparkling wine

1cham·pi·on \ˈcham-pē-ən\ n
1 : a person who fights or speaks for another person or in favor of a cause
2 : the winner of first prize or first place in a competition; also : one showing superior skill or ability

2champion vb : to protect or fight for as a champion

cham·pi·on·ship \ˈcham-pē-ən-ˌship\ n
1 : the act of defending as a champion
2 : the position or title of champion
3 : a contest held to find a champion

1chance \ˈchan(t)s\ n
1 : the uncertain course of events <they met by chance>
2 : OPPORTUNITY 1 <had a chance to travel>
3 : the possibility of loss or injury <took chances driving too fast>
4 : the possibility or probability of something happening <there is a chance of rain>
5 : a ticket in a raffle

2chance vb chanced; chanc·ing
1 : to take place by chance : HAPPEN <it chanced to rain that day>
2 : to come unexpectedly — used with upon <chanced upon a good restaurant>
3 : 2RISK 2 <knew the trip was dangerous but decided to chance it>

3chance adj : happening by chance <a chance meeting>

chan·cel \ˈchan(t)-səl\ n : the part of a church containing the altar and seats for the clergy and choir

chan·cel·lery or chan·cel·lory \ˈchan(t)-s(ə-)lə-rē, -səl-rē\ n, pl -ler·ies or -lor·ies
1 : the position or department of a chancellor
2 : the building or office where a chancellor works

chan·cel·lor \ˈchan(t)-s(ə-)lər\ n
1 : the chief minister of state in some European countries
2 : the head of a university

chan·cery \ˈchan(t)s-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -cer·ies : a record office for public archives

chan·cre \ˈshaŋ-kər\ n : a sore at the site of entry of an infectious germ (as one causing syphilis) [from French chancre “a sore,” from Latin cancer “crab, cancer (disease)” — related to CANCER, CANKER]

chan·de·lier \ˌshan-də-ˈli(ə)r\ n : a branched lighting fixture usually hanging from a ceiling

1change \ˈchānj\ vb changed; chang·ing
1 : to make or become different : ALTER
2 : to give a different position, course, or direction to
3 : to replace with another : SWITCH, EXCHANGE <change places>
4 : to give or receive an equal amount of money in usually smaller units of value or in a foreign currency <change a $10 bill>
5 a : to put fresh clothes or covering on <change a bed>  b : to put on different clothes
— chang·er n

— change hands : to pass from one person's possession to another's

2change n
1 : the act, process, or result of changing <a change of seasons> <a change for the better>
2 : a fresh set of clothes
3 a : money in small units of value received in exchange for an equal amount in larger units  b : money returned when a payment is more than the amount due  c : money in coins  d : MONEY 1A <cost a large chunk of change>

change·able \ˈchān-jə-bəl\ adj
1 : likely to change often or suddenly <changeable weather>
2 : appearing different (as in color) from different points of view
— change·abil·i·ty \ˌchān-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— change·able·ness \ˈchān-jə-bəl-nəs\ n

— change·ably \-blē\ adv

change·ful \ˈchānj-fəl\ adj : CHANGEABLE 1

change·less \ˈchānj-ləs\ adj : UNCHANGEABLE, CONSTANT
— change·less·ly adv

— change·less·ness n

change·ling \ˈchānj-liŋ\ n : a child secretly exchanged for another in infancy

change of life : MENOPAUSE; also : a similar period in the male

change·over \ˈchān-ˌjō-vər\ n : 1TRANSITION 1

1chan·nel \ˈchan-əl\ n
1 : the bed of a stream
2 : the deeper part of a river, harbor, or strait
3 : a strait or a narrow sea between two close large areas of land <the English Channel>
4 : a way of passing something along <negotiating through diplomatic channels>
5 : a group of frequencies close enough in value for a single radio or television communication
6 : a closed passage through which something flows
7 : a long gutter, groove, or track

2channel vb -neled or -nelled; -nel·ing or -nel·ling
1 : to form a channel in
2 : to direct into or through a channel

chan·nel·ize \ˈchan-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : 2CHANNEL
2 : to straighten by means of a channel <channelize a stream>
— chan·nel·i·za·tion \ˌchan-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

channel surfing n : the action or practice of quickly looking at one television channel after another by use of a remote control
— channel surf vb

— channel surfer n

1chant \ˈchant\ vb
1 : to sing especially in the way a chant is sung
2 : to recite or speak with no change in tone [Middle English chaunten “to chant,” from early French chanter (same meaning), derived from Latin canere “to sing” — related to 3CANT, CANTATA, CHANTEY, CHARM]
— chant·er n

2chant n
1 : a melody in which several words or syllables are sung in one tone
2 : something spoken in the style of a chant

chan·tey or chan·ty \ˈshant-ē, ˈchant-\ or shan·ty \ˈshant-\ n, pl chanteys or chanties or shanties : a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work [from French chanter “to sing,” derived from Latin canere “to sing” — related to CANTATA, CHANT, CHARM]

chan·ti·cleer \ˌchant-ə-ˈkli(ə)r, ˌshant-\ n : ROOSTER

Chanukah variant of HANUKKAH

cha·os \ˈkā-ˌäs\ n : complete confusion
— cha·ot·ic \kā-ˈät-ik\ adj

— cha·ot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1chap \ˈchap\ n : a crack or a sore roughening of the skin from exposure especially to wind or cold [Middle English chappes “cracks in skin,” from chappen “to crack”]

2chap vb chapped; chap·ping : to open in slits or cracks; also : to become cracked, roughened, or reddened <chapped lips> [Middle English chappen “to crack (of skin)”]

3chap n, chiefly British : 1FELLOW 4A [shortened form of chapman “merchant,” from Old English cēapman “merchant,” from cēap “trade” and man “man” — related to CHEAP]

chap·ar·ral \ˌshap-ə-ˈral, -ˈrel\ n
1 : a thicket of dwarf evergreen oaks; also : a dense thicket
2 : an ecological community that is found especially in parts of southern California and is composed of shrubby plants that grow well in dry sunny summers and moist winters

chap·el \ˈchap-əl\ n
1 : a building or place for prayer or special religious services
2 : a religious service or assembly at a school or college [Middle English chapel “chapel,” from early French chapele (same meaning), from Latin cappella “chapel,” literally, “little cloak,” from cappa “cloak, head covering”; so called from the structure built to house a revered cloak of Saint Martin of Tours — related to 2CAPE, CHAPERONE]

1chap·er·one or chap·er·on \ˈshap-ə-ˌrōn\ n : a person who goes with and is responsible for a young woman or a group of young people (as at a dance) [from French chaperon “chaperone,” literally, “hood,” derived from early French chape “cape,” from Latin cappa “head covering, cloak” — related to 2CAPE, CHAPEL]

2chaperone or chaperon vb -oned; -on·ing : to act or go with as a chaperone

chap·lain \ˈchap-lən\ n
1 : a member of the clergy officially attached to a special group (as the army)
2 : a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as for a club)

chap·pie \ˈcha-pē\ n, British : 1FELLOW 4A

chaps \ˈshaps, ˈchaps\ n pl : leather leggings worn especially by western ranch workers

chap·ter \ˈchap-tər\ n
1 a : a main division of a book or of a law code  b : something like a chapter in being a significant unit <a chapter in my life>
2 : a local branch of an organization

1char \ˈchär\ n, pl char or chars : any of a genus of trouts that have small scales and include the common brook trout

2char vb charred; char·ring
1 : to change or become changed to charcoal or carbon usually by heat : BURN
2 : to burn or become burned partly or slightly : SCORCH

3char n : CHARCOAL

char·ac·ter \ˈkar-ik-tər\ n
1 a : a mark or symbol (as a letter or numeral) used in writing or printing  b : a symbol (as a letter or number) that represents information; also : something standing for such a character that may be accepted by a computer
2 a : a distinguishing feature : CHARACTERISTIC  b : the group of qualities that make a person, group, or thing different from others  c : the bodily expression (as eye color or leaf shape) of the action of a gene or group of genes
3 : an odd or peculiar person
4 : a person in a story, novel, or play
5 : REPUTATION 1
6 : moral excellence <hard work builds character>
— char·ac·ter·less \-ləs\ adj

char·ac·ter·i·sa·tion, char·ac·ter·ise British variant of CHARACTERIZATION, CHARACTERIZE

1char·ac·ter·is·tic \ˌkar-ik-tə-ˈris-tik\ n : a special quality or appearance that makes an individual or group different from others

2characteristic adj : typical of an individual or group
— char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv
synonyms CHARACTERISTIC, INDIVIDUAL, PECULIAR, DISTINCTIVE, mean indicating a special quality or identity. CHARACTERISTIC applies to something that marks or identifies a person or thing or a class <her characteristic wit>. INDIVIDUAL stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <an individual writing style>. PECULIAR applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an accent peculiar to New Englanders>. DISTINCTIVE indicates qualities that are distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive singing voice>.

char·ac·ter·i·za·tion \ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n
1 : the act of characterizing
2 : the creation of characters (as in a book or play)

char·ac·ter·ize \ˈkar-ik-tə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to point out the character of an individual or group : DESCRIBE <characterize him as ambitious>
2 : to be characteristic of <tragic endings characterized her stories>

character sketch n : a short written piece describing a character

cha·rade \shə-ˈrād\ n
1 pl : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak
2 : an act that is meaningless or is meant to deceive

char·coal \ˈchär-ˌkōl\ n
1 : a dark or black absorbent carbon made by heating animal or vegetable material in the absence of air
2 a : a piece or pencil of charcoal used in drawing  b : a charcoal drawing

chard \ˈchärd\ n : SWISS CHARD

1charge \ˈchärj\ n
1 a : the amount (as of ammunition or fuel) needed to load or fill something  b : a quantity of electricity <an electric charge>
2 a : a task, duty, or order given to a person : OBLIGATION  b : the work or duty of managing <has charge of the building>  c : a person or thing given to another person to look after
3 : an instruction, command, or explanation based on authority <a judge's charge to the jury>
4 a : the price demanded especially for a service  b : an amount listed as a debt on an account
5 : a claim of wrongdoing : ACCUSATION <a charge of burglary>
6 a : a rush to attack an enemy : ASSAULT <the charge of the army>  b : the signal for attack <sound the charge>  c : a usually illegal rush into an opponent in various sports (as basketball)  synonyms see PRICE
— in charge : having control of or responsibility for something <in charge of the training program>

2charge vb charged; charg·ing
1 a : 2LOAD 1A, FILL  b : to give an electric charge to  c : to restore the active materials in a storage battery by the passage of a direct current through in the opposite direction to that of the flowing out of electricity from the battery  d : to gain an electric charge : to receive and store a greater amount of electrical energy <left the phone charging>
2 a : to give a task or responsibility to <charge him with the job>  b : to give an order by right of authority to <I charge you not to go>
3 : to accuse formally <charged with theft>
4 : to rush against; also : to rush into (an opponent) usually illegally in sports
5 a : to enter as a debt or responsibility on a record <charged the purchase to my account>  b : to ask or set as a price <charged $100 for repairs>  synonyms see COMMAND
— charge·able \ˈchär-jə-bəl\ adj

charge account n : a customer's account with a creditor (as a store) to which the purchase of goods is charged

charge card n : CREDIT CARD

charged \ˈchärjd\ adj : showing or able to cause strong feelings <an emotionally charged subject>

charged–coup·led device \ˈchärj-ˌkə-pəld-\ n : an electronic device that is sensitive to light and is used as a sensor (as in a camera) — called also CCD

1char·ger \ˈchär-jər\ n : a large flat dish or platter

2charg·er \ˈchär-jər\ n
1 : a cavalry horse
2 : a device for charging storage batteries

char·i·ot \ˈchar-ē-ət\ n : a two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle of ancient times used in battle and also in races and parades

char·i·o·teer \ˌchar-ē-ə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : a driver of a chariot

cha·ris·ma \kə-ˈriz-mə\ n : a special charm or public appeal

char·i·ta·ble \ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : freely giving money or help to poor and needy persons : GENEROUS
2 : given for the needy : of service to the needy <charitable funds> <a charitable institution>
3 : kindly in judging other people
— char·i·ta·ble·ness n

— char·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

char·i·ty \ˈchar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : love for others
2 : kindliness in judging others
3 a : the giving of aid to the poor and suffering  b : public aid for the poor  c : an institution or fund for aiding the needy

char·la·tan \ˈshär-lə-tən\ n : a person who pretends to have knowledge or ability
Word History In the early 16th century people claiming medical skills they did not really have wandered throughout Italy. They sold medicines of little or no value. Because many of these fakers came from a village called Cerreto, the name cerretano, meaning “inhabitant of Cerreto,” became a general name for a medical faker. Such people always had a line of talk to help them sell their products. Through the influence of the Italian word ciarlare, meaning “to chatter,” the word cerretano, when used to refer to these fakers, became ciarlatano. It is from this word that we get our English charlatan. [from Italian ciarlatano “charlatan,” an altered form of cerretano (same meaning), literally, “inhabitant of Cerreto (village in Italy)”]

char·ley horse \ˈchär-lē-ˌhȯrs\ n : pain and stiffness from muscular strain or bruise especially in a leg

1charm \ˈchärm\ n
1 : a word, action, or thing believed to have magic power
2 : something worn to keep away evil and bring good luck
3 : a small ornament worn on a chain or bracelet
4 : a quality that attracts and pleases [Middle English charme “magic word,” from early French charme (same meaning), from Latin carmen “song,” from canere “to sing” — related to CHANT, CHANTEY]

2charm vb
1 : to affect or influence by or as if by a magic spell <charm a snake>
2 : to protect by or as if by a charm <a charmed life>
3 a : 2DELIGHT 2, FASCINATE  b : to attract by grace or beauty
— charm·er n

charm·ing \ˈchärm-iŋ\ adj : pleasant and attractive especially in manner <a charming person>

char·nel \ˈchärn-əl\ n : a building or chamber in which dead bodies or bones are deposited
— char·nel adj

1chart \ˈchärt\ n
1 a : 1MAP; esp : one showing features (as coasts, shoals, and currents) of importance to sailors  b : an outline map showing something (as differences in climate or magnetism) according to geography
2 : a sheet giving information in the form of a table or of lists or by means of diagrams or graphs [from early French charte “map,” from Latin charta “piece of papyrus” — related to 3CARD]

2chart vb
1 : to make a map or chart of
2 : to lay out a plan for

1char·ter \ˈchärt-ər\ n
1 : an official document granting, guaranteeing, or showing the limits of the rights and duties of the group to which it is given
2 : a contract by which owners of a ship lease it to others
3 : a charter travel arrangement

2charter vb
1 : to grant a charter to
2 : to hire (as a ship or a bus) for temporary use
— char·ter·er \ˈchärt-ər-ər\ n

3charter adj : of, relating to, or being a travel arrangement in which transportation (as a bus or plane) is hired by and for a specific group of people <a charter flight>

charter school n : a tax-supported school set up by a charter between an official body (as a state government) and an outside group (as of educators and businesses) to achieve set goals

char·wom·an \ˈchär-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who does cleaning especially in a large building

chary \ˈcha(ə)r-ē, ˈche(ə)r-\ adj char·i·er; -est
1 : cautious especially to protect something <chary of his reputation>
2 : slow to give, accept, or spend <chary of praise>
— char·i·ness n

1chase \ˈchās\ n
1 a : the hunting of animals — used with the  b : the act of chasing : PURSUIT <saw the thief and gave chase>
2 : something pursued
3 : a scene (as in a movie) where the characters chase one another

2chase vb chased; chas·ing
1 : to follow in order to capture or overtake <chase a thief> <chase the bus>
2 : 1HUNT 1 <chase the fox>
3 : to drive away or out <chase a dog off the lawn>
— chas·er n
synonyms CHASE, PURSUE, FOLLOW, TRAIL, mean to go after or on the track of someone or something. CHASE suggests going after something that is fleeing or running and trying to catch up with it <chased after the runaway cat>. PURSUE suggests an extended effort to catch up <the police pursued the robbers all over town>. FOLLOW may apply to situations in which there is neither speed nor an effort to catch up <a stray dog followed me home>. TRAIL applies to a following of tracks or other marks rather than the thing itself <trail a deer through the snow>.

3chase vb chased; chas·ing : to decorate (metal) by indenting with a hammer and tools without cutting edges

chasm \ˈkaz-əm\ n : a deep split or gap in the earth

chas·sis \ˈshas-ē, ˈchas-ē\ n, pl chas·sis \-ēz\ : a supporting frame (as that of the body of an automobile or airplane or the parts of a radio or television receiver)

chaste \ˈchāst\ adj
1 : pure in thought and act : MODEST
2 : simple or plain in design <a chaste meal>
— chaste·ly adv

— chaste·ness \ˈchās(t)-nəs\ n

chas·ten \ˈchās-ən\ vb chas·tened; chas·ten·ing \ˈchās-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to correct by punishment or suffering

chas·tise \(ˈ)chas-ˈtīz\ vb chas·tised; chas·tis·ing
1 : to punish severely (as by whipping)
2 : to criticize harshly
— chas·tise·ment \(ˈ)chas-ˈtīz-mənt also ˈchas-təz-\ n

— chas·tis·er \(ˈ)chas-ˈtī-zər\ n

chas·ti·ty \ˈchas-tət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being chaste

cha·su·ble \ˈchaz-ə-bəl, ˈchas-ə-, ˈchazh-ə-\ n : a sleeveless outer vestment worn by a priest at mass

1chat \ˈchat\ vb chat·ted; chat·ting
1 : to talk in a friendly manner about things that are not serious
2 : to take part in an online discussion in a chat room

2chat n
1 : a light friendly conversation
2 : a talk held over the Internet by people using a chat room
3 : any of several songbirds with a chattering call

châ·teau \sha-ˈtō\ n, pl châ·teaus \-ˈtōz\ or châ·teaux \-ˈtō(z)\ : a castle or a large country house especially in France [French, from early French chastel “castle,” from Latin castellum “fortress” — related to CASTLE]

chat room n : an online interactive discussion group on the Internet

chat·tel \ˈchat-əl\ n
1 : a piece of property (as animals, money, or goods) other than real estate
2 : 1SLAVE 1

chat·ter \ˈchat-ər\ vb
1 : to utter rapid meaningless sounds suggesting speech <squirrels chattered angrily>
2 : to talk idly, continually, or rapidly
3 : to click again and again without control <teeth chattering>
— chatter n

— chat·ter·er \ˈchat-ər-ər\ n

— chat·tery \-ə-rē\ adj

chat·ter·box \ˈchat-ər-ˌbäks\ n : a person who talks continually

chat·ty \ˈchat-ē\ adj chat·ti·er; -est
1 : fond of chatting <a chatty neighbor>
2 : having the style of a chat <a chatty letter>
— chat·ti·ly \ˈchat-əl-ē\ adv

— chat·ti·ness \ˈchat-ē-nəs\ n

1chauf·feur \ˈshō-fər, shō-ˈfər\ n : a person employed to drive people in a car
Word History It seems odd that the word chauffeur, meaning “one who drives an automobile for another,” should come from the French verb chauffer, meaning “to heat.” The title comes from the early days of automobiles, when they were still curious, rare, and, to many people, funny. Automobiles were noisy, produced clouds of smoke, and seemed to require a great deal of work to keep them running. To many people they were like the steam engines used to pull trains. Chauffeur, the French word for the “stoker,” or person who kept the fire going in an engine, was used for anyone driving an automobile. Later the term was used only for a person hired to drive someone else's car. [from French chauffeur “driver,” literally, “stoker,” from chauffer “to heat”]

2chauffeur vb chauf·feured; chauf·feur·ing \ˈshō-f(ə-)riŋ, shō-ˈfər-iŋ\
1 : to do the work of a chauffeur
2 : to transport as or as if as a chauffeur <chauffeured the children to school>

chau·vin·ism \ˈshō-və-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : exaggerated or unthinking patriotism
2 : an attitude that the members of one's own sex are always better than those of the opposite sex; also : behavior that shows such an attitude [from French chauvinisme “chauvinism,” named for Nicholas Chauvin, a character in a play]
— chau·vin·ist \-və-nəst\ n or adj

— chau·vin·is·tic adj

— chau·vin·is·ti·cal·ly adv

cheap \ˈchēp\ adj
1 a : available at low cost or at less than the true value <potatoes are cheap right now>  b : of low price <always buys the cheapest brand>  c : charging low prices <always wants to go to a cheap place>
2 : gained with little effort <a cheap victory>
3 a : of low quality or value <cheap material wears out quickly> <a cheap joke>  b : lowered in one's own opinion <feel cheap>  c : STINGY 1 <don't be so cheap> [from earlier obsolete cheap (noun) “bargain,” from Old English cēap “trade” — related to 3CHAP]
— cheap adv

— cheap·en \ˈchē-pən\ vb

— cheap·ly adv

— cheap·ness n

cheap·skate \ˈchēp-ˌskāt\ n : a miserly or stingy person; esp : one who tries to avoid paying his or her fair share [-skate from earlier skate “a person,” probably from a dialect word skite, meaning “an offensive person”]

1cheat \ˈchēt\ vb
1 : to deprive of something valuable by dishonest methods <cheated them out of their property>
2 : to successfully avoid or oppose by or as if by cleverness <the daredevil had cheated death again>
3 : to use unfair or dishonest methods to gain an advantage <cheat on a test> <cheat at cards>
— cheat·er n

2cheat n
1 : an act of cheating
2 : a person who cheats

1check \ˈchek\ n
1 : the exposing of a chess king to attack
2 : a sudden stopping of progress
3 : something that delays, stops, or holds back : RESTRAINT
4 : EXAMINATION 1, INVESTIGATION
5 : a written order telling a bank to pay out money from a person's or company's account to the one named on the order <pay a bill by check> <cash a check>
6 a : a ticket or token that shows that the bearer has a claim to something <a baggage check>  b : a slip of paper showing the amount due : BILL
7 a : a pattern of squares  b : a fabric with such a design
8 : a mark ✓ placed beside an item to show it has been noted [Middle English chek “check (in chess), attack,” from early French eschec (same meaning), from Arabic shāh “check (in chess),” from a Persian word meaning literally “king” — related to CHECKER, CHESS]
— in check : under restraint or control <trying to keep his emotions in check>

2check vb
1 : to put a chess king in check
2 a : to bring to a stop <to check an impulse>  b : to come to a stop
3 : to hold back : RESTRAIN, CURB <checked her temper>
4 a : to make sure that something is correct or satisfactory <check your blood pressure> <check it out with a teacher>  b : to inspect, examine, or look at <checking out new cars> <checked over the damage>
5 : to mark with a check <check the first item>
6 : to mark with squares : CHECKER
7 : to leave or accept for safekeeping or for shipment <check baggage>
8 : to be the same on every point : TALLY
— check into
1 : to check in at <check into a hotel>
2 : INVESTIGATE <the police are checking into his story>

— check up on : INVESTIGATE

check·book \ˈchek-ˌbu̇k\ n : a book of blank bank checks

1check·er \ˈchek-ər\ n
1 : a square resembling the markings on a checkerboard
2 : a piece in the game of checkers [Middle English cheker “checker (square), board on which chess is played,” from early French checker, escheker “board for playing chess,” from eschec “a check (in chess), attack” — related to CHECK, CHESS]

2checker vb check·ered; check·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to mark with squares of different colors <a checkered tablecloth>

3checker n : one that checks; esp : an employee who checks out purchases in a supermarket

check·er·ber·ry \ˈchek-ə(r)-ˌber-ē\ n : WINTERGREEN 1A; also : the spicy red fruit of a checkerberry

check·er·board \-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a board used in games and marked with 64 squares in two colors

checkered adj : marked by changes of fortune <a checkered career>; esp : marked by many problems <a checkered past>

check·ers \ˈchek-ərz\ n : a game played on a checkerboard by two persons each having 12 pieces

check–in \ˈchek-ˈin\ n : an act or instance of checking in

check in vb
1 : to register at a hotel or motel
2 : to report one's presence or arrival
3 : to bring back : RETURN <checked in the equipment>

checking account n : an account in a bank from which the depositor can draw money by writing checks

check·list \ˈchek-ˌlist\ n : a list of items to be referred to

1check·mate \ˈchek-ˌmāt\ vb
1 : to block completely : THWART
2 : to check a chess opponent's king so that escape is impossible

2checkmate n
1 a : the act of checkmating  b : the situation of a checkmated king
2 : a complete check

check·out \ˈchek-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : the action or an instance of checking out
2 : the time at which a lodger must leave a room (as in a hotel)
3 : a counter at which checking out is done

check out \ˈchek-ˈau̇t\ vb
1 : to pay for one's room and leave (as from a hotel)
2 : to satisfy requirements for taking away <check a book out at the library>
3 a : to add up the cost of purchases and receive payment for them  b : to have the cost of purchases added up and pay for them

check·point \ˈchek-ˌpȯint\ n : a point at which a check is carried out <vehicles were inspected at different checkpoints>

check·room \-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room at which baggage, parcels, or clothing can be left for safekeeping

checks and balances n pl : a system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from having too much power

check·up \ˈchek-ˌəp\ n : EXAMINATION 1 <a dental checkup>; esp : a general physical examination

ched·dar \ˈched-ər\ n, often cap : a hard yellow or white cheese of smooth texture [named for Cheddar, village in England where the cheese was first made]

cheek \ˈchēk\ n
1 : the fleshy side of the face below the eye and above and to the side of the mouth
2 : disrespectful speech or behavior : NERVE

cheek·bone \ˈchēk-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn\ n : the bone or the bony ridge below the eye

cheeky \ˈchē-kē\ adj cheek·i·er; -est : showing disrespect : RUDE, IMPUDENT
— cheek·i·ness n

cheep \ˈchēp\ vb : 1PEEP 1, CHIRP
— cheep n

1cheer \ˈchi(ə)r\ n
1 : state of mind or heart : SPIRIT <be of good cheer>
2 : good spirits <full of cheer>
3 : something that gladdens <words of cheer>
4 : a shout of praise or encouragement <three cheers for our side>

2cheer vb
1 : to give hope to or make happier : COMFORT <cheer up a sick person>
2 : to urge on especially with shouts or cheers <cheer the team to victory>
3 : to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm <the audience cheered loudly>
4 : to grow or be cheerful : REJOICE — usually used with up <he cheered up at the news>

cheer·ful \ˈchi(ə)r-fəl\ adj
1 a : full of good spirits <a cheerful outlook>  b : WILLING 3 <cheerful obedience>
2 : pleasantly bright <a sunny cheerful room>
— cheer·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— cheer·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

cheer·lead·er \ˈchi(ə)r-ˌlēd-ər\ n : a person who leads organized cheering (as at a football or basketball game)
— cheer·lead \-ˌlēd\ vb

— cheer·lead·ing \-ˌlē-diŋ\ n

cheer·less \ˈchi(ə)r-ləs\ adj : offering no cheer : GLOOMY
— cheer·less·ly adv

— cheer·less·ness n

cheery \ˈchi(ə)r-ē\ adj cheer·i·er; -est : merry and bright in manner or effect : CHEERFUL
— cheer·i·ly \ˈchir-ə-lē\ adv

— cheer·i·ness \ˈchir-ē-nəs\ n

cheese \ˈchēz\ n : a food made from milk usually by separating out the curd and molding it

cheese·burg·er \ˈchēz-ˌbər-gər\ n : a hamburger topped with a slice of cheese

cheese·cake \-ˌkāk\ n : a cake made from cream cheese or cottage cheese, eggs, and sugar

cheese·cloth \-ˌklȯth\ n : a thin loosely woven cotton cloth

cheesy \ˈchē-zē\ adj chees·i·er; -est
1 a : resembling or suggesting cheese  b : containing cheese
2 : CHEAP 3A <a cheesy movie>
— chees·i·ness n

chee·tah \ˈchēt-ə\ n : a long-legged spotted African and formerly Asian cat that is the fastest of all animals on land

chef \ˈshef\ n
1 : a chief cook
2 : 1COOK

chef's knife n : a large kitchen knife with a triangular blade

che·lic·era \ki-ˈlis-ə-rə\ n, pl -er·as or -er·ae \-ˌrē\ : either of two special front legs of a spider that often function as fangs

1chem·i·cal \ˈkem-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2 : acting or operated or produced by chemicals
— chem·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2chemical n : a substance (as an element or compound) obtained from a chemical process or used to get a chemical result

chemical engineering n : engineering dealing with the use of chemistry in industry
— chemical engineer n

che·mise \shə-ˈmēz, -ˈmēs\ n
1 : a woman's one-piece undergarment
2 : a loose dress that hangs straight

chem·is·try \ˈkem-ə-strē\ n
1 : a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the changes that they go through
2 : chemical composition, properties, or processes <the chemistry of gasoline> <the chemistry of iron> <the chemistry of blood> [an altered form of obsolete chimistry, chymistry “alchemy,” derived from Latin alchimista “alchemist,” from alchymia “alchemy,” from Arabic al-kīmiyā' (same meaning), from al “the” and kīmiyā' “alchemy,” from Greek chēmeia “alchemy” — related to ALCHEMY, CHEMO-]
— chem·ist \-əst\ n

chemo- combining form : chemical : chemistry <chemotaxis> [scientific Latin, from Greek chēmeia “alchemy” — related to ALCHEMY, CHEMISTRY]

che·mo·tax·is \ˌkē-mō-ˈtak-səs\ n : movement or positioning of cells or organisms in relation to a chemical

che·mo·ther·a·py \ˌke-mō-ˈther-ə-pē\ n : the use of chemical agents in the treatment or control of disease (as cancer)
— che·mo·ther·a·peu·tic \-ˌther-ə-ˈpyüt-ik\ adj

che·mot·ro·pism \kē-ˈmä-trə-ˌpiz-əm, ke-\ n : positioning of cells or organisms in relation to a chemical

che·nille \shə-ˈnē(ə)l\ n : a thick fuzzy fabric

cheque \ˈchek\ chiefly British variant of 1CHECK 5

cher·ish \ˈcher-ish\ vb
1 : to hold dear : feel or show affection for <cherished her friends>
2 : to keep with care and affection : NURTURE <cherishes her friendship>
3 : to harbor in the mind <cherish a hope>

Cher·o·kee \ˈcher-ə-ˌkē\ n : a member of an American Indian people originally from Tennessee and North Carolina

cher·ry \ˈcher-ē\ n, pl cherries
1 a : any of numerous trees and shrubs that are related to the roses and have rather small pale yellow to deep blackish red smooth-skinned fruits  b : the fruit of a cherry  c : the reddish brown wood of a cherry
2 : a medium red [Middle English chery “a cherry,” from early French cherise “the cherry” (mistaken as being a plural), derived from Latin cerasus “cherry tree”]

chert \ˈchərt, ˈchat\ n : a rock resembling flint and consisting mostly of chalcedony that can be separated into fibers and smaller amounts of very fine crystalline quartz and silica that is not crystallized

cher·ub \ˈcher-əb\ n
1 : a painting or drawing of a beautiful child usually with wings
2 : a chubby rosy child
— che·ru·bic \chə-ˈrü-bik\ adj

Ches·a·peake Bay retriever \ˌches-(ə-)ˌpēk-ˌbā-\ n : any of a breed of powerful brown bird dogs developed in Maryland

Chesh·ire cheese \ˌchesh-ər-\ n : a cheese made in England that is similar to cheddar [named for Cheshire, county in England where the cheese was first made]

chess \ˈches\ n : a game for two players each of whom plays with 16 pieces on a checkerboard [Middle English ches “game of chess,” from early French eschés (same meaning), literally, “checks,” from eschec “check” — related to CHECK, CHECKER]

chess·man \ˈches-ˌman, -mən\ n : any of the pieces used in chess

chest \ˈchest\ n
1 : a container (as a box or case) for storing, safekeeping, or shipping <tool chest> <linen chest>
2 : a public fund <community chest>
3 : the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum
— chest·ed \ˈches-təd\ adj

— chest·ful \ˈchest-ˌfu̇l\ n

ches·ter·field \ˈches-tər-ˌfēld\ n
1 : an overcoat with a velvet collar
2 : a sofa with arms [named for a 19th century Earl of Chesterfield, English nobleman]

1chest·nut \ˈches-(ˌ)nət\ n
1 a : a sweet edible nut from any of several trees or shrubs related to the beeches  b : a tree or shrub bearing chestnuts; esp : an American tree that was formerly common and grew to large size in eastern forests but has been largely wiped out by the chestnut blight and now grows only to the size of a shrub or sapling  c : the wood of a chestnut tree
2 : HORSE CHESTNUT
3 : a brown or reddish brown horse

2chestnut adj : of a reddish brown color

chestnut blight n : a destructive disease of the chestnut of the eastern U.S. caused by a fungus

chest of drawers : a piece of furniture containing drawers (as for storing clothes)

chev·ron \ˈshev-rən\ n
1 : a figure resembling a V or an upside-down V
2 : a sleeve badge indicating rank (as in the armed forces)

1chew \ˈchü\ vb : to crush or grind with the teeth
— chew·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— chew·er n

— chewy \ˈchü-ē\ adj

— chew on : to think about <chewing on the new plans>

2chew n
1 : the act of chewing
2 : something for chewing <a chew of tobacco>

chewing gum n : a sweetened and flavored soft material (as of chicle) used for chewing

chew out vb : 2REPRIMAND

chew over vb : to think over

Chey·enne \shī-ˈan, -ˈen\ n, pl Cheyenne or Cheyennes : a member of an American Indian people of the western plains of the U.S.

chi \ˈkī\ n : the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet — Χ or χ

1chic \ˈshēk\ n : fashionable style

2chic adj chic·er; chic·est : STYLISH, SMART <chic clothes>

chi·ca·nery \shik-ˈān-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ner·ies : clever trickery

Chi·ca·no \chi-ˈkän-ō, shi-\ n : an American and especially a man or boy of Mexican ancestry [Mexican Spanish, an altered form of mexicano “Mexican”]
— Chicano adj

chick \ˈchik\ n
1 a : 1CHICKEN 1; esp : one newly hatched  b : the young of any bird
2 slang sometimes offensive : GIRL 1B, WOMAN 1

chick·a·dee \ˈchik-ə-(ˌ)dē\ n : any of several small North American birds with the top of the head black or brown

Chick·a·saw \ˈchik-ə-ˌsȯ\ n, pl -saw or -saws : a member of an American Indian people of Mississippi and Alabama

1chick·en \ˈchik-ən\ n
1 : the common domestic fowl especially when young; also : its flesh used as food
2 : any of various birds or their young
3 : COWARD

2chicken adj : COWARDLY 1

3chicken vb chick·ened; chick·en·ing \ˈchik-(ə-)niŋ\ : to lose one's courage — usually used with out

chick·en·heart·ed \ˌchik-ən-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : COWARDLY 1

chicken pox n : a contagious virus disease especially of children marked by low fever and a rash or small watery blisters

chicken wire n : a light wire fencing with hexagonal openings

chick·pea \ˈchik-ˌpē\ n : an Asian herb of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two edible seeds; also : its seed

chick·weed \ˈchik-ˌwēd\ n : any of several low-growing small-leaved weedy plants related to the pinks

chi·cle \ˈchik-əl, -lē\ n : a gum from the latex of a tropical tree that is used as an important part of chewing gum

chic·o·ry \ˈchik-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a thick-rooted usually blue-flowered European herb related to the daisies and grown for its roots and as a salad plant; also : its dried ground roasted root that is sometimes added to coffee

chide \ˈchīd\ vb chid \ˈchid\ or chid·ed \ˈchīd-əd\; chid or chid·den \ˈchid-ən\ or chided; chid·ing \ˈchīd-iŋ\ : to express mild disapproval of  synonyms see REBUKE

1chief \ˈchēf\ adj
1 : highest in rank or authority <chief librarian>
2 : most important : MAIN <your chief claim to fame>

2chief n : the head of a group : LEADER <chief of police> [Middle English chief “top part, head,” from early French chief “head, chief,” from Latin caput “head” — related to CAPITAL, CAPTAIN]

chief executive n : a principal executive: as  a : the president of a republic  b : the governor of a state  c : CEO

chief justice n : the presiding or principal judge of a court of justice

chief·ly \ˈchē-flē\ adv
1 : above all
2 : for the most part

chief master sergeant n : a noncommissioned officer of the highest rank in the air force

chief master sergeant of the air force : a chief master sergeant who advises the chief of staff of the air force

chief of staff
1 : the ranking officer of a staff in the armed forces who advises a commander
2 : the ranking officer of the army or air force

chief of state : the head of a country when not the same person as the head of the country's government

chief petty officer n : a naval petty officer with a rank just below that of senior chief petty officer

chief·tain \ˈchēf-tən\ n : a chief especially of a band, tribe, or clan
— chief·tain·cy \-sē\ n

— chief·tain·ship \-ˌship\ n

chief warrant officer n : a military or naval warrant officer of senior rank

1chif·fon \shif-ˈän, ˈshif-ˌän\ n : a very thin fabric especially of silk

2chiffon adj : having a light soft texture <a chiffon pie>

chif·fo·nier \ˌshif-ə-ˈni(ə)r\ n : a high narrow chest of drawers

chig·ger \ˈchig-ər, ˈjig-\ n : a six-legged mite larva that feeds on skin cells and causes itchy red welts

chi·gnon \ˈshēn-ˌyän\ n : a knot of hair worn at the back of the head

Chi·hua·hua \chə-ˈwä-(ˌ)wä, shə-, -wə\ n : any of a breed of very small large-eared dogs that originated in Mexico [named for Chihuahua, a state in Mexico]

chil·blain \ˈchil-ˌblān\ n : redness and swelling sometimes with itching and burning especially of the toes, fingers, nose, and ears caused by being exposed to cold

child \ˈchīld\ n, pl chil·dren \ˈchil-drən, -dərn\
1 : an unborn or recently born person
2 a : a young person especially between infancy and youth  b : a childlike or childish person
3 : a son or daughter of human parents
— child·less \ˈchīl(d)-ləs\ adj

— with child : PREGNANT 1

child·bear·ing \ˈchīl(d)-ˌbar-iŋ, -ˌber-\ adj : of or relating to the process of becoming and being pregnant with and giving birth to children <women of childbearing age>
— childbearing n

child·birth \ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth\ n : the act or process of giving birth to children — called also parturition

child·hood \ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d\ n : the state or time of being a child

child·ish \ˈchīl-dish\ adj
1 : of, resembling, or suitable to a child <childish laughter>
2 : showing the less pleasing qualities (as silliness) often thought to be those of children
— child·ish·ly adv

— child·ish·ness n

child·like \ˈchīl(d)-ˌlīk\ adj
1 : resembling, suggesting, or suitable to a child or childhood
2 : showing the more pleasing qualities (as innocence or trustfulness) often thought to be those of children <childlike delight>

1child·proof \ˈchīl(d)-ˌprüf\ adj
1 : made to prevent tampering or opening by children <a childproof bottle>
2 : made safe for children (as by safe storage of dangerous materials) <a childproof home>

2childproof vb : to make childproof

child's play n : something that is very easy to do or is unimportant

child support n : payment for the support of the children of divorced or separated parents while the children are minors or as otherwise legally required — compare ALIMONY

chili also chile or chil·li \ˈchil-ē\ n, pl chil·ies also chil·es or chilis or chil·lies
1 : HOT PEPPER 1
2 : CHILI CON CARNE

chili con car·ne \ˌchil-ē-ˌkän-ˈkär-nē, ˌchil-ē-kən-\ n : a spicy stew made of ground beef, hot peppers or chili powder, and usually beans [from American Spanish chile con carne, literally, “hot pepper with meat”]

chili dog n : a hot dog topped with chili

chili powder n : a seasoning made of ground hot peppers and other spices

chili sauce n : a spiced tomato sauce usually made with red and green peppers

1chill \ˈchil\ n
1 : a feeling of cold accompanied by shivering <chills and fever>
2 : a moderate but unpleasant amount of cold <there was a chill in the air>

2chill adj
1 : unpleasantly cold : RAW <nights grew chill>
2 : not friendly <a chill greeting>
— chill·ness n

3chill vb
1 : to make or become cold or chilly
2 : to cool without freezing <chill the pudding for dessert>
3 : to affect as if with cold <we were chilled by the ghost story>
4 : CHILL OUT
— chill·er n

chill·ing \ˈchil-iŋ\ adj : very disturbing or frightening <a chilling case of abuse>
— chill·ing·ly adv

chill out vb, slang : to calm down : go easy

chilly \ˈchil-ē\ adj chill·i·er; -est
1 : noticeably cold
2 : unpleasantly affected by cold
3 : not friendly <a chilly response>
— chill·i·ness n

1chime \ˈchīm\ n
1 : a set of bells tuned to play music
2 : the sound of a set of bells — usually used in plural

2chime vb chimed; chim·ing
1 : to make the sounds of a chime
2 : to call or indicate by chiming

chime in vb : to break into or join in a conversation or discussion

chi·me·ra \kī-ˈmir-ə, kə-\ n
1 cap : a fire-breathing female monster in Greek mythology with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail
2 : something made up by or existing only in the mind
— chi·mer·i·cal \-ˈmer-i-kəl, -ˈmir-\ adj

chi·mi·chan·ga \ˌchim-ē-ˈchäng-gə\ n : a tortilla wrapped around a filling (as of meat) and deep-fried

chim·ney \ˈchim-nē\ n, pl chimneys
1 : a vertical structure extending above the roof of a building for carrying off smoke
2 : a tube usually of glass around a flame (as of a lamp)
3 : something resembling a chimney

chimney pot n : a pipe usually made of clay placed at the top of a chimney

chimney sweep n : a person who cleans soot from chimneys

chimney swift n : a small sooty-gray bird with long narrow wings that often builds its nest inside an unused chimney

chimp \ˈchimp, ˈshimp\ n : CHIMPANZEE

chim·pan·zee \ˌchim-ˌpan-ˈzē, ˌshim-; chim-ˈpan-zē, shim-\ n : an African ape that is related to the gorilla but is smaller and spends more of its time in trees

chin \ˈchin\ n : the lower portion of the face lying below the lower lip and including the pointed part of the lower jaw

chi·na \ˈchī-nə\ n
1 : PORCELAIN
2 : dishes of pottery or porcelain for use as tableware

chi·na·ber·ry \ˈchī-nə-ˌber-ē\ n : a small Asian tree that is related to the mahoganies and that is planted in the southern U.S. for shade or ornament

china clay n : KAOLIN

Chi·na·town \ˈchī-nə-ˌtau̇n\ n : an area of a city where many people of Chinese ancestry live

Chi·na tree \ˈchī-nə-\ n : CHINABERRY

chi·na·ware \ˈchī-nə-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : CHINA 2

chinch bug \ˈchinch-\ n : a small black-and-white bug that is very destructive to cereal grasses

chin·chil·la \chin-ˈchil-ə\ n : a South American rodent that is the size of a large squirrel and is widely bred in captivity for its very soft fur of a pearly gray color; also : its fur

chine \ˈchīn\ n : BACKBONE 1, SPINE; also : a cut of meat including the backbone or part of it and the surrounding flesh

Chi·nese \chī-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ n, pl Chinese
1 a : a person born or living in China  b : a person of Chinese ancestry
2 : a group of related languages used in China
— Chinese adj

Chinese cabbage n : either of two Asian garden plants related to the cabbage and widely used as green leafy vegetables

Chinese checkers n : a game in which each player seeks to be the first to transfer a set of marbles from a home point to the opposite point of a 6-pointed star by means of single moves and jumps

Chinese lantern n : a collapsible nearly transparent covering for a light

1chink \ˈchiŋk\ n : a narrow slit or crack

2chink vb : to fill the chinks of <chinked a log hut with mud>

3chink n : a short sharp sound

4chink vb : to make or cause to make a short sharp sound

chi·no \ˈchē-nō, ˈshē-\ n, pl chinos
1 : a usually khaki cotton fabric
2 : an article of clothing made of chino — usually used in plural

Chi·nook \shə-ˈnu̇k, chə-\ n, pl Chinook or Chinooks : a member of an American Indian people of Oregon

Chinook salmon n : a large salmon of the northern Pacific Ocean that has red flesh and is used as food

chintz \ˈchin(t)s\ n : a shiny cotton fabric with a flowery pattern printed on it

chintzy \ˈchin(t)-sē\ adj chintz·i·er; -est
1 : decorated with or as if with chintz
2 a : not tasteful or stylish  b : of low quality
3 : STINGY
— chintz·i·ness n

1chip \ˈchip\ n
1 : a small thin flat piece (as of wood, stone, or glass) broken off : FLAKE
2 : a small piece of food <chocolate chip>: as  a : POTATO CHIP  b : 1FRENCH FRY <fish and chips>
3 a : a counter used in poker  b pl : MONEY 1C <in the chips>
4 : a flaw left after a small piece has been broken off <a cup with a chip in it>
5 : a very small slice of silicon containing electronic circuits (as for a computer)
— chip off the old block : a child that resembles his or her parent

— chip on one's shoulder : an attitude of being eager to fight or quarrel

2chip vb chipped; chip·ping
1 : to cut or break a chip from something <chip a cup>
2 : to break off in small pieces

chip in vb : CONTRIBUTE 1

chip·munk \ˈchip-ˌməŋk\ n : any of numerous small striped animals of North America and Asia related to the squirrels

chipped beef \ˈchip(t)-\ n : smoked dried beef sliced thin

chip·per \ˈchip-ər\ adj : being in good health or spirits

Chip·pe·wa \ˈchip-ə-ˌwȯ, -ˌwä, -ˌwā\ n : OJIBWA

chip·ping sparrow \ˈchip-iŋ-\ n : a small North American sparrow whose song is a fast trill

chi·rop·o·dist \kə-ˈräp-əd-əst\ n : PODIATRIST

chi·rop·o·dy \kə-ˈräp-əd-ē\ n : PODIATRY [from Latin chir-, chiro- “hand” and Greek pod- “foot”; from the fact that this medical practice originally dealt with hands and feet]

chi·ro·prac·tic \ˈkī-rə-ˌprak-tik\ n : a system of therapy that mostly involves realignment of the spinal column especially by touching or pressing the hands on the back near the spinal column
— chiropractic adj

— chi·ro·prac·tor \-tər\ n

chirp \ˈchərp\ vb : to make a short sharp sound like a small bird or cricket
— chirp n

chirr \ˈchər\ vb : to make a vibrating sound like some insects (as a grasshopper or cicada)
— chirr n

chir·rup \ˈchər-əp, ˈchir-\ vb : CHIRP
— chirrup n

1chis·el \ˈchiz-əl\ n : a metal tool with a cutting edge at the end of a blade used to shape or chip away a solid material (as stone, wood, or metal)

2chisel vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \ˈchiz-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to cut or work with or as if with a chisel
2 : to use unfair or dishonest methods
— chis·el·er \ˈchiz-(ə-)lər\ n

chit·chat \ˈchit-ˌchat\ n : SMALL TALK, GOSSIP

chi·tin \ˈkīt-ən\ n : a horny substance that forms part of the hard outer body covering especially of insects and crustaceans
— chi·tin·ous \ˈkīt-ən-əs, ˈkīt-nəs\ adj

chi·ton \ˈkīt-ən, ˈkī-ˌtän\ n
1 : any of a class of marine mollusks with a shell of calcium-containing plates
2 : a draped garment worn by the ancient Greeks

chit·ter·lings or chit·lins \ˈchit-lənz\ n pl : the intestines of hogs especially prepared as food

chi·val·ric \shə-ˈval-rik\ adj : CHIVALROUS 1

chiv·al·rous \ˈshiv-əl-rəs\ adj
1 : of or relating to chivalry
2 a : having or showing honor, generosity, and courtesy  b : showing special courtesy and regard to women
— chiv·al·rous·ly adv

— chiv·al·rous·ness n

chiv·al·ry \ˈshiv-əl-rē\ n
1 : a body of knights
2 : the system, spirit, ways, or customs of knighthood
3 : chivalrous conduct
Word History In the Middle Ages the French referred to a knight as a chevalier. This word is derived from the Latin word for “horseman,” caballarius, which in turn comes from Latin caballus, meaning “horse.” Knights were supposed to follow a code of conduct which required them to be brave, devoted to duty, and kind to the weak. The French word for these qualities was chevalerie. When this noun was borrowed into English, it became chivalry. Its adjective forms are chivalrous and chivalric. The Latin word for “horseman,” caballarius, has also given us two other common English words. One is cavalry, meaning “troops mounted on horseback,” and the other is cavalier, which as a noun means “mounted knight, gentleman” and as an adjective means “tending to ignore the rights of others.” Cavalier may be traced back through French and Italian to its Latin source. In English, cavalier was used especially to refer to a mounted soldier who was colorful in dress and gallant in manner. During the English Civil War (1641–1649), those who backed the king were called Cavaliers, probably because of their vivid look and stylish manners. Some cavaliers, however, became proud and rude. They showed scorn for people of lower social rank. The result was that the adjective cavalier came to be used to describe such a scornful person. [Middle English chivalrie “group of knights, qualities of knighthood,” from early French chevalerie (same meaning), from chevalier “knight, noble horseman,” from Latin caballarius “horseman,” from earlier caballus “horse” — related to CAVALIER, CAVALRY]

chive \ˈchīv\ n : an herb related to the onion and having leaves used as a seasoning

chivy \ˈchiv-ē\ vb chiv·ied; chivy·ing : to annoy or bother again and again about little things : PESTER

chlor·dane \ˈklȯ(ə)r-ˌdān\ n : a poisonous liquid insecticide formerly used in the U.S.

chlo·rel·la \klə-ˈrel-ə\ n : any of a genus of single-celled green algae that have been grown as a possible source of food

chlo·ride \ˈklō(ə)r-ˌīd, ˈklȯ(ə)r-\ n : a chemical compound of chlorine with another element, group, or substance

chloride of lime : a white powder used as a bleach, disinfectant, and deodorant

chlo·ri·nate \ˈklōr-ə-ˌnāt, ˈklȯr-\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to treat or cause to combine with chlorine or a chlorine compound
— chlo·ri·na·tion \ˌklōr-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌklȯr-\ n

— chlo·ri·na·tor \ˈklōr-ə-ˌnāt-ər, ˈklȯr-\ n

chlo·rine \ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn, ˈklȯ(ə)r-, -ən\ n : a nonmetallic element that is found alone as a heavy greenish yellow irritating gas having two atoms per molecule and a strong odor and that is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification — see ELEMENT TABLE

chlo·rite \ˈklō(ə)r-ˌīt, ˈklȯ(ə)r-\ n : a usually green mineral associated with and resembling the micas

chlo·ro·flu·o·ro·car·bon \ˌklōr-ō-ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ō-ˈkär-bən, ˌklȯr-\ n : a compound that contains carbon, chlorine, fluorine, and sometimes hydrogen and that is used to help refrigerate things, dissolve other compounds, or make aerosol sprays work and is believed to cause ozone loss in the stratosphere

1chlo·ro·form \ˈklōr-ə-ˌfȯrm, ˈklȯr-\ n : a colorless heavy poisonous liquid that smells like ether and is used especially to dissolve other compounds

2chloroform vb : to treat with chloroform especially so as to produce anesthesia or death

chlo·ro·phyll \ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil, ˈklȯr-, -fəl\ n : the green coloring matter that is found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and is necessary for photosynthesis

chlo·ro·plast \ˈklōr-ə-ˌplast, ˈklȯr-\ n : a cellular part that contains chlorophyll and is the location of photosynthesis

1chock \ˈchäk\ n : a wedge or block for steadying or stopping a body (as a barrel), for filling in an unwanted space, or for blocking the movement of a wheel

2chock vb : to stop or make steady with or as if with chocks

chock–full or chock·ful \ˈchək-ˈfu̇l, ˈchäk-\ adj : full to the limit <hotels chock-full of tourists>

choc·o·late \ˈchäk-(ə-)lət, ˈchȯk-\ n
1 : a beverage of chocolate in water or milk
2 : a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans
3 : a candy made of or coated with chocolate
4 : a brownish gray
— chocolate adj

Choc·taw \ˈchäk-ˌtȯ\ n, pl Choctaw or Choctaws : a member of an American Indian people of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana

1choice \ˈchȯis\ n
1 : the act of choosing : SELECTION <finding it hard to make a choice>
2 : the power of choosing : OPTION <you have no choice>
3 a : a person or thing chosen <our choice for mayor>  b : the best part
4 : a number and variety to choose among <a wide choice of options>
— of choice : to be preferred

2choice adj
1 : very fine <choice fruits>
2 : of a grade between prime and good <choice meat>
— choice·ly adv

— choice·ness n

choir \ˈkwī(-ə)r\ n
1 : an organized group of singers especially in a church
2 : the part of a church where the choir sits

choir·boy \ˈkwī(-ə)r-ˌbȯi\ n : a boy member of a church choir

choir·mas·ter \-ˌmas-tər\ n : the director of a choir

1choke \ˈchōk\ vb choked; chok·ing
1 : to keep from breathing in a normal way by cutting off the supply of air <choked by smoke>
2 : to have the windpipe blocked entirely or partly <choke on a bone>
3 : to slow or prevent the growth or action of <choke back tears>
4 : to block by clogging <leaves choked the drain>
5 : to decrease or shut off the air intake of a carburetor to make the fuel mixture richer
6 : to grip (as a baseball bat) some distance from the end of the handle — usually used with up

2choke n
1 : the act of choking
2 : a portion of a shotgun bore that narrows toward the muzzle; also : a device attached to the muzzle that narrows the bore
3 : a device for choking a gasoline engine

choke·cher·ry \ˈchōk-ˌcher-ē, -ˈcher-\ n : a wild cherry of the U.S. and Canada with a bitter fruit that is nearly black when ripe; also : this fruit

chok·er \ˈchō-kər\ n
1 : one that chokes
2 : something (as a necklace) that fits closely around the neck

choky \ˈchō-kē\ adj chok·i·er; -est : tending to cause choking or become choked

chol·era \ˈkäl-ə-rə\ n : any of several diseases usually marked by severe vomiting and diarrhea

cho·ler·ic \ˈkäl-ə-rik, kə-ˈler-ik\ adj : easily made angry : hot tempered [from earlier choler “yellow bile,” from Middle English coler (same meaning), from early French colere (same meaning), from Latin cholera “cholera,” from Greek (same meaning), taken by ancient authors as caused by bile (Greek cholē) — see Word History at HUMOR]

cho·les·ter·ol \kə-ˈles-tə-ˌrōl, -ˌrȯl\ n : a waxy substance that is present in animal cells and tissues, is important in bodily processes, and may be related to the abnormal thickening and hardening of arteries when too much is present

cho·line \ˈkō-ˌlēn\ n : a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that is widely distributed in animal and plant products (as eggs and beans) and is necessary for the activities of the liver

chomp \ˈchämp, ˈchȯmp\ vb
1 : to chew or bite on something
2 : 1CHAMP 2 — usually used in the phrase chomping at the bit
— chomp n

choose \ˈchüz\ vb chose \ˈchōz\; cho·sen \ˈchōz-ən\; choos·ing \ˈchü-ziŋ\
1 : to select freely and after consideration <choose a leader>
2 : to make a choice : DECIDE <chose to go by train>
3 : to see fit <take them if you choose>
— choos·er n

choosy or choos·ey \ˈchü-zē\ adj choos·i·er; -est : very careful in choosing : PARTICULAR <choosy shoppers>

1chop \ˈchäp\ vb chopped; chop·ping
1 : to cut by striking especially over and over with something sharp <chop down a tree>
2 : to cut into small pieces <chop onions>
3 : to strike quickly or again and again [Middle English chappen, choppen “to cut, crack”]

2chop n
1 : a sharp downward blow or stroke (as with an ax)
2 : a small cut of meat often including a part of a rib
3 : a short quick motion (as of a wave)

3chop vb chopped; chop·ping : to change direction [Middle English choppen, chappen “to trade, barter”]

chop·per \ˈchäp-ər\ n
1 : one that chops
2 : HELICOPTER

1chop·py \ˈchäp-ē\ adj chop·pi·er; -est : CHANGEABLE 1, VARIABLE <choppy wind>

2choppy adj chop·pi·er; -est
1 : rough with small waves <the lake was choppy>
2 : marked by sudden stops and starts : not connected smoothly <short choppy sentences>
— chop·pi·ness n

chops \ˈchäps\ n pl
1 : 1MOUTH 1
2 : the fleshy covering of the jaws

chop shop n : a place where stolen automobiles are stripped for salable parts

chop·stick \ˈchäp-ˌstik\ n : one of a pair of slender sticks used chiefly in Asian countries to lift food to the mouth

chop su·ey \chäp-ˈsü-ē\ n : a dish made chiefly from bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, onions, mushrooms, and meat or fish and served with rice and soy sauce [from Chinese (dialect of Guangzhou and Hong Kong) jaahp seui, literally, “odds and ends”]

cho·ral \ˈkōr-əl, ˈkȯr-\ adj
1 : of or relating to a chorus or choir <a choral group>
2 : sung or recited by a chorus or choir <a choral arrangement>
— cho·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

cho·rale \kə-ˈral, -ˈräl\ n
1 : a sacred song sung by the choir or congregation or both at a church service : HYMN
2 : 1CHORUS 1B, CHOIR

1chord \ˈkȯrd\ n : a group of three or more tones sounded together to form harmony
— chord·al \-əl\ adj

2chord vb : to play chords

3chord n : a straight line between two points on a curve

chor·date \ˈkȯr-ˌdāt, ˈkȯrd-ət\ n : any of a major group of animals (as vertebrates and tunicates) having at least at some stage of development a notochord, a central nervous system located in the back, and openings for water to pass over the gills
— chordate adj

chord organ n : an electronic organ with buttons to play simple chords

chore \ˈchō(ə)r, ˈchȯ(ə)r\ n
1 pl : the regular light work of a household or farm
2 : an ordinary task
3 : a dull, unpleasant, or difficult task  synonyms see TASK

cho·re·og·ra·phy \ˌkōr-ē-ˈäg-rə-fē, ˌkȯr-\ n : the art of arranging dances especially for ballet
— cho·reo·graph \ˈkōr-ē-ə-ˌgraf, ˈkȯr-\ vb

— cho·re·og·ra·pher \ˌkōr-ē-ˈäg-rə-fər, ˌkȯr-\ n

— cho·re·o·graph·ic \-ē-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

cho·ri·on \ˈkōr-ē-ˌän, ˈkȯr-\ n : the outer membrane that surrounds the embryo of reptiles, birds, and mammals and that in mammals with a placenta contributes to the formation of the placenta
— cho·ri·on·ic \ˌkōr-ē-ˈän-ik, ˌkȯr-\ adj

cho·ris·ter \ˈkōr-ə-stər, ˈkȯr-, ˈkär-\ n : a singer in a choir

cho·roid \ˈkōr-ˌȯid, ˈkȯr-\ also cho·ri·oid \-ē-ˌȯid\ n : the middle layer of the eye of vertebrates that contains pigment and is located between the sclera and the retina
— choroid adj

choroid coat n : CHOROID

chor·tle \ˈchȯrt-əl\ vb chor·tled; chor·tling \ˈchȯrt-(ə-)liŋ\ : to chuckle especially in satisfaction
— chortle n

— chor·tler \ˈchȯrt-lər, -(ə)lər\ n

1cho·rus \ˈkōr-əs, ˈkȯr-\ n
1 a : a group of singers and dancers in Greek drama who take part in or comment on the action  b : an organized group of singers : CHOIR  c : a group of dancers and singers (as in a musical comedy)
2 a : a part of a song or hymn that is repeated every so often : REFRAIN  b : a song to be sung by a chorus
3 : something uttered by a number of persons or animals all at the same time <a chorus of boos>
— in chorus : in unison <answering in chorus>

2chorus vb : to sing or utter in chorus

chorus girl n : a young woman who sings or dances in a chorus (as of a musical)

chose past of CHOOSE

1chosen past participle of CHOOSE

2chosen adj : selected or marked for favor or special privilege <a chosen few>

1chow \ˈchau̇\ n : 1MEAL 1, FOOD

2chow vb : EAT 1 <chowing down on pizza>

chow chow \ˈchau̇-ˌchau̇\ n : any of a breed of thick-coated muscular dogs with a blue-black tongue and a short tail curled close to the back — called also chow

chow·der \ˈchau̇d-ər\ n : a soup or stew made of seafood with potatoes and onions and milk or tomatoes; also : a soup similar to chowder <corn chowder>

chow mein \ˈchau̇-ˈmān\ n : a thick stew of shredded meat, mushrooms, and vegetables served with fried noodles

chris·ten \ˈkris-ən\ vb chris·tened; chris·ten·ing \ˈkris-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : BAPTIZE 1
2 a : to name at baptism <christened the baby Robin>  b : to name or dedicate in a ceremony like that of baptism <christen a ship>

Chris·ten·dom \ˈkris-ən-dəm\ n
1 : the entire body of Christians
2 : the part of the world where Christianity is most common

christening n : the ceremony of baptizing and naming a child

1Chris·tian \ˈkris-chən, ˈkrish-\ n
1 : a person who believes in Jesus Christ and follows his teachings
2 : a member of a Christian church

2Christian adj
1 : of or relating to Jesus Christ or the religion based on his teachings
2 : of or relating to Christians <a Christian nation>
3 : being what a Christian should be or do <Christian behavior>

Christian Era n : the period dating from the birth of Christ

Chris·ti·an·i·ty \ˌkris-chē-ˈan-ət-ē, ˌkrish-, -chan-; ˌkris-tē-ˈan-\ n
1 : the religion of Christians
2 : the practice of Christianity

Chris·tian·ize \ˈkris-chə-ˌnīz, ˈkrish-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make Christian
— Chris·tian·i·za·tion \ˌkris-chə-nə-ˈzā-shən, ˈkrish-\ n

Christian name n : the personal name given to a person at birth or christening

Christ·mas \ˈkris-məs\ n
1 : December 25 celebrated in honor of the birth of Christ
2 : CHRISTMASTIME

Christmas cactus n : a branching Brazilian cactus with flat stems and showy flowers

Christmas club n : a savings account into which deposits are put throughout the year to provide money for Christmas shopping

Christmas fern n : a North American evergreen fern often used for winter decorations

Christmas rose n : a European herb that is related to the buttercups and produces usually white flowers in winter

Christ·mas·tide \ˈkris-mə-ˈstīd\ n : CHRISTMASTIME

Christ·mas·time \ˈkris-mə-ˌstīm\ n : the season of Christmas

Christmas tree n : a usually evergreen tree decorated at Christmas

1chro·mat·ic \krō-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to color; esp : being a shade other than black, gray, or white
2 : of or relating to the chromatic scale [from Greek chrōmatikos “relating to color,” from chrōma “color”]
— chro·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2chromatic n : 2ACCIDENTAL

chromatic aberration n : error caused by the differences in refraction of the colored rays into which light can be separated

chromatic scale n : a musical scale that has all half steps

chro·ma·tin \ˈkrō-mə-tən\ n : a material present in chromosomes that is made up of DNA and protein and stains deeply with certain biological stains

chro·mato·graph \krō-ˈmat-ə-ˌgraf, krə-\ n : an instrument used in chromatography

chro·ma·tog·ra·phy \ˌkrō-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē\ n : separation and detection of chemical compounds as a result of their having traveled at different rates according to their different attractions to matter that carries them (as flowing liquid or gas) and matter that is not moving (as a liquid coating a solid)
— chro·mato·graph·ic \krō-ˌmat-ə-ˈgraf-ik, krə-\ adj

chrome \ˈkrōm\ n
1 a : CHROMIUM  b : a chromium pigment
2 : something plated with an alloy of chromium

chro·mite \ˈkrō-ˌmīt\ n : a black mineral that consists of an oxide of iron and chromium

chro·mi·um \ˈkrō-mē-əm\ n : a blue-white metallic element found in nature only in combination and used especially in alloys and in chrome plating — see ELEMENT TABLE

chro·mo·some \ˈkrō-mə-ˌsōm, -ˌzōm\ n : one of the rod-shaped or threadlike DNA-containing bodies of a cell nucleus that contain all or most of the genes of an organism and can be seen especially during cell division
— chro·mo·som·al \ˌkrō-mə-ˈsō-məl, -ˈzō-\ adj

chromosome number n : the number of chromosomes in a cell that is usually constant in the cells making up the body of a particular kind of plant or animal

chro·mo·sphere \ˈkrō-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : the part of the atmosphere of the sun or a star between the photosphere and corona

chron·ic \ˈkrän-ik\ adj
1 : continuing or occurring again and again for a long time <a chronic disease>
2 : HABITUAL 2 <a chronic complainer> [from French chronique “chronic,” from Greek chronikos “of time,” from chronos “time” — related to ANACHRONISM, CHRONICLE, SYNCHRONOUS]
— chron·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1chron·i·cle \ˈkrän-i-kəl\ n : an account of events in the order of their happening : HISTORY [Middle English cronicle “chronicle,” from early French chronique (same meaning), derived from Greek chronikos, “of time,” from chronos “time” — related to ANACHRONISM, CHRONIC, SYNCHRONOUS]

2chronicle vb chron·i·cled; chron·i·cling \-k(ə-)liŋ\ : to present a record of in or as if in a chronicle <chronicle the major events of last year>
— chron·i·cler \-k(ə-)lər\ n

Chron·i·cles \ˈkrän-i-kəlz\ n : either of two historical books of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — called also Paralipomenon; see BIBLE TABLE

chro·no·graph \ˈkrän-ə-ˌgraf, ˈkrō-nə-\ n : an instrument for measuring and recording stretches of time with exactness
— chro·no·graph·ic \ˌkrän-ə-ˈgraf-ik, ˌkrō-nə-\ adj

— chro·nog·ra·phy \krə-ˈnäg-rə-fē\ n

chro·no·log·i·cal \ˌkrän-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl, ˌkrō-nə-\ adj : arranged in or according to the order of time <chronological order> <a chronological table>
— chron·o·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

chro·nol·o·gy \krə-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : the science that deals with measuring time and dating events
2 : a chronological table or list
— chro·nol·o·gist \-jəst\ n

chro·nom·e·ter \krə-ˈnäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring time; esp : one intended to keep time with great exactness
— chro·no·met·ric \ˌkrän-ə-ˈme-trik, ˌkrō-nə-\ also chro·no·met·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adj

chro·no·scope \ˈkrän-ə-ˌskōp, ˈkrō-nə-\ n : an instrument for exact measurement of small stretches of time

chrys·a·lid \ˈkris-ə-ləd\ n : CHRYSALIS

chrys·a·lis \ˈkris-ə-ləs\ n, pl chry·sal·i·des \kris-ˈal-ə-ˌdēz\ or chrys·a·lis·es \ˈkris-ə-lə-səz\ : the pupa of a butterfly or moth; also : the hardened outer layer of such a pupa — compare COCOON 1

chry·san·the·mum \kris-ˈan(t)-thə-məm\ n
1 : any of a genus of plants that are related to the daisies and include weeds, ornamental plants grown for their brightly colored often double flower heads, and others important as sources of substances used in medicine and as insecticides
2 : a flower head of an ornamental chrysanthemum

chryso·phyte \ˈkris-ə-ˌfīt\ n : GOLDEN-BROWN ALGA

chub·by \ˈchəb-ē\ adj chub·bi·er; -est : 5PLUMP <a chubby baby>
— chub·bi·ness n

1chuck \ˈchək\ vb
1 : to give a pat or a tap to <chucked the child under the chin>
2 : TOSS 2 <let's chuck the ball around> [origin unknown]

2chuck n
1 : a pat or nudge under the chin
2 : an easy throw : TOSS

3chuck n
1 : a portion of a side of dressed beef including most of the neck and the parts around the shoulder blade and the first three ribs
2 : a device for holding work or a tool in a machine [English dialect chuck “lump”]

chuck·le \ˈchək-əl\ vb chuck·led; chuck·ling \ˈchək-(ə-)liŋ\ : to laugh in a quiet way
— chuckle n

chuck wagon n : a wagon carrying a stove and food for cooking (as on a ranch)

chuck·wal·la \ˈchək-ˌwäl-ə\ n : a large plant-eating lizard of the desert regions of the southwestern U.S.

1chug \ˈchəg\ n : a dull explosive sound made by or as if by a steam engine pulling a heavy load

2chug vb chugged; chug·ging : to move or go with chugs <a locomotive chugging along>

1chum \ˈchəm\ n : a close friend [probably a shortened and altered form of earlier chamber fellow “roommate”]

2chum vb chummed; chum·ming : to be chums

chum·my \ˈchəm-ē\ adj chum·mi·er; -est : quite friendly
— chum·mi·ly \ˈchəm-ə-lē\ adv

— chum·mi·ness \ˈchəm-ē-nəs\ n

chump \ˈchəmp\ n : 1FOOL 1, DUPE

chunk \ˈchəŋk\ n
1 : a short thick piece or lump
2 : a large amount or part <a chunk of money>

chunky \ˈchəŋ-kē\ adj chunk·i·er; -est
1 a : STOCKY  b : 5PLUMP
2 : full of chunks <chunky peanut butter>

chup·pah or hup·pah also chup·pa \ˈḵu̇-pə\ n : a canopy under which the bride and groom stand during a Jewish wedding ceremony [Yiddish; of Hebrew origin]

church \ˈchərch\ n
1 : a building for public worship and especially Christian worship
2 often cap : an organized body of religious believers
3 : public worship
— church·ly \-lē\ adj

church·yard \ˈchərch-ˌyärd\ n : a yard that belongs to a church and is often used as a burial ground

churl \ˈchərl\ n
1 : a peasant of the Middle Ages
2 : a rude or grumpy person
— churl·ish \ˈchər-lish\ adj

— churl·ish·ly adv

— churl·ish·ness n

1churn \ˈchərn\ n : a container in which milk or cream is stirred or shaken in making butter

2churn vb
1 : to stir or shake in a churn (as in making butter)
2 a : to stir or shake violently <the boat's propeller churning the water>  b : to produce, move with, or experience violent motion or agitation <her stomach was churning> <churning legs>

chute also shute \ˈshüt\ n
1 : an inclined plane, sloping channel, or passage down or through which things may pass <a coal chute> <a mail chute>
2 : 1PARACHUTE 1

chutz·pah also chutz·pa or hutz·pah or hutz·pa \ˈhu̇t-spə, ˈḵu̇t-, -(ˌ)spä\ n : NERVE 3C [Yiddish; of Hebrew origin]

chyle \ˈkī(ə)l\ n : lymph that is milky from bits of fat and is found especially in the lymphatic vessels surrounding the small intestine and carrying the digested fat to the blood

chyme \ˈkīm\ n : the partly fluid and partly solid mass of incompletely digested food that passes from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine

ci·ca·da \sə-ˈkād-ə, -ˈkäd-\ n : any of a family of stout-bodied insects that have a wide blunt head, large transparent wings, and the males of which make a loud buzzing noise

-cide \ˌsīd\ n combining form
1 : killer <pesticide>
2 : killing <suicide> [derived from Latin -cida “killer”]

ci·der \ˈsīd-ər\ n : the juice pressed out of fruit (as apples) and used especially as a drink and in the making of vinegar

cig \ˈsig\ n, slang : CIGARETTE

ci·gar \sig-ˈär\ n : a roll of tobacco leaf for smoking

cig·a·rette \ˌsig-ə-ˈret, ˈsig-ə-ˌret\ n : a small roll of cut tobacco wrapped in paper for smoking [from French cigarette, literally, “little cigar”]

cil·i·ary \ˈsil-ē-ˌer-ē\ adj
1 : of or relating to cilia <ciliary movement>
2 : of, relating to, or being the muscular body supporting the lens of the eye <ciliary muscles>

cil·i·ate \ˈsil-ē-ət, -ˌāt\ n : any of a group of protozoans that have cilia

cil·i·at·ed \ˈsil-ē-ˌāt-əd\ or cil·i·ate \ˈsil-ē-ət, -ˌāt\ adj : possessing cilia <a ciliated cell>

cil·i·um \ˈsil-ē-əm\ n, pl cil·ia \-ē-ə\
1 : one of the tiny hairlike structures of many cells that make lashing movements
2 : EYELASH

1cinch \ˈsinch\ n
1 : a strong girth for a pack or saddle
2 : an easy thing to do
3 : something sure to happen

2cinch vb
1 : to put a cinch on
2 : to make certain <the goal that cinched the victory>

cin·cho·na \siŋ-ˈkō-nə, sin-ˈchō-\ n : any of a genus of South American trees and shrubs with bark containing substances (as quinine) that are used in treating malaria

Cinco de Mayo \ˌsiŋ-kō-də-ˈmī-ō, ˌsēŋ-kō-thā-ˈmä-yō\ n : a Mexican and Mexican-American celebration held on May 5 in honor of the Mexican victory over the French at Puebla in 1862 [Spanish, “fifth of May”]

cinc·ture \ˈsiŋ(k)-chər\ n : 1GIRDLE 1, BELT

cin·der \ˈsin-dər\ n
1 : SLAG
2 a : a piece of partly burned coal or wood  b : a hot coal without flame
3 : a piece of lava from an erupting volcano
— cin·dery \-d(ə-)rē\ adj

cinder block n : a building block made of cement and coal cinders

cin·e·ma \ˈsin-ə-mə\ n
1 a : MOVIE 2A <a cinema director>  b : a theater for showing movies <went to the cinema>
2 a : the business of making movies <worked in cinema>  b : the art or technique of making movies <a student of French cinema> [derived from French cinématographe “motion picture,” from Greek kinēma “movement” and graphe “picture,” from kinein “to move” — related to KINETIC]
— cin·e·mat·ic \ˌsin-ə-ˈmat-ik\ adj

— cin·e·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cin·e·ma·tog·ra·phy \ˌsin-ə-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē\ n : the art or science of motion-picture photography
— cin·e·ma·tog·ra·pher \-fər\ n

— cin·e·mat·o·graph·ic \-ˌmat-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

cin·na·bar \ˈsin-ə-ˌbär\ n : a red mineral that consists of a sulfide of mercury and is the only important ore of mercury

cin·na·mon \ˈsin-ə-mən\ n
1 a : a spice consisting of the pleasant-smelling bark of any of several Asian trees related to the laurels  b : a tree that yields cinnamon
2 : a light yellowish brown
— cin·na·mony \-mə-nē\ adj

cinque·foil \ˈsiŋk-ˌfȯil, ˈsaŋk-\ n : any of a group of plants that have leaves with five lobes and are related to the roses

cion variant of SCION

1ci·pher \ˈsī-fər\ n
1 : the symbol 0 meaning the absence of all magnitude or quantity : ZERO — see NUMBER TABLE
2 a : a method of changing a message so as to conceal its meaning  b : a message in code [Middle English cipher “zero,” from Latin cifra (same meaning), from Arabic ṣifr “empty”]

2cipher vb ci·phered; ci·pher·ing \-f(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to use figures in calculating
2 : to change (a message) into cipher

cir·ca \ˈsər-kə, ˈki(ə)r-ˌkä\ prep : in about <born circa 1600>

1cir·cle \ˈsər-kəl\ n
1 a : 1RING 3  b : a line segment that is curved so that its ends meet and every point on the line is equally far away from a single point inside  c : the flat surface enclosed by a circle
2 : something in the form of a circle <a traffic circle>
3 : 1CYCLE 2A, ROUND <the wheel had come full circle>
4 : a group of people sharing a common interest <our circle of friends> [Middle English cercle “circle,” from early French cercle (same meaning), derived from Latin circus “circle, ring, arena”]

2circle vb cir·cled; cir·cling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to enclose in or as if in a circle <circle the correct answer> <the trees circling our little house>
2 : to move or revolve around <the pilot circled the field> <satellites circling the earth>
3 : to move in or as if in a circle <the quarterback circled to the left>
— cir·cler \-k(ə-)lər\ n

circle graph n : PIE CHART

cir·clet \ˈsər-klət\ n : an ornament in the form of a circle

cir·cuit \ˈsər-kət\ n
1 a : a boundary around an enclosed space  b : an enclosed space
2 : a moving or revolving around <the circuit of the earth around the sun>
3 : a traveling from place to place in an area (as by a judge) so as to stop in each place at a certain time; also : the route so traveled
4 a : the complete path of an electric current  b : a group of electronic elements : HOOKUP
5 a : 2LEAGUE 2  b : a number or chain of theaters at which stage shows are shown in turn

circuit breaker n : a switch that automatically stops the flow of electric current in an overloaded circuit

cir·cu·itous \(ˌ)sər-ˈkyü-ət-əs\ adj
1 : not saying what one means in simple and sincere language
2 : having a circular or winding course <a circuitous route>
— cir·cu·itous·ly adv

— cir·cu·itous·ness n

cir·cuit·ry \ˈsər-kə-trē\ n, pl -ries : the plan or the elements of an electric circuit

1cir·cu·lar \ˈsər-kyə-lər\ adj
1 : having the form of a circle : ROUND <a circular driveway>
2 : passing or going around in a circle <circular motion>
3 : CIRCUITOUS 1
4 : sent around to a number of persons <a circular letter>
— cir·cu·lar·i·ty \ˌsər-kyə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n

— cir·cu·lar·ly \ˈsər-kyə-lər-lē\ adv

2circular n : a printed notice or advertisement given or sent to many people

circular cylinder n : a cylinder with bases that are circles

circular saw n : a power saw with a round cutting blade

cir·cu·late \ˈsər-kyə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to move or cause to move in a circle or course; esp : to follow a course that returns to the starting point <blood circulates through the body>
2 : to pass or be passed from person to person or place to place <circulate a rumor>
— cir·cu·la·tive \-ˌlāt-iv\ adj

— cir·cu·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

cir·cu·la·tion \ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : orderly movement through a circuit; esp : the movement of blood through the vessels of the body caused by the pumping action of the heart
2 a : passage from person to person or place to place <coins in circulation>  b : the average number of copies (as of a newspaper) sold over a given period

cir·cu·la·to·ry \ˈsər-kyə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : of or relating to circulation or the circulatory system

circulatory system n : the bodily system of blood, vessels, and heart concerned with the circulation of the blood and lymph

cir·cum·cen·ter \ˈsər-kəm-ˌsen-tər\ n : the point at which the three perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle intersect and which is the same distance from each of the three vertices of the triangle

cir·cum·cise \ˈsər-kəm-ˌsīz\ vb -cised; -cis·ing : to cut off the foreskin of

cir·cum·ci·sion \ˌsər-kəm-ˈsizh-ən, ˈsər-kəm-ˌsizh-\ n
1 : the act of circumcising or being circumcised; esp : a Jewish rite performed on male infants as a sign of inclusion in the covenant between God and Abraham
2 cap : January 1 observed as a festival in some churches in honor of the circumcision of Jesus

cir·cum·fer·ence \sə(r)-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s, -f(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : a line that goes around or encloses a circle
2 : the outer boundary of a figure or area
3 : the distance around something <the circumference of the earth at the equator>

cir·cum·flex \ˈsər-kəm-ˌfleks\ n : a mark ˆ over a vowel

cir·cum·lo·cu·tion \ˌsər-kəm-lō-ˈkyü-shən\ n
1 : the use of many words to express an idea that could be expressed in few
2 : evasion in speech
— cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry \-ˈläk-yə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

cir·cum·lu·nar \ˌsər-kəm-ˈlü-nər\ adj : revolving about or surrounding the moon <a circumlunar orbit>

cir·cum·nav·i·gate \ˌsər-kəm-ˈnav-ə-ˌgāt\ vb : to go completely around especially by water <circumnavigate the earth>; also : to go around instead of through : BYPASS
— cir·cum·nav·i·ga·tion \-ˌnav-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n

cir·cum·po·lar \ˌsər-kəm-ˈpō-lər\ adj
1 : continually visible above the horizon <a circumpolar star>
2 : surrounding or found near a pole of the earth

cir·cum·scribe \ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb\ vb -scribed; -scrib·ing
1 a : to limit the range or activity of definitely and clearly  b : to define or set limits for carefully
2 a : to draw a line around  b : to put a boundary around [from Latin circumscribere “to draw a line around, set limits to,” from circum “around” and scribere “to write, draw” — related to SCRIBE]

cir·cum·spect \ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt\ adj : careful to consider everything that might happen
— cir·cum·spec·tion \ˌsər-kəm-ˈspek-shən\ n

— cir·cum·spect·ly adv

cir·cum·stance \ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s\ n
1 a : a fact or event that must be considered along with another fact or event  b : a fact or detail in a chain of events
2 pl : conditions at a certain time or place <impossible under the circumstances>
3 a : the way things happen to be : CHANCE — often used in plural <a victim of circumstances>  b pl : financial condition <in easy circumstances>

cir·cum·stan·tial \ˌsər-kəm-ˈstan-chəl\ adj
1 : consisting of, relating to, or depending on circumstances <circumstantial evidence>
2 : containing full details <a circumstantial account of what happened>
— cir·cum·stan·tial·ly \-ˈstanch-(ə-)lē\ adv

cir·cum·vent \ˌsər-kəm-ˈvent\ vb
1 : to go around : 2BYPASS
2 : to get the better of or avoid the force or effect of by cleverness <circumvented the rules>
— cir·cum·ven·tion \-ˈven-chən\ n

cir·cus \ˈsər-kəs\ n
1 : a large arena enclosed by rows of seats (as in ancient Rome)
2 a : a show that usually travels from place to place and that has a variety of exhibitions including acrobatic feats, wild animal displays, and performances by clowns  b : a circus performance  c : the performers and equipment of such a circus  d : something that suggests a circus [from Latin circus “circle, arena”]

ci·ré \sə-ˈrā\ n : a shiny fabric that looks wet [French, literally, “waxed”]

cirque \ˈsərk\ n : a deep basin on a mountain that is shaped like half a bowl [French, from Latin circus “circle, arena”]

cir·rho·sis \sə-ˈrō-səs\ n : an increase in fiber-containing tissue and hardening of the liver

cir·ro·cu·mu·lus \ˌsir-ō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs\ n : a cloud form of small white rounded masses at a high altitude usually in regular groups

cir·ro·stra·tus \ˌsir-ō-ˈstrāt-əs, -ˈstrat-\ n : a fairly even high cloud layer that is darker than cirrus

cir·rus \ˈsir-əs\ n, pl cir·ri \ˈsi(ə)r-ˌī\ : a thin white cloud usually of tiny ice crystals formed at altitudes about 20,000 to 40,000 feet (6,000 to 12,000 meters)

cis·lu·nar \(ˈ)sis-ˈlü-nər\ adj : lying between the earth and the moon or the moon's orbit

cis·tern \ˈsis-tərn\ n : an artificial reservoir or tank for storing water usually underground

cit·a·del \ˈsit-əd-əl, -ə-ˌdel\ n
1 : a fortress that sits high above a city
2 : a strong fortress

ci·ta·tion \sī-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : an official order to appear (as before a court)
2 a : an act or instance of quoting  b : QUOTATION 1
3 : a formal statement of what a person did to be chosen to receive an award

cite \ˈsīt\ vb cit·ed; cit·ing
1 : to summon to appear before a court
2 : to quote as an example, authority, or proof
3 : to refer to especially in praise

cit·i·fy \ˈsit-i-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : URBANIZE

cit·i·zen \ˈsit-ə-zən\ n
1 : a person who lives in a city or town
2 a : a member of a state  b : a person who owes allegiance to a government and is protected by it [Middle English citizein, “citizen, resident of a town,” derived from early French citeien (same meaning), from cité “town,” derived from Latin civitas “state of being a resident of a town, citizenship,” from civis “citizen” — related to CITY, CIVIL]

cit·i·zen·ry \ˈsit-ə-zən-rē\ n, pl -ries : the whole body of citizens

citizens band n : a range of radio frequencies set aside for private radio communications

cit·i·zen·ship \ˈsit-ə-zən-ship\ n
1 : possession of the rights and privileges of a citizen
2 : the quality of a person's response to membership in a community

ci·trate \ˈsi-ˌtrāt\ n : a salt or ester of citric acid

cit·ric acid \ˌsi-trik-\ n : a pleasantly sour-tasting organic acid obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by the chemical breakdown of sugars and used as a flavoring

cit·ron \ˈsi-trən\ n
1 a : a fruit like the lemon in appearance and structure but larger; also : the citrus tree producing this fruit  b : the preserved rind of the citron used especially in fruitcake
2 : a small watermelon with hard flesh that is used especially in pickles and preserves

cit·ro·nel·la \ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə\ n : a lemon-scented oil obtained from a grass of southern Asia and used in perfumes and as an insect repellent

cit·rus \ˈsi-trəs\ n, pl citrus or cit·rus·es : any of a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs (as the orange, grapefruit, or lemon) grown in warm regions for their fruits; also : the fruit of a citrus
— citrus adj

city \ˈsit-ē\ n, pl cit·ies
1 : a place in which people live that is larger or more important than a town
2 : the people of a city [Middle English citie “large or small town,” from early French cité (same meaning), derived from Latin civitas “state of being a resident of a town, citizenship,” from civis “citizen” — related to CITIZEN, CIVIL]

city hall n
1 : the main administrative building of a city
2 a : a municipal government  b : city officialdom or bureaucracy <you can't fight city hall>

city manager n : an official employed by an elected council to direct the administration of a city government

city–state \ˈsit-ē-ˈstāt, -ˌstāt\ n : a self-governing state consisting of a city and surrounding territory

city·wide \ˈsit-ē-ˌwīd\ adj : including or involving all parts of a city <a citywide blackout>

civ·et \ˈsiv-ət\ n
1 : a thick yellowish strong-smelling substance obtained from the civet cat and used in perfume
2 : CIVET CAT

civet cat n : a long-bodied short-legged African mammal that is related to the mongooses and produces civet

civ·ic \ˈsiv-ik\ adj : of or relating to a citizen, a city, or citizenship <civic pride> <civic duty>
— civ·i·cal·ly \ˈsiv-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

civ·ics \ˈsiv-iks\ n : the study of the rights and duties of citizens

civ·il \ˈsiv-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to citizens <civil liberties>
2 : of or relating to the state <civil institutions>
3 : of or relating to ordinary or government affairs rather than to those of the military or the church
4 : polite without being friendly <gave a civil answer>
5 : relating to court action between individuals having to do with private rights rather than criminal action <a civil suit> [Middle English civil “relating to a citizen,” from early French civil (same meaning), from Latin civilis “relating to a citizen,” from civis “citizen” — related to CITIZEN, CITY]

civil defense n : protective actions and emergency relief activities carried on by civilians in case of enemy attack or natural disaster

civil engineer n : an engineer whose training or occupation is in the designing and construction of public works (as roads or harbors) and of various private works
— civil engineering n

ci·vil·ian \sə-ˈvil-yən\ n : a person not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force
— civilian adj

ci·vil·i·ty \sə-ˈvil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : civilized conduct; esp : COURTESY 1, POLITENESS
2 : a polite act or expression

civ·i·li·za·tion \ˌsiv-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n
1 a : an advanced stage (as in art, science, and government) of social development  b : the way of life of a people <ancient Egyptian civilization>
2 : the series of changes involved in becoming civilized
3 : improvement of thought, manners, or taste

civ·i·lize \ˈsiv-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing : to raise out of a primitive state; esp : to bring to an advanced stage (as in art, science, and government) of social development
— civ·i·lized adj

civ·il·ly \ˈsiv-ə(l)-lē\ adv : in a civil manner : POLITELY

civil rights n pl : the nonpolitical rights of a citizen; esp : the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution and by acts of Congress

civil service n : the branch of a government that takes care of the business of running a state but that does not include the lawmaking branch, the military, or the court system

civil war n : a war between opposing groups of citizens of the same country or nation

clab·ber \ˈklab-ər\ n, chiefly dialect : sour milk that has thickened or curdled

clab·bered \ˈklab-ərd\ adj, of milk or cream : being thickened or curdled

clack \ˈklak\ vb : to make or cause to make a clattering or clicking sound
— clack n

— clack·er n

1clad past and past participle of CLOTHE

2clad \ˈklad\ adj : being covered : wearing clothes

1claim \ˈklām\ vb
1 a : to ask for as rightfully belonging to oneself <claim an inheritance>  b : to call for : REQUIRE <business that claims attention>
2 : to put an end to life : TAKE <an accident claimed his life>
3 a : to state as a fact : MAINTAIN <claimed to have been cheated>  b : to make a claim <claimed to know nothing about it> [Middle English claimen “to ask for as a right, claim,” from early French clamer (same meaning), from Latin clamare “to shout” — related to ACCLAIM, CLAMOR]
— claim·able \ˈklā-mə-bəl\ adj

— claim·er n

2claim n
1 : a demand for something due or believed to be due <an insurance claim>
2 a : a right or title to something  b : a statement that may be doubted <a claim of authenticity>
3 : something claimed; esp : an area of land marked out by a settler or prospector

claim·ant \ˈklā-mənt\ n : a person who claims to have a right to something

clair·voy·ance \kla(ə)r-ˈvȯi-ən(t)s, kle(ə)r-\ n : the power of seeing or knowing about things that are not present to the senses [from French clairvoyance “clairvoyance,” from clair “clear” (from Latin clarus “clear”) and voyant “seeing” (derived from Latin vidēre “to see”) — related to CLEAR, VISION]

1clair·voy·ant \kla(ə)r-ˈvȯi-ənt, kle(ə)r-\ adj : of, relating to, or having clairvoyance

2clairvoyant n : a person who has clairvoyance

1clam \ˈklam\ n
1 : any of numerous edible marine mollusks that have two hinged shells and live in sand or mud
2 : a freshwater mussel

2clam vb clammed; clam·ming : to dig or gather clams

clam·bake \ˈklam-ˌbāk\ n : an outdoor party; esp : an outing at which food is cooked usually on heated rocks covered by seaweed

clam·ber \ˈklam-bər\ vb clam·bered; clam·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\ : to climb awkwardly

clam·my \ˈklam-ē\ adj clam·mi·er; -est : being damp, soft, sticky, and usually cool
— clam·mi·ness n

clam·or \ˈklam-ər\ n
1 a : a noisy shouting  b : a loud continuous noise
2 : strong and active protest or demand [Middle English clamor “noisy shouting,” from early French clamour (same meaning), derived from Latin clamare “to shout” — related to ACCLAIM, CLAIM]
— clamor vb

— clam·or·ous \-(ə-)rəs\ adj

— clam·or·ous·ly adv

1clamp \ˈklamp\ n : a device that holds or presses parts together firmly

2clamp vb : to fasten or tighten with or as if with a clamp

clamp down vb : to act in a strict and forceful manner to stop something <police are clamping down on drunk driving>

clam·shell \ˈklam-ˌshel\ n : the shell of a clam

clam up vb : to become silent <they clammed up when asked for more information>

clam worm n : any of several large burrowing marine worms related to the earthworms and often used as bait

clan \ˈklan\ n
1 a : a group (as in the Scottish Highlands) made up of households whose heads claim to have a common ancestor  b : a group of people having a common ancestor : FAMILY
2 : a group of persons united by a common interest <the whole clan of actors>

clan·des·tine \klan-ˈdes-tən\ adj : done in secret <a clandestine meeting>  synonyms see SECRET
— clan·des·tine·ly adv

1clang \ˈklaŋ\ vb : to make or cause to make a loud ringing sound

2clang n : a loud ringing sound like that made by pieces of metal striking together

clan·gor \ˈklaŋ-(g)ər\ n : a loud clanging noise
— clan·gor·ous \-(g)ə-rəs\ adj

1clank \ˈklaŋk\ vb : to make or move with a clank or series of clanks

2clank n : a sharp short ringing sound

clan·nish \ˈklan-ish\ adj : tending to associate only with a group of persons like oneself
— clan·nish·ness n

clans·man \ˈklanz-mən\ n : a member of a clan

1clap \ˈklap\ vb clapped; clap·ping
1 : to strike noisily : BANG <clap two boards together> <the door clapped shut>
2 : to strike the hands together over and over in applause
3 : to strike with the open hand <clap a friend on the shoulder>
4 : to place, put, or set especially energetically <clap him into jail> <since I first clapped eyes on it>
5 : to make or build hastily <clap together a shelter>

2clap n
1 : a sound made by or as if by clapping <a clap of thunder>
2 : a friendly slap <a clap on the shoulder>

3clap n : GONORRHEA — often used with the

clap·board \ˈklab-ərd; ˈkla(p)-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a narrow board thicker at one edge than at the other used to cover the sides of wooden buildings
— clapboard vb

clap·per \ˈklap-ər\ n
1 : the tongue of a bell
2 : one that makes a clapping sound

clap·trap \ˈklap-ˌtrap\ n : NONSENSE 1

clar·et \ˈklar-ət\ n
1 : a dry red table wine
2 : a dark purplish red
— claret adj

clar·i·fy \ˈklar-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to make or become pure or clear <clarify a liquid>
2 : to make or become easier to understand <clarify a statement>
— clar·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌklar-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— clar·i·fi·er \ˈklar-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

clar·i·net \ˌklar-ə-ˈnet, ˈklar-ə-nət\ n : a woodwind musical instrument in the shape of a cylindrical tube having a single-reed mouthpiece
— clar·i·net·ist or clar·i·net·tist \ˌklar-ə-ˈnet-əst\ n

clar·i·on \ˈklar-ē-ən\ adj : brilliantly clear <a clarion call to action>

clar·i·ty \ˈklar-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being clear <the clarity of their voices>

1clash \ˈklash\ vb
1 : to make a clash <clashing cymbals>
2 a : to come into conflict <pickets clashed with the police>  b : to not match well <our ideas clashed> <some colors clash>
— clash·er n

2clash n
1 : a loud sharp sound usually of metal striking metal <the clash of swords>
2 : a sharp fight or strong disagreement

1clasp \ˈklasp\ n
1 : a device for holding together objects or parts of something
2 : a holding or embracing with or as if with the hands or arms

2clasp vb
1 : to fasten with or as if with a clasp
2 : to enclose and hold with the arms; esp : EMBRACE
3 : to seize with or as if with the hand : GRASP
— clasp·er n

1class \ˈklas\ n
1 a : a group of students meeting regularly to study the same subject  b : the period during which such a group meets  c : a course of instruction  d : a group of students who graduate together <class of 1990>
2 a : a group or rank of society <the working class>  b : high social rank  c : high quality : ELEGANCE 2 <a hotel with class>
3 a : a group or set alike in some way  b : a major category in biological classification that is above the order and below the phylum or division  c : a grouping or standing (as of goods or services) based on quality
— class·less \-ləs\ adj

2class vb : CLASSIFY

1clas·sic \ˈklas-ik\ adj
1 a : serving as a standard of excellence <a classic literature>  b : fashionable year after year : TRADITIONAL, ENDURING <a classic design>
2 : of or relating to the ancient Greeks or Romans or their culture
3 a : notable as the best of its kind <a classic film>  b : notable as the most basic or typical of its kind <a classic example>

2classic n
1 : a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
2 : a great work of art; also : its author
3 : something regarded as perfect of its kind
4 : an event that has become a tradition <a football classic>

clas·si·cal \ˈklas-i-kəl\ adj
1 : 1CLASSIC 1A
2 : of or relating to the classics of literature or art; esp : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman classics <classical studies>
3 : of or relating to serious music in the European tradition
4 : of or relating to tradition : AUTHENTIC
5 : concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences and not specializing in technical studies <a classical high school>

clas·si·cal·ly \ˈklas-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv : in a classic or classical manner

clas·si·cism \ˈklas-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n
1 : the principles or style of the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome
2 : a following of the standards of tradition (as in music or art)

clas·si·fi·ca·tion \ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of classifying
2 a : systematic arrangement in groups : TAXONOMY  b : 1CLASS 3A, CATEGORY
— clas·si·fi·ca·to·ry \ˈklas-(ə-)fə-kə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

1clas·si·fied \ˈklas-ə-ˌfīd\ adj
1 : divided into classes or placed in a class <classified ads>
2 : withheld from the knowledge of the general public for reasons of national security <classified information>

2classified n : an advertisement grouped with others of the same kind — usually used in plural

clas·si·fy \ˈklas-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to arrange in or assign to classes <classify books by subjects>
— clas·si·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

— clas·si·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

class·mate \ˈklas-ˌmāt\ n : a member of the same class in a school or college

class·room \-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room in a school or college in which classes meet

classy \ˈklas-ē\ adj class·i·er; -est : having or showing class: as  a : ELEGANT 1, STYLISH  b : having or showing refined behavior <a classy guy>  c : very skillful and graceful <a classy player>
— class·i·ness n

1clat·ter \ˈklat-ər\ vb
1 : to make or cause to make a rattling sound
2 : to move with a clatter
— clat·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

— clat·ter·ing·ly \ˈklat-ə-riŋ-lē\ adv

2clatter n
1 : a rattling sound (as of hard objects striking together) <the clatter of pots and pans>
2 : COMMOTION 2
3 : noisy chatter
— clat·tery \ˈklat-ə-rē\ adj

clause \ˈklȯz\ n
1 : a separate distinct part of an article or document <a clause in a will>
2 : a group of words having its own subject and predicate but forming only part of a compound or complex sentence (as “when it rained” or “they went inside” in the sentence “when it rained, they went inside”)

claus·tro·pho·bia \ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bē-ə\ n : abnormal fear of being in closed or narrow spaces
— claus·tro·pho·bic \-ˈfō-bik\ adj

clav·i·chord \ˈklav-ə-ˌkȯ(ə)rd\ n : an early keyboard instrument in use before the piano

clav·i·cle \ˈklav-i-kəl\ n : a bone of the shoulder that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade — called also collarbone

1claw \ˈklȯ\ n
1 a : a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal (as a cat or bird)  b : a sharp curved extension especially if at the end of a limb (as of an insect); also : one of the pincerlike organs on some limbs of arthropods (as a lobster or scorpion)
2 : something that resembles a claw in shape or use
— clawed \ˈklȯd\ adj

— claw·like \ˈklȯ-ˌlīk\ adj

2claw vb : to scratch, seize, or dig with or as if with claws

clay \ˈklā\ n
1 : an earthy material that is sticky and easily molded when wet and hard when baked
2 : a plastic substance used like clay for modeling

clay·ey \ˈklā-ē\ adj clay·i·er; -est : resembling clay or containing much clay <a clayey soil>

clay pigeon n : a saucer-shaped object made of baked clay and used as a target in trapshooting

1clean \ˈklēn\ adj
1 : free from dirt or pollution <clean clothes>
2 : free of objectionable behavior or language <led a clean life> <a clean joke>
3 : being such to the fullest degree : COMPLETE <made a clean sweep>
4 : being precise or distinct : TRIM <a ship with clean lines> <a clean writing style>
5 : 1SMOOTH 1A <a sharp knife makes a clean cut>
— clean·ness \ˈklēn-nəs\ n

2clean adv
1 a : so as to clean <a new broom sweeps clean>  b : in a clean manner <fight clean>
2 : all the way <trout leaping clean out of the water>

3clean vb
1 : to make or become clean <clean your room> <cleaned up for supper>
2 : to take or use up the contents or resources of <tourists cleaned out the shops>

clean–cut \ˈklēn-ˈkət\ adj : neat and wholesome looking

clean·er \ˈklē-nər\ n
1 : one whose work is cleaning
2 : a substance used for cleaning
3 : a device or machine for cleaning

1clean·ly \ˈklēn-lē\ adv : in a clean manner

2clean·ly \ˈklen-lē\ adj clean·li·er; -est
1 : careful to keep clean <a cleanly animal>
2 : being kept clean by habit <cleanly surroundings>
— clean·li·ness n

cleanse \ˈklenz\ vb cleansed; cleans·ing : to make clean

cleans·er \ˈklen-zər\ n : a substance (as a scouring powder or cold cream) used for cleaning

clean·up \ˈklē-ˌnəp\ n : an act or instance of cleaning <helped with the cleanup after the meal>

1clear \ˈkli(ə)r\ adj
1 a : shining brightly : LUMINOUS <clear sunlight>  b : free from clouds, haze, dust, or mist <a clear day>  c : free from trouble : SERENE <a clear gaze>
2 a : free of blemishes <a clear complexion>  b : easily seen through : TRANSPARENT <clear glass>
3 : easily heard, seen, or understood <a clear voice> <the meaning was clear>
4 : free from doubt : SURE <a clear understanding of the issue>
5 : free from guilt : INNOCENT <a clear conscience>
6 : free from restriction or entanglement <a clear profit> <the coast is clear> [Middle English clere “clear, bright,” from early French cler (same meaning), from Latin clarus “clear, bright” — related to CLAIRVOYANCE, DECLARE]
— clear·ness n

2clear adv
1 : in a clear manner <shout loud and clear>
2 : all the way : COMPLETELY <can see clear to the mountains> <the hole goes clear through>

3clear vb
1 a : to make or become clear <clear the water by filtering> <the sky is clearing>  b : to go away : VANISH <clouds cleared away after the rain>
2 : to free from blame <cleared my name>
3 : to make understandable : EXPLAIN <cleared the matter up for me>
4 a : to free from things blocking <clear land for crops> <clear a path>  b : to remove stored or displayed data from (as a computer or calculator)
5 : to give or get approval <the proposal cleared the committee>
6 : to pay in full : SETTLE <clear an account>
7 : to go through customs
8 : 4NET <cleared a profit>
9 : to get rid of : REMOVE <clear the dishes from the table>
10 : to go over or by without touching <cleared the fence>
— clear·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— clear·er \-ər\ n

— clear the air : to remove tension or confusion <cleared the air by discussing their differences>

4clear n : a clear space or part
— in the clear
1 : free of something blocking
2 : free from suspicion or guilt

clear·ance \ˈklir-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : an act or process of clearing  b : the act of clearing a ship at the customhouse  c : the papers showing that a ship has cleared  d : authorization for an airplane to proceed
2 : a sale to clear out stock
3 : the distance by which one object keeps from hitting or touching another or the clear space between them

clear–cut \ˈkli(ə)r-ˈkət\ adj : free from doubt or uncertainty : DEFINITE <a clear-cut victory>

clear·head·ed \-ˈhed-əd\ adj : able to think clearly

clear·ing \ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ\ n
1 : the act or process of making or becoming clear
2 : an area of land cleared of wood and brush

clear·ing·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : an institution run by banks for the exchanging of checks and claims
2 : a central agency for collecting and giving out information

clear·ly \ˈkli(ə)r-lē\ adv
1 : in a clear manner <was clearly visible>
2 : without doubt or question <clearly something had to be done>

clear off vb, chiefly British : to go away : DEPART 1A

clear out vb
1 : to go or run away often suddenly or secretly <a horse broke loose and cleared out> <cleared out without paying me back>
2 : to drive out or away usually with force <police cleared out the demonstrators>

clear–sight·ed \ˈkli(ə)r-ˈsīt-əd\ adj
1 : having good vision
2 : having a clear understanding

cleat \ˈklēt\ n
1 : a wooden or metal device around which a rope may be made fast
2 : a strip or projection fastened on or across something (as a shoe) to give strength or a place to hold or to prevent slipping

cleav·age \ˈklē-vij\ n
1 : the quality of a crystallized substance or rock of splitting in definite directions
2 : the action of cleaving : the state of being cleaved
3 : the series of mitotic cell divisions of a fertilized egg that changes the single cell into a many-celled embryo

1cleave \ˈklēv\ vb cleaved \ˈklēvd\ or clove \ˈklōv\; cleaved; cleav·ing : to cling to a person or thing closely [Middle English clevien “adhere,” from Old English clifian “adhere”]

2cleave vb cleaved \ˈklēvd\ also cleft \ˈkleft\ or clove \ˈklōv\; cleaved also cleft or clo·ven \ˈklō-vən\; cleav·ing : to split by or as if by a cutting blow <the bow of the ship cleaving the water> [Middle English cleven “divide,” from Old English clēofan “divide”]

cleav·er \ˈklē-vər\ n : a heavy knife with a wide blade

clef \ˈklef\ n : a sign placed on the staff in writing music to show what pitch is represented by each line and space

1cleft \ˈkleft\ n
1 : a space or opening made by splitting : CREVICE
2 : a hollow resembling a cleft

2cleft adj : partially split or divided <a cleft wood>

cleft lip n : one or more splits in the upper lip that occur as a birth defect

cleft palate n : a split in the roof of the mouth that occurs as a birth defect

clem·a·tis \ˈklem-ət-əs, kli-ˈmat-əs\ n : a vine or herb related to the buttercups that has leaves with three leaflets and is widely grown for its showy usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers

clem·en·cy \ˈklem-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : disposition to be merciful
2 : an act or instance of mercy  synonyms see MERCY

clem·ent \ˈklem-ənt\ adj
1 : inclined to be merciful : LENIENT <a clement judge>
2 : not too hot or too cold : MILD <clement weather>
— clem·ent·ly adv

clench \ˈklench\ vb
1 : to hold fast : CLUTCH
2 : to set or close tightly <clench one's teeth> <clench one's fist>

clere·sto·ry \ˈkli(ə)r-ˌstōr-ē, -ˌstȯr-\ n, pl -ries : an outside wall of a room or building that rises above a roof next to it and contains windows

cler·gy \ˈklər-jē\ n, pl clergies : the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services

cler·gy·man \ˈklər-ji-mən\ n : a member of the clergy

cler·gy·per·son \-ˌpər-sən\ n : a member of the clergy

cler·gy·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is a member of the clergy

cler·ic \ˈkler-ik\ n : a member of the clergy

cler·i·cal \ˈkler-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
2 : of or relating to a clerk or office worker
— cler·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

clerical collar n : a narrow stiffly upright white collar worn by members of the clergy

1clerk \ˈklərk\ n
1 : a person whose job is to keep records and accounts <town clerk> <a stock clerk>
2 : a salesperson in a store

2clerk vb : to act or work as a clerk

clev·er \ˈklev-ər\ adj
1 : showing skill especially in using one's hands <clever fingers>
2 : quick in learning <a clever pupil>
3 : showing wit or imagination <a clever idea>  synonyms see INTELLIGENT
— clev·er·ish \-(ə-)rish\ adj

— clev·er·ly \-ər-lē\ adv

— clev·er·ness \-ər-nəs\ n

1clew \ˈklü\ n
1 : 1CLUE
2 : a metal loop attached to the lower corner of a sail

2clew vb
1 : 2CLUE
2 : to haul (a sail) up or down by ropes through the clews

cli·ché \klē-ˈshā, ˈklē-ˌshā, kli-ˈshā\ n : a phrase or expression used so often that it becomes stale; also : the idea expressed by it [French, literally, “metal printing plate”]

1click \ˈklik\ vb
1 : to make or cause to make a click
2 a : to fit together <they did not click as friends>  b : to work smoothly
3 : SUCCEED 2 <the idea clicked>
4 : to select by pressing a button on a control device (as a computer mouse) <click on the icon>

2click n
1 : a slight sharp sound
2 : an instance of clicking <a mouse click>

click beetle n : any of a family of beetles that are able when turned over to flip into the air by a sudden movement that produces a distinct click

click·er \ˈklik-ər\ n : REMOTE CONTROL 2

cli·ent \ˈklī-ənt\ n
1 : a person who uses the professional advice or services of another
2 : CUSTOMER 1

cli·en·tele \ˌklī-ən-ˈtel\ n : a group of clients

cliff \ˈklif\ n : a high steep surface of rock, earth, or ice

cli·mac·tic \klī-ˈmak-tik, klə-\ adj : of, relating to, or being a climax <the movie's climactic scene>

cli·mate \ˈklī-mət\ n
1 a : a region with specified weather conditions  b : the average weather conditions of a particular place or region over a period of years
2 : the usual or most widespread mood or conditions <a climate of fear>
— cli·mat·ic \klī-ˈmat-ik, klə-\ adj
Word History If you stand at the equator and look up at the sky, the celestial pole (the point in the sky directly above earth's North and South Poles) lies on the horizon. As you move northward, the celestial pole gradually rises above the horizon, so that the sky is in effect tilted. This tilt or inclination was called by the ancient Greeks klima (literally, “slope,” “inclination”). Because the angle of inclination is determined by your latitude on earth, klima came to mean “latitude,” and the earth was divided into seven latitudinal regions, called klimata (the plural of klima). This word was borrowed into modern European languages as clime or climate, and the weather characteristic of a particular region was also called climate. [Middle English climat “climate,” from Latin climat-, clima (same meaning), from Greek klimat-, klima “slope, latitude, climate,” from klinein “to lean, recline” — related to CLIMAX, CLINIC]

cli·ma·tol·o·gy \ˌklī-mə-ˈtäl-ə-jē\ n : a science that deals with climates
— cli·ma·tol·o·gist \-jəst\ n

1cli·max \ˈklī-ˌmaks\ n
1 a : the highest point <the storm had reached its climax>  b : the point of highest dramatic interest or a major turning point in the action (as of a play)  c : ORGASM
2 : a relatively stable ecological stage or community especially when it is the final one in a series of ecological stages or communities [from Latin climax “arrangement of words or phrases in increasing forcefulness,” from Greek klimax “ladder,” from klinein “to lean, recline” — related to CLIMATE, CLINIC]

2climax vb : to come or bring to a climax

1climb \ˈklīm\ vb
1 a : to rise gradually to a higher point <climb from poverty to wealth>  b : to slope upward <the road climbs steeply to the summit>
2 a : to go up or down often with the help of the hands in holding or pulling  b : to go upward in growing (as by winding around something) <a climbing vine>
— climb·able \ˈklī-mə-bəl\ adj

— climb·er \-mər\ n

2climb n
1 : a place where climbing is necessary
2 : the act of climbing

clime \ˈklīm\ n : CLIMATE 1A

1clinch \ˈklinch\ vb
1 a : to turn over or flatten the end of something sticking out <clinch a nail>  b : to fasten by clinching
2 a : to make final : SETTLE <the evidence clinched the case>  b : to assure the winning of <a touchdown that clinched the game>

2clinch n
1 : a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt
2 : the clinched part of a nail, bolt, or rivet

clinch·er \ˈklin-chər\ n : one that clinches; esp : a decisive fact or argument

cling \ˈkliŋ\ vb clung \ˈkləŋ\; cling·ing \ˈkliŋ-iŋ\
1 : to stick to as if glued
2 : to hold or hold on tightly <clung desperately to the ladder>
3 : to remain close : be dependent <clings to the family>

cling peach n : a clingstone peach

cling·stone \ˈkliŋ-ˌstōn\ n : a fruit (as a peach) whose flesh sticks strongly to the pit

clin·ic \ˈklin-ik\ n
1 : a class of medical instruction in which patients are examined and discussed
2 : a group meeting for teaching a certain skill and working on individual problems <a reading clinic>
3 : a place for the treatment of people needing medical help who do not stay overnight [from French clinique “medical instruction at a hospital bed,” from Greek klinikē “medical practice at a sickbed,” derived from klinē “bed,” from klinein “to lean, recline” — related to CLIMATE, CLIMAX]

clin·i·cal \ˈklin-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or conducted in or as if in a clinic <clinical examination>
2 : involving or based on direct observation of the patient <clinical studies>
— clin·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

clinical thermometer n : a thermometer used to measure body temperature that continues to show the highest temperature reached by a column of liquid until the thermometer is reset by shaking

clink \ˈkliŋk\ vb : to make or cause to make a slight sharp short sound like that of metal being struck <glasses clinked>
— clink n

clin·ker \ˈkliŋ-kər\ n : a mass of stony matter fused together (as in a furnace) : SLAG

cli·nom·e·ter \klī-ˈnäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring angles of elevation or slope

1clip \ˈklip\ vb clipped; clip·ping : to fasten with a clip <clip the papers together> [Old English clyppan “to clasp”]

2clip n
1 : a device that grips, clasps, or hooks
2 : a device for loading cartridges into a firearm; also : MAGAZINE 4A
3 : a piece of jewelry held by a clip

3clip vb clipped; clip·ping
1 : to cut or cut off with or as if with shears <clip a hedge> <clip out a news item>
2 : to cut off or trim the hair or wool of <have the dog clipped> [Middle English clippen “to cut,” of Norse origin]

4clip n
1 : a two-bladed instrument for cutting especially the nails
2 : a section of filmed, videotaped, or recorded material
3 : an act of clipping
4 : a sharp blow
5 : a rapid pace <move along at a good clip>

clip art n : ready-made illustrations sold in books or as software from which they may be taken for use in a printed work

clip·board \ˈklip-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a small board with a clip at the top for holding papers
2 : a part of computer memory used to store data temporarily

clip·per \ˈklip-ər\ n
1 : one that clips
2 pl : a device for clipping <hair clippers>
3 : a fast sailing ship with usually three tall masts and large square sails

clip·ping \ˈklip-iŋ\ n : something cut out or off <a newspaper clipping> <grass clippings>

clique \ˈklēk, ˈklik\ n : a small group of people who spend time together and are not friendly to other people
— cliqu·ey \ˈklē-kē, ˈkli-\ adj

cli·to·ris \ˈklit-ə-rəs, kli-ˈtȯr-əs\ n, pl cli·to·ris·es also cli·to·ri·des \kli-ˈtȯr-ə-ˌdēz\ : a small structure in the sex organs of the female mammal that corresponds to the penis in the male
— cli·to·ral \ˈklit-ə-rəl\ adj

clo·aca \klō-ˈā-kə\ n, pl clo·a·cae \-ˌkē, -ˌsē\ : a chamber into which the intestinal, urinary, and reproductive canals empty in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fishes; also : a chamber like this in an invertebrate animal that serves the same purpose
— clo·acal \-ˈā-kəl\ adj

1cloak \ˈklōk\ n
1 : a long loose outer garment
2 : something that conceals or covers <a cloak of secrecy surrounded the talks> [Middle English cloke “cloak,” from early French cloque “cloak, bell”; so named because a cloak resembled a bell in shape — related to CLOCK]

2cloak vb : to cover or hide with a cloak

cloak·room \ˈklō-ˌkrüm, -ˌkru̇m\ n : CHECKROOM

clob·ber \ˈkläb-ər\ vb
1 : to hit with force
2 : to defeat by a wide margin

1clock \ˈkläk\ n
1 : a device for measuring or telling the time and especially one not meant to be worn or carried about by a person
2 : a registering device with a dial that is attached to a machine to measure or record what it is doing
3 : a device (as in a computer) that sends out signals at regular spaces of time so that other events can happen in the correct order [Middle English clok “clock,” from early Dutch clocke “bell, clock,” from early French cloque “bell” or Latin clocca “bell”; of Celtic origin — related to CLOAK]
— against the clock : with or within a set time <working against the clock>

— around the clock also round the clock
1 : continuously for 24 hours : day and night continuously
2 : without relaxing or paying attention to time

2clock vb
1 : to time (as a person or a piece of work) by a timing device
2 : to show (as time or speed) on a recording device <he clocked in late>

clock radio n : a clock and radio combined in which the clock can be set to turn on the radio at a certain time

clock·wise \ˈkläk-ˌwīz\ adv or adj : in the direction in which the hands of a clock turn

clock·work \ˈkläk-ˌwərk\ n : machinery (as in a mechanical toy) containing a set of small cogwheels

clod \ˈkläd\ n
1 : a lump or mass especially of earth or clay
2 : a person who is dull or not sensitive : OAF
— clod·dish \ˈkläd-ish\ adj

— clod·dy \ˈkläd-ē\ adj

clod·hop·per \ˈkläd-ˌhäp-ər\ n
1 : a person who is living or raised in the country
2 : a large heavy shoe

1clog \ˈkläg, ˈklȯg\ n
1 : something that hinders or holds back <a clog in the drain>
2 : a shoe or sandal having a thick usually wooden sole

2clog vb clogged; clog·ging
1 : to get in the way of
2 : to block passage through
3 : to fill or become filled beyond capacity <heavy traffic clogged the roads>

clog dance n : a dance in which the dancers wear clogs and beat out a rhythm on the floor
— clog dancer n

— clog dancing n

1clois·ter \ˈklȯi-stər\ n
1 a : MONASTERY, CONVENT  b : monastic life
2 : a covered usually arched passage along or around a court

2cloister vb
1 : to shut away from the world in or as if in a cloister <leads a cloistered life>
2 : to surround with a cloister <cloistered gardens>

clomp \ˈklämp, ˈklȯmp\ vb : 2CLUMP 1

1clone \ˈklōn\ n
1 : the whole collection of offspring produced asexually from an individual (as a plant increased by grafting)
2 : an individual grown from a single body cell of its parent and having the same genes as its parent
— clon·al \ˈklōn-əl\ adj

2clone vb cloned; clon·ing : to make a clone from

clop \ˈkläp\ n : a sound like that of a hoof or wooden shoe against pavement
— clop vb

1close \ˈklōz\ vb closed; clos·ing
1 a : to move so as to prevent passage through something <close the gate>  b : to block against passage <close a street>
2 : to stop the operations of <close school early> — often used with down
3 : to bring or come to an end or conclusion <close a deal> <the meeting closed with a song> <close the computer program>
4 : to bring together the parts or edges of <a closed fist> <close the book>
5 a : to draw near <the second-place runner was closing fast>  b : to engage in a struggle at close quarters <close with the enemy>
— clos·er n

2close \ˈklōz\ n : the point at which something ends

3close \ˈklōs\ n : an enclosed area

4close \ˈklōs\ adj clos·er; clos·est
1 : having no openings : CLOSED
2 a : hidden from sight  b : not open or frank : SECRETIVE
3 : RIGOROUS 1 <keep close watch>
4 : hot and stuffy
5 : not generous : STINGY <close with money>
6 : having little space between items or units <flying in close formation>
7 : fitting tightly or exactly
8 : very short or near the surface <a close haircut>
9 : being near in time, space, effect, or degree
10 : having a strong liking each one for the other <a close friend>
11 : very precise and attentive to details <close measurements> <a close observer>
12 : decided by a narrow margin <a close race>
— close·ly adv

— close·ness n

5close \ˈklōs\ adv : in a close position or manner

close call n : a narrow escape

closed \ˈklōzd\ adj
1 a : not open : ENCLOSED  b : made up entirely of closed tubes or vessels <a closed circulatory system>
2 : formed by a line that returns to its starting point <a closed curve>
3 : having elements that when a mathematical operation (as addition) is performed on them produce only other elements of the same set <the set of whole numbers is closed under addition>
4 : not admitting or not easily admitting new members <a closed meeting> <a closed society>

closed–cir·cuit \ˈklōz(d)-ˈsər-kət\ n : a television installation in which the signal is sent by wire to a limited number of receivers

close·fist·ed \ˈklōs-ˈfis-təd\ adj : STINGY 1

close in \(ˈ)klō-ˈzin\ vb : to gather in close all around with an oppressing effect <despair closed in on her>

close–knit \ˈklō-ˈsnit\ adj : bound together by feelings of very close association <a close-knit family>

close·mouthed \-ˈmau̇thd, -ˈmau̇tht\ adj : not saying very much

close·out \ˈklōz-ˌau̇t\ n : a sale of leftover merchandise

1clos·et \ˈkläz-ət\ n
1 : a small private room
2 : a cabinet or small room for china, household utensils, or clothing

2closet vb
1 : to shut up in or as if in a closet
2 : to take into a private room for an interview

close–up \ˈklōs-ˌəp\ n : a photograph or movie shot taken at close range

clos·ing \ˈklō-ziŋ\ n : a concluding part

clo·sure \ˈklō-zhər\ n
1 a : an act of closing  b : the condition of being closed
2 : something that closes <a pocket with zipper closure>
3 : the property of being closed under a mathematical operation <the set of whole numbers does not have closure under division>

1clot \ˈklät\ n : a mass or lump made by a liquid (as blood) that thickens and sticks together

2clot vb clot·ted; clot·ting : to become or cause to become a clot : form clots

cloth \ˈklȯth\ n, pl cloths \ˈklȯthz, ˈklȯths\
1 : a woven or knitted material (as of cotton or nylon)
2 : a piece of cloth used for a particular purpose <a polishing cloth>
3 : TABLECLOTH

clothe \ˈklōth\ vb clothed or clad \ˈklad\; cloth·ing
1 a : to cover with or as if with clothing : DRESS  b : to provide with clothes
2 : to express in a certain way <clothe your thoughts clearly>

clothes \ˈklō(th)z\ n pl
1 : CLOTHING 1
2 : BEDCLOTHES

clothes·horse \ˈklō(th)z-ˌhȯrs\ n : a person who dresses well enough to be noticed

clothes·line \-ˌlīn\ n : a line (as of cord) on which clothes may be hung to dry

clothes moth n : any of several small moths whose caterpillars eat wool, fur, or feathers

clothes·pin \ˈklō(th)z-ˌpin\ n : a peg (as of wood) with the lower part slit or a clamp for holding clothes in place on a line

clothes·press \-ˌpres\ n : something (as a tall piece of furniture) in which clothes may be hung

cloth·ier \ˈklōth-yər, ˈklō-thē-ər\ n : a person who makes or sells cloth or clothing

cloth·ing \ˈklō-thiŋ\ n
1 : covering for the human body
2 : something that covers or conceals

1cloud \ˈklau̇d\ n
1 : a visible mass of particles of water or ice in the form of fog, mist, or haze usually high in the air
2 a : a usually visible mass of tiny particles in the air or bits of matter between stars  b : a group of charged particles (as electrons)
3 : something resembling or thought to be like a cloud <a cloud of mosquitoes> <under a cloud of suspicion>
4 : something that appears dark or threatening <clouds of war>
5 : the computers and connections that support cloud computing <storing files in the cloud>
— cloud·less \-ləs\ adj

2cloud vb
1 : to make or become cloudy
2 : to darken or hide with or as if by a cloud <smog clouded our view>

cloud·burst \ˈklau̇d-ˌbərst\ n : a sudden heavy rainfall

cloud chamber n : a container of air saturated with water vapor whose sudden cooling reveals the path of an ionizing particle (as an electron) by a trail of visible droplets

cloud computing n : the practice of storing regularly used computer data on multiple servers that can be accessed through the Internet

cloud forest n : a wet mountain forest of very warm areas that usually has many clouds

cloud·let \ˈklau̇d-lət\ n : a small cloud

cloudy \ˈklau̇d-ē\ adj cloud·i·er; -est
1 : darkened by gloom or anxiety <a cloudy mood>
2 : covered over by clouds <a cloudy sky>
3 : dimmed or dulled as if by clouds <a cloudy mirror>
4 : uneven in color or texture
5 : having visible material in suspension <the water from the faucet was cloudy>
— cloud·i·ly \ˈklau̇d-əl-ē\ adv

— cloud·i·ness \ˈklau̇d-ē-nəs\ n

clout \ˈklau̇t\ n
1 : a blow especially with the hand or with a baseball bat
2 : 1INFLUENCE 1 <political clout>
— clout vb

1clove \ˈklōv\ n : one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb <a clove of garlic> [Old English clufu “clove, bulb”]

2clove past of CLEAVE

3clove n : the dried flower bud of a tropical tree related to the myrtle that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil; also : this tree [Middle English clowe “clove bud,” from early French clou, shortened form of the phrase clou de girofle, literally, “nail of clove,” from Latin clavus “nail”]

clo·ven \ˈklō-vən\ past participle of CLEAVE

cloven foot n : a foot (as of a sheep) that has the front part divided into two parts
— clo·ven–foot·ed \ˌklō-vən-ˈfu̇t-əd\ adj

cloven hoof n : CLOVEN FOOT
— clo·ven–hoofed \ˌklō-vən-ˈhu̇ft, -ˈhüft, -ˈhu̇vd, -ˈhüvd\ adj

clo·ver \ˈklō-vər\ n : any of a genus of herbs of the legume family that have leaves with three leaflets and flowers in dense heads and that include many plants valuable for forage and as a source of nectar for bees; also : any of various related plants

clo·ver·leaf \-ˌlēf\ n, pl -leafs \-ˌlēfs\ or -leaves \-ˌlēvz\ : a road plan that resembles a four-leaf clover in shape and is used for passing one highway over another and turning traffic onto connecting roadways which branch only to the right and lead around in a circle to enter the other highway from the right

1clown \ˈklau̇n\ n
1 : a rude and often stupid person
2 : a performer (as in a play or circus) who usually wears funny clothes and makeup and tries to make people laugh
— clown·ish \ˈklau̇-nish\ adj

— clown·ish·ly adv

— clown·ish·ness n

2clown vb : to act like a clown

cloy \ˈklȯi\ vb : to supply with too much of something that was originally pleasing
— cloy·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

1club \ˈkləb\ n
1 a : a heavy usually wooden stick used as a weapon  b : a stick or bat used for hitting a ball in a game <a golf club>
2 a : a black figure resembling a clover leaf used to distinguish a suit of playing cards  b : a card of the suit bearing clubs
3 a : a group of people associated because of a common interest  b : the meeting place of a club  c : NIGHTCLUB

2club vb clubbed; club·bing
1 : to beat or strike with or as if with a club
2 : to unite or combine for a common cause <club together to buy a boat>

club·foot \ˈkləb-ˈfu̇t\ n : a misshapen foot twisted out of position from birth; also : this deformed condition
— club·foot·ed \-əd\ adj

club fungus n : any of a group of fungi that have the hyphae divided by partitions and a special cell for forming spores and that include rusts, smuts, and mushrooms

club·house \ˈkləb-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : a meeting place (as a house) used by a club for club activities
2 : locker rooms used by an athletic team

club moss n : any of an order of low often trailing evergreen plants (as the ground pine) having branching stems covered with small mosslike leaves and reproducing by spores usually borne in club-shaped cones

club sandwich n : a sandwich of three slices of bread with two layers of meat and lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise

cluck \ˈklək\ n : the call of a hen especially to her chicks
— cluck vb

1clue \ˈklü\ n
1 : something that helps a person find something or solve a mystery
2 : IDEA 2, CONCEPTION <had no clue what he meant>

2clue vb clued; clue·ing or clu·ing
1 : to provide with a clue
2 : to give information to <clue me in on the news>

clue·less \ˈklü-ləs\ adj : having or providing no clue

1clump \ˈkləmp\ n
1 : a group of things clustered together <a clump of bushes>
2 : a cluster or lump of something
3 : a heavy tramping sound
— clumpy \ˈkləm-pē\ adj

2clump vb
1 : to walk or move clumsily and noisily
2 : to form or cause to form clumps

clum·sy \ˈkləm-zē\ adj clum·si·er; -est
1 a : lacking skill or grace in movement <clumsy fingers>  b : showing social awkwardness or a lack of tact <a clumsy attempt at a joke>
2 : awkwardly or poorly made : hard to use <a clumsy tool>
— clum·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— clum·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

clung past and past participle of CLING

1clus·ter \ˈkləs-tər\ n : a number of similar things growing, collected, or grouped together : BUNCH <a cluster of houses> <a flower cluster>

2cluster vb clus·tered; clus·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\ : to grow, collect, or gather in a cluster

1clutch \ˈkləch\ vb
1 : to grip with or as if with the hand or claws : GRASP
2 : to make a grab <clutch at a swinging rope> [Old English clyccan “to grasp, hold”]

2clutch n
1 a : the claws or a hand in the act of grasping  b : an often cruel or stern power or control <had the enemy in their clutches>
2 : a device for gripping an object
3 a : a coupling used to connect and disconnect a driving and a driven part in machinery  b : a lever or pedal operating a clutch
4 : a tight or critical situation : PINCH <he came through in the clutch>

3clutch adj : done or doing well in a tight or critical situation <a clutch play> <a clutch player>

4clutch n : a nest or batch of eggs or a brood of chicks [altered form of dialect word cletch “a hatching, brood”]

1clut·ter \ˈklət-ər\ vb : to fill or cover with a disorderly scattering of things <clutter up a room>

2clutter n : a crowded or confused collection

Clydes·dale \ˈklīdz-ˌdāl\ n : any of a breed of heavy draft horses originally from Clydesdale, Scotland, with long silky hair on the legs

cni·dar·i·an \ni-ˈder-ē-ən\ n : COELENTERATE
— cnidarian adj

co- prefix
1 : with : together : joint : jointly <coexist> <coauthor>
2 : in or to the same degree <coextensive>
3 : fellow : partner <coworker> [derived from Latin com- “with, together”]

1coach \ˈkōch\ n
1 a : a large usually closed four-wheeled carriage that has a raised seat in front for the driver and is drawn by horses  b : a railroad passenger car without berths  c : 1BUS 1  d : a class of passenger air transportation at a lower fare than first class
2 a : a private tutor  b : a person who instructs or trains a performer or team <a football coach>

2coach vb : to act as a coach

coach dog n : DALMATIAN

coach·man \ˈkōch-mən\ n : a person whose business is driving a coach or carriage

co·ad·ju·tor \ˌkō-ə-ˈjüt-ər, kō-ˈaj-ət-ər\ n
1 : one who works together with another : ASSISTANT
2 : a bishop assisting a diocesan bishop and often having the right of succession
— coadjutor adj

co·ad·ju·trix \ˌkō-ə-ˈjü-triks, kō-ˈaj-ə-ˌtriks\ n, pl co·ad·ju·tri·ces \ˌkō-ə-ˈjü-trə-ˌsēz, kō-ˌaj-ə-ˈtrī-ˌsēz\ : a woman who is a coadjutor

co·ag·u·late \kō-ˈag-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to become or cause to become thickened into a compact mass : CLOT [from Latin coagulatus, past participle of coagulare “to curdle,” derived from cogere “to drive together” — related to 2QUAIL]
— co·ag·u·la·tion \kō-ˌag-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n

1coal \ˈkōl\ n
1 : a piece of glowing or charred wood : EMBER
2 : a black or brownish black solid substance that is formed by the partial decay of vegetable matter under the influence of moisture and often increased pressure and temperature within the earth and that is widely used as a fuel

2coal vb
1 : to supply with coal
2 : to take in coal

co·alesce \ˌkō-ə-ˈles\ vb co·alesced; co·alesc·ing
1 : to grow together <the ends of the broken bones coalesced>
2 : to unite into a whole : FUSE  synonyms see MIX
— co·ales·cence \-ˈles-ən(t)s\ n

coal gas n : gas from coal; esp : gas made from bituminous coal and used for heating and lighting

co·ali·tion \ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən\ n : a temporary union of persons, parties, or countries for a common purpose

coal oil n
1 : petroleum or a refined oil prepared from it
2 : KEROSENE

coal tar n : tar obtained from bituminous coal and used especially in making drugs and dyes

coarse \ˈkō(ə)rs, ˈkȯ(ə)rs\ adj coars·er; coars·est
1 : of ordinary or poor quality
2 : made up of large parts or particles <coarse sand>
3 : being harsh or rough <coarse cloth>
4 : not precise or detailed : roughly approximate
5 : crude in taste, manners, or language
— coarse·ly adv

— coars·en \ˈkōrs-ən, ˈkȯrs-\ vb

— coarse·ness n

1coast \ˈkōst\ n
1 : the land near a shore : SEASHORE
2 : a slide down a slope (as on a sled)
3 : the present area in view <the coast is clear>
— coast·al \ˈkōst-əl\ adj

2coast vb
1 : to sail along the shore of
2 a : to slide downhill by the force of gravity  b : to move along (as on a bicycle when not pedaling) without applying power
3 : to succeed without special effort <coasted through school>

coast·er \ˈkō-stər\ n
1 : one that coasts; esp : a ship engaged in coastal trade
2 a : a round tray usually of silver and sometimes on wheels  b : a shallow container or a plate or a mat to protect a surface
3 : a small vehicle (as a sled or wagon) for coasting

coast guard n
1 : a seagoing force for protecting a coast and people and property at sea
2 usually coast·guard chiefly British : COASTGUARDSMAN

coast·guards·man \ˈkōs(t)-ˌgärdz-mən\ or coast·guard·man \-ˌgärd-mən\ n : a member of a coast guard

coast·line \ˈkōst-ˌlīn\ n : the outline or shape of a coast

coast redwood n : REDWOOD

coast·wise \ˈkōst-ˌwīz\ adv : by way of or along the coast
— coastwise adj

1coat \ˈkōt\ n
1 : an outer garment varying in length and style according to fashion and use
2 : the outer covering (as of fur) of an animal
3 : a layer of material covering a surface <a coat of paint>
— coat·ed \-əd\ adj

2coat vb : to cover with a coat or covering

co·ati \kə-ˈwät-ē, kwä-ˈtē\ n : a tropical American mammal related to the raccoon but with a longer body and tail and a long flexible snout

co·a·ti·mun·di \kə-ˌwät-ē-ˈmən-dē, ˌkwä-, -ˈmu̇n-\ n : COATI

coat·ing \ˈkōt-iŋ\ n : 1COAT 3, COVERING <a coating of ice on the pond>

coat of arms : the heraldic arms belonging to a person, family, or group or a representation of these (as on a shield)

coat of mail : a garment of metal scales or rings worn long ago as armor

coat·room \ˈkōt-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : CHECKROOM

coat·tail \ˈkōt-ˌtāl\ n
1 : the rear flap of a man's coat
2 pl : the influence of a popular movement or person <politicians riding into office on the president's coattails>

co·au·thor \(ˈ)kō-ˈȯ-thər\ n : an author who works with another author

coax \ˈkōks\ vb
1 : to influence by gentle urging, special attention, or flattering
2 : to get or win by means of gentle urging or flattery <coaxed a raise from the boss>

co·ax·i·al cable \kō-ˌak-sē-əl-\ n : a cable that consists of a tube of electrically conducting material surrounding a central conductor and is used to send telegraph, telephone, and television signals

cob \ˈkäb\ n
1 : a male swan
2 : CORNCOB
3 : a short-legged stocky horse

co·bal·a·min \kō-ˈbal-ə-mən\ n : VITAMIN B12

co·balt \ˈkō-ˌbȯlt\ n : a tough shiny silver-white magnetic metallic element that is found with iron and nickel and is used especially in alloys — see ELEMENT TABLE [from German Kobalt “cobalt,” an altered form of Kobold, literally, “goblin”; so called because its appearance in silver ore was thought to have been the work of goblins who left it in place of silver which they stole]

cobalt chloride n : a chloride of cobalt; esp : one that has two atoms of chlorine per molecule, is blue when dry and deep pink when combined with water, and is used to indicate humidity

cobalt 60 n : a heavy radioactive form of cobalt of the mass number 60 made in nuclear reactors and used to produce gamma rays

1cob·ble \ˈkäb-əl\ vb cob·bled; cob·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make roughly or hastily — often used with together or up

2cobble n : a rounded stone larger than a pebble and smaller than a boulder

cob·bler \ˈkäb-lər\ n
1 : a mender or maker of shoes
2 : a deep-dish fruit pie with a thick top crust

cob·ble·stone \ˈkäb-əl-ˌstōn\ n : 2COBBLE
— cob·ble·stoned \-ˌstōnd\ adj

CO·BOL or Co·bol \ˈkō-ˌbȯl\ n : a computer programming language used especially in business [common business oriented language]

co·bra \ˈkō-brə\ n : any of several poisonous Asian and African snakes that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a hood; also : any of several related African snakes
Word History During the early part of the 16th century, Portuguese traders took control of cities along India's western coast. During this period of contact, the Portuguese became familiar with some of India's animal life. One animal they noticed was a poisonous snake that could expand the skin of its neck to form a hood. The Portuguese called this snake cobra de capello, meaning “snake with a hood.” The Portuguese name was first borrowed into English in the 17th century. By the 19th century the name had become shortened to cobra. [from Portuguese cobra (de capello) “snake (with a hood),” from Latin colubra “snake”]

cob·web \ˈkäb-ˌweb\ n
1 : SPIDERWEB
2 : tangles of the silken threads of a spiderweb usually covered with dirt and dust
— cob·webbed \-ˌwebd\ adj

— cob·web·by \-ˌweb-ē\ adj

co·ca \ˈkō-kə\ n : a South American shrub with leaves that are the source of cocaine; also : its dried leaves

co·caine \kō-ˈkān, ˈkō-ˌkān\ n : a bitter habit-forming drug obtained from coca leaves and used in medicine to deaden pain and illegally to stimulate the central nervous system

coc·cus \ˈkäk-əs\ n, pl coc·ci \ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī, ˈkäk-(ˌ)(s)ē\ : a bacterium shaped like a sphere
— coc·cal \ˈkäk-əl\ adj

coc·cyx \ˈkäk-siks\ n, pl coc·cy·ges \ˈkäk-sə-ˌjēz\ also coc·cyx·es \ˈkäk-sik-səz\ : the bone at the end of the spinal column that is composed of four vertebrae combined into one bone

co·chi·neal \ˈkäch-ə-ˌnēl, ˈkō-chə-\ n : a red dye consisting of the dried bodies of female cochineal insects

cochineal insect n : a small bright red insect that is related to and resembles the mealybug, feeds on cacti, and yields cochineal

co·chlea \ˈkō-klē-ə, ˈkäk-lē-\ n, pl co·chle·as or co·chle·ae \-klē-ˌē, -lē-ˌē, -ˌī\ : a hollow tube of the inner ear of higher vertebrates that is usually coiled like a snail shell and contains the endings of the nerve which carries information about sound to the brain
— coch·le·ar \ˈkō-klē-ər, ˈkäk-lē-\ adj

1cock \ˈkäk\ n
1 : the adult male of a bird and especially the domestic chicken
2 : a device (as a faucet or valve) for controlling the flow of a liquid
3 : the cocked position of the hammer of a firearm <a rifle at half cock> [Old English cocc “cock, rooster”; probably in imitation of the sound it makes]

2cock vb
1 a : to draw back the hammer of (a gun) in readiness for firing <cock a pistol>  b : to set or draw back in readiness for some action <cock your arm to throw>
2 : to turn, tip, or tilt upward or to one side <cock one's head>

3cock n : 2TILT 4, SLANT <a cock of the head>

4cock n : a small pile (as of hay) [Middle English cok “small pile”]

cock·ade \kä-ˈkād\ n : an ornament (as a rosette) worn on the hat as a badge

cock·a·too \ˈkäk-ə-ˌtü\ n, pl -toos : any of various large noisy usually showy chiefly Australasian parrots that have a bunch of feathers on the head

cock·crow \ˈkäk-ˌkrō\ n : early morning

cock·er·el \ˈkäk-(ə-)rəl\ n : a young male domestic chicken

cock·er spaniel \ˌkäk-ər-\ n : any of a breed of small spaniels with long drooping ears and long silky coat

cock·eyed \ˈkäk-ˈīd\ adj
1 : having a squinting eye
2 a : turned or tilted to one side  b : slightly crazy : FOOLISH

cock·fight \ˈkäk-ˌfīt\ n : a fight between roosters usually fitted with metal spurs

1cock·le \ˈkäk-əl\ n : any of several weeds of grain fields [Old English coccel “weed”]

2cockle n
1 : an edible mollusk with a ribbed two-valved shell
2 : COCKLESHELL [Middle English cokille “cockle, cockleshell,” from early French coquille “shell,” from Latin conchylia “shells,” derived from Greek konchylion, literally, “little shell”]

cock·le·bur \ˈkäk-əl-ˌbər, ˈkək-\ n : any of a genus of plants that have prickly fruits and are related to the thistles; also : one of its fruits

cock·le·shell \ˈkäk-əl-ˌshel\ n
1 a : a shell or shell valve of a cockle  b : a shell (as a scallop) that looks like a cockleshell
2 : a light flimsy boat

cock·ney \ˈkäk-nē\ n, pl cockneys often cap
1 : a native of London and especially of the East End of London
2 : the dialect spoken by the cockneys
— cockney adj

cock·pit \ˈkäk-ˌpit\ n : a space or compartment in a usually small vehicle (as a boat, airplane, or automobile) from which it is steered, piloted, or driven

cock·roach \-ˌrōch\ n : any of an order of quick-moving insects that have long antennae and leathery forewings, are mainly nocturnal, and include pests of human dwellings

cock·sure \ˈkäk-ˈshu̇(ə)r\ adj
1 : perfectly sure : CERTAIN
2 : COCKY 1

cock·tail \ˈkäk-ˌtāl\ n
1 : an iced drink of distilled liquor mixed with flavoring ingredients
2 : an appetizer (as tomato juice) served as a first course at a meal

cocky \ˈkäk-ē\ adj cock·i·er; -est
1 : being too sure of oneself
2 : JAUNTY
— cock·i·ly \ˈkäk-ə-lē\ adv

— cock·i·ness \ˈkäk-ē-nəs\ n

co·coa \ˈkō-kō\ n
1 : a cacao tree
2 a : powdered ground cacao beans from which some of the fat has been removed  b : a beverage made from heating cocoa with water or milk

cocoa butter n : a pale fat obtained from cacao beans

co·co·nut \ˈkō-kə-(ˌ)nət\ n : the large egg-shaped husk-covered fruit of the coconut palm

coconut oil n : a nearly colorless oil or soft white fat that comes from coconuts and is used especially in soaps and foods

coconut palm n : a tall palm that grows along tropical coasts and produces coconuts

co·coon \kə-ˈkün\ n
1 : an envelope usually of silk which the larva of some insects (as moths) forms about itself and in which it passes the pupa stage — compare CHRYSALIS
2 : a covering suggesting a cocoon

cod \ˈkäd\ n, pl cod also cods : a soft-finned fish of the colder parts of the North Atlantic that is a major food fish; also : any of several related fishes

co·da \ˈkōd-ə\ n : a closing section in a musical composition [Italian, literally, “tail,” from Latin coda, cauda “tail” — related to COWARD, 3CUE, QUEUE; see Word History at COWARD, QUEUE]

cod·dle \ˈkäd-əl\ vb cod·dled; cod·dling \ˈkäd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to cook slowly in water below the boiling point <coddle eggs>
2 : to treat with extreme care or kindness : PAMPER

1code \ˈkōd\ n
1 : a collection of laws arranged in some orderly way <criminal code>
2 : a system of principles or rules <moral code>
3 a : a system of signals for communicating  b : a system of symbols (as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned and often secret meanings
4 : GENETIC CODE
5 : a set of instructions for a computer

2code vb cod·ed; cod·ing : to put into the form or symbols of a code
— cod·er n

co·deine \ˈkō-ˌdēn, ˈkōd-ē-ən\ n : a drug that is obtained from opium, is weaker than morphine, and is used as a pain reliever and in cough remedies

cod·fish \ˈkäd-ˌfish\ n : COD

cod·ger \ˈkäj-ər\ n : an odd or cranky fellow

cod·i·fy \ˈkäd-ə-ˌfī, ˈkōd-\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to arrange (as a collection of laws) in an orderly form
— cod·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌkäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən, ˌkōd-\ n

cod·ling moth \ˈkäd-liŋ-\ n : a small moth whose larva lives in fruit and nuts and is a serious pest of orchard-grown crops (as apples, pears, plums, and walnuts)

cod–liver oil n : an oil obtained from the liver of the cod and closely related fishes and used as a source of vitamins A and D

1co·ed \ˈkō-ˌed\ n : a female student in a coeducational institution

2coed adj
1 : COEDUCATIONAL
2 : open to or used by both men and women

co·ed·u·ca·tion·al \(ˌ)kō-ˌej-ə-ˈkā-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj : having both male and female students

co·ef·fi·cient \ˌkō-ə-ˈfish-ənt\ n
1 : a number or symbol by which another number or symbol (as a mathematical variable) is multiplied <3 is the coefficient of x in the expression 3x>
2 : a number that serves as a measure of some property (as of a substance or device) <the metal's coefficient of expansion>

coel·acanth \ˈsē-lə-ˌkan(t)th\ n : a fish or fossil of a group of mostly extinct fishes
— coelacanth adj

coel·en·ter·ate \si-ˈlent-ə-ˌrāt, -rət\ n : any of a phylum of invertebrate animals including the corals, sea anemones, sea fans, jellyfishes, and hydras and usually have a body with radial symmetry — called also cnidarian
— coelenterate adj

coe·lom \ˈsē-ləm\ n : the fluid-filled body cavity of an animal that contains the internal organs (as the heart, lungs, and kidneys)

co·equal \(ˈ)kō-ˈē-kwəl\ adj : equal with one another
— co·equal·i·ty \ˌkō-ē-ˈkwäl-ət-ē\ n

— co·equal·ly \ˌkō-ˈē-kwə-lē\ adv

co·erce \kō-ˈərs\ vb co·erced; co·erc·ing : to cause someone to do something by force or threat
— co·er·cion \-ˈər-zhən, -shən\ n

— co·er·cive \-ˈər-siv\ adj

co·eval \kō-ˈē-vəl\ adj : of the same age or duration
— co·eval n

co·evo·lu·tion \ˌkō-ˌev-ə-ˈlü-shən, -ˌē-və-\ n : evolution occurring in two interdependent species (as a flowering plant and a pollinator) in which long-term adaptive changes are influenced by their close interactions

co·ex·ist \ˌkō-ig-ˈzist\ vb
1 : to exist together or at the same time
2 : to live in peace with each other
— co·ex·is·tence \-ˈzis-tən(t)s\ n

— co·ex·is·tent \-tənt\ adj

co·ex·ten·sive \ˌkō-ik-ˈsten(t)-siv\ adj : having the same length or boundaries in space or time
— co·ex·ten·sive·ly adv

cof·fee \ˈkȯ-fē, ˈkäf-ē\ n
1 : a drink made from the roasted and ground seeds of a tropical tree or shrub related to the madder
2 : coffee seeds or a plant producing them
3 : a cup of coffee <two coffees> [from Italian caffè “coffee” and Turkish kahve “coffee,” both from Arabic qaḥwa “coffee”]

coffee break n : a short period of time for rest and refreshments

cof·fee·house \ˈkȯ-fē-ˌhau̇s, ˈkäf-ē-\ n : a business that sells coffee and usually other refreshments and that often serves as an informal club for its regular customers

cof·fee·mak·er \-ˌmā-kər\ n : a utensil or appliance in which coffee is brewed

cof·fee·pot \-ˌpät\ n : a pot for brewing or serving coffee

coffee table n : a low table usually placed in front of a sofa

cof·fer \ˈkȯ-fər, ˈkäf-ər\ n
1 : a box used especially to store money and valuables
2 : TREASURY 1, FUNDS — usually used in plural

cof·fin \ˈkȯ-fən\ n : a box or case to hold a dead body

cog \ˈkäg\ n
1 : a tooth on the rim of a wheel adjusted to fit notches in another wheel or bar and to give or receive motion
2 : a person whose job is of low rank but still important

co·gen·cy \ˈkō-jən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being cogent

co·gent \ˈkō-jənt\ adj
1 : appealing forcibly to the mind : CONVINCING <cogent evidence> <a cogent argument>
2 : being to the point : PERTINENT <some cogent remarks on the situation>
— co·gent·ly \ˈkō-jənt-lē\ adv

cog·i·tate \ˈkäj-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -ta·ting : to think over : PONDER
— cog·i·ta·tion \ˌkäj-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

co·gnac \ˈkōn-ˌyak\ n, often cap : a French brandy [named for Cognac, town in France in and near which it is made]

cog·ni·tion \käg-ˈnish-ən\ n : the act or process of knowing

cog·ni·tive \ˈkäg-nət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or being conscious mental activities (as thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining, learning words, and using language)

cog·ni·zance \ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s\ n
1 : particular knowledge <had no cognizance of the crime>
2 : the act or power of fixing one's mind on something : NOTICE, HEED <take cognizance of what is happening>
— cog·ni·zant \-zənt\ adj

cog·no·men \käg-ˈnō-mən, ˈkäg-nə-mən\ n, pl -nomens or -no·mi·na \-ˈnäm-ə-nə, -ˈnō-mə-\
1 : a person's last name : SURNAME
2 : 1NAME 1; esp : 1NICKNAME

cog·wheel \ˈkäg-ˌhwēl, -ˌwēl\ n : a wheel with cogs

co·hab·it \kō-ˈhab-ət\ vb : to live together as or as if husband and wife
— co·hab·i·ta·tion \kō-ˌhab-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

co·here \kō-ˈhi(ə)r\ vb co·hered; co·her·ing
1 a : to hold together firmly as parts of the same mass  b : to consist of parts that cohere
2 a : to become united in principles, relationships, or interests  b : to be in agreement between parts
— co·her·ence \-ˈhir-ən(t)s, -ˈher-\ n

— co·her·ent \-ənt\ adj

— co·her·ent·ly adv

co·he·sion \kō-ˈhē-zhən\ n
1 : the action or state of sticking together
2 : molecular attraction by which the particles of a body are united throughout the mass
— co·he·sive \kō-ˈhē-siv, -ziv\ adj

— co·he·sive·ness n

co·hort \ˈkō-ˌhȯrt\ n
1 a : one of 10 divisions of an ancient Roman legion  b : a group of warriors or followers
2 : COMPANION 1, ACCOMPLICE

1coif \ˈkȯif, in sense 2 usually ˈkwäf\ n
1 : a close-fitting cap
2 : COIFFURE

2coif \ˈkȯif, ˈkwäf\ vb coiffed or coifed; coif·fing or coif·ing : to cover or dress with a coif

coif·fure \kwä-ˈfyu̇(ə)r\ n : a style or manner of arranging the hair

1coil \ˈkȯil\ vb
1 : to wind into or lie in loops, rings, or a spiral
2 : to move in a circular, spiral, or winding direction

2coil n
1 a : a series of loops : SPIRAL  b : a single loop of a coil
2 a : a number of turns of wire wound around a core (as of iron) to create a magnetic field for an electromagnet or an induction coil  b : INDUCTION COIL
3 : a series of connected pipes (as in water-heating apparatus) in rows, layers, or windings

1coin \ˈkȯin\ n
1 : a piece of metal put out by a government authority as money
2 : metal money <three dollars in coin>

2coin vb
1 a : to make (a coin) especially by stamping : MINT  b : to convert (metal) into coins
2 : CREATE, INVENT <coin a phrase>
— coin·er n

3coin adj
1 : of or relating to coins <a coin show>
2 : operated by coins <a laundromat's coin washers>

coin·age \ˈkȯi-nij\ n
1 : the act or process of coining
2 : 1COIN 2
3 : something (as a word) made up or invented

co·in·cide \ˌkō-ən-ˈsīd\ vb -cid·ed; -cid·ing
1 : to occupy the same place in space or time
2 : to occupy the same positions on a scale
3 : to agree exactly

co·in·ci·dence \kō-ˈin(t)-səd-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act or condition of coinciding
2 a : two things that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection  b : either one of these happenings

co·in·ci·dent \kō-ˈin(t)-səd-ənt\ adj
1 : of similar nature : HARMONIOUS <a theory coincident with the facts>
2 : occupying the same space or time <coincident events>
— co·in·ci·dent·ly adv

co·in·ci·den·tal \(ˌ)kō-ˌin(t)-sə-ˈdent-əl\ adj
1 : resulting from a coincidence <a coincidental resemblance>
2 : occurring or existing at the same time
— co·in·ci·den·tal·ly \-ˈdent-lē, -əl-ē\ adv

coir \ˈkȯi(-ə)r\ n : a stiff coarse fiber from the outer husk of a coconut

co·i·tus \ˈkō-ət-əs, kō-ˈēt-\ n : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

1coke \ˈkōk\ n : gray lumps of fuel with pores made by heating soft coal in a closed chamber until some of its gases have passed off

2coke n : COCAINE

Coke \ˈkōk\ trademark — used for a cola drink

coke·head \ˈkōk-ˌhed\ n : a compulsive user of cocaine

col- — see COM-

co·la \ˈkō-lə\ n : a sweet usually caffeinated carbonated soft drink typically colored with caramel and having a flavoring from kola nuts

col·an·der \ˈkəl-ən-dər, ˈkäl-\ n : a utensil with small holes for draining food

col·chi·cine \ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn, ˈkäl-kə-\ n : a poisonous substance that is obtained from the corms or seeds of a plant resembling a crocus and that is used on cells to cause changes in chromosome numbers and to produce new varieties of plants

1cold \ˈkōld\ adj
1 : having a low temperature or one much below normal <a cold day> <a cold drink>
2 : lacking warmth of feeling : UNFRIENDLY <a cold stare>
3 : suffering or uncomfortable from lack of warmth <they feel cold>
4 a : marked by the loss of normal body heat <cold hands>  b : giving the appearance of being dead : UNCONSCIOUS <passed out cold>
— cold·ly adv

— cold·ness \ˈkōl(d)-nəs\ n

— in cold blood : with planning beforehand : DELIBERATELY <was killed in cold blood>

2cold n
1 a : a condition of low temperature  b : cold weather
2 : bodily sensation produced by loss or lack of heat : CHILL
3 : a bodily disorder popularly associated with chilling; esp : COMMON COLD

cold–blood·ed \ˈkōl(d)-ˈbləd-əd\ adj
1 : lacking or showing a lack of natural human feelings <a cold-blooded criminal>
2 : having a body temperature not regulated by the body and close to that of the environment
3 : sensitive to cold
— cold–blood·ed·ly adv

cold chisel n : a strong steel chisel for chipping and cutting cold metal

cold cream n : a soothing and cleansing cosmetic

cold cuts n pl : sliced cold cooked meats

cold frame n : a usually glass- or plastic-covered frame without artificial heat used to protect plants and seedlings

cold front n : an advancing edge of a cold air mass

cold shoulder n : treatment that is purposely unfriendly
— cold–shoulder vb

cold sore n : a group of blisters about or within the mouth caused by a herpes virus — called also fever blister

cold sweat n : perspiration and chill occurring together and usually associated with fear, pain, or shock

cold war n : a struggle over political differences (as of two nations) carried on by methods short of war and usually without breaking off diplomatic relations

cole \ˈkōl\ n : any of several closely related crop plants (as broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, and cabbage) related to the mustards

co·le·op·tera \ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə\ n pl : insects that are beetles

cole·slaw \ˈkōl-ˌslȯ\ n : a salad made of sliced or chopped raw cabbage

co·le·us \ˈkō-lē-əs\ n : any of a large genus of herbs related to the mints and often grown for their leaves of various colors

col·ic \ˈkäl-ik\ n
1 : sharp sudden pain in the abdomen
2 : a condition marked by periods of prolonged and uncontrollable crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant
— col·icky \-i-kē\ adj

col·i·se·um \ˌkäl-ə-ˈsē-əm\ n : a large structure (as a stadium) for athletic contests or public entertainment [from the Latin spelling used in the Middle Ages for the Colosseum, a great outdoor arena in ancient Rome]

col·lab·o·rate \kə-ˈlab-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to work with others (as in writing a book)
2 : to cooperate with an enemy force that has taken over one's country
— col·lab·o·ra·tion \kə-ˌlab-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— col·lab·o·ra·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nəst\ n

— col·lab·o·ra·tor \kə-ˈlab-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n

col·lage \kə-ˈläzh, kȯ-, kō-\ n : a work of art made by gluing pieces of different materials to a flat surface [from French collage “gluing,” from coller “to glue”]

col·la·gen \ˈkäl-ə-jən\ n : a protein that occurs in the form of fibers, does not dissolve, is found in connective tissue, and forms glue and gelatin upon boiling with water

1col·lapse \kə-ˈlaps\ vb col·lapsed; col·laps·ing
1 : to fall or shrink together abruptly <a blood vessel that collapsed>
2 : to break down completely <the opponent's resistance collapsed>
3 : to cave or fall in or give way <the tunnel collapsed>
4 : to suddenly lose value or effectiveness <the country's currency collapsed>
5 : to break down physically or mentally because of exhaustion or disease
6 : to fold together <a chair that collapses>
— col·laps·ible \kə-ˈlap-sə-bəl\ adj

2collapse n : the act or an instance of collapsing : BREAKDOWN

1col·lar \ˈkäl-ər\ n
1 a : a band, strip, or chain worn around the neck or the neckline of a garment  b : a part of the harness of draft animals fitted over the shoulders
2 : something (as a ring to hold something in place) resembling a collar
— col·lared \-ərd\ adj

— col·lar·less \-ər-ləs\ adj

2collar vb
1 a : to seize by the collar  b : to take possession of : GRAB
2 : to put a collar on

col·lar·bone \ˈkäl-ər-ˌbōn, ˌkäl-ər-ˈbōn\ n : CLAVICLE

col·lard \ˈkäl-ərd\ n : a kale with smooth leaves that grow at the top of a short thick stalk

1col·lat·er·al \kə-ˈlat-ə-rəl, -ˈla-trəl\ adj
1 : associated but of secondary importance
2 : descended from common ancestors but not in the same line <cousins are collateral relatives>
— col·lat·er·al·ly \-ə-rə-lē, -trə-lē\ adv

2collateral n : property (as stocks, bonds, or a mortgage) pledged as security for a loan

col·league \ˈkäl-ˌēg\ n : an associate in a profession or office

1col·lect \ˈkäl-ikt also -ˌekt\ n : an opening prayer in the Communion service or the Mass [Middle English collecte “prayer,” from early French collecte (same meaning), from Latin collecta “prayer, collect,” shortened form of oratio ad collectam “prayer upon assembly,” derived from earlier collectus “collected,” derived from colligere “to gather together,” from col-, com- “together” and legere “to gather” — related to LEGEND]

2col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\ vb
1 a : to bring or come together into one body or place  b : to gather from a number of sources <collect stamps>
2 : to gain or regain control of <collecting my thoughts>
3 : to demand and take payment for <collect a bill>
4 : to form in a heap or mass : ACCUMULATE <junk collecting in the attic> [from Latin collectus “collected,” from colligere “to gather together,” from col-, com- “together” and legere “to gather” — related to LEGEND]  synonyms see GATHER
— col·lect·ible or col·lect·able \kə-ˈlek-tə-bəl\ adj

3col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\ adv or adj : to be paid for by the receiver <a collect phone call> <call collect>

col·lect·ed \kə-ˈlek-təd\ adj : being calm and in control of oneself
— col·lect·ed·ly adv

— col·lect·ed·ness n

col·lec·tion \kə-ˈlek-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of collecting
2 a : something collected; esp : an accumulation of objects gathered for study, comparison, or exhibition or as a hobby  b : 2SET 7
3 : a gathering of money <take up a collection>

1col·lec·tive \kə-ˈlek-tiv\ adj
1 : having to do with a number of persons or things considered as one group <“flock” is a collective noun>
2 : formed by collecting
3 : of, relating to, or involving all members of a group <the collective feelings of the team> <collective legal action>
4 : shared or done by a number of persons as a group <a collective effort>
— col·lec·tive·ly adv

2collective n
1 : a collective body : GROUP
2 : a cooperative unit or organization

collective bargaining n : discussion between an employer and union representatives over wages, hours, and working conditions

collective farm n : a farm operated by a group; esp : one under supervision of the government in a communist country

collective mark n : a trademark or a service mark of a group (as a cooperative association)

col·lec·tor \kə-ˈlek-tər\ n
1 : a person whose job is to collect money due <tax collector> <bill collector>
2 : one that makes a collection <stamp collector>
3 : an object or device that collects <the ornament was just a dust collector>

col·lege \ˈkäl-ij\ n
1 : a building used for an educational or religious purpose
2 a : a self-governing body of a university offering living quarters and instruction but not granting degrees <Balliol College at Oxford>  b : a school higher than a high school  c : an independent institution offering a course of general studies leading to a bachelor's degree; also : a university division offering this
3 : an organized body of persons having common interests or duties <the college of cardinals>

col·le·gian \kə-ˈlē-jən, -jē-ən\ n : a college student

col·le·giate \kə-ˈlē-jət, -jē-ət\ adj
1 : of or relating to a college
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of college students <collegiate sports>

col·lide \kə-ˈlīd\ vb col·lid·ed; col·lid·ing
1 : to come together with solid impact <the football players collided>
2 : 1CLASH 2A <their different outlooks collided>

col·lie \ˈkäl-ē\ n : any of a breed of large dogs developed in Scotland for herding sheep

col·lier \ˈkäl-yər\ n
1 : a coal miner
2 : a ship for carrying coal

col·liery \ˈkäl-yə-rē\ n, pl -lier·ies : a coal mine and the buildings connected with it

col·li·mate \ˈkäl-ə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing : to make (as rays of light) parallel

col·li·sion \kə-ˈlizh-ən\ n : an act or instance of colliding

col·lo·ca·tion \ˌkäl-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n : the act or result of placing together

col·loid \ˈkäl-ˌȯid\ n : a very finely divided substance which is scattered throughout another substance; also : a mixture consisting of such a substance together with the substance in which it is scattered (as in smoke, gelatin, or marshmallow)
— col·loi·dal \kə-ˈlȯid-əl, kä-\ adj

col·lo·qui·al \kə-ˈlō-kwē-əl\ adj
1 : used in or suited to familiar and informal conversation <a colloquial word>
2 : using conversational style <a colloquial writer>
— col·lo·qui·al·ly \-kwē-ə-lē\ adv

col·lo·qui·al·ism \kə-ˈlō-kwē-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n
1 : a colloquial expression
2 : colloquial style

col·lo·quy \ˈkäl-ə-kwē\ n, pl -quies : CONVERSATION; esp : a formal conversation or conference

col·lu·sion \kə-ˈlü-zhən\ n : secret agreement or cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose
— col·lu·sive \-ˈlü-siv, -ziv\ adj

co·logne \kə-ˈlōn\ n : a liquid similar to perfume but not as strongly scented or as long-lasting [named for Cologne, city in Germany where it was first made]

1co·lon \ˈkō-lən\ n : the part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum [from Latin colon “part of the intestine,” from Greek kolon (same meaning)]
— co·lon·ic \kō-ˈlän-ik\ adj

2colon n : a punctuation mark : used chiefly to direct attention to what follows (as a list, explanation, quotation, or amplification) [from earlier colon “rhythmic unit in verse,” from Latin colon “part of a poem,” from Greek kōlon “limb, part of a poem”]

col·o·nel \ˈkərn-əl\ n : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below that of brigadier general [an altered form of earlier coronel “colonel,” from early French coronel (same meaning), from early Italian colonnello “colonel, column of soldiers,” derived from Latin columna “column” — related to COLUMN]
— col·o·nel·cy \-sē\ n

1co·lo·nial \kə-ˈlō-nē-əl, -nyəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a colony
2 often cap : of or relating to the original 13 colonies forming the U.S.
3 : forming or existing in a colony <colonial organisms>
4 : possessing or composed of colonies <a colonial empire>

2colonial n : COLONIST 1

co·lo·nial·ism \kə-ˈlō-nē-ə-ˌliz-əm, -nyə-ˌliz-\ n : control by one nation over a dependent area or people; also : a policy that favors or is based on such control
— co·lo·nial·ist \-ləst\ n or adj

col·o·nist \ˈkäl-ə-nəst\ n
1 : a person who lives in a colony
2 : a person who takes part in founding a colony

col·o·nize \ˈkäl-ə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to establish a colony in or on <England colonized Australia>
2 : to establish in a colony <the rights of colonized people>
3 : to settle in a colony
— col·o·ni·za·tion \ˌkäl-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— col·o·niz·er \ˈkäl-ə-ˌnī-zər\ n

col·on·nade \ˌkäl-ə-ˈnād\ n : an evenly spaced row of columns usually supporting the base of a roof structure
— col·on·nad·ed \-ˈnād-əd\ adj

col·o·ny \ˈkäl-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 a : a group of people sent out by a state to a new territory  b : the territory in which such colonists live  c : a distant territory belonging to or under the control of a nation
2 a : a population of plants or animals in a particular place that belong to one species  b : a mass of microbes usually growing in or on a solid food source (as agar)
3 : a group of people with common qualities or interests located in close association <an artist colony>

1col·or \ˈkəl-ər\ n
1 a : an aspect of light (as red, brown, or gray) or sight that allows one to tell otherwise identical objects apart from each other <the color of blood is red>  b : the property of objects and light sources that may be described in terms of hue, lightness, and chromatic purity for objects and hue, brightness, and chromatic purity for light sources <the sky's changing color>  c : a particular combination of hue, lightness or brightness, and chromatic purity <the car comes in six colors>  d : a color other than black, white, or gray
2 : an outward and often deceiving appearance <her story has the color of truth>
3 a : the color of a person's skin especially other than white as a mark of race <a person of color> <does not discriminate on the basis of color>  b : a pink or red tone in a person's face especially because of good health, excitement, or embarrassment
4 : the use or combination of colors <a painter who is a master of color>
5 pl  a : an identifying flag, badge, or pennant <a ship sailing under Swedish colors>  b : service in the armed forces <a call to the colors>  c : a person's nature or character <showed his true colors during the crisis>
6 : VITALITY 3B, 1INTEREST 4B <her comments added color to the broadcast>
7 : something used to give color : PIGMENT

2color vb
1 a : to give color to <the wind colored our cheeks>  b : to change the color of (as by dyeing, staining, or painting)
2 : MISREPRESENT, DISTORT <his story is colored by his prejudices>
3 : to take on or change color; esp : BLUSH
— col·or·er n

Col·o·ra·do potato beetle \ˌkäl-ə-ˈrad-ō-, -ˈräd-\ n : a black-and-yellow striped beetle that feeds on the leaves of the potato — called also potato beetle, potato bug

col·or·ation \ˌkəl-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : use or arrangement of colors or shades : COLORING <study the coloration of a flower>
2 : the state of having color

col·or–blind \ˈkəl-ər-ˌblīnd\ adj : being partly or totally unable to recognize one or more colors
— color blindness n

col·ored \ˈkəl-ərd\ adj
1 : having color <colored pictures>
2 a sometimes offensive : of a race other than the white race; esp : 1BLACK 2B  b sometimes offensive : of or relating to persons of a mixed race or a race other than the white race

col·or·fast \ˈkəl-ər-ˌfast\ adj : having color that does not fade or run
— col·or·fast·ness \-ˌfas(t)-nəs\ n

color filter n : 1FILTER 3

col·or·ful \ˈkəl-ər-fəl\ adj
1 : having noticeable colors
2 : full of variety or interest <a colorful personality>
— col·or·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— col·or·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

color guard n : an honor guard for the colors of an organization

col·or·im·e·ter \ˌkəl-ə-ˈrim-ət-ər\ n : a device for determining and specifying colors; esp : one used for chemical analysis by comparison of a liquid's color with standard colors

col·or·ing \ˈkəl-(ə-)riŋ\ n
1 : the act of applying colors
2 : something that produces color <food coloring>
3 : the effect produced by applying or combining colors
4 : COMPLEXION 1, COLORATION
5 : change of appearance (as by adding color)

coloring book n : a book of line drawings for coloring (as with crayons)

col·or·less \ˈkəl-ər-ləs\ adj
1 : lacking color <a colorless liquid>
2 : 1DULL 8 <colorless writing>
— col·or·less·ly adv

— col·or·less·ness n

co·los·sal \kə-ˈläs-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a colossus; esp : of very great size <a colossal office building>
2 : EXTRAORDINARY, EXCEPTIONAL <colossal growth> <a colossal failure>  synonyms see MONSTROUS
— co·los·sal·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

col·os·se·um \ˌkäl-ə-ˈsē-əm\ n
1 cap : an outdoor arena built in Rome in the first century a.d.
2 : COLISEUM [Latin, from colosseus “colossal,” derived from colossus “colossus”]

Co·los·sians \kə-ˈläsh-ənz also -ˈläs-ē-ənz, -ˈläsh-ē-ənz\ n : a letter written by St. Paul to the Christians of Colossae and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

co·los·sus \kə-ˈläs-əs\ n, pl -los·si \-ˈläs-ˌī\
1 : a huge statue
2 : a person or thing of great size or power [from Latin colossus “huge statue, colossus”]

co·los·trum \kə-ˈläs-trəm\ n : milk secreted for a few days after giving birth and having a high protein and antibody content

col·our \ˈkəl-ər\ chiefly British variant of COLOR

colt \ˈkōlt\ n
1 : 1FOAL; esp : a young male horse
2 : an inexperienced young person

colt·ish \ˈkōl-tish\ adj : FRISKY, PLAYFUL

col·um·bine \ˈkäl-əm-ˌbīn\ n : any of a genus of plants that are related to the buttercups and have showy flowers with five petals of which each usually has a long hollow spur

co·lum·bi·um \kə-ˈləm-bē-əm\ n : NIOBIUM

Co·lum·bus Day \kə-ˈləm-bəs-\ n : the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in honor of the landing of Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492

col·umn \ˈkäl-əm\ n
1 a : a printed or written vertical arrangement of items <add together the column of numbers>  b : one of two or more vertical sections of a printed page separated by a rule or blank space  c : a special regular feature in a newspaper or magazine <a sports column>
2 : a supporting pillar; esp : one consisting of a usually round shaft, a capital, and a base
3 : something resembling a column in form, position, or function <a column of water>
4 : a long row (as of soldiers) [Middle English columne “column,” from early French colompne (same meaning), from Latin columna “column” — related to COLONEL]
— col·umned adj

co·lum·nar \kə-ˈləm-nər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being columns
2 : of, relating to, being, or composed of somewhat cylinder-shaped or prism-shaped epithelial cells

col·um·nist \ˈkäl-əm-(n)əst\ n : a person who writes a newspaper or magazine column

com- or col- or con- prefix : with : together : jointly — usually com- before b, p, or m <commingle>, col- before l <collateral>, and con- before other sounds <concentrate> [derived from Latin com-, col-, con- “together, with”]

1co·ma \ˈkō-mə\ n : a sleeplike state of unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison [scientific Latin, from Greek kōma “deep sleep”]

2coma n, pl co·mae \-ˌmē, -ˌmī\ : the head of a comet made up of a cloud of gas and dust and usually containing a nucleus [from Latin coma “hair,” from Greek komē “hair” — related to COMET]

Co·man·che \kə-ˈman-chē\ n, pl Comanche or Comanches
1 : a member of an American Indian people ranging from Wyoming and Nebraska south into New Mexico and northwestern Texas
2 : the Aztec-related language of the Comanche people

1comb \ˈkōm\ n
1 a : a toothed implement used to smooth and arrange the hair or worn in the hair to hold it in place  b : a toothed instrument used for separating fibers (as of wool or flax)
2 : a fleshy crest on the head of the domestic chicken and some related birds
3 : 1HONEYCOMB
— combed \ˈkōmd\ adj

2comb vb
1 : to smooth, arrange, or untangle with a comb <comb one's hair> <comb wool>
2 : to go over or through carefully in search of something or someone <we combed the beach for shells>

1com·bat \ˈkäm-ˌbat\ n
1 : a fight or contest between individuals or groups
2 : 1CONFLICT 2
3 : active fighting in a war : ACTION <soldiers experienced in combat>

2com·bat \kəm-ˈbat, ˈkäm-ˌbat\ vb -bat·ed or -bat·ted; -bat·ing or -bat·ting
1 : to fight with : BATTLE
2 : to struggle against; esp : to strive to reduce or eliminate <combat disease>

com·bat·ant \kəm-ˈbat-ənt also ˈkäm-bət-\ n : one that is engaged in or ready to engage in combat
— combatant adj

com·bat·ive \kəm-ˈbat-iv\ adj : eager to fight : PUGNACIOUS
— com·bat·ive·ness n

comb·er \ˈkō-mər\ n
1 : one that combs fibers
2 : a long curling wave of the sea

com·bi·na·tion \ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : a result or product of combining; esp : a number of persons or groups joined together to achieve some end
2 a : a connected series of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock  b : any of the possible subsets of a set without regard to the order of their elements
3 : the act or process of combining; esp : that of uniting to form a chemical compound

1com·bine \kəm-ˈbīn\ vb com·bined; com·bin·ing
1 : to bring into close relationship : UNIFY
2 : to mix together so that the identity of each part is lost <combine the ingredients of a recipe>
3 a : to become one  b : to unite to form a chemical compound  synonyms see JOIN
— com·bin·able \-ˈbī-nə-bəl\ adj

— com·bin·er n

2com·bine \ˈkäm-ˌbīn\ n
1 : a union of persons or groups especially for business or political benefits
2 : a machine that harvests, threshes, and cleans grain while moving over a field

comb·ings \ˈkō-miŋz\ n pl : loose hairs or fibers removed by a comb

combining form \kəm-ˌbī-niŋ-\ n : a linguistic form that occurs only in compounds or derivatives (as electro- in electromagnetic or mal- in malodorous)

com·bo \ˈkäm-ˌbō\ n, pl combos
1 : a small jazz or dance band
2 : COMBINATION

com·bust \kəm-ˈbəst\ vb : to be or set on fire : BURN

com·bus·ti·ble \kəm-ˈbəs-tə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being burned
2 : catching fire or burning easily
— com·bus·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌbəs-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— combustible n

com·bus·tion \kəm-ˈbəs-chən\ n
1 : an act or instance of burning
2 : a chemical process in which substances combine with oxygen

com·bus·tor \kəm-ˈbəs-tər\ n : a chamber (as in a jet engine) in which combustion occurs

come \(ˈ)kəm\ vb came \ˈkām\; come; com·ing \ˈkəm-iŋ\
1 : to move toward or journey to something : APPROACH <come here> <come see us>
2 : to arrive at or enter a scene of action <the police came to our rescue>
3 a : to reach the point of being or becoming <the rope came untied>  b : to add up : AMOUNT <the bill came to $10>
4 : to take place <the holiday came on Thursday>
5 : ORIGINATE 2, ARISE <comes from a fine family> <honey comes from bees>
6 : to be available <the dress comes in three colors>
7 : EXTEND 4, REACH <a coat that comes to the knees>
8 a : to arrive at a place, end, result, or conclusion <came to their senses> <we now come to the next chapter>  b : HAPPEN 5 <no harm will come to you>
9 : to fall within the range or limits of something <comes under the terms of the treaty>
10 : to turn out to be : BECOME <her dreams have come true>
— com·er \ˈkəm-ər\ n

— come across : to meet or find by chance

— come into one's own : to reach one's appropriate level of importance, skill, or recognition

— come over : to affect suddenly and strangely <what's come over you>

— come to pass : HAPPEN 2

— come upon : to meet or find by chance

— to come : existing or arriving in the future <in days to come>

come about vb
1 : HAPPEN 2
2 : to change direction <the wind has come about into the north>

come along vb
1 : to go with as a companion
2 : to make progress <work is coming along well>
3 : to make an appearance <won't take the first offer that comes along>

come around vb : COME ROUND

come·back \ˈkəm-ˌbak\ n
1 : 2RETORT
2 : a return to a former position or condition (as of health, power, popularity, or prosperity) : RECOVERY

come by vb
1 : to make a visit <come by after dinner>
2 : ACQUIRE <good help is hard to come by>

co·me·di·an \kə-ˈmēd-ē-ən\ n
1 : an actor who plays in comedy
2 : a comical individual; esp : a humorous professional entertainer

co·me·di·enne \kə-ˌmēd-ē-ˈen\ n : a female comedian

come·down \ˈkəm-ˌdau̇n\ n : a falling in status, position, or reputation

come down \(ˌ)kəm-ˈdau̇n\ vb : to fall sick <came down with the flu>

com·e·dy \ˈkäm-əd-ē\ n, pl -dies
1 : a light amusing play with a happy ending
2 : a comic literary work
3 a : an amusing or ridiculous event  b : humorous entertainment

come·ly \ˈkəm-lē\ adj come·li·er; -est : pleasing to the eye : PRETTY, ATTRACTIVE
— come·li·ness n

come out vb
1 : to come into public view
2 : to turn out to be <everything came out all right>

come round vb
1 : COME TO
2 : to change direction or opinion <you'll come round to our side soon>

com·et \ˈkäm-ət\ n : a bright heavenly body that develops a cloudy tail as it moves closer to the sun in its orbit [Old English cometa “comet,” from Latin cometa (same meaning), from Greek komētēs, literally, “long-haired,” derived from komē “hair” — related to 2COMA]

come to vb : to recover consciousness

come up vb
1 : 1RISE 4 <the sun comes up in an hour>
2 : to come near or approach <came up and introduced himself>
3 : to come to attention : INTRODUCE 4 <the question came up again>
— come up with : to produce especially in dealing with a problem or challenge <came up with a solution>

1com·fort \ˈkəm(p)-fərt\ vb
1 : to give strength and hope to : CHEER
2 : to ease the grief or trouble of : CONSOLE
— com·fort·ing·ly \ˈkəm(p)-fər-tiŋ-lē\ adv

2comfort n
1 : acts or words that comfort
2 : the feeling of the one that is comforted <find comfort in a mother's love>
3 : something that makes a person comfortable <the comforts of home>
— com·fort·less \-ləs\ adj

com·fort·able \ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə(r)-bəl, ˈkəm(p)-fərt-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : giving comfort; esp : providing physical comfort <a comfortable chair>
2 : more than adequate <a comfortable income>
3 : enjoying comfort : at ease <are you comfortable?>
— com·fort·able·ness n

— com·fort·ably \-blē\ adv

com·fort·er \ˈkəm(p)-fə(r)t-ər\ n
1 : one that gives comfort
2 : a long narrow neck scarf
3 : 1QUILT

1com·ic \ˈkäm-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to comedy <a comic actor>
2 : causing laughter or amusement : FUNNY
3 : of or relating to comic strips

2comic n
1 : COMEDIAN 2
2 a : COMIC STRIP  b pl : the part of a newspaper devoted to comic strips

com·i·cal \ˈkäm-i-kəl\ adj : LAUGHABLE, FUNNY
— com·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

comic book n : a magazine made up of a series of comic strips

comic strip n : a series of cartoons that tell a story or part of a story

com·ing \ˈkəm-iŋ\ adj
1 : immediately following : NEXT <in the coming year>
2 : gaining importance <recognized as a coming young star>

co·mi·ty \ˈkäm-ət-ē, ˈkō-mət-\ n, pl -ties : courteous behavior : CIVILITY

com·ma \ˈkäm-ə\ n : a punctuation mark, used chiefly to show separation of words or word groups within a sentence

1com·mand \kə-ˈmand\ vb
1 a : to issue orders by right of authority  b : to have authority and control over : be commander of <command an army>
2 : to have for one's use <commands many resources>
3 : to demand or receive as one's due : EXACT <commands a high fee>
4 : to look down on especially from a militarily strong position <the hill commands the town>
synonyms COMMAND, DIRECT, INSTRUCT, CHARGE, mean to issue orders. COMMAND suggests the use of authority and usually some degree of formality <the troops were commanded to march forward>. DIRECT suggests that obedience is expected and usually applies to specific procedures or methods <we were directed to write with pencils only>. INSTRUCT, is similar to DIRECT but sometimes implies greater detail or formality <the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark>. CHARGE suggests the assigning of a duty or responsibility <the principal is charged with keeping the school running smoothly>.

2command n
1 : the act of commanding <march on command>
2 : an order given <obey a command>
3 a : the ability to control : MASTERY <a good command of French>  b : the authority, right, or power to command
4 : the people, area, or unit under a commander
5 : a position from which military operations are directed

com·man·dant \ˈkäm-ən-ˌdant, -ˌdänt\ n : an officer in command

com·man·deer \ˌkäm-ən-ˈdi(ə)r\ vb : to take possession of by force especially for military purposes

com·mand·er \kə-ˈman-dər\ n
1 : one in official command especially of a military force or base
2 : a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of captain
— com·mand·er·ship \-ˌship\ n

commander in chief : one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

commanding officer n : an officer having charge of a military or naval unit, organization, or base

com·mand·ment \kə-ˈman(d)-mənt\ n : something commanded; esp : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

command module n : part of a space vehicle designed to carry the crew, the chief communications equipment, and the equipment for return to Earth's atmosphere

com·man·do \kə-ˈman-dō\ n, pl -dos or -does
1 : a military unit trained and organized for surprise raids
2 : a member of a commando

comma splice n : the error of using a comma between coordinate main clauses not connected by a conjunction — called also comma fault

com·mem·o·rate \kə-ˈmem-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to call to remembrance
2 : to mark by a ceremony
3 : to be a memorial of <a plaque that commemorates the battle>  synonyms see KEEP
— com·mem·o·ra·tor \-ˌrāt-ər\ n

com·mem·o·ra·tion \kə-ˌmem-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act of commemorating
2 : a ceremony that commemorates

com·mem·o·ra·tive \kə-ˈmem-ə-rət-iv, -ˌrāt-\ adj : intended to commemorate a person, thing, or event <a commemorative postage stamp>
— commemorative n

com·mence \kə-ˈmen(t)s\ vb com·menced; com·menc·ing : to bring or come into activity, being, or operation : BEGIN, START <commence firing> [Middle English comencen “to begin,” from early French comencer (same meaning), probably from a Latin word cominitiare “to begin,” from com- “with, together” and initiare “to begin” — related to INITIATE]
— com·menc·er n

com·mence·ment \kə-ˈmen(t)s-mənt\ n
1 : an act, instance, or time of commencing
2 : the ceremonies or the day for presenting degrees or diplomas to graduates of a school or college

com·mend \kə-ˈmend\ vb
1 : to give into another's care : ENTRUST
2 : to speak of someone or something with approval : PRAISE <commended her for her honesty>
— com·mend·able \-ˈmen-də-bəl\ adj

— com·mend·ably \-blē\ adv

com·men·da·tion \ˌkäm-ən-ˈdā-shən, -ˌen-\ n
1 : an act of commending
2 : something that commends <was awarded a commendation for bravery>
— com·men·da·to·ry \kə-ˈmen-də-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

com·men·sal \kə-ˈmen(t)-səl\ adj : relating to or living in a state of commensalism

com·men·sal·ism \kə-ˈmen(t)-sə-ˌliz-əm\ n : a relation between two kinds of plants or animals in which one obtains a benefit (as food) from the other without damaging or benefiting it

com·men·su·rate \kə-ˈmen(t)s-(ə-)rət, -ˈmench-(ə-)rət\ adj
1 : equal in measure or extent
2 : PROPORTIONAL 1 <an income commensurate with one's needs>
— com·men·su·rate·ly adv

— com·men·su·ra·tion \kə-ˌmen(t)s-ə-ˈrā-shən, -ˌmench-ə-\ n

1com·ment \ˈkäm-ˌent\ n
1 : an expression of opinion or attitude in speech or writing
2 : a remark that explains or criticizes  synonyms see REMARK

2comment vb : to make a comment : REMARK

com·men·tary \ˈkäm-ən-ˌter-ē\ n, pl -tar·ies : a series of comments or notes; also : a book made up of such material — usually used in plural

com·men·tate \ˈkäm-ən-ˌtāt\ vb : to give a commentary on : to act as a commentator

com·men·ta·tor \ˈkäm-ən-ˌtāt-ər\ n : a person who gives a commentary; esp : a person who reports and discusses news on radio or television

com·merce \ˈkäm-(ˌ)ərs\ n : buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places : TRADE [from early French commerce “exchange of ideas or opinions, commerce,” from Latin commercium (same meaning), from com- “with” and merc-, merx “merchandise” — related to MARKET, MERCHANT]

1com·mer·cial \kə-ˈmər-shəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to commerce
2 : designed mainly for profit; esp : designed for mass appeal <the commercial theater>
3 : paid for by advertisers <commercial TV>
— com·mer·cial·ly \-ˈmərsh-(ə-)lē\ adv

2commercial n : an advertisement broadcast on radio or television

commercial bank n : a bank that accepts deposits that can be withdrawn without notice and creates credit through loans mainly to businesses

com·mer·cial·ize \kə-ˈmər-shə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to manage for the sake of making a profit
2 : to use for profit <commercialize Christmas>
— com·mer·cial·i·za·tion \-ˌmər-shə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

com·min·gle \kə-ˈmiŋ-gəl\ vb : to mix together : MINGLE

com·mis·er·ate \kə-ˈmiz-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to feel or express sorrow or sympathy : SYMPATHIZE
— com·mis·er·a·tion \-ˌmiz-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

com·mis·sar \ˈkäm-ə-ˌsär\ n : the head of a government department in the U.S.S.R. before 1946

com·mis·sar·i·at \ˌkäm-ə-ˈser-ē-ət\ n
1 : a system for supplying an army with food
2 : a government department headed by a commissar

com·mis·sary \ˈkäm-ə-ˌser-ē\ n, pl -sar·ies
1 : a person to whom a duty or office is entrusted by someone of higher rank
2 : a store that provides supplies (as food) especially to members of the military and their families

1com·mis·sion \kə-ˈmish-ən\ n
1 a : an order granting the power to perform various acts or duties  b : a certificate that gives military rank and authority; also : the rank and authority so given
2 a : authority to act as agent for another  b : a matter entrusted to an agent
3 : a group of persons directed to perform some duty
4 : an act of committing <commission of a theft>
5 : a fee paid to an agent or employee for taking care of a piece of business <a 5% sales commission>
— in commission : in use or ready for use <put a ship in commission>

— out of commission
1 : out of service or use
2 : out of working order <the doorbell was out of commission>

2commission vb -mis·sioned; -mis·sion·ing \-ˈmish-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to give a commission to <was commissioned lieutenant> <commissioned to write the biography>
2 : to order to be made <commissioned a portrait of himself>
3 : to put (a ship) in commission

com·mis·sion·aire \kə-ˌmish-ə-ˈna(ə)r, -ˈne(ə)r\ n, chiefly British : a uniformed attendant

commissioned officer n : a military or naval officer holding by a commission a rank of second lieutenant or ensign or a higher rank

com·mis·sion·er \kə-ˈmish-(ə-)nər\ n
1 : a member of a commission
2 : an official in charge of a government department <Police Commissioner>

com·mit \kə-ˈmit\ vb com·mit·ted; com·mit·ting
1 a : to make secure or put in safekeeping : ENTRUST <commit the poem to memory>  b : to place in a prison or mental institution
2 : BRING ABOUT, PERFORM <commit a crime>
3 : to pledge or assign to some particular course or use <committed myself to a meeting on Thursday>
— com·mit·ta·ble \-ˈmit-ə-bəl\ adj

com·mit·ment \kə-ˈmit-mənt\ n
1 : an act of committing
2 a : an agreement or pledge to do something in the future  b : something pledged <financial commitments>

com·mit·tee \kə-ˈmit-ē\ n : a group of persons appointed or elected to consider or take action on some matter <a legislative committee>

com·mit·tee·man \-mən, -ˌman\ n : a member of a committee

com·mit·tee·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is a member of a committee

com·mode \kə-ˈmōd\ n
1 a : a low chest of drawers  b : a movable washstand with a cupboard underneath
2 : TOILET 2B

com·mo·di·ous \kə-ˈmōd-ē-əs\ adj : having a comfortable amount of space  synonyms see SPACIOUS
— com·mo·di·ous·ly adv

— com·mo·di·ous·ness n

com·mod·i·ty \kə-ˈmäd-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a product of agriculture or mining
2 : an article that is bought and sold in commerce

com·mo·dore \ˈkäm-ə-ˌdō(ə)r, -ˌdȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of rear admiral
2 : the senior captain of a line of merchant ships

1com·mon \ˈkäm-ən\ adj
1 : relating or belonging to or used by everyone : PUBLIC <work for the common good>
2 : belonging to or shared by two or more individuals or by the members of a group or set <a common ancestor>
3 a : WIDESPREAD 1, GENERAL <facts of common knowledge>  b : ADEQUATE <common decency>
4 : occurring or appearing frequently : FAMILIAR <a common sight>
5 : not above the average in rank, merit, or social position <a common soldier> <the common people>
6 a : falling below ordinary standards : SECOND-RATE  b : COARSE 5, VULGAR
— com·mon·ly adv

— com·mon·ness \-ən-nəs\ n

2common n
1 pl : the common people
2 : a piece of land that is open to common use especially for pasture — often used in plural
— in common : shared together <intersecting lines have one point in common>

common cold n : a contagious viral illness of the structures used in breathing which causes the nose and throat to be sore, swollen, and inflamed and in which there is usually much mucus and coughing and sneezing

common denominator n : a number or expression that is a multiple of each of the denominators in a set of fractions <12 is a common denominator of ¼ and ⅓>

common divisor n : a number that divides two or more numbers without remainder <4 is a common divisor of 12, 24, and 36> — called also common factor

com·mon·er \ˈkäm-ə-nər\ n : one of the common people : a person who is not of noble rank

Common Era n : CHRISTIAN ERA

common law n : a group of legal practices and traditions originating in judges' decisions in earlier cases and in social customs and having the same force in most of the U.S. as if passed into law by a legislative body

common multiple n : a number that is a multiple of each of two or more numbers <20 is a common multiple of 5 and 4>

common noun n : a noun (as chair or fear) that names a class of persons or things or any individual of a class

1com·mon·place \ˈkäm-ən-ˌplās\ n : something that is often seen, heard, or met with

2commonplace adj : very common or ordinary

common salt n : 1SALT 1A

common sense n : ordinary good sense and judgment
— commonsense \ˌkäm-ən-ˌsen(t)s\ adj

com·mon·weal \ˈkäm-ən-ˌwēl\ n
1 archaic : COMMONWEALTH
2 : the general good

com·mon·wealth \-ˌwelth\ n
1 : a political unit (as a nation or state)
2 : a state of the U.S. — used officially of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia

com·mo·tion \kə-ˈmō-shən\ n
1 : irregular or violent motion
2 : noisy excitement and confusion : TUMULT

com·mu·nal \kə-ˈmyün-əl, ˈkäm-yən-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a commune or community
2 : shared or used in common by members of a group or community

1com·mune \kə-ˈmyün\ vb com·muned; com·mun·ing
1 : to receive Communion
2 : to be in close communication with someone or something <commune with nature>

2com·mune \ˈkäm-ˌyün, kə-ˈmyün\ n
1 : the smallest administrative district of many countries especially in Europe
2 : a small group of people that live together and share property and duties

com·mu·ni·ca·ble \kə-ˈmyü-ni-kə-bəl\ adj : capable of being transferred or carried from one person or thing to another <communicable diseases>
— com·mu·ni·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌmyü-ni-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

com·mu·ni·cant \kə-ˈmyü-ni-kənt\ n
1 : a person who takes Communion : a church member
2 : a person who communicates

com·mu·ni·cate \kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 a : to make known <communicate the news>  b : to pass from one to another : TRANSMIT <communicate a disease>
2 : to transmit information, thought, or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood <the pilot communicated with the airport>
3 : to open into each other : CONNECT <the rooms communicate>
— com·mu·ni·ca·tor \-ˌkāt-ər\ n

com·mu·ni·ca·tion \kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : an act or instance of transmitting
2 : information communicated : MESSAGE <received an important communication>
3 : an exchange of information
4 pl  a : a system (as of telephones) for sending and receiving messages  b : a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles

com·mu·ni·ca·tive \kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt-iv, -ni-kət-iv\ adj
1 : tending to communicate : TALKATIVE
2 : of or relating to communication
— com·mu·ni·ca·tive·ness n

com·mu·nion \kə-ˈmyü-nyən\ n
1 cap  a : a Christian sacrament in which bread and wine are partaken of as a commemoration of the last supper of Jesus  b : the part of the Mass in which the Eucharist is received
2 : friendly communication
3 : a body of Christians having a common faith and discipline

com·mu·ni·qué \kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkā, -ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā\ n : BULLETIN [French, literally, “something communicated”]

com·mu·nism \ˈkäm-yə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : a social system in which property and goods are owned in common; also : a theory that favors such a system
2 cap : a system of government in which a single party controls state-owned means of production with the aim of establishing a stateless society

com·mu·nist \ˈkäm-yə-nəst\ n
1 : a person who believes in communism
2 cap : a member or follower of a Communist party or movement
— communist adj, often cap

— com·mu·nis·tic \ˌkäm-yə-ˈnis-tik\ adj, often cap

com·mu·ni·ty \kə-ˈmyü-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : the people living in an area; also : the area itself  b : a group of living things that belong to one or more species, interact ecologically, and are located in one place (as a bog or pond)  c : a group of people with common interests especially when living together <a community of monks>
2 a : shared ownership or participation <community of goods>  b : SIMILARITY 1, LIKENESS <a community of ideas>  c : shared activity : FELLOWSHIP

community center n : a building or group of buildings for a community's educational and recreational activities

community college n : a public junior college that fits its instruction to the community's needs

com·mu·ta·tion \ˌkäm-yə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : 1EXCHANGE 2, REPLACEMENT
2 : a reduction of a legal penalty
3 : an act of commuting
4 : the process of reversing the direction of an electric circuit

com·mu·ta·tive \ˈkäm-yə-ˌtāt-iv, kə-ˈmyüt-ət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, having, or being the property of giving the same mathematical result no matter in which order two numbers are used with an operation <addition is commutative because a + b = b + a>
— com·mu·ta·tiv·i·ty \kə-ˌmyüt-ə-ˈtiv-ət-ē, ˌkäm-yə-tə-\ n

com·mu·ta·tor \ˈkäm-yə-ˌtāt-ər\ n : a device for reversing the direction of an electric current so that the alternating currents made in a dynamo are changed to direct current

1com·mute \kə-ˈmyüt\ vb com·mut·ed; com·mut·ing
1 : 2EXCHANGE; esp : to change a penalty to another one that is less severe <commute a death sentence to life imprisonment>
2 : to travel back and forth regularly
— com·mut·able \-ˈmyüt-ə-bəl\ adj

— com·mut·er n

2commute n
1 : an act or instance of commuting <the morning commute to work>
2 : the distance covered in commuting <a long commute>

1com·pact \kəm-ˈpakt, ˈkäm-ˌpakt\ adj
1 : closely united or packed : SOLID, FIRM
2 : arranged so as to save space <a compact house>
3 : not wordy : BRIEF [Middle English compact “firmly put together,” from Latin compactus (same meaning), from compingere “to join,” from com- “together” and pangere “to fasten”]
— com·pact·ly adv

— com·pact·ness \kəm-ˈpak(t)-nəs, ˈkäm-ˌpak(t)-\ n

2compact vb
1 : to draw together : COMBINE, CONSOLIDATE
2 : to make or become compact : COMPRESS
— com·pac·tor also com·pact·er \kəm-ˈpak-tər, ˈkäm-ˌpak-\ n

3com·pact \ˈkäm-ˌpakt\ n
1 : a small cosmetic case
2 : a somewhat small automobile

4com·pact \ˈkäm-ˌpakt\ n : AGREEMENT 2A, CONTRACT [from Latin compactum “agreement,” derived from compacisci “to make an agreement,” from com- “with, together” and pacisci “to agree”]

compact disc n : CD

com·pa·dre \kəm-ˈpäd-rā\ n : a close friend

1com·pan·ion \kəm-ˈpan-yən\ n
1 : one that often accompanies another : COMRADE
2 a : one of a pair of matching things  b : a person employed to live with and serve another [Middle English compainoun “companion,” from early French cumpaignun (same meaning), from Latin companion-, companio “companion,” literally, “one who eats with another,” from com- “with, together” and panis “food, bread” — related to ACCOMPANY, COMPANY, PANTRY]

2companion n : COMPANIONWAY

com·pan·ion·able \kəm-ˈpan-yə-nə-bəl\ adj : FRIENDLY
— com·pan·ion·ably \-blē\ adv

com·pan·ion·ship \kəm-ˈpan-yən-ˌship\ n : the good feeling that comes from being with someone else

com·pan·ion·way \-ˌwā\ n : a ship's stairway from one deck to another

com·pa·ny \ˈkəmp-(ə-)nē\ n, pl -nies
1 a : association with another : FELLOWSHIP <enjoy a person's company>  b : a person's companions or associates <known by the company you keep>  c : guests or visitors especially at one's home <we have company>
2 a : a group of persons or things  b : a body of soldiers; esp : a unit consisting of two or more platoons  c : an organization of musical or dramatic performers <an opera company>  d : the officers and crew of a ship  e : a firefighting unit
3 a : an association of persons carrying on a business  b : those members of a partnership whose names do not appear in the firm name <Doe and Company> [Middle English companie “company, fellowship,” from early French cumpaingie (same meaning), derived from Latin companio “companion” — related to ACCOMPANY, COMPANION]

com·pa·ra·ble \ˈkäm-p(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being compared
2 : SIMILAR, LIKE <cloth comparable to the best>
— com·pa·ra·bly \-blē\ adv

1com·par·a·tive \kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb
2 : measured by comparison : RELATIVE <a comparative stranger>
3 : involving the study of things that are alike by comparing them <comparative anatomy>
— com·par·a·tive·ly adv

2comparative n : the comparative degree or a word form expressing it <“taller” is the comparative of “tall”>

1com·pare \kəm-ˈpa(ə)r, -ˈpe(ə)r\ vb com·pared; com·par·ing
1 : to describe as similar <compare an anthill to a town>
2 : to examine in order to discover likenesses or differences <compare two bicycles>
3 a : to be worthy of comparison <roller-skating does not compare with ice-skating>  b : to appear in comparison to others <compares well with the rest of the class>
4 : to inflect or modify (an adjective or adverb) according to the degrees of comparison [Middle English comparen “to show to be similar, examine for points of likeness,” from early French comparer (same meaning), from Latin comparare “to couple, compare,” from compar (adjective) “like, similar,” from com- “with, together” and par “equal” — related to PAIR, PAR, PEER, UMPIRE; see Word History at UMPIRE]

2compare n : the possibility of comparing <beauty beyond compare>

com·par·i·son \kəm-ˈpar-ə-sən\ n
1 : the act of comparing : the state of being compared
2 : change in the form of an adjective or an adverb (as by having -er or -est added or more or most prefixed) to show different levels of quality, quantity, or relation

com·part·ment \kəm-ˈpärt-mənt\ n
1 : a separate division or section
2 : one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided

1com·pass \ˈkəm-pəs also ˈkäm-\ vb
1 : to travel entirely around <compass the earth>
2 : ACCOMPLISH, ACHIEVE

2compass n
1 a : BOUNDARY, CIRCUMFERENCE  b : an enclosed space  c : 1RANGE 6, SCOPE <within the compass of my voice>
2 a : a device for determining directions by means of a magnetic needle pointing to the magnetic north  b : any of various other devices that indicate direction
3 : an instrument for drawing circles or transferring measurements that consists of two pointed branches joined at the top — usually used in plural

com·pas·sion \kəm-ˈpash-ən\ n : sorrow or pity caused by the suffering or misfortune of another : SYMPATHY
— com·pas·sion·ate \-ˈpash-(ə-)nət\ adj

— com·pas·sion·ate·ly adv

com·pat·i·ble \kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of existing together in harmony <compatible colors> <compatible devices>
2 : able to cross-fertilize freely <compatible plants>
— com·pat·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌpat-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

com·pa·tri·ot \kəm-ˈpā-trē-ət, käm-, -trē-ˌät\ n : a person from one's own country : COUNTRYMAN

com·pel \kəm-ˈpel\ vb com·pelled; com·pel·ling
1 : to cause to do something by the use of physical, moral, or mental pressure : FORCE <illness compelled him to stay in bed>
2 : 1EXACT, EXTORT <compel obedience>
— com·pel·ler n

— com·pel·ling·ly \-ˈpel-iŋ-lē\ adv

com·pen·di·ous \kəm-ˈpen-dē-əs\ adj : marked by a brief presentation of a broad subject : CONCISE <a compendious book>

com·pen·sate \ˈkäm-pən-ˌsāt\ vb -sat·ed; -sat·ing
1 : to be equal to in value or effect : COUNTERBALANCE
2 : to make up for <effort that compensates for lack of skill>
3 : to make equal return to : PAY <compensate workers for their labor>
— com·pen·sa·to·ry \kəm-ˈpen(t)-sə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

com·pen·sa·tion \ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən\ n
1 : the act of compensating : the state of being compensated
2 a : something that compensates; esp : payment to an unemployed or injured worker  b : payment in the form of salary or wages

com·pete \kəm-ˈpēt\ vb com·pet·ed; com·pet·ing : to strive for something (as a prize or reward) for which another is also striving : CONTEST

com·pe·tence \ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s\ n
1 : a supply (as of money or property) that is enough to provide for the necessities of life
2 : the quality or state of being competent

com·pe·ten·cy \ˈkäm-pət-ən-sē\ n : COMPETENCE

com·pe·tent \ˈkäm-pət-ənt\ adj : having the necessary ability or qualities : CAPABLE <a competent musician>
— com·pe·tent·ly adv

com·pe·ti·tion \ˌkäm-pə-ˈtish-ən\ n
1 : the act or process of competing
2 a : a contest between rivals  b : RIVALRY  c : an individual or group one is competing against <look over the competition>
3 : the effort of persons or firms to attract business by offering the most favorable terms
4 : the active seeking after and use of an environmental resource (as food) in limited supply by two or more plants or animals or kinds of plants and animals

com·pet·i·tive \kəm-ˈpet-ət-iv\ adj : relating to, characterized by, or based on competition <competitive sports> <competitive bidding>
— com·pet·i·tive·ly adv

— com·pet·i·tive·ness n

com·pet·i·tor \kəm-ˈpet-ət-ər\ n : one that competes especially in the selling of goods or services : RIVAL

com·pi·la·tion \ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of compiling
2 : something compiled; esp : a book of materials gathered from other books

com·pile \kəm-ˈpīl\ vb com·piled; com·pil·ing
1 : to collect into a volume or list <compile a book of poems>
2 : to put together in a new form out of materials from other books or documents <compile a history of India>
3 : to translate (as a computer program) with a compiler

com·pil·er \kəm-ˈpī-lər\ n
1 : one that compiles
2 : a computer program that automatically translates an entire set of instructions written in a computer programming language (as BASIC) into machine language

com·pla·cence \kəm-ˈplās-ən(t)s\ n : a calm or satisfied feeling about one's self : SELF-SATISFACTION

com·pla·cen·cy \kəm-ˈplās-ən-sē\ n : COMPLACENCE

com·pla·cent \kəm-ˈplās-ənt\ adj
1 : marked by complacency : SELF-SATISFIED <a complacent smile>
2 : feeling or showing complaisance
— com·pla·cent·ly adv

com·plain \kəm-ˈplān\ vb
1 : to express grief, pain, or discontent : find fault <complaining about the weather>
2 : to accuse someone of wrongdoing
— com·plain·er n

— com·plain·ing·ly \-ˈplā-niŋ-lē\ adv

com·plain·ant \kəm-ˈplā-nənt\ n
1 : one who makes a legal complaint
2 : one who complains

com·plaint \kəm-ˈplānt\ n
1 : expression of grief, pain, or resentment
2 a : a cause or reason for complaining <the noise was her biggest complaint>  b : a pain or sickness in the body
3 : a charge of illegal wrongdoing against a person

com·plai·sance \kəm-ˈplās-ən(t)s, -ˈplāz-; ˌkäm-plā-ˈzan(t)s\ n : a desire or willingness to please
— com·plai·sant \-ənt, -ˈzant\ adj

1com·ple·ment \ˈkäm-plə-mənt\ n
1 : something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect
2 : full quantity, number, or amount <a ship's complement of officers and crew>
3 a : the angle that when added to a given angle equals 90 degrees  b : the set of all elements not included in a given mathematical set
4 : an added word or group of words by which the predicate of a sentence is made complete <“president” in “they elected her president” and “to work” in “he wants to work” are different kinds of complements>
5 : a heat-sensitive substance in normal blood that in combination with antibodies destroys antigens (as bacteria and foreign blood corpuscles)

2com·ple·ment \ˈkäm-plə-ˌment\ vb : to form or serve as a complement to <a shirt that complements a suit>

com·ple·men·ta·ry \ˌkäm-plə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj : forming or serving as a complement

complementary angles n pl : two angles whose sum is 90 degrees

complementary colors n pl : a pair of colors that when mixed in proper proportions produce a neutral color

1com·plete \kəm-ˈplēt\ adj com·plet·er; com·plet·est
1 : possessing all necessary parts : ENTIRE <a complete set of books> <a complete diet>
2 : brought to an end : having been completed <five complete days>
3 : being such to the fullest degree : THOROUGH, ABSOLUTE <complete freedom> <a complete failure>
4 of a football pass : legally caught
— com·plete·ly adv

— com·plete·ness n

2complete vb com·plet·ed; com·plet·ing
1 : to bring to an end : accomplish or achieve fully <complete a job>
2 : to make whole or perfect <the shoes complete the outfit>

complete metamorphosis n : insect metamorphosis (as of a butterfly) in which there is a pupal stage between the immature stage and the adult and in which the young insect is very different in form from the adult — compare INCOMPLETE METAMORPHOSIS

complete protein n : protein (as in meat, fish, milk, and eggs) supplying all the amino acids that are needed by the human body but cannot be made by it

com·ple·tion \kəm-ˈplē-shən\ n : the act or process of completing : the state of being complete <a job near completion>

1com·plex \ˈkäm-ˌpleks\ n
1 : a whole made up of many complicated or related parts
2 : a system of thoughts, feelings, and memories that exist in one's mind but of which one is not aware and which influence one's behavior
3 : a building or group of buildings housing related units <an apartment complex>

2com·plex \käm-ˈpleks, kəm-; ˈkäm-ˌpleks\ adj
1 a : composed of two or more parts <a complex mixture>  b : consisting of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses <a complex sentence>  c : formed by union of simpler substances
2 : having many parts, details, ideas, or functions often related in a complicated way <a complex problem> <a complex machine>
— com·plex·ly adv

complex fraction n : a fraction with a fraction or mixed number in the numerator or denominator or both

com·plex·ion \kəm-ˈplek-shən\ n
1 : the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face <has a dark complexion>
2 : general appearance : CHARACTER <information that changes the whole complexion of a situation>
— com·plex·ioned \-shənd\ adj

com·plex·i·ty \kəm-ˈplek-sət-ē, käm-\ n, pl -ties
1 : something complex <the complexities of the English language>
2 : the quality or state of being complex

com·pli·ance \kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act or process of complying
2 : a readiness or willingness to yield to others
— in compliance with : in agreement with : in obedience to <in compliance with a court order>

com·pli·ant \kəm-ˈplī-ənt\ adj : ready or willing to comply : SUBMISSIVE
— com·pli·ant·ly adv

com·pli·cate \ˈkäm-plə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to make or become complex or difficult

com·pli·cat·ed \ˈkäm-plə-ˌkāt-əd\ adj
1 : consisting of many combined parts <complicated machinery>
2 : difficult to analyze, understand, or explain : COMPLEX
— com·pli·cat·ed·ly adv

— com·pli·cat·ed·ness n

com·pli·ca·tion \ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : an act or instance of complicating something  b : a situation or detail of character that complicates a plot  c : a complex feature or element  d : something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult <we were unable to agree when complications arose>
2 : a disease or bodily condition existing at the same time as and affecting the course or severity of another disease or condition

com·plic·i·ty \kəm-ˈplis-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : association or participation in a wrongful act

1com·pli·ment \ˈkäm-plə-mənt\ n
1 : an expression of respect, affection, or admiration; esp : an admiring remark
2 pl : best wishes : REGARDS
synonyms COMPLIMENT, FLATTERY, mean praise directed to someone. COMPLIMENT suggests that one is sincere in admiring someone or giving credit <received many compliments on his appearance>. FLATTERY is more likely to suggest that one is insincere and appealing to another's vanity especially for selfish reasons <the king received much flattery from his servants>.

2com·pli·ment \ˈkäm-plə-ˌment\ vb : to pay a compliment to <was complimented on his performance>

com·pli·men·ta·ry \ˌkäm-plə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj
1 : expressing or containing a compliment <a complimentary remark>
2 : given free as a courtesy or favor <complimentary tickets>

com·ply \kəm-ˈplī\ vb com·plied; com·ply·ing : to act in agreement with another's wishes or in obedience to a rule <comply with a request>
— com·pli·er \-ˈplī(-ə)r\ n

1com·po·nent \kəm-ˈpō-nənt, käm-; ˈkäm-ˌpō-nənt\ n : a part or element of something <components of an electric circuit> <components of a meal>

2component adj : being or forming a part : CONSTITUENT

com·port \kəm-ˈpōrt, -ˈpȯrt\ vb
1 : to be in agreement : ACCORD <actions that comport with the rules>
2 : BEHAVE 1, CONDUCT <comport yourself with dignity>

com·port·ment \kəm-ˈpōrt-mənt, -ˈpȯrt-\ n : BEHAVIOR 1, BEARING

com·pose \kəm-ˈpōz\ vb com·posed; com·pos·ing
1 a : to form by putting together : FASHION  b : to form the substance of : CONSTITUTE <a stew composed of many ingredients>  c : to arrange type in order for printing : SET
2 : to create by mental or artistic labor <compose a song>
3 : to arrange in proper form
4 a : to make (oneself) calm  b : to gain control of <try to compose your feelings>

com·posed \kəm-ˈpōzd\ adj : being calm and in control : SELF-POSSESSED
— com·pos·ed·ly \-ˈpō-zəd-lē\ adv

com·pos·er \kəm-ˈpō-zər\ n : one that composes; esp : a person who writes music

1com·pos·ite \käm-ˈpäz-ət, kəm-\ adj
1 : made up of various parts or elements <a composite photograph>
2 : of or relating to a very large family of dicotyledonous plants (as a daisy or aster) that are characterized by flowers arranged in dense heads that resemble single flowers
3 : able to be factored into two or more prime factors other than 1 and itself <12 is a composite number since 2 × 2 × 3 = 12>

2composite n
1 : something that is made up of different parts : COMPOUND
2 : a composite plant

com·po·si·tion \ˌkäm-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : the act or process of composing
2 : the manner in which the parts of a thing are put together : MAKEUP <the composition of a painting>
3 : the elements of a compound <the composition of rubber>
4 : a product of combining ingredients : COMBINATION <a composition made of several different metals>
5 : a literary, musical, or artistic production; esp : a short piece of writing done as a school exercise

com·pos·i·tor \kəm-ˈpäz-ət-ər\ n : one who arranges type for printing

com·post \ˈkäm-ˌpōst\ n : a mixture largely of decayed matter of once living things (as grass) or their products (as coffee grinds) and used for fertilizing and conditioning land

com·po·sure \kəm-ˈpō-zhər\ n : calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance <she kept her composure>

com·pote \ˈkäm-ˌpōt\ n
1 : fruits cooked in syrup
2 : a bowl usually with a base and stem from which compotes, fruits, nuts, or sweets are served

1com·pound \käm-ˈpau̇nd, kəm-; ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd\ vb
1 : to put together or be joined to form a whole : COMBINE
2 : to form by combining parts <compound a medicine>
3 : to settle or adjust by agreement <compound a debt>
4 a : to pay in the form of compound interest <interest compounded quarterly>  b : to add to <compounded our errors> [Middle English compounen “combine, compound,” from early French compondre (same meaning), from Latin componere “compound, combine,” from com- “with, together” and ponere “to place, put” — related to POSITION]
— com·pound·able \-ˈpau̇n-də-bəl, -ˌpau̇n-\ adj

— com·pound·er n

2com·pound \ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd; käm-ˈpau̇nd, kəm-\ adj
1 : made of or by the union of separate elements or parts <a compound substance>
2 : made up of two or more parts that are alike and form a common whole <a raspberry is a compound fruit>
3 a : being a word that is a compound <the compound noun “steamboat”>  b : consisting of two or more main clauses <“I told him to leave and he left” is a compound sentence>

3com·pound \ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd\ n
1 : a word consisting of parts that are words <“rowboat,” “high school,” and “light-year” are compounds>
2 : something formed by a union of elements or parts; esp : a distinct substance formed by the union of two or more chemical elements in definite proportion by weight

4com·pound \ˈkäm-ˌpau̇nd\ n : an enclosed area containing a group of buildings [from a word in Malay, the language of the people of the Malay Peninsula, kampung “enclosure around a building”; both spelling and pronunciation influenced by the more familiar English word compound]

compound–complex adj : having two or more main clauses and one or more subordinate clauses <compound-complex sentence>

compound eye n : an eye (as of an insect) made up of many separate visual units

compound fracture n : a breaking of a bone in such a way as to produce an open wound through which bone fragments stick out — compare SIMPLE FRACTURE

compound interest n : interest paid or to be paid both on the principal and on accumulated unpaid interest

compound leaf n : a leaf in which the blade is divided to the middle several times forming two or more leaflets

compound microscope n : a microscope having an objective and an eyepiece in a tube that can be adjusted in length

com·pre·hend \ˌkäm-pri-ˈhend\ vb
1 : to grasp the meaning of : UNDERSTAND
2 : INCLUDE
— com·pre·hend·ible \-ˈhen-də-bəl\ adj

— com·pre·hen·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌhen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— com·pre·hen·si·ble \-ˈhen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj

— com·pre·hen·si·bly \-ˈhen(t)-sə-blē\ adv

com·pre·hen·sion \ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen-chən\ n
1 : the act of comprehending
2 : knowledge gained by comprehending
3 : the capacity for understanding

com·pre·hen·sive \ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv\ adj : including much or all : FULL <a comprehensive course of study> <a comprehensive list>
— com·pre·hen·sive·ness n

1com·press \kəm-ˈpres\ vb
1 : to press or become pressed together
2 : to reduce the size, amount, or volume of by or as if by pressure
— com·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— com·press·ible \-ˈpres-ə-bəl\ adj

2com·press \ˈkäm-ˌpres\ n
1 : a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part <a cold compress>
2 : a machine for compressing

com·pressed air \kəm-ˌprest-\ n : air under pressure greater than that of the atmosphere

com·pres·sion \kəm-ˈpresh-ən\ n
1 : the act, process, or result of compressing : the state of being compressed
2 : the process of compressing the fuel mixture in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine
— com·pres·sion·al \-(ə-)nəl\ adj

com·pres·sor \kəm-ˈpres-ər\ n : a person or machine that compresses <an air compressor>

com·prise \kəm-ˈprīz\ vb com·prised; com·pris·ing
1 : INCLUDE, CONTAIN <the test comprised two essay questions>
2 : to be made up of <the play comprises three acts>
3 : COMPOSE 1B, CONSTITUTE <nine players comprise a baseball team>

1com·pro·mise \ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz\ n
1 : a settlement of a dispute by each party giving up some demands
2 : a giving up to something that is wrong or degrading : SURRENDER <a compromise of one's principles>
3 : the thing agreed upon as a result of a compromise

2compromise vb -mised; -mis·ing
1 : to adjust or settle differences by means of a compromise
2 : to expose to disgrace, suspicion, or danger <compromised his reputation> <compromise security>
— com·pro·mis·er n

comp·trol·ler \kən-ˈtrō-lər, käm(p)-; ˈkäm(p)-ˌtrō-lər\ n : a public official who examines financial accounts

com·pul·sion \kəm-ˈpəl-shən\ n
1 : an act of compelling : the state of being compelled
2 : a force that compels
3 : an irresistible persistent urge <felt a compulsion to eat>

com·pul·sive \kəm-ˈpəl-siv\ adj : caused by or subject to an irresistible urge <compulsive behavior>
— com·pul·sive·ly adv

com·pul·so·ry \kəm-ˈpəls-(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : required by or as if by law <compulsory education>
2 : having the power of forcing someone to do something <a compulsory law>

com·punc·tion \kəm-ˈpəŋ(k)-shən\ n
1 : sharp uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt : REMORSE
2 : a passing feeling of regret for some slight wrong  synonyms see QUALM

com·pu·ta·tion \ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act or action of computing : CALCULATION
2 : a system of calculating especially by mathematical means
3 : an amount computed
— com·pu·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

com·pute \kəm-ˈpyüt\ vb com·put·ed; com·put·ing : to determine or calculate especially by mathematical means; also : to determine or calculate by means of a computer [from Latin computare “to count, compute” — related to ACCOUNT, 1COUNT]
— com·put·able \-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl\ adj

computed tomography n : the process by which a CAT scan is produced — called also computerized tomography

com·put·er \-ˈpyüt-ər\ n : one that computes; esp : a programmable usually electronic machine that can store, get back again, and work with data

com·put·er·ize \kəm-ˈpyüt-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to carry out, control, or produce through the use of a computer
2 : to provide with computers
3 a : to store in a computer  b : to put into a form that a computer can use

computer science n : a branch of science that deals with the theory of computing or the design of computers

com·rade \ˈkäm-ˌrad, -rəd\ n : a close friend or associate
— com·rade·ly adj

— com·rade·ship \-ˌship\ n

1con \ˈkän\ vb conned; con·ning
1 : MEMORIZE
2 : to study carefully [Middle English connen “to know, learn,” derived from can (auxiliary verb) “to know, know how to”]

2con adv : on the negative side : in opposition <argue pro and con> [Middle English con “on the negative side, against”; a shortened form of contra “against, contrary”]

3con n : an opposing argument, person, or position <the pros and cons of the question>

4con adj : 2CONFIDENCE <a con game>

con- — see COM-

con·cat·e·nate \kän-ˈkat-ə-nāt, kən-\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to link together in a series or chain
— con·cat·e·na·tion \(ˌ)kän-ˌkat-ə-ˈnā-shən, kən-\ n

con·cave \kän-ˈkāv, ˈkän-ˌkāv\ adj : hollowed or rounded inward like the inside of a bowl <concave lens>
— con·cav·i·ty \kän-ˈkav-ət-ē\ n

con·ceal \kən-ˈsē(ə)l\ vb
1 : to keep secret <conceal a fact>
2 : to hide from sight <carry a concealed weapon>
— con·ceal·able \-ˈsē-lə-bəl\ adj

— con·ceal·er n

con·ceal·ment \kən-ˈsē(ə)l-mənt\ n
1 : the act of hiding : the state of being hidden
2 : a hiding place <attacked from concealment>

con·cede \kən-ˈsēd\ vb con·ced·ed; con·ced·ing
1 : to grant as a right or privilege
2 : to admit the truth or existence of something <concede defeat> [from French concéder or Latin concedere, both meaning “to yield, grant, concede,” from Latin con-, com- “together, with” and cedere “to go, withdraw, yield” — related to ANCESTOR, NECESSARY, PREDECESSOR, SUCCEED]
— con·ced·er n

con·ceit \kən-ˈsēt\ n
1 : too much pride in one's own worth or virtue
2 a : an idea showing imagination  b : a complicated way of expressing something

con·ceit·ed \kən-ˈsēt-əd\ adj : having or showing too high an opinion of oneself
— con·ceit·ed·ly adv

— con·ceit·ed·ness n

con·ceive \kən-ˈsēv\ vb con·ceived; con·ceiv·ing
1 : to become pregnant or pregnant with <conceive a child>
2 a : to take into the mind <conceived a liking for the singer>  b : to form an idea of : IMAGINE <conceive a new design>
3 : to have as an opinion : THINK <conceived of her as a genius>
— con·ceiv·able \-ˈsē-və-bəl\ adj

— con·ceiv·ably \-blē\ adv

— con·ceiv·er n

1con·cen·trate \ˈkän(t)-sən-ˌtrāt, -sen-\ vb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 a : to bring, direct, or come toward or meet in a common center or objective <concentrate one's efforts>  b : to gather into one body, mass, or force
2 : to increase the amount of a substance in a space by removing other substances with which it is mixed or in which it is dissolved <concentrate syrup> <concentrate ore>
3 : to fix one's powers, efforts, or attention on one thing <concentrate on a problem>
— con·cen·tra·tor \-ˌtrāt-ər\ n

2concentrate n : something concentrated <frozen orange juice concentrate>

con·cen·tra·tion \ˌkän(t)-sən-ˈtrā-shən, -sen-\ n
1 : the act or process of concentrating : the state of being concentrated; esp : direction of attention on a single object <don't disturb my concentration>
2 : a concentrated mass
3 : the amount of an ingredient or part in relation to that of others : STRENGTH <the concentration of salt in a solution>

concentration camp n : a camp where persons (as prisoners of war, political prisoners, or refugees) are detained

con·cen·tric \kən-ˈsen-trik, (ˈ)kän-\ adj : having a common center <concentric circles>

con·cept \ˈkän-ˌsept\ n
1 : something conceived in the mind : THOUGHT, NOTION
2 : a general idea <arrived at the concept of a flower by studying many different kinds of flowers>
— con·cep·tu·al \kən-ˈsep-chə(-wə)l, -ˈsepsh-wəl\ adj

con·cep·tion \kən-ˈsep-shən\ n
1 : the beginning of pregnancy involving formation of a zygote
2 a : the function or process of conceiving ideas  b : a general idea : CONCEPT <had no conception of what he was saying>
3 : the originating of an idea <the conception of a new device>

1con·cern \kən-ˈsərn\ vb
1 : to relate to : be about <the novel concerns three soldiers>
2 : to be the business or affair of <the problem concerns us all>
3 : to make worried or disturbed <our mother's illness concerns us>
4 : INVOLVE 1, ENGAGE <concerned himself in the matter>

2concern n
1 : something that concerns one : AFFAIR <the concerns of the day>
2 : a state of interest and uncertainty : ANXIETY <deep concern for their friend's health> <public concern over pollution>
3 : a business or manufacturing establishment <a banking concern>

con·cerned \kən-ˈsərnd\ adj : being worried and disturbed <concerned for our safety>

con·cern·ing \kən-ˈsər-niŋ\ prep : relating to : ABOUT <news concerning friends>

1con·cert \ˈkän(t)-sərt, ˈkän-ˌsərt\ n
1 : agreement in design or plan
2 : a musical performance usually by several voices or instruments or both
— in concert : TOGETHER 4A <acting in concert with others>

2con·cert \kən-ˈsərt\ vb : to plan or arrange together : settle by agreement <concerted their differences>

con·cert·ed \kən-ˈsərt-əd\ adj
1 a : mutually planned or agreed on <concerted effort>  b : performed at the same time <concerted artillery fire>
2 : being music written to be performed by several voices or instruments

con·cer·ti·na \ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈtē-nə\ n : a small musical instrument resembling an accordion

con·cert·mas·ter \ˈkän(t)-sərt-ˌmas-tər\ or con·cert·meis·ter \-ˌmī-stər\ n : the leader of the first violins and assistant conductor of an orchestra

con·cer·to \kən-ˈchert-ō\ n, pl -ti \-(ˌ)ē\ or -tos : a piece for one or more soloists and orchestra usually in three movements

con·ces·sion \kən-ˈsesh-ən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of conceding
2 : something conceded or granted
3 : a special right or privilege given by an authority <a concession to sell souvenirs> <a mining concession>

con·ces·sion·aire \kən-ˌsesh-ə-ˈna(ə)r, -ˈne(ə)r\ n : one that has been given a concession (as to sell something)

conch \ˈkäŋk, ˈkänch\ n, pl conchs \ˈkäŋks\ or conch·es \ˈkän-chəz\ : a large marine gastropod mollusk having a spiral shell; also : its shell

con·cil·i·ate \kən-ˈsil-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to bring into agreement : RECONCILE
2 : to gain the goodwill or favor of <conciliate the opposition>
— con·cil·i·a·tion \-ˌsil-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

— con·cil·i·a·tor \-ˈsil-ē-ˌāt-ər\ n

— con·cil·ia·to·ry \-ˈsil-yə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈsil-ē-ə-, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

con·cise \kən-ˈsīs\ adj : being brief and to the point <a concise summary>
— con·cise·ly adv

— con·cise·ness n

con·clave \ˈkän-ˌklāv\ n : a private or secret meeting or assembly

con·clude \kən-ˈklüd\ vb con·clud·ed; con·clud·ing
1 : to bring or come to an end : FINISH <conclude a speech>
2 : to form an opinion : decide by reasoning <conclude that they are right>
3 : to bring about as a result : ARRANGE <conclude an agreement>
— con·clud·er n

con·clu·sion \kən-ˈklü-zhən\ n
1 : a final decision reached by reasoning <came to the conclusion that we couldn't go>
2 a : the last part of something : END  b : a final result : OUTCOME  c : a final summing up <the conclusion of a speech>
3 : an act or instance of concluding

con·clu·sive \kən-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\ adj : DECISIVE 1, CONVINCING <conclusive proof>
— con·clu·sive·ly adv

— con·clu·sive·ness n

con·coct \kən-ˈkäkt, kän-\ vb
1 : to prepare by combining various ingredients <concoct a stew>
2 : to think up : INVENT <concoct a likely story>
— con·coc·tion \-ˈkäk-shən\ n

con·com·i·tant \kən-ˈkäm-ət-ənt, kän-\ adj : accompanying especially as something of less importance
— concomitant n

— con·com·i·tant·ly adv

con·cord \ˈkän-kȯ(ə)rd, ˈkäŋ-\ n : a state of agreement : HARMONY

con·cord·ance \kən-ˈkȯrd-ən(t)s, kän-\ n
1 : an alphabetical index of the principal words in a book or in the works of an author
2 : CONCORD

con·cord·ant \kən-ˈkȯrd-ənt\ adj : being in agreement : CONSONANT
— con·cord·ant·ly adv

con·course \ˈkän-kō(ə)rs, ˈkäŋ-, -kȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 : a flocking, moving, or flowing together : GATHERING
2 : a place (as a boulevard, open area, or hall) where many people pass or gather <the concourse of the bus terminal>

1con·crete \(ˈ)kän-ˈkrēt, kən-; ˈkän-ˌkrēt\ adj
1 : naming a real thing or class of things : not abstract <“book” is a concrete noun but “goodness” is not>
2 a : belonging to or based on actual experience <concrete examples>  b : 1MATERIAL 1, REAL <concrete evidence>
3 \ˈkän-ˌkrēt, kän-ˈkrēt\ : relating to or made of concrete <a concrete wall>
— con·crete·ly adv

— con·crete·ness n

2con·crete \ˈkän-ˌkrēt, (ˈ)kän-ˈkrēt\ vb con·cret·ed; con·cret·ing
1 : SOLIDIFY
2 : to cover with, form of, or set in concrete

3con·crete \ˈkän-ˌkrēt, (ˈ)kän-ˈkrēt\ n : a hard strong building material made by mixing cement, sand, and gravel or broken rock with water

con·cre·tion \kän-ˈkrē-shən, kən-\ n
1 : a hard usually inorganic mass formed in a living body
2 : a lump or egg-shaped mass of mineral matter found in rock of different composition

con·cu·bine \ˈkäŋ-kyu̇-ˌbīn, ˈkän-\ n : a woman who lives with a man and among some peoples has a legally recognized position in his household less than that of a wife

con·cur \kən-ˈkər, kän-\ vb con·curred; con·cur·ring
1 : to act together : COMBINE <several events concurred to mark the occasion as special>
2 : to be in agreement : ACCORD <concur with an opinion>
3 : to happen together : COINCIDE

con·cur·rence \kən-ˈkər-ən(t)s, -ˈkə-rən(t)s, kän-\ n
1 : agreement in action, opinion, or intent : COOPERATION
2 : 2CONSENT
3 : a coming together : CONJUNCTION

con·cur·rent \kən-ˈkər-ənt, -ˈkə-rənt, kän-\ adj
1 : operating or occurring at the same time <concurrent expeditions to the Antarctic region>
2 : coming together : meeting in a point <concurrent lines>
3 : acting together
— con·cur·rent·ly adv

con·cus·sion \kən-ˈkəsh-ən\ n
1 : a violent uneven motion
2 : a hard blow or collision
3 : bodily injury especially of the brain resulting from a sudden sharp jar (as from a blow)
— con·cus·sive \-ˈkəs-iv\ adj

con·demn \kən-ˈdem\ vb
1 : to declare to be wrong : CENSURE <condemned their behavior>
2 a : to pronounce guilty : CONVICT  b : 2SENTENCE 1
3 : to declare to be unfit for use or consumption <a condemned building>
— con·dem·na·tion \ˌkän-ˌdem-ˈnā-shən, -dəm-\ n

— con·demn·er or con·demn·or \kən-ˈdem-ər\ n

con·den·sate \ˈkän-dən-ˌsāt, -ˌden-; kən-ˈden-\ n : a product of condensation <steam condensate>

con·den·sa·tion \ˌkän-ˌden-ˈsā-shən, -dən-\ n
1 : the act or process of condensing
2 : the quality or state of being condensed
3 : a product of condensing; esp : a shortened literary work

con·dense \kən-ˈden(t)s\ vb con·densed; con·dens·ing
1 : to make or become more close, compact, concise, or dense : CONCENTRATE <condense a paragraph into a sentence>
2 : to change from a less dense to a denser form <steam condenses into water>

con·densed milk \kən-ˈden(t)st-\ n : evaporated milk with sugar added

con·dens·er \kən-ˈden(t)-sər\ n
1 : one that condenses
2 : CAPACITOR

con·de·scend \ˌkän-di-ˈsend\ vb
1 : to lower oneself to a level considered less dignified or humbler than one's own
2 : to act in a way that suggests that one considers oneself better than other people
— con·de·scend·ing·ly \-ˈsen-diŋ-lē\ adv

con·de·scen·sion \ˌkän-di-ˈsen-chən\ n : the attitude or behavior of a person who condescends

con·di·ment \ˈkän-də-mənt\ n : something used to give food a good taste; esp : a tangy seasoning

1con·di·tion \kən-ˈdish-ən\ n
1 : something on which the carrying out of an agreement depends <conditions of employment>
2 : something essential to the appearance or occurrence of something else
3 : something that limits or restricts : QUALIFICATION
4 a : a state of being  b : position in life <people of humble condition>  c pl : state of affairs <poor living conditions>
5 a : a bodily state in which something is wrong <a serious heart condition>  b : a state of physical fitness or readiness for use <an athlete in good condition> <the car was in poor condition>

2condition vb -di·tioned; -di·tion·ing \-ˈdish-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to put into a proper or desired condition
2 a : to adapt, modify, or mold to respond in a particular way  b : to change the behavior of (an organism) in such a way that a response to a given stimulus becomes connected with a different and formerly unrelated stimulus <dogs can be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell>

con·di·tion·al \kən-ˈdish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : depending on a condition <a conditional sale>
2 : expressing, containing, or implying something supposed <“if we go” is a conditional clause>
— con·di·tion·al·ly \-nə-lē, -ən-əl-ē\ adv

con·di·tioned \kən-ˈdish-ənd\ adj : caused or established by conditioning <a conditioned reflex to a stimulus>

con·di·tion·er \kən-ˈdish-(ə-)nər\ n : something that conditions; esp : a preparation used to improve the condition of hair

con·do \ˈkän-dō\ n, pl condos : CONDOMINIUM

con·dole \kən-ˈdōl\ vb con·doled; con·dol·ing : to express sympathetic sorrow <condole with them in their grief>
— con·do·lence \kən-ˈdō-lən(t)s, ˈkän-də-\ n

con·dom \ˈkən-dəm, ˈkän-\ n : a usually rubber covering worn over the penis during sexual intercourse especially to prevent pregnancy or venereal disease

con·do·min·i·um \ˌkän-də-ˈmin-ē-əm\ n : an individually owned unit in a structure (as an apartment building) with many units [derived from Latin condominium “joint rule or ownership,” from earlier con-, com- “together” and dominium “ownership, rule,” from dominus “master, owner” — related to DOMAIN, DOMINATE]

con·done \kən-ˈdōn\ vb con·doned; con·don·ing : to regard or treat (something bad) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless <condones his friend's faults>  synonyms see EXCUSE
— con·do·na·tion \ˌkän-də-ˈnā-shən, -dō-\ n

— con·don·er \kən-ˈdō-nər\ n

con·dor \ˈkän-dər, -ˌdȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a very large South American vulture of the high Andes having the head and neck bare and the plumage dull black with a ring of white down behind the head
2 : CALIFORNIA CONDOR

con·duce \kən-ˈd(y)üs\ vb con·duced; con·duc·ing : to lead or tend to a usually desirable result
— con·du·cive \-ˈd(y)ü-siv\ adj

— con·du·cive·ness n

1con·duct \ˈkän-(ˌ)dəkt\ n
1 : the act, manner, or process of carrying on : MANAGEMENT <the conduct of foreign affairs>
2 : personal behavior <scolded for bad conduct>

2con·duct \kən-ˈdəkt\ vb
1 : 2GUIDE 1, ESCORT <conducted tourists through the museum>
2 : to carry on or direct from a position of command : LEAD <conduct a business> <conduct a band>
3 a : to carry in a channel  b : to act as a substance through which something is carried <copper conducts electricity>
4 : to cause (oneself) to act in a particular manner <conducted themselves well at the party>

con·duc·tance \kən-ˈdək-tən(t)s\ n
1 : conducting power
2 : the readiness with which a conductor carries an electric current that is expressed as the reciprocal of electrical resistance

con·duc·tion \kən-ˈdək-shən\ n
1 : the act of conducting or conveying
2 a : passage through a conductor  b : CONDUCTIVITY
3 : the passage of a reaction to a stimulus through living and especially nerve tissue

con·duc·tive \kən-ˈdək-tiv\ adj : having conductivity : relating to conduction (as of electricity)

con·duc·tiv·i·ty \ˌkän-ˌdək-ˈtiv-ət-ē, kən-\ n, pl -ties : the quality or power of conducting or transmitting

con·duc·tor \kən-ˈdək-tər\ n
1 : a person who collects fares in a public means of transportation (as a bus or railroad train)
2 : the leader of a musical group
3 : a substance or body that can allow electricity, heat, or sound to pass through it

con·duc·tress \kən-ˈdək-trəs\ n : a woman who is a conductor

con·duit \ˈkän-ˌd(y)ü-ət also -d(w)ət\ n
1 : a channel through which water or other fluid is carried
2 : a pipe, tube, or tile for protecting electric wires or cables

cone \ˈkōn\ n
1 : a mass of overlapping woody scales that especially in the pines and other conifers are arranged on a structure like a stem and produce seeds between them; also : any of several flower or fruit clusters resembling such cones
2 a : a solid figure formed by rotating a right triangle about one of its legs — called also right circular cone  b : a solid figure that slopes evenly to a point from a usually circular base
3 : something shaped like a cone: as  a : any of the cells of the retina that are sensitive to light and function in color vision  b : the tip of a volcano  c : ICE-CREAM CONE

Con·es·to·ga \ˌkän-ə-ˈstō-gə\ n : a broad-wheeled covered wagon formerly used to carry freight across the prairies — called also Conestoga wagon [named for Conestoga, town in Pennsylvania where the wagons were first made]

co·ney or co·ny \ˈkō-nē\ n
1 a : RABBIT; esp : the common European rabbit  b : rabbit fur
2 : PIKA

con·fec·tion \kən-ˈfek-shən\ n : a fancy dish or sweet [Middle English confectioun “mixture, candy,” from early French confection “mixture,” derived from Latin conficere “to prepare,” from con-, com- “together” and -ficere, from facere “to make, do” — related to FASHION]

con·fec·tion·er \kən-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nər\ n : a manufacturer of or dealer in confections

confectioners' sugar n : finely powdered sugar

con·fec·tion·ery \kən-ˈfek-shə-ˌner-ē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : a confectioner's art or business
2 : sweet things to eat (as candy)
3 : a confectioner's shop

con·fed·er·a·cy \kən-ˈfed-(ə-)rə-sē\ n, pl -cies : a league of persons, parties, or states : ALLIANCE

1con·fed·er·ate \kən-ˈfed-(ə-)rət\ adj
1 : united in a league : ALLIED
2 cap : of or relating to the Confederate States of America <Confederate money>

2confederate n
1 : 2ALLY 2A, ACCOMPLICE
2 cap : a soldier, citizen, or supporter of the Confederate States of America

3con·fed·er·ate \kən-ˈfed-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to unite in a confederacy

Confederate Memorial Day n : any of several days observed in the South in honor of the soldiers of the Confederate States of America

con·fed·er·a·tion \kən-ˌfed-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : an act of confederating : a state of being confederated : ALLIANCE
2 : 2LEAGUE

con·fer \kən-ˈfər\ vb con·ferred; con·fer·ring
1 : to compare views especially in studying a problem <confer with the committee>
2 : to give or grant publicly <confer knighthood on him>
— con·fer·ment \-ˈfər-mənt\ n

— con·fer·ra·ble \-ˈfər-ə-bəl\ adj

— con·fer·ral \-ˈfər-əl\ n

— con·fer·rer \-ˈfər-ər\ n

con·fer·ee \ˌkän-fə-ˈrē\ n : one taking part in a conference

con·fer·ence \ˈkän-f(ə-)rən(t)s, -fərn(t)s\ n
1 : a meeting for discussion or exchange of opinions; also : the discussion itself
2 : a meeting of members of the two branches of a legislature to settle differences
3 : an association of athletic teams <a football conference>

con·fess \kən-ˈfes\ vb
1 : to make known (as something wrong)
2 a : to admit one's sins to God or to a priest  b : to hear the confession of <the priest confessed the penitents>  synonyms see ACKNOWLEDGE

con·fessed·ly \kən-ˈfes-əd-lē, -ˈfest-lē\ adv : by confession : ADMITTEDLY

con·fes·sion \kən-ˈfesh-ən\ n
1 a : an act of confessing; esp : a telling of one's sins to a priest  b : a meeting for the confessing of sins <go to confession>
2 : a statement admitting guilt <the thief signed a confession>
3 : a formal statement of religious beliefs : CREED

con·fes·sion·al \kən-ˈfesh-(ə-)nəl\ n
1 : the enclosed place in which a priest sits and hears confessions
2 : the practice of confessing to a priest

con·fes·sor \kən-ˈfes-ər\ n
1 : one that confesses
2 : a priest who hears confessions

con·fet·ti \kən-ˈfet-ē\ n : small bits of brightly colored paper made for throwing (as at weddings) [from Italian confetti, plural of confetto “a little candy or bonbon”; so named because the paper bits were originally imitations of the candies thrown at festivals]

con·fi·dant \ˈkän-fə-ˌdant, -ˌdänt\ n : a person to whom secrets are entrusted : a close friend

con·fi·dante \ˈkän-fə-ˌdant, -ˌdänt\ n : CONFIDANT; esp : one who is a woman

con·fide \kən-ˈfīd\ vb con·fid·ed; con·fid·ing
1 : to have confidence : TRUST <confide in a doctor's skill>
2 : to show confidence by telling secrets <confided in her mother>
3 : to tell in confidence <confide a secret to a friend>
4 : ENTRUST 1 <confide one's safety to the police> [Middle English confiden “to confide, trust,” from early French confider or Latin confidere (both, same meaning), from Latin con-, com- “with, together” and fidere “to trust” — related to FAITH]
— con·fid·er n

1con·fi·dence \ˈkän-fəd-ən(t)s, -fə-ˌden(t)s\ n
1 : a feeling of trust or belief <had confidence in our coach>
2 : a feeling of certainty : ASSURANCE <spoke with great confidence>
3 a : reliance on another's secrecy or loyalty <told us in confidence>  b : legislative support <vote of confidence>
4 : something told in confidence : SECRET

2confidence adj : of, relating to, or skilled at swindling by false promises <a confidence game> <a confidence man>

con·fi·dent \ˈkän-fəd-ənt, -fə-ˌdent\ adj : having or showing confidence : SURE, SELF-ASSURED <confident of winning> <a confident manner>
— con·fi·dent·ly adv

con·fi·den·tial \ˌkän-fə-ˈden-chəl\ adj
1 : 1SECRET 1A, PRIVATE <confidential information>
2 : indicating or suggesting closeness : INTIMATE <a confidential tone of voice>
3 : trusted with secret matters <a confidential secretary>
— con·fi·den·tial·ly \-ˈdench-(ə-)lē\ adv

con·fid·ing \kən-ˈfīd-iŋ\ adj : tending to confide : TRUSTFUL <a confiding friend>
— con·fid·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

con·fig·u·ra·tion \kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən, kän-\ n : arrangement of parts or the pattern produced by such arrangement

con·fig·ure \kən-ˈfig-yər\ vb -ured; -ur·ing : to set up for operation especially in a particular way <ships configured for observation>

con·fine \kən-ˈfīn\ vb con·fined; con·fin·ing
1 : to keep within limits : RESTRICT <confined the message to twenty words>
2 a : to shut up : IMPRISON <confined for life>  b : to keep indoors <confined with a cold>
— con·fine·ment \kən-ˈfīn-mənt\ n

— con·fin·er n

con·fines \ˈkän-ˌfīnz\ n pl : the boundary or limits of something <within the confines of the city>

con·firm \kən-ˈfərm\ vb
1 : to make firm or firmer (as in habit, faith, or intention) : STRENGTHEN
2 : APPROVE 2, RATIFY <confirm a treaty>
3 : to administer confirmation to
4 : to make sure of the truth of : VERIFY <confirm a suspicion>
— con·firm·able \-ˈfər-mə-bəl\ adj

con·fir·ma·tion \ˌkän-fər-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : an act or process of confirming
2 : a religious ceremony admitting a person to full privileges in a church or synagogue
3 : something that confirms : PROOF
— con·firm·a·to·ry \kən-ˈfər-mə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

con·firmed \kən-ˈfərmd\ adj
1 : deeply established <a confirmed habit>
2 : unlikely to change : HABITUAL, CHRONIC <a confirmed optimist>

con·fis·cate \ˈkän-fə-ˌskāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to seize by or as if by public authority <smuggled goods may be confiscated by the police>
— con·fis·ca·tion \ˌkän-fə-ˈskā-shən\ n

— con·fis·ca·tor \ˈkän-fə-ˌskāt-ər\ n

— con·fis·ca·to·ry \kən-ˈfis-kə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

con·fla·gra·tion \ˌkän-flə-ˈgrā-shən\ n : a large disastrous fire

1con·flict \ˈkän-ˌflikt\ n
1 : an extended struggle : FIGHT, BATTLE
2 a : a clashing or sharp disagreement (as between ideas, interests, or purposes)  b : mental struggle resulting from needs, drives, wishes, or demands that are in opposition or are not compatible

2con·flict \kən-ˈflikt, ˈkän-ˌflikt\ vb : to be in opposition : CLASH <duty and desire often conflict>

con·flu·ence \ˈkän-ˌflü-ən(t)s, kən-ˈflü-\ n
1 : a coming together to one place
2 : a flowing together or place of meeting especially of streams

con·flu·ent \ˈkän-ˌflü-ənt, kən-ˈflü-\ adj : flowing or coming together <confluent rivers>

con·form \kən-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ vb
1 : to bring into harmony <conform my behavior to the circumstances>
2 : to be similar or identical <the data conforms to the pattern>
3 : to act in obedience or agreement; esp : to adapt oneself to accepted standards or customs
— con·form·er n

— con·form·ist \-ˈfȯr-məst\ n

con·form·able \kən-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adj
1 : similar in form or character <conformable to established practice>
2 : SUBMISSIVE, COMPLIANT
— con·form·ably \-blē\ adv

con·for·mal \kən-ˈfȯr-məl, (ˈ)kän-\ adj : representing small areas in their true shape <a conformal map>

con·for·ma·tion \ˌkän-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər-\ n
1 : the act of conforming or producing conformity : ADAPTATION
2 : a shaping or putting into form
3 a : 1STRUCTURE 3  b : the form or outline especially of an animal

con·for·mi·ty \kən-ˈfȯr-mət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : agreement in form, manner, or character <behaved in conformity with their beliefs>
2 : action in accordance with a standard or authority : OBEDIENCE <conformity to social custom>

con·found \kən-ˈfau̇nd, kän-\ vb
1 : 1DAMN 1
2 : to throw into disorder : mix up : CONFUSE <our clever tactics confounded our opponents>
— con·found·ed·ly adv

con·front \kən-ˈfrənt\ vb
1 : to face especially in challenge : OPPOSE <confront an enemy>
2 : to bring face-to-face : cause to meet <confronted with difficulties>
— con·fron·ta·tion \ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-shən\ n

Con·fu·cian \kən-ˈfyü-shən\ adj : of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers
— Confucian n

— Con·fu·cian·ism \-shə-ˌniz-əm\ n

— Con·fu·cian·ist \-shə-nəst\ n or adj

con·fuse \kən-ˈfyüz\ vb con·fused; con·fus·ing
1 a : to make mentally foggy or uncertain : PERPLEX <the complicated problem confused us>  b : to cause to be embarrassed or upset : DISCONCERT
2 : to make unclear : BLUR <stop confusing the issue>
3 : to make disordered : JUMBLE <his motives were hopelessly confused>
4 : to fail to tell apart <teachers always confused the twins>
— con·fused·ly \-ˈfyüz(-ə)d-lē\ adv

— con·fus·ing·ly \-ˈfyü-ziŋ-lē\ adv

con·fu·sion \kən-ˈfyü-zhən\ n
1 : an act or instance of confusing
2 : the quality or state of being confused <her confusion was obvious>

con·fute \kən-ˈfyüt\ vb con·fut·ed; con·fut·ing : to overwhelm in argument : REFUTE
— con·fu·ta·tion \ˌkän-fyu̇-ˈtā-shən\ n

con·ga \ˈkäŋ-gə\ n
1 : a Cuban dance of African origin performed by a group usually in single file
2 : a tall narrow drum that is played with the hands

con·geal \kən-ˈjē(ə)l\ vb
1 : to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold
2 : to make or become stiff, thick, or lumpy : COAGULATE

con·ge·nial \kən-ˈjē-nyəl\ adj
1 : having the same disposition, interests, or tastes
2 : suited to one's nature or tastes : AGREEABLE
— con·ge·ni·al·i·ty \-ˌjē-nē-ˈal-ət-ē, -ˌjēn-ˈyal-\ n

— con·ge·nial·ly \-ˈjē-nyə-lē\ adv

con·gen·i·tal \kən-ˈjen-ə-təl\ adj : existing at or dating from birth <congenital heart disease>

con·gest \kən-ˈjest\ vb
1 : to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (as an organ or body part)
2 : to block by filling too full : CLOG, OVERCROWD <congested streets>
— con·ges·tion \-ˈjes-chən, -ˈjesh-\ n

con·ges·tive heart failure \kən-ˈjes-tiv-\ n : heart failure in which the heart is unable to keep enough blood circulating in the tissues or is unable to pump out the blood returned to it by the veins

1con·glom·er·ate \kən-ˈgläm-(ə-)rət\ adj : made up of parts from various sources or of various kinds

2con·glom·er·ate \kən-ˈgläm-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to collect or form into a mass
— con·glom·er·a·tion \-ˌgläm-ə-ˈrā-shən, kän-\ n

3con·glom·er·ate \kən-ˈgläm-(ə-)rət\ n
1 : a composite mass or mixture; esp : rock made up of rounded pieces varying from small pebbles to large boulders in a cement (as of hardened clay)
2 : a corporation engaging in many different kinds of business

Con·go red \ˌkäŋ-ˌgō-\ n : a dye that is red in alkaline and blue in acid solution [named for Congo, territory in Africa]

con·grat·u·late \kən-ˈgrach-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to express pleasure to on account of success or good fortune <congratulate the winner> [from Latin congratulatus “has wished joy,” derived from Latin con-, com- “with, together” and gratulari “to wish joy,” from gratus “pleasing, agreeable, thankful” — related to GRACE, GRATITUDE]

con·grat·u·la·tion \kən-ˌgrach-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act of congratulating
2 : an expression of joy or pleasure at another's success or good fortune — usually used in plural

con·grat·u·la·to·ry \kən-ˈgrach-(ə-)lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : expressing congratulations

con·gre·gate \ˈkäŋ-gri-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to come together into a group or crowd [Middle English congregaten “to collect or assemble together,” derived from Latin congregare “to assemble, gather,” from con-, com- “with, together” and gregare “to gather into a flock or herd,” from greg-, grex “flock, herd” — related to AGGREGATE, GREGARIOUS, SEGREGATE]  synonyms see GATHER
— con·gre·ga·tor \-ˌgāt-ər\ n

con·gre·ga·tion \ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : a gathering or collection of persons or things
2 a : an assembly of persons gathered especially for religious worship  b : the members of a church or synagogue

con·gre·ga·tion·al \ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a congregation
2 : of or relating to church government placing final authority in the local congregation

con·gress \ˈkäŋ-grəs\ n
1 : a formal meeting of delegates for discussion and action
2 : the chief lawmaking body of a nation and especially of a republic that in the U.S. is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives
3 : an association of organizations having a common interest
— con·gres·sion·al \kən-ˈgresh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

— con·gres·sion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

con·gress·man \ˈkäŋ-grəs-mən\ n : a member of a congress; esp : a member of the U.S. House of Representatives

con·gress·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is a member of a congress; esp : a woman who is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives

con·gru·ence \kən-ˈgrü-ən(t)s, ˈkäŋ-grə-wən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of having the same size and shape

con·gru·en·cy \kən-ˈgrü-ən-sē, ˈkäŋ-grə-wən-sē\ n : CONGRUENCE

con·gru·ent \kən-ˈgrü-ənt, ˈkäŋ-grə-wənt\ adj : having the same size and shape : capable of being placed over another figure and exactly matching <congruent triangles>
— con·gru·ent·ly adv

con·gru·ity \kən-ˈgrü-ət-ē, kän-\ n, pl -ities
1 : the quality or state of being congruous : AGREEMENT
2 : a point of agreement

con·gru·ous \ˈkäŋ-grə-wəs\ adj
1 : being in agreement or harmony
2 : SUITABLE 2, APPROPRIATE <a congruous place to work>
— con·gru·ous·ly adv

con·ic \ˈkän-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or shaped like a cone

con·i·cal \ˈkän-i-kəl\ adj : shaped like a cone <a conical cap>
— con·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

conic section n : a curve formed by the intersection of a plane and a cone

con·i·fer \ˈkän-ə-fər also ˈkō-nə-\ n : any of an order of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having leaves resembling needles or scales in shape and including forms (as pines) with true cones

co·nif·er·ous \kō-ˈnif-(ə-)rəs, kə-\ adj : of, relating to, or being a conifer or conifers <a coniferous tree> <coniferous forests>

con·jec·tur·al \kən-ˈjek-chə-rəl, -ˈjeksh-rəl\ adj : being, involving, or based on conjecture <a conjectural interpretation>
— con·jec·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

1con·jec·ture \kən-ˈjek-chər\ n : an opinion or judgment based on little or no evidence

2conjecture vb -jec·tured; -jec·tur·ing \-ˈjek-chə-riŋ, -ˈjek-shriŋ\ : GUESS 1
— con·jec·tur·er \-ˈjek-chər-ər\ n

con·join \kən-ˈjȯin, kän-\ vb : to join together for a common purpose

con·joint \kən-ˈjȯint, kän-\ adj : made up of or carried on by two or more in combination : JOINT
— con·joint·ly adv

con·ju·gal \ˈkän-ji-gəl, kən-ˈjü-\ adj : of or relating to marriage
— con·ju·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adv

1con·ju·gate \ˈkän-ji-gət, -jə-ˌgāt\ adj : joined together especially in pairs : COUPLED

2con·ju·gate \ˈkän-jə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to give the various forms of a verb in order
2 : to join together
3 : to pair and unite in conjugation

con·ju·ga·tion \ˌkän-jə-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : the act of conjugating : the state of being conjugated
2 : a class of verbs having the same type of inflectional forms
3 a : the union of sex cells that are usually of the same size and shape and that in most fungi and some algae serves as a simple form of sexual reproduction  b : a method of reproduction in ciliated protozoans (as a paramecium) that involves the formation of a bridge of cytoplasm between two individuals, the exchange of material in their nuclei, and the division of each individual after they separate

con·junc·tion \kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən\ n
1 : a joining together
2 : a word or expression that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words

con·junc·ti·va \ˌkän-ˌjəŋk-ˈtī-və, -ˈtē-\ n, pl -vas or -vae \-(ˌ)vē\ : the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is continued over the front part of the eyeball

con·junc·tive \kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-tiv\ adj
1 : 1CONNECTIVE
2 : done or existing in combination : JOINT
3 : being or used like a conjunction <conjunctive adverbs such as “however” and “therefore”>

con·junc·ti·vi·tis \kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the conjunctiva

con·ju·ra·tion \ˌkän-jə-ˈrā-shən, ˌkən-\ n
1 : the act of conjuring : INCANTATION
2 : an expression or trick used in conjuring

con·jure \ˈkän-jər, ˈkən-; in sense 1 kən-ˈju̇(ə)r\ vb conjured; con·jur·ing
1 : to beg earnestly or solemnly : BESEECH
2 a : to call forth (as a spirit or a devil) by magical words  b : to produce as if by magic <her imagination conjured up a splendid scene> <managed to conjure up something for lunch>
3 : to practice magic or magical tricks
— con·jur·er or con·ju·ror \ˈkän-jər-ər, ˈkən-\ n

conk \ˈkäŋk, ˈkȯŋk\ vb
1 : BREAK DOWN 1 <the motor suddenly conked out>
2 : to go to sleep <conked out after lunch>

con·nect \kə-ˈnekt\ vb
1 : to join or link together directly or by something coming between : UNITE <towns connected by a railroad> <the two bones connect at the elbow>
2 : to attach by personal relationship <connected by marriage>
3 : to bring together in thought <connect the smell of burning leaves with childhood>
4 : to be related <an event connected with our success>
5 : to establish a means of communication <connect to the Internet>  synonyms see JOIN
— con·nec·tor also con·nect·er \-ˈnek-tər\ n

con·nec·tion \kə-ˈnek-shən\ n
1 : the act of connecting
2 : the fact or condition of being connected : RELATIONSHIP <the connection between dirt and disease>
3 a : a thing that connects  b : a means of communication <a bad telephone connection>  c : a means of continuing a trip (as by train)
4 a : a person connected with others (as by kinship)  b : a social, professional, or commercial relationship

1con·nec·tive \kə-ˈnek-tiv\ adj : connecting or tending to connect
— con·nec·tive·ly adv

2connective n : something that connects; esp : a word or expression (as a conjunction or a relative pronoun) that connects words or word groups

connective tissue n : a tissue (as bone, cartilage, or tendon) that forms a supporting framework for the body or its parts and has protein fibers between the cells composing it

conn·ing tower \ˈkän-iŋ-\ n : a raised structure on a submarine used especially for navigation and to direct attacks [from earlier conn “to give directions for steering,” probably from still earlier cond (same meaning), from Middle English condien, conduen “to conduct”]

con·niv·ance \kə-ˈnī-vən(t)s\ n : the act of conniving; esp : knowledge that something wrong is going on without trying to stop it

con·nive \kə-ˈnīv\ vb con·nived; con·niv·ing : to cooperate secretly or have a secret understanding
— con·niv·er n

con·nois·seur \ˌkän-ə-ˈsər, -ˈsu̇(ə)r\ n : a person qualified to act as a judge in matters of taste and appreciation [from obsolete French connoisseur “expert,” from early French connoisseor (same meaning), from connoistre “to know,” from Latin cognoscere “to know” — related to INCOGNITO, RECOGNIZE]
— con·nois·seur·ship \-ˌship\ n

con·no·ta·tion \ˌkän-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n : a meaning suggested by a word or an expression in addition to its exact meaning

con·note \kə-ˈnōt, kä-\ vb con·not·ed; con·not·ing : to suggest in addition to the exact meaning

con·nu·bi·al \kə-ˈn(y)ü-bē-əl\ adj : of or relating to marriage
— con·nu·bi·al·ly \-bē-ə-lē\ adv

con·quer \ˈkäŋ-kər\ vb con·quered; con·quer·ing \-k(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to get or gain by force of arms <conquer a country>
2 : to defeat by force of arms <conquered all their enemies>
3 : OVERCOME 1, SUBDUE <conquer a habit>
4 : to be victorious
— con·quer·or \-kər-ər\ n
synonyms CONQUER, VANQUISH, OVERCOME, OVERTHROW, mean to defeat by force or planning. CONQUER suggests gaining control over another after a lengthy struggle and then more or less permanently <ancient Rome conquered most of southern Europe>. VANQUISH stresses a complete overpowering <the vanquished people lost many basic rights>. OVERCOME suggests defeating with difficulty or after a hard struggle <try to overcome your fear of flying>. OVERTHROW stresses the bringing down and eventual destruction of those already in power <used violence to overthrow the dictator>.

con·quest \ˈkän-ˌkwest, ˈkäŋ-\ n
1 : the act or process of conquering
2 : something conquered

con·quis·ta·dor \kȯŋ-ˈkēs-tə-ˌdȯ(ə)r, kän-ˈk(w)is-, kən-\ n, pl con·quis·ta·do·res \kȯŋ-ˌkēs-tə-ˈdȯr-ēz, -ˈdȯr-ˌās; -ˈdōr-; kän-k(w)is-, ˈkən-\ or con·quis·ta·dors : a leader in the Spanish conquest of America in the 16th century [Spanish, derived from Latin conquirere “to search for”]

con·science \ˈkän-chən(t)s\ n : knowledge of right and wrong and a feeling one should do what is right

con·sci·en·tious \ˌkän-chē-ˈen-chəs\ adj
1 : guided by or agreeing with one's conscience : SCRUPULOUS
2 : using or done with careful attention
— con·sci·en·tious·ly adv

— con·sci·en·tious·ness n

conscientious objector n : a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces or to bear arms because of his or her moral or religious beliefs

con·scious \ˈkän-chəs\ adj
1 : aware of facts or feelings <was conscious of the cold>
2 : known or felt by one's inner self <conscious guilt>
3 : mentally alert or active <became conscious again>
4 : done with awareness or purpose <a conscious effort to improve> [from Latin conscius “knowing or being aware of something, knowing something along with another person,” derived from con-, com- “with” and scire “to know” — related to SCIENCE]
— con·scious·ly adv

con·scious·ness \ˈkän-chəs-nəs\ n
1 : the condition of being conscious
2 : the normal state of conscious life in contrast to sleep or an insensible state
3 : the part of mental life that involves conscious thought and awareness

1con·script \ˈkän-ˌskript\ adj
1 : enrolled into service by force
2 : made up of conscripted persons

2con·script \kən-ˈskript\ vb : to enroll into service by force : DRAFT <was conscripted into the army>
— con·scrip·tion \kən-ˈskrip-shən\ n

3con·script \ˈkän-ˌskript\ n : a conscripted person (as a military recruit)

con·se·crate \ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkrāt\ vb -crat·ed; -crat·ing
1 : to make or declare sacred : to set apart to the service of God
2 : to devote to a purpose in a very sincere manner [Middle English consecraten “to consecrate,” derived from Latin consecrare “to make holy,” from con-, com- “together” and sacrare “to consecrate,” from sacr-, sacer “sacred” — related to SACRED]  synonyms see DEVOTE

con·se·cra·tion \ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or ceremony of consecrating
2 : the state of being consecrated

con·sec·u·tive \kən-ˈsek-(y)ət-iv\ adj : following one after the other in order [from French consécutif “following in a series, consecutive,” from Latin consecutus, past participle of consequi “to follow,” from con, com- “with, together” and sequi “to follow” — related to SEQUEL]
— con·sec·u·tive·ly adv

con·sen·su·al \kən-ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsen-shəl\ adj : involving, made by, or based on shared agreement <a consensual contract>

con·sen·sus \kən-ˈsen(t)-səs\ n, pl -sus·es
1 : general agreement <the consensus of opinion>
2 : the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned <the consensus was to go ahead>

1con·sent \kən-ˈsent\ vb : to express willingness or approval : AGREE
— con·sent·er n

2consent n : approval of what is done or suggested

con·se·quence \ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s, -si-kwən(t)s\ n
1 : 2RESULT 1, 1EFFECT 1
2 : importance that comes from the power to produce an effect <a mistake of no consequence>  synonyms see IMPORTANCE

con·se·quent \ˈkän(t)-si-kwənt, -sə-ˌkwent\ adj : following as a result or effect

con·se·quen·tial \ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkwen-chəl\ adj
1 : CONSEQUENT
2 : having important consequences

con·se·quent·ly \ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwent-lē, -si-kwənt-\ adv : as a result : ACCORDINGLY

con·ser·va·tion \ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən\ n : a careful preservation and protection of something; esp : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, pollution, destruction, or neglect

con·ser·va·tion·ist \ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who is in favor of conservation especially of natural resources (as forests)

conservation of energy : a principle in physics that states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed and that the total energy of a system by itself remains constant

conservation of mass : a principle in physics that states that mass can neither be created nor destroyed and that the total mass of any material system is neither increased nor decreased by reactions between the parts — called also conservation of matter

con·ser·va·tism \kən-ˈsər-və-ˌtiz-əm\ n
1 : a political belief supporting established institutions and customs and preferring gradual development to sudden change
2 : a desire to preserve an existing situation or existing ways

1con·ser·va·tive \kən-ˈsər-vət-iv\ adj
1 : tending to conserve or preserve
2 : of or relating to conservatism
3 : tending to preserve existing views, conditions, or institutions : TRADITIONAL
4 : CAUTIOUS, MODERATE <a conservative estimate>
5 : being in agreement with the usual standards of taste or manners <a conservative suit> <a conservative dresser>
— con·ser·va·tive·ly adv

— con·ser·va·tive·ness n

2conservative n : a person who is conservative especially in politics

Conservative Judaism n : Judaism as practiced especially among some U.S. Jews that keeps to the Torah and Talmud but makes allowance for some changes suitable for different times and circumstances

con·ser·va·to·ry \kən-ˈsər-və-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants
2 : a place of instruction in some special study (as music)

1con·serve \kən-ˈsərv\ vb con·served; con·serv·ing
1 a : to keep in a safe or sound state  b : to avoid wasteful or destructive use of : use carefully <conserve natural resources> <conserve energy>
2 : to preserve with sugar
3 : to keep (a quantity) constant during a process of change (as chemical change)
— con·serv·er n

2con·serve \ˈkän-ˌsərv\ n
1 : a candied fruit
2 : 2PRESERVE 1

con·sid·er \kən-ˈsid-ər\ vb -ered; -er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to think about carefully <consider your options>  b : to think about with the idea of taking some action <we are considering you for the job>
2 : to treat in a kind or thoughtful way <you never consider my feelings>
3 : to think of in a certain way <consider the price too high>

con·sid·er·able \kən-ˈsid-ər(-ə)-bəl, -ˈsid-rə-bəl\ adj : large in size, amount, or quantity <a considerable number> <was in considerable pain>
— con·sid·er·ably \-blē\ adv

con·sid·er·ate \kən-ˈsid-(ə-)rət\ adj
1 : tending to consider things carefully
2 : thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others
— con·sid·er·ate·ly adv

— con·sid·er·ate·ness n

con·sid·er·ation \kən-ˌsid-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : careful thought : DELIBERATION
2 : thoughtfulness for other people
3 : something that needs to be considered before deciding or acting
4 : a payment made in return for something

con·sid·er·ing \kən-ˈsid-(ə-)riŋ\ prep : in view of : taking into account

con·sign \kən-ˈsīn\ vb
1 : to give over to another's care : ENTRUST
2 : to give, transfer, or deliver to another
3 : to send or address (as goods) to an agent to be cared for or sold

con·sign·ment \kən-ˈsīn-mənt\ n
1 : the act or process of consigning
2 : something consigned especially in a single shipment

con·sist \kən-ˈsist\ vb : to be made up or composed <breakfast consisted of cereal, milk, and fruit> <coal consists mostly of carbon>

con·sis·ten·cy \kən-ˈsis-tən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the degree of thickness, firmness, or stickiness <dough of the right consistency>
2 : agreement or harmony between parts or elements
3 : a sticking with one way of thinking or acting

con·sis·tent \kən-ˈsis-tənt\ adj
1 : being in agreement or harmony <actions consistent with our policy>
2 : being unchanging in behavior or beliefs <a consistent supporter>
— con·sis·tent·ly adv

con·so·la·tion \ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled
2 : something that consoles
— con·sol·a·to·ry \kən-ˈsōl-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -sä-lə-, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

1con·sole \ˈkän-ˌsōl\ n
1 a : the part of an organ at which the organist sits and which contains the keyboard and controls  b : a panel or cabinet with dials and switches for controlling an electronic or mechanical device
2 : a cabinet (as for a phonograph or television set) that stands on the floor
3 : an electronic system that connects to a display (as a TV set) and is used to play video games

2con·sole \kən-ˈsōl\ vb con·soled; con·sol·ing : to comfort in times of grief, distress, or suffering

con·sol·i·date \kən-ˈsäl-ə-ˌdāt\ vb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
1 : to join together into one whole : UNITE
2 : to make firm or safe : STRENGTHEN <consolidate a beachhead>
— con·sol·i·da·tion \kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən\ n

consolidated school n : a public school that is formed by joining other schools together

con·som·mé \ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈmā\ n : a clear soup made chiefly of meat stock [French]

con·so·nance \ˈkän(t)-s(ə-)nən(t)s\ n : harmony or agreement especially of musical tones or speech sounds

1con·so·nant \ˈkän(t)-s(ə-)nənt\ adj : being in harmony or agreement
— con·so·nant·ly adv

2consonant n
1 : a speech sound (as \p\, \n\, or \s\) produced by narrowing or closing the breath channel at one or more points
2 : a letter representing a consonant; esp : any letter of the English alphabet except a, e, i, o, and u
— con·so·nan·tal \ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈnant-əl\ adj

1con·sort \ˈkän-ˌsȯ(ə)rt\ n : a wife or husband : SPOUSE

2con·sort \kən-ˈsȯ(ə)rt\ vb : to go together as companions : ASSOCIATE <consorting with criminals>

con·spic·u·ous \kən-ˈspik-yə-wəs\ adj
1 : easily seen
2 : attracting attention : STRIKING  synonyms see NOTICEABLE
— con·spic·u·ous·ly adv

— con·spic·u·ous·ness n

con·spir·a·cist \kən-ˈspir-ə-sist\ n : one who believes or promotes a conspiracy theory

con·spir·a·cy \kən-ˈspir-ə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the act of conspiring together
2 a : an agreement among conspirators  b : a group of conspirators

conspiracy theory n : a theory that explains an event or situation as being the result of a secret plot
— conspiracy theorist n

con·spir·a·tor \kən-ˈspir-ət-ər\ n : a person who conspires

con·spir·a·to·ri·al \kən-ˌspir-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : of or relating to a conspiracy
— con·spir·a·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

con·spire \kən-ˈspī(ə)r\ vb con·spired; con·spir·ing
1 : to agree secretly to do an unlawful act : PLOT <conspiring to overthrow the dictator>
2 : to act together <measles and the weather conspired to spoil our vacation>

con·sta·ble \ˈkän(t)-stə-bəl, ˈkən(t)-\ n
1 : a high officer of a royal court or noble household in the Middle Ages
2 : the person in charge of a royal castle or a town
3 : a police officer usually of a village or small town
Word History A constable in the Middle Ages was a very important official in a court, even though the title meant “officer of the stable.” Early French conestable came from the Latin phrase comes stabuli, meaning “officer of the stable.” Being in charge of a ruler's horses in those days was something like being in charge of all the vehicles — tanks, trucks, airplanes, helicopters — of a modern army. As time went on, the title remained, but it came to describe the person in charge of guarding a castle or fortified city. From this idea came the modern sense: “a police officer.” [Middle English conestable “chief military or police officer of a court or royal domain,” from early French conestable (same meaning), from Latin comes stabuli, literally, “officer of the stables,” from comes “companion, member of a royal court” and stabuli, genitive of stabulum “stable” — related to 3COUNT, 1STABLE]

con·stab·u·lary \kən-ˈstab-yə-ˌler-ē\ n, pl -lar·ies
1 : an organized body of constables or of police officers
2 : a police force organized like the military

con·stan·cy \ˈkän(t)-stən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : firmness and loyalty in one's beliefs or personal relationships
2 : freedom from change

1con·stant \ˈkän(t)-stənt\ adj
1 : always faithful and true <constant friends>
2 : remaining steady and unchanged <a constant temperature>
3 : occurring over and over again <constant headaches>
— con·stant·ly adv

2constant n : something unchanging; esp : a quantity whose value does not change under given mathematical conditions — compare VARIABLE 1

con·stel·la·tion \ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən\ n : any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns [Middle English constellacioun “the position of the stars in the sky at the time of a person's birth,” from early French constellation (same meaning), from Latin con-, com- “with” and stella “star”]

con·ster·na·tion \ˌkän(t)-stər-ˈnā-shən\ n : amazement or dismay that makes one feel helpless or confused

con·sti·pate \ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌpāt\ vb -pat·ed; -pat·ing : to cause constipation in

constipated adj : affected with constipation

con·sti·pa·tion \ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən\ n : abnormally difficult or infrequent bowel movements

con·stit·u·en·cy \kən-ˈstich-(ə-)wən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : a body of citizens having the right to elect a representative to a legislature
2 : the people living in an electoral district
3 : an electoral district

1con·stit·u·ent \kən-ˈstich-(ə-)wənt\ n
1 : one of the parts of which a thing is made up : ELEMENT, INGREDIENT
2 : any of the voters who elect a person to represent them

2constituent adj
1 : forming a part of a whole : COMPONENT
2 : having the power to create a government or make or change a constitution <a constituent assembly>

con·sti·tute \ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌt(y)üt\ vb -tut·ed; -tut·ing
1 : to appoint to an office or duty <constituted authorities>
2 : SET UP 4, ESTABLISH <a fund was constituted to help needy students>
3 : MAKE UP 2, FORM <twelve months constitute a year>

con·sti·tu·tion \ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən\ n
1 : the act of establishing, making, or setting up
2 a : the physical makeup of an individual  b : the structure, composition, or basic qualities of something
3 a : the basic beliefs and laws of a nation, state, or social group that establish the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it  b : a document containing a constitution

1con·sti·tu·tion·al \ˈkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a person's physical or mental makeup
2 : of, relating to, or in agreement with a constitution <a constitutional amendment> <constitutional rights>
— con·sti·tu·tion·al·ly \-shnə-lē, -shən-əl-ē\ adv

2constitutional n : exercise (as a walk) taken for one's health

con·sti·tu·tion·al·i·ty \ˌkän(t)-stə-ˌt(y)ü-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being in agreement with a constitution

con·strain \kən-ˈstrān\ vb
1 : COMPEL 1
2 : CONFINE 1
3 : RESTRAIN 1

con·straint \kən-ˈstrānt\ n
1 : the act of constraining : the state of being constrained
2 : something that constrains : CHECK
3 : a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior

con·strict \kən-ˈstrikt\ vb : to make or become narrower or smaller by drawing together : SQUEEZE, TIGHTEN
— con·stric·tive \-ˈstrik-tiv\ adj

con·stric·tion \kən-ˈstrik-shən\ n
1 : an act or instance of constricting
2 : something that constricts : a part that is constricted

con·stric·tor \kən-ˈstrik-tər\ n : a snake that kills its prey by coiling around and crushing it

con·struct \kən-ˈstrəkt\ vb
1 : to make or form by combining or arranging parts : BUILD
2 : to draw (a geometrical figure) with suitable instruments and under given conditions
— con·struct·able or con·struct·ible \-ˈstrək-tə-bəl\ adj

— con·struc·tor \-ˈstrək-tər\ n

con·struc·tion \kən-ˈstrək-shən\ n
1 : INTERPRETATION 1 <strict construction of the law>
2 : the process, art, or manner of constructing
3 : something built or put together : STRUCTURE
4 : the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence

construction paper n : a thick paper available in many colors and used especially for school art work

con·struc·tive \kən-ˈstrək-tiv\ adj : helping to develop or improve something <constructive suggestions>
— con·struc·tive·ly adv

— con·struc·tive·ness n

con·strue \kən-ˈstrü\ vb con·strued; con·stru·ing
1 : to explain the grammatical relationships of the words in a sentence, clause, or phrase
2 : to understand or explain the sense or intention of : INTERPRET
— con·stru·able \-ˈstrü-ə-bəl\ adj

con·sul \ˈkän(t)-səl\ n
1 : either of two chief officials of the ancient Roman republic who were elected each year
2 : an official appointed by a government to live in a foreign country to look after the commercial interests of citizens of the appointing country
— con·sul·ar \-s(ə-)lər\ adj

— con·sul·ship \-səl-ˌship\ n

con·sul·ate \ˈkän(t)-s(ə-)lət\ n : the residence or office of a consul

con·sult \kən-ˈsəlt\ vb
1 : to seek the opinion or advice of <consult a doctor>
2 : to seek information from <consult a dictionary>
3 : to talk something over <have to consult with my lawyer>
— con·sult·er n

con·sult·ant \kən-ˈsəlt-ənt\ n
1 : a person who consults another
2 : a person who gives professional advice or services

con·sul·ta·tion \ˌkän(t)-səl-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : a discussion between doctors on a case or its treatment
2 : the act of consulting

con·sume \kən-ˈsüm\ vb con·sumed; con·sum·ing
1 : to destroy by or as if by fire
2 : USE UP, SPEND <the search consumed most of our time>
3 : to eat or drink up <consumed a whole gallon of ice cream>
4 : to take up the interest or attention of <was consumed with curiosity>
5 : to use as a customer <consume goods and services>  synonyms see EAT
— con·sum·able \-ˈsü-mə-bəl\ adj

con·sum·er \kən-ˈsü-mər\ n
1 : one that consumes; esp : a person who buys and uses up goods
2 : a plant or animal that requires complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other living things or eating particles of organic matter — compare PRODUCER 3

con·sum·er·ism \kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌriz-əm\ n : the promotion of the consumer's interests

1con·sum·mate \kən-ˈsəm-ət, ˈkän(t)-sə-mət\ adj : of the highest degree, quality, or skill <a consummate politician>
— con·sum·mate·ly adv

2con·sum·mate \ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing : to make perfect or complete
— con·sum·ma·tion \ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈmā-shən\ n

con·sump·tion \kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of consuming  b : the amount consumed
2 a : a gradual and continuous wasting away of the body especially from tuberculosis of the lungs  b : TUBERCULOSIS

1con·sump·tive \kən-ˈsəm(p)-tiv\ adj : of, relating to, or affected with consumption

2consumptive n : a person who has consumption

1con·tact \ˈkän-ˌtakt\ n
1 : a meeting or touching of surfaces
2 : the connection of two electrical conductors through which a current passes or a part made for such a connection
3 : a person one knows who has influence especially in the business or political world <our contacts in Los Angeles may be able to assist you>
4 : an establishing of communication especially with someone or something distant <make contact by radio>
5 : CONTACT LENS [from French contact or Latin contactus, both meaning “a touching of body surfaces,” from Latin contingere “to have contact with, affect, happen,” from con-, com- “with, together” and tangere “to touch” — related to CONTAGIOUS, CONTINGENT, TANGENT, TANGIBLE]

2con·tact \ˈkän-ˌtakt, kən-ˈtakt\ vb
1 : to bring or come into contact
2 : to get in touch or communication with <contact your local dealer for details>

3con·tact \ˈkän-ˌtakt\ adj : involving or acting upon contact <football and ice hockey are contact sports> <contact insecticides>

con·tact lens \ˌkän-ˌtak(t)-\ n : a thin lens used to correct bad eyesight and worn right over the cornea of the eye

con·ta·gion \kən-ˈtā-jən\ n
1 : the passing of a disease from one individual to another by direct or indirect contact
2 : a contagious disease or something (as a virus) that causes a contagious disease

con·ta·gious \kən-ˈtā-jəs\ adj
1 a : able to be passed on by contact between individuals <colds are contagious> <contagious diseases>  b : capable of passing on a contagious disease to another <he is contagious>
2 : so pleasantly irresistible as to be picked up by one person after another <your enthusiasm is contagious> [Middle English contagious “likely to be passed on through contact,” from early French contagieus (same meaning), derived from Latin contingere “to have contact with, affect, happen” — related to CONTACT, CONTINGENT]

con·tain \kən-ˈtān\ vb
1 : to keep within limits : RESTRAIN, CHECK <tried to contain my laughter> <the forest fire was finally contained>
2 : to have within
3 : to consist of : INCLUDE
4 : to be divisible by especially without a remainder <20 contains 5>
— con·tain·ment \-ˈtān-mənt\ n
synonyms CONTAIN, HOLD, ACCOMMODATE, mean to have or be capable of having within. CONTAIN suggests the actual presence of a particular thing or quantity within something <a bottle containing a liter of liquid>. HOLD suggests the capacity of something or its usual or permanent purpose <that cooler will hold 12 cartons of milk>. ACCOMMODATE stresses holding without crowding or inconvenience <the ballroom can accommodate 500 people easily>.

con·tain·er \kən-ˈtā-nər\ n : one that contains; esp : something into which other things can be put (as for storage)

con·tain·er·ship \kən-ˈtā-nər-ˌship\ n : a ship designed or equipped to carry very large containers of cargo

con·tam·i·nant \kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt\ n : something that contaminates

con·tam·i·nate \kən-ˈtam-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to soil, stain, or infect by contact or association
2 : to make impure or unfit for use by adding something harmful or unpleasant <wells contaminated by chemicals>
— con·tam·i·na·tion \-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— con·tam·i·na·tor \-ˈtam-ə-ˌnāt-ər\ n

con·tem·plate \ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt, ˈkän-ˌtem-\ vb -plat·ed; -plat·ing
1 : to view or consider with careful and thoughtful attention
2 : to have in mind : plan on <contemplating a trip>
— con·tem·pla·tor \-ˌplāt-ər\ n

con·tem·pla·tion \ˌkänt-əm-ˈplā-shən, ˌkän-ˌtem-\ n
1 : the act of thinking about spiritual things : MEDITATION
2 : the act of looking at or thinking about something steadily
3 : a looking ahead to some future event : ANTICIPATION

con·tem·pla·tive \kən-ˈtem-plət-iv; ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt-, ˈkän-ˌtem-\ adj : involving or devoted to contemplation : MEDITATIVE <the contemplative life>
— con·tem·pla·tive·ly adv

— con·tem·pla·tive·ness n

con·tem·po·ra·ne·ous \kən-ˌtem-pə-ˈrā-nē-əs\ adj : existing, occurring, or beginning during the same time
— con·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ly adv

— con·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ness n

1con·tem·po·rary \kən-ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē\ adj
1 : living or occurring at the same period of time
2 : of the present time : MODERN, CURRENT

2contemporary n, pl -rar·ies : a person who lives at the same time or is about the same age as another

con·tempt \kən-ˈtem(p)t\ n
1 : the act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises
2 : the state of being despised
3 : disobedience or disrespect to a court, judge, or legislature

con·tempt·ible \kən-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl\ adj : deserving contempt <a contemptible lie>
— con·tempt·ibly \-blē\ adv

con·temp·tu·ous \kən-ˈtem(p)-ch(ə-w)əs, -ˈtem(p)sh-wəs\ adj : feeling or showing contempt
— con·temp·tu·ous·ly adv

— con·temp·tu·ous·ness n
synonyms CONTEMPTUOUS, SCORNFUL, DISDAINFUL, mean feeling or showing a lack of respect or concern. CONTEMPTUOUS suggests a lofty attitude toward whatever one hates <contemptuous of cowards>. SCORNFUL suggests anger and disgust often expressed in mockery <scornful of their customs and traditions>. DISDAINFUL suggests proudly considering someone or something as not worthy of one's notice <disdainful of people who were not as rich as they were>.

con·tend \kən-ˈtend\ vb
1 : COMPETE
2 : to try hard to deal with <many problems to contend with>
3 : to argue or state earnestly <contend that my opinion is right>
— con·tend·er n

1con·tent \kən-ˈtent\ adj : pleased and satisfied with what one has or is

2content vb : to make content : SATISFY

3content n : CONTENTMENT; esp : freedom from care or discomfort

4con·tent \ˈkän-ˌtent\ n
1 a : something contained — usually used in plural <the contents of a jar>  b : the subject matter or topics treated (as in a book) <table of contents>
2 : the essential meaning <I enjoy the rhythm of the poem but I don't understand its content>
3 : an amount that is contained or can be contained <oil with a high content of sulfur> <the jug has a content of four liters>

con·tent·ed \kən-ˈtent-əd\ adj : satisfied with one's possessions or situation in life
— con·tent·ed·ly adv

— con·tent·ed·ness n

con·ten·tion \kən-ˈten-chən\ n
1 : an act or instance of contending
2 : an idea or point for which a person argues (as in a debate or argument)

con·ten·tious \kən-ˈten-chəs\ adj : inclined to argue  synonyms see BELLIGERENT
— con·ten·tious·ness n

con·tent·ment \kən-ˈtent-mənt\ n : freedom from worry or restlessness : peaceful satisfaction

1con·test \kən-ˈtest, ˈkän-ˌtest\ vb : to make (something) a cause of dispute or fighting <contest a claim>

2con·test \ˈkän-ˌtest\ n : a struggle for victory : COMPETITION

con·test·ant \kən-ˈtes-tənt also ˈkän-ˌtes-\ n : a person who takes part in a contest

con·text \ˈkän-ˌtekst\ n : the parts of something written or spoken that are near a certain word or group of words and that help to explain its meaning
— con·tex·tu·al \kän-ˈteks-chə(-wə)l, kən-\ adj

— con·tex·tu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

con·ti·gu·ity \ˌkänt-ə-ˈgyü-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being contiguous

con·tig·u·ous \kən-ˈtig-yə-wəs\ adj
1 : being in contact : ADJOINING
2 : very near though not in contact
3 : touching or connected in an unbroken series <the 48 contiguous states of the U.S.>
— con·tig·u·ous·ly adv

con·ti·nent \ˈkänt-ən-ənt, ˈkänt-nənt\ n
1 : one of the great divisions of land (as North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, or Antarctica) on the globe
2 cap : the continent of Europe

1con·ti·nen·tal \ˌkänt-ən-ˈent-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a continent <continental waters>; esp, often cap : of or relating to the continent of Europe
2 often cap : of or relating to the colonies later forming the U.S. <Continental Congress>

2continental n
1 a often cap : a soldier in the Continental army  b : a piece of paper money issued by the Continental Congress
2 : 2EUROPEAN

continental drift n : the slow movement of the continents on a fluid layer that extends to deep within the earth

continental shelf n : a shallow submarine plain of varying width forming a border to a continent and typically ending at the continental slope

continental slope n : a usually steep slope from a continental shelf to the ocean floor

con·tin·gen·cy \kən-ˈtin-jən-sē\ n, pl -cies : something (as an emergency) that might or might not happen or that might happen if something else occurs <prepared for every contingency>

1con·tin·gent \kən-ˈtin-jənt\ adj : depending on something else <plans contingent on the weather> [Middle English contingent “uncertain,” from early French contingent “touching, happening,” derived from Latin contingere “to have contact with, affect, happen” — related to CONTACT, CONTAGIOUS]
— con·tin·gent·ly adv

2contingent n : a number of persons representing or drawn from an area or group

con·tin·u·al \kən-ˈtin-yə(-wə)l\ adj
1 : continuing without interruption <days of continual sunshine>
2 : occurring again and again within short intervals <continual interruptions>
— con·tin·u·al·ly \-ē\ adv

con·tin·u·ance \kən-ˈtin-yə-wən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of continuing
2 : the extent of continuing : DURATION
3 : postponement of a case in a law court

con·tin·u·a·tion \kən-ˌtin-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n
1 : the act or fact of continuing in or extending the time of a state or activity
2 : a beginning again after an interruption
3 : a thing or part by which something is continued

con·tin·ue \kən-ˈtin-yü\ vb -tin·ued; -tin·u·ing
1 : to do or cause to do the same thing without stopping <I continue to work hard> <the weather continued hot and sunny>
2 : to go on or carry on after an interruption : RESUME <to be continued next week>
— con·tin·u·er \-yə-wər\ n

continued fraction n : a fraction whose numerator is a whole number and whose denominator is a whole number plus a fraction whose numerator is a whole number and whose denominator is a whole number plus a fraction and so on

con·ti·nu·ity \ˌkänt-ən-ˈ(y)ü-ət-ē\ n, pl -ities
1 : the quality or state of being continuous
2 : something that has or provides continuity

con·tin·u·ous \kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs\ adj : continuing without a stop
— con·tin·u·ous·ly adv

— con·tin·u·ous·ness n

con·tin·u·um \kən-ˈtin-yə-wəm\ n, pl -ua \-yə-wə\ also -u·ums : something that is continuous and the same throughout and that is often thought of as a series of elements or values which differ by only tiny amounts <“light” and “dark” stand at opposite ends of a continuum>

con·tort \kən-ˈtȯ(ə)rt\ vb : to twist into an unusual appearance or unnatural shape

con·tor·tion \kən-ˈtȯr-shən\ n
1 : a twisting or being twisted out of shape
2 : a contorted shape or thing

con·tor·tion·ist \kən-ˈtȯr-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : an acrobat able to twist the body into unusual positions

1con·tour \ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r\ n
1 : the outline of a figure, body, or surface
2 : a line or drawing showing an outline

2contour adj
1 : following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them <contour farming> <contour flooding>
2 : made to fit the contour of something <contour bedsheets>

3contour vb
1 : to shape the contour of
2 : to shape to fit contours

contour line n : a line (as on a map) connecting the points that have the same elevation on a land surface

contra- prefix
1 : against : contrary : contrasting
2 : pitched below normal bass <contrabassoon> [from Latin contra “against, opposite”]

con·tra·band \ˈkän-trə-ˌband\ n
1 : goods forbidden by law to be owned or to be brought into or out of a country
2 : smuggled goods [from Italian contrabbando “smuggling,” from Latin contrabannum, literally, “against the decree or command,” from contra “against” and bannum, bannus “decree”; of Germanic origin]
— contraband adj

con·tra·bas·soon \ˌkän-trə-bə-ˈsün, -ba-\ n : a musical instrument that is similar to a bassoon but has a longer body with more turns and is pitched an octave lower

con·tra·cep·tion \ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-shən\ n : deliberate prevention of conception and pregnancy especially by using a drug or a device (as a condom)

1con·tra·cep·tive \ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-tiv\ adj : relating to or used for contraception

2contraceptive n : a contraceptive drug or device

1con·tract \ˈkän-ˌtrakt\ n
1 : a legally binding agreement between two or more parties
2 : a document stating the terms of a contract  synonyms see AGREEMENT

2con·tract \kən-ˈtrakt, sense 2 usually ˈkän-ˌtrakt\ vb
1 a : to bring on oneself <contract debts>  b : to become affected with <contract a cold>
2 : to agree by contract <contract to build a house>
3 a : to draw or squeeze together so as to make or become smaller or shorter and broader <brows contracting in puzzlement> <contract a muscle>  b : to make or become smaller <metal contracts when cold>
4 : to shorten (a word) by leaving out one or more sounds or letters

con·trac·tile \kən-ˈtrak-təl, -ˌtīl\ adj : having the power or property of contracting <a contractile cell> <a contractile fiber>
— con·trac·til·i·ty \ˌkän-ˌtrak-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n

contractile vacuole n : a vacuole in a single-celled organism that contracts regularly to discharge water from the cell

con·trac·tion \kən-ˈtrak-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of contracting : the state of being contracted  b : the shortening and thickening of a working muscle or muscle fiber
2 a : a shortening of a word, syllable, or word group by leaving out a sound or letter  b : a form (as don't or they've) produced by such shortening

con·trac·tor \ˈkän-ˌtrak-tər, kən-ˈtrak-\ n : one that enters into a contract; esp : a person who contracts to perform work or provide supplies at a certain price or within a certain time <building contractor>

con·trac·tu·al \kən-ˈtrak-chə(-wə)l, kän-, -ˈtraksh-wəl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a contract <contractual agreements>
— con·trac·tu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

con·tra·dict \ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt\ vb
1 : to say the opposite of what someone else has said : deny the truth of
2 : to be opposed or contrary to : go against <your actions contradict your words>
— con·tra·dic·tor \-ˈdik-tər\ n

con·tra·dic·tion \ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-shən\ n
1 : something (as a statement) that contradicts something else
2 : a condition in which things oppose each other

con·tra·dic·to·ry \ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē\ adj : involving, causing, or being a contradiction <contradictory statements>
— con·tra·dic·to·ri·ness \-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ n

con·trail \ˈkän-ˌtrāl\ n : a stream of visible water or ice particles created in the air by an airplane or rocket at high altitudes

con·tral·to \kən-ˈtral-tō\ n, pl -tos
1 a : the lowest female singing voice  b : a singer with such a voice
2 : the part sung by a contralto [from Italian contralto “lowest female singing voice,” from contra- “having a lower pitch than” and alto “a female singing voice”]

con·trap·tion \kən-ˈtrap-shən\ n : DEVICE 1C, GADGET

con·trari·wise \ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē-ˌwīz, kən-ˈtrer-\ adv
1 : just the opposite : on the contrary
2 : VICE VERSA

1con·trary \ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē\ n, pl -trar·ies : something opposite or contrary
— on the contrary : just the opposite

2con·trary \ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē, sense 4 is often kən-ˈtre(ə)r-ē\ adj
1 : exactly opposite : entirely different <contrary opinions>
2 : being against or opposed : in violation <actions contrary to the law>
3 : not favorable or helpful <a contrary wind>
4 : unwilling to obey or behave well <a contrary child>
— con·trar·i·ly \-ˌtrer-ə-lē, -ˈtrer-\ adv

— con·trar·i·ness \-ˌtrer-ē-nəs, -ˈtrer-\ n

1con·trast \kən-ˈtrast, ˈkän-ˌtrast\ vb
1 : to show noticeable differences
2 : to compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them

2con·trast \ˈkän-ˌtrast\ n
1 : a person or thing that shows differences when compared to another
2 : difference or unlikeness (as in color or brightness) between related things especially when very plain

con·trib·ute \kən-ˈtrib-yət, -(ˌ)yüt\ vb -ut·ed; -ut·ing
1 : to give along with others <contribute money to a cause>
2 : to have a part in bringing about something <everybody contributed to the success of the show>
3 : to submit articles to a publication
— con·trib·u·tor \-yət-ər\ n

con·tri·bu·tion \ˌkän-trə-ˈbyü-shən\ n
1 : the act of contributing
2 : a sum or a thing contributed
— con·trib·u·tive \kən-ˈtrib-yət-iv\ adj

con·trib·u·to·ry \kən-ˈtrib-yə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-ē\ adj : serving to contribute; esp : helping to accomplish a result

con·trite \ˈkän-ˌtrīt, kən-ˈtrīt\ adj : feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a wrong that one has done <a contrite criminal> <a contrite apology>
— con·trite·ly adv

— con·trite·ness n

con·tri·tion \kən-ˈtrish-ən\ n : the state of being contrite

con·triv·ance \kən-ˈtrī-vən(t)s\ n : something (as a scheme or mechanical device) produced with skill and cleverness

con·trive \kən-ˈtrīv\ vb con·trived; con·triv·ing
1 : 2PLAN 1, PLOT <contrive a way to escape>
2 : to form or make in a skillful or clever way : INVENT
3 : BRING ABOUT, MANAGE <contriving to make ends meet>
— con·triv·er n

1con·trol \kən-ˈtrōl\ vb con·trolled; con·trol·ling
1 a : to keep within limits : RESTRAIN <control your temper>  b : to direct the action of <control a plane>
2 : to have power over : RULE
3 : to reduce the number of individuals or cases especially to a level that is not dangerous <control insects> <control a disease>
— con·trol·la·bil·i·ty \-ˌtrō-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— con·trol·la·ble \-ˈtrō-lə-bəl\ adj

2control n
1 : the power or authority to control
2 : ability to control <the car went out of control> <keep control of a situation>
3 a : a means for controlling <the controls of an airplane> <price controls>  b : an organization that directs a flight beyond the earth's atmosphere <mission control>
4 a : CONTROL EXPERIMENT  b : one (as an organism or group) that is part of a control experiment and is used as a standard of comparison
5 : reduction in or regulation of the number of individuals or cases in an area <disease control>

control experiment n : an experiment in which all variable factors have been kept constant and which is used as a standard of comparison to the experiment component in a controlled experiment

controlled experiment n : an experiment in which all the variables in a control group and an experimental group are the same except for one

con·trol·ler \kən-ˈtrō-lər, ˈkän-ˌtrō-lər\ n
1 : the chief accounting officer of a business or institution
2 : a person who controls <an air traffic controller>

controlling adj : tending to control the behavior of other people

con·tro·ver·sial \ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl, -ˈvər-sē-əl\ adj : relating to or causing controversy <a controversial movie>
— con·tro·ver·sial·ly \-ē\ adv

con·tro·ver·sy \ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē\ n, pl -sies
1 : a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : DISPUTE
2 : 1QUARREL 2, STRIFE [Middle English controversie, from early French (same meaning), from Latin controversia “act or cause of disagreeing, dispute,” literally, “something turned against or to the contrary,” from contro-, contra- “against, contrary” and versus “turned,” from vertere “to turn” — related to ANNIVERSARY, CONVERSE, DIVERT, VERSATILE]

con·tus·ion \kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən\ n : an injury to tissue that usually does not break the skin : BRUISE
— con·tuse \-ˈt(y)üz\ vb

co·nun·drum \kə-ˈnən-drəm\ n : 1RIDDLE 1, PUZZLE

con·ur·ba·tion \ˌkän-(ˌ)ər-ˈbā-shən\ n : a number of cities or towns that come one right after the other with no countryside in between

con·va·lesce \ˌkän-və-ˈles\ vb -lesced; -lesc·ing : to regain health and strength gradually after illness or weakness

con·va·les·cence \ˌkän-və-ˈles-ən(t)s\ n : the process or period of convalescing

1con·va·les·cent \ˌkän-və-ˈles-ənt\ adj : going through convalescence

2convalescent n : a person who is convalescing

con·vec·tion \kən-ˈvek-shən\ n : motion in a gas or liquid in which the warmer portions rise and the colder portions sink; also : the transfer of heat by this motion
— con·vec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— con·vec·tive \-ˈvek-tiv\ adj

convection oven n : an oven with a fan that circulates hot air evenly and continuously around the food as it cooks

con·vene \kən-ˈvēn\ vb con·vened; con·ven·ing
1 : to come together in a group : ASSEMBLE
2 : to cause to convene : call together <convened a meeting>

1con·ve·nience \kən-ˈvēn-yən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being convenient
2 : personal comfort : freedom from trouble
3 : a convenient time : OPPORTUNITY <come at your earliest convenience>
4 : something that gives comfort or advantage <a house with all the modern conveniences>

2convenience adj : designed for quick and easy preparation <convenience foods>

convenience store n : a small market that is open many hours

con·ve·nient \kən-ˈvēn-yənt\ adj
1 : suited to a person's comfort or easy use <a convenient time> <a convenient location>
2 : easy to get to <schools, churches, and stores are all convenient>
— con·ve·nient·ly adv

con·vent \ˈkän-vənt, -ˌvent\ n
1 : a community of nuns living together
2 : a house or set of buildings occupied by nuns

con·ven·tion \kən-ˈven-chən\ n
1 : AGREEMENT 2A, COVENANT <an international convention banning the spread of nuclear weapons>
2 : a meeting of persons for a common purpose <a constitutional convention> <teachers' convention>
3 : a custom or a way of acting or doing things that is widely accepted and followed <the conventions of punctuation>

con·ven·tion·al \kən-ˈvench-nəl, -ˈven-chən-əl\ adj : following, agreeing with, or based on convention <conventional people> <conventional remarks> <a conventional detective story>
— con·ven·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

con·ven·tion·al·i·ty \kən-ˌven-chə-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being conventional
2 : a conventional practice, custom, or rule

con·verge \kən-ˈvərj\ vb con·verged; con·verg·ing
1 : to tend or move toward one point or one another
2 : to come together and unite in a common interest

con·ver·gence \kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s\ n : the act or condition of converging

con·ver·gent \kən-ˈvər-jənt\ adj : tending to converge

con·ver·sant \kən-ˈvərs-ənt\ adj : having knowledge or experience : FAMILIAR <conversant with the issues>

con·ver·sa·tion \ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən\ n : talking or a talk between two or more people
— con·ver·sa·tion·al \-ˈsā-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— con·ver·sa·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

con·ver·sa·tion·al·ist \ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shnə-ləst, -shən-əl-əst\ n : a person who is fond of or good at conversation

1con·verse \kən-ˈvərs\ vb con·versed; con·vers·ing : to engage in conversation : TALK [Middle English conversen “to live with,” from early French converser (same meaning), from Latin conversari “to pass one's life, be associated with,” derived from convertere “to turn around, change,” from con- “with, together” and vertere “to turn” — related to ANNIVERSARY, 3CONVERSE, CONTROVERSY, DIVERT, REVERSE, UNIVERSE, VERTICAL, VERSATILE, VICE VERSA]
— con·vers·er n

2con·verse \ˈkän-ˌvərs\ n : something that is the opposite of something else

3con·verse \kən-ˈvərs, ˈkän-ˌvərs\ adj : reversed in order, relation, or action [from Latin conversus, past participle of convertere “to turn around, change,” from con- “with, together” and vertere “to turn” — related to 1CONVERSE]
— con·verse·ly adv

con·ver·sion \kən-ˈvər-zhən\ n
1 : the act of converting : the state of being converted
2 : a change in nature, form, or units
3 : a change of religion

1con·vert \kən-ˈvərt\ vb
1 : to change from one belief, view, or party to another
2 a : to change from one substance, form, use, or unit to another <convert pounds to grams>  b : to exchange for something equal in value <convert francs into dollars>
— con·vert·er n

2con·vert \ˈkän-ˌvərt\ n : a person who has been converted

converted rice \kən-ˈvert-əd-\ n : rice that has been treated to retain its natural mineral and vitamin content, to improve its texture, and to keep for a longer time

1con·vert·ible \kən-ˈvərt-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being converted : able to be changed in form or use <a sofa convertible into a bed>
— con·vert·ibil·i·ty \-ˌvərt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

2convertible n
1 : something convertible
2 : an automobile with a top that can be raised, lowered, or removed

con·vex \kän-ˈveks, kən-; ˈkän-ˌveks\ adj : curved or rounded like the outside of a sphere or circle <a convex lens>
— con·vex·i·ty \kən-ˈvek-sət-ē, kän-\ n

con·vey \kən-ˈvā\ vb con·veyed; con·vey·ing
1 : to carry from one place to another : TRANSPORT
2 : to serve as a way of carrying <pipes convey water>
3 : to make known : COMMUNICATE <using words to convey ideas>

con·vey·ance \kən-ˈvā-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of conveying
2 : something used to carry goods or passengers

con·vey·or \kən-ˈvā-ər\ n : a mechanical device for carrying packages or bulk material from place to place (as by an endless moving belt)

1con·vict \kən-ˈvikt\ vb : to find or prove guilty

2con·vict \ˈkän-ˌvikt\ n : a person serving a prison sentence

con·vic·tion \kən-ˈvik-shən\ n
1 : the act of convicting : the state of being convicted
2 a : a strong belief or opinion <has deep convictions>  b : the state of mind of a person who is sure that what he or she believes or says is true <spoke with conviction>  synonyms see OPINION

con·vince \kən-ˈvin(t)s\ vb con·vinced; con·vinc·ing : to make a person agree or believe by arguing or showing evidence <convinced me it was true>
— con·vinc·er n

con·vinc·ing \kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ\ adj : causing one to believe or agree
— con·vinc·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adv

con·viv·i·al \kən-ˈviv-yəl, -ˈviv-ē-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or fond of food, drink, merrymaking, and good company
— con·viv·i·al·i·ty \-ˌviv-ē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— con·viv·i·al·ly \-ˈviv-yə-lē, -ˈviv-ē-ə-lē\ adv

con·vo·ca·tion \ˌkän-və-ˈkā-shən\ n : an assembly of persons called together to a meeting

con·voke \kən-ˈvōk\ vb con·voked; con·vok·ing : to call together to a meeting

con·vo·lut·ed \ˈkän-və-ˌlüt-əd\ adj
1 : folded or curved in twisted windings; esp : having convolutions
2 : complicated in form : INTRICATE <convoluted phrasing>

con·vo·lu·tion \ˌkän-və-ˈlü-shən\ n : one of the uneven ridges on the surface of the brain and especially of the cerebrum of higher mammals

con·vol·vu·lus \kən-ˈväl-vyə-ləs, -ˈvȯl-\ n, pl -lus·es or -li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ : any of a genus of trailing or twining herbs and shrubs that are related to the morning glories

1con·voy \ˈkän-ˌvȯi, kən-ˈvȯi\ vb : to go with to protect

2con·voy \ˈkän-ˌvȯi\ n
1 : one that convoys
2 : the act of convoying
3 : a group convoyed

con·vulse \kən-ˈvəls\ vb con·vulsed; con·vuls·ing : to shake violently; esp : to shake with usually uncontrolled jerky movements <convulsed with laughter>

con·vul·sion \kən-ˈvəl-shən\ n
1 : an abnormal violent contraction or series of contractions of the muscles that is not under control of the will
2 : a violent disturbance

con·vul·sive \-ˈvəl-siv\ adj
1 a : being or producing a convulsion  b : caused by or having convulsions
2 : resembling a convulsion especially in being sudden or violent
— con·vul·sive·ly adv

cony variant of CONEY

coo \ˈkü\ vb
1 : to make the low soft cry of a dove or pigeon or a similar sound
2 : to talk fondly or lovingly
— coo n

1cook \ˈku̇k\ n : one who prepares food for eating [Old English cōc “person who prepares food,” from Latin coquus (same meaning), from coquere “to cook” — related to KITCHEN; see Word History at KITCHEN]

2cook vb
1 : to prepare food for eating especially by the use of heat
2 : to go through the process of being cooked <the rice is cooking now>
3 a : to think up <cook up a scheme>  b : to go on : HAPPEN <what's cooking>

cook·book \ˈku̇k-ˌbu̇k\ n : a book of cooking recipes and cooking directions

cook·er \ˈku̇k-ər\ n : one that cooks; esp : a utensil, device, or piece of equipment for cooking

cook·ery \ˈku̇k-(ə-)rē\ n : the art or practice of cooking

cook·ie or cooky \ˈku̇k-ē\ n, pl cook·ies
1 : a small sweet flat or slightly raised cake
2 cookie : a small computer file that contains information relating to websites a person has visited

cooking spray n : an aerosol that contains vegetable oil and that is sprayed on cookware (as frying pans) to prevent food from sticking

cook·out \ˈku̇k-ˌau̇t\ n : an outing at which a meal is cooked and served outdoors

cook·stove \-ˌstōv\ n : a stove for cooking

cook·ware \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : utensils used in cooking

1cool \ˈkül\ adj
1 : somewhat cold : lacking in warmth
2 : not letting in or keeping in heat <cool clothes>
3 : marked by steady calmness and self-control
4 : not friendly or interested <was cool toward strangers>
5 : producing an impression of being cool <blue is a cool color>
6 slang  a : very good : EXCELLENT  b : FASHIONABLE 1
— cool·ish \ˈkü-lish\ adj

— cool·ly \ˈkül-(l)ē\ adv

— cool·ness \ˈkül-nəs\ n

2cool vb
1 : to make or become cool
2 : to make or become less excited : CALM <allow tempers to cool>
— cool it : to calm down

3cool n : a cool time or place <the cool of the night>

cool·ant \ˈkü-lənt\ n : a usually fluid cooling substance

cool·er \ˈkü-lər\ n : a container for keeping food or drink cool

cool·head·ed \ˈkül-ˈhed-əd\ adj : not easily excited
— cool·head·ed·ness \-ˈhed-əd-nəs\ n

coon \ˈkün\ n : RACCOON

coon·hound \ˈkün-ˌhau̇nd\ n : a sporting dog trained to hunt raccoons

coon's age n : a long while

coon·skin \-ˌskin\ n : the fur or pelt of the raccoon

1coop \ˈküp, ˈku̇p\ n : a cage or small enclosure or building for housing poultry or small animals

2coop vb : to place or keep in or as if in a coop

co–op \ˈkō-ˌäp, kō-ˈäp\ n : 2COOPERATIVE

coo·per \ˈkü-pər, ˈku̇p-ər\ n : a worker who makes or repairs wooden casks, tubs, or barrels

coo·per·age \ˈkü-p(ə-)rij, ˈku̇p-(ə-)rij\ n
1 : a cooper's work or products
2 : a cooper's place of business

co·op·er·ate \kō-ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to act, work, or associate with others so as to get something done

co·op·er·a·tion \kō-ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n : the act or process of cooperating

1co·op·er·a·tive \kō-ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv, -ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-\ adj
1 : willing to cooperate <cooperative neighbors>
2 : of, relating to, or organized as a cooperative <a cooperative store> <cooperative apartments>
— co·op·er·a·tive·ly adv

— co·op·er·a·tive·ness n

2cooperative n : an association owned by and operated for the benefit of those using its services

Coo·per's hawk \ˈkü-pərz-, ˈku̇p-ərz-\ n : an American hawk that has a rounded tail and is slightly smaller than a crow

co–opt \kō-ˈäpt\ vb co–opt·ed; co–opt·ing
1 : to take into a group (as a faction, movement, or culture) : ASSIMILATE
2 : TAKE OVER, APPROPRIATE 1 <a style co-opted by advertisers>

1co·or·di·nate \kō-ˈȯrd-nət, -ən-ət\ adj
1 : equal in rank
2 : being of equal rank in a compound sentence <coordinate clauses>
— co·or·di·nate·ly adv

2co·or·di·nate \kō-ˈȯrd-ən-ˌāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to make or become coordinate
2 : to work or cause to work together smoothly
— co·or·di·na·tor \-ˌāt-ər\ n

3co·or·di·nate \kō-ˈȯrd-nət, -ən-ət\ n
1 : one that is coordinate with another
2 : any of a set of numbers used to locate a point on a line or surface or in space

coordinate axis n : a number line (as an x-axis or a y-axis) that is part of a coordinate system and along or parallel to which coordinates are measured

coordinate system n : any of various systems for locating points with coordinates and coordinate axes; esp : one consisting of a plane in which points are located by pairs of coordinates each of which gives the distance of a point from one of two perpendicular axes

coordinating conjunction n : a conjunction (as and, or, or but) that joins together words or word groups of the same grammatical importance

co·or·di·na·tion \(ˌ)kō-ˌȯrd-ən-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the act of coordinating
2 : smooth working together (as of parts) <good muscular coordination>

coot \ˈküt\ n
1 : a slaty-black bird of the rail family that somewhat resembles a duck
2 : any of several North American scoters
3 : a harmless simple person

coo·tie \ˈküt-ē\ n : BODY LOUSE

1cop \ˈkäp\ vb copped; cop·ping
1 slang : to get hold of : 2CAPTURE 1A
2 slang : 1STEAL 2A
3 : ADOPT 2 <cop an attitude> [probably from Dutch kapen “to steal”]
— cop a plea : to plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid standing trial for a more serious one

2cop n : POLICE OFFICER

co·pa·cet·ic also co·pa·set·ic or co·pe·set·ic \ˌkō-pə-ˈset-ik\ adj : very satisfactory

co·pal \ˈkō-pəl, -ˌpal; kō-ˈpal\ n : a recent or fossil resin from various tropical trees used in making varnishes

1cope \ˈkōp\ n : a long vestment that is worn like a cape by a priest or bishop [Old English -cap “long vestment, cope,” from Latin cappa “head covering” — related to 2CAPE]

2cope vb coped; cop·ing : to struggle or try to manage especially with some success <cope with a situation> [from earlier cope “to strike, fight, engage in a struggle,” from Middle English copen “to strike, fight,” from early French couper “to strike, cut,” from earlier cop “a blow” — related to COUP, COUPON]

co·pe·pod \ˈkō-pə-ˌpäd\ n : any of a large group of usually tiny freshwater and saltwater crustaceans
— copepod adj

Co·per·ni·can \kō-ˈpər-ni-kən, kə-\ adj : of or relating to Copernicus or his theory that the earth rotates daily on its axis and the planets revolve in orbits around the sun

co·per·nic·i·um \ˌkō-pər-ˈnis-ē-əm\ n : a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element that has 112 protons — see ELEMENT TABLE

copi·er \ˈkäp-ē-ər\ n : one that copies; esp : a machine that makes copies (as of letters or drawings)

co·pi·lot \ˈkō-ˌpī-lət\ n : a pilot who assists the pilot or commander of a flight of an aircraft or spacecraft

cop·ing \ˈkō-piŋ\ n : the top or covering layer of a wall that is usually sloped to carry off water

co·pi·ous \ˈkō-pē-əs\ adj : very plentiful <a copious amount of food>  synonyms see PLENTIFUL
— co·pi·ous·ly adv

— co·pi·ous·ness n

co·pol·y·mer \(ˈ)kō-ˈpäl-ə-mər\ n : a product of copolymerization

co·po·lym·er·i·za·tion \ˌkō-pə-ˌlim-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌkō-ˌpäl-ə-mə-rə-\ n : the repeated chemical combination of two different molecules to form a usually much larger molecule
— co·po·lym·er·ize \ˌkō-pə-ˈlim-ə-ˌrīz, ˌkō-ˈpäl-ə-mə-\ vb

cop–out \ˈkäp-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : an act or instance of copping out
2 : something that provides a way for someone to cop out
3 : a person who cops out

cop out \(ˈ)käp-ˈau̇t\ vb
1 : to back out of something one does not want to do <said I was copping out of the race because I was afraid I'd lose>
2 : to avoid or take the easy way out of something one ought to do <cop out on a promise> <cop out on a cause>

1cop·per \ˈkäp-ər\ n
1 : a reddish metallic element that is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 : a copper or bronze coin
3 chiefly British : a large copper kettle or boiler
4 : any of various small butterflies with usually copper-colored wings
— cop·pery \ˈkäp-(ə-)rē\ adj

2copper n : POLICE OFFICER

cop·per·head \ˈkäp-ər-ˌhed\ n
1 : a common largely coppery brown poisonous snake of the pit viper family that occurs in the eastern and central U.S.
2 : a person in the northern states who sympathized with the South during the American Civil War

copper sulfate n : a usually blue crystalline compound that is used to destroy algae and fungi

cop·pice \ˈkäp-əs\ n : a thicket, grove, or growth of small trees

co·pra \ˈkō-prə\ n : dried coconut meat

co·pro·ces·sor \kō-ˈpräs-ˌes-ər, -ˈprōs-\ n : an extra processor in a computer that is designed to perform specialized tasks

copse \ˈkäps\ n : COPPICE

cop·ter \ˈkäp-tər\ n : HELICOPTER

cop·u·late \ˈkäp-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to engage in sexual intercourse
— cop·u·la·tion \ˌkäp-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— cop·u·la·to·ry \ˈkäp-yə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

1copy \ˈkäp-ē\ n, pl cop·ies
1 : something that is made to look exactly like something else : DUPLICATE <a copy of a letter> <a copy of a painting>
2 : one of the total number of books, magazines, or papers printed at one time
3 : written or printed material to be set in type

2copy vb cop·ied; copy·ing
1 : to make a copy : DUPLICATE
2 : IMITATE 1

copy·cat \ˈkäp-ē-ˌkat\ n : one who imitates or adopts the behavior or practices of another

copy editor n
1 : an employee of a publishing house who corrects manuscript copy
2 : a person who edits and writes headlines for newspaper copy
— copy·ed·it \ˈkäp-ē-ˌed-ət\ vb

copy·ist \ˈkäp-ē-əst\ n
1 : a person who makes copies
2 : one who imitates

copy·read·er \ˈkäp-ē-ˌrēd-ər\ n
1 : COPY EDITOR 1
2 : COPY EDITOR 2
— copy·read \-ˌrēd\ vb

1copy·right \-ˌrīt\ n : the legal right to be the only one to reproduce, publish, or sell the contents and form of a literary, musical, or artistic work
— copyright adj

2copyright vb : to get a copyright on

copy·writ·er \ˈkäp-ē-ˌrīt-ər\ n : a writer of advertising or publicity copy

co·que·try \ˈkō-kə-trē, kō-ˈke-trē\ n, pl -tries : the behavior of a coquette

co·quette \kō-ˈket\ n : a woman who tries without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men : FLIRT
— co·quett·ish \-ˈket-ish\ adj

— co·quett·ish·ly adv

— co·quett·ish·ness n

co·qui·na \kō-ˈkē-nə\ n
1 : a soft whitish limestone formed of broken shells and corals cemented together and used for building
2 : a small marine clam used especially to make broth or chowder

cor·a·cle \ˈkȯr-ə-kəl, ˈkär-\ n : a boat made of a wicker frame covered with horsehide or canvas

cor·al \ˈkȯr-əl, ˈkär-\ n
1 a : the stony or horny deposit that is composed of the skeletons of various polyps; esp : a richly red coral used in jewelry  b : a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton
2 : a deep pink
— coral adj

coral reef n : a reef made up of corals, other organic substances, and limestone

coral snake n : any of several poisonous chiefly tropical New World snakes brilliantly banded in red, black, and yellow or white; also : any of several harmless snakes resembling the coral snakes

1cord \ˈkȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : material like a small thin rope that is used mostly for tying things
2 : a bodily structure (as a tendon or nerve) resembling a cord; esp : UMBILICAL CORD
3 : a small flexible insulated electrical cable with a plug at one or both ends used for connecting an appliance to an outlet
4 : an amount of firewood equal to a pile of wood 4 × 4 × 8 feet or 128 cubic feet (about 3.6 cubic meters)
5 a : a rib like a cord on a fabric  b : a fabric with such ribs

2cord vb
1 : to supply, bind, or connect with a cord
2 : to pile up wood in cords

cord·age \ˈkȯrd-ij\ n
1 : ropes or cords; esp : the ropes in the rigging of a ship
2 : the number of cords of wood on a specified area

cord·ed \ˈkȯrd-əd\ adj
1 a : having ridges or cords <corded cloth>  b of a muscle : TAUT 1A, TENSE
2 : bound or wound about with cords

1cor·dial \ˈkȯr-jəl\ n
1 : a stimulating medicine or drink
2 : LIQUEUR

2cordial adj
1 : tending to refresh or cheer
2 : being warm and friendly <cordial greeting> [Middle English cordial “of the heart, vital,” from Latin cordialis (same meaning), from cor “heart” — related to COURAGE]  synonyms see GRACIOUS
— cor·di·al·i·ty \ˌkȯr-jē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— cor·dial·ly \ˈkȯrj-(ə-)lē\ adv

cord·less \ˈkȯrd-ləs\ adj : having no cord; esp : powered by a battery <a cordless telephone>

cor·don \ˈkȯrd-ən, ˈkȯ(ə)r-ˌdän\ n
1 : an ornamental cord used especially on costumes
2 : a line of persons or things around a person or place <a cordon of police>
3 : a cord or ribbon worn as a badge or decoration

cor·do·van \ˈkȯrd-ə-vən\ n
1 : a soft fine-grained colored leather
2 : thick leather tanned from the inner layer of horsehide
— cordovan adj

cor·du·roy \ˈkȯrd-ə-ˌrȯi\ n, pl -roys
1 a : a strong ribbed usually cotton cloth  b pl : pants of corduroy
2 : a road built of logs laid side by side

cord·wood \ˈkȯ(ə)r-ˌdwu̇d\ n : wood piled or sold in cords

1core \ˈkō(ə)r, ˈkȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a central or most important part
2 : the usually inedible central part of some fruits (as a pineapple or apple)
3 : a part removed from the interior of a mass especially to find out the interior composition or a hidden condition <took a core of rock>
4 a : a mass of iron used to concentrate and strengthen the magnetic field resulting from a current in a surrounding coil  b : the memory of a computer
5 : the central part of the earth having different properties from those of the surrounding parts; also : the central part of a heavenly body
6 : an arrangement of studies that brings together material from subjects that are usually taught separately
7 : the place in a nuclear reactor where fission takes place

2core vb cored; cor·ing : to remove a core from <core an apple>
— cor·er n

co·ri·an·der \ˈkȯr-ē-ˌan-dər\ n : the ripened dried tiny fruit of an herb related to the carrot that is used as a flavoring; also : the herb that produces coriander

Co·rin·thi·an \kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən\ adj : of or relating to a style of Greek architecture characterized by a bell-shaped capital covered with sculptured leaves [named for Corinth, region and city in ancient Greece]

Co·rin·thi·ans \kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ənz\ n : either of two letters written by St. Paul to the Christians of Corinth and included as books in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

Co·ri·o·lis effect \ˌkōr-ē-ˌō-ləs-, ˌkȯr-\ n : the deflection of a moving object that is a result of the Coriolis force

Coriolis force n : a force that as a result of the earth's rotation acts on a body in motion (as a projectile)

1cork \ˈkȯ(ə)rk\ n
1 a : the elastic tough outer tissue of the cork oak used especially for stoppers and insulation  b : the tissue of a woody plant making up most of the bark and arising from an inner cambium
2 : a usually cork stopper for a bottle or jug
3 : a fishing float

2cork vb
1 : to furnish, fit, or seal with a cork <cork a bottle>
2 : to blacken with burnt cork <corked faces>

cork·er \ˈkȯr-kər\ n
1 : one that corks containers
2 : an outstanding person or thing

cork oak n : an oak of southern Europe and northern Africa that is the source of the cork used especially for stoppers and insulation

1cork·screw \ˈkȯrk-ˌskrü\ n : a pointed spiral tool with a handle for pulling corks from bottles

2corkscrew adj : resembling a corkscrew : SPIRAL

corky \ˈkȯr-kē\ adj cork·i·er; -est : resembling cork especially in dry porous quality

corm \ˈkȯrm\ n : a solid underground part of a stem (as of the crocus) that is shaped like a bulb — compare BULB 1A, TUBER 1

cor·mo·rant \ˈkȯrm-(ə-)rənt, ˈkȯr-mə-ˌrant\ n : any of various dark-colored web-footed seabirds with a long neck, a hooked bill, and a patch of bare often brightly colored skin under the mouth

1corn \ˈkȯ(ə)rn\ n
1 : a tall American cereal grass plant widely grown for its large ears of starchy grain which come in many varieties
2 : the seeds of a corn plant that are used especially as food for humans and livestock and are typically yellow or whitish
3 : an ear of corn with or without its leafy outer covering <spent the afternoon picking corn>
4 : corny actions or speech [Old English corn “seeds of a cereal plant”]

2corn vb : to preserve by packing with salt or by soaking in salty water <corned beef>

3corn n : a local hardening and thickening of skin (as on a toe) [Middle English corne “thickening of the skin,” from early French corne “horn,” from Latin cornu “horn, point” — related to UNICORN]

corn belt n : an area (as the central portion of the U.S.) in which more land is used for growing corn than any other single crop

corn borer n : any of several insects that bore in corn; esp : a moth whose larva is a major pest in the stems and fruits of crop plants and especially corn

corn bread n : bread made with cornmeal

corn chip n : a piece of a dry crisp snack food prepared from a seasoned cornmeal batter

corn·cob \ˈkȯ(ə)rn-ˌkäb\ n : the woody core on which the kernels of corn are arranged

corncob pipe n : a tobacco pipe with a bowl made by hollowing out a piece of corncob

corn·crib \-ˌkrib\ n : a crib for storing ears of corn

corn dog n : a frankfurter dipped in cornmeal batter, fried, and served on a stick

cor·nea \ˈkȯr-nē-ə\ n : the transparent part of the coat of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupil and lets light through to the interior
— cor·ne·al \-nē-əl\ adj

corn ear·worm \-ˈi(ə)r-ˌwərm\ n : a moth whose striped yellow-headed larva is especially destructive to ears of corn

1cor·ner \ˈkȯr-nər\ n
1 a : the point or place where edges or sides meet : ANGLE  b : the place where two streets or roads meet  c : a piece designed to form, mark, or protect a corner
2 : a place far away from ordinary affairs or life <a quiet corner of the town>
3 : a position from which escape or retreat is difficult or impossible <was backed into a corner>
4 : control or ownership of enough of the available supply of something to control its price
— cor·nered \-nərd\ adj

— around the corner : being about to happen : near in time or place <good times are just around the corner>

2corner adj
1 : situated at a corner <the corner drugstore>
2 : used or fitted for use in or on a corner <a corner cupboard>

3corner vb cor·nered; cor·ner·ing \ˈkȯ(r)n-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to drive into a corner <the police cornered the criminal>
2 : to get a corner on <corner the wheat market>
3 : to turn a corner <a car that corners well>

corner kick n : a free kick from a corner of a soccer field awarded to an offensive player when a defender plays the ball out-of-bounds over the end line

cor·ner·stone \ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn\ n
1 : a stone forming part of a corner in a wall
2 : something of basic importance <the cornerstone of our foreign policy>

cor·net \kȯr-ˈnet\ n
1 : a brass instrument like the trumpet but having a shorter tube and a softer tone
2 : something shaped like a cone [Middle English cornet “cornet,” from early French cornet, literally, “little horn,” from Latin cornu “horn” — related to 3CORN]
— cor·net·ist or cor·net·tist \-ˈnet-əst\ n

corn·field \ˈkȯ(ə)rn-ˌfēld\ n : a field in which corn is grown

corn·flakes \-ˌflāks\ n pl : toasted flakes made from hulled kernels of corn and used as a breakfast cereal

corn·flow·er \-ˌflau̇(-ə)r\ n : BACHELOR'S BUTTON

cor·nice \ˈkȯr-nəs\ n
1 : the decorative piece that forms the top edge of a building or column and extends beyond it
2 : an ornamental molding where the walls meet the ceiling of a room
3 : a decorative band of metal or wood to conceal curtain fixtures

Cor·nish \ˈkȯr-nish\ n : any of an English breed of sturdy compact chickens

Cor·nish·man \-mən\ n : a person born or living in Cornwall, England

corn·meal \ˈkȯ(ə)rn-ˈmē(ə)l, -ˌmēl\ n : meal ground from corn

corn oil n : a yellow fatty oil obtained from the germ of corn kernels and used chiefly in salad oil, in soft soap, and in margarine

corn pone n, Southern & Midland : corn bread often made without milk or eggs and baked or fried

corn·stalk \ˈkȯ(ə)rn-ˌstȯk\ n : a stalk of corn

corn·starch \-ˌstärch\ n : a fine starch made from corn and used in foods for thickening, in making corn syrup and sugars, and in making adhesives and sizes for papers and textiles

corn syrup n : a syrup obtained from cornstarch and used in baked goods and candy

cor·nu·co·pia \ˌkȯr-n(y)ə-ˈkō-pē-ə\ n
1 : a horn-shaped container overflowing with fruits and flowers used as a symbol of plenty
2 : a container shaped like a horn or a cone

corny \ˈkȯr-nē\ adj corn·i·er; -est : tastelessly old-fashioned : tiresomely simple or sentimental <corny music> <corny jokes>

co·rol·la \kə-ˈräl-ə, -ˈrōl-\ n : the part of a flower that consists of the petals and encloses the stamens and pistil

cor·ol·lary \ˈkȯr-ə-ˌler-ē, ˈkär-\ n, pl -lar·ies
1 : something that follows directly from something that has been proved
2 : something that naturally follows : RESULT

co·ro·na \kə-ˈrō-nə\ n
1 : a usually colored circle often seen around and close to a shining body (as the sun or moon)
2 : the outermost part of the atmosphere of a star (as the sun)
3 : a faint glow next to the surface of an electrical conductor at high voltage
— co·ro·nal \ˈkȯr-ən-əl, ˈkär-; kə-ˈrōn-\ adj

1cor·o·nary \ˈkȯr-ə-ˌner-ē, ˈkär-\ adj : of, relating to, or being the vessels that carry blood to or away from the heart; also : of or relating to the heart

2coronary n, pl -nar·ies
1 : a coronary blood vessel
2 : CORONARY THROMBOSIS; also : HEART ATTACK

coronary artery n : either of the two arteries that arise from the aorta and supply the tissues of the heart

coronary heart disease n : a condition (as coronary thrombosis) that reduces the blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart — called also coronary artery disease

coronary occlusion n : the partial or complete blocking (as by a blood clot) of a coronary artery

coronary thrombosis n : the blocking of an artery of the heart by a thrombus

cor·o·na·tion \ˌkȯr-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌkär-\ n : the act or ceremony of crowning a king or queen

cor·o·ner \ˈkȯr-ə-nər, ˈkär-\ n : a public officer whose chief duty is to discover the causes of any death possibly not due to natural causes

cor·o·net \ˌkȯr-ə-ˈnet, ˌkär-\ n
1 : a small crown worn by a noble
2 : an ornamental wreath or band worn around the head <a coronet of flowers>

1cor·po·ral \ˈkȯr-p(ə-)rəl\ adj : of or relating to the body <whipping and other corporal punishments>
— cor·po·ral·ly \-ē\ adv

2corporal n : a noncommissioned officer in the army or marines with a rank just below that of sergeant

corpora lutea plural of CORPUS LUTEUS

cor·po·rate \ˈkȯr-p(ə-)rət\ adj
1 a : formed into a corporation  b : of, relating to, or being a corporation <take corporate action>
2 : of, relating to, or being a whole composed of individuals <united together and took corporate action>
— cor·po·rate·ly adv

cor·po·ra·tion \ˌkȯr-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n : a group that is authorized by law to carry on an activity (as a business enterprise) with the rights and duties of a single person

cor·po·re·al \kȯr-ˈpōr-ē-əl, -ˈpȯr-\ adj : having, consisting of, or relating to a physical material body
— cor·po·re·al·ly \-ˈpōr-ē-ə-lē, -ˈpȯr-\ adv

corps \ˈkō(ə)r, ˈkȯ(ə)r\ n, pl corps \ˈkō(ə)rz, ˈkȯ(ə)rz\
1 a : an organized branch of the military establishment <Marine Corps> <Corps of Engineers>  b : a military unit consisting of two or more divisions
2 : a group of persons acting under one authority <diplomatic corps> [from French corps “part of a military organization,” derived from Latin corpus “body” — related to CORPSE]

corpse \ˈkȯ(ə)rps\ n : a dead body [Middle English corps “human body,” from early French corps (same meaning), from Latin corpus “body”]

corps·man \ˈkō(ə)r(z)-mən, ˈkȯ(ə)r(z)-\ n : an enlisted man trained to give first aid

cor·pu·lence \ˈkȯr-pyə-lən(t)s\ n : the state of being corpulent : OBESITY

cor·pu·lent \ˈkȯr-pyə-lənt\ adj : very fat : OBESE

Cor·pus Chris·ti \ˌkȯr-pəs-ˈkris-tē\ n : the Thursday after Trinity Sunday observed as a Roman Catholic festival in honor of the Eucharist [Middle English Corpus Christi “church festival of Corpus Christi,” from Latin Corpus Christi, literally, “body of Christ”]

cor·pus·cle \ˈkȯr-(ˌ)pəs-əl\ n
1 : a very small particle
2 : one of the very small cells (as a red blood cell) that float freely in the blood
— cor·pus·cu·lar \kȯr-ˈpəs-kyə-lər\ adj

cor·pus lu·te·um \ˌkȯr-pəs-ˈlüt-ē-əm\ n, pl cor·po·ra lu·tea \ˌkȯr-p(ə-)rə-ˈlüt-ē-ə\ : a yellowish mass of tissue formed in a graafian follicle in the ovary of a mammal after the egg is released

1cor·ral \kə-ˈral\ n
1 : a pen for keeping or capturing livestock
2 : an enclosure made with wagons for defense of a camp

2corral vb cor·ralled; cor·ral·ling
1 : to keep in or as if in a corral
2 : 1SURROUND, CAPTURE
3 : to arrange wagons so as to form a corral

1cor·rect \kə-ˈrekt\ vb
1 a : to make or set right  b : COUNTERACT, NEUTRALIZE  c : to alter or adjust so as to bring to some standard or required condition
2 a : 1REBUKE, PUNISH  b : to indicate the faults or errors of and show how they can be made right <correct a student's composition>
— cor·rect·able \-ˈrek-tə-bəl\ adj

— cor·rec·tor \-ˈrek-tər\ n
synonyms CORRECT, RECTIFY, AMEND, mean to make right. CORRECT suggests doing something that removes mistakes or merely points them out <teachers correct tests>. RECTIFY suggests changing something to make it accurate or to bring it under proper control <rectified the crowded conditions by building a new school>. AMEND suggests improving or restoring by making changes <amend the sentence so that it makes sense>.

2correct adj
1 : meeting or agreeing with a particular standard <correct behavior>
2 : agreeing with fact or known truth <the correct pronunciation>
— cor·rect·ly \-ˈrek-(t)lē\ adv

— cor·rect·ness \-ˈrek(t)-nəs\ n
synonyms CORRECT, ACCURATE, EXACT, PRECISE, mean brought into agreement with truth, a fact, or a standard. CORRECT stresses the notion that something is free from error <a correct answer>. ACCURATE stresses that great care has been taken to make sure that something agrees with the facts <an accurate description of the meeting>. EXACT stresses that something agrees very closely with fact or truth <the exact number of people present at the meeting>. PRECISE suggests an even closer or more careful agreement with fact or with a certain standard <the precise measurements of the room>.

cor·rec·tion \kə-ˈrek-shən\ n
1 : the action or an instance of correcting
2 : a change that makes something right
3 : punishment or scolding intended to correct faults of character or behavior
— cor·rec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

correction fluid n : a liquid used to paint over typing or writing errors

cor·rec·tive \kə-ˈrek-tiv\ adj : serving to correct : having the power of making right, normal, or regular <corrective lenses> <corrective action>
— corrective n

cor·re·late \ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlāt, ˈkär-\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to connect or relate in a systematic way <correlate history and literature lessons>

cor·re·la·tion \ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən, ˌkär-\ n
1 : the act or process of correlating
2 : the state of being correlated; esp : a mutual relation discovered to exist between things <the correlation between smoking and lung cancer>
— cor·re·la·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1cor·rel·a·tive \kə-ˈrel-ət-iv\ adj
1 : mutually related
2 : having a mutual grammatical relation and regularly used together <“either” and “or” are correlative conjunctions>
— cor·rel·a·tive·ly adv

2correlative n : either of two correlative things

cor·re·spond \ˌkȯr-ə-ˈspänd, ˌkär-\ vb
1 : to be alike
2 : to be equivalent (as in meaning, position, purpose, or structure) : MATCH
3 : to communicate by means of letters
— cor·re·spond·ing·ly \-ˈspän-diŋ-lē\ adv

cor·re·spon·dence \ˌkȯr-ə-ˈspän-dən(t)s\ n
1 a : agreement between certain things  b : a point of similarity  c : a relation between sets in which each member of one set is matched to one or more members of the other set
2 a : communication by letters  b : the letters exchanged

1cor·re·spon·dent \ˌkȯr-ə-ˈspän-dənt\ adj
1 : SIMILAR 1
2 : being in agreement : FITTING

2correspondent n
1 : something that corresponds to something else
2 a : one who communicates with another by letter  b : one who contributes news to a newspaper or newscast often from a distant place

corresponding angles n pl : any pair of angles each of which is on the same side of one of two lines cut by another line and on the same side of that other line

cor·ri·dor \ˈkȯr-əd-ər, ˈkär-, -ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a passageway (as in a school) into which compartments or rooms open
2 : a narrow strip of land especially through territory held by an enemy [from early French corridor “passageway,” from early Italian corridore (same meaning), from correre “to run,” from Latin currere “to run” — related to COURSE, CURRENT]

cor·rob·o·rate \kə-ˈräb-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to support with evidence or authority <corroborated my brother's story>
— cor·rob·o·ra·tion \-ˌräb-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— cor·rob·o·ra·tive \-ˈräb-ə-ˌrāt-iv, -ˈräb-(ə-)rət-iv\ adj

— cor·rob·o·ra·tor \-ˈräb-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n

— cor·rob·o·ra·to·ry \-ˈräb-(ə-)-rə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

cor·rode \kə-ˈrōd\ vb cor·rod·ed; cor·rod·ing : to eat or be eaten away by degrees as if by gnawing <a bridge corroded by rust>

cor·ro·sion \kə-ˈrō-zhən\ n : the action, process, or effect of corroding

cor·ro·sive \kə-ˈrō-siv, -ziv\ adj : tending or having the power to corrode <corrosive acids>
— corrosive n

— cor·ro·sive·ly adv

— cor·ro·sive·ness n

corrosive sublimate n : a poisonous chloride of mercury used to kill germs and fungi and in photography

cor·ru·gate \ˈkȯr-ə-ˌgāt, ˈkär-\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to form or shape into wrinkles or folds : FURROW <corrugated paper>

cor·ru·ga·tion \ˌkȯr-ə-ˈgā-shən, ˌkär-\ n
1 : the act of corrugating : the state of being corrugated
2 : a ridge or groove of a corrugated surface

1cor·rupt \kə-ˈrəpt\ vb
1 : to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions; esp : to influence a public official improperly
2 : 1ROT 1A, SPOIL
3 : to change from the original or correct form or version <corrupt a text>
4 : to become debased [Middle English corrupten “change from good to bad, corrupt,” from Latin corruptus “corrupted,” from corrumpere “to corrupt,” from cor-, com- “with” and rumpere “to break” — related to ABRUPT, RUPTURE]
— cor·rupt·er also cor·rup·tor \-ˈrəp-tər\ n

2corrupt adj
1 : morally corrupted : DEPRAVED
2 : characterized by improper conduct <a corrupt government>
— cor·rupt·ly \-ˈrəp(t)-lē\ adv

— cor·rupt·ness \-ˈrəp(t)-nəs\ n

cor·rupt·ible \kə-ˈrəp-tə-bəl\ adj : capable of being corrupted
— cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty \-ˌrəp-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

cor·rup·tion \kə-ˈrəp-shən\ n
1 : physical decay or rotting
2 : dishonest or evil behavior
3 : the causing of someone else to do wrong (as by bribery)
4 : a change from the original or for the worse

cor·sage \kȯr-ˈsäzh, -ˈsäj; ˈkȯr-ˌsäzh, -ˌsäj\ n : a bouquet of flowers usually worn at the shoulder

cor·sair \ˈkȯr-ˌsa(ə)r, -ˌse(ə)r\ n : 1PIRATE

corse \ˈkȯ(ə)rs\ n, archaic : CORPSE

corse·let or cors·let \ˈkȯr-slət\ n : armor worn on the upper part of the body

1cor·set \ˈkȯr-sət\ n : a woman's tight stiff undergarment worn to support or give shape to waist and hips

2corset vb : to dress in or fit with a corset

cor·tege also cor·tège \kȯr-ˈtezh, ˈkȯr-ˌtezh\ n
1 : a group of attendants : RETINUE
2 : PROCESSION 2; esp : a funeral procession

cor·tex \ˈkȯr-ˌteks\ n, pl cor·ti·ces \ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsēz\ or cor·tex·es
1 : an outer or surrounding layer of an organ or body part <the cortex of the kidney>; esp : the outer layer of gray matter of the cerebrum
2 : the layer of tissue outside the xylem and phloem and inside the corky or epidermal tissues of a vascular plant; also : all tissues external to the xylem

cor·ti·sone \ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsōn, -ˌzōn\ n : a hormone of the adrenal glands that is used especially to reduce inflammation (as in the treatment of arthritis)

co·run·dum \kə-ˈrən-dəm\ n : a very hard mineral of aluminum oxide used for grinding, smoothing, or polishing or in some crystalline forms as a gem (as ruby or sapphire)

cor·vette \kȯr-ˈvet\ n
1 : an armed naval sailing ship
2 : an armed escort ship that is small and fast

co·si·ly, co·si·ness chiefly British variant of COZILY, COZINESS

co·sine \ˈkō-ˌsīn\ n : a trigonometric function that is the ratio between the side next to an acute angle in a right triangle and the hypotenuse

1cos·met·ic \käz-ˈmet-ik\ n : a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance

2cosmetic adj : intended to improve a person's appearance

cos·me·tol·o·gist \ˌkäz-mə-ˈtäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who gives beauty treatments (as to skin and hair)
— cos·me·tol·o·gy \-jē\ n

cos·mic \ˈkäz-mik\ adj
1 : of or relating to the cosmos <cosmic theories>
2 : extremely vast : GRAND <cosmic dimensions>

cosmic dust n : very fine particles of solid matter found in any part of the universe

cosmic ray n : a stream of atomic nuclei of extremely penetrating character that enter the earth's atmosphere from outer space at speeds approaching that of light

cos·mol·o·gy \käz-ˈmäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : a branch of astronomy that deals with the beginning, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe
— cos·mol·o·gist \-jəst\ n

cos·mo·naut \ˈkäz-mə-ˌnȯt, -ˌnät\ n : a Soviet or Russian astronaut

cos·mo·pol·i·tan \ˌkäz-mə-ˈpäl-ət-ən\ adj
1 : having a worldwide scope or outlook : not limited or narrow <cosmopolitan world travelers>
2 : composed of persons or elements from many parts of the world <a cosmopolitan city>
3 : found in most parts of the world and in many kinds of ecological conditions <a cosmopolitan herb>
— cosmopolitan n

cos·mos \ˈkäz-məs, senses 1 & 2 also -ˌmōs, -ˌmäs\ n
1 : the orderly universe
2 : a complex harmonious system
3 : a tall garden plant that is related to the daisies and has showy white, pink, or rose-colored flower heads with usually yellow centers

Cos·sack \ˈkäs-ˌak, -ək\ n
1 : a member of any of the groups that formed in Ukraine, southern Russia, the Caucasus, and Siberia after 1400 and were included in czarist Russia during the 18th and 19th centuries
2 : a mounted soldier serving in a unit drafted from Cossack communities

1cost \ˈkȯst\ n
1 : the amount paid or charged for something : PRICE
2 : the loss or penalty involved in achieving a goal <won the battle at the cost of many lives>
3 pl : legal expenses given to the winning side against the losing side <fined $50 and costs>
— at all costs : without care of the cost or consequences <wanted to win at all costs>

2cost vb cost; cost·ing
1 : to have a price of : require payment of <each ticket costs one dollar>
2 : to cause one to pay, spend, or lose <mistakes cost him his job>

cos·tal \ˈkäs-təl\ adj : of, relating to, or located near the ribs

cos·ter \ˈkäs-tər\ n, British : COSTERMONGER

cos·ter·mon·ger \ˈkäs-tər-ˌməŋ-gər, -ˌmäŋ-\ n, British : a person who sells fruit or vegetables in the street from a stand or cart

cos·tive \ˈkäs-tiv\ adj
1 : affected with constipation
2 : causing constipation <a costive diet>

cost·ly \ˈkȯs(t)-lē\ adj cost·li·er; -est
1 : of great cost or value <costly furs>
2 : gained at great expense or sacrifice <a costly victory>
— cost·li·ness n

1cos·tume \ˈkäs-ˌt(y)üm\ n
1 : the style of clothing, ornaments, and hair characteristic of a certain period, region, or class <ancient Roman costume> <peasant costume>
2 : special or fancy dress (as for wear on the stage or at a masquerade party)
3 : a person's outer clothing
— costume adj

2costume vb cos·tumed; cos·tum·ing : to provide with a costume

cos·tum·er \ˈkäs-ˌt(y)ü-mər\ n : one who makes, sells, or rents costumes

co·sy chiefly British variant of COZY

1cot \ˈkät\ n : COTTAGE 1 [Old English cot “cottage”]

2cot n : a narrow bed often made of fabric stretched over a folding frame [from Hindi and Urdu khāt “frame of a bed”]

cote \ˈkōt, ˈkät\ n : a shed or coop for small domestic animals (as pigeons)

co·te·rie \ˈkōt-ə-(ˌ)rē, ˌkōt-ə-ˈrē\ n : a small close group of people with a shared interest

co·til·lion \kō-ˈtil-yən, kə-\ n
1 : a complicated formal dance with frequent changing of partners
2 : a formal ball

cot·tage \ˈkät-ij\ n
1 : a small one-family house
2 : a small house for vacation use

cottage cheese n : a very soft cheese made from soured skim milk

cot·tag·er \ˈkät-ij-ər\ n : one who lives in a cottage; esp : one occupying a private house at a vacation resort

cot·tar or cot·ter \ˈkät-ər\ n : a peasant or farm laborer occupying a cottage usually in return for services

cot·ter \ˈkät-ər\ n : a wedge-shaped piece used to fasten parts together

cotter pin n : a half-round metal strip bent into a pin whose ends can be spread apart after insertion through a slot or hole

1cot·ton \ˈkät-ən\ n
1 a : a soft usually white fluffy material that is made up of the hairs around the seeds of a tall plant related to the mallows and that is spun into yarn  b : any plant that produces cotton
2 a : fabric made of cotton  b : yarn spun from cotton
— cotton adj

2cotton vb cot·toned; cot·ton·ing \ˈkät-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to take a liking <cottoned to them at our first meeting>

cotton candy n : a candy made of spun sugar

cotton gin n : a machine that separates the seeds, hulls, and foreign material from cotton

cot·ton·mouth \ˈkät-ən-ˌmau̇th\ n : WATER MOCCASIN

cottonmouth moccasin n : WATER MOCCASIN

cot·ton·seed \kät-ən-ˌsēd\ n : the seed of the cotton plant

cottonseed oil n : a pale yellow oil that is obtained from cottonseed and is used chiefly in salad and cooking oils and in shortenings and margarine

cot·ton·tail \ˈkät-ən-ˌtāl\ n : any of several small brownish gray rabbits with a fluffy tail that is white on the underside

cot·ton·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n : a poplar with a small bunch of cottony hairs on the seed; esp : one of the eastern and central U.S. that grows rapidly and produces many leaves

cot·tony \ˈkät-nē, -ən-ē\ adj
1 : covered with soft hairs : DOWNY
2 : 1SOFT 1D

cot·y·le·don \ˌkät-əl-ˈēd-ən\ n : the first leaf or one of the first leaves developed by the embryo of a seed plant that is usually folded within the seed until germination and serves as a storehouse of food — called also seed leaf

1couch \ˈkau̇ch\ vb
1 : to lie down for rest or sleep
2 : to bring down : LOWER <a knight charging with couched lance>
3 : to phrase in a specified manner <a letter couched in polite terms>

2couch n : a piece of furniture (as a sofa) that one can sit or lie on

couch potato n : someone who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television

cou·gar \ˈkü-gər also -ˌgär\ n, pl cougars also cougar : a large powerful brownish yellow cat formerly widespread in the Americas but no longer found in many areas — called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma

1cough \ˈkȯf\ vb
1 : to force air from the lungs with a sharp short noise or series of noises
2 : to get rid of by coughing <cough up mucus>
3 : to make a noise like that of coughing <an engine coughing and sputtering>

2cough n
1 : a condition marked by repeated or frequent coughing
2 : an act or sound of coughing

cough drop n : a small piece of candy or a tablet that contains medicine and is used to relieve coughing

cough syrup n : any of various sweet liquids that contain medicine and are used to relieve coughing

could \kəd, (ˈ)ku̇d\ past of CAN — used as a helping verb in the past <we found we could go> <we said we would go if we could> and as a polite or less forceful alternative to can <could you do this for me>

couldn't \ˈku̇d-ənt\ : could not

couldst \kədst, (ˈ)ku̇dst\ archaic past 2nd singular of CAN

cou·lee \ˈkü-lē\ n
1 a : a dry creek bed  b : a usually small or shallow ravine
2 : a thick sheet or stream of lava

cou·lomb \ˈkü-ˌläm, -ˌlōm; kü-ˈläm, -ˈlōm\ n : the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of electric charge equal to the quantity of electricity transferred by a current of one ampere in one second [named for Charles-Augustin de Coulomb 1736–1806, French scientist]

coun·cil \ˈkau̇n(t)-səl\ n
1 : a meeting for consultation
2 : an advisory or legislative body <the governor's council>
3 : an administrative body <city council>

coun·cil·lor or coun·cil·or \ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)lər\ n : a member of a council

coun·cil·man \ˈkau̇n(t)-səl-mən\ n : a member of a council (as of a town or city)

coun·cil·wom·an \ˈkau̇n(t)-səl-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is a member of a council

1coun·sel \ˈkau̇n(t)-səl\ n
1 : advice given
2 : the act of deliberating or consulting <took counsel together>
3 pl counsel : a lawyer who represents a person or group in a court of law

2counsel vb -seled or -selled; -sel·ing or -sel·ling \-s(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to give advice to <counsel a student on a choice of studies>
2 : to seek advice : CONSULT <counsel with friends>

coun·sel·or or coun·sel·lor \ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)lər\ n
1 : a person who gives advice <guidance counselor>
2 : LAWYER
3 : a supervisor of campers or activities at a summer camp

1count \ˈkau̇nt\ vb
1 a : to add one by one so as to find the total number of a group of things <count the apples in a box>  b : to name the consecutive numbers up to and including <count ten>  c : to recite the numbers one by one or by groups <count to one hundred by fives>  d : to include in a tally <forty present, counting children>
2 a : CONSIDER 3 <count myself lucky>  b : to include or leave out by or as if by counting <count me in> <count me out>
3 a : to have value or importance <every vote counts>  b : to deserve to be regarded or considered <a job so easy it hardly counts as work> [Middle English counten “to add one by one,” from early French counter (same meaning), derived from Latin computare “to count, compute” — related to ACCOUNT, COMPUTE]
— count·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— and counting : with more to come <in business for 50 years and counting>

— count on
1 : to rely or depend on (someone)
2 : to expect (something) to happen <counted on winning>

2count n
1 a : the act or process of counting  b : a total obtained by counting : TALLY
2 : a charge of wrongdoing; esp : a separate item in a legal accusation <guilty on all counts>
3 : the number of balls and strikes charged to a baseball batter during one turn

3count n : a European nobleman whose rank is equal to that of a British earl [from early French cunte “nobleman,” derived from Latin comes “companion, member of a royal court,” literally, “one who goes with another,” from com- “with” and -es, a form of ire “to go” — related to COUNTY, ITINERARY]

count·down \ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n\ n : the process of counting off backward in fixed units (as seconds) the time remaining before an event (as the launching of a rocket)

1coun·te·nance \ˈkau̇nt-ən-ənts, ˈkau̇nt-nənts\ n
1 a : calm expression  b : calmness of mind
2 a : 1FACE 1  b : an expression on the face; esp : a facial expression as a sign of mood, emotion, or character
3 : a show of approval <gave no countenance to the plan>

2countenance vb -nanced; -nanc·ing : TOLERATE 1, ENCOURAGE <refused to countenance their behavior>

1count·er \ˈkau̇nt-ər\ n
1 : a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in counting or in games
2 : a level surface (as a table) over which business is done or food is served or on which goods are displayed [Middle English countour “something used in counting,” from early French countour (same meaning), from Latin computatorium “a place for counting or keeping accounts,” from earlier computare “to count, compute” — related to 1COUNT, COMPUTE]

2count·er n : one that counts; esp : a device for indicating a number or amount

3coun·ter \ˈkau̇nt-ər\ vb coun·tered; coun·ter·ing \ˈkau̇nt-ə-riŋ, ˈkau̇n-triŋ\
1 : to act in opposition to : OPPOSE <countering the claim for damages>
2 : to give a blow in return <counter with a left hook> [Middle English countren “to oppose,” from early French contre “against” — related to CONTRA-, COUNTER-]

4coun·ter adv : in another or opposite direction <acting counter to advice>

5coun·ter n
1 : the act of giving a return blow
2 : the blow given

6coun·ter adj
1 : moving in an opposite direction <the ship slowed by counter tides>
2 : designed to oppose <a counter opinion>

coun·ter- prefix
1 a : contrary : opposite <counterclockwise>  b : opposing : retaliatory <counteroffensive>
2 : like : matching <counterpart> [derived from Latin contra “against, opposite” — related to CONTRA-]

coun·ter·act \ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt\ vb : to lessen the force, action, or influence of : OFFSET <a drug that counteracts a poison>
— coun·ter·ac·tion \-ˈrak-shən\ n

coun·ter·at·tack \ˈkau̇nt-ə-rə-ˌtak\ n : an attack made to counter an enemy's attack
— counterattack vb

1coun·ter·bal·ance \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌbal-ən(t)s, ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈbal-\ n
1 : a weight that balances another
2 : a force or influence that checks an opposing force

2counterbalance vb : to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force

counter check n : a blank check available at a bank and usually to be cashed only at the bank by the person writing the check

coun·ter·claim \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌklām\ n : an opposing claim
— counterclaim vb

— coun·ter·claim·ant \-ˌklā-mənt\ n

coun·ter·clock·wise \ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz\ adv : in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate
— counterclockwise adj

coun·ter·cur·rent \ˈkaünt-ər-ˌkər-ənt, -ˌkə-rənt\ n : a current flowing in a direction opposite to that of another current

1coun·ter·feit \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌfit\ vb
1 : to imitate or copy especially in order to deceive <counterfeiting money>
2 : 1PRETEND 1, FEIGN <counterfeit enthusiasm to mask boredom>
— coun·ter·feit·er n

2counterfeit adj
1 : made in exact imitation of something else with the intention of deceiving : FORGED <counterfeit money>
2 : not sincere : SHAM

3counterfeit n : something counterfeit : FORGERY

coun·ter·foil \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌfȯil\ n : a detachable stub (as on a check or ticket) usually serving as a record or receipt

coun·ter·in·tel·li·gence \ˌkau̇nt-ə-rin-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s\ n : activities of an intelligence service meant to hide the truth from an enemy or to prevent the enemy from learning secret information

coun·ter·mand \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌmand, ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈmand\ vb
1 : to cancel a previous command
2 : to recall or order back by a contrary order

coun·ter·march \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌmärch\ n : a marching back; esp : a maneuver by which a marching unit reverses direction but keeps the same order
— countermarch vb

coun·ter·mea·sure \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌmezh-ər, -ˌmāzh-\ n : an action or device designed to counteract another

coun·ter·mel·o·dy \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌmel-əd-ē\ n : a secondary melody that goes along with and often contrasts with a main melody

coun·ter·of·fen·sive \ˈkau̇nt-ə-rə-ˌfen(t)-siv\ n : a large-scale counterattack

coun·ter·pane \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpān\ n : BEDSPREAD

coun·ter·part \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpärt\ n
1 : a part or thing that matches another <the left arm is the counterpart of the right>
2 : something that serves to complete something else : COMPLEMENT
3 : a person closely resembling another

coun·ter·point \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpȯint\ n
1 : one or more independent melodies added as accompaniment to a principal melody
2 : combination of two or more melodies into a harmony in which each keeps its own identity

coun·ter·poise \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpȯiz\ vb : 2COUNTERBALANCE
— counterpoise n

coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion \ˌkau̇nt-ə(r)-ˌrev-ə-ˈlü-shən\ n : a revolution intended to overthrow a government established by an earlier revolution
— coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion·ary \-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj or n

— coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion·ist \-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nəst\ n

1coun·ter·sign \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌsīn\ n : a sign used in reply to another; esp : PASSWORD

2countersign vb : to add one's signature to a document after another has already signed it in order to confirm its genuineness
— coun·ter·sig·na·ture \ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər\ n

1coun·ter·sink \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌsiŋk\ vb -sunk \-ˌsəŋk\; -sink·ing
1 : to make a countersink on (a hole)
2 : to set the head of (as a screw) at or below the surface

2countersink n
1 : a bit or drill for making a countersink
2 : a funnel-shaped enlargement at the end of a drilled hole

coun·ter·spy \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌspī\ n : a spy employed in counterintelligence

coun·ter·ten·or \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌten-ər\ n : a tenor with an unusually high range

coun·ter·top \ˈkau̇nt-ər-täp\ n : the surface of waist-level kitchen cabinets used as a work area

coun·ter·weight \ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt\ n : 1COUNTERBALANCE 1

count·ess \ˈkau̇nt-əs\ n
1 : the wife or widow of a count or an earl
2 : a woman holding the rank of count or earl

count·ing·house \ˈkau̇nt-iŋ-ˌhau̇s\ n : a building, room, or office used for keeping books and carrying on business

counting number n : NATURAL NUMBER

count·less \ˈkau̇nt-ləs\ adj : too numerous to be counted : INNUMERABLE

count noun n : a noun (as bean or sheet) that forms a plural and that can be used with a numeral, with words such as many or few, or with the indefinite article a or an

coun·tri·fied also coun·try·fied \ˈkən-tri-ˌfīd\ adj : looking or acting like a person from the country : RUSTIC

1coun·try \ˈkən-trē\ n, pl countries
1 : an indefinite usually large stretch of land : REGION <hill country>
2 a : the land of a person's birth, residence, or citizenship  b : a nation or its territory
3 : the people of a state or district : POPULACE
4 : the open rural area outside of big towns and cities <lives out in the country>

2country adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of the country : RURAL, RUSTIC

country and western n : COUNTRY MUSIC

country club n : a suburban club for social life and recreation

coun·try·man \ˈkən-trē-mən, sense 3 is often -ˌman\ n
1 : a person born or living in a particular country
2 : a person born or living in the same country as another
3 : one living in the country or marked by country ways : RUSTIC

country music n : music coming from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or the Western cowboy

coun·try·seat \ˌkən-trē-ˈsēt\ n : a mansion or estate in the country

coun·try·side \ˈkən-trē-ˌsīd\ n : a rural area or its people

coun·try·wom·an \-ˌwüm-ən\ n
1 : a woman born or living in the same country as another
2 : a woman who is a resident of the country

coun·ty \ˈkau̇nt-ē\ n, pl counties
1 : the area owned by a count
2 : a division of a state or of a country for local government [Middle English counte “division of the country for the purposes of government,” from early French counté “region under control of a count,” derived from Latin comes count — related to 3COUNT]

county agent n : a government agent employed to provide information about agriculture and home economics in rural areas

county seat n : a town that is the seat of county administration

coup \ˈkü\ n, pl coups \ˈküz\
1 : a brilliant, sudden, and usually highly successful action
2 : COUP D'ÉTAT [from French coup “blow, stroke”]

coup d'é·tat \ˌküd-(ˌ)ā-ˈtä, ˌküd-ə-\ n, pl coups d'é·tat \-ˈtä(z)\ : a sudden overthrowing of a government by a small group [from French coup d'état, literally, “stroke of state (the government),” from coup “blow, stroke” and de “of” and état “state”]

cou·pé or coupe \kü-ˈpā, sense 2 is often ˈküp\ n
1 : a four-wheeled closed carriage pulled by horses for two persons with an outside seat for the driver
2 usually coupe  a : a closed two-door automobile for usually two persons  b : a usually closed two-door automobile with a full-width rear seat

1cou·ple \ˈkəp-əl\ n
1 : two persons romantically paired or associated together (as by marriage or on a date)
2 : two persons or things paired together
3 : an indefinite small number : FEW <a couple of days ago>

2couple vb cou·pled; cou·pling \ˈkəp-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to join together : CONNECT
2 : to join in pairs
— cou·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ n

3couple adj : TWO 1; also : 1SEVERAL 2 <a couple days ago>

cou·plet \ˈkəp-lət\ n : two lines of verse that follow in order and form a unit; esp : two rhyming lines of the same length

cou·pling \ˈkəp-liŋ (usual for sense 2), -ə-liŋ\ n
1 : the act of bringing or coming together
2 : something that connects two parts or things

cou·pon \ˈk(y)ü-ˌpän\ n
1 : a statement of due interest to be cut from a bond and presented for payment on a stated date
2 a : one of a series of tickets to be detached and presented as needed  b : a ticket or form allowing the bearer to purchase rationed articles  c : a certificate or other evidence of a purchase that may be exchanged for premiums  d : a part of an advertisement to be cut off to use as an order blank or inquiry form or to obtain a discount on the price of something [from French coupon “a part of a bill to be cut off and turned in with payment,” from early French coupon “a piece (cut off),” from couper “to cut” — related to 2COPE, COUP]

cour·age \ˈkər-ij, ˈkə-rij\ n : strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger or difficulty [Middle English corage “the heart as a source of feelings, spirit, confidence,” from early French curage (same meaning), from coer “heart,” from Latin cor “heart” — related to CORDIAL]
synonyms COURAGE, BRAVERY, VALOR, HEROISM, mean greatness of spirit in facing danger or difficulty. COURAGE suggests strength in overcoming fear and carrying on against difficulties <the courage of the pioneers>. BRAVERY stresses bold and daring defiance of danger <the bravery shown by the firefighters>. VALOR applies especially to bravery in fighting a dangerous enemy <honored for valor in battle>. HEROISM suggests bravery and boldness in accepting risk or sacrifice for a noble or generous purpose <the heroism shown by many in the early struggle for women's rights>.

cou·ra·geous \kə-ˈrā-jəs\ adj : having or marked by courage : BRAVE
— cou·ra·geous·ly adv

— cou·ra·geous·ness n

cou·ri·er \ˈku̇r-ē-ər, ˈkər-ē-, ˈkə-rē-\ n : a messenger especially in the diplomatic service [Middle English courrier “a person who carries (runs) messages from one place to another quickly,” from early Italian corriere (same meaning), derived from Latin currere “to run” — related to CURRENT]

1course \ˈkō(ə)rs, ˈkȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 : the act or action of moving in a path from point to point <the planets in their courses>
2 : the direction or route of motion or progress <the course of a river> <a ship's course>
3 : land laid out for golf
4 a : normal or accustomed process or procedure <the disease ran its course>  b : manner of proceeding : CONDUCT <a wise course>  c : progression through a period of time or a series of acts or events <was built in the course of a year>
5 a : an ordered process or series  b : a series of classes in a subject; also : a group of such courses <a four-year course in chemistry>
6 : a part of a meal served at one time <had salad for the first course>
7 : a layer of brick or other building material in a wall [Middle English cours, course “action of moving in a certain path, path of movement, progress,” from early French curs, course (same meaning), derived from Latin currere “to run” — related to CORRIDOR, CURRENT]
— of course
1 : following the ordinary way or procedure <did it as a matter of course>
2 : as might be expected

2course vb coursed; cours·ing
1 : to run through or over <buffalo coursed the plains>
2 : to move rapidly : RACE <blood coursing through the veins>

cours·er \ˈkōr-sər, ˈkȯr-\ n : a swift or spirited horse

1court \ˈkō(ə)rt, ˈkȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 a : the residence of a ruler and especially a king or queen  b : a ruler's formal assembly of advisers and officers as a governing body  c : the family and followers of a ruler
2 a : an open space completely or partly surrounded by buildings  b : a space for playing a ball game <a tennis court>  c : a wide alley with only one opening onto a street
3 a : an assembly for carrying out judicial business  b : a session of a judicial assembly <court is now adjourned>  c : a building or room where legal cases are heard  d : a judge in session
4 : attention designed to win favor <pay court to the king>

2court vb
1 a : to try to gain <court favor>  b : to act so as to invite or provoke <court disaster>
2 : to seek the affections or favor of <the candidate courted the voters>
3 a : to engage in a social relationship usually leading to marriage  b : to engage in activity leading to mating <a pair of robins courting>

cour·te·ous \ˈkərt-ē-əs\ adj
1 : marked by good manners suitable to a court
2 : marked by respect for and consideration of others
— cour·te·ous·ly adv

— cour·te·ous·ness n

cour·te·sy \ˈkərt-ə-sē\ n, pl -sies
1 : courtly politeness
2 : a favor courteously performed
3 : a favor as distinguished from a right <a title by courtesy only>

court·house \ˈkō(ə)rt-ˌhau̇s, ˈkȯ(ə)rt-\ n : a building in which courts of law are held or county offices are located

court·ier \ˈkōrt-ē-ər, ˈkȯrt-\ n
1 : a person in attendance to a ruler at a royal court
2 : a person who practices flattery

court·ly \ˈkō(ə)rt-lē, ˈkȯ(ə)rt-\ adj : suitable to a royal court : ELEGANT <courtly manners>
— court·li·ness n

1court–mar·tial \ˈkōrt-ˌmär-shəl, ˈkȯrt-, -ˈmär-\ n, pl courts–martial also court–martials
1 : a military court
2 : a trial by court-martial

2court–martial vb -mar·tialed also -mar·tialled; -mar·tial·ing also -mar·tial·ling \-ˌmärsh-(ə)-liŋ, -ˈmärsh-\ : to try by court-martial

court plaster n : an adhesive plaster especially of silk coated with isinglass and glycerin

court·room \ˈkō(ə)rt-ˌrüm, ˈkȯ(ə)rt-, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room in which a court of law is held

court·ship \-ˌship\ n : the act or process of courting

court·yard \-ˌyärd\ n : a court or enclosure next to a building

cous·in \ˈkəz-ən\ n
1 a : a child of one's uncle or aunt  b : a relative descended from a common ancestor
2 : a person of a race or people ethnically or culturally related <our English cousins>

cove \ˈkōv\ n
1 : a small sheltered inlet or bay
2 : a level area sheltered by hills or mountains

cov·en \ˈkəv-ən\ n : a meeting or band of witches

1cov·e·nant \ˈkəv-(ə-)nənt\ n : a solemn agreement : CONTRACT

2cov·e·nant \ˈkəv-(ə-)nənt, -ə-ˌnant\ vb
1 : to promise by a covenant : PLEDGE
2 : to enter into a covenant

1cov·er \ˈkəv-ər\ vb cov·ered; cov·er·ing \ˈkəv-(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to guard from attack  b : to have within range of one's guns  c : to provide protection to or against : INSURE <insurance that covers the traveler in any accident> <the policy covered water damage>  d : to maintain a check on especially by patrolling <state police covering the highways>
2 a : to hide something from sight or knowledge <cover up a scandal>  b : to conceal something dishonest or embarrassing from notice <cover for a friend in an investigation>  c : to act as a substitute or replacement <covered for me during my vacation>
3 a : to spread or lie over or on <covered the child with a blanket> <water covered the floor>  b : to put something protective or concealing over <cover the mouth while coughing>
4 a : to deal with <a test covering two chapters>  b : to provide or plan for <plans covering an emergency>
5 a : to have as one's territory or field of activity <one salesperson covers the whole state>  b : to report news about <covered the trial>
6 : to pass over or through <covered 10 miles a day>
7 : to pay or provide for the payment of <cover expenses>
— cov·er·able \ˈkəv-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— cov·er·er \-ər-ər\ n

2cover n
1 : something that protects, shelters, or conceals (as a natural shelter for an animal or natural features that shelter or conceal)
2 a : something that is placed over or about another thing (as the lid of a box or a sheet or blanket on a bed)  b : a binding or case for a book or the front or back of such a binding  c : something (as plants or snow) that covers the ground
3 : an envelope or wrapper for mail
— under cover : under concealment : in secret

cov·er·age \ˈkəv-(ə-)rij\ n
1 : the act or fact of covering or something that covers <insurance coverage> <news coverage>
2 : the number or amount covered : SCOPE

cov·er·all \ˈkəv-ə-ˌrȯl\ n : a one-piece outer garment worn to protect clothes — usually used in plural

cover charge n : a charge made by a restaurant or nightclub in addition to the charge for food and drink

cover crop n : a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

covered wagon n : a wagon with an arched canvas top

cover glass n : a piece of very thin glass or plastic used to cover something mounted on a microscope slide

cov·er·ing \ˈkəv-(ə-)riŋ\ n : something that covers or conceals

cov·er·let \ˈkəv-ər-lət\ n : BEDSPREAD

cov·er·slip \ˈkəv-ər-ˌslip\ n : COVER GLASS

1co·vert \ˈkō-(ˌ)vərt, kō-ˈvərt, ˈkəv-ərt\ adj
1 : not openly made or done <covert military operations>
2 : covered over : SHELTERED <a covert nook>  synonyms see SECRET
— cov·ert·ly adv

— cov·ert·ness n

2co·vert \ˈkəv-ərt, ˈkō-vərt\ n
1 : hiding place : SHELTER
2 : a thicket giving cover to game

cov·er–up \ˈkəv-ə-ˌrəp\ n : a planned effort to conceal a wrongful act or situation

cov·et \ˈkəv-ət\ vb : to wish for greatly or with envy <covet another's success> <covet a friend's possessions>
— cov·et·er \-ər\ n

— cov·et·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

cov·et·ous \ˈkəv-ət-əs\ adj : marked by a too eager desire especially for another's possessions
— cov·et·ous·ly adv

— cov·et·ous·ness n

cov·ey \ˈkəv-ē\ n, pl coveys
1 : a small flock (as of quail)
2 : COMPANY 2A, GROUP

1cow \ˈkau̇\ n
1 : the adult female of cattle or of any of various usually large animals (as elephants, whales, or seals)
2 : any domestic bovine animal regardless of sex or age [Old English cū “cow”]

2cow vb : to lessen the spirits or courage of : FRIGHTEN <were cowed into silence by threats> [probably of Scandinavian origin]

cow·ard \ˈkau̇(-ə)rd\ n : one who shows shameful fear or timidity
— coward adj
Word History A frightened animal may put its tail between its hind legs, and if it is very frightened it may run away. In an animal like the hare, the white flash of the fleeing tail is especially obvious. This action gives us the phrase turn tail, meaning “to run away, flee.” But even tailless animals like people can turn tail and run when frightened. It is in the “tail end” of an army that you might expect to find the cowards. We do not know whether the word coward developed from the idea of an animal's tail or an army's, but we do know the word comes from an early French word that meant “tail.” [Middle English coward “coward,” from early French cuard “coward,” from cue, coe “tail,” from Latin cauda “tail” — related to CODA, 2CUE, QUEUE; see Word History at QUEUE]

cow·ard·ice \ˈkau̇(-ə)rd-əs\ n : lack of courage to face danger : shameful fear

cow·ard·ly \ˈkau̇(-ə)rd-lē\ adj
1 : lacking courage : disgracefully timid <a cowardly rascal>
2 : characteristic of a coward <a cowardly attack from behind>
— cowardly adv

— cow·ard·li·ness n

cow·bell \ˈkau̇-ˌbel\ n : a bell hung about the neck of a cow to indicate its whereabouts

cow·bird \-ˌbərd\ n : a small North American blackbird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds

cow·boy \-ˌbȯi\ n : one who tends cattle or horses; esp : a mounted cattle-ranch worker

cow·catch·er \-ˌkach-ər, -ˌkech-\ n : a strong frame on the front of a locomotive for throwing obstacles off the track

cow·er \ˈkau̇(-ə)r\ vb : to shrink away or crouch down (as from fear)

cow·girl \ˈkau̇-ˌgər(-ə)l\ n : a girl or woman who tends cattle or horses

cow·hand \-ˌhand\ n : COWBOY

cow·herd \-ˌhərd\ n : one who tends cows

1cow·hide \-ˌhīd\ n
1 : the hide of a cow or leather made from it
2 : a whip of rawhide or braided leather

2cowhide vb cow·hid·ed; cow·hid·ing : to whip with a cowhide

cowl \ˈkau̇(ə)l\ n
1 : a monk's hood or long hooded cloak
2 : the top part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument panel
3 : COWLING
— cowled \ˈkau̇ld\ adj

cow·lick \ˈkau̇-ˌlik\ n : a lock or bunch of hair that grows in a different direction from the rest of the hair and cannot be made to lie flat

cowl·ing \ˈkau̇-liŋ\ n : a removable metal covering for the engine and sometimes a part of the fuselage of an airplane; also : a metal cover for an engine

cow·man \ˈkau̇-mən, -ˌman\ n
1 : COWBOY
2 : a cattle owner or rancher

co·work·er \ˈkō-ˌwər-kər\ n : a fellow worker

cow·pea \ˈkau̇-ˌpē\ n : a sprawling herb related to the bean and grown in the southern U.S. especially as food for livestock and for green manure; also : its edible seed — called also black-eyed pea

Cow·per's gland \ˌkau̇-pərz-, ˌkü-pərz-, ˌku̇p-ərz-\ n : either of two small glands that empty into the male urethra

cow·poke \ˈkau̇-ˌpōk\ n : COWBOY

cow pony n : a strong and active saddle horse trained for herding cattle

cow·pox \ˈkau̇-ˌpäks\ n : a mild disease of the cow that is caused by a virus and that when passed on to human beings produces a temporary rash and protects against smallpox

cow·punch·er \-ˌpən-chər\ n : COWBOY

cow·rie also cow·ry \ˈkau̇(ə)r-ē\ n, pl cowries : any of numerous usually small snails of warm seas with glossy often brightly colored shells

cow·slip \ˈkau̇-ˌslip\ n : MARSH MARIGOLD

cox \ˈkäks\ n : COXSWAIN 2
— cox vb

cox·comb \ˈkäks-ˌkōm\ n : a conceited foolish person

cox·swain \ˈkäk-sən, -ˌswān\ n
1 : a sailor who has charge of a ship's boat and its crew
2 : a person who steers a racing shell

coy \ˈkȯi\ adj
1 : BASHFUL, SHY
2 : marked by cute or sly playfulness or pretended shyness <using coy tricks to attract attention>
— coy·ly adv

— coy·ness n

coy·ote \kī-ˈōt-ē, ˈkī-ˌōt\ n, pl coyotes or coyote : a tannish gray to reddish gray North American mammal related to but smaller than the wolf

coy·pu \ˈkȯi-(ˌ)pü\ n : NUTRIA

coz·en \ˈkəz-ən\ vb coz·ened; coz·en·ing \ˈkəz-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to deceive by skillful trickery
— coz·en·er \ˈkəz-nər, -ən-ər\ n

1co·zy \ˈkō-zē\ adj co·zi·er; -est : 2SNUG 2, COMFORTABLE
— co·zi·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— co·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

2cozy n, pl cozies : a padded cover for a teapot used to keep the contents hot

cpu \ˌsē-ˌpē-ˈyü\ n, often cap C&P&U : the part of a computer that does most of the data processing [central processing unit]

1crab \ˈkrab\ n
1 : any of various crustaceans with a short broad usually flattened shell of chitin, a small abdomen curled forward beneath the body, and a front pair of limbs with strong pincers; also : any of various other crustaceans resembling the true crabs in having an abdomen much reduced in size
2 cap : CANCER 1
3 : any of various machines for raising or hauling heavy weights
4 pl : the state of being infested with crab lice

2crab vb crabbed; crab·bing : to fish for crabs
— crab·ber n

3crab vb crabbed; crab·bing : to find fault : COMPLAIN

4crab n
1 : CRAB APPLE
2 : a sour ill-tempered person

crab apple n : any of several cultivated or wild trees related to the apple tree and producing a small sour fruit; also : the fruit

crab·bed \ˈkrab-əd\ adj
1 : 3CROSS 3
2 : difficult to read or understand <crabbed handwriting>
— crab·bed·ness n

crab·by \ˈkrab-ē\ adj crab·bi·er; -est : 3CROSS 3, ILL-NATURED

crab·grass \ˈkrab-ˌgras\ n : a weedy grass with creeping or sprawling stems that root freely at the nodes

crab louse n : a louse infesting the human pubic region

1crack \ˈkrak\ vb
1 a : to break or cause to break with a sudden sharp sound : SNAP  b : to make or cause to make such a sound <crack a whip>
2 : to break with or without complete separation of parts <the ice cracked in several places>
3 : to tell especially in a clever or witty way <crack jokes>
4 a : to lose control under pressure — often used with up  b : to fail in tone <her voice cracked>  c : to give or receive a sharp blow <cracked my head>
5 a : to puzzle out : SOLVE <crack a code>  b : to break into or through <crack a safe> <crack the sound barrier>
6 a : to put hydrocarbons through cracking <crack petroleum>  b : to produce by cracking <cracked gasoline>

2crack n
1 : a sudden sharp noise
2 : a sharp witty remark : QUIP
3 : a narrow break or opening <a crack in the glass> <open the window a crack>
4 a : WEAKNESS 2, FLAW  b : a broken tone of the voice
5 : the beginning moment <the crack of dawn>
6 : a sharp resounding blow
7 : 2TRY <take a crack at it>
8 : highly purified cocaine in small chips used illegally usually for smoking

3crack adj : of high quality or ability <crack troops>

crack·brain \ˈkrak-ˌbrān\ n : CRACKPOT
— crack·brained \-ˈbrānd\ adj

crack down \ˈkrak-ˈdau̇n\ vb : to take strong action especially to control or put down <crack down on crime>
— crack·down \-ˌdau̇n\ n

cracked \ˈkrakt\ adj
1 : broken into coarse pieces <cracked corn>
2 : mentally disturbed : CRAZY

crack·er \ˈkrak-ər\ n
1 : something (as a firecracker) that makes a cracking noise
2 : a dry thin crisp baked food made of flour and water
3 : the equipment in which cracking (as of petroleum) is carried out

crack·er·jack \ˈkrak-ər-ˌjak\ n : a person or thing of special excellence <she's a crackerjack at solving crossword puzzles>
— crackerjack adj

crack·ing \ˈkrak-iŋ\ n : a process in which heavy hydrocarbons (as oils from petroleum) are broken up by heat into lighter products (as gasoline)

crack·le \ˈkrak-əl\ vb crack·led; crack·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make small sharp sudden repeated noises
— crackle n

crack·ling n
1 \ˈkrak-(ə-)liŋ\ : a series of small sharp crackling sounds
2 \ˈkrak-lən, ˈkrak-liŋ\ : the crisp remainder left after the fat has been separated from the meat or skin (as of pork) — usually used in plural

crack·pot \ˈkrak-ˌpät\ n : a crazy or very strange person
— crackpot adj

crack–up \ˈkrak-ˌəp\ n : COLLISION, WRECK

crack up \ˈkrak-ˈəp\ vb
1 : PRAISE 1, TOUT <it's not all it's cracked up to be>
2 : to cause or have a crack-up <crack up a car>

1cra·dle \ˈkrād-əl\ n
1 : a bed for a baby usually on rockers
2 a : a place of origin <the cradle of civilization>  b : the earliest period of life
3 : a framework or support resembling a baby's cradle in appearance or use
4 : a tool with rods like fingers attached to a scythe and used formerly for harvesting grain
5 : a rocking tool used in panning for gold
6 : a support for a telephone handset

2cradle vb cra·dled; cra·dling \ˈkrād-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 a : to place or keep in or as if in a cradle  b : to protect and cherish lovingly
2 : to cut grain with a cradle
3 : to wash in a miner's cradle

1craft \ˈkraft\ n
1 : skill in planning, making, or doing
2 a : an occupation requiring skill in using the hands : TRADE  b pl : articles made by craftspeople <a store selling crafts>
3 : skill in deceiving to gain an end
4 : the members of a trade
5 pl usually craft  a : a boat especially of small size  b : AIRCRAFT  c : SPACECRAFT

2craft vb : to make by or as if by hand <crafted a sculpture> <a carefully crafted story>
— craft·er n

crafts·man \ˈkraf(t)-smən\ n
1 : one who practices a trade or handicraft : ARTISAN
2 : a highly skilled worker
— crafts·man·ship \-ˌship\ n

crafts·peo·ple \-ˌspē-pəl\ n : workers who practice a trade or craft

crafts·per·son \-ˌspər-sən\ n : a craftsman or craftswoman

crafts·wom·an \-ˌswu̇m-ən\ n
1 : a woman who is an artisan
2 : a woman who is skilled in a craft

crafty \ˈkraf-tē\ adj craft·i·er; -est : skillful at deceiving others  synonyms see CUNNING
— craft·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— craft·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

crag \ˈkrag\ n : a steep rugged rock or cliff
— crag·gy \ˈkrag-ē\ adj

cram \ˈkram\ vb crammed; cram·ming
1 : to stuff or crowd in <cram clothes into a bag>
2 : to fill full <barns crammed with hay>
3 : to study hard just before a test  synonyms see PACK
— cram·mer n

1cramp \ˈkramp\ n
1 : a sudden painful involuntary tightening of muscle
2 : sharp pain in the abdomen — usually used in plural
— crampy \ˈkram-pē\ adj

2cramp vb
1 : to affect with or as if with cramps
2 a : to hold back from free movement : CONFINE <felt cramped in the tiny room>  b : to hold back from free action or expression : HAMPER — used especially in the phrase cramp one's style

cram·pon \ˈkram-ˌpän\ n : a set of steel spikes that fit on the bottom of a climbing boot to give a better grip on slopes of hard ice or snow — usually used in plural

cran·ber·ry \ˈkran-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ n : the bright red sour berry of any of several trailing plants related to the blueberry; also : a plant producing these

1crane \ˈkrān\ n
1 : any of a family of tall wading birds related to the rails
2 : any of several herons
3 a : a machine with a swinging arm for lifting and carrying heavy weights  b : a mechanical arm that swings freely from a center and is used to support or carry a weight

2crane vb craned; cran·ing
1 : to raise or lift by or as if by a crane
2 : to stretch out one's neck to see better

crane fly n : any of numerous long-legged slender two-winged flies that resemble large mosquitoes but do not bite

crania plural of CRANIUM

cra·ni·al \ˈkrā-nē-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or directed toward the skull or cranium

cranial nerve n : any of the paired nerves that arise from the lower surface of the brain and pass through openings in the skull

cra·ni·um \ˈkrā-nē-əm\ n, pl -ni·ums or -nia \-nē-ə\ : SKULL 1; esp : the part that encloses the brain

1crank \ˈkraŋk\ n
1 : a bent part of an axle or shaft or an armlike part at right angles to the end of a shaft that gives or receives circular motion
2 a : a person with strange ideas  b : a cross or irritable person

2crank vb : to move, run, or start by or as if by turning a crank <crank up the window> <you had to crank the old car> <the engine isn't cranking right>

crank·case \ˈkraŋk-ˌkās\ n : the covering of a crankshaft

crank·shaft \-ˌshaft\ n : a shaft turning or driven by a crank or made up of a series of cranks

cranky \ˈkraŋ-kē\ adj crank·i·er; -est
1 : easily angered or irritated
2 : hard to handle <a cranky boat>
— crank·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

cran·ny \ˈkran-ē\ n, pl crannies : a small break or slit (as in a cliff)

crape \ˈkrāp\ n
1 : CREPE 1
2 : a band of crepe worn on a hat or sleeve as a sign of mourning

crape myrtle n : an Asian shrub widely grown in warm regions for its showy flowers

crap·pie \ˈkräp-ē\ n
1 : BLACK CRAPPIE
2 : WHITE CRAPPIE

craps \ˈkraps\ n pl : a gambling game played with two dice

crap·shoot·er \ˈkrap-ˌshüt-ər\ n : a person who plays craps
— crap·shoot·ing \-ˌshüt-iŋ\ n

1crash \ˈkrash\ vb
1 a : to break with violence and much noise : SMASH  b : to damage (an airplane) in landing
2 a : to make or cause to make a loud noise <crash cymbals together> <waves crashing on the shore>  b : to move or force a way roughly or with loud crashing noises <we went crashing through the underbrush>
3 : to enter or attend without an invitation or without paying <crash a party> <tried to crash the gates>
4 : to go bad or go out of order suddenly <the computer system crashed>
5 slang : to go to bed or fall asleep; also : to stay for a short time <crashing with friends for the week> [Middle English crasschen “crash”]
— crash·er n

2crash n
1 : a loud sound (as of things smashing)
2 a : a breaking to pieces by or as if by hitting something : COLLISION, SMASHUP  b : an instance of crashing <was hurt in the crash> <a computer crash>
3 : a sudden weakening or failure (as of a business or prices) <a stock-market crash>

3crash adj : designed to do what it is supposed to do in a big hurry <a crash program> <went on a crash diet>

4crash n : a coarse fabric used for draperies and clothing [probably from Russian krashenina “colored linen”]

crash–land \ˈkrash-ˈland\ vb : to land (an airplane or spacecraft) in an emergency usually with damage to it
— crash landing n

crass \ˈkras\ adj : showing no interest in the finer things : INSENSITIVE
— crass·ly adv

— crass·ness n

1crate \ˈkrāt\ n : a box or frame of wooden slats or boards for packing or protecting something in shipment

2crate vb crat·ed; crat·ing : to pack in a crate

cra·ter \ˈkrāt-ər\ n
1 : a hollow shaped like a bowl around the opening of a volcano
2 : a hole made by an impact (as of a meteorite) or by the explosion of a bomb or shell

cra·vat \krə-ˈvat\ n : NECKTIE

crave \ˈkrāv\ vb craved; crav·ing
1 : to ask earnestly : BEG <crave a person's pardon>
2 : to have a strong desire for <crave a glass of water> <crave affection>

1cra·ven \ˈkrā-vən\ adj : COWARDLY
— cra·ven·ly adv

— cra·ven·ness \-vən-(n)əs\ n

2craven n : COWARD

crav·ing \ˈkrā-viŋ\ n : a great desire or longing

craw \ˈkrȯ\ n
1 : the crop of a bird or insect
2 : the stomach especially of a lower animal

craw·dad \ˈkrȯ-ˌdad\ n, dialect : CRAYFISH 1

craw·fish \ˈkrȯ-ˌfish\ n
1 : CRAYFISH 1
2 : SPINY LOBSTER

1crawl \ˈkrȯl\ vb
1 : to move slowly with the body close to the ground : move on hands and knees
2 : to move along slowly <the bus crawled along>
3 : to be covered with or have the feeling of being covered with creeping things <the floor was crawling with ants>
— crawl·er n

2crawl n
1 : the act or motion of crawling
2 : a swimming method in which the swimmer lies facing down in the water and moves with overarm strokes and a thrashing kick

crawl·way \ˈkrȯl-ˌwā\ n : a low passage (as in a cave) that one must crawl through

cray·fish \ˈkrā-ˌfish\ n
1 : any of numerous freshwater crustaceans that are related to but usually much smaller than the lobster
2 : SPINY LOBSTER

1cray·on \ˈkrā-ˌän, -ən; ˈkran\ n : a stick of white or colored chalk or of colored wax used for writing or drawing

2crayon vb : to draw or color with a crayon

1craze \ˈkrāz\ vb crazed; craz·ing
1 : to make or become insane or as if insane
2 : to develop a network of fine cracks <crazed glass>

2craze n
1 : something that is very popular for a short time <the latest craze in music>
2 : a tiny crack in a surface or coating (as of glaze or enamel)

cra·zy \ˈkrā-zē\ adj cra·zi·er; -est
1 : having a diseased or abnormal mind : INSANE
2 : not sensible or logical <that's a crazy idea>
3 : very excited or pleased <crazy about the new car>
— cra·zi·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— cra·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

crazy bone n : FUNNY BONE

crazy quilt n : a patchwork quilt without a regular design

creak \ˈkrēk\ vb : to make a long scraping or squeaking sound; also : to go slowly with or as if with creaking wheels
— creak n

creaky \ˈkrē-kē\ adj creak·i·er; -est : making or likely to make a creaking sound
— creak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

1cream \ˈkrēm\ n
1 : the yellowish part of milk containing butterfat
2 a : a food prepared with cream <cream soup>  b : something having about the same thickness as cream <hand cream>
3 : the best part <the cream of the crop>
4 : a pale yellow

2cream vb
1 : to skim the cream from
2 : to put cream into <cream tea>
3 : to stir or blend until soft and smooth

cream cheese n : a soft white cheese made from whole milk enriched with cream

cream·er \ˈkrē-mər\ n
1 : a device for separating cream from milk
2 : a small container for serving cream
3 : a substitute for cream (as in coffee)

cream·ery \ˈkrēm-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : a place where butter and cheese are made or where milk and cream are sold or prepared

cream of tartar : a white salt used especially in baking powder and in some ways to prepare metals

cream puff n : a round shell of light pastry filled with whipped cream or a cream filling

creamy \ˈkrē-mē\ adj cream·i·er; -est
1 : full of or containing cream
2 : resembling cream in appearance, color, or taste
— cream·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ n

1crease \ˈkrēs\ n
1 : a line or mark made by or as if by folding or wrinkling
2 : a specially marked area around the goal in various sports (as hockey or lacrosse)

2crease vb creased; creas·ing
1 : to make a crease in or on
2 : to become creased

cre·ate \krē-ˈāt, ˈkrē-ˌāt\ vb cre·at·ed; cre·at·ing : to bring into existence : MAKE, PRODUCE

cre·ation \krē-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the act of creating; esp : the bringing of the world into existence out of nothing
2 : something created
3 : all created things : WORLD

cre·ative \krē-ˈāt-iv\ adj
1 : able to create especially new and original things
2 : showing or requiring imagination <creative writing>
— cre·ative·ly adv

— cre·ative·ness n

— cre·ativ·i·ty \ˌkrē-ā-ˈtiv-ət-ē, ˌkrē-ə-\ n

cre·ator \krē-ˈāt-ər\ n
1 : one that creates or produces : MAKER
2 cap : GOD 1

crea·ture \ˈkrē-chər\ n
1 : a created being
2 a : a lower animal  b : INDIVIDUAL 2

crèche \ˈkresh\ n : a scene representing the Nativity in the stable at Bethlehem

cre·dence \ˈkrēd-ən(t)s\ n
1 : a ready acceptance of something as true or real <give credence to gossip>
2 : CREDIBILITY 1 <lends credence to the theory>  synonyms see BELIEF

cre·den·tials \kri-ˈden-chəlz\ n pl : documents showing that a person has a right to perform certain official acts [derived from Latin credentialis (adjective) “showing one is entitled to credit or confidence,” from credentia “promise, credit,” derived from earlier credere “to believe, trust, entrust” — related to CREDIT, CREED, INCREDIBLE]

cred·i·bil·i·ty \ˌkred-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n
1 : the quality or power of inspiring belief <a story without much credibility>
2 : capacity for belief <an excuse that strained the teacher's credibility>

cred·i·ble \ˈkred-ə-bəl\ adj : offering reasonable grounds for being believed <a credible story>
— cred·i·bly \ˈkred-ə-blē\ adv

1cred·it \ˈkred-ət\ n
1 : a balance in an account in a person's favor <debits and credits>
2 : an amount or sum that a bank or company will let a person use
3 a : trust given to a customer for future payment for goods purchased <extended them credit> <buy on credit>  b : reputation for paying one's bills <check on a person's credit>  c : the providing of money or goods with the expectation of payment in the future <long-term credit>; also : money or goods so provided <used up their credit>
4 : CREDENCE, BELIEF <a story that deserves little credit>
5 : reputation for honesty or integrity : good name
6 : a source of honor <a credit to her school>
7 : something that adds to a person's reputation or honor <got credit for the discovery>
8 a : official certification of the completion of a course of study  b : a unit of academic work for which such certification is made [from early French credit “reputation, permission to buy without paying immediately,” from early Italian credito (same meaning), from Latin creditum “loan,” derived from credere “to believe, trust, entrust” — related to CREDENTIALS, CREED, INCREDIBLE]

2credit vb
1 : BELIEVE 3
2 : to enter a sum on the credit side of <we'll credit your account with $10>
3 a : to think of as the source or performer of an action or having a quality <they credit you with quite a sense of humor>  b : to give the credit for to somebody or something <credited the rescue to her quick thinking>

cred·it·able \ˈkred-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : good enough to deserve praise
— cred·it·abil·i·ty \ˌkred-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— cred·it·ably \ˈkred-ət-ə-blē\ adv

credit card n : a card with which one can buy things on credit

cred·i·tor \ˈkred-ət-ər\ n : a person to whom a debt is owed

credit union n : a cooperative association that makes small loans to its members at low interest rates and offers other banking services (as savings and checking accounts)

cre·do \ˈkrēd-ō, ˈkrād-\ n, pl credos : CREED

cre·du·li·ty \kri-ˈd(y)ü-lət-ē\ n : a willingness to believe statements especially on little or no evidence

cred·u·lous \ˈkrej-ə-ləs\ adj : ready to believe especially on little evidence
— cred·u·lous·ly adv

— cred·u·lous·ness n

Cree \ˈkrē\ n, pl Cree or Crees : a member of an American Indian people of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan

creed \ˈkrēd\ n
1 : a statement of the basic beliefs of a religious faith
2 : a set of guiding principles or beliefs [Middle English crede “creed,” from Old English crēda (same meaning), from Latin credo, literally, “I believe” (used as the first words in many creeds), from credere “to believe, trust, entrust” — related to CREDENTIALS, CREDIT, INCREDIBLE]

creek \ˈkrēk, ˈkrik\ n
1 chiefly British : a small narrow inlet or bay
2 : a stream of water usually smaller than a river

Creek \ˈkrēk\ n : a member of a confederacy of American Indian peoples formerly occupying most of Alabama and Georgia

creel \ˈkrē(ə)l\ n : a basket for holding a catch of fish

1creep \ˈkrēp\ vb crept \ˈkrept\; creep·ing
1 : to move along with the body close to the ground : move slowly on hands and knees
2 : to advance slowly, timidly, or quietly <the tide crept up the beach>
3 : to spread or grow over the ground or a surface <a creeping vine>
4 : to slip or gradually shift position
5 : to feel as though insects were crawling on the body <the shriek made my flesh creep>

2creep n
1 : a creeping movement
2 a : a sensation like that of insects creeping over one's flesh  b : a feeling of horror — usually used in plural with the <the story gave me the creeps>
3 : an unpleasant or hateful person

creep·er \ˈkrē-pər\ n : one that creeps: as  a : a creeping plant  b : a bird that creeps about on trees or bushes searching for insects

creepy \ˈkrē-pē\ adj creep·i·er; -est : having or producing a sensation as of insects creeping on the skin; esp : EERIE
— creep·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adv

— creep·i·ness n

cre·mate \ˈkrē-ˌmāt, kri-ˈmāt\ vb cre·mat·ed; cre·mat·ing : to burn (as a dead body) to ashes
— cre·ma·tion \kri-ˈmā-shən\ n

cre·ma·to·ri·um \ˌkrē-mə-ˈtōr-ē-əm, ˌkrem-ə-, -ˈtȯr-\ n, pl -ri·ums or -ria \-ē-ə\ : 1CREMATORY

1cre·ma·to·ry \ˈkrē-mə-ˌtōr-ē, ˈkrem-ə-, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries : a furnace for cremating or a building containing such a furnace

2crematory adj : of, relating to, or used in cremation

cren·el·lat·ed or cren·el·at·ed \ˈkren-əl-ˌāt-əd\ adj : having battlements <a crenellated tower>

cre·ole \ˈkrē-ˌōl\ adj
1 often cap : of or relating to the Creoles or their language
2 often cap : relating to or being the traditional spicy food of the Creoles

Cre·ole \ˈkrē-ˌōl\ n
1 : a white person descended from early French or Spanish settlers in the U.S. Gulf states
2 : a person of mixed French or Spanish and black descent speaking a dialect of French or Spanish
3 a : a language evolved from a pidgin based on French that is spoken by blacks in southern Louisiana  b not cap : a language that has evolved from a pidgin and serves as the native language of a group of people

1cre·o·sote \ˈkrē-ə-ˌsōt\ n
1 : a brownish oily liquid obtained from coal tar and used especially to preserve wood
2 : a dark flammable tar left in a chimney especially from the smoke of a wood fire
3 : CREOSOTE BUSH

2creosote vb -sot·ed; -sot·ing : to treat with creosote

creosote bush n : a desert shrub of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico with small yellow flowers

crepe or crêpe \ˈkrāp\ n
1 : a thin crinkled fabric (as of silk or wool)
2 : a small very thin pancake

crepe de chine \ˌkrāp-də-ˈshēn\ n : a soft thin crepe made especially of silk and used for clothing

crepe myrtle or crêpe myrtle n : CRAPE MYRTLE

crepe paper n : paper with a crinkled or puckered look and feel

crepe su·zette \ˌkrāp-su̇-ˈzet\ n, pl crepes suzette \ˌkrāp(s)-su̇-ˈzet\ or crepe suzettes \ˌkrāp-su̇-ˈzets\ : a crepe rolled or folded in a hot orange-butter sauce that is sprinkled with a liqueur and set ablaze for serving

crept past and past participle of CREEP

cre·pus·cu·lar \kri-ˈpəs-kyə-lər\ adj
1 : resembling twilight : DIM <a faint crepuscular light>
2 : occurring or active during twilight <crepuscular insects>

cre·scen·do \kri-ˈshen-dō\ n, pl -dos or -does
1 : a gradual increase especially in the loudness of music
2 : the peak of a gradual increase
— crescendo adv or adj

cres·cent \ˈkres-ənt\ n
1 : the shape of the visible moon during about the first week after a new moon or the last week before the next new moon
2 : a curved figure that tapers to two points like a crescent moon
3 : something shaped like a crescent

cress \ˈkres\ n : any of various plants related to the mustards and having leaves that are used especially in salads

1crest \ˈkrest\ n
1 a : a showy growth (as of flesh or feathers) on the head of an animal  b : an emblem or design on a helmet (as of a knight) or over a coat of arms
2 : an upper part, edge, or limit <the crest of a hill> <the crest of a wave>
— crest·ed \ˈkres-təd\ adj

2crest vb
1 : to give a crest to
2 : to reach the crest of <crest the hill>
3 : to rise to a crest <sea waves cresting>

crest·fall·en \ˈkrest-ˌfȯ-lən\ adj : very sad and disappointed

Cre·ta·ceous \kri-ˈtā-shəs\ adj : of, relating to, or being the last period of the Mesozoic era of geological history marked by the extinction of the dinosaurs at the close of the period; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Cretaceous n

cre·tin \ˈkrēt-ən\ n
1 often offensive : one having cretinism
2 : DOLT

cre·tin·ism \ˈkrēt-ən-ˌiz-əm\ n : an abnormal condition that is usually present from birth, is marked by physical stunting and intellectual disability, and is caused by a lack of the secretion of the thyroid gland

cre·tonne \ˈkrē-ˌtän, kri-ˈtän\ n : a cotton or linen cloth

cre·vasse \kri-ˈvas\ n : a deep crevice (as in a glacier)

crev·ice \ˈkrev-əs\ n : a narrow opening caused by a split or crack : FISSURE

crew \ˈkrü\ n
1 : a group or gathering of people <a happy crew>
2 : a group of people working together <the kitchen crew>
3 : a group of people who operate a ship, train, or airplane
4 : the rowers and coxswain of a racing shell

crew cut n : a very short haircut in which the hair resembles the surface of a brush

crew·el \ˈkrü-əl\ n : a loosely twisted wool yarn used for embroidery; also : embroidery made with this yarn

crew·man \ˈkrü-mən\ n : a member of a crew

1crib \ˈkrib\ n
1 : a manger for feeding animals
2 : a small bed frame with high sides for a child
3 : a bin or building for storing grain
4 : the cards discarded in cribbage for the dealer to use in scoring
5 a : PONY 2  b : something used for cheating on a test

2crib vb cribbed; crib·bing
1 : to copy (as an idea or piece of writing) and use as one's own : PLAGIARIZE
2 : to use a translation or notes dishonestly
— crib·ber n

crib·bage \ˈkrib-ij\ n : a card game in which each player tries to form various counting combinations of cards

crick \ˈkrik\ n : a painful spasm of muscles (as of the neck or back)

1crick·et \ˈkrik-ət\ n : any of a family of leaping insects related to the grasshoppers and having leathery forewings used by the males to produce a chirping sound [Middle English criket “cricket (insect),” from early French criquet (same meaning); probably an imitation of the insect's sound]

2cricket n
1 : a game played on a large field with bats, ball, and wickets by two teams of 11 players each
2 : fair play [from early French criquet “goal stake in an old bowling game”]
— crick·et·er n

cri·er \ˈkrī(-ə)r\ n : one who calls out orders or announcements

crime \ˈkrīm\ n
1 : the doing of an act forbidden by law or the failure to do an act required by law especially when serious
2 : criminal activity <the war on crime>
3 : an act that is sinful, foolish, or disgraceful <it's a crime to waste good food>  synonyms see OFFENSE

1crim·i·nal \ˈkrim-ən-əl, ˈkrim-nəl\ adj
1 : being or guilty of a crime <a criminal act>
2 : relating to crime or its punishment <criminal court>
— crim·i·nal·i·ty \ˌkrim-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n

— crim·i·nal·ly \ˈkrim-ən-əl-ē, -nə-lē\ adv

2criminal n : a person who has committed a crime

crim·i·nol·o·gy \ˌkrim-ə-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n : a scientific study of crime, of criminals, and of their punishment or correction
— crim·i·no·log·i·cal \ˌkrim-ən-əl-ˈäj-i-kəl\ adj

— crim·i·nol·o·gist \ˌkrim-ə-ˈnäl-ə-jəst\ n

1crimp \ˈkrimp\ vb
1 : to make wavy or bent
2 : to pinch or press together <crimp the edges of a pie crust>

2crimp n
1 : something produced by or as if by crimping
2 : something that holds back

1crim·son \ˈkrim-zən\ n : a deep purplish red
— crimson adj

2crimson vb : to make or become crimson

cringe \ˈkrinj\ vb cringed; cring·ing \ˈkrin-jiŋ\
1 : to shrink in fear or distaste : COWER <cringed at the sight of blood>
2 : to behave in a too humble or cowardly way
— cring·er n

1crin·kle \ˈkriŋ-kəl\ vb crin·kled; crin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to form or cause little waves or wrinkles on the surface
2 : 1RUSTLE 1

2crinkle n : 1WRINKLE 1, RIPPLE
— crin·kly \-k(ə-)lē\ adj

cri·noid \ˈkrī-ˌnȯid\ n : any of a large class of invertebrates that are echinoderms and usually have a cup-shaped body with five or more feathery arms
— crinoid adj

crin·o·line \ˈkrin-əl-ən\ n
1 : a cloth used for stiffening and lining
2 : a full stiff skirt; esp : one lined with crinoline
3 : HOOPSKIRT
— crinoline adj

1crip·ple \ˈkrip-əl\ n, sometimes offensive : a lame or disabled person

2cripple vb crip·pled; crip·pling \ˈkrip-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to take away the use of a limb and especially a leg <was crippled by the accident>
2 : to make useless or imperfect <loss of power crippled the city>
— crip·pler \-(ə-)lər\ n

cri·sis \ˈkrī-səs\ n, pl cri·ses \ˈkrī-ˌsēz\
1 : the turning point for better or worse in a disease
2 : a turning point (as in a person's life or in the plot of a story)
3 a : an unstable or difficult time or state of affairs <a financial crisis>  b : a situation that has become very serious

1crisp \ˈkrisp\ adj
1 a : being thin and hard and easily crumbled <crisp crackers>  b : pleasantly firm and crunchy <crisp lettuce>
2 a : having sharp distinct outlines <a crisp illustration>  b : being clear and brief <a crisp reply>  c : fresh and neat <a crisp housedress>  d : being quick and lively <a crisp performance> <a crisp tale of adventure>
3 : pleasantly cool and invigorating <a crisp autumn day>
— crisp·ly adv

— crisp·ness n

2crisp vb : to make or become crisp
— crisp·er n

3crisp n : something crisp or brittle <burned to a crisp>

crispy \ˈkris-pē\ adj crisp·i·er; -est : CRUNCHY
— crisp·i·ness n

1criss·cross \ˈkris-ˌkrȯs\ vb
1 : to mark with lines that cross each other
2 : to go or cross back and forth

2crisscross n : a pattern formed by crossed lines
— crisscross adj or adv

cri·te·ri·on \krī-ˈtir-ē-ən\ n, pl -ria \-ē-ə\ : a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based

crit·ic \ˈkrit-ik\ n
1 : a person who makes or gives a judgment of the value, worth, beauty, or excellence of something
2 : FAULTFINDER

crit·i·cal \ˈkrit-i-kəl\ adj
1 a : inclined to criticize unfavorably  b : consisting of or involving criticism or the judgments of critics <critical writings>  c : using or involving careful judgment <a critical examination of a patient>
2 a : of, relating to, or being a turning point <the critical phase of a fever>; also : being at a stage of illness involving danger of death  b : being or relating to a state or point at which a definite change occurs <the critical temperature>  c : CRUCIAL 1 <a critical test>
3 : INDISPENSABLE, VITAL <provides critical services>
4 : of big enough size to keep a chain reaction going — used of a mass of material that can go through fission
— crit·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— crit·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ n

crit·i·cism \ˈkrit-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n
1 : the act of criticizing and especially of finding fault
2 : a critical remark or comment
3 : a careful judgment or review especially by a critic

crit·i·cize \ˈkrit-ə-ˌsīz\ vb -cized; -ciz·ing
1 : to examine and judge as a critic
2 : to find fault with

1cri·tique \krə-ˈtēk\ n : an act or instance of criticizing; esp : a critical estimate or discussion

2critique vb cri·tiqued; cri·tiqu·ing : to examine critically : REVIEW <critiqued the plan>

crit·ter \ˈkrit-ər\ n : CREATURE

croak \ˈkrōk\ vb
1 a : to make a deep harsh sound  b : to speak in a hoarse throaty voice
2 : GRUMBLE 1, COMPLAIN
3 slang  a : 1DIE 1  b : 1KILL 1
— croak n

croak·er \ˈkrō-kər\ n
1 : one (as a frog) that croaks
2 : any of various fishes that produce croaking or grunting noises

Croat \ˈkrō-ˌat, ˈkrō(-ə)t\ n : CROATIAN
— Croat adj

Cro·atian \krō-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Croatia
2 : a Slavic language spoken by the Croatian people
— Croatian adj

croc \ˈkräk\ n : CROCODILE

1cro·chet \krō-ˈshā\ n : needlework done by forming and weaving loops in a thread with a hooked needle

2crochet vb crocheted; crochet·ing : to make of or work with crochet
— cro·chet·er \-ˈshā-ər\ n

1crock \ˈkräk\ n : a pot or jar made of baked clay

2crock n : one that is broken-down or useless

crock·ery \ˈkräk-(ə-)rē\ n : EARTHENWARE

Crock–Pot \ˈkräk-ˌpät\ trademark — used for an electric cooking pot

croc·o·dile \ˈkräk-ə-ˌdīl\ n
1 : any of several large thick-skinned long-bodied reptiles of tropical and subtropical waters — compare ALLIGATOR
2 : the skin or hide of a crocodile
Word History The word crocodile is taken from Greek krokodeilos, which is probably modified from a compound of krokē, “pebble, stone,” and an obscure word drilos, which may have meant “worm.” According to the ancient Greek writer Herodotus, some Greeks gave this name to the lizards that lived among the stone walls of their farms. When these Greeks visited Egypt, the enormous reptiles of the Nile River reminded them of the lizards and they applied the same name to them. (The more usual ancient Greek word for “lizard” was sauros, which we see in the Latin scientific names of many dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus, and in the word dinosaur itself.) The Romans took Greek krokodeilos into Latin as crocodilus. However, later speakers shifted the r from the first to the third syllable, giving cocodrilus or cocodrillus. It was this form that was taken into medieval French and later into Middle English as cocodrille. Later, as Englishmen became better acquainted with the classical Latin of ancient Rome, the English word was changed to better reflect Latin crocodilus, and cocodrille was eventually forgotten. [from Middle English cocodrille “crocodile,” from early French cocodrille (same meaning), from Latin cocodrillus and earlier crocodilus “crocodile,” from Greek krokodeilos “crocodile, lizard”]

crocodile tears n pl : pretended tears or sorrow
Word History An ancient fable tells of a crocodile that sheds tears while eating its prey. Of course, a crocodile is not really sorry for killing and eating another animal because that's how it survives. So when someone is said to shed crocodile tears, it refers to a show of pretended sorrow usually by someone who has done something cruel.

croc·o·dil·ian \ˌkräk-ə-ˈdil-ē-ən, -ˈdil-yən\ n : any of an order of reptiles that includes the crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and related extinct forms
— crocodilian adj

cro·cus \ˈkrō-kəs\ n, pl cro·cus·es
1 pl also crocus or cro·ci \-ˌkē, -ˌkī, -ˌsī\ : any of a genus of small herbs that are related to the irises and have showy solitary long-tubed flowers and slender grasslike leaves
2 : SAFFRON 1

croft \ˈkrȯft\ n
1 chiefly British : a small enclosed field
2 chiefly British : a small farm worked by a tenant
— croft·er n, chiefly British

crois·sant \krȯ-ˈsänt, krə-\ n, pl croissants : a flaky rich crescent-shaped roll

Cro–Mag·non \krō-ˈmag-nən, -ˈman-yən\ n : any of a tall erect race of people that lived approximately 35,000 to 10,000 years ago and are often placed in the same species as the human beings that live on the earth today [from Cro-Magnon, name of a cave in France where remains of the people were found]
— Cro–Magnon adj

crone \ˈkrōn\ n : WITCH 2

cro·ny \ˈkrō-nē\ n, pl cronies : a close companion : PAL <politicians who get jobs for their cronies>

1crook \ˈkru̇k\ vb : 1BEND 2, CURVE

2crook n
1 : a shepherd's staff with one end curved into a hook
2 : a dishonest person (as a thief or swindler)
3 : a curved or hooked part of a thing : BEND

crook·ed \ˈkru̇k-əd\ adj
1 : having bends and curves <a crooked path>
2 : not set or placed straight <the picture is crooked>
3 : DISHONEST <a crooked card game>
— crook·ed·ly adv

— crook·ed·ness n

crook·neck \ˈkru̇k-ˌnek\ n : a squash with a long curved neck

croon \ˈkrün\ vb : to hum or sing in a low soft voice <croon a lullaby>
— croon n

— croon·er n

1crop \ˈkräp\ n
1 a : the handle of a whip  b : a short riding whip
2 : an enlargement of the gullet of a bird or insect that forms a pouch to receive food and prepare it for digestion
3 a : a plant or animal or plant or animal product that can be grown and harvested  b : the product or yield especially of a harvested crop  c : BATCH 2, LOT <a new crop of kindergartners>

2crop vb cropped; crop·ping
1 a : to remove the upper or outer parts of <crop a hedge> <crop a dog's ears>  b : to cut off short : CLIP <crop a photograph>
2 a : to cause land to bear a crop  b : to grow as a crop <crop cotton>
3 : to produce or make a crop <the apple trees cropped well>
4 : to come or appear when not expected <problems crop up daily>

crop duster n : a person who sprays crops from an airplane especially with preparations to control insects or fungi; also : the airplane used for such spraying

crop·land \ˈkräp-ˌland\ n : land on which crops are grown

1crop·per \ˈkräp-ər\ n : one that crops; esp : SHARECROPPER

2cropper n
1 : a severe fall
2 : a sudden or violent failure or collapse

crop rotation n : the practice of growing first one and then another crop on the same land especially to preserve the ability of the soil to produce crops

cro·quet \krō-ˈkā\ n : a game in which the players use mallets to drive wooden balls through a series of wickets set out on a lawn

cro·quette \krō-ˈket\ n : a roll or ball of hashed meat, fish, or vegetables fried in deep fat

cro·sier or cro·zier \ˈkrō-zhər\ n : a staff like a shepherd's crook carried by bishops and abbots as a symbol of office

1cross \ˈkrȯs\ n
1 a : a structure consisting of one bar crossing another at right angles  b often cap : the cross on which Jesus was crucified used as a symbol of Christianity and the Christian religion
2 : sorrow or suffering as a test of patience or virtue <had their crosses to bear>
3 : an object or mark shaped like a cross <a stone cross> <put a cross next to the name>
4 a : an act of crossing unlike individuals  b : a crossbred individual or kind
5 : a punch that crosses over an opponent's punch in boxing [Old English cros, probably from an early Norse or an early Irish word derived from Latin crux “cross” — related to CRUCIAL, CRUISE, CRUSADE, CRUX, EXCRUCIATING]

2cross vb
1 a : to lie or be situated across <put a nail where the boards cross each other>  b : INTERSECT 1 <where two lines cross>  c : to move, pass, or extend across <a bridge crossing the river> <cross the street>
2 : to make the sign of the cross on or over (as in prayer)
3 : to cancel by marking a cross on or drawing a line through <cross names off a list> <cross out a mistake>
4 : to place one over the other <cross the arms>
5 : to act against : OPPOSE <don't cross me>
6 : to draw a line across <cross your t's>
7 : INTERBREED, HYBRIDIZE
8 : to pass in opposite directions <our letters crossed in the mail>
9 : to occur to <it never crossed my mind>
10 : to turn (the eyes) inward toward the nose <his eyes were crossed>

3cross adj
1 : lying or moving across <cross traffic>
2 : 2CONTRARY 1
3 : marked by bad temper : GRUMPY
— cross·ly adv

— cross·ness n

cross·bar \ˈkrȯs-ˌbär\ n : a bar, piece, or stripe placed crosswise or across something

cross·bill \-ˌbil\ n : any of a genus of finches with the upper and lower parts of the bill curved so that they cross each other when the bill is closed

cross·bones \-ˌbōnz\ n pl : two leg or arm bones placed or pictured as lying across each other <skull and crossbones>

cross·bow \-ˌbō\ n : a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a wooden stock that shoots short arrows

cross·bred \ˈkrȯs-ˈbred\ adj : 2HYBRID; esp : produced by crossing two pure but different breeds, strains, or varieties

1cross·breed \ˈkrȯs-ˌbrēd, -ˈbrēd\ vb -bred \-ˌbred, -ˈbred\; -breed·ing : HYBRIDIZE; esp : to cross two varieties or breeds of the same species

2cross·breed \-ˌbrēd\ n : 1HYBRID 1

1cross–coun·try \ˈkrȯ-ˈskən-trē\ adj
1 : extending or moving across a country <a cross-country railroad> <a cross-country concert tour>
2 : going over the countryside rather than by roads
3 : dealing with or being racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run
— cross–country adv

2cross–country n : cross-country skiing or racing

1cross·cut \ˈkrȯ-ˌskət, -ˈskət\ vb -cut; -cut·ting : to cut or saw across the grain of wood

2crosscut adj
1 : made or used for cutting across the grain of wood <a crosscut saw>
2 : cut across <a crosscut incision>

3cross·cut \ˈkrȯ-ˌskət\ n
1 : something that cuts across or through
2 : a crosscut saw

cross–dress·ing \ˈkrȯs-ˌdres-iŋ\ n : the wearing of clothes made for the opposite sex
— cross–dress·er \-ər\ n

crosse \ˈkrȯs\ n : a stick with a small net at one end that is used in lacrosse

cross–ex·am·ine \ˌkrȯ-sig-ˈzam-ən\ vb : to question (a person) in an effort to show that statements or answers given earlier were false or not credible
— cross–ex·am·i·na·tion \-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— cross–ex·am·in·er \-ˈzam-(ə-)nər\ n

cross–eyed \ˈkrȯ-ˌsīd\ adj : having one or both eyes turned inward toward the nose

cross–fer·til·i·za·tion \ˈkrȯs-ˌfərt-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n
1 : fertilization between sex cells produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds
2 : CROSS-POLLINATION
— cross–fer·tile \-ˈfərt-əl\ adj

— cross–fer·til·ize \-ˈfərt-əl-ˌīz\ vb

cross fire n
1 : gunfire from two or more places so that the lines of fire cross
2 : a rapid or angry exchange (as of words)

cross hair n : one of the very thin wires or threads in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (as a microscope) used as a reference line

cross·hatch \ˈkrȯs-ˌhach\ vb : to mark with sets of parallel lines that cross
— crosshatch n

cross·ing \ˈkrȯ-siŋ\ n
1 a : the act of one that crosses  b : a voyage across water  c : the act or process of interbreeding or hybridizing
2 : a place where a street or stream is crossed
3 : a place where two things (as a street and a railroad track) cross

cross·ing–over \ˌkrȯ-siŋ-ˈō-vər\ n : an exchange of genes or chromosome segments between corresponding parts of similar but usually not identical chromosomes during meiosis

cross–legged \ˈkrȯ-ˈsleg(-ə)d\ adv : with the legs crossed and the knees spread wide

cross–link \ˈkrȯ-ˌsliŋk\ n : an atom or group of atoms that is a crosswise connection between two long series of atoms of a molecule
— cross–link vb

cross multiply vb : to multiply the numerator of each side of a proportion by the denominator of the other side
— cross multiplication n

cross·over \ˈkrȯ-ˌsō-vər\ n : an instance or product of genetic crossing-over

cross·piece \ˈkrȯ-ˌspēs\ n : something placed so as to cross something else

cross–pol·li·nate \ˌkrȯ-ˈspäl-ə-ˌnāt\ vb : to subject to cross-pollination

cross–pol·li·na·tion \ˌkrȯ-ˌspäl-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n : the transfer of pollen from one flower to the stigma of another

cross product n : either of the two products obtained by multiplying together the two means or the two extremes of a proportion

cross–pur·pose \ˈkrȯ-ˈspər-pəs\ n : a purpose unintentionally contrary to someone else's purpose

cross–ref·er·ence \ˈkrȯs-ˈref-ərn(t)s, -ˈref-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n : a reference made from one place to another (as in a dictionary)

cross·road \ˈkrȯs-ˌrōd, -ˈrōd\ n
1 : a road that crosses a main road or runs across country between main roads
2 a : a place where roads cross — usually used in plural  b : a small community at a crossroads
3 : a place or time at which a decision must be made

cross section n
1 a : a cutting made across something (as a log or an apple)  b : a representation of a cross section <a cross section of a blood vessel>
2 : a number of persons or things selected from a group to stand for the whole
— cross–sec·tion·al \ˈkrȯs-ˈsek-sh(ə-)nəl\ adj

cross–stitch \ˈkrȯs-ˌ(s)tich\ n : a needlework stitch that forms an X; also : needlework having cross-stitches

cross·town \ˈkrȯ-ˈstau̇n\ adj
1 : being on different sides of a town <schools that are crosstown rivals>
2 : going across a town <a crosstown bus>
— crosstown adv

cross–train \ˈkrȯs-ˌtrān\ vb : to engage in various sports or exercises especially for well-rounded health and muscular development

cross–train·er \ˈkrȯs-ˌtrā-nər\ n : a sports shoe designed for cross-training

cross·walk \ˈkrȯ-ˌswȯk\ n : a specially paved or marked path for people walking across a street or road

cross·ways \-ˌswāz\ adv : CROSSWISE

cross·wise \-ˌswīz\ adv : so as to cross something : ACROSS <logs laid crosswise>
— crosswise adj

cross·word puzzle \ˌkrȯ-ˌswərd-\ n : a puzzle in which words are filled into a pattern of numbered squares in answer to clues so that they read across and down

crotch \ˈkräch\ n : an angle formed by the spreading apart of two legs or branches or of a limb from its trunk

crotch·et \ˈkräch-ət\ n : an unusual personal opinion or habit

crotch·ety \ˈkräch-ət-ē\ adj : subject to whims, crankiness, or ill temper
— crotch·et·i·ness \-ē-nəs\ n

crouch \ˈkrau̇ch\ vb : to stoop or bend low with the arms and legs close to the body
— crouch n

1croup \ˈkrüp\ n : the rump of a four-footed animal [Middle English croupe “rump,” from early French croupe (same meaning), of Germanic origin]

2croup n : a laryngitis especially of infants marked by periods of difficult breathing and a hoarse cough [from an English dialect word croup “to cry or cough”; probably originally imitating the sound]
— croupy \ˈkrü-pē\ adj

crou·pi·er \ˈkrü-pē-ər, -pē-ˌā\ n : an employee of a gambling casino who collects and pays bets

crou·ton \ˈkrü-ˌtän, krü-ˈtän\ n : a small cube of bread toasted or fried crisp

1crow \ˈkrō\ n
1 : any of various large usually entirely glossy black birds related to the jays
2 cap : a member of an American Indian people of Montana
— as the crow flies : in a straight line

2crow vb crowed \ˈkrōd\; crow·ing
1 : to make the loud shrill sound that a rooster makes
2 : to make sounds of delight
3 : to brag loudly or joyfully  synonyms see BOAST

3crow n
1 : the cry of the rooster
2 : a cry of triumph

crow·bar \ˈkrō-ˌbär\ n : a metal bar used as a lever or pry

1crowd \ˈkrau̇d\ vb
1 : to press forward or close <crowd into an elevator>
2 : to push or press into a small space <crowd coats into a closet>
3 : to fill or pack by pressing together <cars crowded the roads>
4 : to push or force by or as if by a crowd <we were crowded off the sidewalk>

2crowd n
1 : a large number of persons or things crowded or crowding together
2 : the population as a whole : ordinary people <books that appeal to the crowd>
3 : a large number of things close together
4 : a group of people having a common interest  synonyms see MULTITUDE

crowd·ed·ness \ˈkrau̇d-əd-nəs\ n : the state of being crowded

crowd·fund·ing \ˈkrau̇d-ˌfən-diŋ\ n : the practice of obtaining funding (as for a new business) by seeking contributions from a large group of people and especially from the online community

crowd·sourc·ing \ˈkrau̇d-ˌsȯr-siŋ\ n : the practice of obtaining needed services, ideas, or content by seeking contributions from a large group of people and especially from the online community

1crown \ˈkrau̇n\ n
1 a : a wreath or band for the head especially as a mark of victory or honor  b : the title representing a sports championship <the heavyweight crown>
2 : a royal headdress
3 a : the top of the head  b : the highest part (as of a mountain or tree)  c : the part of a hat covering the crown of the head  d : the part of a tooth outside of the gum
4 : something resembling a crown
5 often cap  a : royal power or authority  b : the executive part of the British government
6 : any of various coins (as an old British coin worth five shillings)
— crowned \ˈkrau̇nd\ adj

— crown·like \ˈkrau̇n-ˌlīk\ adj

2crown vb
1 a : to place a crown on; esp : to make sovereign  b : to declare officially to be <was crowned champion>
2 a : 2TOP 2 <snow crowned the mountain's peak>  b : to top a checker with a checker to make a king
3 : to bring to a successful conclusion : finish off : COMPLETE
4 of a forest fire : to burn rapidly through the tops of trees

crown glass n : a very clear glass that is used for optical instruments

crown prince n : the prince next in line for a crown or throne

crown princess n
1 : the wife of a crown prince
2 : the princess next in line for a crown or throne

crow's–foot \ˈkrōz-ˌfu̇t\ n, pl crow's–feet \-ˌfēt\ : any of the wrinkles around the outer corners of the eyes — usually used in plural

crow's nest n : a partly enclosed platform high on a ship's mast for use as a lookout

crozier variant of CROSIER

cruces plural of CRUX

cru·cial \ˈkrü-shəl\ adj
1 : being a final or very important test or decision : DECISIVE <the crucial game of a series>
2 : very important : SIGNIFICANT <water is a crucial element in our weather> [from French crucial “having the form of a cross, being or involving a crisis,” from Latin cruc-, crux “cross, trouble, torture” — related to CROSS, CRUCIFY, CRUX]
— cru·cial·ly \ˈkrüsh-(ə-)lē\ adv

cru·ci·ble \ˈkrü-sə-bəl\ n
1 : a pot made of a substance not easily damaged by fire that is used for holding something to be treated under great heat
2 : a severe test

cru·ci·fix \ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks\ n : a cross with a figure of Jesus crucified on it [Middle English crucifix “crucifix,” from Latin crucifixus (same meaning), derived from earlier Latin crucifigere “to crucify,” from cruc-, crux “cross” and figere “to fasten, fix” — related to CROSS, CRUCIFY, FIX]

cru·ci·fix·ion \ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən\ n
1 cap : the crucifying of Jesus
2 : an act of crucifying

cru·ci·form \ˈkrü-sə-ˌfȯrm\ adj : forming or arranged in a cross
— cruciform n

cru·ci·fy \ˈkrü-sə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to put to death by nailing or binding the hands and feet to a cross
2 : to treat cruelly : TORTURE, PERSECUTE <were crucified in the newspapers> [Middle English crucifien “to crucify,” from early French crucifier (same meaning), from Latin crucifigere “to crucify,” from cruc-, crux “cross” and figere “to fasten, fix” — related to CROSS, CRUCIFIX, EXCRUCIATING, FIX]
— cru·ci·fi·er \-fī-ər\ n

1crude \ˈkrüd\ adj crud·er; crud·est
1 : being in a natural state and not changed by cooking or refining : RAW <crude oil>
2 : not having or showing good manners : VULGAR
3 : planned or done in a rough or unskilled way <a crude drawing>
— crude·ly adv

— crude·ness n

2crude n : crude oil

cru·di·ty \ˈkrüd-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being crude
2 : something that is crude

cru·el \ˈkrü-əl\ adj cru·el·er or cru·el·ler; cru·el·est or cru·el·lest
1 : ready to hurt others : without humane feelings <a cruel ruler>
2 a : causing or helping to cause suffering <a cruel joke>  b : showing no mercy <cruel punishment>
— cru·el·ly \ˈkrü-ə-lē\ adv

— cru·el·ness n

cru·el·ty \ˈkrü-əl-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being cruel
2 : cruel treatment

cru·et \ˈkrü-ət\ n : a small glass bottle for holding vinegar, oil, or sauce for use at the table

cruise \ˈkrüz\ vb cruised; cruis·ing
1 : to travel by boat often stopping at a series of ports
2 : to travel for enjoyment
3 : to travel at the best operating speed <the cruising speed of an airplane> [from Dutch kruisen “to cruise, move crosswise,” from early Dutch crūce “cross,” from Latin crux “cross” — related to CROSS, CRUCIAL]
— cruise n

cruis·er \ˈkrü-zər\ n
1 : SQUAD CAR
2 : a large fast warship smaller than a battleship
3 : a motorboat equipped for living aboard

crul·ler \ˈkrəl-ər\ n : a small twisted oblong cake made like a doughnut

1crumb \ˈkrəm\ n
1 : a small piece especially of something baked (as bread)
2 : a little bit <a crumb of good news>

2crumb vb
1 : to break into crumbs : CRUMBLE
2 : to cover or thicken with crumbs

crum·ble \ˈkrəm-bəl\ vb crum·bled; crum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to break into small pieces <crumble bread>
2 : to fall into ruin <relationships crumble>

crum·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adj crum·bli·er; -est : easily crumbled

crum·my \ˈkrəm-ē\ adj crum·mi·er; -est : very poor : LOUSY <crummy weather>

crum·pet \ˈkrəm-pət\ n : a small round unsweetened bread cooked on a griddle

crum·ple \ˈkrəm-pəl\ vb crum·pled; crum·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to press, bend, or crush out of shape
2 : to become crumpled
3 : 1COLLAPSE 1

1crunch \ˈkrənch\ vb
1 : to chew, press, or grind with a crushing noise
2 : to move with a crushing sound

2crunch n
1 : an act or sound of crunching
2 : CRISIS 3 <the energy crunch>
3 : an exercise done by lying on the back and rising up without reaching a sitting position by bending forward at the waist

crunchy \ˈkrən-chē\ adj crunch·i·er; -est : making a crunching sound (as when bitten or chewed)

crup·per \ˈkrəp-ər, ˈkru̇p-\ n
1 : a leather strap passing under a horse's tail to keep a saddle or harness in place
2 : the rump of a horse : CROUP

1cru·sade \krü-ˈsād\ n
1 cap : any of the military expeditions made by Christian countries in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims
2 : a campaign to get things changed for the better <a crusade against crime> [derived from early French croisade and Spanish cruzada, both meaning literally “an expedition of persons marked with or bearing the sign of the cross” and both derived from Latin cruc-, crux “cross” — related to CROSS]

2crusade vb cru·sad·ed; cru·sad·ing : to take part in a crusade
— cru·sad·er n

cruse \ˈkrüz, ˈkrüs\ n : a jar or pot for holding a liquid

1crush \ˈkrəsh\ vb
1 : to squeeze together so as to break or destroy the natural shape or condition <crush grapes>
2 : HUG 1
3 : to break into fine pieces by pressing, pounding, or grinding <crush stone>
4 a : OVERWHELM 2 <crushed the enemy>  b : OPPRESS 2
— crush·er n

2crush n
1 : an act of crushing
2 : a crowding together of many people
3 : a strong but often temporary liking : INFATUATION <have a crush on someone>

crust \ˈkrəst\ n
1 a : the hardened outside surface of bread  b : a piece of dry hard bread
2 : the pastry cover of a pie
3 a : a hard surface layer <a crust of snow>  b : the outer part of the earth
— crust·al \ˈkrəs-təl\ adj

crus·ta·cea \ˌkrəs-ˈtā-sh(ē-)ə\ n pl : arthropods that are crustaceans

crus·ta·cean \ˌkrəs-ˈtā-shən\ n : any of a large class of mostly water-dwelling arthropods (as lobsters, shrimps, crabs, wood lice, water fleas, and barnacles) having an exoskeleton of chitin or chitin and a compound of calcium
— crustacean adj

crusty \ˈkrəs-tē\ adj crust·i·er; -est
1 : having or being a crust
2 : 3CROSS 3
— crust·i·ness n

crutch \ˈkrəch\ n
1 : a support usually made with a piece at the top to fit under the armpit for use by a disabled or injured person as an aid in walking
2 : something (as a support or prop) like a crutch in shape or use

crux \ˈkrəks, ˈkru̇ks\ n, pl crux·es also cru·ces \ˈkrü-ˌsēz\ : the most important point <the crux of the problem> [from Latin crux “cross, torture, trouble” — related to CROSS, CRUCIAL, CRUCIFY]

cru·zei·ro \krü-ˈze(ə)r-ō, -ü\ n, pl -ros : the former basic unit of money of Brazil

1cry \ˈkrī\ vb cried; cry·ing
1 : to call loudly : SHOUT
2 : to shed tears often noisily : WEEP, BAWL
3 : to utter a special sound or call
4 : to make known to the public
5 : to suggest strongly a need <the situation cries out for action>
— cry havoc : to sound an alarm

— cry over spilled milk : to express regret over something that cannot be helped

— cry wolf : to give alarm without a reason

2cry n, pl cries
1 : a loud call or shout (as of pain, fear, or joy)
2 : 1APPEAL 2, PLEA <hear my cry>
3 : a fit of weeping <had a good cry>
4 : the special sound of an animal (as a bird)
5 : SLOGAN 2
6 a : a pack of hounds  b : PURSUIT — used in the phrase in full cry <hounds in full cry>  c : a peak of activity or excitement — used in the phrase in full cry <a campaign in full cry>

cry·ba·by \ˈkrī-ˌbā-bē\ n : a person who cries easily or complains often

cry down vb : DISPARAGE 2, BELITTLE

cry·ing \ˈkrī-iŋ\ adj
1 : calling for attention and correction <a crying need>
2 : NOTORIOUS <a crying shame>

cryo·gen·ics \ˌkrī-ə-ˈjen-iks\ n : a branch of physics that deals with the production and effects of very low temperatures

cryo·lite \ˈkrī-ə-ˌlīt\ n : a mineral consisting of sodium, aluminum, and fluorine that is used especially in making aluminum

crypt \ˈkript\ n : an underground chamber; also : a chamber for burial

cryp·tic \ˈkrip-tik\ adj
1 : meant to be puzzling or mysterious <a cryptic remark>
2 : serving to conceal <cryptic coloring of an animal>
— cryp·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cryp·to·gram \ˈkrip-tə-ˌgram\ n : something written in cipher or code

cryp·to·graph \ˈkrip-tə-ˌgraf\ n : CRYPTOGRAM
— cryp·to·graph·ic \ˌkrip-tə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

cryp·tog·ra·phy \krip-ˈtäg-rə-fē\ n : the coding and decoding of secret messages
— cryp·tog·ra·pher \-fər\ n

1crys·tal \ˈkris-təl\ n
1 : a quartz that is transparent or nearly so
2 : something transparent like crystal
3 : a solid form of a substance or mixture that has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces <a crystal of quartz> <a snow crystal> <a salt crystal>
4 : a clear colorless glass of very good quality; also : things made of this glass
5 : the transparent cover over a watch or clock dial

2crystal adj
1 : made of or resembling crystal
2 : using a crystal as a detector <a crystal radio receiver>

crystal ball n : a clear ball especially of quartz crystal used by a fortune-teller to predict the future

crys·tal·line \ˈkris-tə-lən\ adj
1 : clear or sparkling like crystal <crystalline drops of honey>
2 : made of crystal or crystals
3 : of or relating to a crystal

crystalline lens n : the lens of the vertebrate eye

crys·tal·lize \ˈkris-tə-ˌlīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing
1 a : to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form  b : to become crystallized
2 : to take or cause to take definite form <the plan crystallized slowly>
— crys·tal·li·za·tion \ˌkris-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

crys·tal·log·ra·phy \ˌkris-tə-ˈläg-rə-fē\ n : a science that deals with the form and structure of crystals
— crys·tal·log·ra·pher \-fər\ n

crys·tal·loid \ˈkris-tə-ˌlȯid\ n : a substance that forms a true solution and is capable of being crystallized

CT scan \ˌsē-ˈtē-\ n : CAT SCAN

cub \ˈkəb\ n
1 a : a young flesh-eating mammal (as a bear, fox, or lion)  b : a young shark
2 : a young person
3 : a person just learning a job : APPRENTICE <a cub reporter> <a cub pilot>
4 : CUB SCOUT

cub·by·hole \ˈkəb-ē-ˌhōl\ n : a snug place (as for storing things)

1cube \ˈkyüb\ n
1 : the solid body having six equal square sides
2 : the result of raising a number to the third power <the cube of 2 is 8>

2cube vb cubed; cub·ing
1 : to raise to the third power
2 : to form into a cube
3 : to cut a checkered pattern into <cube a steak>

cube root n : a number whose cube is a given number <the cube root of 27 is 3>

cu·bic \ˈkyü-bik\ also cu·bi·cal \-bi-kəl\ adj
1 : having the form of a cube
2 a : having length, width, and height  b : relating to volume
3 : being or having the volume of a cube whose edge is a specified unit <cubic centimeter> <cubic inch>
— cu·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cu·bi·cle \ˈkyü-bi-kəl\ n : a small separate space (as for sleeping, studying, or working) usually having removable partitions

cubic measure n : a unit (as a cubic inch or cubic centimeter) for measuring volume — see MEASURE TABLE, METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

cub·ism \ˈkyü-ˌbiz-əm\ n : a style of art in which natural forms are broken up into geometric shapes (as squares, triangles, or circles)
— cub·ist \-bist\ adj or n

cu·bit \ˈkyü-bət\ n : an ancient unit of length based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger and usually equal to about 18 inches (46 centimeters)

cu·boi·dal \kyü-ˈbȯid-əl\ adj : made of parts (as cells) that are shaped somewhat like cubes <cuboidal epithelium>

Cub Scout n : a member of the Boy Scouts of America program for boys in the first through fifth grades in school

1cuck·oo \ˈkük-ü, ˈku̇k-\ n, pl cuckoos
1 : a largely grayish brown European bird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds for them to hatch; also : any of various related birds
2 : the call of a cuckoo

2cuckoo adj : short on sense or intelligence

cuckoo clock n : a clock that announces the hours with sounds like a cuckoo's call

cu·cum·ber \ˈkyü-(ˌ)kəm-bər\ n : the long fleshy usually many-seeded green-skinned fruit of a vine of the gourd family that is grown as a garden vegetable; also : this vine

cud \ˈkəd, ˈku̇d\ n : food brought up into the mouth by some animals (as a cow) from the rumen to be chewed again

cud·dle \ˈkəd-əl\ vb cud·dled; cud·dling \ˈkəd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection
2 : to lie close : NESTLE, SNUGGLE
— cuddle n

— cud·dly \ˈkəd-lē, -əl-ē\ adj

1cud·gel \ˈkəj-əl\ n : a short heavy club

2cudgel vb -geled or -gelled; -gel·ing or -gel·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to beat with or as if with a cudgel
— cudgel one's brains : to think hard

1cue \ˈkyü\ n
1 : a word, phrase, or action in a play serving as a signal for the next actor to speak or do something
2 : something serving as a signal or suggestion : HINT [probably from q or qu, abbreviations for Latin quando “when,” formerly used in actors' copies of scripts of plays]

2cue vb cued; cu·ing : to give a cue to

3cue n
1 : a tapering rod used in playing billiards or pool
2 : 1QUEUE 2 [from French queue “tail, a line of people,” from early French cue, coe “tail,” from Latin cauda “tail” — related to COWARD, QUEUE, CODA; see Word History at COWARD, QUEUE]

cue ball n : the ball a player strikes with the cue in billiards or pool

1cuff \ˈkəf\ n
1 : a part of a sleeve or glove that goes around the wrist
2 : the turned-back hem of a trouser leg
3 : a band that is capable of being inflated and is wrapped around an arm or leg to control the flow of blood through the part when measuring blood pressure

2cuff vb : to strike with or as if with the palm of the hand

3cuff n : a blow with the hand especially when open : SLAP

cuff link n : an ornamental device for fastening the cuffs of a shirt — usually used in plural

cui·rass \kwi-ˈras, kyu̇-\ n : a piece of armor covering the body from neck to waist; also : the breastplate of such a piece

cuir·as·sier \ˌkwir-ə-ˈsi(ə)r, ˌkyu̇r-\ n : a mounted soldier wearing a cuirass

cui·sine \kwi-ˈzēn, kwē-\ n : style of cooking <Mexican cuisine> <Chinese cuisine>; also : the food cooked

cu·lex \ˈkyü-ˌleks\ n : any of a large genus of mosquitoes that includes the common house mosquito of Europe and North America

cul·i·nary \ˈkəl-ə-ˌner-ē, ˈkyü-lə-\ adj : of or relating to the kitchen or cooking <culinary workers> <culinary skills>

1cull \ˈkəl\ vb
1 : to select from a group : CHOOSE
2 : to reduce or control the size of (as a herd) by removal of usually weaker animals <a hunt to cull the growing deer population>
— cull·er n

2cull n : something rejected from a group or lot as being not as good as the rest

cul·mi·nate \ˈkəl-mə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to reach the highest point
— cul·mi·na·tion \ˌkəl-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n

cu·lotte \ˈk(y)ü-ˌlät, k(y)ü-ˈlät\ n : a divided skirt or a garment with a divided skirt — often used in plural

cul·pa·ble \ˈkəl-pə-bəl\ adj : deserving blame
— cul·pa·bil·i·ty \ˌkəl-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— cul·pa·ble·ness \ˈkəl-pə-bəl-nəs\ n

— cul·pa·bly \ˈkəl-pə-blē\ adv

cul·prit \ˈkəl-prət, -ˌprit\ n
1 : one accused of or charged with a crime or fault
2 : one guilty of a crime or fault

cult \ˈkəlt\ n
1 : a system of religious worship
2 a : enthusiastic but often temporary devotion to a person, idea, or thing  b : the object of such devotion  c : a group of persons who belong to or show devotion to a cult
— cult·ist \ˈkəl-təst\ n

cul·ti·gen \ˈkəl-tə-jən\ n : a cultivated animal or plant (as the kidney bean) of a variety or species for which a wild ancestor is unknown or uncertain

cul·ti·vate \ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 a : to prepare land for the raising of crops  b : to loosen or break up the soil around (growing plants)
2 a : to raise or assist the growth of by tilling or by labor and care <cultivate vegetables> <cultivate oysters>  b : 2CULTURE
3 : to improve or develop by careful attention, training, or study : devote time and thought to <cultivate one's mind> <cultivate the arts>
4 : to seek the company and friendship of

cultivated adj
1 : raised or produced under cultivation <cultivated fruits>
2 : having or showing good education and elegant taste, speech, and manners : REFINED <cultivated speech>

cul·ti·va·tion \ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 : the act or art of cultivating especially the soil
2 : REFINEMENT 2

cul·ti·va·tor \ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt-ər\ n : one that cultivates; esp : a tool or machine to loosen the soil while crops are growing

cul·tur·al \ˈkəlch-(ə-)rəl\ adj : of or relating to culture
— cul·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

1cul·ture \ˈkəl-chər\ n
1 : CULTIVATION 1, TILLAGE
2 : the raising or development of a product or crop by careful attention <bee culture> <the culture of grapes>
3 : improvement of the mind, tastes, and manners through careful training
4 a : a particular stage, form, or kind of civilization <ancient Greek culture>  b : the beliefs, social practices, and characteristics of a racial, religious, or social group  c : the characteristic features of everyday life shared by people in a particular place or time <southern culture>
5 : cultivation of living material (as bacteria) in a special usually liquid or jellylike nutrient preparation; also : a product of such cultivation

2culture vb cul·tured; cul·tur·ing \ˈkəlch-(ə-)riŋ\ : to grow in a prepared medium

cultured adj
1 : CULTIVATED 2
2 : produced under artificial conditions <cultured viruses> <cultured pearls>

cul·vert \ˈkəl-vərt\ n : a drain or waterway crossing under a road or railroad

cum \(ˌ)ku̇m, (ˌ)kəm\ conj : along with being : in addition to <worked as cook-cum-dishwasher> [from Latin cum “with”]

cum·ber·some \ˈkəm-bər-səm\ adj : hard to handle or manage because of size or weight
— cum·ber·some·ly adv

— cum·ber·some·ness n

cum·brous \ˈkəm-b(ə-)rəs\ adj : CUMBERSOME
— cum·brous·ly adv

cum laude \ˌku̇m-ˈlau̇d-ē, -ə; ˌkəm-ˈlȯd-ē\ adv or adj : with distinction : with honors <graduated cum laude> [Latin, “with praise”]

cum·mer·bund \ˈkəm-ər-ˌbənd\ n : a wide sash worn around the waist

cu·mu·la·tive \ˈkyü-myə-lət-iv, -ˌlāt-\ adj : increasing (as in force, strength, or amount) by additions one after another <cumulative effects>
— cu·mu·la·tive·ly adv

— cu·mu·la·tive·ness n

cu·mu·lo·nim·bus \ˌkyü-myə-lō-ˈnim-bəs\ n : a cumulus cloud that has a low base and that is often spread out in the shape of an anvil extending to great heights

cu·mu·lus \ˈkyü-myə-ləs\ n, pl cu·mu·li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ : a dense puffy cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up like a mountain

1cu·ne·i·form \kyu̇-ˈnē-ə-ˌfȯrm, ˈkyü-n(ē-)ə-\ adj
1 : having the shape of a wedge
2 : made up of or written with marks or letters shaped like wedges

2cuneiform n : cuneiform writing

cun·ner \ˈkən-ər\ n : a small American food fish that is common along the rocky shores of New England

1cun·ning \ˈkən-iŋ\ adj
1 : very good or very clever at using special knowledge or skills or at getting something done <a cunning detective>
2 : showing keen understanding <a cunning observation>
3 : marked by deception and trickery
4 : CUTE 2, PRETTY
— cun·ning·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

— cun·ning·ness n
synonyms CUNNING, CRAFTY, SLY, WILY, mean skillful at trickery. CUNNING suggests cleverness or skill in using sometimes limited intelligence to deal with dangers or difficulties <a cunning prisoner making an escape>. CRAFTY suggests skill in deceiving with shrewd devices and schemes <a crafty peddler known for successful bargaining>. SLY often suggests secret or sneaky deceiving <a sly thief>. WILY suggests cleverness in setting or avoiding traps <the wily fox>.

2cunning n
1 : SKILL 1, DEXTERITY
2 : cleverness in getting what one wants often by tricks or deceiving

1cup \ˈkəp\ n
1 a : something to drink out of in the shape of a bowl usually with a handle <a coffee cup>  b : a similar container used to measure amounts (as in cooking) <a measuring cup>
2 a : the contents of a cup : CUPFUL <drank two cups of cocoa>  b : a half pint : eight fluid ounces (about 237 milliliters)
3 : a large ornamental cup offered as a prize
4 : something (as the corolla of a flower) resembling a cup
5 : a food served in a cup-shaped container <fruit cup>
— cup·like adj

2cup vb cupped; cup·ping
1 : to curve into the shape of a cup <cupped his hands around his mouth>
2 : to place in or as if in a cup <cupped her mouth with her hands>

cup·bear·er \ˈkəp-ˌbar-ər, -ˌber-\ n : a person whose duty is to serve cups of wine

cup·board \ˈkəb-ərd\ n : a closet with shelves for cups, dishes, or food

cup·cake \ˈkəp-ˌkāk\ n : a small cake baked in a cup-shaped mold

cup·ful \ˈkəp-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl cup·fuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ also cups·ful \ˈkəps-ˌfu̇l\
1 : the amount held by a cup
2 : 1CUP 2B
3 : 1CUP 2C

cu·pid \ˈkyü-pəd\ n : a picture or statue of Cupid the Roman god of love often as a winged naked child with a bow and arrow

cu·pid·i·ty \kyu̇-ˈpid-ət-ē\ n : excessive desire for wealth : GREED

cu·po·la \ˈkyü-pə-lə\ n
1 : a rounded roof or ceiling : DOME
2 : a small structure built on top of a roof

cu·prite \ˈk(y)ü-ˌprīt\ n : a red mineral that is an oxide of copper and an ore of copper

cur \ˈkər\ n
1 : a mongrel dog
2 : 1HEEL 4, CAD

cur·able \ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being cured

cu·ra·re \k(y)u̇-ˈrär-ē\ n : a dried product in water especially of a tropical American vine used to poison arrow tips and in medicine to relax muscles

cu·rate \ˈkyu̇r-ət\ n : a member of the clergy who assists the rector, pastor, or vicar of a church [Middle English curate “member of the clergy,” from Latin curatus (same meaning), from cura “spiritual charge of souls,” from earlier cura “care, healing” — related to ACCURATE, CURE]

cu·ra·tive \ˈkyu̇r-ət-iv\ adj : relating to or used in the cure of diseases <curative treatments>

cu·ra·tor \ˈkyu̇(ə)r-ˌāt-ər, kyu̇-ˈrāt-, ˈkyu̇r-ət-\ n : a person in charge of a museum or zoo
— cu·ra·tor·ship \-ˌship\ n

1curb \ˈkərb\ n
1 : a chain or strap on a horse's bit used to control the horse by pressing against the lower jaw
2 : 1CHECK 3 <price curbs>
3 : an enclosing border (as of stone or concrete) often along the edge of a street

2curb vb
1 : to control by or furnish with or as if with a curb <legislation to curb price and wage increases> <curb your appetite>
2 : to lead (a dog) to a suitable place (as a gutter) for defecation

curb·ing \ˈkər-biŋ\ n
1 : the material for a curb
2 : 1CURB 3

curd \ˈkərd\ n
1 : the thickened or solid part of sour or partly digested milk — compare WHEY
2 : something resembling the curd of milk
— curdy \-ē\ adj

cur·dle \ˈkərd-əl\ vb cur·dled; cur·dling \ˈkərd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to form curds
2 : to cause curds to form in <high heat curdled the custard>
3 — used in expressions such as make one's blood curdle to indicate a feeling of terror <a ghost story that will make your blood curdle>

1cure \ˈkyu̇(ə)r\ n
1 a : recovery or relief from a disease  b : something that cures a disease : REMEDY  c : a method or period of medical treatment
2 : something that corrects or heals a bad situation <a cure for unemployment>
Word History In Latin the noun cura had the general sense of “the care, concern, or attention given to something or someone.” Often it referred to “medical care or healing.” The Roman Christians, however, used the word chiefly in regard to “the care of souls,” since that was one of their main concerns. The word passed into French as cure and then into English with this spiritual sense. The English noun curate, meaning “one who takes care of souls, a member of the clergy,” developed from this sense. Later the medical senses of cure became more common. Latin cura was also the basis for the verb accurare, meaning “to take care of.” This verb became the source of our word accurate, which at first meant “done with care.” [Middle English cure “care of souls,” from early French cure (same meaning), from Latin cura “spiritual charge of souls,” from earlier cura “care, healing” — related to ACCURATE, CURATE, CURIOUS, SECURE]

2cure vb cured; cur·ing
1 a : to make or become healthy or sound again  b : to bring about recovery from
2 : 2REMEDY
3 a : to prepare by a chemical or physical process for use or storage <cure bacon>  b : to go through a curing process <hay curing in the sun>
— cur·er n

cure–all \ˈkyu̇(ə)r-ˌȯl\ n : a remedy for everything wrong

cu·ret·tage \ˌkyu̇r-ə-ˈtäzh\ n : a surgical cleaning or scraping of a body part (as the uterus)

cur·few \ˈkər-ˌfyü\ n
1 : an order or law requiring certain or all people to be off the streets at a stated time
2 : a signal (as the ringing of a bell) formerly given to announce the beginning of a curfew
3 : the time when a curfew is sounded
Word History During the Middle Ages, houses in European towns were often made of wood, and they were built very close together. A fire burning out of control could quickly spread from house to house. To prevent this disaster, people were required to put out or cover their hearth fires by a certain time in the evening. A bell was rung as a signal when the time had come. In early French this signal was called coverfeu, a compound of covrir, meaning “to cover,” and feu, “fire.” Even when hearth fires were no longer regulated, many towns had other rules that called for the ringing of an evening bell, and this signal was still called coverfeu. A common coverfeu regulation required that certain people be off the streets by a given time. This is the meaning taken when the word coverfeu was borrowed from early French into Middle English as curfew. [Middle English curfew “an order to be off the streets at a certain time,” from early French coverfeu “signal to cover a hearth fire, curfew,” from covrir “to cover” and feu “fire”]

cu·rie \ˈkyu̇(ə)r-(ˌ)ē, kyu̇-ˈrē\ n : a unit of radioactivity equal to 37 billion disintegrations per second

cu·rio \ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō\ n, pl cu·ri·os : an object or article valued because it is strange or rare

cu·ri·os·i·ty \ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈäs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : an eager desire to learn and often to learn what does not concern one : INQUISITIVENESS
2 a : something strange or unusual <the curiosities of nature>  b : CURIO

cu·ri·ous \ˈkyu̇r-ē-əs\ adj
1 : eager to learn <a cat curious about its new surroundings>
2 : INQUISITIVE 2
3 : attracting attention by being strange or unusual : ODD <a curious old coin> <that's curious—they were here yesterday> [Middle English curious “made carefully, skillful, eager to learn,” from early French curios (same meaning), from Latin curiosus “careful, inquisitive,” from cura “care, healing” — related to ACCURATE, CURE]
— cu·ri·ous·ly adv

— cu·ri·ous·ness n
synonyms CURIOUS, INQUISITIVE, PRYING, mean interested in what is not one's own business. CURIOUS in general suggests an active desire to learn or to know <children are curious about everything>. INQUISITIVE suggests annoying and regular curiosity along with steady quizzing <dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives>. PRYING suggests truly bothersome meddling <prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business>.

cu·ri·um \ˈkyu̇r-ē-əm\ n : a metallic radioactive element artificially produced — see ELEMENT TABLE

1curl \ˈkərl\ vb
1 : to form into or grow in coils or ringlets <curled her hair>
2 : to take or move in a curved form <smoke curling from the chimney>

2curl n
1 : a lock of hair that coils : RINGLET
2 : a spiral or winding form : COIL
3 : the state of being curled
4 : a hollow place under the crest of a breaking wave

curl·er \ˈkər-lər\ n
1 : one that curls; esp : a device for putting a curl into hair
2 : a player in the game of curling

cur·lew \ˈkərl-ˌ(y)ü\ n, pl curlews or curlew : any of various largely brownish birds which are related to the woodcocks and are distinguished by long legs and a long slender bill that curves downward

curli·cue also curly·cue \ˈkər-li-ˌkyü\ n : a fancifully curved or spiral figure (as a flourish in handwriting)

curl·ing \ˈkər-liŋ\ n : a game in which two teams of four players slide special stones over ice toward a target circle

curling iron n : a rod-shaped device that is heated and used to curl hair

curl up vb : to arrange oneself in or as if in a curl or ball <curl up with a good book>

curly \ˈkər-lē\ adj curl·i·er; -est : tending to curl; also : having curls <curly hair>
— curl·i·ness n

cur·mud·geon \kər-ˈməj-ən\ n : a grumpy and usually old man

cur·ragh \ˈkə-rə(ḵ)\ n : CORACLE

cur·rant \ˈkər-ənt, ˈkə-rənt\ n
1 : a small seedless raisin used in baking and cooking
2 : the acid edible fruit of several shrubs related to the gooseberries; also : a plant bearing currants [from Middle English raison of Coraunte, literally, “raisin of Corinth,” from Corinth, city in Greece from which it was exported]

cur·ren·cy \ˈkər-ən-sē, ˈkə-rən-\ n, pl -cies
1 : common use or acceptance
2 : money in circulation

1cur·rent \ˈkər-ənt, ˈkə-rənt\ adj
1 a : now passing <the current month>  b : occurring in or belonging to the present time <current events>
2 : generally accepted, used, or practiced <current customs> [Middle English curraunt, coraunt “moving, flowing, running,” from early French corant, curant “running,” derived from Latin currere “to run” — related to CORRIDOR, COURIER, COURSE, EXCURSION, INCUR, OCCUR]
— cur·rent·ly adv

— cur·rent·ness n

2current n
1 a : the part of a fluid body moving continuously in a certain direction  b : the swiftest part of a stream
2 : general course or movement : TREND
3 : a stream of electric charge; also : the rate of such movement

cur·ric·u·lum \kə-ˈrik-yə-ləm\ n, pl -la \-lə\ also -lums : all the courses of study offered by a school
— cur·ric·u·lar \-lər\ adj

1cur·ry \ˈkər-ē, ˈkə-rē\ vb cur·ried; cur·ry·ing : to rub and clean the coat of <curry a horse> [Middle English currayen “to comb the coat of (a horse),” from early French correier “to prepare,” probably from a Latin word of Germanic origin]
— cur·ri·er n

— curry fa*vor \-ˈfā-vər\ : to try to win approval by flattering or doing favors

2cur·ry \ˈkər-ē, ˈkə-rē\ n, pl curries
1 : CURRY POWDER
2 : a food seasoned with curry powder [from Tamil (a language of southern India) kaṟi “a spiced dish of food”]

3curry vb cur·ried; cur·ry·ing : to flavor or cook with curry powder

cur·ry·comb \ˈkər-ē-ˌkōm, ˈkə-rē-\ n : a comb with rows of metallic teeth or ridges used to curry horses
— currycomb vb

curry powder n : a sharp seasoning made of ground spices

1curse \ˈkərs\ n
1 : a calling for harm or injury to come to someone
2 : a word or an expression used in cursing or swearing
3 : evil or misfortune that comes as if in answer to a curse
4 : a cause of great harm or evil

2curse vb cursed; curs·ing
1 : to call upon divine power to send harm or evil upon
2 : SWEAR 5
3 : to bring unhappiness or evil upon : AFFLICT

cursed \ˈkər-səd, ˈkərst\ also curst \ˈkərst\ adj : being under or deserving a curse
— cursed·ly adv

— cursed·ness n

cur·sive \ˈkər-siv\ adj : written or formed with the strokes of the letters joined together and the angles rounded <cursive handwriting>
— cursive n

— cur·sive·ly adv

cur·sor \ˈkər-sər\ n : a mark (as a bright blinking spot) on a computer display screen that shows the place where the user is working

cur·so·ry \ˈkərs(-ə)-rē\ adj : rapid and usually careless : HASTY <a cursory glance>
— cur·so·ri·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

— cur·so·ri·ness \-rē-nəs\ n

curt \ˈkərt\ adj : rudely abrupt or brief in speech <a curt reply>  synonyms see BLUFF
— curt·ly adv

— curt·ness n

cur·tail \(ˌ)kər-ˈtā(ə)l\ vb : to make less by or as if by cutting off part of
— cur·tail·er \-ˈtā-lər\ n

— cur·tail·ment \-ˈtāl-mənt\ n

cur·tain \ˈkərt-ən\ n
1 : a piece of material (as cloth) hung up to darken, hide, divide, or decorate
2 : the opening or closing of the curtain in front of the stage of a theater
3 : something that covers, hides, or separates like a curtain
— curtain vb

curtain call n : an appearance by a performer (as after the final curtain of a play) in response to the applause of the audience

1curt·sy also curt·sey \ˈkərt-sē\ n, pl curtsies also curtseys : a bow made especially by women that consists of a slight lowering of the body and bending of the knees

2curtsy also curtsey vb curt·sied also curt·seyed; curt·sy·ing also curt·sey·ing : to make a curtsy

cur·va·ture \ˈkər-və-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər\ n
1 : the act of curving : the state of being curved
2 : an abnormal curving <curvature of the spine>

1curve \ˈkərv\ vb curved; curv·ing
1 : to turn or change from a straight line or course <the road curved to the left>
2 : to cause to curve

2curve n
1 a : a line especially when curved  b : a line connecting points on a graph or in a coordinate system
2 : something that bends or turns without angles <a curve in the road>
3 : a ball thrown so that it moves away from a straight course

1cur·vet \(ˌ)kər-ˈvet\ n : a leap of a horse in which first the forelegs and then the hind are raised so that for an instant all the legs are in the air

2curvet vb cur·vet·ted or cur·vet·ed; cur·vet·ting or cur·vet·ing
1 : to make a curvet
2 : 2CAPER, PRANCE

1cush·ion \ˈku̇sh-ən\ n
1 : a soft pillow or pad to rest on or against
2 : something resembling a cushion in use, shape, or softness
3 : a rubber pad along the inner rim of a billiard table
4 : something serving to lessen the effects of something bad or unpleasant

2cushion vb cush·ioned; cush·ion·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to place on or as if on a cushion
2 : to furnish with a cushion
3 : to soften or lessen the force or shock of

cusp \ˈkəsp\ n : a point or pointed end or part: as  a : either of the pointed ends of a crescent moon  b : a point on the grinding surface of a tooth  c : a fold or flap of a heart valve

cus·pid \ˈkəs-pəd\ n : 2CANINE 1

1cuss \ˈkəs\ n
1 : 1CURSE 2
2 : 1FELLOW 4A <an ornery cuss>

2cuss vb : SWEAR 5

cus·tard \ˈkəs-tərd\ n : a sweetened mixture of milk and eggs baked, boiled, or frozen

cus·to·di·an \ˌkəs-ˈtōd-ē-ən\ n
1 : someone who guards and protects or takes care of something for another person
2 : someone who cleans and takes care of a building : JANITOR 2

cus·to·dy \ˈkəs-təd-ē\ n
1 : direct responsibility for care and control
2 : the state of being arrested or held by the police

1cus·tom \ˈkəs-təm\ n
1 : the usual way of doing things : the usual practice of a person or group
2 pl : duties or taxes paid on imports or exports
3 : support given a business by its customers  synonyms see HABIT

2custom adj
1 : made or done to order <custom clothes>
2 : specializing in custom work <a custom tailor>

cus·tom·ary \ˈkəs-tə-ˌmer-ē\ adj
1 : based on or established by custom <customary rent>
2 : commonly done, observed, or used <her customary kindness> <customary courtesies>
— cus·tom·ar·i·ly \ˌkəs-tə-ˈmer-ə-lē\ adv

cus·tom·er \ˈkəs-tə-mər\ n
1 : one that buys a product or service
2 : 2INDIVIDUAL 2, FELLOW <he's a real tough customer>

cus·tom·house \ˈkəs-təm-ˌhau̇s\ also cus·toms·house \-təmz-\ n : a building where customs are paid or collected and where ships are entered and cleared at a port

cus·tom·ize \ˈkəs-tə-ˌmīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to build, fit, or change to suit a specific customer <a customized van>

cus·tom–made \ˌkəs-təm-ˈ(m)ād\ adj : made for a specific customer <custom-made clothing>

1cut \ˈkət\ vb cut; cut·ting
1 a : to penetrate or divide with or as if with an edged tool (as a knife) <cut my finger> <cutting and pasting colored paper> <cut the pie>  b : to function as an edged tool <be careful — that glass will cut> <this old knife won't cut anymore>  c : to be able to be cut <cheese cuts easily>  d : to harm (oneself) by making cuts or scratches on one's body
2 : to experience the growth of through the gum <the baby is cutting teeth>
3 : to hurt the feelings of <the remark cut me>
4 a : 1TRIM 3A <cut your hair>  b : 2MOW 1 <cut the grass>  c : DISSOLVE 2 <a detergent cuts grease>
5 : to make smaller <cut costs>
6 : to remove with or as if with a knife <cut a piece of ham> <cut two players from the team>
7 : to remove (something) from a computer document in such a way that it can be moved to another part of the document or to another document
8 a : to go straight rather than around <cut across the backyard>  b : INTERSECT 1, CROSS <lines cutting other lines>  c : to make a quick change of direction <go out 10 steps, then cut right and I'll throw you a pass> <the camera cuts to the crowd in the street>
9 : to divide a deck of cards
10 : to cause to stop <cut the nonsense> <cut the engine>
11 : 1SNUB 2 <cut a former friend>
12 : to fail to attend <cut a class>
13 a : to make or shape with or as if with an edged tool <farmers cut clearings out of the wilderness> <cut a diamond>  b : to record sounds on <cut a record>
14 : to give the appearance of <cuts a fine figure>
15 : to advance by skipping or going around another <cut to the front of the line>
— cut both ways : to have good and bad implications

— cut corners : to do something the easiest or cheapest way

— cut ice : to be important <that's not going to cut any ice with the kids>

— cut it : to meet the necessary requirements for success

2cut n
1 a : something cut or cut off <a cut of beef>  b : 1SHARE 1 <your cut of the winnings>
2 a : a product of cutting  b : a wound made by something sharp  c : a passage made by cutting <a railroad cut>  d : a grade or step especially in a social scale <a cut above the ordinary>  e : a pictorial illustration
3 a : an act or instance of cutting  b : something done or said that hurts the feelings <an unkind cut>  c : an act of removing a part <a cut in pay>  d : an act or turn of cutting cards <it's your cut>
4 : a voluntary absence from a class
5 : a swing by a batter at the ball <took a good cut>
6 a : a sudden switch from one sound or image to another in movies, radio, or television  b : an edited version of a film
7 : the shape and style in which a thing is cut, formed, or made <clothes of the latest cut>
8 : the act of reducing the size of a group (as of competitors) by removing the less skillful <played well and made the cut>
9 : a recorded song

cut·abil·i·ty \ˌkət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n : the proportion of lean edible meat (as in a side of beef)

cu·ta·ne·ous \kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs\ adj : of, relating to, or affecting the skin <a cutaneous infection>

1cut·away \ˈkət-ə-ˌwā\ adj : showing the top or outside cut away so the inside parts can be seen <a cutaway view>

2cutaway n
1 : a coat with skirts cut from the front waistline to form tails at the back
2 : a cutaway illustration

cut·back \ˈkət-ˌbak\ n : an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back \ˈkət-ˈbak\ vb
1 a : 2PRUNE 2  b : 2PRUNE 2A
2 : to reduce something in amount <cut back on smoking>

cut down vb
1 : to knock down and kill or wound
2 : to make over in a smaller size
3 : to reduce something in amount <cut down on energy use>

cute \ˈkyüt\ adj cut·er; cut·est
1 : CLEVER 3, SHREWD <they're not cute enough to fool me>
2 : attractive especially in looks or actions <a cute baby> <a cute outfit>
3 a : clever in an appealing way <a cute idea>  b : WISE 3 <don't get cute with me>
— cute·ly adv

— cute·ness n

cut glass n : glass ornamented by cutting and polishing

cu·ti·cle \ˈkyüt-i-kəl\ n
1 : an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath
2 : a dead or horny layer of skin especially around a fingernail

cu·tin \ˈkyüt-ən\ n : a substance that contains waxes, fatty acids, soaps, and resins and forms a continuous layer on the outer wall of the epidermis of a plant

cut in vb
1 : to join in suddenly <cut in on a conversation>
2 : to interrupt a dancing couple and take one partner's place
3 : to mix with cutting motions <add the shortening to the flour and cut it in>
4 : to include among those who get a cut <I'll cut you in on the profits>

cut·lass \ˈkət-ləs\ n : a short curved sword

cut·ler \ˈkət-lər\ n : one who makes, sells, or repairs cutlery

cut·lery \ˈkət-lə-rē\ n
1 : the business of a cutler
2 : cutting tools (as knives and scissors)
3 : utensils for cutting, serving, and eating food

cut·let \ˈkət-lət\ n
1 : a small slice of meat <veal cutlets>
2 : a piece of food shaped like a cutlet

cut·off \ˈkət-ˌȯf\ n
1 a : the action of cutting off  b : the point or date that cutting off occurs
2 : a device for cutting off
3 pl : shorts made from jeans with the legs cut off short
— cutoff adj

cut off \ˌkət-ˈȯf\ vb
1 : to stop the flow or movement of <cut off a supply>
2 : ISOLATE <cut off from the world>
3 : DISCONTINUE 2 <they cut off relations with us>
4 : to stop from talking

cut·out \ˈkət-ˌau̇t\ n : something cut out or off from something else
— cutout adj

1cut out vb
1 : to assign through necessity <you've got your work cut out for you>
2 : to put an end to <now cut that out>
3 : to come to a stop <the engines cut out>

2cut out adj : naturally suited <not cut out for teaching>

cut–rate \ˈkət-ˈrāt\ adj
1 : marked by, offering, or making use of reduced prices <a cut-rate store>
2 : SECOND-RATE, CHEAP

cut·ter \ˈkət-ər\ n
1 : one that cuts <a diamond cutter> <a cookie cutter>
2 a : a ship's boat for carrying supplies or passengers  b : a small sailing boat with one mast  c : a small armed boat in government service
3 : a small sleigh

1cut·throat \ˈkət-ˌthrōt\ n
1 : a person likely to cut someone's throat
2 : a cruel person with no scruples

2cutthroat adj : RUTHLESS <cutthroat competition>

1cut·ting \ˈkət-iŋ\ n : something cut or cut off or out; esp : a section of a plant capable of developing into a new individual

2cutting adj
1 : designed for cutting : SHARP <a cutting blade>
2 : marked by piercing cold <a cutting wind>
3 : likely to hurt the feelings of others <cutting remarks>
— cut·ting·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

cutting board n : a board on which something (as cloth or food) is placed for cutting

cutting edge n
1 : the sharp edge of a cutting tool
2 : the newest and most advanced area of an activity
— cutting–edge adj

cut·tle·bone \ˈkət-əl-ˌbōn\ n : the shell of a cuttlefish used for making polishing powder or for supplying birds in cages with calcium and salts

cut·tle·fish \-ˌfish\ n : a marine mollusk having eight short arms and two longer tentacles and differing from the related squid in having an internal shell composed of compounds of calcium

cut·up \ˈkət-ˌəp\ n : a person who clowns or acts noisily

cut up \ˈkət-ˈəp\ vb : to act like a clown

cut·worm \ˈkət-ˌwərm\ n : any of various smooth-bodied nocturnal moth caterpillars that usually feed on plants

-cy \sē\ n suffix, pl -cies
1 : action : practice <prophecy> <piracy>
2 : rank : office <captaincy>
3 : state : quality <accuracy> <bankruptcy> <normalcy> [derived from Latin -tia “action, quality”]

cy·an \ˈsī-ˌan, -ən\ n : a greenish blue

cy·a·nide \ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd, -nəd\ n : a very poisonous compound consisting of carbon and nitrogen with either sodium or potassium

cy·a·no·bac·te·ri·um \ˌsī-ə-nō-bak-ˈtir-ē-əm, sī-ˌan-ō-\ n : BLUE-GREEN ALGA

cy·ano·gen \sī-ˈan-ə-jən\ n : a colorless flammable poisonous gas consisting of carbon and nitrogen

cy·ber \ˈsī-bər\ adj : relating to computers or computer networks

cyber- combining form : computer : computer network <cyberspace> [cybernetic]

cy·ber·bul·ly·ing \ˈsī-bər-ˈbu̇l-ē-iŋ\ n : the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously
— cy·ber·bul·ly \-ˈbu̇l-ē\ n or vb

cy·ber·crime \ˈsī-bər-ˌkrīm\ n : criminal activity (as fraud or theft) committed using a computer especially to illegally access, transmit, or manipulate data; also : an instance of such activity

cy·ber·net·ics \ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks\ n : a science concerned especially with studies comparing automatic control systems (as that of the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
— cy·ber·net·ic \-ˈnet-ik\ adj

cy·ber·space \ˈsī-bər-ˌspās\ n : the online world of computer networks

cy·cad \ˈsī-kəd\ n : a tropical palmlike evergreen plant that is a gymnosperm

cy·cla·men \ˈsī-klə-mən, ˈsik-lə-\ n : any of a genus of plants related to the primroses and often grown in pots for their showy nodding flowers

1cy·cle \ˈsī-kəl\ n
1 : a period of time taken up by a series of events or actions that repeat themselves regularly and in the same order <the cycle of the seasons>
2 a : a series of events or operations that happen again and again regularly and usually lead back to the starting point <the cycle of blood from the heart, through the blood vessels, and back again> <the drying cycle of a dishwasher>  b : one complete occurrence of a cycle <a cycle of alternating current> <the cycle of a vibration>
3 : a long period of time : AGE
— cy·clic \ˈsī-klik also ˈsik-lik\ or cy·cli·cal \ˈsī-kli-kəl, ˈsik-li-\ adj

— cy·cli·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2cy·cle \ˈsī-kəl, ˈsik-əl\ vb cy·cled; cy·cling \ˈsī-k(ə-)liŋ, ˈsik(-ə)-liŋ\ : to ride a bicycle or motorcycle

cy·clist \ˈsī-k(ə-)ləst, ˈsik(-ə)-ləst\ n : a person who rides a bicycle or motorcycle

cy·cloid \ˈsī-ˌklȯid\ n : a curve that is traced by a point on the circumference of a circle that is rolling along a straight line

cy·clone \ˈsī-ˌklōn\ n
1 : a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure,, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings a great deal of rain
2 : TORNADO
— cy·clon·ic \sī-ˈklän-ik\ adj

cy·clo·pe·dia or cy·clo·pae·dia \ˌsī-klə-ˈpēd-ē-ə\ n : ENCYCLOPEDIA
— cy·clo·pe·dic \-ˈpēd-ik\ adj

cy·clops \ˈsī-ˌkläps\ n
1 pl cy·clo·pes \sī-ˈklō-ˌpēz\ cap : one of a race of giants in Greek legend with a single eye in the middle of the forehead
2 pl cyclops : a water flea with a single eye

cy·clo·tron \ˈsī-klə-ˌträn\ n : a device in which charged particles are propelled to high speeds by an alternating electric field in a constant magnetic field

cyg·net \ˈsig-nət\ n : a young swan

Cyg·nus \ˈsig-nəs\ n : a northern group of stars near Pegasus in the Milky Way [from Latin cygnus, literally, “swan”]

cyl·in·der \ˈsil-ən-dər\ n
1 : a geometric shape composed of two parallel faces of identical size and shape (as circles) and a curved surface that completely connects their borders
2 : a body (as the piston chamber of an engine, the barrel of a pump, or the part of a revolver which holds the cartridges) shaped like a cylinder
— cy·lin·dri·cal \sə-ˈlin-dri-kəl\ adj

— cy·lin·dri·cal·ly \-dri-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cym·bal \ˈsim-bəl\ n : a brass plate that is struck with a drumstick or is used in pairs struck together to make a clashing sound
— cym·bal·ist \-bə-ləst\ n

cyn·ic \ˈsin-ik\ n : a person who distrusts people; esp : one who believes that people act only in self-interest
Word History In ancient Greece a certain philosopher taught that virtue was the most important goal in life. He and his pupils openly scorned wealth and pleasure. Such a philosopher was called kynikos, which literally means “like a dog.” One likely reason for this name is that the group's leader taught at a school with a name that began with the same letters as in the Greek word for dog. It is also likely that many Greeks who used kynikos for these philosophers were offended by their rudeness. Cynic has been used in English since the 16th century for such philosophers. Once cynic appeared in English, it wasn't long before it was applied to any faultfinding critic. Later it was used chiefly of one who doubts the sincerity of all human motives except selfishness. [from early French cynique or Latin cynicus, both meaning “cynic,” from Greek kynikos, literally, “like a dog”]

cyn·i·cal \ˈsin-i-kəl\ adj : having the attitude of a cynic : not trusting human nature
— cyn·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

cyn·i·cism \ˈsin-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n : a cynical attitude or quality; also : an expression of cynical quality

cy·no·sure \ˈsī-nə-ˌshu̇(ə)r, ˈsin-ə-\ n : a center of attraction or attention <the cynosure of all eyes>

cy·press \ˈsī-prəs\ n
1 : any of a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs that are related to the pines and have overlapping scalelike leaves
2 : BALD CYPRESS
3 : the wood of a cypress tree

cyst \ˈsist\ n
1 : a closed pouch or sac of fluid or solid material that develops in the body in some diseased conditions
2 : a covering resembling a cyst or a body (as a spore) with such a covering
— cys·tic \ˈsis-tik\ adj

cystic fibrosis n : an inherited disease marked by the buildup of thick sticky mucus chiefly in the lungs and pancreas leading to recurrent lung infections and digestive problems

cy·to·chrome \ˈsīt-ə-ˌkrōm\ n : any of several iron-containing pigments that transfer electrons to molecules of oxygen in the living cell

cy·tol·o·gist \sī-ˈtäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in cytology

cy·tol·o·gy \sī-ˈtäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of biology dealing with cells
— cy·to·log·i·cal \ˌsīt-əl-ˈäj-i-kəl\ or cy·to·log·ic \-ˈäj-ik\ adj

cy·to·plasm \ˈsīt-ə-ˌplaz-əm\ n : the part of a cell outside the nucleus that includes a fluidlike substance and organelles (as chloroplasts and mitochondria)
— cy·to·plas·mic \ˌsīt-ə-ˈplaz-mik\ adj

cy·to·sine \ˈsīt-ə-ˌsēn\ n : a chemical base that is a pyrimidine and codes genetic information in DNA and RNA — compare ADENINE, GUANINE, THYMINE, URACIL

czar also tsar or tzar \ˈzär\ n
1 : the ruler of Russia until the 1917 revolution
2 : one having great power or authority <a baseball czar> [Latin czar “czar,” from Russian tsar' (same meaning), from early Russian tsǐsarǐ, tsěsarǐ “emperor,” from a Germanic word kaisar “emperor,” derived from Latin Caesar (title of a line of Roman emperors after Augustus Caesar) — see Word History at EMPEROR]
— czar·dom also tsar·dom or tzar·dom \ˈzärd-əm\ n

cza·ri·na also tsa·ri·na or tza·ri·na \zä-ˈrē-nə\ n : the wife of a czar

czar·ist also tsar·ist or tzar·ist \ˈzär-əst\ adj : of, relating to, or ruled by a czar <czarist Russia>

Czech \ˈchek\ n
1 : a person born or living in western Czechoslovakia (including Bohemia and Moravia) or the Czech Republic
2 : the Slavic language of the Czechs
— Czech adj

D

d \ˈdē\ n, pl d's or ds often cap
1 : the fourth letter of the English alphabet
2 : five hundred in Roman numerals — see NUMBER TABLE
3 : the musical note referred to by the letter D : the second tone of the C-major scale
4 : a grade rating a student's work as poor

'd \d, əd\ vb
1 : HAD <they'd gone>
2 : WOULD <we'd go>
3 : DID <where'd they go?>

1dab \ˈdab\ n
1 : a quick blow or thrust : POKE
2 : a gentle touch or stroke : PAT

2dab vb dabbed; dab·bing
1 : to strike or touch lightly <dabs at her eyes with a handkerchief>
2 : to apply with quick light strokes : DAUB
— dab·ber n

3dab n
1 : 1SMEAR 1, DAUB
2 : a small amount <just a dab more ice cream>

dab·ble \ˈdab-əl\ vb dab·bled; dab·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to wet by splashing : SPATTER
2 a : to paddle or play in or as if in water  b : to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water to obtain food <ducks dabbled in the pond>
3 : to work or concern oneself lightly or without deep involvement <they dabble in poetry>
— dab·bler \-(ə-)lər\ n

da ca·po \dä-ˈkäp-ō, də-\ adv or adj : from the beginning — used as a direction in music to repeat

dace \ˈdās\ n, pl dace : any of various North American freshwater fishes related to the carp

dachs·hund \ˈdäks-ˌhu̇nt, ˈdäk-sənt\ n : any of a breed of dogs of German origin with a long body, very short legs, and long drooping ears
Word History The dachshund is a dog with short legs and a long history. The breed was developed in Germany more than a thousand years ago to hunt burrowing animals such as badgers. With its short legs and long, powerful body, the dachshund could follow a badger right down into its hole. It could even fight with the badger underground. The German name for the breed was dachshund, a compound of dachs, meaning “badger,” and hund, “dog.” This German name was borrowed directly into English. [from German Dachshund “dachshund,” literally, “badger dog,” from Dachs “badger” and Hund dog]

Da·cron \ˈdā-ˌkrän, ˈdak-ˌrän\ trademark — used for a synthetic textile fiber

dac·tyl \ˈdak-təl\ n : a metrical foot consisting of one accented syllable followed by two unaccented syllables (as in tenderly)
— dac·tyl·ic \dak-ˈtil-ik\ adj

dad \ˈdad\ n : 1FATHER 1A

dad·dy \ˈdad-ē\ n, pl daddies : 1FATHER 1A

dad·dy long·legs \ˌdad-ē-ˈlȯŋ-ˌlegz\ n
1 : CRANE FLY
2 : any of various invertebrates that are arachnids which resemble true spiders but have a small rounded body and very long slender legs — called also harvestman

da·do \ˈdād-ō\ n, pl dadoes : the part of a pedestal of a column above the base

daemon variant of DEMON

daf·fo·dil \ˈdaf-ə-ˌdil\ n : any of various herbs that produce long slender leaves and flowers from an overwintering bulb in the spring; esp : one with petals whose inner parts are arranged to form a trumpet-shaped tube — compare JONQUIL, NARCISSUS

daf·fy \ˈdaf-ē\ adj daf·fi·er; -est : silly, odd, or peculiar usually in an amusing way <a daffy spy story>; also : attracted to or fascinated with <daffy over cars> <daffy about stamp collecting>

daft \ˈdaft\ adj
1 : FOOLISH, SILLY
2 : INSANE, CRAZY
— daft·ly adv

— daft·ness \ˈdaf(t)-nəs\ n

dag·ger \ˈdag-ər\ n
1 : a short weapon for stabbing
2 : a symbol † used in printing as a reference mark to indicate a death date

da·guerre·o·type \də-ˈger-(ē-)ō-ˌtīp\ n : an early photograph produced on a metal plate [named for L. J. M. Daguerre 1789–1851 French painter and inventor]

dahl·ia \ˈdal-yə, ˈdäl-\ n : any of a genus of American herbs related to the daisies and having brightly colored flower heads and a root that is a tuber

1dai·ly \ˈdā-lē\ adj
1 a : occurring, done, produced, or used every day or every weekday <a daily newspaper>  b : of or relating to every day <daily visitor>
2 : figured in terms of one day <daily wages>
— daily adv

2daily n, pl dailies : a newspaper published every weekday

1dain·ty \ˈdānt-ē\ n, pl dainties : something delicious to the taste : DELICACY

2dainty adj dain·ti·er; -est
1 : TASTY 1, DELICIOUS
2 : delicately pretty <a dainty flower>
3 : having or showing delicate or finicky taste <a dainty eater>
— dain·ti·ly \ˈdān-tə-lē\ adv

— dain·ti·ness \ˈdānt-ē-nəs\ n

dai·qui·ri \ˈdak-ə-rē, ˈdī-kə-\ n : a cocktail made usually of rum, lime juice, and sugar

dairy \ˈde(ə)r-ē, da(ə)r-\ n, pl dair·ies
1 : a place where milk is kept and butter or cheese is made
2 : a farm devoted to the production of milk
3 : a company that sells milk and milk products
4 : milk from a cow or other domestic animal (as a goat); also : food (as ice cream, cheese, or yogurt) made primarily of or from milk

dairy cattle n : cattle raised especially to produce milk

dairy·ing \ˈder-ē-iŋ\ n : the business of operating a dairy

dairy·maid \ˈder-ē-ˌmād\ n : a woman employed in a dairy

dairy·man \-mən, -ˌman\ n : a person who operates a dairy farm or works in a dairy

da·is \ˈdā-əs\ n : a raised platform (as in a large room)

dai·sy \ˈdā-zē\ n, pl daisies
1 : any of numerous plants of the composite family having flower heads with well-developed ray flowers: as  a : a low-growing European herb with white or pink ray flowers  b : a tall leafy-stemmed wildflower introduced into America from Europe and having a flower head with a yellow disk in the center surrounded by long white ray flowers
2 : the flower head of a daisy
3 cap : a member of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America program for girls in kindergarten and first grade [Old English dægesēage “daisy,” literally, “day's eye,” from dæg “day” and ēage “eye”]

daisy wheel n : a disk having spokes with type on the end that is the printing part of a typewriter or printer

Da·ko·ta \də-ˈkōt-ə\ n, pl Dakotas also Dakota : a member of an American Indian people of the northern Mississippi valley

dale \ˈdā(ə)l\ n : VALLEY

dal·li·ance \ˈdal-ē-ən(t)s\ n
1 : 1PLAY 2; esp : the act of flirting
2 : action lacking in importance or seriousness <a short dalliance with politics>

dal·ly \ˈdal-ē\ vb dal·lied; dal·ly·ing
1 : to act playfully : TRIFLE
2 a : to waste time <dally at one's work>  b : LINGER 1, DAWDLE <dally on the way home>
— dal·li·er n

dal·ma·tian \dal-ˈmā-shən\ n, often cap : any of a breed of dogs that have a white short-haired coat with many black or brown spots

dal se·gno \däl-ˈsān-yō\ adv — used as a direction in music to return to the sign that marks the beginning of a passage to be repeated

1dam \ˈdam\ n : the female parent especially of a domestic animal [Middle English dam, dame “lady, female parent”]

2dam n
1 : a barrier preventing the flow of water
2 : a body of water held back by a dam [Middle English dam “barrier to hold back water”]

3dam vb dammed; dam·ming
1 : to provide or restrain with a dam <dam a stream>
2 : to stop up : BLOCK <dammed-up feelings>

1dam·age \ˈdam-ij\ n
1 : a loss or harm caused by injury to one's person or property
2 pl : payment in money ordered by a court for loss or injury <collected damages for his broken arm in the accident claim>  synonyms see INJURY

2damage vb dam·aged; dam·ag·ing : to cause damage to

dam·ask \ˈdam-əsk\ n
1 : a firm shiny reversible fabric used especially for household linen
2 : a tough steel having decorative wavy lines [Middle English damaske “damask,” derived from Latin Damascus, city in Syria where the fabrics were originally made]
— damask adj

dame \ˈdām\ n : a woman of rank, station, or authority: as  a archaic : the mistress of a household  b : the wife or daughter of a lord  c : a female member of an order of knighthood — used as a title before a given name [Middle English dame “a woman of rank or authority, lady,” from early French dame (same meaning), from Latin domina “mistress, lady,” feminine form of dominus “master, owner” — related to DAMSEL, DOMINATE, 2DON, MADAM, MADONNA, PRIMA DONNA]

1damn \ˈdam\ vb
1 : to condemn to a punishment or fate; esp : to condemn to hell
2 : to condemn as bad or as a failure
3 : to swear at : CURSE

2damn n
1 : the saying of the word damn as a curse
2 : the least bit <not worth a damn>

dam·na·ble \ˈdam-nə-bəl\ adj
1 : deserving condemnation <damnable conduct>
2 : very bad : TERRIBLE <damnable weather>
— dam·na·bly \-blē\ adv

dam·na·tion \dam-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act of damning
2 : the state of being damned

1damp \ˈdamp\ n
1 : a harmful gas especially in a coal mine
2 : MOISTURE, HUMIDITY
3 : DISCOURAGEMENT 2

2damp vb : DAMPEN

3damp adj : slightly wet  synonyms see MOIST
— damp·ness n

damp·en \ˈdam-pən\ vb damp·ened; damp·en·ing \ˈdamp-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to check or lessen in activity or vigor : DEADEN
2 : to make or become damp
— damp·en·er \ˈdamp-(ə-)nər\ n

damp·er \ˈdam-pər\ n : one that damps : as  a : a valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft  b : a device (as one of the felt-covered pieces of wood in a piano) used to deaden vibrations or oscillations  c : a dulling or deadening influence <put a damper on the celebration>

dam·sel \ˈdam-zəl\ also dam·o·sel or dam·o·zel \ˈdam-ə-ˌzel\ n : GIRL 1B, MAIDEN [Middle English damesel “damsel,” from early French dameisele (same meaning), from Latin domina “lady, mistress” — related to DAME]

dam·sel·fish \ˈdam-zəl-ˌfish\ n : any of numerous often brilliantly colored marine fishes that live especially along coral reefs

dam·sel·fly \-ˌflī\ n : any of a group of insects that are closely related to the dragonflies, have eyes which stick out on the sides, and fold the wings above the body when at rest — compare DRAGONFLY

1dance \ˈdan(t)s\ vb danced; danc·ing
1 : to engage in or perform a dance
2 : to move quickly up and down or about
3 : to perform or take part in as a dancer
— dance·able \ˈdan(t)-sə-bəl\ adj

— danc·er n

2dance n
1 : an act or instance of dancing
2 : a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music
3 : a social gathering for dancing
4 : a piece of music by which dancing may be guided
5 : the art of dancing

dan·de·li·on \ˈdan-də-ˌlī-ən\ n : any of a genus of yellow-flowered weedy plants related to the daisies; esp : one with long deeply toothed stemless leaves sometimes grown as a potherb
Word History Sometimes plants are named for their resemblance, real or imagined, to animal shapes. The dandelion might not be a plant we would be quick to connect with a lion's teeth. And yet, in early French this common plant with its yellow flowers was called dent de lion, meaning literally “tooth of the lion.” The dandelion leaves have deep notches along the edges. These make the leaves appear to have a row of sharp triangular teeth. In time the French name came to be spelled and pronounced as one word when it came into English, giving us dandelion today. [from early French dent de lion “dandelion,” literally, “tooth of the lion”; dent derived from Latin dens “tooth” — related to DENTAL]

dan·der \ˈdan-dər\ n
1 : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may cause allergy
2 : 1ANGER, TEMPER <the insults got my dander up>

dan·dle \ˈdan-dəl\ vb dan·dled; dan·dling \-dliŋ, -dəl-iŋ\
1 : to move up and down in one's arms or on one's knee in affectionate play
2 : PAMPER, PET

dan·druff \ˈdan-drəf\ n : scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp; also : the condition marked by the excessive shedding of such flakes

1dan·dy \ˈdan-dē\ n, pl dandies
1 : a man who is too interested in his clothing and personal appearance
2 : a very good example of something
— dan·dy·ish \-dē-ish\ adj

2dandy adj dan·di·er; -est : very good : SPLENDID, EXCELLENT

Dane \ˈdān\ n
1 : a person born or living in Denmark
2 : a person of Danish ancestry

dan·ger \ˈdān-jər\ n
1 : the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil
2 : something that may cause injury or harm <the dangers of the jungle>
synonyms DANGER, HAZARD, PERIL, RISK, mean a threat of loss, injury, or death. DANGER suggests possible harm that may or may not be avoided <an animal in danger of becoming extinct>. HAZARD suggests danger from something beyond one's control <the hazards of mining coal>. PERIL suggests immediate danger and a cause for fear <during the tornado their lives were in peril>. RISK suggests danger that may result from a chance freely taken <the risks that come with flying a plane>.

dan·ger·ous \ˈdānj-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : exposing to or involving danger <a dangerous mission>
2 : able or likely to cause injury <dangerous weapons>
— dan·ger·ous·ly adv

— dan·ger·ous·ness n

dan·gle \ˈdaŋ-gəl\ vb dan·gled; dan·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to hang loosely especially with a swinging motion
2 : to be left without proper grammatical connection in a sentence <a dangling participle>
3 : to cause to dangle : SWING
— dan·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ n

Dan·iel \ˈdan-yəl\ n : a book of narratives, visions, and prophecies in canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

1Dan·ish \ˈdā-nish\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Denmark, the Danes, or Danish

2Danish n
1 : the Germanic language of the Danes
2 pl Danish : a piece of Danish pastry

Danish pastry n : a pastry made of a rich raised dough

dank \ˈdaŋk\ adj : unpleasantly moist or wet  synonyms see MOIST
— dank·ly adv

— dank·ness n

dan·seur \dän-ˈsər\ n : a male ballet dancer

dan·seuse \dän-ˈsə(r)z, -ˈsüz\ n : a female ballet dancer

daph·nia \ˈdaf-nē-ə\ n : any of a genus of tiny water fleas with antennae used for movement

dap·per \ˈdap-ər\ adj
1 : being neat and trim in dress or appearance : SPRUCE
2 : being alert and lively in movement and manners

1dap·ple \ˈdap-əl\ n
1 : any spot or patch of a dappled pattern
2 : a dappled state
3 : a dappled animal (as a horse)

2dapple vb dap·pled; dap·pling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to mark or become marked with a dappled pattern <daisies dappled the field>

dap·pled \ˈdap-əld\ also dapple adj : marked with numerous usually cloudy and rounded spots or patches of a color or shade different from their background <a dappled fawn> <rested in the dappled shade>

1dare \ˈda(ə)r, ˈde(ə)r\ vb dared; dar·ing
1 a : to have enough courage : be bold enough to <try it if you dare>  b — used as a helping verb <no one dared say a word>
2 : to challenge to perform an action especially as a proof of courage <I dare you>
3 : to face boldly <dared the dangerous crossing>

2dare n : an act or instance of daring : CHALLENGE <dived from the bridge on a dare>

dare·dev·il \ˈda(ə)r-ˌdev-əl, ˈde(ə)r-\ n : a recklessly bold person
— daredevil adj

1dar·ing \ˈda(ə)r-iŋ, ˈde(ə)r-\ adj : ready to take risks  synonyms see ADVENTUROUS
— dar·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2daring n : fearless boldness

1dark \ˈdärk\ adj
1 a : being without light or without much light <in winter it gets dark early>  b : not giving off light <the dark side of the moon>
2 : not light in color <a dark suit> <dark blue>
3 : not bright and cheerful : GLOOMY <look on the dark side of things>
4 : being without knowledge and culture : IGNORANT <a dark period in history>
5 : 1SECRET 1A <kept their plans dark>
6 : not clear to the understanding <puzzled us with his dark sayings>
— dark·ish \ˈdär-kish\ adj

— dark·ly \-klē\ adv

— dark·ness \ˈdärk-nəs\ n

2dark n
1 a : absence of light : DARKNESS  b : a place or time of little or no light : NIGHT, NIGHTFALL <get home before dark>
2 : a dark or deep color

Dark Ages n pl : the period from about a.d. 476 to about 1000; also : MIDDLE AGES

dark·en \ˈdär-kən\ vb dark·ened; dark·en·ing \ˈdärk-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to make or grow dark or darker <the sky darkened>
2 : to make or become gloomy or forbidding <her face darkened in anger>
— dark·en·er \ˈdärk-(ə-)nər\ n

dark horse n : a contestant or a political figure whose abilities and chances of winning are not known <the convention nominated a dark horse>

dark lantern n : a lantern with an opening that can be closed to hide the light

dark·ling \ˈdär-kliŋ\ adj
1 : 1DARK 1A <a darkling plain>
2 : done or taking place in the dark

dark·room \ˈdärk-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a lightproof room used in developing photographic materials (as film and prints)

dark·some \ˈdärk-səm\ adj : gloomily somber : DARK

1dar·ling \ˈdär-liŋ\ n
1 : a dearly loved person
2 : 1FAVORITE 1

2darling adj
1 : dearly loved : FAVORITE
2 : very pleasing : CHARMING

darm·stadt·i·um \ˌdärm-ˈstat-ē-əm\ n : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE

1darn \ˈdärn\ vb : to mend with interlacing stitches <darn socks>

2darn n : a place that has been darned

3darn vb : 1DAMN 1
— darn \ˈdärn\ or darned \ˈdärn(d)\ adj or adv

4darn n : 2DAMN 2 <not worth a darn>

darning needle n
1 : a long needle with a large eye for use in darning
2 : DRAGONFLY, DAMSELFLY

1dart \ˈdärt\ n
1 a : a small pointed object that is meant to be thrown  b pl : a game in which darts are thrown at a target
2 : something causing a sudden pain
3 : a stitched fold in a garment
4 : a quick movement <made a dart for the door>

2dart vb : to move or shoot out suddenly and quickly <the toad darted its tongue at a fly> <darted through the traffic>

Dar·win·ian \där-ˈwin-ē-ən\ adj : of or relating to Charles Darwin, his theories especially of evolution, or his followers
— Darwinian n

Dar·win·ism \ˈdär-wə-ˌniz-əm\ n : a theory explaining the origin and continued existence of new kinds of animals and plants by means of natural selection acting on chance variations

Dar·win's finches \ˌdär-wənz-\ n pl : finches of the Galápagos Islands that differ strikingly in bill shape among the various species and that were studied by Darwin

1dash \ˈdash\ vb
1 : to knock, hurl, or thrust violently <the storm dashed the boat against a reef>
2 : to break by striking or knocking <dashed a plate against the wall>
3 : 1SPLASH 1B, SPATTER
4 : DESTROY 1, RUIN <dash one's hopes>
5 : to affect by mixing in something different <the sauce was dashed with vinegar>
6 : to perform or finish hastily <dash off a letter>
7 : to move with sudden speed <dashed upstairs>
— dash·er n

2dash n
1 : a sudden burst or splash <a dash of cold water>
2 a : a stroke of a pen  b : a punctuation mark — that is used chiefly to indicate a break in the thought or structure of a sentence
3 : a small usually special and noticeable addition <add a dash of salt>
4 : liveliness in style and action <a leader of dash and vigor>
5 a : a sudden rush or attempt <made a dash for the exit>  b : a short fast race
6 : a long click or buzz forming a letter or part of a letter (as in Morse code)
7 : DASHBOARD 2

dash·board \ˈdash-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a screen on the front of a usually horse-pulled vehicle to keep out water, mud, or snow
2 : a panel across an automobile or airplane below the windshield usually containing dials and controls

dash·cam \ˈdash-ˌkam\ also dash cam or dashboard camera n, pl dash·cams also dash cams or dashboard cameras : a video camera mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle and used to continuously record information

dashed \ˈdasht\ adj : made up of a series of dashes

da·shi·ki \də-ˈshē-kē\ n : a usually brightly colored one-piece pullover garment [derived from danshiki, a native word for this garment in a language of western Africa]

dash·ing \ˈdash-iŋ\ adj
1 : noticeably bold and forceful <a dashing attack>
2 : showy and stylish especially in dress and manners <made a dashing appearance>
— dash·ing·ly adv

das·tard \ˈdas-tərd\ n : COWARD; esp : one who sneakily commits harmful acts
— das·tard·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ n

— das·tard·ly \-lē\ adj

da·ta \ˈdāt-ə, ˈdat- also ˈdät-\ n sing or pl
1 : facts about something that can be used in calculating, reasoning, or planning
2 : information in numerical form for use especially in a computer

data bank n : DATABASE

da·ta·base \ˈdāt-ə-ˌbās, ˈdat- also ˈdät-\ n : a collection of data that is organized especially to be used by a computer

data processing n : the action or process of putting data into a computer and having the computer use it to produce a desired result

1date \ˈdāt\ n
1 : the oblong edible fruit of a tall Old World palm
2 : the palm that produces dates — called also date palm
Word History The word date that means “the fruit of the palm” and the word date that means “the time of an event” look alike, but they are not related. The word for the fruit can be traced back to the Greek word daktylos, originally meaning “finger” and “toe.” No one knows just how the fruit came to be called by the word for finger. It may be because of its size and shape or because of the slender shape of the palm leaves. Or it may be that daktylos was the closest Greek word to the word for the fruit borrowed from another language. The word for “the time of an event” comes from Latin, but the Latin word did not mean either “day” or “time.” Date derives from the Latin phrase data Romae, meaning “given at Rome,” an expression used before the date on letters and documents. The word data is from the Latin word dare “to give.” In later Latin, the word data came to be used alone to stand for the date, and it came into English as date. [Middle English date “fruit of the palm,” from early French date (same meaning), derived from Latin dactylus “date,” from Greek daktylos “date,” literally, “finger”]

2date n
1 a : the time at which an event occurs  b : a statement giving the time of doing or making (as of a coin or check)
2 : DURATION
3 : the period of time to which something belongs
4 a : APPOINTMENT 3; esp : a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character  b : a person with whom one has a social engagement [Middle English date “time of an event,” from early French date (same meaning), derived from Latin data (Romae) “given (at Rome),” a phrase used in putting the date on documents, derived from dare “to give” — see Word History at 1DATE]
— to date : up to the present moment <have received no complaints to date>

3date vb dat·ed; dat·ing
1 : to record the date of or on <date a letter>
2 : to show or find out the date, age, or period of <date an antique>
3 : to make or have a date with
4 a : to come into existence : ORIGINATE <dates from the 1400s>  b : to go as far back <dating back to childhood>
5 : to show plainly the age of <decor that really dates the house>
— dat·able also date·able \ˈdāt-ə-bəl\ adj

— dat·er n

dat·ed \ˈdāt-əd\ adj
1 : having a date
2 : OUTMODED

date·less \ˈdāt-ləs\ adj
1 : ENDLESS 1
2 : having no date
3 : too ancient to be dated
4 : not restricted to a particular time or date

date line n : INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE

date rape n : rape committed by the victim's date

da·tive \ˈdāt-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or being the grammatical case that marks typically the indirect object of a verb or the object of some prepositions
— dative n

da·tum \ˈdāt-əm, ˈdat-, ˈdät-\ n, pl da·ta \-ə\ or datums : something used as a basis for reasoning or arriving at a conclusion or for calculating or measuring

1daub \ˈdȯb, ˈdäb\ vb
1 : to cover with soft sticky matter : PLASTER
2 : to coat with a dirty substance
3 : to apply coloring material thickly and heavily to
— daub·er n

2daub n
1 : something daubed on
2 : a quickly and carelessly done picture

1daugh·ter \ˈdȯt-ər\ n
1 a : a female offspring especially of parents that are human beings  b : a female adopted child
2 : something considered as a daughter
3 : a form of an element that is the product of the radioactive decay of another element
— daugh·ter·ly \-lē\ adj

2daughter adj
1 : having the characteristics or relationship of a daughter <daughter cities>
2 : being first generation offspring <daughter cells>

daugh·ter–in–law \ˈdȯt-ə-rən-ˌlȯ, -ərn-ˌlȯ\ n, pl daugh·ters–in–law \-ər-zən-\ : the wife of one's son

daunt \ˈdȯnt, ˈdänt\ vb : to lessen the courage of : make afraid

daunt·ing \ˈdȯnt-iŋ\ adj : tending to overwhelm or intimidate <a daunting task>
— daunt·ing·ly adv

daunt·less \ˈdȯnt-ləs, ˈdänt-\ adj : FEARLESS, UNDAUNTED
— daunt·less·ly adv

— daunt·less·ness n

dau·phin \ˈdȯ-fən\ n, often cap : the eldest son of a king of France

dav·en·port \ˈdav-ən-ˌpō(ə)rt, ˈdav-əm-, -pȯ(ə)rt\ n : a large upholstered sofa

da·vit \ˈdā-vət, ˈdav-ət\ n : one of a pair of posts with curved arms having ropes and pulleys attached and used especially on ships to raise and lower small boats

Da·vy Jones's locker \ˌdā-vē-ˌjōnz(-əz)-\ n : the bottom of the sea [from Davy Jones, a name used by sailors to represent the spirit of the sea]

daw \ˈdȯ\ n : JACKDAW

daw·dle \ˈdȯd-əl\ vb daw·dled; daw·dling \ˈdȯd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to spend time wastefully or idly : LINGER <dawdled over her homework>
2 : to move slowly and aimlessly : LOITER <dawdled on the way back>
3 : 2IDLE 1 <dawdle the time away>
— daw·dler \ˈdȯd-lər, -əl-ər\ n

1dawn \ˈdȯn, ˈdän\ vb
1 : to begin to grow light as the sun rises <waited for the day to dawn>
2 : to begin to appear or develop <a smile dawned on her face>
3 : to begin to be understood <the solution dawned on him>

2dawn n
1 : the first appearance of light in the morning
2 : a first appearance : BEGINNING <the dawn of a new age>

day \ˈdā\ n
1 a : the time of light between one night and the next  b : DAYLIGHT
2 a : the time the earth takes to make one turn on its axis  b : the time required for a heavenly body to turn once on its axis <a lunar day>
3 : a period of 24 hours beginning at midnight
4 : a specified day or date <the day of the picnic> <their wedding day>
5 : a specified time or period : AGE <in grandmother's day>
6 : the conflict or dispute of the day <fought hard and won the day>
7 : the time set apart by custom or law for work <the eight-hour day>

day·bed \ˈdā-ˌbed\ n : a couch that can be converted into a bed

day·break \-ˌbrāk\ n : 2DAWN 1

day care n
1 : supervision of and care for children or disabled adults that is provided during the day by a person or organization
2 : a program, facility, or organization offering day care

1day·dream \ˈdā-ˌdrēm\ n : a dreamy sequence of usually happy or pleasant imaginings

2daydream vb : to have a daydream
— day·dream·er n

day laborer n : one who works by the day or for daily wages especially as an unskilled laborer

day·light \ˈdā-ˌlīt\ n
1 : the light of day
2 : DAYTIME
3 : 2DAWN 1
4 : knowledge or understanding of something that has been unclear <began to see daylight on the problem>

daylight saving time n : time usually one hour ahead of standard time

day·lily \ˈdā-ˌlil-ē\ n : any of various plants related to the lilies that have short-lived flowers and are widespread in cultivation and in the wild after escaping from cultivation

Day of Atonement : YOM KIPPUR

day·time \ˈdā-ˌtīm\ n : the period of daylight

day–to–day \ˈdāt-ə-ˌdā\ adj
1 : taking place, made, or done in the course of days <day-to-day problems>
2 : providing for a day at a time with little thought of the future <a day-to-day existence>

1daze \ˈdāz\ vb dazed; daz·ing
1 : to stun especially by a blow <the boxer was dazed by blows to the head>
2 : to dazzle with light

2daze n : the state of being dazed

daz·zle \ˈdaz-əl\ vb daz·zled; daz·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to overpower with light <the desert sunlight dazzled us>
2 : to impress greatly or confuse with brilliance <dazzled the crowds with fiery speeches>
— dazzle n

— daz·zler \-(ə-)lər\ n

— daz·zling·ly \-(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adv

DDT \ˌdēd-(ˌ)ē-ˈtē\ n : a colorless formerly used insecticide that is poisonous to many animals with backbones

de- prefix
1 : do the opposite of <decode>
2 a : remove (a specified thing) from <delouse>  b : remove from (a specified thing) <dethrone>
3 : reduce <degrade> [derived from Latin de- “from, down, away” and Latin dis-, literally, “apart”]

dea·con \ˈdē-kən\ n
1 : a member of the Christian clergy next below a priest
2 : a church member in various Christian churches who has special duties

dea·con·ess \ˈdē-kə-nəs\ n : a woman in various Christian churches who is chosen to assist in the church ministry

de·ac·ti·vate \(ˈ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt\ vb : to make inactive or ineffective
— de·ac·ti·va·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌak-tə-ˈvā-shən\ n

1dead \ˈded\ adj
1 : deprived of life : no longer alive
2 a : having the appearance of death : DEATHLY <in a dead faint>  b : 1NUMB 1  c : very tired <the trip was really tiring; I'm dead>  d : not reacting : INSENSITIVE <dead to pity>  e : burned out : grown cold <dead coals>
3 a : not naturally having life : INANIMATE <dead matter>  b : no longer producing or functioning <dead battery>
4 a : no longer in use or effect : OBSOLETE <dead language>  b : no longer active : EXTINCT <dead volcano>  c : not lively <a dead party>  d : lacking in commercial activity : QUIET  e : lacking spring <dead tennis ball>  f : being out of action or out of use <a dead telephone line>  g : being out of play <a dead ball>
5 : not running or circulating : STAGNANT <dead air>
6 a : absolutely uniform <the dead level of the prairie>  b : UNERRING, EXACT <a dead shot> <dead center of the target>  c : being sudden and complete <a dead stop>
— dead·ness n

— over one's dead body : only by overcoming one's utter and determined resistance

2dead n, pl dead
1 pl : those that are dead <the living and the dead>
2 : the time of greatest quiet or least activity <dead of night> <dead of winter>

3dead adv
1 : to the highest degree <dead right>
2 : suddenly and completely <stopped dead>
3 : 2STRAIGHT <dead ahead>

dead·beat \ˈded-ˌbēt\ n : one who fails to pay his or her debts

dead bolt n : a lock bolt that is moved by turning a knob or key

dead·en \ˈded-ən\ vb dead·ened; dead·en·ing \ˈded-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling : DULL <deaden pain with drugs>

dead–end \ˌded-ˌend\ adj
1 a : having no opportunities for advancement <a dead-end job>  b : lacking an exit <dead-end street>
2 : UNRULY <dead-end kids>

dead end n : an end (as of a street) without an exit

dead heat n : a contest in which two or more competitors tie

dead letter n
1 : something that has lost its force or authority without being abolished
2 : a letter that cannot be delivered or returned by the post office

dead·line \ˈded-ˌlīn\ n : a date or time before which something must be done

dead·lock \-ˌläk\ n : a stopping of action because both sides in a struggle are equally powerful and neither will give in
— deadlock vb

1dead·ly \ˈded-lē\ adj dead·li·er; -est
1 : likely to cause or capable of causing death <a deadly weapon>
2 a : aiming to kill or destroy <a deadly enemy>  b : very accurate : UNERRING <a deadly marksman>
3 : very great : EXTREME <a deadly bore>
— dead·li·ness n
synonyms DEADLY, MORTAL, FATAL, LETHAL, mean causing or capable of causing death. DEADLY applies to known or likely causes of death <a deadly disease>. MORTAL suggests that death has occurred or will certainly occur <a mortal wound>. FATAL stresses the necessity of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction <the fatal consequence of their error>. LETHAL applies especially to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life <lethal gas>.

2deadly adv
1 : suggesting death <deadly pale>
2 : to a very great degree <deadly dull>

deadly nightshade n : BELLADONNA 1

deadly sin n : one of seven sins of pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth considered in Christianity to be very serious and believed to cause other sins

dead march n : a solemn march for a funeral

dead·pan \ˈded-ˌpan\ n : a face that shows no emotion
— deadpan adj or adv

dead reckoning n : calculation of the position of a ship or aircraft from the distance it has covered and the direction it has traveled without taking observations of the sun, stars, or moon

dead·weight \ˈded-ˈwāt\ n : the full weight of a mass that is not moving

dead·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n
1 : wood that is dead on a tree
2 : useless material or unproductive persons

deaf \ˈdef\ adj
1 : wholly or partly unable to hear
2 : unwilling to hear or listen <deaf to all suggestions>
— deaf·ness n

deaf·en \ˈdef-ən\ vb deaf·ened; deaf·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make deaf
— deaf·en·ing·ly \-(ə-)niŋ-lē\ adv

deaf–mute \ˈdef-ˌmyüt\ n, often offensive : a deaf person who cannot speak or has not been taught to speak

1deal \ˈdē(ə)l\ n
1 : a large or indefinite amount or extent <means a great deal>
2 a : the act or right of passing out cards to players in a card game  b : 1HAND 11B

2deal vb dealt \ˈdelt\; deal·ing \ˈdē-liŋ\
1 : to give as one's portion : DISTRIBUTE <deal out sandwiches> <deal the cards>
2 : 1GIVE 9A <dealt him a blow>
3 : to have to do : TREAT <the book deals with education>
4 : to take action <deal with offenders>
5 a : to engage in bargaining : TRADE  b : to sell or distribute something as a business <deals in insurance>
— deal·er \ˈdē-lər\ n

3deal n
1 a : an act of dealing : TRANSACTION  b : the result of bargaining : a mutual agreement <make a deal for a used car>
2 : treatment received <a dirty deal>
3 : an arrangement for the advantage of all involved

dealing n
1 pl : friendly or business relations <dealings with an automobile agency>
2 : a way of acting or of doing business <fair dealing>

dean \ˈdēn\ n
1 : the head of the chapter of a cathedral church
2 a : the head of a division, faculty, college, or school of a university  b : a college or secondary school administrator in charge of counseling or disciplining students
3 : the senior member of a group <the dean of the diplomatic corps>
— dean·ship \-ˌship\ n

1dear \ˈdi(ə)r\ adj
1 : highly valued : PRECIOUS
2 — used as a form of address in letters and sometimes in speech <Dear Sir>
3 : high-priced : EXPENSIVE
4 : deeply and earnestly felt <my dearest wish>
— dear adv

— dear·ly adv

— dear·ness n

2dear n : a loved one : DARLING

dearth \ˈdərth\ n : SCARCITY, LACK

death \ˈdeth\ n
1 : the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities (as the beating of the heart and working of the brain) : the end of life
2 : the cause of loss of life <drinking was the death of him>
3 cap : the destroyer of life represented usually as a skeleton with a scythe
4 : the state of being dead
5 : DESTRUCTION 1, EXTINCTION
— death·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

death·bed \-ˌbed\ n
1 : the bed in which a person dies
2 : the last hours of life

death·blow \-ˌblō\ n : a destructive or killing stroke or event

death cap n : a very poisonous mushroom that varies in color from pure white to olive to yellow and has an obvious swollen covering about the base — called also death cup

death·less \ˈdeth-ləs\ adj : 1IMMORTAL, IMPERISHABLE <deathless fame>
— death·less·ness n

death·ly \ˈdeth-lē\ adj
1 : causing death or destruction
2 : of, relating to, or suggestive of death <a deathly paleness>
— deathly adv

death rate n : the proportion of deaths in a population that is often expressed as the number of individuals that die in a year per thousand individuals in the population at the beginning of the year

death ray n : a weapon that generates an intense beam of particles or radiation by which it destroys its target

death's–head \ˈdeths-ˌhed\ n : a human skull representing death

death trap n : an object or situation likely to cause death <that old elevator is a death trap>

1death·watch \ˈdeth-ˌwäch\ n : a small insect (as a beetle) that makes a ticking sound

2deathwatch n : a watch kept over the dead or dying

deb \ˈdeb\ n : DEBUTANTE

de·ba·cle also dé·bâ·cle \di-ˈbäk-əl, -ˈbak-\ n : a great disaster or complete failure <the army's retreat was a debacle>

de·bar \di-ˈbär\ vb de·barred; de·bar·ring : to prevent from having or doing something
— de·bar·ment \-mənt\ n

de·bark \di-ˈbärk\ vb : to go or put ashore from a ship
— de·bar·ka·tion \ˌdē-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən\ n

de·base \di-ˈbās\ vb de·based; de·bas·ing : to lower in character, dignity, quality, or value
— de·base·ment \-mənt\ n

— de·bas·er n

de·bat·able \di-ˈbāt-ə-bəl\ adj : open to question or dispute <a debatable decision>
— de·bat·ably \-blē\ adv

1de·bate \di-ˈbāt\ n : a verbal argument: as  a : the discussion of a motion before a legislature  b : a regulated discussion of a problem between two matched sides

2debate vb de·bat·ed; de·bat·ing
1 : to discuss or examine a question often publicly by presenting and considering arguments on both sides
2 : to take part in a debate
3 : to present or consider the reasons for and against : CONSIDER  synonyms see DISCUSS
— de·bat·er n

1de·bauch \di-ˈbȯch, -ˈbäch\ vb : to lead away from virtue or morality : CORRUPT
— de·bauch·er n

2debauch n : an act, occasion, or period of debauchery

de·bauch·ery \di-ˈbȯch-(ə-)rē, -ˈbäch-\ n, pl -er·ies : extreme and unreasonable involvement in physical pleasures

de·bil·i·tate \di-ˈbil-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to reduce the strength of : WEAKEN
— de·bil·i·ta·tion \-ˌbil-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

de·bil·i·ty \di-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a weakened state

1deb·it \ˈdeb-ət\ vb : to enter as a debit : charge with or as a debt

2debit n : an entry in an account representing an amount paid out or owed

debit card n : a card like a credit card but by which money is withdrawn from the holder's bank account immediately at the time of a transaction (as a purchase)

deb·o·nair \ˌdeb-ə-ˈna(ə)r, -ˈne(ə)r\ adj : gracefully charming <a debonair manner> [Middle English debonere “courteous, debonair,” from early French deboneire (same meaning), from earlier phrase de bon aire “of good family”]
— deb·o·nair·ly adv

— deb·o·nair·ness n

de·brief \di-ˈbrēf, ˈdē-\ vb : to question (as an astronaut) on return from a mission or assignment in order to obtain useful information

de·bris \də-ˈbrē, dā-; ˈdā-ˌbrē\ n, pl de·bris \-ˈbrēz, -ˌbrēz\
1 : the remains of something broken down or destroyed : RUINS
2 : an accumulation of fragments of rock
3 : something discarded : RUBBISH

debt \ˈdet\ n
1 : 1SIN 1, TRESPASS
2 : something owed to another : a thing or amount due <pay a debt of $10>
3 : a condition of owing <hopelessly in debt>

debt·or \ˈdet-ər\ n
1 : SINNER
2 : one that owes a debt

de·bug \(ˈ)dē-ˈbəg\ vb : to remove mistakes from <debug a computer program>

de·bunk \(ˈ)dē-ˈbəŋk\ vb : to expose the falseness in <debunk popular myths>
— de·bunk·er n

1de·but \ˈdā-ˌbyü, dā-ˈbyü\ n
1 : a first public appearance <my debut as a pianist>
2 : a formal entrance into society

2debut vb
1 : to make a debut
2 : to present to society for the first time <debut a new product>

deb·u·tante \ˈdeb-yu̇-ˌtänt\ n : a young woman making her debut

deca- or dec- or deka- or dek- combining form : ten [derived from Greek deka “ten”]

de·cade \ˈdek-ˌād, -əd; de-ˈkād; sense 3 is usually ˈdek-əd\ n
1 : a group or set of 10
2 : a period of 10 years
3 : a part of the rosary made up mainly of 10 Hail Marys

dec·a·dence \ˈdek-əd-ən(t)s also di-ˈkād-ən(t)s\ n
1 : a falling off in quality or strength : a sinking to a lower state or level
2 : the tendency to give in to one's desires for comfort and pleasure
— dec·a·dent \ˈdek-əd-ənt also di-ˈkād-ənt\ adj

— decadent n

— dec·a·dent·ly adv

de·caf \ˈdē-ˌkaf\ n : decaffeinated coffee

de·caf·fein·at·ed \(ˈ)dē-ˈkaf-(ē-)ə-ˌnāt-əd\ adj : having the caffeine removed <decaffeinated coffee>

deca·gon \ˈdek-ə-ˌgän\ n : a polygon of 10 angles and 10 sides

deca·gram \-ˌgram\ n : DEKAGRAM

de·cal \ˈdē-ˌkal, di-ˈkal, ˈdek-əl\ n : a picture, design, or label made to be transferred (as to glass) from specially prepared paper [a shortened form of earlier decalcomania “the art of transferring pictures,” from French décalcomanie (same meaning), from décalquer “to copy by tracing” and manie “mania, craze”]

deca·li·ter \ˈdek-ə-ˌlēt-ər\ n : DEKALITER

dec·a·logue \ˈdek-ə-ˌlȯg, -ˌläg\ n
1 cap : TEN COMMANDMENTS
2 : a basic set of rules that must be obeyed

deca·me·ter \ˈdek-ə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : DEKAMETER

de·camp \di-ˈkamp\ vb
1 : to pack up gear and leave a camp
2 : to depart suddenly : ABSCOND <decamped with the funds>
— de·camp·ment \-mənt\ n

de·cant \di-ˈkant\ vb : to pour from one container into another
— de·can·ta·tion \ˌdē-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən\ n

de·cant·er \di-ˈkant-ər\ n : an ornamental glass bottle used especially for serving wine

de·cap·i·tate \di-ˈkap-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to cut off the head of : BEHEAD [derived from Latin decapitare “to cut off the head of,” from de- “from, away” and caput “head” — related to CAPITAL]
— de·cap·i·ta·tion \-ˌkap-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

de·cath·lon \di-ˈkath-lən, -ˌlän\ n : an athletic contest in which each competitor takes part in each of a series of 10 track-and-field events

1de·cay \di-ˈkā\ vb
1 : to lose soundness, health, strength, or vigor
2 : to go through or cause to go through decomposition <a radioactive element decays> <apples that decayed in storage>

2decay n
1 : gradual loss of strength, soundness, health, or vigor
2 : 2ROT 1
3 : a natural decrease in the number of radioactive atoms in radioactive material

de·cease \di-ˈsēs\ n : DEATH 1
— decease vb

1de·ceased \di-ˈsēst\ n, pl deceased : a dead person <the will of the deceased>

2deceased adj : no longer living <his deceased grandparents>

de·ce·dent \di-ˈsēd-ənt\ n : a deceased person — used chiefly in law

de·ceit \di-ˈsēt\ n
1 : the act or practice of deceiving : DECEPTION
2 : an attempt or scheme to deceive : TRICK
3 : the quality of being deceitful

de·ceit·ful \di-ˈsēt-fəl\ adj
1 : practicing or tending to practice trickery
2 : showing or containing deceit or fraud : DECEPTIVE <a deceitful answer>
— de·ceit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— de·ceit·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

de·ceive \di-ˈsēv\ vb de·ceived; de·ceiv·ing
1 : to cause to believe what is untrue : MISLEAD <deceived the customer about the condition of the car>
2 : to use or practice deceit
— de·ceiv·er n

— de·ceiv·ing·ly \-ˈsē-viŋ-lē\ adv

de·cel·er·ate \(ˈ)dē-ˈsel-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to move or cause to move at decreasing speed : slow down
— de·cel·er·a·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsel-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— de·cel·er·a·tor \(ˈ)dē-ˈsel-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n

De·cem·ber \di-ˈsem-bər\ n : the twelfth month of the year
Word History In the first calendar used by the ancient Romans, the year began with the month of March. The Romans called the tenth month of the year December, using the Latin word decem, meaning “ten.” When the word was borrowed into early French, it became decembre. That was also how it was first spelled when it came into Middle English. In time, however, the English word was changed to match the original Latin in spelling and in having a capital letter. [Middle English Decembre, December “last month of the year,” from early French decembre (same meaning), from Latin December, literally, “tenth month,” from decem “ten” — related to DECIMAL, DIME]

de·cen·cy \ˈdēs-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 a : the quality or state of being decent : PROPRIETY  b : agreement with standards of taste, quality, or proper behavior <decency, not fear of punishment, made them behave>
2 : a standard of proper behavior — usually used in plural <had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies>

de·cen·ni·al \di-ˈsen-ē-əl\ adj
1 : consisting of 10 years
2 : happening every 10 years <decennial census>
— de·cen·ni·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

de·cent \ˈdēs-ənt\ adj
1 a : agreeing with standards of proper behavior, good taste, or morality  b : clothed in a proper and suitable manner and style
2 : free from poor taste or bad manners <our conversations were always decent, never obscene>
3 : fairly good : ADEQUATE <decent housing>
— de·cent·ly adv

de·cen·tral·ize \(ˈ)dē-ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz\ vb
1 : to scatter or spread out among various regional or local authorities <decentralize the operations of the school system>
2 : to cause to withdraw from urban centers to outlying areas <decentralize industries>
— de·cen·tral·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

de·cep·tion \di-ˈsep-shən\ n
1 a : the act of deceiving  b : the fact or condition of being deceived
2 : something that deceives : TRICK

de·cep·tive \di-ˈsep-tiv\ adj : tending or having power to deceive : MISLEADING <a deceptive appearance>
— de·cep·tive·ly adv

— de·cep·tive·ness n

deci- combining form : tenth part <decigram> [derived from Latin decimus “tenth,” from decem “ten”]

deci·bel \ˈdes-ə-ˌbel, -bəl\ n : a unit for measuring the relative loudness of sounds — abbreviation dB

de·cide \di-ˈsīd\ vb de·cid·ed; de·cid·ing
1 : to give a judgment on <decided the case in favor of the person accused>
2 : to bring to a final end <one blow decided the fight>
3 : to cause to come to a choice or judgment <their appeals decided me to give generously>
4 : to make a choice or judgment <decided to go>
— de·cid·able \-ˈsīd-ə-bəl\ adj

— de·cid·er n

decided adj
1 : UNMISTAKABLE, CLEAR <a decided advantage>
2 : free from doubt : 1FIRM <a decided tone of voice>
— de·cid·ed·ly adv

— de·cid·ed·ness n

de·cid·u·ous \di-ˈsij-ə-wəs\ adj
1 : falling off (as at the end of a growing period or stage of development) <antlers are deciduous> <deciduous leaves>
2 : having deciduous parts or members with deciduous parts <deciduous trees> <a deciduous forest>

deciduous tooth n : MILK TOOTH

deci·gram \ˈdes-ə-ˌgram\ n : a unit of mass equal to 1/10 gram — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

deci·li·ter \ˈdes-ə-ˌlēt-ər\ n : a unit of capacity equal to 1/10 liter — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

de·cil·lion \di-ˈsil-yən\ n US : a number equal to 1 followed by 33 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE; also Brit : a number equal to 1 followed by 60 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE

1dec·i·mal \ˈdes-(ə-)məl\ adj
1 : based on the number 10; esp : expressed in, used in, or using a number system with a base of 10 especially with the decimal point <a decimal system of writing numerals> <¼ in decimal form is .25>
2 : divided into 10th or 100th units <switched to a decimal money system> [derived from Latin decimalis “of a tenth part,” from decimus “a tenth part,” from decem “ten” — related to DECEMBER, DIME]

2decimal n
1 : any real number expressed in base 10
2 : a fraction in which the denominator is a power of 10 and that is expressed in decimal form <the decimal .25 is equivalent to the common fraction 25/100> — called also decimal fraction

decimal fraction n : 2DECIMAL 2

decimal notation n : expression of a number in base 10 that uses one of the digits from 0 to 9 for each place

decimal place n : any of the places to the right of the decimal point in a number expressed in decimal notation <5.732 has three decimal places>

decimal point n : the dot at the left of a decimal (as .678) or between the decimal and whole parts of a mixed number (as 3.678)

decimal system n
1 : a system of numbers that uses a base of 10
2 : a system of measurement or money in which each basic unit is 10 times larger than the next smaller unit <the metric system is a decimal system>

dec·i·mate \ˈdes-ə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to pick by lot and kill every tenth man of <the Roman army would decimate a legion for cowardice>
2 : to destroy a large part of <a population decimated by an epidemic>
— dec·i·ma·tion \ˌdes-ə-ˈmā-shən\ n

deci·me·ter \ˈdes-ə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : a unit of length equal to 1/10 meter — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

de·ci·pher \di-ˈsī-fər\ vb
1 : to convert into understandable form; esp : DECODE
2 : to make out the meaning of despite lack of clearness <decipher sloppy handwriting>
— de·ci·pher·able \-f(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— de·ci·pher·ment \-fər-mənt\ n

de·ci·sion \di-ˈsizh-ən\ n
1 : the act or result of deciding <the decision of the court>
2 : promptness and firmness in deciding : DETERMINATION <a leader of courage and decision>

de·ci·sive \di-ˈsī-siv\ adj
1 : having the power to decide <the decisive vote>
2 : UNMISTAKABLE, UNQUESTIONABLE <a decisive victory>
3 : marked by or showing decision <a decisive manner>
— de·ci·sive·ly adv

— de·ci·sive·ness n

1deck \ˈdek\ n
1 : a platform extending from side to side in a ship and forming a floor
2 a : a flat structure resembling the deck of a ship  b : a flat floored roofless area adjoining a house
3 : a pack of playing cards
— on deck : next in line

2deck vb
1 a : to clothe in a fine and impressive way : ARRAY <decked out in a new suit>  b : DECORATE 1
2 : to provide (as a ship) with a deck

deck·hand \ˈdek-ˌhand\ n : a sailor who performs manual duties

de·claim \di-ˈklām\ vb : to speak or deliver in the manner of a formal speech
— de·claim·er n

— dec·la·ma·tion \ˌdek-lə-ˈmā-shən\ n

— de·clam·a·to·ry \di-ˈklam-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

dec·la·ra·tion \ˌdek-lə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act of declaring : ANNOUNCEMENT
2 : something declared or a document containing such a declaration <the Declaration of Independence>

de·clar·a·tive \di-ˈklar-ət-iv, -ˈkler-\ adj : making a declaration or statement <declarative sentence>

de·clare \di-ˈkla(ə)r, -ˈkle(ə)r\ vb de·clared; de·clar·ing
1 : to make known openly or officially <declare war>
2 : to state strongly <declared his innocence>
3 : to make a full statement of (taxable property or items on which duty must be paid) [Middle English declaren “to make clear, make known,” from early French declarer (same meaning), from Latin declarare “to make clear,” from de- “from” and clarare “to make clear,” from clarus “clear, bright” — related to CLEAR]  synonyms see ASSERT
— de·clar·a·to·ry \-ˈklar-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

— de·clar·er n

de·clen·sion \di-ˈklen-chən\ n
1 a : the giving of noun, adjective, or pronoun inflections especially in a specified order  b : a class of nouns or adjectives having the same type of inflectional forms
2 : 2DECLINE 1, DETERIORATION
3 : DESCENT 4A, SLOPE
— de·clen·sion·al \-ˈklench-nəl, -klen-chən-əl\ adj

dec·li·na·tion \ˌdek-lə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : angular distance north or south from the celestial equator measured along a great circle passing through the celestial poles <the declination of a star>
2 : a bending downward : INCLINATION
3 : the angle that the magnetic needle makes with a true north and south line

1de·cline \di-ˈklīn\ vb de·clined; de·clin·ing
1 a : to slope downward : DESCEND  b : to bend down <declined his head>
2 : to pass toward a lower state or level <his health declined> <their enthusiasm declined>
3 : to draw toward a close : WANE <the day declined>
4 : to become less in amount <prices declined>
5 a : to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to <declined to run for a second term>  b : to refuse especially courteously <declined the offer>
6 : to give the declension of a noun, pronoun, or adjective
— de·clin·able \-ˈklī-nə-bəl\ adj
synonyms DECLINE, REFUSE, REJECT, mean to express unwillingness to go along with a demand or request. DECLINE suggests a polite negative response <decline an invitation to a party>. REFUSE suggests a forceful or absolute denial <refused to see him at all>. REJECT may suggest an unwillingness even to consider a demand or request <rejected her plan before she could explain it>.

2decline n
1 : the process of declining:  a : a gradual sinking and wasting away  b : a change to a lower state or level
2 : the time when something is approaching its end <an empire in decline>
3 : a downward slope

de·cliv·i·ty \di-ˈkliv-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : downward inclination
2 : a descending slope

de·code \(ˈ)dē-ˈkōd\ vb : to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
— de·cod·er n

de·col·or·ize \(ˈ)dē-ˈkəl-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to remove color from
— de·col·or·i·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkəl-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— de·col·or·iz·er \(ˈ)dē-ˈkəl-ə-ˌrī-zər\ n

de·com·mis·sion \ˌdē-kə-ˈmish-ən\ vb : to remove (as a ship) from use or service

de·com·pose \ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz\ vb
1 : to separate a thing into its parts or into simpler compounds <decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen>
2 : to break down through chemical change : ROT
— de·com·pos·able \-ˈpō-zə-bəl\ adj

de·com·pos·er \ˌdē-kəm-ˈpō-zər\ n : an organism (as a bacterium or a fungus) that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter

de·com·po·si·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkäm-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n : the action or process of decomposing: as  a : the separation of a chemical substance into simpler chemical substances and especially the elements of which it is made up <decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen>  b : the breakdown of plant or animal matter <decomposition of a dead body>

de·com·press \ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres\ vb
1 : to release from pressure or compression
2 : to convert (as a computer file) from compressed form to an expanded or original size
— de·com·pres·sion \-ˈpresh-ən\ n

decompression sickness n : 2BEND 3

de·con·tam·i·nate \ˌdē-kən-ˈtam-ə-ˌnāt\ vb : to rid of something (as radioactive material) that contaminates
— de·con·tam·i·na·tion \-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

dec·o·rate \ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming <decorate a room>
2 : to award a decoration of honor to <decorate a soldier for bravery>  synonyms see ADORN

dec·o·ra·tion \ˌdek-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or action of decorating
2 : something that decorates or beautifies : ORNAMENT <holiday decorations>
3 : a badge of honor (as a medal, cross, or ribbon)

Decoration Day n : MEMORIAL DAY

dec·o·ra·tive \ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv, ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-\ adj : serving to decorate : ORNAMENTAL
— dec·o·ra·tive·ly adv

— dec·o·ra·tive·ness n

dec·o·ra·tor \ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n : one that decorates; esp : a person who decorates the interiors of buildings

dec·o·rous \ˈdek-ə-rəs also di-ˈkōr-əs, -ˈkȯr-\ adj : noticeable for proper behavior and good taste : CORRECT <decorous conduct>
— dec·o·rous·ly adv

— dec·o·rous·ness n

de·co·rum \di-ˈkōr-əm, -ˈkȯr-\ n
1 : agreement with accepted standards of conduct : proper behavior <social decorum>
2 : the state or condition of being calm, orderly, and well-regulated <the decorum of the meeting>

1de·coy \ˈdē-ˌkȯi, di-ˈkȯi\ n
1 : something intended to lure into a trap; esp : an artificial bird used to attract live birds within shooting range
2 : a person used to lead another into a trap

2decoy \di-ˈkȯi, ˈdē-ˌkȯi\ vb : to attract by or as if by a decoy : ENTICE  synonyms see LURE

1de·crease \di-ˈkrēs, ˈdē-ˌkrēs\ vb de·creased; de·creasing : to make or become smaller <decrease speed> <decrease 6 by 2>

2de·crease \ˈdē-ˌkrēs, di-ˈkrēs\ n
1 : a process of decreasing <a decrease in accidents>
2 : the amount by which a thing decreases <a decrease of three dollars>

1de·cree \di-ˈkrē\ n : an order or decision given by one in authority

2decree vb de·creed; de·cree·ing : to command or order by decree

dec·re·ment \ˈdek-rə-mənt\ n : a gradual loss or the amount lost

de·crep·it \di-ˈkrep-ət\ adj : broken down with age : WORN-OUT

de·crep·i·tude \di-ˈkrep-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : the quality or state of being decrepit : loss of strength or sturdiness especially from old age

1de·cre·scen·do \ˌdā-krə-ˈshen-dō\ n, pl -dos : a lessening in volume of sound

2decrescendo adv or adj : with diminishing volume — used as a direction in music

de·cry \di-ˈkrī\ vb
1 : to express disrespect and scorn for : BELITTLE <decry a hero's deeds>
2 : to find fault with : CONDEMN <decried the waste of resources>
— de·cri·er \-ˈkrī(-ə)r\ n

ded·i·cate \ˈded-i-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to set apart for some purpose and especially a sacred or serious purpose
2 : to address or inscribe as a compliment <dedicated her book to her mother>  synonyms see DEVOTE
— ded·i·ca·tor \-ˌkāt-ər\ n

ded·i·ca·tion \ˌded-i-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : an act or rite of dedicating to a divine being or to a sacred use  b : a setting aside for a particular purpose
2 : the inscription dedicating a literary, musical, or artistic work to a person or cause
3 : self-sacrificing devotion
— ded·i·ca·to·ry \ˈded-i-kə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

de·duce \di-ˈd(y)üs\ vb de·duced; de·duc·ing
1 a : to draw a conclusion about particular facts or examples by applying them to a general rule or principle  b : to determine by reasoning from a general rule or principle
2 : to trace the course or origin of
— de·duc·ible \-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl\ adj

de·duct \di-ˈdəkt\ vb : to take away (an amount) from a total : SUBTRACT
— de·duct·ible \-ˈdək-tə-bəl\ adj

de·duc·tion \di-ˈdək-shən\ n
1 a : an act of taking away  b : something that is or may be subtracted <deductions from taxable income>
2 a : the drawing of a conclusion by reasoning; esp : reasoning in which the conclusion follows necessarily from a general rule or principle  b : a conclusion reached by such reasoning
— de·duc·tive \-ˈdək-tiv\ adj

— de·duc·tive·ly adv

1deed \ˈdēd\ n
1 : something that is done : ACT <we are judged by our deeds>
2 : a legal document by which one person transfers land or buildings to another

2deed vb : to transfer by deed

dee·jay \ˈdē-ˌjā\ n : DISC JOCKEY

deem \ˈdēm\ vb : to have an opinion : BELIEVE, SUPPOSE <deemed it wise to go slow>

1deep \ˈdēp\ adj
1 a : extending far downward <a deep well>  b : having a great distance between the top and bottom surfaces : not shallow <deep water>  c : extending well inward from an outer or front surface <a deep gash>  d : extending far outward from a center <deep space>  e : occurring or located near the outer limits <deep right field>
2 : having a specified extension downward or backward <a shelf 40 centimeters deep>
3 a : difficult to understand <a deep book>  b : MYSTERIOUS, OBSCURE <a deep dark secret>  c : PROFOUND 1 <a deep thinker>  d : completely absorbed <deep in thought>  e : being to an extreme degree : HEAVY <deep sleep>
4 a : dark and rich in color <a deep red>  b : having a low musical pitch or range <a deep voice>
5 a : coming from or located well within <a deep sigh> <a house deep in the forest>  b : covered, enclosed, or filled often to a specified degree <knee-deep in water> <a road deep with snow>
— deep·ly adv

2deep adv
1 : to a great depth : DEEPLY
2 : far on : LATE <read deep into the night>
3 : near the outer limits <the shortstop was playing deep>

3deep n
1 a : an extremely deep place or part (as of the ocean)  b : OCEAN 1
2 : the middle or most intense part <the deep of night>

deep–dish \-ˌdish\ adj : baked in a deep dish <a deep-dish pizza>; esp : baked in a deep dish with usually a fruit filling and no bottom crust <a deep-dish apple pie>

deep·en \ˈdē-pən\ vb deep·ened; deep·en·ing \ˈdēp-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become deep or deeper

deep fat n : hot fat or oil deep enough in a cooking utensil to cover the food to be fried

deep–fry \ˈdēp-ˈfrī\ vb : to cook in deep fat

deep–root·ed \ˈdēp-ˈrüt-əd, -ˈru̇t-\ adj : deeply fixed or established <a deep-rooted loyalty>

deep–sea \ˌdēp-ˌsē\ adj : of, relating to, or occurring in the deeper parts of the sea <deep-sea fishing>

deep–seat·ed \ˈdēp-ˈsēt-əd\ adj
1 : set or located far below the surface
2 : firmly established <a deep-seated tradition>

deep–set \-ˈset\ adj : set far in <deep-set eyes>

deep–sky \ˌdēp-ˌskī\ adj : relating to or existing in space outside the solar system <deep-sky objects>

deep space n : space outside the earth's atmosphere and especially that part lying beyond the earth-moon system

deep·wa·ter \ˌdēp-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ adj : of or relating to water of great depth; esp : DEEP-SEA <deepwater sailors>

deer \ˈdi(ə)r\ n, pl deer : any of a family of cloven-hoofed cud-chewing mammals (as an elk, a caribou, or a white-tailed deer) of which the males of almost all species have antlers while the females of only a few species do
Word History The meaning of a word often develops from the general to the specific. For instance, deer is used in modern English to mean several related forms, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. The Old English dēor, however, could refer to any animal, tame or wild, or to wild animals in general. In time, deer came to be used only for wild animals that were hunted and then for the red deer, once widely hunted in England. From that usage the term has spread to related animals, becoming somewhat more general again. [Old English dēor “wild animal, beast”]

deer fly n : any of numerous small horseflies that are about the size of houseflies and have a painful bite

deer mouse n : any of numerous North American mice of fields and woodlands

deer·skin \ˈdi(ə)r-ˌskin\ n
1 : leather made from the skin of a deer
2 : a garment of deerskin

deer tick n : a tick that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

de–es·ca·late \(ˈ)dē-ˈes-kə-ˌlāt\ vb : to decrease in extent, volume, or scope <de-escalate the war>
— de–es·ca·la·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌes-kə-ˈlā-shən\ n

de·face \di-ˈfās\ vb : to destroy or damage the face or surface of
— de·face·ment \-ˈfās-mənt\ n

— de·fac·er n

de·fame \di-ˈfām\ vb de·famed; de·fam·ing : to injure or destroy the reputation of : speak evil of : LIBEL
— def·a·ma·tion \ˌdef-ə-ˈmā-shən\ n

— de·fam·a·to·ry \di-ˈfam-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

— de·fam·er n

1de·fault \di-ˈfȯlt\ n
1 : failure to take action <lost a great opportunity by default> <a decision made by default, not by deciding>
2 : failure to do something required (as make a payment or appear in court) <in default on a loan> <lost a court case by default>
3 : a selection to be made automatically according to a computer program when the user does not specify a choice

2default vb : to fail to carry out a contract, obligation, or duty
— de·fault·er n

1de·feat \di-ˈfēt\ vb
1 : to destroy the value or effect of <the lawyers defeated the will>
2 : to win a victory over <defeated their team>
— de·feat·able \-ˈfēt-ə-bəl\ adj

2defeat n
1 : the act or an instance of making ineffective by prevention of success <the bill suffered defeat by Congress> <the defeat of one's hopes>
2 a : an overthrow of an army in battle  b : loss of a contest (as by a team)

de·feat·ism \di-ˈfēt-ˌiz-əm\ n : an attitude of expecting defeat or of accepting defeat with the belief that further effort would be useless
— de·feat·ist \-ˈfēt-əst\ n or adj

def·e·cate \ˈdef-i-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to expel feces from the bowels
— def·e·ca·tion \ˌdef-i-ˈkā-shən\ n

1de·fect \ˈdē-ˌfekt, di-ˈfekt\ n : a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection  synonyms see BLEMISH

2de·fect \di-ˈfekt\ vb : to desert a cause or party often in order to take up another
— de·fec·tion \-ˈfek-shən\ n

— de·fec·tor \-ˈfek-tər\ n

de·fec·tive \di-ˈfek-tiv\ adj : lacking something essential : FAULTY <defective brakes>
— de·fec·tive·ly adv

— de·fec·tive·ness n

de·fence, de·fence·man chiefly British variant of DEFENSE, DEFENSEMAN

de·fend \di-ˈfend\ vb
1 : to repel danger or attack <defending their own country>
2 : to act as attorney for
3 : to oppose the claim of another in a lawsuit : CONTEST
4 : to uphold against opposition <defended the freedom of the press>

de·fend·ant \di-ˈfen-dənt\ n : a person who is being sued or accused in a legal action

de·fend·er \-ˈfen-dər\ n
1 : one that defends
2 : a player in a sport (as football) who plays a defensive position

de·fense \di-ˈfen(t)s; as antonym of “offense” often ˈdē-ˌfen(t)s\ n
1 : the act of defending : resistance against attack
2 : capability of resisting attack
3 a : means or method of defending  b : an argument in support
4 a : a defending party or group  b : a defensive team
5 : the answer made by the defendant in a legal action
— de·fense·less \di-ˈfen(t)s-ləs\ adj

— de·fense·less·ly adv

— de·fense·less·ness n

— de·fen·si·bil·i·ty \di-ˌfen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— de·fen·si·ble \-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj

— de·fen·si·bly \-blē\ adv

de·fense·man \-mən, -ˌman\ n : a player in a sport who is assigned to a defensive zone or position

1de·fen·sive \di-ˈfen(t)-siv, ˈdē-ˌfen(t)-\ adj
1 : serving or intended to defend or protect <a defensive alliance>
2 : resisting or preventing attack <defensive behavior>
3 : of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring in a game or contest <a player with good defensive skills>
— de·fen·sive·ly adv

— de·fen·sive·ness n

2defensive n : a defensive position <put on the defensive by an attack>

1de·fer \di-ˈfər\ vb de·ferred; de·fer·ring : POSTPONE, PUT OFF <defer payment> [Middle English deferren, differren “to put off, delay,” from early French differer (same meaning), from Latin differre “to postpone, be different,” from dif-, dis- “apart” and ferre “to bear, carry, yield” — related to 2DEFER, FERTILE, OFFER, REFER, TRANSFER]
— de·fer·ra·ble \-ˈfər-ə-bəl\ adj

— de·fer·rer n

2defer vb de·ferred; de·fer·ring : to give in or yield to another's wish or opinion <deferred to their guest's choice of TV shows> [Middle English deferren, differren “to entrust to another person,” from early French deferer, defferer (same meaning), derived from Latin deferre “to bring down,” from de- “down, from, away” and ferre “to bear, carry” — related to 1DEFER]

def·er·ence \ˈdef-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n : courteous, respectful, or flattering regard for another's wishes

def·er·en·tial \ˌdef-ə-ˈren-chəl\ adj : showing or expressing deference
— def·er·en·tial·ly \-ˈrench-(ə-)lē\ adv

de·fer·ment \di-ˈfər-mənt\ n : the act of delaying

de·fi·ance \di-ˈfī-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act or an instance of defying : CHALLENGE
2 : a tendency to resist : contempt of opposition

de·fi·ant \di-ˈfī-ənt\ adj : full of or showing defiance : IMPUDENT, INSOLENT
— de·fi·ant·ly adv

de·fi·cien·cy \di-ˈfish-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being deficient
2 : the quality or state of being inadequate; esp : a shortage of substances necessary to health

deficiency disease n : a disease (as scurvy or beriberi) caused by a lack of one or more essential substances (as a vitamin or mineral) in the diet

de·fi·cient \di-ˈfish-ənt\ adj : lacking something necessary for completeness : not up to a given or normal standard <a diet deficient in proteins> <deficient in their knowledge of history>
— de·fi·cient·ly adv

def·i·cit \ˈdef-ə-sət\ n : a deficiency in amount; esp : an excess of expenses over income

1de·file \di-ˈfī(ə)l\ vb de·filed; de·fil·ing
1 : to make filthy : DIRTY <stored grain defiled by rats>
2 : to corrupt the purity or perfection of <defile buildings with posters>
3 : DESECRATE <a shrine defiled by the invaders>
4 : 2DISHONOR 1 <defiled our good name>
— de·file·ment \-fī(ə)l-mənt\ n

— de·fil·er \-ˈfī-lər\ n

2de·file \di-ˈfī(ə)l, ˈdē-ˌfīl\ n : a narrow passage or gorge

de·fine \di-ˈfīn\ vb de·fined; de·fin·ing
1 a : to determine the essential qualities of <define the idea of loyalty> <define a circle>  b : to set forth the meaning of <define a word>  c : to specify (as a programming task) for a computer to use <define a procedure>
2 a : to fix or mark the limits of <the boundary was clearly defined>  b : to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline <the tree was well defined against the sky> <your argument is not well defined> [Middle English definen “to define, mark the limits of,” Latin definire (same meaning), from Latin de- “from, away” and finire “to limit,” from finis “end, limit” — related to FINAL, FINISH, INFINITY]
— de·fin·able \-ˈfī-nə-bəl\ adj

— de·fin·er n

def·i·nite \ˈdef-(ə-)nət\ adj
1 : having certain or distinct limits : FIXED <a definite period of time>
2 a : clear in meaning : EXPLICIT, EXACT <a definite answer>  b : UNQUESTIONABLE <a definite improvement>
3 : typically designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing <the definite article “the”>
— def·i·nite·ly adv

— def·i·nite·ness n

def·i·ni·tion \ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən\ n
1 : an act of determining or settling the limits
2 a : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol  b : the action or process of defining
3 a : the action or the power of making definite and clear  b : CLARITY, DISTINCTNESS
— def·i·ni·tion·al \-ˈnish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

de·fin·i·tive \di-ˈfin-ət-iv\ adj
1 : serving to provide a final solution : DECISIVE <a definitive victory>
2 : being the most accurate and thorough <the definitive book on the subject>
3 : serving to define or specify precisely <definitive laws>
— de·fin·i·tive·ly adv

— de·fin·i·tive·ness n

de·flate \di-ˈflāt, ˈdē-\ vb de·flat·ed; de·flat·ing
1 : to release air or gas from
2 : to cause to move from a higher to a lower level : reduce from a state of inflation <deflate the national economy>
3 : to become deflated : COLLAPSE
— de·fla·tor \-ˈflāt-ər\ n

de·fla·tion \di-ˈflā-shən, ˈdē-\ n
1 : an act or instance of deflating : the state of being deflated
2 : a reduction in the volume of available money or credit resulting in a decline of the general price level
— de·fla·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj

de·flect \di-ˈflekt\ vb : to turn or cause to turn aside (as from a course, direction, or position) <a bullet deflected by striking a wall>
— de·flec·tion \-ˈflek-shən\ n

de·fo·li·ant \(ˈ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ənt\ n : a chemical that is applied to plants and causes their leaves to drop off

de·fo·li·ate \(ˈ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to deprive of leaves
— de·fo·li·a·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌfō-lē-ˈā-shən\ n

— de·fo·li·a·tor \(ˈ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt-ər\ n

de·for·es·ta·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən, -ˌfär-\ n : the action or process of clearing an area of forests; also : the state of having been cleared of forests
— de·for·est \(ˈ)dē-ˈfȯr-əst, -ˈfär-\ vb

de·form \di-ˈfȯ(ə)rm, ˈdē-\ vb : to make or become misshapen or changed in shape
— de·for·ma·tion \ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shən, ˌdef-ər-\ n

de·formed adj : distorted in form : MISSHAPEN

de·for·mi·ty \di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being deformed
2 : a physical blemish or twisting out of a natural shape or condition
3 : a morally disgusting or artistically ugly imperfection

de·frag·ment \(ˌ)dē-ˈfrag-mənt\ vb : to reorganize fragments of computer data on (a computer disk) into a continuous series <defragment the hard drive>

de·fraud \di-ˈfrȯd\ vb : to deprive of something by trickery, deception, or fraud
— de·fraud·er \di-ˈfrȯd-ər\ n

de·fray \di-ˈfrā\ vb : to pay or provide for the payment of <more money to defray expenses>

de·frost \di-ˈfrȯst, ˈdē-\ vb
1 : to free from a frozen state : thaw out <defrost meat>
2 : to free from ice <defrost a refrigerator>
3 : to remove fog or condensed moisture from <defrost the windshield>

deft \ˈdeft\ adj : quick and skillful in action <knitting with deft fingers>
— deft·ly adv

— deft·ness \ˈdef(t)-nəs\ n

de·funct \di-ˈfəŋ(k)t\ adj : having finished the course of life or existence : DEAD, EXTINCT <a defunct organization>

de·fy \di-ˈfī\ vb de·fied; de·fy·ing
1 : to challenge to do something considered impossible : DARE <the magician defied the audience to explain the trick>
2 : to refuse boldly to obey or to yield to : DISREGARD <defy public opinion>
3 : to resist attempts at : WITHSTAND, BAFFLE <a scene that defies description>
— de·fi·er \-ˈfī(-ə)r\ n

de·gas \(ˈ)dē-ˈgas\ vb : to free from gas

de·gen·er·a·cy \di-ˈjen-(ə-)rə-sē\ n, pl -cies : the state of being or process of becoming degenerate : DEGRADATION, DEBASEMENT

1de·gen·er·ate \di-ˈjen-(ə-)rət\ adj : having degenerated : DEBASED, DEGRADED
— de·gen·er·ate·ly adv

2de·gen·er·ate \di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt\ vb
1 : to pass from a higher to a lower type or condition : DETERIORATE <the meeting degenerated into noisy chatter>
2 : to undergo evolution toward an earlier or less highly organized biological form

3de·gen·er·ate \di-ˈjen-(ə-)rət\ n : a degenerate person

de·gen·er·a·tion \di-ˌjen-ə-ˈrā-shən, ˌdē-\ n
1 : a lowering of power, vitality, or essential quality to a feebler and poorer kind or state
2 a : a change in a tissue or an organ resulting in lessened activity or usefulness <kidney degeneration in old age>  b : a condition marked by degeneration of physical parts (as organs) present in related forms <tapeworms exhibit extreme degeneration>

de·gen·er·a·tive \di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv, -ˈjen-(ə-)rət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or tending to cause degeneration <a degenerative disease>

deg·ra·da·tion \ˌdeg-rə-ˈdā-shən\ n
1 a : a reduction in rank, dignity, or standing  b : removal from office
2 : loss of honor or reputation
3 : DEGENERATION 1, DETERIORATION

de·grade \di-ˈgrād\ vb
1 : to reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree : deprive of an office or position
2 : to lower the character of : DEBASE
3 : to reduce the complexity of a chemical compound : DECOMPOSE
— de·grad·able \-ˈgrād-ə-bəl\ adj

— de·grad·er n

de·gree \di-ˈgrē\ n
1 : a step or stage in a process or series <advance by degrees>
2 a : the intensity of something as measured by degrees <murder in the first degree>  b : one of the forms used in the comparison of an adjective or adverb
3 : a rank or grade of official or social position <persons of high degree>
4 a : a grade of membership in an order or society  b : a title given a student by a college, university, or professional school upon completion of a program of study <a degree of doctor of medicine>  c : an academic title granted to honor a person who is not a student
5 : one of the divisions marked on a measuring instrument (as a thermometer)
6 : a unit of measure for angles and arcs that for angles is equal to an angle with its vertex at the center of a circle and its sides cutting off 1/360 of the circumference and that for an arc of a circle is equal to 1/360 of the circumference
7 a : a line or space of the musical staff  b : a step, note, or tone of a musical scale
— to a degree
1 : to a remarkable extent
2 : in a small way

de·hu·mid·i·fy \ˌdē-hyü-ˈmid-ə-ˌfī, ˌdē-yü-\ vb : to remove moisture from (as the air)
— de·hu·mid·i·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

— de·hu·mid·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌmid-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

de·hy·drate \(ˈ)dē-ˈhī-ˌdrāt\ vb
1 : to remove water from (as foods)
2 : to lose water or body fluids
— de·hy·dra·tion \ˌdē-ˌhī-ˈdrā-shən\ n

de·hy·dro·ge·nase \ˌdē-(ˌ)hī-ˈdräj-ə-ˌnās, (ˈ)dē-ˈhī-drə-jə-\ n : an enzyme that speeds up the removal and transfer of hydrogen

de·hy·dro·ge·na·tion \ˌdē-(ˌ)hī-ˌdräj-ə-ˈnā-shən, (ˌ)dē-ˌhī-drə-jə-\ n : the process of removing hydrogen from a chemical compound

de·ice \(ˈ)dē-ˈīs\ vb : to keep free or rid of ice
— de·ic·er n

de·i·fy \ˈdē-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 a : to make a god of <Roman emperors were often deified>  b : to take as an object of worship <Druids deified oak trees>
2 : to glorify as of supreme worth <deify money>
— de·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌdē-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

deign \ˈdān\ vb : to think proper to one's dignity <did not deign to reply to the rude remark>

de·ion·ize \(ˈ)dē-ˈī-ə-ˌnīz\ vb : to remove ions from

de·i·ty \ˈdē-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : DIVINITY 2  b cap : GOD 1 <the Deity>
2 a : GOD 2  b : GODDESS 1 [Middle English deitee “the nature of being divine,” from early French deité (same meaning), derived from Latin deus “god” — related to ADIEU, ADIOS]

dé·jà vu \ˌdā-ˌzhä-ˈvü, -ˈv\ n : a feeling that one has seen or heard something before [French, literally, “already seen”]

de·ject·ed \di-ˈjek-təd\ adj : low in spirits : SAD, DEPRESSED
— de·ject·ed·ly adv

— de·ject·ed·ness n

de·jec·tion \di-ˈjek-shən\ n : lowness of spirits

deka- or dek- — see DECA-

deka·gram \ˈdek-ə-ˌgram\ n : a unit of mass equal to 10 grams — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

deka·li·ter \ˈdek-ə-ˌlēt-ər\ n : a unit of capacity equal to 10 liters — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

deka·me·ter \ˈdek-ə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : a unit of length equal to 10 meters — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

Del·a·ware \ˈdel-ə-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r, -wər\ n, pl Delaware or Delawares : a member of an American Indian people originally of the Delaware River valley

1de·lay \di-ˈlā\ n
1 : the act of delaying : the state of being delayed <start without delay>
2 : the time during which something is delayed <a delay of 30 minutes>

2delay vb
1 : POSTPONE, PUT OFF <delay a trip>
2 : to stop, detain, or hinder for a time <delayed by a storm>
3 : to move or act slowly
— delay·er n

de·lec·ta·ble \di-ˈlek-tə-bəl\ adj
1 : highly pleasing : DELIGHTFUL
2 : DELICIOUS
— de·lec·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

de·lec·ta·tion \ˌdē-ˌlek-ˈtā-shən, di-; ˌdel-ək-\ n
1 : 1DELIGHT 1
2 : something that gives pleasure : DIVERSION

1del·e·gate \ˈdel-i-gət, -ˌgāt\ n : a person sent with power to act for another : REPRESENTATIVE

2del·e·gate \ˈdel-i-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to entrust to another <delegate authority>
2 : to appoint as one's delegate

del·e·ga·tion \ˌdel-i-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : the act of delegating power or authority to another
2 : one or more persons chosen to represent others

de·lete \di-ˈlēt\ vb de·let·ed; de·let·ing : to eliminate especially by blotting out, cutting out, or erasing <delete a part of the story> <delete a computer file>
— de·le·tion \di-ˈlē-shən\ n

del·e·te·ri·ous \ˌdel-ə-ˈtir-ē-əs\ adj : HARMFUL, NOXIOUS
— del·e·te·ri·ous·ly adv

— del·e·te·ri·ous·ness n

delft \ˈdelft\ n : a Dutch pottery with a white glaze and blue decoration [named for Delft, an area in the Netherlands where the pottery was first made]

delft·ware \ˈdelfˌ-twa(ə)r, -ˌtwe(ə)r\ n : DELFT

deli \ˈdel-ē\ n, pl del·is : DELICATESSEN 2

1de·lib·er·ate \di-ˈlib-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to think about carefully : consider problems and decisions carefully <deliberate before answering>
Word History To weigh a decision is to think about it carefully, comparing one fact or idea with another as if by balancing them on a scale. The notion that slow and careful thought is like using a scale has given us the word deliberate. Deliberate can be traced back to the Latin verb deliberare, meaning “to weigh in the mind.” The core of this word is the noun libra, meaning “a scale.” A deliberate decision, therefore, is one that has been carefully weighed. [from Latin deliberatus, past participle of deliberare “to weigh in the mind,” derived from de- “from, away” and libra “scale, pound” — related to EQUILIBRIUM, LIBRA]

2de·lib·er·ate \di-ˈlib-(ə-)rət\ adj
1 : decided on as a result of careful thought : carefully considered <a deliberate judgment>
2 : done or said on purpose <a deliberate lie>
3 : considering facts and arguments carefully : careful and slow in deciding <a deliberate speaker>
4 : slow in action : not hurried <deliberate movements>  synonyms see VOLUNTARY
— de·lib·er·ate·ly adv

— de·lib·er·ate·ness n

de·lib·er·a·tion \di-ˌlib-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act of deliberating
2 : a discussion and consideration of the reasons for and against something
3 : the quality of being deliberate : DELIBERATENESS

de·lib·er·a·tive \di-ˈlib-ə-ˌrāt-iv, -ˈlib-(ə-)rət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or engaged in deliberation

del·i·ca·cy \ˈdel-i-kə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : something pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury
2 a : fineness of structure : DAINTINESS <lace of great delicacy>  b : weakness of body : FRAILTY <the delicacy of his health>
3 : the ability to express very slight degrees of feeling (as in painting or music)
4 : consideration for the feelings of others
5 : the ability to sense or indicate very slight differences : PRECISION
6 : the tendency to be or state of being squeamish
7 : the quality or state of requiring careful treatment <the delicacy of a situation>

del·i·cate \ˈdel-i-kət\ adj
1 : satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness <a delicate flavor> <delicate blossoms>
2 : having fineness of structure, workmanship, or texture <delicate lace>
3 : FASTIDIOUS <a person of delicate tastes>
4 : easily torn or hurt; also : WEAK 1, SICKLY <was too delicate to play football>
5 : easily unsettled or upset <a delicate balance>
6 : resulting from or requiring skill or careful treatment <delicate handling of a difficult situation> <a delicate operation>
7 : able to sense or indicate very slight differences <a delicate instrument>
— del·i·cate·ly adv

— del·i·cate·ness n

del·i·ca·tes·sen \ˌdel-i-kə-ˈtes-ən\ n pl
1 : ready-to-eat food products (as cooked meats and prepared salads)
2 sing, pl delicatessens : a store where delicatessen are sold
Word History We owe both the word delicatessen and the special food it represents to the German immigrants who came to this country toward the end of the 19th century. But although the food was originally German, the word was not. The Germans borrowed the word from the French. The obsolete German word delicatessen is a plural form of delicatesse and means “delicacies, ready-to-eat foods.” This word was borrowed from the French word délicatesse, meaning “delicacy.” In English, delicatessen originally meant only the specially-prepared food. In time, the delicatessen store where this food was sold came to be called a delicatessen, and a new meaning for the word was born. Now the word is often shortened to deli. [from obsolete German Delicatessen (now spelled Delikatessen) “specially prepared ready-to-eat foods,” plural of Delicatesse “delicacy,” from French délicatesse (same meaning), derived from Latin delicatus “delicate”]

de·li·cious \di-ˈlish-əs\ adj : giving great pleasure : DELIGHTFUL; esp : very pleasing to the taste
— de·li·cious·ly adv

— de·li·cious·ness n

De·li·cious \di-ˈlish-əs\ n, pl De·li·cious·es or Delicious : a sweet red or yellow apple of U.S. origin that has five bumps arranged around the end opposite the stem

1de·light \di-ˈlīt\ n
1 : extreme pleasure or satisfaction : JOY
2 : something that gives great pleasure

2delight vb
1 : to take great pleasure <delighted in playing guitar>
2 : to give joy or satisfaction to : please greatly <a book sure to delight>

de·light·ed \di-ˈlīt-əd\ adj : highly pleased : GRATIFIED, JOYOUS
— de·light·ed·ly adv

— de·light·ed·ness n

de·light·ful \di-ˈlīt-fəl\ adj : highly pleasing : giving delight
— de·light·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— de·light·ful·ness n

de·lim·it \di-ˈlim-ət\ vb : to fix or mark the limits of : BOUND
— de·lim·i·ta·tion \-ˌlim-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

de·lin·eate \di-ˈlin-ē-ˌāt\ vb -eat·ed; -eat·ing
1 : to indicate by lines : SKETCH
2 : to describe in sharp or vivid detail <delineate the characters in a story>
— de·lin·ea·tion \-ˌlin-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

— de·lin·ea·tor \-ˈlin-ē-ˌāt-ər\ n

1de·lin·quent \di-ˈliŋ-kwənt\ n : a delinquent person

2delinquent adj
1 : offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law
2 : being overdue in payment <a delinquent charge account>
— de·lin·quen·cy \-kwən-sē\ n

— de·lin·quent·ly adv

del·i·quesce \ˌdel-ə-ˈkwes\ vb -quesced; -quesc·ing : to dissolve or melt away; esp : to exhibit the behavior of a deliquescent substance

del·i·ques·cent \ˌdel-ə-ˈkwes-ənt\ adj
1 : tending to melt or dissolve; esp : tending to dissolve gradually by absorbing moisture from the air
2 : having repeated division into branches <elms are deliquescent trees>
— del·i·ques·cence \-ən(t)s\ n

de·lir·i·ous \di-ˈlir-ē-əs\ adj
1 : affected with, marked by, or characteristic of delirium
2 : wildly excited <delirious fans>
— de·lir·i·ous·ly adv

— de·lir·i·ous·ness n

de·lir·i·um \di-ˈlir-ē-əm\ n
1 : a mental disturbance marked by confusion, disturbed speech, and hallucinations
2 : wild excitement

de·liv·er \di-ˈliv-ər\ vb de·liv·ered; de·liv·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to set free : SAVE <deliver us from evil>
2 : HAND OVER, TRANSFER <deliver a letter>
3 a : to assist in giving birth; also : to aid in the birth of  b : to give birth to
4 : 2UTTER 2 <deliver a speech>
5 : to send to an intended target or destination <deliver a pitch>
6 : to produce the promised, desired, or expected results <deliver on a promise>
— de·liv·er·able \-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— de·liv·er·er \-ər-ər\ n

de·liv·er·ance \di-ˈliv-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : an act of delivering or the state of being delivered; esp : SALVATION 3, RESCUE <deliverance from the hands of the enemy>
2 : something delivered or communicated; esp : a publicly expressed opinion or decision

de·liv·ery \di-ˈliv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : a delivering from something that restricts or burdens
2 a : the act of handing over  b : a legal transfer of right or title  c : something delivered at one time or in one unit
3 : the action of giving birth
4 : a delivering especially of a speech
5 : manner or style of delivering

de·liv·ery·man \di-ˈliv-(ə-)rē-mən, -ˌman\ n : a person who delivers goods to customers usually over a regular local route

dell \ˈdel\ n : a secluded small valley

de·louse \(ˈ)dē-ˈlau̇s, -ˈlau̇z\ vb de·loused; de·lous·ing : to remove lice from

del·phin·i·um \del-ˈfin-ē-əm\ n : any of a large genus of herbs related to the buttercups and widely grown for their flowers in showy spikes

del·ta \ˈdel-tə\ n
1 : the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet — Δ or δ
2 : something shaped like a capital Δ; esp : the triangular or fan-shaped piece of land made by deposits of mud and sand at the mouth of a river
— del·ta·ic \del-ˈtā-ik\ adj

de·lude \di-ˈlüd\ vb de·lud·ed; de·lud·ing : to lead into error : mislead the judgment of : DECEIVE, TRICK <deluded by false promises>
— de·lud·er n

1del·uge \ˈdel-yüj\ n
1 a : an overflowing of the land by water : FLOOD  b : a drenching rain
2 : an overwhelming amount or number <a deluge of Christmas mail>

2deluge vb del·uged; del·ug·ing
1 : to overflow with water : INUNDATE, FLOOD
2 : to overwhelm as if with a deluge <deluged with inquiries>

de·lu·sion \di-ˈlü-zhən\ n
1 : the act of deluding : the state of being deluded
2 a : a mistaken or misleading belief  b : a false belief that persists despite evidence proving it false and occurs especially in some mentally disturbed states
— de·lu·sion·al \-ˈlüzh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

de·lu·sive \di-ˈlü-siv, -ziv\ adj : deluding or likely to delude
— de·lu·sive·ly adv

de·lu·so·ry \di-ˈlü-sə-rē, -zə-\ adj : DECEPTIVE, DELUSIVE

de·luxe \di-ˈlu̇ks, -ˈləks, -ˈlüks\ adj : very luxurious or elegant <a deluxe edition>

delve \ˈdelv\ vb delved; delv·ing
1 : to dig or labor with a spade
2 : to make a careful or thorough search for information
— delv·er n

Dem \ˈdem\ n : DEMOCRAT 2

de·mag·ne·tize \(ˈ)dē-ˈmag-nə-ˌtīz\ vb : to cause to lose magnetic properties
— de·mag·ne·ti·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌmag-nət-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

dem·a·gogue also dem·a·gog \ˈdem-ə-ˌgäg\ n : a person who appeals to the emotions and prejudices of people in order to arouse discontent and advance his or her own political purposes
— dem·a·gog·ic \ˌdem-ə-ˈgäg-ik also -ˈgäj-\ adj

— dem·a·gogu·ery \ˈdem-ə-ˌgäg-(ə-)rē\ n

— dem·a·gogy \-ˌgäg-ē, -ˌgäj-, -ˌgō-jē\ n

1de·mand \di-ˈmand\ n
1 a : an act of demanding <a demand for obedience>  b : something claimed as due <a list of demands>
2 a : the ability and desire to purchase goods or services at a specified time and price  b : the quantity of an article or service that is wanted at a specified price <the demand for quality education> <supply and demand>
3 : a seeking or state of being sought after <tickets are in great demand>
4 : an urgent need or requirement <demands on her energy>
— on demand : upon request for payment; also : when requested or needed <video on demand>

2demand vb
1 : to ask or call for with authority : claim as one's right <demand payment of a debt> <demand an apology>
2 : to ask earnestly or in the manner of a command <the guard demanded the password>
3 : 2NEED 2, REQUIRE <an illness that demands constant care>
— de·mand·able \-ˈman-də-bəl\ adj

— de·mand·er n

de·mand·ing \di-ˈman-diŋ\ adj : making many or difficult demands : EXACTING <a demanding job>
— de·mand·ing·ly adv

de·mar·cate \di-ˈmär-ˌkāt, ˈdē-ˌmär-\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to mark the limits or boundaries of
2 : to set apart : DISTINGUISH 4
— de·mar·ca·tion \ˌdē-ˌmär-ˈkā-shən\ n

1de·mean \di-ˈmēn\ vb de·meaned; de·mean·ing : to conduct or behave (oneself) usually in a proper manner <he demeans himself like a true gentleman>

2demean vb de·meaned; de·mean·ing : DEGRADE 2, DEBASE <demeaned themselves by dishonesty>

de·mean·or \di-ˈmē-nər\ n : outward manner or behavior : CONDUCT, BEARING

de·ment·ed \di-ˈment-əd\ adj : MAD 1, INSANE
— de·ment·ed·ly adv

de·men·tia \di-ˈmen-chə\ n
1 : a condition of the brain that is marked especially by a deterioration in the ability to think, reason, or remember
2 : a condition of deteriorating mental functioning

de·mer·it \di-ˈmer-ət\ n
1 : a quality that deserves blame : FAULT
2 : a mark placed against a person's record for some fault or offense

de·mesne \di-ˈmān, -ˈmēn\ n
1 : REALM 2, DOMAIN
2 : land actually possessed by the lord of an estate and not held by tenants
3 a : the land attached to a mansion  b : property that is land : ESTATE  c : REGION 2A, TERRITORY

demi- prefix : one that partly belongs to (a specified type or class) <demigod> [derived from Latin dimidius “half”]

demi·god \ˈdem-i-ˌgäd\ n
1 : one who is partly divine and partly human
2 : an outstanding person who seems godlike

demi·john \dem-i-ˌjän\ n : a large bottle of glass or stoneware enclosed in a basket of the same shape

de·mil·i·ta·rize \(ˈ)dē-ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌrīz\ vb : to strip of military forces, weapons, or fortification <a demilitarized zone>
— de·mil·i·ta·ri·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌmil-ə-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

de·mise \di-ˈmīz\ n
1 : DEATH 1
2 : an ending of existence or activity <the demise of a newspaper>

demi·tasse \ˈdem-i-ˌtas, -ˌtäs\ n : a small cup of black coffee; also : the cup used to serve it

demo \ˈdem-ō\ n, pl dem·os : DEMONSTRATOR 2

de·mo·bi·lize \di-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz, (ˈ)dē-\ vb
1 : to dismiss from military service <demobilize an army>
2 : to change from a state of war to a state of peace
— de·mo·bi·li·za·tion \di-ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən, (ˈ)dē-\ n

de·moc·ra·cy \di-ˈmäk-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 a : government by the people; esp : rule of the majority  b : government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation
2 : a political unit (as a nation) that has a democratic government
3 : belief in or practice of the idea that all people are socially equal [from early French democratie “democracy,” from Latin democratia (same meaning), from Greek demokratia “democracy,” from dēmos “people, the masses” and -kratia “rule, government,” from kratos “strength, power, authority” — related to EPIDEMIC]

dem·o·crat \ˈdem-ə-ˌkrat\ n
1 : one who believes in or practices democracy
2 cap : a member of the Democratic party of the U.S.

dem·o·crat·ic \ˌdem-ə-ˈkrat-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or favoring political, social, or economic democracy
2 cap : of or relating to a major U.S. political party associated with policies of helping the common people and encouraging cooperation between nations
3 : of, relating to, or appealing to the common people <democratic art>
4 : favoring social equality : not snobbish
— dem·o·crat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

Democratic–Republican adj : of or relating to an early 19th century American political party preferring strict interpretation of the constitution and emphasizing states' rights

de·moc·ra·tize \di-ˈmäk-rə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to make democratic
— de·moc·ra·ti·za·tion \-ˌmäk-rət-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

de·mod·u·late \(ˈ)dē-ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt\ vb : to get the information from (a modulated radio, laser, or computer signal)
— de·mod·u·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

de·mog·ra·phy \di-ˈmäg-rə-fē\ n : the statistical study of human populations
— de·mog·ra·pher \-fər\ n

— de·mo·graph·ic \ˌdē-mə-ˈgraf-ik, ˌdem-ə-\ adj

de·mol·ish \di-ˈmäl-ish\ vb
1 a : TEAR DOWN, RAZE  b : to break to pieces : SMASH 2 : to do away with : put an end to
— de·mol·ish·er n

— de·mol·ish·ment \-ish-mənt\ n

de·mo·li·tion \ˌdem-ə-ˈlish-ən, ˌdē-mə-\ n : the act of demolishing; esp : destruction by means of explosives

de·mon or dae·mon \ˈdē-mən\ n
1 : an evil spirit
2 usually daemon : an accompanying power or spirit : GENIUS
3 usually daemon : DEMIGOD 1
4 : one that has a lot of energy <a demon for work>
— de·mon·ic \di-ˈmän-ik\ adj

1de·mo·ni·ac \di-ˈmō-nē-ˌak\ also de·mo·ni·a·cal \ˌdē-mə-ˈnī-ə-kəl\ adj
1 : possessed or influenced by a demon
2 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a demon : DEVILISH, FIENDISH <demoniac cruelty>
— de·mo·ni·a·cal·ly \ˌdē-mə-ˈnī-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2demoniac n : one possessed by a demon

de·mon·stra·ble \di-ˈmän(t)-strə-bəl\ adj : capable of being demonstrated or proved
— de·mon·stra·bly \-blē\ adv

dem·on·strate \ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt\ vb -strat·ed; -strat·ing
1 : to show clearly
2 a : to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence  b : to illustrate and explain especially with examples
3 : to show publicly the good qualities of a product <demonstrate a new car>
4 : to make a public display (as of feeling or military force) <citizens demonstrated in protest>

dem·on·stra·tion \ˌdem-ən-ˈstrā-shən\ n
1 : an act, process, or means of demonstrating the truth of something:  a : convincing evidence  b : an explanation (as of a theory) by experiment  c : a course of reasoning intended to prove that a conclusion must be true when certain conditions are accepted  d : a showing or using of a product for sale to display its good points
2 : an outward expression or display <a demonstration of joy>
3 : a show of armed force
4 : a public display of group feelings toward a person or cause

1de·mon·stra·tive \di-ˈmän(t)-strət-iv\ adj
1 : characterized or established by demonstration <demonstrative reasoning>
2 : indicating the one referred to and pointing it out from others of the same kind <the demonstrative pronoun “this” in “this is my hat”> <the demonstrative adjective “that” in “that book”>
3 : showing feeling freely <a demonstrative greeting>
— de·mon·stra·tive·ly adv

2demonstrative n : a demonstrative word; esp : a demonstrative pronoun

dem·on·stra·tor \ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt-ər\ n
1 : a person who makes or takes part in a demonstration
2 : a manufactured article (as an automobile) used for purposes of demonstration

de·mor·al·ize \di-ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlīz, -ˈmär-\ vb
1 : to make bad or evil
2 : to weaken in spirit or discipline <fear demoralized the army>
— de·mor·al·i·za·tion \-ˌmȯr-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌmär-\ n

— de·mor·al·iz·er \-ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlī-zər, -ˈmär-\ n

de·mote \di-ˈmōt, ˈdē-\ vb de·mot·ed; de·mot·ing : to reduce to a lower grade or rank
— de·mo·tion \di-ˈmō-shən, ˈdē-\ n

de·mount \(ˈ)dē-ˈmau̇nt\ vb
1 : to remove from an attached position
2 : to take apart : DISASSEMBLE
— de·mount·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

1de·mur \di-ˈmər\ vb de·murred; de·mur·ring : 2OBJECT 2

2demur n : the act of objecting : PROTEST <accepted without demur>

de·mure \di-ˈmyu̇(ə)r\ adj
1 a : quiet and polite <a demure young lady>  b : not showy or flashy <a demure gray dress>
2 : falsely modest, reserved, or serious : COY
— de·mure·ly adv

— de·mure·ness n

den \ˈden\ n
1 : the shelter or resting place of a wild animal
2 : a hiding place (as for thieves)
3 : a dirty run-down place in which people live or gather <dens of misery>
4 : a comfortable room set apart usually for reading and relaxation
5 : a division of a Cub Scout pack

de·na·ture \(ˈ)dē-ˈnā-chər\ vb de·na·tured; de·na·tur·ing \-ˈnāch-(ə-)riŋ\ : to remove the natural qualities of: as  a : to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking without taking away usefulness for other purposes  b : to change the structure of (as a protein) so that the original properties are removed or diminished
— de·na·tur·ation \(ˌ)dē-ˌnā-chə-ˈrā-shən\ n

den·drite \ˈden-ˌdrīt\ n
1 : a branching figure (as in a mineral or stone) resembling a tree
2 : any of the usually branching extensions of a neuron over which impulses travel toward the cell body — compare AXON
— den·drit·ic \den-ˈdrit-ik\ adj

den·drol·o·gy \den-ˈdräl-ə-jē\ n : the study of trees

Den·eb \ˈden-ˌeb, -əb\ n : the brightest star in the group of stars of Cygnus

de·ni·al \di-ˈnī(-ə)l\ n
1 : a refusal to grant something asked for
2 : a refusal to admit the truth of a statement : CONTRADICTION <a flat denial of the charges>
3 : a refusal to accept or believe in something <make a public denial of political beliefs once held>
4 : a cutting down or limiting of a person's own desires or activity <denial of one's appetite>
— in denial : refusing to accept or believe in something bad <the student was in denial about his poor grade>

1de·ni·er \di-ˈnī(-ə)r\ n : one who denies [deny and -er (noun suffix)]

2den·ier \ˈden-yər\ n : a unit of fineness for silk, rayon, or nylon yarn [Middle English denere “small silver coin formerly used in Europe,” from early French denier (same meaning), from Latin denarius “coin valued at 10 asses,” derived from deni “ten each,” from decem “ten”]

den·i·grate \ˈden-i-ˌgrāt\ vb den·i·grat·ed; den·i·grat·ing
1 : to attack the reputation of : DEFAME
2 : to deny the importance or validity of : BELITTLE

den·im \ˈden-əm\ n
1 : a firm durable twilled usually cotton fabric
2 pl : overalls or trousers of denim
Word History Many fabrics have been named for the places where they were once made. Denim gets its name from Nîmes, a city in France famous for its textiles. But the name came about in an unusual way. The fabric, a heavy serge, was originally called serge de Nîmes, literally, “serge from Nîmes.” The “s” on Nîmes is not pronounced in French, so when the name of the fabric came into English, it was often written serge de Nim and later serge denim. In time this was shortened to simply denim. [from French (serge) de Nîmes “serge (fabric) from Nîmes (city in France)”]

de·ni·tri·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌnī-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : a process by which various nitrogen compounds are changed or broken down and which is usually brought about (as in soil) by bacteria with formation of free nitrogen

de·ni·tri·fy \(ˈ)dē-ˈnī-trə-ˌfī\ vb : to change a nitrogen compound to free nitrogen or to a different state especially as a step in the nitrogen cycle

den·i·zen \ˈden-ə-zən\ n : INHABITANT; esp : a person, animal, or plant found in a particular region or environment

den mother n : a female adult leader of a Cub Scout den

de·nom·i·nate \di-ˈnäm-ə-ˌnāt\ vb : to give a name to

de·nom·i·nate number \di-ˌnäm-ə-nət-\ n : a number (as 7 in 7 meters) that specifies a quantity in terms of a unit of measurement

de·nom·i·na·tion \di-ˌnäm-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : an act of denominating
2 : one of a series of related values each having a special name <a $5 bill represents one denomination of U.S. money>
3 : 1NAME 1, DESIGNATION; esp : a general name for a class of things
4 : a religious body made up of a number of congregations with similar beliefs
— de·nom·i·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

de·nom·i·na·tor \di-ˈnäm-ə-ˌnāt-ər\ n : the part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator

de·no·ta·tion \ˌdē-nō-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : an act or process of denoting
2 : 1MEANING 1A; esp : a direct specific meaning as distinct from connotations
3 : a term or label that indicates something : NAME, SIGN
— de·no·ta·tive \ˈdē-nō-ˌtāt-iv, di-ˈnōt-ət-iv\ adj

de·note \di-ˈnōt\ vb
1 : to mark out plainly : point out : INDICATE <the hands of a clock denote the time>
2 : to make known : SHOW <smiled to denote pleasure>
3 : to have the meaning of : MEAN, NAME <the word “derby” can denote a horse race or a kind of hat>

de·noue·ment \ˌdā-ˌnü-ˈmän, dā-ˈnü-ˌ\ n
1 : the final solution or untangling of the conflicts or difficulties that make up the plot of a literary work
2 : the outcome of a complicated or difficult situation or sequence of events

de·nounce \di-ˈnau̇n(t)s\ vb de·nounced; de·nounc·ing
1 : to point out as deserving blame or punishment
2 : to inform against : ACCUSE
3 : to announce formally the ending of (as a treaty)
— de·nounce·ment \-mənt\ n

— de·nounc·er n

dense \ˈden(t)s\ adj dens·er; dens·est
1 a : marked by closeness or crowding together of parts <a dense forest>  b : having a high mass per unit volume <lead is a very dense metal>
2 : slow to understand : STUPID 1A
3 : 1THICK 4 <dense fog>
4 : having between any two mathematical elements at least one element <the set of rational numbers is dense>
— dense·ly adv

— dense·ness n

den·si·ty \ˈden(t)-sət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being dense
2 : the quantity of something per unit volume, unit area, or unit length: as  a : the mass of a substance per unit volume <density expressed in grams per cubic centimeter>  b : the average number of individuals or units in a unit of area or volume <a population density of 500 per square mile>
3 : STUPIDITY 1

1dent \ˈdent\ vb
1 : to make a dent in or on
2 : to become marked by a dent

2dent n
1 : a notch or hollow made by a blow or by pressure
2 a : an impression or effect made usually against resistance <that purchase made a big dent in our savings>  b : noticeable progress <made a dent in our pile of work>

den·tal \ˈdent-əl\ adj : of or relating to the teeth or dentistry [from Latin dentalis “relating to the teeth,” from dent-, dens “tooth” — related to DANDELION, INDENT, TRIDENT]

dental floss n : a thread used to clean between the teeth

dental hygienist n : a person who assists a dentist especially in cleaning teeth

den·ti·frice \ˈdent-ə-frəs\ n : a powder, paste, or liquid for cleaning the teeth

den·tin \ˈdent-ən\ or den·tine \ˈden-ˌtēn, den-ˈtēn\ n : a calcium-containing material that is similar to bone but harder and that makes up the principal mass of a tooth
— den·tin·al \den-ˈtēn-əl, ˈdent-ən-əl\ adj

den·tist \ˈdent-əst\ n : a professional person who is trained in the care, treatment, and repair of the teeth and the fitting of artificial teeth

den·tist·ry \ˈdent-ə-strē\ n : the profession or practice of a dentist

den·ti·tion \den-ˈtish-ən\ n : the number, kind, and arrangement of teeth (as of a person or animal)

den·ture \ˈden-chər\ n : a set of teeth; esp : a partial or complete set of false teeth

de·nude \di-ˈn(y)üd\ vb de·nud·ed; de·nud·ing : to strip of covering : lay bare <erosion that denudes the rocks of soil>
— de·nu·da·tion \ˌdē-(ˌ)n(y)ü-ˈdā-shən, ˌden-yu̇-\ n

de·nun·ci·a·tion \di-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən\ n : the act of denouncing; esp : a public charge of wrongdoing
— de·nun·ci·a·to·ry \-ˈnən(t)-sē-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

de·ny \di-ˈnī\ vb de·nied; de·ny·ing
1 : to declare not to be true : CONTRADICT <deny a report>
2 : to refuse to grant <deny a request>
3 : to refuse to accept the existence or truth of

de·odor·ant \dē-ˈōd-ə-rənt\ n : a preparation that destroys or masks unpleasant odors
— deodorant adj

de·odor·ize \dē-ˈōd-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to eliminate or prevent the unpleasant odor of
— de·odor·iz·er n

de·ox·i·dize \(ˈ)dē-ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz\ vb : to remove oxygen from

de·oxy·ri·bo·nu·cle·ic acid \(ˌ)dē-ˌäk-sē-ˌrī-bō-n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik-, -ˌklā-\ n : DNA

de·oxy·ri·bose \dē-ˌäk-sē-ˈrī-ˌbōs\ n : a sugar that has five carbon atoms and four oxygen atoms in each molecule and is part of DNA — compare RIBOSE

de·part \di-ˈpärt\ vb
1 a : to go away or go away from : LEAVE  b : 1DIE 1
2 : to turn aside : DEVIATE

de·part·ed adj
1 : BYGONE <departed days>
2 : no longer living

de·part·ment \di-ˈpärt-mənt\ n
1 : a distinct area of interest or activity <taking care of the cat is not my department>
2 a : a major administrative division of a government or business  b : a major territorial administrative division  c : a division of a college or school giving instruction in a particular subject  d : a section of a department store
— de·part·men·tal \di-ˌpärt-ˈment-əl, ˌdē-\ adj

— de·part·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

department store n : a store having separate sections for a wide variety of goods

de·par·ture \di-ˈpär-chər\ n
1 : the act of going away
2 : a setting out (as on a new course)
3 : a change from a usual course or standard <a departure from tradition>

de·pend \di-ˈpend\ vb
1 : to be determined by or based on <success of the picnic will depend on the weather>
2 : 2TRUST 1A, RELY <a person you can depend on>
3 : to rely for support <children depend on their parents>
4 : to hang down <a vine depending from a tree> [Middle English dependen “to exist or result from some other condition,” from early French dependre (same meaning), derived from Latin dependēre “to hang down, hang from,” from de- “from, down” and pendēre “to hang” — related to PENDULUM, PERPENDICULAR]

de·pend·able \di-ˈpen-də-bəl\ adj : capable of being depended on : TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE <a dependable car>
— de·pend·abil·i·ty \-ˌpen-də-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— de·pend·ably \-ˈpen-də-blē\ adv

de·pend·ence \di-ˈpen-dən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being dependent; esp : the quality or state of being influenced by or subject to another
2 : RELIANCE 2, TRUST
3 : something on which one relies
4 : a drug addiction

de·pend·en·cy \di-ˈpen-dən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : DEPENDENCE 1
2 : a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

1de·pend·ent \di-ˈpen-dənt\ adj
1 : hanging down
2 a : determined by something else  b : relying on another for support <dependent children>  c : affected with a drug addiction  d : being under another's authority <a dependent territory>
3 : 1SUBORDINATE 3A <a dependent clause>
— de·pend·ent·ly adv

2dependent also de·pend·ant \-dənt\ n : a person who relies on another for support

dependent variable n : mathematical variable whose value is determined by that of one or more other variables in a function — compare INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

de·pict \di-ˈpikt\ vb
1 : to represent by a picture
2 : to describe in words
— de·pic·tion \-ˈpik-shən\ n

de·pil·a·to·ry \di-ˈpil-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries : a preparation for removing hair, wool, or bristles

de·plete \di-ˈplēt\ vb de·plet·ed; de·plet·ing : to reduce in amount by using up : exhaust especially of strength or resources <soil depleted of minerals> <a depleted treasury>
— de·ple·tion \-ˈplē-shən\ n

de·plor·able \di-ˈplōr-ə-bəl, -ˈplȯr-\ adj
1 : deserving to be deplored : LAMENTABLE <a deplorable accident>
2 : very bad : WRETCHED <deplorable conditions>
— de·plor·able·ness n

— de·plor·ably \-blē\ adv

de·plore \di-ˈplō(ə)r, -ˈplȯ(ə)r\ vb de·plored; de·plor·ing
1 a : to feel or express grief for  b : to regret strongly
2 : to consider unfortunate or deserving of disapproval
— de·plor·er n

— de·plor·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

de·ploy \di-ˈplȯi\ vb : to move, spread out, or place in position for some purpose <troops deployed for battle> <deploy police to prevent a riot>
— de·ploy·ment \-mənt\ n

de·po·nent \di-ˈpō-nənt\ n : a person who gives evidence

de·pop·u·late \(ˈ)dē-ˈpäp-yə-ˌlāt\ vb : to reduce greatly the population of (as a city or region) by destroying or driving away the inhabitants <depopulated by plague>
— de·pop·u·la·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n

de·port \di-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 : to cause (oneself) to act in a certain way : CONDUCT <deported themselves well in public>
2 : to force (a person who is not a citizen) to leave a country
— de·por·ta·tion \ˌdē-ˌpōr-ˈtā-shən, -ˌpȯr-\ n

— de·por·tee \ˌdē-ˌpōr-ˈtē, -ˌpȯr-\ n

de·port·ment \di-ˈpōrt-mənt, -ˈpȯrt-\ n : manner of conducting oneself : BEHAVIOR

de·pose \di-ˈpōz\ vb de·posed; de·pos·ing
1 : to remove from a high office <deposed the king>
2 : to testify under oath or by a sworn written statement

1de·pos·it \di-ˈpäz-ət\ vb
1 : to place for safekeeping; esp : to put money in a bank
2 : to give as a pledge that a purchase will be made or a service used <deposit $10 on a new bicycle>
3 : to lay down : PLACE, PUT <deposit a parcel on a table>
4 : to let fall or sink <silt deposited by a flood>
— de·pos·i·tor \-ˈpäz-ət-ər, -ˈpäz-tər\ n

2deposit n
1 : the state of being deposited <money on deposit>
2 a : something placed for safekeeping; esp : money deposited in a bank  b : money given as a pledge or down payment
3 : an act of depositing
4 : something laid or thrown down <a deposit of silt left by the flood>
5 : an accumulation of mineral matter (as ore, oil, or gas) in nature

de·po·si·tion \ˌdep-ə-ˈzish-ən, ˌdē-pə-\ n
1 : the act of removing a person from high office <the deposition of the king>
2 : a statement especially in writing made under oath
3 : the action or process of depositing <the deposition of silt by a stream>
4 : something deposited : DEPOSIT
— de·po·si·tion·al \-ˈzish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

de·pos·i·to·ry \di-ˈpäz-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries : a place where something is deposited especially for safekeeping

de·pot \senses 1 & 2 are ˈdep-ˌō also ˈdē-ˌpō, sense 3 is ˈdē-ˌpō sometimes ˈdep-ˌō\ n
1 : a place of deposit for goods : STOREHOUSE
2 : a place where military supplies are kept or where troops are assembled and trained
3 : a building for railroad or bus passengers or freight : STATION

de·prave \di-ˈprāv\ vb de·praved; de·prav·ing : to make evil : PERVERT
— de·praved·ly \-ˈprā-vəd-lē, -ˈprāvd-lē\ adv

— de·praved·ness \-ˈprā-vəd-nəs, -ˈprāvd-nəs\ n

de·prav·i·ty \di-ˈprav-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a corrupt act or practice
2 : the quality or state of being depraved

dep·re·cate \ˈdep-ri-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to express disapproval of
2 : to represent as of little value : DEPRECIATE
— dep·re·cat·ing·ly \-ˌkāt-iŋ-lē\ adv

— dep·re·ca·tion \ˌdep-ri-ˈkā-shən\ n

dep·re·ca·to·ry \ˈdep-ri-kə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : seeking to avoid disapproval : APOLOGETIC

de·pre·ci·ate \di-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to lower the price or value of <depreciate the currency>
2 : to represent as of little value : DISPARAGE
3 : to fall in value <new cars depreciate rapidly>
— de·pre·cia·tive \-ˈprē-shət-iv, -shē-ˌāt-iv\ adj

— de·pre·cia·to·ry \-shə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

de·pre·ci·a·tion \di-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : a decline in the purchasing power or exchange value of money
2 : the act of making a person or a thing seem little or unimportant : DISPARAGEMENT
3 : a decline (as from age or wear and tear) in the value of something

dep·re·da·tion \ˌdep-rə-ˈdā-shən\ n : the action or an act of looting or laying waste

de·press \di-ˈpres\ vb
1 a : to press down  b : to cause to sink to a lower position
2 : to lessen the activity or strength of
3 : SADDEN, DISCOURAGE
4 : to lessen in price or value : DEPRECIATE
— de·press·ible \-ə-bəl\ adj

— de·press·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

de·pres·sant \di-ˈpres-ənt\ n : a substance (as a drug) that reduces the activity of bodily systems
— depressant adj

de·pressed adj
1 a : low in spirits : SAD  b : suffering from mental depression
2 : suffering from economic depression

de·pres·sion \di-ˈpresh-ən\ n
1 : an act of depressing : a state of being depressed: as  a : a pressing down : LOWERING  b : a state of feeling sad : DEJECTION; also : a mental disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, and loss of a sense of one's own worth  c : a reduction in activity, amount, quality, or force
2 : a depressed place or part : HOLLOW <a depression in the road>
3 : a period of low general economic activity with widespread unemployment

de·pres·sor \di-ˈpres-ər\ n : one that depresses; esp : a device for pressing a part (as the tongue) down or aside

de·pres·sur·ize \(ˈ)dē-ˈpresh-ə-ˌrīz\ vb : to release (as an aircraft with near-normal atmospheric pressure) from pressure

de·prive \di-ˈprīv\ vb de·prived; de·priv·ing
1 : to take something away from <deprive a ruler of power>
2 : to stop from having something <deprived of sleep by street noises>
— dep·ri·va·tion \ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən\ n

deprived adj : kept from having the necessities of life or a healthful environment <culturally deprived families>

depth \ˈdepth\ n
1 a : something that is deep : a deep place or part (as of a body of water)  b : a part that is far from the outside or surface <the depths of the woods>  c : ABYSS
2 a : the middle of a time <the depth of winter>  b : an extreme state (as of despair)
3 : distance from top to bottom or from front to back
4 : the quality of being deep <depth of understanding>
5 : degree of intensity <the depth of a color>
— depth·less \-ləs\ adj

depth charge n : an explosive device for underwater use especially against submarines that is designed to detonate at a predetermined depth

dep·u·ta·tion \ˌdep-yə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of appointing a deputy
2 : a group of people appointed to represent others

de·pute \di-ˈpyüt\ vb de·put·ed; de·put·ing : 2DELEGATE

dep·u·tize \ˈdep-yə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing
1 : to appoint as deputy
2 : to act as deputy

dep·u·ty \ˈdep-yət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a person appointed to act for or in place of another
2 : an assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent
— deputy adj

de·rail \di-ˈrā(ə)l\ vb : to cause to run off the rails <a train derailed by heavy snow>
— de·rail·ment \-mənt\ n

de·rail·leur \di-ˈrā-lər\ n : a device for shifting gears on a bicycle that operates by moving the chain from one set of exposed gears to another [from French dérailleur “gear changing device,” from dérailler “to derail”]

de·range \di-ˈrānj\ vb de·ranged; de·rang·ing
1 : to put out of order : DISARRANGE <hair deranged by the wind>
2 : to make insane
— de·range·ment \-mənt\ n

der·by \ˈdər-bē, especially British ˈdär-\ n, pl derbies
1 : a horse race usually for three-year-olds held annually
2 : a race or contest open to all comers <a fishing derby>
3 : a stiff felt hat with dome-shaped top and narrow brim
Word History The first horse race called a Derby was named after an English nobleman named Edward Stanley, the Earl of Derby (1752–1834). The Earl instituted the race in 1780, and it continues to be run to the present day on the first Wednesday in June at Epsom Downs, a racetrack south of London. The name Derby has become attached to other races usually restricted to three-year-old horses, such as the Kentucky Derby. It is used as well of races that have nothing to do with horses, such as the Pinewood Derby run by the Cub Scouts. In the 1800s derby was also the name given in the U.S. to a dome-shaped hat called a bowler in England. The reason why the hat was given this name is uncertain, and nothing seems to link it with horse races. [named for Edward Stanley, 12th earl of Derby (a county and town in England)]

de·re·cho \də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō\ n, pl de·re·chos : a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful winds that move in a straight line and that cause widespread destruction [from Spanish, “straight” (opposed to tornado, taken to mean “turned” in Spanish)]

1der·e·lict \ˈder-ə-ˌlikt\ adj
1 : abandoned by the owner or occupant <a derelict ship>
2 : NEGLIGENT 2, NEGLECTFUL <derelict in one's duty>

2derelict n
1 : something voluntarily abandoned; esp : a ship abandoned on the high seas
2 : a person without apparent means of support : BUM

der·e·lic·tion \ˌder-ə-ˈlik-shən\ n
1 : the act of abandoning : the state of being abandoned <the dereliction of a cause by its leaders>
2 : neglect of one's duty

de·ride \di-ˈrīd\ vb de·rid·ed; de·rid·ing : to laugh at scornfully : make fun of
— de·rid·er n

— de·rid·ing·ly \-ˈrīd-iŋ-lē\ adv

de·ri·sion \di-ˈrizh-ən\ n : scornful ridicule
— de·ri·sive \-ˈrī-siv\ adj

— de·ri·sive·ly adv

— de·ri·sive·ness n

— de·ri·so·ry \-ˈrī-sə-rē, -zə-\ adj

der·i·va·tion \ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 a : the formation (as by the addition of a prefix or suffix) of a word from another word or root  b : an act of finding out or stating how a word was formed  c : ETYMOLOGY
2 a : a point of origin : SOURCE  b : development from a source : DESCENT  c : an act or process of deriving
— der·i·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1de·riv·a·tive \di-ˈriv-ət-iv\ n
1 : a word formed by derivation <the word “kindness” is a derivative of “kind”>
2 : something derived
3 : a substance that can be made from another substance in one or more steps <a derivative of coal tar>

2derivative adj
1 : formed by derivation
2 : made up of or having elements derived from something else <derivative poetry>

de·rive \di-ˈrīv\ vb de·rived; de·riv·ing
1 : to receive or obtain from a source
2 : to arrive at by reasoning and observation : INFER, DEDUCE
3 : to trace the origin, descent, or derivation of
4 : to come from a certain source or basis <the tradition derives from ancient practices>
— de·riv·able \-ˈrī-və-bəl\ adj

der·mal \ˈdər-məl\ adj : of or relating to the dermis or epidermis : CUTANEOUS

der·ma·ti·tis \ˌdər-mə-ˈtīt-əs\ n, pl der·ma·tit·i·des \-ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz\ or der·ma·ti·tis·es : inflammation of the skin

der·ma·tol·o·gist \ˌdər-mə-ˈtäl-ə-jəst\ n : a physician who specializes in dermatology and especially in the treatment of the diseases of the skin

der·ma·tol·o·gy \ˌdər-mə-ˈtäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of medicine concerned with the structure, functions, and diseases of the skin

der·mis \ˈdər-məs\ n : the sensitive inner layer of skin directly under the epidermis

de·rog·a·to·ry \di-ˈräg-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
1 : intended to lower the reputation of a person or thing
2 : expressing a low opinion <derogatory remarks>
— de·rog·a·to·ri·ly \-ˌräg-ə-ˈtōr-ə-lē, -ˈtȯr-\ adv

der·rick \ˈder-ik\ n
1 : any of various machines for moving or hoisting heavy weights by means of a long beam fitted with pulleys and cables
2 : a framework or tower over a deep drill hole (as of an oil well) for supporting machinery

der·ring–do \ˌder-iŋ-ˈdü\ n : daring action : DARING

der·vish \ˈdər-vish\ n : a member of a Muslim religious group noted for its customs (as bodily movements leading to a trance)

de·sa·li·nate \(ˈ)dē-ˈsal-ə-ˌnāt also -ˈsā-lə-\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : DESALT
— de·sa·li·na·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsal-ə-ˈnā-shən also -ˌsā-lə-\ n

de·sal·i·ni·za·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌsal-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n : removal of salt (as from seawater)

de·salt \(ˈ)dē-ˈsȯlt\ vb : to remove salt from (as seawater)

1des·cant \ˈdes-ˌkant\ n
1 : a melody sung or played usually above a principal melody
2 : a discussion or comment on a subject

2des·cant \ˈdes-ˌkant, des-ˈkant\ vb
1 a : to sing or play a descant  b : 1SING 2
2 : to talk or write at length <descanted on foreign films>

de·scend \di-ˈsend\ vb
1 : to pass from a higher to a lower place or level
2 a : to originate or come down from a source : DERIVE <descended from an ancient family>  b : to be handed down to an heir or from an earlier time <the mansion descended to a son> <a custom descended from ancient times>
3 a : to incline, lead, or extend downward <the road descends to the river>  b : to pass, move, or climb down or down along
4 : to make a sudden attack by or as if by swooping down
5 : to sink in status, dignity, or condition

1de·scend·ant also de·scend·ent \di-ˈsen-dənt\ adj
1 : moving or directed downward
2 : proceeding from an ancestor or source

2descendant also descendent n
1 : one descended from another or from a common stock
2 : one coming directly from an earlier and usually similar type or individual

de·scent \di-ˈsent\ n
1 : one's line of ancestors : BIRTH, LINEAGE
2 : the act or process of descending
3 : a downward step (as in station or value) : DECLINE
4 a : a downward slant : SLOPE  b : a descending way (as a stairway)
5 : a sudden raid or assault

de·scribe \di-ˈskrīb\ vb des·cribed; des·crib·ing
1 : to represent or give an account of in words
2 : to trace the outline of <describe a circle>
— de·scrib·able \-ˈskrī-bə-bəl\ adj

— de·scrib·er n

de·scrip·tion \di-ˈskrip-shən\ n
1 : an account of something; esp : an account that presents a picture to a person who reads or hears it
2 : 1SORT 1A, KIND <people of every description> [Middle English descripcioun “description,” from early French descripcioun and Latin description-, descriptio (both, same meaning), from Latin describere “to describe,” from de- “down” and scribere “to write” — related to SCRIBE]

de·scrip·tive \di-ˈskrip-tiv\ adj : serving to describe <a descriptive account> <a descriptive adjective>
— de·scrip·tive·ly adv

— de·scrip·tive·ness n

de·scry \di-ˈskrī\ vb de·scried; de·scry·ing
1 : to catch sight of
2 : to discover or detect by observation or investigation

des·e·crate \ˈdes-i-ˌkrāt\ vb -crat·ed; -crat·ing : to treat a sacred place or sacred object shamefully or with great disrespect
— des·e·crat·er or des·e·cra·tor \-ˌkrāt-ər\ n

— des·e·cra·tion \ˌdes-i-ˈkrā-shən\ n

de·seg·re·gate \(ˈ)dē-ˈseg-ri-ˌgāt\ vb : to eliminate segregation in; esp : to end by law the isolation of members of a particular race in separate units <desegregate city schools>
— de·seg·re·ga·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən\ n

de·se·lect \ˌdē-sə-ˈlekt\ vb
1 : DISMISS 3, REJECT
2 : to cause (something previously selected) to no longer be selected in a software interface

1des·ert \ˈdez-ərt\ n : dry land with few plants and little rainfall [Middle English desert “barren land,” from early French desert (same meaning), derived from Latin deserere “to desert, abandon,” from de- “from, away” and serere “to join together”]
— des·ert·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2des·ert \ˈdez-ərt\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling a desert; esp : being barren and without life <a desert island>

3de·sert \di-ˈzərt\ n
1 : worthiness of reward or punishment <rewarded according to their deserts>
2 : a deserved reward or punishment <got your just deserts> [Middle English deserte “quality of being worthy of a reward or punishment,” from early French desert (same meaning), from deservir “to deserve,” from Latin deservire “to devote oneself to”]

4de·sert \di-ˈzərt\ vb
1 : to withdraw from : LEAVE <desert a town>
2 : to leave someone or something one should stay with <deserted a friend in trouble>
3 : to fail one in time of need <my courage deserted me>
4 : to quit one's post without permission especially with the intention of remaining away permanently [from French déserter “to desert, abandon,” from Latin desertare (same meaning), derived from earlier deserere “to desert, abandon” — related to 1DESERT]  synonyms see ABANDON
— de·sert·er n

— de·ser·tion \di-ˈzər-shən\ n

de·serve \di-ˈzərv\ vb de·served; de·serv·ing : to be worthy of : MERIT <deserves another chance>

de·served \-ˈzərvd\ adj : of, relating to, or being that which one deserves <a deserved punishment>
— de·served·ly \-ˈzər-vəd-lē\ adv

— de·served·ness \-nəs\ n

de·serv·ing \di-ˈzər-viŋ\ adj : 1WORTHY 2; esp : worthy of financial help <aid for deserving families>

de·sex \(ˈ)dē-ˈseks\ vb : CASTRATE, SPAY <capons are desexed male chickens>

des·ic·ca·tor \ˈdes-i-ˌkāt-ər\ n : a container for drying substances and keeping them free of moisture

1de·sign \di-ˈzīn\ vb
1 a : to think up and plan out in the mind <designed the perfect crime>  b : to have as a purpose : INTEND <designed to become a lawyer>  c : to create for a specific function or end <design a training program for auto mechanics>
2 a : to make a pattern or sketch of <design new fashions>  b : to think up and draw the plans for <design an airplane>

2design n
1 : a project or scheme in which means to an end are laid down
2 : deliberate planning : a planned intention <happened by accident rather than by design>
3 : a secret project or scheme : PLOT — often used in plural with on or against <had designs on the money> <has no designs against friendly governments>
4 : a preliminary sketch, model, or plan
5 : the arrangement of elements that make up a structure or a work of art
6 : a decorative pattern  synonyms see INTENTION

des·ig·nate \ˈdez-ig-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to appoint or choose by name for a special purpose <designate someone as team captain>
2 : to mark or point out : INDICATE
3 : to call by name or title [from Latin designatus, past participle of designare “to choose for a purpose,” from de- “down, from” and signare “to mark, mark out, sign, stamp with a seal,” from signum “mark, sign, image” — related to SIGN]

des·ig·na·tion \ˌdez-ig-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act of indicating or identifying
2 : appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service
3 : a name, sign, or title that identifies something

de·sign·ed·ly \di-ˈzī-nəd-lē\ adv : PURPOSELY

1de·sign·er \di-ˈzī-nər\ n : one who designs; esp : one who creates and manufactures a new product style

2designer adj : relating to or produced by a designer and often displaying the name of the designer <designer jeans>

de·sign·ing \di-ˈzī-niŋ\ adj : CRAFTY, SCHEMING

de·sir·able \di-ˈzī-rə-bəl\ adj
1 : having pleasing qualities or properties : ATTRACTIVE <a desirable location>
2 : worth having, seeking, or doing : ADVISABLE <desirable legislation>
— de·sir·abil·i·ty \-ˌzī-rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— de·sir·able·ness \-ˈzī-rə-bəl-nəs\ n

— de·sir·ably \-blē\ adv

1de·sire \di-ˈzī(ə)r\ vb de·sired; de·sir·ing
1 : to long for : wish earnestly <desire wealth> <desire peace>
2 : to call for : express a wish for : REQUEST <the librarian desires us to return all overdue books>

2desire n
1 : a strong wish : LONGING; also : the mental power or ability to experience desires
2 : an expressed wish : REQUEST
3 : something desired

de·sir·ous \di-ˈzī(ə)r-əs\ adj : eagerly wishing <desirous of an invitation>
— de·sir·ous·ly adv

— de·sir·ous·ness n

de·sist \di-ˈsist, -ˈzist\ vb : to stop something one is doing

desk \ˈdesk\ n
1 a : a table, frame, or case with a flat or sloping surface especially for writing and reading  b : a counter at which a person works
2 a : a specialized division of an organization (as a newspaper) <city desk>  b : a seating position according to rank in an orchestra

1desk·top \ˈdesk-ˌtäp\ n
1 a : the top of a desk  b : an area on a computer screen in which items are arranged as if on top of a desk
2 : a desktop computer

2desktop adj : of a size that is suitable for use on a desk or table <a desktop computer>

des·mid \ˈdez-məd\ n : any of numerous single-celled or colonial green algae

1des·o·late \ˈdes-ə-lət, ˈdez-\ adj
1 : ABANDONED 1
2 : having no companionship : LONELY
3 a : showing the results of abandonment and neglect : DILAPIDATED  b : lacking signs of life : BARREN <a desolate landscape>  c : CHEERLESS <desolate thoughts> [Middle English desolat “having no inhabitants or visitors, deserted,” from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare “to abandon,” from de- “from, away” and solus “alone” — related to 4SOLE, SOLITUDE, SOLO]
— des·o·late·ly adv

— des·o·late·ness n

2des·o·late \ˈdes-ə-ˌlāt, ˈdez-\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to make or leave desolate

des·o·la·tion \ˌdes-ə-ˈlā-shən, ˌdez-\ n
1 : the action of desolating
2 : sadness resulting from grief or loneliness
3 : the condition of being desolated : RUIN
4 : lifeless land

des·oxy·ri·bo·nu·cle·ic acid \de-ˌzäk-sē-ˈrī-bō-n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik-, -ˌklā-\ n : DNA

1de·spair \di-ˈspa(ə)r, -ˈspe(ə)r\ vb : to lose all hope or confidence <despair of winning>

2despair n
1 : utter loss of hope : feeling of complete hopelessness
2 : a cause of hopelessness

de·spair·ing \di-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ, -ˈspe(ə)r-\ adj : given to, coming from, or marked by despair : not having hope
— de·spair·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

des·patch chiefly British variant of DISPATCH

des·per·a·do \ˌdes-pə-ˈräd-ō, -ˈrād-\ n, pl -does or -dos : a bold or reckless criminal

des·per·ate \ˈdes-p(ə-)rət\ adj
1 : being beyond or almost beyond hope <a desperate illness>
2 : reckless because of despair : RASH <a desperate attempt>
— des·per·ate·ly adv

— des·per·ate·ness n

des·per·a·tion \ˌdes-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : a loss of hope and surrender to misery or dread
2 : a state of hopelessness leading to extreme recklessness

de·spi·ca·ble \di-ˈspik-ə-bəl, ˈdes-(ˌ)pik-\ adj : deserving to be despised <a despicable traitor>
— de·spi·ca·ble·ness n

— de·spi·ca·bly \-blē\ adv

de·spise \di-ˈspīz\ vb de·spised; de·spis·ing : to consider as beneath one's notice or respect : feel scorn and dislike for
— de·spis·er n

— de·spis·ing·ly adv

1de·spite \di-ˈspīt\ n
1 : CONTEMPT 1
2 : SPITE, MALICE
3 a : an act showing scorn and disrespect  b : DETRIMENT
— in despite of : in spite of

2despite prep : in spite of <ran despite an injury>

de·spite·ful \di-ˈspīt-fəl\ adj : expressing hate or the wish to harm
— de·spite·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— de·spite·ful·ness n

de·spoil \di-ˈspȯil\ vb : to strip of belongings, possessions, or value : PLUNDER, PILLAGE
— de·spoil·er n

— de·spoil·ment \-ˈspȯi(ə)l-mənt\ n

de·spo·li·a·tion \di-ˌspō-lē-ˈā-shən\ n : the action or process of despoiling

de·spond \di-ˈspänd\ vb : to become discouraged

de·spond·en·cy \di-ˈspän-dən-sē\ n : the state of being despondent : DEJECTION, DISCOURAGEMENT

de·spond·ent \di-ˈspän-dənt\ adj : feeling quite discouraged or depressed : being in very low spirits
— de·spond·ent·ly adv

des·pot \ˈdes-pət, -ˌpät\ n
1 : a ruler with absolute power and authority
2 : a person who uses power in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way
— des·pot·ic \des-ˈpät-ik\ adj

— des·pot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

des·po·tism \ˈdes-pə-ˌtiz-əm\ n
1 : rule by a despot : TYRANNY
2 : a state or a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power

des·sert \di-ˈzərt\ n : a course of usually sweet food, fruit, or cheese usually served at the end of a meal

de·stig·ma·tize \(ˌ)dē-ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz\ vb : to remove shame or disgrace from

des·ti·na·tion \ˌdes-tə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the purpose for which something is destined
2 : an act of appointing, setting aside for a purpose, or deciding beforehand
3 : a place which is the goal of a journey or to which something is sent

des·tine \ˈdes-tən\ vb des·tined; des·tin·ing
1 : to settle in advance <a plan destined to fail>
2 : to choose, assign, or dedicate in advance <destined their child for the study of law>
3 : to be bound or directed <a ship destined for New York>

des·ti·ny \ˈdes-tə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : something to which a person or thing is destined : FORTUNE
2 : the course of events held to be arranged by a superhuman power
synonyms DESTINY, FATE, LOT, DOOM, mean a state or end that has been decided beforehand. DESTINY suggests something that has been ordered in advance and often suggests a great or noble course <the destiny of this great country>. FATE suggests an unavoidable and usually unfortunate ending <his fate was to die unhappy>. LOT suggests that chance alone decides the handing out of success or happiness <it was not their lot to have children>. DOOM suggests an unhappy judgment or end <a sense of doom hung over the starving city>.

des·ti·tute \ˈdes-tə-ˌt(y)üt\ adj
1 : lacking something needed or desirable <destitute of the necessities of life>
2 : extremely poor : suffering great want
— des·ti·tu·tion \ˌdes-tə-ˈt(y)ü-shən\ n

de–stress \ˈdē-ˈstres\ vb : UNWIND 2

de·stroy \di-ˈstrȯi\ vb
1 : to put an end to : do away with : RUIN
2 : 1KILL 1, SLAUGHTER

de·stroy·er \di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r\ n
1 : one that destroys
2 : a small fast warship armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles

de·struct \di-ˈstrəkt\ n : the deliberate destruction of a rocket after launching

de·struc·ti·ble \di-ˈstrək-tə-bəl\ adj : capable of being destroyed
— de·struc·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌstrək-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

de·struc·tion \di-ˈstrək-shən\ n
1 : the state or fact of being destroyed : RUIN
2 : the action or process of destroying something

de·struc·tive \di-ˈstrək-tiv\ adj
1 : causing destruction : RUINOUS <a destructive storm>
2 : designed or tending to hurt or destroy <destructive criticism>
— de·struc·tive·ly adv

— de·struc·tive·ness n

destructive distillation n : the breakup of a substance (as coal, oil, or wood) by heat in a closed container and collection of the volatile products produced

des·ul·to·ry \ˈdes-əl-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : passing aimlessly from one thing or subject to another <desultory conversation>
— des·ul·to·ri·ly \ˌdes-əl-ˈtōr-ə-lē, -ˈtȯr-\ adv

— des·ul·to·ri·ness \ˈdes-əl-ˌtōr-ē-nəs, -ˌtȯr-\ n

de·tach \di-ˈtach\ vb : to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
— de·tach·able \-ˈtach-ə-bəl\ adj

— de·tach·ably \-blē\ adv

de·tached \di-ˈtacht\ adj
1 : not joined or connected : SEPARATE <a detached house>
2 : 2ALOOF, UNCONCERNED, IMPARTIAL <a detached attitude>
— de·tached·ly \-ˈtach-əd-lē, -ˈtach-tlē\ adv

— de·tached·ness \-ˈtach-əd-nəs, -ˈtach(t)-nəs\ n

de·tach·ment \di-ˈtach-mənt\ n
1 : the action or process of detaching : SEPARATION
2 a : the sending out of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body  b : a small military unit with a special task or function
3 a : a lack of interest in worldly concerns  b : freedom from the influence of emotions : IMPARTIALITY

1de·tail \di-ˈtā(ə)l, ˈdē-ˌtāl\ n
1 a : a dealing with something item by item <go into detail about an event>  b : a small part or feature : ITEM <the details of a story>
2 a : selection (as of a group of soldiers) for some special service  b : a soldier or group of soldiers appointed for special duty
— in detail : item by item leaving out nothing : THOROUGHLY <explained the assignment in detail>

2detail vb
1 : to report in detail : SPECIFY <detailed their complaints>
2 : to assign to a task
— de·tail·er n

de·tailed \di-ˈtā(ə)ld, ˈdē-ˌtāld\ adj
1 : including many details <a detailed report>
2 : furnished with finely finished details <beautifully detailed hats>
— de·tailed·ly \di-ˈtāl(-ə)d-lē, ˈdē-ˌtāld-\ adv

— de·tailed·ness \di-ˈtā-ləd-nəs, -ˈtāl(d)-nəs, ˈdē-ˌtāld-\ n

de·tain \di-ˈtān\ vb
1 : to hold or keep in or as if in prison
2 : to prevent from proceeding : STOP <was detained by a flat tire>
— de·tain·ment \-mənt\ n

de·tect \di-ˈtekt\ vb : to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of <detect the approach of an airplane>
— de·tect·able \-ˈtek-tə-bəl\ adj

— de·tec·tion \-ˈtek-shən\ n

1de·tec·tive \di-ˈtek-tiv\ adj : of or relating to detectives or their work <a detective story>

2detective n : a person whose business is solving crimes and catching criminals or gathering information that is not easy to get

de·tec·tor \di-ˈtek-tər\ n
1 : one that detects or warns <a smoke detector>
2 : a device in a radio receiver for changing the high-frequency current of radio waves into current that can vibrate a loudspeaker to reproduce the original sound

de·ten·tion \di-ˈten-chən\ n : the act of detaining : the state of being detained: as  a : temporary custody before a trial  b : the punishment of being kept in after school

de·ter \di-ˈtər\ vb de·terred; de·ter·ring
1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting <wasn't deterred by the threats>
2 : INHIBIT 2 <painting to deter rust>
— de·ter·ment \-ˈtər-mənt\ n

1de·ter·gent \di-ˈtər-jənt\ adj : able to clean : used in cleansing <detergent oil for engines>

2detergent n : a substance that cleanses; esp : a chemical product that is like soap in its ability to cleanse

de·te·ri·o·rate \di-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to make or become worse or of less value : DEGENERATE
2 : DISINTEGRATE 1
— de·te·ri·o·ra·tion \-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— de·te·ri·o·ra·tive \-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌrāt-iv\ adj

de·ter·mi·nant \di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt\ n : something that determines or influences

de·ter·mi·nate \di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət\ adj
1 : having fixed limits : DEFINITE <a determinate period of time>
2 : definitely settled <arranged in a determinate order>
— de·ter·mi·nate·ly adv

— de·ter·mi·nate·ness n

de·ter·mi·na·tion \di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act of coming to a decision; also : the decision or conclusion reached
2 : a settling or making sure of the position, size, or nature of something <determination of the position of a ship>
3 : accurate measurement (as of length or volume)
4 : firm or fixed intention : FIRMNESS

de·ter·mine \di-ˈtər-mən\ vb de·ter·mined; de·ter·min·ing \-ˈtərm-(ə-)niŋ\
1 a : to fix exactly or with authority <determine who will be president>  b : to have a strong influence on : GOVERN <demand determines the price>
2 : to find out or come to a decision <determine the answer to the problem> <she determined to do better>
3 : to be the cause of or reason for <a pupil's work determines his grade>

de·ter·mined \di-ˈtər-mənd\ adj
1 : having reached a decision : firmly resolved <determined to be a pilot>
2 : not weak or uncertain <a very determined opponent>
— de·ter·mined·ly \-mən-dlē, -mə-nəd-lē\ adv

de·ter·min·er \di-ˈtər-mə-nər\ n : a word belonging to a group of noun modifiers that can occur before descriptive adjectives modifying the same noun <“the” in “the red house” is a determiner>

de·ter·rence \di-ˈtər-ən(t)s, -ˈter-\ n : the act, process, or capability of deterring

de·ter·rent \di-ˈtər-ənt, -ˈter-\ adj : able or acting to deter
— deterrent n

de·test \di-ˈtest\ vb : to dislike very strongly  synonyms see HATE

de·test·able \di-ˈtes-tə-bəl\ adj : arousing or deserving strong dislike : ABOMINABLE

de·throne \di-ˈthrōn\ vb de·throned; de·thron·ing : to remove from a throne : DEPOSE
— de·throne·ment \-mənt\ n

det·o·nate \ˈdet-ən-ˌāt, ˈdet-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to explode or cause to explode with sudden violence
— det·o·na·tion \ˌdet-ən-ˈā-shən, ˌdet-ə-ˈnā-\ n

det·o·na·tor \ˈdet-ən-ˌāt-ər, -ə-ˌnāt-\ n : a device or small quantity of explosive used for detonating another explosive

1de·tour \ˈdē-ˌtu̇(ə)r also di-ˈtu̇(ə)r\ n : a departure from a direct course or the usual procedure; esp : a roundabout way temporarily replacing a regular route

2detour vb : to send or proceed by a detour <detour traffic around an accident>

de·tract \di-ˈtrakt\ vb : to take away some of the value or importance <detract from a person's reputation>
— de·trac·tion \-ˈtrak-shən\ n

— de·trac·tive \-ˈtrak-tiv\ adj

— de·trac·tive·ly adv

— de·trac·tor \-ˈtrak-tər\ n

det·ri·ment \ˈde-trə-mənt\ n : injury or damage or its cause

det·ri·men·tal \ˌde-trə-ˈment-əl\ adj : HARMFUL <detrimental effects of drug abuse>
— det·ri·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

de·tri·tus \di-ˈtrīt-əs\ n, pl detritus \-ˈtrīt-əs, -ˈtrī-tüs\
1 : loose material that results directly from the natural breaking up of rocks
2 : a product of disintegration or wearing away

deuce \ˈd(y)üs\ n
1 a : the face of a die that bears two spots  b : a playing card bearing the number two  c : a throw of dice resulting in two points
2 : a tie in tennis after each side has scored 40
3 : 1DEVIL 1, DICKENS — used chiefly as a mild oath [from early French deus “two,” from Latin duos (same meaning), from duo “two” — related to DUAL]

deu·te·ri·um \d(y)ü-ˈtir-ē-əm\ n : the hydrogen isotope that is twice the mass of ordinary hydrogen — called also heavy hydrogen

Deu·ter·on·o·my \ˌd(y)üt-ə-ˈrän-ə-mē\ n : the fifth book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture containing narrative and laws — see BIBLE TABLE

deut·sche mark \ˈdȯich(-ə)-ˌmärk\ also deutsch·mark \ˈdȯich-\ n
1 : the former basic unit of money of Germany and earlier of West Germany
2 : a coin or bill representing one deutsche mark

dev·as·tate \ˈdev-ə-ˌstāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to reduce to ruin : lay waste
2 : OVERWHELM 2, OVERPOWER <devastated by grief>
— dev·as·tat·ing·ly \-ˌstāt-iŋ-lē\ adv

— dev·as·ta·tion \ˌdev-ə-ˈstā-shən\ n

de·vel·op \di-ˈvel-əp\ vb
1 a : to make or become clear gradually or in detail <as the story developed>  b : to apply chemicals to exposed photographic material (as a film) in order to bring out the picture; also : to make visible by such a method <develop pictures>  c : to make (a musical theme) more complicated by varying the rhythm and harmony
2 : to bring to a more advanced or more nearly perfect state <develop an idea>
3 : to create or produce especially by effort <develop new ways of doing business>
4 : to make more available or usable <develop land>
5 : to acquire gradually <developed a taste for olives>
6 : to go through a process of natural growth or evolution in a series of stages <a blossom develops from a bud>
— de·vel·op·able \-ˈvel-ə-pə-bəl\ adj

de·vel·oped \di-ˈvel-əpt\ adj : having a relatively high level of industrialization and standard of living <a developed country>

de·vel·op·er \di-ˈvel-ə-pər\ n : one that develops: as  a : a chemical used to develop exposed photographic materials  b : a person who develops real estate; esp : one who divides land and builds and sells houses on it

de·vel·op·ing \di-ˌvel-ə-piŋ\ adj : UNDERDEVELOPED 2 <developing nations>

de·vel·op·ment \di-ˈvel-əp-mənt\ n
1 : the act, process, or result of developing
2 : the state of being developed
3 : a developed piece of land; esp : one that has houses built on it

de·vel·op·men·tal \-ˌvel-əp-ˈment-əl\ adj : of or relating to development
— de·vel·op·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

developmental disability n : any of various conditions (as autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability) that are marked by delayed or impaired development (as in learning, language, or mobility)
— developmentally disabled adj

de·vi·ance \ˈdē-vē-ən(t)s\ n : quality, state, or behavior that differs from what is normal or accepted

1de·vi·ant \ˈdē-vē-ənt\ adj : deviating especially from some accepted standard of behavior or morals

2deviant n : a person whose behavior or morals differs from accepted or normal standards

de·vi·ate \ˈdē-vē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to turn aside from a course, principle, standard, or topic

de·vi·a·tion \ˌdē-vē-ˈā-shən\ n : an act or instance of deviating: as  a : the difference found by subtracting some fixed number (as the arithmetic mean of a series of statistical data) from any item of the series  b : noticeable difference from accepted standards (as of behavior or morals)

de·vice \di-ˈvīs\ n
1 a : a scheme to deceive : STRATAGEM  b : something (as a figure of speech) in a written work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect  c : a piece of equipment to serve a special purpose <electronic devices>
2 pl : a preferred way of doing or acting : INCLINATION <left to her own devices>
3 : a design that is an emblem; esp : one used in a coat of arms

1dev·il \ˈdev-əl\ n
1 often cap : the personal supreme spirit of evil often represented as the ruler of hell — often used with the as a mild oath or expression of surprise, irritation, or emphasis
2 : DEMON 2
3 a : a person who is wicked, mischievous, reckless, or lively  b : PERSON 1 — usually used in the phrases poor devil and lucky devil

2devil vb dev·iled or dev·illed; dev·il·ing or dev·il·ling \ˈdev-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to season highly <deviled eggs>
2 : 1TEASE 2A, ANNOY

dev·il·fish \ˈdev-əl-ˌfish\ n
1 : MANTA RAY
2 : OCTOPUS 1

dev·il·ish \ˈdev-(ə-)lish\ adj
1 : characteristic of or resembling the devil <devilish tricks>
2 : 1EXTREME 1, EXCESSIVE <in a devilish hurry>
— devilish adv

— dev·il·ish·ly adv

— dev·il·ish·ness n

dev·il–may–care \ˌdev-əl-(ˌ)mā-ˈke(ə)r, -ˈka(ə)r\ adj : EASYGOING, CAREFREE

dev·il·ment \ˈdev-əl-mənt, -ˌment\ n : DEVILRY

devil ray n : MANTA RAY

dev·il·ry \ˈdev-əl-rē\ or dev·il·try \-əl-trē\ n, pl -ries or -tries
1 : wicked or cruel behavior
2 : MISCHIEF 3

devil's advocate n
1 : a Roman Catholic official whose duty is to point out faults in the evidence when someone is proposed for sainthood
2 : a person who supports the less accepted or approved cause for the sake of argument

devil's darning needle n
1 : DRAGONFLY
2 : DAMSELFLY

dev·il's food cake \ˈdev-əlz-ˌfüd-ˌkāk\ n : a rich chocolate cake

devil's paintbrush n : any of various hawkweeds found in the eastern U.S.; esp : ORANGE HAWKWEED

de·vi·ous \ˈdē-vē-əs\ adj
1 : straying from a straight course : ROUNDABOUT <the devious trail that wound along the creek> <leading through devious mazes>
2 : SNEAKY, DECEPTIVE <a devious plan> <got it by devious means>
— de·vi·ous·ly adv

— de·vi·ous·ness n

de·vise \di-ˈvīz\ vb de·vised; de·vis·ing
1 : to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles : INVENT <devise a solution to the problem>
2 : to give (real estate) by will <devised the property to his daughter>
— de·vis·er n

de·void \di-ˈvȯid\ adj : not having a usual or expected quality <a book devoid of interest>

De·vo·ni·an \di-ˈvō-nē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or being a period of the Paleozoic era of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Devonian n

de·vote \di-ˈvōt\ vb de·vot·ed; de·vot·ing
1 : to set apart for a special purpose <devote land to farming>
2 : to give (oneself) up to <devoted herself to her career>
synonyms DEVOTE, DEDICATE, CONSECRATE, mean to set apart for a special and often higher purpose. DEVOTE is likely to suggest strong reasons and often a long-term goal <devoted her evenings to studying law>. DEDICATE suggests a solemn devotion to a serious or sacred purpose <dedicated his life to helping the poor>. CONSECRATE suggests the giving of a solemn or sacred quality to something <consecrate a church to the worship of God>.

devoted adj : having strong loyalty, affection, or dedication <her grandchildren were devoted to her> <a rock singer's devoted fans>
— de·vot·ed·ly adv

— de·vot·ed·ness n

dev·o·tee \ˌdev-ə-ˈtē, -ˈtā\ n : a keen or earnest follower, supporter, or enthusiast <a devotee of sports>

de·vo·tion \di-ˈvō-shən\ n
1 a : strong religious feeling  b : a religious exercise or practice other than the regular worship of a congregation
2 a : the act of devoting or the quality of being devoted  b : strong love, affection, or dedication
— de·vo·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— de·vo·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

de·vour \di-ˈvau̇(ə)r\ vb
1 : to eat up greedily or hungrily <devoured everything on his plate>
2 : to use up or destroy as if by eating <fire devoured the barn>
3 : to enjoy eagerly <devour a book>  synonyms see EAT

de·vout \di-ˈvau̇t\ adj
1 : devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises
2 : expressing devotion <a devout attitude>
3 a : devoted to an activity, belief, or type of behavior <a devout baseball fan>  b : 2EARNEST 1, SINCERE <gave them devout thanks>
— de·vout·ly adv

— de·vout·ness n

dew \ˈd(y)ü\ n
1 : moisture that collects on the surfaces of cool bodies at night
2 : something resembling dew in purity, freshness, or power to refresh
— dewy \ˈd(y)ü-ē\ adj

dew·ber·ry \ˈd(y)ü-ˌber-ē\ n : any of several sweet edible berries related to and resembling blackberries; also : a plant with trailing stems that bears dewberries

dew·drop \ˈd(y)ü-ˌdräp\ n : a drop of dew

Dew·ey decimal classification \ˌd(y)ü-ē-\ n : a system of library classification in which publications are assigned a number from 0 to 999 according to subject — called also Dewey decimal system [named for Melvil Dewey 1851–1931 American librarian]

dew·lap \ˈd(y)ü-ˌlap\ n : loose skin hanging under the neck of various animals (as dogs or cattle of some breeds)

dew point n : the temperature at which the moisture in the air begins or would begin to collect on surfaces

dex·ter·i·ty \dek-ˈster-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : mental skill or quickness
2 : ease and grace in physical activity; esp : skill and ease in using the hands

dex·ter·ous also dex·trous \ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : mentally skillful and clever : EXPERT <her dexterous handling of the problem>
2 : done with skill <a dexterous maneuver>
3 : skillful with the hands
— dex·ter·ous·ly adv

— dex·ter·ous·ness n

dex·trose \ˈdek-ˌstrōs\ n : the naturally occurring form of glucose found in plants, fruits, and blood

1DH \ˌdē-ˈāch\ n, pl DHs : DESIGNATED HITTER

2DH \ˌdē-ˈāch, ˈdē-ˌāch\ vb DHed; DHing : to play as a designated hitter in a baseball game

di- combining form
1 : twice : twofold : double
2 : containing two atoms, radicals, or groups <dichloride> [derived from Greek di- “twice, containing two”]

di·a·be·tes \ˌdī-ə-ˈbēt-ēz, -ˈbēt-əs\ n : any of various bodily conditions in which abnormally large amounts of urine are produced; esp : DIABETES MELLITUS

diabetes mel·li·tus \-ˈmel-ət-əs\ n : an abnormal bodily condition in which less than the normal amount of insulin is produced, greater than normal amounts of urine are produced, and large amounts of sugar are contained in the blood and urine and which is marked especially by thirst, hunger, and loss of weight

1di·a·bet·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈbet-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or having diabetes <a diabetic person>

2diabetic n : a person who has diabetes

di·a·bol·i·cal \ˌdī-ə-ˈbäl-i-kəl\ or di·a·bol·ic \-ˈbäl-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil : FIENDISH
— di·a·bol·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— di·a·bol·i·cal·ness \-i-kəl-nəs\ n

di·a·crit·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈkrit-ik\ n : DIACRITICAL MARK

di·a·crit·i·cal mark \ˌdī-ə-ˌkrit-i-kəl-\ n : a mark used with a letter or group of letters and indicating a sound value different from that given the unmarked or otherwise marked letter or combination of letters

di·a·dem \ˈdī-ə-ˌdem, -əd-əm\ n : a headband or crown worn especially as a symbol of royalty

di·aer·e·sis or di·er·e·sis \dī-ˈer-ə-səs\ n, pl di·aer·e·ses or di·er·e·ses \-ˈer-ə-ˌsēz\ : a mark ¨ placed over a vowel to show that it is pronounced in a separate syllable (as in naïve or Brontë)

di·ag·nose \ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs, -ˌnōz; ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs, -ˈnōz\ vb -nosed; -nos·ing : to recognize by signs and symptoms : make a diagnosis <diagnose a disease> <diagnose a play in football>

di·ag·no·sis \ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs\ n, pl -no·ses \-ˈnō-ˌsēz\
1 a : the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms  b : the decision reached by diagnosis
2 a : a careful study of something especially to determine its nature or importance  b : the conclusion reached after a study or examination

di·ag·nos·tic \ˌdī-ig-ˈnäs-tik\ adj : of, relating to, or used in diagnosis <a diagnostic test for heart disease>

di·ag·nos·ti·cian \ˌdī-ig-(ˌ)näs-ˈtish-ən\ n : a person who makes diagnoses; esp : a specialist in making medical diagnoses

1di·ag·o·nal \dī-ˈag-ən-əl, -ˈag-nəl\ adj
1 : joining two opposite corners of a four-sided figure
2 : running in a slanting direction
— di·ag·o·nal·ly \-ən-əl-ē, -nə-lē\ adv

2diagonal n
1 : a diagonal line or direction
2 : a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern
3 : 2SLASH 2

1di·a·gram \ˈdī-ə-ˌgram\ n : a drawing, sketch, plan, or chart that makes something clearer or easier to understand
— di·a·gram·mat·ic \ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈmat-ik\ also di·a·gram·mat·i·cal \-ˈmat-i-kəl\ adj

— di·a·gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2diagram vb -grammed or -gramed \-ˌgramd\; -gram·ming or -gram·ing \-ˌgram-iŋ\ : to represent by or put into the form of a diagram <diagram a sentence> <diagrammed a football play>

1di·al \ˈdī(-ə)l\ n
1 a : SUNDIAL  b : the face of a watch or clock
2 a : a face or scale on which some measurement is registered usually by means of numbers and a pointer <the thermometer dial reads 60°>  b : a disk usually with a knob or slots that may be turned to make electrical connections (as on a telephone) or to regulate the operation of a device (as a radio)

2dial vb di·aled or di·alled; di·al·ing or di·al·ling
1 : to turn a dial so as to operate, regulate, or select
2 : to make a telephone call or connection

di·a·lect \ˈdī-ə-ˌlekt\ n
1 : a regional variety of a language differing from the standard language
2 : a variety of a language used by the members of a particular group or class <peasant dialect>
— di·a·lec·tal \ˌdī-ə-ˈlek-təl\ adj

— di·a·lec·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adv

di·a·logue also di·a·log \ˈdī-ə-ˌlȯg, -ˌläg\ n
1 : a conversation between two or more persons
2 : conversation given in a written story or play

dial–up \ˈdī(-ə)l-ˌəp\ adj : relating to or done using an ordinary telephone line <dial-up Internet access>

di·al·y·sis \dī-ˈal-ə-səs\ n, pl -y·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\
1 : the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through membranes with pores of a specified maximum size; esp : such a separation of colloids from dissolved substances
2 : the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a patient with failing kidneys), purifying it by dialysis, and returning it to a vein

di·am·e·ter \dī-ˈam-ət-ər\ n
1 : a straight line passing through the center of a figure or body; esp : a line segment through the center of a circle with its ends on the circle's circumference
2 : the length of a diameter

di·a·met·ric \ˌdī-ə-ˈme-trik\ or di·a·met·ri·cal \-ˈme-tri-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a diameter
2 : completely opposed or opposite
— di·a·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adv

di·a·mond \ˈdī-(ə-)mənd\ n
1 a : a very hard stone of crystallized carbon that is used as a precious gem and industrially as a powder for grinding, smoothing, or polishing and in cutting tools  b : a piece of this stone especially when cut and polished
2 : a shape that is formed by four equal straight lines and has two opposite acute angles and two opposite obtuse angles
3 a : a playing card marked with a red diamond-shaped figure  b pl : the suit made up of cards marked with diamonds
4 a : INFIELD 1A  b : the entire playing field in baseball or softball
Word History Diamond, the hardest substance found in nature, was known to the ancient Greeks. They called the gemstone adamas, using the same word they used for any unbreakable or indestructible substance, such as the hardest metal, or for anything unmovable. The stem of this word was adamant-. Later, Latin writers borrowed these Greek words, sometimes as adamant-, adamas and sometimes adimant-, adimas. The forms adamant-, adamas in time gave us the English noun adamant, meaning “an imaginary stone of great hardness,” and the adjective adamant, meaning “firmly fixed or decided.” The “i” forms in Latin were later changed from adimant-, adimas to diamant-, diamas and came to be used only for the gemstone which we now call diamond. [Middle English diamaunde “diamond,” from early French diamant (same meaning), derived from Latin diamant-, diamas, an altered form of adimant-, adimas and adamant-, adamas “the hardest metal, diamond,” from Greek adamant-, adamas (same meaning) — related to ADAMANT]

di·a·mond·back \ˈdī-(ə-)mən(d)-ˌbak\ adj : having marks like diamonds on the back

diamondback rattlesnake n : either of two large and deadly rattlesnakes of the southern U.S. — called also diamondback, diamondback rattler

diamondback terrapin n : any of several edible terrapins of coastal salt marshes of the southeastern U.S.

dia·pause \ˈdī-ə-ˌpȯz\ n : a period (as in some insects) in which development slows down or in which bodily activities are decreased

1di·a·per \ˈdī-(ə-)pər\ n
1 : a usually white linen or cotton fabric woven in a pattern formed by the repetition of a simple design; also : the design on such cloth
2 : a garment for infants consisting of a piece of absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist

2diaper vb di·a·pered; di·a·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to decorate with diaper designs
2 : to put a diaper on <diaper a baby>

di·a·phragm \ˈdī-ə-ˌfram\ n
1 : a sheet of muscle that separates the cavities of the chest and abdomen in mammals
2 : a device that limits the size of an opening in order to control the amount of light passing through a lens (as of a camera or microscope)
3 : a thin flexible disk that vibrates (as in a microphone)
4 : a cup-shaped device usually of thin rubber that fits over the cervix of the uterus and acts to prevent pregnancy by keeping sperm from reaching the egg
— di·a·phrag·mat·ic \ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-ˈmat-ik, -ˌfrag-\ adj

di·ar·rhea \ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə\ n : abnormally frequent and watery bowel movements

di·a·ry \ˈdī-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a daily record especially of personal experiences and thoughts; also : a book for keeping such a record [from Latin diarium “a record of business dealings or activities during the day,” from dies “day” — related to MERIDIAN, SUNDAY; see Word History at SUNDAY]

di·a·stase \ˈdī-ə-ˌstās\ n : AMYLASE

di·as·to·le \dī-ˈas-tə-(ˌ)lē\ n : the relaxation of the heart during which its cavities expand and fill with blood — compare SYSTOLE

di·a·stol·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈstäl-ik\ adj : of, relating to, caused by, or occurring during diastole <diastolic blood pressure is lower than systolic blood pressure>

di·as·tro·phism \dī-ˈas-trə-ˌfiz-əm\ n : TECTONISM
— di·a·stroph·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈsträf-ik\ adj

di·a·tom \ˈdī-ə-ˌtäm\ n : any of a class of minute floating single-celled or colonial algae that are common in fresh and salt water and have a cell wall of silica that remains as a skeleton after death
— di·a·to·ma·ceous \ˌdī-ət-ə-ˈmā-shəs\ adj

diatomaceous earth n : a light crumbly material that is made up mostly of the silica-containing skeletons of dead diatoms and is used especially as a filter

di·atom·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈtäm-ik\ adj : having two atoms in the molecule

di·at·o·mite \dī-ˈat-ə-ˌmīt\ n : DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

dia·ton·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈtän-ik\ adj : relating to or being a standard major or minor scale of eight tones to the octave
— dia·ton·i·cal·ly \-ˈtän-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

di·a·tribe \ˈdī-ə-ˌtrīb\ n : a bitter or angry attack in speech or writing

dib·ble \ˈdib-əl\ n : a small hand tool for making holes in the ground for plants, seeds, or bulbs

1dice \ˈdīs\ n, pl dice
1 : 2DIE 1
2 : a gambling game played with dice
— no dice : definitely no; also : of no use

2dice vb diced; dic·ing
1 : to cut into small cubes <diced carrots>
2 : to play games with dice
— dic·er n

di·chot·o·mous \dī-ˈkät-ə-məs\ adj
1 : dividing into two parts or groups
2 : relating to, involving, or resulting from dichotomy

dichotomous key n : a series of pairs of phrases or descriptions which are used to classify a group of living things by making choices between the sets of traits and characters described in each pair

di·chot·o·my \-mē\ n, pl -mies : a division into or distinction between two groups that differ greatly <the dichotomy between good and evil>

dick·ens \ˈdik-ənz\ n : 1DEVIL 1, DEUCE — used chiefly as a mild oath <what the dickens do you mean?>

dick·er \ˈdik-ər\ vb dick·ered; dick·er·ing \ˈdik-(ə-)riŋ\ : 2BARGAIN, HAGGLE
— dicker n

dick·ey or dicky \ˈdik-ē\ n, pl dick·eys or dick·ies
1 : any of various articles of clothing: as  a : a separate or detachable front of a shirt  b : a small cloth insert worn to fill in the neckline
2 : a small bird

di·cot \ˈdī-ˌkät\ n : DICOTYLEDON

di·cot·y·le·don \ˌdī-ˌkät-əl-ˈēd-ən\ n : any of a group of flowering plants (as an aster, an oak, or a bean) having an embryo with two cotyledons, leaves with veins that usually branch and interlace to form a network, and flower parts that occur in groups of four or five — compare MONOCOTYLEDON

di·cot·y·le·don·ous \ˌdī-kät-əl-ˈēd-ən-əs\ adj : of, relating to, or being plants that are dicotyledons

1dic·tate \ˈdik-ˌtāt, dik-ˈtāt\ vb dic·tat·ed; dic·tat·ing
1 : to speak or read for a person to write down or for a machine to record <dictate a letter to a secretary>
2 : to say or state with authority or power : give orders <dictate terms of surrender> <few people enjoy being dictated to> [from Latin dictatus, past participle of dictare “to assert, dictate,” from dicere “to say” — related to DICTIONARY, PREDICT, VERDICT]

2dictate \ˈdik-ˌtāt\ n : an order or direction given with authority : COMMAND <the dictates of conscience>

dic·ta·tion \dik-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of giving commands
2 a : the dictating of words <write from dictation>  b : something that is dictated or is taken down from dictation

dic·ta·tor \ˈdik-ˌtāt-ər, dik-ˈtāt-ər\ n
1 : a person who rules with total authority and often in a cruel or brutal manner
2 : one that dictates
— dic·ta·to·ri·al \ˌdik-tə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -tȯr-\ adj

— dic·ta·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

— dic·ta·to·ri·al·ness n

dic·ta·tor·ship \dik-ˈtāt-ər-ˌship, ˈdik-ˌtāt-\ n
1 : the office of a dictator
2 : rule, control, or leadership by one person with total power
3 : a government or country in which total power is held by a dictator or a small group

dic·tion \ˈdik-shən\ n
1 : choice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness : WORDING <careless diction in the student's essay>
2 : quality of vocal expression : ENUNCIATION <a good singer with excellent diction>

dic·tio·nary \ˈdik-shə-ˌner-ē\ n, pl -nar·ies
1 : a reference source in print or electronic form giving information about the meanings, forms, pronunciations, uses, and origins of words listed in alphabetical order
2 : a reference book that lists in alphabetical order terms or names important to a particular subject along with explanations of their meanings and uses <a law dictionary>
3 : a reference book giving words of one language and their meanings in another <an English-French dictionary> [from Latin dictionarium “dictionary,” from earlier diction-, dictio- “words, speaking,” from dicere “to say” — related to DICTATE]

dic·tum \ˈdik-təm\ n, pl dic·ta \-tə\; also dic·tums : a statement made with authority : PRONOUNCEMENT

did past of DO

di·dac·tic \dī-ˈdak-tik, də-\ adj : intended primarily to teach rather than to entertain <a didactic story with a moral lesson>
— di·dac·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adj

— di·dac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— di·dac·ti·cism \-tə-ˌsiz-əm\ n

didn't \ˈdid-ənt\ : did not

didst \(ˈ)didst\ archaic past 2nd singular of DO

1die \ˈdī\ vb died; dy·ing \ˈdī-iŋ\
1 : to stop living : EXPIRE <died of old age>
2 a : to pass out of existence : come to an end <their anger was dying down>  b : to disappear or lessen gradually <the wind died down>
3 a : to wish eagerly or desperately <dying to go>  b : to be completely overcome with emotion <almost died of embarrassment>
4 : to stop functioning <the motor sputtered and died> [Middle English dien “to die,” of Norse origin]

2die \ˈdī\ n
1 pl dice \ˈdīs\ : a small cube marked on each side with one to six spots and used usually in pairs in various games — often used figuratively in expressions concerning chance or the absence of possible change in a course of action <the die was cast>
2 pl dies \ˈdīz\ : any of various devices used for cutting, shaping, or stamping a material or object [Middle English dee “small cube marked with spots and thrown in gambling, dice,” from early French dé (same meaning)]

die–hard \ˈdī-ˌhärd\ adj : strongly or excessively determined or devoted <die-hard fans>
— die·hard n

die–off \ˈdī-ˌȯf\ n : a sudden sharp drop in the numbers of plants or animals in a group

dieresis variant of DIAERESIS

die·sel \ˈdē-zəl, -səl\ n
1 : DIESEL ENGINE
2 : a vehicle (as a truck or train) driven by a diesel engine
3 : a fuel designed for use in diesel engines [named for Rudolf Diesel 1858–1913 German engineer]

diesel engine n : an internal-combustion engine in which air is compressed to make enough heat to ignite the fuel in the cylinder

1di·et \ˈdī-ət\ n
1 a : the food and drink that a person, animal, or group usually takes <many birds live on a diet of insects>  b : the kind and amount of food selected for a person or animal for a special reason (as improving health) <a high-protein diet>  c : a plan of eating and drinking less than usual so as to reduce one's weight <going on a diet>
2 : something experienced repeatedly <a steady diet of television> [Middle English diete “regular food, diet,” from early French diete (same meaning), derived from Greek diaita, literally, “manner of living”]

2diet vb : to eat or cause to eat less or according to special rules

3diet adj : reduced in calories <a diet soft drink>

4diet n : a body of lawmakers : LEGISLATURE [Middle English diete “day's journey, day set for a meeting,” from Latin dieta, literally, “daily regimen, diet” (associated with Latin dies “day”), derived from Greek diaita]

di·etary \ˈdī-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj : of or relating to a diet or to the rules of diet

di·et·er \ˈdī-ət-ər\ n : a person who is on a diet

di·etet·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈtet-ik\ adj : of or relating to diet or dietetics

di·etet·ics \ˌdī-ə-ˈtet-iks\ n : the science of applying the principles of nutrition to feeding

di·eti·tian or di·eti·cian \ˌdī-ə-ˈtish-ən\ n : a specialist in dietetics

diff \ˈdif\ n, slang : DIFFERENCE

dif·fer \ˈdif-ər\ vb dif·fered; dif·fer·ing \ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to be not the same : be unlike <brothers who differ in looks>
2 : DISAGREE 2 <differ only on one issue>

dif·fer·ence \ˈdif-ərn(t)s, ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being different <the striking difference in the sisters' looks>
2 : the degree or amount by which things differ; esp : the number that is obtained by subtracting one number from another <the difference between 4 and 6 is 2>
3 : a disagreement in opinion <persons unable to settle their differences>
4 : an important change in or effect on a situation <made no difference to me>

dif·fer·ent \ˈdif-ərnt, ˈdif-(ə-)rənt\ adj
1 : not of the same kind : partly or totally unlike another <this apple is different from the others in size and color>
2 : not the same : OTHER, SEPARATE <see the same person at different times>
— dif·fer·ent·ly adv

1dif·fer·en·tial \ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or being a difference  b : treating some individuals or classes differently from others : DISCRIMINATORY
2 : acting or proceeding differently or at a different rate <differential diffusion of molecules through a membrane>
— dif·fer·en·tial·ly \-ˈrench-(ə-)lē\ adv

2differential n
1 : an amount or degree of difference between comparable things <the price differential between a small and large box of popcorn>
2 : an arrangement of gears in an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another (as in going around a curve)

differential gear n : 2DIFFERENTIAL 2

dif·fer·en·ti·ate \ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make or become different in some way <the color of their eyes differentiates the twins>
2 : to undergo or cause to undergo differentiation in the course of development
3 : to see or state the difference or differences <differentiate between two plants>

dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion \ˌdif-ə-ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of differentiating
2 : the processes by which cells and tissues develop their specialized adult form and function; also : the result of these processes

dif·fi·cult \ˈdif-i-(ˌ)kəlt\ adj
1 : hard to do, make, or carry out <a difficult climb>
2 a : hard to deal with, manage, or overcome <a difficult child>  b : hard to understand : PUZZLING <difficult reading>
— dif·fi·cult·ly adv

dif·fi·cul·ty \ˈdif-ə-(ˌ)kəl-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : difficult nature <the difficulty of a task>
2 : great effort <walked with difficulty>
3 : something that is hard to do : OBSTACLE <overcome difficulties>
4 : a difficult or trying situation : TROUBLE <in financial difficulties>
5 : a disagreement in opinion <we ironed out our difficulties>

dif·fi·dent \ˈdif-əd-ənt, -ə-ˌdent\ adj
1 : lacking confidence : TIMID
2 : RESERVED 1, UNASSERTIVE  synonyms see SHY
— dif·fi·dence \-əd-ən(t)s, -ə-ˌden(t)s\ n

— dif·fi·dent·ly adv

dif·fract \dif-ˈrakt\ vb : to cause to go through diffraction

dif·frac·tion \dif-ˈrak-shən\ n : the bending or spreading of a beam of light especially when passing through a narrow opening or by the edge of an object; also : similar changes in other waves (as sound waves)

diffraction grating n : GRATING 2

1dif·fuse \dif-ˈyüs\ adj
1 : using too many words : VERBOSE <a diffuse writer>
2 : poured or spread out : not concentrated <diffuse daylight>
— dif·fuse·ly adv

— dif·fuse·ness n

2dif·fuse \dif-ˈyüz\ vb dif·fused; dif·fus·ing
1 : to pour out and permit or cause to spread freely
2 : to go through or cause to go through diffusion

dif·fu·sion \dif-ˈyü-zhən\ n
1 : a diffusing or a being diffused
2 : the mixing of particles of liquids, gases, or solids so that they move from a region of high concentration to one of lower concentration
3 : the scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface or by passage through a translucent material (as frosted glass)

1dig \ˈdig\ vb dug \ˈdəg\; dig·ging
1 a : to turn up the soil (as with a spade or hoe)  b : to hollow out or form by removing earth <dig a hole>
2 : to uncover or search by or as if by turning up earth <dig potatoes> <dig for gold> <dig through books for help>
3 : FIND OUT <dig up the facts>
4 : 1PROD 1, POKE <dug me in the ribs>
5 a : to pay attention to : NOTICE <dig that hat>  b : UNDERSTAND 1A <you dig me?>  c : 1LIKE 1 <I dig music>
— dig·ger n

2dig n
1 : 3POKE, THRUST
2 : a harsh remark : GIBE
3 : a place where scientists (as archaeologists or paleontologists) try to recover buried objects by digging; also : the process of digging for such objects

1di·gest \ˈdī-ˌjest\ n : a body of information or a literary work in shortened form <a digest of the laws>

2di·gest \dī-ˈjest, də-\ vb
1 : to think over and arrange in the mind <digest the news>
2 : to convert food into simpler forms that can be taken in and used by the body
3 : SUMMARIZE 1
4 : to become digested

di·gest·ible \dī-ˈjes-tə-bəl, də-\ adj : capable of being digested
— di·gest·ibil·i·ty \-ˌjes-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

di·ges·tion \dī-ˈjes-chən, də-\ n : the process by which food is broken down into simpler forms in the body by mechanical and enzymatic means

di·ges·tive \dī-ˈjes-tiv, də-\ adj
1 : of or relating to digestion <digestive processes>
2 : having the power to cause or help digestion <digestive enzymes>

digestive system n : the bodily system concerned with the intake, breakdown, and absorption of food and the discharge of wastes and that includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, anus, and glands (as the salivary glands)

dig·ger wasp \ˈdig-ər-\ n : a burrowing wasp; esp : one that digs nests in the soil and stocks them with insects or spiders paralyzed by stinging

dig·gings \ˈdig-iŋz\ n pl
1 : a place where ore, metals, or gems are dug
2 : LODGING 2

dig in vb
1 : to dig and take position in a trench <the soldiers dug in>
2 a : to go to work  b : to begin eating

dig·it \ˈdij-ət\ n
1 a : any of the arabic numerals 1 to 9 and usually the symbol 0  b : one of the elements that are used to form numbers in a system other than the decimal system
2 : a finger or toe [Middle English digit “numeral,” from Latin digitus “finger, toe”]

dig·i·tal \ˈdij-ət-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or done with a finger or toe
2 : of, relating to, or using calculation directly with digits rather than through measurable physical quantities
3 : of or relating to data in the form of numerical digits <digital images> <digital broadcasting>
4 : providing displayed or recorded information in numerical digits <a digital watch>
5 : characterized by electronic and computerized technology <living in a digital world>
— dig·i·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

digital camera n : a camera that records images as digital data instead of on film

digital computer n : a computer that operates with numbers expressed as digits (as in the binary system) — compare ANALOG COMPUTER

dig·i·tal·is \ˌdij-ə-ˈtal-əs also -ˈtāl-\ n
1 : FOXGLOVE
2 : a powerful drug used to stimulate the heart and prepared from the dried leaves of the common foxglove

digital versatile disc n : DVD

digital video disc n : DVD

digital video recorder n : DVR

dig·i·tize \ˈdij-ə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to change (as data or an image) to digital form
— dig·i·tiz·er n

dig·ni·fied \ˈdig-nə-ˌfīd\ adj : having or showing dignity

dig·ni·fy \ˈdig-nə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to give dignity or importance to : HONOR

dig·ni·tary \ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē\ n, pl -tar·ies : a person of high position or honor <dignitaries of the church>

dig·ni·ty \ˈdig-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or respected
2 : high rank, office, or position
3 : a look or way of behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control

di·gress \dī-ˈgres, də-\ vb : to turn aside especially from the main subject in writing or speaking
— di·gres·sion \-ˈgresh-ən\ n

— di·gres·sive \-ˈgres-iv\ adj

di·he·dral angle \(ˈ)dī-ˌhē-drəl-\ n : the angle between two intersecting planes

1di·hy·brid \(ˌ)dī-ˈhī-brəd\ n : an individual that is hybrid with respect to two different traits or pairs of genes

2dihybrid adj : being, involving, or producing individuals that are hybrid with respect to two different traits or pairs of genes

1dike \ˈdīk\ n
1 : a channel dug in the earth to carry water : DITCH
2 : a bank of earth constructed to control water : LEVEE
3 : a long body of igneous rock that has been forced while molten into a narrow opening or crack

2dike vb diked; dik·ing
1 : to surround or protect with a dike
2 : to drain by a dike
— dik·er n

di·lap·i·dat·ed \də-ˈlap-ə-ˌdāt-əd\ adj : partly ruined or decayed especially from age or lack of care <a dilapidated old house>

di·lap·i·da·tion \də-ˌlap-ə-ˈdā-shən\ n : a dilapidated condition : partial ruin

di·la·ta·tion \ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən, ˌdī-lə-\ n : DILATION 2

di·late \dī-ˈlāt, ˈdī-ˌlāt\ vb di·lat·ed; di·lat·ing : to make or grow larger or wider <lungs dilated with air>  synonyms see EXPAND

di·la·tion \dī-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act of dilating : the state of being dilated : EXPANSION <dilation of the pupils of the eyes>
2 : the action of stretching or enlarging an organ or part of the body

dil·a·to·ry \ˈdil-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
1 : tending or intended to cause delay <dilatory tactics>
2 : tending to be late : TARDY <dilatory in paying her bills>
— dil·a·to·ri·ly \ˌdil-ə-ˈtōr-ə-lē, -ˈtȯr-\ adv

— dil·a·to·ri·ness \ˈdil-ə-ˌtōr-ē-nəs, -ˌtȯr-\ n

di·lem·ma \də-ˈlem-ə also dī-\ n : a situation in which one has to choose between two or more things, ways, or plans that are equally unsatisfactory : a difficult choice

dil·et·tante \ˈdil-ə-ˌtänt, -ˌtant; ˌdil-ə-ˈtänt(-ē), -ˈtant(-ē)\ n, pl -tantes or -tan·ti \-ˈtänt-ē, -ˈtant-ē\
1 : an admirer or lover of the arts
2 : a person who has a shallow interest in an art or area of knowledge
— dilettante adj

— dil·et·tan·tism \-ˌtän-ˌtiz-əm, -ˌtan-\ n

dil·i·gence \ˈdil-ə-jən(t)s\ n : careful and continued work : INDUSTRY

dil·i·gent \ˈdil-ə-jənt\ adj : showing steady and earnest care and effort : PAINSTAKING <a diligent search> <a diligent worker>  synonyms see BUSY
— dil·i·gent·ly adv

dill \ˈdil\ n : an herb related to the carrot and having aromatic foliage and seeds used especially in flavoring pickles

dill pickle n : a pickle seasoned with dill

dil·ly·dal·ly \ˈdil-ē-ˌdal-ē\ vb : to waste time : DAWDLE

1di·lute \dī-ˈlüt, də-\ vb di·lut·ed; di·lut·ing : to make thinner or more liquid by adding in and mixing something <added water to dilute the punch>

2dilute adj : lacking normal strength especially as a result of being diluted

di·lu·tion \dī-ˈlü-shən, də-\ n
1 : the action of diluting : the state of being diluted
2 : something (as a solution) that is diluted

1dim \ˈdim\ adj dim·mer; dim·mest
1 : not bright or clear : OBSCURE, FAINT <a dim light>
2 : being without luster : DULL <dim colors>
3 a : not seeing or understanding clearly <dim eyes>  b : not seen or understood clearly <had only a dim notion of what was going on>
— dim·ly adv

— dim·ness n

2dim vb dimmed; dim·ming
1 : to make or become dim
2 : to reduce the light from

dime \ˈdīm\ n : a U.S. coin worth 1/10 dollar [Middle English dime “a tenth part,” from early French dime (same meaning), derived from Latin decimus “a tenth part,” from decem “ten” — related to DECEMBER, DECIMAL, DOZEN]
— a dime a dozen : so plentiful or common as to be of little value

di·men·sion \də-ˈmen-chən also dī-\ n
1 a : extension in one direction <the dimensions of length, width, and height>  b : measure of extension in one direction or in all directions : SIZE
2 : the range over which something extends : SCOPE — usually used in plural [Middle English dimensioun “dimension,” from early French dimension (same meaning), from Latin dimensio “measurement, dimension,” from dimetiri “to measure out,” from di-, dis- “apart” and metiri “to measure” — related to IMMENSE, MEASURE]
— di·men·sion·al \-ˈmench-nəl, -ˈmen-chən-əl\ adj

— di·men·sion·al·ly \-ˈmench-nə-lē, -ˈmen-chən-əl-ē\ adv

— di·men·sion·less \-ˈmen-chən-ləs\ adj

dime store n : a store that sells mainly inexpensive goods

di·min·ish \də-ˈmin-ish\ vb
1 : to make less or cause to appear less
2 : to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : BELITTLE
3 : to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : DWINDLE
— di·min·ish·ment \-mənt\ n

di·min·u·en·do \də-ˌmin-(y)ə-ˈwen-dō\ adv or adj : 2DECRESCENDO
— diminuendo n

dim·i·nu·tion \ˌdim-ə-ˈn(y)ü-shən\ n : the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : DECREASE

1di·min·u·tive \də-ˈmin-yət-iv\ n
1 : a diminutive word, name, or affix
2 : a diminutive object or individual

2diminutive adj
1 : indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being lovable or pitiful <the diminutive suffixes “-ette” and “-ling”> <the diminutive noun “duckling”>
2 : extremely small : TINY
— di·min·u·tive·ly adv

— di·min·u·tive·ness n

dim·i·ty \ˈdim-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a usually corded cotton fabric in checks or stripes

dim·mer \ˈdim-ər\ n
1 : a device for controlling the amount of light from an electric lighting unit (as the headlights of an automobile or the lights of a room)
2 : LOW BEAM

1dim·ple \ˈdim-pəl\ n
1 : a slight natural indentation in the surface of some part of the human body (as the chin)
2 : a slight hollow <the dimples on a golf ball>

2dimple vb dim·pled; dim·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\ : to mark with or form dimples

1din \ˈdin\ n : a loud confused mixture of noises

2din vb dinned; din·ning
1 : to make a loud noise
2 : to repeat again and again in order to impress on someone's mind <dinned into us the consequences of failure>

di·nar \di-ˈnär, ˈdē-ˌ\ n
1 : a basic unit of money (as of Jordan)
2 : a coin or bill representing one dinar

dine \ˈdīn\ vb dined; din·ing
1 : to eat dinner <dine out>
2 : to give a dinner to : FEED <wined and dined their friends>

din·er \ˈdī-nər\ n
1 : one that dines
2 a : DINING CAR  b : a restaurant in the shape of a railroad car

di·nette \dī-ˈnet\ n : a separate area or small room used for dining

ding \ˈdiŋ\ vb : to make a ringing sound : CLANG

ding–dong \ˈdiŋ-ˌdȯŋ, -ˌdäŋ\ n : the ringing sound made by repeated strokes especially on a bell

din·ghy \ˈdiŋ-ē, -gē\ n, pl dinghies
1 : a small rowboat or sailboat; esp : one carried on a larger boat
2 : a rubber life raft

din·gle \ˈdiŋ-gəl\ n : a small wooded valley

din·go \ˈdiŋ-gō\ n, pl dingoes : a reddish brown bushy-tailed wild dog of Australia

din·gy \ˈdin-jē\ adj din·gi·er; -est : rather dark and dirty : not fresh or clean <a dingy room> <dingy colors>
— din·gi·ly \-jə-lē\ adv

— din·gi·ness \-jē-nəs\ n

din·ing car \ˈdī-niŋ-\ n : a railroad car in which meals are served

dining room n : a room used for eating meals

din·ky \ˈdiŋ-kē\ adj din·ki·er; -est : very small and unimpressive <a dinky room>

din·ner \ˈdin-ər\ n
1 : the main meal of the day
2 : 1BANQUET

din·ner·time \-ˌtīm\ n : the usual time for dinner

din·ner·ware \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : utensils (as dishes and glasses) used at the dinner table

di·no·flag·el·late \ˌdī-nō-ˈflaj-ə-lət, -ˌlāt\ n : any of an order of chiefly marine single-celled floating organisms that resemble both algae and protozoa and are important in marine food chains

di·no·saur \ˈdī-nə-ˌsȯr\ n : any of a group of extinct often very large mostly land-dwelling long-tailed reptiles of the Mesozoic era [derived from Greek deinos “terrible” and Greek sauros “lizard”]

1dint \ˈdint\ n
1 : the force or power of something — used chiefly in the phrase by dint of <succeeded by dint of hard work>
2 : 2DENT 1

2dint vb : 1DENT 1

1di·oc·e·san \dī-ˈäs-ə-sən\ adj : of or relating to a diocese

2diocesan n : a bishop having authority over a diocese

di·o·cese \ˈdī-ə-səs, -ˌsēz, -ˌsēs\ n, pl -ces·es \ˈdī-ə-ˌsēz, -ˌsē-zēz, -sə-səz\ : the district over which a bishop has authority

di·ode \ˈdī-ˌōd\ n : an electronic device with two electrodes that is used especially for changing alternating current into direct current

di·o·rama \ˌdī-ə-ˈram-ə, -ˈräm-\ n : a scenic representation in which lifelike sculptured figures and surrounding details are realistically set against a painted background

di·ox·ide \(ˈ)dī-ˈäk-ˌsīd\ n : an oxide containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule

1dip \ˈdip\ vb dipped; dip·ping
1 : to sink or push briefly into or as if into a liquid <dip a towel in water> <dips a hand into his pocket>
2 : to lift out with something that holds liquid : LADLE <dip water from a pail>
3 : to lower and then raise again <dip a flag in salute>
4 a : to drop down into a liquid and quickly come out <oars dipping rhythmically>  b : to put something for treatment under the surface of a liquid
5 a : to drop down or out of sight <the road dipped below the crest>  b : to decrease somewhat usually for a short time <prices dipped>
6 : to reach down inside or as if inside especially to take out a part of the contents <dipped into their savings>
7 : to look at or consider something briefly; esp : to read a little of something <dip into a book>

2dip n
1 : an act of dipping; esp : a brief plunge into the water for sport or exercise
2 a : a downward slope  b : a sharp or slight downward course : DROP <a dip in prices>
3 : the angle formed with the horizon by a magnetic needle free to rotate in a vertical plane
4 : something obtained by or used in dipping <a dip of ice cream>
5 a : a sauce or soft mixture into which food (as raw vegetables) may be dipped  b : a liquid into which something may be dipped (as for cleansing or coloring)

diph·the·ria \dif-ˈthir-ē-ə, dip-\ n : a contagious bacterial disease with fever in which the air passages become coated with a membranous layer that often obstructs breathing
— diph·the·rit·ic \ˌdif-thə-ˈrit-ik, ˌdip-\ adj

diph·thong \ˈdif-ˌthȯŋ, ˈdip-\ n : a two-element speech sound that begins with the tongue position for one vowel and ends with the tongue position for another all within one syllable <the sounds of “ou” in “out” and of “oy” in “boy” are diphthongs>

dip·lo·coc·cus \ˌdip-lō-ˈkäk-əs\ n, pl dip·lo·coc·ci \-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī, -ˌ(s)ē\ : any of various bacteria that occur usually in pairs in a capsule and include some that cause serious diseases

di·plod·o·cus \də-ˈpläd-ə-kəs, dī-\ n : any of a genus of very large plant-eating dinosaurs known from fossils found in several western states of the U.S.

di·plo·ma \də-ˈplō-mə\ n : a document granting a special right, honor, or power; esp : a document that shows a person has finished a course or graduated from a school

di·plo·ma·cy \də-ˈplō-mə-sē\ n
1 : the work of keeping up relations between the governments of different countries
2 : skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings : TACT

dip·lo·mat \ˈdip-lə-ˌmat\ n : a person employed or skilled in diplomacy

dip·lo·mat·ic \ˌdip-lə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats <diplomatic relations>
2 : TACTFUL <found a diplomatic way to say no>
— dip·lo·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

di·plo·ma·tist \də-ˈplō-mət-əst\ n : DIPLOMAT

dip·lo·pod \ˈdip-lə-ˌpäd\ n : MILLIPEDE

dip net n : a small bag-shaped net with a handle that is used especially to scoop small fish from the water

di·pole \ˈdī-ˌpōl\ n : a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles of opposite sign separated especially by a small distance

dip·per \ˈdip-ər\ n
1 : one that dips; esp : something (as a long-handled cup) used for dipping
2 : any of several birds that dive into streams in search of food — called also water ouzel
3 cap  a : the seven major stars of Ursa Major arranged in a form resembling a dipper — called also Big Dipper  b : the seven major stars in Ursa Minor similarly arranged with the North Star forming the outer end of the handle — called also Little Dipper
— dip·per·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n

dip·stick \ˈdip-ˌstik\ n : a rod with marks for indicating depth (as of the oil in an automobile)

1dip·ter·an \ˈdip-tə-rən\ adj : of, relating to, or being a two-winged fly

2dipteran n : TWO-WINGED FLY

dip·ter·ous \ˈdip-tə-rəs\ adj : DIPTERAN

dire \ˈdī(ə)r\ adj dir·er; dir·est
1 : causing horror : DREADFUL <dire suffering>
2 : warning of disaster <a dire forecast>
3 : 1EXTREME 1 <dire need>
— dire·ly adv

— dire·ness n

1di·rect \də-ˈrekt, dī-\ vb
1 : to mark with a name and address <direct a letter>
2 : to cause to turn, move, or point or to follow a straight course
3 : to point in a specified line, course, or direction
4 : to show or point out the way for <the signs directed us to the museum>
5 : to guide the activities or course of <direct the project> <direct a play>
6 : to request or instruct with authority <the court directed the jury to acquit them>  synonyms see COMMAND

2direct adj
1 : proceeding from one point to another in time or space without turning or stopping : STRAIGHT
2 a : coming immediately from a source, cause, or reason <direct result>  b : done or working without something else coming in between <direct action> <direct printing>  c : being in an unbroken family line : LINEAL <direct ancestor>
3 : 1NATURAL 8, STRAIGHTFORWARD <a direct manner>
4 : consisting of or reproducing the exact words of a speaker or writer <a direct quotation>
— direct adv

— di·rect·ness \-ˈrek(t)-nəs\ n

direct current n : an electric current flowing in one direction only — abbreviation DC

directed adj : proceeding or measured in a direction marked as positive or negative <a directed line segment>

di·rec·tion \də-ˈrek-shən, dī-\ n
1 : guidance of action or conduct : MANAGEMENT <many people working under my direction> <direction of a play>
2 : an instruction, indication, or order given with authority <follow directions>
3 : the line or course along which something moves, lies, or points <headed in a northerly direction>
4 : TENDENCY 1, TREND <a new direction in literature>
— di·rec·tion·less \-ləs\ adj

di·rec·tion·al \də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl, dī-\ adj
1 : relating to or indicating direction <directional signal lights on an automobile>
2 : relating to direction or guidance especially of thought or effort

di·rec·tive \də-ˈrek-tiv, dī-\ n : something that guides or directs; esp : a general instruction from a high-level body or official

di·rect·ly \də-ˈrek-(t)lē, dī-, in sense 2 also ˈdrek-lē\ adv
1 a : in a direct manner <she spoke directly>  b : most closely located <the person directly to my left>
2 : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <go directly home>
3 : in the manner of direct variation <the perimeter of a square varies directly with the length of a side>

directly proportional adj : related by direct variation <our earnings are directly proportional to the number of items we sell> — compare INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL

direct object n : a grammatical object that is the main goal or the result of the action of a verb <“me” in “he called me” and “house” in “we built a house” are direct objects>

di·rec·tor \də-ˈrek-tər, dī-\ n : one that directs: as  a : one of a group of persons who direct the business of an organized body (as a corporation) <the board of directors>  b : one that guides the making of a show (as for stage or screen)  c : CONDUCTOR 2
— di·rec·to·ri·al \də-ˌrek-ˈtōr-ē-əl, (ˌ)dī-, -ˈtȯr-\ adj

— di·rec·tor·ship \də-ˈrek-tər-ˌship, dī-\ n

di·rec·to·ry \də-ˈrek-t(ə-)rē, dī-\ n, pl -ries : an alphabetical list containing names and addresses

direct variation n
1 : mathematical relationship between two variables which can be expressed by an equation in which one variable is equal to a constant times the other
2 : an equation or function expressing direct variation — compare INVERSE VARIATION 2

dire·ful \ˈdī(ə)r-fəl\ adj
1 : causing great fear : DREADFUL
2 : foretelling bad things to come
— dire·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

dirge \ˈdərj\ n : a song or hymn of mourning; esp : one intended for funeral or memorial ceremonies
Word History The meaning of English dirge is not directly related to the meaning of the Latin word it comes from. Dirge and its earlier form dirige, meaning “a song or hymn of mourning,” come from the first word of a Latin chant used in the church service for the dead: “Dirige, Domine deus meus, in conspectu tuo viam meam” (Direct, O Lord my God, my way in thy sight). Because hymns and chants were often referred to by their first words, dirge became the common word for this chant. Later it was used for a slow, solemn hymn of mourning. [Middle English dirige “service performed when someone dies,” from Latin dirige “direct,” first word in a prayer for the dead, from earlier dirigere “to direct”]

1dir·i·gi·ble \ˈdir-ə-jə-bəl, də-ˈrij-ə-\ adj : capable of being steered

2dirigible n : AIRSHIP

dirk \ˈdərk\ n : a long dagger with a straight blade
— dirk vb

dirndl \ˈdərn-dəl\ n : a full skirt with a tight waistband [a shortened form of German Dirndlkleid, literally, “girl's dress,” from Dirndl “girl” and Kleid “dress”]

dirt \ˈdərt\ n
1 : a filthy or soiling substance (as mud, dust, or grime)
2 : loose or packed earth : SOIL <a mound of dirt>
3 a : CORRUPTION 2  b : indecent language : OBSCENITY
4 : harmful gossip <stop spreading dirt about him>

dirt bike n : a light motorcycle designed to be used off the road

1dirty \ˈdərt-ē\ adj dirt·i·er; -est
1 : not clean <dirty clothes> <dirty air>
2 : UNFAIR 1, DISHONORABLE <a dirty trick>
3 : INDECENT, VULGAR <dirty jokes>
4 : disagreeable or objectionable but usually necessary (as in achieving a desired result) <had to scrub the floor and do other dirty work>
5 : STORMY 1 <dirty weather>
6 : not clear in color : DULL <a dirty red>
7 : showing dislike or anger <a dirty look>
— dirt·i·ly \ˈdərt-əl-ē\ adv

— dirt·i·ness \ˈdərt-ē-nəs\ n
synonyms DIRTY, FILTHY, FOUL, SQUALID, mean being especially unclean. DIRTY is a general word used to describe anything covered with dirt <children who were dirty after playing>. FILTHY stresses the fact that the dirt has been building up and is really unpleasant <a filthy kitchen floor covered with grease>. FOUL, adds to FILTHY the idea that something is rotten or stinking <a foul garbage dump>. SQUALID suggests that the dirtiness is the result of carelessness and neglect <squalid slums>.

2dirty vb dirt·ied; dirty·ing : to make or become dirty

dirty rice n : a Cajun dish of white rice cooked with chopped or ground giblets

dis \ˈdis\ vb dissed; dis·sing
1 slang : to treat with disrespect or contempt : INSULT
2 slang : to find fault with : CRITICIZE

dis- prefix
1 a : do the opposite of <disagree>  b : deprive of <disarm>  c : exclude or expel from <disbar>
2 : opposite or absence of <disaffection> <disfavor>
3 : not <discourteous> [Latin dis-, literally, “apart”]

dis·abil·i·ty \ˌdis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the condition of being disabled : lack of ability, power, or fitness to do something
2 : something that disables (as a physical injury)

dis·able \dis-ˈā-bəl\ vb dis·abled; dis·abling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to disqualify legally
2 : to cause to be unable to do or act <disable a computer key>; esp : to deprive of physical or moral strength <a disabling illness>
— dis·able·ment \-bəl-mənt\ n

disabled adj : deprived of the power to perform one or more tasks (as climbing stairs or lifting heavy items) by illness or injury; also : functioning physically or mentally below normal levels in a way that limits or interferes with one's ability to receive an education or perform a job

dis·abuse \ˌdis-ə-ˈbyüz\ vb : to free from mistakes or false beliefs <disabuse us of our errors>

1dis·ad·van·tage \ˌdis-əd-ˈvant-ij\ n
1 : loss or damage especially to one's good name or finances <the deal worked to our disadvantage>
2 a : a state or condition that favors someone else <was at a disadvantage in educated company>  b : something not helpful : a cause of difficulty

2disadvantage vb -taged; -tag·ing : to place at a disadvantage : HARM

dis·ad·van·ta·geous \(ˌ)dis-ˌad-ˌvan-ˈtā-jəs, -vən-\ adj : making it harder for a person to succeed or do something <in a disadvantageous position>
— dis·ad·van·ta·geous·ly adv

— dis·ad·van·ta·geous·ness n

dis·af·fect \ˌdis-ə-ˈfekt\ vb : to lose the affection or loyalty of : cause discontent in <the troops were disaffected>
— dis·af·fec·tion \-ˈfek-shən\ n

dis·agree \ˌdis-ə-ˈgrē\ vb
1 : to fail to agree <the two stories disagree>
2 : to differ in opinion <disagree over the price>
3 : to have an unpleasant effect <fried foods disagree with me>

dis·agree·able \ˌdis-ə-ˈgrē-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : causing discomfort : UNPLEASANT, OFFENSIVE <a disagreeable taste>
2 : having a bad disposition : PEEVISH <a disagreeable person>
— dis·agree·able·ness n

— dis·agree·ably \-blē\ adv

dis·agree·ment \ˌdis-ə-ˈgrē-mənt\ n
1 : the act of disagreeing
2 a : the state of being different  b : a difference of opinion : QUARREL

dis·al·low \ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇\ vb : to refuse to admit or allow : REJECT <disallow a claim>
— dis·al·low·ance \-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s\ n

dis·ap·pear \ˌdis-ə-ˈpi(ə)r\ vb
1 : to cease to be visible : pass out of sight : VANISH <the moon disappeared behind a cloud>
2 : to cease to be <the dinosaur disappeared ages ago>
— dis·ap·pear·ance \-ˈpir-ən(t)s\ n

dis·ap·point \ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint\ vb : to fail to meet the expectation or hope of <the team disappointed its fans>

dis·ap·point·ed adj : defeated in expectation or hope <we were disappointed that they couldn't go>

dis·ap·point·ment \ˌdis-ə-ˈpȯint-mənt\ n
1 : the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed
2 : one that disappoints <the play was a disappointment>

dis·ap·pro·ba·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌap-rə-ˈbā-shən\ n : DISAPPROVAL

dis·ap·prov·al \ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl\ n
1 : the act of disapproving : the state of being disapproved <frowned in disapproval>
2 : unfavorable opinion or judgment : CRITICISM <the plan met with disapproval>

dis·ap·prove \ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv\ vb
1 : to dislike or be against someone or something <disapproved the child's conduct> <disapproves of smoking>
2 : to refuse to give approval to : REJECT <disapproved the architect's plans>
— dis·ap·prov·ing·ly \-ˈprü-viŋ-lē\ adv

dis·arm \(ˈ)dis-ˈärm\ vb
1 : to take weapons from <disarm a prisoner>
2 : to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of a country
3 : to make harmless, peaceable, or friendly : remove dislike or suspicion <a disarming smile>
— dis·ar·ma·ment \-ˈär-mə-mənt\ n

dis·ar·range \ˌdis-ə-ˈrānj\ vb : to disturb the arrangement or order of <the wind disarranged my hair>
— dis·ar·range·ment \-mənt\ n

1dis·ar·ray \ˌdis-ə-ˈrā\ n
1 : a lack of order : CONFUSION, DISORDER <the room was in disarray>
2 : disorderly dress

2disarray vb : to throw into disorder

dis·as·sem·ble \ˌdis-ə-ˈsem-bəl\ vb : to take apart <disassemble an engine>
— dis·as·sem·bly \-ˈsem-blē\ n

di·sas·ter \diz-ˈas-tər, dis-\ n : a sudden great misfortune; esp : something (as a flood or tornado) that happens suddenly and causes much suffering or loss
— di·sas·trous \-ˈas-trəs\ adj

— di·sas·trous·ly adv
Word History People who have bad luck are sometimes said to be “star-crossed.” This expression comes from the traditional belief that the positions of the stars and planets can have a direct influence on earthly events. The origins of the word disaster can be traced to this belief. Disaster comes from disastro, an Italian word formed by combining the negative prefix dis- and the noun astro, meaning “star.” Disaster at first meant “an unfavorable position of a star or planet.” In time it came to be applied to the kind of terrible misfortune which such a position was thought to cause. [from early French desastre and early Italian disastro, both meaning “an unfavorable position of a star,” from early Italian dis- (negative prefix) and astro “star,” from Latin astrum “star”]

dis·avow \ˌdis-ə-ˈvau̇\ vb : to deny having, knowing, or being responsible for <will disavow any knowledge of your activities>
— dis·avow·al \-ˈvau̇(-ə)l\ n

dis·band \dis-ˈband\ vb : to break up the organization of a group : DISPERSE <disband the club>
— dis·band·ment \-ˈban(d)-mənt\ n

dis·bar \dis-ˈbär\ vb dis·barred; dis·bar·ring : to deprive (a lawyer) of the right to work in the legal profession
— dis·bar·ment \-ˈbär-mənt\ n

dis·be·lief \ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf\ n : the act or state of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue

dis·be·lieve \ˌdis-bə-ˈlēv\ vb : to think not to be true or real : fail to believe <disbelieved the witness's testimony>
— dis·be·liev·er n

dis·bur·den \(ˈ)dis-ˈbərd-ən\ vb : UNBURDEN
— dis·bur·den·ment \-mənt\ n

dis·burse \dis-ˈbərs\ vb dis·bursed; dis·burs·ing : to pay out : EXPEND <disburse money> [from early French desbourser “to pay out money,” from des- “out, away” and borse “a purse,” from Latin bursa “a small leather bag” — related to PURSE, REIMBURSE]
— dis·burs·er n

dis·burse·ment \dis-ˈbər-smənt\ n : the act of disbursing; also : funds paid out

disc variant of DISK

1dis·card \dis-ˈkärd, ˈdis-ˌkärd\ vb
1 : to remove a playing card from one's hand
2 : to get rid of as useless or unwanted <discard an old hat>
— dis·card·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

2dis·card \ˈdis-ˌkärd\ n
1 : the act of discarding in a card game
2 : a person or thing cast off or rejected

disc brake n : a brake that operates by the friction of two plates pressing against the sides of a rotating disc

dis·cern \dis-ˈərn, diz-\ vb
1 : to detect with the eyes : DISTINGUISH <discern an airplane in the clouds>
2 : to come to know, recognize, or understand <discern the basic issue> <discern right from wrong>
— dis·cern·ible \-ˈər-nə-bəl\ adj

— dis·cern·ibly \-blē\ adv

dis·cern·ing adj : seeing and understanding clearly and intelligently <a discerning critic>
— dis·cern·ing·ly \-ˈər-niŋ-lē\ adv

dis·cern·ment \dis-ˈərn-mənt, diz-\ n : the quality of being able to understand clearly

1dis·charge \dis-ˈchärj, ˈdis-ˌchärj\ vb
1 : to relieve of a charge, load, or burden : UNLOAD <discharge a ship>
2 : 1SHOOT 1, 2FIRE 4A <discharge a gun>
3 : to set free <discharge a prisoner>
4 : to dismiss from service or employment <discharge a soldier>
5 : to let go or let off <discharge passengers>
6 : to give forth fluid or other contents <this river discharges into the ocean>
7 : to get rid of by paying or doing <discharge a debt> <discharge a function>
— dis·charg·er n

2dis·charge \ˈdis-ˌchärj, dis-ˈchärj\ n
1 a : the act of discharging  b : something that discharges; esp : a certification of release or payment
2 : a firing off
3 a : a flowing out; also : a rate of flow  b : something that is given forth <a discharge of pus from a wound>
4 a : release or dismissal especially from an office or employment  b : complete separation from military service <was given an honorable discharge>
5 : a flow of electricity (as in lightning or through a gas)

discharge tube n : an electron tube which contains gas or vapor at low pressure and through which electrical conduction takes place when a high voltage is applied

dis·ci·ple \dis-ˈī-pəl\ n
1 : a person who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of another
2 : APOSTLE 1A [Middle English disciple “one who follows and spreads the teaching of another,” from Old English discipul and early French disciple (both, same meaning), from Latin discipulus “follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime,” from earlier discipulus “pupil”]
— dis·ci·ple·ship \-ˌship\ n

dis·ci·pli·nar·i·an \ˌdis-ə-plə-ˈner-ē-ən\ n : one who disciplines or enforces order
— disciplinarian adj

dis·ci·plin·ary \ˈdis-ə-plə-ˌner-ē\ adj : of or relating to discipline : CORRECTIVE <take disciplinary action>

1dis·ci·pline \ˈdis-ə-plən\ n
1 : a field of study : SUBJECT
2 : strict training that corrects or strengthens mental ability or moral character
3 : PUNISHMENT 1
4 : control gained by enforcing obedience or order <trying to maintain discipline>
5 : a system of rules governing conduct

2discipline vb -plined; -plin·ing
1 : to punish or penalize for the sake of discipline
2 : to train or develop by instruction and exercise especially in self-control
3 : to bring under control <discipline troops>  synonyms see PUNISH
— dis·ci·plin·er n

disc jockey or disk jockey n : one who conducts and announces a radio show of popular recorded music; also : one who plays recorded music for dancing (as at a party)

dis·claim \dis-ˈklām\ vb : to deny being a part of or responsible for : DISOWN <the student disclaimed any part in the prank>

dis·claim·er \dis-ˈklā-mər\ n : an act of disclaiming : a statement that denies responsibility : DENIAL

dis·close \dis-ˈklōz\ vb : to make known <disclose secrets>  synonyms see REVEAL
— dis·clos·er n

dis·clos·ing \dis-ˈklō-ziŋ\ adj : being a substance (as a tablet or liquid) containing a usually red dye that is used to stain and make visible dental plaque

dis·clo·sure \dis-ˈklō-zhər\ n
1 : the act or an instance of disclosing : EXPOSURE <full disclosure of the facts>
2 : something that is disclosed : REVELATION

dis·co \ˈdis-kō\ n, pl dis·cos : a nightclub for dancing to music

dis·col·or \(ˈ)dis-ˈkəl-ər\ vb : to change in color especially for the worse <the stain discolored the rug>
— dis·col·or·a·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌkəl-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

dis·com·bob·u·late \ˌdis-kəm-ˈbäb-yə-ˌlāt, -ə-\ vb : 1UPSET 3A, CONFUSE

dis·com·fit \dis-ˈkəm(p)-fət, especially Southern ˌdis-kəm-ˈfit\ vb : to make confused or upset <the speaker was discomfited by the embarrassing question>
— dis·com·fi·ture \dis-ˈkəm(p)-fə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -fə-chər\ n

1dis·com·fort \dis-ˈkəm(p)-fərt\ vb : to make uncomfortable or uneasy : DISTRESS

2discomfort n : physical or mental uneasiness

dis·com·mode \ˌdis-kə-ˈmōd\ vb -mod·ed; -mod·ing : to make things difficult for : TROUBLE

dis·com·pose \ˌdis-kəm-ˈpōz\ vb
1 : to disturb the calmness or peace of : AGITATE <discomposed by the bad news>
2 : DISARRANGE <hair discomposed by the wind>
— dis·com·po·sure \-ˈpō-zhər\ n

dis·con·cert \ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt\ vb
1 : to disturb the arrangement of : UPSET <the unexpected event disconcerted their plans>
2 : to disturb the self-control of <your frank stare disconcerted me>  synonyms see EMBARRASS
— dis·con·cert·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

dis·con·nect \ˌdis-kə-ˈnekt\ vb : to undo or break the connection of <disconnect two pipes> <disconnect a telephone>
— dis·con·nec·tion \-ˈnek-shən\ n

dis·con·nect·ed adj
1 : not connected : SEPARATE
2 : impossible to understand : INCOHERENT 2 <a disconnected speech>
— dis·con·nect·ed·ly adv

— dis·con·nect·ed·ness n

dis·con·so·late \dis-ˈkän(t)-sə-lət\ adj : very sad : DEJECTED
— dis·con·so·late·ly adv

— dis·con·so·late·ness n

1dis·con·tent \ˌdis-kən-ˈtent\ adj : DISCONTENTED

2discontent vb : to make discontented
— dis·con·tent·ment \-mənt\ n

3discontent n : the condition of being dissatisfied

dis·con·tent·ed adj : not satisfied or pleased
— dis·con·tent·ed·ly adv

— dis·con·tent·ed·ness n

dis·con·tin·ue \ˌdis-kən-ˈtin-yü\ vb
1 : to cease to operate, use, produce, or take <will discontinue that product>
2 : to bring or come to an end : STOP <discontinued broadcast of my favorite show>
— dis·con·tin·u·ance \-ˈtin-yə-wən(t)s\ n

dis·con·tin·u·ous \ˌdis-kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs\ adj : not continuous : having interruptions or gaps : BROKEN <discontinuous sleep>
— dis·con·ti·nu·i·ty \(ˌ)dis-ˌkänt-ən-ˈ(y)ü-ət-ē\ n

— dis·con·tin·u·ous·ly \ˌdis-kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs-lē\ adv

dis·cord \ˈdis-ˌkȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : lack of agreement or harmony : CONFLICT <discord between political parties>
2 a : a harsh combination of musical sounds  b : a harsh or unpleasant sound

dis·cord·ance \dis-ˈkȯrd-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the state or an instance of being discordant
2 : discordant sounds or noise

dis·cord·ant \dis-ˈkȯrd-ənt\ adj
1 a : not being in agreement <discordant opinions>  b : QUARRELSOME <a discordant family>
2 : relating to or producing a discord <discordant music>
— dis·cord·ant·ly adv

dis·co·theque \ˈdis-kə-ˌtek, ˌdis-kə-ˈtek\ n : DISCO [from French discothèque “nightclub with music for dancing,” from disque “phonograph record, disk” and -thèque (the same ending as in French bibliothèque “library”)]

1dis·count \ˈdis-ˌkau̇nt\ n : an amount taken off a regular price <a ten percent discount for all employees>

2dis·count \ˈdis-ˌkau̇nt, dis-ˈkau̇nt\ vb
1 a : to lower the amount of a bill, debt, or charge  b : to sell or offer for sale at a lowered price
2 a : MINIMIZE 2B <shouldn't discount the importance of studying>  b : to believe only partly : view with doubt <discount the rumors>
— dis·count·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

dis·coun·te·nance \dis-ˈkau̇nt-ən-ən(t)s, -ˈkau̇nt-nən(t)s\ vb
1 : EMBARRASS 1, DISCONCERT 2
2 : to look with disfavor on

dis·cour·age \dis-ˈkər-ij, -ˈkə-rij\ vb -aged; -ag·ing
1 : to lessen the courage or confidence of : DISHEARTEN <didn't let losing discourage me>
2 a : to make less likely or appealing : DETER <laws that discourage speeding>  b : to advise against a course of action : DISSUADE <discouraged careless work>
— dis·cour·ag·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

dis·cour·age·ment \dis-ˈkər-ij-mənt, -ˈkə-rij-\ n
1 : an act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged
2 : something that discourages

1dis·course \ˈdis-ˌkō(ə)rs, -ˌkȯ(ə)rs, dis-ˈ\ n
1 : CONVERSATION
2 : a long talk or composition about a subject

2dis·course \dis-ˈkō(ə)rs, -ˈkȯ(ə)rs, ˈdis-ˌ\ vb dis·coursed; dis·cours·ing : to talk especially for a long time

dis·cour·te·ous \(ˈ)dis-ˈkərt-ē-əs\ adj : not polite : UNCIVIL, RUDE
— dis·cour·te·ous·ly adv

— dis·cour·te·ous·ness n

dis·cour·te·sy \dis-ˈkərt-ə-sē\ n, pl -sies
1 : rude behavior
2 : a rude act

dis·cov·er \dis-ˈkəv-ər\ vb dis·cov·ered; dis·cov·er·ing \-ˈkəv-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to make known or visible (as something secret or hidden)
2 a : to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time <discovered an uncharted island> <discovered the law of gravity>  b : to detect the presence of : FIND <discovered a pizza waiting on the table>  c : FIND OUT <was surprised to discover that I had lost my keys>
— dis·cov·er·able \-ˈkəv-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— dis·cov·er·er \-ˈkəv-ər-ər\ n

dis·cov·ery \dis-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : the act or process of discovering
2 : something discovered

1dis·cred·it \(ˈ)dis-ˈkred-ət\ vb
1 : to refuse to accept as true or correct : DISBELIEVE <discredit a rumor>
2 : to cause to seem dishonest or untrue <discredit a witness>
3 : to destroy the good reputation of : 1DISGRACE <involvement in the scandal discredited them>
— dis·cred·it·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— dis·cred·it·ably \-blē\ adv

2discredit n
1 : loss of good name or respect <brought discredit on their family>
2 : lack or loss of belief or confidence <bring a story into discredit>

dis·creet \dis-ˈkrēt\ adj : having or showing good judgment especially in conduct or speech
— dis·creet·ly adv

— dis·creet·ness n

dis·crep·an·cy \dis-ˈkrep-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being different : DISAGREEMENT <a great discrepancy between the two reports>
2 : something that is different or that disagrees <discrepancies in the firm's financial statements>

dis·crep·ant \dis-ˈkrep-ənt\ adj : not being in agreement <widely discrepant conclusions>
— dis·crep·ant·ly adv

dis·crete \dis-ˈkrēt, ˈdis-ˌkrēt\ adj : DISTINCT 1, SEPARATE <several discrete sections>
— dis·crete·ly adv

— dis·crete·ness n

dis·cre·tion \dis-ˈkresh-ən\ n
1 : the quality of being discreet : PRUDENCE
2 a : individual choice or judgment <left the decision to your discretion>  b : power of free decision <reached the age of discretion>
— dis·cre·tion·ary \-ˈkresh-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj

dis·crim·i·nant \dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nənt\ n : the expression b^2 − 4ac which is used to find out how many solutions exist for a quadratic equation of the general form ax^2 + bx + c = 0 and which indicates that two real solutions exist when it is positive, one solution exists when it is equal to zero, and no solutions exist when it is less than zero

dis·crim·i·nate \dis-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 a : to see the special features of <discriminate the geologic features of an area>  b : DISTINGUISH 1, DIFFERENTIATE <discriminate hundreds of colors>
2 : to be able to tell the difference especially between similar things <discriminate between a tree and a bush>
3 : to treat some people better than others without any fair or proper reason <discriminated against because of their race>
— dis·crim·i·na·ble \-ə-nə-bəl\ adj

dis·crim·i·nat·ing \dis-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt-iŋ\ adj
1 : showing careful judgment : DISCERNING <a discriminating taste>
2 : DISCRIMINATORY
— dis·crim·i·nat·ing·ly adv

dis·crim·i·na·tion \dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act of perceiving distinctions
2 : the ability to make fine distinctions
3 : the treating of some people better than others without any fair or proper reason <laws to end racial discrimination>
— dis·crim·i·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

dis·crim·i·na·tive \dis-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt-iv, -ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-tiv\ adj
1 : seeing the differences between things
2 : DISCRIMINATORY
— dis·crim·i·na·tive·ly adv

dis·crim·i·na·to·ry \dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : showing discrimination : being unfair <discriminatory treatment>

dis·cur·sive \dis-ˈkər-siv\ adj : passing from one topic to another <a discursive speech>
— dis·cur·sive·ly adv

— dis·cur·sive·ness n

dis·cus \ˈdis-kəs\ n, pl dis·cus·es : a heavy disk that is hurled for distance in a track-and-field event; also : the event

dis·cuss \dis-ˈkəs\ vb
1 : to consider carefully and openly by reasoning or argument <discuss a proposal>
2 : to talk about <discuss the weather>
synonyms DISCUSS, ARGUE, DEBATE, mean to talk about something with the intention of reaching agreement or merely of putting forth different points of view. DISCUSS suggests a lively expression of differing opinions in order to clarify a problem <discuss plans for a new road>. ARGUE suggests an exchange of opinions by people who disagree often strongly <argued over who was to blame>. DEBATE suggests an often public contest between persons taking opposite sides of a question <the candidates will debate the need for new taxes>.

dis·cus·sion \dis-ˈkəsh-ən\ n : conversation or debate for the purpose of understanding a question or subject

1dis·dain \dis-ˈdān\ n : a feeling of scorn for something or someone regarded as beneath oneself

2disdain vb
1 : to look with scorn on <disdained us for being afraid>
2 : to reject or refuse because of disdain <disdained to answer>

dis·dain·ful \dis-ˈdān-fəl\ adj : full of or expressing disdain  synonyms see CONTEMPTUOUS
— dis·dain·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— dis·dain·ful·ness n

dis·ease \diz-ˈēz\ n : an abnormal bodily condition of a living plant or animal that interferes with functioning and can usually be recognized by signs and symptoms : ILLNESS
— dis·eased \-ˈēzd\ adj

dis·em·bark \ˌdis-əm-ˈbärk\ vb : to go or put ashore from a ship <the passengers disembarked>
— dis·em·bar·ka·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən, -bər-\ n

dis·em·body \ˌdis-əm-ˈbäd-ē\ vb : to deprive of bodily existence <disembodied spirits>

dis·em·bow·el \ˌdis-əm-ˈbau̇(-ə)l\ vb -eled or -elled; -eling or -el·ling : to take out the bowels of
— dis·em·bow·el·ment \-mənt\ n

dis·em·pow·er \dis-im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r\ vb : to keep one from having authority, power, or influence : make weak or unimportant
— dis·em·pow·er·ment \-mənt\ n

dis·en·chant \ˌdis-ən-ˈchant\ vb : to free from illusion
— dis·en·chant·ment \-mənt\ n

dis·en·cum·ber \ˌdis-ən-ˈkəm-bər\ vb : to free from a burden

dis·en·fran·chise \ˌdis-ən-ˈfran-ˌchīz\ vb : to deprive of a legal right; esp : to deprive of the right to vote
— dis·en·fran·chise·ment \-ˌchīz-mənt, -chəz-\ n

dis·en·gage \ˌdis-ən-ˈgāj\ vb : to free or release from an engagement, entanglement, or burden <disengage an automobile clutch>
— dis·en·gage·ment \-mənt\ n

dis·en·tan·gle \ˌdis-ən-ˈtaŋ-gəl\ vb : to straighten out : UNTANGLE
— dis·en·tan·gle·ment \-mənt\ n

1dis·fa·vor \(ˈ)dis-ˈfā-vər\ n
1 : 1DISLIKE, DISAPPROVAL <practices looked upon with disfavor>
2 : the state or fact of being disliked or disapproved <fell into disfavor>

2disfavor vb : 2DISLIKE, DISAPPROVE

dis·fig·ure \dis-ˈfig-yər, especially British -ˈfig-ər\ vb : to spoil the appearance of <disfigured by a scar>
— dis·fig·ure·ment \-mənt\ n

dis·fran·chise \(ˈ)dis-ˈfran-ˌchīz\ vb -chised; -chis·ing : DISENFRANCHISE
— dis·fran·chise·ment \-ˌchīz-mənt, -chəz-\ n

dis·gorge \(ˈ)dis-ˈgȯ(ə)rj\ vb
1 : 2VOMIT 1
2 : to cause to come out violently or forcefully <the volcano disgorged lava>

1dis·grace \dis-ˈgrās\ vb dis·graced; dis·grac·ing : to bring shame to
— dis·grac·er n

2disgrace n
1 : the condition of being looked down on : loss of respect <in disgrace with one's schoolmates>
2 : 1DISHONOR 1, SHAME <the disgrace of being a coward>
3 : a cause of shame <that person's manners are a disgrace>
— dis·grace·ful \dis-ˈgrās-fəl\ adj

— dis·grace·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— dis·grace·ful·ness n

dis·grun·tle \dis-ˈgrənt-əl\ vb dis·grun·tled; dis·grun·tling \-ˈgrənt-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to put in a bad mood
— dis·grun·tle·ment \-əl-mənt\ n

1dis·guise \dis-ˈgīz\ vb dis·guised; dis·guis·ing
1 : to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal identity <spies disguised as tourists>
2 : to keep from showing the existence or true character of : HIDE <disguised their true feelings> <tried to disguise her voice>
— dis·guised·ly \-ˈgīz(-ə)d-lē\ adv

— dis·guis·er n

2disguise n
1 : clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate another's
2 : an outward appearance that hides what something really is <a blessing in disguise>

1dis·gust \dis-ˈgəst\ n : a strong feeling of dislike caused especially by something sickening or evil

2disgust vb : to cause to feel disgust
— dis·gust·ed adj

— dis·gust·ed·ly adv

dis·gust·ing \dis-ˈgəs-tiŋ\ adj : causing disgust <disgusting behavior>
— dis·gust·ing·ly adv

1dish \ˈdish\ n
1 a : a shallow usually circular vessel for serving food  b : the food served in a dish <a dish of strawberries>
2 : food prepared in a particular way
3 a : something that is shaped like a dish  b : a directional receiver having a concave reflector; esp : one used as a microwave or radar antenna

2dish vb
1 : to put into a dish or dishes <dish up some soup>
2 : to shape something like a dish

dish·cloth \ˈdish-ˌklȯth\ n : a cloth for washing dishes

dis·heart·en \(ˈ)dis-ˈhärt-ən\ vb : to deprive of courage and hope : DISCOURAGE
— dis·heart·en·ing \-ˈhärt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ adj

— dis·heart·en·ing·ly \-lē\ adv

— dis·heart·en·ment \-ˈhärt-ən-mənt\ n

di·shev·el \dish-ˈev-əl\ vb di·shev·eled or di·shev·elled; di·shev·el·ing or di·shev·el·ling \-ˈev-(ə-)liŋ\ : to throw into disorder : make untidy <the wind disheveled her clothes>

disheveled or dishevelled adj : marked by disorder <disheveled hair>

dis·hon·est \(ˈ)dis-ˈän-əst\ adj : not honest or trustworthy : DECEITFUL <dishonest people>
— dis·hon·est·ly adv

dis·hon·es·ty \(ˈ)dis-ˈän-ə-stē\ n : lack of honesty : the quality of being dishonest

1dis·hon·or \(ˈ)dis-ˈän-ər\ n
1 : loss of honor or good name
2 : the state of one who has lost honor
3 : a cause of disgrace

2dishonor vb
1 : to bring shame on : DISGRACE
2 : to refuse to accept or pay (as a check)
— dis·hon·or·er n

dis·hon·or·able \-ˈän-(ə-)rə-bəl, -ˈän-ər-bəl\ adj : not honorable : SHAMEFUL <dishonorable conduct>
— dis·hon·or·ably \-blē\ adv

dish out vb : to give out freely <dish out advice>

dish·wash·er \ˈdish-ˌwȯsh-ər, -ˌwäsh-\ n : a person or a machine that washes dishes

dish·wa·ter \-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : water in which dishes have been or are to be washed

dis·il·lu·sion \ˌdis-ə-ˈlü-zhən\ vb dis·il·lu·sioned; dis·il·lu·sion·ing \-ˈlüzh-(ə-)niŋ\ : to free from mistaken beliefs or foolish hopes <a loss that disillusioned the fans>
— dis·il·lu·sion·ment \-ˈlü-zhən-mənt\ n

dis·in·cline \ˌdis-ən-ˈklīn\ vb : to make or be unwilling <was disinclined to go>
— dis·in·cli·na·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən, -ˌiŋ-\ n

dis·in·fect \ˌdis-ən-ˈfekt\ vb : to cleanse of germs that might cause disease
— dis·in·fec·tion \-ˈfek-shən\ n

dis·in·fect·ant \dis-ən-ˈfek-tənt\ n : something (as a chemical) that is able to destroy harmful germs (as bacteria and fungi)
— disinfectant adj

dis·in·her·it \ˌdis-ən-ˈher-ət\ vb : to deprive of the right to inherit

dis·in·te·grate \(ˈ)dis-ˈint-ə-ˌgrāt\ vb
1 : to break or decompose into the elements, parts, or small particles making up something
2 : to go through a change in composition <an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity>
— dis·in·te·gra·tor \-ˌgrāt-ər\ n

dis·in·te·gra·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌint-ə-ˈgrā-shən\ n : the act or process of disintegrating : the state of being disintegrated

dis·in·ter \ˌdis-ən-ˈtər\ vb
1 : to take out of the grave or tomb
2 : to bring back into awareness : UNEARTH
— dis·in·ter·ment \-mənt\ n

dis·in·ter·est·ed \dis-ˈint-ə-res-təd, ˈdis-; -ˈin-trəs-, -ˌtres-; -ˈint-ərs-, -ˈint-ə-rəs-\ adj
1 : not interested
2 : not influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or concerns : UNBIASED <a disinterested decision>
— dis·in·ter·est·ed·ly adv

— dis·in·ter·est·ed·ness n

dis·join \(ˈ)dis-ˈjȯin\ vb : to end the union of : become separated

1dis·joint \(ˈ)dis-ˈjȯint\ adj : having no members in common <disjoint mathematical sets>

2disjoint vb
1 : to separate the parts of
2 : to take or come apart at the joints

dis·joint·ed adj
1 : separated at or as if at the joint
2 : not clear and orderly : INCOHERENT <disjointed conversation>
— dis·joint·ed·ly adv

— dis·joint·ed·ness n

1disk or disc \ˈdisk\ n
1 a : the central part of the flower head of a typical plant (as a daisy or aster) of the composite family made up of closely packed tube-shaped flowers  b : any of various rounded and flattened animal anatomical structures; esp : INTERVERTEBRAL DISK
2 : a thin circular object: as  a usually disc : a phonograph record  b : a round flat plate coated with a magnetic substance on which data for a computer is stored  c : CD  d : VIDEODISC
3 usually disc : a tilling implement (as a plow) with sharp-edged circular cutting blades; also : one of these blades
— disk·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2disk or disc vb : to cultivate (land) with a disc

disk drive n : a device for reading and writing computer data on a magnetic disk

disk flower n : any of the tube-shaped flowers in the disk of a plant (as a daisy or aster) of the composite family — compare RAY FLOWER

disk jockey variant of DISC JOCKEY

1dis·like \(ˈ)dis-ˈlīk\ n : a strong feeling of not liking or approving

2dislike vb : to feel dislike for

dis·lo·cate \ˈdis-lō-ˌkāt, (ˈ)dis-ˈlō-\ vb
1 : to put out of place; esp : to displace (a bone) from normal connections with another bone
2 : DISRUPT

dis·lo·ca·tion \ˌdis-(ˌ)lō-ˈkā-shən\ n : the act of dislocating : the state of being dislocated; esp : displacement of one or more bones at a joint

dis·lodge \(ˈ)dis-ˈläj\ vb : to force out of a place especially of rest, hiding, or defense

dis·loy·al \(ˈ)dis-ˈlȯi(-ə)l\ adj : lacking in loyalty
— dis·loy·al·ly \-ˈlȯi-ə-lē\ adv

— dis·loy·al·ty \-ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē\ n

dis·mal \ˈdiz-məl\ adj
1 : very gloomy and depressing : DREARY <dismal weather>
2 : lacking in merit : particularly bad <a dismal performance>
— dis·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv
Word History At the time of the Roman Empire, certain days of each month, called “Egyptian days,” were regarded as inauspicious. These days of ill omen were probably a relic of ancient Egyptian belief, but their source had been forgotten by the Middle Ages. People then took them to be anniversaries of the plagues visited on Egypt in Moses' time—though there were 24 Egyptian days in the year and only ten biblical plagues. In medieval French the Egyptian days were called collectively dismal (from Latin dies mali, “evil days”), and this word was borrowed into Middle English. Any day of the 24 was a dismal day, but the original sense “evil days” was forgotten, and dismal was simply taken as an adjective meaning “disastrous.” [Middle English dismal “days marked on a calendar as unlucky,” from early French (same meaning), from Latin dies mali, “evil days”]

dis·man·tle \(ˈ)dis-ˈmant-əl\ vb dis·man·tled; dis·man·tling \-ˈmant-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to take to pieces : take apart <dismantled the engine to repair it>
2 : to strip of furniture and equipment <dismantle an office>
— dis·man·tle·ment \-ˈmant-əl-mənt\ n

1dis·may \dis-ˈmā, diz-\ vb
1 : to cause to lose courage or to feel concern : DAUNT <dismayed by their opponent's size>
2 : 1UPSET 2A, PERTURB <dismayed by the poor turnout>
— dis·may·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2dismay n
1 : loss of courage or determination from alarm or fear
2 : a feeling of alarm or disappointment

dis·mem·ber \(ˈ)dis-ˈmem-bər\ vb dis·mem·bered; dis·mem·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to cut off or separate the limbs or parts of
2 : to break up or tear into pieces
— dis·mem·ber·ment \-bər-mənt\ n

dis·miss \dis-ˈmis\ vb
1 : to send away : cause or allow to go <dismissed the troops>
2 : to discharge from office, service, or employment
3 : to put aside or out of mind <dismiss the thought>
4 : to refuse further judicial hearing or consideration to <the judge dismissed the charge> [derived from Latin dimissus, past participle of dimittere “to send away,” from di-, dis- “away, apart,” and mittere “to send, throw” — related to EMIT]
— dis·miss·al \-ˈmis-əl\ n

— dis·mis·sive \-ˈmis-iv\ adj

— dis·mis·sive·ly adv

dis·mount \(ˈ)dis-ˈmau̇nt\ vb
1 : to get down from something (as a horse)
2 : to remove or throw down especially from a horse
— dismount n

dis·obe·di·ence \ˌdis-ə-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s\ n : failure or refusal to obey
— dis·obe·di·ent \-ənt\ adj

— dis·obe·di·ent·ly adv

dis·obey \ˌdis-ə-ˈbā\ vb : to refuse, neglect, or fail to obey

dis·oblige \ˌdis-ə-ˈblīj\ vb
1 : to go against the wishes of
2 : 2INCONVENIENCE

1dis·or·der \(ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər\ vb
1 : to disturb the order of
2 : to disturb the regular or normal functions of

2disorder n
1 : lack of order : a state or condition without order <clothes in disorder>
2 : an abnormal physical or mental condition : AILMENT

dis·or·dered adj
1 : marked by disorder
2 : not functioning in a normal orderly healthy way

dis·or·der·ly \(ˈ)dis-ȯrd-ər-lē\ adj
1 : not behaving quietly or well : upsetting public order : UNRULY <disorderly persons> <disorderly conduct>
2 : not neat or orderly <a disorderly mass of papers>
— dis·or·der·li·ness n

dis·or·ga·nize \(ˈ)dis-ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz\ vb : to break up the regular arrangement of : CONFUSE, DISORDER
— dis·or·ga·ni·za·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌȯrg-(ə-)nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

dis·ori·ent \(ˈ)dis-ˈōr-ē-ˌent, -ˈȯr-\ vb : to cause to be confused or lost

dis·own \(ˈ)dis-ˈōn\ vb : to refuse to accept any longer as one's own : RENOUNCE, DISCLAIM

dis·par·age \dis-ˈpar-ij\ vb -aged; -ag·ing
1 : to lower in rank : DEGRADE
2 : to speak of as unimportant or not much good : BELITTLE <disparaged the performance>
— dis·par·age·ment \-mənt\ n

— dis·par·ag·ing adj

— dis·par·ag·ing·ly \-ij-iŋ-lē\ adv

dis·par·ate \dis-ˈpar-ət, ˈdis-p(ə-)rət\ adj : very different : unique in quality or character
— dis·par·ate·ly adv

— dis·par·ate·ness n

— dis·par·i·ty \dis-ˈpar-ət-ē\ n

dis·pas·sion·ate \(ˈ)dis-ˈpash-(ə-)nət\ adj : not influenced by strong feeling : CALM, IMPARTIAL <a dispassionate judge>
— dis·pas·sion·ate·ly adv

1dis·patch \dis-ˈpach\ vb
1 : to send away quickly to a particular place or for a particular purpose <dispatch a messenger> <dispatch a train>
2 : to put to death : KILL
3 : to get done speedily
— dis·patch·er n

2dispatch n
1 a : MESSAGE 1; esp : an important official message  b : a news story sent in to a newspaper
2 : the sending of a message or messenger
3 : the act of killing
4 : the shipment of goods
5 : promptness in performing a task <did our homework with dispatch>

dis·pel \dis-ˈpel\ vb dis·pelled; dis·pel·ling : to drive away by or as if by scattering : DISSIPATE

dis·pens·able \dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj : not necessary : NONESSENTIAL
— dis·pens·abil·i·ty \-ˌpen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

dis·pen·sa·ry \dis-ˈpen(t)s-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a place where medical or dental aid is given

dis·pen·sa·tion \ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen-\ n
1 a : a system of rules for ordering affairs  b : a particular arrangement especially of nature
2 : release from a rule or from a vow or oath
3 a : the act of dispensing  b : something dispensed or distributed
— dis·pen·sa·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

dis·pense \dis-ˈpen(t)s\ vb dis·pensed; dis·pens·ing
1 a : to give out in shares <dispense charity>  b : to give out as deserved <dispense justice>
2 : to prepare and give out (medicines)  synonyms see DISTRIBUTE
— dispense with
1 : to set aside : DISCARD
2 : to do or get along without

dis·pens·er \dis-ˈpen(t)-sər\ n : one that dispenses; esp : a container that gives out something a little at a time <a soap dispenser>

dis·pers·al \dis-ˈpər-səl\ n : the act or result of dispersing

dis·perse \dis-ˈpərs\ vb dis·persed; dis·pers·ing
1 : to cause to become spread widely : SCATTER <police dispersed the crowd>
2 : to subject (as light) to dispersion
3 : to move in different directions <the clouds dispersed>

dis·per·sion \dis-ˈpər-zhən\ n
1 : the act or process of dispersing : the state of being dispersed
2 : the separation of light (as by a prism) into a series of colors
— dis·per·sive \-ˈpər-siv, -ziv\ adj

dis·pir·it \(ˈ)dis-ˈpir-ət\ vb : to deprive of cheerful spirit : DISHEARTEN
— dis·pir·it·ed·ly adv

— dis·pir·it·ed·ness n

dis·place \(ˈ)dis-ˈplās\ vb
1 : to remove from a usual or proper place; esp : to expel or force to flee from home or homeland <displaced persons>
2 a : to remove physically out of position <water displaced by a floating object>  b : to take the place of : REPLACE
— dis·place·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

dis·place·ment \-ˈplā-smənt\ n
1 : the act of displacing : the state of being displaced
2 a : the volume or weight of a fluid (as water) displaced by a floating body (as a ship) of equal weight  b : the difference between the first position of an object and any later position  c : the volume displaced by a piston (as in a pump or engine) in a single stroke; also : the total volume displaced in this way by all the pistons in an internal-combustion engine (as of an automobile)

1dis·play \dis-ˈplā\ vb
1 : to put in plain view <display the flag> <the results displayed on a computer screen> <display toys in a store window>
2 : to make clear the existence or presence of : make a display of <display anger>  synonyms see SHOW

2display n
1 a : a showing of something  b : an electronic device (as a cathode-ray tube in a computer or radar receiver) that gives information in visual form; also : the visual information
2 : overdone or unnecessary show
3 : an attractive exhibition

dis·please \(ˈ)dis-ˈplēz\ vb : to cause to feel disapproval, dislike, or annoyance <was displeased by the delay>

dis·plea·sure \(ˈ)dis-ˈplezh-ər, -ˈplāzh-\ n : a feeling of dislike and irritation : DISSATISFACTION

dis·port \dis-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 a : AMUSE 1, DIVERT <disporting themselves on the beach>  b : 1FROLIC
2 : 1DISPLAY 2
— dis·port·ment \-mənt\ n

dis·pos·able \dis-ˈpō-zə-bəl\ adj : made to be thrown away after use <a disposable bottle> <disposable diapers>

dis·pos·al \dis-ˈpō-zəl\ n
1 : the right or power to use or control something : COMMAND <funds at our disposal>
2 : an orderly arrangement <the disposal of troops for battle>
3 : a getting rid of or putting out of the way <trash disposal>
4 : MANAGEMENT 1, ADMINISTRATION
5 : the transfer of something to a new owner <a disposal of property>

dis·pose \dis-ˈpōz\ vb dis·posed; dis·pos·ing
1 : 1INCLINE 2 <I was not disposed to go to the meeting>
2 : to put in place or in readiness : ARRANGE <you'll need more room to dispose your legs comfortably>
— dis·pos·er n

— dispose of
1 : to settle or decide the future, condition, or use of <King James claimed the right to dispose of the whole American continent>
2 a : to transfer to the control of another <disposing of one's property to another>  b : to get rid of : put out of the way : DISCARD <how to dispose of radioactive waste>
3 : to take care of : deal with <I have some business to dispose of first>

dis·po·si·tion \ˌdis-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : the act or power of disposing : DISPOSAL
2 : ARRANGEMENT 1 <the disposition of furniture in a room>
3 a : one's usual attitude or mood <a cheerful disposition>  b : a leaning toward a particular way of thinking or acting : TENDENCY, INCLINATION <neither showed a disposition to retreat>

dis·pos·sess \ˌdis-pə-ˈzes\ vb : to take away the possession of or the right to occupy land or houses
— dis·pos·ses·sion \-ˈzesh-ən\ n

dis·proof \(ˈ)dis-ˈprüf\ n
1 : the action of disproving
2 : evidence that disproves

dis·pro·por·tion \ˌdis-prə-ˈpōr-shən, -ˈpȯr-\ n : lack of proportion, balance, or proper relation; also : an instance of this

dis·pro·por·tion·ate \ˌdis-prə-ˈpōr-sh(ə-)nət, -ˈpȯr-\ adj : being out of proportion
— dis·pro·por·tion·ate·ly adv

dis·prove \(ˈ)dis-ˈprüv\ vb : to prove to be false

dis·put·able \ˌdis-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl, ˈdis-pyət-\ adj : not yet proved : DEBATABLE
— dis·put·ably \-blē\ adv

dis·pu·tant \dis-ˈpyüt-ənt, ˈdis-pyət-\ n : a person who takes part in a dispute

dis·pu·ta·tion \ˌdis-pyə-ˈtā-shən\ n : the act of disputing : DEBATE

dis·pu·ta·tious \ˌdis-pyə-ˈtā-shəs\ adj : likely to dispute or cause dispute; also : marked by disputation
— dis·pu·ta·tious·ness n

1dis·pute \dis-ˈpyüt\ vb dis·put·ed; dis·put·ing
1 : to engage in argument : DEBATE
2 : to quarrel angrily : WRANGLE
3 : to question the truth or rightness of <dispute a statement>
4 : to fight over : CONTEST <the two nations disputed the territory>
— dis·put·er n

2dispute n
1 : ARGUMENT 1B, DEBATE
2 : an angry difference of opinion : QUARREL

dis·qual·i·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌkwäl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : something that disqualifies
2 : the act of disqualifying : the state of being disqualified

dis·qual·i·fy \(ˈ)dis-ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make or declare unfit or not qualified

1dis·qui·et \(ˈ)dis-ˈkwī-ət\ vb : to make uneasy or restless : DISTURB
— dis·qui·et·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2disquiet n : an uneasy feeling

1dis·re·gard \ˌdis-ri-ˈgärd\ vb : to pay no attention to : treat as unworthy of regard or notice  synonyms see NEGLECT

2disregard n : the act of disregarding : the state of being disregarded
— dis·re·gard·ful \-fəl\ adj

dis·re·pair \ˌdis-ri-ˈpa(ə)r, -ˈpe(ə)r\ n : the condition of needing repair

dis·rep·u·ta·ble \(ˈ)dis-ˈrep-yət-ə-bəl\ adj : not respectable : having a bad reputation
— dis·rep·u·ta·ble·ness n

— dis·rep·u·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

dis·re·pute \ˌdis-ri-ˈpyüt\ n : loss or lack of good reputation : DISGRACE

1dis·re·spect \ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt\ vb
1 : to have disrespect for
2 : to show or express disrespect or dislike for : INSULT

2disrespect n : lack of respect : DISCOURTESY
— dis·re·spect·ful \-fəl\ adj

— dis·re·spect·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— dis·re·spect·ful·ness n

dis·re·spect·able \-ˈspek-tə-bəl\ adj : not respectable
— dis·re·spect·abil·i·ty \-ˌspek-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

dis·robe \(ˈ)dis-ˈrōb\ vb : 1UNDRESS

dis·rupt \dis-ˈrəpt\ vb : to throw into disorder <disrupted the class>
— dis·rupt·er n

— dis·rup·tion \-ˈrəp-shən\ n

— dis·rup·tive \-ˈrəp-tiv\ adj

— dis·rup·tive·ly adv

— dis·rup·tive·ness n

dis·sat·is·fac·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌ(s)at-əs-ˈfak-shən\ n : the quality or state of being dissatisfied

dis·sat·is·fac·to·ry \-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē\ adj : causing dissatisfaction

dis·sat·is·fy \(ˈ)dis-ˈ(s)at-əs-ˌfī\ vb : to fail to satisfy : DISPLEASE

dis·sect \dī-ˈsekt, ˈdi-; ˈdī-ˌsekt\ vb
1 : to cut up (as a plant or animal) into separate parts for examination and study
2 : to make a careful examination of <dissect a problem> [from Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare “to cut apart,” from dis- “apart” and secare “to cut” — related to INSECT, SECTION]

dis·sec·tion \-ˈsek-shən, -ˌsek-\ n
1 : the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected
2 : a plant or animal or a part of one that has been dissected for study of the anatomy

dis·sem·ble \dis-ˈem-bəl\ vb -bled; -bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to hide one's true feelings : put on a false appearance
— dis·sem·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

dis·sem·i·nate \dis-ˈem-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to spread around as if sowing seed <disseminate ideas>
— dis·sem·i·na·tion \-ˌem-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— dis·sem·i·na·tor \-ˈem-ə-ˌnāt-ər\ n

dis·sen·sion \dis-ˈen-chən\ n : disagreement in opinion : DISCORD

1dis·sent \dis-ˈent\ vb : to differ in opinion : DISAGREE

2dissent n : difference of opinion

dis·sent·er \dis-ˈent-ər\ n
1 : one that dissents
2 cap : an English Protestant who is not in agreement with the rules or beliefs of the Church of England

dis·sen·tient \dis-ˈen-chənt\ adj : expressing dissent <a dissentient opinion>

dis·ser·ta·tion \ˌdis-ər-ˈtā-shən\ n : a long usually written treatment of a subject

dis·ser·vice \(ˈ)dis-ˈ(s)ər-vəs\ n : an unhelpful, unkind, or harmful act <behavior that did a disservice to the sport>

dis·sev·er \dis-ˈev-ər\ vb : to separate completely

dis·si·dence \ˈdis-əd-ən(t)s\ n : DISSENT, DISAGREEMENT

dis·si·dent \ˈdis-əd-ənt\ adj : disagreeing with an opinion or a group
— dissident n

dis·sim·i·lar \(ˈ)dis-ˈ(s)im-ə-lər\ adj : DIFFERENT 1, UNLIKE
— dis·sim·i·lar·i·ty \(ˌ)dis-ˌ(s)im-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n

— dis·sim·i·lar·ly \(ˈ)dis-ˈ(s)im-ə-lər-lē\ adv

dis·sim·u·late \(ˈ)dis-ˈim-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : DISSEMBLE
— dis·sim·u·la·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌim-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— dis·sim·u·la·tor \(ˈ)dis-ˈim-yə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

dis·si·pate \ˈdis-ə-ˌpāt\ vb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
1 : to break up and drive off <dissipate a crowd>
2 : to use up wastefully or foolishly : SQUANDER <dissipated his fortune>
3 : to separate into parts and scatter or vanish
4 : to be unrestrained in the pursuit of pleasure; esp : to drink to excess

dissipated adj : affected by or showing the effects of dissipation : DISSOLUTE
— dis·si·pat·ed·ly adv

— dis·si·pat·ed·ness n

dis·si·pa·tion \ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən\ n : the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated

dis·so·ci·ate \(ˈ)dis-ˈō-sē-ˌāt, -shē-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to separate from association or union with another
2 : 1DIVIDE 1

dis·so·ci·a·tion \(ˌ)dis-ˌō-sē-ˈā-shən, -shē-\ n : the act or process of dissociating : the state of being dissociated; esp : the process by which a chemical combination breaks up into simpler substances of which it is made

dis·so·lute \ˈdis-ə-ˌlüt\ adj : having or showing bad morals or behavior
— dis·so·lute·ly adv

— dis·so·lute·ness n

dis·so·lu·tion \ˌdis-ə-ˈlü-shən\ n
1 : the action or process of dissolving
2 : the ending or breaking up of an assembly or a partnership or corporation

dis·solve \diz-ˈälv, -ˈȯlv\ vb dis·solved; dis·solv·ing
1 : to mix or cause to mix with a liquid so that the result is a liquid that is the same throughout <sugar dissolves in water>
2 : to bring to an end <dissolved their partnership>
3 : to fade away as if by breaking up or melting <his courage dissolved in the face of danger>
4 : to be overcome by a strong feeling <dissolved into tears>
5 : to appear or fade out gradually so that one scene is replaced by another (as in movies or television)
— dis·solv·er n

dis·so·nance \ˈdis-ə-nən(t)s\ n : an unpleasant combination of musical sounds

dis·so·nant \ˈdis-ə-nənt\ adj : marked by dissonance
— dis·so·nant·ly adv

dis·suade \dis-ˈwād\ vb dis·suad·ed; dis·suad·ing : to persuade or advise not to do something

1dis·taff \ˈdis-ˌtaf\ n, pl distaffs \-ˌtafs, -ˌtavz\
1 : a staff for holding the flax or wool in spinning
2 : the female branch or side of a family
Word History Before the invention of the spinning wheel, the spinning of yarn or thread was traditionally done by women using a spindle and a distaff. A spindle was a long spool to hold and spin the yarn. A distaff was a short rod with an opening or branches at the top for holding the flax or wool. The word distæf in Old English meant literally “flax staff,” from dis- “a bunch of flax” and stæf “staff.” Because women usually did the spinning, the distaff came to be a symbol for women's work. The word distaff in time took on the meaning “women's work” and later “woman.” The noun distaff is rarely used in this way today, but the female members of a family are still referred to as the distaff side. [from earlier distaff (noun) “a staff for holding flax or wool for spinning,” from Old English distæf (same meaning), from dis- “bunch of flax” and stæf “staff”]

2distaff adj : of, relating to, or being a woman <the distaff side of the family> <distaff skiers>

1dis·tance \ˈdis-tən(t)s\ n
1 a : separation in time  b : the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects  c : the full length <go the distance>
2 : the quality or state of being not friendly : RESERVE
3 : a distant point or place <a light seen in the distance>

2distance vb dis·tanced; dis·tanc·ing
1 : to make or keep an emotional separation from
2 : to leave far behind

3distance adj : taking place using electronic media that links instructors and students who are not together in a classroom <distance learning>

dis·tant \ˈdis-tənt\ adj
1 a : separated in space or time : AWAY  b : being at a great distance : FAR-OFF <distant galaxies>  c : far apart
2 : not close in relationship <distant cousin>
3 : 1COLD 2, UNFRIENDLY
— dis·tant·ly adv

— dis·tant·ness n

dis·taste \(ˈ)dis-ˈtāst\ n : a strong dislike : AVERSION

dis·taste·ful \dis-ˈtāst-fəl\ adj : causing displeasure : UNPLEASANT, DISAGREEABLE
— dis·taste·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— dis·taste·ful·ness n

dis·tem·per \dis-ˈtem-pər\ n : a highly contagious virus disease especially of dogs marked by fever and by respiratory and sometimes nervous symptoms

dis·tend \dis-ˈtend\ vb : to stretch or bulge out in all directions : SWELL

dis·ten·sion or dis·ten·tion \dis-ˈten-chən\ n : the act of distending or the state of being distended

dis·till also dis·til \dis-ˈtil\ vb dis·tilled; dis·till·ing : to obtain or purify by distillation

dis·til·late \ˈdis-tə-ˌlāt, -lət; dis-ˈtil-ət\ n : a liquid product cooled from vapor during distillation

dis·til·la·tion \ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən\ n : a process of heating a liquid or solid until it sends off a vapor and then cooling the vapor until it becomes liquid

dis·till·er \dis-ˈtil-ər\ n : one that distills especially alcoholic liquors

dis·till·ery \dis-ˈtil-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : a place where distilling especially of alcoholic liquors is done

dis·tinct \dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t\ adj
1 : real and different from each other <five distinct varieties> <pears as distinct from apples>
2 : clearly seen, heard, or understood : PLAIN, UNMISTAKABLE <speaks with a distinct accent> <a distinct possibility>
3 : NOTABLE <made a distinct contribution to science>
— dis·tinct·ly adv

— dis·tinct·ness n

dis·tinc·tion \dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-shən\ n
1 a : the seeing or pointing out of a difference  b : DIFFERENCE 1 <the distinction between good and evil>
2 : something that makes a person or thing special or different <the distinction of being the oldest house in the city>
3 a : particular excellence <served with distinction>  b : special honor or recognition

dis·tinc·tive \dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-tiv\ adj
1 : clearly marking a person or a thing as different from others <a distinctive walk>
2 : having or giving a special look or way <distinctive clothes>
— dis·tinc·tive·ly adv

— dis·tinc·tive·ness n

dis·tin·guish \dis-ˈtiŋ-(g)wish\ vb
1 : to recognize one thing from others by some mark or quality <distinguish the bird calls>
2 : to hear or see clearly : MAKE OUT, DISCERN <distinguish a light in the distance>
3 : to know or point out the difference <distinguish between right and wrong>
4 : to set apart as different or special <distinguished themselves by heroic actions>
— dis·tin·guish·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— dis·tin·guish·ably \-blē\ adv

dis·tin·guished adj : widely known and admired for excellence <a distinguished scientist>

dis·tort \dis-ˈtȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 : to tell in a way that is misleading : MISREPRESENT <distorted the facts>
2 : to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition [from Latin distortus, past participle of distorquēre “to distort, twist out of proper meaning,” from dis- “reverse, apart” and torquēre “to twist” — related to EXTORT, RETORT, TORTURE]
— dis·tort·er n

dis·tor·tion \dis-ˈtȯr-shən\ n
1 : the act of distorting
2 : the condition of being distorted or a product of distortion
— dis·tor·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

dis·tract \dis-ˈtrakt\ vb
1 : to draw the attention or mind to something else
2 : to upset or trouble in mind to the point of confusion
— dis·tract·ible \-ˈtrak-tə-bəl\ adj

dis·trac·tion \dis-ˈtrak-shən\ n
1 : the act of distracting : the state of being distracted; esp : mental confusion
2 a : something that makes it hard to pay attention  b : AMUSEMENT 1
— dis·trac·tive \-ˈtrak-tiv\ adj

dis·traught \dis-ˈtrȯt\ adj
1 : disturbed with doubt or painful feelings
2 : INSANE 1
— dis·traught·ly adv

1dis·tress \dis-ˈtres\ n
1 : great suffering of body or mind : PAIN, ANGUISH
2 : a painful situation : MISFORTUNE
3 : a condition of danger or desperate need <a ship in distress>

2distress vb
1 : to cause to experience painful difficulties
2 : to cause to worry or be troubled : UPSET
— dis·tress·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

dis·tress·ful \dis-ˈtres-fəl\ adj : causing distress : full of distress
— dis·tress·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— dis·tress·ful·ness n

dis·trib·u·tary \dis-ˈtrib-yə-ˌter-ē\ n, pl -tar·ies : a river branch flowing away from the main stream

dis·trib·ute \dis-ˈtrib-yət\ vb -ut·ed; -ut·ing
1 : to divide among several or many <distributed the food to the needy>
2 : to spread out so as to cover something : SCATTER
3 : to give out or deliver especially to members of a group <distribute the directions to the class> <distribute newspapers>
4 : to divide or separate especially into kinds
synonyms DISTRIBUTE, DISPENSE, DIVIDE, DOLE, mean to give out usually in shares to each member of a group. DISTRIBUTE suggests the giving out of something by separating it into parts, units, or amounts <distributed the art supplies to the class>. DISPENSE suggests the giving of a carefully measured portion <dispensed the medicine to the patients>. DIVIDE stresses the separation of a whole into usually equal parts <divided the money that they had earned together>. DOLE suggests a carefully measured portion of something in short supply <slowly doled out the last of the food>.

dis·tri·bu·tion \ˌdis-trə-ˈbyü-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of distributing
2 a : the position, arrangement, or numbers (as of the members of a group) over an area or throughout a space or unit of time  b : the natural geographic range of a living thing <the distribution of human beings>
3 a : something distributed  b : FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION <population age distribution>
4 : the marketing of goods
— dis·tri·bu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

dis·trib·u·tive \dis-ˈtrib-yət-iv\ adj
1 : of or relating to distribution : serving to distribute
2 : of, having, or being the property of giving the same mathematical result when an operation is carried out on a whole expression and when it is carried out on each part of an expression with the results then collected together <the distributive property of multiplication means a(b + c) = ab + ac>
— dis·trib·u·tive·ly adv

dis·trib·u·tor \dis-ˈtrib-yət-ər\ n
1 : one that distributes
2 : an agent or agency for marketing goods
3 : a device that sends electric current to the spark plugs of an engine so that they fire in the proper order

1dis·trict \ˈdis-(ˌ)trikt\ n
1 : an area or section (as of a city or nation) set apart for some purpose <a school district> <a judicial district>
2 : an area or region having some special feature <a coal-mining district>

2district vb : to divide or organize into districts

district attorney n : the prosecuting officer of a judicial district

1dis·trust \(ˈ)dis-ˈtrəst\ vb : to have no trust or confidence in

2distrust n : a lack of trust or confidence  synonyms see DOUBT
— dis·trust·ful \-fəl\ adj

— dis·trust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— dis·trust·ful·ness n

dis·turb \dis-ˈtərb\ vb
1 a : to interfere with : INTERRUPT  b : to change the position, arrangement, or stability of
2 a : to trouble the mind of : make uneasy  b : to throw into confusion or disorder  c : to cause bother to
— dis·turb·er n

dis·turb·ance \dis-ˈtər-bən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of disturbing
2 : mental confusion : UPSET
3 : public commotion : DISORDER

dis·turbed \dis-ˈtərbd\ adj : showing signs of mental or emotional illness

di·sul·fide \(ˈ)dī-ˈsəl-ˌfīd\ n : a compound containing two atoms of sulfur combined with an element or chemical group

dis·union \dish-ˈü-nyən, (ˈ)dis-ˈyü-\ n : the ending of union : SEPARATION

dis·unite \ˌdish-ü-ˈnīt, ˌdis-yü-\ vb : 1DIVIDE 1, SEPARATE

dis·uni·ty \dish-ˈü-nət-ē, (ˈ)dis-ˈyü-\ n : lack of unity; esp : DISSENSION

dis·use \dish-ˈüs, (ˈ)dis-ˈyüs\ n : lack of use

dis·used \-ˈyüzd\ adj : no longer used or occupied <disused buildings>

1ditch \ˈdich\ n : a long narrow channel or trench dug in the earth

2ditch vb
1 : to dig a ditch in or around
2 a : to get rid of : DISCARD <ditch an old car>  b : to end association with : LEAVE <his girlfriend ditched him>
3 : to make a forced landing of (an airplane) on water

1dith·er \ˈdith-ər\ n : a highly nervous or excited state <the news had him in a dither>
— dith·ery \-ə-rē\ adj

2dither vb dith·ered; dith·er·ing : to act nervously or indecisively

dit·to \ˈdit-ō\ n, pl dittos
1 : another of the same thing mentioned before or above — used to avoid repeating a word <lost: one shirt (white); ditto (blue)>
2 : a mark composed of a pair of quotation marks or apostrophes used as a symbol for the word ditto

dit·ty \ˈdit-ē\ n, pl ditties : a short simple song

dit·zy or dit·sy \ˈdit-sē\ adj ditz·i·er or dits·i·er; -est : unusually silly or giddy
— dit·zi·ness or dit·si·ness n

di·uret·ic \ˌdī-(y)ə-ˈret-ik\ n : a substance that increases the amount of urine produced by the body
— diuretic adj

di·ur·nal \dī-ˈərn-əl\ adj
1 : occurring every day : DAILY <a diurnal task>
2 a : of, relating to, or occurring in the daytime <the city's diurnal noises>  b : active chiefly in the daytime <diurnal animals>
— di·ur·nal·ly \-ˈərn-əl-ē\ adv

di·va \ˈdē-və\ n, pl divas or di·ve \-ˌvā\
1 a : PRIMA DONNA 1  b : PRIMA DONNA 2
2 : a usually glamorous and successful female performer or celebrity <a fashion diva>; esp : a popular female singer <pop divas> [from Italian diva “goddess,” from Latin diva (same meaning)]

di·van \di-ˈvan, ˈdī-ˌvan\ n : a large couch often with no back or arms

1dive \ˈdīv\ vb dived \ˈdīvd\ or dove \ˈdōv\; div·ing
1 a : to plunge into water headfirst  b : SUBMERGE 1
2 a : to fall fast <the temperature dived at night>  b : to descend in an airplane at a very steep angle
3 a : to plunge into some matter or activity  b : to thrust oneself forward suddenly : LUNGE <dived for cover>
— div·er n

2dive n
1 : the act or an instance of diving: as  a : a plunge into water done in a specified manner  b : a steep downward movement of a submarine or an airplane  c : a sharp drop (as in prices)
2 : a shabby place (as a bar)
3 : a faked knockout in boxing

di·verge \də-ˈvərj, dī-\ vb di·verged; di·verg·ing : to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart <diverging rays of light> <two roads diverged>

di·ver·gence \də-ˈvər-jən(t)s, dī-\ n : the state of diverging : a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)

di·ver·gent \də-ˈvər-jənt, dī-\ adj : diverging from each other
— di·ver·gent·ly adv

di·vers \ˈdī-vərz\ adj : VARIOUS 4

di·verse \dī-ˈvərs, də-, ˈdī-ˌvərs\ adj : differing from one another : UNLIKE
— di·verse·ly adv

— di·verse·ness n

di·ver·si·fy \də-ˈvər-sə-ˌfī, dī-\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to make diverse : give variety to
2 : to increase the variety of products of <diversify a business>
— di·ver·si·fi·ca·tion \-ˌvər-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

di·ver·sion \də-ˈvər-zhən, dī-\ n
1 : the act or an instance of diverting or turning aside
2 : something that relaxes, amuses, or entertains
— di·ver·sion·ary \-zhə-ˌner-ē\ adj

di·ver·si·ty \də-ˈvər-sət-ē, dī-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the condition of being different
2 : an instance or a point of difference

di·vert \də-ˈvərt, dī-\ vb
1 a : to turn aside : turn from one course or use to another  b : to turn the attention away : DISTRACT
2 : to give pleasure to by causing the time to pass pleasantly [Middle English diverten “to turn aside from a course,” from early French divertir “to divert” and Latin divertere “to turn in opposite directions,” from dis- “away, apart” and vertere “to turn” — related to CONVERSE, REVERSE, VERSATILE]  synonyms see AMUSE

di·vest \dī-ˈvest, də-\ vb : to take something off or away from <divested myself of my heavy backpack>

1di·vide \də-ˈvīd\ vb di·vid·ed; di·vid·ing
1 a : to separate into two or more parts or pieces  b : to separate into classes or categories  c : 2CLEAVE, PART
2 a : to give out in shares  b : to own or use in common : SHARE
3 : to cause to be separate, different, or apart from one another
4 a : to perform or use in mathematical division  b : to subject (a number) to the operation of finding how many times it contains another number <divide 42 by 14>  c : to use as a divisor <divide 14 into 42>
5 a : to undergo cell division <the cell divides>  b : 2BRANCH 2, FORK  synonyms see DISTRIBUTE, SEPARATE

2divide n : a dividing ridge between drainage areas : WATERSHED

divided adj
1 a : separated into parts or pieces  b : having a barrier (as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions <a divided highway>
2 : disagreeing with each other <divided over the issue>

div·i·dend \ˈdiv-ə-ˌdend, -əd-ənd\ n
1 : a sum to be divided and given out
2 : BONUS
3 : a number to be divided by another

di·vid·er \də-ˈvīd-ər\ n
1 : something that divides <a room divider>
2 pl : an instrument for measuring or marking

div·i·na·tion \ˌdiv-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n : the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future

1di·vine \də-ˈvīn\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or coming directly from God or a god  b : being God or a god <the divine Savior>  c : directed to God or a god <divine worship>
2 a : extremely good : SUPERB  b : having godlike qualities
— di·vine·ly adv

2divine n : a member of the clergy

3divine vb di·vined; di·vin·ing
1 : to discover or understand something without reasoning
2 : to practice divination : PROPHESY
— di·vin·er n

diving bell n : a diving device consisting of a container open only at the bottom and supplied with compressed air by a hose

diving board n : a flexible board fastened at one end and used for diving into water

divining rod n : a forked rod believed to reveal the presence of water or minerals by dipping downward when held over a vein

di·vin·i·ty \də-ˈvin-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : THEOLOGY 1
2 : the quality or state of being divine
3 often cap  a : GOD 1  b : GOD 2  c : GODDESS 1  d : DEMIGOD 1

di·vis·i·ble \də-ˈviz-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being divided
— di·vis·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

di·vi·sion \də-ˈvizh-ən\ n
1 a : the act or process of dividing : the state of being divided  b : DISTRIBUTION 1  c : CELL DIVISION
2 : a part or portion of a whole
3 : something that divides, separates, or marks off
4 : a large military unit
5 : a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization
6 : difference in opinion or interest : DISAGREEMENT
7 : the mathematical operation of dividing something
8 : a category in most classifications of the plant kingdom that is equal to a phylum
— di·vi·sion·al \-ˈvizh-(ə-)nəl\ adj

di·vi·sor \də-ˈvī-zər\ n : the number by which a dividend is divided

1di·vorce \də-ˈvōrs, -ˈvȯrs\ n
1 : the action or an instance of legally ending a marriage
2 : complete separation

2divorce vb di·vorced; di·vorc·ing
1 a : to end marriage with one's spouse by divorce  b : to cancel the marriage contract between two spouses
2 : to make or keep separate : SEPARATE, DISUNITE
— di·vorce·ment \-mənt\ n

di·vor·cé \də-ˌvōr-ˈsā, -ˌvȯr-, -ˈsē\ n : a divorced man

di·vor·cée \də-ˌvōr-ˈsā, -ˌvȯr-, -ˈsē\ n : a divorced woman

di·vulge \də-ˈvəlj, dī-\ vb di·vulged; di·vulg·ing : to make public : DISCLOSE
— di·vul·gence \-ˈvəl-jən(t)s\ n

Dix·ie·land \ˈdik-sē-ˌland\ n : lively jazz music in a style developed in New Orleans

DIY \ˌdē-(ˌ)ī-ˈwī\ adj : DO-IT-YOURSELF

diz·zy \ˈdiz-ē\ adj diz·zi·er; -est
1 a : having a feeling of whirling  b : mentally confused
2 a : causing or caused by a whirling sensation <dizzy heights>  b : extremely rapid <prices climbing at a dizzy rate>
— diz·zi·ly \ˈdiz-ə-lē\ adv

— diz·zi·ness \ˈdiz-ē-nəs\ n

DJ \ˈdē-ˌjā\ n, often not cap : DISC JOCKEY

D layer n : a layer or region of the lower ionosphere

DNA \ˌdē-ˌen-ˈā\ n : any of various nucleic acids that are located especially in cell nuclei, are usually the chemical basis of heredity, and are composed of two nucleotide chains held together by hydrogen bonds in a pattern resembling a flexible twisted ladder — compare RNA

DNA fingerprinting n : a method of identification (as for forensic purposes) by determining the unique pattern of a person's DNA
— DNA fingerprint n

1do \(ˈ)dü\ vb did \(ˈ)did\; done \ˈdən\; do·ing \ˈdü-iŋ\; does \(ˈ)dəz\
1 a : to cause (as an act or action) to happen : CARRY OUT, PERFORM <do me a favor>  b : 2ACT 3, BEHAVE <do as I say>
2 a : to work at <what one does for a living>  b : to take suitable action on <do your homework> <do the dishes>  c : 1SET 11 <have my hair done>  d : DECORATE 1 <did the bedroom in blue>
3 : to make progress <does well in school>
4 : to act so as to bring : RENDER <sleep will do you good>
5 : to come to the end of : FINISH <turn out the light when you are done>
6 : to put forth : EXERT <did your best to win>
7 a : to travel a distance of <did 500 miles that day>  b : to travel at a speed of <doing 55 miles per hour on the turnpike>
8 : 1SERVE 1D <did five years for armed robbery>
9 a : to serve the purpose <half of that will do>  b : to be fitting or proper <it won't do to be late>
10 — used as a helping verb (1) before the subject in an interrogative sentence <do you play the piano?>, (2) in a negative statement <I do not know>, (3) for emphasis <you do know>, and (4) as a substitute for a preceding verb <you work harder than I do> [Old English dōn “to cause to happen, perform”]
— do away with
1 : to put an end to : get rid of : ABOLISH
2 : 1KILL 1

— do the trick : to give or have a desired result

2do \ˈdō\ n : the first note of the musical scale [Italian]

do·able \ˈdü-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being done

Do·ber·man pin·scher \ˌdō-bər-mən-ˈpin-chər\ n : any of a breed of short-haired medium-sized dogs of German origin [from German Dobermann-pinscher (breed of dog), from Friedrich Ludwig Dobermann, German dog breeder, and pinscher “breed of hunting dog”]

dob·son·fly \ˈdäb-sən-ˌflī\ n : a large-eyed winged insect with a large flesh-eating water-dwelling larva

doc·ile \ˈdäs-əl\ adj : easily taught, led, or managed <a docile pet> [from Latin docilis “easily taught,” from docēre “to teach” — related to DOCTOR, DOCTRINE]
— doc·ile·ly \ˈdäs-ə(l)-lē\ adv

— do·cil·i·ty \dä-ˈsil-ət-ē, dō-\ n

1dock \ˈdäk\ n : any of a genus of coarse weedy plants which are related to the buckwheat and some of which are cooked for food [Old English docce “the dock plant”]

2dock vb
1 : to cut off the end of : cut short <a docked tail>
2 : to take away a part of : make a deduction from
3 : to deprive of something due because of a fault <was docked for being late> [Middle English docken “to cut off the end of a tail,” from dok, docke “end of an animal's tail”]

3dock n
1 : a usually artificial basin to receive ships that has gates to control the water height
2 : 2SLIP 1B
3 : a wharf or platform for loading and unloading
4 : a usually wooden pier used as a landing place or moorage [probably from early Dutch docke “ditch, dock”]

4dock vb
1 : to bring or come into or alongside a dock
2 : to join (as two spacecraft) mechanically while in space

5dock n : the place in a court where a prisoner stands or sits during trial [from a Dutch dialect word docke “cage”]

1dock·et \ˈdäk-ət\ n
1 : a list of legal cases to be tried
2 : a list of items to be acted on : AGENDA

2docket vb : to place on the docket for legal action

dock·side \ˈdäk-ˌsīd\ n : the shore or area next to a dock

dock·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ n : LONGSHOREMAN

dock·yard \-ˌyärd\ n : SHIPYARD

1doc·tor \ˈdäk-tər\ n
1 : a person holding one of the highest degrees (as a PhD) given by a university
2 : a person (as a physician, dentist, or veterinarian) skilled and specializing in the art of healing [Middle English doctour “doctor, teacher,” from early French doctour and Latin doctor (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin doctor “teacher,” from docēre “to teach” — related to DOCILE, DOCTRINE]
— doc·tor·al \-t(ə-)rəl\ adj

2doctor vb doc·tored; doc·tor·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to give medical treatment to  b : to practice medicine  c : to bring back to good condition : REPAIR <doctor an old clock>
2 : to tamper with <doctored the election returns>

doc·tor·ate \ˈdäk-t(ə-)rət\ n : the degree, title, or rank of a doctor

doc·trine \ˈdäk-trən\ n
1 : something that is taught
2 : a principle or the principles in a system of belief [Middle English doctrine “instruction,” from early French doctrine and Latin doctrina (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin doctor “teacher,” from docēre “to teach” — related to DOCILE, DOCTOR]
— doc·tri·nal \-trən-əl\ adj

— doc·tri·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

do·cu·dra·ma \ˈdäk-yə-ˌdräm-ə, -ˌdram-\ n : a drama (as for television) dealing freely with historical events especially of a recent or controversial nature

1doc·u·ment \ˈdäk-yə-mənt\ n
1 : a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something
2 : a computer file usually created with an application program (as a word processor)

2doc·u·ment \ˈdäk-yə-ˌment\ vb : to give evidence of by a document
— doc·u·ment·able \ˈdäk-yə-ˌment-ə-bəl, ˌdäk-yə-ˈment-\ adj

1doc·u·men·ta·ry \ˌdäk-yə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj
1 : consisting of documents; also : being in writing <documentary proof>
2 : presenting actual events or facts about something <a documentary film>
— doc·u·men·tar·i·ly \-mən-ˈter-ə-lē, -ˌmen-\ adv

2documentary n, pl -ries : a documentary presentation (as a film or novel)

doc·u·men·ta·tion \ˌdäk-yə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n
1 : the providing of documents as proof
2 : evidence in the form of documents
3 : written instructions for using a computer or computer program

dod·der \ˈdäd-ər\ vb dod·dered; dod·der·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to tremble or shake from weakness or age
2 : to go in a shaky or feeble way

doddering adj : showing signs of old age

do·deca·he·dron \(ˌ)dō-ˌdek-ə-ˈhē-drən\ n, pl -drons or -dra \-drə\ : a polyhedron that has 12 faces

1dodge \ˈdäj\ n
1 : an act of avoiding by sudden bodily movement
2 : a sly means of avoiding, deceiving, or tricking <just another dodge to get out of working>
— dodg·er n

2dodge vb dodged; dodg·ing
1 a : to move suddenly aside or to and fro <dodging through the crowd>  b : to avoid by moving quickly aside <dodge a blow>
2 : EVADE 1 <dodged the question>

dodge·ball \ˈdäj-ˌbȯl\ n : a game in which players stand in a circle and try to hit other players within the circle with a large inflated ball

do·do \ˈdōd-ō\ n, pl dodoes or dodos
1 : a large heavy flightless extinct bird related to the pigeons and formerly found on some of the islands of the Indian Ocean
2 a : a person who is hopelessly behind the times  b : a stupid person [from Portuguese doudo, name given by Portuguese sailors to the bird, from doudo (adjective) “silly, stupid”]

doe \ˈdō\ n, pl does or doe : the female especially of an adult mammal (as a deer, an antelope, or a rabbit) of which the male is called buck

do·er \ˈdü-ər\ n : one that does

does present 3rd singular of DO

doe·skin \ˈdō-ˌskin\ n
1 : the skin of does or leather made of it; also : soft leather from sheepskins or lambskins
2 : a soft smooth firm cloth

doesn't \ˈdəz-ənt\ : does not

doff \ˈdäf, ˈdȯf\ vb : to take off (as one's hat as an act of politeness) [Middle English doffen “to take off,” from don “to do” and of “off”]

1dog \ˈdȯg\ n
1 a : a domestic mammal that eats meat and is closely related to the gray wolf  b : any animal of the family to which the dog belongs  c : a male dog
2 a : a worthless person  b : PERSON 1 <you lucky dog>
3 a : any of various devices for holding, gripping, or fastening that consist of a spike, rod, or bar  b : ANDIRON
4 : a show of being stylish or rich <put on the dog>
5 pl : FEET
— dog·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2dog vb dogged; dog·ging : to hunt, track, or follow like a hound

dog·cart \ˈdȯg-ˌkärt\ n
1 : a cart drawn by a dog
2 : a light one-horse carriage with two seats back to back

dog days n pl : the hot and humid period of summer between early July and early September
Word History The brightest star in the sky is Sirius, also known as the Dog Star. Sirius was given this name by the ancients because it was considered the hound of the hunter Orion, whose constellation was nearby; Sirius itself is in a constellation now called Canis Major (“larger dog”). The Dog Star was regarded by the ancient Greeks as the bringer of scorching heat, because its early-morning rising coincided with the hottest summer days of July and August. The Greek writer Plutarch called this time hēmerai kynades, literally, “dog days”—the days of the Dog Star—and via Latin this phrase was translated into English as dog days. [translation of Latin dies caniculares, from canicula, literally, “little dog,” from canis “dog”; so called from the fact that they begin at the time when the Dog Star rises with or near the sun — related to CANINE]

doge \ˈdōj\ n : the chief magistrate in the former republics of Venice and Genoa

dog–ear \ˈdȯ-ˌgi(ə)r\ n : the turned-down corner of a leaf of a book
— dog–ear vb

dog–eared \ˈdȯ-ˌgi(ə)rd\ adj
1 : having dog-ears
2 : worn-out from too much use

dog·face \ˈdȯg-ˌfās\ n : an infantry soldier

dog·fight \-ˌfīt\ n : a fight at close range between fighter planes
— dogfight vb

— dog·fight·er \-ˌfīt-ər\ n

dog·fish \-ˌfish\ n : any of various small sharks that often appear in schools near shore

dog·ged \ˈdȯ-gəd\ adj : stubbornly determined : TENACIOUS <in dogged pursuit of power>  synonyms see OBSTINATE
— dog·ged·ly adv

— dog·ged·ness n

dog·gie bag or doggy bag \ˈdȯ-gē-\ n : a container used for carrying home leftover food from a meal eaten at a restaurant

dog·gy or dog·gie \ˈdȯ-gē\ n, pl dog·gies : a small or young dog

dog·house \ˈdȯg-ˌhau̇s\ n : a shelter for a dog
— in the doghouse : in a state of disfavor

do·gie \ˈdō-gē\ n, chiefly Western : a motherless calf in a range herd

dog·ma \ˈdȯg-mə, ˈdäg-\ n, pl dog·mas also dog·ma·ta \-mət-ə\
1 : something considered as an established opinion
2 : a belief or body of beliefs concerning faith or morals laid down by a church

dog·mat·ic \dȯg-ˈmat-ik, däg-\ adj
1 : expressing opinions very strongly or positively as if they were facts
2 : of or relating to dogma
— dog·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

dog·ma·tism \ˈdȯg-mə-ˌtiz-əm, ˈdäg-\ n : positiveness in expressing one's opinions especially when no supporting evidence is given
— dog·ma·tist \-mət-əst\ n

dog paddle n : a simple swimming stroke in which the arms paddle in the water and the legs make a kicking motion

dog·sled \ˈdȯg-ˌsled\ n : a sled drawn by dogs
— dogsled vb

Dog Star n : SIRIUS

dog tick n : a common North American tick especially of dogs and human beings that may transmit the bacterium causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia

dog·tooth violet \ˈdȯg-ˌtüth-\ n : any of a genus of wild herbs that are related to the lilies, grow from bulbs, and produce flowers in the spring — called also adder's-tongue

dog·trot \-ˌträt\ n : a gentle trot
— dogtrot vb

dog watch n
1 : a watch on a ship from 4 to 6 or from 6 to 8 p.m.
2 : any of various night shifts; esp : the last shift

dog·wood \ˈdȯg-ˌwu̇d\ n : any of various trees and shrubs having clusters of small flowers often surrounded by four showy leaves that look like petals

doi·ly \ˈdȯi-lē\ n, pl doilies
1 : a small napkin
2 : a small often decorative cloth or paper used to protect the surface of furniture

do in vb
1 : to bring about the defeat or destruction of : RUIN
2 : 1KILL 1
3 : to bring almost to the point of exhaustion : WEAR OUT <done in at the end of the day>

do·ing \ˈdü-iŋ\ n
1 : the act of performing or carrying out : ACTION <it will take some doing to beat us>
2 pl  a : things that are done or that occur <everyday doings>  b : social activities <big doings tonight>

do–it–your·self \ˌdü-ə-chər-ˈself\ adj : of, relating to, or designed for a person without professional training or help to do or make
— do–it–your·self·er \-ˈsel-fər\ n

dol·drums \ˈdōl-drəmz, ˈdäl-, ˈdȯl-\ n pl
1 : a spell of low spirits
2 : a part of the ocean near the equator known for its calms
3 : a state in which nothing seems to be going on <business is in the doldrums>

1dole \ˈdōl\ n
1 : a giving out of food, money, or clothing to the needy
2 : something given out as charity

2dole vb doled; dol·ing
1 : to give out as charity
2 : to give or deliver in small portions : PARCEL — usually used with out  synonyms see DISTRIBUTE

dole·ful \ˈdōl-fəl\ adj
1 : full of grief : SAD
2 : expressing grief
— dole·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— dole·ful·ness n

doll \ˈdäl, ˈdȯl\ n
1 : a small figure of a human being used especially as a child's plaything
2 a : a pretty young woman  b : an attractive person

dol·lar \ˈdäl-ər\ n
1 : a coin (as a Spanish peso) similar to an earlier German silver coin
2 a : a basic unit of money (as of the U.S. and Canada)  b : a coin or bill representing one dollar [from Dutch daler “silver coin formerly used in Germany,” from German Taler (same meaning), shortened from Joachimstaler “a coin made in Sankt Joachimsthal (Saint Joachim's Valley) in Bohemia (a former kingdom in Europe)”]

dollar sign n : a mark $ placed before a number to indicate that it stands for dollars

doll·house \ˈdäl-ˌhau̇s, ˈdȯl-\ n : a child's small toy house

doll up vb : to dress in fine stylish clothing

dolly \ˈdäl-ē, ˈdȯ-lē\ n, pl doll·ies
1 : DOLL 1
2 : a platform on a roller or on wheels for moving heavy objects; esp : a wheeled platform for a television or motion-picture camera

dol·man sleeve \ˌdōl-mən-, ˌdȯl-, ˌdäl-\ n : a sleeve that is very wide at the armhole and tight at the wrist [from French dolman “a woman's coat with dolman sleeves,” derived from Turkish dolama “a robe (in the Turkish style)”]

do·lo·mite \ˈdō-lə-ˌmīt, ˈdäl-ə-\ n : a mineral found in broad layers as a compact limestone

do·lor \ˈdō-lər, ˈdäl-ər\ n : 1SORROW 1A

do·lor·ous \ˈdō-lə-rəs, ˈdäl-ə-\ adj : causing, marked by, or expressing sorrow
— do·lor·ous·ly adv

dol·phin \ˈdäl-fən, ˈdȯl-\ n
1 a : any of various small whales with teeth and a long nose  b : PORPOISE 1
2 : either of two active saltwater food fishes noted for their brilliant coloring

dolt \ˈdōlt\ n : a stupid person
— dolt·ish \ˈdōl-tish\ adj

— dolt·ish·ly adv

— dolt·ish·ness n

-dom \dəm\ n suffix
1 : dignity : office <dukedom>
2 : realm : jurisdiction <kingdom>
3 : state or fact of being <freedom>
4 : those having a (specified) office, occupation, interest, or character <officialdom> [Old English -dōm “office, high position or rank, area of authority”]

do·main \dō-ˈmān, də-\ n
1 : a territory over which control is exercised
2 : an area of influence, knowledge, or activity
3 : a small region of a magnetic substance that contains atoms all lined up in the same direction and behaving like a single tiny magnet
4 : the highest category in the scientific classification of living things ranking above the kingdom
5 : a main subdivision of the Internet; also : DOMAIN NAME [from early French demeine “land one owns,” from Latin dominium “rule, ownership,” from dominus “master, owner” — related to CONDOMINIUM, DOMINATE, DOMINION]

domain name n : a name (as Merriam-Webster.com) that is the primary Internet address for a website

1dome \ˈdōm\ n
1 : a large rounded roof or ceiling shaped like half of a ball
2 : a structure or natural formation that resembles the dome of a building <rock domes>
3 : a roofed sports stadium [from French dôme “mansion, cathedral” and Italian duomo “cathedral” and Latin domus “church,” from earlier Latin domus “house” — related to DOMESTIC, DOMICILE]

2dome vb domed; dom·ing
1 : to cover with or as if with a dome
2 : to form into or swell upward or outward like a dome

1do·mes·tic \də-ˈmes-tik\ adj
1 a : living near or about the places where human beings live <domestic vermin>  b : living with or under the care of human beings : TAME <a domestic cat>
2 : of, relating to, made in, or done in one's own country <domestic steel>
3 : of or relating to a household or family <domestic chores> [from early French domestique “living around humans, domestic,” from Latin domesticus (same meaning), from domus “house” — related to DOME, DOMICILE]
— do·mes·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2domestic n : a household servant

domestic animal n : any of various domesticated animals (as the horse or sheep)

do·mes·ti·cate \də-ˈmes-ti-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to adapt to living with human beings and to serving their purposes
— do·mes·ti·ca·tion \-ˌmes-ti-ˈkā-shən\ n

do·mes·tic·i·ty \ˌdō-ˌmes-ˈtis-ət-ē, -məs-, də-\ n : the quality or state of being domestic or domesticated

domestic science n : instruction and training in household management and arts (as cooking and sewing)

domestic violence n : the inflicting of physical harm by one family or household member on another

1dom·i·cile \ˈdäm-ə-ˌsīl, ˈdō-mə-; ˈdäm-ə-səl\ n : a place to live : HOME [from early French domicile “place where one lives, home,” from Latin domicilium (same meaning), from domus “house” — related to DOME, DOMESTIC]

2domicile vb -ciled; -cil·ing : to establish in or provide with a place to live

dom·i·nance \ˈdäm-(ə-)nən(t)s\ n : the fact or state of being dominant: as  a : the dominant position of an individual in a series of social ranks or levels  b : the property of one of a pair of alternate forms of a gene or character that prevents or masks expression of the other when both are present in the heterozygous condition  c : the control or influence over the environment of an ecological community that a dominant has  d : greater activity and usage of one of a pair of body parts (as the right hand compared to the left hand)

1dom·i·nant \ˈdäm-(ə-)nənt\ adj
1 a : commanding, controlling, or having great influence over all others <a dominant political figure>  b : very important, powerful, or successful <a dominant industry>
2 : rising high above the surroundings
3 : PREDOMINANT, OUTSTANDING
4 : exhibiting genetic dominance <a dominant gene> <dominant traits in peas> — compare 1RECESSIVE 2
5 : of, relating to, or being an ecological dominant
— dom·i·nant·ly adv

2dominant n
1 a : a dominant gene or a character which it controls  b : a kind of living thing (as a species) that has a major influence on the environment of an ecological community
2 : the fifth note of the musical scale

dom·i·nate \ˈdäm-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to have a commanding position or controlling power over
2 : to seem to command by rising high above <a volcano dominates the island> [derived from Latin dominari “to rule, govern, control,” from dominus “master, owner” — related to CONDOMINIUM, DAME, DOMAIN, DOMINION, 2DON]
— dom·i·na·tion \ˌdäm-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— dom·i·na·tive \ˈdäm-ə-ˌnāt-iv\ adj

— dom·i·na·tor \-ˌnāt-ər\ n

dom·i·neer \ˌdäm-ə-ˈni(ə)r\ vb : to rule or behave in a bossy way
— dom·i·neer·ing adj

Do·min·i·can \də-ˈmin-i-kən\ n : a member of a mendicant order of preaching friars founded in 1215
— Dominican adj

do·mi·nie \sense 1 usually ˈdäm-ə-nē, sense 2 usually ˈdō-mə-\ n
1 chiefly Scottish : SCHOOLMASTER
2 : a member of the clergy

do·min·ion \də-ˈmin-yən\ n
1 : DOMAIN 1
2 : supreme authority : SOVEREIGNTY
3 often cap : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth of Nations other than the United Kingdom that accepts the British monarch as chief of state [Middle English dominioun “control, rule,” from early French dominion (same meaning), from Latin dominium “rule, ownership,” from dominus “master, owner” — related to DOMAIN, DOMINATE]

Dominion Day n : CANADA DAY

dom·i·no \ˈdäm-ə-ˌnō\ n, pl -noes or -nos
1 : a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume
2 a : a flat rectangular block whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear dots  b pl : any of several games played with dominoes

domino theory n
1 : a theory that if one nation becomes Communist-controlled the neighboring nations will also become Communist-controlled
2 : the theory that if one act or event is allowed to take place a series of similar acts or events will follow

1don \ˈdän\ vb donned; don·ning : to dress oneself in : PUT ON [from a contraction of do on]

2don n
1 : a Spanish nobleman or gentleman — used as a title
2 : a teacher in a college or university [from Spanish don “a nobleman or gentleman,” from Latin dominus “master, owner” — related to DAME, DOMINATE]

do·ña \ˈdō-nyə\ n : a Spanish woman of rank — used as a title [from Spanish doña “a woman of rank,” from Latin domina (same meaning) — related to DAME]

do·nate \ˈdō-ˌnāt, dō-ˈnāt\ vb do·nat·ed; do·nat·ing : to make a gift of : CONTRIBUTE <donate blood>  synonyms see GIVE
— do·na·tor \-ˌnāt-ər, -ˈnāt-\ n

do·na·tion \dō-ˈnā-shən\ n : a giving of something without charge; also : the thing given (as to charity)

1done \ˈdən\ past participle of DO

2done adj
1 — used to say that something has ended
2 : cooked completely or enough
3 : socially acceptable <divorce just wasn't done at the time>
4 : doomed to failure, death, or defeat
5 : physically exhausted

done·ness \ˈdən-nəs\ n : the condition of being cooked to the desired degree

don·jon \ˈdän-jən, ˈdən-\ n : the main inner tower in a castle [Middle English donjon “inner tower of a castle,” from early French donjon (same meaning) — related to DUNGEON; see Word History at DUNGEON]

don·key \ˈdäŋ-kē, ˈdəŋ-, ˈdȯŋ-\ n, pl donkeys
1 : a sturdy domestic mammal that is classified with the asses and is used especially to carry things
2 : a stupid or stubborn person

do·nor \ˈdō-nər, -ˌnȯr\ n
1 : one that donates
2 : one used as a source of bodily material or parts <a blood donor> <a kidney donor>

don't \(ˈ)dōnt\ : do not

1doo·dle \ˈdüd-əl\ vb doo·dled; doo·dling \ˈdüd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to make a doodle
— doo·dler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

2doodle n : a scribble, design, or sketch done while thinking of something else

doo·dle·bug \ˈdüd-əl-ˌbəg\ n : the larva of an ant lion

1doom \ˈdüm\ n
1 : a decision made by a court : SENTENCE
2 a : a usually unhappy end  b : DEATH 1, RUIN  synonyms see DESTINY

2doom vb
1 : CONDEMN 2
2 : to set on a fixed course to an unhappy end <the plan was doomed to failure>

dooms·day \ˈdümz-ˌdā\ n : JUDGMENT DAY

door \ˈdō(ə)r, ˈdȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a barrier by which an entry is closed and opened; also : a similar part of a piece of furniture
2 : DOORWAY

door·bell \-ˌbel\ n : a bell, gong, or set of chimes to be rung usually by a push button at an outside door

door·jamb \-ˌjam\ n : a vertical piece that forms a side of a doorway

door·keep·er \-ˌkē-pər\ n : a person who tends a door

door·knob \-ˌnäb\ n : a knob that when turned releases a door latch

door·man \-ˌman, -mən\ n : a person who tends a door (as of a hotel) and assists people (as by calling taxis)

door·mat \-ˌmat\ n : a mat placed before or inside a door for wiping dirt from the shoes

door·post \-ˌpōst\ n : DOORJAMB

door·step \-ˌstep\ n : a step or series of steps before an outer door

door–to–door \ˌdōrt-ə-ˈdō(ə)r, ˌdȯrt-ə-ˈdȯ(ə)r\ adj : being or making a call (as to sell something) at every house in an area
— door–to–door adv

door·way \-ˌwā\ n
1 : the opening or passage that a door closes
2 : a means of reaching or gaining something <the doorway to success>

door·yard \-ˌyärd\ n : a yard right outside the door of a house

1dope \ˈdōp\ n
1 : a thick sticky material (as one used to make pipe joints tight)
2 : an illegal, habit-forming, or narcotic drug; esp : MARIJUANA
3 : a stupid person
4 : information especially from a reliable source

2dope vb doped; dop·ing
1 : to treat or affect with dope; esp : to give a narcotic to
2 : FIND OUT — usually used with out

dop·er \ˈdō-pər\ n : a person who regularly uses drugs especially illegally

dop·ey \ˈdō-pē\ adj dop·i·er; -est
1 : dulled by or as if by alcohol or a narcotic
2 : mentally slow or silly : STUPID <your dopey friends> <a dopey TV show>
— dop·i·ness n

Dopp·ler effect \ˈdäp-lər-\ n : a change in the frequency with which waves (as of sound or light) from a source reach an observer when the source and the observer are moving rapidly toward or away from each other [named for Christian J. Doppler 1803–1853 Austrian physicist]

Doppler radar n : a radar system using the Doppler effect for measuring speed

do–rag \ˈdü-ˌrag\ n : a kerchief worn to cover the hair [from hairdo]

Dor·ic \ˈdȯr-ik, ˈdär-\ adj : belonging to the simplest Greek architectural order [derived from Greek Dōris, name of a kingdom in ancient Greece]

dork \ˈdȯrk\ n, slang : JERK 3

dorky \ˈdȯr-kē\ adj dork·i·er; -est slang : foolishly stupid

dorm \ˈdȯ(ə)rm\ n : DORMITORY

dor·man·cy \ˈdȯr-mən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being dormant

dor·mant \ˈdȯr-mənt\ adj
1 : not active but capable of becoming active <a dormant volcano>
2 a : sleeping or appearing to be asleep : SLUGGISH  b : having growth or other biological activity much reduced or suspended <a dormant bud>
3 : of, relating to, or used during a period of no or greatly reduced activity or growth <a dormant spray for fruit trees>

dor·mer \ˈdȯr-mər\ n : a window placed upright in a sloping roof; also : the structure containing a dormer window

dor·mi·to·ry \ˈdȯr-mə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a sleeping room especially for several people
2 : a residence hall having many sleeping rooms

dor·mouse \ˈdȯ(ə)r-ˌmau̇s\ n, pl dor·mice \-ˌmīs\ : any of numerous Old World rodents that resemble small squirrels

dor·sal \ˈdȯr-səl\ adj : relating to or situated near or on the back (as of an animal)
— dor·sal·ly \-sə-lē\ adv

dorsal fin n : a fin on the ridge along the middle of the back of a fish or sea mammal (as a whale)

do·ry \ˈdōr-ē, ˈdȯr-\ n, pl dories : a boat with a flat bottom, high sides that curve upward and outward, and a sharp bow

dos·age \ˈdō-sij\ n
1 a : the giving of medicine in doses  b : the amount of a single dose
2 : the addition or application of a substance in a measured dose

1dose \ˈdōs\ n
1 a : the measured amount of a medicine to be taken at one time  b : the quantity of radiation given or absorbed
2 : a portion of a substance added during a process
3 : an experience to which one is exposed <a dose of hard work>

2dose vb dosed; dos·ing
1 : to give medicine to
2 : to treat with something

do·sim·e·ter \dō-ˈsim-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring doses of X-rays or of radioactivity

dos·sier \ˈdȯs-ˌyā, ˈdȯs-ē-ˌā, ˈdäs-\ n : a file of papers containing a detailed report

dost \(ˈ)dəst\ archaic present 2nd singular of DO

1dot \ˈdät\ n
1 : a small spot : SPECK
2 : a small round mark made with or as if with a pen: as  a : a point after a note or rest in music indicating increase of the time value by one half  b : a centered dot · used as a sign of multiplication
3 : an exact point in time or space <arrived at six on the dot>
4 : a short click or buzz forming a letter or part of a letter (as in the Morse code)

2dot vb dot·ted; dot·ting
1 : to mark with a dot <dot an “i”>
2 : to cover with or as if with dots <green buds dotted the branches>
— dot·ter n

dote \ˈdōt\ vb dot·ed; dot·ing : to be excessive in one's attention or fondness — usually used with on <doted on their grandchild>
— dot·ing·ly \ˈdōt-iŋ-lē\ adv

doth \(ˈ)dəth\ archaic present 3rd singular of DO

dot matrix n : a rectangular arrangement of dots from which letters, numbers, and symbols can be formed (as by a computer printer or on a display screen)

dot·ty \ˈdät-ē\ adj dot·ti·er; -est : a little crazy

Dou·ay Version \dü-ˈā-\ n : an English translation of the Vulgate used by Roman Catholics [named for Douay, city in France where part of this translation was published in 1609–1610]

1dou·ble \ˈdəb-əl\ adj
1 : DUAL 1 <a double role>
2 : consisting of two members or parts <an egg with a double yolk>
3 : being twice as great or as many <had double the number of expected sales>
4 : folded in two
5 : having more than the usual number of floral parts and especially petals <double roses> [Middle English double “double, dual,” from early French double (same meaning), from Latin duplus “double,” from duo “two” and -plus “multiplied by” — related to DUAL]
— dou·ble·ness n

2double vb dou·bled; dou·bling \ˈdəb-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make, be, or become twice as great or as many <double a recipe>
2 a : to bend or fold (as a sheet of paper) usually in the middle so that one part lies directly against the other part  b : to close tightly the fingers of : CLENCH <doubled his fist>  c : to cause to bend at the waist  d : to become bent or folded usually in the middle <she doubled up in pain>
3 : to have an additional use or job <the cook doubles as dishwasher>
4 : to make a double in baseball
5 : to turn sharply and go back on the same path first taken <the rabbit doubled back on its tracks>

3double adv
1 : DOUBLY 1
2 : two together <sleep double>

4double n
1 a : something twice another <12 is the double of 6>  b : a hit in baseball that allows a batter to reach second base
2 : 3DUPLICATE; esp : a person who closely resembles another
3 : a sharp turn : REVERSAL
4 : 4FOLD 2
5 pl : a game between two pairs of players <tennis doubles>
— on the double : very quickly : RIGHT AWAY

double bass n : the largest instrument of the violin family

double boiler n : a kitchen utensil consisting of two saucepans fitting together so that the contents of the upper can be cooked or heated by boiling water in the lower

double bond n : a chemical bond in which two atoms in a molecule share two pairs of electrons — compare SINGLE BOND, TRIPLE BOND

dou·ble–breast·ed \ˌdəb-əl-ˈbres-təd\ adj : having one half of the front lapped over the other and usually two rows of buttons <a double-breasted jacket>

dou·ble–check \ˌdəb-əl-ˈchek, ˈdəb-əl-ˌchek\ vb : to make a careful check (as for accuracy) of something already checked
— double check n

double cross n : an act of betraying or cheating especially an associate
— dou·ble–cross \ˌdəb-əl-ˈkrȯs\ vb

— dou·ble–cross·er n

dou·ble–deal·ing \ˌdəb-əl-ˈdē-liŋ\ n : DUPLICITY
— dou·ble–deal·er n

— double–dealing adj

dou·ble–deck·er \ˌdəb-əl-ˈdek-ər\ n : something (as a bus or sandwich) having two decks, levels, or layers

dou·ble·head·er \ˌdəb-əl-ˈhed-ər\ n : two games played one after the other on the same day

double helix n : the arrangement in space of DNA that resembles a spirally twisted ladder with the sides made up of the sugar and phosphate units of the two nucleotide strands and the rungs made up of the pyrimidine and purine bases extending into the center and joined by hydrogen bonds

double hyphen n : a punctuation mark = that is used in place of a hyphen in a word divided at the end of a line to show that the word is usually hyphenated at that place

dou·ble–joint·ed \ˌdəb-əl-ˈjȯint-əd\ adj : having one or more joints that permit the parts joined to be bent freely to unusual angles <a double-jointed finger>

double knit n : a knitted fabric made with a double set of needles to produce a double thickness of fabric with each thickness joined by interlocking stitches; also : an article of clothing made of such fabric

double negative n : a now nonstandard grammatical construction that contains two negatives and has a negative meaning (as in “I didn't hear nothing” instead of “I didn't hear anything”)

double play n : a play in baseball in which two base runners are put out

double pneumonia n : pneumonia involving both lungs

dou·ble–space \ˌdəb-əl-ˈspās\ vb : to type something leaving every other line blank

double standard n : a set of standards that applies differently and usually more harshly to one group of people or circumstances than to another

double star n : two stars that appear very near each other; esp : BINARY STAR

dou·blet \ˈdəb-lət\ n
1 : a close-fitting jacket worn by men of western Europe chiefly in the 16th century
2 : one of two similar or identical things

dou·ble take \ˈdəb-əl-ˌtāk\ n : a delayed reaction to a surprising or unusual situation after first failing to notice anything unusual

dou·ble–talk \ˈdəb-əl-ˌtȯk\ n
1 : language that seems to make sense but is actually a mixture of sense and nonsense : GIBBERISH
2 : language that is purposely ambiguous

dou·ble–time \ˈdəb-əl-ˌtīm\ vb : to move at double time

double time n
1 : a marching rate of 180 steps per minute
2 : payment of a worker at twice the regular wage rate

double vision n : vision in which an object is seen as double (as from unequal action of the eye muscles)

dou·bloon \ˌdə-ˈblün\ n : an old gold coin of Spain and Spanish America [from Spanish doblón “doubloon”]

dou·bly \ˈdəb-lē\ adv : to twice the amount or degree <doubly glad>

1doubt \ˈdau̇t\ vb
1 : to be uncertain about <doubts her sincerity>
2 : to lack confidence in <doubted his own abilities>
3 : to consider unlikely <doubt if I can go>
— doubt·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— doubt·er n

— doubt·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2doubt n
1 : uncertainty of belief or opinion
2 : the state of being uncertain <the outcome is in doubt>
3 a : a lack of confidence  b : an inclination not to believe or accept
synonyms DOUBT, UNCERTAINTY, DISTRUST, SUSPICION, mean a feeling that one is not sure about someone or something. DOUBT may suggest a lack of certainty that results in an inability to make a decision <so filled with doubt that she didn't know what to do>. UNCERTAINTY may range from a feeling just short of certainty to almost complete lack of knowledge about something <there is still uncertainty about what caused the accident>. DISTRUST suggests lack of trust or confidence on vague or general grounds <long-standing distrust of strangers>. SUSPICION stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of someone or something <my suspicion is that he is lying>.

doubt·ful \ˈdau̇t-fəl\ adj
1 : not clear or certain as to fact <a doubtful claim>
2 : QUESTIONABLE 2 <doubtful intentions>
3 : undecided in opinion
4 : not certain in outcome
— doubt·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— doubt·ful·ness n

1doubt·less \ˈdau̇t-ləs\ adv
1 : CERTAINLY
2 : PROBABLY

2doubtless adj : free from doubt : CERTAIN
— doubt·less·ly adv

douche \ˈdüsh\ n
1 : a cleansing of a part or cavity of the body by means of a jet of liquid (as water)
2 : a device for giving douches
— douche vb

dough \ˈdō\ n
1 : a soft mass of moistened flour or meal thick enough to knead or roll
2 : something resembling dough especially in consistency
3 : MONEY 1A
— doughy \ˈdō-ē\ adj

dough·boy \ˈdō-ˌbȯi\ n : an American infantryman especially in World War I

dough·nut also do·nut \-(ˌ)nət\ n
1 : a small ring of sweet dough fried in fat
2 : something resembling a doughnut especially in shape

dough·ty \ˈdau̇t-ē\ adj dough·ti·er; -est : very strong and brave
— dough·ti·ly \ˈdau̇t-əl-ē\ adv

— dough·ti·ness \ˈdau̇t-ē-nəs\ n

Doug·las fir \ˌdəg-ləs-\ n : a tall evergreen cone-bearing timber tree of the western U.S.

dour \ˈdu̇(ə)r, ˈdau̇(ə)r\ adj : looking or being stern or sullen
— dour·ly adv

— dour·ness n

douse also dowse \ˈdau̇s also ˈdau̇z\ vb doused also dowsed; dous·ing also dows·ing
1 a : to stick into water  b : to throw a liquid on
2 : to put out : EXTINGUISH <douse the lights>

1dove \ˈdəv\ n
1 : any of numerous pigeons; esp : a small wild pigeon
2 : a person who opposes war or warlike policies
— dov·ish \-ish\ adj

2dove \ˈdōv\ past and past participle of DIVE

dove·cote \ˈdəv-ˌkōt, -ˌkät\ also dove·cot \-ˌkät\ n : a small raised house or box with compartments for domestic pigeons

1dove·tail \-ˌtāl\ n : something shaped like a dove's tail; esp : a joint between two pieces (as of wood) formed by a wedge-shaped part that fits tightly into a wedge-shaped slot in the other piece

2dovetail vb
1 a : to join by means of dovetails  b : to cut to a dovetail
2 : to fit skillfully together to form a whole

dow·a·ger \ˈdau̇-i-jər\ n : a dignified elderly woman

dowdy \ˈdau̇d-ē\ adj dowd·i·er; -est
1 : not neatly or well dressed or cared for
2 : not stylish
— dowd·i·ly \ˈdau̇d-əl-ē\ adv

— dowd·i·ness \ˈdau̇d-ē-nəs\ n

1dow·el \ˈdau̇(-ə)l\ n : a pin or peg used for fastening together two pieces of wood; also : a round rod or stick used especially for cutting up into dowels

2dowel vb -elled also -eled; -el·ling also -el·ing : to fasten by dowels

1down \ˈdau̇n\ n : a rolling grassy upland — usually used in plural [Old English dūn “hill”]

2down adv
1 a : toward or in a lower position  b : to a lying or sitting position  c : toward or to the ground, floor, or bottom
2 : as a down payment <paid $10 down>
3 : in a direction opposite to up <add the numbers across and down>
4 : to or in a lower or worse condition <held down by a bad economy>
5 : from a past time <heirlooms that have been handed down>
6 : to or in a state of less activity <excitement died down> [Old English dūne “down,” shortened from adūne, literally, “off the hill,” from a- “off” and dūne, form of dūn “hill”]

3down adj
1 a : being in a low position; esp : lying on the ground  b : directed or going downward <a down escalator>  c : being at a lower level <sales are down>
2 a : low in spirits : SAD <feeling a bit down>  b : SICK 1A <down with flu>
3 : being finished or come to an end <eight down and two to go>
— down on : having a low opinion of or dislike for

— down on one's luck : having bad luck and especially money trouble

4down prep : down along : down through : down toward : down in : down into : down on <down the road>

5down n
1 : a low or falling period <the ups and downs of life>
2 : one of a series of four plays that a football team gets to advance the ball ten yards

6down vb
1 : to go or cause to go or come down
2 : CONSUME 3
3 : to cause (a football) to be out of play

7down n
1 : a covering of soft fluffy feathers
2 : something soft and fluffy like down [Middle English doun “down, feathers”; of Norse origin]

down·beat \ˈdau̇n-ˌbēt\ n : the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music

down·burst \ˈdau̇n-ˌbərst\ n : a powerful downdraft

down·cast \-ˌkast\ adj
1 : being in a state of lowered confidence or courage : DEJECTED
2 : directed down <a downcast glance>

down·draft \-ˌdraft, -ˌdrȧft\ n : a downward current of gas (as air in a chimney or during a thunderstorm)

down·er \ˈdau̇n-ər\ n
1 : a depressant drug; esp : BARBITURATE
2 : something that is depressing, disagreeable, or unsatisfactory

down·fall \ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl\ n
1 : FALL 2C; esp : a sudden or heavy fall (as of rain)
2 : a sudden fall (as from power, happiness, or high position) or a cause of such a fall
— down·fall·en \-ˌfȯ-lən\ adj

1down·grade \-ˌgrād\ n
1 : a downward slope
2 : a lowering toward a worse condition <a neighborhood on the downgrade>
— downgrade adv

2downgrade vb : to lower in grade, rank, or standing

down·heart·ed \ˈdau̇n-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : DOWNCAST 1
— down·heart·ed·ly adv

— down·heart·ed·ness n

1down·hill \ˌdau̇n-ˈhil\ adv
1 : toward the bottom of a hill <sleds speeding downhill>
2 : toward a worsened or lower state or level <her health went downhill quickly>

2down·hill \ˈdau̇n-ˌhil\ adj : sloping downhill

3down·hill \-ˌhil\ n
1 : the sport of skiing on downhill trails <downhill skiing>
2 : a skiing race against time down a trail <finished second in the downhill>

1down·load \ˈdau̇n-ˌlōd\ n : an act or instance of transferring data from a usually large computer to the memory of another device (as a smaller computer)

2download vb : to transfer (data) from one location (as a large computer) to another (as a smaller computer or storage device)
— down·load·able \-ˌlōd-ə-bəl\ adj

down payment n : a part of the full price paid at the time of purchase or delivery with the remainder to be paid later

down·pour \-ˌpōr, -ˌpȯr\ n : a heavy rain

1down·right \-ˌrīt\ adv : in a complete and absolute manner <that was downright stupid>

2downright adj
1 : ABSOLUTE 3, UTTER <a downright lie>
2 : OUTSPOKEN, BLUNT <downright country people>
— down·right·ly adv

— down·right·ness n

down·size \ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz\ vb : to reduce in size <the company downsized its staff to cut costs>

Down syndrome \ˈdau̇n-\ or Down's syndrome \ˈdau̇n(z)-\ n : a genetic condition characterized especially by developmental delays, by distinctive physical traits (as short stature and upward slanting eyes), and by the presence of three chromosomes numbered 21 in human beings [named for J.L.H. Down, 1828–1896, English doctor]

down·stage \ˈdau̇n-ˈstāj\ adv or adj : toward or at the part of a theatrical stage or set closest to the audience or the motion-picture or television camera

1down·stairs \ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz, -ˈste(ə)rz\ adv : down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

2down·stairs \-ˌsta(ə)rz, -ˌste(ə)rz\ adj : situated on a lower level or on the main or first floor

3down·stairs \ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz, -ˈste(ə)rz, -ˌsta(ə)rz, -ˌste(ə)rz\ n sing or pl : the lower floor of a building

down·stream \ˈdau̇n-ˈstrēm\ adv or adj : in the direction a stream is flowing

down·stroke \-ˌstrōk\ n : a downward stroke

down–to–earth \ˌdau̇n-tə-ˈ(w)ərth\ adj
1 : PRACTICAL 3 <down-to-earth advice>
2 : UNPRETENTIOUS <a down-to-earth person>
— down–to–earthness n

1down·town \ˌdau̇n-ˈtau̇n\ adv : to, toward, or in the main business district

2downtown \-ˌtau̇n\ adj : situated downtown

down·trod·den \ˈdau̇n-ˈträd-ən\ adj : crushed by superior power

1down·ward \ˈdau̇n-wərd\ or down·wards \-wərdz\ adv
1 : from a higher place or condition to a lower one
2 : from an earlier time

2downward adj : moving or reaching down

down·wind \ˈdau̇n-ˈwind\ adv or adj : in the direction that the wind is blowing

downy \ˈdau̇-nē\ adj down·i·er; -est
1 : resembling a bird's down
2 : covered with or made of down

downy woodpecker n : a small black-and-white woodpecker of North America that has a white back

dow·ry \ˈdau̇(ə)r-ē\ n, pl dowries : the property that a woman brings to her husband in marriage in some cultures

1dowse variant of DOUSE

2dowse \ˈdau̇z\ vb : to use a divining rod especially to find water
— dows·er \ˈdau̇-zər\ n

dox·ol·o·gy \däk-ˈsäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : an expression of praise to God

doze \ˈdōz\ vb dozed; doz·ing : to sleep lightly
— doze n

— doz·er n

doz·en \ˈdəz-ən\ n, pl dozens or dozen : a group of twelve [Middle English dozeine “dozen,” from early French dozeyne (same meaning), derived from Latin duodecim “twelve,” from duo “two” and decem “ten” — related to DECIMAL, DIME, DUAL]
— dozen adj

— doz·enth \-ən(t)th\ adj

doz·er \ˈdō-zər\ n : BULLDOZER

DP \(ˈ)dē-ˈpē\ n, pl DP's or DPs
1 : a displaced person
2 : DOUBLE PLAY

1drab \ˈdrab\ n : a light olive brown

2drab adj drab·ber; drab·best
1 : of the color drab
2 : lacking variety and interest : DULL <a drab life>
— drab·ly adv

— drab·ness n

dra·cae·na \drə-ˈsē-nə\ n : any of a genus of trees or shrubs that are related to the lilies, have branches with bunches of sword-shaped leaves at the ends, and bear clusters of small greenish white flowers

drach·ma \ˈdrak-mə\ n, pl drach·mas or drach·mai \-ˌmī\ or drach·mae \-(ˌ)mē, -ˌmī\
1 : any of various ancient Greek units of weight
2 a : an ancient Greek silver coin  b : the former basic unit of money of Greece; also : a coin representing this unit

Dra·co \ˈdrā-kō\ n : a group of stars between the Big Dipper and Little Dipper [from Latin Draco, literally, “dragon”]

1draft \ˈdraft, ˈdrȧft\ n
1 a : the act of pulling or hauling  b : the thing or amount pulled
2 : the act or an instance of drinking or inhaling; also : the portion drunk or inhaled at one time
3 a : something represented in words or lines : DESIGN, PLAN  b : a quick sketch, outline, or version from which a final work is produced <a rough draft of the essay>
4 a : the act of drawing out liquid (as from a barrel)  b : a portion of liquid drawn out
5 : the depth of water required for a ship to float when loaded
6 : a picking of persons for required military service
7 : an order (as a check) issued by one party to another (as a bank) to pay money to a third party
8 a : a current of air  b : a device to regulate an air supply (as in a stove)
— on draft : ready to be drawn from a container

2draft adj
1 : used for pulling loads <draft animals>
2 : being a version to be finished later <a draft treaty>
3 : being or having been on draft <draft beer>

3draft vb
1 : to pick especially for required military service
2 a : to make a draft of : OUTLINE <draft a plan>  b : to put into written form <draft an essay>
— draft·er n

draft·ee \draf-ˈtē, drȧf-\ n : a person who is drafted especially into the armed forces

drafts·man \ˈdraf(t)s-mən, ˈdrȧf(t)s-\ n : a person who draws plans (as for machinery)
— drafts·man·ship \-ˌship\ n

drafty \ˈdraf-tē, ˈdrȧf-\ adj draf·ti·er; -est : exposed to a draft or current of air <a drafty hall>
— draft·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— draft·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

1drag \ˈdrag\ n
1 : a device for dragging under water to detect or gather objects
2 : something without wheels (as a sledge for carrying heavy loads) that is dragged, pulled, or drawn along or over a surface
3 a : the act or an instance of dragging or drawing  b : a draw on a pipe, cigarette, or cigar : PUFF; also : a drink of liquid
4 a : something that slows down motion  b : the force acting on a body (as an airplane) to slow it down as the body moves through a fluid (as air)  c : something that hinders or obstructs progress
5 : someone or something boring
6 : STREET 1, ROAD <the main drag>

2drag vb dragged; drag·ging
1 a : to haul slowly or heavily <dragging the suitcase across the room>  b : to move with slowness or difficulty <dragged myself up the stairs>  c : to bring by or as if by force <dragged them to the opera>  d : to pass or cause to pass slowly <the day dragged on>
2 : to hang or lag behind
3 : to trail along on the ground
4 : to search or fish with a drag
5 : to take part in a drag race
6 : to move (an item on a computer screen) using a mouse
— drag·ging·ly adv

— drag one's feet also drag one's heels : to act in a slow manner or in a manner intended to cause delay

drag·ger \ˈdra-gər\ n : one that drags; esp : a fishing boat using a trawl or dragnet

drag·gle \ˈdrag-əl\ vb drag·gled; drag·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make or become wet and dirty by dragging
2 : to follow slowly : STRAGGLE

drag·net \ˈdrag-ˌnet\ n
1 : a net dragged along the bottom of a body of water
2 : a series of planned actions for catching a criminal

drag·on \ˈdrag-ən\ n
1 : an imaginary animal usually pictured as a huge serpent or lizard with wings and large claws
2 cap : DRACO [Middle English dragon “dragon,” from early French dragun (same meaning), from Latin dracon-, draco “serpent, dragon,” from Greek drakōn “serpent” — related to RANKLE]

drag·on·fly \-ˌflī\ n : any of a group of large harmless insects that have four long wings held horizontal and sticking out instead of folded to the side next to the body when at rest and that feed especially on flies, gnats, and mosquitoes — compare DAMSELFLY

1dra·goon \drə-ˈgün, dra-\ n : a mounted infantry soldier

2dragoon vb : to get (someone) to do something by force

drag race n : a race between two vehicles to see which can accelerate faster
— drag racer n

— drag racing n

drag·ster \ˈdrag-stər\ n : a vehicle (as an automobile) made for drag racing

drag strip n : a place for drag races that is paved and usually at least a quarter mile long

1drain \ˈdrān\ vb
1 a : to draw off or flow off gradually or completely <drain water from a tank>  b : to exhaust physically or emotionally
2 : to make or become gradually dry or empty <drain a swamp> <drained the country of its resources>
— drain·er n

2drain n
1 : a means (as a pipe, channel, or sewer) of draining
2 a : the act of draining  b : a gradual using up
3 : something that causes a using up <a drain on our resources>
— down the drain : to a state of being wasted or lost

drain·age \ˈdrā-nij\ n
1 a : the act of draining  b : something drained off
2 : a method of draining; also : a system of drains

drain·pipe \ˈdrān-ˌpīp\ n : a pipe for drainage

drake \ˈdrāk\ n : a male duck

dram \ˈdram\ n : a unit of liquid capacity equal to ⅛ fluid ounce — see MEASURE TABLE

dra·ma \ˈdräm-ə, ˈdram-\ n
1 a : a written work that tells a story through action and speech and is meant to be acted on a stage : PLAY  b : a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
2 : dramatic art, literature, or affairs
3 a : an exciting event or series of events <the drama of the basketball playoffs>  b : dramatic effect or quality <used colored lighting for drama>

dra·mat·ic \drə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to drama <a dramatic actor>
2 a : suitable to or resembling that of drama <a dramatic escape>  b : attracting attention <made a dramatic entrance>
— dra·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

dra·mat·ics \drə-ˈmat-iks\ n sing or pl
1 : the study or practice of theatrical arts
2 : dramatic behavior or expression

dra·ma·tis per·so·nae \ˌdram-ət-əs-pər-ˈsō-(ˌ)nē, ˌdräm-, -ˌnī\ n pl : the characters or actors in a play [modern Latin]

dram·a·tist \ˈdram-ət-əst, ˈdräm-\ n : PLAYWRIGHT

dram·a·tize \ˈdram-ə-ˌtīz, ˈdräm-\ vb
1 : to make into a drama
2 : to present or represent in a dramatic manner
— dram·a·ti·za·tion \ˌdram-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌdräm-\ n

drank past of DRINK

1drape \ˈdrāp\ n
1 pl : DRAPERY 2
2 : arrangement in or of folds
3 : the cut or hang of clothing

2drape vb draped; drap·ing
1 : to cover or decorate with or as if with folds of cloth
2 : to arrange in flowing lines or folds <a beautifully draped satin dress>

drap·er \ˈdrā-pər\ n, British : a dealer in cloth and sometimes also in clothing and dry goods

drap·ery \ˈdrā-p(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : a decorative fabric hung in loose folds
2 : curtains of heavy fabric often used over thinner curtains

dras·tic \ˈdras-tik\ adj
1 : acting rapidly or violently
2 : severe in effect : HARSH <had to take drastic measures>
— dras·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

draught \ˈdraft, ˈdrȧft\ chiefly British variant of DRAFT

1draw \ˈdrȯ\ vb drew \ˈdrü\; drawn \ˈdrȯn\; draw·ing
1 a : to cause to move by pulling : cause to follow  b : to pull up or to one side <draw the curtains>  c : to pull up or out <drew water from the well> <draw a gun>  d : to cause to come out of a container or source <draw water for a bath>
2 : to move or go steadily or gradually <day was drawing to a close>
3 a : ATTRACT, ENTICE <drew a crowd>  b : PROVOKE 2 <drew criticism>  c : to bring on as a response <drew cheers from the crowd>
4 : INHALE 1 <drew a deep breath>
5 a : to cause (as the contents or essence) to come forth <brine draws moisture and sugars from the cucumbers>  b : EVISCERATE <drawn and plucked chickens>
6 : to need (a specified depth) to float in <the boat draws three feet of water>
7 a : ACCUMULATE 1, GAIN <drawing interest>  b : to take money from a place of deposit : WITHDRAW  c : to receive regularly from a source <draw a salary>
8 a : to take (cards) from a stack or from the dealer  b : to receive or take at random <drew a winning number>
9 : to bend (a bow) by pulling back the string
10 : to cause to shrink or pucker
11 : to leave (a contest) undecided : TIE
12 a : to produce a likeness of by making lines on a surface <draw a picture> <the computer can draw a graph on the screen>  b : to write out in proper form <draw up a will>  c : to describe in words <a writer who draws characters well>
13 : DEDUCE 1A <draw a conclusion>
14 : to stretch or spread by or as if by pulling <some metals can be drawn out to form wire>
15 : to produce a draft of air <the chimney draws well>
— draw·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— draw a blank : to be unable to think of something

— draw on or draw upon : to use as a source of supply <what experiences can you draw on for a story>

— draw straws : to decide or assign something by lottery in which straws of unequal length are used

— draw the line or draw a line
1 : to set a dividing line between two things
2 : to set a limit that points out what one will not tolerate or do

2draw n
1 : the act or result of drawing
2 : a tie contest or game
3 : something that draws attention
4 : a gully shallower than a ravine

draw·back \ˈdrȯ-ˌbak\ n : an undesirable feature : 1DISADVANTAGE

draw·bar \-ˌbär\ n : a beam across the rear of a tractor to which tools are hitched

draw·bridge \-ˌbrij\ n : a bridge made to be wholly or partly raised up, let down, or drawn aside so as to permit or prevent passage

draw·er \ˈdrȯ(-ə)r\ n
1 : one that draws
2 : a sliding boxlike compartment (as in a desk)
3 pl : an undergarment for the lower part of the body

draw·ing \ˈdrȯ-iŋ\ n
1 : an act or instance of drawing lots
2 : the act or art of making a figure, plan, or sketch by means of lines
3 : a picture made by drawing

drawing board n
1 : a board on which paper for drawing can be fastened
2 : a planning stage <his project was still on the drawing board>

drawing room n : a formal room for entertaining company [shortened from withdrawing room “a room one can go to to be alone”]

1drawl \ˈdrȯl\ vb : to speak slowly with vowels drawn out beyond their usual length

2drawl n : a drawling way of speaking

drawn butter \ˈdrȯn-\ n : melted butter

draw on vb : to come closer : APPROACH <as night drew on>

draw out vb
1 : to cause to last longer than usual
2 : to cause or encourage to speak freely <tried to draw the shy child out>

draw·string \ˈdrȯ-ˌstriŋ\ n : a string, cord, or tape used to close a bag, control fullness in clothes, or open or close curtains

draw up vb
1 : to arrange (as troops) in order
2 : to prepare a draft or version of <draw up plans>
3 : to straighten (oneself) to an erect posture <drew himself up angrily and left the room>
4 : to bring or come to a stop <the car drew up at the door>

dray \ˈdrā\ n : a strong low cart or wagon without sides for hauling heavy loads

1dread \ˈdred\ vb
1 : to fear greatly
2 : to be very unwilling to meet or face

2dread n
1 a : great fear especially in the face of approaching harm  b archaic : 1AWE
2 : one causing fear or awe  synonyms see FEAR

3dread adj : causing great fear or anxiety <a dread disease>

dread·ful \ˈdred-fəl\ adj
1 : causing dread or awe <a dreadful storm>
2 : very disagreeable, unpleasant, or shocking <a dreadful cold> <dreadful news>
— dread·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— dread·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

dread·locks \ˈdred-ˌläks\ n pl : hair that is twisted together into long pieces that hang down around the shoulders

dread·nought \ˈdred-ˌnȯt, -ˌnät\ n : BATTLESHIP

1dream \ˈdrēm\ n
1 : a series of thoughts, pictures, or feelings occurring during sleep
2 : a vision created in the imagination : DAYDREAM
3 : something notable for its beauty or pleasing quality
4 : a goal that is longed for : IDEAL
— dream·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2dream \ˈdrēm\ vb dreamed \ˈdrem(p)t, ˈdrēmd\ or dreamt \ˈdrem(p)t\; dream·ing \ˈdrē-miŋ\
1 : to have a dream <dreamed about my dog>
2 : to spend time having daydreams
3 : to think of as happening or possible : IMAGINE <never dreamed I'd win>
— dream·er n

dream·land \ˈdrēm-ˌland\ n : an unreal delightful country existing only in imagination or in dreams

dream·less \ˈdrēm-ləs\ adj : having no dreams <a dreamless sleep>
— dream·less·ly adv

— dream·less·ness n

dreamy \ˈdrē-mē\ adj dream·i·er; -est
1 : full of dreams
2 : tending to spend time in dreaming
3 a : suggesting a dream  b : being quiet and soothing <dreamy music>  c : DELIGHTFUL, PLEASING
— dream·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

— dream·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ n

drear \ˈdri(ə)r\ adj : DREARY

drea·ry \ˈdri(ə)r-ē\ adj drea·ri·er \ˈdrir-ē-ər\; -est : having nothing that provides cheer, comfort, or interest
— drea·ri·ly \ˈdrir-ə-lē\ adv

— drea·ri·ness \ˈdrir-ē-nəs\ n

1dredge \ˈdrej\ vb dredged; dredg·ing
1 a : to dig, gather, or pull out with or as if with a dredge <dredged up scallops from the sea bottom>  b : to deepen (as a waterway) with a dredge
2 : to bring to light by deep searching <dredging up memories>

2dredge n
1 : an iron frame with an attached net used especially to catch fish or shellfish
2 : a machine for removing earth usually by buckets on a continuous chain or by a suction tube [probably from Old English dragan “to pull, drag”]

3dredge vb dredged; dredg·ing : to coat (food) by sprinkling (as with flour) [from obsolete dredge (noun) “a candied fruit,” derived from early French dragee (same meaning), from Latin tragemata (plural) “candied fruits,” from Greek tragēmata (same meaning), derived from trōgein “to gnaw”]

dregs \ˈdregz\ n pl
1 : sediment contained in a liquid or precipitated from it : LEES
2 : the most undesirable part <the dregs of humanity>

drench \ˈdrench\ vb : to wet thoroughly  synonyms see SOAK

1dress \ˈdres\ vb
1 : to make or set straight
2 a : to put clothes on  b : to provide with clothing  c : to put on or wear formal or fancy clothes
3 : to trim or decorate for display
4 : to put in order
5 a : to apply dressings or medicine to <dress a wound>  b : to arrange (as the hair) by combing, brushing, or curling  c : 2GROOM 1  d : to kill and prepare for market <dress a chicken>  e : to apply manure or fertilizer to
6 : 2SMOOTH 2, FINISH

2dress n
1 : CLOTHING 1
2 : an outer garment with a skirt for a woman or child
3 : clothing appropriate to a particular time or occasion <Roman dress> <evening dress>

3dress adj
1 : suitable or required for a formal occasion <dress clothes>
2 : relating to or used for a dress

dress down vb
1 : to criticize severely
2 : to dress casually

1dress·er \ˈdres-ər\ n : a piece of furniture (as a chest or bureau) with a mirror

2dresser n : one that dresses <a fashionable dresser>

dress·ing \ˈdres-iŋ\ n
1 a : the act or process of one that dresses  b : an instance of dressing
2 a : a sauce for adding to a dish  b : a seasoned mixture used as a stuffing (as for poultry) or baked and served separately
3 a : material (as ointment or gauze) used to cover an injury  b : fertilizing material (as manure or compost)

dres·sing–down \ˌdres-iŋ-ˈdau̇n\ n : a severe criticism

dressing gown n : a loose robe worn indoors

dressing room n : a room (as in a theater) used for dressing

dressing table n : a table often with drawers and a mirror in front of which one sits while dressing and grooming oneself

dress·mak·ing \ˈdres-ˌmā-kiŋ\ n : the process or occupation of making dresses
— dress·mak·er \-kər\ n

dress rehearsal n : a rehearsal of a play in costume and with stage properties shortly before the first performance

dress up vb
1 : to put on one's best or formal clothes
2 : to put on strange or fancy clothes <dress up for Halloween>

dressy \ˈdres-ē\ adj dress·i·er; -est
1 : showy in dress
2 : suitable for formal occasions <dressy clothes>

drew past of DRAW

1drib·ble \ˈdrib-əl\ vb drib·bled; drib·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to fall or flow or let fall in small drops : TRICKLE
2 : DROOL 2
3 : to move forward by tapping, bouncing, or kicking <dribble a basketball> <dribble a puck>
— drib·bler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2dribble n
1 : a small trickling flow
2 : an act or instance of dribbling a ball or puck

drib·let \ˈdrib-lət\ n
1 : a small amount
2 : a falling drop

1drier comparative of DRY

2dri·er or dry·er \ˈdrī(-ə)r\ n
1 : something that dries
2 : a substance used (as in paints or varnishes) to speed up drying
3 usually dryer : a device for drying something by heat or air

driest superlative of DRY

1drift \ˈdrift\ n
1 a : a drifting motion or course  b : the flow or the velocity of a river or ocean stream
2 a : wind-driven snow, rain, cloud, dust, or smoke usually near the ground  b : a mass of matter (as sand) deposited by or as if by wind or water  c : a deposit of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders transported by a glacier or by running water from a glacier
3 a : a course something appears to be taking  b : the underlying meaning of what is said or written <following the drift of the conversation>

2drift vb
1 : to become or cause to be driven or carried along by a current of water, wind, or air
2 : to move along without effort
3 : to be piled up in heaps by wind or water
— drift·ing·ly \ˈdrif-tiŋ-lē\ adv

drift·er \ˈdrif-tər\ n : one that drifts; esp : a person who travels about without purpose

drift·wood \ˈdrift-ˌwu̇d\ n : wood drifted or floated by water

1drill \ˈdril\ n
1 : a tool for making holes in hard substances
2 : the training of soldiers in military skill and discipline
3 : a physical or mental exercise regularly practiced
4 : a marine snail that bores through oyster shells and feeds on the soft parts [probably from Dutch dril “a tool for drilling holes,” derived from early Dutch drillen (verb) “to drill”]

2drill vb
1 : to instruct or train by repetition <drill a child in multiplication> <drill troops>
2 : to bore or make a hole in with or as if with a drill <drill a tooth> <drill a hole>
— drill·er n

3drill n
1 : a shallow furrow or trench into which seed is sown
2 : a planting machine that makes holes or furrows, drops in seed, and covers it with earth [perhaps from earlier drill “a trickling stream”]

4drill vb : to sow with or as if with a drill

5drill n : a strong cotton fabric in twill weave [shortened from drilling “heavy cotton fabric,” from German Drillich (same meaning)]

dril·ling \ˈdril-iŋ\ n : 5DRILL

drill·mas·ter \ˈdril-ˌmas-tər\ n : an instructor in military drill

1drink \ˈdriŋk\ vb drank \ˈdraŋk\; drunk \ˈdrəŋk\ or drank; drink·ing
1 a : to swallow liquid  b : ABSORB 1  c : to take in through the senses <drink in the scenery>
2 : to drink alcoholic beverages
— drink·er n

2drink n
1 a : BEVERAGE  b : alcoholic liquor
2 : a draft or portion of liquid

drink·able \ˈdriŋ-kə-bəl\ adj : suitable or safe for drinking <drinkable water>

1drip \ˈdrip\ vb dripped; drip·ping
1 : to fall or let fall in or as if in drops
2 : to let fall drops of liquid <a dripping faucet>
— drip·per n

2drip n
1 a : a falling in drops  b : liquid that drips
2 : the sound made by drops

drip–dry \ˈdrip-ˈdrī\ vb : to dry with few or no wrinkles when hung dripping wet
— drip–dry \-ˌdrī\ adj

drip·pings \ˈdrip-iŋz\ n pl : fat and juices drawn from meat during cooking

1drive \ˈdrīv\ vb drove \ˈdrōv\; driv·en \ˈdriv-ən\; driv·ing \ˈdrī-viŋ\
1 a : to urge, push, or force onward <drive cattle> <waves drove the boat ashore>  b : to cause to penetrate with force <drive a nail>
2 a : to direct the movement or course of (as a vehicle or animals drawing a vehicle)  b : to move or transport in a vehicle <his father drove me home>
3 : to set or keep in motion <drive machinery by electricity>
4 : to carry through strongly <drive a bargain>
5 a : to force to act <driven by hunger to steal>  b : to project, inject, or impress forcefully <his last example drove the lesson home>
6 : to bring into a specified condition <noise enough to drive a person crazy>
7 : to force (a passage) by pressing or digging
8 : to move ahead rapidly or with great force <the rain was driving hard>
9 a : to hit (a ball or puck) with force  b : to cause (a run or runner) to be scored in baseball — usually used with in <drove in two runs>

2drive n
1 : an act of driving: as  a : a trip in a carriage or automobile  b : a driving together of animals  c : the guiding of logs downstream to a mill  d : the act of driving a ball  e : the flight of a ball
2 a : DRIVEWAY  b : a public road (as in a park) for driving
3 : a long or forceful campaign <a charity drive>
4 a : an urgent or basic need or longing  b : energetic quality <full of drive>
5 a : the means for giving motion to a machine or machine part <a chain drive>  b : the means by which the movement of an automotive vehicle is controlled and directed <front wheel drive>
6 : a device for reading or writing data (as on magnetic tape or disks)

drive–in \ˈdrī-ˌvin\ n : a business (as a movie theater or restaurant) set up so that customers can be served or provided for while remaining in their automobiles
— drive–in adj

1driv·el \ˈdriv-əl\ vb driv·eled or driv·elled; driv·el·ing or driv·el·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to let saliva dribble from the mouth : SLOBBER
2 : to talk stupidly
— driv·el·er or driv·el·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2drivel n : NONSENSE 1

driv·er \ˈdrī-vər\ n
1 : one that drives: as  a : the operator of a motor vehicle  b : a tool for driving <a nail driver>  c : a golf club having a usually wooden head with a nearly straight face

drive shaft n : a shaft that transmits mechanical power

drive–through \ˈdrīv-ˌthrü\ adj : DRIVE-UP

drive–up \ˈdrīv-ˌəp\ adj : designed to allow customers to be served while remaining in their automobiles <a bank's drive-up window>

drive·way \ˈdrīv-ˌwā\ n : a short private road from the street to a house, garage, or parking lot

driving range n : an area equipped for practicing golf shots

1driz·zle \ˈdriz-əl\ vb driz·zled; driz·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to rain in very small drops

2drizzle n : a fine misty rain
— driz·zly \ˈdriz-(ə-)lē\ adj

drogue \ˈdrōg\ n : a parachute for slowing down or stabilizing something (as an astronaut's capsule) or for pulling out a larger parachute

droll \ˈdrōl\ adj : having an odd or amusing quality
— droll·ness n

— drol·ly \ˈdrō(l)-lē\ adv

-drome \ˌdrōm\ n combining form
1 : racecourse
2 : large specially prepared place <aerodrome> [derived from Greek dromos “course for running”]

drom·e·dary \ˈdräm-ə-ˌder-ē also ˈdrəm-\ n, pl -dar·ies : the one-humped camel of western Asia and northern Africa — called also Arabian camel

1drone \ˈdrōn\ n
1 : a stingless male bee (as of the honeybee) whose only function is to mate with the queen bee
2 : a lazy person
3 : an aircraft or ship without a pilot that is controlled by radio signals

2drone vb droned; dron·ing : to make or speak with a continuous low humming sound <a plane droning overhead> <droned on about himself>

3drone n
1 : one of the pipes on a bagpipe that sound fixed continuous tones
2 : a deep monotonous sound : HUM

drool \ˈdrül\ vb
1 : to water at the mouth
2 : to let saliva or some other substance flow from the mouth : DRIVEL

1droop \ˈdrüp\ vb
1 : to sink, bend, or hang down
2 : to become depressed or weak
— droop·ing·ly \ˈdrü-piŋ-lē\ adv

— droopy \ˈdrü-pē\ adj

2droop n : the condition or appearance of drooping

1drop \ˈdräp\ n
1 a : the quantity of fluid that falls naturally in one rounded mass  b pl : a dose of medicine measured by drops <eye drops>  c : a small quantity of drink  d : the smallest practical unit of liquid measure
2 : something (as a hanging ornament on jewelry or a round candy) shaped like a drop
3 a : the act or an instance of dropping : FALL  b : a decline in quantity or quality <a drop in water pressure> <a drop in prices>  c : a descent by parachute  d : a place where something (as mail or goods) is left to be picked up
4 : the distance through which something drops
5 : an unframed piece of cloth scenery in a theater
6 : ADVANTAGE 1 <we've got the drop on them>

2drop vb dropped; drop·ping
1 : to fall or let fall in drops
2 a : to let fall : cause to fall <dropped the book>  b : to reduce to a lower level or stage <dropped his speed>
3 : SEND 1 <drop me a line>
4 : to stop doing, using, or considering <drop the subject> <dropped everything and ran to the door> <you can drop that idea>
5 : to knock or shoot down
6 : to go lower <prices dropped>
7 : to make a brief visit <drop in for a chat>
8 : to pass into a less active state <drop off to sleep>
9 : to move downward or with a current
10 : to leave (a letter standing for a speech sound) unsounded <drop the “g” in “running”>
11 : to give birth to <the cow dropped her calf>

drop–down \-ˌdau̇n\ adj : PULL-DOWN

drop·kick \ˈdräp-ˈkik\ n : a kick made by dropping a ball to the ground and kicking it as it bounces
— drop–kick vb

— drop–kick·er n

drop·let \ˈdräp-lət\ n : a very small drop

drop·out \ˈdräp-ˌau̇t\ n : a person who drops out especially from a school or a training program

drop out \dräp-ˈau̇t\ vb : to withdraw from taking part or membership : QUIT <dropped out of school>

drop·per \ˈdräp-ər\ n
1 : one that drops
2 : a short glass or plastic tube with a rubber bulb used to measure out liquids by drops — called also eyedropper, medicine dropper
— drop·per·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n

dropping bottle n : a bottle designed to supply liquid in drops; esp : a bottle with a dropper

drop·pings \ˈdräp-iŋz\ n pl : DUNG

drop·sy \ˈdräp-sē\ n : EDEMA
— drop·si·cal \-si-kəl\ adj

dro·soph·i·la \drō-ˈsäf-ə-lə\ n : any of a genus of fruit flies used especially in genetics research

dross \ˈdräs, ˈdrȯs\ n
1 : the scum that forms on molten metal
2 : waste or foreign matter

drought also drouth \ˈdrau̇t, ˈdrau̇th\ n : a long period of dry weather
— droughty \-ē\ adj

1drove \ˈdrōv\ n
1 : a group of animals driven or moving in a body
2 : a crowd of people moving or acting together [Old English drāf “group of animals moving together,” from drīfan “to drive”]

2drove past of DRIVE

drov·er \ˈdrō-vər\ n : a person who drives cattle or sheep

drown \ˈdrau̇n\ vb
1 a : to suffocate in a liquid and especially in water  b : to become drowned
2 : to cover with water : INUNDATE
3 : to overpower especially with noise — usually used with out <the music was drowned out by shouting>

drowse \ˈdrau̇z\ vb drowsed; drows·ing : DOZE
— drowse n

drowsy \ˈdrau̇-zē\ adj drows·i·er; -est
1 : ready to fall asleep
2 : making one sleepy <a drowsy afternoon>  synonyms see SLEEPY
— drows·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— drows·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

drub \ˈdrəb\ vb drubbed; drub·bing
1 : to beat severely
2 : to defeat completely <drubbed her opponent in the tennis match>

1drudge \ˈdrəj\ vb drudged; drudg·ing : to do hard or dull work
— drudg·er n

2drudge n : a person who drudges

drudg·ery \ˈdrəj-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : hard or dull work

1drug \ˈdrəg\ n
1 : a substance used as a medicine or in making medicines
2 : something for which there is no demand — used in the phrase drug on the market
3 : a usually illegal substance (as heroin, LSD, or cocaine) that affects bodily activities often in a harmful way and is taken for other than medical reasons

2drug vb drugged; drug·ging
1 : to affect or treat with a drug; esp : to make dull or numb by a narcotic drug
2 : to lull or make dull or numb as if with a drug

drug·gist \ˈdrəg-əst\ n : a person who sells drugs and medicines; also : PHARMACIST

drug·store \ˈdrəg-ˌstō(ə)r, -ˌstȯ(ə)r\ n : a retail store where medicines and miscellaneous articles are sold — called also pharmacy

dru·id \ˈdrü-əd\ n, often cap : a member of an ancient Celtic priesthood appearing in sagas and legends as magicians and wizards
— dru·id·ic \drü-ˈid-ik\ or dru·id·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj, often cap

— dru·id·ism \ˈdrü-ə-ˌdiz-əm\ n, often cap

1drum \ˈdrəm\ n
1 : a musical percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder with a thin layer of material (as animal skin or plastic) stretched over one or both ends that is beaten with a stick or with the hands
2 : the sound of a drum; also : a similar sound
3 : a drum-shaped object: as  a : a cylindrical mechanical device or part  b : a cylindrical container <oil drums>  c : a disk-shaped ammunition container that may be attached to a firearm

2drum vb drummed; drum·ming
1 : to beat or play on or as if on a drum
2 : to sound rhythmically : THROB, BEAT
3 : to call or gather together by or as if by beating a drum <drum up business>
4 : to dismiss in shame : EXPEL <drummed out of the army>
5 : to drive or force by steady effort or repetition <drummed the lesson into their heads>
6 : to strike or tap repeatedly so as to produce rhythmic sounds <drummed the table with his fingers>

drum·beat \ˈdrəm-ˌbēt\ n : a stroke on a drum or its sound

drum·lin \ˈdrəm-lən\ n : a long or oval hill of material left by a glacier

drum major n : the leader of a marching band

drum ma·jor·ette \ˌdrəm-ˌmā-jə-ˈret\ n : a girl or woman who leads a marching band

drum·mer \ˈdrəm-ər\ n
1 : one that plays a drum
2 : TRAVELING SALESMAN

drum·stick \ˈdrəm-ˌstik\ n
1 : a stick for beating a drum
2 : the lower part of a fowl's leg

1drunk past participle of DRINK

2drunk \ˈdrəŋk\ adj
1 : having consumed alcohol to the point that normal thinking or acting becomes difficult or impossible
2 : controlled by some feeling as if under the influence of alcohol <drunk with power>
3 a : DRUNKEN 2A  b : occurring while drunk <drunk driving>

3drunk n
1 a : a person who is drunk  b : DRUNKARD
2 : a period of drinking too much : SPREE

drunk·ard \ˈdrəŋ-kərd\ n : a person who makes a habit of getting drunk

drunk·en \ˈdrəŋ-kən\ adj
1 a : 2DRUNK 1  b : having a habit of drinking too much alcohol
2 a : resulting from being drunk <a drunken brawl>  b : 2DRUNK 3B
— drunk·en·ly adv

— drunk·en·ness \-kən-nəs\ n

drupe \ˈdrüp\ n : a fleshy fruit (as the plum, cherry, or peach) having one seed enclosed in a hard stony material

1dry \ˈdrī\ adj dri·er \ˈdrī(-ə)r\; dri·est \ˈdrī-əst\
1 : free or nearly free from liquid and especially water <dry weight> <dry steam>
2 : characterized by loss or lack of water: as  a : lacking precipitation and humidity <a dry climate>  b : lacking freshness : STALE  c : low in or deprived of natural juices or moisture <dry hay> <a dry fruit>
3 : not being in or under water <dry land>
4 a : THIRSTY 1  b : marked by the absence of alcoholic beverages <a dry party>  c : no longer damp or sticky <the paint is dry>
5 : containing or using no liquid (as water) <a dry creek> <dry heat>
6 : not giving milk <a dry cow>
7 : not producing phlegm <dry cough>
8 : not producing or yielding what is expected or wanted <a dry oil well>
9 : marked by a matter-of-fact, ironic, or terse manner of expression <dry humor>
10 : failing to arouse interest or enthusiasm <a dry lecture>
11 : not sweet <dry wines>
12 : relating to, favoring, or practicing prohibition of alcoholic beverages <a dry county>
— dry·ly or dri·ly adv

— dry·ness n

2dry vb dried; dry·ing : to make or become dry

3dry n, pl drys \ˈdrīz\ : PROHIBITIONIST

dry·ad \ˈdrī-əd, -ˌad\ n : a nymph living in woods

dry cell n : a small battery whose contents cannot be spilled <a dry cell for a flashlight>

dry–clean \ˈdrī-ˌklēn\ vb : to clean (fabrics) with chemical solvents
— dry–clean·able \-ˈklē-nə-bəl\ adj

— dry cleaner n

— dry cleaning n

dry dock \ˈdrī-ˌdäk\ n : a dock that can be kept dry during the construction or repair of ships

dryer variant of DRIER

dry–erase board n : WHITEBOARD

dry farmer n : a person who engages in dry farming

dry farming n : farming on dry land without irrigation using moisture-conserving methods and drought-resistant crops
— dry–farm vb

— dry farm n

dry fly n : a fishing fly designed to float on the water

dry goods \ˈdrī-ˌgu̇dz\ n pl : cloth goods (as fabrics, lace, and ribbon)

dry ice n : solid carbon dioxide

dry measure n : a series of units of capacity for dry products — see MEASURE TABLE, METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

dry·point \ˈdrī-ˌpȯint\ n : a picture made by engraving a metal plate with a tool and not using acid

dry rot n : decay of dried timber in which the cellulose of wood is used for food by fungi leaving a soft skeleton that easily crumbles to powder

dry run n
1 : a practice firing without ammunition
2 : a practice exercise

dry–shod \ˈdrī-ˈshäd\ adj : having dry shoes or feet

dry·wall \ˈdrī-ˌwȯl\ n : a board made of layers of fiberboard, paper, or felt bonded to a plaster core

du·al \ˈd(y)ü-əl\ adj
1 : consisting of two parts or elements : having two parts alike <dual headphone jacks>
2 : having a double character or nature <a dual function> <dual citizenship> [from Latin dualis “dual,” from duo “two” — related to DEUCE, DOUBLE, DOZEN]
— du·al·i·ty \d(y)ü-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— du·al·ly \ˈd(y)ü-ə-lē\ adv

1dub \ˈdəb\ vb dubbed; dub·bing
1 : to make a knight of
2 : 2NAME 1

2dub vb dubbed; dub·bing : to add sound effects or new dialogue to a film or broadcast

du·bi·ous \ˈd(y)ü-bē-əs\ adj
1 : causing doubt : UNCERTAIN <a dubious honor>
2 : feeling doubt : UNDECIDED <dubious about our chances in the race>
3 : of uncertain outcome <a dubious struggle>
4 : questionable in value, quality, or origin <won by dubious means>
— du·bi·ous·ly adv

— du·bi·ous·ness n

dub·ni·um \ˈdüb-nē-əm, ˈdəb-\ n : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially — see ELEMENT table [from scientific Latin, from Dubna, a city in Russia where the element is produced and studied]

du·cal \ˈd(y)ü-kəl\ adj : of or relating to a duke or duchy

duc·at \ˈdək-ət\ n : a former gold coin of various European countries

duch·ess \ˈdəch-əs\ n
1 : the wife or widow of a duke
2 : a woman holding the rank of duke in her own right

duchy \ˈdəch-ē\ n, pl duch·ies : the territory of a duke or duchess

1duck \ˈdək\ n, pl duck or ducks : any of various typically web-footed swimming birds with the neck and legs short, the body heavy, the bill often broad and flat, and the males and females usually differing in color; also : the flesh of a duck used as food [Old English dūce “duck”]

2duck vb
1 : to thrust or plunge underwater
2 : to lower the head or body suddenly
3 : to move quickly : disappear suddenly <he ducked around the corner to escape detection>
4 : to evade a duty, question, or responsibility : 2DODGE <ducked our question> [Middle English douken “thrust under water”]
— duck·er n

3duck n
1 : a coarse usually cotton cloth
2 pl : clothes made of duck [from Dutch doek “cloth”]

4duck n : an amphibious truck [altered form of DUKW, military code name for this vehicle]

duck·bill \ˈdək-ˌbil\ n : PLATYPUS — called also duck-billed platypus \ˌdək-ˌbil(d)-\

duck·ling \ˈdək-liŋ\ n : a young duck

duck sauce n : a thick sweet sauce made mostly of fruits (as plums or apricots), sweeteners, and vinegar and used especially with Chinese food

duck soup n : something easy to do : CINCH

duck·weed \ˈdək-ˌwēd\ n : a tiny stemless plant that floats without attachment on the surface of a body of still water (as a pond)

duct \ˈdəkt\ n
1 : a tube or vessel carrying a bodily fluid (as the secretion of a gland)
2 : a pipe, tube, or channel through which a fluid (as air or water) flows [from scientific Latin ductus “tube or vessel from a gland,” from Latin ductus “aqueduct,” from earlier ductus “act of leading” — related to AQUEDUCT, 3DOCK]
— duct·less \ˈdək-tləs\ adj

duc·tile \ˈdək-təl, -ˌtīl\ adj : capable of being drawn out (as into a wire) or hammered thin <ductile metal>
— duc·til·i·ty \ˌdək-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n

ductless gland n : ENDOCRINE GLAND

duct tape n : a wide cloth adhesive tape

dud \ˈdəd\ n
1 pl  a : CLOTHES 1  b : personal belongings
2 : a complete failure <the movie was a dud>
3 : a missile (as a bomb or shell) that fails to explode

dude \ˈd(y)üd\ n
1 : a man who pays excessive attention to his dress : DANDY
2 : an Easterner in the West
3 : 1MAN 1A, GUY
— dud·ish \ˈd(y)üd-ish\ adj

dude ranch n : a vacation resort offering horseback riding and other activities typical of western ranches

dud·geon \ˈdəj-ən\ n : ill humor <stomped off in high dudgeon>

1due \ˈd(y)ü\ adj
1 : owed or owing as a debt or right <respect due to the court>
2 : according to accepted beliefs or procedures : 2APPROPRIATE <treat the judge with due respect>
3 a : SUFFICIENT, ADEQUATE <arrived in due time>  b : 1REGULAR 2A, LAWFUL <due process of law>
4 : being a result — used with to <accidents due to carelessness>
5 : having reached the date at which payment is required <bills are due>
6 : required or expected to happen <due to arrive any minute now>

2due n
1 : something owed : DEBT
2 pl : a regular or legal charge or fee <membership dues>

3due adv : 1DIRECTLY 1, EXACTLY <due north>

1du·el \ˈd(y)ü-əl\ n
1 : a combat between two persons; esp : one fought with weapons in the presence of witnesses
2 : a conflict between two opponents [from Latin duellum “duel,” from an archaic form of earlier bellum “war”; revived in the Middle Ages to mean combat between two persons because the du- suggested Latin duo “two”]

2duel vb du·eled or du·elled; du·el·ing or du·el·ling : to fight in a duel
— du·el·er or du·el·ler n

— du·el·ist or du·el·list \ˈd(y)ü-ə-ləst\ n

du·en·na \d(y)ü-ˈen-ə\ n
1 : an elderly woman in charge of the younger ladies in a Spanish or Portuguese family
2 : 1CHAPERONE

du·et \d(y)ü-ˈet\ n : a composition for two performers

due to prep : because of

duff \ˈdəf\ n : the partly decayed plant and animal matter on the floor of a forest

duf·fel \ˈdəf-əl\ n : an outfit of supplies (as for camping) : KIT

duffel bag n : a soft oblong bag for personal belongings

dug past and past participle of DIG

du·gong \ˈdü-ˌgäng, -ˌgȯng\ n : a mammal that lives in water, eats plants, and is related to the manatees but has a two-lobed tail and tusks in the male

dug·out \ˈdəg-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : a boat made by hollowing out a log
2 : a shelter dug in a hillside or in the ground
3 : a low shelter facing a baseball diamond and containing the players' bench

dui·ker \ˈdī-kər\ n : any of several small African antelopes

duke \ˈd(y)ük\ n
1 : a sovereign ruler of a duchy
2 : a nobleman of the highest rank especially of the British nobility
3 slang : FIST 1 — usually used in plural

duke·dom \ˈd(y)ük-dəm\ n : DUCHY

dul·cet \ˈdəl-sət\ adj : sweet to the ear : MELODIOUS <dulcet voices>

dul·ci·mer \ˈdəl-sə-mər\ n
1 : a stringed instrument played with light hammers held in the hands
2 or dul·ci·more \-ˌmōr, -ˌmȯr\ : an American folk instrument with three or four strings held on the lap and played by plucking or strumming

1dull \ˈdəl\ adj
1 : mentally slow : STUPID
2 : LISTLESS
3 : slow in action : SLUGGISH
4 : lacking sharpness of edge or point
5 : lacking brilliance or luster
6 : not ringing, sharp, or intense <a dull roar>
7 : CLOUDY 2, OVERCAST
8 : TEDIOUS, UNINTERESTING <a dull lecture>
9 : slightly grayish <a dull blue>
— dull·ness also dul·ness \ˈdəl-nəs\ n

— dul·ly \ˈdəl-(l)ē\ adv

2dull vb : to make or become dull

du·ly \ˈd(y)ü-lē\ adv : in a due manner, time, or degree

dumb \ˈdəm\ adj
1 a : lacking the human power of speech <dumb animals>  b of a person often offensive : lacking the ability to speak
2 : not willing to speak
3 : STUPID 1A, UNTHINKING
— dumb·ly \ˈdəm-lē\ adv

— dumb·ness n

dumb·bell \ˈdəm-ˌbel\ n
1 : a bar with weights at the ends that is usually used for exercise or building strength
2 : a stupid person : 1DUMMY

dumb·found also dum·found \ˌdəm-ˈfau̇nd\ vb : to cause to become speechless with astonishment : AMAZE
— dumb·found·ing·ly \-ˈfau̇n-diŋ-lē\ adv

dumb·wait·er \ˈdəm-ˈwāt-ər\ n : a small elevator for carrying food or goods from one story to another

1dum·my \ˈdəm-ē\ n, pl dummies
1 : a person who lacks or seems to lack the power of speech
2 : a stupid person
3 : an imitation used as a substitute for something: as  a : MANNEQUIN 2  b : a large puppet usually having movable features (as mouth and arms) controlled by a ventriloquist
4 a : the bridge hand of the partner of the player who wins the bid that is placed face up and played by the bid winner  b : a bridge player whose hand is a dummy

2dummy adj
1 : having the appearance of being real but lacking ability to function <dummy hinges for ornament>
2 : existing in name only : FICTITIOUS <a dummy corporation>

1dump \ˈdəmp\ vb
1 : to let fall in a heap or mass <dump the coats on the bed>
2 : to get rid of quickly or without concern <dumped us at the party and went home> <got dumped by his girlfriend>
3 : to dump trash or garbage <no dumping allowed>
4 : to sell in quantity at a very low price
5 : to send a copy of (data in a computer's internal storage) to an external storage device (as a flash drive) or to an output device (as a printer)
— dump·er n

2dump n
1 : a place where discarded materials (as trash) are dumped
2 : a place where reserve military supplies are stored <an ammunition dump>
3 : a disorderly or undesirable place
4 : the dumping of data stored in a computer

dump·ling \ˈdəm-pliŋ\ n
1 : a portion of dough cooked by boiling or steaming
2 : a dessert of fruit baked in biscuit dough

dumps \ˈdəm(p)s\ n pl : a dull gloomy state of mind : low spirits <in the dumps>

dump truck n : a truck for carrying and dumping loose material

dumpy \ˈdəm-pē\ adj dump·i·er; -est
1 : short and thick in build : SQUAT
2 : SHABBY 2B
— dump·i·ness n

1dun \ˈdən\ n
1 : a light tan horse with a black mane and tail
2 : a slightly brownish dark gray [Old English dunn (adjective) “having the color of brownish dark gray”]
— dun adj

2dun vb dunned; dun·ning : to make repeated demands upon for payment <an organization that duns its members for dues> [origin unknown]

3dun n
1 : a person who duns another
2 : a demand for payment

dunce \ˈdən(t)s\ n : a mentally dull or stupid person [an altered form of earlier duns, from the name John Duns Scotus 1266?–1308 a Scottish religious teacher whose writings came to be ridiculed in the 16th century]

dune \ˈd(y)ün\ n : a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind

dune buggy n : a motor vehicle with oversize tires for use on sand

dung \ˈdəŋ\ n : waste matter of an animal : MANURE

dun·ga·ree \ˌdəŋ-gə-ˈrē\ n
1 : blue denim
2 pl : trousers or work clothes made of blue denim

dung beetle n : a beetle (as a tumblebug) that rolls balls of dung in which to lay eggs and on which the larvae feed

dun·geon \ˈdən-jən\ n
1 : DONJON
2 : a dark usually underground prison
Word History The word dungeon, in use in English since the 1300s, originally referred to the keep of a castle—the massive inner tower detached from the rest of the structure that was its most securely located and protected part. During its early history this word had about a dozen different spellings, but nowadays, in the sense of a castle's keep, the usual form is donjon. The donjon was the stronghold to which the residents of the castle retreated if the outer walls had been scaled or breached in a siege. The subterranean part of a donjon was called by the same word in the form dungeon, the usual spelling for this sense. This dark, damp chamber was used as a cell for the confinement of prisoners. Both donjon and dungeon are borrowed from medieval French donjon, most likely the descendant of an unrecorded spoken Latin form domnio, ultimately a derivative of Latin dominus, “lord.” The underlying sense of domnio would have been “dominating tower,” reflecting the relation between the keep and the rest of the castle. [Middle English donjon “tower in a castle, dungeon,” from early French donjon “castle tower” — related to DONJON]

dung·hill \ˈdəŋ-ˌhil\ n : a manure pile

dunk \ˈdəŋk\ vb
1 : to dip (as a doughnut) into liquid (as coffee)
2 : to plunge oneself into water

dunk shot n : a shot in basketball made by jumping high in the air and throwing the ball down through the basket

duo \ˈd(y)ü-ō\ n, pl du·os
1 : DUET
2 : a group of two : 1PAIR

1duo·dec·i·mal \ˌd(y)ü-ə-ˈdes-ə-məl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a system of numbers with a base of 12

2duodecimal n : a number or digit in the duodecimal system of numbers

du·o·de·num \ˌd(y)ü-ə-ˈdē-nəm, d(y)u̇-ˈäd-ən-əm\ n, pl -de·na \-ˈdē-nə, -ən-ə\ or -denums : the first part of the small intestine extending from the opening from the stomach into the small intestine to the jejunum
— du·o·de·nal \-ˈdēn-əl, -ən-əl\ adj

1dupe \ˈd(y)üp\ n : one who is easily deceived or cheated

2dupe vb duped; dup·ing : DECEIVE 1, CHEAT
— dup·er n

du·ple \ˈd(y)ü-pəl\ adj
1 : taken by twos : TWOFOLD
2 : having two beats or a multiple of two beats to the measure <duple time>

1du·plex \ˈd(y)ü-ˌpleks\ adj
1 : being or consisting of two parts : TWOFOLD
2 : allowing communication at a distance (as by telephone or television) in opposite directions at the same time

2duplex n : something duplex: as  a : a two-family house  b : an apartment with rooms on two floors

1du·pli·cate \ˈd(y)ü-pli-kət\ adj
1 : having two parts exactly the same or alike
2 : being the same as another

2du·pli·cate \ˈd(y)ü-pli-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to make double
2 : to make a duplicate of
— du·pli·ca·tive \-ˌkāt-iv\ adj

3duplicate \ˈd(y)ü-pli-kət\ n : a thing that is exactly like another

du·pli·ca·tion \ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : an act or process of duplicating  b : the state of being duplicated
2 : 3DUPLICATE

du·pli·ca·tor \ˈd(y)ü-pli-ˌkāt-ər\ n : one that duplicates; esp : COPIER

du·plic·i·ty \d(y)u̇-ˈplis-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : deception by pretending to feel and act one way while feeling and acting another

du·ra·ble \ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl\ adj : able to last a long time <durable clothing> <durable goods>  synonyms see LASTING
— du·ra·bil·i·ty \ˌd(y)u̇r-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— du·ra·bly \ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-blē\ adv

durable press n : PERMANENT PRESS

du·rance \ˈd(y)u̇r-ən(t)s\ n : the state of being restrained by or as if by physical force

du·ra·tion \d(y)u̇-ˈrā-shən\ n : the time during which something exists or lasts

du·ress \d(y)u̇-ˈres\ n : the use of force or threats

dur·ing \ˌd(y)u̇r-iŋ\ prep
1 : throughout the course of <swims every day during the summer>
2 : at some time in the course of <you may call me during the day>

dur·ra \ˈdu̇r-ə\ n : any of several sorghums widely grown for their grain in warm dry regions

du·rum wheat \ˌd(y)u̇r-əm-\ n : a wheat that yields a flour used especially in pasta

dusk \ˈdəsk\ n
1 : the darker part of twilight especially at night
2 : partial darkness

dusky \ˈdəs-kē\ adj dusk·i·er; -est
1 : somewhat dark in color
2 : somewhat dark : DIM <a dusky room>
— dusk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— dusk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

1dust \ˈdəst\ n
1 a : fine dry powdery particles (as of earth)  b : a fine powder
2 : the powdery remains of bodies once alive
3 : something worthless
4 : the surface of the ground

2dust vb
1 : to make free of dust : brush or wipe away dust <dusted the living room>
2 : to sprinkle with dust or as a dust <dust a pan with flour> <dust insecticide on plants>

dust bowl n : a region that suffers from long droughts and dust storms

dust devil n : a small whirlwind containing sand or dust

dust·er \ˈdəs-tər\ n
1 : one that dusts
2 a : a loose-fitting usually lightweight long coat — called also duster coat  b : a dress-length housecoat
3 : one that scatters fine particles; esp : a device for applying insecticidal or fungicidal dusts to crops — compare CROP DUSTER

dust jacket n : a removable usually decorative paper cover for a book

dust·pan \ˈdəs(t)-ˌpan\ n : a pan shaped like a shovel for sweepings

dust storm n : a violent wind carrying dust across a dry region

dusty \ˈdəs-tē\ adj dust·i·er; -est
1 : filled or covered with dust
2 : resembling dust <dusty soil>
— dust·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— dust·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

dutch \ˈdəch\ adv, often cap : with each person paying his or her own way <went dutch to the movies>

1Dutch \ˈdəch\ adj : of or relating to the Netherlands, its inhabitants, or their language

2Dutch n
1 : the Germanic language of the Netherlands
2 Dutch pl : the people of the Netherlands
3 : 1DISFAVOR 2, 2TROUBLE <was in Dutch with the teacher>

Dutch door n : a door divided so that the lower part can be shut while the upper part remains open

Dutch elm disease n : a disease of elms caused by a fungus carried from one tree to another by bark beetles and marked by yellowing of the foliage, loss of leaves, and death

Dutch·man \ˈdəch-mən\ n
1 : a person born or living in the Netherlands
2 : a person of Dutch ancestry

Dutch·man's–breech·es \ˌdəch-mənz-ˈbrich-əz\ n pl : a delicate spring-flowering herb of the eastern U.S. resembling the related bleeding heart but having cream-white flowers with two spurs

Dutch oven n
1 : a brick oven for cooking
2 a : a kettle with a tight cover used for baking in an open fire  b : a large pot

Dutch treat n : a meal or other entertainment for which each person pays his or her own way

du·ti·able \ˈd(y)üt-ē-ə-bəl\ adj : subject to a tax

du·ti·ful \ˈd(y)üt-i-fəl\ adj : having or showing a sense of duty
— du·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— du·ti·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

du·ty \ˈd(y)üt-ē\ n, pl duties
1 : conduct due to parents and superiors : RESPECT
2 : the action required by one's position or occupation
3 a : a moral or legal obligation  b : the force of moral obligation
4 : 2TAX 1; esp : a tax on imports
5 : the service required (as of an electric machine) <withstands heavy duty>  synonyms see TASK

DVD \ˌdē-ˌvē-ˈdē\ n : a high-capacity plastic disk on which information (as computer data or a movie) is recorded digitally and read by using a laser [from digital video disc]

DVR \ˌdē-ˌvē-ˈär\ n, pl DVRs : a machine that is used to make and watch recordings of television programs [from digital video recorder]

1dwarf \ˈdwȯ(ə)rf\ n, pl dwarfs \ˈdwȯ(ə)rfs\ also dwarves \ˈdwȯ(ə)rvz\
1 : a person, animal, or plant much below normal size or height
2 : a small legendary being usually pictured as a deformed and ugly person
3 : a star (as the sun) that in comparison to other stars gives off an ordinary or small amount of energy and has small mass and size
— dwarf adj

— dwarf·ish \ˈdwȯr-fish\ adj

— dwarf·ness n

2dwarf vb
1 : to restrict the growth or development of : STUNT
2 : to cause to appear smaller

dwarf planet n : a celestial object similar to a planet but too small to clear other objects from its orbit

dwell \ˈdwel\ vb dwelled \ˈdweld, ˈdwelt\ or dwelt \ˈdwelt\; dwell·ing
1 : to stay for a while
2 : to live in a place : RESIDE
3 : to keep the attention directed <dwelled on their mistakes>
— dwell·er n

dwell·ing \ˈdwel-iŋ\ n : a shelter in which people live : HOUSE

dwin·dle \ˈdwin-dəl\ vb dwin·dled; dwin·dling \ˈdwin-dliŋ, -dəliŋ\ : to make or become less

1dye \ˈdī\ n
1 : color produced by dyeing
2 : a material used for dyeing or staining

2dye vb dyed; dye·ing : to stain or color usually permanently
— dy·er \ˈdī(-ə)r\ n

dye·stuff \ˈdī-ˌstəf\ n : 1DYE 2

dying present participle of DIE

dyke variant of DIKE

dy·nam·ic \dī-ˈnam-ik\ adj
1 also dy·nam·i·cal \-ˈnam-i-kəl\  a : of or relating to physical force or energy  b : of or relating to dynamics
2 a : always active or changing <a dynamic city>  b : marked by energy <a dynamic personality>
— dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-ˈnam-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

dy·nam·ics \dī-ˈnam-iks\ n sing or pl
1 : the science of the motion of bodies and the action of forces in producing or changing their motion
2 : physical, moral, or intellectual forces or the laws relating to them
3 : the pattern of change or growth
4 : variation in force or intensity (as in music)

1dy·na·mite \ˈdī-nə-ˌmīt\ n : an explosive that is made chiefly of nitroglycerin absorbed in another substance; also : an explosive that contains no nitroglycerin

2dynamite vb -mit·ed; -mit·ing : to blow up with dynamite
— dy·na·mit·er n

dy·na·mo \ˈdī-nə-ˌmō\ n, pl -mos
1 : GENERATOR A
2 : a forceful energetic person

dy·nas·ty \ˈdī-nə-stē also -ˌnas-tē\ n, pl -ties : a succession of rulers of the same line of descent
— dy·nas·tic \dī-ˈnas-tik\ adj

— dy·nas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

dyne \ˈdīn\ n : the unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second system equal to the force that would give a free mass of one gram an acceleration of one centimeter per second squared

dys·en·tery \ˈdis-ən-ˌter-ē\ n
1 : a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood from the bowels
2 : DIARRHEA

dys·func·tion \dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən\ n : impaired or abnormal functioning <liver dysfunction>
— dys·func·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

dys·lex·ia \dis-ˈlek-sē-ə\ n : a learning disability that is usually marked by problems in reading, spelling, and writing

1dys·lex·ic \dis-ˈlek-sik\ adj : having dyslexia

2dyslexic n : a person who has dyslexia

dys·pep·sia \dis-ˈpep-shə, -sē-ə\ n : INDIGESTION

dys·pep·tic \dis-ˈpep-tik\ adj
1 : relating to or having indigestion
2 : GRUMPY
— dys·pep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

dys·pnea \ˈdis(p)-nē-ə\ n : difficult or labored breathing

dys·pro·si·um \dis-ˈprō-zē-əm, -zh(ē-)əm\ n : a chemical element that forms very magnetic compounds — see ELEMENT TABLE

dys·to·pia \dis-ˈtō-pē-ə\ n : an imaginary place where people are unhappy and usually afraid because they are not treated fairly; also : a work of literature about such a place

E

e \ˈē\ n, pl e's or es often cap
1 : the fifth letter of the English alphabet
2 : the musical note referred to by the letter E : the third tone of a C-major scale
3 : a grade rating a student's work as poor or failing

e– combining form : electronic <e-book>

1each \ˈēch\ adj : being one of two or more individuals <read each book>

2each pron : each one <each of us took a turn>

3each adv : to or for each one : APIECE <cost 50 cents each>

each other pron : each of two or more participating in a shared action or relation <they turned and looked at each other>

ea·ger \ˈē-gər\ adj : having or showing an impatient or enthusiastic desire or interest <was eager to get going> [Middle English egre “sharp, sour, keen,” from early French aigre (same meaning), from Latin acer (same meaning) — related to VINEGAR]
— ea·ger·ly adv

— ea·ger·ness n
synonyms EAGER, KEEN, ANXIOUS, mean moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest. EAGER suggests great enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restriction <eager passengers waiting for the tour to start>. KEEN suggests strong interest and readiness to act <the new members are keen and willing to learn>. ANXIOUS stresses fear of failure or disappointment <I'm anxious to see the test scores>.

ea·gle \ˈē-gəl\ n
1 : any of various large day-flying sharp-eyed birds of prey with a powerful flight that are related to the hawks
2 : a seal or standard shaped like or bearing an eagle
3 : a 10-dollar gold coin of the U.S.
4 : a golf score of two strokes less than par on a hole

Eagle Scout n : a Boy Scout who has reached the highest level of achievement in scouting

ea·glet \ˈē-glət\ n : a young eagle

-ean — see -AN

1ear \ˈi(ə)r\ n
1 a : the organ of hearing and balance of vertebrates that in the typical mammal consists of a sound-collecting outer ear separated by an eardrum from a sound-carrying middle ear that in turn is separated from an inner ear containing neurons that receive sound and send nerve impulses to the brain  b : OUTER EAR
2 a : the sense or act of hearing  b : an ability to understand and appreciate something heard <an ear for languages>
3 : willing or sympathetic attention <lend an ear>
4 : something resembling an ear in shape or position [Old English ēare “organ of hearing”]
— eared \ˈi(ə)rd\ adj

— ear·less \ˈi(ə)r-ləs\ adj

— all ears : listening eagerly

— by ear : relying on what one has heard rather than reading music <play a song by ear>

2ear n : the seed-bearing head of a cereal (as corn) including both the seeds and protective structures [Old English ēar “seed part of a plant”]
— ear vb

ear·ache \ˈi(ə)r-ˌāk\ n : an ache or pain in the ear

ear·bud \ˈi(ə)r-ˌbəd\ n : a small earphone inserted into the ear

ear canal n : AUDITORY CANAL

ear·drum \-ˌdrəm\ n : the thin membrane that separates the outer and middle ear and carries sound waves as vibrations to the chain of tiny bones in the middle ear — called also tympanic membrane, tympanum

eared seal n : any of a family of seals including the sea lions and fur seals and having small well-developed ears on the outside of the head

earl \ˈərl\ n : a member of the British nobility ranking below a marquess and above a viscount [Old English eorl “nobleman”]
— earl·dom \-dəm\ n

ear·less seal \ˌi(ə)r-ləs-\ n : HAIR SEAL

ear·lobe \ˈi(ə)r-ˌlōb\ n : a part hanging down from the ear of human beings and some domestic chickens

1ear·ly \ˈər-lē\ adv ear·li·er; -est
1 : near the beginning of a period of time or of a process or series <woke up early>
2 : before the usual or expected time <arrived early>

2early adj ear·li·er; -est
1 a : of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series <in the early evening>  b : PRIMITIVE <early art forms>
2 a : occurring before the usual or expected time <had an early winter>  b : maturing or producing sooner than related forms <an early peach>
— ear·li·ness n

early on adv : at or during an early point or stage <had decided early on not to accept>

1ear·mark \ˈi(ə)r-ˌmärk\ n
1 : a mark of identification on the ear of an animal
2 : a mark or quality by which something can be identified <the earmarks of success>

2earmark vb
1 : to mark with or as if with an earmark
2 : to set aside for a special purpose <money earmarked for a vacation>

ear·muff \ˈi(ə)r-ˌməf\ n : one of a pair of pads joined by a flexible band and worn to protect the ears against cold or noise

earn \ˈərn\ vb
1 : to get for services given <earn a good salary>
2 : to deserve as a result of labor or service <earned good grades>
— earn·er n

earned run n : a run in baseball that scores without benefit of an error

earned run average n : the average number of earned runs per game scored against a pitcher in baseball

1ear·nest \ˈər-nəst\ n : a serious state of mind <a promise made in earnest>

2earnest adj
1 : having or showing a serious attitude : not light or playful <made an earnest request>
2 : IMPORTANT 1  synonyms see SERIOUS
— ear·nest·ly adv

— ear·nest·ness \-nəs(t)-nəs\ n

earn·ings \ˈər-niŋz\ n pl : something earned; esp : money received as wages or gained as profit

ear·phone \ˈi(ə)r-ˌfōn\ n : a device that changes electrical energy into sound waves and is worn over or inserted into the ear

ear·piece \-ˌpēs\ n : a part of an instrument (as a telephone) that is placed against or in the ear; esp : EARPHONE

ear·ring \-ˌriŋ\ n : an ornament for the earlobe

ear·shot \-ˌshät\ n : the range within which a person can hear another's unaided voice <waited until he was out of earshot>

ear·split·ting \-ˌsplit-iŋ\ adj : unbearably loud or shrill

earth \ˈərth\ n
1 : the soft or granular material composing part of the surface of the globe; esp : soil that can be cultivated
2 : the place of mortal life as distinguished from heaven and hell
3 : land as distinguished from sea and air : GROUND
4 often cap : the planet on which we live — see PLANET TABLE

earth·en \ˈər-thən, -thən\ adj : made of earth or of baked clay <an earthen floor> <earthen dishes>

earth·en·ware \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : articles (as dishes or ornaments) made of baked clay

earth·light \ˈərth-ˌlīt\ n : EARTHSHINE

earth·ling \ˈərth-liŋ\ n : one who lives on the planet earth

earth·ly \ˈərth-lē\ adj
1 : belonging to or having to do with the earth <earthly joys>
2 : IMAGINABLE, POSSIBLE <that tool is of no earthly use>
— earth·li·ness n

earth·quake \ˈərth-ˌkwāk\ n : a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth

earth science n : any of the sciences (as geology, meteorology, or oceanography) that deal with the earth or with one or more of its parts
— earth scientist n

earth·shine \ˈərth-ˌshīn\ n : sunlight reflected by the earth that lights up the dark part of the moon

earth·work \-ˌwərk\ n : something (as a raised bank or wall) constructed out of earth especially for protection

earth·worm \-ˌwərm\ n : a long slender annelid worm that lives in damp earth, moves with the aid of bristles, and feeds on decaying organic matter

earthy \ˈər-thē, -thē\ adj earth·i·er; -est
1 : consisting of or resembling earth <an earthy flavor>
2 a : suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways : PRACTICAL 4, DOWN-TO-EARTH <earthy problems of everyday life>  b : not polite : CRUDE <earthy humor>
— earth·i·ness n

ear·wax \ˈi(ə)r-ˌwaks\ n : a brownish yellow or orange waxlike substance produced by the glands of the external ear

ear·wig \-ˌwig\ n : any of numerous insects with slender many-jointed antennae and a large forcepslike organ at the end of the body
Word History Centuries ago it was thought that a certain insect, whose body ended in what looked like a pair of pincers, crawled into people's ears. The Old English name for this insect was ēarwicga, a compound of ēare, meaning “ear,” and wicga, meaning “insect.” Earwig, our modern English name for the insect, comes from the Old English word, even though we know that the old belief is not true. [Old English ēarwicga, from ēare “ear” and wicga “insect”]

1ease \ˈēz\ n
1 : freedom from pain or trouble : comfort of body or mind <a life of ease>
2 : freedom from any feeling of difficulty or embarrassment <speak with ease>
3 : skill that does not require a lot of hard work <rides a horse with ease>
— at ease
1 : free from pain, discomfort, or difficulty
2 : free to act in a way one feels comfortable <feels at ease with old friends>

2ease vb eased; eas·ing
1 : to free from discomfort or worry : RELIEVE <ease one's pain>
2 : to make less tight or difficult : LOOSEN <ease up on the rope>
3 : to move slowly or gently <eased herself into the chair>

ea·sel \ˈē-zəl\ n : a frame for supporting something (as an artist's canvas)
Word History An easel is a frame for holding up such things as an artist's painting or a chalkboard. In the 17th century the Dutch had become famous throughout Europe for their oil painting. Thus it was their word ezel, which they used to refer to this piece of equipment, that was borrowed into English at that time. This sense of ezel was an extension of the original meaning “donkey,” probably because an easel, like a beast of burden, is used to hold things. [from Dutch ezel “a frame to hold an artist's canvas,” literally, “donkey”]

eas·i·ly \ˈēz-(ə-)lē\ adv
1 : without difficulty <won the game easily>
2 a : by a large margin <easily the best player>  b : at least <costs easily twice as much>

1east \ˈēst\ adv : to or toward the east

2east adj
1 : located toward or at the east <the east door of the school>
2 : coming from the east <an east wind>

3east n
1 a : the general direction of sunrise  b : the compass point directly opposite to west
2 cap : regions or countries east of a specific place

east·bound \ˈēs(t)-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : going east

Eas·ter \ˈē-stər\ n : a Christian holiday celebrating Christ's resurrection that is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon on or after March 21

Easter lily n : any of several white cultivated lilies that bloom in early spring

east·er·ly \ˈē-stər-lē\ adv or adj
1 : toward the east <they sailed easterly>
2 : from the east <an easterly storm>

east·ern \ˈē-stərn\ adj
1 cap : of, relating to, or like that of the East <Eastern religion>
2 : lying toward or coming from the east
— east·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adj

East·ern·er \ˈē-stə(r)-nər\ n : a person born or living in the East (as of the U.S.)

eastern hemisphere n, often cap E&H : the half of the earth to the east of the Atlantic ocean including Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa

Eastern Orthodox adj : of or consisting of the Christian churches that originated in the church of the Eastern Roman Empire and do not recognize the authority of the pope

eastern time n, often cap E : the time of the fifth time zone west of Greenwich that includes the eastern U.S.

1east·ward \ˈēs-twərd\ adv or adj : toward the east
— east·ward·ly adv or adj

— east·wards \-twərdz\ adv

2eastward n : eastward direction or part

1easy \ˈē-zē\ adj eas·i·er; -est
1 : not hard to do or get : not difficult <an easy lesson>
2 a : not hard to please : LENIENT <an easy teacher>  b : not steep <easy slopes>
3 a : free from pain, trouble, or worry  b : not hurried : LEISURELY <an easy pace>
4 : not false or strained : NATURAL <an easy manner>
5 : giving relaxation and comfort <an easy chair>
— eas·i·ness n

2easy adv eas·i·er; -est
1 : EASILY 1 <take life easy>
2 : with slow care : CAUTIOUSLY <go easy>

easy·go·ing \ˌē-zē-ˈgō-iŋ\ adj : taking life easy : CAREFREE
— easy·go·ing·ness n

eat \ˈēt\ vb ate \ˈāt\; eat·en \ˈēt-ən\; eat·ing
1 : to take into the mouth and swallow food : chew and swallow in turn
2 : to have a meal <eat at home>
3 : to destroy as if by eating : wear away <rocks eaten away by waves>
4 : to affect something by destroying or using up bit by bit <acid eating into metal>
5 : to enjoy with excitement <the audience ate the show up>
— eat·er n
synonyms EAT, CONSUME, DEVOUR, mean to swallow usually after chewing. EAT is a general word that can apply to any manner of taking in food <eat your dinner>. CONSUME suggests eating up something completely <by noon they had consumed all of their food supplies>. DEVOUR suggests eating quickly and greedily <the hungry children devoured the grapes>.

1eat·able \ˈēt-ə-bəl\ adj : fit to be eaten

2eatable n
1 : something to eat
2 pl : FOOD

eating disorder n : any of several disorders (as bulimia) marked by abnormal eating behaviors

eave \ˈēv\ n : the lower edge of a roof that sticks out beyond the wall of a building — usually used in plural

eaves·drop \ˈēvz-ˌdräp\ vb : to listen secretly to private conversation
— eaves·drop·per n

eaves trough n : GUTTER 1A

1ebb \ˈeb\ n
1 : the flow away from the shore of seawater brought in by the tide
2 : a passing from a high to a low point <our spirits were at a low ebb>; also : the time of such a passing

2ebb vb
1 : to recede from the flood
2 : to fall from a higher level or better state : WEAKEN <her strength ebbed>

ebb tide n
1 : the tide while ebbing
2 : 1EBB 2

EBCDIC \ˈeps-ə-ˌdik, ˈebs-\ n : a computer code for representing numbers, letters of the alphabet, and symbols [extended binary coded decimal interchange code]

Ebo·la \ē-ˈbō-lə\ n : a serious often deadly disease that is caused by a virus found in Africa and is marked by fever, muscle aches, and bleeding inside the body

1eb·o·ny \ˈeb-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : a hard heavy blackish wood of various tropical chiefly southeast Asian trees related to the persimmon
2 : a tree that produces ebony

2ebony adj
1 : made of or resembling ebony
2 : 1BLACK 1

e–book \ˈē-ˌbu̇k\ n : a book composed in or converted to a digital format for display on a computer screen or handheld device

1ec·cen·tric \ik-ˈsen-trik, ek-\ adj
1 a : acting or thinking in an unusual way  b : not of the usual or normal kind
2 : not following a truly circular path <an eccentric orbit>
— ec·cen·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2eccentric n : a strange or eccentric person

ec·cen·tric·i·ty \ˌek-ˌsen-ˈtris-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : the quality or state of being eccentric  b : something that does not follow an established pattern, norm, or rule; esp : unusual behavior
2 : the amount by which a nearly circular path is not circular <an orbit's eccentricity>

Ec·cle·si·as·tes \ik-ˌlē-zē-ˈas-(ˌ)tēz, e-ˌklē-\ n : a book of wisdom literature in canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

ec·cle·si·as·tic \ik-ˌlē-zē-ˈas-tik, e-ˌklē-\ n : CLERGYMAN

ec·cle·si·as·ti·cal \ik-ˌlē-zē-ˈas-ti-kəl, e-ˌklē-\ or ec·cle·si·as·tic \-tik\ adj : of or relating to a church <ecclesiastical history>
— ec·cle·si·as·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

Ec·cle·si·as·ti·cus \ik-ˌlē-zē-ˈas-ti-kəs, e-ˌklē-\ n : a didactic book included in the Protestant Apocrypha and as Sirach in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

ech·e·lon \ˈesh-ə-ˌlän\ n
1 : a formation of units (as troops or airplanes) resembling a series of steps; also : a unit in such a formation
2 : one of a series of levels especially of authority <involved officials at every echelon>; also : the people who are at such a level <the upper echelons of the government>

echid·na \i-ˈkid-nə\ n : a spiny-coated toothless burrowing egg-laying mammal of Australia with a tapering snout and long tongue for eating ants — called also spiny anteater

echi·no·derm \i-ˈkī-nə-ˌdərm\ n : any of a phylum of marine invertebrate animals (as starfishes, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers) that have a number of similar body parts (as the arms of a starfish) arranged around a central axis, a calcium-containing inner skeleton, and a water-vascular system

1echo \ˈek-ō\ n, pl ech·oes
1 : the repeating of a sound caused by reflection of sound waves
2 a : a repetition or imitation of another  b : REPERCUSSION 2, RESULT <environmental echoes of oil spills>
3 : one who closely imitates or repeats another
— echo·ic \i-ˈkō-ik, e-\ adj

2echo vb ech·oed; echo·ing
1 : to be filled with echoes <the stadium echoed with cheers>
2 : to produce an echo : send back or repeat a sound <shouts echoing off the wall>
3 a : 1REPEAT 1C, IMITATE <echoing the teacher's words>  b : to state again in support or agreement <echoed his opinion>

echo·lo·ca·tion \ˌek-ō-lō-ˈkā-shən\ n : a process for locating distant or invisible objects by means of sound waves reflected back to the sender from the objects

echo sounder n : an instrument used to find out the depth of a body of water or of an object below the surface by means of sound waves

éclair \ā-ˈkla(ə)r, i-, -ˈkle(ə)r; ˈā-ˌkla(ə)r, -ˌkle(ə)r, ˈē-\ n : an oblong pastry with whipped cream or custard filling
Word History The English word éclair comes directly from a French word whose chief meaning is “lightning” or “flash of lightning.” No one is sure why a pastry was named after lightning. Some say the lightness of the cream puff and its soft filling is the reason for the name. Perhaps more likely its richness and oblong shape, easily held in one hand, compel a person to eat it in a flash. [French, literally, “lightning”]

eclec·tic \e-ˈklek-tik, i-\ adj
1 : selecting what appears to be best from various styles, doctrines, or methods <eclectic taste in music>
2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources <an eclectic guest list>

1eclipse \i-ˈklips\ n
1 a : the total or partial hiding of a planet, star, or moon by another  b : the passing into the shadow of a planet, star, or moon
2 : a falling into disgrace or out of use or public favor

2eclipse vb eclipsed; eclips·ing
1 : to cause an eclipse of
2 a : to reduce in importance  b : to do or be much better than : OUTSHINE

eclip·tic \i-ˈklip-tik\ n : the great circle of the celestial sphere on which the sun appears to move among the stars

eco- combining form : habitat or environment <ecosystem> [Greek oikos “house, household”]

E. coli \ˌē-ˈkō-ˌlī\ n, pl E. coli : a bacterium in the shape of a short rod that may cause intestinal illness [short for Escherichia coli, the taxonomic name in biology]

ecol·o·gist \i-ˈkäl-ə-jəst, e-\ n : a person who specializes in ecology

ecol·o·gy \i-ˈkäl-ə-jē, e-\ n
1 : a branch of science concerned with the relationships between living things and their environment
2 : the pattern of relationships between a group of living things and their environment
— eco·log·i·cal \ˌē-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl, ˌek-ə-\ also eco·log·ic \-ˈläj-ik\ adj

— eco·log·i·cal·ly \-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ec·o·nom·ic \ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-ik, ˌē-kə-\ adj
1 a : of or relating to the science of economics <economic theories>  b : of, relating to, or based on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services <economic growth>
2 : having practical or industrial uses : affecting material resources <economic pests>

ec·o·nom·i·cal \ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-i-kəl, ˌē-kə-\ adj
1 : using resources with care and without waste
2 : operating with little waste or at a savings <an economical car>  synonyms see FRUGAL
— ec·o·nom·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ec·o·nom·ics \ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-iks, ˌē-kə-\ n sing or pl
1 : a social science concerned with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
2 : financial considerations <the economics of buying a house>
— econ·o·mist \i-ˈkän-ə-məst\ n

econ·o·mize \i-ˈkän-ə-ˌmīz\ vb -mized; -miz·ing
1 : to practice economy : be thrifty <economize on fuel>
2 : to use less of : SAVE <economize fuel>
— econ·o·miz·er n

econ·o·my \i-ˈkän-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies
1 : careful use of money and goods : THRIFT
2 : a special arrangement or system : ORGANIZATION
3 : the way an economic system (as of a country or a period in history) is arranged [derived from Greek oikonomos “household manager,” from oikos “house” and nemein “to manage”]

eco·sys·tem \ˈē-kō-ˌsis-təm, ˈek-ō-\ n : a system made up of an ecological community of living things interacting with their environment especially under natural conditions

ec·ru \ˈek-rü, ˈā-krü\ n : BEIGE
— ecru adj

ec·sta·sy \ˈek-stə-sē\ n, pl -sies
1 : a state of being beyond reason and self-control
2 : a state of overwhelming emotion <an ecstasy of fear>; esp : very great joy
3 : a drug used illegally to stimulate the central nervous system and to cause hallucinations
— ec·stat·ic \ek-ˈstat-ik, ik-\ adj

— ec·stat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ecto- combining form : outside : outer <ectoderm> [scientific Latin ect-, ecto- “outside,” from Greek ekto- (same meaning), from ex “out”]

ec·to·derm \ˈek-tə-ˌdərm\ n
1 : the outer layer of cells of a two-layered animal (as a jellyfish)
2 : the outermost of the three basic layers of an embryo from which skin, nerves, and certain other structures develop
— ec·to·der·mal \ˌek-tə-ˈdər-məl\ adj

ec·to·plasm \ˈek-tə-ˌplaz-əm\ n : the firm outer layer of the cytoplasm of a cell

ec·to·therm \ˈek-tə-ˌthərm\ n : a cold-blooded animal : POIKILOTHERM

ec·u·men·i·cal \ˌek-yə-ˈmen-i-kəl\ adj
1 : worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application
2 : of, relating to, or representing the whole of a body of churches
3 : leading toward agreement or cooperation among Christians [from Latin oecumenicus “worldwide,” from Greek oikoumenē “the inhabited world,” from oikein “to inhabit,” from oikos “house”]
— ec·u·men·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ec·ze·ma \ig-ˈzē-mə, ˈeg-zə-mə, ˈek-sə-\ n : a skin disease marked by redness, itching, and scaly or crusty lesions

1-ed \d after a vowel or b, g, j, l, m, n, ŋ, r, th, v, z, zh; əd, id after d, t; t after other sounds; exceptions are pronounced at their subentries or entries\ vb suffix or adj suffix
1 — used to form the past participle of regular weak verbs <ended> <faded> <tried> <patted>
2 a : having : characterized by <cultured> <two-legged>  b : having the characteristics of <bigoted> [Old English -ed, -od, -ad (mark of the past participle of certain verbs)]

2-ed vb suffix — used to form the past tense of regular weak verbs <judged> <denied> <dropped> [Old English -de, -ede, -ode, -ade (mark of the past tense of certain verbs)]

Edam \ˈēd-əm, ˈē-ˌdam\ n : a Dutch cheese of yellow color and mild flavor [named for Edam, seaport in the Netherlands, where the cheese was first sold]

edaph·ic \i-ˈdaf-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or influenced by the soil

1ed·dy \ˈed-ē\ n, pl eddies : a current of air or water running against the main current or in a circle

2eddy vb ed·died; ed·dy·ing : to move in an eddy or in a way that forms an eddy

eddy current n : an electric current caused by an alternating magnetic field

edel·weiss \ˈād-əl-ˌwīs\ n : a small woolly herb that is related to the thistles and grows high in the Alps

ede·ma \i-ˈdē-mə\ n : an abnormal collection of watery fluid in a bodily tissue or cavity

Eden \ˈēd-ən\ n
1 : PARADISE 3
2 : the garden where according to the Bible Adam and Eve first lived

eden·tate \(ˈ)ē-ˈden-ˌtāt\ n : any of a group of mammals having few or no teeth and including the sloths, armadillos, and New World anteaters
— edentate adj

1edge \ˈej\ n
1 a : the cutting side of a blade <a knife's edge>  b : the sharpness of a blade <a razor with no edge>  c : a harsh or sharp quality <his voice had a sarcastic edge>
2 a : the line where an object or surface begins or ends; also : the narrow part next to it <the edge of the deck>  b : the line where two plane faces of a solid meet <an edge of the cube>
3 : ADVANTAGE 3 <our experience gave us an edge>  synonyms see BORDER
— edged \ˈejd\ adj

— on edge : ANXIOUS 1, NERVOUS

2edge vb edged; edg·ing
1 : to give an edge to <edge a sleeve with lace>
2 : to advance slowly or by short moves <edged my chair closer>

edge·wise \ˈej-ˌwīz\ adv
1 : with the edge in front : SIDEWAYS
2 : as if by an edge : BARELY <couldn't get a word in edgewise>

edg·ing \ˈej-iŋ\ n : something that forms an edge or border <a lace edging>

edgy \ˈej-ē\ adj edg·i·er; -est
1 : having an edge : SHARP
2 : 2TENSE 2, IRRITABLE <spoke with an edgy tone>
— edg·i·ly \ˈej-ə-lē\ adv

— edg·i·ness \ˈej-ē-nəs\ n

ed·i·ble \ˈed-ə-bəl\ adj : fit or safe to be eaten <edible fruit>
— ed·i·bil·i·ty \ˌed-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— edible n

edict \ˈē-ˌdikt\ n : a law or order made or given by an authority (as a ruler)
— edic·tal \i-ˈdik-təl\ adj

ed·i·fice \ˈed-ə-fəs\ n : BUILDING 1; esp : a large or impressive building (as a church)

ed·i·fy \ˈed-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge <an edifying sermon>
— ed·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌed-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

ed·it \ˈed-ət\ vb
1 a : to correct, revise, and prepare for publication <edit a book of poems>  b : to assemble (as a film or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging
2 : to direct the publication of <edit a daily newspaper>

edi·tion \i-ˈdish-ən\ n
1 : the form in which a book is published <an illustrated edition>
2 : the whole number of copies printed or published at one time <a third edition>
3 : one of the several issues of a newspaper for a single day <the late edition>

ed·i·tor \ˈed-ət-ər\ n
1 : a person who edits especially as an occupation
2 : a computer program that permits the user to create or change data (as text or graphics) in a computer system
— ed·i·tor·ship \-ˌship\ n

1ed·i·to·ri·al \ˌed-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj
1 : of or relating to an editor or editing <an editorial office>
2 : being or resembling an editorial <an editorial statement>
— ed·i·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

2editorial n : a newspaper or magazine article that gives the opinions of its editors or publishers

ed·u·ca·ble \ˈej-ə-kə-bəl\ adj : capable of being educated

ed·u·cate \ˈej-ə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to provide schooling for
2 a : to develop the mind and morals of especially by instruction  b : 2TRAIN 2A
— ed·u·ca·tor \-ˌkāt-ər\ n

educated adj
1 : having an education; esp : having an education beyond the average
2 : showing education <educated speech>
3 : based on some knowledge of fact <an educated guess>

ed·u·ca·tion \ˌej-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : the action or process of educating or of being educated  b : knowledge, skill, and development gained from study or practice
2 : the field of study that deals mainly with methods and problems of teaching
— ed·u·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— ed·u·ca·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv
synonyms EDUCATION, TRAINING, mean an action or process of learning. EDUCATION suggests a general course of instruction in a school with the stress on mental development <much education is needed in order to become a lawyer>. TRAINING suggests practical and usually specific instruction for learning certain skills (as in a craft or trade) <six months of training for a clerk>.

ed·u·ca·tive \ˈej-ə-ˌkāt-iv\ adj : helping to educate : INSTRUCTIVE <an educative experience>

educe \i-ˈd(y)üs\ vb educed; educ·ing : to bring out : ELICIT <educe a response>
— educ·i·ble \-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl\ adj

1-ee \ˈē, (ˌ)ē\ n suffix
1 : one that receives or benefits from (a specified action or thing) <appointee> <grantee> <patentee>
2 : a person who does (a specified action) <escapee> [derived from Latin -atus (past participle ending of certain verbs)]

2-ee n suffix
1 : a particular especially small kind of <bootee>
2 : one resembling or suggestive of <goatee> [probably an altered form of -y (noun suffix)]

eek \ˈēk\ interj — used to express surprise and fear

eel \ˈē(ə)l\ n, pl eels or eel : any of numerous long snakelike fishes that have a smooth slimy skin and the fins in the middle of the back and bottom continuous around the tail
— eel·like \ˈē(ə)l-ˌlīk\ adj

eel·grass \ˈē(ə)l-ˌgras\ n : a saltwater plant that is a monocotyledon and has long ribbonlike leaves

e'en \(ˈ)ēn\ adv : 3EVEN

-eer \ˈi(ə)r\ n suffix : one who is connected with or who operates or produces <auctioneer> <puppeteer> <pamphleteer> [derived from Latin -arius (noun suffix)]

e'er \(ˈ)e(ə)r, (ˈ)a(ə)r\ adv : EVER

ee·rie also ee·ry \ˈi(ə)r-ē\ adj ee·ri·er; -est : causing fear or uneasiness because of strangeness or gloominess <an eerie shadow>
— ee·ri·ly \ˈir-ə-lē\ adv

— ee·ri·ness \ˈir-ē-nəs\ n

ef·face \i-ˈfās, e-\ vb ef·faced; ef·fac·ing
1 : WIPE OUT 1, OBLITERATE
2 : to make unclear by or as if by rubbing out
— ef·face·able \-ˈfā-sə-bəl\ adj

— ef·face·ment \-ˈfās-mənt\ n

— ef·fac·er n

1ef·fect \i-ˈfekt\ n
1 : an event, condition, or state of affairs that is produced by a cause
2 : 1INFLUENCE 1 <the effect of climate on growth>
3 pl : personal property or possessions <household effects>
4 : the act of making a particular impression <talked merely for effect>
5 : EXECUTION 1, OPERATION <the law went into effect today>
— in effect : in actual fact <the suggestion was in effect an order>

2effect vb : BRING ABOUT, ACCOMPLISH <effect a change>
— ef·fect·er n

ef·fec·tive \i-ˈfek-tiv\ adj
1 a : producing or able to produce a desired effect <effective treatment of a disease>  b : IMPRESSIVE, STRIKING <an effective performance>
2 : being in actual operation <the law becomes effective next year>
— ef·fec·tive·ly adv

— ef·fec·tive·ness n

ef·fec·tor \i-ˈfek-tər, -ˌtȯ(ə)r\ n : a bodily part (as a gland or muscle) that becomes active in response to stimulation (as by a nerve)

ef·fec·tu·al \i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l, -ˈfeksh-wəl\ adj : producing or able to produce the desired result <an effectual remedy>
— ef·fec·tu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

— ef·fec·tu·al·ness n

ef·fec·tu·ate \i-ˈfek-chə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : BRING ABOUT

ef·fem·i·na·cy \ə-ˈfem-ə-nə-sē\ n : the quality of being effeminate

ef·fem·i·nate \ə-ˈfem-ə-nət\ adj : having or showing qualities that are considered more suited to women than to men : not manly
— ef·fem·i·nate·ly adv

— ef·fem·i·nate·ness n

ef·fer·ent \ˈef-ə-rənt; ˈef-ˌer-ənt, ˈē-ˌfer-\ adj : conducting outward from a part or organ; esp : conveying nerve impulses to an effector <efferent nerve fibers>

ef·fer·vesce \ˌef-ər-ˈves\ vb -vesced; -vesc·ing
1 : to bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes
2 : to show liveliness or excitement <effervesced at the good news>
— ef·fer·ves·cence \-ˈves-ən(t)s\ n

— ef·fer·ves·cent \-ənt\ adj

— ef·fer·ves·cent·ly adv

ef·fete \e-ˈfēt, i-\ adj
1 : no longer productive
2 a : WORN-OUT 2, EXHAUSTED  b : having lost strength, courage, or spirit : DECADENT <effete snobs>
— ef·fete·ly adv

— ef·fete·ness n

ef·fi·ca·cious \ˌef-ə-ˈkā-shəs\ adj : having the power to produce a desired result <an efficacious remedy>
— ef·fi·ca·cious·ly adv

— ef·fi·ca·cious·ness n

ef·fi·ca·cy \ˈef-i-kə-sē\ n, pl -cies : the power to produce a desired result

ef·fi·cien·cy \i-ˈfish-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or degree of being efficient
2 : efficient operation
3 : the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a machine to the energy supplied to it

ef·fi·cient \i-ˈfish-ənt\ adj : capable of producing desired results especially without waste (as of time or energy) <an efficient worker> <efficient machinery>
— ef·fi·cient·ly adv

ef·fi·gy \ˈef-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : a likeness especially of a person; esp : a crude figure meant to represent a hated person <hanged their cruel ruler in effigy>

ef·flu·ent \ˈef-ˌlü-ənt; e-ˈflü-, ə-\ n : liquid (as sewage or industrial by-products) discharged as waste
— effluent adj

ef·fort \ˈef-ərt, -ˌȯrt\ n
1 : hard work of mind or body <requires time and effort>
2 : a serious attempt : TRY <made a good effort>
3 : something produced by work <this painting was one of my best efforts>
4 : the force applied to a simple machine (as a lever) in contrast to the force applied by it against a load

ef·fort·less \ˈef-ərt-ləs\ adj : showing or requiring little or no effort : EASY
— ef·fort·less·ly adv

— ef·fort·less·ness n

ef·fron·tery \i-ˈfrənt-ə-rē, e-\ n, pl -ter·ies : shameless display of boldness : NERVE 3C <had the effrontery to deny any guilt>

ef·ful·gence \i-ˈfu̇l-jən(t)s, e-, -ˈfəl-\ n : shining brightness
— ef·ful·gent \-jənt\ adj

ef·fu·sion \i-ˈfyü-zhən, e-\ n
1 : free expression of words or feelings
2 a : escape of a fluid from containing vessels  b : the fluid that escapes

ef·fu·sive \i-ˈfyü-siv, e-, -ziv\ adj : expressing or showing much emotion <effusive thanks for their anniversary present>
— ef·fu·sive·ly adv

— ef·fu·sive·ness n

eft \ˈeft\ n : NEWT

eft·soons \eft-ˈsünz\ adv, archaic : soon afterward

egad \i-ˈgad\ interj — used as a mild oath

1egg \ˈeg\ vb : to incite to action : URGE — usually used with on <egged us on to fight> [Old Norse eggja “to incite”]

2egg n
1 a : a hard-shelled reproductive body produced by a bird and especially by domestic poultry; also : its contents used as food  b : a reproductive body produced by an animal and consisting of an ovum with its food-containing and protecting envelopes and being capable of development into a new individual  c : a germ cell produced by a female — called also ovum
2 : something shaped like an egg <darning egg> [Middle English egge “egg,” from early Norse egg (same meaning)]

egg·beat·er \ˈeg-ˌbēt-ər\ n : a device used for beating eggs or liquids (as cream)

egg case n : a case that encloses and protects eggs (as of an insect)

egg cell n : 2EGG 1C

egg·head \ˈeg-ˌhed\ n : HIGHBROW, INTELLECTUAL

egg·nog \-ˌnäg\ n : a drink made of eggs beaten with sugar, milk or cream, and often alcoholic liquor

egg·plant \-ˌplant\ n
1 : a widely cultivated herb that is related to the potato and yields edible fruit
2 : the usually glossy blackish purple egg-shaped fruit of an eggplant

egg roll n : a thin egg-dough casing filled with minced vegetables and often bits of meat (as shrimp or pork) and usually deep-fried

1egg·shell \-ˌshel\ n : the shell of an egg

2eggshell adj
1 : being thin and fragile <eggshell china>
2 : slightly glossy

egg white n : the clear fluid mass of material surrounding the yolk of an egg

eg·lan·tine \ˈeg-lən-ˌtīn, -ˌtēn\ n : SWEETBRIER

ego \ˈē-gō\ n, pl egos
1 : 2SELF 1; esp : the conscious self
2 a : CONCEIT 1 <has a big ego>  b : SELF-RESPECT 1

ego·cen·tric \ˌē-gō-ˈsen-trik\ adj : overly concerned with oneself : SELF-CENTERED

ego·ism \ˈē-gə-ˌwiz-əm\ n : excessive interest in oneself : a self-centered attitude
— ego·ist \-wəst\ n

— ego·is·tic \ˌē-gə-ˈwis-tik\ adj

— ego·is·ti·cal·ly \-ˈwis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ego·tism \ˈē-gə-ˌtiz-əm\ n
1 : the practice of talking about oneself too much
2 : an overly high opinion of one's own importance : CONCEIT
— ego·tist \-təst\ n

— ego·tis·tic \ˌē-gə-ˈtis-tik\ or ego·tis·ti·cal \-ˈtis-ti-kəl\ adj

— ego·tis·ti·cal·ly \-ˈtis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

egre·gious \i-ˈgrē-jəs\ adj : very noticeable; esp : glaringly bad <egregious errors>
— egre·gious·ly adv

— egre·gious·ness n

egress \ˈē-ˌgres\ n
1 : the act or right of going or coming out
2 : a way out : EXIT

egret \ˈē-grət, i-ˈgret, ˈē-ˌgret, ˈeg-rət\ n : any of various herons that bear long feathers during the breeding season

Egyp·tian \i-ˈjip-shən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Egypt
2 : the language spoken by the ancient Egyptians
— Egyptian adj

ei·der \ˈīd-ər\ n
1 : a large duck that is found in northern coastal regions, is mostly white above and black below, and has very soft down — called also eider duck
2 : EIDERDOWN 1

ei·der·down \-ˌdau̇n\ n
1 : the down of the eider
2 : a quilt filled with eiderdown

eight \ˈāt\ n
1 : a number that is one more than seven — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the eighth in a set or series
3 : something having eight units or members
— eight adj or pron

eigh·teen \(ˌ)ā(t)-ˈtēn\ n : a number that is one more than seventeen — see NUMBER TABLE
— eighteen adj or pron

— eigh·teenth \-ˈtēn(t)th\ adj or n

eighth \ˈātth\ n, pl eighths \ˈāt(th)s\ : one that is number eight in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
— eighth adj or adv

eighth note n : a musical note equal in time to ⅛ of a whole note

eighth rest n : a musical rest equal in time to an eighth note

eighty \ˈāt-ē\ n, pl eight·ies : a number that is equal to eight times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
— eight·i·eth \-ē-əth\ adj or n

— eighty adj or pron

ein·stei·ni·um \īn-ˈstī-nē-əm\ n : a radioactive element produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE

1ei·ther \ˈē-thər also ˈī-\ adj
1 : being the one and the other of two : EACH <signs on either side of the walk>
2 : being the one or the other of two <take either road>

2either pron : the one or the other <tell either of my sisters>

3either conj — used before the first of two or more words or word groups the last of which follows or to show that they are choices or possibilities <a statement is either true or false>

4either adv
1 : LIKEWISE 2, MOREOVER — used after a negative <not wise or handsome either>
2 : so far as that is concerned — used after a choice or possibility following a question or conditional clause <if your father had come or your mother either all would have gone well>

ejac·u·late \i-ˈjak-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to eject a fluid and especially semen
2 : to utter suddenly and forcefully
— ejac·u·la·to·ry \-yə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

ejac·u·la·tion \i-ˌjak-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : an act of ejaculating; esp : a sudden emptying of a fluid from a duct
2 : something ejaculated; esp : a short sudden exclamation

eject \i-ˈjekt\ vb
1 a : to throw out especially by physical force or authority <ejected from the game>  b : to force off property
2 : to throw out or off from within <ejects the cassette>
— ejec·tion \-ˈjek-shən\ n

— ejec·tor \-ˈjek-tər\ n

eke out \ˈēk-\ vb
1 a : 2SUPPLEMENT <eked out their small income by working for neighbors>  b : to make (a supply) last by careful use
2 : to get with great difficulty <eked out a living from the poor soil of the family's farm>

el \ˈel\ n, often cap : a railroad operating chiefly on elevated tracks

1elab·o·rate \i-ˈlab-(ə-)rət\ adj : made or done with great care or with much detail <elaborate plans> <an elaborate design>
— elab·o·rate·ly adv

— elab·o·rate·ness n

2elab·o·rate \i-ˈlab-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to work out in detail : DEVELOP <elaborate an idea>
2 : to give more details <elaborate on a story>
— elab·o·ra·tion \-ˌlab-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— elab·o·ra·tive \-ˈlab-ə-ˌrāt-iv\ adj

eland \ˈē-lənd, -ˌland\ n : either of two large African antelopes resembling oxen and having short spirally twisted horns in both sexes

elapse \i-ˈlaps\ vb elapsed; elaps·ing : to slip or glide away : PASS <weeks elapsed before I found time to write>

1elas·tic \i-ˈlas-tik\ adj
1 a : capable of returning to original shape or size after being stretched, pressed, or squeezed together <sponges are elastic>  b : capable of indefinite expansion <gases are elastic substances>
2 : able to recover quickly especially from sadness or disappointment <youthful, elastic spirit>
3 : capable of being changed : FLEXIBLE <an elastic plan>
— elas·tic·i·ty \i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē, ˌē-ˌlas-\ n

2elastic n
1 : RUBBER BAND
2 a : an elastic fabric usually made of yarns containing rubber  b : something made from elastic fabric

elas·ti·cized \i-ˈlas-tə-ˌsīzd\ adj : made with elastic threads or inserts <an elasticized waistband>

elas·tin \i-ˈlas-tən\ n : a protein that is similar to collagen and helps make up the elastic fibers of connective tissue

elate \i-ˈlāt\ vb elat·ed; elat·ing : to fill with joy or pride <elated over the team's victory>
— elat·ed·ly adv

— elat·ed·ness n

ela·tion \i-ˈlā-shən\ n : the quality or state of being elated

E layer n : a layer of the ionosphere that occurs at about 65 miles (110 kilometers) above the earth's surface during daylight hours and is capable of reflecting radio waves

1el·bow \ˈel-ˌbō\ n
1 a : the joint of the arm; also : the outer curve of a bent arm  b : a corresponding joint in the front limb of an animal
2 : a part (as of a pipe) bent like an elbow

2elbow vb
1 : to push or shove with the elbow : JOSTLE
2 : to advance by or as if by pushing with the elbow <elbowed his way to the front>

elbow grease n : forceful effort in doing physical labor

el·bow·room \ˈel-ˌbō-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n
1 : room for moving the elbows freely
2 : enough space for work or operation

eld \ˈeld\ n
1 : old age
2 archaic : ancient times

1el·der \ˈel-dər\ n : ELDERBERRY 2 [Old English ellærn “elder tree”]

2elder adj : of greater age <the elder cousin> [Old English ieldra, comparative form of eald “old”]

3elder n
1 : one who is older : SENIOR
2 : a person having authority because of age and experience <the village elders>
3 : any of various church officers
— el·der·ship \-ˌship\ n

el·der·ber·ry \ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē\ n
1 : the edible black or red fruit of any of a genus of shrubs or trees of the same family as the honeysuckles that produce flat clusters of small white or pink flowers
2 : any tree or shrub that produces elderberries

el·der·ly \ˈel-dər-lē\ adj
1 : rather old; esp : past middle age
2 : of or relating to later life or elderly persons
— el·der·li·ness n

elder statesman n : a respected older member of a group or organization; esp : a retired statesman who gives advice to current leaders

el·dest \ˈel-dəst\ adj : of the greatest age : OLDEST

1elect \i-ˈlekt\ adj
1 : carefully selected
2 : chosen for office but not yet holding office <president-elect>

2elect n pl : a carefully chosen group — used with the

3elect vb
1 : to select by vote for an office, position, or membership <elect a senator>
2 : 1SELECT, CHOOSE <we elected to stay home>

elec·tion \i-ˈlek-shən\ n
1 : an act or process of electing; esp : the process of voting to choose a person for office <the election of a new governor>
2 : the fact of being elected <her election to the presidency>

elec·tion·eer \i-ˌlek-shə-ˈni(ə)r\ vb : to work for a candidate or party in an election

1elec·tive \i-ˈlek-tiv\ adj
1 : chosen by election <an elective official>
2 : held by a person who is elected <the presidency is an elective office>
3 : followed or taken by choice : not required <an elective subject in school>
— elec·tive·ly adv

— elec·tive·ness n

2elective n : an elective course or subject in school

elec·tor \i-ˈlek-tər, -ˌtȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : one qualified to vote in an election
2 : a member of the electoral college in the U.S.

elec·tor·al \i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rəl\ adj : of or relating to an election or electors

electoral college n : a body of electors; esp : one that elects the president and vice president of the U.S.

elec·tor·ate \i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət\ n : a body of people entitled to vote

electr- or electro- combining form : electricity : electric

1elec·tric \i-ˈlek-trik\ adj
1 or elec·tri·cal \-tri-kəl\ : of, relating to, operated by, or produced by electricity <an electric current> <an electric charge> <an electric stove>
2 : having a thrilling effect <an electric performance> [from scientific Latin electricus “produced from amber by friction,” derived from earlier Latin electrum “amber,” derived from Greek ēlektron (same meaning); so called because static electricity was first discovered by the friction produced by rubbing a piece of amber]
— elec·tri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— elec·tri·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ n

2electric n : something (as a light, automobile, or train) operated by electricity

electrical engineering n : engineering dealing with the practical applications of electricity
— electrical engineer n

electrical storm n : THUNDERSTORM — called also electric storm

electric eel n : a large South American eel-shaped fish able to give a severe electric shock

electric eye n : PHOTOELECTRIC CELL

electric field n : a region associated with a distribution of electric charge or a varying magnetic field in which forces due to that charge or field act upon other electric charges

elec·tri·cian \i-ˌlek-ˈtrish-ən\ n : a person who installs, operates, or repairs electrical equipment

elec·tric·i·ty \i-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē, -ˈtris-tē\ n
1 : a form of energy that is found in nature but that can be artificially produced by rubbing together two unlike things (as glass and silk), by the action of chemicals, or by means of a generator
2 : electric current
3 : great excitement <felt the electricity in the theater>

electric ray n : any of various round-bodied short-tailed rays of warm seas able to give a severe electric shock

elec·tri·fy \i-ˈlek-trə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 a : to charge with electricity  b : to equip for use of electric power or supply with electric power
2 : to cause to feel great or sudden excitement : THRILL <electrified the audience>
— elec·tri·fi·ca·tion \-ˌlek-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

elec·tro·chem·i·cal \i-ˌlek-trō-ˈkem-i-kəl\ adj : of or relating to electrochemistry <an electrochemical cell>

elec·tro·chem·is·try \i-ˌlek-trō-ˈkem-ə-strē\ n : a science that deals with the relation of electricity to chemical changes and with the change of chemical to electrical energy or vice versa

elec·tro·cute \i-ˈlek-trə-ˌkyüt\ vb -cut·ed; -cut·ing
1 : to execute (a criminal) by electricity
2 : to kill by electric shock
— elec·tro·cu·tion \-ˌlek-trə-ˈkyü-shən\ n

elec·trode \i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd\ n : a conductor (as a metal or carbon) used to make electrical contact with a part of an electrical circuit that is not metallic

elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·gram \i-ˌlek-trō-en-ˈsef-ə-lə-ˌgram\ n : the tracing of brain waves that is made by an electroencephalograph

elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·graph \i-ˌlek-trō-en-ˈsef-ə-lə-ˌgraf\ n : an apparatus for detecting and recording brain waves
— elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·graph·ic \-en-ˌsef-ə-lə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

— elec·tro·en·ceph·a·log·ra·phy \-ˌsef-ə-ˈläg-rə-fē\ n

elec·trol·y·sis \i-ˌlek-ˈträl-ə-səs\ n
1 : the producing of chemical changes by passage of an electric current through an electrolyte
2 : the destruction of hair roots with an electric current

elec·tro·lyte \i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt\ n
1 : a conductor in which electric current is carried by the movement of ions that are not metallic
2 a : a substance that when dissolved in a suitable solvent or when melted becomes an ionic conductor  b : an ion (as of sodium) that regulates or affects metabolic processes of the body (as the movement of waste products out of a cell)

elec·tro·lyt·ic \i-ˌlek-trə-ˈlit-ik\ adj : of or relating to electrolysis or an electrolyte
— elec·tro·lyt·i·cal·ly \-ˈlit-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

elec·tro·mag·net \i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət\ n : a core of magnetic material (as soft iron) surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

elec·tro·mag·net·ic \i-ˌlek-trō-mag-ˈnet-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or produced by electromagnetism

electromagnetic radiation n : energy in the form of electromagnetic waves; also : a series of electromagnetic waves

electromagnetic spectrum n : the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic waves extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light

electromagnetic wave n : a wave (as a radio wave, wave of visible light, or X-ray) that consists of an associated electric and magnetic effect and travels at the speed of light

elec·tro·mag·ne·tism \i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm\ n
1 : magnetism developed by a current of electricity
2 : a natural force arising from interactions between charged particles

elec·tro·me·chan·i·cal \i-ˌlek-trō-mə-ˈkan-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a mechanical process or device put into motion or controlled electrically

elec·tro·mo·tive force \i-ˌlek-trə-ˌmōt-iv-\ n : the work per unit charge required to carry a positive charge around a closed circuit in an electric field — abbreviation emf

elec·tron \i-ˈlek-ˌträn\ n : an elementary particle that has a negative charge of electricity and travels around the nucleus of an atom

electron gun n : the part of a cathode-ray tube that produces, accelerates, and focuses a stream of electrons

elec·tron·ic \i-ˌlek-ˈträn-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to electrons
2 : of, relating to, or using devices constructed or working by principles of electronics
3 a : producing music by electronic means <an electronic organ>  b : of, relating to, or being music produced electronically
4 : of, relating to, or being a medium (as television) by which information is transmitted electronically <electronic journalism>
— elec·tron·i·cal·ly \-ˈträn-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

electronic mail n : E-MAIL

elec·tron·ics \i-lek-ˈträn-iks\ n
1 : a branch of physics that deals with the giving off, action, and effects of electrons and with electronic devices
2 : electronic circuits, devices, and equipment

electron microscope n : an instrument in which a beam of electrons is used to produce an enlarged image of a very small object

electron tube n : a device in which conduction of electricity by electrons takes place through a vacuum or a gas within a sealed glass or metal container and which has various common uses (as in radio and television)

elec·tro·plate \i-ˈlek-trə-ˌplāt\ vb : to cover with a coating (as of metal or rubber) by means of electrolysis

elec·tro·scope \i-ˈlek-trə-ˌskōp\ n : any of various instruments for detecting the presence of an electric charge on a body, for finding out whether the charge is positive or negative, or for indicating and measuring intensity of radiation

elec·tro·stat·ic \i-ˌlek-trə-ˈstat-ik\ adj : of or relating to static electricity or electrostatics

electrostatic generator n : VAN DE GRAAFF GENERATOR

electrostatic precipitator n : an electrostatic device in chimneys that removes particles from escaping gases

elec·tro·stat·ics \i-ˌlek-trə-ˈstat-iks\ n : physics that deals with happenings resulting from attractions or repulsions of electric charges but not dependent on their motion

elec·trum \i-ˈlek-trəm\ n : a natural pale yellow alloy of gold and silver

el·e·gance \ˈel-i-gən(t)s\ n
1 : gracefulness of style or movement
2 : decoration or design that is rich but in good taste

el·e·gan·cy \ˈel-i-gən-sē\ n, pl -cies : ELEGANCE

el·e·gant \ˈel-i-gənt\ adj
1 : having or showing elegance
2 : of excellent quality : SPLENDID
— el·e·gant·ly adv

el·e·gy \ˈel-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : a poem or song expressing sorrow especially for one who is dead
— el·e·gi·ac \ˌel-ə-ˈjī-ək\ adj

— el·e·gize \ˈel-ə-ˌjīz\ vb

el·e·ment \ˈel-ə-mənt\ n
1 a : one of the four substances air, water, fire, or earth formerly believed to make up the physical universe  b pl : forces of nature; esp : stormy or cold weather  c : the state or place natural or suited to a person or thing <at school she was in her element>
2 : one of the parts of which something is made up: as  a pl : the simplest principles of a subject of study  b : one of the basic individual things that belong to a mathematical set or class — called also member  c : any of more than 100 fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind and that cannot be separated by ordinary chemical means into simpler substances  d : a distinct part of a device used in the composing of print matter
3 pl : the bread and wine used in the sacrament of Communion

See TABLE

el·e·men·tal \ˌel-ə-ˈment-əl\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or being an element; esp : existing as an uncombined chemical element  b : ELEMENTARY 1
2 : of, relating to, or resembling a force of nature
— el·e·men·tal·ly \-ˈment-əl-ē\ adv

el·e·men·ta·ry \ˌel-ə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj
1 : of or relating to the simplest principles of a subject
2 : of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education

elementary particle n : any of the particles (as electrons or photons) of matter and energy that are smaller than atoms and do not appear to be made up of a combination of more basic things

el·e·phant \ˈel-ə-fənt\ n : any of a family of huge thickset nearly hairless mammals that have the snout lengthened into a trunk and two incisors in the upper jaw developed into long outward-curving pointed ivory tusks and that include two living forms:  a : one with large ears that occurs in tropical Africa  b : one with relatively small ears that occurs in forests of southeastern Asia

elephant grass n : an Old World cattail used especially in making baskets <baskets woven from elephant grass>

el·e·phan·ti·a·sis \ˌel-ə-fən-ˈtī-ə-səs, -ˌfan-\ n : the enormous enlargement of an arm or a leg or of the scrotum that is caused by blocking of the vessels carrying lymph by nematode worms

el·e·phan·tine \ˌel-ə-ˈfan-ˌtēn, -ˌtīn, ˈel-ə-fən-\ adj
1 a : very big : HUGE, MASSIVE  b : lacking grace
2 : of or relating to an elephant

el·e·vate \ˈel-ə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to lift up or make higher : RAISE
2 : to raise in rank or importance
3 : to improve the mind or spirits of [Latin elevatus, past participle of elevare “to lift up,” from e- “away” and levare “to raise” — related to LEVER]

1el·e·vat·ed \ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-əd\ adj
1 : raised especially above the ground
2 a : being on a high level  b : DIGNIFIED

2elevated n : EL

el·e·va·tion \ˌel-ə-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 a : the height to which something is raised  b : the height above sea level : ALTITUDE
2 : an act or instance of elevating
3 : an elevated place (as a hill)
4 : the quality or state of being elevated  synonyms see HEIGHT

el·e·va·tor \ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər\ n
1 a : a continuous belt or chain conveyor for raising material  b : a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for carrying things or people to different levels  c : a building for elevating, storing, unloading, and sometimes grinding grain — called also grain elevator
2 : a movable device shaped like a wing that is usually attached to the tail of an airplane for producing motion up or down

elev·en \i-ˈlev-ən\ n
1 : a number that is one more than 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the eleventh in a set or series
3 : something having 11 units or members
— eleven adj or pron

— elev·enth \-ən(t)th\ n

— eleventh adj or adv

elf \ˈelf\ n, pl elves \ˈelvz\ : a small and often mischievous fairy
— elf·ish \ˈel-fish\ adj

— elf·ish·ly adv

elf·in \ˈel-fən\ adj
1 : of or relating to elves
2 : resembling an elf; esp : having a strange beauty or charm

elf owl n : a very small insect-eating owl that rests, sleeps, and nests in the holes of trees and saguaro cacti of desert areas of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico

elic·it \i-ˈlis-ət\ vb : to draw out often by skillful questioning or discussion <elicit the truth from a witness>
— elic·i·ta·tion \i-ˌli-sə-ˈtā-shən\ n

— elic·i·tor \i-ˈli-sə-tər\ n

el·i·gi·ble \ˈel-ə-jə-bəl\ adj : qualified to be chosen or to participate <eligible to vote>
— el·i·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌel-ə-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— eligible n

— el·i·gi·bly \ˈel-ə-jə-blē\ adv

elim·i·nate \i-ˈlim-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 a : to get rid of : REMOVE  b : to remove from further competition by defeating
2 : to expel from the living body
— elim·i·na·tive \-ˌnāt-iv\ adj

— elim·i·na·tor \-ˌnāt-ər\ n

elim·i·na·tion \i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n : the act or process of eliminating or emptying: as  a : the act of excreting or emptying waste products from the body  b : the act or process of excluding from a match, game, or contest the losers of any round or heat

elite \ā-ˈlēt, i-\ n
1 : the part or group having the highest quality or importance
2 : a small powerful group of people
— elite adj

elix·ir \i-ˈlik-sər\ n
1 a : a substance held to be capable of changing metals into gold  b : a substance held to be capable of extending life  c : CURE-ALL
2 : a sweetened usually alcoholic liquid containing medicine

Eliz·a·be·than \i-ˌliz-ə-ˈbē-thən\ adj : of, relating to, or suggesting Elizabeth I of England or her time
— Elizabethan n

elk \ˈelk\ n, pl elk or elks
1 : MOOSE — used for one of Europe or Asia
2 : a large deer of North America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa that has large curved antlers with many branches and that lives in herds — called also red deer, wapiti

1ell \ˈel\ n : a former English unit of length for cloth equal to 45 inches (1.1 meters)

2ell n : a part of a building that extends at right angles to the main part

el·lipse \i-ˈlips, e-\ n : an oval shape that is a conic section

el·lip·sis \i-ˈlip-səs, e-\ n, pl -lip·ses \-ˈlip-ˌsēz\
1 : the leaving out of one or more words that are not necessary for a phrase to be understood <“begin when ready” for “begin when you are ready” is an example of ellipsis>
2 : marks or a mark (as…) used to indicate that something (as words) has been left out

el·lip·tic \i-ˈlip-tik, e-\ or el·lip·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adj
1 : having the shape of an ellipse
2 : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis
— el·lip·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

elm \ˈelm\ n
1 : any of a genus of large deciduous trees that have toothed leaves and nearly circular one-seeded winged fruits and are often grown as shade trees; esp : AMERICAN ELM
2 : the wood of an elm

El Ni·ño \el-ˈnē-nyō\ n, pl El Niños : an irregularly occurring flow of unusually warm surface water along the western coast of South America that disrupts the normal regional and global weather patterns — compare LA NIñA [Spanish, “the child” (referring to the Christ child); from the appearance of the flow at the Christmas season]

el·o·cu·tion \ˌel-ə-ˈkyü-shən\ n
1 : a style of speaking especially in public
2 : the art of effective public speaking
— el·o·cu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj

— el·o·cu·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nəst\ n

elo·dea \i-ˈlōd-ē-ə\ n : any of a small genus of American herbs with leafy stems that live underwater

1elon·gate \i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to make or grow longer
— elon·ga·tion \(ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən\ n

2elongate or elon·gat·ed \i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt-əd\ adj : stretched out; esp : being much greater in length than in width

elope \i-ˈlōp\ vb eloped; elop·ing : to run away secretly especially to get married without parental consent
— elope·ment \-mənt\ n

— elop·er n

el·o·quence \ˈel-ə-kwən(t)s\ n : speech or writing that is forceful and convincing; also : the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way

el·o·quent \ˈel-ə-kwənt\ adj
1 : having or showing clear and forceful expression <an eloquent speaker> <an eloquent essay>
2 : clearly showing some feeling or meaning <an eloquent look>
— el·o·quent·ly adv

1else \ˈels\ adv
1 : in a different or additional manner or place or at a different time <how else could it be done> <where else can we meet>
2 : if the facts are or were different : if not : OTHERWISE <leave or else you'll be sorry>

2else adj
1 : being different in identity <somebody else>
2 : being in addition <what else>

else·where \ˈels-ˌ(h)we(ə)r, -ˌ(h)wa(ə)r\ adv : in or to another place <took my business elsewhere>

elu·ci·date \i-ˈlü-sə-ˌdāt\ vb -dat·ed; -dat·ing : to make clear or plain : EXPLAIN
— elu·ci·da·tion \i-ˌlü-sə-ˈdā-shən\ n

— elu·ci·da·tive \i-ˈlü-sə-ˌdāt-iv\ adj

— elu·ci·da·tor \-ˌdāt-ər\ n

elude \ē-ˈlüd\ vb elud·ed; elud·ing
1 : to avoid or escape by being quick, skillful, or tricky
2 : to escape the understanding or grasp of <the explanation eludes me>

elu·sive \ē-ˈlü-siv, -ziv\ adj
1 : hard to find or capture : EVASIVE <elusive prey>
2 : hard to understand or define <an elusive idea>
— elu·sive·ly adv

— elu·sive·ness n

el·ver \ˈel-vər\ n : a young eel

elves plural of ELF

elv·ish \ˈel-vish\ adj : MISCHIEVOUS 2, 3

Ely·si·um \i-ˈlizh-ē-əm, -ˈliz-\ n : a place or state of ideal happiness [derived from Greek Ēlysion, name in mythology of a place for the dead]
— Ely·sian \-ˈlizh-ən\ adj

el·y·tron \ˈel-ə-ˌträn\ also el·y·trum \-trəm\ n, pl -tra \-trə\ : one of the thick modified front wings in beetles and some other insects that protect the hind pair of wings that are used for flying

em- — see EN-

ema·ci·ate \i-ˈmā-shē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to cause to lose flesh so as to become very thin
— ema·ci·a·tion \-ˌmā-shē-ˈā-shən, -sē-\ n

e–mail \ˈē-ˌmāl\ n
1 : a system for sending messages between computers
2 a : messages sent through an e-mail system <receives a lot of e-mail>  b : an e-mail message <sent him an e-mail>
— e–mail vb

— e–mail·er \-ˌmāl-ər\ n

em·a·nate \ˈem-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to come out from a source <a scent emanating from the flowers>
2 : EMIT 1A, GIVE OUT <seems to emanate confidence>
— em·a·na·tion \ˌem-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— em·a·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— em·a·na·tive \ˈem-ə-ˌnāt-iv\ adj

eman·ci·pate \i-ˈman(t)-sə-ˌpāt\ vb -pat·ed; -pat·ing : to free from someone else's control or power; esp : to free from slavery
— eman·ci·pa·tion \-ˌman(t)-sə-ˈpā-shən\ n

— eman·ci·pa·tor \-ˈman(t)-sə-ˌpāt-ər\ n

— eman·ci·pa·tory \-ˈman(t)-sə-pə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-ē\ adj

emas·cu·late \i-ˈmas-kyə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to deprive of masculine strength or spirit : WEAKEN
2 : CASTRATE
— emas·cu·la·tion \-ˌmas-kyə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— emas·cu·la·tor \-ˈmas-kyə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

em·balm \im-ˈbä(l)m\ vb : to treat a dead body with special preparations to preserve it from decay
— em·balm·er n

— em·balm·ment \-mənt\ n

em·bank \im-ˈbaŋk\ vb : to enclose by an embankment

em·bank·ment \im-ˈbaŋk-mənt\ n : a raised bank or wall to carry a roadway, prevent floods, or hold back water

em·bar·go \im-ˈbär-gō\ n, pl -goes
1 : an order of a government prohibiting commercial ships from leaving its ports
2 : legal prohibition or restriction of trade
3 : an informal or unofficial stoppage : IMPEDIMENT; esp : PROHIBITION 2
— embargo vb

em·bark \im-ˈbärk\ vb
1 : to go or put on board a ship or airplane
2 : to begin some task or project <embark on a career>
— em·bar·ka·tion \ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən\ n

— em·bark·ment \im-ˈbärk-mənt\ n

em·bar·rass \im-ˈbar-əs\ vb
1 : to cause to feel self-consciously confused or distressed <unexpected laughter embarrassed the speaker>
2 : to restrict the movement of : HINDER, IMPEDE
3 : to involve in financial difficulties
— em·bar·rass·ing·ly \-ˈbar-ə-siŋ-lē\ adv
synonyms EMBARRASS, DISCONCERT, ABASH, mean to make upset, uncomfortable, or confused in one's emotions. EMBARRASS suggests a feeling of uneasiness or discomfort <embarrassed to see my relatives in the audience>. DISCONCERT suggests emotional upset or confusion from a strong and direct source <street noises disconcert me during piano practice>. ABASH suggests a complete loss of self-control (as from feelings of guilt or inferiority) <was abashed by their haughty behavior>.

em·bar·rass·ment \im-ˈbar-əs-mənt\ n
1 a : something that embarrasses <the scandal was a terrible embarrassment>  b : an overly large quantity from which to select — used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
2 : the state of being embarrassed <blushed with embarrassment>

em·bas·sy \ˈem-bə-sē\ n, pl -sies
1 : a group of representatives headed by an ambassador
2 : the position, role, or business of an ambassador
3 : the residence or office of an ambassador

em·bat·tle \im-ˈbat-əl\ vb em·bat·tled; em·bat·tling \-ˈbat-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to arrange in order of battle : prepare for battle
2 : FORTIFY A

embattled adj : engaged in battle or conflict

em·bed also im·bed \im-ˈbed\ vb em·bed·ded also im·bed·ded; em·bed·ding also im·bed·ding
1 : to enclose in or as if in a surrounding mass : set solidly in or as if in a bed <embed a post in concrete>
2 : to prepare (material for use under a microscope) for cutting by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance (as paraffin)

em·bel·lish \im-ˈbel-ish\ vb : to make beautiful with ornamentation : DECORATE <a book embellished with pictures>  synonyms see ADORN
— em·bel·lish·ment \-mənt\ n

em·ber \ˈem-bər\ n : a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire; esp : such a piece smoldering in ashes

em·bez·zle \im-ˈbez-əl\ vb -bez·zled; -bez·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to take (property entrusted to one's care) dishonestly for one's own use <embezzled thousands of dollars>
— em·bez·zle·ment \-əl-mənt\ n

— em·bez·zler \-(ə-)lər\ n

em·bit·ter \im-ˈbit-ər\ vb : to make bitter; esp : to cause bitter feeling in
— em·bit·ter·ment \-mənt\ n

em·bla·zon \im-ˈblāz-ən\ vb
1 : to inscribe or decorate with markings or emblems used in heraldry
2 : CELEBRATE 3, EXTOL <a name emblazoned in history>

em·blem \ˈem-bləm\ n
1 : an object or likeness used to suggest a thing that cannot be pictured <the flag is the emblem of our nation>
2 : a device, symbol, design, or figure used as an identifying mark <the club's emblem>
synonyms EMBLEM, TOKEN, SYMBOL, mean a sign for something else. EMBLEM applies to an object or picture that is commonly understood to stand for an idea <the bald eagle is an emblem of the United States>. TOKEN applies to an act, gesture, or object that is taken as a sign of sentiment <please accept this watch as a token of our appreciation>. SYMBOL applies to anything that is understood as a sign of something else <the lion is the symbol of courage>.

em·blem·at·ic \ˌem-blə-ˈmat-ik\ also em·blem·at·i·cal \-ˈmat-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or serving as an emblem : SYMBOLIC

em·bod·i·ment \im-ˈbäd-i-mənt\ n
1 : the act of embodying : the state of being embodied
2 : one that embodies something

em·body \im-ˈbäd-ē\ vb -bod·ied; -body·ing
1 : to give definite form to <embodied her ideas in suitable words>
2 : to cause to become a body or a part of a body or system <the Constitution embodies the fundamental laws of the United States>
3 : to represent in visible form <a leader who embodies courage>
— em·bod·i·er n

em·bold·en \im-ˈbōl-dən\ vb : to make bold

em·bo·lism \ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm\ n
1 : the sudden blocking of a blood vessel by an embolus
2 : EMBOLUS

em·bo·lus \ˈem-bə-ləs\ n, pl -li \-ˌlī\ : an abnormal particle (as an air bubble) circulating in the blood — compare THROMBUS

em·bos·om \im-ˈbu̇z-əm\ vb : to shelter closely : ENCLOSE

em·boss \im-ˈbäs, -ˈbȯs\ vb : to decorate with a raised pattern or design
— em·boss·er n

— em·boss·ment \-mənt\ n

em·bow·er \im-ˈbau̇(-ə)r\ vb : to shelter or enclose in or as if in a shelter of tree branches

1em·brace \im-ˈbrās\ vb em·braced; em·brac·ing
1 : to clasp in the arms : HUG
2 : to enclose on all sides <low hills embraced the valley>
3 a : to take up readily or gladly <embrace a cause>  b : to make use of : WELCOME <embrace an opportunity>
4 : TAKE IN 4, INCLUDE
— em·brace·able \-ˈbrā-sə-bəl\ adj

— em·brac·er n
Word History One of the meanings of the English word brace is “two of a kind,” as in “a brace of quail.” In early French, however, the word brace, from which we get our English words brace and embrace, had a more limited meaning of “two arms.” The early French brace came from the plural form of the Latin word bracchium, meaning “arm.” When combined with the early French prefix em-, meaning “to put into,” the word formed the verb embracer, which meant literally “to put into the two arms”; in other words, “to hug.” In time the word was borrowed into English and became embrace. [early French embracer “to hug, embrace,” literally, “to put into the two arms,” from em- “into” and brace “two arms,” derived from Latin bracchium “arm” — related to 1BRACE, BRACELET]

2embrace n : a close encircling with the arms : HUG

em·bra·sure \im-ˈbrā-zhər\ n
1 : an opening with sides slanting outward in a wall or parapet for the firing of cannon
2 : an opening in a wall for a door or window

em·broi·der \im-ˈbrȯid-ər\ vb em·broi·dered; em·broi·der·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to make or fill in a design with needlework
2 : to decorate with needlework
3 : to add to the interest of (as a story) with details or by exaggerating
— em·broi·der·er \-ər-ər\ n

em·broi·dery \im-ˈbrȯid-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -der·ies
1 : the process or art of embroidering
2 : needlework done to decorate cloth

em·broil \im-ˈbrȯi(ə)l\ vb
1 : to throw into disorder or confusion
2 : to involve in conflict or difficulties <embroiled in a lawsuit>
— em·broil·ment \-mənt\ n

em·bryo \ˈem-brē-ˌō\ n, pl -bry·os
1 : an animal in the early stages of development that are marked by cleavage, the laying down of the basic tissues, and the formation of primitive organs and organ systems — compare FETUS
2 : a tiny young plant within a seed
3 : a beginning or undeveloped stage — used especially in the phrase in embryo

em·bry·ol·o·gist \ˌem-brē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in embryology

em·bry·ol·o·gy \ˌem-brē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n
1 : a branch of biology dealing with embryos and their development
2 : the facts and events characteristic of the development of an embryo
— em·bry·o·log·i·cal \ˌem-brē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— em·bry·o·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

em·bry·on·ic \ˌem-brē-ˈän-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to an embryo
2 : being in an early stage of development <an embryonic plan>
— em·bry·on·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

embryo sac n : the individual that produces female germ cells in the sexually reproducing generation of a seed plant and that consists of a thin-walled sac containing the egg nucleus and other nuclei which form tissue used for food upon fertilization

1em·cee \ˈem-ˈsē\ n : MASTER OF CEREMONIES [an altered form of M.C., from master of ceremonies]

2emcee vb em·ceed; em·cee·ing : to act as master of ceremonies for something : HOST <emcee a television show>

emend \ē-ˈmend\ vb : to correct usually by changing the wording of <emend a text>
— emen·da·tion \ˌē-ˌmen-ˈdā-shən, ˌem-ən-\ n

1em·er·ald \ˈem-(ə-)rəld\ n : a rich green gem

2emerald adj : brightly or richly green

emerge \i-ˈmərj\ vb emerged; emerg·ing
1 : to become known or apparent <the facts emerged>
2 : to rise from or as if from a fluid : come out into view

emer·gence \i-ˈmər-jən(t)s\ n : the act or an instance of emerging

emer·gen·cy \i-ˈmər-jən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : an unexpected situation that calls for immediate action
2 : an urgent need for help <a state of emergency>

emergency room n : a hospital room or area with doctors, nurses, and medical equipment for treating persons needing immediate medical care

emer·i·tus \i-ˈmer-ət-əs\ adj : retired with an honorary title from an office or position
— emeritus n

em·ery \ˈem-(ə-)rē\ n, pl em·er·ies : a dark mineral used in the form of powder or grains for polishing and grinding

emery board n : a nail file made of cardboard covered with powdered emery

emet·ic \i-ˈmet-ik\ n : something (as a chemical) that causes vomiting
— emetic adj

em·i·grant \ˈem-i-grənt\ n
1 : one that emigrates
2 : a migrant plant or animal
— emigrant adj

em·i·grate \ˈem-ə-ˌgrāt\ vb -grat·ed; -grat·ing : to leave a country or region to live elsewhere
— em·i·gra·tion \ˌem-ə-ˈgrā-shən\ n

émi·gré also emi·gré \ˈem-i-ˌgrā, ˌem-i-ˈgrā\ n : EMIGRANT 1; esp : a person forced to emigrate for political reasons [French]

em·i·nence \ˈem-ə-nən(t)s\ n
1 : the condition of being eminent
2 a : a person of high rank or achievements — often used as a title for a cardinal  b : an area of high ground : HEIGHT

em·i·nent \ˈem-i-nənt\ adj : standing above others especially in rank, worth, or achievement <an eminent physician>
— em·i·nent·ly adv

eminent domain n : a right of a government to take private property for public use

emir \i-ˈmi(ə)r, ā-\ n : a ruler, chief, or commander in Islamic countries [from Arabic amīr “commander”]

emir·ate \ˈem-ə-rət, -ˌrāt\ n : the state or jurisdiction of an emir

em·is·sary \ˈem-ə-ˌser-ē\ n, pl -sar·ies : a person sent on a mission to represent another

emis·sion \ē-ˈmish-ən\ n
1 : an act or instance of emitting
2 : something emitted or discharged
— emis·sive \ē-ˈmis-iv\ adj

emit \ē-ˈmit\ vb emit·ted; emit·ting
1 a : to throw or give off or out <emit light>  b : to send out : EJECT
2 : 2UTTER 1 <emit a groan> [from Latin emittere “to send out,” from e-, ex- “out, forth” and mittere “to send, throw” — related to DISMISS, MESSAGE, MISSILE, TRANSMIT]

em·mer \ˈem-ər\ n : an ancient wheat having spikelets with two hard red kernels

emo·ji \ē-ˈmō-jē\ n, pl emoji or emo·jis : any of various small images, symbols, or icons used in electronic communication (as e-mail) to express the feelings or attitude of the writer or to present information concisely or playfully

emol·u·ment \i-ˈmäl-yə-mənt\ n : profit from one's job or from an office held : SALARY, WAGES

emote \i-ˈmōt\ vb emot·ed; emot·ing : to express emotion in or as if in a play
— emot·er \-ˈmōt-ər\ n

emo·ti·con \i-ˈmō-ti-ˌkän\ n : a group of characters (as :-) for a smile) that suggests an attitude or facial expression

emo·tion \i-ˈmō-shən\ n
1 : strong feeling : EXCITEMENT
2 : a mental reaction (as anger or fear) marked by strong feeling and usually causing physical effects

emo·tion·al \i-ˈmō-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the emotions <an emotional upset>
2 : likely to show or express emotion : easily moved <an emotional person>
3 : causing one to feel emotion <an emotional speech>
— emo·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

empanel variant of IMPANEL

em·pa·thy \ˈem-pə-thē\ n : a being aware of and sharing another person's feelings, experiences, and emotions; also : the ability for this

em·per·or \ˈem-pər-ər, -prər\ n : the ruler of an empire
Word History The word emperor is a general word for a ruler having total control of a country or region. There are similar words for such all-powerful rulers in various countries: the Caesars in ancient Rome, the czars in Russia, the kaisers in Germany. All these terms go back to one source: the first of the emperors of the Roman lands, known as Imperator Caesar Augustus. Augustus (whose name was really a title, meaning “honorable”) was the adopted son of the great Roman general and ruler Julius Caesar. Augustus took the family name Caesar as part of his official name. Later emperors of Rome also used the name Caesar to show that they were heirs to the throne. This is how the word Caesar came to be used to mean “an emperor of Rome.” The word Caesar was spelled kaisar and later kaiser in the Germanic languages of Europe. It is from this word that we got our English word kaiser for “a ruler in Germany.” Through the Russian word tsar', which also came from the Germanic word kaisar, we got our English word czar, meaning “a ruler in Russia.” Use of the word emperor itself can also be traced back to Imperator Caesar Augustus. The Latin word imperator was originally a title given to great Roman generals. The word meant “commander,” and it was derived from the verb imperare “to command.” It is because Augustus, the first Roman emperor, used imperator as a title that we use emperor as we do today. [Middle English emperour “emperor,” from early French emperur (same meaning), from Latin imperator “commander” (title assumed by Caesar Augustus), from imperare “to command”]

em·pha·sis \ˈem(p)-fə-səs\ n, pl -pha·ses \-fə-ˌsēz\
1 a : forcefulness of expression <spoke with emphasis>  b : the act or fact of giving stress to a word or syllable when speaking
2 : special attention or importance given to something <put great emphasis on cleanliness>

em·pha·size \ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz\ vb -sized; -siz·ing : to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out

em·phat·ic \im-ˈfat-ik, em-\ adj
1 : uttered with or marked by emphasis
2 : tending to express oneself in forceful speech or action
3 : attracting special attention <an emphatic design>
— em·phat·i·cal·ly \-ˈfat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

em·phy·se·ma \ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə, -ˈsē-\ n : a condition marked by abnormal enlargement of the air spaces of the lungs, shortness of breath, and often by faulty heart action

em·pire \ˈem-ˌpī(ə)r\ n
1 a : a major political unit with a large territory or a number of territories or peoples under one ruler with total authority; esp : one having an emperor as chief of state  b : the territory of such a unit  c : something resembling an empire; esp : a large group of businesses under one control
2 : the state of being under or of having complete rule or control

em·pir·i·cal \im-ˈpir-i-kəl, em-\ also em·pir·ic \-ˈpir-ik\ adj
1 : relying on experience or observation usually without regard for a system and theory <empirical medicine>
2 : based on observation or experience <empirical data>
3 : capable of being proved or disproved by observation or experiment <empirical laws>
— em·pir·i·cal·ly \-ˈpir-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

empirical formula n : a chemical formula showing the simplest ratio of elements in a compound rather than the total number of atoms in the molecule

em·pir·i·cism \im-ˈpir-ə-ˌsiz-əm, em-\ n
1 : the practice of relying on observation and experiment in the natural sciences
2 : a theory that knowledge begins with experience
— em·pir·i·cist \-səst\ n or adj

em·place \im-ˈplās\ vb : to put into place

em·place·ment \im-ˈplās-mənt\ n
1 : a prepared position for weapons
2 : a putting into position : PLACEMENT

1em·ploy \im-ˈplȯi\ vb
1 : to make use of : USE
2 a : to use or obtain the services of <employ a lawyer to draw up a will>  b : to provide with a job that pays wages or a salary <employ a staff of twenty>
3 : to use or direct toward a particular goal <employ all of your energies to getting the job done>
— em·ploy·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

2employ n : employment especially for wages or a salary <generous to people in their employ>

em·ploy·ee \im-ˌplȯi-ˈē, (ˌ)em-; im-ˈplȯi-ˌē, em-\ n : one who works for another for wages or a salary

em·ploy·er \im-ˈplȯi(-ə)r\ n : one that employs others

em·ploy·ment \im-ˈplȯi-mənt\ n
1 : 1USE 1A, PURPOSE; also : the act of using
2 a : the act of hiring a person for work  b : the job for which one is hired : OCCUPATION  c : the state of being employed <employment in the machine trade>  d : the relative number of persons in a labor force who are employed <employment is high>

employment agency n : a company whose business is to find jobs for certain people and to find people suitable for certain jobs

em·po·ri·um \im-ˈpōr-ē-əm, em-, -ˈpȯr-\ n, pl -ri·ums also -ria \-ē-ə\
1 a : MARKETPLACE  b : a center of business activity
2 : a store carrying a wide variety of merchandise

em·pow·er \im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r\ vb : to give official authority or legal power to

em·press \ˈem-prəs\ n
1 : the wife or widow of an emperor
2 : a woman who is the ruler of an empire

1emp·ty \ˈem(p)-tē\ adj emp·ti·er; -est
1 : containing nothing <an empty box>
2 : not being lived in <an empty house>
3 : having no reality or importance <empty dreams>
4 : lacking in value, sense, effect, or sincerity <empty threats>
5 : HUNGRY 1 <feel empty before dinner>
6 : having no members <empty set>
— emp·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— emp·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

2empty vb emp·tied; emp·ty·ing
1 : to make empty : remove the contents of <empty a barrel>
2 : to remove all of from a container <empty flour from a bag>
3 : to become empty <the theater emptied quickly>
4 : to give forth contents (as fluid) : DISCHARGE <the river empties into the ocean>

3empty n, pl emp·ties : an empty container

emp·ty–hand·ed \ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd\ adj
1 : having nothing in the hands
2 : having acquired or gained nothing <came back empty-handed>

em·pur·ple \im-ˈpər-pəl\ vb em·pur·pled; em·pur·pling \-ˈpər-p(ə-)liŋ\ : to tinge or color purple

em·py·re·an \ˌem-ˌpī-ˈrē-ən, -pə-; em-ˈpir-ē-ən, -ˈpī-rē-ən\ n
1 : the highest heaven or heavenly sphere
2 : SKY 1, HEAVENS
— em·py·re·al \-əl\ adj

— empyrean adj

EMT \ˌē-(ˌ)em-ˈtē\ n : a person specially trained to provide basic emergency medical care before and during the trip to a hospital [emergency medical technician]

emu \ˈē-myü\ n : a swift-running Australian bird with undeveloped wings that is related to but smaller than the ostrich

em·u·late \ˈem-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to try to be like or better than
— em·u·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

em·u·la·tion \ˌem-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the ambition or effort to emulate
— em·u·la·tive \ˈem-yə-ˌlāt-iv\ adj

em·u·lous \ˈem-yə-ləs\ adj : eager or ambitious to emulate someone or something
— em·u·lous·ly adv

— em·u·lous·ness n

emul·si·fi·er \i-ˈməl-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n : a substance (as a soap) that helps to form and stabilize an emulsion

emul·si·fy \i-ˈməl-sə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to change (as an oil) into an emulsion
— emul·si·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

— emul·si·fi·ca·tion \i-ˌməl-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

emul·sion \i-ˈməl-shən\ n : a material consisting of a mixture of liquids that do not dissolve in each other and having droplets of one liquid scattered throughout the other <an emulsion of oil in water>

en- also em- \e also occurs in these prefixes although only i may be shown as in “engage”\ prefix
1 : put into or onto <encode> <enthrone> : go into or onto <enplane>
2 : cause to be <enslave>
3 : provide with <empower>
4 : so as to cover <enwrap> : thoroughly <entangle> — in all senses usually em- before b, m, or p [derived from Latin in- “in, into, put into”]

1-en \ən\ also -n \n\ adj suffix : made of : consisting of <earthen> <woolen> [Old English -en (adjective suffix)]

2-en vb suffix
1 : become or cause to be <sharpen>
2 : cause or come to have <lengthen> [Old English -nian (verb suffix)]

en·able \in-ˈā-bəl\ vb en·abled; en·abling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to make able <glasses enable you to read>  b : to make possible, practical, or easy
2 : to give legal power or permission to

en·act \in-ˈakt\ vb
1 : to make (as a bill) into law <enact legislation>
2 : to act out <enact a scene from a play>
— en·ac·tor \-ˈak-tər\ n

en·act·ment \in-ˈak(t)-mənt\ n
1 : the act of enacting : the state of being enacted
2 : LAW 1A, STATUTE

1enam·el \in-ˈam-əl\ vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \-ˈam-(ə-)liŋ\ : to cover or decorate with enamel

2enamel n
1 : a glassy substance used to coat the surface of metal, glass, or pottery
2 : a surface that resembles enamel
3 : a very hard outer layer covering the crown of a tooth
4 : a paint that turns to a smooth hard coat when applied and dries with a glossy appearance

enam·el·ware \in-ˈam-əl-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : metal utensils (as pots and pans) coated with enamel

en·am·or \in-ˈam-ər\ vb -ored; -or·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to cause to feel love

en·camp \in-ˈkamp\ vb
1 : to set up and occupy a camp : CAMP
2 : to place or establish in a camp <encamp troops>

en·camp·ment \in-ˈkamp-mənt\ n
1 : the act of encamping : the state of being encamped
2 : the site of a camp

en·cap·su·late \in-ˈkap-sə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to enclose in a capsule
2 : to tell or relate (as a report) in a few words
— en·cap·su·la·tion \-ˌkap-sə-ˈlā-shən\ n

en·case \in-ˈkās\ vb : to enclose in or as if in a case
— en·case·ment \-mənt\ n

-ence \ən(t)s, ən(t)s\ n suffix
1 : action or process <emergence> : instance of an action or process <reference>
2 : quality or state <existence> [derived from Latin -entia “action or process”]

encephal- or encephalo- combining form : brain <encephalitis> [derived from Greek en- “in” and kephalē “head”]

en·ceph·a·li·tis \in-ˌsef-ə-ˈlīt-əs, (ˌ)en-\ n : inflammation of the brain; also : a disease marked by encephalitis

en·chain \in-ˈchān\ vb : to bind with or as if with chains
— en·chain·ment \-mənt\ n

en·chant \in-ˈchant\ vb
1 : to influence by charms and magic : BEWITCH
2 : 1THRILL 1, FASCINATE

en·chant·ed \in-ˈchant-əd\ adj : being or appearing to be under a magic spell <an enchanted forest>

en·chant·er \in-ˈchant-ər\ n : one that enchants; esp : SORCERER

en·chant·ing \in-ˈchant-iŋ\ adj : having great charm and attraction
— en·chant·ing·ly adv

en·chant·ment \in-ˈchant-mənt\ n
1 : the act or art of enchanting : the state of being enchanted
2 : something that enchants : SPELL

en·chant·ress \in-ˈchan-trəs\ n
1 : a woman who practices magic : SORCERESS
2 : a fascinating or beautiful woman

en·chi·la·da \ˌen-chə-ˈläd-ə\ n : a tortilla rolled around a meat or cheese filling and covered with a chili sauce [American Spanish, derived from earlier enchilar “to season with chili”]

en·ci·pher \in-ˈsī-fər, en-\ vb : to change (a message) from ordinary language into cipher

en·cir·cle \in-ˈsər-kəl\ vb
1 : to form a circle around : SURROUND
2 : to go completely around
— en·cir·cle·ment \-mənt\ n

en·clave \ˈen-ˌklāv, ˈän-, ˈäŋ-\ n : a distinct territorial, cultural, or social group within a foreign region or community [from French enclave “enclave,” derived from early French enclaver “to enclose”]

en·close also in·close \in-ˈklōz\ vb
1 a : to close in : SURROUND <enclose a porch with glass>  b : to hold in : CONFINE <enclose animals in a pen>
2 : to place in a parcel or envelope <enclose a card with the present>

en·clo·sure also in·clo·sure \in-ˈklō-zhər\ n
1 : the act of enclosing : the state of being enclosed
2 : an enclosed space
3 : something (as a fence) that encloses
4 : something enclosed <a letter with two enclosures>

en·code \in-ˈkōd, en-\ vb : to change (as a body of information) from one system of communication into another; esp : to change (a message) into code
— en·cod·er n

en·co·mi·um \en-ˈkō-mē-əm\ n, pl -mi·ums also -mia \-mē-ə\ : warm or high praise especially when formally expressed : EULOGY

en·com·pass \in-ˈkəm-pəs, -ˈkäm-\ vb
1 : to form a circle about : SURROUND
2 a : to cover or surround especially so as to hide or protect  b : to take in as a part : INCLUDE
— en·com·pass·ment \-mənt\ n

en·core \ˈän-ˌkō(ə)r, -ˌkȯ(ə)r\ n : a demand made by an audience for a repeat or an additional performance; also : a further performance in response to such a demand
— encore vb

1en·coun·ter \in-ˈkau̇nt-ər\ vb en·coun·tered; en·coun·ter·ing \-ˈkau̇nt-ə-riŋ, -ˈkau̇n-triŋ\
1 : to engage in a struggle with as an enemy or rival
2 : to come upon face-to-face : MEET
3 : to come upon unexpectedly <encountered problems>

2encounter n
1 : a clash between enemies or rivals; also : a very unfriendly meeting <had an encounter with the boss>
2 a : a chance meeting  b : a meeting face-to-face

en·cour·age \in-ˈkər-ij, -ˈkə-rij\ vb -aged; -ag·ing
1 a : to cause to feel courage, spirit, or hope <encouraged by her kind words>  b : to try to persuade <encouraged him to go back to school>
2 : to spur on : STIMULATE
3 : to give help to : FOSTER <government grants to encourage young artists> <warm weather encourages plant growth>
— en·cour·age·ment \-mənt\ n

— en·cour·ag·ing·ly \-ij-iŋ-lē, -rij-\ adv

en·croach \in-ˈkrōch\ vb
1 : to enter or force oneself on another's property or rights little by little
2 : to advance beyond the usual or desirable limits <the gradually encroaching sea>
— en·croach·ment \-mənt\ n

en·crust also in·crust \in-ˈkrəst\ vb
1 : to cover with a crust
2 : to form a crust

encrustation variant of INCRUSTATION

en·cum·ber \in-ˈkəm-bər\ vb en·cum·bered; en·cum·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to place an excessive burden on
2 : to make problems for the work or activity of

en·cum·brance \in-ˈkəm-brən(t)s\ n
1 : something that encumbers : BURDEN
2 : a legal claim (as a mortgage) against property

-en·cy \ən-sē, ən-\ n suffix, pl -encies : quality or state <despondency> [derived from Latin -entia (noun suffix)]

en·cyc·li·cal \in-ˈsik-li-kəl, en-\ n : a letter addressed to a whole group; esp : a letter from the pope to the bishops of the church
— encyclical adj

en·cy·clo·pe·dia also en·cy·clo·pae·dia \in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpēd-ē-ə\ n : a work that contains information on all subjects or one that covers a certain subject thoroughly usually with articles arranged alphabetically [from Latin encyclopedia “course of general education,” from Greek enkyklios “general, all-around,” literally, “circular” and Greek paideia “education, child rearing”]

en·cy·clo·pe·dic also en·cy·clo·pae·dic \in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpēd-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to an encyclopedia
2 : covering a wide range of subjects <encyclopedic knowledge>

en·cyst \in-ˈsist, en-\ vb : to form or become enclosed in a cyst
— en·cyst·ment \-ˈsis(t)-mənt\ n

1end \ˈend\ n
1 a : the part at the boundary of an area  b : a point that marks the limit of something or the point where something no longer exists <no end to her generosity> <the end of the month>  c : the last part lengthwise : TIP
2 a : the stopping of a process or activity  b : DEATH 1, DESTRUCTION
3 : something left over : REMNANT
4 : GOAL 2, PURPOSE
5 : a football lineman whose position is at the end of the line
6 : a phase of an undertaking <the sales end of the business>
— end·ed \ˈen-dəd\ adj

— in the end : AFTER ALL <will succeed in the end>

— on end : without interruption <rained for days on end>

2end vb : to bring or come to an end : STOP

end- or endo- combining form
1 : within : inside <endoskeleton> — compare EXO-
2 : taking in <endothermic> [derived from Greek end-, endo- “inside, within”]

en·dan·ger \in-ˈdān-jər\ vb en·dan·gered; en·dan·ger·ing \-ˈdānj-(ə-)riŋ\ : to bring into danger or peril
— en·dan·ger·ment \-mənt\ n

en·dan·gered adj : threatened with extinction <an endangered species>

en·dear \in-ˈdi(ə)r\ vb : to cause to become dear or beloved <her generosity has endeared her to the public>

en·dear·ment \in-ˈdi(ə)r-mənt\ n : a word or an act (as a caress) showing love or affection

en·deav·or \in-ˈdev-ər\ vb en·deav·ored; en·deav·or·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to make an effort : TRY
2 : to work for a particular goal or result
— endeavor n

en·dem·ic \en-ˈdem-ik, in-\ adj : originating or growing or found especially and often only in a certain locality or region <endemic diseases> <an endemic plant>

end·ing \ˈen-diŋ\ n : the final part : CONCLUSION, END <a novel with a happy ending>

en·dive \ˈen-ˌdīv\ n
1 : an herb closely related to chicory and widely grown as a salad plant — called also escarole
2 : the developing shoot of chicory when it is made pale or white by growing in the dark for use in salads

end·less \ˈen-(d)ləs\ adj
1 : being or seeming to be without end
2 : joined at the ends : CONTINUOUS <an endless belt>
— end·less·ly adv

— end·less·ness n

end line n : a line marking an end or boundary (as on a playing field)

end·most \ˈen(d)-ˌmōst\ adj : situated at the very end

en·do·crine \ˈen-də-krən, -ˌkrīn, -ˌkrēn\ adj
1 : producing secretions that are distributed in the body by way of the bloodstream or lymph
2 : of, relating to, or resembling an endocrine gland or secretion

endocrine gland n : any of various glands that have no duct and release their secretions directly into the lymph or blood circulating through them — called also ductless gland

endocrine system n : the bodily system of glands and cells that release their secretions and especially hormones directly into the bloodstream or lymph and includes the thyroid, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and islets of Langerhans

en·do·cy·to·sis \ˌen-də-sī-ˈtō-səs\ n : the process by which a cell takes in material by engulfing it with a portion of the cell membrane to form a vesicle that pinches off into the cell's interior

en·do·derm \ˈen-də-ˌdərm\ n
1 : the innermost of the three basic layers of an embryo that forms the epithelium of the digestive tract and the parts of the body formed from it
2 : the inner layer of cells of an animal (as a jellyfish or hydra) whose body is composed of two layers of cells
— en·do·der·mal \ˌen-də-ˈdər-məl\ adj

en·do·me·tri·um \ˌen-dō-ˈmē-trē-əm\ n, pl -tria \-trē-ə\ : the mucous membrane lining the uterus

en·do·plasm \ˈen-də-ˌplaz-əm\ n : the inner relatively fluid part of the cytoplasm

en·do·plas·mic reticulum \ˌen-də-ˈplaz-mik-\ n : a system of cavities and tiny connecting canals that occupy much of the cytoplasm of the cell and functions especially in the movement of materials within the cell

en·dorse also in·dorse \in-ˈdȯ(ə)rs\ vb en·dorsed; en·dors·ing
1 : to sign the back of (a check, bank note, or bill) especially to receive payment, to indicate method of payment, or to transfer to someone else
2 : to show support or approval of <endorse a candidate>
— en·dors·ee \in-ˌdȯ(ə)r-ˈsē\ n

— en·dors·er n

en·dorse·ment also in·dorse·ment \in-ˈdȯr-smənt\ n
1 : the act or process of endorsing
2 : a signature endorsing a check or note
3 : official approval and support

en·do·scope \ˈen-də-ˌskōp\ n : a tubular medical instrument that allows the interior of a hollow organ or body part to be seen
— en·do·scop·ic \ˌen-də-ˈskäp-ik\ adj

en·do·skel·e·ton \ˌen-dō-ˈskel-ət-ən\ n : an inside skeleton or supporting framework in an animal

en·do·sperm \ˈen-də-ˌspərm\ n : a food-containing tissue formed within the seed in seed plants

en·do·therm \ˈen-dō-ˌthərm\ n : a warm-blooded animal

en·do·ther·mic \ˌen-də-ˈthər-mik\ adj : characterized by or formed with absorption of heat

en·dow \in-ˈdau̇\ vb
1 : to provide with money for support or maintenance
2 : to furnish with something freely or naturally <humans are endowed with reason>

en·dow·ment \in-ˈdau̇-mənt\ n
1 : the providing of a permanent fund for support; also : the fund provided <a college's endowment>
2 : a person's natural ability

end·point \ˈen(d)-ˌpȯint\ n : either of two points that mark the ends of a line segment; also : a point that marks the end of a ray

end rhyme n : a rhyme of the last word or the last syllable of two or more lines of verse

end run n : a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end

end table n : a small table used beside a sofa or chair

en·due \in-ˈd(y)ü\ vb en·dued; en·du·ing : to provide with a quality or power <endued with grace>

en·dur·ance \in-ˈd(y)u̇r-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality of lasting or of being permanent
2 : the ability to withstand hardship, adversity, or stress <athletes need to develop endurance>
3 : SUFFERING 1 <endurance of many hardships>

en·dure \in-ˈd(y)u̇(ə)r\ vb en·dured; en·dur·ing
1 : to continue in the same state : LAST
2 : to bear patiently : SUFFER
3 : to allow to happen or continue : TOLERATE
— en·dur·able \-ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl\ adj

— en·dur·ing \in-ˈd(y)u̇r-iŋ\ adj

— en·dur·ing·ly adv

end user n : the ultimate consumer of a finished product

end·ways \ˈen-ˌdwāz\ adv or adj
1 : with the end forward
2 : LENGTHWISE
3 : on end <boxes set endways>

end·wise \ˈend-ˌwīz\ adv or adj : ENDWAYS

end zone n : the area where points are scored beyond the goal line at each end of a football field

-ene \ˌēn\ n suffix : unsaturated carbon compound <benzene>; esp : carbon compound with one double bond <ethylene> [derived from Greek -ēnos (adjective suffix)]

en·e·ma \ˈen-ə-mə\ n : the injection of liquid into the rectum by way of the anus usually to cause the intestines to empty; also : the material injected

en·e·my \ˈen-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies
1 : one that tries to hurt or overthrow or that seeks the failure of another
2 : something that harms
3 a : a nation with which a country is at war  b : a military force or a person belonging to such a nation [Middle English enemi “enemy,” from early French enemi (same meaning), from Latin inimicus (same meaning), from in- “not” and amicus “friend”]

en·er·get·ic \ˌen-ər-ˈjet-ik\ adj : having or showing energy : ACTIVE <an energetic salesperson>  synonyms see VIGOROUS
— en·er·get·i·cal·ly \-ˈjet-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

en·er·gize \ˈen-ər-ˌjīz\ vb -gized; -giz·ing
1 : to put forth energy : ACT
2 a : to give energy to <sunlight energizes the chemical reactions>  b : to make energetic
3 : to apply voltage to
— en·er·giz·er n

en·er·gy \ˈen-ər-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : power or ability to be active : strength of body or mind to do things or to work <a teacher of great intellectual energy>
2 : natural power exerted with force : lively action <work with energy>
3 : the capacity (as of heat, light, or running water) for doing work
4 a : usable power (as heat or electricity)  b : a source of energy; esp : a resource (as oil) used to provide energy  synonyms see POWER

energy level n : one of the stable states of constant energy that may be assumed by a physical system — used especially of the states of electrons in atoms

energy pyramid n : a triangle-shaped diagram that represents the amount of energy in an ecosystem that is transferred from one level of a food chain or food web to the next

en·er·vate \ˈen-ər-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing : to cause to decline in strength or vigor : WEAKEN
— en·er·vat·ing·ly adv

— en·er·va·tion \ˌen-ər-ˈvā-shən\ n

en·fee·ble \in-ˈfē-bəl\ vb en·fee·bled; en·fee·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to make feeble

en·fold \in-ˈfōld\ vb
1 : to cover with folds : enclose in the folds of something
2 : 1EMBRACE 1, HUG

en·force \in-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs\ vb
1 : to bring about by force : COMPEL <enforce obedience>
2 : to carry out effectively <enforce the law>
— en·force·able \-ˈfōr-sə-bəl, -fȯr-\ adj

— en·force·ment \-ˈfōr-smənt, -fȯr-\ n

— en·forc·er n

en·fran·chise \in-ˈfran-ˌchīz\ vb -chised; -chis·ing
1 : to set free (as from slavery)
2 : to give full privileges of citizenship to; esp : to give the right to vote
— en·fran·chise·ment \-ˌchīz-mənt, -chəz-\ n

en·gage \in-ˈgāj\ vb en·gaged; en·gag·ing
1 : to commit oneself to do something; esp : to bind by a pledge to marry
2 a : to arrange for the use or services of : HIRE <engage a lawyer>  b : to keep fixed or concentrated <the task engaged our attention>
3 a : to cause to take part <engaged the stranger in conversation>  b : PARTICIPATE <she engages in sports>
4 : to enter into contest or battle with <engage the enemy>
5 : to come together or cause to come together and mesh <the gears engaged>

en·gaged \in-ˈgājd\ adj
1 : being occupied with some activity <they were engaged in conversation>
2 : pledged to be married : BETROTHED <an engaged couple>

en·gage·ment \in-ˈgāj-mənt\ n
1 a : a promise to be present at a specified place and time  b : employment especially for a stated time <the band had engagements in different towns>
2 : 1PLEDGE 5, OBLIGATION
3 a : the act of engaging : the state of being engaged  b : an agreement to marry; also : the period during which one is pledged to be married
4 : the state of being meshed into a working arrangement in which one part drives another
5 : the state of being in conflict, opposition, or battle

en·gag·ing \in-ˈgā-jiŋ\ adj : having a very pleasing appearance or manner : ATTRACTIVE
— en·gag·ing·ly adv

en·gen·der \in-ˈjen-dər\ vb -dered; -der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to reproduce offspring
2 : to be the source or cause of : PRODUCE <tensions that engender emotional conflicts>

en·gine \ˈen-jən\ n
1 : a mechanical device
2 : a machine that changes energy (as heat from burning fuel) into mechanical motion
3 : a railroad locomotive [Middle English engin “natural talent or skill, mechanical device,” from early French engin (same meaning), from Latin ingenium “natural ability or desire to do something,” from in “in” and -genium, from gignere “to father, beget” — related to GENIUS, 1GIN, INGENIOUS]

1en·gi·neer \ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r\ n
1 : a member of a military group devoted to engineering work
2 a : a designer or builder of engines  b : a person who is trained in or follows as a profession a branch of engineering
3 : a person who runs or supervises an engine or technical machinery

2engineer vb
1 : to plan, build, or manage as an engineer
2 : to guide the course of <engineer a rally>

en·gi·neer·ing \ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ\ n : the science or profession of developing and using nature's power and resources in ways that are useful to people (as in designing and building roads, bridges, dams, or machines and in creating new products)

1En·glish \ˈiŋ-glish\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language [Old English englisc “English,” from Engle “the Angles (Germanic people who invaded England in the 5th century along with the Saxons and with them formed the Anglo-Saxon peoples)”]

2English n
1 a : the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control  b : English language, literature, or writing technique that is a subject of study
2 English pl : the people of England
3 : a sideways spin given to a ball when it is struck or bowled

English horn n : a woodwind instrument similar to the oboe but lower in pitch

English ivy n : IVY 1

En·glish·man \ˈiŋ-glish-mən\ n : a person born or living in England

English saddle n : a rather flat saddle without a horn and high seat back

English setter n : any of a breed of bird dogs with a long flat silky coat of white usually with flecks or patches of black or brown

English sonnet n : a sonnet in which the rhyme pattern is in three groups of four lines each and one group of two lines

English sparrow n : HOUSE SPARROW

English springer spaniel n : any of a breed of springer spaniels with a flat silky coat of white with large patches of usually black or brown

English system n : a system of weights and measures in which the foot is the principal unit of length and the pound is the principal unit of weight

En·glish·wom·an \ˈiŋ-glish-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman born or living in England

en·gorge \in-ˈgȯ(ə)rj\ vb
1 : to eat greedily : GORGE
2 : to fill with blood : CONGEST
— en·gorge·ment \-mənt\ n

en·grave \in-ˈgrāv\ vb en·graved; en·grav·ing
1 : to impress deeply <the incident was engraved in my memory>
2 a : to cut or carve (as letters or designs) on a hard surface  b : to cut lines, letters, figures, or designs on or into (a hard surface) often for use in printing  c : to print from a cut surface <an engraved wedding invitation>
— en·grav·er n

en·grav·ing \in-ˈgrā-viŋ\ n
1 : the art of cutting something especially into the surface of wood, stone, or metal
2 : a print made from an engraved surface

en·gross \in-ˈgrōs\ vb : to take up the whole interest or attention of : ABSORB
— en·gross·er n

— en·gross·ment \-mənt\ n

en·gulf \in-ˈgəlf\ vb : to flow over and enclose : OVERWHELM
— en·gulf·ment \-mənt\ n

en·hance \in-ˈhan(t)s\ vb en·hanced; en·hanc·ing : to increase or improve in value, desirability, or attractiveness
— en·hance·ment \-mənt\ n

— en·hanc·er n

enig·ma \i-ˈnig-mə\ n : something hard to understand or explain  synonyms see MYSTERY
— en·ig·mat·ic \ˌen-ig-ˈmat-ik, ˌē-nig-\ also en·ig·mat·i·cal \-ˈmat-i-kəl\ adj

— en·ig·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

en·join \in-ˈjȯin\ vb
1 : to direct or demand (an action) by authoritative order (as from a court of law)
2 : FORBID 1, PROHIBIT

en·joy \in-ˈjȯi\ vb
1 : to have or experience as a benefit or for one's use <enjoy great success> <enjoying the freedom to pursue one's interests>
2 : to take pleasure from <I didn't enjoy the movie>
— en·joy·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— en·joy·able·ness n

— en·joy·ably \-blē\ adv

en·joy·ment \in-ˈjȯi-mənt\ n
1 : the condition of enjoying something : possession and use of something that gives satisfaction <the enjoyment of good health>
2 : satisfaction taken in something <find enjoyment in skating>
3 : something that gives pleasure <the poorest life has its enjoyments>  synonyms see PLEASURE

en·large \in-ˈlärj\ vb en·larged; en·larg·ing
1 : to make or grow larger : INCREASE, EXPAND
2 : to give more details : ELABORATE <enlarge on a story>
— en·larg·er n

en·large·ment \in-ˈlärj-mənt\ n
1 : an act or instance of enlarging : the state of being enlarged
2 : a photographic print made larger than the negative

en·light·en \in-ˈlīt-ən\ vb en·light·ened; en·light·en·ing \-ˈlīt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to give knowledge or understanding to : INSTRUCT <enlightened us about the problem>
— en·light·en·ment \-ən-mənt\ n

en·list \in-ˈlist\ vb
1 a : to enroll for military or naval service; esp : to join one of the armed services voluntarily  b : to participate heartily (as in a cause or drive)
2 : to obtain the help or support of <enlisted their friends in the campaign>
— en·list·ment \-ˈlis(t)-mənt\ n

en·list·ed \in-ˈlis-təd\ adj : of, relating to, or forming the part of a military or naval force in the ranks below commissioned or warrant officers

en·liv·en \in-ˈlī-vən\ vb : to give life, action, or spirit to : ANIMATE <enliven the party with dance music>

en masse \än-ˈmas\ adv : in a body : as a whole

en·mesh \in-ˈmesh\ vb : to entangle in or as if in meshes <was enmeshed in a series of disputes>

en·mi·ty \ˈen-mət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a very deep unfriendly feeling : HATRED

en·no·ble \in-ˈō-bəl\ vb -bled; -bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make noble : ELEVATE <seemed ennobled by his hardship>
2 : to raise to the rank of nobility
— en·no·ble·ment \-bəl-mənt\ n

en·nui \ˈän-ˈwē\ n : a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or satisfaction : BOREDOM

enor·mi·ty \i-ˈnȯr-mət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : great wickedness <the enormity of the crime>
2 : an outrageous or immoral act or offense
3 : very large size
4 : the quality of great impact or importance

enor·mous \i-ˈnȯr-məs\ adj : extraordinarily great in size, number, or degree
— enor·mous·ly adv

— enor·mous·ness n
synonyms ENORMOUS, IMMENSE, HUGE, VAST, mean unusually large. ENORMOUS suggests going beyond the usual limits in size, amount, or degree <the enormous cost of the project>. IMMENSE suggests size far beyond ordinary measurements or ideas <an immense waste of resources>. HUGE suggests greatness of bulk, size, or capacity <huge barrels of oil>. VAST suggests greatness or broadness of extent <vast stretches of desert>.

1enough \i-ˈnəf\ adj : equal to the demands or needs : SUFFICIENT

2enough adv
1 : in or to a sufficient amount or degree : SUFFICIENTLY <ran fast enough>
2 : FULLY 1, QUITE <qualified enough for the job>
3 : so as to be moderately good : TOLERABLY <sang well enough>

3enough n : a sufficient quantity <enough to meet our needs>

enow \i-ˈnau̇\ adv or adj, archaic : ENOUGH

en·plane \in-ˈplān\ vb : to board an airplane

enquire, enquiry chiefly British variant of INQUIRE, INQUIRY

en·rage \in-ˈrāj\ vb : to fill with rage : MADDEN

en·rap·ture \in-ˈrap-chər\ vb en·rap·tured; en·rap·tur·ing \-ˈrap-chə-riŋ, -ˈrap-shriŋ\ : to fill with delight

en·rich \in-ˈrich\ vb
1 : to make rich or richer <enrich the mind>
2 : ADORN, ORNAMENT
3 a : to make (soil) more fertile  b : to improve the value of (food) for nutrition by adding vitamins and minerals in processing  c : to increase the proportion of a desirable ingredient <enriched uranium> <enriched natural gas>
— en·rich·ment \-mənt\ n

en·roll also en·rol \in-ˈrōl\ vb en·rolled; en·roll·ing
1 : to enter in a list or roll : REGISTER
2 a : to take into membership  b : to become a member : JOIN, ENTER <enroll in the army> <enroll in school>
— en·roll·ment \-mənt\ n

en route \än-ˈrüt, en-, in-\ adv : on or along the way

en·sconce \in-ˈskän(t)s\ vb en·sconced; en·sconc·ing
1 : to place or hide securely : CONCEAL <ensconced myself behind a tree>
2 : to establish comfortably : settle snugly <ensconced in a new house>

en·sem·ble \än-ˈsäm-bəl\ n : a group of people or things making up a complete unit: as  a : musicians that perform music in several parts; also : the music itself  b : a set of clothes that look nice together [from French ensemble “group, ensemble,” from ensemble (adverb) “together,” from Latin insimul (same meaning), from in- “in, into” and simul “at the same time, together” — related to ASSEMBLE, SIMULTANEOUS]

en·shrine \in-ˈshrīn\ vb en·shrined; en·shrin·ing
1 : to enclose in or as if in a shrine
2 : to preserve or cherish as sacred

en·shroud \in-ˈshrau̇d\ vb : to cover or enclose with or as if with a shroud

en·sign \ˈen(t)-sən, in senses 1 & 2 also ˈen-ˌsīn\ n
1 : a flag flown as the symbol of nationality (as on a ship)
2 : a badge of office, rank, or power
3 : a naval commissioned officer of the lowest rank

en·si·lage \ˈen(t)-sə-lij\ n : the process of converting feed crops into silage; also : SILAGE

en·slave \in-ˈslāv\ vb : to make a slave of
— en·slave·ment \-mənt\ n

— en·slav·er n

en·snare \in-ˈsna(ə)r, -ˈsne(ə)r\ vb : 2SNARE 1, ENTRAP

en·sue \in-ˈsü\ vb en·sued; en·su·ing : to come at a later time or as a result : FOLLOW <ensuing effects>

en·sure \in-ˈshu̇(ə)r\ vb en·sured; en·sur·ing : to make sure, certain, or safe : GUARANTEE

1en·tail \in-ˈtā(ə)l\ vb
1 : to limit the inheritance of (property) to the owner's direct descendants or to a certain group of them
2 : to have as a necessary part or result <the essay entails a lot of research>
— en·tail·ment \-mənt\ n

2en·tail \ˈen-ˌtāl, in-ˈtā(ə)l\ n
1 a : an entailing of property  b : an entailed estate
2 : the rule fixing descent by entailment

en·tan·gle \in-ˈtaŋ-gəl\ vb
1 : to make tangled or confused
2 : to involve in a tangle or a confusing or difficult situation
— en·tan·gle·ment \-mənt\ n

en·ter \ˈent-ər\ vb en·tered; en·ter·ing \ˈent-ə-riŋ, ˈen-triŋ\
1 : to go or come in or into <enter a room>
2 : PENETRATE 1B, PIERCE <the needle enters the skin at an angle>
3 : to cause to be admitted to : ENROLL <enter a child in kindergarten>
4 a : to become a member of  b : to take part in : JOIN <enter a race> <enter into a discussion>
5 : to make a beginning <enter into business>
6 : to take possession <entered upon their inheritance>
7 a : to set down in a book or list <entered my name on the roster>  b : to put in or into : INSERT <enter data into the computer program>
8 : to place formally before a legal authority (as a court) <enter a complaint>
— en·ter·able \ˈent-ə-rə-bəl, ˈen-trə-\ adj

en·ter·i·tis \ˌent-ə-ˈrīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the intestines; also : a disease marked by this

en·ter·prise \ˈent-ə(r)-ˌprīz\ n
1 : a difficult, complicated, or risky project or undertaking
2 : readiness to engage in daring or difficult action <showed great enterprise in the face of danger>
3 : a business organization
— en·ter·pris·er \-ˌprī-zər\ n

en·ter·pris·ing \ˈent-ə(r)-ˌprī-ziŋ\ adj : bold, active, and energetic in undertaking or experimenting

en·ter·tain \ˌent-ər-ˈtān\ vb
1 : to receive and provide for as host : have as a guest <entertain friends over the weekend>
2 a : to provide entertainment  b : to be a source of entertainment for <entertained us with stories>
3 : to have in mind : CONSIDER <entertained thoughts of quitting>  synonyms see AMUSE
— en·ter·tain·er \ˌen-tər-ˈtā-nər\ n

en·ter·tain·ing \ˌen-tər-ˈtān-iŋ\ adj : providing amusement, diversion, or recreation <an entertaining book>
— en·ter·tain·ing·ly adv

en·ter·tain·ment \ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt\ n
1 : the act or process of providing pleasure, recreation, or amusement
2 : a means of amusement or recreation; esp : a public performance

en·thrall or en·thral \in-ˈthrȯl\ vb en·thralled; en·thrall·ing : to hold by or as if by a spell : CHARM
— en·thrall·ment \-mənt\ n

en·throne \in-ˈthrōn\ vb en·throned; en·thron·ing
1 a : to install in office or in a position of authority  b : to install formally on a throne
2 : to place high value on : EXALT
— en·throne·ment \-mənt\ n

en·thuse \in-ˈth(y)üz\ vb en·thused; en·thus·ing
1 : to make enthusiastic
2 : to show enthusiasm

en·thu·si·asm \in-ˈth(y)ü-zē-ˌaz-əm\ n
1 : strong excitement and active interest
2 : something causing a feeling of excitement and active interest

en·thu·si·ast \in-ˈth(y)ü-zē-ˌast, -əst\ n : a person filled with enthusiasm

en·thu·si·as·tic \in-ˌth(y)ü-zē-ˈas-tik\ adj : filled with or marked by enthusiasm <an enthusiastic welcome>
— en·thu·si·as·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

en·tice \in-ˈtīs\ vb en·ticed; en·tic·ing : to attract by arousing hope or desire : TEMPT
— en·tice·ment \-mənt\ n

— en·tic·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

en·tire \in-ˈtī(ə)r, ˈen-ˌtī(ə)r\ adj
1 : having no element or part left out : COMPLETE
2 : being to the fullest degree : TOTAL <her entire devotion>
3 : having the margin continuous and free from indentations <an entire leaf>
— entire adv

— en·tire·ly adv

— en·tire·ness n

en·tire·ty \in-ˈtī-rət-ē, -ˈtī(ə)rt-ē\ n : the state of being entire or complete
— in its entirety : taking or involving the whole of something

en·ti·tle \in-ˈtīt-əl\ vb en·ti·tled; en·ti·tling \-ˈtīt-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to give a title to
2 : to give a right to : QUALIFY <the card entitles us to a discount>
— en·ti·tle·ment \-əl-mənt\ n

en·ti·ty \ˈent-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : something existing or thought of as existing as a separate and independent thing

en·tomb \in-ˈtüm\ vb : to place in a tomb : BURY
— en·tomb·ment \-ˈtüm-mənt\ n

en·to·mol·o·gist \ˌent-ə-ˈmäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in entomology

en·to·mol·o·gy \ˌent-ə-ˈmäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of zoology that deals with insects
— en·to·mo·log·i·cal \-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

en·trails \ˈen-trəlz, -ˌtrālz\ n pl : internal organs : VISCERA; esp : the part of the digestive system composed of the intestines

en·train \in-ˈtrān\ vb : to put or go aboard a train

1en·trance \ˈen-trən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of entering <made an entrance>
2 a : the means or place of entry  b : a point in a play where a character comes on stage <watch for your entrance>
3 : the right to enter : ADMISSION <gained entrance to the club> <an entrance exam>

2en·trance \in-ˈtran(t)s\ vb en·tranced; en·tranc·ing
1 : to put into a trance
2 : to fill with delight, wonder, or overwhelming emotion
— en·trance·ment \-mənt\ n

en·trant \ˈen-trənt\ n : one that enters; esp : one that enters a contest

en·trap \in-ˈtrap\ vb : to catch in or as if in a trap
— en·trap·ment \-mənt\ n

en·treat \in-ˈtrēt\ vb : to ask in a serious and urgent manner : PLEAD, BEG
— en·treat·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

en·treaty \in-ˈtrēt-ē\ n, pl -treat·ies : earnest request : APPEAL, PLEA

en·trée or en·tree \ˈän-ˌtrā\ n
1 : the main dish of a meal
2 a : 1ENTRANCE 1  b : freedom of entry [from French entrée “act or manner of entering”]

en·trench \in-ˈtrench\ vb
1 a : to dig, place within, surround with, or occupy a trench especially for defense  b : to establish solidly
2 : ENCROACH 1 — used with on or upon

en·trench·ment \in-ˈtrench-mənt\ n
1 : the act of entrenching : the state of being entrenched
2 : DEFENSE 3A; esp : a defensive work consisting of a trench and a wall of earth

en·tre·pre·neur \ˌän-trə-p(r)ə-ˈnər, -ˈn(y)u̇r\ n : one who organizes, manages, and takes on the risks of a business or enterprise

en·trust \in-ˈtrəst\ vb
1 : to give into the care of another <entrust your savings to a bank>
2 : to give custody, care, or charge of something to <entrust a bank with your savings>
— en·trust·ment \-ˈtrəs(t)-mənt\ n

en·try \ˈen-trē\ n, pl entries
1 : the act or opportunity of entering : ENTRANCE <gained entry through a back window>
2 : a place through which entrance is made : HALL 2A, VESTIBULE
3 a : the act of making a written record of something (as in a book or list)  b : the thing recorded (as in a book or list) <dictionary entries>
4 : a person or thing entered into something (as a contest)

en·try·way \ˈen-trē-ˌwā\ n : ENTRY 2

entry word n : a word entered in a list or book; esp : a word in boldface type that is being explained in a dictionary

en·twine \in-ˈtwīn\ vb : to twine together or around

enu·mer·ate \i-ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to find out the number of : COUNT
2 : to list one after another
— enu·mer·a·tion \-ˌn(y)ü-mə-ˈrā-shən\ n

enun·ci·ate \ē-ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make known publicly : PROCLAIM
2 : to pronounce clearly : ARTICULATE
— enun·cia·ble \-ə-bəl\ adj

— enun·ci·a·tion \-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən\ n

— enun·ci·a·tor \-ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌāt-ər\ n

en·vel·op \in-ˈvel-əp\ vb : to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering
— en·vel·op·ment \-mənt\ n

en·ve·lope \ˈen-və-ˌlōp, ˈän-\ n
1 : a flat usually paper container (as for a letter)
2 : something that envelops
3 : the bag containing the gas in a balloon or airship
4 : a natural enclosing covering (as a membrane)

en·ven·om \in-ˈven-əm\ vb
1 : to poison with venom
2 : to cause to feel bitterness or hatred

en·vi·able \ˈen-vē-ə-bəl\ adj : likely to be the object of envy : highly desirable
— en·vi·able·ness n

— en·vi·ably \-blē\ adv

en·vi·ous \ˈen-vē-əs\ adj : feeling or showing envy <envious of a neighbor's good luck> <an envious look>
— en·vi·ous·ly adv

— en·vi·ous·ness n

en·vi·ron \in-ˈvī-rən, -ˈvī(-ə)rn\ vb : ENCIRCLE 1, SURROUND

en·vi·ron·ment \in-ˈvī-rən-mənt, -ˈvī(-ə)rn-\ n
1 : SURROUNDINGS <living in a rural environment>
2 : the surrounding conditions or forces that influence or modify: as  a : the whole complex of factors (as soil, climate, and living things) that influence the form and the ability to survive of a plant or animal or ecological community  b : the social and cultural conditions that influence a person or human community <a safe home environment>
— en·vi·ron·men·tal \-ˌvī-rən-ˈment-əl, -ˌvī(-ə)rn-\ adj

— en·vi·ron·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ism \-ˌvī-rən-ˈment-əl-ˌi-zəm, -ˌvī(-ə)rn-\ n : the act or process of preserving, restoring, or improving the natural environment

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist \-ˌvī-rən-ˈment-əl-əst, -ˌvī(-ə)rn-\ n : a person concerned about environmental quality and especially with controlling pollution

en·vi·rons \in-ˈvī-rənz, -ˈvī(-ə)rnz\ n pl
1 : the districts around a city
2 : SURROUNDINGS

en·vis·age \in-ˈviz-ij\ vb -aged; -ag·ing : to have a mental picture of : VISUALIZE

en·vi·sion \in-ˈvizh-ən\ vb : to picture to oneself <envisions herself as a doctor> <could not envision the building from the description>

en·voy \ˈen-ˌvȯi, ˈän-\ n
1 a : a diplomatic representative who ranks between an ambassador and a minister  b : a representative sent by one government to another <ambassadors and other envoys>
2 : 2REPRESENTATIVE 2, MESSENGER

1en·vy \ˈen-vē\ n, pl envies
1 : painful or resentful awareness of an advantage or possession enjoyed by another and the desire to possess the same thing
2 : an object of envy <she was the envy of all her friends>

2envy vb en·vied; en·vy·ing : to feel envy toward or on account of
— en·vi·er n

— en·vy·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

en·wrap \in-ˈrap\ vb : ENFOLD 1, ENVELOP

en·zyme \ˈen-ˌzīm\ n : any of various complex proteins produced by living cells that bring about or speed up reactions (as in the digestion of food) without being permanently altered
— en·zy·mat·ic \ˌen-zə-ˈmat-ik\ adj

— en·zy·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

Eo·cene \ˈē-ə-ˌsēn\ adj : of, relating to, or being an epoch of the Tertiary period of geological history or the corresponding series of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Eocene n

eo·hip·pus \ˌē-ō-ˈhip-əs\ n : any of a genus of small primitive horses from the Eocene epoch of the western U.S. and Europe with four toes on each front leg and three toes on each rear leg

eo·lian also ae·o·lian \ē-ˈō-lē-ən, -ˈōl-yən\ adj : carried, deposited, produced, or eroded by the wind

Eo·lith·ic \ˌē-ə-ˈlith-ik\ adj : of or relating to the earliest period of the Stone Age marked by the use of very crudely chipped flint tools

eon \ˈē-ən, ˈē-ˌän\ n
1 : a very long period of time
2 a : a very large division of geologic time usually longer than an era  b : a unit of geologic time equal to one billion years

eo·sin·o·phil \ˌē-ə-ˈsin-ə-ˌfil\ n : a white blood cell with a granule-containing cytoplasm that is found in the body at sites of allergic reactions and parasitic infections

-eous adj suffix : resembling : being : having the form or qualities of <gaseous> [from Latin -eus (adjective suffix)]

ep·au·let also ep·au·lette \ˌep-ə-ˈlet, ˈep-ə-ˌlet\ n : a shoulder ornament on a uniform especially of a military or naval officer

ephed·rine \i-ˈfed-rən\ n : a basic substance obtained from Chinese woody plants or made artificially and used as a salt in relieving hay fever, asthma, and nasal congestion

ephem·er·al \i-ˈfem-(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : lasting one day only <an ephemeral fever>
2 : lasting a very short time <ephemeral pleasures>
— ephem·er·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

Ephe·sians \i-ˈfē-zhənz\ n : a letter addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

epi- prefix : over : upon <epiphyte> [derived from Greek epi “on, at”]

1ep·ic \ˈep-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being like an epic <an epic poem>
2 : unusually long or great in size or scope <epic genius>

2epic n : a long poem telling of the deeds of a hero and often centering on the ideals of a nation or culture

epi·cen·ter \ˈep-i-ˌsent-ər\ n : the part of the earth's surface directly above the starting point of an earthquake

ep·i·cure \ˈep-i-ˌkyu̇(ə)r\ n : a person with carefully improved tastes in food or wine [named for Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher who believed pleasure to be the chief aim of life]
— ep·i·cu·re·an \ˌep-i-kyu̇-ˈrē-ən, -ˈkyu̇r-ē-\ adj or n

epi·cy·cle \ˈep-ə-ˌsī-kəl\ n : a circle according to an early astronomy theory in which a planet moves and which has a center that is itself carried around at the same time on the circumference of a larger circle

1ep·i·dem·ic \ˌep-ə-ˈdem-ik\ adj : spreading widely and affecting many individuals at one time [derived from Greek epidēmia “an epidemic, visit,” from epidēmos “visiting, epidemic,” from epi- “on, at” and dēmos “people, the masses” — related to DEMOCRACY]

2epidemic n
1 : an outbreak of epidemic disease
2 : a sudden rapidly spreading outbreak or growth <a crime epidemic>

ep·i·de·mi·ol·o·gist \ˌep-ə-ˌdē-mē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in epidemiology

ep·i·de·mi·ol·o·gy \ˌep-ə-ˌdē-mē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n
1 : a branch of medical science that deals with the occurrence, distribution, and control of disease in a population
2 : the sum of the factors controlling the presence or absence of a particular disease
— ep·i·de·mi·o·log·i·cal \-mē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ also ep·i·de·mi·o·log·ic \-ˈläj-ik\ adj

epi·der·mal \ˌep-ə-ˈdər-məl\ adj : of, relating to, or arising from the epidermis <epidermal tissues>

epi·der·mis \ˌep-ə-ˈdər-məs\ n
1 : the thin outer layer of the animal body that in vertebrates forms an insensitive covering over the dermis
2 : a thin surface layer of protecting cells in seed plants and ferns

ep·i·did·y·mis \ˌep-ə-ˈdid-ə-məs\ n, pl -mi·des \-mə-ˌdēz\ : a mass at the back of the testis composed of coiled tubes in which sperms are stored

epi·glot·tis \ˌep-ə-ˈglät-əs\ n : a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing
— epi·glot·tal \-ˈglät-əl\ adj

ep·i·gram \ˈep-ə-ˌgram\ n
1 : a short poem ending with a clever or witty expression
2 : a brief witty saying
— ep·i·gram·ma·tist \ˌep-ə-ˈgram-ət-əst\ n

ep·i·gram·mat·ic \ˌep-ə-grə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling an epigram
2 : marked by or given to the use of epigrams
— ep·i·gram·mat·i·cal \-ˈmat-i-kəl\ adj

— ep·i·gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ep·i·lep·sy \ˈep-ə-ˌlep-sē\ n : a disorder marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, by attacks of convulsions, and by loss of consciousness

1ep·i·lep·tic \ˌep-ə-ˈlep-tik\ adj : of, relating to, or having epilepsy <an epileptic seizure>

2epileptic n : a person who has epilepsy

ep·i·logue also ep·i·log \ˈep-ə-ˌlȯg, -ˌläg\ n
1 : a final section that brings to an end and summarizes or comments on the action or characters of a story
2 : a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the end of a play

ep·i·neph·rine \ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən\ n : a hormone of the adrenal gland acting especially on smooth muscle, causing narrowing of blood vessels, and raising blood pressure — called also adrenaline

Epiph·a·ny \i-ˈpif-ə-nē\ n : January 6 observed as a Christian festival in honor of the coming of the three kings to the infant Jesus or in the Eastern church in commemoration of Jesus' baptism

ep·i·phyte \ˈep-ə-ˌfīt\ n : a plant that gets moisture and the materials needed to make its food from the air and rain and that usually grows on another plant

ep·i·phyt·ic \ˌep-ə-ˈfit-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being an epiphyte
2 : living on the surface of plants

epis·co·pa·cy \i-ˈpis-kə-pə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : government of a church by bishops
2 : EPISCOPATE 2

epis·co·pal \i-ˈpis-kə-pəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a bishop or episcopacy
2 cap : of or relating to the Protestant Episcopal Church [derived from Latin episcopus “bishop,” from Greek episkopos, literally, “overseer,” from epi- “over” and skopos “watcher, goal, object” — related to BISHOP, HOROSCOPE, SCOPE; see Word History at BISHOP]
— epis·co·pal·ly \-p(ə-)lē\ adv

Epis·co·pa·lian \i-ˌpis-kə-ˈpāl-yən\ n : a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church
— Episcopalian adj

— Epis·co·pa·lian·ism \-yə-ˌniz-əm\ n

epis·co·pate \i-ˈpis-kə-pət\ n
1 : the rank or office of or term of office of as a bishop
2 : the whole body of bishops

epis·i·ot·o·my \i-ˌpiz-ē-ˈät-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies : an operation to enlarge the opening of the vagina at the time of childbirth to make delivery easier

ep·i·sode \ˈep-ə-ˌsōd\ n : an event that is part of a longer story or of history or a life but which is viewed as complete by itself
— ep·i·sod·ic \ˌep-ə-ˈsäd-ik\ adj

epis·tle \i-ˈpis-əl\ n
1 cap : any of the letters to the early Christians that are part of the New Testament
2 : a formal letter

epis·to·lary \i-ˈpis-tə-ˌler-ē\ adj : of, relating to, or suitable to a letter

ep·i·taph \ˈep-ə-ˌtaf\ n : something written (as on a gravestone) in memory of a dead person

ep·i·the·li·um \ˌep-ə-ˈthē-lē-əm\ n, pl -lia \-lē-ə\
1 : a tissue like a membrane that is made up of cells and covers a free surface or lines a tube or cavity of an animal body
2 : a usually thin layer of cells of a plant that is part of the parenchyma and lines a cavity or tube
— ep·i·the·li·al \-lē-əl\ adj

ep·i·thet \ˈep-ə-ˌthet\ n
1 a : a word or phrase (as Lionhearted in “Richard the Lionhearted”) that expresses a quality thought to be characteristic of a person or thing  b : a word or name used as a term of abuse
2 : the part of a taxonomic name identifying a subordinate unit within a genus
— ep·i·thet·ic \ˌep-ə-ˈthet-ik\ or ep·i·thet·i·cal \-ˈthet-i-kəl\ adj

epit·o·me \i-ˈpit-ə-mē\ n
1 a : a summary of a written work  b : a brief statement of the main points or facts
2 : something thought to represent a basic quality or an ideal example <your response was the epitome of good sense>

epit·o·mize \i-ˈpit-ə-ˌmīz\ vb -mized; -miz·ing : to make or serve as an epitome of

ep·och \ˈep-ək, -ˌäk also ˈē-ˌpäk\ n
1 : an event or a time that begins a new period of development
2 : a memorable event, date, or period
3 : a division of geologic time less than a period and greater than an age
— ep·och·al \-əl\ adj

— ep·och·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

1ep·oxy \i-ˈpäk-sē\ n, pl epoxies : EPOXY RESIN

2epoxy vb epoxied or epoxyed; epoxying : to glue, fill, or coat with epoxy resin

epoxy resin n : a synthetic resin used chiefly in coatings and adhesives

ep·si·lon \ˈep-sə-ˌlän, -lən\ n : the 5th letter of the Greek alphabet — Ε or ε

Ep·som salt \ˌep-səm-\ n : a bitter colorless or white salt of magnesium used especially as a strong laxative — usually used in plural

equa·ble \ˈek-wə-bəl, ˈē-kwə-\ adj : not varying or changing; esp : free from extremes or sudden or harsh changes <an equable temper> <an equable climate>
— eq·ua·bly \-blē\ adv

1equal \ˈē-kwəl\ adj
1 a : exactly the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality <an equal number of apples and oranges> <officers of equal rank> <of equal importance>  b : identical in mathematical value : EQUIVALENT
2 : not varying from one person or part to another <equal job opportunities> <equal pressure throughout the system>
3 : IMPARTIAL <equal laws>
4 : capable of meeting requirements : SUFFICIENT <equal to the task>  synonyms see SAME
— equal·ly adv

2equal n
1 : one that is equal <has no equal at chess>
2 : an equal quantity

3equal vb equaled or equalled; equal·ing or equal·ling
1 : to be equal to
2 : to produce something equal to : MATCH <see if you can equal that!>

equal·i·ty \i-ˈkwäl-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality, fact, or state of being equal

equal·ize \ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make equal
2 : to make uniform; esp : to distribute evenly
— equal·i·za·tion \ˌē-kwə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— equal·iz·er \ˈē-kwə-ˌlī-zər\ n

equal sign n : a sign = meaning mathematical or logical equality — called also equality sign, equals sign

equa·nim·i·ty \ˌē-kwə-ˈnim-ət-ē, ˌek-wə-\ n, pl -ties : evenness of emotions or temper : COMPOSURE <accept misfortunes with equanimity>

equate \i-ˈkwāt\ vb equat·ed; equat·ing : to make or treat as equal or equivalent

equa·tion \i-ˈkwā-zhən also -shən\ n
1 : the act or process of equating : the state of being equated
2 a : a statement of the equality of two mathematical expressions  b : an expression involving chemical symbols for a chemical reaction

equa·tor \i-ˈkwāt-ər, ˈē-ˌkwāt-\ n : an imaginary circle around the earth everywhere equally distant from the north pole and the south pole

equa·to·ri·al \ˌē-kwə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, ˌek-wə-, -ˈtȯr-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or located at the equator
2 : of, originating in, or suggesting the region around the equator <equatorial heat>

equer·ry \ˈek-wə-rē, i-ˈkwer-ē\ n, pl equerries
1 : an officer in charge of the horses of a prince or nobleman
2 : a personal attendant of a member of the British royal family

1eques·tri·an \i-ˈkwes-trē-ən\ adj : of or relating to horses, horseback riding, or people who ride horses

2equestrian n : one who rides on horseback

eques·tri·enne \i-ˌkwes-trē-ˈen\ n : a girl or woman who rides on horseback

equi- combining form : equal <equipoise> : equally <equiangular> [derived from Latin aequi- “equal”]

equi·an·gu·lar \ˌē-kwi-ˈaŋ-gyə-lər, ˌek-wi-\ adj : having all or corresponding angles equal

equi·dis·tant \ˌē-kwə-ˈdis-tənt, ˌek-wə-\ adj : equally distant <the two points are equidistant from the line>

equi·lat·er·al \ˌē-kwə-ˈlat-ə-rəl, ˌek-wə-, -ˈla-trəl\ adj : having all sides or faces equal <an equilateral triangle>

equi·lib·ri·um \ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm, ˌek-wə-\ n, pl -ri·ums or -ria \-rē-ə\
1 : a state of balance between opposing forces or actions
2 : the normal balanced state of the body of an animal that is maintained in relation to the forces (as gravity) acting on it and to things in the environment (as the surface on which life is lived) and that is sensed and checked by the inner ear of vertebrates including human beings [from Latin aequilibrium “state of being in balance,” from aequus “equal” and libra “weight, balance, scales” — related to DELIBERATE, LIBRA]

equine \ˈē-ˌkwīn, ˈek-ˌwīn\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling a horse or a closely related animal
— equine n

equi·noc·tial \ˌē-kwə-ˈnäk-shəl, ˌek-wə-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or occurring at or near an equinox
2 : of or relating to the regions or climate near the equator : EQUATORIAL

equi·nox \ˈē-kwə-ˌnäks, ˈek-wə-\ n : either of the two times each year about March 21 and September 23 when the sun appears overhead at the equator and day and night are everywhere of equal length [Latin equinoxium (same meaning), derived from earlier Latin aequi- “equal” and noct-, nox “night” — related to NOCTURNAL]

equip \i-ˈkwip\ vb equipped; equip·ping
1 : to provide with the necessary materials or supplies for service or action
2 : to make ready : PREPARE

eq·ui·page \ˈek-wə-pij\ n
1 : things that serve as equipment
2 : a horse-drawn carriage with or without attendants

equip·ment \i-ˈkwip-mənt\ n
1 a : the act of equipping a person or thing  b : the state of being equipped
2 : the articles serving to equip a person or thing

equi·poise \ˈek-wə-ˌpȯiz, ˈē-kwə-\ n
1 : a state of balance : EQUILIBRIUM
2 : a weight used to balance another weight

eq·ui·se·tum \ˌek-wə-ˈsēt-əm\ n, pl -se·tums or -se·ta \-ˈsēt-ə\ : HORSETAIL

eq·ui·ta·ble \ˈek-wət-ə-bəl\ adj : being fair or just <reached an equitable settlement of their dispute>
— eq·ui·ta·ble·ness n

— eq·ui·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

eq·ui·ta·tion \ˌek-wə-ˈtā-shən\ n : the action or art of riding on horseback

eq·ui·ty \ˈek-wət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : fairness or justice in dealings between persons
2 : a system of law that is a more flexible addition to ordinary common and statute law and is designed to protect rights and achieve just settlements in cases where ordinary legal settlements may be too strict
3 : the value of an owner's interest in a property in excess of claims against it (as the amount of a mortgage)

equiv·a·lence \i-ˈkwiv(-ə)-lən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being equivalent

equiv·a·len·cy \i-ˈkwiv(-ə)-lən-sē\ n, pl -cies : EQUIVALENCE

1equiv·a·lent \i-ˈkwiv(-ə)-lənt\ adj
1 a : alike or equal in number, value, or meaning <equivalent statements>  b : having the same numerical value <equivalent fractions> <equivalent numerals>  c : having the same solution set <y = 2 and 2y = 4 are equivalent equations>
2 : having the same effect or function <equivalent methods>
3 : capable of being placed in a one-to-one correspondence <equivalent sets>  synonyms see IDENTICAL
— equiv·a·lent·ly adv

2equivalent n : one that is equivalent; esp : a number (as a decimal) that is equivalent to another (as a fraction)

equiv·o·cal \i-ˈkwiv-ə-kəl\ adj
1 : having two or more possible meanings : AMBIGUOUS <an equivocal answer>
2 : not easily or definitely understood : UNCERTAIN, DOUBTFUL <an equivocal result>
3 : SUSPICIOUS 1, QUESTIONABLE <equivocal behavior>
— equiv·o·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— equiv·o·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ n

equiv·o·cate \i-ˈkwiv-ə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to use equivocal language especially to deceive; also : to avoid giving a definite answer
— equiv·o·ca·tion \-ˌkwiv-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— equiv·o·ca·tor \-ˈkwiv-ə-ˌkāt-ər\ n

1-er \ər; after some vowels, often r; after ŋ, usually gər\ adj suffix or adv suffix — used to form the comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs of one syllable <hotter> <drier> and of some adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables <completer> <beautifuller> [Old English -ra (adjective suffix) or Old English -or (adverb suffix)]

2-er \ər; after some vowels, often r\ also -ier \ē-ər, yər\ or -yer \yər\ n suffix
1 a : person connected with a particular job or occupation <furrier> <lawyer>  b : person or thing belonging to or associated with <old-timer>  c : native of <New Yorker> : resident of <cottager>  d : one that has <double-decker>  e : one that produces or yields <porker>
2 a : one that does or performs (a specified action) <reporter>  b : one that is a suitable object of (a specified action) <broiler>
3 : one that is <foreigner> [derived from Old English -ere and Latin -arius (both noun suffixes)]

era \ˈir-ə, ˈer-ə, ˈē-rə\ n
1 : a period of time beginning with some special date or event <the Christian era>
2 : an important or outstanding period of history <the Revolutionary era>
3 : one of the five major divisions of geologic time <Paleozoic era>  synonyms see PERIOD

erad·i·cate \i-ˈrad-ə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to remove by or as if by uprooting : ELIMINATE, DESTROY <eradicate weeds> <eradicating a disease> [from Latin eradicatus, past participle of eradicare “to root out, pull up by the roots,” from e-, ex- “out, forth” and radic-, radix “root” — related to RADICAL, RADISH; see Word History at RADICAL]
— erad·i·ca·tion \-ˌrad-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n

erad·i·ca·tor \i-ˈrad-ə-ˌkāt-ər\ n : something that eradicates; esp : a chemical preparation for removing ink marks or stains by bleaching

erase \i-ˈrās\ vb erased; eras·ing
1 a : to rub out (as something written)  b : to remove written or drawn marks from <erase a chalkboard>  c : to remove recorded matter from <erase a videotape>  d : to delete from a computer storage device <erase a file>
2 : to remove as if by erasing <erase an event from one's memory>
— eras·abil·i·ty \-ˌrā-sə-ˈbil-ə-tē\ n

— eras·able \-ˈrā-sə-bəl\ adj

eras·er \i-ˈrā-sər\ n : one that erases; esp : a piece of rubber or a felt pad used to erase marks (as from a pencil or chalk)

era·sure \i-ˈrā-shər also -zhər\ n : an act or instance of erasing

er·bi·um \ˈər-bē-əm\ n : a soft rare metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

1ere \(ˌ)e(ə)r, (ˌ)a(ə)r\ prep : 2BEFORE 3

2ere conj : 3BEFORE 2

e–read·er \ˈē-ˌrē-dər\ n : a handheld electronic device designed to be used for reading e-books and similar material

1erect \i-ˈrekt\ adj
1 : straight up and down : UPRIGHT <an erect pole> <erect poplars>
2 : straight in posture <sit erect>
3 : directed upward : RAISED <a tree with erect branches>
4 : being in a state of physiological erection
— erect·ly \-ˈrek-(t)lē\ adv

— erect·ness \-ˈrek(t)-nəs\ n

2erect vb
1 : to put up or together by fitting together materials : BUILD, ASSEMBLE <erect a building> <erect a playground slide>
2 : to set upright <erect a flagpole>
3 : to construct (as a perpendicular) on a given base
— erec·tor \i-ˈrek-tər\ n

erec·tile \i-ˈrek-təl, -ˌtīl\ adj : capable of becoming erect <erectile tissue> <erectile feathers of a bird>

erec·tion \i-ˈrek-shən\ n
1 : the process of erecting : the state of being erected
2 a : the state marked by firm swollen form and erect position of a previously limp or flabby bodily part whose tissue becomes dilated with blood  b : an occurrence of such a state (as in the penis)
3 : something erected

ere·long \e(ə)r-ˈlȯŋ, a(ə)r-\ adv : before long : SOON

erep·sin \i-ˈrep-sən\ n : a mixture of peptidases from the intestinal juice

erg \ˈərg\ n : a centimeter-gram-second unit of work equal to the work done by a force of one dyne acting through a distance of one centimeter and equal to one ten-millionth joule

er·go \ˈe(ə)r-gō, ˈər-\ adv : THEREFORE, HENCE

er·go·nom·ics \ˌər-gə-ˈnäm-iks\ n sing or pl : a science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely
— er·go·nom·ic \-ik\ adj

— er·go·nom·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

Er·len·mey·er flask \ˌər-lən-ˌmī(-ə)r-, ˌer-lən-\ n : a flat-bottomed laboratory flask that tapers upward to a straight neck [named for Emil Erlenmeyer 1825–1909 German chemist]

er·mine \ˈər-mən\ n, pl ermine or ermines
1 : any of several weasels with black on the tail and a brown coat of fur which usually becomes white in the winter
2 : the white fur of an ermine

erne \ˈərn, ˈe(ə)rn\ n : EAGLE 1; esp : one with a white tail

erode \i-ˈrōd\ vb erod·ed; erod·ing
1 a : to destroy gradually by chemical means : CORRODE  b : to wear away by or as if by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice
2 : to undergo erosion [from Latin erodere “to eat away,” from e- “away” and rodere “to gnaw” — related to RODENT]

ero·sion \i-ˈrō-zhən\ n : the action or process of eroding : the state of being eroded
— ero·sion·al \-ˈrōzh-nəl, -ˈrō-zhən-əl\ adj

ero·sive \i-ˈrō-siv, -ziv\ adj : tending to erode or to bring about or permit erosion <the erosive effect of water>
— ero·sive·ness n

erot·ic \i-ˈrät-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or marked by sexual love or desire
— erot·i·cal·ly \-ˈrät-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— erot·i·cism \-ˈrät-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n

err \ˈe(ə)r, ˈər\ vb
1 : to make a mistake <erred in my calculations>
2 : to do wrong : SIN

er·rand \ˈer-ənd\ n : a short trip taken to do or get something especially for someone else; also : the object or purpose of such a trip

er·rant \ˈer-ənt\ adj
1 a : moving around from place to place without apparent purpose or goal  b : wandering in search of adventure <an errant knight>
2 a : straying outside proper bounds <an errant calf>  b : behaving or having behaved badly or wrongfully
— er·rant·ry \-ən-trē\ n

er·rat·ic \ir-ˈat-ik\ adj
1 : marked by lack of consistency or regularity <erratic dieting>
2 : not of the usual or normal kind : ECCENTRIC <erratic behavior>
— er·rat·i·cal·ly \-ˈat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

er·ro·ne·ous \ir-ˈō-nē-əs, e-ˈrō-\ adj : being wrong or inaccurate; esp : being or containing an error <an erroneous report>
— er·ro·ne·ous·ly adv

— er·ro·ne·ous·ness n

er·ror \ˈer-ər\ n
1 a : departure from a code of behavior <the error of their ways>  b : an unintentional departure from truth, accuracy, or a goal <made an error in my adding>  c : a misplay made by a fielder in baseball
2 : the quality or state of erring
3 : a false belief or a set of false beliefs
4 : something produced by mistake
5 : the difference between an observed or calculated value and a true value; esp : variation in measurements, calculations, or observations of a quantity as a result of mistakes or uncontrollable conditions
6 : the amount of error
— er·ror·less \-ləs\ adj
synonyms ERROR, MISTAKE, BLUNDER, mean a failure to speak or act according to truth, accuracy, or good judgment. ERROR suggests that one fails to follow a model correctly <an error in subtraction>. MISTAKE suggests that one misunderstands something and does not mean to do wrong <took someone else's coat by mistake>. BLUNDER suggests a bad mistake made because of a lack of knowledge, intelligence, caution, or care <the actors made several blunders during the play>.

1erst·while \ˈərst-ˌ(h)wīl\ adv : in the past : ONCE, FORMERLY

2erstwhile adj : FORMER 3, PREVIOUS

er·u·dite \ˈer-(y)ə-ˌdīt\ adj : having or showing erudition
— er·u·dite·ly adv

er·u·di·tion \ˌer-(y)ə-ˈdish-ən\ n : a wide amount of knowledge gained chiefly from books : LEARNING

erupt \i-ˈrəpt\ vb
1 : to burst forth or cause to burst forth : EXPLODE
2 : to break through a surface <teeth erupting from the gum>
3 : to break out with or as if with a skin eruption
— erup·tive \-ˈrəp-tiv\ adj

erup·tion \i-ˈrəp-shən\ n
1 : an act, process, or instance of erupting
2 : a product (as a skin rash) of erupting

-ery \(ə-)rē\ n suffix, pl -er·ies
1 : qualities considered as a group : character <snobbery>
2 : place of doing, keeping, producing, or selling (the thing specified) <fishery> <bakery>
3 : collection : aggregate <finery>
4 : state or condition <slavery> [derived from early French -erie (noun suffix)]

eryth·ro·blas·to·sis fe·ta·lis \i-ˌrith-rə-ˌblas-ˈtō-səs-fi-ˈtal-əs\ n : a disease of fetuses and newborn babies that occurs when the system of an Rh-negative mother produces antibodies which destroy the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus

eryth·ro·cyte \i-ˈrith-rə-ˌsīt\ n : RED BLOOD CELL

eryth·ro·my·cin \i-ˌrith-rə-ˈmī-sən\ n : an antibiotic produced by a streptomyces

eryth·ro·poi·e·tin \i-ˌrith-rō-ˈpȯi-ət-ən\ n : a hormone that stimulates red blood cell formation and is formed especially in the kidney

1-es \əz, iz after s, z, sh, ch; z after v or a vowel\ n pl suffix — used to form the plural of most nouns that end in s <glasses>, z <fuzzes>, sh <bushes>, ch <peaches>, or a final y that changes to i <ladies> and of some nouns ending in f that changes to v <loaves> [derived from Old English -as (plural suffix)]

2-es adv suffix : 2-S

3-es vb suffix — used to form the third person singular present of most verbs that end in s <blesses>, z <fizzes>, sh <hushes>, ch <catches>, or a final y that changes to i <defies> [derived from Old English -es, -as (verb suffix)]

es·ca·late \ˈes-kə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to increase in extent, volume, or scope : EXPAND <escalate prices>
— es·ca·la·tion \ˌes-kə-ˈlā-shən\ n

es·ca·la·tor \ˈes-kə-ˌlāt-ər\ n : a moving set of stairs arranged like a continuous belt

es·ca·pade \ˈes-kə-ˌpād\ n : a mischievous adventure

1es·cape \is-ˈkāp\ vb es·caped; es·cap·ing
1 a : to get away <escape from the daily routine> <escape from a burning building>  b : to leak out from some enclosed place <gas is escaping>  c : to grow in the wild after being in cultivation
2 : to get out of the way of : AVOID <escape punishment>
3 : to fail to be noticed or recalled by <the name escapes me>
4 : to come out from or be uttered by unexpectedly or almost uncontrollably <a sigh of relief escaped us>
— es·cap·er n
Word History If you were being held captive by someone gripping your coat or cloak, you might be able to get away by slipping out of it. The word escape is based on that idea. Escape comes from the Latin prefix ex-, which means “out of,” and the Latin word cappa, which means “head covering” or “cloak.” [early French escaper “to escape,” from assumed Latin excappare (same meaning), from Latin ex- “out, out of” and cappa “head covering, cloak” — related to 2CAPE]

2escape n
1 : an act or instance of escaping
2 : a means of escaping
3 : a cultivated plant growing wild

es·cap·ee \is-ˌkāp-ˈē\ n : one that has escaped; esp : an escaped prisoner

escape velocity n : the lowest velocity that a moving body (as a rocket) must have to escape from the field of gravity of the earth or of a heavenly body and move outward into space

es·cap·ism \is-ˈkā-ˌpiz-əm\ n : a habit of thinking or a form of entertainment about purely imaginary or amusing things that provides an escape from reality or everyday matters
— es·cap·ist \-pəst\ adj or n

es·car·got \ˌes-ˌkär-ˈgō\ n, pl -gots \-ˈgō(z)\ : a snail prepared for use as food

es·ca·role \ˈes-kə-ˌrōl\ n : endive with broad flat leaves used especially cooked as a vegetable

es·carp·ment \is-ˈkärp-mənt\ n
1 : a steep slope in front of a fort or defensive area
2 : a long cliff

es·chew \is-ˈchü\ vb : SHUN, AVOID

1es·cort \ˈes-ˌkȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : a person or group of persons accompanying another to give protection or show courtesy
2 : the man who goes on a date with a woman
3 : a protective screen of vehicles, warships, or planes <motorcycle escort> <fighter escort>

2es·cort \is-ˈkȯ(ə)rt, es-ˈ, ˈes-ˌ\ vb : to go along with as an escort  synonyms see ACCOMPANY

es·crow \ˈes-ˌkrō, es-ˈ\ n : something (as a deed or a sum of money) delivered by one person to another to be delivered by the second to a third party only upon the fulfillment of a condition
— escrow vb

— in escrow : in trust as an escrow <held $500 in escrow for taxes>

es·cu·do \is-ˈküd-ō\ n, pl -dos
1 : the formerly used basic unit of money of Portugal
2 : a coin representing one escudo [Portuguese, literally, “shield”]

es·cu·lent \ˈes-kyə-lənt\ adj : fit to eat

es·cutch·eon \is-ˈkəch-ən\ n : the shield-shaped surface on which a coat of arms is shown

Es·dras \ˈez-drəs\ n : either of two books of Scripture that are not usually considered canon that are included in the Protestant Apocrypha — see BIBLE TABLE

1-ese \ˈēz, ˈēs\ adj suffix : of, relating to, or originating in (a specified place or country) <Japanese> [derived from Latin -ensis (adjective suffix)]

2-ese n suffix, pl -ese
1 : one born or living in (a specified place or country) <Chinese>
2 a : language of (a specified place, country, or nationality) <Vietnamese>  b : speech or literary style of (a specified place, person, group subject, or activity) <journalese> [from {h,1}-ese]

es·ker \ˈes-kər\ n : a long narrow mound of material (as sand or gravel) deposited by a stream flowing on, within, or beneath a melting glacier

Es·ki·mo \ˈes-kə-ˌmō\ n, pl Eskimo or Eskimos
1 sometimes offensive : a member of a group of peoples of northern North America and eastern Siberia
2 : any of the languages of the Eskimo people

Eskimo dog n : any of an American breed of spitz dogs with a thick white coat; also : any of a breed of Canadian sled dogs

esoph·a·gus \i-ˈsäf-ə-gəs\ n, pl -gi \-ˌgī, -ˌjī\ : a muscular tube that leads from the cavity behind the mouth to the stomach
— esoph·a·ge·al \-ˌsäf-ə-ˈjē-əl\ adj

es·o·ter·ic \ˌes-ə-ˈter-ik\ adj
1 : taught to or understood by members of a special group <esoteric knowledge>
2 : hard to understand <esoteric subjects>
3 : of special or unusual interest <esoteric colors>
— es·o·ter·i·cal·ly \-ˈter-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ESP \ˌē-ˌes-ˈpē\ n : EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION

es·pa·drille \ˈes-pə-ˌdril\ n : a shoe with a cloth upper and often with a rope braid around the edge

es·pal·ier \is-ˈpal-yər, -ˌyā\ n : a plant (as a fruit tree) trained to grow flat against a support (as a wall or trellis)
— espalier vb

es·par·to \is-ˈpärt-ō\ n, pl -tos : either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses from which rope, shoes, baskets, and paper are made — called also esparto grass

es·pe·cial \is-ˈpesh-əl\ adj
1 : UNUSUAL, NOTABLE <put especial emphasis on this point>
2 : relating to or unique to a certain person or thing : PARTICULAR <each has its own especial qualities>
— es·pe·cial·ly \-ˈpesh-(ə-)lē\ adv

es·pi·o·nage \ˈes-pē-ə-ˌnäzh, -näj, -ˌnij\ n : the practice of spying : the use of spies

es·pla·nade \ˈes-plə-ˌnäd, ˌes-plə-ˈ\ n : a level open stretch or area; esp : one for walking or driving along a shore

es·pous·al \is-ˈpau̇-zəl also -səl\ n
1 a : WEDDING  b : the act of becoming engaged : state of being engaged
2 : a taking up of a cause or belief as a supporter

es·pouse \is-ˈpau̇z, -ˈpau̇s\ vb es·poused; es·pous·ing
1 a : 1MARRY 2  b : 1MARRY 3
2 : to take up the cause of : SUPPORT
— es·pous·er n

espres·so \e-ˈspres-ō\ also ex·pres·so \ik-ˈspres-ō\ n, pl -sos : coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans

es·prit \is-ˈprē\ n : lively cleverness or wit [from French esprit, literally, “spirit”]

es·prit de corps \is-ˌprēd-ə-ˈkō(ə)r, -ˈkȯ(ə)r\ n : enthusiastic devotion of members to a group and strong regard for the honor of the group

es·py \is-ˈpī\ vb es·pied; es·py·ing : to catch sight of

-esque adj suffix : in the manner or style of : like <statuesque>

es·quire \ˈes-ˌkwī(ə)r, is-ˈ\ n
1 : a member of the English gentry ranking immediately below a knight
2 : one who wants to become a knight and who works as a servant to a knight
3 — used as a title of courtesy usually placed in its abbreviated form after the surname <John Smith, Esq.>

-ess \əs, is also ˌes\ n suffix : female <priestess> [derived from Greek -issa (feminine noun suffix)]

1es·say \e-ˈsā, ˈes-ˌā\ vb : 1ATTEMPT 1, TRY <again essayed to ride on the camel>

2es·say \ˈes-ˌā, in sense 1 also e-ˈsā\ n
1 : 2ATTEMPT 1, TRY; esp : an uncertain or hesitant effort
2 : a usually short written work giving a personal view or opinion on a subject

es·say·ist \ˈes-ˌā-əst\ n : a writer of essays

es·sence \ˈes-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the basic nature of a thing : the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is <the essence of love is unselfishness>
2 : a substance physically or chemically separated from another substance (as a plant or drug) and having the special qualities (as odor) of the original substance <essence of peppermint>
3 : 1PERFUME 1, SCENT

1es·sen·tial \i-ˈsen-chəl\ adj
1 : forming or belonging to the essence <free speech is an essential right of citizenship>
2 : containing or having the character of an easily evaporated essence <essential oils>
3 : important in the highest degree : NECESSARY <food is essential to life>
— es·sen·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌsen-chē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— es·sen·tial·ly \-ˈsench-(ə-)lē\ adv

— es·sen·tial·ness \-ˈsen-chəl-nəs\ n

2essential n : something basic, necessary, or indispensable <the essentials for success>

essential amino acid n : an amino acid that is necessary for proper growth of the animal body and that cannot be made by the body in sufficient amounts but must be obtained from food containing proteins

1-est \əst, ist\ adj suffix or adv suffix — used to form the superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs of one syllable <fattest> <latest> and of some adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables <luckiest> <oftenest> [Old English -est, -ost (adjective or adverb suffix)]

2-est \əst, ist\ or -st \st\ vb suffix — used to form the archaic second person singular of verbs (with thou) <gettest> <didst> <canst> [Old English -est, -ast (verb suffix)]

es·tab·lish \is-ˈtab-lish\ vb
1 : to make a permanent part of a nation's laws <establish a constitution>
2 : to make firm or stable <establish a statue on its base>
3 a : to bring into existence : FOUND <establish a republic> <establish a school>  b : to cause to exist <establish good relations> <establish radio contact>
4 : to set on a firm basis <establish their children in business>
5 : to gain full recognition or acceptance of <establish a claim> <a film that established her as a star> <established his innocence>
6 : PROVE
7 : FIND OUT 1 <establish the cause of the fire>
— es·tab·lish·er n

established church n : a church recognized by law as the official church of a nation

es·tab·lish·ment \is-ˈtab-lish-mənt\ n
1 : the act of establishing : the state or fact of being established <establishment of a church> <establishment of a scientific fact>
2 : a place for residence or business <a dry-cleaning establishment>
3 : an established order of society; also, often cap : the social, economic, and political leaders of such an order <rebelling against the establishment>

es·tate \is-ˈtāt\ n
1 : the condition or circumstances of one's existence
2 : a social or political class
3 a : the possessions or property of a person; esp : a person's property in land  b : the assets and liabilities left by a person at death  c : a large country house on a large piece of land

1es·teem \is-ˈtēm\ n : the degree of respect or liking one has for something or someone; esp : a very favorable opinion

2esteem vb
1 : to think of in a particular way : CONSIDER <esteem it a privilege>
2 : to think very highly or favorably of

es·ter \ˈes-tər\ n : an organic compound formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol

Es·ther \ˈes-tər\ n : a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

esthetic, esthetics variant of AESTHETIC, AESTHETICS

1es·ti·mate \ˈes-tə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to judge the approximate value, size, or cost of on the basis of experience or observation rather than actual measurement <estimate the distance> <estimate a painting job>
2 : CONCLUDE 2, DETERMINE <estimated that the fire started in the kitchen>
— es·ti·ma·tor \-ˌmāt-ər\ n

2es·ti·mate \ˈes-tə-mət\ n
1 : the act of estimating
2 : an opinion or judgment of the nature, character, or quality of a thing
3 : a rough or approximate calculation
4 : a statement by a contractor of the probable cost for a job

es·ti·ma·tion \ˌes-tə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : JUDGMENT 3, OPINION
2 : 2ESTIMATE 3
3 : 1ESTEEM

es·ti·vate also aes·ti·vate \ˈes-tə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing : to pass the summer in an inactive or resting state
— es·ti·va·tion also aes·ti·va·tion \ˌes-tə-ˈvā-shən\ n

Es·to·nian \e-ˈstō-nē-ən, -nyən\ n
1 : a member of a people chiefly of Estonia
2 : the language of the Estonians
— Estonian adj

es·trange \is-ˈtrānj\ vb es·tranged; es·trang·ing : to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring : ALIENATE <estranged from their children>
— es·trange·ment \-mənt\ n

es·tro·gen \ˈes-trə-jən\ n : a substance that tends to cause the development of secondary sex characteristics in the female and promote the growth and normal functioning of the female reproductive system
— es·tro·gen·ic \ˌes-trə-ˈjen-ik\ adj

estrous cycle n : the cycle of changes in the endocrine and reproductive systems of a female mammal from the beginning of one period of estrus to the beginning of the next

es·trus \ˈes-trəs\ n
1 : a periodic state during which the female of most mammals is willing to mate with the male and is capable of becoming pregnant
2 : ESTROUS CYCLE
— es·trous \-trəs\ adj

es·tu·ary \ˈes-chə-ˌwer-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies : a passage where the tide meets a river current; esp : an arm of the sea at the lower end of a river
— es·tu·a·rine \ˈes-chə-wə-ˌrīn\ adj

1-et \ˈet, ˌet, ət, it\ n suffix : small one : lesser one <baronet> <cellaret> [derived from Latin -itus, -ita (noun suffix) “small one”]

2-et n suffix : group <octet> [from duet]

eta \ˈāt-ə\ n : the seventh letter of the Greek alphabet — Η or η

éta·gère or eta·gere \ˌā-ˌtä-ˈzhe(ə)r, ˌāt-ə-\ n : a piece of furniture that consists of a set of open shelves [French]

et cet·era \et-ˈset-ə-rə, -ˈse-trə\ : and others especially of the same kind : and so forth [Latin]

etch \ˈech\ vb
1 a : to produce (as a pattern or design) on a hard material by lines eaten into the material's surface (as by acid or laser beam)  b : to produce a pattern or design on by such etching <etched glass> <an etched silicon chip>
2 : to outline or impress clearly <migrating ducks etched against the sky>
— etch·er n

etch·ing \ˈech-iŋ\ n
1 a : the act or process of etching a hard material  b : the art of printing from an etched metal plate
2 a : a product of etching  b : a print made from an etched metal plate

eter·nal \i-ˈtərn-əl\ adj
1 : having no beginning and no end : lasting forever <eternal bliss>
2 : continuing without interruption <that dog's eternal barking>
— eter·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

— eter·nal·ness n

eter·ni·ty \i-ˈtər-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being eternal
2 : endless time
3 : the state after death : IMMORTALITY
4 : time that seems to be endless

1-eth \əth, ith\ or -th \th\ vb suffix — used to form the archaic third person singular present of verbs <doth> [Old English -eth, -ath, -th (verb suffix)]

2-eth — see 2-TH

eth·ane \ˈeth-ˌān\ n : a colorless odorless gas that consists of carbon and hydrogen, is found in natural gas, and is used especially as a fuel

eth·a·nol \ˈeth-ə-ˌnȯl, -ˌnōl\ n : a colorless flammable easily evaporated liquid that is used to dissolve things and that is the substance in fermented and distilled liquors that can make one drunk — called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

eth·ene \ˈeth-ˌēn\ n : ETHYLENE

ether \ˈē-thər\ n
1 a : an invisible substance once believed to fill the upper regions of space  b : the upper regions of space : HEAVENS
2 : an easily evaporated flammable liquid used chiefly to dissolve other substances and especially formerly as an anesthetic

ethe·re·al \i-ˈthir-ē-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the heavens : HEAVENLY
2 : being light and airy : DELICATE
— ethe·re·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

— ethe·re·al·ness n

ether·ize \ˈē-thə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to treat or anesthetize with ether

eth·i·cal \ˈeth-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to ethics
2 a : following accepted rules of conduct  b : following professional standards of conduct
3 : sold only on a doctor's prescription <ethical drugs>
— eth·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

eth·ics \ˈeth-iks\ n sing or pl
1 : a branch of philosophy dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
2 : the rules of moral conduct governing an individual or a group

Ethi·op·ic \ˌē-thē-ˈäp-ik, -ˈō-pik\ n : a language formerly spoken in Ethiopia and still used in church services there

1eth·nic \ˈeth-nik\ n : a member of an ethnic group; esp : a member of a minority group who keeps customs, language, or social ideas of the group

2ethnic adj
1 : of or relating to groups of people with common traits and customs and a sense of shared identity <ethnic minorities>
2 : of or relating to ethnics <ethnic neighborhoods>
— eth·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adv

eth·no·cen·tric \ˌeth-nō-ˈsen-trik\ adj : favoring one's own ethnic group

eth·nol·o·gist \eth-ˈnäl-ə-jəst\ n : a specialist in the science or study of ethnology

eth·nol·o·gy \eth-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n : a science that studies and compares human cultures
— eth·no·log·i·cal \ˌeth-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

ethol·o·gist \ē-ˈthäl-ə-jəst\ n : a specialist in ethology

ethol·o·gy \ē-ˈthäl-ə-jē\ n : the scientific study of animal behavior

ethyl alcohol n : ETHANOL

eth·yl·ene \ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn\ n : a colorless flammable gas found in coal gas or obtained from petroleum and used to ripen fruits or as an anesthetic

ethylene gly·col \-ˈglī-ˌkȯl, -ˌkōl\ n : a thick liquid alcohol used especially as an antifreeze and in making polyester fibers

eth·yne \ˈē-ˌthīn, e-ˈthīn\ n : ACETYLENE

eti·o·lat·ed \ˌēt-ē-ə-ˈlāt-əd\ adj
1 : bleached because of having grown in the absence of light <etiolated bean seedlings>
2 : pale and sickly

eti·ol·o·gy \ˌēt-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n : the cause or origin especially of a disease

et·i·quette \ˈet-i-kət, -ˌket\ n : the rules governing the proper way to behave [from French étiquette “etiquette,” literally, “ticket,” from earlier etiquet “ticket” — related to TICKET]

Etrus·can \i-ˈtrəs-kən\ n
1 : a person born or living in ancient Etruria
2 : the language of the Etruscans
— Etruscan adj

-ette \ˈet, ˌet, ət, it\ n suffix
1 : little one <kitchenette>
2 : female <majorette> [derived from early French -ette, feminine form of -et “small one”]

étude \ˈā-ˌt(y)üd\ n : a piece of music for practice [from French étude, literally, “study”]

et·y·mol·o·gy \ˌet-ə-ˈmäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : the history of a word shown by tracing it or its parts back to the earliest known forms and meanings both in its own language and any other language from which it or its parts may have been taken [Latin etymologia “etymology,” from Greek etymon “true meaning of a word” and Greek -logia “study, science,” from etymos “true” and logos “word, reason”]
— et·y·mo·log·i·cal \-mə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— et·y·mo·log·i·cal·ly \-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— et·y·mol·o·gist \-ˈmäl-ə-jəst\ n

eu·ca·lypt \ˈyü-kə-ˌlipt\ n : EUCALYPTUS

eu·ca·lyp·tus \ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs\ n, pl -ti \-ˌtī, -ˌtē\ or -tus·es : any of a genus of mostly Australian evergreen trees of the myrtle family including many that are widely cultivated for their gums, resins, oils, and useful woods

Eu·cha·rist \ˈyü-k(ə-)rəst\ n : COMMUNION 1A [derived from Greek eucharistia “Eucharist, gratitude,” from eu- “good” and charizesthai “to show favor or gratitude”]
— eu·cha·ris·tic \ˌyü-kə-ˈris-tik\ adj, often cap

Eu·clid·e·an \yu̇-ˈklid-ē-ən\ adj : of or relating to the geometry of Euclid

eu·di·om·e·ter \ˌyüd-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument used to analyze and measure the volume of gases

eu·gen·ic \yu̇-ˈjen-ik\ adj
1 : relating to or fitted for the production of good offspring
2 : of or relating to eugenics

eu·gen·ics \yu̇-ˈjen-iks\ n : a science that deals with the improvement of inherited qualities of a race or breed and especially of human beings

eu·gle·na \yu̇-ˈglē-nə\ n : any of a large genus of green freshwater flagellates often classified with the algae

eu·gle·noid \yu̇-ˈglē-ˌnȯid\ n : any of a group of varied flagellates that are typically green or colorless, live alone, and have one or two flagella coming out of a food-intake opening
— euglenoid adj

euglenoid movement n : wriggly movement typical of some euglenoid flagellates

eu·kary·ote \(ˌ)yu̇-ˈke(ə)r-ē-ˌōt, ˈka(ə)r-\ n : an organism composed of one or more cells with clearly viewable nuclei

eu·lo·gize \ˈyü-lə-ˌjīz\ vb -gized; -giz·ing : to speak or write high praise of
— eu·lo·gist \-jəst\ n

eu·lo·gy \ˈyü-lə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : a formal speech or writing especially in honor of a dead person
2 : high praise
— eu·lo·gis·tic \ˌyü-lə-ˈjis-tik\ adj

— eu·lo·gis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

eu·phe·mism \ˈyü-fə-ˌmiz-əm\ n : the substitution of a mild or pleasant expression for one that is too strong or unpleasant; also : a mild or pleasant expression so substituted <“pass away” is a widely used euphemism for die>
— eu·phe·mis·tic \ˌyü-fə-ˈmis-tik\ adj

— eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

eu·pho·ni·um \yu̇-ˈfō-nē-əm\ n : a brass musical instrument resembling a tuba but playing in a higher pitch range

eu·pho·ny \ˈyü-fə-nē\ n, pl -nies : pleasing or sweet sound; esp : the pleasant sound of words combined together [from French euphonie “pleasing sound,” from Latin euphonia (same meaning), derived from Greek eu- “good” and Greek phōnē “voice, sound” — related to PHONETIC, SYMPHONY]
— eu·pho·ni·ous \yu̇-ˈfō-nē-əs\ adj

eu·pho·ria \yu̇-ˈfōr-ē-ə, -ˈfȯr-\ n : a strong feeling of happiness
— eu·phor·ic \-ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär-\ adj

Eur·asian \yu̇-ˈrā-zhən, -shən\ adj
1 : of or relating to Eurasia
2 : of mixed European and Asian origin
— Eurasian n

eu·re·ka \yu̇-ˈrē-kə\ interj — used to express the thrill of discovery [from Greek heurēka “I have found it”]

eu·ro \ˈyu̇r-(ˌ)ō\ n, pl euros also euro : the common basic unit of money of most countries of the European Union

Eu·ro–Amer·i·can \ˌyu̇r-ō-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən\ adj
1 : of or relating to Europe and America
2 : of mixed European and American origin
— Euro–American n

1Eu·ro·pe·an \ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈpē-ən\ adj : of or relating to Europe or its people

2European n
1 : a person born or living in Europe
2 : a person of European ancestry

Eu·ro·pe·an·ism \ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈpē-ə-niz-əm\ n : loyalty to the traditions, interests, or standards of Europeans

Eu·ro·pe·an·ize \yu̇r-ə-ˈpē-ə-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make or become European (as in customs, habits, dress, or speech)
— Eu·ro·pe·an·i·za·tion \-ˌpē-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

eu·ro·pi·um \yu̇-ˈrō-pē-əm\ n : a soft rare metallic chemical element — see ELEMENT TABLE

eu·ro·zone \ˈyu̇r-ō-ˌzōn\ n : the geographical area comprising the countries that use the euro as the official currency

eu·sta·chian tube \yu̇-ˌstā-sh(ē)ən-, -ˌstā-kē-ən-\ n, often cap E : a tube connecting the middle ear with the upper pharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the eardrum

eu·tha·na·sia \ˌyü-thə-ˈnā-zh(ē-)ə\ n : the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured persons or animals with as little pain as possible for reasons of mercy — called also mercy killing

evac·u·ate \i-ˈvak-yə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make empty
2 : to discharge waste matter from the body
3 : to remove something (as a gas) from especially by pumping
4 a : to remove troops or people from a place of danger  b : VACATE <evacuate the building>
— evac·u·a·tion \-ˌvak-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n

evac·u·ee \i-ˌvak-yə-ˈwē\ n : an evacuated person

evade \i-ˈvād\ vb evad·ed; evad·ing
1 : to get away from or avoid by skill or trickery <evade a question> <evade capture>
2 : to escape the understanding of <the meaning of the message evaded them>
— evad·able \-ˈvād-ə-bəl\ adj

— evad·er n

eval·u·ate \i-ˈval-yə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to find the value of <evaluate a mathematical expression>
2 : to decide the value or worth of after study <evaluate a new program>
— eval·u·a·tion \-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n

— eval·u·a·tive \-ˈval-yə-ˌwāt-iv\ adj

— eval·u·a·tor \-ˌwāt-ər\ n

ev·a·nesce \ˌev-ə-ˈnes\ vb -nesced; -nesc·ing : to vanish like vapor

ev·a·nes·cence \ˌev-ə-ˈnes-ən(t)s\ n : evanescent quality

ev·a·nes·cent \ˌev-ə-ˈnes-ənt\ adj : tending to vanish like vapor : not lasting <evanescent pleasures>

evan·gel·i·cal \ˌē-ˌvan-ˈjel-i-kəl, ˌev-ən-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being in agreement with the Christian gospel especially as given in the four Gospels
2 : stressing salvation by faith in Jesus, the authority of the Bible, and the importance of preaching

evan·ge·lism \i-ˈvan-jə-ˌliz-əm\ n : the winning or reawakening of personal commitments to Jesus
— evan·ge·lis·tic \-ˌvan-jə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

evan·ge·list \i-ˈvan-jə-ləst\ n : a Christian preacher who goes about from place to place trying to change or increase people's religious feelings [Middle English evangelist “one of the writers of the four Gospels,” from early French and Latin evangelista (same meaning), from Greek euangelizein “to preach the gospel,” from euangelion “good news, gospel,” from eu- “good” and angelos “messenger, angel”]

evap·o·rate \i-ˈvap-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to pass off or cause to pass off into vapor from a liquid state
2 : to pass off or away : DISAPPEAR <felt the excitement evaporate>
3 : to remove some of the water from (as by heating)
— evap·o·ra·tor \-ˌrāt-ər\ n

evaporated milk n : unsweetened canned milk from which much of the water has been evaporated

evap·o·ra·tion \i-ˌvap-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n : the process of evaporating

evap·o·rite \i-ˈvap-ə-ˌrīt\ n : a sedimentary rock (as gypsum) that forms from evaporation of seawater in an enclosed basin

eva·sion \i-ˈvā-zhən\ n
1 : a means of evading
2 : the act or an instance of evading : ESCAPE <tax evasion>

eva·sive \i-ˈvā-siv, -ziv\ adj : tending or meant to evade <gave an evasive answer>
— eva·sive·ly adv

— eva·sive·ness n

eve \ˈēv\ n
1 : EVENING
2 : the evening or the day before a special day <New Year's Eve>
3 : the period just before an important event

1even \ˈē-vən\ n, archaic : EVENING

2even adj
1 a : having a horizontal surface : FLAT <even ground>  b : being without breaks or bumps : SMOOTH <an even line>  c : being on the same line or level <houses even with each other>
2 a : equal in size, number, or amount <even distances apart>  b : staying the same over a period of time <even breathing>
3 a : without advantage on either side : FAIR <start out even> <an even trade>  b : leaving nothing due on either side <now we're even>  c : showing neither profit nor loss
4 a : being any number that can be divided by two without remainder <2, 4, 6, 8, . . . are even numbers>  b : marked by an even number <an even page of a book>
5 : being whole or exact without a remainder or fractional part <an even dollar> <an even dozen>  synonyms see LEVEL
— even·ly adv

— even·ness \-vən-nəs\ n

3even adv
1 a : EXACTLY 1, PRECISELY <believes even as we do>  b : to a degree that extends : FULLY <faithful even to death>  c : at the very same time <raining even as the sun came out>
2 : INDEED <willing, even eager, to help>
3 — used to stress an extreme or highly unlikely condition or instance <so simple even a child can do it>
4 : to a greater extent or degree <even better>
5 — used to stress the smallness of an amount or effort <didn't even offer to help> <gave it not even a glance>

4even vb evened; even·ing \ˈēv-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become even
— even·er \ˈēv-(ə-)nər\ n

even·hand·ed \ˌē-vən-ˈhan-dəd\ adj : not favoring one over another : FAIR, IMPARTIAL <an evenhanded decision>

eve·ning \ˈēv-niŋ\ n
1 : the final part of the day and early part of the night
2 : a late part <the evening of life>

evening primrose n
1 : a coarse herb that lives two years and produces yellow flowers that open in the evening
2 : any of several plants related to the evening primrose

evening star n : a bright planet (as Venus) seen especially in the western sky at or after sunset

even·song \ˈē-vən-ˌsȯŋ\ n, often cap : VESPERS

event \i-ˈvent\ n
1 a : something usually of importance that happens  b : a social occasion or activity (as a party)
2 : EVENTUALITY <in the event of rain the ceremony will be held indoors>
3 : any of the contests in a program of sports <track-and-field events>
4 : a possible result in an experiment in probability or statistics <rolling a 7 is an event in the throwing of two dice>

event·ful \i-ˈvent-fəl\ adj
1 : full of events <an eventful day>
2 : very important : MOMENTOUS
— event·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— event·ful·ness n

even·tide \ˈē-vən-ˌtīd\ n : EVENING 1

even·tu·al \i-ˈvench-(ə-)wəl, -ˈven-chəl\ adj : coming at some later time : ULTIMATE <our eventual success>

even·tu·al·i·ty \i-ˌven-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : something that might happen : POSSIBILITY

even·tu·al·ly \i-ˈvench-(ə-)wəl-ē, -ˈven-chəl-ē\ adv : at some later time : in the end

ev·er \ˈev-ər\ adv
1 : at all times : ALWAYS <ever faithful>
2 a : at any time <has this ever been done before>  b : in any way : AT ALL <how can I ever thank you>
3 — used especially with so to give more force to a word <thank you ever so much>

ev·er·glade \ˈev-ər-ˌglād\ n : a low-lying tract of swampy or marshy land

1ev·er·green \ˈev-ər-ˌgrēn\ adj : having leaves that remain green and functional through more than one growing season <most conifers are evergreen trees> — compare DECIDUOUS

2evergreen n
1 : an evergreen plant; also : CONIFER
2 pl : twigs and branches of evergreen plants used for decoration

1ev·er·last·ing \ˌev-ər-ˈlas-tiŋ\ adj
1 : lasting forever : ETERNAL
2 a : going on for a long time or for too long <everlasting complaints>  b : keeping form or color for a long time when dried <everlasting flowers>
— ev·er·last·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adv

— ev·er·last·ing·ness n

2everlasting n
1 : a plant with everlasting flowers
2 : an everlasting flower

ev·er·more \ˌev-ər-ˈmō(ə)r, -ˈmȯ(ə)r\ adv : FOREVER

ev·ery \ˈev-rē\ adj
1 : being each one of a group or series without leaving out any <heard every word you said>
2 : 1COMPLETE 3, ENTIRE <have every confidence in you>

ev·ery·body \ˈev-ri-ˌbäd-ē, -ˌbəd-ē\ pron : EVERYONE

ev·ery·day \ˌev-rē-ˌdā\ adj : used, suitable for, or seen every day : ORDINARY <everyday clothes>

ev·ery·one \ˈev-rē-(ˌ)wən\ pron : every person : EVERYBODY

ev·ery·place \-ˌplās\ adv : EVERYWHERE

ev·ery·thing \-ˌthiŋ\ pron
1 a : every thing there is : ALL  b : all that relates to the subject <tell everything>
2 : the most important thing <to some people money is everything>

ev·ery·where \-ˌ(h)we(ə)r, -ˌ(h)wa(ə)r\ adv : in or to every place

evict \i-ˈvikt\ vb : to put (a person) out from property by legal action
— evic·tion \-ˈvik-shən\ n

— evic·tor \-ˈvik-tər\ n

1ev·i·dence \ˈev-əd-ən(t)s, -ə-ˌden(t)s\ n
1 : an outward sign : INDICATION <evidence of the life of ancient people> <gave no evidence that he was going to bunt>
2 : material presented to a court to help find the truth in a matter
— in evidence : to be easily seen : CONSPICUOUS

2evidence vb -denced; -denc·ing : to be or give evidence of : PROVE

ev·i·dent \ˈev-əd-ənt, -ə-ˌdent\ adj : clear to the sight or mind : PLAIN <was evident that they were twins> [Middle English evident “clearly seen or understood,” from early French evident (same meaning), from Latin evident-, evidens (same meaning), from e-, ex- “out, away” and vident-, videns, a form of vidēre “to see” — related to VISION]

ev·i·dent·ly \ˈev-əd-ənt-lē, -ə-ˌdent-; ˌev-ə-ˈdent-lē\ adv : in an evident manner : OBVIOUSLY <a document evidently forged>

1evil \ˈē-vəl\ adj evil·er or evil·ler; evil·est or evil·lest
1 : morally bad : WICKED
2 a : causing harm : tending to injure  b : marked by misfortune <evil days>
— evil·ly \-vəl-(l)ē\ adv

2evil n
1 : something that brings sorrow, trouble, or destruction
2 : the fact of suffering or wrongdoing

evil·do·er \ˌē-vəl-ˈdü-ər\ n : a person who does evil
— evil·do·ing \-ˈdü-iŋ\ n

evil eye n : an eye or glance thought to be able to do harm

evil–mind·ed \ˌē-vəl-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : having an evil character or evil thoughts

evince \i-ˈvin(t)s\ vb evinced; evinc·ing : to give evidence of : show clearly <evinced an interest in music at an early age>

evis·cer·ate \i-ˈvis-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to take out the internal organs of
— evis·cer·a·tion \-ˌvis-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

evo·ca·tion \ˌē-vō-ˈkā-shən, ˌev-ə-\ n : an act or instance of evoking

evoc·a·tive \i-ˈväk-ət-iv\ adj : having the power to evoke an especially emotional response <an evocative photograph>

evoke \i-ˈvōk\ vb evoked; evok·ing : to call forth or up : SUMMON <the song evoked memories of summer>

ev·o·lu·tion \ˌev-ə-ˈlü-shən, ˌē-və-\ n
1 a : a process of change in a certain direction; esp : a process of constant change from a lower or simple state to a higher or complex state : GROWTH  b : something evolved
2 : the process of working out or developing
3 a : the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations  b : the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (as natural selection or genetic mutation)
— ev·o·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj

ev·ol·u·tion·ist \ˌev-ə-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : a student of or a follower of a theory of evolution

evolve \i-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv\ vb evolved; evolv·ing
1 : to develop or work out from something else <evolved a new plan> <evolved a safer design from the old one>
2 : to produce by a process of evolution
3 : to change by a process of evolution
— evolv·able \i-ˈväl-və-bəl, -ˈvȯl-\ adj

ewe \ˈyü\ n : a female of the sheep or a related animal especially when mature

ew·er \ˈyü-ər, ˈyu̇(-ə)r\ n : a vase-shaped pitcher or jug

1ex- \(ˌ)eks,ˈeks\ prefix : former <ex-president> [from earlier ex- (prefix), from Latin ex- “out of, from”]

2ex- — see EXO-

1ex·act \ig-ˈzakt\ vb
1 : to demand and get by force or threat <exact burdensome concessions>
2 : to call for as necessary or desirable <exact a high price>
— ex·ac·tion \-ˈzak-shən\ n

2exact adj
1 : fully and completely in agreement with fact, a standard, or an original <the exact time> <an exact rhyme> <an exact replica>
2 : providing great accuracy <exact instruments>  synonyms see CORRECT
— exact·ness \-ˈzak(t)-nəs\ n

ex·act·ing \ig-ˈzak-tiŋ\ adj : making many or difficult demands upon a person <an exacting task> <an exacting teacher>
— ex·act·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adv

— ex·act·ing·ness n

ex·ac·ti·tude \ig-ˈzak-tə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : the quality or state of being exact

ex·act·ly \ig-ˈzak-(t)lē\ adv
1 a : in an exact manner <do exactly as you're told>  b : so as to match fact or a state <at exactly three o'clock> <exactly the same size>  c : in every way : ALTOGETHER <that was exactly the wrong thing to do> <not exactly what I had in mind>
2 : quite so : just as you say — used to express agreement

ex·ag·ger·ate \ig-ˈzaj-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to enlarge a fact or statement beyond what is actual or true [from Latin exaggeratus “exaggerate,” from exaggerare, literally, “to heap up”]
— ex·ag·ger·at·ed·ly \-ˌrāt-əd-lē\ adv

— ex·ag·ger·at·ed·ness \-nəs\ n

— ex·ag·ger·a·tion \-ˌzaj-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— ex·ag·ger·a·tor \-ˈzaj-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n

ex·alt \ig-ˈzȯlt\ vb
1 : to raise in rank, power, or character
2 : to praise highly : GLORIFY
— ex·alt·er n

ex·al·ta·tion \ˌeg-ˌzȯl-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of exalting : the state of being exalted
2 : a greatly heightened sense of personal well-being, power, or importance

ex·am \ig-ˈzam\ n : EXAMINATION

ex·am·i·na·tion \ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
2 : a test to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

ex·am·ine \ig-ˈzam-ən\ vb -ined; -in·ing
1 : to look at or check carefully <examine a company's books> <have your eyes examined>
2 : to question closely <examine a witness>
— ex·am·in·er n

ex·am·ple \ig-ˈzam-pəl\ n
1 : one that serves as a pattern to be followed or not followed <set a good example> <a bad example>
2 a : punishment given to someone as a warning to others  b : the person so punished <we'll make an example of you>
3 : one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like : SAMPLE <a fine example of the silversmith's art>
4 : a problem to be solved to show how a rule works <examples in arithmetic>  synonyms see PATTERN
— for example : as an example

ex·as·per·ate \ig-ˈzas-pə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make angry : ANNOY, IRRITATE

ex·as·per·a·tion \ig-ˌzas-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : extreme annoyance : ANGER
2 : a source of annoyance

Ex·cal·i·bur \ek-ˈskal-ə-bər\ n : King Arthur's sword

ex·ca·vate \ˈek-skə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to hollow out : form a hole in <excavate the side of a hill>
2 : to make by hollowing out <excavate a tunnel>
3 : to dig out and remove <excavate sand>
4 : to uncover by digging away covering earth <excavate an ancient city>
— ex·ca·va·tor \-ˌvāt-ər\ n

ex·ca·va·tion \ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of excavating
2 : a hollowed-out place formed by excavating

ex·ceed \ik-ˈsēd\ vb
1 : to be greater than <the cost must not exceed ten dollars>
2 : to go or be beyond the limit
synonyms EXCEED, SURPASS, EXCEL, OUTDO, mean to go beyond a certain limit, measure, or degree. EXCEED suggests going beyond a limit set by authority, custom, or earlier achievement <exceed the speed limit>. SURPASS suggests being greater in worth, merit, or skill <the book surpassed our hopes>. EXCEL suggests supremacy in achievement or value <excels in science>. OUTDO suggests bettering one's previous work <the chef really outdid herself this time>.

ex·ceed·ing \ik-ˈsēd-iŋ\ adj : EXCEPTIONAL 2, EXTRAORDINARY <exceeding darkness>

ex·ceed·ing·ly \ik-ˈsēd-iŋ-lē\ also ex·ceed·ing adv : to a very great degree : EXTREMELY <an exceedingly fine job>

ex·cel \ik-ˈsel\ vb ex·celled; ex·cel·ling : to do or be better than others : SURPASS <a student who excels in sports> <excels her brother at tennis>  synonyms see EXCEED

ex·cel·lence \ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s\ n
1 : high quality
2 : an excellent quality : VIRTUE
3 : EXCELLENCY 2

ex·cel·len·cy \ˈek-s(ə-)lən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : EXCELLENCE
2 — used as a title for some high government and church officials <your Excellency>

ex·cel·lent \ˈek-s(ə-)lənt\ adj : very good of its kind : FIRST-CLASS
— ex·cel·lent·ly adv

ex·cel·si·or \ik-ˈsel-sē-ər\ n : fine curled wood shavings used especially for packing fragile items

1ex·cept \ik-ˈsept\ also ex·cept·ing \ik-ˈsept-iŋ\ prep
1 : not including <daily except Sundays>
2 : with the exception of <take no orders except from me>

2except vb : to leave out from a number or a whole : EXCLUDE, OMIT [Middle English excepten “to take or leave out,” from early French excepter (same meaning), derived from Latin excipere “to take out,” from ex- “out” and capere “to take” — related to ACCEPT, CAPTURE, INTERCEPT]

3except also excepting conj
1 : if it were not for the fact that : ONLY <I'd go, except it's too far>
2 : with this exception, namely <was impossible to get to except by boat>

except for prep : with the exception of : but for <all A's except for a B in Latin>

ex·cep·tion \ik-ˈsep-shən\ n
1 : the act of excepting : EXCLUSION <it's all here, with the exception of the sweater>
2 : a case where a rule does not apply <we'll make an exception this time>
3 : an objection or a ground for objection <took exception to the remark>

ex·cep·tion·able \ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj : OBJECTIONABLE
— ex·cep·tion·ably \-blē\ adv

ex·cep·tion·al \ik-ˈsep-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 : forming an exception : being unusual <an exceptional amount of rain>
2 : better than average : SUPERIOR <an exceptional student in math>
— ex·cep·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

— ex·cep·tion·al·ness n

1ex·cerpt \ek-ˈsərpt, eg-ˈzərpt; ˈek-ˌsərpt, ˈeg-ˌzərpt\ vb
1 : to select for quoting
2 : to take excerpts from

2ex·cerpt \ˈek-ˌsərpt, ˈeg-ˌzərpt\ n : a part taken from a longer work <read an excerpt from the play>

1ex·cess \ik-ˈses, ˈek-ˌses\ n
1 : a state of being more than enough
2 a : an amount beyond what is usual, needed, or asked  b : the amount by which one thing or quantity exceeds another

2excess adj : more than what is usual, acceptable, or needed <excess baggage> <an outlet for their excess energy>

ex·ces·sive \ik-ˈses-iv\ adj : showing excess : too much
— ex·ces·sive·ly adv

— ex·ces·sive·ness n

1ex·change \iks-ˈchānj, ˈeks-ˌchānj\ n
1 : a giving or taking of one thing in return for another : TRADE
2 a : the act of substituting one thing for another
3 a : a place where things or services are exchanged <a stock exchange>  b : a central office in which telephone lines are connected to permit communication

2exchange vb ex·changed; ex·chang·ing : to give in exchange : TRADE, SWAP
— ex·change·abil·i·ty \iks-ˌchān-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ex·change·able \iks-ˈchān-jə-bəl\ adj

— ex·chang·er n

exchange student n : a student from one country received into a school in another country in exchange for one sent to a school in the home country of the first student

ex·che·quer \ˈeks-ˌchek-ər, iks-ˈchek-\ n
1 : a department of the British government concerned with funds to run the government
2 : money available : FUNDS

1ex·cise \ˈek-ˌsīz, -ˌsīs\ n : a tax on the manufacture, sale, or use of certain goods within a country [from obsolete Dutch excijs “tax,” probably derived from early French assise “assessment”]

2ex·cise \ek-ˈsīz\ vb ex·cised; ex·cis·ing : to remove by cutting out <excise a tumor> [from Latin excisus, past participle of excidere “to cut out,” from ex- “out, out of” and caedere “to cut”]
— ex·ci·sion \-ˈsizh-ən\ n

ex·cit·able \ik-ˈsīt-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : easily excited
2 : capable of being excited
— ex·cit·abil·i·ty \-ˌsīt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

ex·ci·ta·tion \ˌek-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən, ˌek-sə-\ n : EXCITEMENT 1; esp : the activity or change in condition resulting from stimulation of an individual, organ, tissue, or cell

ex·cite \ik-ˈsīt\ vb ex·cit·ed; ex·cit·ing
1 : to stir up feeling in <ideas that excite young people>
2 : to cause to be felt or done <excite admiration> <posters excited interest in the show>
3 a : ENERGIZE 2A  b : to produce a magnetic field in
4 : to increase the activity of (as nervous tissue) : STIMULATE
5 : to raise (as an atom) to a higher energy level  synonyms see PROVOKE
— ex·cit·er n

excited adj : having or showing strong feeling <excited about the trip>
— ex·cit·ed·ly adv

ex·cite·ment \ik-ˈsīt-mənt\ n
1 : something that excites
2 : the state of being excited : AGITATION

ex·cit·ing \ik-ˈsīt-iŋ\ adj : causing excitement <exciting news>
— ex·cit·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

ex·claim \iks-ˈklām\ vb : to cry out or speak suddenly or with strong feeling <exclaimed in delight>

ex·cla·ma·tion \ˌeks-klə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : a sharp or sudden cry of strong feeling
2 : a strong expression of anger or complaint

exclamation mark n : EXCLAMATION POINT

exclamation point n : a punctuation mark ! used chiefly after an exclamation to show a forceful way of speaking or a strong feeling

ex·clam·a·to·ry \iks-ˈklam-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : containing or using exclamation <an exclamatory sentence>

ex·clude \iks-ˈklüd\ vb ex·clud·ed; ex·clud·ing : to shut or keep out
— ex·clud·able \-ˈklüd-ə-bəl\ adj

— ex·clu·sion \-ˈklü-zhən\ n

ex·clu·sive \iks-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\ adj
1 : excluding or trying to exclude others <an exclusive neighborhood>
2 : 4SOLE 2A <we have exclusive use of the beach>
3 : 1FULL 2C, COMPLETE <gave their exclusive attention to the job>
— ex·clu·sive·ly adv

— ex·clu·sive·ness n

exclusive of prep : not taking into account <for five days exclusive of today>

ex·clu·siv·i·ty \ˌeks-ˌklü-ˈsiv-ət-ē, iks-, -ˈziv-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being exclusive
2 : exclusive rights or services

ex·com·mu·ni·cate \ˌeks-kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to shut off officially from the rights of church membership
— ex·com·mu·ni·ca·tion \-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— ex·com·mu·ni·ca·tor \-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt-ər\ n

ex·co·ri·ate \ek-ˈskōr-ē-āt, -ˈskȯr-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to criticize very severely
— ex·co·ri·a·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌskōr-ē-ˈā-shən, -ˌskȯr-\ n

ex·cre·ment \ˈek-skrə-mənt\ n : waste matter discharged from the body and especially from the anus

ex·cres·cence \ek-ˈskres-ən(t)s\ n : OUTGROWTH 1; esp : an abnormal outgrowth (as a wart) on the body

ex·cre·ta \ek-ˈskrēt-ə\ n pl : waste matter eliminated or separated from the body

ex·crete \ik-ˈskrēt\ vb ex·cret·ed; ex·cret·ing : to separate and remove (waste produced by cellular activity) from the living body <urea is excreted by the kidneys in urine>

ex·cre·tion \ik-ˈskrē-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of excreting <the skin and lungs function in excretion>
2 : cellular waste (as carbon dioxide and urea) excreted from the body

ex·cre·to·ry \ˈek-skrə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : of, relating to, or functioning in excretion <kidneys are excretory organs>

ex·cru·ci·at·ing \ik-ˈskrü-shē-ˌāt-iŋ\ adj
1 : causing great mental or physical pain : AGONIZING <excruciating torture> <an excruciating decision to leave>
2 : very severe <excruciating pain> [derived from Latin excruciatus, past participle of excruciare “to torture,” from ex- “out of, from” and cruciare “to torment, crucify,” from cruc-, crux “cross” — related to CROSS, CRUCIAL, CRUCIFY]
— ex·cru·ci·at·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

ex·cul·pate \ˈek-(ˌ)skəl-ˌpāt, ek-ˈskəl-\ vb -pat·ed; -pat·ing : to clear from a charge of fault or guilt
— ex·cul·pa·tion \ˌek-(ˌ)skəl-ˈpā-shən\ n

— ex·cul·pa·to·ry \ek-ˈskəl-pə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

ex·cur·rent \ek-ˈskər-ənt, -ˈskə-rənt\ adj : marked by a current that flows outward <a clam's excurrent siphon>

ex·cur·sion \ik-ˈskər-zhən\ n
1 a : a short trip for pleasure  b : a trip at special reduced rates
2 : a wandering off from the subject : DIGRESSION [from Latin excursio, excursion- “a going out,” from excurrere “to run out, make an excursion, extend,” from ex- “out, forth” and currere “to run” — related to CURRENT]

ex·cur·sion·ist \ik-ˈskərzh-(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who goes on an excursion

1ex·cuse \ik-ˈskyüz\ vb ex·cused; ex·cus·ing
1 : to make apology for <excused myself for being late>
2 : to overlook or dismiss as of little importance <excuse a mistake>
3 a : to release from doing something <excused the class from homework>  b : to allow to leave <excused the sick student from class>
4 : to be an acceptable reason for : JUSTIFY <nothing excuses bad manners>
— ex·cus·able \-ˈskyü-zə-bəl\ adj

— ex·cus·ably \-blē\ adv

— ex·cus·er n
synonyms EXCUSE, CONDONE, PARDON, FORGIVE, mean to demand neither punishment nor payment in return for a loss or wrong. EXCUSE suggests overlooking a fault or error by not criticizing or punishing the one responsible <excused them for being late>. CONDONE suggests accepting without protest a blameworthy act or condition <does not condone cheating on taxes>. PARDON suggests the freeing from a penalty that is due <the governor pardoned the convicted criminals>. FORGIVE suggests giving up feelings of resentment and the desire for revenge <forgave those who had hurt her>.

2ex·cuse \ik-ˈskyüs\ n
1 : the act of excusing
2 a : something offered as a reason for being excused  b : a note that explains an absence
3 : something that excuses or is a reason for excusing

ex·e·cra·ble \ˈek-si-krə-bəl\ adj : very bad <living conditions in the slums were execrable>
— ex·e·cra·ble·ness n

— ex·e·cra·bly \-blē\ adv

ex·e·crate \ˈek-sə-ˌkrāt\ vb -crat·ed; -crat·ing
1 : to declare to be evil
2 : to dislike very strongly : ABHOR
— ex·e·cra·tion \ˌek-sə-ˈkrā-shən\ n

ex·e·cute \ˈek-sə-ˌkyüt\ vb -cut·ed; -cut·ing
1 : to put into effect : CARRY OUT, PERFORM <execute a plan> <execute a dance step>
2 : to do what is required by <the computer executed the first line of the program>
3 : to put to death according to a legal order
4 : to make or produce by carrying out a design <a statue executed in bronze>

ex·e·cu·tion \ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of executing : a carrying through of something to its finish <put a plan into execution>
2 : a putting to death as a legal penalty
3 : the way in which something is executed

ex·e·cu·tion·er \ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-sh(ə-)nər\ n : a person who carries out a sentence of death

1ex·ec·u·tive \ig-ˈzek-(y)ət-iv\ adj
1 : of or relating to the carrying out of laws and the conduct of public and national affairs <the executive branch of government>
2 : fitted for or relating to the managing or directing of things <executive skills> <an executive program for a computer>
3 : of or relating to an executive <the executive offices>

2executive n
1 : the executive branch of a government
2 : a person who manages or directs

ex·ec·u·tor \ig-ˈzek-(y)ət-ər, in sense 1 also ˈek-sə-ˌkyüt-\ n
1 : a person who executes something
2 : the person named in a will to carry it out

ex·ec·u·trix \ig-ˈzek-(y)ə-(ˌ)triks\ n, pl ex·ec·u·tri·ces or ex·ec·u·trix·es \-ˌzek-(y)ə-ˈtrī-ˌsēz\ : a woman who is an executor

ex·em·plar \ig-ˈzem-ˌplär, -plər\ n
1 : one that serves as a model or pattern; esp : an ideal model
2 : a typical example

ex·em·pla·ry \ig-ˈzem-plə-rē\ adj : deserving to be imitated : COMMENDABLE <exemplary behavior>
— ex·em·plar·i·ly \ˌeg-ˌzem-ˈpler-ə-lē\ adv

ex·em·pli·fy \ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to show by example <the story exemplifies the virtue of generosity>
2 : to serve as an example of <she exemplifies a good leader>
— ex·em·pli·fi·ca·tion \-ˌzem-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

ex·em·plum \ig-ˈzem-pləm\ n, pl -pla \-plə\ : a story used to point out a moral or support an argument

1ex·empt \ig-ˈzem(p)t\ adj : free or released from some requirement that others must meet or deal with

2exempt vb : to make exempt

ex·emp·tion \ig-ˈzem(p)-shən\ n
1 : the act of exempting : the state of being exempt
2 : something that is exempted

1ex·er·cise \ˈek-sər-ˌsīz\ n
1 : the act of putting into use, action, or practice <the exercise of power>
2 : bodily activity for the sake of physical fitness <get plenty of fresh air and exercise>
3 : something done to develop skill <arithmetic exercises> <finger exercises>
4 pl : a program of songs, speeches, and announcements of awards and honors <graduation exercises>

2exercise vb -cised; -cis·ing
1 : to put into use : EXERT <exercise patience> <exercise authority>
2 a : to use again and again in order to strengthen or develop <exercise a muscle>  b : to put through exercises : give exercise to <exercise the dog>
3 : to worry, alarm, or annoy about something <the people were exercised about pollution>
4 : to take exercise <exercises every day>
— ex·er·cis·able \-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adj

— ex·er·cis·er n

ex·ert \ig-ˈzərt\ vb
1 : to put forth (as strength) <the force exerted by a machine> : bring into use or action <exert influence>
2 : to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort <don't exert yourself too much>

ex·er·tion \ig-ˈzər-shən\ n : the act or an instance of exerting

ex·e·unt \ˈek-sē-(ˌ)ənt\ — used as a stage direction to indicate that all or some characters leave the stage

ex·fo·li·a·tion \(ˌ)eks-ˌfō-lē-ˈā-shən\ n : the action or process of shedding or removing in thin layers or scales
— ex·fo·li·ate \(ˈ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt\ vb

ex·ha·la·tion \ˌeks-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : something exhaled or given off
2 : the act of exhaling

ex·hale \eks-ˈhāl\ vb ex·haled; ex·hal·ing
1 : to breathe out
2 : to send forth (as gas or odor)

1ex·haust \ig-ˈzȯst\ vb
1 a : to use up completely <exhausted our funds>  b : to use up all of the mental or physical energy of : TIRE, WEAR OUT
2 a : to draw off or let out completely <exhaust the air from the jar>  b : to empty by drawing something from
3 : to try out all of <they exhausted all possibilities>  synonyms see TIRE
— ex·haust·er n

— ex·haust·ibil·i·ty \-ˌzȯ-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ex·haust·ible \-ˈzȯ-stə-bəl\ adj

2exhaust n
1 : the gas that escapes from an engine
2 : a system of pipes through which exhaust escapes

ex·haus·tion \ig-ˈzȯs-chən\ n
1 : the act of exhausting
2 : the state of being exhausted

ex·haus·tive \ig-ˈzȯ-stiv\ adj : trying all possibilities : THOROUGH <an exhaustive search>
— ex·haus·tive·ly adv

— ex·haus·tive·ness n

1ex·hib·it \ig-ˈzib-ət\ vb
1 : to show by outward signs : REVEAL <exhibit an interest in music>
2 : to put on display <exhibit a collection of paintings>  synonyms see SHOW
— ex·hib·i·tor \-ət-ər\ n

2exhibit n
1 : an article or a collection shown in an exhibition
2 : an article presented as evidence in a court of law

ex·hi·bi·tion \ˌek-sə-ˈbish-ən\ n
1 : an act or instance of exhibiting
2 : a public showing (as of works of art, manufactured goods, or athletic skill)

ex·hil·a·rate \ig-ˈzil-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to cause to feel cheerful or lively : put into high spirits <the fresh air exhilarated us>
— ex·hil·a·ra·tive \-ˌrāt-iv\ adj

ex·hil·a·ra·tion \ig-ˌzil-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the action of exhilarating
2 : the state or the feeling of being exhilarated : high spirits

ex·hort \ig-ˈzȯrt\ vb : to urge strongly <exhorted all citizens to vote>
— ex·hort·er n

ex·hor·ta·tion \ˌeks-ȯr-ˈtā-shən, ˌegz-\ n : an act or instance of exhorting

ex·hume \igz-ˈ(y)üm, iks-ˈ(h)yüm\ vb ex·humed; ex·hum·ing : to remove from a place of burial
— ex·hu·ma·tion \ˌeks-(h)yü-ˈmā-shən, ˌegz-(y)ü-\ n

ex·i·gence \ˈek-sə-jən(t)s\ n : EXIGENCY

ex·i·gen·cy \ˈek-sə-jən-sē, ig-ˈzij-ən-\ n, pl -cies : a situation requiring immediate action

1ex·ile \ˈeg-ˌzīl, ˈek-ˌsīl\ n
1 a : an act or instance of being forced to leave one's country or home; also : voluntary absence from one's country or home  b : the state of one so absent
2 : a person who is in exile

2exile vb ex·iled; ex·il·ing : to force to leave one's own country or home

ex·ist \ig-ˈzist\ vb
1 : to have actual being : be real <do unicorns exist?>
2 : to continue to be <as long as doubt exists>
3 : to continue to live : stay alive <earned barely enough to exist on>

ex·ist·ence \ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s\ n
1 : the fact or the state of having being or of being real <the largest animal in existence>
2 : the state of being alive : LIFE <owed my existence to a doctor's skill>

ex·ist·ent \ig-ˈzis-tənt\ adj
1 : having being
2 : existing now : EXTANT

1ex·it \ˈeg-zət, ˈek-sət\ — used as a stage direction to indicate who goes off the stage [from Latin exit “he or she goes out,” from exire “to go out,” from ex- “out of, from” and ire “to go” — related to ISSUE, ITINERARY]

2exit n
1 : a departure from a stage
2 : the act of going out or away
3 : a way to go out of a place

3exit vb : to go out : LEAVE, DEPART

exo- or ex- combining form : outside <exurb> : outer <exoskeleton> — compare END- 1 [from Greek exō “out, outside”]

exo·crine \ˈek-sə-krən, -ˌkrīn, -ˌkrēn\ adj : producing, being, or relating to a secretion that is released outside its source <exocrine cells of the pancreas>

exocrine gland n : a gland (as a sweat gland or pancreas) that releases a secretion outside of or at the surface of an organ or part by means of a duct or canal

exo·cy·to·sis \ˌek-sō-sī-ˈtō-səs\ n : the process by which a cell discharges material by enclosing it in a vesicle which fuses with the cell membrane

ex·o·dus \ˈek-səd-əs\ n
1 cap : the mainly narrative second book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE
2 : a mass departure [from Latin Exodus “a book of the Bible,” derived from Greek exodos “a road or journey out,” from ex- “out” and hodos “road”]

ex of·fi·cio \ˌeks-ə-ˈfish-ē-ˌō, -ˈfis-\ adv or adj : because of an office <the Vice President serves ex officio as president of the Senate>

ex·on·er·ate \ig-ˈzän-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to clear from a charge of wrongdoing or from blame : declare innocent
— ex·on·er·a·tion \ig-ˌzän-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

ex·or·bi·tant \ig-ˈzȯr-bət-ənt\ adj : going beyond the limits of what is fair, reasonable, or expected <exorbitant prices>
— ex·or·bi·tant·ly adv

ex·or·cise \ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsīz, -sər-\ vb -cised; -cis·ing : to drive (as an evil spirit) off by calling upon some holy name or by spells

ex·or·cism \ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsiz-əm, -sər-\ n : the act or practice of exorcising
— ex·or·cist \-ˌsist, -səst\ n

exo·skel·e·ton \ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ən\ n : a hard supporting or protective structure (as of an insect, spider, or crustacean) on the outside of the body

exo·sphere \ˈek-sō-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : the outermost region of the atmosphere of the earth or a planet

exo·ther·mic \ˌek-sō-ˈthər-mik\ adj : characterized by or formed by the giving off of heat <an exothermic chemical reaction>

1ex·ot·ic \ig-ˈzät-ik\ adj
1 : introduced from another country <exotic plants>
2 : very different or unusual <exotic colors>
— ex·ot·i·cal·ly \-ˈzät-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— ex·ot·ic·ness \-ik-nəs\ n

2exotic n : something (as a plant) that is exotic

ex·pand \ik-ˈspand\ vb
1 : to open wide : UNFOLD <a bird with wings expanded>
2 : to increase in size, number, or amount <substances expand when heated> <the expanding universe> <their work expanded>
3 : to work out in greater detail <expand an argument>
4 : to perform the indicated mathematical operations of : write out in full <expand both sides of an equation>
— ex·pand·able \-ˈspan-də-bəl\ adj

— ex·pand·er n
synonyms EXPAND, SWELL, INFLATE, DILATE, mean to increase in size or volume. EXPAND may apply to increases coming from both inside and outside <bread expands as it bakes> <expanded the house by adding a room>. SWELL suggests a gradual enlargement beyond the original or normal limits of a thing <the injury caused her leg to swell>. INFLATE suggests expanding by the addition of air or something that lacks substance <inflate a tire>. DILATE applies especially to the expansion of an outer boundary <the pupils of your eyes dilate in dim light>.

expanded notation n : the writing of a number in terms of powers of the base in which it is expressed <123 in base 10 when written in expanded notation is 1(10^2) + 2(10^1) + 3(10^0)>

ex·panse \ik-ˈspan(t)s\ n : a wide space, area, or stretch <the vast expanse of the ocean>

ex·pan·sion \ik-ˈspan-chən\ n
1 : the act of expanding
2 : the state of being expanded
3 : something expanded or a result of expanding
4 : the result of carrying out indicated mathematical operations <the expansion of (a + b)2 is a^2 + 2ab + b^2>

ex·pan·sive \ik-ˈspan(t)-siv\ adj
1 : having a capacity or a tendency to expand <gases are expansive>
2 : causing or tending to cause expansion <an expansive force>
3 : being in a good or talkative mood
4 : having considerable extent : BROAD
— ex·pan·sive·ly adv

— ex·pan·sive·ness n

ex·pa·ti·ate \ek-ˈspā-shē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to speak or write in a full or lengthy manner
— ex·pa·ti·a·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌspā-shē-ˈā-shən\ n

1ex·pa·tri·ate \ek-ˈspā-trē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : 2EXILE
— ex·pa·tri·a·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌspā-trē-ˈā-shən\ n

2ex·pa·tri·ate \ek-ˈspā-trē-ˌāt, -trē-ət\ adj : living in a foreign country

3ex·pa·tri·ate \ek-ˈspā-trē-ˌāt, -trē-ət\ n : a person living in a foreign country; esp : one who has renounced his or her native country

ex·pect \ik-ˈspekt\ vb
1 : to believe that something will occur and wait for it to happen <expect rain> <expect her home soon>
2 : SUPPOSE 3, THINK <who do you expect will win?>
3 a : to consider reasonable, due, or necessary <expect an honest day's work>  b : to consider obligated <expected you to pay your debts> [from Latin expectare, exspectare “to look forward to,” from ex- “out, forth” and spectare “to watch, look at,” derived from specere “to look, look at” — related to AUSPICE, SPECTACLE]
— ex·pect·able \-ˈspek-tə-bəl\ adj

ex·pect·an·cy \ik-ˈspek-tən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : EXPECTATION 1
2 : the expected amount (as of years of life) based on statistical probability <life expectancy>

ex·pect·ant \ik-ˈspek-tənt\ adj
1 : characterized by or being in a state of expectation
2 : expecting the birth of a child <expectant mothers>
— ex·pect·ant·ly adv

ex·pec·ta·tion \ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən, ik-\ n
1 : the act or state of expecting : a looking forward to or waiting for something
2 : chances of good or bad fortune — usually used in plural
3 : something expected

ex·pec·to·rant \ik-ˈspek-t(ə-)rənt\ n : an agent that promotes the discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract
— expectorant adj

ex·pec·to·rate \ik-ˈspek-tə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to discharge (as phlegm) from the throat or lungs by coughing and spitting; also : 2SPIT 1A
— ex·pec·to·ra·tion \-ˌspek-tə-ˈrā-shən\ n

ex·pe·di·ence \ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən(t)s\ n : EXPEDIENCY

ex·pe·di·en·cy \ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies : the use of expedient means and methods

1ex·pe·di·ent \ik-ˈspēd-ē-ənt\ adj : suitable for bringing about a desired result often without regard to what is fair or right
— ex·pe·di·ent·ly adv

2expedient n : a means to accomplish an end; esp : one used in place of a better means that is not available

ex·pe·dite \ˈek-spə-ˌdīt\ vb -dit·ed; -dit·ing : to speed up the process or progress of

ex·pe·di·tion \ˌek-spə-ˈdish-ən\ n
1 a : a journey or trip undertaken for a specific purpose (as war or exploring)  b : a group making such a journey
2 : prompt handling of what needs to be done
— ex·pe·di·tion·er \-ˈdish-(ə-)nər\ n

ex·pe·di·tion·ary \ek-spə-ˈdish-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj : sent on military service abroad <an expeditionary force>

ex·pe·di·tious \ˌek-spə-ˈdish-əs\ adj : marked by or acting with promptness <expeditious service>
— ex·pe·di·tious·ly adv

— ex·pe·di·tious·ness n

ex·pel \ik-ˈspel\ vb ex·pelled; ex·pel·ling
1 : to drive or force out <expel air from the lungs>
2 : to force to leave usually by official action <expelled from school>

ex·pend \ik-ˈspend\ vb
1 : to pay out : SPEND <expend state funds>
2 : USE UP <expend energy>

ex·pend·able \ik-ˈspen-də-bəl\ adj : normally used up in service <expendable supplies like pencils and paper>
— ex·pend·abil·i·ty \-ˌspen-də-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— expendable n

— ex·pend·ably \-ˈspen-də-blē\ adv

ex·pen·di·ture \ik-ˈspen-di-chər, -də-ˌchu̇(ə)r\ n
1 : the act of spending (as money, time, or energy)
2 : something that is spent

ex·pense \ik-ˈspen(t)s\ n
1 : something spent or required to be spent : COST
2 : a cause of spending <a car is a great expense>

ex·pen·sive \ik-ˈspen(t)-siv\ adj
1 : COSTLY 2 <an expensive hobby>
2 a : having a high price <expensive gifts>  b : marked by high prices <expensive shops>
— ex·pen·sive·ly adv

— ex·pen·sive·ness n

1ex·pe·ri·ence \ik-ˈspir-ē-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the actual living through an event or series of events <learn by experience>
2 a : skill or knowledge gained by actually doing or feeling a thing <a job that requires someone with experience> <had gained a lot of experience by the end of the season>  b : the amount of such skill or knowledge <has five years' experience>
3 : something one has actually done or lived through <my experiences as a riverboat pilot>

2experience vb -enced; -enc·ing : to have experience of : UNDERGO <experienced many hardships as a child>

ex·pe·ri·enced \ik-ˈspir-ē-ən(t)st\ adj : made skillful or wise through experience <an experienced driver>

1ex·per·i·ment \ik-ˈsper-ə-mənt\ n : 1TEST 1, 1TRIAL 1; esp : a procedure or operation carried out under controlled conditions in order to discover something, to test a hypothesis, or to serve as an example

2ex·per·i·ment \ik-ˈsper-ə-ˌment\ vb : to make experiments
— ex·per·i·men·ta·tion \ik-ˌsper-ə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n

ex·per·i·men·tal \ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈment-əl\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or based on experience or experiment <experimental evidence>  b : subjected to the condition that is different from normal for a factor being tested in an experiment <the experimental group>
2 : relating to or having the characteristics of experiment : TENTATIVE 1 <still in the experimental stage>
— ex·per·i·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

ex·per·i·ment·er \ik-ˈsper-ə-ˌment-ər\ n : a person who experiments or conducts an experiment

experiment station n : a place specifically designed for scientific research and experimentation (as in agriculture) of practical importance and for the giving out of information

1ex·pert \ˈek-ˌspərt, ik-ˈspərt\ adj : showing special skill or knowledge gained from training or experience <expert advice>  synonyms see SKILLFUL
— ex·pert·ly adv

— ex·pert·ness n

2ex·pert \ˈek-ˌspərt\ n : a person with special skill in or knowledge of a subject

ex·per·tise \ˌek-(ˌ)spər-ˈtēz, -ˈtēs\ n : the skill of an expert

ex·pi·ate \ˈek-spē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make up for : ATONE
— ex·pi·a·tion \ˌek-spē-ˈā-shən\ n

ex·pi·ra·tion \ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 a : the expelling of air from the lungs in breathing  b : air or vapor expelled from the lungs
2 : the fact of coming to an end

expiration date n
1 : the date on which something (as a credit card) is no longer of use
2 : the last date on which a product (as food or medicine) can be safely used

ex·pi·ra·to·ry \ik-ˈspī-rə-ˌtōr-ē, ek-, -ˌtȯr-; ˈek-sp(ə-)rə-\ adj : of, relating to, or used in breathing air out of the lungs

ex·pire \ik-ˈspī(ə)r, usually for sense 3 ek-\ vb ex·pired; ex·pir·ing
1 : to breathe one's last breath : DIE
2 : to come to an end : be no longer in force <this offer expires March 1> <my driver's license has expired>
3 a : to let the breath out  b : to breathe out from or as if from the lungs

ex·plain \ik-ˈsplān\ vb
1 : to make plain or understandable
2 : to give the reason for or cause of
— ex·plain·able \-ˈsplā-nə-bəl\ adj

— ex·plain·er n

explain away vb : to cause to seem less important by explaining <explained away her mistake>

ex·pla·na·tion \ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of explaining
2 : a statement that makes something clear

ex·plan·a·to·ry \ik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : serving to explain <explanatory notes>
— ex·plan·a·to·ri·ly \-ˌsplan-ə-ˈtōr-ə-lē, -ˈtȯr-\ adv

ex·ple·tive \ˈek-splət-iv\ n : an exclamatory word or phrase; esp : SWEARWORD

ex·pli·ca·ble \ek-ˈsplik-ə-bəl, ˈek-(ˌ)splik-\ adj : able to be explained
— ex·pli·ca·bly \-blē\ adv

ex·pli·cate \ˈek-splə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to give a complete explanation of
— ex·pli·ca·tion \ˌek-splə-ˈkā-shən\ n

ex·plic·it \ik-ˈsplis-ət\ adj : so clear in statement that there is no doubt about the meaning <explicit instructions>
— ex·plic·it·ly adv

— ex·plic·it·ness n

ex·plode \ik-ˈsplōd\ vb ex·plod·ed; ex·plod·ing
1 : to cause to be given up or rejected <science has exploded many old theories>
2 a : to burst or cause to burst with violence and noise <the boiler exploded>  b : to go through a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases <the bomb exploded>
3 : to burst forth <exploded with laughter> <zoomed out of the alley and exploded into the street>
Word History Theatergoers in ancient Rome could be noisy in showing both their enjoyment and their dislike of a performance. One of the ways they made noise was by clapping their hands loudly. The Latin verb plaudere meant “to make a noise by loud clapping.” When the Romans were showing their approval of a performance, the word used was applaudere, from which we get our English word applaud. When the Romans did not like a performance, they often drove the performer from the stage by loud claps. The word for this was explaudere, from the prefix ex-, meaning “out, away,” and plaudere. It is from this word that we get our English word explode. In the beginning, the English word explode had the meaning “to drive from the stage by a noisy expression of dislike.” But this sense has all but disappeared. Other meanings that have either the idea of disapproval or the idea of violent noise have since come into wide use. [from Latin explaudere “to drive off the stage by clapping,” from ex- “out, away” and plaudere “to clap” — related to APPLAUD, PLAUDIT, PLAUSIBLE; see Word History at PLAUSIBLE]

exploded adj : showing the parts separated but in correct relationship to each other <an exploded view of a machine>

1ex·ploit \ˈek-ˌsplȯit, ik-ˈsplȯit\ n : a brave or daring act

2ex·ploit \ik-ˈsplȯit, ˈek-ˌsplȯit\ vb
1 : to get value or use from <exploit your talents> <exploit an opponent's weaknesses>
2 : to make use of unfairly for one's own advantage <exploiting migrant farm workers>
— ex·ploit·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— ex·ploi·ta·tion \ˌek-ˌsplȯi-ˈtā-shən\ n

— ex·ploit·er \ik-ˈsplȯit-ər, ˈek-ˌsplȯit-\ n

ex·plo·ra·tion \ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən\ n : the act or an instance of exploring

ex·plor·a·to·ry \ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : of, relating to, or being exploration <exploratory drilling for oil> <an exploratory trip> <exploratory surgery>

ex·plore \ik-ˈsplō(ə)r, -ˈsplȯ(ə)r\ vb ex·plored; ex·plor·ing
1 a : to search through : look into <exploring new ideas>  b : to go into or travel over for purposes of discovery or adventure <explore a cave> <explore the moon>  c : to examine carefully and in detail especially in order to make a diagnosis <explore a wound>
2 : to make a careful search <explore for oil>

ex·plor·er \ik-ˈsplōr-ər, -ˈsplȯr-\ n
1 : one that explores <a vehicle called the lunar explorer>; esp : a person who travels in search of new geographical or scientific information
2 cap : a member of the scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people 14 to 20 years old

ex·plo·sion \ik-ˈsplō-zhən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of exploding
2 : a violent outburst of feeling

1ex·plo·sive \ik-ˈsplō-siv, -ziv\ adj
1 : able to cause explosion <the explosive power of gunpowder>
2 : likely to explode <an explosive temper>
— ex·plo·sive·ly adv

— ex·plo·sive·ness n

2explosive n : an explosive substance

ex·po·nent \ik-ˈspō-nənt, ˈek-ˌspō-\ n
1 : a symbol written above and to the right of a mathematical expression to mean raising that expression to the power of the symbol <in the expression a^3, the exponent 3 indicates that a is to be raised to the third power>
2 : a person who supports or favors a cause

ex·po·nen·tial \ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl\ adj : of, relating to, or involving an exponent <xⁿ is an exponential expression>
— ex·po·nen·tial·ly \-ˈnench-(ə-)lē\ adv

ex·po·nen·ti·a·tion \ˌek-spə-ˌnen-chē-ˈā-shən\ n : the mathematical operation of raising a quantity to a power

1ex·port \ek-ˈspō(ə)rt, -ˈspȯ(ə)rt, ˈek-ˌspō(ə)rt, ˈek-ˌspȯ(ə)rt\ vb : to carry or send abroad especially for sale in another country
— ex·port·able \-ˈspōrt-ə-bəl, -ˈspȯrt-\ adj

— ex·por·ta·tion \ˌek-ˌspōr-ˈtā-shən, -ˌspȯr-, -spər-\ n

— ex·port·er \ek-ˈspōrt-ər, -ˈspōrt-, ˈek-ˌ\ n

2ex·port \ˈek-ˌspō(ə)rt, -ˌspȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : something that is exported
2 : an act of exporting
— export adj

ex·pose \ik-ˈspōz\ vb ex·posed; ex·pos·ing
1 a : to leave without shelter, protection, or care  b : to make open to an action or influence <expose students to good books> <had been exposed to measles>; esp : to let light fall on (photographic film)
2 : to make known <expose a dishonest scheme>
3 : to put on display
— ex·pos·er n

ex·po·sé \ˌek-spō-ˈzā\ n : an exposing of something disgraceful

ex·po·si·tion \ˌek-spə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : an explanation of something
2 : a piece of writing that explains
3 : the first part of a piece of music in which the theme is presented
4 : a public exhibition
— ex·pos·i·tor \ik-ˈspäz-ət-ər\ n

— ex·pos·i·to·ry \ik-ˈspäz-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

1ex post fac·to \ˌek-ˌspōst-ˈfak-tō\ adv : after the fact <an explanation given ex post facto> [Latin, literally, “from a thing done afterward”]

2ex post facto adj : made, done, or formulated after the fact <got ex post facto approval>

ex·pos·tu·late \ik-ˈspäs-chə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : REMONSTRATE
— ex·pos·tu·la·tion \-ˌspäs-chə-ˈlā-shən\ n

ex·po·sure \ik-ˈspō-zhər\ n
1 : the fact or condition of being exposed <exposure to cold>
2 a : the act or an instance of exposing  b : the act of letting light expose photographic film; also : the amount or length of time of such exposure
3 : a position with respect to direction <a southern exposure>
4 : a section of a film for a single picture <36 exposures per roll of film>

ex·pound \ik-ˈspau̇nd\ vb
1 : to make known (as one's ideas or beliefs) : set forth
2 : to explain clearly : INTERPRET
— ex·pound·er n

1ex·press \ik-ˈspres\ adj
1 : EXPLICIT <my express orders> <express written consent>
2 : of a particular sort : SPECIFIC <came for that express purpose>
3 : sent or traveling at high speed <express mail>; esp : making few or no stops <an express train>

2express adv : by express <send a package express>

3express n
1 a : a system for the special transportation of goods  b : a company operating such a service  c : the goods or shipments so transported
2 : an express vehicle (as an elevator or train)

4express vb
1 a : to represent or give expression to especially in words : STATE  b : to make one's opinions, feelings, or abilities known  c : to represent especially by a mathematical sign or symbol : SYMBOLIZE
2 : to press or squeeze out
3 : to send by express
— ex·press·er n

— ex·press·ible \-ə-bəl\ adj

ex·pres·sion \ik-ˈspresh-ən\ n
1 : the act or process of expressing especially in words
2 a : a meaningful word or phrase  b : a mathematical or logical symbol or a combination of symbols and signs representing a quantity or operation
3 : a way of speaking or singing or of playing an instrument so as to show mood or feeling <sing with expression>
4 : the way one's face looks or one's voice sounds that shows one's feelings <a pleased expression>
5 : the detectable effect of a gene
— ex·pres·sion·less \-ləs\ adj

— ex·pres·sion·less·ly adv

— ex·pres·sion·less·ness n

ex·pres·sive \ik-ˈspres-iv\ adj
1 : of or relating to expression
2 : serving to express
3 : full of expression; also : openly expressing one's feelings <an expressive face>
— ex·pres·sive·ly adv

— ex·pres·sive·ness n

ex·press·ly \ik-ˈspres-lē\ adv
1 : so as to be absolutely clear : EXPLICITLY <was expressly forbidden to smoke>
2 : for the express purpose : ESPECIALLY <came expressly to congratulate her>

expresso variant of ESPRESSO

ex·press·way \ik-ˈspres-ˌwā\ n : a divided superhighway that may be entered and left only at special places

ex·pro·pri·ate \ek-ˈsprō-prē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to deprive of ownership or the right of ownership
2 : to take over the property of another especially by government action
— ex·pro·pri·a·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌsprō-prē-ˈā-shən\ n

ex·pul·sion \ik-ˈspəl-shən\ n : the act of expelling : the state of being expelled

ex·punge \ik-ˈspənj\ vb ex·punged; ex·pung·ing : to blot or rub out : ERASE
— ex·pung·er n

ex·pur·gate \ˈek-spər-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to remove objectionable parts from (as a book)
— ex·pur·ga·tion \ˌek-spər-ˈgā-shən\ n

— ex·pur·ga·tor \ˈek-spər-ˌgāt-ər\ n

ex·quis·ite \ek-ˈskwiz-ət, ˈek(ˌ)skwiz-\ adj
1 : finely done or made <an exquisite lacy handkerchief> <an exquisite painting>
2 : showing fine discrimination, deep sensitivity, or clear understanding <exquisite taste>
3 : pleasing through beauty, fitness, or perfection <exquisite flowers>
4 : very severe : INTENSE <exquisite pain>
— ex·quis·ite·ly adv

— ex·quis·ite·ness n

ex·tant \ˈek-stənt, ek-ˈstant\ adj : existing at the present time : not destroyed or lost

ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous \(ˌ)ek-ˌstem-pə-ˈrā-nē-əs\ adj : made up or done on the spur of the moment : IMPROMPTU
— ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ly adv

— ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ness n

ex·tem·po·re \ik-ˈstem-pə-(ˌ)rē\ adv or adj : in an extemporaneous manner <speaking extempore>

ex·tem·po·rize \ik-ˈstem-pə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing : to do, make, or speak extempore : IMPROVISE

ex·tend \ik-ˈstend\ vb
1 : to straighten out or stretch forth <extended both arms>
2 a : to offer to someone <extend an apology>  b : to make available <extend credit>
3 a : to stretch out : make longer <extend a visit> <an extended metaphor>  b : to make larger <extend the meaning of a word>
4 : to stretch out or reach across a distance, space, or time <the woods extend for miles to the west> <the bridge extends across the river>
— ex·tend·able also ex·tend·ible \-ˈsten-də-bəl\ adj

extended family n : a family that includes parents and children and other relatives (as grandparents, aunts, or uncles) in the same household

ex·tend·er \ik-ˈsten-dər\ n : something added to something else especially to make it go farther <meat extenders>

ex·ten·si·ble \ik-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl\ adj : able to be extended
— ex·ten·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌsten(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

ex·ten·sion \ik-ˈsten-chən\ n
1 : the act of extending : the state of being extended
2 : an increase in time <was given an extension to finish his project>
3 : education by special programs at a distance from a school
4 a : a part forming an addition or increase  b : an extra telephone connected to the main line

extension agent n : COUNTY AGENT

ex·ten·sive \ik-ˈsten(t)-siv\ adj : having wide or large extent
— ex·ten·sive·ly adv

— ex·ten·sive·ness n

ex·ten·sor \ik-ˈsten(t)-sər\ n : a muscle serving to extend a bodily part (as a leg or arm)

ex·tent \ik-ˈstent\ n
1 : the range, distance, or space over or through which something extends <the extent of the Roman empire>
2 : the point, degree, or limit to which something extends <the extent of her knowledge>

ex·ten·u·ate \ik-ˈsten-yə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to try to make less serious by partial excuses
— ex·ten·u·a·tion \-ˌsten-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n

1ex·te·ri·or \ek-ˈstir-ē-ər\ adj
1 : situated on the outside
2 : 1EXTERNAL 1
3 : suitable for use on outside surfaces <exterior paint>
— ex·te·ri·or·ly adv

2exterior n
1 : an exterior part or surface : OUTSIDE
2 : visible manner or appearance <a calm exterior>

exterior angle n : any of the four angles formed by a line cutting across two other lines and located on the outside of those lines

ex·ter·mi·nate \ik-ˈstər-mə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to get rid of completely <exterminate termites>
— ex·ter·mi·na·tion \-ˌstər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— ex·ter·mi·na·tor \-ˈstər-mə-ˌnāt-ər\ n

1ex·ter·nal \ek-ˈstərn-əl\ adj
1 : outwardly visible <external signs of relief>
2 a : of, relating to, or connected with the outside or an outer part <the building's external features>  b : applied or applicable to the outside <for external use only>
3 : arising or acting from outside <external pressures>
4 : of or relating to relationships with foreign countries <external affairs>
— ex·ter·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

2external n : something external — usually used in plural

external–combustion engine n : a heat engine (as a steam engine) that gets its heat from fuel burned outside the engine cylinder

external ear n : the outer part of the ear consisting of the projecting sound-collecting part composed of cartilage and the canal leading from this to the eardrum

ex·tinct \ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t, ˈek-ˌ\ adj
1 : no longer active <an extinct volcano>
2 : no longer existing <an extinct species of animal>

ex·tinc·tion \ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən\ n
1 : an act of extinguishing or an instance of being extinguished
2 a : the state of being extinct  b : the process of becoming extinct
3 : the process of eliminating or reducing a conditioned response by not providing the stimulus with which it has become associated by conditioning

ex·tin·guish \ik-ˈstiŋ-gwish\ vb
1 : to cause to stop burning
2 : to cause to die out
— ex·tin·guish·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— ex·tin·guish·er n

ex·tir·pate \ˈek-stər-ˌpāt\ vb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
1 : to pull up by the roots
2 : to destroy completely
— ex·tir·pa·tion \ˌek-(ˌ)stər-ˈpā-shən\ n

ex·tol also ex·toll \ik-ˈstōl\ vb ex·tolled; ex·tol·ling : to praise highly
— ex·tol·ler n

— ex·tol·ment \-mənt\ n

ex·tort \ik-ˈstȯ(ə)rt\ vb : to get (as money) from a person by the use of force or threats [from Latin extortus, past participle of extorquēre “to twist out, extort,” from ex- “out, away” and torquēre “to twist” — related to DISTORT, RETORT, TORTURE]
— ex·tort·er n

ex·tor·tion \ik-ˈstȯr-shən\ n : the practice or crime of extorting (as money)
— ex·tor·tion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ n

— ex·tor·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nəst\ n

ex·tor·tion·ate \ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nət\ adj
1 : marked by extortion
2 : extremely high : EXORBITANT <extortionate prices>
— ex·tor·tion·ate·ly adv

1ex·tra \ˈek-strə\ adj : more than is due, usual, or necessary

2extra n : something extra: as  a : a special edition of a newspaper  b : a person hired to act in a group scene (as in a movie)

3extra adv : beyond the usual size, extent, or degree <extra long> <extra large eggs>

extra- prefix : outside : beyond <extracurricular> [derived from Latin extra “outside, beyond” — related to STRANGE]

ex·tra·cel·lu·lar \ˌek-strə-ˈsel-yə-lər\ adj : situated or occurring outside a cell or the cells of the body

1ex·tract \ik-ˈstrakt, usually in sense 4 ek-ˌstrakt\ vb
1 : to remove by pulling <extract a tooth>
2 : to get out by pressing, distilling, or by a chemical process <extract juice from apples>
3 : to calculate a mathematical root
4 : to choose and take out for separate use <extract a few lines from a poem>
— ex·tract·able \ik-ˈstrak-tə-bəl, ˈek-ˌ\ adj

— ex·trac·tor \-tər\ n

2ex·tract \ˈek-ˌstrakt\ n
1 : a selection from a writing
2 : a product obtained by extracting <vanilla extract>

ex·trac·tion \ik-ˈstrak-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of extracting
2 : the origin of a person <of Italian extraction>

ex·tra·cur·ric·u·lar \ˌek-strə-kə-ˈrik-yə-lər\ adj : of or relating to those activities (as athletics) that are offered by a school but are not part of the course of study

ex·tra·dite \ˈek-strə-ˌdīt\ vb -dit·ed; -dit·ing : to cause to be delivered by extradition
— ex·tra·dit·able \-ˌdīt-ə-bəl\ adj

ex·tra·di·tion \ˌek-strə-ˈdish-ən\ n : the delivery of an accused criminal from one place (as a U.S. state) to another where the trial will be held

ex·tra·le·gal \ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl\ adj : not regulated or sanctioned by law
— ex·tra·le·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adv

ex·tra·mar·i·tal \ˌek-strə-ˈmar-ət-əl\ adj : of or relating to sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse

ex·tra·ne·ous \ek-ˈstrā-nē-əs\ adj
1 : not forming a necessary part
2 : IRRELEVANT
— ex·tra·ne·ous·ly adv

— ex·tra·ne·ous·ness n

ex·traor·di·nary \ik-ˈstrȯrd-ən-ˌer-ē, ˌek-strə-ˈȯrd-\ adj : so unusual as to be remarkable
— ex·traor·di·nar·i·ly \ik-ˌstrȯrd-ən-ˈer-ə-lē, ˌek-strə-ˌȯrd-\ adv

— ex·traor·di·nar·i·ness \ik-ˈstrȯrd-ən-ˌer-ē-nəs, ˌek-strə-ˈȯrd-\ n

extra point n : a point scored in football after a touchdown by kicking the ball between the goalposts or advancing it a short distance into the end zone

ex·trap·o·late \ik-ˈstrap-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to work out unknown facts from known facts
— ex·trap·o·la·tion \-ˌstrap-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— ex·trap·o·la·tor \-ˈstrap-ə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

ex·tra·sen·so·ry \ˌek-strə-ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)rē\ adj : not acting or occurring through use of the known senses <extrasensory experience>

extrasensory perception n : an awareness of events or facts that cannot be explained by communication using any of the known senses

ex·tra·ter·res·tri·al \ˌek-strə-tə-ˈres-trē-əl\ adj : coming from or existing outside the earth or its atmosphere <extraterrestrial life>
— extraterrestrial n

ex·trav·a·gance \ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s\ n
1 a : the wasteful or careless spending of money  b : something that is extravagant
2 : the quality or fact of being extravagant

ex·trav·a·gant \ik-ˈstrav-i-gənt\ adj
1 : going beyond what is reasonable or suitable <extravagant praise>
2 : wasteful especially of money <extravagant spending> [Middle English extravagaunt “wandering away, going beyond the usual limits,” from early French extravagant (same meaning), from Latin extravagant-, extravagans (same meaning), from earlier extra- “outside, beyond” and vagari “to wander away” — related to VAGABOND]
— ex·trav·a·gant·ly adv

ex·trav·a·gan·za \ik-ˌstrav-ə-ˈgan-zə\ n : a spectacular show

ex·tra·ve·hic·u·lar \ˌek-strə-vē-ˈhik-yə-lər\ adj : taking place outside a vehicle (as a spacecraft)

1ex·treme \ik-ˈstrēm\ adj
1 : existing to a very great degree <extreme heat> <extreme poverty>
2 : farthest from a center
3 : most advanced or thorough <the extreme political right>
4 : relating to a form of a sport that involves an unusually high degree of risk <extreme skiing>
— ex·treme·ly adv

— ex·treme·ness n

2extreme n
1 : something situated as far away as possible from another <extremes of heat and cold>
2 : the first term or the last term of a mathematical proportion
3 : a very pronounced or excessive degree
4 : an extraordinary measure <going to extremes>

ex·trem·ism \ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm\ n
1 : the quality or state of being extreme
2 : belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics
— ex·trem·ist \-məst\ n or adj

ex·trem·i·ty \ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the farthest limit, point, or part
2 : an end part of a limb of the body (as a hand or foot)
3 : an extreme degree (as of emotion or pain)

ex·tri·cate \ˈek-strə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to free or remove from entanglement or difficulty
— ex·tri·ca·ble \ek-ˈstrik-ə-bəl, ˈek-(ˌ)strik-\ adj

— ex·tri·ca·tion \ˌek-strə-ˈkā-shən\ n

ex·trin·sic \ek-ˈstrin-zik, -ˈstrin(t)-sik\ adj : not being part of or belonging to a thing : EXTRANEOUS
— ex·trin·si·cal·ly \-zi-k(ə-)lē, -si-\ adv

ex·tro·vert also ex·tra·vert \ˈek-strə-ˌvərt\ n
1 : a person who is interested only or mostly in things outside the self
2 : a gregarious and unreserved person
— ex·tro·ver·sion \ˌek-strə-ˈvər-zhən, -shən\ n

— ex·tro·vert·ed \ˈek-strə-ˌvərt-əd\ adj

ex·trude \ik-ˈstrüd\ vb ex·trud·ed; ex·trud·ing
1 : to force, press, or push out
2 : to shape by forcing through a die

ex·tru·sion \ik-ˈstrü-zhən\ n : the act or process of extruding; also : a form or product produced by this process

ex·tru·sive \ik-ˈstrü-siv, -ziv\ adj : relating to or formed by geological extrusion from the earth in a melted state or as volcanic ash <extrusive rock>

ex·u·ber·ant \ig-ˈzü-b(ə-)rənt\ adj : joyfully enthusiastic
— ex·u·ber·ance \-b(ə-)rən(t)s\ n

— ex·u·ber·ant·ly adv

ex·ude \ig-ˈzüd\ vb ex·ud·ed; ex·ud·ing
1 : to discharge slowly through pores or cuts : OOZE <exude sweat>
2 : to give forth <brown eyes exuding confidence>

ex·ult \ig-ˈzəlt\ vb : to be very joyful : REJOICE
— ex·ult·ing·ly \-ˈzəl-tiŋ-lē\ adv

ex·ult·ant \ig-ˈzəlt-ənt\ adj : full of or expressing joy or triumph
— ex·ult·ant·ly adv

ex·ult·ta·tion \ˌek-(ˌ)səl-ˈtā-shən, ˌeg-(ˌ)zəl-\ n : the act of exulting : the state of being exultant

ex·urb \ˈek-ˌsərb, ˈeg-ˌzərb\ n : a region or district outside a city and its suburbs where many well-to-do people live

ex·ur·ban·ite \ek-ˈsər-bə-ˌnīt, eg-ˈzər-\ n : a person living in an exurb

ex·ur·bia \ek-ˈsər-bē-ə, eg-ˈzər-\ n : the region of exurbs

-ey — see 1-Y

1eye \ˈī\ n
1 a : an organ of sight; esp : a rounded hollow organ that is filled with a jellylike material, is lined with a sensitive retina, and is located in a bone-lined cavity in the skull of a vertebrate  b : all the visible parts (as the eyelids) within and surrounding the bone-lined cavity
2 a : ability to see or appreciate <a good eye for painting>  b : 2GLANCE 3 <cast an eager eye>  c : close attention or observation <keep an eye on it>  d : JUDGMENT 1 <guilty in the eyes of the law>
3 : something like or suggestive of an eye: as  a : the hole through the head of a needle  b : a loop to catch or receive a hook  c : an undeveloped bud (as on a potato)  d : a device (as a photoelectric cell) that functions somewhat like human vision
4 : the center of something <the eye of a hurricane>
— eyed \ˈīd\ adj

— eye·less \ˈī-ləs\ adj

— eye·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2eye vb eyed; eye·ing or ey·ing : to watch or study closely

eye·ball \ˈī-ˌbȯl\ n : the eye of a vertebrate

eye·brow \ˈī-ˌbrau̇\ n : the ridge over the eye or hair growing usually in a line or arch on the skin over it

eye–catching \ˈī-ˌkach-iŋ, -ˌkech-\ adj : attractive to the eye

eye chart n : a chart with rows of letters or objects of decreasing size that is read at a fixed distance for purposes of testing sight

eye contact n : the act of looking another person straight in the eye

eye·cup \ˈī-ˌkəp\ n : a small oval cup with a rim curved to fit the orbit of the eye and used for applying liquid medicine to the eyes

eye doctor n : a specialist (as an optometrist or ophthalmologist) in the examination, treatment, or care of the eyes

eye·drop·per \ˈī-ˌdräp-ər\ n : DROPPER 2

eye·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n : something attractive to look at

eye·glass \-ˌglas\ n
1 : a glass lens used to help one see clearly
2 pl : 1GLASS 2B

eye·hole \-ˌhōl\ n : EYELET 1

eye·lash \-ˌlash\ n : a single hair of the fringe on the eyelid

eye lens n : the lens nearest the eye in an eyepiece

eye·let \ˈī-lət\ n
1 : a small hole (as in cloth or leather) for a lace or rope
2 : GROMMET

eye·lid \ˈī-ˌlid\ n : one of the movable lids of skin and muscle that can be closed over the eyeball

eye·lin·er \ˈī-ˌlī-nər\ n : makeup used to emphasize the outline of the eye

eye–open·ing \ˈī-ˌōp(-ə)-niŋ\ adj : being surprising or startling

eye·piece \ˈī-ˌpēs\ n : the lens or combination of lenses at the eye end of an optical instrument (as a microscope or telescope)

eye shadow n : a colored cosmetic applied to the eyelids

eye·sight \ˈī-ˌsīt\ n : 1SIGHT 3, VISION <keen eyesight>

eye socket n : 1ORBIT

eye·sore \ˈī-ˌsōr, -ˌsȯr\ n : something displeasing to the sight

eye·spot \-ˌspät\ n
1 : a spot of color (as on the wing of a butterfly) that resembles an eye
2 a : a simple organ for vision or the detection of light  b : a small body in various single-celled algae that contains pigment

eye·stalk \-ˌstȯk\ n : a movable stalk bearing an eye at the tip in a crustacean

eye·strain \-ˌstrān\ n : weariness or a strained state of the eye

eye·tooth \-ˈtüth\ n : a canine tooth of the upper jaw

eye·wash \-ˌwȯsh, -ˌwäsh\ n : an eye lotion

eye·wit·ness \-ˈwit-nəs\ n : a person who sees an occurrence and is able to give a report of it

ey·rie chiefly British variant of AERIE

Eze·chiel \i-ˈzē-kyəl, -kē-əl\ n : EZEKIEL

Eze·kiel \i-ˈzē-kyəl, -kē-əl\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture written by a Hebrew priest and prophet of the sixth century B.C. — see BIBLE TABLE

Ez·ra \ˈez-rə\ n : a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

F

f \ˈef\ n, pl f's or fs often cap
1 : the sixth letter of the English alphabet
2 : a musical note referred to by the letter F : the fourth tone of a C-major scale
3 : a grade rating a student's work as failing

fa \ˈfä\ n : the fourth note of the musical scale

fa·ble \ˈfā-bəl\ n : a short fictitious story; esp : one intended to teach a lesson and in which animals speak and act like human beings

fa·bled \ˈfā-bəld\ adj : told about in fables <a fabled mountain of gold>

fab·ric \ˈfab-rik\ n
1 : the basic structure <the fabric of society>
2 : CLOTH 1

fab·ri·cate \ˈfab-ri-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : INVENT 2, CREATE
2 : to make up in order to deceive <fabricated evidence to support her claim>
3 : CONSTRUCT 1, MANUFACTURE
— fab·ri·ca·tion \ˌfab-ri-ˈkā-shən\ n

— fab·ri·ca·tor \ˈfab-ri-ˌkāt-ər\ n

fab·u·lous \ˈfab-yə-ləs\ adj
1 a : resembling a fable especially in being marvelous or beyond belief <fabulous wealth>  b : very good : MARVELOUS <had a fabulous time>
2 : told in or based on fable <fabulous animals>
— fab·u·lous·ly adv

— fab·u·lous·ness n

fa·cade also fa·çade \fə-ˈsäd\ n
1 : the face or front of a building
2 : a false or misleading appearance <a facade of wealth>

1face \ˈfās\ n
1 : the front part of the head
2 a : an expression of the face <a friendly face>  b : GRIMACE <make a face>
3 a : outward appearance <on the face of it>  b : DIGNITY 1, PRESTIGE <lose face>
4 a : a front, upper, or outer surface <the face of a cliff>  b : any of the flat surfaces that form the boundary of a solid in geometry <every cube has six faces>  c : a surface or side that is marked or specially prepared <the face of a certificate>  d : an exposed surface of rock
5 : the end (as of a mine tunnel) at which work is going on
6 : PERSON <a lot of new faces around here>
— in one's face : directly and aggressively <made the dunk shot in her face>

— in the face of : face-to-face with : DESPITE <brave in the face of danger>

2face vb faced; fac·ing
1 a : to line near the edge especially with a different material <face a hem>  b : to cover the front or surface of <faced the building with marble>
2 : to meet face-to-face <faced the opposing team> <face one's accusers>
3 a : to stand or sit with the face toward <face the class>  b : to have the front oriented toward <a house facing the park>
4 a : to recognize and deal with <face facts>  b : to oppose by confronting with determination <face down their critics>
5 : to turn toward <face the east>
— face the music : to meet a danger or something unpleasant (as punishment)

face card n : a king, queen, or jack in a deck of cards

-faced adj combining form : having (such) a face or (so many) faces <rosy-faced> <two-faced>

face·down \ˈfās-ˈdau̇n\ adv : with the face down <floated facedown>

face–first \ˌfās-ˈfərst\ adv : with the face leading the body <hit the ground face-first>
— face–first adj

face·less \ˈfās-ləs\ adj
1 : not able to be identified
2 : lacking a face
— face·less·ness n

face–lift \ˈfā-ˌslift\ n
1 : plastic surgery on the face and neck to remove defects and imperfections (as wrinkles or sagging skin)
2 : an alteration, restoration, or remodeling (as of a building) intended especially to make more modern
— face–lift vb

face–off \ˈfā-ˌsȯf\ n
1 : a method of putting a puck in play in ice hockey by dropping it between two opposing players
2 : a meeting of opposing forces : CONFRONTATION

face off vb : to be in or come into opposition or competition <politicians facing off each other in a debate>

face·plate \ˈfā-splāt\ n : a protective plate or cover (as for protecting the face of a diver)

fac·et \ˈfas-ət\ n
1 : a small plane surface (as on a cut gem)
2 : a definable aspect of something <explained all facets of the company>
3 : the surface of a functional unit of vision of a compound eye
— fac·et·ed \ˈfas-ət-əd\ adj

fa·ce·tious \fə-ˈsē-shəs\ adj
1 : joking or kidding often inappropriately <just being facetious>
2 : meant to be funny : not serious <a facetious remark>
— fa·ce·tious·ly adv

— fa·ce·tious·ness n

face–to–face \ˌfās-tə-ˈfās\ adv or adj
1 : within each other's close presence <met face-to-face>
2 : in or into direct contact or confrontation <face-to-face with a crisis>

face·up \ˈfā-ˈsəp\ adv : with the face up <the card fell faceup>

face value n
1 : the value indicated on the face of something (as a coin, bill, bond, or insurance policy)
2 : the apparent worth or significance <can't take what he says at face value>

1fa·cial \ˈfā-shəl\ adj : of or relating to the face
— fa·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adv

2facial n : a treatment to improve the condition of the skin of the face

fac·ile \ˈfas-əl\ adj
1 a : easily done, handled, or achieved  b : overly simple : 1SHALLOW 2  c : easily experienced or displayed and often insincere
2 : working, moving, or performing with skill and ease : FLUENT <a facile writer>
— fac·ile·ly \-ə(l)-lē\ adv

fa·cil·i·tate \fə-ˈsil-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to make easier
— fa·cil·i·ta·tion \-ˌsil-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

fa·cil·i·ty \fə-ˈsil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : freedom from difficulty : EASE <handled with facility>
2 : skill and ease in doing something <a great facility for writing well>
3 a : something that makes an action, operation, or activity easier — usually used in plural <facilities for study>  b : something (as a hospital) that is put up for a particular purpose

fac·ing \ˈfā-siŋ\ n
1 : a lining at the edge especially of a garment
2 : an ornamental or protective layer <a house with brick facing>
3 : material for facing

fac·sim·i·le \fak-ˈsim-ə-lē\ n
1 : an exact copy
2 : a system of transmitting and reproducing printed matter or pictures by means of signals sent over telephone lines

fact \ˈfakt\ n
1 a : a thing done  b : CRIME 1 <accessory after the fact>
2 : the quality of being actual
3 : something that actually exists or occurs <space travel is now a fact> <prove the fact of damage>
4 : a piece of information about something presented as true and accurate <a book filled with facts>
— in fact : in truth : ACTUALLY

fac·tion \ˈfak-shən\ n : a group acting together within a larger body (as a government) : CLIQUE
— fac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— fac·tion·al·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ n

fac·ti·tious \fak-ˈtish-əs\ adj : not natural or genuine : ARTIFICIAL <a factitious display of grief>
— fac·ti·tious·ly adv

— fac·ti·tious·ness n

fact of life n
1 : something that exists and must be taken into consideration <tests are a fact of life for students>
2 pl : the basic bodily processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

fac·toid \ˈfak-ˌtȯid\ n
1 : a made-up piece of information thought to be true due to its appearance in print
2 : a brief often trivial news item

1fac·tor \ˈfak-tər\ n
1 : one that buys or sells property for another : AGENT
2 : something that contributes to the production of a result <price wasn't a factor in our decision>
3 : GENE
4 : any of the numbers or symbols in mathematics that when multiplied together form a product; esp : a number that divides another number without leaving a remainder <the factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6>

2factor vb fac·tored; fac·tor·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to find the mathematical factors of and especially the prime mathematical factors
2 : to act as a factor <attendance will factor into your grade>
— fac·tor·able \-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

1fac·to·ri·al \fak-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ n
1 : the product of all the positive whole numbers from 1 to the number given — symbol !
2 : the quantity 0! that is defined as equal to 1

2factorial adj : of, relating to, or being a factor or factorial

fac·tor·i·za·tion \ˌfak-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n : the act or process or an instance or result of factoring

factor tree n : a branching diagram that shows the prime factors of a number

fac·to·ry \ˈfak-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a building or set of buildings equipped for manufacturing [from early French factorie “a place where business is carried on,” derived from Latin factor “one that does or makes,” from factus, past participle of facere “to make, do” — related to FASHION, MANUFACTURE]

fac·tu·al \ˈfak-chə(-wə)l, ˈfaksh-wəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to facts <a factual error>
2 : restricted to or based on fact <a factual statement>
— fac·tu·al·i·ty \ˌfak-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n

— fac·tu·al·ly \ˈfak-chə(-wə)-lē, ˈfaksh-wə-lē\ adv

— fac·tu·al·ness n

fac·ul·ty \ˈfak-əl-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : ability to do something : TALENT <a faculty for making friends>
2 : one of the powers of the mind or body <the faculty of hearing>
3 : the teachers in a school or college

fad \ˈfad\ n : a practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal : CRAZE
— fad·dish \ˈfad-ish\ adj

— fad·dist \ˈfad-əst\ n

— fad·dy \ˈfad-ē\ adj

1fade \ˈfād\ vb fad·ed; fad·ing
1 : to lose freshness or health <fading flowers>
2 : to lose or cause to lose brightness of color
3 : to disappear gradually <a fading memory>
4 : to change gradually in loudness or visibility — used of a motion-picture image or of an electronics signal and usually with in or out

2fade n : a gradual changing of one picture to another in a motion-picture or television sequence

fa·er·ie also fa·ery \ˈfā-(ə-)rē, ˈfa(ə)r-ē, ˈfe(ə)r-ē\ n, pl fa·er·ies : FAIRY
— faery adj

1fag \ˈfag\ vb fagged; fag·ging
1 : to work hard : TOIL
2 : to act as a fag in an English public school
3 : to tire by hard work [from obsolete fag “to droop”]

2fag n
1 : an English public-school boy who acts as a servant to another
2 : 2DOMESTIC, 2DRUDGE

3fag n : CIGARETTE [from fag end]

fag end n
1 a : a poor or worn-out end : REMNANT  b : the extreme end
2 a : the last part or coarser end of a piece of cloth  b : the untwisted end of a rope

fag·ot or fag·got \ˈfag-ət\ n : a bundle of sticks or twigs

fag·ot·ing or fag·got·ing \ˈfag-ət-iŋ\ n : embroidery done by tying threads in hourglass-shaped bunches

Fahr·en·heit \ˈfar-ən-ˌhīt\ adj : relating or conforming to or having a thermometer scale on which under standard atmospheric pressure the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above the zero of the scale and the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero — abbreviation F [named for Gabriel Fahrenheit 1686–1736 German physicist]

1fail \ˈfā(ə)l\ vb
1 a : to lose strength : WEAKEN <failing eyesight>  b : to stop functioning <the engine failed>
2 a : to fall short <failed in their duty>  b : to become absent or lacking <the power failed>  c : to be unsuccessful (as in passing an examination)  d : to grade as not passing <fail a student>  e : to become bankrupt
3 : DISAPPOINT, DESERT <fail a friend in need>
4 : to leave undone : NEGLECT <fail to answer the telephone>

2fail n : FAILURE 1 — usually used in the phrase without fail

1fail·ing \ˈfā-liŋ\ n : WEAKNESS 2, SHORTCOMING

2failing prep : in the absence or lack of <failing specific instructions, use your own judgment>

fail·ure \ˈfā(ə)l-yər\ n
1 a : a failing to do or perform <failure to pass the test>  b : neglect of an assigned or expected action <failure to pay on time>  c : inability to perform a normal function well enough <heart failure>
2 a : a lack of success <failure in the campaign>  b : BANKRUPTCY <a business failure>
3 a : a falling short : DEFICIENCY <crop failure>  b : a breaking down <a failure of memory>
4 : one that has failed <the scheme was a complete failure>

1fain \ˈfān\ adj
1 archaic : GLAD, HAPPY
2 archaic : DESIROUS
3 : FORCED 1

2fain adv
1 : in a willing manner : GLADLY
2 : RATHER 1

1faint \ˈfānt\ adj
1 : TIMID, COWARDLY <faint heart>
2 : being weak, dizzy, and likely to collapse <feel faint>
3 : lacking strength : WEAK <faint praise>
4 a : not clear or plain : DIM <faint cries for help>  b : VAGUE 2 <haven't the faintest idea>
— faint·ly adv

— faint·ness n

2faint vb : to lose consciousness

3faint n : an act or condition of fainting

faint·heart·ed \ˈfānt-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : TIMID
— faint·heart·ed·ly adv

— faint·heart·ed·ness n

1fair \ˈfa(ə)r, ˈfe(ə)r\ adj
1 : attractive in appearance : BEAUTIFUL <our fair city>
2 a : 1CLEAN 2, PURE <fair sparkling water>  b : 1CLEAR 3, LEGIBLE <make a fair copy>
3 : not stormy or cloudy <fair weather>
4 a : UNBIASED, JUST <wanted fair treatment>  b : observing the rules : ALLOWED <fair play>  c : open to lawful pursuit or attack <fair game>
5 a : PROMISING, LIKELY <a fair chance of winning>  b : favorable to a ship's course <a fair wind>
6 : not dark <fair skin>
7 : neither good nor bad <did a fair job> [Old English fæger “pleasing to the eye or mind”]
— fair·ness n

2fair adv : in a fair manner <play fair>

3fair n
1 : a gathering of buyers and sellers for trade
2 : an exhibition (as of farm products) usually with accompanying entertainment, amusements, and competitions
3 : a sale of articles usually for a charitable purpose [Middle English feire “a gathering of buyers and sellers,” from early French feire (same meaning), from Latin feria “weekday, fair,” derived from earlier feriae (plural) “holidays”]

fair ball n : a batted baseball that lands within the foul lines or that is within the foul lines when bounding to the outfield past first or third base or when going beyond the outfield for a home run

fair·ground \ˈfa(ə)r-ˌgrau̇nd, ˈfe(ə)r-\ n : an area set aside for fairs, circuses, and exhibitions

fair·ly \ˈfa(ə)r-lē, ˈfe(ə)r-\ adv
1 : in a favorable manner <fairly situated>
2 : in a manner of speaking : NEARLY <fairly bursting with pride>
3 : in a fair manner : JUSTLY <treat each person fairly>
4 : for the most part : RATHER <a fairly easy job>

fair trade n
1 : trade conforming to a fair trade agreement
2 : a movement that aims to help producers in developing countries get a fair price for their products so as to reduce poverty, provide for ethical treatment of workers and farmers, and promote environmentally sustainable practices
— fair trade vb

fair–trade agreement n : an agreement between a producer and a seller that products bearing a trademark, label, or brand name belonging to the producer be sold at or above a specified price

fair·way \ˈfa(ə)r-ˌwā, ˈfe(ə)r-\ n : the mowed part of a golf course between a tee and a green

fairy \ˈfa(ə)r-ē, ˈfe(ə)r-\ n, pl fair·ies : an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magic powers
— fairy adj

— fairy·like \-ē-ˌlīk\ adj

fairy·land \-ˌland\ n
1 : the land of fairies
2 : a place of delicate beauty or magical charm

fairy ring n : a ring of mushrooms in a lawn or meadow that is produced at the edge of a mass of mycelium which is growing outward from a central point

fairy shrimp n : any of several very small translucent freshwater crustaceans

fairy tale n
1 : a simple children's story about imaginary beings — called also fairy story
2 : a made-up story usually meant to mislead

faith \ˈfāth\ n
1 a : devotion to duty or a person : LOYALTY  b : the quality of keeping one's promises
2 a : belief and trust in and loyalty to God  b : belief in the doctrines of a religion  c : firm belief even in the absence of proof  d : complete confidence
3 : something that is firmly believed; esp : a system of religious beliefs [Middle English feith “loyalty,” from early French feid, foi (same meaning), from Latin fides “faith,” from fidere “to trust” — related to BONA FIDE, CONFIDE, FIANCÉ]  synonyms see BELIEF

1faith·ful \ˈfāth-fəl\ adj
1 : LOYAL 1B <a faithful friend>
2 : firm in keeping promises or in fulfilling duties <a faithful worker>
3 : true to the facts : ACCURATE <faithful copy>
— faith·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— faith·ful·ness n
synonyms FAITHFUL, LOYAL, STAUNCH, STEADFAST, mean firm in one's allegiance to someone or something. FAITHFUL suggests that one has a firm and constant allegiance that is based on or as if on a pledge <always be faithful to your duty>. LOYAL suggests that one firmly refuses to desert or betray <citizens who are loyal to their country>. STAUNCH suggests courage and determination in one's allegiance <staunch supporters of the senator>. STEADFAST suggests a steady and unfailing course in love, allegiance, or deeply held belief <a steadfast fighter for civil rights>.

2faithful n, pl faithful or faithfuls : one that has faith or is faithful

faith·less \ˈfāth-ləs\ adj
1 : not true to allegiance or duty : DISLOYAL
2 : not worthy of being trusted or relied upon
— faith·less·ly adv

— faith·less·ness n

1fake \ˈfāk\ adj : not genuine : PHONY

2fake n
1 : an imitation that is passed off as genuine : COUNTERFEIT
2 : IMPOSTOR <a medical fake>

3fake vb faked; fak·ing
1 : to change or treat so as to make false <faked the results>
2 : 1COUNTERFEIT 1 <fake a rare first edition>
3 : 1PRETEND 1, SIMULATE <fake surprise>
— fak·er n

— fak·ery \ˈfā-k(ə-)rē\ n

fa·kir \fə-ˈki(ə)r, fä-, fa-; ˈfā-kər\ n
1 : a Muslim beggar : DERVISH
2 : a wandering Hindu holy person who performs feats of magic [from Arabic faqir, literally, “poor man”]

fal·con \ˈfal-kən, ˈfȯl- also ˈfȯ-kən\ n
1 : a hawk trained for use in falconry
2 : any of various swift hawks with long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notch on the upper half of the beak for killing prey

fal·con·er \ˈfal-kə-nər, ˈfȯl- also ˈfȯ-\ n : one who hunts with hawks or trains hawks for hunting

fal·con·ry \ˈfal-kən-rē, ˈfȯl- also ˈfȯ-\ n
1 : the art of training hawks to hunt in cooperation with a person
2 : the sport of hunting with hawks

1fall \ˈfȯl\ vb fell \ˈfel\; fall·en \ˈfȯ-lən\; fall·ing
1 a : to come or go down freely by the force of gravity  b : to hang freely <hair falling over her shoulders>  c : to drop oneself to a lower position <fell to their knees>  d : to come as if by dropping down <night fell>
2 a : to become of lower degree or level <the temperature fell 10°>  b : to become lowered <his eyes fell>
3 a : to topple from an upright position suddenly <slipped and fell on the ice>  b : to enter blindly : STRAY <fell into a trap>  c : to drop down wounded or dead <soldiers who have fallen in battle>  d : to become captured or defeated <the fortress fell>  e : to experience ruin or failure <our plans fell through>
4 : to fail to live up to a standard of conduct
5 a : to move or extend downward <the ground falls away to the east>  b : to become less in amount or degree : DIMINISH <the tide is falling>  c : to become less in quality, activity, quantity, or value <prices fell>  d : to take on a look of shame or low spirits <my face fell when I lost>
6 a : to occur at a certain time <my birthday falls on a Tuesday>  b : to come by chance  c : to pass (as a responsibility) from one person to another <it fell to us to break the news>  d : to have the proper place or station <the accent falls on the second syllable>
7 : to come within the range of something <falls under her responsibilities>
8 : to pass from one condition of body or mind to another <fall ill> <fall asleep>
9 : to set about with enthusiasm or activity <fell to work>
— fall flat : to produce no response or result

— fall for
1 : to fall in love with
2 : to become a victim of <we fell for the trick>

— fall from grace : to lapse morally : SIN, BACKSLIDE

— fall short
1 : to be lacking
2 : to fail to reach a desired goal

2fall n
1 : the act of falling by the force of gravity <a fall from a horse>
2 a : a falling out, off, or away <the fall of the leaves>  b : AUTUMN 1  c : a thing or quantity that falls or has fallen <a heavy fall of snow>
3 a : loss of greatness : COLLAPSE  b : the surrender or capture of a place under attack  c : departure from innocence or goodness
4 a : the downward slope of a hill  b : WATERFALL — usually used in plural
5 : a decrease in size, quantity, degree, activity, or value
6 : the distance which something falls
7 : an act of forcing a wrestler's shoulders to the mat

fal·la·cious \fə-ˈlā-shəs\ adj
1 : containing a fallacy <a fallacious argument>
2 : leading in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief
— fal·la·cious·ly adv

— fal·la·cious·ness n

fal·la·cy \ˈfal-ə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : a false or mistaken idea
2 : the quality or state of being false

fall back vb : 2RETREAT 1
— fall back on or fall back upon : to turn for help to <falls back on her best friend>

fall guy n : a person on whom something is blamed : SCAPEGOAT

fal·li·ble \ˈfal-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of making a mistake or being wrong
— fal·li·bil·i·ty \ˌfal-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— fal·li·bly \ˈfal-ə-blē\ adv

fall·ing–out \ˌfȯ-liŋ-ˈau̇t\ n, pl fallings–out or falling–outs : 1QUARREL 2 <had a falling-out with his parents>

falling star n : METEOR

fal·lo·pi·an tube \fə-ˌlō-pē-ən-\ n, often cap F : either of the pair of tubes that carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus

fall·out \ˈfȯ-ˌlau̇t\ n : the often radioactive particles that are stirred up by or result from a nuclear explosion and descend through the atmosphere

fall out \(ˈ)fȯ-ˈlau̇t\ vb
1 : to have a quarrel
2 : HAPPEN 1

1fal·low \ˈfal-ō\ n
1 : land for crops allowed to lie idle during the growing season
2 : the tilling of land without sowing it for a season

2fallow vb : to till (land) without seeding

3fallow adj
1 : left untilled or unsown
2 : DORMANT 1, INACTIVE

fallow deer n : a small European deer with broad antlers and a pale yellow coat spotted white in the summer [from earlier fallow “a pale yellowish brown color”]

fall to vb : to begin doing something (as eating or working) especially energetically

false \ˈfȯls\ adj fals·er; fals·est
1 : not genuine <false documents> <false teeth>
2 a : intentionally untrue <false testimony>  b : intended or tending to mislead <false promise>
3 : not true : INCORRECT <false information>
4 : not faithful or loyal : TREACHEROUS
5 : not necessary to structure <a false ceiling>
6 : inaccurate in pitch <a false note>
7 : based on mistaken ideas <false pride>
— false·ly adv

— false·ness n

false·hood \ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : an untrue statement : LIE
2 : the habit of lying

fal·set·to \fȯl-ˈset-ō\ n, pl -tos : an artificially high voice

fal·si·fy \ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make false : change so as to deceive <falsify financial accounts>
— fal·si·fi·ca·tion \ˌfȯl-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— fal·si·fi·er \ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

fal·si·ty \ˈfȯl-sət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : something false : LIE
2 : the quality or state of being false

fal·ter \ˈfȯl-tər\ vb fal·tered; fal·ter·ing \ˈfȯl-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to move unsteadily : WAVER
2 : to stumble or hesitate in speech : 1STAMMER <her voice faltered>
3 : to hesitate in purpose or action <courage that never falters>
— falter n

— fal·ter·er \-tər-ər\ n

— fal·ter·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adv

fame \ˈfām\ n : the fact or condition of being known to the public : RENOWN
— famed \ˈfāmd\ adj

fa·mil·ial \fə-ˈmil-yəl\ adj : of, relating to, or typical of a family

1fa·mil·iar \fə-ˈmil-yər\ n
1 : a close associate : COMPANION
2 : a spirit believed to serve or guard a person — called also familiar spirit

2familiar adj
1 : closely acquainted : INTIMATE
2 a : INFORMAL 1 <spoke in a familiar way>  b : too friendly or bold : FORWARD
3 a : frequently seen or experienced  b : of everyday occurrence
4 : having a good knowledge <familiar with the rules>
— fa·mil·iar·ly adv

fa·mil·iar·i·ty \fə-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē, -ˌmil-ē-ˈar-\ n, pl -ties
1 : close friendship : INTIMACY
2 : lack of formality : freedom and ease in personal relations
3 : close acquaintance with or knowledge of something
4 : an overly bold act or expression

fa·mil·iar·ize \fə-ˈmil-yə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make familiar <familiarize yourself with the place>
— fa·mil·iar·i·za·tion \-ˌmil-yə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

fam·i·ly \ˈfam-(ə-)lē\ n, pl -lies
1 : a group of individuals living under one roof and under one head
2 : a group of persons who come from the same ancestor
3 : a group of things having common characteristics; esp : a closely related series of elements or chemical compounds
4 a : a social group composed of one or two parents and their children  b : a social group different from but considered equal to the traditional family
5 : a group of related plants or animals ranking in biological classification above a genus and below an order

family name n : SURNAME 2

family planning n : planning that is intended to determine the number and spacing of one's children by using effective methods of birth control

family tree n
1 : GENEALOGY 1
2 : a diagram showing family relationships

fam·ine \ˈfam-ən\ n
1 : an extreme general shortage of food
2 : a great shortage

fam·ish \ˈfam-ish\ vb
1 : to suffer or cause to suffer from extreme hunger
2 : to suffer from a lack of something necessary
— fam·ish·ment \-mənt\ n

fa·mous \ˈfā-məs\ adj
1 : much talked about : very well-known <famous explorer>
2 : EXCELLENT <famous weather for a picnic>
synonyms FAMOUS, RENOWNED, CELEBRATED, NOTORIOUS, mean known far and wide. FAMOUS suggests simply that one is popularly known and sometimes only for a short time <a famous actor>. RENOWNED stresses glory and honor <heroes renowned in story and song>. CELEBRATED stresses frequent public notice and mention especially in print <a celebrated murder trial>. NOTORIOUS suggests that one is famous for wrongdoing <one of the most notorious traitors in history>.

fa·mous·ly \ˈfā-məs-lē\ adv : in a splendid or excellent manner <got along famously together>

1fan \ˈfan\ n
1 : an instrument for producing a current of air: as  a : a device that is often in the shape of a section of a circle and is waved back and forth by hand  b : a device with a set of rotating blades driven by a motor
2 : something shaped like a hand fan [Old English fann “fan,” from Latin vannus “fan”]
— fan·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2fan vb fanned; fan·ning
1 : to move air with a fan
2 a : to direct a current of air upon with a fan  b : to stir up to activity as if by fanning
3 : to spread out or move like a fan
4 : to strike out in baseball
— fan·ner n

3fan n : an enthusiastic follower or admirer [probably a shortened form of fanatic]

fa·nat·ic \fə-ˈnat-ik\ or fa·nat·i·cal \-ˈnat-i-kəl\ adj : overly enthusiastic or devoted
— fanatic n

— fa·nat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— fa·nat·i·cism \-ˈnat-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n

fan·ci·er \ˈfan(t)-sē-ər\ n : a person with a special liking or interest <a cat fancier>

fan·ci·ful \ˈfan(t)-si-fəl\ adj
1 : having or showing free imagination rather than reason <a fanciful person> <a fanciful tale>
2 : existing in fancy only <a fanciful notion>
— fan·ci·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— fan·ci·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

1fancy vb fan·cied; fan·cy·ing
1 : to have a fancy for : LIKE
2 : to form a mental image of : IMAGINE

2fan·cy \ˈfan(t)-sē\ n, pl fancies
1 : LIKING <took a fancy to the stray dog>
2 : NOTION, WHIM <a passing fancy>
3 : IMAGINATION

3fancy adj fan·ci·er; -est
1 : based on fancy : UNPREDICTABLE
2 a : not plain : ORNAMENTAL  b : of particular excellence  c : bred especially for a showy appearance <a fancy goldfish>
3 : done with great skill and grace <fancy footwork>
— fan·ci·ly \ˈfan(t)-sə-lē\ adv

— fan·ci·ness \-sē-nəs\ n

fan·cy–free \ˈfan(t)-sē-ˈfrē\ adj : not in love

fan·cy·work \-ˌwərk\ n : ornamental needlework (as embroidery)

fan·dan·go \fan-ˈdaŋ-gō\ n, pl -gos : a lively Spanish or Spanish-American dance

fan·fare \ˈfan-ˌfa(ə)r, -ˌfe(ə)r\ n : a short stirring tune played by trumpets

fang \ˈfaŋ\ n
1 a : one of the long sharp teeth which are used by an animal to seize, hold, and tear apart its prey  b : one of the long hollow or grooved teeth of a poisonous snake
2 : a root of a tooth
— fanged \ˈfaŋd\ adj

fan·light \ˈfan-ˌlīt\ n : a semicircular window having bars extending from the center that is placed over a door or window

fan·ny \ˈfan-ē\ n, pl fannies : BUTTOCKS

fanny pack n : a pack that straps to the waist and is used for carrying personal items

fan·ta·sia \fan-ˈtā-zhə, ˌfant-ə-ˈzē-ə\ n : a musical composition written without following a particular style

fan·tas·tic \fan-ˈtas-tik, fən-\ adj
1 also fan·tas·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ : produced by the imagination or like something produced by the imagination <a fantastic scheme>
2 : extremely high or great <fantastic speeds>
3 : EXCELLENT, GREAT <a fantastic meal>
— fan·tas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— fan·tas·ti·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ n

fan·ta·sy also phan·ta·sy \ˈfant-ə-sē, -ə-zē\ n, pl -sies
1 : IMAGINATION 3, FANCY
2 : something imagined: as  a : ILLUSION 2  b : FANTASIA  c : a work of literature set in an unreal world often with superhuman characters and monsters

1far \ˈfär\ adv far·ther \-thər\ or fur·ther \ˈfər-\; far·thest or fur·thest \-thəst\
1 : at or to a great distance in space or time <far from home>
2 : to a great extent : MUCH <far better>
3 : to or at a definite distance, point, or degree <as far as I know>
4 : to an advanced point or extent : a long way <a smart student can go far>
— by far : FAR AND AWAY, GREATLY <by far our best runner>

2far adj farther or further; farthest or furthest
1 : very distant in space or time
2 : 1LONG 3 <a far journey>
3 : the more distant of two <the far side of the lake>

far and away adv : by a great extent or degree <was far and away the better team>

far·away \ˌfär-ə-ˌwā\ adj
1 : 1REMOTE 1, DISTANT <faraway lands>
2 : PREOCCUPIED 1, DREAMY <a faraway look>

farce \ˈfärs\ n
1 : a play about ridiculous and absurd situations that is intended to make people laugh
2 : humor characteristic of a farce
3 : something that is ridiculous
— far·ci·cal \ˈfär-si-kəl\ adj

far cry n
1 : a long distance
2 : something notably different <her completed project was a far cry from what she had envisioned>

1fare \ˈfa(ə)r, ˈfe(ə)r\ vb fared; far·ing
1 : 1GO 1, TRAVEL
2 : to proceed toward a goal : SUCCEED <fared well on the test>
3 : EAT 1, DINE

2fare n
1 : FOOD 1 <a café serving light fare>
2 a : the money a person pays to travel by public transportation (as a bus)  b : a person paying a fare : PASSENGER

1fare·well \fa(ə)r-ˈwel, fe(ə)r-\ imperative verb : get along well — used to or by one departing

2farewell n
1 : an expression of good wishes at parting : GOOD-BYE
2 : an act of departure

3fare·well \ˌfa(ə)r-ˌwel, ˌfe(ə)r-\ adj : of or relating to a time or act of leaving : FINAL <a farewell concert>

far–fetched \ˈfär-ˈfecht\ adj : not easily or naturally thought of : IMPROBABLE <gave some far-fetched excuse>

far–flung \ˈfär-ˈfləŋ\ adj : covering great areas : having wide range

fa·ri·na \fə-ˈrē-nə\ n : a fine meal made chiefly from cereal grains used especially as a breakfast cereal

1farm \ˈfärm\ n
1 a : a piece of land used for growing crops or raising livestock  b : a body of water used for the cultivation of aquatic animals <an oyster farm>
2 : a minor-league baseball team

2farm vb
1 : to turn over to another usually for an agreed payment — usually used with out <farm out the electrical work>
2 a : to devote to agriculture <farm 60 acres>  b : to engage in raising crops or animals

farm·er \ˈfär-mər\ n : a person who cultivates land or crops or raises animals

farm·hand \ˈfärm-ˌhand\ n : a farm laborer

farm·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a dwelling on a farm

farm·ing \ˈfär-miŋ\ n : the occupation or business of a person who farms

farm·land \ˈfärm-ˌland\ n : land used or suitable for farming

farm·stead \-ˌsted\ n : the buildings and nearby service areas of a farm

farm·yard \-ˌyärd\ n : space around or enclosed by farm buildings

far–off \ˈfär-ˈȯf\ adj : remote in time or space

far–out \-ˈau̇t\ adj : very strange or unusual <far-out clothes>

far–reach·ing \-ˈrē-chiŋ\ adj : having a wide range, influence, or effect <a far-reaching decision>

1far·row \ˈfar-ō\ vb : to give birth to pigs

2farrow n : a litter of pigs

Far·si \ˈfär-sē\ n : PERSIAN 2

far·sight·ed \ˈfär-ˈsīt-əd\ adj
1 : having foresight
2 : able to see distant things more clearly than near ones
— far·sight·ed·ly adv

far·sight·ed·ness \-ˈsīt-əd-nəs\ n
1 : the condition of having foresight
2 : a visual condition in which a person can see distant things more clearly than near ones

1far·ther \ˈfär-thər\ adv
1 : at or to a greater distance or more advanced point
2 : more completely

2farther adj
1 : more distant : REMOTER
2 : 3FURTHER 2, ADDITIONAL

far·ther·most \ˈfär-thər-ˌmōst\ adj : 1FARTHEST

1far·thest \ˈfär-thəst\ adj : most distant in space or time

2farthest adv
1 : to or at the greatest distance in space or time : REMOTEST
2 : to the most advanced point
3 : by the greatest degree or extent : MOST

far·thing \ˈfär-thiŋ\ n : a former British unit of money equal to ¼ of a penny; also : a coin representing this unit

fas·ci·nate \ˈfas-ən-ˌāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to grip the attention of especially so as to take away the power to move, act, or think for oneself <the belief that serpents can fascinate their prey>
2 : to cause (someone) to be very interested in something or someone
— fas·ci·na·tion \ˌfas-ən-ˈā-shən\ n

— fas·ci·na·tor \ˈfas-ən-ˌāt-ər\ n

fas·ci·nat·ing \ˈfas-ə-ˌnāt-iŋ\ adj : extremely interesting or charming
— fas·ci·nat·ing·ly adv

fas·cism \ˈfash-ˌiz-əm\ n, often cap : a political system headed by a dictator in which the government controls business and labor and opposition is not permitted
— fas·cist \ˈfash-əst\ n or adj, often cap

1fash·ion \ˈfash-ən\ n
1 : the shape or form of something
2 : MANNER 2, WAY <behave in a strange fashion>
3 : a common style especially of dress during a particular time or among a certain group <an idea that is out of fashion> [Middle English facioun “shape, manner,” from early French façon (same meaning), from Latin faction-, factio “action of making,” from facere “to make, do” — related to ARTIFICIAL, BENEFIT, CONFECTION, FACTORY, MANUFACTURE, PERFECT, SATISFY]

2fashion vb fash·ioned; fash·ion·ing \ˈfash-(ə-)niŋ\ : to give shape or form to
— fash·ion·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

fash·ion·able \ˈfash-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj
1 : following the fashion : STYLISH <fashionable clothes>
2 : of or relating to the world of fashion : popular among those who set fashions <fashionable stores>
— fash·ion·able·ness n

— fash·ion·ably \-blē\ adv

1fast \ˈfast\ adj
1 a : firmly fixed or bound  b : tightly shut  c : sticking firmly
2 : firmly loyal <became fast friends>
3 a : moving or able to move rapidly  b : taking a short time  c : giving quickness of motion (as to a thrown ball)  d : favorable to speed <the faster route>
4 : indicating ahead of the correct time <my clock is fast>
5 : tricky and unfair <pulled a fast one>
6 : not likely to fade <fast colors> [Old English fæst “firmly fixed”]
synonyms FAST, RAPID, SWIFT, HASTY, mean moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed. FAST usually applies to things that move <a fast horse>. RAPID usually applies to the movement itself <a river with a rapid current>. SWIFT suggests great rapidity combined with ease of movement <returned the ball with one swift stroke>. HASTY suggests rashness and often carelessness <a hasty inspection of the damage>.

2fast adv
1 : in a fixed manner <stuck fast>
2 : in a complete manner : SOUNDLY, DEEPLY <fast asleep>
3 : with great speed <a building fast going to ruin>

3fast vb
1 : to go without eating
2 : to eat in small amounts or only certain foods [Old English fæstan “to go without eating”]

4fast n
1 : the act of fasting
2 : a time of fasting

fast·back \ˈfas(t)-ˌbak\ n
1 : an automobile roof with a long curving downward slope to the rear
2 : an automobile having a fastback

fast·ball \ˈfas(t)-ˌbȯl\ n : a baseball pitch thrown at full speed

fas·ten \ˈfas-ən\ vb fas·tened; fas·ten·ing \ˈfas-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to attach or join by or as if by pinning, tying, or nailing <fasten clothes on a line>
2 : to make fast : fix securely <fasten a door>
3 : to fix or set steadily <fastened their eyes on the distant ship>
4 : to become fixed or joined <the shoes fasten with a buckle>
— fas·ten·er \ˈfas-nər, -ən-ər\ n

fas·ten·ing n : something that fastens

fast–food \ˌfas(t)-ˌfüd\ adj : specializing in food that can be prepared and served quickly <a fast-food restaurant>

1fast–for·ward \ˌfast-ˈfȯr-wərd\ n
1 : a function of an electronic device that advances a recording at a higher than normal speed
2 : a state of rapid advancement

2fast–forward vb
1 : to advance (a tape) at a high speed
2 : to advance rapidly especially in time <fast-forward to the future>

fas·tid·i·ous \fa-ˈstid-ē-əs\ adj : hard to please : very particular
— fas·tid·i·ous·ly adv

— fas·tid·i·ous·ness n

fast lane n
1 : a traffic lane used by vehicles moving at higher speeds
2 : a way of life marked by a fast pace and the attempt to get everything one wants quickly
3 : FAST TRACK

fast·ness \ˈfas(t)-nəs\ n
1 : the quality or state of being fast
2 : a fortified or secure place

1fast–track \ˈfas(t)-ˌtrak\ adj : of, relating to, or moving along a fast track <fast-track executives>

2fast–track vb : to speed up the processing or production of in order to meet a goal
— fast–track·er n

fast track n : a course leading to rapid advancement or success

1fat \ˈfat\ adj fat·ter; fat·test
1 a : 5PLUMP, FLESHY  b : OILY 1, GREASY
2 a : 1THICK 1 <a fat book>  b : well stocked : ABUNDANT
3 : PROFITABLE <accepted a fat contract>
4 : PRODUCTIVE 1, FERTILE
5 : being swollen <got a fat lip in the fight>
— fat·ness n

2fat vb fat·ted; fat·ting : to make fat : FATTEN

3fat n
1 : animal tissue consisting chiefly of cells containing much greasy or oily matter
2 a : any of numerous compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that make up most of plant and animal fat, are a major class of energy-rich food, and can be dissolved by ether but not by water  b : a solid or semisolid fat (as lard) as distinguished from an oil
3 : the best or richest part <the fat of the land>
4 : an amount beyond what is usual or needed : EXCESS

fa·tal \ˈfāt-əl\ adj
1 : deciding one's fate : FATEFUL <on that fatal day>
2 : causing death or ruin <a fatal accident>  synonyms see DEADLY
— fa·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

fa·tal·ism \ˈfāt-əl-ˌiz-əm\ n : the belief or attitude that events are decided in advance by powers beyond one's control
— fa·tal·ist \-əst\ n

— fa·tal·is·tic \ˌfāt-əl-ˈis-tik\ adj

— fa·tal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

fa·tal·i·ty \fā-ˈtal-ət-ē, fə-\ n, pl -ties : a death resulting from a disaster or accident

fat·back \ˈfat-ˌbak\ n : the strip of fat from the back of a hog carcass

fat cell n : any of the fat-containing cells that make up the connective tissue in which bodily fat is stored

1fate \ˈfāt\ n
1 : a power beyond one's control that is believed to decide what happens
2 : something that happens as though decided by fate
3 : a final result
4 pl cap : the three goddesses in classical mythology who decide the course of human life  synonyms see DESTINY

2fate vb fat·ed; fat·ing
1 : DESTINE 1
2 : 2DOOM 2

fate·ful \ˈfāt-fəl\ adj
1 : foretelling usually bad things to come <a fateful remark>
2 : having serious results : IMPORTANT <a fateful decision>
— fate·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— fate·ful·ness n

fat·head \ˈfat-ˌhed\ n : a stupid person

1fa·ther \ˈfäth-ər, ˈfȧth-\ n
1 a : a male parent  b cap : GOD 1  c cap : the first person of the Christian Trinity
2 : ANCESTOR 1
3 : a man who cares for another as a father might
4 : a man who invents or begins something <the father of modern science>
5 : PRIEST — used especially as a title
— fa·ther·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

— fa·ther·less \-ləs\ adj

2father vb fa·thered; fa·ther·ing \ˈfäth-(ə-)riŋ, ˈfȧth-\
1 a : BEGET 1  b : to be the founder, producer, or author of
2 : to treat or care for someone as a father

fa·ther–in–law \ˈfäth-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ, ˈfȧth-, -ərn-ˌlȯ\ n, pl fa·thers–in–law \ˈfäth-ər-zən-, ˈfȧth-\ : the father of one's husband or wife

fa·ther·land \ˈfäth-ər-ˌland, ˈfȧth-\ n
1 : the native land of one's ancestors
2 : one's native land

fa·ther·ly \ˈfäth-ər-lē, ˈfȧth-\ adj
1 : of or resembling a father <fatherly responsibilities>
2 : showing the affection or concern of a father <fatherly advice>
— fa·ther·li·ness n

Fa·ther's Day \ˈfäth-ərz-, ˈfȧth-\ n : the third Sunday in June set aside for the honoring of fathers

1fath·om \ˈfath-əm\ n : a unit of length equal to six feet (about 1.83 meters) used especially for measuring the depth of water

2fathom vb
1 : to measure by a sounding line
2 : to come to understand <can't fathom why>
— fath·om·able \ˈfath-ə-mə-bəl\ adj

1fa·tigue \fə-ˈtēg\ n
1 pl : the uniform worn by members of the armed forces for physical labor
2 a : tiredness from work or stress  b : the condition of a part of the body (as a sense organ or gland) that temporarily loses the power to respond after a long period of stimulation
3 : the tendency of a material (as metal) to break under repeated stress (as bending)

2fatigue vb fa·tigued; fa·tigu·ing
1 : to cause to become very tired <pulling weeds fatigues me>
2 : to cause a condition of fatigue in <running fatigues my legs>  synonyms see TIRE

fat·ten \ˈfat-ən\ vb fat·tened; fat·ten·ing \ˈfat-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become fat
— fat·ten·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

fat·ty \ˈfat-ē\ adj fat·ti·er; -est
1 : containing fat especially in unusual amounts
2 : GREASY 2
— fat·ti·ness n

fatty acid n : any of numerous acids that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and occur naturally in fats and various oils

fa·tu·ity \fə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē, fa-\ n, pl -ities
1 : something foolish or stupid
2 : STUPIDITY 1

fat·u·ous \ˈfach-(ə-)wəs\ adj : FOOLISH, SILLY
— fat·u·ous·ly adv

fau·cet \ˈfȯ-sət, ˈfäs-ət\ n : a fixture for controlling the flow of a liquid (as from a pipe)

1fault \ˈfȯlt\ n
1 a : a weakness in character : FAILING  b : a physical or mental flaw
2 a : a wrongful act  b : 2MISTAKE 2
3 : responsibility for wrongdoing or failure <it's all my fault>
4 : a break in the earth's crust accompanied by a displacement of rock masses parallel to the break
— fault·less \-ləs\ adj

— fault·less·ly adv

— fault·less·ness n

— at fault : deserving blame : RESPONSIBLE

— to a fault : to the point of being or doing too much <generous to a fault>

2fault vb
1 : to fracture so as to produce a geologic fault
2 : to find a fault in

fault·find·er \ˈfȯlt-ˌfīn-dər\ n : a person who tends to find fault
— fault·find·ing \-diŋ\ n or adj

faulty \ˈfȯl-tē\ adj fault·i·er; -est : having a fault or weakness : IMPERFECT
— fault·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— fault·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

faun \ˈfȯn, ˈfän\ n : a figure in Roman mythology dwelling in the country and represented as part goat and part man

fau·na \ˈfȯn-ə, ˈfän-\ n, pl faunas also fau·nae \-ˌē, -ˌī\ : animals or animal life especially of a region, period, or environment
— fau·nal \-əl\ adj

faux \ˈfō\ adj : 2IMITATION <faux marble> [from French, “false,” from Latin falsus]

fa·va bean \ˈfä-və-\ n : BROAD BEAN

1fa·vor \ˈfā-vər\ n
1 a : friendly regard shown toward another <enjoyed the favor of the king>  b : APPROVAL <look with favor on a project>  c : PARTIALITY 1, PREFERENCE <the judge showed favor to one side>  d : the quality or state of being popular <lose favor>
2 : an act of kindness <do a friend a favor>
3 : a small gift given out at a party
— in favor of
1 : in agreement or sympathy with
2 : in support of

2favor vb fa·vored; fa·vor·ing \ˈfāv-(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to look upon or treat with favor  b : to do a kindness for : OBLIGE  c : to treat gently or carefully : SPARE <favor a sore leg>
2 : PREFER 1
3 : to make possible or easy : help to succeed <darkness favored the attack>
4 : to look like : RESEMBLE <favors his mother>
— fa·vor·er \ˈfā-vər-ər\ n

fa·vor·able \ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈfā-vər-bəl\ adj
1 : showing favor : APPROVING <a favorable reply>
2 : PROMISING, ADVANTAGEOUS <favorable weather for the fair>
— fa·vor·able·ness n

— fa·vor·ably \-blē\ adv

1fa·vor·ite \ˈfāv-(ə-)rət\ n
1 : a person or a thing that is preferred more than others
2 : the contestant considered as having the best chance to win

2favorite adj : being a favorite <our favorite show>

fa·vor·it·ism \ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm\ n : unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others

1fawn \ˈfȯn, ˈfän\ vb
1 : to show affection — used especially of a dog
2 : to try to win favor by behavior that shows lack of self-respect [Old English fagnian “to rejoice,” from fægen “glad, fain”]
— fawn·er n

— fawn·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2fawn n
1 : a young deer; esp : one in its first year
2 : a light grayish brown [early French feen, foon “young of an animal,” derived from Latin fetus “offspring”]

fax \ˈfaks\ n
1 : FACSIMILE 2
2 : a machine used to send or receive facsimile communications
3 : a facsimile communication
— fax vb

fay \ˈfā\ n : FAIRY, ELF
— fay adj

faze \ˈfāz\ vb fazed; faz·ing : to disturb the self-control or courage of : DAUNT <didn't faze her>

F clef n : BASS CLEF 1

fe·al·ty \ˈfē(-ə)l-tē\ n, pl -ties : LOYALTY, ALLEGIANCE

1fear \ˈfi(ə)r\ n
1 a : an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by expectation or awareness of danger  b : an instance of fear or a state marked by fear
2 : concern about what may happen : WORRY
3 : 1AWE
synonyms FEAR, DREAD, ALARM, FRIGHT, mean painful emotion experienced in the presence or expectation of danger. FEAR is the most general word and suggests great worry and usually loss of courage <fear of the unknown>. DREAD suggests strong unwillingness to face something <the dread felt by people awaiting bad news>. ALARM may suggest strong emotional upset caused by an unexpected or immediate danger <viewed the worsening food shortage with alarm>. FRIGHT suggests the shock of something startling and often suggests a short-lived emotion <the creaking door caused them fright>.

2fear vb
1 : to feel great awe of <fear God>
2 : to be afraid of : have fear
3 : to be worried <feared they would miss the train>
— fearer n

fear·ful \ˈfi(ə)r-fəl\ adj
1 : causing fear <the fearful roar of a lion>
2 : filled with fear <fearful of danger>
3 : showing or caused by fear <a fearful glance>
4 : extremely bad, large, or intense <fearful cold>
— fear·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— fear·ful·ness n

fear·less \ˈfi(ə)r-ləs\ adj : free from fear : BRAVE
— fear·less·ly adv

— fear·less·ness n

fear·some \ˈfi(ə)r-səm\ adj
1 : causing fear
2 : TIMID
— fear·some·ly adv

— fear·some·ness n

fea·si·ble \ˈfē-zə-bəl\ adj : possible to do or carry out
— fea·si·bil·i·ty \ˌfē-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— fea·si·ble·ness \ˈfē-zə-bəl-nəs\ n

— fea·si·bly \-blē\ adv

1feast \ˈfēst\ n
1 : a meal with plenty of food and drink : BANQUET
2 : a religious festival or observance [Middle English feste “feast, festival,” from early French feste (same meaning), from Latin festa, plural of festum “festival, feast” — related to FESTIVAL, FIESTA]

2feast vb
1 : to eat plentifully : take part in a feast
2 : to entertain with a feast
3 : 2DELIGHT 2 <feast your eyes on the view>
— feast·er n

feat \ˈfēt\ n
1 : 1ACT 1, DEED
2 a : a deed notable especially for courage  b : an act or product of skill, strength, or cleverness

1feath·er \ˈfeth-ər\ n
1 : one of the light horny growths that make up the outer covering of the body of a bird
2 a : 1KIND 1, NATURE <birds of a feather>  b : CLOTHING 1, DRESS <in full feather>  c : 1CONDITION 5B, MOOD <in fine feather>
— feath·ered \-ərd\ adj

— feath·er·less \-ər-ləs\ adj

— feath·ery \-(ə-)rē\ adj

— a feather in one's cap : an accomplishment deserving praise

2feather vb feath·ered; feath·er·ing \ˈfeth-(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to provide (as an arrow) with a feather  b : to cover, clothe, or adorn with feathers
2 a : to turn (an oar blade) parallel to the water when lifting from the water at the end of a stroke  b : to change the angle of (airplane propeller blades) to reduce air resistance; also : to change the angle of airplane propeller blades of (an engine) in such a manner
3 : to grow feathers
4 : to move, spread, or grow like feathers
— feather one's nest : to get richer in a dishonest or improper way

feather bed n : a mattress filled with feathers; also : a bed with such a mattress

feath·er·brain \ˈfeth-ər-ˌbrān\ n : a foolish scatterbrained person
— feath·er·brained \-ˌbrānd\ adj

feath·er·weight \-ˌwāt\ n
1 : a very light weight
2 : one that weighs little; esp : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 126 pounds

1fea·ture \ˈfē-chər\ n
1 a : the shape or appearance of the face  b : a single part of the face (as the nose or the mouth)
2 : a part or detail that stands out
3 a : the principal motion picture on a program  b : a special column or section in a newspaper or magazine
— fea·ture·less \-ləs\ adj

2feature vb fea·tured; fea·tur·ing \ˈfēch-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to play an important part
2 a : to have as a feature <a menu featuring seafood>  b : to give special prominence to

Feb·ru·ary \ˈfeb-(y)ə-ˌwer-ē, ˈfeb-rə-\ n : the second month of the year
Word History Every winter the ancient Romans would celebrate a festival of spiritual cleansing. The name of the festival was Februa. Because of its importance the Romans named the month in which it fell Februarius, which means “of Februa.” The English name February comes from the Latin Februarius. [Old English Februarius “February,” from Latin Februarius “February,” literally, “of Februa,” from Februa “feast of cleansing”]

fe·ces \ˈfē-(ˌ)sēz\ n pl : bodily waste discharged through the anus : EXCREMENT
— fe·cal \ˈfē-kəl\ adj

fe·cund \ˈfek-ənd, ˈfē-kənd\ adj
1 : producing many offspring or much vegetation : PROLIFIC
2 : mentally productive or inventive
— fe·cun·di·ty \fi-ˈkən-dət-ē\ n

fed·er·al \ˈfed-(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 a : formed by an agreement between political units that surrender supreme authority to a central authority but keep certain powers  b : of or being a form of government in which power is distributed between a central authority and individual units
2 often cap : of, relating to, or loyal to the U.S. federal government during the American Civil War
— fed·er·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

Fed·er·al \ˈfed-(ə-)rəl\ n
1 : a supporter of the government of the U.S. in the American Civil War; esp : a soldier in the federal armies
2 : a federal agent or officer

fed·er·al·ist \ˈfed-(ə-)rə-ləst\ n
1 : a supporter of federal government; esp, often cap : a supporter of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution
2 cap : a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. favoring a strong central national government
— fed·er·al·ism \-ˌliz-əm\ n, often cap

— federalist adj, often cap

fed·er·al·ize \ˈfed-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to unite in or under a federal system of authority
— fed·er·al·i·za·tion \ˌfed-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

fed·er·ate \ˈfed-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to join in a federation

fed·er·a·tion \ˌfed-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : a political body formed by uniting smaller bodies; esp : a federal government
2 : the act of creating or becoming a federation

fe·do·ra \fi-ˈdōr-ə, -ˈdȯr-\ n : a low soft felt hat with the crown creased lengthwise

fed up adj : utterly worn-out and disgusted

fee \ˈfē\ n
1 : a set charge <admission fee> <license fee>
2 : a charge for a professional service <a doctor's fees>  synonyms see PRICE

fee·ble \ˈfē-bəl\ adj fee·bler \-b(ə-)lər\; -blest \-b(ə-)ləst\
1 : lacking in strength or endurance
2 : not forceful or loud <a feeble cry> <a feeble attempt>  synonyms see WEAK
— fee·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ n

— fee·bly \-blē\ adv

fee·ble·mind·ed \ˌfē-bəl-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : not having normal intelligence : mentally deficient
— fee·ble·mind·ed·ly adv

— fee·ble·mind·ed·ness n

1feed \ˈfēd\ vb fed \ˈfed\; feed·ing
1 a : to give food to  b : to give as food  c : EAT 1  d : 2PREY 1A — used with on, upon, or off <feeds on insects>
2 a : to supply with something necessary  b : to supply (material to be operated on) to a machine  c : to nourish or become nourished as if by food
3 a : to supply for use  b : to supply (a signal) to an electronic circuit or to a transmitter for broadcast

2feed n
1 : 1MEAL; esp : a large meal
2 : food for livestock
3 : a mechanism by which feeding is carried out
4 a : a signal fed to a transmitter  b : an Internet service in which updates from electronic information sources (as blogs or social media accounts) are presented in a continuous stream; also : the information presented by such a service

feed·back \ˈfēd-ˌbak\ n
1 a : the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process  b : noise resulting from the feedback of an amplified or broadcast signal
2 : the giving or sending of information or of something from which information can be obtained about the value, effect, or result of an action or process to the controlling source; also : the information or information-containing material so given or sent

feed·er \ˈfēd-ər\ n
1 : a device for supplying food <bird feeder>  b : a branch (as of a river or a transportation system) that supplies or connects to another
2 : one that eats; esp : an animal being fattened or suitable for fattening

feed·lot \ˈfēd-ˌlät\ n : a plot of land on which livestock are fattened for market

feed·stuff \-ˌstəf\ n : 2FEED 2

1feel \ˈfēl\ vb felt \ˈfelt\; feel·ing
1 a : to sense through direct contact; esp : 1TOUCH 1  b : to examine or test by touching : HANDLE
2 a : 2EXPERIENCE  b : to suffer from
3 : to discover by trying carefully — often used with out
4 a : to be aware of <feel trouble brewing>  b : to be conscious of a physical or mental state <feel happy> <feel sick>  c : BELIEVE 5, THINK
5 : to search for something with the fingers
6 : to seem especially to the touch <feels rough>
7 : to have sympathy or pity <I feel for you>

2feel n
1 : the sense of touch
2 : SENSATION 1C, FEELING
3 : the quality of a thing as indicated through touch
4 : intuitive knowledge or ability <a feel for languages>

feel·er \ˈfē-lər\ n
1 : one that feels; esp : a movable organ (as an antenna) of an animal that is usually an organ of touch
2 : a suggestion or remark made to find out the views of other people

feel–good \ˈfēl-ˌgu̇d\ adj
1 : relating to or promoting an often false sense of satisfaction or well-being
2 : cheerfully sentimental <a feel-good movie>

1feel·ing \ˈfē-liŋ\ n
1 a : a sense by which the hardness or softness, hotness or coldness, or heaviness or lightness of things is found out; esp : 2TOUCH 3  b : a sensation experienced through this sense
2 a : a state of mind <a feeling of loneliness>  b pl : general emotional condition : SENSIBILITIES <hurt their feelings>
3 : an opinion or belief often when not based on evidence <a feeling that it will rain>
4 : SYMPATHY 3
5 : FEEL 4

2feeling adj : SENSITIVE 2
— feel·ing·ly \ˈfē-liŋ-lē\ adv

— feel·ing·ness n

feet plural of FOOT

feet·first \ˈfēt-ˈfərst\ adv : with both feet or all four feet going first <fell feetfirst>

Feh·ling's solution \ˈfā-liŋ(z)-\ n : a blue solution prepared by mixing solutions of Rochelle salt and copper sulfate and used especially in a test for sugars

feign \ˈfān\ vb
1 : to give a false appearance of : FAKE <feign illness>
2 : to state as if true <feign an excuse>

feint \ˈfānt\ n : a pretended blow or attack at one point in order to distract attention from the point one really intends to attack
— feint vb

feld·spar \ˈfel(d)-ˌspär\ n : any of a group of crystalline minerals that consist of silicates of aluminum with potassium, sodium, calcium, or barium and that are a basic part of nearly all crystalline rocks

fe·lic·i·tate \fi-ˈlis-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : CONGRATULATE
— fe·lic·i·ta·tion \-ˌlis-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

fe·lic·i·tous \fi-ˈlis-ət-əs\ adj
1 : very well suited or expressed <felicitous wording>
2 : PLEASANT 1, DELIGHTFUL
— fe·lic·i·tous·ly adv

— fe·lic·i·tous·ness n

fe·lic·i·ty \fi-ˈlis-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : great happiness : BLISS
2 : something that causes happiness
3 : a pleasing manner or quality especially in art or language <a felicity with words>
4 : a suitable expression

1fe·line \ˈfē-ˌlīn\ adj
1 a : belonging to the family of flesh-eating mammals with soft fur that includes the cats, lions, tigers, leopards, pumas, and lynxes  b : of or resembling a cat : characteristic of cats
2 : SLY 1, STEALTHY

2feline n : a feline animal : CAT

1fell \ˈfel\ vb
1 a : to cut, beat, or knock down <fell trees>  b : 1KILL 1
2 : to sew (a seam) by folding one edge under the other [Old English fellan “to knock down”]

2fell past of 1FALL

3fell adj : FIERCE 1, CRUEL; also : 1DEADLY 1, 1DEADLY 2A [Middle English fel “fierce, terrible,” from early French fel (same meaning), from fel, felon “villain, evildoer” — related to FELON]

fel·lah \ˈfel-ə, fə-ˈlä\ n, pl fel·la·hin \ˌfel-ə-ˈhēn, fə-ˌlä-ˈhēn\ : a peasant or farm worker in an Arab country (as Egypt or Syria)

1fel·low \ˈfel-ō\ n
1 : COMRADE, ASSOCIATE
2 a : an equal in rank, power, or character : PEER  b : one of a pair : MATE
3 : a person holding any of various positions at a university
4 a : a male person  b : BOYFRIEND 2
5 : a person granted funds for advanced study

2fellow adj : being a companion, mate, or associate

fellow man n : a human being of similar nature

fel·low·ship \ˈfel-ō-ˌship\ n
1 : a friendly relationship among people
2 : a sharing of interest or feeling
3 : a group with similar interests
4 a : the position of a fellow (as of a university)  b : the funds granted a fellow

fel·on \ˈfel-ən\ n : 2CRIMINAL; esp : one who has committed a felony [Middle English felon “one who has committed a felony,” from early French felon “villain, evildoer,” of Germanic origin — related to 3FELL]

fel·o·ny \ˈfel-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies : a serious crime punishable by a heavy sentence
— fe·lo·ni·ous \fə-ˈlō-nē-əs\ adj

— fe·lo·ni·ous·ly adv

1felt \ˈfelt\ n : a heavy material made by rolling and pressing fibers (as of wool) together

2felt vb
1 : to mat together
2 : to make into felt

3felt past of FEEL

1fe·male \ˈfē-ˌmāl\ n : a female plant or animal
Word History In the 14th century, female appeared in English with such spellings as femel, femelle, and female. The word comes from the Latin femella, meaning “young woman, girl,” which in turn is based on femina, meaning “woman.” In English, the similarity in form and sound between the words female and male led people to use only the female spelling. This closeness also led to the belief that female comes from or is somehow related to male. However, apart from the influence of male on the modern spelling of female, there is no link between the origins of the two words. [Middle English female “a girl or woman,” an altered form of femel, femelle (same meaning), from early French femelle and Latin femella, both meaning “a girl or woman,” from earlier Latin femella “a young woman, girl,” from femina “woman” — related to FEMININE]

2female adj
1 a : of, relating to, or being the sex that bears young or produces eggs  b : having only seed-producing flowers <a female holly>
2 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of the female sex  b : made up of females
— fe·male·ness n

1fem·i·nine \ˈfem-ə-nən\ adj
1 : of the female sex
2 : characteristic of or belonging to women : WOMANLY
3 : of, relating to, or making up the class of words that ordinarily includes most of those referring to females <a feminine noun in Latin> [Middle English feminine “female,” from early French feminin (same meaning), derived from Latin femina “woman” — related to FEMALE; see Word History at FEMALE]
— fem·i·nine·ly adv

— fem·i·nine·ness n

— fem·i·nin·i·ty \ˌfem-ə-ˈnin-ət-ē\ n

2feminine n
1 : a word or form of the feminine gender
2 : the feminine gender

fem·i·nism \ˈfem-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : the theory supporting the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
— fem·i·nist \-nəst\ n or adj

— fem·i·nis·tic \ˌfem-ə-ˈnis-tik\ adj

fe·mur \ˈfē-mər\ n, pl fe·murs or fem·o·ra \ˈfem-(ə-)rə\
1 : the long bone of the hind or lower limb extending from the hip to the knee — called also thighbone
2 : the segment of an insect's leg that is third from the body
— fem·o·ral \ˈfem-(ə-)rəl\ adj

fen \ˈfen\ n : low land covered wholly or partly by water

1fence \ˈfen(t)s\ n
1 : a barrier (as of wood or wire) to prevent escape or entry or to mark a boundary
2 : a person who receives stolen goods
— fence·less \-ləs\ adj

— on the fence : not having one's mind made up

2fence vb fenced; fenc·ing
1 a : to enclose with a fence  b : to keep in or out with a fence
2 : to practice fencing
3 : to sell (stolen property) to a fence
— fenc·er n

fenc·ing n
1 : the art or practice of attack and defense with a sword
2 : material for fences

fend \ˈfend\ vb
1 : to keep or ward off : REPEL 1 <fend off an attack>
2 : to try to get along without help <had to fend for themselves>

fend·er \ˈfen-dər\ n : a device that protects: as  a : a frame in front of a locomotive or streetcar to catch or throw off anything that is hit  b : a guard over a wheel of an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle  c : a low metal frame or screen placed on the hearth before an open fireplace

feng shui \ˈfəŋ-ˈshwē, -ˈshwā\ n : a Chinese system for positioning a building and objects within a building in a way that is thought to agree with spiritual forces and to bring health and happiness [from Chinese fēng “wind” and shǔi “water”]

fen·nec \ˈfen-ik\ n : a small African fox with large ears

fen·nel \ˈfen-əl\ n : a garden plant related to the carrot that is grown for its fragrant seeds and needle-shaped leaflets

fe·ral \ˈfir-əl, ˈfer-\ adj : having escaped from domestication and become wild <feral cats>

fer–de–lance \ˌferd-əl-ˈan(t)s, -ˈän(t)s\ n, pl fer–de–lance : a large extremely poisonous pit viper of Central and South America [from French fer-de-lance, literally, “iron (point) of a lance”]

1fer·ment \(ˌ)fər-ˈment\ vb
1 : to undergo or cause to undergo fermentation
2 : to be or cause to be in a state of unrest or excitement
— fer·ment·able \-ˈment-ə-bəl\ adj

— fer·ment·er n

2fer·ment \ˈfər-ˌment\ n
1 : an agent (as a yeast) that is capable of causing fermentation
2 : a state of unrest or excitement

fer·men·ta·tion \ˌfər-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n : chemical breaking down of a substance (as in the souring of milk or the formation of alcohol from sugar) produced by an enzyme and often accompanied by the formation of a gas
— fer·men·ta·tive \(ˌ)fər-ˈment-ət-iv\ adj

fer·mi·um \ˈfer-mē-əm, ˈfər-\ n : a radioactive metallic element artificially produced (as by bombardment of plutonium with neutrons) — see ELEMENT TABLE

fern \ˈfərn\ n : any of an order of vascular plants resembling seed plants in having root, stem, and leaflike fronds but reproducing by spores instead of by flowers and seeds
— fern·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— ferny \ˈfər-nē\ adj

fe·ro·cious \fə-ˈrō-shəs\ adj
1 : FIERCE 1, SAVAGE
2 : very great : EXTREME <ferocious heat>
— fe·ro·cious·ly adv

— fe·ro·cious·ness n

— fe·roc·i·ty \fə-ˈräs-ət-ē\ n

1fer·ret \ˈfer-ət\ n
1 : a domesticated usually albino, brownish, or silver-gray mammal closely related to the European polecat
2 : BLACK-FOOTED FERRET

2ferret vb
1 : to drive out of a hiding place
2 : to find and bring to light by searching — usually used with out

fer·ric \ˈfer-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or containing iron

ferric oxide n : the red or black oxide of iron found in nature as hematite and as rust

Fer·ris wheel \ˈfer-əs-\ n : an amusement ride consisting of a large vertical wheel that is driven by a motor and has seats around its rim [named for G. W. G. Ferris 1859–1896 American engineer]

fer·ro·mag·net·ic \ˌfer-ō-mag-ˈnet-ik\ adj : of or relating to substances (as iron and nickel) that are easily magnetized

fer·rous \ˈfer-əs\ adj : of, relating to, or containing iron

ferrous sulfate n : a salt that consists of iron, sulfur, and oxygen and is used in treating industrial wastes and in medicine

fer·rule \ˈfer-əl\ n : a metal ring or cap placed around the end of a wooden shaft or handle to prevent splitting or to provide a strong joint

1fer·ry \ˈfer-ē\ vb fer·ried; fer·ry·ing
1 a : to carry by boat over a body of water  b : to cross by a ferry
2 a : to carry (as by aircraft or motor vehicle) from one place to another  b : to deliver (an airplane) by flying it to its destination

2ferry n, pl ferries
1 : a place where persons or things are ferried
2 : FERRYBOAT

fer·ry·boat \ˈfer-ē-ˌbōt\ n : a boat used to ferry passengers, vehicles, or goods

fer·tile \ˈfərt-əl\ adj
1 : producing vegetation or crops plentifully : RICH <fertile farmland>
2 : producing thoughts and ideas abundantly <a fertile mind>
3 a : capable of growing and developing <a fertile seed>  b : capable of reproducing or of producing reproductive cells <a fertile bull> <fertile fungal hyphae> [Middle English fertile “bearing in abundance, productive,” from early French fertile and Latin fertilis (both same meaning), from Latin ferre “to bear, carry, yield, produce” — related to 1DEFER, TRANSFER]
— fer·til·i·ty \(ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n
synonyms FERTILE, FRUITFUL, PROLIFIC, mean producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit. FERTILE suggests having the power to reproduce or helping in reproduction and growth <the fertile soil of the farm states>. FRUITFUL stresses the yielding of desirable or useful results <fruitful methods of increasing the corn harvest>. PROLIFIC stresses the power to reproduce and spread rapidly <rabbits are prolific animals>.

fer·til·i·za·tion \ˌfərt-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n
1 : an act or process of making fertile; esp : the application of fertilizer
2 : the union of male and female germ cells to form a zygote

fer·til·ize \ˈfərt-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make fertile: as  a : to cause the fertilization of; also : to unite with in the process of fertilization <a sperm fertilizes an egg>  b : to apply a fertilizer to <fertilize land>

fer·til·iz·er \ˈfərt-əl-ˌī-zər\ n : a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life

fer·vent \ˈfər-vənt\ adj : having or expressing great warmth or depth of feeling <a fervent hope>
— fer·ven·cy \-vən-sē\ n

— fer·vent·ly adv

fer·vid \ˈfər-vəd\ adj : filled with passion or eagerness
— fer·vid·ly adv

— fer·vid·ness n

fer·vor \ˈfər-vər\ n : strength of feeling

fes·cue \ˈfes-(ˌ)kyü\ n : a tufted perennial grass

fes·tal \ˈfest-əl\ adj : FESTIVE 1
— fes·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

1fes·ter \ˈfes-tər\ n : a pus-filled sore

2fester vb fes·tered; fes·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to form pus
2 : 1ROT 1A
3 : to grow or cause to grow increasingly more irritating <let her jealousy fester>

fes·ti·val \ˈfes-tə-vəl\ n
1 : a time of celebration in honor of a special occasion
2 : an often regularly occurring program of events or entertainment [from earlier festival (adjective), derived from early French festival “festive,” from Latin festivus “festive,” from festum (noun) “festival, feast” — related to FEAST, FIESTA]
— festival adj

fes·tive \ˈfes-tiv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival
2 : JOYOUS, MERRY
— fes·tive·ly adv

— fes·tive·ness n

fes·tiv·i·ty \fes-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : FESTIVAL 1
2 : the quality or state of being festive
3 : festive activity

1fes·toon \fes-ˈtün\ n : a decorative chain or strip hanging between two points

2festoon vb : to hang or form festoons on

fe·ta \ˈfet-ə, ˈfe-ˌtä\ n : a white Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk and cured in salt water [from modern Greek pheta “slice (of cheese)”]

fe·tal \ˈfēt-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a fetus

fetal alcohol syndrome n : a variable group of birth defects including deficient mental and physical growth that tend to occur in the offspring of women who drink large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy

fetch \ˈfech\ vb
1 : to go after and bring back
2 : to cause to come : bring forth
3 : to bring as a price : sell for
— fetch·er n

fetch·ing \ˈfech-iŋ\ adj : ATTRACTIVE, PLEASING <a fetching smile>
— fetch·ing·ly adv

fetch up vb : to come to or bring to a stop

1fete or fête \ˈfāt\ n
1 : FESTIVAL 1
2 : a fancy entertainment or party

2fete or fête vb fet·ed or fêt·ed; fet·ing or fêt·ing
1 : to honor with a fete
2 : to pay high honor to

fet·id \ˈfet-əd\ adj : having a strong unpleasant smell
— fet·id·ly adv

— fet·id·ness n

fe·tish also fe·tich \ˈfet-ish also ˈfēt-\ n
1 : an object (as an idol or image) believed to have supernatural or magical powers
2 : an object of unreasonable devotion or concern
— fe·tish·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ n

fet·lock \ˈfet-ˌläk\ n
1 : a projection with a bunch of hair on the back of a horse's leg above the hoof
2 : the bunch of hair growing out of the fetlock

fet·ter \ˈfet-ər\ n
1 : a chain for the feet
2 : something that restricts : RESTRAINT
— fetter vb

fet·tle \ˈfet-əl\ n : a state of fitness or order : CONDITION <in fine fettle>

fe·tus \ˈfēt-əs\ n, pl fe·tus·es : a young animal while in the body of its mother or in the egg especially in the later stages of development; esp : a developing human being in the uterus from usually two months after pregnancy occurs to birth — compare EMBRYO 1

feud \ˈfyüd\ n : a long lasting quarrel; esp : a lasting conflict between families or clans usually having acts of violence and revenge
— feud vb

feu·dal \ˈfyüd-əl\ adj : of or relating to feudalism
— feu·dal·ly adv

feu·dal·ism \ˈfyüd-əl-ˌiz-əm\ n : a system of political organization (as in Europe during the Middle Ages) in which a vassal served a lord and received protection and land in return
— feu·dal·is·tic \ˌfyüd-əl-ˈis-tik\ adj

fe·ver \ˈfē-vər\ n
1 a : a rise of body temperature above the normal  b : a disease of which fever is an important symptom
2 : a state of excited emotion or activity

fever blister n : COLD SORE

fe·ver·ish \ˈfēv-(ə-)rish\ adj
1 a : having a fever  b : of, relating to, or being fever  c : tending to cause fever
2 : showing great emotion or activity : HECTIC <feverish excitement>
— fe·ver·ish·ly adv

— fe·ver·ish·ness n

1few \ˈfyü\ pron : not many persons or things — used in plural <few were present>

2few adj
1 : amounting to only a small number <one of the few sports I play>
2 : not many but some <caught a few fish>
— few·ness n

3few n
1 : a small number of units or individuals <a few of them>
2 : a special limited number <the select few>

1few·er \ˈfyü-ər\ adj : not so many : a smaller number of

2fewer pron : a smaller number of persons or things — used in plural <fewer are available>

fez \ˈfez\ n, pl fez·zes : a round red felt hat that has a flat top and a tassel but no brim

fi·an·cé \ˌfē-ˌän-ˈsā, fē-ˈän-ˌsā\ n : a man engaged to be married [from French fiancé “man engaged to be married,” derived from early French fiancé, past participle of fiancer “to promise,” derived from Latin fidere “to trust” — related to FAITH]

fi·an·cée \ˌfē-ˌän-ˈsā, fē-ˈän-ˌsā\ n : a woman engaged to be married

fi·as·co \fē-ˈas-kō\ n, pl -coes : a complete failure

fi·at \ˈfē-ət, -at, -ät; ˈfī-ət, -at\ n : an order from someone in charge

fib \ˈfib\ n : an unimportant lie
— fib vb

— fib·ber n

fi·ber \ˈfī-bər\ n
1 : a thread or a structure or object resembling a thread: as  a : a slender root (as of a grass)  b : a long tapering thick-walled plant cell especially of vascular tissue  c : a muscle cell  d : AXON, DENDRITE  e : a slender and very long natural or synthetic unit of material (as wool, cotton, asbestos, gold, glass, or rayon) usually able to be spun into yarn  f : mostly indigestible material in food that stimulates the intestine to move its contents along — called also bulk, roughage
2 : material made of fibers
3 : basic toughness : STRENGTH <moral fiber>

fi·ber·board \ˈfī-bər-ˌbōrd, -ˌbȯrd\ n : a material made by pressing fibers (as of wood) into stiff sheets; also : CARDBOARD

fi·ber·fill \-ˌfil\ n : synthetic fibers used as a filling material (as for pillows)

fi·ber·glass \-ˌglas\ n : glass in the form of fibers used in making various products (as yarn, insulation, or boats)

fi·ber–op·tic \ˈfī-bər-ˌäp-tik\ adj : of or relating to fiber optics

fiber optics n
1 pl : thin transparent enclosed fibers of glass or plastic that carry light by internal reflections; also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument
2 : the technique of the use of fiber optics

Fi·bo·nac·ci number \ˌfē-bə-ˈnäch-ē-, ˌfib-ə-\ n : any of the integers in the infinite sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 . . . of which the first two terms are 1 and 1 and each following term is the sum of the two just before it [named for Leonardo Fibonacci about 1170–about 1240 Italian mathematician]

Fibonacci sequence n : a mathematical sequence composed of the Fibonacci numbers in order

fi·bre chiefly British variant of FIBER

fi·brin \ˈfī-brən\ n : a white fibrous substance that is difficult to dissolve and is formed in the clotting of the blood

fi·brin·o·gen \fī-ˈbrin-ə-jən\ n : a protein that is produced in the liver, is present especially in blood plasma, and is changed into fibrin during the clotting of blood

fi·bro·sis \fī-ˈbrō-səs\ n : an abnormal bodily condition in which increased amounts of fibrous tissue form in other tissues — compare CYSTIC FIBROSIS

fi·brous \ˈfī-brəs\ adj
1 : containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers
2 : 1TOUGH 1B, STRINGY

fibrous root n : a root (as in most grasses) that is one of many similar slender roots branching directly from the base of the stem of a plant — compare TAPROOT

fi·bro·vas·cu·lar bundle \ˌfīb-rō-ˌvas-kyə-lər-, ˌfib-\ n : VASCULAR BUNDLE

fib·u·la \ˈfib-yə-lə\ n, pl -lae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ or -las : the outer and usually the smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle of the hind or lower limb
— fib·u·lar \-lər\ adj

fick·le \ˈfik-əl\ adj : likely to change frequently without good reason : INCONSTANT <fickle friends>
— fick·le·ness n

— fick·ly \ˈfik-(ə-)lē\ adv

fic·tion \ˈfik-shən\ n
1 : something told or written that is not fact
2 : a made-up story
— fic·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— fic·tion·al·ly \-shnə-lē, -shən-əl-ē\ adv

fic·tion·al·ize \ˈfik-shnə-līz, -shən-əl-īz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make into fiction <fictionalize a biography>
— fic·tion·al·i·za·tion \ˌfik-shnə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -shən-əl-ə-\ n

fic·tion·ize \ˈfik-shə-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : FICTIONALIZE

fic·ti·tious \fik-ˈtish-əs\ adj : not real : MADE-UP, IMAGINARY
— fic·ti·tious·ly adv

— fic·ti·tious·ness n

1fid·dle \ˈfid-əl\ n : VIOLIN 1

2fiddle vb fid·dled; fid·dling \ˈfid-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to play on a fiddle
2 a : to move the hands or fingers restlessly  b : to spend time in aimless activity  c : MEDDLE, TAMPER
— fid·dler \ˈfid-lər, -əl-ər\ n

fid·dle·head \ˈfid-əl-ˌhed\ n : one of the young tightly coiled leaves of some ferns that are often eaten as greens

fiddler crab n : a burrowing crab of which the male has one claw much larger than the other

fid·dle·stick \ˈfid-əl-ˌstik\ n
1 : a violin bow
2 pl : NONSENSE 1 — used as an interjection

fi·del·i·ty \fə-ˈdel-ət-ē, fī-\ n, pl -ties
1 a : the quality or state of being faithful  b : exactness in details
2 : the degree to which an electronic device (as a record player, radio, or television) correctly reproduces its effect (as sound or a picture)

1fidg·et \ˈfij-ət\ n
1 pl : restlessness as shown by nervous movements
2 : one that fidgets
— fidg·ety \-ət-ē\ adj

2fidget vb : to move or act nervously or restlessly
— fidget with : to move or handle (something) in a nervous way

fie \ˈfī\ interj — used to express disgust or disapproval

fief \ˈfēf\ n : a feudal estate

1field \ˈfē(ə)ld\ n
1 a : an open land area free of woods and buildings  b : an area of cleared land used especially for planting crops  c : a piece of land put to some special use or yielding some special product <an athletic field> <a gas field>  d : a place in which military operations are carried on  e : an open space <a field of ice>
2 a : an area of activity or influence <the field of science>  b : the area of practical activity outside a laboratory, office, or factory <earth scientists working in the field>
3 : a background on which something is drawn, painted, or mounted <painted white stars on a blue field>
4 : the individuals that make up all or part of a contest <a race with a large field of runners>
5 : a region or space in which an effect (as gravity, electricity, or magnetism) exists
6 : the area visible through the lens of an optical instrument
7 : a particular area (as of a record in a database) in which some type of information is regularly recorded

2field vb : to catch or stop and throw a ball to a teammate <the shortstop fielded the ground ball>

3field adj : of or relating to a field

field corn n : corn with starchy kernels that are used for livestock feed or are processed into food products (as corn oil or corn syrup) or ethanol

field day n
1 : a day of outdoor sports and athletic competition
2 : a time of unusual pleasure or unexpected success <newspapers had a field day with the story>

field·er \ˈfēl-dər\ n : one that fields; esp : a baseball player stationed in the outfield while the opposing team is at bat

field event n : an event in a track meet other than a race

field glass n : a handheld instrument for seeing at a distance that consists of two telescopes, a focusing device, and usually prisms — usually used in plural

field goal n
1 : a score of three points in football made by kicking the ball over the crossbar during ordinary play
2 : BASKET 3B

field guide n : a small book with words and pictures for identifying plants, animals, or natural objects (as rocks) that are found in nature

field hockey n : a game played on a field in which each team uses curved sticks to try to knock a ball into the other team's goal

field magnet n : a magnet for producing and maintaining a magnetic field especially in a generator or electric motor

field marshal n : an officer (as in the British army) of the highest rank

field mouse n : any of various mice that inhabit fields

field of view : 1FIELD 6

field of vision : VISUAL FIELD

field·stone \ˈfē(ə)ld-ˌstōn\ n : stone (as in building) in usually unchanged form as taken from nature

field trip n : a visit (as to a factory, farm, or museum) made by students and usually a teacher for purposes of firsthand observation

fiend \ˈfēnd\ n
1 : DEMON 1, DEVIL
2 : an extremely wicked or cruel person
3 a : a person enthusiastically devoted to something  b : 2ADDICT 1
— fiend·ish \ˈfēn-dish\ adj

— fiend·ish·ly adv

— fiend·ish·ness n

fierce \ˈfi(ə)rs\ adj fierc·er; fierc·est
1 a : violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition  b : eager to fight or kill
2 : expressed with extreme force or anger : INTENSE <a fierce argument>
3 : furiously active or determined <a fierce effort>
4 : wild or threatening in appearance
— fierce·ly adv

— fierce·ness n

fi·ery \ˈfī-(ə-)rē\ adj fi·er·i·er; -est
1 : being on fire : BLAZING
2 : hot or glowing like a fire
3 a : full of spirit <a fiery speech>  b : easily set off <a fiery temper>
— fi·er·i·ness n

fi·es·ta \fē-ˈes-tə\ n : FESTIVAL 1; esp : a saint's day celebrated in Spain and Latin America with parades and dances [from Spanish fiesta “a festival, a religious celebration,” from Latin festa, plural of festum “festival, feast” — related to FEAST, FESTIVAL]

fife \ˈfīf\ n : a small high-pitched musical instrument resembling a flute

fif·teen \(ˈ)fif-ˈtēn\ n : a number that is one more than fourteen — see NUMBER TABLE
— fifteen adj or pron

— fif·teenth \-ˈtēn(t)th\ adj or n

fifth \ˈfith, ˈfif(t)th\ n
1 : one that is number five in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the difference in pitch between the first tone and the fifth tone of a scale
— fifth adj or adv

— fifth·ly adv

fif·ty \ˈfif-tē\ n, pl fifties : a number equal to five times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
— fif·ti·eth \-tē-əth\ adj or n

— fifty adj or pron

fif·ty–fif·ty \ˌfif-tē-ˈfif-tē\ adj
1 : shared equally
2 : half favorable and half unfavorable <a fifty-fifty chance>
— fifty–fifty adv

fig \ˈfig\ n : an oblong or pear-shaped fruit that grows on a tree related to the mulberries; also : a tree bearing figs

1fight \ˈfīt\ vb fought \ˈfȯt\; fight·ing
1 a : to struggle against another in battle or physical combat  b : 5BOX 2
2 : to try hard <fighting to stay awake>
3 a : to act for or against : STRUGGLE, CONTEND <fight for the right> <fight a fire> <fight discrimination>  b : to attempt to prevent the success or effectiveness of <fight off a cold>

2fight n
1 a : a violent struggle between opposing forces : COMBAT, BATTLE  b : a boxing match  c : a verbal disagreement
2 : a struggle for a goal or an objective <in a fight for their lives>
3 : strength or disposition for fighting <full of fight>

fight·er \ˈfīt-ər\ n : one that fights:  a : WARRIOR, SOLDIER  b : 1BOXER  c : a fast airplane armed with weapons for destroying enemy aircraft

fig·ment \ˈfig-mənt\ n : something imagined or made up

fig·u·ra·tive \ˈfig-(y)ə-rət-iv\ adj : expressing one thing in terms normally used for another : METAPHORICAL <the figurative use of “foot” in “the foot of the mountain”>
— fig·u·ra·tive·ly adv

— fig·u·ra·tive·ness n

1fig·ure \ˈfig-yər, British and often US ˈfig-ər\ n
1 a : NUMERAL 1  b pl : ARITHMETIC 2 <a good head for figures>  c : 1PRICE 1
2 a : the shape or outline of something  b : bodily shape or form especially of a person
3 a : something that represents a form especially of a person  b : a diagram or pictorial illustration  c : a combination of points, lines, or surfaces in geometry <a circle is a closed plane figure>
4 : 1PATTERN 3, DESIGN
5 : PERSONALITY 4, PERSONAGE

2figure vb fig·ured; fig·ur·ing \ˈfig-yə-riŋ, ˈfig(-ə)-\
1 : to decorate with a pattern
2 : BELIEVE 5, DECIDE <figured we might win>
3 : to be or appear important <figure in the news>
4 : COMPUTE, CALCULATE
— fig·ur·er \-(y)ər-ər\ n

— figure on
1 : to take into consideration
2 : to rely on
3 : 2PLAN 2

fig·ured \ˈfig-(y)ərd\ adj
1 : adorned with, formed into, or marked with a figure
2 : being represented
3 : indicated by figures

fig·ure·head \ˈfig-(y)ər-hed\ n
1 : a figure, statue, or bust on the bow of a ship
2 : a person who has the title but not the powers of the head of something

figure of speech : a form of expression (as a simile or metaphor) that uses words other than in a plain or literal way

figure out vb
1 : FIND OUT, DISCOVER <try to figure out a way to do it>
2 : SOLVE <figure out a problem>

figure skating n : skating in which the skaters move in exact patterns and also perform various jumps and turns

fig·u·rine \ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrēn\ n : a small carved or molded figure

fig·wort \ˈfig-ˌwərt, -ˌwȯ(ə)rt\ n : any of a genus of herbs related to the snapdragons and having toothed leaves and clusters of small purple, yellow, or greenish flowers

fil·a·ment \ˈfil-ə-mənt\ n : a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or part: as  a : a wire (as in a light bulb) that is made to glow by the passage of an electric current  b : a long chain of cells (as of some bacteria or algae)  c : the anther-bearing stalk of a plant stamen
— fil·a·men·tous \ˌfil-ə-ˈment-əs\ adj

fil·bert \ˈfil-bərt\ n
1 : either of two European hazels
2 : the sweet thick-shelled nut of a filbert; also : HAZELNUT
Word History Hazel trees are common in England, and their sweet nuts become ripe in late summer. The feast day of a French saint named Philibert was celebrated during the time that people picked these nuts. In the form of French spoken in England after the Normans conquered it in 1066, the nut of the hazel tree was called philber, after the saint. English borrowed the word as filbert. [Middle English filbert “filbert,” from philber, name for the nut in the French language used in England after 1066; named for Saint Philibert, French abbot who has a feast day at the time when the nuts ripen]

filch \ˈfilch\ vb : to steal something slyly : PILFER

1file \ˈfīl\ n : a usually steel tool with sharp ridges or teeth on its surface for smoothing hard substances [Old English fēol “tool for smoothing rough edges”]

2file vb filed; fil·ing : to rub, smooth, or cut away with a file

3file vb filed; fil·ing
1 : to arrange in order for keeping or reference
2 : to enter or record as required by law [Middle English filen “to arrange (documents) in order,” from Medieval Latin filare “to thread documents on a string,” derived from Latin filum “thread” — related to 5FILE]

4file n
1 : a device (as a folder, case, or cabinet) for keeping papers or records in order
2 a : a collection of papers or records arranged in order  b : a collection of data considered as a unit (as for a computer)

5file n : a row of persons, animals, or things arranged one behind the other [from early French file “a row of things,” from filer (verb) “to spin,” derived from Latin filum “thread” — related to 3FILE]

6file vb filed; fil·ing : to march or proceed in file

file·fish \ˈfī(ə)l-ˌfish\ n : any of various fishes with rough leathery skin

fi·let mi·gnon \ˌfil-(ˌ)ā-mēn-ˈyän, fi-ˌlā-\ n, pl filets mignons \-mēn-ˈyänz\ : a thick slice of beef cut from the narrow end of a tenderloin [French, literally, “dainty fillet”]

fil·i·al \ˈfil-ē-əl, ˈfil-yəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or befitting a son or daughter <filial obedience>
2 : being or having the relation of a child or offspring

1fil·i·bus·ter \ˈfil-ə-ˌbəs-tər\ n : the use of delaying tactics (as long speeches) to put off or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly; also : an instance of this practice
Word History One Dutch word has given us two different English words. The Dutch word vrijbuiter referred to a pirate or plunderer. The English borrowed this word in the 16th century, translating it as freebooter. The word was later picked up by the Spanish, who kept the same meaning but altered it to filibustero. Both words stayed in the realm of history until the middle of the 19th century. Then soldiers of fortune went out from the U.S. to try to cause uprisings in Central American countries. The governments there accused these Americans of wanting personal gain more than justice and called them filibusteros. English-speaking journalists wrote this word as filibuster, making it sound more like an English word. Later in the 19th century, members of Congress who delayed passage of laws by means such as long speeches were compared to the adventurers of Central America, who were trying to overthrow legitimate rule. Filibuster then came to mean “the use of delaying tactics to put off or prevent the passage of laws.” [from Spanish filibustero, literally, “freebooter,” probably derived from English freebooter]

2filibuster vb -tered; -ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\ : to engage in a filibuster
— fil·i·bus·ter·er \-tər-ər\ n

fil·i·gree \ˈfil-ə-ˌgrē\ n
1 : ornamental work especially of fine wire applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces
2 a : ornamental work of delicate or complicated design done so as to show openings through the material  b : a pattern or design resembling such work

fil·ing \ˈfī-liŋ\ n : a small piece scraped off in filing <iron filings>

Fil·i·pi·na \ˌfi-lə-ˈpē-nə\ n : a Filipino girl or woman

Fil·i·pi·no \ˌfil-ə-ˈpē-nō\ n, pl -nos : a person born or living in the Philippines [Spanish]
— Filipino adj

1fill \ˈfil\ vb
1 : to put into as much as can be held or contained <fill one's plate>
2 : to become full <puddles filling with rain>
3 : SATISFY 1A <fill all requirements>
4 : to occupy fully : take up whatever space there is <clothes filled the closet>
5 : to spread through <laughter filled the room>
6 : to stop up (as holes) : PLUG <fill a crack with putty> <fill a tooth>
7 a : to perform the duties of : OCCUPY <fill the office of president>  b : to put a person in <filled several vacancies>
8 : to supply according to directions <fill a prescription>
— fill one's shoes : to take one's place or position

2fill n
1 : a full supply; esp : a quantity that satisfies <eat one's fill>
2 : material used to fill a container, cavity, passage, or low place

fill·er \ˈfil-ər\ n : one that fills: as  a : a substance added to a product (as to increase size or weight)  b : a pack of paper to put in a binder  c : a sound, word, or phrase used to fill pauses in speaking

1fil·let \ˈfil-ət also fi-ˈlā, ˈfil-(ˌ)ā\ also fi·let \fi-ˈlā, ˈfil-(ˌ)ā\ n : a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish

2fillet vb : to cut into fillets

fill in vb
1 : to furnish with specified information <fill in an application> <filled us in on the latest news>
2 : to fill a vacancy usually temporarily : SUBSTITUTE <filled in during the emergency>

fill·ing \ˈfil-iŋ\ n
1 : material that is used to fill something <a filling for a tooth>
2 : something that completes: as  a : the yarn crossing over and under the warp in a fabric  b : a food mixture used to fill pastry or sandwiches

fil·lip \ˈfil-əp\ n : a feature added to attract interest

fill out vb
1 : to put on flesh
2 : to complete by filling in blanks <fill out an application>

fil·ly \ˈfil-ē\ n, pl fillies : a young female horse usually less than four years old

1film \ˈfilm\ n
1 : a thin skin or membrane
2 : a thin coating or layer
3 : a roll or strip of thin flexible transparent material coated with a chemical substance sensitive to light and used in taking pictures
4 : MOTION PICTURE

2film vb
1 : to cover or become covered with film
2 : to make a motion picture of or from

film·strip \ˈfilm-ˌstrip\ n : a strip of film for projecting still pictures on a screen

filmy \ˈfil-mē\ adj film·i·er; -est : of, resembling, suggesting, or made of film
— film·i·ness n

1fil·ter \ˈfil-tər\ n
1 : a substance with pores through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out floating matter
2 : a device containing a filter
3 : a transparent material (as colored glass) that absorbs light of some wavelengths and is used to change light (as in photography)

2filter vb fil·tered; fil·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to expose to the action of a filter
2 : to remove by means of a filter
3 : to pass through or as if through a filter

fil·ter·able also fil·tra·ble \ˈfil-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : capable of being separated by or of passing through a filter
— fil·ter·abil·i·ty \ˌfil-t(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

filterable virus n : any of the infectious agents that remain infectious after passing through a filter with pores too fine for a bacterium to pass through

filter bed n : a bed of sand or gravel for filtering water or sewage

filter feeder n : an animal (as a clam or baleen whale) that obtains its food by filtering food particles or tiny living things from water

filter paper n : porous paper used especially for filtering

filth \ˈfilth\ n
1 : disgusting dirt or waste
2 : something that tends to disgust, offend, or dirty

filthy \ˈfil-thē\ adj filth·i·er; -est
1 : covered with or containing filth : disgustingly dirty
2 a : 2UNDERHAND 1, EVIL  b : OBSCENE 2  synonyms see DIRTY
— filth·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adv

— filth·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

fil·trate \ˈfil-ˌtrāt\ n : the fluid that has passed through a filter

fil·tra·tion \fil-ˈtrā-shən\ n : the act or process of filtering

fin \ˈfin\ n
1 : a thin process on the outside of an aquatic animal (as a fish or whale) used in propelling or guiding the body
2 : something shaped like a fin
— fin·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— finned \ˈfind\ adj

fi·na·gle \fə-ˈnā-gəl\ vb -gled; -gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to use trickery to get what one wants
— fi·na·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ n

1fi·nal \ˈfīn-əl\ adj
1 : not to be changed or undone <my final offer>
2 : relating to or occurring at the end or conclusion : ULTIMATE <the final act of the play> [Middle English final “perfect, final, not to be changed,” from early French final (same meaning), from Latin finalis “final, relating to the end” — related to DEFINE, FINISH, INFINITY]
— fi·nal·ly \ˈfīn-əl-ē, -lē\ adv

2final n : something final: as  a : the last match or game of a tournament — usually used in plural  b : the last examination in a course — often used in plural

fi·na·le \fə-ˈnal-ē, fi-ˈnäl-\ n : the close or end of something (as a musical work)

fi·nal·ist \ˈfīn-əl-əst\ n : a contestant in the finals of a competition

fi·nal·i·ty \fī-ˈnal-ət-ē, fə-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the character or state of being final, settled, or complete
2 : something final

fi·nal·ize \ˈfīn-əl-īz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to put in final or finished form

1fi·nance \fə-ˈnan(t)s, ˈfī-ˌnan(t)s, fī-ˈnan(t)s\ n
1 pl : resources (as money) available to a government, person, group, or business
2 : the obtaining or providing of funds or capital
3 : the system that includes the circulation of money, the providing of banks and credit, and the making of investments
— fi·nan·cial \fə-ˈnan-chəl, fī-\ adj

— fi·nan·cial·ly \-ˈnanch-(ə-)lē\ adv

2finance vb fi·nanced; fi·nanc·ing : to provide money for <finance a trip>

finance charge n : a charge for credit that is generally a percentage of the amount of credit given

finance company n : a company that specializes in making small loans usually to individuals

fin·an·cier \ˌfin-ən-ˈsi(ə)r, fə-ˌnan-, ˌfī-nan-\ n : a person who specializes in finance and especially in the financing of businesses

fin·back \ˈfin-ˌbak\ n : FIN WHALE

finch \ˈfinch\ n : any of numerous songbirds (as the sparrows, grosbeaks, crossbills, goldfinches, and buntings) that have a short stout bill adapted for crushing seeds

1find \ˈfīnd\ vb found \ˈfau̇nd\; find·ing
1 : to meet with someone or something by chance <found a dime>
2 : to come upon by searching, study, or effort <finally found the answer>
3 : to obtain by effort or management <find time to do it>
4 : to make a decision <find a verdict>
5 : to know by experience <people found it useful>
6 : to gain or regain the use of <found my voice again>
— find fault : CRITICIZE, COMPLAIN

2find n : something found; esp : a valuable item found

find·er \ˈfīn-dər\ n : one that finds: as  a : a small telescope attached to a larger one for finding an object  b : a device on a camera that shows the view being photographed by the camera

find·ing \ˈfīn-diŋ\ n
1 : 2FIND
2 : the result of a judicial proceeding or inquiry

find out vb
1 : to learn by study, observation, or search : DISCOVER
2 : to catch doing something bad <the culprit was found out>

1fine \ˈfīn\ n : a sum of money to be paid as a punishment [from earlier fine “a final agreement to settle a lawsuit,” from Middle English fine “end, conclusion,” from early French fin (same meaning), from Latin finis “end, limit” — related to FINAL]

2fine vb fined; fin·ing : to punish by a fine

3fine adj fin·er; fin·est
1 : free from impurity
2 a : not thick, coarse, or dull <fine thread> <fine sand>  b : 1SMALL 1 <fine print>  c : done with extreme care and accuracy <fine measurement>
3 : SUBTLE 1B <a fine distinction>
4 : excellent in quality or appearance <a fine spring day>
5 : to one's liking : AGREEABLE <that's fine with me>
6 : very well <feel fine> [Middle English fin “pure, brought to perfection,” from early French fin (same meaning), from Latin finis (noun) “end, limit” as in finis honorum “the height of honor, the highest honor”]
— fine·ly adv

— fine·ness \ˈfīn-nəs\ n

4fine adv
1 : in a fine manner
2 : very well <did fine on the test> <I liked it fine>

5fi·ne \ˈfē-(ˌ)nā\ n : 1END 1B — used as a direction in music to mark the closing point after a repeat [Italian, from Latin finis “end, limit”]

fine art n : art (as painting, sculpture, or music) concerned mainly with the creation of beautiful objects — usually used in plural

fin·ery \ˈfīn-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : showy clothing and jewels

1fi·nesse \fə-ˈnes\ n : skillful or delicate handling or artistry

2finesse vb fi·nessed; fi·ness·ing : to bring about a result by finesse

fin·fish \ˈfin-ˌfish\ n : 1FISH 1B

1fin·ger \ˈfiŋ-gər\ n
1 : one of the five divisions of the end of the hand; esp : one other than the thumb
2 a : something that resembles or does the work of a finger  b : a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted
3 : the width of a finger
— fin·gered \-gərd\ adj

— fin·ger·like \-gər-ˌlīk\ adj

2finger vb fin·gered; fin·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to touch with the fingers : HANDLE
2 : to perform with the fingers or with a certain fingering

fin·ger·board \ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : the part of a stringed instrument against which the fingers press the strings to vary the pitch

finger bowl n : a small bowl of water for rinsing the fingers at the table

finger food n : a food (as a carrot stick) that is meant to be picked up with the fingers and eaten

finger hole n : a hole in the tube of a wind instrument that may be covered with the finger or left open to change the tone

fin·ger·ing \ˈfiŋ-g(ə-)riŋ\ n
1 a : the method of using the fingers in playing an instrument  b : the marking on a piece of music that shows what fingers are to be used
2 : the act or process of handling or touching with fingers

fin·ger·nail \ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌnāl, ˌfiŋ-gər-ˈnā(ə)l\ n : the nail of a finger

finger painting n
1 : a method of spreading paint on wet paper chiefly with the fingers
2 : a picture produced by finger painting

fin·ger·print \ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint\ n : the pattern of marks made by pressing the tip of a finger on a surface; esp : a pattern of marks in ink of the lines on the tip of a finger taken for the purpose of identification
— fingerprint vb

— fin·ger·print·ing \-ˌprin-tiŋ\ n

fin·ger·tip \-ˌtip\ n : the tip of a finger

fin·icky \ˈfin-i-kē\ adj : very hard to please : FUSSY <a finicky eater>
— fin·ick·i·ness n

fin·is \ˈfin-əs, ˈfī-nəs\ n : 1END 2A, CONCLUSION

1fin·ish \ˈfin-ish\ vb
1 : to bring or come to an end : TERMINATE, 2COMPLETE
2 : to put a final coat or surface on
3 : to end a competition in a specified position <finished third in the race>
4 : to come to the end of a course, task, or undertaking [Middle English finisshen “to finish, bring to an end,” from early French finiss-, finir (same meaning), derived from Latin finis “end, limit” — related to DEFINE, FINAL, INFINITY]
— fin·ish·er n

2finish n
1 : 1END 2A, CONCLUSION
2 : the final coating on a surface or the appearance given by a final coating

finish line n : a line marking the end of a racecourse

fi·nite \ˈfī-ˌnīt\ adj
1 : having certain limits : limited in scope or nature : not infinite
2 : limited in grammatical person and number <a finite verb>
— fi·nite·ly adv

— fi·nite·ness n

Finn \ˈfin\ n : a person born or living in Finland

fin·nan had·die \ˌfin-ən-ˈhad-ē\ n : smoked haddock

1Finn·ish \ˈfin-ish\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Finland, the Finns, or Finnish

2Finnish n : a language of the Finns

fin·ny \ˈfin-ē\ adj : resembling or having fins

fin whale n : a baleen whale that may reach a length of over 70 feet (21 meters)

fiord variant of FJORD

fir \ˈfər\ n
1 : any of various usually large evergreen trees related to the pines some of which yield useful lumber or resins
2 : the wood of a fir

1fire \ˈfī(ə)r\ n
1 : the light and heat and especially the flame produced by burning
2 : eager liveliness : ENTHUSIASM
3 : fuel that is burning (as in a fireplace or stove)
4 : the destructive burning of something (as a building or a forest)
5 : the shooting of guns
— on fire
1 : in the process of burning
2 : ARDENT 1, EAGER

— under fire
1 : exposed to the firing of enemy guns
2 : under attack

2fire vb fired; fir·ing
1 a : to set on fire : KINDLE, IGNITE  b : 1STIR 3, ENLIVEN <a story to fire the imagination> <all fired up>
2 : to dismiss from employment
3 : to cause to explode <fire dynamite>
4 a : to cause to be driven from or as if from a gun : LAUNCH <fire an arrow> <fire a rocket>  b : to shoot off a firearm : DISCHARGE  c : to throw with speed : HURL <fired the ball to first base>
5 a : to subject to great heat <fire pottery>  b : to feed the fire of <fire a furnace>
6 a : to begin to burn  b : to have fuel (as in a cylinder of an engine) ignite at the proper time
7 : to transmit a nerve impulse <the neuron fired>
— fir·er n

fire alarm n : an alarm sounded to signal the outbreak of a fire; also : a device for sounding such an alarm

fire ant n : any of a genus of fiercely stinging ants; esp : IMPORTED FIRE ANT

fire·arm \ˈfī(ə)r-ˌärm\ n : a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder — usually used only of small arms

fire·ball \-ˌbȯl\ n
1 : a ball of fire
2 : a very bright meteor
3 : the glowing cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion

fire·boat \-ˌbōt\ n : a boat equipped for fighting fires

fire·box \-ˌbäks\ n
1 : a chamber (as of a furnace) that contains a fire
2 : a box containing a fire alarm

fire·brand \-ˌbrand\ n
1 : a piece of burning wood
2 : AGITATOR 1

fire·break \-ˌbrāk\ n : a barrier of cleared or plowed land intended to stop the spread of a forest or grass fire

fire·brick \-ˌbrik\ n : a brick capable of resisting great heat and used for lining furnaces or fireplaces

fire·bug \-ˌbəg\ n : a person who deliberately sets destructive fires : ARSONIST

fire·clay \-ˌklā\ n : clay capable of resisting high temperatures that is used especially for firebrick or heat-resistant containers

fire·crack·er \-ˌkrak-ər\ n : a paper tube containing an explosive and set off to make a noise

fired \ˈfī(ə)rd\ adj : using a specified fuel <an oil-fired furnace>

fire·damp \-ˌdamp\ n : a flammable mine gas that consists chiefly of methane; also : the explosive mixture of this gas with air

fire·dog \-ˌdȯg\ n : ANDIRON

fire drill n : a practice drill in putting out fires or in getting out of a building in case of fire

fire engine n : FIRE TRUCK

fire escape n : a stairway or ladder that provides a means of escape from a building in case of fire

fire extinguisher n : something used to put out a fire; esp : a portable or wheeled device for putting out small fires by spraying fire-extinguishing chemicals

firefighter n : a member of a company organized to fight fires
— firefighting n

fire·fly \ˈfī(ə)r-ˌflī\ n : any of numerous night-flying beetles that produce a bright soft flashing light for courtship purposes

fire·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : FIRE STATION

fire irons n pl : tools for tending a fire in a fireplace

fire·light \ˈfī(ə)r-ˌlīt\ n : the light of a fire and especially of one in a fireplace

fire line n : FIREBREAK

fire·man \-mən\ n
1 : FIREFIGHTER
2 : a person who tends fires : STOKER

fire·place \-ˌplās\ n
1 : a framed opening in a chimney to hold an open fire
2 : an outdoor structure of brick, stone, or metal for an open fire

fire·plug \-ˌpləg\ n : HYDRANT

fire·pow·er \-ˌpau̇(-ə)r\ n : the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target

1fire·proof \-ˈprüf\ adj : not easily burned : made safe against fire

2fireproof vb : to make fireproof

fireship n : a ship carrying flammable materials or explosives that is sent among the enemy's ships and set on fire to destroy them

fire·side \ˈfī(ə)r-ˌsīd\ n
1 : a place near the hearth
2 : 1HOME 1A

fire station n : a building housing fire trucks and usually firefighters

fire tower n : a tower (as in a forest) from which a watch for fires is kept

fire·trap \ˈfī(ə)r-ˌtrap\ n : a building or place that is apt to catch on fire or is difficult to escape from in case of fire

fire truck n : an automotive vehicle equipped for fighting fires

fire wall n
1 : a wall for preventing the spread of fire
2 usually fire·wall \ˈfīr-ˌwȯl\ : computer hardware or software that limits access by outside users on a network

fire·weed \ˈfī(ə)r-ˌwēd\ n : a plant with pinkish purple flowers that grows especially in clearings or burned areas

fire·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n : wood cut for fuel

fire·work \-ˌwərk\ n
1 : a device that makes a display of light or noise by the burning of explosive or flammable materials
2 pl : a display of fireworks
3 pl : a display of temper

fir·ing squad \ˈfī(ə)r-iŋ-\ n
1 : a military unit assigned to fire shots over the grave of one buried with military honors
2 : a military unit assigned to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

fir·kin \ˈfər-kən\ n : a small wooden container or barrel

1firm \ˈfərm\ adj
1 a : solidly fixed in place  b : not weak or uncertain : VIGOROUS  c : having a solid or compact texture
2 a : not likely to be changed <a firm offer>  b : not easily moved or disturbed : STEADFAST <a firm believer>
3 : indicating firmness or determination [Middle English ferm “firm, secure,” from early French ferm (same meaning), from Latin firmus “firm, secure, solid”]  synonyms see HARD
— firm·ly adv

— firm·ness n

2firm adv : in a firm manner <stood firm>

3firm vb
1 a : to make secure <firm your grip on the racket>  b : to make solid or compact <firm the soil>
2 : to become firm

4firm n : a business organization <law firm> [from German firma “the name or sign under which a company does business,” from Italian firma “signature,” derived from Latin firmare “to make firm, to approve, to sign,” from firmus “firm, secure”]

fir·ma·ment \ˈfər-mə-mənt\ n : the arch of the sky : HEAVENS

firm·ware \ˈfərm-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : computer programs contained permanently in a hardware device (as a read-only memory)

1first \ˈfərst\ adj
1 : being number one in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : coming before all others in time, order, or importance: as  a : being the earliest  b : being the lowest forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle  c : having or playing the principal part of a group of instruments <first oboe>

2first adv
1 a : before any other in time, space, or importance  b : for the first time
2 : rather than something else <surrender? We will die first>

3first n
1 : one that is number one in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
2 a : the first forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle  b : the winning place in a competition or contest
3 : FIRST BASE
— at first : in the beginning

first aid n : emergency treatment given to an ill or injured person

first base n : the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball; also : the position of the player defending the area around first base

first baseman n : the player defending the area around first base

first·born \ˈfərs(t)-ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ adj : born first : ELDEST
— firstborn n

first–class adj
1 : of or relating to first class
2 : of the highest quality : EXCELLENT <a first-class meal>

first class n : the best or highest group in a classification

first cousin n : COUSIN 1A

first–degree burn n : a mild burn marked by heat, pain, and reddening of the burned surface but not showing blistering or charring of tissues

first·hand \ˈfərst-ˈhand\ adj : coming directly from the original source <a firsthand account of the war>
— firsthand adv

first lady n, often cap F&L : the wife or hostess of the male chief executive of a state or nation

first lieutenant n : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below that of captain

first·ling \ˈfərst-liŋ\ n : one that comes or is produced first

first·ly \ˈfərst-lē\ adv : in the first place

first person n
1 : a set of words or forms (as pronouns or verb forms) referring to the person speaking or writing them
2 : a writing style making use of pronouns and verbs of the first person <first person narration>

first–rate \ˈfərst-ˈrāt\ adj : of the first order of size, importance, or quality
— first–rate adv

first re·spond·er \-ri-ˈspän-dər\ n : a person (as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance

first sergeant n
1 : a noncommissioned officer who is the chief assistant to a military commander
2 : a noncommissioned officer with the rank just below sergeant major in the army and the marines

firth \ˈfərth\ n : a narrow arm of the sea

fis·cal \ˈfis-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to public finances
2 : of or relating to financial matters
— fis·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

1fish \ˈfish\ n, pl fish or fish·es
1 a : a water-dwelling animal — usually used in combination <starfish> <cuttlefish>  b : a cold-blooded vertebrate animal with a typically long scaly tapering body, limbs developed as fins, and a vertical tail fin that lives and breathes in water
2 : the flesh of fish used as food
— fish·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2fish vb
1 : to catch or try to catch fish
2 a : to catch or try to catch fish in <fish the stream>  b : to search for something underwater <fishing for pearls>
3 : to seek something by or as if by groping or feeling <fished for compliments> <fished in his pocket for change>

fish–and–chips n : fried fish and french fried potatoes

fish·er \ˈfish-ər\ n
1 : one that fishes
2 : a dark brown North American flesh-eating mammal related to the weasels; also : its valuable fur or pelt

fish·er·man \ˈfish-ər-mən\ n
1 : a person who fishes
2 : a ship used in commercial fishing

fish·ery \ˈfish-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : the activity or business of fishing
2 : a place or establishment for catching fish

fish hawk n : OSPREY

fish·hook \ˈfish-ˌhu̇k\ n : a usually barbed hook for catching fish

fish ladder n : an arrangement of pools by which fish can pass around a dam

fish–liver oil n : a fatty oil from fish livers (as of cod, halibut, and sharks) used as a source of vitamin A and formerly of vitamin D

fish·net \ˈfish-ˌnet\ n : a net for catching fish

fish·pond \-ˌpänd\ n : a pond stocked with fish

fish protein concentrate n : a nearly colorless and tasteless powder that is obtained from ground whole fish, is rich in protein, and is added to food

fish stick n : a small elongated breaded fillet of fish

fishy \ˈfish-ē\ adj fish·i·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or resembling fish <a fishy odor>
2 : arousing doubt or suspicion : QUESTIONABLE <the story sounds fishy to me>

1fis·sion \ˈfish-ən also ˈfizh-\ n
1 : a splitting or breaking up into parts
2 : a method of reproduction in which a living cell or body divides into two or more parts each of which grows into a whole new individual
3 : the splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of large amounts of energy

2fission vb fis·sioned; fis·sion·ing \ˈfish-(ə-)niŋ, ˈfizh-\ : to go through or cause to go through fission

fis·sion·able \ˈfish-(ə-)nə-bəl, ˈfizh-\ adj : capable of going through fission <fissionable material>

fis·sure \ˈfish-ər\ n
1 : a narrow opening or crack <a fissure in rock>
2 : a narrow natural space between body parts (as bones of the skull) or in the material making up an organ
— fissure vb

fist \ˈfist\ n
1 : the hand clenched with fingers doubled into the palm
2 : 1INDEX 4

fist bump n : a gesture in which two people bump their fists together (as in greeting or celebration)
— fist–bump vb

fist·i·cuffs \ˈfis-ti-ˌkəfs\ n pl : a fight with fists

fis·tu·la \ˈfis-chə-lə\ n, pl fis·tu·las or fis·tu·lae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ : an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ

1fit \ˈfit\ adj fit·ter; fit·test
1 : suitable for a particular purpose <water fit for drinking>; esp : so adapted to the environment as to be capable of surviving — often used in the phrase survival of the fittest
2 : acceptable from a particular point of view : PROPER <a movie fit for the whole family>
3 : 1READY 1, PREPARED <get the ship fit for sea>
4 : QUALIFIED 1, COMPETENT <fit for the job>
5 : sound physically and mentally : HEALTHY [Middle English fit “suitable to a particular purpose”]
— fit·ness n
synonyms FIT, PROPER, SUITABLE, APPROPRIATE, mean right with respect to the nature, condition, or use of the thing referred to. FIT suggests that something has been made right or is qualified for use or action <a rebuilt bike now fit for riding>. PROPER suggests that something is right because of its basic nature <a proper diet> or because it agrees with some custom or rule <proper dress is required>. SUITABLE suggests that something meets the requirements of the situation <find a suitable container for the mixture>. APPROPRIATE suggests that something is especially suitable for the purpose <furniture that would be appropriate in a large living room>.

2fit n
1 : a sudden violent attack of a disease or condition (as epilepsy) especially when marked by convulsions or loss of consciousness
2 : a sudden outburst (as of laughter or anger) [Old English fitt “strife”]

3fit vb fit·ted or fit; fit·ting
1 : to be suitable for or to : BEFIT
2 a : to be of the right size and shape <the suit fits>  b : to insert or adjust until correctly in place  c : to make a place or room for <fit another chair>
3 : to be in agreement with <his story fits the facts>
4 a : to make ready : PREPARE  b : to bring to a required form and size : ADJUST
5 : to supply what is needed for : EQUIP <fit out an expedition>
6 : to be in harmony or agreement : BELONG — often used with in

4fit n
1 : the way something fits <a tight fit>
2 : a piece of clothing that fits

fit·ful \ˈfit-fəl\ adj : not regular : RESTLESS <fitful sleep>
— fit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— fit·ful·ness n

fitted adj
1 : SUITABLE
2 : shaped for a close fit <fitted sheets>

fit·ter \ˈfit-ər\ n : one that fits; esp : a person who adjusts articles of clothing being tried on by a customer

1fit·ting \ˈfit-iŋ\ adj : 2APPROPRIATE, SUITABLE <a fitting gift>
— fit·ting·ly adv

— fit·ting·ness n

2fitting n
1 : a trying on of clothes being made or altered
2 : a small accessory part <a pipe fitting>

five \ˈfīv\ n
1 : a number that is one more than four — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the fifth in a set or series
3 : something having five units or members; esp : a basketball team
4 : a 5-dollar bill
5 : a slapping of extended hands by two people (as in greeting or celebration) <I slapped him five after he scored>
— five adj or pron

five–and–ten \ˌfī-vən-ˈten\ also five–and–dime \-vən-ˈdīm\ n : a store selling inexpensive articles

1fix \ˈfiks\ vb
1 a : to make firm, stable, or fast  b : to give a permanent or final form to  c : to change into a stable or useful form <bacteria that fix nitrogen>  d : 1AFFIX 1, ATTACH
2 : to hold or direct steadily <fixed his eyes on the stage>
3 : to set or place definitely : ESTABLISH <fix the date of a meeting>
4 : to get ready : PREPARE <fix dinner>
5 : 2REPAIR 1
6 a : to get even with  b : to influence the outcome of (as a sports contest) dishonestly
7 : to get set : be on the verge <we're fixing to go> [Middle English fixen “to fix, make firm,” from Latin fixus, past participle of figere “to fasten, fix” — related to CRUCIFIX, CRUCIFY]
— fix·able \ˈfik-sə-bəl\ adj

2fix n
1 : a position of difficulty or embarrassment : PREDICAMENT
2 : the position (as of a ship) decided upon by calculations and compass, observations, or radio; also : a deciding upon of one's position
3 a : an act of bribery or fraud  b : a sports contest whose outcome has been arranged in advance
4 : a dose of something strongly desired or craved <a chocolate fix>; esp : a shot of a narcotic

fix·a·tion \fik-ˈsā-shən\ n
1 : the act, process, or result of fixing
2 : a state of concern or attachment especially when abnormal and lasting for a long time

fix·a·tive \ˈfik-sət-iv\ n : something that fixes or sets

fixed \ˈfikst\ adj
1 a : firmly placed or fastened <a fixed gaze>  b : not changing : SETTLED <a fixed income>
2 : supplied with a definite amount of something needed <well fixed for food>
— fix·ed·ly \ˈfik-səd-lē\ adv

— fix·ed·ness \ˈfik-səd-nəs\ n

fixed star n : a star so distant that its motion can be measured only by very exact observations over long periods

fix·er \ˈfik-sər\ n
1 : one that fixes
2 : SODIUM THIOSULFATE; also : a solution of sodium thiosulfate

fix·ing \ˈfik-sing, sense 2 is often -sənz\ n
1 : a putting in permanent form
2 pl : something that decorates or completes <turkey with all the fixings>

fix·i·ty \ˈfik-sət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being fixed
2 : something that is fixed

fix·ture \ˈfiks-chər\ n
1 : the act of fixing : the state of being fixed
2 : something attached as a permanent part <bathroom fixtures>
3 : one firmly established in a place

1fizz \ˈfiz\ vb : to make a hissing or sputtering sound

2fizz n
1 : a hissing sound
2 : a bubbling drink
— fizzy \ˈfiz-ē\ adj

fiz·zle \ˈfiz-əl\ vb fiz·zled; fiz·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to fail after a good start — often used with out
— fizzle n

fjord also fiord \fē-ˈȯrd\ n : a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes [Norwegian]

flab·ber·gast \ˈflab-ər-ˌgast\ vb : ASTONISH, DUMBFOUND

flab·by \ˈflab-ē\ adj flab·bi·er; -est : not hard and firm : SOFT
— flab·bi·ly \ˈflab-ə-lē\ adv

— flab·bi·ness \ˈflab-ē-nəs\ n

flac·cid \ˈflas-əd, ˈflak-səd\ adj : not firm or stiff

1flag \ˈflag\ n : any of various irises; esp : a wild iris [Middle English flagge “reed”]

2flag n
1 : a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation) or for signaling
2 : something used like a flag to signal or attract attention [probably akin to fag “end of cloth”]

3flag vb flagged; flag·ging : to signal with or as if with a flag; esp : to signal to stop <flag a taxi>

4flag vb flagged; flag·ging
1 : to be limp : DROOP
2 : to become weak <his hope flagged> [probably from {h,2}flag]

5flag n
1 : a hard stone that easily splits into flat pieces
2 : a piece of flag used for paving [Middle English flagge “a piece of turf, a flat paving stone”]

6flag vb flagged; flag·ging : to pave (as a walk) with flags

Flag Day n : June 14 observed in some states as the anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777

1flag·el·late \ˈflaj-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : 1WHIP 2
— flag·el·la·tion \ˌflaj-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n

2flag·el·late \ˈflaj-ə-lət, -ˌlāt; flə-ˈjel-ət\ adj
1 a or flag·el·lat·ed \ˈflaj-ə-ˌlāt-əd\ : having flagella  b : shaped like a flagellum
2 : of, relating to, or caused by flagellates

3flagellate \like {h,2}\ n : a protozoan or alga having flagella

fla·gel·lum \flə-ˈjel-əm\ n, pl -gel·la \-ˈjel-ə\ also -gel·lums : a long whiplike structure by which some tiny plants and animals move
— fla·gel·lar \-ˈjel-ər\ adj

fla·geo·let \ˌflaj-ə-ˈlet\ n : a musical instrument resembling a flute but with a whistle mouthpiece

flag·ging \ˈflag-iŋ\ n : a pavement of flagstones

flag·man \ˈflag-mən\ n : a person who signals with or as if with a flag

flag·on \ˈflag-ən\ n : a container for liquids usually having a handle, spout, and lid

flag·pole \ˈflag-ˌpōl\ n : a pole from which a flag flies

flag rank n : any of the ranks in the navy or coast guard above a captain

fla·grant \ˈflā-grənt\ adj : so bad as to be impossible to overlook : OUTRAGEOUS <a flagrant lie>
— fla·grant·ly adv

flag·ship \ˈflag-ˌship\ n
1 : the ship carrying the commander of a group of ships and flying the flag that tells the commander's rank
2 : the best, largest, or most important one of a group of things <the store is the company's flagship>

flag·staff \-ˌstaf\ n : FLAGPOLE

flag·stone \-ˌstōn\ n : 5FLAG 2

1flail \ˈflā(ə)l\ n : a tool for threshing grain by hand

2flail vb
1 : to strike with or as if with a flail
2 : to move or wave about as if swinging a flail <flailed their arms>

flair \ˈfla(ə)r, ˈfle(ə)r\ n : natural ability

flak also flack \ˈflak\ n, pl flak also flack
1 : antiaircraft guns or the bursting shells fired from them
2 : severe criticism [derived from the German word for “antiaircraft guns,” from the first letters of Flieger “flier” and Abwehr “defense” and Kanonen “cannons”]

1flake \ˈflāk\ n : a small thin flat usually loose piece : CHIP

2flake vb flaked; flak·ing : to form or separate into flakes

flaky \ˈflā-kē\ adj flak·i·er; -est
1 : consisting of flakes
2 : tending to flake <pie with a crisp flaky crust>
3 : odd or strange in behavior
— flak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— flak·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

flam·beau \ˈflam-ˌbō\ n, pl flam·beaux \-ˌbōz\ or flambeaus : a flaming torch

flam·boy·ance \flam-ˈbȯi-ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being flamboyant

flam·boy·ant \flam-ˈbȯi-ənt\ adj : tending to make a striking display : SHOWY
— flam·boy·ant·ly adv

1flame \ˈflām\ n
1 : the glowing gas that makes up part of a fire
2 : a state of burning brightly <the car burst into flame> <a building in flames>
3 : a condition or appearance suggesting a flame
4 : the person one is in love with : SWEETHEART <an old flame>
5 : a hostile or rude electronic message <sent me a flame by e-mail>

2flame vb flamed; flam·ing
1 : to burn with a flame : BLAZE
2 : to burst or break out violently <flaming with anger>
3 : to shine brightly
4 : to treat or affect by flame or fire; esp : to sterilize by a flame
5 : to send a hostile or rude electronic message to or about

fla·min·go \flə-ˈmiŋ-gō\ n, pl -gos also -goes : any of several rosy-white birds with scarlet wings, a very long neck and legs, and a broad bill bent down at the end that are often found wading in shallow water [from Portuguese flamingo “flamingo,” from Spanish flamenco “flamingo,” derived from Latin flamma “flame”; so called from the fiery red feathers on the underside of the wings]

flam·ma·ble \ˈflam-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being easily set on fire and of burning rapidly <a flammable liquid>
— flam·ma·bil·i·ty \ˌflam-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— flammable n

flange \ˈflanj\ n : a rib or rim used for strength, for guiding, or for attachment to another object <the flange on a locomotive wheel>
— flanged \ˈflanjd\ adj

1flank \ˈflaŋk\ n
1 a : the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip  b : a cut of meat from this part of an animal
2 a : 1SIDE 2  b : the right or left of a military formation

2flank vb
1 : to be located at the side of : BORDER
2 : to protect a flank of
3 : to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops)

flank·er \ˈflaŋ-kər\ n
1 : one that flanks
2 : a football player stationed wide of the formation especially as a pass receiver

flan·nel \ˈflan-əl\ n
1 : a soft cloth made of wool or cotton
2 pl : flannel underwear or trousers

flan·nel·ette \ˌflan-əl-ˈet\ n : a cotton flannel

1flap \ˈflap\ n
1 : 1SLAP 1
2 : a broad, limber, or flat piece that hangs loose (as on a pocket or envelope)
3 : the motion or sound of a flap
4 : a movable part of an airplane wing that is attached to the trailing edge of the wing and that is used to increase lift or drag

2flap vb flapped; flap·ping
1 : 2SLAP 1A
2 : to move or cause to move with a beating motion <flapping its wings>

flap·jack \ˈflap-ˌjak\ n : PANCAKE

1flare \ˈfla(ə)r, ˈfle(ə)r\ n
1 : a fire or blaze of light used to signal, light up something, or attract attention; also : a device or material that produces such a flare
2 : an unsteady glaring light
3 : FLARE-UP
4 : a spreading outward; also : a place or part that spreads
5 pl : bell-bottom trousers

2flare vb flared; flar·ing
1 : to burn with an unsteady flame
2 a : to shine or blaze suddenly  b : to become suddenly excited or angry <flare up>
3 : to open or spread outward <pants that flare at the bottom>

flare–up \ˈfla(ə)r-ˌəp, ˈfle(ə)r-\ n : a sudden burst (as of flame or anger)

1flash \ˈflash\ vb
1 : to shine in or like a sudden flame <lightning flashed> <her eyes flashed with excitement>
2 : to send out in or as if in flashes <flash a message>
3 : to appear or pass very suddenly <a car flashed by>
4 : to gleam or glow in sudden bursts
5 : to expose to view usually briefly <flash a badge>
Word History The origin of the word flash is uncertain, though it rhymes with a number of other verbs that also mean forceful, often violent movement that may come to a quick end: dash, lash, crash, slash, clash, gash, bash, splash, smash. These words turn up in English over a fairly long period of time, from dash—the only word in the group with a likely foreign source—in the 14th century to smash in the 18th century. The element -ash has thus provided a kind of model for new words. The initial fl- that is added to -ash to make flash is also heard in words meaning quick movement, as flee, fly, flicker, and flutter. [Middle English flaschen]

2flash n
1 a : a sudden burst of light, flame, or heat  b : a movement of a flag or light in signaling
2 : a sudden and brilliant burst <a flash of wit>
3 : a brief time
4 : one that attracts notice; esp : an outstanding athlete
5 : a device for producing a brief and very bright flash of light for taking photographs

3flash adj
1 : beginning suddenly and lasting only a short time <a flash fire>
2 : having or using a solid-state data storage technology that retains data even without a connection to a power source

flash·back \ˈflash-ˌbak\ n
1 : the introduction of a past event into a story or motion picture; also : this past event
2 : a past incident recurring clearly in the mind

flash·bulb \-ˌbəlb\ n : an electric bulb that produces a brief and very bright flash for taking photographs

flash card n : a card having words, numbers, or pictures that is held up briefly by a teacher to a class during drills (as in spelling or arithmetic)

flash drive n : a data storage device that uses flash memory; specif : a small rectangular device that is designed to be plugged into a USB port on a computer and is often used for transferring files from one computer to another — called also jump drive, thumb drive

flash·er \ˈflash-ər\ n : BLINKER 1

flash·light \ˈflash-ˌlīt\ n : a small battery-operated portable electric light

flash memory n : a computer memory chip that retains its data even without a connection to a power source

flashy \ˈflash-ē\ adj flash·i·er; -est : GAUDY
— flash·i·ly \ˈflash-ə-lē\ adv

— flash·i·ness \ˈflash-ē-nəs\ n

flask \ˈflask\ n : a container shaped like a flattened bottle

1flat adj flat·ter; flat·test
1 : having a smooth level surface <flat ground>
2 : having a smooth even surface
3 : spread out on or along a surface <was flat on the ground>
4 : having a broad smooth surface and little thickness <shoes with flat heels>
5 : ABSOLUTE 3 <a flat refusal>
6 : FIXED 1B, UNCHANGING <charge a flat rate>
7 : 2EXACT 1 <in two minutes flat>
8 a : lacking in interest or flavor <a flat story> <the stew tastes flat>  b : lacking bubbles or sparkle <flat ginger ale>  c : lacking any rise or decline <sales were flat>
9 : being deflated — used of tires
10 a : lower than the true pitch  b : lower by a half step <tone of A flat>
11 : free from gloss <flat paint>  synonyms see LEVEL
— flat·ly adv

— flat·ness n

2flat \ˈflat\ n
1 : a level surface of land : PLAIN
2 : a flat part or surface
3 a : a musical tone one half step lower than a specified tone  b : a character ♭ before a note indicating that it is to be a flat
4 : a shallow box in which seedlings are started
5 : a shoe or slipper having a flat heel or no heel
6 chiefly British : an apartment on one floor
7 : a deflated tire

3flat adv
1 : on or against a flat surface <lie flat>
2 : as much as possible : COMPLETELY <was flat broke>
3 : below the true musical pitch

4flat vb flat·ted; flat·ting : to lower in pitch especially by a half step

1flat·bed \ˈflat-ˌbed\ adj : having a horizontal bed on which material rests <a flatbed scanner>

2flatbed n : a truck or trailer with a body in the form of a platform or shallow box

flat·boat \-ˌbōt\ n : a boat with a flat bottom and square ends used on rivers for carrying freight

flat·car \-ˌkär\ n : a railroad freight car without sides or roof

flat·fish \-ˌfish\ n : any of a group of marine fishes (as halibuts, flounders, or soles) that as adults swim on one side of the flattened body and have both eyes on the upper side

flat·foot \-ˌfu̇t, -ˈfu̇t\ n, pl flat·feet \-ˌfēt, -ˈfēt\
1 : a condition in which the main arch of the foot is so flattened that the entire sole rests upon the ground
2 : a foot affected with flatfoot
— flat–foot·ed \-ˌfu̇t-əd, -ˈfu̇t-əd\ adj

flat·iron \-ˌī(-ə)rn\ n : 1IRON 2C

flat–panel adj : relating to or being a thin flat video display

flat–screen adj : FLAT-PANEL

flat·ten \ˈflat-ən\ vb flat·tened; flat·ten·ing \ˈflat-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become flat

flat·ter \ˈflat-ər\ vb
1 : to praise too much and not sincerely
2 : to judge oneself as better than another <I flatter myself on my skill in dancing>
3 : to represent too attractively <a picture that flatters me>
— flat·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

— flat·ter·ing·ly \-ə-riŋ-lē\ adv

flat·tery \ˈflat-ə-rē\ n, pl -ter·ies
1 : the act of flattering
2 : praise that is excessive or not sincere  synonyms see COMPLIMENT

flat·top \ˈflat-ˌtäp\ n : AIRCRAFT CARRIER

flat·u·lence \ˈflach-ə-lən(t)s\ n : the presence of too much gas or air in the stomach or intestine

flat·ware \ˈflat-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : eating and serving utensils (as forks, spoons, and knives)

flat·worm \-ˌwərm\ n : any of a phylum of simple worms (as planarians, flukes, or tapeworms) that have a soft flat body, lack a body cavity, and have bilateral symmetry

flaunt \ˈflȯnt, ˈflänt\ vb
1 : to wave or flutter in a showy way <a flag flaunting in the breeze>
2 : to make a big show of : PARADE <flaunting their knowledge>

flau·ta \ˈflau̇t-ə\ n : a usually corn tortilla rolled tightly around a filling (as of meat) and deep-fried

flau·tist \ˈflȯt-əst, ˈflau̇t-\ n : FLUTIST

fla·vor \ˈflā-vər\ n
1 a : the quality of something that affects the sense of taste : SAVOR  b : the blend of taste and smell sensations caused by a substance in the mouth
2 : a substance added to food or drink to give it a desired taste
3 : characteristic or most noticeable quality
— flavor vb

— fla·vored \-vərd\ adj

— fla·vor·ful \-vər-fəl\ adj

— fla·vor·less \-ləs\ adj

fla·vor·ing \ˈflā-vər-iŋ\ n : FLAVOR 2

1flaw \ˈflȯ\ n : a small often hidden defect  synonyms see BLEMISH
— flaw·less \-ləs\ adj

— flaw·less·ly adv

— flaw·less·ness n

2flaw vb : to make or become defective

flax \ˈflaks\ n : a slender plant with blue flowers that is grown for its fiber from which linen is made and for its seed from which oil and livestock feed are obtained; also : its fiber

flax·en \ˈflak-sən\ adj
1 : made of flax
2 : of a pale yellow color <flaxen hair>

flax·seed \ˈflak(s)-ˌsēd\ n : the small seed of flax used as a source of linseed oil and in medicinal preparations

flay \ˈflā\ vb
1 : to strip off the skin or surface of : SKIN
2 : to scold severely

F layer n : the highest and most highly charged layer of the ionosphere

flea \ˈflē\ n : any of an order of small wingless bloodsucking insects with a hard body and legs used for leaping

flea·bane \ˈflē-ˌbān\ n : any of various plants related to the daisies

flea collar n : a collar for dogs and cats that contains insecticide to kill fleas

flea market n : a usually outdoor market for secondhand articles and antiques

1fleck \ˈflek\ vb : 2STREAK 1, SPOT

2fleck n
1 : 1SPOT 2A, MARK
2 : 1FLAKE, PARTICLE

fledge \ˈflej\ vb fledged; fledg·ing
1 : to develop the feathers necessary for flying; also : to leave the nest after developing such feathers
2 : to provide with feathers <fledge an arrow>

fledg·ling \ˈflej-liŋ\ n
1 : a young bird just fledged
2 : an immature or inexperienced person

flee \ˈflē\ vb fled \ˈfled\; flee·ing
1 a : to run away often from danger or evil : FLY  b : to run away from : SHUN
2 : to pass away swiftly : VANISH <the mist fled before the rising sun>

1fleece \ˈflēs\ n
1 : the woolly coat of an animal (as a sheep)
2 a : any of various soft or woolly coverings  b : a soft bulky knitted or woven fabric used especially for clothing
— fleecy \ˈflē-sē\ adj

2fleece vb fleeced; fleec·ing
1 : to rob by trickery
2 : to remove the fleece from : SHEAR

1fleet \ˈflēt\ n
1 : a group of warships under one command
2 : a group of ships or vehicles that move together or are under one management <a fleet of taxis> <a fishing fleet>

2fleet adj : very swift <fleet of foot>
— fleet·ly adv

— fleet·ness n

fleet admiral n : an admiral of the highest rank in the navy

fleet–foot·ed \ˈflēt-ˈfu̇t-əd\ adj : able to run fast

fleet·ing \ˈflēt-iŋ\ adj : not lasting : passing swiftly <a fleeting glimpse>  synonyms see TRANSIENT

Flem·ing \ˈflem-iŋ\ n : a member of a people living in northern Belgium

Flem·ish \ˈflem-ish\ n
1 : the Germanic language of the Flemings
2 Flemish pl : FLEMINGS
— Flemish adj

fle·ro·vi·um \flə-ˈrō-vē-əm\ n : a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element — see ELEMENT TABLE

1flesh \ˈflesh\ n
1 a : the soft parts of the body of an animal and especially the muscular parts  b : sleek plump condition of body <cattle in good flesh>
2 : parts of an animal used as food
3 : the physical being of a person as distinguished from the soul
4 : a fleshy plant part (as the pulp of a fruit)
— fleshed \ˈflesht\ adj

— in the flesh : in person

2flesh vb : to make more complete by adding details <flesh out a story>

flesh·ly \ˈflesh-lē\ adj
1 : CORPOREAL, BODILY
2 : WORLDLY 1
3 : SENSUAL 1

fleshy \ˈflesh-ē\ adj flesh·i·er; -est
1 a : resembling or consisting of flesh  b : 5PLUMP, FAT
2 : having or being soft juicy tissue : PULPY <fleshy fruits>
— flesh·i·ness n

fleur–de–lis or fleur–de–lys \ˌflərd-əl-ˈē, ˌflu̇rd-\ n, pl fleurs–de–lis or fleur–de–lis or fleurs–de–lys or fleur–de–lys \ˌflərd-əl-ˈē(z), ˌflu̇rd-\
1 : IRIS 2
2 : a simple drawing of an iris used in art and heraldry [Middle English flourdelis “fleur-de-lis,” from early French flur de lis, literally, “flower of the lily”]

flew past of 1FLY

flex \ˈfleks\ vb
1 : to bend especially over and over
2 a : to move muscles so as to cause flexion of  b : to move or tense (a muscle) by contraction

flex·i·ble \ˈflek-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being bent : PLIANT
2 : readily changed or changing : ADAPTABLE <a flexible schedule>
— flex·i·bil·i·ty \ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— flex·i·bly \ˈflek-sə-blē\ adv

flex·ion \ˈflek-shən\ n : a bending movement around a joint (as the knee or elbow) in an arm or leg that lessens the angle between bones of the arm or leg at the joint; also : the resulting state

flex·or \ˈflek-sər, -ˌsȯ(ə)r\ n : a muscle that produces flexion

flex·ure \ˈflek-shər\ n
1 : the quality or state of being flexed
2 : 2TURN 2B, FOLD

1flick \ˈflik\ n
1 : a light sharp jerky stroke or movement
2 : a sound produced by a flick
3 : 2FLICKER 1

2flick vb
1 : to strike lightly with a quick sharp motion <flicked a speck off the table>
2 : 1FLICKER 1

1flick·er \ˈflik-ər\ vb flick·ered; flick·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to move irregularly or unsteadily : FLUTTER
2 : to burn unsteadily or with a constantly changing light <a flickering candle>

2flicker n
1 : an act of flickering
2 : a brief stirring <a flicker of interest>
3 : a flickering light
— flick·ery \ˈflik-(ə-)rē\ adj

3flicker n : a large insect-eating North American woodpecker with a black crescent on the breast and yellow or red on the underside of the wings and tail — compare RED-SHAFTED FLICKER, YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER

fli·er also fly·er \ˈflī(-ə)r\ n
1 : one that flies; esp : 1PILOT 3
2 : an undertaking (as in business) that involves much risk
3 : an advertising circular

1flight \ˈflīt\ n
1 : an act or instance of passing through the air by the use of wings <a flight in a plane> <the flight of birds>
2 a : a passing through the air or through outer space <the flight of a bullet> <the flight of a rocket to the moon>  b : the distance covered in a flight
3 : a scheduled airplane trip
4 : a group of similar things flying through the air together <a flight of ducks>
5 : a brilliant, imaginative, or uncontrolled exercise or display <a flight of fancy>
6 : a continuous series of stairs from one landing or floor to another

2flight n : an act or instance of running away

flight attendant n : a person who provides service to passengers on an airplane

flight control n : the control from a ground station of an airplane or spacecraft especially by radio

flight engineer n : a crew member of an airplane responsible for mechanical operation

flight·less \ˈflīt-ləs\ adj : unable to fly <flightless birds>

flight path n : the path in the air or space made or followed by something (as a particle, an airplane, or a spacecraft) in flight

flighty \ˈflīt-ē\ adj flight·i·er; -est
1 : easily excited : SKITTISH <flighty horses>
2 : SILLY 3, FRIVOLOUS
— flight·i·ly \ˈflīt-əl-ē\ adv

— flight·i·ness \ˈflīt-ē-nəs\ n

flim·sy \ˈflim-zē\ adj flim·si·er; -est
1 : not strong or solid <flimsy clothes> <a flimsy old car>
2 : not likely or convincing <a flimsy excuse> <a movie with a flimsy plot>
— flim·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— flim·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

flinch \ˈflinch\ vb : to draw back from or as if from physical pain : WINCE
— flinch n

— flinch·er n

1fling \ˈfliŋ\ vb flung \ˈfləŋ\; fling·ing \ˈfliŋ-iŋ\
1 : to move in an abrupt or headlong manner <flung out of the room in a huff>
2 : to kick or plunge vigorously <the horse flung out at him as he went by>
3 a : to throw or swing with force <flung herself down on the couch>  b : to cast aside : DISCARD
4 : to put suddenly and unexpectedly into a state or condition <flung into confusion>  synonyms see THROW
— fling·er \ˈfliŋ-ər\ n

2fling n
1 : an act or instance of flinging
2 : a casual try or involvement
3 : a time of freedom for pleasure

flint \ˈflint\ n
1 : a hard dark quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel
2 a : a piece of flint  b : an alloy (as of iron and cerium) used for producing a spark in lighters
3 : something very hard <a heart of flint>
— flint·i·ly \ˈflint-əl-ē\ adv

— flint·i·ness \ˈflint-ē-nəs\ n

— flinty \-ē\ adj

flint glass n : heavy glass that contains an oxide of lead and is used in lenses and prisms

flint·lock \ˈflint-ˌläk\ n
1 : a lock for a gun using a flint to ignite the charge
2 : a gun fitted with a flintlock

1flip \ˈflip\ vb flipped; flip·ping
1 : to turn by tossing <flip a coin>
2 : to turn over quickly <flip the pages of a magazine>
3 : 2FLICK 1 <flip a switch>
4 : to get excited or angry <you'll flip when you hear this>

2flip n
1 : an act or instance of flipping
2 : a somersault especially in the air

3flip adj : FLIPPANT

flip·pan·cy \ˈflip-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies : an act or instance of being flippant

flip·pant \ˈflip-ənt\ adj : treating lightly something serious or worthy of respect
— flip·pant·ly adv

flip·per \ˈflip-ər\ n
1 : a broad flat limb (as of a seal or whale) used for swimming
2 : a flat rubber shoe with the front widened into a paddle for use in skin diving

1flirt \ˈflərt\ vb
1 : to show a liking for someone of the opposite sex just for fun
2 : 2TOY <flirted with the idea>
— flir·ta·tion \ˌflər-ˈtā-shən\ n

— flir·ta·tious \-shəs\ adj

— flir·ta·tious·ness n

— flirt·er \ˈflərt-ər\ n

2flirt n
1 : an act or instance of flirting
2 : a person who flirts a lot

flit \ˈflit\ vb flit·ted; flit·ting : to move or progress in a quick irregular manner
— flit n

fliv·ver \ˈfliv-ər\ n : a small cheap old automobile

1float \ˈflōt\ n
1 : an act or instance of floating
2 : something that floats: as  a : a device (as a cork) that holds up the baited end of a fishing line  b : a floating platform anchored near a shoreline for use by swimmers or boats  c : a hollow ball that controls the flow or level of the liquid it floats on (as in a tank)  d : a watertight structure that holds up an airplane on water
3 : a vehicle with a platform used to carry an exhibit in a parade; also : the vehicle and exhibit together
4 : a drink consisting of ice cream floating in a beverage

2float vb
1 : to rest on the surface of a fluid
2 : to drift on or through or as if on or through a fluid <dust floating through the air>
3 : to cause to float <float logs down a river>
— float·er n

floating–point adj : involving or being a system of representing numbers (as in computer programming) in which a quantity is written as a number multiplied by a power of that number's base <999.9 can be expressed in a floating-point system as 9.999 × 10^2>

floating rib n : a rib (as one of the two bottom pairs in human beings) that has no attachment to the sternum

1flock \ˈfläk\ n
1 : a group of animals (as birds or sheep) assembled or herded together
2 : a group someone keeps watch over
3 : a large number <a flock of tourists>

2flock vb : to gather or move in a crowd <they flocked to the beach>

floe \ˈflō\ n : a sheet or mass of floating ice

flog \ˈfläg\ vb flogged; flog·ging : to beat severely with or as if with a rod or whip
— flog·ger n

1flood \ˈfləd\ n
1 a : a great flow of water that rises and spreads over the land  b cap : a flood described in the Bible as covering the earth in the time of Noah
2 : the flowing in of the tide
3 : an overwhelming quantity or volume <a flood of mail>

2flood vb
1 : to cover or become filled with a flood
2 : to fill as if with a flood <a room flooded with light> <flood a carburetor>
3 : to pour forth, go, or come in a flood

flood·gate \ˈfləd-ˌgāt\ n : a gate (as in a canal) for controlling a body of water : SLUICE

flood·light \-ˌlīt\ n
1 : artificial light in a broad beam
2 : a light that gives a broad beam
— floodlight vb

flood·plain \-ˌplān\ n
1 : low flat land along a stream or river that may flood
2 : a plain built up from earth left by floodwaters

flood tide n
1 : a rising tide
2 a : an overwhelming quantity <a flood tide of criticism>  b : a high point : PEAK

flood·wa·ter \ˈfləd-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : the water of a flood

1floor \ˈflō(ə)r, ˈflȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : the part of a room on which one stands
2 a : the lower inside surface of a hollow structure <the floor of a car>  b : a ground surface <the ocean floor>
3 : a story of a building <lives on the second floor>

2floor vb
1 : to cover with a floor or flooring
2 a : to knock to the floor  b : 3SHOCK 1, OVERWHELM

floor·ing \ˈflōr-iŋ, ˈflȯr-\ n
1 : 1FLOOR 1
2 : material for floors

1flop \ˈfläp\ vb flopped; flop·ping
1 : to swing or bounce loosely : flap about <a hat brim flopping>
2 a : to throw oneself down in a heavy, clumsy, or relaxed manner <flopped into the chair>  b : to throw or drop suddenly and heavily or noisily <flopped the bundles down with a thud>
3 : to fail completely <the play flopped>

2flop n
1 : an act or sound of flopping
2 : a complete failure : DUD

flop·py \ˈfläp-ē\ adj flop·pi·er; -est : being soft and flexible

flo·ra \ˈflōr-ə, ˈflȯr-\ n, pl floras also flo·rae \ˈflō(ə)r-ˌē, ˈflȯ(ə)r-, -ˌī\ : plants or plant life especially of a region, period, or environment

flo·ral \ˈflōr-əl, ˈflȯr-\ adj : of or relating to flowers or a flora <a floral pattern in wallpaper>

Flor·ence flask \ˌflȯr-ən(t)s-, ˌflär-\ n : a round usually flat-bottomed glass laboratory container with a long neck [named for Florence, city in Italy; so called from the fact that at one time some Italian wines were sold in bottles of this shape]

flo·ret \ˈflōr-ət, ˈflȯr-\ n : a small flower; esp : one of the small flowers forming the head of a daisy and related plants

flor·id \ˈflȯr-əd, ˈflär-\ adj
1 : FLOWERY 2, ORNATE <florid writing>
2 : tinged with red : RUDDY <a florid complexion> [from Latin floridus “blooming, flowery,” from florēre “to blossom, flourish,” from flor-, flos “a flower, blossom” — related to FLOUR, FLOURISH, FLOWER]
— flor·id·ly adv

flor·in \ˈflȯr-ən, ˈflär-, ˈflōr-\ n
1 : an old gold coin first made in Florence in 1252
2 : any of various coins patterned after the florin

flo·rist \ˈflōr-əst, ˈflȯr-, ˈflär-\ n : a person who sells flowers and ornamental plants

1floss \ˈfläs, ˈflȯs\ n
1 a : soft silk or cotton thread used for embroidery  b : DENTAL FLOSS
2 : fluffy material full of fibers

2floss vb : to use dental floss on (one's teeth)

flo·ta·tion also floa·ta·tion \flō-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act, process, or state of floating
2 : the separation of the particles of a mass of ground ore according to how they compare in ability to float on a liquid

flo·til·la \flō-ˈtil-ə\ n : 1FLEET 1; esp : a fleet of small ships

flot·sam \ˈflät-səm\ n : floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo

1flounce \ˈflau̇n(t)s\ vb flounced; flounc·ing
1 : to move with exaggerated jerky motions
2 : to go with sudden determination <flounced out of the room in anger> [perhaps of Scandinavian origin]

2flounce n : an act or instance of flouncing

3flounce vb flounced; flounc·ing : to trim with flounces [an altered form of earlier frounce “to trim with ruffles,” from Middle English frouncen “to curl”]

4flounce n : a strip of fabric attached by the upper edge

1floun·der \ˈflau̇n-dər\ n, pl flounder or flounders : FLATFISH; esp : any of various important marine food fishes [Middle English flounder “a flatfish”; of Scandinavian origin]

2flounder vb floun·dered; floun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to struggle or go clumsily <floundering through the deep snow> [probably an altered form of founder “to go lame, collapse”]

1flour \ˈflau̇(ə)r\ n
1 : finely ground powdery meal of wheat or of any cereal grain or edible seed
2 : a fine soft powder [Middle English flour “finely ground wheat meal,” from earlier flour “best part, flower,” from early French flor, flour “flower,” from Latin flor-, flow “flower, blossom” — related to FLORID, FLOURISH, FLOWER]

2flour vb : to coat with flour

flour beetle n : any of several usually flattened brown beetles that are pests especially in flour or meal

1flour·ish \ˈflər-ish, ˈflə-rish\ vb
1 : to grow well : THRIVE
2 a : PROSPER 1, SUCCEED  b : to be active <flourished around 1850>
3 : to make bold sweeping gestures
4 : to shake or wave around <flourish a sword> [Middle English florisshen “to flourish, thrive,” from early French floriss-, florir (same meaning), derived from Latin florēre “to blossom, flourish,” from flor-, flos “a flower, blossom” — related to FLORID, FLOUR, FLOWER]

2flourish n
1 : a fancy bit of decoration added to something (as handwriting)
2 : a sweeping motion
3 : FANFARE
4 : a period of thriving
5 : a sudden burst <a flourish of activity>

floury \ˈflau̇(ə)r-ē\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling flour
2 : covered with flour

flout \ˈflau̇t\ vb : to ignore in a disrespectful way <flouting the rules>
— flout·er n

1flow \ˈflō\ vb
1 : to move in a stream
2 : 1RISE 5A <the tide ebbs and flows>
3 : to glide or pass smoothly and readily
4 : to hang loose and waving <her gown flowed around her>
5 : to come from as a source <money that flows from trade>
— flow·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2flow n
1 : an act of flowing
2 a : 1FLOOD 1  b : the flowing in of the tide <the tide's ebb and flow>
3 a : a smooth even movement  b : a mass of matter that has flowed when melted <a lava flow>
4 : the quantity that flows in a certain time <the flow of water over a dam>

flow·chart \ˈflō-ˌchärt\ n : a diagram that shows step-by-step progression through a process or system by using special symbols and connecting lines

1flow·er \ˈflau̇(-ə)r\ n
1 a : a specialized plant part that occurs singly or in clusters, possesses often colorful petals or sepals, and bears reproductive organs involved in the development of seeds and fruit : BLOSSOM  b : a cluster of small flowers growing closely together that resembles and is often viewed as a single flower : INFLORESCENCE <a hydrangea flower>  c : a plant grown or valued for its flowers <planted flowers>  d : a cut stem of a plant with its flower <a bouquet of flowers>
2 : the best part or example <in the flower of his youth> [Middle English flour “flower, best part,” from early French flor, flour (same meaning), from Latin flor-, flos “flower, blossom” — related to FLORID, FLOUR, FLOURISH]
— flow·er·less \-ləs\ adj

— flow·er·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2flower vb
1 : to produce flowers : BLOOM
2 : 1FLOURISH 1

flow·ered \ˈflau̇(-ə)rd\ adj
1 : having or bearing flowers
2 : decorated with flowers or flowerlike figures <flowered wallpaper>

flower head n : a tight cluster of small flowers without stems that are arranged so that the whole looks like a single flower

flowering plant n : any of a major group of higher plants that produce flowers, fruits, and seeds with the seeds in a closed ovary — called also angiosperm; compare SEED PLANT

flow·er·pot \ˈflau̇(-ə)r-ˌpät\ n : a pot in which to grow plants

flow·ery \ˈflau̇(-ə)r-ē\ adj flow·er·i·er; -est
1 : full of or covered with flowers
2 : full of fine words or phrases <flowery language>
— flow·er·i·ness n

flown past participle of 1FLY

flu \ˈflü\ n
1 : INFLUENZA 1
2 : any of several virus diseases that are something like a cold
— flu–like \ˈflü-ˌlīk\ adj

flub \ˈfləb\ vb flubbed; flub·bing : BOTCH, BUNGLE
— flub n

fluc·tu·ate \ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to move up and down or back and forth like a wave
2 : to be constantly changing especially up and down
— fluc·tu·a·tion \ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən\ n

flue \ˈflü\ n : an enclosed passageway for directing a current; esp : a channel in a chimney for carrying flame and smoke to the outer air

flu·en·cy \ˈflü-ən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being fluent

flu·ent \ˈflü-ənt\ adj
1 : 1FLUID 1A
2 a : able to speak easily and smoothly <fluent in Spanish>  b : done in a smooth easy way [from Latin fluent-, fluens, present participle of fluere “to flow” — related to FLUID]
— flu·ent·ly adv

1fluff \ˈfləf\ n
1 : 3NAP, DOWN
2 : something fluffy

2fluff vb : to make or become fluffy

fluffy \ˈfləf-ē\ adj fluff·i·er; -est
1 : having, covered with, or resembling fluff or down <the fluffy fur of a kitten>
2 : being light and soft or airy : puffed up <a fluffy omelet>
— fluff·i·ness n

1flu·id \ˈflü-əd\ adj
1 a : capable of flowing like a liquid or gas  b : likely or tending to change or move
2 : showing a smooth easy style <fluid movements> [from French fluide or Latin fluidus, both meaning “fluid, able to flow,” from Latin fluere “to flow” — related to AFFLUENT, FLUENT, 2FLUSH, INFLUENCE, SUPERFLUOUS]
— flu·id·ly adv

— flu·id·ness n

2fluid n : a substance tending to flow or take the shape of its container <liquids and gases are fluids>
— flu·id·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

fluid dram or flu·i·dram \ˌflü-ə(d)-ˈdram\ n : a unit of liquid capacity equal to ⅛ fluid ounce (about 3.7 milliliters) — see MEASURE TABLE

flu·id·i·ty \flü-ˈid-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being fluid

fluid mechanics n : a branch of science that deals with the special properties of liquids and gases

fluid ounce n : a unit of liquid capacity equal to 1/16 pint (about 29.6 milliliters) — see MEASURE TABLE

1fluke \ˈflük\ n : any of various trematode flatworms — compare LIVER FLUKE

2fluke n
1 : the part of an anchor that digs into the ground
2 : a barbed head (as of a harpoon)
3 : one of the lobes of a whale's tail

3fluke n : a stroke of good luck <won by a fluke>
— fluky \ˈflü-kē\ adj

flume \ˈflüm\ n
1 : a sloping channel for carrying water (as for power)
2 : a ravine or gorge with a stream running through it

flung past and past participle of FLING

flunk \ˈfləŋk\ vb
1 : 1FAIL 2C <flunk a test>
2 : to give a failing grade to
— flunk n

flunk out vb : to dismiss or be dismissed from a school for failing

flun·ky also flun·key or flun·kie \ˈfləŋ-kē\ n, pl flunkies also flunkeys
1 a : a servant in livery  b : a person who has simple or unskilled duties
2 : a person who flatters or constantly agrees with another in the hope of receiving favors

flu·o·resce \ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes\ vb -resced; -resc·ing : to produce, exhibit, or be exposed to fluorescence

flu·o·res·cence \ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ən(t)s\ n : the giving off of radiation usually as visible light when exposed to radiation from another source (as ultraviolet light); also : the radiation given off

flu·o·res·cent \ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ənt\ adj
1 : having or relating to fluorescence
2 : very bright in color <fluorescent markers>

fluorescent lamp n : an electric lamp in the form of a tube in which light is produced on the inside fluorescent coating by the action of ultraviolet light

flu·o·ri·date \ˈflu̇r-ə-ˌdāt\ vb -dat·ed; -dat·ing : to add a fluoride to (as drinking water) in order to reduce tooth decay
— flu·o·ri·da·tion \ˌflu̇r-ə-ˈdā-shən\ n

flu·o·ride \ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīd\ n : a compound of fluorine with another element or chemical group

flu·o·ri·nate \ˈflu̇r-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to treat or cause to combine with fluorine or a compound of fluorine
— flu·o·ri·na·tion \ˌflu̇r-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

flu·o·rine \ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌēn, -ən\ n : a nonmetallic element that is normally found alone as a pale yellowish flammable irritating poisonous gas having two atoms per molecule — see ELEMENT TABLE

flu·o·rite \ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīt\ n : a transparent or nearly transparent mineral of different colors that consists of a fluoride of calcium and is used as a flux and in making glass

flu·o·ro·car·bon \ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ō-ˈkär-bən\ n : any of various compounds of carbon and fluorine used chiefly as lubricants, refrigerants, and nonstick coatings and in making plastics and formerly as the driving force in aerosol cans

1flu·o·ro·scope \ˈflu̇r-ə-ˌskōp\ n : an instrument that is used for observing with X-rays the inner structure of objects (as the living body) through which light cannot pass
— flu·o·ro·scop·ic \ˌflu̇r-ə-ˈskäp-ik\ adj

— flu·o·ros·co·py \ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈäs-kə-pē\ n

2fluoroscope vb -scoped; -scop·ing : to examine by fluoroscopy

flu·or·spar \ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌspär\ n : FLUORITE

1flur·ry \ˈflər-ē, ˈflə-rē\ n, pl flurries
1 a : a gust of wind  b : a brief light snowfall
2 : a sudden commotion <a flurry of publicity>
3 : a brief outburst of activity <a flurry of trading in the stock exchange>

2flurry vb flur·ried; flur·ry·ing : to become or cause to become agitated and confused

1flush \ˈfləsh\ vb : to take flight or cause to take flight suddenly <flushed several quail> [Middle English flusshen “to fly up suddenly”]

2flush n
1 : a sudden flow (as of water)
2 : a sudden increase (as of emotion) <a flush of triumph>
3 a : 2BLUSH 2  b : a fresh and vigorous state <the flush of youth>
4 : a brief sensation of heat [perhaps from Latin fluxus, “flow,” from fluere “to flow” — related to FLUID]

3flush vb
1 : 1BLUSH 1
2 : to pour liquid over or through; esp : to wash out with a rush of liquid <flush a toilet>
3 : INFLAME 2, EXCITE <flushed with pride>
4 : to make red or hot

4flush adj
1 a : of a healthy reddish color  b : full of life and vigor : LUSTY
2 a : filled to overflowing  b : well supplied especially with money
3 a : having an unbroken surface <flush paneling>  b : even with the neighboring surface <a river flush with the top of its bank>
— flush·ness n

5flush adv
1 : so as to be flush
2 : so as to make solid contact <a blow flush on the chin>

flus·ter \ˈfləs-tər\ vb flus·tered; flus·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\ : to make nervous and unsure : UPSET <flustered by their rudeness>
— fluster n

1flute \ˈflüt\ n
1 : a woodwind instrument played by blowing across a hole near the closed end
2 : a rounded groove; esp : one on an architectural column
— flute·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2flute vb flut·ed; flut·ing
1 : to play a flute
2 : to make a sound like that of a flute
3 : to form flutes in <fluted columns>

flut·ing \ˈflüt-iŋ\ n : fluted decoration

flut·ist \ˈflüt-əst\ n : a flute player

1flut·ter \ˈflət-ər\ vb
1 : to move or cause the wings to move rapidly without flying or in short flights <butterflies flutter>
2 : to move with quick wavering or flapping motions <flags fluttered in the breeze>
3 : to move about or behave in an excited aimless manner
— flut·tery \ˈflət-ə-rē\ adj

2flutter n
1 : an act of fluttering
2 : FLURRY 2, COMMOTION
3 : an unsteadiness of pitch in reproduced sound

1flux \ˈfləks\ n
1 a : a flowing in <flux of the tide>  b : a series of changes : a state of continuous change
2 : a substance used to aid the melting or joining (as by removing impurities) of metals or minerals

2flux vb
1 : to become or cause to become fluid : FUSE
2 : to treat with a flux

1fly \ˈflī\ vb flew \ˈflü\; flown \ˈflōn\; fly·ing
1 a : to move in or pass through the air with wings  b : to move through the air or with the wind; also : to move through outer space  c : to float or cause to float, wave, or soar in the air <flags flying> <fly a kite>
2 : to take flight : FLEE
3 : to move or pass swiftly <time flies>
4 a : to operate or travel in an aircraft or spacecraft  b : to journey over or through by flying <fly the Atlantic>  c : to transport by aircraft or spacecraft [Old English flēogan “to move through the air, fly”]
— fly at : to attack suddenly and violently

2fly n, pl flies
1 a : a garment closing concealed by a fold of cloth  b : the outer fabric of a tent with a double top  c : the length of an extended flag; also : the loose end of a flag
2 : a baseball hit high into the air
— on the fly
1 : in motion
2 : while still in the air <the home run carried 450 feet on the fly>

3fly vb flied; fly·ing : to hit a fly in baseball

4fly n, pl flies
1 : a winged insect
2 : TWO-WINGED FLY; esp : one (as a housefly) that is large and has a stout body in comparison with others (as a mosquito)
3 : a fishhook covered to look like an insect [Old English flēoge “flying insect”]
— fly in the ointment : an unpleasant feature in something otherwise pleasant

fly ash n : fine solid particles consisting of ashes, dust, and soot carried out from burning fuel (as coal or oil) by the draft

fly ball n : 2FLY 2

fly·blown \ˈflī-ˌblōn\ adj : not pure : TAINTED, CORRUPT

fly·by \-ˌbī\ n, pl fly·bys
1 : a usually low-altitude flight past a chosen place by one or more aircraft
2 a : a flight of a spacecraft past a heavenly body (as Mars) close enough to obtain scientific information  b : a spacecraft that makes a flyby

fly–by–wire adj : controlled by electrical signals rather than mechanically

fly·catch·er \-ˌkach-ər, -ˌkech-\ n : a small bird that feeds on insects that it captures in the air

flyer variant of FLIER

fly·ing \ˈflī-iŋ\ adj
1 a : moving or made by moving rapidly <a flying leap>  b : HASTY 1A <a flying visit>
2 : ready to move or act quickly <a flying squad car>

flying boat n : a seaplane with a hull designed for floating

flying buttress n : an arched structure that extends beyond a wall or building and supports it

flying fish n : any of numerous sea fishes having long fins that look like wings and are used to glide some distance through the air

flying fox n : FRUIT BAT

flying machine n : AIRCRAFT

flying saucer n : any of various unidentified flying objects often reported to be saucer-shaped or disk-shaped

flying squirrel n : a squirrel with folds of skin connecting the forelegs and hind legs that enable it to make long gliding leaps

fly·leaf \ˈflī-ˌlēf\ n : a blank leaf at the beginning or end of a book

fly·pa·per \-ˌpā-pər\ n : paper coated with a sticky often poisonous substance for killing flies

fly·speck \-ˌspek\ n
1 : a speck of waste matter of a fly
2 : something small and of little importance
— flyspeck vb

fly·way \-ˌwā\ n : an established air route of birds that migrate

fly·weight \-ˌwāt\ n : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of 112 pounds

fly·wheel \-ˌhwēl, -ˌwēl\ n : a heavy wheel for regulating the speed of machinery

FM \ˈef-ˌem\ n : a system of broadcasting using frequency modulation; also : a receiver of radio waves broadcast by such a system
— FM adj

1foal \ˈfōl\ n : a young animal of the horse family; esp : one under one year

2foal vb : to give birth to a foal

1foam \ˈfōm\ n
1 : a light mass of fine bubbles formed in or on a liquid
2 : a mass of fine bubbles formed (as by a horse) in producing saliva or sweating
3 : a long-lasting mass of bubbles produced chemically and used especially in fighting oil fires
4 : a material (as rubber) in a lightweight cellular form resulting from the presence of gas bubbles during manufacture
— foam·i·ly \ˈfō-mə-lē\ adv

— foam·i·ness \ˈfō-mē-nəs\ n

— foamy \-mē\ adj

2foam vb
1 : to produce or form foam : FROTH
2 : to be angry

foam rubber n : rubber prepared in the form of a spongy foam

fob \ˈfäb\ n
1 : a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached especially to a pocket watch
2 : a small ornament worn on a watch chain
3 or key fob : an object attached especially to a key chain or key ring; esp : a small electronic device used typically in place of a key (as to unlock a door) or to remotely work another device

fo·cal \ˈfō-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or having a focus
— fo·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

focal length n : the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or inwardly-curved mirror

focal point n : 1FOCUS 1

fo'c'sle variant of FORECASTLE

1fo·cus \ˈfō-kəs\ n, pl fo·ci \-ˌsī\ also fo·cus·es
1 : a point at which rays (as of light, heat, or sound) meet or from which they draw apart or appear to draw apart; esp : the point at which an image is formed by a mirror, lens, or optical system
2 a : FOCAL LENGTH  b : adjustment (as of the eye or binoculars) for clear vision <bring into focus>
3 : one of the two points within an ellipse the sum of whose distances from any point on the ellipse is a constant number
4 : a center of activity or interest
5 : the starting point of an earthquake

2focus vb fo·cused also fo·cussed; fo·cus·ing also fo·cus·sing
1 a : to bring into focus  b : to adjust the focus of <focus a telescope>
2 : to cause to be concentrated <focus attention on a problem>
3 : to bring to a focus <focus rays of light>
4 : to come to a focus
5 : to adjust one's eye or a camera to a certain range

fod·der \ˈfäd-ər\ n : coarse dry food (as cornstalks) for livestock

foe \ˈfō\ n
1 : one who hates another
2 : an enemy in war

foehn or föhn \ˈfə(r)n, ˈfān\ n : a warm dry wind blowing down the side of a mountain

foe·tal, foe·tus chiefly British variant of FETAL, FETUS

1fog \ˈfȯg, ˈfäg\ n
1 a : fine particles of water floating in the atmosphere near the ground  b : a fine spray or a foam for firefighting
2 : a gloomy condition of the atmosphere or a substance causing it
3 : a state of mental confusion <spent the morning in a fog>

2fog vb fogged; fog·ging
1 : to cover or become covered with or as if with fog
2 : to make confused

fog·gy \ˈfȯg-ē, ˈfäg-\ adj fog·gi·er; -est
1 : filled with fog
2 : VAGUE 2
— fog·gi·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

— fog·gi·ness \-ē-nəs\ n

fog·horn \ˈfȯg-ˌhȯ(ə)rn, ˈfäg-\ n : a horn (as on a ship) sounded in foggy weather to give warning

fo·gy also fo·gey \ˈfō-gē\ n, pl fogies also fogeys : a person with old-fashioned ideas — usually used with old

foi·ble \ˈfȯi-bəl\ n : a minor fault in personal character or behavior : WEAKNESS

1foil \ˈfȯi(ə)l\ vb : to prevent from achieving a goal : DEFEAT <foil a plot> [Middle English foilen “to trample underfoot,” from early French fuller, fouler “to shrink and thicken (cloth), trample underfoot,” from Latin fullare “to shrink and thicken (cloth)”]  synonyms see FRUSTRATE

2foil n
1 : a very thin sheet of metal <tin or aluminum foil>
2 : one that serves as a contrast to another <acted as a foil for the comedian> [Middle English foil “leaf,” from early French fuille, foille (same meaning), derived from Latin folium “leaf” — related to FOLIAGE]

3foil n : a fencing weapon having a light flexible blade with a blunt point [origin unknown]

foist \ˈfȯist\ vb : to pass off (something false) as genuine

fo·la·cin \ˈfō-lə-sən\ n : FOLIC ACID

1fold \ˈfōld\ n
1 : a pen for sheep
2 : a group of people with a common faith or interest [Old English falod “pen for sheep”]

2fold vb : to shut up in a fold

3fold vb
1 : to lay one part over or against another part <fold a letter> <birds folding their wings>
2 : to clasp together <fold the hands>
3 : 1EMBRACE 1
4 : to bend (as a layer of rock) into folds
5 : to add (a food ingredient) to a mixture by gently and repeatedly lifting one part over another
6 : to become doubled or pleated
7 : to fail completely <the business folded> [Old English fealdan “to fold, make double thickness”]

4fold n
1 : a doubling or folding over
2 : a part doubled or laid over another part
3 : a bend produced in rock

-fold \ˌfōld, ˈfōld\ suffix
1 : multiplied by (a specified number) : times — in adjectives <a twelvefold increase> and adverbs <repay you tenfold>
2 : having (so many) parts <a threefold problem> [Old English -feald (suffix) “being increased (so many) times”]

fold·er \ˈfōl-dər\ n
1 : one that folds
2 : a printed circular of folded sheets
3 a : a folded cover or large envelope for holding loose papers  b : an element of a computer operating system used to group and organize files

fo·li·age \ˈfō-l(ē-)ij also ˈfōl-yij\ n : the mass of leaves of a plant [an altered form of earlier foillage “a mass of leaves,” from early French fuellage (same meaning), from fuelle, foille “leaf,” derived from Latin folium “leaf” — related to 2FOIL, PORTFOLIO]
— fo·li·aged \-l(ē-)ijd also -yijd\ adj

fo·li·at·ed \ˈfō-lē-ˌāt-əd\ adj : composed of or capable of being separated into layers <foliated metamorphic rocks>

fo·lic acid \ˌfō-lik-\ n : a crystalline vitamin of the B complex used especially in the treatment of anemia resulting from inadequate intake of nutrients

fo·lio \ˈfō-lē-ˌō\ n, pl fo·li·os
1 : a leaf of a manuscript or book
2 a : a book made up of sheets of paper that have been folded to produce two leaves  b : a very large book

1folk \ˈfōk\ n, pl folk or folks
1 : a group of people forming a tribe or nation
2 pl : a certain kind or class of people <country folks>
3 pl : people in general
4 folks pl : the persons of one's own family; esp : PARENTS <visit my folks>
5 : folk music

2folk adj : of, relating to, or originating among the common people of a country or region <folk customs> <folk music>

folk art n : the traditional art of usually untrained people typically created by an unknown artist

folk·lore \ˈfōk-ˌlō(ə)r, -ˌlȯ(ə)r\ n : customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings of a people handed down from generation to generation
— folk·lor·ist \-ˌlōr-əst, -ˌlȯr-\ n

folk medicine n : traditional medicine that usually involves the use of plant-based remedies especially by people isolated from modern medical services

folk·sing·er \-ˌsing-ər\ n : a singer of folk songs

folk song n : a traditional or composed song typically having stanzas, a refrain, and a simple melody

folk·tale \-ˌtāl\ n : a story made up and handed down by the common people

fol·li·cle \ˈfäl-i-kəl\ n
1 a : a small cavity or a deep bodily depression with a narrow mouth (as one from which a hair grows)  b : GRAAFIAN FOLLICLE
2 : a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe
— fol·lic·u·lar \fə-ˈlik-yə-lər, fä-\ adj

follicle–stimulating hormone n : a hormone from the pituitary gland that causes the graafian follicles to grow in females and makes sperm-forming cells active in males

1follow \ˈfäl-ō\ vb
1 : to go or come after or behind
2 : to be guided by : OBEY <follow your conscience> <follow instructions>
3 : to go after or on the track of <follow that car>
4 : to go along <follow a path>
5 : to work in or at something as a business or way of life <follow the sea>
6 : to come after in order of rank or natural sequence <two follows one>
7 : to keep one's attention fixed on <follow a speech>
8 : to result from something <fame followed the captain's success>
9 : to understand the sense or logic of
10 : to subscribe to the feed of (someone or something) especially on social media  synonyms see CHASE
— follow suit
1 : to play a card of the same suit as the card led
2 : to follow an example set

2follow n : the act or process of following

fol·low·er \ˈfäl-ə-wər\ n
1 : 2ATTENDANT 1
2 : SUPPORTER, ADHERENT
3 : DISCIPLE 1
4 : one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media

1fol·low·ing \ˈfäl-ə-wiŋ\ adj
1 : being next in order or time <the following day>
2 : listed or shown next

2following n : a group of followers

3following prep : immediately after

follow through vb
1 : to complete a stroke or swing
2 : to continue in an activity or process especially to a conclusion <follow through with a study>
— fol·low–through \ˈfäl-ō-ˌthrü, ˌfäl-ō-ˈthrü, -ə-\ n

fol·low–up \ˈfäl-ə-ˌwəp\ n
1 : the act or an instance of following up <therapy as a follow-up to surgery>
2 : something that follows up
— follow–up adj

follow up \ˌfäl-ə-ˈwəp\ vb
1 : to follow with something similar, related, or additional <follow up an idea with action>
2 : to seek more details about <the police are following up leads>

fol·ly \ˈfäl-ē\ n, pl follies
1 : lack of good sense or judgment
2 : foolish behavior
3 : a foolish act or idea

fo·ment \ˈfō-ˌment, fō-ˈmənt\ vb : to stir up : ROUSE, INSTIGATE <foment rebellion>
— fo·ment·er n

fo·men·ta·tion \ˌfō-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n
1 : a warm or hot moist material applied to the body to ease pain
2 : the act of fomenting : INSTIGATION

fond \ˈfänd\ adj
1 : having a liking or love <fond of music>
2 : LOVING, AFFECTIONATE <a fond farewell>
3 : cherished with great affection <their fondest hopes>
— fond·ly \ˈfän-(d)lē\ adv

— fond·ness \ˈfän(d)-nəs\ n

fon·dant \ˈfän-dənt\ n
1 : a creamy preparation of sugar used as a basis for candies or icings
2 : a candy consisting chiefly of fondant

fon·dle \ˈfän-dəl\ vb fon·dled; fon·dling \-(d)liŋ, -dəl-iŋ\ : to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner : CARESS, PET
— fon·dler \-(d)lər, -dəl-ər\ n

fon·due \fän-ˈd(y)ü\ n : a preparation of melted cheese and flavorings

1font \ˈfänt\ n
1 : a basin for baptismal or holy water
2 : FOUNTAIN 2 [Old English font “basin for holy water,” derived from Latin font-, fons “fountain, spring” — related to FOUNTAIN]

2font n : an assortment of type or characters all of one size and style [from early French fonte “act of casting metal,” derived from Latin fundere “to pour melted metal into a mold” — related to 3FOUND, 2FOUNDER]

fon·ta·nel also fon·ta·nelle \ˌfänt-ə-ˈnel, ˈfänt-ə-ˌ\ n : a membrane-covered opening between the bones of the skull of a fetus or infant

food \ˈfüd\ n
1 : material containing or consisting of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins used in the body of an animal to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy; also : such material together with extra substances (as vitamins and minerals)
2 a : organic substances taken in by green plants and used to build organic nutrients  b : organic material produced by green plants and used by them as building material and as a source of energy
3 : nourishment in solid form
4 : something that nourishes, supports, or supplies <food for thought>

food bank n : a usually nonprofit organization that collects donated food and distributes it to people in need — called also food pantry

food·borne \ˈfüd-ˌbō(ə)rn, -ˌbȯ(ə)rn\ adj : caused by food contaminated with harmful microorganisms or toxic substances

food chain n : a series of organisms in which each uses the next usually lower member of the series as a food source

food court n : an area within a building (as a shopping mall) set aside for food sales

foodie \ˈfüd-ē\ n : a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads

food poisoning n : a digestive sickness caused by bacteria or by chemicals in food

food processor n : an electric kitchen appliance that has blades that turn inside a container and is used for cutting and blending food

food pyramid n : a series of levels of ecological food relationships arranged by levels in which a chief predator is at the top, each level preys on the next lower level, and green plants are usually at the bottom

food stamp n : a coupon issued by the government that is given to poor people to be exchanged for food

food·stuff \ˈfüd-ˌstəf\ n : a substance with food value; esp : a specific nutrient (as protein or fat)

food vacuole n : a vacuole (as in an amoeba) in which ingested food is digested

food web n : the whole group of interacting food chains in an ecological community

1fool \ˈfül\ n
1 : a person who lacks good sense or judgment
2 : a person formerly kept in a noble or royal household to amuse with jests and pranks

2fool vb
1 a : to spend time idly <just fooling around>  b : to meddle or tamper thoughtlessly or ignorantly <don't fool with that dial>
2 : to speak or act in fun : JOKE <I was only fooling>
3 : to make a fool of : TRICK

fool·ery \ˈfül-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : a foolish act : HORSEPLAY
2 : foolish behavior

fool·har·dy \ˈfül-ˌhärd-ē\ adj : foolishly adventurous or bold
— fool·har·di·ly \-ˌhärd-əl-ē\ adv

— fool·har·di·ness \-ˌhärd-ē-nəs\ n

fool·ish \ˈfü-lish\ adj : lacking in good sense or judgment : SILLY
— fool·ish·ly adv

— fool·ish·ness n

fool·proof \ˈfül-ˈprüf\ adj : done, made, or planned so well that nothing can go wrong <foolproof directions>

fool's gold n : PYRITE

1foot \ˈfu̇t\ n, pl feet \ˈfēt\ also foot
1 a : the end part of the leg below the ankle of a vertebrate animal  b : an organ upon which an invertebrate animal stands or moves; esp : a bottom muscular part of a mollusk
2 : a unit of length equal to ⅓ yard or 12 inches (0.3048 meter) <a 10-foot pole> <six feet tall> — see MEASURE TABLE
3 : the basic unit of verse meter made up of a group of accented and unaccented syllables
4 : something resembling an animal's foot in position or use or in being opposite the head <the foot of a mountain> <the foot of a bed>
— at one's feet : under one's spell or influence

— on foot
1 : by walking <went on foot>
2 : UNDER WAY 2 <an investigation was set on foot>

— on one's feet
1 : in a standing position
2 : in an established position or state
3 : in a recovered condition (as from illness) <back on my feet>
4 : while in action <good debaters can think on their feet>

2foot vb
1 a : 1DANCE 1  b : 1WALK 1  c : 1RUN 1A
2 a : to add up  b : to pay or provide for paying <foot the bill>

foot·age \ˈfu̇t-ij\ n
1 : length measured in feet
2 : scenes or action recorded on film or video

foot–and–mouth disease n : a virus disease especially of cattle that is marked by fever and by ulcers in the mouth, about the hooves, and on the udder — called also hoof-and-mouth disease

foot·ball \ˈfu̇t-ˌbȯl\ n
1 : any of several games in which two teams try to advance a ball to the goals at each end of a large rectangular field: as  a British : SOCCER  b British : RUGBY  c : an American game played between two teams of 11 players each in which the ball is advanced by running or passing
2 : the ball used in football

foot·board \-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a board forming the foot of a bed

foot·bridge \-ˌbrij\ n : a bridge for pedestrians

foot–can·dle \-ˈkan-dəl\ n : a unit for measuring illumination that equals one lumen per square foot

foot·ed \ˈfu̇t-əd\ adj : having a foot or feet especially of a certain kind or number <flat-footed>

foot·fall \ˈfu̇t-ˌfȯl\ n : the sound of a footstep

foot·gear \-ˌgi(ə)r\ n : FOOTWEAR

foot·hill \-ˌhil\ n : a hill at the foot of higher hills or mountains

foot·hold \-ˌhōld\ n
1 : a hold for the feet : FOOTING
2 : a position usable as a base for further advance

foot·ing \ˈfu̇t-iŋ\ n
1 a : the placing of one's feet in a position to secure a firm or safe stand  b : a place for the foot to rest securely
2 a : a place or position providing a base of operations : FOOTHOLD 2  b : position with respect to one another : STATUS <all started off on an equal footing>  c : BASIS <put the business on a firm footing>

foot·lights \ˈfu̇t-ˌlīts\ n pl
1 : a row of lights set across the front of a stage floor
2 : acting on the stage as a profession <the attraction of the footlights>

foot·lock·er \-ˌläk-ər\ n : a small trunk designed to be placed at the foot of a bed

foot·loose \-ˌlüs\ adj : having no ties : free to roam

foot·man \-mən\ n
1 : an infantry soldier
2 : a male servant who lets in visitors and waits on the table

foot·note \-ˌnōt\ n : a note of reference, explanation, or comment usually placed below the text on a printed page
— footnote vb

foot·pad \-ˌpad\ n : a somewhat flat foot on the leg of a spacecraft for distributing weight to decrease sinking into a surface (as on the moon)

foot·path \-ˌpath, -ˌpȧth\ n : a narrow path for pedestrians

foot–pound \-ˈpau̇nd\ n, pl foot–pounds : a unit of work that equals the work done by a force of one pound acting through a distance of one foot and that is equal to about 1.36 joules

foot–pound–second adj : being or relating to a system of units based upon the foot as the unit of length, the pound as the unit of weight, and the second as the unit of time — abbreviation fps

foot·print \ˈfu̇t-ˌprint\ n : a track left by the foot

foot·race \-ˌrās\ n : a race run on foot

foot·rest \-ˌrest\ n : a support for the feet

foot soldier n : INFANTRYMAN

foot·sore \ˈfu̇t-ˌsō(ə)r, -ˌsȯ(ə)r\ adj : having sore or tender feet (as from much walking)

foot·step \-ˌstep\ n
1 a : a step of the foot  b : the distance covered by a step : PACE
2 a : the mark of the foot  b : the sound of a footstep
3 : a step on which to go up or down

foot·stool \-ˌstül\ n : a low stool to support the feet

foot·wear \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : covering (as shoes) for the feet

foot·work \-ˌwərk\ n : the movement of the feet (as in boxing)

foo·zle \ˈfü-zəl\ vb foo·zled; foo·zling \ˈfüz-(ə-)liŋ\ : BUNGLE
— foozle n

fop \ˈfäp\ n : 1DANDY 1
— fop·pish \ˈfäp-ish\ adj

1for \fər, (ˈ)fȯ(ə)r\ prep
1 — used to indicate a purpose <money for lunch>, an intended goal <left for work>, or an object of one's desire <now for a good rest>
2 : as being <do you take me for a fool> <eggs for breakfast>
3 : because of <cried for joy>
4 a : in support of <fighting for their country>  b — used to indicate suitability or fitness <it's not for me to say> <medicine for an illness>  c : so as to bring about a certain state <shouted the news for all to hear>
5 a : in place of <go to the store for me>  b : as the equal or equivalent of in an exchange or loan <paid $10 for a hat>
6 : in spite of <unconvinced for all the clever arguments>
7 : with respect to : CONCERNING <had an eye for news>
8 — used to indicate equality or proportion <point for point> <tall for your age>
9 — used to indicate length of time or extent of space <waited for several hours>
10 : 2AFTER 3A <named for my grandmother>

2for conj : for the reason that : on this ground : BECAUSE <they were certainly there, for I saw them>

fora plural of FORUM

1for·age \ˈfȯr-ij, ˈfär-\ n
1 : food (as pasture) for browsing or grazing animals
2 : a search for food or supplies

2forage vb for·aged; for·ag·ing
1 : 1BROWSE 1, GRAZE
2 : to make a search especially for food or supplies <forage for grain> <forage for firewood>
3 : to get by foraging
— for·ag·er n

fo·ra·men mag·num \fə-ˌrā-mən-ˈmag-nəm\ n : the opening in the skull through which the spinal cord joins the brain

for·a·min·i·fer \ˌfȯr-ə-ˈmin-ə-fər, ˌfär-\ n : any of an order of large chiefly marine protozoans that resemble amoebas, usually have perforated shells containing calcium, and are important sources of chalk and limestone

fo·ra·mi·nif·era \fə-ˌram-ə-ˈnif-(ə-)rə, ˌfȯr-ə-mə-ˈnif-, ˌfär-\ n pl : protozoans that are foraminifers

for·a·mi·nif·er·an \-ˈnif-(ə-)rən\ n : FORAMINIFER

for·ay \ˈfȯr-ˌā\ vb : to raid especially in order to steal : PILLAGE
— foray n

1for·bear \fȯr-ˈba(ə)r, fər-, -ˈbe(ə)r\ vb -bore \-ˈbō(ə)r, -ˈbȯ(ə)r\; -borne \-ˈbō(ə)rn, -ˈbȯ(ə)rn\; -bear·ing
1 : to hold back or keep from : ABSTAIN
2 : to be patient when annoyed
— for·bear·er n

2forbear variant of FOREBEAR

for·bear·ance \fȯr-ˈbar-ən(t)s, fər-, -ˈber-\ n
1 : the act of forbearing
2 : the quality of being forbearing : PATIENCE

for·bid \fər-ˈbid, fȯr-\ vb -bade \-ˈbad, -ˈbād\ also -bad \-ˈbad\; -bid·den \-ˈbid-ən\; -bid·ding : to order not to do or to be done or used <I forbid you to go> <cameras are forbidden>
— for·bid·der n

forbidding adj : tending to frighten or discourage <a dark forbidding sky>
— for·bid·ding·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

forbode variant of FOREBODE

1force \ˈfō(ə)rs, ˈfȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 a : strength or energy put forth : active power <forces of nature>  b : capacity to persuade or convince <the force of this argument>  c : the state of existing and being enforced : EFFECT <that law is still in force>
2 : a group of persons trained and available for action <a police force> <the nation's labor force>
3 : violence or power used on a person or thing <open a door by force>
4 : an influence (as a push or pull) that tends to produce a change in the speed or direction of motion of something <the force of gravity>
— force·less \-ləs\ adj

2force vb forced; forc·ing
1 : to make (as a person) do something <forced them to work>
2 a : to get or make by using force <forced their way into the room>  b : to break open or through <force a lock>
3 : to produce with effort <forced a weak smile>
4 : to speed up the development of <force flowers>
— forc·er n

forced \ˈfō(ə)rst, ˈfȯ(ə)rst\ adj
1 : caused or brought about by force or necessity : INVOLUNTARY <made a forced landing>
2 : done or produced with effort <a forced laugh>

force–feed \ˈfō(ə)rs-ˌfēd, ˈfȯ(ə)rs-\ vb -fed \-ˌfed\; -feed·ing
1 : to feed (an animal or person) by forcefully giving food
2 : to force to take in <force-feed the classics to students>

force·ful \ˈfōrs-fəl, ˈfȯrs-\ adj : having or done with much force : VIGOROUS <a forceful speech>
— force·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— force·ful·ness n

for·ceps \ˈfȯr-səps, -ˌseps\ n, pl forceps : a tool for grasping or holding objects especially in delicate operations (as by a jeweler or surgeon)
— for·ceps·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

forc·i·ble \ˈfōr-sə-bəl, ˈfȯr-\ adj
1 : got, made, or done by force or violence <a forcible entrance>
2 : FORCEFUL
— forc·i·bly \-blē\ adv

1ford \ˈfō(ə)rd, ˈfȯ(ə)rd\ n : a shallow part of a body of water that may be crossed by wading

2ford vb : to cross (a body of water) by wading
— ford·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

1fore \ˈfō(ə)r, ˈfȯ(ə)r\ adv : in, toward, or near the front : FORWARD

2fore adj : being or coming before in time, order, or space

3fore n : a front place or position <came to the fore>

4fore interj — used by a golfer to warn anyone within range of a hit ball

fore- combining form
1 a : earlier : beforehand <foresee>  b : occurring earlier : occurring beforehand <forethought>
2 a : situated at the front : in front <foreleg>  b : front part of (something specified) <forearm> [Old English fore- “earlier, beforehand”]

fore–and–aft \ˌfōr-ə-ˈnaft, ˌfȯr-\ adj
1 : lying, running, or acting along the length of a structure (as of a ship) <fore-and-aft sails>
2 : having no square sails

fore–and–aft rig n : a sailing-ship rig in which most or all of the sails are set lengthwise along the centerline of the ship rather than across it

1fore·arm \(ˈ)fōr-ˌärm, (ˈ)fȯr-\ vb : to arm in advance : PREPARE

2fore·arm \ˈfōr-ˌärm, ˈfȯr-\ n : the part of the human arm between the elbow and the wrist

fore·bear also for·bear \ˈfōr-ˌba(ə)r, ˈfȯr-, -ˌbe(ə)r\ n : ANCESTOR 1, FOREFATHER

fore·bode also for·bode \fōr-ˈbōd, fȯr-\ vb
1 : to have a feeling that something especially unfortunate is going to happen
2 : FORETELL, PORTEND <the heavy air forebodes a storm>
— fore·bod·er n

— fore·bod·ing \-ˈbōd-iŋ\ n

— fore·bod·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

fore·brain \ˈfō(ə)r-brān, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : the front division of the embryonic brain of a vertebrate animal or the parts developed from it

1fore·cast \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌkast, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ vb forecast also fore·cast·ed; fore·cast·ing : to calculate or predict (a future event or state) usually by study and examination of data <forecast the weather>  synonyms see FORETELL
— fore·cast·er n

2forecast n : an estimate or prediction of a future happening or condition <weather forecasts>

fore·cas·tle \ˈfōk-səl; ˈfōr-ˌkas-əl, ˈfȯr-\ or fo'·c'sle \ˈfōk-səl\ n
1 : the forward part of the upper deck of a ship
2 : the living area for the crew in the front part of a ship

fore·close \(ˈ)fōr-ˈklōz, (ˈ)fȯr-\ vb : to take legal measures to end a mortgage and take possession of the mortgaged property because the conditions of the mortgage have not been met
— fore·clo·sure \-ˈklō-zhər\ n

fore·deck \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌdek, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : the front part of a ship's main deck

fore·doom \(ˈ)fōr-ˈdüm, (ˈ)fȯr-\ vb : to doom beforehand

fore·fa·ther \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌfäth-ər, ˈfȯ(ə)r-, -ˌfȧth-\ n
1 : ANCESTOR 1
2 : a person of an earlier period and similar culture

fore·fin·ger \-ˌfiŋ-gər\ n : INDEX FINGER

fore·foot \-ˌfu̇t\ n : one of the front feet of a four-footed animal

fore·front \-ˌfrənt\ n : the most important part or place

foregather variant of FORGATHER

1fore·go \fōr-ˈgō, fȯr-\ vb -went \-ˈwent\; -gone \-ˈgȯn also -ˈgän\; -go·ing \-ˈgō-iŋ\ : to go before : PRECEDE
— fore·go·er \-ˈgō(-ə)r\ n

2forego variant of FORGO

fore·go·ing \fōr-ˈgō-iŋ, fȯr-\ adj : going before : PRECEDING

fore·gone \ˌfōr-ˌgȯn, ˌfȯr- also -ˌgän\ adj : settled in advance <a foregone conclusion>

fore·ground \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌgrau̇nd, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer

fore·hand \-ˌhand\ n : a stroke made with the palm of the hand turned in the direction in which the hand is moving
— forehand adv or adj

fore·hand·ed \fōr-ˈhan-dəd, fȯr-\ adj : thinking of future needs : THRIFTY
— fore·hand·ed·ly adv

— fore·hand·ed·ness n

fore·head \ˈfär-əd, ˈfȯr-; ˈfō(ə)r-ˌhed, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : the part of the face above the eyes

for·eign \ˈfȯr-ən, ˈfär-\ adj
1 : located outside a place or country and especially outside one's own country <foreign nations>
2 : born in, belonging to, or characteristic of a place or country other than the one under consideration <foreign language> <foreign customs>
3 : related to or dealing with other nations <foreign affairs> <foreign office>
4 : not normally found in an area or part <a foreign body in the eye>
— for·eign·ness \-ən-nəs\ n

for·eign·er \ˈfȯr-ə-nər, ˈfär-\ n : a person who is from a foreign country

foreign minister n : a government minister for foreign affairs

fore·know \(ˈ)fōr-ˈnō, (ˈ)fȯr-\ vb -knew \-ˈn(y)ü\; -known \-ˈnōn\; -know·ing : to have earlier knowledge of : know beforehand
— fore·knowl·edge \-ˈnäl-ij\ n

fore·leg \ˈfōr-ˌleg, ˈfȯr-\ n : a front leg

fore·limb \-ˌlim\ n : an arm, fin, wing, or leg that is one of a front pair of limbs or corresponds to one

fore·lock \-ˌläk\ n : a lock of hair growing from the front of the head

fore·man \ˈfōr-mən, ˈfȯr-\ n
1 : a member of a jury who is the leader
2 : a person in charge of a group of workers

fore·mast \-ˌmast, -məst\ n : the mast nearest the bow of a ship

fore·most \-ˌmōst\ adj : first in time, place, or order : most important
— foremost adv

fore·name \-ˌnām\ n : a first name

fore·noon \-ˌnün\ n : the early part of the day ending with noon : MORNING

fo·ren·sic \fə-ˈren(t)-sik, -ˈren-zik\ adj : belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of law or to public discussion and debate [from Latin forensis “of a forum, public,” from forum “market, place of public discussion, court”]
— fo·ren·si·cal·ly \-si-k(ə-)lē, -zi-\ adv

fore·or·dain \ˌfōr-ȯr-ˈdān, ˌfȯr-\ vb : to determine in advance : PREDESTINE

fore·part \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌpärt, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : the part most advanced or first in place or in time

fore·paw \-ˌpȯ\ n : the paw of a foreleg

fore·quar·ter \-ˌkwȯ(r)t-ər\ n : the left or right half of a front half of the body of a four-footed animal

fore·run·ner \-ˌrən-ər\ n
1 : one going or sent before to give notice of the approach of others : HARBINGER
2 : PREDECESSOR, ANCESTOR

fore·sail \-ˌsāl, -səl\ n : the lowest and largest sail on the foremast of a square-rigged ship or schooner

fore·see \fōr-ˈsē, fȯr-\ vb -saw \-ˈsȯ\; -seen \-ˈsēn\; -see·ing : to see or realize beforehand : EXPECT
— fore·see·able \-ˈsē-ə-bəl\ adj

— fore·se·er \-ˈsē-ər\ n

fore·shad·ow \-ˈshad-ō\ vb : to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand
— fore·shad·ow·er n

fore·shock \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌshäk, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : a minor tremor prior to an earthquake

fore·short·en \fōr-ˈshȯrt-ən, fȯr-\ vb : to shorten (a detail) in a drawing or painting so that it appears to have depth

fore·sight \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌsīt, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n
1 : the act or power of foreseeing
2 : care or preparation for the future <had the foresight to invest his money wisely>
— fore·sight·ed \-ˌsīt-əd\ adj

— fore·sight·ed·ly adv

— fore·sight·ed·ness n

fore·skin \-ˌskin\ n : a fold of skin that covers the end of the penis — called also prepuce

for·est \ˈfȯr-əst, ˈfär-\ n : a dense growth of trees and underbrush covering a large area

fore·stall \fōr-ˈstȯl, fȯr-\ vb : to keep out, interfere with, or prevent by steps taken in advance
— fore·stall·er n

— fore·stall·ment \-ˈstȯl-mənt\ n

for·es·ta·tion \ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən, ˌfär-\ n : the planting and care of a forest

for·est·ed \ˈfȯr-ə-stəd, ˈfär-\ adj : covered with trees or forests : WOODED

for·est·er \ˈfȯr-ə-stər, ˈfär-\ n : a person who practices or is trained in forestry

forest fire n : an uncontrolled fire in a wooded area

forest floor n : the upper layer of mixed soil and decayed or decaying organic material typical of forested land

forest ranger n : a person in charge of the management and protection of a forest

for·est·ry \ˈfȯr-ə-strē, ˈfär-\ n : the science and practice of caring for forests

foreswear variant of FORSWEAR

fore·taste \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌtāst, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : a sample or partial experience of something that will not be fully experienced until later <the cold day was a foretaste of winter>

fore·tell \fōr-ˈtel, fȯr-\ vb -told \-ˈtōld\; -tell·ing : to tell of or describe beforehand
— fore·tell·er n
synonyms FORETELL, PREDICT, FORECAST, mean to tell beforehand. FORETELL applies to the coming of a future event especially through mysterious powers <the fortune-teller foretold his future>. PREDICT may suggest an exact statement that is the result of the gathering of information and the use of scientific methods <scientists can sometimes predict the course of a hurricane>. FORECAST suggests the gathering of evidence and a statement of what is most likely to happen <the weather bureau forecast that it would snow>.

fore·thought \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌthȯt, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : thought or care taken in advance
— fore·thought·ful \-fəl\ adj

fore·top \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌtäp, ˈfȯ(ə)r-; ˈfōrt-əp, ˈfȯrt-\ n : a platform near the top of a ship's foremast

for·ev·er \fə-ˈrev-ər, fȯ-\ adv
1 : for a limitless time : EVERLASTINGLY <wants to live forever>
2 : ALWAYS 1, CONSTANTLY <a dog that was forever chasing cars>

for·ev·er·more \fə-ˌrev-ə(r)-ˈmō(ə)r, -ˈmȯ(ə)r, fȯ-\ adv : FOREVER 1

fore·warn \fōr-ˈwȯ(ə)rn, fȯr-\ vb : to warn in advance <forewarned of danger>

forewent past of FOREGO

fore·wing \ˈfō(ə)r-ˌwiŋ, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ n : either of the front wings of a four-winged insect

fore·word \ˈfōr-(ˌ)wərd, ˈfȯr-\ n : 1PREFACE

1for·feit \ˈfȯr-fət\ n : something forfeited : PENALTY, FINE

2forfeit vb : to lose or lose the right to as a punishment for an error, offense, or crime
— for·feit·er n

for·fei·ture \ˈfȯr-fə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər\ n
1 : the act of forfeiting
2 : something forfeited : PENALTY

for·gath·er or fore·gath·er \fȯr-ˈgath-ər, fōr-\ vb : to come together : ASSEMBLE, MEET

1forge \ˈfō(ə)rj, ˈfȯ(ə)rj\ n : a furnace or a shop with its furnace where metal is shaped and worked by heating and hammering [Middle English forge “workshop where metal is heated and shaped,” from early French forge (same meaning), from Latin fabrica “workshop for making things of metal”]

2forge vb forged; forg·ing
1 a : to form (as metal) by heating and hammering  b : to form (metal) by a press
2 : to make or imitate falsely especially with intent to deceive : COUNTERFEIT <forge a check> <forge a signature>
3 : to form or shape in any way : FASHION <forged an agreement>
— forg·er n

3forge vb forged; forg·ing : to move forward steadily but gradually <forged through the snow> [origin unknown]

forg·ery \ˈfōrj-(ə-)rē, ˈfȯrj-\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : something (as a signature) that has been forged
2 : the crime of falsely making or changing a written paper or signing someone else's name

for·get \fər-ˈget, fȯr-\ vb -got \-ˈgät\; -got·ten \-ˈgät-ən\ or -got; -get·ting
1 : to be unable to think of or recall <forgot the address>
2 a : to fail to remember to do something <forgot to call you> <forgot about practicing>  b : 1NEGLECT 1 <forget old friends>
3 : OVERLOOK 3B <I shouldn't have said that, so just forget it>
4 : to stop remembering or noticing <forgive and forget>
— for·get·ter n

— forget oneself : to lose one's temper or self-control

for·get·ful \fər-ˈget-fəl, fȯr-\ adj : forgetting easily
— for·get·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— for·get·ful·ness n

for·get–me–not \fər-ˈget-mē-ˌnät, fȯr-\ n : any of a genus of small herbs with bright blue or white flowers

forg·ing \ˈfōr-jiŋ, ˈfȯr-\ n : a piece of forged work <aluminum forgings>

for·give \fər-ˈgiv, fȯr-\ vb -gave \-ˈgāv\; -giv·en \-ˈgiv-ən\; -giv·ing
1 a : to give up resentment of or claim to revenge for <forgive an insult>  b : to stop requiring payment of <forgive a debt>
2 : to stop feeling anger toward (an offender) <forgive your enemies>  synonyms see EXCUSE
— for·giv·able \-ˈgiv-ə-bəl\ adj

— for·giv·er n

for·give·ness \fər-ˈgiv-nəs, fȯr-\ n : the act of forgiving : PARDON

for·giv·ing \fər-ˈgiv-iŋ, fȯr-\ adj
1 : showing forgiveness : inclined or ready to forgive <a person with a forgiving nature>
2 : allowing for human error or weakness <a tennis racket designed to be forgiving>
— for·giv·ing·ly adv

— for·giv·ing·ness n

for·go also fore·go \fȯr-ˈgō, fōr-\ vb -went \-ˈwent\; -gone \-ˈgȯn also -ˈgän\; -go·ing \-ˈgō-iŋ\ : to let pass <forgo an opportunity> : go without <forgo lunch>

1fork \ˈfȯ(ə)rk\ n
1 : a tool with two or more prongs used especially for taking up (as in eating), pitching, or digging
2 : a forked part or tool
3 a : a dividing into branches or the place where something divides into branches <a fork in the road>  b : a branch of a fork <take the left fork>

2fork vb
1 : to divide into two or more branches <the road forks>
2 : to raise or pitch with a fork <fork hay>
3 : to give the form of a fork to <forked her fingers>
4 : 1PAY 2, CONTRIBUTE <had to fork over $100>
— fork·er n

forked \ˈfȯ(ə)rkt, ˈfȯr-kəd\ adj : having a fork : shaped like a fork

fork·ful \ˈfȯ(ə)rk-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl forkfuls also forks·ful \ˈfȯ(ə)rks-ˌfu̇l\ : as much as a fork will hold

fork·lift \ˈfȯr-ˌklift\ n : a machine for lifting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load

for·lorn \fər-ˈlȯ(ə)rn, fȯr-\ adj
1 : feeling sad and lonely especially because of being left alone
2 : nearly hopeless <a forlorn cause>
— for·lorn·ly adv

— for·lorn·ness \-ˈlȯrn-nəs\ n

1form \ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ n
1 a : the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material  b : a body (as of a person) especially in its outward appearance or as distinguished from the face
2 a : an established manner of doing or saying something <a form of worship>  b : a standard or expectation based on past experience <true to form, the champions won again>
3 : a document with blank spaces for inserting information <a tax form>
4 a : conduct determined by custom : CEREMONY, CONVENTION; also : display without meaning <the usual forms upon being introduced>  b : manner of behaving according to recognized standards <it's bad form not to wait for your turn>
5 : a long seat : BENCH
6 a : a model of the human figure used for displaying clothes  b : a mold in which concrete is placed to set
7 : one of the different varieties of a particular thing or substance <coal is a form of carbon>
8 : any of the different pronunciations or spellings a word may take in inflection or compounding
9 : a special way of stating a mathematical expression <the number 2.5 can be written in fractional form as 5/2>
10 a : orderly method of arrangement; also : a kind or instance of such arrangement <painting is an art form>  b : the structural element, plan, or design of a work of art
11 : a surface or space enclosed by mathematical boundaries
12 : a grade in a British secondary school or in some American private schools
13 a : ability as shown by past performance  b : condition for performing <in top form>

2form vb
1 : to give form or shape to : FASHION, MAKE <form the letter A>
2 : INSTRUCT 1, TRAIN <education forms the mind>
3 : MAKE UP 2, CONSTITUTE <a hat formed of straw>
4 : DEVELOP 5, ACQUIRE <form a habit>
5 : to arrange in order <form a line>
6 : to take form : ARISE <fog forms in the valleys>
7 : to take a definite form, shape, or arrangement <the customers formed in lines>  synonyms see MAKE
— form·er n

1for·mal \ˈfȯr-məl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being the form of something rather than content
2 a : following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rule <a formal education>  b : relating to, suitable for, or being an event requiring elegant dress and manners <a formal ball> <formal dress>
3 : done in due or lawful form <a formal contract>
— for·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

— for·mal·ness n

2formal n : something (as a dance) formal in nature

form·al·de·hyde \fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd, fər-\ n : a colorless gas that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, has a sharp irritating odor, and when dissolved in water is used to disinfect or to prevent decay

for·mal·ism \ˈfȯr-mə-ˌliz-əm\ n : the strict observance of forms or customs
— for·mal·ist \-ləst\ n

— for·mal·is·tic \ˌfȯr-mə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

— for·mal·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

for·mal·i·ty \fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a going along with formal or customary rules : CEREMONY
2 : the quality or state of being formal
3 : an established form that is required or usual <the interview was just a formality>

for·mal·ize \ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make formal
2 : to give formal rank or approval to
— for·mal·i·za·tion \ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— for·mal·iz·er n

1for·mat \ˈfȯ(ə)r-ˌmat\ n
1 : the general organization or arrangement of something
2 : a method of organizing data (as for storage) <a file format>

2format vb for·mat·ted; for·mat·ting
1 : to produce in a particular format
2 : to prepare for storing computer data <format the disk>

for·ma·tion \fȯr-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : a forming of something
2 : something formed
3 : the manner in which a thing is formed : STRUCTURE, SHAPE
4 : a bed of rocks or series of beds recognizable as a unit
5 : an arrangement or grouping of persons, ships, or airplanes

for·ma·tive \ˈfȯr-mət-iv\ adj
1 : giving or able to give form <a formative influence>
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by important growth or formation <formative years>
— for·ma·tive·ly adv

— for·ma·tive·ness n

for·mer \ˈfȯr-mər\ adj
1 : coming before in time
2 : first mentioned or first of two things mentioned or understood <of the two choices the former is better>
3 : having once been <a former big-league ballplayer>

for·mer·ly \ˈfȯr-mər-lē\ adv : at an earlier time : PREVIOUSLY

for·mic acid \ˌfȯr-mik-\ n : a colorless strong-smelling acid that irritates the skin, is found in insects (as ants) and in many plants, and is used chiefly in dyeing and finishing woven fabrics

for·mi·da·ble \ˈfȯr-məd-ə-bəl also fȯr-ˈmid-\ adj
1 : causing fear or dread <a formidable foe>
2 : offering serious difficulties <the mountains were a formidable barrier>
3 : very impressive <had won a formidable number of medals>
— for·mi·da·ble·ness n

— for·mi·da·bly \-blē\ adv

form·less \ˈfȯrm-ləs\ adj : having no regular form or shape
— form·less·ly adv

— form·less·ness n

for·mu·la \ˈfȯr-myə-lə\ n, pl -las or -lae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\
1 : a set form of words for use in a ceremony or ritual
2 a : RECIPE 3, PRESCRIPTION <my formula for happiness>  b : a milk mixture or substitute for feeding a baby
3 a : a general fact or rule expressed in symbols and especially mathematical symbols  b : an expression in symbols of the composition of a substance <the formula for water is H_2O>
4 : a required or set form or method
— for·mu·la·ic \ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-ik\ adj

— for·mu·la·ical·ly \-ˈlā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adv

for·mu·late \ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to express in a formula
2 : to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly <formulate a plan>
— for·mu·la·tion \ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— for·mu·la·tor \ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

for·ni·cate \ˈfȯr-nə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to commit fornication
— for·ni·ca·tor \-ˌkāt-ər\ n

for·ni·ca·tion \ˌfȯr-nə-ˈkā-shən\ n : sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other

for–prof·it \ˈfȯr-ˈpräf-ət\ adj : existing or carried on for the purpose of making a profit <for-profit business>

for·sake \fər-ˈsāk, fȯr-\ vb for·sook \-ˈsu̇k\; for·sak·en \-ˈsā-kən\; for·sak·ing : to give up or leave entirely <her friends have forsaken her>  synonyms see ABANDON

for·sooth \fər-ˈsüth\ adv : in truth : INDEED

for·swear also fore·swear \fȯr-ˈswa(ə)r, fōr-, -ˈswe(ə)r\ vb -swore \-ˈswō(ə)r, -ˈswȯ(ə)r\; -sworn \-ˈswō(ə)rn, -ˈswȯ(ə)rn\; -swear·ing : to make a false statement while under oath : commit perjury

for·syth·ia \fər-ˈsith-ē-ə\ n, pl -ias also -ia : any of a genus of shrubs related to the olive and having yellow bell-shaped flowers appearing before the leaves in early spring

fort \ˈfō(ə)rt, ˈfȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : a strong or fortified place
2 : a permanent army post

1forte \ˈfō(ə)rt, ˈfȯ(ə)rt, ˈfȯr-ˌtā\ n : something in which a person shows special ability : a strong point <drawing was always your forte> [from earlier fort “the thing a person does very well, strong point,” from early French fort (same meaning), derived from Latin fortis “strong”]

2for·te \ˈfȯr-ˌtā, ˈfȯrt-ē\ adv or adj : LOUD 1 — used as a direction in music [from Italian forte “strongly, loudly,” from forte (adjective) “strong, loud,” from Latin fortis “strong”]

forth \ˈfō(ə)rth, ˈfȯ(ə)rth\ adv
1 : 2FORWARD, ONWARD <from that time forth> <back and forth>
2 : out into view <plants putting forth leaves>

forth·com·ing \(ˈ)fōrth-ˈkəm-iŋ, (ˈ)fȯrth-\ adj
1 a : being about to appear : APPROACHING <the forthcoming holidays> <your forthcoming novel>  b : readily available <supplies will be forthcoming soon>
2 a : OUTGOING 2 <a forthcoming and courteous man>  b : open and candid <not forthcoming about her past>

forth·right \ˈfōrth-ˌrīt, ˈfȯrth-\ adj : going straight to the point clearly and firmly <a forthright answer>
— forth·right·ly adv

— forth·right·ness n

forth·with \(ˈ)fōrth-ˈwith, (ˈ)fȯrth-, -ˈwith\ adv : IMMEDIATELY 2 <expect an answer forthwith>

for·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌfȯrt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act of fortifying
2 : a construction built for defense

for·ti·fy \ˈfȯrt-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make strong: as  a : to strengthen by military defenses <fortify a town>  b : to give strength or endurance to <fortify the body against illness> <a team fortified by the cheering crowd>  c : to add material to for strengthening or improving : ENRICH <fortify a soil with fertilizer> <milk fortified with vitamin D>
— for·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

for·tis·si·mo \fȯr-ˈtis-ə-ˌmō\ adv or adj : very loud — used as a direction in music

for·ti·tude \ˈfȯrt-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : strength of mind that enables a person to meet danger or bear pain or hardship with courage

fort·night \ˈfōrt-ˌnīt, ˈfȯrt-\ n : a period of 14 days : two weeks [Old English fēowertȳne niht “fourteen nights”]
— fort·night·ly \-lē\ adv or adj

FOR·TRAN or For·tran \ˈfȯ(ə)r-ˌtran\ n : a language for programming a computer especially to solve mathematical, scientific, and engineering problems [formula translation]

for·tress \ˈfȯr-trəs\ n : a fortified place

for·tu·i·tous \fȯr-ˈt(y)ü-ət-əs, fər-\ adj
1 : occurring by chance
2 : FORTUNATE 1
— for·tu·i·tous·ly adv

— for·tu·i·tous·ness n

for·tu·nate \ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət\ adj
1 : coming or happening by good luck : bringing good that was not expected
2 : receiving some unexpected or unearned good : LUCKY
— for·tu·nate·ness n

for·tun·ate·ly \ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət-lē\ adv : it is fortunate : LUCKILY <fortunately it landed right side up>

for·tune \ˈfȯr-chən\ n
1 a : favorable results that come partly by chance : good luck  b : what happens to a person : good or bad luck <follows the fortunes of two families through the years>
2 : what is to happen to one in the future <had my fortune told>; also : a prediction of fortune
3 a : the possession of material goods : WEALTH  b : a store of material possessions : RICHES <the family fortune>  c : a large sum of money

fortune cookie n : a thin cookie folded to contain a slip of paper on which is written a fortune

for·tune–tell·er \-ˌtel-ər\ n : a person who claims to foretell future events
— for·tune–tell·ing \-ˌtel-iŋ\ n or adj

for·ty \ˈfȯrt-ē\ n, pl forties : a number equal to four times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
— for·ti·eth \-ē-əth\ adj or n

— forty adj or pron

— for·ty·ish \-ē-ish\ adj

for·ty–five \ˌfȯrt-ē-ˈfīv\ n : a .45 caliber pistol — usually written .45

for·ty–nin·er \ˌfȯrt-ē-ˈnī-nər\ n : a person who went to California in the gold rush of 1849

forty winks n sing or pl : a short sleep : NAP

fo·rum \ˈfōr-əm, ˈfȯr-\ n, pl forums also fo·ra \-ə\
1 : the marketplace or public place of an ancient Roman city serving as the center of public business
2 : a means (as a newspaper or online service) of open discussion or expression of ideas
3 : a meeting or program involving discussion

1for·ward \ˈfȯr-wərd\ adj
1 : near, being at, or belonging to the front part
2 : lacking proper modesty or reserve
3 : moving, tending, or leading to a position in front
— for·ward·ly adv

— for·ward·ness n

2forward adv : to or toward what is in front

3forward vb
1 : to help onward <forward a friend's career>
2 : to send on or forward <forward a letter>

4forward n : a player who plays at the front of the team near the opponent's goal

for·ward·er \ˈfȯr-wərd-ər\ n : one that forwards

forward pass n : a pass in football thrown in the direction of the opponent's goal

for·wards \ˈfȯr-wərdz\ adv : 2FORWARD

forwent past of FORGO

fos·sa \ˈfäs-ə\ n : a slender long-tailed meat-eating mammal of Madagascar that has usually reddish brown short thick fur and is an excellent climber

1fos·sil \ˈfäs-əl\ adj : being or resembling a fossil

2fossil n
1 : a trace or print or the remains of a plant or animal of a past age preserved in earth or rock
2 a : a person whose ideas are out-of-date  b : something that has become fixed and cannot be changed

fossil fuel n : a fuel (as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from plant or animal remains

fos·sil·ize \ˈfäs-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to change or become changed into a fossil
— fos·sil·i·za·tion \ˌfäs-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

1fos·ter \ˈfȯs-tər, ˈfäs-\ adj : giving, receiving, or sharing parental care even though not related by blood or legal ties <foster parent> <foster child>

2foster vb fos·tered; fos·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to give parental care to
2 : to help the growth or development of
— fos·ter·er \-tər-ər\ n

foster home n : a household in which an orphaned, neglected, or delinquent child is placed for care

Fou·cault pendulum \ˌfü-ˌkō-\ n : a device that consists of a heavy weight hung by a long wire and that swings in a constant direction which appears to change showing that the earth rotates

fought past and past participle of FIGHT

1foul \ˈfau̇(ə)l\ adj
1 a : disgusting in looks, taste, or smell <foul odor>  b : full of or covered with dirt <foul clothes>
2 a : DETESTABLE <a foul crime>  b : notably unpleasant or bad <a foul mood>  c : being vulgar or insulting <foul language>
3 : being wet and stormy <foul weather>
4 a : very unfair <fair means or foul>  b : breaking a rule in a game or sport <a foul blow in boxing>
5 : being outside the foul lines in baseball <a foul grounder>  synonyms see DIRTY
— foul·ly \ˈfau̇(l)-lē\ adv

— foul·ness \ˈfau̇(ə)l-nəs\ n

2foul n
1 : an entanglement or collision in fishing or sailing
2 a : a breaking of the rules in a game or sport  b : FREE THROW
3 : FOUL BALL

3foul vb
1 : to make or become foul or filthy <foul the air> <foul a stream>
2 a : to make a foul in a game or sport  b : to hit a foul ball
3 : to become or cause to become entangled <foul the lines>

4foul adv : in a foul manner : so as to be foul

foul ball n : a baseball batted into foul territory

foul line n
1 : either of two straight lines running from the rear corner of home plate through first and third base on to the boundary of a baseball field
2 : a line across which a player must not step (as when bowling or shooting a free throw)

foul of prep : AFOUL OF

foul out vb : to be put out of a basketball game for making too many fouls <three of our players fouled out>

foul play n : unfair dealing : dishonest conduct; esp : VIOLENCE 1 <a victim of foul play>

foul shot n : a free throw in basketball

foul–up \ˈfau̇-ˌləp\ n : an instance of fouling up : a state of being fouled up

foul up \(ˈ)fau̇-ˈləp\ vb : to spoil by bad work or stupidity : BOTCH <fouled up the surprise attack>

1found \ˈfau̇nd\ past and past participle of FIND

2found vb : ESTABLISH 3A <found a colony> <founded the company in 1847> [Middle English founden “found, establish,” from early French funder (same meaning), from Latin fundare (same meaning), from fundus “bottom, base” — related to FUND, FUNDAMENTAL]

3found vb : to melt (metal) and pour into a mold [from early French fondre “to pour, melt,” from Latin fundere (same meaning) — related to 2FONT, 2FOUNDER]

foun·da·tion \fau̇n-ˈdā-shən\ n
1 : the act of founding
2 : the support upon which something rests <a house with a cinder-block foundation> <suspicions with no foundation in fact>
3 : funds given for the permanent support of an institution; also : an institution supported by such funds
— foun·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1found·er \ˈfau̇n-dər\ n : one that founds or establishes

2foun·der \ˈfau̇n-dər\ vb foun·dered; foun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to become lame <the horse foundered>
2 : to sink below the surface of the water <a foundering ship> [Middle English foundren “to fall to the ground, sink,” from early French fondrer (same meaning), derived from Latin fundere “to pour, cast, disperse, lay low” — related to 2FONT, 3FOUND]

3found·er n : one that founds metal

found·ing father \ˈfau̇n-diŋ-\ n
1 : one that starts or helps to start an institution or a movement
2 often cap : a leading figure in the founding of the U.S.

found·ling \ˈfau̇n-(d)liŋ\ n : an infant found after being abandoned by unknown parents

found·ry \ˈfau̇n-drē\ n, pl foundries : a building or factory where metals are cast

fount \ˈfau̇nt\ n : FOUNTAIN 2

foun·tain \ˈfau̇nt-ən\ n
1 : a spring of water coming from the earth
2 : the source from which something comes <a fountain of knowledge>
3 : an artificial stream or spray of water (as for drinking or ornament); also : the device from which such a stream or spray rises [Middle English fountain “fountain,” from early French funtaine (same meaning), derived from Latin font-, fons “fountain, spring” — related to 1FONT]

foun·tain·head \ˈfau̇nt-ən-ˌhed\ n
1 : a spring that is the source of a stream
2 : an original or primary source : ORIGIN <the fountainhead of our liberties>

fountain pen n : a pen with ink inside that is fed to the writing point as needed

four \ˈfō(ə)r, ˈfȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a number that is one more than three — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the fourth in a set or series
3 : something having four units or members
— four adj or pron

4x4 \ˈfōr-bī-ˌfōr, ˈfȯr-bī-ˌfȯr\ also four–by–four n : a four-wheel automotive vehicle with four-wheel drive

four·fold \-ˌfōld, -ˈfōld\ adj : being four times as great or as many

four–foot·ed \-ˈfu̇t-əd\ adj : having four feet : QUADRUPED

4–H \ˈfō(ə)r-ˈāch, ˈfȯ(ə)r-\ adj : of or relating to a program set up by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to instruct young people in useful skills (as in agriculture) and in good citizenship <4-H club> [so called from the goal of improving a person in head, heart, hands, and health]
— 4–H'·er \-ˈāch-ər\ n

four–in–hand \ˈfōr-ən-ˌhand, ˈfȯr-\ n : a necktie tied in a slipknot so that the ends overlap and hang down in front

four–o'clock \ˈfōr-ə-ˌkläk, ˈfȯr-\ n : an American garden plant with fragrant yellow, red, or white flowers that open late in the afternoon

four–post·er \-ˈpō-stər\ n : a bed with tall posts at each corner

four·score \ˈfōr-ˈskō(ə)r, ˈfȯr-ˈskȯ(ə)r\ adj : being four times twenty : EIGHTY

four·some \ˈfōr-səm, ˈfȯr-\ n
1 : a group of four persons or things
2 : a golf match between two pairs of partners

four·square \ˈfōr-ˈskwa(ə)r, -ˈskwe(ə)r, ˈfȯr-\ adj
1 : 2SQUARE 1A
2 : marked by boldness and firmness : FORTHRIGHT
— foursquare adv

four·teen \(ˈ)fōr(t)-ˈtēn, (ˈ)fȯr(t)-\ n : a number that is one more than 13 — see NUMBER TABLE
— fourteen adj or pron

— four·teenth \-ˈtēn(t)th\ adj or n

fourth \ˈfō(ə)rth, ˈfȯ(ə)rth\ n
1 : one that is number four in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the difference in pitch between the first tone and the fourth tone of a scale
— fourth adj or adv

— fourth·ly adv

fourth estate n, often cap F&E : the journalists of a country

Fourth of July : INDEPENDENCE DAY

four–wheel \ˌfōr-ˌhwēl, ˌfȯr-ˌwēl\ or four–wheeled \ˈfōr-ˈhwē(ə)ld, ˈfȯr-, -ˈwē(ə)ld\ adj
1 : having four wheels
2 : acting on or by means of four wheels <a car with four-wheel drive>

fo·vea \ˈfō-vē-ə\ n, pl fo·ve·ae \-vē-ˌē, -vē-ˌī\ : an area in the middle of the retina that gives the sharpest vision of any part of the retina and contains only cones

1fowl \ˈfau̇(ə)l\ n, pl fowl or fowls
1 : 1BIRD 1: as  a : a domestic cock or hen; esp : a full-grown hen  b : any of several domesticated or wild birds related to the common domestic chicken
2 : the meat of fowl used as food

2fowl vb : to hunt, catch, or kill wildfowl
— fowl·er n

fowling piece n : a light shotgun for shooting birds or small animals

1fox \ˈfäks\ n, pl fox·es also fox
1 a : any of various alert flesh-eating mammals related to the wolves but smaller and with shorter legs and a more pointed muzzle  b : the fur of a fox
2 : a clever tricky person
3 : an attractive young woman or man

2fox vb : OUTWIT

fox fire n : an eerie glow seen at night in woods and bogs that is caused by a fungus in decaying wood

fox·glove \ˈfäks-ˌgləv\ n : any of a genus of upright herbs related to the snapdragons; esp : a tall herb with showy dotted white or purple tube-shaped flowers that is a source of digitalis

fox·hole \-ˌhōl\ n : a pit dug usually in a hurry for individual cover against enemy fire

fox·hound \-ˌhau̇nd\ n : a large swift powerful hound of any of several breeds often trained to hunt foxes

fox·tail \-ˌtāl\ n
1 : the tail of a fox
2 : any of several grasses with spikes that resemble brushes

fox terrier n : a small lively terrier formerly used to dig out foxes and existing in smooth-haired and wire-haired varieties

foxy \ˈfäk-sē\ adj fox·i·er; -est
1 : resembling a fox in appearance
2 : cunning and careful in planning and action
3 : physically attractive
— fox·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adv

— fox·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ n

foy·er \ˈfȯi(-ə)r, ˈfȯi-ˌ(y)ā\ n
1 : a lobby especially in a theater
2 : an entrance hallway : VESTIBULE

fra·cas \ˈfrā-kəs, ˈfrak-əs\ n : a noisy quarrel or fight

frack·ing \ˈfra-kiŋ\ n : the injection of fluid into shale beds at high pressure in order to free up petroleum resources (such as oil or natural gas) [from (hydraulic) fracturing]
— frack \ˈfrak\ vb

frac·tal \ˈfrak-təl\ n : an irregular shape that looks the same at any scale on which it is examined

frac·tion \ˈfrak-shən\ n
1 : a number (as ½, ¾, or 3.323) that represents a number of equal parts of a whole or the division of one number by another
2 : a part of a whole

frac·tion·al \ˈfrak-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a fraction <fractional equivalents of percentages>
2 : fairly small
— frac·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

frac·tion·ate \ˈfrak-shə-ˌnāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to separate into different portions
— frac·tion·ation \ˌfrak-shə-ˈnā-shən\ n

frac·ture \ˈfrak-chər, -shər\ n
1 : the act or process of breaking : the state of being broken; esp : the breaking of a bone
2 : the result of fracturing; esp : an injury resulting from fracture of a bone
— fracture vb

frag·ile \ˈfraj-əl, -ˌīl\ adj : easily broken or destroyed : DELICATE
— fra·gil·i·ty \frə-ˈjil-ət-ē\ n

frag·ment \ˈfrag-mənt\ n
1 : a part that is broken off or incomplete
2 : SENTENCE FRAGMENT  synonyms see PART
— frag·ment \-ˌment\ vb

frag·men·tal \frag-ˈment-əl\ adj : FRAGMENTARY

frag·men·tary \ˈfrag-mən-ˌter-ē\ adj : made up of fragments : INCOMPLETE <a fragmentary report>

fra·grance \ˈfrā-grən(t)s\ n : a sweet, pleasant, and often flowery or fruity smell

fra·grant \ˈfrā-grənt\ adj : having a sweet or agreeable smell
— fra·grant·ly adv

frail \ˈfrā(ə)l\ adj
1 : easily led into evil <frail humanity>
2 : FRAGILE
3 : not having normal strength or force <spoke in a frail voice>  synonyms see WEAK
— frail·ly \ˈfrā(ə)l-lē\ adv

— frail·ness n

frail·ty \ˈfrā(-ə)l-tē\ n, pl frailties
1 : the quality or state of being frail
2 : a weakness of character

1frame \ˈfrām\ vb framed; fram·ing
1 a : 2PLAN 1 <framed a new strategy>  b : 1SHAPE 1, CONSTRUCT <frame a figure out of clay>  c : to give expression to <frame a reply>  d : to set down in writing <frame a constitution>
2 : to make (an innocent person) appear guilty
3 : to enclose in a frame <frame a picture>
— fram·er n

2frame n
1 : the bodily structure of an animal and especially a human being : PHYSIQUE
2 : an arrangement of parts that gives form or support to something <the frame of a house>
3 a : an open case or structure for holding or enclosing something <a picture frame> <a window frame>  b pl : the part of a pair of glasses that holds the lenses
4 : a turn in bowling
5 : an enclosing border: as  a : one of the drawings in a comic strip  b : one picture of the series on a length of film or in a television transmission
6 : a particular state or mood <in a good frame of mind>

3frame adj : having a wood frame <frame houses>

frame–up \ˈfrā-ˌməp\ n : a scheme to cause an innocent person to be accused of a crime

frame·work \ˈfrām-ˌwərk\ n : a basic supporting part or structure

franc \ˈfraŋk\ n
1 : the former basic unit of money of France and Belgium
2 : a basic unit of money (as of Switzerland)
3 : a coin representing one franc

fran·chise \ˈfran-ˌchīz\ n
1 : the right to vote
2 : the right to sell a company's goods or services in a particular territory

fran·ci·um \ˈfran(t)-sē-əm\ n : a radioactive element obtained artificially by the bombardment of thorium with protons — see ELEMENT TABLE

Franco- \ˈfraŋ-kō\ combining form
1 : French and <Franco-German>
2 : French <Francophile> [derived from Latin Francus “Frenchman, Frank”]

Fran·co·phile \ˈfraŋ-kə-ˌfīl\ or Fran·co·phil \-ˌfil\ adj : very friendly to France or French culture
— Francophile n

fran·gi·pa·ni also fran·gi·pan·ni \ˌfran-jə-ˈpan-ē, -ˈpän-\ n, pl -pani also -panni : any of several shrubs or small trees that have thick fleshy branches and large fragrant waxy-looking white, yellow, red, or pink flowers and are native to the American tropics but are grown elsewhere for their beauty

frank \ˈfraŋk\ adj : free in speaking one's feelings and opinions
— frank·ness n

Frank \ˈfraŋk\ n : a member of a Germanic people living in ancient Gaul
— Frank·ish \ˈfraŋ-kish\ adj

frank·furt·er \ˈfraŋk-fə(r)t-ər\ or frank·furt \-fərt\ n : a seasoned beef or beef and pork sausage [named for Frankfurt am Main, city in West Germany]

frank·in·cense \ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s\ n : a fragrant gum resin from African or Arabian trees that is burned as incense

Frank·lin stove \ˌfraŋ-klən-\ n : a metal heating stove that looks like a fireplace when its doors are open and is made to be set out in a room [named for Benjamin Franklin 1706–1790 American inventor]

frank·ly \ˈfraŋ-klē\ adv
1 : in a frank manner <you can speak frankly to us>
2 : to tell the truth <frankly, I don't think it's wise>

fran·tic \ˈfrant-ik\ adj
1 : wildly excited <frantic cries for help> <was frantic with fear>
2 : marked by wild and hurried activity <a frantic search for the missing child>
— fran·ti·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— fran·tic·ly \-i-klē\ adv

fra·ter·nal \frə-ˈtərn-əl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to brothers  b : of, relating to, or being a fraternity
2 : 1KINDLY 2, FRIENDLY
— fra·ter·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

fraternal twin n : either of a pair of twins that are produced from different fertilized eggs and may not have the same sex, appearance, or disposition

fra·ter·ni·ty \frə-ˈtər-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a social, honorary, or professional organization; esp : a social club of male college students
2 : BROTHERHOOD 1, BROTHERLINESS

frat·er·nize \ˈfrat-ər-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to associate as friends
— frat·er·ni·za·tion \ˌfrat-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— frat·er·niz·er \ˈfrat-ər-ˌnī-zər\ n

fraud \ˈfrȯd\ n
1 a : TRICKERY, DECEIT; esp : the use of dishonest methods to cheat another person of something valuable  b : an act of deceiving : TRICK
2 : a person who pretends to be what he or she is not

fraud·u·lent \ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt\ adj : based on or done by fraud
— fraud·u·lent·ly adv

— fraud·u·lent·ness n

fraught \ˈfrȯt\ adj : full of something specified <fraught with danger>

1fray \ˈfrā\ n : an usually disorderly or long fight, struggle, or dispute [from earlier fray “fright,” from affray “quarrel, fight,” derived from early French affreer “to attack, disturb, frighten” — related to AFRAID]

2fray vb
1 a : to wear (as an edge of cloth) by or as if by rubbing  b : to separate the threads at the edge of <cutoff jeans with frayed edges>
2 : to show or cause to show signs of strain <nerves were beginning to fray> [Middle English fraien “to fray,” from early French freier, froier “to rub,” from Latin fricare “to rub” — related to FRICTION]

1fraz·zle \ˈfraz-əl\ n : a tired or nervous condition <worn to a frazzle>

2frazzle vb
1 : 2FRAY
2 : to cause to be in a tired or nervous condition

1freak \ˈfrēk\ n
1 a : a sudden strange idea : WHIM  b : a strange, abnormal, or unusual person, thing, or event
2 a : ENTHUSIAST <a movie freak>  b : a person who is obsessed with something <a control freak>
— freak·ish \ˈfrē-kish\ adj

— freak·ish·ly adv

— freak·ish·ness n

2freak adj : being or suggesting a freak : IMPROBABLE <a freak accident>

3freak vb : to disturb one's calmness of mind : UPSET — usually used with out <the news freaks me out>

freaky \ˈfrē-kē\ adj freak·i·er; freak·i·est
1 : characterized by caprice
2 : very strange or abnormal <a freaky appearance> <a freaky coincidence>

1freck·le \ˈfrek-əl\ n : a small brownish spot in the skin
— freck·ly \-(ə-)lē\ adj

2freckle vb freck·led; freck·ling \ˈfrek-(ə-)liŋ\ : to mark or become marked with freckles

1free \ˈfrē\ adj fre·er \ˈfrē-ər\; fre·est \ˈfrē-əst\
1 a : having liberty : not being a slave <free citizens>  b : not controlled by others : INDEPENDENT <a free country> <a free press>
2 a : released or not suffering from something unpleasant or painful <free from worry> <free from disease>  b : not bound or contained by or as if by force <you are free to leave>
3 : having nothing that must be done instead <I'm free tomorrow night>
4 a : not blocked : CLEAR <free space>  b : not being used or occupied <free time>
5 : not fastened <the free end of the rope>
6 : not cheap : GENEROUS <a free spender>
7 : not costing or charging anything <free tickets>
8 : not held back by fear or distrust <free expression of opinion>
9 : not combined with something else <free oxygen>
10 : able to be used alone as a meaningful unit of language <the word “hats” is a free form>
11 : not restricted by or limited to the usual forms <free skating>
— free·ly adv

2free vb freed; free·ing : to make or set free

3free adv
1 : in a free manner
2 : without charge

1free·base \ˈfrē-ˌbās\ vb : to prepare or use cocaine as freebase

2freebase n : solid cocaine without impurities that can be heated to produce vapors for inhalation or smoked as crack

free·bie or free·bee \ˈfrē-bē\ n : something given or received without charge

free·board \ˈfrē-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : the distance between the waterline and the upper edge of the side of a ship or boat

free·boo·ter \ˈfrē-ˌbüt-ər\ n : 1PIRATE [partial translation (influenced by English booty) of Dutch vrijbuiter “one who robs people openly and with force,” from vrijbuit “plundering,” from vrij “free” and buit “stolen property, booty” — related to FILIBUSTER; see Word History at FILIBUSTER]

free·born \ˈfrē-ˈbȯrn\ adj : not born in slavery

freed·man \ˈfrēd-mən, -ˌman\ n : a person freed from slavery

free·dom \ˈfrēd-əm\ n
1 a : the state of being free : LIBERTY, INDEPENDENCE  b : ability to move or act freely  c : the state of being released from something usually unpleasant <freedom from care>  d : the quality of being frank or open <answered with freedom>  e : use without restriction <has the freedom of the house>
2 : a political right

freedom fighter n : a person who takes part in a movement against an oppressive political or social system

freed·wom·an \ˈfrēd-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman freed from slavery

free enterprise n : freedom of private business to operate with little regulation by the government

free–fall \ˈfrē-ˈfȯl\ n : a condition of falling freely (as before opening one's parachute)

free–fire zone n : a combat area in which any moving thing is considered a target

free–for–all \ˈfrē-fə-ˌrȯl\ n : a competition or fight open to all comers usually without rules
— free–for–all adj

free·hand \ˈfrē-ˌhand\ adj : done without mechanical aids or devices <freehand drawing>
— freehand adv

free hand n : freedom to act or decide

free·hand·ed \ˈfrē-ˈhan-dəd\ adj : GENEROUS 1

free kick n : a kick (as in football or soccer) with which an opponent may not interfere; also : such a kick awarded because an opponent has broken the rules

freelance \ˈfrē-ˌlan(t)s\ n
1 usually free lance
1 : a knight whose services could be bought by any ruler or state
2 : a person who pursues a profession without being committed to work for one employer for a long time <a freelance writer>
— free·lance \ˈfrē-ˌlan(t)s\ adj

— freelance vb

— free·lanc·er \-ˌlan(t)-sər\ n

free·man \ˈfrē-mən, -ˌman\ n : a free person : one who is not a slave

free market n : an economic market operating by free competition

free on board adv or adj : delivered without charge onto a means of transportation

free–range \ˈfrē-ˌrānj\ adj : allowed to roam and forage freely <free-range chickens>; also : of, relating to, or produced by free-range animals <free-range eggs>

free speech n : speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; also : the right to such speech

free–spo·ken \ˈfrē-ˈspō-kən\ adj : speaking freely : OUTSPOKEN

free·stand·ing \-ˈstan-diŋ\ adj : standing alone on its own foundation free of attachment or support

free·stone \-ˌstōn\ adj : having or being a fruit stone to which the flesh does not stick when the fruit is split open <freestone peaches>
— freestone n

free·style \-ˌstīl\ n : a competition (as a swimming race) in which the competitors are not restricted to a certain way of performing

free–swim·ming \-ˌswim-iŋ\ adj : able to swim about : not attached

free throw n : a basketball shot worth one point that must be made from behind a specific line and is given because of a foul by an opponent

free trade n : trade between nations without restrictions (as high taxes on imports)

free verse n : poetry that does not rhyme and does not have a regular rhythm

free·ware \ˈfrē-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : software available at no cost

free·way \ˈfrē-ˌwā\ n : a highway that is free of tolls

free·wheel·ing \-ˈhwē(ə)l-iŋ, -ˈwē(ə)l-iŋ\ adj : free and loose in form or manner; esp : not held back by rules, duties, or worries <led a freewheeling life in the city>

free·will \ˌfrē-ˌwil\ adj : of or done by one's own free will : VOLUNTARY <a freewill offering>

free will \ˈfrē-ˈwil\ n : one's own choice or decision

free·writ·ing \ˈfrē-ˌrīt-iŋ\ n : writing done with little or no attention to rules of grammar or sentence structure
— free·write \-ˌrīt\ vb

1freeze \ˈfrēz\ vb froze \ˈfrōz\; fro·zen \ˈfrōz-ən\; freez·ing
1 : to harden into or be hardened into a solid (as ice) by loss of heat <the river froze over> <freeze the stew for dinner next week>
2 : to be or become uncomfortably cold <turn up the heat—I'm freezing>
3 a : to damage or kill by frost <froze the tomato plants>  b : to anesthetize by cold
4 : to stick by or as if by freezing <the clothes froze to the line> <fear froze the driver's hands to the wheel>
5 : to clog or become clogged with ice <the water pipes froze>
6 : to make or become fixed or motionless <the engine froze> <froze in their tracks>
7 : to fix at a certain stage or level <freeze prices>

2freeze n
1 : a state of weather marked by low temperature
2 a : an act or instance of freezing <a wage freeze>  b : the state of being frozen

freeze–dry \ˈfrēz-ˈdrī\ vb : to dry in a vacuum while frozen in order to preserve <freeze-dried foods>

freez·er \ˈfrē-zər\ n : a compartment, device, or room for freezing food or keeping it frozen

freezer burn n : a dried-out spot on food (as meat) that has been frozen that results from improper wrapping

freezing point n : the temperature at which a liquid becomes solid

1freight \ˈfrāt\ n
1 : the amount paid (as to a shipping company) for carrying goods
2 a : goods or cargo carried by ship, train, truck, or airplane  b : the carrying of goods from one place to another by vehicle <ship the order by freight>
3 : a train that carries freight

2freight vb
1 : to load for transportation
2 : to ship by freight

freight·er \ˈfrāt-ər\ n
1 : a person who carries or ships freight
2 : a ship or airplane used chiefly to carry freight

1French \ˈfrench\ adj : of or relating to France, its people, or their language

2French n
1 : the Romance language of the French
2 French pl : the people of France

French bread n : a crusty bread usually baked in long thin loaves

French Canadian n : a person whose ancestors were French settlers in what is now the province of Quebec
— French–Canadian adj

French cuff n : a shirt cuff that folds over and is fastened by cuff links

French door n : a door with small panes of glass extending the full length

French dressing n
1 : a salad dressing made with oil and vinegar or lemon juice, and spices
2 : a creamy salad dressing flavored with tomatoes

1french fry n, often cap 1st F : a strip of potato fried in deep fat

2french fry vb, often cap 1st F : to fry in deep fat until brown

French horn n : a circular brass musical instrument with a large opening at one end and a mouthpiece shaped like a small funnel

French·man \ˈfrench-mən\ n : a person who is French

French provincial n, often cap P : a style (as of furniture) based on styles popular in the French provinces in the 17th and 18th centuries

French toast n : bread dipped in a mixture of eggs and milk and fried at low heat

French window n : a pair of windows with small panes that reach to the floor and open in the middle like doors

French·wom·an \ˈfrench-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is French

fren·e·my \ˈfren-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies : someone who pretends to be a friend but is really an enemy

fre·net·ic \fri-ˈnet-ik\ adj : FRENZIED, FRANTIC
— fre·net·i·cal·ly \-ˈnet-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

fren·zied \ˈfren-zēd\ adj : very excited or upset
— fren·zied·ly adv

fren·zy \ˈfren-zē\ n, pl frenzies : great and often wild or disorderly activity

Fre·on \ˈfrē-ˌän\ trademark — used for any of various chlorofluorocarbons

fre·quen·cy \ˈfrē-kwən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the fact or condition of happening often
2 : how often something happens : rate of repetition
3 : the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time: as  a : the number of times per second that an electric current flowing in one direction changes direction then changes back <a current having a frequency of 60 hertz>  b : the number of waves (as of sound or electromagnetic energy) that pass a fixed point each second <a sound having a frequency of 1500 hertz> <the frequency of yellow light>
4 : the number or proportion of one kind of item in a group <the frequency of chocolate doughnuts in the box>

frequency distribution n : a diagram that shows the frequency of different values of a variable in statistics

frequency modulation n : variation of the frequency of the carrier wave according to the strength of the audio or video signal; also : the system of broadcasting using this method of modulation

1fre·quent \ˈfrē-kwənt\ adj
1 : happening often <made frequent trips to town>
2 : 1REGULAR 3B, HABITUAL <a frequent visitor to the museum>
— fre·quent·ly adv

— fre·quent·ness n

2fre·quent \frē-ˈkwent, ˈfrē-kwənt\ vb : to visit, associate with, or go to often <frequents the library>
— fre·quent·er n

fres·co \ˈfres-kō\ n, pl frescoes
1 : the art of painting on freshly spread moist plaster
2 : a painting done in fresco [Italian, from fresco “fresh”]

fresh \ˈfresh\ adj
1 a : not frozen, canned, or pickled <fresh fish> <fresh vegetables>  b : not stale, sour, or spoiled <fresh bread>  c : not worn, dirty, or wrinkled <a fresh shirt>
2 a : not salt <fresh water>  b : 1PURE 1, INVIGORATING <fresh air>  c : fairly strong : brisk <fresh breeze>
3 a : newly made or received <a fresh wound>  b : 1NEW 6 <make a fresh start>  c : remaining clear or vivid <fresh in my mind>
4 : behaving or talking in a rude or disrespectful way <don't get fresh with me>  synonyms see NEW
— fresh·ly adv

— fresh·ness n

fresh·en \ˈfresh-ən\ vb fresh·ened; fresh·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to make or become fresh : REFRESH <freshen up with a shower>
2 : to become brisk or strong <the wind freshened>
3 : to brighten in appearance <freshen up a room with some color>
— fresh·en·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

fresh·et \ˈfresh-ət\ n : a sudden overflowing of a stream

fresh·man \ˈfresh-mən\ n
1 : BEGINNER, NEWCOMER
2 : a student in the first year (as of high school or college)

fresh·wa·ter \ˌfresh-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ adj : of, relating to, or living in fresh water <a freshwater fish>

1fret \ˈfret\ vb fret·ted; fret·ting
1 : to make or become worried <fret over a problem>
2 : to eat into or wear away <adobe fretted clean by wind and sand> [Old English fretan “to devour”]

2fret n : an irritated or worried state <in a fret>

3fret n : an ornamental design of short lines or bars [Middle English fret, fretted “interwoven,” from early French fretté, past participle of fretter “to tie”]

4fret n : one of a series of ridges fixed across the fingerboard of a stringed musical instrument [perhaps from early French frete “connecting sleeve”]
— fret·less \ˈfret-ləs\ adj

— fret·ted \ˈfret-əd\ adj

fret·ful \ˈfret-fəl\ adj
1 : inclined to worry <a fretful child>
2 : not relaxing or restful <a fretful sleep>
— fret·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— fret·ful·ness n

fret·work \ˈfret-ˌwərk\ n : decoration consisting of frets

fri·a·ble \ˈfrī-ə-bəl\ adj : easily crumbled or broken up <friable soil>
— fri·a·bil·i·ty \ˌfrī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

fri·ar \ˈfrī(-ə)r\ n : a member of a Roman Catholic religious order for men

fri·ary \ˈfrī-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ar·ies : a monastery of friars

1fric·as·see also fric·as·sée \ˈfrik-ə-ˌsē, ˌfrik-ə-ˈ\ n : a dish of meat (as chicken) or vegetables cut into pieces and stewed in a white sauce

2fricassee vb -seed; -see·ing : to cook as a fricassee

fric·tion \ˈfrik-shən\ n
1 a : the rubbing of one thing against another  b : the force that resists motion between bodies in contact <the friction of a box sliding along the floor> <lubrication reduces friction>
2 : disagreement between persons or groups
3 : sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis [Middle English friction “a rubbing of two things together, friction,” from early French friction or Latin friction-, frictio (both same meaning), derived from Latin fricare “to rub” — related to 2FRAY]
— fric·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— fric·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

— fric·tion·less \-ləs\ adj

Fri·day \ˈfrīd-ā, -ē\ n : the sixth day of the week
Word History The Germanic people of northern Europe worshipped many gods and goddesses in ancient times. Their most important goddess was one who is now usually known as Frigga. Her name in Old English was Frig, and the sixth day of the week was called frīgedæg, meaning “day of Frig,” in her honor. Modern English Friday comes from Old English frīgedæg. [Old English frīgedæg, literally, “day of Frig”]

1friend \ˈfrend\ n
1 : a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another
2 : a person who is not an enemy <are you friend or foe>
3 : a person who aids or favors something
4 cap : a member of a Christian group that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war
— friend·less \-ləs\ adj

— friend·less·ness n

2friend vb
1 : to act as the friend of : BEFRIEND
2 : to include (a name) in a list of designated friends on one's social networking site

1friend·ly \ˈfren-dlē\ adj friend·li·er; -est : of, relating to, or right for a friend: as  a : showing kindly interest and goodwill <a friendly gesture>  b : not hostile <friendly natives>  c : HELPFUL, FAVORABLE <a friendly breeze>  d : bringing comfort or cheer <the friendly glow of the fire>  e : ACCOMMODATING, COMPATIBLE <environmentally friendly packaging> — often used in combination <a kid-friendly restaurant>
— friend·li·ness n

2friendly n, pl friend·lies : a person who is friendly or cooperative

friend·ship \ˈfren(d)-ˌship\ n : the state of being friends

frier variant of FRYER

frieze \ˈfrēz\ n : a sculptured or ornamental band (as around a building)

frig·ate \ˈfrig-ət\ n
1 : a medium-sized square-rigged warship
2 : a modern warship that is smaller than a destroyer and that is used for escort and patrol duties

frigate bird n : any of several seabirds noted for their power of flight and the habit of robbing other birds of fish — called also man-o'-war bird

fright \ˈfrīt\ n
1 : fear caused by sudden danger : sudden terror <cry out in fright>
2 : something that is strange, ugly, or shocking <your hair looks a fright>  synonyms see FEAR

fright·en \ˈfrīt-ən\ vb fright·ened; fright·en·ing \ˈfrīt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to make afraid : TERRIFY
2 : to drive away or out by frightening
3 : to become frightened
— fright·en·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē, -ən-iŋ-\ adv

fright·ful \ˈfrīt-fəl\ adj
1 : causing fear or alarm
2 : causing shock or horror <a frightful novel>
3 : very strong <a frightful thirst>
— fright·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— fright·ful·ness n

frig·id \ˈfrij-əd\ adj
1 : freezing cold
2 : not friendly <a frigid stare>
— fri·gid·i·ty \frij-ˈid-ət-ē\ n

— frig·id·ly \ˈfrij-əd-lē\ adv

— frig·id·ness n

frigid zone n : the area or region between the arctic circle and the north pole or between the antarctic circle and the south pole — compare TEMPERATE ZONE, TORRID ZONE

fri·jo·le \frē-ˈhō-lē\ n : any of various beans used in Mexican-style cooking — usually used in plural [Spanish frijol “bean”]

frill \ˈfril\ n
1 : 2RUFFLE 2A
2 : something added mostly for show
3 : a thick fringe of hair or feathers or projection of bone or cartilage about the neck of an animal

frilly \ˈfril-ē\ adj frill·i·er; -est : having or resembling frills

1fringe \ˈfrinj\ n
1 : an ornamental border consisting of hanging threads or strips
2 : something suggesting a fringe <lived on the fringe of the forest>

2fringe vb fringed; fring·ing
1 : to provide or decorate with a fringe <fringed a buckskin jacket>
2 : to serve as a fringe for : BORDER <a jungle fringed the shore>

fringe benefit n : a benefit (as vacation, health insurance, or pension plan) given by an employer to employees in addition to pay

fringy \ˈfrin-jē\ adj : decorated with fringes

frip·pery \ˈfrip-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -per·ies
1 : showy or elegant clothing
2 : something that is not necessary, not serious, or not important

Fris·bee \ˈfriz-bē\ trademark — used for a plastic disk for tossing between players

Fri·sian \ˈfrizh-ən, ˈfrē-zhən\ n
1 : a member of a people that live mainly in the Netherlands province of Friesland and the Frisian Islands in the North Sea
2 : the Germanic language of the Frisian people

frisk \ˈfrisk\ vb
1 : to move around in a lively or playful way
2 : to search (a person) quickly especially for concealed weapons
— frisk·er n

frisky \ˈfris-kē\ adj frisk·i·er; -est : tending to frisk : PLAYFUL <frisky puppies>; also : LIVELY <a frisky performance>
— frisk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— frisk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

frit·il·lary \ˈfrit-əl-ˌer-ē\ n, pl -laries : any of numerous butterflies that are usually orange with black spots on the upper side of both wings and silver spotted on the underside of the hind wings

1frit·ter \ˈfrit-ər\ n : a small lump of fried batter often containing fruit or meat

2fritter vb : to spend or use up bit by bit especially on worthless things — usually used with away <frittered away his savings>
— frit·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

friv·ol \ˈfriv-əl\ vb -oled or -olled; -ol·ing or -ol·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : 2TRIFLE 1B

fri·vol·i·ty \friv-ˈäl-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being frivolous
2 : a frivolous act or thing

friv·o·lous \ˈfriv-(ə-)ləs\ adj
1 : of little importance : TRIVIAL <a frivolous complaint>
2 : lacking in seriousness <a frivolous attitude about a serious matter>
— friv·o·lous·ly adv

— friv·o·lous·ness n

friz·zle \ˈfriz-əl\ vb friz·zled; friz·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to fry until crisp and curled

frizzy \ˈfriz-ē\ adj frizz·i·er; -est : tightly curled <frizzy hair>

fro \ˈfrō\ adv : in a direction away — used in the phrase to and fro

frock \ˈfräk\ n
1 : a long outer garment worn by monks and friars
2 : a woman's or girl's dress

frock coat n : a man's long overcoat

frog \ˈfrȯg, ˈfräg\ n
1 a : any of various tailless leaping amphibians that have slender bodies with smooth moist skin and strong long hind legs with webbed feet and that spend more of their time in the water than the related toads  b : a hoarse condition <have a frog in one's throat>
2 : an ornamental fastening for a garment (as a jacket)

frog·man \-ˌman, -mən\ n : a swimmer equipped to work underwater for long periods of time

1frolic \ˈfräl-ik\ vb frol·icked; frol·ick·ing : to play about happily : ROMP
— frol·ick·er n

2frol·ic n
1 : a playful or mischievous action
2 : a good time : FUN

frol·ic·some \ˈfräl-ik-səm\ adj : full of high spirits : given to frolic : PLAYFUL, FRISKY

from \(ˈ)frəm, ˈfräm\ prep
1 — used to show a starting or central point <came here from the city> <a letter from home> <ran a business from home>
2 — used to show removal or separation <the dictator fell from power> <subtract 3 from 9> <far from safe>
3 — used to show a material, source, or cause <a doll made from rags> <reading aloud from a book> <suffering from a cold>

frond \ˈfränd\ n : a large leaf especially of a fern or palm tree that often has many divisions

1front \ˈfrənt\ n
1 : outer often pretended appearance <put up a good front>
2 : a region in which active warfare is taking place
3 : the forward part or surface <the front of a shirt> <the front of the house>
4 : the boundary between two dissimilar air masses
5 : someone or something that hides the true identity of those who are in control <a front for organized crime>
— in front of : directly ahead of <the car in front of ours>

2front vb : to have the front or face toward <the cottage fronting on the lake> <the house fronts the street>

3front adj : of, relating to, or situated at the front

front·age \ˈfrənt-ij\ n : the front boundary line of a lot or its length <a cottage with 200 feet of lake frontage>

front·al \ˈfrənt-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or next to the forehead
2 : of, relating to, or directed at the front <a frontal attack>
— fron·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

front–end loader n : a vehicle with a scoop in front for digging and loading loose material

fron·tier \ˌfrən-ˈti(ə)r, frän-\ n
1 : a border between two countries
2 a : a region that forms the edge of the settled part of a country  b : the outer limits of knowledge or achievement <the frontiers of science>
— frontier adj

fron·tiers·man \ˌfrən-ˈti(ə)rz-mən, frän-\ n : a person living on the frontier

fron·tis·piece \ˈfrənt-ə-ˌspēs\ n : an illustration facing the title page of a book

1frost \ˈfrȯst\ n
1 : the temperature that causes freezing
2 : a covering of tiny ice crystals on a cold surface

2frost vb
1 a : to cover with or as if with frost; esp : to put icing on (as cake)  b : to give a surface that looks like frost to
2 : to injure or kill by frost : FREEZE

1frost·bite \ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbīt\ vb frost·bit \-ˌbit\; frost·bit·ten \-ˌbit-ən\; -bit·ing \-ˌbīt-iŋ\ : to injure by frost or frostbite

2frostbite n : the freezing of a surface or deeper layer of tissues of some part of the body (as the feet or hands)

frost·free \ˌfrȯs(t)-ˌfrē\ adj : needing no defrosting <a frostfree refrigerator>

frost·ing \ˈfrȯ-stiŋ\ n
1 : 1ICING 1
2 : a dull finish on metal or glass

frost·work \ˈfrȯs-ˌtwərk\ n : the design made by moisture freezing on a surface (as a window)

frosty \ˈfrȯ-stē\ adj frost·i·er; -est
1 : cold enough to produce frost <a frosty night>
2 : covered or appearing to be covered with frost <a frosty glass>
3 : cool in manner
— frost·i·ly \-stə-lē\ adv

— frost·i·ness \-stē-nəs\ n

1froth \ˈfrȯth\ n, pl froths
1 a : bubbles formed in or on a liquid  b : the foam produced by saliva in certain diseases or nervous excitement
2 : something of little value
— froth·i·ly \ˈfrȯ-thə-lē\ adv

— froth·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

— frothy \-thē\ adj

2froth \ˈfrȯth, ˈfrȯth\ vb
1 : to foam at the mouth
2 : to produce or form froth

fro·ward \ˈfrō-(w)ərd\ adj : likely to disobey and oppose : WILLFUL
— fro·ward·ly adv

— fro·ward·ness n

1frown \ˈfrau̇n\ vb
1 : to wrinkle the forehead (as in anger or thought)
2 : to show displeasure or disapproval by or as if by facial expression <frowns on rudeness>
— frown·er n

— frown·ing·ly \ˈfrau̇-niŋ-lē\ adv

2frown n
1 : an expression of displeasure
2 : a wrinkling of the brow in displeasure or thought

frow·sy or frow·zy \ˈfrau̇-zē\ adj frow·si·er or frow·zi·er; -est : having an untidy appearance

froze past of 1FREEZE

1frozen past participle of 1FREEZE

2frozen adj
1 : treated, affected, or crusted over by freezing
2 a : FIXED 1 <frozen wages>  b : not available for present use <frozen assets>
— fro·zen·ness n

fruc·tose \ˈfrək-ˌtōs, ˈfru̇k-\ n : a very sweet sugar that dissolves easily and occurs especially in fruit juices and honey

fru·gal \ˈfrü-gəl\ adj : careful in spending or using resources
— fru·gal·i·ty \frü-ˈgal-ət-ē\ n

— fru·gal·ly \ˈfrü-gə-lē\ adv
synonyms FRUGAL, THRIFTY, ECONOMICAL, mean careful with money and other resources. FRUGAL suggests a simple lifestyle that is lacking in luxuries <a frugal woman who seldom allowed herself even small pleasures>. THRIFTY suggests a habit of saving and an avoidance of wastefulness <thrifty shoppers looking for bargains>. ECONOMICAL suggests the wise management of one's resources <economical cooks waste nothing>.

1fruit \ˈfrüt\ n
1 : a usually useful product of plant growth (as grain) <fruits of the earth>
2 a : a product of fertilization in a plant with its coverings or associated parts; esp : the ripened ovary of a seed plant (as the pod of a pea, a nut, a grain, or a berry) with or without the attached parts  b : the ripened ovary of a seed plant (as an apple or raspberry) when sweet and pulpy  c : a juicy plant part (as the stalk of a rhubarb) used chiefly as a dessert
3 : 2RESULT 1, PRODUCT <the fruits of our labors>
— fruit·ed \-əd\ adj

2fruit vb : to bear or cause to bear fruit

fruit bat n : any of numerous large Old World fruit-eating bats of warm regions — called also flying fox

fruit·cake \ˈfrüt-ˌkāk\ n : a rich cake containing nuts, dried or candied fruits, and spices

fruit fly n : any of various small two-winged flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

fruit·ful \ˈfrüt-fəl\ adj
1 : yielding or producing fruit
2 a : very productive <a fruitful soil>  b : bringing results <a fruitful idea>  synonyms see FERTILE
— fruit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— fruit·ful·ness n

fruiting body n : a plant organ specialized for producing spores

fru·i·tion \frü-ˈish-ən\ n
1 : the state of bearing fruit
2 : the state of being real or complete : REALIZATION, ACCOMPLISHMENT <brought her dreams to fruition>

fruit·less \ˈfrüt-ləs\ adj
1 : not bearing fruit
2 : producing no good results : UNSUCCESSFUL <a fruitless attempt>
— fruit·less·ly adv

— fruit·less·ness n

fruit sugar n : FRUCTOSE

fruity \ˈfrüt-ē\ adj fruit·i·er; -est : relating to or suggesting fruit <a fruity smell>

frus·trate \ˈfrəs-ˌtrāt\ vb frus·trat·ed; frus·trat·ing
1 : to prevent from carrying out a purpose <tried to frustrate his opponents in their efforts>
2 : to bring to nothing <the accident frustrated the plan>
synonyms FRUSTRATE, THWART, FOIL, OUTWIT, mean to check or defeat another's plan or prevent achievement of a goal. FRUSTRATE suggests the causing of failure despite determined or repeated efforts <lack of education frustrated him in his attempt to find a job>. THWART suggests checking another's plan by deliberately opposing it <at every turn they were thwarted by the enemy>. FOIL suggests checking or defeating that discourages further attempts <her accident foiled her dream of becoming a dancer>. OUTWIT suggests the use of slyness or cunning to defeat others <outwitted the waiting reporters by leaving from the roof in a helicopter>.

frustrating adj : producing frustration <a frustrating delay>
— frus·trat·ing·ly adv

frus·tra·tion \(ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən\ n
1 a : an act of frustrating  b : a state or an instance of being frustrated
2 : a feeling of being unable to get anything done
3 : something that frustrates

1fry \ˈfrī\ vb fried; fry·ing : to cook in fat or oil [Middle English frien “to fry,” from early French frire (same meaning), from Latin frigere “to roast”]

2fry n, pl fries
1 : something fried; esp : 1FRENCH FRY — usually used in plural <steak and fries>
2 : a get-together where fried food is eaten <a fish fry>

3fry n, pl fry
1 a : recently hatched or young fish  b : the young of animals other than fish
2 : very small adult fish
3 : members of a group or class : INDIVIDUALS <small fry> [Middle English fry “recently hatched fish,” from early French frie (same meaning), from freier, frier “to rub, spawn”]

fry bread n : quick bread cooked in deep fat

fry·er also fri·er \ˈfrī(-ə)r\ n
1 : something (as a young chicken) suitable for frying
2 : a deep utensil for frying foods

frying pan n : a metal pan with a handle for frying foods

fry pan n : FRYING PAN

fuch·sia \ˈfyü-shə\ n
1 : any of a genus of shrubs related to the evening primrose and having showy nodding flowers usually in deep pinks, reds, and purples
2 : a vivid reddish purple

fuch·sin or fuch·sine \ˈfyük-sən, -ˌsēn\ n : a synthetic dye that yields a brilliant bluish red

fu·cus \ˈfyü-kəs\ n : ROCKWEED

fud·dy–dud·dy \ˈfəd-ē-ˌdəd-ē\ n, pl -dies : a person who is old-fashioned, very cautious, or fussy

1fudge \ˈfəj\ vb fudged; fudg·ing
1 : to change (something) in order to trick people <fudged the figures>
2 : to avoid being open or direct : HEDGE <politicians fudging on the issues>

2fudge n
1 : foolish nonsense
2 : a soft creamy candy made typically of milk, sugar, butter, and flavoring

1fu·el \ˈfyü(-ə)l\ n
1 a : a material used to produce heat or power by burning  b : a material from which atomic energy can be produced especially in a reactor
2 : a source of energy

2fuel vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling : to supply with or take in fuel

fuel cell n : a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (as hydrogen) into electrical energy

fuel oil n : an oil that is used for fuel and that usually ignites at a higher temperature than kerosene

1fu·gi·tive \ˈfyü-jət-ˌiv\ adj
1 : running away or trying to run away <a fugitive slave>
2 : lasting a very short time : not fixed or lasting <fugitive thoughts>
— fu·gi·tive·ly adv

2fugitive n
1 : a person who runs away or tries to escape; esp : REFUGEE
2 : something that is hard to find [Middle English fugitif, fugitive “one who is running away,” from early French fugitif and Latin fugitivus (both, same meaning), from Latin fugitus, past participle of fugere “to run away, flee” — related to CENTRIFUGAL, REFUGEE]

fugue \ˈfyüg\ n : a musical composition in which themes are repeated in complex patterns
— fu·gal \ˈfyü-gəl\ adj

1-ful \fəl\ adj suffix
1 : full of <joyful>
2 : characterized by <peaceful>
3 : having the qualities of <masterful>
4 : tending, given, or liable to <mournful> <helpful> [Old English -ful “full”]

2-ful \ˌfu̇l\ n suffix : number or quantity that fills or would fill <roomful>

ful·crum \ˈfu̇l-krəm, ˈfəl-\ n, pl fulcrums or ful·cra \-krə\ : the support about which a lever turns

ful·fill or ful·fil \fu̇l-ˈfil\ vb ful·filled; ful·fill·ing
1 : ACCOMPLISH <fulfill a promise>
2 : to measure up to : SATISFY <fulfill requirements>
— ful·fill·er n

— ful·fill·ment \-mənt\ n

1full \ˈfu̇l\ adj
1 : containing as much or as many as possible or normal <a bottle full of milk> <the disk is full and will take no more data>
2 a : complete in number, amount, or duration <a full set of dishes> <for a full hour>  b : not missing any essentials : PERFECT <in full control of the car>  c : being at the highest or greatest degree <in full bloom> <at full power> <full strength>  d : fully lighted <the moon is full>  e : completely occupied by runners <come to bat with the bases full>  f : having three balls and two strikes <a full count>
3 a : plump and rounded in outline <a full face>  b : having much material <a full skirt>
4 : possessing or containing a great number or amount <a room full of pictures> <full of hope>
5 : satisfied especially with food or drink
6 : having the same parents <full sisters>
7 : completely taken up especially with a thought or plan <full of one's own concerns> <full of oneself>
8 : having a rich quality <a full voice>
— full·ness n

— full of it : not to be believed

2full adv
1 a : 2VERY 1, EXTREMELY <knew full well who they were>  b : all the way : ENTIRELY <filled full>
2 : 5SMACK, SQUARELY <was hit full in the face>

3full n : the highest state, extent, or degree
— in full
1 : to the complete amount <paid in full>
2 : to the fullest extent : COMPLETELY <read the book in full>

full·back \ˈfu̇l-ˌbak\ n
1 : a football back who usually lines up between the halfbacks
2 : a mainly defensive player (as in soccer or field hockey) who usually plays near the goal to be defended

full blast adv : with all power or resources being used <a sawmill running full blast> <the stereo was going full blast>

full–blood·ed \ˈfu̇l-ˈbləd-əd\ adj : of pure ancestry

full–blown \-ˈblōn\ adj
1 : fully mature or developed <a full-blown theory>
2 : being at the height of bloom

full–bod·ied \-ˈbäd-ēd\ adj : having a rich strong flavor

full dress n : the style of dress required on certain special occasions

ful·ler·ene \ˌfu̇l-ə-ˈrēn\ n : any of various hollow carbon compounds

full·er's earth \ˈfu̇l-ərz-\ n : an earthy substance used for filtering and as an absorbent

full–fledged \ˈfu̇l-ˈflejd\ adj : fully developed : MATURE

full–grown \-ˈgrōn\ adj : having reached full growth or development : MATURE

full–length \-ˈleŋ(k)th\ adj
1 : made to fit the full length of the human figure <a full-length dress>
2 : having a length that is normal for one of its kind <a full-length play>

full moon n : the moon with its whole disk lighted

full–on \ˈfu̇l-ˌȯn, -ˌän\ adj : 1COMPLETE 3, FULL-FLEDGED

full–scale \ˈfu̇l-ˈskā(ə)l\ adj
1 : identical to an original in size
2 : not limited in any way : using everything that can be used <a full-scale war>

full–ser·vice \-ˈsər-vəs\ adj : offering all services of a certain kind <a full-service bank>

full–size \ˈfu̇l-ˌsīz\ adj
1 : having the usual or normal size of its kind
2 : having a size of 54 inches by 75 inches (about 1.4 meters by 1.9 meters) <a full-size bed>

full steam ahead adv : at full power or speed

full tilt adv : at high speed : very fast <running full tilt>

full–time \ˈfu̇l-ˈtīm\ adj : working or involving the full number of hours considered normal or standard <a full-time job> <full-time employees>

ful·ly \ˈfu̇l-(l)ē\ adv
1 : in a full manner : in every way or detail : COMPLETELY
2 : at least <fully 90 percent of us>

ful·mi·nate \ˈfu̇l-mə-ˌnāt, ˈfəl-\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to utter loud or forceful complaints or strong or violent language
— ful·mi·na·tion \ˌfu̇l-mə-ˈnā-shən, ˌfəl-\ n

— ful·mi·na·tor \ˈfu̇l-mə-ˌnāt-ər, ˈfəl-\ n

ful·some \ˈfu̇l-səm\ adj
1 : very full or complete <described in fulsome detail>
2 : very or overly flattering <praised the boss in fulsome terms>
— ful·some·ly adv

— ful·some·ness n

1fum·ble \ˈfəm-bəl\ vb fum·bled; fum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to feel about for or handle something clumsily
— fum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

2fumble n
1 : an act or instance of fumbling
2 : a fumbled ball

1fume \ˈfyüm\ n : a disagreeable smoke, vapor, or gas — usually used in plural <acid fumes>
— fumy \ˈfyü-mē\ adj

2fume vb fumed; fum·ing
1 : to expose to or treat with fumes
2 : to give off fumes
3 : to show bad temper or anger

fu·mi·gant \ˈfyü-mi-gənt\ n : a substance used in fumigating

fu·mi·gate \ˈfyü-mə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to apply smoke, vapor, or gas to especially for the purpose of disinfecting or of destroying pests
— fu·mi·ga·tion \ˌfyü-mə-ˈgā-shən\ n

— fu·mi·ga·tor \ˈfyü-mə-ˌgāt-ər\ n

1fun \ˈfən\ n
1 : someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment <the twins were fun to have around> <picnics are great fun>
2 : a good time : AMUSEMENT, ENJOYMENT <have fun> <plays cards just for fun>
3 : words or actions that make someone or something an object of unkind laughter <kids making fun of me>

2fun vb funned; fun·ning : to engage in joking or play <I was only funning>

3fun adj
1 : providing fun <a fun party> <a fun person>
2 : full of fun : PLEASANT 1 <have a fun time>

1func·tion \ˈfəŋ(k)-shən\ n
1 : professional job or duties : OCCUPATION
2 a : the particular purpose for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists <the function of a knife is cutting>  b : the natural or proper action of a bodily part in a living thing <the function of the heart>
3 : a large important ceremony or social affair
4 a : a mathematical relationship that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another set  b : something (as a quality, trait, or measurement) that is determined by or based on something else <height is a function of age in children>
— func·tion·less \-ləs\ adj

2function vb func·tioned; func·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\ : to serve a certain purpose : WORK

func·tion·al \ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 a : of, connected with, or being a function  b : affecting bodily functions but not structure <functional heart disease>
2 : designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use <functional clothes> <functional writing>
3 : performing or able to perform a regular function
— func·tion·al·ly \-shnə-lē, -shən-əl-ē\ adv

func·tion·ary \ˈfəŋ(k)-shə-ˌner-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies : a person who works for a government or political party

function word n : a word (as a preposition, helping verb, or conjunction) expressing primarily grammatical relationship

1fund \ˈfənd\ n
1 : a quantity of available resources : STOCK, SUPPLY <a large fund of jokes>
2 a : a sum of money for a special purpose <the book fund>  b : available money — usually used in plural [Latin fundus “bottom, piece of land owned as property” — related to 2FOUND, FUNDAMENTAL]

2fund vb : to supply funds for <a program funded by the state>

1fun·da·men·tal \ˌfən-də-ˈment-əl\ adj
1 : being or forming a foundation : BASIC, ESSENTIAL <a discovery fundamental to modern science> <our fundamental rights>
2 : of or relating to essential structure or function : RADICAL <fundamental change>
3 : of, relating to, or produced by the lowest part of a complex vibration
4 : of central importance : PRINCIPAL <fundamental purpose> [Middle English fundamental “serving as a base or source of support,” from Latin fundamentalis “of a foundation,” from fundamentum “foundation,” derived from fundus “bottom, base” — related to 2FOUND, FUND]
— fun·da·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

2fundamental n
1 : something fundamental : a basic part <fundamentals of arithmetic>
2 : the part of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude

fu·ner·al \ˈfyün-(ə-)rəl\ n : the ceremonies held for a dead person (as before burial)
— funeral adj

funeral director n : a person whose profession is the managing of funerals and the preparation of the dead for burial or cremation

funeral home n : a place where the dead are prepared for burial or cremation and funerals are held

fu·ne·re·al \fyu̇-ˈnir-ē-əl\ adj : suggesting a funeral <funereal gloom>
— fu·ne·re·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

fun·gal \ˈfəŋ-gəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling fungi
2 : caused by a fungus <a fungal skin disease>

fun·gi·ble \ˈfən-jə-bəl\ adj
1 : having such a nature that one part or quantity may be replaced by another part or quantity to satisfy an obligation
2 : capable of being interchanged
3 : FLEXIBLE 2

fun·gi·cide \ˈfən-jə-ˌsīd, ˈfəŋ-gə-\ n : a substance that destroys fungi
— fun·gi·cid·al \ˌfən-jə-ˈsīd-əl, ˌfəŋ-gə-\ adj

fun·gous \ˈfəŋ-gəs\ adj : FUNGAL

fun·gus \ˈfəŋ-gəs\ n, pl fun·gi \ˈfən-ˌjī, ˈfəŋ-ˌgī\ also fun·gus·es
1 : any of a kingdom of living things (as molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, and mushrooms) that lack chlorophyll, are parasitic or live on dead or decaying organic matter, and were formerly considered plants
2 : infection with a fungus
— fungus adj

fu·nic·u·lar \fyu̇-ˈnik-yə-lər, fə-\ n : a cable railway going up a mountain

1funk \ˈfəŋk\ n : a strong bad smell

2funk vb
1 : to be or become frightened of
2 : to shrink back from in fear

3funk n
1 a : great fear  b : a depressed state of mind
2 : COWARD
3 : 2SLUMP <the team went into a funk>

4funk n : music that combines forms of blues, gospel, or soul music and has a strong backbeat

funky \ˈfəŋ-kē\ adj
1 : having a bad smell
2 : down-to-earth in style and feeling; esp : having the style and feeling of funk <a funky beat>
3  a : odd in appearance or feeling  b : lacking taste or style <wearing a funky old hat>  c : stylish in an untypical way : HIP 1

1fun·nel \ˈfən-əl\ n
1 : a utensil usually shaped like a hollow cone with a tube extending from the point and used to catch and direct a downward flow (as of liquid)
2 : something shaped like a funnel <the funnel cloud of a tornado>
3 : a large pipe for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)

2funnel vb -neled also -nelled; -nel·ing also -nel·ling : to move or cause to move to a central point or into a central channel

1fun·ny \ˈfən-ē\ adj fun·ni·er; -est
1 : causing or intended to cause laughter <a funny story>
2 : different from ordinary in a way that is odd, curious, or suspicious <it's funny you should ask> <that's funny—they were here yesterday> <there's something funny going on>
3 : involving trickery <don't try anything funny>
— fun·ni·ly \ˈfən-əl-ē\ adv

— fun·ni·ness \ˈfən-ē-nəs\ n

— funny adv

2funny n, pl funnies
1 : one that is funny; esp : 1JOKE 1
2 pl : comic strips or the comic section of a newspaper — usually used with the

funny bone n
1 : a place at the back of the elbow where a blow causes a painful tingling sensation
2 : a sense of humor <it tickled my funny bone>

funny paper n : the comic section of a newspaper

fur \ˈfər\ n
1 : a piece of the pelt of an animal
2 : an article of clothing made with fur
3 : the hairy coat of a mammal especially when fine, soft, and thick
— fur·less \-ləs\ adj

— furred \ˈfərd\ adj
Word History When the word fur first came into English, it was a verb that meant “to line a person's garment with the soft hair of an animal.” The noun developed from the verb. First the noun referred to animal hair used for lining and trimming a garment. Then it came to refer to the hairy coat on the animal itself. The verb, not much used anymore, was taken from the early French verb furrer meaning “to stuff, fill, line.” It was formed from an earlier French word meaning “a sheath.” Thus our word fur for the coat that covers or encases an animal traces back to a word for a sheath that encases a knife or sword. [Middle English furre “a piece of animal skin used to line a garment,” from furren (verb) “to line a garment with fur,” from early French furrer, “to stuff, fill, line,” from fuerre “sheath,” of Germanic origin]

fur·bear·er \ˈfər-ˌbar-ər, -ˌber-\ n : an animal that bears fur

fur·be·low \ˈfər-bə-ˌlō\ n
1 : 4FLOUNCE, RUFFLE
2 : something suggesting a furbelow

fu·ri·ous \ˈfyu̇r-ē-əs\ adj
1 : very angry
2 : very active : VIOLENT <a furious storm>
— fu·ri·ous·ly adv

1furl \ˈfər(ə-)l\ vb : to wrap or roll (as a sail or a flag) close to or around something

2furl n
1 : a furled coil
2 : the act of furling

fur·long \ˈfər-ˌlȯŋ\ n : a unit of distance equal to 220 yards (about 201 meters)

1fur·lough \ˈfər-lō\ n : a leave of absence from duty granted especially to a soldier

2furlough vb
1 : to grant a furlough to
2 : to lay off from work

fur·nace \ˈfər-nəs\ n : an enclosed structure in which heat is produced (as for heating a house or melting metals)

fur·nish \ˈfər-nish\ vb
1 : to provide with what is needed <the cave furnished us with shelter>; esp : to provide with furniture <furnish an apartment>
2 : to supply or give to someone or something <we'll furnish the food for the guests>
— fur·nish·er n

fur·nish·ings \ˈfər-nish-iŋz\ n pl : articles of furniture for a room or building

fur·ni·ture \ˈfər-ni-chər\ n : movable articles (as chairs, tables, or beds) used in making a room ready for use

fu·ror \ˈfyu̇r-ˌȯr, -ˌōr\ n
1 : FURY 1, RAGE
2 : an outburst of excitement : UPROAR

fu·rore \ˈfyu̇r-ˌōr, -ˌȯr\ n : FUROR 2

fur·ri·er \ˈfər-ē-ər\ n : a person who deals in furs

1fur·row \ˈfər-ō, ˈfə-rō\ n
1 : a trench in the earth made by or as if by a plow
2 : a narrow groove or wrinkle

2furrow vb : to make furrows, grooves, wrinkles, or lines in

fur·ry \ˈfər-ē\ adj fur·ri·er; -est
1 : made of or resembling fur
2 : covered with fur

fur seal n : any of various eared seals with a dense soft undercoat

1fur·ther \ˈfər-thər\ adv
1 : 1FARTHER 1
2 : in addition : BESIDES, ALSO
3 : to a greater degree or extent

2further vb fur·thered; fur·ther·ing \ˈfərth-(ə-)riŋ\ : to help forward : PROMOTE
— fur·ther·er \ˈfər-thər-ər\ n

3further adj
1 : 2FARTHER 1
2 : going or extending beyond : ADDITIONAL <further study is needed>

fur·ther·ance \ˈfərth-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n : the act of furthering : ADVANCEMENT

fur·ther·more \ˈfər-thə(r)-ˌmō(ə)r, -ˌmȯ(ə)r\ adv : in addition to what precedes : MOREOVER

fur·ther·most \ˈfər-thə(r)-ˌmōst\ adj : most distant : FARTHEST

fur·thest \ˈfər-thəst\ adv or adj : FARTHEST

fur·tive \ˈfərt-iv\ adj : done in a sneaky or sly manner <a furtive look>
— fur·tive·ly adv

— fur·tive·ness n

fu·ry \ˈfyu̇(ə)r-ē\ n, pl furies
1 : violent anger <threw the vase in a fury>
2 a cap : one of the avenging spirits of classical mythology  b : a violently angry person
3 : wild and dangerous force <the fury of the storm>  synonyms see ANGER

furze \ˈfərz\ n : GORSE

1fuse vb fused; fus·ing
1 : to change into a liquid or plastic state by heat
2 : to become fluid with heat
3 : to unite by or as if by melting together [from Latin fusus past participle of fundere “to pour melted metal into a mold” — related to 3FOUND]

2fuse n : an electrical safety device having a metal wire or strip that melts and interrupts the circuit when the current becomes too strong

3fuse \ˈfyüz\ n
1 : a cord or cable that is set afire to ignite an explosive charge by carrying fire to it
2 also fuze : a mechanical or electrical device for setting off the explosive charge of an artillery shell, bomb, or torpedo [from Italian fuso “a slender tapering rod used for twisting yarn, spindle,” from Latin fusus “spindle”]

4fuse also fuze vb fused also fuzed; fus·ing also fuz·ing : to equip with a fuse

fu·se·lage \ˈfyü-sə-ˌläzh, ˈfyü-zə-\ n : the central body portion of an airplane that holds the crew, passengers, and cargo

fus·ible \ˈfyü-zə-bəl\ adj : capable of being fused and especially melted by heat
— fus·ibil·i·ty \ˌfyü-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

fu·sil·lade \ˈfyü-sə-ˌläd, -ˌlād, -zə-; ˌfyü-sə-ˈläd, -ˈlād, -zə-\ n
1 : a number of shots fired at the same time or rapidly one after another
2 : something like a fusillade of shots <a fusillade of rocks>
3 : an outburst especially of criticism

fu·sion \ˈfyü-zhən\ n
1 : the act or process of melting or making fluid by heat
2 : union by or as if by melting
3 : the union of light atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy

1fuss \ˈfəs\ n
1 : unnecessary activity or excitement often over something unimportant
2 : 1PROTEST
3 : a great show of interest <made a fuss over the baby>

2fuss vb : to make a fuss
— fuss·er n

fussy \ˈfəs-ē\ adj fuss·i·er; -est
1 : inclined to complain or whine <a fussy child>
2 a : needing or giving much attention to details <a fussy job>  b : hard to please <fussy about food>
— fuss·i·ly \ˈfəs-ə-lē\ adv

— fuss·i·ness \ˈfəs-ē-nəs\ n

fus·tic \ˈfəs-tik\ n : the wood of a tropical American tree that is related to the mulberries and is the source of a yellow dye; also : a tree that produces this wood

fus·ty \ˈfəs-tē\ adj fus·ti·er; -est
1 : full of dust and stale odors : MUSTY
2 : very old-fashioned
— fus·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— fus·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

fu·tile \ˈfyüt-əl, ˈfyü-ˌtīl\ adj
1 : having no result or effect : USELESS <all our efforts proved futile> <a futile and foolish gesture>
2 : concerned with unimportant matters <futile pleasures>
— fu·tile·ly \-əl-(l)ē, -ˌtīl-lē\ adv

— fu·tile·ness \-əl-nəs, -ˌtīl-nəs\ n

fu·til·i·ty \ˌfyu̇-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being futile
2 : a useless act

futon \ˈfü-ˌtän\ n, pl futons also futon : a usually cotton-filled mattress used on the floor or in a frame as a bed, couch, or chair [Japanese]

1fu·ture \ˈfyü-chər\ adj
1 : coming after the present <future events>
2 : of, relating to, or being a verb form in the future tense [Middle English future “future,” from early French futur (same meaning) and Latin futurus “about to be,” from the Latin verb esse “to be”]

2future n
1 a : time that is to come <sometime in the future>  b : what is going to happen <predict the future>
2 : expectation of future success <a promising future>
3 : something (as a commodity) bought or sold for delivery at a future time — usually used in plural <grain futures>
4 a : FUTURE TENSE  b : a verb form in the future tense

fu·ture·less \ˈfyü-chər-ləs\ adj : having no expectation of future success <a futureless acting career>
— fu·ture·less·ness n

future perfect tense n : a verb tense formed in English with will have and shall have and expressing completion of an action by a specified time that is yet to come

future tense n : a verb tense formed in English with will or shall and expressing an action or state in time yet to come

fu·tur·ist \ˈfyü-chə-rəst\ n : a person who tries to tell what the future will be like by studying current trends

fu·tur·is·tic \ˌfyü-chə-ˈris-tik\ adj : being or resembling the style or type predicted for the future <futuristic furniture>
— fu·tur·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

fu·tu·ri·ty \fyu̇-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē, -ˈchu̇r-\ n, pl -ties
1 : 2FUTURE 1A
2 : the quality or state of being future
3 pl : future events or possibilities

fuze variant of FUSE

fuzz \ˈfəz\ n : fine light particles or fibers (as of down or fluff)

fuzzy \ˈfəz-ē\ adj fuzz·i·er; -est
1 : covered with or resembling fuzz
2 : not clear : INDISTINCT <a fuzzy picture>
3 : being, relating to, or causing pleasant and usually emotional feelings <warm and fuzzy feelings>
— fuzz·i·ly \ˈfəz-ə-lē\ adv

— fuzz·i·ness \ˈfəz-ē-nəs\ n

-fy \ˌfī\ vb suffix -fied; -fy·ing
1 : cause to become <beautify>
2 : gain or cause to gain qualities related to <citify> [derived from Latin -ficare, from facere “to make, do”]

G

g \ˈjē\ n, pl g's or gs often cap
1 : the seventh letter of the English alphabet
2 : the musical note referred to by the letter G : the fifth tone of a C-major scale
3 : ACCELERATION OF GRAVITY; also : a unit of force equal to the weight of a body on which the force acts <an astronaut may experience 3 g's during liftoff>

G certification mark — used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that persons of all ages may be allowed admission

gab \ˈgab\ vb gabbed; gab·bing : to talk idly : CHATTER
— gab n

— gab·ber n

gab·ar·dine \ˈgab-ər-ˌdēn\ n
1 : a firm cloth with diagonal ribs and a hard smooth finish
2 : a garment of gabardine

gab·ble \ˈgab-əl\ vb gab·bled; gab·bling \ˈgab-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to talk quickly or foolishly : JABBER
2 : to utter sounds that cannot be understood : BABBLE
— gabble n

— gab·bler \ˈgab-(ə-)lər\ n

gab·by \ˈgab-ē\ adj gab·bi·er; -est : TALKATIVE

gab·fest \ˈgab-ˌfest\ n
1 : a gathering for talking
2 : a long conversation

ga·ble \ˈgā-bəl\ n
1 : the triangular part of an outside wall of a building that is formed by the sides of the roof sloping down from the ridgepole to the eaves
2 : a triangular structure (as over a door or window)
— ga·bled \-bəld\ adj

gable roof n : a roof having two sides sloping from a ridge and forming a gable at each end

1gad \ˈgad\ vb gad·ded; gad·ding : to be on the go without specific purpose — usually used with about <gadding about the city>

2gad interj — used as a mild oath

gad·about \ˈgad-ə-ˌbau̇t\ n : a person who goes from place to place in social activity
— gadabout adj

gad·fly \ˈgad-ˌflī\ n
1 : any of various flies (as a horsefly or botfly) that are pests especially of livestock
2 : a person who annoys others especially by persistent criticism

gad·get \ˈgaj-ət\ n : an interesting, unfamiliar, or unusual device with a practical use
— gad·get·ry \ˈgaj-ə-trē\ n

gad·o·lin·i·um \ˌgad-əl-ˈin-ē-əm\ n : a magnetic metallic chemical element — see ELEMENT TABLE

Gael \ˈgā(ə)l\ n
1 : a Scottish Highlander
2 : a Celtic especially Gaelic-speaking person born or living in Ireland, Scotland, or the Isle of Man

Gael·ic \ˈgāl-ik, ˈgal-, ˈgäl-\ adj
1 : of or relating to the Gaels and especially the Celtic Highlanders of Scotland
2 : of, relating to, or being the Celtic speech of persons born or living in Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Scottish Highlands
— Gaelic n

gaff \ˈgaf\ n
1 : a spear or hook for lifting heavy fish
2 : a pole that extends from the back of a mast to support the top of a sail
3 : something hard to take <couldn't stand the gaff>
4 : GAFFE
— gaff vb

gaffe \ˈgaf\ n : a noticeable mistake especially of manners

1gag \ˈgag\ vb gagged; gag·ging
1 : to prevent from speaking or crying out by or as if by stopping up the mouth
2 a : to vomit or cause to feel like vomiting  b : 1CHOKE 2
3 : to be unable to endure something : BALK
4 : to tell jokes

2gag n
1 a : something thrust into the mouth especially to prevent speech or outcry  b : a check to free speech
2 : something said or done to cause laughter
3 : PRANK

1gage \ˈgāj\ n
1 : a glove or cap thrown on the ground as a challenge to combat
2 : something given as a pledge of performance : SECURITY

2gage variant of GAUGE

gag·gle \ˈgag-əl\ n
1 : 1FLOCK 1; esp : a flock of geese when not in flight
2 : an unorganized group <a gaggle of reporters>

gai·ety also gay·ety \ˈgā-ət-ē\ n, pl -eties
1 : MERRYMAKING 1
2 : high spirits

gai·ly also gay·ly \ˈgā-lē\ adv
1 : in a merry or lively way
2 : in a bright or showy way <gaily dressed crowds>

1gain \ˈgān\ n
1 : resources or advantage acquired or increased : PROFIT <financial gains>
2 : an increase in amount, size, or degree <a gain in weight>

2gain vb
1 a : to get possession of often by effort : EARN <gain an advantage>  b : to win in competition or conflict <gain a victory>  c : to get by a natural development or process <gain strength>  d : to arrive at <the swimmer gained the shore>
2 : to win to one's side : PERSUADE
3 : to increase in <gain momentum>
4 : to run fast <my watch gains a minute a day>
5 : to get advantage : PROFIT <hoped to gain from the deal>
6 a : 1INCREASE 1 <the day was gaining in warmth>  b : to increase in weight  c : to improve in health
— gain·er n

— gain ground : to make progress

gain·ful \ˈgān-fəl\ adj : producing gain : making money <gainful employment>
— gain·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— gain·ful·ness n

gain·say \gān-ˈsā\ vb gain·said \-ˈsād, -ˈsed\; gain·say·ing \-ˈsā-iŋ\
1 : to declare untrue : DENY
2 : to speak against : CONTRADICT
— gain·say·er n

gait \ˈgāt\ n : a manner of moving on foot; also : a particular style of such movement <the gait of a horse>
— gait·ed \-əd\ adj

gai·ter \ˈgāt-ər\ n : a leg covering reaching from the instep to above the ankle or to mid-calf or knee

gal \ˈgal\ n : GIRL

ga·la \ˈgā-lə, ˈgal-ə\ n : a festive celebration
— gala adj

ga·lac·tic \gə-ˈlak-tik\ adj : of or relating to a galaxy

ga·lac·tose \gə-ˈlak-ˌtōs\ n : a sugar that is less easily dissolved and is less sweet than glucose

Ga·la·tians \gə-ˈlā-shənz\ n : an argumentative letter of St. Paul written to the Christians of Galatia and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

galavant variant of GALLIVANT

gal·axy \ˈgal-ək-sē\ n, pl gal·ax·ies
1 : MILKY WAY GALAXY
2 : one of the very large groups of stars and other matter that are found throughout the universe [Middle English galaxie “the Milky Way,” from Latin galaxias (same meaning), from Greek galaxias “Milky Way,” from galakt-, gala “milk”]

gale \ˈgā(ə)l\ n
1 : a strong current of air; esp : a wind of from 32 to 63 miles (about 51 to 101 kilometers) per hour
2 : an emotional outburst <gales of laughter>

ga·le·na \gə-ˈlē-nə\ n : a bluish gray mineral with metallic luster that consists of sulfide of lead and that is the principal ore of lead

1gall \ˈgȯl\ n
1 a : BILE 1  b : something hard to endure  c : ILL WILL
2 : NERVE 3C [Old English gealla “bile”]

2gall n
1 : a skin sore (as on a horse's back) caused by repeated irritation (as from rubbing by a saddle)
2 : a cause or state of aggravation [Old English gealla “skin sore,” from Latin galla “plant gall”]

3gall vb
1 : to make or become sore or worn by rubbing
2 : IRRITATE 1, VEX <sarcasm galls her>

4gall n : an abnormal growth of plant tissue usually due to fungi or insect parasites [Middle English galle “a swelling on a plant, plant gall,” from early French galle (same meaning), from Latin galla “plant gall”]

1gal·lant \gə-ˈlant, gə-ˈlänt, ˈgal-ənt\ n
1 : a fashionable young man
2 : a man who likes the company of women and is attentive to them  b : SUITOR 3

2gal·lant \ˈgal-ənt (usually in sense 2b); gə-ˈlant, gə-ˈlänt (usually in sense 3)\ adj
1 : showy in dress or bearing
2 a : SPLENDID 2, STATELY <a gallant ship>  b : SPIRITED, BRAVE  c : CHIVALROUS 2A, NOBLE <a gallant knight>
3 : polite and attentive to women
— gal·lant·ly adv

gal·lant·ry \ˈgal-ən-trē\ n, pl -ries
1 a : an act of notable courtesy  b : courteous attention to a woman
2 : notable bravery

gall·blad·der \ˈgȯl-ˌblad-ər\ n : a muscular sac in which bile from the liver is stored

gal·le·on \ˈgal-ē-ən\ n : a large sailing ship with square sails used from the 1400s to the 1700s especially by the Spanish

gal·lery \ˈgal(-ə)-rē\ n, pl gal·ler·ies
1 : an outdoor balcony
2 a : a long narrow room, hall, or passage  b : an underground passageway (as in a mine or cave)  c : a passage (as in earth or wood) made by an animal and especially an insect
3 a : a room or building devoted to the exhibition of works of art  b : a business dealing in works of art
4 : a balcony in an auditorium; esp : the highest balcony in a theater or the people who sit there <play to the gallery>
5 : a photographer's studio

gal·ley \ˈgal-ē\ n, pl galleys
1 : a large low ship of olden times moved by oars and sails
2 : the kitchen especially of a ship or airplane

gall·fly \ˈgȯl-ˌflī\ n : an insect that deposits its eggs in plants and causes galls in which the larvae feed

Gal·lic \ˈgal-ik\ adj : of or relating to Gaul or France

gall·ing \ˈgȯ-liŋ\ adj : very irritating : VEXING

gal·li·nule \ˈgal-ə-ˌn(y)ü(ə)l\ n : any of several birds related to the rails that are usually found in or near water

gal·li·um \ˈgal-ē-əm\ n : a bluish white metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

gal·li·vant also gal·a·vant \ˈgal-ə-ˌvant\ vb : to travel or roam about for pleasure

gal·lon \ˈgal-ən\ n : a unit of liquid capacity equal to 231 cubic inches or four quarts — see MEASURE TABLE

1gal·lop \ˈgal-əp\ vb
1 : to go or cause to go at a gallop
2 : to run fast
— gal·lop·er n

2gallop n
1 : a fast bounding gait of a four-footed animal in which all four feet are off the ground at one time once in each stride; esp : a fast gait of the horse with a three-beat or four-beat rhythm
2 : a ride or run at a gallop
3 : a rapid progression or pace

gal·lows \ˈgal-(ˌ)ōz, -əz\ n, pl gallows or gal·lows·es
1 : a structure from which criminals are hanged
2 : the punishment of hanging <was sentenced to the gallows>

gall·stone \ˈgȯl-ˌstōn\ n : a hard mass like a pebble that is formed in the gallbladder or bile passages

gall wasp n : a wasp that is a gallfly

ga·loot \gə-ˈlüt\ n, slang : FELLOW 4A; esp : a person who is odd or foolish

ga·lore \gə-ˈlō(ə)r, -ˈlȯ(ə)r\ adj : ABUNDANT, PLENTIFUL — used after the word it modifies <has charm galore>

ga·losh \ˈgə-ˈläsh\ n : a high overshoe worn especially in snow and slush

ga·lumph \gə-ˈləm(p)f\ vb : to move in a loud and clumsy way

gal·va·nize \ˈgal-və-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing
1 a : to subject to the action of an electric current <galvanize a muscle>  b : to cause excitement or concern and a desire for action in <an issue that galvanized the public>
2 : to coat (as iron) with zinc for protection
— gal·va·ni·za·tion \ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

gal·va·nom·e·ter \ˌgal-və-ˈnäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for detecting or measuring a small electric current

1gam·ble \ˈgam-bəl\ vb gam·bled; gam·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to play a game for money or property  b : to bet on an uncertain outcome
2 : to bet something on the chance of gain : take a chance <we gambled on not being seen>
3 : 2RISK 1, HAZARD
— gam·bler \-blər\ n

2gamble n
1 : a risky undertaking
2 : a betting on a game of chance

gam·bol \ˈgam-bəl\ vb -boled or -bolled; -bol·ing or -bol·ling \-bə-liŋ also -bliŋ\ : to run or skip about in play : FROLIC
— gambol n

gam·brel roof \ˌgam-brəl-\ n : a roof with a lower steeper slope and an upper less steep one on each side

1game \ˈgām\ n
1 a : activity engaged in for amusement  b : 1FUN 1, SPORT <make game of a nervous player>
2 a : a procedure or strategy for gaining an end : TACTIC  b : a line of work : PROFESSION
3 a : a contest carried on following set rules for amusement, exercise, or reward  b : a division of a larger contest  c : the number of points necessary to win  d : the manner of playing in a contest
4 a : animals pursued or taken by hunting  b : the flesh of game animals  c : an object of ridicule or attack — often used in the phrase fair game

2game vb gamed; gam·ing : 1GAMBLE 1A

3game adj gam·er; gam·est
1 a : full of spirit or eagerness : DETERMINED <game to the end>  b : willing or ready to go
2 : of or relating to animals that are hunted <game laws>
— game·ly adv

— game·ness n

4game adj : 1LAME 1B <a game leg>

game changer n : a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way

game·cock \ˈgām-ˌkäk\ n : a rooster trained to fight

game fish n : a fish regularly sought by anglers

game·keep·er \ˈgām-ˌkē-pər\ n : a person in charge of the breeding and protection of game animals or birds on private land

game plan n : a strategy for achieving an end : 1GAME 2A

gam·er \ˈgā-mər\ n
1 : a person who plays games and especially video games
2 : a person who is game; esp : an athlete who enjoys competition

game show n : a television program in which contestants compete for prizes in a game (as a quiz)

ga·mete \gə-ˈmēt, ˈgam-ˌēt\ n : a mature sex cell that usually has half of the normal number of chromosomes and is capable of uniting with a gamete of the opposite sex to begin the formation of a new individual
— ga·met·ic \gə-ˈmet-ik\ adj

— ga·met·i·cal·ly \-ˈmet-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ga·me·to·phyte \gə-ˈmēt-ə-ˌfīt\ n : the individual or generation of plants or fungi with alternating sexual and asexual generations that produces gametes — compare SPOROPHYTE
— ga·me·to·phyt·ic \-ˌmēt-ə-ˈfit-ik\ adj

gam·in \ˈgam-ən\ n
1 : a boy who hangs out on the streets
2 : GAMINE 2

ga·mine \ga-ˈmēn\ n
1 : a girl who hangs out on the streets
2 : a small playfully mischievous girl

gam·ing \ˈgā-miŋ\ n
1 : the practice of gambling
2 : the acting out of a situation (as war) for training or testing
3 : the playing of video games

gam·ma \ˈgam-ə\ n : the third letter of the Greek alphabet — Γ or γ

gamma globulin n
1 : a part of blood plasma that is rich in antibodies
2 : a solution of gamma globulin made by mixing blood from human blood donors and given to provide immunity against some infectious diseases (as measles and German measles)

gamma radiation n : radiation made up of gamma rays

gamma ray n : a ray that is like an X-ray but of higher energy and that is given off especially by a radioactive substance

gam·ut \ˈgam-ət\ n : an entire range or series <ran the gamut from rich to poor> [probably a contraction of gamma ut, a Latin expression in the Middle Ages for “the full range of notes in music,” from gamma “the lowest note on the staff” and ut “the first note of the scale”]

gamy or gam·ey \ˈgā-mē\ adj gam·i·er; -est
1 : BRAVE, PLUCKY
2 : having the flavor of wild game especially when slightly spoiled <gamy meat>
— gam·i·ly \ˈgā-mə-lē\ adv

— gam·i·ness \ˈgā-mē-nəs\ n

1gan·der \ˈgan-dər\ n : a male goose

2gander n : a look often for judging <take a gander>

1gang \ˈgaŋ\ n
1 : two or more tools or devices arranged to work together
2 : a group of persons working or going about together
3 : a group of persons associated together to do something illegal
4 : a group of friends

2gang vb : to form into or move or act as a gang

gang·land \ˈgaŋ-ˌland, -lənd\ n : the world of organized crime

gan·gling \ˈgaŋ-gliŋ, -glən\ adj : GANGLY

gan·gli·on \ˈgaŋ-glē-ən\ n, pl gan·glia \-glē-ə\ also -gli·ons : a mass of nerve tissue lying outside the brain or spinal cord and containing neurons; also : NUCLEUS C
— gan·gli·on·ic \ˌgaŋ-glē-ˈän-ik\ adj

gan·gly \ˈgaŋ-glē\ adj gan·gli·er; -est : loosely and awkwardly built : LANKY

gang·plank \ˈgaŋ-ˌplaŋk\ n : a movable bridge from a ship to the shore

1gan·grene \ˈgaŋ-ˌgrēn, ˈgan-; gaŋ-ˈgrēn, gan-\ n : the death of soft tissues in a local area of the body due to loss of the blood supply
— gan·gre·nous \ˈgaŋgrə-nəs\ adj

2gangrene vb gan·grened; gan·gren·ing : to make or become diseased with gangrene

gang·ster \ˈgaŋ-stər\ n : a member of a gang of criminals : RACKETEER
— gang·ster·ism \-stə-ˌriz-əm\ n

gang up vb : to join together for an often hostile purpose <ganged up on their little brother>

gang·way \ˈgaŋ-ˌwā\ n
1 : a passage into, through, or out of an enclosed place
2 : GANGPLANK
3 : a clear passage through a crowd — often used as an interjection <Gangway! Coming through!>

gan·net \ˈgan-ət\ n, pl gannets also gannet : any of several large fish-eating seabirds that breed chiefly on offshore islands

gantlet variant of GAUNTLET

gan·try \ˈgan-trē\ n, pl gantries
1 : a platform made to carry a traveling crane and supported by towers running on parallel tracks
2 : a movable structure used for erecting and servicing rockets before launching
3 : a structure spanning several railroad tracks and displaying signals

gaol, gaol·er chiefly British variant of JAIL, JAILER

gap \ˈgap\ n
1 : a break in a barrier
2 a : a mountain pass  b : RAVINE
3 : a space or separation : a break in continuity <gaps in your story> <a gap where the tooth had been>
4 : a wide difference (as in amount, character, or attitude) <a wage gap>

1gape \ˈgāp\ vb gaped; gap·ing
1 a : to open the mouth wide  b : to open or part widely
2 : to stare with mouth open in surprise or wonder
3 : 1YAWN 2  synonyms see GAZE
— gap·er n

— gap·ing·ly \ˈgā-piŋ-lē\ adv

2gape n
1 : an act or instance of gaping
2 : an unfilled space

gar \ˈgär\ n : any of various fishes with a long body like that of a pike and long narrow jaws

1ga·rage \gə-ˈräzh, -ˈräj\ n : a shelter or repair shop for automotive vehicles

2garage vb ga·raged; ga·rag·ing : to keep or put in a garage

garage sale n : a sale of used household or personal items (as furniture or clothing) held at the seller's home

garb \ˈgärb\ n
1 : style of dress
2 : outward form : APPEARANCE
— garb vb

gar·bage \ˈgär-bij\ n
1 : food waste
2 : discarded or useless material : REFUSE

gar·bage·man \ˈgär-bij-ˌman\ n : a person who collects and hauls away garbage

gar·ban·zo \gär-ˈbän-zō\ n, pl -zos : CHICKPEA — called also garbanzo bean

gar·ble \ˈgär-bəl\ vb gar·bled; gar·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to change or twist the meaning or sound of
— gar·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

1gar·den \ˈgärd-ən\ n
1 : a plot of ground where herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables are grown
2 a : a public recreation area or park usually ornamented with plants and trees <a botanical garden>  b : an open-air eating or drinking place

2garden vb gar·dened; gar·den·ing \ˈgärd-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to lay out or work in a garden
2 : to make into a garden

3garden adj
1 : of, relating to, used in, or frequenting gardens
2 : of a kind grown under cultivation especially in the open <garden plants>

gar·den·er \ˈgärd-nər, -ən-ər\ n : a person who gardens especially for pay

gar·de·nia \gär-ˈdē-nyə\ n : any of various Old World tropical trees and shrubs with leathery leaves and fragrant white or yellow flowers; also : one of the flowers

garden–variety adj : 2ORDINARY 2, COMMONPLACE <not the flu, just a garden-variety cold>

gar·gan·tuan \gär-ˈganch-wən, -ə-wən\ adj : extraordinary in size, degree, or volume : GIGANTIC [from Gargantua, a giant with an enormous appetite in books by the French author François Rabelais]

1gar·gle \ˈgär-gəl\ vb gar·gled; gar·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to cleanse the mouth or throat with a liquid kept in motion by air forced through it from the lungs

2gargle n
1 : a liquid used in gargling
2 : a gargling sound

gar·goyle \ˈgär-ˌgȯil\ n : a waterspout in the form of a strange or frightening human or animal figure sticking out at the roof or eaves of a building

gar·ish \ˈga(ə)r-ish, ˈge(ə)r-\ adj : too bright or showy : GAUDY
— gar·ish·ly adv

— gar·ish·ness n

1gar·land \ˈgär-lənd\ n : a wreath or rope of leaves or flowers or of other material

2garland vb : to form into or decorate with a garland

gar·lic \ˈgär-lik\ n : a European herb related to onion and grown for its bulbs that have a strong smell and taste and are used to flavor foods; also : one of the bulbs
— gar·licky \-li-kē\ adj

garlic salt n : a seasoning made of ground dried garlic and salt

gar·ment \ˈgär-mənt\ n : an article of clothing
— garment vb

gar·ner \ˈgär-nər\ vb
1 : to gather into storage
2 a : to acquire by effort : EARN  b : ACCUMULATE 1, COLLECT

gar·net \ˈgär-nət\ n
1 : a transparent usually red mineral used as a gem or for grinding, smoothing, or polishing
2 : a deep red color
Word History The garnet owes its name to its color. The deep red color of a garnet reminded the French of a red-skinned fruit. In early French the fruit was called pomme gernete, which means “seedy apple.” This later became pomegranate in English. The early French word gernete, meaning “seedy,” is the source of the adjective gernet, meaning “red like a pomegranate.” This word was then used as a noun to mean the red gemstone. When borrowed into English, gernet became garnet. [Middle English gernet “garnet,” from early French gernete (same meaning), from gernet (adjective) “red like a pomegranate,” from pomme gernete “pomegranate,” literally, “seedy apple”; pomme from earlier pome “apple” and gernete derived from Latin granum “grain, seed” — related to GRAIN, GRENADE, POMEGRANATE]

garnet paper n : a paper that has crushed garnet glued on one side and is used for smoothing and polishing

gar·nish \ˈgär-nish\ vb
1 : DECORATE 1, EMBELLISH
2 : to add decorations or seasonings to (food)
3 : ACCESSORIZE
— garnish n

— gar·nish·ment \-mənt\ n

gar·ret \ˈgar-ət\ n : a room or unfinished part of a house just under the roof

1gar·ri·son \ˈgar-ə-sən\ n
1 : a military post; esp : a permanent military installation
2 : the troops stationed at a garrison

2garrison vb gar·ri·soned; gar·ri·son·ing \ˈgar-əs(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to station troops in
2 : to send (troops) to a garrison

1gar·rote or ga·rotte \gə-ˈrät, -ˈrōt; ˈgar-ət\ n
1 a : a method of execution by strangling  b : the apparatus used
2 : an implement (as a wire with a handle at each end) for strangling

2garrote or garotte vb gar·rot·ed or ga·rott·ed; gar·rot·ing or ga·rott·ing : to strangle with or as if with a garrote
— gar·rot·er n

gar·ru·lous \ˈgar-ə-ləs\ adj : overly talkative  synonyms see TALKATIVE
— gar·ru·lous·ly adv

— gar·ru·lous·ness n

gar·ter \ˈgärt-ər\ n : a band worn to hold up a stocking or sock

garter snake n : any of numerous harmless American snakes with stripes along the back

1gas \ˈgas\ n, pl gas·es also gas·ses
1 : a fluid (as hydrogen or air) that has no fixed shape and tends to expand without limit
2 a : a gas or mixture of gases used as a fuel or as an anesthetic  b : a gaseous product of digestion  c : a fluid substance (as tear gas) that can be used to produce a poisonous or suffocating atmosphere
3 : unimportant talk : BOMBAST
4 : GASOLINE
5 slang : something appealing or enjoyable <the party was a gas>

2gas vb gassed; gas·sing
1 : to supply with gas <gas up the car>
2 a : to treat with gas  b : to poison with gas
3 : to talk idly

gas·eous \ˈgas-ē-əs, ˈgash-əs\ adj
1 : having the form of or being gas
2 : of or relating to gas
3 : lacking solidity

gas–guz·zler \ˈgas-ˈgəz(-ə)-lər\ n : a usually large automobile that gets low gas mileage
— gas–guz·zling \-ˈgəz(-ə)-liŋ\ adj

1gash \ˈgash\ n : a long deep cut

2gash vb : to make a long deep cut in

gas·ket \ˈgas-kət\ n : a material (as rubber) or a part used to prevent a joint from leaking

gas·light \ˈgas-ˌlīt, -ˈlīt\ n
1 : light made by burning gas
2 a : a gas flame  b : a gas lighting fixture
— gas·light·ing \-iŋ\ n

— gas·lit \-ˌlit, -ˈlit\ adj

gas mask n : a mask connected to a chemical air filter and used to protect the face and lungs against harmful gases

gas·o·hol \ˈgas-ə-ˌhȯl\ n : a fuel consisting of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline [from gasoline and alcohol]

gas·o·line \ˈgas-ə-ˌlēn, ˌgas-ə-ˈlēn\ n : a flammable liquid produced usually by blending products from natural gas and petroleum and used especially as a fuel for engines

gasp \ˈgasp\ vb
1 : to draw in a breath sharply (as with shock)
2 : to breathe with difficulty : PANT
3 : to utter with quick difficult breaths
— gasp n

gas station n : a place for servicing motor vehicles especially with gasoline and oil

gas·sy \ˈgas-ē\ adj gas·si·er; -est
1 : full of or containing gas
2 : having the characteristics of gas
3 : characterized by the use of many words to say little
— gas·si·ness n

gas·tric \ˈgas-trik\ adj : of, relating to, or located near the stomach <gastric ulcers>

gastric juice n : a watery acid fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by glands in the walls of the stomach

gas·tri·tis \ga-ˈstrīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the stomach and especially of its mucous membrane

gas·troc·ne·mi·us \ˌgas-(ˌ)träk-ˈnē-mē-əs, -trək-\ n, pl -mii \-mē-ˌī\ : the largest muscle of the calf of the leg that points the toe and flexes the leg below the knee

gas·tro·in·tes·ti·nal \ˌgas-trō-in-ˈtes-tən-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or including both stomach and intestine

gas·tron·o·my \ga-ˈsträn-ə-mē\ n : the art of appreciating fine food
— gas·tro·nom·ic \ˌgas-trə-ˈnäm-ik\ also gas·tro·nom·i·cal \-ˈnäm-i-kəl\ adj

gas·tro·pod \ˈgas-trə-ˌpäd\ n : any of a large class of mollusks (as snails) that have a muscular foot at the bottom and usually both a distinct head bearing sense organs and a spiral shell into which the body can be withdrawn
— gastropod adj

gas·tro·trich \ˈgas-trə-ˌtrik\ n : any of a small group of tiny animals that live in water and move by gliding

gas·tru·la \ˈgas-trə-lə\ n, pl -las or -lae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ : a cup-shaped three-layered early embryo formed from the blastula by the movement of layers of cells to establish the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm

gas·tru·la·tion \ˌgas-trə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the process of becoming or of forming a gastrula

gas turbine n : an engine in which gases produced by burning fuel are used to spin blades connected to a drive shaft

gas·works \ˈgas-ˌwərks\ n pl : a plant for manufacturing gas

gat \ˈgat\ n, slang : HANDGUN

gate \ˈgāt\ n
1 : an opening in a wall or fence
2 : a city or castle entrance often with defensive structures
3 : the frame or door that closes a gate
4 : a means of entrance or exit
5 : a door, valve, or other device for controlling the passage of fluid
6 : the total admission receipts or the number of spectators especially at a sports event

gat·ed \ˈgāt-əd\ adj
1 : having a gate
2 : having guarded or locked gates designed to restrict access <a gated community>

gate·house \ˈgāt-ˌhau̇s\ n : a small building near a gate at an entrance (as to a park or gated community)

gate·keep·er \-ˌkē-pər\ n
1 : a person who tends or guards a gate
2 : a person who controls access

gate·way \-ˌwā\ n
1 : an opening for a gate
2 : a passage into or out of a place or state <knowledge is the gateway to wisdom>

gateway drug n : a drug (as marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug

1gath·er \ˈgath-ər also ˈgeth-\ vb gath·ered; gath·er·ing \ˈgath-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to bring together : COLLECT
2 : 1PICK 2B, HARVEST
3 : to gain by gradual increase <gather speed>
4 : to prepare (as oneself) by calling on strength <gather courage to dive>
5 : to draw about or close to something
6 : to pull (cloth) along a line of stitching so as to draw into puckers
7 : GUESS 1, DEDUCE
8 : to come together in a body or around a center of attraction <a crowd gathered round>
9 : 1INCREASE, GROW <a storm gathered outside>
— gath·er·er \ər-ər\ n
synonyms GATHER, COLLECT, ASSEMBLE, CONGREGATE, mean to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit. GATHER applies broadly to the coming or bringing together of things from a spread-out or scattered state <farmers from all over gathered at the fair>. COLLECT often suggests careful selection or orderly arrangement <she collects stamps>. ASSEMBLE suggests an ordered gathering or organization of persons or things usually for a purpose <the choir assembled to sing>. CONGREGATE suggests an unplanned coming together into a crowd or huddle <people congregated on the street>.

2gather n : the result of gathering cloth : PUCKER

gathering n
1 : ASSEMBLY 1, MEETING
2 : a pus-filled swelling (as an abscess)
3 : the collecting of food and raw materials from the wild
4 : COLLECTION 2A
5 : a gather in cloth

ga·tor \ˈgāt-ər\ n : ALLIGATOR

gauche \ˈgōsh\ adj : lacking social experience or grace [French, literally, “left, on the left hand”; probably so called because for most people the left hand is more awkward to use than the right]
— gauche·ness n

gau·cho \ˈgau̇-chō\ n, pl gauchos : a cowboy of the South American grass-covered plains

gaud \ˈgȯd, ˈgäd\ n : 1ORNAMENT 1, TRINKET

gaudy \ˈgȯd-ē, ˈgäd-\ adj gaud·i·er; -est : overly or tastelessly ornamented
— gaud·i·ly \ˈgȯd-əl-ē, ˈgäd-\ adv

— gaud·i·ness \-ēnəs\ n

1gauge also gage \ˈgāj\ n
1 : measurement according to some standard or system: as  a : the distance between the rails of a railroad  b : the size of a shotgun expressed as the number of lead balls of the same size as the interior diameter of the barrel required to make a pound <a 12-gauge shotgun>  c : the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of wire or a screw  d : the fineness of a knitted fabric in loops per unit of width
2 : an instrument for measuring, testing, or registering

2gauge also gage vb gauged also gaged; gaug·ing also gag·ing
1 a : to measure exactly  b : to find out the capacity or contents of
2 : 1ESTIMATE 1
— gaug·er n

gaunt \ˈgȯnt, ˈgänt\ adj
1 : being thin and bony (as from hunger or suffering)
2 : grim and forbidding : BARREN, DESOLATE <gaunt, leafless trees>
— gaunt·ly adv

— gaunt·ness n

1gaunt·let \ˈgȯnt-lət, ˈgänt-\ n
1 : a protective glove worn with a suit of armor
2 : a protective glove used in industry
— gaunt·let·ed \-lət-əd\ adj

2gauntlet also gant·let n : a double file of men armed with weapons (as clubs) with which to strike at a person who is made to run between them

gauze \ˈgȯz\ n
1 : a thin often transparent fabric
2 : a loosely woven cotton surgical bandage
3 : a woven fabric of fine metal or plastic wires
— gauzy \ˈgȯ-zē\ adj

gave past of GIVE

gav·el \ˈgav-əl\ n : the mallet of an officer in charge of a meeting or of an auctioneer

ga·votte \gə-ˈvät\ n : a French peasant dance in moderately quick 4/4 time
— gavotte vb

gawk \ˈgȯk\ vb : to stare stupidly [probably an altered form of obsolete gaw “to stare”]

gawky \ˈgȯ-kē\ adj gawk·i·er; -est : AWKWARD 2, CLUMSY
— gawk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— gawk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

gay \ˈgā\ adj gay·er; gay·est
1 : happily excited : MERRY <a gay mood>
2 a : CHEERFUL 1A, LIVELY <a gay meadow>  b : brilliant in color
3 : given to social pleasures
4 : 1HOMOSEXUAL
— gay adv

— gay·ness n

gayety variant of GAIETY

gayly variant of GAILY

gaze \ˈgāz\ vb gazed; gaz·ing : to fix the eyes in a steady intent look
— gaze n

— gaz·er n
synonyms GAZE, GAPE, STARE, GLARE, mean to fix one's eyes on something for a long time. GAZE suggests looking steadily at something in wonder, admiration, or absentmindedness <gazing at the moon>. GAPE suggests an open-mouthed, often stupid, wonder <toddlers gaping at strangers>. STARE suggests a wide-eyed, often curious, rude, or vacant, gaze <people were staring at the couple who were arguing>. GLARE suggests fierce or angry staring <the speaker glared at the people talking>.

ga·ze·bo \gə-ˈzē-bō\ n, pl -bos : a freestanding roofed structure usually open on the sides [perhaps from gaze and Latin -ebo, as in videbo “I shall see”]

ga·zelle \gə-ˈzel\ n, pl gazelles also gazelle : any of numerous small graceful swift antelopes of Africa and Asia

ga·zette \gə-ˈzet\ n
1 : NEWSPAPER
2 : an official journal

gaz·et·teer \ˌgaz-ə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : a geographical dictionary

ga·zil·lion \gə-ˈzil-yən\ n : ZILLION

gaz·pa·cho \gəz-ˈpäch-ō, gəs-\ n, pl -chos : a spicy soup that is usually made from chopped vegetables (as tomato and cucumber) and is served cold [Spanish]

G clef n : TREBLE CLEF

1gear \ˈgi(ə)r\ n
1 : EQUIPMENT 2 <camping gear> <electronic gear>
2 a : a mechanism that performs a specific function in a machine <steering gear>  b : a toothed wheel : COGWHEEL
3 a : working order, relation, or adjustment <got her career in gear>  b : one of the adjustments of a transmission (as of a bicycle or motor vehicle) that determine the direction of travel and the relative speed of the engine and the vehicle
— gear·less \-ləs\ adj

2gear vb
1 : to provide or connect with gearing
2 : to prepare for operation <gear up for production>
3 : to make suitable <a book geared for children>

gear·box \ˈgi(ə)r-ˌbäks\ n : TRANSMISSION 3

gear·ing \ˈgi(ə)r-iŋ\ n
1 : the act or process of providing or fitting with gears
2 : the parts by which motion is transmitted from one portion of machinery to another

gear·shift \ˈgi(ə)r-ˌshift\ n : a mechanism by which transmission gears are connected and disconnected

gearwheel \ˈgir-ˌhwēl, -ˌwēl\ n : 1GEAR 2B

gecko \ˈgek-ō\ n, pl geck·os or geck·oes : any of numerous small harmless chiefly tropical lizards that eat insects and are active at night

1gee \ˈjē\ imperative verb — used as a direction to turn to the right or move ahead

2gee interj — used to show surprise, enthusiasm, or disappointment

geese plural of GOOSE

gee·zer \ˈgē-zər\ n : an eccentric person; esp : an odd old man [probably an altered form of Scots guiser “person in disguise”]

Gei·ger counter \ˌgī-gər-\ n : an instrument for detecting the presence of cosmic rays or radioactive substances

Geiger–Mül·ler counter \-ˈmyül-ər, -ˈmil-, -ˈməl-\ n : GEIGER COUNTER

gei·sha \ˈgā-shə, ˈgē-\ pl geisha or geishas : a Japanese woman who is trained to provide entertaining company for men [Japanese, from gei “art” and -sha “person”]

1gel \ˈjel\ n : a solid jellylike colloid (as gelatin dessert)

2gel vb gelled; gel·ling : to change into or take on the form of a gel

gel·a·tin also gel·a·tine \ˈjel-ət-ən\ n
1 : gummy or sticky protein obtained by boiling animal tissues and used as food, in photography, and in medicine
2 : an edible jelly formed with gelatin
3 : a thin colored transparent sheet used to color a stage light

ge·lat·i·nous \jə-ˈlat-nəs, -ən-əs\ adj
1 : resembling gelatin or jelly
2 : of, relating to, or containing gelatin

geld \ˈgeld\ vb : CASTRATE

geld·ing \ˈgel-diŋ\ n : a castrated animal; esp : a castrated male horse

gem \ˈjem\ n
1 a : 1JEWEL  b : a usually valuable stone cut and polished for ornament
2 : something prized as being beautiful or perfect
— gem vb

Gem·i·ni \ˈjem-ə-(ˌ)nē, -ˌnī; ˈgem-ə-ˌnē\ n
1 : a group of stars between Taurus and Cancer usually pictured as twins sitting together
2 a : the third sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Gemini
Word History Among the gods worshipped by the ancient Greeks and Romans were twins named Castor and Pollux. They were believed to be sons of Zeus and Leda. These twins spent most of their lives together. After their deaths, Zeus allowed them to spend eternity together as stars. They were worshipped as protectors of athletes and sailors. The two of them are usually pictured together in the constellation called Gemini, the Latin word for “twins.” [Latin, literally, “the twins” (Castor and Pollux)]

gem·stone \ˈjem-ˌstōn\ n : a mineral that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry

gen·darme \ˈzhän-ˌdärm also ˈjän-\ n : a member of a police force especially in France [from French gendarme “policeman,” derived as a singular form from earlier gensdarmes, gent d'armes, literally, “armed people”]

gen·der \ˈjen-dər\ n
1 a : SEX 1  b : the behavioral, cultural, or emotional traits typically associated with one sex
2 : any of two or more classes of words (as nouns or pronouns) or of forms of words (as adjectives) that are partly based on sex and that determine agreement with other words or grammatical forms

gene \ˈjēn\ n : a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes

ge·ne·al·o·gy \ˌjē-nē-ˈäl-ə-jē, ˌjen-ē-, -ˈal-\ n, pl -gies
1 : the line of ancestors of a person or family or a history of such a line of ancestors
2 : the study of family lines of ancestors
— ge·ne·a·log·i·cal \ˌjē-nē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl, ˌjen-ē-\ adj

— ge·ne·a·log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— ge·ne·al·o·gist \-ˈäl-ə-jəst, -ˈal-\ n

gene mutation n : mutation due to a chemical change in a gene

genera plural of GENUS

1gen·er·al \ˈjen-(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : involving, applying to, or affecting the whole : not local or partial <a general election> <the general body of citizens>
2 : relating to or covering all instances <a general conclusion>
3 : not specific or in detail <a general outline>
4 : common to many <the general custom here>
5 : not special : not specialized <a general store>
6 : of top rank <general manager>

2general n : a military officer with a rank above that of a colonel; esp : an officer with the rank just above that of a lieutenant general
— in general : for the most part

gen·er·a·lis·si·mo \ˌjen-(ə-)rə-ˈlis-ə-ˌmō\ n, pl -mos : the commander in chief of an army [Italian]

gen·er·al·ist \ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ləst\ n : a person whose skills or interests extend to several different fields

gen·er·al·i·ty \ˌjen-ə-ˈral-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being general
2 a : GENERALIZATION 2  b : a statement that is unclear or that does not give enough information
3 : the greatest part : BULK

gen·er·al·i·za·tion \ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of generalizing
2 : a general statement, law, principle, or proposition

gen·er·al·ize \ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to put in the form of a general rule : draw or state a general conclusion from a number of items or instances

gen·er·al·ly \ˈjen-(ə-)rə-lē, ˈjen-ər-lē\ adv
1 : for the most part <generally speaking>
2 : as a rule : USUALLY

general of the air force : a general of the highest rank in the air force

general of the army : a general of the highest rank in the army

general practitioner n : a physician or veterinarian whose practice is not limited to a specialty

general relativity n : RELATIVITY 2B

general store n : a retail store located usually in a small or rural community that carries a wide variety of goods including groceries but is not divided into departments

gen·er·ate \ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to bring into existence <generate electricity>
2 : to be the cause of or reason for <news that generated excitement>
— gen·er·a·tive \-ə-ˌrāt-iv, -(ə-)rət-\ adj

gen·er·a·tion \ˌjen-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 a : those being a step in a line from one ancestor <a family that has lived in the same house for four generations>  b : a group of individuals born and living at the same time  c : a type or class of objects developed from an earlier type
2 : the average length of time between the birth of parents and that of their offspring
3 : the action or process of generating
— gen·er·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

gen·er·a·tor \ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n : one that generates: as  a : a piece of laboratory equipment in which vapor or gas is formed  b : a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

ge·ner·ic \jə-ˈner-ik\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a whole group or class : GENERAL  b : not protected by a trademark registration <generic drugs>
2 : of, relating to, or having the rank of a biological genus
— ge·ner·i·cal·ly \-ner-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

gen·er·os·i·ty \ˌjen-ə-ˈräs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : freedom in spirit or act; esp : readiness in giving
2 : a generous act

gen·er·ous \ˈjen-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : free in giving or sharing
2 : 1NOBLE 5, HIGH-MINDED
3 : ABUNDANT <a generous supply>
— gen·er·ous·ly adv

— gen·er·ous·ness n

gen·e·sis \ˈjen-ə-səs\ n, pl gen·e·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\ : the origin or coming into being of something

Genesis : the mainly narrative first book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures — see BIBLE TABLE

gene therapy n : the insertion of a functioning gene into cells especially to replace a defective gene in the treatment of genetic disorders

ge·net·ic \jə-ˈnet-ik\ also ge·net·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or involving genes or genetics <genetic research>; also : caused or controlled by genes <a genetic disease>
— ge·net·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

genetic code n : the chemical code that is the basis of genetic inheritance and consists of units of three linked chemical groups which specify particular kinds of amino acids used to make proteins or which start or stop the process of making proteins

genetic engineering n : the alteration of genetic material and especially the cutting up and joining together of DNA from one or more species for introduction into a living thing in order to change one or more of its characteristics
— genetically engineered adj

— genetic engineer n

ge·net·i·cist \jə-ˈnet-ə-səst\ n : a person who specializes in genetics

ge·net·ics \jə-ˈnet-iks\ n : a branch of biology that deals with the inherited traits and variation of organisms

ge·nial \ˈjēn-yəl\ adj
1 : favoring growth or comfort <a genial climate>
2 : being cheerful and pleasant  synonyms see GRACIOUS
— ge·nial·i·ty \ˌjē-nē-ˈal-ət-ē, jēn-ˈyal-\ n

— ge·nial·ly \ˈjē-nyə-lē\ adv

ge·nie \ˈjē-nē\ n : a magic spirit believed to take human form and serve the person who calls it

gen·i·tal \ˈjen-ə-təl\ adj : of or relating to reproduction or the sexual organs

genital herpes n : herpes simplex of the type typically affecting the genitalia

gen·i·ta·lia \ˌjen-ə-ˈtāl-yə\ n pl : reproductive organs; esp : the genital organs on the outside of the body
— gen·i·ta·lic \-ˈtal-ik, -ˈtāl-\ adj

gen·i·tals \ˈjen-ə-təlz\ n pl : GENITALIA

gen·i·tive \ˈjen-ət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or being a grammatical case marking typically possession or source — compare POSSESSIVE
— gen·i·ti·val \ˌjen-ə-ˈtī-vəl\ adj

— genitive n

gen·i·to·uri·nary \ˌjen-ə-tō-ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj : of or relating to the genital and urinary organs or functions

ge·nius \ˈjēn-yəs, ˈjē-nē-əs\ n, pl ge·nius·es or ge·nii \-ē-ˌī, -nē-ˌī\
1 pl genii : an accompanying spirit of a person or place
2 : a strong leaning or inclination <a genius for getting into trouble>
3 : a peculiar, distinctive, or identifying character <the genius of a nation>
4 pl usually geniuses  a : great natural ability  b : extraordinary intelligence  c : a very gifted person
Word History The ancient Romans believed in special beings or spirits that were not gods or humans but something in between. They believed that from birth each person had one of these spirits to act as a protector. The Latin name for this spirit was genius, which came from gignere, meaning “to be the father of, beget.” Part of such a genius's role was to protect a person's moral character. From this idea in the 16th century came the sense of genius meaning “an identifying character.” This led to the sense of “a marked aptitude.” In time genius came to mean “very great intellectual power”. [from Latin genius “special guardian spirit,” from gignere “to father, beget” — related to ENGINE, 1GIN, INGENIOUS]

geno·cide \ˈjen-ə-ˌsīd\ n : the deliberate destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group
— geno·cid·al \ˌjen-ə-ˈsīd-əl\ adj

ge·no·type \ˈjē-nə-ˌtīp, ˈjen-ə-\ n : the whole set of genes of an individual or group
— ge·no·typ·ic \ˌjē-nə-ˈtip-ik, ˌjen-ə-\ adj

genre \ˈzhän-rə, ˈzhäŋ-, ˈjän-rə\ n : a particular type or category of literary, musical, or artistic composition [French]

gent \ˈjent\ n : 1MAN 1A, FELLOW

gen·teel \jen-ˈtē(ə)l\ adj
1 : of or relating to the upper classes
2 : ELEGANT 1, GRACEFUL
3 : free from bad manners or bad taste
— gen·teel·ly \-ˈtē(ə)l-lē\ adv

— gen·teel·ness n

gen·tian \ˈjen-chən\ n : any of various herbs with smooth leaves and showy bell-shaped or funnel-shaped usually blue flowers

gentian violet n : a violet dye used as a stain in biology and in a cream or liquid as an antiseptic in some infections caused by bacteria and fungi

gen·tile \ˈjen-ˌtīl\ n
1 often cap : a person who is not Jewish
2 : a person who does not follow the God of the Bible : HEATHEN, PAGAN
3 often cap : a person who is not a Mormon [Middle English gentil, gentile “one who is not Jewish,” derived from Latin gentilis “a member of the same family, clan, or nation,” from gent-, gens “clan, family, race”; from the fact that the early Christians used the Latin word genes, plural of gens, as a translation of the Hebrew word gōyīm, literally, “the nations,” used to refer to all non-Jewish people]
— gentile adj, often cap

gen·til·i·ty \jen-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : good birth and family
2 : the qualities of a well-bred person
3 : good manners

gen·tle \ˈjent-əl\ adj gen·tler \ˈjent-lər, -əl-ər\; gen·tlest \ˈjent-ləst, -əl-əst\
1 : belonging or suitable to a family of high social rank
2 a : easily handled : DOCILE <a gentle horse>  b : not harsh : MILD <gentle soap>  c : not stern or rough <gentle words>
3 : 1SOFT 1, SOOTHING <a gentle murmur>
4 : 1MODERATE 2A <gentle slopes>
— gen·tle·ness n

— gent·ly \ˈjent-lē\ adv

2gentle vb gen·tled; gen·tling \ˈjent-liŋ, əl-iŋ\
1 : to make gentle or mild
2 : to make calmer : SOOTHE

gen·tle·folk \ˈjent-əl-ˌfōk\ also gen·tle·folks \-ˌfōks\ n pl : persons of gentle or good family and breeding

gen·tle·man \ˈjen(t)-əl-mən\ n
1 : a man of good birth and position
2 : a man of good education and social position
3 : a male with very good manners <reminded her young son to be a gentleman>
4 : MAN <I can help this gentleman> <ladies and gentlemen>
— gen·tle·man·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ n

— gen·tle·man·ly \-lē\ adj

gen·tle·wom·an \ˈjent-əl-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n
1 a : a woman of good birth and position  b : a woman attending a lady of rank
2 : a woman with very good manners : LADY

gen·try \ˈjen-trē\ n, pl gentries : people of high social status : ARISTOCRACY

gen·u·flect \ˈjen-yə-ˌflekt\ vb : to kneel on one knee and then rise again as an act of deep respect

gen·u·ine \ˈjen-yə-wən, -(ˌ)win\ adj
1 : being actually what it seems to be : REAL <genuine gold>
2 : not pretended : SINCERE, HONEST <a genuine interest>
— gen·u·ine·ly adv

— gen·u·ine·ness \-wən-(n)əs\ n

ge·nus \ˈjē-nəs\ n, pl gen·era \ˈjen-ə-rə\ : a category of classification in biology that ranks between the family and the species, contains related species, and is named by a capitalized noun formed in Latin

geo combining form : earth : ground : soil <geology> [Greek gē “earth, land”]

geo·cach·ing \ˈjē-ō-ˌka-shiŋ\ n : a game in which players use a GPS device to search for a cache of items hidden at given geographical coordinates
— geo·cach·er \-shər\ n

geo·cen·tric \ˌjē-ō-ˈsen-trik\ adj
1 : relating to or measured from the earth's center
2 : having or relating to the earth as a center

geo·chem·is·try \ˈjē-ō-ˈkem-ə-strē\ n : a science that deals with the chemical composition of and chemical changes in the solid material of the earth or of another body (as the moon)
— geo·chem·i·cal \-ˈkem-i-kəl\ adj

— geo·chem·ist \-ˈkem-əst\ n

ge·ode \ˈjē-ˌōd\ n : a stone having a cavity lined with crystals or mineral matter

geo·de·sic \ˌjē-ə-ˈdes-ik, -ˈdēs-, -ˈdez-, -ˈdēz-\ adj : made of light short straight structural elements <a geodesic dome>

geo·det·ic survey \ˌjē-ə-ˈdet-ik-\ n : a survey of a large land area in which corrections are made for the curving of the earth's surface

ge·og·ra·phy \jē-ˈäg-rə-fē\ n, pl -phies
1 : a science that deals with the location of living and nonliving things on earth and the way they affect one another
2 : the natural parts of an area <the geography of the western U.S.>
— ge·og·ra·pher \-fər\ n

— geo·graph·ic \ˌjē-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ or geo·graph·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— geo·graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

geologic time n : the long period of time marked by events in the earth's geological history

See TABLE

ge·ol·o·gy \jē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 a : a science that deals with the history of the earth and its life especially as recorded in rocks  b : a study of the features of a heavenly body (as the moon)
2 : the geologic features (as mountains or plains) of an area
— geo·log·ic \ˌjē-ə-ˈläj-ik\ or geo·log·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— geo·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— ge·ol·o·gist \jē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n

geo·mag·net·ic \ˌjē-ō-mag-ˈnet-ik\ adj : of or relating to the magnetism of the earth
— geo·mag·ne·tism \-ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm\ n

ge·om·e·ter \jē-ˈäm-ət-ər\ n : a person who specializes in geometry

geo·met·ric \ˌjē-ə-ˈme-trik\ or geo·met·ri·cal \-ˈme-tri-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or based on the methods or principles of geometry
— geo·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ge·om·e·try \jē-ˈäm-ə-trē\ n, pl -tries
1 : a branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids
2 : 2SHAPE <the geometry of a crystal>

geo·phys·ics \ˌjē-ə-ˈfiz-iks\ n : a science that deals with the physical processes occurring in or near the earth
— geo·phys·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— geo·phys·i·cist \-ə-sist\ n

Geor·gian \ˈjȯr-jən\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of the reigns of the first four British kings named George <Georgian architecture>

geo·sci·ence \ˌjē-ō-ˈsī-ən(t)s\ n : the sciences (as geology or geophysics) dealing with the earth

geo·tax·is \ˌjē-ō-ˈtak-səs\ n, pl -tax·es \-ˈtak-sēz\ : a taxis in which the force of gravity is the cause of the movement

geo·ther·mal \ˌjē-ō-ˈthər-məl\ also geo·ther·mic \-mik\ adj : of, relating to, or using the heat of the earth's interior; also : produced by such heat

ge·ot·ro·pism \jē-ˈä-trə-ˌpiz-əm\ n : a tropism involving turning or movement toward the earth
— geo·tro·pic \ˌjē-ə-ˈtrō-pik, -ˈträp-ik\ adj

ge·ra·ni·um \jə-ˈrā-nē-əm\ n
1 : any of a genus of herbs with usually deeply cut leaves and typically white, pink, or purple flowers in which glands alternate with the petals
2 : any of a genus of herbs native to southern Africa with showy flowers of usually red, pink, or white
Word History Many of the plants in the geranium family have long, thin, pointed seedpods or fruits that look like the bills of birds. The ancient Greeks noticed this resemblance. They named the wild geranium geranion, literally meaning “little crane,” for the long-legged, long-billed wading bird. English borrowed the Latin form geranium. English also borrowed the idea that the geranium's seedpod looks like a bird's bill. The common English name of the wild geranium is cranesbill. [from Latin geranium “geranium,” from Greek geranion, literally, “little crane,” from geranos “crane”]

ger·bil \ˈjər-bəl\ n : any of several Old World desert rodents with long hind legs

ge·ri·at·ric \ˌjer-ē-ˈa-trik, ˌjir-\ adj : of or relating to geriatrics, the aged, or the process of aging

ge·ri·at·rics \ˌjer-ē-ˈa-triks, ˌjir-\ n : a branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and aging people

germ \ˈjərm\ n
1 a : a small mass of living substance capable of developing into a whole individual or one of its parts  b : the embryo in the seed of a cereal (as corn or wheat) together with its cotyledon that is usually separated from the starchy part of the seed during milling
2 : something that serves as an origin <the germ of an idea>
3 : a microscopic living thing; esp : one that causes disease

Ger·man \ˈjər-mən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Germany
2 : the Germanic language of Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland
— German adj

German cockroach n : a small active cockroach with wings that is probably of African origin but is now common in many city buildings in the U.S.

ger·mane \(ˌ)jər-ˈmān\ adj : both relevant and appropriate <a germane comment>
— ger·mane·ly adv

1Ger·man·ic \(ˌ)jər-ˈman-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the peoples speaking Germanic languages
2 : of or relating to Germanic

2Germanic n : a branch of the Indo-European language family containing English, German, Dutch, Afrikaans, Frisian, Gothic, and the Scandinavian languages

ger·ma·ni·um \(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm\ n : a grayish white hard brittle element used especially as a semiconductor — see ELEMENT TABLE

German measles n sing or pl : a contagious virus disease that is like the usual kind of measles but is milder and that may cause birth defects or the death of the fetus when it occurs in a pregnant woman — called also rubella

German shepherd n : any of a breed of large erect-eared intelligent dogs of German origin that are often used in police work and as guide dogs for the blind

German silver n : a silver-white blend of copper, zinc, and nickel

germ cell n : an egg or sperm cell or one of the cells from which they arise

germ·free \ˈjərm-ˌfrē\ adj : free of germs

ger·mi·cid·al \ˌjər-mə-ˈsīd-əl\ adj : of or relating to a germicide; also : destroying germs

ger·mi·cide \ˈjər-mə-ˌsīd\ n : a substance that destroys germs

ger·mi·nate \ˈjər-mə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to cause to sprout or develop
2 : to begin to grow : SPROUT
3 : to come into being : EVOLVE
— ger·mi·na·tion \ˌjər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n

germ theory n : the theory that infectious and contagious disease results from the action of living things

1ger·ry·man·der \ˌjer-ē-ˈman-dər, ˈjer-ē-ˌman-dər also ˌger-, ˈger-\ n : the act or result of gerrymandering [from Elbridge Gerry, former governor of Massachusetts, and salamander; so called from the shape of an election district formed during Gerry's term in office]

2gerrymander vb -dered; -der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to divide (as a state) into election districts so as to give one political party an advantage over its opponents

ger·und \ˈjer-ənd\ n : an English noun formed from a verb by the addition of -ing that is capable of being modified by adverbs and taking an object

ges·so \ˈjes-ō\ n, pl ges·soes : a material like plaster used in art (as for modeling)

ges·ta·tion \je-ˈstā-shən\ n : the carrying of young in the uterus : PREGNANCY

ges·tic·u·late \je-ˈstik-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to make gestures especially when speaking
— ges·tic·u·la·tion \-ˌstik-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n

1ges·ture \ˈjes-chər, ˈjesh-\ n
1 : a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or a feeling
2 : something said or done by way of courtesy or for its effect on other people <a political gesture>

2gesture vb ges·tured; ges·tur·ing : to make or direct with a gesture

ge·sund·heit \gə-ˈzu̇nt-ˌhīt\ interj — used to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed [German Gesundheit, literally, “health”]

get \(ˈ)get, especially when unemphatic also git\ vb got \(ˈ)gät\; got or got·ten \ˈgät-ən\; get·ting
1 : to gain possession of (as by receiving, acquiring, earning, buying, or winning) <get a present> <got first prize> <get a dog>
2 a : to obtain by request or as a favor <get your mother's permission>  b : to come to have <get a good night's sleep>  c : to come down with (an illness) : CATCH <get the measles>
3 a : to succeed in coming or going <got out> <got home early>  b : to cause to come or go <got the car to the gas station>
4 : to become the father of : BEGET
5 a : to cause to be in a certain condition <got his hair cut> <got her feet wet>  b : BECOME 1 <get sick> <get better> <it's getting warmer>  c : PREPARE 2 <started getting dinner>
6 a : 1BAFFLE 1, PUZZLE <the third question got everybody>  b : IRRITATE 1 <don't let it get you>  c : 1HIT 1C <got him in the leg>  d : 1KILL 1 <swore to get them>
7 a : to be subjected to or experience <get a broken nose>  b : to receive as punishment <got six months for stealing>
8 a : to find out by calculation <got the right answer>  b : to hear correctly <I didn't get your name>  c : UNDERSTAND 1A <now I've got it> <I get you>
9 : PERSUADE, INDUCE <couldn't get her to agree>
10 a : 1HAVE 1 — used in the present perfect form with present meaning <I've got no time>  b : to have to : MUST — used in the present perfect form with present meaning <has got to come>  c : to be able <got to go swimming>
11 : DELIVER 6 <the car gets 20 miles to the gallon>
12 : to leave immediately <told them to get>
— get ahead : to achieve success (as in business)

— get at
1 : to reach effectively
2 : to try to prove or make clear <what is he getting at?>

— get away with : to avoid criticism or punishment for (as a bad action)

— get even : to get revenge

— get even with : to repay in kind

— get into : to become strongly involved in or deeply interested in

— get it : to receive a scolding or punishment

— get one's goat : to make one angry or annoyed

— get over : to recover from

— get through : to reach the end of

— get to
1 : BEGIN 1 <gets to worrying easily>
2 : to be ready to deal with <I'll get to my homework after dinner>
3 : to have an effect on; esp : BOTHER

— get together
1 : to bring or come together
2 : to reach agreement

— get wind of : to become aware of

— get with it : to become alert or aware
synonyms GET, OBTAIN, PROCURE, SECURE, mean to bring into one's possession. GET applies broadly to any manner of gaining possession <get me another pencil>. OBTAIN may suggest getting by planning or effort <obtain a loan from the bank>. PROCURE may suggest getting something through a formal or set procedure <procured new math textbooks>. SECURE may suggest safe or lasting possession <secured rights to publish the book>.

get across vb : to make or become clear <got the point across>

get along vb
1 a : PROGRESS  b : to approach old age <getting along in years>
2 : MANAGE 4 <get along on a small paycheck>
3 : to be or remain on pleasant terms

get around vb
1 : EVADE
2 : to do or deal with (something not yet done or dealt with) <will get around to it>
3 : to go from place to place
4 : to become known <word got around>

get·away \ˈget-ə-ˌwā\ n
1 : 2ESCAPE 1
2 : 2START 2
3 : a short vacation
4 : a place suitable for a vacation

get back vb
1 : to return to a person, place, or condition <getting back to our first topic>
2 : to get revenge <get back at him for the insult>
3 : to regain possession of

get by vb
1 : to make ends meet : MANAGE
2 : to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment

get off vb
1 : SET OUT 2 <got off on their camping trip>
2 : to escape or help to escape punishment or harm

get on vb
1 : GET ALONG 3 <they got on well>
2 : to start dealing with <I'll get on it right away>
3 : to criticize (someone) repeatedly
4 : to grow old

get out vb
1 : PUBLISH 2A
2 : to escape or help to escape
3 : to become known : leak out <their secret got out>

get–to·geth·er \ˈget-tə-ˌgeth-ər\ n : MEETING 2; esp : an informal social gathering

get·up \ˈget-ˌəp\ n : 1OUTFIT 1, COSTUME

get up \get-ˈəp, git-\ vb
1 a : to arise from bed  b : to rise to one's feet
2 : PREPARE 2, ORGANIZE <get up a petition>
3 : to produce in oneself by effort <get up the courage>

gew·gaw \ˈg(y)ü-gȯ\ n : a thing of little worth : TRINKET

gey·ser \ˈgī-zər\ n : a spring that now and then shoots out hot water and steam [from Icelandic Geyser “a hot spring in Iceland,” from geysa “to rush forth”]

g–force \ˈjē-ˌfō(ə)rs, -ˌfȯ(ə)rs\ n : the force of gravity or acceleration on a body

ghast·ly \ˈgast-lē\ adj ghast·li·er; -est
1 a : HORRIBLE 1, SHOCKING <a ghastly crime>  b : very unpleasant, disagreeable, or objectionable
2 : resembling a ghost <a ghastly face>
— ghast·li·ness n

— ghastly adv

gher·kin \ˈgər-kən\ n : a small young cucumber used to make pickles; also : a small prickly fruit of a vine related to the cucumber that is used for the same purpose

ghet·to \ˈget-ō\ n, pl ghettos also ghettoes
1 : a part of a city in which Jews were formerly required to live
2 : a part of a city in which members of a minority group live especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure

ghost \ˈgōst\ n : the soul of a dead person thought of as living in an unseen world or as appearing to living people

ghost·ly \ˈgōst-lē\ adj ghost·li·er; -est : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a ghost
— ghost·li·ness n

ghost town n : a town deserted because some natural resource has been used up

ghost·write \ˈgō-ˌstrīt\ vb -wrote \-ˌstrōt\; -writ·ten \-ˌstrit-ən\; -writ·ing \-ˌstrīt-iŋ\ : to write for and in the name of another
— ghost·writ·er n

ghoul \ˈgül\ n
1 : an evil being of legend that robs graves and feeds on corpses
2 : a person (as a grave robber) whose activities suggest those of a ghoul
— ghoul·ish \ˈgü-lish\ adj

— ghoul·ish·ly adv

— ghoul·ish·ness n

1GI \(ˈ)jē-ˈī\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of U.S. military forces [from the abbreviation for galvanized iron used in listing such articles as garbage cans, but mistaken as standing for government issue]

2GI n, pl GIs or GI's : a member or former member of the U.S. armed forces

1gi·ant \ˈjī-ənt\ n
1 : a very large and strong being of legend
2 : a person or thing that is very large or powerful

2giant adj : much larger or more powerful than ordinary

giant anteater n : a large anteater of Central and South America that has shaggy gray fur and a bushy tail

giant cactus n : SAGUARO

giant panda n : PANDA 2

giant sequoia n : a California evergreen tree related to the bald cypresses and sometimes exceeding 270 feet (about 82 meters) in height — called also big tree, sequoia

giant squid n : any of a group of very large squids up to 60 feet (18 meters) long including the long arms

giant star n : a very bright star of large mass

giant tortoise n : any of various large plant-eating tortoises of the Galapagos Islands and islands of the western Indian Ocean

gib·ber \ˈjib-ər\ vb gib·bered; gib·ber·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to speak rapidly and often foolishly
— gib·ber n

gib·ber·el·lin \ˌjib-ə-ˈrel-ən\ n : any of several chemical substances that regulate the growth of plants

gib·ber·ish \ˈjib-(ə-)rish, ˈgib-\ n : confused meaningless talk

gib·bet \ˈjib-ət\ n : GALLOWS 1

gib·bon \ˈgib-ən\ n : any of several tailless apes of southeastern Asia that are smaller and spend more time in trees than the gorilla, chimpanzee, and orangutan

gib·bous \ˈjib-əs, ˈgib-\ adj : seen with more than half but not all of the disk lighted <gibbous moon>

gibe or jibe \ˈjīb\ vb gibed or jibed; gib·ing or jib·ing : TAUNT, JEER
— gibe n

— gib·er n

gib·lets \ˈjib-ləts also ˈgib-\ n : the edible inner organs (as the heart and liver) of a bird — usually used in plural

gid·dy \ˈgid-ē\ adj gid·di·er; -est
1 : DIZZY
2 : causing dizziness
3 : SILLY 3
— gid·di·ly \ˈgid-əl-ē\ adv

— gid·di·ness \ˈgid-ē-nəs\ n

gid·dy·ap \ˌgid-ē-ˈap\ or gid·dy·up \-ˈəp\ imperative verb — used as a command to a horse to go ahead or go faster

gift \ˈgift\ n
1 : a special ability : TALENT
2 : something given : PRESENT

gift card n : a card that is worth a certain amount of money and that is given to someone to buy something (as goods or services from a business)

gift certificate n : a certificate that is worth a certain amount of money and that is given to someone to buy something (as goods or services from a business)

gift·ed \ˈgif-təd\ adj : having great natural ability

1gig \ˈgig\ n
1 : a long light boat
2 : a light two-wheeled one-horse carriage

2gig n : GIGABYTE

3gig n : an entertainer's job for a specified time

giga- \ˈjig-ə, ˈgig-ə\ combining form : billion <gigahertz> [derived from Greek gigas “giant”]

giga·byte \-ˌbīt\ n : 1,073,741,824 bytes

giga·hertz \-ˌhərts, -ˌhe(ə)rts\ n : a unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz

gi·gan·tic \jī-ˈgant-ik\ adj : being beyond the ordinary or expected (as in size, weight, or strength)

gig·gle \ˈgig-əl\ vb gig·gled; gig·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to laugh with repeated short high sounds
— giggle n

— gig·gly \-(ə-)lē\ adj

Gi·la monster \ˌhē-lə-\ n : a large orange and black poisonous lizard of the southwestern U.S.; also : a related Mexican lizard [from Gila, name of a river in Arizona]

1gild \ˈgild\ vb gild·ed \ˈgil-dəd\ or gilt \ˈgilt\; gild·ing : to cover with or as if with a coating of gold
— gilder n

2gild variant of GUILD

1gill \ˈjil\ n : a unit of liquid capacity equal to four fluid ounces — see MEASURE TABLE

2gill \ˈgil\ n
1 : an organ (as of a fish) of thin plates or threadlike processes for obtaining oxygen from water
2 : the flesh under or about the chin or jaws — usually used in plural
3 : one of the plates arranged in a circle and forming the undersurface of the cap of a mushroom

gill arch n
1 : one of the several bars of bone or cartilage that occur in pairs with one of each pair on each side of the throat and that support the gills of fishes and amphibians
2 : one of the undeveloped ridges that occur in the embryos of all higher vertebrates and correspond to the gill arches of fishes and amphibians

gill raker n : any of the bony spines on the gill arch of a fish that prevent solid particles from entering the gills

gill slit n
1 : any of the openings which occur in vertebrates with gills and through which water taken in at the mouth moves to the outside bathing the gills
2 : an undeveloped gill slit that occurs at some time in the development of the embryos of air-breathing vertebrates

1gilt \ˈgilt\ adj : of the color of gold

2gilt n : gold or something like gold laid on a surface

3gilt n : a young female pig

gim·let \ˈgim-lət\ n : a small tool with a screw point and cross handle for boring holes

gim·mick \ˈgim-ik\ n
1 a : an ingenious scheme or device  b : a trick or device used to attract business or attention <a marketing gimmick>
2 : an important feature that is not immediately apparent
— gim·micky \-i-kē\ adj

1gin \ˈjin\ n : COTTON GIN [Middle English gin “a mechanical device, skill, trick,” from early French engin (same meaning), from Latin ingenium “natural ability or desire to do something, inborn ability,” from in “in” and -genium, from gignere “to father, beget” — related to ENGINE, GENIUS, INGENIOUS]

2gin vb ginned; gin·ning : to separate (cotton fiber) from seeds and waste material
— gin·ner n

3gin n : a clear strong alcoholic liquor flavored with juniper berries [an altered form of earlier geneva “gin (liquor),” from obsolete Dutch genever, literally, “juniper”]

gin·ger \ˈjin-jər\ n
1 a : a thick underground plant stem that is used especially to make a spice  b : a spice prepared by drying and grinding ginger
2 : any of a genus of Old World herbs that have thick underground stems and include one supplying most of the ginger used as a spice
3 : high spirit : PEP
— gin·gery \ˈjinj-(ə-)rē\ adj

ginger ale n : a soft drink flavored with ginger

gin·ger·bread \ˈjin-jər-ˌbred\ n
1 : a cake made with molasses and flavored with ginger
2 : showy ornamentation especially in architecture
— gingerbread adj

gin·ger·ly \ˈjin-jər-lē\ adv : very carefully

gin·ger·root \ˈjin-jər-ˌ(r)üt, -ˌ(r)u̇t\ n : GINGER 1A

gin·ger·snap \ˈjin-jər-ˌsnap\ n : a thin brittle cookie flavored with ginger

ging·ham \ˈgiŋ-əm\ n : a cotton cloth that is often marked with a pattern of colored squares

gin·gi·vi·tis \ˌjin-jə-ˈvīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the gums

gink·go also ging·ko \ˈgiŋ-kō also ˈgiŋk-gō\ n, pl ginkgoes or ginkgos : a large Chinese tree with fan-shaped leaves and bad-smelling fruit that is often grown as a shade tree

gi·nor·mous \jī-ˈnȯr-məs\ adj : GIGANTIC [blend of gigantic and enormous]

gin·seng \ˈjin-ˌsaŋ, -ˌseŋ, -(ˌ)siŋ\ n
1 : a Chinese herb with small greenish flowers and red berries; also : a closely related herb of North America
2 : the forked fragrant root of the ginseng used especially as a medicine in China

Gipsy chiefly British variant of GYPSY

gi·raffe \ˈjə-ˈraf\ n, pl giraffes or giraffe : a large swift cud-chewing spotted African mammal with a very long neck that is the tallest of living four-footed animals

gird \ˈgərd\ vb gird·ed \ˈgərd-əd\ or girt \ˈgərt\; gird·ing
1 : to encircle or fasten with or as if with a belt or cord
2 : to provide especially with the sword of knighthood
3 : to get ready (as for a fight)

gird·er \ˈgərd-ər\ n : a horizontal main supporting beam

1gir·dle \ˈgərd-əl\ n
1 : a belt or sash encircling the waist
2 : a light corset worn below the waist
3 : a bony arch that supports an arm or leg

2girdle vb gir·dled; gir·dling \ˈgərd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to bind or encircle with or as if with a girdle : CIRCLE
2 : to cut away the bark and cambium in a ring around (a plant) usually in order to kill by stopping the circulation of water and food

girl \ˈgər(-ə)l\ n
1 a : a female child  b : a young woman
2 sometimes offensive : a female servant
3 : SWEETHEART [Middle English gurle, girle “a young person of either sex”]
— girl·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

— girl·ish \ˈgər-lish\ adj

— girl·ish·ly adv

— girl·ish·ness n

girl·friend \ˈgər(-ə)l-ˌfrend\ n
1 : a female friend
2 : a regular female companion in a romantic relationship

Girl Scout n : a member of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America

girt \ˈgərt\ vb
1 : GIRD
2 : to fasten by means of a girth

girth \ˈgərth\ n
1 : a band around the body of an animal to fasten something (as a saddle) upon its back
2 : a measure around a body <the girth of a tree trunk>
— girth vb

gist \ˈjist\ n : the main point of a subject : DRIFT

1give \ˈgiv\ vb gave \ˈgāv\; giv·en \ˈgiv-ən\; giv·ing
1 : to make a present of <gave me a book>
2 a : 1GRANT 2, BESTOW  b : to make a donation <give blood> <we already gave at the office>  c : to grant or yield to another <gave her trust to her friend>
3 a : to put into the possession or keeping of another <give me the letter to mail>  b : to offer to another : PROFFER <gave his hand to the visitor>  c : 1PAY 1 <wouldn't give a penny for that bike>
4 a : to present in public performance <give a concert>  b : to present to view <gave the signal to start>
5 : to provide by way of entertainment <give a party>
6 : to point out or set aside as a share or portion <gave their daughter half of their estate>
7 : to indicate the source or cause of <gave all the glory to her mother>
8 : to form, make, or yield as a product or result <cows give milk> <84 divided by 12 gives 7>
9 a : to deliver by some bodily action <gave me a push>  b : to carry out a movement : PERFORM <gave a sudden leap>  c : PRONOUNCE 1 <give judgment>
10 : to offer for consideration or acceptance <gives no reason for his absence>
11 : to apply fully : DEVOTE <gave herself to the cause>
12 : to cause to have <gave pleasure to the reader>
13 : to yield or collapse under force or pressure <the box gave under his foot>
— giv·er n

— give birth : to have a baby

— give birth to : to bring forth : BEAR

— give rise to : to be the cause or source of : PRODUCE

— give the lie to : to show to be false

— give way
1 : 2RETREAT 1
2 : to lose control of oneself <gave way to tears at the sad news>
3 : 1COLLAPSE 3
synonyms GIVE, PRESENT, DONATE, mean to hand over to someone without expecting something in return. GIVE can be used of anything that is delivered in any way <give me those cups> <give a gift to a friend>. PRESENT suggests that something is given with some ceremony <presented a trophy to the winner>. DONATE suggests giving to a charity or for the public good <donated new uniforms for the school band>.

2give n
1 : tendency to yield to force or strain
2 : the quality or state of being springy

give–and–take \ˌgiv-ən-ˈtāk\ n
1 : the practice of all sides in a dispute settling for less than they want : COMPROMISE
2 : a good-natured exchange of ideas

give·away \ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā\ n
1 : an unintentional act of revealing or betraying <his expression was a dead giveaway of his guilt>
2 : something that is given away free
3 : an event at which things are given away

give away \ˌgiv-ə-ˈwā\ vb
1 : to present (a bride) to the bridegroom at a wedding
2 a : to show unintentionally  b : DISCLOSE, REVEAL

give in vb : to yield to demands or pleading <gave in to the children's cries for a treat>

1giv·en \ˈgiv-ən\ adj
1 : PRONE 1 <given to gossiping>
2 : FIXED 1B, PARTICULAR <at a given time>
3 : granted as true <given that we are all equal>

2given n : something taken for granted : a basic condition or assumption

given name n : FORENAME

give off vb : EMIT 1A <gave off a sweet smell>

give out vb
1 : EMIT 1
2 : to become exhausted : COLLAPSE
3 : BREAK DOWN 1
4 : to pass out : ISSUE <give out the new books>

give up vb
1 : 1SURRENDER 1
2 : to abandon (oneself) to a feeling, influence, or activity
3 : 1STOP 7A

giz·mo or gis·mo \ˈgiz-mō\ n, pl gizmos or gismos : GADGET

giz·zard \ˈgiz-ərd\ n : a large muscular part of the digestive tube (as of a bird or insect) which has a horny lining and in which food is churned and ground into small pieces

gla·cial \ˈglā-shəl\ adj
1 a : extremely cold : FRIGID  b : lacking warmth of feeling
2 a : of, relating to, or produced by glaciers  b : of, relating to, or being any of those parts of geologic time when a large portion of the earth was covered by glaciers  c cap : PLEISTOCENE

gla·ci·ate \ˈglā-shē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to cover with a glacier
2 : to expose to glacial action; also : to produce glacial effects in or on
— gla·ci·a·tion \ˌglā-shē-ˈā-shən, -sē-\ n

gla·cier \ˈglā-shər\ n : a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley or spreading outward on a land surface

glad \ˈglad\ adj glad·der; glad·dest
1 a : experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight : made happy <glad things turned out well>  b : made pleased, satisfied, or grateful <was glad of their help>  c : very willing <glad to do it>
2 a : marked by, expressive of, or caused by happiness <a glad shout>  b : causing happiness and joy : PLEASANT <glad tidings>
3 : full of brightness and cheerfulness <a glad spring morning>
— glad·ly adv

— glad·ness n

glad·den \ˈglad-ən\ vb glad·dened; glad·den·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make glad

glade \ˈglād\ n : a grassy open space in a forest

glad·i·a·tor \ˈglad-ē-ˌāt-ər\ n
1 : a person engaged in a fight to the death for public entertainment in ancient Rome
2 : a person engaging in a fierce fight or controversy [from Latin gladiator, literally, “swordsman,” from gladius “sword” — related to GLADIOLUS]
— glad·i·a·to·ri·al \ˌglad-ē-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj

glad·i·o·la \ˌglad-ē-ˈō-lə\ n : GLADIOLUS

glad·i·o·lus \ˌglad-ē-ˈō-ləs\ n, pl -o·li \-ˈō-(ˌ)lē, -ˈō-ˌlī\ or -o·lus also -o·lus·es : any of a genus of chiefly African plants related to the irises and having erect sword-shaped leaves and stalks of brilliantly colored flowers [from Latin gladiolus, literally, “little sword,” from gladius “sword” — related to GLADIATOR]

glad·some \ˈglad-səm\ adj : giving or showing joy : CHEERFUL <gladsome looks and cheerful voice>
— glad·some·ly adv

— glad·some·ness n

glam·or·ize also glam·our·ize \ˈglam-ə-rīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make glamorous
2 : to present so as to seem glamorous

glam·or·ous also glam·our·ous \ˈglam-(ə-)rəs\ adj : excitingly attractive : full of glamour
— glam·or·ous·ly adv

— glam·or·ous·ness n

glam·our also glam·or \ˈglam-ər\ n : romantic, exciting, and often misleading attractiveness

1glance \ˈglan(t)s\ vb glanced; glanc·ing
1 : to strike and fly off at an angle <the arrow glanced off the shield>
2 : to give a quick or hasty look <glanced at my watch> <glanced up from a book>
3 : GLINT A
— glanc·ing·ly \ˈglan(t)-siŋ-lē\ adv

2glance n
1 : a quick flash or gleam that comes and goes
2 : an impact or blow that is turned aside
3 a : a swift movement of the eyes  b : a quick or hasty look

gland \ˈgland\ n : a cell or group of cells that makes and secretes a product (as saliva, sweat, bile, or shell) for further use in or for elimination from the plant or animal body

glan·ders \ˈglan-dərz\ n sing or pl : an infectious often fatal bacterial disease especially of horses

glan·du·lar \ˈglan-jə-lər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or involving glands, gland cells, or their products <glandular activity>
2 : having the traits or activities of a gland <glandular tissue>
— glan·du·lar·ly adv

glans \ˈglanz\ n, pl glan·des \ˈglan-ˌdēz\ : a cone-shaped vascular body forming the end of the penis or clitoris

glare \ˈgla(ə)r, ˈgle(ə)r\ vb glared; glar·ing
1 a : to shine with a harsh uncomfortably brilliant light  b : to stand out annoyingly
2 : to stare angrily or fiercely  synonyms see GAZE
— glare n

— glary \ˈgla(ə)r-ē, ˈgle(ə)r-\ adj

glar·ing \ˈgla(ə)r-iŋ, ˈgle(ə)r-\ adj : painfully obvious <a glaring mistake>
— glar·ing·ly adv

— glar·ing·ness n

1glass \ˈglas\ n
1 : a hard brittle usually transparent substance commonly formed by melting a mixture of sand and chemicals and cooling to hardness
2 a : something (as a water tumbler, lens, mirror, barometer, or telescope) that is made of glass or has a glass lens  b pl : a pair of glass or plastic lenses held in a frame and used to help one see clearly or to protect the eyes
3 : the quantity held by a glass
— glass·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n

2glass vb : to fit or protect with glass

glass·blow·ing \-ˌblō-iŋ\ n : the art of shaping a mass of hot glass by blowing air into it through a tube
— glass·blow·er \-ˌblō(-ə)r\ n

glass ceiling n : an informal limit to how high a position women and minorities can earn in a company

glass·mak·er \-ˌmā-kər\ n : a person who makes glass
— glass·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ n

glass snake n : a limbless lizard of the southern U.S. resembling a snake and having a fragile tail that easily breaks off from the body often in pieces

glass·ware \ˈglas-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : articles of glass

glassy \ˈglas-ē\ adj glass·i·er; -est
1 : resembling glass
2 : not shiny or bright : DULL <glassy eyes>
— glass·i·ly \ˈglas-ə-lē\ adv

— glass·i·ness \ˈglas-ē-nəs\ n

glau·co·ma \glau̇-ˈkō-mə, glȯ-\ n : an abnormal condition of the eye marked by increased pressure inside the eye that causes damage to the retina and gradual loss of vision

1glaze \ˈglāz\ vb glazed; glaz·ing
1 : to set glass in <glaze a window>
2 : to cover with a glassy surface <glaze pottery>
3 : to become shiny in appearance
— glaz·er n

2glaze n : a glassy surface or coating

gla·zier \ˈglā-zhər, -zē-ər\ n : a person who sets glass in window frames

gleam \ˈglēm\ n
1 : a small briefly visible light : GLINT
2 : a brief or faint appearance : TRACE <gleam of hope>
— gleam vb

glean \ˈglēn\ vb
1 : to gather from a field or vineyard what has been left (as by reapers)
2 : to gather little by little <glean knowledge from books>
— glean·er n

glean·ings \ˈglē-niŋz\ n pl : things acquired by gleaning

glee \ˈglē\ n
1 : high-spirited joy
2 : an unaccompanied song for three or more voices
— glee·ful \-fəl\ adj

— glee·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— glee·ful·ness n

glee club n : a group of people who sing together especially as a social activity in a school or college

glen \ˈglen\ n : a narrow hidden valley

gli·a·din \ˈglī-əd-ən\ n : a simple protein that can be obtained from gluten from wheat or rye

glib \ˈglib\ adj glib·ber; glib·best : speaking or spoken with careless ease and often with little regard for truth <a glib excuse>
— glib·ly adv

— glib·ness n

glide \ˈglīd\ vb glid·ed; glid·ing
1 : to move smoothly, silently, and effortlessly
2 : to descend gradually without enough engine power for level flight <glide in an airplane>
— glide n

glid·er \ˈglīd-ər\ n
1 : an aircraft without an engine that glides on air currents
2 : a porch seat suspended from a frame

glim·mer \ˈglim-ər\ n
1 a : a feeble or unsteady light  b : a soft shimmer
2 a : a faint idea : INKLING  b : a small amount : BIT
— glimmer vb

1glimpse \ˈglim(p)s\ vb glimpsed; glimps·ing : to take a brief look : see momentarily or incompletely <glimpsed the deer running>
— glimps·er n

2glimpse n : a short hurried view <catch a glimpse of something rushing by>

glint \ˈglint\ vb : to shine by reflection:  a : to shine with small bright flashes  b : to shine briefly
— glint n

glis·san·do \gli-ˈsän-dō\ n, pl -di \-(ˌ)dē\ or -dos : a rapid sliding up or down the musical scale

glis·ten \ˈglis-ən\ vb glis·tened; glis·ten·ing \ˈglis-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to shine by reflection with a soft luster or sparkle
— glisten n

glis·ter \ˈglis-tər\ vb glis·tered; glis·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\ : GLISTEN
— glister n

glitch \ˈglich\ n : an unexpected usually minor problem <glitches in a new computer program>

1glit·ter \ˈglit-ər\ vb
1 : to shine with brilliant or metallic luster <glittering sequins>
2 : to shine with strong emotion <eyes glittered cruelly>

2glitter n
1 : sparkling brilliancy
2 : small glittering objects used for ornamentation
— glit·tery \ˈglit-ə-rē\ adj

glitz \ˈglits\ n : a great showiness <the glitz and glamour of show business>
— glitzy \ˈglit-sē\ adj

gloam·ing \ˈglō-miŋ\ n : TWILIGHT, DUSK

gloat \ˈglōt\ vb : to gaze at or think about something with great satisfaction or joy <gloating over their enemy's loss>
— gloat·er n

glob \ˈgläb\ n : a small drop : BLOB

glob·al \ˈglō-bəl\ adj
1 : SPHERICAL
2 : WORLDWIDE <global war>
3 : of, relating to, or applying to the whole of something (as a computer program) <a global search through the data>
— glob·al·ly \-bə-lē\ adv

Global Positioning System n : GPS

global warming n : a warming of the earth's atmosphere and oceans that is predicted to result from an increase in the greenhouse effect caused by air pollution

globe \ˈglōb\ n : a round object: as  a : a model of the earth or heavens  b : EARTH 4
— glob·u·lar \ˈgläb-yə-lər\ adj

glob·ule \ˈgläb-(ˌ)yü(ə-)l\ n : a tiny globe or ball <globules of fat>

glob·u·lin \ˈgläb-yə-lən\ n : any of a class of simple proteins that cannot be dissolved in pure water but can be dissolved in weak salt solutions and that occur widely in plant and animal tissues

glock·en·spiel \ˈgläk-ən-ˌshpēl, -ˌspēl\ n : a portable musical instrument consisting of a series of metal bars played with two hammers [German, from Glocke “bell” and Spiel “play”]

1gloom \ˈglüm\ vb
1 : to look sullen, discouraged, or depressed
2 : to be or become overcast

2gloom n
1 : partial or total darkness
2 : a sad mood
— gloom·i·ly \ˈglü-mə-lē\ adv

— gloom·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ n

— gloomy \-mē\ adj

Glo·ria Pa·tri \ˌglōr-ē-ə-ˈpä-(ˌ)trē, ˌglȯr-\ n : a Christian hymn of praise to God beginning “Glory be to the Father”

glo·ri·fy \ˈglōr-ə-ˌfī, ˈglȯr-\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : 2WORSHIP 1, ADORE
2 : to praise highly
3 : to present in a highly often overly favorable light <glorify war>
— glo·ri·fi·ca·tion \ˌglōr-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən, ˌglȯr-\ n

— glo·ri·fi·er \ˈglōr-ə-fī(-ə)r, ˈglȯr-\ n

glo·ri·ous \ˈglōr-ē-əs, ˈglȯr-\ adj
1 a : possessing or deserving glory : ILLUSTRIOUS  b : bringing glory <glorious victory>
2 : having great beauty or splendor <a glorious sunset>
3 : DELIGHTFUL <had a glorious day>  synonyms see SPLENDID
— glo·ri·ous·ly adv

— glo·ri·ous·ness n

1glo·ry \ˈglōr-ē, ˈglȯr-\ n, pl glories
1 a : praise, honor, or distinction given by common consent  b : worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving
2 a : something that brings praise or renown  b : a distinguished quality or brilliant asset <the glory of the town was its fountain>
3 a : great beauty : SPLENDOR 2  b : the splendor and bliss of heaven
4 : a height of prosperity or achievement <in her glory when she's painting>

2glory vb glo·ried; glo·ry·ing : to rejoice proudly : EXULT <he gloried in his fame>

1gloss \ˈgläs, ˈglȯs\ n
1 : brightness from a smooth surface : LUSTER, SHEEN
2 : a falsely attractive appearance <a thin gloss of good manners>

2gloss vb
1 : to give a gloss to
2 : to smooth over : make falsely attractive <gloss over one's mistakes>

glos·sa·ry \ˈgläs-(ə-)rē, ˈglȯs-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a list of the hard or unusual words found in a book
2 : a dictionary of the special terms in a particular field

glossy \ˈgläs-ē, ˈglȯs-\ adj gloss·i·er; -est : having a surface luster or brightness
— gloss·i·ness n

glot·tis \ˈglät-əs\ n, pl glot·tis·es or glot·ti·des \ˈglät-ə-ˌdēz\ : the long opening between the vocal cords in the larynx
— glot·tal \ˈglät-əl\ adj

glove \ˈgləv\ n
1 : a covering for the hand having separate sections for each finger
2 a : a padded leather covering for the hand used in baseball  b : BOXING GLOVE
— gloved \ˈgləvd\ adj

glove compartment n : a small storage cabinet in the dashboard of an automobile

1glow \ˈglō\ vb
1 : to shine with or as if with great heat : give off light without flame <glowing coals>
2 : to have a rich warm usually reddish color
3 : to be or look warm and flushed (as from excitement) <glow with pride>

2glow n
1 : brightness or warmth of color <a rosy glow of health>
2 a : warmth of feeling  b : a feeling of physical warmth
3 : light such as that given off by something that is very hot but not flaming

glow·er \ˈglau̇(-ə)r\ vb : to stare angrily
— glower n

glow·worm \ˈglō-ˌwərm\ n : any of various insect larvae or adults (as of a firefly) that give off light

glox·in·ia \gläk-ˈsin-ē-ə\ n : any of a genus of herbs related to the African violets; esp : one from Brazil often grown for its showy bell-shaped or slipper-shaped flowers

gloze \ˈglōz\ vb glozed; gloz·ing : to make appear right or acceptable : GLOSS <gloze over a person's faults>

glu·cose \ˈglü-ˌkōs\ n : a sugar that occurs especially in a naturally occurring form that is found in plants, fruits, and blood and is a source of energy for living things

1glue \ˈglü\ n : a substance used to stick things tightly together
— glu·ey \ˈglu-ē\ adj

2glue vb glued; glu·ing also glue·ing : to stick with or as if with glue

glum \ˈgləm\ adj glum·mer; glum·mest
1 : SULLEN 1A
2 : seeming gloomy and sad <a glum expression>
— glum·ly adv

— glum·ness n

1glut \ˈglət\ vb glut·ted; glut·ting
1 : to fill with food to the point of discomfort : STUFF
2 : to flood with more goods than are needed <the market was glutted with fruit>

2glut n : too much of something

glu·tam·ic acid \(ˌ)glü-ˌtam-ik-\ n : an amino acid found in many plant and animal proteins and used in the form of a sodium salt as a seasoning

glu·ten \ˈglüt-ən\ n : a tough elastic protein substance in flour especially from wheat that holds together dough and makes it sticky

glu·te·us max·i·mus \ˈglüt-ē-əs-ˈmak-sə-məs, glü-ˈtē-\ n, pl glu·tei max·i·mi \ˈglüt-ē-ˌī-ˈmak-sə-ˌmī, glü-ˈtē-\ : the largest and outermost of the three major muscles in each of the human buttocks that extends the thigh and rotates it to the side

glu·ti·nous \ˈglüt-nəs, -ən-əs\ adj : resembling glue : STICKY <glutinous rice>
— glu·ti·nous·ly adv

glut·ton \ˈglət-ən\ n
1 : one that eats too much
2 : WOLVERINE
— glut·ton·ous \ˈglət-nəs, -ən-əs\ adj

— glut·ton·ous·ly adv

glut·tony \ˈglət-nē, -ən-ē\ n, pl -ton·ies : the act or habit of eating or drinking too much

glyc·er·in or glyc·er·ine \ˈglis-(ə-)rən\ n : GLYCEROL

glyc·er·ol \ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl\ n : a sweet colorless syrupy alcohol usually obtained from fats and oils

gly·co·gen \ˈglī-kə-jən\ n : a white tasteless substance that is the chief form in which glucose is stored in animals

G–man \ˈjē-ˌman\ n : a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation [probably a shortened form of government man]

gnarl \ˈnär(-ə)l\ n : a large or hard knot in wood or on a tree
— gnarled \ˈnär(-ə)ld\ adj

— gnarly \ˈnär-lē\ adj

gnash \ˈnash\ vb : to strike or grind (as the teeth) together

gnat \ˈnat\ n : any of various small usually biting two-winged flies

gnaw \ˈnȯ\ vb
1 a : to bite or chew with the teeth; esp : to wear away by repeated biting or nibbling <dog gnawing a bone>  b : to make by gnawing <rats gnawed a hole>
2 a : ANNOY, IRRITATE <worry gnawed at me day and night>  b : to affect like gnawing <gnawing hunger>
— gnaw·er \ˈnȯ(-ə)r\ n

gneiss \ˈnīs\ n : a rock in layers that is similar in composition to granite

gnome \ˈnōm\ n : a small manlike creature of folklore living inside the earth and guarding precious ore or treasure
— gnom·ish \ˈnō-mish\ adj

gno·mon \ˈnō-mən, -ˌmän\ n : an object (as on a sundial) that by the position or length of its shadow serves to indicate the hour of the day

gnu \ˈn(y)ü\ n, pl gnu or gnus : WILDEBEEST

1go \ˈgō\ vb went \ˈwent\; gone \ˈgȯn also ˈgän\; go·ing \ˈgō-iŋ\; goes \ˈgōz\
1 : to move on a course : PROCEED <go slow> <go by train>
2 a : to move away from one point to or toward another : LEAVE, DEPART  b : 1FOLLOW 4, TRAVERSE <go the whole route> <go my way>
3 a : to pass by a process like journeying <the message went by wire> <the prize went to the winner>  b : EXTEND 4, RUN <our land goes to the river>  c : 1LEAD 1D <that door goes to the cellar>
4 : to be habitually in a certain state <goes bareheaded>
5 a : to become lost, consumed, or spent <funds going for research>  b : to slip away : ELAPSE <where did the time go>  c : to pass by sale <went for a good price>  d : to become damaged or weakened <my hearing started to go>  e : to give way under force or pressure : BREAK <the dam went>
6 a : to be in general or on an average <cheap, as yachts go>  b : to become especially as the result of a contest <decision went against us>
7 : to put or subject oneself <go to great expense>
8 : to make use of to settle a dispute : RESORT <go to court to recover damages>
9 a : to begin or continue an action or motion <go when the light turns> <drums going strong>  b : to function properly <get the motor to go>
10 : to be known <goes by a nickname>
11 : to be or act in agreement <a good rule to go by>
12 : to contribute to a result <qualities that go to make a hero>
13 a : to be about, intending, or expecting <is going to leave town>  b : to come or arrive at a certain state or condition <go to sleep>  c : to come to be <the tire went flat>
14 a : to be able to be placed <these clothes will go in your suitcase>  b : to have a usual or proper place <these books go on the top shelf>  c : to be capable of being contained in another quantity <5 goes into 60 12 times>
15 : to be likely : TEND <goes to show they can be trusted>
16 : to be acceptable or satisfactory <any kind of dress goes>
17 : 2BET 1, BID <willing to go $50>
18 a : to be as expressed <as the story goes>  b : to be capable of being sung or played <the tune goes like this>
— go·er n

— go at
1 : to make an attack on
2 : to set to work on

— go back on : BETRAY 2

— go for
1 : to pass for or serve as
2 : to have an interest in or liking for

— go in : to share costs or expenses <went in with his friends on a used car>

— go in for : to take part in out of interest or liking <go in for stamp collecting>

— go one better : EXCEL, SURPASS <went him one better>

— go over
1 : 2STUDY 2, REVIEW
2 : to look over in order to correct or improve <went over my term paper twice>

— go places : to be on the way to success

— go steady : to have frequent dates with only one person

— go through
1 : EXAMINE 1, STUDY
2 : 2EXPERIENCE, UNDERGO
3 : CARRY OUT, PERFORM <went through his act perfectly>

— to go
1 : remaining to pass or be done <five minutes to go>
2 : to be taken from a restaurant <lunch to go>

2go n, pl goes
1 : the height of fashion <that dress is all the go>
2 : ENERGY 1, VIGOR <full of go>
3 a : 2ATTEMPT 1, TRY <have a go at it>  b : a spell of activity <did it in one go>  c : SUCCESS 1C <make a go of a business>
— no go : of no help : USELESS

— on the go : constantly or restlessly active

3go adj : in good and ready condition <all systems are go>

goad \ˈgōd\ n
1 : a pointed rod used to urge an animal on
2 : something that urges : SPUR
— goad vb

goal \ˈgōl\ n
1 a : the ending point of a race  b : an area to be reached safely in children's games
2 : the object toward which effort is directed
3 a : an area or object into which a ball or puck must be driven to score points in various games  b : the score resulting from driving a ball or puck into a goal

goal·ie \ˈgō-lē\ n : GOALKEEPER

goal·keep·er \ˈgōl-ˌkē-pər\ n : a player who defends the goal in various games

goal line n : a line at either end of a playing area that marks the goal

goal·post \ˈgōl-ˌpōst\ n : one of two upright posts that serve as the goal in various games

goal·tend·er \-ˌten-dər\ n : GOALKEEPER

goat \ˈgōt\ n, pl goat or goats
1 : any of various cud-chewing mammals having hollow horns that curve backward, a short tail, and usually straight hair and related to the sheep but of lighter build; esp : one raised for its milk, wool, and flesh
2 : SCAPEGOAT
— goat·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

goa·tee \gō-ˈtē\ n : a small trim pointed or tufted beard on a man's chin

goat·fish \ˈgōt-ˌfish\ n : any of a family of medium-sized often brightly colored fishes having two stringy feelers under the chin

goat·herd \ˈgōt-ˌhərd\ n : a person who tends goats

goat·skin \-ˌskin\ n : the skin of a goat or a leather made from it

1gob \ˈgäb\ n
1 : 1LUMP 1, MASS
2 : a large amount — usually used in plural <gobs of money>

2gob n : SAILOR

gob·bet \ˈgäb-ət\ n : 1LUMP 1, MASS

1gob·ble \ˈgäb-əl\ vb gob·bled; gob·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to swallow or eat greedily
2 : to take eagerly : GRAB <the small country was gobbled up by its neighbor>

2gobble vb : to make the sound of a male turkey
— gobble n

gob·ble·dy·gook also gob·ble·de·gook \ˈgäb-əl-dē-ˌgu̇k\ n : wordy and generally meaningless jargon [a playful expansion of gobble (noun) “a noise like that of a turkey”]

gob·bler \ˈgäb-lər\ n : a male turkey — called also tom, turkey-cock

go–be·tween \ˈgō-bə-ˌtwēn\ n : a person who acts as a messenger or a peacemaker between two persons or groups

gob·let \ˈgäb-lət\ n : a drinking glass with a foot and stem

gob·lin \ˈgäb-lən\ n : an ugly, evil, or mischievous elf

go·by \ˈgō-bē\ n, pl gobies also goby : any of numerous spiny-finned fishes that often have the pelvic fins united to form a sucking disk

god \ˈgäd also ˈgȯd\ n
1 cap : the supreme or almighty reality; esp : the Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness whom people worship as creator and ruler of the universe
2 : a being believed to have more than human powers <ancient peoples worshipped many gods>
3 : a physical object (as an image or idol) worshipped as divine
4 : something held to be the most important thing in existence <make a god of money>
— god·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

— god·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

god·child \-ˌchīld\ n : a person for whom another person acts as sponsor at baptism

god·daugh·ter \-ˌdȯt-ər\ n : a female person for whom another person acts as sponsor at baptism

god·dess \ˈgäd-əs\ n
1 : a female god
2 : a woman of great charm or beauty

god·fa·ther \ˈgäd-ˌfäth-ər also ˈgȯd-\ n : a male sponsor at baptism

god·for·sak·en \-fər-ˌsā-kən\ adj : 1REMOTE 1, DESOLATE <the most godforsaken place in the world>

god·head \-ˌhed\ n
1 : divine nature : DIVINITY
2 cap : GOD 1

god·less \ˈgäd-ləs also ˈgȯd-\ adj : not believing in God or a god
— god·less·ness n

god·ly \ˈgäd-lē also ˈgȯd-\ adj god·li·er; -est : PIOUS 1, DEVOUT <a godly person>
— god·li·ness n

god·moth·er \ˈgäd-ˌməth-ər also ˈgȯd-\ n : a female sponsor at baptism

god·par·ent \-ˌpar-ənt, -ˌper-\ n : a sponsor at baptism

god·send \-ˌsend\ n : a desirable or needed thing or event that comes unexpectedly

god·son \-ˌsən\ n : a male person for whom another person acts as sponsor at baptism

God·speed \-ˈspēd\ n : a wish for success given to a person on parting

goes present 3rd singular of 1GO plural of 2GO

go–get·ter \ˈgō-ˌget-ər\ n : an ambitious person who eagerly goes after what is desired
— go–get·ting \-ˌget-iŋ\ adj or n

1gog·gle \ˈgäg-əl\ vb gog·gled; gog·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to stare with goggle eyes
— gog·gler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2goggle adj : being bulging <goggle eyes>
— gog·gly \ˈgäg-(ə-)lē\ adj

— gog·gle–eyed \ˌgäg-ə-ˈlīd\ adj

gog·gles \ˈgäg-əlz\ n pl : protective eyeglasses set in a flexible frame that fits snugly against the face

1go·ing \ˈgō-iŋ\ n
1 : DEPARTURE 1
2 : the condition of the ground especially for walking or driving
3 : advance toward an objective : PROGRESS

2going adj
1 : being in existence : ALIVE <best novelist going>
2 : 1CURRENT 1B, PREVAILING <the going price>
3 : being successful and likely to continue successfully <a going concern>
— going on : drawing near to : APPROACHING <is six years old going on seven>

go·ings–on \ˌgō-iŋ-ˈzȯn, -ˈän\ n pl : actions or events that are taking place

goi·ter \ˈgȯit-ər\ n : a swelling on the front of the neck caused by enlargement of the thyroid gland

go–kart \ˈgō-ˌkärt\ n : a small motorized vehicle used for racing

gold \ˈgōld\ n
1 : a soft yellow metallic element that is used especially in coins and jewelry — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 a : gold coins  b : MONEY 1A
3 : a deep yellow
4 : a medal awarded as the first prize in a competition : a gold medal
— gold adj

gold·en \ˈgōl-dən\ adj
1 : consisting of, relating to, or containing gold
2 : having the color of gold <golden hair>
3 : PROSPEROUS <a golden age>
4 : FAVORABLE 2 <a golden opportunity>
5 : having a rich and smooth sound <a golden voice>
6 : of or relating to a 50th anniversary

gold·en–ag·er \ˈgōl-də-ˌnā-jər\ n : SENIOR CITIZEN

golden–brown alga n : any of a group of algae (as diatoms) that are yellowish green to golden brown in color

golden eagle n : a dark brown eagle of the northern regions that has brownish yellow head and neck feathers

Golden Fleece n : a treasure in the form of a fleece of gold placed in a grove guarded by dragons and sought and recovered by Jason and the Argonauts

golden hamster n : a small brownish yellow hamster that is native chiefly to Syria and often kept as a pet or used as a laboratory animal elsewhere

golden mean n : the medium between extremes

golden retriever n : any of a breed of medium-sized retrievers that have a coat of golden hair of medium length

gold·en·rod \ˈgōl-dən-ˌräd\ n : any of numerous chiefly North American herbs that are related to the daisies and have tall stiff stems topped with rows of tiny usually yellow flowers on slender branches

golden rule n : a rule that one should treat others as one would like to be treated

gold–filled \ˈgōl(d)-ˈfild\ adj : covered with a layer of gold <a gold-filled bracelet>

gold·finch \-ˌfinch\ n
1 : a small largely red, black, and yellow European finch often kept in a cage
2 : any of several small American finches of which the males in their summer coat of feathers are usually yellow with black wings, tail, and top of the head

gold·fish \-ˌfish\ n : a small usually golden orange fish that is often kept in aquariums or ponds

gold leaf n : a very thin sheet of gold used especially for gilding

gold·smith \ˈgōl(d)-ˌsmith\ n : one who makes or sells articles of gold

golf \ˈgälf, ˈgȯlf, ˈgäf, ˈgȯf\ n : a game in which the player uses specialized clubs to try to hit a small ball with as few strokes as possible into each of 9 or 18 holes
— golf vb

— golf·er n

Gol·gi apparatus \ˈgȯl-(ˌ)jē-\ n : a stack of flattened sacs of membranes in the cytoplasm of a cell that is active in the formation and transport of cell products — called also Golgi complex

Golgi body n : GOLGI APPARATUS; also : any particle that is part of the Golgi apparatus

-gon \ˌgän also -gən\ n combining form : figure having (so many) angles <decagon> [derived from Greek gōnia “angle”]

go·nad \ˈgō-ˌnad\ n : a sperm- or egg-producing gland (as a testis or ovary) — called also sex gland

go·nad·o·tro·pin \gō-ˌnad-ə-ˈtrō-pən\ also go·nad·o·tro·phin \-fən\ n : a hormone that acts on or stimulates the gonads

gon·do·la \ˈgän-də-lə (usual for sense 1), gän-ˈdō-\ n
1 : a long narrow boat with a high prow and stern used on the canals of Venice
2 : a railroad car with low sides and no top used for hauling loose freight
3 : an enclosure that hangs from something: as  a : the part of a balloon in which passengers or instruments are carried  b : a car that hangs from a cable and is used especially as a lift for skiers

gon·do·lier \ˌgän-də-ˈli(ə)r\ n : one who drives a gondola

gone \ˈgȯn also ˈgän\ adj
1 : 1DEAD 1
2 a : being advanced, involved, or absorbed <far gone in grief>  b : being infatuated <gone on each other>

gon·er \ˈgȯn-ər also ˈgän-\ n : one whose case is hopeless

gong \ˈgäŋ, ˈgȯŋ\ n
1 : a metallic disk that makes a deep ringing sound when struck
2 : a flat saucer-shaped bell

gono·coc·cus \ˌgän-ə-ˈkäk-əs\ n, pl -coc·ci \-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī, -ˈkäk-(ˌ)(s)ē\ : a pus-producing bacterium that causes gonorrhea

gon·or·rhea \ˌgän-ə-ˈrē-ə\ n : a contagious inflammatory venereal disease of the genital and urinary organs that is caused by the gonococcus — called also clap
— gon·or·rhe·al \-ˈrē-əl\ adj

goo \ˈgü\ n : a sticky substance [perhaps short for burgoo “oatmeal gruel”]
— goo·ey \ˈgü-ē\ adj

goo·ber \ˈgü-bər, ˈgu̇b-ər\ n, dialect : PEANUT 1

1good \ˈgu̇d\ adj bet·ter \ˈbet-ər\; best \ˈbest\
1 a : of a favorable character or tendency <good news>  b : FERTILE 1 <good land>  c : HANDSOME 3, ATTRACTIVE <good looks>  d : AGREEABLE 1, PLEASANT <a good place to live>  e : SUITABLE 1, FIT <good to eat> <a remedy good for a cold>  f : RELIABLE <a good friend in a pinch>  g : 1SOUND 1A <one good arm>
2 a : certain to last or live <good for another year>  b : certain to provide or produce <always good for a laugh>
3 a : of a noticeably large size or quantity <present in good numbers>  b : 1FULL 2A <waited a good hour>
4 a : based on sound reasoning, information, judgment, or grounds <good reasons>  b : 1TRUE 2 <holds good for society as a whole>  c : deserving of respect or honor <a member in good standing>  d : legally valid <has a good title>
5 a : ADEQUATE 1, SATISFACTORY <good care>  b : conforming to a standard <good English>  c : showing or favoring high quality <good taste>
6 a : VIRTUOUS, JUST <a good person>  b : 1RIGHT 2 <good conduct>  c : 2KIND 1, BENEVOLENT <good intentions>  d : being of the upper class <of good family>  e : SKILLFUL 1 <a good doctor>  f : LOYAL 2 <a good party member>
— good·ness n

— as good as : in effect : VIRTUALLY <as good as dead>

— good and : 2VERY 1, ENTIRELY <was good and mad>

2good n
1 : something good, useful, or desirable <health and prosperity are goods>
2 : 1BENEFIT 1A, WELFARE <the good of the community>
3 pl : CLOTH 1
4 pl : manufactured articles or products of art or craft
5 : good persons — used with the
6 pl : proof of wrongdoing <got the goods on them>

3good adv : 3WELL 1

good book n, often cap G&B : BIBLE 1A

good–bye or good–by \gu̇d-ˈbī, gəd-, gə-\ n : a concluding remark at parting — often used interjectionally [a shortened and altered form of God be with you]

good faith n : honesty or lawfulness of purpose <bargained in good faith>

Good Friday n : the Friday before Easter observed by Christians as the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ

good–heart·ed \ˈgu̇d-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : having a kindly generous disposition
— good–heart·ed·ly adv

— good– heart·ed·ness n

good–hu·mored \-ˈhyü-mərd, -ˈyü-\ adj : GOOD-NATURED, CHEERFUL
— good–hu·mored·ly adv

— good–hu·mored·ness n

good·ish \ˈgu̇d-ish\ adj : fairly good

good·ly \ˈgu̇d-lē\ adj good·li·er; -est
1 : of pleasing appearance
2 : LARGE, CONSIDERABLE <a goodly number>

good·man \ˈgu̇d-mən\ n
1 archaic : the master of a household : HUSBAND
2 archaic : MR. 1

good–na·tured \ˈgu̇d-ˈnā-chərd\ adj : of a pleasant cheerful disposition
— good–na·tured·ly adv

— good–na·tured·ness n

good–sized \-ˈsīzd\ adj : fairly large

good–tem·pered \-ˈtem-pərd\ adj : not easily angered or upset
— good–tem·pered·ly adv

good·wife \-ˌwīf\ n
1 archaic : the mistress of a household
2 archaic : MRS.

good·will \-ˈwil\ n
1 : kindly feeling : BENEVOLENCE
2 : the value of the trade a business has built up
3 a : cheerful consent  b : willing effort

goody \ˈgu̇d-ē\ n, pl good·ies : something that is particularly good to eat or otherwise attractive

goody–goody \ˌgu̇d-ē-ˈgu̇d-ē\ adj : pretending to be good in order to impress people
— goody–goody n

Goody Two–shoes \ˈgu̇d-ē-ˈtü-ˌshüz\ n, often cap S : a person who is a goody-goody; also : a person who is uncommonly good

1goof \ˈgüf\ n
1 : a silly or stupid person
2 : 2BLUNDER [probably an altered form of dialect word goff “simpleton”]

2goof vb
1 a : to spend time foolishly <goofing off instead of working>  b : to engage in a playful activity <goofing around after school>
2 : 1BLUNDER 2
3 : to make a mess of : BUNGLE <goofed up the assignment>

go off vb
1 : EXPLODE 2B
2 : to burst forth or break out suddenly or noisily
3 : to take place : PROCEED <the dance went off as planned>

goofy \ˈgü-fē\ adj goof·i·er; -est : CRAZY 2, SILLY
— goof·i·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— goof·i·ness \-fē-nəs\ n

goo·gle \ˈgü-gəl\ vb goo·gled; goo·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to use the Google search engine to obtain information about (as a person) on the Internet

goo·gol \ˈgü-ˌgȯl\ n : a very large number that is expressed in numerals as 1 followed by one hundred 0's
Word History The term googol was invented by a nine-year-old boy. In the late 1930s an American mathematician, Edward Kasner, asked his nephew, Milton Sirotta, to think up a word for a very big number, in particular, the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. The boy came up with the word googol. The term was then used by Kasner and other mathematicians and scientists. Such people needed this word, and so it became part of the language. [coined by Milton Sirotta, age 9, and first used by his uncle Edward Kasner 1878–1955 American mathematician]

goon \ˈgün\ n
1 : a stupid person
2 : a person hired to terrorize or beat up or kill opponents : THUG
Word History Some comic strips have had a lasting effect on culture. One such strip, first drawn in the 1920s by Elzie Segar and now known as “Popeye,” apparently was responsible for adding the word goon to the every-day language. One of the characters Segar created for the comic strip looked a bit like an overgrown pear with legs. This creature, which was not really human, had a big nose, a bald head, and hairy arms and legs. It was called “Alice the goon.” Alice was basically good-hearted but not very smart. As a result of the popularity of the comic strip and of Alice, people began to use the word goon in the meaning “a stupid person” or “a person with not much common sense.” Later, when thugs and criminals were hired to terrorize workers during labor troubles in the 1930s, these thugs, whose actions weren't very “human,” were also called goons. But even though Alice may have been responsible for making the word goon popular, the word may not have started with the comic strip. The word can be traced back to an English dialect word gooney, first used in the 16th century, meaning “a person lacking in common sense, simpleton.” [probably a shortened form of a dialect word gooney “simpleton”]

go on vb
1 a : to continue on or as if on a journey <life goes on>  b : to keep on : CONTINUE <went on talking>
2 : to take place : HAPPEN <what's going on>

goose \ˈgüs\ n, pl geese \ˈgēs\
1 a : any of numerous birds with long necks that are larger than the related ducks and smaller than swans  b : a female goose in contrast to a gander
2 : a person lacking in common sense
3 pl goos·es : an iron with a gooseneck handle used by tailors for smoothing clothes

goose·ber·ry \ˈgüs-ˌber-ē, ˈgüz-\ n : the acid usually prickly fruit of any of several shrubs related to the currant

goose bumps n pl : a roughening of the skin caused especially from cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement

goose egg n : 1ZERO 1, NOTHING

goose·flesh \ˈgüs-ˌflesh\ n : GOOSE BUMPS

goose·foot \-ˌfu̇t\ n, pl goose·foots : any of numerous mostly weedy smooth herbs with branched clusters of small greenish or whitish flowers without petals

goose·neck \ˈgü-ˌsnek\ n : something (as a flexible jointed metal pipe) curved like the neck of a goose or U-shaped
— goose·necked \-ˌsnekt\ adj

goose pimples n pl : GOOSE BUMPS

goose step n : a straight-legged stiff-kneed step used by troops of some armies on parade
— goose–step \ˈgüs-ˈstep\ vb

go out vb
1 : to leave one's home
2 : to stop working
3 : to stop burning or glowing
4 : to become a candidate <went out for the football team>

go over vb
1 : to make one's way <going over to the store>
2 : to be favorably received : SUCCEED <the joke went over very well>

go·pher \ˈgō-fər\ n
1 : a burrowing land tortoise of the southern U.S.
2 a : any of several burrowing American rodents with large cheek pouches — called also pocket gopher  b : a small striped ground squirrel of the prairie region of the U.S.

gopher snake n : BULL SNAKE

1gore \ˈgō(ə)r, ˈgȯ(ə)r\ n : a tapering or triangular piece of cloth (as in a skirt) [Old English gāre “triangular piece of land”]

2gore vb gored; gor·ing
1 : to cut into a tapering triangular form
2 : to provide with a gore

3gore vb gored; gor·ing : to pierce or wound with something pointed (as a tusk or horn) [Middle English goren “pierce, gore”]

4gore n : 1BLOOD 1A; esp : clotted blood [Old English gor “filth”]

1gorge \ˈgȯ(ə)rj\ n : a narrow passage, ravine, or steep-walled canyon

2gorge vb gorged; gorg·ing : to eat greedily : stuff oneself
— gorg·er n

gor·geous \ˈgȯr-jəs\ adj : having an impressive beauty <a gorgeous sunset>  synonyms see SPLENDID
— gor·geous·ly adv

— gor·geous·ness n
Word History In the late Middle Ages many women wore a type of headdress—called a wimple in English—that surrounded the neck and head, leaving only the face uncovered. The word gorgias, from gorge, meaning “throat,” was then the French name for the part of the headdress that covered the throat and shoulders. In time it also came to be used as a name for the entire garment. Perhaps because a beautiful headdress was the mark of a fashionable lady, gorgias seems to have become an adjective meaning “elegant” or “fond of dress.” Borrowed into English as gorgayse and then gorgeous, the word gradually took on the meaning of “beautiful” which it has today. [Middle English gorgeouse “very showy, splendid,” from early French gorgias “elegant,” from gorgias “headdress, wimple,” from gorge “part of the wimple covering the throat, throat”]

Gor·gon \ˈgȯr-gən\ n : any of three snaky-haired sisters in Greek mythology capable of turning to stone anyone who looked at them

Gor·gon·zo·la \ˌgȯr-gən-ˈzō-lə\ n : a cheese of Italian origin ripened by veins of greenish blue mold [named for Gorgonzola, town in Italy where the cheese was first made]

go·ril·la \gə-ˈril-ə\ n : a typically black ape of equatorial Africa that is much larger but stands less erect than the related chimpanzee [derived from Greek Gorillai, a name used by ancient explorers for what they thought was a tribe of hairy women in Africa]

gor·man·dize \ˈgȯr-mən-ˌdīz\ vb -dized; -diz·ing : to eat greedily
— gor·man·diz·er n

gorp \ˈgȯrp\ n : a snack consisting of high-energy food (as raisins and nuts)

gorse \ˈgȯ(ə)rs\ n : an evergreen shrub of the legume family that has yellow flowers and leaves reduced to spines — called also furze

gory \ˈgō(ə)r-ē, ˈgȯ(ə)r-\ adj gor·i·er; -est
1 : covered with gore : BLOODSTAINED
2 : BLOODCURDLING

gos·hawk \ˈgäs-ˌhȯk\ n : a hawk of northern forests that has a long tail and short wings and is noted for its powerful flight and vigor

gos·ling \ˈgäz-liŋ, ˈgȯz-, -lən\ n : a young goose

1gos·pel \ˈgäs-pəl\ n
1 a often cap : the Christian message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation  b cap : one of the first four New Testament books telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
2 : something accepted as the truth or as a guiding principle
3 : gospel music [Old English gōdspel, a translation of Greek euangelion “gospel,” literally, “good tidings, good news”; gōdspel from gōd “good” and spell “talk, tale”]

2gospel adj
1 : relating to or in accordance with the gospel : EVANGELICAL
2 : of or relating to religious songs associated with evangelism <a gospel singer>

gos·sa·mer \ˈgäs-ə-mər also ˈgäz(-ə)-mər\ n
1 : a film of cobwebs floating in air
2 : something light or very delicate
— gossamer adj

— gos·sa·mery \-mə-rē\ adj

gos·sip \ˈgäs-əp\ n
1 : a person who reveals personal or sensational facts
2 a : rumor or report of a personal nature  b : chatty talk
— gossip vb

— gos·sip·er n

— gos·sipy \-ə-pē\ adj

got past and past participle of GET

Goth·ic \ˈgäth-ik\ adj : relating to or being an old style of architecture (as for churches) having pointed arches, thin tall walls, and large windows

gotten past participle of GET

1gouge \ˈgau̇j\ n
1 : a chisel with a curved blade for scooping or cutting holes
2 : a hole or groove made with or as if with a gouge

2gouge vb gouged; goug·ing
1 : to cut holes or grooves in with or as if with a gouge
2 : to force out (an eye) with the thumb
3 : OVERCHARGE 1
— goug·er n

gou·lash \ˈgü-ˌläsh, -ˌlash\ n : a stew made with meat (as beef), vegetables, and paprika [from Hungarian gulyás, short for gulyáshús, literally, “herdsman's meat”]

gourd \ˈgō(ə)rd, ˈgȯ(ə)rd, ˈgu̇(ə)rd\ n
1 : any of a family of tendril-bearing vines (as the cucumber, melon, squash, and pumpkin)
2 : the usually hard-shell many-seeded fruit of a gourd
— gourd·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

gour·mand \ˈgu̇(ə)r-ˌmänd\ n
1 : GLUTTON 1
2 : GOURMET
— gour·mand·ism \ˈgu̇(ə)r-ˌmän-ˌdiz-əm, -mən-\ n

gour·met \ˈgu̇(ə)r-ˌmā, gu̇r-ˈmā\ n : a person who can enjoy and appreciate fine eating and drinking

gout \ˈgau̇t\ n : a disease marked by a painful inflammation and swelling of the joints and by the deposit of salts of uric acid in and around the joints
— gouty \-ē\ adj

gov·ern \ˈgəv-ərn\ vb
1 : to exercise authority over : RULE <the queen governed wisely>
2 : to control the speed of by automatic means
3 a : to control, direct, or strongly influence the actions and conduct of <governed by his emotions>  b : to hold in check : RESTRAIN <our income governs our spending>
4 : to require a word to be in a certain case or mood <in English a transitive verb governs a pronoun in the objective case>
5 : to serve as a rule or law for <etiquette governing their behavior>
— gov·ern·able \-ər-nə-bəl\ adj
synonyms GOVERN, RULE, mean to use power or authority in controlling others. GOVERN suggests the aim of keeping something running smoothly for the good of both the individual and the whole group <governed the country wisely>. RULE stresses the laying down of laws and the giving of commands and often suggests the harsh use of power <a king who ruled firmly>.

gov·er·nance \ˈgəv-ər-nən(t)s\ n : the exercise of control : GOVERNMENT

gov·ern·ess \ˈgəv-ər-nəs\ n : a woman who teaches and trains a child in a private home

gov·ern·ment \ˈgəv-ər(n)-mənt, ˈgəb-əm-ənt, ˈgəv-mənt\ n
1 a : the act or process of governing; esp : direction of a political unit  b : the making of policy as distinguished from the administration of policy decisions
2 a : the agency through which a political unit exercises authority  b : manner of governing : the institutions, laws, and customs through which a political unit is governed <republican government>
3 a : the officials making up the governing body of a political unit  b cap : the executive branch of the U.S. federal government
4 : POLITICAL SCIENCE
— government adj

— gov·ern·men·tal \ˌgəv-ər(n)-ˈment-əl\ adj

— gov·ern·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

gov·er·nor \ˈgəv(-ə)-nər also ˈgəv-ər-nər\ n
1 : one that governs; esp : an official elected or appointed to act as ruler, chief executive, or head of a political unit (as a colony, state, or province)
2 : an attachment to a machine for automatic control of speed
— gov·er·nor·ship \-ˌship\ n

gown \ˈgau̇n\ n
1 : an official robe worn especially by a judge, a member of the clergy, or a teacher
2 : a woman's dress; esp : one suitable for afternoon or evening wear
3 : a loose robe (as a dressing gown or a nightgown)
— gown vb

— gowned \ˈgau̇nd\ adj

GPS \ˌjē-ˌpē-ˈes\ n : a navigation system that uses satellite signals to find the location of a radio receiver on or above the earth's surface; also : a radio receiver used in a GPS system [Global Positioning System]

graaf·ian follicle \ˌgräf-ē-ən-, ˌgraf-\ n, often cap G : a small fluid-filled cavity in the ovary of a mammal that encloses a developing egg

1grab \ˈgrab\ vb grabbed; grab·bing : to take hastily : CLUTCH, SNATCH
— grab·ber n

2grab n
1 a : a sudden snatch  b : an unlawful or forceful taking of something <a land grab>  c : something grabbed
2 : a device for clutching an object

1grace \ˈgrās\ n
1 a : help given to people by God in overcoming temptation  b : a state of freedom from sin enjoyed through divine grace
2 : a short prayer at a meal
3 a : APPROVAL, FAVOR <stayed in the boss's good graces>  b : a special favor : PRIVILEGE  c : a temporary delay granted from the performance of an obligation (as the payment of a debt)
4 a : a charming trait or quality  b : ease of movement <walks with grace>
5 — used as a title for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop [Middle English grace “help from God,” from early French grace (same meaning), from Latin gratia “favor, charm, thanks,” from gratus “pleasing, thankful, agreeable” — related to AGREE, CONGRATULATE, GRACIOUS, GRATITUDE]
— grace·ful \-fəl\ adj

— grace·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— grace·ful·ness n

2grace vb graced; grac·ing
1 : 2HONOR 1B <deeds that graced the town>
2 : ADORN, EMBELLISH

grace·less \ˈgrā-sləs\ adj : having no grace, charm, or elegance; esp : showing lack of feeling for what is fitting <graceless behavior>
— grace·less·ly adv

— grace·less·ness n

grace note n : a short musical note added before another as an ornament

gra·cious \ˈgrā-shəs\ adj
1 : marked by kindness and courtesy
2 : pleasing or attractive in motion or form <gracious ballet steps>
3 : characterized by charm, good taste, and politeness <gracious living> [Middle English gracious “having received divine grace,” from early French gracieus (same meaning), from Latin gratiosus “enjoying favor, agreeable,” from gratia “favor, thanks,” from gratus “pleasing, agreeable, thankful” — related to GRACE, GRATITUDE]
— gra·cious·ly adv

— gra·cious·ness n
synonyms GRACIOUS, CORDIAL, AFFABLE, GENIAL, mean very pleasant and relaxed in social situations. GRACIOUS suggests courtesy and kindly consideration <a gracious host makes his guests feel comfortable>. CORDIAL stresses warmth and heartiness <the cordial innkeeper welcomed us>. AFFABLE suggests ease and readiness in responding pleasantly to conversation or requests <a principal who is affable and friendly>. GENIAL stresses cheerfulness and even joyfulness <a genial woman with a nice sense of humor>.

grack·le \ˈgrak-əl\ n : any of several rather large American blackbirds with glossy mostly black feathers

grad \ˈgrad\ n or adj : GRADUATE

gra·da·tion \grā-ˈdā-shən, grə-\ n
1 a : a series of grades  b : 2GRADE 2
2 : the act or process of grading
— gra·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— gra·da·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

1grade \ˈgrād\ vb grad·ed; grad·ing
1 : to arrange in grades : SORT <grade apples>
2 : to make level or evenly sloping <grade a highway>
3 : to give a grade to <grade a student's performance>
4 : to assign to a grade
5 : to form a series having only slight differences <colors that grade into one another>

2grade n
1 : position in a scale of rank, quality, or order <the grade of sergeant> <leather of the highest grade>
2 : a stage, step, or degree in a series, order, or ranking
3 : a class of things that are of the same rank, quality, or order
4 a : a division of the school course representing a year's work <finished the fourth grade>  b : the pupils in a school division  c pl : the elementary school system <teach in the grades>
5 : a mark or rating especially of accomplishment in school <a grade of 90 on a test>
6 : a standard of quality <government grades for meat>
7 : the degree of slope (as of a road or railroad track)

grade crossing n : a crossing (as of highways, railroad tracks, or pedestrian walks) on the same level

grade point n : one of the points assigned to each course credit (as in a college) in accordance with the letter grade earned in the course

grade point average n : the average obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credits taken

grad·er \ˈgrād-ər\ n
1 : one that grades
2 : a machine for leveling earth
3 : a pupil in a school grade <a group of sixth graders>

grade school n : a public school including the first six or the first eight grades

gra·di·ent \ˈgrād-ē-ənt\ n
1 : 3SLOPE 2, GRADE
2 : a continuous graded change in measure, activity, or substance <vertical temperature gradient in a lake> <a gradient in developmental activity in a seedling>

grad·u·al \ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl, ˈgraj-əl\ adj
1 : proceeding by steps or degrees
2 : moving or changing by slight degrees
— grad·u·al·ly adv

— grad·u·al·ness n

grad·u·al·ism \ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl-ˌiz-əm, ˈgraj-əl-\ n : the policy of approaching a desired goal by gradual stages
— grad·u·al·ist \-əst\ n or adj

1grad·u·ate \ˈgraj-(ə-)wət, -ə-ˌwāt\ n
1 : a holder of an academic degree or diploma
2 : a graduated cup, cylinder, or flask for measuring

2graduate adj
1 : holding an academic degree or diploma
2 : of or relating to studies beyond the bachelor's degree

3grad·u·ate \ˈgraj-ə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to grant or receive an academic degree or diploma
2 : to divide into grades, classes, or intervals <graduated thermometer>
— grad·u·a·tor \-ˌwāt-ər\ n

graduated cylinder n : a tall narrow container with a volume scale used especially for measuring liquids

grad·u·a·tion \ˌgraj-ə-ˈwā-shən\ n
1 : a mark or the marks on an instrument or container indicating degrees or quantity
2 a : an act or process of graduating  b : the ceremony marking the completion by a student of a course of study at a school or college : COMMENCEMENT
3 : arrangement in degrees or ranks

graf·fi·ti \grə-ˈfēt-ē\ n : usually unlawful writing or drawing on a public surface [Italian, plural of graffito]
— graffiti vb

graf·fi·to \gra-ˈfēt-ō\ n, pl -ti \-(ˌ)ē\ : a writing or drawing made on a public surface (as a wall or rock) [Italian, literally, “little scratch,” from graffio “scratch,” derived from Latin graphium “pointed device for writing on wax tablets,” derived from Greek graphein “to write” — related to -GRAM, GRAMMAR, -GRAPH]

1graft \ˈgraft\ vb
1 a : to insert a twig or bud from one plant into another plant so that they are joined and grow together  b : to join one thing to another as if by grafting <graft skin over the burn>
2 : to gain money or advantage by graft
— graft·er n

2graft n
1 a : a grafted plant  b : the point in a plant where a part that is being grafted is inserted
2 : the act of grafting
3 : something used in grafting: as  a : SCION 1  b : living tissue used in surgical grafting
4 a : the getting of money or advantage by dishonest means through misuse of an official position <exposed graft in the city government>  b : the money or advantage gained <accused of taking graft>

gra·ham cracker \ˈgrā-əm-, ˈgra(-ə)m-\ n : a slightly sweet cracker made chiefly of whole wheat flour

1grain \ˈgrān\ n
1 a : the edible seed or seedlike fruit of grasses that are cereals (as wheat, corn, or oats)  b : the threshed seed or fruits of various food plants (as cereal grasses, flax, peas, or sugarcane)  c : plants producing grain
2 a : a small hard particle <a grain of sand>  b : the least amount possible <a grain of truth>
3 : a unit of weight based on the weight of a grain of wheat — see MEASURE TABLE
4 a : the arrangement of fibers in wood  b : appearance or feel due to the particles or fibers of which something is composed <the grain of a rock>  c : the direction of threads in cloth
5 : natural disposition : TEMPER <making excuses goes against my grain> [Middle English grain, grein “kernel, seed,” from early French grain “cereal plant” and early French graine “seed,” both derived from Latin granum “grain, seed” — related to GARNET, GRENADE, POMEGRANATE; see Word History at GARNET]
— grained \ˈgrānd\ adj

— grainy \ˈgrā-nē\ adj

2grain vb
1 : to form into grains : GRANULATE
2 : to paint in imitation of the grain of wood or stone
— grain·er n

grain alcohol n : ETHANOL

grain elevator n : ELEVATOR 1C

grain sorghum n : any of several sorghums cultivated primarily for grain

gram \ˈgram\ n
1 : a metric unit of mass equal to 1/1000 kilogram and nearly equal to the mass of one cubic centimeter of water at its maximum density — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE
2 : the weight of a gram of mass

-gram \ˌgram\ n combining form : drawing : writing : record <telegram> [from Latin -gramma “piece of writing, record,” derived from Greek gramma “letter,” derived from graphein “to write” — related to GRAFFITO, GRAMMAR, -GRAPH]

grama \ˈgram-ə\ n : any of several pasture grasses of the western U.S. — called also grama grass

gra·mer·cy \grə-ˈmər-sē\ interj, archaic — used to express gratitude or astonishment

gram·mar \ˈgram-ər\ n
1 : the study of the classes of words, their inflections, and their functions and relations in a language
2 : the facts of language with which grammar deals
3 a : a grammar textbook  b : speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules <“Him and I went” is bad grammar> [Middle English gramere, from early French gramaire (same meaning), from Latin grammatica (same meaning), derived from Greek gramma “letter, piece of writing,” derived from graphein “to write” — related to GRAFFITO, -GRAM, -GRAPH]

gram·mar·i·an \grə-ˈmer-ē-ən, -ˈmar-\ n : a specialist in or a teacher of grammar

grammar school n : an elementary school

gram·mat·i·cal \grə-ˈmat-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to grammar
2 : conforming to the rules of grammar <a grammatical sentence>
— gram·mat·i·cal·i·ty \-ˌmat-ə-ˈkal-ət-ē\ n

— gram·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— gram·mat·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ n

grana plural of GRANUM

gra·na·ry \ˈgrān-(ə-)rē, ˈgran-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a storehouse for grain
2 : a region producing plenty of grain

1grand \ˈgrand\ adj
1 : higher in rank than others of the same class : FOREMOST, PRINCIPAL <the grand champion> <the grand prize>
2 : great in size
3 : including all things being considered : COMPLETE <a grand total>
4 a : marked by magnificence : SPLENDID <a grand coronation ceremony>  b : showing wealth or high social standing <the airs of a grand lady>
5 : IMPRESSIVE <made grand statements about our progress>
6 : very good : FINE <grand weather> <have a grand time>
— grand·ly \ˈgran-(d)lē\ adv

— grand·ness \ˈgran(d)-nəs\ n
synonyms GRAND, MAGNIFICENT, MAJESTIC, GRANDIOSE, mean large and impressive. GRAND suggests handsomeness and dignity <the royal wedding was a grand affair>. MAGNIFICENT suggests an appropriate greatness of size that remains dignified and in good taste <a magnificent palace>. MAJESTIC suggests awe-inspiring grandeur or great size <a majestic waterfall>. GRANDIOSE may suggest largeness or greatness but is usually applied to something that is foolishly exaggerated or showy <grandiose plans for world conquest>.

2grand n : GRAND PIANO

gran·dam \ˈgran-ˌdam, -dəm\ or gran·dame \-ˌdām, -dəm\ n
1 : GRANDMOTHER 1
2 : an old woman

grand·aunt \ˈgran-ˈdant, -ˈdȧnt\ n : an aunt of one's father or mother

grand·child \ˈgran(d)-ˌchīld\ n : a child of one's son or daughter

grand·daugh·ter \ˈgran-ˌdȯt-ər\ n : a daughter of one's son or daughter

gran·dee \gran-ˈdē\ n : a man of elevated rank or station; esp : a high-ranking Spanish or Portuguese nobleman

gran·deur \ˈgran-jər\ n
1 : the quality or state of being grand : awe-inspiring magnificence
2 : something that is grand

grand·fa·ther \ˈgran(d)-ˌfäth-ər\ n
1 : the father of one's father or mother
2 : ANCESTOR 1

grandfather clock n : a tall clock standing directly on the floor

gran·dil·o·quence \gran-ˈdil-ə-kwən(t)s\ n : high-sounding or overly impressive language in speech or writing : BOMBAST
— gran·dil·o·quent \-kwənt\ adj

— gran·dil·o·quent·ly adv

gran·di·ose \ˈgran-dē-ˌōs\ adj
1 : impressive because of uncommon largeness, scope, effect, or grandeur
2 : characterized by deliberately assumed grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration <grandiose schemes>  synonyms see GRAND
— gran·di·ose·ly adv

— gran·di·os·i·ty \ˌgran-dē-ˈäs-ət-ē\ n

grand jury n : a jury that chiefly examines accusations of crime made against persons and if the evidence warrants makes formal charges on which the accused persons are later tried

grand·moth·er \ˈgran(d)-ˌməth-ər\ n
1 : the mother of one's father or mother
2 : a female ancestor

grand·neph·ew \-ˈnef-(ˌ)yü\ n : a grandson of one's brother or sister

grand·niece \-ˈnēs\ n : a granddaughter of one's brother or sister

grand opera n : a serious opera in which the entire text is sung

grand·par·ent \ˈgran(d)-ˌpar-ənt, -ˌper-\ n : a parent of one's father or mother

grand piano n : a piano in which the frame and strings are in a horizontal rather than an upright position

grand·sire \ˈgran(d)-ˌsī(ə)r\ n
1 or grand·sir \ˈgran(t)-sər\ dialect : GRANDFATHER 1
2 archaic : an aged man

grand slam n : a home run hit with three runners on base

grand·son \ˈgran(d)-ˌsən\ n : a son of one's son or daughter

grand·stand \-ˌstand\ n : a usually roofed stand for spectators at a racecourse or stadium

grand·un·cle \ˈgran-ˈdəŋ-kəl\ n : an uncle of one's father or mother

grange \ˈgrānj\ n
1 : 1FARM 1A; esp : a farmhouse with its various buildings
2 cap : one of the lodges of a national association of farmers; also : the association itself

grang·er \ˈgrān-jər\ n : a member of a Grange

gran·ite \ˈgran-ət\ n
1 : a very hard rock that can be polished and is used in buildings and monuments
2 : unyielding firmness (as of character, will, or opinion)

gran·ny or gran·nie \ˈgran-ē\ n, pl grannies
1 : GRANDMOTHER 1
2 : an ankle-length dress usually with long sleeves and a high waist

granny glasses n pl : metal-rimmed eyeglasses with small lenses

granny knot n : an insecure knot often made instead of a square knot — see KNOT ILLUSTRATION

gra·no·la \grə-ˈnō-lə\ n : a mixture of oats and other ingredients (as brown sugar, raisins, coconut, or nuts) that is eaten especially for breakfast or as a snack

1grant \ˈgrant\ vb
1 a : to consent to : PERMIT <grant your request>  b : to permit as a right, privilege, or favor <granted them a day off for volunteer work>
2 : to give the possession or benefit of formally or legally <the king granted land to the settlers>
3 : to admit something not yet proved to be true <granted you are right, you must still pay for the damage>
— grant·er \-ər\ n

— grant·or \ˈgrant-ər, grant-ˈȯr\ n

2grant n
1 : the act of granting
2 : something granted: as  a : a gift (as of money or land) for a particular purpose <a research grant>  b : an area of land granted by a government

grant·ee \grant-ˈē\ n : one to whom a grant is made

gran·u·lar \ˈgran-yə-lər\ adj
1 : consisting of grains
2 : having a grainy structure, feel, or appearance
— gran·u·lar·i·ty \ˌgran-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n

gran·u·late \ˈgran-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to form or crystallize into grains or granules

gran·u·la·tion \ˌgran-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of granulating or the condition of being granulated
2 : one of the small raised places of a granulated surface

gran·ule \ˈgran-yü(ə)l\ n
1 : a small grain or particle <granules of sugar>
2 : a small short-lived bright spot on the sun

gra·num \ˈgrā-nəm\ n, pl gra·na \-nə\ : one of the stacks of chlorophyll-containing material in plant chloroplasts

grape \ˈgrāp\ n
1 : a smooth-skinned juicy light green or deep red to purplish black berry eaten dried or fresh as a fruit or fermented to produce wine
2 : any of numerous woody vines widely grown for their bunches of grapes
3 : GRAPESHOT
— grapy \ˈgrā-pē\ adj

grape·fruit \ˈgrāp-ˌfrüt\ n
1 pl grapefruit or grapefruits : a large citrus fruit with a bitter yellow rind and a highly flavored somewhat acid juicy pulp
2 : a tree that bears grapefruit

grape hyacinth n : any of several small herbs related to the lilies that produce usually blue flowers in the spring

grape·shot \ˈgrāp-ˌshät\ n : small iron balls formerly fired at short range from a cannon against people (as soldiers or rioters)

grape sugar n : DEXTROSE

grape·vine \ˈgrāp-ˌvīn\ n
1 : GRAPE 2
2 : an unofficial means of spreading information or gossip from person to person

1graph \ˈgraf\ n
1 : the collection of all the points whose coordinates are a solution to an equation <the graph of y = x²>
2 : a diagram that shows (as by dots or lines) the change in one variable in comparison with that of one or more other variables <a graph of population growth>

2graph vb : to represent by or plot on a graph <graph each equation>

-graph \ˌgraf\ n combining form : something written or drawn <homograph> [derived from Greek -graphon “something written,” from -graphos “written,” from graphein “to write” — related to GRAFFITO, -GRAM]

1graph·ic \ˈgraf-ik\ also graph·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being arts such as painting, engraving, printing, or photography
2 : of, relating to, or represented by a graph
3 : clearly and impressively told or described
— graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv
synonyms GRAPHIC, VIVID, PICTURESQUE, mean presenting a picture of something in words. GRAPHIC suggests that the picture is sharp and lifelike <a graphic report on hunger in the world>. VIVID suggests giving a strong or lasting impression of reality <a vivid story about heroes>. PICTURESQUE suggests an impressive or effective picture that is the product of many separate pleasing or clear details <a picturesque tale about farm life>.

2graphic n
1 : a picture, map, or graph used for illustration
2 pl : a display (as of pictures or graphs) generated by a computer on a screen, printer, or plotter

graphical user interface n : software that simplifies the use of a computer especially by using icons and menus

graphic equalizer n : an electronic device for controlling the response of an audio system to a number of frequency bands

graphic novel n : a work of fiction or non-fiction that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book

graphics tablet n : a device by which pictures, graphs, or maps are put into a computer in a manner similar to drawing

graph·ite \ˈgraf-ˌīt\ n : a soft shiny black carbon that is used in making lead pencils and as a dry lubricant

gra·phol·o·gy \gra-ˈfäl-ə-jē\ n : the study of handwriting especially for the purpose of analyzing the writer's personality
— gra·phol·o·gist \-jəst\ n

graph paper n : paper ruled (as into small squares) for drawing graphs or making diagrams

-g·ra·phy \g-rə-fē\ n combining form, pl -graphies : writing or representation in a (specified) manner or by a (specified) means or of a (specified) object <photography> <telegraphy> [derived from Latin -graphia “writing,” from Greek graphein “to write”]

grap·nel \ˈgrap-nəl\ n : a small anchor with pointed hooks or claws

1grap·ple \ˈgrap-əl\ n : the act of grappling : GRIP, HOLD

2grapple vb grap·pled; grap·pling \ˈgrap-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to seize or hold with or as if with a hooked instrument
2 : to seize and struggle with one another
3 : to attempt to deal <grappled with a problem>
— grap·pler \-(ə-)lər\ n

1grasp \ˈgrasp\ vb
1 : to make the motion of seizing : CLUTCH <grasp at straws>
2 : to clasp or embrace with or as if with the fingers or arms
3 : to lay hold of with the mind : COMPREHEND <failed to grasp its importance>
— grasp·able \ˈgras-pə-bəl\ adj

— grasp·er n

2grasp n
1 : 2EMBRACE
2 : 2CONTROL 1, HOLD <land in the grasp of a tyrant>
3 a : the reach of the arms <the tree limb was beyond my grasp>  b : the power of seizing and holding <success lies within their grasp>
4 : COMPREHENSION 3, UNDERSTANDING

grasp·ing \ˈgras-piŋ\ adj : GREEDY 3, AVARICIOUS
— grasp·ing·ly adv

— grasp·ing·ness n

1grass \ˈgras\ n
1 : herbs suitable for or eaten by grazing animals
2 : any of a large family of green plants (as wheat, corn, bamboo, or sugarcane) with jointed usually hollow stems, long slender leaves, and small dry one-seeded fruits often in groups
3 : grass-covered land; esp : 2LAWN
4 : MARIJUANA
— grass·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— grassy \ˈgras-ē\ adj

2grass vb
1 : to seed with grass
2 : to provide (as cattle) with grass for food

grass·hop·per \ˈgras-ˌhäp-ər\ n : any of numerous plant-eating insects that have long hind legs used for leaping

grass·land \-ˌland\ n : land covered with herbs (as grasses and clover) rather than shrubs and trees

grass roots n pl : society at the local and popular level especially in areas away from political or cultural centers

1grate \ˈgrāt\ n
1 : GRATING 1
2 : a frame of iron bars for holding burning fuel (as in a fireplace)

2grate vb grat·ed; grat·ing
1 : to make into small particles by rubbing against something rough <grate cheese>
2 : to grind or rub against something with a scratching noise
3 : to have a harsh or irritating effect
— grat·er n

grate·ful \ˈgrāt-fəl\ adj
1 a : appreciative of benefits received  b : expressing gratitude
2 : giving pleasure or contentment : PLEASING
— grate·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— grate·ful·ness n

grat·i·fy \ˈgrat-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to give or be a source of pleasure or satisfaction to
2 : to grant a favor to : INDULGE
— grat·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌgrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

grat·ing \ˈgrāt-iŋ\ n
1 : a frame of parallel bars or crossbars
2 : a transparent surface that is ruled with a series of very closely spaced parallel lines or bars and is used to produce spectra by the diffraction of light

gra·tis \ˈgrat-əs, ˈgrāt-\ adv or adj : without charge : FREE

grat·i·tude \ˈgrat-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : the state of being grateful [Middle English gratitude “gratitude,” derived from Latin gratitudo (same meaning), from gratus “thankful” — related to CONGRATULATE, GRACE]

gra·tu·i·tous \grə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-əs\ adj
1 : done or provided freely with nothing expected in return
2 : not called for by the circumstances : UNWARRANTED <a gratuitous insult>
— gra·tu·i·tous·ly adv

— gra·tu·i·tous·ness n

gra·tu·i·ty \grə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : something given freely; esp : {h,10}TIP

1grave \ˈgrāv\ vb graved; grav·en \ˈgrā-vən\ or graved; grav·ing
1 : CARVE 1, SCULPTURE
2 : ENGRAVE 1A [Old English grafan “dig, carve”]

2grave n
1 : a hole dug to bury a body in
2 : TOMB 2

3grave \ˈgrāv, in sense 3 often ˈgräv\ adj
1 a : deserving serious consideration : IMPORTANT <a grave matter>  b : threatening great harm or danger <received a grave injury>
2 : dignified in appearance or manner : SOLEMN, SERIOUS <a grave and thoughtful look>
3 : of, marked by, or being an accent mark having the form ` [from early French grave “important, serious, weighty,” from Latin gravis “heavy, serious” — related to AGGRAVATE, GRAVITY, GRIEVE]
— grave·ly adv

— grave·ness n

4gra·ve \ˈgräv-(ˌ)ā\ adv or adj : in a slow and solemn manner — used as a direction in music

1grav·el \ˈgrav-əl\ n : small pieces of rock and pebbles larger than grains of sand

2gravel adj : GRAVELLY 2

3gravel vb grav·eled or grav·elled; grav·el·ing or grav·el·ling \ˈgrav-(ə-)liŋ\ : to cover or spread with gravel

grav·el·ly \ˈgrav-(ə-)lē\ adj
1 : of, containing, or covered with gravel <gravelly soil>
2 : having a harsh scratchy sound <a gravelly voice>

grave·stone \ˈgrāv-ˌstōn\ n : a burial monument

grave·yard \-ˌyärd\ n : CEMETERY

grav·id \ˈgrav-əd\ adj : PREGNANT 1

gra·vi·me·ter \gra-ˈvim-ət-ər, ˈgrav-ə-ˌmēt-\ n : an instrument for measuring differences in the force of gravity at different places

grav·i·tate \ˈgrav-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to move or tend to move toward something

grav·i·ta·tion \ˌgrav-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : a force of attraction that tends to draw particles or bodies together : GRAVITY 3B
2 : the action or process of gravitating
— grav·i·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— grav·i·ta·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

— grav·i·ta·tive \ˈgrav-ə-ˌtāt-iv\ adj

grav·i·ty \ˈgrav-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : the quality or state of being dignified and proper  b : the quality or state of being important or serious
2 : WEIGHT
3 a : the gravitational attraction of the mass of a heavenly body (as the earth) for bodies at or near its surface  b : a force of attraction between particles or bodies that occurs because of their mass, is stronger as mass is increased, and is weaker as the distance between the objects is increased  c : ACCELERATION OF GRAVITY [from early French gravité or Latin gravitas, both meaning “the quality or state of being serious or dignified, the quality of being weighty,” from Latin gravis “heavy, serious” — related to AGGRAVATE, 3GRAVE, GRIEVE]

gra·vy \ˈgrā-vē\ n, pl gravies
1 : a sauce made from the thickened and seasoned juices of cooked meat
2 : something additional or unexpected that is pleasing or valuable

1gray also grey \ˈgrā\ adj
1 : of the color gray; also : dull in color
2 : having gray hair
3 : lacking cheer or brightness : DISMAL <a gray day>
— gray·ness n

2gray also grey n
1 : one of the series of neutral colors ranging between black and white
2 : something gray
— gray vb

— gray·ish \ˈgrā-ish\ adj

gray·beard \ˈgrā-ˌbi(ə)rd\ n : an old man

gray fox n : a gray-haired fox with white underparts that is found from southern Canada to northern South America

gray·ling \ˈgrā-liŋ\ n, pl grayling also graylings : any of several freshwater fishes related to the trouts and salmons and valued for food and sport

gray matter n
1 : nerve tissue especially of the brain and spinal cord that has a brownish gray color
2 : INTELLIGENCE 1

gray squirrel n : a common light gray to black squirrel native to eastern North America and introduced into Europe

gray whale n : a large baleen whale of the northern Pacific Ocean

gray wolf n : a large wolf of northern regions that is usually gray — called also timber wolf

1graze \ˈgrāz\ vb grazed; graz·ing
1 : to feed on growing grass or herbs <cattle grazing on the hill>
2 : to put to feed on grass or herbs <the farmer grazed the cattle>

2graze vb grazed; graz·ing
1 : to rub or touch lightly in passing : touch against and quickly move away from <the car's wheel grazed the curb>
2 : to scratch or scrape by rubbing against something <fell and grazed her knee>

3graze n : an act or result of grazing; esp : a skin injury caused by grazing : SCRAPE

1grease \ˈgrēs\ n
1 : melted animal fat
2 : oily matter
3 : a thick lubricant

2grease \ˈgrēs, ˈgrēz\ vb greased; greas·ing
1 : to smear with grease
2 : to lubricate with grease
— greas·er n

grease·paint \ˈgrē-ˌspānt\ n : theatrical makeup

grease pencil n : a pencil with lead like a soft crayon for marking on hard surfaces (as glass)

grease·wood \ˈgrē-ˌswu̇d\ n : a low stiff shrub of the western U.S. that is related to the goosefoots and is common in soils with a high salt content

greasy \ˈgrē-sē, -zē\ adj greas·i·er; -est
1 : smeared with grease
2 : containing grease <greasy food>
3 : resembling grease or oil : SMOOTH, SLIPPERY
— greas·i·ly \-sə-lē, -zə-\ adv

— greas·i·ness \-sē-nəs, -zē-\ n

1great \ˈgrāt, in South also ˈgre(ə)t\ adj
1 : large in size : not small or little
2 : large in number : NUMEROUS <a great crowd>
3 : long continued <a great while>
4 : beyond the average or ordinary <a great weight> <in great pain>
5 : DISTINGUISHED, PROMINENT <a great artist>
6 : more distant in relationship by one generation
7 : superior in quality or character
8 : remarkable in skill <great at tennis>
9 — used as a term of general approval <had a great time>
— great·ly adv

— great·ness n

2great adv : in a great manner : SUCCESSFULLY, WELL

3great n, pl great or greats : an outstandingly superior or skillful person <the greats of baseball>

great ape n : any of a family of apes that includes the gorilla, orangutan, and chimpanzee

great auk n : an extinct large auk that was unable to fly and was formerly common along North Atlantic coasts

great–aunt n : GRANDAUNT

Great Bear n : URSA MAJOR

great blue heron n : a large grayish blue American heron with a crest of dark feathers on its head

great circle n : a circle on the surface of a sphere that has the same center as the sphere; esp : one on the surface of the earth a portion of which is the shortest travel distance between two points

great·coat \ˈgrāt-ˌkōt\ n : a heavy overcoat

Great Dane n : any of a breed of very tall powerful smooth-coated dogs

great divide n : a watershed located between major drainage systems

greatest common divisor n : the largest whole number that is an exact divisor of each of two or more whole numbers — called also greatest common factor

great·heart·ed \ˈgrāt-ˈhärt-əd\ adj
1 : COURAGEOUS
2 : nobly generous
— great·heart·ed·ly adv

great horned owl n : an American owl with two bunches of feathers resembling ears or horns at the top of the head

great–nephew n : GRANDNEPHEW

great–niece n : GRANDNIECE

great power n : one of the nations that have the greatest influence, resources, and military strength in the world

great–uncle n : GRANDUNCLE

great white shark n : a large and dangerous shark of warm seas that is quick to attack human beings and is bluish when young but becomes whitish with age

grebe \ˈgrēb\ n : any of a family of swimming and diving birds closely related to the loons

Gre·cian \ˈgrē-shən\ adj : GREEK
— Grecian n

Greco- or Graeco- \ˈgrek-ō, ˈgrē-kō\ combining form
1 : Greece : Greeks <Grecophile>
2 : Greek and <Greco-Roman>

greed \ˈgrēd\ n : selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs

greedy \ˈgrēd-ē\ adj greed·i·er; -est
1 : having a keen appetite
2 : having an eager and often selfish desire or longing <greedy for praise>
3 : wanting more than one needs or more than one's fair share (as of food)
— greed·i·ly \ˈgrēd-əl-ē\ adv

— greed·i·ness \ˈgrēd-ē-nəs\ n

Greek \ˈgrēk\ n
1 a : a person born or living in Greece  b : a person of Greek ancestry
2 : the Indo-European language of the Greeks
— Greek adj

1green \ˈgrēn\ adj
1 : of the color green
2 a : covered by green leaves or herbs  b : consisting of green plants or of the leafy part of a plant <a green salad>
3 : not fully grown or ripe
4 a : marked by a sickly appearance  b : ENVIOUS — used especially in the phrase green with envy
5 : lacking training, knowledge, or experience <green troops>
6 a : concerned with or supporting environmentalism  b : tending to preserve the quality of the environment <green dish soap>
— green·ish \ˈgrē-nish\ adj

— green·ly \ˈgrēn-lē\ adv

— green·ness \ˈgrēn-nəs\ n

2green n
1 : a color (as that of fresh grass) that ranges between blue and yellow
2 a : green vegetation  b pl : leafy parts of plants used for some purpose (as ornament or food)
3 : a grassy plain or plot; esp : a smooth grassy area at the end of a golf fairway containing the hole
4 : MONEY 1A
5 often cap : ENVIRONMENTALIST; esp : a member of a political party focusing on environmental and social issues
— greeny \ˈgrē-nē\ adj

green alga n : any of a group of green-colored algae that occur especially in fresh water

green anole n : a long-tailed lizard of the southeastern U.S. that is often found on trees and can change from green to brown

green·back \ˈgrēn-ˌbak\ n : a piece of U.S. paper money

green bean n : a kidney bean with the pods green when ready for harvest

green·belt \ˈgrēn-ˌbelt\ n : a belt of landscaped roads, parks, or farmlands that encircles a community

green·ery \ˈgrēn-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : green leaves or plants : VERDURE

green·gro·cer \ˈgrēn-ˌgrō-sər\ n, chiefly British : a person who sells fresh vegetables and fruit to the public
— green·gro·cery \-ˌgrōs-(ə-)rē\ n

green·horn \-ˌhȯrn\ n : an inexperienced person; esp : one easily tricked or cheated

1green·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a glassed enclosure for cultivation of plants

2greenhouse adj : relating to, causing, or caused by the greenhouse effect <greenhouse warming>

greenhouse effect n : the warming of the earth's atmosphere that occurs when the sun's radiation passes through the atmosphere, is absorbed by the earth, and is given off as radiation of longer wavelength which can be absorbed by atmospheric gases (as carbon dioxide and water vapor)

greenhouse gas n : any of various gases (as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect

green manure n : a crop of plants (as clover) that is plowed under while green to enrich the soil

green mold n : a mold (as a penicillium) that is green or produces green spores

green onion n : a young onion that is pulled from the ground before the bulb has become large

green pepper n : a sweet pepper before it turns red at maturity

green snake n : either of two bright green harmless largely insect-eating snakes of North America

green soap n : a soft soap made from vegetable oils and used especially to treat skin diseases

green·sward \ˈgrēn-ˌswȯ(ə)rd\ n : turf that is green with growing grass

green tea n : tea that is light in color from incomplete fermentation of the leaf before drying

green thumb n : an unusual ability to make plants grow
— green–thumbed \ˈgrēn-ˈthəmd\ adj

green turtle n : a large usually plant-eating sea turtle with a smooth greenish shell

green vegetable n : a vegetable that has the edible parts rich in chlorophyll and is an important source of vitamins

Green·wich mean time \ˈgrin-ij-, ˈgren-, -ich-\ n : the time of the meridian of Greenwich used as the basis of standard time throughout the world — called also Greenwich time

green·wood \ˈgrēn-ˌwu̇d\ n : a forest that is green with leaves

greet \ˈgrēt\ vb
1 : to address upon arrival or meeting with expressions of kind wishes <greeted guests at the door>
2 : to meet or react to in a specified manner <greeted with cheers>
3 : to appear or present itself to <a surprising sight greeted her eyes>
— greet·er n

greet·ing n
1 : SALUTATION
2 : an expression of good wishes : REGARDS — usually used in plural

greeting card n : a decorated card with a message of goodwill that is sent usually on a special occasion

gre·gar·i·ous \gri-ˈgar-ē-əs, -ˈger-\ adj
1 : tending to associate with others of one's kind : SOCIAL; also : tending to live in a flock, herd, or community rather than alone <gregarious birds>
2 : marked by a liking for companionship : SOCIABLE [from Latin gregarius “relating to a herd or flock,” from greg-, grex “flock, herd” — related to CONGREGATE]
— gre·gar·i·ous·ly adv

— gre·gar·i·ous·ness n

Gre·go·ri·an calendar \gri-ˌgōr-ē-ən-, -ˌgȯr-\ n : a calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and adopted in Great Britain and the American colonies in 1752 — compare JULIAN CALENDAR

Gregorian chant n : a simple tune with no regular rhythm that is sung in unison and without accompaniment in services of the Roman Catholic Church

grem·lin \ˈgrem-lən\ n : a small mischievous or troublesome creature

gre·nade \grə-ˈnād\ n : a small bomb that is thrown by hand or launched (as by a rifle) [from early French grenade, granade “pomegranate, grenade,” from Latin granata “pomegranate,” derived from Latin granatus “seedy,” from granum “grain, seed” — related to GARNET, GRAIN, POMEGRANATE; see Word History at GARNET]

gren·a·dier \ˌgren-ə-ˈdi(ə)r\ n : a soldier who carries and throws grenades

grew past of GROW

grey variant of GRAY

grey·hound \ˈgrā-ˌhau̇nd\ n : any of a breed of tall slender swift dogs with a smooth coat and narrow head

grid \ˈgrid\ n
1 : GRATING 1
2 : a metal plate used as a conductor in a storage battery
3 : an element of an electron tube consisting of a network of fine wire
4 : a network of horizontal and perpendicular lines (as for locating points on a map using coordinates or for counting a sample of particles or organisms on a microscope slide)
5 : a network of conductors for distribution of electrical power; also : a network of radio or television stations

grid·dle \ˈgrid-əl\ n : a flat surface or pan on which food is cooked

griddle cake n : PANCAKE

grid·iron \ˈgrid-ˌī(-ə)rn\ n
1 : a grate for broiling food
2 : something consisting of or covered with a grid
3 : a football field

grief \ˈgrēf\ n
1 a : deep sorrow : SADNESS  b : a cause of sorrow
2 a : things that cause problems <enough grief for one day>  b : an unfortunate happening <the boat came to grief on the rocks>  synonyms see SORROW

griev·ance \ˈgrē-vən(t)s\ n
1 : a cause of distress giving reason for complaint
2 : the formal expression of a grievance : COMPLAINT

grieve \ˈgrēv\ vb grieved; griev·ing
1 : to cause grief or suffering to : DISTRESS
2 : to feel or express grief
3 : to submit a formal grievance concerning [Middle English greven “to distress, grieve,” from early French grever (same meaning), from Latin gravare “to burden,” from gravis “heavy, serious” — related to AGGRAVATE, 3GRAVE, GRAVITY]
— griev·er n

griev·ous \ˈgrē-vəs\ adj
1 : 1HEAVY 2, SEVERE <the grievous cost of war>
2 : causing pain, suffering, or sorrow <a grievous wound>
3 : SERIOUS 4, GRAVE <a grievous mistake>
— griev·ous·ly adv

— griev·ous·ness n

grif·fin or grif·fon also gryph·on \ˈgrif-ən\ n : an imaginary animal that is half eagle and half lion

1grill \ˈgril\ vb
1 : to broil on a grill
2 a : to torment as if by broiling  b : to question with repeated questions

2grill n
1 : a grate on which food is broiled
2 : broiled food
3 : a restaurant that serves broiled foods

grille or grill \ˈgril\ n
1 : a grating forming a barrier or screen
2 : an opening covered with a grille

grim \ˈgrim\ adj grim·mer; grim·mest
1 : CRUEL 2, FIERCE
2 a : stern in action or appearance  b : DISMAL 1 <grim news>  c : DEPRESSED
3 : FRIGHTFUL 1 <a grim tale>
4 : UNFLINCHING, UNYIELDING <grim determination>
— grim·ly adv

— grim·ness n

grim·ace \ˈgrim-əs, grim-ˈās\ n : a facial expression usually of disgust, disapproval, or pain
— grimace vb

grime \ˈgrīm\ n : dirt rubbed into or covering a surface; also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
— grime vb

— grim·i·ness \ˈgrī-mē-nəs\ n

— grimy \ˈgrī-mē\ adj

grin \ˈgrin\ vb grinned; grin·ning : to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in laughter
— grin n

1grind \ˈgrīnd\ vb ground \ˈgrau̇nd\; grind·ing
1 : to reduce to powder or pieces by friction (as in a mill or with the teeth)
2 : to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction : WHET
3 : to press with a scraping noise : GRIT
4 : OPPRESS 2, HARASS
5 a : to operate or produce by turning a crank  b : to produce by steady hard work <grind out an essay>
6 : to move with difficulty or friction especially so as to make a scraping noise <grind the gears>

2grind n
1 a : an act of grinding  b : the sound of grinding
2 a : steady hard work; esp : study that takes much effort  b : a student who studies too much
3 : the result of grinding; esp : the size of particle obtained by grinding

grind·er \ˈgrīn-dər\ n
1 : one that grinds
2 : 2SUBMARINE 2

grind·stone \ˈgrīn-ˌstōn\ n : a stone disk that turns on an axle and is used for grinding or sharpening

gri·ot \ˈgrē-ˌō\ n : any of a class of musician-entertainers of western Africa whose performances include tribal histories and genealogies

1grip \ˈgrip\ vb gripped; gripping
1 : to seize firmly
2 : to hold strongly the interest of <the story grips the reader>

2grip n
1 a : a firm grasp  b : strength in gripping  c : a way of clasping the hand by which members of a secret society recognize or greet one another
2 a : a firm hold giving control <in the grip of winter>  b : COMPREHENSION 3, UNDERSTANDING
3 : a part or device for gripping or by which something is grasped; esp : 1HANDLE 1
4 : SUITCASE

1gripe \ˈgrīp\ vb griped; grip·ing
1 archaic : to seize firmly : GRIP
2 a : AFFLICT, DISTRESS  b : IRRITATE 1, VEX <laziness gripes our teacher>
3 : to cause or experience spasms of pain in the intestines
4 : COMPLAIN 1
— grip·er n

2gripe n
1 : 2GRIP 1
2 a : AFFLICTION 1  b : COMPLAINT 1
3 : a spasm of pain in the intestines

grippe \ˈgrip\ n : a virus disease that is the same as or very much like influenza
— grippy \ˈgrip-ē\ adj

gris·ly \ˈgriz-lē\ adj gris·li·er; -est : HORRIBLE, GRUESOME <a grisly description of the fire>
— gris·li·ness n

grist \ˈgrist\ n : grain to be ground or already ground

gris·tle \ˈgris-əl\ n : tough chewy matter in meat served as food that is composed usually of cartilage
— gris·tly \ˈgris-(ə-)lē\ adj

grist·mill \ˈgrist-ˌmil\ n : a mill for grinding grain

1grit \ˈgrit\ n
1 a : a small hard sharp particle (as of sand)  b : material (as an abrasive) composed of grits
2 : firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage
— grit·ty \ˈgrit-ē\ adj

2grit vb grit·ted; grit·ting : to grind or cause to grind : GRATE <grit one's teeth>

grits \ˈgrits\ n pl : coarsely ground hulled grain <hominy grits>

griz·zled \ˈgriz-əld\ adj : sprinkled, streaked, or mixed with gray <a grizzled beard>

1griz·zly \ˈgriz-lē\ adj griz·zli·er; -est : GRIZZLED

2grizzly n, pl grizzlies : GRIZZLY BEAR

grizzly bear n : a large powerful brown bear found from the northwestern U.S. to Alaska

groan \ˈgrōn\ vb
1 : to utter a deep moan of pain, grief, or irritation
2 : to make a harsh sound under strain <the chair groaned under my weight>
— groan n

— groan·er n

1groat \ˈgrōt\ n
1 : hulled grain broken into fragments larger than grits — usually used in plural <buckwheat groats>
2 : a grain (as of oats) without the hull [Old English grotan, plural of grot]

2groat n : a former British coin worth four pennies [Middle English groot “coin”; of Dutch origin]

gro·cer \ˈgrō-sər\ n : a dealer in food and household supplies

gro·cery \ˈgrōs-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -cer·ies
1 pl : food sold by a grocer <went out to buy the groceries>
2 : a grocer's store

grog \ˈgräg\ n : alcoholic liquor; esp : liquor (as rum) weakened with water
— grog·gery \ˈgräg-ə-rē\ n

grog·gy \-ˈgräg-ē\ adj grog·gi·er; -est : weak and unsteady on the feet or in action
— grog·gi·ly \ˈgräg-ə-lē\ adv

— grog·gi·ness \ˈgräg-ē-nəs\ n

1groin \ˈgrȯin\ n
1 : the junction of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh or the part of the body around this junction
2 : the curved line or rib on a ceiling along which two vaults meet

2groin vb : to build or equip with groins

grom·met \ˈgräm-ət, ˈgrəm-\ n : an eyelet of firm material to strengthen or protect an opening

1groom \ˈgrüm, ˈgru̇m\ n
1 a archaic : a male servant  b : a person in charge of horses
2 : BRIDEGROOM

2groom vb
1 : to clean and keep up the appearance of (as the coat of a horse or dog)
2 : to make neat, attractive, or acceptable

grooms·man \ˈgrümz-mən, ˈgru̇mz-\ n : a male friend who accompanies a bridegroom at his wedding

1groove \ˈgrüv\ n
1 : a long narrow channel made in a surface
2 : a fixed routine : RUT
3 : top form

2groove vb grooved; groov·ing
1 a : to form a groove in  b : to become grooved
2 : to enjoy very much

groovy \ˈgrü-vē\ adj groov·i·er; -est : very good : EXCELLENT

grope \ˈgrōp\ vb groped; grop·ing
1 : to seek by or as if by feeling around uncertainly <groped for the light switch> <grope for the right word>
2 : to feel one's way by groping <grope along a wall>

gros·beak \ˈgrōs-ˌbēk\ n : any of several finches (as the rose-breasted grosbeak) of Europe or America having large stout cone-shaped bills

1gross \ˈgrōs\ adj
1 a : very obvious : GLARING <a gross error>  b : SHAMEFUL 1 <gross injustice>
2 : 1BIG 2A, BULKY; esp : excessively fat
3 : consisting of a whole before any deductions <gross earnings>
4 : COARSE 5, VULGAR <gross language>
5 : causing disgust or distaste [Middle English gros, gross “large, thick, easy to see or understand,” from early French gros “thick, coarse,” from Latin grossus (same meaning)]
— gross·ly adv

— gross·ness n

2gross n : a whole before any deductions

3gross vb : to earn before deductions <grossed $50,000 before taxes>

4gross n, pl gross : 12 dozen <a gross of pencils> [Middle English gros “a group of 12 dozen,” probably from early French grosse “sum, whole,” derived from gros “thick”]

gross national product n : the total value of the goods and services produced in a nation during a year

grot \ˈgrät\ n : GROTTO

gro·tesque \grō-ˈtesk\ adj
1 : combining (as in a painting) details not found together in nature
2 : unnaturally odd or ugly
— gro·tesque·ly adv

— gro·tesque·ness n
Word History Italians exploring the ruins of ancient Rome found strange paintings on the walls of some of the rooms. These paintings were of human and animal forms mixed with those of strange fruits and flowers. The Italians called such a painting pittura grottesca, which means “cave painting.” The Italian adjective grottesca came from grotta, meaning “cave.” We also get English grotto from this word. The Italian word grotta in turn came from the Latin crypta, which meant “cavern, crypt.” The French borrowed the word grottesca from Italian and spelled it grotesque, the form in which it came into English. At first the adjective was used to describe pictures having strange combinations of things not normally found together. Later it came to be used for anything that looked weird or unnatural. [from French grotesque “relating to or being a style of art with unusual designs and combinations of figures of animals, humans, and plants,” from Italian (pittura) grottesca “cave painting,” from grottesca “of a cave,” from grotta, grotto “cave,” from Latin crypta “cavern, crypt” — related to GROTTO]

grot·to \ˈgrät-ō\ n, pl grottoes also grottos
1 : 1CAVE
2 : an artificial structure made to resemble a natural cave [from Italian grotta, grotto “cave,” from Latin crypta “cavern, crypt” — related to GROTESQUE]

grouch \ˈgrau̇ch\ n
1 : a sudden outburst of bad temper
2 : an irritable or complaining person
— grouch vb

— grouch·i·ly \ˈgrau̇-chə-lē\ adv

— grouch·i·ness \-chē-nəs\ n

— grouchy \-chē\ adj

1ground \ˈgrau̇nd\ n
1 a : the bottom of a body of water <the boat struck ground>  b pl : SEDIMENT 1, LEES
2 : BASIS, FOUNDATION <grounds for divorce>
3 : a surrounding area : BACKGROUND <a picture on a gray ground>
4 a : the surface of the earth  b : an area used for a particular purpose <the parade ground> <fishing grounds>  c pl : the area around and belonging to a building
5 : 3SOIL 1, EARTH
6 : an area to be won or defended in or as if in battle <gaining ground on the other runners>
7 a : an object that makes an electrical connection with the earth  b : a large conducting body (as the earth) used as a common return for an electric circuit

2ground vb
1 : to bring to or place on the ground
2 a : to provide a reason for  b : to instruct in fundamentals <well grounded in mathematics>
3 : to connect electrically with a ground
4 a : to restrict to the ground <ground a pilot>  b : to prohibit from taking part in some usual activities <grounded her for a week>
5 : to run aground <the ship grounded on a reef>
6 : to hit a ground ball <grounded to the shortstop>

3ground past and past participle of GRIND

ground ball n : a batted baseball that rolls or bounces along the ground

ground cover n : low-growing plants that cover the ground (as in a forest or in place of grass or a lawn); also : a plant used as ground cover

ground crew n : the mechanics and technicians who maintain and service an aircraft

ground·er \ˈgrau̇n-dər\ n : GROUND BALL

ground finch n : any of several dull-colored finches with large bills that are found in the Galápagos Islands

ground·hog \ˈgrau̇nd-ˌhȯg, -ˌhäg\ n : WOODCHUCK

Groundhog Day n : February 2 when according to tradition the groundhog comes out of its burrow and if it sees its shadow and is frightened back underground there will be six more weeks of winter

ground·less \ˈgrau̇n-(d)ləs\ adj : not justified : having no real basis <groundless fears>
— ground·less·ly adv

— ground·less·ness n

ground·ling \ˈgrau̇n-(d)liŋ\ n : a spectator who stood in the part of a theater in Shakespeare's time where there were no seats

ground·nut \ˈgrau̇n(d)-ˌnət\ n, chiefly British : PEANUT 1

ground pine n : any of several club mosses with long creeping stems and upright branches

ground plan n
1 : a plan of a floor of a building
2 : a first or basic plan

ground rule n : a rule set up for a specified activity

ground squirrel n : any of numerous burrowing rodents (as gophers and chipmunks) that differ from true squirrels in having cheek pouches and shorter fur

ground state n : the energy level of a physical system (as an atom) having the least energy of all its possible states

ground swell n : a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake

ground·wa·ter \ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwȯt-ər, -ˌdwät-\ n : water within the earth that supplies wells and springs

ground·work \ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk\ n : FOUNDATION 2, BASIS

ground zero n
1 : the site of a nuclear explosion
2 : the center of rapid, intense, or violent activity or change
3 : the very beginning : SQUARE ONE

1group \ˈgrüp\ n
1 : a number of objects or persons considered as a unit
2 a : a number of living things having some natural relationship  b : a combination of atoms commonly found together in a molecule <a methyl group>
3 : a small band : COMBO <a rock group>

2group vb : to arrange or combine in a group <group children by ages>

grou·per \ˈgrü-pər\ n, pl groupers also grouper : any of various mostly large fishes that live at the bottom of warm seas and are related to the sea basses

group·ie \ˈgrü-pē\ n : a fan of a rock group who usually follows the group around on concert tours

1grouse \ˈgrau̇s\ n, pl grouse or grouses : any of various plump-bodied game birds that are usually reddish or grayish brown with feathers on the legs

2grouse vb groused; grous·ing : COMPLAIN 1, GRUMBLE
— grous·er n

grove \ˈgrōv\ n : a small wood; esp : a group of trees without underbrush <an orange grove>

grov·el \ˈgräv-əl, ˈgrəv-\ vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to creep or lie face down on the ground (as in fear)
2 : to degrade oneself by behaving like a fearful slave : CRINGE
— grov·el·er or grov·el·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

grow \ˈgrō\ vb grew \ˈgrü\; grown \ˈgrōn\; grow·ing
1 a : to spring up and develop to maturity  b : to be able to grow in some place or situation <rice grows in water>  c : to take on some relation through or as if through growth <a tree with limbs grown together>
2 : 1INCREASE 1, EXPAND <the city is growing rapidly> <grows in wisdom>
3 : ORIGINATE 2 <the project grew out of a mere suggestion>
4 a : to pass into a condition : BECOME <grew pale>  b : to have an increasing influence <habits grow on you>
5 : to cause to grow : CULTIVATE, RAISE <grow wheat>
— grow·er \ˈgrō(-ə)r\ n

growing pains n pl
1 : pains in the legs of growing children having no proven relation to growth
2 : difficulties that accompany something new <a business going through growing pains>

growing point n : the tip of a plant shoot from which additional shoot tissues develop

growing season n : the period of the year that is warm enough for growth especially of cultivated plants; esp : the period between the last killing frost in the spring and the first one in the fall

growl \ˈgrau̇(ə)l\ vb
1 a : 1RUMBLE  b : to utter a deep threatening sound <the dog growled>
2 : COMPLAIN 1
— growl n

— growl·er \ˈgrau̇-lər\ n

grown \ˈgrōn\ adj : fully grown : ADULT <a job for a grown man>

grown–up \ˈgrō-ˌnəp\ adj : 1ADULT 2
— grown–up n

growth \ˈgrōth\ n
1 a : stage or condition reached in growing : SIZE <the dog hasn't reached full growth>  b : a process of growing especially through an increase in size or amount <a growth of wealth> <good nutrition promotes growth> <growth of a crystal>  c : a process of developing <the growth of civilization>
2 : a result or product of growing <covered with a growth of mold> <a thick growth of underbrush>
3 : an abnormal mass of tissue (as a tumor or wart)

growth hormone n : a hormone in plants or animals that regulates growth; esp : one produced by the pituitary gland

growth ring n : a layer of wood (as an annual ring) produced during a single period of growth

grow up vb : to grow toward or reach full mental and physical growth

1grub \ˈgrəb\ vb grubbed; grub·bing
1 : to clear or root out by digging <grub up roots> <grub for potatoes>
2 : to work hard : DRUDGE
— grub·ber n

2grub n
1 : a soft thick wormlike larva of an insect (as a beetle)
2 a : 2DRUDGE  b : an untidy or dirty person
3 : FOOD 1

grub·by \ˈgrəb-ē\ adj grub·bi·er; -est : 1DIRTY 1, SLOVENLY
— grub·bi·ly \ˈgrəb-ə-lē\ adv

— grub·bi·ness \ˈgrəb-ē-nəs\ n

grub·stake \ˈgrəb-ˌstāk\ n : supplies or funds given to a mining prospector in return for a promise of a share in his finds
— grubstake vb

— grub·stak·er n

1grudge \ˈgrəj\ vb grudged; grudg·ing : BEGRUDGE
— grudg·er n

— grudg·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2grudge n : a strong lasting feeling of resentment toward someone for a real or imagined wrong

gru·el \ˈgrü-əl\ n : a thin food made by boiling cereal (as oatmeal or cornmeal) in water or milk

gru·el·ing or gru·el·ling \ˈgrü-ə-liŋ\ adj : requiring extreme effort : EXHAUSTING

grue·some \ˈgrü-səm\ adj : causing horror or disgust : HORRIBLE
— grue·some·ly adv

— grue·some·ness n

gruff \ˈgrəf\ adj
1 : rough or stern in manner, speech, or look <a gruff reply>
2 : being deep and harsh : HOARSE <a gruff voice>
— gruff·ly adv

— gruff·ness n

grum·ble \ˈgrəm-bəl\ vb grum·bled; grum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to mutter in discontent
2 : 1RUMBLE
— grumble n

— grum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

— grum·bling·ly \-ˌb(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adv

grump \ˈgrəmp\ n : GROUCH 2
— grump·i·ly \ˈgrəm-pə-lē\ adv

— grump·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ n

— grumpy \-pē\ adj

grun·gy \ˈgrən-jē\ adj grun·gi·er; -est : being in a shabby or dirty condition

grunt \ˈgrənt\ n
1 a : the deep short sound made by a hog  b : a similar sound
2 : any of numerous marine fishes related to the snappers
— grunt vb

— grunt·er n

Gru·yère \grü-ˈye(ə)r, grē-ˈ(y)e(ə)r\ n : a firm cheese of Switzerland that has a nutty flavor [named for Gruyère, district in Switzerland where the cheese was first made]

gryphon variant of GRIFFIN

G suit n : a suit designed to counteract the effects of acceleration on an aviator or astronaut [gravity suit]

gua·ca·mo·le \ˌgwäk-ə-ˈmō-lē\ n : spiced mashed avocado that is often served as a spread or dip

gua·na·co \gwə-ˈnäk-ō\ n, pl -cos : a South American mammal that has a soft thick light grayish brown coat and is related to the camels but lacks a hump

gua·nine \ˈgwän-ˌēn\ n : a purine base that codes genetic information in DNA and RNA — compare ADENINE, CYTOSINE, THYMINE, URACIL

gua·no \ˈgwän-ō\ n : a substance composed chiefly of the excrement of seabirds or bats and used as a fertilizer

1guar·an·tee \ˌgar-ən-ˈtē, ˌgär-\ n
1 : GUARANTOR
2 : an agreement by which a person or firm guarantees something
3 : something given as security : PLEDGE

2guarantee vb -teed; -tee·ing
1 : to promise to answer for the debt, failure to perform, or faulty performance of another
2 : to promise that some condition holds or will be fulfilled <guarantee a car against defects for one year> <guaranteed annual wage>
3 : to give security : SECURE

guar·an·tor \ˌgar-ən-ˈtȯ(ə)r, ˈgar-ən-tər, ˌgär-, ˈgär-\ n : one that gives a guarantee

guar·an·ty \ˈgar-ən-tē, ˈgär-\ n, pl -ties
1 : 1GUARANTEE 2
2 : 1GUARANTEE 3
— guaranty vb

1guard \ˈgärd\ n
1 : an attitude or state of defense <asked dad for money when his guard was down>
2 : the act or duty of protecting or defending
3 a : a person who guards or a group of persons who guard  b pl : a body of troops whose duties include guarding a head of state
4 a : a football player who lines up next to the center  b : either of two players stationed usually away from the basket in basketball
5 : a protective or safety device (as on a machine)
— off guard : in an unprepared state

— on guard : WATCHFUL, ALERT

2guard vb
1 : to protect from danger : DEFEND
2 : to watch over so as to restrict, control, or check <guard a prisoner> <a closely guarded secret> <guard one's tongue>
3 : to try to keep (an opponent) from scoring
4 : to be on guard : take precautions <guard against infection>

guard cell n : one of two crescent-shaped cells that form the margin of a stoma in the epidermis of a leaf and serve to open and close it

guard·ed \ˈgärd-əd\ adj : CAUTIOUS, NONCOMMITTAL <a guarded answer>
— guard·ed·ly adv

guard·house \ˈgärd-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : a building occupied by a guard or used as a headquarters by soldiers on guard duty
2 : a military jail

guard·i·an \ˈgärd-ē-ən\ n
1 : one that guards : CUSTODIAN
2 : one who legally has the care of a person or the property of another
— guard·i·an·ship \-ˌship\ n

guard·rail \ˈgär-ˌdrāl\ n : a protective railing placed along dangerous areas (as of a road)

guard·room \ˈgär-ˌdrüm, -ˌdru̇m\ n
1 : a room used by a military guard while on duty
2 : a room where military prisoners are kept

guards·man \ˈgärdz-mən\ n : a member of a national guard, coast guard, or similar military body

gua·va \ˈgwäv-ə\ n : the sweet acid yellow-skinned fruit of a shrubby tropical American tree of the myrtle family that is used especially for making jelly and jam; also : a tree that produces guavas and is widely grown in cultivation

gua·yu·le \(g)wī-ˈü-lē\ n : a low shrubby plant related to the daisies that is found in Mexico and the southwestern U.S. and has been grown as a source of rubber

gu·ber·na·to·ri·al \ˌgüb-ə(r)-nə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, ˌgyüb-, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : of or relating to a governor

Guern·sey \ˈgərn-zē\ n, pl Guernseys : any of a breed of usually reddish brown and white dairy cattle that are larger than Jerseys and produce rich yellowish milk

guer·ril·la or gue·ril·la \gə-ˈril-ə\ n : a member of a band of persons engaged in warfare not as part of a regular army but as an independent unit making surprise raids behind enemy lines [from Spanish guerrilla, literally, “small war,” from guerra “war”]
— guerrilla adj

guess \ˈges\ vb
1 : to form an opinion from little or no evidence
2 : to solve correctly by or as if by chance <we guessed the riddle>
3 : BELIEVE 5, SUPPOSE <I guess you're right>
— guess n

— guess·er n

guess·work \-ˌwərk\ n : work performed or results gotten by guessing

guest \ˈgest\ n
1 : a person entertained in one's house
2 : a person to whom hospitality is given <guests at a school banquet>
3 : a customer at a hotel, motel, inn, or restaurant
4 : a usually well-known person who appears or performs on a program by invitation <guests on a TV show>

guf·faw \(ˌ)gə-ˈfȯ\ n : a loud burst of laughter
— guffaw vb

guid·ance \ˈgīd-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act or process of guiding
2 : advice given to students to help them make educational or personal decisions
3 : the process of controlling the course (as of a missile) by built-in equipment <guidance system>

1guide \ˈgīd\ n
1 a : one that leads or directs another on a course  b : a person who shows and explains points of interest (as on a tour)  c : something that provides guiding information <a street guide>
2 : a device for steadying or directing the motion of something

2guide vb guid·ed; guid·ing
1 : to act as a guide : CONDUCT <guide a group on a tour>
2 a : MANAGE 1, DIRECT <guide a boat through the rapids>  b : 2COUNSEL 1, INSTRUCT
— guid·able \ˈgīd-ə-bəl\ adj

guide·book \ˈgīd-ˌbu̇k\ n : a book of information for travelers

guided missile n : a missile whose course may be changed during flight

guide dog n : a dog trained to lead the blind

guide·line \ˈgīd-ˌlīn\ n
1 : a line by which one is guided
2 : an outline of standards for future policy or action

guide·post \-ˌpōst\ n
1 : a post (as at the fork of a road) with directions for travelers
2 : INDICATION 2, SIGN

guide word n : either of the terms at the head of a page of an alphabetical reference work (as a dictionary) indicating the alphabetically first and last entries on the page

gui·don \ˈgīd-ˌän, -ən\ n : a small flag (as of a military unit)

guild also gild \ˈgild\ n : an association of persons with common interests or aims; esp : an association of merchants or craftsmen in the Middle Ages

guile \ˈgī(ə)l\ n : sly trickery : DUPLICITY
— guile·ful \-fəl\ adj

guile·less \ˈgī(ə)l-ləs\ adj : not sly or tricky : INNOCENT, NAïVE <a guileless person> <a guileless smile>
— guile·less·ly adv

— guile·less·ness n

guil·lo·tine \ˈgil-ə-ˌtēn; ˌgē-(y)ə-ˈtēn, ˈgē-(y)əˌ-tēn\ n : a machine for cutting off a person's head by means of a heavy blade sliding in two upright grooved posts [named for Joseph Guillotin 1738–1814 French doctor and public official]
— guillotine vb

guilt \ˈgilt\ n
1 : the fact of having done something wrong and especially something that is punishable by law
2 : the state of one who has done something wrong : BLAMEWORTHINESS
3 : a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing
— guilt·less \-ləs\ adj

guilty \ˈgil-tē\ adj guilt·i·er; -est
1 : having done wrong
2 a : suggesting or involving guilt <a guilty manner>  b : aware of or suffering from guilt <a guilty conscience>
— guilt·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— guilt·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

guin·ea \ˈgin-ē\ n
1 : an English gold coin no longer issued worth 21 shillings
2 : a former unit of value equal to 21 shillings

guin·ea fowl \ˈgin-ē-\ n : a gray and white spotted African bird related to the pheasants that has a bare neck and head and is widely raised for food

guinea hen n : GUINEA FOWL; esp : a female guinea fowl

guinea pig n
1 : a small stocky rodent with short ears and a very short tail that is often kept as a pet and is used in biological research
2 : a person or thing experimented on

guise \ˈgīz\ n
1 : a form or style of dress : COSTUME <in the guise of a shepherd>
2 : outer or disguised appearance : SEMBLANCE <swindled people under the guise of friendship>

gui·tar \gə-ˈtär\ n : a stringed instrument with a flat body, a long neck with frets, and usually six strings that are played with the fingers or with a pick [from French guitare “guitar,” derived from Arabic qītār (same meaning)]
— gui·tar·ist \-əst\ n

gulch \ˈgəlch\ n : RAVINE

gul·den \ˈgül-dən, ˈgu̇l-\ n, pl guldens or gulden : the basic unit of money of the Netherlands until 2002

gulf \ˈgəlf\ n
1 : a part of an ocean or sea extending into the land
2 : a deep hollow in the earth : CHASM, ABYSS
3 : a difference between two people, groups, or things

1gull \ˈgəl\ n : any of numerous mostly white or gray birds that have long wings and webbed feet and are typically found near water [Middle English gull “gull”; of Celtic origin]

2gull vb : to take advantage of : DECEIVE [from obsolete English gull “gullet”]

3gull n : a person easily deceived or cheated : DUPE

gul·let \ˈgəl-ət\ n
1 a : the tube that leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach : ESOPHAGUS  b : THROAT 1
2 : a tubular structure of various protozoans (as a paramecium) that is used especially to take in food

gull·ible \ˈgəl-ə-bəl\ adj : easily deceived or cheated
— gull·ibil·i·ty \ˌgəl-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— gull·ibly \ˈgəl-ə-blē\ adv

gul·ly \ˈgəl-ē\ n, pl gullies : a trench worn in the earth by running water after rains
— gully vb

gully erosion n : soil erosion produced by running water

gulp \ˈgəlp\ vb
1 : to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one swallow
2 : to keep back as if by swallowing <gulp down a sob>
3 : to catch the breath as if in taking a long drink
— gulp n

— gulp·er n

1gum \ˈgəm\ n : the tissue along the jaws of animals that surrounds the necks of the teeth [Old English gōma “roof of the mouth, palate”]

2gum n
1 : any of numerous complex sticky colloidal substances (as gum arabic) that are obtained from plants, harden on drying, and are either soluble in water or swell up in contact with water and that are used in preparing some drugs, for adhesives, as food thickeners, and in inks; also : any of various gummy plant substances including natural resins, rubber, and rubberlike substances
2 : a substance resembling a plant gum (as in stickiness)
3 : a tree that yields a gum
4 : CHEWING GUM [Middle English gomme “plant gum,” from early French gomme (same meaning), from Latin cummi, gummi (same meaning), derived from Egyptian qmyt “plant gum”]

3gum vb gummed; gum·ming
1 : to smear, seal, or clog with or as if with gum
2 : to cause not to work properly <gum up the works>

gum arabic n : a gum that can be dissolved in water, is obtained from several acacias, and is used especially in making adhesives, drugs, and candy

gum·bo \ˈgəm-bō\ n, pl gumbos
1 a : OKRA  b : a soup thickened with okra pods
2 : any of various silty soils that become very sticky when wet

gum·boil \ˈgəm-ˌbȯil\ n : an abscess in the gums

gum·drop \-ˌdräp\ n : a candy made usually from corn syrup with gelatin or gum arabic and coated with sugar crystals

gum·my \gəm-ē\ adj gum·mi·er; -est
1 : consisting of, containing, or covered with gum
2 : VISCOUS 1, STICKY
— gum·mi·ness n

gump·tion \ˈgəm(p)-shən\ n : courageous or ambitious initiative <lacked the gumption to try>

1gun \ˈgən\ n
1 a : an artillery piece with a usually long barrel and firing shot or shells in a somewhat flattened curve  b : a portable firearm (as a rifle or pistol)
2 a : a firing of a gun <a 21-gun salute>  b : a signal marking a beginning or ending <the opening gun of the campaign>
3 : something suggesting a gun in shape or use <a grease gun>
4 : 2THROTTLE 1
— gunned \ˈgənd\ adj

2gun vb gunned; gun·ning
1 : to hunt or shoot with a gun <gunning for rabbits>
2 : to open up the throttle of so as to increase speed <gun the engine>

gun·boat \ˈgən-ˌbōt\ n : a small lightly armed ship for use in shallow waters

gun·fight \-ˌfīt\ n : a fight fought with guns
— gun·fight·er n

gun·fire \-ˌfī(ə)r\ n : the firing of guns

gung ho \ˈgəŋ-ˈhō\ adj : extremely enthusiastic
Word History Since the war was not going well for the U.S. in 1942, Marine Lt. Col. Evans F. Carlson needed something special to make his troops feel hopeful and excited. He was organizing the Marines' Second Raider Battalion in California and told his men their motto would be gung ho. This, he told them, was Chinese for “work together.” Since there was a Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society known as Gōnghé and since gōng does mean “work,” and hé does mean “join,” what he said seemed to make sense. But gōng and hé cannot be put together in Chinese to mean “work together.” The organization known as Gōnghé was, in full, Zhōngguó Gōngyè Hézuò Shè. The Chinese themselves shortened it to Gōnghé just as we abbreviate long names and titles in English. But in English gung ho stuck as a motto and went on to become an adjective meaning “extremely enthusiastic.” [Gung ho! motto (thought to mean “work together”) of a U.S. Marine battalion in World War II, from the Chinese (Beijing dialect) phrase Zhōngguó Gōngyè Hézuò Shè “Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society”]

gun·man \-mən\ n : a person armed with a gun; esp : an armed criminal

gun·ner \ˈgən-ər\ n
1 : one who operates or aims a gun
2 : one who hunts with a gun

gun·nery \ˈgən-(ə-)rē\ n : the use of guns

gunnery sergeant n : a noncommissioned officer in the marines with a rank just below that of master sergeant

gun·ny·sack \-ˌsak\ n : a sack made of a coarse heavy fabric (as burlap)

gun·point \ˈgən-ˌpȯint\ n : the muzzle of a gun
— at gunpoint : under a threat of death by being shot

gun·pow·der \-ˌpau̇d-ər\ n : an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting

gun·ship \-ˌship\ n : an aircraft armed with rockets and machine guns for protection of ground troops or helicopters carrying them

gun·shot \-ˌshät\ n
1 : shot fired from a gun
2 : the range of a gun <within gunshot>
3 : the firing of a gun

gun–shy \-ˌshī\ adj
1 : afraid of loud noise (as that of a gun)
2 : being distrustful, afraid, or cautious

gun·sling·er \-ˌsliŋ-ər\ n : a person known for speed and skill in handling and shooting a gun especially in the American West

gun·smith \-ˌsmith\ n : one who makes or repairs firearms

gun·wale also gun·nel \ˈgən-əl\ n : the upper edge of a ship's side

gup·py \ˈgəp-ē\ n, pl guppies : a small tropical minnow often kept in aquariums

gur·gle \ˈgər-gəl\ vb gur·gled; gur·gling \ˈgər-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to flow in a broken bubbling current
2 : to make a sound like that of a gurgling liquid
— gurgle n

gu·ru \gə-ˈrü, ˈgu̇(ə)r-ü\ n
1 : a personal religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism
2 a : a person that is generally recognized as a leader or teacher  b : a person with knowledge and expertise : EXPERT [from gurū, a word in Hindi (the major language in India) meaning “Hindu teacher or spiritual guide,” derived from Sanskrit guru (adjective) “worthy of respect”]

1gush \ˈgəsh\ vb
1 : to flow out or pour forth in great quantities or violently : SPOUT <oil gushed from the new well>
2 : to make an exaggerated display of affection or enthusiasm <gushed about their favorite rock star>

2gush n
1 : a sudden outpouring
2 : an exaggerated display of affection or enthusiasm

gush·er \ˈgəsh-ər\ n : one that gushes; esp : an oil well with a very plentiful natural flow

gushy \ˈgəsh-ē\ adj gush·i·er; -est : expressing much sentimentality
— gush·i·ly \ˈgəsh-ə-lē\ adv

— gush·i·ness \ˈgəsh-ē-nəs\ n

gus·set \ˈgəs-ət\ n : a usually triangular or diamond-shaped insert (as on a bridge) to give width or strength

gust \ˈgəst\ n
1 : a sudden brief rush of wind
2 : a sudden outburst <a gust of anger>
— gusty \ˈgəs-tē\ adj

gus·ta·to·ry \ˈgəs-tə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : relating to, associated with, or being the sense or sensation of taste

gus·to \ˈgəs-tō\ n : keen enjoyment or appreciation <eat with gusto>

1gut \ˈgət\ n
1 a : ENTRAILS, VISCERA — usually used in plural  b : the alimentary canal or part of it (as the intestine or stomach)  c : ABDOMEN 1, BELLY
2 pl : the inner essential parts
3 pl : COURAGE

2gut vb gut·ted; gut·ting
1 : to remove the entrails from <scale and gut a fish>
2 : to destroy the inside of <fire gutted the building>

gutsy \ˈgət-sē\ adj guts·i·er; -est : aggressively tough : COURAGEOUS <a gutsy decision> <a gutsy hockey player>
— guts·i·ness n

1gut·ter \ˈgət-ər\ n
1 a : a trough along the eaves of a house to catch and carry off water  b : a low area (as at a roadside) to carry off surface water
2 : a narrow channel or groove

2gutter vb
1 : to form gutters in
2 a : to flow in small streams  b : to melt away by having wax stream down in channels <a guttering candle>
3 : to flicker in a draft

gut·tur·al \ˈgət-ə-rəl\ adj
1 : formed or pronounced in the throat <guttural sounds>
2 : formed with the back of the tongue touching or near the palate
— guttural n

— gut·tur·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

1guy \ˈgī\ n : a rope, chain, rod, or wire attached to something as a brace or guide [probably from Dutch gei “a rope used to control a sail”]

2guy vb guyed; guy·ing : to steady or strengthen with a guy

3guy n : FELLOW 4A, B
Word History November 5 is a holiday in England, and people celebrate it by setting off fireworks and lighting bonfires. Human likenesses made of tattered clothes stuffed with hay or rags are burned on the bonfires. The holiday is called Guy Fawkes Day for a 17th century man who played a leading role in a plot to blow up the British Parliament buildings. Fawkes managed to hide 20 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars of the buildings. However, the plot was discovered before Fawkes could carry out his plans. He was seized and later put to death. The likenesses burned to celebrate the failure of the plot came to be called guys. The use of the word was extended to similar figures and then to a person of strange appearance or dress. In the U.S. guy came to mean simply “man” and in time "a person of either sex." [named for Guy Fawkes 1570–1606 English criminal]

guz·zle \ˈgəz-əl\ vb guz·zled; guz·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to drink greedily <guzzled soft drinks>
2 : to use up : CONSUME <cars guzzling gas>
— guz·zler \-(ə-)lər\ n

gybe variant of 1JIBE

gym \ˈjim\ n
1 : GYMNASIUM
2 : PHYSICAL EDUCATION

gym·na·si·um \jim-ˈnā-zē-əm, -zhəm\ n, pl -si·ums or -sia \-zē-ə, -zhə\ : a room or building for sports activities [from Latin gymnasium “exercise ground, school,” from Greek gymnasion (same meaning), from gymnazein “to exercise naked,” from gymnos “naked”]

gym·nast \ˈjim-ˌnast, -nəst\ n : a person who is skilled in gymnastics

gym·nas·tics \jim-ˈnas-tiks\ n sing or pl
1 : physical exercises for developing skill, strength, and control in the use of the body; also : a sport in which such exercises are performed
2 : an act of using skillful or clever intellectual or artistic ability <mental gymnastics>
— gym·nas·tic \-tik\ adj

gym·no·sperm \ˈjim-nə-ˌspərm\ n : any of a group of woody nonflowering vascular plants (as pines, yews, and gingkos) that produce naked seeds not enclosed in a true fruit

gy·ne·col·o·gist \ˌgīn-i-ˈkäl-ə-jəst, ˌjin-\ n : a physician who specializes in gynecology

gy·ne·col·o·gy \ˌgīn-i-ˈkäl-ə-jē, ˌjin-\ n : a branch of medicine that is concerned with the diseases and routine medical care of the reproductive system of women

1gyp \ˈjip\ n
1 : 2CHEAT 2, SWINDLER
2 : 2SWINDLE, FRAUD

2gyp vb gypped; gyp·ping : 1CHEAT 1, SWINDLE

gyp·sum \ˈjip-səm\ n : a colorless mineral that consists of calcium sulfate occurring in crystals or masses and that is used especially as a soil improver and in making plaster of paris

Gyp·sy \ˈjip-sē\ n, pl Gypsies
1 sometimes offensive : one of a people coming originally from India to Europe in the 14th or 15th century and living and maintaining a wandering way of life
2 : ROMANY 2 [a shortened and altered form of Egyptian; so called because Gypsies were once believed to have come from Egypt]

gypsy moth n : an Old World moth introduced about 1869 into the U.S. and having a grayish hairy caterpillar that is marked with spots and does great damage to trees by eating the leaves

gy·rate \ˈjī-ˌrāt\ vb gy·rat·ed; gy·rat·ing
1 : to rotate around a point or axis
2 : 1SPIN 3, WHIRL
— gy·ra·tion \jī-ˈrā-shən\ n

— gy·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

gyr·fal·con \ˈjər-ˌfal-kən, -ˌfȯl-; -ˌfȯ-kən\ n : an arctic falcon that occurs in shades of white, gray, or dark brown and is the largest of all falcons

1gy·ro \ˈjī-rō\ n, pl gyros
1 : GYROCOMPASS
2 : GYROSCOPE

2gy·ro \ˈyē-ˌrō, ˈzhir-ō\ n, pl gyros : a sandwich especially of lamb and beef, tomato, onion, and yogurt sauce on pita bread [from Greek gyros “turn,” so called from the rotation of the meat on a spit]

gy·ro·com·pass \ˈjī-rō-ˌkəm-pəs also -ˌkäm-\ n : a compass consisting of a constantly spinning gyroscope whose spin axis is always parallel to the earth's axis of rotation so that the compass always points to true north

gy·ro·scope \ˈjī-rə-ˌskōp\ n : a wheel or disk mounted to spin rapidly about an axis that is free to turn in various directions
— gy·ro·scop·ic \ˌjī-rə-ˈskäp-ik\ adj

H

h \ˈāch\ n, often cap : the eighth letter of the English alphabet

ha or hah \ˈhä\ interj — used to express surprise, joy, or victory

Ha·ba·cuc \ˈhab-ə-ˌkək, hə-ˈbak-ək\ n : HABAKKUK

Hab·ak·kuk \ˈhab-ə-ˌkək, hə-ˈbak-ək\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

ha·be·as cor·pus \ˌhā-bē-ə-ˈskȯr-pəs\ n
1 : a legal order for an inquiry to determine whether a person has been lawfully imprisoned
2 : the right of a citizen to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as a protection against illegal imprisonment [derived from the Latin phrase, meaning literally “you should have the body,” used as the opening words of a legal order to jailers to bring the prisoner to court]

hab·er·dash·er \ˈhab-ə(r)-ˌdash-ər\ n : a dealer in men's clothing and accessories

hab·er·dash·ery \ˈhab-ə(r)-ˌdash-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : goods sold by a haberdasher
2 : a haberdasher's shop

ha·bil·i·ment \hə-ˈbil-ə-mənt\ n : CLOTHING 1 — usually used in plural

hab·it \ˈhab-ət\ n
1 : a costume characteristic of an occupation, rank, or function <her riding habit> <a nun's habit>
2 : a usual manner of behavior or thinking <his habit of taking a morning walk>
3 : a way of behaving that has become fixed by being repeated often — compare 1REFLEX 1
4 : characteristic way of growing or occurring <elms have a spreading habit>
synonyms HABIT, PRACTICE, USAGE, CUSTOM, mean a way of acting that has become fixed through repetition. HABIT suggests doing something without thinking about it because one has done it so often <had a habit of tapping his fingers>. PRACTICE suggests an act performed regularly and usually by choice <our practice is to go to the park every Sunday>. USAGE suggests a practice followed by so many that it becomes the accepted practice of society <what a word means in common usage>. CUSTOM applies to an act so long and continuously associated with an individual or group that in effect it becomes an unofficial rule <the custom of many is to eat turkey on Thanksgiving>.

hab·it·able \ˈhab-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : suitable or fit to live in <a habitable cave>
— hab·it·abil·i·ty \ˌhab-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

hab·i·tant \ˈhab-ət-ənt\ n : INHABITANT, RESIDENT

hab·i·tat \ˈhab-ə-ˌtat\ n : the place or type of place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows

hab·i·ta·tion \ˌhab-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of inhabiting : OCCUPANCY
2 : a dwelling place : RESIDENCE

hab·it–form·ing \ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ\ adj : causing an addiction <heroin is a habit-forming drug>

ha·bit·u·al \hə-ˈbich-(ə-)wəl, ha-\ adj
1 : being or done by habit <habitual tardiness>
2 : doing or acting out of habit <habitual talkers>
3 : done, followed, or used often or regularly <took our habitual path>
— ha·bit·u·al·ly \-ē\ adv

— ha·bit·u·al·ness n

ha·bit·u·ate \hə-ˈbich-ə-ˌwāt, ha-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make used to something
— ha·bit·u·a·tion \-ˌbich-ə-ˈwā-shən\ n

ha·chure \ha-ˈshu̇(ə)r\ n : a short line used for shading or especially to show different levels or slopes on a map

ha·ci·en·da \ˌ(h)äs-ē-ˈen-də\ n : a large estate in Spanish-speaking countries

1hack \ˈhak\ vb
1 : to cut or sever with repeated irregular or unskillful blows
2 : to cough in a short dry manner
3 a : to write computer programs for enjoyment  b : to gain access to a computer illegally [Old English -haccian “to cut with repeated blows”]

2hack n
1 : 1NICK 1, NOTCH
2 : a short dry cough
3 a : a creatively improvised solution to a computer problem  b : an act of gaining or trying to gain illegal access to a computer or a computer system  c : a clever tip or technique for doing or improving something

3hack n
1 a : a horse that can be hired for use by the public  b : a horse used in all kinds of work  c : a worn-out horse  d : a light saddle horse
2 a : 1HACKNEY 2  b : TAXICAB  c : a driver of a taxicab
3 a : a writer who works mainly for hire  b : one who serves a cause merely for reward <political hacks>  c : HACKER 2 [a shortened form of hackney]

4hack adj
1 : working for hire <a hack writer>
2 : done by or characteristic of a hack <hack writing>

5hack vb
1 : to ride or drive at an ordinary pace or over the roads rather than across country
2 : to operate a taxicab

hack·ber·ry \ˈhak-ˌber-ē\ n
1 : any of a genus of trees and shrubs that are related to the elms and have small often edible berries
2 : the wood of a hackberry

hack·er \ˈhak-ər\ n
1 : one that hacks
2 : a person who is unskilled at a particular activity
3 : an expert at programming and solving problems with a computer
4 : a person who illegally gains access to a computer system

hack·le \ˈhak-əl\ n
1 : a comb for smoothing fibers (as flax or hemp)
2 : one of the long narrow feathers on the neck or lower back of a bird
3 : hairs along the neck and back especially of a dog that can be made to stand up

1hack·ney \ˈhak-nē\ n, pl hackneys
1 : any of a breed of compact high-stepping English horses
2 : a carriage or automobile kept for hire

2hackney adj
1 : kept for public hire
2 : HACKNEYED

hack·neyed \ˈhak-nēd\ adj : worn out from too much use : COMMONPLACE <a hackneyed expression>

hack·saw \ˈhak-ˌsȯ\ n : a saw used for cutting hard materials (as metal) that consists of a frame holding a blade with small teeth
— hacksaw vb

hack·work \ˈhak-ˌwərk\ n : literary, artistic, or professional work done on order usually according to a set standard

had past and past participle of HAVE

had·dock \ˈhad-ək\ n, pl haddock also haddocks : an important food fish of the Atlantic that is usually smaller than the related common cod

Ha·de·an \ˈhā-ˌdē-ən, hā-ˈdē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or being the part of the earth's history that came before the formation of the first rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE [from Hades]
— Hadean n

ha·des \ˈhād-(ˌ)ēz\ n : HELL 1 [Greek Haidēs, god of the underworld, abode of the dead in Greek mythology]

hadj variant of HAJJ

hadn't \ˈhad-ənt\ : had not

hadst \(ˈ)hadst, (h)ədst\ archaic past 2nd singular of HAVE

hae \(ˈ)hā\ chiefly Scottish variant of HAVE

haf·ni·um \ˈhaf-nē-əm\ n : a gray metallic element that is useful because of its ready absorption of neutrons — see ELEMENT TABLE

haft \ˈhaft\ n : the handle of a weapon or tool

hag \ˈhag\ n
1 : an ugly or evil old woman
2 : WITCH 1

Hag·gai \ˈhag-ē-ˌī, ˈhag-ˌī\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures — see BIBLE TABLE

hag·gard \ˈhag-ərd\ adj : very thin especially from great hunger, worry, or pain

hag·gle \ˈhag-əl\ vb hag·gled; hag·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to dispute or argue especially in bargaining
— haggle n

— hag·gler \-(ə-)lər\ n

Hag·i·og·ra·pha \ˌhag-ē-ˈäg-rə-fə, ˌhā-jē-\ n sing or pl : WRITINGS

hah variant of HA

hai·ku \ˈhī-(ˌ)kü\ n, pl haiku : a verse form of Japanese origin having three lines containing five, seven, and five syllables respectively; also : a poem written in this form

1hail \ˈhā(ə)l\ n
1 : small lumps of ice that fall from clouds sometimes during thunderstorms
2 : something that gives the effect of falling hail <a hail of bullets> [Old English hægl “lumps of ice, hail”]

2hail vb
1 : to fall as hail
2 : to pour down like hail

3hail interj
1 — used to express enthusiastic approval
2 archaic — used as a greeting [Middle English hail (an interjection of approval or greeting), derived from early Norse heill “healthy” — related to 1HALE, WASSAIL]

4hail vb
1 a : GREET 1  b : to greet with enthusiastic approval : ACCLAIM <hailed them as heroes>
2 : to summon by calling <hail a taxi>
3 : to call out to <hail a passing ship>
— hail from : to come from <he hails from New York>

5hail n
1 : an act or instance of hailing
2 : hearing distance <stayed within hail>

Hail Mary \-ˈme(ə)r-ē, -ˈma(ə)r-ē, -ˈmā-rē\ n : a Roman Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary

hail·stone \ˈhā(ə)l-ˌstōn\ n : a small lump of hail

hail·storm \-ˌstȯ(ə)rm\ n : a storm accompanied by hail

hair \ˈha(ə)r, ˈhe(ə)r\ n
1 a : a slender threadlike growth from the skin of an animal; esp : one that usually contains coloring and forms part of the characteristic coat of a mammal  b : a covering or growth of hairs of an animal or a body part
2 : a tiny distance or amount <won by a hair>
3 : a threadlike structure that resembles hair <leaf hairs>
— haired \ˈha(ə)rd, ˈhe(ə)rd\ adj

— hair·less \ˈha(ə)r-ləs, ˈhe(ə)r-\ adj

— hair·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— in one's hair : annoyingly always in one's presence <can't work with you in my hair all day>

— out of one's hair : out of one's way <stayed out of his hair while he made dinner>

hair·breadth \ˈha(ə)r-ˌbretth, ˈhe(ə)r-, -ˌbredth\ or hairs·breadth \ˈha(ə)rz-, ˈhe(ə)rz-\ n : a very small distance or margin
— hairbreadth adj

hair·brush \ˈha(ə)r-ˌbrəsh, ˈhe(ə)r-\ n : a brush for the hair

hair·cloth \-ˌklȯth\ n : any of various stiff wiry fabrics especially of horsehair or camel hair used for upholstery or stiffening in garments

hair·cut \-ˌkət\ n
1 : the act or process of cutting and shaping the hair
2 : HAIRDO
— hair·cut·ter \-ˌkət-ər\ n

— hair·cut·ting \-ˌkət-iŋ\ n

hair·do \-ˌdü\ n, pl hairdos : a way of dressing a person's hair : COIFFURE <the very latest in hairdos>

hair·dress·er \-ˌdres-ər\ n : a person who dresses or cuts hair
— hair·dress·ing \-ˌdres-iŋ\ n

hair follicle n : the tube-shaped sheath surrounding the lower part of a hair shaft

hair·line \ˈha(ə)r-ˌlīn, ˈhe(ə)r-\ n
1 a : a very slender line  b : a very thin crack on a surface <a hairline bone fracture>
2 : the outline of the hair on the head and especially on the forehead
— hair·line adj

hair·net \-ˌnet\ n : a net worn over the hair to keep it in place

hair·pin \-ˌpin\ n
1 : a U-shaped pin to hold the hair in place
2 : something shaped like a hairpin; esp : an extremely sharp turn in a road
— hairpin adj

hair–rais·ing \-ˌrā-ziŋ\ adj : very frightening or exciting <a hair-raising story>
— hair–rais·ing·ly \-ziŋ-lē\ adv

hair seal n : any of a family of seals with hairy coats and no ears on the outside of the head — called also earless seal, true seal

hair·split·ter \ˈha(ə)r-ˌsplit-ər\ n : a person who argues about differences too small to be important
— hair·split·ting \-ˌsplit-iŋ\ adj or n

hair spray n : a liquid sprayed on the hair to keep it in place

hair·spring \-ˌspriŋ\ n : a slender coiled spring that regulates the motion of the balance wheel in a timepiece

hair·streak \-ˌstrēk\ n : any of various small butterflies with hairlike tails sticking out from the hind wings

hair·style \-ˌstī(ə)l\ n : HAIRDO

hair·styl·ist \-ˌstī-list\ n : HAIRDRESSER
— hair·styl·ing \-ˌstī-liŋ\ n

hair–trig·ger \-ˌtrig-ər\ adj : immediately responsive : 1QUICK 2C <a hair-trigger temper> [from hair trigger, a trigger adjusted so as to permit a firearm to be fired with very slight pressure]

hair·worm \ˈha(ə)r-ˌwərm, ˈhe(ə)r-\ n : any of various very long slender worms (as a horsehair worm)

hairy \ˈha(ə)r-ē, ˈhe(ə)r-\ adj hair·i·er; -est
1 : bearing or covered with or as if with hair
2 : made of or resembling hair
3 a : causing excitement (as from danger) <a hairy adventure>  b : difficult to deal with or understand <a hairy math problem>
— hair·i·ness n

hairy woodpecker n : a common North American woodpecker closely resembling but larger than the downy woodpecker

hajj also hadj \ˈhaj\ n : the pilgrimage to Mecca prescribed as a religious duty for Muslims

hake \ˈhāk\ n : any of several marine food fishes related to the cod

ha·lal \hə-ˈläl\ adj
1 : accepted by Islamic law; esp : fit for eating under Islamic law <halal foods>
2 : selling or serving food fit for eating under Islamic law <a halal restaurant> [from Arabic ḥalāl “permissible”]

hal·berd \ˈhal-bərd, ˈhȯl-\ also hal·bert \-bərt\ n : a long-handled weapon used both as a spear and as a battle-ax especially in the 15th and 16th centuries

hal·berd·ier \ˌhal-bər-ˈdi(ə)r, ˌhȯl-\ n : a person armed with a halberd

1hal·cy·on \ˈhal-sē-ən\ n
1 : a bird identified with the kingfisher and believed in ancient legend to nest at sea in December and calm the waves
2 : KINGFISHER
Word History According to ancient legend, fourteen days of good weather occurred every year around December 22. This time of clear skies and calm seas was thought to be the result of a magical bird's concern for her nest. The legend explained that the female kingfisher built a floating nest on the sea during this period. She calmed the waves and winds to keep her nest safe. The Greek name for the kingfisher was halkyōn. English borrowed the Latin spelling of the bird's name, and today we call any quiet, peaceful period halcyon days. [Middle English alceon “kingfisher,” from Latin halcyon (same meaning), from Greek halkyōn “legendary bird that builds a nest at sea”]

2halcyon adj : 3CALM 2, PEACEFUL <halcyon days> <the halcyon years of his childhood>

1hale \ˈhā(ə)l\ adj : 1SOUND 1A, HEALTHY <grandmother was still hale and hearty at eighty> [partly from Middle English hale “healthy, unhurt,” from Old English hāl (same meaning) and partly from Middle English hail (an interjection of approval or greeting), derived from early Norse heill “healthy” — related to 3HAIL, HEALTH, WASSAIL, WHOLE]

2hale vb haled; hal·ing
1 : 1HAUL 1, PULL
2 : to force to go <haled them into court> [Middle English halen “to pull,” from early French haler (same meaning); of Germanic origin — related to HAUL]

1half \ˈhaf, ˈhȧf\ n, pl halves \ˈhavz, ˈhȧvz\
1 : one of two equal or nearly equal parts that make up something <half of an apple>
2 : half an hour <half past ten>
3 : one of a pair; esp : one of the two equal periods that make up the playing time of some games (as football)
— in half : into two halves

2half adj
1 : being one of two halves <a half sheet of paper> <a half mile away>
2 : of half the usual size or extent <a half smile>

3half adv
1 a : to the extent of half <half full>  b : to some degree : not completely <half persuaded>
2 : by any means : AT ALL <the song wasn't half bad>

half·back \ˈhaf-ˌbak, ˈhȧf-\ n
1 : a football back who lines up toward the right or left side of the formation
2 : a player positioned behind the forward line in some games (as soccer or field hockey)

half–baked \-ˈbākt\ adj
1 a : poorly developed or carried out <a half-baked plan>  b : lacking in judgment or common sense <half-baked ideas>
2 : imperfectly baked : UNDERDONE

half brother n : a brother by one parent only

half–cocked \-ˈkäkt\ adj : lacking preparation or planning <went off half-cocked>

half–dol·lar \-ˈdäl-ər\ n
1 : a coin representing one half of a dollar
2 : the sum of fifty cents

half·heart·ed \-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : lacking spirit or interest <halfhearted applause from the audience>
— half·heart·ed·ly adv

— half·heart·ed·ness n

half hitch n : a simple knot so made as to be easily unfastened — see KNOT ILLUSTRATION

half hour n
1 : thirty minutes
2 : the middle point of an hour
— half–hour·ly \ˈhaf-ˈau̇(ə)r-lē, ˈhȧf-\ adv or adj

half–knot \ˈhaf-ˌnät, ˈhȧf-\ n : a knot joining the ends of two cords and used in tying other knots

half–life \-ˌlīf\ n : the time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to change composition

half line n : a straight line extending from a point in one direction only

half–mast \ˈhaf-ˈmast, ˈhȧf-\ n : a point about halfway down below the top of a mast or staff <flags hanging at half-mast>

half–moon \-ˌmün\ n : the moon when half its disk appears lighted

half note n : a musical note equal in time to ½ of a whole note

half·pen·ny \ˈhāp-(ə-)nē, U.S. also ˈhaf-ˌ-pen-ē, ˈhȧf-\ n, pl half·pence \ˈhā-pən(t)s, U.S. also ˈhaf-ˌpen(t)s, ˈhȧf-\ or halfpennies : a former British coin representing one half of a penny

half plane n : the part of a plane on one side of an indefinitely long straight line drawn in the plane

half rest n : a musical rest equal in time to a half note

half sister n : a sister by one parent only

half sole n : a shoe sole extending from the shank forward

half step n : the pitch interval between any two adjacent tones on a keyboard instrument — called also semitone

half·time \ˈhaf-ˌtīm, ˈhȧf-\ n : an intermission marking the completion of half of a game (as in football)

half·tone \ˈhaf-ˌtōn, ˈhäf-\ n : a medium tint or tone in a painting, engraving, or photograph

half–track \-ˌtrak\ n
1 : an endless-chain track used in place of a rear wheel on a heavy-duty vehicle
2 : a motor vehicle moved by half-tracks

half–truth \-ˌtrüth\ n : a statement that is only partly true; esp : one that deliberately mixes truth and falsehood

half·way \-ˈwā\ adj
1 : midway between two points <stop at the halfway mark>
2 : PARTIAL 3 <halfway measures>
— halfway adv

halfway house n : a place that provides living quarters and usually counseling to persons who have left an institution (as a prison or mental hospital) but are not ready to live in the community

half–wit \ˈhaf-ˌwit, ˈhȧf-\ n : a foolish or unintelligent person
— half–wit·ted \-ˈwit-əd\ adj

hal·i·but \ˈhal-ə-bət, ˈhäl-\ n, pl halibut also halibuts : either of two marine food fishes of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans that are the largest flatfishes reaching several hundred pounds
Word History Among the different kinds of fish found in the world's oceans is a group called the flatfish. Flatfish are well named, for they have flattened bodies with both eyes on the upper side of the head. In Middle English the word for flatfish was butte. Many of the flatfish are good to eat, and the largest of the flatfish got its name because it was popular as food. During the Middle Ages fish was often eaten on holy days in place of meat. The most popular fish for the holy days was the largest variety of flatfish, or “butte.” Thus, this particular fish came to be called in Middle English halybutte, meaning literally “holy flatfish,” from haly, a form of holy, and butte. In Modern English the spelling has been changed to halibut. [Middle English halybutte, literally, “holy flatfish,” from haly “holy” and butte “flatfish”; so called from the fact it was regularly eaten on holy days]

hal·ite \ˈhal-ˌīt, ˈhā-ˌlīt\ n : ROCK SALT

hall \ˈhȯl\ n
1 a : a large or impressive residence or public building <symphony hall>  b : one of the buildings of a college or university <Science Hall> <residence halls>
2 a : the entrance room of a building : LOBBY  b : a corridor or passage in a building
3 : a large room for assembly : AUDITORIUM
4 : a place used for public entertainment

1hal·le·lu·jah \ˌhal-ə-ˈlü-yə\ interj — used to express praise, joy, or thanks

2hallelujah n : a shout or song of praise or thanksgiving

hall·mark \ˈhȯl-ˌmärk\ n
1 : an official mark stamped on gold and silver articles in England to certify their purity
2 : a distinguishing characteristic or feature <bears the hallmarks of genius> [named for Goldsmith's Hall in London, England, where gold and silver articles formerly were tested for purity and stamped]
— hallmark vb

hal·low \ˈhal-ō\ vb
1 : to make holy or set apart for holy use : CONSECRATE
2 : to respect greatly : VENERATE
— hal·lowed \ˈhal-ōd, in the Lord's Prayer also ˈhal-ə-wəd\ adj

Hal·low·een \ˌhal-ə-ˈwēn, ˌhäl-\ n : October 31 celebrated especially by wearing costumes, trick-or-treating, and displaying jack-o'-lanterns
Word History Modern-day Christians know the first of November as All Saints' Day. In the Middle Ages it was called All Hallow Day. This was a hallowed or holy day celebrated in honor of all the saints in heaven. Since November 1 was a special holy day with a special name, the day before it had a special name as well. October 31 was called All Hallow Eve or All Hallow Even. The words eve and even were used both for the evening and the day before a special day. This name was sometimes written All Hallow E'en and later shortened to Halloween. [an altered form of All Hallow Even, the eve of All Saints' Day]

hal·lu·ci·nate \hə-ˈlüs-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to have hallucinations or experience as a hallucination

hal·lu·ci·na·tion \hə-ˌlüs-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n : the awareness of something (as a visual image, a sound, or a smell) that seems to be experienced through one of the senses but is not real, cannot be sensed by someone else, and is usually the result of mental disorder or the effect of a drug; also : something of which one is aware but which is not real

hal·lu·ci·na·to·ry \hə-ˈlü-sə-nə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
1 : tending to produce hallucinations
2 : resembling, involving, or being a hallucination

hal·lu·ci·no·gen \hə-ˈlü-sə-nə-jən\ n : a drug that causes hallucinations
— hal·lu·ci·no·gen·ic \-ˌlü-sə-nə-ˈjen-ik\ adj

hall·way \ˈhȯl-ˌwā\ n
1 : an entrance hall
2 : CORRIDOR 1

ha·lo \ˈhā-lō\ n, pl halos or haloes
1 : a circle of light around the sun or moon caused by the presence of tiny ice crystals in the air
2 a : NIMBUS 1  b : NIMBUS 2
3 : the atmosphere of glory or sentiment surrounding a person or thing considered perfect

1hal·o·gen \ˈhal-ə-jən\ n : any of the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine

2halogen adj : containing, using, or being a halogen <a halogen lamp>

1halt \ˈhȯlt\ adj : 1LAME 1A [Old English healt “lame”]

2halt vb
1 : 1LIMP 1
2 : to move unsteadily

3halt n : the ending of movement, progress, or action <call a halt> [from German halt “stop,” derived from earlier halten “to hold”]

4halt vb
1 : to stop marching or journeying
2 : to bring to a stop : END

hal·ter \ˈhȯl-tər\ n
1 a : a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal  b : a set of straps enclosing an animal's head to which a lead may be attached
2 : a rope for hanging criminals : NOOSE
3 : a woman's blouse or top that is held in place by straps around the neck and across the back and that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare
— halter vb

hal·tere \ˈhȯl-ˌti(ə)r, ˈhal-\ n, pl hal·teres \hȯl-ˈti(ə)r-(ˌ)ēz, ˈhȯl-ˌti(ə)rz\ : one of a pair of club-shaped organs that are the modified second pair of wings of a two-winged fly and serve to maintain balance in flight

halt·ing \ˈhȯl-tiŋ\ adj : being unsure or hesitant <spoke in a halting manner>
— halt·ing·ly adv

halve \ˈhav, ˈhȧv\ vb halved; halv·ing
1 : to divide into two halves
2 : to reduce to one half <halving the cost>

halves plural of HALF

hal·yard \ˈhal-yərd\ n : a rope or tackle for raising and lowering (as a sail)

1ham \ˈham\ n
1 : a buttock with its associated thigh — usually used in plural
2 : a cut of meat consisting of a thigh; esp : one from a hog
3 a : an unskillful but showy performer  b : an operator of an amateur radio station
— ham adj

2ham vb hammed; ham·ming : to act with exaggerated speech or gestures <ham it up for the camera>

ham·burg·er \ˈham-ˌbər-gər\ or ham·burg \-ˌbərg\ n
1 a : ground beef  b : a cooked patty of ground beef
2 : a sandwich consisting of a patty of hamburger in a split round bun
Word History It may seem odd that there isn't any ham in a hamburger. The origins of the word hamburger, however, have nothing to do with a type of meat. The word really comes from the name of the German city Hamburg. Hamburger, when capitalized, means “of Hamburg.” Cakes of ground beef, often served raw, were a popular food in northern Germany in the 19th century, and so they became known in English as Hamburger steaks. The name was later shortened to hamburger. Most people no longer associate the word hamburger with the city of Hamburg, since the hamburger is now usually thought of as an American food. [German Hamburger (adjective) “of Hamburg,” city in Germany]

ham·let \ˈham-lət\ n : a small village

1ham·mer \ˈham-ər\ n
1 a : a hand tool that consists of a solid head set crosswise on a handle and is used for pounding (as in driving nails)  b : a power tool for pounding
2 : something that resembles a hammer in shape or action (as the part of a gun whose striking action causes explosion of the charge)
3 : MALLEUS
4 : a heavy metal ball with a flexible handle that is thrown for distance in a track-and-field contest

2hammer vb ham·mered; ham·mer·ing \ˈham-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to strike blows with or as if with a hammer : POUND
2 a : to make repeated efforts <hammer away at one's lessons>  b : to emphasize (as an opinion) by repetition <hammers his point home>
3 : to fasten, build, drive, or shape with a hammer
— ham·mer·er \ˈham-ər-ər\ n

ham·mer·head \ˈham-ər-ˌhed\ n : any of various active sharks of medium size that have the eyes at the ends of sideward extensions of the flattened head

hammer out vb : to produce or bring about by persistent effort <hammered out an agreement>

ham·mock \ˈham-ək\ n : a swinging couch or bed usually made of netting or canvas and slung by cords from supports at each end

1ham·per \ˈham-pər\ vb ham·pered; ham·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\ : to slow the movement, progress, or action of <bad weather hampered the search>

2hamper n : a large basket usually with a cover <a clothes hamper>

ham·ster \ˈham(p)-stər\ n : any of various small Old World rodents with a short tail and large cheek pouches

1ham·string \ˈham-ˌstriŋ\ n
1 : either of two groups of tendons at the back of the human knee
2 : any of three muscles at the back of the thigh that function to extend the thigh, rotate the leg, and bend the knee

2hamstring vb -strung \-ˌstrəŋ\; -string·ing \-ˌstriŋ-iŋ\
1 : to cripple by cutting the leg tendons
2 : to make ineffective or powerless : CRIPPLE <hamstrung by restrictions>

1hand \ˈhand\ n
1 a : the free end part of the arm or forelimb when used (as in human beings) for handling, grasping, and holding  b : any of various bodily parts (as the hind foot of an ape or the pincers of a crab) that are like the hand in structure or function
2 : something resembling a hand: as  a : a pointer on a dial  b : a figure of a hand with index finger extended to point something out  c : a bunch of bananas
3 : personal possession : CONTROL <in the hands of the enemy>
4 a : 1SIDE 2, DIRECTION <fighting on either hand>  b : a side or point of view in an issue or argument <on the one hand, we can declare a tie, or on the other hand, keep playing>
5 : a pledge especially of marriage <asked for her hand>
6 : HANDWRITING 2
7 : SKILL 1, ABILITY <try one's hand at chess>
8 a : assistance or help involving physical effort <lend a hand>  b : a part or share in doing something <take a hand in the work>
9 : a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (about 10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses
10 : a round of applause <give him a hand>
11 a : the cards or pieces held by a player in a game  b : a single round in a game
12 a : one who performs or produces a work <two portraits by the same hand>  b : a hired worker  c : a member of a ship's crew <all hands on deck>  d : one skilled in a particular activity or field <an old hand at foreign affairs>
13 : WORKMANSHIP 2 <the hand of a master>
— at hand : near in time or place : within reach <use whatever ingredients are at hand>

— by hand : with the hands

— in hand
1 : in one's possession or control <had matters well in hand> <with money in hand>
2 : in preparation

— on hand
1 : in present possession <always kept snacks on hand>
2 : in attendance : PRESENT

— on one's hands : in one's possession or care <too much time on my hands>

— out of hand : out of control <a crowded meeting that got out of hand>

— out of one's hands : out of one's control

2hand vb
1 : to guide or assist with the hand
2 : to give or pass with or as if with the hand <hand a person a letter>

hand·bag \ˈhan(d)-ˌbag\ n
1 : SUITCASE
2 : a woman's bag for carrying small personal articles and money

hand·ball \-ˌbȯl\ n
1 : a game played in a walled court or against a single wall or board by two or four players who use their hands to strike a ball
2 : the ball used in handball

hand·bill \-ˌbil\ n : a printed sheet to be distributed by hand

hand·book \-ˌbu̇k\ n : a small book of facts or useful information usually about a particular subject : MANUAL

hand·car \ˈhan(d)-ˌkär\ n : a small railroad car powered by a hand-operated device or by a small motor

1hand·craft \-ˌkraft\ n : HANDICRAFT

2handcraft vb : to make by handicraft

hand·cuff \ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf\ n : a metal fastening locking around a wrist and usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening — usually used in plural
— handcuff vb

hand down vb
1 : to pass down from older to younger (as from parent to child)
2 : to form and express a judicial decision

hand·ed \ˈhan-dəd\ adj : having or using such or so many hands <a right-handed person>
— hand·ed·ness n

hand·ful \ˈhan(d)-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl handfuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ also hands·ful \ˈhan(d)z-ˌfu̇l\
1 : as much or as many as the hand will grasp <a handful of jelly beans>
2 : a small quantity or number <a handful of people>
3 : as much as one can control or manage <the three babies are quite a handful>

hand·gun \ˈhan(d)-ˌgən\ n : a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand

hand·held \-ˌheld\ adj : held in the hand; esp : designed to be used while being held in the hand <a handheld computer>
— handheld n

1hand·i·cap \ˈhan-di-ˌkap\ n
1 : a race or contest in which competitors with different levels of ability are given an artificial advantage or disadvantage to equalize chances of winning; also : the advantage or disadvantage given
2 a : a disadvantage that makes progress or success difficult <being lazy was a handicap>  b sometimes offensive : a physical disability

2handicap vb -capped; -cap·ping
1 : to give a handicap to
2 : to put at a disadvantage

handicapped adj
1 sometimes offensive : having a physical or mental disability
2 : of or reserved for individuals with a physical disability <handicapped parking spaces>

hand·i·craft \ˈhan-di-ˌkraft\ n
1 : an occupation (as weaving or pottery making) requiring skill with the hands
2 : articles made by one working at a handicraft
— hand·i·craft·er \-ˌkraf-tər\ n

hand·i·ly \ˈhan-də-lē\ adv
1 : in a skillful manner
2 : EASILY 1 <won handily>

hand·i·ness \ˈhan-dē-nəs\ n : the quality or state of being handy

hand in hand adv
1 : with one's hand clasping another's hand <walked hand in hand>
2 : in close association : TOGETHER <hard work and success go hand in hand>

hand·i·work \ˈhan-di-ˌwərk\ n : work done by the hands or by oneself

hand·ker·chief \ˈhaŋ-kər-chəf, -(ˌ)chif, -ˌchēf\ n, pl -chiefs also -chieves \-chəfs, -(ˌ)chifs, -ˌchēvz, -ˌchēfs, -ˌchəvz, -ˌchivz\
1 : a small piece of cloth used for wiping the face, nose, or eyes
2 : KERCHIEF 1

1han·dle \ˈhan-dəl\ n
1 : a part that is designed to be grasped by the hand
2 : 1NAME 1, TITLE 3
— han·dled \-dəld\ adj

— off the handle : into a state of sudden and violent anger <flew off the handle and yelled at my friend>

2handle vb han·dled; han·dling \ˈhan-(d)liŋ, -dəl-iŋ\
1 a : to touch, feel, hold, or move with the hand  b : to manage with the hands <handle a horse>
2 a : to deal with or act on <handle a problem>  b : 1CONTROL 1B, DIRECT <an accountant handles my financial concerns>  c : to put up with : STAND <can't handle the heat>
3 : to deal or trade in <a store that handles rugs>
4 : to act, behave, or respond in a certain way when managed or directed <a car that handles well>
— han·dler \ˈhan-(d)lər, -dəl-ər\ n
synonyms HANDLE, MANIPULATE, WIELD, mean to manage skillfully or efficiently. HANDLE suggests applying an acquired skill in order to accomplish something <knows how to handle her bike well>. MANIPULATE suggests using special skills in order to accomplish a complicated or difficult task <surgeons must be able to manipulate delicate instruments>. WIELD suggests handling a tool or weapon with power or authority <wielded the sword with all his might>.

han·dle·bar \ˈhan-dəl-ˌbär\ n : a bar with a handle (as for steering a bicycle) at each end — usually used in plural

hand lens n : a magnifying glass to be held in the hand

hand·made \ˈhan(d)-ˈmād\ adj : made by hand or with hand tools

hand·maid·en \-ˌmād-ən\ also hand·maid \-ˌmād\ n : a female servant or attendant

hand–me–down \ˈhan(d)-mē-ˌdau̇n\ adj : put in use by one person or group after being used, discarded, or handed down by another
— hand–me–down n

hand·off \ˈhan-ˌdȯf\ n : the act of handing the ball to a teammate (as in football)

hand organ n : a barrel organ operated by a hand crank

hand·out \ˈhan-ˌdau̇t\ n
1 : food, clothing, or money given to a beggar
2 : an information sheet for free distribution
3 : a prepared statement released to the press

hand over vb : to yield control of

hand·pick \ˈhan(d)-ˈpik\ vb : to select personally <a handpicked successor>

hand·rail \ˈhan-ˌdrāl\ n : a narrow rail for grasping as a support (as on a staircase)

hand·saw \ˈhan(d)-ˌsȯ\ n : a saw designed to be used with one hand

hands down adv
1 : EASILY 1 <won the race hands down>
2 : without question <is hands down the best pizza in town>

hand·shake \-ˌshāk\ n : a clasping of hands by two people especially in greeting or farewell

hand·some \ˈhan(t)-səm\ adj
1 : fairly large : SIZABLE <a handsome fortune>
2 : marked by generosity or graciousness <a handsome contribution>
3 : having a pleasing and usually impressive or dignified appearance <a handsome young lad> <handsome old buildings>  synonyms see BEAUTIFUL
— hand·some·ly adv

— hand·some·ness n

hand·spring \ˈhan(d)-ˌspriŋ\ n : a tumbling feat in which the body turns in a full circle from a standing position and lands first on the hands and then on the feet

hand–to–hand \ˌhan-tə-ˈhand\ adj : involving physical contact <hand-to-hand combat>

hand–to–mouth \-tə-ˈmau̇th\ adj : having or providing nothing to spare <a hand-to-mouth existence>
— hand to mouth adv

hand·work \ˈhan-ˌdwərk\ n : work done with the hands and not by machine

hand·writ·ing \ˈhan-ˌdrīt-iŋ\ n
1 : writing done by hand
2 : the form of a particular person's writing
3 : something written by hand

hand·writ·ten \ˈhan-ˌdrit-ən\ adj : written by hand <a handwritten note>

handy \ˈhan-dē\ adj hand·i·er; -est
1 a : conveniently near  b : easily handled or used <a handy sloop> <a handy reference book>
2 : clever in using the hands : DEXTEROUS <handy with a needle>

handy·man \-ˌman\ n : a person who does various small jobs

1hang \ˈhaŋ\ vb hung \ˈhəŋ\ also hanged \ˈhaŋd\; hang·ing \ˈhaŋ-iŋ\
1 a : to fasten or be fastened to an elevated point without support from below : SUSPEND, DANGLE  b : to kill or be killed by hanging from a rope tied round the neck <sentenced to be hanged>  c : to fasten so as to allow free motion forward and backward <hang a door>
2 : to furnish with hanging decorations (as pictures or curtains)
3 : 1DROOP 1 <hung my head in shame>
4 : to fasten to a wall <hang wallpaper>
5 : to display pictures in a gallery
6 : HOVER 1B <clouds hanging low overhead>
7 : to stay steadily
8 : DEPEND 1 <election hangs on one vote>
9 a : to take hold for support : CLING <the children hung on his arm>  b : to be hard to bear <worry hung on his mind>
10 : to be uncertain <the decision is still hanging>
11 : to be in a state of close attention <hung on my every word>
12 : to pass time idly especially by relaxing or socializing — often used with around or out <hung out with friends>
— hang·able \ˈhaŋ-ə-bəl\ adj

2hang n
1 : the manner in which a thing hangs <the hang of a skirt>
2 a : 1MEANING 1B <the hang of an argument>  b : a special method : KNACK <get the hang of driving>
— give a hang or care a hang : to be concerned or worried

hang·ar \ˈhaŋ-ər, ˈhaŋ-gər\ n : a shelter for housing and repairing aircraft [from French hangar “shed”]

hang around vb : to pass time or stay idly in or at <hung around the house all day>

hang back vb
1 : to linger behind others <hung back to wait for the slower children>
2 : to be unwilling to do something : HESITATE <always hangs back when everyone else is dancing>

hang·dog \ˈhaŋ-ˌdȯg\ adj
1 : ASHAMED 1, GUILTY <a hangdog look>
2 : DEJECTED, COWED

hang·er \ˈhaŋ-ər\ n
1 : one that hangs
2 : a device by which something hangs; esp : a device for hanging a garment from a hook or rod

hang·er–on \ˈhaŋ-ə-ˌrȯn, -ˌrän\ n, pl hangers–on : one that hangs around a person, place, or institution in hope of personal gain

hang glider n : a glider which resembles a kite and from which a rider hangs while gliding down from a cliff or hill
— hang glide vb

— hang gliding n

hang in vb : to refuse to be discouraged or frightened <hang in there, kid! Don't quit>

1hang·ing \ˈhaŋ-iŋ\ n
1 : an execution by strangling or breaking the neck by a suspended noose
2 : something hung (as a curtain or tapestry) — usually used in plural

2hanging adj
1 : located on steeply sloping ground <hanging gardens>
2 a : sticking out <hanging rocks>  b : supported only by the wall on one side <a hanging staircase>
3 : suitable for holding a hanging object
4 : punishable by hanging <a hanging offense>

hang·man \ˈhaŋ-mən\ n
1 : a person who hangs condemned criminals
2 : a game in which the object is for one player to guess the letters of an unknown word before the player who knows the word creates a stick figure of a hanged man by drawing one line for each incorrect guess

hang·nail \-ˌnāl\ n : a bit of skin hanging loose at the side or base of a fingernail

hang on vb
1 : to keep hold or possession especially tightly <hang on or you'll fall> <hang on to your money>
2 : to continue stubbornly <a cold that hung on all spring>

hang·out \ˈhaŋ-ˌau̇t\ n : a favorite place for spending time

hang·over \ˈhaŋ-ˌō-vər\ n
1 : something (as a surviving custom) that remains from what is past
2 : a sick uncomfortable state that comes from drinking too many drinks of alcoholic beverage

hang·tag \-ˌtag\ n : a tag attached to an article of merchandise giving information about its material and care

hang–up \ˈhaŋ-ˌəp\ n : a source of mental or emotional difficulty

hang up \(ˈ)haŋ-ˈəp\ vb
1 a : to place on a hook or hanger <hang up your coat>  b : to replace a telephone receiver on the cradle so that the connection is broken; also : to end a telephone conversation
2 : to snag or cause to snag so as to be immovable <a boat hung up on rocks>

hank \ˈhaŋk\ n : 2COIL 1A, SKEIN; esp : a coil of yarn

han·ker \ˈhaŋ-kər\ vb han·kered; han·ker·ing \-k(ə-)riŋ\ : to have an eager or continual desire <hanker after fame>
— han·ker·er \-kər-ər\ n

han·ky–pan·ky \ˌhaŋ-kē-ˈpaŋ-kē\ n : questionable or sneaky activity : TRICKERY

Han·sen's disease \ˈhan(t)-sənz-\ n : LEPROSY

han·som \ˈhan(t)-səm\ n : a light two-wheeled covered carriage with the driver's seat elevated behind — called also hansom cab

Ha·nuk·kah also Cha·nu·kah or Ha·nu·kah \ˈḵän-ə-kə, ˈhän-\ n : an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated in November or December in honor of the cleansing and second dedication of the Temple after the Syrians were driven out of Jerusalem in 165 b.c.

1hap \ˈhap\ n
1 : something that happens : OCCURRENCE
2 : something that happens unexpectedly without intention or observable cause : CHANCE, FORTUNE

2hap vb happed; hap·ping
1 : HAPPEN 3
2 : HAPPEN 4A

hap·haz·ard \(ˈ)hap-ˈhaz-ərd\ adj : marked by lack of plan, order, or direction
— haphazard adv

— hap·haz·ard·ly adv

— hap·haz·ard·ness n

hap·ki·do \ˌhäp-ˈkēd-ō\ n : a Korean martial art based on kicking motions and using some aikido moves [Korean hapkido “a martial art using both kicking and aikido moves,” from hap- “together, joined” + ki “breath, energy” + to “way, art”]

hap·less \ˈhap-ləs\ adj : having no luck : UNFORTUNATE
— hap·less·ly adv

— hap·less·ness n

hap·ly \ˈhap-lē\ adv : by chance, luck, or accident

hap·pen \ˈhap-ən, ˈhap-əm\ vb hap·pened; hap·pen·ing \ˈhap-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to occur or come about by chance
2 : to take place : OCCUR
3 : to have occasion or opportunity <happened to overhear>
4 a : to meet or find something by chance <happened upon the right answer>  b : to appear casually or by chance <happened into the room just as the music started>
5 : to come by way of injury or harm <nothing will happen to you> [Middle English happenen “to occur by chance,” from hap “chance, chance occurrence” — related to HAPPY, MISHAP, PERHAPS]

hap·pen·ing n
1 : something that happens : OCCURRENCE
2 : an event that is especially interesting, entertaining, or important

hap·pi·ly \ˈhap-ə-lē\ adv
1 : in a fortunate or lucky manner <happily, no one was injured>
2 : in a happy manner or state <lived happily ever after>
3 : in a fitting, effective, or successful manner <remarks happily worded>

hap·pi·ness \ˈhap-i-nəs\ n : a state of well-being and contentment : JOY

hap·py \ˈhap-ē\ adj hap·pi·er; -est
1 : FORTUNATE 1, LUCKY
2 : SUITABLE 1 <a happy choice for governor>
3 a : enjoying well-being and contentment <happy in my work>  b : expressing or suggestive of happiness <happy laughter>  c : being pleased or glad <happy to accept an invitation> [Middle English happy “having or being good luck,” a specialized sense of hap “chance, chance occurrence” — related to HAPPEN, MISHAP, PERHAPS]

happy camper n : one who is content

hap·py–go–lucky \ˌhap-ē-gō-ˈlək-ē\ adj : cheerfully unconcerned : CAREFREE

hap·tics \ˈhap-tiks\ n pl sing in constr
1 : the use of electronically or mechanically generated movement that a user experiences through the sense of touch as part of an interface (as on a gaming console)
2 : a science concerned with the sense of touch

ha·rangue \hə-ˈraŋ\ n
1 : a speech addressed to a public assembly
2 : a forceful or scolding speech or writing
— harangue vb

— ha·rangu·er \-ˈraŋ-ər\ n

ha·rass \hə-ˈras, ˈhar-əs\ vb
1 a : to tire out by continual efforts  b : to annoy persistently  c : to create an unpleasant situation for by unwelcome verbal or physical conduct
2 : to worry with repeated attacks <harassed the enemy>
— ha·rass·er n

— ha·rass·ment \-mənt\ n

har·bin·ger \ˈhär-bən-jər\ n
1 : one that announces or shows what is coming : FORERUNNER <warm rains that come as harbingers of spring>
2 : one that initiates a major change
— harbinger vb

1har·bor \ˈhär-bər\ n
1 : a place of safety and comfort : REFUGE
2 : a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to be a place of safety for ships : PORT
— har·bor·less \-ləs\ adj

2harbor vb har·bored; har·bor·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to give shelter to <harbor an escaped convict>
2 : to hold a thought or feeling of <harbor a grudge>
3 : to take shelter in or as if in a harbor
— har·bor·er n

har·bor·age \ˈhär-bə-rij\ n : 1SHELTER 1A, HARBOR

1hard \ˈhärd\ adj
1 : not easily penetrated, cut, or divided into parts : not soft
2 a : high in alcoholic content <hard cider>  b : containing substances that prevent lathering with soap <hard water>
3 : stable and high in value and often convertible into gold <hard currency>
4 a : physically fit  b : resistant to stress or disease  c : free of weakness or defects
5 a : 1FIRM 2A, DEFINITE <a hard agreement>  b : based on clear fact <hard evidence>  c : being thorough, intense, and searching <a hard look>  d : lacking sympathy or tender feelings : UNFEELING <a hard heart>
6 a : difficult to endure : HARSH, SEVERE <hard words> <a hard winter>  b : RESENTFUL 2 <hard feelings>  c : STRICT 1 <drives a hard bargain>  d : physically or mentally difficult <a hard problem> <hard work>
7 : DILIGENT, ENERGETIC <a hard worker>
8 a : sharply or harshly defined or outlined <hard shadows>  b : sounding as in cold and geese respectively — used of c and g
synonyms HARD, FIRM, SOLID, mean having a structure that can stand up against pressure. HARD is used of something that does not easily bend, stretch, or dent <steel is hard>. FIRM is used of something that is flexible but also tough or compact <firm muscles> <a firm mattress>. SOLID is used of something that has a fixed structure and is heavy and compact all the way through <a solid wall of bricks>.

2hard adv
1 a : with great effort or energy <work hard> <try hard>  b : in a violent manner : FIERCELY <the wind blew hard>
2 a : in such a manner as to cause hardship, bitterness, or pain <the storm hit them hard>  b : with bitterness or grief <took the defeat hard>
3 : in a firm manner : TIGHTLY <hold hard to something>
4 : to the point of hardness <dry hard>
5 : close in time or space <the school stood hard by a river>

hard–and–fast \ˌhärd-ən-ˈfast\ adj : not to be changed : FIXED <a hard-and-fast rule>

hard·back \ˈhärd-ˌbak\ n : a book bound in hard covers

hard·ball \-ˌbȯl\ n : BASEBALL

hard–bit·ten \-ˈbit-ən\ adj : 1TOUGH 3 <hard-bitten veterans>

hard–boiled \-ˈbȯild\ adj
1 : boiled until both white and yolk have become solid <hard-boiled eggs>
2 : lacking tender feelings : TOUGH <a hard-boiled prison guard>

hard coal n : ANTHRACITE

hard copy n : a copy of information (as from computer storage) produced on paper in normal size <a hard copy of an e-mail message>

hard core n
1 : an unchanging and lasting central part
2 : a small number of aggressive members of a group
— hard–core adj

hard disk n
1 : a small hard metal disk with a magnetic coating on which computer data can be stored
2 : HARD DRIVE

hard drive n : a device for storing computer data that consists of one or more hard disks in a sealed case

hard–driv·ing \ˈhärd-ˈdrī-viŋ\ adj : extremely ambitious, energetic, or hardworking <a hard-driving salesperson>

hard·en \ˈhärd-ən\ vb hard·ened; hard·en·ing \ˈhärd-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to make or become hard or harder
2 : to make unfeeling or unsympathetic <hardened his heart>
3 : to make or become hardy or strong <muscles hardened by exercise>
4 : to protect from blast, heat, or radiation (as by a thick barrier or by placing underground) <hardened missile sites>
5 a : to become firm, stable, or settled  b : to express harshness
— hard·en·er \ˈhärd-nər, -ən-ər\ n

hard·en·ing n : SCLEROSIS <hardening of the arteries>

hard·hack \ˈhärd-ˌhak\ n : a North American spirea with dense bunches of small usually pink flowers and leaves having a hairy rust-colored underside

hard hat n
1 : a protective helmet worn especially by construction workers
2 : a construction worker

hard·head·ed \ˈhärd-ˈhed-əd\ adj
1 : STUBBORN 1
2 : marked by sound judgment <a hardheaded judgment>
— hard·head·ed·ly adv

— hard·head·ed·ness n

hard–heart·ed \-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : UNFEELING 2, PITILESS
— hard–heart·ed·ly adv

— hard–heart·ed·ness n

har·di·hood \ˈhärd-ē-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : BRAVERY 1
2 : VIGOR 1

hard–luck \ˈhärd-ˌlək\ adj : marked by, relating to, or experiencing bad luck <hard-luck stories>

hard·ly \ˈhärd-lē\ adv
1 : in a severe or harsh manner <deal hardly with them>
2 : with difficulty <a hardly won victory>
3 : only just : BARELY, SCARCELY <we hardly knew them>
4 : certainly not <that news is hardly surprising>

hard·ness \ˈhärd-nəs\ n
1 : the quality or state of being hard
2 : the ability of a substance (as a mineral) to scratch another substance or be itself scratched

hard–of–hearing \ˌhärd-ə(v)-ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ\ adj : relating to or having a faulty but functional sense of hearing

hard palate n : the bony front part of the roof of the mouth

hard put adj : barely able <hard put to describe it>

hard rubber n : a firm rubber or rubber product

hard·ship \ˈhärd-ˌship\ n
1 : 1PAIN 2A, PRIVATION
2 : something that causes pain or loss

hard·tack \-ˌtak\ n : a hard biscuit or bread made of flour and water without salt

hard·top \-ˈtäp\ n : an automobile having a permanent or removable rigid top

hard up adj
1 : short of money
2 : poorly provided <hard up for friends>

hard·ware \ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r, -ˌdwe(ə)r\ n
1 : articles (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal
2 : the equipment used for a particular purpose <computer hardware> <military hardware>

hard wheat n : a wheat with hard kernels that is used to make a flour especially suitable for bread and macaroni

hard·wired \-ˌwī(ə)rd\ adj : having or done using or as if using permanent electronic circuits or connections <a hardwired phone> <a mother hardwired to defend her child>

1hard·wood \ˈhär-ˌdwu̇d\ n
1 : the wood of a tree (as an oak or maple) producing flowers and having usually broad leaves as compared to the wood of a tree bearing cones and having needlelike leaves — compare SOFTWOOD 1
2 : a tree that yields hardwood

2hardwood adj
1 : having or made of hardwood
2 : consisting of mature woody tissue <a hardwood cutting>

hard·work·ing \-ˈwər-kiŋ\ adj : INDUSTRIOUS, DILIGENT

har·dy \ˈhärd-ē\ adj har·di·er; -est
1 : BOLD 1A, BRAVE
2 : able to stand fatigue or hardships : ROBUST
3 : able to survive unfavorable conditions (as of weather) <a hardy rose bush>
— har·di·ly \ˈhärd-əl-ē\ adv

— har·di·ness \ˈhärd-ē-nəs\ n

hare \ˈha(ə)r, ˈhe(ə)r\ n, pl hare or hares : any of various swift animals that are like the related rabbits but usually have longer ears and hind legs and have young born with open eyes and a furry coat

hare·bell \-ˌbel\ n : a slender herb with bright blue bell-shaped flowers

hare·brained \-ˈbrānd\ adj : SILLY 1, GIDDY

hare·lip \-ˈlip\ n, sometimes offensive : CLEFT LIP

har·em \ˈhar-əm, ˈher-\ n
1 a : the rooms set apart for the women in some Muslim households  b : the women of some Muslim households
2 : a group of female animals (as horses) associated with one male

hark \ˈhärk\ vb : LISTEN 1

hark back vb : to recall or cause to recall something earlier <hark back to the good old days>

har·le·quin \ˈhär-li-k(w)ən\ n
1 : 1CLOWN 2
2 : a pattern of usually diamond-shaped figures of different colors
— harlequin adj

harm \ˈhärm\ n
1 : physical or mental damage : INJURY
2 : MISCHIEF 3, HURT  synonyms see INJURY
— harm vb

harm·ful \ˈhärm-fəl\ adj : causing damage : INJURIOUS
— harm·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— harm·ful·ness n

harm·less \ˈhärm-ləs\ adj
1 : free from harm
2 : unable to harm
— harm·less·ly adv

— harm·less·ness n

1har·mon·ic \här-ˈmän-ik\ adj : of or relating to musical harmony as opposed to melody or rhythm
— har·mon·i·cal·ly \-ˈmän-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2harmonic n : OVERTONE 1

har·mon·i·ca \här-ˈmän-i-kə\ n : a small musical instrument that is held in the hand and played by the mouth and that produces a sound through metal reeds which vibrate as air is blown or drawn past them

har·mo·ni·ous \här-ˈmō-nē-əs\ adj
1 : having a pleasing mixture of notes <a harmonious song>
2 : having the parts agreeably related <harmonious colors>
3 : marked by agreement in feeling or action <a harmonious family>
— har·mo·ni·ous·ly adv

— har·mo·ni·ous·ness n

har·mo·nize \ˈhär-mə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to play or sing in harmony
2 : to be in harmony
3 : to bring into harmony
4 : to provide or accompany with harmony
— har·mo·ni·za·tion \ˌhär-mə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— har·mo·niz·er \ˈhär-mə-ˌnī-zər\ n

har·mo·ny \ˈhär-mə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 a : the combination of musical notes played together as chords  b : the structure of music with respect to the way it is written and to the way notes are grouped as chords  c : the science of harmony
2 a : pleasing or suitable arrangement of parts  b : AGREEMENT 1B <lives in harmony with nature>

1har·ness \ˈhär-nəs\ n
1 : the straps and fastenings by which an animal pulls a load
2 : an arrangement that resembles a harness

2harness vb
1 : to put a harness on
2 : to tie together : YOKE
3 : to put to work : UTILIZE <harness the sun's energy to heat homes>

harness racing n : the sport of racing horses that are harnessed to two-wheeled vehicles

1harp \ˈhärp\ n : a musical instrument that has strings stretched across a large open triangular frame and that is plucked with the fingers
— harp·ist \ˈhär-pəst\ n

2harp vb
1 : to play on a harp
2 : to dwell on a subject tiresomely <always harping on his shortcomings>
— harp·er n

1har·poon \här-ˈpün\ n : a barbed spear used especially in hunting large fish or whales

2harpoon vb : to strike with a harpoon
— har·poon·er n

harp·si·chord \ˈhärp-si-ˌkȯ(ə)rd\ n : a keyboard instrument similar to a piano but with strings that are plucked rather than struck

har·py \ˈhär-pē\ n, pl harpies
1 cap : a foul creature of Greek mythology that is part woman and part bird
2 a : a greedy person  b : an evil-tempered woman

har·que·bus \ˈhär-kwi-(ˌ)bəs\ or ar·que·bus \ˈär-\ n : a portable firearm of the 15th and 16th centuries later replaced by the musket

1har·ri·er \ˈhar-ē-ər\ n : any of a breed of hunting dogs like a large beagle that were originally used for hunting rabbits

2harrier n
1 : one that harries
2 : any of various slender long-legged hawks

1har·row \ˈhar-ō\ n : a cultivating tool that has spikes, teeth, or disks and is used for breaking up and smoothing the soil

2harrow vb
1 : to cultivate with a harrow
2 : 2TORMENT, VEX
— har·row·er n

har·ry \ˈhar-ē\ vb har·ried; har·ry·ing
1 : 2RAID, PILLAGE
2 : 2TORMENT 2, WORRY

harsh \ˈhärsh\ adj
1 : disagreeable to the touch
2 : causing discomfort or pain
3 : making many or difficult demands : SEVERE <harsh discipline>
4 : not pleasant to the artistic sense <harsh colors>  synonyms see ROUGH
— harsh·ly adv

— harsh·ness n

hart \ˈhärt\ n, chiefly British : a male red deer especially over five years old : STAG

harte·beest \ˈhärt-(ə-)ˌbēst\ n : either of two large African antelopes with a long head and ringed horns

har·um–scar·um \ˌhar-əm-ˈskar-əm, ˌher-əm-ˈsker-\ adj : RECKLESS, IRRESPONSIBLE
— harum–scarum adv

1har·vest \ˈhär-vəst\ n
1 : the season when crops are gathered
2 : the gathering of a crop
3 : a ripe crop (as of grain or fruit); also : the quantity of a crop gathered in a single season

2harvest vb
1 : to gather in a crop : REAP
2 : to gather as if by harvesting <harvest timber>

har·vest·er \ˈhär-vəs-tər\ n
1 : a person who gathers by or as if by harvesting
2 : a machine for harvesting field crops

har·vest·man \ˈhär-vəs(t)-mən\ n : DADDY LONGLEGS 2

harvest moon n : the full moon nearest the time of the September equinox

has present 3rd singular of HAVE

has–been \ˈhaz-ˌbin\ n : one that has passed the peak of ability, power, or popularity

1hash \ˈhash\ vb
1 a : to chop into small pieces  b : CONFUSE 3, MUDDLE
2 : to talk about : DISCUSS <hashed over the problem> [from French hacher “to chop up into small pieces,” from early French hachier (same meaning), from hache “battle-ax”; of Germanic origin — related to 4HATCH, HATCHET]

2hash n
1 : chopped meat mixed with potatoes and browned
2 : a mixture of many different things

3hash n : HASHISH [a shortened form of hashish]

hash·ish \ˈhash-ˌēsh, ha-ˈshēsh\ n : a drug prepared from the flowering tops of the hemp that is smoked, chewed, or drunk for its intoxicating effect

hash·tag \ˈhash-ˌtag\ n : a word or phrase preceded by the symbol # that classifies or categorizes the accompanying text (such as a tweet)

hasn't \ˈhaz-ənt\ : has not

hasp \ˈhasp\ n : a fastener especially for a door or lid consisting of a hinged metal strap that fits over a staple and is held by a pin or padlock

has·si·um \ˈhas-ē-əm\ n : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE [from Hassia “Hesse,” name of the German state containing the laboratory that first produced the element]

1has·sle \ˈhas-əl\ vb has·sled; has·sling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : ARGUE 2, DISPUTE <hassled with the umpire>
2 : to annoy continuously : HARASS

2hassle n
1 : ARGUMENT 2
2 : 2FIGHT 1A
3 : something that is annoying or troublesome

has·sock \ˈhas-ək\ n
1 : TUSSOCK
2 a : a cushion to kneel on in prayer  b : a cushion used as a seat or as a leg rest

hast \(ˈ)hast, (h)əst\ archaic present 2nd singular of HAVE

has·tate \ˈhas-ˌtāt\ adj : shaped like an arrowhead with flaring barbs <a hastate leaf>

1haste \ˈhāst\ n
1 : rapidity of motion or action
2 : reckless action
3 : eagerness to act that is not proper or suitable

2haste vb hast·ed; hast·ing : HASTEN

has·ten \ˈhā-sən\ vb has·tened; has·ten·ing \ˈhās-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to urge on
2 : to speed up : ACCELERATE <hastened my steps>
3 : to move or act quickly : HURRY
— has·ten·er \ˈhās-nər, -ən-ər\ n

hasty \ˈhā-stē\ adj hast·i·er; -est
1 a : done or made in a hurry <made a hasty sketch of the scene>  b : fast and often not thorough <made a hasty survey of the problem>
2 : acting or done without forethought : RASH
3 : quick to anger : IRRITABLE <a hasty temper>  synonyms see FAST
— hast·i·ly \-stə-lē\ adv

— hast·i·ness \-stē-nəs\ n

hasty pudding n
1 British : a porridge of oatmeal or flour boiled in water
2 New England  a : cornmeal mush  b : INDIAN PUDDING

hat \ˈhat\ n
1 : a covering for the head usually having a shaped crown and brim
2 a : a distinctive head covering worn as a symbol of office  b : an office, position, or role assumed as if by the wearing of a special hat <wears many hats in her job>
— under one's hat : 1SECRET 1B <kept the news under his hat>

hat·box \ˈhat-ˌbäks\ n : a round case for carrying hats

1hatch \ˈhach\ n
1 : an opening in a deck, floor, or roof
2 : a small door or opening (as in an airplane)
3 : the covering for a hatch [Old English hæc “small door or opening”]

2hatch vb
1 a : to produce from eggs <the hen hatched chicks>  b : INCUBATE 1 <the hen hatched the eggs>
2 a : to emerge from an egg, pupa, or chrysalis <the chicks hatched today>  b : to give forth young <the eggs hatched today>
3 : to bring into being : ORIGINATE; esp : to organize or put together in secret <hatch a plot> [Middle English hacchen “to cause to be born out of an egg”]

3hatch n
1 : an act or instance of hatching
2 : a brood of hatched young

4hatch vb : to mark (as the shading in a picture) with hatching [Middle English hachen “to mark with a pattern of fine lines,” from early French hacher “to inlay, chop up,” derived from earlier hache “battle-ax”; of Germanic origin — related to 1HASH, HATCHET]

hatch·back \ˈhach-ˌbak\ n
1 : a back on an automobile having an upward-opening hatch
2 : an automobile having a hatchback

hatch·ery \ˈhach-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : a place for hatching eggs <a fish hatchery>

hatch·et \ˈhach-ət\ n : a small ax with a short handle [Middle English hachet “small ax, hatchet,” from early French hachette, literally, “small battle-ax,” from hache “battle-ax”; of Germanic origin — related to 1HASH, 4HATCH]

hatch·ing \ˈhach-iŋ\ n : the engraving or drawing of fine lines close together chiefly to give an effect of shading; also : the pattern so created

hatch·ling \ˈhach-liŋ\ n : a recently hatched animal

hatch·way \ˈhach-ˌwā\ n : a hatch usually with a ladder or stairs

1hate \ˈhāt\ n
1 : strong dislike
2 : something or someone that is hated

2hate vb hat·ed; hat·ing
1 : to feel strong dislike toward <hates his country's enemies>
2 a : to have a strong feeling of disgust for <hate hypocrisy>  b : to find distasteful : DISLIKE <hates cold weather>
— hat·er n

— hate one's guts : to hate someone to an extreme degree
synonyms HATE, DETEST, ABHOR, LOATHE, mean to have strong feelings against. HATE suggests deep dislike and the wishing of harm to another <they hated their enemies>. DETEST suggests violent feelings against something or someone but without the desire for harm <I detest lying and cheating>. ABHOR suggests strong distaste <she abhors dishonesty>. LOATHE suggests complete disgust or rejection <loathed doing housework>.

hate crime n : any of various crimes (as assault) when motivated by hostility to the victim based on social characteristics (as color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin)

hate·ful \ˈhāt-fəl\ adj
1 : full of hate : MALICIOUS <hateful enemies>
2 : causing or deserving hate <a hateful crime>
— hate·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— hate·ful·ness n

hath \(ˈ)hath, (h)əth\ archaic present 3rd singular of HAVE

ha·tred \ˈhā-trəd\ n : 1HATE 1

hat·ter \ˈhat-ər\ n : one that makes, sells, or cleans and repairs hats

hau·berk \ˈhȯ-(ˌ)bərk\ n : a tunic of chain mail worn as defensive armor from the 12th to the 14th century

haugh·ty \ˈhȯt-ē, ˈhät-\ adj haugh·ti·er; -est : rudely proud in a manner that expresses scorn for others : ARROGANT
— haugh·ti·ly \ˈhȯt-ə-lē, ˈhät-\ adv

— haugh·ti·ness \ˈhȯt-ē-nəs, ˈhät-\ n

1haul \ˈhȯl\ vb
1 : to pull or drag with effort : DRAW <haul a cart>
2 : to obtain or move by or as if by hauling
3 : to transport in a vehicle
4 : to bring before an authority : HALE <hauled him into court> [Middle English halen “to pull,” from early French haler (same meaning); of Germanic origin — related to 2HALE]
— haul·er n

2haul n
1 : the act or process of hauling : PULL
2 a : an amount collected : TAKE <a burglar's haul>  b : the amount of fish taken in a single drawing of a net
3 : the distance over which a load is hauled <a long haul>

haunch \ˈhȯnch, ˈhänch\ n
1 a : 2HIP  b : HINDQUARTER 2 — usually used in plural
2 : HINDQUARTER 1

1haunt \ˈhȯnt, ˈhänt\ vb
1 : to visit often : FREQUENT <they haunted the antique shops>
2 a : to have a disturbing or harmful effect on <problems we ignore now will come back to haunt us>  b : to come back to the mind of again and again <the song haunted me all day>
3 : to visit or live in as a ghost <spirits haunted the house>
— haunt·er n

— haunt·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2haunt \ˈhȯnt, ˈhänt\ n : a place repeatedly visited

haut·bois or haut·boy \ˈ(h)ō-ˌbȯi\ n, pl hautbois \-ˌbȯiz\ or hautboys : OBOE

1have \(ˈ)hav, (h)əv, v; in “have to” meaning “must” usually ˈhaf\ vb past & past participle had \(ˈ)had, (h)əd, d\; present participle hav·ing \ˈhav-iŋ\; present 3rd sing has \(ˈ)haz, (h)əz, z, s; in “have to” meaning “must” usually ˈhas\
1 a : POSSESS 1, OWN <have a dog> <have the right to vote>  b : to consist of <April has 30 days>
2 : to be forced by duty or conscience in regard to : MUST <have to go> <have a letter to write>
3 : to stand in relationship to <has three sisters>
4 a : OBTAIN 1, GET <the best to be had>  b : RECEIVE 1 <had bad news>  c : ACCEPT 1A; esp : to accept in marriage <she wouldn't have him>
5 a : to be marked or characterized by <has red hair>  b : REVEAL 1 <had the courage to refuse>  c : 2USE 3, EXERCISE <have mercy>
6 a : 2EXPERIENCE, UNDERGO <have a good time> <I have a cold>  b : to perform an action or engage in an activity <have a look at that mess> <had a fight>  c : to hold in the mind <have an opinion> <have doubts>
7 a : to cause to do or be done <had my hair cut> <please have the children stay>  b : to cause to be <has everyone confused>
8 : 1PERMIT 1 <we'll have no more of that>
9 a : to hold an advantage over <we have them now>  b : 2TRICK 1, FOOL <been had by a partner>
10 : 2BEAR 2A <have a baby>
11 : to partake of <have dinner>
12 : 2BRIBE <can be had for a price>
13 — used as a helping verb with the past participle of another verb <has gone home> <had already eaten> <will have finished dinner by then>
— had better or had best : would be wise to <you had better start your work>

— have at : to go at or deal with : ATTACK

— have done : 1FINISH 1, STOP

— have coming : to deserve what one gets, benefits by, or suffers <he had that punishment coming>

— have it in for : to intend to do harm to

— have one's eye on : to watch constantly and attentively

— have to do with
1 : to deal with <the book has to do with fish>
2 : to have a specified relationship with or effect on <luck had nothing to do with winning>

2have \ˈhav\ n : one that has much material wealth

ha·ven \ˈhā-vən\ n
1 : 1HARBOR 2, PORT
2 : a place of safety : SHELTER

have–not \ˈhav-ˌnät, -ˈnät\ n : one that is poor in material wealth

haven't \ˈhav-ənt\ : have not

hav·er·sack \ˈhav-ər-ˌsak\ n : a bag similar to a knapsack but worn over one shoulder

hav·oc \ˈhav-ək\ n
1 : wide and general destruction <havoc caused by a tornado>
2 : great confusion and disorder

1haw \ˈhȯ\ vb
1 : to make a sound (as \ə\) which is usually written as haw <hemmed and hawed before answering>
2 : to hesitate in speaking

2haw n : a pause in speaking filled by the sound which is usually written as haw

3haw imperative verb — used as a direction to turn left

Ha·waii–Aleu·tian time \hə-ˈwä-(y)ē-ə-ˈlü-shən-, -ˈwī-, -ˈwȯ-\ n : the time of the 10th time zone west of Greenwich that includes the Hawaiian Islands and the Aleutian Islands west of the Fox group

Ha·wai·ian \hə-ˈwä-yən, -ˈwī(y)ən, -ˈwȯ-yən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Hawaii; esp : one of Polynesian ancestry
2 : the Polynesian language of the Hawaiians
— Hawaiian adj

1hawk \ˈhȯk\ n
1 : any of numerous birds of prey that have a strong hooked bill and sharp curved claws and are smaller than most eagles
2 : a person who supports war or warlike policies [Old English hafoc “hawk”]
— hawk·ish \ˈhȯ-kish\ adj

2hawk vb : to hunt birds by means of a trained hawk

3hawk vb : to offer for sale by calling out in the street <hawk vegetables> [back-formation from {h,2}hawker]

4hawk vb
1 : to make a harsh coughing sound in or as if in clearing the throat
2 : to raise by hawking <hawk up phlegm>

1hawk·er \ˈhȯ-kər\ n : FALCONER

2hawker n : a person who hawks wares [Low German höker, from höken “to peddle”]

hawk moth n : any of numerous moths with a stout body, long narrow pointed front wings, and small hind wings

hawk·weed \ˈhȯ-ˌkwēd\ n : any of several plants related to the daisies and having usually yellow, red, or orange flowers — compare ORANGE HAWKWEED

haw·ser \ˈhȯ-zər\ n : a large rope for towing or tying up a ship

haw·thorn \ˈhȯ-ˌthȯ(ə)rn\ n : any of a genus of thorny shrubs or small trees that are related to the roses and have glossy leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, and small red fruits

1hay \ˈhā\ n : herbs (as grasses) cut and dried for use as fodder

2hay vb
1 : to cut, cure, and store plants for hay
2 : to feed with hay

hay·cock \ˈhā-ˌkäk\ n : a cone-shaped pile of hay

hay fever n : an allergy to pollen that is usually marked by sneezing, a runny or stuffed nose, and itchy and watering eyes

hay·loft \-ˌlȯft\ n : the upper part of a barn where hay is stored

hay·mow \-ˌmau̇\ n : HAYLOFT

hay·rack \-ˌrak\ n : a frame mounted on a wagon and used especially in hauling hay or straw; also : the wagon and frame

hay·rick \-ˌrik\ n : a large sometimes thatched outdoor stack of hay

hay·stack \-ˌstak\ n : a stack of hay

hay·wire \-ˌwī(ə)r\ adv or adj
1 : being out of order : not working <the radio went haywire>
2 : CRAZY 1

1haz·ard \ˈhaz-ərd\ n
1 : a game of chance played with two dice
2 : 1CHANCE 1, ACCIDENT
3 : a source of danger
4 : an obstacle on a golf course  synonyms see DANGER
Word History Hazard was at first a game of chance played with dice. The English word comes from an early form of French, in which the game was called hasard. This French word was probably borrowed during the time of the Crusades from Arabic az-zahr, meaning “the die (one of the dice).” The game was borrowed from the French by the English, and within a few centuries what had been a chance taken on the outcome of a throw of the dice could be any venture or risk. Now “chance” or “venture” and “risk” or “peril” are the usual meanings of hazard. [Middle English hazard “game of chance,” from early French hasard (same meaning), from Arabic az-zahr “the die (one of the dice)”]

2hazard vb : 1VENTURE 1, RISK <hazard a guess>

haz·ard·ous \ˈhaz-ərd-əs\ adj : DANGEROUS 1, RISKY
— haz·ard·ous·ly adv

— haz·ard·ous·ness n

1haze \ˈhāz\ n
1 : fine dust, smoke, or light vapor causing lack of transparency in the air
2 : unclearness of mind or perception : DAZE [from hazy]

2haze vb hazed; haz·ing : to make or become hazy or cloudy

3haze vb hazed; haz·ing : to play unpleasant and humiliating tricks on (as new members of a college fraternity) or force to perform humiliating tasks or stunts [origin unknown]
— haz·er n

ha·zel \ˈhā-zəl\ n
1 : any of a genus of shrubs or small trees related to birches and bearing edible nuts enclosed in a leafy case
2 : a light brown to a strong yellowish brown
— hazel adj

ha·zel·nut \-ˌnət\ n : the nut of a hazel

hazy \ˈhā-zē\ adj haz·i·er; -est
1 : partly hidden or darkened by or as if by haze <hazy weather>
2 : VAGUE 2, INDEFINITE <a hazy idea>
— haz·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— haz·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

H–bomb \ˈāch-ˌbäm\ n : HYDROGEN BOMB

HDMI \ˌāch-ˌdē-ˌem-ˈī\ trademark — used for a digital video interface capable of transmitting information in high definition

he \(ˈ)hē, ē\ pron
1 : that male one who is neither speaker nor hearer <he is my father>
2 — used in a general sense or when the sex of the person is unknown <everyone should do the best he can>

1head \ˈhed\ n
1 : the upper or front part of the body (as of a human being or an insect) that contains the brain, the chief sense organs, and the mouth
2 a : 1MIND 2, UNDERSTANDING <a good head for figures>  b : control of the mind or feelings <kept a level head in time of danger>
3 : the side of a coin bearing a head or the major design
4 a : PERSON 1, INDIVIDUAL <count heads>  b pl head : one of a number (as of livestock) <100 head of cattle>
5 a : the end that is upper or higher or opposite the foot <the head of the bed>  b : the uppermost part : TOP  c : a skin or something like a thin piece of skin stretched across one or both ends of a drum
6 : HEADMASTER
7 : a compact mass of plant parts (as leaves or flowers) <a head of cabbage>
8 a : the place where a stream begins  b : the difference in elevation between two points in a body of fluid  c : the resulting pressure at the lower point; also : pressure of a fluid <a head of steam>
9 a : the place of leadership or command <the person at the head of the group>  b : a person in this place : CHIEF, LEADER
10 : the foam that rises on a foaming liquid
11 a : the part of a boil, pimple, or abscess at which it is likely to break  b : CRISIS 2 <events came to a head>
12 : a part of a machine, tool, or weapon that performs the main function <head of a lance> <a machine with a grinding head>
— head·ship \ˈhed-ˌship\ n

— out of one's head : DELIRIOUS 1

— over one's head
1 : beyond one's understanding
2 : so as to bypass one in a higher position <went over the principal's head to complain to the school board>

2head adj
1 : PRINCIPAL, CHIEF <head cook>
2 : placed at the head <sat at the head table at the banquet>
3 : coming from in front <head sea>

3head vb
1 : to form a head <this cabbage heads early>
2 : to be or put oneself at the head of : LEAD <head a revolt> <head the list of heroes>
3 a : to get in front of so as to hinder, stop, or turn back <head them off at the pass>  b : to take a lead over (as in a race)
4 : to go or point in a specified course <head for home> <head the ship north>

head·ache \ˈhed-ˌāk\ n
1 : pain in the head
2 : an annoying or baffling situation or problem
— head·achy \-ˌā-kē\ adj

head·band \-ˌband\ n : a band worn on or around the head

head·board \-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a board forming the head (as of a bed)

head cold n : a common cold centered in the nasal passages and nearby tissues

head·dress \ˈhed-ˌdres\ n : a covering or ornament for the head

head·ed \ˈhed-əd\ adj : having such a head or so many heads <curly-headed> <two-headed ax>

head·er \ˈhed-ər\ n : a fall or dive headfirst <took a header downstairs>

head·first \ˈhed-ˈfərst\ adv : with the head foremost
— headfirst adj

head·gear \-ˌgi(ə)r\ n
1 : a covering (as a hat or helmet) for the head
2 : harness for a horse's head

head–hunt·ing \-ˌhənt-iŋ\ n : the practice of cutting off and preserving the heads of enemies
— head·hunt·er n

head·ing \ˈhed-iŋ\ n
1 : the direction in which a ship or aircraft points
2 : something (as a title or an address) at the top or beginning (as of a letter or chapter)

head·land \ˈhed-lənd, -ˌland\ n : a point of land sticking out into the sea : PROMONTORY

head·less \ˈhed-ləs\ adj
1 : having no head
2 : having no chief
3 : lacking good sense or prudence : FOOLISH
— head·less·ness n

head·light \ˈhed-ˌlīt\ n : a light on the front of a vehicle

1head·line \-ˌlīn\ n
1 : a line at the top of a page (as in a book) giving a heading
2 : the title over an item or article in a newspaper

2headline vb
1 : to provide with a headline
2 : to publicize highly

1head·long \ˈhed-ˈlȯŋ\ adv
1 : HEADFIRST
2 : without careful thought : RECKLESSLY

2headlong adj
1 : lacking in calmness or restraint : RASH <headlong flight>
2 : plunging headfirst <a headlong dive>

head louse n : a sucking louse that lives on the human scalp

head·man \ˈhed-ˈman, -ˌman\ n : one who is a leader (as of a tribe, clan, or village) : CHIEF

head·mas·ter \-ˌmas-tər, -ˈmas-\ n : a male head of a private school

head·mis·tress \-ˌmis-trəs, -ˈmis-\ n : a female head of a private school

head–on \-ˈȯn, -ˈän\ adj : having the head or front facing forward : front to front <a head-on collision>

head over heels adv
1 : in or as if in a somersault <fell head over heels down the hill>
2 : very much : DEEPLY <head over heels in love>

head·phone \ˈhed-ˌfōn\ n : an earphone held over the ear by a band worn on the head — usually used in plural

head·piece \-ˌpēs\ n : a protective covering for the head

head·pin \-ˌpin\ n : a pin that stands at the front in a triangular arrangement of bowling pins

head·quar·ters \ˈhed-ˌkwȯ(r)t-ərz, (ˈ)hed-ˈkwȯ(r)t-ərz\ n sing or pl
1 : a place from which a commander exercises command
2 : the governing and directing center of an organization

head·rest \ˈhed-ˌrest\ n : a support for the head

head·set \-ˌset\ n : a pair of headphones

head·shrink·er \-ˌshriŋk-ər\ n, slang : PSYCHIATRIST

heads·man \ˈhedz-mən\ n : one that beheads

head·stand \ˈhed-ˌstand\ n : the acrobatic feat of standing on one's head usually with support from the hands

head start n
1 : an advantage given to a contestant at the beginning of a race <a five-minute head start>
2 : a favorable or promising beginning

head·stone \-ˌstōn\ n : a memorial stone placed at the head of a grave

head·strong \-ˌstrȯŋ\ adj
1 : not easily controlled : wanting one's own way <a headstrong child>
2 : directed by uncontrollable will <violent headstrong actions>  synonyms see UNRULY

head·wait·er \-ˈwāt-ər\ n : the head of the dining-room staff of a restaurant or hotel

head·wa·ter \-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : the beginning and upper part of a stream — usually used in plural

head·way \-ˌwā\ n
1 : motion forward
2 : 1PROGRESS 2

head·wind \-ˌwind\ n : a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)

head·work \ˈhed-ˌwərk\ n : mental work : clever thinking

heady \ˈhed-ē\ adj head·i·er; -est
1 : WILLFUL 1, RASH
2 : likely to make one giddy <heady wine> <a heady height>
— head·i·ly \ˈhed-ə-lē\ adv

— head·i·ness \ˈhed-ē-nəs\ n

heal \ˈhē(ə)l\ vb : to make or become healthy or whole <heal the sick> <a cut that heals slowly>

heal·er \ˈhē-lər\ n : one that heals

health \ˈhelth\ n
1 a : the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; esp : freedom from disease  b : the overall condition of the body <in poor health>
2 : flourishing condition
3 : a toast to someone's health or success <drink a health> [Old English hǣlth “health,” from hāl “healthy” — related to 1HALE]

health food n : a food that is said to be especially good for one's health

health·ful \ˈhelth-fəl\ adj
1 : good for the health of the body or mind <healthful exercise>
2 : HEALTHY 1
— health·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— health·ful·ness n
synonyms HEALTHFUL, WHOLESOME, mean good for the health of the body or mind. HEALTHFUL suggests a positive contribution to a healthy condition <a healthful diet>. WHOLESOME applies to whatever benefits, builds up, or maintains one's physical, mental, or spiritual health <wholesome foods> <wholesome family entertainment>.

healthy \ˈhel-thē\ adj health·i·er; -est
1 a : being in good health : WELL  b : indicating good health <healthy complexion>
2 : HEALTHFUL 1
3 a : enjoying vigorous and rapid growth <a healthy economy>  b : not small or feeble : CONSIDERABLE <a healthy crowd in attendance>
— health·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adv

— health·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

1heap \ˈhēp\ n
1 : a collection of things thrown one on another : PILE <a rubbish heap>
2 : a great number or large quantity : LOT <heaps of money> <a heap of fun>

2heap vb
1 : to throw or lay in a heap : AMASS, PILE <heap up leaves>
2 : to toss or give in large quantities <heaped scorn on our efforts>
3 : to form a heap on : load heavily <heaped the plate with food>

hear \ˈhi(ə)r\ vb heard \ˈhərd\; hear·ing \ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ\
1 : to take in through the ear <hear music>; also : to have the power of taking in sound <doesn't hear well>
2 : to gain knowledge of by hearing : LEARN <heard you're leaving>
3 : to listen to : HEED <hear me out>
4 a : to give a legal hearing to <hear a case>  b : to take testimony from <hear witnesses>
5 a : to get news <heard from them yesterday>  b : to have knowledge <never heard of such a thing>
6 : to consider the idea <wouldn't hear of it>
— hear·er \ˈhir-ər\ n

hear·ing n
1 a : the process or power of taking in sound : the sense by which a person hears  b : the range within which the normal voice may be heard <stay within hearing>
2 a : a chance to present one's case <demanded a hearing>  b : a listening to arguments or testimony  c : a session in which testimony is heard <held public hearings on the bill>

hearing aid n : an electronic device usually worn by a person with poor hearing to make sounds louder

hear·ken \ˈhär-kən\ vb hear·kened; hear·ken·ing \ˈhärk-(ə-)niŋ\ : LISTEN 1, ATTEND

hear·say \ˈhi(ə)r-ˌsā\ n
1 : something heard from another : RUMOR
2 : HEARSAY EVIDENCE

hearsay evidence n : a statement made out of court and not under oath that is offered as proof that what is stated is true

hearse \ˈhərs\ n : a vehicle for conveying the dead to the grave
Word History An early form of French used the word herce for a harrow, a farm tool used to break up and smooth the soil. Herce was also applied to a triangular frame that was similar in shape to the frame of a harrow and was used for holding candles. Herce was borrowed into English as hearse, and both the literal sense of “harrow” and the extended sense of “a frame for holding candles” were kept. In those days a large and decorative framework might be raised over the tomb or coffin of an honored person. Because this framework was often decorated with candles, the word hearse was applied to it. A series of slightly changed meanings led to the use of hearse for a platform for a corpse or coffin, and from that to a vehicle to carry the dead to the grave. [Middle English herse “a triangular frame for holding candles,” from early French herce “frame for holding candles, harrow,” from Latin hirpex “harrow”]

heart \ˈhärt\ n
1 a : a hollow muscular organ of vertebrates that expands and contracts to move blood through the arteries, veins, and capillaries  b : a structure in an invertebrate that serves a purpose like that of the heart of a vertebrate
2 : the central or most important part <the heart of a forest> <the heart of the argument>
3 a : something resembling a heart in shape  b : a playing card marked with red simplified patterns of hearts  c pl : a card game whose object is to avoid taking tricks with hearts
4 a : human feelings : AFFECTION, KINDNESS <a ruler without heart>  b : COURAGE, SPIRIT <take heart>
5 : PERSONALITY 2, DISPOSITION 3 <a cold heart>
— heart·ed \-əd\ adj

— by heart : by rote or from memory

— to heart : with deep concern

heart·ache \ˈhärt-ˌāk\ n : 1SORROW 1A, ANGUISH

heart attack n : a sudden severe occurrence of damage to heart muscle caused by too little blood going to the heart usually as a result of the blocking of a coronary artery (as by a bit of fatty matter)

heart·beat \ˈhärt-ˌbēt\ n : a single contracting and expanding of the heart

heart·break \-ˌbrāk\ n : crushing grief, anguish, or distress
— heart·break·ing \-ˌbrā-kiŋ\ adj

— heart·break·ing·ly adv

— heart·bro·ken \-ˌbrō-kən\ adj

heart·burn \-ˌbərn\ n : a burning discomfort seeming to occur in the area of the heart and usually due to spasms which pass acid from the stomach into the esophagus

heart disease n : an abnormal condition of the heart or of the heart and blood circulation

heart·en \ˈhärt-ən\ vb heart·ened; heart·en·ing \ˈhärt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to cheer up : ENCOURAGE

heart·felt \ˈhärt-ˌfelt\ adj : deeply felt : EARNEST <heartfelt thanks>

hearth \ˈhärth\ n
1 a : the area in front of a fireplace  b : the floor of a fireplace  c : the lowest section of a blast furnace
2 : 1HOME 1A

hearth·stone \-ˌstōn\ n
1 : stone forming a hearth
2 : 1HOME 1A

heart·i·ly \ˈhärt-əl-ē\ adv
1 : with sincerity, goodwill, or enthusiasm <set to work heartily> <eat heartily>
2 : in a cheerful manner <make a guest heartily welcome>
3 : in a complete or thorough manner <heartily sick of their complaints>

heart·land \ˈhärt-ˌland\ n : a central land area; esp : one of great economic and military importance

heart·less \ˈhärt-ləs\ adj : PITILESS, CRUEL
— heart·less·ly adv

— heart·less·ness n

heart·rend·ing \ˈhärt-ˌren-diŋ\ adj : causing heartbreak <a heartrending tragedy>

heart·sick \-ˌsik\ adj : very sad and discouraged : DEPRESSED
— heart·sick·ness n

heart·sore \-ˌsō(ə)r, -ˌsȯ(ə)r\ adj : HEARTSICK

heart·string \-ˌstriŋ\ n : the deepest emotions or affections <touched the heartstrings of the audience>

heart·throb \-ˌthräb\ n
1 : the throb of a heart
2 : a sentimental emotion : PASSION  b : SWEETHEART; also : an attractive and usually famous man

heart–to–heart \ˌhärt-tə-ˌhärt\ adj : FRANK, SINCERE <a heart-to-heart talk>

heart·warm·ing \ˈhärt-ˌwȯr-miŋ\ adj : making one feel good inside : cheering to one's emotions

heart·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n : the older harder nonliving and usually darker wood of the central part of a tree trunk — compare SAPWOOD

1hearty \ˈhärt-ē\ adj heart·i·er; -est
1 a : WHOLEHEARTED, SINCERE <hearty agreement>  b : enthusiastically friendly <a hearty welcome>  c : UNRESTRAINED 2 <hearty laughter>
2 a : exhibiting very good health <hale and hearty>  b : having a good appetite <a hearty eater>  c : being plentiful and satisfying <a hearty meal>
3 : ENERGETIC, VIGOROUS <gave a hearty pull>
— heart·i·ness n

2hearty n, pl heart·ies : COMRADE; also : SAILOR

1heat \ˈhēt\ vb
1 : to make or become warm or hot
2 : to make excited

2heat n
1 a : a condition of being hot : WARMTH  b : a high degree of hotness  c : a hot place or period <the heat of the day>  d : a form of energy that causes substances to rise in temperature or to go through associated changes (as melting, evaporation, or expansion)
2 a : strength of feeling <answered with some heat>  b : the height of an action or condition <the heat of battle>  c : ESTRUS 1
3 : a single race in a contest made up of two or more races
— heat·less \ˈhēt-ləs\ adj

— heat·proof \-ˈprüf\ adj

heat·ed \ˈhēt-əd\ adj : marked by excited or angry feelings <a heated debate>
— heat·ed·ly adv

heat·er \ˈhēt-ər\ n : a device that heats or holds something to be heated

heat exchanger n : a device (as an automobile radiator) for transferring heat from one fluid to another without allowing them to mix

heat exhaustion n : a condition marked by weakness, nausea, dizziness, and much sweating that results from physical exertion in a hot environment — called also heat prostration; compare HEAT STROKE

heath \ˈhēth\ n
1 : any of a family of shrubby often evergreen plants that grow well on open barren usually acid and poorly drained soil; esp : a low evergreen shrub with needlelike leaves and clusters of small flowers
2 : a usually level area of land overgrown with low shrubs
— heathy \ˈhē-thē\ adj

hea·then \ˈhē-thən\ n, pl heathens or heathen
1 : a person who does not know about and worship the God of the Bible : PAGAN
2 : an uncivilized person
— heathen adj

— hea·then·dom \-dəm\ n

— hea·then·ish \-thə-nish\ adj

— hea·then·ism \-ˌniz-əm\ n

heath·er \ˈheth-ər\ n : HEATH 1; esp : a common evergreen heath of northern and alpine regions with very small stemless leaves and tiny usually purplish pink flowers
— heath·ery \-(ə-)rē\ adj

heath hen n : an extinct grouse of the northeastern U.S. related to the prairie chicken

heat lightning n : flashes of lightning without thunder seen near the horizon

heat pump n : a device for heating or cooling a building by transferring heat contained in a fluid to or from the building

heat rash n : PRICKLY HEAT

heat shield n : a barrier of insulation to protect a space capsule from heat on its return to earth

heat·stroke \ˈhēt-ˌstrōk\ n : a condition marked especially by the stopping of sweating, a high body temperature, and exhaustion that results from exposure to high temperature for a long time — compare SUNSTROKE

heat wave n : a period of unusually hot weather

1heave \ˈhēv\ vb heaved or hove \ˈhōv\; heav·ing
1 : to raise with effort <heave a trunk onto a truck>
2 : 1THROW 1A, CAST, HURL <heave a rock>
3 : to utter with effort <heave a sigh>
4 : to rise and fall repeatedly <the runner's chest was heaving>
5 : to be thrown up or raised <the ground heaved during the earthquake>
6 : 2VOMIT 1  synonyms see RAISE
— heav·er n

— heave to : to bring a ship to a stop

2heave n
1 a : an effort to heave or raise  b : a forceful throw : CAST
2 : a rhythmic rising (as of the chest in breathing)

heav·en \ˈhev-ən\ n
1 : SKY 1 — usually used in plural
2 often cap : the dwelling place of God and of the blessed dead
3 : a place or condition of complete happiness

heav·en·ly \ˈhev-ən-lē\ adj
1 : of or relating to heaven or the heavens <heavenly bodies such as the stars>
2 : suggesting the blessed state of heaven <heavenly grace>
3 : completely delightful <a heavenly day>
— heav·en·li·ness n

heav·en·ward \ˈhev-ən-wərd\ adv or adj : toward heaven

heavier–than–air adj : of greater weight than the air that would occupy the same amount of space

1heavy \ˈhev-ē\ adj heavi·er; -est
1 a : having great weight or greater than usual weight  b : weighty in proportion to bulk : having a high density <gold is a heavy metal>  c : having or being atoms of greater than normal mass <heavy isotopes>
2 : very hard to deal with : GRIEVOUS <a heavy sorrow>
3 : of weighty importance : SERIOUS <words heavy with meaning>
4 : lacking life, gaiety, or charm : DULL
5 : DROWSY 1
6 : greater in volume, force, or power than the average <heavy traffic> <heavy seas> <heavy infantry>
7 : 2OVERCAST <a heavy sky>
8 : LABORIOUS 2, LABORED <heavy breathing>
9 : using or consuming much <a heavy eater>
10 : rich and not easily digested <heavy desserts>
11 : producing goods (as coal or steel) used in the production of other goods <heavy industry>
— heavi·ly \ˈhev-ə-lē\ adv

— heavi·ness \ˈhev-ē-nəs\ n

2heavy adv : in a heavy manner : HEAVILY <time hung heavy on their hands>

3heavy n, pl heav·ies
1 : HEAVYWEIGHT 2
2 a : a theatrical role or an actor representing a dignified or impressive person  b : VILLAIN 2

heavy–du·ty \ˌhev-ē-ˈd(y)üt-ē\ adj : able or designed to take hard use or great strain <heavy-duty vehicles>

heavy–hand·ed \ˌhev-ē-ˈhan-dəd\ adj
1 : CLUMSY 1
2 : severe or harsh in dealing with others

heavy hydrogen n : DEUTERIUM

heavy·set \ˌhev-ē-ˈset\ adj : STOCKY; also : 1STOUT 4

heavy water n : water enriched in deuterium

heavy·weight \ˈhev-ē-ˌwāt\ n
1 : one above average in weight
2 : one in the heaviest class of contestants; esp : a boxer in an unlimited weight division
3 : someone or something that is very important or powerful <a company that is an industry heavyweight>

He·brew \ˈhē-(ˌ)brü\ n
1 : a member of one of a group of northern Semitic peoples including the Israelites; esp : ISRAELITE
2 : the Semitic language of the Hebrews
— He·bra·ic \hi-ˈbrā-ik\ adj

— Hebrew adj

He·brews \ˈhē-(ˌ)brüz\ n : a theological treatise addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

heck·le \ˈhek-əl\ vb heck·led; heck·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to interrupt with questions or comments usually with the intention of annoying or hindering <were heckling the speaker>
— heck·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

hect- or hecto- combining form : hundred [from French hect- “hundred,” an altered form of Greek hekaton “hundred”]

hect·are \ˈhek-ˌta(ə)r, -ˌte(ə)r, -ˌtär\ n : a unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

hec·tic \ˈhek-tik\ adj
1 : being hot and flushed
2 : filled with excitement, activity, or confusion <a hectic day of shopping>
— hec·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

hec·to·gram \ˈhek-tə-ˌgram\ n : a unit of mass equal to 100 grams — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

hec·to·li·ter \ˈhek-tə-ˌlēt-ər\ n : a unit of capacity equal to 100 liters — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

hec·to·me·ter \ˈhek-tə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : a unit of length equal to 100 meters — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

hec·tor \ˈhek-tər\ vb hec·tored; hec·tor·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to act like a bully : SWAGGER
2 : to frighten by threatening or bullying

he'd \(ˌ)hēd, ēd\ : he had : he would

1hedge \ˈhej\ n
1 : a boundary formed by a dense row of shrubs or low trees
2 : BARRIER 1, LIMIT

2hedge vb hedged; hedg·ing
1 : to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge
2 : to block with or as if with a barrier <hedged in by restrictions>
3 : to avoid giving a direct or exact answer or promise <hedged when asked to support the campaign>
— hedg·er n

hedge·hog \ˈhej-ˌhȯg, -ˌhäg\ n
1 : any of several mammals of Europe, Asia, and Africa that eat insects, have sharp spines mixed with the hair on their back, and are able to roll themselves up into a spiny ball when threatened
2 : PORCUPINE

hedge·hop \-ˌhäp\ vb : to fly an airplane so low that it is necessary to climb to avoid obstacles (as trees)
— hedge·hop·per n

hedge·row \-ˌrō\ n : a row of shrubs or trees forming the boundary of or separating fields

1heed \ˈhēd\ vb
1 : to pay attention
2 : to take notice of : MIND <heed my words>

2heed n : ATTENTION 1, NOTICE

heed·ful \ˈhēd-fəl\ adj : taking heed : ATTENTIVE
— heed·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— heed·ful·ness n

heed·less \ˈhēd-ləs\ adj : not taking heed : THOUGHTLESS
— heed·less·ly adv

— heed·less·ness n

1heel \ˈhē(ə)l\ n
1 a : the back part of the human foot behind the arch and below the ankle; also : the corresponding part of a lower vertebrate  b : the part of the palm of the hand nearest the wrist
2 : a part (as of a shoe) that covers or supports the human heel
3 : a lower, back, or end part; esp : one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
4 : a despisable person [Old English hēla “back part of the foot”]
— heel·less \ˈhē(ə)l-ləs\ adj

— on the heels of : close behind

2heel vb : to provide with a heel
— heel·er \ˈhē-lər\ n

3heel vb : to tilt to one side : TIP [Old English hieldan “to lean to one side”]

4heel n : a tilt to one side

1heft \ˈheft\ n : 1WEIGHT 1A, HEAVINESS

2heft vb
1 : to heave up : LIFT
2 : to test the weight of by lifting

hefty \ˈhef-tē\ adj heft·i·er; -est : 1HEAVY 1A, BULKY
— heft·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— heft·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

heif·er \ˈhef-ər\ n : a young cow; esp : one that has not had a calf

height \ˈhīt, ˈhītth\ n
1 a : the highest part or point : SUMMIT, CLIMAX  b : the most advanced or extreme point <the height of stupidity>
2 a : the distance from bottom to top of something  b : the distance above a level
3 : the condition of being tall or high
4 a : a landmass rising above the surrounding country  b : a high point or position
synonyms HEIGHT, ALTITUDE, ELEVATION, mean distance upward. HEIGHT refers to measuring something from bottom to top <a wall that is three meters in height>. ALTITUDE is used in measuring the distance of an object above a fixed level or surface <a plane flying at an altitude of 5000 feet>. ELEVATION is used in measuring vertical height on land especially above sea level <Denver is situated at a high elevation>.

height·en \ˈhīt-ən\ vb height·ened; height·en·ing \ˈhīt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to make or become brighter or greater <heightened the citizens' awareness>
2 : to raise high or higher : ELEVATE

Heim·lich maneuver \ˈhīm-lik-\ n : a method for forcing an object out the airway of a choking person that involves standing behind the person with arms wrapped about the person's waist and applying sudden upward pressure with the fist to the area directly above the navel [named after Henry J. Heimlich, an American surgeon born in 1920]

hei·nous \ˈhā-nəs\ adj : shockingly evil : ABOMINABLE
— hei·nous·ly adv

— hei·nous·ness n

heir \ˈa(ə)r, ˈe(ə)r\ n
1 : a person who inherits or has the right to inherit property
2 : a person who has legal claim to a title or a throne when the person holding it dies
— heir·ship \-ˌship\ n

heir apparent n, pl heirs apparent : an heir whose right to succeed (as to a throne) cannot be taken away if he or she outlives the present holder

heir·ess \ˈar-əs, ˈer-\ n : a girl or woman who is an heir

heir·loom \ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm, ˈe(ə)r-\ n : a piece of personal property handed down from generation to generation

heist \ˈhīst\ n : armed robbery; also : THEFT [from a dialect variant of hoist “an act of hoisting”]

held past of HOLD

he·li·cop·ter \ˈhel-ə-ˌkäp-tər, ˈhē-lə-\ n : an aircraft that is supported in the air by propellers revolving on a vertical axis

he·lio·cen·tric \ˌhē-lē-ō-ˈsen-trik\ adj
1 : referred to or measured from the sun's center or appearing as if seen from it
2 : having or relating to the sun as a center

he·li·o·sphere \ˈhē-lē-ə-ˌsfir, -ō-\ n : the region of space that is affected by the sun or solar wind

he·lio·trope \ˈhē-lē-ə-ˌtrōp, ˈhēl-yə-\ n : any of a genus of herbs or shrubs having small white or purple flowers

he·li·ot·ro·pism \ˌhē-lē-ˈä-trə-ˌpiz-əm\ n : a turning or curving (as of a sunflower head) toward the sunlight

he·li·port \ˈhel-ə-ˌpō(ə)rt, ˈhē-lə-, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ n : a landing and takeoff place for a helicopter

he·li·um \ˈhē-lē-əm\ n : a light colorless nonflammable element that is found in various natural gases and is used especially to blow up balloons — see ELEMENT TABLE

he·lix \ˈhē-liks\ n, pl he·li·ces \ˈhel-ə-ˌsēz, ˈhē-lə-\ also he·lix·es \ˈhē-lik-səz\ : a curve that is formed by a point rotating around a straight line and moving forward in a direction parallel to that line — compare DOUBLE HELIX
— he·li·cal \ˈhel-i-kəl, ˈhē-li-\ adj

hell \ˈhel\ n
1 : a place where souls are believed to survive after death
2 : the place or state of punishment for the wicked after death : the home of evil spirits
3 : a place or condition of misery or wickedness
4 : a place or state of great confusion, disorder, or destruction : HAVOC, PANDEMONIUM
5 : something that causes torment; esp : a severe scolding

he'll \(ˌ)hē(ə)l, hil, ēl, il\ : he shall : he will

hell·ben·der \ˈhel-ˌben-dər\ n : a large water-dwelling salamander of streams of the eastern and central U.S.

hell–bent \-ˌbent\ adj : stubbornly and often recklessly determined <hell-bent on revenge>

hel·le·bore \ˈhel-ə-ˌbō(ə)r, -ˌbȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : any of a genus of poisonous herbs related to the buttercups; also : its dried root formerly used in medicine
2 : a poisonous herb related to the lilies; also : its dried root or a product of this containing chemical substances used in medicine and insecticides

Hel·lene \ˈhel-ˌēn\ n : GREEK 1
— Hel·len·ic \he-ˈlen-ik, hə-\ adj

Hel·le·nis·tic \ˌhel-ə-ˈnis-tik\ adj : of or relating to the widespread Greek-based culture that developed after the conquests of Alexander the Great

hell·gram·mite \ˈhel-grə-ˌmīt\ n : the larva of a dobsonfly that lives in water and is much used as fish bait

hel·lion \ˈhel-yən\ n : a troublesome or mischievous person

hell·ish \ˈhel-ish\ adj : of, resembling, or suitable to hell : INFERNAL
— hell·ish·ly adv

— hell·ish·ness n

hel·lo \hə-ˈlō, he-\ n, pl hellos : an expression or gesture of greeting — used in greeting, in answering the telephone, or to express surprise

1helm \ˈhelm\ n : HELMET 1

2helm n
1 : a lever or wheel controlling the rudder of a ship; also : the steering equipment of a ship
2 : a position of control : HEAD <at the helm of the business>

hel·met \ˈhel-mət\ n
1 : a covering or enclosing headpiece of armor
2 : any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material
— hel·met·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

helms·man \ˈhelmz-mən\ n : the person at the helm

hel·ot \ˈhel-ət\ n : SERF, SLAVE

1help \ˈhelp\ vb
1 : to provide with what is useful in achieving an end : AID, ASSIST <helped me get a job>
2 : 2REMEDY, RELIEVE <rest helps a cold>
3 a : to keep from <couldn't help laughing>  b : PREVENT 1 <it couldn't be helped>
4 : to serve with food or drink <help yourself>

2help n
1 : an act or instance of helping : AID, ASSISTANCE <give help> <thanked us for our help>
2 : the state of being helped : RELIEF <a situation beyond help>
3 : a person or a thing that helps <a help in time of trouble>
4 : a hired helper or a body of hired helpers <hire new help>

help·er \ˈhel-pər\ n : one that helps; esp : a person who helps a more skilled person

helper T cell n : a T cell that participates in an immune response by recognizing a foreign antigen and releasing substances which promote an increase in the number of T cells and B cells — called also helper cell

help·ful \ˈhelp-fəl\ adj : providing help <a helpful neighbor>
— help·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— help·ful·ness n

help·ing \ˈhel-piŋ\ n : a portion of food : SERVING

helping verb n : a verb (as have, be, may, do, shall, will, can, must) that is used with another verb and expresses such things as person, number, mood, or tense — called also auxiliary verb

help·less \ˈhel-pləs\ adj
1 : being without defense
2 : POWERLESS
— help·less·ly adv

— help·less·ness n

help·mate \ˈhelp-ˌmāt\ n : one that is a companion and helper; esp : WIFE 2

help·meet \-ˌmēt\ n : HELPMATE

hel·ter–skel·ter \ˌhel-tər-ˈskel-tər\ adv
1 : in a confused and reckless manner : PELL-MELL <ran helter-skelter down the hill>
2 : in no particular order : HAPHAZARDLY <clothes strewn helter-skelter about the room>
— helter–skelter adj

1hem \ˈhem\ n : a border of a garment or cloth made by folding back an edge and sewing it down [Old English hem “border on a garment”]

2hem vb hemmed; hem·ming
1 : to finish with or make a hem in sewing
2 : to surround in a confining manner <a town hemmed in by mountains>
— hem·mer n

3hem vb hemmed; hem·ming
1 : to make a sound during a pause in speaking which is usually written as hem
2 : to hesitate in speaking

4hem \a throat-clearing sound; often read as ˈhem\ interj — often used to indicate a pause in speaking [an imitation of the throat-clearing sound]

hem- or hemo- combining form : blood [derived from Greek haima “blood”]

he–man \ˈhē-ˈman\ n : a strong active man

he·ma·tite \ˈhē-mə-ˌtīt\ n : a mineral that consists of an oxide of iron, is an important iron ore, and is found in crystals or in a red earthy form

he·ma·tol·o·gist \ˌhē-mə-ˈtäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in the study of blood and the blood-forming organs

he·ma·tox·y·lin \ˌhē-mə-ˈtäk-sə-lən\ n : a compound found in the wood of a tropical American tree and used chiefly as a biological stain

heme \ˈhēm\ n : a deep red pigment that contains iron and is obtained from hemoglobin

hemi- prefix : half [derived from Greek hēmi- “half”]

he·mip·ter·an \hi-ˈmip-tə-rən\ n : any of a large order of insects (as the true bugs) having flattened bodies, two pairs of wings, and heads with piercing and sucking organs

hemi·sphere \ˈhem-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n
1 : one of the halves of the earth as divided by the equator or by a meridian
2 : one of two halves of a sphere
3 : CEREBRAL HEMISPHERE

hemi·spher·ic \ˌhem-ə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik, -ˈsfer-\ or hemi·spher·i·cal \-ˈsfir-i-kəl, -ˈsfer-\ adj : of or relating to a hemisphere

hem·line \ˈhem-ˌlīn\ n : the line formed by the hem of a dress, skirt, or coat

hem·lock \ˈhem-ˌläk\ n
1 : any of several poisonous herbs related to the carrot and having finely divided leaves and small white flowers
2 : any of a genus of evergreen trees related to the pines; also : the soft light splintery wood of a hemlock

hemo- — see HEM-

he·mo·glo·bin \ˈhē-mə-ˌglō-bən\ n : a protein that contains iron, is the chief means of transporting oxygen in the body of vertebrate animals, occurs in the red blood cells, and is able to combine loosely with oxygen in regions (as the lungs) where it is in high concentration and release it in regions (as the tissues of the internal organs) where it is in low concentration

he·mo·phil·ia \ˌhē-mə-ˈfil-ē-ə\ n : an inherited blood defect that is sex-linked, is found almost always in males, and is marked by delayed clotting of blood and a resulting difficulty in stopping bleeding

he·mo·phil·i·ac \ˌhē-mə-ˈfil-ē-ˌak\ n : a person who has hemophilia

1hem·or·rhage \ˈhem-(ə-)rij\ n : a great loss of blood from the blood vessels especially when caused by injury
— hem·or·rhag·ic \ˌhem-ə-ˈraj-ik\ adj

2hemorrhage vb -rhaged; -rhag·ing : to bleed heavily or uncontrollably

hem·or·rhoid \ˈhem-(ə-)ˌrȯid\ n
1 : a swollen mass of veins located at or just within the anus
2 pl : the condition of a person who has hemorrhoids — called also piles

hemp \ˈhemp\ n
1 : a tall Asian herb widely grown for its tough woody fiber that is used to make rope and for its flowers and leaves from which are obtained various drugs (as hashish and marijuana) that affect the mind or behavior
2 : the fiber of hemp

hemp·en \ˈhem-pən\ adj : made of hemp

1hem·stitch \ˈhem-ˌstich\ vb : to embroider fabric by drawing out parallel threads and stitching the exposed threads in groups to form designs
— hem·stitch·er n

2hemstitch n
1 : decorative needlework
2 : a stitch used in hemstitching

hen \ˈhen\ n
1 : a female chicken especially over a year old
2 : a female of any bird

hence \ˈhen(t)s\ adv
1 : from this place or time <a week hence>
2 : CONSEQUENTLY, THEREFORE <was a newcomer and hence had no close friends in the city>

hence·forth \ˈhen(t)s-ˌfō(ə)rth, -ˌfȯ(ə)rth; hen(t)s-ˈfō(ə)rth, -ˈfȯ(ə)rth\ adv : from this point on

hence·for·ward \hen(t)s-ˈfȯr-wərd\ adv : HENCEFORTH

hench·man \ˈhench-mən\ n : a trusted follower or supporter who performs unpleasant, wrong, or illegal tasks for a powerful person

hen·e·quen \ˈhen-i-kən, ˌhen-i-ˈken\ n : a strong hard fiber obtained from the leaves of a tropical American agave and used to make twine; also : a plant that produces henequen

hen·house \ˈhen-ˌhau̇s\ n : a house or shelter for fowl and especially for domestic chickens

1hen·na \ˈhen-ə\ n : a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub and used especially on hair

2henna vb hen·naed \ˈhen-əd\; hen·na·ing : to dye or tint with henna

hen party n : a party for women only

hen·peck \ˈhen-ˌpek\ vb : to nag and boss one's spouse

he·pat·ic \hi-ˈpat-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling the liver

he·pat·i·ca \hi-ˈpat-i-kə\ n : any of a genus of herbs related to the buttercups and having leaves with three lobes and delicate white, pink, or bluish flowers

hep·a·ti·tis \ˌhep-ə-ˈtīt-əs\ n, pl -tit·i·des \-ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz\ also -ti·tis·es \-ˈtīt-ə-səz\ : inflammation of the liver; also : any of several virus diseases marked especially by inflammation of the liver

hep·ta·gon \ˈhep-tə-ˌgän\ n : a polygon of seven angles and seven sides
— hep·tag·o·nal \hep-ˈtag-ən-əl\ adj

hep·tath·lon \hep-ˈtath-lən, -ˌlän\ n : an athletic contest made up of seven different track-and-field events

1her \(h)ər, ˌhər\ adj : of, relating to, or belonging to her or herself <her house> <her success>

2her \ər, (ˈ)hər\ pron objective case of SHE

1her·ald \ˈher-əld\ n
1 : an official announcer or messenger
2 : an officer responsible for granting and registering coats of arms
3 : one that precedes or foreshadows : HARBINGER

2herald vb
1 : to give notice of : ANNOUNCE
2 : to greet with enthusiasm : HAIL

he·ral·dic \he-ˈral-dik, hə-\ adj : of or relating to heralds or heraldry
— he·ral·di·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adv

her·ald·ry \ˈher-əl-drē\ n, pl -ries
1 : the practice of tracing a person's family and finding out the family's coat of arms
2 : COAT OF ARMS

herb \ˈərb also ˈhərb\ n
1 : a seed-producing plant that does not develop long-lived woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season
2 : a plant or plant part used for making medicine and seasonings

her·ba·ceous \ˌ(h)ər-ˈbā-shəs\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling an herb
2 : being a stem with little or no woody tissue and lasting usually only for a single growing season

herb·age \ˈ(h)ər-bij\ n
1 : vegetation (as grass) composed of herbs especially when used for grazing
2 : the juicy parts of herbs or plants that resemble herbs

herb·al \ˈ(h)ər-bəl\ adj : of, relating to, or made of herbs

herbal medicine n
1 : the practice of using plants or preparations containing plant products to maintain health and to prevent or treat illness or disease
2 : a preparation consisting of or made from plants that is used medicinally

her·bar·i·um \ˌ(h)ər-ˈbar-ē-əm, -ˈber-\ n, pl her·bar·ia \-ē-ə\
1 : a collection of dried plant specimens
2 : a place that houses an herbarium

her·bi·cide \ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd\ n : a chemical substance used to destroy or stop plant growth
— her·bi·cid·al \ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsīd-əl\ adj

her·bi·vore \ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌvō(ə)r, -ˌvȯ(ə)r\ n : a plant-eating animal

her·biv·o·rous \ˌ(h)ər-ˈbiv-ə-rəs\ adj : eating or living on plants

her·cu·le·an \ˌhər-kyə-ˈlē-ən, ˌhər-ˈkyü-lē-\ adj
1 cap : of, relating to, or characteristic of Hercules
2 often cap : of great power, size, or difficulty <a herculean task>

1herd \ˈhərd\ n
1 : a number of animals of one kind kept or living together
2 : the common people

2herd vb
1 : to assemble or come together into a herd or group
2 : to gather, lead, or drive a herd <herd cattle>
— herd·er n

herds·man \ˈhərdz-mən\ n : a manager, breeder, or tender of livestock

1here \ˈhi(ə)r\ adv
1 : in or at this place <turn here>
2 : at this point <here we agree>
3 : to or into this place <come here>

2here n : this place <get away from here>

here·abouts \ˈhi(ə)r-ə-ˌbau̇ts\ or here·about \-ˌbau̇t\ adv : near or around this place : in this vicinity

1here·af·ter \hi(ə)r-ˈaf-tər\ adv
1 : after this
2 : in some future time or state

2hereafter n, often cap
1 : 2FUTURE 1A
2 : life after death <belief in the hereafter>

here and there adv : in one place and another

here·by \hi(ə)r-ˈbī, ˈhi(ə)r-ˌbī\ adv : by means of this

he·red·i·tary \hə-ˈred-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring <hereditary traits>
2 a : received or passing by inheritance <hereditary rank>  b : having title or possession through inheritance <hereditary ruler>
3 : of or relating to inheritance or heredity

he·red·i·ty \hə-ˈred-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the genes and the genetic traits whose expression they control that are passed on from one's parents
2 : the passing on of genes and genetic traits from parent to offspring

Her·e·ford \ˈhər-fərd\ n : any of an English breed of hardy red cattle with white faces that are widely raised in the western U.S. for beef

here·in \hi(ə)r-ˈin\ adv : in this

here·of \-ˈəv, -ˈäv\ adv : of this

here·on \-ˈȯn, -ˈän\ adv : on this

her·e·sy \ˈher-ə-sē\ n, pl -sies
1 : religious opinion that is opposed to the doctrines of a church
2 : opinion that is opposed to a generally accepted belief

her·e·tic \ˈher-ə-ˌtik\ n : a person who believes or teaches something opposed to accepted beliefs

he·ret·i·cal \hə-ˈret-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or characterized by heresy : UNORTHODOX
— he·ret·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

here·to·fore \ˈhi(ə)rt-ə-ˌfō(ə)r, -ˌfȯ(ə)r; ˌhirt-ə-ˈfō(ə)r, -ˈfȯ(ə)r\ adv : up to this time

here·un·to \hi(ə)r-ˈən-tü\ adv : to this

here·up·on \ˈhi(ə)r-ə-ˌpȯn, -ˌpän; ˌhir-ə-ˈpȯn, -ˈpän\ adv : on this : immediately after this

here·with \hi(ə)r-ˈwith, -ˈwith\ adv : with this communication : enclosed in this

her·i·ta·ble \ˈher-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being inherited : HEREDITARY <heritable differences in structure>

her·i·tage \ˈher-ət-ij\ n
1 : property that is handed down to an heir
2 : something acquired from the past <a rich heritage of folklore>

her·maph·ro·dite \(ˌ)hər-ˈmaf-rə-ˌdīt\ n : a hermaphroditic plant or animal

her·maph·ro·dit·ic \(ˌ)hər-ˌmaf-rə-ˈdit-ik\ adj : having both male and female reproductive organs
— her·maph·ro·dit·ism \-ˈmaf-rə-ˌdit-ˌiz-əm\ n

her·met·ic \(ˌ)hər-ˈmet-ik\ adj : AIRTIGHT 1
— her·met·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

her·mit \ˈhər-mət\ n
1 : one that lives apart from others especially for religious reasons : RECLUSE
2 : a spiced molasses cookie

her·mit·age \ˈhər-mət-ij\ n : a hermit's home; also : a residence screened or hidden from view : RETREAT

hermit crab n : any of various small crabs that occupy empty mollusk shells

her·nia \ˈhər-nē-ə\ n, pl her·ni·as or her·ni·ae \-nē-ˌē, -nē-ˌī\ : a sticking out of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed — called also rupture

he·ro \ˈhē-rō, ˈhi(ə)r-ō\ n, pl heroes
1 a : a mythological or legendary figure of great strength or ability  b : an outstanding warrior or soldier  c : a person admired for achievements and qualities  d : one that shows great courage <the hero of a rescue>
2 : the principal character in a literary or dramatic work — used specifically of a principal male character especially when contrasted with heroine; now also used of a principal character who is female
3 pl heros : 2SUBMARINE 2

he·ro·ic \hi-ˈrō-ik also her-ˈō- or hē-ˈrō-\ adj
1 : of or relating to heroes especially of ancient times <the heroic age> <heroic legends>
2 : COURAGEOUS, DARING <a heroic rescue>
3 : large or impressive in size or range : GRAND
— he·ro·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

he·ro·ics \hi-ˈrō-iks also her-ˈō- or hē-ˈrō-\ n pl : exaggerated display of heroic attitudes in action or expression

her·o·in \ˈher-ə-wən\ n : a strongly addictive drug made from the opium poppy and stronger than morphine

her·o·ine \ˈher-ə-wən\ n
1 : a woman in legends or myths who has great courage and daring
2 : a woman admired for her achievements and qualities
3 : the chief female figure in a literary work or in an event or period

her·o·ism \ˈher-ə-ˌwiz-əm also ˈhir-\ n : heroic conduct or qualities  synonyms see COURAGE

her·on \ˈher-ən\ n, pl herons also heron : any of various wading birds with a long neck, long legs, a long thin bill and large wings

her·pes \ˈhər-(ˌ)pēz\ n : any of several virus diseases (as herpes simplex) marked by the formation of blisters on the skin or mucous membranes and caused by herpesviruses

herpes sim·plex \-ˈsim-ˌpleks\ n : either of two kinds of herpes marked in one case by groups of watery blisters on the skin and mucous membranes (as of the mouth and lips) above the waist and in the other by such blisters on the genitalia

her·pes·vi·rus \ˌhər-(ˌ)pēz-ˈvī-rəs\ n : any of a group of viruses that contain DNA and cause herpes

her·pe·tol·o·gist \ˌhər-pə-ˈtäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in herpetology

her·pe·tol·o·gy \ˌhər-pə-ˈtäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians

her·ring \ˈher-iŋ\ n, pl herring or herrings : a valuable food fish that is very common in the north Atlantic Ocean; also : any of various fishes like this one or related to it

her·ring·bone \ˈher-iŋ-ˌbōn\ n
1 : a pattern of rows of parallel lines with every other row slanting in the opposite direction
2 : a fabric with a herringbone pattern

herring gull n : a common large gull of the northern hemisphere that as an adult is largely white and gray with dark wing tips

hers \ˈhərz\ pron : her one : her ones <the book is hers>

her·self \(h)ər-ˈself\ pron
1 : that identical female one — used for emphasis or to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same <she considers herself lucky> <she herself did it>
2 : her normal, healthy, or sane self <was herself again after a good night's sleep>

hertz \ˈhe(ə)rts, ˈhərts\ n : a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second — abbreviation Hz

he's \(ˌ)hēz, ēz\ : he is : he has

hes·i·tance \ˈhez-ə-tən(t)s\ n : HESITANCY

hes·i·tan·cy \ˈhez-ə-tən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : a tendency to hesitate
2 : an act or instance of hesitating

hes·i·tant \ˈhez-ə-tənt\ adj : tending to hesitate : slow to act or proceed
— hes·i·tant·ly adv

hes·i·tate \ˈhez-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to stop or pause because of uncertainty or indecision <hesitate before answering>
2 : to be unwilling <hesitate to ask a favor>
3 : 1STAMMER
— hes·i·tat·er n

— hes·i·tat·ing·ly \-ˌtāt-iŋ-lē\ adv

— hes·i·ta·tion \ˌhez-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

Hes·sian \ˈhesh-ən\ n : a German soldier serving in the British forces during the American Revolution [from Hesse, a region in Germany]

Hessian fly n : a small two-winged fly destructive to wheat in North America

heter- or hetero- combining form : other : different <heterosexual> [derived from Greek heteros “different, other”]

het·ero·dox \ˈhet-ə-rə-ˌdäks\ adj
1 : opposed to established opinions, beliefs, or standards : UNORTHODOX
2 : holding or expressing unaccepted beliefs or opinions

het·ero·doxy \ˈhet-ə-rə-ˌdäk-sē\ n, pl -dox·ies
1 : the quality or state of being heterodox
2 : a heterodox opinion or belief

het·er·o·ge·neous \ˌhet-ə-rə-ˈjē-nē-əs, -nyəs\ adj : differing in kind : consisting of dissimilar parts : MIXED <a heterogeneous population>
— het·er·o·ge·neous·ly adv

— het·er·o·ge·neous·ness n

1het·ero·sex·u·al \ˌhet-ə-rō-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsek-shəl\ adj : of, relating to, or marked by sexual interest in members of the opposite sex
— het·ero·sex·u·al·i·ty \-ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n

2heterosexual n : a heterosexual individual

het·er·o·sis \ˌhet-ə-ˈrō-səs\ n : HYBRID VIGOR

het·ero·troph \ˈhet-ə-rə-ˌtrōf, -ˌträf\ n : an organism (as an insect, bird, fish, or human being) that cannot make its own food and must obtain it by eating other animals or plants
— het·ero·tro·phic \ˌhet-ə-rə-ˈtrōf-ik\ adj

het·ero·zy·gos·i·ty \ˌhet-ə-rō-(ˌ)zī-ˈgäs-ət-ē\ n : the state of being heterozygous

het·ero·zy·gote \ˌhet-ə-rō-ˈzī-ˌgōt\ n : a heterozygous individual

het·ero·zy·gous \ˌhet-ə-rō-ˈzī-ˌgəs\ adj : having at least one gene pair that contains different genes <a pea plant heterozygous for seed color>

het up \ˈhet-ˈəp\ adj : highly excited : UPSET

hew \ˈhyü\ vb hewed; hewed or hewn \ˈhyün\; hew·ing
1 : to chop down <hew trees>
2 : to make or shape by cutting with an ax <a cabin built of rough-hewn logs>
3 : to stick close to : ADHERE <hew to the established rules>
— hew·er n

1hex \ˈheks\ vb
1 : to put a hex on
2 : to affect as if by an evil spell : JINX
— hex·er n

2hex n
1 : 1SPELL 1B, JINX
2 : WITCH 1

3hex adj or n : HEXADECIMAL

hexa- or hex- combining form : six [derived from Greek hex “six”]

hexa·dec·i·mal \ˌhek-sə-ˈdes-(ə-)məl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a number system with a base of 16 <hexadecimal numbers> <hexadecimal notation>
— hexadecimal n

hexa·gon \ˈhek-sə-ˌgän\ n : a polygon of six angles and six sides

hex·ag·o·nal \hek-ˈsag-ən-əl\ adj
1 : having six angles and six sides
2 : having a hexagon as a section or base <a hexagonal prism>

hexa·gram \ˈhek-sə-ˌgram\ n : a figure consisting of two equilateral triangles forming a 6-pointed star

hex·am·e·ter \hek-ˈsam-ət-ər\ n : a line of verse consisting of six metrical feet

hex·ose \ˈhek-ˌsōs\ n : a sugar containing six carbon atoms in a molecule

hey \ˈhā\ interj — used especially to call attention or to express surprise or joy

hey·day \ˈhā-ˌdā\ n : the time of greatest strength, popularity, or vigor

hi \ˈhī(-ē)\ interj — used especially as a greeting

hi·a·tus \hī-ˈāt-əs\ n, pl -tus·es : a gap in space or time; esp : a break where a part is missing

hi·ba·chi \hi-ˈbäch-ē\ n : a charcoal grill

hi·ber·nate \ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to pass the winter in a sleeping or resting state
— hi·ber·na·tion \ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən\ n

— hi·ber·na·tor \ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt-ər\ n

hi·bis·cus \hī-ˈbis-kəs, hə-\ n, pl -cus·es : any of a large genus of herbs, shrubs, or small trees related to the mallow and having toothed leaves and large showy flowers

1hic·cup also hic·cough \ˈhik-(ˌ)əp\ n : a sudden drawing in of breath that is followed and stopped by sudden closure of the glottis and accompanied by a gulping sound

2hiccup also hiccough vb hic·cuped also hic·cupped; hic·cup·ing also hic·cup·ping : to make a hiccup or be affected with hiccups

hick \ˈhik\ n : an awkward or simple person especially from a small town or the country

hick·o·ry \ˈhik-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : any of a genus of North American trees related to the walnut and having an edible nut with a hard shell
2 : the usually tough pale wood of a hickory

hi·dal·go \hid-ˈal-gō, ē-ˈthäl-\ n, pl -gos : a member of the lower nobility of Spain [Spanish contraction of earlier hijo de algo, fijo de algo “a person born into wealth,” literally, “son of something”]

1hide \ˈhīd\ vb hid \ˈhid\; hid·den \ˈhid-ən\ or hid; hid·ing \ˈhīd-iŋ\
1 : to put or get out of sight : CONCEAL <hide a treasure> <hid in a closet>
2 : to keep secret <hide one's grief>
3 : to screen from view <a house hidden by trees> <clouds hid the sun>
4 : to seek protection or avoid responsibility [Old English hȳdan “to get out of sight”]
— hid·er \ˈhīd-ər\ n

2hide n : the skin of an animal whether raw or dressed [Old English hȳd “skin of an animal”]

3hide vb hid·ed; hid·ing : to give a beating to

hide–and–seek \ˌhīd-ən-ˈsēk\ n : a game in which everyone hides from one player who tries to find them

hide·away \ˈhīd-ə-ˌwā\ n : 1RETREAT 2, HIDEOUT

hide·bound \-ˌbau̇nd\ adj
1 : having a dry skin adhering closely to the underlying flesh <a hidebound horse>
2 : stubbornly unwilling to change

hid·eous \ˈhid-ē-əs\ adj : horribly ugly or disgusting : FRIGHTFUL
— hid·eous·ly adv

— hid·eous·ness n

hide·out \ˈhī-ˌdau̇t\ n : a secret place for hiding

hie \ˈhī\ vb hied; hy·ing or hie·ing : 1HURRY 1, HASTEN

hi·er·ar·chi·cal \ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl\ or hi·er·ar·chic \-kik\ adj : of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy
— hi·er·ar·chi·cal·ly \-ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adv

hi·er·ar·chy \ˈhī-(ə-)ˌrär-kē\ n, pl -chies
1 : a ruling body especially of clergy organized into ranks
2 a : an arrangement into a series according to rank  b : persons or things arranged in ranks or classes

hi·ero·glyph \ˈhī-(ə-)rə-ˌglif\ n : a character used in hieroglyphic writing

hi·ero·glyph·ic \ˌhī-(ə-)rə-ˈglif-ik\ n
1 : HIEROGLYPH
2 : a system of writing mainly in pictorial characters; esp : the picture script of the ancient Egyptian priesthood
3 : unclear or unreadable signs or writing [derived from early French hieroglyphique (adjective) “relating to or being writing that consists of pictures or symbols rather than words,” derived from Greek hieroglyphikos (same meaning), from hieros “sacred, holy” and glyphikos “of carving”; so called because it referred to the system of carvings used on ancient Egyptian temples]
— hieroglyphic adj

hi–fi \ˈhī-ˈfī\ n
1 : HIGH FIDELITY
2 : equipment for reproduction of sound with high fidelity

hig·gle·dy–pig·gle·dy \ˌhig-əl-dē-ˈpig-əl-dē\ adv : in confusion : TOPSY-TURVY
— higgledy–piggledy adj

1high \ˈhī\ adj
1 a : extending to a great distance upward : having greater height than average or usual <rooms with high ceilings>  b : having a specified elevation <six feet high>
2 : advanced toward fullness <high summer>
3 : 2SHRILL, SHARP <high note>
4 : far from the equator <high latitude>
5 : 1NOBLE 5 <a writer of high purpose>
6 : of greater degree, size, amount, or content than average or ordinary <high pressure> <high power of a microscope>
7 : of relatively great importance: as  a : first in rank or standing <high society>  b : SERIOUS 4, GRAVE <high crimes>
8 : STRONG 7 <high winds>
9 a : showing joy or excitement <high spirits>  b : 2DRUNK 1; also : affected or impaired by or as if by a drug
10 : advanced or complex in structure or development <higher mathematics> <higher fungi>
synonyms HIGH, TALL, LOFTY, mean being above the usual level in height. HIGH is used of height that is measured from the ground or some other standard <a high fence surrounded the house>. TALL is used of what is considered high when compared to others of the same kind <a tall youngster for that age>. LOFTY is used of something that rises to a grand or impressive height <lofty mountains>.

2high adv
1 : at or to a high place, altitude, or degree <climbed high>
2 : RICHLY 1, LUXURIOUSLY <living high>

3high n
1 a : 1HILL 1, KNOLL  b : SKY 1 <watched the birds on high>  c : HEAVEN 2 <a judgment from on high>
2 : a region of high barometric pressure : ANTICYCLONE
3 a : a high point or level : HEIGHT <prices reached a new high>  b : the arrangement of gears (as in an automobile) that gives the highest speed and consequently the highest speed of travel
4 : a state of good feeling, excitement, or intoxication produced by or as if by a drug

high·ball \ˈhī-ˌbȯl\ n : a drink of alcoholic liquor with water or a carbonated beverage served in a tall glass

high beam n : a vehicle headlight beam aimed for long distances

high blood pressure n : blood pressure that is abnormally high especially in the arteries or the condition resulting from it — called also hypertension

high·born \ˈhī-ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ adj : of noble birth

high·boy \-ˌbȯi\ n : a high chest of drawers set on a base with long legs

high·brow \-ˌbrau̇\ n : a person who has or pretends to have more learning or culture than others : INTELLECTUAL
— highbrow adj

high chair n : a child's chair with long legs, a feeding tray, and a footrest

high–definition adj : relating to or being a television with a more detailed and sharper picture than usual

higher education n : education provided by a college or university

high·fa·lu·tin \ˌhī-fə-ˈlüt-ən\ adj : PRETENTIOUS, POMPOUS <highfalutin talk> <highfalutin people>

high fidelity n : the reproduction of sound with a high degree of faithfulness to the original

high five n : a slapping of upraised right hands by two people (as in celebration)
— high–five vb

high–flown \ˈhī-ˈflōn\ adj : not plain or simple : FLOWERY, EXTRAVAGANT <high-flown language>

high frequency n : a radio frequency in the range between 3 and 30 megahertz — abbreviation HF

high–grade \ˈhī-ˈgrād\ adj : of a better grade or quality

high–hand·ed \-ˈhan-dəd\ adj : having or showing no regard for the rights, concerns, or feelings of others
— high–hand·ed·ly adv

— high–hand·ed·ness n

1high–hat \-ˈhat\ adj : behaving like a snob

2high–hat vb -hat·ted; -hat·ting : to treat in a snobbish manner

high horse n : an arrogant and stubborn mood or attitude

high jinks \ˈhī-ˈjiŋks\ n pl : wild or rowdy behavior

high jump n : a track-and-field event in which competitors try to jump over a high crossbar
— high–jump vb

— high jumper n

1high·land \ˈhī-lənd\ n : elevated or mountainous land

2highland adj
1 : of or relating to a highland
2 cap : of or relating to the Highlands of Scotland

high·land·er \ˈhī-lən-dər\ n
1 : an inhabitant of a highland
2 cap : an inhabitant of the Highlands of Scotland

Highland fling n : a lively Scottish folk dance

high–lev·el \ˈhī-ˈlev-əl\ adj
1 : being of high importance or rank <high-level officials>
2 : relating to or being a computer programming language that is similar to a natural language (as English)
3 : relating to or being very radioactive nuclear waste

1high·light \ˈhī-ˌlīt\ n
1 : the brightest spot or area (as in a painting or drawing)
2 : something (as an event or detail) that is of major interest

2highlight vb -light·ed; -light·ing
1 : to throw a strong light on
2 a : to center attention on : EMPHASIZE  b : to be a highlight of
3 a : to mark (text) with a highlighter pen  b : to cause (as text) to stand out on a computer screen

high·light·er n : a pen with a broad felt tip and brightly colored transparent ink for marking selected passages in a text

high·ly \ˈhī-lē\ adv
1 : 2VERY 1, EXTREMELY <highly pleased>
2 : with approval <speaks highly of you>

high–mind·ed \ˈhī-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : having or expressing noble ideas and feelings
— high–mind·ed·ly adv

— high–mind·ed·ness n

high·ness \ˈhī-nəs\ n
1 : the quality or state of being high
2 — used as a title for persons (as a king or queen) of high rank <Your Royal Highness>

high noon n : exactly noon

high–octane adj : having a high octane number and therefore good antiknock properties <high-octane gasoline>

high–pitched \ˈhī-ˈpicht\ adj : having a high pitch <a high-pitched voice>

1high–pressure adj
1 a : having or involving a high pressure especially much higher than that of the atmosphere  b : having a high atmospheric pressure
2 : using or involving very aggressive sales techniques

2high–pressure vb : to sell or influence by high-pressure methods

high–rise \ˈhī-ˈrīz\ adj : having several stories and being equipped with elevators <high-rise apartments>
— high–rise n

high·road \-ˌrōd\ n : HIGHWAY

high school n : a secondary school usually including the 9th to 12th or 10th to 12th years of study
— high schooler n

high seas n pl : the open part of a sea or ocean especially outside territorial waters

high–sound·ing \ˈhī-ˈsau̇n-diŋ\ adj : POMPOUS 1, IMPOSING

high–speed \-ˈspēd\ adj : going or made for operation at high speed

high–spir·it·ed \-ˈspir-ət-əd\ adj : characterized by a bold or lively spirit : EXUBERANT
— high–spir·it·ed·ly adv

— high–spir·it·ed·ness n

high–strung \-ˈstreŋ\ adj : very nervous or sensitive <a dog too high-strung for children>

high–tech \-ˌtek\ adj : of or relating to high technology

high technology n : technology involving complex devices (as electronics or computers)

high–tension adj : having or using a high voltage

high–test adj : meeting a high standard; also : HIGH-OCTANE

high tide n : the tide when the water is at its greatest height

high–top \ˈhī-ˌtäp\ adj : extending up over the ankle <high-top sneakers>
— high–tops \-ˌtäps\ n pl

high treason n : TREASON 2

high–water mark n : the highest point of development : PEAK

high·way \ˈhī-ˌwā\ n : a public road; esp : a main direct road

high·way·man \-mən\ n : a person who robs travelers on a highway

hi·jack also high·jack \ˈhī-ˌjak\ vb
1 : to stop and steal from a moving vehicle <hijack a truck> <hijack a load of furs>
2 : to force a pilot to fly an aircraft where one wants
— hi·jack·er n

1hike \ˈhīk\ vb hiked; hik·ing
1 : to move or raise up <hike rents>
2 : to go on a long walk
— hik·er n

2hike n
1 : a long walk especially for pleasure or exercise
2 : an upward movement : RISE <a price hike>

hi·lar·i·ous \hil-ˈar-ē-əs, -ˈer-; hī-ˈlar-, -ˈler-\ adj : causing hilarity : wildly funny
— hi·lar·i·ous·ly adv

— hi·lar·i·ous·ness n

hi·lar·i·ty \hil-ˈar-ət-ē, -ˈer-; hī-ˈlar-, -ˈler-\ n : noisy fun

1hill \ˈhil\ n
1 : a usually rounded height of land lower than a mountain
2 : an artificial heap or mound (as of earth)
3 : several seeds or plants planted in a group rather than a row <a hill of beans>

2hill vb
1 : to form into a heap
2 : to draw earth around the roots or base of

hill·bil·ly \ˈhil-ˌbil-ē\ n, pl -lies often disparaging and offensive : a person from a mountainous backwoods area

hillbilly music n : COUNTRY MUSIC

hill·ock \ˈhil-ək\ n : a small hill
— hill·ocky \-ə-kē\ adj

hill·side \ˈhil-ˌsīd\ n : the side of a hill

hill·top \-ˌtäp\ n : the highest part of a hill

hilly \ˈhil-ē\ adj hill·i·er; -est : having many hills <a hilly city>

hilt \ˈhilt\ n : a handle especially of a sword or dagger
— to the hilt : COMPLETELY

hi·lum \ˈhī-ləm\ n, pl hi·la \-lə\ : a scar on a seed at the point of attachment of the ovule

him \im, (ˈ)him\ pron objective case of HE

1Hi·ma·la·yan \ˌhim-ə-ˈlā-ən, him-ˈäl-(ə-)yən\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Himalaya Mountains

2Himalayan n : any of a breed of stocky blue-eyed domestic cats that have a long thick coat and a pale body with darker ears, paws, tail, and face

him·self \(h)im-ˈself\ pron
1 : that identical male one : that identical one whose sex is unknown or immaterial — used for emphasis or to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same <considers himself lucky> <he himself did it>
2 : his normal, healthy, or sane self <he's himself again>

1hind \ˈhīnd\ n, pl hinds also hind chiefly British : a female red deer [Old English hind “female red deer”]

2hind adj : located behind : REAR <hind legs> [probably from Old English hinder (adverb) “behind”]

hind·brain \ˈhīn(d)-ˌbrān\ n : the third and most posterior division of the embryonic vertebrate brain or the parts that develop from it

hin·der \ˈhin-dər\ vb hin·dered; hin·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to make slow or difficult : HAMPER <progress was hindered by bad weather>
2 : to hold back : CHECK

Hin·di \ˈhin-(ˌ)dē\ n : an official language of northern India
— Hindi adj

hind·most \ˈhīn(d)-ˌmōst\ adj : farthest to the rear

hind·quar·ter \-ˌkwȯ(r)t-ər\ n
1 : one side of the back half of the body or carcass of a four-footed animal <a hindquarter of beef>
2 pl : the part of a four-footed animal behind the attachment of the hind legs to the trunk

hin·drance \ˈhin-drən(t)s\ n
1 : the state of being hindered
2 : the action of hindering
3 : something that hinders : IMPEDIMENT

hind·sight \ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt\ n : realization of the meaning or importance of an event only after it has happened

Hin·du \ˈhin-(ˌ)dü\ n
1 : a follower of Hinduism
2 : a person born or living in India
— Hindu adj

Hindu–Arabic adj : relating to, being, or composed of Arabic numerals <the Hindu-Arabic numeration system>

Hin·du·ism \ˈhin-(ˌ)dü-ˌiz-əm\ n : a body of social, cultural, and religious beliefs and practices native to the Indian subcontinent

Hin·du·stani \ˌhin-du̇-ˈstan-ē, -ˈstän-ē\ n : a group of Indic dialects of northern India

hind wing n : either of the back wings of a four-winged insect located behind the forewings

1hinge \ˈhinj\ n
1 : a jointed piece on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns
2 : the joint between valves of a bivalve's shell

2hinge vb hinged; hing·ing
1 : to attach by or provide with hinges
2 : to hang or turn as if on a hinge : DEPEND <our success hinges on this decision>

hinge joint n : a joint between bones (as at the elbow) that permits motion in only one plane

hin·ny \ˈhin-ē\ n, pl hinnies : a hybrid between a male horse and a female donkey

1hint \ˈhint\ n
1 : a slight mention : a suggestion or reminder <a hint of winter in the air>
2 : a slight indication of the existence or nature of something : CLUE
3 : a very small amount : TRACE <a hint of garlic>

2hint vb : to bring to mind by or give a hint
— hint·er n

hin·ter·land \ˈhint-ər-ˌland\ n
1 : a region lying inland from a coast
2 : a region far from cities and towns

1hip \ˈhip\ n : ROSE HIP [Old English hēope “fruit of a rose”]

2hip n : the part of the body that curves outward below the waist on each side and is formed by the side part of the pelvis and the upper part of the thigh [Old English hype “hip of the body”]
— hipped \ˈhipt\ adj

3hip adj hip·per; hip·pest
1 : keenly aware of or interested in the newest developments
2 : 2WISE 2, ALERT [an altered form of hep “keenly aware of and interested in the newest developments”; of unknown origin]

hip·bone \ˈhip-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn\ n : either of two large bones that make up the side halves of the pelvis in mammals and are composed of the ilium, ischium, and pubis which are fused into one bone in the adult

hip–hop \ˈhip-ˌhäp\ n : the rhythmic music that often accompanies rap; also : the part of the culture especially of inner-city youths who are typically devotees of rap music

hip·po \ˈhip-ō\ n, pl hippos : HIPPOPOTAMUS

hip·po·drome \ˈhip-ə-ˌdrōm\ n
1 : an oval stadium for horse and chariot races in ancient Greece
2 : an arena for spectacles (as horse shows or circuses)

hip·po·pot·a·mus \ˌhip-ə-ˈpät-ə-məs\ n, pl hip·po·pot·a·mus·es or hip·po·pot·a·mi \-ˌmī, -(ˌ)mē\ : a very large mammal of Africa south of the Sahara Desert that spends most of its time in the water, feeds on plants, has an extremely large head and mouth, very thick hairless grayish skin, and short legs with four toes on each foot; also : a smaller related mammal of western Africa
Word History The ancient Greeks gave the name hippopotamos to a big, barrel-shaped animal they saw in Africa. English, using the Latin spelling hippopotamus, has kept this name. It is a combination of the Greek words hippos, meaning “horse” and potamos, meaning “river.” In fact, the hippopotamus is more closely related to the hog than to the horse. However, the “river” in the name is certainly right for an animal that always lives near water and spends most of its time in it. The eyes, ears, and nostrils of a hippopotamus are placed so that the animal can see, hear, and breathe even if most of its head is underwater. [from Latin hippopotamus “hippopotamus,” from Greek hippopotamos (same meaning), literally, “river horse,” from hippos “horse” and potamos “river”]

1hire \ˈhī(ə)r\ n
1 a : payment for temporary use  b : payment for services : WAGES
2 a : the act of hiring  b : the state of being hired : EMPLOYMENT

2hire vb hired; hir·ing
1 : 1EMPLOY 2 <hire a new crew>
2 : to get the temporary use of for a set sum <hire a hall>
3 : to take a job <hired out as a cook>
— hir·er n

hire·ling \ˈhī(ə)r-liŋ\ n : a person who works for wages and usually for no other reason

hir·sute \ˈhər-ˌsüt, ˈhi(ə)r-\ adj
1 : HAIRY 1
2 : covered with coarse stiff hairs <a hirsute leaf>

1his \(h)iz, ˌhiz\ adj : of, relating to, or belonging to him or himself <his house> <his writings>

2his \ˈhiz\ pron : his one : his ones <the book is his>

His·pan·ic \his-ˈpan-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to the people, culture, or speech of Spain or of Spain and Portugal
2 : of, relating to, or being a person living in the U.S. from or whose ancestors were from Latin America
— Hispanic n

hiss \ˈhis\ vb : to make a long sharp sound like that of the speech sound \s\ or that made by an alarmed animal (as a snake or cat) usually as a sign of disapproval <hissed them off the stage>
— hiss n

— hiss·er n

hissy fit \ˈhis-ē-\ n : TANTRUM

hist \s often prolonged and usually with p preceding and t following; often read as ˈhist\ interj — used to attract attention

his·ta·mine \ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn, -mən\ n : a compound that occurs in many animal tissues and plays an important part in allergic reactions (as in hives, asthma, and hay fever)

his·to·gram \ˈhis-tə-ˌgram\ n : a bar graph that uses rectangles of different heights to show how often the different values of a variable in statistics occur

his·tol·o·gist \his-ˈtäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in histology

his·tol·o·gy \his-ˈtäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : a branch of anatomy that deals with the structure of animal and plant tissues as seen under a microscope
2 : tissue structure or organization

his·to·ri·an \his-ˈtōr-ē-ən, -ˈtȯr-, -ˈtär-\ n : a student or writer of history

his·tor·ic \his-ˈtȯr-ik, -ˈtär-\ adj
1 : HISTORICAL 1
2 : famous in history <historic events>

his·tor·i·cal \his-ˈtȯr-i-kəl, -ˈtär-\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or having the character of history <historical fact>  b : based on history <historical novels>  c : of, relating to, or exhibiting objects from the past <a historical museum>
2 : HISTORIC 2
— his·tor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— his·tor·i·cal·ness \-i-kəl-nəs\ n

his·to·ry \ˈhis-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : a story of real or imaginary events
2 a : a written record of important events and their causes  b : a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events  c : events that form the topics of a history

his·tri·on·ic \ˌhis-trē-ˈän-ik\ adj
1 : too emotional or dramatic
2 : of or relating to actors, acting, or the theater
— his·tri·on·i·cal·ly \-ˈän-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

his·tri·on·ics \ˌhis-trē-ˈän-iks\ n sing or pl
1 : theatrical performances
2 : exaggerated display of feeling

1hit \ˈhit\ vb hit; hit·ting
1 a : to strike usually with force <hit a ball> <the ball hit the house>  b : to make or bring into contact with something <tipped over and hit the floor>  c : to strike something aimed at <hit the bull's-eye>
2 a : 1ATTACK 1  b : to affect as if by a blow
3 : to arrive with a forceful effect <the storm hit at sundown>
4 a : to come upon : DISCOVER <hit upon the answer accidentally>  b : to get to : REACH <hit town that night> <prices hit a new high>  c : to reflect accurately <hits the right note>
5 : to fire the charge in the cylinders
— hit·ter n

— hit it off : to get along well

2hit n
1 a : a blow striking an object aimed at  b : 4BLOW 1, COLLISION
2 a : a stroke of luck  b : a great success <the show was a hit>
3 : BASE HIT
4 : a single dose of a narcotic drug
5 : an instance of a computer user connecting to a given website <a million hits per day>
6 : a successful match in a computer search

hit–and–miss \ˌhit-ən-ˈmis\ adj : sometimes successful and sometimes not : HAPHAZARD

hit–and–run \-ˈrən\ adj
1 : being or involving a motor-vehicle driver who does not stop after having an accident
2 : involving or intended for quick action or results

1hitch \ˈhich\ vb
1 : to move by jerks
2 : to catch, fasten, or connect by or as if by a hook or knot <hitch a horse to a rail>
3 : HITCHHIKE
— hitch·er n

2hitch n
1 : a jerky movement or pull
2 : an unexpected stop or obstacle <the plan went off without a hitch>
3 : the connection between something towed (as a plow or trailer) and its mover (as a tractor, automobile, or animal)
4 : a knot used for a temporary fastening
5 : a period usually of military service <do a hitch in the army>

hitch·hike \ˈhich-ˌhīk\ vb : to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles
— hitch·hik·er n

1hith·er \ˈhith-ər\ adv : to this place <come hither>

2hither adj : 3NEAR 3, NEARER <the hither side of the hill>

hith·er·to \ˈhith-ər-ˌtü\ adv : up to this time <hitherto unknown facts>

hit or miss adv : without plan, order, or direction : HAPHAZARDLY
— hit–or–miss \ˌhit-ər-ˈmis\ adj

HIV \ˌāch-ˌī-ˈvē\ n : any of a group of viruses that infect and destroy helper T cells causing the marked reduction in their numbers that is diagnostic of AIDS

1hive \ˈhīv\ n
1 a : a container for housing honeybees  b : the usually aboveground nest of bees  c : a colony of bees
2 : a place swarming with busy occupants

2hive vb hived; hiv·ing
1 a : to collect into a hive <hive bees>  b : to enter and take over a hive or nesting place
2 : to live or gather in close association

hives \ˈhīvz\ n sing or pl : an allergic condition in which the skin or mucous membrane breaks out in large red itching patches

ho \ˈhō\ interj — used especially to attract attention <land ho>

hoa·gie \ˈhō-gē\ n : 2SUBMARINE 2

1hoar \ˈhō(ə)r, ˈhȯ(ə)r\ adj : HOARY

2hoar n : 1FROST 2

hoard \ˈhō(ə)rd, ˈhȯ(ə)rd\ n : a hidden supply or fund stored up
— hoard vb

— hoard·er n

hoar·frost \ˈhō(ə)r-ˌfrȯst, ˈhȯ(ə)r-\ n : 1FROST 2

hoarse \ˈhō(ə)rs, ˈhȯ(ə)rs\ adj hoars·er; hoars·est
1 : harsh in sound
2 : having a rough voice <a cold made me hoarse>
— hoarse·ly adv

— hoarse·ness n

hoary \ˈhō(ə)r-ē, ˈhȯ(ə)r-\ adj hoar·i·er; -est
1 : grayish or whitish especially from age <bowed his hoary head>
2 : very old : ANCIENT <hoary legends>
— hoar·i·ness n

hoax \ˈhōks\ n
1 : an act intended to trick or deceive
2 : something false passed off or accepted as genuine
— hoax vb

— hoax·er n

hob \ˈhäb\ n : 2TROUBLE 1B, MISCHIEF <raise hob>

1hob·ble \ˈhäb-əl\ vb hob·bled; hob·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to walk with difficulty : LIMP <hobble along on crutches>  b : to make lame <hobbled by an ankle injury>
2 a : to keep from straying by tying two legs together <hobble a horse>  b : 1HAMPER, IMPEDE

2hobble n
1 : a hobbling walk
2 : something used to hobble an animal

hob·ble·de·hoy \ˈhäb-əl-di-ˌhȯi\ n : an awkward youth

hob·by \ˈhäb-ē\ n, pl hobbies : an interest or activity to which a person devotes time for pleasure
— hob·by·ist \-ē-əst\ n

hob·by·horse \-ˌhȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 : a stick with an imitation horse's head at one end that a child pretends to ride
2 : ROCKING HORSE
3 : a toy horse hung by springs from a frame

hob·gob·lin \ˈhäb-ˌgäb-lən\ n
1 : a mischievous elf or goblin
2 : BOGEY 2

hob·nail \ˈhäb-ˌnāl\ n : a large-headed nail driven into the soles of heavy shoes as a protection against wear
— hob·nailed \-ˌnāld\ adj

hob·nob \ˈhäb-ˌnäb\ vb hob·nobbed; hob·nob·bing : to associate in a friendly manner <hobnobbing with politicians>
— hob·nob·ber n

ho·bo \ˈhō-bō\ n, pl hoboes also hobos : a homeless and usually penniless wanderer : TRAMP
— hobo vb

1hock \ˈhäk\ n
1 : the region in the hind limb of a four-footed animal (as the horse) that corresponds to the human ankle
2 : a small cut of meat from either the front or hind leg just above the foot especially of a pig <ham hocks> [Old English hōh “heel”]

2hock vb : 3PAWN

3hock n : 2PAWN 2 <got the ring out of hock> [from Dutch hok “pen, prison”]

hock·ey \ˈhäk-ē\ n
1 : FIELD HOCKEY
2 : ICE HOCKEY

ho·cus–po·cus \ˌhō-kə-ˈspō-kəs\ n
1 : a magic trick
2 : nonsense used to deceive

hod \ˈhäd\ n
1 : a long-handled tray used to carry mortar or bricks on the shoulder
2 : a bucket for holding or carrying coal

hodge·podge \ˈhäj-ˌpäj\ n : a confused mixture : JUMBLE
Word History Hodgepodge and its older form hotchpotch are part of a group of words that rhyme all by themselves. Hobnob and willy-nilly are others. In the case of hodgepodge and hotchpotch, the rhyme is not an accident. These words came to English from early French in the form hochepot. The spelling was changed to make the second half of the word rhyme with the first. In French hochepot was a stew of many foods cooked together in a pot. Perhaps the pot was shaken instead of stirred since hochepot was formed from hochier, meaning “to shake,” and pot, which had the same meaning in early French as it does in English now. Before long hotchpotch and hodgepodge were used not just for a mixture of foods cooking in a pot but for any mixture of different things. [an altered form of hotchpotch, from Middle English hochepot “mixed stew,” derived from early French hochepot (same meaning), from hochier “to shake” and pot “pot, container”]

1hoe \ˈhō\ n : a farm or garden tool with a thin flat blade at nearly a right angle to a long handle that is used especially for weeding and loosening the earth

2hoe vb hoed; hoe·ing : to use or work with a hoe

hoe·cake \ˈhō-ˌkāk\ n : a small cornmeal cake

hoe·down \ˈhō-ˌdau̇n\ n
1 : SQUARE DANCE
2 : a gathering featuring square dances

1hog \ˈhȯg, ˈhäg\ n, pl hogs also hog
1 a : a domesticated swine especially when weighing more than 120 pounds (54 kilograms) — compare PIG 1A  b : any of various animals related to the domesticated swine
2 : a selfish, greedy, or filthy person
— hog·gish \ˈhȯg-ish, ˈhäg-\ adj

— hog·gish·ly adv

— hog·gish·ness n

2hog vb hogged; hog·ging : to take more than one's share

ho·gan \ˈhō-ˌgän\ n : a Navajo Indian dwelling usually made of logs and mud with a door traditionally facing east

hog cholera n : a highly infectious often fatal virus disease of swine

hog heaven n : a very satisfying state or situation

hog·nose snake \ˌhȯg-ˌnōz-, ˌhäg-\ n : any of several rather small harmless North American snakes that have stout bodies and hiss when disturbed — called also hog-nosed snake, \-ˌnōzd-\ puff adder

hogs·head \ˈhȯgz-ˌhed, ˈhägz-\ n
1 : a large cask or barrel
2 : any of various units of capacity; esp : a U.S. unit for liquids equal to 63 gallons (about 238 liters)

hog–tie \ˈhȯg-ˌtī, ˈhäg-\ vb
1 : to tie together the feet of <hog-tie a calf>
2 : to make helpless

hog·wash \ˈhȯg-ˌwȯsh, ˈhäg-, -ˌwäsh\ n
1 : 2SWILL 1
2 : NONSENSE 1

hog wild adj : lacking control : UNRESTRAINED <went hog wild at the sight of all that candy>

ho hum \ˈhō-ˈhəm\ interj — used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain [imitative]

1hoist \ˈhȯist\ vb : to raise or become raised into position especially by mechanical means  synonyms see RAISE
— hoist·er n

2hoist n
1 : an act of hoisting : LIFT
2 : a machine for hoisting heavy loads

hol- or holo- combining form : complete : total [derived from Greek holos “whole”]

1hold \ˈhōld\ vb held \ˈheld\; hold·ing
1 a : to keep in one's possession : POSSESS, HAVE <hold this for me>  b : to have by right <hold property> <hold a bachelor's degree> <hold elective office>
2 a : to keep or restrict by force <the troops held the bridge>  b : to restrain especially by keeping back <hold your temper>  c : 2DELAY 2 <held the train>  d : to keep back from use <will hold the seats for us>  e : to make accept a legal or moral duty <I'll hold you to your word>
3 a : to have or keep in the grasp <hold the pen upright>  b : to cause to be or remain in a place, position, or situation <hold the ladder steady>  c : to remain fastened <the anchor held>  d : 1SUPPORT 4A, SUSTAIN <the floor will hold 10 metric tons>  e : to keep as or as if a captive <held without bail>
4 : to bear or carry oneself <please hold still>
5 a : to keep up without interruption <hold silence>  b : to keep the interest or devotion of <the play held the audience>
6 : to receive and contain <the bottle holds two liters>
7 a : to have in mind : ENTERTAIN <hold a theory>  b : CONSIDER 3, JUDGE <was held to be the best>
8 : to carry on as a group <hold a meeting>
9 a : to maintain position <the line held under attack>  b : to continue unchanged : LAST <their interest held up> <hope the weather holds>
10 : to be true : APPLY <the rule holds in most cases>
11 : to refrain from an act : HALT, PAUSE [Old English healdan “to hold, own”]  synonyms see CONTAIN
— hold a candle to : to compare with <doesn't hold a candle to the original>

— hold forth : to preach or speak in public usually for a long time

— hold good : to remain true <the rule holds good in this case>

— hold hands : to join one's hand with another's especially as an expression of affection

— hold one's breath
1 : to prevent oneself from breathing temporarily
2 : to wait in anxious anticipation

— hold one's own : to maintain one's place or condition especially against opposition

— hold one's tongue or hold one's peace : to keep one's thoughts to oneself : keep silent

— hold the bag
1 : to be left empty-handed
2 : to get the blame that should be shared by others

— hold to : to adhere to strongly <held to his promise>

— hold water : to stand up under criticism or examination <your story doesn't hold water>

— hold with : to agree with : approve of

2hold n
1 : FORTRESS, STRONGHOLD
2 : the act or manner of holding : GRIP, GRASP <have a hold on the rope>
3 : a manner of grasping the opponent in wrestling
4 a : full or immediate control <get hold of yourself>  b : TOUCH 4 <trying to get a hold of you>
5 : a bond that affects or controls : POWER <the law has no hold over this person>
6 : something that may be grasped or held
7 : a note or rest in music that is continued longer than usual
8 a : an order or indication that something is to be reserved or delayed  b : STOPPAGE, HALT <a hold in a rocket countdown>
— on hold : in a state of interruption

3hold n
1 : the interior of a ship below decks; esp : the cargo deck of a ship
2 : the cargo compartment of an airplane [an altered form of hole]

hold back vb
1 : to make difficult the progress or achievement of
2 : to keep from revealing or giving <held back important information>

hold·er \ˈhōl-dər\ n
1 : a person that holds; esp : a legal owner
2 : a device that holds

hold·fast \ˈhōl(d)-ˌfast\ n : a part by which a plant (as a seaweed) or animal (as a tapeworm) clings (as to a flat surface or the body of a host)

hold·ing \ˈhōl-diŋ\ n
1 : property (as land or stocks) owned — usually used in plural <decided to sell her holdings>
2 : a ruling of a court

holding pattern n
1 : the course flown (as over an airport) by an aircraft waiting for permission to land
2 : a state of waiting or suspended activity <the project is in a holding pattern>

hold off vb
1 : to keep away : WITHSTAND <held off the attack>
2 : POSTPONE, DELAY <decided to hold off on the decision> <will hold off production for the summer>

hold on vb
1 : to keep a hold
2 : 1WAIT 1A
— hold on to : to keep or adhere to <hold on to your dreams>

hold out vb
1 : to remain in being : LAST <hope the food holds out>
2 : to remain unyielding : refuse to surrender or give in <held out until help arrived>
— hold·out \ˈhōl-ˌdau̇t\ n

— hold out on : to keep something (as information) from

hold over vb : to continue beyond a normal or planned time <the movie was held over for three weeks>
— hold·over \ˈhōl-ˌdō-vər\ n

hold·up n
1 : a robbery at gunpoint
2 : 1DELAY 1

hold up \(ˈ)hōl-ˈdəp\ vb
1 : 2DELAY 2, IMPEDE
2 : to rob at gunpoint
3 : to continue without failing or losing effectiveness <holding up under the stress> <music that holds up twenty years later>

hole \ˈhōl\ n
1 : an opening into or through a thing
2 a : a hollow place (as a pit or cave)  b : a deep place in a body of water <trout holes>
3 : an underground habitation : BURROW
4 : FLAW, FAULT
5 a : the shallow cup into which the ball is played in golf  b : a part of a golf course from the tee to the putting green
6 : a shabby or dingy place
7 : an awkward position : FIX
— hole vb

— hol·ey \ˈhō-lē\ adj

— in the hole : in a position of owing or losing money

hole in one : 1ACE 4

hole up vb : to take shelter in or as if in a hole or cave

hol·i·day \ˈhäl-ə-ˌdā\ n
1 : HOLY DAY
2 : a day of freedom from work; esp : a day of celebration or remembrance fixed by law
3 chiefly British : a period of relaxation : VACATION
— holiday vb

— hol·i·day·er n

ho·li·ness \ˈhō-lē-nəs\ n
1 : the quality or state of being holy
2 cap — used as a title for various high religious officials <His Holiness the Pope>

ho·lis·tic \hō-ˈlis-tik\ adj : relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the individual parts <holistic medicine attempts to treat both the mind and the body> [hol- + -istic]

hol·ler \ˈhäl-ər\ vb hol·lered; hol·ler·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to cry or call out : SHOUT
2 : COMPLAIN 1
— holler n

1hol·low \ˈhäl-ō\ n
1 : an empty space within something : HOLE
2 : a low spot in a surface; esp : VALLEY

2hollow adj
1 : curved inward : SUNKEN <hollow cheeks>
2 : having a hole inside : not solid throughout <hollow tree>
3 : lacking value, sincerity, or meaning <hollow victory> <hollow promises>
4 : being like a sound made in or by beating on a large empty enclosure : MUFFLED <a hollow roar>
— hollow vb

— hol·low·ly \ˈhäl-ō-lē, -ə-lē\ adv

— hol·low·ness n

hol·ly \ˈhäl-ē\ n, pl hollies
1 : either of two trees or shrubs of which one is found in the eastern U.S. and the other in Eurasia and which have evergreen leaves with spiny margins and usually bright red berries
2 : the leaves, berries, and branches of the holly

hol·ly·hock \ˈhäl-ē-ˌhäk, -ˌhȯk\ n : a widely grown Asian herb related to the mallows and having large coarse rounded leaves and tall stalks bearing showy flowers

hol·mi·um \ˈhō(l)-mē-əm\ n : a rare metallic element that forms highly magnetic compounds — see ELEMENT TABLE

holo- — see HOL-

ho·lo·caust \ˈhō-lə-ˌkȯst, ˈhäl-ə- also -ˌkäst or ˈhȯ-lə-ˌkȯst\ n
1 : a sacrifice destroyed by fire
2 : a thorough destruction especially by fire
3 a often cap : the killing of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II  b : GENOCIDE

Ho·lo·cene \ˈhō-lə-ˌsēn, ˈhäl-ə-\ adj : of, relating to, or being the present epoch of geological history — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Holocene n

ho·lo·gram \ˈhō-lə-ˌgram, ˈhäl-ə-\ n : a three-dimensional picture made by a complex pattern of light (as laser light)

ho·lo·graph \ˈhō-lə-ˌgraf, ˈhäl-ə-\ n : a document entirely in the handwriting of the author
— holograph or ho·lo·graph·ic \ˌhō-lə-ˈgraf-ik, ˌhäl-ə-\ adj

ho·log·ra·phy \hō-ˈläg-rə-fē\ n : the process of making or using a hologram
— ho·lo·graph·ic \ˌhō-lə-ˈgraf-ik, ˌhal-ə-\ adj

— ho·lo·graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

Hol·stein \ˈhōl-ˌstēn, -ˌstīn\ n : any of a breed of large black-and-white dairy cattle producing large quantities of milk that is low in fat compared to the milk of other breeds

Hol·stein–Frie·sian \-ˈfrē-zhən\ n : HOLSTEIN

hol·ster \ˈhōl(t)-stər\ n : a usually leather case for carrying a pistol

ho·ly \ˈhō-lē\ adj ho·li·er; -est
1 : worthy of complete devotion and trust
2 : DIVINE
3 : set apart to the service of God or a god : SACRED
4 : respected as sacred
5 : COMPLETE, UTTER <he is a holy terror> — used in combination as a mild oath <holy cow>

holy day n : a day set aside for special religious observance

Holy Ghost n : HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Grail \-ˈgrā(ə)l\ n : the cup or platter which according to legend was used by Christ and was sought after by knights during the Middle Ages

Holy Saturday n : the Saturday before Easter

Holy Spirit n : the third person of the Christian Trinity

ho·ly·stone \ˈhō-lē-ˌstōn\ n : a soft sandstone used to scrub a ship's wooden decks
— holystone vb

Holy Thursday n : MAUNDY THURSDAY

holy war n : a war or violent campaign carried on for what is considered a holy purpose

holy water n : water blessed by a priest and used to purify

Holy Week n : the week before Easter

Holy Writ n : BIBLE 1

hom- or homo- combining form : similar : alike <homograph> [derived from Greek homos “same”]

hom·age \ˈ(h)äm-ij\ n
1 : a ceremony in which a person pledged allegiance to a lord and became his vassal
2 : something done or given in fulfilling a vassal's duty to a lord
3 : 1RESPECT 2A, HONOR <paid homage to her>

hom·bre \ˈäm-brē, ˈəm-, -ˌbrā\ n : 1MAN 1A, FELLOW [from Spanish hombre “man,” from Latin homin-, homo “man”]

hom·burg \ˈhäm-ˌbərg\ n : a man's felt hat with a stiff curled brim and a high crown creased lengthwise

1home \ˈhōm\ n
1 a : the house in which a person or family lives  b : 1HOUSE 1
2 : a family living together in one dwelling
3 : the place where something is usually or naturally found : HABITAT <the home of the elephant>
4 a : a place of origin <salmon returning to their home to spawn>  b : the country or place where one lives or where one's ancestors lived
5 : a place for the care of persons unable to care for themselves <old people's home>
6 : the goal in some games; esp : HOME PLATE [Middle English hom, from Old English hām “village, home”]
— home·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— at home : relaxed and comfortable

2home adv
1 : to or at home <went home>
2 : to a final, closed, or standard position <drive a nail home>
3 : deeply and meaningfully <the truth struck home>

3home adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a home
2 : prepared, done, or designed for use in a home <home cooking>
3 : happening or operating in a home area <the home team>

4home vb homed; hom·ing
1 : to go or return home
2 : to send to or provide with a home

home·body \ˈhōm-ˌbäd-ē\ n : one whose life centers in the home

1home·bound \ˈhōm-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : going or heading for home <homebound travelers>

2homebound adj : confined to the home <was homebound with a broken foot>

home·boy \-ˌbȯi\ n
1 a : a boy or man from one's neighborhood, hometown, or region  b : a male friend
2 a : a boy or man who is a member of one's peer group  b : a fellow member of a youth gang
3 : an inner-city youth

home·com·ing \ˈhōm-ˌkəm-ing\ n
1 : a return home
2 a : the return of a group of people usually on a special occasion to a place formerly frequented  b : a yearly celebration for alumni at a school

home economics n : the study of the care and management of a household
— home economist n

home·girl \ˈhōm-ˌgərl\ n
1 : a girl or woman from one's neighborhood, hometown, or region
2 : a girl or woman who is a member of one's peer group

home·grown \ˈhōm-ˈgrōn\ adj
1 : grown or made at home or nearby <homegrown vegetables>
2 : native to or characteristic of a particular place

home·land \ˈhōm-ˌland\ n : native land : FATHERLAND

home·less \-ləs\ adj : having no home or permanent residence
— home·less·ness n

home·ly \ˈhōm-lē\ adj home·li·er; -est
1 : characteristic of home life <homely meals>
2 : not pretty or handsome <a homely person>
— home·li·ness n

home·made \ˈhōm-ˈ(m)ād\ adj : made in the home

home·mak·er \ˈhōm-ˌmā-kər\ n : one who manages a household especially as a spouse and parent
— home·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ n or adj

homeo- also homoio- combining form : like : similar <homeostasis> [derived from Greek homoios “like, similar,” from homos “same”]

ho·meo·sta·sis \ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs\ n : a tendency for the conditions inside the body of an animal (as a mammal) to stay pretty much the same even when outside environmental conditions (as temperature) change
— ho·meo·stat·ic \-ˈstat-ik\ adj

home page n : the page of a website that is usually seen first and contains links to the other pages of the site

home plate n : the base where a baseball batter stands and which a base runner must touch in order to score

hom·er \ˈhō-mər\ n
1 : HOME RUN
2 : HOMING PIGEON

home·room \ˈhōm-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a classroom where pupils report usually at the beginning of each school day

home rule n : self-government in local affairs by the citizens of a local political unit

home run n : a hit in baseball that allows the batter to go completely around the bases and score a run

home·school \ˈhōm-ˌskül\ vb : to teach school subjects to one's children at home

home·school·er \-ˌskül-ər\ n
1 : a person who homeschools
2 : a child who is homeschooled

home screen n
1 : TELEVISION
2 : the graphical user interface that is displayed by default by an electronic device (as a smartphone or computer) or software application and that provides quick access to commonly used functions and settings

home·sick \ˈhōm-ˌsik\ adj : longing for home and family while away from them
— home·sick·ness n

1home·spun \-ˌspən\ adj
1 a : spun or made at home  b : made of homespun
2 : not worldly : SIMPLE 3

2homespun n : a loosely woven usually woolen or linen fabric

1home·stead \-ˌsted\ n
1 : a home and surrounding land
2 : a piece of land acquired from U.S. public lands by living on and cultivating it

2homestead vb : to acquire or settle on public land for use as a homestead
— home·stead·er \-ˌsted-ər\ n

home·stretch \ˈhōm-ˈstrech\ n
1 : the part of a racetrack between the final turn and the finish line
2 : a final stage

home·town \-ˈtau̇n\ n : the city or town where one was born or grew up

home·ward \ˈhōm-wərd\ or home·wards \-wərdz\ adv : toward or in the direction of home
— homeward adj

home·work \ˈhōm-ˌwərk\ n : work and especially school lessons to be done outside the regular class period

hom·ey \ˈhō-mē\ adj hom·i·er; -est : resembling or suggestive of a home
— hom·ey·ness or hom·i·ness n

ho·mi·cid·al \ˌhäm-ə-ˈsīd-əl, ˌhō-mə-\ adj : of, relating to, or having tendencies toward the killing of another person : MURDEROUS
— ho·mi·cid·al·ly \-ˈsīd-əl-ē\ adv

ho·mi·cide \ˈhäm-ə-ˌsīd, ˈhō-mə-\ n : a killing of one human being by another [Middle English homicide “the killing of a person,” from early French homicide (same meaning), from Latin homicidium “the act of killing a man,” from homo “man” and -cidium “the act of killing,” from caedere “to kill, cut”]

hom·i·ly \ˈhäm-ə-lē\ n, pl -lies : SERMON 1

homing adj
1 : returning by habit to a known place
2 : guiding or being guided to a goal

homing pigeon n : a racing pigeon trained to return home

hom·i·nid \ˈhäm-ə-nəd, -ˌnid\ n : any of a family of two-footed primate mammals that include the human beings together with their extinct ancestors and related forms
— hominid adj

hom·i·ny \ˈhäm-ə-nē\ n : kernels of dried corn from which the hulls have been removed by soaking and boiling in water containing lye

ho·mo \ˈhō-mō\ n, pl homos : any of a genus of primate mammals that includes all human beings alive today and extinct related species

homo- — see HOM-

ho·mog·e·nate \hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnāt\ n : a product of homogenizing

ho·mo·ge·neous \ˌhō-mə-ˈjē-nē-əs, -nyəs\ adj
1 : of the same or a similar kind or nature
2 : being the same throughout <a culturally homogenous neighborhood>
— ho·mo·ge·ne·ity \-jə-ˈnē-ət-ē\ n

— ho·mo·ge·neous·ly \-ˈjē-nē-əs-lē\ adv

ho·mog·e·nize \hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnīz, hə-\ vb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to make homogeneous
2 a : to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly <homogenize peanut butter> <homogenize paint>  b : to break up the fat of (milk) into very fine particles
— ho·mog·e·ni·za·tion \-ˌmäj-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— ho·mog·e·niz·er \-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnī-zər\ n

ho·mo·graph \ˈhäm-ə-ˌgraf, ˈhō-mə-\ n : one of two or more words spelled the same but different in origin or meaning or pronunciation <“row” of seats and “row” (a fight) are homographs, as are “fair” (market) and “fair” (beautiful)>

homoio- variant of HOMEO-

ho·mol·o·gous \hō-ˈmäl-ə-gəs, hə-\ adj
1 : showing biological homology <a homologous wing and arm>
2 : having the same or allelic genes usually arranged in the same order <a pair of homologous chromosomes>

ho·mo·logue or ho·mo·log \ˈhō-mə-ˌlȯg, ˈhäm-ə-, -ˌläg\ n : either chromosome of a homologous pair

ho·mol·o·gy \hō-ˈmäl-ə-jē, hə-\ n, pl -gies : a likeness often due to common origin: as  a : structural likeness between corresponding parts (as the wing of a bat and the arm of a human being) of different plants or animals due to evolution from a common ancestor in the distant past  b : structural likeness between a series of parts (as vertebrae) in the same individual

hom·onym \ˈhäm-ə-ˌnim, ˈhō-mə-\ n
1 : HOMOPHONE
2 : HOMOGRAPH
3 : one of two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning <the noun “bear” and the verb “bear” are homonyms> [from Latin homonymum “homonym,” derived from Greek homonymos (adjective) “having the same name,” from hom-, homos “same” and onyma, onoma “name”]
— hom·onym·ic \ˌhäm-ə-ˈnim-ik, ˌhō-mə-\ adj

ho·mo·pho·bia \ˌhō-mə-ˈfō-bē-ə\ n : irrational fear or dislike of or prejudice against homosexuality or homosexuals
— ho·mo·pho·bic \-ˈfō-bik\ adj

ho·mo·phone \ˈhäm-ə-ˌfōn, ˈhō-mə-\ n : one of two or more words pronounced alike but different in meaning, origin, or spelling <“to,” “too,” and “two” are homophones>
— ho·mo·pho·nic \ˌhäm-ə-ˈfän-ik, ˌhō-mə, -ˈfō-nik\ adj

— ho·moph·o·nous \hō-ˈmäf-ə-nəs\ adj

Ho·mo sa·pi·ens \ˌhō-mō-ˈsap-ē-ənz, -ˈsā-pē-ˌenz\ n : the human race [scientific Latin, derived from homo “human being” and sapiens “wise, intelligent”]

1ho·mo·sex·u·al \ˌhō-mə-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsek-shəl\ adj : of, relating to, or showing sexual desire toward another of the same sex

2homosexual n : a homosexual individual

ho·mo·sex·u·al·i·ty \ˌhō-mə-ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being homosexual

ho·mo·zy·gos·i·ty \ˌhō-mə-zī-ˈgäs-ət-ē\ n : the state of being homozygous

ho·mo·zy·gote \ˌhō-mə-ˈzī-ˌgōt\ n : a homozygous individual

ho·mo·zy·gous \ˌhō-mə-ˈzī-gəs\ adj : having at least one gene pair that contains identical genes <a pea plant homozygous for yellow seed>

hone \ˈhōn\ vb honed; hon·ing
1 : to sharpen with or as if with a fine abrasive stone
2 : to make more intense or effective <top athletes honing their skills>

1hon·est \ˈän-əst\ adj
1 : free from fraud or trickery : TRUTHFUL <an honest plea>
2 : being just what is indicated : GENUINE, REAL <made an honest mistake>
3 : good in the eyes of society : RESPECTABLE <poor but honest people>
4 : TRUSTWORTHY
5 : FRANK, OPEN  synonyms see UPRIGHT

2honest adv : to tell the truth : I mean it <I didn't do it, honest I didn't>

hon·est·ly \ˈän-əst-lē\ adv
1 : in an honest manner: as  a : without cheating <counted the votes honestly>  b : ACTUALLY, GENUINELY <was honestly scared>
2 : to be honest : to tell the truth <honestly, I don't know how you do it>

hon·es·ty \ˈän-ə-stē\ n : the quality or state of being honest

hon·ey \ˈhən-ē\ n, pl honeys
1 : a thick sugary material prepared by bees from the nectar of flowers and stored by them in a honeycomb for food
2 a : SWEETHEART, DEAR — often used as a term of affection  b : something very good <a honey of a play>
3 : the quality or state of being sweet
— honey adj

hon·ey·bee \-ˌbē\ n : a bee that produces honey and lives in colonies; esp : a European bee widely kept in hives for the honey it produces

1hon·ey·comb \-ˌkōm\ n
1 : a mass of six-sided wax cells built by honeybees in their nest to contain young bees and stores of honey
2 : something that resembles a honeycomb in structure or appearance

2honeycomb vb : to make or become full of holes like a honeycomb

hon·ey·dew \ˈhən-ē-ˌd(y)ü\ n
1 : a sugary substance deposited on the leaves of plants usually by aphids or scale insects or sometimes by a fungus
2 : HONEYDEW MELON

honeydew melon n : a pale smooth-skinned muskmelon with greenish sweet flesh

hon·ey·moon \ˈhən-ē-ˌmün\ n
1 : a trip or vacation taken by a newly married couple
2 : the time immediately after marriage
3 : a pleasant period after the start of something (as a relationship)
— honeymoon vb

— hon·ey·moon·er n

hon·ey·suck·le \-ˌsək-əl\ n : any of a genus of shrubs having fragrant tube-shaped flowers rich in nectar

honk \ˈhäŋk, ˈhȯŋk\ n : the cry of a goose; also : a similar sound (as of a horn)
— honk vb

1hon·or \ˈän-ər\ n
1 a : a good name or public admiration : REPUTATION  b : a showing of respect : RECOGNITION <a dinner in honor of a new coach>
2 : 1PRIVILEGE <whom have I the honor of addressing>
3 a cap — used especially as a title for an official of high rank (as a judge) <if your Honor please>  b : one whose worth brings respect or fame : CREDIT <an honor to your profession>
4 a : evidence or a symbol of great respect (as a title or medal)  b pl : special credit or recognition given to graduating students for high achievement; also : a course of study for advanced students that is in place of or in addition to regular courses
5 a : CHASTITY, PURITY  b : high moral standards of behavior : INTEGRITY <a person of honor>
6 pl : courteous actions of a host or hostess <did the honors at the table>

2honor vb hon·ored; hon·or·ing \ˈän-(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to treat with honor : RESPECT <honor your parents>  b : to give an honor to
2 : to fulfill the terms of <honored the contract>

hon·or·able \ˈän-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈän-ər-bəl\ adj
1 : deserving of honor
2 — used as a title especially for various government officials
3 : performed or accompanied with marks of honor <an honorable burial>
4 : doing credit to the possessor <honorable wounds>
5 : characterized by honesty : ETHICAL
— hon·or·ably \-blē\ adv

hon·or·ary \ˈän-ə-ˌrer-ē\ adj
1 : given or done as a sign of honor <an honorary degree>
2 : 1VOLUNTARY 1, UNPAID <honorary president>
— hon·or·ari·ly \ˌän-ə-ˈrer-ə-lē\ adv

honor guard n : a guard assigned to a ceremonial duty

honor system n : a system (as at a school) where persons are trusted to follow the rules without supervision

1hood \ˈhu̇d\ n
1 : a soft covering for the head and neck often attached to a coat or cape
2 : a marking, crest, or fold on the head of an animal
3 a : something resembling a hood in form or use  b : a cover for parts of mechanisms; esp : the movable metal covering over the engine of an automobile  c : an enclosure provided with a draft for carrying off disagreeable or harmful fumes, sprays, or dust
— hood·ed \-əd\ adj

— hood·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2hood \ˈhu̇d, ˈhüd\ n : HOODLUM

-hood \ˌhu̇d\ n suffix
1 : state : condition : quality <hardihood>
2 : time : period <childhood>
3 : instance of a state or quality <falsehood>
4 : individuals sharing a state or character <brotherhood> [Old English hād “condition, quality”]

hood·ie also hoody \ˈhu̇d-ē\ n, pl hood·ies : a hooded sweatshirt

hood·lum \ˈhüd-ləm\ n
1 : MOBSTER, THUG
2 : a young ruffian

hoo·doo \ˈhüd-ü\ n, pl hoodoos
1 : VOODOOISM 1
2 : something that brings bad luck [perhaps an altered form of voodoo]
— hoodoo vb

— hoo·doo·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ n

hood·wink \ˈhu̇d-ˌwiŋk\ vb : to deceive by false appearance : TRICK

1hoof \ˈhu̇f, ˈhüf\ n, pl hooves \ˈhu̇vz, ˈhüvz\ or hoofs
1 : a covering of horn that protects the front of or encloses the ends of the toes of some mammals (as horses, oxen, and pigs) and that corresponds to a nail or claw
2 : a hoofed foot especially of a horse
— hoofed \ˈhu̇ft, ˈhüft, ˈhu̇vd, ˈhüvd\ adj

— on the hoof : LIVING 1A <meat animals bought on the hoof>

2hoof vb
1 : to walk especially with haste <hoofed it to class>
2 : to dance especially as a performer <watched the cast hoofing on the stage>
— hoof·er n

hoof–and–mouth disease n : FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

hoof·beat \ˈhu̇f-ˌbēt, ˈhüf-\ n : the sound of a hoof striking a hard surface (as the ground)

hoof·print \-ˌprint\ n : a mark or hollow made by a hoof

1hook \ˈhu̇k\ n
1 : a curved or bent tool for catching, holding, or pulling
2 : something curved or bent
3 : the flight of a ball curving to the left when hit or thrown by a right-hander or to the right when hit or thrown by a left-hander
4 : a short sweeping punch made with the elbow bent
5 : 1CRADLE 6 <left the phone off the hook>
— by hook or by crook : by any means

— off the hook : out of trouble

— on one's own hook : by oneself : INDEPENDENTLY

2hook vb
1 : to form into a hook : CROOK, CURVE
2 a : to seize, make fast, or connect by or as if by a hook  b : to become secured or connected by or as if by a hook
3 : PILFER, STEAL
4 : to make by drawing loops of thread, yarn, or cloth through a coarse fabric with a hook <hook a rug>
5 : to hit or throw a ball so that a hook results

hook and eye n : a fastener (as for clothing) made up of a small hook that catches over a bar or into a loop

hooked \ˈhu̇kt\ adj
1 : shaped like or provided with a hook
2 a : addicted to narcotics  b : fascinated by or fond of something <hooked on skiing>

hook·up \ˈhu̇k-ˌəp\ n
1 : CONNECTION 2, ALLIANCE
2 a : an arrangement (as of circuits) used for a specific purpose (as in radio)  b : the diagram of such an arrangement
3 : an arrangement of mechanical parts

hook·worm \-ˌwərm\ n
1 : a parasitic nematode worm having strong hooks or plates about the mouth
2 : a diseased state marked by blood loss, paleness, and weakness due to hookworms in the intestine — called also hookworm disease

hooky also hook·ey \ˈhu̇k-ē\ n, pl hook·ies or hookeys : TRUANT <play hooky>

hoo·li·gan \ˈhü-li-gən\ n : HOODLUM 2 [perhaps from the name of Patrick Hooligan, an Irish hoodlum who lived in London around 1898]

hoop \ˈhu̇p, ˈhüp\ n
1 : a circular band used for holding together the strips that make up the sides of a barrel; also : a similar band used as a toy
2 a : a circular figure or object : RING  b : the rim of a basketball goal; broadly : the entire goal
3 : BASKETBALL — usually used in plural
4 : a circle or series of circles of flexible material used to expand a woman's skirt
— hoop vb

hoop·skirt \-ˈskərt\ n : a skirt stiffened with or as if with hoops

hoo·ray \hu̇-ˈrā\ also hur·rah \-ˈrȯ, -ˈrä\ or hur·ray \-ˈrā\ interj — used to express joy, approval, or encouragement

hoose·gow \ˈhüs-ˌgau̇\ n : PRISON 2 [from Spanish juzgado “panel of judges, courtroom,” derived from juzgar “to judge,” from Latin judicare “to judge” — related to JUDGE]

1hoot \ˈhüt\ vb
1 : to utter a loud shout usually of scorn
2 : to make the characteristic call of an owl or a similar sound
3 : to drive out by hooting
— hoot·er n

2hoot n
1 : a sound of hooting; esp : the call of an owl
2 : a very small amount <don't care a hoot>
3 : an amusing person or thing

hoo·te·nan·ny \ˈhüt-ən-ˌan-ē\ n, pl -nies : a gathering at which folksingers entertain

1hop \ˈhäp\ vb hopped; hop·ping
1 : to move by a quick springy leap or series of leaps; esp : to jump on one foot
2 : to jump over <hop a puddle>
3 : to move or get aboard by or as if by hopping <hop a train> <hop in the car>
4 : to make a quick trip especially by air [Old English hoppian “to leap, hop”]

2hop n
1 a : a short brisk leap especially on one leg  b : 2BOUNCE 1B
2 : 2DANCE 3, BALL <the junior hop>
3 a : a flight in an airplane  b : a short trip

3hop n
1 : a twining vine related to the mulberry and having leaves with lobes and flowers in cone-shaped catkins
2 pl : the ripe dried catkins of a hop used especially to give a bitter flavor to malt liquors [Middle English hoppe “the hop vine”; of Dutch origin]

4hop vb hopped; hop·ping : to flavor with hops

1hope \ˈhōp\ vb hoped; hop·ing : to desire something and expect that it will happen or be obtained <hope to succeed> <hope you'll accept the invitation> <hope for a bicycle>

2hope n
1 archaic : 1TRUST 1A, RELIANCE <our hope is in the king>
2 a : desire accompanied by expectation of fulfillment <in hope of an early recovery>  b : someone or something on which hopes are centered <a home run was the only hope for victory>  c : something hoped for

1hope·ful \ˈhōp-fəl\ adj
1 : having qualities which inspire hope
2 : full of or inclined to hope
— hope·ful·ness n

2hopeful n : a person who has hopes or is considered promising

hope·ful·ly \ˈhōp-fə-lē\ adv
1 : in a hopeful manner <a dog looking hopefully for a tidbit>
2 : I hope : we hope <hopefully it won't rain tomorrow>

hope·less \ˈhō-pləs\ adj
1 a : having no expectation of good or success  b : INCURABLE
2 a : giving no reason for hope : DESPERATE <a hopeless situation>  b : incapable of solution or accomplishment : IMPOSSIBLE <a hopeless task>
— hope·less·ly adv

— hope·less·ness n

Ho·pi \ˈhō-pē\ n, pl Hopi or Hopis : a member of an American Indian people of northeastern Arizona

hopped–up \ˈhäpt-ˈəp\ adj
1 : full of excitement or enthusiasm
2 : having more power than usual <put a hopped-up engine in his hot rod>

hop·per \ˈhäp-ər\ n
1 a : one that hops  b : a leaping insect; esp : a young hopping form of an insect
2 a : a usually funnel-shaped container for delivering material (as grain)  b : a railroad car with a sloping floor and hinged doors — called also hopper car  c : a tank with a device for releasing its liquid through a pipe

hop·scotch \ˈhäp-ˌskäch\ n : a child's game in which a player hops through a figure drawn on the ground

horde \ˈhō(ə)rd, ˈhȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a wandering people or tribe
2 : a great multitude : THRONG, SWARM <hordes of tourists>

ho·ri·zon \ˈhə-ˈrīz-ən\ n
1 : the line where the earth or sea seems to meet the sky
2 : the limit or range of a person's outlook or experience <reading broadens our horizons>
3 : a distinct layer of soil or its underlying material in a vertical section of land
— ho·ri·zon·al \-ˈrīz-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

1hor·i·zon·tal \ˌhȯr-ə-ˈzänt-əl, ˌhär-\ adj
1 : of or relating to the horizon
2 : parallel to the horizon : LEVEL
3 : being on the same level
— hor·i·zon·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

2horizontal n : a horizontal line or plane

hor·mon·al \hȯr-ˈmōn-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or brought about by hormones

hor·mone \ˈhȯr-ˌmōn\ n : a product of living cells that circulates in body fluids (as blood) or sap and produces a specific and often stimulating effect on cells usually at a distance from the place where it is made

horn \ˈhȯ(ə)rn\ n
1 : one of the hard bony growths on the head of many hoofed animals (as cattle, goats, or sheep)
2 : a part like an animal's horn
3 : the material of which horns are composed or a similar material
4 : a hollow horn used to hold something <powder horn>
5 : something resembling a horn <saddle horn> <horns of the crescent moon>
6 a : a brass wind instrument (as a trumpet or French horn)  b : a device that makes a noise like that of a horn <an automobile horn>
— horned \ˈhȯ(ə)rnd\ adj

— horn·less \ˈhȯ(ə)rn-ləs\ adj

— horn·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

horn·beam \-ˌbēm\ n : any of a genus of trees related to the birches and having smooth gray bark and hard white wood

horn·bill \-ˌbil\ n : any of a family of large Old World birds having enormous bills

horn·blende \-ˌblend\ n : a dark mineral commonly found as a kind of rock

horned owl n : any of several owls with two bunches of feathers on the head that look like ears; esp : GREAT HORNED OWL

horned pout n : a common bullhead of the eastern U.S.

horned toad n : any of several small harmless insect-eating lizards of the western U.S. and Mexico resembling toads and having hornlike spines

hor·net \ˈhȯr-nət\ n : any of the larger wasps that live in colonies

horn·fels \ˈhȯ(ə)rn-ˌfelz\ n : a fine-grained rock formed by the action of heat

horn of plenty : CORNUCOPIA

horn·pipe \ˈhȯ(ə)rn-ˌpīp\ n
1 : a wind instrument made up of a wooden or bone pipe and a bell usually of horn
2 : a lively folk dance originally accompanied by hornpipe playing

horn·wort \-ˌwərt, -ˌwȯ(ə)rt\ n : any of various plants that usually live in water and are related to the liverworts

horny \ˈhȯr-nē\ adj horn·i·er; -est
1 : made of horn or of something resembling horn
2 : 1HARD 1, CALLOUS <horny hands>

horo·scope \ˈhȯr-ə-ˌskōp, ˈhär-\ n
1 : a diagram of the positions of planets and signs of the zodiac used by astrologers to foretell events of a person's life
2 : an astrological forecast [Middle English horoscopum “horoscope,” from Latin horoscopus (same meaning), from Greek hōroskopos, literally, “hour watcher,” from hōra “hour” and skopos “watcher” — related to BISHOP, EPISCOPAL, SCOPE; see Word History at BISHOP]

hor·ren·dous \hȯ-ˈren-dəs, hä-, hə-\ adj : DREADFUL, HORRIBLE
— hor·ren·dous·ly adv

hor·ri·ble \ˈhȯr-ə-bəl, ˈhär-\ adj
1 : marked by or arousing horror
2 : extremely unpleasant or bad <horrible food>
— hor·ri·bly \-blē\ adv

hor·rid \ˈhȯr-əd, ˈhär-\ adj
1 : inspiring horror : SHOCKING
2 a : arousing disgust : NASTY <a horrid man>  b : HORRIBLE 2 <had horrid manners>
— hor·rid·ly adv

— hor·rid·ness n

hor·ri·fy \ˈhȯr-ə-ˌfī, ˈhär-\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to cause to feel horror

hor·ror \ˈhȯr-ər, ˈhär-\ n
1 : strong fear, dread, or dislike
2 : the quality of inspiring horror
3 : something horrible
— horror adj

hors d'oeuvre \ȯr-ˈdərv\ n, pl hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre \-ˈdərv(z)\ : any of various tasty foods usually served as appetizers [from French hors-d'œuvre “appetizers,” from the phrase hors d'œuvre, literally, “outside of work”]

1horse \ˈhȯ(ə)rs\ n, pl hors·es also horse
1 a : a large hoofed grazing domestic mammal that is used to carry or draw loads and for riding  b : a male horse : STALLION
2 a : a frame that supports something (as wood while being cut)  b : a piece of gymnasium equipment used for balancing and swinging movements or for vaulting exercises
3 horse pl : CAVALRY
— horse adj

2horse vb horsed; hors·ing : to provide with a horse

horse around vb : to engage in horseplay : FOOL <was horsing around instead of studying>

1horse·back \ˈhȯrs-ˌbak\ n : the back of a horse

2horseback adv : on horseback

horse·car \ˈhȯrs-ˌkär\ n : a streetcar drawn by horses

horse chestnut n
1 : a large European tree with leaves divided into fingerlike parts and large flower clusters that is widely grown as an ornamental and shade tree
2 : the large glossy brown seed of a horse chestnut

horse·fly \ˈhȯrs-ˌflī\ n : any of a family of swift usually large two-winged flies with bloodsucking females

horse·hair \-ˌha(ə)r, -ˌhe(ə)r\ n
1 : hair of a horse especially from the mane or tail
2 : cloth made from horsehair
— horsehair adj

horsehair worm n : any of various long slender worms whose adults live in water and whose larvae are parasites of insects

horse·hide \ˈhȯrs-ˌhīd\ n : a horse's hide or leather made from it

horse latitudes n pl : either of two regions in the neighborhoods of 30° north and 30° south latitude having high pressure, calms, and light changeable winds

horse·laugh \ˈhȯr-ˌslaf, -ˌslȧf\ n : a loud laugh : GUFFAW

horse·man \ˈhȯr-smən\ n
1 a : a rider or driver of horses  b : one skilled in managing horses
2 : a breeder or raiser of horses
— horse·man·ship \-ˌship\ n

horse opera n : 2WESTERN
Word History You have probably noticed that while there may be lots of horses in a cowboy film, there is usually no singing. The word opera is used in this term because the exciting stories and the overacting reminded people of operas. Horse opera, in reference to a western, dates from the late 1920s. About ten years later the term soap opera came to be used for a radio and still later for a television drama that was frequently sponsored by a soap manufacturer. By the late 1940s the term space opera came into use for a drama involving space travelers and beings on other planets.

horse·play \ˈhȯr-ˌsplā\ n : rough or loud play

horse·pow·er \ˈhȯr-ˌspau̇(-ə)r\ n : a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equal to the English unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second

horse·rad·ish \ˈhȯrs-ˌrad-ish, -ˌred-\ n
1 a : a tall coarse white-flowered herb related to the mustards  b : the sharp-tasting root of the horseradish
2 : a strong seasoning made from the root of the horseradish

horse sense n : COMMON SENSE

horse·shoe \ˈhȯrs-ˌshü, ˈhȯrsh-\ n
1 : a usually U-shaped band of iron shaped and nailed to the rim of a horse's hoof
2 : something shaped like a horseshoe
3 pl : a game in which horseshoes are tossed at a stake in the ground
— horseshoe vb

— horse·sho·er n

horseshoe crab n : any of several closely related arthropods that have a broad crescent-shaped united head and thorax and a tail resembling a spike

horse·tail \ˈhȯr-ˌstāl\ n : any of a genus of primitive plants that reproduce by spores instead of by flowers and seeds and have hollow stems and very small leaves resembling scales — called also equisetum, scouring rush

horse trade n : bargaining marked by clever careful dealing by both sides
— horse–trade vb

— horse trader n

horse·whip \ˈhȯr-ˌswip, ˈhȯrs-ˌhwip\ vb : to beat with or as if with a whip made to be used on a horse

horse·wom·an \ˈhȯr-ˌswu̇m-ən\ n
1 : a woman who is a rider or driver of horses
2 : a woman skilled in caring for or managing horses
3 : a woman who breeds or raises horses

hors·ey or horsy \ˈhȯr-sē\ adj hors·i·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or suggesting a horse, horses, or horse racing
2 : characteristic of horsemen or horsewomen
— hors·i·ness n

hor·ti·cul·ture \ˈhȯrt-ə-ˌkəl-chər\ n : the science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants
— hor·ti·cul·tur·al \ˌhȯrt-ə-ˈkəlch(-ə)-rəl\ adj

hor·ti·cul·tur·ist \ˌhȯrt-ə-ˈkəlch(-ə)-rəst\ also hor·ti·cul·tur·al·ist \-ˈkəlch(-ə)-rə-list\ n : a person who specializes in horticulture

ho·san·na \hō-ˈzan-ə\ interj — used as a cry of praise and adoration

1hose \ˈhōz\ n
1 pl hose  a : STOCKING, SOCK  b : a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist worn by men in about 1600  c : short pants reaching to the knee
2 pl hose or hos·es : a flexible tube for carrying fluid

2hose vb hosed; hos·ing : to spray, water, or wash with a hose

Ho·sea \hō-ˈzā-ə, -ˈzē-\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

ho·siery \ˈhōzh(-ə)-rē, ˈhōz(-ə)-\ n : stockings or socks in general

hos·pice \ˈhäs-pəs\ n
1 : an inn for travelers; esp : one kept by a religious order
2 : a place or program for caring for dying persons

hos·pi·ta·ble \hä-ˈspit-ə-bəl, ˈhäs-(ˌ)pit-\ adj
1 : generous and friendly in entertaining guests
2 a : PLEASANT 2, INVITING <a hospitable inn>  b : offering a pleasant or healthful environment <a hospitable climate>
3 : 1OPEN 7 <hospitable to new ideas>
— hos·pi·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

hos·pi·tal \ˈhäs-ˌpit-əl\ n : an institution where the sick or injured are given medical or surgical care [Middle English hospital “a stopping place for travelers, a place that cares for people too old, sick, or poor to care for themselves,” from early French hospital (same meaning), derived from Latin hospitale “hospice, guest house,” from hospitalis “of a guest,” from hospit-, hospes “host, stranger, guest,” from hostis “stranger, enemy” — related to HOSPITALITY, 1HOST, 2HOST, HOSTILE, HOTEL]

hos·pi·tal·i·ty \ˌhäs-pə-ˈtal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests [Middle English hospitalite “hospitality,” from early French hospitalité (same meaning), derived from Latin hospitale “of a guest, showing hospitality,” from hospit-, hospes “host, stranger, guest” — related to HOSPITAL, 2HOST, HOTEL]

hos·pi·tal·ize \ˈhäs-ˌpit-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to place in a hospital as a patient
— hos·pi·tal·i·za·tion \ˌhäs-ˌpit-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

1host \ˈhōst\ n
1 : ARMY 1A
2 : a great number [Middle English host “army,” from early French ost (same meaning), from Late Latin hostis (same meaning), from earlier hostis “stranger, enemy” — related to HOSPITAL, HOSTILE]

2host n
1 : one who receives or entertains guests socially or as a business
2 : a living animal or plant on or in which a parasite lives [Middle English hoste “host, guest,” from early French hoste (same meaning), from Latin hospit-, hospes “host, stranger, guest” — related to HOSPITAL, HOSPITALITY]

3host vb
1 : to serve as host to, for, or at <host friends> <hosting a dinner>
2 : to serve as master of ceremonies for <hosted the awards show>

4host n, often cap : a round thin piece of bread used in the Eucharist

hos·tage \ˈhäs-tij\ n : a person held captive as a pledge that promises will be kept or terms met by another

hos·tel \ˈhäs-təl\ n
1 : INN
2 : an inexpensive lodging for usually young travelers — called also youth hostel

hos·tel·er \ˈhäs-tə-lər\ n
1 : one who lodges paying guests
2 : a traveler who stays overnight in hostels

hos·tel·ry \ˈhäs-təl-rē\ n, pl -ries : INN, HOTEL

host·ess \ˈhō-stəs\ n : a woman who acts as host; esp : one who greets and provides service for diners in a restaurant or passengers on an airplane or ship
— hostess vb

hos·tile \ˈhäs-təl, -ˌtīl\ adj
1 : of or relating to an enemy <hostile troops>
2 : showing open resistance or opposition <a hostile critic> <hostile to new things>
3 : not hospitable : FORBIDDING <a hostile environment> [from early French hostile or Latin hostilis, both meaning “hostile,” from Latin hostis “stranger, enemy” — related to HOSPITAL, 1HOST]
— hos·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē, -tīl-lē\ adv

hos·til·i·ty \hä-ˈstil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a hostile state, attitude, or action
2 pl : acts of warfare

hos·tler \ˈäs-lər, ˈhäs-\ also ost·ler \ˈäs-\ n : one who takes care of horses or mules

hot \ˈhät\ adj hot·ter; hot·test
1 : having a high temperature
2 a : easily excited : ARDENT, FIERY <hot temper>  b : VIOLENT 1, RAGING <a hot battle>  c : EAGER <hot for reform>
3 : feeling or causing an uncomfortable degree of body heat <my forehead is hot> <it's hot in here>
4 : newly made : FRESH <hot scent>; also : close to something sought <you're getting hotter>
5 : suggestive of heat or of burning or glowing objects <hot spicy foods> <hot colors>
6 a : temporarily capable of unusual performance (as in a sport)  b : currently popular or interesting <a hot topic of conversation> <the hot fashions for spring>
7 a : carrying electric current  b : RADIOACTIVE  c : dealing with radioactive material
8 a : recently stolen <hot jewels>  b : wanted by the police
— hot adv

— hot·ly adv

— hot·ness n

hot air n : empty talk

hot·bed \ˈhät-ˌbed\ n
1 : a heated bed of soil enclosed in glass and used for growing seedlings
2 : an environment that favors rapid growth or development <a hotbed of crime>

hot–blood·ed \-ˈbləd-əd\ adj : easily excited : PASSIONATE
— hot–blood·ed·ness n

hot·box \-ˌbäks\ n : a bearing (as of a railroad car) overheated by friction

hot·cake \-ˌkāk\ n : PANCAKE

hotch·potch \ˈhäch-ˌpäch\ n : HODGEPODGE [Middle English hochepot “mixed stew,” derived from early French hochepot (same meaning), from hocher “to shake” and pot “pot, container” — see Word History at HODGEPODGE]

hot dog \ˈhät-ˌdȯg\ n : FRANKFURTER; esp : a cooked frankfurter served in a long split roll

ho·tel \hō-ˈtel\ n : an establishment that provides lodging and usually meals, entertainment, and personal services for its guests [from French hôtel “hotel,” from early French hostel “a place for travelers to spend the night,” derived from Latin hospitalis “of a guest, showing hospitality,” from hospit-, hospes “host, stranger, guest” — related to HOSPITAL, HOSPITALITY]

1hot·foot \ˈhät-ˌfu̇t\ adv : in haste

2hotfoot vb : to go quickly : HURRY <hotfoot it home>

hot·head \ˈhät-ˌhed\ n : a hotheaded person

hot·head·ed \-ˈhed-əd\ adj : easily angered : RASH, FIERY
— hot·head·ed·ly adv

— hot·head·ed·ness n

hot·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a heated greenhouse
— hothouse adj

hot·line \ˈhät-ˌlīn\ n : a telephone line for direct emergency use (as between heads of governments or to a counseling service)

hot link n : HYPERLINK

hot pepper n
1 : an often thin-walled and small pepper with a sharp or biting taste
2 : a pepper plant of the nightshade family that bears hot peppers

hot plate n : a small portable appliance for heating or cooking

hot rod n : an automobile rebuilt or changed for high speed and fast acceleration

hot–rod·der \ˈhät-ˌräd-ər\ n : a hot rod driver, builder, or enthusiast

hot·shot \ˈhät-ˌshät\ n : a showily skillful person

hot spot n
1 : a place of more than normal interest, activity, or popularity <surfing hot spots>
2 : a place where hot magma from the earth's interior rises through the mantle and crust to form a volcanic feature
3 : an area of political, military, or civil unrest usually considered dangerous
4 : a place where a wireless Internet connection is available

hot spring n : a spring whose water flows out at a temperature higher than the average temperature of the place where the spring is located

hot war n : a conflict involving actual fighting

hot water n : a distressing situation : TROUBLE <in hot water for not doing my chores>

1hound \ˈhau̇nd\ n
1 : 1DOG 1A
2 : a dog of any of various hunting breeds having large drooping ears and a deep voice and following their prey by scent or sight

2hound vb : to pursue with or as if with hounds

hour \ˈau̇(ə)r\ n
1 : a time for or rite of religious worship
2 : one of the 24 divisions of a day : 60 minutes
3 : the time of day <the hour is now 10:00 a.m.>
4 : a fixed or particular time <lunch hour> <an hour of need>
5 : the distance traveled in an hour <lives two hours away>
6 : a class session <I have math this hour>
— after hours : after the regular hours of work or operation

hour·glass \ˈȧu(ə)r-ˌglas\ n : an instrument for measuring time in which usually sand runs from the upper part to the lower part of a glass container in an hour
— hour·glass adj

hour hand n : the short hand that marks the hours on the face of a watch or clock

hour·ly \ˈau̇(ə)r-lē\ adj
1 : occurring every hour <hourly bus service>
2 : figured in terms of one hour <hourly wages>
— hourly adv

1house \ˈhau̇s\ n, pl hous·es \ˈhau̇-zəz\
1 : a building in which one or more families live
2 a : something (as a nest or den) used by an animal for shelter  b : a building in which something is stored <carriage house>
3 a : one of the 12 equal sections into which the celestial sphere is divided in astrology  b : a sign of the zodiac that is the seat of a planet's greatest influence
4 a : 1HOUSEHOLD  b : FAMILY 2; esp : a royal or noble family
5 : a residence for a religious community or for students
6 : a body of persons assembled to make and discuss laws
7 a : a place of business or entertainment <went to a movie house>  b : a business firm <a publishing house>  c : the audience in a theater or concert hall <played to a full house> [Old English hūs “house, home” — related to HUSBAND]

2house \ˈhau̇z\ vb housed; hous·ing
1 a : to provide with living quarters or shelter  b : to store in a house
2 : to encase or enclose as if by putting in a house
3 : to take shelter : LODGE

house·boat \ˈhau̇s-ˌbōt\ n : a roomy usually shallow and flat-bottomed pleasure boat equipped for use as a dwelling or for cruising

house·boy \-ˌbȯi\ n : a boy or man hired as a general household servant

house·break \-ˌbrāk\ vb -broke; -bro·ken; -break·ing : to make housebroken

house·break·ing \-ˌbrā-kiŋ\ n : the act of breaking into a person's house with the intention of committing a crime
— house·break·er \-kər\ n

house·bro·ken \-ˌbrō-kən\ adj : trained in habits of eliminating bodily waste that are acceptable in indoor living <a housebroken dog>

house cat n : CAT 1A

house·clean·ing \ˈhau̇s-ˌklē-niŋ\ n : the cleaning of a house and its furniture

house·coat \ˈhau̇-ˌskōt\ n : a woman's loose and often long garment for wear around the house

house·dress \ˈhau̇s-ˌdres\ n : a dress that is suitable for housework

house·fly \-ˌflī\ n : a two-winged fly that is common about human living places and may spread disease (as typhoid fever)

1house·hold \ˈhau̇s-ˌhōld, ˈhau̇-ˌsōld\ n : those who live as a family in one house; also : a social unit made up of those living together in the same house

2household adj
1 : of or relating to a household : DOMESTIC
2 : 2FAMILIAR 3A, COMMON <a household word>

house·hold·er \ˈhau̇s-ˌhōl-dər, ˈhau̇-ˌsōl-\ n : one who lives in a dwelling alone or as the head of a household

house·hus·band \ˈhau̇s-ˌhəz-bənd\ n : a husband who does housework while his wife earns the family income

house·keep·er \ˈhau̇-ˌskē-pər\ n : a person employed to take care of a house

house·keep·ing \ˈhau̇-ˌskē-piŋ\ n : the care and management of a house and home affairs

house·maid \ˈhau̇-ˌsmād\ n : a girl or woman hired to do housework

housemaid's knee n : a swelling over the knee in front of the kneecap

house·mate \-ˌsmāt\ n : a person who lives with another in the same house

House of Commons : the lower house of the British and Canadian parliaments

House of Lords : the upper house of the British Parliament

house of representatives : the lower house of a legislative body (as the U.S. Congress)

house·plant \ˈhau̇-ˌsplant\ n : a plant grown or kept indoors

house sparrow n : a sparrow native to Europe and Asia that has been introduced into and now occurs widely in the New World — called also English sparrow

house·top \ˈhau̇-ˌstäp\ n : 1ROOF 1A

house·warm·ing \ˈhau̇-swȯr-miŋ\ n : a party to celebrate moving into a new home

house·wife \ˈhau̇-ˌswīf, sense 2 is often ˈhəz-əf, ˈhəs-əf\ n
1 : a married woman who manages her own home
2 : a small container for small articles (as thread)
— house·wife·li·ness \ˈhau̇-ˌswī-flē-nəs\ n

— house·wife·ly \-flē\ adj

— house·wif·ery \ˈhau̇-ˌswī-fə-rē, -frē\ n

house·work \ˈhau̇-ˌswərk\ n : the work of housekeeping

1hous·ing \ˈhau̇-ziŋ\ n
1 a : the shelter of a temporary or permanent structure (as a tent or house) : LODGING  b : dwellings provided for people <housing for the elderly>
2 a : something that covers or protects  b : a support (as a frame) for mechanical parts

2housing n : CAPARISON 1

hove past and past participle of HEAVE

hov·el \ˈhəv-əl, ˈhäv-\ n
1 : an open shed or shelter
2 : a small poorly built house : HUT

hov·er \ˈhəv-ər, ˈhäv-\ vb hov·ered; hov·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to hang fluttering in the air or on the wing <a bird hovered overhead>  b : to remain floating over a place or object
2 a : to move to and fro near a place <waiters hovered about>  b : to be in an undecided or uncertain state <hovering between life and death>
— hover n

— hov·er·er \-ər-ər\ n

hov·er·craft \-ˌkraft\ n : a vehicle supported above the surface of land or water by a cushion of air produced by fans blowing downward

1how \(ˈ)hau̇\ adv
1 : in what manner or way <study how plants grow> <how was it done>
2 : for what reason : WHY <how could you say that>
3 : to what degree or extent <how far is Denver>
4 : in what state or condition <how are you>
— how about : what do you say to or think of <how about another game>

— how come : 1WHY

2how conj : in what manner or condition <remember how they fought> <asked how they were>

1how·be·it \hau̇-ˈbē-ət\ adv : NEVERTHELESS

2howbeit conj : ALTHOUGH

how·dah \ˈhau̇d-ə\ n : a seat or covered platform on the back of an elephant or camel

1how·ev·er \hau̇-ˈev-ər\ conj : in whatever way or manner <do it however you like>

2however adv
1 a : in whatever manner or way <I'll get there however I can>  b : to whatever degree or extent <no prank, however innocent, was done>
2 : in spite of that : on the other hand : BUT <I'd like to go; however, I'd better not>

how·it·zer \ˈhau̇-ət-sər\ n : a short cannon capable of firing a shell in a high arc [from Dutch houwitser “howitzer,” derived from a Czechoslovakian word for “catapult”]

howl \ˈhau̇(ə)l\ vb
1 : to make a long loud mournful sound like that of a dog
2 : to cry out loudly (as with pain, grief, or amusement) <howled in protest> <howling with laughter>
3 : to drown out or cause to fail by an outcry <howled down the opposition>
— howl n

howl·er \ˈhau̇-lər\ n
1 : one that howls
2 : a stupid and ridiculous blunder

how·so·ev·er \ˌhau̇-sə-ˈwev-ər\ adv
1 : in whatever manner
2 : to whatever degree or extent

HTML \ˌāch-ˌtē-ˌem-ˈel\ n : a computer language used to create pages for the World Wide Web that can include text, pictures, sound, and hyperlinks [hypertext markup language]

hua·ra·che \wə-ˈräch-ē, hə-\ n : a sandal made of leather thongs woven together [Mexican Spanish]

hub \ˈhəb\ n
1 : the central part of a circular object (as a wheel)
2 : a center of activity

Hub·bard squash \ˈhəb-ərd-\ n : any of various large dark green to orange winter squashes with a somewhat oval shape and warty skin — called also Hubbard

hub·bub \ˈhəb-ˌəb\ n : UPROAR, TURMOIL

hub·cap \ˈhəb-ˌkap\ n : a removable metal covering on the tire of a car or truck

huck·le·ber·ry \ˈhək-əl-ˌber-ē\ n
1 : an American shrub related to the blueberry; also : its edible dark blue to black usually acid berry
2 : BLUEBERRY

huck·ster \ˈhək-stər\ n
1 : one that peddles : HAWKER <hucksters selling souvenirs>
2 : a writer of advertising especially for radio or television

1hud·dle \ˈhəd-əl\ vb hud·dled; hud·dling \ˈhəd-liŋ, əl-iŋ\
1 : to crowd, push, or pile together <people huddled in a doorway>
2 : to gather in a huddle in football
3 : CURL UP, CROUCH <a child huddled in its crib>
— hud·dler \ˈhəd-lər, -əl-ər\ n

2huddle n
1 : a close-packed group : BUNCH
2 a : CONFERENCE 1  b : a brief gathering of football players away from the line of scrimmage to hear instructions for the next play

hue \ˈhyü\ n
1 : COLOR 1
2 : a particular variety of a color : SHADE
3 : an aspect of colors that allows them to be identified as red, yellow, green, blue, or something between any two of these colors

hue and cry \ˌhyü-\ n
1 : a loud outcry formerly used in the pursuit of someone suspected of a crime
2 : a loud noise of alarm or protest

1huff \ˈhəf\ vb : 1PUFF 1A

2huff n : a fit of anger or irritation

huffy \ˈhəf-ē\ adj huff·i·er; -est : easily offended : TOUCHY
— huff·i·ly \ˈhəf-ə-lē\ adv

— huff·i·ness \ˈhəf-ē-nəs\ n

hug \ˈhəg\ vb hugged; hug·ging
1 : to press tightly especially in the arms : EMBRACE
2 : to stay close to <drives along hugging the curb>
— hug n

huge \ˈhyüj, ˈyüj\ adj
1 : of great size or area
2 : of great scale or degree
3 : great in range or character  synonyms see ENORMOUS
— huge·ly adv

— huge·ness n

hug·ger–mug·ger \ˈhəg-ər-ˌməg-ər\ n
1 : SECRECY 2
2 : a disorderly jumble
— hugger–mugger adj

hu·la \ˈhü-lə\ or hu·la–hu·la \ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə\ n : a Polynesian dance composed of slow rhythmic body movements usually accompanied by chants and drumming [a native word in Hawaii]

1hulk \ˈhəlk\ n
1 a : a heavy clumsy ship  b : the body of an old ship unfit for service or of an abandoned wreck
2 : a bulky or clumsy person or thing

2hulk vb : to appear impressively large <factories hulking along the river>
— hulk·ing \ˈhəl-kiŋ\ adj

1hull \ˈhəl\ n
1 a : the outer covering of a fruit or seed  b : the remains of the flower that cling to the base of some fruits (as a strawberry)
2 : the frame or body of a ship, flying boat, or airship

2hull vb : to remove the hulls of <hulling strawberries> <hulled the corn kernels>
— hull·er n

hul·la·ba·loo \ˈhəl-ə-bə-ˌlü\ n, pl -loos : UPROAR, DIN

hum \ˈhəm\ vb hummed; hum·ming
1 a : to utter a continuous \m\ sound  b : to make the natural buzzing sound of an insect in motion or a sound like it : DRONE  c : to give forth a low continuous blend of sound
2 : to produce musical tones while keeping the lips closed
3 : to be busily active <the place was humming>
— hum n

— hum·mer n

1hu·man \ˈhyü-mən, ˈyü-\ adj
1 : relating to or characteristic of human beings; esp : showing qualities typical of human beings <a human failing>
2 : consisting of human beings <the human race>
3 : having human form or characteristics <the dog's expression was almost human>
— hu·man·ness \-mən-nəs\ n

2human n : a human being
— hu·man·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

human being n : an individual of the species of primate mammal that walks on two feet, is related to the great apes, and is distinguished by a greatly developed brain with capacity for speech and abstract reasoning

hu·mane \hyü-ˈmān, yü-\ adj : marked by sympathy or consideration for others
— hu·mane·ly adv

— hu·mane·ness \-ˈmān-nəs\ n

human im·mu·no·de·fi·cien·cy virus \-ˌim-yə-nō-di-ˈfish-ən(t)-sē-, -im-ˌyü-nō-\ n : HIV

hu·man·i·tar·i·an \hyü-ˌman-ə-ˈter-ē-ən, yü-\ n : a person devoted to or working for the health and happiness of other people
— humanitarian adj

— hu·man·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

hu·man·i·ty \hyü-ˈman-ət-ē, yü-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being human or of being humane
2 pl : studies (as literature, history, and art) concerned primarily with human culture
3 : the whole collection of human beings both past and present

hu·man·ize \ˈhyü-mə-ˌnīz, ˈyü-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make suitable for human nature or use
2 : to make humane : CIVILIZE, REFINE
— hu·man·i·za·tion \ˌhyü-mə-nə-ˈzā-shən, ˌyü-\ n

hu·man·kind \ˈhyü-mən-ˌkīnd, ˈyü-\ n : HUMANITY 3

hu·man·ly \ˈhyü-mən-lē, ˈyü-\ adv
1 : within the range of human ability <a task not humanly possible>
2 : of or concerning human needs or emotions <deal humanly with the poor>

human nature n : the nature of human beings; esp : the ways of thinking, acting, and reacting that are common to most or all human beings or that are learned in social situations

hu·man·oid \ˈhyü-mə-ˌnȯid, ˈyü-\ adj : having human form or characteristics
— humanoid n

human trafficking n : organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor)

1hum·ble \ˈhəm-bəl, ˈəm-\ adj hum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\; hum·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\
1 : modest or meek in spirit or manner : not proud or bold <humble apology>
2 : low in rank or status <a humble position>
— hum·bly \-blē\ adv

2humble vb hum·bled; hum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make humble in spirit or manner
2 : to destroy the power or influence of <humbled the enemy with a crushing attack>
— hum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

hum·bug \ˈhəm-ˌbəg\ n
1 : a false or deceiving person or thing : FRAUD
2 : NONSENSE 1, DRIVEL
— hum·bug vb

— hum·bug·gery \-ˌbəg-(ə-)rē\ n

hum·drum \ˈhəm-ˌdrəm\ adj : MONOTONOUS 2, DULL

hu·mer·us \ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs\ n, pl hu·meri \ˈhyü-mə-ˌrī, -ˌrē\ : the long bone of the upper arm or forelimb that extends from the shoulder to the elbow

hu·mid \ˈhyü-məd, ˈyü-\ adj : 3DAMP, MOIST <a humid climate>
— hu·mid·ly adv

hu·mid·i·fy \hyü-ˈmid-ə-ˌfī, yü-\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make (as the air of a room) moister : MOISTEN
— hu·mid·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌmid-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— hu·mid·i·fi·er \-ˈmid-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

hu·mid·i·ty \hyü-ˈmid-ət-ē, yü-\ n, pl -ties : MOISTURE, DAMPNESS; esp : the amount of moisture in the air

hu·mi·dor \ˈhyü-mə-ˌdȯr, ˈyü-\ n : a case in which the air is kept properly humidified for storing usually cigars or tobacco

hu·mil·i·ate \hyü-ˈmil-ē-ˌāt, yü-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to cause a loss of pride or self-respect : HUMBLE
— hu·mil·i·a·tion \-ˌmil-ē-ˈā-shən\ n
Word History In modern English we sometimes say that a person who has been criticized or humiliated has been put down. We speak as though the person had actually been forced to the ground or made to bow down in front of someone else. The origins of the word humiliate itself also suggest the idea of physically putting someone down to the ground. Humiliate can be be traced back to the Latin humus, meaning “earth, ground.” From humus came the Latin adjective humilis, meaning “low, humble,” which later gave rise to the verb humiliare, meaning “to make low or humble.” The English humiliate derives from Latin humiliare. [from Latin humiliatus “made to lose pride or self-respect,” from earlier humiliare “to make low or humble,” from humilis “low, humble,” from humus “earth”]

hu·mil·i·ty \hyü-ˈmil-ət-ē, yü-\ n : the quality or state of being humble

hum·ming·bird \ˈhəm-iŋ-ˌbərd\ n : any of numerous tiny brightly colored American birds related to the swifts and having narrow swiftly beating wings, a slender bill, and a long tongue for sipping nectar

hum·mock \ˈhəm-ək\ n
1 : a rounded mound of earth : KNOLL
2 : a ridge or pile of ice
— hum·mocky \-ə-kē\ adj

1hu·mor \ˈhyü-mər, ˈyü-\ n
1 : a changeable state of mind often influenced by circumstances <in a bad humor>
2 : the amusing quality of things <the humor of a situation>
3 : the power to see or tell about the amusing or comic side of things
4 : something that is humorous
— hu·mor·less \-ləs\ adj

— hu·mor·less·ness n
Word History In the Middle Ages it was believed that a person's health and disposition were the result of a balance or imbalance of four fluids in the body. These fluids were called “humors,” from the Latin word humor, meaning “moisture.” These fluids were blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. If a person had a cheerful, confident disposition, it was said to be a result of an excess of blood. Such a person was called “sanguine,” from the Latin word sanguis, meaning “blood.” A sluggish disposition was said to be the result of an excess of phlegm. A person having such a disposition was called “phlegmatic,” from the Greek word phlegma, meaning “flame, phlegm.” A fiery, hot-tempered disposition was said to be caused by an excess of yellow bile. A person with this disposition was said to be “choleric,” from the Greek word cholē, meaning “bile.” The disposition of a gloomy, depressed person was said to be the result of an excess of black bile. Such a person was called “melancholy,” from the Greek words melan-, meaning “black,” and cholē, meaning “bile.” In time the word humor came to be used as a general term for “disposition or temperament.” From this developed the sense of “a changeable state of mind” or “mood.” More recently humor has come to refer to something that is funny. [Middle English humour “one of the four bodily fluids thought to affect a person's health,” from early French umor, umour (same meaning), derived from Latin humor, umor “moisture”]

2humor vb hu·mored; hu·mor·ing \ˈhyüm-(ə-)riŋ, ˈyüm-\ : to go along with the wishes or mood of <humor a sick person>

hu·mor·ist \ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəst, ˈyüm-\ n : a person specializing in or noted for humor

hu·mor·ous \ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs, ˈyüm-\ adj : full of, characterized by, or expressing humor : DROLL <a humorous story>
— hu·mor·ous·ly adv

— hu·mor·ous·ness n

1hump \ˈhəmp\ n
1 : a rounded bulge or lump (as on the back of a camel)
2 : a difficult part (as of a task)
— humped \ˈhəm(p)t\ adj

2hump vb
1 : to move or work energetically : HUSTLE
2 : to make hump-shaped : HUNCH

hump·back \ˈhəmp-ˌbak\ n
1 : a humped or crooked back
2 : HUNCHBACK 1
3 : HUMPBACK WHALE
— hump·backed \-ˈbakt\ adj

humpback whale n : a large baleen whale that is black above and white below and has very long flippers

hu·mus \ˈhyü-məs, ˈyü-\ n : a brown or black product of partial decay of plant or animal matter that forms the organic portion of soil

Hun \ˈhən\ n : a member of a warlike central Asian people gaining control of a large part of Europe about a.d. 450

1hunch \ˈhənch\ vb
1 : to push oneself forward by jerks <hunch nearer the fire>
2 : to bend one's body into an arch or hump <were hunched over the table>
3 : to draw up close together or into an arch <hunched my shoulders>

2hunch n
1 : 1HUMP 1
2 : a strong feeling about what will happen : INTUITION

hunch·back \ˈhənch-ˌbak\ n
1 : a person with a humpback
2 : HUMPBACK 1
— hunch·backed \-ˈbakt\ adj

hun·dred \ˈhən-drəd, -dərd\ n, pl hundreds or hundred
1 : a number equal to 10 times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : a very large number <hundreds of times>
3 : a 100-dollar bill <gave me change for a hundred>
— hundred adj

hundreds digit n : the numeral (as 4 in 456) in the hundreds place

hundreds place n : the place three to the left of the decimal point in a number

hun·dredth \ˈhən-drədth, -drətth\ n
1 : one of 100 equal parts of something
2 : one that is number 100 in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
— hundredth adj

hun·dredths place \ˈhən-drədths-, -drətths-\ n : the second place to the right of a decimal point in a number

hun·dred·weight \ˈhən-drə-ˌdwāt, -dər-ˌdwāt\ n, pl -weight or -weights
1 : a unit of weight equal to 100 pounds (about 45.4 kilograms) — called also short hundredweight; see MEASURE TABLE
2 British : a unit of weight equal to 112 pounds (about 50.8 kilograms) — called also long hundredweight

1hung past and past participle of HANG

2hung \ˈhəŋ\ adj : unable to reach a decision or verdict <a hung jury>

Hun·gar·i·an \ˌhəŋ-ˈger-ē-ən, -ˈgar-\ n
1 a : a person born or living in Hungary : MAGYAR  b : a person of Hungarian descent
2 : the language of the Hungarians
— Hungarian adj

1hun·ger \ˈhəŋ-gər\ n
1 a : a desire or a need for food  b : an uneasy feeling or weakened condition resulting from lack of food
2 : a strong desire : CRAVING <a hunger for praise>
— hunger adj

2hunger vb hun·gered; hun·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to feel or suffer hunger
2 : to have an eager desire <hungered for affection>

hunger strike n : refusal (as by a prisoner) to eat enough to stay alive

hun·gry \ˈhəŋ-grē\ adj hun·gri·er; -est
1 : feeling or showing hunger
2 : EAGER, AVID <hungry for all the details>
— hun·gri·ly \-grə-lē\ adv

hung up adj
1 : delayed or detained for a time
2 : anxiously nervous
3 : much involved or concerned with something or someone <hung up on winning>

hunk \ˈhəŋk\ n
1 : a large lump or piece
2 : a male who is physically very attractive

hun·ker \ˈhəŋ-kər\ vb hun·kered; hun·ker·ing \-k(ə-)riŋ\
1 : CROUCH <hunker down under the tent>
2 : to settle in for a long time <hunkering down for the winter>

1hunt \ˈhənt\ vb
1 a : to seek out and chase (game) for food or sport <hunt squirrel>  b : to use in hunting game <hunts a pack of dogs>
2 a : to chase in order to capture  b : to search out : look for : SEEK <hunting for my gloves>
3 : to drive or chase especially by repeated attacks <hunt a criminal out of town>
4 : to search through looking for prey <hunts the woods>  synonyms see SEEK

2hunt n
1 : the action, the practice, or an instance of hunting
2 : a group of hunters; esp : a group of hunters on horseback and their hunting dogs

hunt·er \ˈhənt-ər\ n
1 : a person who hunts; esp : one who hunts game
2 : a dog or horse used or trained for hunting

hunt·er–gath·er·er \-ˈgath-ər-ər, -ˈgeth-\ n : a member of a culture in which food is gotten by hunting, fishing, and gathering rather than by agriculture

hunt·ing n : the action of one that hunts; esp : the chasing of game

Hun·ting·ton's disease \ˈhənt-iŋ-tənz-\ n : an inherited nervous disorder that develops in adult life and leads to severely reduced mental functioning

hunt·ress \ˈhən-trəs\ n : a woman who hunts game

hunts·man \ˈhən(t)-smən\ n
1 : a person who hunts game
2 : a person who manages a hunt and looks after the hounds

huppah variant of CHUPPAH

1hur·dle \ˈhərd-əl\ n
1 : a movable panel used as a fence
2 a : a barrier to be jumped in a race  b : a race in which such barriers must be jumped
3 : OBSTACLE

2hurdle vb hur·dled; hur·dling \ˈhərd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to leap over while running <the horse hurdled the fence>
2 : OVERCOME 1
— hur·dler \ˈhərd-lər, -əl-ər\ n

hur·dy–gur·dy \ˌhərd-ē-ˈgərd-ē\ n, pl -gur·dies : a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by turning a crank; esp : BARREL ORGAN

hurl \ˈhər(-ə)l\ vb hurled; hurl·ing \ˈhər-liŋ\
1 : to throw violently or powerfully
2 : 3PITCH 6A
3 : 2VOMIT  synonyms see THROW
— hurl·er \ˈhər-lər\ n

hurling n : an Irish game resembling field hockey played between two teams of 15 players each

hur·ly–bur·ly \ˌhər-lē-ˈbər-lē\ n, pl -bur·lies : TUMULT

hurrah, hurray variant of HOORAY

hur·ri·cane \ˈhər-ə-ˌkān, -i-kən, ˈhə-rə-, ˈhə-ri-\ n : a cyclone formed in the tropics with winds of 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour or greater that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning

hur·ried \ˈhər-ēd, ˈhə-rēd\ adj
1 : going or working with speed <a hurried waitress>
2 : done in a hurry <a hurried meal>
— hur·ried·ly \ˈhər-əd-lē, ˈhə-rəd-\ adv

1hur·ry \ˈhər-ē, ˈhə-rē\ vb hur·ried; hur·ry·ing
1 a : to carry or cause to go with haste <hurry the child to the hospital>  b : to move or act with haste <had to hurry to arrive in time>
2 a : to urge on to greater speed : PROD  b : to hasten the doing of <hurry a repair job>
— hur·ri·er n

2hurry n, pl hurries
1 : great speed; esp : unnecessary haste
2 : a state of eagerness or urgency : RUSH
— in a hurry : without delay <wanted their tickets in a hurry>

1hurt \ˈhərt\ vb hurt; hurt·ing
1 a : to cause physical pain to  b : to do harm to : DAMAGE
2 a : to cause mental suffering to : OFFEND <the teasing hurts me>  b : 1HAMPER <injuries hurt our chances of winning>
3 : to feel or cause pain <my tooth hurts>
— hurt·er n

2hurt n
1 : a cause of injury or damage
2 : a physical injury or wound
3 a : physical pain  b : mental distress : SUFFERING
4 : 1WRONG 1, HARM

hurt·ful \ˈhərt-fəl\ adj : causing injury or suffering : DAMAGING
— hurt·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— hurt·ful·ness n

hur·tle \ˈhərt-əl\ vb hur·tled; hur·tling \ˈhərt-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to move suddenly or violently <boulders hurtled down the hill>
2 : HURL 1, FLING

1hus·band \ˈhəz-bənd\ n : a male partner in a marriage [Old English hūsbonda “master of a house,” from early Norse hūsbondi, literally, “house owner” — related to HOUSE]

2husband vb : to manage carefully and economically : CONSERVE <husbanded their resources>
— hus·band·er n

hus·band·man \ˈhəz-bən(d)-mən\ n : one that plows and cultivates land : FARMER

hus·band·ry \ˈhəz-bən-drē\ n
1 : wise management of resources : ECONOMY
2 : FARMING, AGRICULTURE

1hush \ˈhəsh\ vb
1 : to make quiet, calm, or still : SOOTHE <hush a baby>
2 : to become quiet
3 : to keep from public knowledge : SUPPRESS <hush up the crime>

2hush n : a silence or calm especially following noise : QUIET

1husk \ˈhəsk\ n
1 : a usually thin dry outer covering of various seeds or fruits (as barley and corn) : HULL
2 : an outer layer : SHELL

2husk vb : to strip the husk from
— husk·er n

1hus·ky \ˈhəs-kē\ adj hus·ki·er; -est : HOARSE 2 [probably derived from an obsolete sense of husk, meaning “to have a dry cough”]
— hus·ki·ly \ˈhəs-kə-lē\ adv

— hus·ki·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

2hus·ky n, pl huskies
1 : a heavy-coated working dog especially of the New World arctic region
2 : SIBERIAN HUSKY [probably an altered form of Huskemaw, Uskemaw “Eskimo,” from Cree aškime·w (same meaning)]

3hus·ky adj hus·ki·er; -est : BURLY, ROBUST [probably from husk “a hard outer covering”]

hus·sar \(ˌ)hə-ˈzär, -ˈsär\ n : a member of any of various European originally cavalry military units

hus·sy \ˈhəs-ē, ˈhəz-\ n, pl hussies
1 : an immoral woman
2 : a disrespectful or mischievous girl

hus·tings \ˈhəs-tiŋz\ n pl : a place where political campaign speeches are made [Old English hūsting “local court or assembly,” from early Norse hūsthing “an assembly of the king's council,” literally, “house assembly,” from hūs “house” and thing “assembly”]

hus·tle \ˈhəs-əl\ vb hus·tled; hus·tling \ˈhəs-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to push, crowd, or force forward roughly <hustled the prisoner to jail>
2 : to move or work rapidly and tirelessly
3 : to sell something to or get something from by energetic and especially dishonest activity
— hustle n

— hus·tler \ˈhəs-lər\ n

hut \ˈhət\ n : a small and often temporary dwelling or shelter : SHACK

hutch \ˈhəch\ n
1 a : a chest or compartment for storage  b : a low cupboard topped by usually open shelves
2 : a pen or coop for an animal
3 : SHANTY, SHACK

huz·zah or huz·za \(ˌ)hə-ˈzä\ interj — used to express joy or approval

hy·a·cinth \ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th\ n
1 : a red or brownish gem
2 : a common garden plant that grows from a bulb, is related to the lilies, and is widely grown for its showy dense spikes of fragrant bell-shaped flowers — compare GRAPE HYACINTH, WATER HYACINTH

1hy·brid \ˈhī-brəd\ n
1 : an offspring of parents with different genes especially when of different races, breeds, species, or genera
2 : something of mixed origin or composition

2hybrid adj : of or relating to a hybrid : of mixed origin

hy·brid·ize \ˈhī-brə-ˌdīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to produce or cause to produce hybrids : INTERBREED
— hy·brid·i·za·tion \ˌhī-brəd-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— hy·brid·iz·er \ˈhī-brə-ˌdī-zər\ n

hybrid vigor n : unusual vigor or capacity for growth often shown by hybrid plants or animals

hydr- or hydro- combining form
1 : water <hydrous> <hydroelectricity>
2 : hydrogen : containing or combined with hydrogen <hydrocarbon> [derived from Greek hydōr “water”]

hy·dra \ˈhī-drə\ n
1 cap : a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology killed by Hercules
2 : any of numerous small tube-shaped freshwater animals related to the jellyfishes and having a mouth surrounded by tentacles at one end

hy·dran·gea \hī-ˈdrān-jə\ n : any of a genus of shrubby plants with showy clusters of usually sterile white, pink, or bluish flowers

hy·drant \ˈhī-drənt\ n : a pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from the main pipes

1hy·drate \ˈhī-ˌdrāt\ n : a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance <a hydrate of copper sulfate>

2hydrate vb hy·drat·ed; hy·drat·ing
1 : to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water
2 : to supply with sufficient amounts of fluid or moisture
— hy·dra·tion \hī-ˈdrā-shən\ n

hy·drau·lic \hī-ˈdrȯ-lik\ adj
1 : operated, moved, or brought about by means of water
2 : of or relating to hydraulics <hydraulic engineer>
3 : operated by pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid is forced through a small hole or through a tube <hydraulic brakes>
4 : hardening or setting under water <hydraulic cement>
— hy·drau·li·cal·ly \-ˈdrȯ-li-k(ə-)lē\ adv

hy·drau·lics \hī-ˈdrȯ-liks\ n : a science that deals with uses of liquid (as water) in motion

hy·dra·zine \ˈhī-drə-ˌzēn\ n : a colorless fuming liquid used especially in fuels for rocket engines

hy·dro \ˈhī-drō\ n : hydroelectric power

hy·dro·bro·mic acid \ˌhī-drə-ˌbrō-mik-\ n : a strong acid formed by dissolving the bromide of hydrogen in water

hy·dro·car·bon \ˌhī-drə-ˈkär-bən\ n : a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen

hy·dro·ceph·a·lus \ˌhī-drō-ˈsef-ə-ləs\ also hy·dro·ceph·a·ly \-ˈsef-ə-lē\ n : an abnormal condition in which an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid causes an increase in the size of the ventricles of the brain and the size of the skull and the wasting away of the brain

hy·dro·chlo·ric acid \ˌhī-drə-ˌklōr-ik-, -ˌklȯr-\ n : a strong acid formed by dissolving hydrogen chloride in water that is widely used in industry and in the laboratory

hy·dro·elec·tric \ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik\ adj : of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
— hy·dro·elec·tric·i·ty \-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē, -ˈtris-tē\ n

hy·dro·flu·or·ic acid \ˌhī-drō-flu̇-ˌȯr-ik-, -flu̇-ˌär-ik-\ n : a weak poisonous acid that is formed by dissolving hydrogen fluoride in water

hy·dro·foil \ˈhī-drə-ˌfȯil\ n : a boat that has fins attached to the bottom by braces for lifting the hull clear of the water to allow faster speeds

hy·dro·gen \ˈhī-drə-jən\ n : a chemical element that is the simplest and lightest of all chemical elements and is normally found alone as a colorless odorless highly flammable gas having two atoms per molecule — see ELEMENT TABLE [from French hydrogène “hydrogen,” from hydr- “water” and -gène “producer”; so called because when hydrogen gas burns, it combines with oxygen to produce water]
— hy·drog·e·nous \hī-ˈdräj-ə-nəs\ adj

hy·dro·ge·nate \hī-ˈdräj-ə-ˌnāt, ˈhī-drə-jə-\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to combine or treat with hydrogen; esp : to add hydrogen to a molecule of <hydrogenate a vegetable oil to form a fat>
— hy·dro·ge·na·tion \hī-ˌdräj-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌhī-drə-jə-\ n

hydrogen bomb n : a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of atomic energy when hydrogen nuclei unite

hydrogen chloride n : a colorless sharp-smelling poisonous gas that is made up of hydrogen and chlorine and produces hydrochloric acid when dissolved in water

hydrogen fluoride n : a colorless poisonous gas that is made up of hydrogen and fluorine and produces hydrofluoric acid when dissolved in water

hydrogen ion n : the positive ion of acids that consists of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the negative ion of the acid

hydrogen peroxide n : an unstable liquid compound containing hydrogen and oxygen and used especially for bleaching and as an antiseptic

hydrogen sulfide n : a flammable poisonous gas with a disagreeable odor suggestive of rotten eggs

hy·drog·ra·phy \hī-ˈdräg-rə-fē\ n
1 : the study of bodies of water (as seas, lakes, and rivers) especially in relation to their use by people
2 : the mapping of bodies of water
— hy·drog·ra·pher \-fər\ n

— hy·dro·graph·ic \ˌhī-drə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

1hy·droid \ˈhī-ˌdrȯid\ adj : of or relating to the hydrozoans; esp : resembling a hydra

2hydroid n : HYDROZOAN; esp : a hydrozoan polyp in contrast to a hydrozoan jellyfish

hy·dro·logic cycle \ˌhī-drə-ˌläj-ik-\ n : the series of conditions through which water naturally passes from water vapor in the air to being deposited (as by rain or snow) on earth's surface and finally back into the air especially as a result of evaporation

hy·drol·o·gy \hī-ˈdräl-ə-jē\ n : a science dealing with the characteristics, distribution, and circulation of water on and below the surface of the land and in the atmosphere
— hy·dro·log·ic \ˌhī-drə-ˈläj-ik\ or hy·dro·log·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— hy·drol·o·gist \hī-ˈdräl-ə-jist\ n

hy·drol·y·sis \hī-ˈdräl-ə-səs\ n : a process of breaking down a chemical compound that involves splitting a bond and adding the elements of water to the resulting molecular fragments

hy·dro·lyze \ˈhī-drə-ˌlīz\ vb -lyzed; -lyz·ing : to go through or cause to go through hydrolysis

hy·drom·e·ter \hī-ˈdräm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for finding out the strength of a liquid (as battery acid or an alcohol solution) by measuring its specific gravity

hy·dro·ni·um \hī-ˈdrō-nē-əm\ n : an ion formed by the combination of a hydrogen ion with a water molecule

hy·dro·pho·bia \ˌhī-drə-ˈfō-bē-ə\ n
1 : RABIES
2 : an abnormal fear of water
— hy·dro·pho·bic \-ˈfō-bik, -ˈfäb-ik\ adj

hy·dro·phone \ˈhī-drə-ˌfōn\ n : an instrument for listening to sound transmitted through water

hy·dro·phyte \ˈhī-drə-ˌfīt\ n : a plant growing in water or in waterlogged soil

hy·dro·plane \ˈhī-drə-ˌplān\ n
1 : a speedboat whose hull is completely or partly out of the water as it skims the water
2 : SEAPLANE

hy·dro·pon·ics \ˌhī-drə-ˈpän-iks\ n : the growing of plants in nutrient solutions
— hy·dro·pon·ic \-ik\ adj

hy·dro·pow·er \ˈhī-drə-ˌpau̇(-ə)r\ n : hydroelectric power

hy·dro·sphere \ˈhī-drə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : the surface waters of the earth and the water vapor in the atmosphere

hy·drot·ro·pism \hī-ˈdrä-trə-ˌpiz-əm\ n : a tropism (as in plant roots) in which water or water vapor causes the movement
— hy·dro·tro·pic \ˌhī-drə-ˈtrō-pik, -ˈträp-ik\ adj

hy·drox·ide \hī-ˈdräk-ˌsīd\ n : a negatively charged ion consisting of one atom of oxygen and one atom of hydrogen

hy·drox·yl \hī-ˈdräk-səl\ n : a chemical group or ion that consists of one atom of hydrogen and one of oxygen

hy·dro·zo·an \ˌhī-drə-ˈzō-ən\ n : any of a class of coelenterates including the jellyfishes and single or colonial polyps (as hydras or corals)
— hydrozoan adj

hy·e·na \hī-ˈē-nə\ n : any of several large strong Old World mammals that eat flesh and are active at night
Word History Many pigs have manes of stiff hair that extend down their necks. When the ancient Greeks first saw hyenas, they thought the animals' manes looked like the manes of pigs. They called these strange animals hyaina, which comes from the Greek word hys, meaning “hog, pig.” Hyaena is the Latin form, which was borrowed into English and spelled hyena. [Middle English hyene “hyena,” from Latin hyaena (same meaning), from Greek hyaina (same meaning), from hys “hog, pig”]

hy·giene \ˈhī-ˌjēn\ n
1 : a science that deals with the bringing about and keeping up of good health in individuals and groups
2 : conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) that are aids to good health

hy·gien·ic \ˌhī-jē-ˈen-ik, hī-ˈjen-, hī-ˈjēn-\ adj : of, relating to, or leading toward good health or hygiene
— hy·gien·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

hy·gien·ist \hī-ˈjēn-əst, ˈhī-ˌjēn-, hī-ˈjen-\ n : a person skilled in hygiene; esp : DENTAL HYGIENIST

hy·gro·graph \ˈhī-grə-ˌgraf\ n : an instrument for automatic recording of changes in the amount of moisture in the air

hy·grom·e·ter \hī-ˈgräm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring the amount of moisture in the air

hying present participle of HIE

hy·men \ˈhī-mən\ n : a fold of mucous membrane partly closing the opening of the vagina
— hy·men·al \-əl\ adj

hy·me·nop·tera \ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rə\ n pl : insects that are hymenopterans

hy·me·nop·ter·an \ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən\ n : any of an order of highly specialized and often colonial insects (as bees, wasps, and ants) that have usually four thin transparent wings and the abdomen on a slender stalk
— hymenopteran adj

— hy·me·nop·ter·ous \-rəs\ adj

hymn \ˈhim\ n
1 : a song of praise especially to God
2 : a religious song

hym·nal \ˈhim-nəl\ n : a book of hymns

hymn·book \ˈhim-ˌbu̇k\ n : HYMNAL

hyp- — see HYPO-

hyper- prefix
1 : above : beyond : SUPER-
2 a : excessively <hypersensitive>  b : excessive
3 : being or existing in a space of more than three dimensions <hyperspace>
4 : connecting things (as in a network) that are not close in a sequence <hypertext> [derived from Greek hyper “over”]

hy·per·acid·i·ty \ˌhī-pə-rə-ˈsid-ət-ē\ n : the condition of containing more than the normal amount of acid
— hy·per·ac·id \ˌhī-pə-ˈras-əd\ adj

hy·per·ac·tive \ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv\ adj : very active especially to an abnormal amount
— hy·per·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

hy·per·bo·le \hī-ˈpər-bə-(ˌ)lē\ n : extravagant exaggeration used to emphasize a point <“mile-high ice cream cones” is an example of hyperbole>
— hy·per·bol·ic \ˌhī-pər-ˈbäl-ik\ adj

hy·per·cor·rec·tion \ˌhī-pər-kə-ˈrek-shən\ n : a mistaken word or form (as badly used for bad in “my eyes have gone badly”) used especially to avoid what one believes to be a grammatical error but is not
— hy·per·cor·rect \-ˈrekt\ adj

— hy·per·cor·rect·ly \-ˈrek-(t)lē\ adv

— hy·per·cor·rect·ness \-ˈrek-nəs, -ˈrekt-\ n

hy·per·crit·i·cal \ˌhī-pər-ˈkrit-i-kəl\ adj : too critical
— hy·per·crit·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

hy·per·in·fla·tion \-in-ˈflā-shən\ n : inflation that increases very quickly over a short period of time

hy·per·link \ˈhī-pər-ˌliŋk\ n : a computerized connector that allows one to move quickly from one place in a document to another place in the same or a different document usually with a single mouse click

hy·per·sen·si·tive \ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv\ adj : very sensitive especially to an abnormal degree
— hy·per·sen·si·tive·ness n

hy·per·sen·si·tiv·i·ty \ˌhī-pər-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n : the state of being hypersensitive; esp : an abnormal bodily condition in which certain substances (as pollen or food) cause an extreme reaction (as sneezing, hives, or asthma)

hy·per·space \ˈhī-pər-ˌspās\ n
1 : space of more than three dimensions
2 : a fictional space held to support extraordinary events (as travel faster than the speed of light)

hy·per·ten·sion \ˈhī-pər-ˌten-chən\ n : HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

hy·per·ten·sive \ˌhī-pər-ˈten(t)-siv\ adj : having or marked by high blood pressure

hy·per·text \ˈhī-pər-ˌtekst\ n : a database method in which information related to that shown on a display screen can be accessed quickly from the display (as by a mouse click)

hypertext markup language n : HTML

hypertext transfer protocol n : a method for controlling the exchange of computer data especially on the World Wide Web

hy·per·thy·roid·ism \ˌhī-pər-ˈthī-ˌrȯid-ˌiz-əm, -rəd-\ n : abnormally high activity of the thyroid gland; also : the resulting abnormal state of health
— hy·per·thy·roid \-ˌrȯid\ adj

hy·per·ven·ti·la·tion \ˌhī-pər-ˌvent-əl-ˈā-shən\ n : breathing that is very fast and deep and leads to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood
— hy·per·ven·ti·late \-ˈvent-əl-ˌāt\ vb

hy·pha \ˈhī-fə\ n, pl hy·phae \-(ˌ)fē\ : one of the threads that make up the mycelium of a fungus
— hy·phal \-fəl\ adj

1hy·phen \ˈhī-fən\ n : a punctuation mark - used to divide or to compound words or word elements

2hyphen vb : HYPHENATE

hy·phen·ate \ˈhī-fə-ˌnāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to connect or divide with a hyphen

hyp·no·sis \hip-ˈnō-səs\ n, pl -no·ses \-ˈnō-ˌsēz\ : a trancelike state resembling sleep that is caused in a person by another whose suggestions are readily accepted and acted upon by the person in this state [scientific Latin hypnosis “hypnosis,” derived from Greek hypnos “sleep,” from Hypnos “the Greek god of sleep”]

1hyp·not·ic \hip-ˈnät-ik\ adj
1 : tending to cause sleep
2 : of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism
— hyp·not·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2hypnotic n : an agent (as a drug) that causes or tends to cause sleep

hyp·no·tism \ˈhip-nə-ˌtiz-əm\ n
1 : the study of or act of causing hypnosis
2 : HYPNOSIS

hyp·no·tist \ˈhip-nə-təst\ n : a person who practices hypnotism

hyp·no·tize \ˈhip-nə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing
1 : to cause hypnosis in
2 : to deaden judgment or resistance by or as if by hypnotic suggestion
— hyp·no·tiz·able \-ˌtī-zə-bəl\ adj

1hy·po \ˈhī-pō\ n : SODIUM THIOSULFATE; also : a solution of sodium thiosulfate

2hypo n, pl hypos : a hypodermic syringe or injection

hypo- or hyp- prefix
1 : under : beneath : down <hypodermic>
2 : less than normal or normally <hypotension> [derived from Greek hypo “under”]

hy·po·chon·dria \ˌhī-pə-ˈkän-drē-ə\ n : an abnormal concern about one's health especially when accompanied by a false belief that one has a physical disease or ailment

hy·po·chon·dri·ac \ˌhī-pə-ˈkän-drē-ˌak\ n : a person who has hypochondria

hy·po·cot·yl \ˈhī-pə-ˌkät-əl\ n : the part of the axis of a plant embryo or seedling below the cotyledons

hy·poc·ri·sy \hip-ˈäk-rə-sē\ n, pl -sies : behavior that does not agree with what one claims to believe or feel <the hypocrisy of people who say one thing and do another>

hyp·o·crite \ˈhip-ə-ˌkrit\ n
1 : a person who pretends to have virtues or qualities that he or she does not have
2 : a person whose actions contradict their stated beliefs or feelings
— hyp·o·crit·i·cal \ˌhip-ə-ˈkrit-i-kəl\ adj

— hyp·o·crit·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1hy·po·der·mic \ˌhī-pə-ˈdər-mik\ adj : of, relating to, or injected into the parts beneath the skin
— hy·po·der·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2hypodermic n
1 : HYPODERMIC INJECTION
2 : HYPODERMIC SYRINGE

hypodermic injection n : an injection made into the tissues beneath the skin

hypodermic needle n
1 : 1NEEDLE 1C
2 : a hypodermic syringe complete with needle

hypodermic syringe n : a small syringe used with a hollow needle for injection of material into or beneath the skin

hy·po·gly·ce·mia \ˌhī-pō-glī-ˈsē-mē-ə\ n : abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood
— hy·po·gly·ce·mic \-mik\ adj or n

hy·poph·y·sis \hī-ˈpäf-ə-səs\ n, pl -y·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\ : PITUITARY GLAND

hy·po·ten·sion \ˈhī-pō-ˌten-chən\ n : LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

hy·pot·e·nuse \hī-ˈpät-ən-ˌ(y)üs, -ˌ(y)üz\ n
1 : the side opposite the right angle of a right triangle
2 : the length of a hypotenuse

hy·po·thal·a·mus \ˌhī-pō-ˈthal-ə-məs\ n : a part of the brain that lies beneath the thalamus, produces hormones which pass to the front part of the pituitary gland, and is important in regulating the activities of the autonomic nervous system

hy·po·ther·mia \ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə\ n : reduction of the body temperature to an abnormally low level

hy·poth·e·sis \hī-ˈpäth-ə-səs\ n, pl -e·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\ : something not proved but assumed to be true for purposes of argument or further study or investigation

hy·poth·e·size \hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz\ vb -sized; -siz·ing
1 : to make a hypothesis
2 : to adopt as a hypothesis

hy·po·thet·i·cal \ˌhi-pə-ˈthet-i-kəl\ adj
1 : involving a hypothesis or the making of assumptions : ASSUMED
2 : imagined for purposes of example <a hypothetical case>
— hy·po·thet·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

hy·po·thy·roid·ism \ˌhī-pō-ˈthī-ˌrȯid-ˌiz-əm\ n : too little activity of the thyroid gland; also : the abnormal bodily condition that results from this
— hy·po·thy·roid \-ˌrȯid\ adj

hy·rax \ˈhī-ˌraks\ n, pl hy·rax·es \-ˌrak-səz\ also hy·ra·ces \-rə-ˌsēz\ : any of several small mammals of Africa and the Middle East that have a thickset body with short ears, legs, and tail and feet with soft pads and broad nails

hys·te·ria \his-ˈter-ē-ə, -ˈtir-\ n
1 : a nervous disorder marked by excitability of the emotions
2 : unmanageable fear or outburst of emotion
— hys·ter·i·cal \-ˈter-i-kəl\ adj

— hys·ter·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

hys·ter·ics \his-ˈter-iks\ n sing or pl : a fit of uncontrollable laughter or crying

I

i \ˈī\ n, often cap
1 : the ninth letter of the English alphabet
2 : one in Roman numerals
3 : a grade rating a student's work as incomplete

I \(ˈ)ī, ə\ pron : the person speaking or writing <I feel fine>

-ial adj suffix : 1-AL <financial>

iamb \ˈī-ˌam(b)\ n : a metrical foot consisting of one unaccented syllable followed by one accented syllable (as in away)
— iam·bic \ī-ˈam-bik\ adj or n

-ian — see -AN

-i·a·sis \ˈī-ə-səs\ n suffix, pl -i·a·ses \-ˌsēz\ : disease produced by (something specified) <amebiasis> [derived from Greek -iasis (noun suffix)]

ibex \ˈī-ˌbeks\ n, pl ibex or ibex·es : any of several wild goats living chiefly in high mountain areas of the Old World and having large horns that curve backward

-ibility — see -ABILITY

ibis \ˈī-bəs\ n, pl ibis or ibis·es : any of several wading birds that differ from the related herons in having a long slender bill that curves downward

-ible — see -ABLE

IC \(ˈ)ī-ˈsē\ n : INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

-ic \ik\ adj suffix
1 a : resembling in form or manner <cherubic>  b : made up of <runic>
2 a : of or relating to <chivalric>  b : derived from or containing <alcoholic>
3 : in the manner of <autocratic>
4 : making use of <electronic>
5 a : marked by <nostalgic>  b : affected with <allergic>
6 : caused by <amoebic> [derived from Latin -icus (adjective suffix)]

-i·cal \i-kəl\ adj suffix : -IC <symmetrical> <geological>

ICBM \ˌī-ˌsē-(ˌ)bē-ˈem\ n : an intercontinental ballistic missile

1ice \ˈīs\ n
1 a : frozen water  b : a sheet of frozen water <skating on the ice>
2 : a state of coldness (as in personal behavior)
3 : a substance resembling ice
4 : a frozen dessert usually made with sweetened fruit juice
— on ice : set aside for use when needed : in reserve

2ice vb iced; ic·ing
1 a : to coat or become coated with ice  b : to chill with ice
2 : to cover with icing

ice age n
1 : a time of widespread glaciation
2 cap I&A : the most recent such period in the earth's past

ice·berg \ˈīs-ˌbərg\ n : a large floating mass of ice detached from a glacier

iceberg lettuce n : a lettuce with a tight round head of light green crisp leaves

ice·boat \-ˌbōt\ n : a frame resembling a boat that is driven by sails and glides over the ice on runners

ice·bound \-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : surrounded or blocked by ice

ice·box \-ˌbäks\ n : REFRIGERATOR

ice·break·er \-ˌbrā-kər\ n
1 : a ship equipped to make and keep open a channel through ice
2 : something (as a joke or game) that makes one feel more at ease and less reserved (as at a party or meeting)

ice cap n : a large glacier forming on level land and flowing outward from its center

ice–cold \ˈī-ˈskōld\ adj : very cold

ice cream \(ˈ)ī-ˈskrēm, ˈī-ˌskrēm\ n : a frozen food containing sweetened and flavored cream or butterfat

ice–cream cone n : a crisp cone-shaped wafer for holding ice cream; also : one filled with ice cream

ice field n : ICE CAP

ice floe n : a flat free mass of floating sea ice

ice hockey n : a game played on an ice rink in which two teams of skating players use curved sticks to try to shoot a puck into the opponent's goal

ice·house \ˈīs-ˌhau̇s\ n : a building in which ice is made or stored

Ice·land·er \ˈī-ˌslan-dər, ˈī-slən-\ n : a person born or living in Iceland

1Ice·lan·dic \ī-ˈslan-dik\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Iceland, the Icelanders, or Icelandic

2Icelandic n : the Germanic language of the Icelandic people

ice·man \ˈī-ˌsman\ n : one who sells or delivers ice

ice milk n : a sweetened frozen food made of skim milk

ice pack n
1 : a large area of pack ice
2 : ice placed in a container or folded in a towel and applied to the body

ice pick n : a hand tool ending in a spike for chipping ice

ice sheet n : ICE CAP

ice show n : a show consisting of exhibitions by ice skaters usually with music

ice–skate \ˈī(s)-ˌskāt\ vb : to skate on ice
— ice–skater n

ice skate n : a shoe with a usually metal blade attached to the sole for ice-skating

ice storm n : a storm in which falling rain freezes as it lands

ice water n : chilled or iced water especially for drinking

ich·neu·mon wasp \ik-ˈn(y)ü-mən-\ n : any of a large group of insects that are related to wasps and whose larvae are usually parasites inside the bodies of other insect larvae — called also ichneumon fly

ichor \ˈī-ˌkȯ(ə)r, -kər\ n : a fluid taking the place of blood in the veins of the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology

ich·thy·ol·o·gist \ˌik-thē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in ichthyology

ich·thy·ol·o·gy \ˌik-thē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of zoology that deals with fishes

ich·thyo·saur \ˈik-thē-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r\ n : any of an order of extinct marine reptiles with a fish-shaped body and a long snout

-i·cian \ˈish-ən\ n suffix : one who practices or specializes in a particular field <beautician> <technician> [derived from Latin -ica (noun suffix) and early French -ien (noun suffix)]

ici·cle \ˈī-ˌsik-əl\ n : a hanging mass of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water

1ic·ing \ˈī-siŋ\ n
1 : a sweet coating for baked goods (as cakes) — called also frosting
2 : something that adds to the interest, value, or appeal of an item or event — often used in the phrase icing on the cake

2icing n : the shooting of a hockey puck the length of the rink and beyond the opponent's goal line

icon also ikon \ˈī-ˌkän\ n
1 : a religious image usually painted on a small wooden panel
2 : EMBLEM 1, SYMBOL
3 : a pictorial symbol on a computer screen

-ics \(ˌ)iks\ n sing or pl suffix
1 : study : knowledge : skill : practice <electronics>
2 : characteristic actions or activities <acrobatics>
3 : characteristic qualities or operations <mechanics> [derived from Greek -ika “study, skill”]

icy \ˈī-sē\ adj ic·i·er; -est
1 a : covered with, full of, or consisting of ice  b : very cold <icy weather>
2 : UNFRIENDLY 1
— ic·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adv

— ic·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ n

I'd \(ˌ)īd\ : I had : I should : I would

-ide \ˌīd\ also -id \əd, (ˌ)id\ n suffix : negatively charged atom or chemical group that is usually part of a compound <hydrogen sulfide> [derived from French -ide (as in oxide)]

idea \ī-ˈdē-ə, ˈīd-(ˌ)ē-ə\ n
1 : a plan of action : INTENTION <my idea is to study law>
2 : something imagined or pictured in the mind : NOTION <form an idea of a place from reading>
3 : a central meaning or purpose <the idea of the game is to score goals>
4 : COMPREHENSION 2 <had no idea what he meant>
5 : an opinion or belief <has some strange ideas>
— idea·less \ī-ˈdē-ə-ləs\ adj

1ide·al \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l, ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l\ adj
1 : existing only in the mind : not real <a purely ideal conception of society>
2 : having no flaw : PERFECT <ideal weather>

2ideal n
1 : a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
2 : a perfect type : a model for imitation  synonyms see PATTERN

ide·al·ism \ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm, ˈī-(ˌ)dē-\ n : the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence
— ide·al·ist \-(ə-)ləst\ n

— ide·al·is·tic \(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈlis-tik, ˌī-dē-\ adj

— ide·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ide·al·ize \ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to think of or represent persons or things as one believes they should be rather than as they are
— ide·al·iza·tion \-ˌdē-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— ide·al·iz·er \-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌlī-zər\ n

ide·al·ly \ī-ˈdē-ə-lē, -ˈdē(-ə)l-lē\ adv
1 : in agreement with an ideal : PERFECTLY <ideally suited to the job>
2 : for best results <ideally, each student should arrive early>

idée fixe \(ˌ)ē-ˌdā-ˈfēks\ n, pl idées fixes \-ˈfēks(-əz)\ : an idea that takes over a person's mind [French, literally “fixed idea”]

iden·ti·cal \ī-ˈdent-i-kəl, ə-ˈdent-\ adj
1 : being one and the same <the identical place we stopped at last year>
2 : exactly alike or equal <wearing identical coats>  synonyms see SAME
— iden·ti·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— iden·ti·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ n

identical twin n : either member of a pair of twins that are produced from a single fertilized egg, usually have identical genes, and are physically similar

iden·ti·fi·ca·tion \ī-ˌdent-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən, ə-ˌdent-\ n
1 : an act of identifying : the state of being identified
2 : evidence of identity <carry identification at all times>

iden·ti·fy \ī-ˈdent-ə-ˌfī, ə-ˈdent-\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to think of as united (as in spirit or principle) <groups identified with conservation>
2 : to find out or show the identity of <identified the dog as her lost pet>
3 : to think of oneself as having the same problems and feelings as someone else <identify with a character in a story>
— iden·ti·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

— iden·ti·fi·ably \-blē\ adv

— iden·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

iden·ti·ty \ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē, ə-ˈden(t)-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the condition of being exactly alike : SAMENESS
2 : INDIVIDUALITY 1
3 : the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed <prove one's identity>
4 : IDENTITY ELEMENT

identity element n : an element of a set that leaves any other element of the set unchanged when combined with it using a given mathematical operation <0 is the identity element of the set of whole numbers under addition>

ideo·gram \ˈīd-ē-ə-ˌgram, ˈid-\ n
1 : a picture or symbol used in a system of writing to represent a thing or an idea but not a particular word or phrase
2 : a character or symbol (as 3) used in a system of writing to represent an entire word but not its individual sounds

ideo·graph \ˈīd-ē-ə-ˌgraf, ˈid-\ n : IDEOGRAM
— ideo·graph·ic \ˌīd-ē-ə-ˈgraf-ik, ˌid-\ adj

— ideo·graph·i·cal·ly \-ˈgraf-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ide·ol·o·gy \ˌīd-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē, ˌid-\ n, pl -gies : ideas characteristic of a person, group, or political party
— ideo·log·i· cal \-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— ideo·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— ide·ol·o·gist \-ē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n

ides \ˈīdz\ n pl : the 15th day of March, May, July, or October or the 13th day of any other month in the ancient Roman calendar

id·i·o·cy \ˈid-ē-ə-sē\ n, pl -cies : something stupid or foolish

id·i·om \ˈid-ē-əm\ n
1 : the choice of words and the way they are combined that is characteristic of a language
2 : an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but must be learned as a whole <the expression “give way,” meaning “retreat,” is an idiom>
— id·i·om·at·ic \ˌid-ē-ə-ˈmat-ik\ adj

— id·i·om·at·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

id·io·syn·cra·sy \ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē\ n, pl -sies : a way of behaving or thinking that is characteristic of a person
— id·io·syn·crat·ic \ˌid-ē-ō-(ˌ)sin-ˈkrat-ik\ adj

— id·io·syn·crat·i·cal·ly \-ˈkrat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

id·i·ot \ˈid-ē-ət\ n : a silly or foolish person
— idiot adj

id·i·ot·ic \ˌid-ē-ˈät-ik\ adj : showing complete lack of thought or common sense : FOOLISH
— id·i·ot·i·cal·ly \-ˈät-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1idle \ˈīd-əl\ adj idler \ˈīd-lər, -əl-ər\; idlest \ˈīd-ləst, -əl-əst\
1 : having no worth or basis <idle rumors> <idle chatter>
2 : not being used or employed <idle workers> <idle factories> <idle hours>
3 : LAZY 1
— idle·ness \ˈīd-əl-nəs\ n

— idly \ˈīd-lē, -əl-ē\ adv

2idle vb idled; idling \ˈīd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to spend time doing nothing
2 : to run without being connected for doing useful work <left the engine idling>
— idler \ˈīd-lər, -əl-ər\ n

idol \ˈid-əl\ n
1 : an image worshipped as a god
2 : a greatly loved and admired person or thing

idol·a·ter or idol·a·tor \ī-ˈdäl-ət-ər\ n
1 : a worshipper of idols
2 : a person who admires or loves greatly

idol·a·trous \ī-ˈdäl-ə-trəs\ adj
1 : of or relating to idolatry
2 : given to idolatry
— idol·a·trous·ly adv

idol·a·try \ī-ˈdäl-ə-trē\ n, pl -tries
1 : the worship of an idol as a god
2 : very great attachment or devotion to something

idol·ize \ˈīd-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to worship as an idol : love or admire too much
— idol·iza·tion \ˌīd-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— idol·iz·er \ˈīd-əl-ˌī-zər\ n

idyll also idyl \ˈīd-əl\ n
1 : a simple poetic or prose work that describes peaceful country life
2 : a scene or event one might write an idyll about

idyl·lic \ī-ˈdil-ik\ adj : simple and charming <an idyllic little town>

-ie also -y \ē\ n suffix, pl -ies
1 : little one <sonny> <bootie>
2 : one belonging to : one having to do with <cabbie>
3 : one having such a quality <smarty> <toughie> [Middle English -ie “little one”]

-ier — see 2-ER

1if \(ˌ)if, əf\ conj
1 : in the event that <come if you can>
2 : whether it is or was true that <asked if the mail had come>
3 — used to introduce a wish <if it would only rain>
4 : even though : BUT <an interesting if unbelievable excuse>

2if \ˈif\ n
1 : 1CONDITION 3, STIPULATION <too many ifs make the contract confusing>
2 : SUPPOSITION 1 <a theory full of ifs>

if·fy \ˈif-ē\ adj
1 : having many uncertain or unknown qualities or conditions <an iffy situation>
2 : of inconsistent or unreliable quality
— if·fi·ness n

-i·fy \ə-ˌfī\ vb suffix -i·fied; -i·fy·ing : -FY

ig·loo \ˈig-lü\ n, pl igloos : an Eskimo house usually made of wood, sod, or stone when permanent or of blocks of snow or ice in the form of a dome when built for temporary use

ig·ne·ous \ˈig-nē-əs\ adj : formed by hardening of melted earth <igneous rock> — compare METAMORPHIC, SEDIMENTARY 2

ig·nite \ig-ˈnīt\ vb ig·nit·ed; ig·nit·ing
1 a : to set on fire : LIGHT  b : to cause (a fuel mixture) to burn
2 : to catch fire
3 : to set in motion : SPARK <ignite a debate>
— ig·nit·able \-ˈnīt-ə-bəl\ adj

— ig·nit·er also ig·ni·tor \-ˈnīt-ər\ n

ig·ni·tion \ig-ˈnish-ən\ n
1 : the act of igniting
2 : the process or means (as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture; also : an electrical device for operating an ignition system (as in an automobile) <put the key in the ignition>

ig·no·ble \ig-ˈnō-bəl\ adj
1 : not of noble birth
2 : not noble or honorable <ignoble thoughts> <ignoble conduct>
— ig·no·bly \-blē\ adv

ig·no·min·i·ous \ˌig-nə-ˈmin-ē-əs\ adj : causing disgrace or shame <an ignominious defeat>
— ig·no·min·i·ous·ly adv

ig·no·mi·ny \ˈig-nə-ˌmin-ē, ig-ˈnäm-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies : deep humiliation and disgrace

ig·no·ra·mus \ˌig-nə-ˈrā-məs\ n, pl -mus·es also -mi \-mē\ : an ignorant person [from Ignoramus, name of a character in a play]

ig·no·rance \ˈig-nə-rən(t)s\ n : the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness

ig·no·rant \ˈig-nə-rənt\ adj
1 a : having no knowledge or education  b : having no knowledge or understanding of a certain thing <ignorant of mathematics>
2 : not informed : UNAWARE <ignorant of the facts>
3 : resulting from or showing lack of knowledge <an ignorant mistake>
— ig·no·rant·ly adv
synonyms IGNORANT, UNEDUCATED, UNLETTERED, ILLITERATE, mean not having the kind of knowledge gained from education. IGNORANT suggests a lack of knowledge either in general or in some particular field <ignorant about physics>. UNEDUCATED suggests a general lack of formal education <there are few jobs for uneducated people>. UNLETTERED suggests a lack of the kind of knowledge gained from reading <unlettered people would not appreciate the play>. ILLITERATE suggests either a total or major inability to read and write <countries having large numbers of illiterate people>.

ig·nore \ig-ˈnō(ə)r, -ˈnȯ(ə)r\ vb ig·nored; ig·nor·ing : to refuse to notice : pay no attention to <ignored his advice>  synonyms see NEGLECT
— ig·nor·able \-ˈnō(ə)r-ə-bəl, -ˈnȯ(ə)r-\ adj

— ig·nor·er n

igua·na \i-ˈgwän-ə\ n : any of various large plant-eating tropical American lizards that have a ridge of tall scales along the middle of the back and loose skin hanging below the neck

iguan·odon \i-ˈgwän-ə-ˌdän\ n : a large plant-eating dinosaur of the Cretaceous period that usually walked on all four legs [from Spanish iguana “iguana” and Greek odōn “tooth”]

ike·ba·na \ˌik-ā-ˈbän-ə, ˌik-i-, ˌēk-\ n : the Japanese art of flower arranging [Japanese, from ikeru “to keep alive, arrange” and hana “flower”]

ikon variant of ICON

il- — see IN-

il·e·um \ˈil-ē-əm\ n, pl il·ea \-ē-ə\ : the last part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the large intestine
— il·e·al \-ē-əl\ adj

il·i·ac \ˈil-ē-ˌak\ adj : of, relating to, or located on or near the ilium <an iliac spine>

Il·i·ad \ˈil-ē-əd, -ē-ˌad\ n : an ancient Greek epic poem about the Trojan War that is believed to have been composed by Homer

il·i·um \ˈil-ē-əm\ n, pl il·ia \-ē-ə\ : the broad, upper, and largest of the three bones composing either side of the pelvis

ilk \ˈilk\ n : 1SORT 1A, KIND <gamers and their ilk>

1ill \ˈil\ adj worse \ˈwərs\; worst \ˈwərst\
1 : meant to do harm or evil <ill deeds>
2 a : causing suffering or distress <ill weather>  b : not normal or sound <ill health>  c : not being in good health <had been ill for some years>  d : affected by nausea
3 : not helpful to one : UNLUCKY <an ill omen>
4 : not right or proper <ill manners>
5 : not kind or friendly <ill feeling> <never said an ill word>

2ill adv worse; worst
1 a : with displeasure or anger <the remark was ill received>  b : in a harsh manner <treated me ill>
2 : in a way that deserves blame <an ill-spent youth> <ill-gotten gains>
3 : HARDLY 3, SCARCELY <can ill afford it>
4 : in a faulty way : BADLY, POORLY <ill-prepared to face the winter>

3ill n
1 : the opposite of good : EVIL
2 a : SICKNESS 2 <childhood ills>  b : 2TROUBLE 1A <the ills of society>

I'll \(ˌ)ī(ə)l\ : I shall : I will

ill–ad·vised \ˌil-əd-ˈvīzd\ adj : showing bad advice or too little thinking ahead <an ill-advised decision>
— ill–ad·vis·ed·ly \-ˈvī-zəd-lē\ adv

ill at ease adj : feeling uncomfortable

ill–bred \ˈil-ˈbred\ adj : badly brought up : IMPOLITE

il·le·gal \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)ē-gəl\ adj : contrary to the laws or rules : UNLAWFUL
— il·le·gal·i·ty \ˌil-i-ˈgal-ət-ē\ n

— il·le·gal·ly \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)ē-gə-lē\ adv

il·leg·i·ble \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)ej-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible or very hard to read <illegible handwriting>
— il·leg·i·bly \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)ej-ə-blē\ adv

il·le·git·i·ma·cy \ˌil-i-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē\ n : the quality or state of being illegitimate

il·le·git·i·mate \ˌil-i-ˈjit-ə-mət\ adj
1 : born of a father and mother who are not married
2 : ILLEGAL
— il·le·git·i·mate·ly adv

ill–fat·ed \ˈil-ˈfāt-əd\ adj : doomed to disaster <an ill-fated expedition>

ill–fa·vored \ˈil-ˈfā-vərd\ adj : not pretty or handsome

ill–got·ten \-ˈgät-ən\ adj : to get by unlawful or improper means <ill-gotten wealth>

ill–hu·mored \ˈil-ˈhyü-mərd, ˈil-ˈyü-\ adj : being in a bad mood : IRRITABLE, CROSS
— ill–hu·mored·ly adv

il·lic·it \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)is-ət\ adj : ILLEGAL <illicit drug traffic>
— il·lic·it·ly adv

il·lim·it·able \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)im-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : not able to be limited or measured

il·lit·er·a·cy \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)it-ə-rə-sē, -ˈ(l)i-trə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being illiterate; esp : inability to read or write
2 : a mistake made by or typical of an illiterate person

il·lit·er·ate \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)it-ə-rət, -ˈ(l)i-trət\ adj
1 : having little or no education; esp : unable to read or write
2 : showing lack of education  synonyms see IGNORANT
— illiterate n

— il·lit·er·ate·ly adv

ill–man·nered \ˈil-ˈman-ərd\ adj : showing bad manners : RUDE

ill–na·tured \ˈil-ˈnā-chərd\ adj : having a bad disposition : SURLY <is usually ill-natured in the morning until after breakfast>
— ill–na·tured·ly adv

ill·ness \ˈil-nəs\ n
1 : an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2 : SICKNESS 2

il·log·i·cal \(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)äj-i-kəl\ adj : not using or following good reasoning
— il·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ill–starred \ˈil-ˈstärd\ adj : ILL-FATED, UNLUCKY <ill-starred lovers>

ill–tem·pered \ˈil-ˈtem-pərd\ adj : having or showing a bad temper : ILL-NATURED <an ill-tempered neighbor> <wrote an ill-tempered reply>
— ill–tem·pered·ly adv

ill–treat \ˈil-ˈtrēt\ vb : to treat in a cruel or improper way : MALTREAT <punished for ill-treating the neighbor's cat>
— ill–treat·ment \-mənt\ n

il·lu·mi·nate \il-ˈü-mə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to supply with light : light up <illuminate a room> <the part of the moon illuminated by the sun>
2 : to make clear : EXPLAIN <illuminated the point with good examples>
3 : to decorate with designs or pictures in gold or colors <illuminate a manuscript>
— il·lu·mi·na·tive \-ˌnāt-iv\ adj

— il·lu·mi·na·tor \-ˌnāt-ər\ n

il·lu·mi·na·tion \il-ˌü-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 a : the action of illuminating or state of being illuminated  b : amount of light
2 : gold or colored decoration in a manuscript

il·lu·mine \il-ˈü-mən\ vb -mined; -min·ing : ILLUMINATE 1

ill–use \ˈil-ˈyüz\ vb : ILL-TREAT, MALTREAT
— ill–us·age \-ˈyü-sij, -ˈyü-zij\ n

il·lu·sion \il-ˈü-zhən\ n
1 : a misleading image presented to the eye
2 : the state or fact of being led to accept as true something unreal or imagined
3 : a mistaken idea

il·lu·sion·ist \i-ˈlü-zhə-nist\ n : a person who produces illusions; esp : a performer of sleight of hand or a magician

il·lu·sive \il-ˈü-siv, -ˈü-ziv\ adj : ILLUSORY
— il·lu·sive·ly adj

il·lu·so·ry \il-ˈüs-(ə-)rē, -ˈüz-\ adj : based on or producing illusion : DECEPTIVE <an illusory hope>

il·lus·trate \ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt, il-ˈəs-\ vb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 : to make clear by using examples <illustrated his point with a personal experience>
2 a : to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate <illustrate a book>  b : to serve as an illustration
— il·lus·tra·tor \-ˌtrāt-ər\ n

il·lus·tra·tion \ˌil-əs-ˈtrā-shən\ n
1 : the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated
2 : an example or instance used to make something clear
3 : a picture or diagram that explains or decorates

il·lus·tra·tive \il-ˈəs-trət-iv\ adj : serving or meant to illustrate <illustrative examples>

il·lus·tri·ous \il-ˈəs-trē-əs\ adj : very outstanding : EMINENT
— il·lus·tri·ous·ly adv

ill will n : unfriendly feeling

il·ly \ˈil-(l)ē\ adv : 2ILL, BADLY

IM \ˈī-ˈem\ vb IM'd; IM'ing
1 : to send an instant message to <IM'd my friends>
2 : to communicate by instant message <were IM'ing during lunch>

im- — see IN-

I'm \(ˌ)īm\ : I am

1im·age \ˈim-ij\ n
1 : something (as a statue) made to look like a person or thing
2 : a picture of an object formed by a device (as a mirror, lens, or electronic system)
3 : a likeness or picture produced on a photographic material or electronic display screen
4 : a person who looks very much like another
5 a : a mental picture of something not actually present  b : a mental picture created by words  c : a popular idea of what something or someone is that is created especially by advertising and publicity

2image vb im·aged; im·ag·ing
1 : to describe in words or pictures
2 : to form an image of
3 : REFLECT 2, MIRROR

im·ag·ery \ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : images that can be seen or that are imagined
2 : language that suggests how someone or something looks, sounds, feels, smells, or tastes

imag·in·able \im-ˈaj-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj : possible to imagine <any imaginable place>
— imag·in·ably \-blē\ adv

imag·i·nary \im-ˈaj-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj : existing only in imagination : not real <unicorns are imaginary>

imag·i·na·tion \im-ˌaj-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act or power of forming a mental picture of something not present and especially of something one has not known or experienced
2 : creative ability
3 : a creation of the mind

imag·i·na·tive \im-ˈaj-(ə-)nət-iv, -ˈaj-ə-ˌnāt-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or showing imagination
2 : having a lively imagination
— imag·i·na·tive·ly adv

— imag·i·na·tive·ness n

imag·ine \im-ˈaj-ən\ vb imag·ined; imag·in·ing \-ˈaj-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to form a mental picture of : use the imagination
2 : THINK 2, SUPPOSE <I imagine it will snow>

imag·in·ings \im-ˈaj(ə-)niŋz\ n pl : products of the imagination : THOUGHTS, IMAGES

ima·go \im-ˈā-gō, -ˈäg-ō\ n, pl imagoes or ima·gi·nes \-ˈā-gə-ˌnēz, -ˈäg-ə-\ : an insect in its final adult, sexually mature, and usually winged state
— ima·gi·nal \-ˈā-gən-əl, -äg-ən-\ adj

im·bal·ance \(ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s\ n : the state of being out of balance or out of proportion

im·be·cile \ˈim-bə-səl, -ˌsil\ n : 1FOOL 1, IDIOT
— imbecile or im·be·cil·ic \ˌim-bə-ˈsil-ik\ adj

im·be·cil·i·ty \ˌim-bə-ˈsil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : complete foolishness
2 : something very foolish

imbed variant of EMBED

im·bibe \im-ˈbīb\ vb im·bibed; im·bib·ing
1 : to receive into the mind and retain <imbibe knowledge>
2 a : 1DRINK 1A  b : ABSORB 1
— im·bib·er n

im·bue \im-ˈbyü\ vb im·bued; im·bu·ing
1 : to spread through or influence deeply as if by dyeing <imbued with a deep sense of loyalty>
2 : to tinge or dye deeply
3 : ENDOW 2 <the new lighting imbues the room with warmth>

im·i·ta·ble \ˈim-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : able to be imitated or worth imitating

im·i·tate \ˈim-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to follow as a pattern, model, or example
2 : to be or appear similar to
3 : to copy exactly
— im·i·ta·tor \-ˌtāt-ər\ n
synonyms IMITATE, APE, MIMIC, MOCK, mean to follow the example of another. IMITATE suggests using someone that one admires as a model or pattern <children imitating their parents>. APE suggests a close and often clumsy imitation of an admired example <she apes the behavior of pop stars>. MIMIC may suggest imitation of another's personal manner often for humor <the comedian mimicked a popular actor>. MOCK suggests making fun of someone by imitating that person in his or her presence <mocked the dictator's swaggering walk>.

1im·i·ta·tion \ˌim-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : an act of imitating
2 : something produced as a copy

2imitation adj : resembling something else especially of better quality <imitation pearls> <imitation leather>

im·i·ta·tive \ˈim-ə-ˌtāt-iv\ adj
1 : involving imitation
2 : given to imitating
3 : imitating something better
— im·i·ta·tive·ly adv

im·mac·u·late \im-ˈak-yə-lət\ adj
1 : having no stain or blemish : PURE <an immaculate record of service>
2 : perfectly clean <immaculate linen>
— im·mac·u·late·ly adv

— im·mac·u·late·ness n

Immaculate Conception n : December 8 observed as a Roman Catholic festival in honor of the conception of the Virgin Mary as free from original sin

im·ma·te·ri·al \ˌim-ə-ˈtir-ē-əl\ adj
1 : not consisting of matter
2 : not important : INSIGNIFICANT

im·ma·ture \ˌim-ə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r\ adj
1 : not mature or fully developed : YOUNG, UNRIPE <an immature bird> <immature fruit>
2 : showing less than an expected degree of maturity <immature behavior>
— im·ma·ture·ly adv

im·ma·tu·ri·ty \ˌim-ə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē\ n : the state or quality of being immature

im·mea·sur·able \(ˌ)im-ˈ(m)ezh-(ə-)rə-bəl, -ˈ(m)ezh-ər-bəl, -ˈ(m)āzh-\ adj : impossible to measure : VAST, BOUNDLESS
— im·mea·sur·ably \-blē\ adv

im·me·di·a·cy \im-ˈēd-ē-ə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being immediate
2 : something that is of immediate importance <immediacies of daily life>

im·me·di·ate \im-ˈēd-ē-ət\ adj
1 : acting or being without anything else coming between <the immediate cause of disease>
2 : being next in line or nearest in relationship <my immediate family>
3 : closest in importance <our immediate needs>
4 : acting or being without delay <needs immediate help>
5 : not far away in time or space

im·me·di·ate·ly \im-ˈēd-ē-ət-lē\ adv
1 : with nothing between : DIRECTLY <the person immediately to my left>
2 : right away : at once <do it immediately>

im·me·mo·ri·al \ˌim-ə-ˈmōr-ē-əl, -ˈmȯr-\ adj : going back beyond the reach of memory or record : very ancient <from time immemorial>
— im·me·mo·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

im·mense \im-ˈen(t)s\ adj : very great in size or amount; esp : not capable of being measured by ordinary means <the immense universe> [from early French immense “immense, huge,” from Latin immensus “boundless, too great to be measured,” from im-, in- “not” and mensus, past participle of metiri “to measure” — related to DIMENSION, MEASURE]  synonyms see ENORMOUS
— im·mense·ly adv

— im·mense·ness n

im·men·si·ty \im-ˈen(t)-sət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being immense
2 : something immense

im·merse \im-ˈərs\ vb im·mersed; im·mers·ing
1 : to plunge into something (as a fluid) that surrounds or covers
2 : to become completely involved in <immersed in a good book>
— im·mer·sion \-ˈər-zhən, -shən\ n

im·mers·ible \im-ˈər-sə-bəl\ adj : able to be completely put under water without damage <an immersible motor>

im·mer·sive \im-ˈər-siv, -ziv\ adj : providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption in something (as an activity or a real or artificial environment)

im·mi·grant \ˈim-i-grənt\ n
1 : a person who comes to a country to live there
2 : a plant or animal that becomes established in an area where it did not occur previously
— immigrant adj

im·mi·grate \ˈim-ə-ˌgrāt\ vb -grat·ed; -grat·ing : to come into a foreign country to live
— im·mi·gra·tion \ˌim-ə-ˈgrā-shən\ n

im·mi·nence \ˈim-ə-nən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being imminent

im·mi·nent \ˈim-ə-nənt\ adj : being about to happen <in imminent danger>
— im·mi·nent·ly adv

im·mo·bile \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)ō-bəl, -ˌbēl, -ˌbīl\ adj : unable to move or be moved
— im·mo·bil·i·ty \ˌim-(ˌ)ō-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

im·mo·bi·lize \im-ˈō-bə-ˌlīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing : to fix in place : make immobile
— im·mo·bi·li·za·tion \im-ˌō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— im·mo·bi·liz·er \im-ˈō-bə-ˌlī-zər\ n

im·mod·er·a·cy \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)äd-(ə-)rə-sē\ n : the quality or state of being immoderate

im·mod·er·ate \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)äd-(ə-)rət\ adj : going too far or asking too much : EXCESSIVE
— im·mod·er·ate·ly adv

im·mod·est \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)äd-əst\ adj : not modest
— im·mod·est·ly adv

— im·mod·es·ty \-ə-stē\ n

im·mo·late \ˈim-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to kill as a sacrifice
— im·mo·la·tion \ˌim-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— im·mo·la·tor \ˈim-ə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

im·mor·al \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)ȯr-əl, -ˈ(m)är-\ adj : not moral : WICKED, BAD
— im·mor·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

im·mo·ral·i·ty \ˌim-(ˌ)ȯ-ˈral-ət-ē, ˌim-ə-ˈral-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being immoral
2 : an immoral act or custom

1im·mor·tal \(ˈ)im-ˈȯrt-əl\ adj : living or lasting forever
— im·mor·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

2immortal n
1 : an immortal being
2 : a person whose fame is lasting <baseball immortals>

im·mor·tal·i·ty \ˌim-ˌȯr-ˈtal-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being immortal:  a : endless life  b : lasting fame or glory

im·mor·tal·ize \im-ˈȯrt-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make immortal <the battle was immortalized in a famous poem>
— im·mor·tal·iza·tion \-ˌȯrt-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

im·mov·able \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)ü-və-bəl\ adj
1 a : not able to be moved  b : not moving : STATIONARY
2 : STEADFAST 1B
— im·mov·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌ(m)ü-və-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·mov·ably \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)ü-və-blē\ adv

im·mune \im-ˈyün\ adj
1 : 1EXEMPT <immune from punishment>
2 a : not influenced by something <immune to persuasion>  b : having a high degree of resistance to an illness or disease
3 : containing or producing antibodies

immune response n : a bodily response to a foreign substance, cell, or tissue that involves the formation of antibodies and cells capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless — called also immune reaction

immune system n : the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes especially the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, lymphocytes, and antibodies

im·mu·ni·ty \im-ˈyü-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : EXEMPTION 1
2 : bodily power to resist an infectious disease that usually results from vaccination or inoculation, a previous attack of the disease, or a natural resistance

im·mu·ni·za·tion \ˌim-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n : treatment (as with a vaccine) to produce immunity to a disease

im·mu·nize \ˈim-yə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to make immune <have been immunized against polio>

im·mu·no·de·fi·cien·cy \ˌim-yə-(ˌ)nō-də-ˈfish-ən-sē, (ˌ)im-ˈyü-nō-\ n : inability to produce the normal number of antibodies or T cells capable of acting in an immune system

im·mu·nol·o·gist \ˌim-yə-ˈnäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in immunology

im·mu·nol·o·gy \ˌim-yə-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n : a science that deals with immunity to disease
— im·mu·no·log·ic \-yən-əl-ˈäj-ik\ or im·mu·no·log·i·cal \-ˈäj-i-kəl\ adj

im·mure \im-ˈyu̇(ə)r\ vb im·mured; im·mur·ing : to enclose within or as if within walls : IMPRISON
— im·mure·ment \-mənt\ n

im·mu·ta·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)yüt-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to change
— im·mu·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌ(m)yüt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·mu·ta·bly \(ˈ)im-ˈ(m)yüt-ə-blē\ adv

imp \ˈimp\ n
1 : a small demon
2 : a mischievous child

1im·pact \im-ˈpakt\ vb
1 : to have a strong effect on <volcanic ash impacted weather conditions worldwide>
2 : to hit or cause to hit with force

2im·pact \ˈim-ˌpakt\ n
1 : a striking together of two bodies : COLLISION
2 : a forceful effect <the impact of pollution on the environment>

im·pact·ed \im-ˈpak-təd\ adj
1 : wedged between the jawbone and another tooth <an impacted molar>
2 : packed or wedged in

im·pac·tion \im-ˈpak-shən\ n : the act of becoming or the state of being impacted

impact printer n : a printing device in which a printing element directly strikes a surface (as in a typewriter)

im·pair \im-ˈpa(ə)r, -ˈpe(ə)r\ vb : to damage or make worse by or as if by making smaller, less, or weaker <smoking can impair one's health>
— im·pair·ment \-mənt\ n

im·paired \-ˈpa(ə)rd, -ˈpe(ə)rd\ adj
1 a : functioning in a defective or less than perfect way <impaired heart action>  b : having a defective physical or mental function — often used in combination <a hearing-impaired person>
2 : intoxicated by alcohol or drugs <driving while impaired>

im·pa·la \im-ˈpal-ə, -ˈpäl-\ n : a large brownish African antelope that in the male has slender curving horns [from the name in Zulu, an African language]

im·pale \im-ˈpā(ə)l\ vb im·paled; im·pal·ing : to pierce with or as if with something pointed
— im·pale·ment \-mənt\ n

— im·pal·er \-ər\ n

im·pal·pa·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈpal-pə-bəl\ adj
1 : unable to be felt by touch <the impalpable excitement of the audience>
2 : not easily seen or understood <impalpable evils>

im·pan·el or em·panel \im-ˈpan-əl\ vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling : to enroll in or on a panel <impanel a jury>

im·part \im-ˈpärt\ vb
1 : to give or grant from or as if from a store <schools impart knowledge>
2 : to make known : DISCLOSE <I have a bit of news to impart>

im·par·tial \(ˈ)im-ˈpär-shəl\ adj : treating all equally : not partial <an impartial judge>
— im·par·tial·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpär-shē-ˈal-ət-ē, -ˌpär-ˈshal-\ n

— im·par·tial·ly \(ˈ)im-ˈpärsh-(ə-)lē\ adv

im·pass·able \(ˈ)im-ˈpas-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to pass, cross, or travel over <roads made impassable by the hurricane>
— im·pass·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpas-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

im·passe \ˈim-ˌpas, im-ˈpas\ n : a situation from which it seems impossible to escape; esp : DEADLOCK

im·pas·sioned \im-ˈpash-ənd\ adj : showing very strong feeling <an impassioned speech>

im·pas·sive \(ˈ)im-ˈpas-iv\ adj : not feeling or not showing emotion
— im·pas·sive·ly adv

— im·pas·siv·i·ty \ˌim-ˌpas-ˈiv-ət-ē\ n

im·pa·tience \(ˈ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s\ n
1 : lack of patience
2 : restless or eager desire

im·pa·tiens \im-ˈpā-shənz, -shən(t)s\ n : any of a large genus of herbs that produce often brightly colored flowers

im·pa·tient \(ˈ)im-ˈpā-shənt\ adj
1 : not patient <an impatient disposition>
2 : showing or coming from impatience <an impatient answer>
3 : restless and eager <impatient to get going>
— im·pa·tient·ly adv

im·peach \im-ˈpēch\ vb
1 : to charge a public official formally with misconduct in office
2 : to cast doubt on <impeached the witness's testimony>
— im·peach·able \-ˈpē-chə-bəl\ adj

— im·peach·ment \-ˈpēch-mənt\ n

im·pec·ca·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈpek-ə-bəl\ adj : free from fault or blame
— im·pec·ca·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpek-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·pec·ca·bly \(ˈ)im-ˈpek-ə-blē\ adv

im·pe·cu·nious \ˌim-pi-ˈkyü-nyəs, -nē-əs\ adj : having little or no money
— im·pe·cu·nious·ness n

im·pede \im-ˈpēd\ vb im·ped·ed; im·ped·ing : to interfere with the movement or progress of [from Latin impedire “to hinder, get in the way of,” literally, “to bind or hold the feet of,” derived from im-, in- “in, into” and ped-, pes “foot” — related to PEDESTRIAN]
— im·ped·er n

im·ped·i·ment \im-ˈped-ə-mənt\ n
1 : something that impedes
2 : a defect in speech

im·ped·i·men·ta \(ˌ)im-ˌped-ə-ˈment-ə\ n pl : things (as baggage or equipment) that keep one from moving freely

im·pel \im-ˈpel\ vb im·pelled; im·pel·ling : to urge or drive forward or into action
— im·pel·ler \-ˈpel-ər\ n

im·pend \im-ˈpend\ vb
1 : to threaten to occur immediately <impending danger>
2 : to be about to happen <an impending trip>
3 archaic : to hang out or over

im·pen·e·tra·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈpen-ə-trə-bəl\ adj
1 : impossible to get through or into <impenetrable walls> <impenetrable jungle>
2 : impossible to understand <an impenetrable mystery>
— im·pen·e·tra·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpen-ə-trə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·pen·e·tra·bly \(ˈ)im-ˈpen-ə-trə-blē\ adv

im·pen·i·tence \(ˈ)im-ˈpen-ə-tən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being impenitent

im·pen·i·tent \(ˈ)im-ˈpen-ə-tənt\ adj : not sorry for having done wrong
— im·pen·i·tent·ly adv

1im·per·a·tive \im-ˈper-ət-iv\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or being the grammatical mood that expresses a command, request, or encouragement  b : expressing a command, request, or strong encouragement <an imperative sentence>
2 : impossible to avoid or ignore : URGENT
— im·per·a·tive·ly adv

— im·per·a·tive·ness n

2imperative n
1 : the imperative mood of a verb or a verb in this mood
2 : something that is imperative (as a command or required act)

im·pe·ra·tor \ˌim-pə-ˈrät-ər, -ˈrä-ˌtȯ(ə)r\ n : a commander in chief or emperor of the ancient Romans

im·per·cep·ti·ble \ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl\ adj
1 : not noticeable : not perceptible by a sense or by the mind <one whose beauty was imperceptible to others>
2 : hardly noticeable : very small or gradual <an imperceptible smile>
— im·per·cep·ti·bly \-blē\ adv

1im·per·fect \(ˈ)im-ˈpər-fikt\ adj
1 : not perfect:  a : DEFECTIVE <imperfect clothing>  b : having stamens or pistils but not being a flower with both
2 : of, relating to, or being a verb tense used to express a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
— im·per·fect·ly \-fik-(t)lē\ adv

2imperfect n : the imperfect tense of a verb or a verb in this tense

im·per·fec·tion \ˌim-pər-ˈfek-shən\ n
1 : the quality or state of being imperfect
2 : FLAW, FAULT

1im·pe·ri·al \im-ˈpir-ē-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or fine enough for an empire or an emperor
— im·pe·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

2imperial n : a pointed beard growing below the lower lip

im·pe·ri·al·ism \im-ˈpir-ē-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n : the actions by which one nation is able to control other usually smaller or weaker nations
— im·pe·ri·al·ist \-ē-ə-ləst\ n or adj

— im·pe·ri·al·is·tic \im-ˌpir-ē-ə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

— im·pe·ri·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

im·per·il \im-ˈper-əl\ vb -iled or -illed; -il·ing or -il·ling : to place in great danger : ENDANGER
— im·per·il·ment \-əl-mənt\ n

im·pe·ri·ous \im-ˈpir-ē-əs\ adj
1 : behaving like someone who is a supreme ruler
2 : 1IMPERATIVE 2, URGENT <the imperious problems of a new age>
— im·pe·ri·ous·ly adv

— im·pe·ri·ous·ness n

im·per·ish·able \(ˈ)im-ˈper-ish-ə-bəl\ adj : INDESTRUCTIBLE
— im·per·ish·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌper-ish-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·per·ish·ably \(ˈ)im-ˈper-ish-ə-blē\ adv

im·per·ma·nence \(ˈ)im-ˈpərm(-ə)-nən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being impermanent

im·per·ma·nent \(ˈ)im-ˈpərm(-ə)-nənt\ adj : not permanent : not lasting long
— im·per·ma·nent·ly adv

im·per·me·able \(ˈ)im-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl\ adj : not permitting passage (as of a fluid) through the material of which it is made
— im·per·me·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpər-mē-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

im·per·mis·si·ble \ˌim-pər-ˈmis-ə-bəl\ adj : not permissible
— im·per·mis·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌmis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·per·mis·si·bly \-ˈmis-ə-blē\ adv

im·per·son·al \(ˈ)im-ˈpərs-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : having no expressed subject or no subject other than “it” <“rained” in “it rained” is an impersonal verb>
2 : not personal:  a : not showing or involving personal feelings : DETACHED <an impersonal professional attitude>  b : not caring about individual persons or their feelings <cold impersonal cities> <a giant impersonal corporation>
— im·per·son·al·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpərs-ən-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— im·per·son·al·ly \(ˈ)im-ˈpərs-nə-lē, -ən-ə-lē\ adv

im·per·son·ate \im-ˈpərs-ən-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to pretend to be some other person <impersonate a police officer>
— im·per·son·ation \-ˌpərs-ən-ˈā-shən\ n

— im·per·son·ator \-ˈpərs-ən-ˌāt-ər\ n

im·per·ti·nence \(ˈ)im-ˈpərt-ən-ən(t)s, -ˈpərt-nən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being impertinent
2 : a rude act or remark

im·per·ti·nent \(ˈ)im-ˈpərt-ən-ənt, -ˈpərt-nənt\ adj : INSOLENT, RUDE <an impertinent reply>
— im·per·ti·nent·ly adv

im·per·turb·able \ˌim-pər-ˈtər-bə-bəl\ adj : hard to disturb or upset
— im·per·turb·abil·i·ty \-ˌtər-bə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·per·turb·ably \-ˈtər-bə-blē\ adv

im·per·vi·ous \(ˈ)im-ˈpər-vē-əs\ adj
1 : not letting something enter or pass through <a coat impervious to rain>
2 : not disturbed or upset <impervious to criticism>
— im·per·vi·ous·ness n

im·pe·ti·go \ˌim-pə-ˈtē-gō, -ˈtī-\ n : a contagious skin disease marked by pimples, blisters, and yellowish crusts

im·pet·u·os·i·ty \im-ˌpech-ə-ˈwäs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being impetuous : RASHNESS
2 : an impetuous act

im·pet·u·ous \im-ˈpech-(ə-)wəs\ adj
1 : IMPULSIVE, RASH
2 : marked by force of action or movement
— im·pet·u·ous·ly adv

— im·pet·u·ous·ness n

im·pe·tus \ˈim-pət-əs\ n
1 a : a driving force : IMPULSE  b : INCENTIVE
2 : MOMENTUM 1

im·pi·ety \(ˈ)im-ˈpī-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being impious
2 : an impious act

im·pinge \im-ˈpinj\ vb im·pinged; im·ping·ing
1 : to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision <sound waves impinge on the eardrums>
2 : ENCROACH 1, INFRINGE <impinge on another's rights>
— im·pinge·ment \-mənt\ n

im·pi·ous \ˈim-pē-əs, (ˈ)im-ˈpī-\ adj : not pious : IRREVERENT
— im·pi·ous·ly adv

imp·ish \ˈim-pish\ adj : MISCHIEVOUS 3
— imp·ish·ly adv

— imp·ish·ness n

im·pla·ca·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈplak-ə-bəl, -ˈplā-kə-\ adj : not possible to please, satisfy, or change <an implacable enemy>
— im·pla·ca·bil·i·ty \-ˌplak-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē, -ˌplā-kə-\ n

— im·pla·ca·bly \-ˈplak-ə-blē, -ˈplā-kə-\ adv

im·plant \im-ˈplant\ vb
1 : to fix or set securely or deeply
2 : to insert in living tissue (as for growth or absorption)
— im·plant \ˈim-ˌplant\ n

— im·plant·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

im·plan·ta·tion \ˌim-ˌplan-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of implanting something
2 : the process of becoming implanted or the resulting state

im·plau·si·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈplȯ-zə-bəl\ adj : causing disbelief : not plausible
— im·plau·si·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌplȯ-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·plau·si·bly \(ˈ)im-ˈplȯ-zə-blē\ adv

1im·ple·ment \ˈim-plə-mənt\ n : an article intended for use in work
synonyms IMPLEMENT, TOOL, INSTRUMENT, UTENSIL, mean a device for doing work. IMPLEMENT may apply to anything needed to complete a task <gardening implements such as rakes and hoes>. TOOL suggests a device designed for a specific job that may require some skill on the user's part <a carpenter's tools>. INSTRUMENT suggests a device that can be used for delicate or precise work <one needs great skill to handle the instruments of a surgeon>. UTENSIL suggests a fairly simple device for jobs around the house <kitchen utensils include knives and ladles> or some routine unskilled activity <the pencil was her favorite writing utensil>.

2im·ple·ment \ˈim-plə-ˌment\ vb : to take steps to put into practice : CARRY OUT <implement the terms of a treaty>
— im·ple·men·ta·tion \ˌim-plə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n

im·pli·cate \ˈim-plə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to show to be connected or involved <evidence that implicates him in the robbery>

im·pli·ca·tion \ˌim-plə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act of implicating : the state of being implicated
2 a : the act of implying : the state of being implied  b : something implied

im·plic·it \im-ˈplis-ət\ adj
1 : understood though not put clearly into words <an implicit agreement>
2 : being without doubt : ABSOLUTE, COMPLETE <implicit trust>
— im·plic·it·ly adv

— im·plic·it·ness n

im·plode \im-ˈplōd\ vb im·plod·ed; im·plod·ing : to burst inward

im·plore \im-ˈplō(ə)r, -ˈplȯ(ə)r\ vb im·plored; im·plor·ing : to call upon with a humble request : BESEECH <implored the manager to give her more responsibility>
— im·plor·ing·ly adv

im·plo·sion \im-ˈplō-zhən\ n : the action of imploding
— im·plo·sive \-ˈplō-siv, -ziv\ adj

im·ply \im-ˈplī\ vb im·plied; im·ply·ing
1 : to include or involve as a natural or necessary part even though not put clearly into words <rights imply obligations> <an implied warranty>
2 : to express indirectly : suggest rather than say plainly <your remark implies that I am wrong>

im·po·lite \ˌim-pə-ˈlīt\ adj : not polite : RUDE
— im·po·lite·ly adv

— im·po·lite·ness n

im·pon·der·a·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈpän-d(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : not able to have the importance, strength, or value figured out <an imponderable mystery>
— imponderable n

1im·port \im-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt; ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 : 2MEAN 2
2 : to be important : MATTER
3 : to bring (as goods) into a country from another country usually for selling <imports coffee> <imported cars>
— im·port·er n

2im·port \ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : 1MEANING 1
2 : IMPORTANCE
3 : something brought into a country

im·por·tance \im-ˈpȯrt-ən(t)s, -ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being important
synonyms IMPORTANCE, CONSEQUENCE, SIGNIFICANCE, mean a quality or condition of something that makes people believe it to be of great value or influence. IMPORTANCE suggests the making of a value judgment regarding something's superior worth <he said nothing of importance>. CONSEQUENCE suggests that a thing's importance comes from its possible or likely outcome, effects, or results <choosing the right courses will be of great consequence for your college career>. SIGNIFICANCE may apply to some aspect of a thing that makes it important but may not be immediately obvious <at first people did not realize the significance of the invention>.

im·por·tant \im-ˈpȯrt-ənt, -ənt\ adj
1 : having great meaning or influence : SIGNIFICANT <an important day to remember> <our most important product> <an important change>
2 : having power or authority <an important leader>
3 : believing or acting as if one's importance is greater than it really is
— im·por·tant·ly adv

im·por·ta·tion \ˌim-ˌpōr-ˈtā-shən, -ˌpȯr-, -pər-\ n
1 : the act or practice of importing
2 : something imported : IMPORT

imported fire ant n : either of two small South American fire ants that are pests in the southeastern U.S. especially in fields used to grow crops

im·por·tu·nate \im-ˈpȯrch-(ə-)nət\ adj : making a nuisance of oneself with requests or demands
— im·por·tu·nate·ly adv

im·por·tune \ˌim-pər-ˈt(y)ün, im-ˈpȯr-chən\ vb -tuned; -tun·ing : to beg or urge so much as to be a nuisance
— im·por·tun·er n

im·por·tu·ni·ty \ˌim-pər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being importunate

im·pose \im-ˈpōz\ vb im·posed; im·pos·ing
1 a : to establish or apply as a charge or penalty <impose a fine> <impose a tax>  b : to force somebody to accept or put up with <impose one's will on another>
2 : to take unfair advantage <impose on a friend's good nature>
— im·pos·er n

im·pos·ing \im-ˈpō-ziŋ\ adj : impressive in size, dignity, or magnificence
— im·pos·ing·ly adv

im·po·si·tion \ˌim-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : the act of imposing
2 a : something (as a tax) that is imposed  b : a demand or request that is very troublesome

im·pos·si·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being impossible
2 : something impossible

im·pos·si·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈpäs-ə-bəl\ adj
1 a : incapable of being or of occurring  b : very difficult : HOPELESS <an impossible situation>
2 : very bad or unpleasant <an impossible person>
— im·pos·si·bly \-blē\ adv

im·post \ˈim-ˌpōst\ n : 2TAX 1

im·pos·tor or im·pos·ter \im-ˈpäs-tər\ n : a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive

im·pos·ture \im-ˈpäs-chər\ n : the act or conduct of an impostor

im·po·tence \ˈim-pət-ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being impotent

im·po·tent \ˈim-pət-ənt\ adj
1 : lacking in power or strength
2 : incapable of engaging in sexual intercourse; also : STERILE 1 — usually used of males
— im·po·tent·ly adv

im·pound \im-ˈpau̇nd\ vb
1 : to shut up in or as if in an enclosed place
2 : to seize and hold in the hands of the law <impound evidence for a trial>
— im·pound·ment \-ˈpau̇n(d)-mənt\ n

im·pov·er·ish \im-ˈpäv-(ə-)rish\ vb
1 : to make poor
2 : to use up the strength or richness of <impoverished soil>
— im·pov·er·ish·ment \-mənt\ n

im·prac·ti·ca·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl\ adj : difficult to put into practice or use <an impracticable plan>
— im·prac·ti·ca·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌprak-ti-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

im·prac·ti·cal \(ˈ)im-ˈprak-ti-kəl\ adj : not practical: as  a : not wise to put into or keep in practice or effect <an impractical rule disliked by many>  b : incapable of dealing sensibly with practical matters  c : IMPRACTICABLE <the new gadgets were complicated and impractical>
— im·prac·ti·cal·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌprak-ti-ˈkal-ət-ē\ n

— im·prac·ti·cal·ly \(ˈ)im-ˈprak-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

im·pre·cate \ˈim-pri-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : 2CURSE 1

im·pre·ca·tion \ˌim-pri-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : 1CURSE 1
2 : 2CURSE 2

im·pre·cise \ˌim-pri-ˈsīs\ adj : not precise <an imprecise estimate>
— im·pre·cise·ly adv

— im·pre·cise·ness n

— im·pre·ci·sion \-ˈsizh-ən\ n

im·preg·na·ble \im-ˈpreg-nə-bəl\ adj : not able to be captured by assault : UNCONQUERABLE <an impregnable fortress>
— im·preg·na·bly \-blē\ adv

im·preg·nate \im-ˈpreg-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 a : to make pregnant  b : to introduce sperm cells into
2 : to cause (a material) to be filled or soaked with something <impregnate wood with varnish>
— im·preg·na·tion \(ˌ)im-ˌpreg-ˈnā-shən\ n

— im·preg·na·tor \im-ˈpreg-ˌnāt-ər\ n

im·pre·sa·rio \ˌim-prə-ˈsär-ē-ˌō, -ˈsar-, -ˈzär-\ n, pl -ri·os : a person who puts on an entertainment (as a concert)

1im·press \im-ˈpres\ vb
1 : to produce by stamping, pressing, or printing
2 a : to fix in or on one's mind : produce a vivid impression of <the lesson was impressed on their minds>  b : to affect strongly or deeply <I am impressed by what you've done>; also : to gain the admiration or interest of <tries to impress people>

2im·press \ˈim-ˌpres\ n
1 : the act of impressing
2 : a mark made by pressure
3 : a characteristic or special mark
4 : IMPRESSION 2B

3im·press \im-ˈpres\ vb : to force into naval service
— im·press·ment \-mənt\ n

im·pres·sion \im-ˈpresh-ən\ n
1 : the act or process of impressing
2 a : something (as a design or a footprint) made by pressing or stamping  b : something that impresses or is impressed on one's mind <those words made a strong impression> <the candidate made a good impression>
3 : a memory or belief that is vague or uncertain <it's my impression that you don't have to go>
4 : an imitation of a famous person done for entertainment

im·pres·sion·able \im-ˈpresh-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj : easy to impress or influence
— im·pres·sion·abil·i·ty \-ˌpresh-(ə-)nə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

im·pres·sion·ism \im-ˈpresh-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 often cap : a style of painting beginning in France around 1870 in which dabs or strokes of primary colors are used to give the effect of light actually reflected from things
2 : a style of musical composition designed to create moods through rich and varied harmonies

im·pres·sion·ist \im-ˈpresh-(ə-)nəst\ n
1 often cap : a person (as a painter) who practices impressionism
2 : an entertainer who does impressions

im·pres·sion·is·tic \(ˌ)im-ˌpresh-ə-ˈnis-tik\ adj
1 or im·pres·sion·ist \im-ˈpresh-(ə-)nəst\ often cap : of or relating to impressionism <an impressionistic style of painting>
2 : based on or involving one's impressions rather than knowledge or facts <impressionistic descriptions>
— im·pres·sion·is·ti·cal·ly \(ˌ)im-ˌpresh-ə-ˈnis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

im·pres·sive \im-ˈpres-iv\ adj : having the power to impress the mind or feelings <an impressive speech>
— im·pres·sive·ly adv

— im·pres·sive·ness n

im·pri·ma·tur \ˌim-prə-ˈmä-tu̇(ə)r\ n : official approval (as to print or publish)

1im·print \im-ˈprint, ˈim-ˌ\ vb
1 : to mark by or as if by pressure : STAMP
2 : to fix firmly (as on the memory)
3 : to go through the process of imprinting

2im·print \ˈim-ˌprint\ n
1 : something imprinted or printed : IMPRESSION <the imprint of a hippo's foot>
2 : a publisher's name on the title page of a book

im·print·ing \ˈim-ˌprint-iŋ, im-ˈprint-\ n : a rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal (as a goose) and that results in the formation of a special way of behaving (as knowing and being attracted to one's own kind)

im·pris·on \im-ˈpriz-ən\ vb -pris·oned; -pris·on·ing \-ˈpriz-(ə-)niŋ\ : to put in or as if in prison
— im·pris·on·ment \-ˈpriz-ən-mənt\ n

im·prob·a·ble \(ˈ)im-ˈpräb(-ə)-bəl\ adj : not probable : unlikely to be true or to occur
— im·prob·a·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpräb-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— im·prob·a·bly \(ˈ)im-ˈpräb(-ə)-blē\ adv

im·promp·tu \im-ˈpräm(p)-t(y)ü\ adj : not prepared ahead of time : EXTEMPORANEOUS <an impromptu speech>
— im·promptu adv or n

im·prop·er \(ˈ)im-ˈpräp-ər\ adj : not proper, right, or suitable
— im·prop·er·ly adv

improper fraction n : a fraction whose numerator is equal to or larger than the denominator

im·pro·pri·ety \ˌim-prə-ˈprī-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being improper
2 : an improper act or remark

im·prove \im-ˈprüv\ vb im·proved; im·prov·ing
1 : to make or become better <genetics helps us improve plants> <when economic conditions improve>
2 : to increase the value of (land or property) by making improvements
3 : to make good use of <improved their time by studying German>
4 : to make useful additions or changes
— im·prov·able \-ˈprü-və-bəl\ adj

— im·prov·er n

im·prove·ment \im-ˈprüv-mənt\ n
1 : the act or process of improving
2 a : increased value or excellence  b : something that adds to the value or appearance (as of a house)

im·prov·i·dence \(ˈ)im-ˈpräv-əd-ən(t)s, -ə-ˌden(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being improvident

im·prov·i·dent \(ˈ)im-ˈpräv-əd-ənt, -ə-ˌdent\ adj : not providing or saving up for the future
— im·prov·i·dent·ly adv

im·pro·vi·sa·tion \(ˌ)im-ˌpräv-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌim-prə-və-\ n
1 : the act or art of improvising
2 : something that is improvised
— im·pro·vi·sa·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

im·pro·vise \ˌim-prə-ˈvīz, ˈim-prə-ˌvīz\ vb -vised; -vis·ing
1 : to compose, recite, play, or sing without preparation
2 : to make, invent, or arrange on the spur of the moment or without planning <the quarterback improvised a play>
3 : to make out of what is conveniently on hand <improvise a bed from leaves and straw>
— im·pro·vis·er or im·pro·vis·or \-ˈvī-zər, -ˌvī-\ n

im·pru·dence \(ˈ)im-ˈprüd-ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being imprudent

im·pru·dent \(ˈ)im-ˈprüd-ənt\ adj : not prudent : RASH, UNWISE
— im·pru·dent·ly adv

im·pu·dence \ˈim-pyəd-ən(t)s\ n : impudent behavior or speech : INSOLENCE, DISRESPECT

im·pu·dent \ˈim-pyəd-ənt\ adj : showing scorn for or disregard of others : INSOLENT, DISRESPECTFUL
— im·pu·dent·ly adv

im·pugn \im-ˈpyün\ vb : to attack as false or not to be trusted <impugn the honesty of an opponent>

im·pulse \ˈim-ˌpəls\ n
1 a : a force that starts a body into motion  b : the motion produced by an impulse
2 : a sudden stirring up of the mind and spirit to do something <an impulse to run away> <buy something on impulse>
3 : NERVE IMPULSE
4 : 2PULSE 3A

im·pul·sive \im-ˈpəl-siv\ adj
1 : acting or tending to act on impulse
2 : resulting from a sudden impulse
— im·pul·sive·ly adv

— im·pul·sive·ness n

im·pu·ni·ty \im-ˈpyü-nət-ē\ n : freedom from punishment, harm, or loss

im·pure \(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇(ə)r\ adj
1 : not pure : UNCLEAN, DIRTY
2 : mixed with something else that is usually not as good <an impure chemical>
— im·pure·ly adv

im·pu·ri·ty \(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being impure
2 : something that is impure or that makes impure <remove impurities from water>

im·pu·ta·tion \ˌim-pyə-ˈtā-shən\ n : the act or an instance of imputing

im·pute \im-ˈpyüt\ vb im·put·ed; im·put·ing : to give the blame or credit for to some person or cause
— im·put·able \-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl\ adj

1in \(ˈ)in, ən, ən\ prep
1 a — used to show enclosing, including, or placing within limits <in the lake> <wounded in the leg> <in the summer> <in a minute>  b : INTO 1A <went in the house> <don't come in here with those muddy feet>
2 — used to show means or medium <written in pencil> <works in plastics> <photographs in color>
3 a — used to show a state or condition <we're in trouble> <is made in three sizes> <in power> <in love>  b : INTO 2A <broke in pieces>
4 — used to show manner or purpose <said in reply>
5 — used to show the larger member of a ratio <one in five>

2in \ˈin\ adv
1 a : to or toward the inside <went in and closed the door>  b : to or toward a place <flew in yesterday>  c : so as to be or seem near <play close in>  d : into the midst of something <mix in the flour>  e : to or at its proper place <fit a piece in>  f : so as to be in agreement <fell in with our plans>
2 a : on the inner side : WITHIN <everyone is in>  b : on good terms <in with the right people>  c : in fashion <boots are in this year>  d : at hand : on hand <the evidence was in> <harvests are in>
— in for : sure to experience <in for a surprise>

3in \ˈin\ adj
1 a : being inside or within <the in part>  b : being in power <the in party>
2 : directed or bound inward : INCOMING <the in train>
3 a : very fashionable <the in thing to do> <the in place to go>  b : very aware of and taking part in what is new and fashionable <the in crowd>

1in- or il- or im- or ir- prefix : not : NON-, UN- — usually il- before l <illogical>, im- before b, m, or p <imbalance> <immoral> <impractical>, ir- before r <irreducible>, and in- before other sounds <inconclusive> [derived from Latin in- “not”]

2in- or il- or im- or ir- prefix
1 : in : within : into : toward : on — usually il- before l, im- before b, m, or p, ir- before r, and in- before other sounds <infiltrate>
2 : EN- 2 <imperil> [derived from Latin in “in, into”]

-in \ən\ n suffix : chemical compound <stearin> <insulin> <niacin> [derived from Latin -ina, -inus (adjective suffixes)]

in·abil·i·ty \ˌin-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n : lack of ability, power, or means <his inability to carry a tune>

in·ac·ces·si·ble \ˌin-ik-ˈses-ə-bəl, (ˌ)in-ˌak-\ adj : not accessible <an inaccessible area> <an inaccessible goal>
— in·ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌses-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·ac·ces·si·bly \-ˈses-ə-blē\ adv

in·ac·cu·ra·cy \(ˈ)in-ˈak-yə-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being inaccurate
2 : ERROR 1B, MISTAKE

in·ac·cu·rate \(ˈ)in-ˈak-yə-rət\ adj : not accurate : not correct or exact <inaccurate information>
— in·ac·cu·rate·ly adv

in·ac·tion \(ˈ)in-ˈak-shən\ n : lack of action or activity : IDLENESS

in·ac·ti·vate \(ˈ)in-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt\ vb : to make inactive
— in·ac·ti·va·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌak-tə-ˈvā-shən\ n

in·ac·tive \(ˈ)in-ˈak-tiv\ adj : not active: as  a : slow to move or act : SLUGGISH  b : being out of use or activity <an inactive mine> <an inactive volcano>  c : INERT <argon is chemically inactive>
— in·ac·tive·ly adv

in·ac·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌak-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n : the state of being inactive

in·ad·e·qua·cy \(ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being inadequate
2 a : an inadequate amount  b : a failure to meet expectations <feelings of inadequacy> <aware of my own inadequacies>

in·ad·e·quate \(ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwət\ adj : not adequate : not enough or not good enough <an inadequate supply of food>
— in·ad·e·quate·ly adv

in·ad·mis·si·ble \ˌin-əd-ˈmis-ə-bəl\ adj : not admissible <inadmissible evidence>
— in·ad·mis·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌmis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

in·ad·ver·tence \ˌin-əd-ˈvərt-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the fact or action of being inattentive
2 : a result of not paying attention : OVERSIGHT

in·ad·ver·ten·cy \ˌin-əd-ˈvərt-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies : INADVERTENCE

in·ad·ver·tent \ˌin-əd-ˈvərt-ənt\ adj
1 : not paying attention : INATTENTIVE
2 : not meant, sought, or intended : UNINTENTIONAL <an inadvertent violation of the law>
— in·ad·ver·tent·ly adv

in·ad·vis·able \ˌin-əd-ˈvī-zə-bəl\ adj : not wise to do : not advisable : UNWISE <inadvisable haste>
— in·ad·vis·abil·i·ty \-ˌvī-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

in·alien·able \(ˈ)in-ˈāl-yə-nə-bəl, -ˈā-lē-ə-nə-\ adj : impossible to take away or give up <inalienable rights>
— in·alien·ably \-blē\ adv

inane \in-ˈān\ adj : lacking meaning or point : SILLY <inane remarks about the weather>
— inane·ly adv

— inane·ness \-ˈān-nəs\ n

in·an·i·mate \(ˈ)in-ˈan-ə-mət\ adj
1 : not having life <stones are inanimate> <an inanimate object>
2 : not animated or lively : DULL
— in·an·i·mate·ly adv

inan·i·ty \in-ˈan-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being inane
2 : something inane

in·ap·pli·ca·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈap-li-kə-bəl also ˌin-ə-ˈplik-ə-\ adj : not applicable : IRRELEVANT
— in·ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē also ˌin-ə-ˌplik-ə-\ n

in·ap·pre·cia·ble \ˌin-ə-ˈprē-shə-bəl\ adj : very small or slight <an inappreciable amount>

in·ap·pro·pri·ate \ˌin-ə-ˈprō-prē-ət\ adj : not appropriate : UNSUITABLE <inappropriate behavior>
— in·ap·pro·pri·ate·ly adv

— in·ap·pro·pri·ate·ness n

in·apt \(ˈ)in-ˈapt\ adj : not suitable <an inapt comparison>
— in·apt·ly \-ˈap-(t)lē\ adv

— in·apt·ness \-ˈap(t)-nəs\ n

in·ap·ti·tude \(ˈ)in-ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : lack of aptitude

in·ar·tic·u·late \ˌin-(ˌ)är-ˈtik-yə-lət\ adj
1 a : not understandable as spoken words <inarticulate cries> <inarticulate murmurs>  b : not able to speak  c : not able to be expressed <inarticulate longings>
2 : not able to give clear expression to ideas or feelings <an inarticulate speaker>
— in·ar·tic·u·late·ly adv

— in·ar·tic·u·late·ness n

in·ar·tis·tic \ˌin-är-ˈtis-tik\ adj : not artistic
— in·ar·tis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

in·as·much as \ˌin-əz-ˌməch-əz\ conj : considering that : 3SINCE 2

in·at·ten·tion \ˌin-ə-ˈten-chən\ n : failure to pay attention
— in·at·ten·tive·ly adv

— in·at·ten·tive·ness n

in·at·ten·tive \-ˈtent-iv\ adj : not attentive : not paying attention <the student was inattentive in class>

in·au·di·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈȯd-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to hear : not audible
— in·au·di·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌȯd-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·au·di·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈȯd-ə-blē\ adv

1in·au·gu·ral \in-ˈȯ-gyə-rəl, -g(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to an inauguration <the inaugural address> <an inaugural ball>
2 : marking a beginning <the inaugural run of a new high-speed train>

2inaugural n
1 : an inaugural address
2 : INAUGURATION

in·au·gu·rate \in-ˈȯ-g(y)ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to introduce into office with suitable ceremonies : INSTALL <inaugurate a president>
2 : to celebrate the opening of <inaugurate a new gym>
3 : to bring into being or action <inaugurate a new plan>
— in·au·gu·ra·tor \-ˌrāt-ər\ n

in·au·gu·ra·tion \in-ˌȯ-g(y)ə-ˈrā-shən\ n : an act or ceremony of inaugurating

in·aus·pi·cious \ˌin-ȯ-ˈspish-əs\ adj : not auspicious : not looking good for future success
— in·aus·pi·cious·ly adv

— in·aus·pi·cious·ness n

1in–be·tween \ˌin-bi-ˈtwēn\ adj : INTERMEDIATE

2in–between n : an intermediate term, thing, or class

1in between adv : 2BETWEEN <were neither young nor old but fell somewhere in between>

2in between prep : 1BETWEEN 2 <a meadow lies in between the house and the road>

in·board \ˈin-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ adv
1 : inside the hull of a ship or boat
2 : close or closest to the center line of an aircraft or ship
— inboard adj

in·born \ˈin-ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ adj
1 : born in one : not acquired by training or experience : NATURAL, INSTINCTIVE <an inborn ability to grow flowers>
2 : HEREDITARY 1, INHERITED <an inborn defect in metabolism>

in·bound \ˈin-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : inward bound <inbound traffic>

in·bred \ˈin-ˈbred\ adj
1 : deeply rooted in a person <an inbred love of freedom>
2 : subjected to or produced by inbreeding

in·breed \ˈin-ˈbrēd\ vb in·bred \-ˈbred\; in·breed·ing : to subject to or engage in inbreeding

in·breed·ing \ˈin-ˌbrēd-iŋ\ n : the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve desirable characteristics and eliminate undesirable characteristics from a stock

In·ca \ˈiŋ-kə\ n
1 : a noble or a member of the American Indian peoples of Peru maintaining an empire until the Spanish conquest
2 : a member of any people under Inca influence
— In·can \-kən\ adj

in·cal·cu·la·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈkal-kyə-lə-bəl\ adj : not able to be calculated: as  a : very great  b : not able to be predicted
— in·cal·cu·la·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌkal-kyə-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·cal·cu·la·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈkal-kyə-lə-blē\ adv

in·can·des·cence \ˌin-kən-ˈdes-ən(t)s\ n : the glowing of a substance due to its high temperature

1in·can·des·cent \ˌin-kən-ˈdes-ənt\ adj : white or glowing with great heat
— in·can·des·cent·ly adv

2incandescent n : LIGHTBULB A

incandescent lamp n : LIGHTBULB A

in·can·ta·tion \ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən\ n : a series of words used to produce a magic spell

in·ca·pa·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl\ adj : not able to do something <incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly>
— in·ca·pa·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

in·ca·pac·i·tate \ˌin-kə-ˈpas-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to make incapable : DISABLE
— in·ca·pac·i·ta·tion \-ˌpas-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

in·ca·pac·i·ty \ˌin-kə-ˈpas-ət-ē, -ˈpas-tē\ n, pl -ties : lack of ability or power

in·car·cer·ate \in-ˈkär-sə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to put in prison : CONFINE
— in·car·cer·a·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌkär-sə-ˈrā-shən\ n

1in·car·nate \in-ˈkär-nət, -ˌnāt\ adj : given bodily or actual form <the devil incarnate> <a little tornado incarnate>

2in·car·nate \in-ˈkär-ˌnāt, ˈin-ˌkär-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to give bodily or actual form to

in·car·na·tion \ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the appearance of a god or spirit in an earthly form
2 cap : the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ
3 : an actual instance of a quality or concept <she was the incarnation of goodness>

in·cau·tious \(ˈ)in-ˈkȯ-shəs\ adj : not cautious : RASH
— in·cau·tious·ly adv

— in·cau·tious·ness n

1in·cen·di·ary \in-ˈsen-dē-ˌer-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies
1 : a person who commits arson : ARSONIST
2 : a person who excites quarrels : AGITATOR

2incendiary adj
1 : of, relating to, or involving arson
2 : tending to excite quarrels : INFLAMMATORY <an incendiary speech>
3 : containing chemicals that burst into flame on contact <an incendiary bomb>

1in·cense \ˈin-ˌsen(t)s\ n
1 a : material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned  b : the odor so produced
2 : a pleasing scent

2in·cense \in-ˈsen(t)s\ vb in·censed; in·cens·ing : to make very angry

in·cen·ter \ˈin-ˌsent-ər\ n : the one and only point in a triangle that is passed through by each of the three lines that divide in half one of its three angles

in·cen·tive \in-ˈsent-iv\ n : something that makes a person try or work hard or harder

in·cep·tion \in-ˈsep-shən\ n : an act or instance of beginning

in·cer·ti·tude \(ˈ)in-ˈsərt-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : UNCERTAINTY

in·ces·sant \(ˈ)in-ˈses-ənt\ adj : going on and on : not stopping or letting up
— in·ces·sant·ly adv

in·cest \ˈin-ˌsest\ n : sexual intercourse between persons so closely related that they are forbidden by law to marry

in·ces·tu·ous \in-ˈses-chə-wəs\ adj
1 : being or involving incest
2 : guilty of incest
— in·ces·tu·ous·ly adv

1inch \ˈinch\ n
1 : a unit of length equal to 1/36 yard (2.54 centimeters) — see MEASURE TABLE
2 : a small amount, distance, or degree <won't budge an inch>
3 : a small advantage especially from kind treatment — usually used in the phrase give an inch <did not give an inch during negotiations> [Old English ynce “inch,” from Latin uncia “a 12th part, ounce,” from unus “one” — related to OUNCE, UNITE; see Word History at OUNCE]
— inch by inch : very gradually or slowly

— within an inch of : almost to the point of <came within an inch of succeeding>

2inch vb : to move a little bit at a time

inch·worm \ˈinch-ˌwərm\ n : LOOPER 1

in·ci·dence \ˈin(t)-səd-ən(t)s, -sə-ˌden(t)s\ n
1 : ANGLE OF INCIDENCE
2 : rate of occurrence <a high incidence of illness>

1in·ci·dent \ˈin(t)-səd-ənt, -sə-ˌdent\ n : an often unimportant happening that may form part of a larger event

2incident adj
1 : 1INCIDENTAL
2 : falling or striking on something <incident light rays>

1in·ci·den·tal \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈdent-əl\ adj
1 : happening by chance
2 : of minor importance

2incidental n : something that is incidental

in·ci·den·tal·ly \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈdent-əl-ē, especially for sense 2 -ˈdent-lē\ adv
1 : in an incidental manner <discusses the problem only incidentally>
2 : apart from that : by the way <a one-room school—still standing, incidentally—which was painted red>

in·cin·er·ate \in-ˈsin-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to burn to ashes
— in·cin·er·a·tion \-ˌsin-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

in·cin·er·a·tor \in-ˈsin-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n : a furnace or a container for burning waste materials

in·cip·i·en·cy \in-ˈsip-ē-ən-sē\ n : the fact or state of being incipient

in·cip·i·ent \in-ˈsip-ē-ənt\ adj : beginning to come into being or to become apparent <the incipient light of day>
— in·cip·i·ent·ly adv

in·cise \in-ˈsīz\ vb in·cised; in·cis·ing : to cut into : CARVE, ENGRAVE

in·ci·sion \in-ˈsizh-ən\ n
1 : a cut or gash made in something; esp : a cut made into the body during surgery <removed the diseased appendix through a small incision>
2 : an act of cutting into something <watched the surgeon's skillful incision>

in·ci·sive \in-ˈsī-siv\ adj : impressively clear and direct <an incisive argument>
— in·ci·sive·ly adv

— in·ci·sive·ness n

in·ci·sor \in-ˈsī-zər\ n : a front tooth for cutting; esp : one of the cutting teeth between the canines of a mammal

in·cite \in-ˈsīt\ vb in·cit·ed; in·cit·ing : to move to action : stir up
— in·cit·er n

in·cite·ment \in-ˈsīt-mənt\ n
1 : the act of inciting : the state of being incited
2 : something that incites

in·ci·vil·i·ty \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈvil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being impolite
2 : a rude or discourteous act

in·clem·ent \(ˈ)in-ˈklem-ənt\ adj : STORMY 1 <inclement weather>
— in·clem·ent·ly adv

in·cli·na·tion \ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən, iŋ-\ n
1 : a feeling of liking or of wanting to do something <an inclination for sleeping late>
2 : an act or the action of bending or tilting
3 : a departure from the true vertical or horizontal : SLANT <the inclination of the earth's axis>; also : the amount of such departure  b : an inclined surface : SLOPE
4 : a quality which leads to some state or action <the door has an inclination to stick>
— in·cli·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1in·cline \in-ˈklīn\ vb in·clined; in·clin·ing
1 : to bend the head or body forward : BOW
2 : to be drawn to an opinion or course of action <inclined to go swimming>
3 : to turn or move from a line, direction, or course : LEAN, SLOPE
4 : to cause to bend, bow, or slant
5 : to have influence on : PERSUADE <my teacher's example inclined me to become a teacher too>
— in·clin·able \in-ˈklī-nə-bəl\ adj

2in·cline \ˈin-ˌklīn\ n : 3SLOPE 2

inclined adj : having an inclination, disposition, or tendency <was inclined to stay up late>

inclined plane n : a flat surface that makes an angle with the plane of the horizon

inclose, inclosure variant of ENCLOSE, ENCLOSURE

in·clude \in-ˈklüd\ vb in·clud·ed; in·clud·ing : to take in or have as part of a whole or group <the recipe included many ingredients>
— in·clud·able or in·clud·ible \-ˈklüd-ə-bəl\ adj

in·clu·sion \in-ˈklü-zhən\ n
1 : the act of including : the state of being included
2 : something that is included

in·clu·sive \in-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\ adj
1 : including the stated limits and everything in between <pages 10 to 20 inclusive>
2 : covering everything or all important points <an inclusive tour> <an inclusive insurance policy>
— in·clu·sive·ly adv

— in·clu·sive·ness n

in·cog·ni·to \ˌin-ˌkäg-ˈnēt-ō, in-ˈkäg-nə-ˌtō\ adv or adj : with one's identity concealed (as by a false name or title) <was traveling incognito> [from Italian incognito “so as not to be known or recognized,” from Latin incognitus “unknown,” from in- “not” and cognitus, past participle of cognoscere “to know” — related to CONNOISSEUR, RECOGNIZE]

in·co·her·ence \ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s, -ˈher-\ n
1 : the quality or state of being incoherent
2 : something that is incoherent

in·co·her·ent \ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ənt, -ˈher-\ adj
1 : not sticking closely or compactly together : LOOSE
2 : not clearly or logically connected <told an incoherent story>
3 : not clear or understandable in speech or thought <incoherent with grief>
— in·co·her·ent·ly adv

in·com·bus·ti·ble \ˌin-kəm-ˈbəs-tə-bəl\ adj : incapable of being burned

in·come \ˈin-ˌkəm\ n : a gain usually measured in money that comes in from labor, business, or property

income tax \ˈin-(ˌ)kəm-\ n : a tax on the income of a person or business

in·com·ing \ˈin-ˌkəm-iŋ\ adj : coming in: as  a : taking a place formerly held by another <the incoming president>  b : arriving at a destination <incoming mail>  c : just starting or beginning <the incoming year>

in·com·men·su·rate \ˌin-kə-ˈmen(t)s-(ə-)rət, -ˈmench-(ə-)rət\ adj : not commensurate: as  a : INADEQUATE <funds incommensurate with need>  b : DISPROPORTIONATE <a confidence incommensurate with his ability>

in·com·mode \ˌin-kə-ˈmōd\ vb -mod·ed; -mod·ing : 2INCONVENIENCE

in·com·mu·ni·ca·ble \ˌin-kə-ˈmyü-ni-kə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being communicated

in·com·mu·ni·ca·do \ˌin-kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkäd-ō\ adv or adj : without being able to communicate with others <a prisoner held incommunicado>

in·com·pa·ra·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-p(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj
1 : better than any other : MATCHLESS
2 : not suited for comparison
— in·com·pa·ra·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌkäm-p(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·com·pa·ra·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-p(ə-)rə-blē\ adv

in·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty \ˌin-kəm-ˌpat-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being incompatible

in·com·pat·i·ble \ˌin-kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : not able to be brought together in harmony <their personalities were incompatible> <incompatible colors>
2 a : not able to be used together <incompatible computer systems>  b : unsuitable for use together because of undesirable chemical or bodily effects <incompatible blood types>
— in·com·pat·i·bly \-blē\ adv

in·com·pe·tence \(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s\ n : the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent

in·com·pe·ten·cy \(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies : INCOMPETENCE

1in·com·pe·tent \(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt\ adj
1 : not legally qualified
2 : lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) needed to do something well <an incompetent writer>
— in·com·pe·tent·ly adv

2incompetent n : an incompetent person

in·com·plete \ˌin-kəm-ˈplēt\ adj : not complete : lacking some part <handed in an incomplete assignment>
— in·com·plete·ly adv

— in·com·plete·ness n

incomplete metamorphosis n : insect metamorphosis (as of a grasshopper) in which there is no pupal stage between the immature stage and the adult and in which the young insect usually resembles the adult — compare COMPLETE METAMORPHOSIS

in·com·pre·hen·si·ble \(ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj : impossible to understand <found their behavior incomprehensible>
— in·com·pre·hen·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌhen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·com·pre·hen·si·bly \-ˈhen(t)-sə-blē\ adv

in·com·pre·hen·sion \(ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen-chən\ n : lack of understanding

in·com·press·ible \ˌin-kəm-ˈpres-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible or difficult to compress
— in·com·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

in·con·ceiv·able \ˌin-kən-ˈsē-və-bəl\ adj : impossible to imagine or believe
— in·con·ceiv·ably \-blē\ adv

in·con·clu·sive \ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\ adj : not leading to a definite conclusion or result <inconclusive evidence>
— in·con·clu·sive·ly adv

— in·con·clu·sive·ness n

in·con·gru·ous \(ˈ)in-ˈkäŋ-grə-wəs\ adj : not harmonious, suitable, or proper <incongruous colors>
— in·con·gru·ity \ˌin-kən-ˈgrü-ət-ē, -ˌkän-\ n

— in·con·gru·ous·ly \(ˈ)in-ˈkaŋ-grə-wəs-lē\ adv

— in·con·gru·ous·ness n

in·con·se·quen·tial \(ˌ)in-ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkwen-chəl\ adj : not important

in·con·sid·er·able \ˌin-kən-ˈsid-ər-(ə-)bəl, -ˈsid-rə-bəl\ adj : not worth considering : SLIGHT, TRIVIAL

in·con·sid·er·ate \ˌin-kən-ˈsid-(ə-)rət\ adj : careless of the rights or feelings of others <an inconsiderate remark>
— in·con·sid·er·ate·ly adv

— in·con·sid·er·ate·ness n

— in·con·sid·er·ation \-ˌsid-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

in·con·sis·ten·cy \ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being inconsistent
2 : an example of being inconsistent

in·con·sis·tent \ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tənt\ adj
1 : not being in agreement or harmony : INCOMPATIBLE <an explanation inconsistent with the facts>
2 : not logical or regular in thought or actions : CHANGEABLE <a very inconsistent person>
— in·con·sis·tent·ly adv

in·con·sol·able \ˌin-kən-ˈsō-lə-bəl\ adj : incapable of being comforted : DISCONSOLATE
— in·con·sol·ably \-blē\ adv

in·con·spic·u·ous \ˌin-kən-ˈspik-yə-wəs\ adj : not easily seen or noticed
— in·con·spic·u·ous·ly adv

— in·con·spic·u·ous·ness n

in·con·stan·cy \(ˈ)in-ˈkän(t)-stən-sē\ n, pl -cies : the quality or state of being inconstant

in·con·stant \(ˈ)in-ˈkän(t)-stənt\ adj : likely to change frequently without apparent reason : CHANGEABLE

in·con·test·able \ˌin-kən-ˈtes-tə-bəl\ adj : not open to doubt : UNQUESTIONABLE <an incontestable fact>
— in·con·test·ably \-ˈtes-tə-blē\ adv

in·con·ti·nence \(ˈ)in-ˈkänt-ən-ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being incontinent

in·con·ti·nent \(ˈ)in-ˈkänt-ən-ənt\ adj
1 : having or showing a lack of self-restraint or control
2 : unable to control keeping urine or feces in the body
— in·con·ti·nent·ly adv

in·con·tro·vert·ible \(ˌ)in-ˌkän-trə-ˈvərt-ə-bəl\ adj : INDISPUTABLE <incontrovertible evidence>
— in·con·tro·vert·ibly \-blē\ adv

1in·con·ve·nience \ˌin-kən-ˈvē-nyən(t)s\ n
1 : something that is inconvenient
2 : the quality or state of being inconvenient

2inconvenience vb -nienced; -nienc·ing : to cause discomfort to : put to trouble <inconvenienced by the bad weather>

in·con·ve·nient \ˌin-kən-ˈvē-nyənt\ adj : not convenient : causing difficulty, discomfort, or annoyance <an inconvenient delay>
— in·con·ve·nient·ly adv

in·cor·po·rate \in-ˈkȯr-pə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to unite or combine to form a single whole : BLEND
2 : to give form to : EMBODY
3 : to form, make into, or become a corporation <incorporate a company>
— in·cor·po·ra·tion \-ˌkȯr-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— in·cor·po·ra·tor \-ˈkȯr-pə-ˌrāt-ər\ n

in·cor·po·re·al \ˌin-(ˌ)kȯr-ˈpōr-ē-əl, -ˈpȯr-\ adj : having no material body or form : IMMATERIAL

in·cor·rect \ˌin-kə-ˈrekt\ adj : not correct: as  a : INACCURATE, FAULTY <an incorrect copy>  b : not true : WRONG <an incorrect answer>  c : not proper <incorrect behavior>
— in·cor·rect·ly \-ˈrek-(t)lē\ adv

— in·cor·rect·ness \-ˈrek(t)-nəs\ n

1in·cor·ri·gi·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈkȯr-ə-jə-bəl, -ˈkär-\ adj : not able to be corrected or reformed <an incorrigible gambler>

2incorrigible n : an incorrigible person

in·cor·rupt·ible \ˌin-kə-ˈrəp-tə-bəl\ adj
1 : not subject to decay
2 : incapable of being corrupted : HONEST
— in·cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty \-ˌrəp-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·cor·rupt·ibly \-ˈrəp-tə-blē\ adv

1in·crease \in-ˈkrēs, ˈin-ˌkrēs\ vb in·creased; in·creas·ing
1 : to make or become greater <increase speed> <skill increases with practice>
2 : to become more numerous by the production of young

2in·crease \ˈin-ˌkrēs, in-ˈkrēs\ n
1 : the act of increasing
2 : something added (as by growth)
— on the increase : becoming greater in size, number, or amount <crime is on the increase>

in·creas·ing·ly \in-ˈkrē-siŋ-lē, ˈin-ˌkrē-\ adv : to an increasing degree : more and more <the work became increasingly difficult>

in·cred·i·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈkred-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : UNBELIEVABLE <an incredible story>
2 : EXTRAORDINARY <incredible skill> [Middle English incredible “too unusual to be believed,” from Latin incredibilis (same meaning), from in- “not” and credibilis “believable,” from credere “to believe, trust, entrust” — related to CREDENTIALS, CREDIT, CREED]
— in·cred·ibil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌkred-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·cred·i·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈkred-ə-blē\ adv

in·cre·du·li·ty \ˌin-kri-ˈd(y)ü-lət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being incredulous : DISBELIEF

in·cred·u·lous \(ˈ)in-ˈkrej-ə-ləs\ adj : feeling or showing an inability to believe something : SKEPTICAL <listened with an incredulous smile>
— in·cred·u·lous·ly adv

in·cre·ment \ˈiŋ-krə-mənt, ˈin-\ n
1 : a growth especially in quantity or value : INCREASE
2 a : something gained or added  b : one of a series of additions
— in·cre·men·tal \ˌiŋ-krə-ˈment-əl, ˌin-\ adj

in·crim·i·nate \in-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to charge with or show evidence or proof of involvement in a crime or fault : ACCUSE
2 : to cause to appear guilty of or responsible for something <evidence that tends to incriminate the defendant>
— in·crim·i·na·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— in·crim·i·na·to·ry \in-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

incrust variant of ENCRUST

in·crus·ta·tion \ˌin-ˌkrəs-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of encrusting : the state of being encrusted
2 : a hard coating : CRUST

in·cu·bate \ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt, ˈin-\ vb -bat·ed; -bat·ing
1 : to sit on eggs to hatch them by warmth
2 : to maintain (as bacteria or a chemically active system) under conditions good for development or reaction
3 : to go through the process of incubation

in·cu·ba·tion \ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən, ˌin-\ n
1 : the act or process of incubating
2 : INCUBATION PERIOD

incubation period n
1 : the period of brooding or incubating required to bring an egg to hatching
2 : the period between infection with a germ and the appearance of the disease or illness it causes

in·cu·ba·tor \ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər, ˈin-\ n : one that incubates; esp : a piece of equipment providing suitable conditions (as of warmth and moisture) for incubating something <an incubator for premature babies>

in·cu·bus \ˈiŋ-kyə-bəs, ˈin-\ n, pl in·cu·bi \-ˌbī, -ˌbē\ also -bus·es
1 : an evil spirit once believed to lie upon persons in their sleep
2 : NIGHTMARE 1

in·cul·cate \in-ˈkəl-ˌkāt, ˈin-(ˌ)kəl-\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to teach by frequent repetition <inculcated a deep sense of responsibility in their children>
— in·cul·ca·tion \ˌin-(ˌ)kəl-ˈkā-shən\ n

in·cum·ben·cy \in-ˈkəm-bən-sē\ n, pl -cies : the time during which a person holds an office or position

1in·cum·bent \in-ˈkəm-bənt\ n : the holder of an office or position

2incumbent adj
1 : given as a duty : OBLIGATORY <incumbent on us to take action>
2 : being an incumbent <an incumbent president>
3 : lying or resting on something else

in·cur \in-ˈkər\ vb in·curred; in·cur·ring
1 : to meet with (as an inconvenience) <incur expenses>
2 : to bring upon oneself <incur punishment> [from Latin incurrere “to meet with,” literally, “to run into,” from in- “in, into” and currere “to run” — related to CURRENT, OCCUR]

in·cur·able \(ˈ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being cured
— in·cur·ably \-blē\ adv

in·cu·ri·ous \(ˈ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ē-əs\ adj : showing no interest or concern : INDIFFERENT
— in·cu·ri·ous·ly adv

in·cur·sion \in-ˈkər-zhən\ n : a sudden usually temporary invasion : RAID

in·cus \ˈiŋ-kəs\ n, pl in·cu·des \iŋ-ˈkyüd-(ˌ)ēz\ : ANVIL 2

in·debt·ed \in-ˈdet-əd\ adj : being in debt : owing something (as money or gratitude)

in·debt·ed·ness n
1 : the condition of being indebted
2 : something that is owed

in·de·cen·cy \(ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : lack of decency
2 : an indecent act or word

in·de·cent \(ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ənt\ adj : not decent or proper : COARSE, VULGAR <indecent language>
— in·de·cent·ly adv

in·de·ci·sion \ˌin-di-ˈsizh-ən\ n : slowness or trouble in making up one's mind

in·de·ci·sive \ˌin-di-ˈsī-siv\ adj
1 : not decisive or final <an indecisive battle>
2 : finding it hard to make decisions <an indecisive person>
— in·de·ci·sive·ly adv

— in·de·ci·sive·ness n

in·de·co·rous \(ˈ)in-ˈdek-ə-rəs; ˌin-di-ˈkōr-əs, -ˈkȯr-\ adj : not proper or in good taste : UNBECOMING <indecorous behavior>
— in·de·co·rous·ly adv

— in·de·co·rous·ness n

in·deed \in-ˈdēd\ adv : without any question : TRULY, CERTAINLY — often used interjectionally to express disbelief or surprise

in·de·fat·i·ga·ble \ˌin-di-ˈfat-i-gə-bəl\ adj : capable of working a long time without tiring : TIRELESS <an indefatigable teacher>
— in·de·fat·i·ga·bly \-blē\ adv

in·de·fea·si·ble \ˌin-di-ˈfē-zə-bəl\ adj : impossible to abolish <indefeasible rights>
— in·de·fea·si·bly \-ˈfē-zə-blē\ adv

in·de·fen·si·ble \ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj : impossible to defend <an indefensible position>

in·de·fin·able \ˌin-di-ˈfī-nə-bəl\ adj : incapable of being exactly described or analyzed
— in·de·fin·ably \-blē\ adv

in·def·i·nite \(ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət\ adj
1 : not clear or fixed in meaning or details : VAGUE <an indefinite answer>
2 : not certain or limited (as in amount or length) <an indefinite period>
3 : typically designating a person or thing that is unidentified or cannot be immediately identified <the indefinite articles “a” and “an”>
— indefinite n

— in·def·i·nite·ly adv

— in·def·i·nite·ness n

in·del·i·ble \in-ˈdel-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : impossible to erase, remove, or blot out <an indelible impression>
2 : making or leaving marks not easily erased <an indelible pencil> <indelible ink>
— in·del·i·bly \-blē\ adv

in·del·i·ca·cy \(ˈ)in-ˈdel-i-kə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being indelicate : COARSENESS
2 : something (as an act or word) that is indelicate

in·del·i·cate \(ˈ)in-ˈdel-i-kət\ adj : having or showing bad manners or taste : IMMODEST, COARSE
— in·del·i·cate·ly adv

— in·del·i·cate·ness n

in·dem·ni·fy \in-ˈdem-nə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to insure or protect against loss, damage, or injury
2 : to give something in order to make up for loss, damage, or injury <indemnify victims of a disaster>
— in·dem·ni·fi·ca·tion \-ˌdem-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

in·dem·ni·ty \in-ˈdem-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : protection from loss, damage, or injury : INSURANCE
2 : freedom from penalty for past offenses
3 : something given to make up for loss, damage, or injury

1in·dent \in-ˈdent\ vb
1 : to notch the edge of : make jagged <indented leaves>
2 : to set in from the margin <indent the first line of a paragraph> [Middle English indenten “indent,” from early French endenter (same meaning), from earlier en- “to provide with” and dent “tooth,” from Latin dent-, dens “tooth” — related to DENTAL]

2indent vb : to form a dent in
— in·dent·er n

in·den·ta·tion \ˌin-ˌden-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 a : an angular cut in an edge : NOTCH  b : a deep recess (as in a coastline)
2 a : the action of indenting : the state of being indented  b : a blank or empty space produced by indenting
3 : 2DENT 1

in·den·tion \in-ˈden-chən\ n : INDENTATION 2B

1in·den·ture \in-ˈden-chər\ n
1 : a written agreement : CONTRACT
2 : a contract by which one person is made to work for another for a stated period — often used in plural

2indenture vb -tured; -tur·ing : to bind by indentures <indenture an apprentice>

in·de·pen·dence \ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being independent : freedom from outside control or support

Independence Day n : a holiday celebrating the beginnings of a nation's independence; esp : July 4 observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. in honor of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776

1in·de·pen·dent \ˌin-də-ˈpen-dənt\ adj
1 : not being controlled or ruled by another : FREE <an independent nation>
2 : not having connections with another : SEPARATE <the same story told by independent witnesses>
3 : having or providing enough money to live on without anyone else's help; also : not having to work for a living <a person of independent means>
4 : not easily influenced <an independent mind>
5 : having full meaning in itself and capable of standing alone as a simple sentence : 2MAIN <an independent clause>
6 : not belonging to a political party
7 : having probabilities such that whether or not one event takes place does not influence whether or not another event takes place <the outcomes of the tossing of two dice are independent>
— in·de·pen·dent·ly adv

2independent n : one that is independent; esp : a voter who doesn't belong to a political party

independent variable n : a variable whose values are specified first or before an experiment is performed and are used to find values of an expression, another variable, or a function that depends on the first variable — compare DEPENDENT VARIABLE

in–depth \(ˌ)in-ˌdepth\ adj : covering many or all important points : THOROUGH <an in-depth investigation>

in·de·scrib·able \ˌin-di-ˈskrī-bə-bəl\ adj : impossible to describe <indescribable beauty>
— in·de·scrib·ably \-bə-blē\ adv

in·de·struc·ti·ble \ˌin-di-ˈstrək-tə-bəl\ adj : impossible to destroy
— in·de·struc·ti·bil·i·ty \-ˌstrək-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·de·struc·ti·ble·ness \-ˈstrək-tə-bəl-nəs\ n

— in·de·struc·ti·bly \-blē\ adv

in·de·ter·min·able \ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj : impossible to decide or find out <and indeterminable number of people>
— in·de·ter·min·ably \-blē\ adv

in·de·ter·mi·na·cy \ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nə-sē\ n : the quality or state of being indeterminate

in·de·ter·mi·nate \ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət\ adj
1 : not clearly or exactly decided : VAGUE <indeterminate plans>
2 : not leading to a clear end or result
— in·de·ter·mi·nate·ly adv

— in·de·ter·mi·nate·ness n

1in·dex \ˈin-ˌdeks\ n, pl in·dex·es \-ˌdek-səz\ or in·di·ces \-də-ˌsēz\
1 a : a device (as the pointer on a scale) used to indicate a value or quantity  b : something that leads a person to a particular fact or conclusion : INDICATION <the price of goods is an index of the economy>
2 : an alphabetical list in a printed work that gives with each item listed the page number where it may be found
3 pl usually indices : a mathematical figure, letter, or expression (as the exponent 3 in a^3) showing a power or root of another
4 : a symbol ☞ used to direct attention

2index vb
1 a : to provide with an index <index a book>  b : to list in an index
2 : to serve as an index of
— in·dex·er n

index finger n : the finger next to the thumb

index fossil n : a fossil that is found over a relatively short span of geological time and can be used in dating formations in which it is found

index of refraction n : REFRACTIVE INDEX

in·dia ink \ˌin-dē-ə-\ n, often cap 1st I
1 : a black pigment (as lampblack) used in drawing and lettering
2 : a fluid made from india ink

In·di·an \ˈin-dē-ən\ n
1 a : a person born or living in the country of India or the East Indies  b : a person of Indian ancestry
2 a : AMERICAN INDIAN  b : an American Indian language
— Indian adj
Word History Once the name India was applied not only to the region we now call India, but also to an ill-defined area south and west of China. Trade with the distant East brought valuable gold, gems, spices, and silk back to Europe. However, the overland journey to eastern Asia by way of the caravan routes was long and difficult. Christopher Columbus, in the late 15th century, believed that he knew an easier way of reaching the wealth of the East. According to his calculations, the westward distance by sea was less than one-third of the eastward overland route. Columbus was able to test his theory in 1492. He was delighted to find land just about where he had said it would be. He decided that he must have reached the outer islands of “India,” although in fact he had landed in the Bahamas. Because of Columbus's mistake, the newly discovered lands were called India or the Indies. They were still called this even after people realized that they were not the same as the India or Indies of Asia. Later the islands in the New World came to be called the West Indies in order to tell them apart from the East Indies. But Indian, the incorrect name given to the people living in the new “India,” remained.

Indian corn n
1 : 1CORN 1
2 : 1CORN 2
3 : 1CORN 3
4 : corn that is of a variety having seeds of various colors (as reddish brown, dark purple, and yellow) and is typically used for ornamental purposes

Indian elephant n : ELEPHANT B

Indian paintbrush n
1 : any of a large genus of mostly American herbs that have spikes of flowers with brightly colored bracts
2 : ORANGE HAWKWEED

Indian pipe n : a waxy white leafless woodland herb with a single nodding bell-shaped flower on each stem that does not make its own food but lives on dead or decaying organic matter

Indian pudding n : a pudding made chiefly of cornmeal, milk, and molasses

Indian summer n : a period of mild weather in late autumn or early winter

In·dia paper \ˌin-dē-ə-\ n : a thin tough printing paper

india rubber n, often cap I : 1RUBBER 2A

In·dic \ˈin-dik\ adj : of, relating to, or being the Indian branch of the Indo-European languages

in·di·cate \ˈin-də-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 a : to point out or point to  b : to be a sign of <flowers indicating the arrival of spring>
2 : to state or express briefly : SUGGEST

in·di·ca·tion \ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the action of indicating
2 : something that indicates : SIGN, SUGGESTION

1in·dic·a·tive \in-ˈdik-ət-iv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being the grammatical mood that represents an act or state as a fact that can be known or proved <in “I am here,” the verb “am” is in the indicative mood>
2 : indicating something <remarks indicative of jealousy>
— in·dic·a·tive·ly adv

2indicative n : the indicative mood of a verb or a verb in this mood

in·di·ca·tor \ˈin-də-ˌkāt-ər\ n
1 : one that indicates: as  a : a pointer on a dial or scale  b : 1GAUGE 2A
2 : a substance used to show visually (as by change of color) the presence of acid or base in a solution

indices plural of INDEX

in·dict \in-ˈdīt\ vb : to charge with an offense or crime : ACCUSE
— in·dict·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

in·dict·ment \in-ˈdīt-mənt\ n
1 : the act or process of indicting
2 : an official written statement charging a person with a crime

in·dif·fer·ence \in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s, -ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : lack of feeling for or against something
2 : lack of importance <a matter of indifference to them>

in·dif·fer·ent \in-ˈdif-ərnt, -ˈdif-(ə-)rənt\ adj
1 a : having or showing no special liking for or dislike of something <the audience was indifferent>  b : not interested or concerned <indifferent to the troubles of others>
2 : neither good nor bad : MEDIOCRE <indifferent health>
3 : of no special influence or value : not important <that fact is indifferent to the argument>
— in·dif·fer·ent·ly adv

in·di·gence \ˈin-di-jən(t)s\ n : POVERTY 1

in·dig·e·nous \in-ˈdij-ə-nəs\ adj : produced, growing, or living naturally in a particular region or environment <indigenous plants> <indigenous tribes>
— in·dig·e·nous·ly adv

in·di·gent \ˈin-di-jənt\ adj : 1POOR 1, NEEDY

in·di·gest·ible \ˌin-dī-ˈjes-tə-bəl, -də-\ adj : not digestible or easily digested

in·di·ges·tion \ˌin-dī-ˈjes-chən, -də-\ n
1 : inability to digest or difficulty in digesting something
2 : a case or attack of indigestion marked especially by a burning or uncomfortable feeling in the upper stomach

in·dig·nant \in-ˈdig-nənt\ adj : filled with or expressing indignation
— in·dig·nant·ly adv

in·dig·na·tion \ˌin-dig-ˈnā-shən\ n : anger caused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean

in·dig·ni·ty \in-ˈdig-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : an act that injures a person's dignity or self-respect : INSULT
2 : humiliating treatment

in·di·go \ˈin-di-ˌgō\ n, pl -gos or -goes
1 : a blue dye made artificially and formerly obtained from plants and especially indigo plants
2 : a deep reddish blue [from an Italian dialect word indigo “a blue dye from indigo plants,” from Latin indicum (same meaning), derived from Greek indikos (adjective) “of or relating to India”; so called because the plant dye was first widely produced in India]

indigo plant n : any of a genus of plants of the legume family that are a source of indigo

indigo snake n : a very large harmless blue-black or brownish snake of the southern U.S. and Texas

in·di·rect \ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -dī-\ adj
1 : not straight or direct <an indirect route>
2 : not straightforward <indirect methods> <an indirect answer>
3 : not having a plainly seen connection <an indirect cause>
4 : stating what an original speaker said with changes in wording that make the statement fit grammatically with the rest of the sentence <“that he would call” in “He said that he would call” is in indirect discourse>
— in·di·rect·ly adv

— in·di·rect·ness \-ˈrek(t)-nəs\ n

indirect object n : a grammatical object representing the secondary goal of the action of its verb <“me” in “gave me the book” is an indirect object>

in·dis·creet \ˌin-dis-ˈkrēt\ adj : not discreet : IMPRUDENT
— in·dis·creet·ly adv

in·dis·cre·tion \ˌin-dis-ˈkresh-ən\ n
1 : lack of discretion : IMPRUDENCE
2 : an indiscreet act or remark

in·dis·crim·i·nate \ˌin-dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nət\ adj : showing lack of discrimination : not choosing carefully <an indiscriminate reader> <indiscriminate enthusiasm>
— in·dis·crim·i·nate·ly adv

in·dis·pens·able \ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj : absolutely necessary : ESSENTIAL <an indispensable employee>
— in·dis·pens·abil·i·ty \-ˌpen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

in·dis·posed \ˌin-dis-ˈpōzd\ adj
1 : slightly ill
2 : UNWILLING <was indisposed to help>

in·dis·po·si·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌdis-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : a slight illness
2 : lack of willingness

in·dis·put·able \ˌin-dis-ˈpyüt-ə-bəl, (ˈ)in-ˈdis-pyət-\ adj : not disputable : UNQUESTIONABLE <indisputable proof>
— in·dis·put·ably \-blē\ adv

in·dis·sol·u·ble \ˌin-dis-ˈäl-yə-bəl\ adj : impossible to dissolve, do away with, break up, or decompose <an indissoluble contract>
— in·dis·sol·u·bil·i·ty \-dis-ˌäl-yə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·dis·sol·u·bly \-dis-ˈäl-yə-blē\ adv

in·dis·tinct \ˌin-dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t\ adj : not distinct or clear <indistinct figures in the fog> <a far-off indistinct light>
— in·dis·tinct·ly adv

— in·dis·tinct·ness n

in·dis·tin·guish·able \ˌin-dis-ˈtiŋ-gwish-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to distinguish clearly

in·di·um \ˈin-dē-əm\ n : a soft silvery metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

1in·di·vid·u·al \ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wəl, -ˈvij-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to an individual <individual traits>
2 : intended for one person <individual servings>
3 : 1PARTICULAR 1, SEPARATE <individual copies>
4 : having a special quality : DISTINCT <an individual style>  synonyms see CHARACTERISTIC
— in·di·vid·u·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2individual n
1 : a single member of a class, species, or collection
2 : a single human being

in·di·vid·u·al·ism \ˌin-də-ˈvij(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm, -ˈvij-ə-ˌliz-\ n
1 : a belief that the interests of the individual are of the greatest importance
2 : a belief that the individual has political or economic rights with which the state must not interfere

in·di·vid·u·al·ist \ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wə-ləst, -ˈvij-əl-əst\ n
1 : a person who thinks or behaves in an individual or independent way
2 : a supporter of individualism
— individualist or in·di·vid·u·al·is·tic \-ˌvij-(ə-)wə-ˈlis-tik, -ˌvij-ə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

— in·di·vid·u·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ˈlis-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

in·di·vid·u·al·i·ty \ˌin-də-ˌvij-ə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the qualities that make one person or thing different from all others
2 : the quality or state of being an individual

in·di·vid·u·al·ize \ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wə-līz, -ˈvij-ə-ˌliz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make individual in character
2 : to treat or notice individually
3 : to change to fit the needs of an individual
— in·di·vid·u·al·iza·tion \-ˌvij-(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌvij-ə-lə-\ n

in·di·vis·i·ble \ˌin-də-ˈviz-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to divide or separate
— in·di·vis·i·bly \-blē\ adv

In·do–Ar·y·an \ˌin-dō-ˈar-ē-ən, -ˈer-, -ˈär-yən\ n
1 : a member of one of the peoples of the Indian subcontinent speaking an Indo-European language
2 : a branch of the Indo-European language family that includes Hindi and other languages spoken primarily in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka

in·doc·tri·nate \in-ˈdäk-trə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : INSTRUCT 1, TEACH
2 : to teach the ideas, opinions, or beliefs of a particular group
— in·doc·tri·na·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌdäk-trə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— in·doc·tri·na·tor \in-ˈdäk-trə-ˌnāt-ər\ n

1In·do–Eu·ro·pe·an \ˌin-dō-ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈpē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or being a family of languages including those spoken in most of Europe and in the parts of the world colonized by Europeans since 1500 and also in Persia, the subcontinent of India, and some other parts of Asia

2Indo–European n
1 : the Indo-European languages
2 : a member of a people who originally spoke an Indo-European language

in·dole·ace·tic acid \ˈin-ˌdōl-ə-ˌsēt-ik-\ n : a plant hormone that promotes growth and rooting of plants

in·do·lence \ˈin-də-lən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being indolent : LAZINESS

in·do·lent \ˈin-də-lənt\ adj : disliking effort or activity : LAZY <the heat made us indolent>
— in·do·lent·ly adv

in·dom·i·ta·ble \in-ˈdäm-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : UNCONQUERABLE <indomitable courage>
— in·dom·i·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌdäm-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·dom·i·ta·ble·ness \in-ˈdäm-ət-ə-bəl-nəs\ n

— in·dom·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

In·do·ne·sian \ˌin-də-ˈnē-zhən, -shən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Indonesia
2 : the language based on Malay that is the national language of Indonesia
— Indonesian adj

in·door \ˌin-ˌdō(ə)r, -ˌdȯ(ə)r\ adj
1 : of or relating to the interior of a building
2 : done, living, used, or belonging within a building <an indoor sport>

in·doors \(ˈ)in-ˈdō(ə)rz, -ˈdȯ(ə)rz\ adv : in or into a building <games to be played indoors>

indorse, indorsement variant of ENDORSE, ENDORSEMENT

in·du·bi·ta·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈd(y)ü-bət-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to doubt : beyond question
— in·du·bi·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

in·duce \in-ˈd(y)üs\ vb in·duced; in·duc·ing
1 : to lead on to do something : PERSUADE
2 : BRING ABOUT, CAUSE <an illness induced by overwork>
3 : to reach (a general conclusion) based on particular facts or examples
4 : to produce (as an electric current) by induction
— in·duc·er n

— in·duc·ible \-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl\ adj

in·duce·ment \in-ˈd(y)ü-smənt\ n
1 : the act of inducing
2 : something that induces <a money-back guarantee is an inducement to buy>

in·duct \in-ˈdəkt\ vb
1 : to place in office : INSTALL
2 : to draft into military service
— in·duct·ee \(ˌ)in-ˌdək-ˈtē\ n

in·duc·tion \in-ˈdək-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of inducting (as into office)  b : a first experience of something : INITIATION  c : the procedure by which a civilian is inducted into military service
2 : reasoning from particular examples to a general conclusion
3 a : the act of causing or bringing on or about  b : the process of producing an electrical or magnetic effect through the influence of a nearby magnet, electric current, or electrically charged body

induction coil n : a device that changes a low steady voltage into a repeating high voltage by induction

in·duc·tive \in-ˈdək-tiv\ adj : relating to, using, or based on induction
— in·duc·tive·ly adv

in·duc·tor \in-ˈdək-tər\ n
1 : one that inducts
2 : a part of an electrical device that acts upon another or is itself acted upon by induction

in·dulge \in-ˈdəlj\ vb in·dulged; in·dulg·ing
1 : to give in to one's own or another's desires : HUMOR <indulged their grandchildren's whims>
2 : to allow oneself the pleasure of having or doing something <decided to indulge in ice cream>
— in·dulg·er n

in·dul·gence \in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
2 : an indulgent act
3 : something indulged in

in·dul·gent \in-ˈdəl-jənt\ adj : indulging or showing indulgence : LENIENT <an indulgent parent>
— in·dul·gent·ly adv

in·du·rat·ed \ˈin-d(y)ə-ˌrāt-əd\ adj : having become firm or hard <indurated tissue> <indurated clay>

in·dus·tri·al \in-ˈdəs-trē-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or engaged in industry
2 : having highly developed industries <an industrial nation>
3 : coming from or used in industry <industrial diamonds>
— in·dus·tri·al·ly \-trē-ə-lē\ adv

industrial arts n sing or pl : a subject taught in elementary and secondary schools that aims at developing skills necessary for working with tools and machines

industrial engineering n : engineering that deals with the design, improvement, and installation of systems of people, materials, equipment, and energy
— industrial engineer n

in·dus·tri·al·ist \in-ˈdəs-trē-ə-ləst\ n : an owner or manager of an industry : MANUFACTURER

in·dus·tri·al·ize \in-ˈdəs-trē-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make or become industrial <industrialize an agricultural region>
— in·dus·tri·al·i·za·tion \-ˌdəs-trē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

industrial revolution n : a rapid major change in an economy (as in England in the late 18th century) marked by the general introduction of power-driven machinery

in·dus·tri·ous \in-ˈdəs-trē-əs\ adj : constantly or regularly active or occupied <an industrious farmer>  synonyms see BUSY
— in·dus·tri·ous·ly adv

— in·dus·tri·ous·ness n

in·dus·try \ˈin-(ˌ)dəs-trē\ n, pl -tries
1 : the habit of working hard and steadily : DILIGENCE
2 : steady labor <lived by their own industry>
3 a : the businesses that provide a particular product or service <the steel industry> <the tourist industry>  b : manufacturing activity <commerce and industry>

1ine·bri·ate \in-ˈē-brē-ət\ n : a person who is drunk; esp : DRUNKARD

2ine·bri·ate \in-ˈē-brē-ət, -ˌāt\ adj : INEBRIATED

ine·bri·at·ed \in-ˈē-brē-ˌāt-əd\ adj : affected by or as if by alcohol : being intoxicated
— ine·bri·a·tion \-ˌē-brē-ˈā-shən\ n

in·ed·i·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈed-ə-bəl\ adj : not fit or safe for eating <inedible mushrooms>

in·ef·fa·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈef-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to express : INEXPRESSIBLE <ineffable joy>
— in·ef·fa·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌef-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·ef·fa·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈef-ə-blē\ adv

in·ef·fec·tive \ˌin-ə-ˈfek-tiv\ adj
1 : not producing the desired effect <an ineffective law>
2 : not performing as well as expected or needed <an ineffective leader>
— in·ef·fec·tive·ly adv

— in·ef·fec·tive·ness n

in·ef·fec·tu·al \ˌin-ə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l, -ˈfeksh-wəl\ adj
1 : not producing the proper or usual effect <an ineffectual attempt>
2 : INEFFECTIVE 2
— in·ef·fec·tu·al·ly \-ˈfek-chə(-wə)-lē, -ˈfeksh-wə-\ adv

— in·ef·fec·tu·al·ness n

in·ef·fi·cien·cy \ˌin-ə-ˈfish-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being inefficient
2 : something that is inefficient

in·ef·fi·cient \ˌin-ə-ˈfish-ənt\ adj
1 : not producing the effect expected or desired <inefficient regulations>
2 : wasteful of time or energy <inefficient procedures>; esp : accomplishing little relative to the time spent or effort expended <an inefficient worker>
— in·ef·fi·cient·ly adv

in·elas·tic \ˌin-ə-ˈlas-tik\ adj : not elastic : slow to respond to changing conditions
— in·elas·tic·i·ty \ˌin-i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē\ n

in·el·e·gant \(ˈ)in-ˈel-i-gənt\ adj : lacking in grace or good taste
— in·el·e·gant·ly adv

in·el·i·gi·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈel-ə-jə-bəl\ adj : not qualified to be chosen or used
— in·el·i·gi·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌel-ə-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ineligible n

in·ept \in-ˈept\ adj
1 : not suited for the occasion : INAPPROPRIATE <an inept remark>
2 : lacking in skill or ability : INCOMPETENT
— in·ep·ti·tude \-ˈep-tə-ˌt(y)üd\ n

— in·ept·ly \-ˈep-(t)lē\ adv

— in·ept·ness \-ˈep(t)-nəs\ n

in·equal·i·ty \ˌin-i-ˈkwäl-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality of being unequal
2 : an instance of being unequal (as an irregularity in a surface)
3 : a statement in mathematics or logic that two quantities usually separated by a special sign (as <, >, or ≠ respectively meaning “is less than,” “is greater than,” or “is not equal to”) are not equal

in·eq·ui·ta·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈek-wət-ə-bəl\ adj : not equitable : UNFAIR
— in·eq·ui·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

in·eq·ui·ty \(ˈ)in-ˈek-wət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : INJUSTICE 1, UNFAIRNESS
2 : an instance of injustice or unfairness

in·ert \in-ˈərt\ adj : unable or slow to move, act, or react <inert ingredients in cough medicine> <inert gas>
— in·ert·ly adv

— in·ert·ness n

in·er·tia \in-ˈər-shə, -shē-ə\ n
1 : a property of matter by which it remains at rest or in unchanging motion unless acted on by some external force
2 : a tendency not to move or change
— in·er·tial \-shəl\ adj

inertial guidance n : guidance (as of an aircraft) by automatic devices that respond to changes in speed or direction

in·es·cap·able \ˌin-ə-ˈskā-pə-bəl\ adj : impossible to escape or avoid
— in·es·cap·ably \-blē\ adv

in·es·ti·ma·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈes-tə-mə-bəl\ adj
1 : impossible to estimate <did inestimable damage>
2 : too valuable or excellent to be measured or appreciated
— in·es·ti·ma·bly \-blē\ adv

in·ev·i·ta·ble \in-ˈev-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to avoid or evade : sure to happen : CERTAIN <the inevitable result>
— in·ev·i·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌev-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·ev·i·ta·ble·ness \(ˈ)in-ˈev-ət-ə-bəl-nəs\ n

in·ev·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adv
1 : in an inevitable way <the hero inevitably defeats the enemy>
2 : as is to be expected <inevitably, it rained>

in·ex·act \ˌin-ig-ˈzakt\ adj : not exactly correct or true : INACCURATE <inexact measurements>
— in·ex·act·ly \-ˈzak-(t)lē\ adv

— in·ex·act·ness \-ˈzak(t)-nəs\ n

in·ex·cus·able \ˌin-ik-ˈskyü-zə-bəl\ adj : too bad to be excused : not justifiable <inexcusable rudeness>
— in·ex·cus·ably \-blē\ adv

in·ex·haust·ible \ˌin-ig-ˈzȯ-stə-bəl\ adj
1 : impossible to use up <an inexhaustible supply>
2 : impossible to tire out <an inexhaustible worker>
— in·ex·haust·ibil·i·ty \-ˌzȯ-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·ex·haust·ibly \-ˈzȯ-stə-blē\ adv

in·ex·o·ra·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈeks-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : RELENTLESS
— in·ex·o·ra·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌeks-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·ex·o·ra·ble·ness \(ˈ)in-ˈeks-(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs\ n

— in·ex·o·ra·bly \-blē\ adv

in·ex·pe·di·ent \ˌin-ik-ˈspēd-ē-ənt\ adj : not suited to bring about a desired result : UNWISE <an inexpedient decision>
— in·ex·pe·di·ent·ly adv

in·ex·pen·sive \ˌin-ik-ˈspen(t)-siv\ adj : not high in price : CHEAP
— in·ex·pen·sive·ly adv

— in·ex·pen·sive·ness n

in·ex·pe·ri·ence \ˌin-ik-ˈspir-ē-ən(t)s\ n : lack of experience
— in·ex·pe·ri·enced \-ən(t)st\ adj

in·ex·pert \(ˈ)in-ˈek-ˌspərt, ˌin-ik-ˈspərt\ adj : not expert : UNSKILLED
— in·ex·pert·ly adv

— in·ex·pert·ness n

in·ex·pli·ca·ble \ˌin-ik-ˈsplik-ə-bəl, (ˈ)in-ˈek-(ˌ)splik-\ adj : impossible to explain <an inexplicable mystery>
— in·ex·pli·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌin-ik-ˌsplik-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē, (ˌ)in-ˌek-(ˌ)splik-\ n

— in·ex·pli·ca·bly \-blē\ adv

in·ex·press·ible \ˌin-ik-ˈspres-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to express : INDESCRIBABLE <inexpressible joy>
— in·ex·press·ibly \-blē\ adv

in·ex·pres·sive \ˌin-ik-ˈspres-iv\ adj : lacking expression or meaning <an inexpressive face>
— in·ex·pres·sive·ly adv

— in·ex·pres·sive·ness n

in·ex·tin·guish·able \ˌin-ik-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to extinguish <an inextinguishable desire>

in·ex·tri·ca·ble \ˌin-ik-ˈstrik-ə-bəl, (ˈ)in-ˈek-(ˌ)strik-\ adj : impossible to untangle or to get free from <an inextricable knot>
— in·ex·tri·ca·bly \-blē\ adv

in·fal·li·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈfal-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : not capable of being wrong : UNERRING <an infallible memory>
2 : not likely to fail : SURE <an infallible remedy>
— in·fal·li·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌfal-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·fal·li·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈfal-ə-blē\ adv

in·fa·mous \ˈin-fə-məs\ adj
1 : having an evil reputation <an infamous traitor>
2 : causing or bringing an evil reputation : DETESTABLE <an infamous crime>
— in·fa·mous·ly adv

in·fa·my \ˈin-fə-mē\ n, pl -mies
1 : an evil reputation
2 a : an infamous act  b : the state of being infamous

in·fan·cy \ˈin-fən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : early childhood
2 : a beginning or early period of existence

in·fant \ˈin-fənt\ n : a child in the first period of life
— infant adj

in·fan·tile \ˈin-fən-ˌtīl, -təl, -ˌtēl\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling infants or infancy; also : CHILDISH

infantile paralysis n : POLIOMYELITIS

in·fan·til·ism \ˈin-fən-ˌtīl-ˌiz-əm, -tə-ˌliz-; in-ˈfan-təl-ˌiz-\ n : childish qualities or behavior in an adult

in·fan·try \ˈin-fən-trē\ n, pl -tries : a branch of an army made up of soldiers trained, armed, and equipped to fight on foot
Word History In the Middle Ages in France, a young soldier from a good family who was not yet a knight was called enfant, which means “child.” Likewise, in Italy a soldier moving on foot behind a knight riding a horse was an infante. Later, Italian foot soldiers as a group became known as infanteria, which was borrowed into French as infanterie and into English as infantry. [from early French infanterie and early Italian infanteria, both meaning “infantry,” from early Italian infante “infant, boy, foot soldier,” from Latin infans “infant”]

in·fan·try·man \-mən\ n : a soldier of the infantry

in·fat·u·ate \in-ˈfach-ə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to fill with a foolish or excessive love or admiration
— in·fat·u·a·tion \in-ˌfach-ə-ˈwā-shən\ n

in·fect \in-ˈfekt\ vb
1 : to contaminate with a disease-producing substance or germ <infected bedding>
2 a : to pass a germ or disease to <coughing people who infect others>  b : to enter and cause disease in <bacteria that infect wounds>  c : to become copied to <a virus has infected the computer>
3 : to cause to share one's feelings <infected everyone with his enthusiasm>
— in·fec·tor \-ˈfek-tər\ n

in·fec·tion \in-ˈfek-shən\ n
1 : an act or process of infecting
2 a : the state produced by something infectious (as a germ or parasite) living in or on a suitable host  b : a disease resulting from infection : INFECTIOUS DISEASE
3 a : something (as a bacterium or virus) infectious  b : material contaminated with something infectious

in·fec·tious \in-ˈfek-shəs\ adj
1 a : capable of causing infection <infectious viruses>  b : capable of being spread by infection <infectious arthritis>
2 : capable of being easily spread <infectious laughter>
— in·fec·tious·ly adv

infectious disease n : a disease caused by the presence, growth, and increase in numbers of germs in the body

in·fec·tive \in-ˈfek-tiv\ adj : producing or able to produce infection
— in·fec·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌfek-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

in·fe·lic·i·tous \ˌin-fi-ˈlis-ət-əs\ adj : not appropriate : not suitably chosen for the occasion <an infelicitous remark>
— in·fe·lic·i·tous·ly adv

in·fe·lic·i·ty \ˌin-fi-ˈlis-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a lack of suitability
2 : an inappropriate act or expression

in·fer \in-ˈfər\ vb in·ferred; in·fer·ring
1 : to arrive at as a conclusion
2 : 1GUESS 1, SURMISE
3 : IMPLY 2
— in·fer·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

in·fer·ence \ˈin-f(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : the act or process of inferring
2 : something inferred

1in·fe·ri·or \in-ˈfir-ē-ər\ adj
1 : situated lower down
2 : of low or lower degree or rank
3 : of little or less importance, value, or merit

2inferior n : an inferior person or thing

in·fe·ri·or·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌfir-ē-ˈȯr-ət-ē, -ˈär-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being inferior
2 : a sense of being inferior

inferiority complex n : a personal sense of being inferior that may be expressed by behavior that is either timid or aggressive

inferior planet n : a planet (as Venus) whose orbit is closer to the sun than that of Earth

inferior vena cava n : a large vein that is a branch of the vena cava and returns blood to the heart from the lower parts of the body including the legs and the internal organs below the lungs

in·fer·nal \in-ˈfərn-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to hell
2 : very bad or unpleasant <an infernal nuisance>
— in·fer·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

in·fer·no \in-ˈfər-nō\ n, pl -nos : a place or state that resembles or suggests hell especially in great heat or raging fire [from Italian inferno “underworld, hell,” from Latin infernus (same meaning), from earlier infernus (adjective) “lying beneath, in the lower regions”]

in·fer·tile \(ˈ)in-ˈfərt-əl\ adj : not fertile or productive : BARREN
— in·fer·til·i·ty \ˌin-(ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n

in·fest \in-ˈfest\ vb
1 : to spread or swarm in or over in a troublesome manner <a neighborhood infested with crime> <shark-infested waters>
2 : to live in or on as a parasite <horses infested with worms>
— in·fes·ta·tion \ˌin-ˌfes-ˈtā-shən\ n

in·fi·del \ˈin-fəd-əl, -fə-ˌdel\ n : a person who does not believe in a particular religion
— infidel adj

in·fi·del·i·ty \ˌin-fə-ˈdel-ət-ē, -(ˌ)fī-\ n, pl -ties
1 : lack of faith in a religion
2 : unfaithfulness especially to one's husband or wife

in·field \ˈin-ˌfēld\ n
1 a : the area of a baseball field enclosed by the three bases and home plate  b : the players positioned in the infield
2 : the area enclosed by a racetrack or running track
— in·field·er \-ˌfēl-dər\ n

in·fil·trate \in-ˈfil-ˌtrāt, ˈin-(ˌ)fil-\ vb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 : to pass into or through by filtering
2 : to enter or become established gradually or secretly
— in·fil·tra·tion \ˌin-(ˌ)fil-ˈtrā-shən\ n

— in·fil·tra·tor \in-ˈfil-ˌtrāt-ər, ˈin-(ˌ)fil-\ n

1in·fi·nite \ˈin-fə-nət\ adj
1 : being without limits of any kind : ENDLESS <infinite space>
2 : seeming to be without limits : VAST <infinite patience> <infinite wealth>
3 a : lying or being beyond or being larger than any number no matter how large <the number of positive numbers is infinite>  b : having an infinite number of elements or terms <an infinite set>
— in·fi·nite·ly adv

2infinite n : something that is infinite (as in number)

in·fin·i·tes·i·mal \(ˌ)in-ˌfin-ə-ˈtes-ə-məl\ adj : too small to be measurable
— in·fin·i·tes·i·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

in·fin·i·tive \in-ˈfin-ət-iv\ n : a verb form serving as a noun or as a modifier and at the same time taking objects and adverbial modifiers <“carry” in “help them carry it” and “to do” in “they have nothing to do” are infinitives>
— infinitive adj

in·fin·i·ty \in-ˈfin-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : the quality of being infinite  b : a space, quantity, or period of time that is without limit
2 : an indefinitely great number or amount
3 : a point infinitely far away [Middle English infinite “the quality of having no limit,” from early French infinité (same meaning), derived from Latin infinitus (adjective) “having no limit,” from in- “not” and finitus, past participle of finire “to limit, bring to an end,” from finis “end, limit” — related to DEFINE, FINAL, FINISH]

in·firm \in-ˈfərm\ adj : weak or frail in body (as from age or disease)

in·fir·ma·ry \in-ˈfərm-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a place (as in a school or camp) for the care of sick or injured people; also : HOSPITAL

in·fir·mi·ty \in-ˈfər-mət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being infirm
2 : AILMENT, DISEASE

in·flame \in-ˈflām\ vb in·flamed; in·flam·ing
1 : to set on fire : KINDLE
2 : to excite to too much action or feeling; esp : to make angry
3 : to cause to redden or grow hot from anger or excitement
4 : to cause inflammation in (bodily tissue)
5 : to become affected with inflammation

in·flam·ma·ble \in-ˈflam-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : FLAMMABLE
2 : easily inflamed : EXCITABLE
— in·flam·ma·bil·i·ty \-ˌflam-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·flam·ma·bly \-ˈflam-ə-blē\ adv

in·flam·ma·tion \ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : the act of inflaming : the state of being inflamed
2 : a bodily response to injury in which heat, redness, pain, swelling, and more than the usual amount of blood are present in the area affected

in·flam·ma·to·ry \in-ˈflam-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
1 : stirring up anger, disorder, or rebellion <inflammatory speeches>
2 : causing or accompanied by inflammation <inflammatory diseases>

in·flate \in-ˈflāt\ vb in·flat·ed; in·flat·ing
1 : to swell or fill with air or gas <inflate a balloon>
2 : to increase abnormally <inflated prices>  synonyms see EXPAND
— in·flat·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

in·flat·ed \in-ˈflāt-əd\ adj : hollow and stretched or swelled <inflated pods of a plant>

in·fla·tion \in-ˈflā-shən\ n
1 : an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2 : a continual increase in the price of goods and services

in·fla·tion·ary \in-ˈflā-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj : of, relating to, or causing inflation <an inflationary policy>

in·flect \in-ˈflekt\ vb
1 : to change a word by inflection
2 : to change the pitch of the voice

in·flec·tion \in-ˈflek-shən\ n
1 : a change in the pitch or tone of a person's voice
2 : the change in the form of a word showing its case, gender, number, person, tense, mood, voice, or comparison
— in·flec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

in·flex·i·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈflek-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : not easily bent or twisted : RIGID, STIFF
2 : not easily influenced or persuaded : FIRM
3 : incapable of change : UNALTERABLE <inflexible laws>
— in·flex·i·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·flex·i·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈflek-sə-blē\ adv

in·flict \in-ˈflikt\ vb
1 : to give by or as if by striking <inflict a wound>
2 : to cause (something damaging or painful) to be endured <inflict punishment>
— in·flic·tion \-ˈflik-shən\ n

in·flo·res·cence \ˌin-flə-ˈres-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : the pattern of development and arrangement of flowers on a stalk  b : a flowering stalk with all its parts; also : a flower cluster or sometimes a flower that grows alone
2 : the forming and unfolding of blossoms

in·flow \ˈin-ˌflō\ n
1 : the act of flowing in
2 : something that flows in

1in·flu·ence \ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act or power of producing an effect indirectly or without apparent use of force or exercise of command
2 : dishonest interference with authority for personal gain
3 : a person or thing that influences [Middle English influence “a fluid formerly believed to flow from the stars to cause people to act a certain way,” from early French influence (same meaning), derived from Latin influere “to flow in,” from in- “in” and fluere “to flow” — related to FLUID]
— under the influence : affected by alcohol

2influence vb -enced; -enc·ing : to have an influence on : affect by influence
— in·flu·enc·er n

in·flu·en·tial \ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen-chəl\ adj : having influence
— in·flu·en·tial·ly \-ˈench-(ə-)lē\ adv

in·flu·en·za \ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen-zə\ n
1 : a very contagious virus disease with fever, exhaustion, severe aches and pains, and inflammation of the respiratory tract
2 : any of various diseases of human beings or domestic animals that are usually caused by viruses and are typically marked by fever and respiratory symptoms
Word History Originally the Italian word influenza meant what the similar-sounding word in English, influence, means: “the act or power of producing an effect indirectly.” But it also had the Latin meaning of “an invisible fluid through which the stars and planets control and direct the earth and things and people on it.” When epidemics raged through Europe, no one knew what the real cause was. People blamed them on evil stars working through the invisible fluid, or influence. For this reason the Italians called the disease influenza. In 1743 an epidemic very much like our modern flu began in Rome and spread. That was when the Italian word was borrowed into English. Flu is a shortened form of influenza. [from Italian influenza, literally “influence,” from Latin influentia “influence,” derived from earlier influere “to flow in,” from in- “in, into” and fluere “to flow”]

in·flux \ˈin-ˌfləks\ n : a flowing or coming in : INFLOW

in·form \in-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ vb
1 : to let a person know something : TELL
2 : to give information so as to accuse or cause suspicion <inform against them to the police>

in·for·mal \(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl\ adj
1 : not formal <an informal party>
2 : suited for ordinary or everyday use <informal clothes>
— in·for·mal·i·ty \ˌin-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē, -fər-\ n

— in·for·mal·ly \(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē\ adv

in·for·mant \in-ˈfȯr-mənt\ n : INFORMER

in·for·ma·tion \ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : the giving or receiving of knowledge or intelligence
2 a : knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction  b : knowledge of a particular event or situation : NEWS  c : a characteristic or quality (as of DNA or a computer program) that stands for, expresses, or tells about one group of things or ways of doing things instead of others
3 : the quality of something (as DNA or a computer program) that represents a specific choice between a number of possible choices
— in·for·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

information superhighway n : INTERNET

information technology n : the technology involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data

in·for·ma·tive \in-ˈfȯr-mət-iv\ adj : providing knowledge : INSTRUCTIVE <an informative book>
— in·for·ma·tive·ly adv

— in·for·ma·tive·ness n

in·formed \in-ˈfȯ(ə)rmd\ adj : having or based on information <informed sources> <an informed decision>

in·form·er \in-ˈfȯr-mər\ n : someone who informs; esp : a person who informs against someone else

infra- prefix : below in a scale or series <infrared> [from Latin infra “below, underneath”]

in·frac·tion \in-ˈfrak-shən\ n : an act of violating something : VIOLATION

in·fra·red \ˌin-frə-ˈred, -(ˌ)frä-\ adj : being, relating to, producing, or using rays like light but lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end <infrared radiation>
— infrared n

in·fra·struc·ture \ˈin-frə-ˌstrək-chər\ n
1 : the underlying foundation or basic framework (as of a system or organization)
2 : the system of public works of a country, state, or region; also : the resources (as people, buildings, or equipment) required for an activity

in·fre·quent \(ˈ)in-ˈfrē-kwənt\ adj
1 : seldom happening or occurring
2 : not placed, made, or done at frequent intervals <made infrequent stops>
— in·fre·quent·ly adv

in·fringe \in-ˈfrinj\ vb in·fringed; in·fring·ing
1 : to fail to obey or act in agreement with : VIOLATE <infringe a treaty>
2 : ENCROACH 1 <infringe on a person's rights>
— in·fringe·ment \-mənt\ n

— in·fring·er n

in·fu·ri·ate \in-ˈfyu̇r-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make furious : ENRAGE
— in·fu·ri·at·ing·ly \-ˌāt-iŋ-lē\ adv

— in·fu·ri·a·tion \-ˌfyu̇r-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

in·fuse \in-ˈfyüz\ vb in·fused; in·fus·ing
1 : to put in as if by pouring <infused courage into her followers>
2 : to steep without boiling <infuse tea>

in·fu·sion \in-ˈfyü-zhən\ n
1 : the act or process of infusing <an infusion of new ideas>
2 : a product obtained by infusing <a strong infusion of tea>

1-ing \iŋ, ēŋ; in some dialects usually & in other dialects informally in, ēn, ən\ vb suffix or adj suffix — used to form the present participle <sailing> and sometimes to form an adjective not derived from a verb <swashbuckling> [Middle English -ing “-ing,” probably from the noun suffix -ing]

2-ing n suffix
1 : action or process <running> <meeting>
2 : product or result of an action or process <an engraving> <earnings>
3 : something used in or connected with making or doing <bedding> <roofing> [Old English -ing, -ung “one belonging to or of a (specified) kind”]

in·ge·nious \in-ˈjēn-yəs\ adj : having or showing ingenuity : very clever <an ingenious plan> [from early French ingenieus “calling for or showing special intelligence or cleverness,” from Latin ingeniosus (same meaning), from ingenium “natural ability or desire to do something, inborn ability,” from in “in” and -genium, from gignere “to father, beget” — related to ENGINE, GENIUS, 1GIN]
— in·ge·nious·ly adv

— in·ge·nious·ness n

in·ge·nue or in·gé·nue \ˈan-jə-ˌnü, ˈän-\ n : an innocent girl or young woman or an actress playing such a person

in·ge·nu·ity \ˌin-jə-ˈn(y)ü-ət-ē\ n, pl -ities
1 : skill or cleverness in discovering, inventing, or planning
2 : an ingenious device

in·gen·u·ous \in-ˈjen-yə-wəs\ adj : showing innocent or childlike simplicity and straightforwardness
— in·gen·u·ous·ly adv

— in·gen·u·ous·ness n

in·gest \in-ˈjest\ vb : to take in for or as if for digestion
— in·ges·tion \-ˈjes-chən\ n

in·gle·nook \ˈiŋ-(g)əl-ˌnu̇k\ n : a corner by the fire or chimney

in·glo·ri·ous \(ˈ)in-ˈglōr-ē-əs, -ˈglȯr-\ adj
1 : not glorious : not bringing honor or glory
2 : bringing disgrace : SHAMEFUL <inglorious defeat>
— in·glo·ri·ous·ly adv

in·got \ˈiŋ-gət\ n : a mass of metal cast into a shape that is easy to handle or store

1in·grain \(ˈ)in-ˈgrān\ vb : to work deeply into the texture of something or into the mental or moral nature of someone <ingrain young children with responsibility>

2in·grain \ˈin-ˌgrān\ adj
1 : made of fiber that is dyed before being spun into yarn
2 : made of yarn that is dyed before being woven or knitted <ingrain carpet>

in·grained \ˈin-ˌgrānd, (ˈ)in-ˈgrānd\ adj
1 : worked into the grain or fiber
2 : forming a part of the inmost being : DEEP-SEATED <ingrained attitudes>

in·grate \ˈin-ˌgrāt\ n : an ungrateful person

in·gra·ti·ate \in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to gain favor or acceptance for by deliberate effort <quickly ingratiated herself with her new pupils>
— in·gra·ti·a·tion \-ˌgrā-shē-ˈā-shən\ n

in·gra·ti·at·ing \in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌāt-iŋ\ adj
1 : PLEASING <an ingratiating smile>
2 : intended to gain favor <ingratiating manners>
— in·gra·ti·at·ing·ly adv

in·grat·i·tude \(ˈ)in-ˈgrat-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : lack of gratitude

in·gre·di·ent \in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt\ n : one of the substances that make up a mixture <ingredients of a salad>

in·gress \ˈin-ˌgres\ n
1 : the act of entering
2 : the power or liberty of entering

in·ground \ˈin-ˌgrau̇nd\ adj : built into the ground <an inground pool>

in·grown \ˈin-ˌgrōn\ adj : grown in; esp : having the free tip or edge grown back into the flesh <an ingrown toenail>

in·hab·it \in-ˈhab-ət\ vb : to live or dwell in
— in·hab·it·able \-ət-ə-bəl\ adj

in·hab·it·ant \in-ˈhab-ət-ənt\ n : one who lives permanently in a place

in·hal·ant \in-ˈhā-lənt\ n : something (as a medicine-containing spray) that is inhaled
— inhalant adj

in·ha·la·tion \ˌin-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the act or instance of inhaling

in·ha·la·tor \ˈin-(h)ə-ˌlāt-ər, ˈin-əl-ˌāt-\ n : a device used in inhaling something (as a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide); esp : INHALER 1

in·hale \in-ˈhā(ə)l\ vb in·haled; in·hal·ing
1 : to draw in by breathing
2 : to breathe in

in·hal·er \in-ˈhā-lər\ n
1 : a device used in inhaling medicines (as those to treat asthma)
2 : one that inhales

in·har·mo·ni·ous \ˌin-(ˌ)här-ˈmō-nē-əs\ adj : not harmonious : DISCORDANT <inharmonious sounds> <inharmonious ideas>

in·here \in-ˈhi(ə)r\ vb in·hered; in·her·ing : to be inherent : BELONG

in·her·ent \in-ˈhir-ənt, -ˈher-\ adj : belonging to or being a part of the nature of a person or thing <an inherent sense of fair play> <fluidity is an inherent quality of gas>
— in·her·ent·ly adv

in·her·it \in-ˈher-ət\ vb
1 : to receive by legal right from a person at the person's death
2 : to receive by genetic transmission <inherit red hair>
3 : to have handed on to one by someone else <inherit a job>
— in·her·it·able \-ət-ə-bəl\ adj

— in·her·i·tor \-ət-ər\ n

in·her·i·tance \in-ˈher-ət-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of inheriting
2 : something that is or may be inherited

in·hib·it \in-ˈhib-ət\ vb
1 : to prevent or hold back from doing something : RESTRAIN, REPRESS <fear can inhibit the natural expression of feelings>
2 : to prevent or slow down the activity or occurrence of <oil inhibits rust> <a drug which inhibits an infection>
— in·hib·i·tor \-ət-ər\ n

— in·hib·i·to·ry \-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

in·hib·it·ed \in-ˈhib-ət-əd\ adj : finding it hard to show desires, feelings, and thoughts

in·hi·bi·tion \ˌin-(h)ə-ˈbish-ən\ n
1 a : the act of inhibiting : the state of being inhibited  b : something that inhibits
2 : an inner force that prevents or makes difficult the free expression of thoughts, emotions, or desires

in·hos·pi·ta·ble \ˌin-(ˌ)häs-ˈpit-ə-bəl, (ˈ)in-ˈhäs-(ˌ)pit-\ adj
1 : not friendly or generous : not showing hospitality
2 : providing no shelter or food : BARREN <an inhospitable desert>
— in·hos·pi·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

— in·hos·pi·tal·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌhäs-pə-ˈtal-ət-ē\ n

in·hu·man \(ˈ)in-ˈhyü-mən, -ˈyü-\ adj
1 a : lacking pity or kindness : SAVAGE  b : lacking human warmth : IMPERSONAL  c : not fit for human needs <inhuman conditions>
2 : unlike what is typically human <an inhuman cry>
— in·hu·man·ly adv

— in·hu·man·ness n

in·hu·mane \ˌin-(ˌ)hyü-ˈmān, -(ˌ)yü-\ adj : not humane : INHUMAN 1 <inhumane treatment of prisoners>
— in·hu·mane·ly adv

in·hu·man·i·ty \ˌin-(ˌ)hyü-ˈman-ət-ē, -(ˌ)yü-\ n, pl -ties : a cruel or barbarous act or attitude

in·im·i·cal \in-ˈim-i-kəl\ adj
1 : not friendly : HOSTILE
2 : having a harmful effect <habits inimical to health>

in·im·i·ta·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈim-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being imitated : MATCHLESS <her own inimitable style>

in·iq·ui·tous \in-ˈik-wət-əs\ adj : UNJUST, WICKED

in·iq·ui·ty \in-ˈik-wət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : complete injustice or wickedness
2 : something that is unjust or wicked : SIN

1ini·tial \in-ˈish-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or existing at the beginning : EARLIEST <initial stages of a disease>
2 : placed or standing at the beginning : FIRST <the initial letter of a word>
— ini·tial·ly \-ˈish-(ə-)lē\ adv

2initial n
1 : a first letter of a name
2 : a large letter beginning a text or paragraph

3initial vb ini·tialed or ini·tialled; ini·tial·ing or ini·tial·ling \-ˈish-(ə-)liŋ\ : to mark with initials or an initial <initial a handkerchief>

1ini·ti·ate \in-ˈish-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to set going : BEGIN <initiate a new policy>
2 : to instruct in the basics of something : INTRODUCE <initiate tourists into the local customs>
3 : to admit into membership by special ceremonies [from Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare “to begin” — related to COMMENCE]
— ini·ti·a·tor \-ˌāt-ər\ n

— ini·tia·to·ry \-ˈish-(ē-)ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

2ini·tiate \in-ˈish-(ē-)ət\ n
1 : a person who is undergoing or has passed an initiation
2 : an expert in a special field

ini·ti·a·tion \in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : INTRODUCTION
2 : the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society

ini·tia·tive \in-ˈish-ət-iv\ n
1 : a first step or movement <take the initiative in becoming acquainted>
2 : energy shown in initiating something <has ability but lacks initiative>
3 : a plan or program intended to solve a problem

in·ject \in-ˈjekt\ vb
1 a : to throw, drive, or force into something <inject fuel into an engine>  b : to force a fluid into (a part of the body) especially for medical reasons
2 : to introduce as an additional element <injected humor into her speech>
— in·ject·able \-ˈjek-tə-bəl\ adj

— in·jec·tor \-ˈjek-tər\ n

in·jec·tion \in-ˈjek-shən\ n
1 : an act or instance of injecting
2 : something (as a medical drug) that is injected

in·ju·di·cious \ˌin-ju̇-ˈdish-əs\ adj : not judicious : UNWISE <injudicious outbursts>
— in·ju·di·cious·ly adv

— in·ju·di·cious·ness n

in·junc·tion \in-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən\ n : a court order commanding or forbidding the doing of some act <an injunction against the strike>

in·jure \ˈin-jər\ vb in·jured; in·jur·ing \ˈinj-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to do an injustice to : WRONG
2 : to cause pain or harm to <injured her arm> <injured his pride>
3 : to cause to suffer damage or loss <a tax that injured business> <houses injured by the storm>

in·ju·ri·ous \in-ˈju̇r-ē-əs\ adj : causing injury : HARMFUL <injurious to health>
— in·ju·ri·ous·ly adv

in·ju·ry \ˈinj-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : an act that damages or hurts : WRONG
2 : hurt, damage, or loss received
synonyms INJURY, HARM, DAMAGE, mean an act that causes loss or pain. INJURY suggests an act that results in the loss or lessening of one's rights, health, freedom, property, or success <the accident caused both physical and emotional injuries>. HARM applies to any evil that injures and often suggests suffering, pain, or bother <promised that no one would receive harm of any kind>. DAMAGE applies especially to an injury that results in a loss <the pests did much damage to the crop>.

in·jus·tice \(ˈ)in-ˈjəs-təs\ n
1 : violation of the rights of another : UNFAIRNESS
2 : an unjust act

1ink \ˈiŋk\ n
1 : a usually liquid material for writing or printing
2 : the black protective secretion of a cephalopod

2ink vb
1 : to put ink on
2 : to write or draw in ink
— ink·er n

ink·horn \ˈiŋk-ˌhȯ(ə)rn\ n : a portable container for ink

ink–jet \ˈiŋk-ˈjet\ adj : of, relating to, or being a printer in which droplets of ink are sprayed onto the paper

in·kling \ˈiŋ-kliŋ\ n : a vague notion : HINT <didn't have an inkling of what it all meant>

ink·stand \ˈiŋk-ˌstand\ n : INKWELL

ink·well \ˈiŋ-ˌkwel\ n : a container for ink

inky \ˈiŋ-kē\ adj ink·i·er; -est : of, resembling, or covered with ink <inky blackness of the sea> <inky hands>

in·laid \ˈin-ˈlād\ adj
1 : set into a surface in a decorative design <tables with inlaid marble>; also : decorated with an inlaid design <a table with an inlaid top>
2 : having a design that goes all the way through <inlaid linoleum>

1in·land \ˈin-ˌland, -lənd\ adj : of or relating to the part of a country away from the coast or boundaries

2inland n : the part of a country away from the coast or boundaries : INTERIOR
— in·land·er \-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ n

3inland adv : into or toward the area away from a coast <traveled inland>

in–law \ˈin-ˌlȯ\ n : a relative by marriage

1in·lay \(ˈ)in-ˈlā\ vb in·laid \-ˈlād\; in·lay·ing : to set into a surface for decoration or strengthening
— in·lay·er n

2in·lay \ˈin-ˌlā\ n
1 : inlaid work or material used in inlaying
2 : a tooth filling shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into place

in·let \ˈin-ˌlet, -lət\ n
1 : a small or narrow bay
2 : an opening for intake especially of fluids

in–line skate \ˈin-ˈlīn-\ n : a roller skate whose wheels are set in a straight line one behind the other
— in–line skater n

— in–line skating n

in·mate \ˈin-ˌmāt\ n : a member of a group living in a single residence; esp : a person kept in an institution (as a hospital or prison)

in·most \ˈin-ˌmōst\ adj : INNERMOST

inn \ˈin\ n : a public house that provides lodging and food for travelers : HOTEL

in·nards \ˈin-ərdz\ n pl
1 : the internal organs of a human being or animal; esp : VISCERA
2 : the internal parts of a structure or machine

in·nate \in-ˈāt, ˈin-ˌāt\ adj
1 : existing in or belonging to an individual from birth <an innate ability>
2 : INHERENT <innate defects in the plan> [Middle English innat “belonging from birth,” from Latin innatus, past participle of innasci “to be born in, be a native,” from in- “in” and nasci “to be born” — related to NATIVE, NATURE]
— in·nate·ly adv

— in·nate·ness n

in·ner \ˈin-ər\ adj
1 a : situated farther in <inner room>  b : being near a center especially of influence <an inner circle of advisors>
2 : of or relating to the mind or spirit <inner peace>
— in·ner·ly adv

inner city n : the usually older and more heavily populated central section of a city
— inner–city adj

inner ear n : the part of the ear that is most important for hearing, is located in a cavity in the temporal bone, and contains the ends of the nerves which send nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance to the brain

inner light n, often cap I&L : a divine presence held (as in Quaker doctrine) to enlighten and guide the soul

in·ner·most \ˈin-ər-ˌmōst\ adj
1 : farthest inward
2 : most intimate : DEEPEST <one's innermost feelings>

inner tube n : an inflatable ring-shaped rubber tube used inside a tire to hold air under pressure

in·ning \ˈin-iŋ\ n : a division of a baseball game consisting of a turn at bat for each team; also : a baseball team's turn at bat

inn·keep·er \ˈin-ˌkē-pər\ n : the person who runs an inn

in·no·cence \ˈin-ə-sən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being innocent

in·no·cent \ˈin-ə-sənt\ adj
1 : free from sin : PURE
2 : free from guilt or blame : GUILTLESS <innocent of the crime>
3 : free from harmful influence or effect : HARMLESS <innocent fun>
4 : NAIVE 1, UNSOPHISTICATED
— innocent n

— in·no·cent·ly adv

in·noc·u·ous \in-ˈäk-yə-wəs\ adj
1 : producing no injury : HARMLESS <an innocuous gas>
2 : not likely to bother anyone : INOFFENSIVE <made a few innocuous jokes>
— in·noc·u·ous·ly adv

— in·noc·u·ous·ness n

in·no·vate \ˈin-ə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing : to introduce something new <innovate a new website> : do something in a new way
— in·no·va·tive \-ˌvāt-iv\ adj

— in·no·va·tor \-ˌvāt-ər\ n

in·no·va·tion \ˌin-ə-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 : the introduction of something new
2 : a new idea, method, or device

in·nu·en·do \ˌin-yə-ˈwen-dō\ n, pl -dos or -does : a slight suggestion or hint; esp : a suggestion that hurts someone's reputation

in·nu·mer·a·ble \in-ˈ(y)üm-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : too many to be numbered : COUNTLESS <innumerable stars in the sky>
— in·nu·mer·a·bly \-blē\ adv

in·oc·u·late \in-ˈäk-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to introduce a microscopic living thing into <beans inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria>
2 : to introduce material (as a vaccine) into the body especially by injection to protect against or treat a disease <inoculate children against the measles>
— in·oc·u·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

in·oc·u·la·tion \in-ˌäk-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of inoculating
2 : material used in inoculating

in·of·fen·sive \ˌin-ə-ˈfen(t)-siv\ adj : not offensive or harmful
— in·of·fen·sive·ly adv

in·op·er·a·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj
1 : not treatable by surgery <an inoperable cancer>
2 : not in working order : INOPERATIVE

in·op·er·a·tive \(ˈ)in-ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv, -ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-\ adj : not functioning : producing no effect <an inoperative law>

in·op·por·tune \(ˌ)in-ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ün\ adj : INCONVENIENT <an inopportune time>
— in·op·por·tune·ly adv

in order that conj : 3THAT 2

in·or·di·nate \in-ˈȯrd-ən-ət, -ˈȯrd-nət\ adj : going beyond reasonable limits : IMMODERATE <an inordinate curiosity>
— in·or·di·nate·ly adv

in·or·gan·ic \ˌin-ˌȯr-ˈgan-ik\ adj
1 : being or composed of matter that does not come from plants or animals either alive or dead : MINERAL
2 : of or relating to a branch of chemistry concerned with substances that contain little or no carbon
— in·or·gan·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

in·pa·tient \ˈin-ˌpā-shənt\ n : a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment — compare OUTPATIENT

1in·put \ˈin-ˌpu̇t\ n
1 : power, energy, a signal, or information put into a machine or system
2 : ADVICE, COMMENT
3 : a point at which an input is put in
4 : the act or process of putting in

2input vb in·put·ted or input; in·put·ting : to enter (as data) into a computer

in·quest \ˈin-ˌkwest\ n : a judicial or official investigation

in·quire \in-ˈkwī(ə)r\ vb in·quired; in·quir·ing
1 : to ask about <inquired the way to the train station>
2 : to make an investigation <inquire into the accident>
3 : to ask a question <inquired about the weather>
— in·quir·er n

— in·quir·ing·ly \-ˈkwī-riŋ-lē\ adv

in·qui·ry \in-ˈkwī(ə)r-ē, ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r-; ˈin-kwə-rē, ˈiŋ-; ˈin-ˌkwi(ə)r-ē\ n, pl -ries
1 a : the act of inquiring <learn by inquiry>  b : a request for information <make inquiries at the station>
2 : a search for truth or knowledge
3 : a careful examination : INVESTIGATION

in·qui·si·tion \ˌin-kwə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : the act of inquiring
2 : INQUEST
3 a cap : a former Roman Catholic court for the discovery and punishment of heresy  b : an investigation conducted with little concern for individual rights  c : a severe questioning
— in·qui·si·tion·al \-ˈzish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

in·quis·i·tive \in-ˈkwiz-ət-iv\ adj
1 : tending to inquire or investigate
2 : asking many questions; esp : too curious about other people's affairs  synonyms see CURIOUS
— in·quis·i·tive·ly adv

— in·quis·i·tive·ness n

in·quis·i·tor \in-ˈkwiz-ət-ər\ n : one who conducts an inquisition
— in·quis·i·to·ri·al \-ˌkwiz-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj

in·road \ˈin-ˌrōd\ n
1 : a sudden hostile invasion : RAID
2 : an important advance often at the expense of someone or something <making inroads against the competition>

in·rush \ˈin-ˌrəsh\ n : a crowding or flooding in <an inrush of holiday shoppers> <an inrush of air>

in·sane \(ˈ)in-ˈsān\ adj
1 : having or showing a very abnormal and very sick state of mind : not sane <an insane person> <an insane look>
2 : used by or for insane persons <an insane ward in a hospital>
3 : extremely foolish or unreasonable <an insane attempt>
— in·sane·ly adv

in·san·i·tary \(ˈ)in-ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj : so unclean as to endanger health : UNHEALTHY

in·san·i·ty \in-ˈsan-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the condition of being insane especially when serious enough to keep one from being convicted of a crime or from performing duties required by law
2 a : extreme foolishness or unreasonableness  b : senseless conduct

in·sa·tia·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈsā-shə-bəl\ adj : impossible to satisfy <insatiable thirst> <an insatiable desire for knowledge>
— in·sa·tia·bly \-blē\ adv

in·scribe \in-ˈskrīb\ vb in·scribed; in·scrib·ing
1 a : to write, engrave, or print as a lasting record <inscribe a name on a monument>  b : to enter on a list : ENROLL
2 : to write, engrave, or print something on or in <inscribe a locket>
3 : to dedicate to someone <inscribe a poem>
4 : to draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible <a hexagon inscribed in a circle>
— in·scrib·er n

in·scrip·tion \in-ˈskrip-shən\ n : something that is inscribed

in·scru·ta·ble \in-ˈskrüt-ə-bəl\ adj : not easily understood : MYSTERIOUS <an inscrutable expression>
— in·scru·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

in·seam \ˈin-ˌsēm\ n : the seam on the inside of the leg of a pair of pants; also : the length of this seam

in·sect \ˈin-ˌsekt\ n
1 : any of numerous small invertebrate animals (as spiders or centipedes) that are more or less obviously made up of segments — not used technically
2 : any of a class of arthropods (as butterflies, true bugs, two-winged flies, bees, and grasshoppers) with the body clearly divided into a head, thorax, and abdomen, with three pairs of jointed legs, and usually with one or two pairs of wings
Word History The bodies of insects have segments, or divisions. Thus they seem to have a series of notches cut into them. This appearance led the Greek philosopher Aristotle to give insects the name entomon “a thing cut into.” Entomon comes from the prefix en- “in,” combined with the verb temnein “to cut.” Later, when the Romans wanted a word for this kind of creature, they did not simply borrow the Greek word. Instead they translated it into the Latin word insectum, from the verb insecare “to cut into.” Insectum was borrowed into English as insect. [from Latin insectum “insect,” derived from insecare “to cut into,” from in- “in” and secare “to cut” — related to DISSECT, SECTION]

in·sec·ti·cide \in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd\ n : a chemical used to kill insects
— in·sec·ti·cid·al \(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-əl\ adj

in·sec·ti·vore \in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvō(ə)r, -ˌvȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : any of an order of small mammals (as the moles, shrews, and hedgehogs) that are mostly insect-eating and active at night
2 : an insect-eating plant or animal

in·sec·tiv·o·rous \ˌin-ˌsek-ˈtiv-(ə-)rəs\ adj : feeding on insects as food

in·se·cure \ˌin(t)-si-ˈkyu̇(ə)r\ adj
1 : not confident or sure : UNCERTAIN <felt insecure about their response>
2 : not well protected : not safe <insecure property>
3 : not firmly fastened : LOOSE <an insecure hinge>
4 : lacking self-assurance <insecure people>
— in·se·cure·ly adv

— in·se·cu·ri·ty \-ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē\ n

in·sem·i·nate \in-ˈsem-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to introduce semen into the genital tract of (a female)
— in·sem·i·na·tion \-ˌsem-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

in·sen·sate \(ˈ)in-ˈsen-ˌsāt\ adj
1 : lacking awareness or sensation : INANIMATE
2 : lacking sense or understanding
3 : lacking humane feelings : BRUTAL
— in·sen·sate·ly adv

in·sen·si·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : IMPERCEPTIBLE 1 <insensible motion>
2 a : not endowed with life or spirit : INANIMATE 1  b : 1UNCONSCIOUS 2 <knocked insensible by the accident>  c : not able to feel or be aware of using a sense or senses <insensible to pain>
3 : not aware of or caring about something <insensible to fear> <insensible of their danger>
— in·sen·si·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·sen·si·bly \-ˈsen(t)-sə-blē\ adv

in·sen·si·tive \(ˈ)in-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv\ adj : not sensitive; esp : lacking feeling
— in·sen·si·tive·ly adv

— in·sen·si·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

in·sep·a·ra·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈsep-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj
1 : impossible to separate <inseparable issues>
2 : seemingly always together <inseparable friends>
— in·sep·a·ra·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsep-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·sep·a·ra·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈsep-(ə-)rə-blē\ adv

1in·sert \in-ˈsərt\ vb
1 : to put or place in <inserted the key in the lock> <insert a word in a sentence>
2 : to set in and make fast <insert the tab into the slot>
— in·sert·er n

2in·sert \ˈin-ˌsərt\ n : something that is or is meant to be inserted; esp : printed sheets inserted (as in a newspaper)

in·ser·tion \in-ˈsər-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of inserting
2 a : something inserted  b : the part of a muscle that is attached to a part to be moved
3 : the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

1in·set \ˈin-ˌset\ n : something that is inset: as  a : a small map or picture set within a larger one  b : a piece of cloth set into a garment for decoration

2in·set \ˈin-ˌset, in-ˈset\ vb inset or in·set·ted; in·set·ting : 1INSERT 2

1in·shore \ˈin-ˈshō(ə)r, -ˈshȯ(ə)r\ adj
1 : situated or carried on near shore <inshore fishing>
2 : moving toward shore <an inshore wind>

2inshore adv : to or toward shore

1in·side \(ˈ)in-ˈsīd, ˈin-ˌsīd\ n
1 : an inner side or surface
2 a : an interior or internal part  b : inward nature, thoughts, or feeling  c : ENTRAILS — usually used in plural

2inside adj
1 : of, relating to, or being on or near the inside <an inside wall>
2 : relating or known to a special group of people <inside information>

3inside prep
1 a : in or into the interior of <they are inside the house>  b : on the inner side of <put the dot inside the curve>
2 : before the end of : WITHIN <inside an hour>

4inside adv
1 : on the inside <the car is clean inside>
2 : in or into the interior <went inside>

inside of prep : 3INSIDE

inside out adv
1 : in such a way that the inner surface becomes the outer
2 : to a thorough degree <knows the family history inside out>

in·sid·er \(ˈ)in-ˈsīd-ər\ n : a person who is a member of a special group or organization

in·sid·i·ous \in-ˈsid-ē-əs\ adj
1 a : awaiting a chance to trap : TREACHEROUS <an insidious foe>  b : harmful but attractive <an insidious habit>
2 : having an effect that develops gradually <an insidious disease>
— in·sid·i·ous·ly adv

— in·sid·i·ous·ness n

in·sight \ˈin-ˌsīt\ n : the power or act of seeing into or understanding a situation

in·sig·nia \in-ˈsig-nē-ə\ n, pl -nia or -ni·as : an emblem of a special authority, office, or honor : BADGE

in·sig·nif·i·cance \ˌin(t)-sig-ˈnif-i-kən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being insignificant

in·sig·nif·i·cant \ˌin(t)-sig-ˈnif-i-kənt\ adj : not significant : UNIMPORTANT
— in·sig·nif·i·cant·ly adv

in·sin·cere \ˌin(t)-sin-ˈsi(ə)r\ adj : not sincere : HYPOCRITICAL
— in·sin·cere·ly adv

— in·sin·cer·i·ty \-ˈser-ət-ē also -ˈsir-\ n

in·sin·u·ate \in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way <insinuated herself into his confidence>
2 : to suggest in an indirect way : IMPLY <insinuated that I had cheated>
— in·sin·u·a·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌsin-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n

— in·sin·u·a·tor \in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt-ər\ n

in·sip·id \in-ˈsip-əd\ adj
1 : lacking taste or flavor : TASTELESS
2 : not interesting or exciting : DULL, FLAT <insipid fiction> [from French insipide and Latin insipidus, both meaning “insipid, tasteless,” from earlier Latin in- “not” and sapidus “having good flavor,” from sapere “to taste” — related to 1SAGE, SAVANT]
— in·si·pid·i·ty \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈpid-ət-ē\ n

— in·sip·id·ly \in-ˈsip-əd-lē\ adv

in·sist \in-ˈsist\ vb
1 : to place special stress or great importance <insists on punctuality>
2 : to make a demand : request urgently <insisted that I come>

in·sis·tence \in-ˈsis-tən(t)s\ n
1 : the act or an instance of insisting
2 : the quality or state of being insistent

in·sis·tent \in-ˈsis-tənt\ adj : demanding attention : PERSISTENT
— in·sis·tent·ly adv

in si·tu \(ˈ)in-ˈsī-t(y)ü, -ˈsi-\ adv or adj : in the natural or original position <the cancer cells remained in situ> [Latin, “in position”]

in·so·far as \ˌin(t)-sə-ˌfär-əz\ conj : to the extent or degree that <helped us insofar as she was able>

in·so·la·tion \ˌin(t)-(ˌ)sō-ˈlā-shən\ n : solar radiation that has been received (as by the earth)

in·sole \ˈin-ˌsōl\ n
1 : an inside sole of a shoe
2 : a loose thin strip placed inside a shoe for warmth or comfort

in·so·lence \ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being insolent
2 : an instance of insolent conduct or treatment

in·so·lent \ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lənt\ adj
1 : disrespectful or rude in speech or conduct <an insolent child>
2 : showing boldness or rudeness <an insolent act>
— in·so·lent·ly adv

in·sol·u·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsäl-yə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being insoluble

in·sol·u·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈsäl-yə-bəl\ adj
1 : impossible to solve <an insoluble problem>
2 : impossible or difficult to dissolve <a substance insoluble in water>

in·sol·ven·cy \(ˈ)in-ˈsäl-vən-sē\ n, pl -cies : the quality or state of being insolvent

in·sol·vent \(ˈ)in-ˈsäl-vənt\ adj : not having or providing enough money to pay debts <an insolvent company>

in·som·nia \in-ˈsäm-nē-ə\ n : prolonged inability to sleep

in·som·ni·ac \in-ˈsäm-nē-ˌak\ n : a person who has insomnia

in·sou·ci·ance \in-ˈsü-sē-ən(t)s\ n : a lighthearted lack of concern
— in·sou·ci·ant \-ənt\ adj

in·spect \in-ˈspekt\ vb
1 : to examine closely (as for judging quality or condition) <inspect meat>
2 : to view and examine officially <inspect the troops>

in·spec·tion \in-ˈspek-shən\ n : the act or an instance of inspecting

in·spec·tor \in-ˈspek-tər\ n
1 : a person who makes inspections <meat inspector>
2 : a police officer ranking just below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
— in·spec·tor·ship \-ˌship\ n

in·spi·ra·tion \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the drawing of air into the lungs in breathing
2 a : the act or power of moving the mind or the emotions <the inspiration of music>  b : the quality or state of being inspired <the artist's inspiration came from many sources>  c : something that is inspired <a scheme that was an inspiration>  d : someone or something that inspires <his wife was his greatest inspiration>
— in·spi·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— in·spi·ra·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

in·spire \in-ˈspī(ə)r\ vb in·spired; in·spir·ing
1 : to move or guide by divine influence <prophets inspired by God>
2 a : to stimulate to greater or higher activity : make spirited <inspired by his parents>  b : to cause to have a particular thought or feeling <the old house inspired her with longing for the past>  c : to cause a feeling of : AROUSE <inspires confidence in her followers>
3 : INHALE
4 : BRING ABOUT <studies that inspired several inventions>
— in·spir·er n

in·sta·bil·i·ty \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being unstable

In·sta·gram \ˈin-stə-ˌgram\ vb In·sta·grammed In·sta·gram·ming : to post (a picture) to the Instagram photo-sharing service

in·stall \in-ˈstȯl\ vb in·stalled; in·stall·ing
1 : to place in an office or rank <installed the new president>
2 : to put in an indicated place or condition <installed himself in the best chair>
3 : to set up for use or service <install a TV set> <installed the software>
— in·stall·er n

in·stal·la·tion \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act of installing : the state of being installed
2 : something installed for use
3 : a military base
4 : a work of art that consists of multiple pieces arranged in a large space

1in·stall·ment also in·stal·ment \in-ˈstȯl-mənt\ n : INSTALLATION 1

2installment also instalment n
1 : one of the parts into which a debt is divided when payments are made over a period of time
2 : one of several parts (as of a publication) presented over a period of time
— installment adj

installment plan n : a system of paying for goods or services in installments

1in·stance \ˈin(t)-stən(t)s\ n
1 : 1REQUEST 1 <entered the writing contest at the instance of her teacher>
2 : EXAMPLE 3 <an instance of rare courage>
3 : a particular point or step in an action or process <in the first instance>
— for instance : as an example <big dogs, like German shepherds, for instance>

2instance vb in·stanced; in·stanc·ing : to mention as an example : CITE

1in·stant \ˈin(t)-stənt\ n : a very small space of time : MOMENT

2instant adj
1 : PRESSING, URGENT <in instant need>
2 : happening or done at once <an instant response>
3 : partially prepared by the manufacturer to make final preparation easy <instant pudding>; esp : made to dissolve quickly in water <instant coffee>

in·stan·ta·neous \ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs, -nyəs\ adj
1 : happening in an instant
2 : done without delay
— in·stan·ta·neous·ly adv

— in·stan·ta·neous·ness n

in·stan·ter \in-ˈstant-ər\ adv : IMMEDIATELY 2

in·stant·ly \ˈin(t)-stənt-lē\ adv : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <came instantly when I called>

instant mes·sag·ing \-ˈme-sə-jiŋ\ n : a means or system for transmitting electronic messages instantly
— instant message n

in·state \in-ˈstāt\ vb in·stat·ed; in·stat·ing : to install in a rank or office

in·stead \in-ˈsted\ adv : as a substitute <was going to write but called instead>

instead of \in-ˌsted-ə(v), -ˌstid-\ prep : in place of : as a substitute for <had milk instead of juice>

in·step \ˈin-ˌstep\ n
1 : the arched middle part of the human foot
2 : the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

in·sti·gate \ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : INCITE, PROVOKE
— in·sti·ga·tion \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈgā-shən\ n

— in·sti·ga·tor \ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt-ər\ n

in·still \in-ˈstil\ vb : to gradually cause to feel or have <instill a love of music>
— in·stil·la·tion \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— in·still·er n

in·stinct \ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t\ n
1 : a natural ability or inclination
2 a : an act or course of action in response to a stimulus that is usually inherited and is automatic rather than learned  b : behavior that is based on automatic actions

in·stinc·tive \in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being instinct
2 : resulting from or caused by instinct
— in·stinc·tive·ly adv

in·stinc·tu·al \in-ˈstiŋ(k)-chə(-wə)l, -ˈstiŋ(k)sh-wəl\ adj : of, relating to, or based on instinct : INSTINCTIVE

1in·sti·tute \ˈin(t)-stə-ˌt(y)üt\ vb -tut·ed; -tut·ing
1 : to set up : ESTABLISH <instituted a new policy>
2 : to set going : BEGIN <institute an investigation>
— in·sti·tut·er or in·sti·tu·tor \-ˌt(y)üt-ər\ n

2institute n
1 : a basic principle
2 a : an organization for the support of a cause : ASSOCIATION <an institute for scientific research>  b : a place for study usually in a special field <an art institute>

in·sti·tu·tion \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən\ n
1 : the act of instituting : ESTABLISHMENT
2 : an established custom, practice, or law in a society or culture <the institution of marriage> <turkey dinner is a Thanksgiving institution>
3 a : an established organization or corporation and especially one of a public nature <educational institutions> <a financial institution>  b : ASYLUM 3
— in·sti·tu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— in·sti·tu·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

in·sti·tu·tion·al·ize \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shnə-ˌlīz, -shən-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make into or treat like an institution <institutionalized housing>
2 : to put into an institution

in·struct \in-ˈstrəkt\ vb
1 : to give knowledge to : TEACH <the tutor instructs him in math>
2 : to give information to : INFORM <instructed us that the cafeteria was downstairs>
3 : to give directions or commands to <instructed her to arrive promptly>  synonyms see COMMAND

in·struc·tion \in-ˈstrək-shən\ n
1 a : PRECEPT <instructions of ethical behavior>  b : 2COMMAND 2, ORDER <had instructions not to talk to strangers>  c pl : an outline or set of procedures to be followed : DIRECTIONS <instructions for assembling a rocking chair>  d : a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation
2 : the action or practice of an instructor or teacher
— in·struc·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

in·struc·tive \in-ˈstrək-tiv\ adj : giving knowledge : helping to instruct or inform <an instructive experience>
— in·struc·tive·ly adv

in·struc·tor \in-ˈstrək-tər\ n : one that instructs : TEACHER
— in·struc·tor·ship \-ˌship\ n

in·stru·ment \ˈin(t)-strə-mənt\ n
1 : a device used to produce music
2 : a means of getting something done <curiosity is an instrument of discovery>
3 : a tool or implement designed especially for precision work <a surgical instrument>
4 : an official legal document (as a deed, bond, or agreement)
5 a : a measuring device for finding out the present value of a quantity under observation  b : an electrical or mechanical device used in navigating an airplane; esp : such a device used as the only way of navigating  synonyms see IMPLEMENT

in·stru·men·tal \ˌin(t)-strə-ˈment-əl\ adj
1 a : acting as an instrument or means <was instrumental in organizing the club>  b : of, relating to, or done with an instrument <instrumental error>
2 : relating to, composed for, or performed on a musical instrument <an unusual instrumental arrangement>
— in·stru·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

in·stru·men·tal·ist \ˌin(t)-strə-ˈment-əl-əst\ n : a person who plays a musical instrument

in·stru·men·tal·i·ty \ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtal-ət-ē, -ˌmen-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being instrumental
2 : something by which an end is achieved : MEANS <order was restored through the instrumentality of rules>

in·stru·men·ta·tion \ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n
1 : the arrangement or composition of music for instruments
2 : instruments for a particular purpose <the instrumentation of an aircraft>

instrument panel n : DASHBOARD 2

in·sub·or·di·nate \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈbȯrd-ən-ət, -ˈbȯrd-nət\ adj : not obeying authority : DISOBEDIENT
— in·sub·or·di·nate·ly adv

— in·sub·or·di·na·tion \-ˌbȯrd-ən-ˈā-shən\ n

in·sub·stan·tial \ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan-chəl\ adj : not substantial: as  a : not real : IMAGINARY <insubstantial differences>  b : not firm or solid <a flimsy insubstantial shelf>
— in·sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan-chē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

in·suf·fer·able \(ˈ)in-ˈsəf-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : impossible to endure : INTOLERABLE <insufferable boredom>
— in·suf·fer·able·ness n

— in·suf·fer·ably \-blē\ adv

in·suf·fi·cien·cy \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being insufficient
2 : a lack of something : DEFICIENCY

in·suf·fi·cient \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ənt\ adj : not sufficient : INADEQUATE
— in·suf·fi·cient·ly adv

in·su·lar \ˈin(t)s-(y)ə-lər, ˈin-shə-lər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or forming an island
2 : being isolated or detached <an insular building>
3 : not open to new or different ideas : NARROW <an insular viewpoint>
— in·su·lar·i·ty \ˌin(t)s-(y)ə-ˈlar-ət-ē, ˌin-shə-ˈlar-\ n

in·su·late \ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to place in a detached situation : ISOLATE; esp : to separate from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound [from Latin insula “island” — related to ISLE, ISOLATE, PENINSULA]

in·su·la·tion \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act of insulating : the state of being insulated
2 : material used in insulating

in·su·la·tor \ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt-ər\ n : one that insulates; esp : a material that is a poor conductor of heat or electricity or a device made of such material

in·su·lin \ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən\ n : a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and is necessary for the normal use of glucose by the body

insulin shock n : a condition of too little blood sugar that is associated with too much insulin in the system and that if left untreated may result in coma

1in·sult \in-ˈsəlt\ vb : to treat or speak to with disrespect or scorn
— in·sult·er n
Word History The phrase “to jump on” is used informally today to mean “to criticize or insult severely.” The origin of the word insult also suggests the idea of jumping. Insult comes from the Latin verb insultare, literally meaning “to leap upon.” It is made up of the prefix in-, meaning “on, upon,” and a form of the verb salire “to leap.” One of the first meanings of insult in English was “to make a military attack.” That sense became obsolete, and insult now means to attack or “jump on” someone only with words of scorn or disrespect rather than with weapons. [from early French insulter “to insult,” from Latin insultare “to insult, attack,” literally “to leap upon,” derived from in- “on, upon” and salire “to leap, spring” — related to ASSAULT, RESILIENT]

2in·sult \ˈin-ˌsəlt\ n : an act or expression showing disrespect or scorn

in·su·per·a·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈsü-p(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : impossible to overcome <insuperable difficulties>
— in·su·per·a·bly \-blē\ adv

in·sup·port·able \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈpōrt-ə-bəl, -ˈpȯrt-\ adj
1 : too bad to be endured <insupportable pain>
2 : impossible to justify <insupportable charges>

in·sur·able \in-ˈshu̇r-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being insured
— in·sur·abil·i·ty \-ˌshu̇r-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

in·sur·ance \in-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : the business of insuring persons or property  b : a contract by which someone guarantees for a fee to pay someone else for the value of property if it is lost or damaged (as through theft or fire) or to pay usually a specified amount for injury or death  c : the amount for which something is insured
2 : a means of guaranteeing protection <take an umbrella as insurance against rain>

in·sure \in-ˈshu̇(ə)r\ vb in·sured; in·sur·ing
1 : to give or get insurance on or for
2 : to make certain : ENSURE
— in·sur·er \in-ˈshu̇r-ər\ n

in·sur·gen·cy \in-ˈsər-jən-sē\ n, pl -cies : REBELLION 2

1in·sur·gent \in-ˈsər-jənt\ n : a person who revolts : REBEL

2insurgent adj : REBELLIOUS 1

in·sur·mount·able \ˌin(t)-sər-ˈmau̇nt-ə-bəl\ adj : incapable of being surmounted

in·sur·rec·tion \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈrek-shən\ n : REBELLION 2
— in·sur·rec·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj or n

— in·sur·rec·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nəst\ n

in·tact \in-ˈtakt\ adj : untouched especially by anything that harms : not damaged or lessened

in·ta·glio \in-ˈtal-yō, -ˈtag-lē-ˌō\ n, pl -glios : an engraving cut deeply into the surface of a hard material (as stone)

in·take \ˈin-ˌtāk\ n
1 : a place where liquid or air is taken into something (as a pump)
2 : the act of taking in <an intake of breath>
3 : something taken in <inadequate food intake>

in·tan·gi·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl\ adj
1 : not capable of being touched <light is intangible>
2 : not capable of being thought of as matter or substance <health's intangible benefits>
— in·tan·gi·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌtan-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— intangible n

— in·tan·gi·ble·ness \(ˈ)in-ˈtan-jə-bəl-nəs\ n

— in·tan·gi·bly \-blē\ adv

in·te·ger \ˈint-i-jər\ n : a number that is a natural number (as 1, 2, or 3), the negative of a natural number, or 0 — called also whole number

in·te·gral \ˈint-i-grəl (usually so in mathematics); in-ˈteg-rəl also -ˈtēg-\ adj
1 : needed for completeness <a lens is an integral part of a camera>
2 : of or relating to an integer <9 is an integral factor of 72>
3 : made up of components that together make a whole <an integral locking system>
4 : lacking nothing essential : ENTIRE
— in·te·gral·ly \ˈint-i-grə-lē; in-ˈteg-rə- also -ˈtēg-\ adv

in·te·grate \ˈint-ə-ˌgrāt\ vb -grat·ed; -grat·ing
1 : to form or unite into a whole
2 : to form or unite into a larger unit; esp : to end the segregation of and bring into common and equal membership in society
3 : DESEGREGATE <integrate school districts>
4 : to become integrated

integrated circuit n : a tiny group of electronic devices and their connections that is produced in or on a small slice of material (as silicon)

in·te·gra·tion \ˌint-ə-ˈgrā-shən\ n : the act, the process, or an instance of integrating; esp : acceptance as equals into society of persons of different groups (as races)

in·te·gra·tion·ist \ˌint-ə-ˈgrā-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who favors integration

in·teg·ri·ty \in-ˈteg-rət-ē\ n
1 : the condition of being free from damage or defect
2 : total honesty and sincerity
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided

in·teg·u·ment \in-ˈteg-yə-mənt\ n : something that covers or encloses; esp : an outer enclosing layer (as a skin, membrane, or cuticle) of a living thing or one of its parts
— in·teg·u·men·ta·ry \(ˌ)in-ˌteg-yə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj

in·tel·lect \ˈint-əl-ˌekt\ n
1 a : the power of knowing  b : the capacity for thought especially when highly developed
2 : a person of notable intellect

1in·tel·lec·tu·al \ˌint-əl-ˈek-ch(ə-w)əl\ adj
1 : relating to the intellect or understanding
2 : having intellect to a high degree : engaged in or given to learning and thinking <an intellectual person>
3 : requiring study and thought <intellectual games>
— in·tel·lec·tu·al·i·ty \-ˌek-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n

— in·tel·lec·tu·al·ly \-ˈek-chə-(wə-)lē\ adv

2intellectual n : an intellectual person

intellectual disability n : mild to severe impairment in intellectual ability accompanied by significant limitations in skills (as in communication, reasoning, or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning

intellectual property n : property (as an idea, method, or written work) that derives from the work of the mind

in·tel·li·gence \in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s\ n
1 : the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems : REASON
2 a : NEWS 1A  b : information concerning an enemy or possible enemy; also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

intelligence quotient n : IQ

intelligence test n : a test designed to measure a person's intelligence compared to others

in·tel·li·gent \in-ˈtel-ə-jənt\ adj
1 a : possessing intelligence <humans are intelligent beings>  b : showing a higher than average degree of intelligence <an intelligent student>  c : revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought <an intelligent decision>
2 : able to perform computing tasks : controlled by a computer <an intelligent terminal>
— in·tel·li·gent·ly adv
synonyms INTELLIGENT, CLEVER, ALERT, QUICK-WITTED, mean having a sharp mind. INTELLIGENT stresses the ability to deal with new situations and solve problems <intelligent people are needed for police work>. CLEVER suggests a natural ability to find solutions but it may also suggest shallow thinking <clever enough to get by without studying>. ALERT stresses quickness in seeing and understanding something <an alert student saw that there was a catch to the question>. QUICK-WITTED suggests coming up with quick replies in conversation or finding solutions in emergencies <a quick-witted debater> <a quick-witted babysitter put out the fire>.

in·tel·li·gen·tsia \in-ˌtel-ə-ˈjen(t)-sē-ə, -ˈgen(t)-\ n : intellectuals as a group : educated people

in·tel·li·gi·ble \in-ˈtel-ə-jə-bəl\ adj : able to be understood
— in·tel·li·gi·bil·i·ty \-ˌtel-ə-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·tel·li·gi·ble·ness \-ˈtel-ə-jə-bəl-nəs\ n

— in·tel·li·gi·bly \-blē\ adv

in·tem·per·ance \(ˈ)in-ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s\ n : lack of moderation or self-restraint; esp : excessive use of alcoholic beverages

in·tem·per·ate \(ˌ)in-ˈtem-p(ə-)rət\ adj
1 : not moderate or mild : SEVERE <intemperate weather>
2 : lacking or showing lack of restraint <intemperate language>
3 : given to excessive use of alcoholic beverages
— in·tem·per·ate·ly adv

— in·tem·per·ate·ness n

in·tend \in-ˈtend\ vb : to have in mind as a purpose or aim : PLAN <intends to travel abroad next year>

1in·tend·ed \in-ˈten-dəd\ adj
1 : expected to be such in the future <your intended career>
2 : INTENTIONAL <an intended insult>

2intended n : the person to whom another is engaged to be married

in·tense \in-ˈten(t)s\ adj
1 : existing in an extreme degree <intense pain>
2 : done or performed with great zeal, energy, or eagerness <intense study>
3 : feeling deeply <an intense actor>
— in·tense·ly adv

— in·tense·ness n

in·ten·si·fy \in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make or become intense or more intensive
— in·ten·si·fi·ca·tion \-ˌten(t)-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— in·ten·si·fi·er \-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

in·ten·si·ty \in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being intense; esp : extreme strength, force, or feeling
2 : the degree or amount of a quality or condition <the intensity of an electric field>

1in·ten·sive \in-ˈten(t)-siv\ adj
1 : marked by special effort <an intensive campaign>
2 : serving to give emphasis <an intensive adverb, as “dreadfully” in “it was dreadfully cold”>
— in·ten·sive·ly adv

— in·ten·sive·ness n

2intensive n : an intensive word <“quite” is an intensive in “quite a guy”>

intensive care n : continuous monitoring and treatment of seriously ill patients using special medical equipment and services; also : a unit in a hospital providing intensive care

1in·tent \in-ˈtent\ n
1 : PURPOSE 1, INTENTION <with intent to injure>
2 : 1MEANING 1A <the intent of the law>

2intent adj
1 : directed with strained or eager attention <an intent gaze>
2 a : having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something  b : set on some end or purpose <intent on going>
— in·tent·ly adv

— in·tent·ness n

in·ten·tion \in-ˈten-chən\ n
1 : a determination to act in a certain way
2 : an intended goal : AIM
3 : a person or purpose that is especially prayed for
4 : 1MEANING 3, SIGNIFICANCE
synonyms INTENTION, PURPOSE, DESIGN, OBJECTIVE, mean what one will try to accomplish or reach. INTENTION suggests only that one has something in mind to do <our intention to visit Alaska someday>. PURPOSE suggests a fixed determination to accomplish something <have the finding of happiness as one's purpose in life>. DESIGN suggests a carefully calculated plan <a coach with great designs for her star athlete>. OBJECTIVE stresses a definite goal and one that is within reach <our objective is to cross the river before dark>.

in·ten·tion·al \in-ˈtench-nəl, -ˈten-chən-əl\ adj : done by intention : not accidental  synonyms see VOLUNTARY
— in·ten·tion·al·ly \-ˈtench-nə-lē, -ˈten-chən-əl-ē\ adv

in·ter \in-ˈtər\ vb in·terred; in·ter·ring : BURY 1 [from the Latin phrase in terra “in the earth”]

inter- prefix
1 : between : among : in the midst <interlock> <interstellar>
2 : reciprocal <interrelate> : reciprocally <interact>
3 : located or occurring between <interlining>
4 : carried on between <international>
5 : shared by or involving two or more <interracial> [derived from Latin inter “between, among”]

in·ter·act \ˌint-ə-ˈrakt\ vb : to act on one another

in·ter·ac·tion \ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən\ n : the action or influence of people, groups, or things on one another
— in·ter·ac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

in·ter·ac·tive \ˌint-ə-ˈrak-tiv\ adj
1 : active between people, groups, or things
2 : involving the actions or input of a user <an interactive museum exhibit>; esp : allowing two-way electronic communications (as between a person and a computer)
— in·ter·ac·tive·ly adv

— in·ter·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

in·ter·atom·ic \ˌint-ə-rə-ˈtäm-ik\ adj : located or acting between atoms

in·ter·breed \ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd\ vb in·ter·bred \-ˈbred\; -breed·ing : to breed or cause to breed together: as  a : CROSSBREED  b : to breed within a population

in·ter·cede \ˌint-ər-ˈsēd\ vb -ced·ed; -ced·ing
1 : to act as a go-between for hostile parties
2 : to plead in behalf of another

in·ter·cel·lu·lar \ˌint-ər-ˈsel-yə-lər\ adj : lying between cells <intercellular spaces>

1in·ter·cept \ˌint-ər-ˈsept\ vb
1 : to take or seize on the way to or before arrival <intercept a letter> <intercept a pass>
2 : to include (part of a line, surface, or solid) between two points, curves, or surfaces <a line intercepted between points A and B> [from Latin interceptus, past participle of intercipere “to take or hinder in the course of,” from inter- “between, in the course of” and cipere, a form of capere “to take, seize” — related to CAPTURE, EXCEPT]
— in·ter·cep·tion \-ˈsep-shən\ n

2in·ter·cept \ˈint-ər-ˌsept\ n : the distance from the origin of a coordinate system to a point where a graph (as of a line) crosses a coordinate axis

in·ter·cep·tor \ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər\ n : one that intercepts; esp : a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers

in·ter·ces·sion \ˌint-ər-ˈsesh-ən\ n : the act of interceding
— in·ter·ces·sor \-ˈses-ər\ n

1in·ter·change \ˌint-ər-ˈchānj\ vb
1 : to put each in the place of the other
2 : 2EXCHANGE
3 : to change places mutually
— in·ter·change·abil·i·ty \-ˌchān-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·ter·change·able \-ˈchān-jə-bəl\ adj

— in·ter·change·ably \-blē\ adv

— in·ter·chang·er n

2in·ter·change \ˈint-ər-ˌchānj\ n
1 : the act or process or an instance of interchanging
2 : a joining of two or more highways by a system of separate levels that permit streams of traffic to pass from one to another without crossing

in·ter·col·le·giate \ˌint-ər-kə-ˈlē-j(ē-)ət\ adj : existing or carried on between colleges <intercollegiate sports>

in·ter·com \ˈint-ər-ˌkäm\ n : a two-way communication system with microphone and loudspeaker at each end

in·ter·com·mu·ni·cate \ˌint-ər-kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt\ vb : to exchange communication with one another
— in·ter·com·mu·ni·ca·tion \-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən\ n

intercommunication system n : INTERCOM

in·ter·con·nect \ˌint-ər-kə-ˈnekt\ vb : to connect with one another
— in·ter·con·nec·ted adj

— in·ter·con·nec·tion \-ˈnek-shən\ n

in·ter·con·ti·nen·tal \ˌint-ər-ˌkänt-ən-ˈent-əl\ adj
1 : extending among or carried on between continents <intercontinental trade>
2 : capable of traveling from one continent to another <an intercontinental ballistic missile>

in·ter·course \ˈint-ər-ˌkō(ə)rs, -ˌkȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 : dealings between persons or groups : RELATIONS
2 : physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one individual; esp : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

in·ter·crop \ˌint-ər-ˈkräp\ vb : to grow two or more crops at one time on the same piece of land

in·ter·de·pend \ˌint-ər-di-ˈpend\ vb : to depend on one another
— in·ter·de·pen·dence \-ˈpen-dən(t)s\ n

— in·ter·de·pen·den·cy \-dən-sē\ n

— in·ter·de·pen·dent \-dənt\ adj

— in·ter·de·pen·dent·ly adv

1in·ter·dict \ˈint-ər-ˌdikt\ n
1 : a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical withdrawal of sacraments and Christian burial from a person or district
2 : PROHIBITION 2

2in·ter·dict \ˌint-ər-ˈdikt\ vb : to prohibit or forbid especially by an interdict
— in·ter·dic·tion \-ˈdik-shən\ n

1in·ter·est \ˈin-trəst; ˈint-ə-ˌrest, -ə-rəst, ˈint-ərst; ˈin-ˌtrest\ n
1 : a right, title, or legal share in something
2 : something that promotes well-being : BENEFIT; also : SELF-INTEREST 2
3 a : a charge for borrowed money that is generally a percentage of the amount borrowed  b : the profit in goods or money that is made on invested capital
4 a : readiness to be concerned with or moved by something  b : a quality that arouses interest <modern art holds no interest for him>

2interest vb
1 : to persuade to participate or take part <couldn't interest her in joining us>
2 : to arouse or hold the interest of <the movie does not interest me>

in·ter·est·ing \ˈin-trəst-iŋ; ˈint-ə-ˌrest-iŋ, -ə-rəst-, -ərst-\ adj : holding the attention : arousing interest

in·ter·est·ing·ly \ˈin-trəst-iŋ-lē; ˈint-ə-ˌrest-iŋ-le, -ə-rəst-, -ərst-\ adv
1 : in an interesting manner <a story interestingly told>
2 : it is interesting <interestingly enough, that was the first one>

1in·ter·face \ˈint-ər-ˌfās\ n
1 : a surface forming a common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases <an interface between oil and water>
2 a : the place at which independent systems meet and act on or communicate with each other  b : the ways by which interaction or communication is brought about at an interface
— in·ter·fa·cial \ˌint-ər-ˈfā-shəl\ adj

2interface vb
1 : to connect or become connected through an interface
2 : to serve as an interface for

in·ter·fac·ing \-ˌfā-siŋ\ n : fabric attached especially between the facing and the outside of a garment (as in a collar) for stiffening or reinforcing

in·ter·fere \ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r\ vb -fered; -fer·ing
1 : to come in collision or be in opposition : CLASH <his arrival interfered with our plans>
2 : to take part in the concerns of others <don't interfere with our negotiations>
3 : to act on one another <interfering light waves>  synonyms see MEDDLE
— in·ter·fer·er n

in·ter·fer·ence \ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfir-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : the act or process of interfering  b : something that interferes
2 : the shared effect on meeting of two waves (as of light or sound) whereby the waves cancel each other at some points and strengthen each other at other points
3 a : the act of legally blocking an opponent in football  b : the act of illegally getting in the way of an opponent in sports
4 a : confusion of received radio signals due to undesired signals  b : something that produces such confusion

in·ter·fer·om·e·ter \ˌint-ə(r)-fə-ˈräm-ət-ər, -ˌfir-ˈäm-\ n : an instrument that uses the interference of waves (as of light) for making exact measurements (as of wavelength)

in·ter·fer·on \ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r-ˌän\ n : any of a group of proteins produced by cells that keep viruses attacking the cells from multiplying

in·ter·ga·lac·tic \ˌint-ər-gə-ˈlak-tik\ adj : located in or relating to the spaces between galaxies

1in·ter·gla·cial \ˌint-ər-ˈglā-shəl\ adj : occurring or relating to the time between glaciations

2interglacial n : a period of time of warm climate between glaciations

in·ter·gov·ern·men·tal \-ˌgəv-ər(n)-ˈment-əl\ adj : existing or occurring between two or more governments or levels of government <intergovernmental meetings>

in·ter·im \ˈin-tə-rəm\ n : a time intervening : INTERVAL
— interim adj

1in·te·ri·or \in-ˈtir-ē-ər\ adj
1 : existing or occurring within the limits : INNER
2 : remote from the border or shore
— in·te·ri·or·ly adv

2interior n
1 : the internal or inner part of something : INSIDE <the interior of a house>
2 : the inland part (as of a country or island) <traveled to the interior of Australia>
3 : the internal affairs of a state or nation <department of the Interior>

interior angle n : any of the four angles formed in the area between a pair of lines when a third line cuts them

interior decoration n : INTERIOR DESIGN

interior decorator n : INTERIOR DESIGNER

interior design n : the art of decorating and furnishing the interior of a building <the college offers a good program in interior design>

interior designer n : a person who specializes in interior design

in·ter·ject \ˌint-ər-ˈjekt\ vb : to throw in between or among other things <interject a remark>
— in·ter·jec·tor \-ˈjek-tər\ n

— in·ter·jec·to·ry \-t(ə-)rē\ adj

in·ter·jec·tion \ˌint-ər-ˈjek-shən\ n
1 : an interjecting of something
2 : something interjected
3 : a word or cry expressing sudden or strong feeling
— in·ter·jec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— in·ter·jec·tion·al·ly \-shnəl-ē, -shən-əl-ē\ adv

in·ter·lace \ˌint-ər-ˈlās\ vb : to unite or cross by or as if by lacing together : INTERWEAVE <interlaced fibers> <interlacing branches>
— in·ter·lace·ment \-ˈlā-smənt\ n

1in·ter·line \ˌint-ər-ˈlīn\ vb : to write between lines already written

2interline vb : to provide a garment with an interlining

in·ter·lin·ear \ˌint-ər-ˈlin-ē-ər\ adj
1 : written between lines already written or printed
2 : printed in different languages in alternate lines <an interlinear translation>
— in·ter·lin·ear·ly adv

in·ter·lin·ing \ˈint-ər-ˌlī-niŋ\ n : a lining between the ordinary lining and the outside fabric

in·ter·lock \ˌint-ər-ˈläk\ vb : to lock together : interlace firmly <a series of rings interlocking to form a chain>

in·ter·lop·er \ˌint-ər-ˈlō-pər, ˈint-ər-ˌlō-pər\ n : a person who intrudes or interferes wrongly or meddlesomely

in·ter·lude \ˈint-ər-ˌlüd\ n
1 : a performance between the acts of a play
2 : an intervening period, space, or event : INTERVAL
3 : a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer one, a drama, or a religious service

in·ter·mar·riage \ˌint-ər-ˈmar-ij\ n : marriage between members of different racial, social, or religious groups

in·ter·mar·ry \ˌint-ər-ˈmar-ē\ vb
1 : to marry each other
2 : to become connected by intermarriage

in·ter·me·di·ary \ˌint-ər-ˈmēd-ē-ˌer-ē\ adj
1 : INTERMEDIATE <an intermediary stage>
2 : acting as a mediator <intermediary agent>
— intermediary n

in·ter·me·di·ate \ˌint-ər-ˈmēd-ē-ət\ adj : being or occurring in the middle or between extremes [Middle Latin intermediatus “intermediate,” derived from Latin inter- “among, in the midst” and medius “middle” — related to 1MEDIAN]
— intermediate n

— in·ter·me·di·ate·ly adv

intermediate host n : a host that is normally used by a parasite in the course of its life cycle and that may actively carry it from one living thing to another

in·ter·ment \in-ˈtər-mənt\ n : BURIAL

in·ter·mesh \ˌint-ər-ˈmesh\ vb : to mesh with one another : INTERLOCK

in·ter·mez·zo \ˌint-ər-ˈmets-ō, -ˈmedz-ō\ n, pl -zi \-ē\ or -zos
1 : a short light piece between the acts of a serious drama or opera
2 a : a short movement connecting parts of a longer musical work  b : a short independent instrumental composition

in·ter·mi·na·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈtərm-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj : having or seeming to have no end; esp : tiresomely long
— in·ter·mi·na·ble·ness n

— in·ter·mi·na·bly \-blē\ adv

in·ter·min·gle \ˌint-ər-ˈmiŋ-gəl\ vb : INTERMIX

in·ter·mis·sion \ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən\ n
1 : 1PAUSE 1, INTERRUPTION <work without intermission>
2 : a pause or interval between the parts of an entertainment (as the acts of a play)

in·ter·mit \ˌint-ər-ˈmit\ vb -mit·ted; -mit·ting : to stop for a time and then continue

in·ter·mit·tence \ˌint-ər-ˈmit-ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being intermittent

in·ter·mit·tent \ˌint-ər-ˈmit-ənt\ adj : starting, stopping, and starting again <an intermittent fever>
— in·ter·mit·tent·ly adv

in·ter·mix \ˌint-ər-ˈmiks\ vb : to mix together
— in·ter·mix·ture \-ˈmiks-chər\ n

in·ter·mo·lec·u·lar \ˌint-ər-mə-ˈlek-yə-lər\ adj : existing or acting between molecules

1in·tern \ˈin-ˌtərn, in-ˈtərn\ vb : to confine especially during a war <interned enemy aliens>

2in·tern also in·terne \ˈin-ˌtərn\ n : an advanced student or graduate in a special field (as medicine or teaching) who is gaining supervised practical experience (as in a hospital or classroom)

3in·tern \ˈin-ˌtərn\ vb : to work as an intern

in·ter·nal \in-ˈtərn-əl\ adj
1 : existing or lying within : INNER <internal structure>
2 : relating to, occurring, or located inside the body
3 : of, relating to, or occurring on the inside of an organized structure (as a company or state) <internal affairs>
— in·ter·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

internal combustion engine n : an engine in which the fuel is ignited within the engine cylinder instead of in an external furnace

internal medicine n : a branch of medicine that deals with diseases not requiring surgery

internal rhyme n : a rhyme between a word within a line and another either at the end of the same line or within another line

internal secretion n : HORMONE

1in·ter·na·tion·al \ˌint-ər-ˈnash-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, affecting, or involving two or more nations <international trade>
2 : active, known, or reaching beyond national boundaries <an international reputation>
— in·ter·na·tion·al·ly \-ˈnash-nə-lē, -ən-əl-ē\ adv

2international n : an organization having branches in more than one country

international date line n : an imaginary line along the 180th meridian named as the place where each calendar day begins

in·ter·na·tion·al·ism \ˌint-ər-ˈnash-nəl-ˌiz-əm, -ˈnash-ən-əl-\ n : a policy of cooperation among nations or an attitude favoring such a policy
— in·ter·na·tion·al·ist \-əst\ n or adj

in·ter·na·tion·al·ize \-ˈnash-nəl-ˌīz, -ən-əl-\ vb : to make international <internationalized the airport>
— in·ter·na·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ˌnash-nəl-ə-ˈzā-shən, -ən-əl-\ n

International System of Units n : a system of units based on the metric system and used by international agreement especially for scientific work

in·ter·ne·cine \ˈint-ər-ˈnes-ˌēn, -ˈnē-ˌsīn; in-ˈtər-nə-ˌsēn\ adj
1 : marked by slaughter : DEADLY
2 : of, relating to, or involving conflict within a group <internecine feuds>

in·tern·ee \(ˌ)in-ˌtər-ˈnē\ n : an interned person

In·ter·net \ˈint-ər-ˌnet\ n : a communications system that connects computers and computer networks all over the world

Internet of Things n : the networking capability that allows information to be sent to and received from objects and devices (as fixtures and kitchen appliances) using the Internet

in·ter·neu·ron \ˌint-ər-ˈn(y)ü-ˌrän, -ˈn(y)u̇(ə)r-ˌän\ n : a neuron that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another

in·ter·nist \ˈin-ˌtər-nəst\ n : a physician who specializes in internal medicine

in·tern·ment \in-ˈtərn-mənt, ˈin-ˌtərn-\ n : the act of interning : the state of being interned

in·ter·node \ˈint-ər-ˌnōd\ n : a part between two nodes (as of a plant stem)

in·tern·ship \-ship\ n
1 : the state or position of being an intern
2 : a period of service as an intern

in·ter·pen·e·trate \ˌint-ər-ˈpen-ə-ˌtrāt\ vb
1 : to penetrate between, within, or throughout
2 : to penetrate mutually
— in·ter·pen·e·tra·tion \-ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən\ n

in·ter·per·son·al \-ˈpərs-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : being, relating to, or including relations between persons
— in·ter·per·son·al·ly \-ˈpərs-nə-lē, -ən-ə-\ adv

in·ter·phase \ˈint-ər-ˌfāz\ n : the period between the end of one mitotic or meiotic cell division and the beginning of the next

in·ter·plan·e·tary \ˌint-ər-ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj : between planets <interplanetary space> <interplanetary travel>

in·ter·play \ˈint-ər-ˌplā\ n : mutual action or influence : INTERACTION
— in·ter·play \ˌint-ər-ˈplā, ˈint-ər-ˌplā\ vb

in·ter·po·late \in-ˈtər-pə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to alter (as a text) by inserting new matter
2 : to insert between other things or parts
— in·ter·po·la·tion \-ˌtər-pə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— in·ter·po·la·tive \-ˈtər-pə-ˌlāt-iv\ adj

— in·ter·po·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

in·ter·pose \ˌint-ər-ˈpōz\ vb -posed; -pos·ing
1 a : to place in an intervening position  b : INTRUDE 1, INTERRUPT
2 : to introduce in between the parts of a conversation or argument
3 : to step in between opposing parties
— in·ter·pos·er n

— in·ter·po·si·tion \-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n

in·ter·pret \in-ˈtər-prət\ vb
1 : to explain the meaning of <interpret a dream>
2 : to understand according to one's own belief or judgment <interpret an act as unfriendly>
3 : to bring out the meaning of by performing <an actor interprets a role>
4 : to translate for speakers of different languages
— in·ter·pret·able \-prət-ə-bəl\ adj

in·ter·pre·ta·tion \in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act or the result of interpreting : EXPLANATION
2 : an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
— in·ter·pre·ta·tive \-ˈtər-prə-ˌtāt-iv\ adj

— in·ter·pre·ta·tive·ly adv

in·ter·pret·er \in-ˈtər-prət-ər\ n
1 : one that interprets; esp : a person who translates orally for people speaking different languages
2 : a computer program that translates an instruction into machine language and executes it before going to the next instruction

in·ter·pre·tive \in-ˈtər-prət-iv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or based on interpretation <interpretive errors>
2 : designed to interpret : EXPLANATORY <interpretive exhibits>
— in·ter·pre·tive·ly adv

in·ter·ra·cial \ˌint-ər-ˈrā-shəl\ adj : of, involving, or designed for members of different races

in·ter·reg·num \ˌint-ə-ˈreg-nəm\ n, pl -nums or -na \-nə\ : a period between two successive reigns or regimes

in·ter·re·late \ˌint-ə(r)-ri-ˈlāt\ vb : to bring into or have a shared relationship
— in·ter·re·la·tion \-ˈlā-shən\ n

— in·ter·re·la·tion·ship \-ˌship\ n

in·ter·ro·gate \in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to question formally and thoroughly
— in·ter·ro·ga·tion \-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n

— in·ter·ro·ga·tor \-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt-ər\ n

interrogation point n : QUESTION MARK

1in·ter·rog·a·tive \ˌint-ə-ˈräg-ət-iv\ adj
1 : having the form or force of a question <an interrogative phrase>
2 : used in a question <an interrogative pronoun>
— in·ter·rog·a·tive·ly adv

2interrogative n : a word (as who, what, which) used in asking questions

in·ter·rog·a·to·ry \ˌint-ə-ˈräg-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : containing, expressing, or implying a question

in·ter·rupt \ˌint-ə-ˈrəpt\ vb
1 : to stop or hinder by breaking in <interrupt a conversation>
2 : to break the sameness or course of <a loud crash interrupted the silence> [Middle English interrupten “to interrupt,” from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere “to interrupt,” from inter- “between, among” and rumpere “to break” — related to RUPTURE]
— in·ter·rupt·er n

— in·ter·rup·tion \-ˈrəp-shən\ n

— in·ter·rup·tive \-ˈrəp-tiv\ adj

in·ter·scho·las·tic \ˌint-ər-skə-ˈlas-tik\ adj : existing or carried on between schools

in·ter·sect \ˌint-ər-ˈsekt\ vb
1 : to divide by passing through or across : CROSS <one line intersecting another>
2 : to meet and cross at one or more points <overlapping circles intersect at two points>

in·ter·sec·tion \ˌint-ər-ˈsek-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of intersecting
2 : the place or point where two or more things and especially streets intersect <a busy intersection>
3 : the set of mathematical elements shared by two or more sets; esp : the set of points shared by two geometric figures

in·ter·sex \ˈint-ər-ˌseks\ n : an individual that is intermediate in sexual characters between a typical male and a typical female

1in·ter·space \ˈint-ər-ˌspās\ n : an intervening space

2in·ter·space \ˌint-ər-ˈspās\ vb : to occupy or fill the space between

in·ter·spe·cif·ic \ˌint-ər-spi-ˈsif-ik\ or in·ter·spe·cies \-ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz, -(ˌ)sēz\ adj : existing or arising between species <an interspecific hybrid>

in·ter·sperse \ˌint-ər-ˈspərs\ vb -spersed; -spers·ing
1 : to set here and there among other things <intersperse pictures in a book>
2 : to vary with things inserted here and there <interspersed the photo album with her poetry>
— in·ter·sper·sion \-ˈspər-zhən\ n

1in·ter·state \ˌint-ər-ˈstāt\ adj : of, connecting, or existing between states especially of the U.S. <interstate highways>

2in·ter·state \ˈint-ər-ˌstāt\ n : an interstate highway

in·ter·stel·lar \ˌint-ər-ˈstel-ər\ adj : located or taking place among the stars <interstellar space>

in·ter·stice \in-ˈtər-stəs\ n, pl in·ter·stic·es \-stə-ˌsēz, -stə-səz\ : a little space between two things

in·ter·sti·tial \ˌint-ər-ˈstish-əl\ adj : relating to or located in the interstices
— in·ter·sti·tial·ly \-ˈstish-ə-lē\ adv

in·ter·tid·al \ˌint-ər-ˈtīd-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or being the area that is above low-tide mark but exposed to flooding by the tide

in·ter·twine \ˌint-ər-ˈtwīn\ vb : to twine or cause to twine about one another : INTERLACE

in·ter·ur·ban \ˌint-ər-ˈər-bən\ adj : connecting cities or towns <interurban transportation>

in·ter·val \ˈint-ər-vəl\ n
1 : a period of time between events or states : PAUSE <a three-month interval> <the interval between elections>
2 : a space between things <the interval between two desks>
3 : difference in pitch between tones

in·ter·vene \ˌint-ər-ˈvēn\ vb -vened; -ven·ing
1 : to happen as an unrelated event <rain intervened and we canceled the game>
2 : to come between points of time or between events <barely one minute intervened between the two phone calls>
3 : to come between in order to stop, settle, or change <intervene to stop a fight>
4 : to be or lie between <intervening hills>
— in·ter·ven·tion \-ˈven-chən\ n

in·ter·ver·te·bral disk \ˌin-tər-ˈvər-tə-brəl-, -(ˌ)vər-ˈtē-\ n : any of the tough disks situated between adjacent vertebrae of the backbone

in·ter·view \ˈint-ər-ˌvyü\ n
1 : a meeting usually face to face especially for the purpose of talking or consulting <an interview to evaluate a prospective student's qualifications>
2 : a meeting at which information is obtained (as by a reporter) from a person; also : the account of such a meeting
— interview vb

— in·ter·view·er n

in·ter·weave \ˌint-ər-ˈwēv\ vb
1 : to weave together
2 : to blend or cause to blend together
— in·ter·wo·ven \-ˈwō-vən\ adj

in·tes·tate \in-ˈtes-ˌtāt, -ˈtes-tət\ adj
1 : not having made a will <he died intestate>
2 : not disposed of by will <intestate personal property>
— in·tes·ta·cy \-ˈtes-tə-sē\ n

in·tes·ti·nal \in-ˈtes-tən-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the intestine
2 : affecting or occurring in the intestine
— in·tes·ti·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

in·tes·tine \in-ˈtes-tən\ n : the part of the alimentary canal that is a long tube composed of the small intestine and the large intestine, that extends from the stomach to the anus, that helps to digest food and absorb nutrients and water, and that carries waste matter to be discharged

in·ti·fa·da \ˌint-ə-ˈfäd-ə\ n : UPRISING, REBELLION [Arabic intifāda, literally, “the act of shaking off”]

in·ti·ma·cy \ˈint-ə-mə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the state of being intimate
2 : something of a personal or private nature <shared little intimacies in their letters>

1in·ti·mate \ˈint-ə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : ANNOUNCE 1
2 : to communicate indirectly : HINT
— in·ti·mat·er n

— in·ti·ma·tion \ˌint-ə-ˈmā-shən\ n

2in·ti·mate \ˈint-ə-mət\ adj
1 : belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature <her intimate reflections>
2 : marked by very close association or contact <an intimate familiarity with the rules>
3 a : marked by a warm friendship developing through long association <intimate friends>  b : suggesting informal warmth or privacy <intimate clubs>
4 : of a very personal or private nature <intimate secrets>
— in·ti·mate·ly adv

— in·ti·mate·ness n

3in·ti·mate \ˈint-ə-mət\ n : an intimate friend : CONFIDANT

in·tim·i·date \in-ˈtim-ə-ˌdāt\ vb -dat·ed; -dat·ing : to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats
— in·tim·i·da·tion \-ˌtim-ə-ˈdā-shən\ n

— in·tim·i·da·tor \-ˈtim-ə-ˌdāt-ər\ n

in·to \ˈin-tə, -tü\ prep
1 — used to indicate entry, introduction, or inclusion <came into the room> <enter into an agreement>
2 a : to the state, condition, or form of <got into trouble> <divide into four parts>  b : to the occupation, action, or possession of <go into farming>
3 : AGAINST 4 <ran into a wall>
4 : involved with or interested in <was never into abstract art>

in·tol·er·a·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rə-bəl, -ˈtäl-ər-bəl\ adj : not tolerable : UNBEARABLE <intolerable pain>
— in·tol·er·a·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌtäl-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·tol·er·a·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rə-blē, -ˈtäl-ər-blē\ adv

in·tol·er·ance \(ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being intolerant
2 : exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug or food)

in·tol·er·ant \(ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rənt\ adj
1 : unable or unwilling to endure
2 : unwilling to grant equality, freedom, or other social rights
— in·tol·er·ant·ly adv

in·to·na·tion \ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act of intoning; also : something intoned
2 : the ability to play or sing music in tune
3 : the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech
— in·to·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

in·tone \in-ˈtōn\ vb in·toned; in·ton·ing : to utter in musical or prolonged tones : CHANT
— in·ton·er n

in·tox·i·cant \in-ˈtäk-si-kənt\ n : something that intoxicates; esp : an alcoholic drink
— intoxicant adj

in·tox·i·cate \in-ˈtäk-sə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to affect by alcohol or a drug especially to the point where physical and mental control is much reduced
2 : to excite to enthusiasm or frenzy
Word History The Greek word toxon means “bow” or “arrow.” From this came the Greek toxikon, meaning “a poison in which arrows are dipped.” Toxikon was borrowed into Latin as toxicum, which gave rise to the Latin verb intoxicare, “to poison.” The English word intoxicate comes from this Latin verb. Intoxicate originally meant “to poison” in English, but now it is almost never used with this meaning. It is related to the words toxic, meaning “poisonous,” and toxin, meaning “a poison.” Both of these words can also be traced to the Greek toxon. [from Latin intoxicatus, past participle of intoxicare “to poison,” from earlier in- “put into” and toxicum “poison,” from Greek toxikon “arrow poison,” from toxon “bow, arrow” — related to TOXIC, TOXIN]

in·tox·i·ca·tion \in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : an unhealthy state that is or is like a poisoning <carbon monoxide intoxication>  b : the condition of being drunk
2 : a strong excitement or elation <the intoxication of success>

in·tra- \ˌin-trə, ˌin-(ˌ)trä\ prefix
1 a : within <intramural>  b : between layers of <intradermal>
2 : INTRO- 1 <intravenous> [derived from Latin intra “within, between”]

in·tra·cel·lu·lar \ˌin-trə-ˈsel-yə-lər\ adj : being or occurring within a cell
— in·tra·cel·lu·lar·ly adv

in·trac·ta·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈtrak-tə-bəl\ adj
1 : not easily managed or controlled <an intractable child>
2 : not easily relieved or cured <intractable pain>
— in·trac·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌtrak-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·trac·ta·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈtrak-tə-blē\ adv

in·tra·der·mal \ˌin-trə-ˈdər-məl, ˌin-(ˌ)trä-\ adj : situated or done within or between the layers of the skin
— in·tra·der·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

in·tra·mu·ral \ˌin-trə-ˈmyu̇r-əl, ˌin-(ˌ)trä-\ adj : being, occurring, or undertaken within the limits usually of a school <intramural sports>

in·tra·mus·cu·lar \ˌin-trə-ˈməs-kyə-lər, ˌin-(ˌ)trä-\ adj : located in, occurring in, or injected into a muscle

in·tran·si·tive \(ˈ)in-ˈtran(t)s-ət-iv, -ˈtranz-\ adj : not transitive; esp : not having or containing a direct object <an intransitive verb>
— in·tran·si·tive·ly adv

in·tra·spe·cif·ic \ˌin-trə-spi-ˈsif-ik\ adj : occurring within a species or involving members of one species

in·tra·state \ˌin-trə-ˈstāt\ adj : existing or occurring within a state

in·tra·uter·ine \ˌin-trə-ˈyüt-ə-rən, -ˌrīn\ adj : located, used, or occurring within the uterus <intrauterine growth>

intrauterine device n : a small plastic or metal device inserted into the uterus and left there to prevent pregnancy — called also IUD

in·tra·ve·nous \ˌin-trə-ˈvē-nəs\ adj : being within or entering by way of the veins <intravenous feeding>
— in·tra·ve·nous·ly adv

in·trep·id \in-ˈtrep-əd\ adj : feeling no fear : BOLD
— in·tre·pid·i·ty \ˌin-trə-ˈpid-ət-ē\ n

— in·trep·id·ly \in-ˈtrep-əd-lē\ adj

— in·trep·id·ness n

in·tri·ca·cy \ˈin-tri-kə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being intricate
2 : something intricate <the intricacies of the plot>

in·tri·cate \ˈin-tri-kət\ adj : having many complexly interrelating parts, elements, or considerations : COMPLICATED <an intricate design> <difficult to solve the intricate puzzle>
— in·tri·cate·ly adv

— in·tri·cate·ness n

1in·trigue \in-ˈtrēg\ vb in·trigued; in·trigu·ing
1 : to get or accomplish by secret plotting <intrigued their way into the party>
2 : 2PLOT 2, SCHEME
3 : to arouse the interest or curiosity of <intrigued by the tale>
— in·trigu·er n

2in·trigue \ˈin-ˌtrēg, in-ˈtrēg\ n
1 : a secret and complicated scheme : PLOT
2 : a secret love affair

in·trin·sic \in-ˈtrin-zik, -ˈtrin(t)-sik\ adj : belonging to the essential nature of a thing <the intrinsic value of a gem>
— in·trin·si·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

in·tro- \ˌin-trə, ˌin-(ˌ)trō\ prefix
1 : in : into <introduce>
2 : inward <introvert> [derived from Latin intro “inside”]

in·tro·duce \ˌin-trə-ˈd(y)üs\ vb -duced; -duc·ing
1 : to bring into practice or use <introduce a new fashion>
2 : to lead or bring in <introduced a new topic>
3 a : to cause to become acquainted <introduce two strangers>  b : to present or announce officially <introduce a legislative bill>  c : to make preliminary remarks about <introduced the star of the show>
4 : to bring to a knowledge of something <introduced them to new ideas>
5 : to put in : INSERT
— in·tro·duc·er n

in·tro·duc·tion \ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən\ n
1 a : the action of introducing  b : something introduced
2 : the part of a book that leads up to and explains what will be found in the main part
3 : a book for beginners in a subject

in·tro·duc·to·ry \ˌin-trə-ˈdək-t(ə-)rē\ adj : serving to introduce
— in·tro·duc·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adv

in·tro·spec·tion \ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən\ n : an examination of one's own thoughts or feelings
— in·tro·spec·tive \-ˈspek-tiv\ adj

— in·tro·spec·tive·ly adv

in·tro·vert \ˈin-trə-ˌvərt\ n
1 : a person who is concerned or interested mostly in one's own thoughts and ideas
2 : a person who is shy or reserved and enjoys spending time alone
— in·tro·ver·sion \ˌin-trə-ˈver-zhən, -shən\ n

— in·tro·vert·ed \-ˌvərt-əd\ adj

in·trude \in-ˈtrüd\ vb in·trud·ed; in·trud·ing
1 : to bring or force in unasked
2 : to come or go in without invitation
— in·trud·er n

in·tru·sion \in-ˈtrü-zhən\ n
1 : the act of intruding : the state of being intruded
2 : the entry by force of melted rock into or between other rock formations

in·tru·sive \in-ˈtrü-siv, -ziv\ adj
1 a : characterized by intrusion <intrusive memories>  b : intruding where one is not welcome or invited <intrusive neighbors>
2 : having been forced while in a melted state into cavities or between layers <intrusive rocks>
— intrusive n

— in·tru·sive·ly adv

— in·tru·sive·ness n

in·tu·ition \ˌin-t(y)u̇-ˈish-ən\ n
1 : the power of knowing immediately and without conscious reasoning
2 : something known or understood at once
— in·tu·ition·al \-ˈish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

in·tu·itive \in-ˈt(y)ü-ət-iv\ adj
1 : knowing or understanding by intuition <an intuitive person>
2 : having or characterized by intuition <an intuitive mind>
3 : known or understood by intuition <intuitive knowledge>
— in·tu·itive·ly adj

— in·tu·itive·ness n

In·u·it \ˈin-ü-wət, -yü-\ also In·nu·it n
1 pl Inuit or Inuits also Innuit or Innuits  a : any of a number of groups of indigenous peoples of northern Alaska, arctic Canada, and Greenland — used especially of those of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland  b : a member of such people
2 : any of the languages of the Inuit

in·un·date \ˈin-(ˌ)ən-ˌdāt\ vb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
1 : to cover with a flood : 2DELUGE 1
2 : , OVERWHELM 2 <inundated with e-mail>
— in·un·da·tion \ˌin-(ˌ)ən-ˈdā-shən\ n

Inu·pi·at \in-ˈü-pē-ˌät, in-ˈyü-\ n
1 pl Inupiat or Inupiats : a member of the Eskimo people of northern Alaska
2 : the language of the Inupiat people

in·ure \in-ˈ(y)u̇(ə)r\ vb in·ured; in·ur·ing
1 : to make less sensitive : HARDEN <inured to cold>
2 : ACCRUE 1

in·vade \in-ˈvād\ vb in·vad·ed; in·vad·ing
1 : to enter for conquest or plunder
2 : to disturb or intrude upon <invaded their privacy>
3 : to spread over or into usually harmfully <bacteria invading tissue>
— in·vad·er n

1in·val·id \(ˈ)in-ˈval-əd\ adj : having no force or effect : not valid <an invalid parking sticker> <an invalid assumption> [from earlier invalid “not having a sound basis in fact or reason, not valid,” from Latin invalidus “weak”]
— in·va·lid·i·ty \ˌin-və-ˈlid-ət-ē\ n

— in·val·id·ly \(ˈ)in-ˈval-əd-lē\ adv

2in·va·lid \ˈin-və-ləd\ adj
1 : suffering from disease or disability : SICKLY
2 : of, relating to, or suited to an invalid [from French invalide “suffering from a disease, sickly,” from Latin invalidus “weak”]

3invalid \like{h,2}\ n : one who is sickly or disabled

4in·va·lid \ˈin-və-ləd, -ˌlid\ vb : to make sickly or disabled

in·val·i·date \(ˈ)in-ˈval-ə-ˌdāt\ vb : to weaken or destroy the effect of <evidence invalidating their claim>
— in·val·i·da·tion \(ˌ)in-ˌval-ə-ˈdā-shən\ n

in·valu·able \(ˈ)in-ˈval-yə(-wə)-bəl\ adj : having value too great to be estimated
— in·valu·ably \-blē\ adv

in·vari·able \(ˈ)in-ˈver-ē-ə-bəl, -ˈvar-\ adj : not changing or capable of change <an invariable routine>
— in·vari·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌver-ē-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē, -ˌvar-\ n

— invariable n

in·vari·ably \(ˈ)in-ˈver-ē-ə-blē, -ˈvar-\ adv : on every occasion : ALWAYS <invariably late>

in·vari·ant \(ˈ)in-ˈver-ē-ənt, -ˈvar-\ adj : not changing or altering
— invariant n

in·va·sion \in-ˈvā-zhən\ n : an act of invading; esp : entrance of an army into a country for conquest

in·va·sive \in-ˈvā-siv, -ziv\ adj : tending to spread; esp : tending to invade healthy tissue <invasive cancer cells>

in·vec·tive \in-ˈvek-tiv\ n : harsh or insulting words

in·veigh \in-ˈvā\ vb : to protest or complain bitterly

in·vei·gle \in-ˈvā-gəl\ vb in·vei·gled; in·vei·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to win over by flattery : ENTICE <was inveigled into helping out>
2 : to acquire by cleverness or flattery : WANGLE <inveigled a new bike from my father>

in·vent \in-ˈvent\ vb
1 : to think up : MAKE UP <invent an excuse>
2 : to create or produce for the first time <invented a new game>
— in·ven·tor \-ˈvent-ər\ n

in·ven·tion \in-ˈven-chən\ n
1 : something invented; esp : an original device or process
2 : an imaginary story
3 : the act, process, or power of inventing

in·ven·tive \in-ˈvent-iv\ adj : gifted with the skill and imagination to invent
— in·ven·tive·ly adv

— in·ven·tive·ness n

1in·ven·to·ry \ˈin-vən-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a complete list of items (as of goods on hand)
2 : the stock of goods on hand
3 : the act or process of making an inventory

2inventory vb -ried; -ry·ing : to make an inventory of

1in·verse \(ˈ)in-ˈvərs, ˈin-vərs\ adj
1 : opposite in order, nature, or effect <an inverse relationship between interest rates and houses sold>
2 : being a mathematical operation opposite in effect to another <addition and subtraction are inverse operations>

2in·verse \ˈin-ˌvərs, (ˈ)in-ˈvərs\ n : something inverse or resulting in or from inversion

in·verse·ly \ˈin-ˌvərs-lē, (ˈ)in-ˈvərs-lē\ adv
1 : in an inverse order or manner
2 : in the manner of inverse variation

inversely proportional adj : related by inverse variation — compare DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL

inverse square law n : a statement in physics: a physical quantity (as illumination) varies as the reciprocal of the square of the distance of the quantity from its source

inverse variation n
1 : mathematical relationship between two variables which can be expressed by an equation in which the product of two variables is equal to a constant
2 : an equation or function expressing inverse variation — compare DIRECT VARIATION 2

in·ver·sion \in-ˈvər-zhən, -shən\ n
1 : a reversal of position, order, or relationship
2 : the act or process of inverting
3 : increase of temperature of the air with increasing altitude

in·vert \in-ˈvərt\ vb
1 : to reverse the position, order, or relationship of
2 a : to turn inside out or upside down  b : to turn inward
3 : to find the mathematical reciprocal of <to divide using fractions, invert the divisor and multiply>

1in·ver·te·brate \(ˈ)in-ˈvərt-ə-brət, -ˌbrāt\ adj : lacking a backbone <an invertebrate animal>; also : of or relating to invertebrate animals <invertebrate fossils>

2invertebrate n : an animal (as a worm, clam, spider, or butterfly) that lacks a backbone

1in·vest \in-ˈvest\ vb
1 a : INSTALL 1  b : to furnish with power or authority
2 : to cover completely
3 : CLOTHE 1A, ADORN
4 : to surround with troops or ships : BESIEGE
5 : to supply with a quality or characteristic

2invest vb
1 : to lay out money so as to return a profit <invest in bonds and real estate>
2 : to expend for future benefits or advantages <invest time and effort in a project>
3 : to involve or engage especially emotionally <were deeply invested in their children's lives>
— in·ves·tor \-ˈves-tər\ n

in·ves·ti·gate \in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to study by close examination and systematic inquiry
— in·ves·ti·ga·tion \-ˌves-tə-ˈgā-shən\ n

— in·ves·ti·ga·tive \-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt-iv\ adj

— in·ves·ti·ga·tor \-ˌgāt-ər\ n

— in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry \-ˈves-ti-gə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
Word History A detective investigating a crime may find the criminal by following clues. In much the same way, a hunter may find game by following tracks. The origins of the word investigate show how fitting it is to compare the detective to the hunter. The Latin word vestigium meant “footprint, track.” Joined with the prefix in-, the noun vestigium gave rise to the verb investigare. This word meant both “to track or trace by footprints” and “to study or examine closely.” Only the second meaning was kept when the verb was borrowed into English as investigate. [from Latin investigare “to track, investigate,” from in- “in, toward” and vestigium “footprint” — related to VESTIGE]

in·ves·ti·ture \in-ˈves-tə-ˌchu̇r, -chər\ n : a person in an office, rank, or order <investiture of the prince> : the act of establishing

1in·vest·ment \in-ˈves(t)-mənt\ n
1 : INVESTITURE 1
2 : BLOCKADE, SIEGE

2investment n
1 : the outlay of money for income or profit
2 : a sum of money invested or a property purchased

in·vet·er·ate \in-ˈvet-ə-rət, -ˈve-trət\ adj
1 : firmly established by age or by long continuation <inveterate habits>
2 : HABITUAL 2 <an inveterate complainer>
— in·vet·er·ate·ly adv

in·vid·i·ous \in-ˈvid-ē-əs\ adj
1 : of an unpleasant or objectionable kind <invidious criticism>
2 : of a kind to cause resentment <an invidious comparison>
— in·vid·i·ous·ly adv

— in·vid·i·ous·ness n

in·vig·o·rate \in-ˈvig-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to give life and energy to
— in·vig·o·ra·tion \-ˌvig-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— in·vig·o·ra·tor \-ˈvig-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n

in·vin·ci·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈvin(t)-sə-bəl\ adj : incapable of being defeated, overcome, or subdued <an invincible army>
— in·vin·ci·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌvin(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·vin·ci·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈvin(t)-sə-blē\ adv

in·vi·o·la·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈvī-ə-lə-bəl\ adj
1 : too sacred to be violated <an inviolable oath>
2 : incapable of being harmed or destroyed by violence <an inviolable fortress>
— in·vi·o·la·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌvī-ə-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·vi·o·la·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈvī-ə-lə-blē\ adv

in·vi·o·late \(ˈ)in-ˈvī-ə-lət\ adj : not violated; esp : PURE
— in·vi·o·late·ly adv

— in·vi·o·late·ness n

in·vis·i·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈviz-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : impossible to see <sound is invisible>
2 : being so small or slight as to be hardly noticeable <an invisible error>
— in·vis·i·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·vis·i·bly \(ˈ)in-ˈviz-ə-blē\ adv

in·vi·ta·tion \ˌin-və-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of inviting
2 : the written, printed, or spoken expression by which a person is invited
— in·vi·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1in·vite \in-ˈvīt\ vb in·vit·ed; in·vit·ing
1 : to make more likely <behavior that invites criticism> <invite disaster by speeding>
2 a : to request the presence or participation of  b : to request formally or politely
— in·vit·er n

2in·vite \ˈin-ˌvīt\ n : INVITATION

in·vit·ing \in-ˈvīt-iŋ\ adj : ATTRACTIVE, TEMPTING <an inviting prospect>
— in·vit·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

in vi·tro \in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō\ adv or adj : outside the living body and in an artificial environment <an egg fertilized in vitro> [Latin, literally, “in glass”]

in vi·vo \in-ˈvē-(ˌ)vō, -ˈwē-(ˌ)wō\ adv or adj : inside the living body of a plant or animal <in vivo activity> [Latin, literally, “in the living”]

in·vo·ca·tion \ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of asking for help or support  b : a prayer for blessing or guidance (as at the beginning of a religious service)
2 : a formula for calling forth spirits or performing magic : INCANTATION
— in·vo·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1in·voice \ˈin-ˌvȯis\ n : an itemized statement of goods or services with their prices and the terms of sale

2invoice vb in·voiced; in·voic·ing : to submit an invoice for : BILL

in·voke \in-ˈvōk\ vb in·voked; in·vok·ing
1 : to call on for aid or protection (as in prayer)
2 : to call forth by magic : CONJURE <invoke spirits>
3 : to appeal to as an authority or for support <invoke a law>

in·vol·un·tary \(ˈ)in-ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : not made or done willingly or from choice : UNWILLING
2 : being enforced or required : MANDATORY
3 : not normally under the control of the will <an involuntary response to a stimulus>
— in·vol·un·tari·ly \(ˌ)in-ˌväl-ən-ˈter-ə-lē\ adv

involuntary muscle n : SMOOTH MUSCLE

in·vo·lu·tion \ˌin-və-ˈlü-shən\ n : INTRICACY 1, COMPLEXITY

in·volve \in-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv\ vb in·volved; in·volv·ing
1 : to take part in as a participant <involved in bird watching>
2 : to occupy absorbingly <so involved in the book, she didn't hear the doorbell>
3 : to have within or as a part of itself : INCLUDE <one problem involves others>
4 : to call for : REQUIRE <the job involved building 10 bridges>
5 : to have an effect on : AFFECT <the renovations involved the whole school>
— in·volve·ment \-mənt\ n

— in·volv·er n

in·volved adj : very complicated <a long and involved story>

in·vul·ner·a·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-bəl, -ˈvəl-nər-bəl\ adj
1 : impossible to wound, injure, or damage
2 : immune to or proof against attack : IMPREGNABLE
— in·vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌvəln-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— in·vul·ner·a·bly \-ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-blē, -ˈvəl-nər-blē\ adv

1in·ward \ˈin-wərd\ adj
1 : situated on the inside : INNER
2 : of or relating to the mind or spirit <an inward peace>
3 : directed toward the interior <an inward flow>

2inward or in·wards \ˈin-wərdz\ adv
1 : toward the inside, center, or interior
2 : toward the mind or spirit

in·ward·ly \ˈin-wərd-lē\ adv
1 : in the mind or spirit
2 a : on the inside <bled inwardly>  b : to oneself : PRIVATELY <chuckled inwardly>

in–your–face \ˌin-yər-ˌfās\ adj : characterized by bold and often defiant aggressiveness <in-your-face basketball>

io·dide \ˈī-ə-ˌdīd\ n : a compound of iodine with another element or chemical group

io·dine \ˈī-ə-ˌdīn, -əd-ən, -ə-ˌdēn\ also io·din \ˈī-əd-ən\ n
1 : a nonmetallic element that is obtained usually as heavy shining blackish gray crystals and is used especially in medicine and photography — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 : a solution of iodine in alcohol used to kill germs

io·dize \ˈī-ə-ˌdīz\ vb io·dized; io·diz·ing : to treat with iodine or an iodide <iodized salt>

Io moth \ˌī-ō-\ n : a large North American moth with a large eyelike spot on each yellowish hind wing

ion \ˈī-ən, ˈī-ˌän\ n : an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons

-ion n suffix
1 a : act or process <validation>  b : result of an act or process <regulation>
2 : state or condition <hydration> [derived from Latin -ion (suffix) “act or process”]

ion·ic \ī-ˈän-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or existing in the form of ions

Ion·ic \ī-ˈän-ik\ adj : belonging to or resembling a style of Greek architecture characterized especially by decoration resembling scrolls in the capitals of its columns

ionic bond n : a chemical bond formed between ions of opposite charge

ion·ize \ˈī-ə-ˌnīz\ vb ion·ized; ion·iz·ing
1 : to convert wholly or partly into ions
2 : to become ionized
— ion·iz·able \-ˌnī-zə-bəl\ adj

— ion·i·za·tion \ˌī-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— ion·iz·er \ˈī-ə-ˌnī-zər\ n

ion·o·sphere \ī-ˈän-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : the part of the earth's atmosphere beginning at an altitude of about 30 miles (50 kilometers) and extending outward that contains free electrically charged particles
— ion·o·spher·ic \ī-ˌän-ə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik, -ˈsfer-\ adj

io·ta \ī-ˈōt-ə\ n
1 : the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet — Ι or ι
2 : a tiny amount : JOT <didn't show an iota of interest>

IOU \ˌī-(ˌ)ō-ˈyü\ n : a paper that has on it the letters IOU, a stated sum, and a signature and that is given to acknowledge a debt

-ious adj suffix : -OUS <capacious> [derived from Latin -iosus and -ius (adjective suffixes)]

IP address \ˈī-ˈpē-\ n : the address of a computer on the Internet that consists of a series of numbers [IP short for Internet protocol]

ip·e·cac \ˈip-i-ˌkak\ or ipe·ca·cu·a·nha \ē-ˌpek-ə-ku̇-ˈan-yə\ n
1 : either of two South American creeping plants
2 : the dried roots or rhizome of an ipecac that are the source of a medicinal syrup used to cause vomiting in the treatment of accidental poisoning; also : the medicinal syrup

IQ \ˈī-ˈkyü\ n : a number that is often used as a measure of a person's intelligence and is found by dividing the mental age of the person as given by a score on a special test by the age in years and multiplying by 100 [intelligence quotient]

ir- — see IN-

Ira·ni·an \ir-ˈā-nē-ən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Iran
2 : a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes Persian
— Iranian adj

iras·ci·ble \ir-ˈas-ə-bəl\ adj : having a hot temper and easily angered
— iras·ci·bil·i·ty \ir-ˌas-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— iras·ci·bly \ir-ˈas-ə-blē\ adv

irate \ī-ˈrāt\ adj : ANGRY 1A
— irate·ly adv

— irate·ness n

ire \ˈī(ə)r\ n : 1ANGER
— ire vb

— ire·ful \-fəl\ adj

— ire·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

ir·i·des·cence \ˌir-ə-ˈdes-ən(t)s\ n : a play of colors producing rainbow effects (as in a soap bubble)

ir·i·des·cent \ˌir-ə-ˈdes-ənt\ adj : having or showing iridescence
— ir·i·des·cent·ly adv

irid·i·um \ir-ˈid-ē-əm\ n : a rare silver-white hard brittle very heavy metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

iris \ˈī-rəs\ n, pl iris·es \-rə-səz\ or iri·des \ˈī-rə-ˌdēz, ˈir-ə-\
1 : the colored part around the pupil of the eye that changes in size to control the amount of light entering the pupil
2 also pl iris : any of a large genus of plants with long pointed leaves and large usually brightly colored flowers
3 : IRIS DIAPHRAGM

iris diaphragm n : an adjustable diaphragm of thin plates used for changing the diameter of a central opening to control the amount of light passing (as into a microscope or camera)

Irish \ˈī(ə)r-ish\ n
1 Irish pl : the people of Ireland
2 : the Celtic language of Ireland
— Irish adj

Irish·man \ˈī-rish-mən\ n : a person born or living in Ireland

Irish moss n : either of two red algae; also : these algae when dried and bleached for use especially as thickeners or soothing agents (as in food or lotions)

Irish potato n : POTATO 2B

Irish setter n : any of a breed of bird dogs having a mahogany-red coat

Irish terrier n : any of a breed of active medium-sized terriers having a dense short usually reddish stiff coat

Irish wolfhound n : any of a breed of very tall heavily built hounds having a rough stiff somewhat short coat

Irish·wom·an \ˈī-rish-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman born or living in Ireland

irk \ˈərk\ vb : to make weary, irritated, or bored : ANNOY

irk·some \ˈərk-səm\ adj : annoying because of length or dullness <an irksome task>
— irk·some·ly adv

— irk·some·ness n

1iron \ˈī(-ə)rn\ n
1 : a heavy magnetic silver-white metallic element that quickly rusts in moist air, occurs in meteorites and rocks, and is widely used — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 : something made of iron: as  a pl : handcuffs or chains used to bind or hinder movement  b : a heated metal tool used for branding  c : a household device with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth or press cloth
3 : STRENGTH 1, HARDNESS <muscles of iron>

2iron adj
1 : of, relating to, or made of iron
2 : resembling iron
3 : being strong and healthy : ROBUST <an iron constitution>
4 : INFLEXIBLE 3, UNRELENTING <iron determination>

3iron vb : to smooth or press clothes with a heated iron <iron a shirt>
— iron·er n

Iron Age n : the period of human culture characterized by the smelting and use of iron and beginning somewhat before 1000 b.c. in western Asia and Egypt

iron·bound \ˈī(-ə)rn-ˈbau̇nd\ adj
1 : RUGGED 1 <ironbound coasts>
2 : 1STERN 1A <ironbound traditions>

1iron·clad \-ˈklad\ adj
1 : covered by iron armor
2 : RIGOROUS 1, EXACTING <ironclad laws>

2iron·clad \-ˌklad\ n : an armored naval vessel

iron curtain n : a political and military barrier that isolates an area from outside contact

iron horse n : 2LOCOMOTIVE

iron·ic \ˈī-ˈrän-ik\ also iron·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj : relating to, containing, or being irony <an ironic turn of events> <an ironic laugh>
— iron·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

iron lung n : a device for artificial respiration in which the air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest changes in a rhythm and forces air into and out of the lungs

iron out vb
1 : to make smooth or flat by or as if by ironing
2 : to work out a solution to <ironed out their differences>

iron oxide n : any of the oxides of iron; esp : FERRIC OXIDE

iron·stone \ˈī(-ə)rn-ˌstōn\ n : a hard white pottery first made in England — called also ironstone china

iron sulfide n : a compound (as a pyrite) of iron and sulfur

iron·ware \ˈī(-ə)rn-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : articles made of iron

iron·weed \-ˌwēd\ n : any of several mostly weedy plants related to the daisies and bearing clusters of red, purple, or white flowers

iron·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n
1 : any of numerous trees and shrubs with very tough hard wood
2 : the wood of an ironwood

iron·work \-ˌwərk\ n
1 : work in iron
2 pl : a mill or building where iron or steel is smelted or heavy iron or steel products are made
— iron·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ n

iro·ny \ˈī-rə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 a : the use of words that mean the opposite of what one really intends  b : an ironic expression or utterance
2 a : inconsistency between an actual and an expected result of a sequence of events  b : a result marked by this inconsistency
3 : the contradiction between the situation developed in a drama and the words or actions of the characters that is understood by the audience but not by the characters themselves

Ir·o·quois \ˈir-ə-ˌkwȯi\ n, pl Iroquois \-ˌkwȯi(z)\ : a member of any of the peoples of an American Indian confederacy that existed originally in central New York state

ir·ra·di·ate \ir-ˈād-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 a : to cast rays of light on : ILLUMINATE  b : to affect or treat by exposure to radiation (as of ultraviolet light, X-rays, or gamma rays)
2 : to give off like rays of light : RADIATE
— ir·ra·di·a·tion \-ˌād-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

ir·ra·tio·nal \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ash-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : unable to reason <irrational beasts> <irrational from fever>
2 : not based on reason <irrational fear>
3 : being an irrational number <an irrational root of an equation>
— ir·ra·tio·nal·i·ty \(ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)ash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n

— ir·ra·tio·nal·ly \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ash-nə-lē, -ən-əl-ē\ adv

irrational number n : a number (as √2) that cannot be expressed as the quotient of two whole numbers

ir·rec·on·cil·able \(ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)ek-ən-ˈsī-lə-bəl, (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ek-ən-ˌsī-\ adj : impossible to reconcile, adjust, or harmonize <ended the partnership because of irreconcilable differences>
— ir·rec·on·cil·ably \-blē\ adv

ir·re·cov·er·able \ˌir-i-ˈkəv-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being recovered or made right <an irrecoverable loss>
— ir·re·cov·er·ably \-blē\ adv

ir·re·deem·able \ˌir-i-ˈdē-mə-bəl\ adj
1 : not redeemable
2 : being beyond remedy : HOPELESS
— ir·re·deem·ably \-blē\ adv

ir·re·duc·ible \ˌir-i-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl\ adj : not reducible
— ir·re·duc·ibil·i·ty \-ˌd(y)ü-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ir·re·duc·ibly \-ˈd(y)ü-sə-blē\ adv

ir·re·fut·able \ˌir-i-ˈfyüt-ə-bəl, (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ef-yət-\ adj : not capable of being proved wrong : INDISPUTABLE <irrefutable proof>
— ir·re·fut·ably \-blē\ adv

1ir·reg·u·lar \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)eg-yə-lər\ adj
1 a : not following custom or rule  b : not belonging to a recognized or organized body <irregular troops>
2 a : not following the normal or usual manner of inflection <the irregular verb “sell”>  b : STRONG 12 <the irregular verb “write”>
3 a : having one or more like parts unequal in size, form, or the way they are arranged <irregular flowers>  b : UNEVEN
4 : not continuous or regular in occurrence <at irregular intervals>
— ir·reg·u·lar·ly adv

2irregular n
1 : an irregular soldier
2 : merchandise that is slightly imperfect

ir·reg·u·lar·i·ty \(ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)eg-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being irregular
2 : something (as dishonest conduct) that is irregular
3 : CONSTIPATION

ir·rel·e·vant \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)el-ə-vənt\ adj : not relevant : not applicable or pertinent <the evidence presented was judged irrelevant to the case>
— ir·rel·e·vance \-vən(t)s\ or ir·rel·e·van·cy \-vən-sē\ n

— ir·rel·e·vant·ly adv

ir·re·li·gious \ˌir-i-ˈlij-əs\ adj : lacking religious emotions, principles, or practices
— ir·re·li·gious·ly adv

ir·re·me·di·a·ble \ˌir-i-ˈmēd-ē-ə-bəl\ adj : not remediable; also : INCURABLE
— ir·re·me·di·a·bly \-blē\ adv

ir·re·mov·able \ˌir-i-ˈmü-və-bəl\ adj : not removable
— ir·re·mov·abil·i·ty \-ˌmü-və-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ir·re·mov·ably \-ˈmü-və-blē\ adv

ir·rep·a·ra·ble \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ep-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being repaired or regained <an irreparable loss>
— ir·rep·a·ra·bly \-blē\ adv

ir·re·place·able \ˌir-i-ˈplā-sə-bəl\ adj : not replaceable <a museum full of irreplaceable works of art>

ir·re·press·ible \ˌir-i-ˈpres-ə-bəl\ adj : impossible to repress or control <irrepressible curiosity>
— ir·re·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ir·re·press·ibly \-ˈpres-ə-blē\ adv

ir·re·proach·able \ˌir-i-ˈprō-chə-bəl\ adj : not reproachable : BLAMELESS
— ir·re·proach·ably \-blē\ adv

ir·re·sist·ible \ˌir-i-ˈzis-tə-bəl\ adj : impossible to resist <an irresistible attraction>
— ir·re·sist·ibil·i·ty \-ˌzis-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ adj

— ir·re·sist·ibly \-ˈzis-tə-blē\ adv

ir·res·o·lute \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ez-ə-ˌlüt, -lət\ adj : not resolute : HESITANT
— ir·res·o·lute·ly adv

— ir·res·o·lute·ness n

— ir·res·o·lu·tion \(ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)ez-ə-ˈlü-shən\ n

ir·re·spec·tive of \ˌir-i-ˈspek-tiv-\ prep : without regard to

ir·re·spon·si·ble \ˌir-i-ˈspän(t)-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : not legally responsible
2 : having or showing no sense of responsibility <irresponsible behavior>
3 : unable to bear responsibility
— ir·re·spon·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌspän(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ir·re·spon·si·bly \-ˈspän(t)-sə-blē\ adv

ir·re·triev·able \ˌir-i-ˈtrē-və-bəl\ adj : not capable of being recovered, regained, or remedied
— ir·re·triev·ably \-blē\ adv

ir·rev·er·ent \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ev-(ə-)rənt, -ərnt\ adj : showing lack of reverence <irreverent joking and giggling in church>
— ir·rev·er·ence \-ˈ(r)ev-(ə-)rən(t)s, -ˈ(r)ev-ərn(t)s\ n

— ir·rev·er·ent·ly adv

ir·re·vers·ible \ˌir-i-ˈvər-sə-bəl\ adj : impossible to reverse <an irreversible chemical reaction> <irreversible damage>
— ir·re·vers·ibil·i·ty \-ˌvər-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ir·re·vers·ibly \-ˈvər-sə-blē\ adv

ir·rev·o·ca·ble \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ev-ə-kə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being revoked <an irrevocable decision>
— ir·rev·o·ca·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)ev-ə-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ir·rev·o·ca·bly \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ev-ə-kə-blē\ adv

ir·ri·gate \ˈir-ə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to supply with water by artificial means <irrigate a field> <irrigate crops>
2 : to flush with a liquid <irrigate a wound>

ir·ri·ga·tion \ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n : an act or process of irrigating

ir·ri·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌir-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being irritable; esp : readiness to become annoyed or angry
2 : the property of living tissue and living things that permits them to react to stimuli

ir·ri·ta·ble \ˈir-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being irritated; esp : easily irritated <gets irritable when he's tired>
— ir·ri·ta·ble·ness n

— ir·ri·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

1ir·ri·tant \ˈir-ə-tənt\ adj : tending to produce anger, annoyance, impatience, soreness, or inflammation; esp : tending to produce physical irritation

2irritant n : something that irritates

ir·ri·tate \ˈir-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to cause impatience, anger, or displeasure in : ANNOY <were irritated by the child's rudeness>
2 : to make sore or inflamed <harsh soaps can irritate the skin>

ir·ri·ta·tion \ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of irritating : the state of being irritated
2 : 2IRRITANT

ir·rupt \(ˈ)i(ə)r-ˈ(r)əpt\ vb : to rush in violently : burst in
— ir·rup·tion \-ˈ(r)əp-shən\ n

is present 3rd singular of BE

is- or iso- combining form : equal : uniform <isobar> [derived from Greek isos “equal”]

Isa·iah \ī-ˈzā-ə\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

Isa·ias \ī-ˈzā-əs\ n : ISAIAH

is·chi·um \ˈis-kē-əm\ n, pl -chia \-kē-ə\ : the one of the three bones making up each side of the pelvis that is lowermost and in back

-ish \ish\ adj suffix
1 : of, relating to, or being <Finnish>
2 a : characteristic of <boyish> <mulish>  b : somewhat <purplish>  c : having the approximate age of <fortyish>  d : being or occurring at the approximate time of <arrive around eightish> [Old English -isc (adjective suffix)]

isin·glass \ˈiz-ən-ˌglas, ˈī-ziŋ-\ n : mica in thin sheets

Is·lam \is-ˈläm, iz-, -ˈlam; ˈis-ˌläm, ˈiz-ˌläm, -ˌlam\ n
1 : a religion marked by belief in Allah as the sole deity, in Muhammad as his prophet, and in the Koran
2 a : the civilization erected upon Islamic faith  b : the modern nations in which Islam is the dominant religion
— Is·lam·ic \is-ˈläm-ik, iz-, -ˈlam-\ adj

is·land \ˈī-lənd\ n
1 : an area of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent
2 : something suggestive of an island in its isolation [an altered form of earlier iland “island,” derived from Old English īgland “island”; the spelling island was influenced by the word isle, which is not related]

is·land·er \ˈī-lən-dər\ n : a person born or living on an island

island universe n : a galaxy other than the Milky Way

isle \ˈī(ə)l\ n : ISLAND 1; esp : ISLET [from early French isle “isle, island,” from Latin insula “island” — related to INSULATE, ISOLATE, PENINSULA]

is·let \ˈī-lət\ n
1 : a little island
2 : ISLET OF LANGERHANS

islet of Lang·er·hans \-ˈläŋ-ər-ˌhänz, -ˌhän(t)s\ n, pl islets of Langerhans : one of the groups of small endocrine cells in the pancreas that produce and give off insulin

ism \ˈiz-əm\ n
1 : a distinctive belief, cause, or theory
2 : an oppressive and especially discriminatory attitude or belief

-ism \ˌiz-əm\ n suffix
1 a : act : practice : process <criticism> <plagiarism>  b : manner of action or behavior <heroism>
2 a : state : condition : property <skepticism>  b : abnormal state or condition <alcoholism>
3 : doctrine : theory : cult <Buddhism> <socialism>
4 : characteristic or peculiar feature <colloquialism> [derived from Greek -isma and Greek -ismos (noun suffixes)]

isn't \ˈiz-ənt\ : is not

iso·bar \ˈī-sə-ˌbär\ n : a line drawn on a map to indicate areas having the same atmospheric pressure at a given time or for a given period
— iso·bar·ic \ˌī-sə-ˈbär-ik, -ˈbar-\ adj

iso·late \ˈī-sə-ˌlāt also ˈis-ə-\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to set or keep apart from others [derived from French isolé (adjective) “isolated, set off from others,” from Italian isola “island,” from Latin insula “island” — related to INSULATE, ISLE, PENINSULA]

iso·la·tion \ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən also ˌis-ə-\ n
1 : the act of isolating : the condition of being isolated
2 : separation of a population of living things from related forms in such a manner as to prevent crossbreeding

iso·la·tion·ism \ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm\ n : a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations
— iso·la·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nəst\ n or adj

iso·mer \ˈī-sə-mər\ n : one of two or more chemical compounds or groups that have the same numbers of atoms of the same elements but differ in structure
— iso·mer·ic \ˌī-sə-ˈmer-ik\ adj

— isom·er·ism \ī-ˈsäm-ə-ˌriz-əm\ n

iso·met·ric \ˌī-sə-ˈme-trik\ adj : of, relating to, or being muscular contraction of the kind that takes place in doing isometrics

iso·met·rics \ˌī-sə-ˈme-triks\ n sing or pl : exercise or a system of exercises in which force is applied to an unmoving object (as a wall) so that opposing muscles are contracted with little shortening of muscle fibers and no movements of joints

iso·pod \ˈī-sə-ˌpäd\ n : any of a large order of small crustaceans (as a wood louse) with a thorax made up of seven segments of which each bears a pair of legs
— isopod adj

iso·prene \ˈī-sə-ˌprēn\ n : a compound used especially in making synthetic rubber

iso·pro·pyl alcohol \ˌī-sə-ˈprō-pəl-\ n : a flammable liquid used especially to dissolve things and as rubbing alcohol

isos·ce·les \ī-ˌsäs-(ə-)ˌlēz\ adj
1 : being a triangle with two equal sides
2 : being a trapezoid whose two nonparallel sides are equal

isos·ta·sy \ī-ˈsäs-tə-sē\ n : the state of balance that exists between the earth's crust and the denser rock material beneath
— iso·stat·ic \ˌī-sə-ˈstat-ik\ adj

iso·therm \ˈī-sə-ˌthərm\ n : a line on a map connecting points having the same temperature

iso·tope \ˈī-sə-ˌtōp\ n : any of the forms of an element that differ in the number of neutrons in an atom
— iso·to·pic \ˌī-sə-ˈtäp-ik, -ˈtō-pik\ adj

— iso·to·pi·cal·ly \-ˈtäp-i-k(ə-)lē, -ˈtō-pi-\ adv

Is·rae·li \iz-ˈrā-lē\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of the republic of Israel or its people
— Israeli n

Is·ra·el·ite \ˈiz-r(ē-)ə-ˌlīt\ n : a descendant of the Hebrew patriarch Jacob; esp : a person born or living in the ancient kingdom of Israel
— Israelite adj

is·su·ance \ˈish-u̇-wən(t)s\ n : the act of issuing especially officially

1is·sue \ˈish-ü\ n
1 : the action of going, coming, or flowing out
2 : a means or place of going out : EXIT, OUTLET
3 : OFFSPRING, PROGENY
4 : final outcome : RESULT
5 : a point of debate or controversy
6 : a giving off (as of blood) from the body
7 : something issued or issuing; esp : the copies of a publication published at one time

2issue vb is·sued; is·su·ing
1 : to go, come, or flow out : EMERGE <water issuing from a pipe>
2 a : to cause to come forth  b : to distribute officially  c : to send out for sale or circulation : PUBLISH
3 : to come as an effect : RESULT [Middle English issuen “to go out, flow out,” derived from early French issir “to come or go out,” from Latin exire “to go out,” from ex- “out of, from” and ire “to go” — related to EXIT, ITINERARY, TRANSIT]
— is·su·er n

-ist \əst\ n suffix
1 a : one that performs a (specified) action <cyclist> : one that makes or produces <novelist>  b : one that plays a (specified) musical instrument <harpist>  c : one that operates a (specified) machine <automobilist>
2 : one that specializes in a (specified) art or science or skill <geologist>
3 : one that believes in or favors a (specified) doctrine or system or code of behavior <socialist> or that of a (specified) individual <Buddhist> [derived from Greek -istēs (noun suffix)]

isth·mus \ˈis-məs\ n : a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas

-is·tic \ˈis-tik\ or -is·ti·cal \ˈis-ti-kəl\ adj suffix : of, relating to, or characteristic of [derived from Greek -istikos (adjective suffix), from -istēs (noun suffix) “-ist”]

1it \(ˈ)it, ət\ pron
1 : that one — used usually to refer to a lifeless thing <caught the ball and threw it back>, a living thing whose sex is unknown or disregarded <don't know who it is>, a group, or an abstract entity
2 — used as subject of a verb that expresses a condition or action without a doer <it is raining>
3 a — used in the usual place of a noun, phrase, or clause not in its ordinary place <it is necessary to repeat the whole thing> <it was here that I lost my way>  b — used as a direct object with little or no meaning <footed it back to camp>
4 : the general state of affairs <how is it going>

2it \ˈit\ n : the player in a game (as tag) who has to catch the others

Ital·ian \ə-ˈtal-yən, i-\ n
1 a : a person born or living in Italy  b : a person of Italian ancestry
2 : the Romance language of the Italians
— Italian adj

Italian sandwich n : 2SUBMARINE 2

1ital·ic \ə-ˈtal-ik, i-, ī-\ adj
1 cap : of or relating to ancient Italy, its peoples, or their Indo-European languages
2 : of, relating to, or being a type style with characters that slant upward to the right (as in “these words are italic”)

2italic n : an italic character or type

ital·i·cize \ə-ˈtal-ə-ˌsīz, i-, ī-\ vb -cized; -ciz·ing : to print in italics or underline with a single line

1itch \ˈich\ vb
1 : to have or produce an itch
2 : to cause to itch
3 : to have a strong desire <itching to get going>

2itch n
1 a : an uneasy irritating feeling in the skin usually held to result from exciting cells or groups of cells which sense pain  b : a skin disorder accompanied by an itch; esp : SCABIES
2 : a restless usually constant desire
— itch·i·ness \ˈich-ē-nəs\ n

— itchy \-ē\ adj

it'd \ˈit-əd\ : it had : it would

-ite \ˌīt\ n suffix
1 a : one who is from or lives in a (specified) area <suburbanite> <New Jerseyite>  b : descendant <Israelite>
2 : product
3 : fossil <ammonite>
4 : mineral <halite> : rock <quartzite> [derived from Greek -itēs (noun and adjective suffix)]

item \ˈīt-əm\ n
1 : a separate part in a list, account, or series
2 : a brief piece of news or an article reporting it

item·ize \ˈīt-ə-ˌmīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to set down one by one : LIST <itemize expenses>
— item·i·za·tion \ˌīt-ə-mə-ˈzā-shən\ n

it·er·a·tion \ˌit-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n : REPETITION; esp : a computational process in which a series of operations is repeated a number of times

itin·er·ant \ī-ˈtin-ə-rənt, ə-ˈtin-\ adj : traveling from place to place <an itinerant preacher>

itin·er·ary \ī-ˈtin-ə-ˌrer-ē, ə-\ n, pl -ar·ies
1 : the route of a journey
2 : a travel diary
3 : a traveler's guidebook [Middle English itinerarie “route of a journey,” from Latin itinerarium (same meaning), derived from earlier itiner-, iter “journey, passage,” from ire “to go” — related to EXIT, ISSUE, TRANSIT]
— itinerary adj

-i·tis \ˈīt-əs\ n suffix, pl -i·tis·es \ˈīt-ə-səz\ also -it·i·des \ˈit-ə-ˌdēz\ or -i·tes \ˈīt-(ˌ)ēz, ˈēt-\ : inflamed state of or disorder with inflammation of <bronchitis> [derived from Greek -itis (noun and adjective suffix)]

it'll \ˌit-əl\ : it shall : it will

its \(ˌ)its, əts\ adj : of or relating to it or itself especially as possessor <its kennel>, agent <a child proud of its first drawings>, or object of an action <its enactment into law>

it's \(ˌ)its, əts\
1 : it is
2 : it has

it·self \it-ˈself, ət-\ pron
1 : that identical one — used to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same <the cat gave itself a bath> or for emphasis <the letter itself was missing>
2 : its normal, healthy, or sane self

-i·ty \ət-ē\ n suffix, pl -i·ties : quality : state : degree <alkalinity> [derived from Latin -itat-, -itas “quality, state”]

IUD \ˌī-ˌyü-ˈdē\ n : INTRAUTERINE DEVICE

-ive \iv\ adj suffix : that performs or tends toward an indicated action <exhaustive> [derived from Latin -ivus (adjective suffix)]

I've \(ˌ)īv\ : I have

ivied \ˈī-vēd\ adj : covered with ivy

ivo·ry \ˈīv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : the hard creamy-white substance of which the tusks of a tusked mammal (as an elephant or walrus) are formed
2 : a pale whitish yellow

ivo·ry–billed woodpecker \ˌīv-(ə-)rē-ˌbild-\ n : a large black-and-white woodpecker of the southeastern U.S. that has a large whitish bill and in the male a pointed bunch of red feathers on the head and that is thought to be extinct

ivy \ˈī-vē\ n, pl ivies
1 : a climbing woody vine with glossy evergreen leaves, small yellowish flowers, and black berries that is often grown on the outside of buildings — called also English ivy
2 : any of several climbing plants (as Virginia creeper or poison ivy) resembling ivy

-ize \ˌīz\ vb suffix
1 : cause to be or conform to or resemble <americanize> : form or cause to be formed into <crystallize> <unionize>
2 a : subject to a specified action <satirize>  b : saturate, treat, or combine with <oxidize> <macadamize>
3 : treat like <idolize>
4 : engage in a (specified) activity <philosophize> [derived from Greek -izein (verb suffix)]

J

j \ˈjā\ n, often cap : the 10th letter of the English alphabet

jab \ˈjab\ vb jabbed; jab·bing : to poke quickly or suddenly with or as if with something sharp
— jab n

1jab·ber \ˈjab-ər\ vb jab·bered; jab·ber·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to speak too fast or not clearly enough to be understood
— jab·ber·er \ˈjab-ər-ər\ n

2jabber n : GIBBERISH, CHATTER

jab·ber·wocky \ˈjab-ər-ˌwäk-ē\ n : meaningless speech or writing

ja·bot \zha-ˈbō, ˈjab-ˌō\ n : a ruffle of cloth or lace that falls from the collar down the front of a dress or shirt

1jack \ˈjak\ n
1 a : 1MAN 1A  b often cap : SAILOR
2 a : a device for turning a spit (as in roasting meat)  b : any of various portable devices for applying pressure or lifting a heavy body (as an automobile or a building) a short distance
3 : any of various animals: as  a : a male donkey  b : JACKRABBIT
4 a : a small national flag flown by a ship  b : a small six-pointed metal object used in a game  c pl : a game played with jacks
5 : a playing card bearing the figure of a soldier or servant
6 slang : MONEY 1A
7 : a socket used with a plug to connect one electric circuit with another

2jack vb
1 : to move or lift by or as if by a jack
2 : 1INCREASE 1, RAISE <jack up prices>
— jack·er n

jack·al \ˈjak-əl, -ˌȯl\ n : any of several wild dogs of Africa and Asia like but smaller than the related wolves

jack·ass \ˈjak-ˌas\ n
1 : DONKEY 1; esp : a male donkey
2 : a stupid person : FOOL

jack·boot \-ˌbüt\ n : a heavy military boot; esp : one reaching above the knee

jack·daw \-ˌdȯ\ n : a common black and gray Eurasian bird related to but smaller than the crows

jack·et \ˈjak-ət\ n
1 : a garment for the upper body usually having a front opening, collar, and sleeves
2 : an outer covering or casing: as  a : a tough metal covering on a bullet or projectile  b : a coating or covering of a nonconducting material used to prevent heat radiation  c : an outer paper wrapper on a bound book
— jack·et·ed \-ət-əd\ adj

jack·ham·mer \ˈjak-ˌham-ər\ n : a tool driven by compressed air that is used for drilling or breaking up hard substances (as rock or pavement) by a repeated pounding action

jack–in–the–box \ˈjak-ən-thə-ˌbäks\ n, pl jack–in–the–box·es or jacks–in–the–box : a small box out of which a figure (as of a clown's head) springs when the lid is raised

jack–in–the–pul·pit \ˌjak-ən-thə-ˈpu̇l-ˌpit\ n, pl jack–in–the–pulpits also jacks–in–the–pulpit : a North American spring-flowering herb that grows in moist shady places and bears an upright club-shaped flower cluster over which arches a green and purple bract like a hood

1jack·knife \ˈjak-ˌnīf\ n
1 : a large strong pocketknife
2 : a dive in which the diver bends from the waist and touches the ankles before straightening out

2jackknife vb : to double up like a jackknife <the trailer truck jackknifed>

jack–of–all–trades \ˌjak-ə-ˈvȯl-ˌtrādz\ n, pl jacks–of–all–trades : a person who can work at various trades

jack–o'–lan·tern \ˈjak-ə-ˌlant-ərn\ n : a lantern made of a pumpkin usually cut to look like a face

jack pine n : a North American pine with twisted needles in bundles of two and wood used especially to make pulp for paper

jack·pot \ˈjak-ˌpät\ n
1 : a large poker pot formed by the accumulation of stakes from previous play
2 a : a combination on a slot machine that wins a top prize or all the coins in the machine  b : the sum so won
3 : a great often unexpected success or reward

jack·rab·bit \-ˌrab-ət\ n : any of several large hares of western North America with very long ears and long hind legs

jack·screw \-ˌskrü\ n : a jack operated by a screw for lifting or for applying pressure

jack·stone \-ˌstōn\ n
1 : 1JACK 4B
2 pl : 1JACK 4C

jack·straw \-ˌstrȯ\ n
1 : one of the pieces used in the game jackstraws
2 pl : a game in which straws or thin strips are let fall in a heap and each player in turn tries to remove one at a time without disturbing the rest

jack–tar \-ˈtär\ n, often cap : SAILOR

1jade \ˈjād\ n : a broken-down, bad-tempered, or worthless horse [Middle English jade “a broken-down or worthless horse”]

2jade vb jad·ed; jad·ing
1 a : WEAR OUT 1, TIRE  b : to become weary
2 : to make dull or uninterested by too much of something

3jade n : a tough usually green gemstone that takes a high polish
Word History Gemstones were once thought to cure sickness as well as to work magic. Jade was supposed to be especially good at curing kidney problems. In the 16th century the Spanish brought jade back home from the New World. They called the gemstone piedra de la ijada, meaning “loin stone,” because of their belief that jade could cure kidney disease. Spain was not the only country to value this gemstone. Jade became popular throughout western Europe both for wearing as jewelry and for curing or preventing disease. Our English word comes from French, which had borrowed the last word in the Spanish name, spelling it jade. [from French jade “the gemstone jade,” from obsolete Spanish (piedra de la) ijada, literally “stone of the loin”; ijada derived from Latin ileum “groin, ileum”]

jade green n : a light bluish green

1jag \ˈjag\ n : a sharp pointed part

2jag n : SPREE <a crying jag>

jag·ged \ˈjag-əd\ adj : having a sharp uneven edge or surface <jagged mountains>
— jag·ged·ly adv

— jag·ged·ness n

jag·uar \ˈjag(-yə)-ˌwär\ n : a large yellowish brown black-spotted cat of tropical America that is larger and has a more solid build than the leopard

jai alai \ˈhī-ˌlī, ˌhī-ə-ˈlī\ n : a court game somewhat like handball played usually by two or four players using a ball and a long curved basket strapped to the wrist

jail \ˈjā(ə)l\ n : PRISON
— jail vb

jail·bird \-ˌbərd\ n : a person who is or is often in jail

jail·break \-ˌbrāk\ n : an escape from jail by use of force

jail·er or jail·or \ˈjā-lər\ n : a keeper of a jail

ja·lopy \jə-ˈläp-ē\ n, pl -lop·ies : a worn-out old automobile

jal·ou·sie \ˈjal-ə-sē\ n
1 : a blind with adjustable horizontal strips (as of wood, plastic, or glass) to admit light and air and shut out sun and rain
2 : a window made of adjustable glass louvers

1jam \ˈjam\ vb jammed; jam·ming
1 a : to press or push into a close or tight position <jam a book into a bookcase>  b : to be or cause to be wedged so as to be unworkable <jam the typewriter keys>  c : to crowd into : PACK <2000 people jammed the hall>
2 : to push suddenly and with force <jam on the brakes>
3 : to squeeze or crush painfully <jammed my finger in the door>
4 : to make impossible to understand by sending out interfering signals or messages <jam a radio broadcast>
5 : to take part in a jam session
— jam·mer n

2jam n
1 a : an act or instance of jamming  b : a crowded mass that slows or prevents movement <traffic jam>
2 : a difficult state of affairs

3jam n : a food made of fruit and sugar thickened by boiling

jamb \ˈjam\ n : an upright piece forming the side of an opening (as of a door)

jam·ba·laya \ˌjəm-bə-ˈlī-ə\ n : rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimps, or oysters and seasoned with herbs

jam·bo·ree \ˌjam-bə-ˈrē\ n
1 : a large festive gathering
2 : a national or international camping assembly of Boy Scouts

James \ˈjāmz\ n : a moral lecture addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

jam–pack \ˈjam-ˈpak\ vb : to pack tightly : CRAM <cars jam-packed the highway> <jam-packs her books with interesting facts>

jam session n : an informal performance by a group of musicians (as jazz musicians) who often invite visitors to join in

Jane Doe \ˈjān-ˈdō\ n : a woman who is a party to legal proceedings and whose true name is unknown or withheld

Jane Roe \-ˈrō\ n : a woman who is a party to legal proceedings and whose true name is unknown or withheld

jan·gle \ˈjaŋ-gəl\ vb jan·gled; jan·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make or cause to make a harsh ringing sound
2 : to excite to tense irritation <jangled nerves>
— jangle n

jan·i·tor \ˈjan-ət-ər\ n
1 : DOORKEEPER
2 : a person who has the care of a building
— jan·i·to·ri·al \ˌjan-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj

Jan·u·ary \ˈjan-yə-ˌwer-ē\ n : the first month of the year
Word History Among the many gods worshipped by the ancient Romans was one named Janus. He was believed to have two faces, one looking forward and one looking back. Janus was associated with doors, gates, and all beginnings. Because of that, when the Romans changed their calendar and added two months to the beginning of the year, they named the first one Januarius to honor Janus. The English January comes from Latin Januarius. [from Latin Januarius “first month of the year,” from Janus, a Roman god]

Jap·a·nese \ˌjap-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ n, pl Japanese
1 a : a person born or living in Japan  b : a person of Japanese ancestry
2 : the language of the Japanese
— Japanese adj

Japanese beetle n : a small glossy green and brown beetle introduced into America from Japan that as a grub feeds on the roots of grasses and on decaying vegetation and as an adult eats leaves, flowers, and fruits

Japanese maple n : a maple native to Japan, China, and Korea with usually green, red, or purplish leaves

1jar \ˈjär\ vb jarred; jar·ring
1 a : to make a harsh or disagreeable sound  b : to have a harsh or disagreeable effect <noise that jars the nerves>
2 : to cause to vibrate : SHAKE
3 : 1CLASH 2B, CONFLICT <jarring opinions> [probably an imitation of the sound made]

2jar n
1 : a harsh sound
2 : 2JOLT
3 : 1QUARREL 2, DISPUTE
4 : a painful effect : SHOCK

3jar n
1 : a usually glass or pottery container having a wide mouth
2 : the quantity held by a jar [from early French jarre “a container with a wide mouth,” derived from Arabic jarrah “a pottery water container”]

jar·di·niere \ˌjärd-ən-ˈi(ə)r\ n : an ornamental stand or pot for plants or flowers

jar·gon \ˈjär-gən, -ˌgän\ n
1 : a mixed language used for communication between peoples whose native languages are different
2 : the special language of a particular activity or group <legal jargon>
3 : language that is not clear and is full of long important-sounding words

jas·mine \ˈjaz-mən\ or jes·sa·mine \ˈjes-(ə-)mən\ n : any of numerous often climbing shrubs that are related to the olive and have extremely fragrant flowers; also : any of various plants noted for sweet-scented flowers

jas·per \ˈjas-pər\ n : an opaque mineral that occurs in several colors and is used for making ornamental objects (as vases); esp : green chalcedony
— jas·pery \-pə-rē\ adj

jaun·dice \ˈjȯn-dəs, ˈjän-\ n
1 : yellowish discoloring of the skin, tissues, and body fluids caused by the presence of coloring matter from the bile; also : a disease or abnormal condition marked by jaundice
2 : a state or attitude marked by envy, dislike, or hostility

jaun·diced \ˈjȯn-dəst\ adj
1 : affected with or as if with jaundice
2 : showing or influenced by envy, dislike, or hostility <a jaundiced eye>

jaunt \ˈjȯnt, ˈjänt\ n : a short trip for pleasure
— jaunt vb

jaun·ty \ˈjȯnt-ē, ˈjänt-\ adj jaun·ti·er; -est : perky in manner or appearance : LIVELY <jaunty marching tunes>
— jaun·ti·ly \ˈjȯnt-əl-ē, ˈjänt-\ adv

— jaun·ti·ness \ˈjȯnt-ē-nəs, ˈjänt-\ n

Ja·va man \ˌjäv-ə-, ˌjav-\ n : a small-brained prehistoric human being known chiefly from parts of skeletons found in Java and now classified with the direct ancestor of modern human beings

jav·e·lin \ˈjav-(ə-)lən\ n
1 : a light spear
2 : a slender usually metal shaft that is thrown for distance in a track-and-field event

1jaw \ˈjȯ\ n
1 a : either of two structures of bone or cartilage of vertebrate animals that support the soft parts enclosing the mouth and usually bear teeth  b : the parts making up the walls of the mouth and serving to open and close it — usually used in plural  c : any of various organs of invertebrate animals that serve the same purpose as the jaws of vertebrate animals
2 : something resembling the jaw of an animal in form or action; esp : one of a set of opposing parts that open and close for holding or crushing something between them
— jawed \ˈjȯd\ adj

2jaw vb
1 : to talk for a long time
2 : 2SCOLD 1

jaw·bone \ˈjȯ-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn\ n : one of the bones of an animal's jaw; esp : MANDIBLE 1A

jaw·break·er \-ˌbrā-kər\ n : a round hard candy

jaw·less fish \ˌjȯ-ləs-\ n : any of a group of primitive fishes that do not have jaws and include the lampreys and their relatives

jay \ˈjā\ n : any of several noisy birds that are related to the crow but are smaller and usually more brightly colored

jay·walk \ˈjā-ˌwȯk\ vb : to cross a street carelessly without paying attention to traffic regulations
— jay·walk·er n

1jazz \ˈjaz\ n
1 : American music marked by lively rhythms with unusual accents and often by melodies made up by musicians as they play
2 : empty talk <don't give me any of that jazz>
3 : similar but unspecified things : STUFF

2jazz vb
1 : ENLIVEN — usually used with up
2 : to play in the manner of jazz

jazzy \ˈjaz-ē\ adj jazz·i·er; -est
1 : resembling jazz
2 : LIVELY 3, FLASHY
— jazz·i·ness \ˈjaz-ē-nəs\ n

jeal·ous \ˈjel-əs\ adj
1 : demanding complete devotion
2 : feeling mean resentment toward a rival or competitor
3 : fearful of the loss of a loved one's devotion
4 : WATCHFUL, CAREFUL
— jeal·ous·ly adv

jeal·ou·sy \ˈjel-ə-sē\ n, pl -sies : a jealous disposition, attitude, or feeling

jean \ˈjēn\ n
1 : a heavy cotton cloth used especially for sportswear and work clothes
2 pl : pants made of jean, denim, or corduroy [a shortened form of earlier jean fustian, literally “a fustian (heavy cotton cloth) from Genoa,” from Middle English Gene “Genoa, Italy”]

jeep \ˈjēp\ n : a small general-purpose motor vehicle with four-wheel drive used by the U.S. Army in World War II
Word History In March 1936 in newspapers across the country, Popeye's girlfriend, Olive Oyl, was delivered a box labeled “Eugene the Jeep.” The contents of the box turned out to be a friendly little animal that made the sound “jeep.” Elzie Segar, the creator of the comic strip, went on with the story of Eugene the Jeep through much of 1936. In 1937 work began on the development of an all-purpose vehicle for the military. When this vehicle was ready for use, it was apparently called g.p. for “general purpose.” Probably because of the popularity of Eugene the Jeep, the pronunciation of g.p. was shortened to one syllable, and the spelling jeep became normal. [an altered form of g.p., an abbreviation for “general purpose,” influenced by the name Eugene the Jeep, a comic strip character]

jeer \ˈji(ə)r\ vb : to laugh at or criticize someone in a loud and angry way
— jeer n

Je·ho·vah \ji-ˈhō-və\ n : GOD 1

je·ju·num \ji-ˈjü-nəm\ n : the section of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum

jell \ˈjel\ vb
1 : to make or become jelly
2 : to take shape : FORM <an idea jelled>

1jel·ly \ˈjel-ē\ n, pl jellies
1 : a food with a soft elastic consistency due usually to gelatin or pectin; esp : a fruit product made by boiling sugar and the juice of fruit
2 : a substance resembling jelly
— jel·ly·like \-ē-ˌlīk\ adj

2jelly vb jel·lied; jel·ly·ing : JELL 1

jelly bean n : a sugar-glazed bean-shaped candy

jel·ly·fish \ˈjel-ē-ˌfish\ n
1 : any of numerous free-swimming coelenterate animals that reproduce sexually and have a jellylike, saucer-shaped, and usually nearly transparent body and tentacles with stinging cells
2 : any of various sea animals that resemble a jellyfish

jen·net \ˈjen-ət\ n : a small Spanish horse

jen·ny \ˈjen-ē\ n, pl jennies
1 a : a female bird <a jenny wren>  b : a female donkey
2 : SPINNING JENNY

jeop·ar·dize \ˈjep-ər-ˌdīz\ vb -dized; -diz·ing : to expose to danger

jeop·ar·dy \ˈjep-ərd-ē\ n : DANGER 1

jer·boa \jər-ˈbō-ə\ n : any of several social jumping rodents of dry regions of Asia and northern Africa with long hind legs and a long tail that are active at night

Jer·e·mi·ah \ˌjer-ə-ˈmī-ə\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

Jer·e·mi·as \ˌjer-ə-ˈmī-əs\ n : JEREMIAH

1jerk \ˈjərk\ n
1 : a short quick pull or twist : TWITCH
2 : an involuntary muscular movement or spasm
3 : an annoyingly stupid or foolish person

2jerk vb
1 : to give a short quick push, pull, or twist to
2 : to move in jerks or with a jerk [probably an altered form of earlier yerk “to beat or thrash”]

3jerk vb : to preserve (meat) in long strips dried in the sun [from {h,1}jerky]

jer·kin \ˈjər-kən\ n : a close-fitting hip-length sleeveless jacket

jerk·wa·ter \ˈjər-ˌkwȯt-ər, -ˌkwät-\ adj : small, rural, and unimportant <jerkwater towns>

1jer·ky \ˈjər-kē\ n : jerked meat [from Spanish charqui “jerky,” from Quechua ch'arki]

2jerky \ˈjər-kē\ adj jerk·i·er; -est
1 : marked by jerks <a jerky ride on a dirt road>
2 : STUPID, FOOLISH [jerk (noun) and -y (adjective suffix)]
— jerk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— jerk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

jer·ry–rigged \ˈjer-ē-ˌrigd\ adj : organized or constructed in a crude or improvised manner

jer·sey \ˈjər-zē\ n, pl jerseys
1 : a plain knitted fabric
2 : a close-fitting knitted garment (as a shirt)
3 cap : any of a breed of small usually light tan dairy cattle having short horns and noted for their rich milk

jessamine variant of JASMINE

jest \ˈjest\ n
1 : a comic act or remark : JOKE
2 : a playful mood or manner <spoken in jest>
— jest vb

jest·er \ˈjes-tər\ n
1 : 1FOOL 2 <court jester>
2 : a person given to jests

1jet \ˈjet\ n
1 : a compact black coal that takes a good polish and is often used for jewelry
2 : a very dark black [Middle English jet “black mineral,” from early French jaiet (same meaning), derived from Greek gagatēs (same meaning), from Gagas, a town and river in Asia Minor]

2jet vb jet·ted; jet·ting : 1SPOUT 1, SPURT [from early French jeter, literally “to throw,” from Latin jactare “to throw”]

3jet n
1 a : a forceful rush of liquid, gas, or vapor especially through a narrow opening or a nozzle  b : a nozzle for a jet of fluid (as gas or water)
2 a : JET ENGINE  b : JET AIRPLANE

4jet vb jet·ted; jet·ting : to travel by jet airplane

jet airplane n : an airplane powered by one or more jet engines — called also jet plane

jet engine n : an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid; esp : an aircraft engine that uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air and exhaust gases

jet lag n : a condition that is marked by physical and mental symptoms (as tiredness and bad temper) and occurs following a long flight through several time zones

jet–pro·pelled \ˌjet-prə-ˈpeld\ adj : propelled by a jet engine

jet propulsion n : forward motion of a body produced by the forces resulting from the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid; esp : propulsion of an airplane by jet engines

jet·sam \ˈjet-səm\ n : goods thrown overboard to lighten a ship in distress; esp : such goods when washed ashore

jet set n : an international group of wealthy people who often travel to fashionable resorts

jet stream n : a long narrow wandering current of high-speed winds blowing from a generally westerly direction several miles above the earth's surface

jet·ti·son \ˈjet-ə-sən, -ə-zən\ vb
1 : to throw goods overboard from a ship or aircraft especially to lighten it in distress
2 : 1DISCARD 2
— jettison n

jet·ty \ˈjet-ē\ n, pl jetties
1 : a pier built out into the water to influence the current or protect a harbor
2 : a landing wharf

Jew \ˈjü\ n
1 : one of the ancient Hebrews or a descendant of the ancient Hebrews
2 : one whose religion is Judaism
— Jew·ish \ˈjü-ish\ adj

1jew·el \ˈjü-əl, ˈjül\ n
1 : an ornament of precious metal often set with stones and worn as an accessory of dress
2 : one that is highly valued or prized
3 : a precious stone : GEM
4 : a bearing in a watch made of a crystal or a precious stone

2jewel vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling : to adorn or equip with jewels

jewel box n : a thin plastic case for a CD or DVD

jew·el·er or jew·el·ler \ˈjü-ə-lər, ˈjü-lər\ n : a person who makes or deals in jewelry and related articles

jew·el·ry \ˈjü-əl-rē, ˈjül-rē\ n : ornamental pieces (as rings and necklaces) worn on the person : JEWELS

jew·el·weed \ˈjü-əl-ˌwēd, ˈjül-\ n : TOUCH-ME-NOT

Jew·ry \ˈju̇(ə)r-ē, ˈjü-rē\ n
1 pl Jewries : a district in which Jews lived : GHETTO
2 : the Jewish people

Jew's harp or Jews' harp \ˈjüz-ˌhärp\ n : a small simple musical instrument that consists of a flexible metal strip attached at one end to a flat pear-shaped frame and that is played by plucking the strip while holding the frame between the teeth

jib \ˈjib\ n : a triangular sail set on a line running from the bow to the head of the foremast

1jibe or gybe vb jibed or gybed; jib·ing or gyb·ing
1 : to shift suddenly from one side to the other
2 : to cause a sail to jibe [perhaps a modified form of Dutch gijben “to shift suddenly from one side to another”]

2jibe variant of GIBE

3jibe vb jibed; jib·ing : to be in agreement <the two reports jibed> [origin unknown]

ji·ca·ma \ˈhē-kə-mə\ n : a starchy root of a tropical American vine related to the pea and eaten raw or cooked [Mexican Spanish jícama “a starchy root of a tropical American vine”]

jif·fy \ˈjif-ē\ n, pl jiffies : MOMENT 1, INSTANT <in a jiffy>

1jig \ˈjig\ n
1 : a lively springy dance
2 : 1TRICK 1, GAME — used chiefly in the phrase the jig is up

2jig vb jigged; jig·ging
1 : to dance a jig
2 : to jerk up and down or to and fro

1jig·ger \ˈjig-ər\ n
1 : one that jigs
2 : DEVICE 1C, GADGET
3 : a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) [jig (verb) and -er (noun suffix)]

2jigger n : CHIGGER [perhaps from Wolof (an African language) jiga “insect”]

jig·gle \ˈjig-əl\ vb jig·gled; jig·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to move or cause to move with quick little jerks
— jiggle n

jig·saw \ˈjig-ˌsȯ\ n : an electric saw with a narrow blade for cutting curved and irregular lines

jigsaw puzzle n : a puzzle consisting of small pieces of various shapes that are to be fitted together to form a picture

1jilt \ˈjilt\ vb : to cast a lover aside unfeelingly

2jilt n : a person who jilts a lover

jim crow \ˈjim-ˈkrō\ n, often cap J&C : discrimination against blacks

jim–dan·dy \ˈjim-ˈdan-dē\ n : something very good
— jim–dandy adj

1jim·my \ˈjim-ē\ n, pl jimmies : a short crowbar used by burglars

2jimmy vb jim·mied; jim·my·ing : to force open with or as if with a jimmy

jim·son·weed \ˈjim(p)-sən-ˌwēd\ n, often cap : a tall poisonous weed that is related to the potato and has bad-smelling leaves, large white or violet trumpet-shaped flowers, and a prickly fruit

1jin·gle \ˈjiŋ-gəl\ vb jin·gled; jin·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to make or cause to make a light clinking sound <coins jingled in their pockets>
— jin·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ n

2jingle n
1 : a light clinking sound
2 : a catchy repetition of sounds in a poem
3 : a verse or song marked by catchy repetition
— jin·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adj

jin·go \ˈjiŋ-gō\ n, pl jingoes : a person who favors a warlike policy toward other countries
— jin·go·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ n

— jin·go·is·tic \ˌjiŋ-gō-ˈis-tik\ adj

jin·ni \ˈjē-ˈnē, ˈjin-ē, jə-ˈnē\ or jinn \ˈjin\ n, pl jinn or jinns : GENIE

jin·rick·sha \jin-ˈrik-ˌshȯ\ n : RICKSHAW

1jinx \ˈjiŋ(k)s\ n : someone or something that brings bad luck

2jinx vb : to bring bad luck to

jit·ney \ˈjit-nē\ n, pl jitneys : a small bus that carries passengers over a regular route

jit·ter·bug \ˈjit-ər-ˌbəg\ n
1 : a dance in which couples swing, balance, and twirl with lively acrobatics
2 : a person who dances the jitterbug
— jitterbug vb

jit·ters \ˈjit-ərz\ n pl : extreme nervousness
— jit·tery \-ə-rē\ adj

jiujitsu or jiujutsu variant of JUJITSU

1jive \ˈjīv\ n
1 : swing music or dancing performed to it
2 a : glib, deceptive, or foolish talk  b : a special jargon of difficult or slang terms

2jive vb jived; jiv·ing
1 : 2KID
2 : to dance or play jive

job \ˈjäb\ n
1 a : a piece of work; esp : one done at a specified rate  b : something produced by or as if by work <did a good job>
2 : a special duty or function : TASK <your job is to mow the lawn>
3 : a position at which one regularly works for pay <lost my job>  synonyms see TASK
— job·less \-ləs\ adj

— job·less·ness n

Job \ˈjōb\ n : a narrative and poetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

job·ber \ˈjäb-ər\ n : a person who buys goods and then sells them to usually smaller dealers

job·hold·er \ˈjäb-ˌhōl-dər\ n : one having a regular job

1jock \ˈjäk\ n
1 : 1JOCKEY
2 : DISC JOCKEY

2jock n
1 : ATHLETIC SUPPORTER
2 : ATHLETE

1jock·ey \ˈjäk-ē\ n, pl jockeys
1 : one who rides a horse especially as a professional in a race
2 : one who operates something <a gas-pump jockey>

2jockey vb jock·eyed; jock·ey·ing
1 : to ride a horse as a jockey
2 : to move or manage skillfully or cleverly or so as to gain advantage <jockey a truck into position> <jockeying for position>

jock itch n : a skin infection of the groin and upper thigh that is caused by a fungus and is marked by itchy, red, and flaking skin [from {h,2}jock “athletic supporter, athlete”]

jock strap n : ATHLETIC SUPPORTER

jo·cose \jō-ˈkōs\ adj : MERRY 1, MIRTHFUL
— jo·cose·ly adv

— jo·cose·ness n

joc·u·lar \ˈjäk-yə-lər\ adj
1 : fond of jesting
2 : said or done in jest
— joc·u·lar·i·ty \ˌjäk-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n

— joc·u·lar·ly \ˈjäk-yə-lər-lē\ adv

jo·cund \ˈjäk-ənd also ˈjōk-(ˌ)ənd\ adj : MERRY, JOLLY
— jo·cund·ly adv

jodh·pur \ˈjäd-pər\ n
1 pl : riding breeches loose above the knee and tight-fitting below
2 : an ankle-high boot fastened with a strap that is buckled at the side

Jo·el \ˈjō-əl\ n : a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

1jog \ˈjäg, ˈjȯg\ vb jogged; jog·ging
1 : to give a slight shake or push to : NUDGE
2 : 1ROUSE 2, STIR <jog one's memory>
3 : to move up and down or about with a short heavy motion
4 a : to go or cause to go at a jog  b : to run slowly especially for exercise [probably an altered form of a dialect word shog “jolt, jostle”]
— jog·ger n

2jog n
1 : a slight shake : PUSH
2 : a slow steady jolting gait especially of a horse
3 : an instance of jogging

3jog n
1 : an unevenness (as a bulge or a dent) in a line or surface
2 : a short change in direction [probably an altered form of jag “a sharp projecting edge”]

jog·gle \ˈjäg-əl\ vb jog·gled; jog·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to shake slightly

John \ˈjän\ n
1 : the fourth Gospel in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE
2 : any of three short didactic letters addressed to early Christians and included in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

John Doe \ˈjän-ˈdō\ n : a person in legal proceedings whose true name is unknown or withheld

john·ny·cake \ˈjän-ē-ˌkāk\ n : a bread made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk

John·ny–jump–up \ˌjän-ē-ˈjəm-ˌpəp\ n : any of various pansies or violets with small flowers

join \ˈjȯin\ vb
1 a : to bring or fasten together in close contact <join hands>  b : to connect (as points) by a line  c : to become joined <place where two roads join>
2 : to come or bring into close association <join a club> <join in marriage>
3 : to come into the company of <join friends for lunch>
4 : ADJOIN 2 <the two farms join>
5 : to take part with others in an activity <join in singing>
— join·able \ˈjȯi-nə-bəl\ adj
synonyms JOIN, CONNECT, COMBINE, UNITE, mean to bring or come together into some kind of union. JOIN suggests a bringing together of any degree of closeness including actual touching <joined forces in an effort to win> <join the ends with glue>. CONNECT suggests a loose or outside attachment with little or no loss of separate identity <the treaty connects the two nations>. COMBINE suggests some blending of the things coming together and some loss of separate identity <combining jazz and rock to create a new kind of music>. UNITE suggests an even more complete coming together that turns two or more things into one <the colonies united to form a republic>.

join·er \ˈjȯi-nər\ n
1 : a woodworker who constructs articles by joining pieces of wood
2 : a person who joins many organizations

1joint \ˈjȯint\ n
1 a : the point of contact of two bones in the animal body often including the surrounding and supporting parts  b : NODE 2  c : a part or space included between two joints, knots, or nodes <the upper joint of the arm>
2 : a large piece of meat for roasting
3 : a place where two things or parts are joined <a joint in a pipe>
4 a : a cheap or shabby place of entertainment  b : 1PLACE 2B, ESTABLISHMENT
5 : a marijuana cigarette
— joint·ed \-əd\ adj

— out of joint
1 : being a dislocated bone with its head slipped from its socket
2 : out of harmony : in an unsuitable relationship or arrangement
3 : in bad humor : DISGRUNTLED <losing put her out of joint>

2joint adj
1 : UNITED 1, COMBINED <a joint effort>
2 : done by or shared by two or more persons <a joint account>
3 : sharing with another <joint owner>
— joint·ly adv

3joint vb
1 a : to fit together  b : to provide with a joint
2 : to separate the joints of
— joint·er n

joist \ˈjȯist\ n : a small beam laid crosswise to support a floor or ceiling

1joke \ˈjōk\ n
1 a : something said or done to cause laughter; esp : a brief story with a humorous twist  b : the humorous element in something  c : good-natured kidding <can't take a joke>
2 : something not to be taken seriously <that exam was a joke>

2joke vb joked; jok·ing : to make jokes : JEST
— jok·ing·ly \ˈjō-kiŋ-lē\ adv

jok·er \ˈjō-kər\ n
1 : a person who jokes
2 : an extra card used in some card games
3 : a hidden or misleading part of an agreement that works to one party's disadvantage : CATCH
4 : HUMAN BEING, FELLOW; esp : an obnoxious or incompetent person

joke·ster \ˈjōk-stər\ n : JOKER 1

jol·li·fi·ca·tion \ˌjäl-i-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : MERRYMAKING 1

jol·li·ty \ˈjäl-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : MERRYMAKING 1, GAIETY

1jol·ly \ˈjäl-ē\ adj jol·li·er; -est
1 a : MERRY 1, CHEERFUL  b : JOVIAL
2 : very pleasant or agreeable : SPLENDID

2jolly adv : 2VERY 1 <a jolly good time>

Jol·ly Rog·er \ˌjäl-ē-ˈräj-ər\ n : a black flag with a white skull and crossbones formerly used by pirates

1jolt \ˈjōlt\ vb
1 : to give a quick hard blow to : JAR
2 : to move jerkily
— jolt·er n

2jolt n
1 : a sudden jarring blow or movement
2 : a sudden shock or surprise

Jo·nah \ˈjō-nə\ n : a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

Jo·nas \ˈjō-nəs\ n : JONAH

Jon·a·than \ˈjän-ə-thən\ n : any of a variety of red-skinned apple

jon·quil \ˈjän-kwəl, ˈjäŋ-\ n : a Mediterranean daffodil that bears clusters of fragrant yellow or white flowers having a short central tube

josh \ˈjäsh\ vb : to joke with : TEASE

Josh·ua \ˈjäsh(ə-)wə\ n : a mainly narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

Joshua tree n : a tall branched yucca of the southwestern U.S. with short leaves and clusters of greenish white flowers

1jos·tle \ˈjäs-əl\ vb jos·tled; jos·tling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to run or knock against so as to jar : push roughly
2 : to make one's way by jostling

2jostle n : a jostling blow : SHOVE

Jos·ue \ˈjäsh-ə-wē\ n : JOSHUA

1jot \ˈjät\ n : the least bit

2jot vb jot·ted; jot·ting : to make a brief note of <jot this down>

joule \ˈjü(ə)l\ n : a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

jounce \ˈjau̇n(t)s\ vb jounced; jounc·ing : to move or cause to move in an up-and-down manner
— jounce n

jour·nal \ˈjərn-əl\ n
1 a : a brief account of daily events : DIARY  b : a record of the happenings of a conference or a legislative body
2 a : a daily newspaper  b : a magazine that reports on things of special interest to a particular group [Middle English journal “a religious service book containing the day hours,” from early French jurnal (same meaning), from jurnal (adjective) “daily,” derived from Latin diurnus “of the day, daily,” from dies “day” — related to DIARY, JOURNEY; see Word History at JOURNEY]

jour·nal·ese \ˌjərn-əl-ˈēz, -ˈēs\ n : a way of writing said to be similar to that of newspapers

jour·nal·ism \ˈjərn-əl-ˌiz-əm\ n
1 : the collecting and editing of news to be presented in newspapers or magazines or over television or radio
2 : writing designed for or characteristic of newspapers or magazines
— jour·nal·is·tic \ˌjərn-əl-ˈis-tik\ adj

jour·nal·ist \ˈjərn-əl-əst\ n : an editor of or writer for a newspaper or magazine or radio and television news

1jour·ney \ˈjər-nē\ n, pl journeys : travel from one place to another
Word History The Latin word dies means “day,” and diurnus means “of a day.” From the word diurnus came the early French jour, meaning “day,” and journee, meaning “a day's work, a day's travel.” Journee was borrowed into Middle English with both of its meanings, but only the second one, “a day's travel,” came into widespread use. The modern form journey now refers to travel without regard to the amount of time taken. The English word journal can also be traced back to the Latin dies. From the adjective diurnus, the word diurnalis, meaning “daily,” was formed. This was taken into French as journal. In this form it was borrowed into Middle English. It was at first also used to mean “daily,” but it is now found only as a noun in English. [Middle English journey “a trip, travel,” from early French journee “day's work, day's journey,” from jour “day,” derived from Latin diurnus “of a day, daily,” from dies “day” — related to DIARY, JOURNAL]
synonyms JOURNEY, TRIP, TOUR, mean travel from one place to another. JOURNEY usually suggests that one travels a long distance and often that the traveling may be dangerous or difficult <a long journey across the desert>. TRIP suggests that the traveling is brief, swift, or ordinary <our weekly trip to the supermarket>. TOUR suggests a journey with several stopping places and an end at the place where one began <the sightseers took a tour of the city>.

2journey vb jour·neyed; jour·ney·ing : to go on a journey
— jour·ney·er n

jour·ney·man \ˈjər-nē-mən\ n
1 : a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person usually by the day
2 : an experienced reliable worker

joust \ˈjau̇st\ n : a combat on horseback between two knights with lances especially as part of a tournament
— joust vb

— joust·er n

jo·vi·al \ˈjō-vē-əl\ adj : full of or expressing good humor
— jo·vi·al·i·ty \ˌjō-vē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— jo·vi·al·ly \ˈjō-vē-ə-lē\ adv

1jowl \ˈjau̇(ə)l\ n
1 : 1JAW 1; esp : the lower jaw
2 : CHEEK 1

2jowl n : loose flesh associated with the cheeks, lower jaw, or throat
— jowly \ˈjau̇-lē\ adj

1joy \ˈjȯi\ n
1 : a feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from success, good fortune, or a sense of well-being : GLADNESS
2 : something that gives joy <a joy to behold>  synonyms see PLEASURE
— joy·less \-ləs\ adj

— joy·less·ness n

2joy vb : to experience joy : REJOICE

joy·ful \ˈjȯi-fəl\ adj : feeling, causing, or showing joy <a joyful family reunion>
— joy·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— joy·ful·ness n

joy·ous \ˈjȯi-əs\ adj : feeling, causing, or showing joy : JOYFUL
— joy·ous·ly adv

— joy·ous·ness n

joy·ride \ˈjoi-ˌrīd\ n : a ride taken for pleasure and often marked by reckless driving
— joy·rid·er \-ˌrīd-ər\ n

joy·stick \-ˌstik\ n : a control lever for a device (as a computer display or an airplane) that allows motion in two or more directions

ju·bi·lant \ˈjü-bə-lənt\ adj : feeling or expressing great joy : EXULTANT <jubilant teammates celebrating their victory>
— ju·bi·lant·ly adv

ju·bi·la·tion \ˌjü-bə-ˈlā-shən\ n : an act of rejoicing : the state of being jubilant

ju·bi·lee \ˈjü-bə-ˌlē, ˌjü-bə-ˈlē\ n
1 : a special anniversary; esp : a 50th anniversary
2 : a celebration especially of an anniversary

Ju·da·ism \ˈjüd-ə-ˌiz-əm, ˈjüd-ē-\ n
1 : a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews that stresses belief in one God and faithfulness to the laws of the Old Testament
2 : the beliefs and practices of the Jews
— Ju·da·ic \jü-ˈdā-ik\ adj

Jude \ˈjüd\ n : a short epistle addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

1judge \ˈjəj\ vb judged; judg·ing
1 : to form an opinion after careful consideration
2 : to decide as a judge : TRY
3 : to reach a conclusion about something : THINK [Middle English juggen “to judge,” from early French juger (same meaning), from Latin judicare “to judge,” from judic-, judex “judge,” from jus “right, law,” and dicere “to say” — related to HOOSEGOW, JURY, JUST, PREJUDICE]

2judge n
1 : a public official having authority to decide questions brought before a court
2 : a person appointed to decide in a contest or competition : UMPIRE
3 : a person who is qualified to give an opinion : CRITIC
— judge·ship \-ˌship\ n

Judg·es \ˈjəj-əz\ n : a narrative and historical book of Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

judg·ment or judge·ment \ˈjəj-mənt\ n
1 : the act of judging
2 : a decision given by a court
3 a : the process of forming an opinion by examining and comparing  b : an opinion so formed
4 : the ability to judge : DISCERNMENT

judgment call n : a subjective decision, ruling, or opinion

Judgment Day n : the day of the final judging of all human beings by God

ju·di·cial \ju̇-ˈdish-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to courts or judges
2 : ordered or enforced by a court <a judicial decision>
— ju·di·cial·ly \-(ə-)lē\ adv

ju·di·cia·ry \ju̇-ˈdish-ē-ˌer-ē, -ˈdish-ə-rē\ n
1 a : a system of courts of law  b : the judges of these courts
2 : a branch of government in which judicial power is vested
— judiciary adj

ju·di·cious \ju̇-ˈdish-əs\ adj : having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment
— ju·di·cious·ly adv

Ju·dith \ˈjüd-əth\ n : a book of Scripture included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha — see BIBLE TABLE

ju·do \ˈjüd-ō\ n, pl judos : a sport developed from jujitsu in which opponents attempt to throw each other by using quick movements and leverage

1jug \ˈjəg\ n
1 a : a large deep container with a narrow mouth and a handle  b : the amount held by a jug
2 : PRISON 2, JAIL

2jug vb jugged; jug·ging : IMPRISON

jug·ful \ˈjəg-ˌfu̇l\ n : 1JUG 1B

jug·gle \ˈjəg-əl\ vb jug·gled; jug·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to keep several objects in motion in the air at the same time
2 : to do several things at the same time <juggling three jobs>
3 : make changes to (something) in order to achieve a desired result <had to juggle my schedule>
— jug·gler \-(ə-)lər\ n

jug·glery \ˈjəg-lə-rē\ n, pl -gler·ies
1 : the art or practice of a juggler
2 : TRICKERY

jug·u·lar \ˈjəg-yə-lər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or situated in or on the throat or neck
2 : of or relating to the jugular vein

jugular vein n : any of several veins on each side of the neck that return blood from the head — called also jugular

juice \ˈjüs\ n
1 a : the liquid part that can be squeezed out of vegetables and fruits <orange juice>  b : the fluid part of meat
2 a : the natural fluids (as blood, lymph, and secretions) of an animal body  b : the liquid or moisture contained in something
3 : something (as electricity or gasoline) that supplies power
— juiced \ˈjüst\ adj

juic·er \ˈjü-sər\ n : an appliance for squeezing juice from fruits or vegetables

juicy \ˈjü-sē\ adj juic·i·er; -est
1 : having much juice : SUCCULENT
2 a : rich in interest : COLORFUL  b : 1RACY 2 <a juicy scandal>
— juic·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adv

— juic·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ n

ju·jit·su or ju·jut·su or jiu·jit·su or jiu·jut·su \jü-ˈjit-sü\ n : the Japanese art of unarmed fighting using holds, throws, and paralyzing blows

juke·box \ˈjük-ˌbäks\ n : a coin-operated phonograph or compact-disc player that automatically plays recordings selected from its list

ju·lep \ˈjü-ləp\ n : a drink of bourbon, sugar, and mint served with crushed ice

Ju·lian calendar \ˌjül-yən-\ n : a calendar introduced in Rome in 46 b.c. establishing the 12-month year of 365 days with each fourth year having 366 days and the months each having 31 or 30 days except for February which has 28 or in leap years 29 days — compare GREGORIAN CALENDAR

Ju·ly \ju̇-ˈlī\ n : the seventh month of the year
Word History The first ancient Roman calendar began the year with March. The original name of the fifth month of the year was Quintilis, a Latin word meaning “fifth.” In order to honor the statesman Gaius Julius Caesar, however, the Roman senate changed Quintilis to Julius. The name Julius was borrowed into Old English and eventually became Modern English July. [Old English Julius “July,” from Latin Julius “the fifth month of the old Roman calendar,” named for Gaius Julius Caesar 100–44 b.c.]

jum·ble \ˈjəm-bəl\ vb jum·bled; jum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to mix in a confused mass
— jumble n

jum·bo \ˈjəm-bō\ n, pl jumbos : something very large of its kind [from Jumbo, name of a huge elephant shown by circus owner P. T. Barnum]
— jumbo adj

1jump \ˈjəmp\ vb
1 a : to spring into the air : LEAP  b : to give a sudden movement : START  c : to begin to move — usually used with off
2 : to rise or raise suddenly in rank, status, or condition <prices jumped>
3 : to make a sudden attack <jumped on us for being late>
4 : to become lively with activity <the woods were jumping>
5 a : to pass over or cause to pass over by a leap <jump a hurdle>  b : 2BYPASS <jump electrical connections>  c : to leap aboard <jump a freight>
6 : to run away and hide while at liberty under (bail)
7 : to depart from a normal course <jump the track>
8 : to occupy illegally <jump a mining claim>
— jump the gun : to start too soon

2jump n
1 a : an act of jumping : LEAP  b : any of several sports competitions that involve jumping  c : a space covered by a leap  d : a sudden involuntary movement : START  e : a move made in a board game by jumping
2 a : a sharp sudden increase  b : one in a series of moves <keep one jump ahead>
3 : an advantage at the start

jump drive n : a small usually rectangular device used for storing and transferring computer data : FLASH DRIVE

1jump·er \ˈjəm-pər\ n
1 : one that jumps
2 : JUMP SHOT

2jum·per \ˈjəm-pər\ n
1 : a loose blouse or jacket worn by workers
2 : a sleeveless dress worn usually with a blouse

jumping bean n : a seed of any of several Mexican shrubs that tumbles about because of the movements of the larva of a small moth inside it

jumping jack n
1 : a toy figure of a man jointed and made to jump or dance by means of strings or a sliding stick
2 : an exercise that involves jumping from a standing position to one with legs spread and arms raised and then back to the original standing position

jump shot n : a basketball shot made while jumping

jump·suit \ˈjəmp-ˌsüt\ n
1 : a uniform worn by parachutists for jumping
2 : a one-piece garment consisting of a blouse or shirt with attached trousers or shorts

jumpy \ˈjəm-pē\ adj jump·i·er; -est : NERVOUS 2A, JITTERY <after a long restless night, the soldiers were jumpy>
— jump·i·ness n

jun·co \ˈjəŋ-kō\ n, pl juncos or juncoes : any of a genus of small North American finches usually with a pink bill, ashy gray head and back, and white tail feathers

junc·tion \ˈjəŋ(k)-shən\ n
1 : an act of joining : the state of being joined
2 : a place or point of meeting <a railroad junction>

junc·ture \ˈjəŋ(k)-chər\ n
1 : an instance of joining : UNION
2 : 1JOINT 3A, CONNECTION
3 : an important point of time <they feel they must make a decision at this juncture>
— junc·tur·al \-chə-rəl\ adj

June \ˈjün\ n : the sixth month of the year
Word History The English word June comes from the Latin Junius, the name given to the first month of summer by the ancient Romans. It isn't known for certain why the Romans named it as they did. Junius was also the name of a large Roman family group, and maybe the month was named in honor of the family. Or perhaps it was named for the Roman goddess Juno. [from Latin Junius, probably from Junius, name of a family group, or from Juno, a Roman goddess]

June·ber·ry \ˈjün-ˌber-ē\ n : SERVICEBERRY

june bug n, often cap J : any of various large leaf-eating beetles which fly chiefly in late spring and whose larvae are white grubs that live in soil and feed on roots — called also june beetle

jun·gle \ˈjəŋ-gəl\ n
1 : a thick tangled mass of tropical vegetation
2 : an area overgrown with jungle or other vegetation

jungle gym n : a structure of upright and crosswise bars for use by children at play

1ju·nior \ˈjün-yər\ adj
1 a : being the younger one — used chiefly to distinguish a son with the same given name as his father  b : designed for young teenagers
2 : lower in standing or rank <junior partner>
3 : of or relating to juniors in a school

2junior n
1 : a person who is younger or of lower rank than another
2 : a student in the next-to-last year in a high school, college, or university

junior college n : a school that offers two years of studies similar to those in the first two years of a four-year college

junior high school n : a school usually including the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades

junior varsity n : a team for players who lack the experience or qualifications for the varsity

ju·ni·per \ˈjü-nə-pər\ n
1 a : any of numerous evergreen shrubs and trees that are related to the pines but produce female cones resembling berries  b : the berrylike cone or fruit of a juniper
2 : any of various evergreen trees resembling true junipers

1junk \ˈjəŋk\ n
1 : articles discarded as worthless
2 : something of poor quality : TRASH
3 slang : 1NARCOTIC 1; esp : HEROIN [Middle English jonke “piece of old or worn-out rope”]
— junky \ˈjəŋ-kē\ adj

2junk vb : to get rid of as worthless : SCRAP

3junk n : a ship of eastern Asia with a high stern and four-cornered sails [from Portuguese junco “a Chinese ship”]

junk e–mail n : SPAM

1jun·ket \ˈjəŋ-kət\ n
1 : a dessert of sweetened flavored milk set in a jelly
2 : 1TRIP 2A; esp : a trip made by an official at public expense

2junket vb
1 : 2FEAST 1, BANQUET
2 : to go on a junket

junk food n : food that is high in calories but low in nutritional value

junk·ie also junky \ˈjəŋ-kē\ n, pl junk·ies
1 : a person who sells or is addicted to narcotics
2 : a person who gets an unusual amount of pleasure from or is dependent on something <a sugar junkie>

junk mail n : mail that consists mostly of advertising circulars and is often addressed to “occupant” or “resident”

jun·ta \ˈhu̇n-tə, ˈjənt-ə, ˈhən-tə\ n
1 : a group of persons controlling a government especially after a revolution
2 : JUNTO

jun·to \ˈjənt-ō\ n, pl juntos : a group of persons joined for a common purpose

Ju·pi·ter \ˈjü-pət-ər\ n : the largest of the planets and fifth in order of distance from the sun — see PLANET TABLE

Ju·ras·sic \ju̇-ˈras-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being a period of the Mesozoic era of geological history marked by the presence of dinosaurs and the first appearance of birds; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE [from French jurassique “Jurassic,” from Jura, a range of mountains between France and Switzerland formed from the limestone characteristic of this period]
— Jurassic n

ju·ris·dic·tion \ˌju̇r-əs-ˈdik-shən\ n
1 : the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law
2 : the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate
3 : the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised

ju·ris·pru·dence \ˌju̇r-ə-ˈsprüd-ən(t)s\ n
1 : a system of laws
2 : the science of law
3 : a department of law <medical jurisprudence>

ju·rist \ˈju̇(ə)r-əst\ n : one (as a lawyer or judge) having a thorough knowledge of law

ju·ris·tic \ju̇-ˈris-tik\ adj
1 : of or relating to a jurist or jurisprudence
2 : relating to law

ju·ror \ˈju̇r-ər, -ˌȯr\ n : a member of a jury

ju·ry \ˈju̇(ə)r-ē\ n, pl juries
1 : a body of persons sworn to inquire into a matter of fact and give their verdict
2 : a committee that judges and awards prizes at an exhibition or contest [Middle English jure “jury,” derived from early French jurer “to swear,” from Latin jurare (same meaning), from jur-, jus “right, law” — related to JUDGE, JUST]

1just \ˈjəst\ adj
1 a : WELL-FOUNDED, REASONABLE <a just comment>  b : being in agreement with a standard of correctness : PROPER <a just price>
2 a : morally right or good : RIGHTEOUS <a just cause for war>  b : being deserved <just punishment>
3 : legally right <a just title> [Middle English just “reasonable, proper,” from early French juste and Latin justus (same meaning), from Latin jus “right, law” — related to JUDGE, JURY, PREJUDICE]  synonyms see UPRIGHT
— just·ly adv

2just \(ˌ)jəst, (ˌ)jist, (ˌ)jest\ adv
1 a : EXACTLY 1, PRECISELY <just right>  b : very recently <the bell just rang>
2 a : by a small amount : BARELY <just over the line>  b : IMMEDIATELY 1, DIRECTLY <just west of here>
3 a : nothing more than : ONLY <just a note>  b : QUITE 1, VERY <just wonderful>

jus·tice \ˈjəs-təs\ n
1 : just conduct, management, or treatment <do justice to a book>
2 a : 2JUDGE 1  b : the administration of law <received justice in court>
3 a : the quality of being fair or just  b : basis in morality, the right, or the law

justice of the peace : a local official having the authority to try minor cases, to administer oaths, and to perform marriages

jus·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌjəs-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of justifying or of being justified
2 : something that justifies : DEFENSE

jus·ti·fy \ˈjəs-tə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to prove or show to be just, right, legal, or reasonable
2 : to release from the guilt of sin
— jus·ti·fi·able \ˈjəs-tə-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

— jus·ti·fi·ably \-blē\ adv

— jus·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

jut \ˈjət\ vb jut·ted; jut·ting : to stick out, up, or forward : PROJECT
— jut n

jute \ˈjüt\ n : a glossy fiber from either of two Asian plants that is used chiefly for making sacks and twine

Jute \ˈjüt\ n : a member of a Germanic people invading England from Jutland and settling in Kent in the 5th century a.d.

1ju·ve·nile \ˈjü-və-ˌnīl, -vən-əl\ adj
1 : showing incomplete development : IMMATURE, CHILDISH
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of children or young people
— ju·ve·nil·i·ty \ˌjü-və-ˈnil-ət-ē\ n

2juvenile n
1 : a young person, animal, or plant
2 : a book for young people
3 : an actor who plays youthful parts

juvenile delinquency n : violation of the law (as stealing) or antisocial behavior (as playing hooky from school) by a young person

juvenile delinquent n : a person whose behavior or conduct is considered juvenile delinquency

jux·ta·pose \ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz\ vb -posed; -pos·ing : to place side by side
— jux·ta·po·si·tion \ˌjək-stə-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n

K

k \ˈkā\ n, often cap
1 : the 11th letter of the English alphabet
2 a : THOUSAND  b : a unit of computer memory equal to 1024 bytes
3 cap : STRIKEOUT

Kaa·ba \ˈkäb-ə\ n : a small stone building in the court of the Great Mosque at Mecca that contains a sacred black stone and is the point toward which Muslims turn in praying

Ka·bu·ki \kə-ˈbü-kē, ˈkäb-u̇-(ˌ)kē\ n : traditional popular Japanese drama with singing and dancing

kaftan variant of CAFTAN

kai·ser \ˈkī-zər\ n : the ruler of Germany from 1871 to 1918 [Middle English caisere “emperor,” from Old Norse keisari, derived from a Germanic word kaisar “emperor,” derived from Latin Caesar (title of a line of Roman emperors after Caesar Augustus) — see Word History at EMPEROR]

ka·lan·choe \ˌkal-ən-ˈkō-ē\ n : any of various chiefly African plants with juicy leaves including some grown indoors for their tiny colorful flowers

kale \ˈkā(ə)l\ n : a hardy cabbage with curly leaves that do not form a head

ka·lei·do·scope \kə-ˈlīd-ə-ˌskōp\ n
1 : a tube containing loose bits of colored glass or plastic and two mirrors at one end that shows many different patterns as it is turned
2 : a changing pattern or scene
3 : a diverse collection <a kaleidoscope of subjects> [from Greek kalos “beautiful” and Greek eidos “form, shape” and English -scope]
— ka·lei·do·scop·ic \-ˌlīd-ə-ˈskäp-ik\ adj

— ka·lei·do·scop·i·cal·ly \-ˈskäp-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

kame \ˈkām\ n : a short ridge or mound of material deposited by water from a melting glacier

kan·ga·roo \ˌkaŋ-gə-ˈrü\ n, pl -roos : any of numerous leaping marsupial mammals of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands that feed on plants and have a small head, long powerful hind legs, a long thick tail used as a support in standing or walking, and in the female a pouch on the abdomen in which the young are carried

kangaroo court n : a court that uses unfair methods or is not a proper court of law

kangaroo rat n : a burrowing rodent of dry regions of the western U.S. that travels by hopping on its long hind legs

ka·olin \ˈkā-ə-lən\ n : a fine usually white clay used in making porcelain, in paper, and in medicines that treat diarrhea

ka·olin·ite \ˈkā-ə-lə-ˌnīt\ n : a mineral that consists of a silicate of aluminum and is the principal mineral in kaolin

ka·pok \ˈkā-ˌpäk\ n : a mass of silky fibers that cover the seeds of a large tropical tree and are used as a filling for mattresses, life preservers, and sleeping bags

kap·pa \ˈkap-ə\ n : the 10th letter of the Greek alphabet — Κ or κ

kar·a·kul \ˈkar-ə-kəl\ n
1 often cap : any of a breed of hardy Asian sheep with coarse fur
2 : the usually curly glossy black coat of a young karakul lamb valued as fur

kar·a·o·ke \ˌkar-ē-ˌō-kē, kə-ˈrō-kē\ n : a device that plays music to which the user sings along and that records the user's singing with the music

kar·at or car·at \ˈkar-ət\ n : a unit of fineness for gold equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in a blend with one or more other metals

ka·ra·te \kə-ˈrät-ē\ n : a Japanese art of self-defense without a weapon [from Japanese karate, literally, “empty hand”]

kart \ˈkärt\ n : GO-KART
— kart·ing n

kar·yo·type \ˈka-rē-ə-ˌtīp\ n : a photographic image or other representation of all the chromosomes in a cell usually arranged in pairs from largest to smallest

ka·ty·did \ˈkāt-ē-ˌdid\ n : any of various large green American grasshoppers with very long antennae and males that make a high-pitched noise using sound-producing organs on the forewings
Word History Some animal names have been created through imitation of the sounds the animals make. The name katydid is an example of this process. These insects were given this name because the noise they make was thought of as sounding like “Katy-did, Katy-didn't” repeated over and over. [imitation]

kay·ak \ˈkī-ˌak\ n
1 : an Eskimo canoe made of a frame covered with skins except for a small opening in the center
2 : a small canvas-covered canoe resembling a kayak

1kayo \(ˈ)kā-ˈō, ˈkā-ō\ n, pl kay·os : KNOCKOUT 1

2kayo vb kay·oed; kayo·ing : KNOCK OUT

ka·zoo \kə-ˈzü\ n, pl kazoos : a toy musical instrument containing a membrane which produces a buzzing tone when one hums into the mouth hole

1keel \ˈkē(ə)l\ n
1 : a timber or plate that runs lengthwise along the center of the bottom of a ship and usually sticks out from the bottom
2 : something (as the breastbone of a bird or the lower two petals of a pea flower) that is like a ship's keel in form or use

2keel vb : to turn (a ship or boat) over

keel·boat \ˈkē(ə)l-ˌbōt\ n : a shallow covered riverboat with a keel that is usually rowed, poled, or towed and is used to carry freight

keel·haul \-ˌhȯl\ vb
1 : to haul under the keel of a ship as punishment or torture
2 : to scold severely

keel over vb : to fall suddenly (as in a faint)

1keen \ˈkēn\ adj
1 : having a sharp edge or point <a keen knife>
2 : seeming to cut or sting <a keen wind>
3 : full of enthusiasm <keen about baseball>
4 a : having or showing mental sharpness <a keen mind>  b : very sensitive (as in seeing or hearing) <keen eyesight>
5 : very nice : WONDERFUL <gee, that's keen>  synonyms see EAGER, SHARP
— keen·ly adv

— keen·ness \ˈkēn-nəs\ n

2keen vb : to mourn in a loud wailing voice

3keen n : a mourning for the dead with loud wails

1keep \ˈkēp\ vb kept \ˈkept\; keep·ing
1 a : to be faithful to : FULFILL <keep a promise>  b : to act properly in relation to <keep the Sabbath>
2 a : PROTECT <keep us from harm>  b : to take care of : TEND <keep a garden>
3 : to continue doing something : MAINTAIN <keep silence> <keep on working> <keep that up and you'll get into trouble>
4 : to have in one's service or at one's disposal <keep a car>
5 : to preserve a record in <keep a diary>
6 : to have on hand regularly for sale <keep neckties>
7 : to continue to have in one's possession or power <kept the marbles I won>
8 a : to prevent from leaving : DETAIN <keep a person in jail> <was kept after school>  b : to place for storage <keeps the catsup in the refrigerator> <keep my socks in a drawer>
9 : to hold back <keep a secret>
10 a : to remain or cause to remain in a place, situation, or condition <keep off the grass> <keep him waiting>  b : to continue in an unspoiled condition <food that keeps well>
11 : 1REFRAIN <keep from talking>
12 : to take charge of (as a business) : MANAGE <kept an inn>
synonyms KEEP, OBSERVE, CELEBRATE, COMMEMORATE, mean to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed. KEEP stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating <keep the Sabbath>. OBSERVE suggests the holding of formal ceremonies <not all holidays are observed across the nation>. CELEBRATE suggests honoring an occasion by festivity <celebrate Labor Day with a parade>. COMMEMORATE suggests having customs or ceremonies that call to mind what the occasion means <commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths on gravestones>.

2keep n
1 : the strongest part of a castle in the Middle Ages
2 : the necessities of life <earn one's keep>
— for keeps
1 : with the understanding that one may keep what is won <play marbles for keeps>
2 : for a long time : PERMANENTLY

keep·er \ˈkē-pər\ n : one that keeps <they are keepers of their word>; esp : a person who watches, guards, or takes care of something or someone <the keeper of a shop>

keep·ing \ˈkē-piŋ\ n
1 : watchful attention : CARE
2 : a proper or fitting relationship : HARMONY <in keeping with good taste>

keep·sake \ˈkēp-ˌsāk\ n : something kept or given to be kept in memory of a person, place, or happening

keep up vb
1 : MAINTAIN 1 <keep standards up>
2 : to stay well informed about something <keep up on the news>
3 : to continue without interruption <rain kept up all night>
4 : to stay even with others (as in a race)

keg \ˈkeg, ˈkag, ˈkāg\ n
1 : a small cask or barrel holding 30 gallons (about 114 liters) or less
2 : the contents of a keg

kelp \ˈkelp\ n : any of various large brown seaweeds; also : a mass of these

kel·vin \ˈkel-vən\ n : a unit of temperature equal to 1/273.16 of the Kelvin scale temperature of the triple point of water

Kelvin adj : relating to or having a temperature scale on which the unit of measurement is the same size as the Celsius degree and according to which absolute zero is 0 K (-273.15°C) — abbreviation K [named for William Thomson, Lord Kelvin (1824–1907), British mathematician and physicist]

1ken \ˈken\ vb kenned; ken·ning chiefly Scottish : 1KNOW

2ken n
1 : range of vision : SIGHT
2 : range of understanding <miracles beyond human ken>

1ken·nel \ˈken-əl\ n
1 : a shelter for a dog
2 : a place where dogs or cats are bred or housed

2kennel vb -neled or -nelled; -nel·ing or -nel·ling : to put or keep in a kennel

Ken·tucky bluegrass \kən-ˌtək-ē-\ n : a pasture, lawn, and meadow grass that has tall stalks and slender bright green leaves and is native to Europe but is widely grown in North America

Kentucky rifle n : a long flintlock rifle loaded through the muzzle that was developed in the 18th century

ker·a·tin \ˈker-ət-ən\ n : a sulfur-containing protein that makes up hair and horny tissues (as nails)

ker·chief \ˈkər-chəf, -ˌchēf\ n, pl kerchiefs \-chəfs, -ˌchēfs\ also ker·chieves \-ˌchēvz\
1 : a square of cloth worn as a head covering or as a scarf
2 : HANDKERCHIEF 1

kerf \ˈkərf\ n : a slit or notch made by a saw or a cutting torch

ker·nel \ˈkərn-əl\ n
1 a : the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut  b : a whole grain or seed of a cereal (as wheat or corn)
2 : a central or basic part <a kernel of truth in what they say>

ker·o·sene also ker·o·sine \ˈker-ə-ˌsēn, ker-ə-ˈsēn, ˈkar-, ˌkar-\ n : a thin oil obtained from petroleum and used as a fuel and solvent

Ker·ry blue terrier \ˌker-ē-\ n : any of an Irish breed of medium-sized terriers with a long head, deep chest, and silky bluish coat

ketch \ˈkech\ n : a two-masted fore-and-aft-rigged ship

ketch·up also catch·up \ˈkech-əp, ˈkach-\ or cat·sup \ˈkech-əp, ˈkach-; ˈkat-səp\ n : a thick seasoned sauce usually made from tomatoes

ket·tle \ˈket-əl\ n
1 : a pot for boiling liquids
2 : TEAKETTLE

ket·tle·drum \-ˌdrəm\ n : a large brass or copper drum that has a rounded bottom and can be varied in pitch

1key \ˈkē\ n, pl keys
1 a : a small device that is used to open a lock or start an automobile  b : a device having the form or function of a key <a key for winding a clock>
2 : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control
3 a : something that provides an explanation, solution, or means of identifying <the key to a riddle>  b : a series of phrases or statements that describe characteristics by which plants or animals of a particular group differ and are used to aid in identification  c : a map legend
4 : one of the levers with a flat surface that is pressed by a finger in operating a machine or playing an instrument
5 : a system of seven musical tones arranged in relation to a keynote from which the system is named <the key of C>
6 : a characteristic style or tone
7 : a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit [Old English cǣg “key”]

2key vb keyed; key·ing
1 : to adjust the musical pitch of
2 : to bring into harmony
3 : to make nervous, tense, or excited — usually used with up <all keyed up about the test>
4 : to record by operating the keys of a machine <key each price into the cash register>

3key adj : of great importance <the key people in the organization> <the key question is “Can we afford it?”> <use key words in an outline>

4key n : a low island or reef <the Florida Keys> [from Spanish cayo “a low island or reef”]

key·board \ˈkē-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a row or set of keys by which a musical instrument (as a piano) is played
2 : the whole arrangement of keys by which a machine (as a typewriter or computer) is operated

key deer n, often cap K : a very small rare white-tailed deer native to the Florida Keys

key·hole \ˈkē-ˌhōl\ n : a hole for receiving a key

keyhole saw n : a narrow pointed handsaw

1key·note \ˈkē-ˌnōt\ n
1 : the first and harmonically fundamental tone of a scale
2 : the fundamental or central fact, idea, or mood <humor is the keynote of the play>

2keynote vb
1 : to set the keynote of
2 : to give the keynote address at <keynoted the convention>
— key·not·er n

keynote address n : the main speech given at a gathering (as a political convention)

key·pad \ˈkē-ˌpad\ n : a small keyboard (as on a pocket calculator)

key·punch \-ˌpənch\ n : a machine with a keyboard for punching cards to be used in data processing
— keypunch vb

key signature n : the sharps or flats placed after a clef in music to indicate the key

key·stone \ˈkē-ˌstōn\ n
1 : the wedge-shaped piece at the top of an arch that locks the other pieces in place
2 : something on which other things depend

key·stroke \-ˌstrōk\ n : the act or an instance of pushing down a key on a keyboard

key·word \-ˌwərd\ n : a word of interest or significance

kha·ki \ˈkak-ē, ˈkäk-\ n
1 : a light yellowish brown
2 a : a light yellowish brown cloth often used for military uniforms  b : a garment made of this cloth (as a military uniform)
Word History In northern India a language known as Hindi gave the name khākī to a certain kind of strong cloth. This Hindi name meant “dust-colored,” because the cloth was a light yellowish brown. When the British spent time in India, they discovered that the strong brown material made good military uniforms. Now the word khaki is used in English for a uniform, as well as for the cloth used to make it. [from Hindi khākī “dust-colored,” from khāk “dust”; of Persian origin]

khan \ˈkän, ˈkan\ n
1 : a Mongolian leader
2 : a local chieftain or man of rank in some countries of central Asia

khe·dive \kə-ˈdēv\ n : a governor of Egypt from 1867 to 1914

Khmer \kə-ˈme(ə)r\ n : a member of a native people of Cambodia

Khoi·khoi \ˈkȯi-ˌkȯi\ n, pl Khoikhoi
1 : a member of a group of pastoral peoples who lived in far southern Africa when first encountered by Europeans and who now live mainly in Namibia
2 : the languages spoken by the Khoikhoi

kib·butz \kib-ˈu̇ts, -ˈüts\ n, pl kib·but·zim \-ˌu̇t-ˈsēm, -ˌüt-\ : a farming settlement in Israel that is owned and shared equally by the people who live there and run it

ki·bitz·er \ˈkib-ət-sər, kə-ˈbit-\ n : a person who looks on and often offers unwanted advice especially at a card game
— ki·bitz \ˈkib-əts, kə-ˈbits\ vb

ki·bosh \ˈkī-ˌbäsh\ n : 1END 2A, STOP — used in the phrase put the kibosh on

1kick \ˈkik\ vb
1 : to strike out or hit with the foot
2 : to object strongly : PROTEST <kicked about their low grades>
3 : to spring back <a shotgun kicks when fired>
4 : to be full of pep and energy <still alive and kicking>
5 : to score by kicking a ball <kick a field goal>
6 slang : to free oneself of <kick the habit>
— kick·er n

— kick up one's heels : to have a good lively time

2kick n
1 a : a blow with the foot  b : the movement of the legs in swimming
2 a : a sudden moving (as of a ball) with the foot  b : the sudden move backward of a gun when fired
3 : a feeling of or cause for objection
4 : a feeling or source of pleasure

kick·back \ˈkik-ˌbak\ n : a secret return of part of a sum of money received

kick back vb : RELAX 4

kick·ball \-ˌbȯl\ n : a game resembling baseball played with a large rubber ball that is kicked instead of batted

kick in vb
1 : CONTRIBUTE 1
2 : START 2

kick·off \ˈkik-ˌȯf\ n : a kick that puts the ball into play (as in soccer or football)

kick off \(ˈ)kik-ˈȯf\ vb
1 : to make a kickoff
2 : BEGIN 1

kick·stand \ˈkik-ˌstand\ n : a metal bar or rod attached to a 2-wheeled vehicle (as a bicycle) and used to prop up the vehicle when it is not in use

1kid \ˈkid\ n
1 : the young of a goat or of a related animal
2 a : the flesh, fur, or skin of a kid  b : something (as leather) made of kid
3 : a young person : CHILD, YOUNGSTER
— kid·dish \ˈkid-ish\ adj

2kid vb kid·ded; kid·ding
1 : to deceive or trick as a joke
2 : 1TEASE 2A
— kid·der n

kid·do \ˈkid-(ˌ)ō\ n : CHILD 2, KID

kid·nap \ˈkid-ˌnap\ vb kid·napped also kid·naped \-ˌnapt\; kid·nap·ping also kid·nap·ing \-ˌnap-iŋ\ : to carry away a person by unlawful force or by fraud and against his or her will
— kid·nap·per also kid·nap·er \-ˌnap-ər\ n

kid·ney \ˈkid-nē\ n, pl kidneys
1 : either of a pair of oval to bean-shaped organs located in the back part of the abdomen near the spine that give off waste products in the form of urine
2 : an organ of an invertebrate animal that gives off waste

kidney bean n : an edible seed and especially a large dark red seed of any of several varieties of cultivated bean plants; also : a plant that produces kidney beans

kid·skin \ˈkid-ˌskin\ n : the skin of a kid or leather made from or resembling it

1kill \ˈkil\ vb
1 : to deprive of life : cause the death of
2 a : to put an end to : RUIN <that killed our chances>  b : 1DEFEAT 1 <the committee killed the bill>  c : to stop the use or functioning of <kill the lights>  d : DELETE <kill the last line>
3 : to cause to pass <just killing time>
4 : to use up completely <killed two cartons of milk>
synonyms KILL, MURDER, ASSASSINATE, mean to take the life of. KILL suggests nothing about the manner of death and can apply to the death of anything <frost killed the plants> <a person killed in an accident>. MURDER applies to the deliberate and unlawful killing of a person <convicted of murdering a rival>. ASSASSINATE usually suggests the murder of an important person often for political reasons <terrorists assassinated the Senator>.

2kill n
1 : an act of killing
2 : an animal killed <a lion devouring its kill>

kill·deer \ˈkil-ˌdi(ə)r\ n, pl killdeers or killdeer : a North American plover that has two black bands on its breast and a distinctive high-pitched loud cry
Word History Killdeers are not vicious birds. They have no special hatred of deer, and they do not eat venison. This attractive, dark-eyed bird has a loud, rather sad cry that to some people sounds like “Kill deer! Kill deer!” So the killdeer is an animal that got its name from human interpretation of its call. [imitation]

1killer \ˈkil-ər\ n
1 : one that kills
2 : KILLER WHALE

2killer adj
1 : strikingly impressive or effective <a killer smile>
2 : extremely difficult <a killer exam>; also : causing death or devastation <a killer tornado>

killer T cell n : a T cell that binds to and destroys cells (as one infected by a virus) which display specific antigens on their surface

kill·er whale \ˈkil-ər-\ n : a flesh-eating mostly black toothed whale 20 to 30 feet (about 6 to 9 meters) long that travels in groups

kill·ing \ˈkil-iŋ\ n : a sudden large profit

kill·joy \ˈkil-ˌjȯi\ n : a person who spoils the pleasure of others

kiln \ˈkiln, ˈkil\ n : an oven or furnace for hardening, burning, or drying something <brick kilns>
— kiln vb

ki·lo \ˈkē-(ˌ)lō\ n, pl kilos : KILOGRAM

kilo- combining form : thousand <kiloton> [derived from Greek chilioi “thousand”]

ki·lo·byte \ˈkē-lə-ˌbīt, ˈkil-ə-\ n : 1024 bytes

ki·lo·cal·o·rie \ˈkē-lə-ˌkal-(ə-)rē, ˈkil-ə-\ n : CALORIE 1B

kilo·cy·cle \ˈkil-ə-ˌsī-kəl\ n : 1000 cycles; esp : KILOHERTZ

ki·lo·gram \ˈkē-lə-ˌgram, ˈkil-ə-\ n
1 : the basic unit of mass in the metric system that has been accepted by international agreement and is nearly equal to the mass of 1000 cubic centimeters of water at its highest density — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE
2 : the weight of a kilogram mass on the earth <he weighs 80 kilograms> — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

ki·lo·hertz \ˈkil-ə-ˌhərts, ˈkē-lə-, -ˌhe(ə)rts\ n : 1000 hertz

kilo·joule \ˈkil-ə-ˌjül\ n : 1000 joules

kilo·li·ter \ˈkil-ə-ˌlēt-ər\ n : a unit of capacity equal to 1,000 liters — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

ki·lo·me·ter \kə-ˈläm-ət-ər, kil-ˈäm-; ˈkil-ə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : a metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

kilo·pas·cal \ˌkil-ə-pas-ˈkal\ n : 1000 pascals

ki·lo·ton \ˈkil-ə-ˌtən, ˈkē-lə- also -ˌtän\ n
1 : 1000 tons
2 : an explosive force equivalent to that of 1000 tons of TNT

ki·lo·volt \ˈkē-lə-ˌvōlt, ˈkil-ə-\ n : 1000 volts

kilo·watt \ˈkil-ə-ˌwät\ n : 1000 watts

kilowatt–hour n : a unit of work or energy equal to that expended by one kilowatt in one hour and equal to 3.6 million joules

kilt \ˈkilt\ n : a knee-length pleated skirt usually of tartan worn by men in Scotland
— kilt·ed \ˈkil-təd\ adj

kil·ter \ˈkil-tər\ n : proper condition <the TV is out of kilter>

ki·mo·no \kə-ˈmō-nō\ n, pl -nos
1 : a loose robe with wide sleeves that is traditionally worn with a broad sash as an outer garment by the Japanese
2 : a loose dressing gown worn chiefly by women

1kin \ˈkin\ n
1 : a person's relatives
2 : KINSMAN

2kin adj : being related : KINDRED

-kin \kən\ also -kins \kənz\ n suffix : little — often used in affectionate nicknames <babykins> [Middle English -kin “little,” from early Dutch -kin “little”]

1kind \ˈkīnd\ n
1 a : a group united by common traits or interests : CATEGORY <hawks and other birds of their kind>  b : VARIETY 3A <all kinds of people> <what kind of car do you have>  c : one that is barely a member of a category <a kind of gray>
2 : essential quality or character <differences in kind>
3 a : goods as distinguished from money <payment in kind rather than in cash>  b : something equal to what has been offered or received <returned the favor in kind>

2kind adj
1 : wanting and liking to do good and to bring happiness to others
2 : showing or growing out of gentleness or goodness of heart <a kind act>

kin·der·gar·ten \ˈkin-də(r)-ˌgärt-ən, -ˌgärd-\ n : a school or class for very young children [from German kindergarten “a school for very young children,” from kinder “children” and garten “garden”]

kin·der·gart·ner \ˈkin-der-ˌgärt-nər, -ˌgärd-\ n : a kindergarten pupil

kind·heart·ed \ˈkīnd-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : having or showing a kind and sympathetic nature
— kind·heart·ed·ly adv

— kind·heart·ed·ness n

kin·dle \ˈkin-dəl\ vb kin·dled; kin·dling \-(d)liŋ, -dəl-iŋ\
1 : to set on fire or take fire : LIGHT
2 : to stir up : EXCITE <trying to kindle their interest>

kin·dling \ˈkin-(d)liŋ\ n : material that burns easily and is used to start a fire

1kind·ly \ˈkīn-(d)lē\ adj kind·li·er; -est
1 : pleasant or wholesome in nature <a kindly climate>
2 : of a sympathetic or generous nature <kindly men>
— kind·li·ness n

2kindly adv
1 : in a willing manner <does not take kindly to criticism>
2 a : in a kind manner <treat animals kindly>  b : in an appreciative manner <I would take it kindly if you would put in a good word for us>  c : in an obliging manner <they kindly asked us to go along>  d : as a matter of courtesy : PLEASE <kindly pass the salt>

kind·ness \ˈkīn(d)-nəs\ n
1 : a kind deed : FAVOR <returned his kindness>
2 : the quality or state of being kind <treat others with kindness>

kind of \ˌkīn-də(v)\ adv : to a moderate degree : SOMEWHAT <it's kind of cold in here> <he kind of likes me>

1kin·dred \ˈkin-drəd\ n
1 : a group of related individuals
2 : a person's relatives

2kindred adj : alike in nature or character <a kindred spirit>

kine \ˈkīn\ archaic plural of COW

ki·ne·sics \kə-ˈnē-siks, kī-, -ziks\ n : the study of body motions (as blushes, shrugs, or eye movement) that communicate

ki·net·ic \kə-ˈnet-ik, kī-\ adj : of or relating to the motions of material bodies and the forces and energy associated with them [from Greek kinētikos “relating to motion,” derived from kinein “to move” — related to CINEMA]

kinetic energy n : energy associated with motion

kinetic theory n : a theory that states that all matter is composed of particles in motion and that the rate of motion varies directly with the temperature

kin·folk \ˈkin-ˌfōk\ n pl : 1KINDRED 2

king \ˈkiŋ\ n
1 : a male ruler of a country who usually inherits his position and rules for life
2 : a chief among competitors <an oil king>
3 : the chief piece in the game of chess
4 : a playing card bearing the figure of a king
5 : a piece in the game of checkers that has reached the opponent's back row and has been crowned

king·bird \-ˌbərd\ n : any of several American tyrant flycatchers

king cobra n : a large very poisonous snake of southeastern Asia and the Philippines

king crab n
1 : HORSESHOE CRAB
2 : any of several very large crabs

king·dom \ˈkiŋ-dəm\ n
1 : a country whose ruler is a king or queen
2 : a region in which something or someone has very strong influence <the cotton kingdom>
3 a : one of the three primary divisions into which natural objects are classified — compare ANIMAL KINGDOM, MINERAL KINGDOM, PLANT KINGDOM  b : a major category in the scientific classification of living things that ranks above the phylum and below the domain

kingdom come n : the next world (as heaven)

king·fish \ˈkiŋ-ˌfish\ n : any of various sea fishes (as a king mackerel)

king·fish·er \-ˌfish-ər\ n : any of various bright-colored birds with a short tail, a long stout sharp bill, and usually a crest on the head

King James Version \kiŋ-ˈjāmz-\ n : AUTHORIZED VERSION

king·let \ˈkiŋ-lət\ n : any of several small insect-eating birds

king·ly \ˈkiŋ-lē\ adj king·li·er; -est
1 : having royal rank
2 : of, relating to, or worthy of a king
— king·li·ness n

— kingly adv

king mackerel n : a mackerel of the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean that is a food and sport fish

king·pin \ˈkiŋ-ˌpin\ n
1 : a pin that stands in the middle of a triangular arrangement of bowling pins; also : HEADPIN
2 : the chief person in a group or undertaking

Kings \ˈkiŋz\ n : either of two narrative and historical books of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

king·ship \ˈkiŋ-ˌship\ n
1 : the position, office, or dignity of a king
2 : the personality of a king : MAJESTY
3 : government by a king

king–size \ˈkiŋ-ˌsīz\ or king–sized \-ˌsīzd\ adj
1 : unusually long or large
2 : having a size of 76 inches by 80 inches (about 1.9 meters by 2.0 meters) <a king-size bed>

king snake n : any of numerous harmless brightly marked large snakes chiefly of the southern and central U.S.

king's ransom n : a very large sum of money

1kink \ˈkiŋk\ n
1 : a short tight twist or curl (as in a thread, rope, or hose)
2 : 1CRAMP 1 <a kink in my back>
3 : an imperfection that makes something hard to use or work

2kink vb : to form or cause to form a kink

kin·ka·jou \ˈkiŋ-kə-ˌjü\ n : a slender long-tailed mammal of Central and South America that is related to the raccoon, is active at night, lives in trees, and has large eyes and soft woolly yellowish brown fur

kinky \ˈkiŋ-kē\ adj kink·i·er; -est
1 : tightly twisted or curled
2 : very strange or odd
— kink·i·ness n

-kins — see -KIN

kins·folk \ˈkinz-ˌfōk\ n pl : 1KINDRED 2, RELATIVES

kin·ship \ˈkin-ˌship\ n : the quality or state of being kin : RELATIONSHIP

kins·man \ˈkinz-mən\ n : a relative usually by birth; esp : a male relative

kins·wom·an \ˈkinz-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is a relative usually by birth

ki·osk \ˈkē-ˌäsk, kē-ˈäsk\ n
1 : a small light structure with one or more open sides used especially to sell merchandise or services
2 : a small structure that provides information and services on a computer screen

Ki·o·wa \ˈkī-ə-ˌwȯ, -ˌwä\ n, pl Kiowa or Kiowas : a member of an American Indian people of what are now Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

1kip·per \ˈkip-ər\ n : a kippered herring or salmon

2kipper vb kip·pered; kip·per·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to cure by splitting, cleaning, salting, and smoking

kirk \ˈki(ə)rk, ˈkərk\ n, chiefly Scottish : CHURCH 1

1kiss \ˈkis\ vb
1 : to touch with the lips as a mark of love or greeting
2 : to touch gently or lightly <wind gently kissing the trees>
— kiss·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

2kiss n
1 : a loving touch with the lips
2 : a gentle touch or contact
3 a : a small cookie made of meringue  b : a bite-size candy <a chocolate kiss>

kiss·er \ˈkis-ər\ n
1 : one that kisses
2 slang  a : 1MOUTH 1A  b : 1FACE 1

1kit \ˈkit\ n
1 a : a collection of articles for personal use <a shaving kit>  b : a set of tools or supplies <a first-aid kit>  c : a set of parts to be put together <model-airplane kit>
2 : a container (as a bag or case) for a kit
3 : a group of persons or things — used in the phrase the whole kit and caboodle [Middle English kit “a wooden tub”]

2kit n : a small narrow violin [origin unknown]

3kit n
1 : KITTEN
2 : a young or small fur-bearing animal (as a fox) [a shortened form of kitten]

kitch·en \ˈkich-ən\ n : a place (as a room) in which cooking is done
Word History Although a room where food is cooked is called a kitchen, the words cook and kitchen are so different that it is surprising to learn that they both come from the same source. Both words can be traced to the Latin verb coquere, meaning “to cook.” The connection between coquere and cook is easy to see, but kitchen has a more involved history. From the verb coquere came the later Latin noun coquina, meaning “a kitchen.” With some changes in pronunciation, coquina came into Old English as cycene. Further changes over the course of many years gave us kichene and finally the Modern English kitchen. [Middle English kichene “kitchen,” from Old English cycene (same meaning), from Latin coquina “a place where food is cooked,” from earlier coquere “to cook” — related to COOK]

kitch·en·ette \ˌkich-ə-ˈnet\ n : a small kitchen

kitchen garden n : a piece of land where vegetables are grown for household use

kitchen police n : KP

kitch·en·ware \ˈkich-ən-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : utensils and appliances for use in a kitchen

kite \ˈkīt\ n
1 : any of various usually small hawks with long narrow wings and a deeply forked tail
2 : a light covered frame for flying in the air at the end of a long string

kith \ˈkith\ n : familiar friends and neighbors or relatives <kith and kin>

kit·ten \ˈkit-ən\ n : a young cat; also : a young individual of various other small mammals

kit·ten·ish \ˈkit-nish, -ən-ish\ adj : resembling a kitten
— kit·ten·ish·ly adv

— kit·ten·ish·ness n

kit·ti·wake \ˈkit-ē-ˌwāk\ n : either of two gulls that nest on cliffs and winter on the open ocean

1kit·ty \ˈkit-ē\ n, pl kitties : CAT 1A; esp : KITTEN

2kitty n, pl kitties : a sum of money or collection of goods often made up of small contributions

kit·ty–cor·ner also cat·ty–cor·ner or cat·er·cor·ner \ˈkit-ē-ˌkȯr-nər, ˈkat-, ˈkat-ə-\ or kit·ty–cor·nered or cat·ty–cor·nered or cat·er·cor·nered \-nərd\ adv or adj : in a crosswise position : on a diagonal line <the house stood kitty-corner across the square>

ki·va \ˈkē-və\ n : a Pueblo Indian ceremonial structure that is usually round and partly underground

ki·wi \ˈkē-(ˌ)wē\ n
1 : a flightless New Zealand bird with weak and undeveloped wings, stout legs, a long bill, and grayish brown hairlike feathers
2 : KIWIFRUIT

ki·wi·fruit \-ˌfrüt\ n : the edible fruit of a Chinese vine having a fuzzy brown skin and slightly tart green flesh

Klee·nex \ˈklē-ˌneks\ trademark — used for a cleansing tissue

klep·to·ma·nia \ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə\ n : a continuous abnormal desire to steal

klep·to·ma·ni·ac \ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ˌak\ n : a person who exhibits kleptomania

klez·mer \ˈklez-mər\ n, pl klez·mo·rim \klez-ˈmȯr-əm\
1 : a Jewish instrumentalist especially of traditional eastern European music
2 : the music played by klezmorim

klieg light or kleig light \ˈklēg-\ n : a very bright lamp used in taking motion pictures

klutz \ˈkləts\ n : a clumsy person
— klutz·i·ness \ˈklət-sē-nəs\ n

— klutzy \ˈklət-sē\ adj

knack \ˈnak\ n
1 : a clever or skillful way of doing something : TRICK
2 : a natural ability : TALENT <has a knack for making friends>

knap·sack \ˈnap-ˌsak\ n : a carrying case or pouch slung from the shoulders over the back

knave \ˈnāv\ n
1 : RASCAL 1
2 : 1JACK 5 [from earlier knave “a boy servant, a person of humble birth,” from Old English cnafa “boy”]
— knav·ish \ˈnā-vish\ adj

— knav·ish·ly adv

knav·ery \ˈnāv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : the practices of a knave : RASCALITY

knead \ˈnēd\ vb
1 : to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands
2 : to treat as if by kneading : MASSAGE
— knead·er n

1knee \ˈnē\ n
1 : the joint or region in the middle part of the human leg in which the femur, tibia, and kneecap come together; also : a corresponding part of a four-footed mammal
2 : something resembling the knee; esp : a cone-shaped upward growth from the roots of a few swamp-growing trees (as a cypress of the southern U.S.) that extends above the surrounding water
3 : the part of a garment covering the knee
— kneed \ˈnēd\ adj

2knee vb kneed; knee·ing : to strike with the knee

knee·cap \ˈnē-ˌkap\ n : a thick flat movable bone forming the front part of the knee — called also patella

knee–deep \-ˈdēp\ adj : being up to one's knees <knee-deep in mud> <knee-deep snowdrifts>

knee·hole \-ˌhōl\ n : a space (as under a desk) for the knees

knee–jerk \ˈnē-ˌjərk\ adj : readily predictable : AUTOMATIC <a knee-jerk reaction to the proposal>

knee jerk n : an involuntary forward kick produced by a light blow on the tendon below the kneecap

kneel \ˈnē(ə)l\ vb knelt \ˈnelt\ or kneeled \ˈnē(ə)ld\; kneel·ing : to bend the knee : support oneself on the knees
— kneel·er n

1knell \ˈnel\ vb
1 : to ring slowly and solemnly especially for a death, funeral, or disaster : TOLL
2 : to summon, announce, or warn by a knell

2knell n
1 : a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly for a death, funeral, or disaster
2 : an indication (as a sound) of the end or failure of something

knew past of KNOW

knick·er·bock·ers \ˈnik-ə(r)-ˌbäk-ərz\ n pl : KNICKERS [named for Diedrich Knickerbocker, made-up name for the author of History of New York, which was really written by Washington Irving]

knick·ers \ˈnik-ərz\ n pl
1 : loose-fitting short pants gathered just below the knee
2 chiefly British : UNDERPANTS

knick·knack \ˈnik-ˌnak\ n : a small ornamental object

1knife \ˈnīf\ n, pl knives \ˈnīvz\
1 : a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle
2 : a cutting blade in a machine

2knife vb knifed; knif·ing
1 : to stab, slash, or wound with a knife
2 : to move like a knife <ships knifing through the sea>

knife–edge \ˈnī-ˌfej\ n : a sharp wedge usually of steel used as a support for a lever beam in a very exact instrument (as a balance)

1knight \ˈnīt\ n
1 a : a warrior of olden times who fought on horseback, served a king, held a special military rank, and swore to behave in a noble way  b : a man honored by a sovereign for merit and in Great Britain ranking below a baronet
2 : a chess piece that makes an L-shaped move [Old English cniht “boy, attendant, warrior”]
— knight·ly \-lē\ adj or adv

2knight vb : to make a knight of

knight–er·rant \ˈnīt-ˈer-ənt\ n, pl knights–errant : a knight traveling in search of adventures
— knight–er·rant·ry \ˈnīt-ˈer-ən-trē\ n

knight·hood \ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight
2 : the qualities that a knight should have
3 : knights as a class or body

knish \kə-ˈnish\ n : a small round or square piece of dough stuffed with a filling and baked or fried [Yiddish]

1knit \ˈnit\ vb knit or knit·ted; knit·ting
1 : to form a fabric or garment by interlacing yarn or thread in connected loops with needles <knit a sweater>
2 : to draw or come together closely as if knitted : unite firmly <wait for a broken bone to knit>
3 : 2WRINKLE <knit her brow>
— knit·ter n

2knit n : a knit fabric or garment

knit·ting n
1 : the action or method of one that knits
2 : work done or being done by one that knits

knit·wear \ˈnit-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : knitted clothing

knob \ˈnäb\ n
1 a : a rounded lump  b : a small rounded handle
2 : a rounded hill
— knobbed \ˈnäbd\ adj

— knob·by \ˈnäb-ē\ adj

1knock \ˈnäk\ vb
1 a : to strike with a sharp blow  b : to set in motion with a sharp blow
2 : to bump against something
3 : WANDER 1 <knocked about the country last summer>
4 : to have engine knock
5 : to find fault with <don't knock it — there are worse jobs>
— knock cold : KNOCK OUT

— knock for a loop : to cause to be overwhelmed : SHOCK, BEWILDER

— knock together : to make or build hastily or carelessly

2knock n
1 : a sharp blow
2 : a severe misfortune or hardship
3 a : a pounding noise <heard a knock on the door>  b : a sharp rattling noise caused by abnormal ignition in an automobile engine

knock·about \ˈnäk-ə-ˌbau̇t\ adj : being noisy and rough : BOISTEROUS

knock down vb
1 : to strike to the ground with or as if with a sharp blow
2 : to sell to the highest bidder at an auction
3 : to take apart

knock·er \ˈnäk-ər\ n : a device made like a hinge and fastened to a door for use in knocking

knock–kneed \ˈnäk-ˈnēd\ adj : having the legs bowed inward

knock–knock joke \ˈnäk-ˈnäk-\ n : a punning joke beginning with the lines “Knock, knock.” “Who's there?”

knock off vb : to stop doing something

knock·out \ˈnäk-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : the act of knocking out : the condition of being knocked out
2 : something or someone very striking or attractive
— knockout adj

knock out \ˈnäk-ˈau̇t, näk-ˈau̇t\ vb : to make unconscious

knock·wurst \ˈnäk-(ˌ)wərst\ n : a short thick sausage [from German Knackwurst “knockwurst,” from knacken “to crackle (when being fried)” and Wurst “sausage”]

knoll \ˈnōl\ n : a small round hill

1knot \ˈnät\ n
1 : an interlacing (as of string or ribbon) that forms a lump or knob
2 : something hard to solve : PROBLEM
3 : a bond of union; esp : the marriage bond
4 a : a lump or swelling in bodily tissue  b : the base of a woody branch enclosed in the stem from which it arises; also : a section of a knot in lumber
5 : a cluster of persons or things
6 : one nautical mile per hour

2knot vb knot·ted; knot·ting
1 : to tie in or with a knot
2 : to unite closely

knot·hole \-ˌhōl\ n : a hole in a board or tree trunk where a knot has come out

knot·ted \ˈnät-əd\ adj
1 : tied in or with a knot
2 : KNOTTY
3 : ornamented with knots or knobs

knot·ty \ˈnät-ē\ adj knot·ti·er; -est
1 : full of knots <knotty wood>
2 : DIFFICULT 2B <a knotty problem>

knout \ˈnau̇t, ˈnüt\ n : a whip for beating criminals as punishment

1know \ˈnō\ vb knew \ˈn(y)ü\; known \ˈnōn\; know·ing
1 a : to have understanding of <know yourself>  b : to recognize the nature of <knew them to be honest>
2 a : to recognize the identity of <knew me by my walk>  b : to be acquainted or familiar with <knows the city very well>
3 a : to be aware of the truth of <know that the earth is round>  b : to have a practical understanding of <knows how to write>
4 : to have information or knowledge <ask someone who knows>
5 : to be or become aware <knew about the problem>
— know·able \ˈnō-ə-bəl\ adj

— know·er \ˈnō(-ə)r\ n

2know n : the fact of knowing : KNOWLEDGE
— in the know : well-informed

know–how \ˈnō-ˌhau̇\ n : knowledge of how to get things done : EXPERTISE

know·ing \ˈnō-iŋ\ adj
1 : having or showing special knowledge <a knowing smile>
2 : shrewdly and keenly alert
3 : INTENTIONAL
— know·ing·ly adv

know–it–all \ˈnō-ət-ˌȯl\ n : a person who always claims to know everything

knowl·edge \ˈnäl-ij\ n
1 : understanding or skill gained by experience <a knowledge of carpentry>
2 a : the state of being aware of something or of having information  b : the range of one's information or understanding <answered to the best of my knowledge>
3 : something learned and kept in the mind : LEARNING <has a vast knowledge of history>
synonyms KNOWLEDGE, LEARNING, SCHOLARSHIP, mean what is known or can be known by a person or by human beings in general. KNOWLEDGE applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, observation, or experience <gained a knowledge of horses in growing up on a ranch>. LEARNING applies to knowledge gained usually through formal schooling especially at an advanced level <a college professor of great learning>. SCHOLARSHIP suggests the learning of an advanced scholar in a specialized field of study <a book that shows the author's scholarship>.

knowl·edge·able \ˈnäl-ij-ə-bəl\ adj : having or showing knowledge or intelligence

known \ˈnōn\ adj : generally recognized <a known expert on art>

know–noth·ing \ˈnō-ˌnəth-iŋ\ n : a person who is ignorant : IGNORAMUS

1knuck·le \ˈnək-əl\ n
1 : the rounded lump formed by the ends of two bones where they come together in a joint; esp : such a lump at a finger joint
2 : any of several parts (as the hock or shank or a tarsal joint) of the leg of a four-footed animal as used for food

2knuckle vb knuck·led; knuck·ling \ˈnək-(ə-)liŋ\ : to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble

knuck·le·ball \ˈnək-əl-ˌbȯl\ n : a baseball pitch gripped with the knuckles or fingertips and thrown with very little spin

knuckle down vb : to apply oneself in an earnest manner

knuckle under vb : SUBMIT 4, GIVE IN

1KO \(ˈ)kā-ˈō, ˈkā-ō\ n, pl KO's : a knockout in boxing

2KO vb KO'd \kā-ˈōd, ˈkā-ōd\; KO'·ing \-ˈō-iŋ, -ō-\ : to knock out in boxing

ko·ala \kō-ˈäl-ə, kə-ˈwäl-ə\ n : an Australian tree-dwelling marsupial mammal that has large hairy ears, thick gray fur, sharp claws for climbing, and no tail and feeds on eucalyptus leaves — called also koala bear

Koch's postulates \ˈkȯks-\ n pl : a statement of the four steps required to identify a germ as the cause of a disease

kohl \ˈkōl\ n : a cosmetic used by women especially in Arabia and Egypt to darken the edges of the eyelids

kohl·ra·bi \kōl-ˈräb-ē\ n, pl -bies : a cabbage that does not form a head but has a swollen fleshy edible stem

koi \ˈkȯi\ n : a carp that has been bred to be of various bright colors and is often stocked in ornamental ponds

ko·la nut \ˈkō-lə-\ n : the bitter seed of an African tree containing much caffeine and used in beverages and medicine for its stimulating effect

Ko·mo·do dragon \kə-ˈmōd-ō-\ n : a lizard of Indonesia that is the largest of all known lizards and may grow to be 10 feet (3 meters) long

koodoo variant of KUDU

kook \ˈkük\ n : a person who acts in a strange or insane way : NUT
— kooky \ˈkü-kē\ adj

kook·a·bur·ra \ˈku̇k-ə-ˌbər-ə, ˈkük-, -ˌbə-rə\ n : an Australian kingfisher that is about the size of a crow and has a call resembling loud laughter

ko·peck or ko·pek \ˈkō-ˌpek\ n
1 : a unit of money equal to 1/100 ruble
2 : a coin representing one kopeck

Ko·ran \kə-ˈran, -ˈrän; ˈkō(ə)r-ˌan, ˈkȯ(ə)r-\ n : a book of sacred writings accepted by Muslims as revealed to Muhammad by Allah

Ko·re·an \kə-ˈrē-ən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Korea
2 : the language of the Korean people
— Korean adj

ko·ru·na \ˈkȯr-ə-ˌnä\ n, pl ko·ru·ny \-nē\ or korunas or ko·run \ˈkȯr-ən\
1 : the basic unit of money of Czech Republic and Slovakia
2 : a coin representing one koruna

ko·sher \ˈkō-shər\ adj
1 a : accepted by Jewish law; esp : ritually fit for use <kosher meat>  b : selling or serving food ritually fit according to Jewish law <a kosher restaurant>
2 : PROPER 4 <made sure the deal was kosher>

kow·tow \ˈkau̇-ˈtau̇, ˈkau̇-ˌtau̇\ vb : to show overly respectful attention [from Chinese kòutóu, literally, “to bump the head (in bowing to the ground)”]

KP \(ˈ)kā-ˈpē\ n
1 : the military duty of helping to prepare, serve, and clean up after meals
2 : a person on KP

kraal \ˈkrȯl, ˈkräl\ n
1 : a village of southern African natives
2 : an enclosure for tame animals especially in southern Africa

krait \ˈkrīt\ n : any of several brightly banded extremely poisonous Asian snakes

kra·ken \ˈkräk-ən\ n : a sea monster of Scandinavian legend

Krebs cycle \ˈkrebz-\ n : a series of chemical reactions in living things in which acetic acid or a related substance is oxidized to produce energy which is stored in ATP

krill \ˈkril\ n : small crustaceans and their larvae that make up plankton and form a major food of baleen whales

1kro·na \ˈkrō-nə\ n, pl kro·nor \-ˌnȯ(ə)r, -nər\
1 : the basic unit of money of Sweden
2 : a coin representing one krona

2kro·na \ˈkrō-nə\ n, pl kro·nur \-nər\
1 : the basic unit of money of Iceland
2 : a coin representing one krona

1kro·ne \ˈkrō-nə\ n, pl kro·ner \-nər\
1 : the basic unit of money of Denmark and Norway
2 : a coin representing one krone

2kro·ne \ˈkrō-nə\ n, pl kro·nen \-nən\ : the basic unit of money of Austria from 1892 to 1925

kryp·ton \ˈkrip-ˌtän\ n : a colorless gaseous element found in air and used especially in electric lamps — see ELEMENT TABLE

K–T \ˈkā-ˈtē\ adj : of, relating to, or occurring at the K-T boundary <K-T extinctions>

K–T boundary n : the transition between the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods of geologic time marked especially by the extinction of the dinosaurs; also : a layer of rock marking this boundary

ku·du also koo·doo \ˈküd-(ˌ)ü\ n, pl kudu or kudus also koodoo or koodoos : a large grayish brown African antelope with long twisted horns

kud·zu \ˈku̇d-zü\ n : a fast-growing trailing Asian vine that is related to the pea, is grown for grazing and for erosion control, and is often a serious weed in the southeastern U.S.

kum·quat \ˈkəm-ˌkwät\ n
1 : a small yellowish orange fruit related to the citruses with sweet spongy skin and somewhat tart pulp used especially for preserves
2 : a tree or shrub that bears kumquats

kung fu \ˌkəŋ-ˈfü, ˌku̇ŋ-\ n : a Chinese art of self-defense resembling karate

Kurd \ˈku̇(ə)rd, ˈkərd\ n : a member of a nomadic people who live in a region that is partly in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Armenia, and Azerbaijan
— Kurd·ish \-ish\ adj

Kwan·zaa \ˈkwän-zə\ n : an African-American cultural festival held from December 26 to January 1 [Swahili kwanza “first,” in the phrase matunda ya kwanza “first fruits”]

kwash·i·or·kor \ˌkwäsh-ē-ˈȯr-kər\ n : a disease of young children resulting from not getting enough protein to eat

L

l \ˈel\ n, often cap
1 : the 12th letter of the English alphabet
2 : fifty in Roman numerals

la \ˈlä\ n : the sixth note of the musical scale

lab \ˈlab\ n : LABORATORY

lab coat n : a loose-fitting usually white coat with deep pockets that is worn by personnel in a laboratory, medical office, or hospital

1la·bel \ˈlā-bəl\ n
1 : a slip (as of paper or cloth) that is attached to something to identify or describe it
2 a : a descriptive or identifying word or phrase  b : the brand name of a commercial product

2label vb la·beled or la·belled; la·bel·ing or la·bel·ling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to attach a label to
2 : to name or describe with or as if with a label
3 : to make (as an element, compound, or cell) traceable by inclusion of a detectable part (as a radioactive isotope or a dye)

la·bi·al \ˈlā-bē-əl\ adj : of or relating to the lips or labia

la·bi·um \ˈlā-bē-əm\ n, pl la·bia \-bē-ə\
1 : any of the folds at the margin of the vulva
2 : the lower mouthpart of an insect

1la·bor \ˈlā-bər\ n
1 : physical or mental effort especially when hard or required : TOIL, WORK
2 a : the services performed by workers for wages  b : those who do labor for wages
3 : the physical efforts and pain of giving birth; also : the period of such labor
4 : something that requires work : TASK

2labor vb la·bored; la·bor·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to work hard
2 : to move with great effort <the truck labored up the hill>  synonyms see WORK

lab·o·ra·to·ry \ˈlab-(ə-)rə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries : a place equipped for making scientific experiments and tests

Labor Day n : the first Monday in September observed in the U.S. and Canada as a legal holiday in honor of working people

la·bored \ˈlā-bərd\ adj : produced or done with labor <labored breathing>

la·bor·er \ˈlā-bər-ər\ n : one that works; esp : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

la·bo·ri·ous \lə-ˈbōr-ē-əs, -ˈbȯr-\ adj
1 : devoted to work : INDUSTRIOUS
2 : requiring hard effort
— la·bo·ri·ous·ly adv

— la·bo·ri·ous·ness n

la·bor·sav·ing \ˈlā-bər-ˌsā-viŋ\ adj : designed to replace or decrease human labor and especially physical labor

labor union n : an organization of workers formed to protect the rights and advance the interests of its members concerning wages, benefits, and working conditions

Lab·ra·dor retriever \ˌlab-rə-ˌdȯr-\ n : any of a breed of strongly built retrievers having a broad head, a short dense black, yellow, or chocolate coat, and a thick rounded tail

la·brum \ˈlā-brəm\ n : the upper mouthpart of an arthropod in front of or above the mandibles

lab·y·rinth \ˈlab-ə-ˌrin(t)th\ n
1 : a place full of passageways and blind alleys so arranged as to make it difficult to find one's way around : MAZE
2 : something extremely complicated or twisting <the cockpit was a labyrinth of instruments and controls>
3 : the internal ear or its bony or membranous part
— lab·y·rin·thine \ˌlab-ə-ˈrin(t)-thən\ adj

lac \ˈlak\ n : a substance given off by a scale insect and used in the manufacture of shellac, lacquers, and sealing wax

1lace \ˈlās\ vb laced; lac·ing
1 : to fasten or join with or as if with a lace <laced her shoes>
2 : to adorn with or as if with lace
3 : INTERTWINE, THREAD <lace the ribbon through the holes>
4 : 1BEAT 1A, LASH

2lace n
1 : a cord or string for drawing together two edges (as of a shoe)
2 : an ornamental braid for trimming coats or uniforms
3 : a fine open-worked fabric of thread or cord used chiefly for ornament of dress
— laced \ˈlāst\ adj

— lace·like \ˈlā-ˌslīk\ adj
Word History When the ancient Romans wanted to trap a small animal, such as a rabbit, they used a loop of light rope laid on the ground in its path. A triggering device was used to tighten the loop around the animal. They called such a loop or noose laqueus, which became laz in early French. The English borrowed it as las in the 14th century. They used it to refer to a cord that holds something together by weaving, as a shoelace. Finally, it came to mean the delicate fabric made by weaving and knotting thin strands of material. [Middle English las, lace “a string used to draw together two edges of material,” from early French laz (same meaning), from Latin laqueus “noose, snare” — related to 3LASH, 1LASSO]

lac·er·ate \ˈlas-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to tear roughly : injure by tearing <a lacerated knee>

lac·er·a·tion \ˌlas-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : an act or instance of lacerating
2 : a torn and ragged wound

lace·wing \ˈlā-ˌswiŋ\ n : any of various insects that have delicate lacelike wings, long antennae, and often bright eyes

lach·ry·mal or lac·ri·mal \ˈlak-rə-məl\ adj
1 usually lacrimal : of, relating to, or being the glands that produce tears
2 : of, relating to, or marked by tears

lach·ry·mose \ˈlak-rə-ˌmōs\ adj
1 : tending to weep : TEARFUL
2 : tending to cause tears : MOURNFUL <a lachrymose drama>
— lach·ry·mose·ly adv

lac·ing \ˈlā-siŋ\ n
1 : the action of one that laces
2 : 2LACE

1lack \ˈlak\ vb
1 : to be missing
2 : to need, want, or be short of <lacks money>

2lack n
1 : the fact or state of being absent or in short supply
2 : something that is lacking or is needed

lack·a·dai·si·cal \ˌlak-ə-ˈdā-zi-kəl\ adj : lacking spirit or enthusiasm : LANGUID, LISTLESS
— lack·a·dai·si·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

lack·ey \ˈlak-ē\ n, pl lackeys
1 : FOOTMAN 2
2 : an overly respectful follower : TOADY

lack·lus·ter \ˈlak-ˌləs-tər\ adj : lacking in brightness, radiance, or interest : DULL <a lackluster performance>

la·con·ic \lə-ˈkän-ik\ adj : using few words : TERSE <a laconic reply>
— la·con·i·cal·ly \-ˈkän-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

lac·quer \ˈlak-ər\ n : a material like varnish that dries quickly into a shiny layer (as on wood or metal)
— lacquer vb

la·crosse \lə-ˈkrȯs\ n : a game played on a field in which players use long-handled sticks with shallow nets for catching, throwing, and carrying the ball

lac·tase \ˈlak-ˌtās\ n : an enzyme that breaks down lactose and related compounds and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts

lac·tate \ˈlak-ˌtāt\ vb lac·tat·ed; lac·tat·ing : to give off milk
— lac·ta·tion \lak-ˈtā-shən\ n

lac·te·al \ˈlak-tē-əl\ n : one of the lymphatic vessels that begin in the villi of the small intestine and carry chyle

lac·tic acid \ˌlak-tik-\ n : an organic acid present especially in muscle tissue as a result of the breakdown of carbohydrates (as glycogen), is made from carbohydrates usually by fermentation by bacteria, and is used especially in food and medicine

lac·tose \ˈlak-ˌtōs\ n : a sugar present in milk that breaks down to give glucose and galactose and on fermentation gives especially lactic acid — called also milk sugar

la·cus·trine \lə-ˈkəs-trən\ adj : of, relating to, formed in, or growing in lakes

lacy \ˈlā-sē\ adj lac·i·er; -est : resembling or consisting of lace

lad \ˈlad\ n
1 : BOY 1, YOUTH
2 : 1FELLOW 4A, CHAP

lad·der \ˈlad-ər\ n
1 : a structure for climbing that consists of two long pieces (as of wood, rope, or metal) joined at short distances by crosspieces on which one may step
2 : something that suggests a ladder in form or use
3 : a series of steps or stages : SCALE <the corporate ladder>

lad·die \ˈlad-ē\ n : a young lad

lade \ˈlād\ vb lad·ed; lad·ed or lad·en \ˈlād-ən\; lad·ing
1 : 2LOAD 1A <lade a ship> <a truck laden with gravel>
2 : to burden heavily <laden with cares>
3 : 2LADLE

1la·dle \ˈlād-əl\ n : a spoon or dipper with a long handle and a deep bowl used for dipping
— la·dle·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n

2ladle vb la·dled; la·dling \ˈlād-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to take up and carry in or as if in a ladle

la·dy \ˈlād-ē\ n, pl ladies
1 : a woman of property, rank, or authority; esp : one having a standing equivalent to that of a lord — used as a title
2 cap : VIRGIN MARY — usually used with Our
3 : a woman of high social position
4 : WOMAN 1
5 : WIFE 2
Word History The word lady is nowadays generally used as a polite term for a woman. In the past, however, lady was used primarily for “a woman of a high social class.” The Old English ancestor of lady was hlæfdige, which came from two other words. One was hlāf, meaning “loaf of bread.” The other was -dīge, a form of a root word meaning “to knead dough.” But the word hlæfdige was not used in Old English for an actual bread maker. It was used instead to refer to the woman in charge of maids and of a household. Only very rich and powerful women, members of the nobility, had maids and large households, so a lady was owed much respect. The title lady is still used in Great Britain for a woman who is a member of the nobility. [Old English hlæfdige, from hlāf “loaf of bread” and -dīge, a form of a root word meaning “to knead dough” — related to LOAF, LORD; see Word History at LORD]

lady beetle n : LADYBUG

la·dy·bird \ˈlād-ē-ˌbərd\ n : LADYBUG

la·dy·bug \-ˌbəg\ n : any of numerous small roundish-backed often brightly colored and spotted beetles that usually feed both when young and adult on other insects (as aphids)

la·dy–in–wait·ing \ˌlād-ē-in-ˈwāt-iŋ\ n, pl ladies–in–waiting : a lady appointed to attend or wait on a queen or princess

la·dy·like \ˈlād-ē-ˌlīk\ adj
1 : resembling a lady in appearance or manners
2 : suitable to a lady <ladylike behavior>

la·dy·love \ˈlād-ē-ˌləv, ˌlād-ē-ˈləv\ n : a woman with whom one is in love : SWEETHEART

la·dy·ship \ˈlād-ē-ˌship\ n : the rank or dignity of a lady — used as a title <her Ladyship is not at home>

lady's slipper or lady slipper \ˈlād-ē(z)-ˌslip-ər\ n : any of several North American orchids whose large drooping flowers suggest a slipper in shape

1lag \ˈlag\ n
1 : the action or condition of lagging
2 a : amount of lagging  b : a time during which lagging continues

2lag vb lagged; lag·ging
1 : to stay or fall behind : LINGER, LOITER
2 : to move, function, or develop too slowly <production lagged behind schedule>
3 : to slacken little by little : FLAG  synonyms see LINGER
— lag·ger n

lag·gard \ˈlag-ərd\ adj : lagging or tending to lag : SLOW
— laggard n

— lag·gard·ly adv or adj

la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈyap\ n : something given free especially with a customer's purchase [American French]

lago·morph \ˈlag-ə-ˌmȯrf\ n : any of an order of plant-eating gnawing mammals having two pairs of incisor teeth in the upper jaw one behind the other and including the rabbits, hares, and pikas

la·goon \lə-ˈgün\ n : a shallow channel or pond near or connected with a larger body of water

laid past and past participle of LAY

laid–back \ˈlād-ˈbak\ adj : relaxed in style or manner

lain past participle of 1LIE

lair \ˈla(ə)r, ˈle(ə)r\ n
1 : the den or resting place of a wild animal
2 : REFUGE 1, HIDEAWAY

laird \ˈla(ə)rd, ˈle(ə)rd\ n, chiefly Scottish : LANDOWNER

lais·sez–faire \ˌle-ˌsā-ˈfa(ə)r, ˌlā-, -ˌzā-, -ˈfe(ə)r\ n : a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs [from the French phrase laissez faire “let (people) do (as they choose)”]
— laissez–faire adj

la·ity \ˈlā-ət-ē\ n, pl -ities
1 : the people of a religious faith who are not members of its clergy
2 : persons not of a particular profession

lake \ˈlāk\ n : a large inland body of standing water; also : a pool of liquid (as oil or pitch)

lake trout n : any of various trout and salmon found in lakes; esp : MACKINAW TROUT

1lam \ˈlam\ vb lammed; lam·ming
1 : 1STRIKE 2A, THRASH
2 : to flee hastily

2lam n : a sudden or hurried flight especially from the law <on the lam>

la·ma \ˈläm-ə\ n : a Lamaist monk

La·ma·ism \ˈläm-ə-ˌiz-əm\ n : the Buddhism of Tibet and Mongolia having a ruling body of monks organized into ranks
— La·ma·ist \ˈläm-ə-əst\ n or adj

— La·ma·is·tic \ˌläm-ə-ˈis-tik\ adj

La·marck·ism \lə-ˈmär-ˌkiz-əm\ n : a theory of evolution holding that changes in the environment cause changes in the structure of animals and plants that are passed on to offspring
— La·marck·i·an \-kē-ən\ adj

la·ma·sery \ˈläm-ə-ˌser-ē\ n, pl -ser·ies : a monastery of lamas

1lamb \ˈlam\ n
1 a : a young sheep especially less than one year old or without permanent teeth  b : the flesh of a lamb used as food
2 : an innocent, weak, or gentle person

2lamb vb : to give birth to a lamb

lam·baste or lam·bast \(ˈ)lam-ˈbāst, -ˈbast\ vb lam·bast·ed; lam·bast·ing
1 : 1STRIKE 2A, BEAT
2 : to scold roughly

lamb·da \ˈlam-də\ n : the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet — Λ or λ

lam·bent \ˈlam-bənt\ adj
1 : playing lightly over a surface : FLICKERING
2 : softly radiant

lamb·kin \ˈlam-kən\ n : a little lamb

lamb's ears n sing or pl : a widely grown Asian herb of the mint family having leaves covered with fuzzy silver-white hairs

lamb·skin \ˈlam-ˌskin\ n : a lamb's skin or a small fine-grade sheepskin or leather made from either

lamb's–quar·ter \ˈlamz-ˌkwȯ(r)t-ər\ n sing or pl : a goosefoot with leaves that are sometimes used in salads or cooked as a vegetable — called also lamb's-quarters

1lame \ˈlām\ adj lam·er; lam·est
1 a : having a body part and especially an arm or a leg disabled enough so as to be unable to get around without pain or difficulty  b : being stiff and sore <a lame shoulder>
2 : not very convincing : WEAK <a lame excuse>
— lame·ly adv

— lame·ness n

2lame vb lamed; lam·ing : to make lame

lame duck n : an elected official continuing to hold office until a successor takes office

la·mel·la \lə-ˈmel-ə\ n, pl la·mel·lae \-ˈmel-(ˌ)ē, -ˌī\ also -mellas : a thin flat scale, layer, or membrane

1la·ment \lə-ˈment\ vb
1 : to mourn aloud : WAIL
2 : to express sorrow for : BEWAIL
— lam·en·ta·tion \ˌlam-ən-ˈtā-shən\ n

2lament n
1 : a crying out in grief
2 : a mournful song or poem

la·men·ta·ble \ˈlam-ən-tə-bəl, lə-ˈment-ə-\ adj
1 : that is to be regretted or lamented
2 : SORROWFUL 2
— la·men·ta·ble·ness n

— la·men·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

Lam·en·ta·tions \ˌlam-ən-ˈtā-shənz\ n : a poetic book on the fall of Jerusalem in canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

lam·i·na \ˈlam-ə-nə\ n, pl lam·i·nae \-ˌnē, -ˌnī\ or -nas : a thin plate or scale

lam·i·nar·ia \ˌlam-ə-ˈner-ē-ə, -ˈnar-\ n : any of various large kelps with an unbranched cylinder-shaped or flattened stalk and a smooth or wavy blade

lam·i·nate \ˈlam-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to roll or compress into a thin plate
2 : to make by uniting layers of one or more materials
— lam·i·nate \-nət, -ˌnāt\ n

— lam·i·na·tion \ˌlam-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— lam·i·na·tor \ˈlam-ə-ˌnāt-ər\ n

lamp \ˈlamp\ n : a device for producing light or heat

lamp·black \-ˌblak\ n : a fine black soot made by incomplete burning of carbon-containing material and used to color things black

lamp·light \ˈlam-ˌplīt\ n : the light of a lamp

lamp·light·er \ˈlam-ˌplīt-ər\ n : one that lights a lamp; esp : a person employed to light gas streetlights

1lam·poon \lam-ˈpün\ n : a writing or drawing that makes fun of a person

2lampoon vb : to make fun of by a lampoon : RIDICULE
— lam·poon·er n

lamp·post \ˈlam(p)-ˌpōst\ n : a post supporting a usually outdoor lamp or lantern

lam·prey \ˈlam-prē, -ˌprā\ n, pl lampreys : any of a family of jawless fishes that resemble eels and have a large sucking mouth with horny teeth

lamp·shell \ˈlamp-ˌshel\ n : BRACHIOPOD

LAN \ˈlan, ˌel-ˌā-ˈen\ n : LOCAL AREA NETWORK

1lance \ˈlan(t)s\ n
1 : a weapon consisting of a long shaft with a sharp steel head that was used by knights on horseback
2 : a sharp instrument; esp : LANCET

2lance vb lanced; lanc·ing : to pierce or cut with a lance or lancet

lance corporal n : an enlisted person with a rank just below that of corporal in the marines

lance·let \ˈlan(t)-slət\ n : any of various small translucent marine animals that are related to the vertebrates, resemble fish, and usually live partly buried on the ocean floor — called also amphioxus

lan·cet \ˈlan(t)-sət\ n : a sharp-pointed and usually two-edged surgical instrument

1land \ˈland\ n
1 : the solid part of the surface of the earth
2 : a portion of the earth's surface <fenced land> <marshy land>
3 : 1COUNTRY 2B, NATION
4 : REAL ESTATE <owns land in Alaska>
— land·less \ˈlan-dləs\ adj

2land vb
1 a : to set or go ashore from a ship : DISEMBARK  b : to stop at or near a place on shore
2 : to come down or bring down and settle on a surface <land a plane>
3 : to bring to or arrive at a destination or a position or condition <land in jail>
4 a : to catch and bring in <land a fish>  b : 2SECURE 3, GAIN <land a job>
— land·er n

land·ed \ˈlan-dəd\ adj
1 : owning land <landed aristocrats>
2 : consisting of real estate <landed wealth>

land·fall \ˈlan(d)-ˌfȯl\ n
1 : a sighting or making of land after a voyage or flight
2 : the land first sighted on a voyage or flight

land·fill \-ˌfil\ n
1 : a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried between layers of earth
2 : an area built up by landfill

land·form \-ˌfȯrm\ n : a natural feature of a land surface

land·hold·er \ˈland-ˌhōl-dər\ n : LANDOWNER
— land·hold·ing \-diŋ\ n

land·ing \ˈlan-diŋ\ n
1 : the action of one that lands
2 : a place (as a wharf) for unloading or taking on passengers and cargo
3 : the level part of a staircase (as between flights of stairs)

landing craft n : any of numerous naval craft designed for putting troops and equipment ashore

landing field n : a field where aircraft may land and take off

landing gear n : the part that supports the weight of an aircraft or spacecraft when on the ground

landing strip n : AIRSTRIP

land·la·dy \ˈlan-ˌ(d)lād-ē\ n
1 : a woman who owns land or houses that she rents
2 : a woman who runs an inn or rooming house

land·line \-ˌ(d)līn\ n : a line of communication (as by telephone) consisting of a cable laid on land

land·locked \-(d)läkt\ adj
1 : enclosed or nearly enclosed by land <a landlocked country>
2 : kept from leaving fresh water by some barrier <landlocked salmon>

land·lord \-ˌ(d)lȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : the owner of land or houses that is rented to another
2 : a person who runs an inn or rooming house

land·lub·ber \-ˌ(d)ləb-ər\ n : LANDSMAN

land·mark \ˈlan(d)-ˌmärk\ n
1 : an object that marks the boundary of land
2 a : a usually large object on land that is easy to see and can help a person find the way to a place near it  b : an important building or monument <historical landmarks>
3 : an event that marks a turning point

land·mass \-ˌmas\ n : a large area of land

land mine n : a mine placed just below the surface of the ground and designed to be exploded by the weight of the vehicles or troops passing over it

land·own·er \ˈlan-ˌdō-nər\ n : an owner of land
— land·own·ing \-niŋ\ adj

— land·own·er·ship \-nər-ˌship\ n

1land·scape \ˈlan(d)-ˌskāp\ n
1 : a picture of natural scenery
2 : the land that can be seen in one glance

2landscape vb land·scaped; land·scap·ing : to improve the natural beauties of a piece of land by grading, clearing, or gardening

land·slide \ˈlan(d)-ˌslīd\ n
1 : the slipping down of a mass of rocks or earth on a steep slope; also : the mass of material that slides
2 : an overwhelming victory especially in an election <won by a landslide>

lands·man \ˈlan(d)z-mən\ n : a person who lives or works on land; esp : one who knows little or nothing of the sea and ships

land·ward \ˈlan-dwərd\ adj or adv : lying or being toward the land or on the side toward the land

lane \ˈlān\ n
1 : a narrow way or road usually between fences, hedges, or buildings
2 : a somewhat narrow way or track: as  a : an ocean route for ships; also : AIR LANE  b : a strip of roadway for a single line of vehicles  c : a bowling alley

lan·guage \ˈlaŋ-gwij\ n
1 a : the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a large group of people  b : a means of communicating ideas <sign language>
2 : the means by which animals communicate or are thought to communicate with each other <language of the bees>
3 : a system of signs and symbols and rules for using them that is used to carry information <BASIC is a computer language>
4 : the way in which words are used <strong language>
5 : the words and expressions of a particular group or field <the language of medicine>
6 : the study of language
Word History The tongue plays an important part in human speech. Different sounds are made by different positions of the tongue. The tongue and speech are so closely connected that in many languages the word that means “tongue” also means “language.” This is true in English, as when we say “she spoke a foreign tongue.” It was also true in Latin, where the word lingua meant both “tongue” and “language.” From the Latin lingua came the early French langue, meaning “tongue, language,” which gave rise to the early French word language. The English word language comes directly from this early French word. [Middle English language “language,” from early French language (same meaning), from langue “language, tongue,” from Latin lingua “tongue, language”]

language arts n pl : the subjects (as reading, spelling, and composition) that aim at developing the student's understanding and skills for using language

lan·guid \ˈlaŋ-gwəd\ adj
1 : weak from or as if from exhaustion
2 : lacking spirit : LISTLESS
3 : lacking force or quickness of movement : SLOW
— lan·guid·ly adv

lan·guish \ˈlaŋ-gwish\ vb
1 : to become weak or languid : waste away <languish in prison>
2 : to suffer neglect <a bill languishing in the Senate>
— lan·guish·ment \-mənt\ n

lan·guor \ˈlaŋ-(g)ər\ n
1 : weakness or weariness of body or mind
2 : a state of dreamy idleness
— lan·guor·ous \-(g)ə-rəs\ adj

— lan·guor·ous·ly adv

La Ni·ña \lä-ˈnē-nyə, -nyä\ n : an irregularly occurring movement of deep cold water to the ocean surface along the western coast of South America that often occurs after an El Niño and that disrupts weather patterns especially in a manner opposite that of an El Niño

lank \ˈlaŋk\ adj
1 : not well filled out : THIN <lank cattle>
2 : hanging straight and limp without spring or curl <lank hair>
— lank·ly adv

— lank·ness n

lanky \ˈlaŋ-kē\ adj lank·i·er; -est : being tall, thin, and usually loose-jointed <a lanky teenager>
— lank·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— lank·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

lan·o·lin \ˈlan-əl-ən\ n : the fatty coating of sheep's wool especially when purified for use in ointments and cosmetics

lan·ta·na \lan-ˈtän-ə\ n : any of a genus of tropical shrubs and herbs that have showy heads of small bright flowers

lan·tern \ˈlant-ərn\ n
1 : a usually portable light with a protective covering
2 : PROJECTOR

lantern fish n : any of numerous small fishes mostly of deep seas that have a large mouth, large eyes, and spots on the body that give off light

lantern fly n : any of several large brightly marked insects that are related to the cicadas and aphids and have the front of the head lengthened into a hollow structure

lan·tha·num \ˈlan(t)-thə-nəm\ n : a white soft metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

la·nu·go \lə-ˈnü-gō, -ˈnyü-\ n : a growth of hair resembling cotton or down; esp : the soft hair that covers the fetus of some mammals including humans

lan·yard \ˈlan-yərd\ n
1 : a rope or line for fastening something in ships
2 : a cord worn around the neck or shoulder to hold a knife or whistle
3 : a strong cord used in firing a cannon

Lao \ˈlau̇\ n, pl Lao or Laos
1 : a member of a people living in Laos and northeastern Thailand
2 : the language of the Lao people which is closely related to Thai
— Lao adj

Lao·tian \lā-ˈō-shən, ˈlau̇-shən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Laos; also : LAO 1
2 : LAO 2
— Laotian adj

1lap \ˈlap\ n
1 : a loose panel in a garment : FLAP
2 a : the clothing that lies on the knees and thighs when one sits  b : the front part of a person between the waist and the knees when seated [Old English læppa “flap of a garment”]

2lap vb lapped; lap·ping
1 : 3FOLD 1
2 : 1WRAP 1A
3 : to lay or lie over or near something else so as to partly cover it <lap one shingle over another>

3lap n
1 a : the amount by which one object overlaps another  b : the part of an object that overlaps another
2 a : one time around a racetrack  b : one part of a journey

4lap vb lapped; lap·ping
1 : to scoop up food or drink with the tongue
2 : to wash or splash gently [Old English lapian “to take into the mouth by means of the tongue”]

5lap n : an act or sound of lapping

lap·dog \ˈlap-ˌdȯg\ n : a dog small enough to be held in the lap

la·pel \lə-ˈpel\ n : the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a part of the collar

lap·i·dary \ˈlap-ə-ˌder-ē\ n, pl -dar·ies : a person who cuts and polishes precious stones
— lapidary adj

la·pis la·zu·li \ˌlap-ə-ˈslazh-ə-lē, -ˈslaz-\ n : a deep blue gemstone

Lapp \ˈlap\ n, sometimes offensive : SAMI

1lapse \ˈlaps\ n
1 a : a slight error or slip <lapse of memory>  b : a temporary fall especially from a higher to a lower state <lapse into bad habits>
2 : the ending of a right or privilege through failure to meet requirements
3 : a passage of time; also : INTERVAL 1

2lapse vb lapsed; laps·ing
1 : to slip, pass, or fall gradually <lapse into silence>
2 : to come to an end : CEASE

1lap·top \-ˌtäp\ adj : of a size and design that makes use on one's lap convenient

2laptop n : a portable computer that is small enough to use on one's lap, has its main components (as keyboard and display screen) combined in one unit, and can run on battery power

lar·board \ˈlär-bərd\ n : 3PORT
— larboard adj

lar·ce·ny \ˈlärs-nē, -ən-ē\ n, pl -nies : the unlawful taking of personal property with the intention of depriving the rightful owner of it permanently : THEFT
— lar·ce·nous \-nəs, -ən-əs\ adj

larch \ˈlärch\ n : any of a genus of trees related to the pines that shed their short needles each fall

1lard \ˈlärd\ vb
1 : to insert strips of usually pork fat into meat before cooking
2 : to smear with lard, fat, or grease
3 : to add something extra and unnecessary to

2lard n : a soft white fat from the fatty tissue of the hog

lar·der \ˈlärd-ər\ n : a place where foods are kept

large \ˈlärj\ adj larg·er; larg·est : greater, bigger, more extended, or more powerful than usual
— large·ness n

— at large
1 : not locked up : FREE <the criminal is still at large>
2 : as a whole <the public at large>
3 : representing a whole state or area rather than one of its divisions <delegate-at-large>

large calorie n : CALORIE 1B

large intestine n : the last part of the intestine which is wider and shorter than the small intestine, which consists of the cecum, colon, and rectum, and which absorbs water from the material left over from digestion and prepares the feces for release from the body

large·ly \ˈlärj-lē\ adv
1 : GENERALLY 1 <the story is largely true>
2 : in a great amount <tipped the waiter largely>

large·mouth bass \ˌlärj-ˌmau̇th-\ n : a large North American bass of warm slow-moving waters that is blackish green above and lighter or whitish below — called also largemouth black bass

large–scale integration \ˈlärj-ˈskāl-\ n : the process of placing a large number of circuits on a small chip

lar·gesse also lar·gess \lär-ˈzhes, lär-ˈjes\ n
1 : generous giving
2 : a generous gift

larg·ish \ˈlär-jish\ adj : rather large

1lar·go \ˈlär-gō\ adv or adj : in a very slow and broad manner — used as a direction in music

2largo n, pl largos : a largo movement

lar·i·at \ˈlar-ē-ət\ n : a rope with a noose used to catch livestock or to tie up grazing animals : LASSO

1lark \ˈlärk\ n : any of numerous Old World singing birds that are usually brownish in color and live on the ground; esp : 1SKYLARK — compare MEADOWLARK

2lark n : something done for fun or adventure
— lark vb

lark·spur \ˈlärk-ˌspər\ n : DELPHINIUM; esp : a cultivated delphinium grown for its stalks of showy blue, pink, or white flowers

lar·va \ˈlär-və\ n, pl lar·vae \-(ˌ)vē, -ˌvī\ also larvas
1 : a young wingless often wormlike form (as a grub or caterpillar) that hatches from the egg of many insects
2 : an early form of any animal that at birth or hatching is very different from its parents <the tadpole is the larva of the frog>
— lar·val \-vəl\ adj

lar·vi·cide \ˈlär-və-ˌsīd\ n : a chemical substance used for killing larvae that are pests

lar·yn·gi·tis \ˌlar-ən-ˈjīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the larynx

lar·ynx \ˈlar-iŋ(k)s\ n, pl la·ryn·ges \lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ or lar·ynx·es : the upper part of the trachea that in human beings and most mammals contains the vocal cords — called also voice box

la·sa·gna \lə-ˈzän-yə\ n : broad flat noodles baked with a sauce usually of tomatoes, cheese, and meat or vegetables

las·civ·i·ous \lə-ˈsiv-ē-əs\ adj : LEWD 1, LUSTFUL
— las·civ·i·ous·ly adv

— las·civ·i·ous·ness n

1la·ser \ˈlā-zər\ n : a device that uses the natural vibrations of atoms or molecules to generate a narrow beam of light having a small frequency range [light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation]

2laser vb : to subject to the action of a laser

laser printer n : a high-quality computer printer that uses a laser to form the image to be printed

1lash \ˈlash\ vb
1 : to move violently or suddenly
2 : to strike with or as if with a whip
3 : to attack with strong language — usually used with out <lashed out at his sister> [Middle English lassen “to move violently or suddenly”]

2lash n
1 a : a stroke with a whip or switch  b : the flexible part of a whip; also : 2WHIP 1
2 : a beating, whipping, or driving force
3 : EYELASH

3lash vb : to tie down with a rope, cord, or chain [Middle English lasschen “to lace,” from early French lacer (same meaning), derived from Latin laqueare “to snare, catch in a noose,” from laqueus “noose, snare” — related to LACE, 1LASSO; see Word History at LACE]
— lash·er n

lash·ing \ˈlash-iŋ\ n : something used for tying, wrapping, or fastening

lass \ˈlas\ n : a young woman : GIRL

lass·ie \ˈlas-ē\ n : LASS, GIRL

las·si·tude \ˈlas-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : a condition of weariness : FATIGUE
2 : a state of dreamy idleness : LANGUOR

1las·so \ˈlas-ō, la-ˈsü\ n, pl lassos or lassoes : a rope or long leather thong with a noose used especially for catching livestock [from Spanish lazo “lasso,” from Latin laqueus “noose, snare” — related to LACE, 2LASH; see Word History at LACE]

2lasso vb : to catch with a lasso

1last \ˈlast\ vb
1 : to continue in being or operation <lasted three hours>
2 : to be enough for the needs of <supplies to last a week> [Old English læstan “to last, follow”]

2last n : a form which is shaped like the human foot and on which a shoe is shaped or repaired [Old English lǣste]

3last vb : to shape with a last

4last adj
1 a : following all the rest in time, place, or rank <last one out>  b : being the only remaining <last dollar>
2 : belonging to the final stage
3 : next before the present : LATEST <last week>
4 : least likely <the last thing we'd want> [Old English latost “latest,” from læt “late” — related to 1LATE]

5last adv
1 : at the end <ran last>
2 : most lately <saw them last at school>
3 : in conclusion <and last, I'd like to talk about success>

6last n : something that is last
— at last or at long last : at the end of a period of time : FINALLY

last·ing \ˈlas-tiŋ\ adj : existing or continuing a long while
— last·ing·ly adv

— last·ing·ness n
synonyms LASTING, PERMANENT, DURABLE, mean going on for so long as to seem fixed. LASTING suggests an ability to continue endlessly <a book that left a lasting impression on me>. PERMANENT usually adds the suggestion of being intended to stand or continue without limit <a permanent living arrangement>. DURABLE suggests the ability to withstand forces that tend to wear down or destroy <durable furniture>.

last·ly \ˈlast-lē\ adv : in conclusion : in the last place

last straw n : the last of a series (as of events or troubles) that causes one to give up or lose patience

Last Supper n : the supper eaten by Jesus and his disciples on the night of his betrayal

last word n
1 : the final remark in a discussion
2 : the power of final decision
3 : the most modern or fashionable one of its kind <the last word in sportswear>

1latch \ˈlach\ vb
1 : to get hold
2 : to attach oneself

2latch n : a catch (as a spring bolt) that holds a door or gate closed

3latch vb : to catch or fasten by means of a latch

latch·key \ˈlach-ˌkē\ n : a key for opening a door latch

1late \ˈlāt\ adj lat·er; lat·est
1 a : coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time <a late spring>  b : of or relating to an advanced stage in time or development <the late Middle Ages>; esp : far advanced toward the close of the day or night <late hours>
2 a : having died or held some position or relationship recently <the late president>  b : RECENT 1B <a late discovery> [Old English læt “late, slow” — related to 4LAST]
— late·ness n

2late adv lat·er; lat·est
1 a : after the usual or proper time <came in late>  b : at or to an advanced point in time <later in the day>
2 : not long ago <a musician late of Chicago>
— of late : during a recent period : LATELY

late·com·er \ˈlāt-ˌkəm-ər\ n : one who arrives late; also : one who has recently arrived

la·teen \lə-ˈtēn\ adj : of, relating to, or being a sailing rig used especially along the north coast of Africa having a triangular sail extended by a long pole attached to a short mast

late·ly \ˈlāt-lē\ adv : not long ago

la·tent \ˈlāt-ənt\ adj : present but not visible or active <the car's latent defects> <a latent infection>
— la·ten·cy \-ən-sē\ n

— la·tent·ly adv

1lat·er·al \ˈlat-ə-rəl, ˈla-trəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the side : located on, directed toward, or coming from the side
2 : being a part of the boundary of a solid in geometry that is not a base or completely included in a base <a lateral edge of a prism> <a lateral face>
— lat·er·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2lateral n : a pass in football thrown to the side or to the rear

late·wood \ˈlāt-ˌwu̇d\ n : SUMMERWOOD

la·tex \ˈlā-ˌteks\ n, pl la·ti·ces \ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz, ˈlat-\ or la·tex·es
1 : a milky juice produced by the cells of various plants (as milkweeds, poppies, and the rubber tree)
2 : a mixture of water and fine particles of rubber or plastic used especially in paints and adhesives

lath \ˈlath also ˈlath\ n, pl laths or lath : a thin narrow strip of wood used especially as a base for plaster
— lath vb

lathe \ˈlāth\ n : a machine in which a piece of material is held and turned while being shaped by a tool

1lath·er \ˈlath-ər\ n
1 a : foam formed when a detergent (as soap) is stirred or shaken in water  b : foam from sweating (as on a horse)
2 : a highly nervous or excited state : DITHER <worked himself into a lather>

2lather vb lath·ered; lath·er·ing \ˈlath-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to spread lather over
2 : to form lather or a froth like lather

1Lat·in \ˈlat-ən\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or composed in Latin <Latin grammar>  b : ROMANCE <Latin languages>
2 : of or relating to that part of the Catholic Church that formerly used a Latin rite
3 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the countries or peoples of Latin America

2Latin n
1 : the Italic language of ancient Rome
2 : an ancient Roman
3 : a member of one of the peoples speaking Romance languages; esp : a person born or living in Latin America

La·ti·na \lə-ˈtē-nə\ n
1 : a girl or woman born or living in Latin America
2 : a girl or woman of Latin-American origin living in the U.S.
— Latina adj

Latin alphabet n : an alphabet that was used for writing Latin and that has been modified for writing many modern languages (as English)

La·ti·no \la-ˈtē-ˌnō\ n, pl -nos often cap
1 : a person born or living in Latin America
2 : a person of Latin-American origin living in the U.S.
— Latino adj

La·tinx \primarily a written form; often read as lə-ˈtē-ˌneks\ adj : of, relating to, or marked by Latin American heritage — used as a gender-neutral alternative to Latina or Latino

lat·ish \ˈlāt-ish\ adj or adv : somewhat late

lat·i·tude \ˈlat-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 a : distance north or south from the equator measured in degrees  b : a region or locality as marked by its latitude
2 : freedom from narrow restrictions <were allowed latitude in picking report topics>
— lat·i·tu·di·nal \ˌlat-ə-ˈt(y)üd-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

— lat·i·tu·di·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

la·trine \lə-ˈtrēn\ n : BATHROOM, TOILET

lat·ter \ˈlat-ər\ adj
1 a : more recent : LATER  b : of or relating to the end : FINAL
2 : of, relating to, or being the second of two things referred to

lat·ter·ly \ˈlat-ər-lē\ adv : during a recent period

lat·tice \ˈlat-əs\ n
1 a : a framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips  b : a window, door, or gate having a lattice
2 : an arrangement of points or objects that is evenly spaced over an area or throughout a volume <the lattice of atoms in a crystal>
— lat·ticed \-əst\ adj

1Lat·vi·an \ˈlat-vē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Latvia, the Latvians, or Latvian

2Latvian n
1 : a person born or living in Latvia
2 : the Baltic language of the Latvian people

laud \ˈlȯd\ vb : PRAISE 1

laud·able \ˈlȯd-ə-bəl\ adj : PRAISEWORTHY
— laud·able·ness \-nəs\ n

— laud·ably \ˈlȯd-ə-blē\ adv

lau·da·num \ˈlȯd-nəm, -ən-əm\ n : a formerly used preparation of opium

lau·da·to·ry \ˈlȯd-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : expressing praise

1laugh \ˈlaf, ˈlȧf\ vb
1 a : to show emotion (as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound  b : to become amused
2 : to utter with a laugh <she laughed, “What fun!”>
— laugh·er n

2laugh n
1 : the act or sound of laughing
2 a : something funny <that game was a real laugh>  b : something deserving scorn <He's an expert? That's a laugh>

laugh·able \ˈlaf-ə-bəl, ˈlȧf-\ adj : causing laughter or scorn : RIDICULOUS
— laugh·able·ness n

— laugh·ably \-blē\ adv

laughing gas n : NITROUS OXIDE

laughing jackass n : KOOKABURRA

laugh·ing·ly \ˈlaf-iŋ-lē, ˈlȧf-\ adv : with laughter

laugh·ing·stock \ˈlaf-iŋ-ˌstäk, ˈlȧf-\ n : a person or thing that is made fun of

laugh·ter \ˈlaf-tər, ˈlȧf-\ n : the action or sound of laughing

1launch \ˈlȯnch, ˈlänch\ vb
1 a : to throw or spring forward : HURL <launch a spear>  b : to send off an object especially with force <launch a rocket>  c : to set a ship afloat
2 a : to put in operation : BEGIN <launch an attack>  b : to give a person a start  c : to make a start especially energetically [Middle English launchen “to launch, hurl,” from an early French dialect word launcher (same meaning), from Latin lanceare “to use a lance”]
— launch·er n

2launch n : an act of launching

3launch n : a small motorboat that is open or that has the front part of the hull covered [from Spanish or Portuguese lancha “a boat used to go to and from a large ship”]

launch·pad \ˈlȯnch-ˌpad, ˈlänch-\ n : a nonflammable platform from which a rocket can be launched — called also launching pad

laun·der \ˈlȯn-dər, ˈlän-\ vb laun·dered; laun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to wash or wash and iron clothing or household linens
2 : to undergo washing and ironing
— laun·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

Laun·dro·mat \ˈlȯn-drə-ˌmat, ˈlän-\ service mark — used for a self-service laundry

laun·dry \ˈlȯn-drē, ˈlän-\ n, pl -dries
1 : clothes or linens that have been or are to be laundered
2 : a place where laundering is done [from an obsolete word launder (noun) “one who washes clothes,” derived from early French lavandier (or lavandiere) “a man (or woman) who washes clothes,” from Latin lavandus “needing to be washed,” from lavare “to wash” — related to LAVATORY, LAVISH, LOTION]

lau·re·ate \ˈlȯr-ē-ət, ˈlär-\ n : a person honored for achievement in an art or science; esp : POET LAUREATE
— laureate adj

lau·rel \ˈlȯr-əl, ˈlär-\ n
1 : an evergreen shrub or tree of southern Europe related to the sassafras and cinnamon with shiny pointed leaves used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in various contests
2 : a tree or shrub (as a mountain laurel) that resembles the true laurel
3 a : a crown of laurel  b : 1HONOR 1, FAME — usually used in plural

la·va \ˈläv-ə, ˈlav-\ n : melted rock coming from a volcano; also : such rock that has cooled and hardened

la·va·liere also la·val·liere \ˌläv-ə-ˈli(ə)r, ˌlav-\ n : an ornament hanging from a chain that is worn around the neck

lav·a·to·ry \ˈlav-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a basin for washing; esp : a small sink with running water and drainpipe
2 : a room with lavatories and usually with toilets
3 : TOILET 2B [Middle English lavatorie “basin for washing,” from Latin lavatorium (same meaning), derived from earlier lavare “to wash” — related to LAUNDRY, LAVISH, LOTION]

lave \ˈlāv\ vb laved; lav·ing
1 a : 1WASH 1  b archaic : to wash oneself : BATHE
2 : to flow along or against

lav·en·der \ˈlav-ən-dər\ n
1 a : a Mediterranean mint widely cultivated for its narrow somewhat woolly leaves and stalks of small sweet-smelling pale violet flowers — compare SEA LAVENDER  b : the dried leaves and flowers of lavender used to perfume clothes and bed linen
2 : a pale purple

1lav·ish \ˈlav-ish\ adj
1 : spending or giving more than is necessary : EXTRAVAGANT <lavish with praise>
2 : spent, produced, or given freely <lavish gifts> [Middle English lavas “an abundance,” probably from early French lavasse, lavache “a downpour of rain,” derived from Latin lavare “to wash” — related to LAUNDRY, LAVATORY, LOTION]
— lav·ish·ly adv

— lav·ish·ness n

2lavish vb : to spend or give freely

law \ˈlȯ\ n
1 a : a rule of conduct or action laid down and enforced by the supreme governing authority (as the legislature) of a community or established by custom  b : the whole collection of such rules <the law of the land>  c : the control brought about by enforcing rules <forces of law and order>  d : trial in a court to decide what is just and right according to the laws <go to law>  e : an agent or agency for enforcing laws
2 cap : the first part of the Jewish scriptures — compare HAGIOGRAPHA, PROPHETS
3 : a basic rule or principle <the laws of poetry>
4 a : the profession of a lawyer  b : the branch of knowledge that deals with laws and their interpretation and application <study law>
5 : a rule or principle stating something that always works in the same way under the same conditions <the law of gravity>

law–abid·ing \ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbīd-iŋ\ adj : obedient to the law

law·break·er \ˈlȯ-ˌbrā-kər\ n : a person who breaks the law
— law·break·ing \-kiŋ\ adj or n

law·ful \ˈlȯ-fəl\ adj
1 : permitted by law <lawful conduct>
2 : recognized by law : RIGHTFUL <the lawful owner>
— law·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— law·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

law·giv·er \ˈlȯ-ˌgiv-ər\ n
1 : one who gives a code of laws to a people
2 : LEGISLATOR

law·less \ˈlȯ-ləs\ adj
1 : not based on or regulated by law <the lawless society of the frontier>
2 : not controlled by law : UNRULY, DISORDERLY <lawless mob>
— law·less·ly adv

— law·less·ness n

law·mak·er \ˈlȯ-ˌmā-kər\ n : LEGISLATOR
— law·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ adj or n

law·man \ˈlȯ-mən\ n : a law-enforcement officer (as a sheriff or marshall)

1lawn \ˈlȯn, ˈlän\ n : ground covered with grass that is kept mowed [Middle English launde “an open space between woods,” from early French lande “land overgrown with shrubs”; of Celtic origin]

2lawn n : a fine sheer linen or cotton fabric [Middle English lawn “a sheer fabric,” probably from Laon, a town in France where linen was made]

lawn bowling n : a game played on a green in which balls are rolled at a small target ball

lawn mower n : a machine for cutting grass on lawns

law of definite proportions : a law of chemistry that states that every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by mass

law of dominance : MENDEL'S LAW 3

law of independent assortment : MENDEL'S LAW 2

law of segregation : MENDEL'S LAW 1

law·ren·ci·um \lȯ-ˈren(t)-sē-əm\ n : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE

law·suit \ˈlȯ-ˌsüt\ n : a suit in law : a case before a court

law·yer \ˈlȯ-yər, ˈlȯi-ər\ n : a person whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise about legal rights and obligations

lax \ˈlaks\ adj
1 : not firm or tight : LOOSE
2 : not strict
— lax·ly adv

— lax·ness n

1lax·a·tive \ˈlak-sət-iv\ adj : tending to relieve constipation

2laxative n : a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation — compare PURGATIVE

lax·ity \ˈlak-sət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being lax

1lay \ˈlā\ vb laid \ˈlād\; lay·ing
1 : to beat or strike down <wheat laid flat by the wind and rain>
2 a : to put or set on or against a surface or in order <lay the book on the table> <lay bricks>  b : to place for rest or sleep; esp : BURY 1
3 : to produce and deposit eggs
4 nonstandard : 1LIE
5 : to cause to settle <a shower laid the dust>; also : to make calm : ALLAY <laid his fears>
6 : to spread over a surface <lay plaster>
7 : to make ready : PREPARE <lay plans> <lay a table>
8 : to deposit as a wager : BET <I'll lay you $10 on that>
9 : IMPOSE 1A <lay a tax> <lay blame>
10 : to place or assign in one's scheme of things <lays great stress on manners>
11 : to bring to a specified condition <lay waste to the land>
12 : to put forward : SUBMIT <lay claim to an estate> [Old English lecgan “to beat down”]
— lay eyes on : to catch sight of : SEE

— lay into : to attack especially verbally

2lay n : the way in which a thing lies in relation to something else <lay of the land>

3lay past of 1LIE

4lay n
1 : a simple poem that tells a story : BALLAD
2 : MELODY 2, SONG [Middle English lay “ballad,” from early French lai (same meaning)]

5lay adj : of or relating to laymen or the laity [Middle English lay “of the people other than priests and clergy,” from early French lai (same meaning), from Latin laicus “of the people,” derived from Greek laos “people”]

lay·away \ˈlā-ə-ˌwā\ n : a purchasing agreement by which a seller agrees to hold merchandise on which a deposit has been made until the price is paid in full by the buyer

lay away \ˈlā-ə-ˈwā\ vb : to put aside for future use or delivery

lay down vb
1 : ESTABLISH 1, PRESCRIBE <lay down standards>
2 : to state or declare forcefully <lay down the law>

1lay·er \ˈlā-ər, ˈle(-ə)r\ n
1 : one that lays <their hens were poor layers>
2 : one thickness or fold over or under another <a layer or rock>
— lay·ered \ˈlā-ərd, ˈle(-ə)rd\ adj

2layer vb
1 : to separate into layers
2 : to form by adding layers

lay·er·ing \ˈlā-ə-riŋ, ˈle(-ə)-riŋ\ n : a method of treating a shoot or branch of a plant to cause rooting (as by bending to the ground and covering with soil) while it is still attached to the parent plant

lay·ette \lā-ˈet\ n : an outfit of clothing and equipment for a newborn infant

lay·man \ˈlā-mən\ n : a person who is not a member of the clergy or a member of a particular profession

lay·off \ˈlā-ˌȯf\ n
1 : the act of laying off an employee or a work force
2 : a period during which there is no activity

lay off \(ˈ)lā-ˈȯf\ vb
1 : to mark or measure off
2 : to stop employing (a person) often temporarily <lay off workers>
3 : to stop doing or taking something <lay off of that stuff>

lay on vb : 1ATTACK 1, BEAT

lay·out \ˈlā-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : 1PLAN 1, ARRANGEMENT
2 : something laid out
3 : a set or outfit especially of tools

lay out \(ˈ)lā-ˈau̇t\ vb
1 : 2PLAN 1 <lay out a campaign>
2 : to arrange for display or for working on <lay out an exhibit>
3 : SPEND 1

lay·over \ˈlā-ˌō-vər\ n : STOPOVER 1

lay over \(ˈ)lā-ˈō-vər\ vb : to make a temporary halt or stop

lay·peo·ple \ˈlā-ˌpē-pəl\ n : LAYPERSONS

lay·per·son \ˈlā-ˌpərs-ən\ n : a member of the laity

lay·up \ˈlā-ˌəp\ n : a basketball shot made from near the basket usually by bouncing the ball off the backboard

lay up vb
1 : to store up
2 : to disable or confine with illness or injury <a knee injury laid her up for a week>
3 : to take out of active service

la·zy \ˈlā-zē\ adj la·zi·er; -est
1 : not willing to act or work : INDOLENT
2 : moving slowly : SLUGGISH <a lazy stream>
— la·zi·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— la·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

la·zy·bones \-ˌbōnz\ n : a lazy person

lazy eye n : AMBLYOPIA; also : an eye affected with amblyopia

la·zy·ish \ˈlā-zē-ish\ adj : somewhat lazy

LCD \ˌel-ˌsē-ˈdē\ n : a type of electronic display screen [liquid crystal display]

lea \ˈlē, lā\ n : MEADOW, PASTURE

leach \ˈlēch\ vb : to pass a liquid through to carry off the soluble components; also : to dissolve out by such means <leach minerals from rocks>

1lead \ˈlēd\ vb led \ˈled\; lead·ing \ˈlēd-iŋ\
1 a : to guide especially by going in advance : CONDUCT  b : to direct on a course or in a direction  c : to serve as a channel for  d : to lie, go, or open in a specified direction <the path leads uphill> <study leading to a degree>
2 : to go through : LIVE <lead a quiet life>
3 a : to direct the activity of : MANAGE, DIRECT <lead an orchestra> <lead a campaign>  b : to be first or best in <lead the league>; also : BEGIN 1, OPEN  c : to be ahead of <led their opponents by 20 points at the end of the third quarter> [Old English lǣdan “to lead”]

2lead n
1 a : position at the front : LEADERSHIP  b : EXAMPLE 1, PRECEDENT  c : an amount or distance ahead
2 : INDICATION 2, CLUE
3 : a principal role in a play; also : one who plays such a role
4 : a beginning section of a news story; also : a news story of chief importance
5 : the first in a series; also : the right to be first
6 : an insulated electrical conductor
7 : a position taken by a base runner off a base toward the next

3lead adj : acting or serving as a lead or leader <lead guitarist>

4lead \ˈled\ n
1 : a soft bluish white heavy metallic element that is found mostly in combination with other elements, is easily shaped, and is used especially in pipes, cable coverings, batteries, solder, and radiation shields — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 a : a mass of lead used on a line for finding the depth of water (as in the ocean)  b pl : lead framing for glass (as in windows)
3 : a thin stick of marking substance (as graphite) in or for a pencil
4 : bullets in quantity
5 : TETRAETHYL LEAD [Old English lēad “the metal lead”]

5lead \ˈled\ vb lead·ed; lead·ing
1 : to cover, line, or weight with lead
2 : to fix (window glass) in position with lead
3 : to treat or mix with lead or a lead compound <leaded gasoline>

lead·en \ˈled-ən\ adj
1 a : made of lead  b : of the color of lead : dull gray
2 : low in quality : POOR
3 a : heavy and difficult to move <leaden feet>  b : lacking spirit : DULL

lead·er \ˈlēd-ər\ n
1 : something that leads: as  a : a short line for attaching the end of a fishing line to a lure or hook  b : a pipe for conducting fluid
2 : a person that leads: as  a : 1GUIDE 1A  b : COMMANDER 1  c : CONDUCTOR 2  d : a person in charge or in control : BOSS, CHIEF
3 : a horse placed in front of the other horses of a team
— lead·er·less \-ləs\ adj

— lead·er·ship \-ˌship\ n

lead–in \ˈlēd-ˌin\ n : something (as a television show or segment) that leads into something else
— lead–in adj

lead·ing \ˈlēd-iŋ\ adj
1 : coming or ranking first or among the first : FOREMOST
2 : exercising leadership
3 : providing direction or guidance <a leading question>

leading lady n : an actress who plays the leading female role in a play or movie

leading light n : a prominent and influential member (as of a field of study or political movement)

leading man n : an actor who plays the leading male role in a play or movie

leading tone n : the seventh musical degree of a major or minor scale — called also subtonic

lead·off \ˈlēd-ˌȯf\ n
1 : a beginning action
2 : one that begins something
— leadoff adj

lead on vb : to persuade to take up or continue in a course of action or belief when unwise or mistaken <led on by the promise of wealth>

lead pencil \ˈled-\ n : a pencil using graphite as the marking material

lead poisoning n : an abnormal condition that is caused by absorption of lead into the body and results in various bodily symptoms (as tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, and paralysis or weakness of the muscles)

lead up \(ˈ)lēd-ˈəp\ vb : to make a gradual approach to a topic

1leaf \ˈlēf\ n, pl leaves \ˈlēvz\
1 a : one of the green usually flat parts that grow from a stem or twig of a plant and that function mainly in making food by photosynthesis  b : FOLIAGE <trees in full leaf>
2 a : a part of a book or folded sheet containing a page on each side  b : a part (as of window shutters) that slides or is hinged  c : the movable or additional part of a table top  d : a thin sheet (as of metal)
— leaf·less \ˈlē-fləs\ adj

— leaf·like \ˈlē-ˌflīk\ adj

2leaf vb
1 : to produce leaves
2 : to turn the pages of a book

leaf·age \ˈlē-fij\ n : FOLIAGE

leaf bud n : a bud that develops into a leafy shoot and does not produce flowers

leaf·hop·per \ˈlēf-ˌhäp-ər\ n : any of numerous small leaping insects that are related to the cicadas and aphids and suck the juices of plants

leaf·let \ˈlē-flət\ n
1 a : one of the divisions of a compound leaf — see LEAF ILLUSTRATION  b : a small or young leaf
2 : a usually folded printed sheet intended for free distribution

leaf miner n : any of various small insects that as larvae burrow in and eat the tissue of leaves

leaf mold n : a compost or layer composed chiefly of decayed leaves

leaf·stalk \ˈlēf-ˌstȯk\ n : PETIOLE

leafy \ˈlē-fē\ adj leaf·i·er; -est
1 a : having or full of leaves <leafy woodlands>  b : consisting mostly of leaves <leafy vegetables>
2 : resembling a leaf

1league \ˈlēg\ n : any of various units of distance from about 2.4 to 4.6 statute miles (3.9 to 7.4 kilometers)

2league n
1 : an association or alliance of nations
2 : an association of persons or groups united for common interests or goals <a softball league>
— league vb

leagu·er \ˈlē-gər\ n : a member of a league

1leak \ˈlēk\ vb
1 : to enter or escape or permit to enter or escape accidentally or by mistake <fumes leaked in> <the secret leaked out>
2 : to give out information secretly <leaked the story to the press>

2leak n
1 : something and especially a crack or hole that lets something in or out usually accidentally
2 : LEAKAGE

leak·age \ˈlē-kij\ n
1 a : the act, process, or an instance of leaking  b : loss of electricity due especially to faulty insulation
2 : something or the amount that is lost in a leak

leaky \ˈlē-kē\ adj leak·i·er; -est : permitting fluid to leak in or out <a leaky boat>
— leak·i·ness n

1lean \ˈlēn\ vb leaned \ˈlēnd, chiefly British ˈlent\; lean·ing \ˈlē-niŋ\
1 a : to slant or cause to slant or bend from an upright position <the tree leans to one side> <lean a ladder against a wall>  b : to cast one's weight to one side for support <lean on me>
2 : to depend for support <lean on one's family in a crisis>
3 : to tend in opinion, taste, or desire <lean toward simplicity> [Old English hleonian “to slant to one side”]

2lean n : the act or an instance of leaning

3lean adj
1 a : having little body fat <lean cattle>  b : containing little or no fat <lean meat>
2 : lacking richness or fullness <a lean fuel-air mixture> [Old English hlǣne “having very little body flesh”]
— lean·ness \ˈlēn-nəs\ n
synonyms LEAN, THIN, SKINNY, mean not having a great amount of flesh. LEAN suggests a lack of unnecessary flesh and may also suggest the tough muscular frame of an athlete <the hard lean body of a runner>. THIN applies to a person having not much flesh or fat and often having an amount less than is desirable for good health <a thin and sickly child>. SKINNY suggests a bony, noticeably thin appearance that may indicate a lack of proper nourishment <skinny and malnourished>.

4lean n : the part of meat that consists mainly of fat-free muscle

lean·ing \ˈlē-niŋ\ n : TENDENCY 2, INCLINATION

1lean–to \ˈlēn-ˌtü\ n, pl lean–tos
1 : a wing of a building having a lean-to roof
2 : a rough shed or shelter having a lean-to roof

2lean–to adj : having only one slope or pitch <lean-to roof>

1leap \ˈlēp\ vb leapt \ˈlēpt also ˈlept\ or leaped; leap·ing \ˈlē-piŋ\
1 : to spring or cause to spring free from or as if from the ground : JUMP <leap over a fence>
2 a : to pass suddenly from one state or topic to another  b : to act hastily <I'd leap at the chance>
— leap·er \ˈlē-pər\ n

2leap n
1 a : an act of leaping : SPRING, BOUND  b : a place leaped over or from  c : the distance covered by a leap
2 : a sudden change of state
— by leaps and bounds : very rapidly

leap·frog \ˈlēp-ˌfrȯg, -ˌfräg\ n : a game in which the first player bends down and another leaps over

leap year n : a year in the Gregorian calendar containing 366 days with February 29 as the extra day

learn \ˈlərn\ vb learned \ˈlərnd, ˈlərnt\; learn·ing
1 : to gain knowledge or understanding of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience
2 : MEMORIZE <learn the lines of a play>
3 a : to come to be able to <learn to swim>  b : to come to realize
4 substandard : to cause to learn : TEACH
5 : FIND OUT, ASCERTAIN
6 : to acquire knowledge <never too late to learn>
— learn·able \ˈlər-nə-bəl\ adj

— learn·er n

learn·ed \ˈlər-nəd\ adj : having or showing learning : SCHOLARLY
— learn·ed·ly adv

— learn·ed·ness n

learn·ing \ˈlər-niŋ\ n
1 : the act or experience of one that learns
2 : knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study  synonyms see KNOWLEDGE

learning disability n : any of various conditions (as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia) that interfere with a person's ability to learn basic academic skills — called also learning difference
— learning disabled adj

1lease \ˈlēs\ n
1 : an agreement to hand over real estate for a period of time usually for a specified rent; also : the act of leasing real estate
2 : property that is leased

2lease vb leased; leas·ing
1 : to grant by lease : LET
2 : to hold under a lease

leash \ˈlēsh\ n
1 : a line for leading or controlling an animal
2 : something that restrains : the state of being restrained <kept spending on a tight leash>
— leash vb

1least \ˈlēst\ adj
1 : lowest in importance or position
2 : smallest in size or degree

2least n : one that is least : something of the lowest possible value or importance
— at least
1 : at the minimum <at least once a week>
2 : in any case <at least you have a choice>

3least adv : in the smallest or lowest degree

least common denominator n : the least common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions — called also lowest common denominator

least common multiple n : the smallest number that is a multiple of each of two or more numbers

least·wise \ˈlēs-ˌtwīz\ adv : at least <leastwise, that's what I heard>

leath·er \ˈleth-ər\ n
1 : animal skin prepared for use
2 : something entirely or partly made of leather

leath·er·back \ˈleth-ər-ˌbak\ n : the largest existing sea turtle with a shell composed of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin

leath·ern \ˈleth-ərn\ adj : made of or resembling leather

leath·er·neck \ˈleth-ər-ˌnek\ n : a member of the U.S. Marine Corps

leath·ery \ˈleth-(ə-)rē\ adj : resembling leather in appearance or quality : TOUGH <a leathery face> <leathery leaves>

1leave \ˈlēv\ vb left \ˈleft\; leav·ing
1 a : to give by will : BEQUEATH <left a fortune to his daughter>  b : to have remaining after one's death <leaves a widow and two children>  c : to cause to remain as a trace or aftereffect <oil leaves a stain>; also : to cause to remain behind <leave your money at home>
2 a : to cause or allow to be or remain in a specified condition <leave the door open>  b : to fail to include or take along <left my notes at home> <the movie leaves a lot out>  c : to have as a remainder <taking 4 from 7 leaves 3>  d : to permit to be or remain subject to another's action or control <just leave everything to me>  e : 2LET 3  f : to cause or allow to be or remain available <leave room for more>
3 a : to go away from : DEPART <leave the room>  b : DESERT 2 <left his wife>  c : to terminate association with : withdraw from <left school before graduation>
4 : to put, deposit, or deliver especially before or in the process of departing <left a package on your doorstep> [Old English lǣfan “to give to one's heirs”]
— leave alone : to refrain from bothering, disturbing, or using <leave him alone>

2leave n
1 a : PERMISSION 2  b : authorized absence from duty or employment
2 : an act of leaving [Old English lēaf “permission”]

3leave vb leaved; leav·ing : 2LEAF 1 [Middle English leven “to produce leaves,” from leef “a leaf”]

leaved \ˈlēvd\ adj : having leaves <broad-leaved>

1leav·en \ˈlev-ən\ n
1 a : a substance (as yeast) used to produce a gaseous fermentation (as in dough)  b : a material (as baking powder) used to produce a gas that makes dough or batter rise and become light
2 : something that changes slightly or lightens a mass or whole

2leaven vb leav·ened; leav·en·ing \ˈlev-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to raise (dough) with a leaven
2 : to mix or spread throughout with leaven

leavening n : a leavening agent : 1LEAVEN 1

leave off vb : 1STOP 7A, CEASE

leaves plural of LEAF

leave–tak·ing \ˈlēv-ˌtā-kiŋ\ n : an act of going away

leav·ings \ˈlē-viŋz\ n pl : things remaining

lec·i·thin \ˈles-ə-thən\ n : any of several waxy phosphorus-containing substances that are common in animals and plants and are used especially in foods (as mayonnaise), medicine, and industrial processes

lec·tern \ˈlek-tərn\ n : a desk to read from while standing; esp : one from which scripture lessons are read in a church service

1lec·ture \ˈlek-chər, -shər\ n
1 : a talk given before an audience or class especially for instruction
2 : 1REPRIMAND, SCOLDING

2lecture vb lec·tured; lec·tur·ing \ˈlek-chə-riŋ, ˈlek-shriŋ\
1 : to give a lecture or a series of lectures
2 : to instruct by lectures
3 : 2REPRIMAND, SCOLD
— lec·tur·er \-chər-ər, -shrər\ n

led past and past participle of LEAD

LED \ˌel-ˌē-ˈdē\ n : an electronic device that emits light when a voltage is applied to it [light-emitting diode]

ledge \ˈlej\ n
1 : a projecting ridge or raised edge along a surface
2 : an underwater ridge or reef especially near the shore
3 : a narrow flat surface or shelf; esp : one that sticks out from a wall of rock

led·ger \ˈlej-ər\ n : a book in which accounts are kept in final form

ledger line n : a short line added above or below a musical staff for notes that are too high or too low to be placed on the staff

1lee \ˈlē\ n
1 : protecting shelter
2 : the side (as of a ship) or area that is sheltered from the wind

2lee adj : of, relating to, or being the side sheltered from the wind

leech \ˈlēch\ n
1 : any of numerous flesh-eating or bloodsucking usually flattened worms that are made up of segments and have a sucker at each end
2 : a person who clings like a leech to another person for advantage or gain : PARASITE
Word History In the early days of medicine, a physician, known in Old English as a lǣce, often drew blood from patients. These doctors acted in the belief that good health depended on a balance of four controlling fluids in the body. These four fluids were called humors, and one of them was blood. In those days physicians believed that a person became ill if there was too much blood or too little of any of the other humors in the body. Thus they used a controlled bleeding of the patient, or bloodletting as it was called, to balance the humors. An easy way to do this was to attach bloodsucking worms to the body. These worms are common in all parts of the world and especially in marshes and swamps. Today we call these sucking worms leeches, taking the name from those ancient doctors who used them so often. [Old English lǣce “doctor, physician”]

leek \ˈlēk\ n : a garden herb closely related to the onion and grown for its mildly sharp-tasting leaves and thick stalk

leer \ˈli(ə)r\ vb : to give a nasty or sexually suggestive look
— leer n

leery \ˈli(ə)r-ē\ adj : SUSPICIOUS 2, WARY <leery of strangers>

lees \ˈlēz\ n pl : the settlings of liquor (as wine) during fermentation and aging : DREGS

1lee·ward \ˈlē-wərd, especially among sailors ˈlü-ərd\ n : the lee side

2leeward adj : located away from the wind : DOWNWIND <the leeward side of the ship>

lee·way \ˈlē-ˌwā\ n
1 : sideways movement of a ship when under way
2 : an extra amount (as of room or time) that allows some freedom or variation

1left \ˈleft\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being the side of the body in which the heart is mostly located <the left leg>
2 : located nearer to the left side of the body than to the right <the left arm of a chair>
— left adv

2left n
1 : the left side or the part on the left side
2 : the members of a European legislative body sitting to the left of the presiding officer and holding more radical views than other members
3 cap : political liberals or radicals; also : their beliefs

3left past and past participle of LEAVE

left field n
1 : the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from home plate
2 : the position of the player defending left field
— left fielder n

left–hand \ˌleft-ˌhand\ adj
1 : located on the left
2 a : LEFT-HANDED 1  b : LEFT-HANDED 2

left–hand·ed \ˈleft-ˈhan-dəd\ adj
1 : using the left hand more easily than the right
2 : relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3 : BACKHANDED 2
4 : going in or involving a counterclockwise direction <a left-handed screw>
— left–handed adv

— left–hand·ed·ly adv

— left–hand·ed·ness n

— left–hand·er \-ˈhan-dər\ n

left·ist \ˈlef-təst\ n : a liberal or radical in politics
— leftist adj

left·over \ˈlef-ˌtō-vər\ n : something remaining; esp : food left over from one meal and served at another — usually used in plural
— leftover adj

left·ward \ˈlef-twərd\ adv or adj : toward or on the left

1leg \ˈleg\ n
1 : a limb of an animal used especially for supporting the body and for walking and running; also : the part of a leg of a vertebrate animal between the knee and the foot
2 : something resembling an animal leg in shape or use <legs of a table>
3 : the part of an article of clothing that covers the leg
4 : a side of a right triangle that is not the hypotenuse; also : a side of an isosceles triangle that is not the base
5 a : a portion of a trip : STAGE  b : one section of a relay race

2leg vb legged; leg·ging : to use the legs in walking or especially in running

leg·a·cy \ˈleg-ə-sē\ n, pl -cies : something left to a person by or as if by will

le·gal \ˈlē-gəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to law or lawyers
2 : based on law <a legal right>
3 : permitted by law or established rules
— le·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adv

legal holiday n : a holiday established by legal authority

le·gal·i·ty \li-ˈgal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being legal : LAWFULNESS
2 : something that is required by law

le·gal·ize \ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make legal <wanted to legalize gambling in their city>
— le·gal·i·za·tion \ˌlē-gə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

legal tender n : money that the law authorizes for paying debts

leg·ate \ˈleg-ət\ n : an official representative (as an ambassador or envoy)

leg·a·tee \ˌleg-ə-ˈtē\ n : a person to whom a legacy is left

le·ga·tion \li-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : a group of representatives sent to a foreign country; esp : one headed by a minister
2 : the official residence and office of such a group

le·ga·to \li-ˈgät-ō\ adv or adj : in a manner that is smooth and connected — used as a direction in music

leg·end \ˈlej-ənd\ n
1 : a story coming down from the past whose truth is popularly accepted but cannot be checked
2 a : writing or a title on an object  b : CAPTION 2  c : an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart
Word History The Latin verb legere originally meant “to gather.” In time the verb came to mean “to gather with the eye, to see,” and that led to the sense “to read.” From this verb came the Latin noun legenda, used in the Middle Ages to mean “a thing to be read.” Legenda was used to refer in particular to stories about the lives of saints. Many such stories were written in the Middle Ages, and they often included fiction along with fact. Because of that, when legenda was borrowed into English as legend, it came to mean “a story coming down from the past which may or may not be entirely true.” [Middle English legende “a legend,” derived from Latin legenda “something to be read,” derived from earlier legere “to gather, read”]

leg·end·ary \ˈlej-ən-ˌder-ē\ adj
1 : of or resembling a legend
2 : WELL-KNOWN, FAMOUS

leg·er·de·main \ˌlej-ərd-ə-ˈmān\ n
1 : SLEIGHT OF HAND
2 : a display of trickery

legged \ˈleg-əd, ˈlegd\ adj : having legs especially of a certain kind or number <four-legged>

leg·ging or leg·gin \ˈleg-ən, ˈleg-iŋ\ n : a covering for the leg

leg·gy \ˈleg-ē\ adj
1 : having unusually long legs
2 : having long and attractive legs
3 : SPINDLY <a leggy plant>

leg·horn \ˈleg-ˌ(h)ȯ(ə)rn, ˈleg-ərn\ n
1 a : a fine plaited straw made from an Italian wheat  b : a hat of this straw
2 : any of a Mediterranean breed of small hardy domestic chickens noted for their ability to produce many white eggs

leg·i·ble \ˈlej-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being read : PLAIN <legible handwriting>
— leg·i·bil·i·ty \ˌlej-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— leg·i·bly \ˈlej-ə-blē\ adv

le·gion \ˈlē-jən\ n
1 : the chief unit of the Roman army consisting of 3000 to 6000 foot soldiers with cavalry
2 : ARMY 1A
3 : a very large number : MULTITUDE

1le·gion·ary \ˈlē-jə-ˌner-ē\ adj : of, relating to, or forming a legion

2legionary n, pl -ar·ies : LEGIONNAIRE

le·gion·naire \ˌlē-jə-ˈna(ə)r, -ˈne(ə)r\ n : a member of a legion

leg·is·late \ˈlej-ə-ˌslāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to make laws <the constitutional power to legislate>
2 : to cause, establish, or regulate by legislation <legislating foreign trade>

leg·is·la·tion \ˌlej-ə-ˈslā-shən\ n
1 : the action of making laws
2 : the laws made by a legislator or legislative body

leg·is·la·tive \ˈlej-ə-ˌslāt-iv\ adj
1 : having the power of legislating <the legislative branch>
2 : of or relating to a legislature or legislation
— leg·is·la·tive·ly adv

leg·is·la·tor \ˈlej-ə-ˌslā-ˌtȯ(ə)r, -ˌslāt-ər\ n : a person who makes laws; esp : a member of a legislature

leg·is·la·ture \ˈlej-ə-ˌslā-chər\ n : an organized body of persons having the authority to make laws

le·git·i·ma·cy \li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē\ n : the quality or state of being legitimate

1le·git·i·mate \li-ˈjit-ə-mət\ adj
1 : born of parents who are married <legitimate children>
2 : LAWFUL <a legitimate claim>
3 : being in keeping with what is right or with standards <a legitimate excuse>
— le·git·i·mate·ly adv

2le·git·i·mate \li-ˈjit-ə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing : to make lawful or legal
— le·git·i·ma·tion \-ˌjit-ə-ˈmā-shən\ n

le·git·i·mize \li-ˈjit-ə-ˌmīz\ vb -mized; -miz·ing : 2LEGITIMATE

leg·less \ˈleg-ləs\ adj : having no legs

leg·man \ˈleg-ˌman\ n
1 : a reporter assigned usually to gather information
2 : an assistant who gathers information and runs errands

leg·ume \ˈleg-ˌyüm, li-ˈgyüm\ n
1 a : any of a large family of herbs, shrubs, and trees that have fruits which are dry single-celled pods that split into two pieces when ripe, that bear nodules on the roots that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and that include important food plants (as peas, beans, or clovers)  b : the part (as seeds or pods) of a legume used as food
2 : the pod of a legume

le·gu·mi·nous \li-ˈgyü-mə-nəs, le-\ adj : of, relating to, or consisting of plants that are legumes

leg·work \ˈleg-ˌwərk\ n : the work involved in gathering information

lei \ˈlā, ˈla-ˌē\ n : a wreath or necklace usually of flowers [Hawaiian]

lei·sure \ˈlēzh-ər, ˈlezh-, ˈlāzh-\ n
1 : freedom from work or duties
2 : 1EASE 1
3 : time at one's command : CONVENIENCE <has the leisure to pursue a hobby>
— leisure adj

lei·sure·ly \ˈlēzh-ər-lē, ˈlezh-, ˈlāzh-\ adj : characterized by leisure : UNHURRIED <a leisurely pace>
— lei·sure·li·ness n

— leisurely adv

lek \ˈlek\ n : an area where animals (as the prairie chicken) assemble and carry on display and courtship behavior; also : a group of animals assembled in such an area

lem·ming \ˈlem-iŋ\ n : any of several small short-tailed northern rodents with furry feet and small ears; esp : a European rodent that takes part in periodic mass migrations which often continue into the sea where large numbers are drowned

lem·on \ˈlem-ən\ n
1 a : a yellow oblong fruit with sour juice and a thick rind from which a fragrant oil is obtained  b : a small thorny citrus tree that bears lemons
2 : the color of ripe lemons
3 : one that turns out to be unsatisfactory or disappointing <our new car is a lemon>
— lemon adj

lem·on·ade \ˌlem-ə-ˈnād\ n : a drink made of lemon juice, sugar, and water

lemon shark n : a dangerous medium-sized shark of warm waters that is yellowish brown to gray above with yellow or greenish sides

le·mur \ˈlē-mər\ n : any of various tree-dwelling primates that are active at night, usually have large eyes, very soft woolly fur, and a long furry tail and were formerly widespread but are now found mainly in Madagascar
Word History The large island of Madagascar off the southeast coast of Africa is home to many unusual animals. Some of these animals live in trees and are active at night. Their big eyes give them an eerie look, especially when the animals are moving through the trees at night. When 18th century scientists saw these mammals for the first time, they thought the creatures looked like ghosts. They named the animals lemurs. This name comes from the Latin word lemures, meaning “ghosts.” In Roman legend lemures were the spirits of people left unburied, who returned by night from the dead to haunt the living. [from Latin lemures (plural) “ghosts”]

lend \ˈlend\ vb lent \ˈlent\; lend·ing
1 a : to give to another for temporary use with the understanding that it or a like thing will be returned <lend a book>  b : to let out (money) for temporary use with the understanding that it will be paid back with interest <banks and other lending institutions>
2 : to give usually for a time <lend assistance>
3 : to have the quality or nature that makes suitable <a voice that lends itself to opera>
— lend·er n

length \ˈleŋ(k)th, ˈlen(t)th\ n
1 a : the measured distance from one end to the other of the longer or longest side of an object; also : any measured distance  b : the quality or state of being long
2 a : the amount of time something takes <the length of a visit>  b : the sound of a vowel or syllable as it is affected by the time needed to pronounce it
3 : a piece of something long <a length of pipe>
4 : the distance from top to bottom of an article of clothing
— at length
1 : very fully <praised her at length>
2 : at the end : FINALLY <at length we decided to join>

length·en \ˈleŋ(k)-thən, ˈlen(t)-\ vb length·ened; length·en·ing \ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ, ˈlen(t)th-\ : to make or become longer
— length·en·er \ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)nər, ˈlen(t)th-\ n

length·ways \ˈleŋ(k)th-ˌwāz, ˈlen(t)th-\ adv : in the direction of the length

length·wise \ˈleŋ(k)th-ˌwīz, ˈlen(t)th-\ adv or adj : in the direction of the length <fold the paper lengthwise> <a lengthwise crease>

lengthy \ˈleŋ(k)-thē, ˈlen(t)-\ adj length·i·er; -est : very long
— length·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adv

— length·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

le·nience \ˈlē-nyən(t)s, -nē-ən(t)s\ n : LENIENCY

le·nien·cy \ˈlē-nē-ən-sē, -nyən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being lenient  synonyms see MERCY

le·nient \ˈlē-nē-ənt, -nyənt\ adj : being kind and patient
— le·nient·ly adv

len·i·ty \ˈlen-ət-ē\ n : LENIENCY

lens \ˈlenz\ n
1 a : a clear curved piece of material (as glass) used to bend rays of light to form an image especially to correct vision or magnify an object  b : a piece of glass or plastic used (as in protective goggles or sunglasses) to protect the eye
2 : a clear part of the eye that focuses rays of light so as to form an image (as upon the retina)

Lent \ˈlent\ n : a period of fasting and regret for one's sins that is observed on the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter by many churches
— Lent·en \ˈlent-ən\ adj

len·ti·cel \ˈlent-ə-ˌsel\ n : a pore in a stem of a woody plant through which gases are exchanged between the atmosphere and the stem tissues

len·til \ˈlent-əl\ n : a Eurasian plant of the legume family widely grown for its flattened edible seeds and leafy stalks used as food for cattle; also : its seed

len·to \ˈlen-ˌtō\ adv or adj : in a slow manner — used as a direction in music

Leo \ˈlē-ō\ n
1 : a group of stars between Cancer and Virgo usually pictured as a lion
2 a : the fifth sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Leo

le·o·nine \ˈlē-ə-ˌnīn\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling a lion

leop·ard \ˈlep-ərd\ n : a large strong cat of southern Asia and Africa that has a brownish buff coat with black spots arranged in broken rings — called also panther

leop·ard·ess \ˈlep-ərd-əs\ n : a female leopard

leopard frog n : a common spotted frog of the eastern U.S.

le·o·tard \ˈlē-ə-ˌtärd\ n : a tight one-piece garment worn especially by dancers, gymnasts, and acrobats

lep·er \ˈlep-ər\ n : a person who has leprosy

lep·i·dop·tera \ˌlep-ə-ˈdäp-tə-rə\ n pl : insects that are lepidopterans

lep·i·dop·ter·an \ˌlep-ə-ˈdäp-tə-rən\ n : any of a large order of insects that include the butterflies, moths, and skippers and that as adults have four wings usually covered with minute overlapping often brightly colored scales and as larvae are caterpillars
— lepidopteran adj

— lep·i·dop·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adj

lep·re·chaun \ˈlep-rə-ˌkän, -ˌkȯn\ n : a mischievous elf of Irish folklore that some believe will reveal where treasure is hidden if caught

lep·ro·sy \ˈlep-rə-sē\ n : a disease caused by a bacterium and marked by slow-growing spreading swellings accompanied by loss of sensation, wasting away of muscles, and by deformities — called also Hansen's disease

lep·rous \ˈlep-rəs\ adj : infected with, relating to, or resembling leprosy

les·bi·an \ˈlez-bē-ən\ n : a woman who is a homosexual
— lesbian adj

— les·bi·an·ism \-bē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

le·sion \ˈlē-zhən\ n : a change in the structure of a bodily organ or part due to injury or disease; esp : an injured or diseased spot or area clearly marked off from healthy tissue around it

les·pe·de·za \ˌles-pə-ˈdē-zə\ n : any of a genus of plants of the legume family including some widely used to improve soil and for hay

1less \ˈles\ adj
1 : being a smaller number : FEWER <8 times 2 is less than 6 times 3> <less than six hours>
2 : of lower rank, degree, or importance <no less a person than the president>
3 : not so much : being a smaller amount <we need less talk and more work> <finished in less time>

2less adv : not so much or so well <less difficult> <liked the second book less>

3less prep : 1MINUS 1 <the regular price less a discount>

4less n, pl less
1 : a smaller number or amount <we have less than before>
2 : something that is poorer or less important than another <could be arrested for less>

-less \ləs\ adj suffix
1 : not having <childless>
2 : not able to be acted on or to act in a specified way <ceaseless> [Old English -lēas (suffix) “not having,” from lēas “false”]

les·see \le-ˈsē\ n : a person holding or occupying property under a lease

less·en \ˈles-ən\ vb less·ened; less·en·ing \ˈles-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become less

1less·er \ˈles-ər\ adj : of smaller size or importance

2lesser adv : 2LESS

lesser celandine n : CELANDINE 2

lesser panda n : RED PANDA

les·son \ˈles-ən\ n
1 : a part of the Scripture read in a church service
2 a : a reading or exercise assigned to be studied  b : something learned by study or experience

les·sor \ˈles-ˌȯ(ə)r, le-ˈsȯ(ə)r\ n : one that leases property to another

lest \(ˌ)lest\ conj : for fear that <tied the dog lest it should escape>

1let \ˈlet\ n : something that interferes : OBSTACLE <without let or hindrance>

2let vb let; let·ting
1 : to cause to : MAKE <let it be known>
2 chiefly British : to give use of in return for payment <rooms to let>
3 a : to allow or permit to <let them go>  b — used to introduce a request <let us hope for the best>
4 : to allow to go or pass <let them through>
— let alone : to leave undisturbed <let the flowers alone>; also : to leave to oneself <wanted to be let alone>

— let go
1 : to dismiss from employment <the company let him go at the end of the week>
2 : to relax or release one's hold — used with of <let go of my arm>
3 : to fail to take care of : NEGLECT <stopped exercising and let himself go>

— let one's hair down : to act without self-restraint

— let the cat out of the bag : to give away a secret

-let \lət\ n suffix
1 : small one <booklet>
2 : something worn on <anklet> [derived from early French -elet “small one,” from -el and -et, both suffixes meaning “small”]

let alone conj : to say nothing of : not to mention <lacked the courage, let alone the know-how>

let·down \ˈlet-ˌdau̇n\ n
1 : DISAPPOINTMENT 2
2 : a slackening of effort

let down \(ˈ)let-ˈdau̇n\ vb
1 : to fail to help or support <let down a friend in a crisis>
2 : to fail to come up to expectations : DISAPPOINT <the end of the story lets the reader down>

1le·thal \ˈlē-thəl\ adj : causing or capable of causing death <lethal chemicals>  synonyms see DEADLY
— le·thal·ly \ˈlē-thə-lē\ adv

2lethal n : LETHAL GENE

lethal gene n : a gene capable of preventing development or causing the death of a living thing or its germ cells

leth·ar·gy \ˈleth-ər-jē\ n
1 : abnormal drowsiness
2 : the quality or state of being slow, lazy, or not caring
— le·thar·gic \lə-ˈthär-jik, le-\ adj

let on vb
1 : ADMIT 1B, REVEAL <don't let on that I told you>
2 : 1PRETEND 2 <he's not as happy as he lets on>

let's \(ˌ)lets, (ˌ)les\ : let us

Lett \ˈlet\ n : a member of a people closely related to the Lithuanians and mainly living in Latvia

1let·ter \ˈlet-ər\ n
1 : one of the marks that are symbols for speech sounds in writing or print and that make up the alphabet
2 : a written or printed communication
3 pl : LITERATURE 2A
4 : the strict or outward meaning <the letter of the law>
5 : the initial of a school awarded to a student especially for athletic achievement

2letter vb : to mark with letters
— let·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

letter carrier n : a person who delivers mail

let·ter·head \ˈlet-ər-ˌhed\ n : stationery having a printed or engraved heading; also : the heading itself

let·ter·ing \ˈlet-ə-riŋ\ n : letters used in an inscription

let·ter–per·fect \ˌlet-ər-ˈpər-fikt\ adj : correct to the smallest point

Lett·ish \ˈlet-ish\ adj : of or relating to the Latvians or their language
— Lettish n

let·tuce \ˈlet-əs\ n : a common garden vegetable related to the daisies that has crisp juicy leaves used especially in salads

let·up \ˈlet-ˌəp\ n : a lessening of effort or force

let up vb
1 : to slow down : SLACKEN
2 : to come to a stop : CEASE <the rain let up>
3 : to ease off : be less severe — used with on

leu·cine \ˈlü-ˌsēn\ n : an amino acid that is very important in the nutrition of human beings

leu·co·plast \ˈlü-kə-ˌplast\ n : a colorless plastid of a plant cell usually concerned with starch formation and storage

leu·ke·mia \lü-ˈkē-mē-ə\ n : a disease of warm-blooded animals including human beings that is a kind of cancer in which there is an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the tissues and often in the blood
— leu·ke·mic \-mik\ adj

leu·ko·cyte \ˈlü-kə-ˌsīt\ n : WHITE BLOOD CELL

le·va·tor \li-ˈvāt-ər\ n, pl lev·a·to·res \ˌlev-ə-ˈtōr-(ˌ)ēz\ or le·va·tors \li-ˈvāt-ərz\ : a muscle that serves to raise a body part

lev·ee \ˈlev-ē\ n
1 : a bank built along a river to prevent flooding
2 : a landing place along a river

1lev·el \ˈlev-əl\ n
1 : a device used (as by a carpenter) to establish a horizontal line or surface
2 : a horizontal line or surface usually at a named height <placed at eye level>
3 : a step or stage in a scale or rank (as of achievement, significance, importance, or value) <rose to the level of manager>
4 a : an amount of something especially in comparison with typical or expected amounts <production is at a low level this year>  b : the amount of a substance especially per unit volume of a body fluid (as blood) <a high level of sugar in the blood>
— on the level : BONA FIDE 1, HONEST <find out if the offer is on the level>

2level vb lev·eled or lev·elled; lev·el·ing or lev·el·ling \ˈlev-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make or become horizontal, flat, or even
2 : 1AIM 1, DIRECT
3 : to knock flat <the explosion leveled the house>
4 : to reach or come to a level <the plane leveled off at 10,000 feet>
— lev·el·er or lev·el·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

3level adj
1 : having a flat even surface <a level lawn>
2 : being on a line with the horizon : HORIZONTAL <in a level position>
3 : of the same height or rank : EVEN <the water is level with my waist>
4 : steady and cool in judgment <a level head>
— lev·el·ly adv

— lev·el·ness n

— level best : very best
synonyms LEVEL, FLAT, EVEN, mean having a surface without bends, curves, or interruptions. LEVEL applies especially to a surface or a line that does not slant up or down <a level road between two hills>. FLAT applies to a surface that is free from curves or bumps or hollows but may not be parallel to the ground <a room with flat walls>. EVEN stresses the lack of breaks or bumps in a line or surface but need not suggest that the object is level or straight <trimmed the top of the hedge to make it even>.

lev·el·head·ed \ˌlev-əl-ˈhed-əd\ adj : having or showing good judgment : SENSIBLE
— lev·el·head·ed·ness n

1le·ver \ˈlev-ər, ˈlē-vər\ n
1 : a bar used to pry or move something
2 : a stiff bar for applying a force (as for lifting a weight) at one point of its length by effort at a second point and turning at a third point on a fulcrum
3 : a bar or rod used to run or adjust something <a gearshift lever> [Middle English lever “bar for prying,” from early French levier (same meaning), from lever (verb) “to raise,” from Latin levare “to raise” — related to ELEVATE]

2lever vb le·vered; le·ver·ing \ˈlev-(ə-)riŋ, ˈlēv-\ : to pry, raise, or move with a lever

le·ver·age \ˈlev-(ə-)rij, ˈlēv-\ n : the action of a lever or the increase in force gained by using a lever

le·vi·a·than \li-ˈvī-ə-thən\ n
1 often cap : a sea monster often standing for evil in the Old Testament and Christian literature
2 : something very large or powerful of its kind

Le·vi's \ˈlē-ˌvīz\ trademark — used especially for blue denim jeans

lev·i·tate \ˈlev-ə-ˌtāt\ vb : to rise or cause to rise in the air in seeming defiance of gravity

lev·i·ta·tion \ˌlev-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n : the act or process of levitating; esp : the rising or lifting of a person or thing as if by magic

Le·vit·i·cus \li-ˈvit-i-kəs\ n : the third book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture consisting mainly of priestly legislation — see BIBLE TABLE

lev·i·ty \ˈlev-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a lack of seriousness often at an improper time : FRIVOLITY

lev·u·lose \ˈlev-yə-ˌlōs\ n : FRUCTOSE

1levy \ˈlev-ē\ n, pl lev·ies
1 a : the laying or collection especially of a tax  b : an amount levied
2 : the calling of troops into service

2levy vb lev·ied; levy·ing
1 : to establish or collect by legal authority <levy a tax> <levy a fine>
2 : to raise or collect troops for military service

lewd \ˈlüd\ adj
1 : showing interest in sex in a rude manner <lewd behavior>
2 : INDECENT <lewd remarks>
— lewd·ly adv

— lewd·ness n

lex·i·cal \ˈlek-si-kəl\ adj : of or relating to words, a vocabulary, or a dictionary

lex·i·cog·ra·pher \ˌlek-sə-ˈkäg-rə-fər\ n : an author or editor of a dictionary

lex·i·cog·ra·phy \ˌlek-sə-ˈkäg-rə-fē\ n : the editing or making of a dictionary
— lex·i·co·graph·i·cal \-kō-ˈgraf-i-kəl\ or lex·i·co·graph·ic \-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

lex·i·con \ˈlek-sə-ˌkän, -si-kən\ n : DICTIONARY 1

Ley·den jar \ˌlīd-ən-\ n : a device for storing electric charge consisting of a glass jar coated inside and outside with metal foil and having the inner coating connected to a conducting rod passed through an insulating stopper

li·a·bil·i·ty \ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being liable <liability for his debts> <liability to disease>
2 pl : that for which a person is liable : DEBTS
3 : something that works as a disadvantage : DRAWBACK

li·a·ble \ˈlī-ə-bəl, especially in senses 2 & 3 often ˈlī-bəl\ adj
1 : forced by law or by what is right to make good <we are liable for damage that we do>
2 : not sheltered or protected (as from danger or accident) <liable to diseases>
3 : exposed to or likely to experience something that usually is undesirable <you're liable to slip there> <it's liable to rain before we're done>

li·ai·son \ˈlē-ə-ˌzän, lē-ˈā-\ n
1 : a close connection
2 : communication especially between parts of an armed force
3 : a person who sets up or keeps up liaison

li·a·na \lē-ˈän-ə, -ˈan-ə\ n : any of various usually woody vines especially of tropical rain forests that root in the ground

li·ar \ˈlī(-ə)r\ n : a person who tells lies

lib \ˈlib\ n : LIBERATION 2

li·ba·tion \lī-ˈbā-shən\ n
1 a : the act of pouring a liquid in honor of a god  b : a liquid (as wine) poured as a libation
2 : a drink poured or taken as if to honor a god

1li·bel \ˈlī-bəl\ n
1 : something spoken, written, or drawn that injures a person's good name
2 : the act or crime of publishing a libel
Word History The ancient Romans used the Latin noun liber to refer to the inner bark of a tree. Because this material was used to write on before the introduction of papyrus to Rome from Egypt, liber came to be applied to a written document, especially a lengthy one. After papyrus became common, a liber was usually an entire papyrus scroll, hence a “book.” Libellus, the diminutive form of liber, was borrowed into French as libelle, which was in turn borrowed into English as libel. Originally libel was used in the sense “little book,” but in the 1500s handbills and leaflets, being likened to little books, were also called libels. Because they were a popular means of spreading gossip about famous people, the meaning of libel was extended to such injurious statements as well as to the crime of writing them. [Middle English libel “a written statement, little book” from early French libel (same meaning), from Latin libellus, “little book,” from liber “book” — related to LIBRARY]

2libel vb li·beled or li·belled; li·bel·ing or li·bel·ling : to hurt by a libel
— li·bel·er or li·bel·ler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

li·bel·ous or li·bel·lous \ˈlī-b(ə-)ləs\ adj : being a libel

1lib·er·al \ˈlib(-ə)-rəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts <a liberal education>
2 a : not stingy : GENEROUS <a liberal giver>  b : more than enough <a liberal allowance>
3 : not strict; esp : not bound by traditional forms or beliefs
4 : of or relating to liberalism : not conservative
— lib·er·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

2liberal n : a person who is liberal especially in politics

liberal arts n pl : the studies (as literature, philosophy, languages, or history) in a college or university intended to develop the mind in a general way rather than give professional or vocational skills

lib·er·al·ism \ˈlib(-ə)-rə-ˌliz-əm\ n : a political belief stressing progress, the essential goodness of humankind, and individual freedom

lib·er·al·i·ty \ˌlib-ə-ˈral-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being liberal
2 : a generous act

lib·er·al·ize \ˈlib(-ə)-rə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make or become liberal or more liberal
— lib·er·al·i·za·tion \ˌlib(-ə)-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

lib·er·ate \ˈlib-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to set free
— lib·er·a·tor \-ˌrāt-ər\ n

lib·er·at·ed adj : freed from or opposed to traditional social and sexual attitudes or roles

lib·er·a·tion \ˌlib-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act of liberating : the state of being liberated
2 : a movement seeking equal rights for a group

lib·er·tar·i·an \ˌlib-ər-ˈter-ē-ən\ n : a person who believes in liberty of thought and action
— libertarian adj

— lib·er·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

lib·er·tine \ˈlib-ər-ˌtēn\ n : a person who leads an immoral life
— libertine adj

lib·er·ty \ˈlib-ərt-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the condition of those who are free and independent : FREEDOM
2 : power to do what one pleases <give the child some liberty>
3 : an action that goes beyond normal limits (as of proper behavior or good sense) <took liberties with the truth>
4 : a short authorized absence from naval duty
— at liberty
1 : not held back : FREE <you are at liberty to go or stay>
2 : not busy <I'm at liberty this afternoon>

Li·bra \ˈlē-brə, ˈlī-\ n
1 : a group of stars between Virgo and Scorpio usually pictured as a balance scale
2 a : the seventh sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Libra [Middle English Libra “a group of stars between Virgo and Scorpio,” from Latin libra, literally, “balance, scales” — related to DELIBERATE, EQUILIBRIUM]

li·brar·i·an \lī-ˈbrer-ē-ən\ n : a person in charge of a library
— li·brar·i·an·ship \-ˌship\ n

li·brary \ˈlī-ˌbrer-ē\ n, pl -brar·ies
1 a : a place where books, magazines, and records are kept for use but not for sale  b : a collection of books, magazines, or records
2 : a collection resembling or suggesting a library <a library of computer programs> [Middle English library, librarie “a place where books are kept,” from Latin librarium (same meaning), from earlier librarius “of books,” from liber “book” — related to LIBEL; see Word History at LIBEL]

library paste n : a thick white adhesive paste

li·bret·tist \lə-ˈbret-əst\ n : the writer of a libretto

li·bret·to \lə-ˈbret-ō\ n, pl -tos or -ti \-ē\ : the text of an opera or musical

lice plural of LOUSE

1li·cense or li·cence \ˈlīs-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : permission granted by qualified authority to do something  b : a document, plate, or tag showing that such permission has been granted
2 : liberty of action that is carried too far

2license also licence vb li·censed also licenced; li·cens·ing also licencing : to permit or authorize by license
— li·cens·able \ˈlīs-ən-sə-bəl\ adj

licensed practical nurse n : a person who has been trained and has been given a license (as by a state) to perform routine care of the sick — called also LPN

license plate n : a plate or tag (as of metal) showing that a license has been gotten and usually bearing a registration number

li·cen·tious \lī-ˈsen-chəs\ adj : marked by immoral or lawless behavior
— li·cen·tious·ly adv

— li·cen·tious·ness n

lichee variant of LYCHEE

li·chen \ˈlī-kən\ n : any of numerous plantlike living things made up of an alga and a fungus growing together on a solid surface (as a rock or a tree)

1lick \ˈlik\ vb
1 a : to pass the tongue over <licked the bowl>  b : to touch or pass over like a tongue <flames were already licking the ceiling>
2 : to take up with the tongue <kittens licking milk>
3 a : to hit again and again : BEAT  b : to get the better of
— lick·ing n

2lick n
1 a : an act or instance of licking  b : a small amount : BIT <hasn't done a lick of work>  c : a hasty careless effort
2 : a sharp hit : BLOW <got in a few licks of my own>
3 : a place (as a spring) having a deposit of salt that animals regularly lick — called also salt lick

lic·o·rice \ˈlik(-ə)-rish, -rəs\ n
1 a : a European plant of the legume family with spikes of blue flowers  b : the dried root of licorice; also : a preparation made from the root
2 : a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise) [Middle English licorice “licorice,” from early French licoris (same meaning), from Latin liquiritia (same meaning), derived from Greek glykyrrhiza, literally, “sweet root”]

lid \ˈlid\ n
1 : a movable cover (as for a box or jar)
2 : EYELID
3 slang : HAT
4 : a force that holds back <tried to keep a lid on the news>
— lid·ded \ˈlid-əd\ adj

1lie \ˈlī\ vb lay \ˈlā\; lain \ˈlān\; ly·ing \ˈlī-iŋ\
1 a : to be in, stay in, or take up a horizontal position <lay fast asleep> <lie down>  b : to stay in hiding or in ambush <lie low> <lie in wait>
2 : to be spread flat so as to cover <snow lying on the ground>
3 : to have direction : EXTEND <our route lay to the west>
4 : to be located <Ohio lies east of Indiana> [Old English licgan “to get into or be in a horizontal position”]

2lie n
1 : the position in which something lies
2 chiefly British : 2LAY

3lie vb lied; ly·ing \ˈlī-iŋ\
1 : to make a statement one knows to be untrue
2 : to give a false idea <statistics sometimes lie> [Old English lēogan “to say something that is not true”]

4lie n : something said or done in the hope of deceiving

lie detector n : an instrument for detecting bodily changes (as an increase in heart rate) that are considered to go along with lying

lief \ˈlēv, ˈlēf\ adv : SOON 4, WILLINGLY <I would as lief go as not>

1liege \ˈlēj\ adj
1 : having the right to receive service and loyalty <liege lord>
2 : owing or giving service to a lord

2liege n
1 : VASSAL
2 : a feudal lord

lien \ˈlēn, ˈlē-ən\ n : a legal claim on the property of another person until he or she has met a certain obligation (as a debt)

lieu \ˈlü\ n, archaic : 1PLACE 7B, STEAD
— in lieu of : in the place of : INSTEAD OF

lieu·ten·an·cy \lü-ˈten-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies : the office, rank, or commission of a lieutenant

lieu·ten·ant \lü-ˈten-ənt\ n
1 : an official who acts for a higher official
2 a : FIRST LIEUTENANT  b : SECOND LIEUTENANT  c : a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of lieutenant commander  d : a fire or police department officer ranking below a captain
Word History The phrase in lieu of means the same thing as in place of or instead of. The word lieu came into English from early French, in which it meant “place, position, function.” Another English word that came from early French is tenant. In early French, this word was an adjective meaning “holding.” Joined together, these two words gave the early French word lieutenant. It originally meant “a person holding another person's place” or “a person acting in place of another.” In English, lieutenant is best known as a military title, but the word is still sometimes used in its original meaning to refer to a person who acts in lieu of someone else. [Middle English lieutenant “lieutenant,” from early French lieutenant (same meaning), literally, “one holding the place for another,” from lieu “place, position” and tenant “holding”]

lieutenant colonel n : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below that of colonel

lieutenant commander n : a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of commander

lieutenant general n : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below that of general

lieutenant governor n
1 : an elected official serving as deputy to the governor of an American state
2 : the formal head of the government of a Canadian province appointed to represent the crown

lieutenant junior grade n : a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of lieutenant

1life \ˈlīf\ n, pl lives \ˈlīvz\
1 a : the quality that separates plants and animals from such things as water or rock : the quality that plants and animals lose when they die  b : a state of a living thing marked especially by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
2 a : all the experiences that make up the existence of a person <never heard of such a thing in all my life>  b : BIOGRAPHY
3 a : the period during which a person, animal, or plant lives  b : a specific part of living <adult life>  c : the period from an event until death <remained friends for life>
4 : a way or manner of living <the life of the ant>
5 : a living being <many lives were saved>
6 : energy or spirit in action or expression <eyes full of life> <still some life left in the coals>
7 : the form or pattern of something that exists in actual fact <painted from life> <looks larger than life>
8 : the period of usefulness, popularity, or existence of something <battery life> <the life of an insurance policy>
9 : living beings (as of a kind or place) <forest life>
10 : living activity and movement <stirrings of life> <streets humming with life>
11 : one providing interest and vigor <the life of the party>

2life adj
1 : of or relating to living existence <the life force>
2 : LIFELONG <a life member>

life–and–death adj : ending in life or death : deciding which will survive <a life-and-death struggle>

life belt n : a life preserver worn like a belt

life·blood \ˈlīf-ˈbləd\ n : something that gives strength and energy

life·boat \-ˌbōt\ n : a sturdy boat (as one carried by a ship) for use in an emergency and especially for saving lives at sea

life buoy n : a ring-shaped life preserver

life cycle n
1 : the series of stages of form and activity through which a living thing passes from a beginning stage (as an egg) in one individual to the same stage in its offspring
2 : LIFE HISTORY 1

life expectancy n : the number of years that an individual or group of a certain age can expect to live on the average based on experience in the past for individuals or groups of the same kind

life·guard \ˈlīf-ˌgärd\ n : a usually expert swimmer employed at a beach or swimming pool to protect swimmers from drowning

life history n
1 : a history of the changes through which a living thing passes in its development from the first stage to its natural death
2 : LIFE CYCLE 1

life insurance n : insurance providing for a specified sum to be paid when the insured person dies

life jacket n : a life preserver that is worn like a jacket or vest

life·less \ˈlī-fləs\ adj : having no life
— life·less·ly adv

— life·less·ness n

life·like \ˈlī-ˌflīk\ adj : accurately representing or imitating an actual living thing <a lifelike statue>
— life·like·ness n

life·line \ˈlī-ˌflīn\ n
1 : a line persons may hang on to for safety or rescue
2 : something providing help or support that is needed for success or survival

life·long \ˈlī-ˌflȯŋ\ adj : continuing or lasting through life <a lifelong love for trees> <a lifelong friendship>

life preserver n : a device designed to save a person from drowning by holding up the body while in the water

life raft n : a raft designed for use by people forced into the water

life·sav·er \ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər\ n
1 : a person trained to save the lives of drowning persons
2 : something that relieves distress when most needed

1life·sav·ing \ˈlīf-ˌsā-viŋ\ adj : designed for or used in saving lives <livesaving devices>

2lifesaving n : the methods that can be used to save lives especially of drowning persons

life science n : a branch of science (as biology, medicine, and sometimes anthropology or sociology) that deals with living things and life processes — usually used in plural

life scientist n : a person who specializes in one or more of the life sciences

life–size \ˈlīf-ˈsīz\ or life–sized \-ˈsīzd\ adj : of natural size : having the same size as the original

life span n : the average length of life of a living thing or of the persistence of a material object under specified circumstances or in a particular environment

life·style \ˈlīf-ˈstī(ə)l\ n : the usual way of life of a person, group, or society : the way we live

life–support system n : a system that provides all or some of the items (as oxygen, food, water, proper temperature and air pressure, elimination of carbon dioxide and body wastes) necessary for maintaining life or health

life·time \ˈlīf-ˌtīm\ n
1 : 1LIFE 3A
2 : 1LIFE 8

life·work \-ˈwərk\ n : the entire or chief work of one's lifetime

1lift \ˈlift\ vb
1 : to move to a higher position, rate, or amount
2 : to rise from the ground <planes lifting from the runway> <the rocket lifted off>
3 : to stop or remove often temporarily <lift a blockade> <lift a ban>
4 : to move upward and disappear or become scattered <when the fog lifts>  synonyms see RAISE
— lift·er n

2lift n
1 : the amount that may be lifted at one time : LOAD
2 : the action or an instance of lifting
3 : help especially in the form of a ride <can I give you a lift?>
4 a chiefly British : ELEVATOR 1B  b : a device for carrying people up or down a mountain
5 : a raising of the spirits <their visit gave me a lift>
6 : an upward force (as on an airplane wing) that opposes the pull of gravity

lift·gate \ˈlift-ˌgāt\ n : a rear panel (as on a station wagon) that opens upward

lift·off \ˈlif-ˌtȯf\ n : a vertical takeoff (as by a rocket)

lig·a·ment \ˈlig-ə-mənt\ n : a tough band of tissue that holds bones together or keeps an organ in place in the body [Middle English ligament “connecting tissue, ligament,” derived from Latin ligamentum “band, something used for tying,” from ligare “to bind, tie” — related to ALLY]

li·ga·tion \lī-ˈgā-shən\ n : the act of tying a bodily part (as a blood vessel) with a ligature

lig·a·ture \ˈlig-ə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər\ n
1 : a binding or tying of something
2 : something that binds or connects : BAND, BOND
3 : a thread used in surgery especially for tying blood vessels

1light \ˈlīt\ n
1 a : something that makes vision possible  b : the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual sense organs  c : electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength (as infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays) and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second; esp : such radiation that is visible to the human eye
2 : DAYLIGHT 1 <by dawn's early light>
3 : a source (as a lamp) of light <turn on the light>
4 a : public knowledge <facts brought to light>  b : a particular appearance presented to view <were shown in a bad light by the lawyer> <I see the matter in a different light now>
5 : a particular illumination <by the light of the moon>
6 : something that helps one to know or understand <shed light on a problem>
7 : a noted person : LEADING LIGHT
8 a : LIGHTHOUSE, BEACON  b : TRAFFIC SIGNAL <turn left at the next light>
9 : a flame for lighting something [Old English lēoht “light, that which makes seeing possible”]
— in light of : with respect to <consider their advice in light of your own needs>

2light adj
1 : having light : BRIGHT <a light room>
2 : not dark or deep in color : PALE <light blue>
— light·ness n

3light vb light·ed or lit \ˈlit\; light·ing
1 : to make or become bright — often used with up
2 : to cause to burn or begin to burn — often used with up
3 : to lead with a light <light a guest up the stairs>

4light adj
1 a : having little or less than usual weight : not heavy  b : designed to carry a small load <light truck>
2 a : of little importance  b : not abundant : SCANTY <light rain>  c : not strong or violent : MODERATE <light breezes>
3 a : easily disturbed <a light sleeper>  b : putting forth little force or pressure : GENTLE <a light touch>
4 : not hard to bear, do, pay, or digest <light punishment> <light exercise> <light food>
5 : capable of moving swiftly or nimbly <light on one's feet>
6 : intended chiefly to entertain <light reading> <light verse>
7 : made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as fat) <light salad dressing>
8 : having a spongy or fluffy quality <light pastry>
9 : producing goods that will be sold to the people who use them rather than to another manufacturer <light industry> [Old English lēoht “not heavy”]
— light·ly adv

— light·ness n

5light adv
1 : in a light manner
2 : with little baggage <traveling light>

6light vb light·ed or lit \ˈlit\; light·ing
1 : to come down out of the air and settle : ALIGHT <birds lit on the lawn>
2 : to come by chance <lit upon a solution> [Old English līhtan “to come down off something or out of the air”]

light·bulb \ˈlīt-ˌbəlb\ n : an electric lamp: as  a : one in which a filament gives off light when heated by an electric current — called also incandescent lamp  b : FLUORESCENT LAMP

light–emitting diode n : LED

1light·en \ˈlīt-ən\ vb light·ened; light·en·ing \ˈlīt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to make or become light, lighter, or clear : BRIGHTEN
2 : to give out flashes of lightning
— light·en·er \ˈlīt-nər, -ən-ər\ n

2lighten vb light·ened; light·en·ing \ˈlīt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become less heavy or less difficult <lighten a load> <lightened her duties>
— light·en·er \ˈlīt-nər, -ən-ər\ n

1ligh·ter \ˈlīt-ər\ n : a large barge used especially in unloading or loading ships [Middle English lighter “boat”; of Dutch origin]

2lighter vb : to carry by a lighter

3light·er \ˈlīt-ər\ n : one that lights; esp : a device for lighting <a cigarette lighter> [from {h,3}light and -er]

lighter–than–air adj : able to fly by the use of a gas (as helium or hot air) less dense than the air that would occupy the same amount of space

light·face \ˈlīt-ˌfās\ n : the style of printing type used for ordinary text (as in books)
— light·faced \-ˈfāst\ adj

light–foot·ed \-ˈfu̇t-əd\ adj : having a light and springy step or movement

light–head·ed \-ˈhed-əd\ adj
1 : feeling confused or dizzy
2 : not showing maturity or seriousness : FRIVOLOUS
— light–head·ed·ness n

light·heart·ed \-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : free from worry
— light·heart·ed·ly adv

— light·heart·ed·ness n

light heavyweight n : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 175 pounds

light·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a tower with a powerful light at the top that is built on or near the shore to guide sailors at night

light·ing \ˈlīt-iŋ\ n
1 : supply of light : ILLUMINATION
2 : artificial light (as for a play) or the apparatus providing it

light meter n
1 : a small portable device for measuring the amount of light in an area
2 : a device for indicating correct photographic exposure for varying amounts of light

1light·ning \ˈlīt-niŋ\ n : the flashing of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity from one cloud to another or between a cloud and the earth; also : the discharge itself

2lightning adj : moving or done with or as if with the speed of lightning

lightning arrester n : a device for protecting electrical equipment from damage by lightning

lightning bug n : FIREFLY

lightning rod n : a metal rod set up on a building or a ship and connected with the earth or water below to decrease the chances of damage from lightning

light opera n : OPERETTA

light out vb : to leave in a hurry <lit out for home>

light pen n : a pen-shaped device that senses light signals and is used to work with information on a computer display screen

light·proof \ˈlīt-ˈprüf\ adj : not letting in light

light·ship \-ˌship\ n : a ship equipped to work like a lighthouse and anchored at a place dangerous to sailors

light·some \ˈlīt-səm\ adj
1 : free from care : CHEERFUL
2 : marked by a light or springy quality

light trap n : a device for collecting or destroying insects by attracting them to a light and trapping or killing them

1light·weight \ˈlīt-ˌwāt\ n
1 : one of less than average weight; esp : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 135 pounds
2 : a person of little importance

2lightweight adj : having less than the usual or expected weight

light–year \ˈlīt-ˌyi(ə)r\ n
1 : a unit of length in astronomy equal to the distance that light travels in one year or 5,880,000,000,000 miles (9,460,000,000,000 kilometers)
2 : a very great distance especially in progress <light-years ahead in design>

lig·nin \ˈlig-nən\ n : a substance related to cellulose that occurs in the woody cell walls of plants and in the cementing material between them

lig·nite \ˈlig-ˌnīt\ n : a usually brownish black coal between peat and bituminous coal in age and heating ability; esp : one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct

lik·able or like·able \ˈlī-kə-bəl\ adj : easily liked
— lik·able·ness n

1like \ˈlīk\ vb liked; lik·ing
1 : to have a liking for : ENJOY <likes baseball>
2 : to feel toward : REGARD <how do you like this weather?>
3 : to wish to have : WANT <would like a drink>
4 : to feel inclined : CHOOSE <you can leave any time you like>
5 : to indicate approval of (as an online post) for others to see (as by clicking on an icon designed for that purpose) [Old English līcian “to take pleasure in”]

2like n
1 : LIKING, PREFERENCE <my likes and dislikes>
2 : an instance of liking an online post

3like adj : being the same or very nearly the same <two like magnetic poles> <suits of like design> [Old English gelīc “alike”]

4like prep
1 a : similar to <the house looks like a barn>  b : typical of <it would be just like you to do that>
2 : similarly to <acting like a fool> <blow it up like a balloon>
3 : likely to <looks like rain>
4 : such as <a subject like physics>

5like n : 2EQUAL 1 <may never see its like again>; also : 1KIND 1A <I'd keep him and his like away>

6like adv
1 : 2LIKELY, PROBABLY <like as not the cat's under the porch>
2 : in some amount : SOMEWHAT, SEEMINGLY <it moves stiff like>
3 : close to : within a little : NEARER <the rate is more like 18 percent>

7like conj
1 : AS IF <the plane looked like it would crash> <pedaling like mad>
2 : in the same way that : AS <you sound just like I do> <does it look like it used to?>

8like or liked \ˈlīkt\ helping verb, chiefly dialect : came near : was near <I like to have died laughing>

-like \ˌlīk\ adj combining form : resembling or characteristic of <bell-like> <ladylike>

like·li·hood \ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d\ n : PROBABILITY 1

like·li·ness \ˈlī-klē-nəs\ n : PROBABILITY 1

1like·ly \ˈlī-klē\ adj like·li·er; -est
1 : very possibly going to happen <it's likely to start raining any time>
2 : seeming to be the truth : BELIEVABLE <a likely story>
3 : giving hope of turning out well : PROMISING <a likely spot for a picnic> <a likely looking customer>

2likely adv : without great doubt : PROBABLY <the first loaves of bread people made were likely hard and flat>

lik·en \ˈlī-kən\ vb lik·ened; lik·en·ing \ˈlīk-(ə-)niŋ\ : 1COMPARE 1

like·ness \ˈlīk-nəs\ n
1 : a picture especially of a person : PORTRAIT
2 : the quality or state of being like : RESEMBLANCE

like·wise \ˈlī-ˌkwīz\ adv
1 : in like manner : SIMILARLY <go and do likewise>
2 : in addition : ALSO

lik·ing \ˈlī-kiŋ\ n : a being pleased with someone or something : FONDNESS, TASTE

li·lac \ˈlī-lək, -ˌlak, -ˌläk\ n
1 : any of a genus of shrubs and trees related to the olive; esp : a European shrub widely grown for its showy clusters of fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers
2 : a medium purple

1lilt \ˈlilt\ vb : to sing or play in a lively cheerful manner
— lilt·ing·ly \ˈlil-tiŋ-lē\ adv

2lilt n : a lively and cheerful sound or expression <a tune with a lilt> <a lilt in her voice>

lily \ˈlil-ē\ n, pl lil·ies : any of a genus of herbs with leafy stems that grow from bulbs and have funnel-shaped flowers; also : any of various related plants

lily–liv·ered \ˌlil-ē-ˈliv-ərd\ adj : COWARDLY 1
Word History In the Middle Ages most of what was thought about the body was based on the theory of humors. Humors were body fluids believed to determine a person's temperament. The humor that was supposed to control anger, spirit, and courage was bile, produced by the liver. A person who lacked courage was believed to have a white liver, because it had no yellow bile to color it. Thus a cowardly person was called white-livered or, more poetically, lily-livered.

lily of the valley : a low herb that is related to the lilies and has usually two large oblong leaves and a stalk of fragrant flowers shaped like bells

lily pad n : a floating leaf of a water lily

lily–white \ˌlil-ē-ˈhwīt, -ˈwīt\ adj
1 : white as a lily
2 : free from fault or blame : FAULTLESS, PURE

li·ma bean \ˌlī-mə-\ n : a tropical American bean plant widely grown for its flat edible usually pale green or whitish seeds; also : the seed of a lima bean

1limb \ˈlim\ n
1 : any of the paired parts (as an arm, wing, or leg) of an animal that stick out from the body and are used mostly in moving and grasping; esp : a leg or arm of a human being
2 : a large branch of a tree
— limb·less \ˈlim-ləs\ adj

2limb vb : to cut off the limbs of (a felled tree)

1lim·ber \ˈlim-bər\ adj : bending easily : FLEXIBLE, SUPPLE
— lim·ber·ly adv

— lim·ber·ness n

2limber vb lim·bered; lim·ber·ing \ˈlim-b(ə-)riŋ\ : to make or become limber <limbered up with exercises>

1lim·bo \ˈlim-bō\ n, pl limbos
1 often cap : a place for souls (as of unbaptized infants) believed to be barred from heaven through no fault of their own
2 a : a place or state of being held or forgotten  b : a middle place or state [Middle English limbo “a place for souls,” derived from Latin limbus (same meaning), from earlier limbus “border”]

2limbo n : a dance or contest that involves bending backward and passing under a horizontal pole [from the English of Trinidad and Barbados limbo “a dance that involves bending backwards under a pole,” related to Jamaican English limba “to bend,” from English limber “flexible”]

1lime \ˈlīm\ n
1 : a white substance that is primarily an oxide of calcium, is made by heating limestone or shells, and is used in making plaster and cement and in farming
2 : a dry white powder consisting chiefly of the hydroxide of calcium that is made by treating lime with water [Old English lim “substance from limestone”]

2lime vb limed; lim·ing : to treat or cover with lime <lime a garden>

3lime adj : of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone

4lime n : a European linden tree [Old English lind “linden tree”]

5lime n : a fruit like the lemon but smaller and with a yellowish green skin; also : the tropical Asian citrus tree that bears limes [from French lime “the fruit lime”; of Arabic origin]

lime·light \ˈlīm-ˌlīt\ n : the center of public attention

lim·er·ick \ˈlim-(ə-)rik\ n : a humorous poem five lines long in which the first, second, and fifth lines have one rhyme and the third and fourth another

lime·stone \ˈlīm-ˌstōn\ n : a rock that is formed chiefly from animal remains (as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is used in building, and gives lime when burned

lime·wa·ter \-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : a water solution of the hydroxide of calcium that is used as an antacid

1lim·it \ˈlim-ət\ n
1 : a boundary line <within the city limits>
2 : a point beyond which a person or thing cannot go
— lim·it·less \-ləs\ adj

2limit vb : to set limits to : keep within limits <limit expenses> <management reserves the right to limit quantities> <an adjective limits the meaning of a noun>
synonyms LIMIT, RESTRICT, CIRCUMSCRIBE, CONFINE, mean to set boundaries for. LIMIT implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, or speed) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go <visits are limited to 30 minutes>. RESTRICT suggests a narrowing or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary <laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press>. CIRCUMSCRIBE stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries <the authority of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed>. CONFINE suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping or hampering <our options were confined by our budget>.

lim·i·ta·tion \ˌlim-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of limiting
2 : the quality or state of being limited
3 : something that limits

lim·it·ed adj
1 : held within limits
2 : having constitutional limitations placed on the exercise of power <a limited monarchy>
— lim·it·ed·ly adv

— lim·it·ed·ness n

limited war n : a war whose goal is less than the total defeat of the enemy

lim·it·ing adj : being an environmental factor (as food) that limits the size of a population of living things

lim·nol·o·gist \lim-ˈnäl-ə-jist\ n : a person specializing in limnology

lim·nol·o·gy \lim-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n : the scientific study of bodies of fresh water (as lakes) [from Greek limnē “pool, marshy lake” and English -logy “science”]

li·mo·nite \ˈlī-mə-ˌnīt\ n : an ore of iron consisting of oxides of iron
— li·mo·nit·ic \ˌlī-mə-ˈnit-ik\ adj

lim·ou·sine \ˈlim-ə-ˌzēn, ˌlim-ə-ˈzēn\ n
1 : a large luxurious automobile often driven by a chauffeur
2 : a large vehicle for passengers going to and from an airport

1limp \ˈlimp\ vb
1 : to walk lamely
2 : to go slowly or with difficulty

2limp n : a limping movement or gait <walked with a limp>

3limp adj
1 : not firm or stiff
2 : 1WEARY 1, EXHAUSTED
— limp·ly adv

— limp·ness n

lim·pa \ˈlim-pə\ n : rye bread made with molasses or brown sugar

lim·pet \ˈlim-pət\ n : a marine mollusk that has a low cone-shaped shell, moves over rocks or timbers feeding on food found there, and clings very tightly when disturbed

lim·pid \ˈlim-pəd\ adj : perfectly clear : TRANSPARENT <limpid streams>
— lim·pid·i·ty \lim-ˈpid-ət-ē\ n

— lim·pid·ly \ˈlim-pəd-lē\ adv

— lim·pid·ness n

limy or lim·ey \ˈlī-mē\ adj lim·i·er; -est : containing lime or limestone

linch·pin \ˈlinch-ˌpin\ n : a pin inserted crosswise through something (as the end of an axle or shaft) to keep things in place

Lin·coln's Birthday \ˌliŋ-kənz-\ n : February 12 or the first Monday in February observed as a legal holiday in many of the states of the U.S.

lin·den \ˈlin-dən\ n
1 : any of a genus of trees with large heart-shaped leaves and drooping clusters of yellowish flowers that are often planted as ornamental or shade trees
2 : the light white wood of a linden

1line \ˈlīn\ n
1 : a long thin cord <a fishing line>
2 : a cord, wire, or tape used in measuring and leveling
3 a : a pipe for carrying a fluid <gas line> <water line> <steam line>  b : a wire or set of wires carrying electricity <a power line> <telegraph lines> <a telephone line>
4 a : a row of words, letters, numbers, or symbols that are written, printed, or displayed (as on a page or TV screen); also : space for such a line  b : a structural unit of something written (as a poem or a computer program)  c : a short letter : NOTE <drop me a line>  d pl : the words of a part in a play <forgot her lines>
5 a : something (as a ridge, seam, or wrinkle) that is long and narrow  b : the direction followed by something in motion <the line of flight of a bullet>  c : the boundary or limit of a place or lot <town line> <property line>  d : the difference known or pointed out <the fine line between love and hate>  e : the track of a railway
6 : a state of agreement <the red one is more in line with what I had in mind>
7 a : a course of behavior or thinking; esp : an official or public position <the party line>  b : what one does or is interested in <is medicine your line?>  c : smooth or interesting talk that is often insincere
8 : FAMILY 2 <descended from a royal line>
9 a : the position of military forces facing the enemy <on the front and behind the lines> <our first line of defense>  b : an arrangement of persons or things in a series <waiting in line>
10 : goods for sale of one general kind <a line of clothing>
11 : a system of transportation or the route over which it travels <a bus line> <a steamship line> <military supply lines>
12 a : a long narrow mark (as one made by a pencil)  b : one of the horizontal lines on a music staff  c : the football players whose positions are along the line of scrimmage  d : a group of three players who play together as a unit in hockey
13 : a geometric element that is formed by a moving point and that has length but no width or thickness; esp : such an element that is straight
14 a : 1OUTLINE 1, CONTOUR <a ship's lines>  b : a general plan <a story along these lines> [Middle English line “thread,” partly from Old English līne (same meaning) and partly from early French lingne (same meaning), derived from Latin linum “flax”]
— between the lines : in such a way as to learn or reveal something not expressed openly <read between the lines>

— down the line
1 : all the way : FULLY
2 : in the future

— in line for : due to receive

— on the line : at great risk <the champ's title is on the line>

— out of line : beyond what is reasonable to put up with <your behavior is getting out of line> <these prices are way out of line>

2line vb lined; lin·ing
1 : to mark with a line or lines
2 : to place or form a line along
3 : to form a line : form into lines
4 : to hit a line drive

3line vb lined; lin·ing : to cover the inner surface of <line a box with paper> <tapestries lined the walls> [Old English līn “flax”]

lin·eage \ˈlin-ē-ij\ n
1 : the ancestors from whom a person is descended
2 : the people descended from the same ancestor

lin·eal \ˈlin-ē-əl\ adj
1 : LINEAR <lineal measure>
2 a : consisting of or being in a direct line of descent  b : HEREDITARY 3
— lin·eal·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

lin·ea·ment \ˈlin-ē-ə-mənt\ n : an outline or contour of a body or figure and especially of the face

lin·ear \ˈlin-ē-ər\ adj
1 a : relating to, consisting of, or resembling a line : STRAIGHT  b : involving a single dimension  c : of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations or linear functions
2 : long and uniformly narrow <the linear leaf of the hyacinth>
— lin·ear·i·ty \ˌlin-ē-ˈar-ət-ē\ n

— lin·ear·ly \ˈlin-ē-ər-lē\ adv

linear accelerator n : a device in which charged particles are accelerated in a straight line by successive pushes from a series of electric fields

linear equation n : an equation in which each term is either a constant or contains only one variable, in which each variable has an exponent of 1, and which always has a straight line as a graph <y = mx + b is the general form of a linear equation where m and b are any real numbers>

linear function n : a function whose graph is a straight line and which is represented by an equation of the form y = ax + b where a and b are constants, a does not equal zero, and x is any real number

linear measure n
1 : a measure of length
2 : a system of measures of length

linear programming n : a mathematical method for solving practical problems (as the distribution of resources) with linear functions whose variables are given specific limitations

line·back·er \ˈlīn-ˌbak-ər\ n : a football player on the defending team whose usual position is a short distance in back of the line of scrimmage

line drawing n : a drawing made in solid lines

line drive n : a batted baseball hit not far above the ground in a nearly straight line

line graph n : a graph in which line segments join points representing different values

line·man \ˈlīn-mən\ n
1 : one who sets up or repairs power or telephone lines
2 : a football player whose position is on the line of scrimmage

lin·en \ˈlin-ən\ n
1 : smooth strong cloth or yarn made from flax
2 : household articles (as tablecloths or sheets) or clothing (as shirts or underwear) that were once often made of linen
— linen adj

line of force : an imaginary line that shows the direction in space in which a force (as from a magnetic or electric field) acts

line of scrimmage : an imaginary line in football parallel to the goal lines and running through the place the ball is laid before each play begins

line printer n : a very fast printing device for a computer that prints whole lines at once instead of one letter at a time

1lin·er \ˈlī-nər\ n
1 : a ship or airplane of a regular transportation line <an ocean liner>
2 : something with which lines are made or drawn <use a cosmetic liner to make the eyes more attractive>

2liner n : one that lines or is used to line something

line segment n : 1SEGMENT 2B

lines·man \ˈlīnz-mən\ n : an official who assists a referee in a game (as football or hockey)

line·up \ˈlī-ˌnəp\ n
1 : a line of persons arranged especially for identification by police
2 a : a list of players taking part in a game (as baseball)  b : the players on such a list

line up \(ˈ)lī-ˈnəp\ vb
1 : to come together or arrange in a line or rows <line up for inspection>
2 : to put into alignment <line up the edges so they are even> <line up the decimal points before adding or subtracting>
3 : to arrange for <lined up support for the candidate> <lined up a summer job>

-ling \liŋ\ n suffix
1 : one connected with or having the quality of <hireling>
2 : young, small, or minor one <duckling> [Old English -ling (noun suffix) “one having the quality of . . .”]

lin·ger \ˈliŋ-gər\ vb lin·gered; lin·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to be slow in quitting a place or activity <lingered in bed>
2 : to be slow to act
— lin·ger·er \-gər-ər\ n

— lin·ger·ing·ly \-g(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adv
synonyms LINGER, LOITER, LAG, mean to pause often without good reason or explanation. LINGER suggests an unwillingness to leave a pleasant place <lingered in the park after the concert>. LOITER suggests aimless wandering or waiting in a place <restless youths loitering in the town square>. LAG suggests an inability or unwillingness to keep up with others <two of the hikers lagged behind the rest of us>.

lin·ge·rie \ˌlän-jə-ˈrā, ˌlan-zhə-, -ˈrē\ n : women's nightclothes or underwear [French, derived from early French linge “linen”]

lin·go \ˈliŋ-gō\ n, pl lingoes : language that is strange or hard to understand

lin·gual \ˈliŋ-g(yə-)wəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a tongue
2 : produced by the tongue <lingual sounds such as \t\ or \l\>
— lin·gual·ly \-ē\ adv

lin·guist \ˈliŋ-gwəst\ n
1 : a person skilled in languages
2 : a person who specializes in linguistics

lin·guis·tic \liŋ-ˈgwis-tik\ adj : of or relating to language or linguistics
— lin·guis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

linguistic form n : a meaningful unit of speech (as a part of a word, a word, or a sentence)

lin·guis·tics \liŋ-ˈgwis-tiks\ n : the study of human speech including the units, nature, structure, and development of language, languages, or a language

lin·i·ment \ˈlin-ə-mənt\ n : a liquid medicine rubbed on the skin especially to relieve pain

lin·ing \ˈlī-niŋ\ n : something that lines especially an inner surface of something (as a garment)

1link \ˈliŋk\ vb : to join by or as if by a link
— link·er n

2link n
1 : a connecting structure: as  a : a single ring of a chain  b : CUFF LINK  c : 1BOND 2B  d : an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion
2 : something resembling a link of chain: as  a : a piece of sausage in a series of connected pieces  b : a connecting element or factor <found a link between smoking and cancer>  c : HYPERLINK

link·age \ˈliŋ-kij\ n
1 : the manner or style of being united: as  a : the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule  b : 1BOND 2B
2 : the quality or state of being linked; esp : the occurring together of genes on the same chromosome with the result that the traits they control are not inherited independently of each other but tend to be found together
3 : a system of links; esp : a system of links or bars jointed together by means of which lines or curves may be traced

linked \ˈliŋ(k)t\ adj : exhibiting genetic linkage : tending to be inherited together

linking verb n : an intransitive verb (as be or seem) that links a subject with a word or words in the predicate <“look” in “you look happy” and “are” in “my favorite fruits are apples and oranges” are linking verbs> — compare ACTION VERB

links \ˈliŋ(k)s\ n pl : a golf course

link·up \ˈliŋ-ˌkəp\ n
1 : a getting together : MEETING <the linkup of two spacecraft>
2 : something that serves as a link

Lin·nae·an or Lin·ne·an \lə-ˈnē-ən, -ˈnā-; ˈlin-ē-\ adj : of, relating to, or following the method of the Swedish botanist Linné who established the system of binomial nomenclature used in classifying plants and animals

lin·net \ˈlin-ət\ n : a common small Old-World brownish finch of which the male has red on the breast and top of the head during breeding season
Word History Many birds eat seeds. One small songbird, known as the linnet, seems especially fond of seeds of the flax plant, a fondness that appears to have earned the bird its name. The Latin word for flax is linum, which is also the source of the English word linen, a cloth made from flax. When linum was borrowed from Latin into early French, it became lin. The songbird that feeds on the flax seeds came to be called linette in early French and later linnet in English. [from early French linette “linnet,” from lin “flax,” from Latin linum “flax”]

li·no·leum \lə-ˈnō-lē-əm, -ˈnōl-yəm\ n : a floor covering with a canvas back and a surface of hardened linseed oil and usually cork dust

Li·no·type \ˈlī-nə-ˌtīp\ trademark — used for a machine that sets type in whole lines as a solid piece of metal

lin·seed \ˈlin-ˌsēd\ n : FLAXSEED

linseed oil n : a yellowish oil obtained from flaxseed and used especially in paint, varnish, printing ink, and linoleum

lin·sey–wool·sey \ˌlin-zē-ˈwu̇l-zē\ n : a coarse fabric made of wool and linen or cotton

lint \ˈlint\ n
1 : loose fibers or bits of thread
2 : 1COTTON 1A
— lint·less \-ləs\ adj

— linty \-ē\ adj

lin·tel \ˈlint-əl\ n : a horizontal piece across the top of an opening (as of a door) that carries the weight of the structure above it

li·on \ˈlī-ən\ n, pl lion or lions : a large flesh-eating mammal of the cat family that has a brownish buff coat, a tufted tail, and in the male a shaggy mane and that lives in open or rocky areas of Africa and formerly southern Asia
— li·on·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

li·on·ess \ˈlī-ə-nəs\ n : a female lion

li·on·heart·ed \ˈlī-ən-ˌhärt-əd\ adj : COURAGEOUS, BRAVE

lion's share n : the largest portion

1lip \ˈlip\ n
1 : either of the two fleshy folds that surround the mouth
2 slang : BACK TALK 3
3 a : a fleshy edge or margin <lips of a wound>  b : a part or structure of a plant or animal that resembles a lip (as the protruding part of an orchid's corolla)
4 : the edge of a hollow container especially where it is slightly spread out
— lip·less \-ləs\ adj

— lip·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2lip adj : spoken with the lips only : not sincere <lip service>

li·pase \ˈlī-ˌpās, -ˌpāz\ n : an enzyme that functions especially in the breakdown or digestion of fats

lip·id \ˈlip-əd\ n : any of various substances (as fats and waxes) that with proteins and carbohydrates make up the principal structural parts of living cells

li·po·suc·tion \ˈlip-ə-ˌsək-shən, ˈlī-pə-\ n : the surgical removal of fat from deposits beneath the skin (as of the thighs) [from lipid “fat” and suction]

lipped \ˈlipt\ adj : having a lip or lips especially of a certain kind or number — often used in combination <tight-lipped>

lip–read \ˈlip-ˌrēd\ vb -read \-ˌred\; -read·ing \-ˌrēd-iŋ\ : to use lipreading to understand a speaker's words
— lip–read·er \-ˌrēd-ər\ n

lip·read·ing \-ˌrēd-iŋ\ n : the getting of the meaning of a speaker's words without hearing the voice by watching lip and face movements

lip·stick \-ˌstik\ n : a waxy solid colored cosmetic for the lips usually in stick form

liquefied petroleum gas n : a compressed gas consisting of flammable light hydrocarbons and used especially as fuel or as a starting material for making other chemicals

liq·ue·fy \ˈlik-wə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make or become liquid
— liq·ue·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

li·queur \li-ˈkər, -ˈk(y)u̇(ə)r\ n : a flavored and usually sweetened alcoholic beverage

1liq·uid \ˈlik-wəd\ adj
1 : flowing freely like water
2 : neither solid nor gaseous <liquid mercury>
3 : resembling liquid in clearness or smoothness <large liquid eyes> <liquid notes of a bird>
4 : capable of being pronounced without friction and longer than usual like a vowel <the liquid consonant \l\>
5 : made up of or easily changed into cash <liquid assets>
— li·quid·i·ty \lik-ˈwid-ət-ē\ n

— liq·uid·ly \ˈlik-wəd-lē\ adv

2liquid n
1 : a liquid consonant
2 : a liquid substance

liq·ui·date \ˈlik-wə-ˌdāt\ vb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
1 : PAY OFF 1 <liquidate a debt>
2 : to put an end to : do away with
— liq·ui·da·tion \ˌlik-wə-ˈdā-shən\ n

liquid crystal display n : LCD

liquid measure n : a unit or series of units for measuring liquid capacity — see MEASURE TABLE, METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

li·quor \ˈlik-ər\ n
1 : a liquid substance or solution <dye liquor>
2 : a strong alcoholic beverage

li·ra \ˈlir-ə\ n
1 pl li·re \ˈlē-ˌrā\ also liras : the basic unit of money of Italy until 2002
2 pl liras : the basic unit of money of Turkey
3 : a coin or bill representing one lira

lisle \ˈlī(ə)l\ n : a smooth tightly twisted thread usually made of cotton

1lisp \ˈlisp\ vb : to pronounce the sounds \s\ and \z\ in an imperfect way by giving them the sounds of \th\ and \th\
— lisp·er n

2lisp n : the act or habit of lisping

lis·some also lis·som \ˈlis-əm\ adj
1 : bending easily : FLEXIBLE, LITHE
2 : quick and light in action : NIMBLE

1list \ˈlist\ vb, archaic : CHOOSE 3 [Old English lystan “to please, suit, be desirable”]

2list vb, archaic : to listen to : HEAR [Old English hlystan “to listen”]

3list n
1 : a band or strip of material
2 pl  a : an arena for jousting  b : a field of competition or dispute [Old English līste “strip”]

4list n : a leaning to one side : TILT

5list vb : to lean to one side : TILT <a listing ship> [origin unknown]

6list n : a record or catalog of names or items <guest list> <grocery list> [from French liste “a series of names or numbers,” from Italian lista (same meaning); of Germanic origin]

7list vb
1 : to make a list of
2 : to put on a list
3 : to have a list price <a car that lists at $20,000>

lis·ten \ˈlis-ən\ vb lis·tened; lis·ten·ing \ˈlis-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to pay attention in order to hear <listen for a signal> <listen to a new CD>
2 : to give heed : follow advice <listen to a warning>
— lis·ten·er \ˈlis-nər, -ən-ər\ n

listen in vb
1 : to listen to a broadcast
2 : EAVESDROP

list·ing n
1 : 4LIST
2 : something listed

list·less \ˈlist-ləs\ adj : too tired or too little interested to want to do things [Middle English listles “having a lack of desire to act or move,” from earlier list “desire, liking”]
— list·less·ly adv

— list·less·ness n

list price n : the retail price of an item as published in a catalog, price list, or advertisement

lit past and past participle of LIGHT

lit·a·ny \ˈlit-ən-ē, ˈlit-nē\ n, pl -nies : a prayer consisting of a series of lines spoken alternately by a leader and the congregation

litchi variant of LYCHEE

li·ter or li·tre \ˈlēt-ər\ n : a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

lit·er·a·cy \ˈlit-ə-rə-sē, ˈli-trə-sē\ n : the quality or state of being literate <computer literacy>; esp : ability to read and write

lit·er·al \ˈlit-ə-rəl, ˈli-trəl\ adj
1 a : following the ordinary or usual meaning of the words <literal and figurative meanings>  b : true to fact : PLAIN, UNADORNED <took the television drama to be the literal truth>  c : concerned mainly with facts <a literal-minded person>
2 : of, relating to, or expressed in letters <literal equations>
3 : done word for word : EXACT, VERBATIM <a literal translation>
— lit·er·al·ness n

lit·er·al·ly \ˈlit-ər-(ə-)lē, ˈli-trə-lē\ adv
1 : in a literal sense or manner : ACTUALLY <the flying machine literally never got off the ground>
2 : PRACTICALLY 2, VIRTUALLY <literally poured out new ideas>

lit·er·ary \ˈlit-ə-ˌrer-ē\ adj
1 a : of or relating to literature  b : BOOKISH 2
2 : of or relating to writers or writing as a profession
— lit·er·ari·ly \ˌlit-ə-ˈrer-ə-lē\ adv

— lit·er·ari·ness \ˈlit-ə-ˌrer-ē-nəs\ n

1lit·er·ate \ˈlit-ə-rət, ˈli-trət\ adj
1 : EDUCATED 1, CULTURED
2 : able to read and write
3 : having knowledge or experience in a particular area <computer literate>
— lit·er·ate·ly adv

— lit·er·ate·ness n

2literate n
1 : an educated person
2 : a person who can read and write

lit·er·a·ture \ˈlit-ə-rə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, ˈli-trə-, -chər\ n
1 : written works having excellence of form or expression and ideas of lasting and widespread interest
2 : written material (as of a period or on a subject)

-lith \ˌlith\ n combining form : structure or implement of stone <monolith> [derived from Greek lithos “stone”]

lithe \ˈlīth, ˈlīth\ adj
1 : easily bent : FLEXIBLE <long lithe stems>
2 : light and graceful in movement <lithe dancers>
— lithe·ly adv

— lithe·ness n

lithe·some \ˈlīth-səm, ˈlīth-\ adj : LITHE 2

lith·i·um \ˈlith-ē-əm\ n : a soft silver-white element that is the lightest metal known — see ELEMENT TABLE

litho- combining form : stone <lithology> [derived from Greek lithos “stone”]

1litho·graph \ˈlith-ə-ˌgraf\ vb : to print by lithography
— litho·gra·pher \lith-ˈäg-rə-fər, ˈlith-ə-ˌgraf-ər\ n

2lithograph n : a print made by lithography
— litho·graph·ic \ˌlith-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

— litho·graph·i·cal·ly \-ˈgraf-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

li·thog·ra·phy \lith-ˈäg-rə-fē\ n : a method of printing from a flat surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) that has been prepared in such a way that only the areas meant to print will take ink

li·thol·o·gy \lith-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n : the study of rocks

litho·sphere \ˈlith-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : the outer part of the solid earth consisting of the crust and part of the mantle

Lith·u·a·nian \ˌlith-(y)ə-ˈwā-nē-ən, -nyən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Lithuania
2 : the Baltic language of the Lithuanian people
— Lithuanian adj

lit·i·gant \ˈlit-i-gənt\ n : a person taking part in a lawsuit

lit·i·gate \ˈlit-ə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to carry on a lawsuit
— lit·i·ga·tion \ˌlit-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n

— lit·i·ga·tor \ˈlit-ə-ˌgāt-ər\ n

lit·mus paper \ˈlit-məs-\ n : paper treated with coloring matter that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions

litre variant of LITER

1lit·ter \ˈlit-ər\ n
1 a : a covered and curtained couch with poles to use for handles that is used for carrying a single passenger  b : a device (as a stretcher) for carrying a sick or injured person
2 : material spread in areas where farm animals (as cows or chickens) are kept especially to absorb their urine and feces
3 : the young born to an animal at a single time <a litter of puppies>
4 : a messy collection of things scattered about : RUBBISH

2litter vb
1 : to give birth to young
2 a : to cover with litter  b : to scatter about in disorder  c : to lie about in disorder

lit·ter·bug \ˈlit-ər-ˌbəg\ n : a person who litters a public area

lit·ter·mate \-ˌmāt\ n : one of a litter of offspring considered in relation to the other members of the litter

1lit·tle \ˈlit-əl\ adj lit·tler \ˈlit-əl-ər, ˈlit-lər\ or less \ˈles\ or less·er \ˈles-ər\; lit·tlest \ˈlit-əl-əst, ˈlit-ləst\ or least \ˈlēst\
1 a : small in size  b : 1YOUNG 1A <was too little to remember>  c : small in comparison with related forms <little blue heron>  d : 1NARROW 3, MEAN <people with little minds>
2 a : small in quantity <there was little food to feed them>  b : short in duration <little time left>
3 : small in importance <life's little problems>
4 : being younger <my little brother>
— lit·tle·ness \ˈlit-əl-nəs\ n

2little adv less \ˈles\; least \ˈlēst\
1 : in a very small quantity or degree : SLIGHTLY <had little more than we needed> <a little known fact>
2 : not very often <travels little>

3little n
1 : a small amount or quantity
2 : a short time or distance

Little Bear n : URSA MINOR

little by little adv : by small steps or amounts : GRADUALLY

Little Dipper n : DIPPER 3B

little finger n : the fourth and smallest finger of the hand counting the index finger as the first

little toe n : the outermost and smallest digit of the foot

1lit·to·ral \ˈlit-ə-rəl; ˌlit-ə-ˈral, -ˈräl\ adj : of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore (as of the sea)

2littoral n : a coastal region

lit·ur·gy \ˈlit-ər-jē\ n, pl -gies : a religious rite or body of rites
— li·tur·gi·cal \lə-ˈtər-ji-kəl, li-\ adj

liv·able also live·able \ˈliv-ə-bəl\ adj : suitable for living in or with
— liv·able·ness n

1live \ˈliv\ vb lived; liv·ing
1 a : to be alive  b : to continue alive
2 : to keep oneself alive : SUBSIST <lived on berries the whole time> <courtiers living off the king>
3 : to have a home : DWELL <lives next door>
4 : to pass one's life <live peacefully>
5 : to show great enthusiasm or excitement in <lived life to the fullest>
6 : to experience firsthand <living a dream>
— live it up : to carry on an activity or one's life with great enthusiasm and excitement

— live up to : to act in keeping with : KEEP <live up to one's promises>

— live with : to put up with : ACCEPT <had to live with their decision>

2live \ˈlīv\ adj
1 a : having life : LIVING  b : existing in fact or reality : ACTUAL <spoke to a real live celebrity>
2 a : burning usually without flame <live coals>  b : carrying an electric current <a live wire>  c : not exploded <a live bomb>
3 : of present or continuing interest <a live issue>
4 a : being present at the performance <a live audience>  b : broadcast at the time of production <a live television program>
5 : being in play <a live ball>

live–bear·er \ˈlīv-ˌbar-ər, -ˌber-\ n : a fish that brings forth living young rather than eggs; esp : any of a family of numerous small fishes (as a molly or swordtail) that feed at the surface of the water

-lived \ˈlīvd, ˈlivd\ adj combining form : having a life of a specified kind or length <long-lived> [Middle English -lived “having life,” from lif “life”]

live down vb : to live so as to wipe out the memory of <live down a mistake>

live·li·hood \ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d\ n : 2LIVING 3

live·long \ˌliv-ˌlȯŋ\ adj : during the whole of : ENTIRE <worked all the livelong day>

live·ly \ˈlīv-lē\ adj live·li·er; -est
1 : full of life : ACTIVE <a lively puppy>
2 : 1KEEN 3 <a lively interest>
3 : full of spirit or feeling <a lively debate>
4 : showing activity or spirit <a lively manner>
— live·li·ness n

— lively adv
synonyms LIVELY, ANIMATED, VIVACIOUS, mean very brisk and spirited. LIVELY suggests alertness or energy <a lively performance>. ANIMATED suggests great spirit and activity <an animated discussion>. VIVACIOUS suggests cheerfulness and a quick wit <a vivacious host>.

liv·en \ˈlī-vən\ vb liv·ened; liv·en·ing \ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become lively — often used with up

live oak \ˈlī-ˌvōk\ n : any of several American oaks with evergreen leaves and hard durable wood; esp : one of the southeastern U.S. that is grown for its shelter and shade and formerly much used in building ships

1liv·er \ˈliv-ər\ n
1 a : a large glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes changes in the blood (as by changing sugars into glycogen and by forming urea)  b : any of various large probably digestive glands of invertebrate animals
2 : the liver of an animal (as of a calf or chicken) eaten as food

2liv·er \ˈliv-ər\ n : one that lives especially in a specified way

-liv·ered \ˈliv-ərd\ adj combining form : expressing courage or spirit that suggests a person having (such) a liver <lily-livered>

liver fluke n : any of various trematode worms that invade the liver of mammals

liv·er·ied \ˈliv-(ə-)rēd\ adj : wearing a livery

liv·er·mo·ri·um \ˌliv-ər-ˈmōr-ē-əm, -ˈmȯr-\ n : a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element — see ELEMENT TABLE

liv·er·wort \ˈliv-ər-ˌwərt, -ˌwȯ(ə)rt\ n : any of a class of flowerless plants related to and resembling the mosses but differing especially in their reproduction and development

liv·er·wurst \ˈliv-ə(r)-ˌwərst, -ˌwu̇(ə)rst; ˈliv-ər-ˌwu̇st\ n : a sausage made chiefly of cooked liver

liv·ery \ˈliv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : a special uniform worn by the servants of a wealthy household <a footman in livery>
2 : the clothing worn to distinguish an association of persons <the livery of a school>
3 a : the feeding, care, and stabling of horses for pay  b : the keeping of horses and vehicles for hire  c : LIVERY STABLE

livery stable n : a stable where horses and vehicles are kept for hire and where horses may be stabled

lives plural of LIFE

live·stock \ˈlīv-ˌstäk\ n : animals kept or raised; esp : farm animals kept for use and profit

live wire n : an alert, active, or forceful person
— live–wire adj

liv·id \ˈliv-əd\ adj
1 : discolored by bruising
2 : pale as ashes
3 : very angry
— liv·id·ly adv

1liv·ing \ˈliv-iŋ\ adj
1 a : not dead : ALIVE <living authors>  b : ACTIVE 4B <a living faith>
2 : naturally giving life <living waters>
3 a : true to life <the living image of your mother>  b : fit for living <the living area>

2living n
1 : the condition of being alive
2 : conduct or manner of life
3 : what one has to have to meet one's needs <earned a living as a cook>

living fossil n : an animal or plant (as the horseshoe crab or the ginkgo tree) that has remained almost unchanged from earlier geologic times and whose close relatives are usually all extinct

living room n : a room in a house for general family use

liz·ard \ˈliz-ərd\ n : any of a group of reptiles that can be told apart from the related snakes by their lower jaw which has the two halves joined and inseparable, by ears which are outside the body, by eyes with movable lids, and usually by two pairs of functional limbs

'll \l, əl, əl\ vb : WILL <you'll be late>

lla·ma \ˈläm-ə\ n : any of several wild and domesticated long-necked South American hoofed mammals that chew the cud and are related to the camels but smaller and without a hump

lla·no \ˈlän-ō, ˈlan-\ n, pl llanos : an open grassy plain in Spanish America or the southwestern U.S.

lo \ˈlō\ interj — used to call attention or show wonder or surprise

1load \ˈlōd\ n
1 a : something taken up and carried  b : the amount that can be carried at one time <10 loads of sand> — often used in combination <a boatload of tourists>
2 : a mass or weight supported by something <the load on a column>
3 : something that depresses the mind or spirits <a load of care>
4 : a large quantity : LOT — usually used in plural <had loads of fun>
5 : a charge for a firearm
6 a : amount of work done or expected to be done  b : the demand upon the ability of a system to produce what it is meant to produce <the load on an engine>
7 slang : a good look : a full view — used in the phrase get a load of

2load vb
1 a : to put a load in or on <load a truck> <load a gun> <loaded my arms with books>  b : to place a weight or burden on <vines loaded down with grapes> <load more work on him>  c : to supply abundantly <load a person with honors>  d : to put runners on (first, second, and third base) in baseball <the pitcher loaded the bases by walking three batters>  e : to fill with an often unfair appeal to the emotions <load a question> <loaded words>  f : to put something like a load into <load a camera with film> <load a disk drive>
2 a : to put or place in, on, or into something as or as if a load <load wood on a truck> <load film into a camera>  b : to copy or transfer into a computer's memory <load a program>
— load·er n

— load up on
1 : to ingest in usually large amounts <loaded up on his favorite food>
2 : to acquire in usually large amounts <loaded up on dry goods>

load·ed \ˈlōd-əd\ adj
1 slang : 2DRUNK 1
2 : WEALTHY 1, RICH

load line n : a line on a ship showing the depth to which it sinks in the water when properly loaded

loadstar variant of LODESTAR

loadstone variant of LODESTONE

1loaf \ˈlōf\ n, pl loaves \ˈlōvz\
1 : a usually oblong mass of bread
2 : a dish (as of meat) baked in the form of a loaf [Old English hlāf “loaf of bread” — related to LADY, LORD; see Word Histories at LADY, LORD]

2loaf vb : to spend time idly or lazily

loaf·er \ˈlō-fər\ n
1 : a person who loafs
2 : a low shoe with no laces

loam \ˈlōm\ n : 3SOIL 2; esp : a soil consisting of a loose easily crumbled mixture of varying amounts of clay, silt, and sand
— loamy \ˈlō-mē\ adj

1loan \ˈlōn\ n
1 a : money lent at interest  b : something lent for a limited time
2 : permission to use something for a time

2loan vb : LEND 1

loan shark n : a person who lends money at very high rates of interest

loan·word \ˈlōn-ˌwərd\ n : a word that is taken into one language from another

loath also loth \ˈlōth, ˈlōth\ or loathe \ˈlōth, ˈlōth\ adj : unwilling to do something : RELUCTANT <seems loath to trust anyone>

loathe \ˈlōth\ vb loathed; loath·ing : to feel extreme disgust for or at <loathe the smell of burning rubber>  synonyms see HATE
— loath·er n

loath·ing \ˈlō-thiŋ\ n : very great dislike : extreme disgust

loath·some \ˈlōth-səm, ˈlōth-\ adj : very unpleasant : OFFENSIVE
— loath·some·ly adv

— loath·some·ness n

1lob \ˈläb\ vb lobbed; lob·bing : to send (as a ball) in a high arc by hitting or throwing easily

2lob n : a lobbed throw or shot (as in tennis)

1lob·by \ˈläb-ē\ n, pl lobbies
1 : a hall or entry especially when large enough to serve as a waiting room <a hotel lobby>
2 : a group of persons engaged in lobbying <the oil lobby>

2lobby vb lob·bied; lob·by·ing : to try to influence public officials and especially members of a legislative body
— lob·by·ist \ˈläb-ē-əst\ n

lobe \ˈlōb\ n : a curved or rounded part; esp : one that is part of a bodily organ or part
— lobed \ˈlōbd\ adj

lobe–finned fish n : any of a group of mostly extinct fishes that have paired fins suggesting limbs and may be closely related to or closely resemble the ancestors of the land-dwelling vertebrates — called also lobe-fin, lobe-fin fish

lo·be·lia \lō-ˈbēl-yə\ n : any of a genus of widely distributed herbs (as the cardinal flower) often grown for their clusters of showy flowers

lob·lol·ly pine \ˈläb-ˌläl-ē-\ n : a pine of the southeastern U.S. with thick flaky bark, long needles in groups of three, and spiny-tipped cones; also : its coarse-grained wood — called also loblolly

lob·ster \ˈläb-stər\ n : any of several large edible marine crustaceans with stalked eyes, a pair of large claws, and a long abdomen; also : SPINY LOBSTER

lobster pot n : a trap for catching lobsters

1lo·cal \ˈlō-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to position in space
2 : relating to a particular place <local news> <a local custom>
3 : serving the needs of a certain district <local government>
4 : involving or affecting only a small part of the body <a local infection>
— lo·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

2local n
1 : a public vehicle (as a bus or train) that makes all of the stops or most of the stops along its route
2 : a local branch (as of a lodge or labor union)

local area network n : a computer network that spans a small area (as an office building)

local color n : the presentation in a story or play of the peculiarities of a particular place and the people who live there

lo·cale \lō-ˈkal\ n : a place where something happens or is supposed to happen <the locale of the accident> <the locale of a play>

lo·cal·ism \ˈlō-kə-ˌliz-əm\ n : a local peculiarity of speech or acting

lo·cal·i·ty \lō-ˈkal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a place and its surroundings

lo·cal·ize \ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to assign to or keep in a definite place or locality
2 : to be restricted to or accumulate in a limited area <pain localized in a joint>
— lo·cal·i·za·tion \ˌlō-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

lo·cate \ˈlō-ˌkāt, lō-ˈkāt\ vb lo·cat·ed; lo·cat·ing
1 : to set oneself or one's business up in a particular place
2 : to state and fix exactly the place, limits, or position of <locate property lines> <locate point B>
3 a : to look for and find the position of <trying to locate the problem with the engine>  b : to find or fix the place of in a series <locate an event in history>

lo·ca·tion \lō-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : a place fit for or having some particular use <a lovely location for a house> <each location in a computer memory has its own address>  b : a place outside a studio where a motion picture is filmed <on location in the desert>
2 : the act or process of locating

lo·ca·tor also lo·cat·er \ˈlō-ˌkāt-ər, lō-ˈkāt-\ n : one that locates something (as a mining claim or the course of a road)

loch \ˈläk, ˈläḵ\ n
1 Scottish : LAKE
2 Scottish : an arm of the sea especially when it is nearly surrounded by land

loci plural of LOCUS

1lock \ˈläk\ n
1 : a small bunch of hair or fiber (as cotton or wool)
2 pl : the hair of the head [Old English locc “small bunch of hair”]

2lock n
1 a : a fastening (as for a door) in which a bolt is operated (as by a key)  b : a device for exploding the charge or cartridge of a firearm
2 : an enclosure (as in a canal) with gates at each end used in raising or lowering boats as they pass from level to level
3 : a wrestling hold that prevents any movement of the part of the body that is being held <a leg lock> [Old English loc “fastener”]

3lock vb
1 : to fasten with or as if with a lock <lock up the house> <the door locks from the inside>
2 a : to shut in or out or make secure by or as if by means of a lock <locked up my bike> <locked in jail>  b : to make or become fast or motionless <pump the brake pedal to keep the wheels from locking>
3 : to make fast by the linking of parts together <lock arms>

lock·er \ˈläk-ər\ n : a cabinet, compartment, or chest for personal use or for storing food at a low temperature

locker room n : a room for changing clothes and for storing clothes and equipment in lockers; esp : one for use by sports players

lock·et \ˈläk-ət\ n : a small ornamental case usually worn on a chain or necklace

lock·jaw \ˈläk-ˌjȯ\ n : a symptom of tetanus marked by spasms of the jaw muscles and inability to open the jaws; also : TETANUS 1

lock·out \-ˌau̇t\ n : the stopping of work or closing of a plant by an employer during a labor dispute in order to make the employees come to terms

lock·smith \-ˌsmith\ n : a person who makes or repairs locks

lock·step \-ˌstep\ n : a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other

lock·stitch \-ˌstich\ n : a sewing machine stitch in which a thread on the bottom of the material is looped over a thread pushed through from the top and then both are pulled tight

lock·up \-ˌəp\ n : PRISON 2, JAIL

lo·co \ˈlō-kō\ adj, slang : not sane : CRAZY

lo·co·mo·tion \ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən\ n : the act or power of moving from place to place

1lo·co·mo·tive \ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-iv\ adj
1 : of or relating to locomotion
2 : of, relating to, or being a locomotive

2locomotive n : an engine that moves under its own power; esp : one that hauls cars on a railroad

lo·co·mo·tor \ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-ər\ adj : of, relating to, or used in locomotion

lo·co·weed \ˈlō-kō-ˌwēd\ n : any of several plants of the legume family that occur in western North America and cause poisoning in livestock

lo·cus \ˈlō-kəs\ n, pl lo·ci \ˈlō-ˌsī, -ˌkī, -ˌkē\
1 : 1PLACE 3A, LOCALITY
2 : the set of all points whose location is determined by stated conditions
3 : the position in a chromosome of a particular gene or allele

lo·cust \ˈlō-kəst\ n
1 a : SHORT-HORNED GRASSHOPPER; esp : a grasshopper that often migrates in vast swarms and eats up the plants in its course  b : CICADA
2 a : any of various trees of the legume family with hard wood  b : the wood of a locust

lo·cu·tion \lō-ˈkyü-shən\ n
1 : a particular form of expression <complicated locutions in legal documents>
2 : style of expression or speaking

lode \ˈlōd\ n : an ore deposit

lode·star also load·star \ˈlōd-ˌstär\ n : a star that leads or guides; esp : NORTH STAR

lode·stone also load·stone \ˈlōd-ˌstōn\ n
1 : a rock having magnetic properties
2 : something that strongly attracts

1lodge \ˈläj\ vb lodged; lodg·ing
1 a : to provide or serve as especially temporary quarters for <lodged their guests overnight>  b : to establish or settle oneself in a place  c : to settle or live in as a residence  d : to rent lodgings to
2 : to serve as a receptacle for : CONTAIN
3 : to bring or come to a rest and remain <the bone lodged in the throat> <the bullet lodged in a tree>
4 : to lay before a proper authority : FILE <lodge a complaint>

2lodge n
1 a : a house set apart for residence in a special season <a hunting lodge>  b : a resort hotel <ski lodge>  c : a house for an employee on an estate <the gamekeeper's lodge>
2 : a den or lair of wild animals (as beavers)
3 : the meeting place of a branch (as of a fraternal organization); also : the members of such a branch
4 a : WIGWAM  b : a family of North American Indians

lodge·pole pine \ˌläj-ˌpōl-\ n : any of several western North American pines with needles in pairs and short cones

lodg·er \ˈläj-ər\ n : one that lodges; esp : one that occupies a rented room in another's house

lodg·ing \ˈläj-iŋ\ n
1 : DWELLING; esp : a temporary dwelling or sleeping place
2 : a room or suite of rooms in another's house rented as a dwelling — usually used in plural

lodging house n : ROOMING HOUSE

lodg·ment or lodge·ment \ˈläj-mənt\ n
1 a : a lodging place : SHELTER  b : LODGING 2
2 a : the act, fact, or manner of lodging <a hut for temporary lodgment of travelers>  b : a placing, depositing, or coming to rest
3 : an accumulation of something deposited in a place <a lodgment of leaves in a gutter>

loess \ˈles, ˈlə(r)s, ˈlō-əs\ n : a fine usually yellowish brown soil found in North America, Europe, and Asia and believed to be chiefly deposited by the wind

1loft \ˈlȯft\ n
1 : an upper room or floor : ATTIC
2 a : a gallery in a church or hall <organ loft>  b : an upper floor of a warehouse or business building when not partitioned  c : HAYLOFT
3 : the backward slant of the face of a golf-club head

2loft vb
1 : to place, house, or store in a loft
2 : to strike or throw a ball so that it rises high in the air <lofted a high fly to center field>

lofty \ˈlȯf-tē\ adj loft·i·er; -est
1 : PROUD 1A, HAUGHTY <a lofty manner>
2 a : of high, noble, or excellent quality <lofty ideals>  b : of high rank : SUPERIOR
3 : rising to a great height <lofty redwood trees>  synonyms see HIGH
— loft·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— loft·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

1log \ˈlȯg, ˈläg\ n
1 : a large piece of a cut or fallen tree; esp : a long piece of a tree trunk trimmed and ready for sawing
2 : a device for measuring the speed of a ship
3 a : the daily record of a ship's speed and progress  b : the full record of a ship's voyage or of an aircraft's flight
4 : a record of performance, events, or day-to-day activities <a computer log>

2log vb logged; log·ging
1 : to cut trees for lumber or to clear land of trees in lumbering
2 : to put details of or about in a log
3 a : to move a distance or reach a speed as noted in a log  b : to sail a ship or fly an aircraft for an indicated distance or time <the pilot logged thousands of miles and hundreds of hours>

3log n : LOGARITHM

lo·gan·ber·ry \ˈlō-gən-ˌber-ē\ n : a dewberry that grows upright and produces red fruit; also : its berry

log·a·rithm \ˈlȯg-ə-ˌrith-əm, ˈläg-\ n : the exponent that indicates the power to which a base number is raised to produce a given number <the logarithm of 100 to the base 10 is 2>
— log·a·rith·mic \ˌlȯg-ə-ˈrith-mik, ˌläg-\ adj

log·book \ˈlȯg-ˌbu̇k, ˈläg-\ n
1 : 1LOG 3
2 : 1LOG 4

loge \ˈlōzh\ n
1 : a box in a theater
2 : the forward section of a theater mezzanine
3 : a raised section or level of seats in a sports stadium

log·ger \ˈlȯg-ər, ˈläg-\ n : one whose work is logging

log·ger·head \ˈlȯg-ər-ˌhed, ˈläg-\ n : any of several very large turtles; esp : a flesh-eating sea turtle of the warmer parts of the western Atlantic
— at loggerheads : in or into a state of quarrelsome disagreement

log·ic \ˈläj-ik\ n
1 : the study of the rules and tests of sound reasoning
2 : REASONING 1; esp : sound reasoning <no logic in that remark>
3 : connection (as of facts or events) in a way that seems reasonable <the logic of a situation>
4 : the arrangement of circuit elements (as in a computer) needed for computation

log·i·cal \ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to logic : used in logic
2 : according to the rules of logic <a logical argument>
3 : skilled in logic <a logical thinker>
4 : being in agreement with what may be reasonably expected <a logical result of an action>
— log·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— log·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ n

lo·gi·cian \lō-ˈjish-ən\ n : a person who is skilled in logic

lo·gis·tics \lō-ˈjis-tiks\ n sing or pl : a branch of military science that deals with the transporting, housing, and supplying of troops
— lo·gis·tic \-tik\ or lo·gis·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adj

logo \ˈlō-gō; ˈlȯg-ō, ˈläg-\ n, pl log·os \-gōz, -ōz\ : an identifying symbol or motto <a company logo>

Lo·go \ˈlō-gō\ n : a simplified language for programming and communicating with a computer that uses drawing on a display screen as a tool for teaching programming principles

log on or log in vb : to make a connection with a computer or system <logged on to the Internet>
— log–on \ˈlȯg-ˌȯn, ˈläg-ˌän\ n

log out or log off vb : to terminate a connection with a computer or system

log·roll·ing \ˈlȯg-ˌrō-liŋ, ˈläg-\ n
1 : the rolling of logs in water by treading
2 : the trading of votes by legislators to get favorable action on projects of interest to each

log·wood \ˈlȯg-ˌwu̇d, ˈläg-\ n : a Central American and West Indian tree of the legume family that has hard brown or brownish red heartwood used in dyeing; also : the heartwood or a preparation made from it

lo·gy \ˈlō-gē\ adj lo·gi·er; -est : SLUGGISH, TIRED
— lo·gi·ness \-gē-nəs\ n

-l·o·gy \l-ə-jē\ n combining form : doctrine : theory : science <biology> [derived from Greek logos “word”]

loin \ˈlȯin\ n
1 a : the part of the body on each side of the spinal column between the hip and the lower ribs  b : a cut of meat (as beef) from the loin of an animal
2 pl  a : the pubic region  b : the organs of reproduction

loin·cloth \-ˌklȯth\ n : a cloth worn as a garment about the loins

loi·ter \ˈlȯit-ər\ vb
1 : to interrupt or delay an errand or a journey with pointless stops
2 a : to remain in an area for no good reason  b : to lag behind  synonyms see LINGER
— loi·ter·er n

loll \ˈläl\ vb
1 : to hang or let hang loosely : DROOP
2 : to recline, lean, or move in a loose or lazy manner : LOUNGE <loll around in the sun>

lol·li·pop or lol·ly·pop \ˈläl-i-ˌpäp\ n : a lump or ball of hard candy on the end of a stick

lone \ˈlōn\ adj
1 : having no company : SOLITARY <a lone traveler>
2 : situated by itself <a lone outpost>

lone·ly \ˈlōn-lē\ adj lone·li·er; -est
1 : LONE 1
2 : not visited by human beings : DESOLATE <a lonely spot>
3 : LONESOME 1 <feeling lonely>
— lone·li·ness n

lon·er \ˈlō-nər\ n : one that avoids others; esp : INDIVIDUALIST 1

lone·some \ˈlōn(t)-səm\ adj
1 : sad from lack of companionship or separation from others
2 : not often visited or traveled over <a lonesome highway> <the lonesome frontier>
— lone·some·ness n

lone wolf n : a person who prefers to act, live, or work alone : LONER

1long \ˈlȯŋ\ adj lon·ger \ˈlȯŋ-gər\; lon·gest \ˈlȯŋ-gəst\
1 : of great extent from end to end : not short
2 a : having a specified length <a meter long>  b : forming the chief linear dimension <the long side of the table>
3 : lasting for a considerable or specified time <a long friendship> <two hours long>
4 : overly long or lasting too long <a long look> <a long explanation>
5 : containing many or a specified number of units <a long series of wins>
6 : being a syllable or speech sound of relatively great duration
7 : extending far into the future
8 : strong in or well supplied with something <long on golf> <long on wisdom> [Old English long, lang “extending a great distance”]
— at long last : after a long wait : FINALLY

2long adv
1 : for or during a long time <long a popular hangout>
2 : for the length of a specified period <all summer long>
3 : at a distant point of time <long before we arrived>
— as long as or so long as
1 : in view of the fact that : SINCE
2 : provided that : IF

— so long : GOOD-BYE

3long vb longed; long·ing \ˈlȯŋ-iŋ\ : to feel a strong desire or wish <longing to return home> [Old English langian “to feel a strong desire for something”]  synonyms see YEARN

long·boat \ˈlȯŋ-ˌbōt\ n : a large boat carried on a ship

long bone n : one of the bones supporting a limb of a vertebrate and consisting of a long nearly cylinder-shaped shaft that contains bone marrow and has enlarged ends

long·bow \ˈlȯŋ-ˌbō\ n : a wooden bow drawn by hand

1long–dis·tance \-ˈdis-tən(t)s\ adj
1 : of or relating to telephone communication with a distant point
2 a : situated a long distance away  b : going or covering a long distance <long-distance roads> <a long-distance runner>  c : conducted or effective over a long distance <a long-distance relationship> <long-distance listening devices>

2long–distance adv : by long-distance telephone

long distance n
1 : communication by long-distance telephone
2 : a telephone operator or exchange that gives long-distance connections

long division n : arithmetical division in which the several steps involved in the division are shown in detail

lon·gev·i·ty \län-ˈjev-ət-ē, lȯn-\ n
1 : long life or continuance
2 : length of life

long–haired \ˈloŋ-ˌha(ə)rd, -ˌhe(ə)rd\ or long·hair \-ˌha(ə)r, -ˌhe(ə)r\ adj : having long hair or fur <a long-haired dog>

long·hand \ˈlȯŋ-ˌhand\ n
1 : the characters or words written out fully by hand
2 : cursive writing

long·horn \-ˌhȯ(ə)rn\ n : any of the cattle with long horns that were formerly common in the southwestern U.S.

long–horned \ˌlȯŋ-ˌhȯrn(d)\ adj : having long horns or antennae <long-horned beetles>

long·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a long dwelling especially of the Iroquois for several families

long hundredweight n, British : HUNDREDWEIGHT 2

long·ing \ˈlȯŋ-iŋ\ n : an eager desire : CRAVING
— long·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

long·ish \ˈlȯŋ-ish\ adj : somewhat long

lon·gi·tude \ˈlän-jə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : distance measured by degrees or time east or west from the prime meridian <the longitude of New York is 74 degrees or about five hours west of Greenwich>

lon·gi·tu·di·nal \ˌlän-jə-ˈt(y)üd-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to length
2 : placed or running lengthwise
— lon·gi·tu·di·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

long johns \ˈlȯŋ-ˌjänz\ n pl : long underwear

long jump n : a jump for distance in track-and-field competition
— long jumper n

long·leaf pine \ˌlȯŋ-ˌlēf-\ n : a tall pine of the southeastern U.S. that has long needles in clusters of three and long cones and is a major timber tree; also : its tough coarse-grained reddish orange wood

long–leaved pine \ˌlȯŋ-ˌlēv(d)-\ n : LONGLEAF PINE

long–lived \ˈlȯŋ-ˈlīvd, -ˈlivd\ adj : living or lasting long

long–play·ing \ˈlȯŋ-ˈplā-iŋ\ adj : of, relating to, or being a phonograph record designed to be played at 33⅓ revolutions per minute

long–range \-ˈrānj\ adj
1 : relating to or fit for long distances <a long-range gun>
2 : LONG-TERM <long-range planning>

long·ship \-ˌship\ n : a long sail and oar ship used by the Vikings

long·shore·man \ˈlȯŋ-ˈshōr-mən, -ˈshȯr-\ n : one who loads and unloads ships at a port : STEVEDORE

long shot \ˈlȯŋ-ˌshät\ n
1 : a great risk that promises a great reward if successful
2 : an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning
— by a long shot : by a great deal

long–stand·ing \ˈlȯŋ-ˈstan-diŋ\ adj : of long duration <a long-standing dispute>

long–suf·fer·ing \-ˈsəf(-ə)-riŋ\ adj : patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship
— long–suffering n

— long–suf·fer·ing·ly adv

long–term \-ˈtərm\ adj : extending over or involving a long period of time

long–wind·ed \ˈlȯŋ-ˈwin-dəd\ adj : boringly long in speaking or writing
— long–wind·ed·ly adv

— long–wind·ed·ness n

loof·ah also luf·fa \ˈlü-fə\ n : any of various Old World tropical plants of the gourd family with large fruits; also : a sponge consisting of the fiber-containing skeleton of its fruit [derived from Arabic lūf “loofah”]

1look \ˈlu̇k\ vb
1 : to exercise the power of vision : SEE
2 : to express by the eyes or by an expression of the face
3 a : to have an appearance that is suitable for <looks her age>  b : SEEM 1 <it looks dangerous>
4 : to direct one's attention or eyes <look in the mirror>
5 : 2POINT 4, FACE <the house looks east>
— look after : to attend to

— look at
1 : CONSIDER 1 <looking at the possibility of moving>
2 : meet face-to-face : FACE <looking at detention after school>

— look daggers : to look threateningly

— look down on : to treat as an inferior : DISDAIN

— look for
1 : EXPECT 2
2 : to search for : SEEK

— look forward to : to expect with pleasure

— look into : to examine carefully

— look on or look upon
1 : CONSIDER 3, REGARD <looked upon me as a friend>
2 : to observe as a spectator

— look out for
1 : to be on guard against <look out for cars>
2 : to care for : PROTECT <look out for our interests>

— look to
1 : to direct one's attention to <looking to the future>
2 : to take care of
3 : to rely on <looks to reading for relaxation>

2look n
1 a : the act of looking  b : 2GLANCE 3
2 a : the expression of the face  b : physical appearance; esp : attractive physical appearance — usually used in plural
3 : the state or form in which something appears : ASPECT

look·er–on \ˌlu̇k-ə-ˈrȯn, -ˈrän\ n, pl lookers–on : SPECTATOR, ONLOOKER

looking glass n : 1MIRROR 1

look·out \ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : a person who keeps watch
2 : a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible
3 : a careful looking or watching
4 : OUTLOOK 1B
5 : a matter of care or concern <the plants are wilting, but that's not my lookout>

look over vb : to inspect or examine usually in a hurried or careless way

look·up \ˈlu̇k-ˌəp\ n : the process or an instance of looking something up; esp : the process of matching by computer the words of a text with material stored in memory

look up vb : to seek for or out <look up a word in the dictionary> <look up a friend>

1loom \ˈlüm\ n : a frame or machine for weaving threads or yarns to produce cloth

2loom vb
1 : to appear suddenly and often with a large, dim, or strange form <loomed out of the fog>
2 : to be about to happen

loon \ˈlün\ n : any of several large diving birds that eat fish, have a long pointed bill and webbed feet, and usually nest on the banks of lakes and ponds

loo·ny also loo·ney \ˈlü-nē\ adj loo·ni·er; -est : CRAZY, FOOLISH [an altered form of lunatic (adjective)]
— loo·ni·ness n

— loony n

1loop \ˈlüp\ n
1 : a fold or doubling of a line through which another line can be passed or into which a hook may be hooked
2 : a loop-shaped ornament, figure, bend, course, or device <a loop in a river>
3 : a circular airplane maneuver involving flying upside down
4 : a complete electric circuit
5 : a piece of motion-picture film or magnetic tape whose ends are joined together to project or play back the same things continuously
6 : a series of instructions (as for a computer) that is repeated usually until a requirement for ending is met
— for a loop : into a state of amazement, confusion, or distress <the news knocked me for a loop>

2loop vb
1 : to make or form a loop
2 a : to make a loop in, on, or about  b : to fasten with a loop
3 : to perform a loop in an airplane

loop·er \ˈlü-pər\ n
1 : any of numerous small caterpillars that are mostly larvae of moths, move with a looping movement, and have little or no hair — called also inchworm, measuring worm
2 : one that loops

loop·hole \ˈlüp-ˌhōl\ n
1 : a small opening; esp : one in a wall through which firearms may be discharged
2 : a way of escaping something; esp : a way of avoiding a law or regulation

loop of Hen·le \-ˈhen-lē\ n : a U-shaped part of the nephron of birds and mammals that plays a part in removing water during the formation of urine [from the name F. G. J. Henle, died 1885, German pathologist]

1loose \ˈlüs\ adj loos·er; loos·est
1 a : not firmly fastened or securely attached <a loose tooth>  b : no longer attached <a boat loose from its moorings>  c : not tight-fitting
2 a : not shut in, tied up, or held back <a lion loose in the streets>  b : not brought together in a bundle, container, or binding <loose sheets of pages>
3 : not dense or compact <loose dirt> <cloth of loose weave>
4 : not respectable : IMMORAL <loose conduct>
5 : not tightly drawn or stretched : SLACK
6 : not exact or careful <a loose guess>
— loose adv

— loose·ly adv

— loose·ness n

2loose vb loosed; loos·ing
1 : LOOSEN 1
2 : 1SHOOT 1, FIRE <loose a volley>

loose end n
1 : something left hanging loose
2 : a piece of unfinished business <tying up loose ends>

loose–joint·ed \ˈlüs-ˈjȯint-əd\ adj
1 : having flexible joints
2 : moving with unusual freedom or ease

loose–leaf \ˈlü-ˈslēf\ adj
1 : designed so that sheets (as of paper) can be removed or inserted by opening a locking device <loose-leaf notebook>
2 : of, relating to, or used with a loose-leaf binding <loose-leaf paper>

loos·en \ˈlüs-ən\ vb loos·ened; loos·en·ing \ˈlüs-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to set free
2 : to make or become loose or looser
3 : to cause or permit to become less strict <loosened the rules>

loose·strife \ˈlü(s)-ˌstrīf\ n
1 : any of a genus of herbs that are related to the primroses and have leafy stems and yellow or white flowers
2 : any of a genus of herbs including some with showy spikes of purple flowers

1loot \ˈlüt\ n : something stolen or taken by force

2loot vb : 1PLUNDER, STEAL
— loot·er n

lop \ˈläp\ vb lopped; lop·ping
1 : to cut branches or twigs from a tree
2 : to remove unnecessary or undesirable parts from something — usually used with off
— lop·per n

lope \ˈlōp\ n : an easy leaping way of moving
— lope vb

— lop·er n

lop–eared \ˈläp-ˈi(ə)rd\ adj : having ears that droop <a lop-eared rabbit>

lop·sid·ed \ˈläp-ˈsīd-əd\ adj : leaning to one side : UNBALANCED
— lop·sid·ed·ness n

lo·qua·cious \lō-ˈkwā-shəs\ adj : very talkative  synonyms see TALKATIVE
— lo·qua·cious·ly adv

— lo·qua·cious·ness n

— lo·quac·i·ty \-ˈkwas-ət-ē\ n

lo·quat \ˈlō-ˌkwät\ n : a small Asian tree related to the roses and bearing yellow fruits resembling plums; also : its fruit used especially in preserves [Chinese làuhgwāt “small tree related to the roses”]

1lord \ˈlȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 a : a person who has power and authority; esp : a ruler to whom service and obedience are due  b : a person from whom a feudal estate is held
2 cap  a : GOD 1  b : JESUS
3 : a man of rank or high position: as  a : a feudal tenant holding his estate directly from the king  b : a British nobleman or a bishop entitled to sit in the House of Lords — used as a title  c pl cap : HOUSE OF LORDS
Word History The word lord comes from the Old English word hlāford. This word was formed from the words hlāf, meaning “loaf of bread,” and weard, meaning “keeper, guard.” This “bread keeper,” however, actually had no more to do with bread than our modern “breadwinner.” The hlāford was much more important than his title suggests. He was the head of a great household and had power and authority over many people. The related word lady developed in much the same way. [Old English hlāford “lord,” literally, “bread keeper,” from hlāf “loaf of bread” and weard “keeper, guard” — related to LADY, LOAF; see Word History at LADY]

2lord vb : to act as if having the rank or power of a lord : DOMINEER — used with it <lording it over her younger brothers>

lord·ly \ˈlȯ(ə)rd-lē\ adj lord·li·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a lord : NOBLE
2 : PROUD 1A, HAUGHTY
— lord·li·ness n

— lordly adv

lor·do·sis \lȯr-ˈdō-səs\ n : abnormal curving of the lower part of the spine inward

lord·ship \ˈlȯ(ə)rd-ˌship\ n
1 : the rank or dignity of a lord — used as a title <his lordship is not at home>
2 : the authority, power, or territory of a lord

Lord's Prayer n : the prayer with different versions in Matthew and Luke that according to Luke Jesus taught his disciples

Lord's Supper n : COMMUNION 1A

lore \ˈlō(ə)r, ˈlȯ(ə)r\ n : KNOWLEDGE 1; esp : a particular body of knowledge or tradition <forest lore>

lo·ris \ˈlōr-əs, ˈlȯr-\ n : any of several small slow-moving primates that are active at night and do not have tails

lorn \ˈlȯr(ə)rn\ adj : having been abandoned or forsaken

lor·ry \ˈlȯr-ē, ˈlär-\ n, pl lorries chiefly British : a large open truck

lose \ˈlüz\ vb lost \ˈlȯst\; los·ing \ˈlü-ziŋ\
1 : 2RUIN 1, DESTROY <the ship was lost on the reef>
2 : to be unable to find or have at hand : MISLAY <lose a billfold>
3 : to become deprived of especially accidentally or by death <lose his eyesight> <lost her son by drowning>
4 a : to fail to use to advantage : WASTE <no time to lose>  b : to fail to win, gain, or obtain <lose a contest>  c : to fail to catch with the senses or the mind <lost part of what was said>
5 : to cause the loss of <one careless statement lost her the election>
6 : to fail to keep, sustain, or maintain <lost his balance>
7 a : to miss or cause to miss one's way or bearings <lost herself in the woods>  b : to make oneself completely absorbed by one specific thing <lost himself in the music>
8 : to leave behind by going faster or farther <lost their pursuers>
9 : to free oneself from : get rid of <dieting to lose some weight>
— los·er n

— lose ground : to fail to advance or improve

— lose it
1 : to lose touch with reality; also : to go crazy
2 : to be filled with strong emotion : lose one's composure <so angry I almost lost it>

— lose one's heart : to fall in love

losing adj
1 : resulting in or likely to result in defeat <a losing battle>
2 : marked by many losses or more losses than wins <a losing record>

loss \ˈlȯs\ n
1 a : the act or an instance of losing <the loss of a ship>  b : the harm or distress resulting from losing <her death was a loss to the community>
2 a : a person, thing, or amount lost  b pl : killed, wounded, or captured soldiers
3 : failure to gain, win, obtain, or use; esp : an amount by which the cost of something is above its selling price
4 : decrease in amount, size, or degree
— at a loss
1 : uncertain as to how to proceed <was at a loss to explain the problem>
2 : unable to produce what is needed <was at a loss for a cure>

lost \ˈlȯst\ adj
1 : not used, won, or claimed <lost opportunities>
2 : no longer possessed or known <a long lost uncle>
3 : ruined or destroyed physically or morally
4 : unable to find the way <a lost puppy>
5 : having the mind absorbed and not aware of surroundings <lost in daydreams>
6 : FUTILE <a lost cause>

lot \ˈlät\ n
1 : an object used as a counter in determining a question by chance
2 a : the use of lots as a means of deciding something <choose by lot>  b : the choice resulting from deciding by lot
3 a : something that comes to one by or as if by lot  b : one's course in life especially as decided by chance
4 a : a piece or plot of land <owns the corner lot> <a building lot>  b : a motion-picture studio and its surrounding property
5 : a number of articles offered (as at an auction) for sale as one item
6 : a number of associated persons : SET <the lot that hangs around the arcade>
7 : a large amount, quantity, or number <a lot of space> <a lot of books> <lots of food> <had been there lots of times>  synonyms see DESTINY

loth variant of LOATH

lo·tion \ˈlō-shən\ n : a liquid preparation for use as a cosmetic or as a medicine on the outside of the body [from Latin lotion-, lotio “act of washing,” from lotus, past participle of lavere “to wash” — related to LAUNDRY, LAVATORY, LAVISH]

lots \ˈläts\ adv : MUCH <feeling lots better>

lot·tery \ˈlät-ə-rē, ˈlä-trē\ n, pl -ter·ies : a drawing of lots in which prizes are given to the winning names or numbers

lo·tus \ˈlōt-əs\ n : any of various water lilies including several represented in ancient Egyptian and Hindu art

loud \ˈlau̇d\ adj
1 a : marked by a high volume of sound  b : producing a loud sound
2 : NOISY 1
3 : unpleasantly bold or bright in color or pattern <a loud plaid>
— loud adv

— loud·ly adv

— loud·ness n

loud·mouth \-ˌmau̇th\ n : a person given to loud unpleasant talk
— loud·mouthed \-ˈmau̇thd, -ˈmau̇tht\ adj

loud·speak·er \-ˈspē-kər\ n : a device that changes electrical signals into sound

1lounge \ˈlau̇nj\ vb lounged; loung·ing
1 : to move or act in a lazy, slow, or tired way : LOAF
2 : to stand, sit, or lie in a lazy relaxed manner
— loung·er n

2lounge n
1 a : a room with comfortable furniture for lounging  b : a room in a public building or vehicle furnished for lounging and often with toilets and smoking facilities
2 : a long couch

lour, louring variant of 1LOWER, 2LOWER, LOWERING

louse \ˈlau̇s\ n
1 pl lice \ˈlīs\  a : any of various small wingless usually flat insects that live as parasites on the bodies of warm-blooded animals  b : any of several other small arthropods (as a book louse or wood louse) that are not parasites
2 pl lous·es \ˈlau̇-səz\ : a mean person

louse up \(ˈ)lau̇-ˈsəp\ vb : BUNGLE

lousy \ˈlau̇-zē\ adj lous·i·er; -est
1 : infested with lice
2 a : totally disgusting : CONTEMPTIBLE  b : of very poor quality <got lousy grades>  c : somewhat ill <felt lousy after dinner>  d : well supplied <lousy with money>
— lous·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

lout \ˈlau̇t\ n : a stupid, rude, or awkward person
— lout·ish \-ish\ adj

— lout·ish·ly adv

— lout·ish·ness n

lou·ver or lou·vre \ˈlü-vər\ n
1 : an opening provided with one or more slanted strips to allow flow of air or light but to exclude rain or sun or to provide privacy
2 : one of the slanted strips of a louver
— lou·vered \-vərd\ adj

lov·able also love·able \ˈləv-ə-bəl\ adj : having qualities that tend to make one loved
— lov·able·ness n

— lov·ably \-blē\ adv

1love \ˈləv\ n
1 : a quality or feeling of strong or constant affection for and dedication to another <motherly love>
2 a : attraction based on sexual desire : the strong affection and tenderness felt by lovers  b : a beloved person : DARLING
3 a : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love of the sea>  b : the object of attachment or devotion
4 : a score of zero in tennis
— in love : feeling love for and devotion toward someone

2love vb loved; lov·ing
1 : to hold dear : CHERISH
2 a : to feel a lover's passion, devotion, or tenderness for  b : to touch or stroke lightly
3 : to like or desire actively : take pleasure in <loved to play the violin>
4 : to grow well in <the rose loves sunlight>

love affair n : a romantic relationship or incident between lovers

love·bird \ˈləv-ˌbərd\ n : any of various small usually gray or green parrots that are noted for the expression of caring behavior for their mates

love knot n : a decorative knot sometimes used as an emblem of love

love·lorn \ˈləv-ˌlȯ(ə)rn\ adj : deprived of or deserted by one's lover

love·ly \ˈləv-lē\ adj love·li·er; -est
1 : gracefully or delicately attractive <a lovely dress>
2 : beautiful in character
3 : highly pleasing : FINE <a lovely view>  synonyms see BEAUTIFUL
— love·li·ness n

lov·er \ˈləv-ər\ n
1 a : a person in love  b pl : two persons in love with each other
2 : DEVOTEE <a lover of music>
3 a : PARAMOUR  b : a person with whom one has sexual relations

love seat n : a sofa for two persons

love·sick \ˈləv-ˌsik\ adj
1 : weak with love
2 : expressing a lover's desire <lovesick poems>
— love·sick·ness n

lov·ing \ˈləv-iŋ\ adj : feeling or showing love : AFFECTIONATE <loving care> <a loving glance>
— lov·ing·ly adv

1low \ˈlō\ n : the deep sound of a cow
— low vb

2low \ˈlō\ adj low·er \ˈlō(-ə)r\; low·est \ˈlō-əst\
1 a : not high or tall <a low wall> <a low bridge>  b : cut far down at the neck  c : not extending as high as the ankle
2 a : placed or passing below the normal level <low ground>  b : marking a bottom <a low point of his career>
3 : STRICKEN 1, PROSTRATE <laid low>
4 a : not loud : SOFT <a low whisper>  b : deep in pitch <a low note>
5 a : being near the equator <low northern latitudes>  b : being near the horizon <the sun is low>
6 : 1POOR 1, LOWER-CLASS <low birth>
7 a : FEEBLE 1, WEAK <low with fever>  b : not cheerful or lively <in low spirits>
8 : less than usual (as in number, amount, degree, or rank) <a low price> <low pressure>
9 a : lacking dignity <a low style of writing>  b : morally deserving of criticism : BASE <a low trick>  c : COARSE 5, VULGAR <low language>
10 : being less complex in structure and development than others <low animals>
11 : not favorable <a low opinion of their work>
— low adv

— low·ness n

3low n
1 : something low; esp : a region of low barometric pressure
2 : the arrangement of gears in an automobile that gives the lowest speed of travel

low beam n : a vehicle headlight beam used for short distances

low blood pressure n : blood pressure that is abnormally low especially in the arteries — called also hypotension

low·boy \ˈlō-ˌbȯi\ n : a chest of drawers about three feet (one meter) high with long legs

low·bred \-ˈbred\ adj : disgusting in manner or action : RUDE, VULGAR

low·brow \-ˌbrau̇\ adj : of, relating to, or suitable for a person without intellectual interests or culture
— lowbrow n

low·down \ˈlō-ˌdau̇n\ n : reliable information

1low·er also lour \ˈlau̇(-ə)r\ vb
1 : to look angry or threatening : FROWN
2 : to become dark, gloomy, and threatening [Middle English louren “frown”]

2lower also lour n : a wrinkling of the brow in displeasure

3low·er \ˈlō(-ə)r\ adj
1 : being below another or others in position, rank, or order <a lower court> <the lower house of Congress>
2 : less advanced in the scale of development through evolution <lower animals>
3 cap : of, relating to, or being an earlier geologic period or formation <Lower Cretaceous> [comparative form of low]

4low·er \ˈlō(ə)r\ vb
1 : 2DROP 2B, DIMINISH <lowered my voice>
2 a : to let fall <lower a flag>  b : to make the aim or goal lower <lower your aim>  c : to reduce the height of <lower a wall>
3 a : to reduce in value or amount <lower the price>  b : to bring down : DEGRADE <lowered himself by lying>  c : to reduce in rank or position : HUMBLE

low·er·case \ˌlō(-ə)r-ˈkās\ adj : being a letter having as its typical form a, b, c rather than A, B, C
— lowercase n

low·er–class \-ˈklas\ adj : of, relating to, or being the social class ranking below the middle class

low·er·ing also lour·ing \ˈlau̇-(ə-)riŋ\ adj
1 : looking angry or threatening
2 : 2OVERCAST, GLOOMY <a lowering sky>

low·er·most \ˈlō(-ə)r-ˌmōst\ adj : being the lowest

lowest common denominator n : LEAST COMMON DENOMINATOR

lowest common multiple n : LEAST COMMON MULTIPLE

lowest terms n pl : the form of a fraction in which the numerator and denominator have no factor in common except 1

low frequency n : a radio frequency in the range between 30 and 300 kilohertz — abbreviation LF

Low German n : the German dialects of northern Germany especially since the end of the Middle Ages

low–grade \ˈlō-ˈgrād\ adj
1 : of poor grade or quality
2 : being near that end of a range which is lowest, weakest, or least able <a low-grade fever>

low·land \-lənd, -ˌland\ n : low and usually level country
— lowland adj

low·land·er \-lən-dər, -ˌlan-\ n : a person born or living in a lowland region

low–lev·el \-ˈlev-əl\ adj
1 : occurring, done, or placed at a low level
2 : being of low importance or rank <a low-level job>
3 : being or relating to nuclear waste of relatively low radioactivity <low-level waste>

1low·ly \ˈlō-lē\ adv
1 : in a humble or meek manner
2 : in a low position, manner, or degree
3 : not loudly

2lowly adj low·li·er; -est
1 : 1HUMBLE 1, MEEK
2 : of low rank or position
— low·li·ness n

low–ly·ing \ˈlō-ˈlī-iŋ\ adj : having little upward extension or elevation <low-lying clouds>

low–pres·sure \ˈlō-ˈpresh-ər\ adj
1 : having or operating under a relatively small pressure
2 : EASYGOING

low–spir·it·ed \-ˈspir-ət-əd\ adj : DEJECTED, DEPRESSED

low tide n : the tide when the water is at its lowest point

1lox \ˈläks\ n : liquid oxygen [liquid oxygen]

2lox n, pl lox or lox·es : salmon that has been cured in brine and sometimes smoked [from Yiddish laks “lox,” from an old German word lahs “salmon”]

loy·al \ˈlȯi(-ə)l\ adj
1 a : faithful to one's lawful government  b : faithful to a person to whom allegiance or affection is due
2 : faithful to a cause or ideal  synonyms see FAITHFUL
— loy·al·ly \ˈlȯi-ə-lē\ adv

loy·al·ist \ˈlȯi-ə-ləst\ n : one who is or remains loyal to a political cause, government, or sovereign especially in times of revolt

loy·al·ty \ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being loyal

loz·enge \ˈläz-ənj\ n
1 : a diamond-shaped figure
2 a : something shaped like a lozenge  b : a small disk or tablet that usually contains medicine

LP \ˈel-ˈpē\ n : a phonograph record designed to be played at 33⅓ revolutions per minute [long-playing]

LPN \ˌel-ˌpē-ˈen\ n : LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

LSD \ˌel-ˌes-ˈdē\ n : an illegal drug that causes abnormal sensations, extreme and changeable states of emotion, unnatural changes in the way time and space are experienced, and hallucinations and that may sometimes cause panic in response to the effects experienced

lu·au \ˈlü-ˌau̇\ n : a Hawaiian feast

lub·ber \ˈləb-ər\ n
1 : a big clumsy person
2 : an unskilled seaman
— lub·ber·ly \-lē\ adj or adv

lube \ˈlüb\ n : LUBRICANT

lu·bri·cant \ˈlü-bri-kənt\ n : something (as a grease or oil) capable of reducing friction when applied between moving parts
— lubricant adj

lu·bri·cate \ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to make smooth or slippery
2 : to apply a lubricant to <lubricate a car>
3 : to act as a lubricant
— lu·bri·ca·tion \ˌlü-brə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— lu·bri·ca·tor \ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt-ər\ n

lu·cent \ˈlüs-ənt\ adj
1 : LUMINOUS 1, BRIGHT
2 : 1CLEAR 2B, LUCID

lu·cid \ˈlü-səd\ adj
1 a : bright with light : LUMINOUS  b : TRANSLUCENT 2
2 : having full use of one's reasoning ability : clear-minded
3 : clear to the understanding : PLAIN <lucid writing>
— lu·cid·i·ty \lü-ˈsid-ət-ē\ n

— lu·cid·ly \ˈlü-səd-lē\ adv

— lu·cid·ness n

Lu·ci·fer \ˈlü-sə-fər\ n : 1DEVIL 1
Word History What we sometimes call “the morning star” is really the planet Venus. The Romans called it Lucifer, meaning “bearer of light,” because it appeared in the sky just before sunrise. So when, in the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah says, in describing the downfall of the king of Babylon, “How are you fallen from heaven, O Morning Star, son of dawn,” the “Morning Star” became Lucifer in the Latin translation. Early Christians thought that Isaiah was also referring to the devil, who had likewise “fallen from heaven.” Thus the word Lucifer came to be applied to the devil. [Old English Lucifer “the morning star, a fallen angel, the Devil,” from Latin Lucifer “the morning star, bearer of light,” derived from luc-, lux “light” and -fer “bearing”]

luck \ˈlək\ n
1 : whatever happens to a person apparently by chance <have good luck fishing>
2 : the accidental way events occur <happening by pure luck>
3 : good fortune : SUCCESS <have luck> <be out of luck>
— luck·less \-ləs\ adj

luck·i·ly \ˈlək-ə-lē\ adv : by good luck <luckily no one was hurt>

lucky \ˈlək-ē\ adj luck·i·er; -est
1 : favored by luck : FORTUNATE
2 : producing a good result apparently by chance <a lucky hit>
3 : seeming to bring good luck <a lucky coin>
— luck·i·ness n

lu·cra·tive \ˈlü-krət-iv\ adj : producing wealth : PROFITABLE
— lu·cra·tive·ly adv

— lu·cra·tive·ness n

lu·cre \ˈlü-kər\ n : gain in money : PROFIT; also : MONEY 1A

lu·di·crous \ˈlüd-ə-krəs\ adj : laughable because of being ridiculous
— lu·di·crous·ly adv

— lu·di·crous·ness n

luff \ˈləf\ vb : to sail toward the wind
— luff n

luffa variant of LOOFAH

1lug \ˈləg\ vb lugged; lug·ging : to pull or carry especially with great effort

2lug n
1 : a part (as a handle) that projects like an ear
2 : a nut used to hold a wheel on an automotive vehicle
3 a : a big clumsy fellow  b : an ordinary commonplace person

lug·gage \ˈləg-ij\ n : something that is lugged; esp : suitcases or traveling bags for a traveler's belongings : BAGGAGE

lug·ger \ˈləg-ər\ n : a boat that carries one or more lugsails

Lu·gol's solution \ˈlü-ˌgȯlz-, -ˌgälz-\ n : any of several deep brown solutions of iodine and the iodide of potassium in water or alcohol that are used in medicine or as microscopic stains — called also Lugol's iodine solution

lug·sail \ˈləg-ˌsāl, -səl\ n : a four-sided sail fastened at the top to a yard that hangs at a slant and is raised and lowered with the sail

lu·gu·bri·ous \lu̇-ˈgü-brē-əs also -ˈgyü-\ adj : MOURNFUL 1; esp : exaggeratedly or insincerely mournful
— lu·gu·bri·ous·ly adv

— lu·gu·bri·ous·ness n

Luke \ˈlük\ n : the third Gospel in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

luke·warm \ˈlü-ˈkwȯ(ə)rm\ adj
1 : mildly warm : TEPID <a lukewarm bath>
2 : not enthusiastic : INDIFFERENT <our plan got a lukewarm reception>
— luke·warm·ly adv

— luke·warm·ness n

1lull \ˈləl\ vb
1 : to cause to sleep or rest
2 : to cause to relax vigilance <were lulled into a false sense of security>

2lull n
1 : a temporary calm before or during a storm
2 : a temporary drop in activity

lul·la·by \ˈləl-ə-ˌbī\ n, pl -bies : a song to quiet children or lull them to sleep

lum·ba·go \ˌləm-ˈbā-gō\ n : pain (as that caused by straining the muscles) in the lower part of the back

lum·bar \ˈləm-bər, -ˌbär\ adj : of, relating to, or near the loins or the bony regions of the lower spinal column <the lumbar region>

1lum·ber \ˈləm-bər\ vb lum·bered; lum·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\ : to move heavily or clumsily; also : 1RUMBLE [Middle English lomeren “to move heavily or clumsily”]
— lum·ber·ing·ly adv

2lumber n
1 : extra or unused household articles (as furniture) that are stored away
2 : timber or logs especially when sawed and trimmed for use [perhaps derived from the name Lombard, originally associated with bankers and pawnbrokers, and so called from the use of pawnshops for storing unwanted or excess property]

3lumber vb lum·bered; lum·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
1 : 1CLUTTER, ENCUMBER
2 a : to cut logs  b : to saw logs into lumber
— lum·ber·er \-bər-ər\ n

lum·ber·jack \ˈləm-bər-ˌjak\ n : LOGGER

lum·ber·man \-mən\ n : a person involved in the business of cutting, trimming, and selling lumber

lum·ber·yard \-ˌyärd\ n : a place where lumber is kept for sale

lu·men \ˈlü-mən\ n, pl lumens also lu·mi·na \-mə-nə\ : a unit of light quantity equal to the light on a unit surface all points of which are at a unit distance from a point source of light having a strength of one candle

lumin- combining form : light <luminescence> [derived from Latin lumen “light”]

lu·mi·nary \ˈlü-mə-ˌner-ē\ n, pl -nar·ies
1 : a very famous person
2 : a source of light; esp : one of the heavenly bodies
— luminary adj

lu·mi·nes·cence \ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ən(t)s\ n : the giving off of light at low temperatures especially as part of a chemical process (as of the body); also : such light

lu·mi·nes·cent \ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ənt\ adj : relating to, exhibiting, or suitable for the production of luminescence <luminescent paint>

lu·mi·nos·i·ty \ˌlü-mə-ˈnäs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being luminous : BRIGHTNESS
2 : something luminous

lu·mi·nous \ˈlü-mə-nəs\ adj
1 : giving off light : SHINING
2 : being lighted <a public square luminous with sunlight>
3 : 1CLEAR 3 <luminous writing>
4 : ILLUSTRIOUS
— lu·mi·nous·ly adv

— lu·mi·nous·ness n

1lump \ˈləmp\ n
1 : a small uneven mass
2 : a collection or sum of units or parts : TOTAL <taken in the lump>
3 : an abnormal swelling or growth

2lump adj : not divided into parts : WHOLE <a lump sum>

3lump vb
1 : to group together
2 : to move noisily and clumsily
3 : to form into a lump

lump·ish \ˈləm-pish\ adj
1 : 1DULL 1, STUPID
2 : 1HEAVY 1A, AWKWARD
— lump·ish·ly adv

— lump·ish·ness n

lumpy \ˈləm-pē\ adj lump·i·er; -est : having or full of lumps
— lump·i·ness n

lu·na·cy \ˈlü-nə-sē\ n, pl -cies : INSANITY 1 — used chiefly in the past

lu·na moth \ˌlü-nə-\ n : a large mostly pale green American moth with long tails on the hind wings

lu·nar \ˈlü-nər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling the moon <lunar craters> <a lunar landscape>
2 : measured by the moon's revolution <lunar month>

lunar eclipse n : an eclipse in which the moon passes partially or entirely through the umbra of the earth's shadow

lunar module n : a part of a space vehicle designed to carry astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back — called also lunar excursion module

1lu·na·tic \ˈlü-nə-ˌtik\ adj
1 a : INSANE 1 — used chiefly in the past  b : designed for insane persons <lunatic asylum> — used chiefly in the past
2 : wildly foolish <a lunatic idea>

2lunatic n : an insane person — used chiefly in the past
Word History Lunatic now refers to a person who acts in an unreasonable or wild manner. But until the middle of the 19th century, the word lunatic was used for people who were insane some of the time yet had periods of normal behavior. This was a common meaning of the term in courts of law until recent times. The ancient belief was that changes in the moon affected such people. They were thought to be at their worst during a full moon but normal during a new moon. The Latin word for such a person was lunaticus, which was based on the noun luna, meaning “moon.” Lunaticus came into Middle English as lunatik. Then it passed into Modern English as lunatic, meaning “one driven mad by the moon.” [Middle English lunatik “a person driven mad by the changes in the moon,” derived from Latin lunaticus (same meaning), from earlier luna “moon”]

1lunch \ˈlənch\ n
1 : a light meal; esp : one eaten in the middle of the day
2 : the food prepared for a lunch

2lunch vb : to eat or treat to lunch
— lunch·er n

lun·cheon \ˈlən-chən\ n : a light meal at midday; esp : a formal lunch

lun·cheon·ette \ˌlən-chə-ˈnet\ n : a place where light lunches are sold

lunch·room \ˈlənch-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n
1 : LUNCHEONETTE
2 : a room (as in a school) where lunches may be eaten

lung \ˈləŋ\ n
1 a : one of the usually paired organs forming the special breathing structure of vertebrates that breathe air  b : any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2 : a device (as an iron lung) to promote breathing and make it easier

1lunge \ˈlənj\ n
1 : a sudden stretching thrust or pass (as with a sword)
2 : a sudden forward rush or reach

2lunge vb lunged; lung·ing
1 : to move with or as if with a lunge
2 : to make a lunge (as with a sword)

lung·fish \ˈləŋ-ˌfish\ n : any of various fishes that breathe with structures resembling lungs as well as with gills

lu·pine also lu·pin \ˈlü-pən\ n : any of a genus of herbs of the legume family including some poisonous ones and others grown for their showy spikes of colorful flowers or for green manure, fodder, or their edible seeds

1lurch \ˈlərch\ n : an overwhelming defeat in a game (as cribbage)
— in the lurch : in a defenseless position

2lurch n
1 : a sudden roll of a ship to one side
2 : a sudden jerking, swaying, or tipping movement <the car gave a lurch>; also : a staggering gait

3lurch vb
1 : to roll or tip suddenly
2 : to move with a lurch <suddenly lurched forward>; also : 1STAGGER 1

1lure \ˈlu̇(ə)r\ n
1 a : something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain : TEMPTATION  b : 1APPEAL 3, ATTRACTION
2 : a decoy for attracting animals to capture; esp : an artificial bait used for catching fish

2lure vb lured; lur·ing : to tempt or lead away by offering some pleasure or advantage : ENTICE
synonyms LURE, ENTICE, DECOY, TEMPT, SEDUCE, mean to lead astray from one's true or usual course. LURE implies an attraction that may be harmless <the resort lured skiers from around the world> or may suggest a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through deception <lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes>. ENTICE suggests luring by artful or clever means <advertising designed to entice new customers>. DECOY implies luring and trapping by trickery or false appearances <attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush>. TEMPT implies arousing a desire that may be contrary to one's conscience or better judgment <tempted by the offer of more money>. SEDUCE implies leading astray especially from a proper or responsible course by persuasion or false promises <was seduced into breaking the law>.

lu·rid \ˈlu̇r-əd\ adj
1 a : causing horror or disgust : GRUESOME <lurid tales of murder>  b : SENSATIONAL 2 <lurid book covers>
2 : lifelessly pale : WAN
3 : shining with the red glow of fire seen through smoke
— lu·rid·ly adv

— lu·rid·ness n

lurk \ˈlərk\ vb
1 a : to stay in or about a place secretly  b : to move quietly and secretly
2 : to lie concealed; esp : to be a hidden threat
— lurk·er n

lus·cious \ˈləsh-əs\ adj
1 : having a delicious taste or smell <luscious berries>
2 : appealing to the senses : DELIGHTFUL
— lus·cious·ly adv

— lus·cious·ness n

lush \ˈləsh\ adj
1 : being juicy and fresh <lush grass>
2 : covered with thick healthy growth <lush pastures>
— lush·ly adv

— lush·ness n

1lust \ˈləst\ n
1 : sexual desire especially if strong or uncontrolled
2 : a strong longing : CRAVING

2lust vb : to have a strong desire : CRAVE; esp : to have a strong sexual desire

lus·ter or lus·tre \ˈləs-tər\ n
1 : a shine or sheen especially from reflected light : GLOSS
2 : sparkling brilliance
3 : 1GLORY 1A, SPLENDOR <the luster of a famous name>
— lus·ter·less \-tər-ləs\ adj

— lus·trous \-trəs\ adj

lust·ful \ˈləst-fəl\ adj : excited by lust
— lust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— lust·ful·ness n

lusty \ˈləs-tē\ adj lust·i·er; -est : full of vitality : VIGOROUS, ROBUST
— lust·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— lust·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

lute \ˈlüt\ n : a musical instrument resembling a guitar but with a pear-shaped body

lu·tein·iz·ing hormone \ˈlüt-ē-ə-ˌnī-ziŋ-\ n : a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that in the female stimulates ovulation and the development of the corpora lutea and in the male stimulates production of testosterone by certain cells in the testis

lu·te·tium \lü-ˈtē-sh(ē-)əm\ n : a soft metallic chemical element — see ELEMENT TABLE

Lu·ther·an \ˈlü-th(ə-)rən\ adj
1 : of or relating to Martin Luther or his religious doctrines
2 : of or relating to the Protestant churches following Lutheran doctrines
— Lutheran n

— Lu·ther·an·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ n

lux \ˈləks\ n, pl lux or lux·es : a unit that is used for measuring the amount of light falling on a surface and that is equal to one lumen per square meter

lux·u·ri·ant \(ˌ)ləg-ˈzhu̇r-ē-ənt, (ˌ)lək-ˈshu̇r-\ adj
1 a : producing large crops <luxuriant valleys>  b : characterized by heavy growth : LUSH
2 : 1LAVISH 2
— lux·u·ri·ance \-ē-ən(t)s\ n

— lux·u·ri·ant·ly adv

lux·u·ri·ate \(ˌ)ləg-ˈzhu̇r-ē-ˌāt, (ˌ)lək-ˈshu̇r-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to grow in great numbers or quantity
2 : to enjoy oneself in a luxurious manner

lux·u·ri·ous \(ˌ)ləg-ˈzhu̇r-ē-əs, (ˌ)lək-ˈshu̇r-\ adj
1 : fond of luxury
2 : of, relating to, or marked by luxury
— lux·u·ri·ous·ly adv

— lux·u·ri·ous·ness n

lux·u·ry \ˈləksh-(ə-)rē, ˈləgzh-\ n, pl -ries
1 a : free use or possession of costly food, dress, or anything that pleases a person  b : great ease or comfort : rich surroundings <live in luxury>
2 a : something desirable but costly or hard to get  b : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary
— luxury adj

1-ly \lē\ adj suffix
1 : resembling in appearance, manner, or nature : having the characteristics of <queenly> <fatherly>
2 : happening in a regular pattern at (specified) time periods <hourly> [Old English -līc, -lic “like”]

2-ly adv suffix
1 : in a (specified) manner <slowly>
2 : from a (specified) point of view <grammatically> [Old English -līce, -lice “in a (specified) manner,” from -līc “like”]

ly·ce·um \lī-ˈsē-əm, ˈlī-sē-\ n
1 : a hall for public lectures or discussions
2 : an association providing public lectures, concerts, and entertainments

ly·chee or li·tchi also li·chee \ˈlē-(ˌ)chē, ˈlī-\ n
1 : the oval fruit of a Chinese tree related to the soapberries and having a hard reddish outer covering and sweet whitish edible flesh surrounding a single large seed — called also lychee nut
2 : a tree bearing lychees [from Chinese lìzhī “lychee”]

ly·co·po·di·um \ˌlī-kə-ˈpōd-ē-əm\ n : any of a large genus of club mosses that grow upward or creep on the ground and have small or scalelike evergreen leaves

lye \ˈlī\ n
1 : a strong alkaline liquid obtained from wood ashes and used especially in making soap and in washing
2 : any of various strong alkaline liquids; esp : SODIUM HYDROXIDE
3 : a solid compound (as caustic soda) that causes chemical burns

1ly·ing \ˈlī-iŋ\ present participle of LIE

2lying adj : UNTRUTHFUL, FALSE <a lying account of the accident>

Lyme disease \ˈlīm-\ n : a serious disease that is caused by a bacterium transmitted by some ticks, that is often characterized at first by a spreading red patch on the skin, and that may result in joint pain and disorders of the heart and nervous system if left untreated [from Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease was first reported]

lymph \ˈlim(p)f\ n : a usually clear fluid that circulates in lymphatic vessels, bathes the cells of the body, and consists of white blood cells and a liquid portion resembling blood plasma

1lym·phat·ic \lim-ˈfat-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or produced by lymph
2 : lacking physical or mental energy

2lymphatic n : a vessel that contains or transports lymph — called also lymph vessel

lymphatic system n : the part of the circulatory system that consists of special tissue (as of the lymph nodes and tonsils), lymph, lymph-transporting vessels, and the thymus and spleen and is concerned especially with returning fluids and proteins back to the blood and with destroying material (as bacteria) foreign to the body — called also lymph system

lymph node n : one of the rounded masses of tissue occurring along the lymphatic vessels and containing lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph — called also lymph gland

lym·pho·cyte \ˈlim(p)-fə-ˌsīt\ n : any of the white blood cells that arise in the bone marrow, are found especially in special tissue (as of the lymph nodes and spleen), blood, and lymph, and play an important role in the immune response — compare B CELL, T CELL

lym·pho·ma \lim-ˈfō-mə\ n, pl -mas or -ma·ta \-mət-ə\ : a tumor composed of the same type of tissue making up lymph nodes

lynch \ˈlinch\ vb : to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal authority
— lynch·er n

lynx \ˈliŋ(k)s\ n, pl lynx or lynx·es
1 : a large North American wildcat with rather long legs, a short stubby black-tipped tail, a coat marked with spots and blotches, soft fur, ears with small bunches of long fur at the tip, and large padded feet — called also Canada lynx
2 : any of several related wildcats (as the bobcat)

lynx–eyed \ˈliŋ(k)-ˈsīd\ adj : having sharp sight

lyre \ˈlī(ə)r\ n : a small harp held in the hands for playing

lyre·bird \-ˌbərd\ n : either of two Australian birds of which the males have very long tail feathers displayed during courtship in the shape of a lyre

1lyr·ic \ˈlir-ik\ n
1 : a lyric poem or song
2 pl : the words of a song

2lyric adj
1 a : resembling a song in form, feeling, or literary quality  b : expressing a poet's own feeling : not narrative or dramatic <lyric poetry>
2 : having or involving a light singing style

lyr·i·cal \ˈlir-i-kəl\ adj : 2LYRIC
— lyr·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ly·sine \ˈlī-ˌsēn\ n : an essential amino acid obtained from various proteins

ly·sis \ˈlī-səs\ n, pl ly·ses \ˈlī-ˌsēz\ : a process of breaking up especially of cells

ly·so·some \ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm\ n : a saclike organelle that contains enzymes which can break down materials (as food particles and waste) within a cell

M

m \ˈem\ n, often cap
1 : the 13th letter of the English alphabet
2 : one thousand in Roman numerals

'm \m\ vb : AM <I'm going>

ma \ˈmä, ˈmȯ\ n, pl mas : MOTHER

ma'am \ˈmam, after “yes” often əm\ n : MADAM

ma·ca·bre \mə-ˈkäb(-rə), -ˈkäb-ər, -ˈkäbrə\ adj
1 : having death as a subject
2 : marked by or arousing horror

mac·ad·am \mə-ˈkad-əm\ n : a roadway or pavement constructed by compacting a layer of small broken stone along with a binder (as cement or asphalt) [named for John L. McAdam 1756–1836 Scottish engineer who invented the paving process]
— mac·ad·am·ize \-ə-ˌmīz\ vb

mac·a·da·mia nut \ˌmak-ə-ˈdā-mē-ə-\ n : a hard-shelled nut of an Australian evergreen tree widely grown in Hawaii — called also macadamia [John Macadam, died 1865, Australian chemist]

ma·caque \mə-ˈkak, -ˈkäk\ n : any of various monkeys mostly from Asia that includes some with either short or no tails; esp : RHESUS MONKEY [French, from Portuguese macaco, from makaku, plural of kaku, name for an African monkey in one or more Bantu languages of Gabon and Congo]

mac·a·ro·ni \ˌmak-ə-ˈrō-nē\ n : a food made chiefly of wheat flour paste dried in the form of slender tubes

mac·a·roon \ˌmak-ə-ˈrün\ n : a cookie or small cake made of egg whites, sugar, and ground almonds or coconut

ma·caw \mə-ˈkȯ\ n : any of numerous parrots of South and Central America that have a long tail, a harsh voice, and bright feathers

Mac·ca·bees \ˈmak-ə-bēz\ n : either of two narrative and historical books included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha — see BIBLE TABLE

1mace \ˈmās\ n
1 : a heavy spiked club used as a weapon in the Middle Ages
2 : an ornamental staff carried as a symbol of authority [Middle English mace “a heavy spiked club,” from early French mace (same meaning); probably of Latin origin]

2mace n : a spice made from the dried outer covering of the nutmeg [Middle English mace “the spice mace,” from early French mascie, macis (same meaning), from Latin macis “an East Indian spice”]

Mac·Guf·fin or Mc·Guf·fin \mə-ˈgəf-ən\ n : something (as an object) in a film or story that serves to set and keep the plot in motion despite usually lacking intrinsic importance [coined by Alfred Hitchcock, died 1980, British film director]

Mach \ˈmäk\ n : MACH NUMBER

Mach·a·bees \ˈmak-ə-bēz\ n, pl : MACCABEES

ma·chete \mə-ˈshet-ē, -ˈchet-ē; mə-ˈshet\ n : a large heavy knife used especially for cutting sugarcane and underbrush and as a weapon

Ma·chi·a·vel·lian \ˌmak-ē-ə-ˈvel-ē-ən, -ˈvel-yən\ adj
1 : of or relating to the belief that a ruler is justified in using any means to stay in power
2 : characterized by dishonesty or trickery [named for Niccolo Machiavelli 1469–1527 an Italian political leader]
— Machiavellian n

— Ma·chi·a·vel·lian·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ n

mach·i·nate \ˈmak-ə-ˌnāt, ˈmash-ə-\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : 2PLOT 2; esp : to scheme to do harm
— mach·i·na·tion \ˌmak-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌmash-ə-\ n

— mach·i·na·tor \ˈmak-ə-ˌnāt-ər, ˈmash-\ n

1ma·chine \mə-ˈshēn\ n
1 a : VEHICLE 2; esp : 2AUTOMOBILE  b : a combination of parts that transmit forces, motion, and energy to do some desired work <a sewing machine>  c : an instrument (as a lever or pulley) designed to transmit or change slightly the application of power, force, or motion
2 : an organized group that controls a political party
— ma·chine·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2machine vb ma·chined; ma·chin·ing : to shape or finish by machine-operated tools
— ma·chin·able \mə-ˈshē-nə-bəl\ adj

machine gun n : an automatic gun capable of continuous firing
— machine–gun vb

— machine gunner n

machine language n
1 : the set of symbolic instruction codes used to represent operations and data in a machine (as a computer) that are usually expressed in binary form
2 : ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE

ma·chine–read·able adj : directly usable by a computer <machine-readable text>

ma·chin·ery \mə-ˈshēn-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : machines in general
2 : the working parts of a machine or instrument
3 : the organization or system by which something is done or carried on <machinery of government>

machine shop n : a workshop in which metal articles are machined and assembled

machine tool n : a machine (as a lathe or drill) that is driven by power and is designed for shaping solid work

ma·chin·ist \mə-ˈshē-nəst\ n : a person who makes or works on machines and engines

Mach number \ˈmäk-\ n : a number representing the comparison of the speed of a body to the speed of sound in the surrounding atmosphere <a Mach number of 2 indicates a speed that is twice the speed of sound>

mack·er·el \ˈmak-(ə-)rəl\ n, pl -el or -els
1 : a North Atlantic food fish that is green with blue bars above and silvery below
2 : any of various usually small or medium-sized fishes related to the mackerel

mackerel sky n : a sky covered with rows of clouds resembling the patterns on a mackerel's back

mack·i·naw \ˈmak-ə-ˌnȯ\ n : a short heavy woolen often plaid coat

mackinaw trout n, often cap M : a large dark North American char that is an important sport and food fish in northern lakes — called also lake trout

mack·in·tosh or mac·in·tosh \ˈmak-ən-ˌtäsh\ n, chiefly British : RAINCOAT

Mac·Pher·son strut \mək-ˈfir-sən-, -ˈfər-\ n : a component of an automobile suspension consisting of a shock absorber mounted within a coil spring [named after Earle S. MacPherson, 1891–1960, American engineer who designed the strut]

mac·ra·mé also mac·ra·me \ˈmak-rə-ˌmā\ n : a coarse lace or fringe made by knotting threads or cords; also : the art of tying knots in patterns

mac·ro \ˈmak-rō\ n, pl macros : a single computer instruction that represents a series of operations

mac·ro·cosm \ˈmak-rə-ˌkäz-əm\ n : the world as a whole : UNIVERSE

macro lens n : a camera lens designed to focus at very short distances and producing up to life-size images

ma·cron \ˈmāk-ˌrän, ˈmak-, -rən\ n : a mark − placed over a vowel (as in \māk\) to show that the vowel is long

mac·ro·phage \ˈmak-rə-ˌfāj\ n : a large phagocyte of the immune system

mac·ro·scop·ic \ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik\ adj : large enough to be observed by the naked eye <macroscopic animals>

mad \ˈmad\ adj mad·der; mad·dest
1 : disordered in mind : INSANE
2 : done or made without thinking <a mad promise>
3 a : extremely angry : FURIOUS <make a bull mad>  b : very displeased
4 : ENTHUSIASTIC <mad about dancing>
5 : affected with rabies : RABID <a mad dog>
6 : wildly festive <a mad party>
7 : wildly excited : FRANTIC <mad with pain>
8 : marked by intense and often chaotic activity <a mad scramble for the ball>
— mad·ly adv

— mad·ness n

— like mad : at a high rate

mad·am \ˈmad-əm\ n, pl mes·dames \mā-ˈdäm, -ˈdam\
1 — used as a form of polite address to a woman
2 cap — used as a title especially before the name of rank or office of a high-ranking woman <Madam President> [Middle English madam “woman of rank or authority, lady,” from early French ma dame, literally “my lady,” from Latin domina “mistress, lady,” feminine form of dominus “master, owner” — related to DAME, DOMINATE, MADONNA]

ma·dame \mə-ˈdam, ma-ˈdam, before a surname also ˌmad-əm\ n, pl mes·dames \mā-ˈdäm, -ˈdam\ — used as a title equivalent to Mrs. for a married woman not of English-speaking nationality

mad·cap \ˈmad-ˌkap\ adj : RECKLESS, WILD
— madcap n

mad·den \ˈmad-ən\ vb : to make mad : ENRAGE

mad·den·ing \ˈmad-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ adj : that irritates or angers <a maddening habit>
— mad·den·ing·ly adv

mad·der \ˈmad-ər\ n
1 a : a Eurasian herb with spear-shaped leaves, small yellowish flowers followed by dark berries, and red fleshy roots used to make a dye  b : any of several plants related to the madder
2 : the root of a madder or a dye prepared from it

made past and past participle of MAKE

ma·de·moi·selle \ˌmad-(ə-)mə-ˈzel, -mwə-ˈzel; mam-ˈzel\ n, pl ma·de·moi·selles \-ˈzelz\ or mes·de·moi·selles \ˌmād-(ə-)mə-ˈzel, -mwə-ˈzel\ — used by or to French-speaking people as a title equivalent to Miss

made–up \ˈmā-ˈdəp\ adj
1 : created from the imagination <a made-up story>
2 : marked by the use of makeup <made-up eyelids>

mad·house \ˈmad-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : a place where insane persons are kept
2 : a place of uproar or confusion

mad·man \ˈmad-ˌman, -mən\ n : a man who is or who acts as if insane

Ma·don·na \mə-ˈdän-ə\ n
1 : the Virgin Mary
2 : a painting or statue representing the Virgin Mary [from Italian madonna “lady, Virgin Mary,” from earlier ma donna, literally “my lady,” from Latin domina “mistress, lady,” feminine form of dominus “master, owner” — related to DAME, DOMINATE, MADAM]

ma·dras \ˈmad-rəs; mə-ˈdras, -ˈdräs\ n : a fine plain-woven fabric usually of cotton with various designs (as plaid)

mad·ri·gal \ˈmad-ri-gəl\ n
1 : a short poem common in the Middle Ages
2 a : a complex vocal piece developed especially in the 16th and 17th centuries  b : a song usually not accompanied by musical instruments and consisting of two or more voice parts : PART-SONG
— mad·ri·gal·ist \-gə-ləst\ n

mad·wom·an \ˈmad-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is or who acts as if insane

mael·strom \ˈmā(ə)l-strəm, -ˌsträm\ n
1 : a strong violent whirlpool dangerous to ships
2 : a great confusion <a maelstrom of emotions>

mae·sto·so \mī-ˈstō-sō, -zō\ adv or adj : so as to be majestic and stately — used as a direction in music

mae·stro \ˈmī-strō\ n, pl maestros or mae·stri \-ˌstrē\ : a master of an art and especially of music [from Italian maestro, literally “master,” from Latin magister “master, one who holds a higher political office” — related to MAGISTRATE, MASTER]

Ma·fia \ˈmäf-ē-ə, ˈmaf-\ n
1 : a secret criminal society of Sicily or Italy
2 : a similar criminal organization in the U.S. or elsewhere

ma·fi·o·so \ˌmäf-ē-ˈō-sō, ˌmaf-, -zō\ n, pl -si \-sē, -zē\ : a member of the Mafia

mag·a·zine \ˈmag-ə-ˌzēn, ˌmag-ə-ˈzēn\ n
1 : a storehouse or warehouse especially for military supplies
2 : a place for keeping explosives in a fort or ship
3 : a publication containing different pieces (as stories, articles, or poems) and issued at regular intervals (as weekly or monthly)
4 : a supply chamber: as  a : a container in a gun for holding cartridges  b : a container for film on a camera or motion-picture projector
Word History Magazine originally meant “storehouse” or “granary” or “cellar.” It came into an early French dialect and then English from the Arabic word makhzan (plural makhāzin). Makhzan had all these meanings. In military and naval use magazine came to mean a storage place for gunpowder or weapons or a place on a warship where the powder was kept. Later it came to mean either a place where valuable things were stored or the stored things themselves. A new sense of magazine appeared in 1731 with the first issue of a monthly publication called The Gentleman's Magazine, a collection or storehouse of short stories and articles about things of interest to the general reader. This use of magazine caught on and was used for similar publications. [from early French magazine “storehouse, warehouse,” derived from Arabic makhāzin, plural of makhzan “storehouse, granary, cellar”]

Ma·gen Da·vid or Mo·gen David \ˈmȯ-gən-ˈdȯ-vid, ˈmō-gən-ˈdā-vəd\ n : a hexagram used as a symbol of Judaism [Hebrew māghēn Dāwīdh, literally, “shield of David”]

ma·gen·ta \mə-ˈjent-ə\ n
1 : a deep red dye
2 : a deep purplish red

mag·got \ˈmag-ət\ n : a soft-bodied legless larva of a two-winged fly (as the housefly)

mag·goty \ˈmag-ət-ē\ adj : infested with maggots

ma·gi \ˈmā-ˌjī\ n pl, often cap : the three wise men from the East who paid respect to the infant Jesus [from Latin magi, plural of magus “Persian priest or wise man,” from Greek magos “Persian priest, sorcerer” — related to MAGIC]

mag·ic \ˈmaj-ik\ n
1 : the power to control natural forces that is possessed by certain persons (as wizards and witches) in folktales and fiction
2 a : a power that seems mysterious <the magic of a great name>  b : something that charms <the magic of their singing>
3 : the art or skill of performing tricks or illusions as if by magic for entertainment [Middle English magique “use of supernatural powers,” from early French magique (same meaning), from Latin magice (same meaning), derived from Greek magikos “magical, relating to magi,” from magos “Persian priest, sorcerer” — related to MAGI]
— magic adj

— mag·i·cal \ˈmaj-i-kəl\ adj

— mag·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ma·gi·cian \mə-ˈjish-ən\ n
1 : a person skilled in magic; esp : SORCERER
2 : a performer of tricks of illusion

magic lantern n : an early type of slide projector

magic square n : a square that contains rows of numbers arranged so that the sum of the numbers in each row, column, and diagonal is always the same

mag·is·te·ri·al \ˌmaj-ə-ˈstir-ē-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a master or teacher
2 : of or relating to a magistrate or the office or duties of a magistrate
— mag·is·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

mag·is·tra·cy \ˈmaj-ə-strə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the state of being a magistrate
2 : the office, power, or dignity of a magistrate
3 : a body of magistrates

mag·is·trate \ˈmaj-ə-ˌstrāt, -strət\ n
1 : a chief officer of government (as over a nation) <the president is the chief magistrate>
2 : a local official with some judicial power [Middle English magestrat “magistrate,” from Latin magistratus (same meaning), from magister “master, one who holds a higher political office” — related to MAESTRO, MASTER]

mag·ma \ˈmag-mə\ n : molten rock material within the earth
— mag·mat·ic \mag-ˈmat-ik\ adj

mag·na cum lau·de \ˌmäg-nə-(ˌ)ku̇m-ˈlau̇d-ə, -ˈlau̇d-ē; ˌmag-nə-ˌkəm-ˈlȯd-ē\ adv : with great distinction : with great honors <graduated magna cum laude> [Latin]

mag·na·nim·i·ty \ˌmag-nə-ˈnim-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : nobility of character : HIGH-MINDEDNESS
2 : a magnanimous act

mag·nan·i·mous \mag-ˈnan-ə-məs\ adj
1 : having or showing a noble and courageous spirit
2 : being generous and forgiving
— mag·nan·i·mous·ly adv

mag·nate \ˈmag-ˌnāt, -nət\ n : a person of rank, power, or influence (as in an industry)

mag·ne·sia \mag-ˈnē-shə, -ˈnē-zhə\ n : MAGNESIUM OXIDE — compare MILK OF MAGNESIA

mag·ne·sium \mag-ˈnē-zē-əm, -zhəm\ n : a silver-white metallic element that is light and easily worked, burns with a dazzling light, and is used in making lightweight alloys — see ELEMENT TABLE

magnesium chloride n : a bitter salt that occurs dissolved in seawater and is used in producing magnesium metal

magnesium hydroxide n : a weak alkaline compound used especially as a laxative and against acid in the stomach

magnesium oxide n : a white earthy solid that consists of magnesium and oxygen and is used especially in fertilizers and rubber, as a mild laxative, and against acid in the stomach

magnesium sulfate n : any of several sulfates of magnesium; esp : EPSOM SALT

mag·net \ˈmag-nət\ n
1 : a piece of some material (as the mineral iron oxide) that is able to attract iron; esp : a mass of iron or steel so treated that it has this property
2 : something that attracts <the magnet of fame>

mag·net·ic \mag-ˈnet-ik\ adj
1 : having great power to attract <a magnetic personality>
2 a : of or relating to a magnet or magnetism  b : of or relating to the earth's magnetism <the magnetic meridian>  c : capable of being magnetized  d : working by magnetic attraction or repulsion
— mag·net·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

magnetic disk n : 1DISK 2C

magnetic field n : the portion of space near a magnetic body or a body carrying an electric current within which magnetic forces due to the body or current can be detected

magnetic north n : the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle

magnetic pole n
1 : either of two small regions of the earth which are located near the North and South Poles and toward which a compass needle points
2 : either of the poles of a magnet

magnetic resonance imaging n : a technique that produces computerized images of internal body tissues using a powerful magnetic field and pulses of radio waves — called also MRI

magnetic tape n : a thin ribbon (as of plastic) coated with a magnetic material on which information (as sound or television images) may be stored

mag·ne·tism \ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm\ n
1 a : the property of attracting certain metals or producing a magnetic field as shown by a magnet, a magnetized material, or a conductor carrying an electric current  b : the science that deals with magnetic occurrences or conditions
2 : the power to attract or charm others

mag·ne·tite \ˈmag-nə-ˌtīt\ n : a black mineral that is an oxide of iron, is strongly attracted by a magnet, and is an important iron ore

mag·ne·tize \ˈmag-nə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing
1 : to cause to be magnetic
2 : to attract like a magnet : CHARM
— mag·ne·tiz·able \-ˌtī-zə-bəl\ adj

— mag·ne·ti·za·tion \ˌmag-nət-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

mag·ne·to \mag-ˈnēt-ō\ n, pl -tos : a small electric generator using permanent magnets; esp : one used to produce sparks in an internal-combustion engine

mag·ne·tom·e·ter \ˌmag-nə-ˈtäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument used to detect the presence of a metallic object or to measure the strength of a magnetic field

mag·ne·to·sphere \mag-ˈnēt-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r, -ˈnet-\ n : a region of space around an object (as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field

mag·ni·fi·ca·tion \ˌmag-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act of magnifying
2 a : the state of being magnified  b : the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument — called also power

mag·nif·i·cence \mag-ˈnif-ə-sən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being magnificent

mag·nif·i·cent \mag-ˈnif-ə-sənt\ adj
1 : having impressive beauty <the magnificent cathedrals of Europe>
2 : 1NOBLE 5 <a magnificent character>  synonyms see GRAND
— mag·nif·i·cent·ly adv

mag·ni·fy \ˈmag-nə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : EXTOL, PRAISE
2 a : to increase in importance  b : EXAGGERATE
3 : to enlarge in fact or in appearance <a microscope magnifies an object seen through it>
— mag·ni·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

mag·ni·fy·ing glass n : a lens that magnifies an object seen through it

mag·ni·tude \ˈmag-nə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 a : great size or extent : BIGNESS  b : 1SIZE 1
2 : the importance of something in influence or effect
3 : degree of brightness; esp : a number representing the brightness of a star
4 : the intensity of an earthquake represented by a number on a scale

mag·no·lia \mag-ˈnōl-yə\ n : any of a genus of North American and Asian trees or tall shrubs having usually showy white, yellow, rose, or purple flowers that appear before or sometimes with the leaves in the spring

mag·num opus \ˌmag-nə-ˈmō-pəs\ n : a great work and especially the greatest achievement of an artist or writer

mag·pie \ˈmag-ˌpī\ n
1 : any of various noisy birds related to the jays but having a long tail and black-and-white feathers
2 : a person who chatters constantly

ma·guey \mə-ˈgā\ n, pl magueys
1 : any of various agaves (as the century plant) with fleshy leaves
2 : any of several hard fibers obtained from magueys

Mag·yar \ˈmag-ˌyär, ˈmäg-; ˈmäj-ˌär\ n
1 : a member of the dominant people of Hungary
2 : HUNGARIAN 2
— Magyar adj

ma·ha·ra·ja or ma·ha·ra·jah \ˌmä-hə-ˈräj-ə, -ˈräzh-ə\ n : a Hindu prince ranking above a raja [from Sanskrit (ancient language of India) mahārāja “maharaja,” from mahat “great” and rājan “king, raja”]

ma·ha·ra·ni or ma·ha·ra·nee \ˌmä-hə-ˈrän-ē\ n
1 : the wife of a maharaja
2 : a Hindu princess ranking above a rani

ma·hat·ma \mə-ˈhät-mə, -ˈhat-\ n : a person respected for being noble, wise, and unselfish — used as a title of honor especially by Hindus [from Sanskrit (ancient language of India) mahātman “great-souled,” from mahat “great” and ātman “self, soul”]

Ma·hi·can \mə-ˈhē-kən\ or Mo·hi·can \mō-, mə-\ n, pl -can or -cans : a member of an American Indian people of the upper Hudson River Valley

ma·hog·a·ny \mə-ˈhäg-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees: as  a : the strong usually reddish brown and heavy wood of a West Indian tree that is widely used to make furniture  b : any of several African woods that vary in color from pinkish to deep reddish brown
2 : any of various woods resembling or substituted for true mahogany
3 : a tree from which mahogany is obtained
4 : a moderate reddish brown

maid \ˈmād\ n
1 : an unmarried girl or woman; esp : 1MAIDEN
2 : a female servant

1maid·en \ˈmād-ən\ n : a young unmarried girl or woman
— maid·en·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

— maid·en·ly \-lē\ adj

2maiden adj
1 a : not married <maiden aunt>  b : 2VIRGIN 1
2 : of or relating to a maiden
3 : coming before all others : FIRST, EARLIEST <maiden voyage>

maid·en·hair fern \ˈmād-ən-ˌha(ə)r-, -ˌhe(ə)r-\ n : any of a genus of ferns with slender stems and delicate much-divided often feathery leaves — called also maidenhair

maiden name n : a woman's family name before she is married

maid of honor
1 : an unmarried woman usually of noble birth who attends a queen or princess
2 : a bride's principal unmarried wedding attendant

maid·ser·vant \ˈmād-ˌsər-vənt\ n : a female servant

1mail \ˈmā(ə)l\ n
1 : letters or parcels sent from one person to another especially through the post office
2 : something that comes in the mail and especially in a single delivery
3 : a vehicle (as a train, truck, or boat) that carries mail
4 : the system used in the public sending and delivery of letters and parcels <do business by mail>
5 : E-MAIL 2 [Middle English male “a wallet or traveling bag,” from early French male (same meaning); of Germanic origin]

2mail vb : to send by mail : POST
— mail·able \ˈmā-lə-bəl\ adj

— mail·er n

3mail n : armor made of small metal links or sometimes plates <a coat of mail> [Middle English maille “metal plates used on armor,” from early French maille (same meaning), derived from Latin macula “spot, mesh of a net”]
— mailed \ˈmā(ə)ld\ adj

mail·box \ˈmā(ə)l-ˌbäks\ n
1 : a public box in which to place outgoing mail
2 : a private box (as on a house) for the delivery of incoming mail
3 : a computer file in which e-mail is collected

mail carrier n : LETTER CARRIER

mail·man \ˈmā(ə)l-ˌman\ n : LETTER CARRIER

mail order n : an order for goods that is received and filled by mail
— mail–order adj

maim \ˈmām\ vb : to injure or disfigure badly

1main \ˈmān\ n
1 : physical strength : FORCE — used in the phrase with might and main
2 a : MAINLAND  b : HIGH SEAS
3 : the chief part : essential point <they are in the main well trained>
4 : a principal pipe or circuit of a utility system <gas main> <water main>

2main adj
1 : 1CHIEF 2, PRINCIPAL <the main idea>
2 : PURE 3, SHEER <by main force>
3 : being a clause that is capable of standing alone as a simple sentence but is part of a larger sentence that includes a subordinate clause or another main clause
— main·ly adv

main·frame \ˈmān-ˌfrām\ n : a large fast computer that can do many jobs at once

main·land \ˈmān-ˌland, -lənd\ n : a continent or the main part of a continent as distinguished from an offshore island or sometimes from a cape or peninsula
— main·land·er n

main·mast \ˈmān-ˌmast, -məst\ n : the principal mast of a sailing ship

main·sail \ˈmān-ˌsāl, ˈmān(t)-səl\ n : the principal sail on the mainmast

main sequence n : a group of stars that form a band on a graph of their color versus their brightness

main·spring \ˈmān-ˌspriŋ\ n
1 : the principal spring in a mechanical device (as a watch or clock)
2 : the chief or most powerful motive or cause

main·stay \-ˌstā\ n
1 : a large strong rope running from the maintop of a ship usually to the foot of the foremast
2 : a chief support <the mainstay of the family>

main·stream \-ˌstrēm\ n : the principal current or direction of activity or influence

main·tain \mān-ˈtān, mən-\ vb
1 : to keep in an existing state; esp : to keep in good condition <maintain one's health> <maintain machinery>
2 : to defend by argument <maintain a position>
3 : to continue in : CARRY ON, KEEP UP <maintain your balance> <maintain a correspondence>
4 : to provide for : SUPPORT <maintain my family by working>
5 : to insist to be true <maintained that all men are equal>
— main·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adj

— main·tain·er n

main·te·nance \ˈmānt-nən(t)s, -ən-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of maintaining : the state of being maintained <maintenance of law and order> <money for the family's maintenance>
2 : something that maintains
3 : the care of property or equipment <workers in charge of maintenance>

main·top \ˈmān-ˌtäp\ n : a platform at the head of the mainmast of a square-rigged ship

maize \ˈmāz\ n
1 : 1CORN 1
2 1CORN 2
3 1CORN 3

ma·jes·tic \mə-ˈjes-tik\ adj : being stately and dignified : NOBLE  synonyms see GRAND
— ma·jes·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

maj·es·ty \ˈmaj-ə-stē\ n, pl -ties
1 : royal power, authority, or dignity
2 — used as a title for a king, queen, emperor, or empress <Your Majesty>
3 a : royal manner or quality  b : greatness of quality or character

1ma·jor \ˈmā-jər\ adj
1 a : greater in dignity, rank, or importance <a major poet>  b : greater in number, quantity, or extent <received the major part of the blame>
2 a : notable in effect or scope <a major improvement>  b : significant in size, amount, or degree <made some major cash>
3 : of or relating to an academic major
4 a : having half steps between the third and fourth and the seventh and eighth degrees <major scale>  b : based on a major scale <major key> <major chord>

2major n
1 : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below that of lieutenant colonel
2 a : the chief subject studied by a student <chose history as his major>  b : a student specializing in a field <a French major>

3major vb ma·jored; ma·jor·ing \ˈmāj-(ə-)riŋ\ : to study an academic major <major in English>

ma·jor·do·mo \ˌmā-jər-ˈdō-mō\ n, pl -mos : a person in charge of a great and especially of a royal household

ma·jor·ette \ˌmā-jə-ˈret\ n : DRUM MAJORETTE

major general n : a military commissioned officer with a rank just below that of lieutenant general

ma·jor·i·ty \mə-ˈjȯr-ət-ē, -ˈjär-\ n, pl -ties
1 a : the age at which one is given full civil rights  b : the status of one who has reached this age
2 a : a number or percentage greater than half of a total  b : the amount by which such a number exceeds the smaller number <won by a majority of seven>
3 : the group or party that makes up the greater part of a whole body of persons <the majority in the senate>
4 : the military office or rank of a major

major league n : a league in the highest class of U.S. professional sports

1make \ˈmāk\ vb made \ˈmād\; mak·ing
1 a : to begin or seem to begin an action <she made as if to go>  b : to act so as to appear <make merry>
2 a : to cause to exist or occur : CREATE <make a noise> <make trouble>  b : to create for some purpose or goal <she was made to be a surgeon>
3 a : to form or shape out of material or parts : FASHION, CONSTRUCT <make a dress> <make a chair>  b : to combine to produce <2 and 2 make 4>
4 : to frame in the mind <make plans>
5 : to put together from parts <houses made of stone>
6 : to estimate to be : COMPUTE <I make it an even $5>
7 a : to set in order <make a bed>  b : PREPARE, FIX <make dinner>
8 : to cut and spread for drying <make hay>
9 a : to cause to be or become <made herself useful>  b : APPOINT <made him her assistant>
10 a : ENACT 1, ESTABLISH <make laws>  b : to prepare in an appropriate manner <make a will>
11 a : UNDERSTAND 1A <unable to make anything of the story>  b : to regard as being : CONSIDER <he is not the fool you make him>
12 : 1DO 1A, PERFORM <make war> <make a bow>
13 : to produce or acquire by or as if by action or effort <made a mess of the job> <make good money> <make friends>
14 : to force to act in some manner <made her return home>
15 : to cause or assure the success of <the first case made the new lawyer>
16 : to develop into <she will make a fine judge>
17 a : 1REACH 2C, ATTAIN <the ship makes port tonight> <he made corporal in 10 months> <they made it to the other side of the bridge>  b : to gain a place on or in <made the track team> <the story made the papers>
18 : 1CATCH 7B <make the train>
19 : to set out in pursuit <made after the fox>
20 : to provide the most satisfying experience of <meeting the star of the show really made our day>
— make away with : to carry off

— make believe : to act as if something known to be imaginary is real or true : PRETEND

— make ends meet : to keep one's expenses within one's income

— make fun of : to make the target of one's laughter : RIDICULE <made fun of the way they talked>

— make good
1 : to make complete : FULFILL <make good a promise>
2 : to make up for a deficiency <make good the loss>
3 : SUCCEED 2 <make good as a reporter>

— make it : to be successful <tried to make it in the world of sports>

— make sail
1 : to raise or spread sail
2 : to set out on a voyage

— make shift : to manage with difficulty

— make time : to travel fast <can really make time on the new highway>

— make use of : to put to use : EMPLOY

— make way : to open a path or passage <the crowd made way for the injured person>
synonyms MAKE, FORM, MANUFACTURE, mean to cause to come into being. MAKE is a word that can be used of many kinds of creation <make soup> <made many friends>. FORM suggests that the thing brought into being has a design or structure <the colonies formed a new nation>. MANUFACTURE suggests making something in a fixed way and usually by machinery <a company that manufactures cars>.

2make n
1 : the way in which a thing is made : STRUCTURE
2 : a particular kind of manufactured goods : BRAND <looked at several makes of car before deciding>

1make–be·lieve \ˈmāk-bə-ˌlēv\ n : a pretending to be another person or character (as in the play of children)

2make–believe adj : IMAGINARY <was only a make-believe lion>

make out vb
1 : to draw up in writing <make out a shopping list>
2 : UNDERSTAND 1A <how do you make that out>
3 : to represent as being <made her out a hero>
4 : to see and identify with difficulty <make out a form in the fog>
5 : SUCCEED 2 <make out well in business>
6 : to engage in kissing and petting

make over vb
1 : to transfer the title of <made the estate over to his sister>
2 : REMAKE, REMODEL <made the whole house over>
3 : 1REFORM 1

mak·er \ˈmā-kər\ n : one that makes: as  a cap : GOD 1  b : a person who signs a promissory note

make·shift \ˈmāk-ˌshift\ n : a temporary replacement : SUBSTITUTE
— makeshift adj

make·up \ˈmā-ˌkəp\ n
1 : the way the parts or elements of something are put together : COMPOSITION <the makeup of a newspaper>
2 a : any of various cosmetics (as lipstick or powder)  b : materials (as wigs or cosmetics) used in making up <put on makeup for a play> <too young to wear makeup>

make up \(ˈ)mā-ˈkəp\ vb
1 : to form by fitting together or assembling <make up a suit> <make up a train>
2 : COMPOSE 1B <chapters make up a book>
3 : to make good for something lacking or for a loss or injury
4 : DECIDE 3, SETTLE <made up my mind to go>
5 a : to create from the imagination : INVENT <make up a story>  b : to set in order <rooms are made up daily>
6 : to become friendly again <they fought and made up>
7 a : to put on costumes or makeup (as for a play) <made up as a clown>  b : to apply cosmetics to

mak·ing \ˈmā-kiŋ\ n
1 : the act of forming, causing, doing, or coming into being <spots problems in the making>
2 : a process or means of advancement or success
3 : material from which something can be developed : POTENTIALITY <there is the making of a racehorse in this colt> — often used in plural <has the makings of a great quarterback>
4 pl : the materials from which something can be made

mal- combining form
1 a : bad <malpractice>  b : badly <malodorous>
2 a : abnormal <malformation>  b : abnormally <malformed> [derived from Latin malus “bad, evil”]

Mal·a·chi \ˈmal-ə-ˌkī\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

mal·a·chite \ˈmal-ə-ˌkīt\ n : a green mineral that contains copper and is used especially for ornamental objects

mal·ad·just·ed \ˌmal-ə-ˈjəs-təd\ adj : not well adjusted especially to one's environment <socially maladjusted persons>

mal·ad·just·ment \ˌmal-ə-ˈjəs(t)-mənt\ n : poor or faulty adjustment

mal·adroit \ˌmal-ə-ˈdrȯit\ adj : AWKWARD 2, CLUMSY
— mal·adroit·ly adv

— mal·adroit·ness n

mal·a·dy \ˈmal-əd-ē\ n, pl -dies : a disease or disorder of the body or mind : AILMENT

Mal·a·gasy \ˌmal-ə-ˈgas-ē\ n, pl -gasy; also -gas·ies
1 : a person born or living in Madagascar
2 : the language of the Malagasy people
— Malagasy adj

mal·aise \mə-ˈlāz, ma-, -ˈlez\ n : a hazy feeling of not being well

mal·a·mute also mal·e·mute \ˈmal-ə-ˌmyüt\ n : a sled dog of northern North America; esp : ALASKAN MALAMUTE

ma·lar·ia \mə-ˈler-ē-ə\ n : a disease caused by protozoan parasites in the red blood cells, passed from one individual to another by the bite of mosquitoes, and marked by periodic attacks of chills and fever
— ma·lar·i·al \-ē-əl\ adj

mal·a·thi·on \ˌmal-ə-ˈthī-ən, -ˌän\ n : a poisonous insecticide that is broken down in nature

Ma·lay \mə-ˈlā, ˈmā-ˌlā\ n, pl Malays
1 : a member of a people of the Malay Peninsula and neighboring islands
2 : the language of the Malay people
— Malay adj

— Ma·lay·an \mə-ˈlā-ən, ˈmā-ˌlā-\ adj or n

mal·con·tent \ˌmal-kən-ˈtent\ adj : not satisfied with the existing state of affairs : DISCONTENTED
— malcontent n

1male \ˈmā(ə)l\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or being the sex that produces gametes which fertilize the eggs of females  b : bearing only stamens; esp : having only stamens and not producing fruit or seeds <a male holly>
2 : made up or consisting of males <a male choir>
— male·ness n

2male n : a male individual

male·dic·tion \ˌmal-ə-ˈdik-shən\ n : a prayer for harm to come to someone : CURSE

male·fac·tion \ˌmal-ə-ˈfak-shən\ n : an evil deed : CRIME

male·fac·tor \ˈmal-ə-ˌfak-tər\ n
1 : one who is guilty of a crime or offense
2 : one who does evil

ma·lev·o·lence \mə-ˈlev-ə-lən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being malevolent
2 : malevolent behavior

ma·lev·o·lent \mə-ˈlev-ə-lənt\ adj : having or showing ill will : SPITEFUL
— ma·lev·o·lent·ly adv

mal·fea·sance \(ˈ)mal-ˈfēz-ən(t)s\ n : wrongful conduct especially by a public official

mal·for·ma·tion \ˌmal-fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər-\ n : a misshapen, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure <malformation of the knee joint>

mal·formed \(ˈ)mal-ˈfȯ(ə)rmd\ adj : marked by malformation : badly or imperfectly formed : MISSHAPEN

mal·func·tion \(ˈ)mal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən\ vb : to fail to function or operate properly
— malfunction n

mal·ice \ˈmal-əs\ n : ILL WILL; esp : the intention of doing harm for the satisfaction of doing it

ma·li·cious \mə-ˈlish-əs\ adj
1 : doing mean things for pleasure
2 : done just to be mean <malicious gossip>
— ma·li·cious·ly adv

— ma·li·cious·ness n

1ma·lign \mə-ˈlīn\ adj
1 : evil in influence or effect
2 : showing strong ill will : MALEVOLENT

2malign vb : to say evil things about : SLANDER

ma·lig·nan·cy \mə-ˈlig-nən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being malignant
2 : a malignant tumor

ma·lig·nant \mə-ˈlig-nənt\ adj
1 : evil in influence or effect : INJURIOUS
2 : MALICIOUS 1
3 : tending to produce death <malignant tumors>
— ma·lig·nant·ly adv

ma·lig·ni·ty \mə-ˈlig-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being malignant
2 : something (as an act or event) that is malignant

ma·lin·ger \mə-ˈliŋ-gər\ vb -gered; -ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ : to pretend to be sick or injured so as to avoid duty or work
— ma·lin·ger·er \-gər-ər\ n

mall \ˈmȯl\ n
1 : a shaded walk : PROMENADE
2 : a usually paved or grassy strip between two roadways
3 a : a group of stores and often restaurants arranged about an often covered way for pedestrians  b : a usually large suburban building or group of buildings containing shops and often restaurants with connecting passageways
Word History In Italy in the 1500s a popular alley game similar to croquet was known as pallamaglio, from palla “ball,” and maglio “mallet.” The game (and word) was adopted by the French as pallemalle and in the 1600s by the English as pall-mall. The alley on which the game was played came to be known as a mall. One of the best known of these alleys, covered with sand and crushed shells, was located in London's St. James Park and was known as “The Mall.” After the game lost favor, the Mall at St. James, as it continued to be called, was turned into a fashionable walkway with trees and flowers. Similar open-air places came to be called malls also. In the 20th century the word was applied to other public spaces, including the shopping complexes we now know as malls. [a shortened form of pall-mall “a game similar to croquet formerly played in England,” literally “ball-mallet”]

mal·lard \ˈmal-ərd\ n, pl mallard or mallards : a common and widely distributed wild duck of the northern hemisphere the males of which have a green head and white ring around the neck and that is the source of the domestic ducks

mal·lea·ble \ˈmal-ē-ə-bəl, ˈmal-(y)ə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being extended or shaped by beating with a hammer or by the pressure of rollers <a malleable metal>
2 : capable of being changed so as to fit new uses or situations : FLEXIBLE, ADAPTABLE
— mal·lea·bil·i·ty \ˌmal-ē-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē, ˌmal-(y)ə-ˈbil-\ n

mal·let \ˈmal-ət\ n : a hammer usually with a barrel-shaped head: as  a : one with a large head used for driving a tool (as a chisel) or for striking a surface without damaging it  b : a club for striking a ball (as in croquet or polo)

mal·le·us \ˈmal-ē-əs\ n, pl mal·lei \ˈmal-ē-ˌī, -ē-ˌē\ : the outermost bone of the three small bones of the middle ear of a mammal

mal·low \ˈmal-ō\ n : any of a group of herbs with lobed leaves, usually showy flowers, and a disk-shaped fruit

mal·nour·ished \(ˈ)mal-ˈnər-isht, -ˈnə-risht\ adj : poorly nourished : UNDERNOURISHED

mal·nu·tri·tion \ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən\ n : faulty nutrition especially due to inadequate intake of nutrients

mal·odor·ous \(ˈ)mal-ˈōd-ə-rəs\ adj : having a bad smell
— mal·odor·ous·ly adv

— mal·odor·ous·ness n

Mal·pi·ghi·an tubule \mal-ˌpig-ē-ən-, -ˌpē-gē-ən-\ n : any of a group of long vessels opening into the intestine in various arthropods (as insects) and functioning in excretion

mal·prac·tice \(ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs\ n : violation of professional standards especially by carelessness or improper conduct

1malt \ˈmȯlt\ n
1 : grain and especially barley steeped in water and used chiefly in brewing and distilling
2 : MALTED MILK 2
— malt adj

2malt vb
1 : to convert into malt
2 : to make or treat with malt or malt extract

malt·ase \ˈmȯl-ˌtās\ n : an enzyme that accelerates the breakdown of maltose to glucose

malted milk n
1 : a soluble powder prepared from dried milk and malted cereals
2 : a beverage made by dissolving malted milk in a liquid (as milk)

Mal·tese \mȯl-ˈtēz\ n, pl Maltese
1 : a person born or living in Malta
2 : the Semitic language of the Maltese people
3 : any of a breed of toy dogs with a long silky white coat, a black nose, and dark eyes
— Maltese adj

Maltese cross n : a cross with four arms of equal size that increase in width toward the ends

malt liquor n : a fermented liquor (as beer) made with malt

malt·ose \ˈmȯl-ˌtōs\ n : a sugar formed especially from starch by the action of enzymes and used in brewing and distilling

mal·treat \(ˈ)mal-ˈtrēt\ vb : to treat unkindly or roughly : ABUSE
— mal·treat·ment \-mənt\ n

ma·ma also mam·ma or mom·ma \ˈmäm-ə\ n : 1MOTHER 1A

mam·ba \ˈmäm-bə, ˈmam-\ n : any of several African poisonous snakes related to the cobras but lacking a hood

mam·bo \ˈmäm-bō\ n, pl mambos : a dance of Haitian origin related to the rumba
— mambo vb

mam·mal \ˈmam-əl\ n : any of a class of warm-blooded vertebrates that include human beings and all other animals that nourish their young with milk produced by mammary glands and have the skin usually more or less covered with hair

mam·ma·li·an \mə-ˈmā-lē-ən, ma-ˈmā-\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of mammals

mam·ma·ry \ˈmam-ə-rē\ adj : of, relating to, lying near, or affecting the mammary glands

mammary gland n : one of the large glands that in female mammals produce milk and in males are usually underdeveloped, are located in pairs on the abdominal side of the animal body, and usually end in a nipple

1mam·moth \ˈmam-əth\ n
1 : any of various large hairy extinct mammals of the elephant family with very long tusks that curve upward
2 : something very large of its kind <a company that is a mammoth of the industry>

2mammoth adj : very large : HUGE

1man \ˈman\ n, pl men \ˈmen\
1 a : a human being; esp : an adult male human  b : the human race : HUMANKIND  c : 1HUSBAND, LOVER  d : a primate mammal that walks on two legs and is the only living member of the hominid family; also : any living or extinct hominid  e — used as an interjection to express strong feeling <man, what a game>  f : FELLOW — used as a mode of familiar address
2 a : a tenant in the Middle Ages : VASSAL  b : an adult male servant  c pl : workers as a group
3 a : 2INDIVIDUAL 2, PERSON <a man could be killed there>  b : a person who can or is chosen to fulfill one's requirements <she's your man>
4 : one of the pieces in a game (as chess) [Old English man “person, male person”]

2man vb manned; man·ning
1 : to supply with people (as for service) <man a ship>
2 : to station members of a ship's crew at <man the ropes>
3 : to serve in the force of <man the ticket counter>

man·a·cle \ˈman-i-kəl\ n
1 : a shackle for the hand or wrist : HANDCUFF
2 : something that prevents free action
— manacle vb

man·age \ˈman-ij\ vb man·aged; man·ag·ing
1 : to look after and make decisions about : DIRECT <manage a factory>
2 : to make and keep under one's control : HANDLE <manages her skis well> <skill in managing horses>
3 : to treat with care : HUSBAND <there's enough food if it's managed well>
4 : to succeed in one's purpose : GET ALONG <manages despite a heavy schedule> <always manages to win somehow>
5 : to work upon or try to alter for a purpose <manage stress>
6 : to direct the professional career of <an agency managing performers> [from Italian maneggiare “to handle, direct, manage,” from mano “hand,” from Latin manus “hand” — related to MANEUVER, MANUAL, MANUFACTURE; see Word History at MANEUVER]
— man·age·abil·i·ty \ˌman-ij-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— man·age·able \ˈman-ij-ə-bəl\ adj

man·age·ment \ˈman-ij-mənt\ n
1 : the act or art of managing : CONTROL, DIRECTION
2 : skill in managing
3 : the people who manage <the company's management>

man·ag·er \ˈman-ij-ər\ n
1 : a person who manages especially a business or household affairs
2 : a person who directs a team or an athlete
— man·a·ge·ri·al \ˌman-ə-ˈjir-ē-əl\ adj

man–at–arms \ˌman-ət-ˈärmz\ n, pl men–at–arms \ˌmen-\ : 1SOLDIER 1; esp : a heavily armed mounted soldier

man·a·tee \ˈman-ə-ˌtē\ n : any of several chiefly tropical water-dwelling mammals that eat plants and differ from the related dugong especially in having the tail broad and rounded

Man·chu \ˈman-chü, man-ˈchü\ n
1 : a member of the native people of Manchuria who conquered China in 1644
2 : the language of the Manchu people
— Manchu adj

man·da·mus \man-ˈdā-məs\ n : a writ from a superior court ordering the performance of an act or duty

man·da·rin \ˈman-d(ə-)rən\ n
1 : a public official under the Chinese Empire
2 cap : the chief dialect of China centering about Beijing
3 : a small spiny Chinese orange tree with yellow to reddish orange fruits having loose rinds; also : its fruit

mandarin orange n : MANDARIN 3

1man·date \ˈman-ˌdāt\ n
1 : an order from a higher court to a lower court
2 a : an authoritative command, instruction, or direction  b : authorization or approval given to a representative especially by voters <accepted the mandate of the people>
3 a : a commission granted by the League of Nations to a member nation to administer a territory on its behalf  b : a mandated territory

2mandate vb man·dat·ed; man·dat·ing
1 : to administer or assign a territory under a mandate
2 : to make mandatory : ORDER, COMMAND

man·da·to·ry \ˈman-də-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
1 : containing or constituting a command : OBLIGATORY <the assembly was mandatory for all students>
2 : of, relating to, or holding a League of Nations mandate

man·di·ble \ˈman-də-bəl\ n
1 a (1) : a lower jaw of a vertebrate consisting of a single bone or of bones that are completely united  (2) : the lower jaw with its surrounding soft parts  b : either the upper or lower part of the bill of a bird
2 : either of the first pair of mouthparts of some invertebrates and especially arthropods (as an insect or crustacean) that often form biting organs

man·do·lin \ˌman-də-ˈlin, ˈman-dəl-ən\ also man·do·line \ˌman-də-ˈlēn, ˈman-dəl-ən\ n : a stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body and four to six pairs of strings played by plucking

man·drake \ˈman-ˌdrāk\ n
1 : a Mediterranean herb of the nightshade family that has a large forked root resembling a human being in form and was once thought to have magical properties; also : the root itself
2 : MAYAPPLE

man·drill \ˈman-drəl\ n : a large baboon of western Africa with a red rump and in the male with blue ridges on the sides of the nose

mane \ˈmān\ n
1 : long heavy hair growing about the neck and head of some mammals (as horses and lions)
2 : long heavy hair on a person's head
— maned \ˈmānd\ adj

man–eat·er \ˈman-ˌēt-ər\ n : one (as a cannibal, shark, or tiger) that has or is thought to have an appetite for human flesh
— man–eat·ing \-ˌēt-iŋ\ adj

1ma·neu·ver \mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər\ n
1 a : a planned movement of troops or ships  b : a training exercise by armed forces
2 : a clever or skillful move or action <avoided an accident by a quick maneuver>
Word History Strange as it seems, we owe both maneuver and manure to the same French source. The medieval French verb manovrer, meaning “to work” or “to place with the hand,” developed from manuoperare, literally, “to work by hand,” in the spoken Latin of ancient Gaul. From meinourer, a variant of manovrer used in England, Middle English adopted maynouren or manouren, which had the senses “to take in hand, manage,” and “to cultivate (land).” In the 1500s English derived from the latter sense the noun manure, “material that fertilizes land.” In the 1700s English adopted maneuver from French manœuvrer (the descendant of medieval French manovrer) which in the intervening centuries had developed a new sense “to perform a movement in military tactics.” [from French manœuvre “a military movement,” from early French maneuvre “work done by hand,” from Latin manuopera (same meaning), from earlier Latin manu operare “to perform manual labor,” from manu, a form of manus “hand,” and operare “to work” — related to MANAGE, MANUAL, MANURE, OPERATE]

2maneuver vb ma·neu·vered; ma·neu·ver·ing \-ˈn(y)üv-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to move (as troops or ships) in a maneuver
2 : to perform a maneuver
3 : to manage skillfully
4 : to use trickery : SCHEME
— ma·neu·ver·abil·i·ty \-ˌn(y)üv-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ma·neu·ver·able \-ˈn(y)üv-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

man·ful \ˈman-fəl\ adj : having or showing courage
— man·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— man·ful·ness n

man·ga \ˈmäŋ-gə\ n : a Japanese comic book or graphic novel

man·ga·nese \ˈmaŋ-gə-ˌnēz, -ˌnēs\ n : a grayish white usually hard and brittle metallic element that resembles iron but is not magnetic — see ELEMENT TABLE

manganese dioxide n : a dark compound of manganese and oxygen that is used especially in making glass and ceramics

mange \ˈmānj\ n : any of several contagious skin diseases of domestic animals and sometimes human beings that are marked especially by itching and loss of hair and are caused by tiny mites

man·ger \ˈmān-jər\ n : a trough or open box in which food for farm animals is placed

1man·gle \ˈmaŋ-gəl\ vb man·gled; man·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to cut, bruise, or hack with repeated blows or strokes
2 : to spoil or injure in making or performing : BOTCH <mangle a speech>
— man·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ n

2mangle n : a machine for ironing laundry by passing it between heated rollers

3mangle vb man·gled; man·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to press or smooth with a mangle
— man·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ n

man·go \ˈmaŋ-gō\ n, pl mangoes also mangos : a yellowish red tropical fruit with a firm skin, hard central stony seed, and juicy mildly tart pulp; also : an evergreen tree related to the cashew that bears this fruit

man·grove \ˈman-ˌgrōv, ˈmaŋ-\ n : any of various tropical trees or shrubs that grow many prop roots and form dense masses in somewhat salty marshes or shallow salt water

mangy \ˈmān-jē\ adj mang·i·er; -est
1 : affected with or resulting from mange
2 : SHABBY 1, SEEDY <a mangy old rug>
— mang·i·ness \ˈmān-jē-nəs\ n

man·han·dle \ˈman-ˌhan-dəl\ vb
1 : to handle roughly
2 : to move or manage by human force

man·hole \ˈman-ˌhōl\ n : a covered hole (as in a pavement, tank, or boiler) through which a worker may go

man·hood \ˈman-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : COURAGE, MANLINESS
2 : the condition of being an adult male
3 : adult human males <the manhood of a nation>

man–hour \ˈman-ˈau̇(-ə)r\ n : a unit of one hour's work by one worker used especially as a basis for wages and in accounting

man·hunt \-ˌhənt\ n : an organized hunt for a person and especially for one charged with a crime

ma·nia \ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə\ n
1 : excitement that is expressed through excessive physical and mental activity and extreme cheerfulness
2 : excessive enthusiasm : CRAZE <had a mania for saving things>

ma·ni·ac \ˈmā-nē-ˌak\ n
1 : MADMAN, LUNATIC
2 : a person wildly enthusiastic about something

ma·ni·a·cal \mə-ˈnī-ə-kəl\ also ma·ni·ac \ˈmā-nē-ˌak\ adj : affected with or suggestive of madness
— ma·ni·a·cal·ly \mə-ˈnī-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adv

man·i·cot·ti \ˌman-ə-ˈkät-ē\ n, pl manicotti : pasta in the shape of tubes often stuffed with meat or cheese

1man·i·cure \ˈman-ə-ˌkyu̇(ə)r\ n : a beauty treatment for the hands and nails [from French manicure “one who gives a beauty treatment for the hands,” derived from Latin manus “hand” and Latin cura “care”]

2manicure vb -cured; -cur·ing
1 : to give a manicure to
2 : to trim closely and evenly <manicured their lawn>

man·i·cur·ist \ˈman-ə-ˌkyu̇r-əst\ n : a person who gives manicures

1man·i·fest \ˈman-ə-ˌfest\ adj : clear to the senses or mind : OBVIOUS <their relief was manifest>
— man·i·fest·ly adv

2manifest vb : to show plainly : DISPLAY

3manifest n : a list of cargo or passengers especially for a ship or plane

man·i·fes·ta·tion \ˌman-ə-fə-ˈstā-shən, -ˌfes-ˈtā-\ n
1 a : the act or an instance of manifesting : EXPRESSION  b : something that manifests : EVIDENCE
2 : a public demonstration of power and purpose

man·i·fes·to \ˌman-ə-ˈfes-tō\ n, pl -tos or -toes : a public declaration of intentions or views

1man·i·fold \ˈman-ə-ˌfōld\ adj
1 : of many and various kinds <manifold excuses>
2 : including or uniting various features <a manifold personality>
3 : consisting of or operating many of one kind joined together <a manifold pipe>
— man·i·fold·ly \-ˌfōl-(d)lē\ adv

2manifold n : something manifold; esp : a pipe fitting having several outlets for connecting one pipe with others

3manifold vb : to make several copies <manifold a manuscript>

man·i·kin or man·ni·kin \ˈman-i-kən\ n : MANNEQUIN

ma·nila \mə-ˈnil-ə\ adj, often cap : made of manila paper or from Manila hemp <manila folder> <manila rope>

Manila hemp n : ABACA

manila paper n, often cap M : a tough brownish paper made originally from Manila hemp and used especially as a wrapping paper

man in the street : a typical or ordinary person

man·i·oc \ˈman-ē-ˌäk\ n : CASSAVA

ma·nip·u·late \mə-ˈnip-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to treat or operate with or as if with the hands or by mechanical means especially with skill <manipulate the trackball>
2 : to manage or use skillfully <manipulate masses of statistics>
3 : to manage especially with intent to deceive <manipulate accounts> <manipulate public opinion>  synonyms see HANDLE
— ma·nip·u·la·tion \-ˌnip-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— ma·nip·u·la·tor \-ˈnip-yə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

man·kind n
1 \ˈman-ˈkīnd, -ˌkīnd\ : the human race : all human beings
2 \-ˌkīnd\ : men rather than women

man·like \ˈman-ˌlīk\ adj : resembling or characteristic of a man : MANNISH

man·ly \ˈman-lē\ adj man·li·er; -est
1 : having qualities usually expected of a man : STRONG
2 : appropriate in character to a man <manly sports>
— man·li·ness n

man–made \ˈman-ˈmād\ adj : made by people rather than nature <man-made satellites>; esp : 1SYNTHETIC 2 <man-made fibers>

man·na \ˈman-ə\ n
1 : food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in the wilderness
2 : a usually sudden and unexpected source of pleasure or gain

manned \ˈmand\ adj : carrying or performed by a person <manned spaceflight>

man·ne·quin \ˈman-i-kən\ n
1 : an artist's, tailor's, or dressmaker's jointed figure of the human body
2 : a form representing the human figure used especially for displaying clothes
3 : a person employed to model clothing

man·ner \ˈman-ər\ n
1 a : 1SORT 1A, KIND <what manner of fools are they>  b : various kinds — usually used in the phrase all manner of
2 a : normal behavior : HABIT, CUSTOM <spoke bluntly as was her manner>  b : a way of acting or proceeding <worked in a brisk manner>  c : 1STYLE 1 <painted in the artist's early manner>
3 pl  a : social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevailing customs  b : characteristic or habitual conduct : BEHAVIOR <taught the child good manners>; esp : polite behavior

man·nered \ˈman-ərd\ adj : having manners of a specified kind <well-mannered> <mild-mannered>

man·ner·ism \ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm\ n : a characteristic and often unconscious way of acting <the mannerism of constantly adjusting her glasses>

man·ner·ly \ˈman-ər-lē\ adj : showing good manners : POLITE
— man·ner·li·ness n

— mannerly adv

manning present participle of MAN

man·nish \ˈman-ish\ adj : resembling, suggesting, suitable to, or characteristic of a man rather than a woman <a mannish voice> <her mannish clothes>
— man·nish·ly adv

— man·nish·ness n

ma·noeu·vre \mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər\ chiefly British variant of MANEUVER

man of the world : a practical or worldly man of much experience

man–of–war \ˌman-ə(v)-ˈwȯ(ə)r\ n, pl men–of–war \ˌmen-\ : WARSHIP

ma·nom·e·ter \mə-ˈnäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring pressure (as of gases and vapors)

man·or \ˈman-ər\ n : a usually large estate; esp : one granted to a feudal lord
— ma·no·ri·al \mə-ˈnōr-ē-əl, -ˈnȯr-\ adj

manor house n : the house of the lord of a manor

man–o'–war bird \ˌman-ə-ˈwȯr-\ n : FRIGATE BIRD

man power n
1 : power available from or supplied by the physical effort of human beings
2 usually man·pow·er : the total supply of persons available and fitted for service <military manpower>

man·sard \ˈman-ˌsärd, -sərd\ n : a roof having two slopes on all sides with the lower slope steeper than the upper one

manse \ˈman(t)s\ n : the residence of a member of the clergy : PARSONAGE

man·ser·vant \ˈman-ˌsər-vənt\ n, pl men·ser·vants \ˈmen-ˌsər-vən(t)s\ : a male servant

man·sion \ˈman-chən\ n : a large impressive residence

man–size \ˈman-ˌsīz\ or man–sized \-ˌsīzd\ adj
1 : suitable for or requiring a man <a man-sized job>
2 : larger than others of its kind

man·slaugh·ter \ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər\ n : the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

man·ta ray \ˈmant-ə-\ n : any of several extremely large rays that are widely distributed in warm seas and have enlarged pectoral fins resembling wings — called also devilfish, manta

man·tel \ˈmant-əl\ n : the beam, stone, arch, or shelf above a fireplace

man·tel·piece \-ˌpēs\ n
1 : a mantel with its side elements
2 : the shelf of a mantel

man·tid \ˈmant-əd\ n : MANTIS

man·til·la \man-ˈtē-(y)ə, -ˈtil-ə\ n
1 : a light scarf worn over the head and shoulders especially by Spanish and Latin American women
2 : a short light cape or cloak

man·tis \ˈmant-əs\ n, pl man·tis·es also man·tes \ˈman-ˌtēz\ : any of various large usually green insects related to the grasshoppers and cockroaches that feed upon other insects and hold their prey in the stout spiny first pair of legs

1man·tle \ˈmant-əl\ n
1 : a loose sleeveless garment worn over other clothes : CLOAK
2 a : something that covers or surrounds <a mantle of snow> <a mantle of secrecy>  b : a fold or lobe or pair of lobes of the body wall of a mollusk or brachiopod that lines and produces the shell
3 : the portion of the earth lying between the crust and the core

2mantle vb man·tled; man·tling \ˈmant-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to cover or surround with or as if with a mantle

1man·u·al \ˈman-yə(-wə)l\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or involving the hands <manual skill>
2 : worked or operated by hand <a car with a manual transmission>
3 : requiring or using physical skill and energy <manual labor> [Middle English manuel “relating to the hands, manual,” from early French manuel (same meaning), from Latin manualis (same meaning), from manus “hand” — related to MANAGE, MANEUVER, MANUFACTURE; see Word History at MANEUVER]
— man·u·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2manual n
1 : a small book; esp : HANDBOOK
2 : the set movements in the handling of a weapon during a military drill <the manual of arms>

manual training n : training to develop skill in using the hands (as in woodworking)

man·u·fac·to·ry \ˌman-(y)ə-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : FACTORY

1man·u·fac·ture \ˌman-(y)ə-ˈfak-chər\ n
1 : something made from raw materials
2 : the making of products by hand or machinery
3 : PRODUCTION 2 <the manufacture of blood in the body> [from early French manufacture “something made,” from Latin manufactus “made by hand,” from earlier manu “by hand” (from manus “hand”) and factus, past participle of facere “to make, do” — related to FACTORY, FASHION, MANAGE, MANUAL]

2manufacture vb -tured; -tur·ing \-ˈfak-chə-riŋ, -ˈfak-shriŋ\
1 : to make into a product suitable for use <manufacture wool>
2 : to make from raw materials by hand or by machinery
3 : to make up sometimes with the intention of misleading  synonyms see MAKE
— man·u·fac·tur·ing n

man·u·fac·tur·er \ˌman-(y)ə-ˈfak-chər-ər\ n : one that manufactures; esp : an employer of workers in manufacturing

man·u·mis·sion \ˌman-yə-ˈmish-ən\ n : a setting free from slavery : EMANCIPATION

man·u·mit \ˌman-yə-ˈmit\ vb -mit·ted; -mit·ting : to set free; esp : to release from slavery

1ma·nure \mə-ˈn(y)u̇(ə)r\ vb ma·nured; ma·nur·ing : to enrich by applying manure <manure a field>

2manure n : material that fertilizes land; esp : bodily waste from birds and animals in stables and barnyards with or without litter

1manu·script \ˈman-yə-ˌskript\ adj : written by hand or typed <manuscript letters>

2manuscript n
1 : a written or typewritten composition or document
2 : writing as opposed to print

Manx cat \ˈmaŋ(k)s-\ n : any of a breed of tailless domestic cats with short or long hair

1many \ˈmen-ē\ adj more \ˈmō(ə)r, ˈmȯ(ə)r\; most \ˈmōst\
1 : amounting to a large number <worked for many years>
2 : being one of a large but indefinite number <told many a tale>
— as many : the same in number <saw three plays in as many days>

2many pron : a large number <many of the students were late>

3many n : a large but indefinite number <a good many of them>

man·za·ni·ta \ˌman-zə-ˈnēt-ə\ n : any of various evergreen shrubs of western North America that belong to the heath family

Mao·ri \ˈmau̇(ə)r-ē\ n, pl Maori or Maoris
1 : a member of a Polynesian people native to New Zealand
2 : the language of the Maori

1map \ˈmap\ n
1 : a drawing or picture showing selected features of an area (as the surface of the earth or the moon or a section of the brain) and usually drawn to a given scale
2 : a drawing or picture of the sky showing the position of stars and planets [from Latin mappa “map,” from earlier mappa “napkin, towel” — related to APRON, NAPKIN]

2map vb mapped; map·ping
1 : to make a map of <map the heavens>
2 : to chart the course of : plan in detail — often used with out <map out a campaign>
— map·per n

ma·ple \ˈmā-pəl\ n : any of a group of trees having deeply notched opposite leaves, dry fruits with two wings, and hard light-colored wood and including some from which maple syrup and maple sugar are obtained; also : the wood of a maple

maple sugar n : a sugar made by boiling maple syrup

maple syrup n : syrup made by thickening the sap of maples and especially the sugar maple by boiling

map·mak·er \ˈmap-ˌmā-kər\ n : CARTOGRAPHER

mar \ˈmär\ vb marred; mar·ring : to make a blemish on : SPOIL

ma·ra·ca \mə-ˈräk-ə, -ˈrak-\ n : a dried gourd or a rattle like a gourd that contains dried seeds or pebbles and is used as a musical rhythm instrument usually played in pairs by shaking

mar·a·schi·no \ˌmar-ə-ˈskē-nō, -ˈshē-\ n, pl -nos often cap
1 : a sweet alcoholic drink made from the juice of a bitter wild cherry
2 : a cherry preserved in true or imitation maraschino

mar·a·thon \ˈmar-ə-ˌthän\ n
1 a : a long-distance footrace of 26 miles 385 yards (42.2 kilometers) that is run on an open course  b : a race other than a footrace (as for swimmers) marked especially by great distance
2 : a long hard contest <a dance marathon>
— marathon adj
Word History Marathon is the name of a plain in Greece located about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the city of Athens. It was the scene of a great victory by the Greeks over the Persians in 490 B.C. According to legend a Greek soldier named Pheidipiddes ran all the way from the battlefield to Athens to deliver the news. He reached the city, gasped out his message, and fell dead. When the modern Olympic Games began in 1896, one of the events was a footrace of 26 miles 385 yards (42.2 kilometers), called a marathon, in honor of the legendary run by Pheidipiddes. [named for Marathon, site of a battlefield in ancient Greece]

mar·a·thon·er \ˈmar-ə-ˌthän-ər\ n : one (as a runner) who takes part in a marathon

ma·raud \mə-ˈrȯd\ vb : to roam about and raid in search of things to steal
— ma·raud·er n

1mar·ble \ˈmär-bəl\ n
1 a : a limestone that takes a high polish and is used in architecture and sculpture  b : something made from marble; esp : a piece of sculpture
2 a : a little ball (as of glass) used in various games  b pl : a children's game played with these little balls
— marble adj

2marble vb mar·bled; mar·bling \ˈmär-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to give a streaked, spotted, or blotched appearance to (as by staining) <marble the edges of a book>

mar·bled \ˈmär-bəld\ adj
1 : made from or decorated with marble
2 : having markings or color similar to marble
3 : having lines of fat throughout <marbled meat>

mar·bling n : a mixture of fat and lean in a cut of meat

1march \ˈmärch\ n
1 : a border region : FRONTIER
2 : a district originally set up to defend a boundary — usually used in plural <the Welsh marches>

2march vb
1 : to move along with a steady regular stride especially in step with others
2 : to move in a direct purposeful manner : PROGRESS
— march·er n

3march n
1 a : the action of marching  b : the distance covered within a period of time by marching  c : a regular even step used in marching
2 : forward movement : PROGRESS <the march of time>
3 : a musical piece with a strong regular rhythm that is suitable to march to

March \ˈmärch\ n : the third month of the year
Word History One of the gods worshipped by the ancient Romans was a war god named Mars. In his honor they named one of the months of the year martius, which means “of Mars” or “belonging to Mars.” The Latin martius later became march in early French, and it was from early French that the word came into English. [Middle English March “the third month,” from early French march (same meaning), derived from Latin martius “of (the god) Mars”]

mar·chio·ness \ˈmär-sh(ə-)nəs\ n
1 : the wife or widow of a marquess
2 : a woman holding the rank of marquess

Mar·di Gras \ˈmärd-ē-ˌgrä\ n : the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday often observed with parades and merrymaking
Word History The Christian period of fasting known as Lent begins every year on Ash Wednesday. The day before Lent begins is a time of celebration and feasting in many places. One of the original reasons for such feasting was probably to use up the last supplies of foods, such as meat and fat, which were not eaten during Lent. The eating of such foods may be why the day became known in France as Mardi Gras, which means “fat Tuesday.” It is also possible that the name comes from a former custom of parading a fattened ox through Paris on this day. [French, literally “fat Tuesday”]

1mare \ˈma(ə)r, ˈme(ə)r\ n : an adult female of the horse or a related animal (as a zebra or donkey) [Old English mere “a mature female horse”]

2ma·re \ˈmär-ā\ n, pl ma·ria \ˈmär-ē-ə\ : any of several large dark areas on the surface of the moon or Mars [scientific Latin, from Latin mare “sea”]

mar·ga·rine \ˈmärj-(ə-)rən, ˈmärj-ə-ˌrēn\ n : a food product made from usually vegetable oils and skim milk and used as a spread and a cooking fat

1mar·gin \ˈmär-jən\ n
1 : the part of a page outside the main body of printed or written matter
2 : boundary area
3 : an extra amount (as of time) allowed for use if needed  synonyms see BORDER
— mar·gined \-jənd\ adj

2margin vb
1 : to provide with a margin
2 : to form a margin to : BORDER

mar·gin·al \ˈmärj-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : written or printed in the margin <marginal notes>
2 : of, relating to, or situated at a margin or border
3 : close to the lower limit of quality <marginal ability> <marginal land>
— mar·gin·al·ly \-nə-lē, -ən-əl-ē\ adv

mar·gin·al·ize \ˈmärj-nəl-ˌīz, -ən-əl-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to remove to or keep in a position without influence in a society or group
— mar·gin·al·i·za·tion \ˌmärj-nəl-ə-ˈzā-shən, -ən-əl-\ n

mari·gold \ˈmar-ə-ˌgōld, ˈmer-\ n : any of a genus of tropical American herbs related to the daisies and grown for their showy yellow or red and yellow flower heads

mar·i·jua·na also mar·i·hua·na \ˌmar-ə-ˈwän-ə also -ˈhwän-\ n : any of various preparations of the dried leaves and flowering tops of the female hemp plant that are used as a drug usually illegally especially by smoking

ma·rim·ba \mə-ˈrim-bə\ n : a musical instrument resembling a xylophone but with tubes under each bar to help increase the sound

ma·ri·na \mə-ˈrē-nə\ n : a dock or basin providing a place to anchor motorboats and yachts

1mar·i·nade \ˌmar-ə-ˈnād\ n : a sauce in which meat or fish is soaked to enrich its flavor

2marinade vb -nad·ed; -nad·ing : MARINATE

mar·i·nate \ˈmar-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to soak in a marinade

1ma·rine \mə-ˈrēn\ adj
1 a : of or relating to the sea <marine life>  b : of or relating to the navigation of the sea : NAUTICAL, MARITIME <a marine chart> <marine insurance>
2 : of or relating to marines <marine barracks>

2marine n
1 : the commercial and naval shipping of a country
2 : one of a class of soldiers serving aboard ship or in association with a naval force; esp : a member of the U.S. Marine Corps

mar·i·ner \ˈmar-ə-nər\ n : one who navigates or assists in navigating a ship : SAILOR

mar·i·o·nette \ˌmar-ē-ə-ˈnet, ˌmer-\ n : a puppet moved by attached strings or wires

mar·i·tal \ˈmar-ət-əl\ adj : of or relating to marriage : CONJUGAL
— mar·i·tal·ly \-ət-əl-ē\ adv

mar·i·time \ˈmar-ə-ˌtīm\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or bordering on the sea <maritime nations>
2 : of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea <maritime law>

mar·jo·ram \ˈmärj-(ə-)rəm\ n : any of various usually fragrant mints often used as seasoning

1mark \ˈmärk\ n
1  a : a noticeable object serving as a guide for travelers  b : something (as a line, notch, or fixed object) designed to record position <high-water mark>  c : something aimed at : TARGET  d : the starting line or position in a track event  e : an object of ridicule  f : a standard of performance, quality, or condition <not up to the mark>
2 a : something that gives evidence of something else : SIGN, INDICATION <a mark of friendship>  b : an impression (as a scar, scratch, or stain) made on a surface  c : a characteristic or distinguishing trait or quality  d : a cross made in place of a signature  e : a written or printed symbol  f : a symbol (as a brand or label) used for identification (as of ownership or quality)  g : a symbol (as a number or letter) representing a teacher's estimation of the quality of work or conduct : GRADE
3 a : IMPORTANCE, DISTINCTION <stands out as a person of mark>  b : a lasting or strong impression <worked at several jobs but didn't make much of a mark> [Old English mearc “boundary”]  synonyms see 1SIGN

2mark vb
1 a : to fix or trace out the bounds of by or as if by a mark  b : to set apart by a boundary <mark off a tennis court>
2 a : to designate as if by a mark <marked for greatness>  b : to make a mark or notation on  c : to furnish with natural marks <wings marked with white>  d : to label so as to indicate price or quality
3 a : to make note of in writing : JOT <marking the date in a journal>  b : to indicate by a mark or symbol <mark an accent>  c : to determine the value of by means of marks : GRADE <mark exam papers>
4 : to be an important characteristic of : CHARACTERIZE, DISTINGUISH <a disease marked by fever>
5 : to take notice of : OBSERVE <mark my words>
— mark time
1 : to keep the time of a marching step by moving the feet one after another without advancing
2 : to function or operate without making progress

3mark n : DEUTSCHE MARK [Old English marc “a unit of weight”; probably of Scandinavian origin]

Mark \ˈmärk\ n : the second Gospel in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

mark·down \ˈmärk-ˌdau̇n\ n
1 : a lowering of price
2 : the amount by which an original selling price is reduced

mark down \(ˈ)märk-ˈdau̇n\ vb : to put a lower price on <marked down all the books for the sale>

marked \ˈmärkt\ adj
1 : having an identifying mark <a marked card>
2 : NOTICEABLE, CONSPICUOUS <speaks with a marked accent>
3 a : being a person on whom attention is focused  b : being an object of attack or suspicion <a marked man>
— mark·ed·ly \ˈmär-kəd-lē\ adv

mark·er \ˈmär-kər\ n
1 : one that marks
2 : something used for marking

1mar·ket \ˈmär-kət\ n
1 a : a meeting together of people to buy and sell  b : the people at such a meeting  c : a public place where a market is held; esp : a place where provisions are sold at wholesale
2 : a store where foods are sold to the public <a meat market>
3 a : a geographic region in which things may be sold <markets for American cotton>  b : a particular category of people who might buy <the youth market>
4 : an opportunity for selling <a good market for used cars> [Middle English market “market,” derived from Latin mercatus “trade, marketplace,” derived from mercari “to trade,” from merc-, merx “merchandise” — related to COMMERCE, MERCHANT]
— in the market : in the position of being a potential buyer <in the market for a new house>

— on the market : available to buy : up for sale <put their house on the market>

2market vb
1 : to deal in a market
2 : to offer for sale in a market : SELL
— mar·ket·ing \-iŋ\ n

mar·ket·able \ˈmär-kət-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : fit to be offered for sale <food that has gone bad is not marketable>
2 : wanted by purchasers or employers <marketable skills>
— mar·ket·abil·i·ty \ˌmär-kət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

mar·ket·place \ˈmär-kət-ˌplās\ n
1 : an open square or place in a town where markets are held
2 : the world of trade

market value n : a price at which both buyers and sellers are willing to do business

mark·ing \ˈmär-kiŋ\ n
1 : the act, process, or an instance of making or giving a mark <the teacher's marking was considered to be fair>
2 : a mark made
3 : an arrangement or pattern of marks (as on the coat of an animal)

mark·ka \ˈmär-ˌkä\ n
1 : the former basic unit of money of Finland
2 : a coin representing one markka

marks·man \ˈmärk-smən\ n : a person skilled in shooting at a mark or target
— marks·man·ship \-ˌship\ n

mark·up \ˈmär-ˌkəp\ n : an amount added to the cost price of an article to set the selling price

mark up \(ˈ)mär-ˈkəp\ vb : to put a higher price on

markup language n : a system (as HTML) for marking or tagging a document that indicates its logical structure (as paragraphs) and gives instructions for its layout on the page especially for electronic transmission and display

marl \ˈmär(-ə)l\ n : a crumbling earthy deposit (as of sand or clay) that contains a lot of calcium carbonate

mar·lin \ˈmär-lən\ n : any of several large saltwater sport fishes related to sailfishes

mar·ma·lade \ˈmär-mə-ˌlād\ n : a clear jelly containing pieces of fruit and fruit rind <orange marmalade>
Word History Many of us have eaten orange marmalade, but marmalade can be made from any of several fruits. The Portuguese made such a jelly from the quince, a fruit that looks a bit like a yellow apple. The Portuguese word for the quince is marmelo, which is based on the Latin word melimelum, meaning “a sweet apple.” The Portuguese called the jelly they made from the quince marmelada. English borrowed this word as marmalade. [from Portuguese marmelada “jelly made from quince,” from marmelo “quince,” from Latin melimelum “sweet apple,” from Greek melimēlon (same meaning), from meli “honey” and mēlon “apple”]

mar·mo·set \ˈmär-mə-ˌset, -mə-ˌzet\ n : any of numerous South and Central American monkeys that have soft fur, a bushy tail, and claws instead of nails except on the big toe

mar·mot \ˈmär-mət\ n : any of a genus of burrowing rodents with a stout body, short legs, coarse fur, a short bushy tail, and very small ears — compare WOODCHUCK

1ma·roon \mə-ˈrün\ vb
1 : to put ashore and abandon on a lonely island or coast
2 : to leave isolated and helpless

2maroon n : a dark red

mar·quee \mär-ˈkē\ n
1 : a large tent set up for an outdoor party or exhibition
2 : a rooflike structure sticking out over an entrance <a theater marquee>

mar·quess \ˈmär-kwəs\ n
1 : a nobleman of hereditary rank in Europe and Japan
2 : a British nobleman ranking below a duke and above an earl

mar·quis \ˈmär-kwəs, mär-ˈkē\ n, pl mar·quis·es \-kwə-səz, -ˈkēz\ : MARQUESS 2

mar·quise \mär-ˈkēz\ n, pl mar·quises \-ˈkēz(-əz)\ : MARCHIONESS

mar·qui·sette \ˌmär-k(w)ə-ˈzet\ n : a sheer meshed fabric used for clothing, curtains, and mosquito nets

marred past and past participle of MAR

mar·riage \ˈmar-ij\ n
1 a : the state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law  b : the mutual relation of married persons : WEDLOCK  c : the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
2 : an act of marrying; esp : a wedding ceremony
3 : a close union <a marriage of music and verse>

mar·riage·able \-ə-bəl\ adj : fit for or capable of marriage <of marriageable age>

1mar·ried \ˈmar-ēd\ adj
1 : united in marriage <a married couple>
2 : of or relating to marriage

2married n, pl marrieds or married : a married person <young marrieds starting their first home>

marring present participle of MAR

mar·row \ˈmar-ō\ n
1 a : BONE MARROW  b : the substance of the spinal cord
2 : the innermost, best, or essential part : CORE

1mar·ry \ˈmar-ē\ vb mar·ried; mar·ry·ing
1 : to join in marriage according to law or custom <they were married by a priest>
2 : to give in marriage <married their children off>
3 : to take as husband or wife <married a singer>
4 : to enter into a marriage relationship : WED <decided to marry>
5 : to enter into a close union <working long hours, she is married to her job> [Middle English marien “to marry,” from early French marier (same meaning), derived from Latin maritus “married”]

2marry interj, archaic — used to express amused or surprised agreement [Middle English marie, an interjection, from Marie “the Virgin Mary”]

Mars \ˈmärz\ n : the planet fourth in order from the sun — see PLANET TABLE

marsh \ˈmärsh\ n : an area of soft wet land usually overgrown by grasses and sedges
— marshy \ˈmär-shē\ adj

1mar·shal \ˈmär-shəl\ n
1 a : a high official in a royal household in the Middle Ages  b : a person who arranges and directs ceremonies or parades
2 : an officer of the highest rank in some military forces
3 a : a federal official having duties similar to those of a sheriff  b : the head of a division of a city government <fire marshal>
Word History Although most French words come from Latin, some are the result of the Germanic occupation of France in the third century A.D. In early French the word mareschal, literally meaning “horse servant,” was such a word. By the Middle English period, a mareschal in French was a high royal official. English borrowed the word to name a similar position in England. Much later, marshal was used in England as the title of a high-ranking military officer. It is because of this use that many people think the word is related to the word martial, meaning “relating to military affairs.” But martial derives from the Latin name Mars, the god of war. It is only an accident that these two words came to be linked many centuries after they had entered English from different languages. [Middle English marshal “a high officer in the king's household,” from early French mareschal (same meaning), literally “horse servant”; of Germanic origin]

2marshal vb -shaled or -shalled; -shal·ing or -shal·ling \ˈmärsh-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to arrange in order <marshal troops>
2 : to lead with ceremony : USHER <marshaling the group of children down the street>

marsh gas n : METHANE

marsh hawk n : NORTHERN HARRIER

marsh·land \ˈmärsh-ˌland\ n : a marshy area : MARSH

marsh·mal·low \ˈmärsh-ˌmel-ō, -ˌmal-\ n
1 : a pink-flowered herb related to the mallows that has a root sometimes used in sweets and in medicine
2 : a soft spongy sweet formerly made from the root of the marshmallow but now usually prepared from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin

marsh marigold n : a swamp herb related to the buttercups and having bright yellow flowers and round shiny leaves — called also cowslip

1mar·su·pi·al \mär-ˈsü-pē-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a marsupial

2marsupial n : any of an order of mammals (as kangaroos and opossums) that have a pouch on the abdomen of the female containing the teats and serving to carry the young

mart \ˈmärt\ n : a trading place : MARKET

mar·ten \ˈmärt-ən\ n, pl marten or martens : a slender flesh-eating mammal that is larger than the related weasels and has soft gray or brown fur; also : its fur

mar·tial \ˈmär-shəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior <martial music>
2 : of or relating to an army or to military life <martial discipline> [Middle English martial “relating to or suited for war,” from Latin martialis “of Mars,” from Mars “god of war”]
— mar·tial·ly \-shə-lē\ adv

martial art n : any of several arts of combat and self-defense (as karate and judo) that are widely practiced as a sport
— martial artist n

martial law n : the law applied by military forces in occupied territory or in an emergency

Mar·tian \ˈmär-shən\ adj : of or relating to the planet Mars or its supposed inhabitants
— Martian n

mar·tin \ˈmärt-ən\ n : a small Eurasian swallow with a forked tail, bluish black head and back, a white underside, and a large white patch on the back at the base of the tail; also : any of various related birds

mar·ti·net \ˌmärt-ən-ˈet\ n : a person who demands strict obedience

mar·ti·ni \mär-ˈtē-nē\ n : a cocktail consisting of gin and dry vermouth

Mar·tin·mas \ˈmärt-ən-məs, -ˌmas\ n : November 11 celebrated as the feast day of St. Martin

1mar·tyr \ˈmärt-ər\ n
1 : a person who suffers death rather than give up his or her religion
2 : one who sacrifices life or something of great value for a principle or cause
3 : a person who suffers greatly

2martyr vb
1 : to put to death for refusing to give up a belief
2 : 2TORTURE

mar·tyr·dom \ˈmärt-ərd-əm\ n
1 : the sufferings and death of a martyr
2 : 1TORMENT 1

1mar·vel \ˈmär-vəl\ n : one that causes wonder or astonishment

2marvel vb mar·veled or mar·velled; mar·vel·ing or mar·vel·ling \ˈmärv-(ə-)liŋ\ : to become filled with surprise or astonishment <marveled at the magician's skill>

mar·vel·ous or mar·vel·lous \ˈmärv-(ə-)ləs\ adj
1 : causing wonder or astonishment
2 : having the characteristics of a miracle
3 : of the highest kind or quality : SPLENDID <we had a marvelous time>
— mar·vel·ous·ly adv

— mar·vel·ous·ness n

mar·zi·pan \ˈmärt-sə-ˌpän, ˈmär-zə-ˌpan\ n : a candy or icing of almond paste, sugar, and whites of eggs

ma·sa \ˈmä-sə\ n : a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution; also : MASA HARINA

masa ha·ri·na \-ä-ˈrē-nä\ n : a flour made from dried masa

mas·cara \ma-ˈskar-ə\ n : a cosmetic especially for darkening the eyelashes

mas·cot \ˈmas-ˌkät also -kət\ n : a person, animal, or object supposed to bring good luck
Word History The word mascot is an example of words that come to have a more pleasant meaning as they develop through the years and through many languages. The ancestor of mascot is the Latin word masca, used in the Middle Ages to mean “witch.” Masca passed into the Romance speech of southern France as masco. Later it developed a derivative mascoto, literally meaning “little witch” but actually used to mean “charm” or “magic spell.” A magic spell can be used for good as well as bad. Already, then, we have the beginnings of a change to a nicer idea in the basic use of the word. The word mascoto came to be mascotte in modern French, meaning a “good luck charm.” It was made popular by the operetta La Mascotte in 1880. In this operetta “la mascotte” is the lovely young woman Bettina, whose influence brings victories to the army of the prince of Pisa. English later borrowed the word as mascot, with the meaning “a person or thing thought to bring good luck.” Today the word is often used to refer to an animal chosen by a school or college as a good luck symbol for its sports teams. [from French mascotte “mascot,” from a Romance word mascoto “charm,” literally “little witch,” from masco “witch,” from Latin masca “witch”]

1mas·cu·line \ˈmas-kyə-lən\ adj
1 : of the male sex
2 : characteristic of or belonging to men : MANLY <a masculine voice>
3 : of, relating to, or making up the class of words that ordinarily includes most of those referring to males <a masculine noun> <masculine gender>
— mas·cu·lin·i·ty \ˌmas-kyə-ˈlin-ət-ē\ n

2masculine n
1 : a word or form of the masculine gender
2 : the masculine gender

ma·ser \ˈmā-zər\ n : a device that uses the natural vibrations of atoms or molecules for generating electromagnetic radiation at a single microwave frequency

1mash \ˈmash\ n
1 : crushed malt or grain meal soaked and stirred in hot water
2 : a mixture of ground feeds for livestock
3 : a soft pulpy mass

2mash vb
1 : to make into a soft pulpy mass by beating or pressure
2 : to expose crushed malt to the action of water with heating and stirring
— mash·er n

mash–up \ˈmash-ˌəp\ n : something created by combining elements from two or more sources: as  a : a piece of music created by digitally overlaying an instrumental track with a vocal track from a different recording  b : a movie or video having characters or situations from other sources  c : a Web service or application that integrates data and functions from various online sources

1mask \ˈmask\ n
1 a : a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise <a Halloween mask>  b : MASKER  c : a sculptured face made by a mold in plaster or wax
2 : something that disguises or conceals : CLOAK
3 a : a covering used to protect the face <a baseball catcher's mask>  b : GAS MASK  c : a device covering the nose and mouth to make it easier to inhale something <an oxygen mask>  d : a covering (as of gauze) over the nose and mouth to prevent infectious droplets from being exhaled into the air
4 : the head or face of a mammal (as a fox or dog)
5 : MASQUE 2

2mask vb
1 : to put on or wear a mask
2 a : CONCEAL, DISGUISE <masked their real purpose>  b : to make impossible to perceive or distinguish <masks undesirable flavors>
3 : to cover for protection

masked \ˈmaskt\ adj : marked by the use of masks <a masked ball>

mask·er \ˈmas-kər\ n : a person who wears a mask; esp : one taking part in a masquerade

masking tape n : a tape that is sticky on one side and that has many uses (as to cover an area when painting near it)

ma·son \ˈmās-ən\ n : a skilled worker who builds or works with stone, brick, or cement

ma·son·ry \ˈmās-ən-rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : something built of stone, brick, or concrete
2 : the art, trade, or occupation of a mason
3 : the work done by a mason

masque \ˈmask\ n
1 : 1MASQUERADE 1
2 : an old type of play performed by masked actors

masqu·er \ˈmas-kər\ n : MASKER

1mas·quer·ade \ˌmas-kə-ˈrād\ n
1 : a party (as a dance) at which people wear masks and often fantastic costumes
2 : an action or appearance that is only a disguise or outward show : POSE

2masquerade vb -ad·ed; -ad·ing
1 : to take part in a masquerade
2 : to assume the appearance of something one is not : POSE
— mas·quer·ad·er n

1mass \ˈmas\ n
1 cap : a series of prayers and ceremonies forming the eucharistic service especially of the Roman Catholic Church
2 often cap : a celebration of the Eucharist
3 : a musical setting for parts of the Mass [Old English mæsse “religious service,” from Latin missa, literally “dismissal at the end of a religious service,” derived from earlier missus, past participle of mittere “to send”]

2mass n
1 a : a quantity of matter or the form of matter that holds or clings together in one body <a mass of metal>  b : large size : BULK  c : the principal part : main body
2 : the quantity of matter in a body <weight is the force on a mass due to gravity>
3 : a large amount or number
4 pl : the common people [Middle English masse “a large body or quantity of material,” from early French masse (same meaning), from Latin massa (same meaning), from Greek maza “mass”]

3mass vb : to form or collect into a mass

4mass adj
1 : of, relating to, or designed for the mass of the people <mass market>
2 : participated in by or affecting a large number of individuals <mass demonstrations>

1mas·sa·cre \ˈmas-i-kər\ vb -cred; -cring \-k(ə-)riŋ\ : to kill in a massacre : SLAUGHTER
— mas·sa·crer \-i-kər-ər, -i-krər\ n

2massacre n : the violent and cruel killing of a number of persons

1mas·sage \mə-ˈsäzh, -ˈsäj\ n : treatment (as of the body) by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping

2massage vb mas·saged; mas·sag·ing : to give massage to

mas·sa·sau·ga \ˌmas-ə-ˈsȯ-gə\ n : a small North American rattlesnake

mas·seur \ma-ˈsər, mə-\ n : a man who practices massage

mas·seuse \ma-ˈsə(r)z, mə-, -ˈsüz\ n : a woman who practices massage

mas·sive \ˈmas-iv\ adj
1 : WEIGHTY 1, HEAVY <massive walls>
2 a : large, solid, or heavy in structure <a massive jaw>  b : large in extent or degree <a massive effort>
3 : having mass
— mas·sive·ly adv

— mas·sive·ness n

mass medium n, pl mass media : a medium of communication (as newspapers, radio, or television) that is designed to reach many people — usually used in plural

mass noun n : a noun (as sand, butter, or accuracy) that indicates something that cannot be counted, that is used in English only in the singular, and that usually has some before it rather than a or an

mass number n : a whole number that expresses the approximate mass of an atom in terms of the number of protons and neutrons in the atom

mass–pro·duce \ˌmas-prə-ˈd(y)üs\ vb : to produce in quantity usually by machinery
— mass production n

massy \ˈmas-ē\ adj mass·i·er; -est : MASSIVE 2A

mast \ˈmast\ n
1 : a long pole that rises from the bottom of a ship or boat and supports the sails and rigging
2 : an upright tall pole (as on a crane)
— mast·ed \ˈmas-təd\ adj

— before the mast : as a common sailor

1mas·ter \ˈmas-tər\ n
1 a : a male teacher  b : a person holding an academic degree between a bachelor's and a doctor's
2 a : an independent skilled worker; esp : one qualified to teach apprentices  b : an artist or performer of great skill
3 a : one having authority : RULER  b : one that conquers or masters  c : the captain of a merchant ship  d : an owner especially of a slave or animal  e : the employer especially of a servant
4 — used as a title for a boy too young to be called mister
5 : a master machine or device [Middle English master “master,” from Old English magister and early French meistre, both meaning “master” and both from Latin magister “master, teacher, one who holds high political or military office” — related to MAESTRO, MAGISTRATE, MISTRESS]
— mas·ter·ship \-ˌship\ n

2master adj
1 : being a master <a master carpenter>
2 : being the main or guiding one <a master plan>
3 : controlling the operation of other devices <a master clock>

3master vb mas·tered; mas·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : OVERCOME 1, SUBDUE <master an enemy> <master a desire>
2 : to become skilled at <master arithmetic>

master chief petty officer n : an enlisted man in the navy or coast guard ranking above a senior chief petty officer

master chief petty officer of the coast guard n : a master chief petty officer in the coast guard who advises the commandant

master chief petty officer of the navy n : a master chief petty officer in the navy who advises the chief of naval operations

mas·ter·ful \ˈmas-tər-fəl\ adj
1 : inclined to take control or dominate
2 : having or showing the technical or artistic skill of a master
— mas·ter·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— mas·ter·ful·ness n

master gunnery sergeant n : a noncommissioned officer of the highest rank in the marines

mas·ter·ly \ˈmas-tər-lē\ adj : suitable to or resembling a master especially in superior knowledge or skill
— masterly adv

mas·ter·mind \ˈmas-tər-ˌmīnd, ˌmas-tər-ˈmīnd\ n : a person who invents or directs a project
— mastermind vb

master of ceremonies : a person who acts as host at a formal event or on an entertainment program (as on television)

mas·ter·piece \ˈmas-tər-ˌpēs\ n : a work done with great skill; esp : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement

master sergeant n : a military noncommissioned officer with the rank just below that of sergeant major in the army, below that of master gunnery sergeant in the marines, and below that of senior master sergeant in the air force

mas·tery \ˈmas-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ter·ies
1 : the position or authority of a master
2 : VICTORY
3 : skill or knowledge that makes one master of something : COMMAND <a mastery of French>

mast·head \ˈmast-ˌhed\ n
1 : the top of a mast
2 : the name of a newspaper displayed on the top of the first page

mas·tic \ˈmas-tik\ n : a yellow or greenish substance that oozes from cuts in the bark of a southern European tree and is used in varnish

mas·ti·cate \ˈmas-tə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to grind or crush with the teeth before swallowing : CHEW
— mas·ti·ca·tion \ˌmas-tə-ˈkā-shən\ n

mas·tiff \ˈmas-təf\ n : any of a breed of large powerful smooth-coated dogs often used as watchdogs and guard dogs

mast·odon \ˈmas-tə-ˌdän, -dən\ n : any of various huge extinct mammals related to the mammoths and existing elephants

1mas·toid \ˈmas-ˌtȯid\ adj : of, relating to, or being the mastoid process; also : occurring in the region of the mastoid process

2mastoid n : a mastoid bone or process

mastoid process n : a somewhat cone-shaped part of a bone of the skull that points downward behind the ear

mas·tur·ba·tion \ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən\ n : sexual stimulation of especially one's own genital organs by bodily contact apart from sexual intercourse and usually by use of the hand
— mas·tur·bate \ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt\ vb

1mat \ˈmat\ n
1 a : a piece of coarse fabric of rush, straw, or wool  b : a piece of material in front of a door to wipe dirty shoe soles on  c : a decorative piece of material used under a dish or vase  d : a pad or cushion for gymnastics or wrestling
2 : something made up of many tangled strands <a thick mat of vegetation> [Old English meatte “mat,” from Latin matta (same meaning); of Semitic origin]

2mat vb mat·ted; mat·ting
1 : to provide with a mat or matting
2 : to become or cause to become a tangled mass

3mat \ˈmat\ vb mat·ted; mat·ting
1 also matte or matt : to give a dull effect to
2 : to border (a picture) with a mat

4mat variant of 2MATTE

5mat n
1 : a border of stiff paper (as cardboard) going around a picture between picture and frame or serving as the frame
2 : a dull finish

mat·a·dor \ˈmat-ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r\ n : the bullfighter who plays the major human part in a bullfight [Spanish, literally “killer”]

1match \ˈmach\ n
1 a : a person or thing that is equal or similar to or exactly like another  b : one that can compete or fight successfully with another <a match for the enemy>
2 : two persons or things that go well together <curtains and carpet are a good match>
3 : a contest between two or more parties <a tennis match>
4 a : MARRIAGE 1B  b : a person to be considered as a marriage partner [Old English gemæcca “mate, equal”]

2match vb
1 : to meet successfully as a competitor
2 a : to place in competition <matched my strength with my friend's>  b : to provide with a worthy competitor
3 : to join or give in marriage
4 a : to make or find the equal or the like of  b : to make correspond  c : to be the same as or suitable to one another <do these colors match?>
5 : to flip or toss coins and compare upper surfaces
— match·er n

3match n
1 : an evenly burning wick or cord formerly used to ignite a charge of powder
2 : a short slender piece of material (as wood) tipped with a mixture that ignites when scratched against something else [Middle English macche “a wick,” from early French meiche (same meaning)]

match·book \ˈmach-ˌbu̇k\ n : a small folder containing rows of paper matches

match·box \-ˌbäks\ n : a box for matches

match·less \ˈmach-ləs\ adj : having no equal : better than any other
— match·less·ly adv

match·lock \ˈmach-ˌläk\ n : a firearm in which the charge is ignited by a slow match in a movable holder attached to the breech

match·mak·er \-ˌmā-kər\ n : one that arranges marriages
— match·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ n

1mate \ˈmāt\ n
1 a : 2ASSOCIATE 1, COMPANION  b : an assistant worker : HELPER <plumber's mate>
2 : a deck officer on a merchant ship ranking below the captain
3 a : either member of a married couple  b : one of a breeding pair of animals <a dove and its mate>  c : either of two matched objects <the mate to a glove>

2mate vb mat·ed; mat·ing
1 : to join or fit together
2 a : to bring or come together as mates; esp : 1MARRY 1  b : to provide a mate for
3 : COPULATE
— mate with : to take as a mate

ma·té or ma·te \ˈmä-ˌtā\ n : a fragrant beverage made from the leaves and shoots of a South American shrub or tree related to the hollies; also : this shrub or tree or its leaves and shoots

1ma·te·ri·al \mə-ˈtir-ē-əl\ adj
1 : relating to or consisting of matter : PHYSICAL <the material world> <material comforts>
2 a : IMPORTANT 1 <food is material to health>  b : RELEVANT <is that information material to the problem?>
3 : physical rather than spiritual or intellectual <material needs>
— ma·te·ri·al·i·ty \-ˌtir-ē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— ma·te·ri·al·ly \-ˈtir-ē-ə-lē\ adv

2material n
1 : the elements or substance of which something is made or can be made <building materials>
2 : equipment and supplies for doing or making something <writing materials>

ma·te·ri·al·ism \mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n
1 : a theory that everything can be explained as being or coming from matter
2 : a tendency to attach too much importance to physical comfort and well-being
— ma·te·ri·al·ist \-ē-ə-ləst\ n or adj

— ma·te·ri·al·is·tic \-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

ma·te·ri·al·ize \mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to give material form and substance to
2 : to assume or cause to assume bodily form <a ghost materialized out of nowhere>
3 a : to come into existence <a promise that never materialized>  b : to appear suddenly

ma·té·ri·el or ma·te·ri·el \mə-ˌtir-ē-ˈel\ n : equipment and supplies used by a group or organization [French]

ma·ter·nal \mə-ˈtərn-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a mother : MOTHERLY
2 a : related through a mother <maternal grandparents>  b : obtained or received from a female parent <maternal chromosomes> [Middle English maternal “maternal, of or like a mother,” from early French maternel (same meaning), from Latin maternus “maternal,” from mater “mother” — related to ALMA MATER]
— ma·ter·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

1ma·ter·ni·ty \mə-ˈtər-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being a mother : MOTHERHOOD
2 : motherly character or qualities : MOTHERLINESS

2maternity adj
1 : designed for wear during pregnancy <maternity clothes>
2 : effective for the time around childbirth <maternity leave>

math \ˈmath\ n : MATHEMATICS

math·e·mat·i·cal \ˌmath-ə-ˈmat-i-kəl, math-ˈmat-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or according with mathematics
2 : very exact <mathematical precision>
— math·e·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

math·e·ma·ti·cian \ˌmath-(ə-)mə-ˈtish-ən\ n : a specialist or expert in mathematics

math·e·mat·ics \ˌmath-ə-ˈmat-iks, math-ˈmat-\ n : the science that is concerned with numbers and their properties, relations, and operations and with shapes in space and their structure and measurement

mat·i·nee or mat·i·née \ˌmat-ən-ˈā\ n : a theatrical performance held in the daytime and especially in the afternoon

mat·ins \ˈmat-ənz\ n pl, often cap
1 : special prayers said between midnight and 4 a.m.
2 : a service of morning prayer

ma·tri·arch \ˈmā-trē-ˌärk\ n : a woman who rules a family, group, or state; esp : a mother who is head of her family and descendants
— ma·tri·ar·chal \ˌmā-trē-ˈär-kəl\ adj

ma·tri·ar·chy \ˈmā-trē-ˌär-kē\ n, pl -chies
1 : a family, group, or state headed by a matriarch
2 : a system of social organization in which descent and inheritance are traced through the female line

ma·tri·cide \ˈma-trə-ˌsīd, ˈmā-\ n
1 : murder of a mother by her child
2 : one that murders his or her mother
— ma·tri·cid·al \ˌma-trə-ˈsīd-əl, ˌmā-\ adj

ma·tric·u·late \mə-ˈtrik-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to enroll especially in a college or university
— ma·tric·u·la·tion \-ˌtrik-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n

mat·ri·mo·ny \ˈma-trə-ˌmō-nē\ n, pl -nies : the state of being married : MARRIAGE <two people joined in matrimony>
— mat·ri·mo·nial \ˌma-trə-ˈmō-nē-əl, -nyəl\ adj

— mat·ri·mo·nial·ly \-ē\ adv

ma·trix \ˈmā-triks\ n, pl ma·tri·ces \ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz, ˈma-\ or ma·trix·es \ˈmā-trik-səz\ : something (as a mold) that gives form, foundation, or origin to something else enclosed in it

ma·tron \ˈmā-trən\ n
1 : a usually mature and dignified married woman
2 : a woman in charge of the household affairs of an institution
3 : a woman who supervises women prisoners in a police station or jail

ma·tron·ly \ˈmā-trən-lē\ adj : of, resembling, or suitable for a matron

matron of honor : a married woman serving as the principal wedding attendant of a bride — compare MAID OF HONOR

1matte or matt variant of 3MAT 1

2matte also mat or matt \ˈmat\ adj : lacking luster or gloss

matted past and past participle of MAT

1mat·ter \ˈmat-ər\ n
1 a : a subject of interest or concern <a matter of dispute>  b : something to be dealt with : AFFAIR <personal matters to take care of>
2 a : the substance of which a physical object is composed; esp : the material substance that occupies space, has mass, and makes up the observable universe  b : material substance of a particular kind or function <vegetable matter>  c : PUS
3 : a more or less definite amount or quantity <cooks in a matter of minutes>
4 : something written or printed
5 : 1MAIL 1 <first-class matter>
— as a matter of fact : in fact : ACTUALLY

— for that matter : so far as that is concerned

— no matter : without regard to <do it no matter how unpleasant it seems>

— no matter what : regardless of the costs, consequences, or results <have to win the race, no matter what>

— the matter : 2WRONG 5 <nothing's the matter with me>

2matter vb : to be of importance : SIGNIFY

matter of course : something that may be expected as a result of something else

mat·ter–of–fact \ˌmat-ə-rə(v)-ˈfakt\ adj : sticking to fact <a matter-of-fact account>; also : being plain, straightforward, or unemotional <described the accident in a matter-of-fact way>
— mat·ter–of–fact·ly \-ˈfak-(t)lē\ adv

Mat·thew \ˈmath-yü\ n : the first Gospel in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

mat·ting \ˈmat-iŋ\ n : material for mats; also : mats or a supply of mats

mat·tock \ˈmat-ək\ n : a tool for digging made of a long wooden handle and a steel head one end of which comes to a point or to a cutting edge

mat·tress \ˈma-trəs\ n
1 : a fabric case filled with springy material used as a bed or on a bedstead
2 : a sack that can be filled with air or water and used as a mattress

mat·u·ra·tion \ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the process of becoming mature
2 : the process involving meiosis by which body cells having two sets of chromosomes form gametes with one set of chromosomes

1ma·ture \mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r\ adj ma·tur·er; -est
1 : fully thought out <a mature plan>
2 a : fully grown or developed : ADULT, RIPE <mature fruit>  b : having reached a final or desired state <mature wine>
3 : of or relating to a condition of full development <a mature outlook>
4 : due for payment <the note becomes mature in 90 days>
— ma·ture·ly adv

2mature vb ma·tured; ma·tur·ing
1 : to bring to maturity or completion <matured my plans>
2 : to become fully developed or ripe

ma·tu·ri·ty \mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē\ n
1 : the quality or state of being mature; esp : full development
2 : the date when a note becomes due

mat·zo or mat·zoh \ˈmät-sə, -ˌsō\ n, pl mat·zoth \-ˌsōth, -ˌsōt, -sōs\ or mat·zos or mat·zohs \-səz, -səs, -ˌsōz\ : unleavened bread eaten at the Passover

maud·lin \ˈmȯd-lən\ adj
1 : drunk enough to be tearfully silly
2 : weakly and overly sentimental
Word History The word maudlin can be traced back to the name of a town in ancient Palestine, Magdala. But the meaning of maudlin is associated with a person in the Christian Bible. In the Gospels, Mary Magdalene was so called because she was thought to have come from Magdala. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and was present at his crucifixion. Yet her name was not always spelled as it is today. Our modern English translations of the Bible have gone back to the Latin text for the form Magdalene. But in early French, the g dropped out and the word became Madelaine. When the name was taken into Middle English from the early French texts, its form was Maudeleyn and later Maudlin. In the Middle Ages, religious artists painting scenes of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus showed Mary as weeping. In time her name became an adjective for a tearful show of emotion and later especially for an exaggerated display of emotion from a drunken person. [Middle English Maudeleyn “Mary Magdalene,” from early French Madeleine (same meaning), from Latin Magdalene (same meaning), from Greek Magdalēnē “(Mary) of Magdala (town on the Sea of Galilee)”; so called because Mary was frequently shown in religious paintings as weeping]

1maul \ˈmȯl\ n : a heavy hammer often with a wooden head used especially for driving wedges or posts

2maul vb
1 : to beat and bruise severely
2 : 1MANGLE 1
3 : to handle roughly
— maul·er n

maun·der \ˈmȯn-dər, ˈmän-\ vb maun·dered; maun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to wander slowly and idly
2 : to speak in a disconnected or aimless way
— maun·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

Maun·dy Thursday \ˌmȯn-dē-, ˌmän-\ n : the Thursday before Easter [Middle English maunde “ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on the Thursday before Easter,” from early French mandé (same meaning), from Latin mandatum “command”; so called from Jesus' words “A new Commandment I give to you . . .” in John 13:34 (RSV) after he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper]

mau·so·le·um \ˌmȯ-sə-ˈlē-əm, ˌmȯ-zə-\ n, pl -le·ums or -lea \-ˈlē-ə\ : a large or fancy tomb [from Latin mausoleum “a large tomb,” from Greek Mausōleion “the magnificent tomb of Mausolus (ruler of Caria, an ancient country in Asia Minor),” considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world]

mauve \ˈmōv, ˈmȯv\ n : a medium purple, violet, or lilac

mav·er·ick \ˈmav-(ə-)rik\ n
1 : an unbranded range animal; esp : a motherless calf
2 : an independent person who refuses to follow the usual standards or customs of the group
Word History A lawyer named Samuel A. Maverick lived in southern Texas in the middle of the 19th century. In 1847 he acquired a farm with about 450 cattle that were left in charge of a single slave with no experience as a cowboy. The cattle were never branded and were left to roam free. Eventually, the term maverick came to be used to name any unbranded cattle. Now maverick is most often used to speak of a person who acts in an individual way and refuses to be “branded” as a member of any particular group. [named for Samuel A. Maverick 1803–1870 American pioneer]

maw \ˈmȯ\ n
1 : a body part (as a stomach or a crop) that receives swallowed food
2 : the throat, gullet, or jaws especially of a flesh-eating animal

mawk·ish \ˈmȯ-kish\ adj
1 : having a weak often unpleasant taste
2 : MAUDLIN 2
— mawk·ish·ly adv

— mawk·ish·ness n

max \ˈmaks\ n
1 : MAXIMUM 1
2 : MAXIMUM 2
— max adj

— to the max : to the greatest extent possible

maxi \ˈmak-sē\ n : a long skirt, dress, or coat

max·il·la \mak-ˈsil-ə\ n, pl max·il·lae \-ˈsil-ē, -ˈsil-ˌī\ or maxillas
1 a : an upper jaw especially of a mammal in which the bony parts are closely united  b : either of the two bones of the upper jaw in higher vertebrates including human beings that bear most of the teeth
2 : one of the first or second pair of mouth appendages behind the mandibles in various arthropods
— max·il·lary \ˈmak-sə-ˌler-ē\ adj or n

max·im \ˌmak-səm\ n
1 : a general truth or rule of conduct
2 : a proverbial saying

max·i·mal \ˈmak-s(ə-)məl\ adj
1 : being an upper limit : HIGHEST <maximal growth>
2 : most comprehensive : COMPLETE <maximal recovery>

max·i·mize \ˈmak-sə-ˌmīz\ vb -mized; -miz·ing
1 : to increase to a maximum <maximize profits>
2 : to make the most of <maximize your opportunities>
3 : to increase the size of (a window) to fill an entire computer screen

max·i·mum \ˈmak-s(ə-)məm\ n, pl max·i·ma \-sə-mə\ or maximums
1 : the highest quantity, value, or development
2 : an upper limit allowed
— maximum adj

may \(ˈ)mā\ helping verb past might \(ˈ)mīt\; present sing & pl may
1 a : have permission to <you may go now>  b : be in some degree likely to <you may be right>
2 — used to express a wish or desire <long may she reign> <may the best man win>
3 — used to express purpose <we exercise so that we may be strong> or possibility of happening <he'll do his duty come what may>

May \ˈmā\ n : the fifth month of the year
Word History Among the gods and goddesses worshipped by the ancient Romans was one known as Maia, a goddess of spring. In spring the Romans would make offerings to her on the first day of a month they called Maius, meaning “of Maia.” The name of the Roman month was borrowed into early French as mai and later into English as May. For the early Romans Maius was the third month of the year; but after January and February were added, May became the fifth month. [from Middle English May (fifth month), from early French mai (same meaning), from Latin Maius, originally, “third month,” from Maia “Roman goddess of spring”]

Ma·ya \ˈmī-ə\ n, pl Maya or Mayas : a member of a group of Indian peoples of the Yucatán Peninsula and neighboring areas
— Ma·yan \ˈmī-ən\ adj

may·ap·ple \ˈmā-ˌap-əl\ n : a North American large-leaved woodland herb related to the barberries that produces a single large waxy white flower followed by a yellow egg-shaped fruit; also : its edible fruit

may·be \ˈmā-bē, ˈmeb-ē\ adv : PERHAPS

May·day \mā-ˈdā, ˈmā-ˌdā\ — an international radio signal word used as a distress call

May Day \ˈmā-ˌdā\ n : May 1 celebrated as a springtime festival and in some countries as Labor Day

may·flow·er \ˈmā-ˌflau̇(-ə)r\ n : any of various spring-blooming plants; esp : TRAILING ARBUTUS

may·fly \-ˌflī\ n : any of a group of insects that as adults live only a short time and have fragile wings

may·hap \ˈmā-ˌhap, mā-ˈhap\ adv : PERHAPS

may·hem \ˈmā-ˌhem, ˈmā-əm\ n
1 : deliberate permanent crippling or injury of any part of the body
2 : needless or willful damage or violence

mayn't \ˈmā-ənt, (ˈ)mānt\ : may not

may·on·naise \ˈmā-ə-ˌnāz, ˌmā-ə-ˈnāz\ n : a dressing consisting chiefly of egg yolk, vegetable oil, and vinegar or lemon juice

may·or \ˈmā-ər, ˈme(-)ər\ n : an official elected to act as head of a city or borough
— may·or·al \ˈmā-ə-rəl, ˈme- ə-\ adj

may·or·al·ty \ˈmā-ə-rəl-tē, ˈmer-əl-\ n, pl -ties : the office or term of office of a mayor

may·pole \ˈmā-ˌpōl\ n, often cap : a tall pole decorated with ribbons and flowers that forms a center for May Day sports and dances

maze \ˈmāz\ n
1 : a confusing complicated network of passages
2 : something complicated or elaborate <a confusing maze of regulations>

ma·zur·ka \mə-ˈzər-kə, -ˈzu̇r-\ n
1 : a fast Polish folk dance
2 : music for the mazurka

mazy \ˈmā-zē\ adj : resembling a maze in confusing turns and windings

McCoy n : something that is neither imitation nor substitute — often used in the phrase the real McCoy

Mc·In·tosh \ˈmak-ən-ˌtäsh\ n : a juicy bright red eating apple with a thin skin, white flesh, and slightly tart flavor

Mc·Man·sion \mək-ˈman-chən\ n : a very large house usually built in a suburban neighborhood or development; esp : one thought of as too big or showy

me \(ˈ)mē\ pron objective case of I

1mead \ˈmēd\ n : an alcoholic drink made of water, honey, malt, and yeast [Old English medu “the beverage mead”]

2mead n, archaic : MEADOW [Old English mæd “meadow”]

mead·ow \ˈmed-ō\ n : an area of moist low usually level grassland

mead·ow·lark \-ˌlärk\ n : any of several North American songbirds that are largely brown and buff above with a yellow breast having a black V-shaped mark across it

mea·ger or mea·gre \ˈmē-gər\ adj
1 : having little flesh : THIN
2 a : lacking desirable qualities (as richness or strength) <led a meager life>  b : deficient in quality or quantity <a meager serving of meat>
— mea·ger·ly adv

— mea·ger·ness n
synonyms MEAGER, SCANTY, SPARSE, mean falling short of what is normal, necessary, or desirable. MEAGER suggests a lack of fullness, richness, or plenty <a meager diet>. SCANTY stresses that something is not enough in amount, degree, or range <a scanty supply of fuel>. SPARSE suggests a scattering of a small number of units <a big country with a sparse population>.

1meal \ˈmēl\ n
1 : the food eaten or prepared for eating at one time
2 : the act or time of eating a meal [Old English mæl “appointed time, meal”]

2meal n
1 : ground seeds of a cereal grass; esp : CORNMEAL
2 : something like meal especially in texture [Old English melu “ground grain”]

meal·time \ˈmēl-ˌtīm\ n : the usual time at which a meal is served

meal·worm \-ˌwərm\ n : any of various small brownish larvae of various beetles that live in grain products and are often raised as food for insect-eating animals or as bait

mealy \ˈmē-lē\ adj meal·i·er; -est
1 : containing meal
2 : being soft, dry, and crumbly
3 : covered with fine grains or with flecks (as of color)
4 : MEALYMOUTHED

mealy·bug \ˈmē-lē-ˌbəg\ n : any of numerous scale insects that have a white cottony or waxy covering and are destructive pests especially of fruit trees

mealy·mouthed \ˌmē-lē-ˈmau̇thd, -ˈmau̇tht\ adj : not plain and sincere in speech <a mealymouthed speaker>

1mean \ˈmēn\ adj
1 : lacking distinction or prominence : HUMBLE
2 : of poor, shabby, or inferior quality or status <lives in mean surroundings>
3 : worthy of little regard : INFERIOR — often used in negative constructions as a term of praise <a person of no mean ability>
4 : deliberately unkind
5 : STINGY 1, MISERLY
6 : SPITEFUL, MALICIOUS <a mean remark>
7 : causing trouble or bother <a mean horse>
8 : EXCELLENT <plays a mean trumpet> [Middle English mene, imene “held in common, inferior,” from Old English gemǣne “held in common”]
— mean·ly adv

— mean·ness \ˈmēn-nəs\ n

2mean \ˈmēn\ vb meant \ˈment\; mean·ing \ˈmē-niŋ\
1 a : to have as a purpose : INTEND <I mean to go>  b : to intend for a particular purpose or use <a book meant for children>
2 : to serve to communicate, show, or indicate : SIGNIFY <what do these words mean> <those clouds mean rain>
3 : to be important to a specified degree <health means everything to us> [Old English mǣnan “to have in mind, intend”]
— mean business : to be serious about

3mean adj
1 : holding a middle position : INTERMEDIATE
2 a : lying about midway between extremes  b : being the mean of a set of values : AVERAGE <mean temperature> [Middle English mene “being in a middle position,” from early French meiene (same meaning), from Latin medianus “being in the middle” — related to 1MEDIAN]

4mean n
1 : a middle point between extremes
2 a : a value that represents a range of values; esp : ARITHMETIC MEAN  b : either of the middle two terms of a proportion
3 pl : something by which a desired result is achieved or furthered <means of production> <use any means you can>
4 pl : WEALTH 1 <a person of means>
— by all means : without fail : CERTAINLY

— by means of : through the use of

— by no means : not at all : certainly not

1me·an·der \mē-ˈan-dər\ n
1 : a turn or winding of a stream
2 : a winding path or course

2meander vb -dered; -der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to follow a winding or complicated course
2 : to wander without a goal or purpose  synonyms see WANDER

1mean·ing \ˈmē-niŋ\ n
1 a : the sense one intends to communicate especially by language <do not mistake my meaning>  b : the sense that is communicated <the poem's meaning is clear>
2 : PURPOSE 1, INTENTION
3 : intent to communicate information : SIGNIFICANCE <a glance full of meaning>

2meaning adj : conveying or intended to convey meaning : SIGNIFICANT <a meaning look>

mean·ing·ful \ˈmē-niŋ-fəl\ adj
1 : having a meaning or purpose <meaningful work>
2 : full of meaning : SIGNIFICANT <a meaningful experience>
— mean·ing·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

mean·ing·less \ˈmē-niŋ-ləs\ adj
1 : having no meaning or significance <meaningless chatter>
2 : lacking motive <a meaningless murder>
— mean·ing·less·ly adv

— mean·ing·less·ness n

mean–spir·it·ed \ˈmēn-ˈspir-ət-əd, ˌmēn-\ adj : feeling or showing a cruel desire to cause pain or harm <a mean-spirited person> <a mean-spirited remark>

1mean·time \ˈmēn-ˌtīm\ n : the time between two events

2meantime adv : in the meantime

1mean·while \ˈmēn-ˌhwīl, -ˌwīl\ n : 1MEANTIME

2meanwhile adv
1 : 2MEANTIME
2 : at the same time

mea·sles \ˈmē-zəlz\ n sing or pl : a contagious disease caused by a virus and marked by fever and red spots on the skin; also : any of several diseases (as German measles) that resemble measles

mea·sly \ˈmēz-(ə-)lē\ adj mea·sli·er; -est : so small or unimportant as to deserve scorn <left a measly nickel tip>

mea·sur·able \ˈmezh-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈmāzh-\ adj : capable of being measured
— mea·sur·ably \-blē\ adv

1mea·sure \ˈmezh-ər, ˈmāzh-\ n
1 a : an adequate, fixed, or suitable limit or amount <surprised beyond measure>  b : 2AMOUNT, EXTENT, DEGREE <gained a large measure of freedom>
2 a : the size, capacity, or quantity of something as fixed by measuring <use equal measures of ingredients>  b : something (as a yardstick or cup) used in measuring  c : a unit used in measuring <the foot is a measure of length>  d : a system of measuring <metric measure>
3 : the act or process of measuring
4 a : 2DANCE 2; esp : a slow and stately dance  b : rhythm or movement in music or poetry : METER, CADENCE  c : the part of a musical staff between two bars or the group of beats between these bars
5 : an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result; esp : a legislative bill or act [Middle English mesure “measure,” from early French mesure (same meaning), from Latin mensura “measure,” from mensus, past participle of metiri “to measure” — related to DIMENSION, IMMENSE]
— for good measure : in addition to what is required : as an extra

See TABLE

2measure vb mea·sured; mea·sur·ing \ˈmezh-(ə-)riŋ, ˈmāzh-\
1 : to mark or fix in multiples of a specific unit <measure out two cups>
2 : to find out the size, extent, or amount of <measure the piece of paper>
3 : 1ESTIMATE 1 <measured the distance with my eye>
4 : to bring into comparison <measure your skill against an opponent's>
5 : to serve as a measure of <a thermometer measures temperature>
6 : to have as its measurement <the room measures 12 by 12 feet>
— mea·sur·er \-ər-ər\ n

mea·sured \ˈmezh-ərd, ˈmāzh-\ adj
1 a : regulated or determined by a standard  b : marked by rhythm : EVEN <walk with measured steps>
2 : 2DELIBERATE 1, CALCULATED <speak with measured rudeness>

mea·sure·less \ˈmezh-ər-ləs, ˈmāzh-\ adj : being without or beyond measure : IMMEASURABLE <the measureless universe>

mea·sure·ment \ˈmezh-ər-mənt, ˈmāzh-\ n
1 : the act or process of measuring
2 : a figure, extent, or amount obtained by measuring
3 : a system of measures

measure up vb
1 : to have necessary or fitting qualifications
2 : to be the equal (as in ability) — used with to

measuring worm n : LOOPER 1

meat \ˈmēt\ n
1 a : something eaten for nourishment; esp : solid food as distinguished from drink  b : the edible part of something as distinguished from the covering (as a shell or husk) <walnut meat>
2 : animal and especially mammal flesh used as food

meat·ball \-ˌbȯl\ n : a small ball of chopped or ground meat

meat loaf n : ground meat seasoned and baked in the form of a loaf

meaty \ˈmēt-ē\ adj meat·i·er; -est
1 : full of meat : FLESHY
2 : rich in matter for thought : SUBSTANTIAL <a meaty book>
— meat·i·ness n

mec·ca \ˈmek-ə\ n, often cap : a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest <a mecca for tourists> [named for Mecca, city in Arabia, the birthplace of Muhammad and the goal of Muslim pilgrimages]

1me·chan·ic \mi-ˈkan-ik\ adj : of or relating to work performed by hand or skill at such work <mechanic arts>

2mechanic n : a person who works with his or her hands; esp : a repairer of machines

me·chan·i·cal \mi-ˈkan-i-kəl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to machinery <mechanical skill>  b : made or operated by a machine or machinery <a mechanical toy>
2 : done as if by machine : IMPERSONAL <gave a mechanical reply>
3 : relating to or according with the principles of mechanics
— me·chan·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

mechanical advantage n : the ratio of the force that performs the useful work of a machine to the force that is applied to the machine

mechanical drawing n
1 : drawing done with the aid of instruments (as compasses and squares)
2 : a drawing made with instruments

mechanical engineering n : engineering that deals with tools, machinery, and the application of mechanics in industry
— mechanical engineer n

me·chan·ics \mi-ˈkan-iks\ n sing or pl
1 : a science that deals with energy and forces and their effect on bodies
2 : the application of mechanics to the making or operation of machines
3 : the details of the way something works or is done <the mechanics of running>

mech·a·nism \ˈmek-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : a piece of machinery
2 a : the parts by which a machine operates  b : the process, way, or system for achieving a goal <the mechanism of government>
3 : the processes involved in or responsible for a natural occurrence (as evolution or an action or reaction)

mech·a·nize \ˈmek-ə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to make mechanical; esp : to make automatic
2 a : to equip with machinery especially to replace human or animal labor  b : to equip with armed and armored motor vehicles <mechanized infantry>
— mech·a·ni·za·tion \ˌmek-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— mech·a·niz·er \ˈmek-ə-ˌnī-zər\ n

med·al \ˈmed-əl\ n : a piece of metal often in the form of a coin with design and words in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement

med·al·ist or med·al·list \ˈmed-əl-əst\ n : a person who receives a medal

me·dal·lion \mə-ˈdal-yən\ n
1 : a large medal
2 : something resembling a large medal (as in shape)

med·dle \ˈmed-əl\ vb med·dled; med·dling \ˈmed-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to interest oneself in what is not one's concern <meddle in another's business>
— med·dler \ˈmed-lər, -əl-ər\ n
synonyms MEDDLE, INTERFERE, TAMPER, mean to concern oneself with something that is not one's own business. MEDDLE stresses intruding in a thoughtless and annoying fashion <meddling in a friend's personal problems>. INTERFERE suggests getting in the way of or disturbing someone or something whether intentionally or not <building the dam interfered with nature> <your noise is interfering with my studying>. TAMPER suggests intruding or experimenting that is wrong or uncalled-for and likely to be harmful <tampered with the lock while trying to get into the building>.

med·dle·some \ˈmed-əl-səm\ adj : inclined to meddle
— med·dle·some·ly adv

med·fly \ˈmed-ˌflī\ n : MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY

media plural of MEDIUM

me·dia \ˈmēd-ē-ə\ n
1 : a medium of cultivation, conveyance, or expression; esp : MEDIUM 3
2 a sing or pl : forms or systems of communication designed to reach a large number of people : MASS MEDIA  b pl : members of the mass media

mediaeval variant of MEDIEVAL

me·di·al \ˈmēd-ē-əl\ adj
1 : 2MEDIAN 1
2 : 2ORDINARY 2, AVERAGE
— me·di·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

1me·di·an \ˈmēd-ē-ən\ n
1 : a value in a series arranged from smallest to largest below and above which there are an equal number of values or which is the average of the two middle values if there is no one middle value <the median of the set 1, 3, 7, 12, 19 is 7 and the median of the set 2, 5, 7, 15 is 6>
2 : a line drawn from the vertex of a triangle to the midpoint of the opposite side [from Latin mediana vena “median vein (a large vein in the arm),” from earlier Latin medianus “being in the middle,” from medius “middle” — related to INTERMEDIATE, 3MEAN, MERIDIAN]

2median adj
1 : being in the middle or in an intermediate position
2 : relating to or making up a median

me·di·ant \ˈmēd-ē-ənt\ n : the third tone above the tonic

me·di·ate \ˈmēd-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to work with opposing sides in an argument in order to bring about an agreement <mediate a settlement> <mediate a dispute>
2 : to pass on or act as a mechanism or agency that is between others
— me·di·a·tion \ˌmēd-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

me·di·a·tor \ˈmēd-ē-ˌāt-ər\ n : one that mediates
— me·di·a·to·ry \-ē-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

med·ic \ˈmed-ik\ n : a person engaged in medical work; esp : CORPSMAN

Med·ic·aid \ˈmed-i-ˌkād\ n : a program of medical aid designed for those unable to afford regular medical service and paid for by the state and federal governments

med·i·cal \ˈmed-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or concerned with the science or practice of medicine <a medical education>
2 : requiring, providing, or used in medical treatment <medical emergencies> <a medical device>
— med·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

Medi·care \ˈmed-i-ˌke(ə)r, -ˌka(ə)r\ n : a government program of medical care especially for the aged

med·i·cat·ed \ˈmed-ə-ˌkāt-əd\ adj : treated with or containing a medicine <medicated soap>

med·i·ca·tion \ˌmed-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n : MEDICINE 1

me·dic·i·nal \mə-ˈdis-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain
— me·dic·i·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

med·i·cine \ˈmed-ə-sən\ n
1 : a substance or preparation used in treating disease
2 : the science or art that deals with the prevention, cure, or easing of disease; esp : the practice of the physician as it differs from that of the surgeon
3 : an object, power, or ceremony held to give control over natural or magical forces

medicine ball n : a heavy usually large ball used especially for strengthening exercises

medicine dropper n : DROPPER 2

medicine man n : a person especially among the American Indians that is believed to have magic powers that can cure illnesses and keep away evil spirits by potions and charms

medicine show n : a traveling show using entertainers to attract a crowd that may buy cures, remedies, and medicines whose benefits are often much exaggerated

me·di·eval also me·di·ae·val \ˌmēd-ē-ˈē-vəl, ˌmed-; mē-ˈdē-vəl, med-ˈē-\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Middle Ages

me·di·o·cre \ˌmēd-ē-ˈō-kər\ adj : of medium or low quality : ORDINARY <a mediocre performance>

me·di·oc·ri·ty \ˌmēd-ē-ˈäk-rət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being mediocre
2 : a mediocre person

med·i·tate \ˈmed-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 a : to consider or think over carefully : CONTEMPLATE  b : to spend time in quiet thinking : REFLECT
2 : INTEND, PLAN <meditate a trip abroad>

med·i·ta·tion \ˌmed-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n : the act or an instance of meditating

med·i·ta·tive \ˈmed-ə-ˌtāt-iv\ adj : having the habit of meditating
— med·i·ta·tive·ly adv

Med·i·ter·ra·nean \ˌmed-ə-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən, -ˈrā-nyən\ adj : of or relating to the Mediterranean Sea or to the lands or peoples around it

Mediterranean fruit fly n : a small widely distributed yellowish brown two-winged fly whose larva lives and feeds in ripening fruit — called also medfly

1me·di·um \ˈmēd-ē-əm\ n, pl mediums or me·dia \ˈmēd- ē-ə\
1 a : something that is between or in the middle  b : a middle condition or degree
2 : the thing by which or through which something is done <money is a medium of exchange>; esp : a substance through which a force acts or by which something is carried <air is the common medium of sound>
3 pl usually media : a form or system (as newspapers, radio, or television) of communication, information, or entertainment
4 pl mediums : a person through whom others seek to communicate with the spirits of the dead
5 : a surrounding substance or condition : ENVIRONMENT <marine fish live in a medium of salt water>
6 pl media  a : a nourishing system for the artificial cultivation of microorganisms (as bacteria) or cells  b : a fluid or solid in which plant or animal parts are placed (as for mounting or preserving)

2medium adj : intermediate in amount, quality, position, or degree

med·ley \ˈmed-lē\ n, pl medleys
1 : MIXTURE 2; esp : a confused mixture
2 : a musical composition made up of a series of songs or short musical pieces

me·dul·la \mə-ˈdəl-ə\ n, pl -dul·las or -dul·lae \-ˈdəl-ē, -ˌī\
1 : MEDULLA OBLONGATA
2 : the inner or deep part of an animal or plant structure (as the adrenal gland or kidney)
— med·ul·lary \ˈmed-əl-ˌer-ē, ˈmej-ə-ˌler-ē\ adj

medulla ob·lon·ga·ta \-ˌäb-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgät-ə\ n : the somewhat pyramid-shaped bottom part of the vertebrate brain that joins the spinal cord and is concerned with the control of involuntary activities (as breathing and beating of the heart) necessary for life

me·du·sa \mi-ˈd(y)ü-sə, -zə\ n, pl -sae \-ˌsē, -ˌzē\ also -sas : JELLYFISH 1

meek \ˈmēk\ adj
1 : putting up with wrongs patiently and without complaint : MILD
2 : lacking spirit or self-assurance : HUMBLE
— meek·ly adv

— meek·ness n

meer·kat \ˈmir-ˌkat\ n : a burrowing mammal of southern Africa that feeds chiefly on insects, is grayish with faint black markings, and lives in usually large colonies

meer·schaum \ˈmi(ə)r-shəm, -ˌshȯm\ n
1 : a soft white lightweight mineral resembling a very fine clay used especially for tobacco pipes
2 : a tobacco pipe made of meerschaum [German, literally, “sea foam”]

1meet \ˈmēt\ vb met \ˈmet\; meet·ing
1 : to come by chance into the presence of : ENCOUNTER <met an old friend>
2 a : to approach from the opposite direction <when you meet another car, keep to the right>  b : to touch and join or cross <a fork where two roads meet>
3 : to go where a person or thing is or will be <agreed to meet me at school>
4 a : to become acquainted <the couple met at a dance>  b : to make the acquaintance of <met interesting people there>
5 a : to come together as opponents <the teams met in the finals>  b : to struggle against : OPPOSE <was chosen to meet the champion>
6 : 2MATCH 4A <tries to meet the competitor's price>
7 : ENDURE 2 <meet defeat bravely>
8 : to come together : ASSEMBLE <meet for discussion>
9 : to become noticed by <sounds that meet the ears>
10 a : to fulfill the requirements of : SATISFY <met all our demands>  b : to pay fully : DISCHARGE <meet a financial obligation> [Old English mētan “to meet”]
— meet halfway : to compromise with

— meet with : to be subjected to : ENCOUNTER <the plan met with opposition>

2meet n : a meeting for sports competition <a track meet>

3meet adj : SUITABLE 2, PROPER [Old English gemǣte “proper”]
— meet·ly adv

meet·ing \ˈmēt-iŋ\ n
1 : the act of persons or things that meet <a chance meeting>
2 : a coming together of a number of persons for a definite purpose <the club meeting>
3 : an assembly for religious worship <a Quaker meeting>
4 : the place where two things come together : JUNCTION

meet·ing·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a building used for public assembly and especially for Protestant worship

meg \ˈmeg\ n : MEGABYTE

mega- or meg- combining form
1 : great : large <megaspore>
2 : million : multiplied by one million <megahertz>
3 : to the highest or greatest degree <mega-successful> [from Greek megas “large”]

mega·bit \ˈmeg-ə-ˌbit\ n : one million bits

mega·byte \ˈmeg-ə-ˌbīt\ n : 1,048,576 bytes; also : one million bytes

mega·cy·cle \ˈmeg-ə-ˌsī-kəl\ n : one million cycles; esp : MEGAHERTZ

mega·dose \-ˌdōs\ n : a large dose (as of a vitamin)

mega·hertz \ˈmeg-ə-ˌhərts, -ˌhe(ə)rts\ n : a unit of frequency equal to one million hertz

mega·hit \ˈmeg-ə-ˌhit\ n : something (as a movie) that is extremely successful

meg·a·lop·o·lis \ˌmeg-ə-ˈläp-ə-ləs\ n
1 : a very large city
2 : a thickly populated region centering in a large city or including several large cities

mega·phone \ˈmeg-ə-ˌfōn\ n : a cone-shaped device used to direct the voice and increase its loudness

mega·pix·el \-ˌpik-səl\ n : one million pixels <a two-megapixel digital camera>

mega·plex \-ˌpleks\ n : a large multiplex typically housing 16 or more movie theaters

mega·spore \ˈmeg-ə-ˌspō(ə)r, -ˌspȯ(ə)r\ n : a plant spore that produces a female gametophyte

mega·ton \ˈmeg-ə-ˌtən\ n : an explosive force equal to that of one million tons of TNT

mei·o·sis \mī-ˈō-səs\ n, pl -o·ses \-ˈō-ˌsēz\ : the process by which the number of chromosomes in a cell that produces sex cells is reduced to one half and that involves a reduction division in which one of each pair of homologous chromosomes passes to each daughter cell followed by a mitotic division — compare MITOSIS 1
— mei·ot·ic \mī-ˈät-ik\ adj

— mei·ot·i·cal·ly \-ˈät-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

meit·ner·i·um \mīt-ˈnir-ē-əm, -ˈner-\ n : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE

mel·an·cho·lia \ˌmel-ən-ˈkō-lē-ə\ n : a mental condition marked especially by extreme depression

1mel·an·choly \ˈmel-ən-ˌkäl-ē\ n, pl -chol·ies : a sad or gloomy mood or condition [Middle English malencolie “melancholy,” from early French melancolie (same meaning), from Latin melancholia (same meaning), from Greek melancholia “melancholy,” literally, “black bile,” from melan-, melas “black” and cholē “bile”; so called from the ancient belief that the condition was caused by an excess of what was thought to be black bile in the body — related to CHOLERIC, MELANIN; see Word History at HUMOR]

2melancholy adj
1 : depressed in spirits : DEJECTED, SAD
2 : seriously thoughtful
3 : causing sadness : DISMAL <a melancholy thought>

Mel·a·ne·sian \ˌmel-ə-ˈnē-zhən, -shən\ n : a member of the most numerous native group of Melanesia
— Melanesian adj

mé·lange \mā-ˈlänzh, -ˈlänj\ n : a mixture often of dissimilar elements

mel·a·nin \ˈmel-ə-nən\ n : a dark brown or black animal or plant pigment that in human beings makes some skins darker than others [derived from Greek melan-, melas “black” — related to MELANCHOLY]

mel·a·nism \ˈmel-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n : an exceptionally dark coloring (as of skin, feathers, or hair) of an individual or kind of living thing

me·la·no·cyte \mə-ˈlan-ə-ˌsīt, ˈmel-ə-nō-\ n : a body cell (as in the skin) that produces or contains melanin

mel·a·no·ma \ˌmel-ə-ˈnō-mə\ n, pl -mas also -ma·ta \-mət-ə\ : a usually malignant tumor containing dark pigment

mel·a·to·nin \ˌmel-ə-ˈtō-nən\ n : a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland especially in response to darkness and has been linked to the regulation of bodily functions or activities (as sleep) that occur in approximately 24 hour cycles

1meld \ˈmeld\ vb : MERGE 1, BLEND <the vocals meld perfectly with the instrumental accompaniment>

2meld n : 2BLEND 1, MIXTURE <a meld of new and old ideas>

me·lee \ˈmā-ˌlā, mā-ˈlā\ n : a confused struggle; esp : a hand-to-hand fight among several people

me·lio·rate \ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt, ˈmē-lē-ə-\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to make or become better : IMPROVE
— me·lio·ra·tion \ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən, ˌmē-lē-ə-\ n

— me·lio·ra·tive \ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt-iv, ˈmē-lē-ə-\ adj

mel·lif·lu·ous \me-ˈlif-lə-wəs, mə-\ adj : smoothly flowing <mellifluous speech>
— mel·lif·lu·ous·ly adv

— mel·lif·lu·ous·ness n

mel·lo·phone \ˈmel-ə-ˌfōn\ n : an althorn in circular form

1mel·low \ˈmel-ō\ adj
1 a : tender and sweet because of ripeness <mellow peaches>  b : well aged and pleasingly mild <a mellow wine>
2 a : made gentle by age or experience <developed a mellow disposition from caring for his grandchildren>  b : PLEASANT 1, AGREEABLE <mellow sounds>  c : LAID-BACK <a mellow personality>
3 : being soft and crumbly <mellow soil>
4 : being clear, full, and pure <spoke in mellow tones>
— mel·low·ly adv

— mel·low·ness n

2mellow vb : to make or become mellow <old houses, weather-beaten and mellowed by time>

me·lo·de·on \mə-ˈlōd-ē-ən\ n : a small reed organ in which a bellows draws air inward through the reeds

me·lod·ic \mə-ˈläd-ik\ adj : of or relating to melody : MELODIOUS
— me·lod·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

me·lo·di·ous \mə-ˈlōd-ē-əs\ adj
1 : pleasing to the ear because of melody <melodious music>
2 : of, relating to, or producing melody <melodious birds>
— me·lo·di·ous·ly adv

— me·lo·di·ous·ness n

melo·dra·ma \ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə, -ˌdram-\ n
1 a : a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot  b : such works as a group
2 : melodramatic events or behavior

melo·dra·mat·ic \ˌmel-ə-drə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to melodrama
2 : resembling or suitable for melodrama : SENSATIONAL
— melo·dra·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

mel·o·dy \ˈmel-əd-ē\ n, pl -dies
1 : a pleasing succession of sounds
2 : a series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect
3 : the leading part in a musical composition involving harmony

mel·on \ˈmel-ən\ n : any of various fruits (as a cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or watermelon) of the gourd family that have juicy and usually sweet flesh eaten raw and a firm rind

1melt \ˈmelt\ vb
1 : to change from a solid to a liquid state usually through heat <melt butter> <snow melts>
2 : DISSOLVE 1 <the sugar melted in the coffee>
3 : to grow less : DISAPPEAR <clouds melting away>
4 : to make or become gentle : SOFTEN <a warm smile melts the heart>
5 : to lose clear outline or shape : BLEND, MERGE
— melt·er n

2melt n : a melted substance

melt·down \ˈmelt-ˌdau̇n\ n
1 : the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor
2 : a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse <a financial meltdown>
3 : a breakdown of self-control (as from fatigue or overstimulation)

melting point n : the temperature at which a solid melts

melting pot n
1 : a container in which something is melted : CRUCIBLE
2 : a place (as a city or country) in which various nationalities or races live together and gradually blend into one community

mel·ton \ˈmelt-ən\ n : a smooth heavy woolen cloth used for overcoats

melt·wa·ter \ˈmelt-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : water that comes from the melting of ice and snow

mem·ber \ˈmem-bər\ n
1 : a part (as an arm, leg, leaf, or branch) of an animal or plant
2 : one of the individuals or units of a group or organization <a club member>
3 : a part of a whole and especially of a structure <a horizontal member of a bridge>
4 a : the whole expression on one side or the other of a mathematical equation or inequality  b : ELEMENT 2B

mem·ber·ship \ˈmem-bər-ˌship\ n
1 : the state or status of being a member
2 : all the members of an organization

mem·brane \ˈmem-ˌbrān\ n : a thin soft flexible sheet or layer especially of a plant or animal part (as a cell, tissue, or organ)
— mem·bra·nous \ˈmem-brə-nəs\ adj

me·men·to \mi-ˈment-ō\ n, pl -tos or -toes : something that serves to warn or remind; also : SOUVENIR <mementos of a trip>

memo \ˈmem-ō\ n, pl mem·os : MEMORANDUM

mem·oir \ˈmem-ˌwär, -ˌwȯ(ə)r\ n
1 a : a story of a personal experience  b : AUTOBIOGRAPHY — usually used in plural  c : BIOGRAPHY
2 : 1REPORT 2

mem·o·ra·bil·ia \ˌmem-ə-rə-ˈbil-ē-ə, -ˈbil-yə\ n pl
1 : things worth remembering
2 : things valued or collected for their relation to a particular field or interest <baseball memorabilia>

mem·o·ra·ble \ˈmem-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : worth remembering : NOTABLE
— mem·o·ra·bly \-blē\ adv

mem·o·ran·dum \ˌmem-ə-ˈran-dəm\ n, pl -dums or -da \-də\
1 : an informal record or communication
2 : a brief written reminder

1me·mo·ri·al \mə-ˈmōr-ē-əl, -ˈmȯr-\ adj : serving to preserve the memory of a person or an event <a memorial service>
— me·mo·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

2memorial n : something that keeps alive the memory of a person or event; esp : MONUMENT 1

Memorial Day n
1 : May 30 once observed as a legal holiday in honor of those who died in war
2 : the last Monday in May observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.
3 : CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY

me·mo·ri·al·ize \mə-ˈmōr-ē-ə-ˌlīz, -ˈmȯr-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : COMMEMORATE 1
— me·mo·ri·al·i·za·tion \-ˌmōr-ē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌmȯr-\ n

mem·o·rize \ˈmem-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing : to learn by heart
— mem·o·ri·za·tion \ˌmem-(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

mem·o·ry \ˈmem-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 a : the power or process of recalling what has been learned  b : the store of things learned and kept in the mind <recite from memory>
2 : COMMEMORATION 1 <a monument in memory of a hero>
3 : something remembered <has pleasant memories of the trip>
4 : the time within which past events can be remembered <within the memory of people living today>
5 a : a device (as in a computer) into which information can be inserted and stored and from which it may be taken when needed  b : capacity for storing information <a computer with 512 megabytes of memory>
synonyms MEMORY, REMEMBRANCE, RECOLLECTION, REMINISCENCE, mean something remembered. MEMORY applies both to the power of remembering and to what is remembered <had a remarkable memory> <had many fond memories of her grandfather>. REMEMBRANCE stresses the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered <a vivid remembrance of their adventure>. RECOLLECTION suggests that something is deliberately brought back to mind and often with some effort <to the best of my recollection he never said that>. REMINISCENCE suggests the remembering of usually pleasant events, experiences, or feelings from a distant past <the author's reminiscences of a childhood in Scotland>.

men plural of MAN

1men·ace \ˈmen-əs\ n
1 : someone or something that represents a threat : DANGER
2 : an annoying person : NUISANCE

2menace vb men·aced; men·ac·ing
1 : to make a show of intention to harm : THREATEN
2 : ENDANGER
— men·ac·ing·ly \ˈmen-ə-siŋ-lē\ adv

mé·nage \mā-ˈnäzh\ n : 1HOUSEHOLD

me·nag·er·ie \mə-ˈnaj-(ə-)rē also -ˈnazh-\ n
1 : a place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition
2 : a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition

1mend \ˈmend\ vb
1 : to improve in manners or morals : REFORM
2 : to put into good shape or working order again
3 : to improve in health; also : HEAL
— mend·able \ˈmen-də-bəl\ adj

— mend·er n
synonyms MEND, PATCH, REPAIR, mean to take something that has been damaged and make it usable again. MEND suggests making something that has been broken or damaged once again whole or fit for use <mend the torn dress>. PATCH refers to mending a hole or break by using new material <patched the hole with concrete> and it may also suggest a hurried careless job <just patch the roof for now>. REPAIR applies to the fixing of something that has been damaged considerably <the mechanic repaired our car>.

2mend n
1 : an act of mending : REPAIR
2 : a mended place
— on the mend : getting better (as in health)

men·da·cious \men-ˈdā-shəs\ adj : apt to tell lies
— men·da·cious·ly adv

— men·dac·i·ty \men-ˈdas-ət-ē\ n

men·de·le·vi·um \ˌmen-də-ˈlē-vē-əm\ n : a radioactive element that is produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE

Men·de·lian \men-ˈdē-lē-ən, -ˈdēl-yən\ adj : of, relating to, or according with Mendel's laws or the operation of Mendel's laws
— Mendelian n

Men·del's law \ˌmen-dəlz-\ n
1 : a principle in genetics: paired inherited units that control the expression of a character (as height or seed color) separate during germ cell formation so that each sperm or egg receives only one member of each pair — called also law of segregation
2 : a principle in genetics that has exceptions due to the discovery of linkage: the members of two or more different pairs of inherited units are passed on to a germ cell independently of each other and the various sperms and eggs unite according to the laws of chance sometimes resulting in new combinations of inherited units and of the characters they control — called also law of independent assortment
3 : a principle in genetics that has many exceptions: when the two members of a pair of inherited units are different, the dominant one controls the expression of the character — called also law of dominance

men·di·cant \ˈmen-di-kənt\ n
1 : one who lives by begging
2 : a member of a religious order originally owning neither personal nor community property and living mostly on charitable donations : FRIAR
— men·di·can·cy \-kən-sē\ n

— mendicant adj

men·folk \ˈmen-ˌfōk\ or men·folks \-ˌfōks\ n pl
1 : men in general
2 : the men of a family or community

men·ha·den \men-ˈhād-ən, mən-\ n, pl -den also -dens : a fish of the Atlantic coast of the U.S. that is related to the herring and is a source of oil and fertilizer

1me·nial \ˈmē-nē-əl, -nyəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for servants
2 : lacking interest or dignity <a menial task>
— me·nial·ly \-ē\ adv

2menial n : 2DOMESTIC

meninges plural of MENINX

men·in·gi·tis \ˌmen-ən-ˈjīt-əs\ n : a disease in which a membrane of the brain or spinal cord becomes inflamed

me·ninx \ˈmē-niŋ(k)s, ˈmen-iŋ(k)s\ n, pl me·nin·ges \mə-ˈnin-jēz\ : any of the three membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord

me·nis·cus \mə-ˈnis-kəs\ n, pl me·nis·ci \-ˈnis-ˌ(k)ī, -ˌkē\ also me·nis·cus·es : the curved upper surface of a liquid column

Men·no·nite \ˈmen-ə-ˌnīt\ n : a member of one of the Protestant groups founded in Holland in the 16th century and noted for dressing plainly and living simply

meno·pause \ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz\ n : the period of life when menstruation permanently stops naturally that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55
— meno·paus·al \ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl\ adj

me·no·rah \mə-ˈnōr-ə, -ˈnȯr-\ n : a holder for candles used in Jewish worship

menservants plural of MANSERVANT

men·ses \ˈmen-ˌsēz\ n sing or pl : the menstrual flow

men·stru·al \ˈmen(t)-strə(-wə)l\ adj : of or relating to menstruation

menstrual cycle n : the complete cycle of bodily changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next

men·stru·ate \ˈmen(t)-strə-ˌwāt, ˈmen-ˌstrāt\ vb : to undergo menstruation

men·stru·a·tion \ˌmen(t)-strə-ˈwā-shən, men-ˈstrā-shən\ n : a discharging of blood, secretions, and tissue debris from the uterus at periods of approximately one month in female primates of breeding age that are not pregnant; also : PERIOD 3C

men·su·ra·tion \ˌmen(t)-sə-ˈrā-shən, ˌmen-chə-\ n
1 : the process or art of measuring : MEASUREMENT
2 : the branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement of lengths, areas, and volumes

mens·wear \ˈmenz-ˌwer\ n : clothing for men

-ment \mənt\ n suffix
1 : result, object, or means of a (specified) action <attachment> <government>
2 a : action : process <improvement> <development>  b : place of a (specified) action <encampment>
3 : state : condition <amazement> [from Latin -mentum (noun suffix)]

men·tal \ˈment-əl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to the mind <mental powers>  b : carried on in the mind <mental arithmetic>
2 a : relating to or affected by a disorder of the mind <a mental illness>  b : intended for the care of persons affected by mental disorders <mental hospitals>
— men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

mental age n : a measure of a child's mental development in terms of the number of years from birth it takes an average child to reach the same level

men·tal·i·ty \men-ˈtal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : mental power : INTELLIGENCE
2 : a particular way of thinking : OUTLOOK

mental retardation n, sometimes offensive : INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

men·thol \ˈmen-ˌthȯl, -ˌthōl\ n : a white soothing substance from oils of mint

1men·tion \ˈmen-chən\ n : a brief or passing reference to something

2mention vb men·tioned; men·tion·ing \ˈmench-(ə-)niŋ\ : to refer to or speak about briefly
— men·tion·able \ˈmench-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj

— not to mention : not even yet counting or considering : and notably in addition <a plan that's risky, not to mention expensive>

1men·tor \ˈmen-ˌtȯ(ə)r, ˈment-ər\ n : a wise and faithful adviser or teacher

2mentor vb : to serve as a mentor for : TUTOR <a volunteer who mentors students>

menu \ˈmen-yü, ˈmān-\ n
1 : a list of dishes served at or available for a meal; also : a similar list of offerings <a menu of TV programs>
2 : the dishes served at a meal
3 : a list of computer operations shown on the display screen for a user to select from <a menu of printing options>
Word History Many restaurants boast of having large menus, but the origin of the word menu actually suggests the idea of smallness. The origins of menu can be traced to the Latin adjective minutus, meaning “small.” Minutus is also the source of our word minute. From minutus came the French adjective menu, which has several meanings including “small” and “detailed.” The use of menu as a noun meaning “a list of food” probably came from the “detailed” sense of the adjective, since a menu is most often a detailed list. [from French menu “a list of food dishes,” from menu (adjective) “small, detailed,” from Latin minutus “small” — related to MINUTE]

menu–driv·en \-ˌdriv-ən\ adj : relating to or being computer software in which options are shown to the user on menus

me·ow \mē-ˈau̇\ n : the characteristic sound of a cat
— meow vb

mer·can·tile \ˈmər-kən-ˌtēl, -ˌtīl\ adj : of or relating to merchants, trade, or commerce <mercantile businesses> <mercantile families>

1mer·ce·nary \ˈmərs-ən-ˌer-ē\ n, pl -nar·ies : one that serves only for wages; esp : a soldier hired by a foreign country to fight in its army

2mercenary adj
1 : serving only for the pay or reward <mercenary armies> <a mercenary soldier>
2 : greedy for money <mercenary business owners>

mer·cer \ˈmər-sər\ n, British : a dealer in textile fabrics

mer·cer·ize \ˈmər-sə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to treat cotton fiber or fabrics with a chemical so that the fibers are strengthened, take dyes better, and often acquire a soft shine
— mer·cer·i·za·tion \ˌmərs-(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

1mer·chan·dise \ˈmər-chən-ˌdīz, -ˌdīs\ n : the goods that are bought and sold in trade

2merchandise \ˈmər-chən-ˌdīz\ vb -dised; -dis·ing : to buy and sell : TRADE; esp : to try to improve sales of goods or services by attractive presentation and publicity
— mer·chan·dis·er n

1mer·chant \ˈmər-chənt\ n
1 : a buyer and seller of goods for profit; esp : one who carries on trade on a large scale or with foreign countries
2 : STOREKEEPER 2 [Middle English marchant “merchant,” from early French marcheant (same meaning), derived from Latin mercari “to trade,” from merc-, merx “merchandise” — related to COMMERCE, MARKET]

2merchant adj
1 : of, relating to, or used in trade <a merchant ship>
2 : of or relating to a merchant marine

mer·chant·man \ˈmər-chənt-mən\ n : a ship used in trade

merchant marine n
1 : the commercial ships of a nation
2 : the persons who work in a merchant marine

merchant ship n : MERCHANTMAN

mer·ci·ful \ˈmər-si-fəl\ adj : having or showing mercy : COMPASSIONATE <a merciful ruler>
— mer·ci·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— mer·ci·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

mer·ci·less \ˈmər-si-ləs\ adj : having no mercy : PITILESS <merciless slaughter>
— mer·ci·less·ly adv

— mer·ci·less·ness n

mer·cu·ri·al \(ˌ)mər-ˈkyu̇r-ē-əl\ adj
1 : characterized by rapid and unpredictable change of mood
2 : MERCURIC
— mer·cu·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

mer·cu·ric \(ˌ)mər-ˈkyu̇(ə)r-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or containing mercury

Mer·cu·ro·chrome \(ˌ)mər-ˈkyu̇r-ə-ˌkrōm\ trademark — used for a red solution of an antiseptic and germicide

mer·cu·ry \ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē\ n
1 a : a heavy silver-white poisonous metallic element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures — called also quicksilver; see ELEMENT TABLE  b : the column of mercury in a thermometer or barometer
2 cap : the planet nearest the sun — see PLANET TABLE

mer·cy \ˈmər-sē\ n, pl mercies
1 a : kind and gentle treatment of someone (as a wrongdoer or opponent) having no right to it  b : a disposition to show mercy
2 a : a blessing as an act of divine love <the mercies of God>  b : a fortunate happening <it's a mercy the weather cooled off>
3 : kindness shown to victims of misfortune <works of mercy among the poor>
— at the mercy of : wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against <was at the mercy of the weather>
Word History To the ancient Romans, the Latin word merces meant “price paid for something, wages, reward.” The early Christians of Rome used the word in a slightly different way. For them it meant the spiritual reward one receives for doing a kindness in response to an unkindness. The word came into early French as mercit or merci with much the same meaning as was later passed on to our Modern English word mercy. But while mercy in English now has the meaning “kindness or pity shown to someone,” the word merci in French has lost much of that meaning and is chiefly used today to mean “thank you.” [Middle English merci, mercy “mercy,” from early French merci, mercit (same meaning), from Latin merces “price paid for something, wages, reward”]
synonyms MERCY, CLEMENCY, LENIENCY, mean the disposition not to be harsh in one's dealings with others. MERCY suggests feeling pity and withholding punishment even when justice demands it <pleaded guilty and asked for mercy from the court>. CLEMENCY suggests a mild or merciful disposition in the person having the power to punish <the judge refused to show clemency>. LENIENCY suggests the repeated overlooking of mistakes by one not inclined to be severe <their parents' leniency was well-known among the children>.

mercy killing n : EUTHANASIA

1mere \ˈmi(ə)r\ n : a sheet of still water : POOL [Old English mere “lake, pool”]

2mere adj superlative mer·est : being only this and nothing else : nothing more than <a mere whisper> <a mere child> [Middle English mere “nothing more or less than,” from Latin merus “pure”]
— mere·ly adv

mer·e·tri·cious \ˌmer-ə-ˈtrish-əs\ adj : falsely attractive
— mer·e·tri·cious·ly adv

— mer·e·tri·cious·ness n

mer·gan·ser \(ˌ)mər-ˈgan(t)-sər\ n, pl -sers or -ser : any of various fish-eating wild ducks with a slender bill hooked at the end and usually with a bunch of feathers on the head that point backward

merge \ˈmərj\ vb merged; merg·ing
1 : to be or cause to be swallowed up or absorbed in something else : MINGLE, BLEND <merging traffic>
2 : COMBINE 3A, UNITE <merge two business firms into one>

merg·er \ˈmər-jər\ n : the combination of two or more businesses into one

me·rid·i·an \mə-ˈrid-ē-ən\ n
1 : the highest point reached
2 a : an imaginary circle on the earth's surface passing through the north and south poles  b : the half of such a circle included between the poles  c : a line on a globe or map representing such a circle or half circle and numbered by degrees of longitude [Middle English meridien “midday,” from early French meridien (same meaning), derived from Latin meridies “noon,” from meri- (altered form of medius “middle”) and dies “day” — related to DIARY, 1MEDIAN]

me·ringue \mə-ˈraŋ\ n
1 : a mixture of beaten egg white and sugar put on pies or cakes and browned
2 : a shell of baked meringue filled with fruit or ice cream

me·ri·no \mə-ˈrē-nō\ n, pl -nos
1 : any of a breed of sheep that produce a heavy fleece of fine white wool
2 : a fine soft wool or wool and cotton fabric resembling cashmere
3 : a fine wool and cotton yarn
— merino adj

mer·i·stem \ˈmer-ə-ˌstem\ n : a plant tissue made up of cells that are not specialized for a particular purpose, are capable of dividing any number of times, and can produce cells that specialize to form the fully developed plant tissues and organs
— mer·i·ste·mat·ic \ˌmer-ə-stə-ˈmat-ik\ adj

1mer·it \ˈmer-ət\ n
1 : the qualities or actions that determine one's worthiness of reward or punishment <were rewarded according to merit>
2 : a quality worthy of praise : VIRTUE <the merit of honesty>
3 : 2WORTH 2, VALUE <your idea has great merit>
4 : individual significance or justification <the accusation is without merit>
— mer·it·less adj

2merit vb : to earn by service or performance : DESERVE

mer·i·to·ri·ous \ˌmer-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əs, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : deserving reward or honor : PRAISEWORTHY
— mer·i·to·ri·ous·ly adv

— mer·i·to·ri·ous·ness n

mer·maid \ˈmər-ˌmād\ n : an imaginary sea creature usually represented with a woman's body and a fish's tail [Middle English mermayde “mermaid,” from mere “lake, pool, sea” and mayde “maid”]

mer·man \ˈmər-ˌman, -mən\ n, pl mer·men \-ˌmen, -mən\ : an imaginary sea creature usually represented with a man's body and a fish's tail

mer·ri·ment \ˈmer-i-mənt\ n : MIRTH, FUN

mer·ry \ˈmer-ē\ adj mer·ri·er; -est
1 : full of good humor and good spirits : MIRTHFUL
2 : marked by gaiety or festivity <a merry Christmas>
— mer·ri·ly \ˈmer-ə-lē\ adv

— mer·ri·ness \ˈmer-ē-nəs\ n

mer·ry–go–round \ˈmer-ē-gō-ˌrau̇nd, -gə-\ n
1 : a circular revolving platform fitted with seats and figures of animals on which people sit for a ride
2 : a rapid round of activities : WHIRL <a merry-go-round of parties>

mer·ry·mak·ing \ˈmer-ē-ˌmā-kiŋ\ n
1 : festive activity : MERRIMENT
2 : a festive occasion
— mer·ry·mak·er \-kər\ n

me·sa \ˈmā-sə\ n : a flat-topped hill or small plateau with steep sides [Spanish, literally, “table”]

mes·cal \me-ˈskal, mə-\ n
1 : PEYOTE 2
2 a : a usually colorless Mexican liquor distilled especially from the central leaves of maguey plants  b : a plant from which this liquor is produced

mes·ca·line \ˈmes-kə-lən, -ˌlēn\ n : a drug that is obtained from the peyote cactus and causes hallucinations

mesdames plural of MADAM or of MADAME or of MRS.

mesdemoiselles plural of MADEMOISELLE

me·seems \mi-ˈsēmz\ impersonal verb past me·seemed \-ˈsēmd\ archaic : it seems to me

mes·en·tery \ˈmez-ən-ˌter-ē, ˈmes-\ n, pl -ter·ies : membranous tissue or one of the membranes that enclose the organs (as the intestines) making up the guts and connect them to the wall of the abdominal cavity

1mesh \ˈmesh\ n
1 : one of the spaces formed by the threads of a net or the wires of a sieve or screen
2 a : a loosely woven fabric with evenly spaced holes  b : 1NET 1
3 : an arrangement of elements that are linked together : NETWORK
4 : the coming or fitting together of the teeth of two gears
— meshed \ˈmesht\ adj

2mesh vb
1 : to catch in or as if in a mesh : ENTANGLE
2 : to fit together : INTERLOCK <mesh gears>

mes·mer·ism \ˈmez-mə-ˌriz-əm also ˈmes-\ n : HYPNOTISM

mes·mer·ize \ˈmez-mə-ˌrīz also ˈmes-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : HYPNOTIZE
2 : FASCINATE 1, SPELLBIND

me·so·derm \ˈmez-ə-ˌdərm, ˈmēz-, ˈmēs-, ˈmes-\ n : the middle layer of cells of an embryonic animal from which most of the muscular, skeletal, and connective tissues develop; also : tissue derived from this layer
— me·so·der·mal \ˌmez-ə-ˈdər-məl, ˌmēz-, ˌmēs-, ˌmes-\ adj

me·so·glea \ˌmez-ə-ˈglē-ə, ˌmes-\ n : a jellylike material between the endoderm and ectoderm of sponges and coelenterates

me·son \ˈmez-ˌän, ˈmes-; ˈmā-ˌzän, ˈmē-, -ˌsän\ n : any of a group of elementary particles that act strongly on one another and are among the products of nuclear collisions

me·so·pause \ˈmez-ə-ˌpȯz, ˈmēz-, ˈmēs-, ˈmes-\ n : the upper boundary of the mesosphere at which the temperature of the atmosphere reaches its lowest point

me·so·phyll \ˈmez-ə-ˌfil, ˈmēz-, ˈmēs-, ˈmes-\ n : the tissue of a leaf that lies between the surface layers and contains cells used for storage and carrying on photosynthesis

me·so·sphere \ˈmez-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r, ˈmēz-, ˈmēs-, ˈmes-\ n : a layer of the atmosphere extending from the top of the stratosphere to an altitude of about 50 miles (80 kilometers)

me·so·tho·rax \ˌmez-ə-ˈthō(ə)r-ˌaks, ˌmēz-, ˌmēs-, ˌmes-, -ˈthȯ(ə)r-\ n : the middle of the three segments of the thorax of an insect

Me·so·zo·ic \ˌmez-ə-ˈzō-ik, ˌmēz-, ˌmēs-, ˌmes-\ adj : of, relating to, or being an era of geological history between the Paleozoic and Cenozoic eras or the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Mesozoic n

mes·quite \mə-ˈskēt, me-\ n : a thorny deep-rooted tree or shrub of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that belongs to the legume family, produces pods rich in sugar, and is important as food for livestock; also : the wood of the mesquite used especially in grilling food

1mess \ˈmes\ n
1 a : a quantity of food  b : a dish of soft food <a mess of porridge>
2 a : a group of people who regularly eat together; also : the meal they eat  b : a place where meals are regularly served to a group : MESS HALL
3 : a state or condition of confusion, disorder, or unpleasantness <left things in a mess>; also : one that is in such a state or condition <his life was a mess>
4 : a large quantity or number <a mess of problems>

2mess vb
1 a : to supply with meals  b : to take meals with a mess
2 a : to make dirty or untidy : DISARRANGE <don't mess up your room>  b : to do incorrectly <messed up the job>  c : to become confused or make an error <tried again and messed up again>
3 : to interfere with <the storm messed up our plans>
4 a : to work without a serious goal : PUTTER <likes to mess around with paints>  b : to handle or play with something especially carelessly <don't mess with the camera>  c : INTERFERE 2, MEDDLE <don't mess with me>
5 : to rough up : MANHANDLE

mes·sage \ˈmes-ij\ n
1 : a communication in writing, in speech, or by signals
2 : a messenger's errand or function
3 : an underlying theme or idea [Middle English message “job or function of a messenger,” from early French message (same meaning), from Latin missaticum “something given to a messenger to deliver,” from earlier missus (past participle of mittere “to send, throw”) and -aticum “action, result” — related to EMIT, MISSION, PROMISE, SUBMISSIVE]

message board n : BULLETIN BOARD 2

messeigneurs plural of MONSEIGNEUR

mes·sen·ger \ˈmes-ən-jər\ n : one that carries a message or does an errand

messenger RNA n : an RNA that carries the code for a particular protein from DNA in the nucleus to a ribosome and that acts as a pattern for the formation of that protein — compare TRANSFER RNA

mess hall n : a hall or building (as on an army post) in which mess is served

mes·si·ah \mə-ˈsī-ə\ n
1 cap  a : the expected king and deliverer of the Jews  b : Jesus Christ regarded as the savior of the world by Christians
2 : a leader of some hope or cause : DELIVERER

messieurs plural of MONSIEUR

mess·mate \ˈmes-ˌmāt\ n : a member of a mess (as on a ship)

Messrs. \ˌmes-ərz\ plural of MR.

messy \ˈmes-ē\ adj mess·i·er; -est
1 : marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt : UNTIDY
2 : extremely unpleasant or trying <messy lawsuits>
— mess·i·ly \ˈmes-ə-lē\ adv

— mess·i·ness \ˈmes-ē-nəs\ n

mes·ti·za \me-ˈstē-zə\ n : a woman who is a mestizo

mes·ti·zo \me-ˈstē-zō\ n, pl -zos : a person having mixed European and American Indian ancestors

met past and past participle of MEET

met·a·bol·ic \ˌmet-ə-ˈbäl-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or based on metabolism <metabolic activity> <a metabolic disorder>
— met·a·bol·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

me·tab·o·lism \mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n
1 : the processes essential for life by which the complex substances in the cells of living things are built up or broken down
2 : the processes by which a particular substance (as iodine) is handled in the living body

me·tab·o·lite \mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīt\ n
1 : a substance produced by metabolism
2 : a substance essential to a process of metabolism

me·tab·o·lize \mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing : to break down by metabolism <food is metabolized by the body>

1meta·car·pal \ˌmet-ə-ˈkär-pəl\ adj : of, relating to, or being the part of the hand or front foot or a bone of this part that is between the carpal bones and the bones of the fingers or toes

2metacarpal n : a metacarpal bone

met·al \ˈmet-əl\ n
1 : any of various substances (as gold, tin, or copper) that have a more or less shiny appearance, are good conductors of electricity and heat, can be melted, and are usually capable of being shaped; esp : one that is a chemical element rather than an alloy
2 : METTLE 2
— metal adj

me·tal·lic \mə-ˈtal-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a metal
2 : containing or made of metal
3 : having a harsh or rasping sound <a metallic voice>

met·al·loid \ˈmet-əl-ˌȯid\ n : an element that has some characteristics of metals and some of nonmetals
— metalloid adj

met·al·lur·gy \ˈmet-əl-ˌər-jē\ n : the science of obtaining metals from their ores and preparing them for use
— met·al·lur·gi·cal \ˌmet-əl-ˈər-ji-kəl\ adj

— met·al·lur·gist \ˈmet-əl-ˌər-jəst\ n

met·al·work \ˈmet-əl-ˌwərk\ n : the product of metalworking
— met·al·work·er \-ˌwər-kər\ n

met·al·work·ing \ˈmet-əl-ˌwər-kiŋ\ n : the act or process of shaping things out of metal

meta·mor·phic \ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-fik\ adj : changed into a more compact form by the action of pressure, heat, and water <a metamorphic rock> — compare IGNEOUS, SEDIMENTARY 2

meta·mor·phose \ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-ˌfōz, -ˌfōs\ vb -phosed; -phos·ing : to change or cause to change in form : go through metamorphosis

meta·mor·pho·sis \ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs\ n, pl -pho·ses \-fə-ˌsēz\
1 : a change of form, structure, or substance especially by witchcraft or magic
2 : an extraordinary change in appearance, character, or circumstances
3 : the process of basic and usually rather sudden change in the form and habits of some animals during transformation from an immature stage (as a tadpole or a caterpillar) to an adult stage (as a frog or a butterfly) — compare COMPLETE METAMORPHOSIS, INCOMPLETE METAMORPHOSIS

meta·phase \ˈmet-ə-ˌfāz\ n : the stage of mitosis or meiosis in which the chromosomes are arranged in the center of the dividing cell prior to their separation or splitting and movement to the poles of the cell

met·a·phor \ˈmet-ə-ˌfȯ(ə)r also -fər\ n : a figure of speech in which a word or phrase meaning one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a similarity between them (as in the ship plows the sea) — compare SIMILE
— met·a·phor·ic \ˌmet-ə-ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär-\ or met·a·phor·i·cal \ˌmet-ə-ˈfȯr-i-kəl, -ˈfär-\ adj

— met·a·phor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

meta·phys·i·cal \ˌmet-ə-ˈfiz-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or based on metaphysics
2 : SUPERNATURAL 1
3 : difficult to understand : ABSTRACT
— meta·phys·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

meta·phys·ics \ˌmet-ə-ˈfiz-iks\ n : the part of philosophy concerned with the ultimate causes and basic nature of things [from Latin Metaphysica, title given to a work by Aristotle on the subject, from Greek (ta) meta (ta) physika, literally, “the (works) after the physical (works)”; so called because this section came after the section on physics and physical nature in a collection of Aristotle's collected writings]

me·tas·ta·sis \mə-ˈtas-tə-səs\ n, pl -ta·ses \-ˌsēz\
1 : the spread of something that produces disease (as cancer cells) from the original location of disease to another part of the body
2 : a growth of a malignant tumor in another part of the body resulting from metastasis

me·tas·ta·size \mə-ˈtas-tə-ˌsīz\ vb : to spread or grow by or as if by metastasis

1meta·tar·sal \ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səl\ adj : of, relating to, or being the part of the foot in human beings or of the hind foot in a four-footed animal that is located between the tarsal bones and the toes

2metatarsal n : any of the metatarsal bones of which there are five in human beings

meta·tho·rax \ˌmet-ə-ˈthō(ə)r-ˌaks, -ˈthȯ(ə)r-\ n : the hindmost of the three segments of the thorax of an insect that is next to the abdomen

meta·zo·an \ˌmet-ə-ˈzō-ən\ n : any of the great group of animals with a body composed of cells forming tissues and organs
— metazoan adj

mete \ˈmēt\ vb met·ed; met·ing : to distribute in a fair or proper manner <mete out rewards>

me·te·or \ˈmēt-ē-ər, -ē-ˌȯ(ə)r\ n : one of the small bodies of matter in the solar system observable when it falls into the earth's atmosphere where the heat of friction may cause it to glow brightly for a short time; also : the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor

me·te·or·ic \ˌmēt-ē-ˈȯr-ik, -ˈär-\ adj
1 : of or relating to a meteor <a meteoric shower>
2 : resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance <a meteoric rise to fame>
— me·te·or·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

me·te·or·ite \ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrīt\ n : a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth

me·te·or·oid \ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrȯid\ n : a meteor revolving around the sun

me·te·o·rol·o·gy \ˌmēt-ē-ə-ˈräl-ə-jē\ n : a science that deals with the atmosphere, weather, and weather forecasting
— me·te·o·ro·log·ic \ˌmēt-ē-ə-rə-ˈläj-ik\ or me·te·o·ro·log·i·cal \-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— me·te·o·rol·o·gist \-ˈräl-ə-jəst\ n

1me·ter \ˈmēt-ər\ n
1 : a systematic rhythm in poetry that is usually repeated
2 : the repeated pattern of musical beats in a measure

2meter n : the basic unit of length of the metric system equal to about 39.37 inches — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

3meter n : an instrument for measuring and sometimes recording the amount of something <a gas meter>

meter–kilogram–second adj : of, relating to, or being a system of units based on the meter as the unit of length, the kilogram as the unit of mass, and the second as the unit of time

me·ter·stick \ˈmēt-ər-ˌstik\ n : a measuring stick one meter long that is marked off in centimeters and usually millimeters

meth·a·done \ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn\ also meth·a·don \-ˌdän\ n : a narcotic drug C_21H_27NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

meth·am·phet·amine \ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn\ n : a drug derived from amphetamine that is often used illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

meth·ane \ˈmeth-ˌān\ n : a colorless odorless flammable gas that consists of carbon and hydrogen and is produced by decay of organic matter

meth·a·nol \ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl, -ˌnōl\ n : a light flammable poisonous liquid alcohol that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and is used especially as antifreeze and to dissolve things

meth·i·cil·lin \ˌmeth-ə-ˈsil-ən\ n : a form of penicillin used especially against certain forms of staphylococcus bacteria

me·thinks \mi-ˈthiŋ(k)s\ impersonal verb past me·thought \-ˈthȯt\ archaic : it seems to me

meth·od \ˈmeth-əd\ n
1 : a way, plan, or procedure for doing something
2 : orderly arrangement

me·thod·i·cal \mə-ˈthäd-i-kəl\ adj
1 : marked by or performed or arranged by method or order <a methodical search>
2 : being in the habit of following a method : SYSTEMATIC <a methodical teacher>
— me·thod·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— me·thod·i·cal·ness \-i-kəl-nəs\ n

Meth·od·ist \ˈmeth-əd-əst\ adj : of or relating to any of several Protestant denominations following the teachings of John Wesley
— Meth·od·ism \-ə-ˌdiz-əm\ n

— Methodist n

meth·yl \ˈmeth-əl\ n : a chemical group consisting of carbon and hydrogen

methyl alcohol n : METHANOL

meth·y·lene blue \ˌmeth-ə-ˌlēn-\ n : a dye used as a biological stain and to reverse the effects of cyanide poisoning

methyl orange n : an alkaline liquid mixture used as a dye to indicate the presence of acid

me·tic·u·lous \mə-ˈtik-yə-ləs\ adj : extremely or overly careful in thinking about or dealing with small details <a meticulous researcher>
— me·tic·u·lous·ly adv

— me·tic·u·lous·ness n

me·tre \ˈmēt-ər\ chiefly British variant of METER

met·ric \ˈme-trik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or based on the metric system
2 : METRICAL 1

met·ri·cal \ˈme-tri-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or arranged in meter
2 : METRIC 1
— met·ri·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

met·ri·cize \ˈme-trə-ˌsīz\ vb -cized; -ciz·ing : to change into or express in the metric system

metric system n : a system of weights and measures based on the meter and on the kilogram

See TABLE

metric ton n : a unit of mass equal to 1000 kilograms — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

met·ro \ˈme-trō\ n, pl metros : SUBWAY 2

met·ro·nome \ˈme-trə-ˌnōm\ n : an instrument that ticks regularly to help a music student play in exact time

me·trop·o·lis \mə-ˈträp-(ə-)ləs\ n
1 : the chief or capital city of a country, state, or region
2 : a large important city

1met·ro·pol·i·tan \ˌme-trə-ˈpäl-ət-ən\ n
1 : the head of a church province
2 : one who lives in a metropolis or who has metropolitan manners or customs

2metropolitan adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a metropolis
2 : of or relating to a city and the densely populated surrounding areas

met·tle \ˈmet-əl\ n
1 : quality of temperament or disposition
2 : strength of spirit
3 : ability to keep going : STAYING POWER
— on one's mettle : aroused to do one's best

met·tle·some \ˈmet-əl-səm\ adj : full of mettle : SPIRITED

1mew \ˈmyü\ n : 1GULL; esp : a small gull of Eurasia and western North America [Old English mæw “gull”]

2mew n : MEOW [Middle English mewen (verb) “meow”; a word imitating the sound of a cat]
— mew vb

3mew n
1 : a cage for hawks
2 pl chiefly British : stables usually with living quarters built around a court [Middle English mewe “a cage for hawks,” from early French mue (same meaning), from muer “to change, molt,” from Latin mutare “to change”]

mewl \ˈmyü(ə)l\ vb : to cry weakly : WHIMPER

Mex·i·can \ˈmek-si-kən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Mexico
2 : a person of Mexican ancestry
— Mexican adj

Mexican bean beetle n : a spotted ladybug that feeds on the leaves of beans

Mexican jumping bean n : JUMPING BEAN

me·zu·zah or me·zu·za \mə-ˈzu̇z-ə\ n, pl -zahs or -zas or -zot \-ˌōt\ : a small scroll of parchment inscribed with two passages from Deuteronomy and the name Shaddai (the Almighty) and placed in a case that is attached to the doorjamb by some Jewish families as a sign and reminder of their faith; also : such a scroll and case

mez·za·nine \ˈmez-ən-ˌēn, ˌmez-ən-ˈēn\ n
1 : a story between two main stories of a building often in the form of a balcony
2 : the lowest balcony in a theater or its first few rows

mez·zo for·te \ˌmet-sō-ˈfȯr-ˌtā, ˌmed-zō-, -ˈfȯrt-ē\ adj or adv : played or sung with medium loudness — used as a direction in music [Italian, from mezzo “half, medium” and forte “strong”]

mez·zo pia·no \-pē-ˈän-ō\ adj or adv : played or sung with medium softness — used as a direction in music

mez·zo–so·pra·no \ˌmet-sō-sə-ˈpran-ō, ˌmed-zō-, -ˈprän-\ n : a woman's voice between that of the soprano and contralto; also : a singer having such a voice

mi \mē\ n : the third note of the musical scale

mi·as·ma \mī-ˈaz-mə, mē-\ n, pl -mas or -ma·ta \-mət-ə\
1 : a vapor from a swamp formerly believed to cause disease
2 : a harmful influence or atmosphere
— mi·as·mal \-məl\ adj

— mi·as·mat·ic \ˌmī-əz-ˈmat-ik\ adj

mi·ca \ˈmī-kə\ n : any of various minerals that contain silicon and can be separated easily into thin often transparent sheets

Mi·cah \ˈmī-kə\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

mice plural of MOUSE

Mich·ael·mas \ˈmik-əl-məs\ n : September 29 celebrated as the feast of St. Michael the Archangel

Mi·che·as \ˈmī-kē-əs, mī-ˈkē-\ n : MICAH

micr- or micro- combining form
1 a : small : minute <microfilm>  b : making a sound, image, or signal larger or stronger <microphone>
2 : one millionth part of a (specified) unit <microsecond> [derived from Greek mikros “small, short”]

mi·cro \ˈmī-krō\ adj : MICROSCOPIC 3

mi·crobe \ˈmī-ˌkrōb\ n : MICROORGANISM, GERM
— mi·cro·bi·al \mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl\ also mi·cro·bic \-bik\ adj

mi·cro·bi·ol·o·gist \ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n : a specialist in microbiology

mi·cro·bi·ol·o·gy \ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of biology concerned especially with microscopic forms of life (as bacteria, protozoans, and viruses)
— mi·cro·bi·o·log·i·cal \ˈmī-krō-ˌbī-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ also mi·cro·bi·o·log·ic \-ˈläj-ik\ adj

— mi·cro·bi·o·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

mi·cro·blog·ging \ˈmī-krō-ˌblȯ-giŋ, -ˌblä-\ n : blogging done with severe space or size constraints typically by posting frequent brief messages about personal activities
— mi·cro·blog \-ˌblȯg, -ˌbläg\ n

mi·cro·chip \ˈmī-krō-ˌchip\ n : INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

mi·cro·coc·cus \ˌmī-krō-ˈkäk-əs\ n : a small bacterium that is shaped like a ball

mi·cro·com·put·er \ˈmī-krō-kəm-ˌpyüt-ər\ n
1 : PERSONAL COMPUTER
2 : MICROPROCESSOR

mi·cro·cosm \ˈmī-krə-ˌkäz-əm\ n : an individual or community thought of as a miniature universe or a world in itself

mi·cro·fiber \ˈmī-krō-ˌfī-bər\ n : a thin soft polyester fiber

mi·cro·fiche \ˈmī-krō-ˌfēsh, -ˌfish\ n : a sheet of microfilm containing rows of images usually of printed pages

mi·cro·film \ˈmī-krə-ˌfilm\ n : a film carrying a photographic record (as of printing or a drawing) on a reduced scale
— microfilm vb

mi·cro·grav·i·ty \ˌmī-krə-ˈgrav-ət-ē\ n : the condition of being weightless or of the near absence of gravity

mi·cro·me·te·or·ite \ˌmī-krō-ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrīt\ n : a very small particle in space

1mi·crom·e·ter \mī-ˈkräm-ət-ər\ n
1 : an instrument used with a telescope or microscope for measuring very small distances
2 : MICROMETER CALIPER
— mi·crom·e·try \-ˈkräm-ə-trē\ n

2mi·cro·me·ter \ˈmī-krō-ˌmēt-ər\ n : a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter

micrometer caliper n : a caliper having a spindle moved by a finely threaded screw for making precise measurements

mi·cro·min·ia·ture \ˌmī-krō-ˈmin-ē-ə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -ˈmin-i-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -ˈmin-yə-, -chər\ adj : reduced to or produced in a very small size and especially in a size smaller than one considered miniature

mi·cron \ˈmī-ˌkrän\ n : 2MICROMETER

mi·cro·or·gan·ism \ˌmī-krō-ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm\ n : an organism (as a bacterium) of microscopic or less than microscopic size

mi·cro·phone \ˈmī-krə-ˌfōn\ n : an instrument in which sound energy is changed into electrical energy usually for the purpose of transmitting or recording sound (as speech or music)

mi·cro·pho·to·graph \ˌmī-krō-ˈfōt-ə-ˌgraf\ n : PHOTOMICROGRAPH

mi·cro·pro·ces·sor \ˌmī-krō-ˈpräs-ˌes-ər, -ˈprōs-\ n : a cpu contained on an integrated-circuit chip

mi·cro·scope \ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp\ n
1 : an optical instrument consisting of a lens or a combination of lenses for making enlarged or magnified images of minute objects
2 : an instrument using radiation other than light for making enlarged images of very small objects

mi·cro·scop·ic \ˌmī-krə-ˈskäp-ik\ also mi·cro·scop·i·cal \-ˈskäp-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or conducted with the microscope or microscopy <a microscopic examination>
2 : resembling a microscope : able to see very tiny objects <some insects have microscopic vision>
3 : able to be seen only through a microscope : very small <a microscopic plant>
— mi·cro·scop·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

mi·cros·co·pist \mī-ˈkräs-kə-pəst\ n : a person specializing in microscopy

mi·cros·co·py \mī-ˈkräs-kə-pē\ n : the use of the microscope : investigation with the microscope

mi·cro·sec·ond \ˌmī-krō-ˈsek-ənd, -ənt\ n : one millionth of a second

1mi·cro·wave \ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv\ n
1 : a radio wave between one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2 : MICROWAVE OVEN

2microwave vb : to cook or heat in a microwave oven
— mi·cro·wav·able or mi·cro·wave·able \ˌmī-krə-ˈwā-və-bəl\ adj

microwave oven n : an oven in which food is cooked by the heat produced from microwave penetration of the food

1mid \ˈmid\ adj
1 : being the part in the middle or midst <in mid ocean> <mid-August>
2 : occupying a middle position <the mid finger>

2mid \(ˌ)mid\ prep : AMID

mid·af·ter·noon \ˈmid-ˌaf-tər-ˈnün\ n : the middle part of the afternoon
— midafternoon adj

mid·air \ˈmid-ˈa(ə)r, -ˈe(ə)r\ n : a point or region in the air not very close to the ground <planes collided in midair>

mid·brain \ˈmid-ˌbrān\ n : the middle division of the three primary divisions of the developing brain of a vertebrate animal or the parts of the adult brain that develop from it that contains the optic lobes and is situated between the forebrain and the hindbrain

mid·day \ˈmid-ˌdā, -ˈdā\ n : the middle of the day
— midday adj

mid·den \ˈmid-ən\ n : a refuse heap; esp : a mound (as of shells and bones) marking the place where prehistoric humans once lived

1mid·dle \ˈmid-əl\ adj
1 : equally distant from the ends or sides
2 : being at neither extreme : INTERMEDIATE <of middle size>
3 cap : constituting an intermediate division or period <Middle Paleozoic>

2middle n
1 : a middle part, point, or position : CENTER
2 : WAIST 1A
3 : the position of being among or in the midst of something <in the middle of the crowd>
— middle of nowhere : an extremely secluded and out-of-the-way place <ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere>

middle age n : the period of life from about 45 to about 64
— mid·dle–aged \ˌmid-əl-ˈājd\ adj

Middle Ages n pl : the period of European history from about a.d. 500 to about 1500

mid·dle·brow \ˈmid-əl-ˌbrau̇\ n : a person who is moderately but not highly educated and refined
— middlebrow adj

middle C n : a note that is printed on a line midway between the treble staff and the bass staff in written music; also : the tone made in playing this note

middle class n : a social class that occupies a position between the upper class and the lower class and is composed mainly of business and professional people, government officials, farmers, and skilled workers
— middle–class adj

middle ear n : a small cavity that is lined with membrane and separated from the outer ear by the eardrum and that carries sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear through a chain of tiny bones

Middle English n : the English language of the 12th to 15th centuries

middle finger n : the third finger of the hand if the thumb is counted as the first

middle ground n : a position midway between extreme or opposing points of view, choices, or objectives

mid·dle·man \ˈmid-əl-ˌman\ n : GO-BETWEEN; esp : a dealer between the producer of goods and the consumer

mid·dle·most \ˈmid-əl-ˌmōst\ adj : MIDMOST

middle name n
1 : a name between one's first name and last name
2 : a term that names a notable quality of a person <patience is her middle name>

mid·dle–of–the–road \ˌmid-əl-əv-thə-ˈrōd\ adj : standing for or following a course of action midway between extremes; esp : being neither liberal nor conservative in politics
— mid·dle–of–the–road·er \-ˈrōd-ər\ n

Middle Passage n : the forced voyage of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas

middle school n : a school usually including grades 5 to 8 or 6 to 8

mid·dle·weight \ˈmid-əl-ˌwāt\ n : one of average weight; esp : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 160 pounds

1mid·dling \ˈmid-liŋ, -lən\ adj : of medium size, degree, or quality
— middling adv

2middling n
1 : any of various products of medium quality or size
2 pl : a product produced by milling grain; esp : a product of wheat milling that is used in animal feeds

mid·dy \ˈmid-ē\ n, pl middies
1 : MIDSHIPMAN
2 : a loose blouse for women and children with a wide collar

midge \ˈmij\ n : a very small fly : GNAT

midg·et \ˈmij-ət\ n
1 : something much smaller than usual
2 often offensive : a very small person and especially one who is well-proportioned
— midget adj

mid·land \ˈmid-lənd, -ˌland\ n : the central region of a country
— midland adj

mid·life \ˈmid-ˈlīf\ n : MIDDLE AGE
— midlife adj

mid·line \ˈmid-ˌlīn\ n : a line through the middle of something; esp : a line through a body or one of its parts that lies in a plane dividing it into halves that are mirror images of each other

mid·most \ˈmid-ˌmōst\ adj
1 : being in or near the exact middle
2 : INNERMOST 2
— midmost adv or n

mid·night \ˈmid-ˌnīt\ n : 12 o'clock at night
— midnight adj

mid·point \ˈmid-ˌpȯint\ n : a point at or near the center or middle

mid·rib \ˈmid-ˌrib\ n : the central vein or ridge of a leaf or a leaflike part

mid·riff \ˈmid-ˌrif\ n : the middle region of the human body

mid·ship·man \ˈmid-ˌship-mən, (ˈ)mid-ˈship-\ n : a student naval officer

mid·ships \ˈmid-ˌships\ adv : AMIDSHIPS

mid·size \ˈmid-ˌsīz\ adj : of intermediate size <a midsize car>

1midst \ˈmidst\ n
1 : the middle part or period <in the midst of the forest>
2 : a condition of being near or among the members of a group <a traitor in our midst>
3 : the condition of being surrounded <in the midst of our troubles>

2midst \(ˌ)midst\ prep : AMID

mid·stream \ˈmid-ˈstrēm\ n : the middle of a stream

mid·sum·mer \ˈmid-ˈsəm-ər\ n
1 : the middle of summer
2 : the summer solstice

1mid·way \ˈmid-ˌwā, -ˈwā\ adv or adj : in the middle of the way or distance : HALFWAY

2mid·way \ˈmid-ˌwā\ n : an avenue at a fair, carnival, or amusement park for food stands, games of chance or skill, and amusement rides

mid·week \ˈmid-ˌwēk\ n : the middle of the week
— midweek adj

mid·wife \ˈmid-ˌwīf\ n : a woman who helps other women in childbirth

mid·wife·ry \ˌmid-ˈwif-(ə-)rē, -ˈwīf-; ˈmid-ˌwīf-\ n : the art or act of assisting at childbirth; also : OBSTETRICS

mid·win·ter \ˈmid-ˈwint-ər\ n
1 : the middle of winter
2 : the winter solstice

mid·year \ˈmid-ˌyi(ə)r\ n
1 : the middle of a calendar year or academic year
2 : a midyear examination
— midyear adj

mien \ˈmēn\ n : look, appearance, or manner especially as showing mood or personality <a kindly mien>

1might \(ˈ)mīt\ past of MAY — used as a helping verb to express permission <asked if I might leave>, possibility <we might go, if asked> <thought you might try>, or a present condition that does not in fact exist <if you were older, you might understand> [Old English meahte, mihte (an auxiliary verb)]

2might \ˈmīt\ n : power to do something : FORCE <with all my might> [Old English miht “power, might”]

might·i·ly \ˈmīt-əl-ē\ adv
1 : in a mighty manner : VIGOROUSLY <fought mightily>
2 : very much <contributed mightily to the cause>

mightn't \ˈmīt-ənt\ : might not

1mighty \ˈmīt-ē\ adj might·i·er; -est
1 : having might : POWERFUL, STRONG <a mighty army>
2 : done by might : showing great power <mighty deeds>
3 : very great <a mighty famine>
— might·i·ness n

2mighty adv : 2VERY 1, EXTREMELY <mighty proud of you>

mi·graine \ˈmī-ˌgrān\ n : a severe headache often restricted to one side of the head and accompanied by nausea and vomiting

mi·grant \ˈmī-grənt\ n : a person, animal, or plant that migrates
— migrant adj

mi·grate \ˈmī-ˌgrāt\ vb mi·grat·ed; mi·grat·ing
1 : to move from one country, place, or locality to another
2 : to pass from one region or climate to another usually on a regular schedule for feeding or breeding
3 : to change position or location in a living thing or substance <parasitic worms migrating from the lungs to the liver>

mi·gra·tion \mī-ˈgrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of migrating
2 : a group of individuals that are migrating

mi·gra·to·ry \ˈmī-grə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : having a way of life that includes making migrations <migratory workers>

mi·ka·do \mə-ˈkäd-ō\ n, pl -dos : an emperor of Japan

mike \ˈmīk\ n : MICROPHONE

mil \ˈmil\ adj : a unit of length equal to 1/1000 inch (about .025 millimeter) used especially in measuring thickness

milch \ˈmilk, ˈmilch, ˈmilks\ adj : 3MILK

mild \ˈmī(ə)ld\ adj
1 : gentle in nature or behavior <a mild person>
2 a : not strong in action or effect <a mild drug>  b : not sharp, spicy, or bitter <a mild cheese>
3 : not severe : TEMPERATE 5 <mild weather>
— mild·ly \ˈmī(ə)l-(d)lē\ adv

— mild·ness \ˈmī(ə)l(d)-nəs\ n

1mil·dew \ˈmil-ˌd(y)ü\ n : a usually whitish growth produced on decaying material or living plants by fungi; also : a fungus producing mildew
— mil·dewy \-ˌd(y)ü-ē\ adj

2mildew vb : to affect with or become affected with mildew

mile \ˈmī(ə)l\ n
1 : a unit of measure equal to 5280 feet (about 1609 meters) — called also statute mile; see MEASURE TABLE
2 : NAUTICAL MILE

mile·age \ˈmī-lij\ n
1 : an allowance for traveling expenses at a certain rate per mile
2 : distance or distance covered in miles
3 : the number of miles that something (as a tire) will travel before wearing out
4 : the average number of miles a vehicle will travel on a gallon of gasoline

mile·post \ˈmī(ə)l-ˌpōst\ n : a post indicating the distance in miles to a stated place

mil·er \ˈmī-lər\ n : one that competes in races a mile long

mile·stone \ˈmī(ə)l-ˌstōn\ n
1 : a milepost made of stone
2 : an important point in progress or development

mi·lieu \mēl-ˈyə(r), -ˈyü; ˈmēl-ˌyü\ n : SURROUNDINGS, SETTING

mil·i·tan·cy \ˈmil-ə-tən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being militant

mil·i·tant \ˈmil-ə-tənt\ adj
1 : being at war
2 : aggressively active especially in a cause <militant protesters>
— militant n

— mil·i·tant·ly adv

— mil·i·tant·ness n

mil·i·tari·ly \ˌmil-ə-ˈter-ə-lē\ adv
1 : in a military manner
2 : from a military standpoint

mil·i·ta·rism \ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌriz-əm\ n
1 : control or rule by a military class
2 : extreme admiration and praise of military virtues and ideals
3 : a policy of aggressive military readiness
— mil·i·ta·rist \-rəst\ n

— mil·i·ta·ris·tic \ˌmil-ə-tə-ˈris-tik\ adj

mil·i·ta·rize \ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing
1 : to equip with military forces and defenses
2 : to give a military character to
— mil·i·ta·ri·za·tion \ˌmil-ə-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

1mil·i·tary \ˈmil-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of soldiers, arms, or war <military discipline>
2 : carried on or supported by armed force <a military government>
3 : of or relating to the army <military and naval affairs>

2military n, pl military
1 : ARMED FORCES
2 : military persons; esp : army officers

military police n : a branch of an army that exercises guard and police functions

mil·i·tate \ˈmil-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to have weight or effect : OPERATE <factors militating against success>

mi·li·tia \mə-ˈlish-ə\ n : a body of citizens with some military training who are called to active duty only in an emergency

mi·li·tia·man \mə-ˈlish-ə-mən\ n : a member of a militia

1milk \ˈmilk\ n
1 : a whitish liquid secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals as food for their young; esp : cow's milk used as food by human beings
2 : a liquid (as the juice of a coconut) like milk

2milk vb
1 : to draw milk from the breasts or udder of (as by pressing or sucking) <milk a cow>
2 : to draw or yield milk <return in time for milking>
3 : to draw something from as if by milking
— milk·er n

3milk adj : giving milk; esp : bred for milk production <a milk cow>

milk chocolate n : chocolate containing ground cacao beans, cocoa butter, and milk from which no solids (as of sugar or fat) have been removed

milk·maid \ˈmilk-ˌmād\ n : DAIRYMAID

milk·man \-ˌman, -mən\ n : a person who sells or delivers milk

milk of magnesia : a milky white liquid preparation of magnesium hydroxide in water used as a laxative and antacid

milk shake n : a thoroughly shaken or blended drink made of milk, a flavoring syrup, and often ice cream

milk snake n : a common harmless gray or tan snake with black-bordered brown blotches and an arrow-shaped spot on the head; also : KING SNAKE

milk sugar n : LACTOSE

milk tooth n : one of the first temporary teeth of a young mammal that in human beings number 20 — called also baby tooth, deciduous tooth

milk·weed \ˈmil-ˌkwēd\ n : any of various herbs with milky juice and flowers usually in dense clusters

milky \ˈmil-kē\ adj milk·i·er; -est
1 : resembling milk especially in color
2 : consisting of or containing milk
— milk·i·ness n

Milky Way n
1 : a broad band of light that stretches across the sky and is caused by the light of a very great number of faint stars
2 : MILKY WAY GALAXY

Milky Way galaxy n : the galaxy of which the solar system is a part and which contains the stars that create the light of the Milky Way

1mill \ˈmil\ n
1 : a building with machinery for grinding grain into flour
2 : a machine used in treating (as by grinding, crushing, stamping, cutting, or finishing) raw material
3 : FACTORY [Old English mylen “mill” from Latin molina (same meaning), derived from earlier mola “mill, millstone” — related to MOLAR; see Word History at MOLAR]

2mill vb
1 : to process in a mill (as by grinding into flour, meal, or powder or by shaping with a cutter)
2 : to give a raised rim or a grooved edge to <mill a coin>
3 : to move about in a disorderly mass <people were milling about the entrance to the theater>

3mill n : one tenth of a cent [from Latin mille “thousand”; so called because it is one one-thousandth of a dollar]

mill·dam \ˈmil-ˌdam\ n
1 : the dam of a millpond
2 : MILLPOND

1mil·len·ni·al \mə-ˈlen-ē-əl\ adj : of or relating to a millennium

2millennial n : a person born in the 1980s or 1990s — usually used in plural

mil·len·ni·um \mə-ˈlen-ē-əm\ n, pl -nia \-ē-ə\ or -ni·ums
1 a : a period of 1000 years  b : a 1000th anniversary or its celebration
2 : a period of great happiness
— mil·len·ni·al \-ē-əl\ adj

mill·er \ˈmil-ər\ n
1 : a person who operates a mill; esp : a person who grinds grain into flour
2 : any of various moths whose wings have scales like powdery dust

mil·let \ˈmil-ət\ n
1 : a grass cultivated for its small shiny whitish seeds used as human and bird food and sometimes grown for hay
2 : the seed of a millet

milli- combining form : thousandth <millimeter> [derived from Latin mille “thousand”]

mil·li·amp \ˈmil-ē-ˌamp\ n : MILLIAMPERE

mil·li·am·pere \ˌmil-ē-ˈam-ˌpi(ə)r\ n : one thousandth of an ampere

mil·liard \ˈmil-ˌyärd, ˈmil-ē-ˌärd\ n, British : a thousand millions — see NUMBER TABLE

mil·li·bar \ˈmil-ə-ˌbär\ n : a unit used in measuring atmospheric pressure equal to 1/1000 bar

mil·li·gram \ˈmil-ə-ˌgram\ n : a weight equal to 1/1000 gram — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

mil·li·li·ter \ˈmil-ə-ˌlēt-ər\ n : a measure of capacity equal to 1/1000 liter — see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

mil·li·me·ter \ˈmil-ə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : a measure of length equal to 1/1000 meter — see METRIC SYSTEM table

mil·li·ner \ˈmil-ə-nər\ n : a person who designs, makes, trims, or sells women's hats

mil·li·nery \ˈmil-ə-ˌner-ē\ n
1 : women's hats
2 : the business or work of a milliner

mil·lion \ˈmil-yən\ n, pl millions or million
1 : a number equal to 1,000 times 1,000 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : a very great number <millions of mosquitoes>
— million adj

— mil·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adj or n

mil·lion·aire \ˌmil-yə-ˈna(ə)r, -ˈne(ə)r, ˈmil-yə-ˌna(ə)r, -ˌne(ə)r\ n : one whose wealth is estimated at a million or more (as of dollars)

mil·li·pede \ˈmil-ə-ˌpēd\ n : any of a class of arthropods having a long segmented body with a hard covering, two pairs of legs on most segments, and unlike the related centipedes no poison fangs [from Latin millepeda “a small crawling animal,” literally “a thousand-footed animal,” from mille “thousand” and ped-, pes “foot”]

mil·li·sec·ond \ˈmil-ə-ˌsek-ənd also -ənt\ n : one thousandth of a second

mill·pond \ˈmil-ˌpänd\ n : a pond that supplies water for running a mill

mill·race \-ˌrās\ n
1 : a canal in which water flows to and from a mill wheel
2 : the current that drives a mill wheel

mill·stone \-ˌstōn\ n
1 : either of two circular stones used for grinding a substance (as grain)
2 : a heavy burden

mill·stream \-ˌstrēm\ n
1 : a stream whose flow is used to run a mill
2 : the stream in a millrace

mill wheel n : a waterwheel that drives a mill

mill·wright \ˈmil-ˌrīt\ n : one who builds mills or sets up their machinery

milt \ˈmilt\ n : the sperm-containing liquid of a male fish

1mime \ˈmīm, ˈmēm\ n
1 a : an actor in a mime  b : a person who practices mime
2 : MIMIC 2
3 : an ancient play or skit representing scenes from life usually in a ridiculous manner
4 : the art of showing a character or telling a story by body movements

2mime vb mimed; mim·ing
1 : to act in a mime
2 : to imitate closely : MIMIC
3 : to act out in the manner of a mime

mim·eo·graph \ˈmim-ē-ə-ˌgraf\ n : a machine for making copies of typewritten or written matter using a stencil
— mimeograph vb

mi·met·ic \mə-ˈmet-ik, mī-\ adj : relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting mimicry <mimetic coloring of a fish>

1mim·ic \ˈmim-ik\ n
1 : 1MIME 1
2 : one that mimics

2mimic adj
1 : IMITATIVE 2
2 : 2IMITATION, MOCK

3mimic vb mim·icked \ˈmim-ikt\; mim·ick·ing
1 : to imitate closely
2 : to make fun of by imitating
3 : to resemble by biological mimicry <an insect that mimics a leaf>  synonyms see IMITATE

mim·ic·ry \ˈmim-i-krē\ n, pl -ries
1 : the action, art, or an instance of mimicking
2 : a resemblance of one living thing to another or to natural objects among which it lives that gives it an advantage (as concealment or protection from predators)

mi·mo·sa \mə-ˈmō-sə, mī-, -zə\ n : any of a genus of trees, shrubs, and herbs of the legume family that are found in warm regions and have small white or pink flowers in ball-shaped heads

min·a·ret \ˌmin-ə-ˈret, ˈmin-ə-ˌret\ n : a tall slender tower of a mosque with a balcony from which the people are called to prayer

1mince \ˈmin(t)s\ vb minced; minc·ing
1 : to cut into very small pieces
2 : to act, walk, or speak in an unnaturally dainty way
— minc·ing·ly \ˈmin(t)-siŋ-lē\ adv

2mince n : small bits into which something is chopped; esp : MINCEMEAT

mince·meat \ˈmin(t)-ˌsmēt\ n
1 : minced meat
2 : a finely chopped mixture (as of raisins, apples, and spices) with or without meat

1mind \ˈmīnd\ n
1 : the state of remembering or of being remembered : MEMORY, RECOLLECTION <call to mind>
2 : the part of a person that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons
3 : INTENTION 1, DESIRE <changed my mind>
4 : the normal or healthy condition of the mental abilities <lose one's mind>
5 : one's view or opinion about something : VIEW <speak your mind>

2mind vb
1 chiefly dialect : REMEMBER 1
2 : to pay attention to : HEED <mind what you're doing> <mind your own business>
3 : OBEY 1A <mind one's parents>
4 : to be bothered by <never mind your mistake> <minds the cold>
5 : to be careful about : watch out for <mind the broken glass>
6 : to take charge of <minding the children>

mind·ed \ˈmīn-dəd\ adj
1 : having a specified kind of mind <narrow-minded>
2 : greatly interested in something specified <bargain-minded customers>

mind·ful \ˈmīn(d)-fəl\ adj : keeping in mind : AWARE <mindful of the time>
— mind·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

mind·less \ˈmīn-(d)ləs\ adj
1 a : lacking the ability to think, feel, or respond <a mindless killer>  b : showing no use of the intelligence <mindless violence>
2 : not mindful
— mind·less·ly adv

— mind·less·ness n

1mine \(ˈ)mīn\ adj, archaic : MY — used before a word beginning with a vowel or h or after a noun [Middle English min “my,” from Old English mīn]

2mine \ˈmīn\ pron : my one : my ones

3mine \ˈmīn\ n
1 : a pit or tunnel from which minerals (as coal, gold, or diamonds) are taken
2 : a deposit of ore
3 : an underground passage dug beneath an enemy position
4 : an explosive device placed in the ground or water and set to explode when disturbed
5 : a rich source <a mine of information> [Middle English mine “a pit or tunnel for digging out coal, gold, or diamonds,” from early French mine (same meaning)]

4mine \ˈmīn\ vb mined; min·ing
1 : to dig or form mines under a place
2 : to obtain from a mine <mine coal>
3 : to lay military mines in or under <mine a harbor>
4 : to work in a mine
— min·er n

1min·er·al \ˈmin-(ə-)rəl\ n
1 : a solid chemical element or compound (as diamond or quartz) that occurs naturally in the form of crystals and results from inorganic processes
2 : a naturally occurring substance (as ore, petroleum, or water) obtained usually from the ground

2mineral adj
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a mineral : INORGANIC
2 : containing mineral salts or gases <mineral water>

mineral kingdom n : a basic group of natural objects that includes inorganic objects — compare ANIMAL KINGDOM, PLANT KINGDOM

min·er·al·o·gy \ˌmin-ə-ˈräl-ə-jē, -ˈral-\ n : a science dealing with the characteristics and classification of minerals
— min·er·al·og·i·cal \ˌmin-(ə-)rə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— min·er·al·og·i·cal·ly \-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— min·er·al·o·gist \ˌmin-ə-ˈräl-ə-jəst, -ˈral-\ n

mineral oil n : an oil (as petroleum) of mineral origin; esp : a purified petroleum oil having no color, odor, or taste that is used especially as a laxative

mineral water n : water containing mineral salts (as of calcium) or gases (as carbon dioxide) which are present naturally or added artificially

min·e·stro·ne \ˌmin-ə-ˈstrō-nē, -ˈstrōn\ n : a thick vegetable soup usually made with dried beans and macaroni

mine·sweep·er \ˈmīn-ˌswē-pər\ n : a warship for removing or destroying mines

min·gle \ˈmiŋ-gəl\ vb min·gled; min·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to bring or combine together or with something else <mingled fact with fiction>
2 : to come in contact : ASSOCIATE <mingles with all sorts of people>
3 : to move about (as at a party) <mingled with the guests>  synonyms see MIX

mini \ˈmin-ē\ n : something small of its kind: as  a : MINISKIRT  b : MINICOMPUTER

mini- combining form : very small or short : MINIATURE <minibike> <miniskirt> [derived by shortening from miniature]

1min·ia·ture \ˈmin-ē-ə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, ˈmin-i-ˌchu̇(ə)r, ˈmin-yə-, -chər\ n
1 : something much smaller than the usual size; esp : a copy on a much reduced scale
2 : a very small portrait or painting (as on ivory)
3 : the art of painting miniatures [from Italian miniatura “a fancy big letter or small picture used to decorate a page of a book copied by hand,” derived from Latin miniare “to color with red pigment”; so called because the first fancy letters on books were done in red to stand out from the black ink of the rest of the page]
— min·ia·tur·ist \-ˌchu̇r-əst, -chər-\ n

2miniature adj : very small : represented on a small scale <collects miniature books>

min·ia·tur·ize \ˈmin-ē-ə-chə-ˌrīz, ˈmin-i-chə-, ˈmin-yə-chə-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to design or construct in small size
— min·ia·tur·i·za·tion \ˌmin-ē-əˌchu̇r-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌmin-i-, ˌmin-yə-, -chər-\ n

mini·bike \ˈmin-i-ˌbīk\ n : a small one-passenger motorcycle having a low frame and raised handlebars

mini·bus \ˈmin-i-ˌbəs\ n : a small bus

mini·com·put·er \ˌmin-i-kəm-ˈpyüt-ər\ n : a small computer that is between a mainframe and a personal computer in size and speed

mini·course \ˈmin-ē-ˌkō(ə)rs, -ˌkȯ(ə)rs\ n : a short course of study usually lasting less than a semester

min·im \ˈmin-əm\ n : a unit of capacity equal to 1/60 fluid dram — see MEASURE TABLE

min·i·mal \ˈmin-ə-məl\ adj : relating to or being a minimum : LEAST
— min·i·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

min·i·mize \ˈmin-ə-ˌmīz\ vb -mized; -miz·ing
1 : to make as small as possible <minimize the chance of error>
2 a : to place a low estimate on <minimized their losses>  b : to make (something) seem little or unimportant : BELITTLE <minimized their opponent's victory>
3 : to replace (a window) on a computer display with a small button or icon which will restore the window when selected

min·i·mum \ˈmin-ə-məm\ n, pl -i·ma \-ə-mə\ or -i·mums
1 : the least quantity possible or allowable
2 : the lowest degree or amount reached or recorded
— minimum adj

minimum wage n : a wage fixed (as by law) as the least that may be paid to employed persons

min·ing \ˈmī-niŋ\ n : the process or business of working mines

min·ion \ˈmin-yən\ n
1 : a person who obediently serves or works for a usually powerful person or organization
2 : 1FAVORITE 1

mini·skirt \ˈmin-i-ˌskərt\ n : a woman's very short skirt

1min·is·ter \ˈmin-ə-stər\ n
1 a : one who performs religious ceremonies in church services  b : a member of the clergy of a Protestant church
2 : a high official who heads a department of the government
3 : a government representative in a foreign country

2minister vb -tered; -ter·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\ : to give aid : SERVE <minister to the sick>
— min·is·tra·tion \ˌmin-ə-ˈstrā-shən\ n

min·is·te·ri·al \ˌmin-ə-ˈstir-ē-əl\ adj : of or relating to a minister or ministry

min·is·try \ˈmin-ə-strē\ n, pl -tries
1 : the action of ministering
2 : the office, duties, or work of a minister
3 a : the body of ministers governing a nation or state  b : a government department headed by a minister  c : the building in which a ministry is housed

mini·van \ˈmin-ē-ˌvan\ n : a small passenger van

mink \ˈmiŋk\ n, pl mink; or minks : either of two flesh-eating mammals that resemble the related weasels, have a slender body, partly webbed feet, and a somewhat bushy tail, and live near water; also : the soft normally dark brown fur of a mink

min·now \ˈmin-ō\ n, pl minnows also min·now : any of various small freshwater fishes (as a dace or shiner) related to the carps; also : any of various small fishes that resemble minnows

1mi·nor \ˈmī-nər\ adj
1 : less in size, importance, or value <a minor poet> <a minor injury>
2 : not having reached the age to have full civil rights
3 a : relating to or being a musical scale in which the third tone is lowered a half step  b : based on a minor scale <minor key>

2minor n : a person who has not reached the age to have full civil rights

mi·nor·i·ty \mə-ˈnȯr-ət-ē, mī-, -ˈnär-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state or period of being a legal minor
2 : the smaller number; esp : a group having less than the number of votes necessary for control
3 : a part of a population that differs from other groups in some characteristics and is often given unfair treatment

minor league n : a professional sports league (as in baseball) that is not one of the major leagues

minor party n : a political party whose electoral strength is so small as to prevent its gaining control of a government except in rare and exceptional circumstances

min·strel \ˈmin(t)-strəl\ n
1 : a medieval musical entertainer; esp : a singer of verses accompanied by music
2 a : MUSICIAN  b : POET
3 a : one of a group of performers giving a program of black American melodies and jokes usually with faces blackened with makeup  b : a performance by a group of minstrels

min·strel·sy \ˈmin(t)-strəl-sē\ n, pl -sies
1 : the singing and playing of a minstrel
2 : a body of minstrels
3 : a collection of songs or verse

1mint \ˈmint\ n
1 : any of a family of herbs and shrubs (as basil or catnip) with square stems and opposite leaves; esp : one (as peppermint or spearmint) that is fragrant and is the source of a flavoring oil
2 : a mint-flavored piece of candy [Old English minte “the herb mint,” from Latin mentha, menta “mint”]

2mint n
1 : a place where coins, medals, and tokens are made
2 : a great amount <worth a mint> [Middle English mynt “coin, money,” from Old English mynet (same meaning), from Latin moneta “coin, place where coins are made,” from Moneta “a special name for the goddess Juno”; so called because the ancient Romans made coins at the temple of Juno Moneta — related to MONEY; see Word History at MONEY]

3mint vb : to make (as coins) out of metal
— mint·er n

min·u·end \ˈmin-yə-ˌwend\ n : a number from which another number is to be subtracted

min·u·et \ˌmin-yə-ˈwet\ n
1 : a slow graceful dance
2 : music for or in the rhythm of a minuet

1mi·nus \ˈmī-nəs\ prep
1 : with the subtraction of : LESS <7 minus 4 is 3>
2 : 1WITHOUT 3A <minus his hat>

2minus n
1 : a negative quantity
2 : a negative quality; esp : 1DISADVANTAGE 2B

3minus adj
1 : mathematically negative <4 plus minus 3>
2 : falling low in a specified range <a grade of C minus>

mi·nus·cule \ˈmi-nəs-ˌkyül\ adj : very small <minuscule amounts>

minus sign n : a sign − used to show subtraction (as in 8 − 6 = 2) or a quantity less than zero (as in −10°)

1min·ute \ˈmin-ət\ n
1 a : the 60th part of an hour of time  b : the 60th part of a degree of angular measure
2 : the distance one can cover in a minute
3 : MOMENT 1
4 pl : a brief record of what went on in a meeting [Middle English minute “1/60 part of an hour,” from early French minute (same meaning), from Latin minuta (same meaning), from minutus “small” — related to MENU; see Word History at MENU]

2mi·nute \mī-ˈn(y)üt, mə-\ adj
1 : very small : TINY
2 : of small importance : PETTY
3 : marked by close attention to details
— mi·nute·ly adv

— mi·nute·ness n

minute hand n : the long hand that marks the minutes on the face of a watch or clock

min·ute·man \ˈmin-ət-ˌman\ n : a member of an armed group pledged to take the field at a minute's notice during and immediately before the American Revolution

Mio·cene \ˈmī-ə-ˌsēn\ adj : of, relating to, or being an epoch of the Tertiary period of geological history or the corresponding series of rocks — see GEOLOGICAL TIME TABLE
— Miocene n

mir·a·cle \ˈmir-i-kəl\ n
1 : an extraordinary event taken as a sign of the supernatural power of God
2 : an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment [Middle English miracle “a miracle,” from early French miracle (same meaning), derived from Latin miraculum “a wonder,” from mirari “to wonder at” — related to ADMIRE]

miracle drug n : WONDER DRUG

miracle play n
1 : MYSTERY PLAY
2 : a medieval play showing events from the life of a saint or martyr

mi·rac·u·lous \mə-ˈrak-yə-ləs\ adj
1 : of the nature of a miracle : SUPERNATURAL
2 : suggesting a miracle : MARVELOUS
3 : working or able to work miracles
— mi·rac·u·lous·ly adv

mi·rage \mə-ˈräzh\ n : an illusion that gives the appearance of a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are seen inverted, that is sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over a hot pavement, and that is caused by the bending or reflection of light passing through layers of air having different temperatures

Mi·ran·da \mə-ˈran-də\ adj : of, relating to, or being the legal rights of an arrested person to have an attorney and to remain silent so as to avoid self-incrimination <the suspect was given a Miranda warning> [from Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling establishing such rights]

1mire \ˈmī(ə)r\ n
1 : wet spongy ground (as of a bog or marsh)
2 : heavy often deep mud or slush
— miry \ˈmī(ə)r-ē\ adj

2mire vb mired; mir·ing
1 a : to sink or stick fast in mire  b : ENTANGLE 2, INVOLVE
2 : to soil with mud or slush

1mir·ror \ˈmir-ər\ n
1 : a smooth or polished surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection
2 : something that gives a true likeness or description

2mirror vb
1 : to reflect in or as if in a mirror
2 : RESEMBLE <her presentation mirrored that of her classmates>

mirror image n : something that has its parts joined together in much the same way as those of something else except that each part of one thing is directly opposite to the corresponding part of the other thing and located on the opposite side of, the same distance away from, and facing in the same way toward or away from an axis or plane between the two things <the two sides of an animal with bilateral symmetry are mirror images of each other>

mirth \ˈmərth\ n : gaiety accompanied by laughter

mirth·ful \ˈmərth-fəl\ adj : full of, expressing, or producing mirth
— mirth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— mirth·ful·ness n

mis- prefix
1 : badly : wrongly <misjudge>
2 : bad : wrong <misdeed>
3 : opposite or lack of <mistrust> [partly from Old English mis- “badly, wrongly,” and partly from early French mes- (same meaning)]

mis·ad·ven·ture \ˌmis-əd-ˈven-chər\ n : MISFORTUNE 2

mis·an·thrope \ˈmis-ən-ˌthrōp\ n : a person who dislikes and distrusts other people

mis·an·thro·py \mis-ˈan(t)-thrə-pē\ n : a dislike or hatred of all human beings
— mis·an·throp·ic \ˌmis-ən-ˈthräp-ik\ adj

— mis·an·throp·i·cal·ly \-ˈthräp-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

mis·ap·ply \ˌmis-ə-ˈplī\ vb : to apply wrongly
— mis·ap·pli·ca·tion \ˌmis-ˌap-lə-ˈkā-shən\ n

mis·ap·pre·hend \(ˌ)mis-ˌap-ri-ˈhend\ vb : MISUNDERSTAND
— mis·ap·pre·hen·sion \-ˈhen-chən\ n

mis·ap·pro·pri·ate \ˌmis-ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt\ vb : to appropriate wrongly; esp : to take dishonestly for one's own use
— mis·ap·pro·pri·a·tion \-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən\ n

mis·be·got·ten \ˌmis-bi-ˈgät-ən\ adj
1 : ILLEGITIMATE 1
2 : wrongfully or improperly created

mis·be·have \ˌmis-bi-ˈhāv\ vb : to behave in a wrong or improper manner
— mis·be·hav·ior \-ˈhā-vyər\ n

mis·be·lief \ˌmis-bə-ˈlēf\ n : a mistaken or false belief
— mis·be·liev·er \-ˈlē-vər\ n

mis·cal·cu·late \(ˈ)mis-ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt\ vb : to calculate wrongly : make a mistake in calculation
— mis·cal·cu·la·tion \ˌmis-ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən\ n

mis·call \(ˈ)mis-ˈkȯl\ vb : to call by a wrong name

mis·car·riage \mis-ˈkar-ij\ n
1 : bad management; esp : a failure in the administration of justice
2 : the accidental separation of an unborn child from the body of its mother before it is capable of living independently : loss of an unborn child through premature birth

mis·car·ry \(ˈ)mis-ˈkar-ē\ vb
1 : to have a miscarriage : give birth prematurely
2 : to go wrong <the plan miscarried>

mis·cast \(ˈ)mis-ˈkast\ vb : to cast in an unsuitable role

mis·ce·ge·na·tion \(ˌ)mis-ˌej-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌmis-i-jə-ˈnā-\ n : marriage or interbreeding between persons of different races

mis·cel·la·neous \ˌmis-ə-ˈlā-ne-əs, -nyəs\ adj : consisting of many things of different sorts
— mis·cel·la·neous·ly adv

— mis·cel·la·neous·ness n

mis·cel·la·ny \ˈmis-ə-ˌlā-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : a mixture of various things
2 : a collection of writings

mis·chance \(ˈ)mis-ˈchan(t)s\ n
1 : bad luck that is not of a serious nature
2 : a piece of bad luck : MISHAP  synonyms see MISFORTUNE

mis·chief \ˈmis-chəf, ˈmish-\ n
1 : INJURY 2, HARM
2 : a person or animal who causes mischief
3 : mischievous conduct or quality <a child gets into mischief> <had mischief in their eyes>

mis·chie·vous \ˈmis-chə-vəs, ˈmish-\ adj
1 : harming or intended to do harm <mischievous gossip>
2 : causing or tending to cause minor injury or annoyance <a mischievous puppy>
3 : showing a spirit of mischief <mischievous behavior>
— mis·chie·vous·ly adv

— mis·chie·vous·ness n

mis·con·ceive \ˌmis-kən-ˈsēv\ vb : to form a wrong or mistaken idea of

mis·con·cep·tion \ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən\ n : a wrong or mistaken idea

mis·con·duct \(ˈ)mis-ˈkän-(ˌ)dəkt\ n
1 : bad management
2 : improper or unlawful behavior
— mis·con·duct \ˌmis-kən-ˈdəkt\ vb

mis·con·struc·tion \ˌmis-kən-ˈstrək-shən\ n : the act, the process, or an instance of misconstruing

mis·con·strue \ˌmis-kən-ˈstrü\ vb : to construe wrongly : MISINTERPRET

mis·count \(ˈ)mis-ˈkau̇nt\ vb : to count incorrectly
— miscount n

mis·cre·ant \ˈmis-krē-ənt\ n : VILLAIN 2, SCOUNDREL
— miscreant adj

1mis·cue \(ˈ)mis-ˈkyü\ n
1 : a faulty stroke in billiards in which the cue slips
2 : 2MISTAKE 2, SLIP

2miscue vb
1 : to make a miscue
2 a : to miss a stage cue  b : to answer a wrong cue

mis·deal \(ˈ)mis-ˈdē(ə)l\ vb -dealt \-ˈdelt\; -deal·ing \-ˈdē-liŋ\ : to deal cards incorrectly
— misdeal n

mis·deed \(ˈ)mis-ˈdēd\ n : an evil or illegal deed

mis·de·mean·or \ˌmis-di-ˈmē-nər\ n
1 : a crime less serious than a felony
2 : MISDEED

mis·di·rect \ˌmis-də-ˈrekt, -(ˌ)dī-\ vb : to direct incorrectly
— mis·di·rec·tion \-ˈrek-shən\ n

mis·do·ing \(ˈ)mis-ˈdü-iŋ\ n : MISDEED
— mis·do·er \-ˈdü-ər\ n

mi·ser \ˈmī-zər\ n : a mean grasping person; esp : one who lives poorly in order to store away money

mis·er·a·ble \ˈmiz-ər-bəl, ˈmiz-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj
1 a : shabby in condition or quality <a miserable place to live>  b : causing great discomfort or unhappiness <a miserable cold>
2 : extremely poor or unhappy : WRETCHED
3 : PITIFUL 1, LAMENTABLE
— mis·er·a·ble·ness n

— mis·er·a·bly \-blē\ adv

mi·ser·ly \ˈmī-zər-lē\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of a miser
— mi·ser·li·ness n

mis·ery \ˈmiz-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : a state of great suffering and want due to poverty or misfortune
2 : a source of misery
3 : a state of unhappiness

mis·file \(ˈ)mis-ˈfī(ə)l\ vb : to file in an incorrect place

mis·fire \(ˈ)mis-ˈfī(ə)r\ vb
1 : to have the explosive or driving charge fail to ignite at the proper time <the engine misfired>
2 : to fail to fire <the gun misfired>
3 : to miss an intended effect <the plan misfired>
— misfire n

mis·fit \ˈmis-ˌfit, (ˈ)mis-ˈfit\ n
1 : something that fits badly
2 : a person poorly adjusted to his or her environment

mis·for·tune \(ˈ)mis-ˈfȯr-chən\ n
1 : bad luck especially for a long period of time
2 : an unfortunate condition or event : DISASTER
synonyms MISFORTUNE, MISCHANCE, MISHAP, mean an unlucky turn of events. MISFORTUNE stresses the state of unhappiness that follows an unlucky event <it was her misfortune to change jobs unwisely>. MISCHANCE usually suggests a situation involving no more than a minor trouble or bother <by mischance he took the wrong road>. MISHAP suggests an example of bad luck of no real importance <in one of the show's mishaps the winner's name was mispronounced>.

mis·give \(ˈ)mis-ˈgiv\ vb -gave \-ˈgāv\; -giv·en \-ˈgiv-ən\; -giv·ing : to suggest doubt or fear to

mis·giv·ing \(ˈ)mis-ˈgiv-iŋ\ n : a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event

mis·gov·ern \(ˈ)mis-ˈgəv-ərn\ vb : to govern badly
— mis·gov·ern·ment \ˈgəv-ər(n)-mənt, -ə-mənt; ˈgəb-əm-ənt, ˈgəv-\ n

mis·guide \(ˈ)mis-ˈgīd\ vb : to lead astray : MISLEAD
— mis·guid·ance \-ˈgīd-ən(t)s\ n

mis·han·dle \(ˈ)mis-ˈhan-dəl\ vb
1 : to treat roughly : MALTREAT
2 : to manage wrongly

mis·hap \ˈmis-ˌhap, mis-ˈhap\ n
1 archaic : bad luck
2 : an unfortunate accident [Middle English mishap “bad luck,” from mis- “bad, unfavorable” and hap “chance, chance occurrence” — related to HAPPEN, HAPPY, PERHAPS]  synonyms see MISFORTUNE

mish·mash \ˈmish-ˌmash, -ˌmäsh\ n : HODGEPODGE, JUMBLE

mis·in·form \ˌmis-ən-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ vb : to give false or misleading information to
— mis·in·for·ma·tion \ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən\ n

mis·in·ter·pret \ˌmis-ən-ˈtər-prət, -pət\ vb : to understand or explain wrongly
— mis·in·ter·pre·ta·tion \-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə-ˈtā-\ n

mis·judge \(ˈ)mis-ˈjəj\ vb : to judge wrongly or unfairly
— mis·judg·ment \-ˈjəj-mənt\ n

mis·lay \(ˈ)mis-ˈlā\ vb -laid \-ˈlād\; -lay·ing : to put in a place later forgotten : LOSE <mislaid the car keys>

mis·lead \(ˈ)mis-ˈlēd\ vb -led \-ˈled\; -lead·ing : to lead in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief
— misleading adj

mis·man·age \(ˈ)mis-ˈman-ij\ vb : to manage badly or improperly
— mis·man·age·ment \-mənt\ n

mis·match \(ˈ)mis-ˈmach\ vb : to match unsuitably or badly
— mismatch n

mis·mate \(ˈ)mis-ˈmāt\ vb : to mate unsuitably

mis·name \(ˈ)mis-ˈnām\ vb : to name incorrectly : MISCALL

mis·no·mer \(ˈ)mis-ˈnō-mər\ n : a wrong or unsuitable name

mi·sog·a·mist \mə-ˈsäg-ə-məst\ n : one who hates marriage
— mi·sog·a·my \-ˈsäg-ə-mē\ n

mi·sog·y·nist \mə-ˈsäj-ə-nəst\ n : one who hates or distrusts women
— mi·sog·y·ny \-ə-nē\ n

mis·place \(ˈ)mis-ˈplās\ vb
1 : to put in a wrong place
2 : MISLAY
— mis·place·ment n

mis·play \(ˈ)mis-ˈplā\ n : a wrong or unskillful play
— misplay \(ˈ)mis-ˈplā, ˈmis-ˌplā\ vb

mis·print \(ˈ)mis-ˈprint\ vb : to print incorrectly
— mis·print \ˈmis-ˌprint, (ˈ)mis-ˈprint\ n

mis·pro·nounce \ˌmis-prə-ˈnau̇n(t)s\ vb : to pronounce in a way considered incorrect

mis·pro·nun·ci·a·tion \ˌmis-prə-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən\ n : an act or an instance of mispronouncing

mis·quote \(ˈ)mis-ˈkwōt\ vb : to quote incorrectly
— mis·quo·ta·tion \ˌmis-kwō-ˈtā-shən\ n

mis·read \(ˈ)mis-ˈrēd\ vb -read \-ˈred\; -read·ing \-ˈrēd-iŋ\
1 : to read incorrectly
2 : to misinterpret in or as if in reading

mis·rep·re·sent \(ˌ)mis-ˌrep-ri-ˈzent\ vb : to give a false or misleading idea of
— mis·rep·re·sen·ta·tion \(ˌ)mis-ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən\ n

1mis·rule \(ˈ)mis-ˈrül\ vb : to rule or govern badly

2misrule n
1 : the action of misruling : the state of being misruled
2 : 2DISORDER 1, ANARCHY

1miss \ˈmis\ vb
1 : to fail to hit, catch, reach, or get <miss a target> <miss the ball>
2 : 1ESCAPE 2, AVOID <just missed being hurt>
3 a : to leave out : OMIT <missed their lunch>  b : to fail to attend <missed three days of school>
4 : to discover or feel the absence of <missed our old friends>
5 : to fail to understand, sense, or experience <missed the main point of the story>
6 : MISFIRE 1 <the engine missed> [Old English missan “to fail to reach or get”]

2miss n
1 : a failure to reach a desired goal or result
2 : a failure to fire

3miss \sense 1 is (ˌ)mis, məs; sense 2 is ˈmis\ n
1 a — used as a title before the name of an unmarried woman or girl  b — used before the name of a place, an activity, an epithet, or a quality to form a title for a girl who represents the thing indicated <Miss America> <Miss Punctuality>
2 : a young woman or girl — used as a term of address <this way, Miss>
3 pl : a clothing size for women of average height and build [a shortened form of mistress]

mis·sal \ˈmis-əl\ n : a book containing the prayers to be said or sung in the Mass during the year

mis·send \(ˈ)mis-ˈsend\ vb -sent \-ˈsent\; -send·ing : to send to the wrong place

mis·shap·en \(ˈ)mis-ˈshā-pən, (ˈ)mish-\ adj : badly shaped : having an ugly shape

mis·sile \ˈmis-əl\ n : an object (as a stone, arrow, artillery shell, bullet, or rocket) that is thrown, shot, or launched usually so as to strike something at a distance [from Latin missile “a weapon that is thrown or shot rather than held in the hand,” derived from missus, past participle of mittere “to send, throw” — related to EMIT]

miss·ing \ˈmis-iŋ\ adj : 1ABSENT 1, LOST <missing persons> <missing in action>

missing link n : a form of animal believed to have existed that shares characteristics with one animal group and the ancestors from which the group is thought to have evolved but has not been discovered in the fossil record <find the missing link between humans and apes>

mis·sion \ˈmish-ən\ n
1 a : a group of missionaries  b : the work of a missionary  c : a place where a mission or missionary works
2 a : a group sent to a foreign country to carry on discussions or to provide training or assistance <trade mission> <military mission>  b : a group of diplomats who stay in a foreign country
3 a : a task or job that is assigned <our mission was to recover the stolen plans>  b : a definite military, naval, or aerospace task <a space mission> [from modern Latin mission-, missio “a group sent out by a religious organization,” derived from earlier Latin missus, past participle of mittere “to send, throw” — related to MESSAGE]

1mis·sion·ary \ˈmish-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj
1 : relating to, engaged in, or devoted to missions
2 : characteristic of a missionary : ZEALOUS

2missionary n, pl -ar·ies : one sent to spread a religious faith among unbelievers or to engage in charitable work with religious support

Mis·sis·sip·pi·an \ˌmis-(ə-)ˈsip-ē-ən\ adj
1 : of or relating to Mississippi, its people, or the Mississippi River
2 : of, relating to, or being the earlier part of the Carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era of geological history in North America or the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Mississippian n

mis·sive \ˈmis-iv\ n : 1LETTER 2, MESSAGE

mis·spell \(ˈ)mis-ˈspel\ vb : to spell incorrectly

mis·spell·ing \(ˈ)mis-ˈspel-iŋ\ n : an incorrect spelling

mis·spend \(ˈ)mis-ˈspend\ vb -spent \-ˈspent\; -spend·ing : 2WASTE 3, SQUANDER <a misspent youth>

mis·state \(ˈ)mis-ˈstāt\ vb : to state incorrectly
— mis·state·ment \-mənt\ n

mis·step \(ˈ)mis-ˈstep\ n
1 : a wrong step
2 : 2MISTAKE 2, BLUNDER

1mist \ˈmist\ n
1 : water in the form of particles floating in the air or falling as fine rain
2 : something that keeps one from seeing or understanding clearly

2mist vb
1 : to be or become misty
2 : to become dim or blurred
3 : to cover with a mist

1mis·take \mə-ˈstāk\ vb mis·took \-ˈstu̇k\; mis·tak·en \-ˈstā-kən\; mis·tak·ing
1 : to understand wrongly : MISINTERPRET <mistook my meaning>
2 : to estimate incorrectly <mistook the strength of the enemy>
3 : to identify wrongly <mistook me for her>
— mis·tak·en·ly adv

2mistake n
1 : a wrong judgment : MISUNDERSTANDING
2 : a wrong action or statement  synonyms see ERROR

1mis·ter \ˈmis-tər, for sense 1 ˌmis-tər\ n
1 — used sometimes in writing instead of Mr.
2 : SIR 2 — used without a name as a term of direct address of a man who is a stranger <hey, mister, do you want to buy a paper?> [an altered form of master]

2mist·er \ˈmis-tər\ n : a device for spraying a mist [{h,2}mist “to cover with a mist” and {h,2}-er “one that does (a specified action)”]

mis·time \(ˈ)mis-ˈtīm\ vb : to time wrongly

mis·tle·toe \ˈmis-əl-ˌtō\ n : a European plant with yellowish flowers and waxy white berries that grows on the branches and trunks of trees; also : any of various related plants that resemble the mistletoe

mist net n : a large finely woven net that is set up to capture birds or bats as they fly into it

mis·treat \(ˈ)mis-ˈtrēt\ vb : to treat badly : ABUSE
— mis·treat·ment \-mənt\ n

mis·tress \ˈmis-trəs\ n
1 : a woman who has control or authority like that of a master <the mistress of the household>
2 : something considered as a female that rules or directs
3 : a woman to whom a man is not married and with whom he has a romantic relationship
4 — used formerly as a title before the name of a woman [Middle English maistresse “mistress,” from early French mestresse (same meaning), a feminine form of mestre “master” — related to MASTER]

mis·tri·al \ˈmis-ˌtrī(-ə)l\ n : a trial that is cancelled because of an error in the proceedings

1mis·trust \(ˈ)mis-ˈtrəst\ n : 2DISTRUST
— mis·trust·ful \-fəl\ adj

— mis·trust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— mis·trust·ful·ness n

2mistrust vb : 1DISTRUST

misty \ˈmis-tē\ adj mist·i·er; -est
1 : full of mist <a misty valley>
2 : VAGUE 3, INDISTINCT <a misty memory>
— mist·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— mist·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

mis·un·der·stand \(ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstand\ vb -stood \-ˈstu̇d\; -stand·ing
1 : to fail to understand
2 : to interpret incorrectly

mis·un·der·stand·ing \(ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ\ n
1 : a failure to understand
2 : DISAGREEMENT 2B, QUARREL

1mis·use \mish-ˈüz, (ˈ)mish-ˈyüz, (ˈ)mis-ˈyüz\ vb
1 : to use incorrectly : MISAPPLY
2 : 1ABUSE 2, MISTREAT
— mis·us·age \-ˈ(y)ü-sij, -zij\ n

2mis·use \mish-ˈüs, (ˈ)mish-ˈyüs, (ˈ)mis-ˈyüs\ n : incorrect or improper use

mite \ˈmīt\ n
1 : any of various invertebrates that are tiny arachnids closely related to the ticks, that often live on plants, animals, and stored foods, and that include important carriers of disease
2 : a very small coin or sum of money
3 a : a very little amount : BIT  b : a very small object or creature

1mi·ter or mi·tre \ˈmīt-ər\ n
1 : a high pointed headdress worn by a bishop or abbot in church ceremonies
2 : MITER JOINT

2miter or mitre vb mi·tered or mi·tred; mi·ter·ing or mi·tring \ˈmīt-ə-riŋ\ : to match or fit together in a miter joint

miter joint n : the joint or corner made by cutting the edges of two boards at an angle and fitting them together

mit·i·gate \ˈmit-ə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to make less severe <mitigate a punishment>
— mit·i·ga·tion \ˌmit-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n

mi·to·chon·dri·on \ˌmīt-ə-ˈkän-drē-ən\ n, pl -dria \-drē-ə\ : one of the round or long bodies found in the cytoplasm of cells outside the nucleus that are rich in fats, proteins, and enzymes and are important centers of metabolic processes which use oxygen and produce energy

mi·to·sis \mī-ˈtō-səs\ n, pl -to·ses \-ˈtō-ˌsēz\
1 : a process that takes place in the nucleus of a dividing cell and that results in the formation of two new nuclei with the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus — compare MEIOSIS
2 : a cell division in which mitosis occurs
— mi·tot·ic \-ˈtät-ik\ adj

mitt \ˈmit\ n
1 : MITTEN
2 : a baseball catcher's or first baseman's glove

mit·ten \ˈmit-ən\ n : a covering for the hand and wrist having a separate section for the thumb only
— mit·tened \ˈmit-ənd\ adj

1mix \ˈmiks\ vb
1 : to make into one mass by stirring together : BLEND
2 : to make by combining different things
3 : to become one mass through blending <oil will not mix with water>
4 : to associate with others on friendly terms <mixes well in any company>
5 : CONFUSE 3 <mix up facts>
synonyms MIX, MINGLE, BLEND, COALESCE, mean to combine into a whole that is more or less the same throughout. MIX suggests a fairly complete combining in which the elements may or may not lose their individual identities <mix several vegetables for a salad> <mix water and frozen orange juice>. MINGLE suggests that the different elements can still be identified to some degree <the author mingled comic and tragic events in her story>. BLEND suggests a complete uniting of things so that the original parts cannot be separated or recognized <blend milk and canned tomato soup>. COALESCE stresses the action or process of similar things growing into a natural union <the two groups slowly coalesced into one>.

2mix n : MIXTURE; esp : a prepared mixture of ingredients for use in preparing foods <a muffin mix>

mixed \ˈmikst\ adj
1 a : made of mingled or blended elements <mixed nuts>  b : combining features of more than one kind <a mixed economy>
2 a : involving persons differing in race, national origin, or religion <a mixed marriage>  b : made up of or involving individuals of both sexes <mixed company> <a mixed chorus>
3 : including or accompanied by different or opposing elements <a mixed blessing> <a mixed reaction>
4 : resulting from the crossing or breeding of individuals of different races or breeds <a stallion of mixed blood>

mixed media n : 2MULTIMEDIA

mixed nerve n : a nerve that carries nerve impulses toward the central nervous system from a sense organ and also away from the central nervous system to cause movement in muscles

mixed number n : a number (as 5⅔) composed of a whole number and a fraction

mix·er \ˈmik-sər\ n
1 : one that mixes; esp : a device or machine for mixing
2 : a party to give members of a group an opportunity to get acquainted

mix·ture \ˈmiks-chər\ n
1 : the act or process or an instance of mixing
2 a : something mixed or being mixed <add eggs to the mixture>  b : a preparation consisting of two or more ingredients or kinds
3 : two or more substances that are mixed together but not chemically combined and that may vary in proportion

mix–up \ˈmik-ˌsəp\ n : an instance of confusion

1miz·zen also miz·en \ˈmiz-ən\ n
1 : a fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast
2 : MIZZENMAST

2mizzen also mizen adj : of or relating to the mizzenmast

miz·zen·mast \ˈmiz-ən-ˌmast, -məst\ n : the mast just behind the mainmast in a ship

mne·mon·ic \ni-ˈmän-ik\ adj : assisting or intended to assist memory

moa \ˈmō-ə\ n : any of various usually very large extinct birds of New Zealand that were not able to fly

1moan \ˈmōn\ n
1 : a long low sound indicating pain or grief
2 : a sound like a moan

2moan vb
1 : to utter a moan
2 : COMPLAIN 1
3 : to utter with moans

moat \ˈmōt\ n : a deep wide trench around the walls of a castle or fortress that is usually filled with water

1mob \ˈmäb\ n
1 : the common people : MASSES
2 : a large rowdy crowd : RABBLE
3 : a criminal gang  synonyms see MULTITUDE

2mob vb mobbed; mob·bing : to crowd about and attack or annoy

1mo·bile \ˈmō-bəl, -ˌbēl, -ˌbīl\ adj
1 : capable of moving or being moved : 1MOVABLE
2 : changing quickly in expression <a mobile face>
3 : easily moved <mobile troops>
4 : tending to travel or migrate from place to place : MIGRATORY <mobile workers>
5 : characterized by movement from one social class to another <a mobile society>
6 : CELLULAR 2
— mo·bil·i·ty \mō-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

2mo·bile \ˈmō-ˌbēl\ n : an artistic structure that is moved easily or that has parts easily moved (as by a current of air)

mobile home n : a trailer that is used as a dwelling at a permanent site

mobile phone n : CELL PHONE

mo·bi·lize \ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing : to assemble and make ready for action : MARSHAL
— mo·bi·li·za·tion \ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

Mö·bi·us strip \ˌmə(r)-bē-əs-, ˌmō-\ n : a one-sided surface made by holding one end of a rectangle in place, twisting the rectangle to turn over the other end, and joining the two ends together

mob·ster \ˈmäb-stər\ n : a member of a criminal gang

moc·ca·sin \ˈmäk-ə-sən\ n
1 a : a soft leather shoe without a heel and with the sole and sides made of one piece  b : a similar shoe with a separate sole
2 : WATER MOCCASIN

moccasin flower n : any of several lady's slippers; esp : a woodland orchid of eastern North America with usually pink or white flowers

mo·cha \ˈmō-kə\ n
1 : coffee of high quality grown in Arabia
2 : a mixture of coffee and chocolate

1mock \ˈmäk, ˈmȯk\ vb
1 : to treat with scorn : RIDICULE <mocked his ideas>
2 : DEFY 2 <don't mock the rules>
3 : to make fun of by mimicking  synonyms see IMITATE
— mock·er n

— mock·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

2mock n
1 : an act of mocking : JEER
2 : someone or something that is made fun of

3mock adj : not real : IMITATION

mock·ery \ˈmäk-(ə-)rē, ˈmȯk-\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : insulting action or speech
2 : someone or something that is laughed at
3 : a ridiculous or poor imitation

mock·ing·bird \ˈmäk-iŋ-ˌbərd, ˈmȯk-\ n : a common grayish North American songbird that is closely related to the catbirds and thrashers and is noted for the sweetness of its song and for its imitations of the notes of other birds

mock orange n : any of several shrubs widely grown for their showy white flowers

mock–up \ˈmäk-ˌəp, ˈmȯk-\ n : a full-sized model built for study, testing, or display <a mock-up of a car>

1mod \ˈmäd\ adj : MODERN

2mod n : a modification made to something by its owner or user to change its appearance or function; esp : a modification made to a software application (as a video game) by a user in order to change the way the application looks or functions

mod·acryl·ic fiber \ˌmȧd-ə-ˌkril-ik-\ n : a synthetic fiber used for clothing that dries quickly and resists burning

mod·al \ˈmōd-əl\ adj : relating to or being a modal auxiliary

modal auxiliary n : a verb (as can, must, might, should) that is typically used with another verb to indicate that the state or action expressed is something other than a simple fact (as a possibility or a necessity) <in “we may go tomorrow” “may” is a modal auxiliary>

1mode \ˈmōd\ n
1 : 2MOOD
2 : a form or manner of expression or acting : WAY <a mode of travel>
3 : a particular operating arrangement or condition
4 : the most frequent value of a set of values (as data)

2mode n : a popular fashion or style

1mod·el \ˈmäd-əl\ n
1 a : a small but exact copy of something <a ship model>  b : a pattern or figure of something to be made <clay models for a statue>
2 : a person who sets a good example <a model of politeness>
3 a : a person or thing that serves as an artist's pattern; esp : a person who poses for an artist or photographer  b : a person who wears in the presence of customers garments that are for sale or who poses for ads for merchandise (as clothes)
4 : 1TYPE 2B, KIND <our car is a late model>
5 a : a description or construction used to help form a picture of something (as an atom) that cannot be seen directly <a model of a DNA molecule>  b : a computer simulation <climate models>  synonyms see PATTERN

2model vb mod·eled or mod·elled; mod·el·ing or mod·el·ling \ˈmäd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to plan or shape after a pattern
2 : to make a model : MOLD
3 : to act or serve as a model
— mod·el·er or mod·el·ler \ˈmäd-lər, -əl-ər\ n

3model adj
1 : serving as or worthy of being a pattern <a model student>
2 : being a miniature copy of something <a model airplane>

mo·dem \ˈmō-ˌdem\ n : a device that changes signals from one form to a form which can be used by another kind of equipment <computer information is sent over telephone lines using a modem>

1mod·er·ate \ˈmäd-(ə-)rət\ adj
1 a : avoiding or lacking extremes (as in behavior or temperature) <a moderate eater> <moderate climates>  b : 3CALM 2, REASONABLE <moderate demands>
2 a : neither very much nor very little : average in size or amount <a moderate rain>  b : neither very good nor very bad <met with only moderate success>
3 : opposed to major social change or extreme political ideas <a moderate candidate>
4 : not expensive : reasonable or low in price <moderate rates>
— mod·er·ate·ly adv

— mod·er·ate·ness n

2mod·er·ate \ˈmäd-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make or become less violent, severe, or intense
2 : to guide a discussion or act as chairperson of a meeting

3mod·er·ate \ˈmäd-(ə-)rət\ n : one who holds moderate views or belongs to a moderate group (as in politics)

mod·er·a·tion \ˌmäd-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the action of moderating
2 : the quality or state of being moderate : avoidance of extremes <does everything in moderation>

mo·der·a·to \ˌmäd-ə-ˈrät-ō\ adv or adj : at a moderate tempo — used as a direction in music

mod·er·a·tor \ˈmäd-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n
1 : one that moderates: as  a : the leader of a Presbyterian governing body  b : the chairperson of a town meeting  c : the chairperson of a discussion group (as on television)
2 : a substance (as graphite) used for slowing down neutrons in a nuclear reactor

1mod·ern \ˈmäd-ərn\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the recent past
2 : of or relating to the period from about 1500 to the present <modern history> <Modern English>
— mo·der·ni·ty \mə-ˈdər-nət-ē, mä-\ n

— mod·ern·ness \ˈmäd-ərn-nəs\ n

2modern n : a person of modern times or ideas

mod·ern·ism \ˈmäd-ər-ˌniz-əm\ n : a modern custom, expression, style, or idea
— mod·ern·ist \-nəst\ n or adj

— mod·ern·is·tic \ˌmäd-ər-ˈnis-tik\ adj

mod·ern·ize \ˈmäd-ər-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make or become modern; esp : to change to suit present styles, tastes, or needs
— mod·ern·i·za·tion \ˌmäd-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— mod·ern·iz·er \ˈmäd-ər-ˌnī-zər\ n

mod·est \ˈmäd-əst\ adj
1 a : having a limited and not overly high opinion of oneself and one's abilities  b : not boastful : somewhat shy <a modest winner>
2 : moderate in amount, size, or extent <a modest request> <a modest cottage>
3 : clean and proper in thought, conduct, and dress : DECENT
4 : limited in size, amount, or scope
— mod·est·ly adv

mod·es·ty \ˈmäd-ə-stē\ n : the quality of being modest

mo·di·cum \ˈmäd-i-kəm, ˈmōd-\ n : a small amount <anyone with a modicum of intelligence would understand>

mod·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 a : the act of modifying  b : the state of being modified
2 : the limiting of a statement : QUALIFICATION
3 : the result of modifying : partial change <modification of plans>

mod·i·fi·er \ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n : a word (as an adjective or adverb) or group of words (as a phrase or clause) used with another word or group of words to limit its meaning

mod·i·fy \ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to make changes in : ALTER <modify a plan>
2 : to lower or reduce in amount or degree : MODERATE
3 : to limit in meaning : QUALIFY <in the phrase “green gloves,” “green” modifies “gloves”>
— mod·i·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

mod·ish \ˈmōd-ish\ adj : FASHIONABLE 1, STYLISH
— mod·ish·ly adv

— mod·ish·ness n

mod·u·lar \ˈmäj-ə-lər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or based on a module or modulus
2 : constructed in similar sizes or with similar units for flexibility and variety in use

modular arithmetic n : arithmetic that deals with whole numbers in such a way that all numbers are replaced by their remainders after division by a modulus <5 hours after 10 o'clock is 3 o'clock because clocks follow a modular arithmetic with modulus 12>

mod·u·late \ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to tune to a key or pitch
2 : to adjust or regulate to the proper proportion; esp : to tone down : SOFTEN <modulated his voice>
3 : to vary a quality (as frequency or amplitude) of an electromagnetic wave for the transmission of information (as by radio)
— mod·u·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

— mod·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

mod·u·la·tion \ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : an action of modulating
2 : the extent or degree by which something is modulated
3 : a change from one musical key to another by using a chord that is found in both keys
4 : the process of modulating a carrier wave or signal (as in radio); also : the result of this process

mod·ule \ˈmäj-ü(ə)l\ n
1 a : any in a series of similar units for use together  b : a usually packaged collection of parts (as for an electronic device)
2 : an independent unit of a space vehicle <a propulsion module>

mod·u·lo \ˈmäj-ə-ˌlō\ prep : with respect to a modulus of

mod·u·lus \ˈmäj-ə-ləs\ n, pl -li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ : a fixed whole number by which all the numbers in a system of modular arithmetic are divided <using the modulus 5, the product of 3 times 4 equals 2 because 12 divided by 5 has remainder 2>

Mogen David variant of MAGEN DAVID

1mo·gul \ˈmō-(ˌ)gəl, mō-ˈgəl\ n
1 also mo·ghul or mu·ghal cap : an Indian Muslim of or descended from a family of Turkish and Mongolian origin that ruled India from the 16th to the 18th century
2 : an important person : MAGNATE [Persian Mughul “mogul,” from Mongolian mongγol “Mongol”]
— mogul adj, often cap

2mo·gul \ˈmō-gəl\ n : a bump on a ski slope [from German dialect]

mo·hair \ˈmō-ˌha(ə)r, -ˌhe(ə)r\ n : a fabric or yarn made of or with the long silky hair of the Angora goat; also : the hair of the Angora goat

Mo·ham·med·an also Mu·ham·mad·an \mō-ˈham-əd-ən\ adj : of or relating to Muhammad or Islam
— Mohammedan n

— Mo·ham·med·an·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ n

Mo·hawk \ˈmō-ˌhȯk\ n, pl Mohawk or Mohawks
1 : a member of an American Indian people of the Mohawk River valley in New York state
2 : the Iroquoian language of the Mohawk people
3 : a hairstyle with a narrow center strip of usually upright hair and the sides of the head shaved

Mo·he·gan \mō-ˈhē-gən, mə-\ or Mo·hi·can \-kən\ n, pl Mohegan or Mohegans or Mohican or Mohicans : a member of an American Indian people of southeastern Connecticut

Mohican variant of MAHICAN, MOHEGAN

Mohs' scale \ˈmōz-, ˈmōs-, ˈmō-səz-\ n : a scale of hardness for minerals that ranges from a value of 1 for talc to 10 for diamond [named after Friedrich Mohs, 1773–1839, German mineralogist who introduced the scale]

moi·ety \ˈmȯi-ət-ē\ n, pl -eties
1 : one of two equal or approximately equal parts : HALF
2 : COMPONENT

moil \ˈmȯi(ə)l\ vb : to work hard : DRUDGE

moi·ré \mȯ-ˈrā, mwä-\ or moire \same, or ˈmȯi(-ə)r, ˈmȯ(ə)r, ˈmwär\ n : a fabric (as silk) that has a shiny wavy-patterned surface
— moiré adj

moist \ˈmȯist\ adj
1 : slightly or moderately wet <moist earth>
2 : characterized by high humidity
— moist·ly adv

— moist·ness \ˈmȯis(t)-nəs\ n
synonyms MOIST, DAMP, DANK, mean somewhat wet. MOIST suggests a wetness that is just noticeable <grass just moist with dew>. DAMP suggests that something is wet to the point where it is disagreeable to touch <those clothes are too damp to wear>. DANK suggests a cold unpleasant wetness <a dank cellar>.

moist·en \ˈmȯis-ən\ vb moist·ened; moist·en·ing \ˈmȯis-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become moist
— moist·en·er \ˈmȯis-nər, -ən-ər\ n

mois·ture \ˈmȯish-chər, ˈmȯis-\ n : a small amount of liquid that causes moistness : DAMPNESS

mois·tur·ize \ˈmȯish-chə-ˌrīz, ˈmȯis-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to add moisture to <moisturize the air>
— mois·tur·iz·er n

mo·jo \ˈmō-jō\ n, pl mojoes or mojos : a magic spell, hex, or charm; also : magical power [probably of African origin]

1mo·lar \ˈmō-lər\ n : a tooth with a rounded or flattened surface adapted for grinding; esp : one behind the premolars of a mammal
Word History Food is crushed in the mouth by the grinding of teeth, especially the molars. In much the same manner, grain may be ground into flour between two rough circular millstones. The Latin word for millstone is mola, and it seemed fitting to the English in the late Middle Ages that a tooth which acted like a millstone be called a molar. [from Latin molaris “a grinding tooth,” from mola “millstone” — related to 1MILL]

2molar adj
1 : adapted for grinding
2 : of or relating to a molar

mo·las·ses \mə-ˈlas-əz\ n : a thick brown syrup that is separated from raw sugar in sugar manufacture

1mold \ˈmōld\ n : light rich crumbly earth that contains decaying matter (as leaves) [Old English molde “rich soil”]

2mold n
1 : the frame on, around, or in which something is constructed or shaped <a candle mold>
2 : something shaped in a mold <a mold of gelatin> [Middle English mold “special nature of something, frame on which something is formed,” from early French molde (same meaning), from Latin modulus “form, measure”]

3mold vb
1 : to work and press into shape <mold loaves of bread>
2 : to form in a mold
3 : to determine or influence the character of <mold a child's mind>
— mold·able \ˈmōl-də-bəl\ adj

— mold·er n

4mold vb : to become moldy [Middle English moulen “to become moldy”]

5mold n
1 : an often fuzzy surface growth of fungus especially on damp or decaying matter
2 : a fungus that produces mold

mold·er \ˈmōl-dər\ vb mold·ered; mold·er·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to crumble to bits by slow decay : DECAY

mold·ing \ˈmōl-diŋ\ n
1 a : the act or work of a person who molds  b : an object produced by molding
2 : a strip of material having a shaped surface and used as a decoration (as on a wall or the edge of a table)

moldy \ˈmōl-dē\ adj mold·i·er; -est : resembling, containing, or covered with mold
— mold·i·ness n

1mole \ˈmōl\ n : a small usually brown and sometimes slightly raised permanent spot on the skin [Old English māl “spot on the skin”]

2mole n : any of numerous burrowing mammals with tiny eyes, concealed ears, and soft fur that eat insects [Middle English mole “burrowing animal”]

3mole n : a pier made of heavy solid material (as concrete or stone) that protects a harbor from rough seas [from early French mole “stone pier,” from early Italian molo (same meaning), derived from Latin moles, literally “a mass”]

mo·lec·u·lar \mə-ˈlek-yə-lər\ adj : of, relating to, or produced by molecules

molecular biology n : a branch of biology that investigates the structure and function of usually large molecules (as DNA and proteins) of living matter in order to understand their role in biological processes (as inheritance and cell function)

molecular formula n : a chemical formula that gives the total number of atoms of each element present in a molecule

molecular mass n : the mass of a molecule that is equal to the sum of the masses of all the atoms contained in the molecule's formula

molecular weight n : the weight of a molecule equal to the sum of the weights of the atoms contained in it

mol·e·cule \ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l\ n
1 : the smallest particle of a substance having all the characteristics of the substance <a molecule of water> <a molecule of oxygen>
2 : a very small bit : PARTICLE

mole·hill \ˈmōl-ˌhil\ n
1 : a small mound or ridge of earth pushed up by a burrowing mole
2 : an unimportant obstacle or difficulty <made a mountain out of a molehill>

mo·lest \mə-ˈləst\ vb
1 : to injure or disturb by interfering : ANNOY
2 : to make unwelcome sexual advances to; esp : to force physical sexual contact on
— mo·les·ta·tion \ˌmōl-ˌes-ˈtā-shən, ˌmōl-əs-, ˌmäl-ˌes-\ n

— mo·lest·er \mə-ˈles-tər\ n

mol·li·fy \ˈmäl-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to reduce the harshness or violence of
2 : to soothe in temper or disposition : CONCILIATE  synonyms see PACIFY
— mol·li·fi·ca·tion \ˌmäl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

mol·lusk or mol·lusc \ˈmäl-əsk\ n : any of a large phylum of invertebrate animals (as snails, clams, and octopuses) with a soft body lacking segments and usually enclosed in a shell containing calcium
— mol·lus·can also mol·lus·kan \mə-ˈləs-kən, mä-\ adj

mol·ly also mol·lie \ˈmäl-ē\ n, pl mollies : any of several often colorful small fishes that are often kept in tropical aquariums

1mol·ly·cod·dle \ˈmäl-ē-ˌkäd-əl\ n : a person whose character has been weakened because of excessive pampering : SISSY

2mollycoddle vb -cod·dled; -cod·dling \-ˌkäd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : CODDLE 2, PAMPER

1molt \ˈmōlt\ vb : to shed hair, feathers, outer skin, shell, or horns with the cast-off parts being replaced by a new growth

2molt n : the act, process, or period of molting

mol·ten \ˈmōlt-ən\ adj : melted especially by very great heat

mol·to \ˈmōl-tō, ˈmȯl-\ adv : 2MUCH 1, VERY — used in music directions

mo·lyb·de·num \mə-ˈlib-də-nəm\ n : a metallic element used in steel alloys to give greater strength and hardness — see ELEMENT TABLE

mom \ˈmäm, ˈməm\ n : 1MOTHER 1A

mo·ment \ˈmō-mənt\ n
1 : a brief portion of time : INSTANT
2 a : present time <at the moment she is working on a novel>  b : a time of importance or success <he has his moments>
3 : IMPORTANCE, CONSEQUENCE <an event of great moment>

mo·men·tari·ly \ˌmō-mən-ˈter-ə-lē\ adv
1 : for a moment <the pain eased momentarily>
2 archaic : INSTANTLY
3 : at any moment <we expect them momentarily>

mo·men·tary \ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē\ adj : lasting only a moment  synonyms see TRANSIENT

mo·ment·ly \ˈmō-mənt-lē\ adv : MOMENTARILY

mo·men·tous \mō-ˈment-əs\ adj : very important <a momentous decision>
— mo·men·tous·ly adv

mo·men·tum \mō-ˈment-əm\ n, pl -men·ta \-ˈment-ə\ or -men·tums
1 : the characteristic of a moving body that is caused by its mass and its motion
2 : IMPETUS 1

momma variant of MAMA

mon- or mono- combining form
1 : one : single : alone <monotone>
2 : one atom or group <monoxide> [derived from Greek monos “alone, single”]

mon·arch \ˈmän-ərk, -ˌärk\ n
1 : a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire: as  a : a ruler who has total power <absolute monarch>  b : someone who acts primarily as chief of state and who has only limited powers <constitutional monarch>
2 : someone or something like a monarch <the oak is the monarch of the forest>
3 : MONARCH BUTTERFLY
— mo·nar·chal \mə-ˈnär-kəl, mä-\ or mo·nar·chi·al \-kē-əl\ adj

monarch butterfly n : a large orange and black American butterfly that migrates in large numbers in the spring and fall and whose larva feeds on milkweed

mo·nar·chi·cal \mə-ˈnär-ki-kəl, mä-\ also mo·nar·chic \-ˈnär-kik\ adj : of or relating to a monarch or monarchy <monarchical government>

mon·ar·chism \ˈmän-ər-ˌkiz-əm\ n : the laws of monarchical government; also : belief in or support of these laws
— mon·ar·chist \-kəst\ n

mon·ar·chy \ˈmän-ər-kē\ n, pl -chies
1 : total rule by one person
2 : a nation or country ruled by a monarch
3 : a form of government having a chief of state who inherits the position, rules for life, and holds powers varying from very limited to total

mon·as·tery \ˈmän-ə-ˌster-ē\ n, pl -ter·ies : a place where a community of monks or nuns live and work
— mon·as·te·ri·al \ˌmän-ə-ˈstir-ē-əl\ adj

mo·nas·tic \mə-ˈnas-tik\ adj
1 : of or relating to monks or monasteries
2 : resembling life in a monastery
— monastic n

— mo·nas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— mo·nas·ti·cism \-tə-ˌsiz-əm\ n

Mon·day \ˈmən-dē\ n : the second day of the week
Word History In ancient times, it was believed that there were seven “planets,” one of which was the moon. The seven days of the week were named after the seven “planets” in Latin. One of the days was named dies Lunae, which means “day of the moon.” The Latin name was later translated into other languages. In Old English, dies Lunae became mōnandæg. The word Monday comes from the Old English mōnandæg. [Old English mōnandæg “Monday,” literally “the moon's day,” a translation of Latin dies Lunae “day of the moon”]

Mo·nel Metal \mō-ˌnel-\ trademark — used for an alloy primarily of nickel and copper

mo·ner·an \mō-ˈnir-ən, mə-\ n : PROKARYOTE
— moneran adj

mon·e·tary \ˈmän-ə-ˌter-ē also ˈmən-\ adj : of or relating to money <this administration's monetary policy>

mon·e·tize \ˈmän-ə-ˌtīz also ˈmən-\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to accept and set up (as gold) as money in its role of measuring the value of other kinds of money (as paper bills)
— mon·e·ti·za·tion \ˌmän-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən also ˌmən-\ n

mon·ey \ˈmən-ē\ n, pl moneys or mon·ies \-ēz\
1 a : something (as coins or bills) generally accepted as a way of measuring value, as a way to trade value, and as a way to pay for goods and services  b : an amount of money
2 : wealth calculated in terms of money
3 : the first, second, and third place winners in a horse or dog race — usually used in the phrase in the money
— for one's money : according to one's choice or opinion
Word History The wife of the Roman god Jupiter was Juno, but she was also known by several other names. One of them was Moneta. The Romans made coins at a temple that was dedicated to this goddess. For that reason the name Moneta came to mean “a place where coins are made,” and later simply “coin” or “money.” The Latin Moneta became moneie in early French. This early French word was borrowed into Middle English as moneye. From it we get the Modern English money. [Middle English moneye “money,” from early French moneie (same meaning), from Latin moneta “coin, place where coins are made,” from Moneta “a special name for the goddess Juno”; so called because the ancient Romans made coins at the temple of Juno Moneta — related to 2MINT]

mon·ey·bags \ˈmən-ē-ˌbagz\ n sing or pl : a wealthy person

money changer n : one whose business is the exchanging of one kind of money for the amount of other kinds of money that is equal in value

mon·eyed or mon·ied \ˈmən-ēd\ adj : having money : WEALTHY

mon·ey·lend·er \ˈmən-ē-ˌlen-dər\ n : one whose business is lending money; esp : PAWNBROKER

money market n : the trade in short-term negotiable instruments (as U.S. Treasury securities)

money order n : a written order purchased for a fee (as from a bank) to pay a particular amount of money to a specified person or company

Mon·gol \ˈmäŋ-gəl, ˈmän-ˌgōl\ n
1 : a member of one of the peoples of Mongolia who traditionally raise livestock
2 : MONGOLIAN 2

Mon·go·lian \män-ˈgōl-yən, mäŋ-, -ˈgō-lē-ən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Mongolia
2 : the language of the Mongol people
— Mongolian adj

Mon·gol·oid \ˈmäŋ-gə-ˌlȯid\ adj : of or relating to a race of humankind that is native to Asia
— Mongoloid n

mon·goose \ˈmän-ˌgüs, ˈmäŋ-\ n, pl mon·goos·es : any of various quick-moving mammals with a long slender body and long tail that are about the size of a ferret and feed chiefly on small animals and fruit

1mon·grel \ˈməŋ-grəl, ˈmäŋ-\ n
1 : the offspring of parents of different breeds (as of dogs); esp : one whose ancestors are unknown
2 : a person or thing of mixed origin

2mongrel adj : of mixed or uncertain kind or origin

1mon·i·tor \ˈmän-ət-ər\ n
1 a : a student appointed to assist a teacher  b : a person that warns or instructs  c : one that monitors or is used in monitoring; esp : a video screen used for display (as of television pictures or computer information)
2 : MONITOR LIZARD
3 a : a heavily armored warship having low sides and revolving guns that was used against shipping in harbors and in river patrol  b : a gunboat used to bombard coastal areas and riverbanks

2monitor vb mon·i·tored; mon·i·tor·ing \ˈmän-ət-ə-riŋ, ˈmän-ə-triŋ\ : to watch, observe, or check for a special purpose <monitor a broadcast for sound quality>

monitor lizard n : any of various large flesh-eating lizards of very warm areas in Africa, Australia, and Asia

monk \ˈməŋk\ n : a member of a religious community made up of men who agree to give up worldly life, remain poor and unmarried, and obey all laws of their community
— monk·ish \ˈməŋ-kish\ adj

1mon·key \ˈməŋ-kē\ n, pl monkeys
1 : any of a group of primate animals other than human beings that are furry and live in warm regions; esp : ones that are small and long-tailed as compared to the apes
2 : a ridiculous person : FOOL
— mon·key·ish \-kē-ish\ adj

2monkey vb mon·keyed; mon·key·ing
1 : to act in a playful or mischievous manner
2 : MEDDLE, TAMPER <don't monkey with the lawn mower>

mon·key·shine \ˈməŋ-kē-ˌshīn\ n : a mischievous trick : PRANK — usually used in plural

monkey wrench n : a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw

monks·hood \ˈməŋ(k)s-ˌhu̇d\ n : any of a genus of poisonous plants related to the buttercups; esp : a tall Eurasian plant that is often grown for its white or purplish flowers

mono- — see MON-

mono·chro·mat·ic \ˌmän-ə-krō-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : having or consisting of one color
2 : consisting of radiation (as light) of a single wavelength

mono·chrome \ˈmän-ə-ˌkrōm\ n : a painting, drawing, or photograph in a single color
— monochrome adj

mon·o·cle \ˈmän-i-kəl\ n : an eyeglass for one eye
— mon·o·cled \-kəld\ adj

mono·cot \ˈmän-ə-ˌkät\ n : MONOCOTYLEDON
— monocot adj

mono·cot·y·le·don \ˌmän-ə-ˌkät-əl-ˈēd-ən\ n : any of a group of flowering plants (as the palms and grasses) having an embryo with a single cotyledon and usually leaves with parallel veins and flower parts in groups of three — compare DICOTYLEDON
— mono·cot·y·le·don·ous \-əl-ˈēd-ən-əs\ adj

mono·cyte \ˈmän-ə-ˌsīt\ n : a large white blood cell that is formed in the bone marrow and travels to the connective tissues where it develops into a macrophage

mon·oe·cious \mə-ˈnē-shəs, (ˈ)mä-\ adj : having on the same plant flowers with stamens only and flowers with pistils only

mo·nog·a·my \mə-ˈnäg-ə-mē\ n : marriage with only one person at a time
— mo·nog·a·mous \-məs\ adj

mono·gram \ˈmän-ə-ˌgram\ n : an identifying or decorative symbol usually made up of a person's initials
— mono·grammed \-ˌgramd\ adj

mono·lith \ˈmän-əl-ˌith\ n
1 : a single great stone often in the form of a monument or column
2 : something large and powerful (as a political organization) that is thought to function as a unified whole
— mono·lith·ic \ˌmän-əl-ˈith-ik\ adj

mono·logue also mono·log \ˈmän-əl-ˌȯg, -ˌäg\ n
1 : a short dramatic work performed by one actor
2 : a long uninterrupted speech delivered by one person in the presence of others
— mono·logu·ist \-əl-ˌȯg-əst, -ˌäg-\ or mo·no·lo·gist \mə-ˈnäl-ə-jəst; ˈmän-əl-ˌȯg-əst, -ˌäg-\ n

mono·pho·nic \ˌmän-ə-ˈfän-ik\ adj : of or relating to sound recording or reproduction involving a single transmission path

mono·plane \ˈmän-ə-ˌplān\ n : an airplane with only one set of wings

mo·nop·o·list \mə-ˈnäp-ə-ləst\ n : one who monopolizes
— mo·nop·o·lis·tic \-ˌnäp-ə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

mo·nop·o·lize \mə-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing : to acquire or have complete control over <always monopolizing the conversation>
— mo·nop·o·li·za·tion \-ˌnäp-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— mo·nop·o·liz·er \-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlī-zər\ n

mo·nop·o·ly \mə-ˈnäp-(ə-)lē\ n, pl -lies
1 a : complete control over the entire supply of goods or a service in a certain market  b : complete possession
2 : a commercial product or service controlled by one person or company
3 : a company that has a monopoly

mono·rail \ˈmän-ə-ˌrāl\ n : a single rail serving as a track for cars that balance on or hang from it; also : a car using such a track

mono·sac·cha·ride \ˌmän-ə-ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd\ n : a sugar that cannot be split into simpler sugars — called also simple sugar

mono·so·di·um glu·ta·mate \ˌmän-ə-ˌsōd-ē-əm-ˈglüt-ə-ˌmāt\ n : a sodium salt used for seasoning foods

mono·syl·la·ble \ˈmän-ə-ˌsil-ə-bəl, ˌmän-ə-ˈsil-\ n : a word of one syllable
— mono·syl·lab·ic \ˌmän-ə-sə-ˈlab-ik\ adj

mono·the·ism \ˈmän-ə-(ˌ)thē-ˌiz-əm\ n : the belief that there is only one God
— mono·the·ist \-ˌthē-əst\ n

— mono·the·is·tic \ˌmän-ə-thē-ˈis-tik\ adj

mono·tone \ˈmän-ə-ˌtōn\ n
1 : a series of syllables, words, or sentences on one unchanging key or pitch <speak in a monotone>
2 : a single unchanging musical tone
3 : a boring sameness or repetition <a monotone of suburban houses>

mo·not·o·nous \mə-ˈnät-ən-əs, -ˈnät-nəs\ adj
1 : uttered or sounded in one unchanging tone
2 : boring from being always the same <a monotonous task>
— mo·not·o·nous·ly adv

— mo·not·o·nous·ness n

mo·not·o·ny \mə-ˈnät-ən-ē, -ˈnät-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : sameness of tone or sound
2 : lack of variety; esp : a lack of change that causes boredom

mono·treme \ˈmän-ə-ˌtrēm\ n : any of an order of egg-laying mammals that include the platypuses and echidnas

mono·un·sat·u·rat·ed \ˌmän-ō-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-ed\ adj : containing one double or triple bond per molecule — used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

mon·ox·ide \mə-ˈnäk-ˌsīd\ n : an oxide containing only one oxygen atom in the molecule

mon·sei·gneur \ˌmōn-ˌsān-ˈyər\ n, pl mes·sei·gneurs \ˌmā-ˌsān-ˈyər(z)\ : a high-ranking Frenchman (as a prince or archbishop) — used as a title before a title of office or rank

mon·sieur \məsh-(ˈ)yə(r), məs-, mə-ˈsi(ə)r\ n, pl mes·sieurs \məsh-(ˈ)yə(r)(z), məs-, mās-; mə-ˈsi(ə)r(z)\ — used as a title equal to Mister for a Frenchman

mon·si·gnor \män-ˈsē-nyər, mən-\ n, pl monsignors or mon·si·gno·ri \ˌmän-ˈsēn-ˈyōr-ē, -ˈyȯr-\ — used as a title for Roman Catholic priests

mon·soon \män-ˈsün\ n
1 : a periodic wind in the Indian Ocean and southern Asia
2 : the rainy season that accompanies the southwest monsoon
3 : rainfall that is associated with the monsoon season

1mon·ster \ˈmän(t)-stər\ n
1 : an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure
2 : a strange or horrible creature
3 : something unusually large
4 : an extremely wicked or cruel person

2monster adj : very large : ENORMOUS

mon·strance \ˈmän(t)-strən(t)s\ n : a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed

mon·stros·i·ty \män-ˈsträs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the condition of being monstrous
2 : something monstrous : MONSTER

mon·strous \ˈmän(t)-strəs\ adj
1 : unusually large : GIGANTIC
2 : very ugly or vicious : HORRIBLE
3 : shockingly wrong or ridiculous
4 : very different from the usual form : ABNORMAL
— mon·strous·ly adv
synonyms MONSTROUS, TREMENDOUS, STUPENDOUS, COLOSSAL, mean of very great size. MONSTROUS suggests that something is unusually big when compared to others of its kind <a monstrous cow>. TREMENDOUS suggests something so big that it causes wonder or fear <the tremendous size of the blue whale>. STUPENDOUS suggests something that is amazing simply because of its size <a stupendous wedding cake>. COLOSSAL suggests a size that is almost too great to imagine <the colossal size of the largest planets>.

mon·tage \män-ˈtäzh, mōn-\ n
1 : an artistic composition made up of several different kinds of items (as strips of newspaper, pictures, bits of wood) arranged together
2 : a rapid succession of distinct scenes or images in a motion picture to illustrate associated ideas

Mon·te·zu·ma's revenge \ˌmän-tə-ˈzü-məz-\ n : diarrhea contracted in Mexico especially by tourists [named after Montezuma II, 1466–1520, the last Aztec emperor of Mexico]

month \ˈmən(t)th\ n, pl months \ˈmən(t)s, ˈmən(t)ths\ : one of the 12 parts into which the year is divided

1month·ly \ˈmən(t)th-lē\ adj
1 : occurring, done, produced, or published every month
2 : due or calculated by the month <monthly salary>
3 : lasting a month
— monthly adv

2monthly n, pl monthlies
1 : a monthly magazine
2 pl : a menstrual period

mon·u·ment \ˈmän-yə-mənt\ n
1 : something that serves as a memorial; esp : a building, pillar, stone, or statue honoring a person or event
2 : a work, saying, or deed that lasts or that is worth preserving <the book is a monument of scholarship>
3 : a boundary marker (as a stone)
4 : a place of historic interest or natural beauty set aside and maintained by the government as public property

mon·u·men·tal \ˌmän-yə-ˈment-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a monument
2 : serving as or resembling a monument : MASSIVE; also : highly significant : OUTSTANDING
3 : very great <monumental stupidity>
— mon·u·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

1moo \ˈmü\ vb : to make the low sound of a cow : LOW

2moo n : the sound a cow makes when it moos

mooch \ˈmüch\ vb
1 : to wander about
2 : BEG 1, SPONGE
— mooch·er n

1mood \ˈmüd\ n
1 : an emotional state of mind or feeling; also : the feeling expressed in a work of art or literature
2 : a dominant attitude or spirit <the mood of the country was optimistic>
3 : a distinctive atmosphere or context <the dark mood of the movie> [Old English mōd “a state of mind”]

2mood n : a set of forms of a verb that show whether the action or state expressed is to be thought of as a fact, a command, or a wish or possibility [an altered form of mode]

moody \ˈmüd-ē\ adj mood·i·er; -est
1 : frequently influenced by moods; esp : affected by changeable and gloomy moods or bad temper
2 : expressing a mood <a moody face>
— mood·i·ly \ˈmüd-əl-ē\ adv

— mood·i·ness \ˈmüd-ē-nəs\ n

1moon \ˈmün\ n
1 a : the earth's natural satellite that shines by reflecting light from the sun and revolves about the earth in about 29½ days  b : SATELLITE 2A
2 : an unspecified and usually long period of time <took many moons to complete>
3 : 1MOONLIGHT
— moon·less \-ləs\ adj

2moon vb : to spend time daydreaming

moon·beam \ˈmün-ˌbēm\ n : a ray of light from the moon

1moon·light \-ˌlīt\ n : the light of the moon

2moonlight vb : to work at a second job in addition to a regular one
— moon·light·er n

moon·lit \ˈmün-ˌlit\ adj : lighted by the moon

moon·roof \-ˌrüf, ˌru̇f\ n : a glass sunroof

moon·scape \ˈmün-ˌskāp\ n : the surface of the moon as seen or as pictured

moon·shine \ˈmün-ˌshīn\ n
1 : 1MOONLIGHT
2 : meaningless talk : NONSENSE
3 : alcoholic liquor; esp : illegally produced whiskey made from corn
— moon·shin·er \-ˌshī-nər\ n

moon·stone \-ˌstōn\ n : a partly transparent shiny stone used as a gem

moon·struck \-ˌstrək\ adj
1 : mentally unbalanced
2 : romantically sentimental
3 : lost in daydreams or fantasy

moony \ˈmü-nē\ adj : DREAMY 2, MOONSTRUCK

1moor \ˈmu̇(ə)r\ n : a boggy area; esp : one that is peaty and dominated by grasses and sedges [Old English mōr “an area of open and wet wasteland”]

2moor vb : to fasten in place with cables, lines, or anchors <moor a boat> [Middle English moren “to fasten (a boat) in place”]
— moor·age \-ij\ n

Moor \ˈmu̇(ə)r\ n : one of a North African people that conquered Spain in the 8th century and ruled until 1492 [Middle English More “Moor,” from early French More (same meaning), from Latin Maurus “a person from Mauretania (a country in Africa)”]
— Moor·ish \-ish\ adj

moor·hen \ˈmu̇(ə)r-ˌhen\ n : a common gallinule found in the New World, Eurasia, and Africa

moor·ing \ˈmu̇(ə)r-iŋ\ n
1 : a place or object to which a boat or aircraft can be fastened
2 : a device or line by which a boat or aircraft is moored

moor·land \ˈmu̇(ə)r-lənd, -ˌland\ n : land consisting of moors

moose \ˈmüs\ n, pl moose : a large cud-chewing mammal with broad flattened antlers and humped shoulders that is related to the deer and lives in forests of Canada, the northern U.S., Europe, and Asia

1moot \ˈmüt\ vb
1 : to bring up for discussion
2 : 2DEBATE 1

2moot adj : open to question or discussion : DEBATABLE <a moot question>

1mop \ˈmäp\ n
1 : a tool for cleaning made of a bundle of cloth or yarn or a sponge fastened to a handle
2 : something resembling a mop <a tangled mop of hair>

2mop vb mopped; mop·ping : to wipe or clean with or as if with a mop <mop the floor> <mopped my brow with a handkerchief>

1mope \ˈmōp\ vb moped; mop·ing
1 : to be in a dull and gloomy state
2 : to move slowly and aimlessly : DAWDLE
— mop·er n

2mope n
1 : a person who lacks energy or enthusiasm
2 pl : low spirits : BLUES <a fit of the mopes>

mo·ped \ˈmō-ˌped\ n : a lightweight low-powered motorbike that can be pedaled

mop·pet \ˈmäp-ət\ n : a young child

mo·raine \mə-ˈrān\ n : a pile of earth and stones carried and deposited by a glacier

1mor·al \ˈmȯr-əl, ˈmär-\ adj
1 a : of or relating to the judgment of right and wrong in human behavior : ETHICAL  b : expressing or teaching an idea of right behavior <a moral poem>  c : agreeing with a standard of right behavior : GOOD <moral conduct>  d : able to choose between right and wrong
2 : likely but not proved : VIRTUAL <a moral certainty>
— mor·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

2moral n
1 : the lesson to be learned from a story or an experience
2 pl : moral conduct <a high standard of morals>
3 pl : moral teachings or rules

mo·rale \mə-ˈral\ n : the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, spirit, or loyalty) of an individual or a group with regard to a task or goal to be accomplished

mor·al·ist \ˈmȯr-ə-ləst, ˈmär-\ n
1 : a person who leads a moral life
2 : a person who teaches, studies, or points out morals
3 : a person who is concerned with regulating the morals of others

mor·al·is·tic \ˌmȯr-ə-ˈlis-tik, ˌmär-\ adj
1 : teaching or pointing out morals <a moralistic story>
2 : having or expressing a conservative moral attitude <a moralistic attitude toward the problems of youth>

mo·ral·i·ty \mə-ˈral-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : moral quality : VIRTUE <judge the morality of an action>
2 : a system of moral rules

morality play n : a type of play popular especially in the 15th and 16th centuries in which the characters stand for moral qualities (as virtue or vice) or conditions (as death)

mor·al·ize \ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlīz, ˈmär-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to explain in a moral sense : draw a moral from
2 : to make moral or morally better
3 : to make moral comments
— mor·al·i·za·tion \ˌmȯr-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌmär-\ n

— mor·al·iz·er \ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlī-zər, ˈmär-\ n

mo·rass \mə-ˈras\ n
1 : MARSH, SWAMP
2 : a situation that traps, confuses, or hinders

mor·a·to·ri·um \ˌmȯr-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əm, ˌmär-, -ˈtȯr-\ n, pl -ri·ums or -ria \-ē-ə\
1 : a legally approved period of delay in the payment of a debt or the performance of a duty
2 : 2BAN 2, SUSPENSION <a moratorium on atomic testing>

mo·ray eel \mə-ˈrā-, ˈmȯr-ā-\ n : any of numerous often brightly colored eels that have sharp teeth capable of biting and live in warm seas — called also moray

mor·bid \ˈmȯr-bəd\ adj
1 : not healthful : DISEASED <a morbid condition>
2 : characterized by gloomy or sick ideas or feelings <takes a morbid interest in funerals>
— mor·bid·ly adv

mor·bid·i·ty \mȯr-ˈbid-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being morbid
2 : the rate at which a disease occurs in a group of individuals

mor·dant \ˈmȯrd-ənt\ adj : SARCASTIC, BITING <mordant criticism>

1more \ˈmō(ə)r, ˈmȯ(ə)r\ adj
1 : greater in amount, number, or size <felt more pain>
2 : 1EXTRA, ADDITIONAL <bought more apples>

2more adv
1 : in addition <wait one day more>
2 : to a greater or higher extent — often used with an adjective or adverb to form the comparative <more active> <more actively>

3more n
1 : a greater amount or number <got more than we expected> <the more I thought about it>
2 : an additional amount or number <the more the merrier>

mo·rel \mə-ˈrel, mȯ-\ n : any of several large edible fungi with a cap having indentations on the surface — called also morel mushroom

more or less adv
1 : to a varying or uncertain degree : SOMEWHAT <they were more or less willing to help>
2 : with small variations : APPROXIMATELY <contains 16 acres more or less>

more·over \mōr-ˈō-vər, mȯr-\ adv : in addition to what has been said : BESIDES

mo·res \ˈmȯ(ə)r-ˌāz, ˈmō(ə)r- also -ēz\ n pl
1 : the unchanging customs of a particular group that are accepted by all group members as moral and necessary for the group's survival
2 : usual behavior : HABITS, MANNERS

Mor·gan \ˈmȯr-gən\ n : any of an American breed of light strong horses

mor·ga·nat·ic \ˌmȯr-gə-ˌnat-ik-\ adj : of, relating to, or being a legal and recognized marriage between a member of a royal or noble family and a person of lower rank who does not take on the title of the higher ranked person and whose children do not acquire the title or inheritance of the parent of higher rank

morgue \ˈmȯ(ə)rg\ n
1 : a place where the bodies of the dead are kept temporarily until they are identified or released for burial
2 : a department of a newspaper where reference material is filed

mor·i·bund \ˈmȯr-ə-(ˌ)bənd, ˈmär-\ adj : nearly dead

Mor·mon \ˈmȯr-mən\ n : a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 and accepting the Book of Mormon
— Mor·mon·ism \ˈmȯr-mə-ˌniz-əm\ n

morn \ˈmȯ(ə)rn\ n : MORNING

morn·ing \ˈmȯr-niŋ\ n
1 a : 2DAWN 1  b : the time from sunrise to noon  c : the time from midnight to noon
2 : the first or early part : BEGINNING <the morning of life>

morning glory n : any of various usually twining plants with showy trumpet-shaped flowers that usually close by the middle of the day; also : any of various related herbs, vines, shrubs, or trees

morning sickness n : nausea that occurs typically in the morning and that is usually associated with the early months of pregnancy

morning star n : a bright planet (as Venus) seen in the eastern sky before or at sunrise

mo·roc·co \mə-ˈräk-ō\ n : a fine leather made of goat skins tanned with sumac

mo·ron \ˈmō(ə)r-ˌän, ˈmȯ(ə)r-\ n : a very stupid person
— mo·ron·ic \mə-ˈrän-ik, mȯ-\ adj

mo·rose \mə-ˈrōs, mȯ-\ adj : SULLEN 1A, GLOOMY
— mo·rose·ly adv

— mo·rose·ness n

morph \ˈmȯrf\ vb : to change in form or character [short for metamorphose “to change in form”]

mor·pheme \ˈmȯr-ˌfēm\ n : a word or a part of a word (as re- or -call in recall) that contains no smaller unit of meaning
— mor·phe·mic \mȯr-ˈfē-mik\ adj

mor·phine \ˈmȯr-ˌfēn\ n : a bitter white habit-forming narcotic drug made from opium and used especially to deaden pain [derived from Morpheus “Greek god of dreams”]

mor·phol·o·gy \mȯr-ˈfäl-ə-jē\ n
1 a : a branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of animals and plants  b : the form and structure of a plant or animal or any of its parts
2 : the part of grammar dealing with word formation
3 : 1STRUCTURE 3, FORM <the morphology of rocks>
— mor·pho·log·i·cal \ˌmȯr-fə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

mor·ris \ˈmȯr-əs, ˈmär-\ n : a vigorous English dance traditionally performed by men wearing costumes and bells [Middle English moreys “Moorish”]

mor·ris chair \ˌmȯr-əs-, ˌmär-\ n : an easy chair with an adjustable back and removable cushions

mor·row \ˈmär-ō, ˈmȯr-\ n
1 archaic : MORNING
2 : the next day

Morse code \ˈmȯrs-\ n : either of two codes consisting of dots and dashes or long and short sounds used for sending messages

See TABLE

mor·sel \ˈmȯr-səl\ n
1 : a small piece of food : BITE
2 : a small quantity or piece [Middle English morsel “a small piece of food,” from early French morsel (same meaning), from mors “a bite,” derived from Latin morsus, past participle of mordēre “to bite” — related to REMORSE; see Word History at REMORSE]

1mor·tal \ˈmȯrt-əl\ adj
1 : capable of causing death <a mortal wound>
2 : certain to die <animals are mortal>
3 : extremely unfriendly <a mortal enemy>
4 : very great or severe <in mortal fear>
5 : 1HUMAN 1 <mortal limitations>
6 : of, relating to, or connected with death <mortal agony>  synonyms see DEADLY
— mor·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

2mortal n : a human being

mor·tal·i·ty \mȯr-ˈtal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being mortal
2 : the death of large numbers (as of animals or people)
3 a : the number of deaths in a given time or place  b : the ratio of deaths occurring in a certain time in a given population to the number of individuals in the population

mortal sin n : a sin considered so serious or wicked as to deserve eternal punishment

1mor·tar \ˈmȯrt-ər\ n
1 : a strong deep bowl in which substances are pounded or crushed with a pestle
2 : a short muzzle-loading cannon used to fire shells at a low speed and at high angles

2mortar n : a building material made of lime and cement mixed with sand and water that is spread between bricks or stones so as to hold them together when it hardens
— mortar vb

mor·tar·board \ˈmȯrt-ər-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a board used to hold mortar while it is being applied
2 : an academic cap with a broad flat square top and tassel that is worn at graduation and other ceremonies

1mort·gage \ˈmȯr-gij\ n
1 : a transfer of rights to a piece of property (as a house) usually in return for a loan and that is canceled when the loan is paid
2 : the document recording such a transfer

2mortgage vb mort·gaged; mort·gag·ing
1 : to transfer rights to a piece of property by a mortgage
2 : to place under an obligation : pledge in advance

mort·gag·ee \ˌmȯr-gi-ˈjē\ n : a person to whom property is mortgaged

mort·gag·or \ˌmȯr-gi-ˈjȯ(ə)r\ also mort·gag·er \ˈmȯr-gi-jər\ n : a person who mortgages his or her property

mor·ti·cian \mȯr-ˈtish-ən\ n : UNDERTAKER

mor·ti·fy \ˈmȯrt-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to attempt to reduce or control bodily needs and desires through punishment and self-denial
2 : to embarrass greatly : HUMILIATE
— mor·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌmȯrt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

1mor·tise \ˈmȯrt-əs\ n : a hole or groove cut in a piece of wood or other material into which another piece fits so as to form a joint

2mortise vb mor·tised; mor·tis·ing
1 : to join or fasten securely especially by a tenon and mortise
2 : to cut a mortise in

1mor·tu·ary \ˈmȯr-chə-ˌwer-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies : a place in which the bodies of the dead are kept until burial; esp : FUNERAL HOME

2mortuary adj : of or relating to death or burial of the dead

mo·sa·ic \mō-ˈzā-ik\ n
1 : a decoration on a surface made by setting small pieces of glass, tile, or stone of different colors into another material so as to make pictures or patterns
2 : the process of making mosaics
3 : something resembling a mosaic; esp : a virus disease of plants characterized by mottling of the foliage
— mosaic adj

mo·sa·saur \ˈmō-zə-ˌsȯr\ n : any of various very large extinct fish-eating lizards of seas of the Cretaceous period with limbs resembling paddles [from Latin Mosa “the River Meuse” and Greek sauros “lizard”]

moscovium \mäs-ˈkō-vē-əm\ n : a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element — see ELEMENT TABLE

Mos·lem \ˈmäz-ləm also ˈmäs-\ variant of MUSLIM

mosque \ˈmäsk\ n : a Muslim place of worship

mos·qui·to \mə-ˈskēt-ō\ n, pl -toes also -tos : any of numerous two-winged flies of which the females have a needlelike structure of the mouth region adapted to puncture the skin and suck the blood of animals [from Spanish mosquito “mosquito,” literally “little fly,” from mosca “fly”]
— mos·qui·to·ey \-ˈskēt-ə-wē\ adj

mosquito net n : a net for keeping out mosquitoes

moss \ˈmȯs\ n
1 : any of a class of plants that have no flowers and produce small leafy stems forming sex organs at their tips and that grow in patches like cushions on rocks, bark, or damp ground
2 : any of various plants (as lichens) resembling mosses — compare REINDEER MOSS
— moss·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— mossy \ˈmȯ-sē\ adj

mossy zinc n : a form of zinc made by pouring melted zinc into water

1most \ˈmōst\ adj
1 : the majority of <most people believe this>
2 : greatest in amount or extent <the most ability>

2most adv
1 : to the greatest or highest level or extent — often used with an adjective or adverb to form the superlative <most active> <most actively>
2 : to a very great extent <a most careful driver>

3most n : the greatest amount, number, or part

4most adv : ALMOST <the cost of most everything is higher>

-most \ˌmōst\ adj suffix : most <innermost> [Middle English -most “most”]

most·ly \ˈmōst-lē\ adv : for the greatest part : MAINLY

mote \ˈmōt\ n : a small particle : SPECK

mo·tel \mō-ˈtel\ n : a building or group of buildings which provide lodgings and in which the rooms are usually reached directly from an outdoor parking lot

mo·tet \mō-ˈtet\ n : a form of church music to be sung by several voices usually without accompanying instruments and with several melodies woven together

moth \ˈmȯth\ n, pl moths \ˈmȯthz, ˈmȯths\ : any of a group of night-flying insects that are lepidopterans often with duller coloring, stouter bodies, and smaller wings than the related butterflies and with antennae which are often feathery

1moth·ball \ˈmȯth-ˌbȯl\ n
1 : a ball (as of naphthalene) used to keep moths out of clothing
2 pl : protective storage <a fleet put in mothballs after the war>

2mothball vb
1 : to remove a ship from use and protect from deterioration
2 : to withdraw from use or service and keep in reserve : put aside

moth–eat·en \ˈmȯ-ˌthēt-ən\ adj
1 : eaten into by moths <moth-eaten clothes>
2 : so old as to be no longer acceptable or usable

1moth·er \ˈməth-ər\ n
1 a : a female parent  b : a woman in authority; esp : a nun in charge of a convent
2 : an elderly woman
3 : 1CAUSE 1, ORIGIN <necessity is the mother of invention>
— moth·er·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

— moth·er·less \-ləs\ adj

2mother adj
1 a : of or relating to a mother <mother love>  b : being in the relation of a mother to others <a mother country>
2 : gotten from or as if from one's mother

3mother vb moth·ered; moth·er·ing \ˈməth-(ə-)riŋ\ : to be or act as mother to

moth·er·board \ˈməth-ər-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : the main circuit board especially of a personal computer

Mother Car·ey's chicken \ˌməth-ər-ˌkar-ēz, -ˌker-\ n : STORM PETREL

Mother Hub·bard \ˌməth-ər-ˈhəb-ərd\ n : a loose usually shapeless dress

moth·er–in–law \ˈməth-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ, ˈməth-ərn-ˌlȯ\ n, pl moth·ers–in–law \ˈməth-ər-zən-\ : the mother of one's husband or wife

moth·er·land \ˈməth-ər-ˌland\ n : FATHERLAND

mother lode n : the main vein or deposit of an ore (as gold) in a region

moth·er·ly \ˈməth-ər-lē\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother <motherly affection>
2 : resembling a mother
— moth·er·li·ness n

Mother Nature n : nature represented as a woman thought of as the source and guiding force of creation

moth·er–of–pearl \ˌməth-ə-rə(v)-ˈpər(-ə)l\ n : the hard pearly material that lines the shell of some mollusks (as mussels) and is often used for ornamental objects and buttons

mother of vinegar : a slimy mass of yeast cells and bacteria that forms on the surface of liquids in a process of alcoholic fermentation and is added to wine or cider to produce vinegar — called also mother

Mother's Day n : the second Sunday in May set aside for the honoring of mothers

mother tongue n
1 : one's native language
2 : a language from which another language develops

mo·tif \mō-ˈtēf\ n
1 : an important and usually repeating idea or theme in a work of art
2 : a feature in a decoration or design <a flower motif in wallpaper>

mo·tile \ˈmōt-əl, ˈmō-ˌtīl\ adj : moving or able to move
— mo·til·i·ty \mō-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n

1mo·tion \ˈmō-shən\ n
1 : a formal plan or suggestion for action offered according to the rules of a meeting <a motion to adjourn>
2 a : an act or process of changing place or position : MOVEMENT  b : an act or instance of moving the body or its parts : GESTURE
— mo·tion·less \-ləs\ adj

— mo·tion·less·ly adv

— mo·tion·less·ness n

2motion vb mo·tioned; mo·tion·ing \ˈmō-sh(ə-)niŋ\ : to direct or signal by a movement or sign <motioned me to come forward>

motion picture n
1 : a series of pictures projected on a screen rapidly one after another so as to give the appearance of a continuous picture in which the objects move
2 : MOVIE 2

motion sickness n : sickness caused by motion (as in travel by air, car, or ship) and characterized especially by nausea

mo·ti·vate \ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing : to provide with a reason for doing something : INDUCE

mo·ti·va·tion \ˌmōt-ə-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of motivating  b : the condition of being motivated
2 : a motivating force or influence : INCENTIVE

1mo·tive \ˈmōt-iv, sense 2 is also mō-ˈtēv\ n
1 : something (as a need or desire) that leads or influences a person to do something <their motive in running away was to avoid trouble>
2 : MOTIF  synonyms see CAUSE

2mo·tive \ˈmōt-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or causing motion <motive power>

1mot·ley \ˈmät-lē\ adj
1 : having various colors
2 : composed of various often unlike kinds or parts <a motley collection of junk>

2motley n
1 a : a garment of mixed colors worn by a court jester  b : 1FOOL 2
2 : a mixture of different elements

mo·to·cross \ˈmōt-ō-ˌkrȯs\ n : a motorcycle race over a course laid out on rough terrain; also : the sport of motocross racing

mo·to·neu·ron \ˌmōt-ə-ˈn(y)ü-ˌrän, -ˈn(y)u̇(ə)r-ˌän\ n : MOTOR NEURON

1mo·tor \ˈmōt-ər\ n
1 : a machine that produces motion or power for doing work <a gasoline motor> <electric motors>
2 : MOTOR VEHICLE; esp : 2AUTOMOBILE
— mo·tor·less \-ləs\ adj

2motor adj
1 : causing or giving motion <motor power>
2 a : of, relating to, or being a nerve, neuron, or nerve fiber that carries a nerve impulse to a muscle causing movement <motor nerves>  b : concerned with or involving muscular movement <motor areas of the brain> <a motor reaction>
3 a : equipped with or driven by a motor  b : of, relating to, or designed for use in an automobile <a motor accident> <a motor mechanic>

3motor vb : to travel or transport by automobile : DRIVE

mo·tor·bike \ˈmōt-ər-ˌbīk\ n : a light motorcycle

mo·tor·boat \-ˌbōt\ n : a boat driven by a motor

mo·tor·cade \ˈmōt-ər-ˌkād\ n : a parade of motor vehicles

mo·tor·car \ˈmōt-ər-ˌkär\ n : 2AUTOMOBILE

motor court n : MOTEL

mo·tor·cy·cle \ˈmōt-ər-ˌsī-kəl\ n : a motorized vehicle for one or two passengers that has two wheels
— motorcycle vb

— mo·tor·cy·clist \-ˌsī-k(ə-)ləst\ n

motor home n : a large motor vehicle equipped as a complete traveling home

mo·tor·ist \ˈmōt-ə-rəst\ n : a person who travels by automobile

mo·tor·ize \ˈmōt-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to equip with a motor
2 : to equip with motor-driven vehicles for transportation <motorized troops>

mo·tor·man \ˈmōt-ər-mən\ n : an operator of a motor-driven vehicle (as a streetcar or a subway train)

motor neuron n : a neuron that passes from the central nervous system or a ganglion toward or to a muscle and carries a nerve impulse that causes movement — compare SENSORY NEURON

motor scooter n : a motorized vehicle with two or three wheels like a child's scooter but having a seat

mo·tor·truck \ˈmōt-ər-ˌtrək\ n : a self-propelled truck for transporting freight

motor vehicle n : a motorized vehicle (as an automobile or motorcycle) not operated on rails

1mot·tle \ˈmät-əl\ n
1 : a colored spot
2 : a pattern of colored spots or blotches
— mot·tled \-əld\ adj

2mottle vb mot·tled; mot·tling \ˈmät-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained

mot·to \ˈmät-ō\ n, pl mottoes also mottos
1 : a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something (as a coin or public building) to suggest its use or nature
2 : a short expression of a guiding rule of conduct

mould chiefly British variant of MOLD

moult chiefly British variant of MOLT

1mound \ˈmau̇nd\ n
1 : a small hill or heap of dirt or stones (as one made to mark a grave)
2 : the slightly raised ground on which a baseball pitcher stands

2mound vb : to form into a mound

1mount \ˈmau̇nt\ n : MOUNTAIN — used especially before an identifying name <Mount Everest> [from Old English munt and early French mont, both meaning “mount” and both from Latin mont-, mons (same meaning)]

2mount vb
1 a : 1RISE 5A, ASCEND  b : to go up : CLIMB <mount a ladder>
2 : to get up onto something <mount a platform>
3 : to furnish with riding animals or vehicles <mounted infantry>
4 : to increase rapidly in amount <mounting debts>
5 : to prepare for use, examination, or display especially by fastening in position on a support <mount a picture on cardboard> <mount a specimen>
6 : to furnish with scenery and costumes : STAGE
7 : to place in position for the purpose of defense or observation <mounted some guards> [Middle English mounten “to increase, rise,” from early French monter (same meaning), derived from Latin mont-, mons “hill, mount”]

3mount n
1 : FRAME, SUPPORT: as  a : a jewelry setting  b : a glass slide on which objects are placed for examination under a microscope
2 : SADDLE HORSE

moun·tain \ˈmau̇nt-ən\ n
1 : an elevation higher than a hill
2 : a great mass or huge number <a mountain of mail>

mountain ash n : any of various trees related to the roses and having leaves divided into numerous leaflets and red or orange-red fruits

mountain bike n : a bicycle with wide knobby tires and many gears for use on all kinds of terrain
— mountain bike vb

moun·tain·eer \ˌmau̇nt-ən-ˈi(ə)r\ n
1 : a person who lives in the mountains
2 : a mountain climber

moun·tain·eer·ing \-ˈi(ə)r-iŋ\ n : the sport or technique of climbing mountains

mountain goat n : a cud-chewing mammal of the mountains of western North America that has a thick yellowish white hairy coat and slightly curved black horns and closely resembles a goat

mountain laurel n : a North American evergreen shrub of the heath family that has glossy leaves and pink or white cup-shaped flowers

mountain lion n : COUGAR

moun·tain·ous \ˈmau̇nt-ən-əs, -nəs\ adj
1 : having many mountains
2 : resembling a mountain : HUGE

mountain sheep n : any of various wild sheep (as a bighorn sheep) that live in high mountains

moun·tain·side \ˈmau̇nt-ən-ˌsīd\ n : the side of a mountain

mountain time n, often cap M : the time of the seventh time zone west of Greenwich that includes the Rocky Mountain states of the U.S.

moun·tain·top \ˈmau̇nt-ən-ˌtäp\ n : the peak of a mountain

moun·te·bank \ˈmau̇nt-i-ˌbaŋk\ n
1 : a person who peddles fake medicines (as at fairs and carnivals) by trickery
2 : a boastful dishonest pretender : CHARLATAN

Mount·ie \ˈmau̇nt-ē\ n : a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

mount·ing \ˈmau̇nt-iŋ\ n : something that serves as a mount : SUPPORT <a mounting for an engine> <a mounting for a diamond>

mourn \ˈmō(ə)rn, ˈmȯ(ə)rn\ vb
1 : to feel or show grief or sorrow especially over someone's death
2 : to display the customary signs of grief for a death especially by wearing mourning
— mourn·er n

mourn·ful \ˈmō(ə)rn-fəl, ˈmȯ(ə)rn-\ adj
1 : expressing or full of sorrow : SORROWFUL <a mournful face>
2 : causing sorrow <a mournful story>
— mourn·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— mourn·ful·ness n

mourn·ing \ˈmōr-niŋ, ˈmȯr-\ n
1 : the act of grieving
2 : an outward sign (as black clothes or a black arm band) of grief for a person's death <to wear mourning>
3 : a period of time during which signs of grief are shown

mourning cloak n : a blackish brown butterfly of Europe, Asia, and North America having a broad yellow border on the wings

mourning dove n : a dove of North America with a mournful call

1mouse \ˈmau̇s\ n, pl mice \ˈmīs\
1 : any of numerous small rodents with pointed snout, rather small ears, and a slender usually nearly hairless tail
2 : a person without spirit or courage
3 : a small hand-operated device used for computer input (as to control cursor movement on the display screen)

2mouse \ˈmau̇z\ vb moused; mous·ing
1 : to hunt mice
2 : to search or move slyly and carefully (as a cat hunting mice)
3 : to search for carefully <mouse out a scandal>

mouse pad n : a thin flat pad (as of rubber) on which a computer mouse is used

mous·er \ˈmau̇-zər\ n : a cat good at catching mice

mous·sa·ka \ˌmü-sə-ˈkä\ n : a Middle Eastern dish of ground meat (as lamb or beef) and sliced eggplant often topped with a seasoned sauce [from modern Greek mousakas “moussaka”]

1mousse \ˈmüs\ n
1 : a light whipped or molded food; esp : a cold dessert of sweetened and flavored whipped cream or egg whites and gelatin
2 : a foamy preparation used in styling hair

2mousse vb moussed; mouss·ing : to style (hair) with mousse

moustache variant of MUSTACHE

moustachio, moustachioed variant of MUSTACHIO, MUSTACHIOED

mousy or mous·ey \ˈmau̇-sē, -zē\ adj mous·i·er; -est : of, relating to, or resembling a mouse: as  a : 2QUIET 1A, STEALTHY  b : 1SHY 1A, TIMID  c : dull in color : DRAB

1mouth \ˈmau̇th\ n, pl mouths \ˈmau̇thz also ˈmau̇ths\
1 : the opening through which food passes into the body of an animal and which in vertebrates is typically surrounded on the outside by the lips and encloses the tongue, gums, and teeth
2 : GRIMACE <make a mouth>
3 : an opening that is like a mouth <the mouth of a cave> <the mouth of a container>
4 : the place where a stream enters a larger body of water

2mouth \ˈmau̇th\ vb
1 a : to speak or utter especially proudly or loudly : DECLAIM  b : to repeat without belief or understanding <mouth empty phrases>
2 a : to form with the lips without speaking <the librarian mouthed “quiet”>  b : 1MUMBLE 1
3 : to take into the mouth
— mouth·er n

mouthed \ˈmau̇thd, ˈmau̇tht\ adj : having a mouth especially of a specified kind <a large-mouthed jar>

mouth·ful \ˈmau̇th-ˌfu̇l\ n
1 a : as much as a mouth will hold  b : the amount put into the mouth at one time
2 : a small quantity
3 a : a word or phrase that is very long or difficult to say  b : a comment or remark that is rich in meaning <you said a mouthful>

mouth organ n : HARMONICA

mouth·part \ˈmau̇th-ˌpärt\ n : a bodily structure that is near the mouth (as of an insect) especially when used to gather or eat food

mouth·piece \-ˌpēs\ n
1 : the part put to, between, or near the lips <the mouthpiece of a trumpet> <the mouthpiece of a telephone>
2 : someone who expresses another person's ideas : SPOKESPERSON

mouth–to–mouth \ˌmau̇th-tə-ˌmau̇th\ adj : of, relating to, or being a method of artificial respiration in which the rescuer's mouth is placed tightly over the victim's mouth in order to force air into the lungs by blowing hard enough every few seconds to inflate them <mouth-to-mouth resuscitation>

mouth·wash \ˈmau̇th-ˌwȯsh, -ˌwäsh\ n : a liquid that usually kills germs and is used to clean the mouth and teeth and freshen the breath

mou·ton \ˈmü-ˌtän\ n : sheepskin that has been sheared, treated, and dyed to look like the pelt of a beaver or seal

1mov·able or move·able \ˈmü-və-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being moved : not fixed
2 : changing date from year to year <Thanksgiving is a movable holiday>
— mov·ably \-blē\ adv

2movable or moveable n : a piece of property (as an article of furniture) that can be moved

1move \ˈmüv\ vb moved; mov·ing
1 : to change the place or position of : SHIFT <move the chair closer>
2 : to go from one place to another <move into the shade>
3 : to set in motion <moved their feet>
4 a : to cause a person to act or decide : PERSUADE <the report moved me to change my mind>  b : to take action : ACT
5 : to affect the feelings of <the sad story moved me to tears>
6 : to suggest according to the rules of a meeting <move to adjourn>
7 : to change hands or cause to change hands through sale or rental <the store's stock must be moved>
8 a : to change residence <moved to Iowa>  b : to change place or position : STIR
9 : to cause to function : OPERATE <this button moves the whole machine>
10 : to proceed in a certain direction <we're moving up in the world>
11 : to carry on one's life in a particular environment <moves in the best circles>
12 : to go away : DEPART <told them to move on>
13 : to transfer a piece in a game (as chess) from one place to another
14 : to empty or cause to empty <move the bowels>

2move n
1 a : the act of moving a piece in a game  b : the turn of a player to move
2 a : a step taken to achieve a goal : MANEUVER  b : the action of moving : MOVEMENT  c : a change of residence or location
— on the move
1 : moving from place to place
2 : moving ahead or making progress

move·less \ˈmüv-ləs\ adj : not moving : FIXED, MOTIONLESS

move·ment \ˈmüv-mənt\ n
1 a : the act or process of moving  b : an instance or manner of moving <observe the movement of a star>
2 : a tendency or trend <detected a movement toward fairer pricing>
3 a : a program or series of acts working toward a desired end <a movement for political reform>  b : the group taking part in such a series of acts <join the movement>
4 : a mechanical arrangement (as of wheels) for causing a particular motion (as in a clock or watch)
5 : a section of a longer piece of music
6 : BOWEL MOVEMENT

mov·er \ˈmü-vər\ n : one that moves or sets something in motion; esp : a person or company that moves the belongings of others from one home to another

mov·ie \ˈmü-vē\ n
1 : MOTION PICTURE 1
2 a : a story represented in motion pictures  b pl : a showing of a movie <went to the movies yesterday>
3 pl : the business of making movies : the motion-picture industry

mov·ie·go·er \-ˌgō(-ə)r\ n : a person who frequently attends the movies

mov·ing \ˈmü-viŋ\ adj
1 : changing place or position <a moving target>
2 : causing motion or action
3 : having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies <a moving story>
4 a : of or relating to a change of residence <moving expenses>  b : used for moving belongings from one place to another <a moving van>
— mov·ing·ly adv

moving picture n : MOTION PICTURE

1mow \ˈmau̇\ n
1 : a stack of hay or straw
2 : the part of a barn where hay or straw is stored [Old English mūga “heap, stack”]

2mow \ˈmō\ vb mowed; mowed or mown \ˈmōn\; mow·ing
1 : to cut down with a scythe or machine <mow hay>
2 : to cut the standing leafy plant cover from <mow a lawn>
3 : to kill or destroy in great numbers
4 : to overcome completely <mow down the other team> [Old English māwan “to mow (as hay)”]
— mow·er \ˈmō(-ə)r\ n

moz·za·rel·la \ˌmät-sə-ˈrel-ə\ n : a moist white rubbery mild-flavored cheese that is much used in Italian cooking

MP \ˈem-ˈpē\ n
1 : a member of the military police
2 : an elected member of a parliament [from military police]

MP3 \ˌem-(ˌ)pē-ˈthrē\ n
1 : a computer file format for the compression and storage of digital audio data
2 : a computer file (as a song) in MP3 format

Mr. \ˌmis-tər\ n, pl Messrs. \ˌmes-ərz\
1 — used as a title before a man's last name or title of office <Mr. Doe> <Mr. President>
2 — used to form a title for a man who represents the thing indicated <Mr. Punctuality> <Mr. Baseball> [Middle English Mr., an abbreviation of master]

MRI \ˌem-ˌär-ˈī\ n : MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Mrs. \ˌmis-əz, -əs, especially Southern ˌmiz-əz, -əs, or (ˌ)miz\ n, pl Mes·dames \mā-ˈdäm, -ˈdam\
1 — used as a title before a married woman's last name
2 — used to form a title for a woman who represents the thing indicated <Mrs. Clever> <Mrs. Golf> [an abbreviation of mistress]

MRSA \ˌem-ˌär-ˌes-ˈā, ˈmər-sə\ n : any of several strains of a bacterium that are resistant to many common antibiotics and may cause usually mild infections of the skin or sometimes more severe infections (as of the blood or lungs) [methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus]

Ms. \(ˌ)miz\ n, pl Mss. or Mses. \ˈmiz-əz\ — used instead of Miss or Mrs. (as when it is unknown or unimportant whether the woman addressed is married or single) [probably a combination of Miss and Mrs.]

mu \ˈmyü, ˈmü\ n : the twelfth letter of the Greek alphabet — Μ or μ

1much \ˈməch\ adj more \ˈmō(ə)r, ˈmȯ(ə)r\; most \ˈmōst\
1 : great in quantity, amount, or extent <has much money> <takes too much time>
2 : great in importance or significance <nothing much happened>

2much adv more; most
1 a : to a great or high level or extent <much happier>  b : VERY <much obliged>
2 : just about : NEARLY <looks much as it did years ago>
— as much
1 : the same in quantity <as much money>
2 : to the same degree <likes it just as much>

3much n
1 : a great quantity, amount, extent, or part <much that was said is false>
2 : something important or impressive <not much to look at>

mu·ci·lage \ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij\ n
1 : a jellylike substance of various plants (as seaweeds or cacti) that is similar to plant gums
2 : a water solution of a gum or similar substance used especially as an adhesive

1muck \ˈmək\ n
1 : soft moist barnyard manure
2 : DIRT 1, FILTH
3 a : dark rich soil  b : MUD, MIRE
— mucky \ˈmək-ē\ adj

2muck vb
1 : to clean up; esp : to clear of manure or filth
2 : to dress with muck
3 : to dirty with or as if with muck

muck about or muck around vb
1 : to engage in aimless activity
2 : PUTTER
3 : MEDDLE

muck·rak·er \ˈmək-ˌrā-kər\ n : one of a group of writers noted for seeking out and exposing abuses and misconduct in American business, government, and society in the early 20th century
— muck·rake \-ˌrāk\ vb

mu·cous \ˈmyü-kəs\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling mucus <mucous discharges>
2 : producing or containing mucus <a mucous gland>

mucous membrane n : a membrane rich in mucous glands; esp : one lining body passages and cavities (as of the nose or lungs) which connect directly or indirectly with the outside

mu·cus \ˈmyü-kəs\ n : a slippery sticky substance produced especially by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

mud \ˈməd\ n : soft wet earth

mud dauber n : any of various wasps that construct mud cells in which the female places an egg with paralyzed insects or spiders as food for the larva

1mud·dle \ˈməd-əl\ vb mud·dled; mud·dling \ˈməd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to be or cause to be confused or bewildered : STUPEFY <muddled by too much advice>
2 : to mix up in a confused way <muddle the household accounts>
3 : to think or act in a confused way : BUNGLE <muddle through a task>
— mud·dler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

2muddle n
1 : a state of confusion or bewilderment
2 : a confused mess : JUMBLE

1mud·dy \ˈməd-ē\ adj mud·di·er; -est
1 : filled or covered with mud <a muddy pond> <muddy shoes>
2 : resembling mud <a muddy color> <muddy coffee>
3 : not clear or bright <a muddy complexion>
4 : unclear in meaning : MUDDLED <muddy thinking>
— mud·di·ness n

2muddy vb mud·died; mud·dy·ing
1 : to soil or stain with or as if with mud
2 : to make cloudy or dull
3 : to become or cause to become confused

mud·flat \ˈməd-ˌflat\ n : a level area of land that lies just below the surface of water or that is repeatedly covered and left bare by the tide

mud·flow \ˈməd-ˌflō\ n : a moving mass of mud made up of soil and rainwater or melted snow

mud puppy n : a large North American salamander that has gills on the outside and is gray to rusty brown usually with bluish black spots

mud turtle n : any of various turtles that live on the bottom of bodies of fresh water and are related to the musk turtles

mu·ez·zin \m(y)ü-ˈez-ən\ n : a crier who summons Muslims to prayer

1muff \ˈməf\ n : a soft thick tubelike covering with open ends in which both hands may be inserted for protection from cold [from Dutch mof “a cover for the hands,” from early French moufle “mitten”]

2muff n : a clumsy or bungled performance; esp : a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch [probably from {h,1}muff]
— muff vb

muf·fin \ˈməf-ən\ n : a bread made of batter containing egg that is baked in a small cup-shaped container

muf·fle \ˈməf-əl\ vb muf·fled; muf·fling \ˈməf-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to wrap up so as to conceal or protect
2 : to deaden the sound of <muffle a cry>

muf·fler \ˈməf-lər\ n
1 : a scarf worn to protect the neck
2 : something that deadens noises; esp : a device attached to the exhaust system of an automobile

muf·ti \ˈməf-tē\ n : civilian clothes <an off-duty soldier in mufti>

1mug \ˈməg\ n
1 : a usually large drinking cup with a handle
2 : the face or mouth of a person
3 : 1PUNK 1, THUG

2mug vb mugged; mug·ging
1 : to make faces especially to attract attention : GRIMACE
2 : 2PHOTOGRAPH

3mug vb mugged; mug·ging : to assault especially with the intention of robbing
— mug·ger n

mug·gy \ˈməg-ē\ adj mug·gi·er; -est : being warm and humid <a muggy day in August>
— mug·gi·ness n

mu·ghal \ˈmü-(ˌ)gəl\ n : 1MOGUL 1

mug shot n : a photograph of a person's face; esp : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile

Muhammadan variant of MOHAMMEDAN

mu·ja·hid·een or mu·ja·hed·in \mü-ˌja-hid-ˈēn, mu̇-, -ˌjä-\ n pl : Islamic guerrilla fighters especially in the Middle East [Arabic mujāhidīn “Islamic guerrilla fighters,” plural form of mujahīd “a person who wages Islamic holy war”]

muk·luk \ˈmək-ˌlək\ n
1 : a boot of sealskin or reindeer skin typically worn by people native to usually arctic regions of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Siberia
2 : a boot with a soft leather sole worn over several pairs of socks

mul·ber·ry \ˈməl-ˌber-ē\ n
1 : any of a genus of trees that have small edible usually purple fruits and leaves on which silkworms can be fed; also : the fruit of a mulberry
2 : a dark purple or purplish black

1mulch \ˈməlch\ n : a covering (as of straw or sawdust) spread over the ground to protect the roots of plants from heat, cold, or evaporation, prevent soil loss, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (as strawberries) clean

2mulch vb : to cover with mulch

1mulct \ˈməlkt\ n : 1FINE

2mulct vb
1 : to punish by a fine
2 a : to defraud especially of money  b : to obtain by dishonest means

1mule \ˈmyü(ə)l\ n
1 : the hybrid offspring of a horse and a donkey; esp : the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse
2 : a very stubborn person
3 : a machine that draws and twists fiber into yarn or thread and winds it onto spindles [Middle English mule “the offspring of a donkey and a horse,” from early French mul (same meaning), from Latin multus (same meaning)]

2mule n : a shoe or slipper that is open at the heel [from early French mule “slipper,” from mulleus “a shoe worn by public officials”]

mule deer n : a long-eared deer of western North America that is larger and more heavily built than the white-tailed deer

mule skinner n : a driver of mules

mu·le·teer \ˌmyü-lə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : a driver of mules

mul·ish \ˈmyü-lish\ adj : STUBBORN 1A, INFLEXIBLE
— mul·ish·ly adv

— mul·ish·ness n

1mull \ˈməl\ vb : to think about slowly and carefully : PONDER <mull over an idea> [Middle English mullen “to grind up or mix thoroughly,” from mul, mol “dust”]

2mull vb : to sweeten, spice, and heat <mulled wine> [origin unknown]

mul·lein also mul·len \ˈməl-ən\ n : a tall herb related to the snapdragons and having coarse woolly leaves and spikes of usually yellow flowers

mul·let \ˈməl-ət\ n, pl mullet or mullets : any of a family of mostly gray food fishes chiefly of salt water — compare RED MULLET

mul·lion \ˈməl-yən\ n : a slender upright bar which separates sections of windows, doors, or screens
— mullion vb

multi- combining form
1 a : many : much <multicolored>  b : more than two <multinational> <multiracial>
2 : many times over <multimillionaire> [derived from Latin multus “much, many”]

mul·ti·cel·lu·lar \ˌməl-ti-ˈsel-yə-lər, -ˌtī-\ adj : having or consisting of many cells
— mul·ti·cel·lu·lar·i·ty \-ˌsel-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n

mul·ti·col·ored \ˌməl-ti-ˈkəl-ərd\ adj : having, made up of, or including many colors

mul·ti·cul·tur·al \ˌməl-ti-ˈkəlch-rəl, -ˌtī-, -ə-rəl\ adj : of, relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse cultures <a multicultural society>
— mul·ti·cul·tur·al·ism \-rə-ˌliz-əm\ n

mul·ti·di·men·sion·al \ˌməl-ti-də-ˈmənch-nəl, -ˈmenchən-əl\ adj : made up of or involving two or more dimensions

mul·ti·fac·e·ted \-ˈfas-ət-əd\ adj : having many aspects or sides

mul·ti·far·i·ous \ˌməl-tə-ˈfar-ē-əs, -ˈfer-\ adj : of many and various kinds <the multifarious sounds of the city>

mul·ti·form \ˈməl-ti-ˌfȯrm\ adj : having many forms, shapes, or appearances

mul·ti·lat·er·al \ˌməl-ti-ˈlat-ə-rəl, -ˌtī-, -ˈla-trəl\ adj
1 : having many sides
2 : involving or taken part in by more than two nations or groups <a multilateral treaty>
— mul·ti·lat·er·al·ly \-ē\ adv

mul·ti·lay·ered \ˌməl-ti-ˈlā-ərd, -ˈle(-ə)rd\ or mul·ti·lay·er \-ˈlā-ər, -ˈle(-ə)r\ adj : made up of or involving two or more layers or levels

1mul·ti·me·dia \ˌməl-ti-ˈmēd-ē-ə\ adj : using or composed of more than one form of communication or expression <multimedia software combining sound, video, and text>

2multimedia n : a technique (as the combining of sound, video, and text) for expressing ideas (as in communication, entertainment, or art) in which several media are employed; also : something (as software) using such a technique

mul·ti·mil·lion·aire \ˌməl-ti-ˌmil-yə-ˈna(ə)r, -ˌtī-, -ˈne(ə)r, -ˈmil-yə-ˌna(ə)r, -ˌne(ə)r\ n : a person whose wealth is estimated at several millions (as of dollars)

1mul·ti·na·tion·al \ˌməl-ti-ˈnash-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or involving more than two nations
2 : having divisions in more than two countries

2multinational n : a multinational corporation

1mul·ti·ple \ˈməl-tə-pəl\ adj
1 : containing, involving, or consisting of more than one <multiple copies>
2 : 1MANY 1 <a person of multiple achievements>

2multiple n : the product of a quantity and a whole number <35 is a multiple of 7>

mul·ti·ple–choice \ˌməl-tə-pəl-ˈchȯis\ adj
1 : having several answers from which one is to be chosen
2 : made up of multiple-choice questions <a multiple-choice test>

multiple fruit n : a fruit (as a mulberry) formed from a cluster of flowers

multiple sclerosis n : a disease marked by patches of hardened tissue in the brain or spinal cord resulting in symptoms (as weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs or loss of balance and muscle coordination) that usually come and go

1mul·ti·plex \ˈməl-tə-ˌpleks\ adj
1 : 1MULTIPLE, MANY
2 : being or relating to a system of transmitting several messages simultaneously on the same circuit or channel

2multiplex n : a complex that houses several movie theaters

mul·ti·pli·cand \ˌməl-tə-pli-ˈkand\ n : the number that is to be multiplied by another

mul·ti·pli·ca·tion \ˌməl-tə-plə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of multiplying
2 : a mathematical operation that takes two numbers and gives an answer equal to the sum of a column containing one of the numbers repeated the number of times of the other number <the multiplication of 8 and 3 is the same as the sum of 8+8+8>

multiplication sign n : a symbol used to show multiplication:  a : TIMES SIGN  b : DOT 2B

mul·ti·pli·ca·tive \ˌməl-tə-ˈplik-ət-iv, ˈməl-tə-plə-ˌkāt-\ adj : of, relating to, or associated with a mathematical operation of multiplication

multiplicative identity n : an element of a set that when multiplied by any other element of the set leaves the element unchanged <the number 1 is a multiplicative identity in the set of real numbers>

multiplicative inverse n : an element (as a reciprocal) of a mathematical set that when multiplied by a given element gives the identity element <in the set of all rational numbers the multiplicative inverse of 2 is ½ since 2 × ½ = 1>

mul·ti·plic·i·ty \ˌməl-tə-ˈplis-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being multiple or various
2 : a great number

mul·ti·pli·er \ˈməl-tə-ˌplī(-ə)r\ n
1 : one that multiplies
2 : a number by which another number is multiplied

mul·ti·ply \ˈməl-tə-ˌplī\ vb -plied; -ply·ing
1 a : to increase in number : make or become more numerous  b : to produce offspring : BREED <rabbits multiply rapidly>
2 a : to use in finding a product by multiplication <multiply 7 and 8> <multiply 7 by 8>  b : to perform multiplication <first divide and then multiply>

mul·ti·pur·pose \ˌməl-ti-ˈpər-pəs, -ˌtī-\ adj : having more than one use <multipurpose furniture>

mul·ti·ra·cial \ˌməl-ti-ˈrā-shəl, -ˌtī-\ adj : composed of, relating to, or representing various races

mul·ti·stage \ˈməl-ti-ˌstāj\ adj : operating in or involving two or more stages <a multistage rocket>

mul·ti·task·ing \-ˌtas-kiŋ\ n : the performance of multiple tasks at one time especially by a computer
— mul·ti·task \-ˌtask\ vb

mul·ti·tude \ˈməl-tə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : a great number of things or people
synonyms MULTITUDE, CROWD, THRONG, MOB, mean a large number of individuals. MULTITUDE usually suggests a truly great number <multitudes made homeless by war> <a multitude of stars>. CROWD suggests a disorganized group that is closely packed together <a crowd of onlookers at the scene of the accident>. THRONG suggests many people gathered together and wandering about <throngs of people were at the fair>. MOB suggests disorderly behavior and disturbance and the possibility of violence <an angry mob smashing windows>.

mul·ti·tu·di·nous \ˌməl-tə-ˈt(y)üd-nəs, -ən-əs\ adj : consisting of a multitude <multitudinous questions>

mul·ti·vi·ta·min \ˌməl-ti-ˈvīt-ə-mən\ adj : containing several vitamins and especially all known to be necessary to health <a multivitamin pill>
— multivitamin n

1mum \ˈməm\ adj : SILENT 1 <keep mum>

2mum n : CHRYSANTHEMUM

3mum chiefly British variant of MOM

1mum·ble \ˈməm-bəl\ vb mum·bled; mum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to speak softly and unclearly
2 : to eat with or as if with toothless gums <a baby mumbling its food>
— mum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

— mum·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adj

2mumble n : speech that is not clear enough to be understood

mum·bo jum·bo \ˌməm-bō-ˈjəm-bō\ n
1 : a complicated ceremony
2 : confusing or meaningless talk or activity

mum·mer \ˈməm-ər\ n
1 : a person who celebrates a holiday by making merry in disguise
2 : ACTOR

mum·mery \ˈməm-ə-rē\ n, pl -mer·ies
1 : a performance by mummers
2 : a ridiculous ceremony

mum·mi·fy \ˈməm-i-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to embalm and dry as or like a mummy
2 : to dry up like the skin of a mummy : SHRIVEL
— mum·mi·fi·ca·tion \ˌməm-i-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

mum·my \ˈməm-ē\ n, pl mummies
1 : a body prepared for burial in the manner of the ancient Egyptians
2 : an unusually well-preserved body

mumps \ˈməm(p)s\ n sing or pl : a contagious disease caused by a virus and marked by fever and by swelling especially of salivary glands

munch \ˈmənch\ vb : to eat with a chewing action; also : to snack on <munched popcorn and watched a movie>
— munch·er n

munch·ies \ˈmən-chēz\ n pl
1 : hunger pangs
2 : light snack foods

mun·dane \ˌmən-ˈdān, ˈmən-ˌdān\ adj
1 : of or relating to the world : WORLDLY
2 : having to do with the practical details of everyday life
— mun·dane·ly adv

mu·nic·i·pal \myu̇-ˈnis-(ə-)pəl\ adj : of or relating to a municipality <municipal government>

mu·nic·i·pal·i·ty \myu̇-ˌnis-ə-ˈpal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a self-governing city or town

mu·nif·i·cent \myu̇-ˈnif-ə-sənt\ adj
1 : very generous in giving <a munificent host>
2 : given generously or in plenty <a munificent gift>
— mu·nif·i·cent·ly adv

mu·ni·tion \myu̇-ˈnish-ənz\ n : ARMAMENT 2, AMMUNITION

1mu·ral \ˈmyu̇r-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a wall
2 : applied to and made part of a wall surface <a mural painting>

2mural n : a mural work of art

1mur·der \ˈmərd-ər\ n
1 : the intentional and unlawful killing of a person
2 : something that is difficult or dangerous <traffic was murder this morning>

2murder vb mur·dered; mur·der·ing \ˈmərd-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to commit murder
2 : to spoil by performing or using poorly <murder a song> <murder the English language>  synonyms see KILL
— mur·der·er \-ər-ər\ n

mur·der·ous \ˈmərd-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : intending or capable of causing murder or bloodshed : DEADLY <murderous machine-gun fire>
2 : very difficult to bear or withstand <a murderous glance> <murderous heat>
— mur·der·ous·ly adv

murk \ˈmərk\ n : deep darkness or gloom; also : 1FOG 1A

murky \ˈmər-kē\ adj murk·i·er; -est
1 : very dark or gloomy
2 : FOGGY 1, MISTY
3 : difficult to understand <a murky reply designed to confuse>
— murk·i·ness n

1mur·mur \ˈmər-mər\ n
1 : a muttered complaint : GRUMBLE
2 : a low, faint, and continuous sound <the murmur of bees>
3 : an irregular heart sound typically indicating an abnormality in the heart's function or structure

2murmur vb
1 : to make a murmur <the breeze murmured in the pines>
2 : to say in a voice too low to be heard clearly
— mur·mur·er n

mur·mur·ous \ˈmərm-(ə-)rəs\ adj : filled with or characterized by murmurs

Mur·phy's Law \ˈmər-fēz-\ n : an observation that anything that can go wrong will go wrong

mur·rain \ˈmər-ən, ˈmə-rən\ n : a disease that spreads among domestic animals or plants

murre \ˈmər\ n : a common black-and-white web-footed bird of northern seas; also : any of several related seabirds

mus·ca·tel \ˌməs-kə-ˈtel\ n : a sweet wine that is golden to dark amber in color

1mus·cle \ˈməs-əl\ n
1 a : a body tissue consisting of long cells that can contract and produce motion  b : an organ that is a mass of muscle tissue attached at either end to a fixed point (as to bones) and that by contracting moves or stops the movement of a body part
2 a : muscular strength : BRAWN  b : 1POWER 2 <lacks the muscle to make good on campaign promises>
Word History People today are perhaps unlikely to think of their muscles as resembling mice. The ancient Romans, however, saw a likeness, especially in the major muscles of the arms and legs. For that reason the Latin word musculus, which originally meant “little mouse,” came to be used to mean “muscle.” [from Latin musculus “muscle, little mouse,” from mus “mouse”]

2muscle vb mus·cled; mus·cling \ˈməs-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to force from a position <was muscled out of office by political opponents>
2 : to force one's way <muscled through the crowd>

mus·cle–bound \ˈməs-əl-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : having abnormally large muscles that do not move and stretch easily

muscle shirt n : a close-fitting usually sleeveless T-shirt

muscle spindle n : a structure at the ending of a group of nerve fibers in a muscle that is sensitive to stretching of the muscle, consists of small striated muscle fibers richly supplied with nerve fibers, and is enclosed in a sheath of connective tissue — called also stretch receptor

Mus·co·vite \ˈməs-kə-ˌvīt\ n : a person born or living in Moscow
— Muscovite adj

mus·cu·lar \ˈməs-kyə-lər\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or being muscle  b : performed by the muscles
2 : having well-developed muscles : STRONG

muscular dys·tro·phy \-ˈdis-trə-fē\ n : an inherited disease characterized by increasing weakness of muscles

mus·cu·la·ture \ˈməs-kyə-lə-ˌchu̇(ə)r\ n : the muscles of the body or of one of its parts

1muse \ˈmyüz\ vb mused; mus·ing : PONDER [Middle English musen “to ponder,” from early French muser “to gape, muse,” Latin musus “mouth of an animal”]

2muse n
1 cap : any of the nine sister goddesses of song and poetry and the arts and sciences in Greek mythology
2 : a source of inspiration [Middle English Muse “one of the nine goddesses of the arts,” from early French Muse (same meaning), from Latin Musa (same meaning), from Greek Mousa “Muse”]

mu·se·um \myu̇-ˈzē-əm\ n : a building in which interesting and valuable things (as works of art or historical or scientific objects) are collected and shown to the public
Word History The ancient Greeks worshipped nine sister goddesses, each of whom was called a Mousa. In English we now refer to them as the Muses. The Greeks believed that each Muse was the goddess of a particular art or science. A place that was dedicated to these goddesses — and to the arts and sciences for which they stood — was called a Mouseion. The Greek Mouseion became Museum in Latin, from which it was borrowed into English about 300 years ago. [from Latin Museum “a place devoted to the Muses, a place for the study of special arts and sciences,” from Greek Mouseion (same meaning), from Mouseios “of the Muses,” from Mousa “Muse, goddess of an art or science” — related to MUSIC]

1mush \ˈməsh\ n
1 : cornmeal boiled in water or milk
2 : something soft and spongy or shapeless
3 : sickeningly sweet sentimentality [probably an altered form of mash]
— mush·i·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

— mushy \-ē\ adj

2mush vb : to travel over snow with a sled drawn by dogs — often used as a command to a dog team [probably from French marchons “let's move,” from marcher “to move, march”]
— mush·er n

3mush n : a trip across snow with a dog team

1mush·room \ˈməsh-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n
1 : a fleshy part of a fungus that bears spores, grows above ground, and consists usually of a stem bearing a flattened cap; esp : one that is edible
2 : FUNGUS 1

2mushroom vb : to appear or develop suddenly or increase rapidly <the population mushroomed>

mu·sic \ˈmyü-zik\ n
1 a : the art of producing pleasing or expressive combinations of tones especially with melody, rhythm, and usually harmony  b : a musical composition set down on paper <bring your music>
2 a : sounds that have rhythm, harmony, and melody  b : an agreeable sound <the music of a brook> [Middle English musik “music,” from early French musike (same meaning), from Latin musica (same meaning), from Greek mousikē “any art under the control or guidance of the Muses,” derived from Mousa “Muse” — related to MUSEUM; see Word History at MUSEUM]

1mu·si·cal \ˈmyü-zi-kəl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to music or the writing or performance of music <musical instruments>  b : having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music <a musical voice>
2 : fond of or gifted in music <a musical family>
3 : set to or accompanied by music
— mu·si·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2musical n : a film or play that tells a story and that includes both musical numbers and dialogue

musical comedy n : 2MUSICAL

mu·si·cale \ˌmyü-zi-ˈkal\ n : a usually private social gathering to hear music

mu·si·cal·i·ty \ˌmyü-zi-ˈkal-ət-ē\ n : the quality of being musical or melodious

music box n : a box containing a mechanical device that uses gears like those of a clock to play a tune

mu·si·cian \myu̇-ˈzish-ən\ n : a person who writes, sings, or plays music and especially as a profession
— mu·si·cian·ship \-ˌship\ n

musk \ˈməsk\ n
1 : a strong-smelling substance obtained usually from the male musk deer and used in perfume; also : a substance of comparable odor that is from another animal (as a skunk) or is prepared artificially
2 : an odor of or resembling that of musk

musk deer n : any or several small hornless deers that live in the high regions of central Asia with the males producing musk

mus·keg \ˈməs-ˌkeg\ n : 1BOG; esp : a bog of northern North America that is composed of many layers of half-decayed plants and especially sphagnum

mus·kel·lunge \ˈməs-kə-ˌlənj\ n, pl muskellunge : a large North American pike that may weigh over 60 pounds (27 kilograms) and is a valuable sport fish

mus·ket \ˈməs-kət\ n : a muzzle-loading firearm that was once used by soldiers

mus·ke·teer \ˌməs-kə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : a soldier armed with a musket

mus·kie or mus·ky \ˈməs-kē\ n, pl muskies : MUSKELLUNGE

musk·mel·on \ˈməsk-ˌmel-ən\ n : any of various round to oval melons (as the cantaloupes or winter melons) of an Asian vine of the gourd family that have smooth or ridged skin and edible usually sweet flesh

musk ox n : a large shaggy-coated wild ox native to Greenland, Canada and Alaska with the males producing a strong odor similar to musk from glands below the eyes

musk·rat \ˈməs-ˌkrat\ n, pl muskrat or muskrats : a North American rodent that lives in or near the water, has a long scaly tail and webbed hind feet, and glossy usually dark brown fur; also : its fur or pelt

musk turtle n : any of several small American freshwater turtles with a strong musky or bad-smelling odor

musky \ˈməs-kē\ adj musk·i·er; -est : having an odor of or resembling musk

Mus·lim \ˈməz-ləm, ˈmu̇s-, ˈmu̇z-\ n : a follower of Islam [from Arabic muslim, literally “one who surrenders (to God)”]
— Muslim adj

mus·lin \ˈməz-lən\ n : a cotton fabric of plain weave [from French mousseline “muslin,” derived from Arabic mawṣilī “of Mosul (a city in Iraq)”]

1muss \ˈməs\ n : a state of disorder : MESS
— mussy \-ē\ adj

2muss vb : to make untidy : RUMPLE <mussed my hair>

mus·sel \ˈməs-əl\ n
1 : any of various edible saltwater mollusks with a long dark hinged double shell
2 : any of numerous freshwater mollusks of rivers of the central U.S. whose hinged double shells are lined with mother-of-pearl

1must \məs(t), ˈməst\ helping verb present & past all persons must
1 : is commanded, requested, or urged to <the train must stop> <you must read that book>
2 : is forced, required, or obliged to <leaves must fall> <one must eat to live> <we must be quiet>
3 : is determined to <if you must go>
4 : is very likely to <it must be time> <must have lost it>
5 : is certain to <the bus must be coming>

2must \ˈməst\ n : something required or absolutely necessary <new shoes are a must>

mus·tache also mous·tache \ˈməs-ˌtash, (ˌ)məs-ˈtash\ n
1 : the hair growing on the human upper lip
2 : hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal (as a walrus)

mus·ta·chio also mous·ta·chio \(ˌ)məs-ˈtash-(ē-)ō, -ˈtäsh-\ n, pl -chios : MUSTACHE; esp : a large mustache
— mus·ta·chioed also mous·ta·chioed \-(ē-)ōd\ adj

mus·tang \ˈməs-ˌtaŋ\ n
1 : a small hardy wild horse of the western plains of the U.S. that is directly descended from horses brought in by the Spaniards
2 : BRONCO 1
Word History Many American cowboy practices can be traced back to those of northern Mexico. One such practice is a yearly roundup of unbranded or stray cattle. Centuries ago in Spain, cattle without owners were rounded up each year and sold. The Spanish word for this roundup was mesta, which came from a Latin phrase that meant “mixed animals.” From mesta, the Spanish created the word mestengo, meaning “a wild or stray animal.” In the form of Spanish spoken in Mexico, mestengo came to be used for wild or stray horses. As these horses became common in the western plains of the U.S., English borrowed the Mexican Spanish word mestengo as mustang. [from American Spanish mestengo “a wild or stray horse,” from Spanish mestengo “a stray animal,” derived from mesta “an annual roundup of stray cattle,” from Latin (animalia) mixta “mixed animals”]

mus·tard \ˈməs-tərd\ n
1 : any of several yellow-flowered herbs related to the turnips and cabbages
2 a : a yellow sharp-tasting condiment consisting of the crushed seeds of various mustard plants either dry or made into a paste or sauce  b : the seed of a mustard plant

mustard gas n : a poisonous gas used in war that has strongly irritating and especially blistering effects

mustard plaster n : a dressing made of a paste containing powdered mustard that is applied to the skin (as of the back or chest) to cause redness and irritation in the surface layers of the skin and reduce inflammation deeper down

1mus·ter \ˈməs-tər\ vb mus·tered; mus·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to enroll formally <was mustered into the army>  b : to assemble (as troops) for roll call or inspection
2 : to stir up or bring to action <all the strength I could muster>

2muster n
1 a : an act of assembling; esp : a formal military inspection or drill  b : an assembled group : COLLECTION
2 : critical examination <work that did not pass muster>

muster out vb : to discharge from service

mustn't \ˈməs-ənt\ : must not

musty \ˈməs-tē\ adj must·i·er; -est
1 a : affected by dampness or mildew : MOLDY  b : tasting or smelling of dampness and decay
2 a : 1STALE 2, TRITE <musty proverbs>  b : OUTMODED, ANTIQUATED <musty traditions>
— must·i·ness n

mu·ta·ble \ˈmyüt-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : likely to change often : INCONSTANT
2 a : capable of change  b : able or likely to mutate
— mu·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌmyüt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

1mu·tant \ˈmyüt-ənt\ adj : of, relating to, or produced by mutation

2mutant n : a mutant individual

mu·tate \ˈmyü-ˌtāt\ vb mu·tat·ed; mu·tat·ing : to undergo or cause to undergo mutation

mu·ta·tion \myü-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : a basic and important change
2 a : a permanent change in hereditary material involving either a change in the position of the genes on the chromosomes or a basic change in the chemical structure of a gene; also : the process of producing a mutation  b : an individual, strain, or trait resulting from mutation

1mute \ˈmyüt\ adj mut·er; mut·est
1 : unable to speak
2 : felt but not expressed in words <mute sympathy>
3 : not pronounced : SILENT <the mute “b” in “thumb”>
— mute·ly adv

— mute·ness n

2mute n
1 : a person who cannot or does not speak
2 : a device attached to or inserted into a musical instrument to reduce, soften, or muffle its tone
3 : 2STOP 9

3mute vb mut·ed; mut·ing
1 : to muffle or reduce the sound of
2 : to tone down <muted his criticism>

mu·ti·late \ˈmyüt-əl-ˌāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to make imperfect by cutting or altering severely : RUIN <mutilate a play>
2 : to cut off or destroy a necessary part (as a limb) : MAIM
— mu·ti·la·tion \ˌmyüt-əl-ˈā-shən\ n

— mu·ti·la·tor \ˈmyüt-əl-ˌāt-ər\ n

mu·ti·neer \ˌmyüt-ən-ˈi(ə)r\ n : a person who is guilty of mutiny

mu·ti·nous \ˈmyüt-ən-əs, ˈmyüt-nəs\ adj
1 : inclined to or in a state of mutiny : REBELLIOUS <a mutinous crew>
2 : relating to or being mutiny <mutinous acts>
— mu·ti·nous·ly adv

mu·ti·ny \ˈmyüt-ən-ē, ˈmyüt-nē\ n, pl -nies : refusal to obey authority; esp : a military outbreak against the officer in charge  synonyms see REBELLION
— mutiny vb

mutt \ˈmət\ n : a mongrel dog : CUR

mut·ter \ˈmət-ər\ vb
1 : 1MUMBLE 1
2 : to murmur complainingly or angrily : GRUMBLE
— mutter n

— mut·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

mut·ton \ˈmət-ən\ n : the flesh of a mature sheep used for food [from French mouton “sheep”]

mut·ton·chops \ˈmət-ən-ˌchäps\ n pl : whiskers framing a man's face that are narrow at the temple and broad and round by the lower jaws

mu·tu·al \ˈmyüch-(ə-)wəl, ˈmyü-chəl\ adj
1 a : given and received in equal amount <mutual favors>  b : having the same relation one to the other <mutual enemies>
2 : owned, shared, or enjoyed by two or more at the same time : JOINT <our mutual friend> <mutual defense>
3 : organized so that the customers share directly in the company's profits and losses <a mutual savings bank> <a mutual insurance company>
— mu·tu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

mu·tu·al·ism \ˈmyüch-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm, ˈmyü-chə-ˌliz-\ n : association between different kinds of organisms that benefits both

muu·muu \ˈmü-ˌmü\ n : a usually long, loose-fitting, and brightly-colored dress originally worn in Hawaii

1muz·zle \ˈməz-əl\ n
1 : the nose and jaws of an animal : SNOUT
2 : a covering for the mouth and jaws of an animal used to keep it from eating or biting
3 : the open end of a weapon from which the missile is fired

2muzzle vb muz·zled; muz·zling \ˈməz-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to put a muzzle on
2 : to prevent free or normal expression by : GAG <the dictator muzzled the press>

muz·zle–load·er \ˌməz-əl-ˈ(l)ōd-ər\ n : a gun that is loaded through the muzzle
— muz·zle–load·ing \-ˈ(l)ōd-iŋ\ adj

my \(ˈ)mī, mə\ adj : of or relating to me or myself <my head> <kept my promise> <my injuries>

my·ce·li·um \mī-ˈsē-lē-əm\ n, pl -lia \-lē-ə\ : the part of the body of a fungus that does not reproduce and usually consists of a mass of hyphae that are often growing in something else (as soil, organic matter, or the tissues of a plant or animal host)
— my·ce·li·al \-lē-əl\ adj

-my·cin \ˈmīs-ən\ combining form : a substance made from a bacterium which resembles a fungus [streptomycin]

my·col·o·gist \mī-ˈkäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who is a specialist or expert in mycology

my·col·o·gy \mī-ˈkäl-ə-jē\ n
1 : a branch of biology dealing with fungi
2 : fungal life

my·cor·rhi·za \ˌmī-kə-ˈrī-zə\ n, pl -zae \-ˌzē\ also -zas : the joining of a fungus and the root of a plant in which the fungus grows around or through the root providing nutrients and water to it and receiving food from it

my·elin \ˈmī-ə-lən\ n : a soft white somewhat fatty material that forms a thick layer around the axons of some neurons

my·elin·at·ed \ˈmī-ə-lə-ˌnāt-əd\ adj : having a myelin covering <myelinated nerve fibers>

myelin sheath n : a layer of myelin surrounding the axons of some neurons

my·nah or my·na \ˈmī-nə\ n : any of various Asian starlings; esp : one that is mostly black and is often tamed and trained to mimic words

myn·heer \mə-ˈne(ə)r\ n : a male Netherlander — used as a title equal to Mr.

myo·car·di·um \ˌmī-ə-ˈkärd-ē-əm\ n : the middle muscular layer of the wall of the heart

myo·fi·bril \ˌmī-ō-ˈfīb-rəl, -ˈfib-\ n : any of the long thin contracting protein subunits of a muscle cell that are composed of actin and myosin filaments

my·o·pia \mī-ˈō-pē-ə\ n
1 : the condition of being nearsighted
2 : a lack of foresight : a narrow view of something
— my·o·pic \-ˈō-pik, -ˈäp-ik\ adj

my·o·sin \ˈmī-ə-sən\ n : a protein of muscle that with actin is active in muscular contraction

1myr·i·ad \ˈmir-ē-əd\ n
1 : ten thousand
2 : a large but not specified or counted number <myriads of stars>

2myriad adj : extremely numerous <the myriad grains of sand on a beach>

myr·ia·pod also myr·io·pod \ˈmir-ē-ə-ˌpäd\ n : any of a group of arthropods including the millipedes and centipedes
— myriapod adj

myrrh \ˈmər\ n : a brown slightly bitter gum obtained from African and Arabian trees and used especially in perfumes or formerly in incense

myr·tle \ˈmərt-əl\ n
1 : a common evergreen shrub of southern Europe with leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries
2 a : any of the family of chiefly tropical shrubs or trees (as eucalyptus or guava) to which the common myrtle belongs  b : 1PERIWINKLE

my·self \mī-ˈself, mə-\ pron
1 : the one that is I — used for emphasis or to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same <I'll go myself> <I'm going to get myself a new hobby>
2 : my normal or healthy self <didn't feel myself yesterday>

mys·te·ri·ous \mis-ˈtir-ē-əs\ adj : containing, suggesting, or presenting a mystery <mysterious noises>; also : difficult or impossible to understand <the mysterious ways of nature>
— mys·te·ri·ous·ly adv

mys·tery \ˈmis-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ter·ies
1 a : a religious truth that cannot be fully understood  b : any of the 15 events (as the Nativity, the Crucifixion, or the Assumption) which serve as subjects for meditation by Roman Catholics as they say the rosary
2 a : something that has not been or cannot be explained <where they went is a mystery>  b : a deep secret <kept their plans a mystery>
3 : a work of fiction dealing with the solution of a mysterious crime
synonyms MYSTERY, ENIGMA, PUZZLE, mean something which is hard to understand or explain. MYSTERY applies to what cannot be fully understood by human reason or easily explained <the mystery surrounding the building of the pyramids>. ENIGMA applies to words or actions very difficult to interpret correctly <what she meant by her last remark is an enigma>. PUZZLE applies to a tricky problem that challenges one to provide a solution <the cause of the blast is a puzzle>.

mystery play n : a play in the Middle Ages based on stories from the Bible (as the creation of the world or the life and death of Jesus Christ)

1mys·tic \ˈmis-tik\ adj
1 : MYSTICAL 1
2 : of or relating to magic : OCCULT
3 : MYSTERIOUS, AWESOME

2mystic n : a person who seeks direct knowledge of God through meditation and prayer

mys·ti·cal \ˈmis-ti-kəl\ adj
1 : having a spiritual meaning or reality that is not immediately apparent to the senses or the mind
2 : of, relating to, or resulting from communication directly with God
— mys·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

mys·ti·cism \ˈmis-tə-ˌsiz-əm\ n
1 : the experience of mystical union or direct communication with God
2 : the belief that direct knowledge of God or of spiritual truth can be achieved through deep meditation

mys·ti·fy \ˈmis-tə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to confuse thoroughly the understanding of : PERPLEX <mystified by his behavior>  synonyms see PUZZLE
— mys·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌmis-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

mys·tique \mis-ˈtēk\ n : an attitude of mystery and respect developing around something or someone <the mystique of mountain climbing>

myth \ˈmith\ n
1 : a story often describing the adventures of superhuman beings that attempts to describe the origin of a people's customs or beliefs or to explain mysterious events (as the changing of the seasons)
2 : a person or thing that exists only in the imagination <the dragon is a myth>
3 : a popular belief that is false or unsupported

myth·i·cal \ˈmith-i-kəl\ or myth·ic \ˈmith-ik\ adj
1 : based on, described in, or being a myth <Hercules is a mythical hero>
2 : existing only in the imagination : IMAGINARY <the author created a mythical town>
— myth·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

my·thol·o·gy \mith-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : a collection of myths; esp : the myths dealing with the gods and heroes of a particular people <Greek mythology>
2 : a branch of knowledge that deals with myths
— myth·o·log·i·cal \ˌmith-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

myxo·my·cete \ˌmik-sō-ˈmī-ˌsēt, -(ˌ)mī-ˈsēt\ n : SLIME MOLD

N

n \ˈen\ n, often cap
1 : the 14th letter of the English alphabet
2 : an unspecified quantity <the numbers from 1 to n>

-n — see 1-EN

nab \ˈnab\ vb nabbed; nab·bing
1 : to seize and take into custody : ARREST
2 : to seize suddenly; esp : 1STEAL 2A

na·bob \ˈnā-ˌbäb\ n
1 : a governor of a province of the Mogul empire in India
2 : a person of great wealth or importance

na·celle \nə-ˈsel\ n : an enclosed shelter on an aircraft for an engine or sometimes for the crew

na·cho \ˈnä-chō\ n, pl nachos : a tortilla chip topped with melted cheese and often additional toppings (as hot peppers or refried beans)

na·cre \ˈnā-kər\ n : MOTHER-OF-PEARL

na·dir \ˈnā-ˌdi(ə)r, ˈnād-ər\ n
1 : the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the zenith and directly under the observer
2 : the lowest point <our hopes reached their nadir>

1nag \ˈnag\ n : 1HORSE 1A; esp : a horse that is old and in poor condition [Middle English nagge “horse”]

2nag vb nagged; nag·ging
1 : to annoy by repeated faultfinding, scolding, or urging <kept nagging me to let her come> <always nags him to clean his room>
2 : to cause (someone) to feel annoyed or worried for a long period of time <a problem that nagged at her> [probably of Scandinavian origin]
— nag·ger n

3nag n : a person who frequently nags

Na·hum \ˈnā-(h)əm\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE

na·iad \ˈnā-əd, ˈnī-, -ˌad\ n, pl na·iads or na·ia·des \-ə-ˌdēz\
1 : one of the nymphs living in lakes, rivers, springs, and fountains
2 : a water-dwelling larva of some insects (as a mayfly, dragonfly, damselfly, or stone fly)

1nail \ˈnā(ə)l\ n
1 : a horny covering at the end of the fingers and toes of human beings, apes, and monkeys; also : a similar structure (as a claw) in other animals
2 : a slender usually pointed fastener with a head designed to be pounded in

2nail vb
1 : to fasten with or as if with a nail
2 : 1CATCH 1, TRAP <nail a thief>
3 : to hit or strike in a forceful or accurate way <nailed the ball>
4 : to complete successfully <nailed the dismount>
5 : to settle, establish, or represent clearly and unmistakably <nail down all the details>
— nail·er n

nail·brush \ˈnāl-ˌbrəsh\ n : a small brush for cleaning the hands and fingernails

nail file n : a small flat file (as of metal or cardboard) that is used for shaping fingernails

na·ive or na·ïve \nä-ˈēv\ adj na·iv·er; na·iv·est
1 : marked by honest simplicity : ARTLESS
2 : showing lack of experience or knowledge : CREDULOUS [from French naïve “having a natural simplicity and honesty,” from early French naïf “being part of the nature of a person from birth, native, inborn,” from Latin nativus “native,” from natus, past participle of nasci “to be born” — related to NATIVE]
— na·ive·ly adv

na·ïve·te also na·ive·te \(ˌ)nä-ˌēv(-ə)-ˈtā, nä-ˈēv(-ə)-tā\ n
1 : the quality or state of being naive
2 : a naive remark or action

na·ked \ˈnā-kəd, especially Southern ˈnek-əd\ adj
1 : having no clothes on
2 a : lacking a usual or natural covering (as of leaves, plants, or feathers) <naked hills>  b : not enclosed in a case or covering <a naked sword>  c : lacking protective covering parts (as membranes, scales, or shells) <a naked seed>
3 : 2PLAIN 2, UNADORNED <the naked truth>
4 : not aided by artificial means <seen by the naked eye>
— na·ked·ly adv

— na·ked·ness n

naked mole rat n : a burrowing rodent of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya that resembles a mole, has nearly hairless wrinkled skin, and is practically blind

1name \ˈnām\ n
1 : a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known
2 : a descriptive often insulting word or phrase <called him names>
3 : REPUTATION 2 <made a name for herself>
4 : appearance as opposed to fact <a friend in name only>

2name vb named; nam·ing
1 : to give a name to : CALL
2 a : to mention or identify by name  b : to accuse by name <name the culprit>
3 : to nominate for office : APPOINT <named the diplomat Secretary of State>
4 : to decide upon : CHOOSE <name the date for a wedding>
5 : to mention specifically <name a price>
— nam·er n

3name adj
1 : bearing a name <name tag>
2 : having an established reputation <name performers> <name brands>

name·less \ˈnām-ləs\ adj
1 : having no name
2 : not marked with a name <a nameless grave>
3 : 1UNKNOWN, ANONYMOUS <a nameless hero>
4 a : impossible to describe <nameless fears>  b : too disgusting or disturbing to be described <nameless acts of cruelty>

name·ly \ˈnām-lē\ adv : that is to say <the cat family, namely, lions, tigers, and related animals>

name·sake \ˈnām-ˌsāk\ n : one that has the same name as another; esp : one named after another

nan·keen \(ˈ)nan-ˈkēn\ n : a durable brownish yellow cotton fabric originally from China

nan·ny \ˈnan-ē\ n : a woman who is paid to care for a young child usually in the child's home

nanny goat n : a female goat

nano– \ˈnan-ō, -ə\ combining form
1 : very small <nanotechnology>
2 : one billionth part of <nanogram> [from Greek nanos “dwarf”]

nano·gram \ˈnan-ə-ˌgram\ n : one billionth of a gram

nano·meter \ˈnan-ə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : one billionth of a meter

nano·scale \ˈnan-ə-ˌskā(ə)l\ adj : having dimensions usually measured in nanometers

nano·sec·ond \ˈnan-ə-ˌsek-ənd, -ənt\ n : one billionth of a second

nano·tech \ˈnan-ō-ˌtek\ n : NANOTECHNOLOGY

nano·tech·nol·o·gy \ˌnan-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n : the art of using and controlling materials on an atomic or molecular scale especially in order to create microscopic devices

1nap \ˈnap\ vb napped; nap·ping
1 : to sleep briefly especially during the day
2 : to be off guard <was caught napping> [Old English hnappian “to doze”]

2nap n : a short sleep especially during the day

3nap n : a hairy or downy surface on a woven fabric or leather [Middle English noppe “soft surface on a fabric,” from early Dutch noppe “tuft of wool, nap”]
— nap·py \ˈnap-ē\ adj

4nap vb napped; nap·ping : to raise a nap on fabric or leather

na·palm \ˈnā-ˌpäm, -ˌpälm\ n
1 : a thickener used to make gasoline jellylike (as for bombs)
2 : fuel made jellylike with napalm

nape \ˈnāp, ˈnap\ n : the back of the neck

naph·tha \ˈnaf-thə, ˈnap-\ n : any of various often flammable liquids prepared from coal or petroleum and used especially to dissolve substances

naph·tha·lene \ˈnaf-thə-ˌlēn, ˈnap-\ n : a hydrocarbon in the form of crystals usually obtained from coal tar and used in chemical manufacture and as a moth repellent

nap·kin \ˈnap-kən\ n
1 : a small square of cloth or paper used during a meal to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes
2 : a small cloth or towel [Middle English nappekin “napkin,” from nappe “tablecloth,” derived from Latin mappa “napkin” — related to APRON, MAP]

na·po·leon \nə-ˈpōl-yən, -ˈpō-lē-ən\ n
1 : a former French 20-franc gold coin
2 : an oblong pastry with a filling of cream, custard, or jelly

narc also nark \ˈnärk\ n, slang : a person (as a government agent) who investigates narcotics violations

nar·cis·sism \ˈnär-sə-ˌsiz-əm\ n : excessive love and admiration for oneself and especially one's own appearance
— nar·cis·sist \-sist\ n

— nar·cis·sis·tic \ˌnär-sə-ˈsis-tik\ adj

nar·cis·sus \när-ˈsis-əs\ n, pl nar·cis·si \-ˈsis-ˌī, -ē\ or nar·cis·sus·es or nar·cissus : DAFFODIL; esp : one whose flowers have a short tube and grow separately on the stalk

nar·co·sis \när-ˈkō-səs\ n, pl nar·co·ses \-ˈkō-ˌsēz\ : a dazed, unconscious, or inactive condition produced by chemicals (as narcotics)

1nar·cot·ic \när-ˈkät-ik\ n
1 : a drug (as opium or morphine) that in small doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and causes sleep but in large doses has dangerous effects (as coma)
2 : something that soothes, relieves, or lulls

2narcotic adj
1 : acting as or being the source of a narcotic <narcotic drugs> <the opium poppy is a narcotic plant>
2 : of or relating to narcotics or their use or control <narcotic laws>

na·res \ˈna(ə)r-(ˌ)ēz, ˈne(ə)r-\ n pl : the pair of openings of the nose or nasal cavity of a vertebrate

nar·rate \ˈna(ə)r-ˌāt, na-ˈrāt\ vb nar·rat·ed; nar·rat·ing : RELATE 1, TELL <narrate a story>
— nar·ra·tor \ˈna(ə)r-ˌāt-ər, na-ˈrāt-, nə-; ˈnar-ət-\ n

nar·ra·tion \na-ˈrā-shən, nə-\ n
1 : the act or process or an instance of telling a story
2 : 1STORY 1A, NARRATIVE
— nar·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

nar·ra·tive \ˈnar-ət-iv\ n
1 : something (as a story) that is told or written
2 : the art or practice of telling stories
— narrative adj
synonyms NARRATIVE, ACCOUNT, RECITAL, mean a statement of facts or events. NARRATIVE suggests a series of connected events told like a story <a narrative of the early pioneers>. ACCOUNT suggests a simple repeating of the facts or events <give the police an account of what happened>. RECITAL may suggest either an account with many details or a list of memorized facts <the speaker gave a recital of the scientist's many achievements>.

1nar·row \ˈnar-ō\ adj
1 a : of slender width <a narrow space>  b : of less than usual width <narrow roads>
2 : limited in size or scope <a narrow selection of jeans>
3 : not broad or open in views or opinions <narrow in their thinking>
4 a : barely enough for the purpose : CLOSE <won by a narrow margin>  b : barely successful <a narrow escape>
— nar·row·ly adv

— nar·row·ness n

2narrow n : a narrow part or passage; esp : a strait connecting two bodies of water — usually used in plural

3narrow vb : to lessen in width or extent : CONTRACT

nar·row–mind·ed \ˌnar-ō-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : INTOLERANT 2, BIGOTED
— nar·row–mind·ed·ness n

nar·whal \ˈnär-ˌwäl, -ˌhwäl, -wəl\ n : an arctic sea mammal that is about 20 feet (six meters) long, is related to the dolphins and whales and in the male has a long twisted ivory tusk

1na·sal \ˈnā-zəl\ n : a nasal consonant

2nasal adj
1 : of or relating to the nose
2 a : uttered with passage of air through the nose <the nasal consonants \m\, \n\, and \ŋ\> <the nasal vowels in French>  b : marked by resonance produced through the nose <speaking in a nasal tone>
— na·sal·i·ty \nā-ˈzal-ət-ē\ n

— na·sal·ly \ˈnāz-(ə-)lē\ adv

nasal cavity n : an incompletely divided chamber that lies between the floor of the skull and the roof of the mouth and functions in the warming and filtering of inhaled air and in the sensing of odors

nas·tur·tium \nə-ˈstər-shəm, na-\ n : any of a genus of herbs with showy flowers and edible sharp-tasting seeds and leaves

nas·ty \ˈnas-tē\ adj nas·ti·er; -est
1 : very dirty or foul : FILTHY
2 : morally disgusting or degrading
3 : DISAGREEABLE 1, UNPLEASANT <nasty weather>
4 : SPITEFUL, ILL-NATURED <a nasty temper> <a nasty trick>
5 : HARMFUL, DANGEROUS <a nasty fall on the ice>
— nas·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— nas·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

na·tal \ˈnāt-əl\ adj : of or relating to birth

na·tion \ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : NATIONALITY 3
2 : a community of people composed of one or more nationalities usually with its own territory and government
3 : the territory of a nation

1na·tion·al \ˈnash-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a nation <national elections>
2 : belonging to or maintained by the federal government <national cemeteries>
— na·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2national n
1 : a person who owes allegiance to or is under the protection of a nation
2 : a competition that is national in scope — usually used in plural <qualified for the figure skating nationals>

national bank n : a commercial bank organized under laws passed by Congress and chartered by the federal government

national guard n
1 cap : a militia force recruited by each state, equipped by the federal government, and subject to the call of either
2 : a military force serving as a national police and defense force
— national guardsman n, often cap

na·tion·al·ism \ˈnash-nəl-ˌiz-əm, -ən-əl-\ n : loyalty and devotion to a nation especially as expressed in a glorifying of one nation above all others and a stressing of the promotion of its culture and interests

na·tion·al·ist \ˈnash-nəl-əst, -ən-əl-əst\ n
1 : a supporter of nationalism
2 : a member of a group promoting national independence
— nationalist adj

— na·tion·al·is·tic \ˌnash-nəl-ˈis-tik, -ən-əl-\ adj

na·tion·al·i·ty \ˌnash-(ə-)ˈnal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the fact or state of belonging to a nation <a person of French nationality>
2 : political independence as a nation
3 : a people having a common beginning, tradition, or language

na·tion·al·ize \ˈnash-nəl-ˌīz, -ən-əl-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make national
2 : to remove from private ownership and place under government control <nationalize railroads>
— na·tion·al·i·za·tion \-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

national monument n : a place of historic, scenic, or scientific interest set aside for preservation usually by presidential proclamation

national park n : an area of special scenic, historical, or scientific importance set aside and maintained by a national government and in the U.S. by an act of Congress

na·tion·wide \ˌnā-shən-ˈwīd\ adj : extending throughout a nation <nationwide phone service>

1na·tive \ˈnāt-iv\ adj
1 : INBORN 1, NATURAL <native ability>
2 : born in a particular place or country <native Hawaiians>
3 : belonging to one because of the place or circumstances of one's birth <my native language>
4 a : grown, produced, or having its beginning in a particular region <native art> <native stone>  b : living or growing naturally in a particular region <native plants>
5 : found in nature especially in a pure form : not artificially prepared <native salt>
6 cap : of, relating to, or being a member of an indigenous people of North or South America : NATIVE AMERICAN [Middle English natif “native,” from early French natif (same meaning), from Latin nativus (same meaning), from natus, past participle of nasci “to be born” — related to INNATE, NAIVE, NATURE]
— na·tive·ly adv

2native n
1 : one born or raised in a particular place <a native of Milwaukee>
2 : one of a people living in a place before the arrival of foreigners
3 : something native to or produced in a locality

Native American n : a member of any of the indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere; esp : a Native American of North America and especially the U.S. — compare AMERICAN INDIAN
— Native American adj

na·tiv·i·ty \nə-ˈtiv-ət-ē, nā-\ n, pl -ties
1 cap : the birth of Jesus
2 : the time, place, or manner of being born : BIRTH

nat·ty \ˈnat-ē\ adj nat·ti·er; -est : trimly neat and tidy : SMART <a natty suit>
— nat·ti·ly \ˈnat-əl-ē\ adv

— nat·ti·ness \ˈnat-ē-nəs\ n

1nat·u·ral \ˈnach-(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : born in or with one : INNATE <natural ability>
2 : being such by nature : BORN <a natural musician>
3 : BIOLOGICAL 2 <her natural parents>
4 a : growing without human care <natural forests>  b : existing in or produced by nature <natural scenery>  c : relating to or being natural food
5 : 1HUMAN 1 <it is not natural to howl at the moon>
6 : of, relating to, or following the usual events and happenings of nature or the physical world : not miraculous <natural causes>
7 : not made or changed by humans <natural silk> <a person's natural complexion>
8 : being simple and sincere <natural manners>
9 : LIFELIKE <the people in the picture look natural>
10 a : having neither sharps nor flats in the key signature  b : having a sharp or a flat changed in pitch by a natural sign
— nat·u·ral·ness n

2natural n
1 a : a sign ♮ placed on a line or space of the musical staff to change a sharp or flat in the key signature back to the natural tone value  b : a note or tone changed by the natural sign
2 : one naturally able to do or to learn easily how to do something <a natural at golf>
3 : AFRO

natural childbirth n : a system of managing childbirth in which the mother receives training in order to remain conscious and to help in the process of birth with little or no use of drugs (as anesthetics)

natural food n : food that has been processed as little as possible and contains no added artificial substances to keep it fresh or give it flavor

natural gas n : gas that comes from the earth's crust through natural openings or bored wells; esp : a flammable mixture of hydrocarbons and especially methane used chiefly as a fuel and raw material

natural history n : the study of natural objects and especially plants and animals as they live in nature from an amateur or popular point of view

nat·u·ral·ist \ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ləst\ n : a person who specializes in natural history
— naturalist adj

nat·u·ral·i·za·tion \ˌnach-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n : the act or process of naturalizing : the state of being naturalized

nat·u·ral·ize \ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to introduce into common use <naturalize a foreign word>
2 : to become or cause to become established as if native <naturalized weeds>
3 : to give the rights and privileges of citizenship to <naturalize a foreign-born person>

nat·u·ral·ly \ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē, ˈnach-ər-lē\ adv
1 : by natural character or ability <naturally affectionate>
2 : according to the usual course of things <we naturally wanted to go to the big game>
3 a : without artificial aid <hair that curls naturally>  b : in a simple and sincere manner <speak naturally>
4 : in a lifelike manner <paints flowers naturally>

natural number n : the number 1 or any number (as 3, 12, or 432) obtained by adding 1 to it one or more times : a positive whole number

natural resource n : something (as a mineral, waterpower source, forest, or kind of animal) that is found in nature and is valuable to humans (as in providing a source of energy, recreation, or scenic beauty

natural science n : any of the sciences (as physics, chemistry, or biology) that deal with matter, energy, and their relationships and transformations or with measurable natural events

natural selection n : a natural process in which individuals or groups best adapted to the conditions under which they live survive and produce young and poorly adapted forms are eliminated

na·ture \ˈnā-chər\ n
1 : the basic quality, character, or way in which a thing or person exists or has been formed <the nature of steel>
2 : 1KIND 1A, SORT <and things of that nature>
3 : DISPOSITION 3A, TEMPERAMENT <a baby with a happy nature>
4 : a power or set of forces thought of as controlling the universe
5 : natural feeling especially as shown in one's attitude toward others <your generous nature is well-known>
6 : humanity's original or natural condition : primitive life <return to nature>
7 : the physical universe <the study of nature>
8 : the workings of a living body <leave a cure to nature>; esp : an excretory function — used in phrases like the call of nature
9 : natural scenery <the beauties of nature> [Middle English nature “normal or essential quality of something, nature,” from early French nature (same meaning), from Latin natura (same meaning), from natus, past participle of nasci “to be born” — related to INNATE, NATIVE]

1naught also nought \ˈnȯt, ˈnät\ pron : 1NOTHING 2 <their efforts came to naught>

2naught also nought n
1 : the quality or state of being nothing : NONEXISTENCE
2 : 1ZERO 1 — see NUMBER TABLE

naugh·ty \ˈnȯt-ē, ˈnät-\ adj naugh·ti·er; -est : behaving badly or improperly
— naugh·ti·ly \ˈnȯt-əl-ē, ˈnät-\ adv

— naugh·ti·ness \ˈnȯt-ē-nəs, ˈnät-\ n

nau·sea \ˈnȯ-zē-ə, -sē-ə; ˈnȯ-zhə, -shə\ n
1 : a disturbed condition of the stomach in which one feels like vomiting
2 : extreme disgust
Word History The ancient Greeks were a seagoing people, so seasickness was not rare for them. Their word for seasickness, nausia or nautia, came from their word for ship, naus. But nautia or nausia also meant the worst symptom of seasickness, the stomach upset and urge to vomit. Nausea, as we call this feeling in English, can be caused by something other than the motion of a ship. The ancient Greeks and the ancient Romans, who spoke Latin, needed only one word for both seasickness and the upset in the stomach. The Romans borrowed the Greek word, spelling it nausea in Latin. English took the word directly from Latin. [from Latin nausea “seasickness, the stomach upset that causes an urge to vomit,” from Greek nausia, nautia (same meaning), literally “ship sickness,” from naus “ship” — related to ASTRONAUT, NAUTICAL, NOISE; see Word History at NOISE]

nau·se·ate \ˈnȯ-zē-ˌ-āt, -sē-, -zhē-, -shē-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to affect or become affected with nausea or disgust

nau·se·at·ing \ˈnȯ-zē-ˌāt-iŋ, -sē-, -zhē-, -shē-\ adj : causing nausea and especially disgust <nauseating behavior>
— nau·se·at·ing·ly adv

nau·seous \ˈnȯ-shəs, ˈnȯ-zē-əs\ adj : affected with or causing nausea or disgust <feel nauseous> <a nauseous odor>
— nau·seous·ly adv

nau·ti·cal \ˈnȯt-i-kəl, ˈnät-\ adj : of or relating to sailors, navigation, or ships [from Latin nauticus “nautical,” from Greek nautikos (same meaning), from nautēs “sailor,” from naus “ship” — related to ASTRONAUT, NAUSEA; see Word History at NAUSEA]
— nau·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

nautical mile n : any of various units of distance used for sea and air navigation equal to about 6076 feet (1852 meters)

nau·ti·lus \ˈnȯt-əl-əs, ˈnät-\ n, pl nau·ti·lus·es or nau·ti·li \-əl-ˌī, -ˌē\
1 : any of a genus of mollusks of the South Pacific and Indian oceans that are cephalopods and have a spiral chambered shell that is pearly on the inside — called also chambered nautilus
2 : PAPER NAUTILUS

Na·va·jo also Na·va·ho \ˈnav-ə-ˌhō, ˈnäv-\ n, pl Navajo or Navajos also Navaho or Navahos : a member of an American Indian people of northern New Mexico and Arizona

na·val \ˈnā-vəl\ adj : of or relating to a navy or warships

naval stores n pl : products (as pitch, turpentine, or rosin) obtained from coniferous trees (as pines)

1nave \ˈnāv\ n : the hub of a wheel

2nave n : the long central main part of a church

na·vel \ˈnā-vəl\ n : a hollowed out place on the outside wall of the middle of the abdomen marking the point of attachment of the umbilical cord

navel orange n : a usually seedless orange that contains a small or partial second fruit at one end resembling a navel

nav·i·ga·ble \ˈnav-i-gə-bəl\ adj
1 a : deep and wide enough to permit passage to ships <navigable rivers>  b capable of being navigated <navigable terrain>
2 : capable of being steered <a navigable balloon>
— nav·i·ga·bil·i·ty \ˌnav-i-gə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

nav·i·gate \ˈnav-ə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 a : to travel by water  b : to sail over, on, or through <navigate the Atlantic Ocean>
2 a : to direct one's course in a ship or aircraft  b : to control the course of : STEER
3 : to make one's way about, over, or through <navigate the new website> <navigate the school's halls>

nav·i·ga·tion \ˌnav-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : the act or practice of navigating
2 : the science of getting ships, aircraft, or spacecraft from place to place; esp : the method of figuring out position, course, and distance traveled
— nav·i·ga·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

nav·i·ga·tor \ˈnav-ə-ˌgāt-ər\ n : one that navigates or is qualified to navigate

nav·vy \ˈnav-ē\ n, pl navvies chiefly British : an unskilled laborer

na·vy \ˈnā-vē\ n, pl navies
1 : a fleet of ships
2 : a nation's warships
3 often cap : a nation's complete equipment and organization for sea warfare
4 : a dark purplish blue

navy bean n : a kidney bean grown especially for its small white seeds that are valuable as food; also : its seed

navy yard n : a naval shore station where ships are built or repaired

na·wab \nə-ˈwäb\ n
1 : NABOB 1
2 : NABOB 2

1nay \ˈnā\ adv
1 : 1NO 3
2 : not merely this but also : not only so but <the letter made him happy, nay, ecstatic>

2nay n
1 : DENIAL 1, REFUSAL
2 a : a negative reply or vote  b : one who votes no

Naz·a·rene \ˌnaz-ə-ˈrēn\ n : a person born or living in Nazareth
— Nazarene adj

Na·zi \ˈnät-sē, ˈnat-\ n : a member of a German fascist party controlling Germany from 1933 to 1945
— Nazi adj

— Na·zism \ˈnät-ˌsiz-əm, ˈnat-\ n

NCO \ˌen-(ˌ)sē-ˈō\ n : NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER

NC–17 \ˈen-ˈsē-ˌsev-ən-ˈtēn\ certification mark — used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that no one under the age of 17 can be admitted

-nd symbol — used after the figure 2 to indicate the ordinal number second <2nd> <42nd>

Ne·an·der·thal \nē-ˈan-dər-ˌthȯl, -ˌtȯl; nā-ˈän-dər-ˌtäl\ n
1 or Ne·an·der·tal \-ˌtȯl, -ˌtäl\ : a primate mammal that belongs to the same family as human beings, lived from about 30,000 to 200,000 years ago, is known from skeletal remains in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, and is characterized especially by a stocky muscular build and prominent browridge — called also Neanderthal man
2 : one who suggests a caveman in appearance, behavior, or intelligence
— Neanderthal adj

Ne·a·pol·i·tan ice cream \ˌnē-ə-ˈpäl-ət-ən-\ n : a brick of ice cream with layers of different flavors (as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry)

neap tide \ˈnēp-\ n : a tide of least range occurring at the first and third quarters of the moon

1near \ˈni(ə)r\ adv
1 : at, within, or to a short distance or time <night was drawing near>
2 : in a condition or state resembling or close to : ALMOST <near dead>
3 : NEARLY 1 <near related> [Old English nēar “nearer,” comparative form of nēah “near, close” — related to NEIGHBOR, NIGH; see Word History at NEIGHBOR]

2near \(ˈ)ni(ə)r\ prep : close to <standing near the door>

3near \ˈni(ə)r\ adj
1 : closely related or associated <her nearest and dearest friend>
2 a : not far away <the near future>  b : barely avoided <a near disaster>  c : almost not happening <a near victory>
3 : being the closer of two <the near side of a hill>
4 : 2DIRECT 1, SHORT <the nearest route>
5 : closely resembling a model or a genuine example <near silk>
— near·ness n

4near \ˈni(ə)r\ vb : to come near : APPROACH <the ship was nearing the dock>

near·by \ni(ə)r-ˈbī, ˈni(ə)r-ˌbī\ adv or adj : close at hand

near·ly \ˈni(ə)r-lē\ adv
1 : in a close manner or relationship <nearly related>
2 : almost but not quite <nearly the same> <nearly missed the train>
3 : to the least extent <not nearly enough>

near·sight·ed \ˈni(ə)r-ˈsīt-əd\ adj : able to see near things more clearly than distant ones : MYOPIC
— near·sight·ed·ness n

neat \ˈnēt\ adj
1 : being orderly and clean : TIDY <a neat roommate> <a neat closet>
2 : not mixed or diluted : STRAIGHT 3D <neat cement>
3 : marked by tasteful simplicity <neat furnishings>
4 : marked by skill or ingenuity : ADROIT <a neat dive>
5 : 3FINE 4, SPLENDID <had a neat time>
— neat·ly adv

— neat·ness n
Word History Today a popular use of the word neat is to mean “fine, splendid.” It is a use that does not appear to have much in common with earlier meanings of the word such as “tidy” or “undiluted.” But in its newest sense of “splendid,” something that is “neat” might be thought of as a brilliant or shining example of the best of its kind. And this idea is very close to the origin of the word. Neat first began to be used in English about 400 years ago. It was borrowed from the early French word net, which in turn was taken from Latin nitidus, meaning “bright, shining.” At first neat was used in English with the same meaning, as in “a neat new metal pin.” This original sense in time fell out of use. But the idea of something bright and clean and sparkling and new gave us other meanings. One of these is the sense of “tidy,” as in “a neat room or desk.” Perhaps the idea of something clean also gave rise to the sense of neat meaning “not mixed or diluted” with anything. The idea of “tidy” certainly must have been the basis of the sense of “marked by tasteful simplicity.” And since all of these senses suggest something that is viewed as ideal, it is easy to understand that they should lead to the newest sense of neat, meaning “splendid.” When first used in English, splendid also meant “shining,” coming from a Latin verb meaning “to shine.” [from earlier neat “bright, shining,” from early French net (same meaning), from Latin nitidus (same meaning), from nitēre “to shine” — related to 3NET]
synonyms NEAT, TIDY, TRIM, mean showing care and concern for order. NEAT stresses that something is clean in addition to being orderly <your clothes should always be neat>. TIDY suggests that something is continually kept orderly and neat <I work hard to keep my room tidy>. TRIM stresses that something is orderly and compact <trim comfortable houses>.

neb·u·la \ˈneb-yə-lə\ n, pl -las or -lae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\
1 : any of many huge clouds of gas or dust in deep space
2 : GALAXY 2
— neb·u·lar \-lər\ adj

neb·u·lous \ˈneb-yə-ləs\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a nebula
2 : not clear or sharp : VAGUE
— neb·u·lous·ly adv

— neb·u·lous·ness n

1nec·es·sary \ˈnes-ə-ˌser-ē\ adj
1 : going to happen with no way of preventing it : INESCAPABLE <tests are a necessary part of school>
2 : being the only logically possible result <a necessary conclusion>
3 : being required : MANDATORY <it is necessary to attend all practices>
4 : absolutely needed : ESSENTIAL <food is necessary for life> [Middle English necessarie “necessary, required,” derived from Latin necesse “necessary, unavoidable,” from ne- “not” and cedere “to go, go away” — related to CONCEDE, SUCCEED]
— nec·es·sar·i·ly \ˌnes-ə-ˈser-ə-lē\ adv

2necessary n, pl -sar·ies : something necessary : REQUIREMENT <the necessaries of life>

ne·ces·si·tate \ni-ˈses-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to make necessary <sick enough to necessitate staying home>
— ne·ces·si·ta·tion \-ˌses-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

ne·ces·si·ty \ni-ˈses-ət-ē, -ˈses-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : conditions that cannot be changed <forced by necessity>
2 : the quality or state of being in need : POVERTY
3 a : something that is necessary : REQUIREMENT <the necessities for camping in comfort>  b : an urgent need or desire <call in case of necessity>

neck \ˈnek\ n
1 : the part of the body connecting the head and the main part of the body
2 : the part of a garment covering or nearest to the neck
3 a : something like a neck in shape or position <the neck of a bottle> <a neck of land>  b : the part of a tooth between the crown and the root
— necked \ˈnekt\ adj

neck and neck adv or adj : very close (as in a race)

neck·er·chief \ˈnek-ər-chəf, -(ˌ)chif, -ˌchēf\ n, pl -chiefs also neck·er·chieves \-chəfs, -(ˌ)chifs, -ˌchēvz, -ˌchēfs\ : a square of cloth worn folded about the neck like a scarf

neck·lace \ˈnek-ləs\ n : an ornament (as a string of beads) worn around the neck

neck·line \-ˌlīn\ n : the outline of the neck opening of a garment

neck·tie \-ˌtī\ n : a narrow length of cloth worn about the neck and tied in front

neck·wear \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : articles (as scarves or neckties) for wear around the neck

nec·ro·man·cy \ˈnek-rə-ˌman(t)-sē\ n
1 : the art or practice of calling up the spirits of the dead for magical purposes
2 : MAGIC 1
— nec·ro·man·cer \-sər\ n

nec·rop·sy \ˈnek-ˌräp-sē\ n, pl -sies : AUTOPSY; esp : an autopsy performed on an animal

nec·tar \ˈnek-tər\ n
1 : the drink of the Greek and Roman gods
2 : a sweet liquid given off by plants and especially by the flowers and used by bees in making honey

nec·tar·ine \ˌnek-tə-ˈrēn\ n : a smooth-skinned peach; also : a tree producing this fruit

nec·tary \ˈnek-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -tar·ies : a plant gland that secretes nectar

née or nee \ˈnā\ adj — used to identify a woman by her family name at birth <Mrs. Jane Doe, née Smith>

1need \ˈnēd\ n
1 : necessary duty : OBLIGATION <no need to apologize>
2 a : a lack of something necessary, desirable, or useful <the need for more doctors>  b : something necessary or desired <a need for sympathy>; also : a mental or physical requirement for keeping a living thing in normal condition
3 : a situation requiring supply or relief <call whenever the need arises> <a friend in need>
4 : POVERTY 1, WANT <provide for those in need>

2need vb
1 : to be in want
2 : to be in need of : REQUIRE <they need advice>
3 : to be required or obliged <we need to look at the facts> <you need not answer>
4 : to be necessary <something needs to be done>

need·ful \ˈnēd-fəl\ adj : necessary for a purpose
— need·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— need·ful·ness n

1nee·dle \ˈnēd-əl\ n
1 a : a small slender usually steel instrument that has an eye for thread or surgical sutures at one end and is used for sewing  b : any of various devices for carrying thread and making stitches (as in crocheting or knitting)  c : a slender hollow usually stainless steel instrument by which material is put into or taken from the body through the skin  d : an extremely thin solid usually stainless steel instrument used in acupuncture and inserted through the skin
2 a : a slender bar of magnetized steel that is free to turn (as in a compass) to show the direction of a magnetic field  b : a slender pointer on a dial
3 a : a slender pointed object (as a pointed crystal or an obelisk)  b : a leaf (as of a pine) shaped like a needle
4 : a slender piece of jewel or steel with a rounded tip used in a phonograph to transmit vibrations from the record
— nee·dle·like \ˈnēd-əl-ˌ(l)īk\ adj

2needle vb nee·dled; nee·dling \ˈnēd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : 1TEASE 2A, TAUNT
2 : to cause to take action by repeated stinging remarks
— nee·dler \ˈnēd-lər, -əl-ər\ n

nee·dle·fish \ˈnēd-əl-ˌfish\ n
1 : any of various long flesh-eating fishes with long slender jaws and sharp teeth
2 : PIPEFISH

nee·dle·leaf \ˈnēd-əl-ˌlēf\ adj : populated with trees having leaves that are needles <needleleaf forests>; also : having leaves that are needles <needleleaf trees>

nee·dle·point \ˈnēd-əl-ˌpȯint\ n : embroidery done on canvas or plastic usually in simple even stitches across counted threads

need·less \ˈnēd-ləs\ adj : UNNECESSARY
— need·less·ly adv

nee·dle·work \ˈnēd-əl-ˌwərk\ n : work done with a needle; esp : work (as embroidery) other than plain sewing

needn't \ˈnēd-ənt\ : need not

needs \ˈnēdz\ adv : because of necessity : NECESSARILY <must needs be recognized>

needy \ˈnēd-ē\ adj need·i·er; -est
1 : being in want : very poor <needy families>
2 : marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support <a tendency to be emotionally needy>
— need·i·ness n

ne'er \(ˈ)ne(ə)r, (ˈ)na(ə)r\ adv : NEVER

ne'er–do–well \ˈne(ə)r-du̇-ˌwel, ˈna(ə)r-\ n : an idle worthless person

ne·far·i·ous \ni-ˈfar-ē-əs, -ˈfer-\ adj : very wicked : EVIL
— ne·far·i·ous·ly adv

— ne·far·i·ous·ness n

ne·gate \ni-ˈgāt\ vb ne·gat·ed; ne·gat·ing
1 : to deny the existence or truth of
2 : to cause to be ineffective or invalid <the discovery negates all previous theories>

ne·ga·tion \ni-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 a : the action of negating : DENIAL  b : a negative statement
2 : something that is the opposite of something positive <death is the negation of life>

1neg·a·tive \ˈneg-ət-iv\ adj
1 : marked by denial, prohibition, or refusal <a negative reply>
2 : not positive or helpful <a negative attitude>
3 a : less than zero and opposite in sign to a positive number <-2 is a negative number>  b : extending or measured in a direction opposite to one chosen as positive <a negative angle>
4 a : of, being, or relating to electricity of a kind of which the electron is the elementary unit <a negative charge>  b : having more electrons than protons <a negative particle>  c : being the part toward which the electric current flows from the outside circuit <the negative pole of a battery>
5 a : not indicating the presence of a particular germ or condition <a negative TB test>  b : directed or moving away from a source of stimulation <a negative tropism>
6 : having the light and dark parts approximately opposite to those of the thing or person photographed
— neg·a·tive·ly adv

— neg·a·tive·ness n

— neg·a·tiv·i·ty \ˌneg-ə-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

2negative n
1 : a reply that indicates denial or contradiction : REFUSAL
2 : something that is the opposite or negation of something else
3 : an expression (as the word no) of negation or denial
4 : a negative number
5 : the side that argues or votes against something in a debate
6 : a negative photographic image on transparent material used for printing positive pictures; also : the material that carries such an image

3negative vb -tived; -tiv·ing
1 : to refuse to accept or approve
2 : to vote against
3 : DENY 1, CONTRADICT

negative sign n : MINUS SIGN

1ne·glect \ni-ˈglekt\ vb
1 : to give little attention or respect to <neglected their garden>
2 : to leave undone or not attended to especially through carelessness <don't neglect to feed the fish>
— ne·glect·er n
synonyms NEGLECT, DISREGARD, IGNORE, mean to pass over something without giving it any or enough attention. NEGLECT suggests that one has not given enough attention to something that deserves or requires attention, but the lack of attention may not be deliberate <you have been neglecting your homework>. DISREGARD suggests deliberately overlooking something usually because one feels that it is not worth noticing <disregarded the “No Exit” sign and left through that door>. IGNORE suggests deliberately overlooking something easily seen <my grandmother politely ignored the messy room>.

2neglect n
1 : an act or instance of neglecting something <his neglect of important responsibilities>
2 : the condition of being neglected <the stone wall was collapsing from years of neglect>

ne·glect·ful \ni-ˈglek(t)-fəl\ adj : given to neglecting : CARELESS
— ne·glect·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

neg·li·gee also neg·li·gé \ˌneg-lə-ˈzhā\ n
1 : a woman's long flowing dressing gown
2 : carelessly informal clothes [derived from French négligé, past participle of négliger “to neglect”]

neg·li·gence \ˈneg-li-jən(t)s\ n
1 a : the quality or state of being negligent  b : failure to take the care that a reasonably cautious person usually takes
2 : an act or instance of negligence

neg·li·gent \ˈneg-li-jənt\ adj
1 : marked by or likely to show neglect
2 : failing to take proper or normal care
— neg·li·gent·ly adv

neg·li·gi·ble \ˈneg-li-jə-bəl\ adj : so small or unimportant as to deserve little or no attention <a negligible error>
— neg·li·gi·bly \-blē\ adv

ne·go·tia·ble \ni-ˈgō-sh(ē-)ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being negotiated: as  a : capable of being passed from one person to another without being signed in return for something of equal value <negotiable bonds>  b : capable of being traveled over, dealt with, or accomplished <negotiable roads> <some kind of agreement was negotiable>  c : open to discussion or change <negotiable prices>
— ne·go·tia·bil·i·ty \-ˌgō-sh(ē-)ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

ne·go·ti·ate \ni-ˈgō-shē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 a : to have a discussion with another so as to arrive at an agreement  b : to arrange for or bring about by such discussion <negotiate a treaty>
2 : to transfer to another in return for something of equal value <negotiate a check>
3 : to get through, around, or over successfully <negotiate a turn>
— ne·go·ti·a·tion \-ˌgō-shē-ˈā-shən, -sē-\ n

— ne·go·ti·a·tor \-ˈgō-shē-ˌāt-ər\ n

Ne·gri·to \nə-ˈgrēt-ō\ n, pl -tos or -toes : a member of any of a group of dark-skinned peoples that are of small size and live in Oceania and southeastern Asia

ne·gri·tude \ˈneg-rə-ˌt(y)üd, ˈnē-grə-\ n : awareness of and pride in the cultural aspects of the African heritage

Ne·gro \ˈnē-grō\ n, pl Negroes sometimes offensive : a member of a race of humankind native to Africa and classified according to physical features (as dark skin coloration) [from Spanish Negro or Portuguese Negro “a person of a black race,” derived from Latin nigr-, niger “black”]
— Negro adj, sometimes offensive

— Ne·groid \ˈnē-ˌgrȯid\ adj or n, often cap, sometimes offensive

Ne·he·mi·ah \ˌnē-(h)ə-ˈmī-ə\ n : a narrative and historical book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

neigh \ˈnā\ vb : to make the loud drawn-out cry of a horse
— neigh n

1neigh·bor \ˈnā-bər\ n
1 : a person who lives near another
2 : a person or thing located near another <Canada is a neighbor of the U.S.>
3 : a fellow human being
Word History The words near and nigh are both related to—and have the same meaning as—the Old English word nēah. Another word which can be traced, at least in part, to nēah is neighbor. The combination of nēah, meaning “near,” and gebūr, meaning “dweller,” produced the Old English word nēahgebūr. This word was used for “a person living near another.” The pronunciation and spelling of nēahgebūr has changed over the centuries to give us neighbor, but the word's basic meaning has remained the same. [Old English nēahgebūr “neighbor,” from nēah “near” + gebūr “dweller” — related to NEAR, NIGH]

2neighbor vb neigh·bored; neigh·bor·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\ : to be next to or near to <neighboring towns>

neigh·bor·hood \ˈnā-bər-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : the quality or state of being neighbors
2 a : a place or region near : VICINITY  b : a number or amount near <cost in the neighborhood of $10>
3 a : the people living near one another  b : a section lived in by people who consider themselves neighbors

neigh·bor·ly \ˈnā-bər-lē\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of neighbors; esp : FRIENDLY <a neighborly welcome>
— neigh·bor·li·ness n

1nei·ther \ˈnē-thər also ˈnī-\ pron : not the one and not the other <neither of the two>

2neither conj
1 : both not : equally not <neither black nor white>
2 : also not <neither did I>

3neither adj : not either <neither hand>

nek·ton \ˈnek-tən, -ˌtän\ n : strong-swimming water-dwelling animals (as whales, sharks, or squid) that are largely independent of the action of waves and currents

nem·a·to·cyst \ˈnem-ət-ə-ˌsist, ni-ˈmat-ə-\ n : one of the tiny stinging organs of various coelenterates (as jellyfishes and corals) used in catching prey

nem·a·tode \ˈnem-ə-ˌtōd\ n : any of a major group of long cylinder-shaped worms that are parasites in animals or plants or live in soil or water — called also roundworm

nem·e·sis \ˈnem-ə-səs\ n, pl nem·e·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\
1 a : one that punishes or avenges  b : a formidable and usually victorious rival or opponent
2 : an act or instance of just punishment

neo- combining form : new : recent <neologism> [from Greek neos “new”]

neo·clas·sic \ˌnē-ō-ˈklas-ik\ adj : of or relating to a renewal or a renewal with some changes of the classical style especially in literature, art, or music
— neo·clas·si·cal \-ˈklas-i-kəl\ adj

— neo·clas·si·cism \-ˈklas-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n

neo·dym·i·um \ˌnē-ō-ˈdim-ē-əm\ n : a silver-white to yellow metallic chemical element — see ELEMENT TABLE

Neo·lith·ic \ˌnē-ə-ˈlith-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being the latest period of the Stone Age which is marked by the use of polished stone tools

ne·ol·o·gism \nē-ˈäl-ə-ˌjiz-əm\ n : a new word or expression
— ne·ol·o·gis·tic \-ˌäl-ə-ˈjis-tik\ adj

1ne·on \ˈnē-ˌän\ n
1 : a colorless odorless gaseous element found in very small amounts in air and used in electric lamps — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 a : a lamp in which the gas contains a large amount of neon that gives a reddish glow when a current is passed through it  b : a sign composed of such lamps

2neon adj
1 : of, relating to, or using neon <neon lights>
2 : extremely bright : FLUORESCENT <neon yellow>

neo·phyte \ˈnē-ə-ˌfīt\ n
1 : a person who has recently joined a religion
2 : BEGINNER, NOVICE

neo·plasm \ˈnē-ə-ˌplaz-əm\ n : TUMOR

neo·prene \ˈnē-ə-ˌprēn\ n : a synthetic rubber used in numerous products (as wet suits, mouse pads, and flexible pipes)

ne·pen·the \nə-ˈpen(t)-thē\ n : a potion used by the ancient peoples to dull pain and sorrow

neph·ew \ˈnef-yü\ n : a son of one's brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law

ne·phri·tis \ni-ˈfrīt-əs\ n, pl ne·phrit·i·des \-ˈfrit-ə-ˌdēz\ : inflammation of the kidneys

neph·ron \ˈnef-ˌrän\ n : a single unit of the kidney that functions in filtering the blood and forming urine from waste products

nep·o·tism \ˈnep-ə-ˌtiz-əm\ n : favoritism shown to a relative (as in the distribution of political offices)

Nep·tune \ˈnep-ˌt(y)ün\ n : the planet eighth in order from the sun — see PLANET TABLE
— Nep·tu·ni·an \nep-ˈt(y)ü-nē-ən\ adj

nep·tu·ni·um \nep-ˈt(y)ü-nē-əm\ n : a radioactive metallic element similar to uranium and obtained in nuclear reactors in the production of plutonium — see ELEMENT TABLE

nerd \ˈnərd\ n
1 : an unstylish, unattractive, or socially awkward person
2 : a person slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits
— nerdy \ˈnər-dē\ adj

Ne·re·id \ˈnir-ē-əd\ n : any of the sea nymphs held in Greek mythology to be the daughters of the sea god Nereus

1nerve \ˈnərv\ n
1 : TENDON <strain every nerve>
2 : one of the stringy bands of nervous tissue connecting the nervous system with other organs and carrying nerve impulses
3 a : power of endurance or control <a test of mind and nerve>  b : fearless boldness <had the nerve to confront the mysterious stranger>  c : behavior marked by a rude or disrespectful boldness <what nerve of her to say that>
4 a : a sore or sensitive point <that remark hit a nerve>  b pl : a condition of being very nervous : JITTERS <had a case of the nerves before her performance>
5 : a vein in a leaf or in the wing of an insect
6 : the sensitive soft inner part of a tooth
— nerved \ˈnərvd\ adj

2nerve vb nerved; nerv·ing : to give strength or courage to

nerve cell n : NEURON; also : CELL BODY

nerve center n : 1CENTER 2C

nerve cord n
1 : a pair of closely united nerves that run along the inside of the body on the lower side of many long-bodied invertebrates (as earthworms and insects)
2 : a tube-shaped cord of nervous tissue in the back or upper side of a chordate above the notochord that makes up or develops into the central nervous system

nerve ending n : a structure forming an end of a nerve axon that is distant from the cell body

nerve fiber n : any of the long thin parts that lead to or away from the cell body of a neuron and include axons and dendrites

nerve gas n : a war gas damaging especially to the nervous and respiratory systems

nerve impulse n : the change in electrical charge that moves along the nerve fiber of a neuron in response to a stimulus (as pain) and serves to transmit a record of sensation from a receptor to the spinal cord or brain, relay a signal to another neuron, or carry an instruction to act to a muscle or gland

nerve·less \ˈnərv-ləs\ adj
1 : lacking strength or courage : FEEBLE
2 : showing or having control : not nervous
— nerve·less·ly adv

nerve net n : a network of neurons that seem to be continuous one with another and carry impulses in all directions; also : a nervous system (as in a jellyfish) consisting of such a network

ner·vous \ˈnər-vəs\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or composed of neurons <nervous tissue>  b : of or relating to the nerves  c : having its source in or affected by the nerves <nervous energy>
2 a : easily excited or irritated <a nervous person>  b : TIMID, FEARFUL <a nervous smile>
3 : causing uncomfortable feelings <a nervous situation>
— ner·vous·ly adv

— ner·vous·ness n

nervous breakdown n : an attack of mental or emotional disorder that is severe enough to require hospitalization

nervous system n : the bodily system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action and that in vertebrates is made up of brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs

nervy \ˈnər-vē\ adj nerv·i·er; -est
1 a : showing calm courage : FEARLESS  b : rudely bold <a nervy salesperson>
2 : EXCITABLE 1, NERVOUS
— nerv·i·ness n

-ness \nəs\ n suffix : state : condition : quality <goodness> [Old English -nes (suffix) “state, condition, quality”]

1nest \ˈnest\ n
1 a : a place or structure where eggs are laid and hatched or young are raised <a turtle's nest> <the nest of a bird> <a mouse's nest>  b : the home or shelter of an animal (as a squirrel or chimpanzee)
2 a : a place of rest, retreat, or lodging : HOME <grown children who have left the nest>  b : DEN 2, HANGOUT <the robbers' nest>
3 : the occupants of a nest <a nest of baby birds>
4 : a group of objects made to fit one within another <a nest of measuring cups>

2nest vb
1 : to build or live in a nest <robins nested in the tree>
2 : to fit compactly together or within one another <a set of tables that nest for storage>

nest egg n : a fund of money set aside as a reserve

nest·er \ˈnes-tər\ n
1 : one that nests
2 West : a person who settles on open range in order to farm

nes·tle \ˈnes-əl\ vb nes·tled; nes·tling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to lie close and snug : CUDDLE
2 : to settle as if in a nest
— nes·tler \-(ə-)lər\ n

nest·ling \ˈnest-liŋ\ n : a young bird not yet able to leave the nest

1net \ˈnet\ n
1 : a fabric made of threads, cords, ropes, or wires that weave in and out with much open space
2 : something made of net: as  a : a device for catching fish, birds, or insects  b : a fabric barricade which divides a court in half (as in tennis or badminton)  c : the fabric that encloses the sides and back of the goal (as in hockey or soccer)
3 : something that traps like a net <a net of thorns>
4 : a network of lines, fibers, or figures
5 often cap : INTERNET [Old English nett “net fabric”]
— net·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— net·ted \ˈnet-əd\ adj

2net vb net·ted; net·ting
1 : to cover with or as if with a net
2 : to catch in or as if in a net <net fish>
3 : to hit the ball into the net in a racket game
— net·ter n

3net adj : free from all charges or deductions <net profit> <net weight> [from earlier net “neat,” from Middle English net “clean, bright,” derived from Latin nitidus “bright, lustrous” — related to NEAT; see Word History at NEAT]

4net vb net·ted; net·ting : to gain or produce as profit <netted five dollars on the sale>

5net n : a net amount, profit, weight, or price

net·book \ˈnet-ˌbu̇k\ n : a small portable computer designed primarily for wireless Internet access

neth·er \ˈneth-ər\ adj : 3LOWER 1

neth·er·most \ˈneth-ər-ˌmōst\ adj : being the farthest down

neth·er·world \ˈneth-ər-ˌwərld\ n : the world of the dead

net·i·quette \ˈnet-i-kət, -ˌket\ n : etiquette governing communication on the Internet

net·i·zen \ˈnet-ə-zən\ n : a user of the Internet

net·ting \ˈnet-iŋ\ n
1 : NETWORK 1
2 : the act or process of making a net

1net·tle \ˈnet-əl\ n : any of several tall herbs with stinging hairs on the leaves and stems

2nettle vb net·tled; net·tling \ˈnet-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to sting with nettles
2 : ANNOY, VEX

net–veined \ˈnet-ˈvānd\ adj : having veins that branch and come together again to form a network <dicotyledons have net-veined leaves> — compare PARALLEL-VEINED

1net·work \ˈnet-ˌwərk\ n
1 : a fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross with even spacings
2 : a system of lines or channels resembling a network
3 : a group or system of related or connected parts; esp : a group of connected radio or television stations
4 : a system of computers connected by communications lines

2network vb
1 : to cover with or join into a network
2 : to join together in a network <networked the classroom's computers>

neu·ral \ˈn(y)u̇r-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or affecting a nerve or the nervous system

neu·ral·gia \n(y)u̇-ˈral-jə\ n : pain that follows the course of a nerve; also : a condition marked by such pain

neu·ro·hor·mone \ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-ˈhȯr-ˌmōn\ n : a hormone produced by or acting on nervous tissue

neu·rol·o·gist \n(y)u̇-ˈräl-ə-jəst\ n : a specialist in neurology; esp : a physician who specializes in identifying and treating diseases of the nervous system

neu·rol·o·gy \n(y)u̇-ˈräl-ə-jē\ n : the scientific study of the nervous system
— neu·ro·log·i·cal \ˌn(y)u̇r-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ or neu·ro·log·ic \-ˈläj-ik\ adj

neu·ron \ˈn(y)ü-ˌrän, ˈn(y)u̇(ə)r- ˌän\ n : a grayish or reddish cell that is the basic working unit of the nervous system and has an axon and dendrites that carry nerve impulses

neu·ro·sis \n(y)u̇-ˈrō-səs\ n, pl neu·ro·ses \-ˈrō-ˌsēz\ : any of various mental and emotional disorders that affect only part of a person's personality, are less serious than a psychosis, and involve unusual or extreme reactions (as abnormal fears, depression, or anxiety) to stress and conflict

neu·ros·po·ra \n(y)u̇-ˈräs-pə-rə\ n : any of a genus of fungi that often have pink spores, are important in genetic research, and are severe pests in bakeries

neu·ro·sur·geon \ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-ˈsər-jən\ n : a surgeon who specializes in performing surgery on the brain, spinal cord, or nerves
— neu·ro·sur·gery \-ˈsərj-(ə-)rē\ n

1neu·rot·ic \n(y)u̇-ˈrät-ik\ adj : of, relating to, being, or affected with neurosis
— neu·rot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2neurotic n
1 : a person affected with a neurosis
2 : an emotionally unstable person

neu·ro·trans·mit·ter \ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz-\ n : a substance (as acetylcholine) that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another across a synapse

1neu·ter \ˈn(y)üt-ər\ adj
1 : relating to or being the class of words that ordinarily includes most of those referring to things that are neither male nor female <a neuter noun> <the neuter gender>
2 : lacking sex organs; also : having imperfectly developed sex organs

2neuter n
1 a : a word or form of the neuter gender  b : the neuter gender
2 : WORKER 2

3neuter vb : CASTRATE, ALTER 2

1neu·tral \ˈn(y)ü-trəl\ n
1 : one that is neutral
2 : a neutral color
3 : a state in which transmission gears (as of a motor vehicle) are not in contact so that power from the engine is not passed to the drive shaft

2neutral adj
1 a : not favoring either side in a quarrel, contest, or war  b : of or relating to a neutral country <neutral territory>
2 a : having no distinctive characteristics <a neutral personality>  b : not feeling strongly one way or the other
3 : having no color that stands out
4 : neither acid nor basic
5 : not electrically charged
— neu·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adv

neu·tral·ism \ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌliz-əm\ n : a policy of neutrality in international affairs

neu·tral·ist \ˈn(y)ü-trə-ləst\ n
1 : one that favors or practices neutrality
2 : one that favors keeping or making a state or region neutral

neu·tral·i·ty \n(y)ü-ˈtral-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being neutral especially in time of war

neu·tral·ize \ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make chemically neutral <neutralize an acid with a base>
2 : to make ineffective : NULLIFY <neutralize an opponent's move>
3 : to make electrically neutral by combining equal positive and negative quantities
4 : to make politically neutral <neutralize a country>
— neu·tral·i·za·tion \ˌn(y)ü-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— neu·tral·iz·er \ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlī-zər\ n

neu·tri·no \n(y)ü-ˈtrē-nō\ n, pl -nos : an uncharged elementary particle believed to have little or no mass

neu·tron \ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn\ n : an uncharged atomic particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

neutron star n : a very dense object in space that consists of closely packed neutrons and is produced by the collapse of a much larger star

neu·tro·phil \ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌfil\ n : a cell with fine grains in it that is the white blood cell doing most of the work in collecting and taking in stray and foreign matter

nev·er \ˈnev-ər\ adv
1 : not ever : at no time <I never saw it before> <never had a sick day in my life>
2 : not to any extent or in any way <never fear>

nev·er·more \ˌnev-ər-ˈmō(ə)r, -ˈmȯ(ə)r\ adv : never again

nev·er·the·less \ˌnev-ər-thə-ˈles\ adv : in spite of that : HOWEVER <a tiring but nevertheless enjoyable day>

1new \ˈn(y)ü\ adj
1 : not old : RECENT, MODERN <new ways of thinking>
2 : not the same as the former : taking the place of one that came before <a new teacher>
3 : recently discovered or learned about <new lands> <new plants and animals>
4 : not known or experienced before <new feelings>
5 : not accustomed <new to this work>
6 : beginning as a repeating of some previous act or thing <the new year>
7 : refreshed in spirits or vigor <felt like a new person after my vacation>
8 : being in a position or place for the first time <a new member>
— new·ness n
synonyms NEW, NOVEL, ORIGINAL, FRESH, mean having recently come into existence or use. NEW may apply to what is freshly made and unused <new bricks> or has not been known before <new design> or not experienced before <starts a new job>. NOVEL applies to what is not only new but strange or untried <a novel way of solving the problem>. ORIGINAL applies to what is the first of its kind to exist <a person without one original idea>. FRESH applies to what has not lost its original qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, or brightness <fresh towels> <a fresh start in life>.

2new adv : just recently <new-mown hay>

New Age n
1 : a way of thinking arising in late 20th century Western society and adapted from a variety of ancient and modern cultures that emphasizes beliefs (as reincarnation) outside the mainstream and that advances alternative approaches to spirituality, right living, and health
2 : a soft soothing form of instrumental music often used to promote relaxation
— new age adj, often cap

— New Ag·er \-ˈā-jər\ n

new·bie \ˈn(y)ü-bē\ n : a newcomer especially to cyberspace

1new·born \ˈn(y)ü-ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ adj
1 : recently born
2 : born anew

2newborn n, pl newborn or newborns : a newborn individual

new·com·er \ˈn(y)ü-ˌkəm-ər\ n
1 : one recently arrived
2 : BEGINNER

new·el \ˈn(y)ü-əl\ n
1 : an upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind
2 : a post at the foot of a straight stairway or one at a landing

new·fan·gled \ˈn(y)ü-ˈfaŋ-gəld\ adj : of the newest style : NOVEL <newfangled ideas> <a newfangled contraption>

new–fash·ioned \ˈn(y)ü-ˈfash-ənd\ adj : UP-TO-DATE 2, MODERN

New·found·land \ˈn(y)ü-fən-(d)lənd, -ˌ(d)land; n(y)ü-ˈfau̇n-(d)lənd\ n : any of a breed of very large thick-coated dogs probably developed in Newfoundland

new·ly \ˈn(y)ü-lē\ adv
1 : not long ago : RECENTLY <a newly married couple>
2 : from a totally fresh beginning : ANEW <a newly furnished house>

new·ly·wed \ˈn(y)ü-lē-ˌwed\ n : a person recently married

new moon n : the moon's phase when its dark side is toward the earth; also : the thin curved outline of the moon seen shortly after sunset for a few days after the actual occurrence of the new moon phase

news \ˈn(y)üz\ n
1 a : a report of recent events or of something unknown <brought us the office news>  b : previously unknown information <I've got news for you>  c : something having a specified influence or effect <snow was good news for the ski resorts>
2 a : material reported in a newspaper or news periodical or on a newscast  b : an event that is interesting enough to be reported  c : NEWSCAST <watched the news on television>

news agency n : an organization that supplies news to subscribing newspapers, magazines, and newscasters

news·boy \ˈn(y)üz-ˌbȯi\ n : a person who delivers or sells newspapers

news·cast \-ˌkast\ n : a radio or television broadcast of news
— news·cast·er \-ˌkas-tər\ n

news·group \-ˌgrüp\ n : an electronic bulletin board on the Internet

news·let·ter \-ˌlet-ər\ n : a bulletin or small newspaper of interest chiefly to a special group

news·man \-mən, -ˌman\ n : one who gathers or reports the news : REPORTER, CORRESPONDENT

news·pa·per \ˈn(y)üz-ˌpā-pər, ˈn(y)üs-\ n : a paper that is printed and distributed usually daily or weekly and contains news, articles of opinion, features, and advertising

news·pa·per·man \-ˌman\ n : one who owns or is employed by a newspaper; esp : one who writes or edits copy for a newspaper

news·print \ˈn(y)üz-ˌprint\ n : paper made chiefly from wood pulp and used mostly for newspapers

news·reel \-ˌrēl\ n : a short motion picture dealing with current events

news·stand \-ˌstand\ n : a place where newspapers and magazines are sold

news·wor·thy \-ˌwər-thē\ adj : sufficiently interesting to the average person to deserve reporting

newsy \ˈn(y)ü-zē\ adj news·i·er; -est : filled with news; esp : CHATTY 2 <a newsy letter>

newt \ˈn(y)üt\ n : any of various small salamanders that live mostly in water

New Testament n : the second of the two chief divisions of the Bible — see BIBLE TABLE

new·ton \ˈn(y)üt-ən\ n : the unit of force that is of such size that under its influence a body whose mass is one kilogram would experience an acceleration of one meter per second per second

New World n : the western hemisphere; esp : the continental landmass of North and South America

New Year n
1 : NEW YEAR'S DAY; also : the first days of the year
2 : ROSH HASHANAH

New Year's Day n : January 1 observed as a legal holiday in many countries

1next \ˈnekst\ adj : coming immediately before or following <the next page> <the house next to ours>

2next \(ˈ)nekst\ prep : 1NEXT TO

3next \ˈnekst\ adv
1 : in the nearest time, place, or order following <open this package next>
2 : at the first time to come after this <when next we meet>

next–door adj : located or living in the next building, house, apartment, or room <next-door neighbors>

next door adv : in or to the next building, house, apartment, or room

1next to prep : immediately following : being close to <next to the head of her class>

2next to adv : very nearly : ALMOST

Nez Percé or Nez Perce \ˈnez-ˈpərs, ˈnes-ˈpe(ə)rs, French nā-per-sā\ n, pl Nez Percé or Nez Percés or Nez Perce or Nez Perces : a member of an American Indian people of central Idaho and neighboring parts of Washington and Oregon [French, literally “pierced nose”]

ni·a·cin \ˈnī-ə-sən\ n : an acid of the vitamin B complex that is found widely in plants and animals and is used especially against pellagra — called also nicotinic acid

ni·a·cin·amide \ˌnī-ə-ˈsin-ə-ˌmīd\ n : a compound of the vitamin B complex that is used like niacin

nib \ˈnib\ n
1 : 1BILL 1, BEAK
2 : the point of a pen
3 : a part that is pointed or sticks out

nib·ble \ˈnib-əl\ vb nib·bled; nib·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to bite or chew gently or bit by bit
— nibble n

— nib·bler \-(ə-)lər\ n

ni·cad \ˈnī-ˌkad\ n : a rechargeable battery made with nickel and cadmium electrodes

nice \ˈnīs\ adj
1 : finicky in tastes or habits
2 : not obvious : SUBTLE <a nice distinction>
3 : PLEASING, AGREEABLE <a nice time> <a nice person>
4 : well behaved : RESPECTABLE <wasn't a nice thing to do>
5 : done very well <nice job!>
— nice·ly adv

— nice·ness n
Word History Five hundred years ago, when nice was first used in English, it meant “foolish or stupid.” This is not as surprising as it may seem, since it came through early French from the Latin nescius, meaning “ignorant.” By the 16th century, the sense of being “very particular” or “finicky” had developed. In the 19th century, nice came to mean “pleasant or agreeable” and then “respectable,” a sense quite unlike its original meaning. [Middle English nice “foolish, stupid,” from early French nice (same meaning), from Latin nescius “ignorant,” from nescire “not to know,” from ne- “not” and scire “to know” — related to SCIENCE]

nice·ty \ˈnī-sət-ē, -stē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a dainty, delicate, or elegant thing <enjoy the niceties of life>
2 : a small point or detail <niceties of table manners>
3 : careful attention to details <nicety is needed in making watches>
4 : the point at which a thing is at its best <roasted to a nicety>

niche \ˈnich\ n
1 : a hollowed-out place in a wall especially for a statue
2 : a place, use, or work for which a person is best fitted <finally found her niche>
3 a : a habitat that contains the things necessary for a particular plant or animal to live  b : the part that a particular living thing plays in an ecological community

1nick \ˈnik\ n
1 : a small groove : NOTCH
2 : 1CHIP 4 <a nick in a cup>
3 : the last moment at which the result of an event can be changed <arrived in the nick of time>

2nick vb
1 : to make a nick in
2 : to wound or cut slightly <nicked himself shaving>

1nick·el \ˈnik-əl\ n
1 : a silver-white hard metallic element that can be hammered and shaped and is capable of a high polish, resistant to wearing away, and used chiefly in alloys — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 a also nick·le : the U.S. five-cent piece made of nickel and copper  b : five cents
Word History When copper miners in the German state of Saxony first dug out chunks of what is now known to be nickel ore, they thought it was copper. But even though it was reddish-brown like copper, the ore broke easily and did not seem to have any use. Because they were at first fooled, the Germans called this ore Kupfernickel, meaning literally “copper demon” or “copper goblin.” Kupfer is the German word for “copper” and Nickel in German means “demon” or “goblin.” Even though the metal turned out to be quite valuable, it kept its old name. For a while the term was copper nickel in English, and then simply nickel, for both the metal and the American five-cent coin made out of a combination of nickel and copper. [derived from German Kupfernickel “a compound of nickel and arsenic,” literally “copper demon,” from Kupfer “copper” and Nickel “demon”]

2nick·el vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \ˈnik-(ə-)liŋ\ : to plate with nickel

nick·el·ode·on \ˌnik-ə-ˈlōd-ē-ən\ n
1 : an early movie theater charging five cents for admission
2 : JUKEBOX

nick·er \ˈnik-ər\ vb nick·ered; nick·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : NEIGH, WHINNY
— nicker n

1nick·name \ˈnik-ˌnām\ n
1 : an often descriptive name (as “Shorty” or “Tex”) given in addition to the one belonging to an individual
2 : a form of a proper name (as “Billy” for “William”) used by family or friends
Word History The Middle English word eke meant “something added on.” An ekename was therefore an added name given to a person or place. Many people who heard the phrase “an ekename,” however, thought they were hearing “a nekename.” Because of that confusion over the course of many years, the word ekename became nekename. Later changes in spelling have given us the modern word nickname. [Middle English nekename “an additional name,” from the phrase an ekename (misunderstood as being a nekename), from eke “something added on” and name “name”]

2nickname vb : to give a nickname to

nic·o·tine \ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn\ n : a poisonous substance found in tobacco and used as an insecticide

nic·o·tin·ic acid \ˌnik-ə-ˈtē-nik-, -ˈtin-ik-\ n : NIACIN

nic·ti·tat·ing membrane \ˌnik-tə-ˌtāt-iŋ-\ n : a thin membrane found in many animals at the inner angle or beneath the lower lid of the eye and capable of extending across the eyeball

niece \ˈnēs\ n : a daughter of one's brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law

nif·ty \ˈnif-tē\ adj nif·ti·er; -est : very good : very attractive
— nifty n

nig·gard \ˈnig-ərd\ n : a mean stingy person : MISER
— niggard adj

nig·gard·ly \ˈnig-ərd-lē\ adj
1 : STINGY 1, MISERLY
2 : characteristic of a niggard : SCANTY
— niggardly adv

1nigh \ˈnī\ adv
1 : near in place, time, or relationship
2 : ALMOST, NEARLY [Old English nēah “near, nigh” — related to NEAR, NEIGHBOR; see Word History at NEIGHBOR]

2nigh adj : not far : CLOSE, NEAR

night \ˈnīt\ n
1 : the time between dusk and dawn when there is no sunlight
2 : NIGHTFALL
3 : the darkness of night
— night adj

night blindness n : subnormal vision in faint light (as at night)
— night–blind adj

night–bloom·ing ce·re·us \ˌnīt-ˌblüm-iŋ-ˈsir-ē-əs\ n : any of several cacti that bloom at night; esp : a slender spreading or climbing cactus often grown for its large showy fragrant white flowers

night·cap \ˈnīt-ˌkap\ n
1 : a cap worn with nightclothes
2 : a drink taken at bedtime
3 : the final race or contest of a day's sports activities

night·clothes \-ˌklō(th)z\ n pl : garments worn in bed

night·club \-ˌkləb\ n : a place of entertainment open in the evening and usually serving food and liquor, having a floor show, and providing music for dancing

night crawler n : EARTHWORM; esp : a large earthworm found on the soil surface at night and often used as bait for fish

night·dress \ˈnīt-ˌdres\ n : NIGHTGOWN

night·fall \-ˌfȯl\ n : the coming of night : DUSK

night·gown \-ˌgau̇n\ n : a long loose garment worn in bed

night·hawk \-ˌhȯk\ n
1 : any of several insect-eating birds that resemble the related whip-poor-will
2 : NIGHT OWL

night·in·gale \ˈnīt-ən-ˌgāl\ n
1 : an Old World thrush noted for the sweet song of the male
2 : any of several other birds noted for their sweet song or for singing at night

night·ly \ˈnīt-lē\ adj
1 : of or relating to the night or every night
2 : happening, done, or produced by night or every night
— nightly adv

night·mare \ˈnīt-ˌma(ə)r, -ˌme(ə)r\ n
1 : a frightening dream
2 : a frightening or horrible experience
— night·mar·ish \-ish\ adj
Word History In the Middle Ages many people believed in a type of evil spirit that was said to haunt people while they slept. Such a demon was known in Old English as a mare. Because it was believed to come in the night, it later became known in Middle English as a nightmare. It was not until the 16th century that the word nightmare came to mean “a frightening dream.” This meaning probably came from the belief that such dreams were caused by evil spirits. [Middle English nightmare “evil spirit thought to haunt people during sleep,” from night “night” and mare “spirit,” from Old English mare “evil spirit haunting people in sleep”]

night owl n : a person who usually stays up late at night

night·shade \ˈnīt-ˌshād\ n : any of a family of herbs, shrubs, and trees having clusters of usually white, yellow, or purple flowers, and fruits that are berries and including many poisonous forms (as belladonna) and important food plants (as the potato, tomato, and eggplant)

night·shirt \-ˌshərt\ n : a nightgown resembling a shirt

night·stick \-ˌstik\ n : a police officer's club

night·time \ˈnīt-ˌtīm\ n : the time from dusk to dawn
— nighttime adj

ni·ho·ni·um \ni-ˈhō-nē-əm\ n : a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element — see ELEMENT TABLE

nil \ˈnil\ n : nothing at all : ZERO
— nil adj

Ni·lot·ic \nī-ˈlät-ik\ adj : of or relating to the Nile or the peoples of the Nile basin

nim·ble \ˈnim-bəl\ adj nim·bler \-b(ə-)lər\; nim·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\
1 : quick and light in motion : AGILE <a nimble dancer>
2 : quick in understanding and learning : CLEVER <a nimble mind>
— nim·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ n

— nim·bly \-blē\ adv

nim·bo·stra·tus \ˌnim-bō-ˈstrāt-əs, -ˈstrat-\ n : a low dark gray layer of cloud that usually produces rain or snow

nim·bus \ˈnim-bəs\ n, pl nim·bi \-ˌbī, -ˌbē\ or nim·bus·es
1 : a shining cloud about a god or goddess when on earth
2 : an indication (as a circle) of radiant light about the head of a drawn or sculptured god or saint
3 : a rain cloud

nin·com·poop \ˈnin-kəm-ˌpüp, ˈniŋ-\ n : a foolish or stupid person

nine \ˈnīn\ n
1 : a number that is one more than eight — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the ninth in a set or series
3 : a baseball team
— nine adj or pron

nine·pin \-ˌpin\ n
1 pl : a bowling game resembling tenpins played without the headpin
2 : a pin used in ninepins

nine·teen \(ˈ)nīn(t)-ˈtēn\ n : a number that is one more than 18 — see NUMBER TABLE
— nineteen adj or pron

— nine·teenth \-ˈtēn(t)th\ adj or n

nine·ty \ˈnīnt-ē\ n, pl nineties
1 : a number equal to nine times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 pl : the numbers 90 to 99 and specifically the years 90 to 99 in a lifetime or century
— nine·ti·eth \-ē-əth\ adj or n

— ninety adj or pron

nin·ja \ˈnin-jə, -(ˌ)jä\ n, pl ninja also ninjas : a person trained in ancient Japanese arts of combat and self-defense and employed especially for espionage and assassinations

nin·ny \ˈnin-ē\ n, pl ninnies : a foolish or stupid person

ninth \ˈnīn(t)th\ n, pl ninths : one that is number nine in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
— ninth adj or adv

ni·o·bi·um \nī-ˈō-bē-əm\ n : a shiny gray metallic element used in alloys — see ELEMENT TABLE

1nip \ˈnip\ vb nipped; nip·ping
1 : to catch hold of and squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points <the dog nipped my ankle>
2 : to cut off by pinching or clipping
3 : to destroy the growth or progress of <nipped in the bud>
4 : to make numb with cold : CHILL
5 : to seize suddenly and forcibly : SNATCH, STEAL
6 : to move quickly or nimbly [Middle English nippen “to nip”]

2nip n
1 : something (as a sharp stinging cold or a biting flavor) that nips <cheese with a nip>
2 : the act of nipping : PINCH, BITE
3 : a small portion : BIT

3nip n : a small quantity of liquor <takes a nip now and then> [probably a shortened form of nipperkin “a liquor container”; of unknown origin]

nip and tuck \ˌnip-ən-ˈtək\ adj or adv : so close that the advantage shifts rapidly from one contestant to another

nip·per \ˈnip-ər\ n
1 : a device (as pincers) for nipping — usually used in plural
2 : a small boy

nip·ple \ˈnip-əl\ n
1 : the small protruding part of the gland that in females produces milk and from which a baby or young mammal sucks milk
2 : something resembling a nipple; esp : the mouthpiece of a bottle from which an infant feeds

Nip·pon·ese \ˌnip-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj : of or relating to Japan or Japanese : JAPANESE
— Nipponese n

nip·py \ˈnip-ē\ adj nip·pi·er; -est
1 : quick in movement : NIMBLE, BRISK
2 : having a biting flavor
3 : CHILLY 1

ni·sei \(ˈ)nē-ˈsā, ˈnē-ˌsā\ n, pl nisei also niseis : a son or daughter of Japanese immigrants who is born and educated in America [Japanese, literally “second generation”]

nit \ˈnit\ n
1 : the egg of a louse or similar insect; also : the insect itself when young
2 : a minor shortcoming

ni·ter \ˈnīt-ər\ n
1 : POTASSIUM NITRATE
2 : SODIUM NITRATE

nit·pick \ˈnit-ˌpik\ vb : to criticize for tiny faults that are usually of little importance
— nit·pick·er n

ni·trate \ˈnī-ˌtrāt, -trət\ n
1 : a chemical compound formed by the reaction of nitric acid with another substance
2 : nitrate of sodium or potassium used as a fertilizer

nitric acid \ˈnī-trik-\ n : a strong liquid nitrogen-containing acid used in making fertilizers, explosives, and dyes

ni·tri·fi·ca·tion \ˌnī-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : the process of combining, mixing, or filling with nitrogen or one of its compounds; esp : the oxidation (as by bacteria) of ammonium salts to nitrites and then to nitrates

ni·tri·fi·er \ˈnī-trə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n : any of various soil bacteria capable of nitrification

ni·tri·fy·ing \ˈnī-trə-ˌfī-iŋ\ adj : active in nitrification <nitrifying bacteria>

ni·trite \ˈnī-ˌtrīt\ n : a salt of a certain unstable nitrogen-containing acid that is known only in solution or in the form of its salts

ni·tro·gen \ˈnī-trə-jən\ n : a colorless tasteless odorless element that occurs as a gas which makes up 78 percent of the atmosphere and that forms a part of all living tissues — see ELEMENT TABLE
— ni·trog·e·nous \nī-ˈträj-ə-nəs\ adj

nitrogen cycle n : a continuous series of natural processes by which nitrogen passes from air to soil to living things and back to the air by means of nitrogen fixation, nitrification, decay, and denitrification

nitrogen dioxide n : a reddish brown poisonous gas that is an air pollutant formed from automobile exhausts

nitrogen fixation n : the changing of free nitrogen in the air into a combined form (as ammonia) especially by bacteria in the soil and in roots

nitrogen–fixer n : any of various living things (as bacteria) in the soil that are capable of nitrogen fixation

nitrogen–fixing adj : capable of nitrogen fixation

nitrogen oxide n : any of various oxides of nitrogen: as  a : NITROGEN DIOXIDE  b : NITROUS OXIDE

ni·tro·glyc·er·in or ni·tro·glyc·er·ine \ˌnī-trə-ˈglis- (ə-)rən\ n : an oily explosive poisonous liquid used chiefly in making dynamite and in medicine to relax blood vessels

nitrous oxide n : a colorless gas that when inhaled causes loss of the ability to feel pain and sometimes produces laughter and is used especially in dentistry — called also laughing gas

nit·ty–grit·ty \ˈnit-ē-ˌgrit-ē, ˌnit-ē-ˈgrit-ē\ n : what is essential and basic <the nitty-gritty of the problem>

nit·wit \ˈnit-ˌwit\ n : a stupid or silly person

1no \(ˈ)nō\ adv
1 — used to express the negative of an alternative <shall we go to the game or no>
2 : in no respect or degree — used in comparisons <it is no better than I expected it to be>
3 : not so — used to express disagreement or refusal <no, I'm not hungry>
4 — used with a following adjective to imply a meaning expressed by the opposite positive statement <no uncertain terms>
5 — used to emphasize a following negative or to introduce a statement that is clearer or has more emphasis <has the right, no, the duty, to continue>
6 — used to express surprise, doubt, or disbelief <no—you don't say>

2no adj
1 a : not any <has no money>  b : hardly any : very little <finished in no time>
2 : not a <I'm no expert>

3no \ˈnō\ n, pl noes or nos \ˈnōz\
1 : an act or instance of refusing or denying by the use of the word no : DENIAL
2 a : a negative vote or decision  b pl : persons voting in the negative

no·bel·i·um \nō-ˈbel-ē-əm\ n : a radioactive metallic element produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE

No·bel Prize \(ˌ)nō-ˌbel-\ n : an annual prize (as in literature, medicine, peace) established by the will of Alfred Nobel for the encouragement of people who work for the interests of humanity

no·bil·i·ty \nō-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being noble <nobility of character>
2 : the body of persons forming the noble class in a country or state <a member of the nobility>

1no·ble \ˈnō-bəl\ adj no·bler \-b(ə-)lər\; no·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\
1 : FAMOUS, NOTABLE <noble deed>
2 : of high birth or rank : ARISTOCRATIC
3 : possessing very high qualities : EXCELLENT
4 : grand especially in appearance : IMPOSING <a noble cathedral>
5 : having or characterized by superiority of mind or character : MAGNANIMOUS <a noble nature>
6 : chemically inactive especially toward oxygen <noble metal>
— no·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ n

— no·bly \-blē\ adv

2noble n : a person of noble rank or birth

no·ble·man \ˈnō-bəl-mən\ n : a man of noble rank

no·ble·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman of noble rank

1no·body \ˈnō-bəd-ē, -ˌbäd-ē\ pron : no person : not anybody <nobody lives in that house>

2nobody n, pl no·bod·ies : a person of no importance

noc·tur·nal \näk-ˈtərn-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or occurring in the night <a nocturnal journey>
2 : active at night <nocturnal insects> [from early French nocturnal, nocturnel or Latin nocturnalis, both meaning “nocturnal,” derived from earlier Latin noct-, nox “night” — related to EQUINOX]
— noc·tur·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

noc·turne \ˈnäk-ˌtərn\ n : a work of art dealing with evening or night; esp : a dreamy composition for the piano

1nod \ˈnäd\ vb nod·ded; nod·ding
1 : to bend the head downward or forward (as in bowing or going to sleep or as a way of answering “yes”)
2 : to move up and down <the tulips nodded in the breeze>
3 : to show by a nod of the head <nod agreement>
4 : to let one's attention roam for a moment and make an error
— nod·der n

2nod n : the action of nodding

nod·al \ˈnōd-əl\ adj : relating to, being, or located at or near a node

nod·ding \ˈnäd-iŋ\ adj : bending downward or forward <a plant with nodding flowers>

nod·dle \ˈnäd-əl\ n : 1HEAD 1

nod·dy \ˈnäd-ē\ n, pl noddies : any of several stout-bodied terns of warm seas

node \ˈnōd\ n
1 a : a thickened or swollen enlargement (as of a joint with rheumatism)  b : a mass of tissue in the body resembling a knot
2 : a point on a stem at which a leaf is inserted

nod·ule \ˈnäj-(ˌ)ü(ə)l\ n
1 : a small rounded mass <manganese nodules on the ocean floor>
2 : a swelling on the root of a plant of the legume family that contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria
— nod·u·lar \ˈnäj-ə-lər\ adj

no·el \nō-ˈel\ n
1 : a Christmas carol
2 cap : the Christmas season [from French noël “Christmas, a carol,” derived from Latin natalis “birthday”]

nog·gin \ˈnäg-ən\ n
1 : a small mug
2 : a small quantity (as a gill) of drink
3 : a person's head

no–good \ˌnō-ˌgu̇d\ adj : having no worth, use, or chance of success
— no–good \ˈnō-ˌgu̇d\ n

no–hit·ter \(ˈ)nō-ˈhit-ər\ n : a baseball game in which a pitcher allows the opposition no base hits

1noise \ˈnȯiz\ n
1 : a loud, confused, or senseless shouting or outcry
2 a : 3SOUND 1B; esp : a loud, harsh, or unharmonious sound  b : an unwanted signal in an electronic communication system
Word History Although loud noise may make us sick, we probably do not think of the words noise and nausea as having much in common. But the word noise came into English from early French, in which it meant “quarrel, loud noise.” French had it from the Latin word nausea meaning “seasickness, nausea.” Perhaps the original connection was with the unpleasant sounds or complaints made by seasick passengers or sailors. Nausea, after all, came from the Greek word for sailor, nautēs. [Middle English noise “noise,” from early French noise “quarrel, loud noise,” from Latin nausea “seasickness, nausea,” derived from Greek nautēs “sailor” — related to NAUSEA; see Word History at NAUSEA]

2noise vb noised; nois·ing : to spread by rumor or report <noised it about that we would be allowed to leave early>

noise·less \ˈnȯiz-ləs\ adj : making or causing no noise <kittens on noiseless feet>
— noise·less·ly adv

noise·mak·er \ˈnȯiz-ˌmā-kər\ n : one that makes noise; esp : a device used to make noise at parties

noise pollution n : annoying or harmful noise (as of jet planes or automobiles) in an environment — called also sound pollution

noi·some \ˈnȯi-səm\ adj
1 : not wholesome <a noisome slum>
2 : disagreeable especially to the sense of smell : DISGUSTING <noisome odors>

noisy \ˈnȯi-zē\ adj nois·i·er; -est
1 : making noise
2 : full of or characterized by noise <a noisy street>
— nois·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— nois·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

no·mad \ˈnō-ˌmad\ n
1 : a member of a people that has no fixed home but wanders from place to place
2 : an individual who roams about without a goal or purpose
— nomad or no·mad·ic \nō-ˈmad-ik\ adj

— no·mad·ism \ˈnō-ˌmad-ˌiz-əm\ n

no–man's–land \ˈnō-ˌmanz-ˌland\ n
1 : an unoccupied area between opposing armies
2 : an area of indefinite or uncertain character

nom de plume \ˌnäm-di-ˈplüm\ n, pl noms de plume \ˌnäm(z)-di-\ : PEN NAME [a phrase believed to have been made up in English as a French translation of pen name; from French nom “name” and de “of” and plume “(the) pen”]

no·men·cla·ture \ˈnō-mən-ˌklā-chər\ n : a system of terms used in a particular science, field of knowledge, or art; esp : the scientific names for plants and animals used in biology — compare BINOMIAL NOMENCLATURE [from Latin nomenclatura “a calling by name, list of names,” derived from nomen “name” and calatus, past participle of calare “to call”]

nom·i·nal \ˈnäm-ən-əl, ˈnäm-nəl\ adj
1 : being such in name or form only <the nominal head of the party>
2 : very small : TRIFLING <a nominal price>
— nom·i·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

nom·i·nate \ˈnäm-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to choose as a candidate for election, appointment, or honor; esp : to propose for office <nominated a senator for president>
— nom·i·na·tor \-ˌnāt-ər\ n

nom·i·na·tion \ˌnäm-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act, process, or an instance of nominating
2 : the state of being nominated

nom·i·na·tive \ˈnäm-(ə-)nət-iv\ adj : being or belonging to the case of a noun or pronoun that is usually the subject of a verb
— nominative n

nom·i·nee \ˌnäm-ə-ˈnē\ n : a person nominated for an office, duty, or position

no·mo·gram \ˈnäm-ə-ˌgram, ˈnō-mə-\ n : a set of several lines marked off to scale and arranged in such a way that by using a straightedge to connect known values on two lines an unknown value can be read at the point of intersection with another line

no·mo·graph \ˈnäm-ə-ˌgraf, ˈnō-mə-\ n : NOMOGRAM

non- \(ˈ)nän, ˌnän\ prefix : not : reverse of : absence of <nonresident> <nonfiction> [derived from Latin non “not”]

- nonabsorbent

- nonacademic

- nonacid

- nonacidic

- nonacting

- nonaction

- nonactivated

- nonadhesive

- nonadjacent

- nonaggression

- nonaggressive

- nonagricultural

- nonalcoholic

- nonassertive

- nonathlete

- nonathletic

- nonattendance

- nonautomatic

- nonbeliever

- nonbelligerent

- nonbinding

- nonbiodegradable

- nonbiting

- nonbreakable

- noncaking

- non–Catholic

- noncellular

- noncertified

- non–Christian

- noncitizen

- nonclassical

- nonclerical

- nonclinical

- noncoercive

- noncombat

- noncombative

- noncombustible

- noncommercial

- noncommitment

- noncommitted

- noncomparable

- noncompatible

- noncompetition

- noncompetitive

- noncompetitor

- noncomplementary

- noncompliance

- noncompliant

- noncompressible

- nonconclusion

- nonconducting

- nonconduction

- nonconductive

- nonconfidence

- nonconfidential

- nonconflicting

- nonconfrontational

- nonconscious

- nonconservative

- nonconstitutional

- nonconstruction

- nonconstructive

- noncontact

- noncontagious

- noncontemporary

- noncontinuous

- noncontradiction

- noncontradictory

- noncontributory

- noncontrollable

- noncontrolled

- noncontrolling

- noncontroversial

- nonconventional

- nonconvertible

- noncorporate

- noncorrosive

- noncreative

- noncriminal

- noncrisis

- noncritical

- noncrystalline

- nondegenerate

- nondelivery

- nondemocratic

- nondenominational

- nonderivative

- nondescriptive

- nondetachable

- nondevelopment

- nondirected

- nondirectional

- nondisabled

- nondisclosure

- nondiscrimination

- nondiscriminatory

- nondocumentary

- nondollar

- nondomestic

- nondramatic

- nondurable

- nonedible

- noneducational

- nonelastic

- nonelected

- nonelection

- nonelective

- nonelectric

- nonelectrical

- nonemergency

- nonempirical

- nonending

- nonexclusive

- nonexempt

- nonexplosive

- nonfarm

- nonfarmer

- nonfatal

- nonfattening

- nonfatty

- nonfederal

- nonfederated

- nonfinancial

- nonfissionable

- nonflying

- nonfood

- nonfreezing

- nonfulfillment

- nonfunctional

- nonfunctioning

- nongaseous

- nongovernment

- nongovernmental

- nongrammatical

- nonhandicapped

- nonhardy

- nonhereditary

- nonhistorical

- nonhuman

- nonimmigrant

- nonimmune

- nonindustrial

- nonindustrialized

- noninfected

- noninfectious

- noninfective

- noninflammable

- noninstitutional

- noninstitutionalized

- noninstructional

- nonintegrated

- nonintellectual

- noninterchangeable

- noninterference

- nonintersecting

- nonintoxicating

- nonionizing

- nonirritating

- non–Jewish

- nonleaded

- nonlegal

- nonlethal

- nonlexical

- nonliquid

- nonliteral

- nonliterary

- nonliving

- nonlocal

- nonlogical

- nonluminous

- nonmagnetic

- nonmalleable

- nonmanagement

- nonmaterial

- nonmaterialistic

- nonmeat

- nonmechanical

- nonmedical

- nonmember

- nonmembership

- nonmetric

- nonmetrical

- nonmigrant

- nonmigratory

- nonmilitant

- nonmilitary

- nonmolecular

- nonmotile

- nonmotorized

- nonmoving

- nonmusical

- nonnational

- nonnative

- nonnatural

- nonnecessity

- nonnegotiable

- nonnumerical

- nonnutritious

- nonobservance

- nonobservant

- nonoccurrence

- nonofficial

- nonoily

- nonoperating

- nonoperational

- nonoperative

- nonorganic

- nonorthodox

- nonparallel

- nonparalytic

- nonparasitic

- nonparticipant

- nonparticipating

- nonparticipation

- nonparty

- nonpaying

- nonpayment

- nonperformance

- nonperformer

- nonperishable

- nonpersistent

- nonpersonal

- nonphysical

- nonplastic

- nonpoisonous

- nonpolitical

- nonpolitically

- nonpolluting

- nonporous

- nonpossession

- nonpractical

- nonpracticing

- nonpregnant

- nonprint

- nonproducing

- nonprofessional

- nonprofessionally

- nonprogressive

- nonpublic

- nonracial

- nonradioactive

- nonrandom

- nonrandomness

- nonrated

- nonrational

- nonreactive

- nonreactor

- nonrealistic

- nonreciprocal

- nonrecurrent

- nonrecyclable

- nonreducing

- nonreflecting

- nonregulated

- nonregulation

- nonrelative

- nonreligious

- nonrenewable

- nonrepresentative

- nonresidential

- nonrestricted

- nonretractile

- nonreusable

- nonreversible

- nonrotating

- nonroutine

- nonsalable

- nonscientific

- nonscientist

- nonseasonal

- nonsecure

- nonsegregated

- nonsegregation

- nonselected

- nonselective

- nonsensational

- nonsensitive

- nonsensuous

- nonserious

- nonsexist

- nonsexual

- nonshrinkable

- nonsinkable

- nonsmoker

- nonsmoking

- nonsocial

- nonsolar

- nonspatial

- nonspeaker

- nonspeaking

- nonspecialist

- nonspecific

- nonspectacular

- nonspeculative

- nonstationary

- nonstatistical

- nonstrategic

- nonstructural

- nonstructured

- nonsubsidized

- nonsuccess

- nonsugar

- nonsurgical

- nonswimmer

- nonsymbolic

- nonsymmetric

- nonsymmetrical

- nontaxable

- nontechnical

- nontemporal

- nontheatrical

- nontoxic

- nontraditional

- nontransferable

- nontropical

- nontypical

- nonuniform

- nonuniformity

- nonunionized

- nonuniversal

- nonurban

- nonurgent

- nonvalid

- nonvegetarian

- nonvenomous

- nonviewer

- nonviscous

- nonvisual

- nonvocal

- nonvocational

- nonvoter

- nonvoting

- nonwinning

- nonwoody

- nonwork

- nonworker

- nonworking

no·na·gon \ˈnō-nə-ˌgän\ n : a polygon of nine angles and nine sides

non·busi·ness \ˈnän-ˈbiz-nəs, -nəz\ adj : not related to business; esp : not related to one's primary business

nonce \ˈnän(t)s\ n : the one, particular, or present occasion, purpose, or use <for the nonce>

non·cha·lance \ˌnän-shə-ˈlän(t)s, ˈnän-shə-ˌlän(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being nonchalant

non·cha·lant \ˌnän-shə-ˈlänt, ˈnän-shə-ˌlänt\ adj : having a confident and easy manner <face a crowd with nonchalant ease> [from French nonchalant “not excited,” derived from early French nonchaloir “to disregard, be unconcerned,” from non- “not” and chaloir “to care,” from Latin calēre “to be warm” — related to CAULDRON, CALORIE]
— non·cha·lant·ly adv

non·com \ˈnän-ˌkäm\ n : NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER

non·com·ba·tant \ˌnän-kəm-ˈbat-ənt, (ˈ)nän-ˈkäm-bət-ənt\ n
1 : a member (as a chaplain) of the armed forces whose duties do not include fighting
2 : CIVILIAN
— noncombatant adj

non·com·e·do·gen·ic \-ˌkäm-əd-ō-ˈjen-ik\ adj : not tending to clog pores <a noncomedogenic moisturizing lotion>

non·com·mis·sioned officer \ˌnän-kə-ˌmish-ənd-\ n : an officer in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps appointed from among the enlisted personnel

non·com·mit·tal \ˌnän-kə-ˈmit-əl\ adj : not telling or showing what a person thinks or has decided <a noncommittal answer>
— non·com·mit·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

non·con·duc·tor \ˌnän-kən-ˈdək-tər\ n : a substance that conducts heat, electricity, or sound at a very low rate

non·con·form \-kən-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ vb : to fail to conform
— non·con·form·er n

non·con·form·ist \ˌnän-kən-ˈfȯr-məst\ n
1 often cap : a person who does not conform to an established church
2 : a person who does not conform to generally accepted standards or customs
— nonconformist adj, often cap

non·con·for·mi·ty \ˌnän-kən-ˈfȯr-mət-ē\ n : failure or refusal to conform

noncooperation \ˌnän-kō-ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n : failure or refusal to cooperate especially with the government

non·dairy \ˈnän-ˈde(ə)r-ē\ adj : containing no milk or milk products <nondairy whipped topping>

non·de·duct·ible \-di-ˈdək-tə-bəl\ adj : not deductible; esp : not deductible for income tax purposes <a nondeductible contribution>
— non·de·duct·ibil·i·ty \-ˌdək-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

non·de·script \ˌnän-di-ˈskript\ adj : belonging or appearing to belong to no particular class or kind : not easily described
— nondescript n

non·de·struc·tive \-di-ˈstrək-tiv\ adj : not destructive; esp : not causing destruction of material being investigated or treated <nondestructive testing of metal>
— non·de·struc·tive·ly adv

— non·de·struc·tive·ness n

non·di·vid·ing \ˌnän-də-ˈvīd-iŋ\ adj : not undergoing cell division

1none \ˈnən\ pron
1 : not any <none of them went> <none of it is needed>
2 : not one <none of the family>
3 : not any such thing or person <half a loaf is better than none>

2none adv
1 : by no means : not at all <none too soon to begin>
2 : in no way : to no extent <none the worse for wear>

non·ec·o·nom·ic \ˌnän-ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-ik, -ˌē-kə-\ adj : not economic; esp : having no economic importance or involvement

non·elec·tro·lyte \ˌnän-ə-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt\ n : a substance (as sugar) that does not readily form ions when dissolved or melted and that is a poor conductor of electricity

non·en·ti·ty \nä-ˈnen(t)-ət-ē\ n, pl -ti·ties
1 : something that does not exist or exists only in the imagination
2 : a person of no importance

non·es·sen·tial \ˌnän-i-ˈsen-chəl\ adj : not necessary or essential
— nonessential n

none·the·less \ˌnən-thə-ˈles\ adv : NEVERTHELESS

non·ex·ist·ence \ˌnän-ig-ˈzis-təns\ n : absence of existence
— non·ex·ist·ent \-tənt\ adj

non·fat \ˈnän-ˈfat\ adj : having no fat or fat solids : having the fat removed <nonfat milk>

non·fer·rous \-ˈfer-əs\ adj
1 : not containing, including, or relating to iron
2 : of or relating to metals other than iron

non·fic·tion \ˈnän-ˈfik-shən\ n : literature or cinema that is not fictional
— non·fic·tion·al \(ˈ)nän-ˈfik-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

non·fig·u·ra·tive \-ˈfig-(y)ə-rət-iv\ adj : NONOBJECTIVE

non·flam·ma·ble \-ˈflam-ə-bəl\ adj : not flammable; also : not easily ignited and not burning rapidly if ignited
— non·flam·ma·bil·i·ty \-ˌflam-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

non·flow·er·ing \(ˈ)nän-ˈflau̇-(ə-)riŋ\ adj : producing no flowers; esp : having no flowering stage in the life cycle

non·green \ˈnän-ˈgrēn\ adj : having no chlorophyll <nongreen plants>

no·nil·lion \nō-ˈnil-yən\ n US : a number equal to 1 followed by 30 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE; also Brit : a number equal to 1 followed by 54 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE

non·in·ter·ven·tion \ˌnän-ˌint-ər-ˈven-chən\ n
1 : the state or habit of not intervening
2 : refusal or failure to intervene

non·in·volve·ment \-in-ˈvälv-mənt, -ˈvȯlv-\ n : absence of involvement or emotional attachment
— non·in·volved \-ˈvälvd, -ˈvȯlvd\ adj

non·lit·er·ate \-ˈlit-ə-rət, -ˈlit-rət\ adj
1 : not literate
2 : having no written language
— nonliterate n

non·met·al \(ˈ)nän-ˈmet-əl\ n : an element (as carbon or nitrogen) that lacks the characteristics of a metal

non·me·tal·lic \ˌnän-mə-ˈtal-ik\ adj
1 : not metallic
2 : of, relating to, or being a nonmetal

non·mor·al \-ˈmȯr-əl, -ˈmär-\ adj : not being moral or ethical

non·neg·a·tive \(ˈ)nän-ˈneg-ət-iv\ adj : not negative; esp : being either positive or zero <a nonnegative number>

non·nu·cle·ar \(ˈ)nän-ˈn(y)ü-klē-ər\ adj
1 : not nuclear <nonnuclear weapons>
2 : not having nuclear weapons <nonnuclear countries>

no–no \ˈnō-ˌnō\ n, pl no–no's or no–nos : something that is unacceptable or forbidden

non·ob·jec·tive \ˌnän-əb-ˈjek-tiv\ adj : intended to represent no natural or actual object or likeness <nonobjective art>

no–nonsense adj : putting up with or including no nonsense : SERIOUS <a no-nonsense manager>

1non·pa·reil \ˌnän-pə-ˈrel\ adj : having no equal : PEERLESS

2nonpareil n
1 : an individual of unequaled excellence : PARAGON
2 : PAINTED BUNTING

non·par·ti·san \(ˈ)nän-ˈpärt-ə-zən, -sən\ adj : not partisan; esp : free from party ties, bias, or designation <a nonpartisan ballot> <a nonpartisan committee>

non·patho·gen·ic \-ˌpath-ə-ˈjen-ik\ adj : not capable of causing disease

non·plus \(ˈ)nän-ˈpləs\ vb non·plussed also non·plused; non·plus·sing also non·plus·ing : to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do : PERPLEX

non·po·lar \-ˈpō-lər\ adj : not polar; esp : consisting of molecules not having a dipole <a nonpolar solvent>

non·pre·scrip·tion \ˌnän-pri-ˈskrip-shən\ adj : capable of being bought without a doctor's prescription <a nonprescription pain reliever>

non·pro·duc·tive \ˌnän-prə-ˈdək-tiv\ adj
1 : failing to produce : UNPRODUCTIVE <a nonproductive oil well>
2 : not directly productive <nonproductive labor>

non·prof·it \ˈnän-ˈpräf-ət\ adj : not existing or carried on for the purpose of making a profit <a nonprofit organization>

non·pro·tein \-ˈprōˌtēn, -ˈprōt-ē-ən\ adj : not being or derived from protein <the nonprotein part of an enzyme> <nonprotein nitrogen>

non·read·er \-ˈrēd-ər\ n
1 : one who does not or cannot read
2 : a child who is slow in learning to read
— non·read·ing \-iŋ\ adj

non·res·i·dent \(ˈ)nän-ˈrez-əd-ənt, -ˈrez-dənt, -ˈrez-ə-ˌdent\ adj : not living in a particular place
— nonresident n

non·re·sis·tance \ˌnän-ri-ˈzis-tən(t)s\ n : the policy or practice of yielding to authority even when unjust or cruel

non·re·sis·tant \-tənt\ adj : not resistant; esp : unable to withstand the effects of a harmful substance (as an insecticide or antibiotic) <nonresistant bacteria>

non·re·stric·tive \ˌnän-ri-ˈstrik-tiv\ adj
1 : not serving or tending to restrict
2 : not limiting the reference of the word or phrase modified <a nonrestrictive clause>

non·re·turn·able \-ri-ˈtər-nə-bəl\ adj : not returnable; esp : not returnable to a dealer in exchange for a deposit <nonreturnable bottles>
— nonreturnable n

non·sched·uled \(ˈ)nän-ˈskej-(ˌ)ü(ə)ld, -ˈskej-əld\ adj : licensed to carry passengers or freight by air without a regular schedule <a nonscheduled airline>

non·sec·tar·i·an \ˌnän-(ˌ)sek-ˈter-ē-ən\ adj : not having a sectarian character : not restricted to a particular religious group

non·sense \ˈnän-ˌsen(t)s, ˈnän(t)-sən(t)s\ n
1 : foolish or meaningless words or actions
2 : things of no importance or value
— non·sen·si·cal \(ˈ)nän-ˈsen(t)-si-kəl\ adj

— non·sen·si·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— non·sen·si·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ n

non·skid \(ˈ)nän-ˈskid\ adj : designed to prevent skidding

non·stan·dard \(ˈ)nän-ˈstan-dərd\ adj
1 : not standard
2 : not agreeing in pronunciation, grammatical construction, idiom, or choice of word with the usage generally characteristic of educated native speakers of the language

non·stick \ˈnän-ˈstik\ adj : allowing easy removal of cooked food particles <a nonstick coating in a pan>

non·stop \ˈnän-ˈstäp\ adj : done, made, or held without a stop <a nonstop flight to Chicago>
— nonstop adv

non·sup·port \ˌnän(t)-sə-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt\ n : failure to support; esp : failure to provide legally required financial support

non·tast·er \(ˈ)nän-ˈtā-stər\ n : a person unable to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide

non·ther·mal \-ˈthər-məl\ adj : not produced by heat

non·threat·en·ing \-ˈthret-ən-iŋ\ adj
1 : not constituting a threat <a nonthreatening illness>
2 : not likely to cause anxiety <nonthreatening activities>; also : INNOCUOUS 2

non·union \(ˈ)nän-ˈyün-yən\ adj
1 : not belonging to a trade union <nonunion carpenters>
2 : not recognizing or favoring trade unions or their members <nonunion employers>

non·use \-ˈyüs\ n
1 : failure to use <nonuse of available material>
2 : the fact or condition of not being used

non·us·er \-ˈyü-zər\ n : one who does not make use of something (as a harmful drug)

non·vas·cu·lar plant \-ˈvas-kyə-lər-\ n : a plant (as a moss or an alga) that has no specialized conducting system for carrying fluids

non·ver·bal \(ˈ)nän-ˈvər-bəl\ adj
1 : being other than verbal <nonverbal symbols>
2 : involving little use of language <nonverbal tests>
— non·ver·bal·ly \-bə-lē\ adv

non·vi·o·lence \(ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s\ n
1 : the avoidance of the use of violence as a matter of principle; also : the principle of not using violence to achieve one's goals
2 : nonviolent demonstrations for the purpose of achieving political goals

non·vi·o·lent \(ˈ)nän-ˈvī-ə-lənt\ adj
1 : not using violence : PEACEFUL
2 : of, relating to, or marked by nonviolence

non–West·ern \(ˈ)nän-ˈwes-tərn\ adj
1 : not being part of the western tradition <non-Western countries>
2 : of or relating to non-Western societies <non-Western values>

non·white \(ˈ)nän-ˈhwīt, -ˈwīt\ n : a person whose features and especially whose skin color are different from those of white people of northwestern Europe
— nonwhite adj

non·woven \(ˈ)nän-ˈwō-vən\ adj
1 : made of fibers held together by interlocking or bonding (as by chemical means) but not woven <nonwoven fabric>
2 : made of nonwoven fabric <a nonwoven dress>
— nonwoven n

non·ze·ro \-ˈzē-rō, -ˈzi(ə)r-ō\ adj : being, having, or involving a value other than zero

noo·dle \ˈnüd-əl\ n : a thin strip of dough made from flour, water, and usually eggs and cooked by boiling

nook \ˈnu̇k\ n
1 : an interior angle or corner formed usually by two walls <a chimney nook>
2 : a sheltered or hidden place <a shady nook>

noon \ˈnün\ n : the middle of the day : 12 o'clock in the daytime
— noon adj
Word History Noon has not always meant “12 o'clock in the daytime.” In the ancient Roman way of keeping track of time, the hours of the day were counted from sunrise to sunset. The ninth hour of their day (about 3 p.m. nowadays) was called nona, Latin for “ninth.” In the early period of English, the word was borrowed as nōn, also referring to the ninth hour after sunrise. By the 14th century, however, the word came to be used for midday, 12 o'clock, as we use it today. [Old English nōn “ninth hour from sunrise,” derived from Latin nona, a feminine form of nonus “ninth,” from novem “nine”]

noon·day \-ˌdā\ n : MIDDAY

no one pron : 1NOBODY <no one was home>

noon·tide \ˈnün-ˌtīd\ n : NOONTIME

noon·time \-ˌtīm\ n : the time of noon : MIDDAY

noose \ˈnüs\ n : a loop that passes through a knot at the end of a line so that it gets smaller when the other end of the line is pulled

nor \nər, (ˈ)nȯ(ə)r\ conj : and not <not for you nor for me> — used especially between two words or phrases preceded by neither <neither here nor there>

nor·adren·a·line \ˌnȯr-ə-ˈdren-əl-ən\ n : NOREPINEPHRINE

nor·epi·neph·rine \ˈnȯ(ə)r-ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən\ n : a hormone that causes blood vessels to contract and helps to transmit nerve impulses in the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system

norm \ˈnȯ(ə)rm\ n
1 : 1AVERAGE 2; esp : a set standard of development or achievement usually derived from the average or median achievement of a large group
2 : a common or typical practice or custom

1nor·mal \ˈnȯr-məl\ adj
1 : 1PERPENDICULAR 2
2 : of the regular or usual kind
3 a : relating to or marked by average intelligence or development  b : free from sickness of body or mind : SANE, SOUND
— nor·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

2normal n
1 : a normal line
2 : a person or thing that is normal
3 : a form or state regarded as the usual : AVERAGE

normal curve n : a symmetrical bell-shaped curve that is often used as an approximation to the graph of scores or measurements consisting of many bunched values near the average in the middle and a few large and a few small values arranged toward the opposite ends

nor·mal·cy \ˈnȯr-məl-sē\ n : NORMALITY

nor·mal·i·ty \nȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being normal

nor·mal·ize \ˈnȯr-mə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make normal or average
— nor·mal·i·za·tion \ˌnȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

Nor·man \ˈnȯr-mən\ n
1 : one of the Scandinavians who conquered Normandy in the 10th century
2 : one of the people of mixed Norman and French blood who conquered England in 1066
3 : a person born or living in Normandy
— Nor·man adj

Norse \ˈnȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 pl Norse  a : the Scandinavian people  b : the Norwegian people
2 a : NORWEGIAN 2  b : any of the Scandinavian languages
— Norse adj

Norse·man \ˈnȯr-smən\ n : any of the ancient Scandinavians

1north \ˈnȯ(ə)rth\ adv : to or toward the north

2north adj
1 : placed or lying toward or at the north <the north entrance>
2 : coming from the north <a north wind>

3north n
1 a : the direction to the left of one facing east  b : the compass point opposite to south
2 cap : regions or countries north of a point that is mentioned or understood

north·bound \ˈnȯrth-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : headed north

1north·east \nȯr-ˈthēst, nautical nȯ-ˈrēst\ adv : to or toward the northeast

2northeast n
1 : the direction between north and east
2 cap : regions or countries northeast of a point that is mentioned or understood

3northeast adj
1 : placed or lying toward or at the northeast <the northeast corner>
2 : coming from the northeast <a northeast wind>

north·east·er \nȯr-ˈthē-stər, nȯ-ˈrē-\ n
1 : a strong northeast wind
2 : a storm with northeast winds

north·east·er·ly \nȯr-ˈthē-stər-lē\ adv or adj
1 : from the northeast
2 : toward the northeast

north·east·ern \nȯr-ˈthē-stərn\ adj
1 often cap : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Northeast
2 : lying toward or coming from the northeast

North·east·ern·er \nȯr-ˈthē-stə(r)-nər\ n : a person born or living in a northeastern region (as of the U.S.)

north·east·ward \nȯr-ˈthēs-twərd\ adv or adj : toward the northeast
— north·east·wards \-twərdz\ adv

north·er \ˈnȯr-thər\ n
1 : a strong north wind
2 : a storm with north winds

1north·er·ly \ˈnȯr-thər-lē\ adj or adv
1 : placed or lying toward the north <the northerly border>
2 : coming from the north <a northerly wind>

2northerly n, pl -lies : a wind from the north

north·ern \ˈnȯr-thə(r)n\ adj
1 cap : of, relating to, or characteristic of the North
2 : lying toward or coming from the north <a northern storm>
— north·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adj

North·ern·er \ˈnȯr-thə(r)-nər\ n : a person born or living in the North (as of the U.S.)

northern harrier n : a common brown or grayish hawk especially of fields and marshes that has a white patch on the upper side near the base of the tail

northern hemisphere n, often cap N&H : the half of the earth that lies north of the equator

northern lights n pl : AURORA BOREALIS

north·land \ˈnȯrth-ˌland, -lənd\ n, often cap : land in the north : the north of a country or region

North·man \-mən\ n : NORSEMAN

north pole n
1 a : often cap N&P : the northernmost point of the earth : the northern end of the earth's axis  b : the point in the sky directly overhead at the north pole
2 : the pole of a magnet that points toward the north

north–seeking pole n : NORTH POLE 2

North Star n : the star toward which the northern end of the earth's axis very nearly points — called also polestar

north·ward \ˈnȯrth-wərd\ adv or adj : toward the north
— north·wards \-wərdz\ adv

1north·west \nȯrth-ˈwest, nautical nȯr-ˈwest\ adv : to or toward the northwest

2northwest n
1 : the direction between north and west
2 cap : the regions or countries northwest of a point that is mentioned or understood

3northwest adj
1 : coming from the northwest <a northwest wind>
2 : placed or lying toward or at the northwest <the northwest corner>

north·west·er \nȯr(th)-ˈwes-tər\ n : a strong northwest wind

north·west·er·ly \nȯrth-ˈwes-tər-lē\ adv or adj
1 : from the northwest
2 : toward the northwest

north·west·ern \nȯrth-ˈwes-tərn\ adj
1 often cap : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Northwest
2 : lying toward or coming from the northwest

North·west·ern·er \nȯrth-ˈwes-tə(r)-nər\ n : a person born or living in a northwestern region (as of the U.S.)

north·west·ward \nȯrth-ˈwes-twərd\ adv or adj : toward the northwest
— north·west·wards \-twərdz\ adv

Nor·way maple \ˌnȯ(ə)r-ˌwā-\ n : a Eurasian maple with dark green or often reddish or red-veined leaves that is often planted in the U.S. as a shade tree

Norway rat n : BROWN RAT

Nor·we·gian \nȯr-ˈwē-jən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Norway
2 : the Germanic language of the Norwegian people
— Norwegian adj

nos plural of NO

1nose \ˈnōz\ n
1 a : the part of the face or head that contains the nostrils and covers the front or outer part of the nasal cavity; also : this part together with the nasal cavity  b : the front part of the head above or sticking out beyond the jaws <the length of a whale from the tip of the nose to the middle of the tail>
2 : the sense of smell
3 : the organ of smell of a vertebrate
4 : something (as a point, edge, or projection) like a nose <the nose of a plane>
5 : an ability to discover <a nose for news>
— nosed \ˈnōzd\ adj

2nose vb nosed; nos·ing
1 : to detect by or as if by smell : SCENT
2 : to push or move with the nose
3 : to touch or rub with the nose : NUZZLE
4 : to search especially into other peoples' business : PRY
5 : to move ahead slowly or cautiously <the boat nosed around the bend>

nose·bleed \ˈnōz-ˌblēd\ n : a bleeding from the nose

nose cone n : a protective cone forming the forward end of a rocket or missile

nose·dive \ˈnōz-ˌdīv\ n
1 : a downward nose-first plunge (as of an airplane)
2 : a sudden extreme drop (as in prices)

nose–dive vb nose–dived; nose–div·ing : to plunge suddenly or sharply

no–see–um \nō-ˈsē-əm\ n : any of various tiny two-winged flies that bite [from the words (as supposedly spoken by American Indians) no see um “you don't see them”]

nose·gay \-ˌgā\ n : a small bunch of flowers : POSY 1

nose out vb : to defeat by a narrow margin <the home team barely nosed out the visitors>

nose·piece \-ˌpēs\ n : the end piece of a microscope body to which a lens or set of lenses is attached

nose·wheel \-ˌhwēl, -ˌwēl\ n : a landing-gear wheel under the nose of an aircraft

nos·tal·gia \nä-ˈstal-jə, nə-\ n : a longing for something past
— nos·tal·gic \-jik\ adj

— nos·tal·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adv

nos·tril \ˈnäs-trəl\ n : either of the outer openings of the nose through which one breathes; also : either fleshy wall forming a side of the nose [Old English nosthyrl “nostril,” literally “nose hole,” from nosu “nose” and thyrel “hole” — related to THRILL; see Word History at THRILL]

nosy or nos·ey \ˈnō-zē\ adj nos·i·er; -est : of a prying or inquisitive disposition or quality : INTRUSIVE
— nos·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— nos·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

not \(ˈ)nät\ adv
1 — used to make a word or group of words negative <the books are not here>
2 — used to stand for the negative of a group of words that comes before <is sometimes hard to see and sometimes not>

1no·ta·ble \ˈnōt-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : deserving special notice : REMARKABLE <a notable sight>
2 : DISTINGUISHED, PROMINENT <a notable writer>
— no·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

2notable n : a famous person

no·ta·rize \ˈnōt-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing : to sign as a notary public to show that a document is authentic
— no·ta·ri·za·tion \ˌnōt-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

no·ta·ry public \ˌnōt-ə-rē-\ n, pl notaries public or notary publics : a public officer who witnesses the making of a document (as a deed) and signs it to show that it is authentic — called also notary

no·ta·tion \nō-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : 2NOTE 3A <make notations on a paper>
2 : the act of noting
3 : a system of marks, signs, figures, or characters used to give specified information <musical notation> <scientific notation>
— no·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1notch \ˈnäch\ n
1 : a cut in the shape of a V in an edge or surface
2 : a narrow pass between mountains : GAP
3 : DEGREE 1, STEP <turn the radio up a notch>

2notch vb
1 : to cut or make a notch in
2 a : to mark or record by a notch  b : ACHIEVE 2, SCORE

notched \ˈnächt\ adj : having a notch or notches

1note \ˈnōt\ vb not·ed; not·ing
1 a : to notice or observe with care  b : to record or preserve in writing
2 : to make special mention of : NOTICE
— not·er n

2note n
1 a : a musical sound : TONE  b : an animal's cry, call, or sound <a bird's note>  c : a symbol in music that by its shape and position on the staff shows the pitch of a tone and the length of time it is to be held
2 : a quality that shows a feeling <a note of sadness in your voice>
3 a : something written down often to aid the memory <I'll make a note of the appointment>  b : a brief and informal record  c : a written or printed comment that helps explain part of the book <notes in the back of the book>
4 a : a written promise to pay  b : a piece of paper money
5 a : a short informal letter  b : a formal diplomatic or official communication
6 a : REPUTATION 1, DISTINCTION <a scientist of note>  b : careful notice <take note of the exact time>  synonyms see 1SIGN

note·book \ˈnōt-ˌbu̇k\ n
1 : a book for notes
2 : a portable computer that is similar to but usually smaller than a laptop

not·ed \ˈnōt-əd\ adj : well-known and highly regarded : FAMOUS
— not·ed·ly adv

note·pad \ˈnōt-ˌpad\ n : 2PAD 4

note·wor·thy \-ˌwər-thē\ adj : worthy of note : REMARKABLE
— note·wor·thi·ness n

1noth·ing \ˈnəth-iŋ\ pron
1 : not anything <there's nothing in the box>
2 : one of no interest, value, or importance <your opinion means nothing to me>
— nothing doing : by no means : definitely no

2nothing adv : not at all : in no way

3nothing n
1 a : something that does not exist  b : absence of quantity : ZERO
2 : something of little or no worth or importance
— noth·ing·ness n

1no·tice \ˈnōt-əs\ n
1 : warning or indication of something : ANNOUNCEMENT <gave us notice of the change>
2 : notification of the ending of an agreement at a specified time <gave my employer notice>
3 : ATTENTION 1, HEED <take no notice of them>
4 : a written or printed announcement
5 : a brief published criticism (as of a book)

2notice vb no·ticed; no·tic·ing
1 : to make mention of : remark on
2 : to take notice of : OBSERVE, MARK <notice details>

no·tice·able \ˈnōt-ə-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : worthy of notice <noticeable for its fine coloring>
2 : capable of being or likely to be noticed <a noticeable improvement>
— no·tice·ably \-blē\ adv
synonyms NOTICEABLE, PROMINENT, OUTSTANDING, CONSPICUOUS, mean attracting notice or attention. NOTICEABLE suggests that something is likely to be seen <an essay with many noticeable mistakes>. PROMINENT suggests that something calls attention to itself by standing out from its surroundings <a prominent bruise on the forehead>. OUTSTANDING applies to something that rises above and is better than others of the same kind <an outstanding baseball player>. CONSPICUOUS applies to something that is easily observed and certain to attract attention <his loud voice made him conspicuous at the party>.

no·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌnōt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of notifying
2 : written or printed matter that gives notice

no·ti·fy \ˈnōt-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to give notice to : INFORM <notify the police>
— no·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

no·tion \ˈnō-shən\ n
1 a : IDEA 2, CONCEPTION <have a notion of a poem's meaning>  b : a belief held : OPINION  c : a sudden wish or desire : WHIM <just had a notion to go home>
2 pl : small useful articles (as pins, needles, or thread)

no·to·chord \ˈnōt-ə-ˌkȯ(ə)rd\ n : a flexible supporting rod of cells that exists in the embryos of all chordates, remains in the adults of some primitive forms (as lancelets and lampreys), and is replaced by the backbone in most vertebrates

no·to·ri·ety \ˌnōt-ə-ˈrī-ət-ē\ n, pl -eties : the quality or state of being notorious

no·to·ri·ous \nō-ˈtōr-ē-əs, nə-, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : generally known and talked of; esp : widely and unfavorably known  synonyms see FAMOUS
— no·to·ri·ous·ly adv

1not·with·stand·ing \ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ, -with-\ prep : 2DESPITE <we went ahead with our plan notwithstanding their objections>

2notwithstanding adv : NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER

nou·gat \ˈnü-gət\ n : a candy of nuts or fruit pieces in a sugar paste

nought variant of NAUGHT

noun \ˈnau̇n\ n : a word that is the name of something (as a person, animal, place, thing, quality, idea, or action) and that is typically used in a sentence as subject or object of a verb or as object of a preposition

nour·ish \ˈnər-ish, ˈnə-rish\ vb
1 : to promote the growth or development of
2 a : to provide with food : FEED <plants nourished by rain and soil>  b : to provide for : SUPPORT, MAINTAIN <a friendship nourished by trust>

nour·ish·ing adj : giving nourishment : NUTRITIOUS

nour·ish·ment \ˈnər-ish-mənt, ˈnə-rish-\ n
1 : something that nourishes : FOOD, NUTRIMENT
2 : the act of nourishing : the state of being nourished

no·va \ˈnō-və\ n, pl novas or no·vae \-vē, -ˌvī\ : a star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness and then within a few months or years grows dim again

1nov·el \ˈnäv-əl\ adj
1 : new and different from what has been known before
2 : original or striking in design or appearance <a novel way to make money>  synonyms see NEW

2novel n : a long prose narrative that usually portrays imaginary characters and events

nov·el·ette \ˌnäv-ə-ˈlet\ n : NOVELLA

nov·el·ist \ˈnäv-(ə-)ləst\ n : a writer of novels

no·vel·la \nō-ˈvel-ə\ n : a work of fiction falling between a short story and a novel in length and complexity

nov·el·ty \ˈnäv-əl-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : something new or unusual
2 : the quality or state of being novel : NEWNESS
3 : a small article intended mainly as an unusual ornament or toy — usually used in plural

No·vem·ber \nō-ˈvem-bər\ n : the 11th month of the year
Word History The first calendar used in ancient Rome began the year with the month of March. The ninth month of the year was called November, from the Latin word novem, meaning “nine.” When the name was first borrowed into Middle English from early French, it was spelled Novembre. But in time the original Latin spelling became the one used in English. [Middle English Novembre “November (the 11th month),” from early French Novembre (same meaning), from Latin November “November (ninth month),” from novem “nine”]

no·ve·na \nō-ˈvē-nə\ n, pl no·ve·nas or no·ve·nae \-nē\ : a Roman Catholic devotion in which prayers are said for the same intention on nine days in a row

nov·ice \ˈnäv-əs\ n
1 : a new member of a religious order who is preparing to take the vows of religion
2 : a person who has no previous experience with something

no·vi·tiate \nō-ˈvish-ət\ n
1 : the period or state of being a novice
2 : NOVICE 1
3 : a place where novices are trained

no·vo·caine \ˈnō-və-ˌkān\ n : a form of procaine; also : an anesthetic that is applied to and acts on only a small part of the body [novo-, from Latin novus “new” and cocaine]

1now \(ˈ)nau̇\ adv
1 a : at the present time <they are busy now>  b : in the time immediately before the present <thought of them just now>  c : in the time immediately to follow <come in now>
2 — used with the sense of present time weakened or lost (as to express command or introduce an important point) <now hear this>
3 : SOMETIMES <now one and now another>
4 : under the present circumstances <now the trouble began>
5 : by this time <has been teaching now for twenty years>
— now and then : from time to time : OCCASIONALLY

2now conj : in view of the fact that : SINCE — often followed by that <now that we are here>

3now \ˈnau̇\ n : the present time <been ill up to now>

4now \ˈnau̇\ adj : of or relating to the present time : EXISTING <the now president>

now·a·days \ˈnau̇-(ə-)ˌdāz\ adv : at the present time

no·way adv
1 \ˈnō-ˌwā\ or no·ways \-ˌwāz\ : NOWISE
2 usually no way \-ˈwā\ : certainly not

1no·where \ˈnō-ˌhwe(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r, -ˌhwa(ə)r, -ˌwa(ə)r, -hwər, -wər\ adv
1 : not in or at any place
2 : to no place
3 : not at all : not to the least extent — usually used with near <nowhere near enough>

2nowhere n : a place that does not exist <sounds seeming to come from nowhere>

nowhere near adv : not nearly

no·wise \ˈnō-ˌwīz\ adv : not at all

nox·ious \ˈnäk-shəs\ adj : harmful especially to health : UNWHOLESOME <noxious fumes>

noz·zle \ˈnäz-əl\ n : a short tube that narrows in the middle or toward one end and is often used (as on a hose or pipe) to direct or speed up a flow of fluid

-n't \(ə)nt, ənt\ vb combining form : not <isn't>

nth \ˈen(t)th\ adj
1 : numbered with an unspecified or indefinitely large ordinal number <for the nth time>
2 : UTMOST 2, EXTREME <to the nth degree>

nu \ˈn(y)ü\ n : the 13th letter of the Greek alphabet — Ν or ν

nu·ance \ˈn(y)ü-ˌän(t)s, n(y)u̇-ˈän(t)s\ n : a slight shade or degree of difference (as in color, tone, or meaning)

nub \ˈnəb\ n
1 : KNOB 1A, LUMP
2 : the main point of a matter <the nub of the story>

nub·bin \ˈnəb-ən\ n
1 : a small or imperfect ear of corn; also : any small shriveled or undeveloped fruit
2 : a small part or bit

nub·ble \ˈnəb-əl\ n : a small knob or lump
— nub·bly \-(ə-)lē\ adj

nub·by \ˈnəb-ē\ adj nub·bi·er; -est : having small knobs or lumps <a nubby knit fabric>

nu·cle·ar \ˈn(y)ü-klē-ər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a nucleus (as of a cell)
2 : of, relating to, or using the atomic nucleus <nuclear reactions>
3 : being or relating to energy or a weapon that involves a nuclear reaction <nuclear energy> <a nuclear war> <nuclear power plants>

nuclear family n : a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children

nuclear membrane n : a double membrane enclosing a cell nucleus — called also nuclear envelope

nu·cle·ic acid \n(y)u̇-ˌklā-ik-, -ˌklē-\ n : any of various acids (as DNA or RNA) composed of a chain of nucleotides and found especially in cell nuclei

nu·cle·o·lus \n(y)ü-ˈklē-ə-ləs\ n, pl nu·cle·o·li \-ˌlī\ : a sphere-shaped body in the cell nucleus that is associated with a particular part of a chromosome, and is rich in ribosomal RNA

nu·cleo·plasm \ˈn(y)ü-klē-ə-ˌplaz-əm\ n : the fluidlike substance in the nucleus of a cell in which the nucleolus and chromatin are suspended

nu·cle·o·tide \ˈn(y)ü-klē-ə-ˌtīd\ n : any of the basic units of structure of DNA or RNA that consist of a base (as adenine, cytosine, guanine, or thymine) joined to a sugar (as deoxyribose) with five carbon atoms in a molecule and to a phosphate group

nu·cle·us \ˈn(y)ü-klē-əs\ n, pl nu·clei \-klē-ˌī\ also -cle·us·es : a central point, group, or mass of something: as  a : the small, brighter, and denser part of a galaxy or of the head of a comet  b : a cell part that is characteristic of all living things with the exception of viruses, bacteria, and blue-green algae, that is necessary for heredity and for making proteins, that contains the chromosomes, and that is enclosed in a nuclear membrane  c : a mass of gray matter or group of neurons in the central nervous system  d : the central part of an atom that includes nearly all of the atomic mass and consists of protons and usually neutrons [from modern Latin nucleus “the central part of something,” from Latin nucleus “kernel,” derived from nux “nut”]

nu·clide \ˈn(y)ü-ˌklīd\ n : a kind of atom marked by the number of protons and neutrons and by the amount of energy contained in its nucleus

1nude \ˈn(y)üd\ adj nud·er; nud·est : having no clothes on
— nude·ness n

2nude n
1 : a nude human figure especially as shown in art
2 : the condition of being nude <in the nude>

nudge \ˈnəj\ vb nudged; nudg·ing : to touch or push gently; esp : to attract the attention of by a push of the elbow
— nudge n

nud·ism \ˈn(y)üd-ˌiz-əm\ n : the practice of going nude especially in private places (as beaches) that are separated from public areas
— nud·ist \ˈn(y)üd-əst\ n or adj

nu·di·ty \ˈn(y)üd-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being nude

nug·get \ˈnəg-ət\ n : a solid lump especially of precious metal

nui·sance \ˈn(y)üs-ən(t)s\ n : an annoying or troublesome person, thing, or way of doing something

null \ˈnəl\ adj
1 : having no legal or binding force : INVALID
2 : having no value : INSIGNIFICANT
3 : having no elements <the null set>

null and void adj : having no force, binding power, or validity

nul·li·fi·ca·tion \ˌnəl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified
2 : the action of a state blocking or attempting to prevent the enforcement within its territory of a federal law of the U.S.
— nul·li·fi·ca·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nəst\ n

nul·li·fy \ˈnəl-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make null or valueless; esp : ANNUL

1numb \ˈnəm\ adj
1 : lacking in sensation especially from cold or from an anesthetic
2 : lacking in emotion : INDIFFERENT
— numb·ly adv

— numb·ness n

2numb vb : to make or become numb

1num·ber \ˈnəm-bər\ n
1 a : the total of persons, things, or units taken together : AMOUNT <the number of people in the room>  b : the possibility of being counted <mosquitoes in swarms beyond number>  c : a total that is not specified : MANY <a number of accidents occur on wet roads>
2 a : a unit belonging to a mathematical system and subject to its laws <a number divisible by 2>  b pl : ARITHMETIC
3 : a quality of a word form that shows whether the word is singular or plural <a verb agrees in number with its subject>
4 a : a word, symbol, or letter used to represent a mathematical number  b : a certain numeral for telling one person or thing from another or from others <a phone number>
5 : one in a series <the June number of a magazine>
6 : a musical, theatrical, or literary selection
— by the numbers
1 : all together in time to a specific count or cadence
2 : in a manner lacking freshness and individuality

See TABLE

2number vb num·bered; num·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
1 : 1COUNT 1A, ENUMERATE
2 : to claim as part of a total : INCLUDE <was numbered among the guests>
3 : to restrict to a definite number <vacation days are numbered now>
4 : to assign a number to <number the pages of a scrapbook>
5 : to add up to or have a total of <our group numbered ten in all>
— num·ber·er \-bər-ər\ n

number crunch·er \-ˈkrən-chər\ n
1 : a computer that performs fast numerical calculations especially on large amounts of data
2 : a person concerned with complex numerical data
— number crunching n

num·ber·less \ˈnəm-bər-ləs\ adj : too many to count : INNUMERABLE <the numberless stars in the sky>

number line n : a line without ends whose points are matched to the real numbers by their distance from a given point labeled zero

Num·bers \ˈnəm-bərz\ n : the mainly narrative fourth book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE table

numbskull variant of NUMSKULL

nu·mer·al \ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəl\ n
1 : a symbol or group of symbols representing a number
2 pl : numbers that designate by year a school or college class and that are awarded for distinction (as in sports)

nu·mer·ate \ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : ENUMERATE

nu·mer·a·tion \ˌn(y)ü-mə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process or a system or instance of counting or naming one by one <a base 10 system of numeration>
2 : the act of reading in words numbers expressed by numerals

nu·mer·a·tor \ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrāt-ər\ n
1 : the part of a fraction that is above the line and signifies the number to be divided by the denominator <3 is the numerator of the fraction ⅗>
2 : one that counts something

nu·mer·ic \n(y)u̇-ˈmer-ik\ adj : NUMERICAL; esp : indicating a number or a system of numbers <a numeric code>

nu·mer·i·cal \n(y)u̇-ˈmer-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to numbers
2 : shown in or involving numbers or a number system <numerical order>
— nu·mer·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

nu·mer·ous \ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs\ adj : consisting of great numbers <numerous friends>
— nu·mer·ous·ly adv

nu·mis·mat·ics \ˌn(y)ü-məz-ˈmat-iks, -məs\ n : the study or collection of coins, paper money, and sometimes related objects (as medals)
— nu·mis·mat·ic \-ik\ adj

— nu·mis·ma·tist \n(y)ü-ˈmiz-mət-əst\ n

num·skull or numb·skull \ˈnəm-ˌskəl\ n : a stupid person

nun \ˈnən\ n : a woman belonging to a religious order; esp : one living under solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience

nun·cio \ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌō, ˈnu̇n(t)-\ n, pl -ci·os : a papal representative to a civil government

nun·nery \ˈnən-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ner·ies : a convent of nuns

1nup·tial \ˈnəp-shəl, -chəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to marriage or a wedding
2 : typical of the breeding season

2nuptial n : WEDDING — usually used in plural

1nurse \ˈnərs\ n
1 : a woman who has the care of a young child
2 : a person skilled or trained in caring for the sick and in maintaining good health in those who are not sick and who works either independently or under the supervision of a physician
3 : a worker of a social insect (as an ant or bee) that cares for the young

2nurse vb nursed; nurs·ing
1 : to feed at the breast : SUCKLE
2 : 1REAR 3B, EDUCATE
3 : to manage with care or economy <nursed the business through hard times>
4 : to care for and wait on (as a young child or sick person) <nursed me back to health>
5 : to hold in one's memory <nurse a grudge>
6 : to treat with special care <nursed the car over the rough road>
— nurs·er n

nurse·maid \ˈnər-ˌsmād\ n : a girl or woman employed to look after children

nurs·ery \ˈnərs-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 a : a child's bedroom  b : a place where children are temporarily cared for in their parents' absence
2 : a place where plants (as trees or shrubs) are grown for transplanting, for use as stocks in grafting, or for sale

nurs·ery·man \-mən\ n : a person who keeps or works in a plant nursery

nursery rhyme n : a short rhyme for children that often tells a story

nursery school n : a school for children usually under five years of age

nurse's aide n : a worker who assists trained nurses in a hospital by performing unspecialized services (as giving baths)

nurse shark n : a shark of warm waters that is active at night

nursing bottle n : 1BOTTLE 3

nursing home n : a privately operated establishment where personal or nursing care is provided for persons (as the aged) who are unable to care for themselves properly

nurs·ling \ˈnər-sliŋ\ n
1 : one that is tended with special care
2 : a nursing child

nur·tur·ance \ˈnər-chə-rən(t)s\ n : affectionate care and attention
— nur·tur·ant \-rənt\ adj

1nur·ture \ˈnər-chər\ n
1 : TRAINING 1, UPBRINGING
2 : something that nourishes : FOOD

2nurture vb nur·tured; nur·tur·ing \ˈnərch-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to supply with nourishment
2 : EDUCATE 2
3 : to further the development of : FOSTER

nut \ˈnət\ n
1 a : a hard-shelled dry fruit (as a peanut in the shell) or seed (as a Brazil nut) with an inner kernel; also : this kernel  b : a dry one-seeded fruit (as an acorn, hazelnut, or chestnut) that has a woody outer layer and does not break open when it is ripe
2 : a block of metal with a hole in it that is fastened to a bolt or screw by means of a screw thread within the hole
3 : the ridge on the upper end of the fingerboard of a stringed instrument over which the strings pass
4 a : a foolish, odd, or crazy person  b : ENTHUSIAST <a movie nut> [Old English hnutu “nut”]

nut·crack·er \ˈnət-ˌkrak-ər\ n : a device for cracking the shells of nuts

nut·hatch \ˈnət-ˌhach\ n : any of various small birds that climb trees and eat insects and are noted for their habit of going down tree trunks headfirst

nut·let \ˈnət-lət\ n : a small nut; also : a small fruit similar to a nut

nut·meg \ˈnət-ˌmeg\ n : a spice that consists of the ground seeds of a small tropical evergreen tree grown especially in Indonesia; also : the seed or tree

nu·tria \ˈn(y)ü-trē-ə\ n : a South American rodent that lives in or near water, has webbed feet and a nearly hairless tail, and has been introduced into the U.S. along the Gulf Coast and in the Pacific Northwest — called also coypu

1nu·tri·ent \ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt\ adj : furnishing nourishment

2nutrient n : a nutrient substance or ingredient

nu·tri·ment \ˈn(y)ü-trə-mənt\ n : something that nourishes

nu·tri·tion \n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən\ n
1 : the act or process of nourishing or being nourished; esp : the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and makes use of food substances
2 : NOURISHMENT 1

nu·tri·tion·al \n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : of or relating to nutrition
— nu·tri·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

nu·tri·tion·ist \-ˈtrish-(ə-)nist\ n : a specialist in the study of nutrition

nu·tri·tious \n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-əs\ adj : providing nutrients : NOURISHING

nu·tri·tive \ˈn(y)ü-trət-iv\ adj
1 : of or relating to nutrition
2 : NUTRITIOUS

nuts \ˈnəts\ adj
1 : ENTHUSIASTIC, KEEN <was nuts about baseball>
2 : CRAZY 1

nut·shell \ˈnət-ˌshel\ n : the shell of a nut
— in a nutshell : in a very brief statement

nut·ty \ˈnət-ē\ adj nut·ti·er; -est
1 : containing or suggesting nuts (as in flavor)
2 : not showing good sense; also : mentally unbalanced
— nut·ti·ness n

nuz·zle \ˈnəz-əl\ vb nuz·zled; nuz·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to push or rub with the nose
2 : to lie close : NESTLE

ny·lon \ˈnī-ˌlän\ n
1 : any of numerous strong tough elastic synthetic materials used especially in textiles and plastics
2 pl : stockings made of nylon [coined from meaningless word elements]
— nylon adj

nymph \ˈnim(p)f\ n
1 : one of many goddesses in old legends represented as beautiful young girls living in mountains, forests, meadows, and waters
2 : any of various immature insects; esp : an immature insect (as a dragonfly or grasshopper) that differs from the adult chiefly in the size of the body and in its incompletely developed wings

O

o \ˈō\ n, often cap
1 : the 15th letter of the English alphabet
2 : 1ZERO 1

o' also o \ə\ prep : OF <one o'clock>

O variant of 1OH

oaf \ˈōf\ n : a stupid or awkward person [derived from auf, alfe “goblin's child,” probably from Middle English alven, elven “elf, fairy,” from Old English elfen “nymphs”]
— oaf·ish \ˈō-fish\ adj

— oaf·ish·ness n

oak \ˈōk\ n, pl oaks or oak
1 : any of various trees or shrubs closely related to the beeches and chestnuts and producing acorns
2 : the tough hard wood of the oak much used for furniture and flooring
— oak·en \ˈō-kən\ adj

oa·kum \ˈō-kəm\ n : hemp or jute fiber soaked with tar or something like tar and used in caulking seams (as of wooden ships) and packing joints (as of pipes)

1oar \ˈō(ə)r, ˈȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a long pole with a broad blade at one end used for rowing or steering a boat
2 : OARSMAN
— oared \ˈō(ə)rd, ˈȯ(ə)rd\ adj

2oar vb : 1ROW 1

oar·lock \ˈō(ə)r-ˌläk, ˈȯ(ə)r-\ n : a usually U-shaped device for holding an oar in place

oars·man \ˈō(ə)rz-mən, ˈȯ(ə)rz-\ n : a person who rows especially in a racing crew

oa·sis \ō-ˈā-səs\ n, pl oa·ses \-ˈā-ˌsēz\
1 : a fertile or green spot in a desert
2 : something or some place that provides refreshing relief

oat \ˈōt\ n : a grain that is widely grown for its long loose clusters of seeds which are used for human food and for livestock feed
— oat·en \ˈōt-ən\ adj

oath \ˈōth\ n, pl oaths \ˈōthz, ˈōths\
1 : a solemn appeal to God or to some deeply respected person or thing to witness to the truth of one's word or the sincerity of a promise <under oath to tell the truth>
2 : a careless or improper use of a sacred name; also : SWEARWORD

oat·meal \ˈōt-ˌmēl, ōt-ˈmē(ə)l\ n
1 : oats husked and ground into meal or flattened into flakes
2 : a hot cereal made from oatmeal

Oba·di·ah \ˌō-bə-ˈdī-ə\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE

1ob·bli·ga·to \ˌäb-lə-ˈgät-ō\ adj : not to be left out — used as a direction in music

2obbligato n, pl -tos also -ti \-ē\ : an important melodic part usually played by a single instrument to accompany another instrument or a singer <a violin obbligato>

ob·du·ra·cy \ˈäb-d(y)ə-rə-sē, äb-ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-\ n, pl -cies : the quality or state of being obdurate

ob·du·rate \ˈäb-d(y)ə-rət, äb-ˈd(y)u̇r-ət\ adj
1 a : stubbornly continuing to do wrong  b : hardened in feelings
2 : hard to convince or persuade : UNYIELDING
— ob·du·rate·ly adv

obe·di·ence \ō-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s, ə-\ n
1 : an act or instance of obeying
2 : the quality or state of being obedient

obe·di·ent \ō-ˈbēd-ē-ənt, ə-\ adj : willing to obey
— obe·di·ent·ly adv

obei·sance \ō-ˈbēs-ən(t)s, -ˈbās-\ n : a movement of the body (as a bow) made as a sign of respect

obe·lia \ō-ˈbēl-yə\ n : any of a genus of small marine hydroids that form colonies branched like trees

obe·lisk \ˈäb-ə-ˌlisk\ n : a four-sided pillar that becomes narrower toward the top and ends in a pyramid

obese \ō-ˈbēs\ adj : very fat
— obe·si·ty \ō-ˈbē-sət-ē\ n

obey \ō-ˈbā, ə-\ vb obeyed; obey·ing
1 a : to follow the commands or guidance of <obeyed her parents>  b : to be obedient <trained the dog to obey>
2 : to act in agreement with : CARRY OUT <obey an order> <obey the rules>

obi \ˈō-bē\ n : a broad sash worn with a Japanese kimono

obit·u·ary \ə-ˈbich-ə-ˌwer-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies : a notice of a person's death (as in a newspaper)
— obituary adj

1ob·ject \ˈäb-jikt\ n
1 : something that can be perceived by the senses <I see an object in the distance>
2 : something that is the target of thought or feeling <an object of study> <the object of my affections>
3 : the goal or purpose of some activity <the object is to raise money>
4 : a noun or term behaving like a noun that receives the action of a verb or completes the meaning of a preposition
5 : something (as an icon or window) on a computer screen that can be moved or used by itself
— ob·ject·less \ˈäb-jik-tləs\ adj

2ob·ject \əb-ˈjekt\ vb
1 : to offer or mention as an objection <objected that the price was too high>
2 : to oppose something firmly usually with words <objected to the plan>
— ob·jec·tor \-ˈjek-tər\ n

object ball \ˈäb-jik(t)-\ n : the ball first struck by the cue ball in pool or billiards

ob·jec·tion \əb-ˈjek-shən\ n
1 : an act of objecting
2 : a reason for or a feeling of disapproval <my objection is this> <had objections to the plan>

ob·jec·tion·able \əb-ˈjek-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj : arousing objection : OFFENSIVE <uses objectionable language>
— ob·jec·tion·ably \-blē\ adv

1ob·jec·tive \əb-ˈjek-tiv\ adj
1 : being outside of the mind and independent of it <objective reality>
2 : being or belonging to the case of a noun or pronoun that is an object of a transitive verb or a preposition
3 : dealing with facts without letting one's feelings interfere with them <an objective judgment>
— ob·jec·tive·ly adv

— ob·jec·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)äb-ˌjek-ˈtiv-ət-ē, əb-\ n

2objective n
1 : a lens or system of lenses (as in a microscope) that forms an image of an object
2 : a goal or end of action  synonyms see INTENTION

object lesson \ˈäb-jikt-\ n : a real example of how some general idea or role works

ob·jet d'art \ˌȯb-ˌzhā-ˈdär\ n, pl ob·jets d'art \ˌȯb-ˌzhā-ˈdär\ : an article of artistic value

ob·li·gate \ˈäb-lə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to make (someone) do something by law or because it is right

ob·li·ga·tion \ˌäb-lə-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : an act of making oneself responsible for doing something
2 a : something (as a promise or contract) that requires one to do something  b : something one must do : DUTY
3 : a feeling of being indebted for an act of kindness

oblig·a·to·ry \ə-ˈblig-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- also ˈäb-li-gə-\ adj : not to be left out, forgotten, or ignored : being required

oblige \ə-ˈblīj\ vb obliged; oblig·ing
1 : to compel by pressure : 2FORCE 1 <the soldiers were obliged to retreat>
2 a : to earn the gratitude of <you will oblige me by coming early>  b : to do a favor for or do something as a favor <glad to oblige>
— oblig·er n

oblig·ing \ə-ˈblī-jiŋ\ adj : willing to do favors
— oblig·ing·ly adv

oblique \ō-ˈblēk, ə-, -ˈblīk\ adj
1 : having a slanting direction or position : neither perpendicular nor parallel
2 : having the axis not perpendicular to the base <an oblique cone>
3 : having no right angle <an oblique triangle>
4 a : not straightforward or direct  b : DEVIOUS
— oblique·ly adv

— oblique·ness n

oblique angle n : an acute or obtuse angle

oblit·er·ate \ə-ˈblit-ə-ˌrāt, ō-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to remove or destroy completely : WIPE OUT
— oblit·er·a·tion \-ˌblit-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

obliv·i·on \ə-ˈbliv-ē-ən, ō-, ä-\ n
1 : the state of forgetting or having forgotten or of being unaware or unconscious
2 : the state of being forgotten

obliv·i·ous \ə-ˈbliv-ē-əs, ō-, ä-\ adj : not being conscious or aware <oblivious to the danger> <oblivious of the crowd>
— obliv·i·ous·ly adv

— obliv·i·ous·ness n

1ob·long \ˈäb-ˌlȯŋ\ adj : longer in one direction than in the other <an oblong shoe box> <an oblong watermelon>

2oblong n : an oblong figure or object

ob·nox·ious \äb-ˈnäk-shəs, əb-\ adj : very disagreeable or offensive
— ob·nox·ious·ly adv

— ob·nox·ious·ness n

oboe \ˈō-bō\ n : a musical instrument in the form of a slender tube that has a distinctive bright sound and that is played by blowing into a mouthpiece holding two reeds
— obo·ist \ˈō-ˌbō-əst\ n
Word History The musical instrument we now call an oboe was developed in France in the 17th century. The French called it a hautbois, a word pronounced something like English “o boy” and made up of haut, meaning “high,” and bois, meaning “wood.” The hautbois was the highest pitched member of a group of woodwind instruments played with a reed. For a time the English simply used the French word for the instrument. Sometimes they spelled it hautbois, sometimes hautboy, and sometimes they changed the spelling to oboy or hoboy. Meanwhile, the Italians took the French word as oboe, a spelling closer to the way they pronounced it. In the 18th century it became fashionable in England to prefer Italian musical terms. The English then started using the form oboe instead of hautbois, and so oboe is the form we use today. [from Italian oboe “oboe,” from French hautbois (same meaning), from haut “high” and bois “wood”]

ob·scene \äb-ˈsēn, əb-\ adj
1 : REPULSIVE, DISGUSTING
2 : very shocking to one's sense of what is moral or decent
— ob·scene·ly adv

ob·scen·i·ty \äb-ˈsen-ət-ē, əb-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being obscene
2 : something that is obscene

1ob·scure \äb-ˈskyu̇(ə)r, əb-\ adj
1 a : not having enough light : DARK, GLOOMY  b : not clearly seen : FAINT <obscure markings>
2 : not easily understood or not clearly expressed <an obscure passage>
3 a : hidden from view : REMOTE <an obscure village>  b : not widely known <an obscure poet>
— ob·scure·ly adv

2obscure vb ob·scured; ob·scur·ing : to make obscure

ob·scu·ri·ty \äb-ˈskyu̇r-ət-ē, əb-\ n, pl -ties
1 : something that is obscure
2 : the quality or state of being obscure

ob·se·qui·ous \əb-ˈsē-kwē-əs, äb-\ adj : ready or prompt to help or obey like a servant or slave at the wish or command of another person especially to gain favor

ob·serv·able \əb-ˈzər-və-bəl\ adj : able to be observed : NOTICEABLE
— ob·serv·ably \-blē\ adv

ob·ser·vance \əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s\ n
1 : an established practice or ceremony <religious observances>
2 : an act of following a custom, rule, or law
3 : an act or instance of watching

ob·ser·vant \əb-ˈzər-vənt\ adj
1 : paying careful attention : WATCHFUL
2 : quick to observe : KEEN
3 : careful in observing : MINDFUL
— ob·ser·vant·ly adv

ob·ser·va·tion \ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən, -zər-\ n
1 : an act or an instance of observing a custom, rule, or law
2 : an act or the power of seeing or fixing the mind upon something
3 : an act of gathering information (as for scientific studies) by noting facts or occurrences <weather observations>
4 : an opinion formed or expressed after observing
5 : the state of being observed <was in the hospital for observation>  synonyms see REMARK
— ob·ser·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

ob·ser·va·to·ry \əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a place or institution equipped with instruments for observation of natural objects and events (as in astronomy)
2 : a place providing a wide view

ob·serve \əb-ˈzərv\ vb ob·served; ob·serv·ing
1 : to act in agreement with : OBEY <observe the law>
2 : to celebrate or honor (as a holiday) with special events or customs
3 a : to watch carefully <observed how the food was prepared>  b : to make a scientific observation of <observe an eclipse>
4 : to come to understand or know especially by thinking about facts that have been noted <I have observed that it happens more often on Tuesdays>
5 : to say as a remark <observed that it was a fine day and we agreed>  synonyms see KEEP
— ob·serv·er n

ob·sess \əb-ˈses, äb-\ vb : to occupy the mind of completely or abnormally <obsessed with this new scheme>

ob·ses·sion \äb-ˈsesh-ən, əb-\ n : a disturbing concern with an idea or feeling that cannot be put out of mind even when it is seen to be unreasonable; also : such a thought or feeling

ob·ses·sive \äb-ˈses-iv, əb-\ adj : of, relating to, having, or being an obsession
— ob·ses·sive·ly adv

ob·sid·i·an \əb-ˈsid-ē-ən\ n : a dark natural glass formed by the cooling of lava

ob·so·les·cence \ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ən(t)s\ n : the process of becoming obsolete or the state of being nearly obsolete

ob·so·les·cent \ˌäb-sə-ˈles-ənt\ adj : going out of use : becoming obsolete <replacing obsolescent equipment>

ob·so·lete \ˌäb-sə-ˈlēt, ˈäb-sə-ˌlēt\ adj
1 : no longer in use <an obsolete word>
2 : of a kind or style no longer current : OUTMODED <obsolete machinery>
— ob·so·lete·ly adv

— ob·so·lete·ness n

ob·sta·cle \ˈäb-sti-kəl\ n : something that stands in the way of progress or achievement : HINDRANCE <drove around the obstacles in the road> <didn't let shortness be an obstacle to a basketball career>

ob·stet·ric \əb-ˈste-trik, äb-\ or ob·stet·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adj : of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics

ob·ste·tri·cian \ˌäb-stə-ˈtrish-ən\ n : a physician specializing in obstetrics

ob·stet·rics \əb-ˈste-triks, äb-\ n : a branch of medical science that deals with childbirth and with the care of women before, during, and after childbirth

ob·sti·na·cy \ˈäb-stə-nə-sē\ n : the quality or state of being obstinate

ob·sti·nate \ˈäb-stə-nət\ adj
1 : sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
2 : not easily overcome or removed <an obstinate fever>
— ob·sti·nate·ly adv
synonyms OBSTINATE, DOGGED, STUBBORN, mean unwilling to change course or give up one's intention. OBSTINATE suggests that one sticks to a course of action to the point of being unreasonable <an obstinate player who would not pass the ball>. DOGGED suggests that one goes after something and never tires or quits <a dogged reporter determined to get the real story>. STUBBORN suggests that one has a fixed mind and opposes all attempts to change it <too stubborn to admit the mistake>.

ob·strep·er·ous \əb-ˈstrep-(ə-)rəs, äb-\ adj : noisy and hard to control
— ob·strep·er·ous·ly adv

— ob·strep·er·ous·ness n

ob·struct \əb-ˈstrəkt, äb-\ vb
1 : to close up by an obstacle <a fallen tree obstructed the roadway>
2 : to be or get in the way of : HINDER <lying to the police obstructs justice>

ob·struc·tion \əb-ˈstrək-shən, äb-\ n
1 : an act of obstructing : the state of being obstructed
2 : something that gets in the way : OBSTACLE

ob·struc·tion·ism \əb-ˈstrək-shə-ˌniz-əm, äb-\ n : deliberate interference with business especially in a legislative body
— ob·struc·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nəst\ n or adj

ob·struc·tive \əb-ˈstrək-tiv, äb-\ adj : tending or serving to obstruct

ob·tain \əb-ˈtān, äb-\ vb
1 : to gain or acquire usually by planning or effort
2 : to be generally recognized or established : PREVAIL 3B <good manners obtained>  synonyms see GET
— ob·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adj

ob·trude \əb-ˈtrüd, äb-\ vb ob·trud·ed; ob·trud·ing
1 : to stick out <the tortoise obtruded its head>
2 : to put forward without being asked <obtrude one's views>

ob·tru·sive \əb-ˈtrü-siv, äb-, -ziv\ adj : likely to obtrude
— ob·tru·sive·ly adv

— ob·tru·sive·ness n

ob·tuse \äb-ˈt(y)üs\ adj ob·tus·er; -est
1 : not pointed or sharp : BLUNT
2 a : being between 90° and 180° <an obtuse angle>  b : having an obtuse angle <an obtuse triangle>
3 : not quick or keen of understanding or feeling
— ob·tuse·ness n

ob·verse \ˈäb-ˌvərs, äb-ˈvərs\ n
1 : the side of something (as a coin) bearing the principal design or lettering
2 : a front or principal surface
3 : COUNTERPART 3

ob·vi·ate \ˈäb-vē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to anticipate and take care of beforehand <obviate an objection>

ob·vi·ous \ˈäb-vē-əs\ adj : easily found, seen, or understood : PLAIN <an obvious mistake>
— ob·vi·ous·ness n

ob·vious·ly \ˈäb-vē-əs-lē\ adv
1 : in an obvious manner <obviously enjoys her work> <dealing with an obviously difficult subject>
2 : it is obvious <obviously, this is only a beginning>

oc·a·ri·na \ˌäk-ə-ˈrē-nə\ n : a simple musical instrument usually having an oval body with finger holes and a projecting mouthpiece and producing soft flutelike tones

1oc·ca·sion \ə-ˈkā-zhən\ n
1 : a favorable opportunity : a good chance <sorry not to have had occasion to meet them>
2 : a situation that provides a reason <an occasion for rejoicing>
3 : something that brings about an event <the remark was the occasion of a bitter quarrel>
4 : a time at which something happens <on the occasion of the wedding>
5 : a need that arises <have occasion to travel>
6 : a special event or ceremony : CELEBRATION <a big occasion>

2occasion vb -sioned; -sion·ing \-ˈkāzh-(ə-)niŋ\ : to give occasion to : CAUSE

oc·ca·sion·al \ə-ˈkāzh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or created for a particular occasion <occasional verse>
2 : happening, appearing, or met with now and then <an occasional visitor>

oc·ca·sion·al·ly \-ē\ adv : from time to time <occasionally goes to the movies>

Oc·ci·dent \ˈäk-səd-ənt, -sə-ˌdent\ n : 3WEST 2 [Middle English occident “the West,” from early French occident (same meaning), from Latin occident-, occidens “the West, the part of the world lying in the direction in which the sun sets, the part of the world opposite the Orient,” derived from occidere “to fall, set behind the horizon,” from oc-, ob- “toward, over” and cadere “to fall”]

oc·ci·den·tal \ˌäk-sə-ˈdent-əl\ adj, often cap
1 : of, relating to, or located in the Occident : WESTERN
2 : of or relating to Occidentals

Occidental n : a person of European ancestry

1oc·cip·i·tal \äk-ˈsip-ət-əl\ adj : of or relating to the back part of the head or skull or to the occipital bone

2occipital n : OCCIPITAL BONE

occipital bone n : a compound bone that forms the back part of the skull

Oc·ci·tan \ˈäk-sə-ˌtan\ n : a Romance language spoken in southern France

oc·clude \ə-ˈklüd, ä-\ vb oc·clud·ed; oc·clud·ing
1 : to close up or block off
2 : to take up and hold by absorption or adsorption
3 : to come together with opposing surfaces in contact <the teeth do not occlude properly>

oc·clud·ed front \ə-ˈklüd-əd-, ä-\ n : OCCLUSION 2

oc·clu·sion \ə-ˈklü-zhən\ n
1 : the coming together of the surfaces of the upper and lower teeth
2 : the front formed by a cold front overtaking a warm front and lifting the warm air over the cold air

1oc·cult \ə-ˈkəlt, ä-\ vb : to shut off from view : COVER, ECLIPSE

2oc·cult \ə-ˈkəlt, ä-; ˈäk-əlt\ adj
1 : beyond understanding : MYSTERIOUS
2 : of or relating to supernatural forces

3occult \ə-ˈkəlt, ä-; ˈäk-əlt\ n : matters thought to involve the influence of supernatural forces

oc·cult·ism \ə-ˈkəl-ˌtiz-əm, ä-; ˈäk-ˌəl-ˌtiz-əm\ n : a belief in the action or influence of supernatural powers
— oc·cult·ist \-təst\ n

oc·cu·pan·cy \ˈäk-yə-pən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the act or condition of occupying or taking possession <takes occupancy on the first of the month>
2 : the state of being occupied <an occupancy limit of 5 persons>

oc·cu·pant \ˈäk-yə-pənt\ n : a person who occupies something; esp : 2RESIDENT 1

oc·cu·pa·tion \ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shən\ n
1 : one's business or profession
2 : the taking possession and control of an area <occupation of a conquered country>

oc·cu·pa·tion·al \ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj : of or relating to one's occupation <a report on occupational health and safety>
— oc·cu·pa·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

oc·cu·py \ˈäk-yə-ˌpī\ vb -pied; -py·ing
1 a : to take up the attention or energies of <reading occupied me most of the summer>  b : to fill up (space or time) <sports occupied most of their spare time> <a liter of water occupies 1000 cubic centimeters of space>
2 a : to take or hold possession of <enemy troops occupied the town>  b : to live in as owner or tenant <occupy an apartment>
— oc·cu·pi·er \-ˌpī(-ə)r\ n

oc·cur \ə-ˈkər\ vb oc·curred; oc·cur·ring \-ˈkər-iŋ\
1 : to be found or met with : APPEAR <plants that occur in meadows>
2 : to come into existence : HAPPEN <an accident occurred on the way to school> <success doesn't just occur, it is earned>
3 : to come into the mind <it just occurred to me> [from Latin occurrere “to be found or met with, appear,” literally, “to run up against,” from oc-, ob- “in the way” and currere “to run” — related to CURRENT, INCUR]

oc·cur·rence \ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s, -ˈkə-rən(t)s\ n
1 : something that occurs
2 : the action or process of occurring
3 : the presence of a natural form or material in a particular place <the occurrence of oil in Oklahoma>

ocean \ˈō-shən\ n
1 : the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three fourths of the surface of the earth
2 : one of the large bodies of water into which the ocean is divided
— oce·an·ic \ˌō-shē-ˈan-ik\ adj

ocean·go·ing \-ˌgō-iŋ\ adj : made to travel on the ocean <oceangoing ships>

ocean·og·ra·phy \ˌō-shə-ˈnäg-rə-fē\ n : a science that deals with the ocean
— ocean·og·ra·pher \ˌō-shə-ˈnäg-rə-fər\ n

— ocean·o·graph·ic \-nə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

— ocean·o·graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

oce·lot \ˈäs-ə-ˌlät, ˈō-sə-\ n : a medium-sized American wildcat that is found from Texas to northern Argentina and has a tawny yellow or grayish coat marked with black

ocher or ochre \ˈō-kər\ n
1 : an earthy usually red or yellow and often impure iron ore used as coloring matter
2 : the color of yellow ocher

o'·clock \ə-ˈkläk\ adv
1 : according to the clock <the time is three o'clock>
2 — used for indicating position or direction as if on a clock dial <an airplane approaching at eleven o'clock>

octa- or octo- also oct- combining form : eight [derived from Greek oktō and Latin octo, both meaning “eight”]

oc·ta·gon \ˈäk-tə-ˌgän\ n : a polygon with eight angles and eight sides
— oc·tag·o·nal \äk-ˈtag-ən-əl\ adj

oc·ta·he·dron \ˌäk-tə-ˈhē-drən\ n, pl -drons or -dra \-drə\ : a polyhedron that has eight faces

oc·tal \ˈäk-təl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a number system with a base of eight

oc·tane \ˈäk-ˌtān\ n
1 : any of several liquid chemical compounds containing 8 carbon atoms and 18 hydrogen atoms
2 : a number that is used to measure the antiknock characteristics of gasoline with a higher number indicating a smaller chance of knocking

oc·tave \ˈäk-tiv, -təv, -ˌtāv\ n
1 : a group of eight lines of poetry (as the first eight lines of a sonnet)
2 a : the difference in pitch between the first and eighth tone on the scale  b : a tone or note that is eight steps above or below another note or tone
3 : a group of eight

oc·ta·vo \äk-ˈtā-vō, -ˈtäv-ō\ n, pl -vos : a book made up of sheets of paper that have been folded to produce eight leaves

oc·tet \äk-ˈtet\ n
1 a : a piece of music written for eight voices or eight instruments  b : the performers of an octet
2 : a group or set of eight

oc·til·lion \äk-ˈtil-yən\ n US : a number equal to 1 followed by 27 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE; also Brit : a number equal to 1 followed by 48 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE

Oc·to·ber \äk-ˈtō-bər\ n : the tenth month of the year
Word History According to its origin, the name October, which we know as the tenth month of the year, really means “eighth month.” In the first calendar used in ancient Rome, the year had only ten months, starting in March and ending in December. The extra period between December and March was not considered part of the series of months. Later, when two extra months were added to the calendar, October became the tenth month but kept its old name. The Latin name came into Old English as october and into early French as octobre. It was spelled both ways in Middle English. But in time the influence of Latin fixed the spelling as october. [Middle English October, Octobre “the tenth month,” from Old English October and early French octobre (both, same meaning), both from Latin October “the eighth month,” from octo “eight”]

oc·to·ge·nar·i·an \ˌäk-tə-jə-ˈner-ē-ən\ n : a person whose age is between 80 and 89

oc·to·pus \ˈäk-tə-pəs\ n, pl -pus·es or -pi \-ˌpī\
1 : any of various sea mollusks that are cephalopods having eight muscular arms with two rows of suckers which hold objects (as its prey)
2 : something suggestive of an octopus; esp : a powerful grasping organization with many branches [from scientific Latin Octopod-, Octopus “octopus,” from Greek oktōpous, literally, “eight-footed,” from oktō “eight” and pous “foot”]

1oc·u·lar \ˈäk-yə-lər\ adj : of or relating to the eye or the eyesight

2ocular n : EYEPIECE

oc·u·list \ˈäk-yə-ləst\ n
1 : OPHTHALMOLOGIST
2 : OPTOMETRIST

1OD \(ˈ)ō-ˈdē\ n : an overdose of a drug and especially a narcotic

2OD vb OD'd or ODed \(ˈ)ō-ˈdēd\; OD'ing \(ˈ)ō-ˈdē-iŋ\ : to become ill or die from an OD

odd \ˈäd\ adj
1 : being only one of a pair or set <an odd shoe>
2 : somewhat more than the number mentioned <50-odd years ago>
3 a : being any number that cannot be divided evenly by 2 <1, 3, 5, and 7 are odd numbers>  b : marked by an odd number <an odd year>
4 : additional to or apart from what is usual, expected, or planned on <odd jobs>
5 : not usual or traditional : STRANGE <what an odd thing to do>
— odd·ness n
Word History In the early Norse language, the word oddi was first used to mean “a point of land.” Then, because one corner of a triangle looks something like a point of land sticking out into the sea, oddi came to mean “triangle.” A triangle that has one long point, like a point of land, may be thought of as having two paired angles and one angle left over. In time, the Norse came to call something that was not matched or paired up “oddi.” This was used for an odd number, one left over after all other numbers were paired up. It was also used for an odd man, one who in a voting situation could break a tie with his vote. When the word was taken into English in the Middle Ages, it had the meaning of an odd number like 3, 5, or 7 that cannot be divided evenly by 2. Later it came to mean something that stood out from others as being different or strange. [Middle English odde “odd,” from an early Norse word oddi (noun) “a point of land, triangle, odd number”]

odd·ball \-ˌbȯl\ n : a person who behaves strangely

odd·i·ty \ˈäd-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : something odd
2 : the quality or state of being odd

odd·ly \ˈäd-lē\ adv
1 : in an odd manner <was behaving oddly>
2 : as is odd <liked the work, oddly enough>

odd·ment \ˈäd-mənt\ n : something left over : REMNANT

odds \ˈädz\ n pl
1 : a difference by which one thing is favored over another <the odds are in favor of our side>
2 a : the probability that one thing is so or will happen instead of another <the odds are good it will rain today>  b : the ratio of the probability of one event to that of an event that can happen instead <the odds of success to failure in throwing a six with two dice are 1 to 5>
3 : a state of disagreement <at odds with their neighbor>

odds and ends n pl : miscellaneous articles, leftovers, or things to do

ode \ˈōd\ n : a lyric poem that expresses a noble feeling with dignity

-ode \ˌōd\ n combining form
1 : way : path <electrode>
2 : electrode <diode> [derived from Greek hodos “way, path”]

odif·er·ous \ō-ˈdif-(ə-)rəs\ adj : ODOROUS

odi·ous \ˈōd-ē-əs\ adj : causing hatred or strong dislike : worthy of hatred
— odi·ous·ly adv

odi·um \ˈōd-ē-əm\ n
1 : the state of being generally hated
2 : the disgrace or shame attached to something considered hateful

odom·e·ter \ō-ˈdäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring distance traveled (as by a vehicle)

odor \ˈōd-ər\ n : the quality of something that stimulates the sense of smell : SCENT; also : a sensation resulting from such stimulation
— odor·less \-ləs\ adj

odor·if·er·ous \ˌōd-ə-ˈrif-(ə-)rəs\ adj : ODOROUS

odor·ous \ˈōd-ə-rəs\ adj : having or giving off an odor

od·ys·sey \ˈäd-ə-sē\ n, pl -seys : a long wandering or series of travels [named for the Odyssey, a long poem from ancient Greece telling the story of the 10-year wanderings of Odysseus, a Greek hero and king]

o'er \ˈō(ə)r, ˈȯ(ə)r\ adv or prep : OVER

of \əv, ˈəv, ˈäv\ prep
1 — used to indicate a point from which something is located <north of the lake>
2 a — used to indicate origin <of noble birth>  b — used to indicate cause or reason <afraid of the dark> <died of flu>  c : 1BY 4 <the plays of Shakespeare>  d : on the part of <very kind of you>
3 a : made from <a ring of gold>  b — used to indicate contents <a cup of water>  c — used to indicate the number or amount in or making up something <a class of 20 students> <interest of 5¼%>
4 a — used to indicate the whole that includes an amount or part mentioned first <most of the team>  b — used to indicate the whole or quantity from which part is removed or used <gave freely of their time>
5 a : relating to : ABOUT <stories of her adventures>  b : in respect to <slow of speech> <great of heart>
6 a — used to indicate belonging or possession <queen of France> <courage of the pioneers>  b — used to indicate relationship between a result and something upon which an operation or procedure is performed to produce it <the product of two numbers> <the solution of an equation>
7 — used to indicate something that is removed <cured of her disease> <relieved of his command> <rid the barn of rats>
8 — used to indicate that an example belongs to a certain class <the city of Rome>
9 — used to indicate what a noun, verb, or adjective applies to <love of nature> <cheated of a dollar> <fond of oranges>
10 : having as a quality or possession <a thing of no importance>
11 : 2BEFORE 3 <ten minutes of eight>

1off \ˈȯf\ adv
1 a : from a place or position <march off> <stood 10 paces off> <drove the dogs off>  b : from a course : ASIDE <turned off onto a side street>  c : into an unconscious state <dozed off>
2 : so as to be separated from support or close contact <rolled to the edge of the table and off> <the handle came off>
3 : so as to be divided <surface marked off into squares>
4 : so as to be stopped or finished <shut off an engine> <a coat of paint to finish it off>
5 : away from work <took the day off>

2off \(ˈ)ȯf\ prep
1 : away from the surface, position, or place of <take it off the table> <the ball bounced off the wall> <a path off the main road>
2 — used to indicate the object of an action <borrowed a dollar off him> <living off my parents>
3 a : released or freed from <off duty>  b : below the usual level of <off her game> <a dollar off the price>

3off \(ˈ)ȯf\ adj
1 a : not left : RIGHT <the off horse>  b : more distant <the off side of the building>
2 : started on the way <off on a trip> <they're off and running>
3 a : not taking place <the game is off>  b : not operating <the radio is off>
4 a : not correct : WRONG <these numbers are off> <your guess is way off>  b : not entirely sane  c : small in degree : SLIGHT <an off chance>
5 : being not as busy as usual <liked to vacation during the off season>
6 a : not very good : POOR <an off grade of oil>  b : below or down from the normal <stocks were off> <offered at 15% off>
7 : provided for or taken care of <we were better off before>

of·fal \ˈȯ-fəl, ˈäf-əl\ n : the waste or by-product of a process; esp : the inside organs of and parts trimmed from an animal killed and prepared for food <fish offal>

1off·beat \ˈȯf-ˌbēt\ n : a musical beat or part of a musical beat that is not accented

2offbeat adj : not ordinary : UNUSUAL

of·fend \ə-ˈfend\ vb
1 : to do wrong : SIN
2 : to cause to be angry or annoyed : DISPLEASE <that language offends me>
— of·fend·er n

of·fense or of·fence \ə-ˈfen(t)s, especially for sense 2 ˈäf-ˌen(t)s, ˈȯf-\ n
1 : something that offends
2 a : an act of attacking : ASSAULT  b : the method of attacking or attempting to score in a game or contest  c : the side that is attempting to score
3 a : the act of offending <I meant no offense>  b : the state of being offended <takes offense at any criticism>
4 a : a violation of a social or moral code  b : a breaking of the law
synonyms OFFENSE, SIN, VICE, CRIME, mean a violation of law. OFFENSE applies to the breaking of any law, rule, or code <students will be expelled for major offenses>. SIN applies especially to a breaking of moral law <the sin of greed>. VICE applies to a habit that degrades or ruins <one of their worst vices was gambling>. CRIME applies to a serious offense punishable by the law of the state <robbery is a crime>.

1of·fen·sive \ə-ˈfen(t)-siv\ adj
1 a : relating to or made or suited for attack <offensive weapons>  b : of or relating to the attempt to score in a game or contest <the offensive team>
2 : causing painful or unpleasant sensations <an offensive smell>
3 : causing displeasure or resentment <an offensive remark>
— of·fen·sive·ly adv

— of·fen·sive·ness n

2offensive n
1 : the state or attitude of one who is making an attack <on the offensive>
2 : 2ATTACK 1

1of·fer \ˈȯf-ər, ˈäf-\ vb of·fered; of·fer·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to present as an act of worship : SACRIFICE
2 : to present (something) to be accepted or rejected <was offered the job> <offer $10 for the lamp> <offer fruit for sale>
3 a : to present for consideration : SUGGEST <offer a suggestion>  b : to declare one's willingness <offered to help>
4 : to try to make or do : PUT UP <offered stubborn resistance>
5 : to make available <the hut offered protection from the wind and rain>
6 : to propose as payment <I'll offer you $700 for that car> [Old English offrian “to present as an act of worship,” derived from Latin offerre “to present, offer,” from of-, ob- “to, toward” and ferre “to bear, carry” — related to 1DEFER, REFER]

2offer n
1 : an act or instance of offering <an offer to help>
2 : a price suggested by one prepared to buy : BID

of·fer·ing \ˈȯf-(ə-)riŋ, ˈäf-\ n
1 : the act of one who offers
2 a : something offered  b : a sacrifice offered as a part of worship
3 : a contribution to the support of a church

of·fer·to·ry \ˈȯf-ə(r)-ˌtōr-ē, ˈäf-, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 often cap  a : the offering of the sacramental bread and wine to God before they are consecrated  b : a verse from a psalm said or sung at the beginning of the offertory
2 a : the collection and presentation of the offerings of the congregation in church  b : the music played or sung during an offertory

off–grid \ˈȯf-ˈgrid\ or off–the–grid \ˈȯf-thə-ˈgrid\ adj : not connected to or served by publicly or privately managed utilities (as electricity, gas, or water)

off·hand \ˈȯf-ˈhand\ adv or adj : without previous thought or preparation <can't say offhand how many there are>

off·hand·ed \ˈȯf-ˈhan-dəd\ adj : OFFHAND <offhanded remarks>
— off·hand·ed·ly adv

of·fice \ˈäf-əs, ˈȯf-\ n
1 : a special duty or post and especially one of authority in government <hold public office>
2 : a prescribed form or service of worship : RITE
3 : something done for another : SERVICE
4 : a place where a business is carried on <ticket office> <a dentist's office>
5 : a large government department <Patent Office>

of·fice·hold·er \-ˌhōl-dər\ n : a person holding a public office

of·fi·cer \ˈäf-ə-sər, ˈȯf-\ n
1 : a person given the responsibility of enforcing the law <a police officer>
2 : a person who holds an office <an officer of the company>
3 : a person who holds a commission in the armed forces

1of·fi·cial \ə-ˈfish-əl\ n
1 : a person who holds an office
2 : a person who enforces the rules in a game or sport

2official adj
1 : of or relating to an office <official duties>
2 : having authority to perform a duty <the official government of the 13 colonies>
3 : prescribed or permitted by authority <the official language> <an official American League baseball>
4 : proper for a person in office <an official greeting>
— of·fi·cial·ly \-ˈfish-(ə-)lē\ adv

of·fi·cial·dom \ə-ˈfish-əl-dəm\ n : officials as a class

of·fi·ci·ate \ə-ˈfish-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to perform a ceremony <officiate at a wedding>
2 : to act as an officer <officiated at the annual meeting>
3 : to enforce the rules of (a game or sport) <officiate a soccer match>

of·fi·cious \ə-ˈfish-əs\ adj : volunteering one's services where they are not asked for or needed
— of·fi·cious·ly adv

— of·fi·cious·ness n

off·ing \ˈȯf-iŋ, ˈäf-\ n : the near future <sees trouble in the offing>

off–key \ˈȯf-ˈkē\ adj or adv : above or below the proper tone of a melody <singing off-key>

off–limits \ˈȯ-ˈflim-əts\ adj
1 : not to be entered or used by a certain group of people
2 : not to be discussed or considered <questions about my salary are off-limits>

off–line \ˈȯ-ˈflīn\ adj : not connected to or controlled by a computer <an off-line printer>
— off–line adv

off of prep : 2OFF

off–ramp \ˈȯf-ˌramp\ n : a ramp by which one leaves a limited-access highway

off–road \ˈȯf-ˈrōd\ adj : of, relating to, done with, or being a vehicle designed especially to operate away from public roads

off–road·er \ˈȯf-ˌrōd-ər\ n
1 : a driver of an off-road vehicle
2 : an off-road vehicle

off–season \ˈȯf-ˌsēz-ən\ n : a time when some activity is suspended or reduced

1off·set \ˈȯf-ˌset\ n
1 : a short shoot arising from the base of a plant and growing flat on the ground
2 : something that serves to make up for something else

2off·set \ˈȯf-ˌset also ȯf-ˈset\ vb -set; -set·ting : to make up for <gains in one state offset losses in another>

off·shoot \ˈȯf-ˌshüt\ n
1 : something that branches out from something else
2 : a branch of a main stem of a plant

1off·shore \ˈȯf-ˈshō(ə)r, -ˈshȯ(ə)r\ adv : from the shore : at a distance from the shore

2off·shore \ˈȯf-ˌshō(ə)r, -ˌshȯ(ə)r\ adj
1 : coming or moving away from the shore <an offshore breeze>
2 : located off the shore <offshore islands> <an offshore oil rig>

off·side \ˈȯf-ˈsīd\ adv or adj : illegally in advance of the ball or puck

off·spring \ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ\ n, pl offspring also offsprings : the young of a person, animal, or plant

off·stage \ˈȯf-ˈstāj, -ˌstāj\ adv or adj : off or away from the stage

off–the–record adj : given or made privately and not meant for publication <off-the-record comments>

off–the–wall adj : very unusual : BIZARRE

off–white \ˈȯf-ˈhwīt, -ˈwīt\ n : a yellowish or grayish white

oft \ˈȯft\ adv : OFTEN <an oft neglected factor>

of·ten \ˈȯ-fən, ˈȯf-tən\ adv : many times : FREQUENTLY

of·ten·times \-ˌtīmz\ or oft·times \ˈȯf(t)-ˌtīmz\ adv : OFTEN

oga·nes·son \ˌō-gə-ˈnes-ˌän, ˌäg-ə-\ n : a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element — see ELEMENT TABLE

ogle \ˈōg-əl also ˈäg-\ vb ogled; ogling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to look at in a flirting way or with unusual attention or desire
— ogle n

— ogler \-(ə-)lər\ n

ogre \ˈō-gər\ n
1 : an ugly giant of fairy tales and folklore that eats people
2 : a dreaded person or object
— ogre·ish \ˈō-g(ə-)rish\ adj

1oh or O \(ˈ)ō\ interj
1 — used to express an emotion (as astonishment or desire) or in response to a physical sensation (as pain)
2 — used in direct address <Oh sir, you forgot your change>
3 — used to express understanding of a statement <oh, that's what you mean>
4 — used to introduce an example or a guess <there are probably, oh, six or seven different ways to do that>

2oh \ˈō\ n : 1ZERO 1

ohm \ˈōm\ n : a unit of electric resistance equal to the resistance of a circuit in which a potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere
— ohm·ic \ˈō-mik\ adj

ohm·me·ter \ˈō(m)-ˌmēt-ər\ n : an instrument for indicating resistance in ohms directly

Ohm's law \ˈōmz-\ n : a law in electricity that states that the current in a circuit is equal to the potential difference divided by the resistance of the circuit

1-oid \ˌȯid\ n suffix : something resembling a (specified) object or having a (specified) quality <planetoid>

2-oid adj suffix : resembling : having the form or appearance of [derived from Greek -oeidēs “resembling, having a specified form”]

1oil \ˈȯi(ə)l\ n
1 a : any of numerous greasy flammable usually liquid substances from plant, animal, or mineral sources that do not dissolve in water and are used especially as lubricants, fuels, and food  b : PETROLEUM
2 : something (as a cosmetic) like oil or containing an oil <bath oil> <suntan oil>
3 a : artist's paints made of pigments and oil  b : a painting done in oils

2oil vb : to put oil in or on

oil·can \ˈȯi(ə)l-ˌkan\ n : a can for oil; esp : a can with a spout that is designed to release oil drop by drop

oil·cloth \ˈȯi(ə)l-ˌklȯth\ n : cloth treated with oil or paint so as to be waterproof and used for table and shelf coverings

oil·er \ˈȯi-lər\ n
1 : a person (as a worker) who oils something
2 : a device for applying oil

oil field n : a region rich in oil deposits

oil gland n : a gland (as of the skin) that gives off an oily substance

oil of wintergreen : a chemical compound made from salicylic acid and used in liniments and as a flavoring

oil paint n : paint made with a drying oil

oil painting n : a painting done with oil paints

oil palm n : a palm that is cultivated for its clusters of fruits from which a vegetable oil is obtained

oil·seed \ˈȯi(ə)l-ˌsēd\ n : a seed or crop (as flaxseed) grown mainly for the oil obtained from it

oil shale n : a rock (as shale) from which oil can be recovered

oil·skin \ˈȯi(ə)l-ˌskin\ n
1 : a waterproof cloth
2 : an oilskin raincoat
3 pl : an oilskin coat and trousers

oil slick n : a film of oil floating on water

oil well n : a well from which petroleum is obtained

oily \ˈȯi-lē\ adj oil·i·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of oil
2 a : covered or soaked with oil  b : high in oils that are naturally produced <oily skin>
— oil·i·ness n

oint·ment \ˈȯint-mənt\ n : a semisolid greasy medicine for use on the skin

Ojib·wa or Ojib·way or Ojib·we \ō-ˈjib-wā\ n, pl Ojibwa or Ojibwas or Ojibway or Ojibways or Ojibwe or Ojibwes : a member of an American Indian people originally of Michigan

1OK or okay \ō-ˈkā\ adv or adj : all right
Word History In the late 1830s Boston newspapers were filled with abbreviations. Abbreviation was apparently the fashion at that time. Any phrase might be shortened. The fad even went so far as to produce abbreviations for intentional misspellings. Such popular expressions as N.G. (no go) and A.R. (all right) gave way to K.G. (know go) and O.W. (oll wright). The abbreviation O.K. stood for oll korrect, a deliberate misspelling of all correct. Several of these abbreviated misspellings became popular for a time, but O.K. was the only one to gain a lasting place in the language. [an abbreviation of oll korrect, an altered form of all correct]

2OK or okay n : APPROVAL <gave their OK to start the project>

3OK or okay vb OK'd or okayed; OK'·ing or okay·ing : APPROVE 2

oka·pi \ō-ˈkäp-ē\ n : an African mammal closely related to the giraffe but lacking the long neck

okra \ˈō-krə\ n : a tall herb related to the hollyhocks and grown for its edible green pods which are used especially in soups and stews; also : these pods

1old \ˈōld\ adj
1 a : dating from the distant past <an old custom>  b : having lasted or been such for a long time <an old friend>
2 cap : belonging to an early period in development <Old Irish>
3 : having existed for a specified length of time <a child three years old>
4 : having lived a long time <old people>
5 : FORMER 1 <my old teachers>
6 : showing the effects of time or use <wore an old coat>
7 : long familiar <it's still the same old story>
synonyms OLD, ANCIENT, ANTIQUE, ARCHAIC, mean having come into being or use in the distant past. OLD may apply to a period of time that is truly long or only longer than average <old houses that were built two hundred years ago> <an old sweater of mine>. ANCIENT applies to things that happened or existed in the very distant past <an ancient custom> or to things that still survive from early times <the ancient pyramids of Egypt>. ANTIQUE applies to things that have been handed down from times gone by <collected antique furniture>. ARCHAIC suggests something that has the characteristics of a much earlier time <the play used archaic language so as to give the audience a feeling for those days>.

2old n : old or earlier time <in days of old>

old country n : the country that a person has emigrated from

old·en \ˈōl-dən\ adj : of or relating to earlier days

Old English n : the language of the English people before about 1100

old·fan·gled \ˈōl(d)-ˈfaŋ-gəld\ adj : OLD-FASHIONED

old–fash·ioned \ˈōl(d)-ˈfash-ənd\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or like that of an earlier time <old-fashioned clothes>
2 : holding fast to old ways : CONSERVATIVE

Old French n : the French language from the 9th to the 16th century

Old Glory n : the flag of the U.S.

old–growth \ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth\ adj : of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, dead standing trees, and fallen rotting trees and that is usually in a late stage of development

old hand n : VETERAN 1

old·ish \ˈōl-dish\ adj : somewhat old or elderly

old lady n
1 : one's wife or mother
2 : GIRLFRIEND; esp : a woman with whom a man lives

old maid n
1 : an elderly unmarried woman
2 : a very neat fussy person
3 : a card game in which all but one of the cards are matched in pairs and the player holding the unmatched card at the end loses
— old–maid·ish \ˈōl(d)-ˈmād-ish\ adj

old man n
1 : one's husband or father
2 cap O&M : a person (as one's boss or commanding officer) who is in charge
3 : BOYFRIEND; esp : a man with whom a woman lives

Old Norse n : the Germanic language of the Scandinavian peoples before about 1350

Old Prus·sian \-ˈprəsh-ən\ n : a language used until the 1600s in a region of northeastern Europe that borders the Baltic Sea

old·ster \ˈōl(d)-stər\ n : an old or elderly person

Old Style n : the way the calendar was calculated before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar

Old Testament n : the first of the two chief divisions of the Christian Bible — see BIBLE TABLE

old–time \ˌōl(d)-ˌtīm\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or typical of an earlier period
2 : of long standing <old-time residents>

old–tim·er \ōl(d)-ˈtī-mər\ n
1 a : VETERAN 1  b : OLDSTER
2 : something old-fashioned

old wives' tale n : a belief that is not based on fact : SUPERSTITION

old–world \ˈōl-ˈ(d)wər(-ə)ld\ adj
1 : of or relating to the Old World
2 : having old-fashioned charm

Old World n : the eastern hemisphere except Australia; esp : the continent of Europe

ole·an·der \ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər\ n : a poisonous evergreen shrub with showy fragrant usually white, pink, or purple flowers

ole·fin \ˈō-lə-fən\ n : a chemical compound made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms that contains at least one double bond; esp : any of various long-chain synthetic polymers (as of ethylene) used especially as textile fibers

oleo \ˈō-lē-ˌō\ n, pl ole·os : MARGARINE

oleo·mar·ga·rine \ˌō-lē-ō-ˈmärj-(ə-)rən, -ˈmärj-ə-ˌrēn\ n : MARGARINE

O level n : the lowest of three levels of British examinations in a secondary school subject

ol·fac·tion \äl-ˈfak-shən, ōl-\ n : the sense of smell; also : the act or process of smelling

ol·fac·to·ry \äl-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē, ōl-\ adj : of, relating to, or concerned with the sense of smell

olfactory bulb n : either of two small round structures projecting from the lower surface of the brain above the nasal cavity that transmit stimuli from the olfactory nerves to other areas of the brain for processing

olfactory nerve n : either of a pair of sensory nerves that are the first cranial nerves, arise in the nose, and carry odor stimuli to the brain by way of the olfactory bulb

oli·gar·chy \ˈäl-ə-ˌgär-kē, ˈō-lə-\ n, pl -chies
1 : government by the few
2 : a government in which a small group exercises control; also : a group exercising such control
3 : an organization controlled by a small group

Oli·go·cene \ˈäl-i-gō-ˌsēn, ˈō-li-; ə-ˈlig-ə-\ adj : of, relating to, or being an epoch of the Tertiary period of geological history or the corresponding series of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Oligocene n

ol·ive \ˈäl-iv, -əv\ n
1 : a Mediterranean evergreen tree grown for its fruit; also : the edible fruit of the olive tree that is the source of an oil
2 : a yellowish green
— olive adj

olive branch n
1 : a branch of the olive tree especially when used as a symbol of peace
2 : something meant to show intentions of peace or goodwill <made a call to his former friend as an olive branch>

olive drab n
1 : a grayish olive color
2 : a wool or cotton fabric of an olive drab color; also : a uniform made out of this fabric

olive oil n : a pale yellow to yellowish green oil obtained from the pulp of olives and used especially as a salad oil, in cooking, and in soaps

ol·iv·ine \ˈäl-ə-ˌvēn\ n : a usually greenish mineral that is a silicate of magnesium and iron

olym·pi·ad \ə-ˈlim-pē-ˌad, ō-\ n, often cap
1 : one of the four-year periods between Olympic Games
2 : a celebration of the modern Olympic Games; also : a competition similar or compared to the Olympic Games <the school's math olympiad>

1Olym·pi·an \ə-ˈlim-pē-ən, ō-\ adj
1 : of or relating to Olympus
2 : relating to or proper for one of the Greek gods of Olympus : LOFTY

2Olympian adj
1 : of or relating to the ancient Greek region of Olympia
2 : OLYMPIC 2

3Olympian n : an athlete who competes in the Olympic Games

4Olympian n : one of the Greek gods living on Olympus

Olym·pic \ə-ˈlim-pik, ō-\ adj
1 : 1OLYMPIAN
2 : of or relating to the Olympic Games <the U.S. Olympic team>

Olympic Games n pl
1 : an ancient Greek festival held every fourth year and made up of contests in sports, music, and literature
2 : a series of international athletic contests held in a different country during the summer and the winter once every four years

Olym·pics \ə-ˈlim-piks, ō-\ n pl : OLYMPIC GAMES

om·buds·man \ˈäm-ˌbu̇dz-mən, ˈȯm-, -bədz-, -ˌman; äm-ˈbu̇dz-, ȯm-\ n, pl om·buds·men \-ˌmən\ : a government official who investigates complaints made by people about unfair acts of public officials

ome·ga \ō-ˈmeg-ə, -ˈmē-gə, -ˈmā-gə\ n : the 24th and last letter of the Greek alphabet — Ω or ω [from Greek ō mega, literally, “big o”]

om·elet also om·elette \ˈäm-(ə-)lət\ n : beaten eggs cooked without stirring and served folded in half
Word History Although the word omelet bears little resemblance to Latin lamina, the shape of an omelet does resemble a thin plate, which is what lamina, the ultimate source of omelet, means. The Latin noun lamella, a diminutive form of lamina, became lemelle “blade of a knife” in medieval French. La lemelle “the blade” was misinterpreted as l'alemelle, and so the word gained an initial vowel. In later French, alemelle or alumelle was altered (by substituting the suffix -ette for the suffix -elle) into allumette, which acquired the meaning “dish made with beaten eggs” (such a dish resembling a thin plate or blade). After a later alteration to omelette the word found its way into English. [from French omelette “omelet,” derived from early French amelette, alemette, altered forms of alemelle “omelet,” literally, “knife blade, thin plate,” derived from la lemelle (same meaning), derived from Latin lamella “a small thin metal plate,” from lamina “a thin plate”]

omen \ˈō-mən\ n : a happening believed to be a sign or warning of some future event

omi·cron \ˈäm-ə-ˌkrän, ˈōm-\ n : the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet — Ο or ο [from Greek o mikron, literally, “small o”]

om·i·nous \ˈäm-ə-nəs\ adj : being or showing a sign of evil or misfortune to come <ominous clouds>
— om·i·nous·ly adv

omis·sion \ō-ˈmish-ən, ə-\ n
1 : something omitted
2 : the act of omitting : the state of being omitted

omit \ō-ˈmit, ə-\ vb omit·ted; omit·ting
1 : to leave out <omitted your name from the list>
2 : to fail to do : NEGLECT <omitted to mention that it was my fault>

1om·ni·bus \ˈäm-ni-(ˌ)bəs\ n : BUS

2omnibus adj
1 : of, relating to, or providing for many things at once
2 : containing or including many items <an omnibus legislative bill>

om·nip·o·tence \äm-ˈnip-ət-ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being omnipotent

om·nip·o·tent \äm-ˈnip-ət-ənt\ adj : having power or authority without limit : ALMIGHTY
— om·nip·o·tent·ly adv

om·ni·pres·ent \ˌäm-ni-ˈprez-ənt\ adj : present in all places at all times

om·ni·science \äm-ˈnish-ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being omniscient

om·ni·scient \äm-ˈnish-ənt\ adj : knowing everything [from modern Latin omniscient-, omnisciens “knowing all things, all-knowing,” derived from omni- (from omnis “all”) and scient-, sciens “knowing,” from scire “to know” — related to SCIENCE]
— om·ni·scient·ly adv

om·ni·vore \ˈäm-ni-ˌvō(ə)r, -ˌvȯ(ə)r\ n : one that is omnivorous

om·niv·o·rous \äm-ˈniv-(ə-)rəs\ adj : feeding on both animal and vegetable substances

1on \(ˈ)ȯn, (ˈ)än\ prep
1 a : in contact with and supported by <the book on the table>  b : in a position in contact with or near <a fly on the wall> <a town on the river>  c — used to indicate the location of something <on the other side of the house> <on the right>
2 a — used to indicate means of being attached or supported <on a string> <stood on one foot> <hang your coat on the peg> <you can rely on me> <lives on insects>  b — used to indicate means of being carried <rode on a horse> <went on the bus> <have only five dollars on me>
3 — used to indicate a time or an instance when something takes place <on arriving home, I found your letter> <arrived on Monday> <news on the hour>
4 a — used to indicate the way something is done <told her on the sly>  b — used to indicate what something is done with or done by <cut on broken glass> <talk on the phone> <type on a keyboard> <displayed on a TV screen>
5 a : involved with or participating in : busy with <on a committee> <on tour>  b : in a state or process of <on fire> <on the increase>  c : in keeping with a goal or objective <on schedule>
6 a — used to indicate a reason or basis <on one condition> <interest of 10 cents on the dollar>  b — used to indicate who or what is responsible <this treat is on me> <blamed it on the weather>
7 — used to indicate someone or something an action or feeling is directed toward <was creeping up on us> <have pity on me> <the joke's on you>
8 a : CONCERNING, ABOUT <a book on cats> <agree on price>  b : with respect to <go light on the salt> <short on cash>
9 : following in series <loss on loss>

2on \ˈȯn, ˈän\ adv
1 : in or into contact with a surface <put the kettle on> <has new shoes on>
2 : forward in space, time, or action <went on home> <on came the storm> <getting on in years>
3 : from one to another <pass the word on> <and so on>
4 : into operation or a position allowing operation <turn the light on>

3on \ˈȯn, ˈän\ adj
1 : doing an activity (as a role in a play) <you're on next>
2 a : being in operation <the radio is on>  b : set so as to permit operation <the switch is on>  c : taking place or being broadcast <the game is on>
3 : having been planned <has nothing on for tonight>

1once \ˈwən(t)s\ adv
1 : one time only <will repeat the question once>
2 : at any one time : EVER <once you hesitate, it's too late>
3 : at some time in the past : FORMERLY <it was once done that way>
4 : by one degree of relationship <cousin once removed>
— once and for all
1 : in a final way or manner <let's settle this once and for all>
2 : for the last time <I'm asking you once and for all>

— once in a while : from time to time

2once n : one single time <just this once>
— at once
1 : at the same time : SIMULTANEOUSLY <two people talking at once>
2 : IMMEDIATELY 2 <leave at once>

3once conj : AS SOON AS <once that is done, all will be well>

once–over \ˈwən(t)-ˌsō-vər\ n : a quick glance or examination <gave the menu the once-over>

on·cho·cer·ci·a·sis \ˌäŋ-kō-sər-ˈkī-ə-səs\ n, pl -a·ses \-ˌsēz\ : RIVER BLINDNESS

on·co·gene \ˈäŋ-kō-ˌjēn\ n : a gene having the potential to cause a normal cell to become cancerous

on·col·o·gist \än-ˈkäl-ə-jist\ n : a physician specializing in oncology

on·col·o·gy \än-ˈkäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors

on·com·ing \ˈȯn-ˌkəm-iŋ, ˈän-\ adj : coming nearer <oncoming traffic>

1one \ˈwən, ˌwən\ adj
1 : being a single unit or thing — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : being a certain unit or thing <early one morning>
3 a : being the same in kind or quality <members of one class>  b : not divided
4 : not definitely fixed or placed <will see you again one day>
5 : 1ONLY 2A <the one person they wanted to see>

2one n
1 : the number indicating a single unit
2 : the first in a set or series
3 : a single person or thing <has the one, but needs the other>
4 : a one-dollar bill

3one pron
1 : a single member or individual <saw one of your friends>
2 : any person <one never knows>

one another pron : EACH OTHER

one–dimensional adj
1 : having one dimension
2 : STEREOTYPED

one–horse adj : small and unimportant <a one-horse town>

one·ness \ˈwən-nəs\ n : the quality, state, or fact of being one <our oneness with the rest of humanity>

oner·ous \ˈän-ə-rəs, ˈō-nə-\ adj : being difficult and unpleasant to do or to deal with <an onerous task>
— oner·ous·ly adv

one·self \(ˌ)wən-ˈself\ pron
1 : one's own self <one can feel proud of oneself>
2 : one's normal or healthy self

one–sid·ed \ˈwən-ˈsīd-əd\ adj
1 a : having one side more developed  b : having or happening on one side only
2 : favoring one side : PARTIAL <a one-sided view of the case>
— one–sid·ed·ly adv

— one–sid·ed·ness n

ones place n : UNITS PLACE

one·time \ˈwən-ˌtīm\ adj
1 : FORMER 1 <a onetime boxing champion>
2 : happening only once <a onetime event>

one–to–one \ˌwən-tə-ˈwən\ adj : pairing each element of a set with one and only one element of another set <a one-to-one correspondence between the real numbers and the points on a straight line>

one–way adj
1 : moving or allowing movement in one direction only
2 : ONE-SIDED 1B

on·go·ing \ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ, ˈän-\ adj : being in progress or movement

on·ion \ˈən-yən\ n : a widely grown Asian herb related to the lilies and having edible bulbs that have a sharp odor and taste and are used as a vegetable and to season foods; also : its bulb

on·ion·skin \-ˌskin\ n : a thin strong nearly transparent paper of very light weight

online \ˈȯn-ˈlīn, ˈän-\ adj : relating to or connected to a computer or telecommunications system (as the Internet) <an online database>
— online adv

on·look·er \ˈȯn-ˌlu̇k-ər, ˈän-\ n : SPECTATOR

1on·ly \ˈōn-lē\ adj
1 : the best without doubt <it's the only thing for me>
2 a : alone in or of a class or kind : SOLE <the only survivor of the crash>  b : having no brother or sister <an only child>
3 : 2FEW 1 <one of the only areas not yet explored>

2only adv
1 a : as a single fact or instance and nothing more or different <worked only in the mornings>  b : no one or nothing other than <only you know>
2 : at the very least <it was only too true>
3 a : in the end <it will only make you sick>  b : with the result <found my pen, only to lose it again>
4 a : as recently as <only last week>  b : in the immediate past <only just saw her>

3only conj : except that <I'd play, only I'm too tired>

on·o·mas·tics \ˌän-ə-ˈmas-tiks\ n sing or pl : the study of the proper names of people and places

on·o·mato·poe·ia \ˌän-ə-ˌmat-ə-ˈpē-(y)ə\ n
1 : the naming of a thing or action by imitation of natural sounds (as “buzz” or “hiss”)
2 : the use of words whose sound suggests the sense (as for poetic effect)
— on·o·mato·poe·ic \-ˈpē-ik\ or on·o·mato·po·et·ic \-pō-ˈet-ik\ adj

on–ramp \ˈȯn-ˌramp, ˈän-\ n : a ramp by which one enters a limited-access highway

on·rush \ˈȯn-ˌrəsh, ˈän-\ n : a rushing forward or onward
— on·rush·ing \-iŋ\ adj

on·set \ˈȯn-ˌset, ˈän-\ n
1 : 2ATTACK 1
2 : BEGINNING 1

on·shore \ˈȯn-ˌshō(ə)r, ˈän-, -ˌshȯ(ə)r\ adj
1 : moving toward the shore <onshore winds>
2 : situated on land <onshore oil refinery>
— on·shore \ˈȯn-ˈshō(ə)r, ˈän-, -ˈshȯ(ə)r\ adv

on·slaught \ˈän-ˌslȯt, ˈȯn-\ n : a violent attack

on·stage \ˈȯn-ˈstāj, ˈän-\ adv or adj : on or onto a stage : on a part of the stage visible to the audience

on–tar·get \ˈȯn-ˈtär-gət, ˈän-\ adj : just right : ACCURATE <gave him on-target advice>

on–the–job adj : received or learned while working at a job <on-the-job training>

on·to \ˌȯn-tə, ˌän-; ˈȯn-tü, ˈän-\ prep
1 : to a position on or against <leaped onto the horse> <climbed onto the roof>
2 : in a state of knowing about or becoming aware of <I'm onto their little game>

1on·ward \ˈȯn-wərd, ˈän-\ also on·wards \-wərdz\ adv : toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : FORWARD <kept moving onward>

2onward adj : directed or moving onward <the onward march of time>

on·yx \ˈän-iks\ n : chalcedony in parallel layers of different color

oo·dles \ˈüd-əlz\ n pl : a great quantity

oo·gen·e·sis \ˌō-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs\ n : the process of female gamete formation including meiosis and formation of eggs

oo·lite \ˈō-ə-ˌlīt\ n : a rock consisting of small round grains usually of calcium carbonate firmly joined together

oo·long \ˈü-ˌlȯŋ\ n : tea made from leaves that have undergone partial fermentation before being dried

oops or whoops \ˈ(w)u̇(ə)ps\ interj — used to express mild apology, surprise, or distress (as at spilling something or saying the wrong thing)

Oort cloud \ˈȯrt-\ n : a spherical shell of small icy bodies (as comets) that orbit the sun far beyond Pluto [named after Jan Oort, 1900–1992, Dutch astronomer]

oo·tid \ˈō-ə-ˌtid\ n : an egg cell after meiosis but before it is a fully mature egg

1ooze \ˈüz\ n : soft mud or slime (as on the bottom of a lake)

2ooze vb oozed; ooz·ing
1 : to flow or leak slowly <sap oozed from the tree>
2 : EMIT 1A <a manner that oozed confidence>

3ooze n : something that oozes

oozy \ˈü-zē\ adj ooz·i·er; -est : consisting of or resembling ooze

opac·i·ty \ō-ˈpas-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being opaque

opal \ˈō-pəl\ n : a mineral with changeable colors that is used as a gem

opaque \ō-ˈpāk\ adj
1 : not letting light through : not transparent
2 : hard to understand
3 : dull of mind : STUPID
— opaque·ly adv

— opaque·ness n

ope \ˈōp\ vb oped; op·ing archaic : 2OPEN

1open \ˈō-pən, ˈōp-əm\ adj
1 : allowing passage : not shut or blocked <an open door> <open books> <open pores>
2 : not enclosed or covered <an open boat> <an open fire> <open wounds>
3 a : not secret : PUBLIC <open dislike>  b : LIABLE 2 <open to challenge>
4 a : free to be used, entered, or taken part in by all <an open meeting> <an open golf tournament>  b : easy to enter, get through, or see <open country>
5 : not drawn together : spread out <an open flower> <an open umbrella>
6 a : available for use : FREE <keep an hour open tomorrow> <the only option open to us>  b : not decided or settled <an open question>  c : waiting to be filled <the job is still open>  d : available for purchase all or most of the time <these items are in open stock>
7 : ready to consider appeals or ideas <an open mind> <open to suggestion>
8 : not allowing the flow of electricity : being an incomplete electrical circuit <an open switch>
— open·ly \ˈō-pən-lē\ adv

— open·ness \ˈō-pən-nəs\ n

2open vb opened \ˈō-pənd, ˈōp-əmd\; open·ing \ˈōp-(ə-)niŋ\
1 a : to change or move from a shut or closed condition <open a book> <the door opened>  b : to clear by or as if by removing something in the way <open a road blocked with snow> <the clouds opened>  c : to make an opening in <open a boil>
2 a : to make or become ready for use <open a new store>  b : to make available for a certain purpose <open land for settlement> <opened Japan to foreign trade> <the office opens at eight>  c : to access for use <open the computer file>
3 : to have an opening <the rooms open onto a hall>
4 : BEGIN 1, START <opened fire> <open talks>

3open n
1 : open space; esp : 2OUTDOORS <go out in the open>
2 : a contest or tournament that is open
3 : a state or position that is public or is not concealed

open air n : 2OUTDOORS 1
— open–air adj

open–and–shut \ˌōp-(ə-)nən-ˈshət\ adj
1 : perfectly plain : OBVIOUS
2 : easily settled <an open-and-shut case>

open arms n pl : an eager or warm welcome <greeted us with open arms>

open dating n : the placing of dates on goods (as dairy products) so that the consumer can tell how old they are

open door n : a policy of giving equal opportunity for trade to all nations
— open–door adj

open·er \ˈōp-(ə-)nər\ n : something used for opening <a bottle opener> <a conversation opener>
— for openers : to begin with

open–eyed \ˌō-pə-ˈnīd\ adj
1 : having the eyes open
2 : watching carefully : ALERT

open·hand·ed \ˌō-pən-ˈhan-dəd\ adj : GENEROUS 1
— open·hand·ed·ly adv

— open·hand·ed·ness n

open–heart adj : of, relating to, or done on a heart temporarily stopped and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage <open-heart surgery>

open·heart·ed \ˌō-pən-ˈhärt-əd\ adj
1 : FRANK
2 : GENEROUS 1
— open·heart·ed·ly adv

— open·heart·ed·ness n

open–hearth adj : being or relating to a process of making steel from pig iron in a furnace that reflects heat from the roof onto the material

open house n : usually informal hospitality or entertainment for all comers

open·ing \ˈōp-(ə-)niŋ\ n
1 : an act or instance of making or becoming open <the opening of a new store> <welcome to our grand opening>
2 : something that is open: as  a : 1BREACH 2B  b : an open place <an opening in the woods>
3 : BEGINNING 2 <the opening of fishing season>
4 a : 1OCCASION 1, CHANCE <saw an opening to run with the ball>  b : a job opportunity <openings for welders and machinists>

open letter n : a letter (as one addressed to an official) for the public to see and printed in a newspaper or magazine

open–mind·ed \ˌō-pən-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : open to arguments or ideas : not prejudiced
— open–mind·ed·ly adv

— open–mind·ed·ness n

open·mouthed \ˌō-pən-ˈmau̇thd, -ˈmau̇tht\ adj
1 : having the mouth wide open
2 : struck with amazement or wonder

open season n : a time when it is legal to hunt game or catch fish that are legally protected at other times

open secret n : something supposed to be a secret but in fact generally known

open sentence n : a statement (as in mathematics) that contains at least one blank or unknown and that becomes true or false when the blank is filled or a quantity is substituted for the unknown <“n + 5 = 3” and “It is divisible by 6” are open sentences>

open sesame n : something that always works to bring about a desired result [from open sesame, the magical command used by Ali Baba to open the door of the robbers' den in the story Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves]

open up vb
1 : to make available
2 : to make visible or come into view <the road opens up ahead>
3 : to begin firing (as with a weapon or with questions)

open·work \ˈō-pən-ˌwərk\ n : something made so as to show openings through the fabric or material

1opera plural of OPUS

2op·era \ˈäp-(ə-)rə\ n
1 : a play in which usually the entire text is sung with orchestral accompaniment
2 : the performance of an opera
— op·er·at·ic \ˌäp-ə-ˈrat-ik\ adj

op·er·a·ble \ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj
1 : fit, possible, or desirable to use
2 : likely to have a favorable result upon surgical treatment <an operable cancer>

opera glasses n pl : small binoculars or field glasses of low power for use in a theater

op·er·ant \ˈäp-ə-rənt\ adj : of, relating to, or being operant conditioning or behavior reinforced by operant conditioning

operant conditioning n : conditioning in which the desired behavior (as bar-pressing by a rat) or increasingly closer approximations to it are followed by a reinforcement (as delivery of food) that is needed, pleasant, or desired

op·er·ate \ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to work or cause to work in a proper way <how to operate the new microwave oven>
2 : to take effect <a drug that operates quickly>
3 : MANAGE 1 <operate a business>
4 a : to perform an operation or a series of operations  b : to perform surgery <operate on a patient> [from Latin operatus, past participle of operari “to work” — related to MANEUVER; see Word History at MANEUVER]

operating system n : software that controls the operation of a computer and directs the processing of the user's programs (as by controlling input and output functions)

op·er·a·tion \ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act, process, method, or result of operating <does the whole operation without stopping> <the operation of a drug>
2 : the quality or state of being able to work or function <put a factory into operation>
3 : a procedure performed on a living body usually with medical instruments especially to restore health or repair damage or defect
4 : a mathematical or logical process (as addition or multiplication) for getting one mathematical expression from others according to a rule
5 : the process of putting military or naval forces into action
6 : a single step in a computer program
7 : a usually small business or establishment

op·er·a·tion·al \ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to operation or an operation
2 : ready for operation

1op·er·a·tive \ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv, ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-\ adj
1 : producing a normal or desired effect
2 : being in operation

2operative n
1 : OPERATOR 1
2 a : a secret agent : SPY  b : 2DETECTIVE

op·er·a·tor \ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt-ər\ n
1 : a person who operates something <the operator of an automobile>
2 : a person in charge of a telephone switchboard

op·er·et·ta \ˌäp-ə-ˈret-ə\ n : a light play set to music with speaking, singing, and dancing scenes

oph·thal·mol·o·gist \ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmäl-ə-jəst, ˌäp-, -ˌthal-\ n : a physician specializing in ophthalmology — compare OPTICIAN 2, OPTOMETRIST

oph·thal·mol·o·gy \ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmäl-ə-jē, ˌäp-, -ˌthal-\ n : a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye

oph·thal·mo·scope \äf-ˈthal-mə-ˌskōp, äp-\ n : an optical instrument for viewing the inside of the eye

1opi·ate \ˈō-pē-ət, -ˌāt\ n
1 : a drug (as morphine or codeine) that contains or is made from opium, tends to cause sleep and relieve pain, and causes physical and psychological dependence and addiction upon repeated or prolonged use; broadly : OPIOID
2 : something restful or soothing <the opiate of sleep>

2opiate adj
1 a : containing or mixed with opium  b : of, relating to, or being an opiate
2 a : causing sleep  b : causing dullness or idleness

opine \ō-ˈpīn\ vb opined; opin·ing : to have or express an opinion

opin·ion \ə-ˈpin-yən\ n
1 : a judgment about a person or thing
2 : a belief based on experience and on seeing certain facts that falls short of positive knowledge
3 a : a statement by an expert after careful study <you better get a doctor's opinion>  b : a formal statement from a judge or court of the reasons for a legal decision
synonyms OPINION, BELIEF, CONVICTION, mean something that one thinks is true. OPINION suggests a judgment that may not be shared by all <heard more than one opinion on that issue>. BELIEF suggests a view that one has come to accept fully <a basic belief in a supreme being>. CONVICTION suggests a firm unchangeable belief <a conviction that all life is valuable>.

opin·ion·at·ed \ə-ˈpin-yə-ˌnāt-əd\ adj : holding to one's own opinions and ideas too strongly

opi·oid \ˈō-pē-ˌȯid\ n : any substance that binds to the same cell receptors as opium, produces similar effects (as sleepiness and pain relief), includes drugs used medically especially as painkillers, is often used illicitly for its narcotic properties, and often causes physical and psychological dependence

opi·um \ˈō-pē-əm\ n
1 : a bitter brownish narcotic drug that causes addiction and is the dried juice of the unripe fruit capsule of the opium poppy
2 : something having an effect like that of opium

opium poppy n : an annual Eurasian poppy grown for opium, for its edible oily seeds, and for its showy flowers

opos·sum \(ə-)ˈpäs-əm\ n, pl opossums also opossum : a common marsupial mammal mostly of the eastern U.S. that usually is active at night, has a tail that can wrap around and grasp objects (as tree branches), and is an expert climber [from apossoun, opassom, a word in an Algonquian language of Virginia meaning, literally, “white dog”]

op·po·nent \ə-ˈpō-nənt\ n : a person or thing that opposes another

op·por·tune \ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ün\ adj : SUITABLE 1, TIMELY <an opportune moment to act>
— op·por·tune·ly adv
Word History The Latin adjective opportunus was used to mean “fit, suitable, or convenient.” It was formed from the prefix op-, ob-, meaning “at or toward” and portus, meaning “port or harbor.” The Romans considered something “at the port” to be suitable and ready for use. The French took the word as opportun with the same basic meaning, and the word came into English as opportune in the 15th century. Nowadays it is often applied to a suitable or favorable time for something, or to something that occurs or is done at just the right time. [Middle English opportune “opportune, suitable, fit,” from early French opportun (same meaning), from Latin opportunus “fit, suitable, convenient,” from op-, ob- “toward, at” and portus “port, harbor”]

op·por·tun·ism \ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-ˌniz-əm\ n : the practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances regardless of what one should do or what might happen

op·por·tun·ist \-ˈt(y)ü-nəst\ n : one that is opportunistic or that practices opportunism
— opportunist adj

op·por·tu·nis·tic \-t(y)ü-ˈnis-tik\ n : taking advantage of opportunities as they arise: as  a : exploiting opportunities with little regard to principle or consequences <an opportunistic cheater>  b : feeding on whatever food is available <opportunistic feeders>

op·por·tu·ni·ty \ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place
2 : a chance to better oneself

op·pos·able \ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl\ adj : capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot <the opposable human thumb>

op·pose \ə-ˈpōz\ vb op·posed; op·pos·ing
1 : to be or place opposite or against something
2 : to offer resistance to : stand against : RESIST

1op·po·site \ˈäp-ə-zət, ˈäp-sət\ adj
1 a : being at the other end, side, or corner <lived on opposite sides of the street> <the opposite sides of a rectangle>  b : being one of two angles of a four-sided figure (as a square or parallelogram) that are not next to each other
2 a : being in a position to oppose or cancel out <opposite sides of the question>  b : as different as possible : CONTRARY <reached opposite conclusions> <went off in opposite directions>
3 : being the other of a matching or contrasting pair <the opposite sex>
— op·po·site·ly adv

— op·po·site·ness n

2opposite n
1 : someone or something that is opposite
2 : ANTONYM
3 : ADDITIVE INVERSE; esp : the additive inverse of a real number <+3 and −3 are opposites>

3opposite adv : on or to the opposite side

4opposite prep : across from and usually facing or on the same level with <the house opposite ours>

op·po·si·tion \ˌäp-ə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : the state of being opposite
2 : the action of resisting <offer opposition to a plan> <the opposition of two forces>
3 a : a group of persons (as a team or an enemy force) that oppose someone or something  b often cap : a political party opposing the party in power

op·press \ə-ˈpres\ vb
1 : to control or rule in a harsh or cruel way <a country oppressed by a dictator>
2 : to cause to feel burdened in spirit <oppressed by grief>
— op·pres·sor \-ˈpres-ər\ n

op·pres·sion \ə-ˈpresh-ən\ n
1 : cruel or unjust use of authority or power
2 : a feeling of low spirits

op·pres·sive \ə-ˈpres-iv\ adj
1 : cruel or harsh without just cause <oppressive taxes>
2 : causing a feeling of oppression <oppressive heat>
— op·pres·sive·ly adv

— op·pres·sive·ness n

op·pro·bri·ous \ə-ˈprō-brē-əs\ adj : expressing very strong disapproval <the opprobrious term “murderer”>

op·pro·bri·um \ə-ˈprō-brē-əm\ n : very strong disapproval

opt \ˈäpt\ vb : to make a choice

op·tic \ˈäp-tik\ adj : of or relating to vision or the eye [Middle English optic “relating to the eye,” from Latin opticus (same meaning), from Greek optikos (same meaning), from opsesthai “to be going to see” — related to AUTOPSY]

op·ti·cal \ˈäp-ti-kəl\ adj
1 : relating to optics
2 : of or relating to vision
3 a : of, relating to, or using light <an optical telescope>  b : involving the use of a device that senses light to acquire information for a computer <an optical scanner>
— op·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

optical disk n : a disk with a plastic coating on which information (as music or computer data) is recorded in digital form and which is read by using a laser

optical fiber n : a single fiber-optic strand

optical illusion n : ILLUSION 1

op·ti·cian \äp-ˈtish-ən\ n
1 : a maker of or dealer in optical items and instruments
2 : a person who reads prescriptions for correction of vision, orders, prepares, and sometimes grinds lenses for eyeglasses, sells eyeglasses and contact lenses, and fits and adjusts eyeglasses — compare OPHTHALMOLOGIST, OPTOMETRIST

optic lobe n : either of a pair of lobes in the midbrain that are concerned with vision

optic nerve n : either of a pair of sensory nerves that are the second pair of cranial nerves and carry visual information from the retina of the eye to the brain

op·tics \ˈäp-tiks\ n : a science that deals with the nature and properties of light and the effects that it undergoes and produces

op·ti·mal \ˈäp-tə-məl\ adj : 2OPTIMUM
— op·ti·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

op·ti·mism \ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm\ n : a habit of expecting everything to turn out for the best

op·ti·mist \ˈäp-tə-məst\ n : an optimistic person

op·ti·mis·tic \ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik\ adj : showing optimism : expecting everything to come out all right : HOPEFUL
— op·ti·mis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1op·ti·mum \ˈäp-tə-məm\ n, pl -ma \-mə\ also -mums : the best or most favorable amount or degree

2optimum adj : most desirable or satisfactory <under optimum conditions>

op·tion \ˈäp-shən\ n
1 : the power or right to choose
2 : a right to buy or sell something at a specified price during a specified period <took an option on the house>
3 : something that may be chosen <a CD player was one of the options on the car>

op·tion·al \ˈäp-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj : left to one's choice : not required <optional equipment on a new car>
— op·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

op·tom·e·trist \äp-ˈtäm-ə-trəst\ n : a specialist licensed in optometry — compare OPHTHALMOLOGIST, OPTICIAN 2

op·tom·e·try \äp-ˈtäm-ə-trē\ n : the profession of examining the eyesight and prescribing corrective lenses or eye exercises to improve vision and of diagnosing and sometimes treating diseases of the eye
— op·to·met·ric \ˌäp-tə-ˈme-trik\ adj

op·u·lence \ˈäp-yə-lən(t)s\ n : great wealth

op·u·lent \ˈäp-yə-lənt\ adj : having or showing much wealth
— op·u·lent·ly adv

opus \ˈō-pəs\ n, pl opera \ˈō-pə-rə, ˈäp-ə-\ also opus·es \ˈō-pə-səz\ : 1WORK 7; esp : a musical composition or set of compositions

or \ər, (ˌ)ȯ(ə)r\ conj — used to indicate an alternative <coffee or tea> <sink or swim>

1-or \ər, ˌȯ(ə)r, ˈȯ(ə)r\ n suffix : one that does a specified thing <elevator> [derived from Latin -or or -ator, both meaning “one that does something”]

2-or \ər\ n suffix : condition : activity <demeanor> [derived from Latin -or “condition, activity”]

or·a·cle \ˈȯr-ə-kəl, ˈär-\ n
1 : a person (as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a god is believed to speak
2 : the place where a god speaks through an oracle
3 : an answer given by an oracle
4 : a person giving wise or final decisions or advice [Middle English oracle “a person through whom a god speaks,” from early French oracle (same meaning), from Latin oraculum (same meaning), from orare “to speak, pray” — related to ADORE, ORATION]

orac·u·lar \ȯ-ˈrak-yə-lər, ə-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being an oracle
2 : resembling an oracle
— orac·u·lar·ly adv

oral \ˈōr-əl, ˈȯr-, ˈär-\ adj
1 : uttered by the mouth : SPOKEN
2 : of, relating to, given by, or near the mouth <oral hygiene>
— oral·ly \-ə-lē\ adv
synonyms ORAL, VERBAL, mean expressed or communicated in words. ORAL applies only to the spoken word and not to what is written <made an oral report before the class>. VERBAL applies to either speech or writing and may stress the use of words as opposed to other forms of expression or communication <a test of your verbal and mathematical skills>.

1or·ange \ˈär-inj, ˈȯr-, -ənj\ n
1 a : a round usually sweet juicy fruit with a yellowish to reddish orange rind  b : any of various small evergreen citrus trees having shiny leaves, fragrant white flowers, and fruits which are oranges
2 : a color between red and yellow

2orange adj
1 : of or relating to the orange
2 : of the color orange

or·ange·ade \ˌär-in-ˈjād, ˈȯr-, -ən-\ n : a drink made of orange juice, sugar, and water

orange hawkweed n : a European hawkweed that has bright orange-red flower heads and is a troublesome weed in northeastern North America

or·ange·wood \ˈär-inj-ˌwu̇d, ˈȯr-, -ənj-\ n : the wood of an orange tree

orang·utan \ə-ˈraŋ-ə-ˌtaŋ, -ˌtan\ n : a large anthropoid ape of Borneo and Sumatra that is about ⅔ as large as a gorilla, eats mostly plants, lives in trees, and has very long arms, long thin reddish brown hair, and a nearly hairless face

orate \ȯ-ˈrāt\ vb orat·ed; orat·ing : to speak as if giving an oration

ora·tion \ə-ˈrā-shən, ȯ-\ n : an important speech given on some special occasion [from Latin oration-, oratio “speech,” from oratus, past participle of orare “to speak, pray” — related to ADORE, ORACLE]

or·a·tor \ˈȯr-ət-ər, ˈär-\ n : a public speaker noted for skill and power in speaking

or·a·tor·i·cal \ˌȯr-ə-ˈtȯr-i-kəl, ˌär-ə-ˈtär-\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of an orator or oratory
— or·a·tor·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

or·a·to·rio \ˌȯr-ə-ˈtōr-ē-ˌō, ˌär-, -ˈtȯr-\ n, pl -ri·os : a vocal and orchestral work usually dramatizing a religious subject without action or scenery

1or·a·to·ry \ˈȯr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, ˈär-, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries : a place for prayer; esp : a private chapel

2oratory n
1 : the art of an orator
2 : oratorical language or speeches

orb \ˈȯ(ə)rb\ n
1 : something (as a planet) in the shape of a ball
2 : 1EYE 1

1or·bit \ˈȯr-bət\ n : one of the bone-lined cavities for the eyes in the vertebrate skull — called also eye socket [Middle English orbit “eye socket,” from Latin orbita (same meaning), from earlier orbita “path, rut, track”]

2orbit n : the path taken by one body circling around another body <the orbit of the earth around the sun>; also : one complete circle that makes up such a path [from Latin orbita “path, rut, track”]
— or·bit·al \-əl\ adj

3orbit vb
1 : to move in an orbit around : CIRCLE <the moon orbits the earth>
2 : to send up so as to move in an orbit <orbit a satellite>

or·bit·er \ˈȯr-bət-ər\ n
1 : one that orbits
2 : SPACE SHUTTLE

or·chard \ˈȯr-chərd\ n
1 : a place where fruit or nut trees are grown
2 : the trees in an orchard

or·ches·tra \ˈȯr-kə-strə, -ˌkes-trə\ n
1 : the front part of the main floor of a theater
2 : a group of musicians who perform instrumental music using mostly stringed instruments
Word History In front of the ancient Greek stage was a semicircular space where a chorus danced, sang, and commented on the action of the play. The Greek word orchēstra referred to this space. It came from the verb orcheisthai, meaning “to dance.” The word was borrowed into Latin, but the Roman orchestra was reserved for the seats of prominent persons, such as senators, instead of for a chorus. When English borrowed the word, it indicated the space occupied by a group of musicians, usually right in front of the stage. It also was used to refer to the group of musicians itself. Later, orchestra came to mean the forward part or all of the main floor of a theater. [from Latin orchestra “the place in front of the stage where prominent persons sit,” from Greek orchēstra “a semicircular area in front of the stage of a theater where the chorus dances,” from orcheisthai “to dance”]

or·ches·tral \ȯr-ˈkes-trəl\ adj : of, relating to, or written for an orchestra

or·ches·trate \ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt\ vb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 : to write or arrange music for an orchestra
2 : to arrange or combine so as to get the best effect
— or·ches·tra·tion \ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-shən\ n

or·chid \ˈȯr-kəd\ n
1 : any plant or flower of a large family of plants that have usually showy flowers with three petals of which the middle petal is enlarged and differs from the others in shape and color
2 : a light purple

or·chis \ˈȯr-kəs\ n : ORCHID 1; esp : any of a genus of woodland plants having fleshy roots and a spur on the middle petal

or·dain \ȯr-ˈdān\ vb
1 : to make a person a Christian minister or priest by a special ceremony
2 a : 2DECREE <it was ordained by law>  b : DESTINE 1 <we seem ordained to fail>

or·deal \ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l\ n
1 : a method of deciding guilt or innocence by making the accused person take dangerous or painful tests <ordeal by fire>
2 : a severe test or experience

1or·der \ˈȯrd-ər\ vb or·dered; or·der·ing \ˈȯrd-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to put in order : ARRANGE <ordered the books alphabetically>
2 a : to give an order to or for <ordered them to clean their rooms> <order groceries>  b : to command to go or come to a certain place <order troops back to base>
3 : to place an order <have you ordered yet?>
— or·der·er \ˈȯrd-ər-ər\ n

2order n
1 a : a group of people united in some way (as by living under the same religious rule or by loyalty to common interests and duties) <an order of monks> <an order of knighthood>  b : the badge or emblem of such an order  c : a military medal or award
2 pl : the Christian ministry <in orders>
3 a : a rank or class in society <the lower orders>  b : 1CLASS 3A, KIND <emergencies of this order>  c : a category of biological classification ranking above the family and below the class
4 a : the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another <the order of the seasons> <in alphabetical order>  b : the established way or arrangement <the old order>  c : regular or harmonious arrangement or a condition having such an arrangement <kept my room in order>
5 a : the state of things when law or authority is obeyed <restored order after the riot>  b : a certain rule or direction : COMMAND <that's an order>
6 a : a style of building  b : a type of architectural column with its related parts
7 : good working condition <out of order>
8 a : a direction to pay money, to buy or sell, or to supply goods or services  b : goods or items bought or sold <an order of eggs and toast>
— in order : APPROPRIATE <an apology is in order>

— in order to or in order that : for the purpose of

— on the order of
1 : similar to : LIKE <cloth on the order of tweed>
2 : ABOUT <spent on the order of $2000>

— to order : according to the instructions of an order <a suit made to order>

or·dered \ˈȯrd-ərd\ adj
1 : carefully regulated or managed <led an ordered life> <an ordered landscape>
2 a : having the property that for any two different elements a and b either a is greater than b or a is less than b <the set of real numbers is ordered>  b : having elements labeled by ordinal numbers <an ordered pair has a first and a second element>

1or·der·ly \ˈȯrd-ər-lē\ adj
1 a : arranged in some order or pattern <orderly rows of houses>  b : 1TIDY 1 <kept my desk orderly>  c : regulated by law or system <an orderly universe>  d : METHODICAL 2 <an orderly thinker>
2 : well behaved <an orderly crowd>
— or·der·li·ness n

— orderly adv

2orderly n, pl -lies
1 : a soldier who carries messages and performs services for an officer
2 : a person who waits on others, cleans, and does general work in a hospital

or·di·nal \ˈȯrd-nəl, -ən-əl\ n : ORDINAL NUMBER

ordinal number n : a number indicating the place (as first, fifth, 22nd) of an item in an ordered sequence — compare CARDINAL NUMBER; see NUMBER TABLE

or·di·nance \ˈȯrd-nən(t)s, -ən-ən(t)s\ n : a law or regulation especially of a city or town

1or·di·nary \ˈȯrd-ən-ˌer-ē\ n, pl -nar·ies
1 : regular or usual condition or course of things <nothing out of the ordinary>
2  a British : a meal served to any person at a fixed price  b chiefly British : a restaurant serving regular meals

2ordinary adj
1 : to be expected : NORMAL, USUAL <ordinary problems>
2 : neither good nor bad : AVERAGE <an ordinary person>
— or·di·nari·ly \ˌȯrd-ən-ˈer-ə-lē\ adv

— or·di·nari·ness \ˈȯrd-ən-ˌer-ē-nəs\ n

or·di·nate \ˈȯrd-nət, -ən-ət, -ən-ˌāt\ n : the number in an ordered pair of numbers (as y in (x, y)) that gives the location of a point along the y-axis — called also y-coordinate; compare ABSCISSA

or·di·na·tion \ˌȯrd-ən-ˈā-shən\ n : the act of ordaining : the state of being ordained

ord·nance \ˈȯrd-nən(t)s\ n
1 : military supplies; also : the branch of the army that obtains and gives out military supplies
2 : ARTILLERY 1

Or·do·vi·cian \ˌȯrd-ə-ˈvish-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or being a period of the Paleozoic era of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Ordovician n

1ore \ˈō(ə)r, ˈȯ(ə)r\ n : a mineral mined to obtain a substance that it contains <iron ore>

2ore \ˈər-ə\ n, pl ore : a unit of value equal to 1/100 krona or 1/100 krone [Swedish öre and Danish and Norwegian øre]

ore·ad \ˈōr-ē-ˌad, ˈȯr-, -ē-əd\ n : a nymph of mountains and hills in Greek mythology

oreg·a·no \ə-ˈreg-ə-ˌnō\ n, pl -nos : a bushy mint with leaves used as a seasoning and a source of a fragrant oil

or·gan \ˈȯr-gən\ n
1 a : a keyboard musical instrument in which sets of pipes are sounded by compressed air  b : an electronic keyboard musical instrument by which sounds like those of an organ are made
2 : a part (as a kidney or leaf) of a person, plant, or animal that consists of cells and tissues and is specialized to do a particular task — compare SYSTEM 1B
3 : a way of getting something done <courts are organs of government>
4 : a publication (as a newspaper or magazine) of a special group

or·gan·dy also or·gan·die \ˈȯr-gən-dē\ n, pl -dies : a fine transparent cotton fabric with a stiff finish and a plain weave

or·gan·elle \ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel\ n : a structure (as a mitochondrion) in a cell that performs a special function

or·gan–grind·er \ˈȯr-gən-ˌgrīn-dər\ n : a traveling street musician who plays a hand organ

or·gan·ic \ȯr-ˈgan-ik\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or arising in a bodily organ  b : affecting the structure of the living thing <an organic disease>
2 a : of, relating to, or obtained from living things <organic matter>  b : of, relating to, or containing carbon compounds  c : of, relating to, or dealt with by a branch of chemistry concerned with the carbon compounds of living things and most other carbon compounds  d : relating to, producing, dealing in, or involving foods produced with the use of feed or fertilizer obtained from plants or animals and without the use of laboratory-made fertilizers, growth substances, antibiotics, or pesticides <organic gardeners> <organic food stores>
3 a : forming an important part of a whole : FUNDAMENTAL  b : having the parts related together <an organic whole>
— or·gan·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

or·gan·ism \ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2 : an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
— or·gan·is·mic \ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mik\ adj

or·gan·ist \ˈȯr-gə-nəst\ n : one who plays an organ

1or·ga·ni·za·tion \ˌȯrg-(ə-)nə-ˈzā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of organizing
2 : the condition or manner of being organized <a high degree of organization>
3 a : a group of persons organized for some purpose <a business organization>  b : an administrative and functional unit (as a business or a political party); also : the personnel of such a unit
— or·ga·ni·za·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

2organization adj : behaving and thinking in a way that an organization would approve of

or·ga·nize \ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to make separate parts into one united whole : form or form into an organization
2 : to put into order : SYSTEMATIZE <organize your work>
— or·ga·niz·er n

or·ga·nized adj : having an organization to plan and carry out activities <organized baseball>

organ of Cor·ti \-ˈkȯrt-ē\ : a structure in the cochlea that is the chief part of the ear which receives sound and changes it into signals carrying information to the brain

or·gasm \ˈȯr-ˌgaz-əm\ n : the climax of sexual excitement

or·gy \ˈȯr-jē\ n, pl orgies
1 : secret ceremonies in honor of an ancient Greek or Roman god usually celebrated by wild singing and dancing
2 : something (as a party) that resembles an orgy in lack of control

ori·el window \ˈōr-ē-əl-, ˈȯr-\ n : a large window that sticks out from and is supported against a wall

ori·ent \ˈōr-ē-ˌent, ˈȯr-\ vb
1 a : to cause to face toward the east  b : to set or arrange in a definite position especially in relation to the points of the compass
2 : to acquaint with a situation or environment <orient new students>
3 : to direct towards the interests of a particular group <movies that are oriented toward teenagers>

Ori·ent \ˈōr-ē-ənt, ˈȯr-, -ē-ˌent\ n : 3EAST 2; esp : the countries of eastern Asia
Word History The Romans had no magnetic compasses, so they depended on the position of the rising sun to determine directions in the daytime. The direction from which the sun rose (which we know as east) was called oriens. This word was formed from the verb oriri, meaning “to rise, come forth.” The word oriens also came to be used for the part of the world in the direction from which the sun rose, that is, the area we call the East. The English word Orient, taken from the Latin oriens, was used for the same general area to the east of Europe, and especially eastern Asia. When the verb orient was first used in English, it meant “to set or face toward the east.” To orient a church means to build it so that the aisles lead up to the main altar at the eastern end of the building. Other senses of the verb developed later. [Middle English orient “east,” from Medieval French orient (same meaning), from Latin orient-, oriens “the direction in which the sun rises,” from oriri “to rise” — related to ORIGIN]

ori·en·tal \ˌōr-ē-ˈent-əl, ˌȯr-\ adj, often cap : of, relating to, or situated in Asia
— ori·en·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

Oriental n, sometimes offensive : one who is a native of east Asia or is of east Asian descent

Oriental poppy n : an Asian perennial poppy commonly grown for its very large showy flowers

Oriental rug n : a handwoven or hand-knotted rug or carpet made in a country of central or southern Asia

ori·en·tate \ˈōr-ē-ən-ˌtāt, ˈȯr-, -ˌen-\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : ORIENT

ori·en·ta·tion \ˌōr-ē-ən-ˈtā-shən, ˌȯr-ē-ˌen-\ n
1 a : the act or process of orienting or of being oriented  b : the state of being oriented
2 a : a usually general or lasting direction of thought, inclination, or interest  b : a person's sexual identity or self-identification <bisexual in orientation>
3 : change of position by a cell or organism or by one of their parts in response to outside stimulus

ori·en·teer·ing \ˌȯr-ē-ən-ˈtir-iŋ\ n : a competitive or noncompetitive recreational activity in which participants find their way over an unfamiliar course (as in the woods) using a map and compass

-ories plural of -ORY

or·i·fice \ˈȯr-ə-fəs, ˈär-\ n : an opening (as a mouth or hole) through which something may pass

ori·ga·mi \ˌȯr-ə-ˈgäm-ē\ n : the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes

or·i·gin \ˈȯr-ə-jən, ˈär-\ n
1 : ANCESTRY 1, PARENTAGE
2 a : a rising, beginning, or coming from a source  b : basic source or cause
3 : the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis on a graph [Middle English origine “ancestry,” from Latin origin-, origo, from oriri “to rise” — related to ABORIGINE, ORIENT; see Word History at ORIENT]

1orig·i·nal \ə-ˈrij-ən-əl, -nəl\ n : something from which a copy or translation is made

2original adj
1 : relating to or being the origin or beginning : FIRST, EARLIEST <the original part of an old house> <original owners>
2 : not copied or imitated from something else <original paintings> <an original idea>
3 : being an original
4 : able to think up new things : INVENTIVE <an original artist>  synonyms see NEW

orig·i·nal·i·ty \ə-ˌrij-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n
1 : the quality or state of being original : FRESHNESS <the originality of an idea>
2 : the power or ability to think, act, or do something in new ways : CREATIVITY <an artist of great originality>

orig·i·nal·ly \ə-ˈrij-ən-əl-ē, -nəl-ē\ adv
1 : in the beginning : in the first place
2 : in an original manner

original sin n
1 : the state of sin that according to Christian teaching all people are born in as a result of Adam's sin in Eden
2 : a very great and significant wrong <the original sin of slavery>

orig·i·nate \ə-ˈrij-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to bring into existence : cause to be : INITIATE, INVENT
2 : to come into existence : ARISE
— orig·i·na·tion \-ˌrij-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— orig·i·na·tor \-ˈrij-ə-ˌnāt-ər\ n

ori·ole \ˈōr-ē-ˌōl, ˈȯr-, -ē-əl\ n
1 : any of various usually brightly colored Old World birds related to the crows
2 : any of various New World birds that build hanging nests woven from various materials (as grass and leaves) and the males of which are usually black and yellow or orange and the females chiefly greenish or yellowish

Ori·on \ə-ˈrī-ən, ȯ-\ n : a group of stars on the equator east of Taurus represented on charts by the figure of a hunter with belt and sword

or·i·son \ˈȯr-ə-sən, ˈär-, -zən\ n
1 : PRAYER 1
2 : PRAYER 2A

Or·lon \ˈȯ(ə)r-ˌlän\ trademark — used for an acrylic fiber

1or·na·ment \ˈȯr-nə-mənt\ n
1 : something that adds beauty : DECORATION
2 : addition of something that beautifies <a satin bow applied for ornament>

2or·na·ment \ˈȯr-nə-ˌment\ vb : to provide with ornament : ADORN
— or·na·men·ta·tion \ˌȯr-nə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n

1or·na·men·tal \ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or serving as ornament
— or·na·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

2ornamental n : a decorative object; esp : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use

or·nate \ȯr-ˈnāt\ adj : decorated in a fancy way
— or·nate·ly adv

— or·nate·ness n

or·nery \ˈȯrn-(ə-)rē, ˈärn-\ adj or·neri·er; -est : having an irritable disposition
— or·neri·ness n

or·ni·thol·o·gist \ˌȯr-nə-ˈthäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in ornithology

or·ni·thol·o·gy \ˌȯr-nə-ˈthäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of zoology dealing with birds

1or·phan \ˈȯr-fən\ n
1 : a child whose parents are dead
2 : one who has had some protection or advantage taken away <orphans of the storm>
— orphan adj

— or·phan·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

2orphan vb or·phaned; or·phan·ing \ˈȯrf-(ə-)niŋ\ : to cause to become an orphan <children orphaned by war>

or·phan·age \ˈȯrf-(ə-)nij\ n : an institution for the care of orphans

or·tho·clase \ˈȯr-thə-ˌklās, -ˌklāz\ n : a mineral consisting especially of potassium feldspar

orth·odon·tics \ˌȯr-thə-ˈdänt-iks\ n : a branch of dentistry dealing with faults in the arrangement and placing of teeth and with their correction (as by means of braces)
— orth·odon·tic \-ˈdänt-ik\ adj

orth·odon·tist \ˌȯr-thə-ˈdänt-əst\ n : a dentist who specializes in orthodontics

or·tho·dox \ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks\ adj
1 : holding established beliefs especially in religion <an orthodox Christian>
2 : approved as measuring up to some standard : USUAL, CONVENTIONAL <take an orthodox approach to a problem>
3 cap  a : EASTERN ORTHODOX  b : of or relating to Orthodox Judaism
— or·tho·dox·ly adv
Word History When someone has the same opinions and beliefs as those held by most other people, these opinions are usually considered the “right” opinions to have. In English such opinions might be called “orthodox.” The English word orthodox comes originally from the Greek words orthos, meaning “right, true” and doxa, meaning “opinion.” These two words were combined to form the Greek verb orthodoxein, meaning “to have the right opinion.” From orthodoxein came the Greek adjective orthodoxos, which was borrowed into Latin as orthodoxus. The English adjective orthodox comes from this Latin adjective. [from early French orthodoxe or Latin orthodoxus, both meaning “orthodox,” from Greek orthodoxos (same meaning), from orthodoxein “to have the right or true opinion,” derived from orthos “right, true” and doxa “opinion”]

Orthodox Judaism n : Judaism that considers the Torah and Talmud sacred and that strictly follows Jewish laws and traditions in everyday life

or·tho·doxy \ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäk-sē\ n, pl -dox·ies
1 : the quality or state of being orthodox
2 : an orthodox belief or practice

or·thog·ra·phy \ȯr-ˈthäg-rə-fē\ n, pl -phies
1 : correct spelling
2 : a way or style of spelling
— or·tho·graph·ic \ˌȯr-thə-ˈgraf-ik\ also or·tho·graph·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— or·tho·graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

or·tho·pe·dic \ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or used in orthopedics
2 : marked by or affected with skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

or·tho·pe·dics \ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-iks\ n sing or pl : a branch of medicine dealing with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and structures (as tendons and ligaments) closely associated with it

or·tho·pe·dist \ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-əst\ n : a physician who specializes in orthopedics

1-o·ry \ˌōr-ē, ˌȯr-ē, (ə-)rē\ n suffix, pl -ories : place of or for <observatory> [derived from Latin -orius (adjective suffix)]

2-ory adj suffix : of, relating to, serving for, or characterized by <regulatory>

oryx \ˈōr-iks, ˈȯr-, ˈär-\ n, pl oryx or oryx·es : any of several African antelopes having long horns that are straight or that curve backward

Osage \ō-ˈsāj, ˈō-ˌsāj\ n, pl Osag·es or Osage : a member of an American Indian people originally of Missouri

os·cil·late \ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 a : to swing backward and forward like a pendulum  b : to move or travel back and forth between two points
2 : to have trouble deciding between opposing beliefs, feelings, or ideas
— os·cil·la·to·ry \ˈäs-ə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

os·cil·la·tion \ˌäs-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the action or state of oscillating : VIBRATION
2 : VARIATION 1, FLUCTUATION
3 : a single swing (as of an oscillating body) from one extreme limit to the other

os·cil·la·tor \ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər\ n
1 : one that oscillates
2 : a device for producing alternating current; esp : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

os·cil·lo·scope \ä-ˈsil-ə-ˌskōp, ə-\ n : an instrument in which the variations in a continually changing electrical quantity appear temporarily as a visible wave form on the screen of a cathode-ray tube

Osee \ˈō-ˌzē, ō-ˈzā-ə\ n : HOSEA

osier \ˈō-zhər\ n
1 : any of various willows with easily bent twigs used for making furniture and baskets
2 : a willow rod used for making baskets
3 : any of several American dogwoods

os·mi·um \ˈäz-mē-əm\ n : a hard brittle blue-gray or blue-black metallic element with a high melting point that is the heaviest metal known — see ELEMENT TABLE

os·mo·sis \äz-ˈmō-səs, äs-\ n
1 : the passage of material (as a solvent) through a membrane (as of a plant or animal cell) that will not allow all kinds of molecules to pass
2 : a taking in (as of knowledge) as if by the process of osmosis
— os·mot·ic \-ˈmät-ik\ adj

os·prey \ˈäs-prē, -ˌprā\ n, pl ospreys : a large hawk that is dark brown above and mostly white below and that feeds chiefly on fish — called also fish hawk

os·si·cle \ˈäs-i-kəl\ n : a small bone or bony structure (as one of the three small bones of the middle ear) [Latin, literally, “small bone”]

os·si·fi·ca·tion \ˌäs-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : the natural process of bone formation

os·si·fy \ˈäs-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to become or change into bone or bony tissue
2 : to become or make hardened or set in one's ways

os·ten·si·ble \ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl, ə-\ adj : shown outwardly : APPARENT <the ostensible purpose of his visit>

os·ten·si·bly \ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-blē, ə-\ adv : to all outward appearances : SEEMINGLY <a statement ostensibly true>

os·ten·ta·tion \ˌäs-tən-ˈtā-shən\ n : unnecessary show to attract attention, admiration, or envy

os·ten·ta·tious \ˌäs-tən-ˈtā-shəs\ adj : fond of or showing ostentation
— os·ten·ta·tious·ly adv

— os·ten·ta·tious·ness n

os·teo·ar·thri·tis \ˌäs-tē-ō-är-ˈthrīt-əs\ n : arthritis marked by the breakdown of cartilage and bone of joints

os·te·o·blast \ˈäs-tē-ə-ˌblast\ n : a cell that forms bone

os·te·o·cyte \ˈäs-tē-ə-ˌsīt\ n : a bone cell that develops from an osteoblast trapped in one of the tiny spaces in bone

os·teo·path \ˈäs-tē-ə-ˌpath\ n : a person who practices osteopathy

os·te·op·a·thy \ˌäs-tē-ˈäp-ə-thē\ n : a system of treating diseases that uses procedures involving especially the manipulation of bones but does not exclude other treatment (as the use of drugs and surgery)
— os·teo·path·ic \ˌäs-tē-ə-ˈpath-ik\ adj

os·te·o·po·ro·sis \ˌäs-tē-ō-pə-ˈrō-səs\ n : a condition affecting especially older women that is characterized by weak bones that are easily broken

ostler variant of HOSTLER

os·tra·cism \ˈäs-trə-ˌsiz-əm\ n
1 : a method of temporary banishment by popular vote without trial practiced in ancient Greece
2 : a general refusal to include someone as part of a social group

os·tra·cize \ˈäs-trə-ˌsīz\ vb -cized; -ciz·ing : to force to leave or refuse to include by ostracism
Word History The ancient Greek word ostrakon had several meanings, including “a shell” and “a fragment of pottery.” Such pottery fragments were used in ancient Athens as ballots in a particular kind of popular vote. Once a year the citizens would gather in the marketplace to decide who, if anyone, should be forced to go away temporarily for the good of the city. Each voter wrote a name on an ostrakon. If enough votes were cast against one person, then that person was sent away from the city, or ostracized. [from Greek ostrakizein “to banish by voting with pottery fragments,” from ostrakon “shell, pottery fragment”]

os·trich \ˈäs-trich, ˈȯs-\ n
1 : a very large bird of Africa that often weighs as much as 300 pounds (140 kilograms) runs very quickly but cannot fly, and has large wing and tail feathers used especially formerly in dusters and fans and to adorn hats and clothing
2 : one who tries to avoid danger by refusing to face it

1oth·er \ˈəth-ər\ adj
1 : not being the one or ones first mentioned or included <broke my other arm>
2 : having one come before that is not included or counted : SECOND <every other day>
3 : not the same : DIFFERENT <any other color would be better>
4 : ADDITIONAL <some other guests are coming>
5 : recently past <the other evening>

2other n
1 : a remaining one <lift one foot and then the other>
2 : a different or additional one <the others came later>

3other pron : a different or additional one <something or other>

4other adv : OTHERWISE 1 <could not get there other than by helicopter>

1other than prep : EXCEPT FOR, BESIDES <other than that, nothing happened>

2other than conj : 3EXCEPT 2, BUT <cannot enter other than by special permission>

oth·er·wise \ˈə-thər-ˌwīz\ adv
1 : in a different way : DIFFERENTLY <could not do otherwise>
2 : in different circumstances <otherwise we might have won>
3 : in other respects <the otherwise busy street>

oth·er·world \ˈəth-ər-ˌwərld\ n : a world beyond death

oto·lar·yn·gol·o·gy \ˈōt-ō-ˌlar-ən-ˈgäl-ə-jē\ n : a medical specialty concerned with the ear, nose, and throat

ot·ter \ˈät-ər\ n, pl otter or otters
1 : any of several water-dwelling mammals that are related to the weasels and minks, have webbed feet with claws and dark brown fur, and feed on other animals (as fish, clams, and crabs) that live in or near the water — compare SEA OTTER
2 : the fur or pelt of an otter

ot·to·man \ˈät-ə-mən\ n, pl -mans
1 cap : a citizen or government official of the Ottoman Empire
2 : an upholstered footstool

Ot·to·man \ˈät-ə-mən\ adj : of or relating to the Ottoman Empire, its rulers, or its citizens or government officials

ouch \ˈau̇ch\ interj — used to express sudden pain

ought \ˈȯt\ helping verb
1 — used to express duty <we ought to pay our debts>
2 — used to express what it would be wise to do <you ought to take care of yourself>
3 — used to express what is naturally expected <they ought to be here by now>
4 — used to express what is correct <the result ought to be zero>

oughtn't \ˈȯt-ənt\ : ought not

ounce \ˈau̇n(t)s\ n
1 a : a unit of weight equal to 1/12 troy pound (about 31 grams) — see MEASURE TABLE  b : a unit of weight equal to 1/16 avoirdupois pound (about 28 grams)  c : a small amount <an ounce of common sense>
2 : FLUID OUNCE
Word History The Latin word uncia was used to mean “a twelfth part of something.” In reference to length, it meant one-twelfth of a pes “foot.” In reference to weight, it meant one-twelfth of a libra “pound.” Uncia, as a unit of length, came into Old English as ince or ynce, which became our inch. Uncia, as a unit of weight, came into Middle English from the early French word unce and became our ounce. In the present system of weights used in this country, the pound is divided into sixteen parts instead of twelve. The result is that the ounce, which originally meant one-twelfth, is now equal to one-sixteenth of a pound. [Middle English unce, ounce “ounce,” from early French unce (same meaning), from Latin uncia “a twelfth part, ounce,” from unus “one” — related to INCH, UNITE]

our \är, (ˈ)au̇(ə)r\ adj : of or relating to us or ourselves or ourself <our house> <our actions> <our being chosen>

Our Father n : LORD'S PRAYER

ours \(ˈ)au̇(ə)rz, ärz\ pron sing or pl : that which belongs to us <your yard is big and ours is small>

our·selves \är-ˈselvz, au̇(ə)r-\ pron pl
1 : our own selves — used for emphasis or to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same <we amused ourselves> <we did it ourselves>
2 : our normal or healthy selves <just not ourselves today>

-ous \əs\ adj suffix
1 : full of : having plenty of <clamorous>
2 : having : possessing the qualities of <poisonous> [derived from Latin -osus (adjective suffix)]

oust \ˈau̇st\ vb : to force or drive out (as from office or from possession of something)

oust·er \ˈau̇s-tər\ n : the act or an instance of ousting or being ousted

1out \ˈau̇t\ adv
1 a : in a direction away from the inside, center, or surface <look out of a window>  b : 1OUTDOORS <it's raining out>  c : OUT-OF-BOUNDS
2 : from among others <picked out a hat>
3 : away from home, business, or the usual or proper place <out to lunch> <left a word out>
4 : into a state of loss or defeat <was voted out of office>
5 : into the possession or control of another <lent out money>
6 : into groups or shares <sorted out her notes>
7 a : so as to be exhausted, completed, or discontinued <the food ran out> <the light burned out>  b : at an end <before the week is out>
8 a : in or into the open <the sun came out>  b : ALOUD <cried out>
9 a : to completion or satisfaction <work the problem out>  b : to the full or a great extent or degree <stretched out on the floor> <all decked out>
10 : so as to put out or be put out in baseball <the catcher threw the runner out> <grounded out to shortstop>

2out vb : to become known <the truth will out>

3out \(ˌ)au̇t\ prep — used to indicate an outward movement <ran out the door> <looked out the window>

4out \ˈau̇t\ adj
1 a : located outside or at a distance <the out islands>  b : OUT-OF-BOUNDS
2 : not being in power <the out party>
3 : not allowed to continue batting, to occupy a base, or to score in baseball <the runner was out>
4 : directed outward or directing something outward <put the letter in the out basket>
5 : 1ABSENT 1, MISSING <a basket with its bottom out>
6 : no longer in fashion <that style of pants is definitely out>
7 : not to be considered <that choice was out as far as we were concerned>
8 : DETERMINED 1 <was out to get revenge>
9 : engaged in or attempting a particular activity <won on his first time out>

5out \ˈau̇t\ n
1 : one who is out of power
2 a : the putting out of a batter or base runner in baseball  b : a player who has been put out
3 : a way of escaping from an embarrassing situation or a difficulty

out- prefix : in a manner that goes beyond <outmaneuver> [derived from out (adverb)]

out–and–out \ˌau̇t-ən-ˈ(d)au̇t\ adj : being exactly what is stated : COMPLETE, THOROUGHGOING <an out-and-out crook>

out·bid \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈbid\ vb -bid; -bid·ding : to make a higher bid than

1out·board \ˈau̇t-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ adj
1 : located outboard
2 : having or using an outboard motor

2outboard adv
1 : outside a ship's hull : away from the long axis of a ship
2 : in a position closer to the wing tips of an airplane

3outboard n : OUTBOARD MOTOR

outboard motor n : a small internal-combustion engine with propeller attached for mounting at the stern of a small boat

out·bound \ˈau̇t-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : outward bound <outbound traffic>

out·brave \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈbrāv\ vb
1 : to face or resist boldly
2 : to have more courage than

out·break \ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk\ n
1 : a sudden increase in activity use, or acceptance <the outbreak of war>
2 : something (as an epidemic or revolution) that breaks out <an outbreak of measles>

out·breed·ing \-ˌbrēd-iŋ\ n : the interbreeding of individuals that are unrelated or only distantly related

out·build·ing \-ˌbil-diŋ\ n : a building separate from and smaller than the main one

out·burst \-ˌbərst\ n
1 : a sudden violent expression of strong feeling <an outburst of anger>
2 : a sudden increase in activity or growth

out·cast \-ˌkast\ n : a person who is cast out by society : PARIAH
— outcast adj

out·caste \-ˌkast\ n
1 : a Hindu who has been forced out of a caste for violation of its rules
2 : one who has no caste

out·class \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈklas\ vb : to do or be so much better than as to appear of a higher class

out·come \ˈau̇t-ˌkəm\ n : 2RESULT 1

1out·crop \ˈau̇t-ˌkräp\ n
1 : a coming out of bedrock to the surface of the ground
2 : the part of a rock formation that appears at the surface of the ground

2out·crop \ˈau̇t-ˌkräp, (ˈ)au̇t-ˈkräp\ vb -cropped; -crop·ping : to come to the surface : APPEAR <granite outcropping through softer rocks>

out·crop·ping \ˈȧut-ˌkrä-piŋ\ n : 1OUTCROP

1out·cross \ˈau̇t-ˌkrȯs\ n
1 : a cross made by outcrossing two individuals or strains
2 : the offspring resulting from an outcross

2outcross vb : to cross with an unrelated individual or strain or one that is only distantly related

out·cry \ˈau̇t-ˌkrī\ n
1 : a loud cry : CLAMOR
2 : a strong protest

out·dat·ed \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈdāt-əd\ adj : not up-to-date

out·dis·tance \-ˈdis-tən(t)s\ vb : to go far ahead of (as in a race) : OUTSTRIP

out·do \-ˈdü\ vb -did \-ˈdid\; -done \-ˈdən\; -do·ing \-ˈdü-iŋ\ : to go beyond in achievement or performance  synonyms see EXCEED

out·door \ˌau̇t-ˌdō(ə)r, -ˌdȯ(ə)r\ also out·doors \-ˌdō(ə)rz, -ˌdȯ(ə)rz\ adj
1 : of or relating to the outdoors <an outdoor setting>
2 : done outdoors <outdoor games>
3 : having no roof and walls <an outdoor theater>

1out·doors \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈdō(ə)rz, -ˈdȯ(ə)rz\ adv : outside a building : in or into the open air

2outdoors n
1 : a place away from or outside a building
2 : the world away from human dwellings

out·er \ˈau̇t-ər\ adj
1 : located on the outside or farther out <the outer wall>
2 : being away from a center <the outer planets of the solar system>

outer ear n : the outer visible part of the ear that collects and directs sound waves toward the eardrum by way of a canal through the temporal bone

out·er·most \ˈau̇t-ər-ˌmōst\ adj : farthest out

outer space n : 1SPACE 4; esp : the region beyond the solar system

out·er·wear \ˈau̇t-ər-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n
1 : clothing for outdoor wear
2 : outer clothing as opposed to underwear

out·field \ˈau̇t-ˌfēld\ n
1 : the part of a baseball field beyond the infield and between the foul lines
2 : the players positioned in the outfield
— out·field·er \-ˌfēl-dər\ n

out·fight \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈfīt\ vb -fought \-ˈfȯt\; -fight·ing : to fight better than : DEFEAT

1out·fit \ˈau̇t-ˌfit\ n
1 : the equipment or clothing especially for some special purpose <a camping outfit> <a sports outfit>
2 : a group of persons working together or associated in the same activity <soldiers in the same outfit>

2outfit vb -fit·ted; -fit·ting : to furnish with an outfit : EQUIP <outfit an expedition>
— out·fit·ter n

out·flank \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈflaŋk\ vb : to get around the side of (a military formation) <outflank the enemy>

out·flow \ˈau̇t-ˌflō\ n
1 : a flowing out <an outflow of fans from the stadium>
2 : something that flows out

out·fox \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈfäks\ vb : OUTWIT

out·go \ˈau̇t-ˌgō\ n, pl outgoes : money spent : OUTLAY

out·go·ing \ˈau̇t-ˌgō-iŋ\ adj
1 a : going out : DEPARTING <outgoing tide>  b : retiring from a position <the outgoing governor>
2 : being at ease and friendly when dealing with others <an outgoing person>

out·grow \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈgrō\ vb -grew \-ˈgrü\; -grown \-ˈgrōn\; -grow·ing
1 : to grow faster than
2 : to grow too large or too mature for <outgrew their clothes> <outgrow playing with dolls>

out·growth \ˈau̇t-ˌgrōth\ n
1 : something that grows out of or develops from something else
2 : OFFSHOOT 1, BY-PRODUCT

out·guess \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈges\ vb : to correctly foresee the plans, actions, or activities of

out·house \ˈau̇t-ˌhau̇s\ n : OUTBUILDING; esp : 2PRIVY 1

out·ing \ˈau̇t-iŋ\ n : a brief usually outdoor pleasure trip

out·land·er \ˈau̇t-ˌlan-dər\ n : a person from another country or region

out·land·ish \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈlan-dish\ adj : of strange appearance or manner : BIZARRE <an outlandish costume>
— out·land·ish·ly adv

— out·land·ish·ness n

out·last \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈlast\ vb : to last longer than : SURVIVE

1out·law \ˈau̇t-ˌlȯ\ n
1 : a person who is not given the protection of the law
2 : a lawless person or one who is running away from the law
3 : an animal (as a horse) that is wild and hard to control
— outlaw adj

2outlaw vb
1 : to deprive of the protection of law
2 : to make illegal <dueling was outlawed>
— out·law·ry \ˈau̇t-ˌlȯ(ə)r-ē\ n

out·lay \ˈau̇t-ˌlā\ n
1 : the act of spending
2 : an amount spent : PAYMENT

out·let \ˈau̇t-ˌlet, -lət\ n
1 : a place or opening through which something is let out : EXIT, VENT
2 : a means of release or satisfaction <an outlet for her grief>
3 a : a market for a product  b : an agency (as a store or dealer) through which a product is marketed
4 : an electrical device (as in a wall) into which an appliance may be plugged

1out·line \ˈau̇t-ˌlīn\ n
1 : a line that traces or forms the outer limits of an object or figure and shows its shape
2 a : a drawing or picture giving only the outlines of something  b : this method of drawing
3 a : a brief summary or plan often in numbered divisions  b : a brief treatment of a subject <an outline of world history>

2outline vb
1 : to draw or trace the outline of
2 : to indicate the main features or parts of <outlined our responsibilities>

out·live \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈliv\ vb : to live longer than : OUTLAST

out·look \ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k\ n
1 a : a place offering a view  b : a view from a particular place
2 : POINT OF VIEW
3 : conditions that seem to lie ahead <the outlook for business>

out loud adv : loudly enough to be heard : ALOUD

out·ly·ing \ˈau̇t-ˌlī-iŋ\ adj : being far from a center or main body <an outlying suburb>

out·ma·neu·ver \ˌau̇t-mə-ˈn(y)ü-vər\ vb : to be more skillful or successful than in maneuvering

out·mod·ed \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈmōd-əd\ adj : no longer acceptable, usable, or fashionable <outmoded beliefs>

out·most \ˈau̇t-ˌmōst\ adj : OUTERMOST

out·num·ber \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈnəm-bər\ vb : to be more than in number <girls outnumber boys in the class>

out of prep
1 a : from within to the outside of <walked out of the room>  b — used to indicate a change in quality, state, or form <woke out of a deep sleep>  c : beyond the range or limits of <moved out of sight>
2 : BECAUSE OF, FROM <fled out of fear>
3 — used to indicate source, material, or cause <built out of old lumber>
4 — used to indicate the state or condition of being without something especially that was there before <the store is out of bread> <cheated us out of our savings>
5 : from among <one out of four survived>
6 — used to indicate the center of a business or activity <runs her business out of her home>

out–of–bounds \ˌau̇t-ə(v)-ˈbau̇n(d)z\ adv or adj : outside the limits of the playing area <the pass went out-of-bounds>

out–of–date \-ˈdāt\ adj : OUTMODED, OBSOLETE

out–of–door \-ˈdō(ə)r, -ˈdȯ(ə)r\ or out–of–doors \-ˈdō(ə)rz, -ˈdȯ(ə)rz\ adj
1 : OUTDOOR 1
2 : OUTDOOR 2

out–of–doors n : 2OUTDOORS

out of doors adv : 1OUTDOORS

out–of–the–way \ˌau̇t-ə(v)-thə-ˈwā\ adj
1 : being off the usual paths <an out-of-the-way village>
2 : not commonly found or met : UNUSUAL <the store specializes in out-of-the-way books>

out·pace \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈpās\ vb : OUTRUN

out·pa·tient \ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt\ n : a patient who visits a hospital for diagnosis or treatment without staying overnight — compare INPATIENT

out·play \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā\ vb : to play better than

out·post \ˈau̇t-ˌpōst\ n
1 : a guard stationed at a distance from a military force or camp
2 : the position occupied by an outpost
3 : a settlement on a frontier or in a faraway place

out·pour·ing \-ˌpōr-iŋ, -ˌpȯr-\ n
1 : the act of pouring out
2 a : something that pours out or is poured out  b : OUTBURST 1

1out·put \ˈau̇t-ˌpu̇t\ n
1 : something produced: as  a : agricultural or industrial production <steel output>  b : mental or artistic production <writing output>  c : the amount produced by a person in a given time  d : power or energy delivered or produced by a machine or system <light output of the sun>  e : the information produced by a computer
2 : a point at which something (as power, an electronic signal, or data) comes out

2output vb -put·ted or -put; -put·ting : to produce as output

1out·rage \ˈau̇t-ˌrāj\ n
1 : a violent or brutal act
2 : an act that hurts someone or shows disrespect for a person's feelings
3 : the angry feelings caused by injury or insult [from early French outrage “an act of violence or brutality” from outre “beyond” (from Latin ultra “beyond”) and -age “action”]

2outrage vb -raged; -rag·ing
1 : to cause to suffer violent injury or abuse
2 : to cause to feel anger or resentment

out·ra·geous \au̇t-ˈrā-jəs\ adj : extremely annoying, insulting, or shameful : SHOCKING
— out·ra·geous·ly adv

— out·ra·geous·ness n

out·rank \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈraŋk\ vb : to rank higher or be more important than

ou·tré \ü-ˈtrā\ adj : very strange or unusual : BIZARRE [French]

out·rid·er \ˈau̇t-ˌrīd-ər\ n : a mounted escort

out·rig·ger \ˈau̇t-ˌrig-ər\ n
1 : a frame that extends from the side of a boat to prevent upsetting
2 : a boat equipped with an outrigger

1out·right \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈrīt\ adv
1 a : in entirety : COMPLETELY <sold outright>  b : without holding back <laughed outright>
2 : on the spot : INSTANTANEOUSLY <killed outright>

2out·right \ˈau̇t-ˌrīt\ adj
1 : being exactly what is stated <an outright lie>
2 : given without restriction <an outright gift>

out·run \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən\ vb -ran \-ˈran\; -run; -run·ning
1 : to run or go faster than
2 : EXCEED 1 <our needs outran our funds>

out·sell \-ˈsel\ vb -sold \-ˈsōld\; -sell·ing
1 : to be sold more than <corn outsold beets>
2 : to sell more than <we outsell our competitors>

out·set \ˈau̇t-ˌset\ n : BEGINNING 1, START

out·shine \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈshīn\ vb -shone \-ˈshōn\; -shin·ing
1 : to shine brighter than
2 : EXCEL, SURPASS

1out·side \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd, ˈau̇t-ˌsīd\ n
1 : a place or region beyond an enclosure or boundary
2 : an outer side or surface
3 : the extreme limit of a guess : MOST <the crowd numbered 10,000 at the outside>

2outside adj
1 : of, relating to, or being on the outside <the outside edge>
2 : connected with or leading to the outside <an outside door>
3 : coming from outside <outside influences>
4 : barely possible : REMOTE <an outside chance>

3outside adv : on or to the outside <waited outside in the hall>; esp : 1OUTDOORS <took the dog outside>

4outside prep
1 : on or to the outside of <outside the house>
2 : beyond the limits of <outside the law>
3 : 1EXCEPT 2, BESIDES <nobody outside a few close friends>

outside of prep
1 : 4OUTSIDE 2
2 : EXCEPT FOR <outside of her brother she is alone in the house>

out·sid·er \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd-ər\ n : a person who does not belong to a particular group

1out·size \ˈau̇t-ˌsīz\ n : a size different and especially larger than the standard

2outsize also out·sized \-ˌsīzd\ adj : unusually large or heavy

out·skirts \ˈau̇t-ˌskərts\ n pl : the parts far from the center of a place or town

out·smart \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈsmärt\ vb : OUTWIT

out·spo·ken \au̇t-ˈspō-kən\ adj : direct and open in speech or expression : FRANK
— out·spo·ken·ness \-kən-nəs\ n

out·spread \-ˈspred\ vb -spread; -spread·ing : to spread out : EXTEND
— out·spread \ˈau̇t-ˌspred\ adj

out·stand·ing \-ˈstan-diŋ\ adj
1 : sticking out : PROJECTING
2 a : not yet paid : UNPAID <outstanding bills>  b : continuing in being : UNRESOLVED <problems outstanding>
3 : attracting notice especially because of excellence <an outstanding scholar>  synonyms see NOTICEABLE
— out·stand·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adv

out·stay \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈstā\ vb
1 : to stay beyond or longer than <outstayed their welcome>
2 : to be able to hold out longer than

out·stretch \au̇t-ˈstrech\ vb : to stretch out : EXTEND

out·strip \-ˈstrip\ vb -stripped; -strip·ping
1 : to go faster or farther than <outstripped the other runners>
2 a : EXCEL <outstripped all rivals>  b : EXCEED 1 <demand outstrips supply>

out–there \ˈau̇t-ˈtha(ə)r, -ˈth(ə)r\ adj : UNCONVENTIONAL <out-there styles>

1out·ward \ˈau̇t-wərd\ adj
1 : moving or directed toward the outside or away from a center <an outward flow>
2 : showing on the outside <outward signs of fear>

2outward or out·wards \-wərdz\ adv : toward the outside <the city stretches outward for miles> <fold it outward>

out·ward·ly \ˈau̇t-wərd-lē\ adv : on the outside : in outward appearance <outwardly calm>

out·wear \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈwa(ə)r, -ˈwe(ə)r\ vb -wore \-ˈwō(ə)r, -ˈwȯ(ə)r\; -worn \-ˈwō(ə)rn, -ˈwȯ(ə)rn\; -wear·ing : to last longer than <a fabric that outwears others>

out·weigh \-ˈwā\ vb : to be greater than in weight, value, or importance <the benefits outweigh the disadvantages>

out·wit \au̇t-ˈwit\ vb -wit·ted; -wit·ting : to get the better of by cleverness  synonyms see FRUSTRATE

1out·work \(ˈ)au̇t-ˈwərk\ vb : to outdo in working

2out·work \ˈau̇t-ˌwərk\ n : a small protected position constructed outside a main defense (as a castle)

out·worn \au̇t-ˈwō(ə)rn, -ˈwȯ(ə)rn\ adj : WORN-OUT 1, OUT-OF-DATE <an outworn system>

ou·zel \ˈü-zəl\ n : DIPPER 2

ova plural of OVUM

1oval \ˈō-vəl\ n : an oval figure or object

2oval adj : having the shape or outline of an egg [from Latin ovalis (adjective) “having the shape of an egg,” derived from earlier ovum “egg”]

oval window n : an oval opening between the middle ear and inner ear having the base of the stapes attached to its membrane

ovar·i·an \ō-ˈvar-ē-ən, -ˈver-\ adj : of, relating to, or produced by an ovary <ovarian hormones>

ova·ry \ˈōv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : one of the usually paired organs in the body of female animals that produces eggs and that in female vertebrates also produces sex hormones
2 : the enlarged rounded lower part of the pistil of a flower in which seeds are formed

ovate \ˈō-ˌvāt\ adj : shaped like an egg in outline with the base wider than the end <ovate leaves>

ova·tion \ō-ˈvā-shən\ n : a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause

ov·en \ˈəv-ən\ n : a chamber (as in a stove) used for baking, heating, or drying

ov·en·bird \-ˌbərd\ n : an American warbler that builds a dome-shaped nest on the ground

1over \ˈō-vər\ adv
1 a : across a barrier or space <fly over to London>  b : in a direction down or forward and down <fell over>  c : across the brim <soup boiled over>  d : so as to bring the underside up <turned his cards over>  e : from one person or side to another <hand it over>  f : to one's home <ask them over>  g : at a distance from a certain point <two streets over>  h : to agreement <won them over>
2 : 1ACROSS 3 <got their point over>
3 a : beyond a limit <the show ran a minute over>  b : more than needed : too many or too much <over fond of food>  c : till a later time (as the next day) : OVERNIGHT <stay over> <sleep over>
4 : so as to cover the whole surface <windows boarded over>
5 — used in a two-way radio transmission to indicate that a message is complete and a reply is expected
6 a : 2THROUGH 2A <read it over>  b : once more : AGAIN <do it over>

2over \ˌō-vər, ˈō-\ prep
1 : higher than : ABOVE <towered over my mother> <flew over the lake>
2 a : above in authority, power, or worth <respected those over us>  b : in front of : AHEAD OF, BEYOND <a big lead over the others>
3 : more than <cost over $5>
4 a : down upon especially so as to cover <laid a blanket over the child>  b : all through or throughout <all over town> <went over her notes>  c : on or along the surface of <over the road>
5 a : 2ACROSS 1 <jump over a stream>  b : to or on the other side of <climb over the fence>  c : down from : OFF <fell over the edge>
6 : DURING <over the past 25 years>
7 — used to indicate an object of concern <trouble over money>
8 : by means of <heard the news over the radio>

3over \ˈō-vər, ˌō-\ adj
1 : having or being more than is needed or expected <the balance was $3 over>
2 : brought or having come to an end <the day is over>

over- prefix
1 : so as to be greater, better, or stronger than
2 : so as to be too much or too great [from over (adverb or adjective)]

- overabundance

- overabundant

- overambitious

- overanxious

- overbake

- overbold

- overburden

- overcareful

- overcautious

- overcomplicate

- overcomplicated

- overconfidence

- overconfident

- overconfidently

- overconscientious

- overcook

- overcount

- overcritical

- overdecorate

- overdependence

- overdependent

- overdramatic

- overeager

- overeagerness

- overemphasis

- overemphasize

- overenthusiastic

- overexaggerate

- overexaggeration

- overexcite

- overexcited

- overexert

- overexertion

- overfamiliar

- overfat

- overfertilization

- overgenerous

- overhasty

- overheat

- overindulge

- overindulgence

- overindulgent

- overlarge

- overload

- overlong

- overmodest

- overnice

- overpay

- overpayment

- overpopulate

- overpopulation

- overpraise

- overproduce

- overproduction

- overprotect

- overprotection

- overprotective

- overprotectiveness

- overreact

- overreaction

- overrefined

- overrefinement

- oversensitive

- oversensitiveness

- oversensitivity

- overspecialization

- overspecialize

- overstuff

- oversubtle

- oversuspicious

- overtax

- overtaxation

- overtip

- overtired

- overtrain

- overwater

- overwind

- overwithhold

- overzealous

- overzealousness

over·achiev·er \ˌōvər-ə-ˈchē-vər\ n : one who achieves success over and above the standard or expected level especially at an early age
— over·achieve \-ˈchēv\ vb

— over·achieve·ment \-mənt\ n

over·act \ˌō-və-ˈrakt\ vb
1 : to act more than is necessary
2 : to overact a part
3 : to exaggerate in acting

over·ac·tive \ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv\ adj : very active and especially abnormally so <an overactive thyroid>
— over·ac·tiv·i·ty \-rak-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

1over·age \ˌō-və-ˈrāj\ adj : older than is normal for one's position <overage students>

2over·age \ˈōv-(ə-)rij\ n : 1EXCESS 1, SURPLUS

1over·all \ˌō-və-ˈrȯl\ adv : as a whole : GENERALLY <we find your work satisfactory, overall>

2overall \ˌō-və-ˈrȯl, ˈō-və-ˌrȯl\ adj
1 : including everything <overall expenses>
2 : viewed as a whole : GENERAL

over·alls \ˈō-və-ˌrȯlz\ n pl : loose trousers made of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps

over and above prep : 1BESIDES

over and over adv : many times : OFTEN

over·arm \ˈō-və-ˌrärm\ adj
1 : 1OVERHAND
2 : made with the arm lifted out of the water and stretched forward <an overarm swimming stroke>

over·awe \ˌō-və-ˈrȯ\ vb : to make quiet or peaceful with fear, respect, or wonder

over·bal·ance \ˌō-vər-ˈbal-ən(t)s\ vb
1 : to have greater weight or importance than <your good qualities overbalanced your shortcomings>
2 : to lose or cause to lose balance <a boat overbalanced by shifting cargo>

over·bear \ˌō-vər-ˈba(ə)r, -ˈbe(ə)r\ vb -bore \-ˈbō(ə)r, -ˈbȯ(ə)r\; -borne \-ˈbō(ə)rn, -ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ also -born \-ˈbȯ(ə)rn\; -bear·ing
1 : to bring down by a stronger weight or force : OVERPOWER
2 : to exceed in importance or forcefulness : OUTWEIGH

over·bear·ing \-ˈba(ə)r-iŋ, -ˈbe(ə)r-\ adj : ARROGANT, DOMINEERING
— over·bear·ing·ly adv

over·bid \ˌō-vər-ˈbid\ vb -bid; -bid·ding : to bid too high
— over·bid \ˈō-vər-ˌbid\ n

over·bite \ˈō-vər-ˌbīt\ n : the projection of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when the biting surfaces of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws are in contact

over·board \ˈō-vər-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ adv
1 : over the side of a ship into the water
2 : to extremes of enthusiasm <go overboard for a new fad>

over·buy \ˌō-vər-ˈbī\ vb -bought \-ˈbȯt\; -buy·ing : to buy more than is needed or can be afforded

1over·cast vb -cast; -cast·ing
1 \ˌō-vər-ˈkast, ˈō-vər-ˌkast\ : DARKEN 1, OVERSHADOW
2 \ˈō-vər-ˌkast\ : to sew with stitches that prevent the material at the edge of a seam from coming apart

2over·cast \ˌō-vər-ˈkast, ˌō-vər-ˈkast\ adj : clouded over : GLOOMY <an overcast night>

3over·cast \ˈō-vər-ˌkast\ n : COVERING; esp : a covering of clouds over the sky

over·charge \ˌō-vər-ˈchärj\ vb
1 : to charge too much
2 : to fill or load too full <a cannon overcharged with powder>
— over·charge \ˈō-vər-ˌchärj\ n

over·cloud \-ˈklau̇d\ vb : to overspread with clouds : DARKEN

over·coat \ˈō-vər-ˌkōt\ n : a warm coat worn over indoor clothing

over·come \ˌō-vər-ˈkəm\ vb -came \-ˈkām\; -come; -com·ing
1 : to gain an advantage or victory over <overcome an enemy>
2 : to make helpless or exhausted <was overcome by gas>  synonyms see CONQUER

over·crowd \-ˈkrau̇d\ vb
1 : to cause to be too crowded
2 : to crowd together too much

over·do \-ˈdü\ vb -did \-ˈdid\; -done \-ˈdən\; -do·ing \-ˈdü-iŋ\
1 : to do too much <overdoes it getting ready for a party>
2 : EXAGGERATE <overdo praise>
3 : to cook too long <meat that is overdone>

1over·dose \ˈō-vər-ˌdōs\ n : too great a dose
— over·dos·age \ˌō-vər-ˈdō-sij\ n

2over·dose \ˌō-vər-ˈdōs\ vb
1 : to give an overdose or too many doses to
2 : to take or experience an overdose <overdosed on heroin>

over·draft \ˈō-vər-ˌdraft\ n : an overdrawing of a bank account or the amount overdrawn

over·draw \ˌō-vər-ˈdrȯ\ vb -drew \-ˈdrü\; -drawn \-ˈdrȯn\; -draw·ing
1 : to draw checks on (a bank account) for more than the balance in it
2 : EXAGGERATE, OVERSTATE

1over·dress \ˌō-vər-ˈdres\ vb : to dress too formally or warmly for an occasion

2over·dress \ˈō-vər-ˌdres\ n : a dress worn over another

over·drive \ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv\ n : a transmission gear in an automobile that allows the drive shaft to operate at a speed greater than that of the engine crankshaft

over·due \ˌō-vər-ˈd(y)ü\ adj
1 a : unpaid when due <overdue bills>  b : not appearing or presented on time <an overdue train> <an overdue book>
2 : more than ready <a country overdue for governmental reform>

over·eat \ˌō-vər-ˈēt\ vb over·ate \-ˈāt\; -eat·en \-ˈēt-ən\; -eat·ing : to eat to excess
— over·eat·er \-ˈēt-ər\ n

over·es·ti·mate \ˌō-və-ˈres-tə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to estimate as being more than the actual size, quantity, or number <overestimated how many would attend>
2 : to place too high a value on : OVERRATE <overestimated his abilities>
— over·es·ti·mate \-mət\ n

— over·es·ti·ma·tion \-ˌres-tə-ˈmā-shən\ n

over·ex·pose \ˌō-və-rik-ˈspōz\ vb -posed; -pos·ing : to expose (as photographic material) for a longer time than is needed or desirable
— over·ex·po·sure \-ˈspō-zhər\ n

over·ex·tend \ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend\ vb : to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point; esp : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid
— over·ex·ten·sion \-ˈsten-shən\ n

over·feed \ˌō-vər-ˈfēd\ vb -fed \-ˈfed\; -feed·ing : to feed or eat to excess

over·fill \ˌō-vər-ˈfil\ vb : to fill to overflowing

over·fish \-ˈfish\ vb : to fish too much for (a kind of fish) or in (a certain area)

over·flight \ˈō-vər-ˌflīt\ n : a flight over an area

1over·flow \ˌō-vər-ˈflō\ vb
1 : to cover with or as if with water : INUNDATE
2 : to flow over the brim or top of <the river overflowed its banks>
3 : to flow over bounds <the creek overflows every spring>
4 : to fill a space up and spread beyond its limits <the paragraph overflowed the page>

2over·flow \ˈō-vər-ˌflō\ n
1 : a flowing over : FLOOD
2 : something that flows over : SURPLUS
3 : an outlet or container for liquid that overflows

over·fly \ˌō-vər-ˈflī\ vb -flew \-ˈflü\; -flown \-ˈflōn\; -fly·ing : to fly over; esp : to pass over in an aircraft or spacecraft

over·gar·ment \ˈō-vər-ˌgär-mənt\ n : an outer garment

over·graze \ō-vər-ˈgrāz\ vb -grazed; -graz·ing : to allow animals to graze (as a pasture) to the point of damaging the vegetation

over·grow \ˌō-vər-ˈgrō\ vb -grew \-ˈgrü\; -grown \-ˈgrōn\; -grow·ing
1 : to grow over so as to cover
2 : OUTGROW
3 : to grow too big <an overgrown puppy>
4 : to become grown over
— over·growth \ˈō-vər-ˌgrōth\ n

overgrown adj : grown unusually or too big <overgrown boys> <overgrown cities>

1over·hand \ˈō-vər-ˌhand\ adj : made with the hand brought forward and down from above shoulder level <an overhand pitch> <an overhand tennis stroke>
— overhand adv

— over·hand·ed \ˌō-vər-ˈhan-dəd\ adv

2overhand n : an overhand stroke (as in tennis)

overhand knot n : a small knot often used to prevent the end of a cord from pulling apart — see KNOT ILLUSTRATION

1over·hang \ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ, ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ\ vb -hung \-ˌhəŋ, -ˈhəŋ\; -hang·ing
1 : to stick out or hang over
2 : THREATEN 3

2over·hang \ˈō-vər-haŋ\ n : a part that overhangs <the overhang of a roof>

over·haul \ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl\ vb
1 : to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on <overhaul an engine>
2 : OVERTAKE 1A
— over·haul \ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl\ n

1over·head \ˌō-vər-ˈhed\ adv : above one's head : ALOFT <geese flying overhead>

2over·head \ˈō-vər-ˌhed\ adj
1 : operating or lying above <an overhead door>
2 : of or relating to business expense

3over·head \ˈō-vər-ˌhed\ n
1 : general business expenses (as rent, heat, or insurance)
2 : a stroke in a racket game made above head height : SMASH

over·hear \ˌō-vər-ˈhi(ə)r\ vb -heard \-ˈhərd\; -hear·ing \-ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ\ : to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention

over·joy \ˌō-vər-ˈjȯi\ vb : to fill with great joy

over·kill \-ˈkil\ n
1 : a much greater capacity for destruction than is needed for a particular target
2 : an excess beyond what is needed or suitable <advertising overkill>

over·land \ˈō-vər-ˌland, -lənd\ adv or adj : by, on, or across land

over·lap \ˌō-vər-ˈlap\ vb
1 : to lay or lie over (something) so as to partly cover <that piece overlaps the edge>
2 : to have something in common <political and social interests that often overlap>
3 : to occupy the same area in part <the photos overlap>
— over·lap \ˈō-vər-ˌlap\ n

1over·lay \ˌō-vər-ˈlā\ vb -laid \-ˈlād\; -lay·ing
1 : to lay or spread over or across
2 : OVERLIE

2over·lay \ˈō-vər-ˌlā\ n : something (as a veneer on wood) that is overlaid

over·leap \ˌō-vər-ˈlēp\ vb -leaped or -leapt \-ˈlēpt also -ˈlept\; -leap·ing \-ˈlē-piŋ\
1 : to leap over or across <overleap a ditch>
2 : to defeat (oneself) by going too far

over·learn \-ˈlərn\ vb : to continue to study or practice something after mastering it

over·lie \-ˈlī\ vb -lay \-ˈlā\; -lain \-ˈlān\; -ly·ing \-ˈlī-iŋ\ : to lie over or upon

over·look \ˌō-vər-ˈlu̇k\ vb
1 : to look over : INSPECT
2 a : to look down upon from above  b : to provide a view of from above <the mountain overlooks a lake>
3 a : to fail to see : MISS  b : to pay no attention to : IGNORE <overlook a beginner's mistakes>

over·lord \ˈō-vər-ˌlȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a lord who rules over other lords
2 : an absolute or supreme ruler

over·ly \ˈō-vər-lē\ adv : to an excessive degree : TOO

over·mas·ter \ˌō-vər-ˈmas-tər\ vb : OVERPOWER, SUBDUE

over·match \-ˈmach\ vb
1 : to be more than a match for : DEFEAT
2 : to match with a stronger opponent <a boxer who was badly overmatched>

1over·much \ˌō-vər-ˈməch\ adj or adv : too much

2over·much \ˈō-vər-ˌməch, ˌō-vər-ˈməch\ n : too great an amount

1over·night \ˌō-vər-ˈnīt\ adv
1 : on or during the evening or night <stayed away overnight>
2 : very quickly or suddenly <became famous overnight>

2overnight adj
1 : of, lasting, or staying the night <overnight trip> <an overnight guest>
2 : SUDDEN 1 <overnight stardom>
3 : traveling during the night <an overnight train>
4 : delivered within one day's time <overnight mail>

overnight bag n : a suitcase of a size to carry clothing and personal articles for an overnight trip — called also overnight case

over·night·er \ˌō-vər-ˈnīt-ər\ n
1 : OVERNIGHT BAG
2 : an overnight trip
3 : a person who stays overnight

1over·pass \ˌō-vər-ˈpas\ vb
1 : to pass across, over, or beyond
2 : SURPASS
3 : 1DISREGARD, IGNORE

2over·pass \ˈō-vər-ˌpas\ n
1 : a crossing (as of two highways or of a highway and railroad) at different levels usually by means of a bridge
2 : the upper level of an overpass

over·play \ˌō-vər-ˈplā\ vb
1 : EXAGGERATE, OVEREMPHASIZE <newspapers overplayed the story>
2 : to rely too much on the strength of <overplayed my hand and lost>

over·pop·u·late \-ˈpäp-yə-ˌlāt\ vb : to populate too densely : cause to have too great a population <the city was overpopulated and polluted>

over·pop·u·la·tion \-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the condition of having too many people living in a certain area

over·pow·er \ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r\ vb
1 : to overcome by greater force : DEFEAT
2 : OVERWHELM 2 <overpowered by hunger>
— over·pow·er·ing·ly \-ˈpau̇r-iŋ-lē\ adv

over·price \ˌō-vər-ˈprīs\ vb : to price too high

over·print \-ˈprint\ vb : to print over with something additional
— over·print \ˈō-vər-ˌprint\ n

over·rate \ˌō-və(r)-ˈrāt\ vb : to rate, value, or estimate too highly <a book that was overrated>

over·reach \-ˈrēch\ vb
1 : to reach above or beyond : OVERTOP
2 : to defeat (oneself) by trying to do or gain too much
3 : OUTWIT, TRICK
4 : to reach or go too far
— over·reach·er n

over·ride \-ˈrīd\ vb -rode \-ˈrōd\; -rid·den \-ˈrid-ən\; -rid·ing \-ˈrīd-iŋ\
1 : to ride over or across : TRAMPLE
2 : to ride a horse too much or too hard
3 a : to take power away from : DOMINATE  b : ANNUL 2 <the congress overrode the president's veto>

over·ripe \-ˈrīp\ adj : passed beyond ripeness toward decay <an overripe pear>

over·rule \-ˈrül\ vb
1 : to decide against <the judge overruled the objection>
2 : to reverse or set aside (a decision or ruling made by a lesser authority)

1over·run \ˌō-və(r)-ˈrən\ vb -ran \-ˈran\; -run; -run·ning
1 a : to invade and occupy <the island was overrun by the enemy>  b : to spread, swarm, or grow over <a garden overrun with weeds> <rats overran the ship>
2 : to run or go beyond or past <overran third base> <the program overran the time allowed>
3 : flow over <the river overran its banks>

2over·run \ˈō-və(r)-ˌrən\ n
1 : an act or instance of overrunning
2 : the amount by which something overruns

over·sea \ˌō-vər-ˈsē, ˈō-vər-ˌsē\ adj or adv : OVERSEAS

over·seas \-ˈsēz, -ˌsēz\ adv or adj : beyond or across the sea

over·see \ˌō-vər-ˈsē\ vb -saw \-ˈsȯ\; -seen \-ˈsēn\; -see·ing
1 : to look down upon : SURVEY
2 a : to look over : EXAMINE  b : SUPERINTEND, SUPERVISE

over·seer \ˈō-və(r)-ˌsi(ə)r, -ˌsē-ər; ˌō-və(r)-ˈsi(ə)r, -ˈsē-ər\ n : one that oversees : SUPERINTENDENT

over·sell \ˌō-vər-ˈsel\ vb -sold \-ˈsōld\; -sell·ing : to sell too much to or of

over·shad·ow \-ˈshad-ō\ vb
1 : to cast a shadow over : DARKEN
2 : to become more important than : OUTWEIGH <the win overshadowed the player's injury>

over·shoe \ˈō-vər-ˌshü\ n : a shoe (as of rubber) worn over another for protection; esp : GALOSH

over·shoot \ˌō-vər-ˈshüt\ vb -shot \-ˈshät\; -shoot·ing
1 : to miss by going beyond <the plane overshot the runway>
2 : to shoot over or beyond <overshot the target>

over·shot \ˈō-vər-ˌshät\ adj : moved by water shooting over from above <an overshot waterwheel>

over·sight \-ˌsīt\ n
1 : the act or duty of overseeing : SUPERVISION <have the oversight of a job>
2 : an error or a leaving something out through carelessness or haste

over·sim·pli·fy \ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī\ vb : to simplify something so much that the result is confusing, misleading, or wrong
— over·sim·pli·fi·ca·tion \-ˌsim-pləfə-ˈkā-shən\ n

over·size \-ˈsīz\ or over·sized \-ˈsīzd\ adj : being of more than normal or ordinary size <oversize pillows> <an oversize shirt>

over·skirt \-ˌskərt\ n : a skirt worn over another skirt

over·sleep \ˌō-vər-ˈslēp\ vb -slept \-ˈslept\; -sleep·ing : to sleep beyond the usual time or beyond the time set for getting up

over·spread \-ˈspred\ vb -spread; -spread·ing : to spread over or above <branches overspreading a garden path>

over·state \-ˈstāt\ vb : to state in too strong terms : EXAGGERATE
— over·state·ment \-mənt\ n

over·stay \-ˈstā\ vb : to stay beyond the time or the limits of <overstayed their welcome>

over·step \-ˈstep\ vb : to step over or beyond : EXCEED <overstepped their authority>

over·stock \-ˈstäk\ vb : to stock more than there is need or room for <stores overstocked with toys>
— over·stock \ˈō-vər-ˌstäk\ n

over·stuffed \ˌō-vər-ˈstəft\ adj
1 : stuffed too full
2 : covered completely and deeply with upholstery <an overstuffed chair>

over·sub·scribe \-səb-ˈskrīb\ vb : to subscribe for more of than is available <oversubscribe a stock issue>

over·sup·ply \-sə-ˈplī\ n : a supply that is too large : SURPLUS

overt \ō-ˈvərt, ˈō-(ˌ)vərt\ adj : open to view : not secret <overt hostility>
— overt·ly adv

— overt·ness n

over·take \ˌō-vər-ˈtāk\ vb -took \-ˈtu̇k\; -tak·en \-ˈtā-kən\; -tak·ing
1 a : to catch up with  b : to catch up with and pass by
2 : to come upon suddenly <a blizzard overtook the hunting party>

over–the–counter adj : sold legally without a prescription <an over-the-counter pain reliever>

over·throw \-ˈthrō\ vb -threw \-ˈthrü\; -thrown \-ˈthrōn\; -throw·ing
1 : OVERTURN 1, UPSET <lawn chairs overthrown by the gale>
2 : 1DEFEAT, DESTROY <a government overthrown by rebels>
3 : to throw a ball over or past <overthrew second base>  synonyms see CONQUER
— over·throw \ˈō-vər-ˌthrō\ n

over·time \ˈō-vər-ˌtīm\ n
1 : time beyond a set limit; esp : working time beyond a standard day or week
2 : the wage paid for overtime
— overtime adv or adj

over·tone \-ˌtōn\ n
1 : any of a series of higher tones related to and produced along with a base tone that make up the whole sound of a musical tone
2 : an accompanying result, quality, or meaning : SUGGESTION <the words carried an overtone of menace>

over·top \ˌō-vər-ˈtäp\ vb
1 : to rise above the top of : go beyond in height <overtopped my cousin by 3 inches>
2 : SURPASS

over·ture \ˈō-və(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər\ n
1 : an opening offer : PROPOSAL <the enemy made overtures for peace>
2 a : a musical composition played by the orchestra as the introduction to an opera or musical play  b : a piece of music in the style of an overture for concert performance

over·turn \ˌō-vər-ˈtərn\ vb
1 : to turn over or upside down <waves overturned the boat>
2 a : INVALIDATE, DESTROY <overturn the group's unity>  b : 2REVERSE 2A <overturn the court's ruling>
— over·turn \ˈō-vər-ˌtərn\ n

1over·use \-ˈyüz\ vb : to use too much <an overused phrase>

2over·use \-ˈyüs\ n : too much use

over·val·ue \-ˈval-yü\ vb
1 : to give an excessive value to <overvalue a stock>
2 : to value too highly : place too much importance on <overvalued the opinions of others>

over·view \ˈō-vər-ˌvyü\ n : a general survey : SUMMARY

over·ween·ing \ˌō-vər-ˈwē-niŋ\ adj
1 : ARROGANT, CONCEITED
2 : IMMODERATE, EXAGGERATED <overweening pride>
— over·ween·ing·ly adv

over·weigh \ˌō-vər-ˈwā\ vb : to weigh more than : OVERBALANCE <it overweighed other considerations>

1over·weight \ˈō-vər-ˌwāt, sense 2 is usually ˌō-vər-ˈwāt\ n
1 : weight above what is required or allowed
2 : excessive or burdensome weight

2over·weight \ˌō-vər-ˈwāt\ adj : being more than the expected, normal, or proper weight; esp : having greater than normal bodily weight for one's age, height, and build

over·whelm \ˌō-vər-ˈhwelm, -ˈwelm\ vb
1 : to cover over completely : SUBMERGE <a boat overwhelmed by a wave>
2 : to overcome completely : CRUSH <overwhelmed by grief>

over·whelm·ing \ˌō-vər-ˈhwel-miŋ, -wel-\ adj : GREAT 4, EXTREME <an overwhelming response>
— over·whelm·ing·ly adv

over·win·ter \-ˈwint-ər\ vb : to spend or survive the winter <the butterfly overwinters in Mexico>

over·work \-ˈwərk\ vb
1 : to work or cause to work too hard or long <overworked the crew>
2 : to use too much <overworked phrases>
— overwork n

over·write \ˌō-və(r)-ˈrīt\ vb -wrote \-ˈrōt\; -writ·ten \-ˈrit-ən\; -writ·ing \-ˈrīt-iŋ\
1 : to write over the surface of : write on top of
2 : to write too much or in an overly elaborate style <overwritten accounts of everyday events>

over·wrought \ˌō-və(r)-ˈrȯt\ adj
1 : extremely excited : AGITATED <overwrought feelings>
2 : decorated too much : OVERDONE

ovi·duct \ˈō-və-ˌdəkt\ n : a tube for the passage of eggs from the ovary of an animal [from scientific Latin oviductus “oviduct,” from Latin ovi- “egg” (from ovum “egg”) and Latin ductus “tube, duct”]

ovip·a·rous \ō-ˈvip-(ə-)rəs\ adj : producing eggs that develop and hatch outside the body of the female

ovi·pos·i·tor \ˈō-və-ˌpäz-ət-ər\ n : a specialized organ (as of an insect) for depositing eggs

ovoid \ˈō-ˌvȯid\ adj : OVATE

ovu·late \ˈäv-yə-ˌlāt, ˈōv-\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to produce eggs or release them from an ovary
— ovu·la·tion \ˌäv-yə-ˈlā-shən, ˌōv-\ n

ovule \ˈäv-(ˌ)yü(ə)l, ˈōv-\ n
1 : an outgrowth of the ovary of a seed plant that after fertilization develops into a seed
2 : a small egg; esp : one in an early stage of growth

ovum \ˈō-vəm\ n, pl ova \-və\ : 2EGG 1C

ow \ˈau̇, ˈü\ interj — used especially to express sudden pain

owe \ˈō\ vb owed; ow·ing
1 a : to be obligated to pay or repay <owes me $5>  b : to be indebted to <owes the grocer for supplies>  c : to be in debt <owes for her house>
2 : to have or possess as something obtained from or given to <owes much to good luck>
— owe it : to have a responsibility to do something <owes it to us to apologize>

ow·ing \ˈō-iŋ\ adj : due to be paid : OWED <have bills owing> <claim no more than is owing>

owing to prep : BECAUSE OF <absent owing to illness>

owl \ˈau̇(ə)l\ n : any of an order of birds of prey that are active mainly at night and that have a broad head, very large eyes, and a powerful hooked beak and claws

owl·et \ˈau̇-lət\ n : a young or small owl

owl·ish \ˈau̇-lish\ adj : resembling or suggesting an owl
— owl·ish·ly adv

— owl·ish·ness n

1own \ˈōn\ adj : belonging to oneself or itself <my own room>

2own vb
1 a : to have or hold as property : POSSESS  b : to have power or control over <wanted to own her own life>
2 : to admit that something is true : CONFESS <owned to being scared> <if you broke the window, own up>  synonyms see ACKNOWLEDGE
— own·er \ˈō-nər\ n

— own·er·ship \-ˌship\ n

3own pron sing or pl : one or ones belonging to oneself — used after a possessive <dog of his own>
— on one's own : without outside help or control <we're on our own now> <did the whole thing on her own>

ox \ˈäks\ n, pl ox·en \ˈäk-sən\ also ox
1 : a common large domesticated bovine mammal which is kept for milk, draft, and meat and of which the female is a cow and the male a bull; esp : an adult castrated male
2 : any various related bovine mammals (as the buffalo)

ox·blood \ˈäks-ˌbləd\ n : a medium reddish brown

ox·bow \-ˌbō\ n
1 : a U-shaped collar worn by a draft ox
2 : something (as a bend in a river) resembling an oxbow
— oxbow adj

ox·cart \-ˌkärt\ n : a cart drawn by oxen

ox·eye \ˈäk-ˌsī\ n : any of several plants related to the daisies and having heads with both disk and ray flowers

oxeye daisy n : DAISY 1B

ox·ford \ˈäks-fərd\ n
1 : a low shoe laced over the middle of the foot
2 : OXFORD CLOTH

oxford cloth n : a soft strong cotton or synthetic fabric that has a weave that is plain or like that of a basket

ox·i·da·tion \ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən\ n
1 : the process of oxidizing
2 : the state or result of being oxidized
— ox·i·da·tive \ˈäk-sə-ˌdāt-iv\ adj

oxidation state n : a positive or negative number that represents the effective charge of an atom or element and indicates the extent of or possibility for oxidation of the atom or element <the usual oxidation state of sodium is +1 and of oxygen −2> — called also oxidation number

ox·ide \ˈäk-ˌsīd\ n : a compound of oxygen with another element or a chemical group

ox·i·dize \ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz\ vb -dized; -diz·ing
1 : to combine with oxygen
2 : to remove hydrogen from especially by the action of oxygen
3 : to remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
4 : to become oxidized
— ox·i·diz·er n

oxy·acet·y·lene \ˌäk-sē-ə-ˈset-əl-ən, -əl-ˌēn\ adj : of, relating to, or using a mixture of oxygen and acetylene <oxyacetylene torch>

ox·y·gen \ˈäk-si-jən\ n : a reactive element that is found in water, rocks, and free as a colorless tasteless odorless gas which forms about 21 percent of the atmosphere, that is capable of combining with almost all elements, and that is necessary for life — see ELEMENT TABLE
Word History Oxygen was discovered by two scientists working independently, Joseph Priestley of England and Carl Scheele of Sweden. However, it was the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier who later gave the gas its name. He said the most common characteristic of this element was its ability to combine with other substances to form acids. For this reason Lavoisier named it oxygène, literally meaning “acid producer.” The origin of his word was two Greek elements, oxys, meaning “sharp, sour,” and -genēs, meaning “born, generated.” [from French oxygène “oxygen,” literally, “acid producer,” from oxy- “sharp, acid” (from Greek oxys “sharp, sour”) and -gène “one that produces or generates” (from Greek -genēs “born, generated”)]

ox·y·gen·ate \ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnāt, äk-ˈsij-ə-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to combine or supply with oxygen
— ox·y·gen·ation \ˌäk-si-jə-ˈnā-shən, äk-ˌsij-ə-\ n

oxygen debt n : a lack of oxygen that develops in the body during periods of intense activity and must be made good when the body returns to rest

oxygen mask n : a device worn over the nose and mouth through which oxygen is supplied from a storage tank

oxygen tent n : a flexible enclosure which can be placed over and around a person in bed and within which a flow of oxygen can be maintained

oxy·he·mo·glo·bin \ˌäk-si-ˈhē-mə-ˌglō-bən\ n : a compound of hemoglobin with oxygen that is the chief means of transportation of oxygen from the air (as in the lungs) by way of the blood to the tissues

ox·y·mo·ron \ˌäk-si-ˈmōr-ˌän, -ˈmȯr-\ n, pl oxymorons also ox·y·mo·ra \-ˈmōr-ə, -ˈmȯr-ə\ : a combination of contradictory words (as cruel kindness) [from Greek oxymōros “pointedly foolish,” from Greek oxys “sharp, keen” and mōros “foolish”]

oy \ˈȯi\ interj — used especially to express annoyance or dismay <oy, what a mess>

oyez \ō-ˈyā, -ˈyes\ imperative verb — used as a call to gain attention before a public announcement

oys·ter \ˈȯi-stər\ n : any of various marine mollusks that include important edible shellfish and have a rough uneven shell made up of two hinged parts and closed by a single muscle

oyster bed n : a place where oysters grow or are cultivated

oyster catcher n : any of several wading birds with stout legs, a heavy wedge-shaped bill, and often black and white plumage

oyster cracker n : a small salted usually round cracker

ozone \ˈō-ˌzōn\ n
1 : a form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating sharp-smelling gas containing three atoms per molecule, and that is used especially in disinfecting, deodorizing, and bleaching
2 : pure and refreshing air

ozone hole n : an area of the ozone layer (as near the south pole) that is seasonally depleted of ozone

ozone layer n : a layer of the earth's atmosphere at heights of about 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) that is normally characterized by high ozone content which blocks most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation from entry into the lower atmosphere

P

p \ˈpē\ n, often cap : the 16th letter of the English alphabet

pa \ˈpä, ˈpȯ\ n : 1FATHER 1A

1pace \ˈpās\ n
1 a : rate of moving especially on foot  b : rate of progress <the pace of the story was slow>
2 a : a manner of going on foot : GAIT  b : a fast gait of a horse in which legs on the same side move together
3 : a single step or a measure based on the length of a human step

2pace vb paced; pac·ing
1 : to walk with slow steady steps <pacing to and fro>
2 : to cover at a walk <pace the floor>
3 : to measure by paces <pace off twenty feet>
4 : to set or regulate the pace of <tried to pace himself during the marathon>
— pac·er n

pace·mak·er \ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər\ n
1 : a group of cells or a bodily part (as of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic bodily activity
2 : an electrical device for steadying or establishing the heartbeat

pachy·derm \ˈpak-i-ˌdərm\ n : any of various usually thick-skinned mammals (as an elephant or a rhinoceros) that have hooves or nails resembling hooves; esp : ELEPHANT

pa·cif·ic \pə-ˈsif-ik\ adj
1 : tending to lessen or avoid fights or disagreements
2 : having a peaceful nature
— pa·cif·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

Pacific salmon n : SALMON 1B

Pacific time n : the time of the 8th time zone west of Greenwich that includes the Pacific coastal region of the U.S. — see TIME ZONE ILLUSTRATION

pac·i·fi·er \ˈpas-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n
1 : one that pacifies
2 : a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on

pac·i·fism \ˈpas-ə-ˌfiz-əm\ n : opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes
— pac·i·fist \-fəst\ n

pac·i·fy \ˈpas-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to make peaceful or quiet <pacify a crying child>
2 : to restore to a peaceful state : SETTLE, SUBDUE <sent troops to pacify the country> [Middle English pacifien “to soothe the anger or disturbance of, make peaceful,” from Latin pacificare (same meaning), from pac-, pax “peace” — related to APPEASE, PEACE]
— pac·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌpas-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
synonyms PACIFY, MOLLIFY, APPEASE, PLACATE, mean to calm the feelings of. PACIFY suggests the quieting of persons who are upset or angry <pacify a crying baby with a toy>. MOLLIFY suggests a comforting of hurt feelings <an apology would probably mollify your friend>. APPEASE suggests dealing with another's anger or threats by giving in to demands <some were willing to appease the dictator in order to keep peace>. PLACATE suggests changing anger or bitterness to goodwill <the builders placated the people of the neighborhood by including a playground in their plans>.

1pack \ˈpak\ n
1 a : a bundle arranged for carrying especially on the back of a person or animal  b : a group of items packaged as a unit <a pack of cards>  c : PACKET 2, CONTAINER  d : a stack of magnetic disks in a container for use as a storage device
2 : the contents of a pack
3 a : a group of similar persons or animals <a pack of thieves> <a wolf pack>  b : an organized troop (as of Cub Scouts)
4 : a tight mass or group; esp : a mass of ice chunks floating on the sea
5 : absorbent material (as gauze pads) used medically (as to apply medicine or moisture or to press upon a bodily part to stop bleeding) — compare ICE PACK 2 [Middle English pack “a bundle for carrying on the back”; of Germanic origin]

2pack vb
1 a : to place articles in (as for transportation or storage) <pack a suitcase>  b : to cover or fill so as to prevent passage (as of air or water) <pack the joint of a pipe>  c : to place closely and securely in a container or bundle <pack goods>
2 a : to crowd in <people packed the hall>  b : to form into a pack <ice is packing in the gorge>
3 : to send or go away without delay <pack a child off to school>
4 : to transport on foot or on the back of an animal <pack water from a spring>
5 : 1CARRY 6 <pack a gun>
6 : to be supplied with : POSSESS <a storm packing hurricane winds>
synonyms PACK, CRAM, STUFF, mean to fill something to its limit or beyond. PACK may suggest filling something up in a way that is tight but orderly <pack a trunk> or it may suggest filling something too much <people were packed into the room like sardines>. CRAM usually suggests that something has been filled in a forceful, careless, or disorderly way <crammed everything into one small box>. STUFF suggests filling something with as much as it will hold and often to the point that it bulges <I stuffed my pockets with candy>.

3pack vb : to choose or bring together dishonestly so as to be assured of a favorable vote <pack a jury> [from obsolete pack “to make a secret agreement”]

1pack·age \ˈpak-ij\ n
1 : a small or medium-sized pack : PARCEL
2 : a covering wrapper or container
3 : PACKAGE DEAL
4 : a collection of related items to be considered together <presented his tax package to the nation>

2package vb pack·aged; pack·ag·ing : to make into or enclose in a package
— pack·ag·er n

package deal n : an offer containing several items all or none of which must be accepted

package store n : a store that sells alcoholic beverages only in containers that may not be opened in the store

pack animal n : an animal (as a horse or donkey) used for carrying packs

packed \ˈpakt\ adj
1 : that is crowded or stuffed — often used in combination <an action-packed story>
2 : filled to capacity <performed before a packed stadium>

pack·er \ˈpak-ər\ n : one that packs; esp : a dealer who prepares and packs foods for the market

pack·et \ˈpak-ət\ n
1 : a passenger boat carrying mail and cargo on a regular schedule
2 : a small bundle or parcel

pack ice n : sea ice formed into a mass by the crushing together of chunks and sheets of ice

pack·ing·house \ˈpak-iŋ-ˌhau̇s\ n : an establishment for preparing foods and especially meat

pack rat n
1 : WOOD RAT; esp : a bushy-tailed rodent of western North America that stores food and loose objects
2 : a person who collects or hoards especially unneeded items

pack·sad·dle \ˈpak-ˌsad-əl\ n : a saddle that supports the load on the back of a pack animal

pack·thread \-ˌthred\ n : strong thread or twine used especially for sewing or tying packs or parcels

pact \ˈpakt\ n : AGREEMENT 2; esp : a treaty between countries [Middle English pact “agreement,” from early French pact (same meaning), from Latin pactum (same meaning), derived from pacisci “to agree, contract”]

1pad \ˈpad\ vb pad·ded; pad·ding
1 : to go on foot
2 : to move along with a muffled step [probably from early Dutch paden “to follow a path”]

2pad n
1 a : a thin flat mat or cushion  b : a guard worn to shield body parts against impact  c : a piece of usually folded absorbent material (as gauze)  d : a piece of material that holds ink for inking a rubber stamp
2 a : the hairy foot of some mammals (as a fox or hare)  b : the soft thickening of the underside of the foot or toes of some mammals (as dogs)
3 : a floating leaf of a water plant
4 : a number of sheets of writing paper glued together at one edge
5 : LAUNCHPAD
6 a : living quarters : HOME  b : 1BED 1A [origin unknown]

3pad vb pad·ded; pad·ding
1 : to furnish with a pad or padding
2 : to expand with unnecessary or unimportant material <pad a speech>

4pad n : a soft muffled or slapping sound

pad·ding \ˈpad-iŋ\ n : material used to pad something

1pad·dle \ˈpad-əl\ vb pad·dled; pad·dling \ˈpad-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to move the hands or feet about in shallow water [origin unknown]

2paddle n
1 a : an instrument with a flat blade to move and steer a small boat (as a canoe)  b : an instrument used for stirring, mixing, or hitting  c : a short bat with a broad flat blade used to hit the ball in various games (as table tennis)
2 : one of the broad boards at the outer rim of a paddle wheel or waterwheel [Middle English padell “a device for cleaning a plow”]

3paddle vb pad·dled; pad·dling \ˈpad-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to move or drive forward with or as if with a paddle
2 : to stir or mix with a paddle
3 : to beat with or as if with a paddle

paddle wheel n : a wheel with boards around its outer edge used to move a vessel

pad·dock \ˈpad-ək, -ik\ n
1 : an enclosed area where animals are put to eat grass or to exercise
2 : an enclosed area where racehorses are saddled and paraded before moving to the racetrack

pad·dy \ˈpad-ē\ n, pl paddies : wet land in which rice is grown

pad·lock \ˈpad-ˌläk\ n : a removable lock with a curved piece that snaps into a catch
— padlock vb

pa·dre \ˈpäd-rā, -rē\ n
1 : PRIEST
2 : a military chaplain [from Spanish or Italian or Portuguese padre “priest,” literally, “father,” all from Latin pater “father” — related to PATERNAL, PATRON, PATTERN]

pae·an \ˈpē-ən\ n : a song of joy, praise, or triumph <a paean to youth>

pa·el·la \pä-ˈel-ə, -ˈāl-yə, -ˈā-yə\ n : a Spanish dish of rice, meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices

pa·gan \ˈpā-gən\ n
1 : HEATHEN 1
2 : a person who is not religious
— pagan adj

— pa·gan·ism \-gə-ˌniz-əm\ n
Word History In ancient Rome a person living in a rural area or village was called paganus, a word derived from the Latin noun pagus, meaning “village, district.” In time paganus came to refer to a civilian as opposed to a soldier. When Christianity became generally accepted in the towns and cities of the empire, paganus was used to refer to a villager who continued to worship the old gods. Christians used the term for anyone not of their faith or of the Jewish faith. The word in Old English for such a person was what is now heathen. In the 14th century, English borrowed the Latin paganus as pagan, and used it with the same meaning. In time both heathen and pagan also took on the meaning of “a person having no religion.” [Middle English pagan “heathen,” from Latin paganus (same meaning), from earlier paganus “person who lives in a rural area,” from pagus “village, district”]

1page \ˈpāj\ n
1 : a youth in the Middle Ages being trained for knighthood and in the service of a knight
2 : a youth serving a person of rank
3 : a person employed especially to deliver messages or perform personal services (as in a hotel) [Middle English page “a youth trained to serve a knight,” from early French page (same meaning)]

2page vb paged; pag·ing
1 : to serve as a page
2 : to send for by calling out the name of
3 : to contact by means of a pager

3page n
1 a : one side of a printed or written leaf  b : the entire leaf  c : the material printed or written on a page
2 a : a written record <the pages of history>  b : an event worth recording <an exciting page in one's life>
3 a : a large section of computer memory  b : the information found at a single World Wide Web address [from early French page “a leaf in a book,” from Latin pagina (same meaning)]

4page vb paged; pag·ing
1 : to number or mark the pages of
2 : to turn the pages (as of a book or magazine) especially in a quick steady manner

pag·eant \ˈpaj-ənt\ n
1 : an impressive exhibition or spectacle
2 : an entertainment consisting of scenes based on history or legend

pag·eant·ry \ˈpaj-ən-trē\ n, pl -tries
1 : pageants and the presentation of pageants
2 : splendid display

pag·er \ˈpā-jər\ n : one that pages; esp : a small electronic device that beeps, vibrates, or flashes when it receives a special radio signal indicating an incoming message

pa·go·da \pə-ˈgōd-ə\ n : a tower in eastern Asia of several stories erected as a temple or memorial

1paid \ˈpād\ past and past participle of PAY

2paid adj : being or having been paid or paid for <a paid political announcement>

pail \ˈpā(ə)l\ n
1 : a round container that is open at the top and has a handle : BUCKET
2 : the quantity held by a pail <fetch a pail of water>

pail·ful \ˈpā(ə)l-ˌfu̇l\ n : PAIL 2

1pain \ˈpān\ n
1 : PUNISHMENT 2 <under pain of death>
2 a : physical suffering associated with disease, injury, or other bodily disorder <a pain in the back>  b : a basic bodily sensation that is caused by something harmful, is accompanied by physical discomfort (as pricking, throbbing, or aching), and usually makes one try to escape its source
3 : mental distress : GRIEF
4 pl : the suffering experienced during childbirth
5 pl : great care or effort <took pains with their work>
— pain·less \-ləs\ adj

— pain·less·ly adv

2pain vb
1 : to cause pain in or to : HURT
2 : to give or feel pain

pain·ful \ˈpān-fəl\ adj : feeling or giving pain
— pain·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— pain·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

pain·kill·er \ˈpān-ˌkil-ər\ n : something (as a drug) that relieves pain
— pain·kill·ing \-iŋ\ adj

pains·tak·ing \ˈpān-ˌstā-kiŋ\ adj : taking or showing great care and effort <a painstaking search>
— pains·tak·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adv

1paint \ˈpānt\ vb
1 : to apply paint or a covering or coloring substance to <paint a wall>
2 a : to make a picture or design by using paints <paint a portrait>  b : to describe clearly <paint a scene in words>
3 : to practice the art of painting

2paint n
1 : MAKEUP 2
2 : a mixture of coloring matter and a suitable liquid to form a thin coating when spread on a surface

paint·brush \ˈpānt-ˌbrəsh\ n
1 : a brush for applying paint
2 a : INDIAN PAINTBRUSH 1  b : ORANGE HAWKWEED

painted bunting n : a brightly colored bunting found from the southern U.S. to Panama

painted lady n : a butterfly with brown, orange, black, and white wings that migrates long distances

painted turtle n : a common freshwater turtle of North America with a greenish black upper shell with yellow bands and red markings and a yellow lower shell

1paint·er \ˈpānt-ər\ n : one that paints; esp : an artist who paints [from paint (verb) and -er (noun suffix)]

2pain·ter n : a line used for attaching or towing a boat [Middle English paynter “a line used for securing a boat,” probably from early French pentoir, penteur “clothesline”]

3pain·ter n : COUGAR [an altered form of panther]

paint·ing n
1 : a painted work of art
2 : the art or occupation of painting

1pair \ˈpa(ə)r, ˈpe(ə)r\ n, pl pairs also pair
1 : two things that match or are meant to be used together <a pair of hands> <a pair of gloves>
2 : a thing having two connected matching parts <a pair of scissors>
3 : a set of two like or associated things [Middle English paire “two things that match or go together,” from early French paire (same meaning), from Latin paria “equal things,” from par “equal” — related to COMPARE, PAR, PEER, UMPIRE; see Word History at UMPIRE]

2pair vb
1 : to make a pair of or arrange in pairs <paired off the animals>
2 : to form a pair or pairs <paired off for the next dance>

pais·ley \ˈpāz-lē\ adj, often cap : made with colorful curved figures <a paisley shawl>
— pais·ley n

Pai·ute \ˈpī-ˌ(y)üt\ n : a member of an American Indian people originally of Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California

pa·ja·mas \pə-ˈjäm-əz, -ˈjam-\ n pl : a loose lightweight usually two-piece garment worn for sleeping or lounging [from Hindi pājāma “loose lightweight trousers,” from Persian pā “leg” and Persian jāma “garment”]

1pal \ˈpal\ n : a close friend

2pal vb palled; pal·ling : to be or become pals

pal·ace \ˈpal-əs\ n
1 : the official residence of a ruler
2 : a large splendid house
3 : a large public building (as for a legislature, court, or governor) [Middle English palais “palace,” from early French palais (same meaning), from Latin palatium (same meaning), from Palatium, name of one of the Seven Hills of Rome on which the Caesars had their residences]

pal·a·din \ˈpal-əd-ən\ n : a person who fights for a cause as a knight fought for a king in the Middle Ages

pa·lan·quin \ˌpal-ən-ˈkēn, -ˈk(w)in, pə-ˈlaŋ-kwən\ n : a boxlike structure in which a person is carried on the shoulders of servants using poles

pal·at·able \ˈpal-ət-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : agreeable to the taste
2 : AGREEABLE 1, ACCEPTABLE
— pal·at·abil·i·ty \ˌpal-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— pal·at·ably \ˈpal-ət-ə-blē\ adv

pal·ate \ˈpal-ət\ n
1 : the roof of the mouth that separates the mouth from the nasal cavity and is made up of a bony front part and a soft flexible back part
2 : the sense of taste

pa·la·tial \pə-ˈlā-shəl\ adj : of, resembling, or fit for a palace <a palatial home> <palatial furnishings>
— pa·la·tial·ly \-shə-lē\ adv

1pa·la·ver \pə-ˈlav-ər, -ˈläv-\ n
1 : a long discussion usually between persons of different levels of culture
2 : 2TALK 1; esp : idle or flattering talk

2palaver vb pa·la·vered; pa·la·ver·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to talk especially at length or idly

1pale \ˈpā(ə)l\ adj pal·er; pal·est
1 a : light in color or shade : not vivid <a pale pink>  b : not having the warm skin color of a person in good health : PALLID <became pale>
2 : not bright or brilliant : DIM <pale sunshine> [Middle English pale “lacking in color,” from early French pale (same meaning), from Latin pallidus (same meaning), from pallēre “to be pale”]
— pale·ly adv

— pale·ness n

2pale vb paled; pal·ing : to make or become pale

3pale n
1 : a stake or picket of a fence
2 : an enclosed place
3 : territory within clearly marked bounds or under a particular authority [Middle English pale “paling, picket,” from early French pal “stake,” from Latin palus (same meaning) — related to TRAVEL; see Word History at TRAVEL]

Pa·leo·cene \ˈpā-lē-ə-ˌsēn\ adj : of, relating to, or being the earliest epoch of the Tertiary period of geological history or the corresponding series of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Paleocene n

Pa·leo·lith·ic \ˌpā-lē-ə-ˈlith-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Stone Age marked by rough or crudely chipped stone implements

pa·le·on·tol·o·gist \ˌpā-lē-ˌän-ˈtäl-ə-jəst\ n : a specialist in paleontology

pa·le·on·tol·o·gy \ˌpā-lē-ˌän-ˈtäl-ə-jē\ n : a science dealing with the life of past geological periods as known especially from fossil remains
— pa·le·on·to·log·i·cal \-ˌänt-əl-ˈäj-i-kəl\ also pa·le·on·to·log·ic \-ik\ adj

Pa·leo·zo·ic \ˌpā-lē-ə-ˈzō-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being an era of geological history ending about 248,000,000 years ago in which vertebrates and land plants first appeared; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Paleozoic n

pal·ette \ˈpal-ət\ n
1 : a thin usually oval board or tablet with a hole for the thumb at one end used by a painter to lay and mix pigments on
2 : the colors put on the palette

pal·frey \ˈpȯl-frē\ n, pl palfreys archaic : a saddle horse that is not a war-horse

pal·in·drome \ˈpal-ən-ˌdrōm\ n : a word, phrase, or sentence (as “Step on no pets”) or a number (as 1881) that reads the same backward or forward

pal·ing \ˈpā-liŋ\ n
1 : 3PALE 1, PICKET
2 : pales or a fence of pales

1pal·i·sade \ˌpal-ə-ˈsād\ n
1 a : a stout high fence of stakes especially for defense  b : a long strong pointed stake set close with others as a defense
2 : a line of steep cliffs

2palisade vb -sad·ed; -sad·ing : to surround or protect with palisades

palisade cell n : a cell of the palisade layer

palisade layer n : a layer of cylinder-shaped cells that are rich in chloroplasts and are found just beneath the upper epidermis of a leaf — compare SPONGY LAYER

1pall \ˈpȯl\ n
1 : a heavy cloth covering for a coffin, hearse, or tomb
2 : a chalice cover made of a square piece of stiffened linen
3 a : something that covers, darkens, or produces a gloomy effect <a pall of black smoke>  b : a feeling of gloom <his bad mood cast a pall over the celebration>

2pall vb : to become dull or uninteresting : lose the ability to give pleasure <the excitement of the party quickly began to pall>

pal·la·di·um \pə-ˈlād-ē-əm\ n : a silver-white metallic element that is used especially in alloys — see ELEMENT TABLE

pall·bear·er \ˈpȯl-ˌbar-ər, -ˌber-\ n : a person who helps to carry the coffin at a funeral

palled past and past participle of PAL

pal·let \ˈpal-ət\ n
1 : a straw-filled mattress
2 : a small, hard, or temporary bed

pal·li·ate \ˈpal-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make less harmful or harsh
2 : to find excuses for : EXCUSE

1pal·li·a·tive \ˈpal-ē-ˌāt-iv, ˈpal-yət-\ adj : serving to palliate

2palliative n : something that palliates

pal·lid \ˈpal-əd\ adj : lacking healthy color : PALE
— pal·lid·ly adv

palling present participle of PAL

pal·lor \ˈpal-ər\ n : paleness especially of the face

1palm \ˈpäm, ˈpälm\ n
1 : any of a family of mostly tropical or subtropical woody trees, shrubs, or vines usually with a simple but often tall stem topped by a crown of very large feathery or fan-shaped leaves
2 a : a palm leaf especially when carried as a symbol of victory or rejoicing  b : an emblem of success or triumph [Old English palm “palm tree,” from Latin palma “palm of the hand”; so called because the leaves resemble an outstretched hand]
— palm·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2palm n
1 : the underside of the hand between the fingers and the wrist
2 : a measure of length based on the width or length of the palm [Middle English paume “palm of the hand,” from early French paume (same meaning), from Latin palma “palm of the hand”]

3palm vb : to conceal in or pick up secretly with the hand

pal·mate \ˈpal-ˌmāt, ˈpälm-ˌāt, ˈpäm-\ adj : resembling a hand with the fingers spread <palmate leaves>

palm·er \ˈpäm-ər, ˈpäl-mər\ n : a person wearing two crossed palm leaves as a sign of having gone on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land

pal·met·to \pal-ˈmet-ō\ n, pl -tos or -toes : any of several usually low-growing palms with fan-shaped leaves

palm·ist·ry \ˈpäm-ə-strē, ˈpäl-mə-\ n : the art or practice of reading a person's character or future from markings on the palm of the hand
— palm·ist \ˈpäm-əst, ˈpäl-məst\ n

palm off vb : to get rid of or pass on (as something fake, useless, or of poor quality) in a dishonest way <palmed off fake antiques on unsuspecting customers>

Palm Sunday n : the Sunday before Easter celebrated in memory of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem

palm·top \-ˌtäp\ n : a small portable computer that fits in the palm of the hand

palmy \ˈpäm-ē, ˈpäl-mē\ adj palm·i·er; -est
1 : having palms <a palmy beach>
2 : marked by success : PROSPEROUS <a palmy community>

pal·o·mi·no \ˌpal-ə-ˈmē-nō\ n, pl -nos : a horse with a light golden coat and cream or white mane and tail

pal·pa·ble \ˈpal-pə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being touched or felt : TANGIBLE
2 : easily sensed : NOTICEABLE
3 : easily understood or recognized : OBVIOUS <a palpable error>
— pal·pa·bil·i·ty \ˌpal-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— pal·pa·bly \ˈpal-pə-blē\ adv

pal·pi·tate \ˈpal-pə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to beat rapidly and strongly : THROB, QUIVER

pal·pi·ta·tion \ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən\ n : an act or instance of palpitating; esp : an abnormally rapid beating of the heart

pal·pus \ˈpal-pəs\ n, pl pal·pi \-ˌpī, -pē\ : a part that sticks out from a mouthpart of an arthropod and is used in sensing by touch or in feeding

pal·sied \ˈpȯl-zēd\ adj : affected with or as if with palsy

pal·sy \ˈpȯl-zē\ n
1 : PARALYSIS
2 : a condition marked by uncontrollable trembling or shaking of the body or a part (as the head or hands)

pal·ter \ˈpȯl-tər\ vb pal·tered; pal·ter·ing \-t(ə)riŋ\
1 : to act or speak insincerely
2 : HAGGLE, BARGAIN
— pal·ter·er \-tər-ər\ n

pal·try \ˈpȯl-trē\ adj pal·tri·er; -est
1 : PETTY 3, MEAN <a paltry trick>
2 : TRIVIAL 2, WORTHLESS <a paltry sum>
— pal·tri·ness n

pam·pa \ˈpam-pə\ n, pl pam·pas \-pəz, -pəs\ : a wide generally grass-covered plain of South America

pam·per \ˈpam-pər\ vb pam·pered; pam·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\ : to treat with too much care and attention

pam·phlet \ˈpam(p)-flət\ n : a short printed publication with no cover or with a paper cover

pam·phle·teer \ˌpam(p)-flə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : a writer of pamphlets usually attacking something or urging a cause
— pamphleteer vb

1pan \ˈpan\ n
1 a : a usually broad, shallow, and open container for cooking  b : something resembling a pan
2 : a basin or depression in the earth <a salt pan> [Old English panne “pan for cooking,” derived from Latin patina (same meaning)]

2pan vb panned; pan·ning
1 : to wash earthy material in a pan to concentrate bits of metal <pan for gold>
2 : to yield precious metal in panning
3 : to criticize severely

3pan vb panned; pan·ning : to move a motion-picture or television camera so as to keep a moving object in view or to scan a scene [from earlier pan “the process of panning,” short for panorama]

pan·a·cea \ˌpan-ə-ˈsē-ə\ n : a remedy for all ills or difficulties : CURE-ALL

pan·a·ma \ˈpan-ə-ˌmä, -ˌmȯ\ n, often cap : a lightweight hat made of narrow strips from the young leaves of a tropical American tree

Pan–Amer·i·can \ˌpan-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən\ adj : of, relating to, or involving the independent republics of North and South America

pan·broil \ˈpan-ˌbrȯi(ə)l\ vb : to cook uncovered on a hot metal surface (as a frying pan) with little or no fat

pan·cake \ˈpan-ˌkāk\ n : a flat cake usually made of thin batter and cooked on both sides on a griddle or in a frying pan

pan·chro·mat·ic \ˌpan-krō-ˈmat-ik\ adj : sensitive to light of all colors in the visible spectrum <panchromatic film>

pan·cre·as \ˈpaŋ-krē-əs, ˈpan-\ n : a large gland of vertebrates that lies near the stomach and produces digestive enzymes and insulin
— pan·cre·at·ic \ˌpaŋ-krē-ˈat-ik, ˌpan-\ adj

pancreatic duct n : a duct leading from the pancreas and opening into the duodenum

pancreatic juice n : a clear digestive fluid that contains enzymes produced by the pancreas and that flows into the duodenum

pan·da \ˈpan-də\ n
1 : RED PANDA
2 : a large black and white mammal of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually considered to be closely related to the bears — called also giant panda

1pan·dem·ic \pan-ˈdem-ik\ adj : occurring over a wide area and affecting many individuals <pandemic malaria>

2pandemic n : a pandemic outbreak of a disease

pan·de·mo·ni·um \ˌpan-də-ˈmō-nē-əm\ n : a wild uproar : TUMULT [from Pandemonium, name of the place of demons in Paradise Lost by John Milton, from Greek pan- “all, every, completely” and Greek daimon “evil spirit, demon”]

pan·der \ˈpan-dər\ or pan·der·er \-dər-ər\ n : one who takes advantage of or profits from the weaknesses and mean desires of others
— pander vb

pane \ˈpān\ n
1 : a piece, section, or side of something (as a sheet of glass in a window)
2 : one of the sections (as of 50 or 100 stamps) into which a sheet of postage stamps is divided

pan·e·gy·ric \ˌpan-ə-ˈjir-ik, -ˈjī-rik\ n : formal or elaborate praise

1pan·el \ˈpan-əl\ n
1 a : a list or a group of persons selected as jurors  b : a group of persons who discuss a topic before an audience  c : a group of entertainers or guests who are players in a quiz or guessing game on a radio or television program
2 : a separate or different part of a surface: as  a : a usually rectangular and sunken or raised section of a door, wall, or ceiling  b : a flat usually rectangular piece of construction material (as plywood) made to form part of a surface  c : a lengthwise section of cloth (as in a skirt or dress)
3 a : a thin flat piece of wood on which a picture is painted  b : a painting on such a surface
4 : a usually vertical mount for controls or dials (as of instruments of measurement)

2panel vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling : to furnish or decorate with panels

pan·el·ing \ˈpan-əl-iŋ\ n : panels joined in a continuous surface

pan·el·ist \ˈpan-əl-əst\ n : a member of a panel

pan·fish \ˈpan-ˌfish\ n : a small food fish (as a sunfish) usually caught with a hook and line and not sold in stores

pan·fry \ˈpan-ˌfrī, pan-ˈfrī\ vb pan·fried; pan·fry·ing : to cook in a frying pan with a small amount of fat

pang \ˈpaŋ\ n : a sudden sharp attack of pain or distress

pan·go·lin \ˈpaŋ-gə-lən, ˈpan-\ n : any of several Asian and African toothless mammals having the body covered with large overlapping horny scales

1pan·han·dle \ˈpan-ˌhan-dəl\ n : a narrow strip of territory that extends from a larger territory (as a state) <the Texas Panhandle>

2panhandle vb -dled; -dling \-ˌhan-(d)liŋ, -dəl-iŋ\ : to beg for money on the street
— pan·han·dler \-(d)lər, -dəl-ər\ n

1pan·ic \ˈpan-ik\ n
1 : a sudden overpowering fright especially without reasonable cause; also : extreme anxiousness
2 : a sudden widespread fright concerning financial affairs causing hurried selling and a sharp fall in prices
— panic adj

— pan·icky \ˈpan-i-kē\ adj
Word History The ancient Greeks worshipped a god of pastures, flocks, and shepherds whom they named Pan. Pan was believed to be able to cause great fear at times. The people of Athens believed that it was Pan who had caused the Persians to flee in terror from the battle of Marathon. The Greek adjective panikos, literally meaning “of Pan,” was used to describe the kind of sudden fear that Pan was thought to cause. The English word panic comes from Greek panikos. [Greek panikon “fear caused by Pan, panic,” from panikos “relating to the fear caused by Pan,” literally, “of Pan,” from Pan, name of a god of woods and shepherds]

2panic vb pan·icked \-ikt\; pan·ick·ing : to affect or be affected with panic

pan·i·cle \ˈpan-i-kəl\ n : a branched flower cluster (as of a lilac or some grasses) in which each branch from the main stem has one or more flowers

pan·ic–strick·en \ˈpan-ik-ˌstrik-ən\ adj : overcome with panic

pa·ni·no \pə-ˈnē-nō\ n, pl pa·ni·ni \-nē\ : a usually grilled sandwich made with Italian bread

panned past and past participle of PAN

pan·nier \ˈpan-yər, ˈpan-ē-ər\ n : a large basket; esp : one carried on the back of an animal or the shoulder of a person

panning present participle of PAN

pan·o·ply \ˈpan-ə-plē\ n, pl -plies
1 : a full suit of armor
2 : a protective covering
3 : a magnificent arrangement or display
— pan·o·plied \-plēd\ adj

pan·ora·ma \ˌpan-ə-ˈram-ə, -ˈräm-\ n
1 : a picture shown a part at a time by being unrolled before the spectator
2 : a full and clear view in every direction
3 : a complete presentation of a subject
— pan·oram·ic \-ˈram-ik\ adj

pan out vb : TURN OUT 5; esp : SUCCEED

pan·pipe \ˈpan-ˌpīp\ n : a musical instrument made up of several short pipes of different lengths and played by blowing air across the top — usually used in plural

pan·sy \ˈpan-zē\ n, pl pansies : a garden plant that is related to the violets and has large velvety flowers with five petals usually in shades of yellow, purple, or brownish red; also : its flower

pant \ˈpant\ vb
1 a : to breathe hard or quickly : GASP  b : to make a puffing sound  c : to move forward with panting <the car panted up the hill>
2 : to wish for eagerly : YEARN
3 : to utter with panting <ran up and panted out the message>
— pant n

pan·ta·loon \ˌpant-əl-ˈün\ n
1 pl : close-fitting trousers usually with straps passing under the insteps
2 : loose-fitting usually shorter than ankle-length trousers — see Word History at PANTS

pan·ther \ˈpan(t)-thər\ n, pl panthers also panther
1 : LEOPARD; esp : one that is black
2 : COUGAR
3 : JAGUAR

pant·ie or panty \ˈpant-ē\ n, pl pant·ies : a woman's or child's undergarment covering the lower trunk — usually used in plural

pan·to·graph \ˈpant-ə-ˌgraf\ n : an instrument for copying something (as a map) using a previously chosen scale

pan·to·mime \ˈpant-ə-ˌmīm\ n
1 : PANTOMIMIST
2 : a performance in which a story is told by expressive movements of the body or face
3 : expression of information by movements of the body or face
— pantomime vb

pan·to·mim·ist \ˈpant-ə-ˌmim-əst, -ˌmīm-\ n : an actor or dancer in pantomimes

pan·to·then·ic acid \ˌpant-ə-ˌthen-ik-\ n : an oily acid of the vitamin B complex found in all living tissues and necessary for growth

pan·try \ˈpan-trē\ n, pl pantries : a small room in which food and dishes are kept [Middle English panetrie “pantry,” derived from early French panetier “servant in charge of food storage,” from pan “bread,” from Latin panis “bread, food” — related to COMPANION]

pants \ˈpan(t)s\ n pl
1 : an outer garment extending from the waist to the ankle and covering each leg separately : TROUSERS
2 : UNDERPANTS; esp : PANTIE
Word History A form of comic entertainment that had its start in Italy became popular throughout Europe several hundred years ago. A small group of actors would put on a play with a standard set of humorous characters. One character was a bad-tempered old man called Pantalone or Pantaloon. Pantaloon always wore tight-fitting trousers and stockings. Such clothing became known as pantaloons. The word pantaloons was later used for various types of trousers and is still sometimes heard today. The usual term now, however, is pants, which is short for pantaloons. [a shortened form of pantaloons “trousers,” from Pantaloon, Pantalone, name of a clown in stage entertainment]

pant·suit \ˈpant-ˌsüt\ n : a woman's outfit consisting usually of a long jacket and pants made of the same material

panty hose n pl : a one-piece undergarment for women consisting of hosiery combined with panties

pap \ˈpap\ n : soft or bland food for infants or invalids

pa·pa \ˈpäp-ə\ n : 1FATHER 1A

pa·pa·cy \ˈpā-pə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the office of pope
2 : the term of a pope's reign
3 cap : the government of the Roman Catholic Church of which the pope is the head

pa·pa·in \pə-ˈpā-ən, -ˈpī-ən\ n : an enzyme in papaya juice used especially to make meat tender and in medicine

pa·pal \ˈpā-pəl\ adj : of or relating to the pope or the papacy
— pa·pal·ly \-pə-lē\ adv

pa·pa·raz·zo \ˌpäp-ə-ˈrät-sō\ n, pl -raz·zi \-sē\ : a freelance photographer who aggressively pursues celebrities for the purpose of taking candid photographs

papaw variant of PAWPAW

pa·pa·ya \pə-ˈpī-ə\ n : an oblong edible yellow fruit with many black seeds that grows on a tropical American tree with large leaves; also : the tree

1pa·per \ˈpā-pər\ n
1 a : a thin sheet made usually from rags, wood, straw, or bark and used to write or print on, to wrap things in, or to cover walls  b : a sheet or piece of paper
2 a : a piece of paper having something written or printed on it  b : a written composition
3 : NEWSPAPER
4 : WALLPAPER [Middle English papir “paper,” from early French papier (same meaning), from Latin papyrus “paper, papyrus” — related to PAPYRUS]

2paper vb pa·pered; pa·per·ing \ˈpā-p(ə-)riŋ\ : to cover or line with paper and especially wallpaper <paper a room>
— pa·per·er \-pər-ər\ n

3paper adj
1 a : of, relating to, or made of paper or cardboard <paper carton> <paper mills>  b : PAPERY <nuts with paper shells>
2 : NOMINAL 1

pa·per·back \ˈpä-pər-ˌbak\ n : a book with a flexible paper binding
— paperback adj

paper birch n : a North American birch with white bark that peels off the tree easily

pa·per·board \-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : CARDBOARD

paper clip n : a length of wire bent into flat loops that is used to hold papers together

pa·per·hang·er \ˈpā-pər-ˌhaŋ-ər\ n : a person who applies wallpaper to walls especially as an occupation
— pa·per·hang·ing \-ˌhaŋ-iŋ\ n

paper money n : money consisting of government notes and bank notes

paper mulberry n : an Asian tree related to the mulberries and widely grown as a shade tree

paper nautilus n : a mollusk with eight arms that is related to the octopuses and of which the female has a thin fragile shell — called also argonaut

paper trail n : documents (as financial records or published materials) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned

paper wasp n : a wasp that builds a nest out of papery material

pa·per·weight \ˈpā-pər-ˌwāt\ n : an object used to hold down loose papers by its weight

pa·per·work \-ˌwərk\ n : routine office or record-keeping work

pa·pery \ˈpā-p(ə-)rē\ adj : resembling paper in thinness or firmness <papery leaves>
— pa·per·i·ness n

pa·pier–mâ·ché \ˌpā-pər-mə-ˈshā, ˌpap-ˌyā-mə-; -(ˌ)ma-\ n : a light strong molding material made of paper pulp mixed with glue and other substances [French, literally, “chewed paper”]
— papier–mâché adj

pa·pil·la \pə-ˈpil-ə\ n, pl -pil·lae \-ˈpil-ē, -ˌī\ : a small bodily structure (as one on the surface of the tongue that often contains taste buds) that resembles a tiny nipple in form

pa·poose \pa-ˈpüs, pə-\ n, often offensive : a North American Indian infant

pa·pri·ka \pə-ˈprē-kə, pa-\ n : a mild red spice consisting of the dried finely ground fruit of various cultivated sweet peppers

Pap smear \ˈpap-\ n : a test for the early detection of cancer especially of the cervix of the uterus using cells that are shed or scraped off and stained in a special way — called also Pap test

pa·py·rus \pə-ˈpī-rəs\ n, pl pa·py·ri \-ˈpī(ə)r-ē, -ˌī\ also pa·py·rus·es
1 : a tall sedge of the Nile valley
2 : the soft central part of papyrus stems especially when made into strips and pressed into a writing material
3 : a writing on or written scroll of papyrus [Middle English papyrus “papyrus,” from Latin papyrus “papyrus, paper,” from Greek papyros “papyrus” — related to PAPER]

par \ˈpär\ n
1 a : the fixed value of the unit of money of one country expressed in terms of the unit of money of another country  b : the face value or issuing price of a stock or bond
2 : common level : EQUALITY
3 : an accepted standard (as of health) <not feeling up to par>
4 : the standard score for a golf hole or course [from Latin par (noun) “one that is equal,” from par (adjective) “equal” — related to COMPARE, PAIR, PEER, UMPIRE; see Word History at UMPIRE]
— par adj

par·a·ble \ˈpar-ə-bəl\ n : a short simple story illustrating a moral or spiritual truth

pa·rab·o·la \pə-ˈrab-ə-lə\ n
1 : a curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to a straight line in its surface : a curve formed by a point moving so that its distance from a fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line
2 : something that is bowl-shaped
— par·a·bol·ic \ˌpar-ə-ˈbäl-ik\ adj

1para·chute \ˈpar-ə-ˌshüt\ n
1 : a folding umbrella-shaped device of light fabric used especially for making a safe jump from an aircraft
2 : something (as the bunch of hairs on a dandelion seed) that is like a parachute in form, use, or operation

2parachute vb -chut·ed; -chut·ing : to transport or come down by means of a parachute
— para·chut·ist \-ˌshüt-əst\ n

1pa·rade \pə-ˈrād\ n
1 : great show or display
2 : a formation of a body of troops before a superior officer
3 : a public procession
4 : a crowd of strolling people <the Easter parade>

2parade vb pa·rad·ed; pa·rad·ing
1 a : to cause to march  b : to march in a parade
2 : 2PROMENADE
3 : SHOW OFF 1 <parade one's knowledge>  synonyms see SHOW
— pa·rad·er n

para·di·chlo·ro·ben·zene \ˌpar-ə-ˌdī-ˌklōr-ə-ˈben-ˌzēn, -ˌklȯr-, -ˌben-ˈzēn\ n : a white compound that contains chlorine and benzene and is used chiefly in moth balls

par·a·digm \ˈpar-ə-ˌdīm, -ˌdim\ n
1 : an example showing how something is to be done : MODEL
2 : an example of a conjugation or declension showing a word in all its inflectional forms
— par·a·dig·mat·ic \ˌpar-ə-dig-ˈmat-ik\ adj

par·a·dise \ˈpar-ə-ˌdīs, -ˌdīz\ n
1 : EDEN 2
2 : HEAVEN 2
3 : a place or state of great happiness [Middle English paradis “the Garden of Eden,” from early French paradis (same meaning), from Latin paradisus (same meaning), from Greek paradeisos “Garden of Eden,” literally, “enclosed park”]

par·a·dox \ˈpar-ə-ˌdäks\ n
1 a : a statement that seems to go against common sense but may still be true  b : a false statement that at first seems true
2 : a person or thing having qualities that seem to be opposites
— par·a·dox·i·cal \ˌpar-ə-ˈdäk-si-kəl\ adj

— par·a·dox·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

par·af·fin \ˈpar-ə-fən\ n : a flammable waxy substance obtained from wood, coal, or petroleum and used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, and in drugs and cosmetics

par·a·gon \ˈpar-ə-ˌgän, -gən\ n : a model of excellence or perfection

1para·graph \ˈpar-ə-ˌgraf\ n
1 : a part of a writing or speech that develops in an organized manner one point of a subject or gives the words of one speaker
2 : a short written article (as in a newspaper) complete in one section

2paragraph vb : to divide into or write paragraphs

par·a·keet \ˈpar-ə-ˌkēt\ n : any of numerous usually small slender parrots with a long tail

Par·a·li·pom·e·non \ˌpar-ə-lə-ˈpäm-ə-ˌnän, -lī-\ n : CHRONICLES

par·al·lax \ˈpar-ə-ˌlaks\ n : the apparent shift in position of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object

1par·al·lel \ˈpar-ə-ˌlel\ adj
1 : lying or moving in the same direction but always the same distance apart <parallel lines> <the train tracks are parallel>
2 a : being or relating to an electrical circuit having a number of conductors in parallel  b : being or relating to a connection in a computer system in which the bits of a byte are transmitted over separate wires at the same time
3 : 3LIKE, SIMILAR <parallel situations>

2parallel n
1 : a parallel line, curve, or surface
2 a : one of the imaginary circles on the surface of the earth parallel to the equator that mark latitude  b : a corresponding line on a globe or map
3 a : COUNTERPART 1, EQUAL <a victory without parallel>  b : SIMILARITY 1, LIKENESS  c : a tracing of similarity <draw a parallel between two periods of history>
4 : an arrangement of electrical devices in a circuit in which the same potential difference is applied to two or more resistances with each resistance on a parallel branch

3parallel vb
1 : to be like or equal to
2 : to lie, run, or move in a direction parallel to <the highway parallels the river>

4parallel adv : in a parallel manner — often used with with or to

parallel bars n pl : a pair of horizontal bars that are used for swinging and balancing exercises in gymnastics

par·al·lel·ism \ˈpar-ə-ˌlel-ˌiz-əm\ n : the quality or state of being parallel; esp : similarity of construction of word groups especially for effect or rhythm

par·al·lel·o·gram \ˌpar-ə-ˈlel-ə-ˌgram\ n : a four-sided figure whose opposite sides are parallel and of equal length

par·al·lel–veined \ˌpar-ə-ˌlel-ˈvānd\ adj : having veins that are arranged nearly parallel to one another and do not branch and come together again <monocotyledons such as grasses and lilies have parallel-veined leaves> — compare NET-VEINED

pa·ral·y·sis \pə-ˈral-ə-səs\ n, pl -y·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\ : complete or partial loss of function especially when involving motion or sensation in a part of the body

1par·a·lyt·ic \ˌpar-ə-ˈlit-ik\ adj
1 : affected with, marked by, or causing paralysis
2 : of, relating to, or resembling paralysis

2paralytic n : one affected with paralysis

par·a·lyze \ˈpar-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -lyzed; -lyz·ing
1 : to affect with paralysis
2 : to make powerless or unable to act, function, or move

par·a·me·cium \ˌpar-ə-ˈmē-sh(ē-)əm, -sē-əm\ n, pl -cia \-sh(ē-)ə, -sē-ə\ also -ciums : any of a genus of one-celled somewhat slipper-shaped mostly freshwater protozoans that move by cilia

para·med·ic \ˌpar-ə-ˈmed-ik\ n
1 : a person who works in a health field by helping a physician (as by taking X-rays or giving injections)
2 : a specially trained person with a license to provide a wide range of emergency services (as the giving of intravenous drugs) before or during transport to a hospital [from para- “alongside of, associated with in a secondary or assisting role” and medic “a person trained in or studying medical work”; para- derived from Greek para “beside, alongside of” and medic from Latin medicus “physician”]

para·med·i·cal \ˌpar-ə-ˈmed-i-kəl\ adj : concerned with helping with the work of highly trained medical professionals <a paramedical aide>

pa·ram·e·ter \pə-ˈram-ət-ər\ n
1 : an independent variable used to express the coordinates of a point <if the coordinates (x, y) of a point are given by the functions x = f(t) and y = g(t) then the parameter is the variable t>
2 : any of a set of properties whose values determine the characteristics or behavior of something <parameters of the atmosphere such as temperature, pressure, and density>
— para·met·ric \ˌpar-ə-ˈme-trik\ adj

par·a·mount \ˈpar-ə-ˌmau̇nt\ adj : superior to all others : SUPREME <of paramount importance>

par·amour \ˈpar-ə-ˌmu̇r\ n : a partner in a sexual relationship other than that of husband and wife

para·noia \ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯi-ə\ n
1 : a serious mental disorder marked especially by feelings of persecution or an exaggerated sense of one's own importance usually without hallucinations
2 : a tendency toward being overly suspicious and distrustful

1para·noid \ˈpar-ə-ˌnȯid\ adj
1 : resembling paranoia
2 : marked especially by suspiciousness, distrust, and feelings of persecution
3 : extremely fearful <grew paranoid about losing her job>

2paranoid n : one who is paranoid

par·a·pet \ˈpar-ə-pət, -ˌpet\ n
1 : a wall of earth or stone to protect soldiers
2 : a low wall or railing at the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge

par·a·pher·na·lia \ˌpar-ə-fə(r)-ˈnāl-yə\ n sing or pl
1 : personal belongings
2 : FURNISHINGS, APPARATUS <purchased all the necessary paraphernalia of the sport>

1para·phrase \ˈpar-ə-ˌfrāz\ n : a way of stating something (as a written work) again by giving the meaning in different words

2paraphrase vb -phrased; -phras·ing : to give the meaning in different words <paraphrased the author's account>
— para·phras·er n

para·pro·fes·sion·al \ˌpar-ə-prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ən-əl\ n : a person trained to assist a professional person (as a teacher or doctor)
— paraprofessional adj

par·a·site \ˈpar-ə-ˌsīt\ n
1 : a person who lives at the expense of another
2 : a living thing which lives in or on another living thing in parasitism
3 : a person dependent on something else for life or support without making proper return

par·a·sit·ic \ˌpar-ə-ˈsit-ik\ adj : of or relating to parasites or their way of life : being a parasite
— par·a·sit·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

par·a·sit·ism \ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtiz-əm, -ˌsīt-ˌiz-\ n : a close association between living things of two or more kinds of which one is a parasite obtaining benefits from the other which is a host and is usually harmed in some way

par·a·sit·ize \ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtīz, -ˌsīt-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to infest or live on or with as a parasite <an insect that parasitizes many mammals>

para·sol \ˈpar-ə-ˌsȯl\ n : a light umbrella for protection against the sun

para·sym·pa·thet·ic \ˌpar-ə-ˌsim-pə-ˈthet-ik\ adj : of, relating to, being, or acting on the parasympathetic nervous system

parasympathetic nervous system n : the part of the autonomic nervous system that is concerned with controlling the body during normal routine situations and that tends to cause secretion of the digestive and salivary glands and slow the heart rate and that acts on bodily organs by releasing acetylcholine at the ends of nerve fibers supplying them — compare SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

par·a·thor·mone \ˌpar-ə-ˈthȯr-ˌmōn\ n : PARATHYROID HORMONE

para·thy·roid \ˌpar-ə-ˈthī-ˌrȯid\ adj : of, relating to, or produced by the parathyroid glands

parathyroid gland n : any of usually four small endocrine glands next to or located in the thyroid gland that produce parathyroid hormone

parathyroid hormone n : a hormone that is produced by the parathyroid glands and controls the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood

para·troops \ˈpar-ə-ˌtrüps\ n pl : troops trained and equipped to parachute from an airplane
— para·troop \-ˌtrüp\ adj

— para·troop·er \-ˌtrü-pər\ n

1para·ty·phoid \ˌpar-ə-ˈtī-ˌfȯid, -(ˌ)tī-ˈfȯid\ adj
1 : resembling typhoid fever
2 : of or relating to paratyphoid or the bacteria that cause it

2paratyphoid n : a disease caused by bacteria, resembling typhoid fever, and usually occurring from eating contaminated food

par·boil \ˈpär-ˌbȯil\ vb : to boil briefly usually before cooking in another manner

1par·cel \ˈpär-səl\ n
1 : a part of a whole : PORTION
2 : a plot of land
3 : a group or collections of persons or things <told a parcel of lies>
4 : a wrapped bundle

2parcel vb par·celed or par·celled; par·cel·ing or par·cel·ling \ˈpär-s(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to divide into parts : DISTRIBUTE
2 : to wrap up into a parcel

parcel post n
1 : a mail service handling parcels
2 : packages handled by parcel post

parch \ˈpärch\ vb
1 : to toast by dry heat
2 : to wilt with heat

parched \ˈpärcht\ adj : deprived of natural moisture <parched hillsides>; also : THIRSTY <parched hikers>

parch·ment \ˈpärch-mənt\ n
1 : the skin of a sheep or goat prepared as a writing material
2 : a paper like parchment
3 : something written on parchment

1par·don \ˈpärd-ən\ n : the excusing of an offense without a penalty
— par·don·able \ˈpärd-nə-bəl, -ən-ə-bəl\ adj

— par·don·ably \-blē\ adv

2pardon vb par·doned; par·don·ing \ˈpärd-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to free from penalty
2 : to forgive an offense

pare \ˈpa(ə)r, ˈpe(ə)r\ vb pared; par·ing
1 : to trim off the outside or the ends of
2 : to reduce as if by paring

par·e·go·ric \ˌpar-ə-ˈgȯr-ik, -ˈgōr-, -ˈgär-\ n : a liquid mixture of opium and camphor in alcohol used especially to relieve pain

pa·ren·chy·ma \pə-ˈreŋ-kə-mə\ n
1 : the tissue of an animal organ (as a gland) that performs the work of the organ as compared to tissue which only gives support or serves as a framework
2 : a tissue of higher plants consisting of thin-walled living cells that remain capable of cell division even when mature, are the location where photosynthesis takes place and materials and food are stored, and make up much of the substance of leaves and roots and the pulp of fruits as well as parts of stems and supporting structures

par·ent \ˈpar-ənt, ˈper-\ n
1 a : one that is a father or mother  b : an animal or plant that produces offspring
2 : the original source of something
— parent adj

— par·ent·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

par·ent·age \ˈpar-ənt-ij, ˈper-\ n : descent from parents or ancestors : LINEAGE

pa·ren·tal \pə-ˈrent-əl\ adj : of, typical of, or being parents

pa·ren·the·sis \pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs\ n, pl -the·ses \-thə-ˌsēz\
1 : a word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage to explain or comment on it
2 : one of a pair of marks ( ) used to enclose a parenthesis or to group units in a mathematical expression
— par·en·thet·ic \ˌpar-ən-ˈthet-ik\ or par·en·thet·i·cal \-ˈthet-i-kəl\ adj

— par·en·thet·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

par·ent·ing \ˈpar-ənt-iŋ, ˈper-\ n : the raising of a child by its parents

par ex·cel·lence \ˌpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns\ adv or adj : in the highest degree : above all others

par·fait \pär-ˈfā\ n
1 : a custard containing whipped cream and syrup frozen without stirring
2 : a dessert of layers of fruit, syrup, ice cream, and whipped cream

pa·ri·ah \pə-ˈrī-ə\ n : a person despised or rejected by society : OUTCAST

pa·ri·etal \pə-ˈrī-ət-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or forming the upper back wall of the head

par·ing \ˈpa(ə)r-iŋ, ˈpe(ə)r-\ n
1 : the act of cutting away an edge or surface
2 : something pared off

par·ish \ˈpar-ish\ n
1 a : a section of a church district in the care of a priest or minister  b : the persons who live in and attend the church of such a section
2 : the members of a church
3 : a division of the state of Louisiana that is similar to a county in other states

pa·rish·io·ner \pə-ˈrish-(ə-)nər\ n : a member or resident of a parish

par·i·ty \ˈpar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being equal or equivalent : EQUALITY

1park \ˈpärk\ n
1 : an area around a country house used for recreation (as hunting or riding)
2 a : a piece of ground in or near a city or town kept as a place of beauty or recreation  b : an area maintained in its natural state as a public property
3 : PARKING LOT
4 : an enclosed field for ball games

2park vb
1 : to leave a vehicle standing temporarily
2 : to set and leave temporarily <park yourself in that chair>

par·ka \ˈpär-kə\ n : a very warm jacket with a hood

parking lot n : an outdoor area for parking motor vehicles

Par·kin·son's disease \ˈpär-kən-sənz-\ n : a disease chiefly of later life that tends to get steadily worse and is marked especially by stiff and trembling muscles, slowness of movement, and a shuffling way of walking

par·kour \pär-ˈku̇r, ˈpär-ˌku̇r\ n : the sport of traversing environmental obstacles by running, climbing, or leaping rapidly and efficiently

park·way \ˈpär-ˌkwā\ n : a broad landscaped highway

par·lance \ˈpär-lən(t)s\ n : manner of speech

par·lay \ˈpär-ˌlā, -lē\ vb : to increase or change into something of much greater value [from parlay “to make a series of bets so that winnings from earlier bets are all wagered on later contests,” from French paroli (noun) “a parlayed bet,” from an Italian dialect word paroli, plural of parolo “a parlayed bet,” perhaps from para “equal”]

par·ley \ˈpär-lē\ vb par·leyed; par·ley·ing : to speak with another : CONFER; esp : to discuss terms with an enemy [derived from early French parler “to speak” — related to PARLIAMENT, PARLOR; see Word History at PARLOR]
— parley n

par·lia·ment \ˈpär-lə-mənt also ˈpärl-yə-\ n : the supreme legislative body of various political units <the British parliament> [Middle English parliament “a council for discussing government business,” from early French parlement (same meaning), from parler “to speak” — related to PARLEY, PARLOR; see Word History at PARLOR]

par·lia·men·tar·i·an \ˌpär-lə-ˌmen-ˈter-ē-ən, -mən- also ˌpärl-yə-\ n : an expert in parliamentary procedure

par·lia·men·ta·ry \ˌpär-lə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē also ˌpärl-yə-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or enacted by a parliament
2 : of or relating to government by a cabinet whose members belong to and are responsible to the legislature
3 : of or according to the rules governing the way in which official meetings (as of a parliament or congress) are conducted <parliamentary procedure>

par·lor \ˈpär-lər\ n
1 : a room in a home, hotel, or club used for conversation or the reception of guests
2 : any of various business places <funeral parlor> <beauty parlor>
Word History In some monasteries during the Middle Ages, monks were not allowed to speak except when they were in a special room. Such a room was known in early French as a parlour. The word parlour comes from the French verb parler, which means “to speak.” In the 13th century, parlour was borrowed into English as parlor. Eventually it acquired the meaning that it has today. Other English words that can be traced to the verb parler include parley and parliament. [Middle English parlour “a room for receiving and talking with guests,” from early French parlour (same meaning), from parler “to speak” — related to PARLEY, PARLIAMENT]

par·lous \ˈpär-ləs\ adj : DANGEROUS 1, RISKY
— par·lous·ly adv

Par·me·san \ˈpär-mə-ˌzän, -ˌzhän, -zən, -ˌzan\ n : a very hard dry sharply flavored cheese that is sold grated or in wedges

pa·ro·chi·al \pə-ˈrō-kē-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a parish
2 : restricted or limited in range or scope : NARROW, PROVINCIAL <a parochial point of view>
— pa·ro·chi·al·ism \-kē-ə-ˌliz-əm\ n

— pa·ro·chi·al·ly \-kē-ə-lē\ adv

parochial school n : a school maintained by a religious body

par·o·dy \ˈpar-əd-ē\ n, pl -dies
1 : a written or musical work in which the style of an author or work is imitated for comic effect
2 : a poor imitation
— par·o·dist \-əd-əst\ n

— parody vb

1pa·role \pə-ˈrōl\ n : an early release of a prisoner who meets specified requirements

2parole vb pa·roled; pa·rol·ing : to release on parole
— pa·rol·ee \pə-ˌrō-ˈlē\ n

pa·rot·id \pə-ˈrät-əd\ adj : of or relating to the parotid gland

parotid gland n : either of a pair of large salivary glands located below and in front of the ear

par·ox·ysm \ˈpar-ək-ˌsiz-əm\ n
1 : a fit, attack, or sudden increase of symptoms (as of a disease) that occurs, quiets down, and occurs again and again <a paroxysm of coughing>
2 : a sudden violent emotion or action <paroxysms of rage>

par·quet \ˈpär-ˌkā, pär-ˈkā\ n : a flooring of parquetry

par·que·try \ˈpär-kə-trē\ n, pl -tries : a patterned wood inlay used especially for floors

1par·rot \ˈpar-ət\ n
1 : any of numerous usually brightly colored tropical birds marked by a strong hooked bill, by toes arranged in pairs with two in front and two behind, and often by the ability to mimic speech
2 : a person who repeats the words of others without understanding what they mean

2parrot vb : to repeat words like a parrot

parrot fever n : PSITTACOSIS

parrot fish n : any of various sea fishes that are related to the perches and have the teeth united into a cutting plate resembling a beak

par·ry \ˈpar-ē\ vb par·ried; par·ry·ing
1 : to turn aside skillfully : DEFLECT <parry a blow>
2 : EVADE 1 <parry an embarrassing question>
— parry n

parse \ˈpärs, ˈpärz\ vb parsed; pars·ing
1 : to analyze a sentence by naming its parts and their relations to each other
2 : to give the part of speech of a word and explain its relation to other words in a sentence

Par·si also Par·see \ˈpär-ˌsē\ n : a Zoroastrian descended from Persian refugees settled principally at Bombay

par·si·mo·ny \ˈpär-sə-ˌmō-nē\ n : the quality of being overly sparing with money : MISERLINESS
— par·si·mo·ni·ous \ˌpär-sə-ˈmō-nē-əs\ adj

— par·si·mo·ni·ous·ly adv

— par·si·mo·ni·ous·ness n

pars·ley \ˈpär-slē\ n, pl parsleys : a European herb related to the carrot and widely grown for its finely divided leaves which are used to season or decorate foods; also : the leaves

pars·nip \ˈpär-snəp\ n : a Eurasian herb related to the carrot and grown for its long white root which is cooked as a vegetable; also : this root

par·son \ˈpärs-ən\ n
1 : a minister in charge of a parish
2 : a member of the clergy; esp : a Protestant pastor [Middle English persone “parson,” from early French persone (same meaning), from Latin persona, literally, “person”; so called because the parson was the legal “person” representing the church]

par·son·age \ˈpär-snij, ˈpärs-ən-ij\ n : the house provided by a church for its pastor

1part \ˈpärt\ n
1 a : one of the pieces into which something can be divided  b : one of the equal units of which something is composed <a fifth part for each>  c : a portion of a plant or animal body : MEMBER, ORGAN <wash the injured part>  d : a particular melody or line of music for one voice or instrument or a certain group of voices or instruments in harmony with others  e : a piece of a machine or equipment
2 : a person's share, duty, or function <did my part>
3 : one of the sides in a conflict <take another's part in a quarrel>
4 : a general area : REGION — usually used in plural <you're not from around these parts>
5 : a role in a play
6 : the line where the hair is divided in combing
— for the most part : in general <for the most part the class was well behaved>

— in part : PARTLY <the program was sponsored in part by public donations>

— on the part of : relating to the one specified <an enthusiastic response on the part of students>
synonyms PART, PORTION, SECTION, FRAGMENT, mean something less than the whole. PART is a general word and can be used when it is not necessary to be exact <they ran only part of the way>. PORTION suggests a part that is assigned or given as one's share <divided the food into six portions>. SECTION applies to a part that is fairly small or is clearly seen as a unit <the sports section of the newspaper>. FRAGMENT applies to a part made by or as if by breaking something <while digging they found fragments of old pottery> <some ancient literature is now known only in fragments>.

2part vb
1 : to separate from or leave someone : go away : DEPART
2 : to become separated, detached, or broken <the ice parted>
3 : to give up possession or control <wouldn't part with their old car>
4 a : to divide into parts  b : to separate by combing on each side of a line  synonyms see SEPARATE

3part adv : PARTLY <was only part right>

par·take \pär-ˈtāk, pər-\ vb par·took \-ˈtu̇k\; par·tak·en \-ˈtā-kən\; par·tak·ing
1 a : to take a share or part <partake of a meal>  b : to take part in something <all may partake in the ceremony>
2 : to have some of the qualities of something <the story partook of the nature of drama>
— par·tak·er n
synonyms PARTAKE, PARTICIPATE, SHARE, mean to take part together. PARTAKE applies especially to the common enjoyment of food and drink <shall we partake of the feast prepared for us?>. PARTICIPATE suggests an undertaking or activity in which persons work or act as a group <the whole class participated in singing the songs>. SHARE can apply either to situations in which one person allows another the use or enjoyment of some possession <she was nice enough to share her lunch with me> or to situations involving the use of something by two or more people <my brother and I share a bedroom>.

par·the·no·gen·e·sis \ˌpär-thə-nō-ˈje-nə-səs\ n : reproduction especially among lower plants and invertebrates in which a germ cell that has not undergone fertilization develops into a new individual

par·tial \ˈpär-shəl\ adj
1 : inclined to favor one side over another : BIASED
2 : fond of someone or something <partial to pizza>
3 : relating to or being a part rather than the whole : not total or complete <a partial eclipse> <a partial rhyme>
— par·tial·ly \ˈpärsh-(ə-)lē\ adv

par·tial·i·ty \ˌpär-shē-ˈal-ət-ē, pär-ˈshal-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being partial
2 : a special taste or liking

partial product n : a product of the multiplicand and one digit of a two or more digit multiplier

par·tic·i·pant \pər-ˈtis-ə-pənt, pär-\ n : one that participates

par·tic·i·pate \pər-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt, pär-\ vb -pat·ed; -pat·ing : to take part or have a share in something in common with others <participate in sports>  synonyms see PARTAKE
— par·tic·i·pa·tion \-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən\ n

— par·tic·i·pa·tor \-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt-ər\ n

par·ti·cip·i·al \ˌpärt-ə-ˈsip-ē-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or formed with a participle <participial phrase>
— par·ti·cip·i·al·ly \-ē-ə-le\ adv

par·ti·ci·ple \ˈpärt-ə-ˌsip-əl\ n : a word that functions like an adjective and also shows such features of a verb as tense and voice and the ability to take an object

par·ti·cle \ˈpärt-i-kəl\ n
1 : one of the very small parts of matter (as a molecule, atom, or electron)
2 : a very small quantity or piece
3 : the smallest possible portion

par·ti·cle·board \-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a board made of very small pieces of wood stuck together

1par·tic·u·lar \pə(r)-ˈtik-(y)ə-lər, -ˈtik-lər\ adj
1 : of or relating to the separate parts of a whole <each particular item on the list>
2 : of or relating to a single person or thing <my particular skills>
3 : very unusual : SPECIAL <a storm of particular violence>
4 : hard to please : FASTIDIOUS <particular about their clothes>

2particular n : an individual fact, detail, or item
— in particular : PARTICULARLY 2

par·tic·u·lar·i·ty \pə(r)-ˌtik-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a very small detail
2 : careful attention to detail : EXACTNESS, CARE

par·tic·u·lar·ize \pə(r)-ˈtik-(yə-)lə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to state in detail : SPECIFY
— par·tic·u·lar·i·za·tion \-ˌtik-(yə-)lə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

par·tic·u·lar·ly \pə(r)-ˈtik-yə-(lər-)lē, -yə-lə-lē; pə(r)-ˈtik-(ə-)lē\ adv
1 : in a particular manner
2 : to an unusual degree : ESPECIALLY

par·tic·u·late \pər-ˈtik-yə-lət, pär-, -ˌlāt\ n : a substance made up of very small separate particles

1part·ing \ˈpärt-iŋ\ n
1 : SEPARATION 1, DIVISION
2 : a place where a division or separation occurs <a parting of the ways>
3 : LEAVE-TAKING <shake hands at parting>

2parting adj
1 : being in the process of departing
2 : serving to divide : SEPARATING
3 : given, taken, or performed at parting <a parting kiss>

par·ti·san \ˈpärt-ə-zən\ n
1 : a person who is strongly devoted to a particular cause or group
2 : GUERRILLA
— partisan adj

— par·ti·san·ship \-ˌship\ n

par·ti·tion \pər-ˈtish-ən, pär-\ n
1 : DIVISION 1A, SEPARATION
2 : an interior dividing wall
3 : 1PART 1A, SECTION
— partition vb

— par·ti·tion·er \-ˈtish-(ə-)nər\ n

part·ly \ˈpärt-lē\ adv : in some measure or degree : not completely <a statement that is only partly true>

part·ner \ˈpärt-nər\ n
1 : one associated in action with another : COLLEAGUE
2 : either of a couple who dance together
3 : one of two or more persons who play together in a game against an opposing side
4 : a person with whom one shares an intimate relationship : one member of a couple
5 : a member of a partnership

part·ner·ship \ˈpärt-nər-ˌship\ n
1 : the state of being a partner
2 : a business organization owned by two or more persons who agree to share the profits and losses

part of speech : a class of words (as adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections, nouns, prepositions, pronouns, or verbs) identified according to the kinds of ideas they express and the way they work in a sentence

partook past of PARTAKE

par·tridge \ˈpär-trij\ n, pl partridge or par·tridg·es : any of several plump Old World birds related to the common chicken and often hunted as game; also : any of various North American birds (as a bobwhite or ruffed grouse) that are related to and resemble partridges of the Old World

par·tridge·ber·ry \-ˌber-ē\ n : an evergreen plant of the eastern U.S. and Canada that grows along the ground and produces somewhat tart scarlet berries; also : its berry

part–song \ˈpärt-ˌsȯŋ\ n : a song consisting of two or more voice parts

part–time \ˈpärt-ˈtīm\ adj or adv : involving or working less than a full or regular schedule

par·tu·ri·tion \ˌpärt-ə-ˈrish-ən, ˌpär-chə-\ n : CHILDBIRTH

part·way \ˈpärt-ˈwā\ adv : to a part of a distance <followed us partway home>

1par·ty \ˈpärt-ē\ n, pl parties
1 : one side in a dispute or contest <the parties to a lawsuit>
2 : a group of persons organized to influence or direct the policies of a government
3 : a person or group that takes part with others in an action or affair <a mountain-climbing party>
4 : a particular individual : PERSON <get the right party on the telephone>
5 : a detail of soldiers
6 : a social gathering; also : entertainment for such a gathering
— party adj

2party vb par·tied; par·ty·ing : to give or attend parties

party poop·er \-ˈpü-pər\ n : one who spoils the pleasure of others especially at a party : KILLJOY

pas·cal \pas-ˈkal\ n
1 : a unit of pressure in the metric system equal to one newton per square meter
2 usu cap P or all cap : a computer programming language developed from ALGOL [named for Blaise Pascal 1623–1662 French mathematician]

Pas·cal's triangle \pas-ˈkalz-\ n : a set of numbers which are arranged in rows in the shape of a triangle with the top row containing only 1, the next row 1 1, the following row 1 2 1, and in general the nth row containing the coefficients in the expansion of (a + b)ⁿ as n equals 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.

pas·chal \ˈpas-kəl\ adj : of or relating to Passover or Easter [from earlier Pasch “Passover, Easter,” derived from Greek pascha “Passover,” from Hebrew pesaḥ “Passover”]

pa·sha \ˈpäsh-ə, ˈpash-ə, pə-ˈshä\ n : an official (as in Turkey or northern Africa) of high rank

1pass \ˈpas\ vb
1 : 1MOVE 2, PROCEED
2 a : to go away <the pain will soon pass>  b : 1DIE 1 — often used with on
3 : to go by or beyond or move past
4 : to go or allow to go across, over, or through <let no one pass>
5 : to change or transfer ownership or possession <recipes passed down through the family>
6 : HAPPEN 2, OCCUR
7 a : to gain the approval of a legislative body <the bill passed both houses>  b : to approve officially <pass a new law>
8 : to go or allow to go through an examination or course of study successfully <passed my French course>
9 : to cause to be considered <passed for an expert>
10 : to transfer or become transferred from one person to another <pass the butter> <pass a football>
11 : to decide not to bid, bet, or draw in a card game
12 : to cause or permit to elapse : SPEND <pass time>
13 : to state judicially <pass sentence>
— pass·er n

— pass muster : to gain approval or acceptance

— pass the buck : to shift a responsibility to someone else

— pass the hat : to take up a collection of money

2pass n
1 : PASSAGE 2A, WAY
2 : a gap in a mountain range

3pass n
1 : the act or an instance of passing : PASSAGE
2 : ACCOMPLISHMENT 1, REALIZATION — used in the phrases come to pass and bring to pass
3 : SITUATION 3, CONDITION <have come to a strange pass>
4 : a written permission to enter or leave or to move about freely <a soldier's three-day pass>
5 : a moving of the hands over or along something
6 : a transfer of a ball or puck from one player to another; esp : FORWARD PASS
7 : BASE ON BALLS
8 : an act of passing in a card game
9 : EFFORT 2, TRY <make a pass at it>

pass·able \ˈpas-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being passed, crossed, or traveled on <passable roads>
2 : barely good enough : TOLERABLE <a passable imitation>
— pass·ably \-blē\ adv

pas·sage \ˈpas-ij\ n
1 : the action or process of passing from one place or condition to another
2 a : a road, path, channel, or course by which something can pass  b : CORRIDOR 1
3 a : 1VOYAGE, JOURNEY  b : a right to travel as a passenger <book passage on an airplane>
4 : the passing of a law
5 : a usually brief portion of a written work or speech or of a musical composition

pas·sage·way \-ˌwā\ n : a road or way by which a person or thing may pass

pass away vb : 1DIE 1

pass·book \ˈpas-ˌbu̇k\ n : BANKBOOK

pas·sé \pa-ˈsā\ adj : OUTMODED, OUT-OF-DATE [French, literally, “past, gone by”]

pas·sel \ˈpas-əl\ n : a large number : GROUP

pas·sen·ger \ˈpas-ən-jər\ n : a person riding in or on a vehicle

passenger pigeon n : an extinct but formerly very common North American pigeon that migrated long distances

pass·er·by \ˌpas-ər-ˈbī\ n, pl pass·ers·by \ˌpas-ərz-\ : one who passes by

1pass·ing \ˈpas-iŋ\ n
1 : the act of one that passes or causes to pass
2 : DEATH 1
— in passing : by the way : INCIDENTALLY

2passing adj
1 : going by or past <the passing crowd>
2 : lasting only for a short time; esp : showing haste or lack of attention : HASTY, SUPERFICIAL <a passing glance>
3 : used for the act or process of passing <the passing lane>
4 : given on satisfactory completion of an examination or course of study <a passing grade>

pas·sion \ˈpash-ən\ n
1 often cap : the sufferings of Jesus between the night of the Last Supper and his death
2 a pl : the emotions in general  b : strong feeling or emotion
3 a : great affection : LOVE  b : a strong liking  c : an object of desire or deep interest

pas·sion·ate \ˈpash-(ə-)nət\ adj
1 : excited or easily excited to strong feeling
2 : showing or expressing strong feeling
3 : strongly affected with sexual desire
— pas·sion·ate·ly adv

passion play n, often cap 1st P : a play representing scenes connected with Jesus' suffering and crucifixion

Passion Sunday n : the 5th Sunday in Lent

Pas·sion·tide \ˈpash-ən-ˌtīd\ n : the last two weeks of Lent

Passion Week n
1 : HOLY WEEK
2 : the 2nd week before Easter

1pas·sive \ˈpas-iv\ adj
1 a : not active but acted upon <passive spectators>  b : indicating that the person or thing represented by the subject is acted on by the verb <“was hit” in “he was hit by the ball” is passive>
2 a : not operating  b : of, relating to, or making use of the sun's heat usually without the aid of mechanical devices
3 : offering no resistance
— pas·sive·ly adv

— pas·sive·ness n

— pas·siv·i·ty \pa-ˈsiv-ət-ē\ n

2passive n
1 : a passive verb form
2 : the passive voice

passive immunity n : temporary immunity acquired by transfer (as by injection) of antibodies especially from an individual with active immunity

passive resistance n : resistance especially to a government or an occupying power characterized mainly by noncooperation

pass·key \ˈpas-ˌkē\ n
1 : a key for opening two or more locks
2 : SKELETON KEY

pass off vb : to give a false identity to : describe untruthfully

pass out vb : to lose consciousness

Pass·over \ˈpas-ˌō-vər\ n : a Jewish holiday celebrated in March or April in honor of the freeing of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt [so called because in Exodus 12:23–27 the Lord passes over the homes of the Israelites in killing the firstborn in Egypt]

pass over \(ˈ)pas-ˈō-vər\ vb
1 : to ignore in passing
2 : to pay no attention to

pass·port \ˈpas-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : a government-issued document that serves to identify a citizen and allows him or her to travel to foreign countries
2 : something that allows a person to reach a desired goal <education can be a passport to a successful future>

pass·word \-ˌwərd\ n
1 : a word or phrase that must be spoken by a person in order to pass a guard
2 : a secret series of numbers or letters required for access to a computer

1past \ˈpast\ adj
1 a : AGO <10 years past>  b : just gone by <for the past few months>
2 : having existed or taken place in a period before the present <past customs>
3 : of, relating to, or being a verb tense that in English is usually formed by internal vowel change (as in sang) or by the addition of a suffix (as in laughed) and that expresses time gone by
4 : no longer serving <a past president>

2past prep
1 : 2BEYOND 1 <past 50 years old> <half past ten>
2 : in a course by and then beyond <the road goes past the house>

3past n
1 : a former time or event
2 a : PAST TENSE  b : a verb form in the past tense
3 : a past life or history; esp : a past life that is secret or questionable

4past adv : so as to pass by <a deer ran past>

pas·ta \ˈpäs-tə\ n
1 : a dough of flour, eggs, and water made in different shapes and dried (as spaghetti or macaroni) or used fresh (as ravioli)
2 : a dish of cooked pasta

1paste \ˈpāst\ n
1 a : a dough rich in fat used for pastry  b : a candy made by evaporating fruit with sugar or by flavoring a gelatin, starch, or gum arabic preparation  c : a smooth food product made by evaporation or grinding <almond paste>
2 : a preparation of flour or starch and water used for sticking things together
3 : a soft plastic substance or mixture
4 : a very brilliant glass used for artificial gems [Middle English paste “pastry dough,” from early French paste (same meaning), from Latin pasta “paste, dough”]

2paste vb past·ed; past·ing
1 : to stick on or together by paste
2 : to cover with something pasted on
3 : to put (something cut or copied from a computer document) into another part of the document or into another document

3paste vb past·ed; past·ing : to hit hard [an altered form of earlier baste “to hit, beat”]

paste·board \ˈpās(t)-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : CARDBOARD

1pas·tel \pas-ˈtel\ n
1 a : a paste made of ground color and used for making crayons  b : a crayon of such paste
2 : a drawing in pastel
3 : any of various pale or light colors

2pastel adj
1 : of, relating to, or made with pastels
2 : pale and light in color

pas·tern \ˈpas-ˈtərn\ n : the part of the foot of a horse between the fetlock and the top of the hoof; also : the corresponding part of some other four-footed animals

pas·teur·i·za·tion \ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌpas-tə-\ n : the process of heating a liquid (as milk) to a temperature high enough and keeping it at that temperature long enough to kill many objectionable germs and then cooling it rapidly without causing a major change in its chemical composition

pas·teur·ize \ˈpas-chə-ˌrīz, ˈpas-tə-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to expose to pasteurization [named for Louis Pasteur 1822–1895 French chemist]
— pas·teur·iz·er n

pas·time \ˈpas-ˌtīm\ n : something that helps to make time pass agreeably

past master n
1 : one who has held the office of master (as in a club or lodge)
2 : one who is expert

pas·tor \ˈpas-tər\ n : a minister or priest in charge of a church or parish
— pas·tor·ship \-ˌship\ n

1pas·to·ral \ˈpas-t(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to shepherds or rural life  b : devoted to or based on livestock raising
2 : of or relating to the pastor of a church

2pas·to·ral \ˈpas-t(ə-)rəl, sense 3 is often ˌpas-tə-ˈräl, -ˈral\ n
1 : a literary work dealing with shepherds or rural life
2 : a rural picture or scene
3 : PASTORALE

pas·to·rale \ˌpas-tə-ˈräl, -ˈral\ n : a piece of music for instruments or voices that suggests rural scenes

pas·tor·ate \ˈpas-t(ə-)rət\ n
1 : the office, duties, or term of service of a pastor
2 : a body of pastors

past participle n : a participle that expresses completed action and that is one of the principal parts of the verb <“raised” in “Many hands were raised” and “thrown” in “The ball has been thrown” are past participles>

past perfect tense n : a verb tense formed in English with had and expressing an action or state completed at or before a past time spoken of

pas·tra·mi \pə-ˈsträm-ē\ n : a highly seasoned smoked beef

past·ry \ˈpā-strē\ n, pl pastries
1 : sweet baked goods (as cakes or tarts) made of dough or having a crust made of enriched dough
2 : a piece of pastry

past tense n : a verb tense expressing action or state in the past

pas·tur·age \ˈpas-chə-rij\ n : 1PASTURE

1pas·ture \ˈpas-chər\ n
1 : plants (as grass) for feeding especially grazing animals
2 : land or a plot of land used for grazing

2pasture vb pas·tured; pas·tur·ing
1 : 1GRAZE 1
2 : to feed (as cattle) on pasture

pas·ture·land \ˈpas-chər-ˌland\ n : 1PASTURE 2

1pas·ty \ˈpas-tē\ n, pl pas·ties : 1PIE; esp : a meat pie

2pasty \ˈpā-stē\ adj past·i·er; -est : resembling paste; esp : pale and unhealthy in appearance
— past·i·ness n

PA system \pē-ˈā-\ n : PUBLIC-ADDRESS SYSTEM

1pat \ˈpat\ n
1 : a light blow especially with the hand or a flat instrument
2 : a light tapping sound
3 : something (as butter) shaped into a small flat portion

2pat vb pat·ted; pat·ting
1 : to strike lightly with the hand or a flat instrument : strike or beat gently
2 : to flatten, smooth, or shape with pats
3 : to tap or stroke gently with the hand to soothe or to show affection or approval

3pat adj pat·ter; pat·test
1 : exactly suited : APT, TIMELY <a pat answer>
2 : learned exactly <have a lesson down pat>
3 : 1FIRM 2B, UNYIELDING <stand pat>

1patch \ˈpach\ n
1 : a piece of material used to mend or cover a hole, a torn place, or a weak spot
2 : a shield (as of cloth) worn over an injured eye
3 : a small piece : SCRAP
4 a : a small area or plot different from its surroundings <a patch of oats> <a patch of blistered skin>  b : a spot of color : BLOTCH
5 : a piece of cloth worn (as on the shoulder of a uniform) as an ornament or insignia

2patch vb
1 : to mend, cover, or fill up a hole or weak spot in
2 : to provide with a patch
3 a : to make out of patches  b : to mend or put together especially hastily or clumsily  c : to deal with successfully : SETTLE — usually used with up <patched up their differences>  synonyms see MEND

patch pocket n : a pocket that is sewn on the outside of a garment

patch test n : a test for finding out if a person is sensitive to an allergy-producing substance that is made by putting small pads soaked with the substance to be tested on the unbroken skin

patch·work \ˈpach-ˌwərk\ n
1 : something made up of various parts
2 : pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together usually in a pattern
— patchwork adj

patchy \ˈpach-ē\ adj patch·i·er; -est : consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork

pate \ˈpāt\ n : 1HEAD 1; esp : the top of the head
— pat·ed \ˈpāt-əd\ adj

pa·tel·la \pə-ˈtel-ə\ n, pl pa·tel·lae \-ˈtel-ē, -ˌī\ or -tellas : KNEECAP

pat·en \ˈpat-ən\ n
1 : a plate of precious metal for the eucharistic bread
2 : a metal plate
3 : a thin disk (as of metal)

1pat·ent \sense 1 is ˈpat-ənt, sense 2 is ˈpāt-, ˈpat-\ adj
1 a : protected by a patent  b : of, relating to, or concerned with patents <a patent lawyer>  c : 2PROPRIETARY 2 <a patent can opener>
2 : 2PLAIN 4A, OBVIOUS <a patent lie>
— pat·ent·ly adv

2pat·ent \ˈpat-ənt\ n
1 : an official document granting a right or privilege; esp : a writing granting to an inventor for a term of years the only right to make, use, or sell his or her invention
2 : the right granted by a patent

3pat·ent \ˈpat-ənt\ vb : to protect by patent
— pat·ent·able \ˈpat-ən-tə-bəl\ adj

pat·en·tee \ˌpat-ən-ˈtē\ n : one to whom a patent is granted

pat·ent leather \ˌpat-ən(t)-\ n : a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface

patent medicine n : a medicine (as cough syrup) available for sale to the public without a doctor's prescription, that is protected by a trademark, has contents which may not be fully disclosed, and especially in the past was often of unproven effectiveness

pa·ter·nal \pə-ˈtərn-əl\ adj
1 : FATHERLY <paternal advice>
2 : received or inherited from one's father
3 : related through the father <a paternal grandfather> [from Latin paternalis “fatherly,” from earlier paternus (same meaning), from pater “father” — related to PADRE, PATRON, PATTERN]
— pa·ter·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

pa·ter·ni·ty \pə-ˈtər-nət-ē\ n
1 : the state of being a father
2 : origin from a father

path \ˈpath, ˈpȧth\ n, pl paths \ˈpathz, ˈpaths, ˈpȧthz, ˈpȧths\
1 a : a track made by foot travel  b : a track constructed for a particular use (as horseback riding)
2 a : the way along which something moves : COURSE  b : a way of life, conduct, or thought
— path·less \-ləs\ adj

pa·thet·ic \pə-ˈthet-ik\ adj : causing one to feel tenderness, pity, or sorrow
— pa·thet·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

path·find·er \ˈpath-ˌfīn-dər, ˈpȧth-\ n : one that discovers a way and especially a new route in unexplored regions

patho·gen \ˈpath-ə-jən\ n : a germ (as a bacterium or virus) that causes disease

patho·gen·ic \ˌpath-ə-ˈjen-ik\ adj : causing or capable of causing disease

patho·log·i·cal \ˌpath-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ also patho·log·ic \-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to pathology
2 : changed or caused by disease
3 : being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or abnormal <a pathological liar>
— patho·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pa·thol·o·gist \pə-ˈthäl-ə-jəst, pa-\ n : a specialist in pathology

pa·thol·o·gy \pə-ˈthäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : the study of diseases and especially of the changes in the body produced by them
2 : something abnormal; esp : the disorders in structure and function that occur in a particular disease

pa·thos \ˈpā-ˌthäs, -ˌthȯs\ n : an element in life or in artistic representation of it that moves one to pity

path·way \ˈpath-ˌwā, ˈpȧth-\ n : PATH

pa·tience \ˈpā-shən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being patient

1pa·tient \ˈpā-shənt\ adj
1 : putting up with pains or hardships calmly or without complaint
2 : showing calm self-control
3 : not hasty or reckless
4 : STEADFAST 2, PERSEVERING <years of patient labor>
— pa·tient·ly adv

2patient n : an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment

pa·tio \ˈpat-ē-ˌō also ˈpät-\ n, pl pa·ti·os
1 : COURTYARD; esp : an inner court open to the sky
2 : an often paved recreation area next to a dwelling

pa·tois \ˈpa-ˌtwä, ˈpä-\ n, pl patois \-ˌtwäz\ : DIALECT

pa·tri·arch \ˈpā-trē-ˌärk\ n
1 a : one of the Old Testament fathers of the human race or of the Hebrew people  b : the father and ruler of a family or tribe  c : an old man deserving respect
2 : any of various bishops of highest rank and dignity
— pa·tri·ar·chal \ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl\ adj

pa·tri·ar·chy \ˈpā-trē-ˌär-kē\ n, pl -chies
1 : social organization in which the father is head of the family and ancestry and inheritance are traced in the male line
2 : a society organized according to the principles of patriarchy

pa·tri·cian \pə-ˈtrish-ən\ n
1 : a member of one of the original citizen families of ancient Rome
2 : a person of high birth or position : ARISTOCRAT
— patrician adj

pat·ri·mo·ny \ˈpa-trə-ˌmō-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : an estate inherited from one's father or ancestors
2 : something passed down from one's father or ancestors : HERITAGE
— pat·ri·mo·ni·al \ˌpa-trə-ˈmō-nē-əl\ adj

pa·tri·ot \ˈpā-trē-ət, -trē-ˌät\ n : a person who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests

pa·tri·ot·ic \ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik\ adj
1 : having or showing patriotism
2 : suitable or proper for a patriot
— pa·tri·ot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pa·tri·ot·ism \ˈpā-trē-ə-ˌtiz-əm\ n : love of one's own country

1pa·trol \pə-ˈtrōl\ n
1 a : the action of going the rounds of an area for observation or guard  b : the person or group doing the patrolling
2 : a part of a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop

2patrol vb pa·trolled; pa·trol·ling : to carry out a patrol or a patrol of
— pa·trol·ler n

pa·trol·man \pə-ˈtrōl-mən\ n : a police officer who has a regular beat

patrol wagon n : an enclosed police truck used to carry prisoners

pa·tron \ˈpā-trən\ n
1 : a person chosen as a special guardian or supporter <a patron of poets>
2 : one who gives generous support or approval <a patron of the arts>
3 : a person who buys the goods or uses the services offered (as by a business) [Middle English patroun “a special guardian or protector,” from early French patrun, patron (same meaning), from Latin patronus “patron, patron saint,” from earlier patronus “defender,” from patr-, pater “father” — related to PADRE, PATERNAL, PATTERN]

pa·tron·age \ˈpa-trə-nij, ˈpā-\ n
1 : the support or influence of a patron
2 : business or activity provided by patrons
3 : the power to give out government jobs, contracts, or favors

pa·tron·ess \ˈpā-trə-nəs\ n : a woman who is a patron: as  a : a woman chosen as a special guardian or supporter  b : a woman who gives generous support or approval

pa·tron·ize \ˈpā-trə-ˌnīz, ˈpa-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to act as a patron to or of : give aid or support to <patronize the arts>
2 : to act as if one were better than
3 : to be a patron of <patronize a store> <patronize the library>
— pa·tron·iz·ing·ly \-ˌnī-ziŋ-lē\ adv

patron saint n : a saint to whom a person, society, church, or place is dedicated

pa·troon \pə-ˈtrün\ n : a landowner of a large estate in New York or New Jersey granted by the Dutch

patted past and past participle of 2PAT

1pat·ter \ˈpat-ər\ vb : to talk quickly and smoothly or mechanically [Middle English patren “to patter, chant prayers mechanically,” from paternoster “Lord's Prayer, Our Father,” derived from Latin pater noster “our father” (first words of the prayer)]

2patter n
1 : JARGON 2, CANT
2 : fast talk used especially to attract attention or to entertain

3patter vb
1 : to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly <rain pattering on a roof>
2 : to run with quick light-sounding steps [from pat “to tap or strike”]

4patter n : a series of quick light sounds <the patter of little feet>

1pat·tern \ˈpat-ərn\ n
1 : something worth imitating or using as a guide
2 : a model or guide for making something <a dress pattern>
3 : an artistic form, figure, or design <chintz with a small pattern>
4 : a set of characteristics that are displayed repeatedly <behavior patterns> [Middle English patron “pattern,” from early French patron (same meaning), from Latin patronus “patron, patron saint,” from earlier patronus “defender, protector,” from patr-, pater “father” — related to PADRE, PATERNAL, PATRON]
— patterned \-ərnd\ adj
synonyms PATTERN, EXAMPLE, MODEL, IDEAL, mean someone or something that one should follow or imitate. PATTERN suggests a carefully worked out design that should be followed closely <other countries have used our laws as a pattern>. EXAMPLE applies to something that should be followed or sometimes to something certainly not to be followed <set a good example for others> <they were punished for bad behavior and let that be an example for you>. MODEL suggests that the person or thing imitated is very worthy of imitation <a leader who can be a model for all children>. IDEAL suggests something real or imagined that is thought to be the best of its kind that can exist <the ideal of beauty>.

2pattern vb : to make or design by following a pattern

patting present participle of 2PAT

pat·ty also pat·tie \ˈpat-ē\ n, pl patties
1 : a little pie
2 : a small flat cake of chopped food  b : a small flat candy

pau·ci·ty \ˈpȯ-sət-ē\ n : smallness of number or quantity : SCARCITY <a paucity of experience>

paunch \ˈpȯnch, ˈpänch\ n
1 : the belly together with its contents
2 : POTBELLY 1

paunchy \ˈpȯn-chē, ˈpän-\ adj paunch·i·er; -est : having a potbelly
— paunch·i·ness n

pau·per \ˈpȯ-pər\ n : a very poor person; esp : one supported by charity
— pau·per·ism \-pə-ˌriz-əm\ n

— pau·per·ize \-ˌrīz\ vb

1pause \ˈpȯz\ n
1 : a temporary stop or rest
2 : the sign placed over or under a musical note, chord, or rest to show that it is to be held longer than usual
3 : a reason for pausing <a thought that should give pause> [Middle English pause “a temporary stop, pause,” from Latin pausa “a pause” — related to 1REPOSE]

2pause vb paused; paus·ing
1 : to stop temporarily
2 : to linger for a time <pause on a high note>

pave \ˈpāv\ vb paved; pav·ing : to lay or cover with material (as stone or concrete) that forms a firm level surface for travel
— pave the way : to prepare a smooth easy way

pave·ment \ˈpāv-mənt\ n
1 : a paved surface (as of a street)
2 : the material with which something is paved

pa·vil·ion \pə-ˈvil-yən\ n
1 : a usually large tent with a peaked or rounded top
2 : a lightly constructed building serving as a shelter in a park, garden, or athletic field
3 : a part of a building that extends from the main part
4 : a building partly or completely detached from the main building or group of buildings
Word History The Latin word papilio meant “butterfly.” In a later stage of Latin, papilio also came to be used to mean “a tent.” This probably happened because the top of a colorful tent looked like the spread wings of a butterfly. This meaning was borrowed into early French as pavillioun. Later, the French word came into English and is now spelled pavilion. Over the years pavilion acquired additional meanings in English, all having to do with a building of some kind. But a large and richly decorated tent—as colorful as a butterfly—is still sometimes called a pavilion. [Middle English pavillioun “a large decorated tent,” from early French pavillioun “tent,” from Latin papilion-, papilio “butterfly”]

pav·ing \ˈpā-viŋ\ n : PAVEMENT

1paw \ˈpȯ\ n
1 : the foot of a four-footed animal (as a lion or dog) having claws; also : the foot of an animal
2 : a human hand especially when large or clumsy

2paw vb
1 : to touch or strike with a paw
2 : to touch or handle clumsily or rudely <pawed the merchandise>
3 : to scrape or beat with or as if with a hoof
4 : to grab at wildly
5 : to search especially carelessly or roughly <pawed through the box of letters>

pawl \ˈpȯl\ n : a tongue or sliding bolt on a machine part that is made to fall into notches on another part so as to permit motion in only one direction

1pawn \ˈpȯn, ˈpän\ n
1 : the piece of least value in the game of chess
2 : one that can be used to further the purposes of another [Middle English pown “chess piece representing an ordinary soldier,” from early French peoun, paun (same meaning), from Latin pedon-, pedo “foot soldier,” derived from earlier ped-, pes “foot” — related to PEDESTRIAN]

2pawn n
1 : something given as a guarantee of repayment of a loan
2 : the state of being pledged <the watch was in pawn> [Middle English paun “something given as a guarantee of repayment of a loan”]

3pawn vb : to leave as a guarantee of repayment of a loan <pawn a watch>
— pawn·er n

pawn·bro·ker \ˈpȯn-ˌbrō-kər, ˈpän-\ n : a person who makes a business of lending money and keeping personal property as a guarantee
— pawn·bro·king \-kiŋ\ n

Paw·nee \pȯ-ˈnē, pä-\ n : a member of an American Indian people originally of Nebraska and Kansas

pawn·shop \ˈpȯn-ˌshäp, ˈpän-\ n : a pawnbroker's shop

paw·paw also pa·paw n
1 \pə-ˈpȯ\ : PAPAYA
2 \ˈpäp-(ˌ)ȯ, ˈpȯp-\ : a North American tree having purple flowers and an edible fruit with green skin; also : its fruit

1pay \ˈpā\ vb paid \ˈpād\ also in sense 6 payed; pay·ing
1 : to give (as money) in return for services received or for something bought <pay the taxi driver> <pay for a ticket>
2 : to give what is owed <pay a tax>
3 : to get even with <pay someone back for an insult>
4 : to give or offer freely <pay a compliment> <pay attention>
5 a : to return value or profit to <it pays to drive carefully>  b : to give as a return <a bank account paying eight percent>
6 : to make slack and allow to run out <pay out a rope>
— pay·er \ˈpā-ər\ also pay·or \ˈpā-ər, pā-ˈȯ(ə)r\ n

2pay n
1 a : the act of paying  b : the state of being paid or employed for money
2 : something paid; esp : 2WAGE, SALARY

3pay adj
1 : containing or leading to something valuable
2 : having a coin slot for receiving money for use

pay·able \ˈpā-ə-bəl\ adj : that may, can, or must be paid <accounts payable>

pay·check \ˈpā-ˌchek\ n : a check in payment of wages or salary

pay·day \ˈpā-ˌdā\ n : a regular day on which wages are paid

pay dirt n
1 : earth or ore that produces a profit for a miner
2 : a useful or profitable discovery or object

pay·ee \pā-ˈē\ n : one to whom money is paid or is to be paid

pay·load \ˈpā-ˌlōd\ n : something (as cargo, passengers, instruments, or explosives) carried by a vehicle in addition to what is necessary for its operation

pay·mas·ter \-ˌmas-tər\ n : an officer or agent of an employer whose duty it is to pay salaries or wages

pay·ment \ˈpā-mənt\ n
1 : the act of paying
2 : money given to pay a debt
3 : 2PAY 2

pay·off \ˈpā-ˌȯf\ n
1 : 1PROFIT 2
2 : the last and most interesting part of an incident <the payoff of a story>

pay off \(ˈ)pā-ˈȯf\ vb
1 : to pay in full <pay off a mortgage>
2 : to produce a profit <investments that pay off>

pay–per–view n : a cable television service by which customers can order access to a particular broadcast for a fee

pay·roll \ˈpā-ˌrōl\ n
1 : a list of persons entitled to receive pay with the amounts due to each
2 : the amount of money necessary to pay those on a payroll

pay up vb : to pay in full

pay·wall \ˈpā-ˌwȯl\ n : a system that prevents Internet users from accessing certain Web content without a paid subscription

PC \ˌpē-ˈsē\ n, pl PCs or PC's : PERSONAL COMPUTER

PDA \ˌpē-ˌdē-ˈā\ n : an electronic device that is small enough to be held in the hand and is used especially to store and organize personal information (as addresses and schedules) [personal digital assistant]

pea \ˈpē\ n, pl peas also pease \ˈpēz\
1 a : a plant of the legume family that is widely grown for its pods of protein-rich edible rounded seeds  b : the seed of a pea
2 : a plant (as the sweet pea) related to the pea

peace \ˈpēs\ n
1 : a state of quiet; esp : freedom from public disturbance or war
2 : freedom from upsetting thoughts or feelings
3 : harmony in personal relations
4 a : a state or period of peace between governments  b : an agreement to end a war [Middle English pees “peace,” from early French pes, pees (same meaning), from Latin pac-, pax “peace” — related to APPEASE, PACIFY]

peace·able \ˈpē-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : PEACEFUL 1
2 : PEACEFUL 3
— peace·ably \-blē\ adv

peace·ful \ˈpēs-fəl\ adj
1 : enjoying peace and quiet <a peaceful people>
2 : 2QUIET 1C, TRANQUIL <a peaceful countryside>; esp : not at war
3 : not involving violence or force <settled the conflict by peaceful means>  synonyms see CALM
— peace·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— peace·ful·ness n

peace·keep·ing \ˈpē-ˌskē-piŋ\ n : the enforcing of a truce between countries or groups by an international military force

peace·mak·er \ˈpē-ˌsmā-kər\ n : a person who settles an argument or stops a fight
— peace·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ n or adj

peace·time \ˈpē-ˌstīm\ n : a time when a nation is not at war

peach \ˈpēch\ n
1 : a sweet juicy fruit with white or yellow flesh, a thin fuzzy skin, and a single seed enclosed in a rough stony covering that is produced by a low spreading Chinese tree related to the plums and cherries and grown in most temperate areas; also : this tree
2 : a moderate yellowish pink

pea·cock \ˈpē-ˌkäk\ n : the male of a very large Asian pheasant having a very long brightly colored tail that can be spread or raised, a small crest of upright feathers on the top of the head, and in most forms brilliant blue or green feathers on the neck and shoulders

pea jacket \ˈpē-\ n : a heavy woolen double-breasted jacket originally worn by sailors

1peak \ˈpēk\ n
1 : a part of a piece of clothing that is pointed or sticks out; esp : the front part of a cap or hat
2 a : the top of a hill or mountain  b : a mountain all by itself
3 : the highest point of development <the peak of perfection>
— peak adj

2peak vb : to reach or cause to come to a peak, point, or maximum

1peaked \ˈpēkt also ˈpē-kəd\ adj : having a peak : POINTED <a peaked roof>

2peak·ed \ˈpē-kəd\ adj : looking pale and sick

peal \ˈpē(ə)l\ n
1 : the loud ringing of bells
2 : a loud sound or series of sounds <a peal of laughter> <a peal of thunder>
— peal vb

pea·nut \ˈpē-(ˌ)nət\ n
1 : a plant of the legume family that has yellow flowers and is grown for its underground pods of oily nutlike edible seeds which yield peanut oil or are crushed to make peanut butter; also : this pod or one of the oily edible seeds it contains
2 pl : a very small amount

peanut butter n : a paste made chiefly of ground roasted peanuts

peanut oil n : a colorless to yellow fatty oil that is obtained from peanuts

pear \ˈpa(ə)r, ˈpe(ə)r\ n : a fruit that is commonly larger at the end opposite the stem and typically has a pale green or brownish skin and juicy flesh; also : a tree that bears pears and is related to the apple

1pearl \ˈpər(-ə)l\ n
1 a : a dense smooth shiny body that is considered a gem and is formed in layers as an abnormal growth in the body of some mollusks usually around something irritating (as a grain of sand) which has gotten into the shell  b : MOTHER-OF-PEARL
2 : something like a pearl (as in shape, color, or value)
3 : a light bluish gray

2pearl adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling pearl
2 : made of pearls

pearl onion n : a very small onion that is usually pickled

pearly \ˈpər-lē\ adj pearl·i·er; -est : resembling pearls or mother-of-pearl

peas·ant \ˈpez-ənt\ n
1 : a European small farmer or farm laborer
2 : a member of a similar agricultural class elsewhere

peas·ant·ry \-ən-trē\ n : peasants as a group

pease plural of PEA

peat \ˈpēt\ n : a dark brown or blackish material that is the remains of plants partly decayed in water and is sometimes dug up and dried for use as fuel

peat moss n : SPHAGNUM

1peb·ble \ˈpeb-əl\ n
1 : a small rounded stone
2 : an uneven, wrinkled, or grainy surface
— peb·ble·like \-əl-ˌ(l)īk\ adj

— peb·bly \-(ə-)lē\ adj

2pebble vb peb·bled; peb·bling \ˈpeb-(ə-)liŋ\ : to produce an uneven, wrinkled, or grainy surface on

pe·can \pi-ˈkän, -ˈkan\ n : an oblong edible nut that usually has a thin shell and is the fruit of a tall tree of the central and southern U.S.; also : this tree which is one of the hickories

pec·ca·dil·lo \ˌpek-ə-ˈdil-ō\ n, pl -loes or -los : a slight offense or fault

pec·ca·ry \ˈpek-ə-rē\ n, pl -ries : either of two American mammals of warm regions that gather in herds, are active usually at night, and look like but are much smaller than the related pigs

1peck \ˈpek\ n
1 : a unit of capacity equal to ¼ bushel — see MEASURE TABLE
2 : a large quantity <a peck of trouble> [Middle English pek “unit of measure,” from early French pek (same meaning)]

2peck vb
1 a : to strike with the bill : thrust the beak into  b : to make by pecking <peck holes>
2 : to strike with a sharp instrument (as a pick)
3 : to pick up with the bill <a chicken pecking corn>
4 : to bite daintily : NIBBLE <peck at one's food> [Middle English pecken “to strike or pierce repeatedly,” perhaps from early German pekken (same meaning)]

3peck n
1 : a mark or hole made by pecking
2 : a quick sharp stroke

pecking order also peck order n
1 : a basic pattern of social organization within a flock of poultry in which each bird pecks another lower in the scale without being pecked in return and allows pecking by one of higher rank
2 : a social order with ranks or classes

pec·tin \ˈpek-tən\ n : any of various substances in plant tissues that dissolve in water and produce a gel which is the basis of fruit jellies; also : a commercial product rich in pectins

pec·to·ral \ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl\ adj : of, relating to, or situated in, near, or on the chest

pectoral fin n : either of a pair of fins of a fish that correspond to the front limbs of a four-footed animal — compare PELVIC FIN

pectoral muscle n : any of the muscles which connect the front walls of the chest with the bones of the upper arm and shoulder and of which there are two on each side in the human body

pe·cu·liar \pi-ˈkyül-yər\ adj
1 : characteristic of only one person, thing, or place <a custom peculiar to England>
2 : different from the usual or normal <peculiar behavior>  synonyms see CHARACTERISTIC
— pe·cu·liar·ly adv

pe·cu·liar·i·ty \pi-ˌkyül-ˈyar-ət-ē, -ˌkyü-lē-ˈar-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being peculiar
2 : something different or individual
3 : something odd or abnormal

pe·cu·ni·ary \pi-ˈkyü-nē-ˌer-ē\ adj : of, relating to, or consisting of money

ped·a·gog·ics \ˌped-ə-ˈgäj-iks\ n : PEDAGOGY

ped·a·gogue \ˈped-ə-ˌgäg\ n : TEACHER, SCHOOLMASTER
Word History In ancient Greece a rich family had many servants. One of the servants was in charge of caring for the children. This servant's duties included escorting the children to and from school. As a name for this servant, the Greek prefix paid-, meaning “child,” and the noun agōgos, meaning “leader,” were combined to form paidagōgos. This word might be translated literally as “child-leader.” The English word pedagogue can be traced to the Greek paidagōgos. It is now a name for a person who leads children by teaching them, rather than just by escorting them. [Middle English pedagoge “teacher,” from early French pedagoge (same meaning), from Latin paedagogus (same meaning), from Greek paidagōgos “a servant who escorted children to school,” from paid- “child” and agōgos “leader”]

ped·a·go·gy \ˈped-ə-ˌgōj-ē also -ˌgäj-ˌē\ n : the art, science, or profession of teaching : EDUCATION
— ped·a·gog·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— ped·a·gog·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1ped·al \ˈped-əl\ n : a lever (as on a piano, bicycle, or sewing machine) worked by the foot [from early French pedale “a foot lever on an organ,” from Italian pedale (same meaning), from Latin pedalis “of the foot,” from ped-, pes “foot” — related to PEDESTRIAN]

2pedal vb ped·aled also ped·alled; ped·al·ing also ped·al·ling \ˈped-əl-iŋ, -liŋ\
1 : to use or work the pedals of something
2 : to ride a bicycle

pedal pushers n pl : women's and girls' calf-length trousers

ped·ant \ˈped-ənt\ n
1 : a person who shows off his or her learning
2 : a dull and overly exact teacher
— pe·dan·tic \pi-ˈdant-ik\ adj

— pe·dan·ti·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ped·ant·ry \ˈped-ən-trē\ n, pl -ries : dull and overly exact presentation of knowledge or learning

ped·dle \ˈped-əl\ vb ped·dled; ped·dling \-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to travel about especially from house to house with goods for sale
2 : to sell from place to place usually in small quantities
3 : to present (something) in a manner that is intended to convince others of its value <peddled her opinion to her friends>
— ped·dler also ped·lar \ˈped-lər\ n

ped·es·tal \ˈped-əs-təl\ n
1 : the support or foot of a column
2 : the base of something upright (as a vase, lamp, or statue)
3 : a position of high regard

1pe·des·tri·an \pə-ˈdes-trē-ən\ adj
1 : not interesting : ORDINARY
2 a : going on foot  b : of, relating to, or designed for walking <pedestrian traffic> <a pedestrian mall> [from Latin pedestr-, pedestris “going on foot,” from ped-, pes “foot” — related to CENTIPEDE, IMPEDE, 1PAWN, PEDAL]
— pe·des·tri·an·ism \-trē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

2pedestrian n : a person who is walking

pe·di·a·tri·cian \ˌpēd-ē-ə-ˈtrish-ən\ n : a doctor who specializes in pediatrics

pe·di·at·rics \ˌpēd-ē-ˈa-triks\ n : a branch of medicine concerned with the development, care, and diseases of babies and children
— pe·di·at·ric \-trik\ adj

pe·dic·u·lo·sis \pi-ˌdik-yə-ˈlō-səs\ n : the condition of having lice (as in the hair or on the body)

ped·i·cure \ˈped-i-ˌkyu̇(ə)r\ n : care of the feet, toes, and toenails; also : a single treatment of these parts

ped·i·gree \ˈped-ə-ˌgrē\ n
1 : a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal
2 : an ancestral line : LINEAGE
3 : purity of breed recorded by a pedigree
— ped·i·greed \-ˌgrēd\ adj

ped·i·ment \ˈped-ə-mənt\ n : a triangular space forming the gable of a roof in classic architecture

pe·dom·e·ter \pi-ˈdäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument that measures the distance one covers in walking

pe·dun·cle \ˈpē-ˌdəŋ-kəl, pi-ˈdəŋ-\ n : a narrow part by which some larger part or the body of a living thing is attached; esp : a stalk that supports a flower cluster

peek \ˈpēk\ vb
1 : to look cautiously or briefly
2 : to look through a crack or hole or from a hiding place
— peek n

1peel \ˈpē(ə)l\ vb
1 : to strip off an outer layer of <peel an apple>
2 : to strip or tear off <peeled off their coats>
3 a : to come off in strips or patches <the paint is peeling>  b : to lose an outer layer (as of skin) <your face is peeling>
— peel·er n

2peel n : an outer covering and especially the skin or rind of a fruit

peel·ing \ˈpē-liŋ\ n : a peeled-off piece or strip (as of skin or rind)

1peep \ˈpēp\ vb
1 : to make a feeble shrill sound as of a bird newly hatched
2 : to speak with a small weak voice [Middle English pepen “to peep, make the sound of a young bird”; the word began as an imitation of the sound made by a young bird]

2peep n : a quick high-pitched sound

3peep vb
1 : PEEK 2, PEER
2 : to show slightly <crocuses peeping through the snow> [Middle English pepen “to peek,” an altered form of earlier piken “to peek”]

4peep n
1 : the first appearance <the peep of dawn>
2 : a brief or sly look

1peep·er \ˈpē-pər\ n : any of various tree frogs that peep; esp : SPRING PEEPER

2peeper n
1 : one that peeps; esp : PEEPING TOM
2 : 1EYE 1

peep·hole \ˈpēp-ˌhōl\ n : a hole or crack to peep through

peep·ing Tom \ˌpē-piŋ-ˈtäm\ n : a person who spies into the windows of private dwellings
Word History According to an ancient English legend, the lord of the town of Coventry had burdened the citizens with heavy taxes. His wife, Lady Godiva, was constantly urging the lord to lower the taxes. Finally he promised to do away with the taxes, but only if Lady Godiva would ride naked on a horse through the town. Wanting to help the townspeople, Godiva agreed and made the ride, covered only by her very long hair. For their part, the people decided to stay in their homes and not look at her nakedness. However, a tailor named Tom could not resist the temptation to peep at her. For this, it is said, he was struck blind. He is remembered as “Peeping Tom,” and his name is used for a person who sneakily peeps at the private activities of others.

1peer \ˈpi(ə)r\ n
1 : a person of the same rank or class as another
2 a : a member of one of the five ranks of the British nobility  b : 2NOBLE [Middle English peer “one on equal standing with another,” derived from early French per (adjective) “equal,” from Latin par “equal” — related to COMPARE, PAIR, PAR, UMPIRE; see Word History at UMPIRE]

2peer vb
1 : to look closely or curiously <peered into the dark closet>
2 : 3PEEP 2 [perhaps an altered and shortened form of appear]

peer·age \ˈpi(ə)r-ij\ n
1 : NOBILITY 2
2 : a list or register of peers

peer·less \ˈpi(ə)r-ləs\ adj : having no equal <peerless beauty>
— peer·less·ly adv

— peer·less·ness n

1peeve \ˈpēv\ vb peeved; peev·ing : to make irritable or resentful : ANNOY, IRRITATE

2peeve n
1 : a feeling or mood of resentment
2 : something one finds annoying <a pet peeve>

pee·vish \ˈpē-vish\ adj
1 : IRRITABLE
2 : STUBBORN 1A
— pee·vish·ly adv

— pee·vish·ness n

pee·wee \ˈpē-wē\ n
1 : PEWEE
2 : a tiny person or thing

1peg \ˈpeg\ n
1 a : a small usually cylindrical pointed piece (as of wood) used to pin down or fasten things or to fit into or close holes <a tent peg>  b : a tapered wooden piece in a musical instrument (as a violin) that is turned to tighten or loosen a string to adjust pitch
2 : a piece that sticks out and is used as a support or boundary marker
3 : 1STEP 5, DEGREE <take someone down a peg>
4 : 2THROW 1 <a quick peg to first base>

2peg vb pegged; peg·ging
1 a : to fasten or mark with pegs  b : to fix or hold (as prices) at a level or rate of increase
2 : to place in a class or group
3 : 1THROW 1A
4 : to work steadily and diligently

Peg·a·sus \ˈpeg-ə-səs\ n : a group of stars that is located just north of Aquarius and Pisces and that is recognized by four bright stars in the form of a large square

Peg–Board \ˈpeg-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ trademark — used for material (as fiberboard) with evenly spaced holes into which hooks may be inserted for the storage or display of articles

peg·ma·tite \ˈpeg-mə-ˌtīt\ n : a grainy variety of granite that occurs in layers in rock

Pe·king·ese or Pe·kin·ese \ˌpē-kən-ˈēz, -kiŋ-, -ˈēs\ n, pl Pekingese or Pekinese
1 a : the Chinese dialect of Peking  b : a person born or living in Peking
2 : any of a Chinese breed of small short-legged dogs with a broad flat face and a long soft coat

Pe·king man \ˌpē-ˌkiŋ-\ n : an extinct prehistoric human being known from skeletal and cultural remains in cave deposits found in northeastern China and now classified with the direct ancestor of modern human beings

pe·koe \ˈpē-kō\ n : a black tea made from small-sized tea leaves especially in India and Ceylon

pel·age \ˈpel-ij\ n : the hairy covering of an animal

pe·lag·ic \pə-ˈlaj-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or living or occurring in the open sea : OCEANIC <pelagic fish>

pel·ar·go·ni·um \ˌpe-lär-ˈgō-nē-əm\ n : GERANIUM 2

pelf \ˈpelf\ n : MONEY 1A, RICHES

pel·i·can \ˈpel-i-kən\ n : any of a genus of large web-footed birds with a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food

pel·la·gra \pə-ˈlag-rə, -ˈlāg-, -ˈläg-\ n : a disease caused by a diet with too little niacin and protein and marked by a skin rash, digestive disorders, and mental symptoms (as irritability and confusion)

pel·let \ˈpel-ət\ n
1 a : a little ball (as of food or medicine)  b : a wad of material (as of bones and fur) that could not be digested and was regurgitated by a bird of prey (as an owl)
2 a : BULLET 1  b : a piece of small shot

pel·li·cle \ˈpel-i-kəl\ n : a thin skin, film, or membrane (as of a paramecium)

pell–mell \ˈpel-ˈmel\ adv
1 : in confusion or disorder
2 : in great haste
— pell–mell adj

pel·lu·cid \pə-ˈlü-səd\ adj : extremely clear or transparent

1pelt \ˈpelt\ n : a usually unfinished skin with its hair, wool, or fur [Middle English pelt “skin and attached fur of an animal”]

2pelt vb
1 : to strike with a series of blows, missiles, or words
2 : HURL 1, THROW
3 : to beat against again and again
4 : to move quickly [Middle English pelten “to hit with a series of blows, pelt”]

pel·vic \ˈpel-vik\ adj : of, relating to, or located in or near the pelvis <pelvic bones>

pelvic fin n : either of a pair of fins of a fish that correspond to the hind limbs of a four-footed animal — compare PECTORAL FIN

pelvic girdle n : an arch of bone or cartilage that supports the hind limbs of a vertebrate

pel·vis \ˈpel-vəs\ n, pl pel·vis·es or pel·ves \ˈpel-ˌvēz\ : a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates formed by the pelvic girdle and the nearby bones of the spine; also : its cavity

Pem·broke Welsh corgi \ˈpem-ˌbrōk-, -ˌbru̇k-\ n : any of a breed of Welsh corgis with pointed ears, straight forelegs, and a short tail — called also Pembroke

pem·mi·can \ˈpem-i-kən\ n : dried lean meat pounded fine and mixed with melted fat

1pen \ˈpen\ n
1 : a small enclosure for animals
2 : a small place of confinement or storage [Middle English]

2pen vb penned; pen·ning : to shut in a pen

3pen n : an instrument for writing or drawing with ink
Word History The words pen and pencil look very much alike, and the writing instruments themselves have much in common. But these two words are not at all related. Pen can be traced back to the Latin word penna or pinna, meaning “feather.” The early pens were made of long feathers trimmed to a point to hold ink. In time, pens came to be made with metal points and later with rolling balls instead of points. For this reason we no longer associate the word pen with feathers. Pencil can be traced to the Latin word penicillus, which meant “little tail” or “brush.” (It also gave us our word penicillin.) The first pencils were artists' brushes that had fine hairs drawn to a point, like the tail of a tiny animal. From these first pencils, used for painting fine lines, the word came to be used for other instruments used to draw marks. Some pencils were sticks of charcoal. Others were sticks of slate or lead. Still others were sticks of colored material like crayons. In time, we began using our modern wood and graphite pencils, which are not at all like the original “little tails.” [Middle English penne “a writing instrument made from a bird's feather,” from early French penne “a bird's feather, pen,” from Latin penna, pinna “feather”]

4pen vb penned; pen·ning : to write especially with a pen

5pen n, slang : PENITENTIARY [a shortened form of penitentiary]

pe·nal \ˈpēn-əl\ adj : of or relating to punishment <penal laws> <a penal colony>

pe·nal·ize \ˈpēn-əl-ˌīz, ˈpen-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to give a penalty to
2 : to place at a disadvantage

pen·al·ty \ˈpen-əl-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : punishment for a crime or offense
2 : something forfeited when one fails to do what one has agreed to do
3 : disadvantage, loss, or hardship due to some action or condition
4 : a punishment or handicap given for breaking a rule in a sport or game

pen·ance \ˈpen-ən(t)s\ n
1 : an act showing sorrow or regret for sin
2 : a sacrament consisting of regret for sin, confession to a priest, an act showing sorrow or regret ordered by the confessor, and forgiveness

pence plural of PENNY

pen·chant \ˈpen-chənt\ n : a strong liking

1pen·cil \ˈpen(t)-səl\ n
1 : an instrument for writing, drawing, or marking consisting of or containing a slender cylinder or strip of a solid marking substance
2 : something like a pencil in form or use <an eyebrow pencil> [Middle English pensel “an artist's brush, pencil,” from early French pincel (same meaning), derived from Latin penicillus, literally, “little tail” — related to PENICILLIN; see Word History at 3PEN]

2pencil vb -ciled or -cilled; -cil·ing or -cil·ling \ˈpen(t)-s(ə-)liŋ\ : to mark, draw, or write with or as if with a pencil

pen·dant also pen·dent \ˈpen-dənt\ n : something that hangs down especially as an ornament

pen·dent or pen·dant \ˈpen-dənt\ adj
1 : sticking out or hanging over
2 : supported from above
3 : 2PENDING 1

1pend·ing \ˈpen-diŋ\ prep : while waiting for <held in jail pending a trial>

2pending adj
1 : not yet decided or acted on <bills pending in Congress>
2 : being about to take place <signs of a pending victory>

pen·du·lous \ˈpen-jə-ləs\ adj
1 : hanging so as to swing freely
2 : hanging downward
— pen·du·lous·ly adv

pen·du·lum \ˈpen-jə-ləm\ n : a body hung from a fixed point so as to swing freely back and forth under the action of gravity [from scientific Latin pendulum “something suspended so as to swing freely,” from Latin pendulus “suspended,” from pendēre “to hang” — related to DEPEND, PERPENDICULAR]

pe·ne·plain also pe·ne·plane \ˈpēn-i-ˌplān, ˈpen-\ n : a large almost flat land surface shaped by erosion

pen·e·tra·ble \ˈpen-ə-trə-bəl\ adj : capable of being penetrated
— pen·e·tra·bil·i·ty \ˌpen-ə-trə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

pen·e·trate \ˈpen-ə-ˌtrāt\ vb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 a : to pass into or through  b : to enter by piercing
2 : to come to understand
3 : to move deeply

pen·e·trat·ing adj
1 : having the power of entering or piercing <penetrating cold>
2 : ACUTE 3, DISCERNING <a penetrating mind>
— pen·e·trat·ing·ly \-ˌtrāt-iŋ-lē\ adv

pen·e·tra·tion \ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of penetrating
2 a : the depth to which something penetrates  b : keen understanding

pen·guin \ˈpen-gwən, ˈpeŋ-\ n : any of various short-legged seabirds of the southern hemisphere that cannot fly and have wings functioning as flippers and used in swimming

pen·i·cil·lin \ˌpen-ə-ˈsil-ən\ n : any of several antibiotics or a mixture of these produced by penicillia or in the laboratory and used especially against round disease-producing bacteria [from scientific Latin Penicillium “a genus of molds producing antibiotics,” from Latin penicillus, literally, “little tail” — related to PENCIL]

pen·i·cil·li·um \ˌpen-ə-ˈsil-ē-əm\ n, pl -lia \-ē-ə\ : any of a genus of fungi of which most are blue molds found chiefly on moist nonliving organic matter (as decaying fruit)

pen·in·su·la \pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə, -ˈnin-chə-lə\ n : a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water [from Latin paeninsula “peninsula,” from paene- “almost” and insula “island” — related to INSULATE, ISLE, ISOLATE]
— pen·in·su·lar \-s(ə-)lər, -chə-lər\ adj

pe·nis \ˈpē-nəs\ n, pl pe·nis·es also pe·nes \ˈpē-ˌnēz\ : a male organ of copulation containing a channel through which sperm leaves the body that in mammals including human beings also serves to discharge urine from the body
— pe·nile \-ˌnīl\ adj

pen·i·tence \ˈpen-ə-tən(t)s\ n : sorrow for one's sins or faults : REPENTANCE
— pen·i·tent \-tənt\ adj

— pen·i·tent·ly adv

penitent n : a person who repents or is doing penance

pen·i·ten·tial \ˌpen-ə-ˈten-chəl\ adj : of or relating to penitence or penance
— pen·i·ten·tial·ly \-ˈtench-(ə-)lē\ adv

pen·i·ten·tia·ry \ˌpen-ə-ˈtench-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a usually state or federal prison in which criminals are kept

pen·knife \ˈpen-ˌnīf\ n : a small pocketknife usually with only one blade [so called from the fact that it was originally used for sharpening the points of quill (feather) pens]

pen·light \-ˌlīt\ n : a small flashlight resembling a fountain pen in size or shape

pen·man \-mən\ n : AUTHOR 1

pen·man·ship \-mən-ˌship\ n
1 : the art or practice of writing with the pen
2 : quality or style of handwriting

pen name n : a false name used by an author

pen·nant \ˈpen-ənt\ n
1 : a flag with a usually tapering or forked tail that is used especially for signaling
2 : a flag that serves as the emblem of championship

pen·ni·less \ˈpen-i-ləs, ˈpen-əl-əs\ adj : having no money : very poor

pen·non \ˈpen-ən\ n
1 : a long triangular or forked streamer attached to the head of a lance as a flag
2 : 2FLAG 1, PENNANT

Penn·syl·va·nia Dutch \ˌpen(t)-səl-ˌvā-nyə-, -nē-ə-\ n
1 : a people living mostly in eastern Pennsylvania whose culture goes back to the German migrations of the 18th century
2 : the German dialect of the Pennsylvania Dutch
— Pennsylvania Dutchman n

Penn·syl·va·nian \ˌpen(t)-səl-ˈvā-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj
1 : of or relating to Pennsylvania or its people
2 : of, relating to, or being the later part of the Carboniferous period in the Paleozoic era of geological history in North America marked by the first appearance of reptiles; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Pennsylvanian n

pen·ny \ˈpen-ē\ n, pl pen·nies \-ēz\ or pence \ˈpen(t)s\
1 a : a British unit of money formerly equal to 1/240 pound but now equal to 1/100 pound  b : a coin representing this unit
2 pl pennies : CENT
3 : a sum of money <earn an honest penny>

penny arcade n : an amusement center where each device for entertainment may be operated for a small sum

pen·ny·weight \ˈpen-ē-ˌwāt\ n : a unit of weight equal to 1/20 Troy ounce — see MEASURE TABLE

pen·ny–wise \-ˌwīz\ adj : wise only in small or unimportant matters

pen pal n : a friend made and kept through letter-writing

1pen·sion \ˈpen-chən\ n : a sum paid regularly to a person especially following retirement or to surviving dependents

2pension vb pen·sioned; pen·sion·ing \ˈpench-(ə-)niŋ\ : to pay a pension to

pen·sion·er \ˈpench-(ə-)nər\ n : a person who receives or lives on a pension

pen·sive \ˈpen(t)-siv\ adj
1 : dreamily thoughtful
2 : suggestive of sad thoughtfulness
— pen·sive·ly adv

— pen·sive·ness n

pen·stock \ˈpen-ˌstäk\ n
1 : a gate or valve for regulating a flow (as of water)
2 : a pipe for carrying water

pent \ˈpent\ adj : shut up : CONFINED <pent-up feelings>

pen·ta·gon \ˈpent-ə-ˌgän\ n : a polygon of five angles and five sides

pen·tag·o·nal \pen-ˈtag-ən-əl\ adj
1 : having five sides and five angles
2 : having a pentagon as a cross section or as a base <a pentagonal pyramid>

pen·tam·e·ter \pen-ˈtam-ət-ər\ n : a line of verse consisting of five metrical feet

pen·tath·lon \pen-ˈtath-lən, -ˌlän\ n : an athletic contest made up of five different track-and-field events

Pen·te·cost \ˈpent-i-ˌkȯst, -ˌkäst\ n
1 : SHABUOTH
2 : the seventh Sunday after Easter observed as a Christian church festival in memory of the appearance of the Holy Spirit to the apostles
— Pen·te·cos·tal \ˌpent-i-ˈkäs-təl, -ˈkȯs-\ adj or n

pent·house \ˈpent-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : a sloping roof or a shed attached to a wall or building
2 : a structure (as an apartment) built on the roof of a building

pen·tose \ˈpen-ˌtōs\ n : any of various sugars containing five carbon atoms in a molecule

pe·nult \ˈpē-ˌnəlt, pi-ˈnəlt\ n : the next to the last syllable of a word

pen·ul·ti·mate \pi-ˈnəl-tə-mət\ adj : next to the last
— penultimate n

pen·um·bra \pə-ˈnəm-brə\ n, pl -brae \-brē, -ˌbrī\ or -bras : the partial shadow surrounding a perfect shadow (as in an eclipse)
— pen·um·bral \-brəl\ adj

pe·nu·ri·ous \pə-ˈn(y)u̇r-ē-əs\ adj
1 : marked by or suffering from penury
2 : extremely stingy : MISERLY
— pe·nu·ri·ous·ly adv

— pe·nu·ri·ous·ness n

pen·u·ry \ˈpen-yə-rē\ n : extreme poverty

pe·on \ˈpē-ˌän, -ən\ n
1 : a poor farm laborer especially in Latin America
2 : a person who does hard or dull work
— pe·on·age \ˈpē-ə-nij\ n

pe·o·ny \ˈpē-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies : any of a genus of plants that are widely grown for their large red, pink, or white flowers

1peo·ple \ˈpē-pəl\ n, pl people
1 pl : HUMAN BEINGS, PERSONS — often used in compounds instead of persons <salespeople>
2 pl : the members of a family : KINDRED
3 pl : the mass of a community as distinguished from a special class
4 pl peoples : a body of persons united by a common culture, tradition, or sense of kinship, and usually language
5 : the body of voters of a state

2people vb peo·pled; peo·pling \ˈpē-p(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to supply or fill with people
2 : INHABIT

1pep \ˈpep\ n : brisk energy : LIVELINESS
— pep·pi·ness \-ē-nəs\ n

— pep·py \-ē\ adj

2pep vb pepped; pep·ping : to put pep into : STIMULATE <let's try to pep things up>

pe·po \ˈpē-pō\ n : a fleshy many-seeded fruit (as a pumpkin, squash, melon, or cucumber) of the gourd family that has a hard rind and is technically classified as a berry [Latin “a melon”]

1pep·per \ˈpep-ər\ n
1 : either of two sharp-tasting products from the fruit of an Indian plant used especially as a seasoning  a : BLACK PEPPER  b : WHITE PEPPER
2 : a woody vine with rounded leaves and flowers arranged in a spike that is widely cultivated in the tropics for its red berries from which pepper is prepared
3 : any of several products similar to pepper that are obtained from close relatives of the pepper
4 a : any of a genus of tropical American herbs and shrubs of the nightshade family widely cultivated for their many-seeded fruits that usually have fleshy walls; esp : one whose fruits are hot peppers or sweet peppers  b : the fruit of a pepper that is usually green when unripe and yellow or red when ripe
— pepper adj

2pepper vb pep·pered; pep·per·ing \ˈpep-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to sprinkle, cover, or season with or as if with pepper <pepper the stew> <a face peppered with freckles>
2 : to hit with a shower of blows or objects

pep·per·corn \ˈpep-ər-ˌkȯ(ə)rn\ n : a dried berry of the black pepper

peppered moth n : a European moth that normally has white wings with small black specks but often has black wings in areas with heavy air pollution

pep·per·mint \ˈpep-ər-ˌmint, -mənt\ n
1 : a mint with stalks of small usually pink flowers that is the source of an oil which is sharp in flavor and is used especially to flavor candies
2 : candy flavored with peppermint

pep·per·o·ni \ˌpep-ə-ˈrō-nē\ n : a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

pep·pery \ˈpep-(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : HOT
2 : having a hot temper
3 : FIERY 3A

pep·sin \ˈpep-sən\ n
1 : an enzyme given off by glands in the wall of the stomach that begins the digestion of most proteins
2 : a preparation of pepsin obtained especially from the stomach of the hog and used in medicine

pep·tic \ˈpep-tik\ adj
1 : relating to or promoting digestion
2 : resulting from the action of digestive juices <a peptic ulcer of the stomach>

pep·ti·dase \ˈpep-tə-ˌdās, -ˌdāz\ n : an enzyme that breaks down simple peptides

pep·tide \ˈpep-ˌtīd\ n : any of various substances that are usually obtained by the partial breakdown of proteins

pep·tone \ˈpep-ˌtōn\ n : any of various products that result from the partial breakdown of proteins and that dissolve in water

per \(ˈ)pər\ prep
1 : by means of
2 : to or for each <$10 per day>
3 : as indicated by : ACCORDING TO <per list price>

1per·ad·ven·ture \ˈpər-əd-ˌven-chər, ˈper-; ˌpər-əd-ˈven-, ˌper-\ adv, archaic : PERHAPS, POSSIBLY

2peradventure n : a possibility of error or uncertainty

per·am·bu·late \pə-ˈram-byə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to walk over or through
2 : STROLL, RAMBLE
— per·am·bu·la·tion \-ˌram-byə-ˈlā-shən\ n

per·am·bu·la·tor \pə-ˈram-byə-ˌlāt-ər\ n
1 : one that perambulates
2 chiefly British : a baby carriage

per an·num \(ˌ)pər-ˈan-əm\ adv : in or for each year : ANNUALLY

per·cale \(ˌ)pər-ˈkā(ə)l, ˈpər-ˌkā(ə)l, (ˌ)pər-ˈkal\ n : a fine closely woven cotton cloth used especially to make sheets and pillowcases

per cap·i·ta \(ˌ)pər-ˈkap-ət-ə\ adv or adj : by or for each person <per capita income>

per·ceive \pər-ˈsēv\ vb perceived; per·ceiv·ing
1 : UNDERSTAND 1A, COMPREHEND
2 : to become aware of through the senses and especially through sight
— per·ceiv·er n

1per·cent \pər-ˈsent\ adv : in the hundred : of each hundred

2percent adj : measured or counted on the basis of a whole divided into one hundred parts <a five percent increase>

3percent n, pl percent or percents
1 : one part in a hundred : HUNDREDTH <50 percent of the students>
2 : PERCENTAGE 1 <a large percent of her allowance>

per·cent·age \pər-ˈsent-ij\ n
1 a : a part of a whole expressed in hundredths <a high percentage of students attended>  b : the result obtained by multiplying a number by a percent <the percentage equals the rate times the base>
2 a : PROBABILITY 3A <play the percentages>  b : favorable odds

per·cep·ti·ble \pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl\ adj : capable of being noticed or observed <a perceptible change>
— per·cep·ti·bly \-blē\ adv

per·cep·tion \pər-ˈsep-shən\ n
1 : a result of perceiving : OBSERVATION
2 : awareness of surrounding objects, conditions, or forces through sensation <color perception>
3 : capacity for understanding

per·cep·tive \pər-ˈsep-tiv\ adj : capable of or showing a keen ability to observe and understand

1perch \ˈpərch\ n
1 : a roost for a bird
2 : a raised seat or position [Middle English perche “a peg on which something is hung,” from early French perche (same meaning), from Latin pertica “pole”]

2perch vb
1 : to place on a perch
2 : to land, settle, or rest on or as if on a perch

3perch n, pl perch or perch·es
1 : a common North American freshwater fish that is yellowish with dark green vertical stripes and is a popular food and sport fish — called also yellow perch
2 : any of various fishes related to or resembling the perch [Middle English perche “a kind of fish,” from early French perche (same meaning), from Latin perca (same meaning), from Greek perkē “perch (fish)”]

per·chance \pər-ˈchan(t)s\ adv : PERHAPS, POSSIBLY

Per·che·ron \ˈpər-chə-ˌrän, -shə-\ n : any of a breed of powerful draft horses that originated in France

per·chlo·rate \(ˈ)pər-ˈklō(ə)r-ˌāt, -ˈklȯ(ə)r-\ n : a chemical compound formed by the reaction of perchloric acid with another substance

per·chlo·ric acid \(ˌ)pər-ˌklōr-ik-, -ˌklȯr-\ n : a fuming strong acid that is a powerful oxidizing agent when heated

per·co·late \ˈpər-kə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to trickle or cause to trickle through something porous : FILTER, SEEP <water percolating through sand>
2 : to prepare coffee in a percolator
3 : to be or become spread through : PENETRATE

per·co·la·tion \ˌpər-kə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the act or process of percolating

per·co·la·tor \ˈpər-kə-ˌlāt-ər\ n : a coffeepot in which boiling water rising through a tube is repeatedly turned downward through a basket with holes that contains ground coffee beans to make coffee

per·cus·sion \pər-ˈkəsh-ən\ n
1 : the act of tapping sharply; esp : the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm
2 : the striking of sound sharply on the ear

percussion cap n : 1CAP 4

percussion instrument n : a musical instrument (as a drum, cymbal, or maraca) sounded by striking or shaking — compare BRASS INSTRUMENT, STRINGED INSTRUMENT, WOODWIND

per·cus·sion·ist \pər-ˈkəsh-(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who plays percussion instruments

per di·em \(ˌ)pər-dē-əm, -ˈdī-\ adv : by the day : for each day
— per diem adj

per·di·tion \pər-ˈdish-ən\ n
1 : eternal damnation
2 : HELL 2

per·e·gri·nate \ˈper-ə-grə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to travel especially on foot
— per·e·gri·na·tion \ˌper-ə-grə-ˈnā-shən\ n

per·e·grine falcon \ˈper-ə-grən-, -ˌgrēn-\ n : a dark swift widely distributed falcon that can be tamed and trained to hunt game — called also peregrine

pe·remp·to·ry \pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : not to be refused <a peremptory summons from the boss>
2 : expressing command <called for silence with a peremptory gesture>
3 : showing the attitude of one accustomed to command : ARROGANT <the peremptory tone caused resentment>
— pe·remp·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adv

— pe·remp·to·ri·ness \-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ n

1pe·ren·ni·al \pə-ˈren-ē-əl\ adj
1 : present at all seasons of the year <perennial springs>
2 : living for several years usually with new leafy growth produced from the base each year <perennial daisies>
3 a : PERSISTENT 1, CONSTANT  b : RECURRENT <flooding is a perennial problem>
— pe·ren·ni·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

2perennial n : a perennial plant

1per·fect \ˈpər-fikt\ adj
1 a : being entirely without fault or defect : FLAWLESS  b : meeting all requirements : ACCURATE, EXACT <a perfect circle> <a perfect copy>  c : PURE 3, TOTAL <perfect stillness>  d : 1COMPLETE 1, WHOLE
2 : of an extreme kind <a perfect fool>
3 : of, relating to, or being a verb form in the perfect tense
4 : having both stamens and pistil <a perfect flower> [Middle English perfit “complete, thoroughly or accurately done,” from early French parfit (same meaning), from Latin perfectus “complete, perfect,” derived from perficere “to carry out, complete,” from per- “completely” and -ficere, from facere “to make, do” — related to ARTIFICIAL, FASHION, SATISFY]
— per·fect·ness \-fik(t)-nəs\ n

2per·fect \pər-ˈfekt also ˈpər-fikt\ vb
1 : to make perfect
2 : to bring to final form
— per·fect·er n

3per·fect \ˈpər-fikt\ n
1 : PERFECT TENSE
2 : a verb form in the perfect tense

per·fect·ible \pər-ˈfek-tə-bəl also ˈpər-fik-\ adj : capable of improvement or perfection
— per·fect·ibil·i·ty \pər-ˌfek-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē also ˌpər-fik-\ n

per·fec·tion \pər-ˈfek-shən\ n
1 : the quality or state of being perfect
2 : a perfect quality or thing
3 : a degree of accuracy or excellence that cannot be bettered <cooked to perfection>
4 : the act or process of perfecting

per·fec·tion·ist \pər-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who is not content with anything less than perfection
— perfectionist adj

per·fect·ly \ˈpər-fik-(t)lē\ adv
1 : in a perfect manner <understand perfectly>
2 : QUITE 1, ALTOGETHER <I was perfectly willing>

perfect number n : a whole number that is equal to the sum of all its divisors except itself <28 is a perfect number because it is the sum of 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14>

perfect square n : a whole number whose square root is a whole number <9 is a perfect square>

perfect tense n : a verb tense that expresses an action or state completed at the time of speaking or at a time spoken of

per·fid·i·ous \(ˌ)pər-ˈfid-ē-əs\ adj : of, relating to, or characterized by perfidy : TREACHEROUS
— per·fid·i·ous·ly adv

— per·fid·i·ous·ness n

per·fi·dy \ˈpər-fəd-ē\ n, pl -dies : the quality or state of being faithless or disloyal : TREACHERY

per·fo·rate \ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to make a hole or series of holes through; esp : to make a line of holes to make tearing easy and neat <sheets of stamps are perforated>
— per·fo·rate \ˈpər-f(ə-)rət, -fə-ˌrāt\ adj

— per·fo·ra·tor \-fə-ˌrāt-ər\ n

per·fo·ra·tion \ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of perforating
2 : a hole, pattern, or series of holes made by perforating

per·force \pər-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs\ adv : by force of circumstances or of necessity

per·form \pə(r)-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ vb
1 a : CARRY OUT, DO  b : 2ACT 4, FUNCTION
2 : to do something requiring special skill
3 a : to do according to rules or in an established way <perform a wedding>  b : to give a performance of <perform a play>
— per·form·able \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adj

— per·form·er \-ˈfȯr-mər\ n

per·for·mance \pə(r)-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s\ n
1 a : the doing of an action  b : something accomplished : DEED, FEAT
2 a : the action of representing a character in a play  b : a public presentation
3 : the manner in which something performs <an engine's performance>

1per·fume \ˈpər-ˌfyüm, (ˌ)pər-ˈfyüm\ n
1 : the scent of something usually sweet-smelling
2 : a substance that gives off a pleasant odor; esp : a liquid containing fragrant oils (as from flowers) mixed with alcohol and applied to the body to give it a pleasant odor

2per·fume \(ˌ)pər-ˈfyüm, ˈpər-ˌfyüm\ vb -fumed; -fum·ing : to fill with a pleasing odor (as of flowers)

per·fum·ery \pə(r)-ˈfyüm-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : the art or process of making perfume
2 : a place where perfumes are made

per·func·to·ry \pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-t(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : done mechanically or carelessly <a perfunctory inspection>
2 : lacking in interest or enthusiasm : INDIFFERENT
— per·func·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adv

— per·func·to·ri·ness \-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ n

per·haps \pər-ˈ(h)aps, ˈpraps\ adv : possibly but not certainly [from per (preposition) “by, according to” and haps, plural of hap “chance, chance occurrence” — related to HAPPEN, HAPPY, MISHAP]

peri·anth \ˈper-ē-ˌanth\ n : the outer part of a flower made up of the calyx and corolla especially when united into one part

peri·car·di·um \ˌper-ə-ˈkärd-ē-əm\ n, pl -dia \-ē-ə\ : the cone-shaped structure of membrane that encloses the vertebrate heart and the nearby parts of the large arteries and veins leading to or away from it
— peri·car·di·al \-ē-əl\ adj

peri·gee \ˈper-ə-jē\ n : the point nearest a planet (as the earth) or other body (as a moon) reached by an object orbiting it — compare APOGEE

peri·he·lion \ˌper-ə-ˈhēl-yən\ n : the point in the path of a heavenly body (as a planet) that is nearest to the sun

per·il \ˈper-əl\ n
1 : the state of being in danger of injury, loss, or destruction
2 : something that presents immediate danger <perils of the highway>  synonyms see DANGER

per·il·ous \ˈper-ə-ləs\ adj : full of or involving peril
— per·il·ous·ly adv

— per·il·ous·ness n

pe·rim·e·ter \pə-ˈrim-ət-ər\ n : the boundary of a shape or area; also : the length of such a boundary

pe·ri·od \ˈpir-ē-əd\ n
1 : the completion of a cycle, a series of events, or an action
2 : a point . used to mark the end (as of a declarative sentence or an abbreviation)
3 a : a portion of time marked by some repeating event  b : the length of time required for a motion or event to complete a cycle and begin to repeat itself <the period of a pendulum>  c : a single occurrence of menstruation
4 a : 1STAGE 4E  b : a division of geologic time longer than an epoch and included in an era  c : a stage or portion of time in the history of something <the colonial period>
5 a : one of the divisions of the school day  b : one of the divisions of the playing time of a game
6 : a series of elements of increasing atomic number as listed in horizontal rows in the periodic table
synonyms PERIOD, ERA, AGE, mean a portion of time. PERIOD can be used of any portion of time, no matter how long or short <talked for a period of five minutes> <was a farmer for a period of twenty years>. ERA suggests a period of history noted for new or remarkable events <an era of space exploration>. AGE suggests a long period of time that is associated with an important person <the age of Thomas Jefferson> or an outstanding thing <the atomic age>.

pe·ri·od·ic \ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-ik\ adj
1 : occurring at regular intervals
2 : consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages <periodic vibrations>

1pe·ri·od·i·cal \ˌpir-ē-ˈäd-i-kəl\ adj
1 : PERIODIC 1
2 : published at regular intervals
— pe·ri·od·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2periodical n : a periodical publication

periodic table n : an arrangement of chemical elements in order of atomic number that groups elements with common characteristics in the same area of the table

peri·odon·tal \ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdänt-əl\ adj
1 : surrounding or occurring about the teeth
2 : affecting tissues that surround or occur about the teeth <periodontal disease>

peri·os·te·um \ˌper-ē-ˈäs-tē-əm\ n, pl -tea \-tē-ə\ : the membrane of connective tissue that covers all bones except at the surfaces in a joint

peri·pa·tet·ic \ˌper-ə-pə-ˈtet-ik\ adj : going about from place to place : ITINERANT

1pe·riph·er·al \pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, located in, or forming a periphery
2 : 1AUXILIARY, SUPPLEMENTARY <peripheral equipment>
— pe·riph·er·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2peripheral n : a device connected to a computer to provide communication (as input and output) or extra storage capacity

peripheral nervous system n : the part of the nervous system that is outside the central nervous system and is made up of the autonomic nervous system, the spinal nerves, and the cranial nerves except the optic nerve

pe·riph·ery \pə-ˈrif-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : the boundary or surface of a body or figure
2 : the outer or outermost part

peri·scope \ˈper-ə-ˌskōp\ n : an instrument containing lenses and mirrors by which an observer (as on a submerged submarine) can get a view that would otherwise be blocked
— peri·scop·ic \ˌper-ə-ˈskäp-ik\ adj

per·ish \ˈper-ish\ vb : to pass away completely : become destroyed

per·ish·able \ˈper-ish-ə-bəl\ adj : likely to spoil or decay <perishable fruit>
— perishable n

peri·stal·sis \ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-səs, -ˈstäl-, -ˈstal-\ n, pl -stal·ses \-ˌsēz\ : the contracting and expanding movements by which food and waste products of digestion are forced through parts (as the esophagus and intestine) of the digestive system
— peri·stal·tic \-tik\ adj

peri·to·ne·um \ˌper-ət-ən-ˈē-əm\ n, pl -ne·ums or -nea \-ˈnē-ə\ : the smooth transparent membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen and encloses the abdominal and pelvic organs

peri·to·ni·tis \ˌper-ət-ən-ˈīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the peritoneum

peri·wig \ˈper-i-ˌwig\ n : WIG

1per·i·win·kle \ˈper-i-ˌwiŋ-kəl\ n : an evergreen herb that spreads along the ground and has shiny leaves and blue or white flowers [Old English perwince “periwinkle vine,” from Latin pervinca (same meaning)]

2periwinkle n
1 : any of various small edible marine snails of coastal regions
2 : the shell of a periwinkle [Old English pinewincle “an edible sea snail”]

per·jure \ˈpər-jər\ vb per·jured; per·jur·ing \ˈpərj-(ə-)riŋ\ : to make (oneself) guilty of perjury
— per·jur·er \ˈpər-jər-ər\ n

per·ju·ry \ˈpərj-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : the act or crime of swearing to what one knows is untrue

perk \ˈpərk\ vb
1 : to lift quickly or alertly <the dog perked up its ears>
2 : to make fresher in appearance <new paint perked up the room>
3 : to become more lively or cheerful — usually used with up <we perked up at the good news>

perky \ˈpər-kē\ adj perk·i·er; -est : being lively and cheerful
— perk·i·ness n

per·lite \ˈpər-ˌlīt\ n : a glassy mineral of volcanic origin that when expanded by heat forms a lightweight material capable of absorbing liquids (as water)

1perm \ˈpərm\ n : 2PERMANENT

2perm vb : to give (hair) a permanent

per·ma·frost \ˈpər-mə-ˌfrȯst\ n : a permanently frozen layer at variable depth below the surface in frigid regions of a planet (as earth)

1per·ma·nent \ˈpərm(-ə)-nənt\ adj : lasting or intended to last for a very long time : not temporary or changing  synonyms see LASTING
— per·ma·nence \-nən(t)s\ n

— per·ma·nen·cy \-nən-sē\ n

— per·ma·nent·ly adv

— per·ma·nent·ness n

2permanent n : a long-lasting hair wave produced by mechanical and chemical means

permanent magnet n : a magnet that retains its magnetism after removal of the magnetizing force

permanent press n : the process of treating a fabric chemically to resist wrinkling
— permanent–press adj

permanent tooth n : one of the second set of teeth of a mammal that follow the milk teeth, usually last into old age, and in human beings are 32 in number

per·me·abil·i·ty \ˌpər-mē-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being permeable

per·me·able \ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl\ adj : having pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through <a permeable membrane> <permeable limestone>

per·me·ate \ˈpər-mē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to spread throughout <a room permeated with the scent of flowers>
2 : to pass through something which has pores or small openings or is of loose texture : seep through <water permeates sand>
— per·me·ation \ˌpər-mē-ˈā-shən\ n

Perm·ian \ˈpər-mē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or being the latest period of the Paleozoic era of geological history or the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Permian n

per·mis·si·ble \pər-ˈmis-ə-bəl\ adj : that may be permitted : ALLOWABLE
— per·mis·si·bil·i·ty \-ˌmis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— per·mis·si·ble·ness \-ˈmis-ə-bəl-nəs\ n

— per·mis·si·bly \-blē\ adv

per·mis·sion \pər-ˈmish-ən\ n
1 : the act of permitting
2 : the consent of a person in authority <has permission to leave>

per·mis·sive \pər-ˈmis-iv\ adj
1 : granting or tending to grant permission : ALLOWING
2 : not forbidden : ALLOWABLE
— per·mis·sive·ly adv

— per·mis·sive·ness n

1per·mit \pər-ˈmit\ vb per·mit·ted; per·mit·ting
1 : to consent to : give permission : ALLOW
2 : to make possible : give an opportunity <if time permits>
— per·mit·ter n

2per·mit \ˈpər-ˌmit, pər-ˈmit\ n : a written statement of permission given by one having authority : LICENSE

per·mu·ta·tion \ˌpər-myu̇-ˈtā-shən\ n : an ordered arrangement of a set of objects

per·ni·cious \pər-ˈnish-əs\ adj : very destructive or harmful <a pernicious disease>
— per·ni·cious·ly adv

pernicious anemia n : a severe anemia in which the red blood cells decrease in number and increase in size and which is caused by a reduced ability to absorb vitamin B_12

per·ora·tion \ˈper-ər-ˌā-shən, ˈpər-\ n : the last part of a speech

per·ox·ide \pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd\ n : an oxide containing a high proportion of oxygen; esp : HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

1per·pen·dic·u·lar \ˌpər-pən-ˈdik-yə-lər\ adj
1 : exactly vertical or upright
2 : forming a right angle with each other or with a given line or plane [Middle English perpendiculer “exactly upright,” from early French perpendiculer (same meaning), from Latin perpendicularis (same meaning), derived from per- “thoroughly” and pendēre “to hang” — related to DEPEND, PENDULUM]
— per·pen·dic·u·lar·ly adv

2perpendicular n : a perpendicular line

per·pe·trate \ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt\ vb -trat·ed; -trat·ing : to be guilty of doing : COMMIT
— per·pe·tra·tion \ˌpər-pə-ˈtrā-shən\ n

— per·pe·tra·tor \ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt-ər\ n

per·pet·u·al \pər-ˈpech-(ə-)wəl, -ˈpech-əl\ adj
1 : continuing forever : EVERLASTING
2 : occurring continually : CONSTANT
— per·pet·u·al·ly \-ē\ adv

per·pet·u·ate \pər-ˈpech-ə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely
— per·pet·u·a·tion \-ˌpech-ə-ˈwā-shən\ n

— per·pet·u·a·tor \-ˈpech-ə-ˌwāt-ər\ n

per·pe·tu·ity \ˌpər-pə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē\ n, pl -ities
1 : perpetual existence
2 : endless time : ETERNITY

per·plex \pər-ˈpleks\ vb
1 : to block the understanding of; esp : CONFUSE 1A, BEWILDER
2 : to make difficult to understand : COMPLICATE  synonyms see PUZZLE
— per·plexed \-ˈplekst\ adj

— per·plexed·ly \-ˈplek-səd-lē, -ˈpleks-tlē\ adv

per·plex·i·ty \pər-ˈplek-sət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being perplexed : BEWILDERMENT
2 : something that perplexes

per·qui·site \ˈpər-kwə-zət\ n
1 : a privilege or profit made in addition to regular pay
2 : 10TIP

per·se·cute \ˈpər-si-ˌkyüt\ vb -cut·ed; -cut·ing
1 : to treat continually in a way meant to be cruel or harmful; esp : to cause to suffer because of belief
2 : ANNOY, PESTER
— per·se·cu·tor \-ˌkyüt-ər\ n

— per·se·cu·to·ry \-kyü-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

per·se·cu·tion \ˌpər-si-ˈkyü-shən\ n
1 : the act or practice of persecuting
2 : the condition of being persecuted

Per·seus \ˈpər-ˌsüs, -sē-əs\ n : a northern group of stars between Taurus and Cassiopeia

per·se·ver·ance \ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-ən(t)s\ n : the action, state, or an instance of persevering

per·se·vere \ˌpər-sə-ˈvi(ə)r\ vb -vered; -ver·ing : to keep at something in spite of difficulties, opposition, or discouragement

per·se·ver·ing \ˌpər-sə-ˈvi(ə)r-iŋ\ adj : showing perseverance
— per·se·ver·ing·ly adv

Per·sian \ˈpər-zhən\ n
1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Persia or modern Iran
2 : the language of the Persians
— Persian adj

Persian cat n : any of a breed of domestic cats with a round head, stocky body, and long silky fur

Persian lamb n : a pelt that is obtained from a karakul lamb and has very silky tightly curled fur

per·si·flage \ˈpər-si-ˌfläzh, ˈper-\ n : silly or lightly joking talk

per·sim·mon \pər-ˈsim-ən\ n
1 : any of a genus of trees with hard fine wood, oblong leaves, and small bell-shaped white flowers
2 : the usually orange fruit of a persimmon that resembles a plum and is edible when fully ripe but usually very bitter when unripe

per·sist \pər-ˈsist, -ˈzist\ vb
1 : to continue to do something in spite of opposition, warnings, or pleas : PERSEVERE
2 : to last on and on : continue to exist
— per·sist·er n

per·sis·tence \pər-ˈsis-tən(t)s, -ˈzis-\ n
1 : the act or fact of persisting
2 : the quality of being persistent

per·sis·tent \pər-ˈsis-tənt, -ˈzis-\ adj
1 : continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time <a persistent cold> <persistent gills>
2 : stubbornly determined
— per·sis·tent·ly adv

per·son \ˈpərs-ən\ n
1 : HUMAN BEING, INDIVIDUAL — used in combination especially by those who prefer to avoid man in compounds that apply to both sexes <chairperson>
2 : a character or part in or as if in a play
3 : the body of a human being
4 : reference to the speaker, to one spoken to, or to one spoken of as indicated especially by means of certain pronouns [Middle English person “human being,” from early French persone (same meaning), from Latin persona “person, character in a play,” originally “an actor's mask”]
— in person : as one who is or was actually present <the president appeared in person> <spoke to her in person>

per·son·able \ˈpərs-nə-bəl, -ən-ə-bəl\ adj : pleasing in appearance or manner
— per·son·able·ness n

per·son·age \ˈpərs-nij, -ən-ij\ n
1 : an important or famous person
2 : a character in a book or play

1per·son·al \ˈpərs-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or belonging to a person : PRIVATE <personal property>
2 a : done in person  b : proceeding from or directed to a single person  c : carried on between individuals directly
3 : relating to the person or body <your personal appearance>
4 : closely related to an individual : INTIMATE
5 : indicating grammatical person

2personal n : a short paragraph or ad in a newspaper relating to personal matters

personal computer n : a small general-purpose computer with a microprocessor

personal effects n pl : privately owned items (as clothing or jewelry) normally worn or carried on the person

per·son·al·i·ty \ˌpərs-ən-ˈal-ət-ē, ˌpər-ˈsnal-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being a person
2 : the whole collection of individual emotions and behavior that make one person different from others : INDIVIDUALITY
3 : an insulting mention of a person <use personalities in an argument>
4 : pleasing qualities of character <has lots of personality>
5 : a person who is well-known <a television personality>

per·son·al·ize \ˈpərs-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-ə-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : PERSONIFY 1
2 : to make personal; esp : to mark as belonging to a particular person <personalized stationery>

per·son·al·ly \ˈpərs-nə-lē, -ən-ə-\ adv
1 : in person <attend to the matter personally>
2 : as a person : in personality <personally attractive>
3 : for oneself : as far as oneself is concerned <personally, I am against it>

personal pronoun n : a pronoun (as I, you, or they) used as a substitute for a noun that names a definite person or thing

per·son·al·ty \ˈpərs-nəl-tē, -ən-əl-\ n, pl -ties : personal property as distinguished from real estate

per·son·i·fi·ca·tion \pər-ˌsän-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the representation of a thing or idea as a person or by the human form
2 : an imaginary being thought of as representing a thing or an idea <Uncle Sam is the personification of the U.S.>
3 : a perfect example : EMBODIMENT <you are the very personification of generosity>

per·son·i·fy \pər-ˈsän-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to think of or represent as a person <personify the forces of nature>
2 : to be the perfect example of <she personified kindness>

per·son·nel \ˌpərs-ən-ˈel\ n : a group of persons employed (as in a public service, a factory, or an office)

1per·spec·tive \pər-ˈspek-tiv\ n
1 : the art or technique of painting or drawing a scene so that objects in it seem to have depth and distance
2 a : the relationship in which a subject or its parts are viewed mentally <places the issues in perspective>  b : POINT OF VIEW <from a conservative perspective>
3 : the power to understand things in their true relationship to each other <try to keep your perspective and not get flustered>
4 : the appearance to the eye of objects in space with respect to their distance and positions in relation to each other

2perspective adj : of, relating to, or seen in perspective

per·spi·ca·cious \ˌpər-spə-ˈkā-shəs\ adj : having or showing keen understanding
— per·spi·ca·cious·ly adv

— per·spi·cac·i·ty \-ˈkas-ət-ē\ n

per·spic·u·ous \pər-ˈspik-yə-wəs\ adj
1 : plain to the understanding : CLEAR
2 : expressing oneself clearly
— per·spi·cu·ity \ˌpər-spə-ˈkyü-ət-ē\ n

— per·spic·u·ous·ly \pər-ˈspik-yə-wə-slē\ adv

— per·spic·u·ous·ness n

per·spi·ra·tion \ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of perspiring
2 : a salty fluid given off by the sweat glands : SWEAT

per·spire \pər-ˈspī(ə)r\ vb per·spired; per·spir·ing : to give off perspiration : SWEAT

per·suade \pər-ˈswād\ vb per·suad·ed; per·suad·ing : to win over to a belief or to a course of action by argument or earnest request
— per·suad·able \-ˈswād-ə-bəl\ adj

— per·suad·er n

per·sua·si·ble \pər-ˈswā-zə-bəl, -ˈswā-sə-\ adj : capable of being persuaded

per·sua·sion \pər-ˈswā-zhən\ n
1 : the act of persuading
2 : the power or ability to persuade
3 : the state of being persuaded
4 a : a way of believing; esp : a system of religious beliefs  b : a group having the same religious beliefs

per·sua·sive \pər-ˈswā-siv, -ziv\ adj : tending to persuade <a persuasive argument>
— per·sua·sive·ly adv

— per·sua·sive·ness n

pert \ˈpərt\ adj
1 : IMPUDENT
2 : being trim and chic
3 : VIVACIOUS, LIVELY
— pert·ly adv

— pert·ness n

per·tain \pər-ˈtān\ vb
1 : to belong to a person or thing as a part, quality, or function <duties that pertain to an office>
2 : to have reference <books pertaining to birds>

per·ti·na·cious \ˌpərt-ən-ˈā-shəs\ adj
1 : holding strongly to an opinion, purpose, or course of action
2 : stubbornly or annoyingly persistent
— per·ti·na·cious·ly adv

— per·ti·na·cious·ness n

— per·ti·nac·i·ty \-ˈas-ət-ē\ n

per·ti·nence \ˈpərt-ən-ən(t)s, ˈpərt-nən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being pertinent : RELEVANCE

per·ti·nen·cy \ˈpərt-ən-ən-sē, ˈpərt-nən-sē\ n : PERTINENCE

per·ti·nent \ˈpərt-ən-ənt, ˈpərt-nənt\ adj : having to do with the matter being thought about or discussed : RELEVANT <a pertinent question>
— per·ti·nent·ly adv

per·turb \pər-ˈtərb\ vb : to disturb greatly especially in mind
— per·turb·able \-ˈtər-bə-bəl\ adj

per·tur·ba·tion \ˌpərt-ər-ˈbā-shən, ˌpər-ˌtər-\ n
1 : the action of perturbing
2 : the state of being perturbed
— per·tur·ba·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

per·tus·sis \pər-ˈtəs-əs\ n : WHOOPING COUGH

pe·ruke \pə-ˈrük\ n : a kind of wig popular in the 17th and 18th centuries

pe·rus·al \pə-ˈrü-zəl\ n : the action of perusing

pe·ruse \pə-ˈrüz\ vb pe·rused; pe·rus·ing : 1READ 1A; esp : to read carefully or thoroughly
— pe·rus·er n

per·vade \pər-ˈvād\ vb per·vad·ed; per·vad·ing : to spread through all parts of : PERMEATE

per·va·sive \pər-ˈvā-siv, -ziv\ adj : spread throughout so thoroughly as to be seen or felt everywhere <the pervasive influence of television> <the pervasive dampness of the mines>
— per·va·sive·ly adv

— per·va·sive·ness n

per·verse \(ˌ)pər-ˈvərs, ˈpər-ˌvərs\ adj
1 : morally bad : CORRUPT
2 : stubborn in opposing what is right, reasonable, or accepted : WRONGHEADED
3 : IRRITABLE, CRANKY
4 : marked by perversion : PERVERTED
— per·verse·ly adv

— per·verse·ness n

per·ver·sion \pər-ˈvər-zhən\ n
1 a : the action of perverting  b : the state of being perverted
2 : abnormal sexual behavior

per·ver·si·ty \pər-ˈvər-sət-ē, -stē\ n, pl -ties : the quality, state, or an instance of being perverse

1per·vert \pər-ˈvərt\ vb
1 : to cause to turn away from what is good or true or right : CORRUPT
2 : to put to a wrong use
3 : to give a wrong meaning to : MISINTERPRET

2per·vert \ˈpər-ˌvərt\ n : one that is perverted; esp : one given to some form of sexual perversion

per·vert·ed \pər-ˈvərt-əd\ adj : marked by perversion

Pe·sach \ˈpā-ˌsäk\ n : PASSOVER

pe·se·ta \pə-ˈsāt-ə\ n
1 : the former basic unit of money of Spain
2 : a coin or bill representing one peseta

pes·ky \ˈpes-kē\ adj pes·ki·er; -est : TROUBLESOME 2
— pes·ki·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— pes·ki·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

pe·so \ˈpā-sō\ n, pl pesos
1 : an old silver coin of Spain or Spanish America
2 a : the basic unit of money of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Philippines, and Uruguay  b : a coin or bill representing one peso

pes·si·mism \ˈpes-ə-ˌmiz-əm\ n
1 : a tending to expect the worst possible outcome
2 : a belief that evil is more common than good in life
— pes·si·mist \-məst\ n

pes·si·mis·tic \ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik\ adj : of, relating to, or marked by pessimism : GLOOMY
— pes·si·mis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pest \ˈpest\ n
1 : an epidemic disease which causes a large number of deaths; esp : 1PLAGUE 2
2 : something resembling a pest in destructiveness; esp : a plant or animal harmful to human beings or human concerns (as agriculture)
3 : one that pesters or annoys : NUISANCE
— pesty \ˈpes-tē\ adj

pes·ter \ˈpes-tər\ vb pes·tered; pes·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\ : ANNOY, BOTHER

pest·hole \ˈpest-ˌhōl\ n : a place in which diseases are common

pes·ti·cide \ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd\ n : a substance used to destroy pests
— pes·ti·cid·al \ˌpes-tə-ˈsīd-əl\ adj

pes·tif·er·ous \pes-ˈtif-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : dangerous to society : PERNICIOUS
2 : TROUBLESOME 2

pes·ti·lence \ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s\ n : a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that spreads quickly and is often fatal; esp : BUBONIC PLAGUE

pes·ti·lent \ˈpes-tə-lənt\ adj
1 : dangerous or destructive to life : DEADLY <a pestilent drug>
2 : harmful or dangerous to society : PERNICIOUS
3 : causing displeasure or annoyance <a pestilent child>
4 : INFECTIOUS 1, CONTAGIOUS <a pestilent disease>

pes·ti·len·tial \ˌpes-tə-ˈlen-chəl\ adj : causing or likely to cause pestilence

pes·tle \ˈpes-əl, ˈpes-təl\ n : a usually club-shaped tool for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar

pes·to \ˈpes-tō\ n : a sauce made especially of fresh basil, garlic, oil, pine nuts, and grated cheese

1pet \ˈpet\ n
1 : someone given special treatment or consideration <teacher's pet>
2 : a tame animal kept for pleasure rather than for use

2pet adj
1 : kept or treated as a pet <a pet rabbit>
2 : showing fondness <a pet name>
3 : 2FAVORITE <my pet project>

3pet vb pet·ted; pet·ting
1 : FONDLE, CARESS
2 : to treat as a pet : PAMPER
3 : to engage in embracing, caressing, and kissing

4pet n : a spell of sulkiness or anger

pet·al \ˈpet-əl\ n : one of the often brightly colored modified leaves that make up the corolla of a flower
— pet·aled or pet·alled \-əld\ adj

— pet·al·like \-əl-ˌ(l)īk\ adj

pe·ter \ˈpēt-ər\ vb
1 : to slowly come to an end — usually used with out <her popularity petered out>
2 : to become exhausted — usually used with out <raked half the lawn before he petered out>

Pe·ter \ˈpēt-ər\ n : either of two letters written to early Christians and included as books of the New Testament — see BIBLE table

pet·i·ole \ˈpet-ē-ˌōl\ n : the thin stem of a leaf

pe·tite \pə-ˈtēt\ adj : having a small trim figure

pe·tit four \ˌpet-ē-ˈfō(ə)r, -ˈfȯ(ə)r\ n, pl petits fours or petit fours \-ē-ˈfō(ə)rz, -ˈfȯ(ə)rz\ : a small frosted cake

1pe·ti·tion \pə-ˈtish-ən\ n
1 : an earnest request : ENTREATY
2 : a formal written request made to a superior or authority

2petition vb pe·ti·tioned; pe·ti·tion·ing \-ˈtish-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make a request to or for; esp : to make a formal written request
— pe·ti·tion·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

pet·it jury \ˈpet-ē-\ n : a jury of 12 persons for a trial in court

petr- or petri- or petro- combining form
1 : stone : rock
2 : petroleum <petrochemical> [Greek petros “stone” and petra “rock”]

pe·trel \ˈpe-trəl, ˈpē-\ n : any of various seabirds with long wings that fly far from land

Pe·tri dish \ˌpē-trē-\ n : a small shallow dish of thin glass or plastic with a loose cover used especially for cultures of bacteria

pet·ri·fac·tion \ˌpe-trə-ˈfak-shən\ n
1 : the process of petrifying or state of being petrified
2 : something that is petrified

pet·ri·fi·ca·tion \ˌpe-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : PETRIFACTION

pet·ri·fy \ˈpe-trə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to convert into stone or a stony substance by the penetration of water and the depositing of minerals which were dissolved in the water <petrified wood>
2 : to make lifeless or inactive : DEADEN
3 : to paralyze with fear, amazement, or awe : STUN

pet·ro·chem·i·cal \ˌpe-trō-ˈkem-i-kəl\ n : a chemical obtained from petroleum or natural gas

pet·rol \ˈpe-trəl, -ˌträl\ n, chiefly British : GASOLINE

pe·tro·leum \pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm, -ˈtrōl-yəm\ n : an oily flammable liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, is obtained from wells drilled in the ground, and is the source of gasoline, kerosene, fuel oils, and other products

petroleum jelly n : a tasteless, odorless, and oily or greasy substance from petroleum that is used especially in ointments and dressings

1pet·ti·coat \ˈpet-ē-ˌkōt\ n : a skirt or slip worn under a dress or outer skirt

2petticoat adj : of, relating to, or controlled by women : FEMALE <petticoat government>

pet·ti·fog \ˈpet-ē-ˌfȯg, -ˌfäg\ vb -fogged; -fog·ging
1 : to engage in legal trickery
2 : to argue about unimportant details : BICKER
— pet·ti·fog·ger n

— pet·ti·fog·gery \-ˌfȯg-(ə-)rē, -ˌfäg-\ n

petting zoo n : a collection of farm animals or gentle exotic animals for children to pet and feed

pet·tish \ˈpet-ish\ adj : IRRITABLE, PEEVISH
— pet·tish·ly adv

— pet·tish·ness n

pet·ty \ˈpet-ē\ adj pet·ti·er; -est
1 : lesser in rank or importance : MINOR <a petty prince>
2 : having little or no importance or meaning <petty details>
3 : having or displaying a mean narrow-minded attitude : SMALL-MINDED [Middle English pety “small, minor,” an altered form of petit (same meaning), from early French petit “small”]
— pet·ti·ly \ˈpet-əl-ē\ adv

— pet·ti·ness \ˈpet-ē-nəs\ n

petty cash n : a small amount of money kept on hand in an office to pay for minor items

petty officer n : an officer in the Navy or Coast Guard appointed from among enlisted personnel

petty officer first class n : a naval petty officer with a rank just below that of chief petty officer

petty officer second class n : a naval petty officer with a rank just below that of petty officer first class

petty officer third class n : a naval petty officer with a rank just below that of petty officer second class

pet·u·lance \ˈpech-ə-lən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being petulant

pet·u·lant \ˈpech-ə-lənt\ adj : marked by displays of rudeness or ill temper
— pet·u·lant·ly adv

pe·tu·nia \pi-ˈt(y)ün-yə\ n : any of a genus of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family widely grown for their showy funnel-shaped flowers

pew \ˈpyü\ n : one of the benches with backs and sometimes doors set in rows in a church

pe·wee \ˈpē-wē\ n : any of various small grayish or greenish brown birds that eat flying insects

pew·ter \ˈpyüt-ər\ n
1 : any of various metallic substances made mostly of tin; esp : a dull metallic substance containing lead formerly used for utensils
2 : utensils made of pewter
— pewter adj

pey·o·te \pā-ˈōt-ē\ n
1 : a drug containing mescaline that causes hallucinations and is obtained from the dried round and flattened tops of a small spineless cactus of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico
2 : the cactus from which peyote is obtained — called also mescal

PG \ˈpē-ˈjē\ trademark — used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that persons of all ages may be admitted but parental guidance is suggested

PG–13 \ˌpē-ˌjē-ˌthər(t)-ˈtēn\ trademark — used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that persons of all ages may be admitted but parental guidance is suggested especially for children under 13 years of age

pH \(ˈ)pē-ˈāch\ n : a number used in expressing acidity or alkalinity on a scale whose values run from 0 to 14 with 7 representing neutrality, numbers less than 7 increasing acidity, and numbers greater than 7 increasing alkalinity; also : the condition represented by such a number

phage \ˈfāj also ˈfäzh\ n : BACTERIOPHAGE

phago·cyte \ˈfag-ə-ˌsīt\ n : a cell (as a white blood cell) that takes in and breaks down foreign material (as bacteria) and waste

pha·lanx \ˈfā-ˌlaŋ(k)s\ n, pl pha·lanx·es or pha·lan·ges \fə-ˈlan-(ˌ)jēz, fā-\
1 : a body of heavily armed infantry of ancient Greece
2 pl phalanges : one of the bones of a finger or toe of a vertebrate

phal·a·rope \ˈfal-ə-ˌrōp\ n : any of various small shorebirds that resemble sandpipers but have thicker toes and are good swimmers

phal·lus \ˈfal-əs\ n, pl phal·li \ˈfal-ˌī, -ˌē\ or phal·lus·es
1 : a symbol or likeness of the male sex organ
2 : PENIS
— phal·lic \ˈfal-ik\ adj

Phan·er·o·zo·ic \ˌfan-ə-rə-ˈzō-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being an eon of geological history that is made up of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras or the corresponding systems of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Phanerozoic n

phan·tasm \ˈfan-ˌtaz-əm\ n
1 : a misleading image or appearance (as a mirage) : ILLUSION
2 : GHOST, SPECTER
3 : a product of the imagination : FANTASY
— phan·tas·mal \fan-ˈtaz-məl\ adj

phantasy variant of FANTASY

1phan·tom \ˈfant-əm\ n : something (as a ghost) that seems to be there but is not real : APPARITION

2phantom adj
1 : suggesting or being a phantom
2 : existing in name only : not real : FICTITIOUS <phantom voters>

pha·raoh \ˈfe(ə)r-ō, ˈfa(ə)r-; ˈfā-rō\ n, often cap : a ruler of ancient Egypt [Old English pharao “pharaoh,” from Latin pharaon-, pharao (same meaning), from Greek pharaō (same meaning), from Hebrew par'ōh “pharaoh,” of Egyptian origin]

1phar·ma·ceu·ti·cal \ˌfär-mə-ˈsüt-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or involved in pharmacy or the manufacture and sale of medicinal drugs <a pharmaceutical company>
— phar·ma·ceu·ti·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2pharmaceutical n : a drug or preparation used in medicine

phar·ma·cist \ˈfär-mə-səst\ n : one trained in pharmacy

phar·ma·col·o·gist \ˌfär-mə-ˈkäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in pharmacology

phar·ma·col·o·gy \ˌfär-mə-ˈkäl-ə-jē\ n
1 : the study of drugs, their composition, effects, and use in medicine
2 : the properties and reactions of drugs especially with relation to their medical value
— phar·ma·co·log·i·cal \-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ also phar·ma·co·log·ic \-ˈläj-ik\ adj

— phar·ma·co·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

phar·ma·co·poe·ia also phar·ma·co·pe·ia \ˌfär-mə-kə-ˈpē-(y)ə\ n
1 : a book describing drugs, chemicals, and preparations used in medicine
2 : a collection or stock of medicinal drugs

phar·ma·cy \ˈfär-mə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the art, practice, or profession of preparing drugs according to a doctor's prescription
2 a : a place where medicines are made or distributed  b : DRUGSTORE

pha·ryn·geal \ˌfar-ən-ˈjē-əl, fə-ˈrin-j(ē-)əl\ adj : relating to, located in, or produced in the region of the pharynx

phar·ynx \ˈfar-iŋ(k)s\ n, pl pha·ryn·ges \fə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ also phar·ynx·es : a tube extending from the back of the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus in vertebrate animals that is the passage through which air passes to the larynx and food to the esophagus

1phase \ˈfāz\ n
1 : a particular appearance or state in a repeating series of changes <phases of the moon>
2 : a step or part in a series of events or actions : STAGE
3 : a particular part or feature (as of an activity, situation, or a subject being considered) : ASPECT
4 : a physically different portion or kind of matter present in a mixed system <the three phases ice, water, and steam>

2phase vb phased; phas·ing
1 : to do in steps according to a plan
2 : to introduce in stages — usually used with in <phase in new models>

phase out vb : to discontinue doing, producing, or using <phasing out old machinery>

pheas·ant \ˈfez-ənt\ n, pl pheasant or pheasants : any of numerous large long-tailed brightly colored birds that are related to the domestic chicken and many of which are raised as ornamental or game birds

phe·no·bar·bi·tal \ˌfē-nō-ˈbär-bə-ˌtȯl\ n : a drug that is a barbiturate used to calm one down and cause sleep

phe·nol \ˈfē-ˌnōl, -ˌnȯl; fi-ˈnōl, -ˈnȯl\ n : a white poisonous acidic compound present in tars from coal and wood that when dissolved to make a weak liquid mixture is used as a disinfectant
— phe·no·lic \fi-ˈnō-lik, -ˈnäl-ik\ adj

phe·nol·phtha·lein \ˌfēn-əl-ˈthal-ē-ən, -ˈthal-ˌēn, -ˈthāl-\ n : a white or yellowish white compound used as a laxative and as an acid-base indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and clear in acids

phe·nom·e·nal \fi-ˈnäm-ən-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a phenomenon
2 : very remarkable : EXTRAORDINARY <a phenomenal memory>
— phe·nom·e·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

phe·nom·e·non \fi-ˈnäm-ə-ˌnän, -nən\ n, pl -na \-nə, -ˌnä\ or -nons
1 pl phenomena : an observable fact or event
2 : a fact, feature, or event of scientific interest
3 a : a rare or important fact or event  b pl phenomenons : an exceptional, unusual, or abnormal person or thing

phe·no·type \ˈfē-nə-ˌtīp\ n : the visible characteristics of a plant or animal that result from the combined effects of the genes and the environment
— phe·no·typ·ic \ˌfē-nə-ˈtip-ik\ adj

phe·nyl·ke·ton·uria \ˌfen-əl-ˌkēt-ən-ˈ(y)u̇r-ē-ə, ˌfēn-\ n : an inherited disease of human beings that is marked by the inability to break down and process a certain chemical in the body and may cause severe brain damage if not treated properly

phen·yl·thio·car·ba·mide \ˌfen-əl-ˌthī-ō-ˈkär-bə-ˌmīd\ n : a compound that is extremely bitter or tasteless depending on the presence or absence of a single dominant gene in the taster — called also PTC

pher·o·mone \ˈfer-ə-ˌmōn\ n : a chemical substance (as a scent) that is produced by an animal and serves as a signal to other individuals of the same species to engage in some kind of behavior (as mating)

phi \ˈfī\ n : the 21st letter of the Greek alphabet — Φ or φ

phi·al \ˈfī(-ə)l\ n : VIAL

phi·lan·der \fə-ˈlan-dər\ vb phi·lan·dered; phi·lan·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to be sexually unfaithful to one's wife
— phi·lan·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

phil·an·throp·ic \ˌfil-ən-ˈthräp-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or devoted to philanthropy : CHARITABLE, BENEVOLENT
— phil·an·throp·i·cal \-ˈthräp-i-kəl\ adj

phi·lan·thro·py \fə-ˈlan(t)-thrə-pē\ n, pl -pies
1 : a spirit of goodwill toward all people especially when expressed in active efforts to help others
2 : a charitable act or gift
3 : an organization which distributes or is supported by charitable contributions
— phi·lan·thro·pist \-pəst\ n

phi·lat·e·list \fə-ˈlat-əl-əst\ n : someone who collects or studies postage stamps

phi·lat·e·ly \fə-ˈlat-əl-ē\ n : the collection and study of postage stamps
— phil·a·tel·ic \ˌfil-ə-ˈtel-ik\ adj

1-phile \ˌfīl\ n combining form : one that loves or is strongly attracted to <audiophile> [from Greek -philos “loving”]

2-phile adj combining form : being strongly attracted to

Phi·le·mon \fə-ˈlē-mən, fī-\ n : a letter written by St. Paul to a Christian living in the area of Colossae and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE table

phil·har·mon·ic \ˌfil-ər-ˈmän-ik, ˌfil-(ˌ)(h)är-\ n : SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Phi·lip·pi·ans \fə-ˈlip-ē-ənz\ n : a letter written by St. Paul to the Christians of Philippi and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE table

Phi·lis·tine \ˈfil-ə-ˌstēn; fə-ˈlis-tən, -ˌtēn\ n
1 : a member of an ancient race that lived in the coastal regions of Palestine
2 often not cap  a : a person who dislikes or is indifferent to art and cultural activities and whose only interest is in making money  b : a person who lacks taste or knowledge
— philistine adj, often cap

philo·den·dron \ˌfil-ə-ˈden-drən\ n, pl -drons also -dra \-drə\ : any of several plants of the arum family that are often grown for their showy usually shiny leaves

phi·lol·o·gy \fə-ˈläl-ə-jē\ n : the study of language and especially of historical development in languages
— phil·o·log·i·cal \ˌfil-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— phi·lol·o·gist \fə-ˈläl-ə-jəst\ n

phi·los·o·pher \fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fər\ n
1 a : a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : SCHOLAR, THINKER  b : a student of philosophy
2 : a person who is calm and patient when faced with trouble

philosopher's stone n
1 : an imaginary stone, substance, or mixture believed by alchemists to have the power to change other metals into gold
2 : an elusive or imaginary key to success

philo·soph·i·cal \ˌfil-ə-ˈsäf-i-kəl\ also philo·soph·ic \-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or based on philosophy
2 : characterized by the attitude of a philosopher; esp : calm and patient when faced with trouble
— philo·soph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

phi·los·o·phize \fə-ˈläs-ə-ˌfīz\ vb -phized; -phiz·ing
1 : to think like a philosopher
2 : to talk about life as if one were a philosopher
— phi·los·o·phiz·er n

phi·los·o·phy \fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fē\ n, pl -phies
1 : the study of the basic ideas about knowledge, truth, right and wrong, religion, and the nature and meaning of life
2 : the philosophical teachings or principles of a person or group <Greek philosophy>
3 : the general principles of a field of study or activity <the philosophy of history>
4 : someone's basic beliefs about the way people should live

phish·ing \ˈfish-iŋ\ n : a scam by which an e-mail user is fooled into revealing personal information
— phish·er \-ər\ n

phle·bot·o·my \fli-ˈbät-ə-mē\ n : the removal of blood from a vein chiefly for transfusion or diagnosis and widely used in the past to treat many types of disease but now limited to the treatment of only a few specific conditions

phlegm \ˈflem\ n
1 : thick mucus produced in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages
2 a : cold indifference  b : calm fortitude
— phlegmy \ˈflem-ē\ adj

phleg·mat·ic \fleg-ˈmat-ik\ adj : not easily excited : slow to respond [from earlier phlegm “one of the four body fluids once believed to affect a person's health,” from Middle English fleume (same meaning), from early French fleume (same meaning), from Latin phlegma (same meaning), from Greek phlegma “flame, phlegm” — see Word History at HUMOR]
— phleg·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

phlo·em \ˈflō-ˌem\ n : a tissue of higher plants that contains sieve tubes serving to carry dissolved food material and that lies mostly outside the cambium — compare XYLEM

phlox \ˈfläks\ n, pl phlox or phlox·es : any of a genus of American herbs widely grown for their showy clusters of usually white, pink, or purplish flowers

-phobe \ˌfōb\ n combining form : one fearing or disliking [from Greek -phobos “fearing”]
— -pho·bic \ˈfō-bik\ adj combining form

pho·bia \ˈfō-bē-ə\ n : an unreasonable, abnormal, and lasting fear of something

phoe·be \ˈfē-bē\ n : any of several American flycatchers; esp : one of the eastern U.S. that has a slight crest and is plain grayish brown above and yellowish white below

Phoe·ni·cian \fi-ˈnish-ən, -ˈnē-shən\ n
1 : a person born or living in ancient Phoenicia
2 : the Semitic language of ancient Phoenicia
— Phoenician adj

phoe·nix \ˈfē-niks\ n : a legendary bird which was thought to live for 500 years, burn itself to death, and then rise newborn from the ashes

phon- or phono- combining form : sound : voice : speech <phonic> <phonograph> [from Greek phōnē “voice, sound”]

pho·na·tion \fō-ˈnā-shən\ n : the act or process of producing speech sounds
— pho·nate \ˈfō-ˌnāt\ vb

1phone \ˈfōn\ n
1 : HEADPHONE
2 : 1TELEPHONE : smartphone

2phone vb phoned; phon·ing : 2TELEPHONE

-phone \ˌfōn\ n combining form : sound <homophone> — often in names of musical instruments and sound-sending devices <radiophone> <xylophone> [from Greek phōnē “voice, sound”]

pho·neme \ˈfō-ˌnēm\ n : one of the smallest units of speech that distinguishes one utterance from another <\n\ and \t\ in “pin” and “pit” are different phonemes>

pho·ne·mic \fə-ˈnē-mik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phoneme
2 : being different phonemes
— pho·ne·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pho·net·ic \fə-ˈnet-ik\ adj
1 a : of or relating to spoken language or speech sounds <phonetic differences between Old English and Modern English>  b : of or relating to phonetics
2 : representing speech sounds <phonetic spelling> [from modern Latin phoneticus “relating to speech sounds,” from Greek phōnētikos (same meaning), derived from phōnē “voice, sound” — related to EUPHONY, SYMPHONY]
— pho·net·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pho·net·ics \fə-ˈnet-iks\ n : the study and classification of speech sounds
— pho·ne·ti·cian \ˌfō-nə-ˈtish-ən\ n

pho·nic \ˈfän-ik also ˈfō-nik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or producing sound
2 : of or relating to speech sounds or to phonics
— pho·ni·cal·ly \-(ə-)lē\ adv

phon·ics \ˈfän-iks\ n : a method of teaching beginners to read and pronounce words by learning the characteristic sounds of letters, letter groups, and especially syllables

pho·no·graph \ˈfō-nə-ˌgraf\ n : an instrument that reproduces sound recorded on a grooved disk
— pho·no·graph·ic \ˌfō-nə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

— pho·no·graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1pho·ny also pho·ney \ˈfō-nē\ adj pho·ni·er; -est : not genuine or real: as  a (1) : intended to deceive or mislead  (2) : 2COUNTERFEIT 1 <a phony $10 bill>  b : causing suspicion : probably dishonest <sounds like a phony excuse to me>  c : FICTITIOUS, FALSE <gave a phony name to the police>
— pho·ni·ness n

2phony also phoney n, pl phonies also phoneys : a phony person or thing

phoo·ey \ˈfü-ē\ interj — used to express disapproval or disgust

phos·phate \ˈfäs-ˌfāt\ n
1 : a salt of a phosphoric acid
2 : a drink made of carbonated water and fruit syrup with a little phosphoric acid added for tang

phos·pho·lip·id \ˌfäs-fō-ˈlip-əd\ n : a phosphorus-containing fatty substance that forms the main structural part of a cell membrane

phos·phor \ˈfäs-fər, -ˌfȯ(ə)r\ n : a substance exhibiting phosphorescence

phos·pho·res·cence \ˌfäs-fə-ˈres-ən(t)s\ n
1 : a light given off at low temperatures that is caused by the absorption of radiations (as X-rays or ultraviolet light) and continuing for a noticeable time after these radiations have stopped
2 : an enduring light given off with little heat

phos·pho·res·cent \ˌfäs-fə-ˈres-ənt\ adj : exhibiting phosphorescence

phos·phor·ic acid \fäs-ˌfȯr-ik-, -ˌfär-\ n : any of several oxygen-containing acids of phosphorus

phos·pho·rus \ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs\ n
1 : a phosphorescent substance; esp : one that glows in the dark
2 : a nonmetallic element that occurs widely especially as phosphates — see ELEMENT TABLE
— phos·phor·ic \fäs-ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär-\ adj

— phos·pho·rous \ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs; fäs-ˈfōr-əs, -ˈfȯr-\ adj

phot- or photo- combining form
1 : light <photon> <photography>
2 : photograph : photographic <photocopy>
3 : photoelectric <photocell> [from Greek phot-, phos “light”]

1pho·to \ˈfōt-ō\ n, pl photos : 1PHOTOGRAPH

2photo vb : 2PHOTOGRAPH

3photo adj : PHOTOGRAPHIC 1

pho·to·cell \ˈfōt-ə-ˌsel\ n : PHOTOELECTRIC CELL

pho·to·copy \ˈfōt-ə-ˌkäp-ē\ n : a copy of usually printed material made using a process in which an image is formed by the action of light on an electrically charged surface
— photocopy vb

pho·to·elec·tric \ˌfōt-ō-i-ˈlek-trik\ adj : involving, relating to, or using any of various electrical effects due to the action of radiation (as light) on matter

photoelectric cell n : a device in which variations of light are converted into corresponding variations in an electric current

photoelectric effect n : the giving off of free electrons from a metal surface when light strikes it

photo finish n
1 : a finish of a race in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them crossing the finish line has to be examined to decide the winner
2 : a close contest (as in an election)

pho·to·ge·nic \ˌfōt-ə-ˈjen-ik, -ˈjēn-\ adj : suitable for being photographed : likely to photograph well <a photogenic child>
— pho·to·ge·ni·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1pho·to·graph \ˈfōt-ə-ˌgraf\ n : a picture obtained by photography

2photograph vb
1 : to take a photograph of
2 : to take photographs
3 : to be photographed
— pho·tog·ra·pher \fə-ˈtäg-rə-fər\ n

pho·to·graph·ic \ˌfōt-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj
1 : relating to, obtained by, or used in photography <photographic supplies>
2 : capable of remembering details exactly <a photographic memory>
— pho·to·graph·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pho·tog·ra·phy \fə-ˈtäg-rə-fē\ n : the art or process of making pictures by means of a camera that directs the image of an object onto a surface (as film) that is sensitive to light

pho·to·mi·cro·graph \ˌfōt-ə-ˈmī-krə-ˌgraf\ n : a photograph of a microscope image

pho·ton \ˈfō-ˌtän\ n : a tiny particle or bundle of electromagnetic radiation

pho·to·pe·ri·od \ˌfōt-ō-ˈpir-ē-əd\ n : a recurring cycle of light and dark periods as it affects the growth and functioning of a plant or animal

pho·to·play \ˈfōt-ō-ˌplā\ n : MOVIE 2A

pho·to·shop \ˈfōt-(ˌ)ō-ˌshäp\ vb -shopped; -shop·ping often cap : to alter an image with computer software

pho·to·sphere \ˈfōt-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : the shining surface of the sun or a star
— pho·to·spher·ic \ˌfōt-ə-ˈsfir-ik, -ˈsfer-\ adj

pho·to·syn·the·sis \ˌfōt-ə-ˈsin(t)-thə-səs\ n : the process by which plants and some bacteria and protists that contain chlorophyll make carbohydrates from water and from carbon dioxide in the air in the presence of light
— pho·to·syn·thet·ic \-sin-ˈthet-ik\ adj

pho·to·tax·is \ˌfōt-ō-ˈtak-səs\ n : a movement of a living thing that is made in response to light

pho·tot·ro·pism \fō-ˈtä-trə-ˌpiz-əm\ n : a movement or growing in a particular direction that is made by a living thing in response to light
— pho·to·tro·pic \ˌfōt-ə-ˈträp-ik\ adj

phrag·mi·tes \frag-ˈmī-ˌtēz\ n : any of various tall reeds with large feathery clusters of flowers

1phrase \ˈfrāz\ n
1 : a brief expression; esp : one commonly used
2 : a small unit of a musical passage usually several measures long
3 : a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not form a complete sentence <“out the door” in “they ran out the door” is a phrase>
— phras·al \ˈfrā-zəl\ adj

— phras·al·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

2phrase vb phrased; phras·ing
1 : to express in words
2 : to divide into musical phrases

phrase·ol·o·gy \ˌfrā-zē-ˈäl-ə-jē, frā-ˈzäl-\ n
1 : manner of speaking and writing : STYLE
2 : choice of words

phras·ing \ˈfrā-ziŋ\ n
1 : PHRASEOLOGY 1
2 : the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases

phy·lac·tery \fə-ˈlak-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ter·ies
1 : either of two small square leather boxes containing scripture passages on slips of paper that are traditionally worn on the left arm and the head by Jewish men during morning prayers
2 : AMULET

phy·log·e·ny \fī-ˈläj-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies : the development of a group of related living things by evolution over a long period of time in contrast to the development of a particular individual from its first immature stage to an adult

phy·lum \ˈfī-ləm\ n, pl phy·la \-lə\ : a group of animals or in some classifications plants sharing one or more major characteristics that set them apart from all other animals or plants and forming one of the main categories in biological classification that ranks above the class and below the kingdom — compare DIVISION 8

phys ed \ˈfiz-ˈed\ n : PHYSICAL EDUCATION

phys·ic \ˈfiz-ik\ n : a remedy for disease; esp : a strong laxative

phys·i·cal \ˈfiz-i-kəl\ adj
1 a : having material existence  b : of or relating to material things
2 a : of or relating to natural science  b : of or relating to physics
3 : of or relating to the body : BODILY
— phys·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

physical education n : instruction in the care and development of the body

physical examination n : an examination of the bodily functions and condition of a person

physical geography n : a branch of geography that deals with the physical features and changes of the earth

physical science n : any of the natural sciences (as physics, geology, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials

physical therapist n : a person who is a specialist in physical therapy

physical therapy n : the treatment of disease, injury, or disability especially by massage, exercise, water, or heat

phy·si·cian \fə-ˈzish-ən\ n : a specialist in healing human diseases; esp : one educated and licensed to practice medicine

phys·i·cist \ˈfiz-(ə-)səst\ n : a specialist in physics

phys·ics \ˈfiz-iks\ n
1 : a science that deals with matter and energy and their actions upon each other in the fields of mechanics, heat, light, electricity, sound, and the atomic nucleus
2 : physical composition, characteristics, or processes <the physics of sound>

phys·i·og·no·my \ˌfiz-ē-ˈä(g)-nə-mē\ n, pl -mies : facial features or expression thought to reveal qualities of mind or character

phys·i·og·ra·phy \ˌfiz-ē-ˈäg-rə-fē\ n : a branch of geography that deals with the exterior features and changes of the earth
— phys·i·og·ra·pher \-fər\ n

— phys·io·graph·ic \ˌfiz-ē-ō-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

phys·i·o·log·i·cal \ˌfiz-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ or phys·i·o·log·ic \-ˈläj-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to physiology
2 : characteristic of healthy or normal functioning of the body
— phys·i·o·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

phys·i·ol·o·gist \ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jəst\ n : a specialist in physiology

phys·i·ol·o·gy \ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n
1 : a branch of biology dealing with the processes and activities by which life is carried on and which are special features of the functioning of living things, tissues, and cells
2 : the life processes and activities of a living thing or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process

phys·io·ther·a·py \ˌfiz-ē-ō-ˈther-ə-pē\ n : PHYSICAL THERAPY

phy·sique \fə-ˈzēk\ n : the build of a person's body

-phyte \ˌfīt\ n combining form : plant having a (specified) characteristic or habitat <sporophyte> [from Greek phyton “plant”]

phy·to·plank·ton \ˌfī-tō-ˈplaŋ(k)-tən, -ˌtän\ n : plankton that is composed of plants

pi \ˈpī\ n, pl pis \ˈpīz\
1 : the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet — Π or π
2 a : the symbol π representing the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter  b : the ratio itself having a value of approximately 3.1416

pi·a·nis·si·mo \ˌpē-ə-ˈnis-ə-ˌmō\ adv or adj : very softly — used as a direction in music

1pi·a·no \pē-ˈän-ō\ adv or adj : in a soft or quiet manner — used as a direction in music

2pi·ano \pē-ˈan-ō\ n, pl pianos : a musical instrument consisting of a large frame holding steel wire strings that sound when struck by felt-covered hammers which are operated from a keyboard [from Italian piano “a keyboard musical instrument,” a shortened form of pianoforte, from piano “soft” and forte “loud”; so called because, unlike earlier keyboard instruments, it could be played with varying degrees of loudness]
— pi·a·nist \pē-ˈan-əst, ˈpē-ə-nəst\ n

pi·ano·forte \pē-ˈan-ə-ˌfō(ə)rt, -ˌfȯ(ə)rt, -ˌfȯrt-ē\ n : 2PIANO

pi·as·tre \pē-ˈas-tər, -ˈäs-\ n : a basic unit of money equal to 1/100 Egyptian, Lebanese, or Syrian pound

pi·az·za \pē-ˈaz-ə, sense 1 is usually -ˈat-sə, -ˈät-\ n, pl piazzas or pi·az·ze \-ˈat-sā, -ˈät-\
1 pl piazze : an open square especially in an Italian town : PLAZA
2 a : a long hall with an arched roof  b dialect : VERANDA, PORCH

pi·broch \ˈpē-ˌbräk, -ˌbräḵ\ n : a set of variations for the Scottish bagpipe

pi·ca \ˈpī-kə\ n : a typewriter type providing 10 characters to the inch

pic·a·dor \ˈpik-ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r\ n, pl picadors \-ˌdȯ(ə)rz\ or pic·a·do·res \ˌpik-ə-ˈdōr-ēz, -ˈdȯr-\ : a rider on horseback in a bullfight who jabs the bull with a lance

pi·ca·resque \ˌpik-ə-ˈresk, ˌpē-kə-\ adj : of, relating to, or being a type of fiction which presents the adventures of a usually rascally character <a picaresque novel>

pic·a·yune \ˌpik-ē-ˈ(y)ün\ adj : of little value : PALTRY; also : PETTY 3

pic·ca·lil·li \ˌpik-ə-ˈlil-ē\ n : a spicy relish of chopped vegetables

pic·co·lo \ˈpik-ə-ˌlō\ n, pl -los : a small shrill flute [from Italian piccolo “piccolo,” a shortened form of piccolo flauto “little flute”]
— pic·co·lo·ist \-əst\ n

1pick \ˈpik\ vb
1 : to strike, pierce, or break up with a pointed tool
2 a : to remove matter from bit by bit by or as if by plucking <picked the bone clean>  b : to gather by plucking <pick berries>  c : to pluck with a pick or with the fingers <pick a guitar>
3 a : 1SELECT, CHOOSE <pick out a dress>  b : to make (one's way) slowly and carefully <picked their way through the rubble>
4 : to steal or pilfer from <pick pockets>
5 : to start (a fight) with someone else deliberately
6 : to dig at or into : PROBE <picking his teeth>
7 : to eat sparingly or in a finicky manner <picked at her dinner>
8 : to unlock without a key <pick a lock> [Middle English piken “to pierce, pick,” from Old English pīcian (same meaning) and from early French piquer “to prick” — related to 3PIKE]
— pick·er n

— pick on : to single out especially for criticism, teasing, or bullying <always picking on smaller children>

2pick n
1 : a blow or stroke with a pointed instrument
2 a : the act or opportunity of choosing : CHOICE <take your pick>  b : the best or choicest one or portion <took only the pick of the crop>  c : one that is picked <his pick for vice president>

3pick n
1 : a heavy tool with a wooden handle and a blade pointed at one or both ends used especially to loosen or break up soil or rock
2 : a slender pointed instrument <ice pick>
3 : a small thin piece of metal or plastic used to pluck a stringed instrument
4 : a comb with long widely spaced teeth used in grooming hair [Middle English pik “a pick for digging”]

pickaback variant of PIGGYBACK

pick·ax \ˈpik-ˌaks\ n : 3PICK 1

picked \ˈpikt\ adj : selected as being the best available <a picked crew>

pick·er·el \ˈpik-(ə-)rəl\ n, pl pickerel or pickerels
1 : either of two fishes resembling but smaller than the related pike
2 : WALLEYE

pick·er·el·weed \-ˌwēd\ n : a plant mostly of the eastern U.S. and Canada that grows in shallow water and has large arrow-shaped leaves and blue flowers

1pick·et \ˈpik-ət\ n
1 : a pointed stake or post (as for a fence)
2 : a soldier or a group of soldiers assigned to stand guard
3 : a person (as a striking worker or a demonstrator) on a picket line

2picket vb
1 : to enclose, fence, or strengthen with pickets
2 a : to guard with a picket  b : to station as a picket
3 : 2TETHER <picket a horse>
4 a : to station pickets or act as a picket at <picket a factory>  b : to serve as a picket
— pick·et·er n

picket line n
1 : a position held by a line of military pickets
2 : a line of individuals (as striking workers or protestors) who are demonstrating against a business, organization, or institution

pick·ings \ˈpik-iŋz\ n pl
1 : something available or left over; esp : eatable remains
2 : yield or return for the effort put forth <easy pickings> <slim pickings>

1pick·le \ˈpik-əl\ n
1 : a liquid used for preserving or cleaning; esp : a saltwater or vinegar solution in which foods are preserved : BRINE
2 : an unpleasant or difficult situation : PLIGHT
3 : an article of food (as a cucumber) preserved in a saltwater or vinegar solution

2pickle vb pick·led; pick·ling \ˈpik-(ə-)liŋ\ : to treat, preserve, or clean in or with a pickle

pick·led adj : preserved with pickle

pick–me–up \ˈpik-mē-ˌəp\ n : something that stimulates or refreshes

pick off vb
1 : to shoot or bring down one by one or with a single shot
2 : to put out (a base runner who is off base) with a quick throw

pick out vb
1 : to see or detect with some difficulty <picked out the trail in the snow>
2 : to play the notes of by ear or one by one <pick out a tune>

pick over vb : to examine in order to select the best or remove the unwanted

pick·pock·et \ˈpik-ˌpäk-ət\ n : a thief who steals from pockets and purses

pick·up \ˈpik-ˌəp\ n
1 a : an increase in activity <a pickup in business>  b : ACCELERATION 1
2 : one (as a hitchhiker or chance acquaintance) that is picked up
3 a : the changing of mechanical movements into electrical energy in the reproduction of sound  b : a device (as on a phonograph) for making such a change
4 a : the receiving of sound or an image into a radio or television transmitting device  b : a device (as a microphone or a television camera) for converting sound or an image into electrical signals
5 : a light truck with an open body and low sides — called also pickup truck

pick up \(ˈ)pik-ˈəp\ vb
1 a : to take hold of and lift <picked the book up>  b : to gather together : COLLECT <picked up every piece>  c : to clean up : TIDY <pick up your room>
2 : to take (passengers or freight) into a vehicle
3 a : to acquire without great effort or by chance <pick up a habit> <picked up a nasty cold>  b : to gain by study or experience <picked up a new language while traveling>  c : to obtain especially by buying or as a bargain <picked up the shirts on sale>  d : to form a brief or chance acquaintance with a stranger  e : to take into custody <was picked up by the police>
4 : to find and follow <picked up the outlaw's trail>
5 : to bring within range of sight or hearing <a radio that picks up foreign broadcasts>
6 : to gather or regain speed or strength

picky \ˈpik-ē\ adj pick·i·er; -est : FUSSY 2B, FINICKY

1pic·nic \ˈpik-(ˌ)nik\ n
1 : a meal eaten outdoors often during a trip away from home
2 a : a pleasant or carefree experience <breaking a leg is no picnic>  b : an easy task
3 : a shoulder of pork that is often smoked and boned
— pic·nic·ky adj

2picnic vb pic·nicked; pic·nick·ing : to go on a picnic : eat as if on a picnic
— pic·nick·er n

pi·co- \ˈpē-kō, -kə\ combining form : one trillionth part of [probably from Spanish pico “small amount,” literally, “peak, beak”]

pi·cot \ˈpē-kō, pē-ˈkō\ n : one of a series of small loops forming an ornamental edging on ribbon or lace

pic·to·gram \ˈpik-tə-ˌgram\ n : PICTOGRAPH

pic·to·graph \ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf\ n
1 : an ancient or prehistoric drawing or painting on a rock wall
2 : one of the symbols of a system of picture writing
3 : a diagram representing statistical information by pictures which can be varied in color, size, or number to indicate change
— pic·to·graph·ic \ˌpik-tə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

pic·to·ri·al \pik-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj
1 : of or relating to painting or drawing <pictorial art>
2 : consisting of or illustrated by pictures <pictorial magazines>
3 : suggesting or communicating vivid mental images <pictorial poetry>
— pic·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

1pic·ture \ˈpik-chər\ n
1 : a design or image made on a surface (as by painting, drawing, or photography)
2 a : a clear description in words <the book gives us a picture of another way of life>  b : a mental image : IDEA <do you get the picture?>
3 : a particular combination of circumstances : SITUATION <an improvement of the economic picture>
4 a : an exact likeness : COPY  b : a perfect symbol of something : EMBODIMENT <the picture of health>
5 a : an image on a screen  b : MOTION PICTURE
— picture adj

2picture vb pic·tured; pic·tur·ing \ˈpik-chə-riŋ, ˈpik-shriŋ\
1 : to draw or paint a picture of : DEPICT
2 : to describe vividly
3 : to form a mental image of : IMAGINE

picture book n : a book that consists entirely or chiefly of pictures

picture graph n : PICTOGRAPH 3

picture–perfect adj : completely flawless : PERFECT <made a picture-perfect landing>

pic·tur·esque \ˌpik-chə-ˈresk\ adj
1 a : resembling or suitable for a painted picture <a picturesque landscape>  b : CHARMING, QUAINT <picturesque customs>
2 : calling forth a striking mental picture <a picturesque story>  synonyms see GRAPHIC
— pic·tur·esque·ly adv

— pic·tur·esque·ness n

picture tube n : a cathode-ray tube on which the picture in a television set appears

picture window n : a large window designed to frame a view

picture writing n : pictures that stand for actions or facts

pid·dling \ˈpid-lən, -liŋ, -əl-ən, -əl-iŋ\ adj : lacking size or importance : TRIVIAL

pid·gin \ˈpij-ən\ n : a simplified speech used for communication by people who speak different languages

pie \ˈpī\ n : a dish consisting of a pastry crust and a filling (as of fruit or meat)

1pie·bald \ˈpī-ˌbȯld\ adj : spotted or blotched with two different colors and especially with black and white <a piebald horse>

2piebald n : a piebald animal (as a horse)

1piece \ˈpēs\ n
1 : a part cut, torn, or broken from a thing : FRAGMENT <a piece of string>
2 : one of a class, group, or set of things <a piece of mail> <a three-piece suit> <a chess piece>
3 : a usually unspecified distance <down the road a piece>
4 : a portion marked off <a piece of land>
5 : a single item or example <a piece of news>
6 : a standard quantity or size in which an article is made or sold <buy lumber by the piece>
7 : something made, composed, or written <a piece written for the piano>
8 : 1COIN 1 <a 50-cent piece>
9 : FIREARM
10 : EXAMPLE 1 <a nice piece of acting>
— of a piece : of the same kind or character throughout : CONSISTENT

— piece of one's mind : a severe scolding

— to pieces
1 : without reserve or restraint : COMPLETELY <love him to pieces>
2 : out of control : CRAZY <went to pieces from the news>
3 : into parts <an old book falling to pieces>

2piece vb pieced; piec·ing
1 : to repair, form, or complete by adding pieces <helped to piece a quilt> <pieced a jigsaw puzzle>
2 : to join into a whole <pieced their stories together>
— piec·er n

piece by piece adv : a little at a time

pièce de ré·sis·tance \pē-ˌes-də-rə-ˌzē-ˈstän(t)s\ n, pl pièces de ré·sis·tance \same\
1 : the main dish of a meal
2 : an outstanding item or event : SHOWPIECE [French, literally, “piece of resistance”]

1piece·meal \ˈpē-ˌsmēl\ adv
1 : one piece at a time : GRADUALLY
2 : in pieces : APART

2piecemeal adj : done, made, or accomplished piece by piece or in an incomplete way <piecemeal reforms>

piece of cake : something easy to do <the quiz was a piece of cake>

piece of eight : an old Spanish peso of eight reals

piece·work \ˈpē-ˌswərk\ n : work paid for at a rate based on the number of articles produced rather than the time spent working
— piece·work·er \-ˌswər-kər\ n

pie chart n : a circular chart that is divided into parts shaped like pieces of pie in such a way that the size of each piece represents the relative quantity or frequency of something — called also circle graph, pie graph

pied \ˈpīd\ adj : having blotches of two or more colors

pied·mont \ˈpēd-ˌmänt\ adj : lying or formed at the base of mountains
— piedmont n

pie plant n : garden rhubarb

pier \ˈpi(ə)r\ n
1 : a support for a bridge
2 : a structure built out into the water for use as a landing place or walk or to protect or form a harbor
3 : an upright supporting part (as a pillar or buttress) of a building or structure

pierce \ˈpi(ə)rs\ vb pierced; pierc·ing
1 a : to run into or through as a pointed weapon does : STAB  b : to enter or thrust into sharply or painfully
2 : to make a hole in or through <have one's ears pierced>
3 : to force or make a way into or through <pierce the enemy's line>
4 : to penetrate with the eye or mind : see through
5 : to stir the emotions of : MOVE
— pierc·er n

pierced adj
1 : having holes
2 : having a hole for the attachment of a piece of jewelry <pierced ears> <a pierced tongue>
3 : designed for pierced ears <pierced earrings>

1pierc·ing adj : having the ability to enter, pierce, or penetrate: as  a : loud and shrill <piercing screams>  b : PERCEPTIVE, KEEN <a piercing glance>  c : very cold <a piercing wind>
— pierc·ing·ly \ˈpir-siŋ-lē\ adv

2piercing n : a piece of jewelry (as a ring or stud) that is attached to pierced flesh

pier glass n : a tall narrow mirror

pie·ro·gi also pi·ro·gi \pə-ˈrō-gē\ n, pl -gi also -gies : a case of dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and cooked by boiling and then panfrying

pi·ety \ˈpī-ət-ē\ n, pl pi·eties
1 : the quality or state of being pious : dutifulness in religion
2 : a pious act

pif·fle \ˈpif-əl\ n : NONSENSE 1

pig \ˈpig\ n
1 a : a young domesticated swine usually weighing less than 120 pounds (54 kilograms) — compare HOG 1A  b : a wild or domesticated swine of any age or weight
2 a : PORK 1  b : PIGSKIN 1
3 : a dirty, gluttonous, or repulsive person
4 : a metal cast (as of iron) poured directly from the smelting furnace into a mold

pi·geon \ˈpij-ən\ n
1 : any of numerous birds with a stout body, usually short legs, and smooth feathers; esp : any of many varieties of the rock dove that are domesticated or have escaped from domestication and live in cities and towns throughout most of the world
2 : someone who is easily fooled or cheated

1pi·geon·hole \-ˌhōl\ n : a small open compartment (as in a desk) for keeping letters or papers

2pigeonhole vb : to place in or as if in the pigeonhole of a desk

pi·geon–toed \ˌpij-ən-ˈtōd\ adj : having the toes and front of the foot turned inward

pig·gish \ˈpig-ish\ adj : resembling or suggesting a pig (as in greed or dirtiness)
— pig·gish·ly adv

1pig·gy·back \ˈpig-ē-ˌbak\ also pick·a·back \ˈpig-ē-ˌbak, ˈpik-ə-\ adv or adj
1 : on the back or shoulders
2 : on a railroad flatcar

2piggyback n : the act of carrying piggyback

piggy bank n : a bank for coins often shaped like a pig

pig·head·ed \ˈpig-ˈhed-əd\ adj : STUBBORN 1A, OBSTINATE

pig iron n : crude iron that is the direct product of the blast furnace and when refined yields steel, wrought iron, or high-purity iron

pig latin n, often cap L : a play language usually formed by placing the first consonants and “-ay” at the end of each word (as “utshay the oorday” for “shut the door”)

pig·let \ˈpig-lət\ n : a baby pig

pig·ment \ˈpig-mənt\ n
1 : a substance that gives color to other materials; esp : a powder mixed with a liquid to give color
2 : a natural coloring matter in animals and plants
— pig·ment·ed \-mənt-əd, -ˌment-\ adj

pig·men·ta·tion \ˌpig-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n : a coloring with pigment; esp : an amount of bodily pigment that is greater than normal

pigmy variant of PYGMY

pig out vb pigged out; pig·ging out : to eat greedily

pig·pen \ˈpig-ˌpen\ n
1 : a pen for pigs
2 : a dirty or messy place

pig·skin \-ˌskin\ n
1 : the skin of a swine or leather made of it
2 : FOOTBALL 2

pig·sty \ˈpig-ˌstī\ n : PIGPEN

pig·tail \-ˌtāl\ n : a tight braid of hair
— pig·tailed \-ˌtāld\ adj

pig·weed \-ˌwēd\ n : any of various weedy plants especially of the two families to which the goosefoots and amaranths belong

pi·ka \ˈpē-kə\ n : any of various small short-eared mammals of rocky uplands of Asia and western North America that are related to the rabbits

1pike \ˈpīk\ n
1 : PIKESTAFF 1
2 : a sharp point or spike (as the tip of a spear) [Old English pic “pick used for digging”]
— piked \ˈpīkt\ adj

2pike n, pl pike or pikes
1 : a large freshwater fish with a long body and long snout that is valued for food and sport and is widely distributed in cool northern waters
2 : any of various fishes related to or like the pike [Middle English pike “a fish,” from pic “a pick used for digging”]

3pike n : a long wooden pole with a steel point once used as a weapon [from early French pique “a long weapon of war,” from piquer “to prick,” probably derived from a Latin word picus “woodpecker” — related to 1PICK]

4pike n : TURNPIKE [a shortened form of turnpike]

pik·er \ˈpī-kər\ n
1 : one who does things on a small scale; esp : one who gambles with a small amount of money
2 : CHEAPSKATE, CHISELER

pike·staff \ˈpīk-ˌstaf\ n
1 : a sharply pointed walking stick
2 : the shaft of a soldier's pike

pi·laf also pi·laff \pi-ˈläf, ˈpē-ˌläf\ or pi·lau \pi-ˈlō, -ˈlȯ, ˈpē-; Southern often ˈpər-lü, -lō\ n : a dish made of seasoned rice and often meat

pi·las·ter \ˈpī-ˌlas-tər\ n : an upright rectangular column that ornaments or helps to support a wall from which it sticks out slightly

1pile \ˈpī(ə)l\ n : a long slender post usually of timber, steel, or concrete driven into the ground to support a load [Old English pīl “dart, stake,” from Latin pilum “spear, javelin”]

2pile vb piled; pil·ing : to drive piles into

3pile n
1 a : a quantity of things heaped together  b : a heap of wood for burning a corpse or a sacrifice
2 : a great amount
3 : REACTOR 2 [Middle English pile “pier of a bridge, heap, stack,” from early French pille “pier of a bridge,” from Latin pila “pillar”]

4pile vb piled; pil·ing
1 : to lay or place something in a pile : STACK
2 : to heap in abundance : LOAD
3 : to move or push forward hastily or in a disorganized way : CROWD <piled into the car>

5pile n
1 : a coat or surface of usually short close fine furry hairs
2 : raised loops on the surface of a fabric which may be cut or uncut and which produce a velvety or fuzzy texture [Middle English pile “furry surface,” from early French peil, pil “hair, coat with thick nap,” from Latin pilus “hair” — related to CATERPILLAR; see Word History at CATERPILLAR]
— piled adj

6pile n
1 : HEMORRHOID 1
2 pl : HEMORRHOID 2 [Middle English pile “hemorrhoid,” perhaps derived from Latin pila “ball”]

pi·le·at·ed woodpecker \ˌpī-lē-ˌāt-əd-, ˌpil-ē-\ n : a North American woodpecker that is black with a red crest and white on the wings and sides of the neck

pile driver n : a machine for hammering piles into place

pil·fer \ˈpil-fər\ vb pil·fered; pil·fer·ing \-f(ə-)riŋ\ : to steal articles of small value or in small amounts
— pil·fer·age \-f(ə-)rij\ n

— pil·fer·er \-fər-ər\ n

pil·grim \ˈpil-grəm\ n
1 : one who journeys in foreign lands : TRAVELER
2 : a person who travels to a shrine or holy place to worship
3 cap : one of the English colonists who founded the first permanent settlement in New England at Plymouth in 1620

pil·grim·age \ˈpil-grə-mij\ n : a journey of a pilgrim
— pilgrimage vb

pil·ing \ˈpī-liŋ\ n : a structure of piles (as one built in or near water)

1pill \ˈpil\ n
1 a : medicine or a food supplement in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole  b often cap : an oral contraceptive — usually used with the
2 : something resembling a pill in shape or size
3 : something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured
4 : an unpleasant or tiresome person

2pill vb, of a garment : to develop small balls of fiber on the surface because of wear

1pil·lage \ˈpil-ij\ n : the act of robbing by force especially in war

2pillage vb pil·laged; pil·lag·ing : to strip of goods and possessions with ruthless violence : PLUNDER, LOOT
— pil·lag·er n

1pil·lar \ˈpil-ər\ n
1 : a firm upright support (as for a roof)
2 : a column or shaft standing alone (as for a monument)
3 : a supporting or important member or part <a pillar of society>

2pillar vb : to provide or support with or as if with pillars <a long pillared hall>

pill·box \ˈpil-ˌbäks\ n
1 : a small usually shallow box for pills
2 : a small low fortification for machine guns and antitank weapons
3 : a small round hat without a brim

pill bug n : WOOD LOUSE; esp : a wood louse able to curl itself into a ball

pil·lion \ˈpil-yən\ n
1 : a cushion or pad placed behind a saddle for an extra rider
2 : a saddle for a passenger on a motorcycle or bicycle

pil·lo·ry \ˈpil-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : a device formerly used for the public punishment of wrongdoers that consists of a wooden frame with holes in which the head and hands can be locked
2 : exposure to public scorn or ridicule
— pillory vb

1pil·low \ˈpil-ō\ n : a bag filled with soft or springy material used as a cushion usually for the head of a person lying down

2pillow vb
1 : to place on or as if on a pillow
2 : to serve as a pillow for

pil·low·case \ˈpil-ō-ˌkās\ n : a removable covering for a pillow

1pi·lot \ˈpī-lət\ n
1 a : a person who steers a ship  b : a person qualified to guide a ship into and out of a port or in specified waters
2 : someone who provides guidance and direction : LEADER
3 : one who flies or is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft
4 : PILOT LIGHT
— pi·lot·less \-ləs\ adj

2pilot vb : to act as pilot of : GUIDE

3pilot adj : serving as a guiding or tracing device, as an activating or auxiliary unit, or to test a new invention or idea <a pilot study>

pilot balloon n : a small unmanned balloon sent up to show the direction and speed of the wind

pilot fish n : a fish with a narrow body and a widely forked tail that often swims near a shark

pi·lot·house \ˈpī-lət-ˌhau̇s\ n : an enclosed place for the helmsman of a ship that contains the steering and navigating equipment

pilot light n : a small permanent flame used to ignite gas at a burner

pilot whale n : either of two mostly black medium-sized toothed whales related to the dolphins

pi·men·to \pə-ˈment-ō\ n, pl -tos or -to : PIMIENTO

pi·mien·to \pə-ˈment-ō, pəm-ˈyent-\ n, pl -tos : any of various sweet peppers that have thick flesh and a mild flavor and are used especially as a stuffing for olives and as a source of paprika

pim·ple \ˈpim-pəl\ n : a small swelling of the skin often containing pus : PUSTULE
— pim·pled \-pəld\ adj

— pim·ply \-p(ə-)lē\ adj

1pin \ˈpin\ n
1 a : a piece of wood, metal, or plastic used especially for fastening things together or for hanging one thing from another  b : something that resembles a pin especially in long slender form <a pin that makes an electrical connection>  c : one of the pieces that make up the target in various games (as bowling)  d : the staff of the flag marking a hole on a golf course  e : a peg for regulating the tension of the strings of a musical instrument
2 a : a very thin small pointed metal pin with a head used especially for fastening cloth  b : 3LITTLE 1, TRIFLE <doesn't care a pin what they think>  c : an ornament or emblem fastened to clothing with a pin  d : a device (as a hairpin or safety pin) for fastening
3 : 1LEG 1

2pin vb pinned; pin·ning
1 a : to fasten, join, or secure with or as if with a pin  b : to prevent or be prevented from moving <pinned under the wreckage>
2 : to assign the blame or responsibility for

pin·afore \ˈpin-ə-ˌfō(ə)r, -ˌfȯ(ə)r\ n : a low-necked sleeveless garment worn especially by children

pi·ña·ta \pēn-ˈyät-ə\ n : a decorated container filled with candies, fruits, and gifts which is hung up to be broken open with sticks by blindfolded persons during festivities [Spanish, literally, “pot”]

pin·ball machine \ˈpin-ˌbȯl-\ n : a game in which a ball shot by a plunger scores points as it rolls around a slanting surface among pins and targets

pince–nez \pan(t)-ˈsnā\ n, pl pince–nez \-ˈsnā(z)\ : eyeglasses clipped to the nose by a spring

pin·cer \ˈpin-chər, ˈpin(t)-sər\ n
1 pl : an instrument having two handles and two jaws that is used to grip things
2 : a claw (as of a lobster) resembling a pair of pincers
— pin·cer·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

1pinch \ˈpinch\ vb
1 a : to squeeze between the finger and thumb or between the jaws of an instrument  b : to nip off (a bud) to control flowering or prune the tip of (a young shoot) to cause branching  c : to squeeze painfully
2 : to cause to appear thin, haggard, or shrunken <a face pinched with cold>
3 a : to be thrifty or stingy  b : to restrain or limit narrowly
4 a : 1STEAL 2A  b : 1ARREST 2
5 a : 3NARROW, TAPER  b : to sharply reduce the length or quantity of

2pinch n
1 a : a critical time or point : EMERGENCY <help out in a pinch>  b : painful pressure or stress <the pinch of hunger>
2 a : an act of pinching  b : as much as may be taken between the finger and thumb <a pinch of salt>  c : a small amount
3 a : THEFT  b : a police raid; also : 2ARREST 2

pinch·er \ˈpin-chər\ n
1 : one that pinches
2 pl : PINCER 1

pinch hitter n
1 : a baseball player sent in to bat for another especially when a hit is needed
2 : a person called upon to do another's work in an emergency
— pinch–hit \(ˈ)pinch-ˈhit\ vb

pin·cush·ion \ˈpin-ˌku̇sh-ən\ n : a small cushion in which pins may be stuck

1pine \ˈpīn\ vb pined; pin·ing
1 : to lose energy, health, or weight through grief, worry, or distress <pine away>
2 : to long for very much  synonyms see YEARN

2pine n
1 : any of a genus of evergreen trees that have narrow needles for leaves, cones, and wood ranging from very soft to hard and that include valuable timber trees as well as many ornamentals
2 : the white or yellow wood of a pine
— pin·ey also piny \ˈpī-nē\ adj

pi·ne·al gland \ˈpī-nē-əl, pī-ˈnē-\ n : a small usually cone-shaped part of the brain of most vertebrates that has an eyelike structure in reptiles and produces melatonin especially in response to darkness — called also pineal body

pine·ap·ple \ˈpī-ˌnap-əl\ n : a tropical plant with stiff spiny sword-shaped leaves and a short flowering stalk that develops into an edible fruit with usually pale yellow sweet juicy flesh and very thick skin; also : this fruit [Middle English pinappel “the cone of a pine”; so called because the fruit looks like the cone from a pine tree]

pine cone n : the cone of a pine tree

pine tar n : tar obtained from pinewood and used especially in roofing and soaps and in the treatment of skin diseases

pine·wood \ˈpīn-ˌwu̇d\ n
1 : the wood of a pine tree
2 : a wood or growth of pines

pin·feath·er \ˈpin-ˌfeth-ər\ n : an incompletely developed feather just breaking through the skin

ping \ˈpiŋ\ n
1 : a sharp sound like that of a bullet striking
2 : 2KNOCK 3B
— ping vb

Ping–Pong \ˈpiŋ-ˌpäŋ, -ˌpȯŋ\ trademark — used for table tennis

pin·head \ˈpin-ˌhed\ n
1 : the head of a pin
2 : a very dull or stupid person : FOOL

pin·head·ed \-ˌhed-əd\ adj : lacking intelligence or understanding : STUPID
— pin·head·ed·ness n

pin·hole \-ˌhōl\ n : a very small hole made by or as if by a pin

1pin·ion \ˈpin-yən\ n
1 : the end part of a bird's wing; also : a bird's wing
2 : a feather of a bird's pinion

2pinion vb
1 : to restrain especially by binding the arms
2 : to prevent a bird from flying especially by cutting off the pinion of one wing

3pinion n
1 : a gear with a small number of teeth designed to fit together with a larger wheel or rack
2 : the smallest of a set of gearwheels

1pink \ˈpiŋk\ n
1 : any of a genus of herbs that have narrow leaves and are often grown for their showy usually pink flowers produced singly or in clusters
2 : the highest degree <athletes in the pink of condition> [origin unknown]

2pink n : a pale red
— pink adj

— pink·ish \ˈpiŋ-kish\ adj

— pink·ness n

3pink vb : to cut cloth, leather, or paper in an ornamental pattern or with a saw-toothed edge [from earlier pink “stab, pierce,” from Middle English pinken “to thrust”]

pink·eye \ˈpiŋ-ˌkī\ n : a contagious disease in which the inner surface of the eyelid and part of the eyeball become pinkish and sore

pin·kie or pin·ky \ˈpiŋ-kē\ n, pl pinkies : LITTLE FINGER [probably from Dutch pinkje “little finger”]

pinking shears n pl : dressmaking shears that make a zigzag cut

pin money n : money for small expenses

pin·na \ˈpin-ə\ n, pl pin·nae \ˈpin-ē, -ˌī\ or pin·nas
1 : a feather, wing, or fin or a part like one
2 : the part of the ear that is outside the head and is made of cartilage

pin·nace \ˈpin-əs\ n
1 : a light sailing ship
2 : a ship's boat

pin·na·cle \ˈpin-i-kəl\ n
1 : a slender tower generally coming to a point at the top
2 : a high pointed peak
3 : the highest point of achievement or development

pin·nate \ˈpin-ˌāt\ adj : resembling a feather especially in having similar parts arranged on opposite sides of a long thin central part like a stem <a pinnate leaf>
— pin·nate·ly adv

pinned past and past participle of PIN

pinning present participle of PIN

pin·ni·ped \ˈpi-nə-ˌped\ n : any of a group of mammals (as seals, sea lions, and walruses) that typically live in oceans but bear their young on land or on floating sheets of ice, have front and hind flippers, and eat other animals (as fish)

pi·noch·le \ˈpē-ˌnək-əl\ n : a card game played with two cards of each suit with 9 the lowest card

pi·ñon or pin·yon \ˈpin-ˌyōn, -ˌyän, -yən; pin-ˈyōn\ n, pl piñons or pinyons or pi·ño·nes \pin-ˈyō-nēz\ : any of various small pines of western North America with edible seeds; also : the edible seed of a piñon

1pin·point \ˈpin-ˌpȯint\ n
1 : the point of a pin
2 : an extremely small or sharp point <a pinpoint of light in the darkness>

2pinpoint vb : to locate or identify exactly <pinpoint your career interests>

3pinpoint adj
1 : extremely fine or exact <pinpoint accuracy>
2 : located, fixed, or directed with great exactness

pin·prick \ˈpin-ˌprik\ n : a small puncture made by or as if by a pin; also : a small but unpleasant sensation <the steady pinprick of a guilty conscience>

pins and needles n pl : a pricking tingling feeling in an arm or leg that is recovering from numbness
— on pins and needles : in a nervous or jumpy state of expectation

pin·stripe \ˈpin-ˌstrīp\ n : a very thin stripe on a fabric; also : a suit with such stripes
— pin–striped \-ˌstrīpt\ adj

pint \ˈpīnt\ n
1 : a unit of capacity equal to ½ quart — see MEASURE TABLE
2 : a pint container

pin·tail \ˈpin-ˌtāl\ n, pl pintail or pintails : a bird (as a duck or grouse) with long central tail feathers

1pin·to \ˈpin-tō\ n, pl pintos also pintoes : a horse or pony marked with patches of white and another color

2pinto adj : PIED, MOTTLED

pinto bean n : a spotted kidney bean used for food; also : a plant producing pinto beans that is often used to feed livestock

pint–size \ˈpīnt–ˌsīz\ or pint–sized \-ˌsīzd\ adj : TINY, SMALL

pin tuck n : a very narrow tuck

pin·wale \ˈpin-ˌwāl\ adj : made with narrow wales <pinwale corduroy>

pin·wheel \-ˌhwēl\ n
1 : a fireworks device in the form of a spinning wheel of colored fire
2 : a toy made of fanlike blades that spin in the wind at the end of a stick

pin·worm \-ˌwərm\ n : any of numerous small roundworms that infest the intestines of various vertebrates; esp : one that infests human beings

pin·yin \ˈpin-ˈyin\ n, often cap : a system for writing Chinese words by using Roman letters to represent the sounds

pinyon variant of PIñON

1pi·o·neer \ˌpī-ə-ˈni(ə)r\ n
1 : a person or group that explores new areas of thought or activity <pioneers of American medicine>
2 : one of the first to settle in an area : COLONIST
— pioneer adj

2pioneer vb
1 : to act as a pioneer
2 : to open or prepare for others to follow; esp : 2SETTLE 2A
3 : to begin or take part in the development of something new

pi·ous \ˈpī-əs\ adj
1 : having or showing love for deity : DEVOUT
2 : displaying great loyalty to a person or thing (as a family, custom, or philosophy)
3 : marked by a false show of goodness <a pious fraud>
4 : deserving praise : WORTHY <a pious effort>
— pi·ous·ly adv

— pi·ous·ness n

1pip \ˈpip\ vb pipped; pip·ping
1 : to break through the shell of the egg in hatching
2 : to be broken by a pipping bird <eggs starting to pip> [imitative word]

2pip n
1 : a dot or spot (as on dice or playing cards) that indicates numerical value
2 : BLIP [origin unknown]

3pip n
1 : a small fruit seed <apple pips>
2 : something very good of its kind [a shortened form of pippin “a kind of apple”]

1pipe \ˈpīp\ n
1 a : a musical instrument consisting of a tube of reed, wood, or metal that is played by blowing  b : one of the tubes of a pipe organ  c : BAGPIPE — usually used in plural  d : the whistle, call, or note especially of a bird or an insect
2 : a long tube or hollow body for carrying a substance (as water, steam, or gas)
3 : a tube with a small bowl at one end used for smoking tobacco
4 : a large barrel used especially to hold oil or wine

2pipe vb piped; pip·ing
1 a : to play on a pipe  b : to receive on board or signal the departure of by the sounding of a boatswain's pipe
2 : to speak, call, or play with a high shrill tone
3 : to furnish or trim with piping
4 : to carry by or as if by pipes <pipe water>
— pip·er n

pipe cleaner n : a piece of flexible wire in which tufted fabric is twisted and which is used to clean the stem of a tobacco pipe

pipe down vb : to stop talking or making noise

pipe dream n : an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story

pipe·fish \ˈpīp-ˌfish\ n : any of various long slender fishes that are related to the sea horses and have a tube-shaped snout and a body covered with bony plates

pipe fitter n : a person who installs and repairs piping

pipe·line \ˈpī-ˌplīn\ n
1 : a line of pipe with pumps, valves, and control devices for carrying liquids, gases, or finely divided solids
2 : a direct channel for information or supplies

pipe organ n : ORGAN 1A

pi·pette \pī-ˈpet\ n : a device for measuring and transferring small volumes of liquid that typically consists of a narrow glass tube into which the liquid is drawn by suction and kept by blocking the upper end
— pipette vb

pipe up vb : SPEAK OUT

pip·ing \ˈpī-piŋ\ n
1 a : the music of a pipe  b : a shrill sound or call <the piping of frogs>
2 : a quantity or system of pipes
3 : a narrow fold of fabric used to decorate seams or edges

piping hot adj : very hot

pip–squeak \ˈpip-ˌskwēk\ n : one that is small or insignificant

pi·quan·cy \ˈpē-kən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being piquant

pi·quant \ˈpē-kənt, -ˌkänt\ adj
1 : agreeably stimulating to the taste; esp : SPICY 1
2 : pleasingly exciting <a piquant bit of gossip>
— pi·quant·ly adv

1pique \ˈpēk\ n
1 : offense taken by one treated with disrespect or looked down upon
2 : a sudden feeling of resentment

2pique vb piqued; piqu·ing
1 : to arouse anger or resentment in : IRRITATE; esp : to offend by treating with disrespect
2 : EXCITE 1, AROUSE <the package piqued my curiosity>

pi·qué or pi·que \pi-ˈkā, ˈpē-ˌkā\ n : a ribbed fabric of cotton, rayon, or silk

pi·ra·cy \ˈpī-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : robbery on the high seas
2 : the use of another's production or invention without permission

pi·ra·nha \pə-ˈran-yə, -ˈrän-(y)ə\ n : any of various usually small flesh-eating South American freshwater fishes that have very sharp teeth, often occur in groups, and include some that may attack human beings and animals in the water

1pi·rate \ˈpī-rət\ n : a person who commits piracy
— pi·rat·i·cal \pə-ˈrat-i-kəl, pī-\ adj

— pi·rat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2pirate vb pi·rated; pi·rat·ing : to take by piracy <pirate an invention>

pirogi variant of PIEROGI

pi·rogue \ˈpē-ˌrōg\ n
1 : DUGOUT 1
2 : a boat like a canoe

pir·ou·ette \ˌpir-ə-ˈwet\ n : a rapid whirling of the body; esp : a full turn on the toe or ball of one foot in ballet
— pirouette vb

pis plural of PI

Pi·sces \ˈpī-ˌsēz\ n
1 : a group of stars between Aquarius and Aries usually pictured as a pair of fish
2 a : the 12th sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Pisces

pis·ta·chio \pə-ˈstash-(ē-ˌ)ō, -ˈstäsh-\ n, pl -chios : a small Asian tree that is related to the sumacs and has a fruit containing a greenish edible seed; also : its seed

pis·til \ˈpis-təl\ n : the seed-producing part of a flower consisting usually of stigma, style, and ovary [from scientific Latin pistillum “pistil,” from Latin pistillum “pestle for grinding material in a mortar”]

pis·til·late \ˈpis-tə-ˌlāt\ adj : having pistils; esp : having pistils but no stamens

pis·tol \ˈpis-təl\ n : a short firearm made to be aimed and fired with one hand [from early French pistole “pistol,” from German pistole (same meaning), derived from Czech píšt'ala, literally, “pipe, fife”]

pis·to·le·ro \ˌpis-tə-ˈler-ō\ n, pl -ros : GUNMAN

pistol–whip vb : to beat with a pistol

pis·ton \ˈpis-tən\ n : a sliding piece moved by or moving against the pressure of a fluid (as steam or hot gases) that usually consists of a short solid cylinder moving within a larger hollow cylinder

1pit \ˈpit\ n
1 : a hole, shaft, or cavity in the ground <a gravel pit>
2 : an area set off from and often sunken below neighboring areas: as  a : an enclosure where animals (as cocks) are set to fight  b : the space occupied by an orchestra in a theater
3 a : a hollowed or indented area especially in the surface of the body <the pit of the stomach>  b : an indented scar (as from a boil)
4 pl : 3WORST 1 <it's the pits>
5 : any of the areas alongside an auto racetrack used for servicing cars during a race — often used in plural with the [Old English pytt “pit, hole in the ground”]

2pit vb pit·ted; pit·ting
1 a : to put into or store in a pit  b : to make pits in; esp : to scar with pits
2 : to set against another in a fight or contest <pitted the courageous fighter against the champion>
3 : to become marked with pits

3pit n : the stone of a fruit (as the cherry or peach) that is a drupe [from Dutch pit “the seed-containing stone of a fruit”]

4pit vb pit·ted; pit·ting : to remove the pit from <pitted dates>

pi·ta \ˈpēt-ə\ n : a thin flat bread

pit–a–pat \ˌpit-i-ˈpat\ n : PITTER-PATTER
— pit–a–pat adv or adj

— pit–a–pat vb

pit bull n : a dog of any of several breeds originally developed for fighting and noted for strength and stamina

pit bull terrier n
1 : PIT BULL
2 : AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

1pitch \ˈpich\ n
1 : a dark sticky substance left over from distilling tar and used in making roofing paper, in waterproofing seams, and in paving
2 : resin from various cone-bearing trees [Old English pic “a tarlike substance,” from Latin pic-, pix (same meaning)]

2pitch vb : to cover, smear, or treat with pitch

3pitch vb
1 : to erect and fix firmly in place <pitch a tent>
2 : to throw usually toward a certain point <pitch hay into a wagon>
3 : to present or advertise especially in a high-pressure way
4 a : to fix or set at a particular pitch or level <pitch a tune too high> <a test pitched at a 5th-grade reading level>  b : to cause to be set at a certain angle : SLOPE
5 a : to fall or plunge forward <pitch from a cliff>  b : to move in such a way that one end falls while the other end rises <a ship pitching in a rough sea>  c : 2BUCK 1A <a pitching horse>
6 a : to throw a ball to a batter  b : to play ball as a pitcher [Middle English pichen “to thrust, drive, fix firmly”]

4pitch n
1 : the action or a manner of pitching; esp : an up-and-down movement
2 : slope or degree of slope
3 : the forward distance advanced by a propeller as it makes one revolution
4 : the amount or level of something (as a feeling) <excitement reached a high pitch>
5 a : highness or lowness of sound  b : a standard frequency for tuning instruments <the oboe sounded the pitch>
6 a : a high-pressure sales talk  b : RECOMMENDATION 1 <made a pitch for tax cuts>
7 : the delivery of a baseball by a pitcher to a batter
— pitched \ˈpicht\ adj

pitch–black \ˈpich-ˈblak\ adj : extremely dark or black

pitch·blende \ˈpich-ˌblend\ n : a brown to black mineral that is a source of uranium and radium

pitch–dark \ˈpich-ˈdärk\ adj : extremely dark

pitched battle \ˈpich(t)-\ n : a fiercely fought battle in which the opposing forces are locked in close combat

1pitch·er \ˈpich-ər\ n : a container for holding and pouring liquids that usually has a lip or spout and a handle [Middle English picher “container for pouring liquids,” from early French (same meaning), from Latin bicarius “drinking vessel, goblet”]

2pitcher n : one that pitches; esp : a baseball player who pitches [from pitch “to erect in place, throw a ball” and -er, noun suffix]

pitcher plant n : any of various plants with modified leaves which form a tube resembling a pitcher for catching and digesting insects

pitch·fork \ˈpich-ˌfȯ(ə)rk\ n : a tool with a long handle and usually two to five metal prongs that is used especially in pitching hay
— pitchfork vb

pitch in vb
1 : to begin to work
2 : to contribute to a common task <all the students pitched in to make the dance a success>

pitch·out \ˈpich-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : a pitch in baseball deliberately out of reach of the batter to let the catcher check or put out a base runner
2 : a lateral pass in football between two backs behind the line of scrimmage

pitch pipe n : a small pipe blown to establish the pitch in singing or in tuning an instrument

pitchy \ˈpich-ē\ adj
1 a : full of pitch : TARRY  b : of, relating to, or having the qualities of pitch
2 : PITCH-BLACK

pit·e·ous \ˈpit-ē-əs\ adj : of a kind to move to pity <piteous cries for help>
— pit·e·ous·ly adv

pit·fall \ˈpit-ˌfȯl\ n
1 : 1TRAP 1, SNARE; esp : a covered or camouflaged pit used to capture animals or people
2 : a danger or difficulty that is hidden or is not easily recognized

pith \ˈpith\ n
1 a : the loose spongy tissue that forms the center of the stem in most plants and probably functions chiefly in storage  b : the spongy inside of a bone or feather
2 : the essential part : CORE <the pith of the problem>

pithy \ˈpith-ē\ adj pith·i·er; -est
1 : consisting of or filled with pith
2 : being short and to the point <a pithy saying>
— pith·i·ly \ˈpith-ə-lē\ adv

— pith·i·ness \ˈpith-ē-nəs\ n

piti·able \ˈpit-ē-ə-bəl\ adj : PITIFUL
— piti·ably \-blē\ adv

piti·ful \ˈpit-i-fəl\ adj
1 : deserving or arousing pity or sympathy <a pitiful mongrel>
2 : deserving pitying scorn (as by not being adequate) <a pitiful excuse>
— piti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

piti·less \ˈpit-i-ləs, ˈpit-əl-əs\ adj : having no pity : HARSH, CRUEL
— piti·less·ly adv

pi·ton \ˈpē-ˌtän\ n : a spike or peg that is driven into a rock or ice surface for support (as for a mountain climber)

pit stop n
1 : a stop at the pits during an automobile race
2 a : a stop (as during a trip) for fuel, food, or rest or for use of a restroom  b : a place where a pit stop is or can be made

pit·tance \ˈpit-ən(t)s\ n : a small portion, amount, or allowance especially of money

pitted past and past participle of PIT

pit·ter–pat·ter \ˈpit-ər-ˌpat-ər, ˈpit-ē-ˌpat-\ n : a rapid series of light sounds or beats
— pit·ter–pat·ter \ˌpit-ər-ˈpat-, ˌpit-ē-ˈpat-\ adv or adj

— pitter–patter \like adv\ vb

pitting present participle of PIT

1pi·tu·i·tary \pə-ˈt(y)ü-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj : of, relating to, or being the pituitary gland

2pituitary n, pl -tar·ies : PITUITARY GLAND

pituitary gland n : a small oval endocrine organ located at the base of the brain that produces various hormones that regulate especially growth and reproduction — called also pituitary body

pit viper n : any of various mostly New World poisonous snakes that have a small pit on each side of the head and hollow fangs with holes in them

1pity \ˈpit-ē\ n, pl pit·ies
1 : sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, or unhappy : COMPASSION
2 : something to be regretted <it's a pity you can't go>

2pity vb pit·ied; pity·ing : to feel pity for

1piv·ot \ˈpiv-ət\ n
1 : a shaft or pin on which something turns
2 : something on which something else turns or depends : a central member, part, or point

2pivot vb
1 : to turn on or as if on a pivot <the guns are mounted in such a way as to pivot easily> <the future pivots on what is done today>
2 : to provide with, mount on, or attach by a pivot

piv·ot·al \ˈpiv-ət-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot
2 : extremely important : CRITICAL <a pivotal discovery>
— piv·ot·al·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

pix·el \ˈpik-səl, -ˌsel\ n : any of the small elements that together make up an image (as on a television screen) or sensor (as in a camera) [from pix, an altered form of pictures, and element]

pix·ie also pixy \ˈpik-sē\ n, pl pix·ies : a mischievous elf or fairy
— pix·ie·ish \-sē-ish\ adj

piz·za \ˈpēt-sə\ n : a dish made typically of thinly rolled bread dough spread with a spiced mixture usually including tomatoes and cheese and often other toppings and baked — called also pizza pie [from Italian pizza “pizza”]

piz·ze·ria \ˌpēt-sə-ˈrē-ə\ n : an establishment where pizzas are made or sold

piz·zi·ca·to \ˌpit-si-ˈkät-ō\ adv or adj : by means of plucking by the fingers instead of bowing — used as a direction in music

pj's \(ˈ)pē-ˈjāz\ n pl : PAJAMAS

1plac·ard \ˈplak-ərd, -ˌärd\ n : a notice posted in a public place : POSTER

2plac·ard \ˈplak-ˌärd, -ərd\ vb
1 : to post in a public place
2 : to announce by or as if by posting

pla·cate \ˈplāk-ˌāt, ˈplak-\ vb pla·cat·ed; pla·cat·ing : to calm the anger or bitterness of  synonyms see PACIFY

1place \ˈplās\ n
1 : an available space : ROOM <make a place for the newcomer>
2 a : a region not made clear in description <all over the place>  b : a building or spot set apart for a special purpose <a place of learning>
3 a : a certain region or center of population <a nice place to visit>  b : 1HOUSE 1, DWELLING <nice place you have here> <our summer place>
4 : a certain part of a surface or body : SPOT <a sore place on my shoulder> <lost my place in the book>
5 : relative position in a scale or series <kept them in their place> <in the first place, you're wrong> <finished in last place>
6 a : a proper position <the place of education in society>  b : a suitable moment or point <this is not the place to discuss that problem>
7 a : an available seat or accommodation <needs a place to stay>  b : usual space or use <paper towels take the place of linen>
8 : the position of a digit in a numeral <the number 316 has three places> <in 2.718 the digit 1 is two places after the decimal point>
9 : JOB 3, POSITION
10 : a public square
11 : a short street
12 : second position at the finish (as of a horse race)

2place vb placed; plac·ing
1 : to put or arrange in a certain place or position
2 a : to appoint to a position <was placed in command>  b : to find a job or home for <place a child for adoption>
3 a : to assign to a position in a series or category : RANK  b : 1ESTIMATE 1 <placed the value of the ring too high>  c : to identify by association <couldn't quite place her face>
4 : to give an order for <place a bet>
5 : to come in second (as in a horse race)

pla·ce·bo \plə-ˈsē-bō\ n, pl -bos : a medicine that usually has no effect on a disease and is prescribed by a doctor for the mental relief it offers a patient [from Latin placebo “I shall please”]

place·hold·er \ˈplās-ˌhōl-dər\ n : a symbol used in mathematics in the place of a numeral not yet known

place·kick \ˈplā-ˌskik\ n : a kick in football made with the ball held in place on the ground
— place·kick vb

place mat n : a small table mat on which a place setting is laid

place·ment \ˈplā-smənt\ n
1 : an act or instance of placing; esp : the assignment of a person to a suitable place (as a class in school or a job)
2 : PLACEKICK

pla·cen·ta \plə-ˈsent-ə\ n, pl -cen·tas or -cen·tae \-ˈsent-ē\ : the organ in most mammals by which the fetus is joined to the uterus of the mother and is nourished
— pla·cen·tal \-ˈsent-əl\ adj

plac·er \ˈplas-ər\ n : a deposit of sand or gravel containing particles of valuable mineral (as gold)

place setting n : a set of dishes and silverware for one person

place value n : the value of the location of a digit in a number <in 425 the location of the digit 2 has a place value of ten while the digit itself indicates that there are two tens>

plac·id \ˈplas-əd\ adj : peacefully free of interruption or disturbance : PEACEFUL, CALM <a placid disposition>
— pla·cid·i·ty \pla-ˈsid-ət-ē, plə-\ n

— plac·id·ly \ˈplas-əd-lē\ adv

plack·et \ˈplak-ət\ n : a slit in a garment (as a skirt) which closes after the garment has been put on

pla·gia·rism \ˈplā-jə-ˌriz-əm\ n
1 : an act of plagiarizing
2 : something plagiarized
— pla·gia·rist \-rəst\ n

— pla·gia·ris·tic \ˌplā-jə-ˈris-tik\ adj

pla·gia·rize \ˈplā-jə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing : to steal and pass off (as the ideas or words of another) as one's own <plagiarized a classmate's homework>
— pla·gia·riz·er n

1plague \ˈplāg\ n
1 a : a disastrous evil  b : a large number of destructive pests <a plague of locusts>
2 : an epidemic disease causing a high rate of death : PESTILENCE; esp : a serious disease that is caused by a bacterium, occurs or has occurred in several forms including bubonic plague, and is usually passed to human beings from infected rodents and especially rats by the bite of a flea or is passed directly from person to person
3 : a cause or occasion of annoyance : NUISANCE

2plague vb plagued; plagu·ing
1 : to strike or afflict with or as if with disease or evil
2 : to cause worry or distress to <plagued by a sense of guilt>

plaid \ˈplad\ n
1 : a rectangular length of tartan worn over the shoulder as part of the Scottish national costume
2 : a fabric with a tartan pattern
3 a : TARTAN 1  b : a pattern of unevenly spaced repeated stripes crossing at right angles
— plaid adj

1plain \ˈplān\ n : a broad area of level or rolling treeless country [Middle English plain “a stretch of nearly level treeless country,” from early French plain (same meaning), derived from Latin planus “flat” — related to 1PLANE]

2plain adj
1 : having no pattern or decoration <her dress was plain>
2 : free of added or extra matter : PURE <a glass of plain water>
3 : open and clear to the sight <in plain view>
4 a : clear to the mind <your meaning was plain>  b : FRANK, BLUNT <plain speaking>
5 a : of common or average accomplishments or position : ORDINARY <plain people>  b : not complicated or hard to do <plain sewing>
6 : neither ugly nor beautiful
— plain·ly adv

— plain·ness \ˈplān-nəs\ n

3plain adv : in a plain or simple manner

4plain adv : to a complete degree : TOTALLY <were plain overcome by all the problems> [partly from Middle English plein (adjective) “entire, complete” (derived from Latin plenus “full”) and partly from plain (adverb) “in a plain manner” (derived from Latin planus “flat, level”)]

plain·clothes·man \ˈplān-ˈklō(th)z-mən, -ˌman\ n : a police officer who does not wear a uniform on duty

Plains \ˈplānz\ adj : of or relating to North American Indians of the Great Plains or to their culture

plains·man \ˈplānz-mən\ n : a person who lives on the plains

plain·song \ˈplān-ˌsȯŋ\ n : a chant of worship sung in various Christian ceremonies

plain·spo·ken \-ˈspō-kən\ adj : speaking or spoken frankly

plaint \ˈplānt\ n
1 : a crying out : WAIL
2 : 1PROTEST, COMPLAINT

plain·tiff \ˈplānt-əf\ n : the complaining party in a lawsuit

plain·tive \ˈplānt-iv\ adj : showing or expressing sorrow : MOURNFUL, SAD <a plaintive sigh>
— plain·tive·ly adv

— plain·tive·ness n

plain weave n : a weave in which the threads cross by lacing together alternately
— plain–woven adj

1plait \ˈplāt, ˈplat\ vb
1 : PLEAT 1
2 a : 1BRAID 1  b : to make by braiding <plaiting a basket>
— plait·er n

2plait n
1 : a flat fold : PLEAT
2 : a flat braid (as of hair)

1plan \ˈplan\ n
1 : a drawing or diagram showing the parts or outline of something
2 : a method or scheme of acting, doing, or arranging <a civil defense plan> <vacation plans>
3 : GOAL 2, AIM <our plan was to stop them at the bridge>
— plan·less \-ləs\ adj
synonyms PLAN, PLOT, SCHEME, mean a method of making or doing something or achieving a goal. PLAN suggests that some thinking was done beforehand and often that the thinking resulted in something written down or pictured <a plan for a new school>. PLOT, suggests a complicated carefully shaped plan of several parts. PLOT can be used of the plan of a story <a novel with a good plot> or it can be used of a secret and usually evil plan <a plot to take over the government>. SCHEME suggests a sly plan often motivated by self-interest <a scheme to cheat simple people>.

2plan vb planned; plan·ning
1 : to form a plan of or for : to arrange the parts or details of ahead of time <plan a church> <plan a party>
2 : to have in mind : INTEND
3 : to make plans
— plan·ner n

pla·nar·ia \plə-ˈnar-ē-ə, -ˈner-\ n : PLANARIAN; esp : any of a common freshwater genus

pla·nar·i·an \plə-ˈnar-ē-ən, -ˈner-\ n : any of an order of small soft-bodied mostly water-dwelling flatworms having cilia; esp : one living in fresh water and having two eyespots and a triangular head

1plane \ˈplān\ vb planed; plan·ing
1 : to make smooth or level especially with a plane
2 : to remove by planing — often used with away or off [Middle English planen “to make smooth or level,” from early French planer (same meaning), derived from Latin planus “level” — related to 1PLAIN]
— plan·er n

2plane n : a tool for smoothing or shaping wood

3plane n
1 a : a surface in which a straight line joining any two points on the surface also lies completely on the surface  b : a flat or level surface
2 : a level of existence or development <on the intellectual plane>
3 a : one of the main supporting surfaces of an airplane  b : AIRPLANE

4plane adj
1 : having no elevations or depressions : FLAT
2 a : of, relating to, or dealing with planes <plane geometry>  b : lying within a plane <a plane curve> [from Latin planus “level”]

5plane vb planed; plan·ing
1 : to fly while keeping the wings still
2 : to travel by airplane [from French planer “to fly while keeping the wings motionless,” from plain “level, plain”; so called from the fact that the wings of a soaring bird form a level surface]

plan·et \ˈplan-ət\ n : a heavenly body other than a comet, asteroid, or satellite that travels in orbit around the sun; also : such a body orbiting another star
Word History Most of the stars seem to have fixed positions when they are compared to other stars. There are some heavenly bodies, however, that clearly change their positions in relation to the stars and to each other. They seem to wander about among the fixed stars. The ancient Greek name for such a heavenly body was planēs, which means “wanderer.” The English word planet comes from the Greek planēs. Unlike the ancient Greeks, we now know that the planets “wander” across the sky because they are revolving around the sun. [Middle English planete “planet,” from early French planet (same meaning), from Latin planeta (same meaning), from Greek planēt-, planēs “planet,” literally, “wanderer”]

See TABLE

plan·e·tar·i·um \ˌplan-ə-ˈter-ē-əm\ n, pl -i·ums or -ia \-ē-ə\
1 : a device that projects images of heavenly bodies on a ceiling shaped like a dome
2 : a building or room housing a planetarium

plan·e·tary \ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 a : of or relating to a planet  b : having a motion like that of a planet <planetary electrons of the atomic nucleus>
2 : WORLDWIDE, GLOBAL <a matter of planetary concern>

plan·e·tes·i·mal \ˌplan-ə-ˈtes-ə-məl, -tez-\ n : one of numerous small solid heavenly bodies which may have existed at an early stage of the development of the solar system and from which the planets may have been formed

plan·e·toid \ˈplan-ə-ˌtȯid\ n
1 : a body resembling a planet
2 : ASTEROID

1plank \ˈplaŋk\ n
1 : a wide heavy thick board
2 : an item in the list of beliefs and goals of a political party

2plank vb
1 : to cover or floor with planks
2 : to set down forcefully <planked the book on the table>
3 : to cook and serve on a board <planked steak>

plank·ton \ˈplaŋ(k)-tən, -ˌtän\ n : the floating or weakly swimming animal and plant life of a body of water
— plank·ton·ic \plaŋ(k)-ˈtän-ik\ adj

pla·no–con·cave \ˌplā-nō-kän-ˈkāv, -ˈkän-ˌkāv\ adj : flat on one side and concave on the other

pla·no–con·vex \ˌplā-nō-kän-ˈveks, -ˈkän-ˌveks, -kən-ˈveks\ adj : flat on one side and convex on the other

1plant \ˈplant\ vb
1 a : to put or set in the ground to grow <plant seeds>  b : to set permanently in the consciousness of : IMPLANT <plant good habits>
2 a : to cause to become established <plant colonies>  b : to stock or provide with something usually to grow or increase <plant fields to corn> <plant a stream with trout>
3 a : to place or fix in the ground <planted stakes to hold the vines>  b : to place firmly or forcibly <planted themselves right in our way>
4 : to place or introduce so as to mislead <plant a spy>

2plant n
1 : any of a kingdom of mostly photosynthetic living things usually lacking the ability to move from place to place under their own power, having no obvious nervous or sensory organs, possessing cellulose cell walls, and often having a body that is able to keep growing without taking on a fixed size and shape
2 a : the land, buildings, and equipment of an organization <the college plant>  b : a building or workshop for the manufacture of a product : FACTORY  c : POWER PLANT
3 : something or someone planted <left muddy footprints as a plant to confuse the police>
— plant·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

1plan·tain \ˈplant-ən\ n : any of several common weeds having a short stem or none at all, leaves with parallel veins, and a long stalk of tiny greenish flowers

2plantain n : the large greenish starchy fruit of a kind of banana plant that is eaten cooked and is an important food in the tropics; also : this plant

plan·ta·tion \plan-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : a group of plants and especially trees planted and cared for
2 : a settlement in a new country or region : COLONY
3 : a planted area; esp : an agricultural estate worked by laborers

plant·er \ˈplant-ər\ n
1 : one that plants or cultivates <a mechanical corn planter>; esp : a person who owns or operates a plantation
2 : a container in which ornamental plants are grown

plant food n
1 : FOOD 2B
2 : FERTILIZER

plant hormone n : a substance other than food that in small amounts changes one of the life processes of a plant; esp : one made by the plant itself and acting somewhere other than at the site where it is produced

plan·ti·grade \ˈplan-tə-ˌgrād\ adj : walking on the sole with the heel touching the ground <human beings are plantigrade>

plant kingdom n : a basic group of natural objects that includes all living and extinct plants — compare ANIMAL KINGDOM, MINERAL KINGDOM

plant louse n : APHID; also : any of various small insects that are like aphids

plaque \ˈplak\ n
1 : an ornamental pin; esp : an honorary badge
2 : a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration or inscribed as a memorial or marker
3 : a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and contains bacteria

plash \ˈplash\ n : 2SPLASH
— plash vb

plas·ma \ˈplaz-mə\ n
1 : the watery part of blood, lymph, or milk
2 : a collection of charged particles that shows some characteristics of a gas but that differs from a gas in being a good conductor of electricity and in being affected by a magnetic field

plasma membrane n : CELL MEMBRANE

plas·mo·di·um \plaz-ˈmōd-ē-əm\ n, pl -dia \-ē-ə\ : a parasite that causes malaria

1plas·ter \ˈplas-tər\ n
1 : a medicated or protective dressing consisting of a film (as of cloth or plastic) spread with a substance that clings to the skin <adhesive plaster>
2 : a paste (as of lime, water, and sand) that hardens on drying and is used for coating walls and ceilings
— plas·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adj

2plaster vb plas·tered; plas·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to apply a plaster to
2 : to cover over as if with a coat of plaster
3 : to smooth down with a sticky or shiny substance <plastered my hair down>
4 : to fasten or apply tightly to another surface <wet clothes plastered to his body>
5 : to affix to or place on especially in large numbers <plaster posters to a wall>
6 : to apply plaster
— plas·ter·er \-tər-ər\ n

plas·ter·board \ˈplas-tər-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : DRYWALL

plaster cast n : a rigid dressing of gauze filled with plaster of paris

plaster of par·is \-ˈpar-əs\ often cap 2nd P : a white powder made from gypsum that mixes with water to form a paste that hardens quickly and is used chiefly for casts and molds

1plas·tic \ˈplas-tik\ adj
1 : capable of being molded or modeled <plastic clay>
2 : marked by or using modeling <sculpture is a plastic art>
3 : made or consisting of a plastic <plastic dishes>
— plas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2plastic n : a plastic substance; esp : any of numerous synthetic or processed materials that can be formed into objects, films, or fibers

plas·tic·i·ty \pla-ˈstis-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being plastic; esp : capacity for being molded or changed in form or shape

plastic surgeon n : a surgeon skilled in plastic surgery

plastic surgery n : surgery concerned with the repair or improvement of lost, injured, defective, or misshapen parts of the body

plas·tid \ˈplas-təd\ n : any of various small bodies (as chloroplasts) that occur in the cytoplasm of cells of photosynthetic organisms (as plants) and that often serve as centers for special activities (as storage of starch)

plat \ˈplat\ n
1 : a small plot of ground
2 : a plan or map of an area with lots marked out

1plate \ˈplāt\ n
1 a : a flat thin piece of material  b : metal in sheets <steel plate>  c : a thin layer of one metal deposited on another
2 a : one of the broad metal pieces used in armor  b : armor made of plates
3 : a usually flat bony or horny bodily part forming part of a covering of an animal (as some fishes or reptiles)
4 : HOME PLATE
5 : any of the huge movable segments into which the earth's lithosphere is divided and which are held to float on and travel over the mantle
6 a : precious metal; esp : silver bullion  b : vessels (as bowls or cups) used in the home and made of or plated with precious metal (as silver)
7 a : a shallow usually circular dish from which food is eaten or served  b : a main food course served on a plate <a plate of spaghetti>  c : food and service for one person <a dinner at $10 a plate>  d : a dish or pouch used in taking a collection (as in a church)
8 a : a prepared surface from which printing is done  b : a sheet of material (as plastic or glass) coated with a chemical sensitive to light for use in a camera
9 : LICENSE PLATE
10 : the part of a denture that holds the false teeth and fits to the mouth; also : a set of false teeth
11 : a full-page illustration <an art book with color plates>
— plate·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2plate vb plat·ed; plat·ing : to cover or equip with plate <plate the teapot with silver>

pla·teau \pla-ˈtō, ˈpla-ˌtō\ n, pl plateaus or pla·teaux \-ˈtōz, -ˌtōz\
1 : a broad flat area of high land
2 : a stable level, period, or condition [from French plateau “flat land raised above the surrounding land,” from early French plateau “platter, plate”]

plate·ful \ˈplāt-ˌfu̇l\ n : a quantity to fill a plate

plate glass n : fine glass in large sheets that has been ground and polished

plate·let \ˈplāt-lət\ n : one of the tiny colorless disk-shaped bodies of the blood of mammals that assist in blood clotting

plate tectonics n
1 : a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of moving plates whose movements cause seismic activity (as earthquakes)
2 : the process of plate movement
— plate–tectonic adj

plat·form \ˈplat-ˌfȯrm\ n
1 : a declaration of the beliefs and goals of a political party or candidate
2 a : a level usually raised surface <a railroad station platform>  b : a raised floor or stage for performers or speakers
3 : a thick sole for a shoe or a shoe with such a sole

plat·ing \ˈplāt-iŋ\ n
1 : the act or process of covering especially with metal plate
2 : a coating of metal plates or plate <armor plating> <the plating wore off the spoons>

1plat·i·num \ˈplat-nəm, -ən-əm\ n : a heavy precious grayish white metallic element that is used especially as a catalyst and in jewelry — see ELEMENT TABLE

2platinum adj : qualifying for a platinum record
— go platinum : to have enough sales to qualify for a platinum record

platinum record n : a platinum phonograph record awarded to a singer or group whose album has sold at least one million copies

plat·i·tude \ˈplat-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : the quality or state of being dull or not stimulating
2 : an obvious, stale, or shallow remark

pla·toon \plə-ˈtün, pla-\ n
1 : a part of a military company consisting of two or more squads
2 : a group of football players sent into or withdrawn from the game as a body

platoon sergeant n : a noncommissioned officer in the army with a rank just below that of first sergeant

plat·ter \ˈplat-ər\ n
1 : a large plate used especially for serving meat
2 : a phonograph record

platy \ˈplat-ē\ n, pl platy or plat·ys or plat·ies : either of two small freshwater fish that are often kept in tropical aquariums and are noted for their varied and brilliant colors

platy·pus \ˈplat-i-pəs, -ˌpu̇s\ n, pl platy·pus·es also platy·pi \-ˌpī, -ˌpē\ : a small water-dwelling egg-laying mammal of eastern Australia and Tasmania with a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail

plau·dit \ˈplȯd-ət\ n
1 : APPLAUSE
2 : enthusiastic approval — usually used in plural <received the plaudits of the critics> [from Latin plaudite, a form of plaudere “to clap” — related to APPLAUD, EXPLODE, PLAUSIBLE; see Word History at EXPLODE, PLAUSIBLE]

plau·si·ble \ˈplȯ-zə-bəl\ adj
1 : seemingly fair, reasonable, or valuable but often not so <a plausible excuse>
2 : appearing worthy of belief <the argument was both plausible and powerful>
— plau·si·bil·i·ty \ˌplȯ-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— plau·si·bly \ˈplȯ-zə-blē\ adv
Word History A plausible explanation is one that sounds as if it could be true. Such an explanation is not usually greeted with applause, but the origin of plausible suggests that it might be. Plausible comes from the Latin word plausibilis, meaning “worthy of applause.” The first use of plausible in English was to describe a person or thing that deserved special praise. That use is now obsolete. To call something plausible now is to praise it only slightly, if at all. [from Latin plausibilis “deserving applause, pleasing,” from plausus, past participle of plaudere “to clap” — related to APPLAUD, EXPLODE, PLAUDIT; see Word History at EXPLODE]

1play \ˈplā\ n
1 a : a brisk handling or using <the play of a sword>  b : the conduct, course, or action of a game <rain held up play>  c : a particular act or maneuver in a game <a great play by the shortstop>  d : one's turn in a game <it's your play>
2 a : exercise or activity for amusement <children at play>  b : absence of any bad intention <said it in play>  c : the act or an instance of playing on words : PUN  d : the act of playing a game and risking something on an uncertain event : GAMBLING, GAMING
3 a : a way or manner of acting or proceeding : ACTION, CONDUCT <fair play>  b : OPERATION 1, ACTIVITY  c : brisk or light movement <the light play of a breeze>  d : freedom of motion <too much play in the steering wheel>  e : opportunity for action <the new job gave play to my talents>
4 a : the stage representation of an action or story  b : a dramatic composition : DRAMA
— in play : in condition or position to be legitimately played <the ball was in play>

— out of play : not in play

2play vb
1 a : to engage in sport or recreation and especially in activity for amusement <children playing>  b : to treat or behave lightly or without respect that is due <play with a new idea>  c : to make use of double meaning or the similarity of sound of two words for humorous effect : PUN  d : to handle something in an absentminded way : TOY <played with the pencil>
2 a : to take advantage <played upon the people's fears>  b : to move swiftly or lightly <shadows playing on the wall>  c : to move freely  d : to let go in a stream <hoses playing on the fire>
3 a : to sound in performance <listen to an organ playing>  b : to be staged or presented <what's playing at the movies>
4 : to behave in a particular way <play safe>
5 a : to take part in <play cards> <play ball>  b : to pretend to take part in the activities of <children playing house>  c : to do for amusement or from mischief <play a trick on someone>
6 a : to perform on or as if on the stage <play a part>  b : to act the part of <play the fool>
7 a : to contend against in a game <playing the Dodgers today>  b : to put or keep in action <play a card in a game> <play a fish on a line>
8 : to cause something to produce music or sound <play the piano> <play a record>
— play·able \ˈplā-ə-bəl\ adj

— play ball : COOPERATE

play·act·ing \ˈplā-ˌak-tiŋ\ n
1 : performance in theatrical productions
2 : behavior that is not sincere or natural

play·back \ˈplā-ˌbak\ n : the action of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording

play back \(ˈ)plā-ˈbak\ vb : to perform a playback of (a disc or tape)

play·bill \ˈplā-ˌbil\ n : a poster advertising a play

play·boy \-ˌbȯi\ n : a man whose chief interest is the pursuit of pleasure

play down vb : to attach little importance to : MINIMIZE

play·er \ˈplā-ər\ n
1 a : a person who plays a game  b : MUSICIAN  c : ACTOR
2 : a device for playing recorded material (as music) <an MP3 player>

player piano n : a piano containing an automatic playing mechanism

play·fel·low \ˈplā-ˌfel-ō\ n : PLAYMATE

play·ful \ˈplā-fəl\ adj
1 : full of play : fond of playing <a playful kitten>
2 : HUMOROUS <a playful tone of voice>
— play·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— play·ful·ness n

play·ground \ˈplā-ˌgrau̇nd\ n : a piece of land used for games and recreation especially by children

play·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : THEATER 1
2 : a small house for children to play in

playing card n : any of a set of cards marked to show rank and suit (as spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs) and used in playing games

playing field n : a field for various games; esp : the part of a field marked off for play

play·let \ˈplā-lət\ n : a short play

play·mate \ˈplā-ˌmāt\ n : a companion in play

play–off \ˈplā-ˌȯf\ n
1 : a final contest or series of contests to break a tie
2 : a series of contests played after the end of the regular season to determine a championship — often used in plural

play off \(ˈ)plā-ˈȯf\ vb : to break a tie by a play-off

play out vb
1 : to perform to the end
2 a : to use up or finish  b : to become exhausted : TIRE
3 : UNREEL, UNFOLD

play·pen \ˈplā-ˌpen\ n : a portable enclosure in which a baby or young child is placed to play

play·thing \-ˌthiŋ\ n : 1TOY 2

play up vb : EMPHASIZE

play·wright \ˈplā-ˌrīt\ n : a person who writes plays

pla·za \ˈplaz-ə, ˈpläz-\ n : a public square in a city or town

plea \ˈplē\ n
1 : a defendant's answer to a lawsuit or to a criminal charge <a plea of guilty>
2 : something offered as an excuse <left early with the plea of a headache>
3 : an earnest appeal <a plea for mercy>

plead \ˈplēd\ vb plead·ed \ˈplēd-əd\ or pled \ˈpled\; plead·ing
1 : to argue a case in a court of law
2 : to answer to a claim or charge in a court of law <plead not guilty>
3 a : to argue for or against a claim <plead a case before a jury>  b : to appeal earnestly : BEG
4 : to offer as a defense, apology, or excuse <plead sickness>
— plead·er n

pleas·ant \ˈplez-ənt\ adj
1 : giving pleasure : AGREEABLE <a pleasant day>
2 : having or marked by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance <the new teacher is very pleasant>
— pleas·ant·ly adv

— pleas·ant·ness n

pleas·ant·ry \ˈplez-ən-trē\ n, pl -ries
1 : agreeable playfulness in conversation
2 a : a humorous act or speech  b : a light or casual polite remark

1please \ˈplēz\ vb pleased; pleas·ing
1 : to give pleasure or satisfaction <the new show will really please you>
2 : to feel the desire : LIKE <do what you please>

2please adv — used to express politeness in a request <please come in>

pleas·ing \ˈplē-ziŋ\ adj : giving pleasure : AGREEABLE
— pleas·ing·ly adv

plea·sur·able \ˈplezh-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈplāzh-\ adj : PLEASANT 1
— plea·sur·ably \-blē\ adv

plea·sure \ˈplezh-ər, ˈplāzh-\ n
1 : a particular desire or purpose : INCLINATION <what's your pleasure>
2 : the feeling that comes when one's wishes are met
3 : a source of delight or joy
synonyms PLEASURE, JOY, ENJOYMENT, mean the agreeable feeling that accompanies getting something good or much wanted. PLEASURE suggests an inner satisfaction rather than an open display of feeling <the pleasure felt after helping others>. JOY suggests a very strong feeling that is shown openly <you could see the winner's joy>. ENJOYMENT suggests a conscious reaction to something intended to make one happy <the songs added to our enjoyment of the movie>.

1pleat \ˈplēt\ vb
1 : to fold or arrange in pleats <pleat a skirt>
2 : 1BRAID 1
— pleat·er n

2pleat n : a fold (as in cloth) made by doubling material over on itself

ple·be·ian \pli-ˈbē-(y)ən\ n
1 : a member of the common people in ancient Rome
2 : one of the common people
— plebeian adj

pleb·i·scite \ˈpleb-ə-ˌsīt, -sət\ n : a vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler

plec·trum \ˈplek-trəm\ n, pl plec·tra \-trə\ or plectrums : 3PICK 3

1pledge \ˈplej\ n
1 : the handing over of something to another to assure that the giver will keep his or her promise; also : the thing handed over
2 : the state of being held as a security <given in pledge>
3 : something that is a token or sign of something else <the ring is a pledge of love>
4 : 2TOAST 3
5 : a promise or agreement that must be kept

2pledge vb pledged; pledg·ing
1 : to give as a pledge
2 : to drink to the health of : 3TOAST
3 : to obligate by a pledge <pledged myself to give $50>
4 : to promise by a pledge <pledge money to charity>

Ple·ia·des \ˈplē-ə-ˌdēz\ n pl : a loose cluster of stars in Taurus that is easily seen by a person with average sight

Pleis·to·cene \ˈplī-stə-ˌsēn\ adj : of, relating to, or being the earlier epoch of the Quaternary period of geological history or the corresponding series of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Pleistocene n

ple·na·ry \ˈplē-nə-rē, ˈplen-ə-\ adj
1 : complete in all ways : FULL <plenary powers>
2 : including all who have a right to attend <a plenary session of an assembly>

pleni·po·ten·tia·ry \ˌplen-ə-pə-ˈtench-(ə-)rē, -ˈten-chē-ˌer-ē\ n, pl -ries : a person and especially a diplomatic agent having full power to carry on business
— plenipotentiary adj

plen·i·tude \ˈplen-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : the quality or state of being full or plentiful : ABUNDANCE

plen·te·ous \ˈplent-ē-əs\ adj : PLENTIFUL 2
— plen·te·ous·ly adv

plen·ti·ful \ˈplent-i-fəl\ adj
1 : giving or containing plenty <a plentiful land>
2 : present in large numbers or amount <plentiful rain>
— plen·ti·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv
synonyms PLENTIFUL, AMPLE, ABUNDANT, COPIOUS, mean more than enough yet not too much. PLENTIFUL suggests a great or rich supply <vegetables are cheap when plentiful>. AMPLE suggests an amount more than enough to meet a particular need <an income ample for the way that I live>. ABUNDANT suggests a supply far greater than needed <an unexpectedly abundant corn harvest>. COPIOUS suggests more often a large quantity or number than a rich supply <took copious notes during the lecture>.

plen·ti·tude \ˈplen(t)-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : PLENITUDE

1plen·ty \ˈplent-ē\ n
1 a : a full supply <had plenty of time to finish>  b : a large number or amount <is in plenty of trouble>
2 : the state of being plentiful <times of plenty>

2plenty adv : QUITE 2 <the game was plenty exciting>

ple·sio·saur \ˈplē-sē-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r, -zē-\ n : any of a group of large Mesozoic marine reptiles with flattened bodies and limbs changed into paddles

pleu·ra \ˈplu̇r-ə\ n, pl pleu·rae \ˈplu̇(ə)r-ˌē, -ˌī\ or pleuras : the delicate membrane lining each half of the chest of mammals and folded back over the surface of the lung of the same side
— pleu·ral \ˈplu̇r-əl\ adj

pleu·ri·sy \ˈplu̇r-ə-sē\ n : inflammation of the pleura usually with fever, painful breathing, and coughing

plex·i·glass \ˈplek-si-ˌglas\ n : a transparent acrylic plastic often used in place of glass

plex·us \ˈplek-səs\ n, pl plex·us·es : a network especially of blood vessels or nerves

pli·able \ˈplī-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : possible to bend without breaking
2 : easily influenced
— pli·abil·i·ty \ˌplī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

pli·ant \ˈplī-ənt\ adj
1 : PLIABLE 1, FLEXIBLE <pliant willow twigs>
2 : PLIABLE 2, YIELDING
3 : adjusting to changing conditions : ADAPTABLE
— pli·ant·ly adv

plied past and past participle of PLY

pli·ers \ˈplī(-ə)rz\ n pl : a small pincers for holding small objects or for bending and cutting wire

plies plural of PLY

1plight \ˈplīt\ vb : to put or give in pledge
— plight·er n

2plight n : a usually bad condition or state : PREDICAMENT <in a sorry plight>

plinth \ˈplin(t)th\ n
1 : the lowest part of the base of an architectural column
2 : a block used as a base (as for a vase)

Plio·cene \ˈplī-ə-ˌsēn\ adj : of, relating to, or being the latest epoch of the Tertiary period of geological history or the corresponding series of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Pliocene n

plod \ˈpläd\ vb plod·ded; plod·ding
1 : to walk heavily or slowly : TRUDGE
2 : to work or study with effort
3 : to progress or develop slowly
— plod n

— plod·der n

— plod·ding·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

plonk variant of PLUNK

plop \ˈpläp\ vb plopped; plop·ping
1 : to make or move with a sound like that of something dropping into water
2 : to set, drop, or throw heavily <plopped myself in a chair>
— plop n

1plot \ˈplät\ n
1 : a small area of ground : LOT <a cemetery plot>
2 : a plan of a floor of a building
3 : the main story (as of a literary work or movie)
4 : an evil or unlawful scheme
5 : 1DIAGRAM, CHART synonyms see PLAN

2plot vb plot·ted; plot·ting
1 a : to make a plot, map, or plan of  b : to mark, note, or locate on a map or chart <plot a ship's position>
2 : to plan especially secretly : SCHEME
3 a : to locate and mark (a point) by means of coordinates  b : to make (a curve) by marking out a number of plotted points
— plot·ter n

plough chiefly British variant of PLOW

plo·ver \ˈplə-vər, ˈplō-vər\ n, pl plover or plovers : any of numerous shorebirds differing from the related sandpipers in having shorter bills

1plow \ˈplau̇\ n
1 : a farm machine used to cut, lift, and turn over soil
2 : a device (as a snowplow) used to spread or clear away matter on the ground

2plow vb
1 : to open, break up, or work with a plow <plow a furrow>
2 : to move forcefully into or through <a ship plowing the waves>
3 : to go steadily and with great effort <plow through a report>
4 : to clear away snow from with a plow <plow the road>

plow·boy \ˈplau̇-ˌbȯi\ n
1 : a boy who guides a plow or leads the horse drawing it
2 : a country youth

plow·man \-mən\ n
1 : one that plows
2 : a farm laborer

plow·share \-ˌshe(ə)r, -ˌsha(ə)r\ n : the part of a plow that cuts the earth

ploy \ˈplȯi\ n : a trick designed to embarrass or upset an opponent

1pluck \ˈplək\ vb
1 a : to pull or pick off or out <pluck a flower>  b : to remove something (as feathers) from by or as if by plucking <pluck a chicken>
2 : to move or separate forcibly : SNATCH <plucked the child from danger>
3 : to play by pulling the strings <pluck a guitar>
— pluck·er n

2pluck n
1 : a sharp pull : TUG
2 : COURAGE, SPIRIT

plucky \ˈplək-ē\ adj pluck·i·er; -est : COURAGEOUS, BRAVE

1plug \ˈpləg\ n
1 : a piece used to close or fill a hole
2 : a flat cake of tightly pressed tobacco leaves
3 : something of lesser quality; esp : a worn-out horse
4 : SPARK PLUG 1
5 : a lure with several hooks used in casting for fish
6 : a device usually on a cord used to make an electrical connection by putting it into another part (as a socket)
7 : a piece of favorable publicity

2plug vb plugged; plug·ging
1 : to stop, make tight, or secure with or as if with a plug <plug the leak with tar>
2 : to hit with a bullet : SHOOT
3 : to advertise or publicize over and over
4 : to become plugged — usually used with up <the drain was plugged up>
5 : to keep steadily at work or in action <plugged away at my homework>
— plug·ger n

— plug into : to connect or become connected to by or as if by means of a plug <the generator plugs into the power grid>

plug–in \ˈpləg-ˌin\ n : software that adds to the capabilities of a larger program (as a browser)

plug in vb : to establish an electric circuit by inserting a plug

plum \ˈpləm\ n
1 a : any of numerous trees and shrubs related to the peach and cherries and having globe-shaped to oval edible fruits with an oblong stone  b : the smooth-skinned fruit of a plum
2 : a raisin when used in desserts (as puddings or cake)
3 : something very desirable
4 : a dark reddish purple
— plum·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

plum·age \ˈplü-mij\ n : the feathers of a bird

1plumb \ˈpləm\ n : a weight attached to a line especially to show a vertical direction or distance
— out of plumb or off plumb : not vertical or true

2plumb adv
1 : straight down or up : VERTICALLY
2 chiefly dialect : to a complete degree : ABSOLUTELY
3 : in a direct manner : EXACTLY

3plumb vb
1 : to measure, adjust, or test with a plumb <plumb a wall> <plumb the depth of the well>
2 : to see into and come to understand <plumbed their motives>

4plumb adj : exactly vertical or true <the wall is plumb>

plumb bob n : the metal bob of a plumb line

plumb·er \ˈpləm-ər\ n : a person who puts in or repairs the pipes and fixtures involved in the distribution and use of water in a building

plumber's helper n : PLUNGER B

plumb·ing \ˈpləm-iŋ\ n
1 : a plumber's work
2 : a system of pipes for supplying and carrying off water in a building

plumb line n : a line that has a weight (as a plumb bob) at one end and is used to find out whether something is vertical or to measure depth

1plume \ˈplüm\ n
1 : a feather of a bird; esp : one that is large and showy
2 a : a feather or tuft of feathers worn as an ornament (as on a hat)  b : a deserved prize or reward
3 : something that resembles a feather (as in shape or lightness) <a plume of smoke>
— plumy \ˈplü-mē\ adj

2plume vb plumed; plum·ing
1 : to provide or adorn with feathers
2 : to act with too much pride in oneself <plumed himself on his swimming skill>
3 : to arrange the feathers of : PREEN <a bird pluming itself>

1plum·met \ˈpləm-ət\ n
1 : 1PLUMB
2 : PLUMB LINE

2plummet vb : to fall straight down : PLUNGE

1plump \ˈpləmp\ vb
1 : to drop, sink, or come in contact suddenly or heavily <plumped down in the chair>
2 : to support someone or something strongly — used with for <plump for a candidate> [Middle English plumpen “to drop or sink heavily”]

2plump n : a sudden plunge, fall, or blow

3plump adv
1 : with a sudden or heavy drop
2 : 1DIRECTLY 1 <ran plump into the wall>

4plump vb : to make or become plump <plump up a pillow> [plump (adjective) “rounded, chubby,” from Middle English plump “dull, blunt”]

5plump adj : having a full rounded form : CHUBBY
— plump·ness n

plum pudding n : a rich boiled or steamed pudding containing fruits (as raisins) and spices

plum tomato n : a small oblong tomato

plu·mule \ˈplü-myü(ə)l\ n : the shoot or bud of a plant embryo or seedling that is located between the cotyledons and grows into the stem and leaves

1plun·der \ˈplən-dər\ vb plun·dered; plun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to rob especially openly and by force (as in a raid)
— plun·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

2plunder n
1 : an act of plundering
2 : something taken by force or theft : LOOT

1plunge \ˈplənj\ vb plunged; plung·ing
1 : to push or drive into something with force <plunged a knife into the pie>
2 : to leap or dive into water
3 a : to rush with reckless haste <plunged into debt>  b : to bring into an unpleasant state <plunged the family into gloom>
4 : to dip or move suddenly downward or forward and downward <the road plunges along the slope>

2plunge n : a sudden dive, leap, or rush

plung·er \ˈplən-jər\ n : one that plunges: as  a : a device (as a piston in a pump) that acts with a plunging motion  b : a rubber suction cup on a handle used to free plumbing traps and waste outlets of something blocking them

plunk \ˈpləŋk\ or plonk \ˈpläŋk, ˈplȯŋk\ vb
1 : to make or cause to make a hollow, metallic, or harsh sound <plunk the strings of a banjo>
2 : to drop or set down suddenly <plunk a suitcase on the bench>
— plunk n

1plu·ral \ˈplu̇r-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a word form used to indicate more than one <plural nouns>
— plu·ral·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

2plural n : a form of a word used to show that more than one person or thing is meant

plu·ral·i·ty \plu̇-ˈral-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being plural or numerous
2 a : the greater number or part <a plurality of the nations want peace>  b : the number of votes by which one candidate wins over another  c : a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but is not more than half the total votes cast

plu·ral·ize \ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make plural or express in the plural form
— plu·ral·i·za·tion \ˌplu̇r-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

1plus \ˈpləs\ adj
1 : mathematically positive <a plus quantity>
2 : having, receiving, or being in addition to what is expected <now she is plus a kitten>
3 : falling high in a certain range <a grade of C plus>
4 : electrically positive

2plus n, pl plus·es \ˈpləs-əz\ also plus·ses
1 : an added quantity
2 : something that is an advantage <that the machine operated quietly was a plus>

3plus prep : increased by : with the addition of <4 plus 5 is 9>

1plush \ˈpləsh\ n : a fabric like a very thick soft velvet

2plush adj
1 : made of or like plush
2 : very luxurious <a plush home>

plus/minus sign n : the sign ± used to mean that a quantity (as 2 in “the square root of 4 is ± 2”) takes on both a positive and a negative value or to indicate a plus or minus quantity (as 5 in “the scale was accurate to ± 5 grams”) — called also plus/minus symbol

plus or minus adj : indicating a quantity whose positive and negative values establish the limits of a range of values <measured with an accuracy of plus or minus 1 gram>

plus sign n : a sign + used especially in mathematics to indicate addition (as in 8 + 6 = 14) or a positive quantity (as in +10°)

Plu·to \ˈplüt-ō\ n : a large object in the outermost part of the solar system that is often considered one of the planets — see note at PLANET TABLE

plu·toc·ra·cy \plü-ˈtäk-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : government by the wealthy
2 : a controlling class of the wealthy
— plu·to·crat \ˈplüt-ə-ˌkrat\ n

— plu·to·crat·ic \ˌplüt-ə-ˈkrat-ik\ adj

plu·to·ni·an \plü-ˈtō-nē-ən\ adj, often cap : of, relating to, or like Pluto or the lower world : INFERNAL

plu·to·ni·um \plü-ˈtō-nē-əm\ n : a radioactive metallic element that is formed by decay of neptunium and found in minute quantities in pitchblende and that produces atomic energy by fission — see ELEMENT TABLE

1ply \ˈplī\ vb plied; ply·ing
1 a : to use steadily or forcefully <ply an ax>  b : to work at <ply one's trade>
2 : to keep furnishing or supplying something to <ply a guest with food>
3 : to go or travel regularly [Middle English plien, a shortened form of applien “to apply”]

2ply n, pl plies : one of the folds, layers, or strands of which something (as yarn or plywood) is made up [Middle English plien “to fold,” from early French plier (same meaning), from Latin plicare (same meaning)]

Plym·outh Rock \ˌplim-əth-\ n : any of an American breed of medium-sized domestic chickens having a single comb

ply·wood \ˈplī-ˌwu̇d\ n : a strong board made by gluing thin sheets of wood together under heat and pressure

PMS \ˌpē-ˌem-ˈes\ n : PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

pneu·mat·ic \n(y)u̇-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or using air, wind, or other gas
2 : moved or worked by air pressure <a pneumatic drill>
3 : made to hold or be inflated with compressed air <pneumatic tires> [from Latin pneumaticus “relating to or using air,” from Greek pneumatikos (same meaning), from pneumat-, pneuma “air, breath”]
— pneu·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pneu·mo·coc·cus \ˌn(y)ü-mə-ˈkäk-əs\ n, pl -coc·ci \-ˈkäk-(s)ī, -ˈkäk-(ˌ)(s)ē\ : a bacterium that causes pneumonia
— pneu·mo·coc·cal \-ˈkäk-əl\ adj

pneu·mo·nia \n(y)u̇-ˈmō-nyə\ n : a disease of the lungs marked by inflammation, congestion, fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing and caused especially by infection

1poach \ˈpōch\ vb : to cook in simmering liquid <poached eggs> [Middle English pochen “to boil an egg without its shell so that the white covers the yolk like a bag,” from early French pocher (same meaning), from earlier pochier, literally, “to put into a bag,” from poche “bag, pocket”]

2poach vb : to hunt or fish unlawfully [from early French pocher “to hunt or fish unlawfully”]
— poach·er n

po'·boy \ˈpō-ˌbȯi\ also poor boy n : 2SUBMARINE 2

pock \ˈpäk\ n : a small swelling on the skin like a pimple (as in chicken pox or smallpox); also : the scar it leaves

1pock·et \ˈpäk-ət\ n
1 a : a small bag carried by a person : PURSE  b : a small bag open at the top or side inserted in a garment <coat pocket>
2 : supply of money : MEANS
3 : CONTAINER; esp : a bag at the corner or side of a billiard table
4 : something like a pocket <a pocket of gold in a mine>
5 : AIR POCKET

2pocket vb
1 a : to put or enclose in a pocket <pocketed the change>  b : to take for one's own use especially dishonestly <pocket the profits>
2 : to set aside : SUPPRESS <pocketed my anger>
3 : to supply with pockets

3pocket adj
1 a : small enough to fit in the pocket  b : smaller than the usual size <a pocket park>
2 : carried in or paid from one's pocket <pocket expenses>

pock·et·book \ˈpäk-ət-ˌbu̇k\ n
1 often pocket book : a small especially paperback book
2 : a container for money and personal papers : WALLET
3 a : 1PURSE 1  b : HANDBAG 2
4 : financial resources : INCOME <a price suited to your pocketbook>

pock·et·ful \ˈpäk-ət-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl pocketfuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ or pock·ets·ful \-əts-ˌfu̇l\ : as much or as many as the pocket will contain

pocket gopher n : GOPHER 2A

pock·et·knife \ˈpäk-ət-ˌnīf\ n : a knife that has one or more blades that fold into the handle and that can be carried in the pocket

pocket money n : money for small personal expenses

pock·et–size \ˈpäk-ət-ˌsīz\ also pock·et–sized \-ˌsīzd\ adj : of a size convenient for carrying in the pocket

pocket veto n : a veto of a legislative bill by an executive (as the president) accomplished through holding the bill unsigned until after the session of the legislature is over

1pock·mark \ˈpäk-ˌmärk\ n : the scar caused by smallpox or acne; also : an imperfection suggesting a pockmark

2pockmark vb : to cover with or as if with pockmarks

1pod \ˈpäd\ n
1 : a fruit that is dry when ripe and then splits open to free its seeds; esp : LEGUME 2
2 : any of various natural protective coverings (as a cocoon) or cases (as for grasshopper eggs)
3 : a streamlined compartment under the wings or body of an airplane used as a container (as for fuel or a jet engine)

2pod n : a number of animals (as whales) clustered together

pod·cast \ˈpäd-ˌkast\ n : a program made available digitally for automatic download over the Internet
— podcast vb

— pod·cast·er n

po·di·a·trist \pə-ˈdī-ə-trəst\ n : a specialist in podiatry — called also chiropodist

po·di·a·try \pə-ˈdī-ə-trē\ n : medical care and treatment of the human foot — called also chiropody

po·di·um \ˈpōd-ē-əm\ n, pl podiums or po·dia \-ē-ə\ : a raised platform especially for an orchestral conductor

po·em \ˈpō-əm, -im, ˈpōm, also ˈpō-ˌem\ n : a composition in verse

po·esy \ˈpō-ə-zē, -sē\ n, pl po·esies : poetic form or composition : POETRY

po·et \ˈpō-ət, -it\ n : a person who writes poetry

po·et·ess \ˈpō-ət-əs, -it-\ n : a girl or woman who writes poetry

po·et·ic \pō-ˈet-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry <poetic words>
2 : written in verse
— po·et·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— po·et·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

poet laureate n, pl poets laureate or poet laureates
1 : a poet appointed by an English ruler as a member of the royal household and formerly expected to write poems for court and national occasions
2 : a poet regarded by a country or region as its most outstanding

po·et·ry \ˈpō-ə-trē, -i-trē\ n
1 a : writing usually with a rhythm that repeats : VERSE  b : the productions of a poet : POEMS
2 : writing chosen and arranged to create a certain emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm

po·go stick \ˈpō-gō-\ n : a pole with a strong spring at the bottom and two footrests on which a person stands and moves along by jumping [from Pogo, a trademark]

poi \ˈpȯi\ n, pl poi or pois : a Hawaiian food made of cooked taro root pounded to a paste and often fermented

poi·gnan·cy \ˈpȯi-nyən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being poignant

poi·gnant \ˈpȯi-nyənt\ adj
1 : painfully affecting the feelings : SHARP, PIERCING <poignant grief>
2 : deeply affecting : TOUCHING
— poi·gnant·ly adv

poi·ki·lo·therm \pȯi-ˈkē-lə-ˌthərm, -ˈkil-ə-\ n : an animal (as a frog) with a temperature that tends to change with and is similar to or slightly higher than the environment : a cold-blooded organism

poin·set·tia \pȯin-ˈset-ē-ə, -ˈset-ə\ n : a showy Mexican and Central American plant with large scarlet bracts that grow like petals about its small yellow flowers

1point \ˈpȯint\ n
1 a : an individual detail : ITEM <two points that were important to remember>  b : a distinguishing detail : CHARACTERISTIC <politeness was a strong point>  c : the chief part or meaning <the point of the joke>
2 : a goal to be achieved : PURPOSE <there's no point in continuing>
3 a : a geometric element that has position but no dimensions and is pictured as a small dot  b : a usually small or precise place : LOCALITY <a starting point>  c : an exact moment <at this point they were interrupted>  d : a step, stage, or degree in development or rank <the melting point of ice> <up to a point it was a good performance>
4 a : the usually sharp or tapering end of something (as a sword or pencil) : TIP  b : either of two metal pieces in a distributor through which the circuit is made or broken
5 : a piece of land that sticks out
6 a : a very small mark : DOT  b : PUNCTUATION MARK; esp : PERIOD 2  c : DECIMAL POINT
7 a : one of the 32 marks indicating direction on a compass used by seamen  b : the difference of 11¼ degrees between two such adjacent points
8 : a unit used in giving a value or score <scored fifteen points>
9 : the action of pointing
— beside the point : IRRELEVANT

— in point of : in the matter of <in point of fact>

— to the point : PERTINENT <a remark that was quite to the point>

2point vb
1 a : to furnish with a point <point a pencil with a knife>  b : to give force to <point up a remark with actual examples>
2 a : PUNCTUATE 1  b : to separate a fraction from a whole number by a decimal point <point off three decimal places>
3 a : to show the position or direction of especially by extending a finger <point out a house>  b : to direct someone's attention to <point out a mistake>  c : to indicate game by freezing into a fixed position with head and gaze directed toward the object hunted <a dog that points well>
4 : to turn, face, or cause to be turned in a particular direction : AIM <point the boat upstream>
5 : to indicate the fact or probability of something <everything points to a bright future>

point–blank \ˈpȯint-ˈblaŋk\ adj
1 : aimed at a target from a very short distance away <fired from point-blank range>
2 : 1BLUNT 3, DIRECT <a point-blank refusal>
— point–blank adv

point·ed \ˈpȯint-əd\ adj
1 : having a point
2 a : being to the point : PERTINENT  b : aimed at a particular person or group <pointed remarks>
— point·ed·ly adv

— point·ed·ness n

point·er \ˈpȯint-ər\ n
1 : one that points; esp : a rod used to direct attention
2 : a large dog with long ears and short hair that hunts by scent, and points game
3 : a useful hint : TIP <pointers on how to study>

point·less \ˈpȯint-ləs\ adj
1 : lacking meaning : SENSELESS <a pointless remark>
2 : INEFFECTIVE 1 <pointless attempts to be funny>
— point·less·ly adv

— point·less·ness n

point of view : a way of looking at or thinking about something : STANDPOINT

pointy \ˈpȯin-tē\ adj point·i·er; -est
1 : coming to a rather sharp point
2 : having parts that stick out sharply here and there

1poise \ˈpȯiz\ vb poised; pois·ing
1 a : 2BALANCE 5; esp : to hold or make firm or steady by balancing  b : to hold without motion in a steady position : HOVER <a bird poised in the air>
2 : to put into readiness : BRACE <poised for action>

2poise n
1 : 1BALANCE 4, EQUILIBRIUM
2 a : a dignified self-confident manner <a speaker of great poise>  b : a way of carrying oneself : BEARING

1poi·son \ˈpȯiz-ən\ n
1 : a substance that by its chemical action can kill or injure a living thing
2 : something destructive or harmful [Middle English poison “poison, a poisonous drink,” from early French poison “drink, potion, poison,” from Latin potion-, potio “a drink, potion” — related to POTION]

2poison vb poi·soned; poi·son·ing \ˈpȯiz-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 a : to injure or kill with poison  b : to put poison in or on <poisoned the air with its fumes>
2 : to exert a harmful influence on : CORRUPT <poisoned their minds>
— poi·son·er \ˈpȯiz-nər, -ən-ər\ n

3poison adj : POISONOUS <a poison plant>

poison gas n : a poisonous gas or a liquid or a solid giving off poisonous vapors designed (as in chemical warfare) to kill or injure

poison ivy n
1 : a usually climbing plant that is related to the sumacs, has leaves usually with three leaflets, greenish flowers, white berries, and leaves and stems that when bruised and touched may cause an itching rash on the skin
2 : a skin rash caused by poison ivy

poison oak n : any of several shrubby plants related to poison ivy and causing a similar rash

poi·son·ous \ˈpȯiz-nəs, -ən-əs\ adj : containing poison : having or causing an effect of poison
— poi·son·ous·ly adv

poison sumac n : a swamp shrub related to poison ivy and causing a similar rash but having leaves with 7 to 13 leaflets

1poke \ˈpōk\ n, chiefly Southern & Midland : 1BAG 1A, SACK [Middle English poke “bag, sack,” from an early French dialect word poke (same meaning)]

2poke vb poked; pok·ing
1 a : JAB, PROD <poke a stick at a snake> <poked me in the ribs>  b : 1THRUST 2, STAB  c : to produce by piercing, stabbing, or jabbing <poke a hole>
2 : to stick out or cause to stick out <poked her head out the window>
3 : to be nosy especially about things that do not concern one
4 : to search over or through usually without purpose : RUMMAGE <poking around in the attic>
5 : to move slowly or lazily <they were just poking along home> [Middle English poken “to jab, prod”]
— poke fun at : DERIDE, MOCK

3poke n : a quick thrust : JAB

1pok·er \ˈpō-kər\ n : one that pokes; esp : a metal rod for stirring a fire

2po·ker \ˈpō-kər\ n : a card game in which a player bets on the value of his or her hand

poke·weed \ˈpō-ˌkwēd\ n : an American herb with spikes of white flowers, dark purple juicy berries, a poisonous root, and young shoots sometimes used as greens

poky or pok·ey \ˈpō-kē\ adj pok·i·er; -est
1 : being small and cramped <a poky room>
2 : so slow as to be annoying
— pok·i·ness n

po·lar \ˈpō-lər\ adj
1 a : of or relating to a geographical pole or the region around it  b : coming from or having the characteristics of a polar region <polar cold>
2 : of or relating to one or more poles (as of a magnet)
3 : diametrically opposite
4 : showing polarity <water molecules are polar>

polar bear n : a large creamy-white fish-eating bear that lives in arctic regions

polar body n : a cell that separates from the immature ovum during meiosis and that contains a nucleus produced in the first or second division of meiosis but very little cytoplasm

Po·lar·is \pə-ˈlar-əs, -ˈlär-\ n : NORTH STAR

po·lari·scope \pō-ˈlar-ə-ˌskōp\ n : an instrument for studying the characteristics of substances in polarized light

po·lar·i·ty \pō-ˈlar-ət-ē, pə-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the condition of having poles and especially magnetic or electrical poles
2 : attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction

po·lar·ize \ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to cause to vibrate (as light waves) in a definite pattern
2 : to give physical polarity to
3 : to break up into opposing groups
4 : to become polarized
— po·lar·i·za·tion n

Po·lar·oid \ˈpō-lə-ˌrȯid\ trademark — used for a material that polarizes light or for a camera

1pole \ˈpōl\ n
1 : a long slender piece of material (as wood or metal) <telephone poles>
2 : ROD 2A [Old English pāl “stake, pole”]

2pole vb poled; pol·ing : to push or move with a pole <pole a boat>
— pol·er n

3pole n
1 : either end of an axis of a globe and especially of the earth's axis
2 a : one of the two terminals of an electric cell or battery  b : one of two or more regions in a magnetized body at which the magnetism seems to be concentrated
3 : either of two specialized areas at opposite ends of an axis in an organism or cell <chromosomes moving toward the poles of a dividing cell> [Middle English pool “axis of the earth,” from Latin polus (same meaning), from Greek polos “pivot, pole”]

Pole \ˈpōl\ n : a person born or living in Poland

pole bean n : a cultivated bean with long coiling stems that is usually trained to grow upright on supports

pole·cat \ˈpōl-ˌkat\ n, pl polecats or polecat
1 : a brown to black European flesh-eating mammal related to the weasels
2 : 1SKUNK 1
Word History A polecat is not a cat at all, and its name has nothing to do with poles. The European polecat looks like a large weasel with a bandit's mask of darker fur around its eyes. The polecat has long been known as a killer of poultry, and its name reflects its reputation. Polecat was spelled polcat in Middle English. This word was probably formed from pol or poul, the early French word for “cock,” and the Middle English word cat. During the Middle English period people often gave the name cat to small animals, like the polecat, that looked something like the ordinary house cat. [Middle English polcat “polecat,” probably from early French pol, poul “cock” and Middle English cat “cat, a small animal”]

po·lem·ic \pə-ˈlem-ik\ n : an aggressive attack on the opinions or beliefs of another
— po·lem·i·cal \-ˈlem-i-kəl\ also polemic adj

— po·lem·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

po·len·ta \pō-ˈlen-tə\ n : mush made of chestnut meal, cornmeal, or grain

pole·star \ˈpōl-ˌstär\ n : NORTH STAR

pole vault n : a track-and-field event in which contestants use a pole to jump for height over a crossbar
— pole–vault vb

— pole–vault·er n

1po·lice \pə-ˈlēs\ vb po·liced; po·lic·ing
1 : to control, regulate, or keep in order by use of police <police a city>
2 : to make clean and put in order <police the area>

2police n, pl police
1 : the department of government that keeps order and enforces law, investigates crimes, and makes arrests
2 pl : members of a police force
3 : a private or military force like a police force <campus police>

police dog n
1 : a dog trained to help police (as in drug detection)
2 : GERMAN SHEPHERD

police force n : a body of officers trained and entrusted by a government to keep public peace, enforce laws, and prevent and detect crime

po·lice·man \pə-ˈlē-smən\ n : POLICE OFFICER

police officer n : a member of a police force

police state n : a state in which the activities of the people are under the power of the government often acting through a secret police force

po·lice·wom·an \pə-ˈlē-ˌswu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is a police officer

1pol·i·cy \ˈpäl-ə-sē\ n, pl -cies : a course of action chosen in order to guide people in making decisions <a country's foreign policy>

2policy n, pl -cies : a document that contains the agreement made by an insurance company with a person whose life or property is insured

pol·i·cy·hold·er \ˈpäl-ə-sē-ˌhōl-dər\ n : the owner of an insurance policy

po·lio \ˈpō-lē-ˌō\ n : POLIOMYELITIS

po·lio·my·eli·tis \ˌpō-lē-ˌō-ˌmī-ə-ˈlīt-əs\ n : an infectious virus disease marked by inflammation of nerve cells in the spinal cord accompanied by fever and often paralysis and wasting of muscles — called also infantile paralysis

1pol·ish \ˈpäl-ish\ vb
1 : to make smooth and glossy usually by rubbing
2 : to smooth or improve in manners, condition, or style
3 : to bring to a highly developed or finished state <polish a technique>
— pol·ish·er n

2polish n
1 a : a smooth glossy surface : LUSTER  b : good manners : REFINEMENT
2 : the action or process of polishing
3 : a substance prepared for use in polishing <shoe polish> <nail polish>

1Pol·ish \ˈpō-lish\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Poland, the Poles, or Polish

2Polish n : the Slavic language of the Poles

polish off vb : to finish off or dispose of rapidly or completely <polished off the whole meal>

po·lite \pə-ˈlīt\ adj po·lit·er; -est
1 : showing good taste or training : REFINED <polite society> <polite forms of address>
2 : showing consideration and courtesy : COURTEOUS
— po·lite·ly adv

— po·lite·ness n

pol·i·tic \ˈpäl-ə-ˌtik\ adj : wise especially in dealing with others or in carrying out a policy

po·lit·i·cal \pə-ˈlit-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a government or the conduct of government
2 : of or relating to politics
3 : organized in governmental terms <political units>
4 : involving, concerned with, or accused of acts against a government or political system <political prisoners>
— po·lit·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

politically correct adj : following the belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated
— political correctness n

political science n : the study of government and politics
— political scientist n

pol·i·ti·cian \ˌpäl-ə-ˈtish-ən\ n : a person who takes an active part in party politics or in government business

pol·i·tics \ˈpäl-ə-ˌtiks\ n sing or pl
1 a : POLITICAL SCIENCE  b : the art of guiding or influencing governmental policy  c : the art of winning and holding control over a government
2 : political affairs or business; esp : competition between groups or individuals for power and leadership
3 : political opinions

pol·ka \ˈpōl-kə\ n : a lively dance that originated in Bohemia
— polka vb

pol·ka dot \ˈpō-kə-\ n : a dot in a textile pattern of evenly spaced dots

1poll \ˈpōl\ n
1 a : 1HEAD 1  b : the top or back of the head
2 a : the casting or recording of votes  b : the place where votes are cast or recorded — usually used in plural <at the polls>
3 : a questioning of persons to obtain information or opinions

2poll vb
1 a : to take and record the votes of  b : to request each member of to declare his or her vote individually <poll a jury>
2 : to receive votes in an election <the candidate polled 10,000 votes>
3 : to question (people) or cover (an area) in a poll
4 : to cast one's vote at a poll
— poll·er \ˈpō-lər\ n

pol·lack or pol·lock \ˈpäl-ək\ n, pl pollack or pollock
1 : an important food fish of the northern Atlantic that resembles the related cods but is darker
2 : an important food fish of the northern Pacific that is related to and resembles the pollack of the northern Atlantic

polled \ˈpōld\ adj : having no horns <polled cattle>

pol·len \ˈpäl-ən\ n : a mass of tiny particles in the anthers of a flower that fertilize the seeds and usually appear as fine yellow dust

pollen basket n : a flat or hollow area bordered with stiff hairs on the hind leg of a bee in which it carries pollen to the hive or nest

pollen grain n : one of the microscopic grains of which pollen is made up

pollen sac n : one of the pouches of a seed plant anther in which pollen is formed

pollen tube n : a tube that is formed by a pollen grain as it grows down the style and that carries the sperm nuclei to the embryo sac of a flower

pol·li·nate \ˈpäl-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to place pollen on the stigma of

pol·li·na·tion \ˌpäl-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n : the act or process of pollinating

pol·li·na·tor \ˈpäl-ə-ˌnāt-ər\ n : something (as an insect) that pollinates flowers

poll·ster \ˈpōl-stər\ n : one that conducts a poll or collects data obtained by a poll

poll tax n : a tax of a fixed amount per adult person that is often linked to the right to vote

pol·lut·ant \pə-ˈlüt-ənt\ n : something that pollutes

pol·lute \pə-ˈlüt\ vb pol·lut·ed; pol·lut·ing : to make impure; esp : to spoil (as a natural resource) with waste made by humans <industrial wastes polluted the river>

pol·lu·tion \pə-ˈlü-shən\ n
1 : the action of polluting : the state of being polluted <air pollution> — compare NOISE POLLUTION, THERMAL POLLUTION
2 : POLLUTANT

Pol·lux \ˈpäl-əks\ n : a bright star in Gemini [derived from Latin Pollux “Pollux, one of the twin heroes of Greek mythology,” from Greek Polydeukēs “Pollux” — see Word History at GEMINI]

pol·ly·wog or pol·li·wog \ˈpäl-ē-ˌwäg, -ˌwȯg\ n : TADPOLE

po·lo \ˈpō-lō\ n : a game played by teams of players on horseback using long-handled mallets to drive a wooden ball
— po·lo·ist \ˈpō-lō-əst\ n

po·lo·naise \ˌpäl-ə-ˈnāz, ˌpō-lə-\ n : a dignified 19th century Polish dance [from French polonaise “a fancy woman's dress or gown,” literally, “a Polish gown,” from polonaise (adjective), feminine form of polonais “Polish”]

po·lo·ni·um \pə-ˈlō-nē-əm\ n : a radioactive metallic element that is found in pitchblende and decays to form lead — see ELEMENT TABLE

polo shirt n : a close-fitting pullover shirt of knitted fabric

pol·ter·geist \ˈpōl-tər-ˌgīst\ n : a mischievous ghost thought to be the cause of mysterious noises (as rappings)

pol·troon \päl-ˈtrün\ n : COWARD

poly- combining form : many : several [Middle English poly- “many,” from Latin poly- (same meaning), derived from Greek polys “many, several, much”]

poly·an·thus \ˌpäl-ē-ˈan(t)-thəs\ n
1 : any of various hybrid primroses
2 : a narcissus having small white or yellow flowers

poly·chro·mat·ic \ˌpäl-i-krō-ˈmat-ik\ adj : showing a variety or change of colors : MULTICOLORED

poly·chrome \ˈpäl-i-ˌkrōm\ adj : relating to, made with, or decorated in several colors <polychrome pottery>

poly·dac·ty·ly \ˌpäl-i-ˈdak-tə-lē\ n : the condition of having extra fingers or toes

poly·es·ter \ˈpäl-ē-ˌes-tər\ n : any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used chiefly in making fibers or plastics

poly·eth·yl·ene \ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn\ n : a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging

po·lyg·a·mous \pə-ˈlig-ə-məs\ adj
1 : of or relating to marriage in which a spouse has more than one mate at one time
2 : having more than one mate at one time
— po·lyg·a·mist \-məst\ n

— po·lyg·a·my \-mē\ n

poly·glot \ˈpäl-i-ˌglät\ adj
1 : speaking or writing several languages
2 : containing or composed of several languages
— polyglot n

poly·gon \ˈpäl-i-ˌgän\ n : a geometric figure that is closed, that lies in a plane, and whose edges are all straight lines <triangles, squares, and pentagons are all polygons>
— po·lyg·o·nal \pə-ˈlig-ən-əl\ adj

poly·graph \ˈpäl-i-ˌgraf\ n : an instrument for recording changes in several bodily functions (as blood pressure and rate of breathing) at the same time — compare LIE DETECTOR

poly·he·dron \ˌpäl-i-ˈhē-drən\ n, pl -drons or -dra \-drə\ : a geometric solid whose faces are each flat polygons
— poly·he·dral \-drəl\ adj

poly·mer \ˈpäl-ə-mər\ n : a chemical compound or mixture of compounds that is formed by combination of smaller molecules and consists basically of repeating structural units
— poly·mer·ic \ˌpäl-ə-ˈmer-ik\ adj

po·ly·mer·i·za·tion \pə-ˌlim-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌpäl-ə-mə-rə-\ n : a chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules
— po·ly·mer·ize \pə-ˈlim-ə-ˌrīz, ˈpäl-ə-mə-\ vb

Poly·ne·sian \ˌpäl-ə-ˈnē-zhən, -shən\ n
1 : a member of any of the native peoples of Polynesia
2 : a group of languages spoken in Polynesia
— Polynesian adj

1poly·no·mi·al \ˌpäl-i-ˈnō-mē-əl\ n : an algebraic expression having two or more terms <the polynomial a^2 + 2ab − b^2>

2polynomial adj : relating to, composed of, or expressed as one or more polynomials <7023 written as 7(10^3) + 0(10^2) + 2(10^1) + 3(10^0) is in polynomial form>

pol·yp \ˈpäl-əp\ n : an invertebrate animal (as a sea anemone or a coral) that is a coelenterate having a hollow cylinder-shaped body closed and attached at one end and opening at the other by a central mouth surrounded by tentacles armed with minute stinging organs

po·lyph·o·ny \pə-ˈlif-ə-nē\ n : music consisting of two or more independent but harmonious melodies
— poly·phon·ic \ˌpäl-i-ˈfän-ik\ adj

poly·sac·cha·ride \ˈpäl-i-ˈsak-ə-ˌrīd\ n : a carbohydrate that can be broken down into two or more small sugar molecules

poly·sty·rene \ˌpäl-i-ˈstī(ə)r-ˌēn\ n : a stiff transparent plastic used chiefly in molded products, foams, and sheet materials

poly·syl·lab·ic \ˌpäl-i-sə-ˈlab-ik\ adj : having many syllables; esp : having more than three syllables
— poly·syl·lab·i·cal·ly \-ˈlab-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— poly·syl·la·ble \ˈpäl-i-ˌsil-ə-bəl, ˌpäl-i-ˈsil-\ n

poly·tech·nic \ˌpäl-i-ˈtek-nik\ adj : relating to or devoted to instruction in many technical arts or applied sciences <a polytechnic school>

poly·the·ism \ˈpäl-i-(ˌ)thē-ˌiz-əm\ n : belief in or worship of more than one god
— poly·the·ist \-ˌthē-əst\ adj or n

— poly·the·is·tic \ˌpäl-i-thē-ˈis-tik\ adj

poly·un·sat·u·rat·ed \ˈpäl-ē-ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd\ adj, of an oil or fatty acid : having many double or triple bonds in a molecule

pome \ˈpōm\ n : a fleshy fruit (as an apple or pear) consisting of a central core that has usually five seeds and is surrounded by a thick fleshy outer layer

pome·gran·ate \ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət, ˈpəm-ˌgran-\ n : a reddish fruit about the size of an orange that has a thick leathery skin and many seeds in a pulp of tart flavor; also : a tropical Asian tree that produces pomegranates [Middle English poumgrenet “pomegranate,” from early French pomme garnette “pomegranate,” literally, “seedy fruit”; pomme from earlier pome “apple” and grenate derived from Latin granum “grain, seed” — related to GARNET, GRAIN, GRENADE; see Word History at GARNET]

Pom·er·a·nian \ˌpäm-ə-ˈrā-nē-ən, -nyən\ n : any of a breed of very small compact dogs having long hair

1pom·mel \ˈpəm-əl, ˈpäm-\ n : the knob on the hilt of a sword or at the front of a saddle

2pom·mel \ˈpəm-əl\ vb -meled or -melled; -mel·ing or -mel·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : 3POUND 2A, PUMMEL

pomp \ˈpämp\ n
1 : a show of magnificence : SPLENDOR <the pomp of a royal ceremony>
2 : showy display

pom·pa·dour \ˈpäm-pə-ˌdō(ə)r, -ˌdȯ(ə)r\ n : a hairdo in which the hair is combed high over the forehead; also : hair dressed in this style

pom·pa·no \ˈpäm-pə-ˌnō, ˈpəm-\ n, pl -no or -nos : a food fish that occurs along the coasts of the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico having a narrow body and forked tail; also : any of several related fishes

pom–pom \ˈpäm-ˌpäm\ n
1 : a fluffy ball used as trimming on clothing
2 : a handheld usually brightly colored fluffy ball waved by cheerleaders

pomp·ous \ˈpäm-pəs\ adj
1 : making a show of importance or dignity <a pompous manner>
2 : having an overly high opinion of one's importance <a pompous politician>
— pomp·ous·ly adv

— pomp·ous·ness n

pon·cho \ˈpän-chō\ n, pl ponchos
1 : a cloak like a blanket with a slit in the middle for the head
2 : a waterproof garment like a poncho

pond \ˈpänd\ n : a body of water usually smaller than a lake

pon·der \ˈpän-dər\ vb pon·dered; pon·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to consider carefully
— pon·der·er \-dər-ər\ n
synonyms PONDER, MEDITATE, RUMINATE, mean to consider or examine closely or deliberately. PONDER implies prolonged thinking about a matter often with a careful consideration and weighing of different aspects or alternatives <pondered her next chess move>. MEDITATE implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply <meditated on the meaning of life>. RUMINATE implies going over the same matter in one's thoughts again and again but suggests a more casual and less focused approach <ruminating on the possibilities the future might hold>.

pon·der·o·sa pine \ˌpän-də-ˌrō- sə-, -zə-\ n : a tall timber pine of western North America with long needles in groups of 2 or 3; also : its strong reddish straight-grained wood

pon·der·ous \ˈpän-d(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : very heavy
2 : unpleasantly dull <fell asleep during the ponderous speech>
— pon·der·ous·ly adv

— pon·der·ous·ness n

pond lily n : WATER LILY

pond scum n
1 : SPIROGYRA; also : any of various related algae
2 : a mass of tangled threads of algae in still water

pond·weed \ˈpän-ˌdwēd\ n : any of several water plants with leaves that float or are under the water and spikes of greenish flowers

pone \ˈpōn\ n, Southern & Midland : CORN PONE

pon·gee \(ˈ)pän-ˈjē, ˈpän-ˌjē\ n
1 : a thin soft silk fabric of Chinese origin
2 : an imitation of pongee in cotton or synthetic fiber

pon·iard \ˈpän-yərd\ n : a slender dagger

pon·tiff \ˈpänt-əf\ n : BISHOP 1; esp, often cap : POPE
— pon·tif·i·cal \pän-ˈtif-i-kəl\ adj

1pon·tif·i·cate \pän-ˈtif-i-kət, -ˈtif-ə-ˌkāt\ n : the office or term of office of a pontiff

2pon·tif·i·cate \pän-ˈtif-ə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to speak pompously

pon·toon \pän-ˈtün\ n
1 : a flat-bottomed boat
2 : a float used in building a floating bridge
3 : a float of an airplane [from French ponton “a floating bridge, punt,” from Latin ponton-, ponto (same meaning), from pont-, pons “bridge” — related to 1PUNT]

po·ny \ˈpō-nē\ n, pl ponies
1 : a small horse; esp : a horse of any of several breeds of very small compact animals
2 : a word-for-word translation of a foreign language text

pony express n, often cap P&E : a rapid postal system across the western U.S. in 1860–61 that operated by changing horses and riders along the way

po·ny·tail \ˈpō-nē-ˌtāl\ n : a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled together and banded usually at the back of the head so as to resemble the tail of a pony

pooch \ˈpüch\ n : 1DOG 1A

poo·dle \ˈpüd-əl\ n : any of a breed of active intelligent dogs that have thick curly coats of solid color and that occur in three sizes
Word History Poodles often have their coats cut in different patterns. Both their haircuts and their name go back to a time when poodles were kept not as house pets but as retrievers. Poodles were especially good at retrieving game in the water. The dogs were good swimmers, and they had heavy coats that kept them warm even in icy water. Hunters cut their dogs' hair shorter in a pattern that would make swimming easier. Cutting poodles' hair in a pattern soon became a tradition. The German name for this skillful swimmer was Pudelhund. This word combined pudeln, meaning “to splash,” and hund, meaning “dog.” It was then shortened to Pudel, which English borrowed as poodle. [from German Pudel, a shortened form of Pudelhund “poodle,” from pudeln “to splash” and Hund “dog”]

pooh \ˈpü, ˈpu̇\ interj — used to express disapproval

pooh–pooh \ˈpü-pü, pü-ˈpü\ also pooh \ˈpü\ vb
1 : to express scorn or impatience
2 : to treat with scorn : DERIDE <pooh-pooh the idea of ghosts>

1pool \ˈpül\ n
1 : a small deep body of water
2 : a small body of standing liquid : PUDDLE
3 : SWIMMING POOL [Old English pōl “a small body of water”]

2pool vb : to form a pool

3pool n
1 : the money bet by a number of persons on an event or in a game
2 : a game played on a billiard table having six pockets with usually 15 object balls
3 : a common fund for making investments
4 a : a readily available supply <a pool of talent> <a typing pool>  b : a group sharing in some activity <a car pool> [from French poule “the amount of money bet in a card game,” literally, “hen,” derived from early French poul “a male chicken, cock” — related to PULLET]

4pool vb : to contribute to a common fund or effort <pooled their resources>

poop \ˈpüp\ n : an enclosed raised structure at the stern of a ship

1poor \ˈpu̇(ə)r, ˈpō(ə)r\ adj
1 : lacking riches or possessions
2 : less than enough <a poor crop>
3 : not good in quality or character of work
4 : lacking fertility <poor land>
5 : not satisfactory <the patient had a poor day>
6 : lacking in signs of wealth or good taste <poor furnishings>
7 : worthy of pity or sympathy <the poor kitten hurt its paw>
— poor·ly adv

— poor·ness n

2poor n pl : poor people <charity for the poor>

poor boy variant of PO'BOY

poor farm n : a farm kept by the government for the support and employment of poor people

poor·house \ˈpu̇(ə-)r-ˌhau̇s, ˈpō(ə)r-\ n : a place maintained at public expense to house poor people

poor·ly \ˈpu̇(ə)r-lē, ˈpō(ə)r-\ adj : somewhat ill

1pop \ˈpäp\ vb popped; pop·ping
1 : to burst or cause to burst with a pop <the balloon popped> <we popped corn>
2 : to go, come, push, or enter quickly or suddenly <pop into bed> <popped a grape into my mouth>
3 : to shoot with a gun
4 : to bulge from the sockets <eyes popping with surprise>
5 : to hit a pop fly [Middle English poppen “to hit, burst open”; a word created to imitate the sound made when something bursts open]

2pop n
1 : a sharp explosive sound
2 : a shot from a gun
3 : a flavored carbonated beverage

3pop adv : like or with a pop : SUDDENLY

4pop n : 1FATHER 1A [a shortened form of poppa, an altered form of papa]

5pop adj
1 a : POPULAR 2 <pop music>  b : of or relating to pop music <a pop singer>
2 : of, relating to, or being the behavior and interests of average people and especially young people [a shortened form of popular]

6pop n : popular music <listens to pop>

pop·corn \ˈpäp-ˌkȯ(ə)rn\ n : corn with kernels that burst open to form a white starchy mass when heated; also : the popped kernels

pope \ˈpōp\ n, often cap : the head of the Roman Catholic Church

pop·eyed \ˈpäp-ˈīd\ adj : having eyes that bulge

pop fly n : a short high fly in baseball

pop·gun \ˈpäp-ˌgən\ n : a toy gun that usually shoots corks and makes a popping sound

pop·in·jay \ˈpäp-ən-ˌjā\ n : a proud talkative thoughtless person

pop·lar \ˈpäp-lər\ n
1 : any of a genus of slender quick-growing trees (as an aspen or cottonwood) that have catkins for flowers and are related to the willows
2 : the wood of a poplar

pop·lin \ˈpäp-lən\ n : a strong ribbed fabric in plain weave

pop·over \ˈpäp-ˌō-vər\ n : a quick bread shaped like a hollow muffin and made from eggs, milk, and flour

pop·per \ˈpäp-ər\ n : one that pops; esp : a utensil for popping corn

pop·py \ˈpäp-ē\ n, pl poppies : any of a genus of herbs that have milky juice, showy flowers, and a fruit that is a capsule and include one that is the source of opium and several that are grown as ornamental plants

Pop·si·cle \ˈpäp-ˌsik-əl\ trademark — used for flavored and colored water frozen on a stick

pop·u·lace \ˈpäp-yə-ləs\ n
1 : the common people : MASSES
2 : POPULATION 1

pop·u·lar \ˈpäp-yə-lər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or coming from the whole body of people <popular government>
2 : suitable for the average person (as in low price or ease of understanding) <popular prices> <popular science>
3 : generally current : PREVALENT <popular opinion>
4 : commonly liked or approved <a popular teacher> [from Latin popularis “of the people,” from populus “the people” — related to PUBLIC]
— pop·u·lar·i·ty \ˌpäp-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n

— pop·u·lar·ly adv

pop·u·lar·ize \ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make popular
— pop·u·lar·i·za·tion \ˌpäp-yə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— pop·u·lar·iz·er \ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrī-zər\ n

pop·u·late \ˈpäp-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to have a place in : OCCUPY, INHABIT
2 : to provide with inhabitants : PEOPLE

pop·u·la·tion \ˌpäp-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the whole number of people living in a country or region
2 : the act or process of populating
3 : a group of one or more species of organisms living in a particular area or habitat

pop·u·lous \ˈpäp-yə-ləs\ adj : having a large population

1pop–up \ˈpäp-ˌəp\ n
1 : POP FLY
2 : a pop-up window on a computer screen

2pop–up adj
1 : of, relating to, or having a part or device that pops up <a pop-up book>
2 : appearing suddenly on a computer screen <a pop-up window>

por·ce·lain \ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən, ˈpȯr-\ n : a hard white ceramic ware used especially for dishes and chemical utensils

porch \ˈpōrch, ˈpȯrch\ n : a covered entrance to a building usually with a separate roof

por·cu·pine \ˈpȯr-kyə-ˌpīn\ n : any of various rather large slow-moving mostly plant-eating rodents with stiff sharp quills among the hairs on the body [Middle English porke despyne “porcupine,” from early French porc espin, literally, “thorny pig,” derived from Latin porcus “pig” and spina “spine, prickle” — related to PORK, PORPOISE, SPINE; see Word History at PORPOISE]

porcupine fish n : any of several fish chiefly of tropical seas that have the body covered with spines and that can puff themselves up with air or water like a balloon when threatened

1pore \ˈpō(ə)r, ˈpȯ(ə)r\ vb pored; por·ing : to read with great attention : STUDY <pore over a book>

2pore n : a tiny opening or space (as in the skin or the soil)
— pored \ˈpō(ə)rd, ˈpȯ(ə)rd\ adj

por·gy \ˈpȯr-gē\ n, pl porgies also porgy : a blue-spotted silvery red food fish of the coasts of Europe and America; also : any of various other related or similar fishes

pork \ˈpō(ə)rk, ˈpȯ(ə)rk\ n
1 : the flesh of a pig used for food
2 : government funds, jobs, or favors distributed by politicians to gain political advantage [Middle English pork “meat from a pig,” from early French porc “pig,” from Latin porcus “pig” — related to PORCUPINE, PORPOISE; see Word History at PORPOISE]

pork barrel n : government projects that benefit people in a particular part of the country and that are done to help the political careers of elected officials

pork·er \ˈpōr-kər, ˈpȯr-\ n : HOG 1A; esp : a young pig fattened for use as fresh pork

por·nog·ra·phy \pȯr-ˈnäg-rə-fē\ n : pictures or writings describing sexual behavior and intended to cause sexual excitement
— por·no·graph·ic \ˌpȯr-nə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

po·ros·i·ty \pə-ˈräs-ət-ē, pōr-ˈäs-, pȯ-ˈräs-\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being porous

po·rous \ˈpōr-əs, ˈpȯr-\ adj
1 : full of pores
2 : capable of absorbing liquids

por·phy·ry \ˈpȯr-f(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a rock consisting of feldspar crystals set firmly in a compact dark red or purple base
— por·phy·rit·ic \ˌpȯr-fə-ˈrit-ik\ adj

por·poise \ˈpȯr-pəs\ n
1 : any of several small whales with teeth and blunt rounded snouts that live and travel in groups
2 : DOLPHIN 1A
Word History The porpoise is a swift and graceful swimmer. But both its name and pork, the English word for the meat of hogs, can be traced to Latin porcus, meaning “pig.” The porpoise's rounded face must have reminded ancient Romans of a pig's snout. They named the animal porcus marinus, meaning “pig of the sea.” In the Middle Ages this became porcopiscus, from Latin porcus “pig” and piscis “fish.” In early French the word was borrowed as porpeis. It is from the French that we derived our English word porpoise. [Middle English porpoys “porpoise,” from early French porpeis (same meaning), from Latin porcopiscis, literally, “pig fish,” from porcus “pig” and piscis “fish”; originally in Latin called porcus marinus, literally, “pig of the sea” — related to PORCUPINE, PORK]

por·ridge \ˈpȯr-ij, ˈpär-\ n : a soft food made by boiling meal or a vegetable in milk or water until it thickens

por·rin·ger \ˈpȯr-ən-jər, ˈpär-\ n : a low metal bowl or cup with a handle

1port \ˈpōrt, ˈpȯrt\ n
1 : a place where ships may take shelter from storms
2 : a harbor town or city where ships load or unload cargo
3 : AIRPORT [Middle English port “a place for ships to be secured,” from Old English port and early French port (both, same meaning), from Latin portus (same meaning)]

2port n
1 a : an opening (as in machinery) for gas, steam, or water to go in or out  b : a place of entry into a system
2 : PORTHOLE 1
3 : 1JACK 7 [Middle English porte “gate, an opening in the side of a ship for light or moving cargo in or out,” from early French porte “door, gate,” from Latin porta “passage, gate” — related to PORTAL]

3port vb : to turn (the helm of a ship) to the left — used chiefly as a command

4port n : the left side of a ship or aircraft looking forward [probably from {h,1}port “a place for ships to be secured” or {h,2}port “an opening in the side of a ship”; so called because early sailing vessels kept the left side toward the port because the steering mechanism was always on the right side — see Word History at STARBOARD]
— port adj

5port n : a rich sweet wine [Oporto, Portugal]

por·ta·ble \ˈpōrt-ə-bəl, ˈpȯrt-\ adj : possible to carry or move about <a portable computer> [Middle English portable “capable of being carried or moved about,” from early French portable (same meaning), from Latin portabilis (same meaning), from earlier portare “to carry” — related to PORTFOLIO, TRANSPORT]

1por·tage \ˈpōrt-ij, ˈpȯrt-; pȯr-ˈtäzh\ n
1 : the carrying of boats or goods overland from one body of water to another
2 : a route for such carrying

2portage vb por·taged; por·tag·ing : to go or carry over a portage

por·tal \ˈpōrt-əl, ˈpȯrt-\ n
1 : a large or imposing door or entrance
2 : a website serving as a guide or point of entry to the Internet [Middle English portal “door, the structure around a door,” from early French portal (same meaning), derived from Latin portalis (adjective) “of a gate,” from porta “gate, passage” — related to 2PORT]

portal vein n : a vein that carries blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver

port·cul·lis \pōrt-ˈkəl-əs, pȯrt-\ n : a heavy iron gate that can be lowered to prevent entrance (as to a castle)

por·tend \pȯr-ˈtend, pōr-\ vb : to give a sign or warning of beforehand

por·tent \ˈpȯ(ə)r-ˌtent, ˈpō(ə)r-\ n : a sign or warning of a coming event : OMEN

por·ten·tous \pȯr-ˈtent-əs, pōr-\ adj
1 : being a portent : THREATENING
2 : causing wonder
— por·ten·tous·ly adv

— por·ten·tous·ness n

1por·ter \ˈpōrt-ər, ˈpȯrt-\ n, chiefly British : DOORKEEPER

2porter n
1 : a person who carries baggage (as at a hotel)
2 : a railroad employee who waits on passengers
3 : a dark heavy ale

por·ter·house \ˈpōrt-ər-ˌhau̇s, ˈpȯrt-\ n : a beefsteak with a large piece of tenderloin on a T-shaped bone

port·fo·lio \pōrt-ˈfō-lē-ˌō, pȯrt-\ n, pl -lios
1 : a case for carrying papers or drawings
2 : the office and functions of a minister of state or member of a cabinet
3 : the stocks and bonds held by an investor or investment firm
4 : a set of pictures (as drawings or photographs) usually bound in book form or loose in a folder
5 : a selection of a student's work (as papers or art) collected over a period of time [an altered form of earlier porto folio “portfolio,” from Italian portafoglio (same meaning), from portare “to carry” and foglio “leaf, sheet”; portare from Latin portare “to carry” and foglio from Latin folium “leaf” — related to FOLIAGE, PORTABLE]

port·hole \ˈpōrt-ˌhōl, ˈpȯrt-\ n
1 : an opening in the side of a ship or aircraft
2 : an opening to shoot through

por·ti·co \ˈpōrt-i-ˌkō, ˈpȯrt-\ n, pl -coes or -cos : a row of columns supporting a roof at the entrance of a building

1por·tion \ˈpōr-shən, ˈpȯr-\ n
1 a : one's share of a whole <a portion of food>  b : DOWRY
2 : one's lot or fate
3 : a part of a whole  synonyms see PART

2portion vb por·tioned; por·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\ : APPORTION

port·land cement \ˌpōrt-lən(d)-, ˌpȯrt-\ n : a cement made of clay and limestone

port·ly \ˈpōrt-lē, ˈpȯrt-\ adj port·li·er; -est : heavy of body : STOUT
— port·li·ness n

port·man·teau \pōrt-ˈman-tō, pȯrt-\ n, pl -teaus or -teaux \-tōz\ : TRAVELING BAG

por·trait \ˈpōr-trət, ˈpȯr-, -ˌtrāt\ n
1 : a picture of a person usually showing the face
2 : a portrayal in words

por·tray \pōr-ˈtrā, pȯr-\ vb
1 : to make a portrait of
2 a : to describe in words  b : to play the role of
— por·tray·er n

por·tray·al \pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l, pȯr-\ n
1 : the act or process of portraying : REPRESENTATION
2 : PORTRAIT 1

Por·tu·guese \ˈpōr-chə-ˌgēz, ˈpȯr-, -ˌgēs; ˌpōr-chə-ˈgēz, ˌpȯr-, -ˈgēs\ n, pl Portuguese
1 : a person born or living in Portugal
2 : the language of Portugal and Brazil
— Portuguese adj

Portuguese man–of–war n, pl Portuguese man–of–wars also Portuguese men–of–war : any of several large colonial invertebrate animals that are hydrozoans and float on the surface of the sea by means of a large gas-filled structure like a bag and have long tentacles capable of delivering a painful sting

1pose \ˈpōz\ vb posed; pos·ing
1 a : to hold or cause to hold a special position of the body <posed for fashion photographers>  b : to pretend to be what one is not <pose as a soldier>
2 : to offer for consideration <posed a question>

2pose n
1 : a position of the body held for a special purpose
2 : a pretended attitude <my cheerfulness was a pose>

1pos·er \ˈpō-zər\ n : a puzzling or baffling question

2poser n : a person who poses

po·seur \pō-ˈzər\ n : a person who pretends to be what he or she is not

posh \ˈpäsh\ adj : ELEGANT 1, FASHIONABLE

posies plural of POSY

1po·si·tion \pə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 a : the manner in which something is placed or arranged  b : a certain arrangement of the body <exercise while in a sitting position>
2 : a stand taken on a question
3 : the point or area occupied by something
4 a : one's rank in an organization or in society  b : JOB 3 [Middle English posycion “position,” from early French posicioun (same meaning), from Latin positio “position,” from ponere “to put, place” — related to 1COMPOUND]
— po·si·tion·al \-ˈzish-(ə-)nəl\ adj

2position vb po·si·tioned; po·si·tion·ing \-ˈzish-(ə-)niŋ\ : to put in a certain position

1pos·i·tive \ˈpäz-ət-iv, ˈpäz-tiv\ adj
1 a : clearly or definitely stated <positive orders>  b : filled with confidence : CERTAIN <were positive we would win>
2 : of, relating to, or having the form of an adjective or adverb that shows no degree of comparison
3 a : having or showing real existence or activity <positive change in temperature>  b : having the light and dark areas the same as in the original subject <a positive photographic image>  c : being numerically greater than zero <+2 is a positive number>  d : reckoned or proceeding in a direction taken as that of increase or progress  e : directed or moving toward the source of a stimulus <a positive tropism>
4 a : of, being, or relating to electricity of which the proton is the smallest unit and which is produced in a glass rod rubbed with silk <a positive charge>  b : charged with positive electricity : having a deficiency of electrons <a positive particle>  c : being the part from which the current flows to the external circuit <the positive pole of a storage battery>  d : electron-collecting — used of an electrode in an electron tube
5 a : showing acceptance or approval <a positive answer to the question>  b : showing the presence especially of a condition, substance, or living thing suspected to be present <the test for tuberculosis was positive>
— pos·i·tive·ly \ˈpäz-ət-iv-lē, ˈpäz-tiv-lē, ˌpäz-ə-ˈtiv-lē\ adv

— pos·i·tive·ness n

2positive n : something positive: as  a : the positive degree or a positive form in a language  b : a positive photograph or a print from a negative

pos·i·tron \ˈpäz-ə-ˌträn\ n : a positively charged particle having the same mass and size of charge as the electron

pos·se \ˈpäs-ē\ n
1 : a group of people called upon by a sheriff for help (as in pursuit of a criminal)
2 : a number of people organized to make a search (as for a lost child)

pos·sess \pə-ˈzes\ vb
1 a : to have and hold as property : OWN  b : to have as a characteristic, knowledge, or skill <possesses a keen wit>
2 : to enter into and control firmly : DOMINATE <possessed by a demon> <whatever possessed you to do that>
— pos·sess·or \-ˈzes-ər\ n

pos·ses·sion \pə-ˈzesh-ən\ n
1 a : the act of possessing or holding as one's own : OWNERSHIP  b : control of property without regard to ownership
2 a : something held as one's own  b : an area under the control of but not actually part of a nation <island possessions of the U.S.>
3 : control by an idea or influence from outside oneself

1pos·ses·sive \pə-ˈzes-iv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a grammatical case that shows ownership or a similar relation
2 : showing the desire to possess or control <a possessive attitude>
— pos·ses·sive·ly adv

— pos·ses·sive·ness n

2possessive n
1 : the possessive case
2 : a noun or pronoun in the possessive case

pos·si·bil·i·ty \ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state or fact of being possible
2 : something possible

pos·si·ble \ˈpäs-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : being something that can be done or brought about <a task possible only to skilled workers>
2 : being something that may or may not occur <plan against possible dangers>
3 : able or fitted to be or to become <a possible site for a camp>

pos·si·bly \ˈpäs-ə-blē\ adv
1 : by possible means : by any possibility <that cannot possibly be true>
2 : PERHAPS <may possibly recover>

pos·sum \ˈpäs-əm\ n : OPOSSUM

1post \ˈpōst\ n
1 : a piece of timber or metal fixed upright especially as a support : PILLAR
2 : a pole or stake set up as a marker <the starting post>
3 : a metallic fixture attached to an electrical device (as a battery) for making connections [Old English post “an upright timber for support, pillar,” from Latin postis (same meaning)]

2post vb
1 a : to fix notices to or on a suitable place (as a bulletin board)  b : to publish or announce by or as if by a notice <posted the students' grades>
2 : to forbid persons from entering or using by putting up warning notices <post a trout stream>
3 : 2SCORE 1A <posted a 72 for the round>
4 : to publish (as a message) in an online forum

3post n
1 chiefly British : POSTAL SERVICE
2 chiefly British : the mail handled by the post
3 chiefly British : a single shipment of mail
4 : something (as a message) that is posted online [from early French poste “a relay station, one who carries messages,” from early Italian posta “relay station,” derived from porre (verb) “to place,” from Latin ponere “to place” — related to 5POST]

4post vb
1 : to ride or travel with haste : HURRY
2 : 2MAIL
3 : to transfer a bookkeeping item from a book of original entry to an account book
4 : to make familiar with a subject : INFORM

5post n
1 a : the place at which a soldier or guard is stationed  b : a station or task to which a person is assigned  c : a place to which troops are assigned : CAMP
2 : an office or position to which a person is appointed
3 : TRADING POST [from early French poste “place where soldiers are stationed,” from early Italian posto (same meaning), derived from porre (verb) “to place,” from Latin ponere “to place” — related to 3POST]

6post vb
1 : to station in a given place <post a guard>
2 : to give as a guarantee of payment <post a bond>

post- prefix
1 a : after : later <postdate>  b : behind
2 : following : later than <postscript> [derived from Latin post “after, later”]

post·age \ˈpō-stij\ n : the charge fixed by law for carrying an article by mail

postage stamp n : a government stamp used on mail to show that postage has been paid

post·al \ˈpōs-təl\ adj : of or relating to mail or to the post office

postal card n
1 : a blank card with a postage stamp printed on it
2 : POSTCARD 1

postal service n : a government department in charge of handling the mail

post·card \ˈpōs(t)-ˌkärd\ n
1 : a card on which a message may be sent by mail without an envelope
2 : POSTAL CARD 1

post·con·sum·er \ˌpōs(t)-kən-ˈsü-mər\ adj
1 : discarded by a consumer <postconsumer waste>
2 : having been used and recycled for reuse in another consumer product <postconsumer plastics>

post·date \(ˈ)pōs(t)-ˈdāt\ vb
1 : to assign a date to that is later than the actual or current date <postdate a check>
2 : to follow in time

post·er \ˈpō-stər\ n : a notice or advertisement for posting in a public place or for decorative or pictorial display

1pos·te·ri·or \pō-ˈstir-ē-ər, pä-\ adj
1 : later in time : SUBSEQUENT
2 : located behind or toward the back
— pos·te·ri·or·ly adv

2pos·te·ri·or \pä-ˈstir-ē-ər, pō-\ n : the hind end of the body; esp : BUTTOCK 2A

pos·ter·i·ty \pä-ˈster-ət-ē\ n
1 : the line of individuals descended from one ancestor
2 : all future generations

pos·tern \ˈpōs-tərn, ˈpäs-\ n
1 : a back door or gate
2 : a private or side entrance or way
— postern adj

post exchange n : a store at a military post that sells to people in or associated with the armed forces

1post·grad·u·ate \(ˈ)pōst-ˈgraj-(ə-)wət, -ə-ˌwāt\ adj : of, relating to, or engaged in formal studies after graduation : 2GRADUATE 2

2postgraduate n : a student continuing his or her education after graduation

post·haste \ˈpōst-ˈhāst\ adv : with great speed <sent posthaste for the doctor>

post·hole \ˈpōst-ˌhōl\ n : a hole sunk in the ground to hold a fence post

post·hu·mous \ˈpäs-chə-məs\ adj
1 : born after the death of the father <a posthumous son>
2 : published after the death of the author
3 : following or occurring after one's death <posthumous fame> <a posthumous award>
— post·hu·mous·ly adv

pos·til·ion or pos·til·lion \pō-ˈstil-yən, pə-\ n : a person who rides as a guide on the left-hand horse of a pair drawing a coach

post·lude \ˈpōst-ˌlüd\ n : a closing piece of music; esp : an organ piece at the end of a church service

post·man \ˈpōs(t)-mən, -ˌman\ n : LETTER CARRIER

post·mark \-ˌmärk\ n : a mark canceling the postage stamp on a piece of mail and giving the date and place of sending
— postmark vb

post·mas·ter \-ˌmas-tər\ n : a person in charge of a post office

postmaster general n, pl postmasters general : an official in charge of a national post office department or postal service

post me·ri·di·em \ˈpōs(t)-mə-ˈrid-ē-əm, -ē-ˌem\ adj : being after noon — abbreviation p.m.

post·mis·tress \ˈpōs(t)-ˌmis-trəs\ n : a woman in charge of a post office

1post·mor·tem \(ˈ)pōs(t)-ˈmȯrt-əm\ adj : done or occurring after death

2postmortem n
1 : AUTOPSY
2 : an analysis or discussion of an event after it is over

postmortem examination n : AUTOPSY

post·na·sal drip \ˈpōst-ˌnā-zəl\ n : a flow of mucus from the passages of the nose onto the back of the throat that occurs especially as a result of allergies

post·na·tal \(ˈ)pōs(t)-ˈnāt-əl\ adj : following birth; also : of or relating to a newborn child <postnatal care>

post office n
1 : POSTAL SERVICE
2 : a local branch of the postal service handling the mail for a particular place

post·paid \ˈpōs(t)-ˈpād\ adv : with postage paid by the sender

post·pone \pōs(t)-ˈpōn\ vb -poned; -pon·ing : to put off (as an action or event) until a later time <rain forced us to postpone the picnic>
— post·pone·ment \-mənt\ n

post road n : a road over which mail is carried

post·script \ˈpō(s)-ˌskript\ n : a note or series of notes added at the end of a letter, article, or book

1pos·tu·late \ˈpäs-chə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to claim as true : assume as a postulate <postulates that all people are created equal>

2pos·tu·late \ˈpäs-chə-lət, -ˌlāt\ n : a statement or claim assumed to be true especially as the basis of a process of reasoning

1pos·ture \ˈpäs-chər\ n
1 : the position of one part of the body with relation to other parts : the general way of holding the body
2 : a particular condition or state <a country's defense posture>
— pos·tur·al \-chə-rəl\ adj

2posture vb pos·tured; pos·tur·ing : to take a particular posture : POSE

post·war \ˈpōst-ˈwȯ(ə)r\ adj : of, relating to, or being a period after a war <postwar Europe>

po·sy \ˈpō-zē\ n, pl posies
1 : a bunch of flowers : BOUQUET
2 : 1FLOWER 1C

1pot \ˈpät\ n
1 a : a deep rounded container for household purposes <cooking pot>  b : the quantity held by a pot <a pot of tea>
2 : an enclosed trap for catching fish or lobsters
3 a : a large quantity or sum  b : the total of the bets at stake at one time
4 : 1RUIN 1 <business went to pot>

2pot vb pot·ted; pot·ting
1 : to preserve in a sealed pot, jar, or can
2 : to plant or grow in a pot

3pot n : MARIJUANA [perhaps from Mexican Spanish potiguaya “marijuana”]

po·ta·ble \ˈpōt-ə-bəl\ adj : suitable for drinking
— po·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌpōt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

pot·ash \ˈpät-ˌash\ n : potassium or a potassium compound

po·tas·si·um \pə-ˈtas-ē-əm\ n : a silver-white soft light metallic element that has a low melting point and occurs abundantly in nature especially combined in minerals — see ELEMENT TABLE

potassium chlorate \-ˈklō(ə)r-ˌāt, -ˈklȯ(ə)r-\ n : a salt used to supply oxygen for matches, fireworks, and explosives

potassium chloride n : a salt used as a fertilizer

potassium cyanide n : a very poisonous salt used especially to obtain gold and silver from ore

potassium dichromate \-(ˈ)dī-ˈkrō-ˌmāt, -ˈdī-krō-\ n : a salt that can be dissolved in water, forms large orange-red crystals, and is used especially in dyeing and photography

potassium hydroxide n : a white solid that dissolves in water to form a very alkaline liquid and is used especially in making soap

potassium nitrate n : a salt used in making gunpowder, as a fertilizer, and in medicine

potassium permanganate \-(ˌ)pər-ˈmaŋ-gə-ˌnāt\ n : a dark purple salt used especially as a disinfectant

potassium sulfate n : a white salt used especially as a fertilizer

po·ta·to \pə-ˈtāt-ō, pət-ˈāt-\ n, pl -toes
1 : SWEET POTATO 1
2 a : an erect South American herb widely cultivated for its thick starchy edible underground tubers  b : one of these edible tubers — called also Irish potato, spud, white potato

potato beetle n : COLORADO POTATO BEETLE

potato bug n : COLORADO POTATO BEETLE

potato chip n : a thin slice of potato fried in deep fat

potbellied pig n : any of an Asian breed of small pigs having a straight tail, potbelly, and black, white, or black and white coat

potbellied stove n : a stove with a rounded or bulging body — called also potbelly stove

pot·bel·ly \ˈpät-ˌbel-ē\ n
1 : an enlarged abdomen or one that bulges outward
2 : POTBELLIED STOVE
— pot·bel·lied \-ˈbel-ēd\ adj

po·ten·cy \ˈpōt-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies : the quality or state of being potent <vitamins of high potency>; esp : power to bring about a certain result

po·tent \ˈpōt-ənt\ adj
1 : having or wielding force, authority, or influence : POWERFUL <potent arguments for a strong defense>
2 a : very effective <potent medicine>  b : rich in a particular quality : STRONG <potent tea>
— po·tent·ly adv

po·ten·tate \ˈpōt-ən-ˌtāt\ n : a person who has controlling power : SOVEREIGN

1po·ten·tial \pə-ˈten-chəl\ adj : capable of becoming real : POSSIBLE <aware of the potential dangers in a scheme>
— po·ten·tial·ly \-ˈtench-(ə-)lē\ adv

2potential n
1 a : something that can develop or become actual : POSSIBILITY <a potential for injury>  b : 1PROMISE 3 <an invention with great potential>
2 a : the work required to move a single positive charge from a reference point (as at infinity) to a point in question  b : POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE

potential difference n : the difference in potential between two points that represents the work involved or the energy released in the transfer of a unit quantity of electricity from one point to the other

potential energy n : the amount of energy a thing (as a weight raised to a height or a coiled spring) has because of its position or because of the arrangement of its parts

po·ten·ti·al·i·ty \pə-ˌten-chē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the ability to develop or to come into existence
2 : 2POTENTIAL 1A

pot·ful \ˈpät-ˌfu̇l\ n : the quantity held by a pot

pot·head \ˈpät-ˌhed\ n : a person who frequently smokes marijuana

poth·er \ˈpäth-ər\ n : 1FUSS 1

pot·herb \ˈpät-ˌ(h)ərb\ n : an herb whose leaves or stems are boiled for use as greens; also : one (as mint) used to season food

pot holder n : a small cloth pad used for handling hot cooking utensils

pot·hole \ˈpät-ˌhōl\ n : a deep round hole (as in a road)

pot·hook \-ˌhu̇k\ n : an S-shaped hook for hanging pots over an open fire

po·tion \ˈpō-shən\ n : a mixture of liquids (as a medicine or poison) [Middle English pocioun “a mixture of liquids,” from early French poisun, pocioun (same meaning), from Latin potion-, potio “a drink, potion,” from potare “to drink” — related to POISON]

pot·luck \ˈpät-ˈlək\ n
1 a : a regular meal for which no special preparations have been made  b : a meal to which people bring food to share
2 : whatever is offered or available in given circumstances or at a given time

pot·pie \-ˈpī\ n : pastry-covered meat and vegetables cooked in a deep dish

pot·pour·ri \ˌpō-pu̇-ˈrē\ n
1 : a jar of flower petals and spices used for scent
2 : a miscellaneous collection : MEDLEY

pot roast n : a piece of meat (as beef) cooked by braising usually on top of the stove

pot·shot \ˈpät-ˌshät\ n
1 : a shot taken in a casual manner or at an easy target
2 : a critical remark made in a random manner

pot·tage \ˈpät-ij\ n : a thick soup of vegetables or vegetables and meat

potted past and past participle of POT

1pot·ter \ˈpät-ər\ n : one that makes pottery

2potter vb : 3PUTTER
— pot·ter·er n

potter's field n : a public burial place for the poor, unknown persons, and criminals

potter's wheel n : a horizontal disk revolving on a spindle and carrying the clay being shaped by a potter

pot·tery \ˈpät-ə-rē\ n, pl -ter·ies
1 : a place where clay articles (as pots and vases) are made
2 : the art of the potter : CERAMICS
3 : articles made from clay that is shaped while moist and hardened by heat

potting present participle of POT

pot·ty \ˈpät-ē\ n : TOILET 2B, BATHROOM

1pouch \ˈpau̇ch\ n
1 : a small bag that can be closed (as with a string) <tobacco pouch>
2 : a structure in the form of a bag; esp : one for carrying the young on the abdomen of a female marsupial (as a kangaroo or opossum)
— pouched \ˈpau̇cht\ adj

2pouch vb : to put or form into or as if into a pouch

poul·tice \ˈpōl-təs\ n : a soft usually heated mass that often contains medicine, is spread on cloth, and is applied especially to sores

poul·try \ˈpōl-trē\ n : domesticated birds kept for eggs or meat [Middle English pultrie “fowl raised for food,” from early French pulletrie (same meaning), from pulleter “one who raises poultry,” from pullet “chicken” — related to PULLET]

poul·try·man \-mən\ n : one who raises or deals in poultry

pounce \ˈpau̇n(t)s\ vb pounced; pounc·ing
1 : to swoop down on and seize something <a cat waiting to pounce>
2 : to make a sudden assault or approach <a clerk pounced on me immediately>
— pounce n

1pound \ˈpau̇nd\ n, pl pounds also pound
1 : any of various units of mass and weight; esp : a unit in general use among English-speaking peoples equal to 16 ounces (about 0.454 kilograms) — see MEASURE TABLE
2 a : the basic unit of money of the United Kingdom — called also pound sterling  b : any of several basic units of money (as of Egypt, Lebanon, or Syria)  c : a coin or bill representing one pound [Old English pund “pound weight,” from Latin pondo (same meaning)]

2pound n
1 : a public enclosure for stray animals <the dog pound>
2 : an enclosure within which fish or shellfish are caught or stored [Old English pund- “an enclosure for animals”]

3pound vb
1 : to crush to powder or pulp by beating
2 a : to strike heavily or again and again <pound the piano>  b : to produce by pounding <pound out a tune on the piano>  c : 1DRIVE 1B <pound a nail>
3 : to move heavily <the horses pounded along the lane> [Old English pūnian “to beat into a powder”]
— pound·er n

4pound n : an act or sound of pounding

pound cake n : a cake made with a large amount of butter and eggs

pour \ˈpō(ə)r, ˈpȯ(ə)r\ vb
1 : to flow or to cause to flow in a stream <pour the tea> <tears pouring down their cheeks>
2 : to let loose something without restraint <poured out my troubles to anyone who would listen>
3 : to rain very hard
— pour·er n

1pout \ˈpau̇t\ vb
1 : to show displeasure by pushing out the lips
2 : 1SULK

2pout n
1 : an act of pouting
2 pl : a state of bad humor

pov·er·ty \ˈpäv-ərt-ē\ n
1 : the state of being poor : lack of money or possessions : WANT
2 : a small supply : DEARTH <a poverty of information about the new disease>
3 : lack of fertility <poverty of the soil>

pov·er·ty–strick·en \-ˌstrik-ən\ adj : very poor : DESTITUTE

POW \ˌpē-ˌō-ˈdəb-əl-(ˌ)yü\ n : PRISONER OF WAR

1pow·der \ˈpau̇d-ər\ n
1 a : dry material made up of fine particles  b : something (as a food, medicine, or cosmetic) made in or changed to the form of a powder
2 : a solid explosive used in shooting or blasting

2powder vb
1 : to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder
2 : to crush to or become powder
— pow·der·er \-ər-ər\ n

powder blue n : a pale blue

powder horn n : a flask for carrying gunpowder; esp : one made of the horn of an ox or cow

pow·dery \ˈpau̇d-ə-rē\ adj
1 a : resembling or consisting of powder  b : easily made into a powder : CRUMBLY
2 : covered with or as if with powder : DUSTY

powdery mildew n : a fungus that is a parasite and produces a large number of powdery spores on the host; also : a plant disease caused by such a fungus

1pow·er \ˈpau̇(-ə)r\ n
1 a : possession of control, authority, or influence over others <a politician hungry for power>  b : one having such power; esp : an independent state <China is a major power in Asia>
2 : ability to act or do something <lose the power of speech>
3 a : physical might  b : mental strength
4 : the number of times as indicated by an exponent a number occurs as a factor in a product; also : the product obtained by raising a number to a power <10^3, or 10·10·10, is the 3rd power of 10>
5 a : force or energy that is or can be applied to work <electric power>  b : the time rate at which work is done or energy given off or transferred
6 : MAGNIFICATION 2B
synonyms POWER, ENERGY, STRENGTH, mean the ability to put out effort or force. POWER applies to the ability to act, whether only possible or actually used <the king had the power to coin money>. ENERGY applies to stored-up power that can be used to do work <the sun could be a great source of new energy for us>. STRENGTH applies to that quality which gives a person or thing the ability to put out force or to oppose another's force or attack <test the strength of this rope>.

2power adj : relating to, supplying, or using power <a power drill> <power failure>

3power vb : to supply with power

pow·er·boat \ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˈbōt\ n : MOTORBOAT

power dive n : a dive of an airplane accelerated by the power of the engine
— power–dive vb

pow·er·ful \ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl\ adj : full of or having power or influence : STRONG, EFFECTIVE
— pow·er·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

pow·er·house \ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : POWER PLANT
2 : a person or thing having unusual strength or energy

pow·er·less \ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ləs\ adj
1 : lacking power, force, or energy
2 : lacking authority to act
— pow·er·less·ly adv

— pow·er·less·ness n

power plant n : a building in which electric power is generated

power station n : POWER PLANT

power strip n : an electrical device that converts a single power outlet into several outlets

power up vb : to cause to operate <power up the computer>

pow·wow \ˈpau̇-ˌwau̇\ n
1 : an American Indian ceremony or social gathering
2 : a meeting for discussion
— powwow vb

pox \ˈpäks\ n : a disease (as chicken pox) that is caused by a virus and produces a rash on the skin

PR \ˈpē-ˈär\ n : PUBLIC RELATIONS

prac·ti·ca·ble \ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being done, put into practice, or accomplished : FEASIBLE <a practicable plan>
2 : USABLE <a practicable weapon>
— prac·ti·ca·bil·i·ty \ˌprak-ti-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

prac·ti·cal \ˈprak-ti-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to action and practice rather than ideas or thought <for practical purposes>
2 : being such in practice or effect : VIRTUAL <a practical failure>
3 : capable of being put to use or account : USEFUL <a practical knowledge of farming>
4 : good at putting ideas or plans into action <a practical mind>
— prac·ti·cal·i·ty \ˌprak-ti-ˈkal-ət-ē\ n

practical joke n : a joke involving something that is done rather than said; esp : a trick played on a person
— practical joker n

prac·ti·cal·ly \ˈprak-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv
1 : in a practical manner <talked practically about the problem>
2 : ALMOST, NEARLY <practically everyone went to the game>

practical nurse n : a nurse who cares for the sick professionally without having the training or experience required of a registered nurse; esp : LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

1prac·tice also prac·tise \ˈprak-təs\ vb prac·ticed or prac·tised; prac·tic·ing or prac·tis·ing
1 : to perform or work at over and over so as to become skilled <practice juggling>
2 : CARRY OUT, APPLY <practice what you preach>
3 : to do or perform often or usually <practice politeness>
4 : to engage in or work at as a profession <practice medicine>
— prac·tic·er n

2practice also practise n
1 a : actual performance or application  b : a repeated or usual action <it was our practice to rise early>  c : the usual way of doing something <local practice>
2 a : action done over and over in order to acquire skill <practice makes perfect>  b : the condition of being skilled through practice <get in practice>
3 a : continuous work in a profession <the practice of law>  b : a professional business <the doctor has expanded her practice>  synonyms see HABIT

prac·ticed or prac·tised \ˈprak-təst\ adj
1 : EXPERIENCED, SKILLED <a practiced chef>
2 : learned by practice

prac·ti·tio·ner \prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər\ n : a person who practices a profession and especially law or medicine

prae·tor \ˈprēt-ər\ n : an ancient Roman official ranking below a consul and acting as a judge

1prae·to·ri·an \prē-ˈtōr-ē-ən, -ˈtȯr-\ adj
1 : of or relating to a Roman praetor
2 often cap : of, relating to, or being the bodyguard of a Roman emperor <the praetorian guard>

2praetorian n, often cap : a member of the praetorian guard

prag·mat·ic \prag-ˈmat-ik\ also prag·mat·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj : concerned with practical rather than intellectual or artistic matters
— prag·mat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

prag·ma·tism \ˈprag-mə-ˌtiz-əm\ n
1 : a practical approach to problems and affairs
2 : a doctrine that truth is to be tested by the practical effects of belief
— prag·ma·tist \-mət-əst\ adj or n

prai·rie \ˈpre(ə)r-ē\ n : a large area of level or rolling grassland

prairie chicken n : a grouse of the prairies of the central U.S. with the males having a patch of bare skin on either side of the neck which is inflated with air during courtship displays

prairie dog n : a black-tailed buff or grayish rodent of central and western U.S. prairies that is related to the squirrels and usually lives in colonies with many burrows

prairie schooner n : a long covered wagon used by pioneers to cross the prairies

praise \ˈprāz\ vb praised; prais·ing
1 : to express approval of : COMMEND
2 : to glorify (a god or a saint) especially in song [Middle English preisen “to praise,” from early French preisier, priser “to praise, prize,” from Latin pretiare “to prize,” from earlier pretium (noun) “price, money” — related to PRICE]
— praise n

praise·wor·thy \-ˌwər-thē\ adj : worthy of praise

pra·line \ˈprä-ˌlēn, ˈprā-\ n : a candy of nuts in boiled brown sugar or maple sugar

prance \ˈpran(t)s\ vb pranced; pranc·ing
1 : to rise up or move about on the hind legs
2 : to ride on a prancing horse
3 : to walk or move about in a lively and proud manner : STRUT
— prance n

— pranc·er \ˈpran(t)-sər\ n

prank \ˈpraŋk\ n : a playful or mischievous act : TRICK
— prank·ish \ˈpraŋ-kish\ adj

— prank·ish·ness n

prank·ster \ˈpraŋ(k)-stər\ n : a player of pranks

pra·seo·dym·i·um \ˌprā-zē-ō-ˈdim-ē-əm\ n : a yellowish white metallic element used especially in alloys and in coloring glass greenish yellow — see ELEMENT TABLE

prate \ˈprāt\ vb prat·ed; prat·ing : to talk at great length but with little meaning : CHATTER
— prate n

prat·fall \ˈprat-ˌfȯl\ n : a fall on the backside

prat·tle \ˈprat-əl\ vb prat·tled; prat·tling \-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : PRATE
2 : 1BABBLE 1A
— prattle n

— prat·tler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

prawn \ˈprȯn, ˈprän\ n
1 : any of numerous widespread edible crustaceans that resemble shrimps
2 : 1SHRIMP 1; esp : a large shrimp

pray \ˈprā\ vb
1 : to ask earnestly : BEG <I pray you, tell me where they went>
2 : to address God with adoration, confession, pleading, or thanksgiving

prayer \ˈpra(ə)r, ˈpre(ə)r\ n
1 : the act or practice of praying to God <a moment of silent prayer>
2 a : a set of words addressed to God <a prayer of thanksgiving>  b : an earnest request or wish : PLEA
3 : a religious practice consisting chiefly of prayers <had regular family prayers>

prayer·ful \ˈpra(ə)r-fəl, ˈpre(ə)r-\ adj
1 : given to or marked by prayer : DEVOUT
2 : 2EARNEST 1
— prayer·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

praying mantis n : MANTIS; esp : a European mantis that is now found in the U.S.

pre- prefix
1 a : earlier than : before <prehistoric>  b : in preparation for : required for <premedical>
2 : in advance : beforehand <prepay>
3 : in front of : front <premolar> [Latin prae- “before,” from Latin prae “in front of, before”]

preach \ˈprēch\ vb
1 a : to deliver a sermon : utter publicly  b : to set forth in a sermon <preach the gospel>
2 : to urge publicly : ADVOCATE <preach brotherhood>

preach·er \ˈprē-chər\ n : one that preaches; esp : 1MINISTER 1B

pre·am·ble \ˈprē-ˌam-bəl, prē-ˈam-\ n
1 : an introduction (as to a law) that often gives the reasons for the parts that follow
2 : something that comes before and leads to something else

pre·ar·range \ˌprē-ə-ˈrānj\ vb : to arrange beforehand
— pre·ar·range·ment \-mənt\ n

Pre·cam·bri·an \(ˈ)prē-ˈkam-brē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or being the earliest era of geological history extending to the beginning of the Phanerozoic eon about 544,000,000 years ago; also : relating to the rocks formed during this time — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Precambrian n

pre·car·i·ous \pri-ˈkar-ē-əs, -ˈker-\ adj
1 : depending on unknown conditions or chance events
2 : dangerously lacking in security or steadiness <precarious health>
— pre·car·i·ous·ly adv

— pre·car·i·ous·ness n

pre·cau·tion \pri-ˈkȯ-shən\ n
1 : care taken in advance : FORESIGHT
2 : a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or to bring about a good result <take precautions against fire>
— pre·cau·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj

pre·cede \pri-ˈsēd\ vb pre·ced·ed; pre·ced·ing : to be, go, or come before (as in rank, position, or time)

pre·ce·dence \ˈpres-əd-ən(t)s, pri-ˈsēd-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act or fact of preceding (as in time)
2 : consideration based on order of importance : PRIORITY <your safety takes precedence>

1pre·ce·dent \pri-ˈsēd-ənt, ˈpres-əd-ənt\ adj : going before in time, order, arrangement, or importance

2prec·e·dent \ˈpres-əd-ənt\ n
1 : an earlier occurrence of something similar
2 : something that may serve as an example or rule to be followed in the future

pre·ced·ing \pri-ˈsēd-iŋ\ adj : going before : PREVIOUS

pre·cept \ˈprē-ˌsept\ n : a command or principle intended as a general rule of action

pre·cep·tor \pri-ˈsep-tər, ˈprē-ˌsep-\ n
1 : TEACHER, TUTOR
2 : the principal of a school

pre·ces·sion \prē-ˈsesh-ən\ n : a comparatively slow circling of the rotation axis of a spinning body about another line intersecting it
— pre·cess \prē-ˈses, ˈprē-ˌses\ vb

pre·cinct \ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t\ n
1 : an administrative district especially of a town or city <a police precinct> <an electoral precinct>
2 : a surrounding or enclosed area <within the precincts of the college>

pre·cious \ˈpresh-əs\ adj
1 : of great value or high price <diamonds and other precious stones>
2 : greatly loved : DEAR <precious memories> [Middle English precious “of great value,” from early French precios (same meaning), from Latin pretiosus (same meaning), from pretium “price, money” — related to PRICE]
— pre·cious·ly adv

— pre·cious·ness n

prec·i·pice \ˈpres-(ə-)pəs\ n : a very steep and high face of a rock or mountain

1pre·cip·i·tate \pri-ˈsip-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 a : to throw violently : HURL  b : to fall headlong
2 : to bring about suddenly <an event that precipitated war>
3 a : to separate or cause to separate from solution or suspension  b : to change from a vapor to a liquid or solid and fall as rain or snow
— pre·cip·i·ta·tor \-ˌtāt-ər\ n

2pre·cip·i·tate \pri-ˈsip-ət-ət, -ə-ˌtāt\ n : a usually solid substance separated from a solution or suspension by chemical or physical change

3pre·cip·i·tate \pri-ˈsip-ət-ət\ adj : HASTY 2 <a precipitate attack>
— pre·cip·i·tate·ly adv

pre·cip·i·ta·tion \pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : unwise haste
2 : the process of precipitating or of forming a precipitate
3 : water or the amount of water that falls to the earth as hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow

pre·cip·i·tous \pri-ˈsip-ət-əs\ adj
1 : showing unwise and unnecessary haste : RASH <a precipitous act>
2 : steep like a precipice <a precipitous slope>  synonyms see STEEP
— pre·cip·i·tous·ly adv

— pre·cip·i·tous·ness n

pré·cis \prā-ˈsē, ˈprā-sē\ n, pl pré·cis \-ˈsēz, -sēz\ : a brief summary of the essential points of something

pre·cise \pri-ˈsīs\ adj
1 : exactly or sharply explained or stated
2 : very exact <precise scales> <the precise time>
3 : agreeing exactly with a rule or standard  synonyms see CORRECT
— pre·cise·ly adv

— pre·cise·ness n

1pre·ci·sion \pri-ˈsizh-ən\ n : the quality or state of being precise : EXACTNESS, ACCURACY

2precision adj
1 : designed for very accurate measurement or operation <a precision gauge>
2 : marked by precision <precision drilling>

pre·clude \pri-ˈklüd\ vb pre·clud·ed; pre·clud·ing : to make impossible beforehand : PREVENT <the injury precluded the possibility of a career in sports>

pre·co·cious \pri-ˈkō-shəs\ adj : showing the qualities or abilities of an adult at an unusually early age <a precocious child>
— pre·co·cious·ly adv

— pre·co·cious·ness n

— pre·coc·i·ty \pri-ˈkäs-ət-ē\ n
Word History The process of growing from a child to an adult is sometimes thought of as being like the slow ripening of fruit. That was the image which gave us the word precocious. Like many English words, precocious comes from Latin. The Latin prefix prae-, meaning “ahead of, before,” and the verb coquere, meaning “to ripen, cook,” were combined to form the adjective praecoc-, praecox, which meant “ripening early or before its time.” The Latin word was first used to describe certain plants and fruits. In time it also came to refer to other things that mature before their usual time. [from Latin praecoc-, praecox “ripening early, ripening before its time,” from prae- “ahead of, before” and coquere “to ripen, cook”]

pre·con·ceive \ˌprē-kən-ˈsēv\ vb : to form (an opinion or idea) beforehand <preconceived notions about foreign lands>
— pre·con·cep·tion \-ˈsep-shən\ n

pre·cook \(ˈ)prē-ˈku̇k\ vb : to cook partially or entirely before final cooking or reheating

pre·cur·sor \pri-ˈkər-sər, ˈprē-ˌkər-\ n
1 : PREDECESSOR
2 : a substance or cell from which another substance or cell is formed

pre·da·ceous or pre·da·cious \pri-ˈdā-shəs\ adj : living by preying on others : PREDATORY 2

pre·date \(ˈ)prē-ˈdāt\ vb : ANTEDATE 1

pre·da·tion \pri-ˈdā-shən\ n : a way of life in which food is obtained mostly by killing and eating animals

pred·a·tor \ˈpred-ət-ər, -ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r\ n : an animal that obtains food mostly by killing and eating other animals

pred·a·to·ry \ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or marked by robbing or using others for personal gain <predatory raids>
2 : living by predation <predatory animals>

pre·de·ces·sor \ˈpred-ə-ˌses-ər, ˈprēd-\ n : one that precedes; esp : a person who has held a position or office before another [Middle English predecessour “predecessor,” from early French predecesseur (same meaning), from Latin praedecessor “one that goes before,” from prae- “before, pre-,” and decessor “retiring governor,” from decedere “to depart,” from de- “from” and cedere “to go, go away” — related to ANCESTOR, CONCEDE]

pre·des·ti·na·tion \(ˌ)prē-ˌdes-tə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 a : the act of predestining  b : the state of being predestined
2 : the doctrine that God has predestined some persons to eternal happiness and others to eternal punishment

pre·des·tine \(ˈ)prē-ˈdes-tən\ vb : to decide beforehand especially by divine command

pre·de·ter·mine \ˌprēd-i-ˈtər-mən\ vb
1 : PREDESTINE
2 : to decide or settle beforehand <meet at a predetermined place>
— pre·de·ter·mi·na·tion \-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n

pre·dic·a·ment \pri-ˈdik-ə-mənt\ n : a difficult, puzzling, or trying situation : FIX

1pred·i·cate \ˈpred-i-kət\ n : the part of a sentence or clause that expresses what is said about the subject <“threw the ball” in “the child threw the ball” is the predicate>
— pred·i·ca·tive \ˈpred-i-kət-iv, ˈpred-ə-ˌkāt-\ adj

2pred·i·cate \ˈpred-ə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : 2BASE 2 <your theory is predicated on the belief that ghosts exist>
— pred·i·ca·tion \ˌpred-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n

3pred·i·cate \ˈpred-i-kət\ adj : belonging to the predicate; esp : completing the meaning of a linking verb <hot in “the sun is hot” is a predicate adjective> — compare ATTRIBUTIVE

pre·dict \pri-ˈdikt\ vb : to declare in advance : foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or reasoning [from Latin praedictus, past participle of praedicere “to predict, tell ahead of time,” from prae- “pre-, earlier than, before” and dicere “to say” — related to DICTATE]  synonyms see FORETELL
— pre·dict·able \-ˈdik-tə-bəl\ adj

— pre·dict·ably \-blē\ adv

pre·dic·tion \pri-ˈdik-shən\ n
1 : an act of predicting
2 : something predicted : FORECAST <a prediction that there would be an earthquake>
— pre·dic·tive \-ˈdik-tiv\ adj

pre·di·lec·tion \ˌpred-əl-ˈek-shən, ˌprēd-\ n : a natural liking for something <a predilection for adventure stories>

pre·dis·pose \ˌprēd-is-ˈpōz\ vb : to dispose in advance : make susceptible : INCLINE
— pre·dis·po·si·tion \ˌprē-ˌdis-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n

pre·dom·i·nance \pri-ˈdäm-ə-nən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being predominant

pre·dom·i·nant \pri-ˈdäm-ə-nənt\ adj : greater in importance, strength, influence, or authority : PREVAILING <the predominant color in a painting>
— pre·dom·i·nant·ly adv

pre·dom·i·nate \pri-ˈdäm-ə-ˌnāt\ vb
1 : to be predominant : PREVAIL
2 : to go beyond others in number or quantity <cottages predominated>
— pre·dom·i·na·tion \-ˌdäm-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

pre·em·i·nence \prē-ˈem-ə-nən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being preeminent

pre·em·i·nent \prē-ˈem-ə-nənt\ adj : having supreme rank, dignity, or importance : OUTSTANDING
— pre·em·i·nent·ly adv

pre·empt \prē-ˈem(p)t\ vb
1 a : to settle upon (as public land) with the right to purchase before others  b : to take by such a right
2 : to take before someone else can : APPROPRIATE <preempt a seat at the stadium>
3 : to take the place of <the president's speech preempted the regular program>
— pre·emp·tion \-ˈem(p)-shən\ n

— pre·emp·tive \-ˈem(p)-tiv\ adj

— pre·emp·tor \-tər\ n

preen \ˈprēn\ vb
1 : to groom with the bill <a bird preening its feathers>
2 : to make one's appearance neat and tidy <preened in front of the mirror>

pre·ex·ist \ˌprē-ig-ˈzist\ vb : to exist before something else

pre·ex·is·tence \ˌprē-ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s\ n : existence in a former state or before something else; esp : existence of the soul before its union with the body
— pre·ex·is·tent \-tənt\ adj

pre·fab \(ˈ)prē-ˈfab, ˈprē-ˌfab\ n : a prefabricated structure

pre·fab·ri·cate \(ˈ)prē-ˈfab-ri-ˌkāt\ vb : to manufacture the parts of something beforehand so that it can be built by putting the parts together
— pre·fab·ri·ca·tion \ˌprē-ˌfab-ri-ˈkā-shən\ n

1pref·ace \ˈpref-əs\ n : a section that introduces a book or a speech

2preface vb pref·aced; pref·ac·ing : to introduce by or begin with a preface <prefaced the talk with a funny story>

pre·fect \ˈprē-ˌfekt\ n
1 : a high official or judge (as of ancient Rome or France)
2 : a student assistant in some schools

pre·fec·ture \ˈprē-ˌfek-chər\ n
1 : the office or term of office of a prefect
2 : the district governed by a prefect
— pre·fec·tur·al \prē-ˈfek-chə-rəl\ adj

pre·fer \pri-ˈfər\ vb pre·ferred; pre·fer·ring
1 : to choose or like better than another <prefer dark clothes>
2 : to present for action or consideration <prefer charges against a thief>

pref·er·a·ble \ˈpref-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈpref-ər-bəl\ adj : worthy to be preferred : more desirable
— pref·er·a·bil·i·ty \ˌpref-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— pref·er·a·bly \ˈpref-(ə-)rə-blē, ˈpref-ər-\ adv

pref·er·ence \ˈpref-ərn(t)s, ˈpref-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 a : the act of preferring  b : the state of being preferred
2 : the power or opportunity of choosing <gave him his preference>
3 : one that is preferred : FAVORITE <my preference is soul music>
4 : the act of giving advantages to some over others <show preference in giving out jobs>

pref·er·en·tial \ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to preference
2 : showing preference <preferential treatment>
3 : creating or using preference in trading
4 : permitting the showing of order of preference (as of candidates in an election) <a preferential ballot>
— pref·er·en·tial·ly \-ˈrench-(ə-)lē\ adv

pre·fer·ment \pri-ˈfər-mənt\ n
1 : advancement or promotion in dignity, office, or rank
2 : a position or office of honor or importance

pre·fig·ure \(ˈ)prē-ˈfig-yər, especially British -ˈfig-ər\ vb
1 : to show, suggest, or announce by an earlier type, image, or likeness <the first crocus prefigures the arrival of spring>
2 : to picture or imagine beforehand <prefigure the outcome of the game>
— pre·fig·u·ra·tion \(ˌ)prē-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— pre·fig·ure·ment \(ˈ)prē-ˈfig-yər-mənt, especially British -ˈfig-ər-\ n

1pre·fix \ˈprē-ˌfiks, prē-ˈfiks\ vb : to place in front; esp : to add as a prefix <prefix a syllable to a word>

2pre·fix \ˈprē-ˌfiks\ n : a letter or group of letters that comes at the beginning of a word and has a meaning of its own

preg·nan·cy \ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē\ n, pl -cies : the condition of being pregnant : GESTATION

preg·nant \ˈpreg-nənt\ adj
1 : containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body
2 : full of meaning <a pregnant pause>
— preg·nant·ly adv

pre·heat \(ˈ)prē-ˈhēt\ vb : to heat beforehand <preheat the oven to 400 degrees>

pre·hen·sile \prē-ˈhen(t)-səl\ adj : capable of grasping especially by wrapping around <a prehensile tail>

pre–His·pan·ic \ˌprē-(h)i-ˈspan-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being the time prior to Spanish conquests in the western hemisphere

pre·his·tor·ic \ˌprē-(h)is-ˈtȯr-ik, -ˈtär-\ adj : of, relating to, or existing in times before written history <prehistoric animals>
— pre·his·tor·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pre·his·to·ry \(ˈ)prē-ˈhis-t(ə-)rē\ n : the study of prehistoric man
— pre·his·to·ri·an \ˌprē-(h)is-ˈtōr-ē-ən, -ˈtȯr-\ n

pre·judge \(ˈ)prē-ˈjəj\ vb : to judge before receiving all or enough of the facts
— pre·judg·ment \-ˈjəj-mənt\ n

1prej·u·dice \ˈprej-əd-əs\ n
1 : injury or damage to a case at law or to one's rights
2 a : a favoring or dislike of something without good reason  b : unfriendly feelings directed against an individual, a group, or a race [Middle English prejudice “injury from a judgment, an opinion formed before knowing the facts,” from early French prejudice (same meaning), from Latin praejudicium “previous judgment,” from prae- “pre-, before” and judicium “judgment,” from judic-, judex “judge,” from jus “right, law” and dicere “to say” — related to JUDGE, JUST]

2prejudice vb -diced; -dic·ing
1 : to cause damage to (as a case at law) <newspaper stories prejudiced the murder case>
2 : to cause to have prejudice : BIAS <the incident prejudiced them against that company>

prej·u·di·cial \ˌprej-ə-ˈdish-əl\ adj : tending to cause damage : DETRIMENTAL

prel·ate \ˈprel-ət\ n : a high-ranking member of the clergy (as a bishop)

1pre·lim·i·nary \pri-ˈlim-ə-ˌner-ē\ n, pl -nar·ies : something preliminary

2preliminary adj : coming before the main part or item : INTRODUCTORY
— pre·lim·i·nar·i·ly \-ˌlim-ə-ˈner-ə-lē\ adv

pre·lit·er·ate \(ˈ)prē-ˈlit-ə-rət, -ˈli-trət\ adj : existing before or lacking the use of writing <preliterate societies>

1pre·lude \ˈprel-ˌ(y)üd, ˈprā-ˌl(y)üd\ n
1 : something that comes before and prepares for the main or more important parts <the wind was a prelude to the storm>
2 a : a short musical introduction (as to an opera)  b : a musical piece (as an organ solo) played at the beginning of a church service

2prelude vb pre·lud·ed; pre·lud·ing : to give, play, or serve as a prelude

pre·ma·ture \ˌprē-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r, -ˈchu̇(ə)r\ adj : happening, coming, existing, or done before the proper or usual time; esp : born after a period of pregnancy of less than 37 weeks <premature babies>
— pre·ma·ture·ly adv

— pre·ma·tu·ri·ty \-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē, -ˈchu̇r-\ n

pre·med·i·cal \(ˈ)prē-ˈmed-i-kəl\ adj : coming before and preparing for the study of medicine

pre·med·i·tate \pri-ˈmed-ə-ˌtāt, ˈprē-\ vb : to think about and plan beforehand <premeditated murder>
— pre·med·i·ta·tion \pri-ˌmed-ə-ˈtā-shən, ˌprē-\ n

pre·men·stru·al \(ˈ)prē-ˈmen(t)-strə-wəl\ adj : of, relating to, occurring in, or being the time period just preceding menstruation <premenstrual symptoms>

premenstrual syndrome n : a varying group of symptoms experienced by some women prior to menstruation that may include irritability, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, headache, and abdominal pain — called also PMS

1pre·mier \pri-ˈm(y)i(ə)r; ˈprē-mē-ər, ˈprem-ē-\ adj
1 : first in position, rank, or importance : PRINCIPAL
2 : first in time : EARLIEST

2premier n : the chief minister of government : PRIME MINISTER
— pre·mier·ship \-ˌship\ n

1pre·miere \pri-ˈmye(ə)r, -ˈmi(ə)r\ n : a first performance or showing <premiere of a play>

2premiere adj : PREMIER

1prem·ise \ˈprem-əs\ n
1 : a statement taken to be true and used as a basis for argument or reasoning
2 pl  a : a piece of land with the buildings on it  b : a building or part of a building usually with its grounds

2pre·mise \ˈprem-əs, pri-ˈmīz\ vb pre·mised; pre·mis·ing : to base on certain assumptions <a conclusion premised on stereotypes>

1pre·mi·um \ˈprē-mē-əm\ n
1 a : a reward for an act  b : a sum over and above a regular or stated price  c : something given free or at a lower price with the purchase of a product or service
2 : the amount paid for a contract of insurance
3 : a high or extra value <put a premium on accuracy> [Latin praemium “booty, profit, reward,” from prae- “before” + emere “to take, buy”]

2premium adj : of high quality, value, or price

pre·mix \prē-ˈmiks, ˈpre-\ vb : to mix before use

1pre·mo·lar \(ˈ)prē-ˈmō-lər\ adj : located in front of the molar teeth; also : being or relating to the premolars

2premolar n : any of the double-pointed grinding teeth which are located between the canines and the true molars and of which there are two on each side of each jaw

pre·mo·ni·tion \ˌprē-mə-ˈnish-ən, ˌprem-ə-\ n : a feeling that something is going to happen <a premonition of disaster>
— pre·mon·i·to·ry \pri-ˈmän-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

pre·na·tal \(ˈ)prē-ˈnāt-əl\ adj : occurring or existing before birth <prenatal care> <prenatal development>

pre·oc·cu·pied \(ˈ)prē-ˈäk-yə-ˌpīd\ adj
1 : lost in thought : ENGROSSED
2 : already occupied

pre·oc·cu·py \(ˈ)prē-ˈäk-yə-ˌpī\ vb
1 : to hold the attention of beforehand
2 : to take possession of before another
— pre·oc·cu·pa·tion \(ˌ)prē-ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shən\ n

pre·or·dain \ˌprē-ȯr-ˈdān\ vb : FOREORDAIN
— pre·or·di·na·tion \(ˌ)prē-ˌȯrd-ən-ˈā-shən\ n

pre·pack·age \(ˈ)prē-ˈpak-ij\ vb : to package (as food) before offering for sale

prep·a·ra·tion \ˌprep-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the action or process of making ready in advance
2 : a state of being prepared : READINESS
3 : an act or measure that prepares <busy with preparations for the picnic>
4 : something prepared <a medicinal preparation>

pre·pa·ra·to·ry \pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : preparing or serving to prepare for something : INTRODUCTORY

preparatory school n
1 : a usually private school preparing students primarily for college
2 British : a private elementary school preparing students primarily for public schools

pre·pare \pri-ˈpa(ə)r, -ˈpe(ə)r\ vb pre·pared; pre·par·ing
1 : to make ready beforehand <prepared us for the news> <prepare for a test>
2 : to put together the elements of : COMPOUND <prepare a prescription>
— pre·par·er n

pre·pared \pri-ˈpa(ə)rd, -ˈpe(ə)rd\ adj : treated with a special process : given a special treatment

pre·pared·ness \pri-ˈpar-əd-nəs, -ˈper- also -ˈpa(ə)rd-nəs or -ˈpe(ə)rd-\ n : the quality or state of being prepared; esp : a state of readiness for war

pre·pay \(ˈ)prē-ˈpā\ vb pre·paid \-ˈpād\; pre·pay·ing : to pay or pay for in advance
— pre·pay·ment \-ˈpā-mənt\ n

pre·pon·der·ance \pri-ˈpän-d(ə-)rən(t)s\ n : a greater quantity, number, weight, or importance <the preponderance of evidence suggests that the accused is guilty>

pre·pon·der·ant \pri-ˈpän-d(ə-)rənt\ adj
1 : having greater weight, force, or influence : PREDOMINANT
2 : having greater frequency
— pre·pon·der·ant·ly adv

prep·o·si·tion \ˌprep-ə-ˈzish-ən\ n : a word or group of words that combines with a noun or pronoun to form a phrase that usually acts as an adverb, adjective, or noun <“with” in “the house with the red door” is a preposition>
— prep·o·si·tion·al \-ˈzish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

pre·pos·sess \ˌprē-pə-ˈzes\ vb
1 : PREOCCUPY 1
2 : to influence beforehand especially so as to win approval

pre·pos·sess·ing adj : creating a good impression : ATTRACTIVE <a prepossessing appearance>

pre·pos·ses·sion \ˌprē-pə-ˈzesh-ən\ n
1 : an attitude, belief, or impression formed beforehand : PREJUDICE
2 : great concern with just one idea or object

pre·pos·ter·ous \pri-ˈpäs-t(ə-)rəs\ adj : making little or no sense : ABSURD
— pre·pos·ter·ous·ly adv

— pre·pos·ter·ous·ness n
Word History The familiar expression “putting the cart before the horse” comes very close to the literal sense of the word preposterous. The Romans formed their Latin adjective praeposterus from prae-, meaning “before,” and posterus, meaning “following.” They at first used it to mean “having that first which ought to be last,” like having a cart ahead of the horse that is pulling it. Praeposterus was used to describe something that was out of the normal or logical order or position. From this developed the more general sense of “ridiculous, absurd.” These meanings were borrowed into English in the 16th century. Although preposterous is seldom used in its literal sense nowadays, we still use it to describe something that seems so unreasonable as to be ridiculous. [from Latin praeposterus, literally, “having the rear part in front,” from prae- “in front, before” and posterus “coming behind, following”]

prep school n : PREPARATORY SCHOOL

pre·puce \ˈprē-ˌpyüs\ n : FORESKIN

pre·re·cord·ed \ˌprē-ri-ˈkȯ(ə)rd-əd\ adj : recorded in advance of presentation or use <a prerecorded television program>

pre·reg·is·tra·tion \ˌprē-ˌrej-ə-ˈstrā-shən\ n : a special registration prior to an official registration period <preregistration for spring semester courses>; also : a registration prior to an event, activity, or program <preregistration for basketball was held last month>

pre·req·ui·site \(ˈ)prē-ˈrek-wə-zət\ n : something required beforehand or necessary as preparation for something else <the course is a prerequisite for advanced study>
— prerequisite adj

pre·rog·a·tive \pri-ˈräg-ət-iv\ n : a special right or privilege given because of one's rank or position

1pres·age \ˈpres-ij\ n
1 : OMEN
2 : a warning or suggestion of future events

2pre·sage \ˈpres-ij, pri-ˈsāj\ vb pre·saged; pre·sag·ing
1 : to give a sign or warning of : PORTEND
2 : FORETELL, PREDICT

pres·by·ter \ˈprez-bət-ər, ˈpres-\ n : a member of the governing body of an early Christian church

Pres·by·te·ri·an \ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən, ˌpres-\ adj
1 often not cap : having a system of representative governing councils of ministers and elders
2 : of, relating to, or being a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government
— Presbyterian n

— Pres·by·te·ri·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

1pre·school \ˈprē-ˌskül\ adj : of, relating to, or being the period in a child's life to the age of five or six that ordinarily precedes attendance at school

2preschool n : a school for children usually younger than those attending elementary school or kindergarten : NURSERY SCHOOL

pre·school·er \ˈprē-ˈskü-lər\ n : a child of preschool age

pre·science \ˈprēsh(-ē)-ən(t)s, ˈpresh-\ n : FORESIGHT 1

pre·scient \ˈprēsh(-ē)-ənt, ˈpresh-\ adj : having foresight
— pre·scient·ly adv

pre·scribe \pri-ˈskrīb\ vb pre·scribed; pre·scrib·ing
1 : to lay down as a rule of action <the route that was prescribed>
2 : to order or direct the use of something as a remedy <the doctor prescribed an antibiotic>
— pre·scrib·er n

pre·scrip·tion \pri-ˈskrip-shən\ n
1 : the action of prescribing rules or directions
2 a : a written direction or order for the preparation and use of a medicine  b : a medicine that is prescribed
— pre·scrip·tive \-ˈskrip-tiv\ adj

pres·ence \ˈprez-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the fact or state of being present <no one noticed the stranger's presence>
2 : position close to a person <in the presence of a guest>
3 : a person's appearance <a stately presence>
4 : something felt or believed to be present <a ghostly presence>

presence of mind : ability to think clearly and act quickly in an emergency

1pres·ent \ˈprez-ənt\ n : something presented

2pre·sent \pri-ˈzent\ vb
1 a : to introduce one person to another  b : to bring before the public <present a play>
2 : to make a gift to <presented me with a watch>
3 : to give or hand over with ceremony <present a medal>
4 : to make an accusation against someone <present a charge>
5 : to offer to view : DISPLAY, SHOW <presents a fine appearance>  synonyms see GIVE
— pre·sent·er n

3pres·ent \ˈprez-ənt\ adj
1 : being or going on now : not past or future <the present situation>
2 : being before or near a person or in sight : being at a certain place and not elsewhere <all the pupils were present> <was present at the ceremony>
3 : of, relating to, or being a verb tense that expresses present time or the time of speaking

4pres·ent \ˈprez-ənt\ n
1 a : PRESENT TENSE  b : a verb form in the present tense
2 : the present time

pre·sent·able \pri-ˈzent-ə-bəl\ adj : having a satisfactory or pleasing appearance
— pre·sent·ably \-blē\ adv

pre·sen·ta·tion \ˌprē-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən, ˌprez-ən-, ˌprēz-ən-\ n
1 : the act of presenting
2 a : something (as a gift or an award) presented  b : something set forth for attention (as a play or a sales demonstration)
3 : the position in which the fetus lies in the uterus in labor with respect to the opening through which it passes in birth
— pre·sen·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

pres·ent–day \ˈprez-ənt-ˈdā\ adj : being or happening now

pre·sen·ti·ment \pri-ˈzent-ə-mənt\ n : a feeling that something will or is about to happen

pres·ent·ly \ˈprez-ənt-lē\ adv
1 archaic : at once
2 : before long : after a while <presently they arrived>
3 : at the present time : NOW <she is presently working>

pre·sent·ment \pri-ˈzent-mənt\ n : the act of presenting to an authority a statement of the matter to be dealt with <a presentment returned by a grand jury>

pres·ent participle \ˈprez-ənt-\ n : a participle that expresses present action, that in English is formed with the suffix -ing, and that indicates action going on

present perfect tense n : a tense formed in English with have and expressing action or state completed at the time of speaking

present tense n : a tense that expresses action or state in the present time and is used of what is true at the time of speaking or is always true

pres·er·va·tion \ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən\ n : a keeping from injury, loss, or decay

1pre·ser·va·tive \pri-ˈzər-vət-iv\ adj : having the power of preserving

2preservative n : something that preserves or has the power of preserving; esp : a substance added to food to prevent spoiling or discoloring

1pre·serve \pri-ˈzərv\ vb pre·served; pre·ser·ving
1 : to keep or save from injury, loss, or ruin : PROTECT <preserve the republic>
2 : MAINTAIN 1, CONTINUE <preserve silence>
3 : to prepare (as vegetables, fruits, or meats) to be kept for future use
— pre·serv·er n

2preserve n
1 : fruit cooked in sugar or made into jams or jellies <strawberry preserves>
2 : an area where natural resources (as fish, game, or trees) are protected

pre·set \(ˈ)prē-ˈset\ vb pre·set; pre·set·ting : to set ahead of time <preset the oven to 350 degrees>

pre·shrink \(ˈ)prē-ˈshriŋk\ vb pre·shrank \-ˈshraŋk\; pre·shrunk \-ˈshrəŋk\ : to shrink (as a fabric) before making into a garment so that the garment will not shrink much when washed

pre·side \pri-ˈzīd\ vb pre·sid·ed; pre·sid·ing
1 : to be in the place of authority : act as president, chairperson, or moderator <preside over a meeting>
2 : to be in charge

pres·i·den·cy \ˈprez-əd-ən-sē, ˈprez-dən-; ˈprez-ə-ˌden(t)-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the office of president
2 : the term during which a president holds office

pres·i·dent \ˈprez-əd-ənt, ˈprez-dənt, ˈprez-ə-ˌdent\ n
1 : a person who presides over a meeting
2 : the chief officer of an organization <a bank president> <college president> <president of our club>
3 : the chief executive officer or the chief of state in a republic
— pres·i·den·tial \ˌprez(-ə)-ˈden-chəl\ adj

Presidents' Day n : WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY 2

1pre·soak \(ˈ)prē-ˈsōk\ vb : to soak before washing

2pre·soak \ˈprē-ˈsōk\ n
1 : an instance of presoaking
2 : a product used for presoaking clothes

pre·sort \(ˌ)prē-ˈsȯ(ə)rt\ vb : to sort (outgoing mail) by zip code usually before delivery to a post office

1press \ˈpres\ n
1 : 2CROWD 1, THRONG
2 : a machine or device that uses pressure to shape, flatten, squeeze, or stamp <a cookie press> <a cider press>
3 : 1CLOSET 2
4 a : an act of pressing : PRESSURE  b : an aggressive defense in basketball
5 : the smoothed and creased condition of a freshly pressed garment
6 a : PRINTING PRESS  b : a printing or publishing business
7 a : the gathering and publishing or broadcasting of news  b : the newspapers and magazines of a country  c : news reporters and broadcasters

2press vb
1 : to bear down upon : push steadily against
2 : to squeeze so as to force out the juice or contents of <press apples to make cider>
3 : to flatten out or smooth by bearing down upon (as with an iron) <press clothes>
4 a : to put pressure on : FORCE, COMPEL <pressed by business to return>  b : to ask or urge strongly <pressed us to go with them>
5 a : to insist on <didn't press the issue>  b : to make a demand <pressing for higher wages>
6 a : to crowd closely <reporters pressed around the celebrity>  b : to force or push one's way <pressed deeper into the jungle>
— press·er n

3press vb : to force into emergency service

press agent n : a person employed to establish and keep up good public relations by publicity

press conference n : an interview given by a public figure to the press

presser foot n : a piece on a sewing machine that holds the fabric down while stitching

press·ing \ˈpres-iŋ\ adj : needing one's immediate attention <a pressing issue>
— press·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

press secretary n : a person in charge of relations with the press for a public figure

1pres·sure \ˈpresh-ər\ n
1 : a force or influence that cannot be avoided <social pressure>
2 : the application of force to something by something else in direct contact with it <keep steady pressure on the gas pedal>
3 a : the action of a force against an opposing force  b : the force applied over a surface divided by its area  c : the force exerted as a result of the weight of the atmosphere
4 : the stress or burden of matters demanding attention <works well under pressure>

2pressure vb pres·sured; pres·sur·ing \ˈpresh-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to apply pressure to
2 : PRESSURIZE

pressure cooker n : a utensil for cooking or preserving foods by means of steam under pressure
— pressure–cook \ˌpresh-ər-ˈku̇k\ vb

pressure point n : a point where a blood vessel runs near a bone and can be compressed (as to stop bleeding) by applying pressure against the bone

pres·sur·ize \ˈpresh-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to maintain near-normal atmospheric pressure in <pressurize an airplane cabin>
2 : to apply pressure to
— pres·sur·iza·tion \ˌpresh-(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

pres·ti·dig·i·ta·tion \ˌpres-tə-ˌdij-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n : SLEIGHT OF HAND 1
— pres·ti·dig·i·ta·tor \-ˈdij-ə-ˌtāt-ər\ n

pres·tige \pre-ˈstēzh, -ˈstēj\ n : importance in the eyes of other people
— pres·ti·gious \-ˈstij-əs\ adj

— pres·ti·gious·ly adv

— pres·ti·gious·ness n

pres·to \ˈpres-tō\ adv or adj
1 : suddenly as if by magic <a wave of the hand and, presto, it's gone>
2 : at a rapid tempo — used as a direction in music

pre·sum·ably \pri-ˈzü-mə-blē\ adv : one would presume : it seems likely : PROBABLY <presumably he'll come later>

pre·sume \pri-ˈzüm\ vb pre·sumed; pre·sum·ing
1 : to undertake without permission or good reason : DARE <presume to question the authority of a superior>
2 : to expect or assume with confidence : feel sure <I presume you'll fly if you do go>
3 : to suppose to be true without proof <presume a person innocent until proved guilty>
— pre·sum·able \-ˈzü-mə-bəl\ adj

pre·sump·tion \pri-ˈzəm(p)-shən\ n
1 : presumptuous attitude or behavior
2 a : strong reason for believing something to be so in spite of lack of proof  b : something believed but not proved

pre·sump·tu·ous \pri-ˈzəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs\ adj : going beyond what is proper
— pre·sump·tu·ous·ly adv

— pre·sump·tu·ous·ness n

pre·sup·pose \ˌprē-sə-ˈpōz\ vb : to take something to be true : suppose ahead of time <the book presupposes its readers will know something about the subject>
— pre·sup·po·si·tion \(ˌ)prē-ˌsəp-ə-ˈzish-ən\ n

pre·sweet·ened \ˈprē-ˈswēt-ənd\ adj : sweetened by the manufacturer <presweetened cereal>

1pre·teen \ˈprē-ˈtēn\ n : a boy or girl not yet 13 years old

2preteen adj
1 : relating to or produced for children especially in the 9 to 12 year-old age group <preteen fashions>
2 : being younger than 13 years old

1pre·tend \pri-ˈtend\ vb
1 : to give the appearance of being, having, or doing <I don't pretend to be a doctor, but you should do something about that cough>
2 : to make believe : act a part or role <pretend to be a bear> <pretend I'm your boss. What would you say?>

2pretend adj : IMAGINARY, MAKE-BELIEVE

pre·tend·er \pri-ˈten-dər\ n
1 : a person who pretends
2 : a person who claims a throne without right

pre·tense or pre·tence \ˈprē-ˈten(t)s, pri-ˈten(t)s\ n
1 : a claim usually not supported by facts
2 : the quality or state of being pretentious <free from pretense>
3 : an effort to reach a certain condition or quality <let's have some pretense of order around here> <the book makes no pretense at completeness>
4 : a pretended purpose <was there under false pretenses>
5 : a false show : SIMULATION <a pretense of indifference>

pre·ten·sion \pri-ˈten-chən\ n
1 : PRETENSE 1
2 : something one hopes to reach : ASPIRATION, AMBITION <has serious pretensions as a writer>
3 : PRETENSE 2

pre·ten·tious \pri-ˈten-chəs\ adj : appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case
— pre·ten·tious·ly adv

— pre·ten·tious·ness n

pret·er·it or pret·er·ite \ˈpret-ə-rət\ n : PAST TENSE

pre·ter·nat·u·ral \ˌprēt-ər-ˈnach(-ə)-rəl\ adj : beyond what is natural : unable to be explained by ordinary means
— pre·ter·nat·u·ral·ly \-ˈnach(-ə)-rə-lē, -ˈnach-ər-lē\ adv

pre·test \(ˈ)prē-ˈtest\ n : a test to find out if students are prepared for further studies

pre·text \ˈprē-ˌtekst\ n : a reason put forward in order to hide the real reason

pre·treat \(ˈ)prē-ˈtrēt\ vb : to treat (as soiled clothes) before laundering
— pre·treat·ment \-mənt\ n

1pret·ty \ˈprit-ē, ˈpu̇rt-\ adj pret·ti·er; -est : delicately or gracefully attractive to the eye or ear <a pretty face> <pretty tunes>  synonyms see BEAUTIFUL
— pret·ti·ly \ˈprit-əl-ē, ˈpu̇rt-\ adv

— pret·ti·ness \ˈprit-ē-nəs, ˈpu̇rt-\ n

2pret·ty \ˈprit-ē, pərt-ē\ adv : in some degree : FAIRLY, MODERATELY <pretty big> <was pretty much ignored>

3pretty \like {h,1}\ n, pl pretties : a pretty person or thing

pret·zel \ˈpret-səl\ n : a brown cracker that is salted and usually hard and shaped like a loose knot
Word History Pretzels were probably first made in the U.S. during the 19th century by immigrants from Germany. The English word pretzel comes from the German Brezel. The familiar knot-shaped pretzel has been known in Germanic countries for centuries. Its German name comes from the Latin brachiatus, which means “having branches like arms.” The pretzel likely got its name because its knot shape looks something like a pair of folded arms. [from German Brezel “pretzel,” derived from Latin brachiatus (adjective) “having branches like arms,” from brachium, “arm” — related to 2BRACE]

pre·vail \pri-ˈvā(ə)l\ vb
1 : to win against opposition : be successful <our team prevailed> <truth will prevail over error> <believed injustice should not prevail>
2 : to urge successfully <prevailed upon me to play a few tunes>
3 a : to be frequent <the storms that prevail there in winter>  b : to be or continue to be in use or fashion <lower rates prevail in the evening> <customs that still prevail>

pre·vail·ing \pri-ˈvā-liŋ\ adj
1 : having greater force or influence
2 a : most frequent <prevailing winds>  b : generally current : COMMON
— pre·vail·ing·ly adv

prev·a·lence \ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s\ n
1 : the state of being prevalent
2 : the degree to which something is prevalent; esp : the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

prev·a·lent \ˈprev(-ə)-lənt\ adj : accepted, practiced, or happening often or over a wide area
— prev·a·lent·ly adv

pre·var·i·cate \pri-ˈvar-ə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : 3LIE 1
— pre·var·i·ca·tion \-ˌvar-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— pre·var·i·ca·tor \-ˈvar-ə-ˌkāt-ər\ n

pre·vent \pri-ˈvent\ vb
1 : to keep from happening <prevent accidents>
2 : to hold or keep back : HINDER, STOP <bad weather prevented us from leaving>
— pre·vent·able also pre·vent·ible \-ə-bəl\ adj

pre·ven·ta·tive \pri-ˈvent-ət-iv\ adj or n : PREVENTIVE

pre·ven·tion \pri-ˈven-chən\ n : the act or practice of preventing something <the prevention of fires>

1pre·ven·tive \pri-ˈvent-iv\ n : something that prevents; esp : something used to prevent disease

2preventive adj : concerned with or used for prevention <preventive measures> <preventive medicine>

1pre·view \ˈprē-ˌvyü\ vb : to view or show in advance

2preview n
1 : a showing of something (as a movie) before regular showings
2 also pre·vue \-ˌvyü\ : a showing of bits from a movie that is to be shown in the near future

pre·vi·ous \ˈprē-vē-əs\ adj : going before in time or order : PRECEDING, PRIOR
— pre·vi·ous·ly adv

previous to prep : PRIOR TO, BEFORE

pre·war \ˈprē-ˈwȯ(ə)r\ adj : occurring or existing before a war

pre·wash \(ˈ)prē-ˈwȯsh, -ˈwäsh\ vb : to wash beforehand

pre·writ·ing \ˈprē-ˌrīt-iŋ\ n : planning and getting ideas in order before writing

1prey \ˈprā\ n
1 : an animal hunted or killed by another animal for food
2 : a person who is helpless or unable to escape attack : VICTIM
3 : the act or habit of seizing and pouncing upon

2prey vb preyed; prey·ing
1 a : to seize and eat something as prey  b : to do violent or dishonest acts <robbers who preyed on travelers>
2 : to have a harmful effect <fears that prey on the mind>

1price \ˈprīs\ n
1 : the quantity of one thing and especially money that is exchanged or demanded in exchange for another
2 : 2REWARD 1 <a price on an outlaw's head>
3 : the cost at which something is gotten or done <victory at any price> [Middle English pris “prize, price,” from early French pris (same meaning), from Latin pretium “price, money” — related to APPRECIATE, PRAISE, PRECIOUS, 1PRIZE]
synonyms PRICE, CHARGE, FEE, mean payment in exchange for something. PRICE usually refers to the payment asked for goods <the price of a pair of shoes>. CHARGE usually refers to the payment asked for services <the charge for dry-cleaning a pair of pants>. FEE refers to a charge fixed (as by law or a business) for a service or permit <the fee for a driver's license>.

2price vb priced; pric·ing
1 : to set a price on
2 : to ask the price of
— pric·er n

price·less \ˈprī-sləs\ adj
1 : too valuable to have a price : not to be bought at any price
2 : very funny or strange <a priceless remark>

1prick \ˈprik\ n
1 : a mark or small wound made by a pointed instrument
2 : something sharp or pointed
3 : an instance of pricking
4 : the sensation of being pricked

2prick vb
1 : to pierce slightly with a sharp point
2 : to have or cause a feeling of or as if of being pricked
3 : to point forward or upward <the dog's ears pricked up at the sound>
— prick up one's ears : to listen with close attention

prick·er \ˈprik-ər\ n
1 : one that pricks
2 : 1PRICKLE 1

1prick·le \ˈprik-əl\ n
1 : a small sharp point or a sharp pointed part (as a thorn on a plant) that sticks out
2 : a slight stinging or tingling sensation

2prickle vb prick·led; prick·ling \ˈprik-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to prick slightly
2 : to cause or feel a slight stinging or tingling sensation

prick·ly \ˈprik-lē, -ə-lē\ adj prick·li·er; -est
1 : full of or covered with prickles <prickly plants>
2 : marked by slight stinging or tingling <a prickly sensation>
— prick·li·ness n

prickly heat n : a rash around the openings of the sweat glands with pimples, itching, and tingling that is caused by inflammation

prickly pear n
1 : any of numerous cacti with spines and usually flat stem segments
2 : the pear-shaped sweet edible pulpy fruit of a prickly pear

1pride \ˈprīd\ n
1 : too high an opinion of one's own ability or worth : a feeling of being better than others
2 : a reasonable and justifiable sense of one's own worth : SELF-RESPECT
3 : a sense of pleasure that comes from some act or possession
4 : something of which one is proud <our pride and joy>
5 : a group of lions

2pride vb prid·ed; prid·ing : to think highly of (oneself)

pride·ful \ˈprīd-fəl\ adj : full of pride
— pride·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— pride·ful·ness n

pried past and past participle of PRY

priest \ˈprēst\ n : a person who has the authority to lead or perform religious ceremonies [Old English prēost “priest,” derived from Latin presbyter “priest, elder,” from Greek presbyteros, comparative form of presbys “old man, elder”]

priest·ess \ˈprē-stəs\ n : a woman who is a priest

priest·hood \ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d, ˈprē-ˌstu̇d\ n
1 : the office or dignity of a priest
2 : the whole group of priests

priest·ly \ˈprēst-lē\ adj priest·li·er; -est
1 : of or relating to a priest or the priesthood
2 : characteristic of or suitable for a priest
— priest·li·ness n

prig \ˈprig\ n : a person who annoys others by being too careful about conforming to what is socially acceptable (as in speech and manners)
— prig·gish \ˈprig-ish\ adj

— prig·gish·ly adv

— prig·gish·ness n

prim \ˈprim\ adj prim·mer; prim·mest : very fussy about one's appearance and behavior
— prim·ly adv

— prim·ness n

pri·ma·cy \ˈprī-mə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the state of being first (as in time, place, or rank)
2 : the office or dignity of a bishop of the highest rank

pri·ma don·na \ˌprim-ə-ˈdän-ə, ˌprē-mə-\ n, pl prima donnas
1 : a principal female singer in an opera or concert organization
2 : a person who is easily hurt or upset or is stuck-up [Italian, literally, “first lady”; prima from Latin prima, a feminine form of primus “first,” donna from Latin domina “lady, mistress,” a feminine form of dominus “master” — related to DAME, PRIME]

pri·mal \ˈprī-məl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the first period or state : PRIMITIVE
2 : first in importance : BASIC

pri·mar·i·ly \prī-ˈmer-ə-lē\ adv
1 : for the most part : CHIEFLY
2 : in the first place : ORIGINALLY

1pri·ma·ry \ˈprī-ˌmer-ē, ˈprīm-(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : first in time or development : INITIAL, PRIMITIVE <the primary stage of a civilization>
2 a : of first rank, importance, or value <our primary duties>  b : 1BASIC 1, FUNDAMENTAL <the family is the primary unit of human association>  c : of, relating to, or being one of the principal flight feathers of a bird's wing located on the outer joint  d : of, relating to, or being the strongest of three levels of stress in pronunciation
3 a : not made or coming from something else : FIRSTHAND <a primary source of information>  b : of, relating to, or being the current or circuit that is connected to the source of electricity in an induction coil or transformer

2primary n, pl -ma·ries
1 : one of the usually nine or ten strong flight feathers on the outer joint of a bird's wing
2 : PRIMARY COLOR
3 : an election in which members of a political party nominate candidates for office
4 : the coil that is connected to the source of electricity in an induction coil or transformer — called also primary coil

primary color n : any of a set of colors from which all other colors may be made with the colors for light being red, green, and blue and for pigments or paint being red, yellow, and blue

pri·mate \ˈprī-ˌmāt or especially for 1 -mət\ n
1 : a bishop or archbishop of the highest rank in a district, nation, or church
2 : any of an order of mammals that are characterized by hands and feet that grasp, a relatively large complex brain, and vision in which objects are seen in three dimensions and that includes human beings, apes, monkeys, and related forms (as lemurs and tarsiers)

pri·ma·tol·o·gy \ˌprī-mə-ˈtäl-ə-jē\ n : the study of primates and especially primates other than human beings
— pri·ma·tol·o·gist \-jist\ n

1prime \ˈprīm\ n
1 : the first part : the earliest stage
2 : the most vigorous, prosperous, or satisfying stage or period <in the prime of one's life>
3 : the best individual or part
4 : PRIME NUMBER
5 : the symbol ′ [Old English prīm “a religious service for the first hour of the day,” from Latin prima (hora) “first (hour),” from primus “first” — related to PREMIER, PRIMA DONNA, PRIMEVAL, PRINCE]

2prime adj
1 : first in time : ORIGINAL
2 a : of, relating to, or being a prime number  b : expressed as a product of prime factors <the prime factorization of 12 is 2 · 2 · 3>
3 a : first in rank or importance <our prime responsibility>  b : being highest in quality or value <prime farmland>  c : of the highest grade of meat <prime beef>

3prime vb primed; prim·ing
1 : to get ready for firing by putting in priming <prime a rifle>
2 : to put a first color or coating on (an unpainted surface)
3 : to put into working order by filling <prime a pump>
4 : to make (someone) ready to do something <teams primed to win>

prime meridian n : the meridian of 0° longitude from which other longitudes are calculated

prime minister n : the chief officer of the government in some countries

prime number n : a whole number other than 0 or ±1 that is not divisible without a remainder by any other whole numbers except ±1 and ± itself

1prim·er \ˈprim-ər, especially British ˈprī-mər\ n
1 : a small book for teaching children to read
2 : a book that introduces a subject <a primer of chemistry>
3 : a short informative piece of writing <a primer on healthy eating>

2prim·er \ˈprī-mər\ n
1 : a device (as a cap or tube) containing a small explosive charge that is used for setting off a larger explosive charge (as in a cartridge)
2 : material used in priming a surface

prime time n : the time in the evening when television has its largest number of viewers

pri·me·val \prī-ˈmē-vəl\ adj : belonging to the earliest time : PRIMITIVE [from Latin primaevus “relating to the very earliest ages,” from primus “first” and aevum “age” — related to PRIME]
— pri·me·val·ly \-və-lē\ adv

prim·ing \ˈprī-miŋ\ n
1 : the explosive used in priming a charge
2 : 2PRIMER 2

1prim·i·tive \ˈprim-ət-iv\ adj
1 a : of or relating to the earliest age or period <primitive forests> <the primitive church>  b : closely resembling an ancient ancestor <a primitive fish>
2 : belonging to or characteristic of an early stage of development <primitive tools>
3 sometimes offensive : of or relating to a people or culture that lacks a written language and advanced technologies <primitive societies>
4 : being or made by a self-taught artist
— prim·i·tive·ly adv

— prim·i·tive·ness n

2primitive n
1 : something primitive : something basic or original
2 : a member of a primitive people

pri·mor·di·al \prī-ˈmȯrd-ē-əl\ adj : first created or developed : PRIMEVAL
— pri·mor·di·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

primp \ˈprimp\ vb : to dress or arrange in a careful or fussy manner

prim·rose \ˈprim-ˌrōz\ n : any of a genus of herbs with large leaves arranged at the base of the stem and showy variously colored flowers in clusters on leafless stalks

prince \ˈprin(t)s\ n
1 : MONARCH 1
2 : a son or grandson of a monarch : a male member of a royal family
3 : a nobleman of very high rank
4 : a person of high standing in his class or profession [Middle English prince “ruler, king,” from early French prince (same meaning), from Latin princip-, princeps “leader, initiator,” literally, “one who takes the first part,” from primus “first” and capere “to take” — related to PRIME]

Prince Al·bert \prin-ˈsal-bərt\ n : a long double-breasted coat

prince consort n, pl princes consort : the husband of a reigning queen

prince·ly \ˈprin(t)-slē\ adj prince·li·er; -est
1 : of or relating to a prince
2 : suitable for a prince <a princely sum>

prin·cess \ˈprin(t)-səs, ˈprin-ˌses, prin-ˈses\ n
1 : a daughter or granddaughter of a monarch : a female member of a royal family
2 : the wife of a prince

1prin·ci·pal \ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl, -sə-bəl\ adj : most important : CHIEF <the principal ingredient of the stew>
— prin·ci·pal·ly \-ē, prin(t)-splē\ adv

2principal n
1 a : a leading or most important person  b : the head of a school
2 : a sum of money that is placed to earn interest, is owed as a debt, or is used as a fund

prin·ci·pal·i·ty \ˌprin(t)-sə-ˈpal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a small territory that is ruled by a prince

principal parts n pl : the infinitive, the past tense, and the past and present participles of an English verb

prin·ci·ple \ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl, -sə-bəl\ n
1 : a general or basic truth on which other truths or theories can be based <scientific principles>
2 : a rule of conduct <a person of high principles>
3 : a law or fact of nature which makes possible the working of a machine or device <the principle of magnetism> <the principle of the lever>

prin·ci·pled \ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld, -sə-bəld\ adj : based on or marked by principle <high-principled>

prink \ˈpriŋk\ vb : PRIMP

1print \ˈprint\ n
1 a : a mark made by pressure  b : something that has been stamped with an impression or formed in a mold <a print of butter>
2 a : printed state or form <put a manuscript into print>  b : printed matter  c : printed letters
3 : a picture, copy, or design made by printing (as from an engraving or a photographic negative)
4 a : cloth with a printed pattern  b : an article of such cloth

2print vb
1 : to put or stamp something in or on
2 a : to make a copy of by pressing paper against an inked surface (as type or an engraving)  b : to stamp with a design by pressure <print wallpaper>  c : to publish in printed form <print a newspaper>  d : to write or cause to be written on a surface (as a computer display screen) for viewing <the computer will print the message at the top of the screen>  e : PRINT OUT
3 : to write in separate letters like those made by a typewriter
4 : to make a picture from a photographic negative

print·able \ˈprint-ə-bəl\ adj : considered suitable to be published

print·er \ˈprint-ər\ n
1 : a person whose business is printing
2 : a device used for printing or for making printouts

printer's devil n : an apprentice in a printing office

print·ing \ˈprint-iŋ\ n
1 : the process of putting something in printed form
2 : the art or business of a printer

printing press n : a machine that produces printed copies

print·mak·er \ˈprint-ˌmā-kər\ n : an artist who makes prints

print·out \ˈprint-ˌau̇t\ n : a printed record produced by a computer

print out \(ˈ)print-ˈau̇t\ vb : to produce a printed record of

1pri·or \ˈprī(-ə)r\ n : a monk who is head of a priory

2prior adj
1 : earlier in time or order : PREVIOUS <better than in prior years> <without prior warning>
2 : being more important than something else : having priority <has a prior claim to our attention>

pri·or·ess \ˈprī-ə-rəs\ n : a nun who is head of a priory

pri·or·i·ty \prī-ˈȯr-ət-ē, -ˈär-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of coming before another in time or importance
2 : a condition of being given attention before others <this project has top priority>

prior to prep : in advance of : BEFORE

pri·o·ry \ˈprī-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a religious house under a prior or prioress

prise chiefly British variant of 5PRIZE

prism \ˈpriz-əm\ n
1 : a polyhedron with two opposite ends that are parallel polygons and faces that are each parallelograms
2 : a transparent object that usually has three sides and bends light so that it breaks up into rainbow colors

pris·on \ˈpriz-ən\ n
1 : a state of confinement or captivity
2 : a place where criminals or prisoners are locked up

prison camp n : a camp where prisoners are held

pris·on·er \ˈpriz-nər, -ən-ər\ n : a person who has been captured or locked up

prisoner of war : a member of the armed forces of a nation who has been captured by the enemy

pris·tine \ˈpris-ˌtēn\ adj
1 : not spoiled, polluted, or corrupted (as by civilization) <a pristine forest>
2 : being fresh and clean <pristine new math books>

prith·ee \ˈprith-ē, ˈprith-\ interj, archaic — used to express a wish or request

pri·va·cy \ˈprī-və-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 a : the quality or state of being out of the sight and hearing of other people : SECLUSION <the privacy of the home>  b : freedom from being intruded upon <one's right to privacy>
2 : SECRECY 2 <talk in privacy>

1pri·vate \ˈprī-vət\ adj
1 : having to do with or for the use of a single person or group : not public <private property> <a private beach>
2 a : not holding any public office <a private citizen>  b : not relating to one's official position : PERSONAL <private letters> <your own private opinion>
3 : not known or meant to be known publicly <private meetings> <keep personal information private>
4 : not under public control <a private school>
— pri·vate·ly adv

— pri·vate·ness n

2private n
1 pl : PRIVATE PARTS
2 : a person of low or lowest rank in an organized group (as a police or fire department); esp : an enlisted person of the lowest ranks in the army or marine corps
— in private : where no one else can hear <would like to speak to you in private>

private detective n : PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

1pri·va·teer \ˌprī-və-ˈti(ə)r\ n
1 : an armed private ship permitted by its government to make war on ships of an enemy country
2 : a sailor on a privateer

2privateer vb : to cruise in or as a privateer

private first class n : an enlisted person with a rank just below corporal in the army or just below lance corporal in the marines

private investigator n : a person who does detective work and is not a member of a police force

private parts n pl : the genital organs on the outside of the body

pri·va·tion \prī-ˈvā-shən\ n : the state of being deprived

priv·et \ˈpriv-ət\ n : a shrub that is related to the olive, has small white flowers, and is widely used for hedges

1priv·i·lege \ˈpriv(-ə)-lij\ n : a right or liberty granted as a favor or benefit especially to some and not others

2privilege vb -leged; -leg·ing : to grant a privilege to

priv·i·leged \ˈpriv(-ə)-lijd\ adj : having more things and a better chance in life than most people <privileged classes of society>

priv·i·ly \ˈpriv-ə-lē\ adv : in secret : PRIVATELY

1privy \ˈpriv-ē\ adj
1 : 1PRIVATE 3, SECRET
2 : 1PRIVATE 2B, PERSONAL
3 : sharing in a secret <privy to the conspiracy>

2privy n, pl priv·ies
1 : a small building without plumbing used as a toilet
2 : TOILET 2B

1prize \ˈprīz\ n
1 : something won or to be won in a contest
2 : something unusually valuable or eagerly sought [Middle English pris “prize, price, value,” from early French pris (same meaning), from Latin pretium “price, money” — related to PRICE]

2prize adj
1 a : awarded a prize <a prize essay>  b : awarded as a prize <prize money>
2 : outstanding of its kind <a prize fool> <a prize student>

3prize vb prized; priz·ing
1 : to estimate the value of
2 : to value highly : TREASURE [Middle English prisen “to appraise, esteem,” from early French prisier (same meaning), from Latin pretiare (same meaning), from earlier pretium (noun) “price, value”]

4prize n : something taken (as in war) especially at sea [Middle English prise “something taken by force or threat,” from early French prise “taking, seizure,” from prendre “to take,” from Latin prehendere “to take”]

5prize vb prized; priz·ing : to force or move with or as if with a lever : PRY

prize·fight \ˈprīz-ˌfīt\ n : a contest between professional boxers for pay
— prize·fight·er \-ər\ n

— prize·fight·ing \-iŋ\ n

prize·win·ner \-ˌwin-ər\ n : a winner of a prize
— prize·win·ning \-ˌwin-iŋ\ adj

1pro \ˈprō\ n, pl pros \ˈprōz\ : an argument or evidence in favor of something <discuss the pros and cons> [Middle English pro “an argument in favor of something,” from Latin pro (preposition) “in favor of, for”]

2pro adv : in favor of something

3pro n or adj : PROFESSIONAL [a shortened form of professional]

1pro- prefix : located in front of or at the front of <prothorax> [derived from Greek pro “before, forward”]

2pro- prefix
1 : taking the place of : substituting for <pronoun>
2 : favoring : supporting <pro-American> [derived from Latin pro “in front of, for”]

pro·ac·tive \prō-ˈak-tiv\ adj : acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes
— pro·ac·tive·ly adv

prob·a·bil·i·ty \ˌpräb-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being probable
2 : something probable
3 a : a measure of how often a particular event will happen if something which results in any of a number of possible events is done repeatedly <the probability of a coin coming up heads is ½>  b : a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities

prob·a·ble \ˈpräb-ə-bəl\ adj : reasonably sure but not certain of happening or being true : LIKELY

prob·a·bly \ˈpräb-(ə-)blē, ˈpräb-lē\ adv : without much doubt : very likely

1pro·bate \ˈprō-ˌbāt\ n
1 : proof before a probate court that the will of a deceased person is genuine
2 : judicial determination of the legal force of a will

2probate vb pro·bat·ed; pro·bat·ing : to establish by probate as genuine and as having legal force

probate court n : a court that probates wills and administers estates of deceased persons

pro·ba·tion \prō-ˈbā-shən\ n
1 : a period of trial for finding out or testing a person's fitness (as for a job or school)
2 : the suspending of a convicted offender's sentence during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer
— pro·ba·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

— pro·ba·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj

pro·ba·tion·er \prō-ˈbā-sh(ə-)nər\ n : a person who is on probation

probation officer n : an officer appointed to supervise convicted offenders on probation

1probe \ˈprōb\ n
1 : a slender medical instrument especially for examining a cavity (as a deep wound)
2 : a device used to penetrate or send back information especially from outer space
3 : a careful investigation
4 : an attempt to explore or learn about some unknown place <a space probe>

2probe vb probed; prob·ing
1 : to examine with or as if with a probe
2 : to investigate thoroughly
— prob·er n

pro·bi·ty \ˈprō-bət-ē\ n : HONESTY, UPRIGHTNESS

1prob·lem \ˈpräb-ləm\ n
1 : something to be worked out or solved <a problem in arithmetic>
2 a : something that is hard to understand, deal with, or correct <social problems> <have a problem with the car>  b : something that causes one trouble or irritation <of course the mosquitoes are a problem>  c : difficulty in understanding or accepting <I have a problem with your attitude>

2problem adj
1 : dealing with a problem of human conduct or social justice <a problem play>
2 : difficult to deal with <a problem child>

prob·lem·at·ic \ˌpräb-lə-ˈmat-ik\ also prob·lem·at·i·cal \-ˈmat-i-kəl\ adj
1 : difficult to solve or decide : PUZZLING <a problematic situation>
2 : not settled : UNCERTAIN <their future is still problematic>
3 : open to question <the evidence is problematic>

pro·bos·cis \prə-ˈbäs-əs, -kəs\ n, pl -bos·cis·es also -bos·ci·des \-ˈbäs-ə-ˌdēz\
1 : a long flexible snout; esp : the trunk of an elephant
2 : a long tube-shaped bodily part (as the sucking organ of a butterfly) in the mouth region of an invertebrate

pro·caine \ˈprō-ˌkān\ n : a drug that is used as a local anesthetic in dentistry and medicine

pro·ce·dure \prə-ˈsē-jər\ n
1 : a manner or method in which a business or action is carried on
2 a : a series of steps followed in a regular definite order <the procedure for acquiring a passport>  b : a set of instructions for a computer that has a name by which it can be called into action
— pro·ce·dur·al \-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl\ adj

pro·ceed \prō-ˈsēd, prə-\ vb
1 : to come from a source
2 a : to continue after a pause or interruption  b : to go or act by an orderly method
3 a : to carry on an action, process, or movement  b : to be in the process of being done <the work is proceeding well>
4 : to go forward or onward : ADVANCE

pro·ceed·ing n
1 : PROCEDURE 2A
2 pl : things that happen <kept an eye on the proceedings>
3 : a legal action

pro·ceeds \ˈprō-ˌsēdz\ n pl : the money or profit that comes from a business deal

1pro·cess \ˈpräs-ˌes, ˈprōs-, -əs\ n, pl pro·cess·es \-ˌes-əz, -ə-səz, -ə-ˌsēz\
1 a : 2ADVANCE 1 <the process of time>  b : something going on
2 a : a natural continuing action or series of actions or changes <the process of growth> <life processes> <mental processes>  b : a series of actions or operations leading to a result <a manufacturing process>
3 : the carrying on of a legal action <due process of law>
4 : a bodily part that sticks out or is conspicuous : OUTGROWTH <a bony process>

2process vb
1 : to change or prepare by special treatment <process foods>
2 a : to take care of according to a routine <process people looking for a job> <process insurance claims>  b : to take in and organize for use in a variety of ways <computers process data> <process information>

process cheese n : cheese made by blending several lots of cheese

pro·ces·sion \prə-ˈsesh-ən\ n
1 : continuous forward movement : PROGRESSION
2 : a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way <a funeral procession>

1pro·ces·sion·al \prə-ˈsesh-nəl, -ən-əl\ n : a musical composition (as a hymn) written for a procession

2processional adj : of, relating to, or moving in a procession

pro·ces·sor \ˈpräs-ˌes-ər, ˈprōs-\ n
1 : a person or machine that processes
2 : a part of a computer that processes data; esp : CPU

pro–choice \prō-ˈchȯis\ adj : favoring the legalization of abortion

pro·claim \prō-ˈklām\ vb
1 : to announce publicly <proclaimed his innocence>
2 : to declare formally <proclaim a holiday>
— pro·claim·er n

proc·la·ma·tion \ˌpräk-lə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : the act of proclaiming
2 : something proclaimed

pro·cliv·i·ty \prō-ˈkliv-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a natural tendency of the mind or personality <showed artistic proclivities at an early age>; esp : such a tendency toward something bad <a proclivity for violence>

pro·con·sul \(ˈ)prō-ˈkän(t)-səl\ n : an administrator in a modern colony, dependency, or occupied area

pro·cras·ti·nate \p(r)ə-ˈkras-tə-ˌnāt, prō-\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to keep putting off something that should be done
— pro·cras·ti·na·tion \-ˌkras-tə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— pro·cras·ti·na·tor \-ˈkras-tə-ˌnāt-ər\ n

pro·cre·ate \ˈprō-krē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to bring forth offspring : REPRODUCE

proc·tor \ˈpräk-tər\ n : a person who supervises students during an examination
— proctor vb

proc·u·ra·tor \ˈpräk-yə-ˌrāt-ər\ n : a person who handles the business affairs of another : AGENT

pro·cure \prə-ˈkyu̇(ə)r\ vb pro·cured; pro·cur·ing
1 : to get possession of <managed to procure tickets to the big game>
2 : BRING ABOUT, ACHIEVE <procured an audience with the pope>  synonyms see GET
— pro·cur·able \-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl\ adj

— pro·cure·ment \-ˈkyu̇(ə)r-mənt\ n

1prod \ˈpräd\ vb prod·ded; prod·ding
1 : to poke with something
2 : to stir a person or animal to action <kept prodding me to reveal the secret>
— prod·der n

2prod n
1 : something used for prodding
2 : an act of prodding : a sharp urging or reminder

1prod·i·gal \ˈpräd-i-gəl\ adj : carelessly wasteful <a prodigal spender>
— prod·i·gal·i·ty \ˌpräd-ə-ˈgal-ət-ē\ n

— prod·i·gal·ly \ˈpräd-i-g(ə-)lē\ adv

2prodigal n : somebody who wastes money carelessly

pro·di·gious \prə-ˈdij-əs\ adj
1 : exciting amazement or wonder <performs prodigious feats>
2 : very big : HUGE <a prodigious amount of food>
— pro·di·gious·ly adv

prod·i·gy \ˈpräd-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : an amazing event or action : WONDER
2 : an unusually talented child

1pro·duce \prə-ˈd(y)üs\ vb pro·duced; pro·duc·ing
1 : to bring to view : EXHIBIT <produce evidence> <produced a permit when asked>
2 : to give birth or rise to <a tree producing good fruit> <the offspring an insect can produce>
3 : to prepare to present to the public <produce a play>
4 : to cause to be or happen : BRING ABOUT <the insect bite produced a rash> <this will produce results>
5 a : to bring something out by work <produced a magazine article>  b : 2MANUFACTURE 2 <a factory producing steel>
— pro·duc·ible \-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl\ adj

2pro·duce \ˈpräd-(ˌ)üs, ˈprōd- also -(ˌ)yüs\ n
1 : something produced
2 : fresh fruits and vegetables

pro·duc·er \prə-ˈd(y)ü-sər\ n
1 : one that produces; esp : a person who grows agricultural products or manufactures articles
2 : a person who supervises or finances a play, a movie, or a radio or television program
3 : a living thing (as a green plant) that makes its food from simple inorganic substances (as carbon dioxide and nitrogen) and many of which are food sources for other organisms — compare CONSUMER 2

prod·uct \ˈpräd-(ˌ)əkt\ n
1 : the number or expression resulting from the multiplication of two or more numbers or expressions <15 is the product of 3 and 5>
2 : something produced

pro·duc·tion \prə-ˈdək-shən\ n
1 : something produced
2 : the act or process of producing
3 : the amount produced : total output <annual production of coal>
4 : something exaggerated out of proportion to its importance <made a big production out of ordering lunch>

pro·duc·tive \prə-ˈdək-tiv\ adj
1 : having the power to produce plentifully <productive soil> <productive fishing waters>
2 : producing something <efforts productive of much good>
3 : giving results <a productive meeting>
— pro·duc·tive·ly adv

— pro·duc·tive·ness n

pro·duc·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)prō-ˌdək-ˈtiv-ət-ē, ˌpräd-(ˌ)ək-, prə-ˌdək-\ n
1 : the quality or state of being productive
2 : the rate of production at which food for other living things is made by living things that are producers

prof \ˈpräf\ n : PROFESSOR

1pro·fane \prō-ˈfān, prə-\ vb pro·faned; pro·fan·ing
1 : to treat (something sacred) with great disrespect
2 : to put to a wrong or vulgar use : DEBASE
— prof·a·na·tion \ˌpräf-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌprō-fə-\ n

— pro·fa·na·to·ry \prō-ˈfan-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

2profane adj
1 : not concerned with religion or religious purposes : SECULAR, WORLDLY
2 : showing no respect for holy things <profane language>
— pro·fane·ly adv

pro·fan·i·ty \prō-ˈfan-ət-ē, prə-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being profane
2 : profane language

pro·fess \prə-ˈfes\ vb
1 : to declare openly or freely <profess confidence in a friend>
2 : 1PRETEND 1, CLAIM <professed to be our friends>

pro·fessed \prə-ˈfest\ adj
1 : openly declared <failed in its professed task>
2 : claiming to be qualified <a professed expert>

pro·fessed·ly \prə-ˈfes-əd-lē, -ˈfest-lē\ adv
1 : by one's own declaration <a professedly serious novelist>
2 : supposedly but not really <was professedly open to all, but actually was not>

pro·fes·sion \prə-ˈfesh-ən\ n
1 : the act of taking the vows of a religious community
2 : a public declaring or claiming (as of a belief, faith, or opinion)
3 a : an occupation (as medicine, law, or teaching) that requires specialized knowledge and often advanced education  b : a principal occupation or employment  c : the people working in a profession <the legal profession>

1pro·fes·sion·al \prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or resembling that of a profession  b : having a particular profession as a permanent career <a professional soldier>
2 a : taking part for money in an activity (as sport) that others do for pleasure <professional golfers>  b : engaged in by persons who are paid <professional football>
— pro·fes·sion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2professional n : a person who engages in an activity professionally

pro·fes·sion·al·ize \prə-ˈfesh-nəl-ˌīz, -ən-əl-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to give a professional nature to

pro·fes·sor \prə-ˈfes-ər\ n : a teacher especially of the highest rank at a college or university
— pro·fes·so·ri·al \ˌprō-fə-ˈsōr-ē-əl, ˌpräf-ə-, -ˈsȯr-\ adj

— pro·fes·so·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

pro·fes·sor·ship \prə-ˈfes-ər-ˌship\ n : the office, duties or position of a professor

prof·fer \ˈpräf-ər\ vb prof·fered; prof·fer·ing \ˈpräf-(ə-)riŋ\ : 1OFFER 2
— proffer n

pro·fi·cien·cy \prə-ˈfish-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies : the quality or state of being proficient

pro·fi·cient \prə-ˈfish-ənt\ adj : very good at doing something especially through practice  synonyms see SKILLFUL
— pro·fi·cient·ly adv

1pro·file \ˈprō-ˌfīl\ n
1 : a head or face seen or drawn from the side
2 : something seen in outline
3 : a vertical section of soil that shows the various layers
4 : a set of data often in the form of a graph that shows the important characteristics of something <read her psychological profile>
5 : level of activity that attracts attention <tried to keep a low profile>

2profile vb pro·filed; pro·fil·ing
1 : to represent in profile
2 : to produce a profile of

1prof·it \ˈpräf-ət\ n
1 : the gain or benefit from something
2 : the gain after all the expenses are subtracted from the amount received
— prof·it·less \-ləs\ adj

2profit vb
1 : to get some good out of something : GAIN <profit by experience>
2 : to be of use to (someone) : BENEFIT <an agreement that profited us all>

prof·it·able \ˈpräf-ət-ə-bəl, ˈpräf-tə-bəl\ adj : producing profit
— prof·it·ably \-blē\ adv

prof·i·teer \ˌpräf-ə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : a person who makes an unfair profit especially on essential goods during an emergency
— profiteer vb

prof·li·ga·cy \ˈpräf-li-gə-sē\ n : the quality or state of being profligate

prof·li·gate \ˈpräf-li-gət\ adj
1 : wicked in character or morals : DISSIPATED
2 : very wasteful
— profligate n

pro·found \prə-ˈfau̇nd\ adj
1 : having or showing great knowledge or understanding <a profound thinker>
2 : very deeply felt <profound sorrow>
3 : ABSOLUTE 1A, COMPLETE <a profound silence>
— pro·found·ly \-ˈfau̇n-(d)lē\ adv

— pro·found·ness \-ˈfau̇n(d)-nəs\ n

pro·fun·di·ty \prə-ˈfən-dət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : great knowledge or understanding
2 : something profound

pro·fuse \prə-ˈfyüs\ adj
1 : pouring forth in great amounts <profuse apologies> <profuse in their thanks>
2 : very plentiful <a profuse harvest> <a profuse variety of minerals>
— pro·fuse·ly adv

pro·fu·sion \prə-ˈfyü-zhən\ n : a plentiful supply : great quantity <lilacs blooming in profusion>

prog·e·ny \ˈpräj-(ə-)-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : human descendants : CHILDREN
2 : offspring of animals or plants

pro·ges·ter·one \prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn\ n : a hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum and causes the uterus to change so that it provides a suitable environment for a fertilized egg

prog·no·sis \präg-ˈnō-səs\ n, pl prog·no·ses \-ˈnō-ˌsēz\
1 : the prospect of recovery of an individual who has a disease based on the usual course of the disease and the characteristics of the individual who is sick
2 : 2FORECAST

prog·nos·ti·cate \präg-ˈnäs-tə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : PREDICT, PROPHESY
— prog·nos·ti·ca·tor \-ˌkāt-ər\ n

prog·nos·ti·ca·tion \(ˌ)präg-ˌnäs-tə-ˈkā-shən\ n : 2FORECAST

1pro·gram \ˈprō-ˌgram, -grəm\ n
1 : a brief usually written outline describing a presentation (as of a concert or play)
2 : the performance of a program <received a trophy at the awards program>; esp : a performance that is broadcast
3 : a plan of action <a program of regular dental checkups> <a political program>
4 : a set of step-by-step instructions that tell a computer to do something with data

2program vb pro·grammed or pro·gramed \-ˌgramd, -grəmd\; pro·gram·ming or pro·gram·ing
1 : to provide with a program <program a computer>
2 : to direct the thinking or behavior of (someone) as if by a computer program <he's been programmed to believe he can succeed if he tries>
— pro·gram·ma·ble \ˈprō-ˌgram-ə-bəl\ adj

pro·gramme chiefly British variant of PROGRAM

pro·gram·mer also pro·gram·er \ˈprō-ˌgram-ər, -grə-mər\ n : a person who writes computer programs

pro·gram·ming also pro·gram·ing \ˈprō-ˌgram-iŋ, -grə-miŋ\ n
1 : the planning, scheduling, or performing of a program <advocates less violence in television programming>
2 : the design and production of computer programs

program music n : music that is inspired by or that describes a story or a sequence of images

1prog·ress \ˈpräg-rəs, -ˌres, chiefly British ˈprō-ˌgres\ n
1 : a moving toward a goal <the progress of a ship>
2 : gradual improvement or advancement <the progress of science>

2pro·gress \prə-ˈgres\ vb
1 : to move forward : ADVANCE, PROCEED <the story progressed> <how is the experiment progressing?>
2 : to move toward a higher, better, or more advanced stage

pro·gres·sion \prə-ˈgresh-ən\ n
1 : the action of progressing or moving forward
2 : a continuous and connected series (as of acts, events, or steps)
3 : a changing from one chord to another by means of several notes or chords coming one after the other

1pro·gres·sive \prə-ˈgres-iv\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or showing progress or progression  b : making use of or interested in new ideas <a progressive city>  c : of or relating to an educational theory emphasizing informal classrooms and encouraging self-expression <a progressive school>
2 a : moving forward or onward : ADVANCING <the progressive movements of the hands of a clock>  b : spreading and becoming worse <a progressive disease>  c : increasing in rate as the base amount increases <a progressive tax>
3 : of, relating to, or being a verb form that expresses action or state in progress at the time of speaking or a time spoken of <am seeing and is being seen are progressive forms>
— pro·gres·sive·ly adv

— pro·gres·sive·ness n

2progressive n : a person believing in gradual political change and social improvement by government action

pro·hib·it \prō-ˈhib-ət\ vb
1 : to forbid by authority <prohibit parking>
2 : to make impossible <the high walls prohibit escape>

pro·hi·bi·tion \ˌprō-ə-ˈbish-ən\ n
1 : the act of prohibiting
2 : an order forbidding something
3 often cap : the forbidding by law of the sale and manufacture of alcoholic beverages

pro·hi·bi·tion·ist \ˈpro-ə-ˈbish-(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who is in favor of prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages

pro·hib·i·tive \prō-ˈhib-ət-iv\ adj : likely to discourage use or purchase <prohibitive prices>
— pro·hib·i·tive·ly adv

1proj·ect \ˈpräj-ˌekt, -ikt\ n
1 : a plan or scheme to do something
2 : a task or problem in school <my science project>
3 : a group of houses or apartment buildings built according to a single plan; esp : one built with government help to provide low-cost housing

2pro·ject \prə-ˈjekt\ vb
1 a : to work out in the mind  b : to plan, figure, or estimate for the future <project next year's costs>
2 : to throw forward
3 : STICK OUT 1A
4 : to cause to fall upon a surface <project motion pictures on a screen>

pro·jec·tile \prə-ˈjek-təl\ n : something (as a bullet or rocket) thrown or driven forward especially from or for use as a weapon

pro·jec·tion \prə-ˈjek-shən\ n
1 : a method of showing a curved surface (as the earth) on a flat one (as a map)
2 : the act of throwing or shooting forward
3 : something that sticks out
4 : the act or process of projecting something on a surface (as by motion pictures or slides)
5 : an estimate of what might happen in the future based on what is happening now

pro·jec·tion·ist \prə-ˈjek-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who operates a motion-picture projector or television equipment

pro·jec·tor \prə-ˈjek-tər\ n : a machine for projecting an image or pictures upon a surface <a motion-picture projector> <a slide projector>

pro·kary·ote \prō-ˈkar-ē-ˌōt\ n : an organism (as a bacterium) that is typically single-celled and does not have a nucleus or most of the cell structures (as mitochondria) characteristic of eukaryotes

pro·leg \ˈprō-ˌleg\ n : a fleshy leg on the abdomen of some insect larvae

pro·le·tar·i·an \ˌprō-lə-ˈter-ē-ən\ n : a member of the proletariat
— proletarian adj

pro·le·tar·i·at \ˌprō-lə-ˈter-ē-ət, -ˈtar-, -ē-ˌat\ n
1 : the lowest social or economic class of a community
2 : industrial workers who sell their labor to live

pro–life \prō-ˈlīf\ adj : opposed to abortion

pro·lif·er·ate \prə-ˈlif-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to grow or increase rapidly
— pro·lif·er·a·tion \-ˌlif-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

pro·lif·ic \prə-ˈlif-ik\ adj
1 : producing young or fruit in large numbers <a prolific orchard>
2 : highly inventive : PRODUCTIVE <a prolific writer>  synonyms see FERTILE
— pro·lif·i·cal·ly \-ˈlif-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pro·lix \prō-ˈliks, ˈprō-(ˌ)liks\ adj : too long-winded or wordy
— pro·lix·i·ty \prō-ˈlik-sət-ē\ n

pro·logue \ˈprō-ˌlȯg\ n
1 : an introduction to a book or play
2 : an act or event that comes before or introduces something

pro·long \prə-ˈlȯŋ\ vb : to make longer in time <prolonged the visit>

pro·lon·ga·tion \(ˌ)prō-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : a making longer
2 : something that prolongs or is prolonged

prom \ˈpräm\ n : a formal dance given by a high school or college class [a shortened form of promenade “a march by couples at the beginning of a formal ball”]

1prom·e·nade \ˌpräm-ə-ˈnād, -ˈnäd\ n
1 : a walk or ride for pleasure or to be seen
2 : a place for strolling
3 : a part of a square dance in which couples move counterclockwise in a circle

2promenade vb -nad·ed; -nad·ing
1 : to take a stroll in public
2 : to perform a promenade in a dance

pro·me·thi·um \prə-ˈmē-thē-əm\ n : a radioactive metallic element obtained from the splitting of uranium atoms — see ELEMENT TABLE

prom·i·nence \ˈpräm(-ə)-nən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality, state, or fact of being prominent : DISTINCTION <a person of prominence>
2 : something (as a mountain) that is prominent
3 : a mass of gas resembling a cloud that arises from the chromosphere of the sun

prom·i·nent \ˈpräm(-ə)-nənt\ adj
1 : sticking out beyond a surface or line
2 : easily noticeable <the prominent sound was the drumbeat>
3 : DISTINGUISHED, EMINENT <our most prominent citizens>  synonyms see NOTICEABLE
— prom·i·nent·ly adv

prom·is·cu·ity \ˌpräm-əs-ˈkyü-ət-ē\ n, pl -ities : the quality or state of being promiscuous

pro·mis·cu·ous \prə-ˈmis-kyə-wəs\ adj
1 : composed of all sorts of persons and things : MISCELLANEOUS
2 : not restricted to one person or class; esp : not restricted to one sexual partner
— pro·mis·cu·ous·ly adv

1prom·ise \ˈpräm-əs\ n
1 : a statement by a person that he or she will or will not do something <a promise to pay within a month>
2 : something promised
3 : a cause or ground for hope <give promise of success> <shows promise> [Middle English promisse, promis “promise,” derived from Latin promissus, past participle of promittere “to send forth, promise,” from pro- “forward, forth” and mittere “to send, throw” — related to MESSAGE]

2promise vb prom·ised; prom·is·ing
1 : to give a promise about one's own actions <I promise to clean my room this afternoon>
2 : to give reason to expect <dark clouds promising rain>
— prom·i·sor \ˌpräm-ə-ˈsȯ(ə)r\ n

promised land n : a better place or state that one hopes to reach [so called from the biblical promise God made in Genesis 17:8 and Exodus 3:8 to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants]

prom·is·ing \ˈpräm-ə-siŋ\ adj : likely to turn out well <a promising student>
— prom·is·ing·ly \-siŋ-lē\ adv

prom·is·so·ry \ˈpräm-ə-ˌsōr-ē, -ˌsȯr-\ adj : containing a promise to pay <a promissory note>

prom·on·to·ry \ˈpräm-ən-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries : a high point of land sticking out into the sea

pro·mote \prə-ˈmōt\ vb pro·mot·ed; pro·mot·ing
1 : to move up in position or rank <was promoted to the next grade>
2 : to help (something) grow or develop <good soil promotes plant growth>
3 : to help increase the sales of <a sports star promoting a new product>

pro·mot·er \prə-ˈmōt-ər\ n : a person who promotes; esp : one who finances a sporting event <a promoter of prizefights>

pro·mo·tion \prə-ˈmō-shən\ n
1 : a moving up in position or rank
2 : the promoting of something
— pro·mo·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1prompt \ˈpräm(p)t\ vb
1 : to lead to do something <curiosity prompted her to ask the question>
2 : to remind of something forgotten or poorly learned <prompt an actor>
3 : to be the cause of : INSPIRE <pride prompted the act>

2prompt adj
1 a : being ready and quick to act <prompt to answer>  b : being on time : PUNCTUAL <prompt in arriving>
2 : done at once : given without delay <prompt assistance>  synonyms see QUICK
— prompt·ly adv

— prompt·ness n

3prompt n : something that prompts : REMINDER

prompt·er \ˈpräm(p)-tər\ n : a person who reminds another of the words to be spoken next (as in a play)

promp·ti·tude \ˈpräm(p)-tə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : the quality or habit of being prompt : PROMPTNESS

pro·mul·gate \ˈpräm-əl-ˌgāt; prō-ˈməl-\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to make known or make public <promulgate a new law>
— pro·mul·ga·tion \ˌpräm-əl-ˈgā-shən, ˌprō-(ˌ)məl-\ n

prone \ˈprōn\ adj
1 : likely to be or act a certain way <was prone to laziness> <accident-prone>
2 : lying flat; esp : lying face down <he was prone on the floor>
— prone adv

— prone·ness \ˈprōn-nəs\ n

prong \ˈprȯŋ, ˈpräŋ\ n
1 : 1FORK 1
2 : one of the sharp points of a fork : TINE
3 : a slender pointed part that sticks out (as on an antler)
4 : something resembling a prong <there are two prongs to the argument>
— pronged \ˈprȯŋd, ˈpräŋd\ adj

prong·horn \ˈprȯŋ-ˌhȯ(ə)rn, ˈpräŋ-\ n, pl pronghorn or pronghorns : a cud-chewing horned mammal of treeless parts of western North America resembling an antelope — called also pronghorn antelope

pro·nom·i·nal \prō-ˈnäm-ən-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or being a pronoun

pro·noun \ˈprō-ˌnau̇n\ n : a word that is used as a substitute for a noun

pro·nounce \prə-ˈnau̇n(t)s\ vb pro·nounced; pro·nounc·ing
1 : to state in an official or solemn way <I pronounce you husband and wife> <the judge pronounced sentence>
2 : to give as an opinion <pronounced the party a success>
3 a : to use the voice to make the sounds of <practice pronouncing foreign words>  b : to say or speak correctly <I can't pronounce your name>
— pro·nounc·er n

pro·nounced \prə-ˈnau̇n(t)st\ adj : very noticeable <walk with a pronounced limp>
— pro·nounc·ed·ly \-ˈnau̇n(t)-səd-lē\ adv

pro·nounce·ment \prə-ˈnau̇n(t)-smənt\ n : an official or solemn statement or announcement

pron·to \ˈprän-ˌtō\ adv : without delay : right away

pro·nun·ci·a·tion \prə-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən\ n : the act or way of pronouncing a word or words

1proof \ˈprüf\ n
1 a : evidence of truth or correctness <gave proof of her statement>  b : an act or process of showing or finding out that something is true especially by reasoning or by experiment <a proof that the theorem is true> <put a theory to the proof>
2 a : a copy (as of something set in type) taken for study and correction  b : a test print made from a photographic negative

2proof adj : designed or made to prevent or keep out something that could be harmful <this lock is proof against tampering> — often used in compounds <waterproof>

3proof vb : to activate (yeast) by mixing with water

proof·read \ˈprü-ˌfrēd\ vb -read \-ˌfred\; -read·ing : to read over and fix mistakes in
— proof·read·er n

1prop \ˈpräp\ n : something that props or supports

2prop vb propped; prop·ping
1 a : to hold up or keep from falling or slipping by placing a support under or against <prop up a broken chair>  b : to support by placing against something <propped the rake against a tree>
2 : to give help, encouragement, or support to <propped up by his faith in times of crisis>

3prop n : PROPERTY 4

4prop n : PROPELLER

pro·pa·gan·da \ˌpräp-ə-ˈgan-də, ˌprō-pə-\ n : an organized spreading of certain ideas; also : the ideas spread in this way
— pro·pa·gan·dist \-dəst\ n or adj

— pro·pa·gan·dis·tic \-ˌgan-ˈdis-tik\ adj

pro·pa·gan·dize \ˌpräp-ə-ˈgan-ˌdīz, ˌprō-pə-\ vb -dized; -diz·ing
1 : to spread propaganda
2 : to try to influence by propaganda

prop·a·gate \ˈpräp-ə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to have or cause to have offspring : MULTIPLY 1 <ways to propagate plants without seeds> <propagate an apple by grafting>
2 : to cause (as an idea or belief) to spread out and affect a greater number or wider area <propagate a faith>

prop·a·ga·tion \ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n : the act or process of propagating: as  a : multiplication (as of a kind of living thing) in number of individuals  b : the spreading of something (as a belief) abroad or into new regions

pro·pane \ˈprō-ˌpān\ n : a heavy flammable gas found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in the chemical industry

pro·pel \prə-ˈpel\ vb pro·pelled; pro·pel·ling : to push or drive usually forward or onward <a bicycle is propelled by pedals> <propelled by the crowd>

pro·pel·lant also pro·pel·lent \prə-ˈpel-ənt\ n : something that propels: as  a : fuel plus a chemical to supply oxygen used by a rocket engine  b : a gas under pressure in a can for expelling the contents when the pressure is released

pro·pel·ler \prə-ˈpel-ər\ n : a device consisting of a hub fitted with blades that is made to turn rapidly by an engine and is used especially for propelling airplanes and ships

pro·pen·si·ty \prə-ˈpen(t)-sət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a natural inclination or liking : BENT <a propensity for bright colors> <a propensity to daydream>

prop·er \ˈpräp-ər\ adj
1 : belonging naturally to something : SPECIAL <diseases proper to the tropics>
2 : considered without surrounding places, things, or events <lived outside the city proper>
3 a : strictly accurate : CORRECT <the proper way to pronounce the word>  b : obeying social rules : APPROPRIATE <the proper way to address the mayor>
4 : suitable because of an essential nature or condition <proper lighting to work by>  synonyms see FIT
— pro·per·ness n

proper adjective n : an adjective formed from a proper noun <“Italian” in “Italian paintings” is a proper adjective>

proper fraction n : a fraction in which the numerator is less than the denominator

prop·er·ly \ˈpräp-ər-lē\ adv
1 : in a fit or suitable way <behave properly in church>
2 : according to fact : CORRECTLY <properly labeled goods> <properly speaking, whales are not fish>

proper name n : PROPER NOUN

proper noun n : a noun that names a particular person, place, or thing

prop·er·tied \ˈpräp-ərt-ēd\ adj : owning property

prop·er·ty \ˈpräp-ərt-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a special quality of something <the commutative property of addition> <sweetness is a property of sugar>
2 : something (as land, goods, or money) that is owned <that lamp is my aunt's property>; esp : a piece of real estate <a business property>
3 : something other than scenery or costumes that is used in a play or movie
— prop·er·ty·less \-ē-ləs\ adj

pro·phase \ˈprō-ˌfāz\ n
1 : the first stage of mitosis or the second division of meiosis in which chromosomes become visible as tightly coiled threadlike structures
2 : the first stage of the first division of meiosis in which chromosomes become visible and pair with homologous chromosomes to undergo synapsis

proph·e·cy \ˈpräf-ə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the sayings of a prophet
2 : the foretelling of the future <the gift of prophecy>
3 : something foretold : PREDICTION

proph·e·sy \ˈpräf-ə-ˌsī\ vb -sied; -sy·ing
1 : to speak or write like a prophet
2 : FORETELL, PREDICT
— proph·e·si·er \-ˌsī(-ə)r\ n

proph·et \ˈpräf-ət\ n
1 : one who declares publicly a message that one believes has come from God or a god
2 : one who foretells future events

proph·et·ess \ˈpräf-ət-əs\ n : a woman who is a prophet

pro·phet·ic \prə-ˈfet-ik\ or pro·phet·i·cal \-ˈfet-i-kəl\ adj : of or relating to a prophet or prophecy
— pro·phet·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

Proph·ets \ˈpräf-əts\ n pl : the second part of the Hebrew Bible — see BIBLE TABLE

1pro·phy·lac·tic \ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik\ adj
1 : guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection
2 : tending to prevent or ward off

2prophylactic n : something prophylactic; esp : a device and especially a condom for preventing infection or pregnancy

pro·pi·ti·ate \prō-ˈpish-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of
— pro·pi·ti·a·tion \-ˌpish-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

— pro·pi·tia·to·ry \-ˈpish-(ē-)ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

pro·pi·tious \prə-ˈpish-əs\ adj
1 : giving favorable signs of the success of something to come : PROMISING <a propitious first interview>
2 : likely to produce good results <a propitious undertaking>

pro·po·nent \prə-ˈpō-nənt, ˈprō-ˌpō-nənt\ n : one who argues in favor of something <a proponent of recycling>

1pro·por·tion \p(r)ə-ˈpōr-shən, -ˈpȯr-\ n
1 : the size, number, or amount of one thing or group as compared to the size, number, or amount of another <the proportion of boys to girls in our class is three to one>
2 : a balanced or pleasing arrangement <out of proportion>
3 : a statement of the equality of two ratios (as 4/2 = 10/5) — compare 2EXTREME 2, 4MEAN 2B
4 : a fair or just share <did our proportion of the work>
5 : DIMENSION 1B <a crisis of large proportions> <the proportions of a room>
— in proportion : PROPORTIONAL 1

2proportion vb -tioned; -tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to adjust something to fit with something else
2 : to make the parts of go well with each other

pro·por·tion·al \p(r)ə-ˈpōr-shnəl, -ˈpȯr-, -shən-əl\ adj
1 a : being equivalent in size, amount, or strength  b : having the same or a constant ratio
2 : set with reference to proportions
— pro·por·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌpōr-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē, -ˌpȯr-\ n

— pro·por·tion·al·ly \-ˈpōr-shnə-lē, -ˈpȯr-, -shən-əl-ē\ adv

pro·por·tion·ate \p(r)ə-ˈpōr-sh(ə-)nət, -ˈpȯr-\ adj : PROPORTIONAL 1
— pro·por·tion·ate·ly adv

pro·pos·al \prə-ˈpō-zəl\ n
1 : a stating or putting forward something for consideration
2 a : something proposed : SUGGESTION  b : an offer of marriage

pro·pose \prə-ˈpōz\ vb pro·posed; pro·pos·ing
1 : to make a suggestion to be thought over and talked about : SUGGEST <propose a new theory>
2 : to make plans : INTEND <propose to buy a new house>
3 : to suggest for filling a place or office <propose someone for membership>
4 : to make an offer of marriage
— pro·pos·er n

prop·o·si·tion \ˌpräp-ə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : something offered to be thought about or accepted : PROPOSAL <a business proposition>
2 : an expression (as in logic) to be proved or explained
3 : something of a certain kind which one must deal with <the mine will never be a paying proposition> <fixing that roof will be a tough proposition>

pro·pound \prə-ˈpau̇nd\ vb : PROPOSE 1
— pro·pound·er n

1pro·pri·etary \p(r)ə-ˈprī-ə-ˌter-ē\ n, pl -etar·ies : PROPRIETOR 1

2proprietary adj
1 a : of or relating to a proprietor <proprietary rights>  b : resembling that of a proprietor <a proprietary pride in their hometown>
2 : made and sold by one having the exclusive right to manufacture and sell <a proprietary drug>
3 : privately owned and managed <a proprietary nursing home>

pro·pri·etor \p(r)ə-ˈprī-ət-ər\ n
1 : a person to whom ownership of a colony is granted
2 : a person who is owner <the proprietor of the store>
— pro·pri·etor·ship \-ˌship\ n

pro·pri·ety \p(r)ə-ˈprī-ət-ē\ n, pl -eties
1 : the quality or state of being proper <questioned the propriety of expelling him for such a minor offense>
2 : correctness in manners or behavior : POLITENESS
3 pl : the rules and customs of behavior followed by polite people

prop root n : a root that braces or supports a plant

pro·pul·sion \prə-ˈpəl-shən\ n
1 : the action or process of propelling
2 : something that propels
— pro·pul·sive \-ˈpəl-siv\ adj

pro ra·ta \(ˈ)prō-ˈrāt-ə, -ˈrät-ə\ adv : in proportion to the share of each : PROPORTIONATELY
— pro rata adj

pro·rate \(ˈ)prō-ˈrāt\ vb pro·rat·ed; pro·rat·ing : to divide or spread proportionately <prorate a weekly wage for three days of work>
— pro·ra·tion \prō-ˈrā-shən\ n

pros plural of 1PRO, 3PRO

pro·sa·ic \prō-ˈzā-ik\ adj : being dull, ordinary, or uninteresting
— pro·sa·i·cal·ly \-ˈzā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adv

pro·sce·ni·um \prō-ˈsē-nē-əm\ n
1 : the part of a stage in front of the curtain
2 : the wall containing the arch that frames the stage

pro·scribe \prō-ˈskrīb\ vb pro·scribed; pro·scrib·ing : PROHIBIT 1

pro·scrip·tion \prō-ˈskrip-shən\ n
1 : the act of proscribing : the state of being proscribed
2 : PROHIBITION 2

prose \ˈprōz\ n
1 : the ordinary language that people use when they speak or write
2 : writing that does not have the repeating rhythm used in poetry
— prose adj

pros·e·cute \ˈpräs-i-ˌkyüt\ vb -cut·ed; -cut·ing
1 : to follow up to the end : keep at <prosecute a war>
2 : to carry on a legal action against an accused person to prove his or her guilt
— pros·e·cut·able \-ˌkyüt-ə-bəl\ adj

prosecuting attorney n : DISTRICT ATTORNEY

pros·e·cu·tion \ˌpräs-i-ˈkyü-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of prosecuting; esp : the bringing and continuance of a criminal case
2 : the one bringing charges of crime against a person being tried; esp : the state's lawyers in a criminal case

pros·e·cu·tor \ˈpräs-i-ˌkyüt-ər\ n : a person (as a district attorney) who prosecutes especially a criminal case as lawyer for the state

pros·e·lyte \ˈpräs-ə-ˌlīt\ n : a new convert especially to a religion

pros·e·ly·tize \ˈpräs-(ə-)lə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing
1 : to talk someone into changing religious faith
2 : to try to get new people to join one's cause or group

prose poem n : a composition in prose that has some of the qualities of a poem

pro·sim·i·an \(ˈ)prō-ˈsim-ē-ən\ n : a mammal (as a lemur) that is one of the lower primates
— prosimian adj

pros·o·dy \ˈpräs-əd-ē\ n, pl -dies : the study of the structure of poetry

1pros·pect \ˈpräs-ˌpekt\ n
1 : a wide view
2 : looking forward to something : ANTICIPATION <the prospect of a good time>
3 : something that is waited for or expected : POSSIBILITY <what is the prospect of our seeing you again soon?>
4 a : a possible buyer or customer  b : a likely candidate <a presidential prospect>

2prospect vb : to explore especially for mineral deposits <prospecting for gold>

pro·spec·tive \prə-ˈspek-tiv also ˈprä-ˌspek-, prō-ˈspek-, prä-ˈspek-\ adj
1 : likely to come about <prospective benefits>
2 : likely to become <a prospective buyer>

pros·pec·tor \ˈpräs-ˌpek-tər\ n : a person who explores a region in search of valuable minerals (as metals or oil)

pro·spec·tus \prə-ˈspek-təs, prä-\ n, pl -tus·es : a printed statement that describes something (as a new business) and is sent out to people who may want to take part (as by investing)

pros·per \ˈpräs-pər\ vb pros·pered; pros·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to succeed or make money in something one is doing
2 : THRIVE 1, FLOURISH
3 : to cause to become prosperous

pros·per·i·ty \prä-ˈsper-ət-ē\ n : the state of being prosperous or successful

pros·per·ous \ˈpräs-p(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : having or showing success or financial good fortune
2 : strong and healthy in growth
— pros·per·ous·ly adv

pros·tate \ˈpräs-ˌtāt\ n : PROSTATE GLAND
— pros·tat·ic \prä-ˈstat-ik\ adj

prostate gland n : a body around the base of the male urethra in mammals that is part muscle and part gland and produces a whitish fluid that is a major part of semen

pros·the·sis \präs-ˈthē-səs, ˈpräs-thə-\ n, pl -the·ses \-ˌsēz\ : an artificial device that replaces a missing part of the body

1pros·ti·tute \ˈpräs-tə-ˌt(y)üt\ vb -tut·ed; -tut·ing : to put (as one's talents) to unworthy uses : DEBASE

2prostitute n : a person who engages in sexual activities for money

pros·ti·tu·tion \ˌpräs-tə-ˈt(y)ü-shən\ n
1 : the acts or practices of a prostitute
2 : the state of being prostituted

1pros·trate \ˈpräs-ˌtrāt\ adj
1 : stretched out with the face on the ground
2 : completely overcome or exhausted <prostrate with grief>
3 : trailing on the ground <a prostrate shrub>

2prostrate vb pros·trat·ed; pros·trat·ing
1 : to throw or put into a prostrate position
2 : to bring to a weak or powerless condition <prostrated with grief>

pros·tra·tion \prä-ˈstrā-shən\ n
1 a : the act of assuming a prostrate position  b : the state of being prostrate
2 : complete physical or mental exhaustion : COLLAPSE

prosy \ˈprō-zē\ adj pros·i·er; -est : PROSAIC

prot·ac·tin·i·um \ˌprōt-ˌak-ˈtin-ē-əm\ n : a shiny metallic radioactive element of short life — see ELEMENT TABLE

pro·tag·o·nist \prō-ˈtag-ə-nəst\ n : the chief character in a play, novel, or story

pro·te·an \ˈprōt-ē-ən\ adj : easily taking different shapes or roles [from Proteus, a god of the sea in Greek mythology who could change his form at will]

pro·tect \prə-ˈtekt\ vb : to cover or shield from something that would destroy or injure : GUARD

pro·tec·tion \prə-ˈtek-shən\ n
1 a : the act of protecting <under our protection>  b : the state of being protected <the open boat offered no protection from the weather>
2 : a person or thing that protects

pro·tec·tive \prə-ˈtek-tiv\ adj : giving or meant to give protection
— pro·tec·tive·ly adv

— pro·tec·tive·ness n

protective coloration n : coloration by which a living thing appears less visible or less attractive to predators

pro·tec·tor \prə-ˈtek-tər\ n
1 : a person or thing that protects or is intended to protect
2 : a person who takes charge of a kingdom while the king or queen is too young to rule : REGENT

pro·tec·tor·ate \prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət\ n
1 a : government by a protector  b : the office or period of rule of a protector
2 : a small country ruled by a larger one

pro·té·gé \ˈprōt-ə-ˌzhā\ n : a person under the care or training of someone influential especially for the furthering of his or her career [French, from protéger “to protect”]

pro·tein \ˈprō-ˌtēn, ˈprōt-ē-ən\ n : any of numerous substances that consist of chains of amino acids, contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and often sulfur, include many compounds (as enzymes and hormones) essential for life, and are supplied by various foods (as meat, milk, eggs, nuts, and beans)
— pro·tein·aceous \ˌprōt-ən-ˈā-shəs, ˌprō-ˌtēn-, ˌprōt-ē-ən-\ adj

pro tem·po·re \prō-ˈtem-pə-rē\ adv : for the present <president pro tempore>

Pro·tero·zo·ic \ˌprät-ə-rə-ˈzō-ik, ˌprōt-\ adj : of, relating to, or being an eon of geologic time between the Archean and the Phanerozoic eons that exceeds in length all of following geologic time and is marked by rocks which contain fossils indicating the existence of algae and small soft-bodied animals resembling worms and jellyfish; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Proterozoic n

1pro·test \ˈprō-ˌtest\ n : a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness or disapproval

2pro·test \prə-ˈtest, ˈprō-ˌtest, prō-ˈtest\ vb
1 : to declare positively : ASSERT <protested their innocence>
2 a : to make a protest against <protested the higher tax rate>  b : to object strongly <protest against a new highway>
— pro·test·er or pro·tes·tor \-ˈtes-tər, -tes-\ n

prot·es·tant \ˈprät-əs-tənt, sense 2 is also prə-ˈtes-\ n
1 cap : a member of one of several Christian churches that separated from the Roman Catholic church in the 16th century or of a church founded by members of these churches
2 : one who protests
— protestant adj, often cap

— Prot·es·tant·ism \ˈprät-əs-tənt-ˌiz-əm\ n

pro·tes·ta·tion \ˌprät-əs-ˈtā-shən, ˌprō-ˌtes-\ n
1 : the act of protesting
2 : a positive declaration

pro·tho·rax \(ˈ)prō-ˈthō(ə)r-ˌaks, -ˈthȯ(ə)r-\ n : the first segment of the thorax of an insect

pro·tist \ˈprōt-əst\ n : any of a kingdom of organisms that resemble plants or animals or both, are one-celled and sometimes colonial or less often many-celled, and that typically include the protozoans, most algae, and often some fungi (as slime molds)
— pro·tis·tan \prō-ˈtis-tən\ adj or n

pro·to·col \ˈprōt-ə-ˌkȯl\ n
1 : an original copy or record of a document
2 : a code of diplomatic or military rules of behavior
3 : a set of rules for the formatting of data in an electronic communications system <network protocols>

pro·ton \ˈprō-ˌtän\ n : an atomic particle that occurs in the nucleus of every atom and carries a positive charge equal in size to the negative charge of an electron
— pro·ton·ic \prō-ˈtän-ik\ adj

pro·to·plan·et \ˈprōt-ō-ˌplan-ət\ n : a whirling mass of gas that rotates around a star and is believed to become a planet
— pro·to·plan·e·tary \ˌprōt-ō-ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj

pro·to·plasm \ˈprōt-ə-ˌplaz-əm\ n : a mixture of various organic and inorganic substances (as proteins and water) that makes up the living nucleus, cytoplasm, plastids, and mitochondria of the cell and is considered the physical basis of life
— pro·to·plas·mic \ˌprōt-ə-ˈplaz-mik\ adj

pro·to·type \ˈprōt-ə-ˌtīp\ n : an original model on which something is patterned

pro·to·zoa \ˌprōt-ə-ˈzō-ə\ n pl : microorganisms that are protozoans

pro·to·zo·an \ˌprōt-ə-ˈzō-ən\ n : any of a phylum or group of microorganisms (as amoebas and paramecia) that are single-celled protists and have varied structure and physiology and often complicated life cycles
— protozoan adj

pro·to·zo·ol·o·gist \ˌprōt-ə-zō-ˈäl-ə-jəst, -zə-ˈwäl-\ n : a specialist in protozoology

pro·to·zo·ol·o·gy \ˌprōt-ə-zō-ˈäl-ə-jē, -zə-ˈwäl-\ n : a branch of zoology dealing with protozoans

pro·tract \prō-ˈtrakt\ vb : PROLONG

pro·trac·tor \prō-ˈtrak-tər\ n : an instrument for drawing and measuring angles

pro·trude \prō-ˈtrüd\ vb pro·trud·ed; pro·trud·ing : to stick out or cause to stick out

pro·tru·sion \prō-ˈtrü-zhən\ n
1 : the act of protruding : the state of being protruded
2 : something that protrudes

pro·tu·ber·ance \prō-ˈt(y)ü-b(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of bulging beyond a surrounding surface
2 : 2BULGE

pro·tu·ber·ant \prō-ˈt(y)ü-b(ə-)rənt\ adj : bulging beyond the surrounding surface

proud \ˈprau̇d\ adj
1 a : having or displaying excessive self-esteem <a proud manner>  b : much pleased <proud parents of a hero>  c : having proper self-respect <too proud to beg>
2 : MAGNIFICENT 1, GLORIOUS <a proud record>
3 : VIGOROUS 1, SPIRITED <a proud horse>
— proud·ly adv

prove \ˈprüv\ vb proved; proved or prov·en \ˈprü-vən\; prov·ing
1 : to test by an experiment or a standard <prove gold>
2 a : to show the truth of by evidence <prove the charges> <proved she could handle the job>  b : to check the correctness of (as an arithmetic solution)
3 : to show the genuineness of <prove a will>
4 : to turn out especially after trial or test <the new automobile engine proved to be impractical>
— prov·able \ˈprü-və-bəl\ adj

Pro·ven·çal \ˌpräv-ən-ˈsäl, ˌprōv-\ n
1 : a person born or living in Provence
2 : OCCITAN
— Provençal adj

prov·en·der \ˈpräv-ən-dər\ n
1 : dry food for domestic animals : FEED
2 : FOOD 1

prov·erb \ˈpräv-ˌərb\ n : a brief popular saying expressing a wise thought

pro·ver·bi·al \prə-ˈvər-bē-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a proverb <proverbial wisdom>
2 : commonly spoken of <the proverbial beginner's luck>
— pro·ver·bi·al·ly \-bē-ə-lē\ adv

Prov·erbs \ˈpräv-ˌərbz\ n : a collection of moral sayings and counsels forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE table

pro·vide \prə-ˈvīd\ vb pro·vid·ed; pro·vid·ing
1 : to take care of beforehand <provide against a possible scarcity>
2 : to state a condition or stipulation <the contract provided for 10 paid holidays>
3 : to supply what is needed for support <provides for a large family>
4 : to supply or furnish for use <cows provide milk> [Middle English providen “to provide,” from Latin providēre, literally, “to see ahead,” from pro- “ahead, forward” and vidēre “to see” — related to VISION]
— pro·vid·er n

pro·vid·ed \prə-ˈvīd-əd\ conj : IF 1

prov·i·dence \ˈpräv-əd-ən(t)s, -ə-ˌden(t)s\ n
1 a often cap : divine guidance or care  b cap : God as the guide and protector of all human beings
2 : the quality or state of being provident : PRUDENCE

prov·i·dent \ˈpräv-əd-ənt, -ə-ˌdent\ adj
1 : providing for future needs
2 : FRUGAL
— prov·i·dent·ly adv

prov·i·den·tial \ˌpräv-ə-ˈden-chəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or determined by Providence <providential guidance>
2 : FORTUNATE 1, TIMELY <a providential escape>
— prov·i·den·tial·ly \-ˈdench-(ə-)lē\ adv

prov·ince \ˈpräv-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : a country or region brought under the control of the ancient Roman government  b : a usually large division of a country having its own government <Canadian provinces>  c pl : all of a country except the chief cities
2 : the jurisdiction of an archbishop or metropolitan
3 : proper or appropriate business or area of skill, knowledge, or interest <a legal question outside the physician's province>

1pro·vin·cial \prə-ˈvin-chəl\ n
1 : a person living in or coming from a province
2 : a provincial person

2provincial adj
1 : of, relating to, or coming from a province
2 a : limited in outlook : NARROW  b : lacking the ways and manners of city people
3 : of or relating to a style (as in furniture) marked by simple design and plain decoration <a French provincial table>
— pro·vin·ci·al·i·ty \-ˌvin-chē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— pro·vin·cial·ly \-ˈvinch-(ə-)lē\ adv

pro·vin·cial·ism \prə-ˈvin-chə-ˌliz-əm\ n
1 : a local word, phrase, or idiom
2 : the quality or state of being provincial

proving ground n : a place for scientific testing

1pro·vi·sion \prə-ˈvizh-ən\ n
1 a : the act or process of providing <provision of transportation for the trip>  b : something done beforehand : PREPARATION <make provision for emergencies>
2 : a stock of materials or supplies; esp : a stock of food — usually used in plural
3 : 1CONDITION 1 <a constitutional provision>

2provision vb pro·vi·sioned; pro·vi·sion·ing \-ˈvizh-(ə-)niŋ\ : to supply with provisions

pro·vi·sion·al \prə-ˈvizh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : serving for the time being <a provisional government> <provisional arrangements>
— pro·vi·sion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

pro·vi·so \prə-ˈvī-zō\ n, pl -sos or -soes
1 : a sentence or clause in a legal document in which a condition is stated
2 : a limiting statement <released them with the proviso that they behave>

prov·o·ca·tion \ˌpräv-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act of provoking
2 : something that provokes

pro·voc·a·tive \prə-ˈväk-ət-iv\ adj : serving or tending to provoke <provocative comments>
— pro·voc·a·tive·ly adv

— pro·voc·a·tive·ness n

pro·voke \prə-ˈvōk\ vb pro·voked; pro·vok·ing
1 : to excite to anger
2 : to stir up : BRING ABOUT <provoke an argument> [Middle English provoken “to arouse to strong feeling or action,” from early French provoquer (same meaning), from Latin provocare “to call forth, stir up,” from pro- “forth, forward” and vocare “to call” — related to ADVOCATE, REVOKE, VOCATION]
synonyms PROVOKE, EXCITE, STIMULATE, mean to arouse into doing or feeling something. PROVOKE stresses the feeling or action called forth <my stories usually provoke laughter>. EXCITE suggests the stirring up of great feeling <news of the victory excited joy and relief>. STIMULATE suggests a rousing out of laziness, inactivity, or unconcern <a speech that stimulated the crowd to shout slogans>.

pro·vok·ing \prə-ˈvō-kiŋ\ adj : causing mild anger : ANNOYING <a provoking delay>
— pro·vok·ing·ly \-kiŋ-lē\ adv

pro·vost \ˈprō-ˌvōst, ˈpräv-əst, before “marshal” often ˌprō-vō\ n : a high managing officer (as in a university)

provost marshal n : a military police chief

prow \ˈprau̇\ n : the bow of a ship

prow·ess \ˈprau̇-əs\ n
1 : great bravery especially in battle
2 : very great ability <athletic prowess>

prowl \ˈprau̇(ə)l\ vb
1 : to move about or wander in a secretive manner in or as if in search of prey
2 : to roam over like a wild beast <prowl the streets>
— prowl n

— prowl·er n

prowl car n : SQUAD CAR

prox·im·i·ty \präk-ˈsim-ət-ē\ n : the state or condition of being near : NEARNESS

proxy \ˈpräk-sē\ n, pl prox·ies
1 : authority held by one person to act for another (as in voting)
2 a : a person holding authority to act for another  b : a written paper giving a person such authority
— proxy adj

prude \ˈprüd\ n : a person who is easily shocked or offended by things that do not shock or offend others
— prud·ish \ˈprüd-ish\ adj

— prud·ish·ly adv

— prud·ish·ness n

pru·dence \ˈprüd-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2 : skill and good judgment in the management of affairs

pru·dent \ˈprüd-ənt\ adj
1 : clever and careful in action and judgment <it's prudent to save some of your money>
2 : DISCREET
3 : FRUGAL
— pru·dent·ly adv

pru·den·tial \prü-ˈden-chəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or resulting from prudence
2 : using prudence

prud·ery \ˈprüd-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : the quality or state of being prudish
2 : a prudish remark or act

1prune \ˈprün\ n : a dried plum

2prune vb pruned; prun·ing
1 a : to reduce by getting rid of matter that is not necessary or wanted <prune an essay> <prune a budget>  b : to remove as unnecessary
2 : to cut off the parts of a woody plant that are dead or not wanted <prune the hedge>
— prun·er n

pru·ri·ent \ˈpru̇r-ē-ənt\ adj : having or revealing indecent desires or thoughts
— pru·ri·ent·ly adv

1pry \ˈprī\ vb pried; pry·ing : to look closely : PEER; esp : to search curiously into other people's affairs [Middle English prien “to look at closely”]

2pry vb pried; pry·ing
1 : to raise, move, or pull apart with or as if with a lever <pry off a tight lid>
2 : to force out, detach, or open with difficulty <could not pry a secret out of her> [an altered form of prize “to move with or as if with a lever”]

3pry n : a tool for prying

pry·ing adj : given to asking about other people's affairs especially in an annoying or meddlesome way  synonyms see CURIOUS
— pry·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

psalm \ˈsäm, ˈsälm\ n
1 : a sacred song or poem
2 cap : one of the hymns that make up the Old Testament Book of Psalms
Word History The Greek word psallein originally meant “to pull” or “to pluck.” It then came to be used with the meaning “to play a stringed musical instrument.” From this verb came the noun psalmos, which literally meant “the twanging of a harp.” Since harp music often accompanied singing, psalmos took on the meaning of “a song sung to harp music” and later simply “a song or poem.” It was borrowed into Latin as psalmus and came into English as psalm. [Old English psealm “psalm,” from Latin psalmus (same meaning), from Greek psalmos “psalm,” literally, “twanging of a harp,” from psallein “to pluck, play a stringed musical instrument”]

psalm·ist \ˈsäm-əst, ˈsäl-məst\ n : a writer or composer of psalms

psalm·o·dy \ˈsäm-əd-ē, ˈsäl-məd-\ n, pl -dies
1 : the art or practice of singing psalms in worship
2 : a collection of psalms

Psalms \ˈsämz, ˈsälmz\ n : a collection of sacred poems forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE table

Psal·ter \ˈsȯl-tər\ n
1 : the Book of Psalms in the Bible
2 : a collection of Psalms

psal·tery also psal·try \ˈsȯl-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ter·ies also -tries : an ancient stringed musical instrument resembling the zither

p's and q's \ˌpēz-ən-ˈkyüz\ n : something (as manners) that one should be careful about <always minded my p's and q's around my aunts and uncles>

pseud- or pseudo- combining form : not genuine : fake [derived from Greek pseudēs “false”]

pseu·do \ˈsüd-ō\ adj : not genuine : FAKE

pseud·onym \ˈsüd-ən-ˌim\ n : a fictitious name; esp : PEN NAME

pseu·do·pod \ˈsüd-ə-ˌpäd\ n : PSEUDOPODIUM

pseu·do·po·di·um \ˌsüd-ə-ˈpōd-ē-əm\ n, pl -po·dia \-ē-ə\ : an outward extension of part of a cell that is produced by the pressure of moving cytoplasm (as in an amoeba) and that helps to move the cell and to take in its food

pshaw \ˈshȯ\ interj — used to express irritation, contempt, or disbelief

psi \ˈsī\ n : the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet — Ψ or ψ

psi·lo·cy·bin \ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən\ n : a chemical that is obtained from a fungus and causes hallucinations

psit·ta·co·sis \ˌsit-ə-ˈkō-səs\ n : an infectious disease of birds caused by a bacterium, marked by diarrhea and loss of weight and strength, and capable of being passed on to human beings — called also parrot fever

pso·ri·a·sis \sə-ˈrī-ə-səs\ n : a skin disease characterized by red patches often covered with white scales

psych or psyche \ˈsīk\ vb psyched; psych·ing
1 : to make oneself psychologically ready — usually used with up <psyched themselves up for the race>
2 : to make uneasy — often used with out <psych out an opponent>

psy·che \ˈsī-kē\ n
1 : 1SOUL 2, SELF
2 : 1MIND 2

1psy·che·del·ic \ˌsī-kə-ˈdel-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a drug (as LSD) that produces abnormal often extreme mental effects (as hallucinations)
2 a : imitating the effects of psychedelic drugs  b : glowing brightly

2psychedelic n : a psychedelic drug

psy·chi·a·trist \sə-ˈkī-ə-trəst, sī-\ n : a specialist in psychiatry

psy·chi·a·try \sə-ˈkī-ə-trē, sī-\ n : a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the mind, emotions, or behavior
— psy·chi·at·ric \ˌsī-kē-ˈa-trik\ adj

1psy·chic \ˈsī-kik\ also psy·chi·cal \-ki-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the psyche
2 : not physical; esp : not to be explained by knowledge of natural laws
3 : sensitive to influences or forces believed to come from beyond the natural world
— psy·chi·cal·ly \-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2psychic n : a psychic person (as a medium)

psy·cho \ˈsī-kō\ n : a person of unsound mind — not used technically [short for psychopath]

psycho- combining form : mind : mental processes and activities <psychotherapy> [derived from Greek psychē “soul, mind, principle of life”]

psy·cho·ac·tive \ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv\ adj : affecting the mind or behavior <psychoactive drugs>

psy·cho·anal·y·sis \ˌsī-kō-ə-ˈnal-ə-səs\ n, pl -y·ses \-ˌsēz\ : a method of explaining and treating mental and emotional disorders by having the patient talk freely about himself or herself and especially about dreams, problems, and early childhood memories and experiences

psy·cho·an·a·lyst \ˌsī-kō-ˈan-əl-əst\ n : a medical specialist who uses psychoanalysis to treat patients with mental or emotional disorders

psy·cho·an·a·lyt·ic \ˌsī-kō-ˌan-əl-ˈit-ik\ also psy·cho·an·a·lyt·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or using psychoanalysis or its principles and techniques

psy·cho·an·a·lyze \ˌsi-kō-ˈan-əl-ˌīz\ vb : to treat by means of psychoanalysis

psy·cho·log·i·cal \ˌsī-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ also psy·cho·log·ic \-ˈläj-ik\ adj
1 a : of or relating to psychology  b : MENTAL 1
2 : meant to influence the will or mind
— psy·cho·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

psy·chol·o·gist \sī-ˈkäl-ə-jəst\ n : a specialist in psychology

psy·chol·o·gy \sī-ˈkäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : the science or study of mind and behavior
2 : the particular ways in which an individual or group thinks or behaves [from scientific Latin psychologia “the study of the mind and behavior,” derived from Greek psychē “soul, mind” and Greek -logia “science, study”]

psy·cho·path \ˈsī-kə-ˌpath\ n : a mentally ill or unstable person; esp : one who does not feel guilty about not living up to normal social and moral responsibilities and exhibits a disregard for the feelings and safety of others

psy·cho·sis \sī-ˈkō-səs\ n, pl -cho·ses \-ˈkō-ˌsēz\ : a serious mental illness marked by loss of or greatly lessened ability to test whether what one is thinking and feeling about the real world is really true

psy·cho·so·mat·ic \ˌsī-kō-sə-ˈmat-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being symptoms of the body that are caused by disturbances (as stress) originating in the mind

psy·cho·ther·a·pist \ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pəst\ n : a person (as a doctor or psychologist) who treats patients by psychotherapy

psy·cho·ther·a·py \ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē\ n : treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily illnesses by psychological means

1psy·chot·ic \sī-ˈkät-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or marked by psychosis

2psychotic n : a psychotic person

psy·chrom·e·ter \sī-ˈkräm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring the water vapor in the atmosphere by means of the difference in the readings of two thermometers when one of them is kept wet so that it is cooled by evaporation

ptar·mi·gan \ˈtär-mi-gən\ n, pl ptarmigan or ptarmigans : any of various grouses of northern regions with completely feathered feet

PT boat \(ˈ)pē-ˈtē-\ n : a high-speed motorboat usually equipped with torpedoes, machine guns, and depth charges

PTC \ˌpē-ˌtē-ˈsē\ n : PHENYLTHIOCARBAMIDE

pte·ri·do·phyte \tə-ˈrid-ə-ˌfīt\ n : any of a group of vascular plants that have roots, stems, and leaves, reproduce by spores instead of by flowers and seeds, and include the ferns, club mosses, horsetails, and their extinct relatives

ptero·dac·tyl \ˌter-ə-ˈdak-təl\ n : any of various extinct flying reptiles having a featherless membrane extending from the body along the arms and forming the supporting surface of the wings [from scientific Latin Pterodactylus “pterodactyl,” from Greek pteron “wing” and Greek daktylos “finger”]

ptero·saur \ˈter-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r\ n : PTERODACTYL

pto·maine \ˈtō-ˌmān, tō-ˈmān\ n : any of various often poisonous compounds formed by the action of decay-producing bacteria on nitrogen-containing matter (as proteins)

ptomaine poisoning n : food poisoning caused by bacteria or their products

pty·a·lin \ˈtī-ə-lən\ n : an enzyme found in the saliva of many animals that helps change starch into sugar

pub \ˈpəb\ n, chiefly British : PUBLIC HOUSE 2

pu·ber·ty \pyü-bərt-ē\ n
1 : the condition of being or the period of becoming first capable of reproducing sexually that is brought on by the production of sex hormones and the maturing of the sex organs (as the testes and ovaries) and is marked by the development of secondary sex characteristics (as male facial hair growth and female breast development) and by the occurrence of the first menstruation in the female
2 : the age at which puberty occurs often defined legally as 14 in boys and 12 in girls

pu·bic \ˈpyü-bik\ adj : of, relating to, or located near the pubis

pu·bis \ˈpyü-bəs\ n, pl pu·bes \-bēz\ : the front and lower of the three principal bones composing each half of the pelvis

1pub·lic \ˈpəb-lik\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, belonging to, or affecting all the people <public law>  b : provided by the government <public education>  c : relating to or engaged in the service of the community or nation <public life>
2 : of or relating to community interests as opposed to private affairs <a radio program in the public interest>
3 : devoted to the general welfare <needed leaders with public spirit>
4 : open to or shared by all <a public meeting> <the public library>
5 a : generally known <the story became public>  b : WELL-KNOWN <a public figure>
6 : supported by income from public funds and private contributions rather than by commercials <public television> [Middle English publique “relating to the people as a whole, public,” from early French publique (same meaning), from Latin publicus “belonging to the people as a whole,” from populus “the people” — related to POPULAR, REPUBLIC]
— pub·lic·ly adv

2public n
1 : a place open or visible to people <seen in public>
2 : the people as a whole <a lecture open to the public>
3 : a particular group of people <a writer's public>

public–address system n : a set of equipment including microphone and loudspeakers used for broadcasting to a large audience in an auditorium or out of doors

pub·li·can \ˈpəb-li-kən\ n : a tax collector for the ancient Romans

pub·li·ca·tion \ˌpəb-lə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of publishing
2 : a published work

public house n
1 : INN, HOTEL
2 chiefly British : a licensed saloon or bar

pub·li·cist \ˈpəb-lə-səst\ n
1 a : an expert in international law  b : an expert on public affairs
2 : PRESS AGENT

pub·lic·i·ty \(ˌ)pə-ˈblis-ət-ē\ n
1 : the condition of being public or publicly known
2 : an act or device designed to attract public interest; esp : information with a news value designed to further the interests of a place, person, or cause
3 a : an action that gains public attention  b : the attention so gained

pub·li·cize \ˈpəb-lə-ˌsīz\ vb -cized; -ciz·ing : to give publicity to

public relations n
1 : the business of creating public goodwill for a person, firm, or institution
2 : the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

public school n
1 : a British private school that gives a liberal education and prepares students for the universities
2 : an elementary or secondary school supported by taxes and operated by a local government

public servant n : a governmental official or employee

public service n
1 : the business of supplying a commodity (as electricity or gas) or service (as transportation) to any or all members of a community
2 : governmental employment; esp : CIVIL SERVICE

public utility n : a business organization performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulation

public works n pl : works (as schools, highways, or docks) constructed with public funds for public use

pub·lish \ˈpəb-lish\ vb
1 : to make generally known : make public announcement of
2 a : to produce or release for publication; esp : 2PRINT 2C  b : to print the work of <publish a poet>
— pub·lish·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

pub·lish·er \ˈpəb-lish-ər\ n : one that publishes; esp : one that sends out and offers for sale printed matter (as books, magazines, or newspapers)

1puck \ˈpək\ n : a fairy or spirit who plays tricks on human beings [Old English pūca “evil spirit”]

2puck n : a rubber disk used in ice hockey [from a dialect word puck “to hit, poke,” probably from Irish poc “butt, stroke in hurling,” literally, “buck (male deer)”]

1puck·er \ˈpək-ər\ vb puck·ered; puck·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to contract into folds or wrinkles <pucker one's lips>

2pucker n : a fold or wrinkle caused by puckering
— puck·ery \ˈpək-(ə-)rē\ adj

pud·ding \ˈpu̇d-iŋ\ n
1 : a boiled or baked soft food usually with a cereal base <corn pudding>
2 : a soft, spongy, or thick creamy dessert <bread pudding>

pudding stone n : 3CONGLOMERATE 1

1pud·dle \ˈpəd-əl\ n : a very small pool (as of dirty or muddy water)

2puddle vb pud·dled; pud·dling \ˈpəd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to make muddy
2 : to cover with puddles
— pud·dler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

pudgy \ˈpəj-ē\ adj pudg·i·er; -est : short and plump
— pudg·i·ness n

pueb·lo \pü-ˈeb-lō, ˈpweb-, pyü-ˈeb-\ n, pl pueblos
1 : an American Indian village of Arizona or New Mexico consisting of flat-roofed stone or adobe houses joined in groups sometimes several stories high
2 cap : a member of any of several American Indian peoples of Arizona and New Mexico [from Spanish pueblo “village,” literally, “people,” from Latin populus “people”]

pu·er·ile \ˈpyu̇(-ə)r-əl, -ˌīl\ adj : showing a lack of maturity, seriousness, or good judgment <puerile remarks>
— pu·er·il·i·ty \ˌpyu̇(-ə-)r-ˈil-ət-ē\ n

1puff \ˈpəf\ vb
1 a : to blow in short gusts  b : to breathe hard : PANT <puffed as we climbed the hill>  c : to blow by or as if by puffs <the locomotive puffed smoke>
2 : to swell or become swollen with or as if with air <the sprained ankle puffed up> <puffed up with pride>

2puff n
1 a : an act or instance of puffing : WHIFF, GUST  b : a cloud (as of smoke or steam) given off in a puff
2 : a light pastry that rises high in baking
3 a : a slight swelling  b : a small fluffy pad for applying cosmetic powder  c : a quilted bed covering
— puff·i·ness \ˈpəf-ē-nəs\ n

— puffy \ˈpəf-ē\ adj

3puff adj : of, relating to, or designed for promotion or flattery <a puff piece>

puff adder n : HOGNOSE SNAKE

puff·ball \ˈpəf-ˌbȯl\ n : any of various often edible globe-shaped fungi that release ripe spores in a cloud resembling smoke when they are touched

puff·er \ˈpəf-ər\ n
1 : one that puffs
2 : PUFFER FISH

puffer fish n : any of various scaleless fishes chiefly of tropical seas which can puff themselves up with air or water when threatened and most of which are highly poisonous — called also blowfish, puffer

puf·fin \ˈpəf-ən\ n : any of several seabirds that are related to the auks and have a short thick neck and a deep grooved bill marked with different colors

pug \ˈpəg\ n : any of a breed of small sturdy compact dogs having a short coat, tightly curled tail, and broad wrinkled face

pu·gi·list \ˈpyü-jə-ləst\ n : 1BOXER
— pu·gi·lis·tic \ˌpyü-jə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

pug·na·cious \ˌpəg-ˈnā-shəs\ adj : showing a readiness to fight  synonyms see BELLIGERENT
— pug·na·cious·ly adv

— pug·nac·i·ty \-ˈnas-ət-ē\ n

pug nose n : a usually short nose turning up at the end
— pug–nosed \ˈpəg-ˈnōzd\ adj

puis·sance \ˈpwis-ən(t)s, ˈpyü-ə-sən(t)s\ n : STRENGTH 1, POWER
— puis·sant \-ənt, -sənt\ adj

puke \ˈpyük\ vb puked; puk·ing : 2VOMIT
— puke n

pule \ˈpyü(ə)l\ vb puled; pul·ing : 1WHINE, WHIMPER

1pull \ˈpu̇l\ vb
1 : to separate forcibly from a natural or firm attachment <pull a tooth> <pull up carrots>
2 a : to use force on so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the force <pull a wagon> <pull at a rope>  b : to stretch repeatedly <pull taffy>  c : to strain by stretching <pull a tendon>  d : 1MOVE 1 <the car pulled out of the driveway>
3 : to draw apart : TEAR
4 : 1REMOVE 2 <pulled the pitcher in the third inning>
5 : to bring into the open <pulled a knife>
6 : to carry out with skill or daring : COMMIT <pull a robbery>
7 : ATTRACT 2 <pull customers>
— pull·er n

— pull oneself together : to regain one's calmness

— pull one's leg : to deceive someone playfully

— pull together : to work in harmony : COOPERATE

2pull n
1 a : the act or an instance of pulling  b : the effort put forth in pulling <a long pull uphill>
2 : special influence <got his job through pull>
3 : a device for pulling <a drawer pull>
4 : a force that attracts or influences <the pull of gravity>
5 : an injury resulting from abnormal straining or stretching <a muscle pull>

pull–down \ˈpu̇l-ˌdau̇n\ adj : appearing on a computer screen below a selected item <a pull-down menu>

pul·let \ˈpu̇l-ət\ n : a young hen; esp : a hen of the domestic chicken that is less than a year old [Middle English polet “a young chicken or fowl,” from early French pullet (same meaning), derived from earlier pulle, poule “young animal,” from Latin pullus “young animal, chicken” — related to 3POOL, POULTRY]

pul·ley \ˈpu̇l-ē\ n, pl pulleys : a small wheel with a grooved rim used with a rope or chain to change the direction of a pulling force and in combination to increase the force applied for lifting

Pull·man \ˈpu̇l-mən\ n : a railroad passenger car with comfortable furnishings especially for night travel

1pull·over \ˌpu̇l-ˌō-vər\ adj : put on by being pulled over the head <pullover sweater>

2pull·over \ˈpu̇l-ˌō-vər\ n : a pullover garment

pull through vb : to help through or to survive a dangerous or difficult period or situation <had pneumonia but she pulled through>

pul·mo·nary \ˈpu̇l-mə-ˌner-ē, ˈpəl-\ adj
1 : relating to, affecting, or occurring in the lungs
2 : carried on by the lungs <pulmonary respiration>

pulmonary artery n : an artery that carries oxygen-poor blood containing carbon dioxide from the right side of the heart to the lungs

pulmonary circulation n : the passage of oxygen-poor blood from the right side of the heart through arteries to the lungs where it picks up oxygen and is returned to the left side of the heart by veins

pulmonary vein n : a vein that returns oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left side of the heart

1pulp \ˈpəlp\ n
1 a : the soft juicy or fleshy part of a fruit or vegetable <the pulp of an apple>  b : a mass of vegetable matter from which the juice or moisture has been squeezed <pulp left in orange juice>
2 : the soft sensitive tissue that fills the central cavity of a tooth
3 : a material prepared chiefly from wood but also from other materials (as rags) and used in making paper products
4 : pulpy state <beaten to a pulp>
5 : a magazine or book on cheap paper and often dealing with sensational material

2pulp vb : to make into a pulp
— pulp·er n

pul·pit \ˈpu̇l-ˌpit also ˈpəl-, -pət\ n
1 : a raised platform or high desk used in preaching or leading a worship service
2 : the preaching profession
3 : a job as a preacher

pulp·wood \ˈpəlp-ˌwu̇d\ n : wood (as of aspen, hemlock, pine, or spruce) used in making pulp for paper

pulpy \ˈpəl-pē\ adj pulp·i·er; -est : resembling or consisting of pulp
— pulp·i·ness n

pul·sate \ˈpəl-ˌsāt\ vb pul·sat·ed; pul·sat·ing
1 : to throb or move rhythmically
2 : to exhibit a pulse or pulsation : BEAT <a heart pulsating>

pul·sa·tion \ˌpəl-ˈsā-shən\ n : a rhythmic vibrating or expanding and contracting movement or action (as of an artery); also : a single throb of such movement

1pulse \ˈpəls\ n : the edible seeds of several crops (as peas, beans, or lentils) of the legume family; also : a plant yielding pulse

2pulse n
1 : a regular throbbing caused in the arteries by the contractions of the heart
2 a : rhythmical beating or throbbing  b : PULSATION, BEAT, THROB
3 a : a brief variation of a quantity (as electrical current) whose value is normally constant  b : an electromagnetic wave or a sound wave lasting only a short length of time

3pulse vb pulsed; puls·ing : to display a pulse or pulsation <the veins in his forehead pulsed>

pul·ver·ize \ˈpəl-və-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to beat or grind into a powder or dust
2 : to destroy as if by pulverizing

pu·ma \ˈp(y)ü-mə\ n, pl pumas also puma : COUGAR

pum·ice \ˈpəm-əs\ n : a very light glass that is formed by the rapid cooling of lava from volcanoes, is full of small holes, and is used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing

pum·mel \ˈpəm-əl\ vb -meled or -melled; -mel·ing or -mel·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : 3POUND 2A, BEAT <knead and pummel the dough>
2 : to defeat decisively <pummeled the competition>

1pump \ˈpəmp\ n : a device that raises, transfers, delivers, or compresses fluids especially by suction or pressure or both

2pump vb
1 : to raise, transfer, or compress by means of a pump <pump up water>
2 : to free (as from water or air) by the use of a pump <pump a boat dry>
3 : to fill by using a pump <pump up a tire>
4 : to draw, force, or drive onward in the manner of a pump <the heart pumps blood into the arteries>
5 : to move up and down like a pump handle <pump the hand of a friend>
6 a : to question again and again to find out something  b : to draw out by such questioning
— pump·er n

3pump n : a low shoe gripping the foot chiefly at the toe and heel

pum·per·nick·el \ˈpəm-pər-ˌnik-əl\ n : a dark coarse somewhat sour rye bread

pump·kin \ˈpəm(p)-kən\ n
1 : the usually round orange fruit of a vine of the gourd family widely used as food; also : a fruit (as a crookneck squash) of a closely related vine
2 : a usually hairy prickly vine that produces pumpkins
3 : a strong orange color

pump·kin·seed \-ˌsēd\ n
1 : a small brightly colored North American freshwater sunfish
2 : BLUEGILL

pun \ˈpən\ n : the humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest different meanings or of words having the same sound but different meanings
— pun vb

1punch \ˈpənch\ vb
1 a : 1PROD 1, POKE  b : 1DRIVE 1A, HERD <punch cattle>
2 a : to strike with the fist  b : to press, strike, or cause to work by or as if by punching <punch a typewriter>
3 : to pierce or stamp with a punch
4 : to enter (as data) by punching keys [Middle English pouncen, punchen “emboss, pierce,” probably from pounce “punching tool, dagger, talon”]
— punch·er n

2punch n
1 : a quick blow with or as if with the fist
2 : effective force <the team was well trained but lacked punch>

3punch n
1 a : a tool for piercing, cutting, or stamping or for driving a nail  b : a device or machine for cutting holes or notches (as in paper or cardboard)
2 : a hole or notch made by a punch

4punch n : a drink made of various and usually many ingredients and often flavored with wine or liquor [perhaps from a word in Hindi & Urdu (the official language of Pakistan) pā̃c “five”; so called from the fact that it originally had five ingredients]

pun·cheon \ˈpən-chən\ n : a large barrel of varying size

punc·til·io \ˌpəŋ(k)-ˈtil-ē-ˌō\ n, pl -i·os
1 : a small but important detail of conduct in a ceremony or in following a set of rules
2 : careful following of set ways of doing things (as in social conduct)

punc·til·i·ous \ˌpəŋ(k)-ˈtil-ē-əs\ adj : following exactly the details of proper ways of behaving
— punc·til·i·ous·ly adv

— punc·til·i·ous·ness n

punc·tu·al \ˈpəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)l\ adj : acting or usually acting at an appointed time or at a regularly scheduled time <the trains were punctual>
— punc·tu·al·i·ty \ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n

— punc·tu·al·ly \ˈpəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)-lē\ adv

punc·tu·ate \ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to mark or divide with punctuation marks
2 : to interrupt at intervals <a speech punctuated by a harsh cough>

punc·tu·a·tion \ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwā-shən\ n : the act, practice, or system of inserting punctuation marks in written matter to make the meaning clear and separate parts (as clauses or sentences)

punctuation mark n : any of various marks or signs used in punctuation

See TABLE

1punc·ture \ˈpəŋ(k)-chər\ n
1 : the act of puncturing
2 : a hole or wound made by puncturing <a slight puncture of the skin> <a tire puncture>

2puncture vb punc·tured; punc·tur·ing \ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-riŋ, ˈpəŋ(k)-shriŋ\
1 : to make a hole with a point <a nail punctured the tire>
2 : to suffer a puncture of <punctured the tire on a nail>
3 : to become punctured <worn tires puncture easily>
4 : to make useless or ridiculous as if by a puncture <puncture an argument>

pun·gen·cy \ˈpən-jən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being pungent

pun·gent \ˈpən-jənt\ adj
1 : sharply exciting to the mind <pungent criticism> <pungent wit>
2 : causing a sharp or irritating sensation; esp : sharp or harsh to the sense of taste or smell
— pun·gent·ly adv

pun·ish \ˈpən-ish\ vb
1 : to cause to experience pain or suffering for having done wrong <punish criminals with imprisonment>
2 : to inflict punishment for <punish misbehavior>
3 : to deal with or handle severely or roughly <badly punished by an opponent>
— pun·ish·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— pun·ish·er n
synonyms PUNISH, DISCIPLINE, mean to put a penalty on someone for doing wrong. PUNISH stresses giving some kind of pain or suffering to the wrongdoer rather than trying to reform the person <punished the burglars by sending them to prison>. DISCIPLINE suggests penalizing the wrongdoer but stresses the effort to bring the person under control <parents must discipline their children>.

pun·ish·ment \ˈpən-ish-mənt\ n
1 a : the act of punishing  b : the state or fact of being punished <persons undergoing punishment>
2 : the penalty for a fault or crime <the punishment for robbery>
3 : severe, rough, or disastrous treatment

pu·ni·tive \ˈpyü-nət-iv\ adj
1 : of or relating to punishment or penalties <punitive law>
2 : intended to inflict punishment <a punitive expedition against outlaws>
— pu·ni·tive·ly adv

1punk \ˈpəŋk\ n
1 : a petty gangster or hoodlum
2 a : PUNK ROCK  b : a punk rock musician  c : a person who wears punk styles [origin unknown]

2punk adj
1 : very poor in quality <played a punk game>
2 : being in poor health <feeling punk today>
3 a : of or relating to punk rock  b : relating to or being a style (as of clothing or hair) first inspired by punk rock

punk rock n : rock music marked by extreme expressions of anger and social discontent

1punt \ˈpənt\ n : a long narrow flat-bottomed boat with square ends usually pushed along with a pole [Old English punt “a flat-bottomed boat pushed along with a pole,” from Latin ponton-, ponto “punt, floating bridge, pontoon” — related to PONTOON]

2punt vb : to propel (as a punt) with a pole

3punt vb : to kick a football before it touches the ground when dropped from the hands [origin unknown]
— punt·er n

4punt n : the act or an instance of punting a ball

pu·ny \ˈpyü-nē\ adj pu·ni·er; -est : slight or lesser in power, size, or importance : WEAK [from early French puisné “younger,” literally, “born afterward,” from puis “afterward” and né “born”]
— pu·ni·ness n

pup \ˈpəp\ n : PUPPY; also : one of the young of various animals (as a seal or rat)

pu·pa \ˈpyü-pə\ n, pl pu·pae \-pē, -ˌpī\ or pupas : a stage of an insect (as a bee, moth, or beetle) having complete metamorphosis that occurs between the larva and the adult, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or case, and goes through changes inside by which structures of the larva are replaced by those of the adult
— pu·pal \ˈpyü-pəl\ adj

pu·pate \ˈpyü-ˌpāt\ vb pu·pat·ed; pu·pat·ing : to become a pupa : pass through the stage of the pupa
— pu·pa·tion \pyü-ˈpā-shən\ n

1pu·pil \ˈpyü-pəl\ n
1 : a child or young person in school or in the care of a tutor or teacher
2 : one who has been taught or influenced by a person of fame : DISCIPLE [Middle English pupille “a child under the care of a guardian,” from early French pupille (same meaning), from Latin pupillus “a boy under the care of a guardian” and pupilla “a girl under the care of a guardian”; pupillus derived from pupus “boy”; pupilla derived from pupa “girl, doll” — related to 2PUPIL]

2pupil n : the usually round opening in the iris that contracts and expands to control the amount of light entering the eye
Word History If you look into another person's eye, you can see a small reflection of yourself. That small image made the ancient Romans think of a doll. Thus, they called the part of the eye in which it appears the pupilla. This word literally meant “little doll.” The English word for that part of the eye, pupil, can be traced to the Latin pupilla. Pupilla also had another meaning. A little girl who was an orphan and was in the care of a guardian was called a pupilla. A little boy in the same situation was called a pupillus. From these two Latin words we get the other English pupil, meaning “a young student in the care of a tutor or in school.” [derived from Latin pupilla “pupil of the eye, girl under the care of a guardian,” literally, “little doll,” derived from pupa “doll, girl”; so called because the tiny image of oneself seen in another's eye is like a tiny doll]

pup·pet \ˈpəp-ət\ n
1 : a doll moved by hand or by strings or wires
2 : DOLL 1
3 : a person or a government whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence

pup·pe·teer \ˌpəp-ə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : one who works puppets

pup·py \ˈpəp-ē\ n, pl puppies : a young domestic dog; esp : one less than a year old

pur·blind \ˈpər-ˌblīnd\ adj
1 : partly blind
2 : lacking in understanding

1pur·chase \ˈpər-chəs\ vb pur·chased; pur·chas·ing : to get by paying money for : BUY <purchase a house>
— pur·chas·able \-chə-sə-bəl\ adj

— pur·chas·er n

2purchase n
1 : an act or instance of purchasing
2 : something purchased
3 : a secure hold, grasp, or place to stand <could not get a purchase on the ledge>

pure \ˈpyu̇(ər\ adj
1 : not mixed with anything else : free from everything that might make dirty, change, or lower the quality <pure water>
2 : free from sin or guilt; esp : CHASTE 1
3 : nothing other than <pure nonsense>
4 : not applied to everyday problems : THEORETICAL <pure science> <pure mathematics>
5 a : of unmixed ancestry  b : producing offspring which do not vary from the type of the parents or among themselves with respect to one or more characters

pure·bred \-ˈbred\ adj : bred from members of a recognized breed, strain, or kind without cross-breeding over many generations
— pure·bred \-ˌbred\ n

1pu·ree \pyu̇-ˈrā, -ˈrē\ n
1 : a paste or thick liquid usually made by rubbing cooked food through a sieve
2 : a thick soup having pureed vegetables as a base

2puree vb pu·reed; pu·ree·ing : to boil soft and then rub through a sieve

pure·ly \ˈpyu̇(ə)r-lē\ adv
1 : to the full or entire extent
2 : without the addition of anything harmful or different
3 : for no other reason than : ONLY <done purely for fun>
4 : in an innocent manner

1pur·ga·tive \ˈpər-gət-iv\ adj : tending to act as a strong laxative

2purgative n : a strong laxative

pur·ga·to·ry \ˈpər-gə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries : a state after death in which according to Roman Catholic belief the souls of those who die in God's grace are purified of their sins by suffering

1purge \ˈpərj\ vb purged; purg·ing
1 : to make clean
2 : to have or cause strong and usually repeated emptying of the bowels

2purge n
1 : an act or instance of purging
2 : something that purges

pu·ri·fy \ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make or become pure
— pu·ri·fi·ca·tion \ˌpyu̇r-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— pu·ri·fi·er \ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

Pu·rim \ˈpu̇r-(ˌ)im, pu̇r-ˈim\ n : a Jewish holiday observed in February or March that celebrates the rescue of the Jews from a plot to massacre them [from Hebrew pūrīm (plural), literally, “lots cast in determining something by chance”; so called because Haman in the biblical story in Esther 9:24–26 cast lots to decide a day on which he planned to destroy the Jews]

pu·rine \ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn\ n : any of a group of bases including several (as adenine or guanine) that are important parts of DNA and RNA

pur·ism \ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm\ n : a strict following of what is considered absolutely correct especially in the use of words
— pur·ist \-əst\ n

pu·ri·tan \ˈpyu̇r-ət-ən\ n
1 cap : a member of a 16th and 17th century Protestant group in England and New England opposing many customs of the Church of England
2 : one who practices or preaches a stricter moral code than is generally followed
— puritan adj, often cap

— pu·ri·tan·i·cal \ˌpyu̇r-ə-ˈtan-i-kəl\ adj

— pu·ri·tan·ism \ˈpyu̇r-ət-ən-ˌiz-əm\ n, often cap

pu·ri·ty \ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē\ n
1 : the quality or state of being pure : freedom from impurities
2 : freedom from guilt or sin

1purl \ˈpər(-ə)l\ vb : to invert the stitches in knitting [from obsolete pirl “to twist”]

2purl n
1 : a swirling stream
2 : a gentle murmur [perhaps of Scandinavian origin]

3purl vb
1 : 2EDDY, SWIRL
2 : to make a murmuring sound

pur·lieu \ˈpərl-ˌyü\ n
1 : an outlying or neighboring district
2 pl : SURROUNDINGS

pur·loin \(ˌ)pər-ˈlȯin, ˈpər-ˌlȯin\ vb : 1STEAL 2A
— pur·loin·er n

1pur·ple \ˈpər-pəl\ adj pur·pler \-p(ə-)lər\; pur·plest \-p(ə-)ləst\ : of the color purple

2purple n : a color midway between red and blue

3purple vb pur·pled; pur·pling \ˈpər-p(ə-)liŋ\ : to turn purple

Purple Heart n : a U.S. military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces wounded or killed in action

pur·plish \ˈpər-p(ə-)lish\ adj : somewhat purple

1pur·port \ˈpər-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : meaning stated, suggested, or hinted
2 : the main point of a talk or subject

2pur·port \(ˌ)pər-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt\ vb : to give the impression of being <purports to be a physician>

pur·pose \ˈpər-pəs\ n
1 : something set up as an end to be attained
2 : an object or result achieved <worked to little purpose>  synonyms see INTENTION
— pur·pose·ful \-fəl\ adj

— pur·pose·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— pur·pose·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

— pur·pose·less \-pəs-ləs\ adj

— on purpose : by intention

pur·pose·ly \ˈpər-pəs-lē\ adv : with a clear or known purpose

purr \ˈpər\ n : a low murmuring sound of a contented cat
— purr vb

1purse \ˈpərs\ n
1 : a small container (as a wallet) for money; esp : a woman's pocketbook
2 : a source of supply or support
3 : a sum of money offered as a prize or present [Old English purs “a small bag for money, purse,” from Latin bursa “purse,” from earlier bursa “oxhide,” from Greek byrsa (same meaning) — related to DISBURSE, REIMBURSE]

2purse vb pursed; purs·ing
1 : to put into a purse
2 : 1PUCKER <pursed lips>

purs·er \ˈpər-sər\ n : an official on a ship who keeps accounts and attends to passengers

pur·su·ance \pər-ˈsü-ən(t)s\ n : the act of pursuing or carrying out <in pursuance of their plans>

pur·su·ant to \pər-ˈsü-ənt-\ prep : in carrying out : ACCORDING TO

pur·sue \pər-ˈsü\ vb pur·sued; pur·su·ing
1 : to follow in order to catch up with and seize
2 : to try to obtain or accomplish : SEEK <pursue pleasure>
3 : to proceed along <pursue a northerly course>
4 : to engage in : PRACTICE <pursue a hobby>
5 : to continue to distress severely : HAUNT <pursued by fear> [Middle English pursuen “to follow in order to capture or kill,” derived from early French pursure, pursiure (same meaning), derived from Latin prosequi “to follow after, pursue,” from pro- “forward” and sequi “to follow” — related to SEQUEL]  synonyms see CHASE
— pur·su·er n

pur·suit \pər-ˈsüt\ n
1 : the act of pursuing
2 : an activity done especially for pleasure

pur·vey \(ˌ)pər-ˈvā, ˈpər-ˌvā\ vb pur·veyed; pur·vey·ing : to supply usually as a business
— pur·vey·ance \-ən(t)s\ n

— pur·vey·or \-ər\ n

pus \ˈpəs\ n : thick cloudy usually yellowish white fluid matter formed at a place of inflammation and infection (as an abscess) and containing white blood cells, tissue debris, and germs

1push \ˈpu̇sh\ vb
1 : to press against with force in order to drive
2 : to force forward, downward, or outward
3 : to go or make go ahead <push the job to completion>
4 : to press hard against so as to involve in difficulty <was pushed for time>
5 : to engage in the sale of (illegal drugs)

2push n
1 : a strong advance against obstacles
2 : a sudden thrust : SHOVE
3 : a steady applying of force in a direction away from the body from which it comes

push–button adj
1 : operated or done by means of push buttons <a push-button phone>
2 : using or dependent on complicated automatic machines <push-button warfare> <a push-button civilization>

push button n : a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit

push·cart \ˈpu̇sh-ˌkärt\ n : a cart pushed by hand

push·er \ˈpu̇sh-ər\ n
1 : one that pushes
2 : a seller of illegal drugs

push·over \ˈpu̇sh-ˌō-vər\ n
1 : an opponent easy to defeat or incapable of resistance
2 : someone unable to resist an attraction or appeal
3 : something easily done : SNAP

push–up \ˈpu̇sh-ˌəp\ n : an exercise performed while lying facedown by raising and lowering the body with the straightening and bending of the arms

pu·sil·lan·i·mous \ˌpyü-sə-ˈlan-ə-məs\ adj : COWARDLY

1puss \ˈpu̇s\ n
1 : CAT 1A
2 : GIRL 1 [origin unknown]

2puss n, slang : 1FACE 1 [from Irish pus “mouth”]

pussy \ˈpu̇s-ē\ n, pl puss·ies
1 : CAT 1A
2 : a catkin of the pussy willow

pussy·foot \-ˌfu̇t\ vb
1 : to walk or move in a careful or sneaky manner
2 : to avoid taking a firm stand (as in a dispute)

pussy willow n : a willow having large silky catkins

pus·tule \ˈpəs-chü(ə)l\ n
1 : a small elevation of the skin having an inflamed base and containing pus
2 : a small elevation resembling a pimple or blister

1put \ˈpu̇t\ vb put; put·ting
1 a : to place in or move into a position or relationship <put the book down>  b : to throw with an overhand pushing motion <put the shot>  c : to bring into a state or condition <put it to use> <put the matter right> <put us at risk>
2 a : to cause to undergo something <was put to death>  b : IMPOSE 1A <put a special tax on luxuries>
3 : to set before one for judgment or decision (as by a formal vote) <put the motion>
4 : 4EXPRESS 1A <put your feelings into words>
5 a : to devote or urge to an activity or end <put them to work>  b : 2INVEST 1 <put our money in the company>
6 a : 1ESTIMATE 1 <put the time at about eleven>  b : ATTACH 5 <puts a high value on friendship>
7 : 1GO 1, PROCEED <the ship put to sea>
— put forth
1 : DISCLOSE, ISSUE
2 : to bring into action
3 : to produce or send out by growth <put forth leaves>

— put forward : PROPOSE 1 <put forward a theory>

— put in mind : REMIND

— put together
1 : to create as a whole : CONSTRUCT
2 : ADD 1B, COMBINE

— put to it : to give difficulty to <was put to it to keep up>

2put n : a throw made with an overhand pushing motion

3put adj : FIXED 1A, SET <stay put until I come back>

put about vb : to change course or direction <after sailing north, they put about and headed east>

put across vb : to gain or communicate successfully <put across a plan>

put by vb : to lay aside : SAVE <have money put by for an emergency>

put down vb
1 : to bring to an end by force <put down a riot>
2 : to write down (as in a list)
3 : BELITTLE, CRITICIZE
— put–down \ˈpu̇t-ˌdau̇n\ n

put in vb
1 : to make or make as a request, offer, or declaration <put in a plea of guilty> <put in for a job at the store>
2 : to spend at some activity or place <put in six hours at the office>
3 : 1PLANT 1A <put in a crop>
4 : to enter a harbor or port <the freighter put in for overnight>

put off vb
1 : to cause negative feelings in <your sloppy appearance put them off>
2 : to hold back to a later time : DEFER <put off my visit to the dentist>
3 : to rid oneself of <put off your coat>

put–on \ˈpu̇t-ˌȯn, -ˌän\ n
1 : a false appearance or presentation <my bravery was all a put-on>
2 : a joke in which someone is fooled

put on \(ˈ)pu̇t-ˈȯn, -ˈän\ vb
1 a : to dress oneself in  b : to make part of one's appearance or behavior  c : 1PRETEND 1 <put on a show of anger>
2 : EXAGGERATE, OVERSTATE <they're putting it on when they make such claims>
3 : PERFORM 3B, PRODUCE <put on an entertaining act>
4 : 2KID 1, FOOL <you're putting me on>
— put–on adj

put·out \ˈpu̇t-ˌau̇t\ n : the act of causing a base runner or batter to be out in baseball

put out \ˌpu̇t-ˈau̇t, ˈpu̇t-\ vb
1 : EXTINGUISH 1 <put the fire out>
2 : EXERT 1, USE <put out all my strength to move the piano>
3 : 1PRODUCE
4 : IRRITATE 1, PROVOKE <my father was put out by my failure>
5 : to cause to be out (as in baseball)
6 : to set out from shore <Columbus put out for the New World>

put over vb : PUT ACROSS <put over a song>

pu·tre·fac·tion \ˌpyü-trə-ˈfak-shən\ n
1 : the rotting of organic matter
2 : the state of being putrefied : CORRUPTION

pu·tre·fy \ˈpyü-trə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make or become putrid : ROT 1A

pu·trid \ˈpyü-trəd\ adj
1 a : being in a state of putrefaction : ROTTEN <putrid meat>  b : characteristic of putrefaction : FOUL <a putrid odor>
2 : morally objectionable

putt \ˈpət\ n : a golf stroke made to cause the ball to roll into or near the hole
— putt vb

1put·ter \ˈpu̇t-ər\ n : one that puts [from put and -er (noun suffix)]

2putt·er \ˈpət-ər\ n
1 : a golf club used in putting
2 : a person who putts [from putt and -er (noun suffix)]

3put·ter \ˈpət-ər\ vb
1 : to move or act without obvious purpose
2 : to work by chance or without skill [an altered form of earlier potter “to move about idly without aim or purpose”]
— put·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

put through vb : to carry to a conclusion <put through a number of reforms>

putting present participle of PUT

1put·ty \ˈpət-ē\ n, pl putties : a soft cement (as for holding glass in a window frame)

2putty vb put·tied; put·ty·ing : to cement or seal up with putty

putty knife n : a tool with a broad flat metal blade used especially for applying putty and for scraping

put up vb
1 a : to prepare for later use <put up a lunch>; esp : 3CAN 1 <put up peaches>  b : to put away out of use <put up your sword>
2 a : to nominate for election  b : to offer for public sale <put their possessions up for auction>
3 : to give or obtain food and shelter : LODGE <put us up overnight>
4 : 1BUILD 1, ERECT
5 : CARRY ON 2 <put up a struggle>
6 : to make available <put up a prize for the best essay>
— put up to : to urge or cause to do <put them up to doing the stunts>

— put up with : to endure or tolerate without complaint or attempt at retaliation <put up with their insults>

1puz·zle \ˈpəz-əl\ vb puz·zled; puz·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to confuse the understanding of
2 : to solve with difficulty or cleverness
— puz·zler \-(ə-)lər\ n
synonyms PUZZLE, PERPLEX, MYSTIFY, mean to baffle (someone) by preventing the understanding of something. PUZZLE suggests that a particular part of something is hard to understand or explain <it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors>. PERPLEX adds a suggestion of worry or distress <perplexed by the sudden departure of their friend>. MYSTIFY stresses the completeness of one's failure to understand <the magic trick mystified the audience>.

2puzzle n
1 : PUZZLEMENT 1
2 a : something that puzzles  b : a question, problem, or device designed for testing skill or cleverness  synonyms see MYSTERY

puz·zle·ment \ˈpəz-əl-mənt\ n
1 : the state of being puzzled
2 : 2PUZZLE 2A

pyg·my \ˈpig-mē\ n, pl pygmies
1 cap : one of a small people of equatorial Africa ranging under five feet (1.5 meters) in height
2 : a person or thing very small for its kind : DWARF
— pygmy adj
Word History In ancient Greek the word pygmē was used to mean “a measure of length from the elbow to the knuckles.” It also came to refer to the fist. From this word Greek writers formed the word pygmaios for “a tiny person no longer than the forearm.” They were assumed to be writing about imaginary figures, not real people. Later, this Greek word was taken into Latin as pygmaeus, meaning “dwarf.” From Latin pygmaeus English formed the word pygmy. In the 19th century this word was applied to a member of a race of small people found living in Africa. [Middle English pigmei “pygmy, dwarf,” from Latin pygmaeus (noun and adjective) “pygmy, dwarfish,” from Greek pygmaios (same meaning), literally, “one no longer than the forearm,” from pygmē “fist, measure of length from the elbow to the knuckles”]

py·ja·mas \pə-ˈjȧ-məz\ chiefly British variant of PAJAMAS

py·lon \ˈpī-ˌlän, -lən\ n
1 : a tower for supporting a long span of wire; also : any of various structures like a tower
2 : a post or tower marking a prescribed course of flight for an airplane

py·lo·rus \pī-ˈlōr-əs, -ˈlȯr-\ n, pl -lo·ri \-ˈlō(ə)r-ˌī, -ˌē\ : the opening in a vertebrate animal from the stomach into the intestine
— py·lo·ric \pī-ˈlōr-ik, pə-, -ˈlȯr-\ adj

py·or·rhea \ˌpī-ə-ˈrē-ə\ n : an inflammation with pus of the sockets of the teeth leading usually to loosening of the teeth

1pyr·a·mid \ˈpir-ə-ˌmid\ n
1 : a massive structure built especially in ancient Egypt that usually has a square base and four triangular sides meeting at a point
2 : something that resembles a pyramid in shape or organization <the social pyramid>
3 : a polyhedron that has a polygon for its base and triangles that meet at a point at the top for its sides
— py·ra·mi·dal \pə-ˈram-əd-əl, ˌpir-ə-ˈmid-\ adj

2pyramid vb : to build up in the form of a pyramid

pyre \ˈpī(ə)r\ n : a heap of wood for burning a dead body; also : a pile of material to be burned

py·re·thrum \pī-ˈrē-thrəm, -ˈreth-rəm\ n
1 : any of several chrysanthemums that have finely divided leaves and include ornamental plants as well as important sources of insecticides
2 : an insecticide consisting of the dried heads of some Old World pyrethrums

Py·rex \ˈpī(ə)r-ˌeks\ trademark — used for glass and glassware that is resistant to heat, chemicals, and electricity

pyr·i·dox·ine \ˌpir-ə-ˈdäk-ˌsēn, -sən\ n : an alcohol of the vitamin B_6 group found especially in cereals

py·rim·i·dine \pī-ˈrim-ə-ˌdēn, pə-\ n : any of a group of bases including several (as cytosine and thymine) that are important parts of DNA or RNA

py·rite \ˈpī-ˌrīt\ n : a common mineral that consists of iron combined with sulfur, has a pale brass-yellow color and metallic luster, and is used especially in making sulfuric acid

pyro- combining form : fire : heat [derived from Greek pyr- “fire”]

py·ro·lu·site \ˌpī-rō-ˈlü-ˌsīt\ n : a mineral consisting of manganese dioxide that is of an iron-black or dark steel-gray color and metallic luster, is usually soft, and is the most important ore of manganese

py·ro·ma·nia \ˌpī-rō-ˈmā-nē-ə\ n : an abnormal continuous desire to start fires

py·ro·ma·ni·ac \-ˌak\ n : a person who exhibits pyromania

py·rox·ene \pī-ˈräk-ˌsēn\ n : any of various silicate minerals that usually contain aluminum, calcium, sodium, magnesium, or iron

py·ru·vic acid \pī-ˌrü-vik-\ n : an acid that can be formed from either glucose or glycogen and is an important chemical in the production of energy from food in animals

Pythagorean theorem n : a theorem in geometry: the square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle equals the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides

py·thon \ˈpī-ˌthän, -thən\ n : any of various large nonpoisonous snakes especially of Africa, Asia, and Australia that squeeze and suffocate their prey and include some of the largest snakes living at the present time
Word History Python in Greek legend, was the name of a monstrous serpent that lived in the caves of Mt. Parnassus near the town of Delphi. This serpent attacked the mother of the god Apollo. Zeus, fortunately, came to her aid and removed her to a place of safety. Later, Apollo sought revenge for the attack. With bow and arrow he hunted the dreaded Python. After struggling with and finally slaying the serpent, Apollo buried it in the temple at Delphi. To celebrate this victory a festival of games was held, including athletic and musical contests and a dramatic performance of Apollo's slaying of Python. These games continued to be held every four years until the 4th century A.D. They were called the Pythian games and ranked second to the Olympic games in popularity. Its was not until the 19th century that the word python was used for a large snake that crushes its prey. [named for Python, a monstrous serpent in Greek Legend]

Q

q \ˈkyü\ n, often cap : the 17th letter of the English alphabet

Q–tip \ˈkyü-ˌtip\ trademark — used for a cotton-tipped swab

1quack \ˈkwak\ n : the cry of a duck; also : a sound resembling this cry [a word created to imitate the sound made by a duck]

2quack vb : to make a quack

3quack n : a person who makes false claims to special knowledge or ability; esp : one who pretends to have medical skill [a shortened form of earlier quacksalver “a person who pretends to have medical skill”; of Dutch origin]

4quack adj : of, relating to, or used by a person who is a quack <quack medicines>

quack·ery \ˈkwak-(ə-)rē\ n : the practices or claims of a quack

quack grass n : a European grass that is found throughout North America as a weed and that spreads by creeping underground stems

quad \ˈkwäd\ n : QUADRUPLET

quad·ran·gle \ˈkwäd-ˌraŋ-gəl\ n
1 : 2QUADRILATERAL
2 a : a four-sided enclosure especially when surrounded by buildings  b : the buildings enclosing a quadrangle
— qua·dran·gu·lar \kwä-ˈdraŋ-gyə-lər\ adj

quad·rant \ˈkwäd-rənt\ n
1 : an arc of 90° : one quarter of a circle
2 : any of the four quarters into which something is divided by two real or imaginary lines that intersect each other at right angles

quad·ra·phon·ic \ˌkwäd-rə-ˈfän-ik\ adj : of or relating to the transmission, recording, or reproduction of sound using four transmission channels

1qua·drat·ic \kwä-ˈdrat-ik\ adj : involving or consisting of terms in which no variable is raised to a power higher than 2 <a quadratic expression> <a quadratic function>

2quadratic n : a quadratic polynomial or equation

quadratic equation n : an equation containing one term in which the unknown is squared and no term in which it is raised to a power higher than 2 <solve for x in the quadratic equation x² − 4x + 4 = 0>

quadratic formula n : a formula that gives the solutions of the general quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c = 0 and that is usually written in the form x equals 1/2a times (-b ± the square root of b^2 - 4ac)

quadri- or quadr- or quadru- combining form : four [derived from Latin quattuor “four”]

1quad·ri·lat·er·al \ˌkwäd-rə-ˈlat-ə-rəl, -ˈla-trəl\ adj : having four sides

2quadrilateral n : a polygon with four sides and four angles

qua·drille \kwä-ˈdril, k(w)ə-\ n : a square dance for four couples or music for this dance

qua·dril·lion \kwä-ˈdril-yən\ n US : a number equal to 1 followed by 15 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE; also Brit : a number equal to 1 followed by 24 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE

quad·ri·ple·gic \ˌkwäd-rə-ˈplē-jik\ n : a person who is paralyzed in both arms and both legs

quad·ru·ped \ˈkwäd-rə-ˌped\ n : an animal having four feet

1qua·dru·ple \kwä-ˈdrüp-əl, -ˈdrəp-; ˈkwäd-rəp-\ vb qua·dru·pled; qua·dru·pling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make or become four times as great or as many

2quadruple adj
1 : having four units or members
2 : being four times as great or as many
3 : marked by four beats per measure <quadruple time>
— quadruple n

qua·dru·plet \kwä-ˈdrü-plət, -ˈdrəp-lət; ˈkwäd-rə-plət\ n
1 : a combination of four of a kind
2 : one of four offspring born at one birth

qua·dru·pli·cate \kwä-ˈdrü-pli-kət\ n
1 : four copies all alike — used with in <papers typed in quadruplicate>
2 : one of four things exactly alike; esp : one of four identical copies

quaff \ˈkwäf, ˈkwaf\ vb : to drink freely
— quaff n

quag·mire \ˈkwag-ˌmī(ə)r, ˈkwäg-\ n
1 : soft spongy wet ground that shakes or gives way under the foot
2 : a difficult situation from which it is hard to escape

1quail \ˈkwā(ə)l\ n, pl quail or quails : any of various mostly small plump game birds (as the bobwhite) that are related to the common domestic chicken [Middle English quaile “quail (bird),” from early French quaile (same meaning), from Latin quaccula (same meaning), of imitative origin]

2quail vb : to lose courage : shrink in fear [Middle English quailen “to wither, decline,” from early Dutch quelen (same meaning)]

quaint \ˈkwānt\ adj : unusual or different in quality or appearance; esp : pleasingly old-fashioned or unfamiliar <a quaint fishing village>
— quaint·ly adv

— quaint·ness n

1quake \ˈkwāk\ vb quaked; quak·ing
1 : to shake or vibrate usually from shock or lack of stability
2 : to tremble or shudder usually from cold or fear

2quake n : a shaking or trembling; esp : EARTHQUAKE

quak·er \ˈkwā-kər\ n
1 : one that quakes
2 cap : FRIEND 4
— Quak·er·ism \-kə-ˌriz-əm\ n

qual·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌkwäl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of qualifying
2 : the state of being qualified
3 a : a special skill, knowledge, or ability that fits a person for a particular work or position  b : a condition that must be met (as to gain a privilege)

qual·i·fied \ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfīd\ adj
1 : having the necessary qualifications : FITTED
2 : limited in some way <a qualified yes to the question>

qual·i·fi·er \ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n
1 : a person or thing that meets requirements
2 : a word or word group that limits the meaning of another word or word group : MODIFIER

qual·i·fy \ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 a : to make less general or more limited : MODIFY <qualify a statement>  b : to make less harsh or strict : MODERATE <qualify a punishment>  c : to limit the meaning of (as a noun)
2 : to describe in a particular way <would you qualify her as smart>
3 a : to fit or be fit (as by training, skill, or ability) for a special purpose <qualify for a race>  b : 2LICENSE <qualified to practice law>

qual·i·ta·tive \ˈkwäl-ə-ˌtāt-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or involving quality or kind
— qual·i·ta·tive·ly adv

qual·i·ty \ˈkwäl-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : basic and individual nature <a person with a kindly quality>  b : a basic characteristic <hardness is a quality of steel>
2 : grade of excellence <food of high quality>
3 : high social rank <marry a person of quality>
4 : something that sets a person or thing apart
5 : TIMBRE

quality point n : GRADE POINT

quality point average n : GRADE POINT AVERAGE

qualm \ˈkwäm, ˈkwälm also ˈkwȯm\ n
1 : a sudden attack of illness, faintness, or nausea
2 : a sudden fear
3 : a feeling of doubt or indecision in matters of right and wrong <had qualms about coming home late>
— qualmy \-ē\ adj
synonyms QUALM, SCRUPLE, COMPUNCTION, mean an uneasy feeling about what one is doing or going to do. QUALM suggests an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment <started having qualms about going along with the crowd>. SCRUPLE suggests doubt about the rightness of an act based upon one's moral code <citizens with scruples won't cheat on their taxes>. COMPUNCTION suggests an inner feeling that one is doing wrong to another person <don't you have any compunctions about spreading gossip?>.

qualm·ish \ˈkwäm-ish, ˈkwälm- also ˈkwȯm-ish\ adj
1 : feeling qualms : NAUSEATED
2 : of, relating to, or producing qualms
— qualm·ish·ness n

quan·da·ry \ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a state of confusion or doubt : DILEMMA <in a quandary about which to choose>

quan·ti·ta·tive \ˈkwän(t)-ə-ˌtāt-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or involving the measurement of quantity
— quan·ti·ta·tive·ly adv

— quan·ti·ta·tive·ness n

quan·ti·ty \ˈkwän(t)-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : an amount or number that is not fixed  b : a great amount or number <buys food in quantity>
2 a : the character of something that makes it possible to measure or number it  b : something on which a mathematical operation can be performed <multiply the quantity x by y> [Middle English quantite “amount,” from early French quantité (same meaning), derived from Latin quantus “how much?, how large?”]

1quan·tum \ˈkwänt-əm\ n, pl quan·ta \ˈkwänt-ə\ : the smallest amount of many forms of energy (as light)

2quantum adj : of or relating to the principles of quantum theory <quantum physics>

quantum theory n : a theory in physics based on the idea that radiant energy (as light) is composed of small separate packets of energy

1quar·an·tine \ˈkwȯr-ən-ˌtēn, ˈkwär-\ n
1 : a period during which a ship arriving in port and suspected of carrying contagious disease is forbidden contact with the shore
2 : a limiting or forbidding of movements of persons or goods that is designed to prevent the spread of disease or pests
3 : the period during which a person with a contagious disease is under quarantine
4 : a place where persons are kept in quarantine
Word History As bad as contagious diseases are today, they were much more frightening in the Middle Ages. No effective treatment or cure was known then. When it was found out that ships could carry diseases from port to port, authorities acted to protect their citizens. Any ship suspected of carrying a disease was forced to remain offshore for a time. Usually about forty days had to pass before it was allowed to dock. Then if no signs of disease were found on the ship, it was allowed to unload its passengers and cargo. The Italians called this restriction period quarantena. They based the word on a French word quarantaine, meaning “a period of forty days.” This French word was derived from the Latin quadraginta, meaning “forty.” It was the Italian word that was taken into English as quarantine in the 17th century. [from Italian quarantena “quarantine, period of forty days,” probably from early French quarantaine “period of forty days,” from earlier quarante “forty,” from Latin quadraginta “forty,” from quadra- “four”]

2quarantine vb -tined; -tin·ing : to put or hold in quarantine : ISOLATE

quark \ˈkwȯrk, ˈkwärk\ n : any of several particles that are believed to be components of heavier particles (as protons or neutrons)

1quar·rel \ˈkwȯr(-ə)l, ˈkwär(-ə)l\ n
1 : a cause of dispute or complaint
2 : an angry difference of opinion : DISPUTE

2quarrel vb -reled or -relled; -rel·ing or -rel·ling
1 : to find fault <I quarrel with your version of what happened>
2 : to argue forcefully or loudly : SQUABBLE
— quar·rel·er or quar·rel·ler n

quar·rel·some \ˈkwȯr(-ə)l-səm, ˈkwär(-ə)l-\ adj : usually ready to quarrel  synonyms see BELLIGERENT

1quar·ry \ˈkwȯr-ē, ˈkwär-\ n, pl quarries
1 : an animal hunted as game or prey
2 : something sought or chased after
Word History The quarry a hunter chases is not related to the quarry that supplies building stones. The word for a hunter's quarry can be traced back to a ceremony that was once part of every successful hunt. The hounds used for chasing the game were rewarded after the kill by being allowed to eat part of the dead animal, which was given to them on a piece of hide. The French word for this hounds' share was cureie or quereie, which was borrowed into Middle English as querre. The word later came to be used for the live game animal itself. Now a quarry is anything that is pursued. [Middle English querre “the part of a game animal given to the hounds,” from early French cureie, quereie (same meaning), from cuir “skin, hide” (on which the animal parts were placed), from Latin corium (same meaning)]

2quarry n, pl quarries : an open pit usually for obtaining building stone, slate, or limestone [Middle English quarey, an altered form of quarrere “a place for digging stones for use in building,” from Latin quadrus “hewn stone,” literally, “squared stone,” from Latin quadrum “a square”]

3quarry vb quar·ried; quar·ry·ing
1 : to dig or take from or as if from a quarry
2 : to make a quarry in
— quar·ri·er n

quart \ˈkwȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : a unit of capacity equal to ¼ gallon or 1/32 bushel — see MEASURE TABLE
2 : a container or measure having a capacity of one quart

1quar·ter \ˈkwȯ(r)t-ər\ n
1 : one of four equal parts
2 : a unit (as of weight or length) that equals one fourth of some larger unit
3 a : any of four 3-month divisions of a year  b : a school term of about 12 weeks  c : a coin worth a fourth of a dollar  d : the sum of 25 cents  e : one fourth part of a slaughtered animal including a leg <a quarter of beef>  f : a fourth part of the moon's period <a moon in its first quarter>  g : one of the four equal parts into which the playing time of some games is divided
4 : someone or something (as a place, direction, or group) not named <complaints came from all quarters>
5 a : a particular division or district of a city  b : an assigned station especially of a member of a crew <call to quarters>  c pl : the place where one lives : LODGING
6 : MERCY 1A <show no quarter to the enemy> [Middle English quarter “a fourth part,” from early French quarter (same meaning), derived from Latin quartus “a fourth”]
— at close quarters : at close range or in immediate contact

2quarter vb
1 a : to divide into four equal parts  b : to separate into parts <peel and quarter an orange>
2 : to provide with lodging or shelter

3quarter adj : consisting of or equal to a quarter

quar·ter·back \ˈkwȯ(r)t-ər-ˌbak\ n : an offensive football back who calls the signals and directs the offensive play of the team
— quarterback vb

quar·ter·deck \-ˌdek\ n : the part of the upper deck that is located toward the rear of a ship

quarter horse n : any of a breed of stocky muscular horses capable of high speed for short distances
Word History Quarter horse might seem like a strange name for an animal that is not only full-sized but quite sturdy and muscular. However, the breed gets its name not because it is a fraction of a horse but because it can run very fast for short distances. Unlike the slender, long-legged Thoroughbred horse, the compact quarter horse is built for quick bursts of speed. For about a quarter-mile the quarter horse probably can run faster than any other breed of horse. After that distance the quarter horse begins to slow down and can be beaten in a race with other horses.

quarter hour n
1 : any of the quarter points of an hour
2 : 15 minutes

quar·ter·ing \ˈkwȯ(r)t-ə-riŋ\ adj : coming from a direction behind and to the side (as of a ship) <a quartering wind>

1quar·ter·ly \ˈkwȯ(r)t-ər-lē\ adv : four times a year <interest compounded quarterly>

2quarterly adj : coming or happening every three months <quarterly premium> <quarterly meeting>

3quarterly n, pl -lies : a magazine published four times a year

quar·ter·mas·ter \ˈkwȯ(r)t-ər-ˌmas-tər\ n : an army officer who provides clothing and supplies for troops

quarter note n : a musical note equal in time to ¼ of a whole note

quarter rest n : a musical rest equal in time to a quarter note

quar·ter·staff \ˈkwȯ(r)t-ər-ˌstaf\ n, pl -staves \-ˌstavz, -ˌstāvz\ : a long strong staff used long ago as a weapon

quar·tet also quar·tette \kwȯr-ˈtet\ n
1 a : a musical composition for four instruments or voices  b : the performers of a quartet
2 : a group or set of four

quar·to \ˈkwȯrt-ō\ n, pl quartos : a book made up of sheets of paper that have been folded into four leaves

quartz \ˈkwȯ(ə)rts\ n : a common mineral consisting of silicon dioxide that is often found in the form of colorless transparent crystals but is sometimes (as in amethysts, agates, and jaspers) brightly colored

quartz·ite \ˈkwȯrt-ˌsīt\ n : a compact grainy rock composed of quartz and made from sandstone by the earth's heat and pressure

qua·sar \ˈkwā-ˌzär also -ˌsär\ n : any of the very distant starlike heavenly objects that give off very strong blue and ultraviolet light and powerful radio waves

1quash \ˈkwäsh, ˈkwȯsh\ vb : to put down completely : QUELL <quash a rebellion> [Middle English quashen “to smash,” from early French quasser, casser (same meaning), from Latin quassare “to shake violently, shatter,” from quatere “to shake”]

2quash vb : to cancel by court action <quash a criminal charge> [Middle English quashen “to nullify,” from early French casser, quasser “to annul,” from Latin cassare (same meaning), from earlier Latin cassus “void”]

qua·si- \ˈkwā-ˌzī, -ˌsī; ˈkwäz-ē, ˈkwäs-\ combining form : in some sense or degree <quasi-historical> <quasi-officially> [from Latin quasi “as if”]

Qua·ter·na·ry \ˈkwät-ə(r)-ˌner-ē, kwə-ˈtər-nə-rē\ adj : of, relating to, or being the period of geological history from the end of the Tertiary period to the present time or the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Quaternary n

qua·train \ˈkwä-ˌtrān\ n : a unit or group of four lines of verse

1qua·ver \ˈkwā-vər\ vb qua·vered; qua·ver·ing \ˈkwāv-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : 1TREMBLE 1
2 : to utter sound in trembling unsteady tones <a voice that quavered>
3 : to say or sing with a quavering voice
— qua·ver·ing·ly \ˈkwāv-(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adv

— qua·very \ˈkwāv-(ə-)rē\ adj

2quaver n
1 : EIGHTH NOTE
2 : a trembling sound

quay \ˈkē, ˈk(w)ā\ n : a structure built along the bank of a waterway for use as a landing place

quea·sy also quea·zy \ˈkwē-zē\ adj quea·si·er; -est
1 : somewhat nauseated <the boat ride made me queasy>
2 : full of doubt <queasy about taking the test>
— quea·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— quea·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

Que·chua \ˈkech-(ə-)wə, kə-ˈchü-ə\ n, pl Quechua or Quechuas : a family of closely related languages spoken by American Indian peoples of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina

1queen \ˈkwēn\ n
1 : the wife or widow of a king
2 : a woman who rules a kingdom in her own right
3 a : a woman of supreme rank, power, or attractiveness <a society queen>  b : something thought of as female and being at the top in a particular field <queen of the ocean liners>
4 : the most powerful piece in the game of chess
5 : a playing card bearing the figure of a queen
6 : the fertile fully developed female of social bees, ants, and termites whose purpose is to lay eggs [Old English cwēn “woman, wife, queen”]

2queen vb
1 : to act like a queen; esp : put on airs
2 : to become or promote to a queen in chess

Queen Anne's lace \-ˈanz-\ n : an herb native to Eurasia but found growing throughout North America that has a whitish root and flat lacelike clusters of tiny white flowers and from which the cultivated carrot originated — called also wild carrot

queen·ly \ˈkwēn-lē\ adj : resembling a queen

queen mother n : the widowed mother of the king or queen who is currently reigning

queen–size \ˈkwēn-ˌsīz\ adj : having a size of about 60 inches by 80 inches (about 1.5 by 1.9 meters) <a queen-size bed>

1queer \ˈkwi(ə)r\ adj
1 : oddly unlike the usual or normal <a queer smell>
2 : not quite well : QUEASY <feeling a little queer today>
— queer·ish \-ish\ adj

— queer·ly adv

— queer·ness n

2queer vb : to spoil the effect or success of : DISRUPT <a sudden storm queered our plans>

quell \ˈkwel\ vb
1 : to put down by force <quell a riot>
2 : 3QUIET <quell fears>
— quell·er n

quench \ˈkwench\ vb
1 : EXTINGUISH 1 <quench a fire>
2 : to bring to an end
3 : SATISFY 2B <quench your thirst>
— quench·able \ˈkwen-chə-bəl\ adj

— quench·er n

quer·u·lous \ˈkwer-(y)ə-ləs\ adj
1 : always eager to complain
2 : showing a complaining attitude <a querulous voice>
— quer·u·lous·ly adv

— quer·u·lous·ness n

1que·ry \ˈkwi(ə)r-ē, ˈkwe(ə)r-\ n, pl queries : 1QUESTION 1A

2query vb que·ried; que·ry·ing
1 : to ask questions about especially in order to clear up doubts
2 : to put as a question <queried the matter to their teacher>
3 : to ask questions of <queried the professor>

1quest \ˈkwest\ n
1 : an act or instance of seeking
2 a : 2SEARCH <in quest of game>  b : an adventurous journey by a knight in a tale of olden days

2quest vb
1 : to go on a quest : SEEK
2 : to search for : PURSUE
3 : to ask for : DEMAND

1ques·tion \ˈkwes-chən, ˈkwesh-\ n
1 a : something asked <try to make your questions brief>  b : a topic to be talked or argued about <arms control and other questions of the day>  c : a suggestion to be voted on <put the question to the members>
2 a : an act or instance of asking : INQUIRY  b : OBJECTION 1 <obey without question>  c : POSSIBILITY 1 <no question of escape>

2question vb
1 : to ask questions of or about
2 : to doubt the correctness of <question the decision of the judges>
3 : to look at or consider carefully : EXAMINE
— ques·tion·er n

— ques·tion·ing·ly \-chə-niŋ-lē\ adv

ques·tion·able \ˈkwes-chə-nə-bəl, ˈkwesh-\ adj
1 : open to doubt, question, or challenge : not certain or exact <milk of questionable purity> <a questionable decision>
2 : believed to be bad, false, or unsound : DUBIOUS <questionable motives>
— ques·tion·ably \-blē\ adv

question mark n : a punctuation mark ? used chiefly at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question

ques·tion·naire \ˌkwes-chə-ˈna(ə)r, -ˈne(ə)r\ n : a set of questions to be asked of a number of persons usually in order to gather information (as on opinions)

quet·zal \ket-ˈsäl, -ˈsal\ n, pl quetzals or quet·za·les \-ˈsäl-ās\ : a brightly colored Central American bird with green feathers, a red breast, and in the male tail feathers often over two feet (60 centimeters) in length

1queue \ˈkyü\ n
1 : a pigtail usually worn hanging at the back of the head
2 : a waiting line <a queue at a ticket window>
3 : a sequence of messages or jobs held in temporary storage in a computer awaiting transmission or processing
Word History The Latin word cauda or coda, meaning “tail,” passed into French and in time ended up being spelled queue. English borrowed this word, giving it the meaning “a long braid of hair,” one that hangs from a person's head like a tail. This sense is still in use, but we more commonly refer to such a braid as a pigtail today. In the 19th century, queue came to be used for something else that looked like a tail—a number of people waiting in line. [from French queue, literally, “tail,” from Latin coda, cauda “tail” — related to CODA, COWARD, 3CUE; see Word History at COWARD]

2queue vb queued; queu·ing or queue·ing
1 : to arrange or form in a queue
2 : to line up or wait in a queue <the crowd queued up for tickets>
— queu·er n

1quib·ble \ˈkwib-əl\ vb quib·bled; quib·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to talk about unimportant things rather than the real point <stop quibbling about words and tell what happened>
2 : to find fault or argue over unimportant points <people ignored the main point of the speech and quibbled about its length>
— quib·bler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2quibble n
1 : a statement that deals with a minor matter and not the real point under discussion
2 : a minor objection or criticism

1quick \ˈkwik\ adj
1 archaic : not dead : LIVING, ALIVE
2 a : fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally keen  b : reacting with speed and alertness  c : aroused immediately and easily <quick temper>  d : fast in development or occurrence <gave a quick look>  e : marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of action or movement
— quick adv

— quick·ly adv

— quick·ness n
synonyms QUICK, PROMPT, READY, APT, mean able to respond right away. QUICK stresses that the response is immediate and often suggests that the ability is part of one's nature <she always had a quick mind>. PROMPT suggests that the ability to respond quickly is the product of training and discipline <the store gives prompt service>. READY suggests ease or smoothness in response <he always had a ready answer to any question>. APT stresses the person's intelligence or talent that allows the giving of a quick response <an apt student who learned computer programming in no time>.

2quick n
1 : living persons <the quick and the dead>
2 : a very tender area of flesh (as under a fingernail)
3 : one's innermost feelings <hurt to the quick by the remark>
4 : the very center of something : HEART <the quick of the matter>

quick bread n : a bread made with baking powder or baking soda that does not have to be allowed to rise before baking

quick·en \ˈkwik-ən\ vb quick·ened; quick·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\
1 a : to make or become alive : REVIVE <warm spring days that quickened the earth>  b : AROUSE 2, STIMULATE <curiosity quickened her interest>
2 : to make or become quicker : HASTEN <quickened her steps>
3 a : to begin growth and development <seeds quickening in the soil>  b : to reach the stage of fetal growth at which motion is begun

quick–freeze \ˈkwik-ˈfrēz\ vb -froze \-ˈfrōz\; -fro·zen \-ˈfrōz-ən\; -freez·ing : to freeze food so rapidly that the natural juices and flavor are not lost

quick·ie \ˈkwik-ē\ n : something done or made in a hurry

quick·sand \ˈkwik-ˌsand\ n : a deep mass of loose sand mixed with water into which heavy objects sink

quick·sil·ver \-ˌsil-vər\ n : MERCURY 1A
Word History The metal mercury resembles silver in color. Unlike silver and most other metals, though, mercury is liquid at ordinary temperatures. For that reason it is able to flow and to move almost as if it were alive. The Old English word for mercury was cwicseolfor, a combination of cwic, meaning “alive” or “moving,” and seolfor, meaning “silver.” The Modern English quicksilver comes from the Old English cwicseolfor. [Old English cwicseolfor, from cwic “alive” and seolfor “silver”]

quick–tem·pered \ˈkwik-ˈtem-pərd\ adj : easily angered : IRASCIBLE

quick–wit·ted \ˈkwik-ˈwit-əd\ adj : quick in thinking and understanding : mentally alert  synonyms see INTELLIGENT
— quick–wit·ted·ness n

quid \ˈkwid\ n : a lump of something chewable

qui·es·cent \kwī-ˈes-ənt, kwē-\ adj : marked by a lack of action or movement
— qui·es·cence \-ən(t)s\ n

— qui·es·cent·ly adv

1qui·et \ˈkwī-ət\ n : the quality or state of being quiet
— on the quiet : in a secretive manner

2quiet adj
1 a : marked by little or no motion, activity, or noise : CALM  b : 1GENTLE 2B, EASYGOING <a quiet disposition>  c : not disturbed : PEACEFUL <enjoyed a quiet dinner for two>
2 : not colorful or showy : CONSERVATIVE <quiet clothes>
3 : hidden from public view <a quiet corner>
— quiet adv

— qui·et·ly adv

— qui·et·ness n

3quiet vb : to make or become quiet
— qui·et·er n

qui·etude \ˈkwī-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : the state of being quiet : TRANQUILLITY

qui·etus \kwī-ˈēt-əs\ n
1 : a final freeing from something (as a debt or duty)
2 : something that quiets or brings under control <put the quietus on their celebration>

quill \ˈkwil\ n
1 a : the hollow tubelike part of a feather  b : one of the large stiff feathers of the wing or tail
2 : one of the hollow sharp spines of a porcupine or hedgehog
3 : a pen made from a feather

1quilt \ˈkwilt\ n : a bed cover made of two layers of cloth with a filling of wool, cotton, or down held together by patterned stitching

2quilt vb : to construct (as by padding, covering with patterns, or sewing layers together) like a quilt
— quilt·er n

quilt·ing n
1 : material that is quilted or used for making quilts
2 : the process of quilting

quince \ˈkwin(t)s\ n : the fruit of an Asian tree that resembles a yellow apple with hard flesh and is used especially for marmalade, jelly, and preserves; also : a tree that bears quinces

qui·nine \ˈkwī-ˌnīn also ˈkwin-ˌīn\ n : a bitter white drug obtained from cinchona bark and used especially to treat malaria

qui·noa \ki-ˈnō-ə\ n : a goosefoot that occurs in the Andes and has starchy seeds that are used as food and ground into flour; also : its seeds

Quin·qua·ge·si·ma \ˌkwiŋ-kə-ˈjes-ə-mə, -ˈjā-zə-\ n : the Sunday before Lent

quint \ˈkwint\ n : QUINTUPLET

quin·tal \ˈkwint-əl\ n : HUNDREDWEIGHT

quin·tes·sence \kwin-ˈtes-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the purest form of something
2 : the most perfect type or example [Middle English quintessence “the substance from which heavenly bodies are formed (according to medieval belief),” from early French quinte essence (same meaning), from Latin quinta essentia, literally, “fifth essence,” from earlier quinta, feminine form of quintus “fifth,” and earlier essentia “essence”]
— quint·es·sen·tial \ˌkwint-ə-ˈsen-chəl\ adj

quin·tet \kwin-ˈtet\ n
1 a : a musical composition for five instruments or voices  b : the performers of a quintet
2 : a group or set of five

quin·til·lion \kwin-ˈtil-yən\ n US : a number equal to 1 followed by 18 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE; also Brit : a number equal to 1 followed by 30 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE

1quin·tu·ple \kwin-ˈt(y)üp-əl, -ˈtəp-; ˈkwint-əp-\ adj
1 : having five units or members
2 : being five times as great or as many
— quintuple n

2quintuple vb quin·tu·pled; quin·tu·pling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make or become five times as great or as many

quin·tu·plet \kwin-ˈtəp-lət, -ˈt(y)üp-; ˈkwint-əp-\ n
1 : a group of five
2 : one of five offspring born at one birth

1quip \ˈkwip\ n
1 : a clever remark
2 : a witty or funny saying

2quip vb quipped; quip·ping : to make quips

quirk \ˈkwərk\ n
1 : a sudden turn, twist, or curve
2 : an odd personal habit : IDIOSYNCRASY
— quirky \ˈkwər-kē\ adj

quirt \ˈkwərt\ n : a riding whip with a short handle and a rawhide tip

quis·ling \ˈkwiz-liŋ\ n : one who helps the invaders of one's own country [named for Vidkun Quisling 1887–1945, a Norwegian politician who helped the German invaders in World War II]

1quit \ˈkwit\ adj : released from duty, responsibility, or penalty : FREE <quit of debt>

2quit vb quit also quit·ted; quit·ting
1 : to make full payment to or for : REPAY <quit a debt>
2 : 2CONDUCT 4 <the children quit themselves well in the woods>
3 a : to depart from : LEAVE <quit the scene of the accident>  b : to bring to an end : ABANDON  c : to give up (as an action or activity) for good <quit bragging> <quit a job>
4 : to admit defeat : SURRENDER

quite \ˈkwīt\ adv
1 : beyond question or doubt : COMPLETELY <quite alone> <quite sure>
2 : MORE OR LESS 1, RATHER <we live quite near the school>

quits \ˈkwits\ adj : even or equal with another (as by repaying a debt, returning a favor, or paying back an enemy)

quit·tance \ˈkwit-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : a freeing from a debt or responsibility  b : a document certifying quittance
2 : something given in return : RECOMPENSE

quit·ter \ˈkwit-ər\ n : a person who gives up too easily

1quiv·er \ˈkwiv-ər\ n
1 : a case for carrying arrows
2 : the arrows in a quiver [Middle English quiver “a case for carrying arrows,” from early French quivre (same meaning); of Germanic origin]

2quiver vb quiv·ered; quiv·er·ing \ˈkwiv-(ə-)riŋ\ : to move with a slight shaking motion [Middle English quiveren “to quiver,” probably from quiver “agile, quick”]

3quiver n : the act or action of quivering : TREMOR

quix·ot·ic \kwik-ˈsät-ik\ adj : impractical especially in the foolish pursuit of ideals [from Don Quixote, hero of the novel Don Quixote de la Mancha by Cervantes]
— quix·ot·i·cal·ly \-ˈsät-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1quiz \ˈkwiz\ n, pl quiz·zes
1 : a person who mocks
2 : the act or action of quizzing; esp : a short oral or written test

2quiz vb quizzed; quiz·zing
1 : to make fun of : MOCK
2 : to ask many questions
— quiz·zer n

quiz·zi·cal \ˈkwiz-i-kəl\ adj
1 : teasing in a good-natured way
2 a : showing doubt in a good-natured way  b : showing puzzlement or curiosity
— quiz·zi·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

quoit \ˈkwāt, ˈk(w)ȯit\ n
1 : a ring of iron or circle of rope to be thrown over a peg in a game
2 pl : a game played with quoits

quo·rum \ˈkwōr-əm, ˈkwȯr-\ n : the number of members of an organization required to be present in order for business to be carried on

quo·ta \ˈkwōt-ə\ n
1 : a share or part assigned to each member of a group
2 : the number or amount making up a quota

quot·able \ˈkwōt-ə-bəl\ adj : fit for or worth quoting

quo·ta·tion \kwō-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of quoting
2 : the prices currently bid or offered for stocks, bonds, or goods
3 : something that is quoted

quotation mark n : one of a pair of punctuation marks “ ” or ‘ ’ used chiefly to indicate the beginning and the end of a direct quotation

1quote \ˈkwōt\ vb quot·ed; quot·ing
1 : to repeat (someone else's words) exactly <quote Shakespeare>
2 : to give as an example
3 : to set off written material by quotation marks

2quote n
1 : QUOTATION 3
2 : QUOTATION MARK

quoth \(ˈ)kwōth\ vb past, archaic : SAID — used chiefly in the first and third persons and placed before the subject

quo·tient \ˈkwō-shənt\ n : the number resulting from the division of one number by another <dividing 10 by 5 gives a quotient of 2> [Middle English quocient, an altered form of Latin quotiens “how many times?”]

R

r \ˈär\ n, often cap : the 18th letter of the English alphabet

R certification mark — used to certify that a motion picture is of such a nature that admission is restricted to persons over a specified age (as 17) unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

rab·bi \ˈrab-ˌī\ n
1 : 1MASTER 1A, TEACHER — used as a term of address for Jewish religious leaders
2 : a professionally trained leader of a Jewish congregation [Old English rabbi “term of address used for Jewish religious leaders,” from Latin rabbi (same meaning), from Greek rhabbi (same meaning), from Hebrew rabbī “my master,” from rabh “master” and the suffix -ī “my”]
— rab·bin·ic \rə-ˈbin-ik, ra-\ or rab·bin·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

rab·bin·ate \ˈrab-ə-nət, -ˌnāt\ n
1 : the office of a rabbi
2 : a group of rabbis

rab·bit \ˈrab-ət\ n, pl rabbit or rabbits : any of various small burrowing mammals with long ears and short tails that differ from the related hares especially in being born with the eyes closed and without fur; also : the pelt of a rabbit

rabbit punch n : a short chopping blow to the back of the neck
— rabbit–punch vb

rab·ble \ˈrab-əl\ n
1 : a crowd that is noisy and hard to control : MOB
2 : a group of people looked down upon as ignorant and hard to control

rab·ble–rous·er \ˈrab-əl-ˌrau̇-zər\ n : a person who stirs up the people especially to hatred or violence

ra·bid \ˈrab-əd also ˈrā-bəd\ adj
1 : extremely violent : FURIOUS
2 : going to extreme lengths (as in interest or opinion) <rabid supporters>
3 : affected with rabies <a rabid dog>
— ra·bid·ly adv

ra·bies \ˈrā-bēz\ n : a disease of the nervous system of mammals that is caused by a virus usually passed on by the bite of an animal already infected with it and is always deadly if untreated

rac·coon also ra·coon \ra-ˈkün\ n, pl raccoon or raccoons also racoon or racoons : a small North American mammal that is mostly gray with a black mask, has a bushy ringed tail, lives chiefly in trees and is active at night, and eats a varied diet including small animals, fruits, eggs, and insects; also : the pelt of a raccoon [Virginia Algonquian raugroughcoon, arocoun “racoon”]

1race \ˈrās\ n
1 : a strong or rapid current of water or its channel
2 a : a contest of speed  b : a contest involving progress toward a goal <the race for governor> [Middle English ras “the act of running, a rapid current of water,” of Norse origin]

2race vb raced; rac·ing
1 : to take part in a race
2 : to go, move, or function at top speed <people racing for safety> <a heart racing from excitement>
3 : to take part in a race against <I'll race you home>
4 : to cause the engine of a motor vehicle to go fast especially when in neutral

3race n
1 a : a group of people of common ancestry or stock <the English race> <scion of a noble race>  b : a class or kind of people unified by common interests, habits, or characteristics <a new race of scientists>
2 a : a variety or breed of animals or plants  b : a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits
3 : a major group of living things <the human race> [from early French race “generation,” from early Italian razza (same meaning)]

race·course \ˈrā-ˌskō(ə)rs, -ˌskȯ(ə)rs\ n : a place for racing

race·horse \ˈrās-ˌhȯ(ə)rs\ n : a horse bred or kept for racing

rac·er \ˈrā-sər\ n
1 : one that races or is used for racing
2 : any of various long swift usually black or bluish American snakes

race·run·ner \ˈrās-ˌrən-ər\ n : a North American lizard that has a long tail and moves quickly

race·track \ˈrā-ˌstrak\ n : a usually oval course on which races are run

race·way \ˈrā-ˌswā\ n
1 : a channel for a current of water
2 : RACETRACK; esp : one for harness racing

ra·cial \ˈrā-shəl\ adj : of, relating to, or based on race
— ra·cial·ly \-shə-lē\ adv

ra·cial·ism \ˈrā-shə-ˌliz-əm\ n : RACISM
— ra·cial·ist \-ləst\ n or adj

— ra·cial·is·tic \rā-shə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

rac·ism \ˈrā-ˌsiz-əm\ n
1 : belief that certain races of people are by birth and nature superior to others
2 : discrimination or hatred based on race
— rac·ist \ˈrā-səst\ n or adj

1rack \ˈrak\ n
1 : a framework for holding fodder for livestock
2 : an instrument of torture on which a body is stretched
3 : a framework or stand on or in which articles are placed <hat rack> <bicycle rack>
4 : a bar with teeth on one side for fitting together with those of a pinion
5 : a pair of antlers

2rack vb
1 : to cause to suffer torture, pain, sorrow, or ruin <racked by a cough>
2 : to stretch or strain violently <racked his brains for the answer>
3 : to place (as pool balls) in a rack

3rack n : either of two gaits of a horse:  a : PACE 2B  b : a fast showy gait similar to the pace but in which the feet of the same side do not touch down at the same time

4rack n : a cut of meat from a lamb or pig that includes some of the rib section

1rack·et or rac·quet \ˈrak-ət\ n
1 : a light implement consisting of a handle attached to an open frame with a network of strings stretched across it that is used to hit the object in play (as a ball) in various games (as tennis, badminton, or racquetball)
2 : 2PADDLE 1C [from early French raquette “racket” derived from Latin rasceta “wrist,” from Arabic rusgh (same meaning)]

2racket n
1 : a loud confused noise
2 a : a dishonest scheme for obtaining money (as by cheating or threats)  b : an easy way to make money or earn a living <is that all you do? What a racket> [origin unknown]

3racket vb : to make a racket

rack·e·teer \ˌrak-ə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : one who gets money or advantages by using force or threats
— racketeer vb

rack up vb : 2SCORE 4A <racked 30 points up in the first half>

racoon variant of RACCOON

rac·quet·ball \ˈrak-ət-ˌbȯl\ n : a game for two or four played on a four-walled court with short-handled rackets and a rubber ball; also : the ball used in this game

1racy \ˈrā-sē\ adj rac·i·er; -est
1 : full of energy or keen enjoyment
2 : slightly indecent or improper <racy jokes>
— rac·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adv

— rac·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ n

2racy adj racier; -est : being long-bodied and lean

ra·dar \ˈrā-ˌdär\ n : a device that sends out radio waves for detecting and locating an object by the reflection of the radio waves and that may use this reflection to find out the position and speed of the object [from radio detecting and ranging]

radar gun n : a handheld device that uses radar to measure the speed of a moving object

1ra·di·al \ˈrād-ē-əl\ adj
1 : arranged or having parts arranged like rays around a common center <the radial form of a starfish>
2 : relating to, placed like, or moving along a bodily radius (as the bone of the forearm)
— ra·di·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

2radial n
1 : a radial part
2 : a tire in which the ply cords are at right angles to the centerline of the tread — called also radial tire

radial symmetry n : plant and animal symmetry in which similar parts are arranged in a balanced way around the center of the body — compare BILATERAL SYMMETRY

ra·di·ance \ˈrād-ē-ən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being radiant

ra·di·ant \ˈrād-ē-ənt\ adj
1 a : giving out or reflecting light <a radiant jewel>  b : vividly bright and gleaming
2 : glowing with love, confidence, or happiness <a radiant smile>
3 : transmitted by radiation <radiant heat>  synonyms see BRIGHT
— ra·di·ant·ly adv

radiant energy n : energy transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves (as heat waves, light waves, radio waves, X-rays)

ra·di·ate \ˈrād-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to proceed in a direct line from or toward a center
2 a : to send out rays : SHINE  b : to come forth in the form or as if in the form of rays
3 : to spread around from or as if from a center [Latin radiare “to proceed from or toward a center,” from radius “ray, beam, spoke” — related to RADIO, RADIUS, 2RAY]

ra·di·a·tion \ˌrād-ē-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the action or process of radiating; esp : the process of giving off radiant energy in the form of waves or particles
2 : something that is radiated; esp : energy radiated in the form of waves or particles
— ra·di·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

ra·di·a·tor \ˈrād-ē-ˌāt-ər\ n : one that radiates; esp : any of various devices (as a set of pipes or tubes) for transferring heat from a fluid within to an area or object outside

1rad·i·cal \ˈrad-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or proceeding from a root
2 a : departing sharply from the usual or ordinary : EXTREME  b : of or relating to radicals in politics
— rad·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— rad·i·cal·ness n
Word History Our word radical was formed from the Latin adjective radicalis, which simply meant “of or relating to a root.” The Latin word radix meant “root.” This meaning was kept when the word radicalis came into English as radical, but new senses developed too. Since a root is at the bottom of something, radical came to describe what is at the base or beginning, in other words, what is “basic, fundamental.” Later, radical was used to describe something that was extremely different from the usual. Then, as a noun radical came to be applied to a person who wants to make extreme or “radical” changes in the government or in society. In mathematics, a radical sign indicates a root of a number. The words radish and eradicate also come from the Latin radix. [Middle English radical “relating to a root,” from Latin radicalis (same meaning), from earlier radic-, radix “root” — related to ERADICATE, RADISH]

2radical n
1 : 1ROOT 5
2 : a person who favors rapid and sweeping changes especially in laws and methods of government
3 : a group of atoms bonded together that is considered as a unit in various kinds of reactions
4 a : a mathematical expression (as √x) involving a radical sign  b : RADICAL SIGN

rad·i·cal·ism \ˈrad-i-kə-ˌliz-əm\ n : the quality or state of being radical

rad·i·cal·ize \ˈrad-i-kə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make radical

radical sign n : the sign √ placed before an expression in mathematics to indicate that its root is to be found

rad·i·cand \ˌrad-ə-ˈkand\ n : the expression under a radical sign

radii plural of RADIUS

1ra·dio \ˈrād-ē-ˌō\ n, pl ra·di·os
1 : the sending or receiving of signals using electromagnetic waves without a connecting wire <radio includes television and radar>; esp : the use of these waves to carry sound that has been changed into electrical energy
2 : a radio receiving set <a transistor radio>
3 : the radio broadcasting industry [a shortened form of radiotelegraphy, literally, “telegraphy by rays”; radio- from French radio- “radial, radiating,” from Latin radius “ray, beam, spoke” — related to RADIATE, RADIUS, 2RAY]

2radio adj
1 : of, relating to, or operated by radiant energy especially at radio frequencies
2 : of, relating to, or used in radio or a radio <radio commercials>

3radio vb : to communicate or send a message to by radio

radio- combining form
1 : radiant energy : radiation <radioactive>
2 : radioactive <radiocarbon> [derived from Latin radius “ray, beam, spoke”]

ra·dio·ac·tive \ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈak-tiv\ adj : of, caused by, or exhibiting radioactivity
— ra·dio·ac·tive·ly adv

ra·dio·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ˌak-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n : the giving off of rays of energy or particles by the breaking apart of atoms of certain elements (as uranium)

radio astronomy n : astronomy dealing with electromagnetic waves of radio frequency received from outside the earth's atmosphere
— radio astronomer n

ra·dio·car·bon \ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈkär-bən\ n : radioactive carbon; esp : CARBON 14

radiocarbon dating n : CARBON DATING

radio frequency n : any of the electromagnetic wave frequencies between about 3 kilohertz and 300 gigahertz that are used especially in radio and television transmission and in radar

ra·dio·gram \ˈrād-ē-ō-ˌgram\ n : a message transmitted by radio

ra·dio·iso·tope \ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈī-sə-ˌtōp\ n : a radioactive isotope

ra·di·o·lar·i·an \ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈlar-ē-ən, -ˈler-\ n : any of various usually ball-shaped marine protozoans that have small spines radiating from the shell and have a skeleton containing silica

ra·di·ol·o·gy \ˌrād-ē-ˈäl-ə-jə̄\ n : a branch of medicine concerned with the use of radiant energy (as X-rays) or radioactive material in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
— ra·dio·log·i·cal \-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ or ra·dio·log·ic \-ik\ adj

— ra·di·ol·o·gist \-ˈäl-ə-jist\ n

ra·dio·man \ˈrād-ē-ō-ˌman\ n : a radio operator (as on a ship)

ra·di·om·e·ter \ˌrād-ē-ˈäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring the strength of radiant energy
— ra·dio·met·ric \ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈme-trik\ adj

— ra·di·om·e·try \-ˈäm-ə-trē\ n

ra·dio·phone \ˈrād-ē-ə-ˌfōn\ n : RADIOTELEPHONE

ra·dio·sonde \ˈrād-ē-ō-ˌsänd\ n : a miniature radio transmitter that is carried aloft (as by a balloon) with instruments for sensing and broadcasting atmospheric conditions

ra·dio·tele·phone \ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈtel-ə-ˌfōn\ n : a telephone that uses radio waves wholly or partly instead of connecting wires
— ra·dio·te·le·pho·ny \-tə-ˈlef-ə-nē, -ˈtel-ə-ˌfō-nē\ n

radio telescope n : a radio receiver-antenna combination used for observation in radio astronomy

radio wave n : an electromagnetic wave with radio frequency

rad·ish \ˈrad-ish, ˈred-\ n : the crisp edible root of a plant related to the mustards that is usually eaten raw as a vegetable; also : a plant that produces radishes [Old English rædic “radish,” from Latin radic-, radix “root” — related to ERADICATE, RADICAL; see Word History at RADICAL]

ra·di·um \ˈrād-ē-əm\ n : a strongly radioactive shining white metallic element that is chemically similar to barium, occurs in combination in very small quantities in minerals (as pitchblende), and is used in the treatment of cancer — see ELEMENT TABLE

ra·di·us \ˈrād-ē-əs\ n, pl ra·dii \-ē-ˌī\ also ra·di·us·es
1 : the bone on the thumb side of the human forearm; also : a corresponding bone of other vertebrates
2 : a line extending from the center of a circle or sphere to the circumference or surface
3 a : the length of a radius  b : a circular area defined by a given radius <deer may wander within a radius of several miles>
4 : a radial part or plane [from Latin radius “ray, beam, spoke” — related to RADIATE, RADIO, 2RAY]

ra·don \ˈrā-ˌdän\ n : a heavy radioactive gaseous element formed by the breaking apart of radium atoms — see ELEMENT TABLE

rad·u·la \ˈraj-ə-lə\ n : a tough band bearing teeth that occurs in some mollusks (as snails and slugs) and is used to scrape or tear off food and bring it into the mouth

raf·fia \ˈraf-ē-ə\ n : fiber from a palm of Madagascar and Africa used as a cord for weaving various articles (as baskets or hats) and for tying

raff·ish \ˈraf-ish\ adj
1 : vulgarly crude or flashy <raffish language>
2 : careless about moral behavior : DISREPUTABLE
— raff·ish·ly adv

— raff·ish·ness n

1raf·fle \ˈraf-əl\ vb raf·fled; raf·fling \ˈraf-(ə-)liŋ\ : to dispose of by a raffle <raffle off a turkey>

2raffle n : the sale of chances for a prize whose winner is the one whose ticket is picked at a drawing

1raft \ˈraft\ n : a flat structure (as a group of logs fastened together) for support or transportation on water [Middle English rafte “rafter, raft”; of Norse origin]

2raft vb : to transport or move on or by means of a raft

3raft n : a large amount or number [probably an altered form of earlier raff “jumble”]

raf·ter \ˈraf-tər\ n : one of the usually sloping timbers that support a roof
— raf·tered \-tərd\ adj

1rag \ˈrag\ n
1 : a waste or worn piece of cloth
2 pl : shabby or very worn clothing <dressed in rags>
3 : NEWSPAPER; esp : a low quality newspaper

2rag vb ragged; rag·ging
1 : to rail at : SCOLD
2 : TORMENT 2, TEASE [origin unknown]
— rag on : to make fun of

3rag n : a composition in ragtime

rag·a·muf·fin \ˈrag-ə-ˌməf-ən\ n : a poorly clothed often dirty child

rag·bag \ˈrag-ˌbag\ n
1 : a bag for scraps of cloth
2 : a collection of various things

rag doll n : a cloth doll that is stuffed and usually painted

1rage \ˈrāj\ n
1 a : very strong and uncontrolled anger  b : a fit of violent anger
2 : violent action (as of wind or sea)
3 : FAD <the current rage>  synonyms see ANGER

2rage vb raged; rag·ing
1 : to be in a rage
2 : to continue out of control <the fire raged for hours>

rag·ged \ˈrag-əd\ adj
1 : having a rough or uneven edge or outline <ragged cliffs>
2 a : torn or worn to or as if to tatters <a ragged dress>  b : wearing tattered clothes <a ragged child>
3 : done in an uneven way <a ragged performance>
— rag·ged·ly adv

— rag·ged·ness n

rag·gedy \ˈrag-əd-ē\ adj -ged·i·er; -est : RAGGED 2

raging adj
1 : causing great pain or distress
2 : VIOLENT 1, WILD <a raging fire>
3 : EXTRAORDINARY <a raging success>

rag·lan sleeve \ˈrag-lən-\ n : a sleeve sewn in by seams slanted from the underarm to the neck

rag·man \ˈrag-ˌman\ n : a collector of or dealer in rags

ra·gout \ra-ˈgü\ n : a highly seasoned stew of meat and vegetables

rag·pick·er \ˈrag-ˌpik-ər\ n : a person who collects rags and waste for a living

rag·tag \ˈrag-ˌtag\ adj : RAGGED 2B

rag·time \ˈrag-ˌtīm\ n
1 : music played with a strong march-style rhythm and a lively melody with accented notes falling on beats that are not usually accented
2 : music having ragtime rhythm

rag·weed \ˈrag-ˌwēd\ n : any of various chiefly North American weedy herbs related to the daisies and producing pollen irritating to the eyes and noses of some persons

rah \ˈrä, ˈrȯ\ interj : HOORAY — used to cheer a team on

1raid \ˈrād\ n : a sudden attack or invasion

2raid vb : to make a raid on
— raid·er n

1rail \ˈrā(ə)l\ n
1 a : a bar extending from one support to another and serving as a guard or barrier  b : RAILING 1
2 a : a bar of steel forming a track for wheeled vehicles  b : RAILROAD [Middle English raile “bar, rail,” from early French raille, reille “bar, ruler,” from Latin regula “straightedge, ruler,” from regere “to lead straight, govern, rule” — related to REGENT, REGULATE, RULE]

2rail vb : to provide with a railing

3rail n, pl rails or rail : any of various small wading birds related to the cranes [Middle English raile “rail (the bird),” from early French raalie (same meaning)]

4rail vb : to scold or complain in harsh or bitter language [Middle English railen “to scold, be abusive to,” from early French railler “to mock,” probably derived from Latin ragere “to neigh”]
— rail·er n

rail·car \-ˌkär\ n : a railroad car

rail·ing \ˈrā-liŋ\ n
1 : a barrier (as a fence) consisting of rails and their supports
2 : material for rails

rail·lery \ˈrā-lə-rē\ n, pl -ler·ies : an act or an instance of making fun of somebody in a good-natured way

1rail·road \ˈrā(ə)l-ˌrōd\ n
1 : a permanent road that has parallel steel rails which make a track for cars
2 : a railroad together with the lands, buildings, locomotives, cars, and other equipment that belong to it

2railroad vb
1 a : to send by railroad  b : to work on a railroad
2 a : to push (as a bill) through a legislature in a rush  b : to convict and send to prison without very much evidence or by means of false charges
— rail·road·er n

rail·road·ing n : the building or operation of a railroad

rail·way \ˈrā(ə)l-ˌwā\ n : 1RAILROAD

rai·ment \ˈrā-mənt\ n : CLOTHING 1

1rain \ˈrān\ n
1 a : water falling in drops from clouds  b : the falling of such water
2 a : RAINSTORM  b pl : the rainy season
3 : rainy weather <a week of rain>
4 : a heavy fall <a rain of arrows>
— rain·less \-ləs\ adj

2rain vb
1 : to fall as water in drops from the clouds
2 : to send down rain
3 : to fall like rain <ashes rained from the volcano>
4 : to give in large amounts <rained blows on each other>
— rain cats and dogs : to rain very hard

rain·bow \ˈrān-ˌbō\ n : an arc or circle of colors that appears in the sky opposite the sun and is caused by the sun shining through raindrops, spray, or mist

rainbow trout n : a large trout native to western North America that usually has red or pink stripes with black dots on its sides — compare STEELHEAD

rain·coat \ˈrān-ˌkōt\ n : a coat of waterproof or water-resistant material

rain date n : an alternative date set aside for use if a scheduled event must be postponed due to rain

rain·drop \-ˌdräp\ n : a drop of rain

rain·fall \-ˌfȯl\ n
1 : a fall of rain
2 : amount of precipitation <an annual rainfall of 20 inches>

rain forest n
1 : an often tropical woodland with a high annual rainfall and very tall evergreen trees with tops forming a continuous layer — called also tropical rain forest
2 : TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST

rain gauge n : an instrument for measuring rainfall

rain·mak·ing \ˈrān-ˌmā-kiŋ\ n : the action or process of attempting to produce rain by artificial means
— rain·mak·er \-kər\ n

rain out vb : to interrupt or prevent (as a sports event) by rain
— rain·out \ˈrān-ˌau̇t\ n

rain·proof \-ˈprüf\ adj : keeping rain out

rain·storm \-ˌstȯ(ə)rm\ n : a storm of or with rain

rain·wa·ter \-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : water falling or fallen as rain

rain·wear \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : waterproof or water-resistant clothing — called also rain gear

rainy \ˈrā-nē\ adj rain·i·er; -est : having much rain

rainy day n : a period of need or want <set a little money aside for a rainy day>
— rainy–day adj

1raise \ˈrāz\ vb raised; rais·ing
1 : to cause to rise <raise a window> <raise dust>
2 a : 1AWAKE, AROUSE <enough noise to raise the dead>  b : to recall from or as if from death  c : to stir up : INCITE <raise a rebellion>
3 a : to set upright by lifting or building <raise a monument>  b : to lift up <raise your hand>  c : to place higher especially in rank : PROMOTE <was raised to captain>  d : HEIGHTEN 1, INVIGORATE <raise the spirits>
4 : 2COLLECT 1B <raise funds>
5 a : to look after the growth and development of : GROW <raise hogs> <raise corn>  b : BRING UP 1, REAR 3B <raise a child> <was raised in the city>
6 : BRING ABOUT <raised a laugh>
7 : to bring to notice <raise an issue>
8 a : to increase the strength of <don't raise your voice>  b : to increase the amount of <raise the rent>  c : to increase a bid or bet
9 : to make light and airy <raise dough>
10 : to multiply a quantity by itself a specified number of times <raise two to the fourth power>
11 : to bring into sight on the horizon by approaching <raised land at last>
12 : to cause to form on the skin <raise a blister>
— rais·er n

— raise eyebrows : to cause surprise or mild disapproval <a comment that raised eyebrows>

— raise the bar : to set a higher standard <new software that raises the bar for competitors>
synonyms RAISE, LIFT, HEAVE, HOIST, mean to move from a lower to a higher place or position. RAISE often suggests a suitable or intended higher position to which something is brought <raise the flag to the top of the pole>. LIFT suggests a bringing up especially from the ground and may also suggest the need for exertion in order to pick up something heavy <lift some boxes onto the table>. HEAVE suggests lifting with great effort or strain <heave those bales of hay onto the truck>. HOIST often suggests the use of mechanical means to increase the force applied in raising something very heavy <hoist the crates onto the ship>.

2raise n
1 : an increase in the amount of a bet or bid
2 : an increase in pay

raised adj
1 : done in relief <raised needlework>
2 : having a nap <raised fabric>

rai·sin \ˈrāz-ən\ n : a grape usually rich in sugar that has been dried

ra·ja or ra·jah \ˈräj-ə, ˈräzh-\ n : an Indian or Malay prince or chief [from Hindi and Urdu (the official language of Pakistan) rājā “prince, chief”]

1rake \ˈrāk\ n
1 : a garden tool with a long handle and prongs at the end
2 : a machine for gathering hay [Old English racu “a tool for gathering up grass or straw”]

2rake vb raked; rak·ing
1 : to gather, loosen, or smooth with or as if with a rake <rake leaves> <raking in money>
2 a : to touch in passing over lightly  b : 1SCRATCH 1, SCRAPE
3 : to search through : RANSACK <rake the records for evidence>
4 : to sweep the length of with or as if with gunfire
— rak·er n

3rake n : LIBERTINE [a shortened form of earlier rakehell (same meaning)]

1rak·ish \ˈrā-kish\ adj : of or resembling that of a rake : DISSOLUTE [from rake “libertine”]
— rak·ish·ly adv

— rak·ish·ness n

2rakish adj
1 : having a trim or streamlined look that suggests speed <a rakish ship> <a rakish sports car>
2 : JAUNTY, DASHING <rakish clothes> [from earlier rake “the amount of slope or lean of a ship's mast or the amount of overhang of a ship's bow”]
— rak·ish·ly adv

— rak·ish·ness n

rale \ˈral, ˈräl\ n : an abnormal sound that accompanies the sounds of normal breathing (as in bronchitis)

1ral·ly \ˈral-ē\ vb ral·lied; ral·ly·ing
1 a : to bring or come together for a common purpose <rallied to the cause>  b : to bring back to order <rallied the retreating troops>
2 : to rouse from low spirits or weakness <the patient rallied>
3 : to make a comeback <the team rallied in the fourth quarter> <stock prices rallied at the close of trading> [from French rallier “to call or come together for a common purpose,” from early French ralier (same meaning), from re- “again, back” and alier “to unite”]

2rally n, pl rallies
1 : the action of rallying
2 : a big meeting intended to arouse enthusiasm
3 : a series of shots hit back and forth between players (as in tennis) before a point is won

3rally vb ral·lied; ral·ly·ing : to tease in a good-natured way [from French railler “to mock, tease,” from early French railler (same meaning) — related to 4RAIL]

1ram \ˈram\ n
1 : a male sheep
2 : BATTERING RAM

2ram vb rammed; ram·ming
1 : to strike or strike against with violence : CRASH
2 : to force in, down, or through by or as if by driving or pressing
— ram·mer n

RAM \ˈram\ n : a computer memory that acts as the main storage available to the user for programs and data — compare ROM

Ram·a·dan \ˈrä-mə-ˌdän, ˌrä-mə-ˈdän\ n : the ninth month of the Islamic year observed as sacred with daily fasting from dawn to sunset [from Arabic Ramaḍan]

1ram·ble \ˈram-bəl\ vb ram·bled; ram·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to move from place to place for no special reason
2 : to talk or write without a clear purpose or point
3 : to grow or extend irregularly  synonyms see WANDER

2ramble n
1 : a long stroll with no particular destination
2 : a rambling story or discussion

ram·bler \ˈram-blər\ n
1 : a person who rambles
2 : a climbing rose with flexible stems and rather small flowers in large clusters

ram·bunc·tious \ram-ˈbəŋ(k)-shəs\ adj : not under control : UNRULY, EXUBERANT
— ram·bunc·tious·ly adv

— ram·bunc·tious·ness n

ram·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of branching
2 : OUTGROWTH 1 <the ramifications of the decision>

ram·i·fy \ˈram-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to spread out or split up into branches or divisions

ram·jet \ˌram-ˌjet\ n : a jet engine that depends on the speed of flight for the compression of the air it takes in rather than using a mechanical compressor

ramp \ˈramp\ n : a sloping way or plane: as  a : a sloping passage or roadway connecting different levels  b : a slope for launching boats

1ram·page \ˈram-ˌpāj, (ˈ)ram-ˈpāj\ vb ram·paged; ram·pag·ing : to rush wildly about

2ram·page \ˈram-ˌpāj\ n : a course of violent or reckless action or behavior
— ram·pa·geous \ram-ˈpā-jəs\ adj

— ram·pa·geous·ly adv

ram·pant \ˈram-pənt also -ˌpant\ adj
1 : standing on the hind legs like a horse rearing
2 : not checked in growth or spread <rumor ran rampant>
— ram·pant·ly adv

ram·part \ˈram-ˌpärt, -pərt\ n : a broad bank or wall raised as a protective barrier; also : any barrier that provides protection

1ram·rod \ˈram-ˌräd\ n : a rod for ramming the charge down the barrel in a muzzle-loading firearm

2ramrod adj : not flexible : very strict

3ramrod adv : in a fully upright position : RIGIDLY <sat ramrod straight>

ram·shack·le \ˈram-ˌshak-əl\ adj : looking ready to fall down <a ramshackle old barn>

ran past of RUN

1ranch \ˈranch\ n
1 : a place for the raising of livestock (as cattle, horses, or sheep) on range
2 : a farm devoted to a specific crop or kind of animal <a fruit ranch> <a mink ranch>
3 : RANCH HOUSE 2

2ranch vb : to live or work on a ranch

ranch·er \ˈran-chər\ n : a person who owns or works on a ranch

ran·che·ro \ran-ˈche(ə)r-ō, rän-\ n, pl -ros : RANCHER

ranch house n
1 : the main house on a ranch
2 : a one-story house usually with a low-pitched roof

ranch·man \ˈranch-mən\ n : RANCHER

ran·cid \ˈran(t)-səd\ adj : having a strong disagreeable smell or taste <rancid butter>
— ran·cid·i·ty \ran-ˈsid-ət-ē\ n

ran·cor \ˈraŋ-kər\ n : deep hatred
— ran·cor·ous \-k(ə-)rəs\ adj

— ran·cor·ous·ly adv

rand \ˈrand, ˈränd, ˈränt\ n, pl rand
1 : the basic unit of money of South Africa
2 : a coin or bill representing one rand

ran·dom \ˈran-dəm\ adj
1 : showing no clear plan, purpose, or pattern <a random arrangement>
2 : having a definite and especially an equal probability of occurring <a random number>
— ran·dom·ly adv

— ran·dom·ness n

— at random : without definite aim, direction, rule, or method <subjects chosen at random>

ran·dom–ac·cess \ˌran-dəm-ˈak-ˌses\ adj : permitting access to stored data in any order the user desires

random–access memory n : RAM

ran·dom·ize \ˈran-də-ˌmīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make random <shuffling randomizes playing cards>

rang past of RING

1range \ˈrānj\ n
1 : a series of things in a line <a range of mountains>
2 : a cooking stove
3 a : open land over which livestock may roam and feed  b : the place where a certain kind of animal or plant naturally lives
4 : the act of ranging about
5 a : the maximum distance a weapon can shoot, a missile can travel, or a vehicle can go without refueling  b : the distance between a weapon and its target  c : a place where shooting is practiced <a rifle range>
6 a : the distance or amount included or gone over : SCOPE <the range of one's knowledge>  b : the extent of pitch covered by a voice or instrument or a melody
7 a : a sequence, series, or scale between limits <out of our price range> <a wide range of colors>  b : the difference between the least and greatest of a set of values

2range vb ranged; rang·ing
1 a : to set in a row or in proper order  b : to set in place among others of the same kind
2 : to roam freely
3 : to vary within limits <the temperature ranged from 50° to 90°>

range finder n : a device used to find out the distance of an object (as a target)

range·land \ˈrānj-ˌland\ n : land used or suitable for livestock range

rang·er \ˈrān-jər\ n
1 : FOREST RANGER
2 a : a member of a body of troops who range over a region  b : a soldier in an army unit with special training (as parachute jumping and scuba diving) for making surprise attacks and raids

rangy \ˈrān-jē\ adj rang·i·er; -est
1 : having long limbs and a long body <rangy cattle>
2 : tall and slender in body build <a rangy athlete>
— rang·i·ness n

ra·ni or ra·nee \rä-ˈnē, ˈrän-ˌē\ n : a Hindu queen : a raja's wife

1rank \ˈraŋk\ adj
1 : strong and active in growth <rank weeds>
2 : offensively gross or vulgar : FOUL <rank language>
3 a : very noticeable <rank dishonesty>  b : 2OUTRIGHT 1 <rank beginners>
4 : offensive in odor or flavor
— rank·ly adv

— rank·ness n

2rank n
1 : 3ROW 1, SERIES
2 a : a line of soldiers standing side by side  b : the body of enlisted persons in an army <rose from the ranks>
3 : a group of individuals classed together — usually used in plural <in the ranks of the unemployed>
4 : position within a group <a poet of high rank>
5 : official grade or position <the rank of general>
6 : high social position <a person of rank>

3rank vb
1 : to arrange in lines or in a formation
2 : to determine the position of in relation to others : RATE <a highly ranked player>
3 : to come before in rank <a captain ranks a lieutenant>
4 : to take or have a certain position in a group <ranks third in the class>

rank and file n
1 : the enlisted persons of one of the armed forces
2 : the ordinary members that make up the body of a group when considered apart from the leaders

ran·kle \ˈraŋ-kəl\ vb ran·kled; ran·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\ : to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness
Word History The Greek word drakōn, meaning “serpent, dragon,” was borrowed into Latin as draco. Later, the noun dracunculus, meaning “little serpent,” was formed from draco. The French borrowed this noun as draoncle or raoncle but used it for “a festering sore or ulcer.” It seems that the form of such a sore looked something like the form of a small serpent. From the noun the French formed the verb rancler, “to fester.” In the 14th century, the verb was taken into English as rankle, with the same meaning. Our word dragon also comes from the Greek drakōn by way of the Latin draco. [Middle English ranclen “to fester,” from early French rancler (same meaning), derived from earlier draoncle, raoncle “a festering sore,” from Latin dracunculus “little serpent, little dragon,” from earlier draco “serpent, dragon,” from Greek drākon “serpent, dragon” — related to DRAGON]

ran·sack \ˈran-ˌsak, (ˈ)ran-ˈsak\ vb
1 : to search thoroughly
2 : to search through in order to rob
— ran·sack·er n

1ran·som \ˈran(t)-səm\ n
1 : something paid or demanded for the freedom of a captured person
2 : the act of ransoming

2ransom vb : to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price
— ran·som·er n

1rant \ˈrant\ vb : to talk loudly and wildly
— rant·er n

2rant n : loud and wild speech

1rap \ˈrap\ n
1 : a sharp blow or knock
2 a : a sharp criticism  b : a bad reputation that is often not deserved <given a bad rap>
3 a : the blame for or unfavorable consequences of an action <took the rap>  b : a criminal charge <a murder rap> [Middle English rappe “a hard blow”]

2rap vb rapped; rap·ping
1 : to give a quick sharp blow : KNOCK
2 : to utter suddenly with force

3rap n : the least bit <doesn't care a rap>

4rap vb rapped; rap·ping
1 : to talk freely and frankly
2 : to perform rap

5rap n
1 : an informal talk : CHAT, CONVERSATION; also : a line of talk : PATTER
2 a : a rhythmic chanting often in unison of usually rhymed couplets to a musical accompaniment  b : a musical piece so performed

ra·pa·cious \rə-ˈpā-shəs\ adj
1 : very greedy
2 : PREDATORY 2
— ra·pa·cious·ly adv

— ra·pa·cious·ness n

ra·pac·i·ty \rə-ˈpas-ət-ē\ n : the quality of being rapacious

1rape \ˈrāp\ n : an herb related to the mustards that is grown for animals to graze on and for its seeds which are used as birdseed and as a source of oil — compare canola [Middle English rape “the herb rape,” from Latin rapa, rapum “turnip, rape”]

2rape vb raped; rap·ing
1 archaic : to take away by force
2 : to have sexual relations with by force [Middle English rapen “to take away by force,” from Latin rapere “to seize”]
— rap·er n

— rap·ist \ˈrā-pəst\ n

3rape n : an act or instance of raping

1rap·id \ˈrap-əd\ adj : very fast  synonyms see FAST
— ra·pid·i·ty \rə-ˈpid-ət-ē, ra-\ n

— rap·id·ly adv

— rap·id·ness n

2rapid n : a part of a river where the current flows fast usually over rocks — usually used in plural

rapid eye movement n : rapid movement of the eyes which occurs during the dreaming period of sleep

rap·id–fire \ˌrap-əd-ˈfī(ə)r\ adj
1 : able to fire shots rapidly <a rapid-fire weapon>
2 : marked by a rapid rate or pace <spoke rapid-fire Spanish>

rapid transit n : fast public passenger transportation (as by subway) in cities

ra·pi·er \ˈrā-pē-ər\ n : a straight sword with a narrow blade having both edges sharp

rap·ine \ˈrap-ən, -ˌīn\ n : the seizing and carrying away of something by force

rap·pel \rə-ˈpel, ra-\ vb -pelled also -peled; -pel·ling also -pel·ing : to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope

rap·per \ˈrap-ər\ n : one that raps or is used for rapping: as  a : a door knocker  b : a performer of rap music

rap·port \ra-ˈpō(ə)r, -ˈpȯ(ə)r\ n : a friendly relationship

rap·proche·ment \ˌrap-ˌrōsh-ˈmän\ n : establishment of or state of having friendly relations

rap·scal·lion \rap-ˈskal-yən\ n : RASCAL

rapt \ˈrapt\ adj : showing complete delight or interest <listened with rapt attention>
— rapt·ly \ˈrap-(t)lē\ adv

— rapt·ness \ˈrap(t)-nəs\ n

rap·tor \ˈrap-tər\ n : BIRD OF PREY [Latin raptor “plunderer,” from rapere “to seize”]

rap·ture \ˈrap-chər\ n : a strong feeling of joy, delight, or love
— rap·tur·ous \-chə-rəs, -shrəs\ adj

— rap·tur·ous·ly adv

— rap·tur·ous·ness n

1rare \ˈra(ə)r, ˈre(ə)r\ adj rar·er; rar·est
1 : not thick or dense : THIN <the atmosphere is rare at high altitudes>
2 : very fine : EXCELLENT, SPLENDID <a rare June day>
3 : very uncommon <rain is rare in the desert> <a collection of rare books> [Middle English rare “thin,” from Latin rarus “rare”]
— rare·ness n
synonyms RARE, SCARCE, mean being in short supply. RARE usually applies to an object or quality of which only a few examples are to be found and which is thus greatly prized and cherished <a rare gem>. SCARCE applies to something that for the present is in too short supply to meet the demand for it <food was scarce that winter>.

2rare adj rar·er; rar·est : cooked so that the inside is still red <rare roast beef> [Old English hrēre “boiled lightly”]

rare·bit \ˈra(ə)r-bət, ˈre(ə)r-\ n : WELSH RABBIT

rar·efac·tion \ˌrar-ə-ˈfak-shən, ˌrer-\ n
1 : the action or process of rarefying
2 : the state of being rarefied
3 : a state or region of minimum pressure in a substance (as air) being traveled through by a wave formed by compression (as sound)

rar·efy also rar·i·fy \ˈrar-ə-ˌfī, ˈrer-\ vb -efied; -efy·ing : to make or become rare, thin, or less dense

rare·ly \ˈra(ə)r-lē, ˈre(ə)r-\ adv : not often : SELDOM

rar·ing \ˈra(ə)r-ən, ˈre(ə)r-, -iŋ\ adj : full of enthusiasm or eagerness <raring to go>

rar·i·ty \ˈrar-ət-ē, ˈrer-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2 : someone or something rare

ras·cal \ˈras-kəl\ n
1 : a mean or dishonest person
2 : a mischievous person

ras·cal·i·ty \ra-ˈskal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the actions or character of a rascal

ras·cal·ly \ˈras-kə-lē\ adj : of or resembling that of a rascal <a rascally trick>
— rascally adv

1rash \ˈrash\ adj : marked by or coming from being too hasty in speech or action or in making decisions <a rash promise>
— rash·ly adv

— rash·ness n

2rash n
1 : a breaking out of the skin with red spots
2 : many instances in a short time <a rash of fires>

1rasp \ˈrasp\ vb
1 : to rub with or as if with a rough file <rasp off a rough edge>
2 : IRRITATE 1
3 : to speak or say in an irritated tone
4 : to make a harsh grating sound

2rasp n
1 : a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines
2 : a rasping sound or sensation

rasp·ber·ry \ˈraz-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ n
1 a : any of various black or red edible berries that are rounder and smaller than the related blackberries  b : a usually prickly plant that produces raspberries
2 : a sound of scorn made by sticking out the tongue and blowing hard so as to make it vibrate

raspy \ˈras-pē\ adj rasp·i·er; -est : making a harsh grating sound <a raspy voice>

1rat \ˈrat\ n
1 : any of various rodents that have brown, black, white, or grayish fur and a long usually nearly hairless tail and that look like but are larger than the related mice
2 : a person who betrays friends
3 : a person who spends much time in a specified place <a mall rat>
— rat·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2rat vb rat·ted; rat·ting
1 : to betray, desert, or inform on one's friends <didn't rat on us> <ratted them out>
2 : to catch or hunt rats

rat·able or rate·able \ˈrāt-ə-bəl\ adj : able to be rated or estimated

ratch·et \ˈrach-ət\ n
1 : a mechanical device that consists of a bar or wheel having slanted teeth into which a pawl drops so as to allow motion in one direction only
2 : PAWL

1rate \ˈrāt\ vb rat·ed; rat·ing : to scold violently : BERATE [Middle English raten “to scold violently”]

2rate n
1 a : a constant ratio between two things <a rate of exchange>  b : a price or charge set according to a scale or standard <hotel rates> <tax rate>
2 : a quantity, amount, or degree of something measured in units of something else <the unemployment rate>
3 : a level of quality : CLASS [Middle English rate “an estimated or determined value,” from early French rate (same meaning), derived from Latin rata, literally, “fixed, determined,” from (pro) rata (parte) “according to the fixed proportion”]
— at any rate : without regard to or in spite of other considerations

3rate vb rat·ed; rat·ing
1 : CONSIDER 3, REGARD <was rated a good pianist>
2 : to set an estimate on : EVALUATE
3 : to determine the rank, class, or position of : GRADE <rate a movie>
4 : to have a rating : be classed <rates high in math>
5 : to have a right to : DESERVE <rate a promotion>

rath·er \ˈrath-ər, ˈräth-, ˈrəth-\ adv
1 : more willingly <would rather stay home>
2 : more exactly : more properly <my father, or, rather, my stepfather>
3 : INSTEAD <was no better but rather grew worse>
4 : 2SOMEWHAT <rather cold today>

1rather than conj
1 — used to indicate negation or a contrary choice or wish <rather than continue the argument, he walked away> <chose to sing rather than play violin>
2 : and not <happy rather than sad> <why one thing rather than another?>

2rather than prep : INSTEAD OF <rather than being pleased, she was angry>

rat·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : the action of ratifying

rat·i·fy \ˈrat-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to give legal or official approval to <ratify a treaty>

rat·ing \ˈrāt-iŋ\ n : a position within a grading system <credit rating>

ra·tio \ˈrā-shō, -shē-ˌō\ n, pl ra·tios
1 : the quotient of two numbers or mathematical expressions <the ratio of 6 to 3 may be expressed as 6:3, 6/3, and 2>
2 : the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things <women outnumbered men in the ratio of three to one>

1ra·tion \ˈrash-ən, ˈrā-shən\ n
1 a : a food allowance for one day  b pl : 1PROVISION 2
2 : the amount one is allowed by authority

2ration vb ra·tioned; ra·tion·ing \ˈrash-(ə-)niŋ, ˈrāsh-\
1 : to control the amount one can use <during the war the government rationed gasoline>
2 : to use sparingly <ration your water on the hike>

1ra·tio·nal \ˈrash-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 a : having the ability to reason <rational beings>  b : relating to, based on, or showing reason : REASONABLE 2 <rational behavior>
2 : relating to or involving rational numbers <a rational fraction>
— ra·tio·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

2rational n : something rational; esp : RATIONAL NUMBER

ra·tio·nale \ˌrash-ə-ˈnal\ n : a basic reason or explanation for something

ra·tio·nal·i·ty \ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being rational

ra·tio·nal·ize \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to bring into agreement with reason or cause something to seem believable
2 : to remove irrational expressions from <rationalize a denominator>
— ra·tio·nal·i·za·tion \ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ən-əl-ə-\ n

rational number n : a number that can be expressed as a whole number or the quotient of two whole numbers

rat·line \ˈrat-lən\ n : any of the small cross ropes attached to the shrouds of a ship so as to form the steps of a rope ladder

rat snake n : any of various large nonpoisonous snakes that eat rodents and birds and that kill their prey by squeezing and suffocating it

rat·tan \ra-ˈtan, rə-\ n
1 : a climbing palm with very long tough stems
2 : a part of a rattan stem used especially for furniture and wickerwork

rat·ter \ˈrat-ər\ n : a rat-catching dog or cat

1rat·tle \ˈrat-əl\ vb rat·tled; rat·tling \ˈrat-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to make or cause to make a rattle <windows rattling in the wind>
2 : CHATTER 2 <rattled on and on about the party>
3 : to move with a rattle <the old truck rattled down the street>
4 : to say or do in a brisk lively way <rattled off the answers>
5 : to disturb the calmness of : UPSET <the question rattled the speaker>

2rattle n
1 : a series of short sharp sounds : CLATTER
2 : a device (as a toy) for making a rattling sound
3 : a rattling organ at the end of a rattlesnake's tail made up of horny joints

rat·tler \ˈrat-lər, -əl-ər\ n : RATTLESNAKE

rat·tle·snake \ˈrat-əl-ˌsnāk\ n : any of various poisonous American snakes with a rattle at the end of the tail

rat·tle·trap \-ˌtrap\ n : something (as an old car) that is rickety and makes rattling noises

1rat·tling \ˈrat-liŋ\ adj : very brisk : LIVELY <going at a rattling pace>

2rattling adv : 2VERY 1 <a rattling good tale>

rat·tly \ˈrat-lē, -əl-ē\ adj : likely to rattle : making a rattle <a rattly old car>

rat·ty \ˈrat-ē\ adj rat·ti·er; -est
1 a : full of rats <ratty dockside warehouses>  b : of or relating to rats
2 : SHABBY 2A <a ratty old sweater>

rau·cous \ˈrȯ-kəs\ adj
1 : being harsh and unpleasant <a raucous voice>
2 : behaving in a rough and noisy way <a raucous crowd>
— rau·cous·ly adv

— rau·cous·ness n

1rav·age \ˈrav-ij\ n : violently destructive action or effect

2ravage vb rav·aged; rav·ag·ing : to attack or act upon with great violence <a forest ravaged by fire>
— rav·age·ment \-mənt\ n

— rav·ag·er n

1rave \ˈrāv\ vb raved; rav·ing
1 : to talk wildly as if crazy
2 : to talk with great enthusiasm <raved about the new play>
— rav·er n

2rave n : a statement of enthusiastic praise

1rav·el \ˈrav-əl\ vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : UNRAVEL 1
— rav·el·er or rav·el·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2ravel n : something that is raveled

rav·el·ing or rav·el·ling \ˈrav(-ə)-liŋ, -lən\ n : something raveled or frayed; esp : a thread raveled out of a fabric

1ra·ven \ˈrā-vən\ n : a bird of Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and America that has glossy black feathers and is larger than the related crow

2raven adj : shiny and black like a raven's feathers <raven hair>

rav·en·ous \ˈrav-(ə-)nəs\ adj : very eager for food or satisfaction
— rav·en·ous·ly adv

— rav·en·ous·ness n

ra·vine \rə-ˈvēn\ n : a small narrow valley with steep sides that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon

rav·i·o·li \ˌrav-ē-ˈō-lē, ˌräv-\ n, pl ravioli also raviolis \-lēz\ : little pockets of pasta with a filling (as of meat or cheese) [Italian, from a plural of a dialect word raviolo, literally, “little turnip”]

rav·ish \ˈrav-ish\ vb
1 : to seize and take away by violence
2 : RAPE 2
3 : to overcome with a feeling and especially a feeling of joy or delight
— rav·ish·er n

rav·ish·ing \ˈrav-ish-iŋ\ adj : very attractive or pleasing
— rav·ish·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

1raw \ˈrȯ\ adj raw·er \ˈrȯ(-ə)r\; raw·est \ˈrȯ-əst\
1 : not cooked <a raw carrot>
2 a : being in or nearly in the natural state : not processed or purified <raw milk> <raw sewage>  b : not in a finished, organized, or polished form <the raw edge of a seam> <raw data>
3 a : having the surface scraped or roughened <raw red hands>  b : very sore or irritated <a raw throat>
4 : not trained or experienced <a raw recruit>
5 : unpleasantly damp or cold <a raw wind>
— raw·ly adv

— raw·ness n

2raw n : a raw place or state

raw·boned \ˈrȯ-ˈbōnd\ adj : extremely thin : GAUNT

raw deal n : an instance of unfair treatment

1raw·hide \ˈrȯ-ˌhīd\ n
1 : a whip of untanned hide
2 : untanned cattle skin

2rawhide vb raw·hid·ed; raw·hid·ing : to whip or drive with or as if with a rawhide

raw material n : something from which a useful or desirable product can be manufactured or produced <wheat and rye are the raw materials for a flour mill> <collect raw material for writing a story>

1ray \ˈrā\ n : any of numerous flat broad fishes (as stingrays and skates) usually living on the sea bottom and having eyes on the upper surface of their bodies, a long narrow tail, and a skeleton made of cartilage [Middle English raye “the ray (fish),” from early French raie (same meaning), from Latin raia (same meaning)]

2ray n
1 a : one of the lines of light that appear to be given off by a bright object  b : a thin beam of radiant energy (as light)  c : a stream of particles (as electrons) traveling in the same line
2 a : any of a group of lines coming from a common center  b : HALF LINE
3 : a plant or animal structure that resembles a ray: as  a : VASCULAR RAY  b : one of the bony rods in the fin of a fish
4 : a tiny bit <a ray of hope> [Middle English ray “a beam of light,” from early French rai (same meaning), from Latin radius “ray, beam, spoke” — related to RADIATE, RADIO, RADIUS]

rayed \ˈrād\ adj : having rays

ray flower n : one of the flowers with long flat petals that grow on the outer edge of the head of a plant (as a daisy) of the composite family — compare disk flower

ray·on \ˈrā-ˌän\ n : a yarn, thread, or fabric made from fibers produced chemically from cellulose

raze \ˈrāz\ vb razed; raz·ing : to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : DEMOLISH <razed the building>

ra·zor \ˈrā-zər\ n : a sharp cutting instrument used to shave off hair

ra·zor·back \-ˌbak\ n : a thin-bodied long-legged half-wild hog chiefly of the southeastern U.S. with long stiff hairs down the center of its back

razor dam n : any of various marine mollusks having a shell made of two long narrow hinged parts

razz \ˈraz\ vb : 1TEASE 2A

RBI \ˌär-ˌbē-ˈī, ˈrib-ē\ n, pl RBIs or RBI : a run in baseball that is driven in by a batter [run batted in]

-rd symbol — used after the figure 3 to indicate the ordinal number third <3rd> <63rd>

re \ˈrā\ n : the second note of the musical scale

re- \(ˈ)rē before ˈ-stressed syllable, (ˌ)rē before ˌ-stressed syllable, ˌrē before unstressed syllable\ prefix
1 : again <refill>
2 : back : backward <recall> [derived from Latin re-, red- “again, back, against”]

- reacquire

- reactivate

- reactivation

- readdress

- readjust

- readjustment

- readmission

- readmit

- readopt

- reaffirm

- reanalysis

- reanalyze

- reanimate

- reanimation

- reappear

- reappearance

- reapplication

- reapply

- reappoint

- reappointment

- reappraisal

- reappraise

- reapprove

- reargue

- rearrest

- reassemble

- reassembly

- reassess

- reassessment

- reassign

- reassignment

- reattach

- reattachment

- reawaken

- rebalance

- rebaptism

- rebaptize

- rebid

- reboil

- reboot

- rebroadcast

- reburial

- rebury

- rebuy

- recalculate

- recalculation

- rechannel

- recharter

- recheck

- recolor

- recommission

- recompile

- recomputation

- recompute

- reconceive

- reconcentrate

- reconcentration

- reconception

- recondense

- reconnect

- reconnection

- reconquer

- reconquest

- reconsecrate

- reconsecration

- recontact

- recontaminate

- recontamination

- reconvene

- recopy

- recross

- recut

- rededicate

- rededication

- redeliver

- redelivery

- redeposit

- redigestion

- rediscover

- rediscovery

- redispose

- redissolve

- redistill

- redivide

- redivision

- redraft

- redraw

- reeligibility

- reeligible

- reemerge

- reemergence

- reemission

- reemit

- reemphasis

- reemphasize

- reenergize

- reenlist

- reenlistment

- reenroll

- reequip

- reestablish

- reestablishment

- reevaluate

- reevaluation

- reexamination

- reexamine

- reexplore

- reface

- refinance

- refind

- refix

- refloat

- refold

- reformat

- refreeze

- refurnish

- regather

- regild

- regive

- regrade

- regrind

- rehandle

- rehear

- reheat

- reimpose

- reimposition

- reincorporate

- reincorporation

- reinjure

- reinsert

- reinsertion

- reinstall

- reintroduce

- reintroduction

- reinvade

- reinvasion

- rekindle

- relaunch

- relearn

- relight

- reload

- remeasure

- remeasurement

- remelt

- remix

- remold

- rename

- renumber

- reoccupy

- reoccur

- reoccurrence

- reorient

- reorientate

- reorientation

- repack

- repaint

- repeople

- rephotograph

- rephrase

- replay

- repopulate

- reprice

- repurchase

- reread

- rerecord

- reroll

- resaw

- reschedule

- rescore

- reseal

- resealable

- reseat

- resell

- resettle

- resew

- reshow

- resow

- restage

- restock

- restrengthen

- restudy

- restyle

- resubmission

- resubmit

- resummon

- resupply

- resurvey

- resynthesis

- resynthesize

- retag

- retaste

- reteach

- retest

- retie

- retrace

- retransmission

- retransmit

- retry

- retype

- reunification

- reunify

- rewash

- reweave

- reweigh

- rewire

're \(ə)r\ vb : 1ARE <sorry, we're sold out>

1reach \ˈrēch\ vb
1 : to stretch out : EXTEND <reached out her arm>
2 a : to touch or move to touch or take by sticking out a part of the body (as the hand) or something held in the hand <couldn't reach the apple, even standing on tiptoes> <reached for the catsup>  b : to extend or stretch to <their land reaches the river>  c : to get up to or as far as : come to <your letter reached me yesterday> <tried to reach an agreement>  d : to communicate with <tried to reach you by phone>
3 : 2HAND 2, PASS <please reach me the salt>
— reach·able \ˈrē-chə-bəl\ adj

— reach·er n

2reach n
1 : an unbroken stretch (as of a river)
2 a : the action or an act of reaching  b : the distance one can reach <kept it in easy reach>  c : ability to stretch so as to touch something <you have a long reach>  d : the ability to reach something as if by using the hands <a new car is beyond our reach right now>

re·act \rē-ˈakt\ vb
1 : to act or behave in response (as to stimulation or an influence) <the colonists reacted to the tax by boycotting tea>
2 : to oppose a force or influence — usually used with against <reacted against their unfair treatment>
3 : to go through or cause to go through a chemical reaction

re·ac·tant \rē-ˈak-tənt\ n : a substance that enters into and is changed by a chemical reaction

re·ac·tion \rē-ˈak-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process or an instance of reacting <our reaction to the news>  b : an action or attitude opposing current political or social forces or ideas
2 : a bodily response to a stimulus; esp : the response of the body to a foreign substance (as a drug)
3 : the force that opposes the action of a force applied to one body by another body
4 a : chemical transformation or change : the action between atoms or molecules to form one or more new substances  b : a process involving change in atomic nuclei

1re·ac·tion·ary \rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj : of, relating to, or favoring old-fashioned political or social ideas

2reactionary n, pl -ar·ies : a reactionary person

re·ac·tive \rē-ˈak-tiv\ adj
1 : of or relating to reaction
2 : reacting or tending to react
— re·ac·tive·ly adv

— re·ac·tive·ness n

— re·ac·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

re·ac·tor \rē-ˈak-tər\ n
1 : one that reacts
2 : a device for the controlled release of nuclear energy (as for producing heat)

1read \ˈrēd\ vb read \ˈred\; read·ing \ˈrēd-iŋ\
1 a : to go over and take in and understand the meaning of letters or symbols <learn to read> <read braille> <can you read decimals> <I can't read your writing>  b : to study the movements of (a speaker's lips) and so understand what is being said  c : to speak aloud written or printed words <read us a story>  d : to go over and take in the contents of <reading a book>  e : to understand the written form of <reads Spanish>  f : to be able to be read
2 : to learn from what one has seen in writing or printing <read about the fire>
3 a : to discover or figure out the meaning of <read palms>  b : FORETELL, PREDICT <able to read his fortune>  c : to watch carefully in order to tell what will happen <reading the rapids while canoeing>
4 : to show by numbers or letters <the thermometer reads zero>
5 a : to acquire data or information <a scanner reads the bar code>  b : to send to or get from storage <read your program back in>
— read between the lines : to understand more than is directly stated

2read \ˈred\ adj : taught or informed by reading <a well-read person>

read·able \ˈrēd-ə-bəl\ adj : able to be read easily
— read·abil·i·ty \ˌrēd-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— read·ably \-blē\ adv

read·er \ˈrēd-ər\ n
1 : a person who reads
2 a : a device that makes a readable image <a microfilm reader>  b : a machine for acquiring data (as for a computer) <a card reader>
3 : a book for learning or practicing reading

read·er·ship \ˈrēd-ər-ˌship\ n : a group of readers

read·ing \ˈrēd-iŋ\ n
1 : something to be read or for reading
2 : a particular version
3 : the number or fact shown on an instrument <the thermometer reading was 20 degrees>
4 : an individual explanation of something

read–on·ly memory \ˈrēd-ˈōn-lē-\ n : ROM

read·out \ˈrēd-ˌau̇t\ n : an electronic device that displays information (as data from a calculator); also : the information displayed

1ready \ˈred-ē\ adj readi·er; -est
1 : prepared for use or action <dinner is ready>
2 : likely to do something <ready to cry>
3 : WILLING 1 <ready to give aid>
4 : showing ease and promptness <a ready answer>
5 : available right away : HANDY <ready money>  synonyms see QUICK
— readi·ly \ˈred-əl-ē\ adv

— readi·ness \ˈred-ē-nəs\ n

2ready vb read·ied; ready·ing : to make ready : PREPARE

1ready–made \ˌred-ē-ˈmād\ adj : made beforehand for immediate use <ready-made clothes>

2ready–made n : something that is ready-made

ready room n : a room in which a pilot or an astronaut waits before a mission

ready–to–wear \ˌred-ēt-ə-ˈwa(ə)r, -ˈwe(ə)r\ adj : made in a standard size and not for any particular person

1re·al \ˈrē(-ə)l, ˈri(-ə)l\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or made up of land and buildings <real property>
2 a : not artificial or fake : GENUINE <real leather>; also : being exactly what the name implies <a real professional>  b : not imaginary : ACTUAL <real life>  c : belonging to or containing elements that belong to the set of real numbers <an equation with two real solutions>
3 : ABSOLUTE 1A, COMPLETE <there's a real surprise at the end> [Middle English real “real, relating to things,” from early French real (same meaning), derived from Latin res “thing, matter” — related to REBUS, REPUBLIC]
— re·al·ness n

— for real
1 : in earnest : SERIOUSLY <arguing for real>
2 : GENUINE 2 <couldn't believe the offers were for real>
3 : truly good or capable of success <not yet sure if this team is for real>
synonyms REAL, ACTUAL, TRUE, mean agreeing with known facts. REAL may suggest that a thing is what it appears to be <real gold>. ACTUAL stresses that someone or something does or did occur or exist <was Robin Hood an actual person?>. TRUE may apply to something that is real or actual <a true story> or to something that agrees with a standard <seaweeds are not true plants>.

2real adv : 2VERY 1 <we had a real good time>

3re·al \rā-ˈäl\ n, pl re·als or re·ales \-ˈäl-ās\ : an old silver coin of Spain

4re·al \rā-ˈäl\ n, pl re·als or reis \ˈrāsh, ˈrās, ˈrāzh, ˈrāz\
1 : the basic unit of money of Brazil
2 : a coin or bill representing one real

real estate n : property consisting of buildings and land

re·align \ˌre-ə-ˈlīn\ vb : to align again; esp : to reorganize or make new groupings of
— re·align·ment \-mənt\ n

real image n : an image of an object formed by rays of light coming to a focus (as after passing through a lens)

re·al·ism \ˈrē-ə-ˌliz-əm, ˈri-ə-\ n
1 : willingness to face facts and to give in to what is necessary
2 : the showing of things as they really are in art, literature, and theater
— re·al·ist \-ləst\ adj or n

re·al·is·tic \ˌrē-ə-ˈlis-tik, ˌri-ə-\ adj
1 : true to life or nature <a realistic painting>
2 : ready to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly <a realistic approach>
— re·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

re·al·i·ty \rē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being real
2 : someone or something real or actual <our dream became a reality>
3 : television programming that shows videos of actual occurrences (as police chases, stunts, or natural disasters)
— in reality : in actual fact

re·al·ize \ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz, ˈri-ə-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to bring into being : ACCOMPLISH <realize a lifelong ambition>
2 : to get by sale or effort : GAIN <realize a profit>
3 : to be aware of <realized their danger>
— re·al·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adj

— re·al·i·za·tion \ˌrē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌri-ə-\ n

real–life adj : happening in reality : being like real life

re·al·ly \ˈrē-(ə-)lē, ˈri(-ə)l-ē\ adv
1 : in actual fact : ACTUALLY <didn't really mean it>
2 : without question : TRULY <a really beautiful day>
3 : 2VERY 2 <look really close> <he runs really fast>
4 : to be honest : FRANKLY

realm \ˈrelm\ n
1 : KINGDOM 1
2 : field of influence or activity <the realm of art>

real number n : a number (as −2, 3, ⅞, .25, 12, π) that is rational or irrational

Re·al·tor \ˈrē(-ə)l-tər, -ˌtȯ(ə)r\ collective mark — used for a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors

re·al·ty \ˈrē(-ə)l-tē\ n, pl -ties : REAL ESTATE

1ream \ˈrēm\ n
1 : a quantity of paper that may equal 480, 500, or 516 sheets
2 : a great amount — usually used in plural <reams of notes> [Middle English reme “a quantity of paper,” from early French reme (same meaning), from Arabic rizma, literally, “bundle”]

2ream vb : to shape, make larger, or smooth out with a reamer [probably from Old English rēman “to open up”]

ream·er \ˈrē-mər\ n : a tool with cutting edges for enlarging or shaping a hole

reap \ˈrēp\ vb
1 a : to cut (as grain) or clear (as a field) with a sickle, scythe, or machine  b : 2HARVEST 1 <reap a crop>
2 : to get as a result <reap the benefit of hard work>

reap·er \ˈrē-pər\ n
1 : a worker who reaps crops
2 : a machine for reaping grain

re·ap·por·tion \ˌrē-ə-ˈpōr-shən, -ˈpȯr-\ vb
1 : to apportion (as a house of representatives) again
2 : to make a new apportionment
— re·ap·por·tion·ment \-shən-mənt\ n

1rear \ˈri(ə)r\ vb
1 : to put up by building : CONSTRUCT
2 : to raise or set on end
3 a : to take care of the breeding and raising of <rear cattle>  b : to bring by continuous care to a stage at which one is fully grown or self-sufficient <rear children>
4 : to rise high
5 : to rise up on the hind legs <the horse reared in fright>

2rear n
1 : the part (as of an army) or area farthest from the enemy
2 : BUTTOCK 2A
3 : the space or position at the back

3rear adj : being at the back

rear admiral n : a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of vice admiral

rear guard n : soldiers who protect the rear of an army

re·arm \(ˈ)rē-ˈärm\ vb : to arm again with new or better weapons
— re·ar·ma·ment \-ˈär-mə-mənt\ n

rear·most \ˈri(ə)r-ˌmōst\ adj : farthest in the rear : LAST

re·ar·range \ˌrē-ə-ˈrānj\ vb : to arrange again usually in a different way <rearranged the furniture>
— rearrangement n

rear·view mirror \ˌri(ə)r-ˌvyü-\ n : a mirror (as in a car) that gives a view to the rear

1rear·ward \ˈri(ə)r-wərd\ adj
1 : located at, near, or toward the rear
2 : directed toward the rear : BACKWARD
— rear·ward·ly adv

2rearward also rear·wards \-wərdz\ adv : at, near, or toward the rear : BACKWARD

1rea·son \ˈrēz-ən\ n
1 a : a statement given to explain a belief or act <gave a reason for my absence>  b : a good basis <reasons for thinking life may exist on other planets>  c : the thing that makes some fact understandable : CAUSE <wanted to know the reason for earthquakes>
2 a : the power to think : INTELLIGENCE  b : a sound mind  synonyms see CAUSE
— within reason : within reasonable limits

— with reason : with good cause

2reason vb rea·soned; rea·son·ing \ˈrēz-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to talk with another in order to cause a change of mind <reason with someone>
2 a : to use the power of reason  b : to state or conclude by use of reason <reasoned that both statements couldn't be true>

rea·son·able \ˈrēz-nə-bəl, -ən-ə-bəl\ adj
1 a : not beyond what is usual or expected : MODERATE <a reasonable request> <a reasonable chance of success>  b : not expensive <reasonable prices>
2 : able to reason : RATIONAL <a reasonable person>
— rea·son·abil·i·ty \ˌrēz-nə-ˈbil-ət-ē, -ən-ə-\ n

— rea·son·able·ness \ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs, -ən-ə-\ n

— rea·son·ably \-blē\ adv

rea·son·ing n
1 : the use of reason
2 : the reasons used in and the proofs that result from thought : ARGUMENT

re·as·sur·ance \ˌrē-ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s\ n : the action of reassuring : the state of being reassured

re·as·sure \ˌrē-ə-ˈshu̇(ə)r\ vb
1 : to assure again
2 : to give fresh confidence to : free from fear

re·ata \rē-ˈat-ə, -ˈät-\ n : LARIAT

1re·bate \ˈrē-ˌbāt, ri-ˈbāt\ vb re·bat·ed; re·bat·ing : to make a rebate of : give as a rebate

2re·bate \ˈrē-ˌbāt\ n : a return of part of a payment or an amount owed

1reb·el \ˈreb-əl\ adj
1 : being or fighting against one's government or ruler
2 : not obeying

2rebel n : a person who refuses to give in to authority

3re·bel \ri-ˈbel\ vb re·belled; re·bel·ling
1 : to be against or fight against authority and especially the authority of one's government
2 : to feel or show anger or strong dislike

re·bel·lion \ri-ˈbel-yən\ n
1 : open opposition to authority
2 : open fighting against authority (as one's government)
synonyms REBELLION, REVOLUTION, UPRISING, MUTINY, mean an outbreak against authority. REBELLION suggests an outbreak that is serious and widespread but often does not succeed <the rebellion lasted a year before the government put it down>. REVOLUTION applies to a successful rebellion that ends in a major change (as of government) <the American revolution brought about the creation of a new country>. UPRISING suggests a rebellion that quickly fails <uprisings on the frontier>. MUTINY applies to an outbreak against authority at sea <the sailors planned a mutiny>.

re·bel·lious \ri-ˈbel-yəs\ adj
1 : taking part in rebellion
2 : tending to fight against or disobey authority
— re·bel·lious·ly adv

— re·bel·lious·ness n

re·birth \(ˈ)rē-ˈbərth\ n
1 : a new or second birth
2 : a return to importance

re·born \(ˈ)rē-ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ adj : born again

1re·bound \ri-ˈbau̇nd\ vb
1 : to spring back on hitting something
2 : to recover from a loss or disappointment
3 : to gain possession of a rebound in basketball

2re·bound \ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd, ri-ˈbau̇nd\ n
1 : the action of rebounding : a springing back
2 a : a basketball or hockey puck that rebounds  b : the act of gaining possession of a basketball rebound <led the league in rebounds>
3 : an immediate reaction especially to a loss or disappointment

re·bo·zo \ri-ˈbō-zō, -sō\ n, pl -zos : a long scarf worn chiefly by Mexican women

re·branch \(ˈ)rē-ˈbranch\ vb : to branch again <the stream branched and rebranched>

1re·buff \ri-ˈbəf\ vb : to refuse or check sharply <the suggestion was rebuffed>

2rebuff n : a refusal to meet an advance or offer

re·build \(ˈ)rē-ˈbild\ vb -built \-ˈbilt\; -build·ing
1 : to make important repairs to or changes in <rebuild an old house>
2 : to build again <planned to rebuild after the fire>

1re·buke \ri-ˈbyük\ vb re·buked; re·buk·ing : to criticize sharply
synonyms REBUKE, REPRIMAND, ADMONISH, CHIDE, mean to express criticism of. REBUKE suggests a severe or stern criticism <rebuked the students for bad conduct at the concert>. REPRIMAND suggests a formal and often public or official rebuke <the general was reprimanded by the President for an unwise speech>. ADMONISH suggests an earnest or friendly warning or piece of advice <we were admonished for not trying hard enough>. CHIDE suggests a mild scolding that expresses displeasure or disappointment <my parents chided me for my table manners>.

2rebuke n : an expression of strong disapproval

re·bus \ˈrē-bəs\ n : a riddle or puzzle made up of letters, pictures, and symbols whose names sound like the syllables and words of a phrase or sentence [from Latin rebus “by things,” from res “thing, matter” — related to REAL, REPUBLIC]

re·but \ri-ˈbət\ vb re·but·ted; re·but·ting
1 : to oppose by argument
2 : to prove to be wrong especially by argument or by proof that the opposite is true

re·but·tal \ri-ˈbət-əl\ n : the act of rebutting; also : argument or proof that rebuts

re·cal·ci·trance \ri-ˈkal-sə-trən(t)s\ n : the state of being recalcitrant

re·cal·ci·trant \ri-ˈkal-sə-trənt\ adj : stubbornly refusing to give in to authority

1re·call \ri-ˈkȯl\ vb
1 : CANCEL 2A, REVOKE <recalled the order>
2 a : to call back <soldiers recalled to active duty> <recalled cars with brake problems>  b : to bring back to mind : REMEMBER <recalled seeing her somewhere before>
— re·call·able \-ˈkȯ-lə-bəl\ adj

2re·call \ri-ˈkȯl, ˈrē-ˌkȯl\ n
1 : a command to return
2 : a way in which a public official may be removed from office by vote of the people
3 : remembrance of what has been learned or experienced
4 : the act of canceling (as an order)
5 : a call by a manufacturer for the return of a product that may be defective or contaminated

re·cant \ri-ˈkant\ vb : to take back publicly an opinion or belief
— re·can·ta·tion \ˌrē-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən\ n

1re·cap \ˈrē-ˌkap, ri-ˈkap\ vb re·capped; re·cap·ping : RECAPITULATE <now, to recap the news>

2re·cap \ˈrē-ˌkap\ n : a brief summary : RECAPITULATION

3re·cap \(ˈ)rē-ˈkap\ vb re·capped; re·cap·ping : 1RETREAD 1

4re·cap \ˈrē-ˌkap\ n : 2RETREAD 2

re·ca·pit·u·late \ˌrē-kə-ˈpich-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to give a brief summary : SUMMARIZE
— re·ca·pit·u·la·tion \-ˌpich-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n

re·cap·ture \(ˈ)rē-ˈkap-chər\ vb
1 : to capture again <recaptured the escaped prisoner>
2 : to experience again <trying to recapture those happy times>

re·cast \(ˈ)rē-ˈkast\ vb -cast; -cast·ing
1 : to cast again <recast a cannon> <recast a play>
2 : to change around : REVISE, REMODEL <recast a sentence to make it clearer>

re·cede \ri-ˈsēd\ vb re·ced·ed; re·ced·ing
1 a : to move back or away <the flood waters receded>  b : to slant backward <a receding forehead>
2 : to grow less or smaller <a receding debt>

1re·ceipt \ri-ˈsēt\ n
1 : RECIPE 2
2 : the act or process of receiving
3 : something received — usually used in plural
4 : a written statement saying that money or goods have been received

2receipt vb
1 : to give a receipt for
2 : to mark as paid <receipt a bill>

re·ceiv·able \ri-ˈsē-və-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being received
2 : not yet paid : DUE <accounts receivable>

re·ceiv·ables \ri-ˈsē-və-bəlz\ n pl : amounts of money receivable

re·ceive \ri-ˈsēv\ vb re·ceived; re·ceiv·ing
1 : to take or get something that is given, paid, or sent <receive the money> <receive a letter>
2 : to welcome on arrival : GREET <receive friends>
3 : to hold a reception <receive from four to six o'clock>
4 : 2EXPERIENCE <receive a shock>
5 : to change incoming radio waves into sounds or pictures [Middle English receiven “to gain possession of,” from early French receivre (same meaning), from Latin recipere “receive, take back,” from re- “back, again” and capere “to take” — related to ACCEPT, CAPTURE]

re·ceiv·er \ri-ˈsē-vər\ n : one that receives: as  a : a person appointed to take control of property that is involved in a lawsuit or of a business that is bankrupt or is being reorganized  b : equipment for receiving radio or television broadcasts  c : a device for changing electricity or radio waves into light or sound  d : an offensive football player who may catch a forward pass

re·ceiv·er·ship \ri-ˈsē-vər-ˌship\ n
1 : the office or role of a receiver
2 : the state of being in the control of a receiver

re·cen·cy \ˈrēs-ən-sē\ n : the state of being recent

re·cent \ˈrēs-ənt\ adj
1 a : of or relating to a time not long past <recent history>  b : having lately appeared or come into existence : NEW, FRESH <recent events>
2 cap : HOLOCENE
— re·cent·ly adv

— re·cent·ness n

re·cep·ta·cle \ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl\ n
1 : something used to receive and contain smaller objects : CONTAINER
2 : the enlarged end of a flower stalk upon which the parts of the flower grow

re·cep·tion \ri-ˈsep-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of receiving, welcoming, or accepting <a warm reception>
2 : the receiving of a radio or television broadcast
3 : a social gathering <a wedding reception>

re·cep·tion·ist \ri-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : an office employee who greets callers, answers questions, and arranges appointments

re·cep·tive \ri-ˈsep-tiv\ adj
1 : able or willing to receive especially ideas
2 : able to receive and pass on stimuli <the receptive part of the retina>
— re·cep·tive·ly adv

— re·cep·tive·ness n

— re·cep·tiv·i·ty \ˌrē-ˌsep-ˈtiv-ət-ē, ri-\ n

re·cep·tor \ri-ˈsep-tər\ n
1 : a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : SENSE ORGAN
2 : a molecule (as protein) on the surface or in the inside of a cell that recognizes and joins to specific molecules causing a certain activity within the cell to begin

1re·cess \ˈrē-ˌses, ri-ˈses\ n
1 : a hidden or secret place
2 a : a space or little hollow set back (as from the main line of a coast or mountain range)  b : ALCOVE 1
3 : a brief period for relaxation between periods of work

2recess vb
1 : to put into a recess <recessed lighting>
2 : to make a recess in
3 : to interrupt for or take a recess

re·ces·sion \ri-ˈsesh-ən\ n
1 : the act or fact of receding or withdrawing
2 : a group of individuals departing in an orderly often ceremonial way
3 : a downward turn in business activity; also : the period of such a downward turn

re·ces·sion·al \ri-ˈsesh-nəl, -ən-əl\ n : a hymn or musical piece at the conclusion of a service or program; also : RECESSION 2

1re·ces·sive \ri-ˈses-iv\ adj
1 : tending to go back
2 : producing a bodily characteristic (as eye color) when homozygous and not masked by a copy of the gene that is dominant <recessive genes>; also : exhibited by the body only when the determining gene is homozygous <blue eye color is a recessive trait>
— re·ces·sive·ly adv

— re·ces·sive·ness n

2recessive n
1 : a recessive characteristic or gene
2 : an individual that has one or more recessive characteristics

re·charge \rē-ˈchärj\ vb
1 : to make a new attack
2 : to charge again; esp : to restore the chemical energy of (a storage battery) so it may be used again
3 : to make or become restored in energy or spirit : RENEW <needed some time to relax and recharge>
— re·charge·able \-ˈchär-jə-bəl\ adj

— re·charg·er \-jər\ n

rec·i·pe \ˈres-ə-(ˌ)pē\ n
1 : PRESCRIPTION 2A
2 : a set of instructions for making something (as a food dish) from various things <a recipe for beef stew>
3 : method of proceeding <a recipe for success>

re·cip·i·ent \ri-ˈsip-ē-ənt\ n : one that receives <the recipient of many honors>
— recipient adj

1re·cip·ro·cal \ri-ˈsip-rə-kəl\ adj
1 : done, given, or felt equally by both sides <reciprocal affection>
2 : related to each other in such a way that one completes the other or is the equal of the other <reciprocal agreements>
— re·cip·ro·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2reciprocal n
1 : something in a reciprocal relationship to another
2 : either of a pair of numbers (as 9 and 1/9 or ⅔ and 3/2) whose product is one

re·cip·ro·cate \ri-ˈsip-rə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to give and take mutually : EXCHANGE
2 : to make a return for something <reciprocate a favor>
— re·cip·ro·ca·tion \ri-ˌsip-rə-ˈkā-shən\ n

rec·i·proc·i·ty \ˌres-ə-ˈpräs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : shared dependence, cooperation, or exchange between persons, groups, or states
2 : an exchange of commercial benefits between countries

re·cit·al \ri-ˈsīt-əl\ n
1 : a reciting of something; esp : a story told in detail
2 : a program of music usually given by a single performer <a piano recital>
3 : a public performance by music or dance pupils  synonyms see NARRATIVE
— re·cit·al·ist \-əl-əst\ n

rec·i·ta·tion \ˌres-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : a complete telling or listing of something
2 : the act or an instance of reading or repeating aloud especially before an audience
3 : a student's oral reply to questions

rec·i·ta·tive \ˌres-(ə-)tə-ˈtēv\ n : a style of singing without a fixed rhythm that imitates speech and is used sometimes in operas and oratorios; also : a passage in this style
— recitative adj

re·cite \ri-ˈsīt\ vb re·cit·ed; re·cit·ing
1 : to repeat from memory or read aloud before an audience <recite a poem>
2 : to tell all the details of
3 : to answer questions about a lesson
— re·cit·er n

reck·less \ˈrek-ləs\ adj : showing lack of caution : IRRESPONSIBLE, WILD
— reck·less·ly adv

— reck·less·ness n

reck·on \ˈrek-ən\ vb reck·oned; reck·on·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\
1 a : 1COUNT 1A, COMPUTE <reckon the days till her birthday>  b : to estimate by calculating <reckon the height of a building>
2 : CONSIDER 3, REGARD <was reckoned among the leaders>
3 chiefly dialect : THINK 2, SUPPOSE
4 : to look forward to as certain : DEPEND <reckon on support>
— reck·on·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

reck·on·ing n
1 : the act or an instance of calculating
2 : a settling of accounts <day of reckoning>

re·claim \ri-ˈklām\ vb
1 : to make someone better in behavior or character : REFORM <reclaim criminals>
2 : to change to a desirable condition or state <reclaim the desert for agriculture>; also : to restore to a previous natural state <reclaim mining sites>
3 : to obtain from a waste product or by-product : RECOVER <reclaimed wool>
— re·claim·able \-ˈklā-mə-bəl\ adj

rec·la·ma·tion \ˌrek-lə-ˈmā-shən\ n : the act or process of reclaiming : the state of being reclaimed

re·cline \ri-ˈklīn\ vb re·clined; re·clin·ing
1 : to lean or cause to lean backwards
2 : 1REPOSE 2, LIE <reclining on the sofa>

re·cluse \ˈrek-ˌlüs, ri-ˈklüs\ n : a person who lives away from others
— re·clu·sive \ri-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\ adj

rec·og·ni·tion \ˌrek-ig-ˈnish-ən, ˌrek-əg-\ n
1 : the act of recognizing
2 : acknowledgment of something done or given <got a medal in recognition of bravery>
3 : formal acknowledgment of the political existence of a government or nation
4 : special attention or notice

re·cog·ni·zance \ri-ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s, -ˈkän-ə-\ n : a recorded legal promise to do something (as to appear in court)

rec·og·nize \ˈrek-ig-ˌnīz, ˈrek-əg-\ vb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to be willing to admit : ACKNOWLEDGE <recognized my own faults>
2 : to admit as qualified to be heard at a meeting <recognizes the delegate from Arkansas>
3 : to grant diplomatic recognition to <recognized the new government>
4 : to take approving notice of <recognize an act of bravery with a medal>
5 : to show one is acquainted with <recognize someone with a nod>
6 : to know and remember upon seeing <I didn't recognize you in that new hairdo> [derived from early French reconoistre “to recognize,” from Latin recognoscere (same meaning), from re- “again” and cognoscere “to know” — related to CONNOISSEUR, INCOGNITO]
— rec·og·niz·abil·i·ty \ˌrek-ig-ˌnī-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē, ˌrek-əg-\ n

— rec·og·niz·able \ˈrek-əg-ˌnī-ze-bəl, ˈrek-ig-\ adj

— rec·og·niz·ably \-ˌnī-zə-blē\ adv

1re·coil \ri-ˈkȯi(ə)l\ vb
1 a : to fall back under pressure : RETREAT  b : to shrink back <recoil in horror>
2 : to spring back to or as if to a starting point <the compressed spring recoiled upon release> <the big gun recoiled upon firing>

2re·coil \ˈrē-ˌkȯil, ri-ˈkȯi(ə)l\ n
1 : the act or action of recoiling
2 : the distance through which something (as a spring) recoils

rec·ol·lect \ˌrek-ə-ˈlekt\ vb
1 : to recall to mind : REMEMBER
2 : to remind oneself of something temporarily forgotten

re–col·lect \ˌrē-kə-ˈlekt\ vb : to collect again; esp : 1RALLY 2, RECOVER

rec·ol·lec·tion \ˌrek-ə-ˈlek-shən\ n
1 : the action or power of recalling to mind
2 : something recalled to the mind  synonyms see MEMORY

re·com·bi·na·tion \ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən\ n : the formation of new combinations of genes

re·com·bine \ˌrē-kəm-ˈbīn\ vb
1 : to combine again or anew
2 : to undergo or cause to undergo recombination

rec·om·mend \ˌrek-ə-ˈmend\ vb
1 : to make a statement in praise of <recommend a person for a promotion>
2 : to cause to receive favorable attention <children recommended by their good manners>
3 : to put forward or suggest as one's advice, as one's choice, or as having one's support
— rec·om·mend·able \-ˈmen-də-bəl\ adj

— rec·om·mend·er n

rec·om·men·da·tion \ˌrek-ə-mən-ˈdā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n
1 : the act of recommending
2 : a thing or course of action recommended
3 : something that recommends <a written recommendation>

re·com·mit \ˌrē-kə-ˈmit\ vb
1 : to refer (as a bill) again to a committee
2 : to commit again
— re·com·mit·ment \-mənt\ n

— re·com·mit·tal \-ˈmit-əl\ n

rec·om·pense \ˈrek-əm-ˌpen(t)s\ vb -pensed; -pens·ing : to pay for or pay back
— recompense n

rec·on·cile \ˈrek-ən-ˌsīl\ vb -ciled; -cil·ing
1 : to make friendly again <reconcile friends who have quarreled>
2 : to settle by agreement : ADJUST <reconcile differences>
3 : to make agree <a story that cannot be reconciled with the facts>
4 : to cause to give in or to accept : make content <reconciled myself to the loss>
— rec·on·cil·able \ˌrek-ən-ˈsī-lə-bəl, ˈrek-ən-ˌsīl-\ adj

— rec·on·cile·ment \ˈrek-ən-ˌsīl-mənt\ n

— rec·on·cil·er n

— rec·on·cil·i·a·tion \ˌrek-ən-ˌsil-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

re·con·dite \ˈrek-ən-ˌdīt, ri-ˈkän-\ adj
1 : hidden from sight
2 : difficult to understand : DEEP <a recondite subject>

re·con·di·tion \ˌrē-kən-ˈdish-ən\ vb : to return to good condition <reconditioned a used car>

re·con·firm \ˌrē-kən-ˈfərm\ vb
1 : to confirm again
2 : to establish more strongly
— re·con·fir·ma·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌkän-fər-ˈmā-shən\ n

re·con·nais·sance \ri-ˈkän-ə-zən(t)s\ n : a survey (as of enemy territory) to gain information

re·con·noi·ter or re·con·noi·tre \ˌrē-kə-ˈnȯit-ər also ˌrek-ə-\ vb -noi·tered or -noi·tred; -noi·ter·ing or -noi·tring : to make a reconnaissance (as in preparation for military action)

re·con·sid·er \ˌrē-kən-ˈsid-ər\ vb : to consider again especially with the possibility of change or reversal
— re·con·sid·er·a·tion \-ˌsid-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

re·con·sti·tute \(ˈ)rē-ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌt(y)üt\ vb : to return to a former condition by adding water

re·con·struct \ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt\ vb : to construct again : REBUILD, REMODEL

re·con·struc·tion \ˌrē-kən-ˈstrək-shən\ n
1 a : the action of reconstructing : the state of being reconstructed  b often cap : the reorganization and reestablishment of the Confederate states in the Union after the American Civil War
2 : something reconstructed

re·con·ver·sion \ˌrē-kən-ˈvər-zhən\ n : conversion back to a previous state

re·con·vert \ˌrē-kən-ˈvərt\ vb : to convert back

1re·cord \ri-ˈkȯ(ə)rd\ vb
1 a : to set down in writing  b : to deposit an authentic official copy of <record a deed>  c : to register permanently <events recorded in history>  d : INDICATE 1A, READ <the thermometer recorded 40°>
2 : to give evidence of
3 : to change sound or visual images into a form (as on magnetic tape) that can be listened to or watched at a later time

2rec·ord \ˈrek-ərd also -ˌȯrd\ n
1 : the state or fact of being recorded <on record>
2 a : something that recalls or tells about past events  b : an official writing that records what has been said or done by a group, organization, or official  c : an authentic official copy of a document
3 a : the known or recorded facts about something or someone <my school record>  b : a recorded top performance or achievement <broke the high jump record>
4 : something on which sound or visual images have been recorded

3rec·ord \ˈrek-ərd\ adj : setting a record : outstanding among other like things <a record crop> <record prices>

re·cord·er \ri-ˈkȯrd-ər\ n
1 : a person or device that records
2 : a musical instrument consisting of a usually wooden tube with finger holes and a whistle mouthpiece

re·cord·ing \ri-ˈkȯrd-iŋ\ n : 2RECORD 4

rec·ord player \ˈrek-ərd-\ n : an electronic instrument for playing phonograph records

1re·count \ri-ˈkau̇nt\ vb : to tell about in detail : NARRATE <recount an adventure> [Middle English recounten “to tell about,” from early French recunter (same meaning), from re- “again” and cunter “relate, count”]

2re·count \(ˈ)rē-ˈkau̇nt\ vb : to count again [from English re- (prefix) and count]

3re·count \ˈrē-ˌkau̇nt, (ˈ)rē-ˈkau̇nt\ n : a second or fresh count (as of election votes)

re·coup \ri-ˈküp\ vb
1 : to make up for : RECOVER <recoup a loss>
2 : REIMBURSE, COMPENSATE <recoup a person for losses>
— re·coup·ment \-ˈküp-mənt\ n

re·course \ˈrē-ˌkō(ə)rs, -ˌkȯ(ə)rs; ri-ˈkō(ə)rs, -ˈkȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 : a turning for assistance or protection <have recourse to the law>
2 : a source of help or strength : RESORT

re·cov·er \ri-ˈkəv-ər\ vb re·cov·ered; re·cov·er·ing \-ˈkəv-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : REGAIN 1 <recover a lost wallet> <recovered my breath>
2 : to regain or bring back to normal health, self-confidence, or position <stumbled, then recovered myself> <recovered from the flu>
3 : to make up for <recover lost time>
4 : to obtain something useful by separating it from a source (as ore or waste) : RECLAIM <recover gold from gravel>
— re·cov·er·able \-ˈkəv-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

re–cov·er \(ˈ)rē-ˈkəv-ər\ vb : to cover again

re·cov·ery \ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : the act or process or an instance of recovering

recovery room n : a hospital room where patients are temporarily placed for special care and observation after an operation

1rec·re·ant \ˈrek-rē-ənt\ adj
1 : crying for mercy : COWARDLY
2 : unfaithful to duty or allegiance

2recreant n
1 : COWARD
2 : one that is unfaithful : BETRAYER, DESERTER

rec·re·ate \ˈrek-rē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to give new life or freshness to
2 : to take recreation
— rec·re·ative \-ˌāt-iv\ adj

re–cre·ate \ˌrē-krē-ˈāt\ vb : to create again especially in the imagination
— re–cre·ation \-ˈā-shən\ n

— re–cre·ative \-ˈāt-iv\ adj

rec·re·ation \ˌrek-rē-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : refreshment of mind or body after work or worry : DIVERSION
2 : a way of refreshing mind or body <hiking and gardening are our favorite recreations>
— rec·re·ation·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

recreational vehicle n : a vehicle designed for recreational use (as in camping); esp : MOTOR HOME

re·crim·i·nate \ri-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to make a return charge against an accuser
2 : to respond bitterly
— re·crim·i·na·tion \-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

re·cru·des·cence \ˌrē-krü-ˈdes-ən(t)s\ n : a renewal or breaking out again especially of something unhealthy or dangerous <a recrudescence of conflict>

1re·cruit \ri-ˈkrüt\ vb
1 a : to increase the number of by enlisting new members  b : to get the services of : ENGAGE <recruited new teachers>
2 : REPLENISH <recruited their finances>
3 : to return or increase the health, energy, or strength of
— re·cruit·er n

— re·cruit·ment \-ˈkrüt-mənt\ n

2recruit n : a newcomer to a field or activity; esp : a newly enlisted or drafted member of the armed forces
Word History The French formed the noun recrute, meaning “fresh growth,” from their verb recroistre “to grow up again.” This verb was taken from the Latin verb recrescere, which had the same meaning. Later, someone saw a likeness between “a fresh growth of plants” and “a fresh supply of soldiers.” Thus they began using the word recrute for the new soldiers. In the 17th century this sense of recrute came to the attention of the English. They borrowed the word as recruit and began using it as a verb and noun. In time it acquired broader senses not related to the military. [from French recrute, recrue (noun) “new growth, a batch of new soldiers,” derived from early French recroistre “to grow up again,” from Latin recrescere (same meaning), from re- “again” and crescere “to grow”]

re·crys·tal·lize \(ˈ)rē-ˈkris-tə-ˌlīz\ vb : to form or cause to form crystals after being dissolved or melted
— re·crys·tal·li·za·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌkris-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

rect·an·gle \ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl\ n : a four-sided polygon that has four right angles and each pair of opposite sides parallel and of the same length [from Latin rectangulus “having a right angle,” from earlier Latin rectus “right” and angulus “angle”]

rect·an·gu·lar \rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər\ adj
1 : shaped like a rectangle <a rectangular building>
2 : having edges, faces, or surfaces that meet at right angles : having faces or surfaces shaped like rectangles <a rectangular solid> <rectangular blocks>

rec·ti·fy \ˈrek-tə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to set or make right  synonyms see CORRECT
— rec·ti·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

— rec·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌrek-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

rec·ti·tude \ˈrek-tə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : the quality or state of being straight
2 : moral honesty : RIGHTEOUSNESS

rec·tor \ˈrek-tər\ n
1 : a member of the clergy who has charge of a church or parish
2 : the priest in charge of certain Roman Catholic religious houses
3 : the head of a university or school

rec·to·ry \ˈrek-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a residence of a rector or a parish priest

rec·tum \ˈrek-təm\ n, pl rectums or rec·ta \-tə\ : the end of the large intestine that links the colon to the anus
— rec·tal \-təl\ adj

rec·tus \ˈrek-təs\ n, pl rec·ti \-ˌtī, -ˌtē\ : any of several straight muscles (as of the abdomen)

re·cum·bent \ri-ˈkəm-bənt\ adj
1 : being in a state of rest
2 : lying down

re·cu·per·ate \ri-ˈk(y)ü-pə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : RECOVER 2; esp : to regain health or strength
— re·cu·per·a·tion \-ˌk(y)ü-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n

re·cu·per·a·tive \-ˌrāt-iv, -rət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or aiding in recuperation <the body's recuperative powers>

re·cur \ri-ˈkər\ vb re·curred; re·cur·ring
1 : to go or come back in thought or discussion
2 : to come again into the mind
3 : to occur or appear again
— re·cur·rence \-ˈkər-ən(t)s, -ˈkə-rən(t)s\ n

re·cur·rent \ri-ˈkər-ənt, -ˈkə-rənt\ adj : returning from time to time <a recurrent fever>
— re·cur·rent·ly adv

re·curved \(ˈ)rē-ˈkərvd\ adj : curved backward or inward <recurved claws>

re·cy·cla·ble \(ˈ)rē-ˈsī-klə-bəl\ adj : fit for or capable of being recycled <recyclable plastic bottles>

re·cy·cle \(ˈ)rē-ˈsī-kəl\ vb : to process (as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain materials for human use

1red \ˈred\ adj red·der; red·dest
1 : of the color red
2 a : flushed especially with anger or embarrassment  b : BLOODSHOT <eyes red from weeping>
3 a : openly supporting sweeping social or political change especially by force  b : encouraging, aiding, or furthering Communism : COMMUNIST  c : of or relating to the U.S.S.R. or a Communist country
— red·ly adv

— red·ness n

2red n
1 : a color like that of blood or a ruby
2 : one that is of a red color
3 : a dye that colors red
4 a : a person who seeks the overthrow of a social or political order : REVOLUTIONARY  b often cap : COMMUNIST
5 : the condition of showing a loss <in the red>

red alga n : any of various algae that usually grow in the ocean and are of reddish color

re·date \rē-ˈdāt\ vb
1 : to date again or anew
2 : to change the date of : give a different date to

red·bird \ˈred-ˌbərd\ n : any of several birds (as a cardinal) with mostly red feathers

red blood cell n : a reddish cell of the blood that contains hemoglobin and carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues — called also erythrocyte, red blood corpuscle, red cell, red corpuscle

red–blood·ed \ˈred-ˈbləd-əd\ adj : ENERGETIC, VIGOROUS

red·breast \-ˌbrest\ n : a bird (as a robin) with a reddish breast

red·cap \-ˌkap\ n : 2PORTER 1

red–car·pet \-ˈkär-pət\ adj : marked by ceremonial courtesy <red-carpet treatment>

red cedar n
1 : any of several U.S. evergreen trees that are conifers with scalelike leaves and fragrant red or reddish brown wood
2 : the wood of a red cedar

red cell n : RED BLOOD CELL

red clover n : a European clover that has globe-shaped reddish purple flowers and is grown for animals to graze on and as a cover crop

red·coat \ˈred-ˌkōt\ n : a British soldier especially during the American Revolution

red corpuscle n : RED BLOOD CELL

red cross n : a red cross on a white background used as an emblem for hospitals and for an international organization that provides aid especially in areas of war or disaster

red deer n : ELK 2 — used for one of Europe, Africa, and Asia

Red Delicious n : a usually large apple with sweet crisp juicy flesh and dark red skin

red·den \ˈred-ən\ vb red·dened; red·den·ing \ˈred-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become red; esp : 1BLUSH 1

red·dish \ˈred-ish\ adj : somewhat red
— red·dish·ness n

red dwarf n : a star having much lower surface temperature, brightness, mass, and size than the sun

re·dec·o·rate \(ˈ)rē-ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt\ vb : to freshen or change a decorative scheme
— re·dec·o·ra·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌdek-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

re·deem \ri-ˈdēm\ vb
1 : to buy or win back
2 a : to free from captivity especially by paying a ransom  b : to free from the penalties of sin
3 : to change for the better : REFORM
4 : to remove the obligation of by payment <the government redeems savings bonds>
5 : to make good : FULFILL <redeem a promise>
— re·deem·able \-ˈdē-mə-bəl\ adj

— re·deem·er \-ˈdē-mər\ n

re·de·fine \ˌrē-di-ˈfīn\ vb
1 : to define (as a concept) again <redefined their terms>
2 : to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change <redefine our goals>

re·demp·tion \ri-ˈdem(p)-shən\ n : the act or process or an instance of redeeming
— re·demp·tive \-ˈdem(p)-tiv\ adj

re·de·sign \ˌrēd-i-ˈzīn\ vb : to change what something looks like, is used for, or contains
— redesign n

re·de·vel·op \ˌrē-di-ˈvel-əp\ vb : to develop again; esp : REDESIGN, REBUILD
— re·de·vel·op·er n

— re·de·vel·op·ment \-mənt\ n

red fox n : a usually orange-red to reddish brown fox with a white-tipped tail — compare SILVER FOX

red giant n : a very large star with a relatively low surface temperature

red–hand·ed \ˈred-ˈhan-dəd\ adv or adj : in the act of doing something wrong

red·head \-ˌhed\ n : a person having red hair

red·head·ed \-ˈhed-əd\ adj : having red hair or a red head

redheaded woodpecker n : a North American woodpecker that has a red head, a black back, and white patches on the wings

red herring n : something intended to distract attention from the real problem

red–hot \ˈred-ˈhät\ adj
1 : glowing red with heat
2 : marked by much feeling, enthusiasm, or energy <a red-hot political campaign>
3 : newly made or received <red-hot news>
4 : very popular

re·dial \ˈrē-ˌdī(-ə)l\ n : a function on a telephone that automatically repeats the dialing of the last number called; also : a button that activates this function

red ink n
1 : a business loss
2 : the condition of showing a business loss

re·di·rect \ˌrēd-ə-ˈrekt, ˌrē-(ˌ)dī-\ vb : to change the course or direction of
— re·di·rec·tion \-ˈrek-shən\ n

re·dis·trib·ute \ˌrē-də-ˈstrib-yət\ vb
1 : to change the distribution of
2 : to spread to other areas
— re·dis·tri·bu·tion \-ˌdis-trə-ˈbyü-shən\ n

re·dis·trict \(ˈ)rē-ˈdis-(ˌ)trikt\ vb : to divide into new districts; esp : to reorganize the legislative districts of

red lead n : an orange-red to brick-red oxide of lead used in storage-battery plates, in glass, and in paint

red–let·ter \ˌred-ˌlet-ər\ adj : worth remembering especially in a happy or joyful way <a red-letter day> [from the practice of marking holy days in red letters in church calendars]

red maple n : a North American maple that has reddish twigs and rather soft wood and grows mainly in moist soils

red marrow n : BONE MARROW B

red meat n : meat (as beef) that is red when raw

red mullet n : either of two red or reddish goatfishes of warm seas that are used as food

re·do \(ˈ)rē-ˈdü\ vb -did \-ˈdid\; -done \-ˈdən\; -do·ing \-ˈdü-iŋ\ : to do over or again; esp : REDECORATE

red oak n
1 : any of various North American oaks with acorns that take two years to mature and leaves with bristles on the edge
2 : the wood of a red oak

red·o·lence \ˈred-əl-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being redolent
2 : 1SCENT 1B, AROMA

red·o·lent \ˈred-əl-ənt\ adj
1 : AROMATIC
2 : full of a fragrance or odor : SCENTED <a room redolent of cooked cabbage>

re·dou·ble \(ˈ)rē-ˈdəb-əl\ vb : to make or become doubled (as in size or amount) <redoubled their efforts>

re·doubt·able \ri-ˈdau̇t-ə-bəl\ adj : causing fear or dread : FORMIDABLE <a redoubtable warrior>
— re·doubt·ably \-blē\ adv

re·dound \ri-ˈdau̇nd\ vb : to have a result for good or bad

red panda n : a long-tailed mammal that is related to and resembles the raccoon, has long reddish brown fur, feeds especially on bamboo leaves, and is found from the Himalayas to China — called also lesser panda

red pepper n
1 : a mature red sweet pepper or hot pepper
2 : CAYENNE

1re·dress \ri-ˈdres\ vb : to set (as a wrong) right : REMEDY, RELIEVE
— re·dress·er n

2re·dress \ri-ˈdres, ˈrē-ˌdres\ n
1 a : relief from distress  b : the way or possibility of seeking a remedy
2 : something that makes up for wrong or loss
3 : an act or instance of redressing

red–shaft·ed flicker \ˈred-ˈshaf-təd-\ n : a flicker of western North America with light red on the underside of the tail and wings and in the male a red streak on each side of the base of the bill

red·shift \ˈred-ˈshift\ n : displacement of a spectrum especially of a heavenly body toward longer wavelengths

red snapper n : any of several reddish sea fishes including some used for food or sport

red spider n : SPIDER MITE

red spruce n : a spruce of the eastern U.S. and Canada that is an important source of lumber and pulpwood

red squirrel n : a common North American squirrel that has reddish upper parts and is smaller than the gray squirrel

red·start \ˈred-ˌstärt\ n : an American warbler with a black and orange male

red–tailed hawk \ˌred-ˌtāld-\ n : an American hawk that has a rather short usually reddish tail and feeds mostly on small rodents (as mice) — called also redtail

red tape n : rules and regulations that waste people's time

red tide n : seawater discolored and made poisonous by the presence of large numbers of dinoflagellates

re·duce \ri-ˈd(y)üs\ vb re·duced; re·duc·ing
1 : to make smaller in size, amount, or number <reduce the number of accidents>; esp : to lose weight by dieting
2 : to bring to a specified state or condition
3 a : to lower in grade or rank : DEMOTE  b : to be driven by poverty or need <was reduced to begging>  c : to lessen the strength of
4 : to change an arithmetic expression to a simpler form without changing its value <reduce a fraction to lowest terms>
5 : to break down (as by crushing or grinding) <reduce stone to powder>
6 a : DEOXIDIZE  b : to combine with or subject to the action of hydrogen  c : to add one or more electrons to (an atom or ion or molecule)
— re·duc·er n

— re·duc·ibil·i·ty \-ˌd(y)ü-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— re·duc·ible \-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl\ adj

re·duc·tion \ri-ˈdək-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced
2 a : something made by reducing  b : the amount by which something is reduced in price
3 : MEIOSIS; esp : halving of the chromosome number in the reduction division
— re·duc·tive \-ˈdək-tiv\ adj

reduction division n : the first meiotic cell division in the formation of sex cells in which the number of chromosomes in each cell is halved; also : MEIOSIS

re·dun·dan·cy \ri-ˈdən-dən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being redundant
2 a : the use of unnecessary words  b : an act or instance of needless repetition

re·dun·dant \ri-ˈdən-dənt\ adj
1 : more than what is necessary or normal
2 : using or having more words than necessary : REPETITIOUS
— re·dun·dant·ly adv

re·du·pli·cate \ri-ˈd(y)ü-pli-ˌkāt, ˈrē-\ vb : to make or perform again : COPY
— re·du·pli·cate \-kət\ adj

re·du·pli·ca·tion \ri-ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən, ˌrē-\ n : an act or instance of doubling or repeating : DUPLICATION
— re·du·pli·ca·tive \ri-ˈd(y)ü-pli-ˌkāt-iv, ˈrē-\ adj

red–winged blackbird \ˌred-ˌwiŋd-\ n : an American blackbird of which the adult male is black with a patch of bright red on the wing — called also redwing blackbird

red·wood \ˈred-ˌwu̇d\ n : a tall cone-producing evergreen tree mostly of coastal California that is related to the bald cypresses and sometimes grows to be 360 feet (110 meters) tall; also : its light long-lasting brownish red wood

re·echo \(ˈ)rē-ˈek-ō\ vb : to echo back : REVERBERATE

reed \ˈrēd\ n
1 a : any of various tall slender grasses of wet areas that have stems with large joints  b : a stem of such a grass  c : a growth or mass of reeds
2 : a musical instrument made of the hollow joint of a plant
3 : a thin flexible strip (as of cane, wood, metal, or plastic) fastened at one end to the mouthpiece of a musical instrument (as a clarinet) or over an air opening (as in an accordion) and set in vibration by an air current (as the breath)

re·ed·u·cate \(ˈ)rē-ˈej-ə-ˌkāt\ vb : to train again; esp : to cause to develop new attitudes or habits through education
— re·ed·u·ca·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌej-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n

reedy \ˈrēd-ē\ adj reed·i·er; -est
1 : full of or covered with reeds <a reedy marsh>
2 : made of or resembling reeds; esp : long and slender like a reed <reedy arms>

1reef \ˈrēf\ n
1 : a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size
2 : the reduction in sail area made by reefing [Middle English riff “reef of a sail”; of Norse origin]

2reef vb : to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion

3reef n : a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water [from Dutch rif “reef of rocks or sand”; of Scandinavian origin]

1reef·er \ˈrē-fər\ n
1 : one that reefs
2 : a close-fitting jacket of thick cloth

2reefer n : a marijuana cigarette

1reek \ˈrēk\ n
1 : VAPOR 1, FOG
2 : a strong or disagreeable fume or odor

2reek vb
1 : to give off smoke or vapor
2 a : to have a strong or unpleasant smell <the kitchen reeks of garlic> <clothes reeking of tobacco smoke>  b : to give a strong impression of some feature or quality <she reeks of snobbery>
— reeky \ˈrē-kē\ adj

1reel \ˈrē(ə)l\ n
1 a : a device that can be turned round and round and on which something flexible is wound  b : a device which is set on the handle of a fishing pole and used for winding up or letting out the line  c : a narrow spool with a rim used to guide photographic film or magnetic tape
2 : a quantity of something wound on a reel
3 : a frame for drying clothes

2reel vb
1 : to wind on or as if on a reel
2 : to pull (as a fish) by reeling a line
3 : to wind or turn a reel
— reel·able \ˈrē-lə-bəl\ adj

— reel·er n

3reel vb
1 a : to whirl around <reeling in a dance>  b : to be in a whirl <heads reeling with excitement>
2 : to fall back (as from a blow)
3 : to walk or move unsteadily

4reel n : a reeling motion

5reel n : a lively dance originally of the Scottish Highlands; also : the music for this dance

re·elect \ˌrē-ə-ˈlekt\ vb : to elect for another term in office
— re·elec·tion \-ˈlek-shən\ n

reel off vb : to tell or recite rapidly and easily <reeled off the right answers>

re·en·act \ˌrē-ə-ˈnakt\ vb
1 : to enact again
2 : to perform again
— re·en·act·ment \-ˈnak(t)-mənt\ n

re·en·ter \(ˈ)rē-ˈent-ər\ vb : to enter again <reentered the building>

re·en·trance \(ˈ)rē-ˈen-trən(t)s\ n : REENTRY

re·en·try \(ˈ)rē-ˈen-trē\ n
1 : a second or new entry
2 : the action of reentering the earth's atmosphere after travel in space

reeve \ˈrēv\ n : an English manor officer of the Middle Ages

ref \ˈref\ n : 1REFEREE 2

re·fash·ion \(ˈ)rē-ˈfash-ən\ vb : to make again : MAKE OVER, ALTER

re·fec·to·ry \ri-ˈfek-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : a dining hall

refectory table n : a long narrow table with heavy legs

re·fer \ri-ˈfər\ vb re·ferred; re·fer·ring
1 : to explain in terms of a general cause <referred the defeat to poor training>
2 : to go, send, or guide to some person or place for treatment, help, advice, or information <refer them to a dictionary> <refer a patient to a specialist> <refer to the dictionary for the meaning of a word>
3 : to have relationship : RELATE <the asterisk refers to a footnote>
4 : to call attention : make reference <no one referred to yesterday's quarrel> [Middle English referren, referen “to think of or place in a certain relationship, make a connection with in the mind,” derived from Latin referre, literally, “to carry back,” from re- “back, again” and ferre “to bear, carry, yield” — related to 1DEFER, OFFER]
— re·fer·able \ˈref-(ə-)rə-bəl, ri-ˈfər-ə-\ adj

— re·fer·rer \ri-ˈfər-ər\ n

1ref·er·ee \ˌref-ə-ˈrē\ n
1 : a person to whom something that is to be investigated or decided is referred
2 : a sports official usually having final authority in conducting a game

2referee vb -eed; -ee·ing : to conduct as a referee

1ref·er·ence \ˈref-ərn(t)s, ˈref-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of referring
2 : a relation to or concern with something : RESPECT <with reference to what was said>
3 a : a remark referring to something : ALLUSION <made reference to our agreement>  b : a sign or indication referring a reader to another book or portion of a written work  c : use as sources of information <volumes for ready reference>
4 a : a person to whom questions as to another person's honesty or ability can be addressed  b : a statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by someone familiar with them  c : a book, document, or portion of a written work to which a reader is referred

2reference adj : used or usable for reference <a reference point>

reference mark n : a conventional mark (as *, †, or ‡) placed in written or printed text to call the reader's attention especially to a footnote

ref·er·en·dum \ˌref-ə-ˈren-dəm\ n, pl -da \-də\ or -dums : the idea or practice of letting voters approve or disapprove laws or suggested laws; also : such a vote

ref·er·ent \ˈref-(ə-)rənt\ n : something that refers or is referred to; esp : the thing a word represents
— referent adj

re·fer·ral \ri-ˈfər-əl\ n : the act or an instance of referring

re·fig·ure \rē-ˈfig-yər\ vb
1 : to figure again or anew <refigure the shipping charges>
2 : to give new meaning or use to <refigure old-fashioned styles>

1re·fill \(ˈ)rē-ˈfil\ vb : to fill or become filled again
— re·fill·able \-ˈfil-ə-bəl\ adj

2re·fill \ˈrē-ˌfil\ n : a new or fresh supply of something <a refill for a ball-point pen>

re·fine \ri-ˈfīn\ vb re·fined; re·fin·ing
1 : to come or bring to a pure state <refine sugar>
2 : to make or become improved
3 : to free from what is vulgar
4 : to improve by introducing something that makes a small difference <refined upon the older methods>
— re·fin·er n

re·fined \ri-ˈfīnd\ adj
1 : socially well-trained : WELL-BRED, CULTIVATED <very refined manners>
2 : freed from impurities : PURE <refined sugar>
3 : carried to a fine point : SUBTLE <refined measurements>

re·fine·ment \ri-ˈfīn-mənt\ n
1 : the action or process of refining
2 : the state of being refined : CULTIVATION
3 a : something that has been refined <refinements in dress and behavior>  b : something intended to improve or refine

re·fin·ery \ri-ˈfīn-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : a building and equipment for refining metals, oil, or sugar

re·fin·ish \(ˈ)rē-ˈfin-ish\ vb : to give (as furniture) a new surface
— re·fin·ish·er n

re·fit \(ˈ)rē-ˈfit\ vb : to get ready for use again <refit a ship for service>
— re·fit \ˈrē-ˌfit, (ˈ)rē-ˈfit\ n

re·flect \ri-ˈflekt\ vb
1 : to bend or throw back waves of light, sound, or heat <a polished surface reflects light>
2 : to give back an image or likeness of as if by a mirror
3 : to bring as a result
4 : to cast disapproval or blame <our bad conduct reflects upon our training>
5 : to think seriously and carefully : MEDITATE

reflecting telescope n : REFLECTOR 2

re·flec·tion \ri-ˈflek-shən\ n
1 : an instance of reflecting; esp : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2 : the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3 : an image produced by or as if by a mirror
4 : something that brings blame or disgrace <a reflection on my honesty>
5 : an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought
6 : careful thought <much reflection on the problem>
— re·flec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

re·flec·tive \ri-ˈflek-tiv\ adj
1 : capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves
2 : marked by reflection : THOUGHTFUL
3 : of, relating to, or caused by reflection
— re·flec·tive·ly adv

— re·flec·tive·ness n

— re·flec·tiv·i·ty \ˌrē-ˌflek-ˈtiv-ət-ē, ri-\ n

re·flec·tor \ri-ˈflek-tər\ n
1 : one that reflects; esp : a polished surface for reflecting light or heat
2 : a telescope in which the principal light-gathering element is a mirror

1re·flex \ˈrē-ˌfleks\ n
1 : an automatic response to a stimulus in which a nerve message passes from a sense organ to the spinal cord and then to a point of action (as a muscle or gland) often without first passing to the brain <the knee-jerk reflex> — compare HABIT 3
2 pl : the power of acting or responding with enough speed <an athlete with great reflexes>

2reflex adj
1 : produced in reaction, resistance, or return
2 : of, relating to, or produced by a reflex of the nervous system <reflex action>
— re·flex·ly adv

reflex arc n : the complete nervous path involved in a reflex

re·flex·ion \ri-ˈflek-shən\ chiefly British variant of REFLECTION

1re·flex·ive \ri-ˈflek-siv\ adj
1 : turned back upon itself
2 : of, relating to, or being an action directed back upon the doer or the grammatical subject
3 : of, relating to, or being a relation which exists between a thing and itself <the relation of equality or “is equal to” is reflexive but the relation “is the parent of” is not>
4 : characterized by behavior that occurs automatically without thinking <a reflexive response>
— re·flex·ive·ly adv

2reflexive n : a pronoun that refers to the grammatical subject and is the object of the verb <in the sentence “We forced ourselves to finish the assignment,” the word “ourselves” is a reflexive>

re·flux \ˈrē-ˌfləks\ n : a flowing back : EBB

re·for·es·ta·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən, -ˌfär-\ n : the action of renewing a forest by planting seeds or young trees
— re·for·est \(ˈ)rē-ˈfȯr-əst, -ˈfär-\ vb

1re·form \ri-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ vb
1 : to make better by removal of faults <reform a prisoner>
2 : to correct or improve one's own behavior or habits
— re·form·able \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adj

2reform n
1 : improvement in what is bad
2 : a removal or correction of an abuse, a wrong, or errors

re–form \(ˈ)rē-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ vb : to form again <the ice re-formed on the lake>

ref·or·ma·tion \ˌref-ər-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : the act of reforming : the state of being reformed
2 cap : a 16th century series of religious actions which led to establishment of the Protestant churches
— ref·or·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

re·for·ma·tive \ri-ˈfȯr-mət-iv\ adj : tending or likely to reform

1re·for·ma·to·ry \ri-ˈfȯr-mə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : REFORMATIVE

2reformatory n, pl -ries : an institution for reforming usually young or female criminals or those in jail for the first time

re·form·er \ri-ˈfȯr-mər\ n : one that works for reform

Reform Judaism n : a 19th and 20th century development of Judaism marked by the nonobservance of much legal tradition no longer considered appropriate, by simplified traditional ceremonies, and by stress on the religious rather than the national quality of Judaism

reform school n : a reformatory for boys or girls

re·fract \ri-ˈfrakt\ vb : to cause to go through refraction

refracting telescope n : REFRACTOR

re·frac·tion \ri-ˈfrak-shən\ n : the bending of a ray when it passes at an angle from one medium into another in which its speed is different (as when light passes from air into water)
— re·frac·tive \-ˈfrak-tiv\ adj

refractive index n : the ratio of the speed of light in one medium (as air or glass) to that in another medium

re·frac·tor \ri-ˈfrak-tər\ n : a telescope in which the principal light-gathering element is a lens

re·frac·to·ry \ri-ˈfrakt(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : resisting control or authority : STUBBORN <a refractory child>
2 : resistant to treatment : UNRESPONSIVE
3 : capable of enduring high temperatures
— re·frac·to·ri·ness \-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ n

1re·frain \ri-ˈfrān\ vb : to hold oneself back <refrain from laughing>

2refrain n : a regularly repeated phrase or verse of a poem or song : CHORUS

re·fresh \ri-ˈfresh\ vb
1 : to make fresh or fresher : REVIVE <sleep refreshes the body> <refreshed my memory by looking at my notes>
2 : to restore or maintain by renewing supply

re·fresh·en \ri-ˈfresh-ən\ vb : REFRESH

re·fresh·er \ri-ˈfresh-ər\ n
1 : something that refreshes
2 : review or instruction designed especially to keep one familiar with professional progress

re·fresh·ing \ri-ˈfresh-iŋ\ adj : serving to refresh; esp : pleasing because of freshness or newness

re·fresh·ment \ri-ˈfresh-mənt\ n
1 : the act of refreshing : the state of being refreshed
2 a : something that refreshes  b pl : a light meal <refreshments will be served after the meeting>

re·fried beans \(ˌ)rē-ˌfrīd-\ n pl : beans cooked with seasonings, fried, then mashed and fried again

re·frig·er·ant \ri-ˈfrij-(ə-)rənt\ n : a substance used in refrigeration

re·frig·er·ate \ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to make or keep cold or cool; esp : to freeze or chill food to preserve it
— re·frig·er·a·tion \-ˌfrij-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

re·frig·er·a·tor \ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n : a device or room for keeping articles (as food) cool

re·fu·el \(ˈ)rē-ˈfyü-əl\ vb : to provide with or take on more fuel

ref·uge \ˈref-ˌyüj\ n
1 : shelter or protection from danger or distress
2 : a place that provides shelter or protection <wildlife refuges>

ref·u·gee \ˌref-yu̇-ˈjē, ˈref-yu̇-ˌjē\ n : a person who flees for safety especially to a foreign country [from French réfugié, past participle of réfugier “to put in a place of safety,” from Latin refugium “a refuge,” from refugere “to run away from, escape,” from re- “again, against” and fugere “to run away, flee” — related to CENTRIFUGAL, FUGITIVE]

re·ful·gence \ri-ˈfu̇l-jən(t)s, -ˈfəl-\ n : a radiant or shining quality or state : BRILLIANCE
— re·ful·gent \-jənt\ adj

1re·fund \ri-ˈfənd, ˈrē-ˌfənd\ vb : to return money in repayment
— re·fund·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

2re·fund \ˈrē-ˌfənd\ n
1 : the act of refunding
2 : an amount of money refunded

3re·fund \(ˈ)rē-ˈfənd\ vb : to fund a debt again

re·fur·bish \ri-ˈfər-bish\ vb : to brighten or freshen up : RENOVATE <refurbish an old house>
— re·fur·bish·ment \-mənt\ n

re·fus·al \ri-ˈfyü-zəl\ n
1 : the act of refusing or denying
2 : the opportunity or right of refusing or taking (as a purchase) before others

1re·fuse \ri-ˈfyüz\ vb re·fused; re·fus·ing
1 : to say one will not accept : REJECT <refused the money>
2 a : to show or express positive unwillingness <refused to act>  b : to say one will not grant : DENY <was refused entrance>
3 : to withhold the accepting, following, or permitting of something  synonyms see DECLINE
— re·fus·er n

2ref·use \ˈref-ˌyüs, -ˌyüz\ n : worthless things : TRASH

ref·u·ta·tion \ˌref-yu̇-ˈtā-shən\ n : the act or process of refuting : DISPROOF

re·fute \ri-ˈfyüt\ vb re·fut·ed; re·fut·ing : to prove wrong by argument or evidence : show to be false <refute the testimony of a witness>
— re·fut·able \-ˈfyüt-ə-bəl\ adj

— re·fut·er n

re·gain \ri-ˈgān\ vb
1 : to gain or get again <regained my health>
2 : to get back to : reach again <regain the shore>

re·gal \ˈrē-gəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for a king
2 : of remarkable excellence or magnificence : SPLENDID
— re·gal·ly \ˈrē-gə-lē\ adv

re·gale \ri-ˈgā(ə)l\ vb re·galed; re·gal·ing
1 : to entertain richly
2 : to give pleasure or amusement to
3 : to feast oneself : FEED

re·ga·lia \ri-ˈgāl-yə\ n sing or pl
1 : the emblems and symbols (as the crown) of royalty
2 : the emblem of an office or association
3 : special dress : FINERY

1re·gard \ri-ˈgärd\ n
1 a : CONSIDERATION 2, CONCERN <little regard for others' feelings>  b : the act or an instance of looking : GAZE
2 a : the worth or estimation in which something is held  b : a feeling of respect and affection : ESTEEM <a high regard for my teacher>  c pl : friendly greetings <give them my regards>
3 : 1REFERENCE 2, RESPECT <this is in regard to your unpaid balance>
4 : a point to be taken into consideration <nothing to worry about in that regard>

2regard vb
1 : to pay attention to : take into consideration
2 a : to show respect or consideration for  b : to have a high opinion of
3 : to look at
4 archaic : to relate to
5 : to think of : look upon <regarded you as a friend>
— as regards : with respect to : REGARDING

re·gard·ful \ri-ˈgärd-fəl\ adj
1 : HEEDFUL, OBSERVANT
2 : full or expressive of regard or respect : RESPECTFUL

re·gard·ing prep : CONCERNING

1re·gard·less \ri-ˈgärd-ləs\ adj : having or taking no regard : HEEDLESS, CARELESS <regardless of what might happen>

2regardless adv : in spite of everything

re·gat·ta \ri-ˈgät-ə, -ˈgat-\ n : a boat race or a series of boat races

re·gen·cy \ˈrē-jən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the office, authority, or government of a regent or body of regents
2 : the period of rule of a regent or body of regents

1re·gen·er·ate \ri-ˈjen-(ə-)rət\ adj : spiritually reborn or renewed

2re·gen·er·ate \ri-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt\ vb
1 : to cause to be reborn spiritually
2 : to reform completely in ways of thinking and behaving
3 : to generate or produce again; esp : to replace (a lost or damaged body part) by a new growth of tissue
4 : to give new life to : REVIVE <land regenerated by rotation of crops>

re·gen·er·a·tion \ri-ˌjen-ə-ˈrā-shən, ˌrē-\ n : an act or the process of regenerating : the state of being regenerated

re·gen·er·a·tive \ri-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or marked by regeneration
2 : tending to regenerate

re·gent \ˈrē-jənt\ n
1 : a person who governs a kingdom when a monarch is not able to
2 : a member of a governing group (as of a state university) [Middle English regent “one who governs,” from early French regent or Latin regent-, regens (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin regens, a form of the verb regere “to lead straight, govern, rule” — related to 1RAIL, REGULATE, RULE]
— regent adj

reg·gae \ˈreg-(ˌ)ā, ˈrāg-\ n : popular music of Jamaican origin that combines native styles with elements of U.S. black popular music and is performed at moderate tempos with the accent on the offbeat

reg·i·cide \ˈrej-ə-ˌsīd\ n
1 : a person who kills or helps to kill a king
2 : the killing of a king
— reg·i·cid·al \ˌrej-ə-ˈsīd-əl\ adj

re·gime also ré·gime \rā-ˈzhēm, ri-\ n
1 a : REGIMEN 1  b : a regular pattern of doing something
2 a : a method of rule or management  b : a form of government or administration; esp : a governmental or social system  c : a period of rule of a regime

reg·i·men \ˈrej-ə-mən, -ˌmen\ n
1 : a regular course of treatment
2 : a form of government : RULE

1reg·i·ment \ˈrej-(ə-)mənt\ n : a military unit consisting usually of a number of battalions
— reg·i·men·tal \ˌrej-ə-ˈment-əl\ adj

2reg·i·ment \ˈrej-ə-ˌment\ vb
1 : to organize for the sake of regulation or control
2 : to make orderly or the same as others
— reg·i·men·ta·tion \ˌrej-ə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n

reg·i·men·tals \ˌrej-ə-ˈment-əlz\ n pl
1 : a regimental uniform
2 : military dress

re·gion \ˈrē-jən\ n
1 : an area, division, or district of administration
2 a : a part, portion, or area having no fixed boundaries <darker regions of the night sky>  b : a broad geographic area <never visited the southwestern region of the U.S.>
3 : an indefinite area surrounding a specified body part <a pain in the region of the heart>
4 : a set of points any two of which can be connected by a line lying wholly within the set together with none, some, or all of the points on its boundary <a rectangular region>

re·gion·al \ˈrēj-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region
2 : affecting a particular region : LOCALIZED <regional pain>
— re·gion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

re·gion·al·ism \ˈrēj-nəl-ˌiz-əm, -ən-əl-\ n
1 : the quality of being conscious of and loyal to a particular region
2 : the practice of using a particular region as the setting in art or literature
3 : an individual quality (as of speech) of a geographic area
— re·gion·al·ist \-əst\ n or adj

— re·gion·al·is·tic \ˌrēj-nəl-ˈis-tik, -ən-əl-\ adj

1reg·is·ter \ˈrej-ə-stər\ n
1 a : a written record or list of items  b : a book for such a record <a register of deeds>
2 : a part of the range of a human voice or a musical instrument made up of tones similarly produced or of the same quality
3 : a device (as in a floor or wall) that regulates the flow of heated air from a furnace
4 a : an automatic device registering a number or a quantity  b : a number or quantity registered by such a device

2register vb reg·is·tered; reg·is·ter·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to record exactly and legally in a register <register a will>  b : to enroll especially as a voter or student  c : to record automatically : INDICATE <the thermometer registered zero>
2 : to get special protection for (a piece of mail) by prepayment of a fee
3 : to show by expression and bodily movements alone <your face registered surprise>
4 : to write one's name in a register <register at a hotel> <register for the draft>
5 : to make an impression <your name didn't register with me>

3register n : REGISTRAR

registered nurse n : a graduate trained nurse who has been licensed to practice by a state authority — called also RN

reg·is·trant \ˈrej-ə-strənt\ n : one that registers or is registered

reg·is·trar \ˈrej-ə-ˌsträr\ n : an official who records or keeps records

reg·is·tra·tion \ˌrej-ə-ˈstrā-shən\ n
1 : an act or the fact of registering
2 : something recorded in a register
3 : the number of individuals registered : ENROLLMENT
4 : a document certifying an act of registering <automobile registration>

reg·is·try \ˈrej-ə-strē\ n, pl -tries
1 : REGISTRATION 3
2 : a place of registration
3 a : a book in which things are recorded exactly and legally  b : something recorded in a registry

re·gress \ri-ˈgres\ vb : to go or cause to go back especially to a previous level or condition

re·gres·sion \ri-ˈgresh-ən\ n : an act or the fact of regressing

re·gres·sive \ri-ˈgres-iv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or tending toward regression
2 : gradually decreasing <a regressive tax>

1re·gret \ri-ˈgret\ vb re·gret·ted; re·gret·ting
1 a : to mourn the loss or death of  b : to miss very much
2 : to be keenly sorry for
3 : to experience regret

2regret n
1 : sorrow aroused by events beyond one's control
2 a : an expression of sorrow or disappointment  b pl : a note politely turning down an invitation
— re·gret·ful \-ˈgret-fəl\ adj

re·gret·ful·ly \ri-ˈgret-fə-lē\ adv
1 : in a way that is full of regret <I must regretfully decline your invitation>
2 : I regret : we regret <regretfully, we can't go>

re·gret·ta·ble \ri-ˈgret-ə-bəl\ adj : deserving regret

re·gret·ta·bly \ri-ˈgret-ə-blē\ adv
1 : to an extent deserving regret <a regrettably big decline in wages>
2 : it is regrettable : UNFORTUNATELY <regrettably, I could not agree>

re·group \(ˈ)rē-ˈgrüp\ vb : to form into a new group <in order to subtract 129 from 531 regroup 531 into 5 hundreds, 2 tens, and 11 ones>

re·grow \(ˈ)rē-ˈgrō\ vb -grew \-ˈgrü\; -grown \-ˈgrōn\; -grow·ing : to grow (as a missing part) again

re·growth \(ˈ)rē-ˈgrōth\ n : the process of regrowing <conditions affecting forest regrowth>; also : a result or product of regrowing <cattle grazing on pasture regrowth>

1reg·u·lar \ˈreg-yə-lər\ adj
1 : belonging to a religious community and living by its rules
2 a : formed, built, arranged, or ordered according to an established rule, law, or type  b : having all sides or faces equal and all angles equal <a square is a regular polygon>  c : even or balanced in form or structure; esp : having radial symmetry <regular flowers>
3 a : being in the habit of following a method : ORDERLY, METHODICAL  b : returning or acting at fixed times
4 a : following established or prescribed uses or rules  b : being such without any doubt : COMPLETE, UNMITIGATED <a regular scoundrel>  c : following the normal or usual manner of changing tense <regular verbs>
5 : of, relating to, or being a permanent army of a country
— reg·u·lar·ly \ˈreg-yə-lər-lē\ adv

2regular n
1 : a member of the clergy who belongs to a religious community
2 : a soldier in a regular army
3 : a player on an athletic team who usually starts every game

reg·u·lar·i·ty \ˌreg-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being regular
2 : something that is regular

reg·u·lar·ize \ˈreg-yə-lə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make regular

reg·u·late \ˈreg-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 a : to govern or direct according to rule  b : to bring under the control of authority <regulate prices>
2 : to bring order or method to <regulate one's habits>
3 : to fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of <regulate the pressure of a tire> <the brain regulates the heartbeat> [from Latin regulatus, past participle of regulare “to regulate, direct,” from regula “a rule, straightedge” — related to 1RAIL, REGENT, RULE]
— reg·u·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

— reg·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

1reg·u·la·tion \ˌreg-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act of regulating : the state of being regulated
2 a : a rule or order telling how something is to be done <safety regulations in a factory>  b : a rule or order having the force of law

2regulation adj : being in agreement with regulations <a regulation baseball>

re·gur·gi·tate \(ˈ)rē-ˈgər-jə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing : to throw or be thrown back or out again <regurgitate undigested food>
— re·gur·gi·ta·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌgər-jə-ˈtā-shən\ n

re·ha·bil·i·tate \ˌrē-(h)ə-ˈbil-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to restore to a former status or reputation
2 a : to restore to a state of efficiency, good management, or repair <rehabilitate slum areas>  b : to restore to a condition of health or useful and constructive activity <rehabilitate criminals>
— re·ha·bil·i·ta·tion \-ˌbil-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

re·hash \(ˈ)rē-ˈhash\ vb : to present or use (as an argument) again in another form without much change or improvement
— re·hash \ˈrē-ˌhash\ n

re·hears·al \ri-ˈhər-səl\ n
1 : a private performance or practice session in preparation for a public appearance
2 : a practice exercise : TRIAL

re·hearse \ri-ˈhərs\ vb re·hearsed; re·hears·ing
1 a : to say again : REPEAT  b : to recount in order : ENUMERATE <they rehearsed their complaints in a letter>
2 a : to practice (a play or scene) for public performance  b : to train or instruct (as actors) by rehearsal
3 : to engage in a rehearsal
— re·hears·er n
Word History In the Middle Ages, French farmers used a tool they called a herce. This was a triangular wooden frame with sturdy pegs or teeth on one side. It was pulled over plowed farmland to break up the soil in order to make it smooth for planting. The early French verb used to describe this action was hercier, which meant “to harrow.” In most cases the process had to be repeated over and over, so the word rehercier was formed, meaning “to harrow again” or “reharrow.” In time, rehercier came to be used with more general meanings like “to go over something again (and again),” as in repeating a school lesson or a story. The word came into Middle English as rehersen, meaning “to say again, repeat.” Through the years the English word, now spelled rehearse, has picked up new meanings. Perhaps the most familiar one now is “to go through (a scene or play) over and over for practice until it is ready for performance.” [Middle English rehersen “to say again, repeat,” from early French rehercier “to go over again and again,” literally, “to harrow again,” from re- “again” and hercier “to harrow,” from herce “a harrow”]

re·hy·drate \(ˈ)rē-ˈhī-ˌdrāt\ vb : to restore fluid to (something dehydrated)
— re·hy·dra·tion \ˌrē-ˌhī-ˈdrā-shən\ n

reichs·mark \ˈrīk-ˌsmärk\ n, pl reichsmarks also reichsmark : the German unit of money from 1925 to 1948

1reign \ˈrān\ n
1 : the authority or rule of a monarch
2 : the time during which a monarch reigns

2reign vb
1 : to govern as a monarch
2 : to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch
3 : to be usual or widespread <silence reigned>

reign of terror : a period marked by violence that is often carried out by those in power and produces terror among the people involved

re·im·burse \ˌrē-əm-ˈbərs\ vb -bursed; -burs·ing : to pay back : REPAY <reimburse travel expenses> [from re- “again, back” and obsolete imburse “pay, put in the pocket,” from Latin imbursare (same meaning), from earlier in- “in” and bursa “purse, small leather bag” — related to DISBURSE, PURSE]
— re·im·burs·able \-ˈbər-sə-bəl\ adj

— re·im·burse·ment \-ˈbər-smənt\ n

1rein \ˈrān\ n
1 : a line or strap fastened to a bit on each side for controlling an animal (as a horse) — usually used in plural
2 a : an influence that slows, limits, or holds back <kept the child under a tight rein>  b : controlling or guiding power — usually used in plural <seized the reins of government>
3 : complete freedom : SCOPE <gave full rein to her imagination>

2rein vb : to check, control, or stop by or as if by reins <reined in the horse> <couldn't rein his impatience>

re·in·car·nate \ˌrē-ən-ˈkär-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to give a new or different body or form to

re·in·car·na·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the action of reincarnating : the state of being reincarnated
2 : rebirth in new bodies or forms of life; esp : a rebirth of a soul in a new human body

rein·deer \ˈrān-ˌdi(ə)r\ n, pl reindeer also rein·deers : CARIBOU — used especially for one of the Old World

reindeer moss n : a gray lichen of northern regions that has many branches and is an important food for caribou

re·in·fec·tion \ˌrē-ən-ˈfek-shən\ n : infection following recovery from another infection of the same kind
— re·in·fect \ˌre-ən-ˈfekt\ vb

re·in·force \ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs\ vb
1 : to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support <reinforce the elbows of a jacket> <reinforce the argument with facts>
2 : to strengthen or increase by fresh additions <were reinforcing their pitching staff> <reinforce our troops>
3 : to stimulate (a person or animal) with a reinforcer; also : to increase the frequency of (a response) with a reinforcer

re·in·force·ment \ˌrē-ən-ˈfōr-smənt, -ˈfȯr-\ n
1 : the action of reinforcing : the state of being reinforced
2 : something that reinforces

re·in·forc·er \ˌrē-ən-ˈfōr-sər, -ˈfȯr-\ n
1 : one that reinforces
2 : a stimulus (as a reward or the removal of something unpleasant) given after a desired action or reply that helps to make the individual act or reply in the same way when the conditions are repeated

re·in·state \ˌrē-ən-ˈstāt\ vb -stat·ed; -stat·ing : to place again in a former position or condition <reinstate an official>
— re·in·state·ment \-mənt\ n

re·in·ter·pret \ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət\ vb : to interpret again; esp : to give a new or different interpretation to
— re·in·ter·pre·ta·tion \-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən\ n

re·in·vent \ˌrē-ən-ˈvent\ vb
1 : to make as if for the first time something already invented <reinvent the wheel>
2 : to remake or redo completely <reinvented his musical style>
— re·in·ven·tion \-ˈven-chən\ n

re·in·vest \ˌrē-ən-ˈvest\ vb : to invest again or anew
— re·in·vest·ment \-ˈves(t)-mənt\ n

re·is·sue \-ˈish-ü\ vb : to issue again; esp : to cause to become available again <reissue a stamp>
— reissue n

re·it·er·ate \rē-ˈit-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to say or do over again or repeatedly
— re·it·er·a·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌit-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

— re·it·er·a·tive \rē-ˈit-ə-ˌrāt-iv, -rət-\ adj

— re·it·er·a·tive·ly adv

— re·it·er·a·tive·ness n

1re·ject \ri-ˈjekt\ vb
1 : to refuse to admit, believe, or receive
2 : to throw away as useless or unsatisfactory
3 : to refuse to grant or consider
4 : to cause the rejection of by the immune system <the body of the patient started to reject the transplanted heart>  synonyms see DECLINE

2re·ject \ˈrē-ˌjekt\ n : a rejected person or thing

re·jec·tion \ri-ˈjek-shən\ n
1 : the action of rejecting : the state of being rejected
2 : something rejected
3 : the process by which the immune system causes foreign tissue (as of a skin graft or transplanted organ) to separate from and stop functioning with the tissues of the animal or human being that has received it

re·joice \ri-ˈjȯis\ vb re·joiced; re·joic·ing
1 : to give joy to : GLADDEN <news that rejoices the heart>
2 : to feel joy or great delight <rejoice over a friend's good luck>
— re·joic·er n

— re·joic·ing·ly \-ˈjȯi-siŋ-lē\ adv

re·joic·ing \ri-ˈjȯi-siŋ\ n
1 : the action of one that rejoices
2 : a time or an expression of joy

re·join vb
1 \(ˈ)rē-ˈjȯin\ : to join again : return to <rejoined my family after a week in camp>
2 \ri-\ : to say in reply

re·join·der \ri-ˈjȯin-dər\ n : 2REPLY; esp : an answer to a reply

re·ju·ve·nate \ri-ˈjü-və-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to make young or youthful again : give new vigor to
— re·ju·ve·na·tion \-ˌjü-və-ˈnā-shən\ n

— re·ju·ve·na·tor \-ˈjü-və-ˌnāt-ər\ n

relaid past and past participle of RELAY

1re·lapse \ri-ˈlaps, ˈrē-ˌlaps\ n : a relapsing; esp : a recurrence of illness after a period of improvement

2re·lapse \ri-ˈlaps\ vb re·lapsed; re·laps·ing : to slip or fall back into a former worse state
— re·laps·er n

re·late \ri-ˈlāt\ vb re·lat·ed; re·lat·ing
1 : to give an account of : TELL <relate a story>
2 : to show or establish a relationship between <relate cause and effect>
3 : to have relationship or connection : REFER <the readings relate to the class discussions>
4 : to have or establish a social relationship <the way a child relates to a teacher>
5 : to respond especially in a favorable way <can't relate to that kind of music>
— re·lat·able \-ˈlāt-ə-bəl\ adj

re·lat·ed adj
1 : connected through a relation that is known or can be discovered <painting and the related arts>
2 : connected by common ancestry or by marriage

re·lat·er or re·la·tor \ri-ˈlāt-ər\ n : one that relates : NARRATOR

re·la·tion \ri-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act of telling or describing
2 : CONNECTION 2, RELATIONSHIP <the relation of employer to employee>
3 : a related person : RELATIVE
4 : 1REFERENCE 2, RESPECT <in relation to this matter>
5 a : the state of sharing an interest (as in social or business matters)  b pl : business or public affairs <good trade relations> <foreign relations>  c pl : dealings between persons or groups <improved his relations with his family>
— re·la·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

re·la·tion·ship \ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship\ n
1 : the state of being related <study language relationships>
2 : KINSHIP <claimed relationship with the mayor>; also : a specific instance or type of this <family relationships>
3 : a state of affairs existing between those having shared dealings <good doctor-patient relationships>

1rel·a·tive \ˈrel-ət-iv\ n
1 : a word referring grammatically to one that comes before it
2 : a person connected with another by blood or marriage

2relative adj
1 a : introducing a subordinate clause that qualifies an expressed or implied antecedent <relative pronoun>  b : introduced by a word having such an antecedent <relative clause>
2 : RELEVANT, PERTINENT <questions relative to the topic>
3 : existing in comparison to something else <the relative value of two houses>
4 : having the same key signature — used of major and minor keys and scales
— rel·a·tive·ness n

relative humidity n : the amount of water vapor actually present in the air compared to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature

rel·a·tive·ly \ˈrel-ət-iv-lē\ adv : 2SOMEWHAT

relative to prep : in relation to <the angle of the pole relative to the ground>

rel·a·tiv·is·tic \ˌrel-ət-iv-ˈis-tik\ adj : of, relating to, or characterized by relativity
— rel·a·tiv·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

rel·a·tiv·i·ty \ˌrel-ə-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being relative; esp : dependence on something else
2 a : a theory in physics that considers mass and energy to be equal and that states that a moving object will experience changes in mass, size, and time which are related to its speed and are not noticeable except at speeds approaching that of light  b : an extension of relativity theory to include gravity and its related acceleration effects

re·lax \ri-ˈlaks\ vb
1 : to make or become loose or less tense <relaxed my attention>
2 : to make or become less severe or strict <relax discipline>
3 : to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety <couldn't relax in crowds>
4 : to rest or enjoy oneself away from one's usual duties <relaxed at the beach>
— re·lax·er n

1re·lax·ant \ri-ˈlak-sənt\ adj : producing relaxation

2relaxant n : a relaxing agent; esp : a drug that causes muscular relaxation

re·lax·ation \ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, ri-\ n
1 : the act of relaxing : the state of being relaxed
2 : a relaxing activity or pastime <play the guitar as a relaxation>
3 : the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle

re·laxed \ri-ˈlakst\ adj
1 : lacking in precision or strictness <was very relaxed for a new parent>
2 : not worried or tense <found her in a relaxed moment>
3 : easy of manner : INFORMAL <a relaxed style of comedy>
4 : somewhat loose-fitting and usually casual in style <relaxed jeans>
— re·laxed·ly \-ˈlak-səd-lē, -ˈlaks-tlē\ adv

— re·laxed·ness \-ˈlak-səd-nəs, -ˈlaks(t)-nəs\ n

1re·lay \ˈrē-ˌlā\ n
1 : a fresh supply (as of horses or people) arranged to relieve others
2 a : a race between teams in which each team member covers an assigned part of the course  b : one of the divisions of a relay
3 : an electromagnetic device in which the opening or closing of one circuit operates another device (as a switch in another circuit)
4 : the act of passing along (as a message or a ball) by stages; also : one of such stages <the shortstop's relay from center field was too late to catch the runner>

2re·lay \ˈrē-ˌlā, ri-ˈlā\ vb re·layed; re·lay·ing
1 a : to place or arrange in relays  b : to provide with relays
2 : to pass along by stages <news was relayed by satellites>

3re·lay \(ˈ)rē-ˈlā\ vb -laid \-ˈlād\; -lay·ing : to lay again

1re·lease \ri-ˈlēs\ vb re·leased; re·leas·ing
1 : to set free (as from confinement) <release a prisoner> <release a bird from a cage>
2 : to relieve from something that holds or burdens <released from our promise>
3 : to give up in favor of another : RELINQUISH <release a claim to property>
4 : to give permission for publication, performance, exhibition, or sale of (as a movie or news story)
— re·leas·able \-ˈlē-sə-bəl\ adj

2release n
1 : relief or rescue from sorrow, suffering, or trouble
2 a : a discharge from an obligation (as a debt)  b : a giving up of a right or claim
3 : the act or an instance of setting free or letting go
4 : a document that contains a release
5 : the state of being freed
6 : a device adapted to hold or release a mechanism as required
7 a : the act of permitting performance or publication  b : the matter released; esp : a statement prepared for the press

re·leas·er \ri-ˈlē-sər\ n : one that releases; esp : a stimulus that serves to start complicated reflex behavior

rel·e·gate \ˈrel-ə-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to remove or dismiss to a less important place <relegate some old books to the attic>
2 : to refer or hand over for decision or carrying out <relegate that matter to a special committee>
— rel·e·ga·tion \ˌrel-ə-ˈgā-shən\ n

re·lent \ri-ˈlent\ vb
1 : to become less severe, harsh, or strict
2 : SLACKEN 1

re·lent·less \ri-ˈlent-ləs\ adj : not lessening in severity, intensity, strength, or pace : UNRELENTING <relentless criticism>
— re·lent·less·ly adv

— re·lent·less·ness n

rel·e·vance \ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s\ n : relation to the matter at hand : PERTINENCE

rel·e·van·cy \ˈrel-ə-vən-sē\ n, pl -cies : RELEVANCE

rel·e·vant \ˈrel-ə-vənt\ adj : having something to do with the matter being considered : PERTINENT <a relevant question>
— rel·e·vant·ly adv

re·li·abil·i·ty \ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being reliable

re·li·able \ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl\ adj : fit to be trusted : DEPENDABLE
— re·li·able·ness n

— re·li·ably \-blē\ adv

re·li·ance \ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of relying
2 : the condition or attitude of one who relies : DEPENDENCE
3 : something or someone relied on

re·li·ant \ri-ˈlī-ənt\ adj : having reliance on something or someone : TRUSTING <reliant on the family for news>
— re·li·ant·ly adv

rel·ic \ˈrel-ik\ n
1 : an object treated with great respect because of its connection with a saint or martyr
2 : something left behind after decay or disappearance <relics of ancient cities>

rel·ict \ˈrel-ikt\ n
1 : WIDOW
2 : a small surviving group of a formerly widespread plant or animal species that continues to exist in an isolated area

relied past and past participle of RELY

re·lief \ri-ˈlēf\ n
1 a : removal or lightening of something painful, troubling, burdensome, or dangerous  b : WELFARE 2A  c : military assistance to a post or force in extreme danger  d : a means of breaking boredom : DIVERSION <a quick swim was a welcome relief from the job>
2 : release from duty
3 : one that takes the place of another on duty
4 : the legal correction of a wrong
5 a : elevation of figures or designs from the background (as in sculpture)  b : a work of art with such raised figures  c : projecting detail or figures in sculpture
6 : sharpness of outline <a roof in bold relief against the sky>
7 : the elevations of a land surface <a map showing relief>

relief map n : a map or model in which unevenness of surface is shown in relief

relief pitcher n : a baseball pitcher who takes over for another during a game

re·lieve \ri-ˈlēv\ vb re·lieved; re·liev·ing
1 : to free partly or wholly from a burden or from distress <relieve parents of worry>
2 : to bring about the removal or reduction of <efforts to relieve world hunger>
3 : to release from a post or duty <relieve a sentry>
4 : to break the sameness of <a black dress relieved by a white collar>
5 : to put or stand out in relief : set off by contrast (as in sculpture or painting)
6 : to discharge the bladder or bowels of (oneself)
— re·liev·er n

re·li·gion \ri-ˈlij-ən\ n
1 a : the service and worship of God or the supernatural  b : belief in or devotion to religious faith or observance  c : the state of a person in the religious life <a nun in her 20th year of religion>
2 : a set or system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and ways of doing things
3 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held with faith and strong feeling

1re·li·gious \ri-ˈlij-əs\ adj
1 : devoted to God or to the powers or forces believed to govern life <a very religious person>
2 : of or relating to religion <religious beliefs>
3 : very devoted and faithful <performed his duties with religious regularity>
— re·li·gious·ly adv

— re·li·gious·ness n

2religious n, pl religious : a member of a religious order

re·line \(ˈ)rē-ˈlīn\ vb : to put new lines on or a new lining in <reline a coat>

re·lin·quish \ri-ˈliŋ-kwish\ vb
1 : to withdraw or retreat from : leave behind <relinquished their homes and sailed to the New World>
2 : to give over to the control or possession of another <relinquish a title>
3 : to let go of : RELEASE <relinquish your grip on the bar> <few leaders willingly relinquish power>
— re·lin·quish·ment \-mənt\ n

rel·i·quary \ˈrel-ə-ˌkwer-ē\ n, pl -quar·ies : a small box or shrine in which sacred relics are kept

1rel·ish \ˈrel-ish\ n
1 : a pleasing appetizing taste
2 : a small bit added for flavor : DASH
3 a : enjoyment or delight in something <eat with great relish>  b : a strong liking
4 : a highly seasoned food (as of pickles or mustard) eaten with other food to add flavor

2relish vb
1 : to add relish to
2 : to be pleased by : ENJOY
3 : to eat or drink with pleasure
— rel·ish·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

re·live \(ˈ)rē-ˈliv\ vb : to live over again; esp : to experience again in the imagination

re·lo·cate \(ˈ)rē-ˈlō-ˌkāt, ˌrē-lō-ˈkāt\ vb
1 : to locate again
2 : to move to a new location <relocate a factory>
— re·lo·ca·tion \ˌrē-lō-ˈkā-shən\ n

re·luc·tance \ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being reluctant

re·luc·tant \ri-ˈlək-tənt\ adj : showing doubt or unwillingness <reluctant to answer>
— re·luc·tant·ly adv

re·ly \ri-ˈlī\ vb re·lied; re·ly·ing
1 : to have confidence based on experience <someone you can rely on>
2 : to be dependent <the system on which we rely for water>

REM \ˈrem\ n : RAPID EYE MOVEMENT

1re·main \ri-ˈmān\ vb
1 a : to be a part not destroyed, taken, or used up <little remained after the fire>  b : to be something yet to be shown, done, or treated <that remains to be seen>
2 : to stay in the same place or with the same person or group; esp : to stay behind
3 : to continue unchanged <the weather remained cold>

2remain n
1 : whatever is left over or behind — usually used in plural <the remains of a meal>
2 pl : a dead body

re·main·der \ri-ˈmān-dər\ n
1 : a remaining group or part
2 : the number left after a subtraction
3 : the final undivided part that is left over after division and is smaller than the divisor <dividing 7 by 3 gives you 2 with a remainder of 1>

1re·make \(ˈ)rē-ˈmāk\ vb -made \-ˈmād\; -mak·ing : to make anew or in a different form

2re·make \ˈrē-ˌmāk\ n : one that has been remade; esp : a new version of a motion picture

1re·mand \ri-ˈmand\ vb
1 : to send back a case to another court for further action
2 : to return to custody to be held longer or to await trial

2remand n : the act of remanding : the state of being remanded <sent back on remand>

1re·mark \ri-ˈmärk\ n
1 : the act of remarking : NOTICE
2 : mention of that which deserves attention or notice
3 : a briefly expressed opinion
synonyms REMARK, OBSERVATION, COMMENT, mean something said or written that gives an opinion. REMARK suggests a quick thought or offhand judgment <made a brief remark about the weather>. OBSERVATION suggests a careful opinion expressed after looking closely at something <she published her observations on whales after ten years of study>. COMMENT suggests a remark that is meant to explain or criticize <after the play was over, he made his comments on it>.

2remark vb
1 : to take note of <remarked his strange manner>
2 : to express as a comment <“Nice day,” she remarked>
3 : to make a comment <remarked on how well the team was doing>

re·mark·able \ri-ˈmär-kə-bəl\ adj : worthy of being or likely to be noticed especially as being uncommon or extraordinary
— re·mark·able·ness n

— re·mark·ably \-blē\ adv

re·mar·ry \rē-ˈmar-ē\ vb : to marry again : to marry after an earlier marriage
— re·mar·riage \-ij\ n

re·match \(ˈ)rē-ˈmach, ˈrē-ˌmach\ n : a second meeting between the same contestants

re·me·di·a·ble \ri-ˈmēd-ē-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being made better

re·me·di·al \ri-ˈmēd-ē-əl\ adj : intended to make something better <remedial measures> <remedial classes>

re·me·di·a·tion \ri-ˌmēd-ē-ˈā-shən\ n : the act or process of remedying <remediation of reading problems>

1rem·e·dy \ˈrem-əd-ē\ n, pl -dies
1 : a medicine or treatment that cures or relieves
2 : something that corrects an evil, rights a wrong, or makes up for a loss

2remedy vb -died; -dy·ing : to provide or serve as a remedy for : RELIEVE

re·mem·ber \ri-ˈmem-bər\ vb -bered; -ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to bring to mind or think of again <remembers the old days>
2 a : to keep in mind for attention <remember friends at Christmas>  b : 1REWARD 1 <was remembered in the will>
3 : to keep in the memory <remember the facts for the test>
4 : to pass along greetings from <remember us to your family>
— re·mem·ber·able \-b(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— re·mem·ber·er \-bər-ər\ n

re·mem·brance \ri-ˈmem-brən(t)s\ n
1 : the act of remembering
2 : something remembered
3 a : something (as a souvenir) that serves to keep in or bring to mind : REMINDER  b : something (as a greeting or gift) recalling or expressing friendship  synonyms see MEMORY

re·mind \ri-ˈmīnd\ vb : to put in mind of something : cause to remember <remind a child that it is bedtime>
— re·mind·er n

rem·i·nisce \ˌrem-ə-ˈnis\ vb -nisced; -nisc·ing : to talk or think about things that happened in the past <reminisced about old times>

rem·i·nis·cence \ˌrem-ə-ˈnis-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : a recalling to mind of a past experience <had a pleasant reminiscence of a favorite childhood toy>  b : the process of thinking or telling about past experiences <spent a pleasant hour in reminiscence>
2 : an account of a memorable experience — often used in plural  synonyms see MEMORY

rem·i·nis·cent \ˌrem-ə-ˈnis-ənt\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or engaging in reminiscence
2 : reminding one of someone or something else

re·miss \ri-ˈmis\ adj
1 : careless in the performance of work or duty <remiss in paying one's bills>
2 : showing neglect or lack of attention <service at the restaurant was remiss>
— re·miss·ly adv

— re·miss·ness n

re·mis·si·ble \ri-ˈmis-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being forgiven <remissible sins>
— re·mis·si·bly \-blē\ adv

re·mis·sion \ri-ˈmish-ən\ n
1 : the act or process of remitting
2 : a state or period during which something is remitted

1re·mit \ri-ˈmit\ vb re·mit·ted; re·mit·ting
1 a : to release from the guilt or penalty of : PARDON <remit sins>  b : to keep from demanding or calling for <remit a penalty>
2 : to give over for consideration, judgment, decision, or action <remit the proposal to a special committee>
3 : to send money especially in payment
4 : to lessen in intensity or severity often temporarily : MODERATE <the fever had remitted>
— re·mit·ment \-ˈmit-mənt\ n

— re·mit·ta·ble \-ˈmit-ə-bəl\ adj

— re·mit·ter n

2remit n
1 : an act of remitting
2 : something remitted to another person or authority

re·mit·tal \ri-ˈmit-əl\ n : REMISSION

re·mit·tance \ri-ˈmit-ən(t)s\ n
1 : money sent especially in payment
2 : a sending of money (as to a distant place)

rem·nant \ˈrem-nənt\ n
1 : a surviving usually small part <remnants of a great civilization>
2 : something that remains or is left over <a remnant of cloth>

re·mod·el \(ˈ)rē-ˈmäd-əl\ vb : to change the structure of

re·mon·strance \ri-ˈmän(t)-strən(t)s\ n : an act or instance of protest

re·mon·strant \ri-ˈmän(t)-strənt\ adj : strongly objecting or opposing
— re·mon·strant·ly adv

re·mon·strate \ri-ˈmän-ˌstrāt\ vb -strat·ed; -strat·ing : to present and urge reasons in opposition <remonstrate with a student for being late>

rem·o·ra \ˈrem-ə-rə\ n : any of various marine fishes that have a suction disk on the top of the head by means of which they cling especially to other fishes

re·morse \ri-ˈmȯ(ə)rs\ n : a deep regret coming from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : SELF-REPROACH
Word History The Latin verb remordēre literally meant “to bite again.” The Romans, however, usually used it with the meaning “to torment,” because being tormented was like getting bitten again and again. A noun derivative of this verb is remorsus, which in early French was used to form the noun remors. This noun was used to refer to the deep regret that torments one for having done something wrong. In the 15th century, this French word was taken into English as remorse with the same meaning. [Middle English remorse “a deep regret for having done wrong,” from early French remors (same meaning), from Latin remorsus, noun derivative of remordēre “to bite again,” from mordēre “to bite” — related to MORSEL]

re·morse·ful \ri-ˈmȯrs-fəl\ adj : moved or marked by remorse
— re·morse·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— re·morse·ful·ness n

re·morse·less \ri-ˈmȯr-sləs\ adj : having no remorse : MERCILESS <remorseless cruelty>
— re·morse·less·ly adv

— re·morse·less·ness n

1re·mote \ri-ˈmōt\ adj re·mot·er; -est
1 : far removed in place, time, or relation <remote countries> <remote ages> <remote cousins>
2 : SECLUDED 1 <a remote valley>
3 : acting, acted on, or controlled indirectly or from a distance <remote computer operation>
4 : small in degree : SLIGHT <a remote possibility>
5 : distant in manner : ALOOF
— re·mote·ly adv

— re·mote·ness n

2remote n : REMOTE CONTROL 2

remote control n
1 : control (as by a radio signal) of operation from a point some distance away <operated by remote control>
2 : a device for controlling something from a distance <a remote control for a VCR>

1re·mount \(ˈ)rē-ˈmau̇nt\ vb
1 : to mount something again <remount the picture on better cardboard>
2 : to mount again <remount at once and ride back>

2re·mount \ˈrē-ˌmau̇nt, (ˈ)rē-ˈmau̇nt\ n : a fresh horse to take the place of one no longer available

re·mov·able also re·move·able \ri-ˈmü-və-bəl\ adj : possible to remove
— re·mov·abil·i·ty \-ˌmü-və-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— re·mov·able·ness \-ˈmü-və-bəl-nəs\ n

— re·mov·ably \-blē\ adv

re·mov·al \ri-ˈmü-vəl\ n : the act of removing : the fact of being removed

1re·move \ri-ˈmüv\ vb re·moved; re·mov·ing
1 : to change or cause to change to another location, position, station, or residence <remove soldiers to the front>
2 : to move by lifting, pushing aside, or taking away or off <remove your hat>
3 : to dismiss from office <the treasurer was removed after a year>
4 : to get rid of : ELIMINATE 1 <remove a tumor>
5 : to go away
6 : to be capable of being removed <a bottle cap that removes easily>

2remove n
1 : REMOVAL; esp : 2MOVE 2C
2 a : a distance separating one thing from another  b : a degree or stage of separation <at one remove>

re·moved \ri-ˈmüvd\ adj
1 : being a generation older or younger <the children of your first cousin are your first cousins once removed>
2 : far away or separate in space, time, or character <a town far removed from cities>

re·mov·er \ri-ˈmüv-ər\ n : something (as a chemical) used in removing a substance <paint remover>

re·mu·ner·ate \ri-ˈmyü-nə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to pay an equivalent to for a service, loss, or expense : RECOMPENSE
— re·mu·ner·a·tor \-ˌrāt-ər\ n

re·mu·ner·a·tion \ri-ˌmyü-nə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : something that pays back an equivalent
2 : an act or fact of paying back an equivalent

re·mu·ner·a·tive \ri-ˈmyü-nə-rət-iv, -ˌrāt-\ adj
1 : serving to remunerate
2 : PROFITABLE <made a highly remunerative investment>
— re·mu·ner·a·tive·ly adv

— re·mu·ner·a·tive·ness n

re·nais·sance \ˌren-ə-ˈsän(t)s, -ˈzän(t)s\ n
1 cap : the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries marked by a flourishing of art and literature inspired by ancient times and by the beginnings of modern science
2 often cap : a movement or period of great activity (as in literature, science, and the arts)

re·nal \ˈrēn-əl\ adj : relating to, involving, or located in the region of the kidneys

re·name \(ˈ)rē-ˈnām\ vb : to give a new name to

re·na·scence \ri-ˈnas-ən(t)s, -ˈnās-\ n, often cap : RENAISSANCE 2

re·na·scent \-ənt\ adj : rising again into being or more intense activity or effect

rend \ˈrend\ vb rent \ˈrent\ also rend·ed; rend·ing
1 : to remove from place by force : WREST
2 : to split or tear apart or in pieces by force
3 : to tear (the hair or clothing) as a sign of anger, grief, or despair
4 : to affect as if splitting or tearing <silence rent by a scream>

ren·der \ˈren-dər\ vb ren·dered; ren·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to obtain by heating <render lard from fat>
2 a : to furnish or give to another : DELIVER <render a report> <render aid>  b : 1SURRENDER 1, GIVE UP <rendered their lives to save others>
3 : to give in return <render thanks>
4 a : to cause to be or become <render a person helpless>  b : PERFORM 3A <render a salute>  c : PERFORM 3B <render a song>  d : TRANSLATE 3A, B <render Latin into English>
— ren·der·able \-d(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— ren·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

1ren·dez·vous \ˈrän-di-ˌvü, -dā-\ n, pl ren·dez·vous \-ˌvüz\
1 a : a place agreed on for assembling or meeting  b : a place that many people visit
2 : a planned meeting [early French rendezvous “a place to meet,” from the phrase rendez vous “present yourself”]

2rendezvous vb -voused \-ˌvüd\; -vous·ing \-ˌvü-iŋ\; -vouses \-ˌvüz\ : to come or bring together at a rendezvous

ren·di·tion \ren-ˈdish-ən\ n : an act or result of rendering <sang their rendition of the old song>

1ren·e·gade \ˈren-i-ˌgād\ n
1 : a person who deserts a faith, cause, or party
2 : a person who rejects lawful or acceptable behavior

2renegade adj
1 : having deserted a faith, cause, or party
2 : having rejected tradition : UNCONVENTIONAL

re·nege \ri-ˈnig, -ˈneg, -ˈnēg, -ˈnāg\ vb re·neged; re·neg·ing
1 : DENY
2 : to go back on a promise or agreement <reneged on paying the debt>
— re·neg·er n

re·new \ri-ˈn(y)ü\ vb
1 : to make or become new, fresh, or strong again <strength renewed by a night's rest>
2 : to restore to existence <renew the splendor of a palace>
3 : to do or make again <renew a complaint>
4 : to begin again : RESUME <renewed efforts to make peace>
5 : to put in a fresh supply of : REPLACE <renew the water in a tank>
6 : to grant or obtain an extension of : continue in force for another period <renew a lease> <renew a subscription>
— re·new·er n

re·new·able \ri-ˈn(y)ü-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being renewed
2 : capable of being replaced by natural ecological cycles or sound management procedures <renewable resources like water, wildlife, forests, and grasslands>

re·new·al \ri-ˈn(y)ü-əl\ n
1 : the act of renewing : the state of being renewed
2 : something renewed
3 : the rebuilding of a large area by a public authority <urban renewal>

ren·net \ˈren-ət\ n
1 a : the contents of the stomach of a young animal and especially a calf  b : a part of the lining of the stomach that is used to curdle milk
2 : something used to curdle milk; esp : RENNIN

ren·nin \ˈren-ən\ n : a stomach enzyme that curdles milk

re·nom·i·nate \(ˈ)rē-ˈnäm-ə-ˌnāt\ vb : to nominate again especially for a term right after one just served
— re·nom·i·na·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌnäm-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

re·nounce \ri-ˈnau̇n(t)s\ vb re·nounced; re·nounc·ing
1 : to give up, refuse, or resign usually by public declaration <renounced the throne>
2 : to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further : REPUDIATE <renounced the authority of her political party>
— re·nounce·ment \-ˈnau̇n(t)-smənt\ n

— re·nounc·er n

ren·o·vate \ˈren-ə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing : to make like new again : put in good condition
— ren·o·va·tion \ˌren-ə-ˈvā-shən\ n

— ren·o·va·tor \ˈren-ə-ˌvāt-ər\ n

re·nown \ri-ˈnau̇n\ n : a state of being widely known and highly honored : FAME

re·nowned \ri-ˈnau̇nd\ adj : having renown : CELEBRATED  synonyms see FAMOUS

1rent \ˈrent\ n : money paid for the use of property : a periodic payment made by a tenant to the owner for the use of the owner's property [Middle English rente “income from property,” from early French rente “payment, income,” derived from Latin rendere “to yield”]
— for rent : available for use or service at a price

2rent vb
1 : to take and hold property under an agreement to pay rent
2 : to give the possession and use of in return for rent <rented a cottage to friends>
3 : to be for rent <the room rents for $40 a week>
— rent·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

3rent past and past participle of REND

4rent n
1 : an opening (as in cloth) made by or as if by tearing
2 : an act or instance of tearing [from a dialect word rent “to tear,” from Middle English renten, an altered form of renden “to tear, rend”]

1rent·al \ˈrent-əl\ n
1 : an amount paid or collected as rent
2 : something for rent
3 : an act of renting

2rental adj
1 : of, relating to, or available for rent <a rental car>
2 : dealing in rental property <a rental agency>

rent·er \ˈrent-ər\ n : one that rents; esp : TENANT

re·nun·ci·a·tion \ri-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən\ n : the act or practice of renouncing

re·open \(ˈ)rē-ˈō-pən, -ˈōp-ən\ vb
1 : to open again
2 : to take up again : RESUME <reopen the discussion>

1re·or·der \(ˈ)rē-ˈȯrd-ər\ vb
1 : to arrange in a different way
2 : to place a reorder

2reorder n : an order like a previous order placed with the same supplier

re·or·ga·ni·za·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌȯrg-(ə-)nə-ˈzā-shən\ n : the act of reorganizing : the state of being reorganized; esp : the changing of the financial structure of a business

re·or·ga·nize \(ˈ)rē-ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz\ vb : to organize again or anew; esp : to bring about a reorganization (as of a business)
— re·or·ga·niz·er n

1rep \ˈrep\ n : 2REPRESENTATIVE <sales rep>

2rep n : REPETITION 1B

re·pack·age \(ˈ)rē-ˈpak-ij\ vb : to package again or anew; esp : to put into a more attractive form

1re·pair \ri-ˈpa(ə)r, -ˈpe(ə)r\ vb : to make one's way : GO <repair to an inner office>

2repair vb
1 : to put back in good condition <repair a broken toy>
2 : to make up for : REMEDY <repair an injustice>  synonyms see MEND
— re·pair·able \-ˈpar-ə-bəl, -ˈper-\ adj

— re·pair·er \-ər\ n

3repair n
1 a : the act or process of repairing <make repairs>  b : the result of repairing <a tire with three repairs>
2 a : condition with respect to soundness or need of fixing <the car is in poor repair>  b : good condition <a house in repair>

re·pair·man \ri-ˈpa(ə)r-ˌman, -ˈpe(ə)r-, -mən\ n : a person whose occupation is making repairs <TV repairman>

rep·a·ra·ble \ˈrep-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : capable of being repaired

rep·a·ra·tion \ˌrep-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : a repairing or keeping in repair <a building in need of constant reparation>
2 : the act of making up for a wrong
3 : money or materials paid or to be paid by a country losing a war to the winner to make up for damages done in the war — usually used in plural

re·par·a·tive \ri-ˈpar-ət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or serving to repair

rep·ar·tee \ˌrep-ər-ˈtē, -ˌär-, -ˈtā\ n
1 : a clever witty reply
2 : skill in making clever replies

re·past \ri-ˈpast\ n
1 : something taken as food : MEAL
2 : the act of taking food

1re·pa·tri·ate \(ˈ)rē-ˈpā-trē-ˌāt, -ˈpa-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to return to the country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship <repatriate prisoners of war>
— re·pa·tri·a·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌpā-trē-ˈā-shən, -ˌpa-\ n

2re·pa·tri·ate \(ˈ)rē-ˈpā-trē-ət, -tre-ˌāt\ n : one that is repatriated

re·pay \(ˈ)rē-ˈpā\ vb -paid \-ˈpād\; -pay·ing
1 : to pay back <repay a loan>
2 : to make a return payment to <repay a creditor>
— re·pay·able \-ˈpā-ə-bəl\ adj

— re·pay·ment \-ˈpā-mənt\ n

re·peal \ri-ˈpē(ə)l\ vb : to do away with especially by legislative action <repeal a law>
— repeal n

— re·peal·able \-ˈpē-lə-bəl\ adj

re·peal·er \-ˈpē-lər\ n : one that repeals; esp : a legislative act that cancels or does away with an earlier act

1re·peat \ri-ˈpēt\ vb
1 a : to say or state again <repeated the question>  b : to say from memory : RECITE <repeat a poem>  c : to say after another <repeat the following words after me>
2 : to make, do, or perform again <repeat a mistake>
3 : to present (oneself) again in the same words or way <hate repeating myself>
— re·peat·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

2re·peat \ri-ˈpēt, ˈrē-ˌpēt\ n
1 : the act of repeating
2 : something repeated
3 a : a musical passage to be repeated in performance  b : a sign that consists of two dots one above the other and that is placed before and after a musical passage to be repeated
4 : a repetition of a radio or television program

re·peat·ed \ri-ˈpēt-əd\ adj : done or happening again and again : FREQUENT

re·peat·ed·ly \-lē\ adv : at frequent intervals : OFTEN

re·peat·er \ri-ˈpēt-ər\ n
1 : a firearm that fires several times without reloading
2 : a person who violates the laws again and again
3 : a student who is taking a class or course again

repeating decimal n : a decimal in which after a certain point a particular digit or sequence of digits repeats itself indefinitely — compare TERMINATING DECIMAL

re·pel \ri-ˈpel\ vb re·pelled; re·pel·ling
1 a : to drive back <repel the enemy>  b : to fight against : RESIST
2 : to refuse to accept : REJECT <repel a suggestion>
3 a : to be incapable of sticking to, mixing with, taking up, or holding <a fabric that repels water>  b : to force away or apart or tend to do so by mutual action at a distance <two like electrical charges repel each other>
4 : DISGUST <a sight that repelled everyone>
— re·pel·ler n

re·pel·len·cy \ri-ˈpel-ən-sē\ n : the quality of repelling : the ability to repel

1re·pel·lent also re·pel·lant \ri-ˈpel-ənt\ adj
1 : serving or tending to drive away — often used in combination <a water-repellent jacket>
2 : causing disgust
— re·pel·lent·ly adv

2repellent also repellant n : something that repels; esp : a substance used to keep off pests (as insects)

re·pent \ri-ˈpent\ vb
1 : to feel sorrow for one's sin and make up one's mind to do what is right
2 : to feel sorry for or dissatisfied with something one has done : REGRET
— re·pent·er n

re·pen·tance \ri-ˈpent-ən(t)s\ n : the action or process of repenting especially for one's sins

re·pen·tant \ri-ˈpent-ənt\ adj : feeling or showing repentance
— re·pen·tant·ly adv

re·per·cus·sion \ˌrē-pər-ˈkəsh-ən, ˌrep-ər-\ n
1 : a return action or effect
2 : a widespread, indirect, or unexpected effect of something said or done <the new policy had repercussions for everyone>

re·per·cus·sive \ˌrē-pər-ˈkəs-iv, ˌrep-ər-\ adj : of, marked by, or creating repercussion

rep·er·toire \ˈrep-ə(r)-ˌtwär\ n
1 : a list or supply of dramas, operas, pieces, or parts that a company or person is prepared to perform
2 : a supply of skills or devices possessed by a person <passing is part of the repertoire of a quarterback>

rep·er·to·ry \ˈrep-ə(r)-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a place where something may be found
2 a : REPERTOIRE  b : a company that performs different plays or pieces in the course of a season  c : a theater in which such a company performs

rep·e·ti·tion \ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən\ n
1 a : the act or an instance of repeating  b : a motion or exercise (as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2 : something repeated

rep·e·ti·tious \ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-əs\ adj : marked by repetition; esp : tiresomely repeating
— rep·e·ti·tious·ly adv

— rep·e·ti·tious·ness n

re·pet·i·tive \ri-ˈpet-ət-iv\ adj : REPETITIOUS
— re·pet·i·tive·ly adv

— re·pet·i·tive·ness n

re·pine \ri-ˈpīn\ vb
1 : to feel or express sadness or discontent : COMPLAIN
2 : to long restlessly for something
— re·pin·er n

re·place \ri-ˈplās\ vb
1 : to put back in a proper or former place <replace a card in a file>
2 : to take the place of <paper money has replaced gold coins>
3 : to put something new in the place of <replace a broken dish>
— re·place·able \-ˈplā-sə-bəl\ adj

re·place·ment \ri-ˈplā-smənt\ n
1 : the act of replacing : the state of being replaced
2 : one that replaces another : SUBSTITUTE

replacement set n : a set of elements any one of which may be used to replace a given variable or placeholder in a mathematical sentence or expression (as an equation)

re·plant \(ˈ)rē-ˈplant\ vb
1 : to plant again or anew <replanted the tree farther from the house>
2 : to provide with new plants <replanted the park>

re·plen·ish \ri-ˈplen-ish\ vb : to make full or complete once more <replenish a supply of fuel>
— re·plen·ish·er n

— re·plen·ish·ment \-mənt\ n

re·plete \ri-ˈplēt\ adj
1 : fully or well provided or filled <a book replete with illustrations>
2 : well fed
— re·plete·ness n

re·ple·tion \ri-ˈplē-shən\ n
1 : the act of eating too much : the state of being fed too much <made sick by repletion>
2 : fulfillment of a need or desire : SATISFACTION

rep·li·ca \ˈrep-li-kə\ n
1 : a close reproduction especially by the maker of the original
2 : a copy exact in all details : DUPLICATE

1rep·li·cate \ˈrep-lə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : 2DUPLICATE 1, REPEAT
2 : to produce one or more exact copies of itself <DNA replicates in the cell nucleus>

2rep·li·cate \ˈrep-li-kət\ n : one of several identical experiments, processes, or samples

rep·li·ca·tion \ˌrep-lə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : very exact copying or duplication
2 : an act or process of copying or duplication

1re·ply \ri-ˈplī\ vb re·plied; re·ply·ing
1 : to respond in words or writing <reply to a letter>
2 : to do something in response; esp : to return gunfire or an attack
3 : to give as an answer <replied not a word>
— re·pli·er \-ˈplī(-ə)r\ n

2reply n, pl replies : something said, written, or done in answer or response

1re·port \ri-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 a : common talk : RUMOR  b : REPUTATION 1 <people of evil report>
2 : a usually detailed account or statement <a news report> <wrote a report of the meeting>
3 : an explosive noise <the report of a gun>

2report vb
1 : to make a statement about or description of : RELATE
2 a : to describe and discuss in a newspaper article or broadcast <report a baseball game>  b : to act as a reporter <report on the latest developments>
3 a : to return or present (a matter officially given over to a committee) with conclusions and suggestions  b : to make known to the proper authorities <report a fire>  c : to make a charge of misconduct against <report a student for lateness>
4 a : to present oneself <report for duty>  b : to work as a subordinate <reports to the vice president>

re·port·able \-ˈpōrt-ə-bəl, -ˈpȯrt-\ adj
1 : worth reporting <a reportable development>
2 : required by law to be reported <reportable income>

report card n : a report containing a student's grades that is regularly sent by a school to the student's parents or guardian

re·port·ed·ly \ri-ˈpōrt-əd-lē, -ˈpȯrt-\ adv : according to report

re·port·er \ri-ˈpōrt-ər, -ˈpȯrt-\ n : a person who reports; esp : one employed by a newspaper, magazine, or radio or television station to gather, write, or report news

re·por·to·ri·al \ˌrep-ə(r)-ˈtōr-ē-əl, ˌrēp-, ˈ-tȯr-\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of a reporter or report
— re·por·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

1re·pose \ri-ˈpōz\ vb re·posed; re·pos·ing
1 : to lay at rest <reposed her head on a cushion>
2 : to lie at rest <reposing on the couch> [Middle English reposen “to lay at rest,” from early French reposer (same meaning), from Latin repausare (same meaning), from earlier re- “back, again” and pausare “to stop,” from Latin pausa “a pause” — related to PAUSE]

2repose n
1 : a state of resting after effort or strain; esp : rest in sleep
2 : freedom from disturbance or excitement : CALM <the repose of the forest>
3 : absence or stopping of activity or movement <a face in repose>

3re·pose vb re·posed; re·pos·ing
1 : to place (as trust or confidence) in someone or something
2 : to place for control, management, or use [Middle English reposen “to replace,” from Latin reponere “replace”]

re·pose·ful \ri-ˈpōz-fəl\ adj : likely to bring on relaxation
— re·pose·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— re·pose·ful·ness n

re·po·si·tion \ˌrē-pə-ˈzish-ən\ vb : to change the position of

re·pos·i·to·ry \ri-ˈpäz-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 : a place or container where something is deposited or stored
2 : one that contains or stores something immaterial <a repository of knowledge>

re·pos·sess \ˌrē-pə-ˈzes\ vb : to regain or retake possession of
— re·pos·ses·sion \-ˈzesh-ən\ n

rep·re·hend \ˌrep-ri-ˈhend\ vb : to find fault with usually with sternness

rep·re·hen·si·ble \ˌrep-ri-ˈhen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj : worthy of or deserving blame or condemnation <reprehensible acts>
— rep·re·hen·si·ble·ness n

— rep·re·hen·si·bly \-blē\ adv

rep·re·hen·sion \ˌrep-ri-ˈhen-chən\ n : the act of reprehending : CONDEMNATION

rep·re·sent \ˌrep-ri-ˈzent\ vb
1 : to serve as a sign or symbol of <the flag represents our country>
2 : to present a picture, image, or likeness of : PORTRAY <this picture represents a scene at Queen Elizabeth's court>
3 a : to take the place of in some respect  b : to act for or in the place of (as in a legislative body)  c : to manage the legal and business affairs of <he represented one of the sport's top athletes>
4 : to describe as having a certain character or quality <represented himself as being poor>
5 : to serve as an example or instance of
— rep·re·sent·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— rep·re·sent·er n

rep·re·sen·ta·tion \ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : one (as a picture or symbol) that represents something else
2 : the act or action of representing : the state of being represented (as in a legislative body)
— rep·re·sen·ta·tion·al \ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1rep·re·sen·ta·tive \ˌrep-ri-ˈzent-ət-iv\ adj
1 : serving to represent <a painting representative of a battle>
2 : standing or acting for another especially through delegated authority
3 : of, based upon, or being a government in which the people are represented by persons chosen from among them usually by election
4 : serving as a typical example of the thing mentioned <a representative athlete>
— rep·re·sen·ta·tive·ly adv

— rep·re·sen·ta·tive·ness n

2representative n
1 : a typical example of a group, class, or quality
2 : one that represents another or others : DELEGATE; esp : a member of the house of representatives of the U.S. Congress or a state legislature

re·press \ri-ˈpres\ vb
1 a : to check by or as if by pressure <injustice was repressed>  b : to put down by force : SUBDUE
2 a : to hold in by self-control <repressed a laugh>  b : to prevent the natural or normal expression, activity, or development of <repress one's anger>
3 : to shut out of consciousness <repressed a painful past>
— re·press·ible \-ˈpres-ə-bəl\ adj

— re·pres·sive \-ˈpres-iv\ adj

re·pressed \ri-ˈprest\ adj
1 : subjected to or marked by repression <a repressed child>
2 : characterized by a keeping in check

re·pres·sion \ri-ˈpresh-ən\ n
1 : the act of repressing : the state of being repressed
2 : a process of the mind by which painful or disturbing thoughts or desires are kept from conscious awareness

re·pres·sor \ri-ˈpres-ər\ n : one that represses; esp : a protein that keeps a special region of a chromosome from acting to start the manufacture of messenger RNA

1re·prieve \ri-ˈprēv\ vb re·prieved; re·priev·ing
1 : to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner)
2 : to give relief or deliverance to for a time

2reprieve n
1 a : the act of reprieving : the state of being reprieved  b : a postponing of a prison or death sentence
2 : a temporary escape (as from pain or trouble)

1rep·ri·mand \ˈrep-rə-ˌmand\ n : a severe or formal criticism

2reprimand vb : to criticize (a person) severely especially from a position of authority  synonyms see REBUKE

1re·print \(ˈ)rē-ˈprint\ vb : to print again or make a reprint of
— re·print·er n

2re·print \ˈrē-ˌprint\ n
1 : a new or additional printing without change in the text
2 : a separately printed piece of writing

re·pri·sal \ri-ˈprī-zəl\ n
1 : the use of force short of war by one nation against another in return for damage or loss suffered <economic reprisals>
2 : an act of getting back at especially in war

1re·proach \ri-ˈprōch\ n
1 a : something that deserves blame or disgrace <their dirty yard is a reproach to the whole street>  b : loss of reputation : DISGRACE
2 : the act or action of disapproving <was beyond reproach>
3 : an expression of disapproval
— re·proach·ful \-fəl\ adj

— re·proach·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— re·proach·ful·ness n

2reproach vb : to find fault with : BLAME <reproached him for his cowardice>
— re·proach·able \-ˈprō-chə-bəl\ adj

— re·proach·er n

— re·proach·ing·ly \-ˈprō-chiŋ-lē\ adv

1rep·ro·bate \ˈrep-rə-ˌbāt\ vb -bat·ed; -bat·ing : to condemn strongly as unworthy or evil
— rep·ro·ba·tion \ˌrep-rə-ˈbā-shən\ n

2reprobate adj
1 : doomed to hell : CONDEMNED
2 : being without any morals : CORRUPT
3 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a wicked person

3reprobate n : a wicked person

re·pro·cess \rē-ˈpräs-ˌes, -ˈprōs-, -es\ vb : to subject to a special process or treatment in preparation for reuse

re·pro·duce \ˌrē-prə-ˈd(y)üs\ vb
1 a : to produce new individuals of the same kind  b : to cause to exist again <reproduce water from steam>  c : to imitate closely <sound effects can reproduce the sound of thunder>  d : to present again  e : to make an image or copy of <reproduce a face on canvas>  f : to translate a recording into sound
2 : to go through reproduction <her voice reproduces well>
3 : to produce offspring
— re·pro·duc·er n

re·pro·duc·tion \ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of reproducing; esp : the process by which plants and animals produce offspring
2 : something reproduced : COPY

re·pro·duc·tive \ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv\ adj : of, relating to, or capable of reproduction

re·proof \ri-ˈprüf\ n : criticism for a fault : REBUKE

re·prove \ri-ˈprüv\ vb re·proved; re·prov·ing
1 : to scold or correct usually in a gentle way <reprove a tardy student>
2 : to express disapproval of <reprove a fault>

1rep·tile \ˈrep-təl, -ˌtīl\ n : any of a group of cold-blooded air-breathing vertebrates (as snakes, lizards, turtles, and alligators) that usually lay eggs and have skin covered with scales or bony plates

2reptile adj : characteristic of a reptile : REPTILIAN

rep·til·ian \rep-ˈtil-ē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling reptiles

re·pub·lic \ri-ˈpəb-lik\ n
1 : a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who is usually a president
2 : a government in which supreme power belongs to the citizens through their right to vote
3 : a political unit having a republican form of government
4 : a political and territorial unit of the former nations of the U.S.S.R., Czechoslovakia, or Yugoslavia [from French république “republic,” derived from Latin respublica “republic, public matters, commonweal,” literally “public things,” from res “thing, matter” and publica, a feminine form of publicus “relating to the people as a whole, public” — related to PUBLIC, REAL, REBUS]

1re·pub·li·can \ri-ˈpəb-li-kən\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or resembling a republic  b : favoring or supporting a republic
2 cap  a : DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICAN  b : of, relating to, or being one of the two major political parties in the U.S.

2republican n
1 : one that favors or supports a republican form of government
2 cap  a : a member of a political party favoring republicanism  b : a member of the Democratic-Republican party or of the Republican party of the U.S.

re·pub·li·can·ism \ri-ˈpəb-li-kə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : support or desire for a republican form of government
2 : the principles or ideas of republican government
3 cap : the principles, policy, or practices of the Republican party of the U.S.

re·pu·di·ate \ri-ˈpyüd-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to refuse to have anything to do with
2 : to refuse to accept or pay <repudiate a debt>
— re·pu·di·a·tion \-ˌpyüd-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

— re·pu·di·a·tor \-ˈpyüd-ē-ˌāt-ər\ n

re·pug·nance \ri-ˈpəg-nən(t)s\ n : a strong feeling of dislike

re·pug·nant \ri-ˈpəg-nənt\ adj
1 : INCOMPATIBLE 1
2 : causing a feeling of dislike or disgust : REPULSIVE
— re·pug·nant·ly adv

1re·pulse \ri-ˈpəls\ vb re·pulsed; re·puls·ing
1 : to drive or beat back : REPEL <repulse an attack>
2 : to cause dislike or disgust in

2repulse n
1 : a cold unfriendly rejection
2 : the action of driving back an attacker

re·pul·sion \ri-ˈpəl-shən\ n
1 : the action of repulsing : the state of being repulsed
2 : the force with which bodies, particles, or like forces repel one another
3 : a feeling of great dislike : REPUGNANCE

re·pul·sive \ri-ˈpəl-siv\ adj : causing disgust
— re·pul·sive·ly adv

— re·pul·sive·ness n

rep·u·ta·ble \ˈrep-yət-ə-bəl\ adj : having a good reputation : RESPECTABLE
— rep·u·ta·bil·i·ty \ˌrep-yət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— rep·u·ta·bly \ˈrep-yət-ə-blē\ adv

rep·u·ta·tion \ˌrep-yə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general <a car with a good reputation>
2 : notice by other people of some quality or ability <has the reputation of being a good tennis player>
3 : a place in public regard : good name <trying to protect his reputation>

1re·pute \ri-ˈpyüt\ vb re·put·ed; re·put·ing : to have the opinion that : CONSIDER <reputed to be a millionaire>

2repute n
1 : REPUTATION 1
2 : good reputation <a scientist of repute>

re·put·ed \ri-ˈpyüt-əd\ adj
1 : having a good reputation <a highly reputed lawyer>
2 : believed by most people to be such <the movie was a reputed success>

re·put·ed·ly adv : according to reputation or general belief

1re·quest \ri-ˈkwest\ n
1 : an asking for something
2 : something asked for <granted me three requests>
3 : the condition of being requested <tickets are available upon request>

2request vb
1 : to make a request to or of
2 : to ask for
— re·quest·er or re·quest·or \ri-ˈkwest-ər\ n

re·qui·em \ˈrek-wē-əm also ˈrāk- or ˈrēk-\ n
1 : a mass for a dead person
2 : a musical service or composition in honor of the dead [Middle English requiem “a mass for the dead,” from Latin requiem “rest,” the first word of the phrase Requiem aeternum dona eis “Eternal rest grant to them,” said or sung at the begining of the mass]

requiem shark n : any of several large sharks (as the tiger shark) usually found in warm seas that sometimes attack human beings

re·quire \ri-ˈkwī(ə)r\ vb re·quired; re·quir·ing
1 : to have a need for <a game that requires skill>
2 : 1ORDER 2A <the law requires that everyone pay the tax>

re·quire·ment \ri-ˈkwī(ə)r-mənt\ n : something that is required or necessary <requirements for graduation>

req·ui·site \ˈrek-wə-zət\ adj : needed for reaching a goal or achieving a purpose
— requisite n

— req·ui·site·ness n

1req·ui·si·tion \ˌrek-wə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : the act of requiring or demanding
2 : a demand or request made by proper authority <a requisition for supplies>
3 : the state of being in demand or use <the cars were in requisition>

2requisition vb -si·tioned; -si·tion·ing \-ˈzish-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make a requisition for

re·quit·al \ri-ˈkwīt-əl\ n
1 : something given in payment or in return
2 : the act or action of requiting : the state of being requited

re·quite \ri-ˈkwīt\ vb re·quit·ed; re·quit·ing
1 : to make return for : REPAY
2 : to make suitable return to for a service or an injury <requited her for her help>
— re·quit·er n

re·ra·di·ate \(ˈ)rē-ˈrād-ē-ˌāt\ vb : to radiate anew <the ground reradiates the heat obtained from the sun>
— re·ra·di·a·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌrād-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

1re·run \(ˈ)rē-ˈrən\ vb -ran; -run; -run·ning : to run again or anew

2re·run \ˈrē-ˌrən, (ˈ)rē-ˈrən\ n
1 : the act or action or an instance of rerunning
2 : a television program or movie that is rerun

re·sale \ˈrē-ˌsāl, (ˈ)rē-ˈsā(ə)l\ n : the act or an instance of selling again

re·scind \ri-ˈsind\ vb
1 : CANCEL 2A <rescind a contract>
2 : to do away with by legislative action <rescind a law>
— re·scind·er n

— re·scind·ment \-mənt\ n

re·scis·sion \ri-ˈsizh-ən\ n : an act of rescinding

res·cue \ˈres-kyü\ vb res·cued; res·cu·ing : to free from danger or evil : SAVE
— res·cue n

— res·cu·er n

1re·search \ri-ˈsərch, ˈrē-ˌsərch\ n
1 : careful study and investigation for the purpose of discovering and explaining new knowledge
2 : the collecting of information about a subject

2research vb
1 : to search or investigate thoroughly <research her options>
2 : to do research for <research a book>
— re·search·er n

re·seed \(ˈ)rē-ˈsēd\ vb : to sow seed on again

re·sem·blance \ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s\ n
1 a : the quality or state of resembling : SIMILARITY  b : a point of likeness
2 : REPRESENTATION 1

re·sem·ble \ri-ˈzem-bəl\ vb -bled; -bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to be like or similar to <he resembles his father>

re·send \rē-ˈsend\ vb -sent \-ˈsent\; -send·ing : to send again or back <resent a returned letter>

re·sent \ri-ˈzent\ vb : to feel or state annoyance or anger at

re·sent·ful \ri-ˈzent-fəl\ adj
1 : full of resentment <felt resentful of her success>
2 : caused or marked by resentment <a resentful reply to a letter>
— re·sent·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— re·sent·ful·ness n

re·sent·ment \ri-ˈzent-mənt\ n : a feeling of angry displeasure at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury

res·er·va·tion \ˌrez-ər-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 : the act of reserving
2 : an arrangement to have something (as a motel room or a seat on a plane) held for one's use
3 : something reserved for a special use; esp : an area of public lands so reserved (as for use by American Indians)
4 a : a limiting condition : EXCEPTION <agree without reservations>  b : 2DOUBT 1 <had reservations about joining the team>

1re·serve \ri-ˈzərv\ vb re·served; re·serv·ing
1 : to keep in store for future or special use <reserve that shirt for special occasions>
2 : to hold over to a future time or place : DEFER <reserve judgment on that matter>
3 : to arrange to have set aside and held for one's use <reserve a hotel room>

2reserve n
1 : something stored or available for future use : STOCK <oil reserves>
2 a : military forces held back or available for later use — usually used in plural  b : the military forces of a country not part of the regular services
3 : an area of land set apart <a wild game reserve>
4 : restraint, closeness, or caution in one's words and behavior
5 : 1SUBSTITUTE <the reserves of the football team>
— in reserve : set aside for future or special use

re·served \ri-ˈzərvd\ adj
1 : cautious in words and actions <a reserved young man>
2 : kept or set apart or aside for future or special use <a reserved table>  synonyms see SILENT
— re·serv·ed·ly \-ˈzər-vəd-lē\ adv

— re·ser·ved·ness \-ˈzər-vəd-nəs\ n

re·serv·ist \ri-ˈzər-vəst\ n : a member of a military reserve

res·er·voir \ˈrez-ə(r)v-ˌwär, -ə(r)v-ˌ(w)ȯr\ n
1 : a place where something is kept in store; esp : an artificial or natural lake where water is collected as a water supply
2 : an extra supply : RESERVE
3 : a living thing (as a fly or mouse) in which a parasite (as a bacterium) that is harmful to some other living thing lives and multiplies [from French réservoir “place where something is kept in reserve,” from reserver “to reserve, keep for future use”]

re·set \rē-ˈset\ vb -set; -set·ting
1 : to set again or anew <reset a diamond in a new setting>
2 : to change the reading of often to zero <reset a stopwatch>
— reset \ˈrē-ˌset\ n

— re·set·table \-ˈset-ə-bəl\ adj

re·shape \(ˈ)rē-ˈshāp\ vb : to give a new form to
— re·shap·er n

re·shuf·fle \(ˈ)rē-ˈshəf-əl\ vb
1 : to shuffle again
2 : to reorganize usually by switching around existing parts <the president reshuffled the cabinet>
— reshuffle n

re·side \ri-ˈzīd\ vb re·sid·ed; re·sid·ing
1 : to live permanently or continuously <reside in St. Louis>
2 : to be present as a part or quality <the power of veto resides in the president>
— re·sid·er n

res·i·dence \ˈrez-əd-ən(t)s, -ə-ˌden(t)s\ n
1 : the act or state of living or working continuously in a place <physicians in residence in a hospital> <residence abroad>
2 a : the place where one lives  b : the status of a legal resident
3 a : the period during which a person resides in a place  b : a period of actual study, research, or teaching at a college or university

res·i·den·cy \ˈrez-əd-ən-sē, -ə-ˌden(t)-\ n, pl -cies
1 a : a usually official place of residence  b : a state or period of residence <a four-year residency in the country>  c : RESIDENCE 2B <applied for residency>
2 a : a period of advanced training especially in a medical specialty that typically follows graduation from medical school  b : RESIDENCE 3B

1res·i·dent \ˈrez-əd-ənt, -ə-ˌdent\ adj
1 : living in a place for some length of time
2 : working on a regular or full-time basis <a resident physician>
3 : not migrating to other areas <resident birds>

2resident n
1 : one who resides in a place
2 : a person (as a physician) serving a residency

res·i·den·tial \ˌrez(-ə)-ˈden-chəl\ adj
1 : used as a residence or by residents <a residential hotel>
2 : suitable for or containing residences <a residential neighborhood>
3 : of or relating to residence or residences
4 : provided to patients staying in a facility <residential treatment>
— res·i·den·tial·ly \-ˈdench-(ə-)lē\ adv

1re·sid·u·al \ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl, -ˈzij-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a residue
2 : leaving a residue that is effective for some time afterward
— re·sid·u·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2residual n : a residual product, substance, or result

res·i·due \ˈrez-ə-ˌd(y)ü\ n : whatever remains after a part is taken, set apart, or lost or after the completion of a process

re·sign \ri-ˈzīn\ vb
1 : to give up by a formal or official act <resign an office>
2 : to give up an office or position : QUIT
3 : to yield to without resistance <resign oneself to disappointment>

res·ig·na·tion \ˌrez-ig-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 a : an act of resigning  b : a formal notice of this act
2 : the quality or the feeling of a person who is resigned

re·signed \ri-ˈzīnd\ adj : giving in patiently (as to loss, sorrow, or misfortune)
— re·sign·ed·ly \-ˈzī-nəd-lē\ adv

— re·sign·ed·ness \-ˈzī-nəd-nəs\ n

re·sil·ience \ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s\ n
1 : the ability of a body to regain its original size and shape after being compressed, bent, or stretched : ELASTICITY
2 : the ability to recover from or adjust to misfortune or change

re·sil·ien·cy \ri-ˈzil-yən-sē\ n : RESILIENCE

re·sil·ient \ri-ˈzil-yənt\ adj : characterized or marked by resilience [from Latin resilient-, resiliens, present participle of resilire “to jump back, rebound,” from re- “back, again” and salire “to leap, spring” — related to ASSAULT, INSULT, SOMERSAULT]
— re·sil·ient·ly adv

res·in \ˈrez-ən\ n
1 : any of various yellowish or brownish substances (as rosin) that are obtained from the gum or sap of some trees (as the pine) and are used in varnishes and plastics and in medicine
2 : any of various manufactured products that are similar to natural resins in properties and are used chiefly in plastics
— res·in·ous \ˈrez-nəs, -ən-əs\ adj

re·sist \ri-ˈzist\ vb
1 : to fight against : OPPOSE <resist temptation>
2 : to withstand the force or effect of <material that resists water>

re·sis·tance \ri-ˈzis-tən(t)s\ n
1 a : an act or instance of resisting : OPPOSITION  b : a method of resisting
2 : the ability to resist <the body's resistance to disease>
3 : an opposing or slowing force
4 : the opposition offered by a body or substance to the passage through it of a steady electric current
5 : a source of resistance
6 often cap : a secret organization in a conquered or nearly conquered country fighting against enemy forces

re·sis·tant \ri-ˈzis-tənt\ adj : giving, capable of, or showing resistance — often used in combination <wrinkle-resistant clothes>

re·sist·er \-ˈzis-tər\ n : one that resists; esp : one who actively opposes the policies of a government

re·sist·ibil·i·ty \ri-ˌzis-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n
1 : the quality or state of being resistible
2 : the ability to resist

re·sist·ible \ri-ˈzis-tə-bəl\ adj : capable of being resisted

re·sist·less \ri-ˈzist-ləs\ adj
1 : too strong to be resisted
2 : giving no resistance
— re·sist·less·ly adv

— re·sist·less·ness n

re·sis·tor \ri-ˈzis-tər\ n : a device offering electrical resistance

res·o·lute \ˈrez-ə-ˌlüt\ adj
1 : marked by firm determination <a resolute character>
2 : 1STEADY <a resolute gaze>
— res·o·lute·ly adv

— res·o·lute·ness n

res·o·lu·tion \ˌrez-ə-ˈlü-shən\ n
1 a : the act or process of changing to simpler form  b : the act of answering <the resolution of a problem>  c : the act of determining
2 a : the process or capability of distinguishing (as parts of an object or sources of light)  b : a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the sharpness with which a device can produce or record an image <a printer with a resolution of 1200 dots per inch>
3 a : something that is resolved <New Year resolutions>  b : DETERMINATION 4
4 : a formal statement of the feelings, wishes, or decision of a group
5 : the point in a work of literature at which the main conflict is worked out

1re·solve \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv\ vb re·solved; re·solv·ing
1 : to break up or separate into individual parts
2 a : to clear up : DISPEL <resolve doubts>  b : to find an answer or solution to
3 : to reach a decision about : DECIDE <resolve to study harder>
4 : to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote
— re·solv·able \-ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl-\ adj

— re·solv·er n

2resolve n
1 : something resolved : RESOLUTION
2 : firmness of purpose

re·solved \ri-ˈzälvd, -ˈzȯlvd\ adj : RESOLUTE 1

res·o·nance \ˈrez-ən-ən(t)s, -nən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being resonant
2 : a reinforcement of sound (as a musical tone) in a vibrating body or system caused by waves from another body vibrating at nearly the same rate
3 : a vibrating quality of a voice sound

res·o·nant \ˈrez-ən-ənt, ˈrez-nənt\ adj
1 : continuing to sound
2 : of, relating to, or showing resonance
3 : strengthened and enriched by resonance
— res·o·nant·ly adv

res·o·nate \ˈrez-ən-ˌāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to produce or exhibit resonance
2 a : to respond as if by resonance <resonate to the music>  b : to strike a chord <a message that resonates with voters>

res·o·na·tor \ˈrez-ən-ˌāt-ər\ n : something (as a device for increasing the resonance of a musical instrument) that resounds or resonates

1re·sort \ri-ˈzȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 a : someone or something that is looked to for help <a last resort>  b : RECOURSE 1 <have resort to force>
2 a : frequent, habitual, or general visiting <a place of popular resort>  b : a frequently visited place : HANGOUT  c : a place providing recreation and entertainment especially to vacationers <a ski resort>

2resort vb
1 : to go especially frequently or habitually
2 : to turn to for aid, relief, or advantage <resort to violence>

re·sound \ri-ˈzau̇nd\ vb
1 : to become filled with sound : REVERBERATE <the hall resounded with cheers>
2 : to sound loudly <the organ resounds throughout the hall>
3 : to become renowned

re·sound·ing adj
1 : producing or marked by resonant sound
2 : leaving no doubt : CLEAR <a resounding success>
— re·sound·ing·ly \-ˈzau̇n-diŋ-lē\ adv

re·source \ˈrē-ˌsō(ə)rs, -ˌzō(ə)rs, -ˌsȯ(ə)rs, -ˌzȯ(ə)rs; ri-ˈsō(ə)rs, -ˈzō(ə)rs, -ˈsȯ(ə)rs, -ˈzȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 a : a new or a reserve source of supply or support  b pl : a usable stock or supply (as of money, products, or energy) <mineral resources>  c : NATURAL RESOURCE
2 : the possibility of relief or recovery <left helpless without resource>
3 : the ability to meet and deal with difficult situations

re·source·ful \ri-ˈsōrs-fəl, -ˈsȯrs-, -ˈzōrs-, -ˈzȯrs-\ adj : able to deal well with new or difficult situations
— re·source·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— re·source·ful·ness n

1re·spect \ri-ˈspekt\ n
1 : relation to or concern with something specified : REFERENCE <with respect to your last letter>
2 a : high or special regard : ESTEEM  b pl : expressions of regard or courtesy <pay my respects to your family>
3 : 1DETAIL 1B <perfect in all respects>

2respect vb
1 : to consider worthy of high regard : ESTEEM
2 : to avoid interfering with <respected their wishes>
— re·spect·er n

re·spect·able \ri-ˈspek-tə-bəl\ adj
1 : worthy of respect : REPUTABLE
2 : decent or correct in character or behavior : PROPER <respectable people>
3 : fair in size, quality, or quantity <a respectable amount of money>
4 : fit to be seen : PRESENTABLE <respectable clothes>
— re·spect·abil·i·ty \-ˌspek-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— re·spect·able·ness \-ˈspek-tə-bəl-nəs\ n

— re·spect·ably \-blē\ adv

re·spect·ful \ri-ˈspekt-fəl\ adj : marked by or showing respect <a respectful manner> <respectful of others>
— re·spect·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— re·spect·ful·ness n

re·spect·ing prep : CONCERNING

re·spec·tive \ri-ˈspek-tiv\ adj : not the same or shared : SEPARATE <they hurried to their respective homes>

re·spec·tive·ly \ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē\ adv : each in the order given <John and Mary were 12 and 13 years old respectively>

re·spell \(ˈ)rē-ˈspel\ vb : to spell again or in another way; esp : to spell out according to a phonetic system
— re·spell·ing n

res·pi·ra·tion \ˌres-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of breathing
2 : the physical processes (as breathing and diffusion) by which a living thing obtains the oxygen it needs to produce energy and eliminate waste gases (as carbon dioxide)
3 : any of various chemical reactions (as oxidation) in cells that release energy from food molecules (as glucose)

res·pi·ra·tor \ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər\ n
1 : a device covering the mouth and nose especially to prevent the breathing in of harmful substances (as dust or fumes)
2 : a device used to maintain artificial respiration

re·spi·ra·to·ry \ˈres-p(ə-)rə-ˌtōr-ē, ri-ˈspī-rə-, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : of or relating to respiration or the organs of respiration <respiratory diseases>

respiratory system n : a system of organs used in breathing that in human beings consists of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs

re·spire \ri-ˈspī(ə)r\ vb re·spired; re·spir·ing : to engage in respiration; esp : BREATHE 1

re·spite \ˈres-pət also ri-ˈspīt\ n
1 : a short delay : POSTPONEMENT
2 : a period of rest or relief

re·splen·dence \ri-ˈsplen-dən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being resplendent : SPLENDOR

re·splen·den·cy \-dən-sē\ n : RESPLENDENCE

re·splen·dent \ri-ˈsplen-dənt\ adj : so bright as to seem to glow <fields resplendent with flowers> <resplendent in a new red coat>
— re·splen·dent·ly adv

re·spond \ri-ˈspänd\ vb
1 : to say something in return : make an answer
2 a : to react in response <note how the animal's eyes respond to light>  b : to have a favorable reaction <the patient is responding to treatment>

re·sponse \ri-ˈspän(t)s\ n
1 : an act or instance of replying : ANSWER
2 : words said or sung by the people or choir in a religious service
3 : a reaction of a living thing to a stimulus

re·spon·si·bil·i·ty \ri-ˌspän(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being responsible
2 : the quality of being dependable
3 : something for which one is responsible <neglected his responsibilities>

re·spon·si·ble \ri-ˈspän(t)-sə-bəl\ adj
1  a : being the one who must answer or account for something <the committee responsible for the job>  b : being the cause or explanation <the germ responsible for the disease>
2 a : able to meet one's obligations : RELIABLE <a responsible citizen>  b : able to choose for oneself between right and wrong
3 : requiring a person to take charge of or be trusted with important matters <a responsible job>
— re·spon·si·ble·ness n

— re·spon·si·bly \-blē\ adv

re·spon·sive \ri-ˈspän(t)-siv\ adj
1 : giving response : being an answer <a responsive smile>
2 : quick to respond or react sympathetically : SENSITIVE <responsive to the needs of the poor>
— re·spon·sive·ly adv

— re·spon·sive·ness n

1rest \ˈrest\ n
1 : 1SLEEP 1
2 a : freedom from activity  b : a state marked by lack of motion or activity
3 : a place for resting or lodging
4 a : a silence in music equal in time to a note of the same name  b : a character standing for such a silence
5 : something used for support <a head rest>
— at rest : resting especially in sleep or death

2rest vb
1 a : to get rest by lying down : SLEEP  b : to give rest to  c : to lie dead
2 : to not take part in work or activity
3 : to be free from anxiety or disturbance
4 : to place or be placed for or as if for support
5 a : to be based or founded  b : to fix or be fixed in hope or confidence <rested their hopes on their children>
6 : to stop presenting evidence in a law case <the defense rests>

3rest n : something that is left over or behind : REMAINDER <ate the rest of the soup>

re·start \rē-ˈstärt\ vb
1 : to start anew <restarted the car>
2 a : to resume (as an activity) after an interruption <will restart the game>  b : to resume operation <the rides will restart after one hour>
— restart \ˈrē-ˌstärt\ n

re·state \(ˈ)rē-ˈstāt\ vb : to state again or in another way

re·state·ment \-mənt\ n
1 : something that is restated
2 : the act of restating

res·tau·rant \ˈres-t(ə-)rənt, -tə-ˌränt\ n : a business place where meals or refreshments may be bought [from French restaurant “food that restores, restaurant,” from restaurer “to restore, renew”]

res·tau·ra·teur \ˌres-tə-rə-ˈtər\ also res·tau·ran·teur \-ˌrän-\ n : a person who owns or runs a restaurant

rest·ed \ˈres-təd\ adj : having had enough rest or sleep

rest·ful \ˈrest-fəl\ adj : giving or suggesting rest : QUIET <a restful scene>
— rest·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— rest·ful·ness n

rest home n : a place that provides housing and general care for the aged or sick

rest house n : a building used for shelter by travelers

rest·ing adj : not growing or active : DORMANT 2B <a resting spore>

res·ti·tu·tion \ˌres-tə-ˈt(y)ü-shən\ n : the giving of something back to its rightful owner or the giving of something of equal value (as for loss or damage)

res·tive \ˈres-tiv\ adj
1 : stubbornly fighting control : BALKY <a restive horse>
2 : showing impatience or uneasiness : FIDGETY <the crowd grew restive>
— res·tive·ly adv

— res·tive·ness n

rest·less \ˈrest-ləs\ adj
1 : being without rest : giving no rest <a restless night>
2 : always moving <the restless sea>
3 : showing one to be uneasy <restless pacing back and forth>
— rest·less·ly adv

— rest·less·ness n

res·to·ra·tion \ˌres-tə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : an act of restoring or the condition of being restored
2 : something (as a building) that has been restored

1re·stor·ative \ri-ˈstōr-ət-iv, -ˈstȯr-\ adj : of or relating to restoration; esp : having power to restore <the restorative value of food and rest>

2restorative n : something that serves to restore to consciousness or health

re·store \ri-ˈstō(ə)r, -ˈstȯ(ə)r\ vb re·stored; re·stor·ing
1 : 1RETURN 5 <restored the purse to its owner>
2 : to put or bring back into existence or use <restore harmony after an argument>
3 : to bring back to or put back into an earlier or original state <restore an old house>
4 : to put again in possession of something <restore the king to the throne>
— re·stor·able \-ˈstōr-ə-bəl, -ˈstȯr-\ adj

— re·stor·er n

re·strain \ri-ˈstrān\ vb
1 a : to prevent from doing something  b : to keep back : CURB <restrain one's anger>  c : to limit or keep under control <restrain trade>
2 : to take away liberty; esp : to place under arrest or restraint
— re·strain·able \-ˈstrā-nə-bəl\ adj

— re·strain·er n

re·strained \ri-ˈstrānd\ adj : marked by restraint : showing careful control
— re·strain·ed·ly \-ˈstrā-nəd-lē\ adv

re·straint \ri-ˈstrānt\ n
1 : the act of restraining : the state of being restrained <held in restraint>
2 : a restraining force or influence
3 : control over one's behavior <act with restraint>

re·strict \ri-ˈstrikt\ vb
1 : to keep within bounds
2 : to place under limits as to use synonyms see LIMIT

re·strict·ed adj : being or placed under limits or restrictions <a restricted outlook> <a restricted area>

re·stric·tion \ri-ˈstrik-shən\ n
1 : something (as a law or rule) that restricts
2 : an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

re·stric·tive \ri-ˈstrik-tiv\ adj
1 : serving or likely to restrict
2 : limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase
— restrictive n

— re·stric·tive·ly adv

— re·stric·tive·ness n

rest·room \ˈrest-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room or set of rooms that includes sinks and toilets

re·struc·ture \rē-ˈstrək-chər\ vb : to change the makeup, organization, or pattern of

1re·sult \ri-ˈzəlt\ vb
1 : to come about as an effect, consequence, or conclusion <disease results from infection>
2 : to have as an effect <the disease results in death>

2result n
1 : something that comes about as an effect or end
2 : a good or clear effect <this method gets results>
3 : something obtained by calculation or investigation
— re·sult·ful \-fəl\ adj

— re·sult·less \-ləs\ adj

1re·sul·tant \ri-ˈzəlt-ənt\ adj : coming from or resulting from something else
— re·sul·tant·ly adv

2resultant n : something that results : OUTCOME; esp : the single vector that is the sum of a given set of vectors

re·sume \ri-ˈzüm\ vb re·sumed; re·sum·ing
1 : to take again : occupy again <resume your seats>
2 : to begin again or go back to <resumed the game the next day>

ré·su·mé or re·su·me also re·su·mé \ˈrez-ə-ˌmā\ n
1 : a brief statement : SUMMARY <a résumé of the news>
2 : a short account of one's career and qualifications for a job

re·sump·tion \ri-ˈzəm(p)-shən\ n : the action of resuming

re·sur·face \rē-ˈsər-fəs\ vb
1 : to provide with a new or fresh surface <resurface the table>
2 : to come again to the surface (as of water)
— re·sur·fac·er \-fə-sər\ n

re·sur·gence \ri-ˈsər-jən(t)s\ n : a rising again into life, activity, or notice

re·sur·gent \-jənt\ adj : undergoing or tending to produce resurgence

res·ur·rect \ˌrez-ə-ˈrekt\ vb
1 : to raise from the dead : bring back to life
2 : to bring to attention or into use again

res·ur·rec·tion \ˌrez-ə-ˈrek-shən\ n
1 a cap : the rising of Jesus from the dead  b often cap : the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgment
2 : RESURGENCE, REVIVAL
— res·ur·rec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

re·sus·ci·tate \ri-ˈsəs-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to bring back from apparent death or from unconsciousness
2 : REVIVE 1

re·sus·ci·ta·tion \ri-ˌsəs-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n : an act or procedure that attempts to resuscitate; also : the state of being resuscitated — compare CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION

re·sus·ci·ta·tor \ri-ˈsəs-ə-ˌtāt-ər\ n : one that resuscitates; esp : a device used to restore or assist the respiration of a person who is not breathing normally

ret \ˈret\ vb ret·ted; ret·ting : to soak a plant (as flax) to loosen the fiber from the woody tissue

1re·tail \ˈrē-ˌtāl\ vb : to sell in small amounts to people for their own use
— re·tail·er n

2retail n : the sale of products or goods in small quantities to people for their own use

3retail adj : of, relating to, or engaged in selling by retail <retail stores>

4retail adv : in small quantities : from a retailer

re·tain \ri-ˈtān\ vb
1 a : to keep in possession or use <you will retain your rights as a citizen>  b : to keep in pay or in one's service; esp : to employ by paying a retainer <retain an attorney>  c : REMEMBER 3 <I can't retain phone numbers>
2 : to hold secure or unchanged <land retains heat longer than water>

1re·tain·er \ri-ˈtā-nər\ n : a fee paid (as to a lawyer) for advice or services or for a claim upon services in case of need

2retainer n
1 : a servant or follower in a wealthy household
2 : one that retains
3 : a usually removable dental device used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment (as with braces) — called also bite plate

1re·take \(ˈ)rē-ˈtāk\ vb -took \-ˈtu̇k\; -tak·en \-ˈtā-kən\; -tak·ing : to take again; esp : to photograph again

2re·take \ˈrē-ˌtāk\ n : a second photographing, filming, or recording to improve upon the first

re·tal·i·ate \ri-ˈtal-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to return (as an injury) in kind : get revenge
— re·tal·i·a·tion \-ˌtal-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

— re·tal·ia·to·ry \-ˈtal-yə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj

re·tard \ri-ˈtärd\ vb : to slow up especially by preventing or checking progress : HINDER
— re·tard·er n

re·tar·dant \ri-ˈtärd-ənt\ adj : serving or tending to retard <flame-retardant fabrics>

re·tar·da·tion \ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən\ n
1 : an act or instance of retarding
2 : the extent to which something is retarded
3 sometimes offensive : INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

re·tard·ed \ri-ˈtärd-əd\ adj, usually offensive : slow or limited in intellectual or emotional development — used chiefly in the past

retch \ˈrech, British rēch\ vb
1 : 2VOMIT 1
2 : to try to vomit

re·tell \rē-ˈtel\ vb -told \-ˈtōld\; -tel·ling
1 : to tell again or in another form
2 : to count again

re·ten·tion \ri-ˈten-chən\ n
1 : the act of retaining : the state of being retained
2 : power of retaining
3 : something retained

re·ten·tive \ri-ˈtent-iv\ adj : having ability to retain <a retentive memory>
— re·ten·tive·ly adv

— re·ten·tive·ness n

re·think \rē-ˈthiŋk\ vb -thought \-ˈthȯt\; -think·ing : to think about again : RECONSIDER

ret·i·cence \ˈret-ə-sən(t)s\ n
1 : the quality or state of being reticent
2 : an instance of being reticent <a witness's reticence that was unhelpful to police>
3 : RELUCTANCE

ret·i·cent \ˈret-ə-sənt\ adj
1 : tending not to talk or give out information
2 : quiet in tone or appearance
3 : RELUCTANT  synonyms see SILENT
— ret·i·cent·ly adv

re·tic·u·lar \ri-ˈtik-yə-lər\ adj : RETICULATE

re·tic·u·late \ri-ˈtik-yə-lət\ adj : resembling a net

ret·i·cule \ˈret-i-ˌkyü(ə)l\ n : a woman's drawstring bag

ret·i·na \ˈret-ən-ə, ˈret-nə\ n, pl retinas also ret·i·nae \-ən-ˌē, -ˌī\ : the light-sensitive inner layer lining the back of the eye that contains the rods and cones and converts the images formed by the lens into signals which reach the brain by way of the optic nerve
— ret·i·nal \-ən-əl, -nəl\ adj

ret·i·nol \ˈret-ən-ˌȯl, -ˌōl\ n : the most common form of vitamin A

ret·i·nue \ˈret-ən-ˌ(y)ü\ n : a group of helpers, servants, or followers

re·tire \ri-ˈtī(ə)r\ vb -tired; -tir·ing
1 : to get away from action or danger : RETREAT
2 : to go away especially to be alone
3 : to give up or cause to give up one's job
4 : to go to bed
5 : to put out (a batter or side) in baseball
6 : to win permanent possession of (as a trophy)

re·tired adj
1 : SECLUDED 1 <a retired village>
2 : not working at active duties or business

re·tir·ee \ri-ˌtī-ˈrē\ n : a person who has retired from a job or profession

1re·tire·ment \ri-ˈtī(ə)r-mənt\ n : an act of retiring : the state of being retired; esp : the leaving of one's job permanently

2retirement adj : of, relating to, or made for retired persons <a retirement community>

re·tir·ing \ri-ˈtī(ə)r-iŋ\ adj : RESERVED 1, SHY
— re·tir·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

— re·tir·ing·ness n

re·tool \(ˈ)rē-ˈtül\ vb
1 : to equip again with new or different tools <retool a factory>
2 : to make changes or improvements to <retool that idea>

1re·tort \ri-ˈtȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 : to answer back : reply angrily or sharply
2 : to reply to an argument with an opposing argument [from Latin retortus, past participle of retorquēre, literally “to twist back, hurl back,” from re- “back, again” and torquēre “to twist” — related to DISTORT, EXTORT, TORTURE]

2retort n : a quick, witty, or angry reply

3re·tort \ri-ˈtȯ(ə)rt, ˈrē-ˌtȯ(ə)rt\ n : a container in which substances are distilled or broken down by heat [from early French retorte “a vessel in which substances are distilled,” derived from Latin retortus, past participle of retorquēre “to twist”; probably so called from its shape]

re·touch \(ˈ)rē-ˈtəch\ vb : TOUCH UP; esp : to change (as a photographic negative) in order to produce a more desirable appearance
— re·touch \ˈrē-ˌtəch, (ˈ)rē-ˈtəch\ n

— re·touch·er \(ˈ)rē-ˈtəch-ər\ n

re·trace \(ˈ)rē-ˈtrās\ vb -traced; -trac·ing
1 : to write or draw again or directly over <retraced the letters>
2 : to go over (as a route) again or in a reverse direction
3 : to follow, study, or present in detail or in steps
4 : RECALL

re·tract \ri-ˈtrakt\ vb
1 : to draw or pull back or in <a cat can retract its claws>
2 : to withdraw (as an offer, a statement, or a claim) <the newspaper retracted the story>
— re·tract·able \-ˈtrak-tə-bəl\ adj

re·trac·tile \ri-ˈtrak-təl, -ˌtīl\ adj : capable of being drawn back or in <the retractile claws of a cat>

re·trac·tion \ri-ˈtrak-shən\ n
1 : a statement taking back something previously said
2 : an act of retracting : the state of being retracted
3 : the ability to retract

re·trac·tor \ri-ˈtrak-tər\ n : one that retracts; esp : a muscle that draws an organ or part in or back

re·train \rē-ˈtrān\ vb
1 : to train again or anew
2 : to become retrained
— re·train·able \-ˈtrā-nə-bəl\ adj

re·trans·late \ˌrē-tran(t)s-ˈlāt, -tranz-\ vb : to translate into another language <retranslated the German translation into English>
— re·trans·la·tion \-ˈlā-shən\ n

1re·tread \(ˈ)rē-ˈtred\ vb re·tread·ed; re·tread·ing
1 : to put a new tread on (a worn tire)
2 : to make over as if new <retread an old plot>

2re·tread \ˈrē-ˌtred\ n
1 : a retreaded tire
2 : something made or done again especially in a slightly altered form

1re·treat \ri-ˈtrēt\ n
1 a : an act of going away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable  b : a military retreat from the enemy  c : a signal for retreating
2 : a place of privacy or safety : REFUGE
3 : a period of withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director <went on a spiritual retreat>

2retreat vb
1 : to make a retreat
2 : to slope backward
— re·treat·er n

re·trench \ri-ˈtrench\ vb
1 : LESSEN, REDUCE
2 : to reduce expenses
— re·trench·ment \-mənt\ n

re·tri·al \(ˈ)rē-ˈtrī(-ə)l\ n : a second trial, experiment, or test

ret·ri·bu·tion \ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən\ n : something given in payment for a wrong : PUNISHMENT

re·trib·u·tive \ri-ˈtrib-yət-iv\ adj : of, relating to, or marked by retribution <retributive justice>
— re·trib·u·tive·ly adv

re·trib·u·to·ry \ri-ˈtrib-yə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : RETRIBUTIVE

re·triev·al \ri-ˈtrē-vəl\ n : an act or process of retrieving

re·trieve \ri-ˈtrēv\ vb re·trieved; re·triev·ing
1 : to find and bring in killed or wounded game <teach a dog how to retrieve>
2 : to recover or make good a loss or damage <retrieved artifacts from the shipwreck>
3 : to get and bring back; esp : to recover (as information) from storage
— re·triev·able \-ˈtrē-və-bəl\ adj

re·triev·er \ri-ˈtrē-vər\ n : one that retrieves; esp : a dog (as a golden retriever) of any of several breeds having a heavy water-resistant coat and used especially for retrieving game

ret·ro \ˈret-rō\ adj : relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past

retro- prefix : backward : back <retro-rocket> [derived from Latin re- “back, again” and Latin -tro (the final part of intro “within”)]

ret·ro·ac·tive \ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv\ adj : intended to apply or take effect at a date in the past <a retroactive pay raise>
— ret·ro·ac·tive·ly adv

re·tro·fire \ˈre-trō-ˌfī(-ə)r\ vb : to ignite a retro-rocket
— retrofire n

ret·ro·fit \ˈre-trō-ˌfit\ vb : to install (new or modified parts or equipment) in something previously manufactured or constructed

ret·ro·grade \ˈre-trə-ˌgrād\ adj
1 : having a backward direction or motion
2 : tending toward or resulting in a worse or previous state

ret·ro·gress \ˌre-trə-ˈgres\ vb : to move backward

re·tro·gres·sion \-ˈgresh-ən\ n
1 : movement backwards
2 : return to a previous and less complicated level of development or organization

ret·ro–rock·et \ˈre-trō-ˌräk-ət\ n : a rocket (as on a space vehicle) used to slow forward motion

ret·ro·spect \ˈre-trə-ˌspekt\ n : a looking back on or a thinking about past events

ret·ro·spec·tion \ˌre-trə-ˈspek-shən\ n
1 : the act or power of recalling the past
2 : RETROSPECT

1ret·ro·spec·tive \ˌre-trə-ˈspek-tiv\ adj : of, relating to, or given to retrospection
— ret·ro·spec·tive·ly adv

2retrospective n : an exhibition, compilation, or performance of work that an artist has done in the past

ret·ro·vi·rus \ˈre-trō-ˌvī-rəs\ n : any of a group of RNA-containing viruses (as HIV) that replicate by becoming incorporated into the chromosomes of infected cells in the form of DNA which is produced from the viral RNA

retted past and past participle of RET

retting present participle of RET

1re·turn \ri-ˈtərn\ vb
1 a : to come or go back  b : to go back in thought or practice <returned to his old ways>
2 : 1REPLY 3, ANSWER
3 : to make an official report of <the jury returned a verdict>
4 British : to elect to office
5 : to bring, carry, send, or put back <return a book to the library> <return borrowed money>
6 : to bring in (as profit) : YIELD
7 a : to give or perform in return <return a compliment>  b : to respond to in a similar way <return kindness with kindness>  c : to give back to the owner <return that lawnmower>
8 a : to hit back (as a tennis ball)  b : to run with (a football) after the possession of the ball changes from one team to the other (as by a fumble or a punt)
— re·turn·er n

2return n
1 a : the act of coming back to or from a place or condition  b : a regular or frequent occurrence : RECURRENCE <the return of spring>
2 a : a report of the results of voting — usually used in plural <election returns>  b : a statement of income to be taxed <a tax return>
3 : a means for bringing something (as water) back to its starting point
4 : the profit from labor, investment, or business : YIELD
5 a : the act of returning something to an earlier place, condition, or ownership  b : something returned
6 : something given in payment or exchange <ask nothing in return for a favor>
7 : the action or an instance of returning a ball (as in tennis or football)

3return adj
1 : played or given in return <a return call> <a return game>
2 : used for returning <a return ticket>
3 : of, relating to, or causing a return to a place or condition <a return envelope>

re·turn·able \ri-ˈtər-nə-bəl\ adj : that may or must be returned <returnable bottles>

re·turn·ee \ri-ˌtər-ˈnē\ n : one who returns

re·tweet \(ˈ)rē-ˈtwēt\ vb : to post (something, as a message) again to the Twitter online message service
— re·tweet \ˈrē-ˌtwēt\ n

re·union \(ˈ)rē-ˈyün-yən\ n
1 : the act of reuniting : the state of being reunited
2 : a reuniting of persons after separation <a class reunion>

re·unite \ˌrē-yu̇-ˈnīt\ vb : to come or bring together again after a separation

re·us·able \(ˈ)rē-ˈyü-zə-bəl\ adj : capable of being used again or repeatedly

re·use \(ˈ)rē-ˈyüz\ vb : to use again especially in a different way
— re·use \-ˈyüs\ n

1rev \ˈrev\ n : a revolution of a motor

2rev vb revved; rev·ving
1 a : to increase the revolutions per minute of (a motor)  b : INCREASE — used with up <rev up production>
2 : to make more active or effective — used with up <needed to rev up the campaign>
3 : EXCITE 1 — usually used with up <revved the kids up>

re·val·u·ate \(ˈ)rē-ˈval-yə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : REVALUE
— re·val·u·a·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n

re·val·ue \(ˈ)rē-ˈval-yü\ vb : to make a new valuation of : REAPPRAISE

re·vamp \(ˈ)rē-ˈvamp\ vb
1 : to make like new again : RENOVATE
2 : 1REVISE

re·veal \ri-ˈvē(ə)l\ vb
1 : to make known : DIVULGE
2 : to show plainly : DISPLAY
— re·veal·er n
synonyms REVEAL, DISCLOSE, TELL, BETRAY, mean to make known what has been or should be concealed. REVEAL may apply to making known ordinary information or to making known truths that are usually beyond the range of human vision or reason <revealed his age to the interviewer> <their mission was revealed to them in a dream>. DISCLOSE most often involves the giving out of information previously kept secret <disclosed that covert talks were held>. TELL stresses that the information made known is necessary or useful <I told her that the concert was canceled>. BETRAY implies either that disclosing the information involves wrongdoing or that the disclosure is involuntary <his face betrayed his concern>.

rev·eil·le \ˈrev-ə-lē\ n
1 : a signal to get up in the morning
2 : a bugle call at about sunrise signaling the first military formation of the day [from French réveillez “wake up!”]

1rev·el \ˈrev-əl\ vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to take part in a revel : be noisy in a festive manner
2 : to take great delight in something
— rev·el·er or rev·el·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2revel n : a noisy or merry celebration

rev·e·la·tion \ˌrev-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : an act of revealing or making known divine truth
2 a : an act of revealing to view  b : something that is revealed; esp : a surprising or astonishing disclosure

Rev·e·la·tion \ˌrev-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n : a writing dealing with the end of the world addressed to early Christians of Asia Minor and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

re·ve·la·to·ry \ˈrev-ə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-, ri-ˈvel-ə-\ adj : of or relating to revelation

rev·el·ry \ˈrev-əl-rē\ n, pl -ries : rough and noisy merrymaking

1re·venge \ri-ˈvenj\ vb re·venged; re·veng·ing
1 : to get even for a wrong done <revenge myself on my enemies>
2 : to give injury in return for <revenge an insult>
— re·veng·er n

2revenge n
1 : a desire to pay back injury for injury
2 : an act or instance of revenging
3 : a chance for getting satisfaction
— re·venge·ful \-fəl\ adj

— re·venge·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— re·venge·ful·ness n

rev·e·nue \ˈrev-ə-ˌn(y)ü\ n
1 : the income produced by a given source
2 : the income that a government collects for public use

rev·e·nu·er \ˈrev-ə-ˌn(y)ü-ər\ n : a revenue department officer

re·ver·ber·ant \ri-ˈvər-b(ə-)rənt\ adj : tending to reverberate
— re·ver·ber·ant·ly adv

re·ver·ber·ate \ri-ˈvər-bə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to continue in or as if in a series of echoes
— re·ver·ber·a·tion \-ˌvər-bə-ˈrā-shən\ n

re·vere \ri-ˈvi(ə)r\ vb re·vered; re·ver·ing : to show devotion and honor to : think of with reverence

1rev·er·ence \ˈrev-(ə-)rən(t)s, ˈrev-ərn(t)s\ n
1 : honor or respect felt or shown : DEFERENCE
2 : the state of being revered or honored

2reverence vb -enced; -enc·ing : to think of or treat with reverence

1rev·er·end \ˈrev-(ə-)rənd, ˈrev-ərnd\ adj
1 : worthy of reverence : REVERED <these reverend halls>
2 — used as a title for a member of the clergy <the Reverend Ms. Doe> <the Reverend John Doe> <the Reverend Mother Superior>

2reverend n : a member of the clergy

rev·er·ent \ˈrev-(ə-)rənt, ˈrev-ərnt\ adj : very respectful : showing reverence
— rev·er·ent·ly adv

rev·er·en·tial \ˌrev-ə-ˈren-chəl\ adj
1 : showing or having a quality of reverence
2 : inspiring reverence
— rev·er·en·tial·ly \-ˈrench-(ə-)lē\ adv

rev·er·ie also rev·ery \ˈrev-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : 1DAYDREAM
2 : the condition of being lost in thought

re·ver·sal \ri-ˈvər-səl\ n : an act or the process of reversing

1re·verse \ri-ˈvərs\ adj
1 : opposite or contrary to a previous or normal condition <reverse order>
2 : acting or working in a manner opposite to the usual
3 : bringing about backward movement <reverse gear> [Middle English revers “opposite or contrary to a previous or normal condition,” from early French revers (same meaning), from Latin reversus “turned back,” from revertere “to turn back,” from re- “again” + vertere “to turn” — related to CONVERSE, VERSATILE, VERTICAL, VICE VERSA]
— re·verse·ly adv

2reverse vb re·versed; re·vers·ing
1 : to turn completely about or upside down or inside out
2 a : to overthrow or set aside a legal decision by an opposite decision  b : to change to the contrary <reverse a policy>
3 a : to go or cause to go in the opposite direction  b : to put (as a car) into reverse
4 : to undo the effect of (as a condition) <face creams that promise to reverse the signs of aging>
— re·vers·er n

3reverse n
1 : something directly opposite to something else
2 : an act or instance of reversing; esp : a change for the worse
3 : the back part of something
4 : a gear that reverses something

1re·vers·ible \ri-ˈvər-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being reversed or of reversing <a reversible chemical reaction>
2 a : having two finished usable sides <reversible fabrics>  b : wearable with either side out <a reversible coat>
— re·vers·ibil·i·ty \-ˌvər-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— re·vers·ibly \-ˈvər-sə-blē\ adv

2reversible n : a reversible cloth or garment

re·ver·sion \ri-ˈvər-zhən\ n
1 : a right of future possession (as of property or a title)
2 a : an act or the process of returning (as to an earlier condition)  b : a product of reversion
3 : an act or instance of turning the opposite way : the state of being so turned

re·vert \ri-ˈvərt\ vb
1 : to come or go back <reverted to the customs of their ancestors>
2 : to experience reversion

1re·view \ri-ˈvyü\ n
1 : a formal inspection of troops by officers
2 : a general survey
3 : an act of looking something over especially for flaws
4 a : a discussion by a critic of the quality of something (as a book or play)  b : a magazine filled mostly with reviews and essays
5 a : a look at past events  b : a fresh study of material studied before
6 : REVUE

2review vb
1 : to look at a thing again
2 : to study or examine again <review a lesson>
3 : to make a formal inspection of (as troops)
4 : to discuss the quality of (as a book or play)
5 : to look back on <review one's accomplishments>
— re·view·er n

re·vile \ri-ˈvī(ə)l\ vb re·viled; re·vil·ing : to speak to or about in an insulting way
— re·vile·ment \-mənt\ n

— re·vil·er n

1re·vise \ri-ˈvīz\ vb re·vised; re·vis·ing
1 : to look over again in order to correct or improve <revise a book report>
2 : to make a new, corrected, improved, or up-to-date version or arrangement of <revise a dictionary>
— re·vis·er or re·vi·sor \-ˈvī-zər\ n

2re·vise \ˈrē-ˌvīz, ri-ˈvīz\ n : an act of revising : REVISION

Revised Standard Version n : a revision of the American Standard Version of the Bible published in 1946 and 1952

Revised Version n : a British revision of the Authorized Version of the Bible published in 1881 and 1885

re·vi·sion \ri-ˈvizh-ən\ n
1 : an act of revising (as an essay)
2 : a revised version
— re·vi·sion·ary \-ˈvizh-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj

re·vis·it \rē-ˈviz-ət\ vb : to visit again : return to

re·vi·tal·ize \(ˈ)rē-ˈvīt-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to give new life or vigor to
— re·vi·tal·i·za·tion \(ˌ)rē-ˌvīt-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

re·viv·al \ri-ˈvī-vəl\ n
1 : a reviving of interest (as in art, literature, or religion)
2 : a new presentation or publication (as of a book, play, or movie)
3 : a new growth or increase <a revival of business>
4 : a meeting or series of meetings conducted by a preacher to arouse religious emotions or to make converts

re·viv·al·ism \ri-ˈvī-və-ˌliz-əm\ n : the spirit or methods found at religious revivals

re·viv·al·ist \ri-ˈvīv-(ə-)ləst\ n : one who conducts revivals

re·vive \ri-ˈvīv\ vb re·vived; re·viv·ing
1 : to make (someone or something) strong, active, or healthy again
2 : to bring back into use or popularity <trying to revive an old custom>
— re·viv·er n

re·vo·ca·ble \ˈrev-ə-kə-bəl\ adj : capable of being revoked <a revocable privilege>

re·vo·ca·tion \ˌrev-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n : an act or instance of revoking

re·voke \ri-ˈvōk\ vb re·voked; re·vok·ing : to put an end to (as a law, order, or privilege) by taking away or canceling [Middle English revoken “to take back, withdraw,” from early French revoquer (same meaning), from Latin revocare “to call back,” from re- “back, again” and vocare “to call” — related to ADVOCATE, PROVOKE, VOCATION]
— re·vok·er n

1re·volt \ri-ˈvōlt\ vb
1 : to rise up against the authority of a ruler or government
2 : to feel or cause to feel disgust or shock
— re·volt·er n

2revolt n
1 : an act or instance of revolting
2 : an open and often violent rising up against authority

re·volt·ing adj : very offensive : DISGUSTING
— re·volt·ing·ly adv

rev·o·lu·tion \ˌrev-ə-ˈlü-shən\ n
1 a : the action by a heavenly body of going round in an orbit  b : the time taken to complete one orbit
2 : completion of a course (as of years) : CYCLE
3 a : the action or motion of revolving : a turning round a center or axis : ROTATION  b : a single complete turn (as of a wheel or a phonograph record)
4 a : a sudden, extreme, or complete change  b : a basic change in government; esp : the overthrow of one government and the substitution of another by the governed  synonyms see REBELLION

rev·o·lu·tion·ary \ˌrev-ə-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or involving a revolution <revolutionary war>  b : favoring revolution  c : being or bringing about a big or important change <a revolutionary new product>
2 cap : of or relating to the American Revolution
— revolutionary n

rev·o·lu·tion·ist \ˌrev-ə-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nəst\ n
1 : a person who takes part in a revolution
2 : a person who believes in revolution as a means of bringing about change
— revolutionist adj

rev·o·lu·tion·ize \ˌrev-ə-ˈlü-shə-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to overthrow the established government of
2 : to cause a person to become a revolutionist
3 : to change greatly or completely <an invention that revolutionized the industry>
— rev·o·lu·tion·iz·er n

re·volve \ri-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv\ vb re·volved; re·volv·ing
1 : to think over carefully
2 a : to move in an orbit  b : to turn on or as if on an axis : ROTATE
3 : RECUR 3
4 : to have as a main point <the argument revolved around wages> [Middle English revolven “to turn over in the mind, cause to go around (on an axis),” from Latin revolvere “to roll back, cause to return,” from re- “back, again” and volvere “to roll” — related to VOLUME; see Word History at VOLUME]
— re·volv·able \-ˈväl-və-bəl, -ˈvȯl-\ adj

re·volv·er \ri-ˈväl-vər, -ˈvȯl-\ n : a handgun having a revolving cylinder holding several bullets all of which may be shot without loading again

re·volv·ing adj : likely to revolve or recur

re·vue \ri-ˈvyü\ n : a theatrical entertainment consisting usually of brief and often funny sketches and songs

re·vul·sion \ri-ˈvəl-shən\ n
1 : a strong pulling or drawing away : WITHDRAWAL
2 a : a sudden or strong reaction or change  b : a sense of complete dislike
— re·vul·sive \-ˈvəl-siv\ adj

revved past and past participle of REV

revving present participle of REV

re·wake \(ˈ)rē-ˈwāk\ vb -waked or -woke \-ˈwōk\; -waked or -wo·ken \-ˈwō-kən\ or -woke; -wak·ing : to waken again

1re·ward \ri-ˈwȯrd\ vb : to give a reward to or for
— re·ward·er n

2reward n
1 : something (as money) given or offered in return for a service (as the return of something lost)
2 : a stimulus (as food) that is given to an organism after a correct or desired way of behaving and that makes the behavior more probable in the future

re·ward·ing adj : giving satisfaction <a rewarding experience>

1re·wind \rē-ˈwīnd\ vb -wound \-ˈwau̇nd\; -wind·ing : to wind again; esp : to reverse the winding of (as a video tape)

2re·wind \ˈrē-ˌwīnd\ n : a function of an electronic device that reverses a recording to a previous portion

re·word \(ˈ)rē-ˈwərd\ vb : to state in different words

re·work \(ˈ)rē-ˈwərk\ vb : to work again or anew: as  a : 1REVISE 2, REWRITE  b : to reprocess (as used material) for further use

1re·write \(ˈ)rē-ˈrīt\ vb -wrote \-ˈrōt\; -writ·ten \-ˈrit-ən\; -writ·ing \-ˈrīt-ing\ : to write over again : REVISE
— re·writ·er \-ˈrīt-ər\ n

2re·write \ˈrē-ˌrīt\ n : something rewritten

rey·nard \ˈrān-ərd, ˈren-\ n, often cap : 1FOX 1A [derived from Renart, Renard, the name of a fox who was the hero of an early French epic poem Roman de Renart]

re·zone \(ˈ)rē-ˈzōn\ vb : to alter the zoning of <rezoned the neighborhood for business>

rhap·so·dize \ˈrap-sə-ˌdīz\ vb -dized; -diz·ing : to speak or write with great praise

rhap·so·dy \ˈrap-səd-ē\ n, pl -dies
1 : a written or spoken expression of great emotion
2 : a musical composition of irregular form
— rhap·sod·ic \rap-ˈsäd-ik\ also rhap·sod·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

— rhap·sod·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

rhea \ˈrē-ə\ n : either of two large three-toed South American birds that cannot fly and resemble but are smaller than the African ostrich

rhe·ni·um \ˈrē-nē-əm\ n : a rare heavy metallic element that is obtained either as a gray powder or as a hard silver-white metal and is used especially in catalysts and alloys — see ELEMENT TABLE

rheo·stat \ˈrē-ə-ˌstat\ n : a resistor for regulating an electric current by the use of variable resistances
— rheo·stat·ic \ˌrē-ə-ˈstat-ik\ adj

rhe·sus monkey \ˌrē-səs-\ n : a pale brown Asian monkey often used in medical research

rhet·o·ric \ˈret-ə-rik\ n
1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively
2 : the study or use of the principles and rules of composition
3 a : skill in the effective use of speech  b : language that is not honest, sincere, or meaningful
— rhet·o·ri·cian \ˌret-ə-ˈrish-ən\ n

rhe·tor·i·cal \ri-ˈtȯr-i-kəl, -ˈtär-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or dealing with rhetoric <rhetorical studies>
2 : used only for a colorful effect and not expected to be answered <a rhetorical question>
— rhe·tor·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

rheum \ˈrüm\ n : a watery discharge from the mucous membranes especially of the eyes or nose
— rheumy \ˈrü-mē\ adj

rheu·mat·ic \ru̇-ˈmat-ik\ adj : of, relating to, characteristic of, or suffering from rheumatism
— rheu·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

rheumatic fever n : a disease especially of young people that is characterized by fever, by inflammation and pain in and around the joints, and by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the heart and the heart valves

rheu·ma·tism \ˈrü-mə-ˌtiz-əm\ n : any of various conditions marked by stiffness, pain, or swelling in muscles or joints

Rh factor \är-ˈāch-\ n : a protein on the red blood cells of some people that is one of the substances used to classify human blood as to compatibility for transfusion and that when present in a fetus but not the mother causes a serious condition in which the mother produces antibodies that cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the fetus [from rhesus monkey, the animal in which the Rh factor was found]

rhine·stone \ˈrīn-ˌstōn\ n : a colorless imitation diamond of high luster made usually of glass or paste [named after the Rhine river in Europe, near where were found the rock crystals that were originally used as substitutes for diamonds]

rhi·no \ˈrī-nō\ n, pl rhinos also rhino : RHINOCEROS

rhi·noc·er·os \rī-ˈnäs-(ə-)rəs\ n, pl -noc·er·os·es also -noc·er·os : any of various large plant-eating mammals of Africa and Asia that are related to the horse and have a thick skin with little hair, three toes on each foot, and one or two heavy upright horns on the snout
Word History One of the largest animals found on land today is the thick-skinned rhinoceros. Another of the animal's characteristics, besides large size, is found on its snout. All rhinoceroses have at least one horn, and some have two horns. The English name for this animal with a horn or horns on its snout was borrowed from Latin rhinoceros. The Latin name, in turn, came from the Greek word rhinokerōs, which literally means “nose-horned.” This word is made up of the Greek word rhin-, rhis, meaning “nose” and the word keras, meaning “horn.” [Middle English rinoceros “rhinoceros,” from Latin rhinocerot-, rhinoceros (same meaning), from Greek rhinokerōt-, rhinokerōs, literally “nose-horned,” from rhin-, rhis “nose” and keras “horn”]

rhi·zoid \ˈrī-ˌzȯid\ n : a structure (as a hypha of a fungus) that functions like a root in support or absorption

rhi·zome \ˈrī-ˌzōm\ n : a rootlike, often thickened, and usually horizontal underground plant stem that produces shoots above and roots below

Rh–negative \ˌär-ˌāch-\ adj : lacking Rh factor on the red blood cells

rho \ˈrō\ n : the 17th letter of the Greek alphabet — Ρ or ρ

Rhode Is·land Red \rō-ˌdī-lən(d)-\ n : any of a U.S. breed of domestic chickens with rich brownish red feathers

rho·di·um \ˈrōd-ē-əm\ n : a rare silvery white hard metallic element that is resistant to attack by acids, occurs in nickel ores, and is used in platinum alloys — see ELEMENT TABLE

rho·do·den·dron \ˌrōd-ə-ˈden-drən\ n : any of a genus of trees and shrubs of the heath family that often have leathery evergreen leaves and showy clusters of yellow, white, pink, red, or purple flowers [from scientific Latin rhododendron “rhododendron,” derived from Greek rhodon “rose” and Greek dendron “tree”]

rhom·bic \ˈräm-bik\ adj
1 : having the form of a rhombus
2 : of, relating to, or being a form of crystal having three unequal axes at right angles to each other

rhom·boid \ˈräm-ˌbȯid\ n : a parallelogram with no right angles and with each side differing in length from the two other sides it comes in contact with
— rhomboid adj

— rhom·boi·dal \räm-ˈbȯid-əl\ adj

rhom·bus \ˈräm-bəs\ n, pl rhom·bus·es or rhom·bi \-ˌbī, -ˌbē\ : a parallelogram with all four sides of equal length and usually with no right angles

Rh–pos·i·tive \ˌär-ˌāch-ˈpäz-ət-iv, -ˈpäz-tiv\ adj : having Rh factor on the red blood cells

rhu·barb \ˈrü-ˌbärb\ n
1 : a plant related to buckwheat and having large green leaves with thick juicy pink or red stems that are used for food
2 : a heated dispute or argument

1rhyme also rime \ˈrīm\ n
1 a : close similarity in the final sounds of two or more words or lines of verse  b : one of two or more words having this similarity in sound
2 a : rhyming verse  b : a composition in verse that rhymes

2rhyme also rime vb rhymed also rimed; rhym·ing also rim·ing
1 a : to make rhymes : put into rhyme  b : to compose rhyming verse
2 : to end in syllables that rhyme
3 : to cause to rhyme : use as rhyme <rhymed “moon” with “June”>
— rhym·er n

rhyme scheme n : the arrangement of rhymes in a stanza or a poem

rhy·o·lite \ˈrī-ə-ˌlīt\ n : a very acid volcanic rock that is the lava form of granite
— rhy·o·lit·ic \ˌrī-ə-ˈlit-ik\ adj

rhythm \ˈrith-əm\ n
1 : a flow of rising and falling sounds in language that is produced in verse by a regular repeating of stressed and unstressed syllables
2 : a flow of sound in music having regular accented beats
3 : a particular or typical pattern of rhythm
4 : a movement or activity in which some action repeats regularly <the rhythm of breathing>

rhythm and blues n : popular music with elements of blues and African-American folk music

rhyth·mic \ˈrith-mik\ or rhyth·mi·cal \-mi-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or having rhythm
— rhyth·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adv

rhythm method n : a method of birth control in which a couple does not have sexual intercourse during the time when ovulation is most likely to occur

ri·a·ta \rē-ˈat-ə, -ˈät-\ n : LARIAT

1rib \ˈrib\ n
1 a : one of the series of curved bones of the chest of most vertebrates that are joined to the spinal column in pairs and help to support the body wall and protect the organs inside  b : a cut of meat including a rib
2 : something (as a piece of wire supporting the fabric of an umbrella) resembling a rib
3 a : a major vein of an insect's wing or of a leaf  b : one of the parallel ridges in a knitted or woven fabric

2rib vb ribbed; rib·bing
1 : to furnish or enclose with ribs
2 : to form ribs in a fabric in knitting or weaving
— rib·ber n

3rib vb ribbed; rib·bing : to make jokes about : KID
— rib·ber n

rib·ald \ˈrib-əld\ adj : marked by or using coarse or indecent language or humor <ribald jokes>
— rib·ald·ry \-əl-drē\ n

rib·bon \ˈrib-ən\ n
1 a : a narrow usually closely woven strip of colorful fabric (as silk) used especially for decoration  b : a ribbon worn as a military decoration or as a symbol of a medal  c : a ribbon given as an award in a competition
2 : a strip of inked fabric (as in a typewriter)
3 : TATTER 1, SHRED — usually used in plural <torn to ribbons>
— rib·bon·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

rib cage n : the bony enclosing wall of the chest consisting chiefly of the ribs and their connecting parts

ri·bo·fla·vin \ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən\ n : a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that helps growth and is found both free (as in milk) and combined with other substances (as in liver) — called also vitamin B_2

ri·bo·nu·cle·ic acid \ˌrī-bō-n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik-, -ˌklā-\ n : RNA

ri·bose \ˈrī-ˌbōs\ n : a sugar that has five carbon atoms and five oxygen atoms in each molecule and is part of RNA — compare DEOXYRIBOSE

ri·bo·som·al RNA \ˌrī-bə-ˈsō-məl-\ n : an RNA that is one of the structural elements of ribosomes — called also rRNA

ri·bo·some \ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm\ n : one of numerous small RNA-containing particles in a cell that are sites of protein synthesis

rice \ˈrīs\ n
1 : a southeast Asian grass widely grown in warm wet areas especially for its seeds which are used for food
2 : the seeds of rice

rice paper n : a thin papery material made from the spongy inner part of the stem of an Asian shrub or small tree related to the ginseng

ric·er \ˈrī-sər\ n : a kitchen utensil in which soft foods (as boiled potatoes) are pressed through a strainer

rich \ˈrich\ adj
1 : having great wealth : WEALTHY
2 a : having high value <a rich harvest>  b : COSTLY 1, VALUABLE <rich robes>
3 a : having a large supply of some usually desirable quality or thing <a land rich in resources>  b : of pleasingly strong odor <rich perfumes>  c : very productive : FRUITFUL, FERTILE <a rich mine> <rich soils>  d : containing much seasoning, fat, or sugar <rich food>  e : high in fuel content <a rich mixture>
4 a : vivid and deep in color <rich red>  b : full and mellow in tone and quality <rich voice>
5 : very amusing <a play with many rich lines>
— rich·ness n

Rich·ard Roe \ˌrich-ər-ˈdrō\ n : a party to legal proceedings whose true name is unknown

rich·en \ˈrich-ən\ vb rich·ened; rich·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make rich or richer

rich·es \ˈrich-əz\ n pl : things that make one rich : WEALTH [Middle English richesse, originally not a plural but a singular noun meaning “richness”]

rich·ly \ˈrich-lē\ adv
1 : in a rich manner <richly dressed>
2 : in full measure : AMPLY <richly deserved>

Rich·ter scale \ˈrik-tər-\ n : a scale for expressing the strength of an earthquake

rick \ˈrik\ n : a stack or pile (as of hay or grain) in the open air

rick·ets \ˈrik-əts\ n : a disease of young people and animals in which the bones are soft and deformed due to an inability of the body to use calcium and phosphorus because of a lack of vitamin D

rick·ett·sia \rik-ˈet-sē-ə\ n, pl -si·as or -si·ae \-sē-ˌē, -sē-ˌī\ : any of various bacteria including several that cause diseases (as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus) in human beings
— rick·ett·si·al \-sē-əl\ adj

rick·ety \ˈrik-ət-ē\ adj
1 : in weak physical condition <a rickety old man>
2 : UNSOUND 3, SHAKY <a rickety wagon>

rick·ey \ˈrik-ē\ n, pl rickeys : a drink flavored with lime

rick·rack or ric·rac \ˈrik-ˌrak\ n : a flat braid woven to form zigzags and used especially as trimming on clothing

rick·shaw also rick·sha \ˈrik-ˌshȯ\ n : a small hooded carriage with two wheels that is pulled by one person and was used originally in Japan

1ric·o·chet \ˈrik-ə-ˌshā, British also -ˌshet\ n
1 : a bouncing off at an angle (as of a bullet off a flat surface)
2 : an object that ricochets

2ricochet vb -cheted \-ˌshād\ also -chet·ted \-ˌshet-əd\; -chet·ing \-ˌshā-iŋ\ also -chet·ting \-ˌshet-iŋ\ : to bounce off at an angle

ri·cot·ta \ri-ˈkät-ə\ n : a soft, white Italian cheese

rid \ˈrid\ vb rid also rid·ded; rid·ding : to make free : RELIEVE <rid yourself of worries> <get rid of that junk>

rid·dance \ˈrid-ən(t)s\ n : the act of ridding : the state of being rid of

rid·den \ˈrid-ən\ adj : extremely concerned with or burdened by <guilt-ridden> <slum-ridden>

1rid·dle \ˈrid-əl\ n
1 : a baffling, misleading, or puzzling question presented as a problem to be solved or guessed : CONUNDRUM
2 : something or someone difficult to understand [Old English rǣdelse “opinion, riddle”]

2riddle vb rid·dled; rid·dling \ˈrid-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to find the answer for a riddle or mystery
2 : to create a riddle for : MYSTIFY
3 : to speak in riddles
— rid·dler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

3riddle n : a coarse sieve [Old English hriddel “a coarse sieve”]

4riddle vb rid·dled; rid·dling \ˈrid-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to sift or separate with or as if with a riddle
2 a : to pierce with many holes <riddled the car with bullets>  b : to spread through <a book riddled with mistakes>

1ride \ˈrīd\ vb rode \ˈrōd\; rid·den \ˈrid-ən\; rid·ing \ˈrīd-iŋ\
1 a : to go or be carried along on an animal's back or on or in a vehicle (as a boat, automobile, or airplane)  b : to sit on and control so as to be carried along <ride a bicycle>
2 a : to be supported and usually carried along by <a surfboard rides the waves>  b : to float at anchor  c : to remain afloat through : SURVIVE <ride out a storm>
3 a : 1CARRY 1 <rode the child on my back>  b : to travel over a surface <the car rides well>
4 a : 1TEASE 2A  b : OPPRESS 2 <ridden by fears>
5 : to depend on something

2ride n
1 : an act of riding; esp : a trip on horseback or by vehicle <a ride in the country>
2 : a mechanical device (as at an amusement park) for riding on
3 : a means of transportation <needs a ride to work>

ride·able also rid·able \ˈrīd-ə-bəl\ adj : fit for riding on or over <a rideable horse> <a rideable road>

rid·er \ˈrīd-ər\ n
1 : one that rides
2 a : an addition to a document  b : an additional clause to a legislative bill
3 : something that lies over or moves along on another piece <the scale had riders to measure weight>
— rid·er·less \-ləs\ adj

1ridge \ˈrij\ n : a raised or elevated part or area: as  a : a range of hills or mountains  b : the line made where two sloping surfaces come together <the ridge of a roof>
— ridged \ˈrijd\ adj

2ridge vb ridged; ridg·ing : to form into or extend in ridges

ridge·pole \ˈrij-ˌpōl\ n
1 : the highest horizontal timber in a sloping roof to which the upper ends of the rafters are fastened
2 : the horizontal pole at the top of a tent

ridgy \ˈrij-ē\ adj : having or rising in ridges

1rid·i·cule \ˈrid-ə-ˌkyü(ə)l\ n : the act of making fun of someone or something : DERISION

2ridicule vb -culed; -cul·ing : to make fun of : DERIDE
— rid·i·cul·er n

ri·dic·u·lous \rə-ˈdik-yə-ləs\ adj : causing or deserving ridicule : ABSURD, PREPOSTEROUS
— ri·dic·u·lous·ly adv

— ri·dic·u·lous·ness n

rid·ing \ˈrīd-iŋ\ adj
1 : used for or when riding <riding boots>
2 : operated by a rider <a riding mower>

rife \ˈrīf\ adj
1 : WIDESPREAD 1, PREVALENT <lands where famine is rife>
2 : supplied in large amounts <the town was rife with rumors>
— rife·ly adv

1rif·fle \ˈrif-əl\ vb rif·fled; rif·fling \ˈrif-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to form, flow over, or move in riffles
2 : to ruffle slightly : RIPPLE
3 a : to flip or leaf through in a hurry  b : to shuffle playing cards by separating the deck into two parts and sliding the thumbs along the edges so that the cards are mixed

2riffle n
1 a : a shallow extending across a stream bed and causing broken water  b : a stretch of water flowing over a riffle
2 : a small wave or succession of small waves : RIPPLE
3 : the act or process of shuffling (as cards)

riff·raff \ˈrif-ˌraf\ n
1 : a class of people who are looked down upon : RABBLE
2 : RUBBISH
— riffraff adj

1ri·fle \ˈrī-fəl\ vb ri·fled; ri·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to search through fast and roughly especially in order to steal <rifled the coat pockets for loose change>
2 : 1STEAL 2A [Middle English riflen “to steal or carry away by force,” from early French rifler “to scrape off, plunder”; of Germanic origin]
— ri·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ n

2rifle vb ri·fled; ri·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\ : to cut spiral grooves on the inside of a barrel of <rifled arms> [perhaps from French rifler “to scratch, file,” from early French, “to scrape off, plunder”]

3rifle n
1 a : a weapon with a long rifled barrel that is designed to be fired from the shoulder  b : a rifled artillery piece
2 pl : a body of soldiers armed with rifles

4rifle vb ri·fled; ri·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\ : to hit or throw a ball with great force

ri·fle·man \ˈrī-fəl-mən\ n
1 : a soldier armed with a rifle
2 : a person skilled in shooting with a rifle

ri·fle·ry \ˈrī-fəl-rē\ n : the practice of shooting at targets with a rifle

ri·fling \ˈrī-f(ə-)liŋ\ n
1 : the act or process of making spiral grooves
2 : a system of spiral grooves inside the barrel of a gun causing a bullet when fired to spin about its longer axis

1rift \ˈrift\ n
1 a : an opening made by splitting or separation : CLEFT  b : a normal geological fault
2 : a break in friendly relations : BREACH

2rift vb : 2CLEAVE, SPLIT

rift valley n : a long valley formed by the sinking of the earth's crust between two parallel or nearly parallel faults or groups of faults

1rig \ˈrig\ vb rigged; rig·ging
1 : to fit out (as a ship) with rigging
2 : CLOTHE 1A, DRESS — usually used with out
3 a : to furnish with gear : EQUIP  b : to set up usually for temporary use : CONSTRUCT <rig up a temporary shelter> [Middle English riggen “to fit out a ship with rigging”]
— rig·ger n

2rig n
1 : the shape, number, and arrangement of sails and masts of a ship that sets it apart from ships of other types <the rig of a schooner>
2 : EQUIPAGE 2; esp : a carriage with its horse
3 : CLOTHING 1
4 : tackle, equipment, or machinery fitted for a certain purpose <an oil-drilling rig>

3rig vb rigged; rig·ging : to fix in advance so that the outcome will be known <rig an election> [from earlier rig (noun) “a cheating trick,” of unknown origin]

Ri·gel \ˈrī-jəl, -gəl\ n : a bright star in the left foot of the Orion star group

rig·ging \ˈrig-iŋ, -ən\ n
1 : the ropes and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars
2 : equipment for supporting and working something (as theater scenery)

1right \ˈrīt\ adj
1 : RIGHTEOUS 1, UPRIGHT
2 : following what is just, good, or proper <right conduct>
3 : agreeing with facts or truth : CORRECT <the right answer>
4 : 2APPROPRIATE, SUITABLE <the right person for the job> <the right tool>
5 : STRAIGHT 1 <a right line>
6 : GENUINE 1, REAL
7 a : of, relating to, situated on, or being the side of the body which is away from the side on which the heart is mostly located <the right leg>  b : located nearer to the right side of the body <the right arm of the chair>
8 : being shaped in such a way that a line drawn from the middle of the top to the middle of the base is perpendicular to the base <a right cone>
9 : being or meant to be the side on top, in front, or on the outside <landed right side up> <right side out>
10 : acting or judging in a way that agrees with truth or fact <time proved us right>
11 : healthy in mind or body <did not feel right>
12 : most worth having or seeking <the right neighborhoods> <the right people>
— right·ness n

2right n
1 : the ideal of what is just and good
2 : something to which one has a just claim — often used in plural <the right to freedom of religion> <the movie rights to a story>
3 : something that one may properly claim as due <knowing the truth is her right>
4 : the cause of truth or justice <fighting for right>
5 a : the right side or the part on the right side  b : a turn to the right <take a right at the stop sign>
6 : the quality or state of being factually correct <there's both right and wrong in that argument>
7 often cap : the members of a European legislative body sitting to the right of the officer in charge and holding more conservative political views than other members
8 often cap : political conservatives
— by rights : with reason or justice : PROPERLY

— to rights : into proper order <put your room to rights>

3right adv
1 : according to right <live right>
2 : in the exact location or position : PRECISELY <right where you left it>
3 : in a suitable, proper, or desired manner <hold your pen right>
4 : in a direct line or course <go right home>
5 : according to fact or truth : TRULY <guess right> <heard right>
6 : all the way <windows right to the floor>
7 : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <right at 2 o'clock>
8 : to a great degree : VERY <a right pleasant day>

4right vb
1 : to make right (something wrong or unjust)
2 a : to adjust or restore to the proper state or condition  b : to bring or restore to an upright position
3 : to become upright
— right·er n

right angle n : an angle whose measure is 90° : an angle whose sides are perpendicular to each other
— right–an·gled \ˈrīt-ˈaŋ-gəld\ or right–an·gle \-gəl\ adj

right away adv : without delay : IMMEDIATELY

right circular cone n : CONE 2A

right circular cylinder n : a cylinder with bases that are circles and with the line joining the centers of the two bases perpendicular to both bases

righ·teous \ˈrī-chəs\ adj
1 : acting rightly : UPRIGHT
2 a : according to what is right <righteous actions>  b : caused by an insult to one's sense of what is right <righteous anger>
— righ·teous·ly adv

— righ·teous·ness n

right field n
1 : the part of the baseball outfield to the right looking out from the home plate
2 : the position of the player defending right field
— right fielder n

right·ful \ˈrīt-fəl\ adj
1 : 1JUST 2A
2 : having a just or legal claim : LEGITIMATE <the rightful owner>
— right·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— right·ful·ness n

right–hand \ˈrīt-ˌhand\ adj
1 : located on the right
2 : RIGHT-HANDED 1
3 : relied on most of all <right-hand man>

right–hand·ed \ˈrīt-ˈhan-dəd\ adj
1 : using the right hand more easily than the left
2 : done or made with or for the right hand
3 : having or moving with a clockwise turn or twist
— right–hand·ed·ly or right–hand·ed adv

— right–hand·ed·ness n

— right–hand·er \-ˈhan-dər\ n

right·ist \ˈrīt-əst\ n, often cap : a person with conservative political views
— rightist adj, often cap

right·ly \ˈrīt-lē\ adv
1 : in agreement with right conduct
2 : in the right or proper manner
3 : in agreement with truth or fact

right–mind·ed \ˈrīt-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : likely to do what is right

right now adv
1 : RIGHT AWAY
2 : at the present time

right–of–way \ˌrīt-ə(v)-ˈwā\ n, pl rights–of–way
1 : a legal right to pass over another person's land
2 : the area over which a right-of-way exists
3 : the right of certain traffic to go ahead of other traffic
4 : PRIORITY 1 <gave the bill the right-of-way in the Senate>

right on interj — used to show agreement or to give encouragement

right prism n : a prism that has exactly two bases and whose other sides are all rectangles that are perpendicular to these bases

right triangle n : a triangle having a right angle

right·ward \ˈrīt-wərd\ adj or adv : toward, at, or to the right

right whale n : a large baleen whale with no fin on the back, a very large head, and small eyes near the lower part of the mouth

rig·id \ˈrij-əd\ adj
1 : not flexible : STIFF, HARD
2 a : very fixed in one's opinion or habits : UNYIELDING  b : carefully observed : SCRUPULOUS <follows a rigid exercise program>
3 : exact and accurate in procedure [from Latin rigidus, “rigid,” from rigēre “to be stiff” — related to RIGOR MORTIS]
— ri·gid·i·ty \rə-ˈjid-ət-ē\ n

— rig·id·ly \ˈrij-əd-lē\ adv

— rig·id·ness n

rig·ma·role also rig·a·ma·role \ˈrig-(ə-)mə-ˌrōl\ n
1 : confused or meaningless talk : NONSENSE
2 : a complicated and often unnecessary procedure

rig·or \ˈrig-ər\ n
1 a : the quality of not being flexible or yielding  b : an act or instance of being strict or harsh
2 : a shuddering caused by a chill
3 : a condition that makes life difficult or uncomfortable; esp : extreme cold
4 : strict precision : EXACTNESS <logical rigor>

rig·or mor·tis \ˌrig-ər-ˈmȯrt-əs\ n : temporary stiffness of muscles occurring after death [from scientific Latin, literally “stiffness of death,” from Latin rigēre “to be stiff” — related to RIGID]

rig·or·ous \ˈrig-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : very strict
2 : marked by great differences of temperature or climate
3 : very accurate
— rig·or·ous·ly adv

— rig·or·ous·ness n

rile \ˈrī(ə)l\ vb riled; ril·ing
1 : to make angry
2 : ROIL 1

rill \ˈril\ n : a very small brook

1rim \ˈrim\ n
1 a : an outer edge especially of something curved  b : BRINK 1
2 : the outer part of a wheel joined to the hub usually by spokes
— rim·less \-ləs\ adj

2rim vb rimmed; rim·ming
1 : to provide with a rim : serve as a rim for : BORDER
2 : to run around the rim of <the putt rimmed the cup>

1rime \ˈrīm\ n
1 : 1FROST 2
2 : CRUST 3A, INCRUSTATION

2rime vb rimed; rim·ing : to cover with or as if with rime

3rime variant of RHYME

rim·rock \ˈrim-ˌräk\ n
1 : the top layer or layers of rock on a plateau that remains as a vertical surface after the land near it is worn away
2 : the edge or surface of a layer of rimrock

rimy \ˈrī-mē\ adj rim·i·er; -est : covered with rime : FROSTY

rind \ˈrīnd\ n : the bark of a tree; also : a usually hard or tough outer layer (as the skin of a fruit)

1ring \ˈriŋ\ n
1 : a circular band for holding, connecting, hanging, or pulling or for packing or sealing <a key ring> <a towel ring>
2 : a circular band usually of precious metal worn on the finger
3 : something circular in shape <smoke rings>
4 : an often circular space for shows and contests <a circus ring> <a boxing ring>
5 : ANNUAL RING
6 : a group of persons involved in selfish or dishonest activities <a ring of thieves>
7 pl : a pair of rings suspended from above and used for hanging, swinging, and balancing tricks in gymnastics [Old English hring “a circular band”]
— ringed \ˈriŋd\ adj

— ring·like \ˈriŋ-ˌlīk\ adj

2ring vb ringed; ring·ing \ˈriŋ-iŋ\
1 : to place or form a ring around : ENCIRCLE
2 : to provide with a ring
3 : to throw a ringer over (the peg) in a game (as horseshoes)
4 : to form or take the shape of a ring

3ring vb rang \ˈraŋ\; rung \ˈrəŋ\; ring·ing \ˈriŋ-iŋ\
1 : to make a clear and vibrating sound when struck <church bells ringing>
2 : to cause to sound especially by striking <rang the bell>
3 : to announce by or as if by ringing <ring an alarm> <ring in the new year>
4 : to sound loudly <cheers rang out>
5 a : to be filled with echoing sound : RESOUND <the whole hall rang with their cheers>  b : to have the feeling of being filled with a humming sound <his ears were ringing>
6 : to be filled with talk or news <the whole town rang with news of the victory>
7 : to seem to have some particular quality <her story rings true>
8 a : to call for especially by bell <ring for the servants>  b chiefly British : to call on the telephone <will ring you up tomorrow> [Old English hringan “to ring”]
— ring a bell : to sound familiar <that name rings a bell>

4ring n
1 : a set of bells
2 : a clear sound made by or as if by vibrating metal
3 : a tone like that of a bell
4 : a continuous or repeating loud noise
5 : something that suggests a certain quality <a story with the ring of truth>
6 a : the act or an instance of ringing  b : a telephone call

ring·bolt \ˈriŋ-ˌbōlt\ n : a bolt with a ring through a loop at one end

1ring·er \ˈriŋ-ər\ n
1 : one that sounds especially by ringing
2 a : one that enters a competition with a false identity  b : one that strongly resembles another — often used with dead <a dead ringer for the senator>

2ringer n : a quoit or horseshoe that falls right over a peg

ring finger n : the third finger of the left hand counting the index finger as the first

ring·git \ˈriŋ-git\ n, pl ringgit or ringgits
1 : the basic unit of money of Malaysia
2 : a coin or bill representing one ringgit

ring·lead·er \ˈriŋ-ˌlēd-ər\ n : a leader especially of a group of persons who cause trouble

ring·let \ˈriŋ-lət\ n
1 : a small ring or circle
2 : a long curl (as of hair)

ring·mas·ter \ˈriŋ-ˌmas-tər\ n : one in charge of performances in a ring (as of a circus)

ring–necked \ˈriŋ-ˈnekt\ or ring–neck \-ˈnek\ adj : having a ring of color around the neck

ring–necked pheasant n : a Eurasian pheasant that has a white neck ring in the male and that has been widely introduced in North America as a game bird

ring·side \ˈriŋ-ˌsīd\ n : the area just outside a ring (as at a prizefight)
— ringside adj

ring stand n : a metal stand consisting of a long upright rod attached to a heavy rectangular base used with rings and clamps for supporting laboratory equipment

ring–tailed \ˈriŋ-ˈtā(ə)ld\ adj : having a tail marked with rings of different colors

ring·tone \ˈriŋ-ˌtōn\ n : the sound made by a cell phone to signal an incoming call

ring up vb : to add up and record on a cash register

ring·worm \ˈriŋ-ˌwərm\ n : a contagious skin disease caused by fungi and marked by ring-shaped discolored patches

rink \ˈriŋk\ n
1 : a sheet of ice laid out for curling, ice hockey, or ice-skating
2 : an enclosed place for roller-skating

1rinse \ˈrin(t)s\ vb rinsed; rins·ing
1 a : to wash lightly with water <rinse out your mouth> <rinse the apple before you eat it>  b : to clean off with clear water the soap left over from washing <rinse the dishes>
2 : to treat (hair) with a rinse
— rins·er n

2rinse n
1 : an act of rinsing
2 a : liquid used for rinsing  b : a solution that temporarily tints hair

1ri·ot \ˈrī-ət\ n
1 : public violence, disturbance, or disorder
2 : a varied display of color
3 : something or someone very funny

2riot vb : to create or take part in a riot
— ri·ot·er n

riot act n : a strong scolding or warning — used in the phrase read the riot act

ri·ot·ous \ˈrī-ət-əs\ adj
1 a : of the nature of a riot  b : taking part in rioting
2 : ABUNDANT <a garden riotous with flowers>
— ri·ot·ous·ly adv

1rip \ˈrip\ vb ripped; rip·ping
1 : to tear, cut apart, or open
2 : to slash or slit with or as if with a sharp blade
3 : to go with a rush
— rip·per n

2rip n : a torn place : TEAR

3rip n : a body of water made rough by the meeting of opposing currents or by passing over a rough bottom

4rip n : a person who acts wild or gets into trouble [probably a shortened and altered form of reprobate (noun)]

rip cord n : a cord or wire pulled by a parachute jumper to release a parachute out of its container

ripe \ˈrīp\ adj rip·er; rip·est
1 : fully grown and developed <a ripe tomato>
2 : having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3 : 1READY 1 <ripe for action>
4 : brought to just the right state
— ripe·ly adv

— ripe·ness n

rip·en \ˈrī-pən\ vb rip·ened; rip·en·ing \ˈrīp-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become ripe

rip–off \ˈrip-ˌȯf\ n : an act or an instance of ripping off

rip off \ˈrip-ˈȯf\ vb
1 : ROB 1A; also : to cheat someone : DEFRAUD
2 : 1STEAL 2A

ri·poste \ri-ˈpōst\ n
1 : a fencer's quick return thrust
2 : a quick reply or action in return

rip·ping \ˈrip-iŋ\ adj, chiefly British : very good <had a ripping time>

1rip·ple \ˈrip-əl\ vb rip·pled; rip·pling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to become or cause to become covered with small waves  b : to flow in small waves
2 : to make a sound like that of water flowing in small waves <laughter rippled through the crowd>
3 : to move with a wavy motion

2ripple n
1 a : the disturbing of the surface of water  b : a small wave or a mark like a small wave
2 : a sound like that of rippling water

rip·ply \ˈrip-lē\ adj : having ripples

rip–roar·ing \ˈrip-ˈrōr-iŋ, -ˈrȯr-\ adj : noisily excited or exciting

rip·saw \ˈrip-ˌsȯ\ n : a saw for cutting wood in the direction of the grain

1rise \ˈrīz\ vb rose \ˈrōz\; ris·en \ˈriz-ən\; ris·ing \ˈrī-ziŋ\
1 a : to get up from lying, kneeling, or sitting  b : to get up from sleep or from one's bed
2 : to return from death
3 : to take up arms <the people rose in rebellion>
4 : to appear above the horizon <sun rises at six>
5 a : to move upward : ASCEND <smoke rises>  b : to extend upward <hill rises to a great height>
6 : to swell in size or volume <the river was rising> <bread dough rises>
7 a : to become encouraged <their spirits rose>  b : to grow stronger <felt her anger rising>
8 a : to gain a higher rank or position <rose to colonel>  b : to increase in quantity or number <prices were rising>
9 a : ARISE 2B <an ugly rumor had risen>  b : to come into being : ORIGINATE <river rises in the hills>
10 : to show oneself equal to a demand or test <rise to the occasion>

2rise \ˈrīz\ n
1 : an act of rising : a state of being risen
2 : BEGINNING 1, ORIGIN
3 : the distance of one point above another
4 : an increase in amount, number, or volume
5 a : an upward slope  b : a spot higher than surrounding ground
6 : an angry reaction

ris·er \ˈrī-zər\ n
1 : one that rises (as from sleep) <an early riser>
2 : the upright board between two stair treads

ris·i·ble \ˈriz-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : able to laugh
2 : arousing laughter : FUNNY

1risk \ˈrisk\ n
1 : possibility of loss or injury
2 : someone or something that presents a risk <a bad risk> <a good credit risk>  synonyms see DANGER

2risk vb
1 : to expose to danger <risked her life>
2 : to take the risk or danger of <risked breaking his neck>

risk factor n : something that increases the possibility that something bad will happen <cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer>

risky \ˈris-kē\ adj risk·i·er; -est : having or bringing risk : DANGEROUS

ri·tar·dan·do \ri-ˌtär-ˈdän-dō, ˌrē-\ adv or adj : with a gradual slowing of tempo — used as a direction in music
— ritardando n

rite \ˈrīt\ n
1 a : a fixed form for a ceremony  b : the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2 : a ceremonial act or action

1rit·u·al \ˈrich(ə-)wəl, ˈrich-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to rites or a ritual <a ritual dance>
2 : according to religious law or social custom
— rit·u·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2ritual n
1 : an established form for a ceremony
2 a : a system of rites  b : a ceremonial act or action  c : a formal and customarily repeated act or series of acts

rit·u·al·ism \ˈrich-(ə-)wəl-ˌiz-əm, ˈrich-əl-\ n : the use of ritual
— rit·u·al·is·tic \ˌrich-(ə-)wəl-ˈis-tik, ˌrich-əl-\ adj

ritzy \ˈrit-sē\ adj ritz·i·er; -est
1 : very fashionable
2 : STUCK-UP, SNOBBISH [from Ritz, name of a group of elegant hotels]

1ri·val \ˈrī-vəl\ n
1 a : one of two or more trying to get what only one can have  b : COMPETITOR
2 : one that equals another : PEER
Word History The English word rival can be traced to the Latin word rivus, meaning “a stream.” From rivus came the Latin rivalis, which meant “one who uses the same stream as another.” Those who must share a stream may argue about who has the right to use the water. Such disputes are common when two people want the same thing. The Latin word rivalis in time came to be used for other people who are also likely to fight with each other. It meant “a man in love with the same woman as another man.” This sense of rivalis came into English as rival. [from early French rival “rival,” from Latin rivalis “one using the same stream as another, a rival in love,” from rivalis (adjective) “of a stream,” from rivus “stream”]

2rival adj : of, relating to, or being a rival

3rival vb ri·valed or ri·valled; ri·val·ing or ri·val·ling \ˈrīv-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to be in competition with
2 : to be as good as or almost as good as <manufacture linens that rival the world's best>

ri·val·ry \ˈrī-vəl-rē\ n, pl -ries : the act of rivaling : the state of being a rival : COMPETITION

rive \ˈrīv\ vb rived \ˈrīvd\; riv·en \ˈriv-ən\ also rived; riv·ing \ˈrī-viŋ\
1 : to tear apart
2 : to become split or cause to split

riv·er \ˈriv-ər\ n
1 : a natural stream of water larger than a brook or creek
2 : a large stream or flow <the jet stream is a river of air> [Middle English rivere “river,” from early French rivere (same meaning), derived from Latin riparius “related to or located on the bank of a river,” from ripa “shore”]

riv·er·bank \ˈriv-ər-ˌbaŋk\ n : the bank of a river

riv·er·bed \-ˌbed\ n : the channel occupied or once occupied by a river

river blindness n : a human disease of Africa and tropical America that is caused by a parasitic nematode worm passed on by the bite of a blackfly and that usually results in blindness if untreated — called also onchocerciasis

riv·er·boat \-ˌbōt\ n : a boat used (as for carrying passengers or freight) on a river

riv·er·side \-ˌsīd\ n : the side or bank of a river

1riv·et \ˈriv-ət\ n : a metal bolt with a head at one end used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head

2rivet vb
1 : to fasten with or as if with rivets
2 : to attract and hold (as one's attention) completely
— riv·et·er n

riv·u·let \ˈriv-(y)ə-lət\ n : a small stream

ri·yal \rē-ˈyäl\ n
1 : the basic unit of money of Qatar and Saudi Arabia
2 : a bill representing one riyal

RN \ˌär-ˈen\ n : REGISTERED NURSE

RNA \ˌär-ˌen-ˈā\ n : any of various nucleic acids that are typically found in the cytoplasm of cells, are usually composed of a single chain of nucleotides, differ from DNA in containing ribose as the five-carbon sugar instead of deoxyribose, and that function mostly in protein synthesis — called also ribonucleic acid; compare MESSENGER RNA, RIBOSOMAL RNA, TRANSFER RNA

1roach \ˈrōch\ n, pl roach also roach·es : any of various fishes including some sunfishes and shiners

2roach n : COCKROACH

road \ˈrōd\ n
1 : ROADSTEAD — often used in plural
2 a : an open way for vehicles, persons, and animals  b : ROADBED 2
3 : PATH 2B <the road to success>
4 : 1RAILROAD
5 : a series of visits to several places or the travel necessary to get there <the team plays five games on the road> <traveled with the road company of the play>

road·bed \-ˌbed\ n
1 : the foundation of a road or railroad
2 : the part of the surface of a road that vehicles travel on

road·block \-ˌbläk\ n : a blocking of a road (as by police officers)

road·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a bar or inn usually outside city limits

road·run·ner \ˈrō-ˌdrən-ər\ n : a long-tailed ground-dwelling bird of the southwestern U.S. that usually travels by running — called also chaparral bird, chaparral cock

1road·side \ˈrōd-ˌsīd\ n : the strip of land along a road : the side of a road

2roadside adj : located by the side of a road <roadside hamburger stand>

road·stead \ˈrōd-ˌsted\ n : a place less enclosed than a harbor where ships may ride at anchor

road·ster \ˈrōd-stər\ n : an automobile with an open body and a folding fabric top that seats two

road test n : a test (as of a vehicle or of a person's ability to drive) made on the road

road·way \ˈrōd-ˌwā\ n
1 a : the strip of land over which a road passes  b : ROAD 2A
2 : the part of a bridge used by vehicles

roam \ˈrōm\ vb
1 : to go or go over from place to place without a plan <roam the hills> <cattle roaming in search of water>
2 : to use a cell phone outside one's local calling area  synonyms see WANDER
— roam·er n

1roan \ˈrōn\ adj : of a dark color (as black, red, or brown) sprinkled with white <a roan horse>

2roan n : an animal (as a horse) with a roan coat

1roar \ˈrō(ə)r, ˈrȯ(ə)r\ vb
1 : to utter a long full loud sound <the lion roared>
2 : to laugh loudly
3 : to say with a roar
— roar·er \ˈrōr-ər, ˈrȯr-\ n

2roar n
1 a : the deep loud cry of a wild animal (as a lion)  b : a loud deep cry or shout
2 : a loud confused sound <the roar of the crowd>

roar·ing \ˈrōr-iŋ, ˈrȯr-\ adj : very active or strong <a roaring fire> <does a roaring business> <a roaring headache>

1roast \ˈrōst\ vb
1 : to cook with dry heat (as in an oven)
2 : to be or make very hot
3 : to criticize severely in either a serious or joking way

2roast n
1 : a piece of meat roasted or suitable for roasting
2 : an outing at which food is roasted
3 : severe criticism or kidding

3roast adj : cooked by roasting <roast beef> <roast pork>

roast·er \ˈrō-stər\ n
1 : a device for roasting meat
2 : something (as a young chicken) suitable for roasting

rob \ˈräb\ vb robbed; rob·bing
1 a : to take something away from a person or place in secrecy or by force, threat, or trickery  b : to take away as loot : STEAL
2 : to keep from getting something due, expected, or desired
— rob·ber n

robber fly n : any of various two-winged flies that eat insects and are covered with coarse bristly hairs

rob·bery \ˈräb-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ber·ies : the act, practice, or an instance of robbing

1robe \ˈrōb\ n
1 : a long loose or flowing garment
2 : a covering or wrap for the lower body

2robe vb robed; rob·ing
1 : to clothe or cover with or as if with a robe
2 : 1DRESS 2A

rob·in \ˈräb-ən\ n
1 : a small European thrush with an orange red face, throat, and breast
2 : a large North American thrush with a grayish back and head and a brick red breast

ro·bot \ˈrō-ˌbät\ n
1 a : a machine that looks and acts like a human being  b : a capable but unfeeling person
2 : a device that automatically performs tasks that are complicated and often continuously repeated
— ro·bot·ic \rō-ˈbät-ik\ adj

— ro·bot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv
Word History In 1923 a play by the Czech author Karel Čapek introduced the word robot to English. The title of the play, R.U.R., stood for “Rossum's Universal Robots,” a fictional company that manufactured robots. These humanlike machines were supposed to perform all the hard, dull, and dangerous work for people, but they finally became resentful and rebelled, killing all humans. Čapek formed the word robot from the Czech robota, meaning “forced labor.” The play was very popular and influential. As a result, the word robot came to have several meanings, including “a human being who has become brutal and insensitive or machinelike because of overwork and mistreatment.” It is used today for machines that may not look human but do perform dangerous or dull work. [from Czech robot “a machine that looks human and performs dull or dangerous work,” from robota “forced labor, work”]

ro·bot·ics \rō-ˈbät-iks\ n pl but sing in constr : technology dealing with the design, construction, and operation of robots in automation

ro·bust \rō-ˈbəst, ˈrō-(ˌ)bəst\ adj : being strong and vigorously healthy
— ro·bust·ly adv

— ro·bust·ness \-ˈbəs(t)-nəs, -(ˌ)bəs(t)-\ n

roc \ˈräk\ n : a bird of fable so big it was supposed to be able to carry off an elephant

Ro·chelle salt \rō-ˌshel-\ n : a salt of potassium and sodium that is used as a laxative

1rock \ˈräk\ vb
1 : to move back and forth in or as if in a cradle
2 a : to sway or cause to sway back and forth  b : to cause to be upset <rocked by the news> [Old English roccian “to move back and forth as in a cradle”]

2rock n
1 : a rocking movement
2 : popular music usually having a fast tempo, strong beat, and much repetition

3rock n
1 : a large mass of stone
2 a : solid mineral deposits  b : a lump or piece of rock
3 : something like a rock in firmness : SUPPORT [Middle English rokke “stone, rock,” from an early French dialect word roke (same meaning)]
— rock·like adj

rock–and–roll n : 2ROCK 2

rock bass n : a sunfish spotted with brown that is found especially in the upper Mississippi valley and Great Lakes region

rock bottom n : the lowest point or level

rock·bound \ˈräk-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : surrounded or covered with rocks

rock candy n : boiled sugar crystallized on a string

rock crystal n : transparent quartz

rock dove n : a bluish gray dove of Europe and Asia that is found throughout most of North America — compare PIGEON

rock·er \ˈräk-ər\ n
1 a : a curving piece of wood or metal on which an object (as a cradle) rocks  b : a structure or device (as a chair) that rocks on rockers
2 : a device that works with a rocking motion
3 : a rock singer, musician, fan, or song
— off one's rocker : CRAZY 1

1rock·et \ˈräk-ət\ n
1 : a firework that is driven through the air by the gases produced by a burning substance
2 : a jet engine that operates like a firework rocket but carries its own oxygen for burning the fuel and is therefore able to run without the oxygen of the air
3 : an object (as a missile) that is driven by a rocket [from Italian rocchetta, literally “a small stick or rod on which wool is held for spinning,” from rocca “distaff”; probably so called because of its shape]

2rocket vb
1 : to transport by a rocket <rocket a satellite into orbit>
2 : to rise swiftly <a singer who rocketed to stardom>
3 : to travel rapidly in or as if in a rocket

rock·et·ry \ˈräk-ə-trē\ n : the study of, experimenting with, or use of rockets

rocket ship n : a spaceship driven by rockets

rocket sled n : a rocket-propelled vehicle that runs usually on a single rail and is used mainly in aviation research

rock garden n : a garden laid out among rocks or decorated with rocks

rock hound n : a person who collects rocks and minerals as a hobby

rocking chair n : a chair mounted on rockers

rocking horse n : a toy horse mounted on rockers

rock lobster n : SPINY LOBSTER

rock 'n' roll \ˌräk-ən-ˈrōl\ n : 2ROCK 2

rock salt n : common salt in large crystals or masses

rock·weed \ˈräk-ˌwēd\ n : any of various brown algae commonly growing attached to rocks along shores

rock wool n : a material resembling wool made by blowing a jet of steam through melted rock and used chiefly for heat and sound insulation

1rocky \ˈräk-ē\ adj rock·i·er; -est : full of or consisting of rocks
— rock·i·ness n

2rocky adj rock·i·er; -est
1 : weak and confused and unsteady on one's feet
2 : marked by obstacles or problems : DIFFICULT <a rocky start>
— rock·i·ness \-ē-nəs\ n

Rocky Mountain sheep n : BIGHORN SHEEP

Rocky Mountain spotted fever n : a disease that is caused by a bacterium passed on by the bite of a tick and that is characterized by chills, fever, headache, pains in the muscles and joints, and a red to purple rash

ro·co·co \rə-ˈkō-kō, rō-kə-ˈkō\ adj : of or relating to a style of artistic expression common in the 18th century marked by fancy curved forms and much ornament
— rococo n

rod \ˈräd\ n
1 a : a straight slender stick or bar  b : a stick or bundle of twigs used in whipping a person  c : a pole with a line and usually a reel attached for fishing
2 a : a unit of length — see MEASURE TABLE  b : a square rod
3 : any of the cells in the retina that are shaped like rods and respond to dim light
4 slang : HANDGUN
— rod·less \-ləs\ adj

— rod·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

rode past of RIDE

ro·dent \ˈrōd-ənt\ n : any of an order of fairly small mammals (as mice, squirrels, or beavers) that have sharp front teeth used for gnawing [derived from Latin rodent-, rodens, a form of rodere “to gnaw” — related to ERODE]
— rodent adj

ro·den·ti·cide \rō-ˈdent-ə-ˌsīd\ n : a chemical substance used to kill rodents

ro·deo \ˈrōd-ē-ˌō, rə-ˈdā-ō\ n, pl -de·os
1 : a roundup of cattle
2 : an exhibition featuring cowboy skills (as riding and roping) [from Spanish rodear “to surround,” from rueda “a wheel,” from Latin rota (same meaning)]

roe \ˈrō\ n : the eggs of a fish especially while still bound together in a membrane

roent·gen \ˈrent-gən, ˈrənt-, -jən\ n : the international unit of measurement for X-rays and gamma rays that is based on their ability to produce charged particles in the air

roent·gen·i·um \rent-ˈgən-ē-əm, rənt-, -ˈjen-\ n : a short-lived radioactive element produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE

roentgen ray n, often cap 1st R : X-RAY

Ro·ga·tion Day \rō-ˈgā-shən-\ n : one of the Christian days of prayer especially for the harvest observed on the three days before Ascension Day and by Roman Catholics also on April 25

rog·er \ˈräj-ər\ interj — used especially in radio and signaling to say that a message has been received and understood

rogue \ˈrōg\ n
1 : a dishonest or wicked person
2 : a mischievous individual

rogue elephant n : a vicious elephant that separates from the herd and roams alone

rogues' gallery n : a collection of pictures of persons arrested as criminals

rogu·ish \ˈrō-gish\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a rogue
2 : playfully mischievous
— rogu·ish·ly adv

— rogu·ish·ness n

roil \ˈrȯi(ə)l, sense 2 is also ˈrī(ə)l\ vb
1 : to make cloudy or muddy by stirring up <roil the water of a brook>
2 : to rouse the anger of

rois·ter \ˈrȯi-stər\ vb rois·tered; rois·ter·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\ : to have a noisy good time
— rois·ter·er \-stər-ər\ n

role also rôle \ˈrōl\ n
1 a : a character assigned or taken on  b : a socially expected behavior pattern usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society  c : a part played by an actor or singer <a starring role>
2 : 1FUNCTION 2A <the role of enzymes in digestion> [from French rôle “part played by an actor,” literally “scroll”; so called because before the use of books, the actor's parts were written on scrolls]

role model n : a person whose behavior in a certain role is imitated by others

role–play \ˈrōl-ˌplā, -ˈplā\ vb : to act out the role of <role-play an interviewer>

1roll \ˈrōl\ n
1 a : a written document that may be rolled up : SCROLL  b : an official list of names <the voter rolls>
2 a : something or a quantity of something that is rolled up or rounded as if rolled <rolls of fat>  b : a small piece of baked bread dough  c : paper money folded or rolled

2roll vb
1 : to move or cause to move by turning over and over on a surface without sliding
2 a : to put a wrapping around  b : to form into a ball or roll
3 : to make smooth, even, or firm with or as if with a roller
4 a : to move on rollers or wheels  b : to begin or cause to begin operating or moving <roll the cameras> <let's get rolling>
5 : to sound with a full echoing tone or with a continuous beating sound <roll a drum> <thunder rolled>
6 : to have an abundant supply <rolling in money>
7 a : to move onward or around as if on a wheel or scroll <the days roll by> <lines rolling off the screen of a computer>  b : to rotate on an axis
8 : to flow in a continuous stream <money was rolling in>
9 : to move with a side-to-side sway : ROCK

3roll n
1 a : a sound produced by rapid strokes on a drum  b : a heavy echoing sound <the roll of thunder>
2 : a rolling movement or an action involving such movement

roll bar n : an overhead metal bar in an automobile that is designed to protect riders in case the automobile overturns

roll call n : the action of calling off a list of names (as for checking attendance); also : a time for a roll call

roll·er \ˈrō-lər\ n
1 a : a turning cylinder over or on which something is moved or which is used to press, shape, spread, or smooth something  b : a rod on which something (as a map or a shade) is rolled up  c : a small wheel (as of a roller skate)
2 : a long heavy wave on the sea
3 : one that rolls or rolls over

roller bearing n : a bearing in which a rotating part turns on rollers held in a circular frame or cage

roll·er coast·er \ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər, ˈrō-lē-ˌkō-\ n : an elevated railway (as in an amusement park) with sharp curves and steep slopes on which cars roll

roller rink n : RINK 2

roller skate n : a skate that goes on wheels instead of a runner
— roller–skate vb

rol·lick \ˈräl-ik\ vb : 1FROLIC
— rollick n

rol·lick·ing \ˈräl-ik-iŋ\ adj : full of fun and good spirits

rolling pin n : a cylinder (as of wood) used to roll out dough

rolling stock n : wheeled vehicles owned or used by a railroad or trucking company

roll·top desk \ˌrōl-ˌtäp-\ n : a desk with a cover that can be slid up or down

roll up vb : to build up by many additions one after the other <the winning candidate rolled up a large majority>

1ro·ly–po·ly \ˌrō-lē-ˈpō-lē\ adj : being short and fat

2roly–poly n, pl -lies : a roly-poly person or thing

ROM \ˈräm\ n : a usually small computer memory that contains special-purpose information (as a program) which cannot be altered — compare RAM

ro·maine \rō-ˈmān\ n : a lettuce with a tall loose head of long crisp leaves — called also romaine lettuce

1Ro·man \ˈrō-mən\ n
1 a : a person born or living in Rome  b : a citizen of the Roman Empire
2 not cap : roman letters or type

2Roman adj
1 : of or relating to Rome or the Romans or the empire of which Rome was the original capital
2 a : 1LATIN 2  b : of or relating to the Latin language
3 not cap : of or relating to a type style with upright characters (as in “these definitions”)
4 : of or relating to the Roman Catholic Church

Roman candle n : a firework that is a long tube that shoots out balls or stars of fire one at a time

Roman Catholic adj : of or relating to the body of Christians having levels of authority under the pope, a liturgy centered in the Mass, and a body of beliefs laid down by the church as the only interpreter of revealed truth
— Roman Catholic n

— Roman Catholicism n

1ro·mance \rō-ˈman(t)s, ˈrō-ˌman(t)s\ n
1 a : an old tale of knights and noble ladies  b : an adventure story  c : a love story
2 : LOVE AFFAIR
3 : an attraction or appeal to one's feelings <the romance of the old West>
Word History As the Roman Empire spread throughout Europe, the Latin language developed many dialects. In these dialects, the original Latin was changed by the native languages spoken before the conquest. These dialects were called romanz in early French and became the bases of what we call Romance languages today. Even after the fall of Rome, serious writing was done in Latin. But in what is now France, popular verse stories about knights, dragons, ghosts, and battles were written in the local dialect. Soon romanz came to mean one of these stories, and the word was borrowed into Middle English. Since many of the stories were about love affairs, romance came to mean “a love story,” and then “a love affair.” In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a group of poets, including Shelley, Byron, Keats, and Wordsworth, were labeled Romantic because they wrote poetry about the same kinds of things as were found in the old romances—noble love, courage, and ghostly beings. [Middle English romauns “a story of adventure or legend,” from early French romanz “French language, something written in French,” from Latin romanice “in a vernacular (as opposed to Latin),” from Latin Romanus “Gallic Romance speaker (as opposed to a Frank),” from Romanus “Roman”]

2romance vb ro·manced; ro·manc·ing
1 : to have romantic thoughts or ideas
2 : to carry on a love affair with

Ro·mance \rō-ˈman(t)s, ˈrō-ˌman(t)s\ adj : of, relating to, or being the languages (as French, Italian, or Spanish) developed from Latin

Ro·man·esque \ˌrō-mə-ˈnesk\ adj : relating to or being an old style of architecture (as for churches) coming before Gothic architecture and having round arches, thick heavy walls, and few small windows

Ro·ma·ni·an \ru̇-ˈmā-nē-ən, rō-\ also Ru·ma·ni·an \ru̇-\ n
1 : a person born or living in Romania
2 : the Romance language of the Romanians
— Romanian also Rumanian adj

Roman numeral n : a numeral in a system of numbers based on the ancient Roman system — see NUMBER TABLE

Ro·ma·no \rə-ˈmän-ō, rō-\ n : a hard sharp cheese used grated

Ro·mans \ˈrō-mənz\ n : a letter on doctrine written by St. Paul to the Christians of Rome and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

Ro·mansch or Ro·mansh \rō-ˈmänch\ n : a Romance language spoken in parts of Switzerland

1ro·man·tic \rō-ˈmant-ik\ n : a romantic person; esp : a romantic writer, composer, or artist

2romantic adj
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a romance <romantic writing>
2 : IMAGINARY
3 : IMPRACTICAL <a romantic scheme>
4 a : stressing or appealing to the emotions or imagination <a romantic spot>  b often cap : of or relating to romanticism
5 : of, relating to, or associated with love
— ro·man·ti·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ro·man·ti·cism \rō-ˈmant-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n
1 often cap : a literary and artistic movement marked chiefly by an emphasis on the imagination and emotions
2 : the quality or state of being romantic
— ro·man·ti·cist \-səst\ n, often cap

ro·man·ti·cize \rō-ˈmant-ə-ˌsīz\ vb -cized; -ciz·ing
1 : to make romantic : show in a romantic way
2 : to have romantic ideas
— ro·man·ti·ci·za·tion \-ˌmant-ə-sə-ˈzā-shən\ n

Rom·a·ny \ˈräm-ə-nē, ˈrō-mə-\ n, pl -nies
1 : GYPSY 1
2 : the Indic language of the Gypsies
— Romany adj

1romp \ˈrämp\ n : rough and noisy play : FROLIC

2romp vb : to play in a rough and noisy way

romp·er \ˈräm-pər\ n : a child's one-piece garment with the lower part shaped like bloomers — usually used in plural

rood \ˈrüd\ n : 1CROSS 1B, CRUCIFIX

1roof \ˈrüf, ˈru̇f\ n, pl roofs \ˈrüfs, ˈru̇fs, ˈrüvz, ˈru̇vz\
1 a : the upper covering part of a building  b : a place to live : HOME <a roof over one's head>
2 : the upper boundary of the mouth
3 : something resembling a roof in form, position, or purpose
— roofed \ˈrüft, ˈru̇ft\ adj

— roof·less \ˈrüf-ləs, ˈru̇f-\ adj

— roof·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2roof vb
1 : to cover with or as if with a roof
2 : to provide with roofing
— roof·er n

roof·ing n : material for a roof

roof·top \ˈrüf-ˌtäp, ˈru̇f-\ n : 1ROOF 1A; esp : the outer surface of a flat roof

roof·tree \-ˌtrē\ n : RIDGEPOLE 1

1rook \ˈru̇k\ n : a common Old World crow that nests and sleeps in groups usually in treetops [Old English hrōc “crowlike bird”]

2rook vb : 1CHEAT 1, SWINDLE

3rook n : a chessman that can move parallel to the sides of the board across any number of unoccupied squares [Middle English rok “chess piece,” from early French roc (same meaning), from Arabic rukhkh (same meaning); of Persian origin]

rook·ery \ˈru̇k-ə-rē\ n, pl -er·ies : the place where a group of birds or social mammals (as penguins or seals) breed, nest, or raise their young

rook·ie \ˈru̇k-ē\ n : BEGINNER, RECRUIT; esp : a first-year player in a professional sport

1room \ˈrüm, ˈru̇m\ n
1 : space used or available for something <houseplants that take up little room> <enough room to run and play>
2 a : a part of the inside of a building that is divided off  b : such a part used as a lodging
3 : the people in a room
4 : a suitable opportunity : CHANCE <room for improvement>

2room vb : to live in or share a room as a lodger

room·er \ˈrü-mər, ˈru̇m-ər\ n : LODGER

room·ful \ˈrüm-ˌfu̇l, ˈru̇m-\ n, pl roomfuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ or rooms·ful \ˈrümz-ˌfu̇l, ˈru̇mz-\
1 : as much or as many as a room will hold
2 : the persons or objects in a room

rooming house n : a house where rooms are rented to lodgers

room·mate \ˈrüm-ˌmāt, ˈru̇m-\ n : one of two or more persons sharing a room or dwelling

roomy \ˈrü-mē, ˈru̇m-ē\ adj room·i·er; -est : having plenty of room
— room·i·ness n

1roost \ˈrüst\ n
1 : a support on which birds rest
2 : a place where birds often roost

2roost vb : to settle down for rest or sleep : PERCH

roost·er \ˈrü-stər\ n
1 : an adult male domestic chicken
2 : an adult male bird

1root \ˈrüt, ˈru̇t\ n
1 a : the leafless usually underground part of a plant that absorbs water and minerals, stores food, and holds the plant in place  b : an underground plant part especially when fleshy and edible
2 a : the part of a tooth within the socket  b : the base or end of a bodily part (as a hair or a fingernail) or the part by which it is attached to the body
3 a : an original cause : SOURCE <the roots of evil>  b : the ancestors of a person or a group of persons <people tracing their roots>  c : something that lies under and supports <the roots of a mountain chain>  d : 1CORE 1, HEART <the root of the problem>  e : a close relationship with a social environment <has roots in the South>
4 a : a number that when multiplied by itself a given number of times equals a specified number <2 is a 4th root of 16 because 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16>  b : a solution of a polynomial equation with one unknown <(x + 1) (x - 1) = 0 has the roots x = -1 and x = 1>
5 : a word or part of a word from which other words are formed <“butler” and “bottle” come from the same Latin root> [Old English rōt “root of a plant”; of Norse origin]
— root·ed \-əd\ adj

— root·less \-ləs\ adj

— root·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2root vb
1 a : to form or enable to form roots  b : to fix or become fixed by or as if by roots : take root
2 : to remove by or as if by pulling out the roots <root out spies>

3root vb : to turn up or dig in the soil with the snout <pigs rooting for fungi>

4root \ˈrüt, ˈru̇t\ vb
1 : 2CHEER 2
2 : to wish for the success of someone or something <rooting for the underdog> [perhaps an altered form of rout, a rare word meaning “to low or bellow like cattle”]
— root·er n

root beer n : a sweet carbonated drink flavored with extracts of roots and herbs

root canal n : the space in the root of a tooth that contains soft sensitive tissue; also : a dental procedure to save a tooth by removing this tissue when diseased or injured and filling the space with a protective material

root cap n : a layer of dead cells that forms a protective cover over the growing tip of a root

root cellar n : an underground storage area for vegetables and especially those (as carrots) with enlarged roots

root hair n : one of the threadlike outgrowths near the tip of a rootlet that function in absorption of water and minerals

root·let \ˈrüt-lət, ˈru̇t-\ n : a small root

root pressure n : the pressure that is caused by the absorption of soil water and that helps to push water up the plant stem from the roots

root·stock \ˈrüt-ˌstäk, ˈru̇t-\ n
1 : RHIZOME
2 : a root or part of a root to which an aboveground plant part is grafted

1rope \ˈrōp\ n
1 a : a large stout cord of strands (as of fiber or wire) twisted or braided together  b : LARIAT  c : a noose used for hanging
2 : a row or string (as of beads) made by or as if by braiding, twining, or threading
3 pl : the special way things are done (as on a job) <learn the ropes>

2rope vb roped; rop·ing
1 a : to bind, fasten, or tie with a rope  b : to set off or divide by a rope <rope off a street for a neighborhood carnival>  c : to catch with a lasso
2 : to draw as if with a rope <roped her friends into helping with the project>
— rop·er n

rope·walk \-ˌwȯk\ n : a place where rope is made

rope·walk·er \-ˌwȯ-kər\ n : an acrobat who performs on a tightrope

ropy \ˈrō-pē\ adj rop·i·er; -est
1 : capable of being drawn into a sticky thread : VISCOUS
2 : resembling rope
— rop·i·ness n

Roque·fort \ˈrōk-fərt\ trademark — used for a blue cheese made in France of sheep's milk

Ror·schach test \ˈrȯ(ə)r-ˌshäk-\ n : a psychological test in which a person is asked to tell what he or she sees in and thinks about ink blots of varying designs and colors and which is used to measure certain traits of personality

ro·sa·ry \ˈrōz-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 often cap : a Roman Catholic devotion consisting of meditation on usually five sacred mysteries during recitation of five decades of Hail Marys of which each begins with an Our Father and ends with a Gloria Patri
2 : a string of beads used in counting prayers especially of the Roman Catholic rosary
Word History Rosary is ultimately borrowed from Latin rosarium, a derivative of rosa, “rose.” In classical Latin rosarium referred to a bed or garden of roses. In the Middle Ages rose gardens became particularly associated with Mary, and artists would give a rose-garden setting to the Annunciation, the announcement made to Mary by an angel that she would be the Messiah's mother. Rosarium could also refer to a rose garland or wreath for the head that Mary made or wore in various legends. When sequences of prayers to the Virgin became a popular devotion in the 1400s, it is not surprising that Latin rosarium was applied to them. Later the word was also applied to the strings of beads used in reciting the rosary prayers. [from Latin rosarium “rosary prayers, rosary beads,” from earlier rosarium “rose garden,” derived from rosa “rose”]

1rose past of RISE

2rose \ˈrōz\ n
1 a : any of a genus of usually prickly sometimes climbing shrubs that have compound leaves and showy often fragrant white, yellow, red, pink, or orange flowers  b : the flower of a rose
2 : a medium purplish red
— rose·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

3rose adj
1 : of, relating to, resembling, or used for the rose or roses
2 : of the color rose

rose–breast·ed grosbeak \ˌrōz-ˌbres-təd-\ n : a grosbeak of eastern North America of which the male is chiefly black and white with a rose-red breast and the female is a grayish brown with a streaked breast

rose·bud \ˈrōz-ˌbəd\ n : the bud of a rose

rose·bush \-ˌbu̇sh\ n : a shrub that produces roses

rose–col·ored \-ˌkəl-ərd\ adj
1 : having a rose color <a lamp with a rose-colored shade>
2 : OPTIMISTIC <a rose-colored view of the problem>

rose hip n : the ripened usually red or orange fruit of a rose

rose·mary \ˈrōz-ˌmer-ē\ n : a fragrant shrubby mint with grayish green needlelike leaves used as a seasoning; also : the leaves of rosemary [an altered form of Middle English rosmarine “rosemary,” from Latin rosmarinus, literally, “dew of the sea,” from ros “dew” and marinus “of the sea”]

Ro·set·ta stone \rō-ˌzet-ə-\ n : a black stone with inscriptions in Egyptian hieroglyphics and Greek that gave the first clue to understanding hieroglyphics

ro·sette \rō-ˈzet\ n
1 : a badge or ornament of ribbon gathered in the shape of a rose
2 : a design of leaves or flowers used as a decoration
3 : a circular cluster of leaves developed on a plant (as at the base of a dandelion)

rose·wood \ˈrōz-ˌwu̇d\ n
1 : any of various tropical trees with hard dark red to purplish wood that is streaked with black and is used especially for making furniture and musical instruments
2 : the wood of a rosewood

Rosh Ha·sha·nah \ˌrōsh-hə-ˈshō-nə, ˌrōsh-ə-, ˌräsh-, -ˈshän-ə\ n : the Jewish New Year observed as a religious holiday in September or October [from Hebrew rōsh hashshānāh, literally, “beginning of the year”]

1ros·in \ˈräz-ən, ˈrȯz-\ n : an amber-colored to almost black brittle resin obtained especially from pine trees and used especially in making varnish and on violin bows

2rosin vb : to rub (as the bow of a violin) with rosin

ros·ter \ˈräs-tər\ n : a list usually of people belonging to some group

ros·trum \ˈräs-trəm\ n, pl rostra \-trə\ or rostrums
1 : a stage or platform from which to give a speech
2 : a bodily part (as a snout) that resembles a bird's beak
Word History Rostrum, a “raised platform for speakers,” goes back to the collecting of war souvenirs by the ancient Romans. Warships in those days had pointed beams, called “beaks,” sticking out from the bows. They were used to ram and sink enemy ships. To celebrate a great naval victory, the Romans gathered the beaks of the losers' ships. They hung them in back of the speaker's platform in the Forum in Rome. The Latin word for the ship's beak was rostrum. The plural, rostra, soon came to be used for the speaker's platform. In time rostra came to be used for any speaker's platform, not just one decorated with the beaks of ships. In the 18th century English began using the Latin singular form rostrum to mean “a speaker's platform.” [from Latin Rostra “the speaker's platform in the Forum,” from rostra, plural of rostrum “ship's beak”]

rosy \ˈrō-zē\ adj ros·i·er; -est
1 : of the color rose
2 : PROMISING, HOPEFUL <the outlook was rosy> <rosy prospects>
— ros·i·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— ros·i·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

1rot \ˈrät\ vb rot·ted; rot·ting
1 a : to decay due to the action of fungi or bacteria  b : to become unsafe or weak (as from use or chemical action)
2 : to go to ruin
3 : to cause to rot

2rot n
1 a : the process of rotting : the state of being rotten  b : something rotten or rotting
2 a : a disease of plants or animals marked by the decay of tissue  b : an area of decayed tissue <pruned the rot from the tree trunk>
3 : NONSENSE 1 <don't talk rot>

1ro·ta·ry \ˈrōt-ə-rē\ adj
1 a : turning on an axis like a wheel <a rotary blade>  b : taking place about an axis <rotary motion>
2 : having a rotating part <a rotary lawn mower>

2rotary n, pl -ries
1 : a rotary machine
2 : a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only

ro·tate \ˈrō-ˌtāt\ vb ro·tat·ed; ro·tat·ing
1 : to turn or cause to turn about an axis or a center <the earth rotates>
2 a : to do or cause to do something in turn  b : to pass in a series <the seasons rotate>
3 : to cause to grow one after the other on the same land <rotate alfalfa and corn>
— ro·tat·able \-ˌtāt-ə-bəl\ adj

— ro·ta·tor \-ˌtāt-ər\ n

ro·ta·tion \rō-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 a : the act of rotating especially on an axis  b : one complete turn
2 : CROP ROTATION
— ro·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

1rote \ˈrōt\ n
1 : the use of memory usually without thinking about it <learn by rote> <repeat something by rote>
2 : something done time after time in an automatic way or without thinking

2rote adj
1 : done or learned by rote <rote learning of multiplication tables> <a rote phrase>
2 : done or carried out without engaging the mind or feelings <rote duties> <ask a rote question>

ro·te·none \ˈrōt-ən-ˌōn\ n : a substance obtained from tropical plants that is usually harmless to warm-blooded animals but is poisonous especially to insects

ro·ti·fer \ˈrōt-ə-fər\ n : any of a class of tiny aquatic invertebrate animals with circles of cilia on one end that look like moving wheels when moving

ro·tis·ser·ie \rō-ˈtis-(ə-)rē\ n : an appliance fitted with a spit on which food is rotated before or over a source of heat

ro·tor \ˈrōt-ər\ n
1 : a part that rotates in a stationary part (as in an electrical machine)
2 : a complete system of rotating blades that support a helicopter in flight

ro·to·till·er \ˈrōt-ə-ˌtil-ər\ n : a landscaping machine with rotating blades that lift and turn over soil [from Rototiller, a trademark]

rot·ten \ˈrät-ən\ adj
1 : having rotted
2 : morally bad
3 : very unpleasant or worthless <did a rotten job>
— rot·ten·ly adv

— rot·ten·ness \-ən-(n)əs\ n

ro·tund \rō-ˈtənd, ˈrō-ˌtənd\ adj
1 : somewhat round
2 : 5PLUMP
— ro·tun·di·ty \rō-ˈtən-dət-ē\ n

ro·tun·da \rō-ˈtən-də\ n
1 : a round building; esp : one covered by a dome
2 a : a large round room  b : a large central area (as in a hotel)

rouble variant of RUBLE

1rouge \ˈrüzh, especially Southern ˈrüj\ n
1 : a cosmetic used to give a red color to the cheeks or lips
2 : a red powder consisting essentially of ferric oxide used for polishing (as glass or metal)

2rouge vb rouged; roug·ing : to put rouge on

1rough \ˈrəf\ adj
1 a : having an uneven surface : not smooth  b : covered with or made up of coarse and often shaggy hair or bristles <a rough-coated terrier>
2 a : not calm <rough seas>  b : being harsh or violent <rough treatment>  c : difficult to take or deal with <we've had some rough times>
3 a : harsh to the ear  b : coarse or rugged in nature or look
4 : not complete or exact <a rough draft> <rough estimate>; also : 1APPROXIMATE <this will give you a rough idea of the house>
— rough·ish \ˈrəf-ish\ adj

— rough·ly adv

— rough·ness n
synonyms ROUGH, HARSH, RUGGED, mean not smooth or even. ROUGH implies having points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface <rough wood>. HARSH implies having a surface that is unpleasant to the touch <a harsh brush>. RUGGED implies an uneven land surface and suggests difficulty of travel <rugged mountain roads>.

2rough n
1 : uneven ground covered with high grass, brush, and stones
2 : the rugged or unpleasant part of something <nature in the rough>
3 : something in a crude or unfinished state; also : such a state <a diamond in the rough>

3rough adv : in a rough way : not smoothly <the engine idled rough, but ran smoothly at high speed>

4rough vb
1 : ROUGHEN
2 : to handle roughly : BEAT <roughed up by hoodlums>
3 : to shape or make in a rough way <rough out a plan>
— rough it : to live without ordinary comforts

rough·age \ˈrəf-ij\ n : FIBER 1F

rough·en \ˈrəf-ən\ vb rough·ened; rough·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become rough

rough–hewn \ˈrəf-ˈhyün\ adj
1 : being rough or unfinished <rough-hewn beams>
2 : lacking smooth manners or social grace

1rough·house \ˈrəf-ˌhau̇s\ n : violence or rough noisy play

2rough·house \-ˌhau̇s, -ˌhau̇z\ vb rough·housed; rough·hous·ing : to take part in roughhouse

rough·neck \ˈrəf-ˌnek\ n
1 : a rough person : ROWDY
2 : a worker on a crew drilling oil wells

Rough Rider n : a member of the cavalry led by Theodore Roosevelt in the Spanish-American War

rough·shod \ˈrəf-ˈshäd\ adv : with no consideration for the wishes or feelings of others — usually used in the phrase ride roughshod over or run roughshod over

rou·lette \rü-ˈlet\ n
1 : a gambling game in which players bet on which compartment of a revolving wheel a small ball will come to rest in
2 : a wheel or disk with teeth around the outside [from French roulette, literally, “small wheel”]

1round \ˈrau̇nd\ adj
1 a : having every part of the surface or circumference the same distance from the center  b : shaped like a cylinder <a round peg>  c : nearly round <a round face>
2 : 5PLUMP
3 a : 1COMPLETE 1 <a round dozen>  b : nearly correct or exact to a certain decimal place <use the round number 1400 for the exact figure 1411>  c : LARGE <a good round sum>
4 : moving in or forming a circle
5 : having lifelike fullness <a round character in a story>
6 : having fullness of tone
7 : having curves rather than angles
— round·ish \ˈrau̇n-dish\ adj

— round·ness \ˈrau̇n(d)-nəs\ n

2round adv : 1AROUND

3round n
1 : something (as a circle, globe, or ring) that is round
2 : a song in which three or four singers sing the same melody and words one after another at intervals
3 : 2RUNG
4 : an indirect or circling path
5 a : a regularly covered route <a watchman's rounds>  b : a series of calls or stops regularly made <a doctor on her rounds in the hospital>
6 : a drink apiece served at one time to each person in a group
7 : a series or cycle of repeated actions or events <opened a new round of disarmament talks>
8 a : one shot fired by a soldier or weapon  b : ammunition for one shot
9 : a unit of play in a contest or game <a round of golf>
10 : a cut of beef especially between the rump and the lower leg
— in the round
1 : in full sculptured form unattached to a background
2 : with a center stage surrounded by an audience on all sides <theater in the round>

4round vb
1 a : to make or become round  b : to pronounce a sound with rounding of the lips
2 : to go or pass around <rounded the curve>
3 : to bring to completion — often used with off or out
4 : to express as a round number; esp : to drop any digits to the right of a given decimal place and increase the last remaining digit by 1 if the first dropped digit is 5 or greater <4.57268 rounded off to three decimal places is 4.573>
5 : to follow a winding course

5round \(ˈ)rau̇nd\ prep : 2AROUND

round·about \ˈrau̇n-də-ˌbau̇t\ adj : not direct <went a roundabout way>

round dance n
1 : a folk dance in which participants form a ring and move in a certain direction
2 : a series of movements performed by a bee to indicate that a source of food is nearby

round·ed \ˈrau̇n-dəd\ adj : curving or round in shape

roun·de·lay \ˈrau̇n-də-ˌlā\ n : a simple song with refrain

round·house \ˈrau̇nd-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : a circular building where locomotives are kept or repaired
2 : a blow with the hand made with a wide swing

round·ly \ˈrau̇n-(d)lē\ adv
1 : in a thorough way : COMPLETELY <was roundly ignored>
2 : in plain or strong language <roundly criticized the plan>

round–robin \ˈrau̇n-ˌdräb-ən\ n
1 : a letter (as of protest) whose signers put their signatures in a circle so the receiver cannot tell who signed first
2 : a tournament in which every contestant plays once against every other contestant

round–shoul·dered \ˈrau̇n(d)-ˈshōl-dərd\ adj : having the shoulders stooping or rounded

round steak n : a steak cut from the round of beef

round table \ˈrau̇n(d)-ˌtā-bəl\ n
1 cap R&T : the large round table of King Arthur and his knights
2 usually round·ta·ble : a meeting of several persons for discussion

round·up \ˈrau̇n-ˌdəp\ n
1 : the gathering together of animals (as cows) on the range by riding around them and driving them in
2 : a gathering together of scattered persons or things
3 : 2SUMMARY <a roundup of the news>

round up \ˈrau̇n-ˈdəp\ vb
1 : to collect (as cattle) by circling and driving
2 : to gather in or bring together

round·worm \ˈrau̇n-ˌdwərm\ n : a nematode worm (as a hookworm); also : a related round-bodied worm without segments as compared to a flatworm

rouse \ˈrau̇z\ vb roused; rous·ing
1 : 1AWAKE 1
2 : to make or become active : stir up

rous·ing \ˈrau̇-ziŋ\ adj
1 : having the power to rouse one <sang a rousing hymn> <a rousing speech>
2 : very good : EXCEPTIONAL <a rousing business>

roust·about \ˈrau̇-stə-ˌbau̇t\ n : a person (as a deckhand, dock worker, or oil field worker) who does heavy labor

1rout \ˈrau̇t\ vb
1 : to poke around with the snout : 3ROOT
2 : to dig or cut a groove in (as wood or metal)
3 a : to drive by force <routed out of their homes>  b : to cause to come out especially from bed

2rout n
1 : a state of wild confusion and disorderly retreat
2 : a disastrous defeat

3rout vb rout·ed; rout·ing
1 : to put to flight
2 : to defeat completely

1route \ˈrüt, ˈrau̇t\ n
1 : ROAD 2A, HIGHWAY <U.S. Route 66>
2 : a course of action toward a goal <the best route to peace>
3 a : an established, selected, or assigned course of travel <explorers looking for a new route to the Indies> <air routes to Europe>  b : a territory to be gone over regularly <a newspaper route>

2route vb rout·ed; rout·ing : to send or transport by a certain route <route heavy traffic around the city>

1rout·er \ˈrau̇t-ər\ n : a machine for cutting out the surface of wood or metal

2rout·er \ˈrüt-ər, ˈrau̇t-\ n : one that routes; esp : a device that sends data from one place to another within a computer network or between computer networks

1rou·tine \rü-ˈtēn\ n
1 : a standard or regular way of doing something
2 : an often repeated speech or formula
3 : a part (as of an act or a sports performance) that is carefully worked out so it can be repeated often <a comedy routine> <a dance routine> <a gymnastic routine>
4 : a set of computer instructions that will perform a certain job

2routine adj
1 : 2COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY
2 : done or happening in a usual or standard way
— rou·tine·ly adv

rove \ˈrōv\ vb roved; rov·ing : ROAM1

1ro·ver \ˈrō-vər\ n : 1PIRATE

2rov·er \ˈrō-vər\ n : a person who roves around : ROAMER

rov·ing \ˈrō-viŋ\ n : a slightly twisted roll or strand of textile fibers

1row \ˈrō\ vb
1 : to move a boat by means of oars
2 : to travel or carry in a rowboat
3 : to pull an oar in a crew [Old English rōwan “to propel a boat with oars”]
— row·er \ˈrō(-ə)r\ n

2row n : an act or instance of rowing

3row n
1 a : a series of persons or things arranged in a usually straight line; esp : a horizontal arrangement of items  b : the line along which such objects are arranged <planted the corn in parallel rows>
2 : 1WAY 1A, STREET [Middle English rawe “a number of objects arranged in a line”]

4row \ˈrau̇\ n : a noisy disturbance or quarrel [origin unknown]

5row \ˈrau̇\ vb : to have a row : FIGHT, QUARREL

row·boat \ˈrō-ˌbōt\ n : a boat made to be rowed

1row·dy \ˈrau̇d-ē\ adj row·di·er; -est : rough or loud in behavior
— row·di·ness n

2rowdy n, pl rowdies : a rowdy person

row·el \ˈrau̇(-ə)l\ n : a disk on the end of a spur that has sharp points around its edge

row house \ˈrō-\ n : any of a row of houses connected by common sidewalls

row·ing \ˈrō-iŋ\ n : the sport of racing long narrow boats rowed by oars

row·lock \ˈräl-ək, ˈrəl-; ˈrō-ˌläk\ n, chiefly British : OARLOCK

roy·al \ˈrȯi(-ə)l\ adj
1 : of or relating to a sovereign : REGAL
2 : fit for a king or queen <a royal welcome>
— roy·al·ly \ˈrȯi-ə-lē\ adv

royal blue n : a purplish blue

roy·al·ist \ˈrȯi-ə-ləst\ n : a person who supports a sovereign
— royalist adj

royal jelly n : a substance rich in vitamins and proteins that is secreted from glands in the head of honeybees and is fed to all very young larvae and to all maturing queen bees

roy·al·ty \ˈrȯi(-ə)l-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : royal status or power
2 : royal character or conduct
3 : members of a royal family
4 a : a share of a product or profit (as of a mine) claimed by the owner for allowing another to use the property  b : a payment made to the owner of a patent or copyright for the use of it

rRNA \ˌär-ˌär-ˌen-ˈā\ n : RIBOSOMAL RNA

RSS \ˌär-ˌes-ˈes\ n : a computer document format that enables updates to websites to be easily distributed

1rub \ˈrəb\ vb rubbed; rub·bing
1 a : to move along the surface of a body with pressure  b : to wear away or chafe with friction
2 : to scour, polish, erase, spread, or smear by pressure and friction
— rub elbows or rub shoulders : to associate in a friendly way : MINGLE

— rub the wrong way : to cause to be angry : IRRITATE

2rub n
1 a : something that gets in the way : DIFFICULTY  b : something that is annoying
2 : the act of rubbing

1rub·ber \ˈrəb-ər\ n
1 : something used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning
2 a : an elastic substance obtained from the milky juice of various tropical plants  b : any of various synthetic substances like rubber
3 : something made of or resembling rubber: as  a : a rubber overshoe  b : a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching
4 : CONDOM
— rub·ber·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— rub·bery \ˈrəb-(ə-)rē\ adj

2rubber n
1 : a contest that consists of an odd number of games (as card games) and is won by the side that takes a majority (as two out of three)
2 : an extra game played to decide the winner of a tie

rubber band n : a continuous band made of rubber for holding things together : ELASTIC

rub·ber·ized \ˈrəb-ə-ˌrīzd\ adj : coated or soaked with rubber

rub·ber·neck \ˈrəb-ər-ˌnek\ vb : to look around or stare with great curiosity

rubber plant n : a plant that produces rubber; esp : an Asian tree related to the mulberries that is widely raised as a houseplant

rubber–stamp vb : to approve, endorse, or dispose of as a matter of routine or at the command of another

rubber stamp n : a stamp with a printing face made of rubber

rubber tree n : a tree that produces rubber; esp : a South American tree that is often grown on plantations as a commercial source of rubber

rub·bing \ˈrəb-iŋ\ n : an image of a raised or indented surface made by placing paper over it and rubbing the paper with something colored

rubbing alcohol n : a cooling and soothing solution for use on the outside of the body that contains an alcohol and water

rub·bish \ˈrəb-ish\ n : useless waste or stuff that has been thrown away : TRASH
— rub·bishy \-ē\ adj

rub·ble \ˈrəb-əl\ n
1 : rough broken stones or bricks used in building
2 : a confused mass of rough or broken things

rub·down \ˈrəb-ˌdau̇n\ n : a brisk rubbing of the body (as to relax tired muscles)

ru·bel·la \rü-ˈbel-ə\ n : GERMAN MEASLES

ru·bi·cund \ˈrü-bi-(ˌ)kənd\ adj : RUDDY 1

ru·bid·i·um \rü-ˈbid-ē-əm\ n : a soft silvery metallic element that reacts violently with water — see ELEMENT TABLE

rub in vb : to keep reminding someone of something unpleasant <you don't have to rub it in>

ru·ble also rou·ble \ˈrü-bəl\ n
1 : the basic unit of money of Russia and formerly of the U.S.S.R.
2 : a coin representing one ruble

rub off vb : to become transferred <the ink rubbed off on my fingers> <a positive attitude can rub off on others>

rub out vb : to remove by or as if by erasing

ru·bric \ˈrü-brik\ n
1 : a name or heading under which something is classified : CLASSIFICATION <different problems under the general rubric of ecology>
2 : an explanation or set of instructions at the beginning of a text (as a book)
3 : a guide listing criteria for grading or scoring tests, projects, or papers

1ru·by \ˈrü-bē\ n, pl rubies
1 : a precious stone of a deep red color
2 : the dark red color of the ruby

2ruby adj : dark red in color

ru·by–throat·ed hummingbird \ˌrü-bē-ˌthrōt-əd-\ n : a hummingbird of eastern North America that has a bright shiny green back, whitish underparts, and in the adult male a shiny red throat

ruck·sack \ˈrək-ˌsak, ˈru̇k-\ n : KNAPSACK

ruck·us \ˈrək-əs, ˈrük-, ˈru̇k-\ n : 4ROW

ruc·tion \ˈrək-shən\ n : a noisy disturbance : UPROAR

rud·der \ˈrəd-ər\ n : a flat movable piece (as of wood or metal) attached to the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering

rud·dy \ˈrəd-ē\ adj rud·di·er; -est
1 : having a healthy reddish color
2 : 1RED 1, REDDISH
— rud·di·ly \ˈrəd-əl-ē\ adv

— rud·di·ness \ˈrəd-ē-nəs\ n

rude \ˈrüd\ adj rud·er; rud·est
1 : IMPOLITE
2 : not refined or cultured
3 : being sudden and forceful <a rude awakening>
4 : being in a rough or unfinished state : roughly made
— rude·ly adv

— rude·ness n

ru·di·ment \ˈrüd-ə-mənt\ n
1 : a basic principle or skill — usually used in plural <the rudiments of grammar>
2 a : something unformed or undeveloped : BEGINNING — usually used in plural  b : a body part so underdeveloped in size or structure that it is unable to perform its normal function

ru·di·men·ta·ry \ˌrüd-ə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj
1 : ELEMENTARY 1, FUNDAMENTAL
2 : very imperfectly developed or represented only by a small part compared to the fully developed form <a rudimentary tail>

1rue \ˈrü\ vb rued; ru·ing : to feel sorrow or regret for

2rue n : 2REGRET 1, SORROW

rue·ful \ˈrü-fəl\ adj
1 : exciting pity or sympathy
2 : MOURNFUL 1, REGRETFUL
— rue·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

ruff \ˈrəf\ n
1 : a large round collar of pleated muslin or linen worn by men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries
2 : a fringe of long hairs or feathers growing around or on the neck of an animal
— ruffed \ˈrəft\ adj

ruffed grouse n : a grouse of the U.S. and Canada with the male having tufts of shiny black feathers around the neck

ruf·fi·an \ˈrəf-ē-ən\ n : a brutal person : BULLY
— ruffian adj

— ruf·fi·an·ly adj

1ruf·fle \ˈrəf-əl\ vb ruf·fled; ruf·fling \ˈrəf-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to disturb the smoothness of  b : 1TROUBLE 1A, VEX
2 : to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff
3 : to make into a ruffle

2ruffle n
1 : a state or cause of irritation
2 a : a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge  b : RUFF 2
— ruf·fly \ˈrəf-(ə-)lē\ adj

3ruffle n : a low vibrating drumbeat that is less loud than a roll

rug \ˈrəg\ n : a piece of thick heavy fabric usually with a nap or pile used as a floor covering

rug·by \ˈrəg-bē\ n, often cap : a football game between two teams in which play is continuous and the team that has the ball may run with it, kick it, or pass it sideways or backward but is not allowed to block or make forward passes [named for Rugby School in England where the game was first played]

rug·ged \ˈrəg-əd\ adj
1 : having a rough uneven surface <hiking on rugged trails> <the rugged surface of the moon>
2 : having wrinkles or uneven features <their rugged faces> <rugged good looks>
3 : having a rough but strong or sturdy character <rugged pioneers>
4 : involving hardship : presenting a severe test of physical, mental, or moral strength <a rugged winter> <rugged training> <the rugged life of a sailor>
5 : being strong and tough <rugged enough to stand hard use>  synonyms see ROUGH
— rug·ged·ly adv

— rug·ged·ness n

1ru·in \ˈrü-ən, -ˌin\ n
1 : complete collapse or destruction
2 : the remains of something destroyed — usually used in plural <the ruins of a city>

2ruin vb
1 : to reduce to ruins
2 a : to damage beyond repair  b : 3BANKRUPT
— ru·in·er n

ru·in·a·tion \ˌrü-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n : 1RUIN 1

ru·in·ous \ˈrü-ə-nəs\ adj : causing or tending to cause ruin : DESTRUCTIVE
— ru·in·ous·ly adv

1rule \ˈrül\ n
1 a : a guide or principle for conduct or action  b : an accepted method, custom, or habit  c : REGULATION 2, BYLAW
2 : a broad statement generally found to be true <as a rule we don't have much snow here>
3 : the exercise of authority or control : GOVERNMENT
4 : RULER 2 [Middle English reule “a guide for proper actions,” from early French reule (same meaning), from Latin regula “straightedge, ruler,” from regere “to lead straight, govern, rule” — related to 1RAIL, REGENT, REGULATE]

2rule vb ruled; rul·ing
1 : to have power over : CONTROL, DIRECT
2 a : to exercise authority or power over  b : to be supreme or outstanding in
3 : to give or state as a considered decision
4 : to mark with lines drawn along or as if along the straight edge of a ruler  synonyms see GOVERN

rule of thumb
1 : a method based on experience and common sense
2 : a general principle that is roughly correct

rule out vb : to eliminate the possibility of

rul·er \ˈrü-lər\ n
1 : 1SOVEREIGN 1
2 : a straight strip of material (as wood or metal) marked off in units and used as a guide in drawing lines or for measuring

rul·ing \ˈrü-liŋ\ n : an official decision (as by a judge)

rum \ˈrəm\ n : an alcoholic liquor made from molasses or sugarcane

Rumanian variant of ROMANIAN

rum·ba \ˈrəm-bə, ˈru̇m-\ n : a dance of Cuban origin

1rum·ble \ˈrəm-bəl\ vb rum·bled; rum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to make or move with a low heavy rolling sound <thunder rumbled in the distance>

2rumble n : a low heavy rolling sound

rumble seat n : a folding seat in the back of an old-fashioned automobile that is not covered by the top over the front seat

ru·men \ˈrü-mən\ n, pl ru·mi·na \-mə-nə\ or ru·mens : the large first compartment of the stomach of a cud-chewing mammal (as a cow) in which cellulose is broken down by the action of microorganisms and in which food is stored prior to chewing

1ru·mi·nant \ˈrü-mə-nənt\ n : a cud-chewing mammal

2ruminant adj
1 a : chewing the cud  b : of or relating to a group of hoofed mammals (as sheep, oxen, deer, and camels) that chew the cud and have a complex 3- or 4-chambered stomach
2 : given to or engaged in contemplation : MEDITATIVE

ru·mi·nate \ˈrü-mə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to spend time thinking : MEDITATE
2 : to chew the cud : bring up and chew again what has been chewed slightly and swallowed  synonyms see PONDER
— ru·mi·na·tion \ˌrü-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n

1rum·mage \ˈrəm-ij\ vb rum·maged; rum·mag·ing : to make an active search especially by moving, turning, or looking through the contents of a place or container <rummaging through the attic>

2rummage n : a confused miscellaneous collection of articles

rummage sale n : a sale of miscellaneous articles especially to raise money (as for a church or charity)

rum·my \ˈrəm-ē\ n : a card game in which each player tries to lay down cards in groups of three or more

1ru·mor \ˈrü-mər\ n
1 : a widely held opinion having no known source : HEARSAY
2 : a statement or story that is in circulation but has not been proved to be true

2rumor vb ru·mored; ru·mor·ing \ˈrüm-(ə-)riŋ\ : to tell by rumor : spread a rumor

rump \ˈrəmp\ n
1 a : upper rounded part of the hindquarters of a 4-legged animal  b : BUTTOCK 2A
2 : a cut of beef between the loin and round

rum·ple \ˈrəm-pəl\ vb rum·pled; rum·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\ : 2WRINKLE, MUSS

rum·pus \ˈrəm-pəs\ n : a noisy commotion

1run \ˈrən\ vb ran \ˈran\; run; run·ning
1 a : to go at a pace faster than a walk  b : to take to flight : FLEE <made the enemy run>
2 : to move or allow to move freely about <chickens running loose> <running around without a coat>
3 a : to go or cause to go rapidly or hurriedly <run and get the doctor>  b : to go in pursuit of : CHASE <had run the woodchuck into its hole>
4 : to do something by or as if by running <run errands>
5 a : to take part in a race  b : to be or cause to be a candidate in an election <ran for mayor>
6 a : to move on or as if on wheels  b : to ravel lengthwise <stockings guaranteed not to run>
7 a : to go back and forth <the bus runs every hour>  b : to migrate or move in schools; esp : to go up a river to spawn <shad are running in the river>
8 a : OPERATE 1 <I can run that machine> <left the engine running>  b : to cause to be treated or operated on : PROCESS <ran my program on the computer>
9 : to continue in force or operation <the contract has two years to run> <the play ran for six months>
10 : to pass into a specified condition <run into debt>
11 a : to move as a liquid : FLOW  b : to dissolve and spread out <colors guaranteed not to run>  c : to give off liquid <my nose is running>
12 : to tend to develop a specified quality or feature <one of those people who run to fat>
13 a : EXTEND 4 <the boundary line runs east>  b : to be in a certain form or order
14 a : to occur again and again <a song running through my head> <a condition that runs in their family>  b : to exist or occur in a continuous range of variation
15 : to be in circulation <speculation ran wild>
16 : 2TRACE 2A <ran the rumor to its source>
17 : to slip through or past <run a blockade>
18 : to pass over, across, or through
19 a : to cause or allow to go <ran the rascals out of town> <ran the car off the road>  b : to be in charge of : MANAGE <run a factory>
20 : to make oneself liable to : INCUR <ran the risk of discovery>
— run across : to meet or find by chance

— run a fever or run a temperature : to have a fever

— run into : to meet by chance

— run riot
1 : to behave wildly
2 : to occur in great quantity

— run short or run low : to be running out <supplies were running short> <run low on fuel>

2run n
1 a : an act or the action of running  b : a fast gallop  c : an annual migration of fish up a river especially to spawn; also : a group of fish migrating especially to spawn  d : a running race <the 1500-meter run>  e : a score made in baseball by a base runner reaching home plate
2 a chiefly Midland : CREEK 2  b : something that flows especially during a certain time <the first run of maple sap>
3 a : the horizontal distance from one point to another  b : general tendency or direction
4 : a continuous series especially of similar things <a long run of cloudy days>
5 : sudden heavy demands from depositors, creditors, or customers <a run on a bank>
6 : the quantity of work turned out in a continuous operation; also : a period of continuous operation
7 : the usual or normal kind <average run of students>
8 a : the distance covered in a period of continuous traveling  b : regular course or trip <the bus makes four runs daily>  c : freedom of movement <has the run of the house>
9 a : a way, track, or path often traveled by animals  b : an enclosure for animals where they may feed or exercise
10 a : an inclined course (as for skiing)  b : a track or guide on which something runs
11 : a ravel in a knitted fabric
12 pl : DIARRHEA <had a bad case of the runs>
— on the run
1 : while running : without stopping
2 : running away

run·about \ˈrən-ə-ˌbau̇t\ n : a small motorboat used especially for pleasure

run·a·gate \ˈrən-ə-ˌgāt\ n
1 : 2VAGABOND
2 : 1RUNAWAY 1

run·around \ˈrən-ə-ˌrau̇nd\ n : deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request

1run·away \ˈrən-ə-ˌwā\ n
1 : a person who runs away : FUGITIVE
2 : the act of running away out of control; also : something (as a horse) that is running out of control

2runaway adj
1 : running away : FUGITIVE
2 : being out of control

run away \ˌrən-ə-ˈwā\ vb
1 : to leave in a hurry especially to escape from danger or confinement
2 : to leave home

run·back \ˈrən-ˌbak\ n : 2RETURN 7

run·down \ˈrən-ˌdau̇n\ n : an item by item report : SUMMARY

run–down \ˈrən-ˈdau̇n\ adj
1 : being in poor condition <a run-down farm>
2 : being in or indicating poor health <that run-down feeling>

run down \ˈrən-ˈdau̇n\ vb
1 : to collide with and knock down
2 a : to chase until exhausted or captured  b : to find by search : trace the source of
3 : to stop operating because of the exhaustion of an energy source <the battery ran down>

rune \ˈrün\ n : any of the characters of an alphabet used by the Germanic peoples from about the 3rd to the 13th centuries
— ru·nic \ˈrü-nik\ adj

1rung past participle of 3RING

2rung \ˈrəŋ\ n : a rounded part placed as a crosspiece between the legs of a chair; also : one of the crosspieces of a ladder

run–in \ˈrən-ˌin\ n : an angry dispute : QUARREL

run·ner \ˈrən-ər\ n
1 a : one that runs  b : BASE RUNNER
2 : MESSENGER
3 : a thin piece or part on which something slides
4 a : a slender creeping stem that arises from the base of a plant; esp : STOLON  b : a plant (as a strawberry) that forms or spreads by runners
5 a : a long narrow carpet (as for a hall)  b : a narrow decorative cloth cover for a table or dresser top

run·ner–up \ˈrən-ə-ˌrəp\ n, pl runners–up : the competitor in a contest who finishes next to the winner

1run·ning \ˈrən-iŋ\ n : the action of running
— in the running : having a chance to win a contest

— out of the running : having no chance to win a contest

2running adj
1 : going on steadily : CONTINUOUS <a running battle>
2 : measured in a straight line
3 : done while running or with a running start <a running jump>
4 : made or trained for running <a running track> <running shoes> <a running horse>

3running adv : one after another : in a row : CONSECUTIVELY <for three days running>

running board n : a narrow step at the side of an automobile

running knot n : a knot (as a slipknot) that slides along the line around which it is tied

running light n : any of the lights on a vehicle (as a ship) that show size, position, or direction

running mate n : a candidate running for a lesser office (as vice president) who is on the same ticket with the candidate for the top office

running stitch n : a small even stitch run in and out in cloth

run·ny \ˈrən-ē\ adj run·ni·er; -est
1 : too soft and liquid <the scrambled eggs are runny>
2 : giving off a liquid <a runny nose>

run·off \ˈrən-ˌȯf\ n
1 : a final contest or election to decide an earlier one that has not given the victory to one competitor
2 : water from rain or snow that flows over the surface of the ground and finally into streams

run off \ˈrən-ˈȯf, ˌrən-\ vb
1 : to produce rapidly
2 : to decide by a runoff
3 : to drive away
4 : RUN AWAY 1
— run off with : to carry off : STEAL

run–of–the–mill \ˌrən-ə(v)-thə-ˈmil\ adj : 2AVERAGE 2, ORDINARY

1run–on \ˈrən-ˈȯn, -ˈän\ adj : continuing without pause from one line of verse to another

2run–on \ˈrən-ˌȯn, -ˌän\ n
1 : a dictionary entry that is run on
2 : RUN-ON SENTENCE

run on \ˈrən-ˈȯn, ˌrən-, -ˈän\ vb
1 : to keep going : CONTINUE
2 : to talk or tell at length
3 : to place or add (as an entry in a dictionary) at the end of an entry

run–on sentence n : a sentence formed from two or more sentences improperly joined (as “I didn't see the red light, officer, I was looking the other way”)

run out vb
1 : to come to an end : EXPIRE <time ran out before we could tie the game>
2 : to become exhausted or used up <our supplies were running out>
— run out of : to use up the available supply of <better stop before we run out of gas>

run over vb
1 a : 1OVERFLOW 2  b : 1OVERFLOW 3
2 : to go beyond a limit <the show may run over a minute or two>
3 : to go over or rehearse quickly <let's run over those lines again>
4 : to collide with, knock down, and often drive over

runt \ˈrənt\ n : an unusually small person or animal
— runty \-ē\ adj

run through vb
1 : to pierce with or as if with a sword
2 : to spend or use up wastefully <ran through the money in no time>
3 : to read or rehearse without pausing

run up vb : to cause to pile up : ACCUMULATE <ran up a big telephone bill>

run·way \ˈrən-ˌwā\ n
1 : 2RUN 9A
2 : a paved strip of ground (as at an airport) for the landing and takeoff of aircraft
3 : a support (as a track, pipe, or trough) on which something runs

ru·pee \rü-ˈpē, ˈrü-ˌpē\ n
1 : the basic unit of money of any of several countries (as of India and Pakistan)
2 : a coin representing one rupee [from a word in Hindi and Urdu (the main language of Pakistan) rūpaiyā “a unit of money”]

ru·pi·ah \rü-ˈpē-ə\ n, pl rupiah or rupiahs
1 : the basic unit of money of Indonesia
2 : a coin or bill representing one rupiah

1rup·ture \ˈrəp-chər\ n
1 : a break in peaceful or friendly relations
2 : a breaking or tearing apart (as of body tissue) <a rupture in an artery>
3 : HERNIA [Middle English ruptur “a breach of the peace,” from early French rupture “a breach of the peace” or Latin ruptura “fracture, break,” from Latin ruptus, past participle of rumpere “to break” — related to CORRUPT, INTERRUPT]

2rupture vb rup·tured; rup·tur·ing
1 : to part by violence : BREAK
2 : to produce a rupture in
3 : to have a rupture

ru·ral \ˈru̇r-əl\ adj : of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture

rural free delivery n : the free delivery of mail on routes in country districts

rural route n : a postal route in a rural free delivery area

ruse \ˈrüs, ˈrüz\ n : a clever way to fool someone : TRICK  synonyms see TRICK

1rush \ˈrəsh\ n : any of various marsh plants that are monocotyledons often having hollow stems sometimes used to weave chair seats and mats [Old English rysc “the rush plant”]

2rush vb
1 : to move forward or act with haste or eagerness
2 : to perform in a short time or at high speed <rushed the job through>
3 : to urge on to greater speed <don't rush me>
4 : to run toward or against in attack : CHARGE [Middle English russhen “to rush,” from early French ruser “to drive off, repulse,” from Latin recusare “to oppose”]
— rush·er n

3rush n
1 : a violent forward motion <a rush of wind>
2 : a burst of activity or speed
3 : an eager migration of people usually to a new place in search of wealth <the gold rush>

4rush adj : demanding special speed or hurry <rush orders> <the rush season>

rush hour n : a period of the day when traffic is very heavy or business is very brisk

rusk \ˈrəsk\ n : a sweet or plain bread baked, sliced, and baked again until dry and crisp

1rus·set \ˈrəs-ət\ n
1 : coarse homespun usually reddish brown cloth
2 : a reddish brown
3 : any of various usually late-ripening apples that have rough mostly russet-colored skins

2russet adj : of the color russet

Rus·sian \ˈrəsh-ən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Russia
2 : a Slavic language of the Russian people
— Russian adj

Russian dressing n : a salad dressing usually containing mayonnaise and chili sauce

Russian wolfhound n : BORZOI

Rus·so- \ˈrəs-ō, ˈrəsh-; ˌrəs-ə\ combining form : Russian and <Russo-Japanese> [from the English words Russia, Russian]

1rust \ˈrəst\ n
1 : a reddish brittle coating formed on iron especially when chemically attacked by moist air and composed chiefly of ferric oxide
2 a : any of numerous destructive diseases of plants caused by fungi and characterized by reddish brown spots  b : any of an order of fungi that cause plant rusts
3 : a reddish brown

2rust vb : to form or cause to form rust <iron rusts>

1rus·tic \ˈrəs-tik\ adj : of, relating to, or suitable for the country or country people : RURAL
— rus·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

— rus·tic·i·ty \ˌrəs-ˈtis-ət-ē\ n

2rustic n : a person living or raised in the country

1rus·tle \ˈrəs-əl\ vb rus·tled; rus·tling \ˈrəs-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make or cause to make a rustle
2 : to act or move with energy
3 : to steal (as cattle) from the range
— rus·tler \ˈrəs-(ə-)lər\ n

2rustle n : a quick series of small sounds <the rustle of leaves>

rust·proof \ˈrəst-ˈprüf\ adj : protected against rusting

rusty \ˈrəs-tē\ adj rust·i·er; -est
1 : affected by or as if by rust
2 : less skilled and slow through lack of practice or old age
3 : of the color rust
— rust·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— rust·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

1rut \ˈrət\ n
1 : a track worn by a wheel or by frequent passage
2 : a usual or fixed routine <I need a change—I'm getting in a rut> [probably derived from early French route “route, way”]
— rut·ty \ˈrət-ē\ adj

2rut vb rut·ted; rut·ting : to make a rut in

3rut n : the period during which male animals (as elk or deer) display behavior associated with the urge to breed [Middle English rutte “state of sexual excitement,” from early French ruit “rut, disturbance,” from Latin rugitus “roar,” from earlier rugire “to roar”]

4rut vb rut·ted; rut·ting : to exhibit behavior associated with the rut — used of a male animal

ru·ta·ba·ga \ˌrüt-ə-ˈbā-gə, ˌru̇t-, -ˈbeg-ə\ n : a turnip with a large yellowish root that is eaten as a vegetable; also : the root

Ruth \ˈrüth\ n : a short narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures — see BIBLE TABLE

ru·the·ni·um \rü-ˈthē-nē-əm\ n : a hard brittle grayish rare metallic element used especially in alloys and catalysts — see ELEMENT TABLE

ruth·er·ford·ium \ˌrəth-ər-ˈfȯrd-ē-əm\ n : a radioactive element that is produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE [scientific Latin, from Ernest Rutherford, 1871–1937, British physicist]

ruth·less \ˈrüth-ləs\ adj : having no pity : MERCILESS, CRUEL
— ruth·less·ly adv

— ruth·less·ness n

RV \ˌär-ˈvē\ n : RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

Rx \ˌär-ˈeks\ n : PRESCRIPTION 2A [derived from abbreviation for Latin recipe “prescription,” literally, “take”]

-ry \rē\ n suffix, pl -ries : -ERY <wizardry> <citizenry> [derived from early French -erie (a noun suffix)]

rye \ˈrī\ n
1 : a hardy annual cereal grass widely grown for grain and as a cover crop; also : its seeds
2 : RYE BREAD
3 : whiskey distilled from rye or from rye and malt

rye bread n : bread made entirely or partly from rye flour

S

s \ˈes\ n, often cap
1 : the 19th letter of the English alphabet
2 : a grade rating a student's work as satisfactory

1-s \s after a voiceless consonant sound, z after a voiced consonant sound or a vowel sound\ n pl suffix — used to form the plural of most nouns that do not end in s, z, sh, or ch or in y following a consonant <heads> <books> <boys> <beliefs>, to form the plural of proper nouns that end in y following a consonant <Marys>, and with or without a preceding apostrophe to form the plural of abbreviations, numbers, letters, and symbols used as nouns <MCs> <4s> <#s> <B's> [derived from Old English -as, an ending on plural nouns]

2-s adv suffix — used to form adverbs indicating usual or repeated action or state <at home Sundays> <shops mornings>

3-s vb suffix — used to form the third person singular present of most verbs that do not end in s, z, sh, or ch or in y following a consonant <falls> <takes> <plays>

1's \like -'s\ vb
1 a : IS <she's here>  b : WAS <when's the last time you ate?>
2 : HAS <he's seen them>
3 : DOES <what's he want?>

2's \s\ pron : US — used with let <let's>

-'s \s after voiceless consonant sounds other than s, sh, ch; z after vowel sounds and voiced consonant sounds other than z, zh, j; əz after s, sh, ch, z, zh, j\ n suffix or pron suffix — used to form the possessive of singular nouns <boy's>, of plural nouns not ending in s <children's>, of some pronouns <anyone's>, and of word groups functioning as nouns <the man in the corner's hat> or pronouns <someone else's>

Sab·bath \ˈsab-əth\ n
1 : the 7th day of the week observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening as a day of rest and worship by Jews and some Christians
2 : the day of the week (as among Christians) set aside in a religion for rest and worship [Middle English sabat “the seventh day of the week for rest and worship,” from early French sabat and Old English sabat (both, same meaning), both from Latin sabbatum “Sabbath,” from Greek sabbaton (same meaning), from Hebrew shabbāth, literally, “rest”]

sab·bat·i·cal \sə-ˈbat-i-kəl\ or sab·bat·ic \-ˈbat-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to the Sabbath <sabbatical laws>
2 : of or relating to a leave granted usually every seventh year (as to a professor) for rest, travel, or research

sa·ber or sa·bre \ˈsā-bər\ n : a cavalry sword with a curved blade

sa·ber–toothed tiger \ˌsā-bər-ˌtüth(t)-\ n : any of various large prehistoric extinct cats with very long curved upper canine teeth

Sa·bine \ˈsā-ˌbīn\ n : a member of an ancient Italic people conquered by Rome in 290 b.c.
— Sabine adj

sa·ble \ˈsā-bəl\ n, pl sables
1 : the color black
2 a or pl sable : a meat-eating mammal of northern Europe and Asia related to the martens and valued for its soft rich brown fur  b : the fur or pelt of a sable
— sable adj

1sab·o·tage \ˈsab-ə-ˌtäzh\ n
1 : destruction of an employer's property or the action of making it difficult to work by discontented workers
2 : destructive or blocking action carried on by enemy agents or sympathizers to make a nation's war effort more difficult
Word History Because the word sabotage appears related to French sabot, “wooden shoe,” some people have thought that in the first cases of sabotage in France, industrial workers must have thrown their sabots into machinery in order to damage it. In fact, there is no evidence for such an etymology. The French verb saboter is known in the sense “to damage an employer's property” in the early 1900s but this meaning is perhaps based on an earlier sense “to carry out clumsily, botch, bungle,” first attested in 1808. This meaning is in turn usually explained as proceeding from a yet older sense, “to make a clattering noise with sabots,” on the premise that walking with wooden shoes suggests clumsy performance. It is hard to know if these diverse meanings are a single line of development, or if the associations evoked in Frenchmen by this piece of peasant footwear brought about episodes of verb creation from the same noun. [from French sabotage “destruction of property to hinder a manufacturing or war effort,” from saboter “to clatter around wearing sabots, botch,” from sabot “a wooden shoe”]

2sabotage vb -taged; -tag·ing : to practice sabotage on : WRECK

sab·o·teur \ˌsab-ə-ˈtər, -ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r\ n : a person who performs sabotage

sac \ˈsak\ n : a pouch in an animal or plant often containing a fluid <a food-storage sac>
— sac·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

sac·cha·rin \ˈsak-(ə-)rən\ n : a very sweet white substance that is used as a calorie-free sweetener [derived from Latin saccharum “sugar,” from Greek sakcharon “sugar”; of Sanskrit origin]

sac·cha·rine \ˈsak-(ə-)rən, -ə-ˌrēn, -ə-ˌrīn\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or resembling sugar or its characteristics <saccharine taste>  b : producing or containing sugar <saccharine fluids>
2 : overly sweet <a saccharine smile>

sac·er·do·tal \ˌsas-ər-ˈdōt-əl, ˌsak-\ adj : of or relating to priests or a priesthood : PRIESTLY
— sac·er·do·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

sac fungus n : ASCOMYCETE

sa·chem \ˈsā-chəm\ n : a North American Indian chief

sa·chet \sa-ˈshā\ n : a small bag containing a perfumed powder for scenting clothes and linens

1sack \ˈsak\ n
1 : a flexible container (as of paper) : BAG
2 : SACKFUL
3 : discharge from employment — usually used with get or give
4 : 1BUNK 3, BED [Middle English sak “bag, sackcloth,” from early French sacc (same meaning), from Latin saccus “bag” and later Latin saccus “sackcloth,” both from Greek sakkos “bag, sackcloth” — related to 4SACK]
— sack·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2sack vb
1 : to put in a sack
2 : DISMISS 2, FIRE

3sack n : any of several white wines imported to England from Spain and the Canary Islands in the 16th and 17th centuries [from early French sec “dry to the taste, not sweet,” from Latin siccus (same meaning)]

4sack vb
1 : to loot after capture
2 : 2PILLAGE, LOOT [from English sack “the action of looting,” from early French sac (same meaning), from early Italian sacco, literally, “a bag,” from Latin saccus “bag” — related to 1SACK]

5sack n : the looting of a captured town

sack·cloth \ˈsak-ˌ(k)lȯth\ n
1 : rough cloth for sacks
2 : a garment of sackcloth worn as a sign of sorrow

sack coat n : a man's jacket with a straight back

sack·ful \ˈsak-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl sackfuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ : the quantity that fills a sack

sack·ing \ˈsak-iŋ\ n : strong rough cloth from which sacks are made

sac·ra·ment \ˈsak-rə-mənt\ n
1 : a religious act that is a sign or symbol of a spiritual existence
2 cap : BLESSED SACRAMENT
— sac·ra·men·tal \ˌsak-rə-ˈment-əl\ adj

— sac·ra·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

sa·cred \ˈsā-krəd\ adj
1 : set apart in honor of someone (as a god) <a mountain sacred to Jupiter>
2 : HOLY 3 <the sacred name of Jesus>
3 : 1RELIGIOUS 2 <sacred songs>
4 : deserving respect or honor <a sacred right> [Middle English sacred “sacred,” derived from early French sacrer “to make holy, dedicate to God,” from Latin sacrare (same meaning), from sacr-, sacer “sacred, holy” — related to CONSECRATE, SACRIFICE]
— sa·cred·ly adv

— sa·cred·ness n

1sac·ri·fice \ˈsak-rə-ˌfīs, -fəs\ n
1 : an act of offering something precious to God or a god; esp : the killing of a victim on an altar
2 : something offered in sacrifice
3 : a giving up of something especially for the sake of someone else; also : something so given up
4 : loss of profit <sell goods at a sacrifice> [Middle English sacrifice “the act of offering something to God or a god,” from early French sacrifice (same meaning), from Latin sacrificium “sacrifice,” from sacr-, sacer “sacred” and -ficium, from facere “to do, make” — related to SACRED]

2sac·ri·fice \ˈsak-rə-ˌfīs, -ˌfīz\ vb -ficed; -fic·ing
1 : to offer or perform as a sacrifice
2 : to give up for the sake of something else
3 : to sell at a loss
4 : to make a sacrifice hit
— sac·ri·fic·er n

sacrifice fly n : an outfield fly in baseball caught by a fielder after which a base runner scores

sacrifice hit n : a bunt in baseball that allows a runner to advance one base while the batter is put out

sac·ri·fi·cial \ˌsak-rə-ˈfish-əl\ adj : of or relating to sacrifice
— sac·ri·fi·cial·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

sac·ri·lege \ˈsak-rə-lij\ n : theft or violation of something sacred
— sac·ri·le·gious \ˌsak-rə-ˈlij-əs, -ˈlē-jəs\ adj

— sac·ri·le·gious·ly adv

— sac·ri·le·gious·ness n

sac·ris·tan \ˈsak-rə-stən\ n
1 : a church officer in charge of the sacristy
2 : SEXTON

sac·ris·ty \ˈsak-rə-stē\ n, pl -ties : VESTRY

sac·ro·sanct \ˈsak-rō-ˌsaŋ(k)t\ adj : most sacred, holy, or respected : INVIOLABLE
— sac·ro·sanc·ti·ty \ˌsak-rō-ˈsaŋ(k)-tət-ē\ n

sa·crum \ˈsak-rəm, ˈsā-krəm\ n, pl sa·cra \ˈsak-rə, ˈsā-krə\ : a triangular bone at the base of the spinal column that connects with or forms a part of the pelvis and in human beings consists of five united vertebrae

sad \ˈsad\ adj sad·der; sad·dest
1 : filled with or expressing grief or unhappiness <sad songs>
2 : causing grief or unhappiness : DEPRESSING <sad news>
— sad·ly adv

sad·den \ˈsad-ən\ vb sad·dened; sad·den·ing \-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become sad

1sad·dle \ˈsad-əl\ n
1 a : a padded and leather-covered seat for a horseback rider  b : a padded part of a harness  c : a bicycle or motorcycle seat
2 : something like a saddle in shape, position, or use; esp : a support for an object
— in the saddle : in control or command

2saddle vb sad·dled; sad·dling \ˈsad-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to put a saddle on
2 : ENCUMBER 1, BURDEN

sad·dle·bag \ˈsad-əl-ˌbag\ n : one of a pair of covered pouches laid across the back of a horse behind the saddle or hanging over the rear wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle

sad·dle·bow \-ˌbō\ n : the raised front part of a saddle

saddle horse n : a horse suited for or trained for riding

sad·dler \ˈsad-lər\ n : one that makes, repairs, or sells horse equipment (as saddles)

sad·dlery \ˈsad-lə-rē, ˈsad-əl-rē\ n, pl -dler·ies : the work, articles of trade, or shop of a saddler

saddle shoe n : a shoe having a piece of different color or leather across the instep

saddle sore n
1 : a sore on the back of a horse caused by an ill-fitting or improperly adjusted saddle
2 : an irritation or sore on parts of the rider's body caused by rubbing against the saddle

sad·dle·tree \ˈsad-əl-ˌtrē\ n : the frame of a saddle

sa·dism \ˈsā-ˌdiz-əm, ˈsad-ˌiz-\ n
1 : abnormal behavior in which sexual pleasure is obtained by hurting another
2 a : pleasure taken in cruelty  b : very great cruelty
— sa·dis·tic \sə-ˈdis-tik also sā-\ adj

sa·dist \ˈsād-əst, ˈsad-\ n : an individual who practices sadism

sad·ness \ˈsad-nəs\ n : the quality, state, or fact of being sad

sa·fa·ri \sə-ˈfär-ē, -ˈfar-\ n : a hunting expedition especially in eastern Africa

1safe \ˈsāf\ adj saf·er; saf·est
1 : freed or secure from danger, harm, or loss
2 : successful at getting to a base in baseball without being put out <the runner was safe>
3 : providing safety
4 : not threatening danger <safe medicine>
5 a : CAUTIOUS <a safe driver>  b : TRUSTWORTHY [Middle English sauf “safe, unhurt,” from early French sauf (same meaning), from Latin salvus “safe, healthy” — related to 3SAGE, SAVE]
— safe·ly adv

— safe·ness n

2safe n : a container to keep articles (as valuables) safe

safe–deposit box n : a box (as in the vault of a bank) for the safe storage of valuables

1safe·guard \ˈsāf-ˌgärd\ n : something that protects and gives safety : DEFENSE

2safeguard vb : to make safe or secure : PROTECT

safe·keep·ing \ˈsāf-ˈkē-piŋ\ n : PROTECTION 1, CUSTODY

safe·light \ˈsā-ˌflīt\ n : a darkroom lamp with a filter to screen out light that is harmful to film or paper

safe sex n : sexual activity and especially sexual intercourse in which various measures (as the use of latex condoms) are taken to avoid disease (as AIDS) transmitted by sexual contact — called also safer sex

safe·ty \ˈsāf-tē\ n, pl safeties
1 : the state or condition of being safe : freedom from hurt, injury, or loss
2 : a protective device (as on a pistol) to prevent accidental operation
3 a : a score of two points for the defensive team in football when an offensive ballcarrier is tackled behind the offensive team's goal line  b : a defensive football player whose position is far back from the line of scrimmage

safety belt n : a belt for fastening a person to an object to prevent falling or injury

safety match n : a match that can be struck only on a specially prepared surface

safety pin n : a pin in the form of a clasp with a guard covering its point

safety razor n : a razor with a guard for the blade to prevent deep cuts

safety valve n
1 : a valve that opens automatically (as when steam pressure becomes too great)
2 : OUTLET 2

saf·flow·er \ˈsaf-ˌlau̇(-ə)r\ n : a widely grown Old World herb related to the daisies that has large orange or red flower heads that are the source of a dye and seeds rich in edible oil

safflower oil n : a polyunsaturated edible oil obtained from the seeds of the safflower

saf·fron \ˈsaf-rən\ n
1 : the orange usually powdered dried stigmas of a purple-flowered crocus that are used especially to color or flavor foods
2 : an orange to orange yellow color

1sag \ˈsag\ vb sagged; sag·ging
1 : to droop or sink below the normal or right level
2 : to become less firm or strong
— sag·gy \ˈsag-ē\ adj

2sag n
1 : a sagging part or area <the sag in a rope>
2 : an instance or amount of sagging

sa·ga \ˈsäg-ə\ n
1 : a tale of figures and events of Norway and Iceland from history or legend
2 : a story of heroic deeds

sa·ga·cious \sə-ˈgā-shəs\ adj : quick and wise in understanding and judgment
— sa·ga·cious·ness n

— sa·gac·i·ty \-ˈgas-ət-ē\ n

sag·a·more \ˈsag-ə-ˌmō(ə)r, -ˌmȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : an Algonquian Indian chief
2 : SACHEM

1sage \ˈsāj\ adj sag·er; sag·est : 2WISE 1, PRUDENT <sage advice> [Middle English sage “wise,” from early French sage (same meaning), derived from Latin sapere “to be wise, taste, have good taste” — related to INSIPID, SAVANT]
— sage·ly adv

— sage·ness n

2sage n : a very wise person

3sage n
1 : a European mint with fragrant leaves that is used especially to flavor meat
2 : SAGEBRUSH [Middle English sage “sage plant,” from early French sage, salge (same meaning), from Latin salvia “sage plant used for health,” from salvus “safe, healthy” — related to SAFE, SAVE]

sage·brush \ˈsāj-ˌbrəsh\ n : any of several low shrubby North American plants related to the daisies; esp : a common plant with a bitter juice that smells like sage and is widespread on the plains of the western U.S.

Sag·it·tar·i·us \ˌsaj-ə-ˈter-ē-əs\ n
1 : a group of stars between Scorpio and Capricorn usually pictured as a creature that is half man half horse with a bow and arrow
2 a : the ninth sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Sagittarius [from Latin Sagittarius, literally, “archer”]

sa·go \ˈsā-gō\ n, pl sagos : a dry granulated or powdered starch prepared from spongy tissue inside the stem of a sago palm

sago palm n : a palm or cycad that yields sago; esp : any of various tall tropical palms that have leaves with numerous leaflets

sa·gua·ro \sə-ˈwär-ə, -ˈwär-ō, -ˈgwär-ō\ n, pl -ros : a cactus of desert regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that has a spiny branched trunk, bears white flowers and edible reddish fruit, and may reach a height of up to 50 feet (16 meters)

said past and past participle of SAY

1sail \ˈsā(ə)l, as last element in compounds often səl\ n
1 a : a sheet of fabric (as canvas) used to catch wind to move a craft through water or over ice  b : the sails of a ship <under full sail>  c pl usually sail : a ship with sails
2 : something like a sail
3 : a journey by ship

2sail vb
1 : to travel on water in a ship <sail the seas>
2 : to travel by a sailing craft
3 : to move or glide along <sailed into the room>
4 : to manage the sailing of
— sail into : to go at something eagerly <sailed into their dinner>

sail·boat \ˈsā(ə)l-ˌbōt\ n : a boat equipped with sails

sail·cloth \-ˌklȯth\ n : a heavy canvas

sail·fish \-ˌfish\ n : any of a genus of large sea fishes that are related to the swordfish and marlins and have long slender jaws and a very large fin like a sail on the back

sail·or \ˈsā-lər\ n : a person who sails : SEAMAN

sail·plane \ˈsā(ə)l-ˌplān\ n : a glider designed to rise in an upward current of air

1saint \ˈsānt; when a name follows (ˌ)sānt or sənt\ n
1 : a holy and godly person; esp : one who is declared to be worthy of special honor
2 : a person who is very good especially about helping others

2saint \ˈsānt\ vb : CANONIZE

Saint Ag·nes' Eve \sānt-ˌag-nə-səz-, -ˌag-nəs-\ n : the night of January 20 when a woman is traditionally thought to dream of her future husband

Saint An·drew's cross \-ˌan-ˌdrüz-\ n : a cross shaped like the letter X

Saint Ber·nard \ˌsānt-bər-ˈnärd\ n : any of a breed of large powerful dogs developed in the Swiss Alps and formerly used in aiding lost travelers

saint·ed \ˈsānt-əd\ adj : SAINTLY

saint·hood \ˈsānt-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : the quality or state of being a saint
2 : saints as a group

saint·ly \ˈsānt-lē\ adj saint·li·er; -est : relating to, resembling, or proper for a saint : HOLY
— saint·li·ness n

Saint Pat·rick's Day \-ˈpa-triks-\ n : March 17 celebrated in honor of St. Patrick

saint·ship \ˈsānt-ˌship\ n : SAINTHOOD 1

Saint Valentine's Day n : VALENTINE'S DAY

saith \(ˈ)seth, ˈsā-əth\ archaic present third singular of SAY

1sake \ˈsāk\ n
1 : GOAL 2, PURPOSE <for the sake of argument>
2 : the good of something : ADVANTAGE <the sake of our country> [Old English sacu “guilt, legal action”]

2sa·ke or sa·ki \ˈsäk-ē\ n : a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice [Japanese]

sa·laam \sə-ˈläm\ n : a greeting performed by bowing very low with the palm on the forehead [from Arabic salām “a greeting,” literally, “peace”]
— salaam vb

sal·able or sale·able \ˈsā-lə-bəl\ adj : capable of being or good enough to be sold
— sal·abil·i·ty \ˌsā-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

sal·ad \ˈsal-əd\ n
1 : green vegetables (as lettuce) often with tomato, cucumber, or radish served with dressing
2 : a cold dish (as of meat, shellfish, fruit, or vegetables) usually prepared with a dressing

salad bar n : a self-service counter in a restaurant featuring a selection of salad makings and dressings

salad dressing n : a sauce for a salad

salad oil n : a vegetable oil fit for use in salad dressings

sal·a·man·der \ˈsal-ə-ˌman-dər\ n
1 : an imaginary creature not harmed by fire
2 : any of an order of amphibians that are covered with scaleless usually smooth moist skin and look like lizards

sa·la·mi \sə-ˈläm-ē\ n : highly seasoned sausage of pork and beef

sal am·mo·ni·ac \ˌsal-ə-ˈmō-nē-ˌak\ n : AMMONIUM CHLORIDE

sal·a·ried \ˈsal-(ə-)rēd\ adj : receiving or paying a salary <a salaried position>

sal·a·ry \ˈsal-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : money paid at regular times for work or services : STIPEND
Word History The word salary is a loanword from Latin salarium, a derivative of sal, “salt,” and perhaps originally short for salarium argentum, “salt money.” According to a customary explanation, it was at one time money paid to Roman soldiers with which they were supposed to buy salt, but nothing in the known history of the word supports this. From the evidence of documents and inscriptions, the salarium was a fixed payment, introduced under the rule of Caesar Augustus, that was made to officials of a certain rank. The word was also applied to various other fees and payments to individuals by the Roman state or a community. Presumably salarium was a kind of euphemism, since the sums involved were much greater than would have been needed just to buy salt. [Middle English salarie “money paid to a worker,” from Latin salarium “salt money, pension, salary,” derived from sal “salt”]

sale \ˈsā(ə)l\ n
1 : the act of selling; esp : the exchange of property for a price
2 : 1AUCTION
3 : a selling of goods at lower than usual prices
4 pl  a : the business of selling  b : total amounts of money received
— for sale : available for purchase

— on sale
1 : available for purchase
2 : selling at a lower than usual price

sales·clerk \ˈsā(ə)lz-ˌklərk\ n : a person employed to sell goods in a store

sales·man \-mən\ n : one who sells in a specific territory or in a store
— sales·man·ship \-ˌship\ n

sales·peo·ple \-ˌpē-pəl\ n pl : people employed to sell goods or services

sales·per·son \-ˌpərs-ən\ n : a person employed to sell goods or services

sales tax n : a tax paid on the purchase of goods and services and collected by the seller

sales·wom·an \ˈsā(ə)lz-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : a woman employed to sell goods especially in a store

sal·i·cyl·ic acid \ˌsal-ə-ˌsil-ik-\ n : a weak acid used especially in the form of salts to relieve pain and fever

sa·lient \ˈsā-lyənt, ˈsā-lē-ənt\ adj
1 : sticking outward <a salient angle>
2 : very important or noticeable
— sa·lient·ly adv

sa·line \ˈsā-ˌlēn, -ˌlīn\ adj
1 : consisting of or containing salt <a saline solution>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling salt
— sa·lin·i·ty \sā-ˈlin-ət-ē, sə-\ n

sa·li·va \sə-ˈlī-və\ n : a fluid containing water, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands

sal·i·vary \ˈsal-ə-ˌver-ē\ adj : of or relating to saliva or the salivary glands

salivary gland n : any of various glands that secrete saliva into the mouth

sal·i·vate \ˈsal-ə-ˌvāt\ vb -vat·ed; -vat·ing : to produce or secrete saliva especially in large amounts
— sal·i·va·tion \ˌsal-ə-ˈvā-shən\ n

Salk vaccine \ˈsȯ(l)k-\ n : a polio vaccine that contains inactivated virus [named for Jonas Salk died 1985 an American doctor who developed the vaccine]

sal·low \ˈsal-ō\ adj : of an unhealthy yellowish color <sallow complexion>

1sal·ly \ˈsal-ē\ n, pl sallies
1 : an action of rushing or bursting out; esp : a sudden attack of surrounded troops upon the attackers
2 : a witty remark : QUIP
3 : EXCURSION 1A, JAUNT

2sally vb sal·lied; sal·ly·ing
1 : to leap or burst out suddenly
2 : SET OUT 2, DEPART <sallied out to see the town>

salm·on \ˈsam-ən\ n, pl salmon also salmons
1 : any of various large food and game fishes that are related to the trouts, have reddish or pinkish flesh, live in oceans or large lakes, and swim up rivers or streams to deposit or fertilize eggs: as  a : one of the northern Atlantic that does not die after breeding — called also Atlantic salmon  b : any of several fishes (as the Chinook salmon) of the northern Pacific that usually die after breeding — called also Pacific salmon
2 : SALMON PINK

salm·on·ber·ry \-ˌber-ē\ n : a showy red-flowered raspberry of the Pacific coast of North America; also : its edible salmon-colored fruit

sal·mo·nel·la \ˌsal-mə-ˈnel-ə\ n, pl -nel·lae \-ˈnel-ē, -ˌī\ or -nellas or -nella : any of a genus of rod-shaped bacteria that cause various illnesses (as food poisoning) in human beings and other warm-blooded animals

salmon pink n : a strong yellowish pink

sa·lon \sə-ˈlän, ˈsal-ˌän\ n
1 : an apartment or living room of stylish design
2 : a social gathering held in a salon
3 a : an art gallery  b : an annual exhibition of art
4 : a stylish business establishment

sa·loon \sə-ˈlün\ n
1 : a public room for socializing especially on a ship
2 : BARROOM

sal·sa \ˈsȯl-sə, ˈsäl-\ n
1 : a spicy sauce of tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers
2 : popular Latin American music with elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock

1salt \ˈsȯlt\ n
1 a : a compound in the form of crystals that consists of sodium chloride and is used especially for seasoning or preserving food and in industry — called also common salt  b : any of numerous compounds formed by replacement of part or all of the hydrogen of an acid by a metal or by a group acting like a metal
2 : an element that gives an appealing or enlivening quality to (as one's life)
3 : SKEPTICISM — usually used in the phrases with a grain of salt and with a pinch of salt
4 : SAILOR

2salt vb : to treat, preserve, flavor, or supply with salt

3salt adj
1 a : containing salt : SALINE, SALTY <salt water>  b : having or being one of the four basic taste sensations — compare BITTER 1, 1SOUR 1, 1SWEET 1B
2 : prepared for use or seasoned with salt <salt pork>
— salt·ness n

salt–and–pepper adj : having dark and light color intermingled in small flecks <a salt-and-pepper beard>

salt away vb : to lay away safely : SAVE

salt·bush \ˈsȯlt-ˌbu̇sh\ n : any of various shrubby plants of dry regions that are related to the goosefoots

salt·cel·lar \ˈsȯlt-ˌsel-ər\ n : a small container for holding salt at table

salt flat n : an area of land covered with a crust of salt left by evaporation of water

sal·tine \sȯl-ˈtēn\ n : a square crisp cracker usually sprinkled with salt

salt lake n : a lake that has become salty through evaporation

salt lick n : 2LICK 3

salt marsh n : flat land that is overflowed by salt water

salt pan n : an undrained natural depression in which water gathers and leaves a deposit of salt on evaporation

salt·shak·er \ˈsȯlt-ˌshā-kər\ n : a container having a top with holes in it for sprinkling salt

salt·wa·ter \ˈsȯlt-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ adj : relating to, living in, or consisting of salt water

salty \ˈsȯl-tē\ adj salt·i·er; -est
1 : seasoned with or containing salt : tasting of or like salt
2 : having the flavor of or suggesting the sea or things related to the sea
3 : 1RACY 2 <a salty remark>
— salt·i·ness n

sa·lu·bri·ous \sə-ˈlü-brē-əs\ adj : favorable to health
— sa·lu·bri·ous·ly adv

— sa·lu·bri·ous·ness n

sal·u·tary \ˈsal-yə-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : producing a good result
2 : furthering good health
— sal·u·tari·ness n

sal·u·ta·tion \ˌsal-yə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy
2 : the word or phrase of greeting that begins a letter
— sal·u·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

sa·lu·ta·to·ri·an \sə-ˌlüt-ə-ˈtōr-ē-ən, -ˈtȯr-\ n : the graduating student usually second highest in rank

1sa·lu·ta·to·ry \sə-ˈlüt-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : expressing salutations or welcome

2salutatory n, pl -ries : a salutatory address

1sa·lute \sə-ˈlüt\ vb sa·lut·ed; sa·lut·ing
1 : to greet with courteous words or a bow
2 a : to honor by a standard military ceremony  b : to show respect to by taking the proper position <salute an officer>
— sa·lut·er n

2salute n
1 : SALUTATION 1, GREETING
2 a : a sign or ceremony of goodwill, compliment, or respect  b : the position taken by a person saluting a military officer

1sal·vage \ˈsal-vij\ n
1 : money paid for saving a wrecked or endangered ship or its cargo or passengers
2 : the act of saving a ship or possessions in danger of being lost
3 : something saved or recovered (as from a wreck or fire)

2salvage vb sal·vaged; sal·vag·ing : to rescue or save especially from wreckage or ruin
— sal·vage·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— sal·vag·er n

sal·va·tion \sal-ˈvā-shən\ n
1 : the saving of a person from sin
2 : something that saves
3 : the saving from danger or evil

1salve \ˈsav, ˈsȧv\ n : a healing ointment

2salve vb salved; salv·ing : to ease or soothe with or as if with a salve

sal·ver \ˈsal-vər\ n : a serving tray

sal·vo \ˈsal-vō\ n, pl salvos or salvoes
1 a : the firing of two or more guns at the same time at one target or in a salute  b : the release all at once of a rack of bombs or rockets
2 : the firing of one gun after another in a group of artillery pieces
3 : a sudden burst (as of cheers)

sa·ma·ra \ˈsam-ə-rə; sə-ˈmar-ə, -ˈmär-\ n : a dry usually one-seeded winged fruit (as of an elm tree) that does not split open when ripe

sa·mar·i·um \sə-ˈmer-ē-əm, -ˈmar-\ n : a pale gray shiny metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

1same \ˈsām\ adj
1 : resembling in every respect <the same answer as before>
2 : not another <the same school>
3 : very much alike <on the same day last year>
synonyms SAME, IDENTICAL, EQUAL, mean not different or not differing from one another. SAME suggests that the things being compared are really one thing and not two or more <saw the same truck twice>. IDENTICAL usually suggests that two or more things are like each other in every way <these plates are identical>. EQUAL suggests that the things being compared are like each other in some specific way <singers of equal talent>.

2same pron : the same one or ones

same·ness \ˈsām-nəs\ n
1 : the quality or state of being the same : IDENTITY
2 : MONOTONY 2, UNIFORMITY

Samoa time n : the time of the 11th time zone west of Greenwich that includes American Samoa

sam·o·var \ˈsam-ə-ˌvär\ n : a container with a faucet used especially in Russia for tea

Sam·o·yed \ˈsam-ə-ˌyed, ˈsam-ˌȯi-ˌed\ n : any of a breed of medium-sized white or cream-colored sled dogs developed in Siberia

sam·pan \ˈsam-ˌpan\ n : a flat-bottomed Chinese boat usually moved by oars

1sam·ple \ˈsam-pəl\ n
1 : a part or thing that shows the quality of the whole or group
2 : a part (as a set of individuals chosen from a whole population) used for investigating the whole

2sample vb sam·pled; sam·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\ : to judge the quality of by a sample

1sam·pler \ˈsam-plər\ n : a piece of needlework typically having letters or verses on it done in various stitches as an example of skill

2sam·pler \ˈsam-p(ə-)lər\ n
1 : one that collects or examines samples
2 : a collection of samples

sample space n : the set of all the possible results of a statistical experiment <if you flip a coin once, the sample space is {heads, tails}>

Sam·u·el \ˈsam-yə(-wə)l\ n : either of two narrative and historical books of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures — see BIBLE TABLE

sam·u·rai \ˈsam-(y)ə-ˌrī\ n, pl samurai : a warrior serving a Japanese feudal lord and practicing a code of conduct which valued honor over life

san·a·to·ri·um \ˌsan-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əm, -ˈtȯr-\ n, pl -ri·ums or -ria \-ē-ə\ : an establishment for the care and treatment especially of people recovering from illness or having a disease likely to last a long time — called also sanitarium

sanc·ti·fy \ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to set apart as sacred
2 : to make free from sin
— sanc·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌsaŋ(k)-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

sanc·ti·mo·ni·ous \ˌsaŋ(k)-tə-ˈmō-nē-əs\ adj : pretending to be devoted
— sanc·ti·mo·ni·ous·ly adv

— sanc·ti·mo·ni·ous·ness n

1sanc·tion \ˈsaŋ(k)-shən\ n
1 : an action taken to enforce a law or rule
2 : official permission or approval
3 : a measure used to punish or prevent action

2sanction vb -tioned; -tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to officially accept or allow
2 : to impose a penalty upon

sanc·ti·ty \ˈsaŋ(k)-tət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : HOLINESS 1, SAINTLINESS
2 : the quality or state of being holy or sacred

sanc·tu·ary \ˈsaŋ(k)-chə-ˌwer-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies
1 : a holy or sacred place
2 : the most sacred part of a place of worship
3 : a building or room for religious worship
4 : a place that provides shelter or protection <a wildlife sanctuary>
5 : protection provided by a sanctuary

sanc·tum \ˈsaŋ(k)-təm\ n, pl sanctums also sanc·ta \-tə\
1 : a sacred place
2 : a place where one is free from being bothered

1sand \ˈsand\ n
1 : loose material in grains produced by the natural breaking up of rocks
2 : a soil made up mostly of sand

2sand vb
1 : to sprinkle with sand
2 : to smooth by rubbing with sandpaper

san·dal \ˈsan-dəl\ n : a shoe consisting of a sole strapped to the foot

san·dal·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n : the close-grained fragrant yellowish wood of an Asian tree often used in carving and cabinetwork; also : the tree that yields this wood

sand·bag \ˈsan(d)-ˌbag\ n : a bag filled with sand

sand·bank \-ˌbaŋk\ n : a large deposit of sand

sand·bar \-ˌbär\ n : a ridge of sand formed in water by tides or currents

sand·blast \-ˌblast\ vb : to cut or clean with sand driven at high speed by or as if by compressed air
— sand·blast·er n

sand·box \-ˌbäks\ n : a box for holding sand especially for children to play in

sand·bur \ˈsan(d)-ˌbər\ n : any of a genus of grasses mostly of warm sandy areas that produce small prickly dry fruits; also : one of these fruits

sand dollar n : any of various round flat sea urchins that usually live in shallow water and on sandy bottoms

sand·er \ˈsan-dər\ n : one that sands: as  a : a device for spreading sand (as on icy roads); also : a truck that carries such a device  b : a power tool that smooths or polishes using a rough material (as sandpaper)

sand flea n
1 : a flea found in sandy places
2 : any of numerous tiny leaping crustaceans common on ocean beaches

sand fly n : any of various small two-winged flies that bite

sand·glass \ˈsan(d)-ˌglas\ n : an instrument (as an hourglass) for measuring time by the running of sand

sand·hill crane \ˌsand-ˌhil-\ n : a crane of North America and Siberia that is chiefly bluish gray with red on the top of the head

sand·lot \ˈsan-ˌ(d)lät\ n : a vacant lot especially when used by youngsters for unorganized sports
— sandlot adj

— sand·lot·ter \-ˌ(d)lät-ər\ n

sand·man \ˈsan(d)-ˌman\ n : the magical being of folklore who is said to make children sleepy by sprinkling sand in their eyes

1sand·pa·per \-ˌpā-pər\ n : paper with rough material (as sand) glued on one side and used for smoothing and polishing

2sandpaper vb : to rub with or as if with sandpaper

sand·pip·er \-ˌpī-pər\ n : any of numerous small shorebirds with usually long bills and legs

sand·stone \-ˌstōn\ n : a rock made of sand held together by a natural cement

sand·storm \-ˌstȯ(ə)rm\ n : a storm of wind (as in a desert) that drives clouds of sand

sand trap n : a hazard on a golf course consisting of a hollow containing sand

1sand·wich \ˈsan-(ˌ)(d)wich\ n
1 : one or more slices of bread or a roll with a filling or spread
2 : something resembling a sandwich
Word History John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, was famous in 18th century England as a powerful political figure. He was also known to be fond of playing cards. The story was told that he once spent an entire night at the card table. Instead of leaving the game to have dinner, he ordered that slices of meat be brought to him between two pieces of bread. In that way he could continue playing while he ate. This convenient type of food soon became popular throughout England. Because of the story about the Earl, it became known as the sandwich. [named for John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, died 1792, English diplomat]

2sandwich vb
1 : to insert between two or more things
2 : to make a place for : CROWD

sandwich man n : one who advertises or pickets a place of business by wearing an advertising board in front and behind

sandy \ˈsan-dē\ adj sand·i·er; -est
1 : consisting of, containing, or sprinkled with sand
2 : of a yellowish gray color

sane \ˈsān\ adj san·er; san·est
1 : mentally sound and healthy
2 : proceeding from a sound mind : RATIONAL, SENSIBLE
— sane·ly adv

— sane·ness \ˈsān-nəs\ n

sang past of SING

san·gui·nary \ˈsaŋ-gwə-ˌner-ē\ adj
1 : willing or eager to cause bloodshed : BLOODTHIRSTY
2 : BLOODY 2

san·guine \ˈsaŋ-gwən\ adj
1 : having the color of blood
2 a : SANGUINARY 1  b : RUDDY 1
3 : CHEERFUL 1A, HOPEFUL <a sanguine disposition>
4 : CONFIDENT, OPTIMISTIC <sanguine of success> [Middle English sanguin “having the color of blood,” from early French sanguin (same meaning), from Latin sanguineus (same meaning), from sanguin-, sanguis “blood” — see Word History at HUMOR]
— san·guine·ly adv

— san·guin·i·ty \saŋ-ˈgwin-ət-ē, san-\ n

san·i·tar·i·an \ˌsan-ə-ˈter-ē-ən\ n : a person who specializes in public health and matters of sanitation

san·i·tar·i·um \ˌsan-ə-ˈter-ē-əm\ n, pl -i·ums or -ia \-ē-ə\ : SANATORIUM

san·i·tary \ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : of or relating to health : HYGIENIC <sanitary laws>
2 : free from filth, infection, or dangers to health

sanitary landfill n : LANDFILL

sanitary napkin n : a disposable absorbent pad that is used to absorb uterine flow (as during menstruation)

san·i·ta·tion \ˌsan-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of making sanitary
2 : the promotion of community hygiene and disease prevention especially by keeping up sewage systems, by collecting and disposing of trash and garbage, and by cleaning streets

san·i·tize \ˈsan-ə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to make sanitary (as by cleaning or sterilizing)

san·i·ty \ˈsan-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being sane

San Jo·se scale \ˌsan-ə-ˌzā-\ n : a scale insect introduced into North America from Asia that is very destructive to fruit trees

sank past of SINK

sans \(ˌ)sanz\ prep : 1WITHOUT 2A

san·se·vie·ria \ˌsan(t)-sə-ˈvir-ē-ə\ n : any of a genus of tropical herbs that are related to the agaves and have spotted or striped sword-shaped leaves — called also snake plant

San·skrit \ˈsan-ˌskrit\ n : an ancient Indic language of India and of Hinduism
— Sanskrit adj

San·ta Claus \ˈsant-ē-ˌklȯz, ˈsant-ə-\ n : the spirit of Christmas represented by a fat jolly old man in a red suit who gives toys to children [from Dutch Sinterklaas, an altered form of Dutch Sint Nikolaas “Saint Nicholas”]

San·ta Ger·tru·dis \ˌsant-ə-(ˌ)gər-ˈtrüd-əs\ n : any of a breed of red beef cattle that were developed from a cross between Brahmans and shorthorns and that are tolerant of hot climates

1sap \ˈsap\ n
1 : the fluid part of a plant; esp : a watery solution that circulates through a higher plant and carries food and nutrients
2 : bodily health and vigor : VITALITY 3B
3 : a foolish person who is easily tricked or cheated

2sap vb sapped; sap·ping
1 : UNDERMINE 2 <heavy waves sapped the seawall>
2 : to weaken gradually <illness sapped my strength>

sa·pi·ence \ˈsā-pē-ən(t)s, ˈsap-ē-\ n : WISDOM 1A, SAGENESS

sa·pi·ent \ˈsā-pē-ənt, ˈsap-ē-\ adj : 2WISE 1, DISCERNING
— sa·pi·ent·ly adv

sap·ling \ˈsap-liŋ\ n : a young tree

sap·o·dil·la \ˌsap-ə-ˈdil-ə\ n : a tropical American evergreen tree with hard reddish wood, a rough-skinned brownish fruit with sweet flesh, and a milky sap that is the source of chicle

sap·phire \ˈsaf-ˌī(ə)r\ n
1 : a clear bright blue precious stone
2 : a deep purplish blue [Middle English safir “sapphire,” from early French safir (same meaning), from Latin sapphirus “sapphire,” from Greek sappheiros (same meaning), perhaps of Semitic origin]
— sapphire adj

sap·py \ˈsap-ē\ adj sap·pi·er; -est
1 : full of sap
2 a : foolishly sentimental  b : FOOLISH, SILLY
— sap·pi·ness n

sap·ro·phyte \ˈsap-rə-ˌfīt\ n : a living thing (as a fungus) that lives on the dead or decaying material of plants and animals
— sap·ro·phyt·ic \ˌsap-rə-ˈfit-ik\ adj

sap·suck·er \ˈsap-ˌsək-ər\ n : any of various North American woodpeckers that drill holes in trees in order to obtain sap and insects for food

sap·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n : the young sap-containing and usually lighter-colored wood found just beneath the bark of a tree — compare HEARTWOOD

sa·ran \sə-ˈran\ n : a tough flexible plastic resin

sarape variant of SERAPE

sar·casm \ˈsär-ˌkaz-əm\ n : the use of words that mean the opposite of what the speaker really thinks in order to insult, show irritation, or be funny
Word History Anyone who has suffered from the sarcastic remarks of others will not be too surprised to learn that sarcasm, “a cutting remark,” comes from a Greek verb, sarkazein, that literally means “to tear flesh like a dog.” Very early, though, this Greek verb came to mean “to bite one's lip in rage,” and “to gnash one's teeth,” and finally “to sneer.” The Greek noun sarkasmos, from which the English sarcasm comes, meant “a sneering or hurtful remark.” But even today sarcasm is often described as sharp, cutting, or wounding, recalling in a faint way the original meaning of the Greek verb. [from French sarcasme or Latin sarcasmos, both meaning “sarcasm,” from Greek sarkasmos “sarcasm,” from sarkazein “to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer,” from sark-, sarx “flesh”]

sar·cas·tic \sär-ˈkas-tik\ adj
1 : containing sarcasm <a sarcastic remark>
2 : being in the habit of using sarcasm <a sarcastic person>
— sar·cas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sar·coph·a·gus \sär-ˈkäf-ə-gəs\ n, pl -gi \-ˌgī, -ˌjī, -ˌgē\ also -gus·es : a stone coffin

sar·dine \sär-ˈdēn\ n, pl sardines also sardine : any of various young or very small fish often preserved in oil for food

sar·don·ic \sär-ˈdän-ik\ adj : SCORNFUL, MOCKING
— sar·don·i·cal·ly \-ˈdän-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sar·gas·so \sär-ˈgas-ō\ n, pl -sos
1 : SARGASSUM
2 : a mass of floating plants and especially sargassums

sar·gas·sum \sär-ˈgas-əm\ n : any of a genus of brown algae that have a leafy branching body and air bladders and that often grow in free-floating masses in the ocean

sa·ri also sa·ree \ˈsär-ē\ n : a garment worn by women in southern Asia that consists of a long cloth draped around the body and head or shoulder

sa·rong \sə-ˈrȯŋ, -ˈräŋ\ n : a loose skirt made of a long strip of cloth wrapped loosely around the body and worn by men and women of the Malay island group and many Pacific islands

sar·sa·pa·ril·la \ˌsas-(ə-)pə-ˈril-ə, ˌsärs-\ n
1 : the dried roots of any of several tropical American woody plants used especially as a flavoring; also : a plant that produces sarsaparilla
2 : a sweetened carbonated beverage flavored with sassafras and an oil from a birch

sar·to·ri·al \sär-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes
— sar·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

1sash \ˈsash\ n : a broad band (as of silk) worn around the waist or over the shoulder

2sash n, pl sash also sash·es
1 : the frame in which panes of glass are set in a window or door
2 : the movable part of a window

Sas·quatch \ˈsas-ˌkwach, -ˌkwäch\ n : BIGFOOT

sass \ˈsas\ vb : to reply to in a rude disrespectful way
— sass n

sas·sa·fras \ˈsas-(ə-)ˌfras\ n : a tall eastern North American tree that is related to the laurels and has fragrant yellow flowers and bluish black berries; also : its dried root bark used formerly in medicine or as a flavoring

sassy \ˈsas-ē\ adj sass·i·er; -est : given to back talk : IMPUDENT

sat past and past participle of SIT

Sa·tan \ˈsāt-ən\ n : 1DEVIL 1 [Middle English Satan “Satan,” from early French Satan (same meaning), from Latin Satan (same meaning), from Greek Satan “Satan,” from Hebrew śāṭān “adversary”]
— sa·tan·ic \sə-ˈtan-ik, sā-\ adj

— sa·tan·i·cal·ly \-ˈtan-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

satch·el \ˈsach-əl\ n : a small bag often with a shoulder strap

sate \ˈsāt\ vb sat·ed; sat·ing
1 : to fill especially with food beyond desire : GLUT
2 : to satisfy fully : SATIATE

sa·teen \sa-ˈtēn\ n : a glossy cotton fabric resembling satin

sat·el·lite \ˈsat-əl-ˌīt\ n
1 : a follower resembling a slave
2 a : a heavenly body orbiting another of larger size  b : a man-made object or vehicle intended to orbit the earth, the moon, or another heavenly body
3 : a country controlled by a more powerful country
— satellite adj
Word History Although it is now closely connected with the modern world of space exploration, satellite is actually a very old word. Its origin can be traced to the Latin word satelles, meaning “one who escorts or follows after an important person.” This is also the original meaning of satellite in English. Because such heavenly bodies as the moon can be thought of as “escorts” of the planets they orbit, they also became known as satellites. The satellites of modern times made by humans got their name because they, like the moon, orbit the earth. [from early French satellite “a person who follows or escorts someone of importance,” from Latin satellit-, satelles “escort, attendant”]

satellite dish n : a microwave dish for receiving usually television transmissions from an orbiting satellite

1sa·tiate \ˈsā-sh(ē-)ət\ adj : filled to excess

2sa·ti·ate \ˈsā-shē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to satisfy (as a need or desire) fully or to excess
— sa·ti·a·tion \ˌsā-shē-ˈā-shən, -sē-\ n

sa·ti·ety \sə-ˈtī-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being fed or gratified to or beyond fullness

sat·in \ˈsat-ən\ n : a fabric (as of silk) with smooth shiny face and dull back
— satin adj

— sat·iny \ˈsat-nē, ˈsat-ən-ē\ adj

satin weave n : a weave that produces a fabric with a smooth face

sat·ire \ˈsa-ˌtī(ə)r\ n : something meant to make fun of and show the weaknesses of human nature or a particular person
— sa·tir·ic \sə-ˈtir-ik\ or sa·tir·i·cal \-ˈtir-i-kəl\ adj

— sa·tir·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sat·i·rist \ˈsat-ə-rəst\ n : a person who satirizes

sat·i·rize \ˈsat-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing : to make fun of or show the weaknesses of by using satire

sat·is·fac·tion \ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-shən\ n
1 a : the quality or state of being satisfied  b : a cause of satisfaction
2 : something that makes up for a loss or injury
3 : ASSURANCE 2

sat·is·fac·to·ry \ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē\ adj : giving satisfaction
— sat·is·fac·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adv

— sat·is·fac·to·ri·ness \-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ n

sat·is·fy \ˈsat-əs-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to do what has been agreed upon in <satisfy a contract>
2 a : to make happy : PLEASE <the movie's ending satisfied everyone>  b : to meet the needs of : APPEASE <satisfied their hunger>
3 : CONVINCE <satisfied that they are innocent>
4 : FULFILL 2, MEET <satisfy requirements>
5 : to make true by fulfilling a condition <values that satisfy an equation> [Middle English satisfien “fulfill an obligation,” from early French satisfier (same meaning), from Latin satisfacere (same meaning), from satis “enough” and facere “to do, make” — related to FASHION, PERFECT]
— sat·is·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj

— sat·is·fy·ing·ly \-ˌfī-iŋ-lē\ adv

sa·trap \ˈsā-ˌtrap, ˈsa-\ n
1 : the governor of a division of ancient Persia
2 : a ruler who is controlled by a higher authority

sat·u·rate \ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to soak or fill with something to the point where no more can be absorbed or dissolved <saturate water with salt>
2 : to fill completely with something that penetrates : STEEP  synonyms see SOAK

sat·u·rat·ed \ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd\ adj
1 : full of moisture
2 a : being a mixture that is unable to absorb or dissolve any more of a substance at a given temperature and pressure  b : being a carbon compound having no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms <saturated fats>

sat·u·ra·tion \ˌsach-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of saturating
2 : the state of being saturated

Sat·ur·day \ˈsat-ərd-ē\ n : the seventh day of the week
Word History Several of the days of the week, such as Tuesday and Wednesday, get their English names from Germanic gods, but Saturday gets its name from a Roman one. Saturnus was the name of an important Roman god of agriculture, known in English as Saturn. The Old English word sæterndæg, “Saturn's day,” came originally from the god's Latin name. The modern English Saturday comes from the Old English sæterndæg. [Old English sæterndæg, literally, “Saturn's day,” derived from Latin Saturnus “Saturn”]

Sat·urn \ˈsat-ərn\ n : the planet sixth in order from the sun — see PLANET TABLE

sat·ur·na·lia \ˌsat-ər-ˈnāl-yə\ n sing or pl
1 cap : the festival of the god Saturn celebrated in ancient Rome with feasting and wild revelry
2 : a celebration involving wild behavior : ORGY
— sat·ur·na·lian \-yən\ adj

sat·ur·nine \ˈsat-ər-ˌnīn\ adj : SULLEN 1A

sa·tyr \ˈsāt-ər, ˈsat-\ n
1 often cap : a forest god believed by the ancient Greeks to have the ears and tail of a horse or goat and to enjoy rowdy pleasures
2 : a man having strong sexual desire

1sauce \ˈsȯs\ n
1 : a thick liquid that is eaten with or on food to add flavor <a tangy pasta sauce> <ice cream with chocolate sauce>
2 : boiled or canned fruit <cranberry sauce>
3 : rude or impolite language or actions

2sauce vb sauced; sauc·ing
1 : to add sauce to : SEASON
2 : to be rude or impudent to

sauce·pan \ˈsȯ-ˌspan\ n : a small cooking pan with a handle

sau·cer \ˈsȯ-sər\ n
1 : a small round shallow dish in which a cup is set
2 : something like a saucer especially in shape

saucy \ˈsȯs-ē\ adj sauc·i·er; -est
1 : marked by bold rudeness or disrespect : IMPUDENT <a saucy child> <a saucy answer>
2 : 2SMART 6A, TRIM <a saucy little hat>
— sauc·i·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

— sauc·i·ness \-ē-nəs\ n

sau·er·bra·ten \ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ˌbrät-ən\ n : beef soaked in vinegar and seasonings before being roasted

sau·er·kraut \ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ˌkrau̇t\ n : finely cut cabbage fermented in brine [German, from sauer “sour” + Kraut “greens”]

sau·na \ˈsau̇-nə, ˈsȯ-nə\ n : a Finnish steam bath

saun·ter \ˈsȯnt-ər, ˈsänt-\ vb : to walk along in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL
— saunter n

— saun·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

sau·ri·an \ˈsȯr-ē-ən\ n : any of a group of reptiles including the lizards and in older classifications the crocodiles and various extinct forms (as the dinosaurs) that look like lizards
— saurian adj

sau·sage \ˈsȯ-sij\ n
1 : highly seasoned ground meat (as pork) usually stuffed in casings
2 : a roll of sausage meat in a casing

sau·té \sȯ-ˈtā, sō-\ vb sau·téed or sau·téd; sau·té·ing : to fry in a small amount of fat

sau·terne \sō-ˈtərn, sȯ-, -ˈte(ə)rn\ n : a semisweet golden table wine

1sav·age \ˈsav-ij\ adj
1 : not tamed <savage beasts>
2 : very cruel and unrestrained <a savage beating>
3 : not cultivated : WILD <the savage wilderness>
4 : not civilized <savage customs>
5 : very critical or harsh
— sav·age·ly adv

— sav·age·ness n
Word History In Latin the adjective silvaticus, a derivative of silva, “forest,” meant “growing or living in the forest.” Because forest life is wild, the adjective easily acquired the meaning “wild, uncultivated” in later Latin as well as in the spoken Latin of the declining Roman Empire. Medieval French inherited silvaticus, altered to salvaticus, as salvage or sauvage, which was borrowed into Middle English. Medieval French sauvage retained the source meanings “wild, uncultivated (of fruit)” and “untamed (of animals).” But it could also be applied to humans, in which case its meanings could range from “lacking civilization, barbarous” to “fierce, cruel.” English savage has had all these senses at some point in its history. [Middle English savage “untamed, wild,” from early French salvage, savage, (same meaning), from Latin salvaticus, an altered form of earlier silvaticus “of the woods, wild,” from silva “woods, forest”]

2savage n
1 : a person belonging to a group with a low level of civilization
2 : a brutal person

sav·age·ry \ˈsav-ij-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : savage disposition or action : CRUELTY
2 : the state of being savage

sa·van·na also sa·van·nah \sə-ˈvan-ə\ n : a grassland (as of eastern Africa or northern South America) containing scattered trees

sa·vant \sa-ˈvänt, -ˈvän; sə-ˈvant, ˈsav-ənt\ n
1 : SCHOLAR 2B
2 : a person who does not have normal intelligence but who has very unusual mental abilities that other people do not have [from French savant, a form of the verb savoir “to know,” from Latin sapere “to be wise, taste, have good taste” — related to INSIPID, 1SAGE]

1save \ˈsāv\ vb saved; sav·ing
1 a : to deliver from sin  b : to rescue or deliver from danger or harm <saved his friend from drowning>  c : to keep from injury, destruction, waste, or loss <save the coat from damage by moths>  d : to store (data) in a computer or on a storage device (as a flash drive)
2 a : to put aside for future use <save a little for later>  b : to put aside money <saved up for a new bike>
3 a : to make unnecessary : AVOID <it will save your having to go back again>  b : to keep from being lost to an opponent <saved the game>
4 a : to avoid unnecessary waste or expense : ECONOMIZE <save on heat>  b : to spend less money <buy now and save>  c : to spend less by <save 25 percent> [Middle English saven “to deliver from sin,” from early French salver (same meaning), from Latin salvare “to save,” from earlier salvus “safe, healthy” — related to SAFE, 3SAGE]
— sav·er n

— save the day : to solve or avert a problem <her quick thinking saved the day>

2save n
1 : a play that prevents an opponent from scoring or winning
2 : the action of a relief pitcher in baseball in successfully protecting a team's lead; also : official credit for a save

3save prep : 1EXCEPT 2 <no hope save one>

1sav·ing \ˈsā-viŋ\ n
1 : the act of rescuing
2 a : something saved  b pl : money saved over a period of time

2saving prep
1 : 2EXCEPT 2, SAVE
2 : without disrespect to

3saving conj : 3EXCEPT

savings account n : an account (as in a bank) on which interest is usually paid and from which withdrawals can be made

savings and loan association n : an association organized to hold savings of members and to invest chiefly in mortgage loans

savings bank n : a bank that receives and invests savings and pays interest to depositors

savings bond n : a registered U.S. bond that comes in values of $50 to $10,000

sav·ior or sav·iour \ˈsāv-yər\ n : one that saves from danger or destruction; esp, cap : MESSIAH 1B

1sa·vor \ˈsā-vər\ n
1 : the taste and odor of something
2 : something clearly marking one as different from others
— sa·vor·less \-ləs\ adj

2savor vb sa·vored; sa·vor·ing \ˈsāv-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to have a specified smell or quality
2 : to give flavor to
3 : to taste or smell with pleasure : RELISH
— sa·vor·er \ˈsā-vər-ər\ n

1sa·vory \ˈsāv-(ə-)rē\ adj : pleasing to the taste or smell
— sa·vor·i·ness n

2sa·vo·ry \ˈsāv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : either of two European mints with leaves used in cooking as seasonings

1sav·vy \ˈsav-ē\ vb sav·vied; sav·vy·ing : COMPREHEND 1, UNDERSTAND

2savvy n : useful understanding : SHREWDNESS

3savvy adj sav·vi·er; -est : having a practical understanding or knowledge of something <a savvy stock market investor>

1saw past of SEE

2saw \ˈsȯ\ n : a hand or power tool or a machine used to cut hard material and equipped usually with a tooth-edged blade

3saw vb sawed \ˈsȯd\; sawed or sawn \ˈsȯn\; saw·ing \ˈsȯ(-)iŋ\ : to cut or shape with a saw

4saw n : a common saying : PROVERB

saw·buck \ˈsȯ-ˌbək\ n
1 : SAWHORSE
2 slang : a 10-dollar bill

saw·dust \ˈsȯd-(ˌ)əst\ n : tiny particles (as of wood) made by a saw in cutting

sawed–off \ˈsȯ-ˌdȯf\ adj : having an end sawed off <a sawed-off shotgun>

saw·fish \ˈsȯ-ˌfish\ n : any of several mostly tropical rays that resemble sharks but have a long flat snout with sharp toothlike structures along both edges

saw·fly \-ˌflī\ n : any of numerous insects related to the wasps and bees in which the female has a serrated organ used to cut holes in plants where she lays eggs

saw grass n : a sedge with leaves that have sharp jagged edges

saw·horse \ˈsȯ-ˌhȯ(ə)rs\ n : a frame on which wood is laid for sawing by hand

saw·mill \-ˌmil\ n : a mill or machine for sawing logs

saw–toothed \-ˈtütht\ adj : having an edge or outline like the teeth of a saw

saw·yer \ˈsȯ-yər, ˈsȯi-ər\ n : a person who saws timber

sax \ˈsaks\ n : SAXOPHONE

Sax·on \ˈsak-sən\ n : a member of a Germanic people conquering England with the Angles and Jutes in the 5th century a.d. and joining with them to form the Anglo-Saxon people

sax·o·phone \ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn\ n : a musical instrument of the woodwind class consisting of a usually curved metal tube with finger keys and a reed mouthpiece [named for Antoine “Adolph” Sax 1814–1894 a Belgian maker of musical instruments]
— sax·o·phon·ist \-ˌfō-nəst\ n

1say \ˈsā\ vb said \ˈsed\; say·ing \ˈsā-iŋ\; says \ˈsez\
1 a : to express in words : STATE <say what you mean using as few words as possible>  b : to state as opinion or belief : DECLARE <said to be the best you can get>
2 a : 2UTTER 2, PRONOUNCE <can't say more than three words without laughing>  b : RECITE 1, REPEAT <said my prayers>
3 a : INDICATE 2, SHOW <the clock says five minutes after ten>  b : to give expression to : COMMUNICATE <the look on his face said it all>
4 : SUPPOSE 1, ASSUME <let's say you're right>
— say·er \ˈsā-ər\ n

2say n
1 : an expression of opinion <had my say>
2 : the power to decide or help decide <had no say in the plans>

3say adv
1 : about as much or as many as <is worth, say, ten dollars>
2 : as an example <pick any state, say Iowa>

say·ing \ˈsā-iŋ\ n : something frequently said : PROVERB

say–so \ˈsā-ˌsȯ\ n
1 a : one's unsupported word  b : a judgment coming from a person of authority
2 : a right of last decision : AUTHORITY

1scab \ˈskab\ n
1 : scabies of domestic animals
2 : a crust chiefly of hardened blood that forms over and protects a wound
3 : a worker who takes the place of a striking worker
4 : a plant disease in which crusted spots form on stems or leaves

2scab vb scabbed; scab·bing
1 : to become covered with a scab
2 : to act as a scab

scab·bard \ˈskab-ərd\ n : a protective case for a sword, dagger, or bayonet

scab·by \ˈskab-ē\ adj scab·bi·er; -est
1 a : covered with or full of scabs <scabby skin>  b : diseased with scab <a scabby plant>
2 : CONTEMPTIBLE <a scabby trick>

sca·bies \ˈskā-bēz\ n, pl scabies : an itch or mange caused by mites living as parasites under the skin

scads \ˈskadz\ n pl : a great quantity

scaf·fold \ˈskaf-əld also -ˌōld\ n
1 a : an elevated platform built as a support for workers  b : a platform on which a criminal is executed
2 : a supporting framework

scaf·fold·ing \ˈskaf-əl-diŋ, -ˌōl-\ n
1 : a system of scaffolds
2 : materials for scaffolds

scal·able \ˈskā-lə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being scaled
2 : capable of being easily expanded or improved on demand <a scalable computer network>
— scal·abil·i·ty \ˌskā-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

1sca·lar \ˈskā-lər, -ˌlär\ adj
1 : arranged like a ladder : GRADUATED <scalar chain of authority>
2 a : able to be represented by a point on a scale <a scalar quantity>  b : of or relating to a scalar <scalar multiplication>

2scalar n
1 : a real number rather than a vector
2 : a quantity (as mass or time) that has a magnitude which can be described by a real number but no direction

sca·la·re \skə-ˈla(ə)r-ē, -ˈle(ə)r-, -ˈlär-\ n : ANGELFISH 2

scal·a·wag or scal·ly·wag \ˈskal-i-ˌwag\ n
1 : RASCAL 2
2 : a white Southerner acting as a Republican in the time of reconstruction after the American Civil War

1scald \ˈskȯld\ vb
1 : to burn with or as if with hot liquid or steam
2 a : to cover with boiling water or steam  b : to bring to a temperature just below the boiling point <scald milk>
3 : 1SCORCH 1

2scald n : an injury to the body caused by scalding

scald·ing \ˈskȯl-diŋ\ adj
1 : causing the sensation of scalding or burning
2 : as hot as if boiling <scalding water>
3 : very hot
4 : BITING, SCATHING

1scale \ˈskā(ə)l\ n
1 a : either pan of a balance  b : 1BALANCE 1 — usually used in plural
2 : a device for weighing <a bathroom scale> [Middle English scale “bowl, pan or tray of a balance,” of Norse origin]

2scale vb scaled; scal·ing
1 : to weigh in scales
2 : to have a specified weight

3scale n
1 a : any of the small stiff flat plates that form an outer covering on the body of some animals and especially fishes and reptiles  b : a small thin plate that resembles an animal scale <scales of mica> <the scales on a moth's wing>
2 : a small thin flake (as of dandruff) shed from the skin
3 : a thin layer or coating formed especially on metal (as iron) <boiler scale>
4 : a special leaf that covers a bud of a seed plant
5 a : SCALE INSECT  b : a disease of plants caused by a scale insect [Middle English scale “a plate on the skin of a fish,” from early French escale (same meaning); of Germanic origin]
— scale·less \ˈskā(ə)l-ləs\ adj

— scale·like \ˈskā(ə)l-ˌlīk\ adj

4scale vb scaled; scal·ing
1 : to remove scale or the scales from <scale a boiler> <scale fish>
2 : to take off in scales or thin layers <scale the bark off a tree>
3 : to come off in scales or shed scales : FLAKE
4 : to throw a flat object so as to sail in air or skip on water

5scale n
1 : a series of tones going up or down in pitch with each tone having a fixed relationship to those above and below it
2 a : a series of spaces marked by lines and used to measure distances or to register something (as the height of the mercury in a thermometer)  b : a divided line on a map or chart indicating the length (as an inch) used to represent a larger unit of measure (as a mile)  c : an instrument consisting of a strip (as of wood, plastic, or metal) with spaces on its surface that are evenly divided and numbered for measuring distances or amounts
3 : a series divided into classes
4 : the size of a picture, plan, or model of a thing compared to the size of the thing itself
5 : size in comparison <do things on a large scale>
6 : a rule by which something can be measured or judged [Middle English scale “ladder,” from Latin scala “ladder, staircase,” from earlier scalae (plural) “stairs, rungs, ladder”]

6scale vb scaled; scal·ing
1 : to climb by or as if by a ladder <scale a wall> <scale a cliff>
2 a : to arrange in order with the highest assigned one value (as a grade of A) and the lowest another value (as a grade of D) with the rest placed in groups between the two <scale a test>  b : to measure by or as if by a scale  c : to make, regulate, or estimate by a rule <scale down the budget>
— scal·er n

scaled \ˈskā(ə)ld\ adj : furnished with or adjusted to a scale <a scaled line>

scale insect n : any of numerous small insects related to aphids and including many destructive plant pests in which the males have wings, the females are scale-covered and are often permanently attached to a host plant, and the young suck the juices of plants

sca·lene \ˈskā-ˌlēn, skā-ˈlēn\ adj : having sides that are each a different length <a scalene triangle>

scal·lion \ˈskal-yən\ n : GREEN ONION

1scal·lop \ˈskäl-əp, ˈskal-\ n
1 a : any of a family of marine mollusks with a two-part ribbed shell  b : a muscle of the scallop used for food
2 : one of the two parts of a scallop shell
3 : one of a continuous series of rounded half-circles forming a border (as on lace)

2scallop vb
1 : to bake in a sauce usually covered with seasoned bread or cracker crumbs <scalloped potatoes>
2 : to shape, cut, or make an edge in scallops

scallywag variant of SCALAWAG

1scalp \ˈskalp\ n
1 : the part of the skin and flesh of the head usually covered with hair
2 : a part of the human scalp cut or torn from an enemy especially as a sign of victory

2scalp vb
1 : to remove the scalp from
2 : to buy and resell at much higher prices <scalp theater tickets>
— scalp·er n

scal·pel \ˈskal-pəl also skal-ˈpel\ n : a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

scaly \ˈskā-lē\ adj scal·i·er; -est
1 a : covered with, composed of, or resembling scale or scales  b : FLAKY 2 <scaly skin>
2 : infested with scale insects <scaly fruit>

scam \ˈskam\ n : a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation <lost $500 in a business scam> [origin unknown]
— scam vb

scamp \ˈskamp\ n : RASCAL 2

scam·per \ˈskam-pər\ vb scam·pered; scam·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\ : to run lightly and usually playfully about
— scamper n

1scan \ˈskan\ vb scanned; scan·ning
1 : to read or mark verses so as to show stress and rhythm <scan poetry>
2 a : to examine thoroughly <scanned their faces for signs of anger>  b : to make a wide sweeping search of <scanning the field with binoculars>  c : to look through or over hastily <scanned the headlines>  d : to examine systematically (as by passing a beam of radiation over or through) in order to obtain data especially for display or storage <scanned the patient's heart> <scan the photos into the computer>
3 : to move across in successive lines to form an image on a cathode-ray tube <the electron beam scans the face of the picture tube>

2scan n
1 : the act or process of scanning
2 : an image formed by scanning something: as  a : a picture of the distribution of radioactive material in something (as a bodily organ)  b : a picture of part of the body made (as by a computer) by combining separate pictures taken from different angles or of different sections

scan·dal \ˈskan-dəl\ n
1 : a crime against faith that causes another to sin
2 : loss of or damage to one's reputation : DISGRACE <brought scandal on the school>
3 : something that offends accepted moral standards or disgraces those associated with it <their behavior is a scandal>

scan·dal·ize \ˈskan-də-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 archaic : to speak of in a false or vicious way
2 : to shock the moral sense of <their actions scandalized the neighbors>

scan·dal·ous \ˈskan-d(ə-)ləs\ adj
1 : harmful to one's reputation : DEFAMATORY <denied the truth of the scandalous rumors>
2 : SHOCKING <scandalous behavior>
— scan·dal·ous·ly adv

scan·di·um \ˈskan-dē-əm\ n : a silvery white metallic element found together with other rare elements — see ELEMENT TABLE

scan·ner \ˈskan-ər\ n : one that scans: as  a : a device that senses recorded information  b : a radio receiver that scans a range of frequencies for a signal  c : a device that scans an image or document especially for use or storage on a computer d : a device for scanning a living body to collect medical information

scan·sion \ˈskan-chən\ n : the analysis of verse to show its meter

1scant \ˈskant\ adj
1 a : barely or scarcely enough; esp : not quite coming up to a certain measure <a scant cup of milk>  b : lacking in size or quantity : MEAGER, SCANTY <scant growth>
2 : having a small or short supply <scant of breath>
— scant·ly adv

— scant·ness n

2scant vb : SKIMP 1, STINT

scant·ling \ˈskant-liŋ, -lən\ n : a small piece of lumber; esp : one of the upright pieces in the frame of a house

scanty \ˈskant-ē\ adj scant·i·er; -est : very small in size or amount <scanty nourishment> <scanty bikinis>  synonyms see MEAGER
— scant·i·ly \ˈskant-əl-ē\ adv

— scant·i·ness \ˈskant-ē-nəs\ n

scape·goat \ˈskāp-ˌgōt\ n : a person or thing taking the blame for others

scap·u·la \ˈskap-yə-lə\ n, pl -lae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ or -las : SHOULDER BLADE

scap·u·lar \ˈskap-yə-lər\ n
1 : a long wide band of cloth with an opening for the head worn front and back over the shoulders by monks
2 : a pair of small cloth squares joined by shoulder tapes and worn under the clothing on the breast and back especially for religious purposes

1scar \ˈskär\ n
1 : a mark left (as on the skin) after injured tissue has healed
2 : a mark on a stem or branch where a leaf or fruit has separated
3 : a mark (as on furniture) resembling a scar
4 : a lasting injury from a bad experience

2scar vb scarred; scar·ring
1 : to mark with or form a scar
2 : to do lasting injury to
3 : to become scarred

scar·ab \ˈskar-əb\ n
1 : any of a family of large stout beetles (as a dung beetle)
2 : an ornament or a gem made to represent a scarab; esp : one used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of eternal life

scarce \ˈske(ə)rs, ˈska(ə)rs\ adj scarc·er; scarc·est : lacking in quantity or number : not plentiful <food is scarce>  synonyms see RARE
— scarce·ness n

scarce·ly \ˈske(ə)rs-lē, ˈska(ə)rs-\ adv
1 : by a narrow margin : only just <had scarcely made the train in time>
2 a : certainly not <could scarcely tell them they were wrong>  b : probably not <could scarcely have chosen a better leader>

scar·ci·ty \ˈsker-sət-ē, ˈskar-\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being scarce : a very small supply

1scare \ˈske(ə)r, ˈska(ə)r\ vb scared; scar·ing
1 : to frighten suddenly : ALARM
2 : to become scared

2scare n
1 : a sudden fright
2 : a widespread state of alarm : PANIC

scare·crow \ˈske(ə)r-ˌkrō, ˈska(ə)r-\ n : an object usually suggesting a human figure that is set up to scare birds away from crops

scare up vb : to find or get together with much labor or difficulty <managed to scare up the money>

1scarf \ˈskärf\ n, pl scarves \ˈskärvz\ or scarfs
1 : a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, over the head, or about the waist
2 : RUNNER 5B

2scarf vb : 3SCOFF 1 <scarfed down my sandwich>

scar·i·fy \ˈskar-ə-ˌfī, ˈsker-\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make scratches or small cuts in

scar·let \ˈskär-lət\ n
1 : scarlet cloth or clothes
2 : a bright red
— scarlet adj

scarlet fever n : a contagious disease caused by a bacterium and characterized by fever, swelling, pain in the nose, throat, and mouth, and a red rash

scarlet runner bean n : a tropical American high-climbing bean with large bright red flowers and red and black seeds

scarlet tanager n : an American tanager of which the male is scarlet with black wings during the breeding season and the female is olive

scarp \ˈskärp\ n
1 : a line of cliffs produced by faulting or erosion
2 : a low steep slope along a beach caused by wave erosion
— scarped adj

scar tissue n : connective tissue forming a scar

scary \ˈske(ə)r-ē, ˈska(ə)r-\ adj scar·i·er; -est
1 : causing fright : ALARMING <a scary movie>
2 : easily scared : TIMID
3 : feeling alarm or fright : SCARED, FRIGHTENED <scary feeling>
— scar·i·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

1scat \ˈskat\ vb scat·ted; scat·ting
1 : to go away quickly — often used to drive away an animal (as a cat)
2 : to move fast : SCOOT

2scat n : the feces deposited by an animal <bear scat>

3scat n : jazz singing with meaningless syllables

4scat vb scat·ted; scat·ting : to sing by making up meaningless syllables to go with the music

1scathe \ˈskāth\ n : HARM 1, INJURY
— scathe·less \-ləs\ adj

2scathe vb scathed; scath·ing
1 : to do harm to : INJURE; esp : to injure by fire : SCORCH, SEAR
2 : to attack with very harsh accusations

scath·ing \ˈskā-thiŋ\ adj : painfully harsh <a scathing look>
— scath·ing·ly \-thiŋ-lē\ adv

scat·ter \ˈskat-ər\ vb
1 : to cause to separate widely <wind scattered the dry leaves>
2 : to place or leave here and there <scattered their toys all over the house>
3 : to sow widely and without pattern
4 : to separate and go in different directions <the crowd scattered>
5 : to occur or fall without pattern <lakes scattered everywhere in the hills>

scat·ter·brain \ˈskat-ər-ˌbrān\ n : a silly careless person incapable of concentration
— scat·ter·brained \-ˌbrānd\ adj

1scat·ter·ing \ˈskat-ə-riŋ\ n
1 : an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered
2 : something scattered; esp : a small number or amount placed or found here and there <a scattering of visitors>

2scattering adj
1 : going in various directions
2 : found or placed far apart and in no pattern

scatter rug n : THROW RUG

scav·enge \ˈskav-ənj, -inj\ vb scav·enged; scav·eng·ing : to collect usable things from what has been discarded

scav·en·ger \ˈskav-ən-jər\ n
1 : someone or something that scavenges
2 : an organism (as a vulture or hyena) that usually feeds on dead or decaying matter
Word History In the U.S., scavenger is not the title of a particular occupation, but it is in Great Britain. There it means “street cleaner,” which is a use close to the original meaning. In English towns in the Middle Ages, a tax was placed on goods offered for sale by merchants who came from another town for market day. This tax was called a skawage, from an early French dialect word escauwage, meaning “a showing or inspection (of goods).” The skawage gave the local merchants an advantage and discouraged outsiders from selling in the town. In this way it was like our modern-day tariff, or “tax on imports.” The official whose duty it was to collect this tax was called the skawager. This word was later spelled scavager and then scavenger. When the towns came to need someone to keep the streets clean, this duty also became the job of the scavenger. The word scavenger is now used in the British Isles for all street cleaners. By the time British colonists started towns in America, the skawage tax was no longer collected, and the word scavenger came to be used here in its more general sense of “someone who collects usable things from what has been discarded.” [from earlier scavager, from early French skawageour “one who collects a tax on goods sold by merchants from another town,” from an early French dialect word escauver “to inspect”]

scavenger hunt n : a party contest in which players are sent out usually in pairs to obtain without buying unusual objects within a fixed length of time

sce·nar·io \sə-ˈnar-ē-ˌō, -ˈner-, -ˈnär-\ n, pl -i·os
1 a : an outline of a play  b : the text of an opera
2 : SCREENPLAY
3 : a sequence of events especially when imagined

sce·nar·ist \sə-ˈnar-əst, -ˈner-, -ˈnär-\ n : a writer of scenarios

scene \ˈsēn\ n
1 a : a division of an act during which there is no change of scene or break in time  b : a single situation or conversation in a play <the love scene>  c : a small part of a motion picture or a television program
2 a : a stage setting <change scenes>  b : a view or sight that looks like a picture <a winter scene>
3 : the place of an event or action : LOCALE <the scene of the crime>
4 : a display of anger or misconduct <made a scene when accused of the crime>
5 a : area of activity <the music scene>  b : SITUATION 3 <the scene got serious when the police arrived>
— behind the scenes
1 : out of public view; also : in secret <decisions reached behind the scenes>
2 : in a position to see or control the hidden workings <the lawyer behind the scenes>

scen·ery \ˈsēn-(ə-)rē\ n
1 : the painted scenes or hangings and accessories used on a theater stage
2 : a view or landscape resembling a beautiful painting <mountain scenery>
3 : one's usual surroundings <needed a change of scenery>

scene–steal·er \ˈsēn-ˌstē-lər\ n : an actor who draws attention though he or she is not intended to be the center of attraction

sce·nic \ˈsē-nik\ adj
1 : of or relating to stage scenery
2 : of or relating to natural scenery <a scenic route>
3 : representing an action or event in pictured form <scenic wallpaper>

1scent \ˈsent\ n
1 a : an odor left by an animal  b : a particular and usually agreeable odor
2 a : sense of smell <a keen scent>  b : power of detection : NOSE 5
3 : a course of pursuit or discovery <thrown off the scent>
4 : 1HINT 1, INKLING <a scent of trouble>
5 : 1PERFUME 2
6 : a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing

2scent vb
1 a : to become aware of or follow through the sense of smell <the dog scented a rabbit>  b : to get a hint of <scent trouble>
2 : to fill with an odor : PERFUME <scent a handkerchief>

scent·ed adj : having scent; esp : filled with perfume

scep·ter \ˈsep-tər\ n
1 : a baton carried by a ruler as an emblem of authority
2 : authority of an empire or a ruler : SOVEREIGNTY
— scep·tered \-tərd\ adj

scep·tic, scep·ti·cal, scep·ti·cism chiefly British variant of SKEPTIC, SKEPTICAL, SKEPTICISM

1sched·ule \ˈskej-ü(ə)l, -əl, Canadian also ˈshej-, British usually ˈshed-yü(ə)l\ n
1 a : a written or printed list or catalog <a schedule of social events>  b : TIMETABLE <a plane schedule> <a schedule for completion of the school>
2 : 1PROGRAM 3, AGENDA <my schedule for tomorrow>

2schedule vb sched·uled; sched·ul·ing
1 : to place in a schedule <schedule a meeting>
2 : to make a schedule of <scheduled my income and debts>

sche·mat·ic \ski-ˈmat-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or forming a scheme, plan, or diagram : DIAGRAMMATIC
— sche·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sche·ma·tize \ˈskē-mə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to form or form into a scheme or regular arrangement

1scheme \ˈskēm\ n
1 : a pictorial sketch or outline
2 : a brief statement in an outline, table, or list
3 : a plan or program of action <a new scheme for better insurance coverage>; esp : a sly or secret one <a scheme to seize control of the territory>
4 : a regular or organized design, arrangement, or pattern <the color scheme of a room> <your whole scheme of life>  synonyms see PLAN

2scheme vb schemed; schem·ing
1 : to form a scheme for
2 : to form plans; esp : to engage in a plot
— schem·er n

schem·ing \ˈskē-miŋ\ adj : being in the habit of forming schemes; esp : SNEAKY, DECEPTIVE

schil·ling \ˈshil-iŋ\ n
1 : the former basic unit of money of Austria until 2002
2 : a coin representing one schilling

schism \ˈsiz-əm, ˈskiz-\ n
1 a : DIVISION 6, SEPARATION  b : lack of harmony : DISCORD
2 a : division in or separation from a church or religious body  b : the offense of promoting schism

1schis·mat·ic \siz-ˈmat-ik, skiz-\ n : one who creates or takes part in schism

2schismatic adj : of, relating to, or guilty of schism

schist \ˈshist\ n : a metamorphic rock that can be split along nearly parallel planes

schizo·phre·nia \ˌskit-sə-ˈfrē-nē-ə\ n : a serious mental illness that is a psychosis and is characterized by a distorted view and understanding of the real world, by greatly reduced ability to carry out one's daily tasks, and by abnormal ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving

1schizo·phren·ic \ˌskit-sə-ˈfren-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or affected with schizophrenia

2schizophrenic n : a person affected with schizophrenia

schle·miel also shle·miel \shlə-ˈmē(ə)l\ n : an unlucky clumsy person : CHUMP

schmaltz also schmalz \ˈshmȯlts\ n : sentimental music or art
— schmaltzy \ˈshmȯlt-sē\ adj

schmooze or shmooze \ˈshmüz\ vb schmoozed or shmoozed; schmooz·ing or shmooz·ing : to converse informally : CHAT; also : to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections [Yiddish shmuesn “to chat,” from Hebrew shĕmu’ōth “news, rumor”]
— schmooz·er \ˈshmü-zər\ n

schmoozy \ˈshmü-zē\ adj : of, relating to, characterized by, or given to schmoozing <a schmoozy salesclerk>

schmuck \ˈshmək\ n, slang : a stupid or foolish person

schnau·zer \ˈshnau̇t-sər, ˈshnau̇-zər, snau̇-\ n : any of a German breed of dogs with a long head, pointed ears, and wiry coat

schol·ar \ˈskäl-ər\ n
1 : a person who attends a school or studies under a teacher : PUPIL
2 a : a person who has done advanced study in a special area  b : a learned person
3 : a holder of a scholarship
— schol·ar·ly adj

schol·ar·ship \ˈskäl-ər-ˌship\ n
1 : money given (as by a college) to a student to help pay for further education
2 : the character, qualities, or achievements of a scholar  synonyms see KNOWLEDGE

scho·las·tic \skə-ˈlas-tik\ adj : of or relating to schools or scholars
— scho·las·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1school \ˈskül\ n
1 a : a place or establishment for teaching and learning <public schools> <a music school>  b : a faculty or division within an institution for higher education devoted to teaching, study, and research in a particular area of knowledge : COLLEGE <school of law> <graduate school>
2 a : a session of school <missed school yesterday>  b : SCHOOLHOUSE  c : the students or students and teachers of a school <the whole school was at the assembly>
3 : a group of persons having the same opinions and beliefs or accepting the same methods or leaders; also : the shared opinions, beliefs, or methods of such a group
Word History The English word school comes from the Greek scholē. The original meaning of scholē was “leisure.” To the Greeks it seemed natural that one's leisure should be spent learning and thinking. Scholē therefore came to mean not only “leisure” but also “a place for learning.” Many Greeks were later employed by the Romans as teachers, and the Romans borrowed the Greek word as schola. The Latin word schola in time came into Old English as scōl. [Old English scōl “a place for learning,” from Latin schola (same meaning), from Greek scholē “leisure, discussion, lecture, school”]

2school vb
1 : to teach or drill in a specific skill or area of knowledge <well schooled in languages>
2 : to discipline or make used to something <school oneself in patience>

3school n : a large number of water-dwelling animals of one kind (as fish) swimming together

school·bag \ˈskül-ˌbag\ n : a bag for carrying schoolbooks and school supplies

school board n : a board in charge of local public schools

school·book \ˈskül-ˌbu̇k\ n : a school textbook

school·boy \-ˌbȯi\ n : a boy attending school

school bus n : a vehicle for transporting children to and from school

school·child \ˈskül-ˌchīld\ n : a child attending school

school·fel·low \-ˌfel-ō\ n : SCHOOLMATE

school·girl \-ˌgər(-ə)l\ n : a girl attending school

school·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a building used as a school

school·ing \ˈskül-iŋ\ n
1 : instruction in school : EDUCATION
2 : the cost of going to school

school·marm \ˈskül-ˌmä(r)m\ or school·ma'am \-ˌmäm, -ˌmam\ n : a woman who is a schoolteacher especially in a rural or small-town school

school·mas·ter \-ˌmas-tər\ n : a man who teaches school

school·mate \-ˌmāt\ n : a companion at school

school·mis·tress \-ˌmis-trəs\ n : a woman who teaches school

school·room \-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : CLASSROOM

school·teach·er \-ˌtē-chər\ n : a person who teaches school

school·time \-ˌtīm\ n : the time for beginning a session of school or during which school is held

school·work \-ˌwərk\ n : lessons done in classes at school or assigned to be done at home

school·yard \-ˌyärd\ n : the playground of a school

schoo·ner \ˈskü-nər\ n
1 : a ship with a fore-and-aft rig and two or more masts
2 : a large tall glass (as for beer)
3 : PRAIRIE SCHOONER

schot·tische \ˈshät-ish, shä-ˈtēsh\ n : a slow dance with steps similar to those of a polka; also : music for this dance

schuss \ˈshu̇s, ˈshüs\ vb : to ski directly down a slope at high speed
— schuss n

schwa \ˈshwä\ n
1 : a vowel that is not stressed and is the usual sound of the first and last vowels of the English word America
2 : the symbol ə commonly used for a schwa and sometimes also for a similarly pronounced stressed vowel (as in cut)

sci·at·i·ca \sī-ˈat-i-kə\ n : pain along the course of a sciatic nerve especially in the back of the thigh; also : pain in or near the hips

sciatic nerve \sī-ˌat-ik-\ n : a nerve that runs down the back of the thigh and is the largest nerve in the body

sci·ence \ˈsī-ən(t)s\ n
1 a : an area of knowledge that is an object of study  b : something (as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like a science <have it down to a science>  c : any of the natural sciences (as biology, physics, or chemistry)
2 : knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through the scientific method [Middle English science “the state of knowing, knowledge,” from early French science (same meaning), from Latin scientia (same meaning), from scient-, sciens “knowing,” from scire “to know” — related to CONSCIOUS, NICE, OMNISCIENT; see Word History at NICE]

science fair n : an exhibition of science projects typically prepared and presented by schoolchildren

science fiction n : fiction that deals with the influence of real or imagined science on society or individuals
— sci·ence–fic·tion·al \ˈsī-ən(t)s-ˈfik-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

sci·en·tif·ic \ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or rules of science
— sci·en·tif·i·cal·ly \-ˈtif-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

scientific method n : the rules and procedures for the pursuit of knowledge involving the finding and stating of a problem, the collection of facts through observation and experiment, and the making and testing of ideas that need to be proven right or wrong

scientific notation n : a system of writing numbers as the product of a number between 1 and 10 and a power of 10 <999.9 is expressed in scientific notation as 9.999 × 10^2>

sci·en·tist \ˈsī-ənt-əst\ n : a person skilled in science and especially natural science : a scientific investigator

sci–fi \ˈsī-ˈfī\ n : SCIENCE FICTION
— sci–fi adj

scim·i·tar \ˈsim-ət-ər, -ə-ˌtär\ n : a sword with a curved blade used in the past especially in the Middle East and western Asia

scin·til·late \ˈsint-əl-ˌāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to give off sparks
2 : to flash or gleam as if throwing off sparks <eyes scintillating with anger>
— scin·til·lant \-əl-ənt\ adj

— scin·til·la·tion \ˌsint-əl-ˈā-shən\ n

sci·on \ˈsī-ən\ n
1 : a living part (as a bud or stem) that is cut from a plant and joined to another plant in grafting
2 a : 2DESCENDANT 1, CHILD  b : HEIR 1

1scis·sor \ˈsiz-ər\ n : SCISSORS

2scissor vb scis·sored; scis·sor·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to cut with scissors or shears <scissored the paper into strips>

scis·sors \ˈsiz-ərz\ n sing or pl
1 : a cutting instrument having two blades whose cutting edges slide past each other
2 : a gymnastic feat in which the leg movements suggest the opening and closing of scissors

scissors kick n : a swimming kick in which the legs move like scissors

sclera \ˈskler-ə\ n : the dense fibrous white or bluish white tissue that forms the outer covering of the back five-sixths of the eye and is replaced in front by the transparent cornea with which it is continuous

scle·ro·sis \sklə-ˈrō-səs\ n : an abnormal hardening of a tissue or body part (as arteries or muscles) that occurs in several serious diseases — compare MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

1scle·rot·ic \sklə-ˈrät-ik\ adj
1 : being or relating to the sclera
2 : of, relating to, or affected with sclerosis

2sclerotic n : SCLERA

sclerotic coat n : SCLERA

1scoff \ˈskäf, ˈskȯf\ n : an expression of scorn or mockery

2scoff vb : JEER, RIDICULE
— scoff·er n

3scoff vb
1 : to eat greedily <scoffed dinner>
2 : 1SNATCH 2 <scoffed up the free gifts>

1scold \ˈskōld\ n : a person who scolds constantly

2scold vb
1 : to find fault noisily or angrily
2 : to criticize severely or angrily

sco·lex \ˈskō-ˌleks\ n, pl sco·li·ces also sco·le·ces \-lə-ˌsēz\ : the head of a tapeworm

sco·li·o·sis \ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs\ n, pl -o·ses \-ˌsēz\ : an abnormal sideways curving of the spine

sconce \ˈskän(t)s\ n : a lamp or candlestick or group of candlesticks fastened to a wall

scone \ˈskōn, ˈskän\ n : a quick bread baked on a griddle or in an oven

1scoop \ˈsküp\ n
1 a : a large shovel (as for shoveling coal)  b : a tool or utensil shaped like a shovel for digging into a soft substance and lifting out a portion  c : a round utensil with a handle for dipping out soft food (as ice cream)  d : a small tool for cutting or gouging
2 : an act or the action of scooping : a motion made with or as if with a scoop
3 a : the amount held by a scoop <a scoop of ice cream>  b : a hole made by scooping
4 a : information of immediate interest <what's the scoop>  b : the reporting of a news story ahead of competitors
— scoop·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n

2scoop vb
1 : to take out or up with or as if with a scoop
2 : to make hollow
3 : to report a news story ahead of
— scoop·er n

scoot \ˈsküt\ vb
1 : to go suddenly and swiftly : DART
2 : to slide especially while seated <scoot over>
— scoot n

scoot·er \ˈsküt-ər\ n
1 : a child's vehicle consisting of a narrow base between a front and a back wheel and guided by a handle attached to the front wheel
2 : MOTOR SCOOTER

1scope \ˈskōp\ n
1 : space or opportunity for action or thought <full scope for expression>
2 : area or amount included, reached, or viewed : RANGE <a subject broad in scope> [from Italian scopo “aim, purpose, goal,” from Greek skopos “watcher, goal, aim” — related to BISHOP, EPISCOPAL, HOROSCOPE; see Word History at BISHOP]

2scope n : any of various instruments for viewing: as  a : MICROSCOPE  b : 1TELESCOPE  c : OSCILLOSCOPE [by shortening]

-scope combining form : means for viewing : instrument for viewing <kaleidoscope> [derived from Greek skopos “watcher, goal, aim”]

sco·pol·amine \skō-ˈpäl-ə-ˌmēn\ n : a poisonous substance that is found in some plants of the nightshade family and that is used in medicine (as to prevent nausea or dilate the pupil of the eye)

1scorch \ˈskȯrch\ vb
1 : to burn on the surface
2 : to burn so as to dry, wilt, or turn brown

2scorch n
1 : a result of scorching
2 : a browning of plant tissues usually caused by disease or heat

scorched earth n : land stripped of anything that could be of use to an invading enemy force

scorch·er \ˈskȯr-chər\ n : someone or something that scorches; esp : a very hot day

1score \ˈskō(ə)r, ˈskȯ(ə)r\ n, pl scores
1 or pl score  a : TWENTY  b : a group of 20 things — often used in combination with a cardinal number <fivescore>
2 : a line made with or as if with a sharp instrument
3 : a duty or injury kept in mind for later action <had some old scores to settle>
4 : 1REASON 1B, GROUND <you have nothing to worry about on that score>
5 : the complete written music showing all of the individual parts of a large piece (as a symphony)
6 a : a number expressing accomplishment (as in a game or a test) or worth (as of a product) <had a score of 80 out of a possible 100>  b : a record of points made by competing teams or players <the final score was 4–3>  c : an act (as a goal, run, or touchdown) that gains points in any of various games or contests
7 : the facts of a situation <we won't know what the score is until the laboratory results are in>
— score·less \-ləs\ adj

2score vb scored; scor·ing
1 a : to set down in an account : RECORD  b : to keep score in a game or contest
2 : to mark with lines, grooves, scratches, or notches
3 : BERATE, SCOLD
4 a : to make or cause to make a score in or as if in a game : TALLY <score a run>  b : ACHIEVE 2, WIN <scored a big success>
5 : 1GRADE 3, MARK
6 : to arrange (a musical composition) for performance
— scor·er n

— score points : to gain favor, status, or advantage

score·board \ˈskō(ə)r-ˌbō(ə)rd, ˈskȯ(ə)r-ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a large board for displaying the score of a game or match

score·card \-ˌkärd\ n : a card for recording the score (as of a game)

score·keep·er \-ˌkē-pər\ n : a person appointed to record the score during the progress of a game or contest

sco·ria \ˈskōr-ē-ə, ˈskȯr-\ n, pl -ri·ae \-ē-ˌē, -ē-ˌī\ : rough cindery lava

1scorn \ˈskȯ(ə)rn\ n
1 : a feeling of anger and disgust
2 : someone or something very much disliked

2scorn vb
1 : to show scorn for
2 : to reject or dismiss because of scorn : DISDAIN <scorned local traditions>
— scorn·er n

scorn·ful \ˈskȯrn-fəl\ adj : feeling or showing scorn  synonyms see CONTEMPTUOUS
— scorn·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

Scor·pio \ˈskȯr-pē-ˌō\ n
1 : a group of stars between Libra and Sagittarius usually pictured as a scorpion
2 a : the eighth sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Scorpio

scor·pi·on \ˈskȯr-pē-ən\ n : any of an order of invertebrates that are arachnids and that have a long jointed body and a slender tail with a poisonous stinger at the end

Scot \ˈskät\ n : a person born or living in Scotland

scotch \ˈskäch\ vb
1 archaic : to injure so as to make temporarily harmless
2 : to stamp out : CRUSH; esp : to put an end to by showing the untruth of <scotch a rumor>

1Scotch \ˈskäch\ adj : 1SCOTTISH

2Scotch n
1 : SCOTS
2 Scotch pl : the people of Scotland
3 often not cap : whiskey made in Scotland especially from barley

Scotch·man \ˈskäch-mən\ n : SCOTSMAN

Scotch terrier n : SCOTTISH TERRIER

Scotch·wom·an \ˈskäch-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : SCOTSWOMAN

sco·ter \ˈskōt-ər\ n, pl scoters or scoter : any of several ducks of coasts of Eurasia, Canada, and the U.S.

scot–free \ˈskät-ˈfrē\ adj : completely free from duty, harm, or penalty <get off scot-free> [from earlier scot “money owed”]

Scot·land Yard \ˌskät-lən(d)-ˈyärd\ n : the detective division of the London area police

1Scots \ˈskäts\ adj : 1SCOTTISH

2Scots n : the English language of Scotland

Scots·man \ˈskät-smən\ n : a person born or living in Scotland

Scots·wom·an \-swu̇m-ən\ n : a woman born or living in Scotland

scot·tie \ˈskät-ē\ n
1 cap : SCOTCHMAN
2 : SCOTTISH TERRIER

1Scot·tish \ˈskät-ish\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of Scotland, the people of Scotland, or the Scots language

2Scottish n : 2SCOTS

Scottish terrier n : any of an old Scottish breed of terrier with short legs, a long head with small ears that stand straight up, a broad deep chest, and a thick rough coat

scoun·drel \ˈskau̇n-drəl\ n : a mean or wicked person : VILLAIN
— scoun·drel·ly \-drə-lē\ adj

1scour \ˈskau̇(ə)r\ vb
1 : to move about or through quickly especially in search <scoured the woods for the missing child>
2 : to examine thoroughly and rapidly <scoured the legal documents>

2scour vb
1 a : to rub hard with something rough in order to clean  b : to remove by rubbing hard and washing <scour spots from the stove>
2 : to free from foreign substances or impurities by or as if by washing
3 : to wear away (as by water) : ERODE <a stream scouring its banks>
— scour·er n

3scour n : an action or result of scouring

1scourge \ˈskərj\ n
1 : 2WHIP 1, LASH
2 : someone or something that is an instrument of punishment or criticism
3 : AFFLICTION 2

2scourge vb scourged; scourg·ing
1 : to whip severely : FLOG
2 : to cause severe suffering to : DEVASTATE

scouring rush n : HORSETAIL

1scout \ˈskau̇t\ vb
1 : to go about and observe in search of information : RECONNOITER
2 a : to make a search <scout about for firewood>  b : to find by searching <scouted up the necessary supplies> [Middle English scouten “to explore an area for information,” from early French escouter “to listen,” from Latin auscultare “to listen”]

2scout n
1 a : one sent to obtain information and especially to survey in preparation for military action in war  b : a person who searches for talented newcomers <a baseball scout>
2 : the act or an instance of scouting : RECONNAISSANCE
3 often cap  a : BOY SCOUT  b : GIRL SCOUT
4 : 2INDIVIDUAL 2, PERSON <you're a good scout>

3scout vb
1 : DERIDE, MOCK
2 : to reject as foolish [of Scandinavian origin]

scout·ing \ˈskau̇t-iŋ\ n
1 : the action of one that scouts
2 often cap : the activities of the various Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups

scout·mas·ter \ˈskau̇t-ˌmas-tər\ n : the leader of a band of scouts and especially of a troop of Boy Scouts

scow \ˈskau̇\ n : a large flat-bottomed boat with broad square ends used chiefly for transporting sand, gravel, or refuse

1scowl \ˈskau̇(ə)l\ vb
1 : to make a frowning expression of displeasure
2 : to exhibit or express with a scowl
— scowl·er n

— scowl·ing·ly \ˈskau̇-liŋ-lē\ adv

2scowl n : an expression of displeasure on the face : FROWN

1scrab·ble \ˈskrab-əl\ vb scrab·bled; scrab·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to scratch or scrape about frantically with hands or paws
2 : 1SCRAMBLE 2
3 : to struggle by or as if by scraping or scratching <scrabble for a living>
— scrab·bler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2scrabble n : an act or instance of scrabbling

scrag \ˈskrag\ n : a lean person or animal

scrag·gly \ˈskrag-(ə-)lē\ adj scrag·gli·er; -est : of rough or uneven outline : RAGGED, UNKEMPT <a scraggly beard>

scrag·gy \ˈskrag-ē\ adj scrag·gi·er; -est
1 : 1ROUGH 3B, JAGGED <scraggy cliffs>
2 : being lean and long : SCRAWNY

scram \ˈskram\ vb scrammed; scram·ming : to go away at once <scram, you're not wanted>

1scram·ble \ˈskram-bəl\ vb scram·bled; scram·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to move with urgency or panic  b : to move or climb hastily on all fours
2 : to strive or struggle for something <scramble for front seats>
3 a : to toss or mix together : JUMBLE  b : to cook the mixed whites and yolks of eggs by stirring them while frying
— scram·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

2scramble n
1 : a scrambling movement
2 : a disordered mess

1scrap \ˈskrap\ n
1 pl : pieces of discarded or leftover food
2 : a small bit : FRAGMENT
3 : things discarded as worthless [Middle English scrap “discarded bits of food”; of Norse origin]

2scrap vb scrapped; scrap·ping
1 : to break up into scrap
2 : to discard as worthless

3scrap n : 1QUARREL 2, FIGHT [origin unknown]

4scrap vb scrapped; scrap·ping : 2QUARREL 2, FIGHT
— scrap·per n

scrap·book \ˈskrap-ˌbu̇k\ n : a book of blank pages for miscellaneous items (as clippings and pictures)

1scrape \ˈskrāp\ vb scraped; scrap·ing
1 a : to remove by repeated strokes of an edged tool <scrape off rust>  b : to clean or smooth by rubbing
2 a : to rub or cause to rub so as to make a harsh noise  b : to damage or injure by dragging or rubbing against a rough surface <scraped his knee on the pavement>
3 a : to gather with difficulty and little by little <scrape together a few dollars>  b : to barely get by <scraped through with low grades>
— scrap·er n

2scrape n
1 a : the act or process of scraping  b : a sound, mark, or injury made by scraping
2 : a bow made with a pulling back of the foot
3 a : a disagreeable situation  b : ALTERCATION, FIGHT

scrap·ing \ˈskrā-piŋ\ n : something scraped off or together — usually used in plural

scrap·ple \ˈskrap-əl\ n : a seasoned mush of meat scraps and cornmeal set in a mold and served in fried slices

scrap·py \ˈskrap-ē\ adj scrap·pi·er; -est
1 : QUARRELSOME
2 : having an aggressive and determined spirit
— scrap·pi·ness n

1scratch \ˈskrach\ vb
1 : to scrape, rub, or injure with or as if with the claws or nails
2 : to act on (a desire) — used with itch <scratch the itch to travel>
3 : to make a living by hard work and saving
4 a : to cancel or erase by or as if by drawing a line through  b : to withdraw (an entry) from competition
5 : to write or draw especially hastily or carelessly : SCRAWL
6 : to scrape or rub oneself lightly especially to relieve itching
7 : to make a thin harsh sound <this pen scratches>
— scratch·er n

— scratch one's back : to do a favor for with the expectation of like return

— scratch one's head : to be or become confused

— scratch the surface : to make a modest effort or start

2scratch n
1 : a mark (as a line) or injury made by scratching; also : a slight wound
2 : the sound of scratching
3 : the line from which competitors start in a race
4 : satisfactory state or performance <not up to scratch>
— from scratch
1 : from a point at which nothing has been done ahead of time <made a new plan from scratch>
2 : without using a prepared mixture of ingredients <bake a cake from scratch>

scratch hit n : a batted ball that is not hit hard but that results in a base hit

scratch test n : a test that is used to determine if a person is allergic to a substance and is made by rubbing some of that substance into small scratches on the skin

scratchy \ˈskrach-ē\ adj scratch·i·er; -est
1 : likely to scratch or make sore or raw : PRICKLY <scratchy woolens>
2 : making a scratching noise
3 : marked or made with scratches <a scratchy surface> <scratchy handwriting>
4 : uneven in quality : RAGGED <played a scratchy game of golf>
5 : somewhat sore <a scratchy throat>
— scratch·i·ness n

scrawl \ˈskrȯl\ vb : to write or draw awkwardly, hastily, or carelessly : SCRIBBLE
— scrawl n

— scrawly \ˈskrȯ-lē\ adj

scraw·ny \ˈskrȯ-nē\ adj scraw·ni·er; -est : poorly nourished : SKINNY
— scraw·ni·ness n

1scream \ˈskrēm\ vb
1 : to cry out, sound, or utter loudly and shrilly
2 : to move with great speed
3 a : to produce or give a vivid, startling, or alarming effect or expression  b : to protest, demand, or complain forcefully
— scream·er n

2scream n
1 : a loud shrill long cry or noise <screams of terror>
2 : a very funny person or thing

scream·ing \ˈskrē-miŋ\ adj
1 : noticeable as if by screaming <screaming headlines> <a screaming red>
2 : very funny
3 : extremely fast or powerful <the speedboat was a screaming machine>
— scream·ing·ly adv

1screech \ˈskrēch\ n
1 : a shrill harsh cry usually expressing pain or terror
2 : a sound like a screech <the screech of brakes>

2screech vb
1 : to cry out usually in terror or pain
2 : to make a sound like a screech <the car screeched to a halt>  synonyms see SHOUT
— screech·er n

screech·ing \ˈskrē-chiŋ\ adj : SUDDEN 1A <her career came to a screeching halt>

screech owl n : either of two small North American owls that have two tufts of feathers on the head that look like ears

1screen \ˈskrēn\ n
1 : a device used to hide or protect <a window screen>
2 : something that serves to shelter, protect, or conceal <a screen of fighter planes>
3 : a network of wire set in a frame and used for separating different-sized parts (as of sand)
4 a : a flat surface on which a picture or series of pictures is projected  b : the surface on which the image appears in an electronic display (as in a television set or computer terminal)
5 : the motion-picture industry <a star of stage and screen>

2screen vb
1 : to guard from injury or danger
2 a : to shelter, protect, or separate with or as if with a screen  b : to pass through a screen to separate the parts of different sizes <screen gravel>  c : to remove by or as if by a screen <screens out much harmful radiation>  d : to examine in order to separate into groups or to select or eliminate <carefully screened everyone applying for the job>
3 : to provide with a screen <screen a porch>
4 : to project on a screen <screen a movie>

screen·ing \ˈskrē-niŋ\ n : a net (as of metal or plastic) used especially for screens

screen·play \ˈskrēn-ˌplā\ n : the written form of a story prepared for film production

screen saver n : a computer program that usually displays various images on the screen of a computer that is on but not in use

screen·writ·er \-ˌrīt-ər\ n : a writer of screenplays

1screw \ˈskrü\ n
1 a : a simple machine consisting of a solid cylinder with a winding groove around it and a correspondingly grooved hollow cylinder into which it fits  b : a nail-shaped or rod-shaped metal piece with a winding groove used for fastening solid pieces together
2 a : something having the shape of a screw : SPIRAL  b : the act of screwing tight : TWIST  c : a screw-shaped device (as a corkscrew)
3 : PROPELLER
— screw·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— have a screw loose : to be mentally unbalanced <I must have a screw loose for agreeing to do this>

2screw vb
1 a : to attach, fasten, or close with a screw  b : to operate, tighten, or adjust with a screw  c : to turn or twist on a screwlike thread
2 : to twist out of shape <a face screwed up in pain>
3 : to increase in amount <trying to screw up enough nerve to ask>
— screw·er n

screw around vb
1 : to waste time with unproductive activity : DALLY
2 : to have sexual relations with someone outside of a marriage

1screw·ball \ˈskrü-ˌbȯl\ n
1 : a baseball pitch that moves away from a straight path in a direction opposite to a curve
2 : a crazy person : NUT

2screwball adj : 2ZANY, NUTTY

screw·driv·er \ˈskrü-ˌdrī-vər\ n : a tool for turning screws

screw eye n : a screw having a head in the form of a loop

screw propeller n : PROPELLER

screw·up \ˈskrü-ˌəp\ n
1 : one who screws up
2 : 2BOTCH, BLUNDER

screw up vb
1 : to tighten, fasten, or lock by or as if by a screw
2a : 1BOTCH  b : to cause to act in a crazy or confused way

screw·worm \ˈskrü-ˌwərm\ n : the larva of a blowfly of the warm parts of America that develops in the wounds or sores of mammals and may cause disease or death; also : the blowfly itself

screwy \ˈskrü-ē\ adj screw·i·er; -est
1 : oddly different and unfamiliar <knew something was screwy>
2 : CRAZY 1, INSANE <completely screwy people>
— screw·i·ness n

scrib·ble \ˈskrib-əl\ vb scrib·bled; scrib·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to write or draw hastily or carelessly [Middle English scriblen “to write hurriedly or carelessly,” from Latin scribillare (same meaning), from earlier scribere “to write” — related to SCRIBE]
— scribble n

— scrib·bler \ˈskrib-(ə-)lər\ n

1scribe \ˈskrīb\ n
1 : a scholar of the Jewish law in New Testament times
2 a : a public secretary or clerk  b : a person who copies manuscripts [Middle English scribe “one of a class of scholars and copiers of the Scriptures in ancient Israel,” from Latin scriba “official writer,” from scribere “to write” — related to CIRCUMSCRIBE, DESCRIPTION, SCRIBBLE, SCRIPTURE, SHROVE TUESDAY]

2scribe vb scribed; scrib·ing : to mark or make by cutting or scratching with a pointed instrument

1scrim·mage \ˈskrim-ij\ n
1 : a minor battle : SKIRMISH
2 : the play between two football teams that begins with the snap of the ball
3 : practice play between a team's squads or a practice game between two teams

2scrimmage vb scrim·maged; scrim·mag·ing : to take part in a scrimmage
— scrim·mag·er n

scrimp \ˈskrimp\ vb
1 : to make too small or short : SKIMP
2 : ECONOMIZE 1

scrim·shaw \ˈskrim-ˌshȯ\ n : carved or engraved articles made originally by American whalers usually from baleen or whale teeth [origin unknown]

scrip \ˈskrip\ n
1 : a document showing that the holder has the right to something (as stock or land)
2 : paper money made by the government for temporary use in an emergency

script \ˈskript\ n
1 a : something written : TEXT  b : the written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast
2 : letters and figures written by hand : HANDWRITING

scrip·to·ri·um \skrip-ˈtōr-ē-əm, -ˈtȯr-\ n, pl -ria \-ē-ə\ : a copying room in a monastery for use by scribes in the Middle Ages

scrip·tur·al \ˈskrip-chə-rəl, ˈskrip-shrəl\ adj : of, relating to, or agreeing with a sacred writing; esp : BIBLICAL
— scrip·tur·al·ly \-ē\ adv

scrip·ture \ˈskrip-chər\ n
1 a cap : the books of the Old and New Testaments or of either of them : BIBLE — often used in plural  b often cap : a portion of writing from the Bible
2 : the sacred writings of a religion [Middle English scripture, Scripture “the books of the Bible,” from Latin scriptura (same meaning), from earlier scriptura “the act or product of writing,” from scriptus, past participle of scribere “to write” — related to SCRIBE]

script·writ·er \ˈskrip-ˌtrīt-ər\ n : a person who writes scripts (as screenplays for television or movies)

scriv·en·er \ˈskriv-(ə-)nər\ n : a professional copyist or writer : SCRIBE

scrod \ˈskräd\ n : a young fish (as a cod or haddock); esp : one split and boned for cooking

1scroll \ˈskrōl\ n
1 : a roll of paper or animal skin that has been prepared as a writing surface; esp : one on which something is written or engraved
2 : an ornament resembling a loosely or partly rolled scroll

2scroll vb : to move (as text or graphics) up or down or across a display screen as if by unrolling a scroll

scroll·work \-ˌwərk\ n : ornamental work (as in metal or wood) having a scroll or scrolls

scrooge \ˈskrüj\ n, often cap : a miserly person

scro·tum \ˈskrōt-əm\ n, pl scro·ta \ˈskrōt-ə\ or scro·tums : the pouch on the outside of the body that in most male mammals contains the testes

scrounge \ˈskrau̇nj\ vb scrounged; scroung·ing
1 : to collect by or as if by rummaging <scrounge around for firewood>
2 : to get by coaxing or persuading <scrounge a dollar from a friend>
— scroung·er n

1scrub \ˈskrəb\ n
1 a : a thick growth of small or stunted shrubs or trees  b : an area of land covered with scrub
2 : a domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage and usually inferior build
3 : a person of small size or low social rank
4 : a player not belonging to the first string
— scrub adj

2scrub vb scrubbed; scrub·bing : to rub hard in cleaning or washing <scrub clothes>
— scrub·ber n

3scrub n : an act or instance of scrubbing

scrub·by \ˈskrəb-ē\ adj scrub·bi·er; -est
1 : of small size or poor quality : STUNTED <scrubby cattle>
2 : covered with or consisting of scrub <a scrubby hill>

scrub·land \ˈskrəb-ˌland\ n : land covered with scrub

scruff \ˈskrəf\ n : the skin of the back of the neck : NAPE

scruffy \ˈskrəf-ē\ adj scruff·i·er; -est : dirty or shabby in appearance <a scruffy beard>

scrump·tious \ˈskrəm(p)-shəs\ adj : DELIGHTFUL, EXCELLENT; esp : DELICIOUS
— scrump·tious·ly adv

scrunch \ˈskrənch\ vb
1 a : 1CRUNCH 1, CRUSH <scrunch a paper cup>  b : to make or move with a crunching sound <cinders scrunching underfoot>
2 a : to draw or squeeze together tightly  b : CRUMPLE 1 <scrunch up a piece of paper>  c : to cause (as one's facial features) to draw together <scrunched up his nose>
3 : CROUCH, HUNCH

scrunch·ie or scrunchy \ˈskrən-chē\ n, pl scrunchies : a fabric-covered elastic used for holding back hair (as in a ponytail)

1scru·ple \ˈskrü-pəl\ n
1 : a unit of capacity equal to 1/24 Apothecaries' ounce — see MEASURE TABLE
2 : a tiny part or quantity [Middle English scriple “a unit of weight,” from Latin scrupulus “small sharp stone”]

2scruple n
1 : a moral consideration or rule of conduct that makes one uneasy or makes action difficult
2 : a sense of guilt felt when one does wrong <acted without scruple>  synonyms see QUALM
Word History Having a sharp pebble in your shoe can be painful enough to keep you from walking until you remove it. That fact was well known by the ancient Romans, who regularly wore sandals. Scruple comes from the Latin word scrupulus, which originally meant “a small sharp stone.” The ancient Romans also used scrupulus to refer to a feeling or thought that might keep a person from doing something that was not quite right. It seemed to them to affect the conscience in the same way that a tiny stone in the shoe would keep a person from being able to walk. This second meaning of scrupulus is the one that still survives in our English word scruple. [from early French scrupule “scruple,” from Latin scrupulus “scruple, a small sharp stone”]

3scruple vb scru·pled; scru·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\ : to have scruples

scru·pu·lous \ˈskrü-pyə-ləs\ adj
1 : full of or having scruples : STRICT
2 : being very exact : PAINSTAKING <working with scrupulous care>
— scru·pu·lous·ly adv

— scru·pu·lous·ness n

scru·ti·nize \ˈskrüt-ən-ˌīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to examine very closely : INSPECT

scru·ti·ny \ˈskrüt-ən-ē, ˈskrüt-nē\ n, pl -nies : a close inspection : EXAMINATION

scu·ba \ˈsk(y)ü-bə\ n : equipment used for breathing while swimming underwater [self-contained underwater breathing apparatus]

scuba diver n : one who swims underwater with scuba gear
— scuba dive vb

1scud \ˈskəd\ vb scud·ded; scud·ding : to move or run swiftly <clouds scudding across the sky>

2scud n
1 : the act of scudding
2 : light clouds driven by the wind

1scuff \ˈskəf\ vb
1 : to scrape the feet in walking : SHUFFLE
2 : to become rough or scratched through wear

2scuff n : a noise or act of scuffing

scuf·fle \ˈskəf-əl\ vb scuf·fled; scuf·fling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to struggle roughly at close quarters
2 a : to move with a scuff : SCURRY  b : to scuff one's feet
— scuffle n

1scull \ˈskəl\ n
1 a : an oar used at the stern of a boat to drive it forward with a side-to-side motion  b : one of a pair of short oars for use by one person
2 : a boat driven by one or more pairs of sculls

2scull vb : to move a boat by a scull or sculls
— scull·er n

scul·lery \ˈskəl-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ler·ies : a room for cleaning and storing dishes and utensils, washing vegetables, and similar work

scul·lion \ˈskəl-yən\ n : a kitchen helper

scul·pin \ˈskəl-pən\ n, pl sculpins also sculpin
1 : any of numerous spiny large-headed usually scaleless fishes with fanlike fins
2 : a fish of the southern California coast that has poisonous spines on the fin on the back and is caught for food and sport

sculpt \ˈskəlpt\ vb : 2SCULPTURE, CARVE

sculp·tor \ˈskəlp-tər\ n : a person who makes sculptures

sculp·tress \ˈskəlp-trəs\ n : a woman who is a sculptor

1sculp·ture \ˈskəlp-chər\ n
1 : the act, process, or art of carving or cutting hard substances, modeling plastic substances, or casting melted metals into works of art
2 a : work produced by sculpture  b : a piece of such work
— sculp·tur·al \-chə-rəl, -shrəl\ adj

2sculpture vb sculp·tured; sculp·tur·ing \ˈskəlp-chə-riŋ, ˈskəlp-shriŋ\
1 : to make sculptures
2 : to shape by or as if by carving or molding

scum \ˈskəm\ n
1 a : matter that has risen to or formed on the surface of a liquid often as a slimy covering — compare POND SCUM 2  b : a film formed on a solid or gelatinous object <soap scum>
2 : a loathsome or worthless person or group of people
— scum·my \ˈskəm-ē\ adj

scup·per \ˈskəp-ər\ n : an opening above the upper deck in the side of a boat through which water drains overboard

scup·per·nong \ˈskəp-ər-ˌnȯŋ, -ˌnäŋ\ n : a large yellowish green plum-flavored grape

scur·ri·lous \ˈskər-ə-ləs, ˈskə-rə-\ adj
1 : vulgar and evil <scurrilous crooks>
2 : containing indecent words or harsh abuse <scurrilous attacks on the senator>
— scur·ri·lous·ly \ˈskər-ə-ləs-lē, ˈskə-rə-\ adv

scur·ry \ˈskər-ē, ˈskə-rē\ vb scur·ried; scur·ry·ing : to move briskly : SCAMPER
— scurry n

1scur·vy \ˈskər-vē\ n : a disease caused by lack of vitamin C and characterized by loosening of the teeth, softening of the gums, and bleeding under the skin

2scurvy adj scur·vi·er; -est : CONTEMPTIBLE, MEAN <a scurvy practice>

scutch·eon \ˈskəch-ən\ n : ESCUTCHEON

1scut·tle \ˈskət-əl\ n : a metal pail for carrying coal [Middle English scutel “a shallow basket for carrying things,” from Latin scutella “drinking bowl”]

2scuttle n : a small opening (as in the deck of a ship or the roof of a house) with a lid or cover; also : its lid [Middle English skottell “lid of a scuttle”]

3scuttle vb scut·tled; scut·tling \ˈskət-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to sink by cutting holes through the bottom or sides <scuttle a ship>
2 : to put an end to by a deliberate act <scuttle a conference>

4scuttle vb scut·tled; scut·tling \ˈskət-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : SCURRY [probably a combination of {h,1}scud and {h,2}shuttle]

5scuttle n
1 : a quick scuffing pace
2 : a short swift run

scut·tle·butt \ˈskət-əl-ˌbət\ n : 1RUMOR 1, GOSSIP

scythe \ˈsīth, sī\ n : a tool that has a curved blade on a long curved handle and is used for mowing grass or grain by hand

sea \ˈsē\ n
1 a : a great body of salty water that covers much of the earth; also : the waters of the earth  b : a body of salt water not as large as an ocean <the Mediterranean Sea>  c : OCEAN 1  d : an inland body of water either salt or fresh <the Sea of Galilee>
2 : rough water <a high sea swept the deck>
3 : something suggesting the sea (as in great size or depth) <a golden sea of wheat>
4 : a life involving marine travel <hoped to make a career of the sea>
5 : 2MARE
— sea adj

— at sea
1 : on the sea; esp : on a sea voyage
2 : without landmarks for guidance : LOST, BEWILDERED

— to sea : to or on the open sea

sea anemone n : any of several invertebrate sea animals that are coelenterates, look like flowers, and have clusters of brightly colored tentacles around the mouth

sea·bag \ˈsē-ˌbag\ n : a canvas bag used especially by a sailor for gear (as clothes)

sea bass n : any of numerous marine fishes that are usually smaller and more active than the related groupers; esp : a food and sport fish of the Atlantic coast of the U.S.

sea·bed \ˈsē-ˌbed\ n : the floor of a sea or ocean

sea·bird \ˈsē-ˌbərd\ n : a bird (as a gull or an albatross) that lives on or near the open ocean

sea·board \ˈsē-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : SEACOAST; also : the country bordering a seacoast
— seaboard adj

sea·borg·i·um \sē-ˈbȯr-gē-əm\ n : a short-lived radioactive element that is produced artificially — see ELEMENT TABLE [from G.T. Seaborg, 1912–1999, American chemist]

sea breeze n : a cooling daytime breeze blowing inland from the sea

sea·coast \ˈsē-ˌkōst\ n : the shore of the sea

sea cow n : MANATEE, DUGONG

sea cucumber n : any of a class of invertebrate sea animals that are echinoderms with a long tough flexible muscular body resembling a cucumber and having tentacles surrounding the mouth at one end

sea devil n : MANTA RAY

sea dog n : an experienced sailor

sea fan n : any of various invertebrate sea animals that form fan-shaped colonies and are coelenterates related to the corals and sea anemones

sea·far·er \ˈsē-ˌfar-ər, -ˌfer-\ n : a person who travels over the ocean : MARINER

sea·far·ing \ˈsē-ˌfar-iŋ, -ˌfer-\ n : a traveling over the sea as work or recreation
— seafaring adj

sea·floor \-ˌflō(ə)r, -ˌflȯ(ə)r\ n : SEABED

sea·food \-ˌfüd\ n : edible marine fish and shellfish

sea·go·ing \-ˌgō-iŋ\ adj : designed or used for sea travel

sea green n
1 : a medium green or bluish green
2 : a medium yellow green

sea gull n : a gull that lives near the sea

sea horse n
1 : a mythical animal half horse and half fish
2 : a small fish with bony plates covering its body and a head that looks like a horse's head

1seal \ˈsē(ə)l\ n, pl seals also seal
1 : any of numerous marine mammals that live mostly in cold regions, feed especially on fish, mate and give birth to young on land, and use short webbed flippers to swim and dive
2 a : the soft dense fur of a seal  b : leather made from the skin of a seal [Old English seolh “seal (marine animal)”]

2seal vb : to hunt seals

3seal n
1 a : something (as a pledge) that makes safe or secure <under seal of secrecy>  b : a device with a cut or raised design or figure that can be pressed or stamped into paper or wax to form a mark (as for certifying a signature)  c : a usually ornamental adhesive stamp that may be used to close a letter or package <Christmas seals>
2 a : something that is attached to a closed container and has to be broken in order to open the container  b : a tight and perfect closing <test the seal of the jars> [Middle English sele, seel “pledge, guarantee,” from early French seal, sel (same meaning), from Latin sigillum “seal,” literally, “small sign, small image,” from signum “mark, sign, image” — related to 1SIGN]

4seal vb
1 : to mark with a seal <seal a deed>
2 : to close with or as if with a seal <the sheriff sealed the area> <ice sealed the ships into the harbor>
3 : to decide finally

sea lamprey n : a lamprey of the Atlantic coast that is also found in the Great Lakes and that attaches to and feeds on other fishes with its round sucking mouth

sea–lane \ˈsē-ˌlān\ n : an established sea route

sea lavender n : any of a genus of mostly coastal plants that produce clusters of tiny pink to purplish flowers

sea legs n pl : bodily adjustment to the motion of a ship at sea indicated especially by ability to walk steadily and by freedom from seasickness

1seal·er \ˈsē-lər\ n
1 : an official who certifies weights and measures
2 : a substance used on a surface to be painted that prevents the paint from sinking in

2sealer n : a person or a ship engaged in hunting seals

sea lettuce n : any of several marine green algae that are thin and edible — called also ulva

sea level n : the height of the surface of the sea midway between the average high and low tides

sea lily n : CRINOID; esp : a crinoid that has a stalk

sealing wax n : a composition that is plastic when warm and is used for sealing (as letters)

sea lion n : any of several large Pacific seals that have small ears on the outside of the body

seal off vb : to close tightly

seal·skin \ˈsē(ə)l-ˌskin\ n
1 : the fur or pelt of a fur seal
2 : a garment (as a coat) of sealskin
— sealskin adj

1seam \ˈsēm\ n
1 : the fold, line, or groove made by sewing together or joining two edges or two pieces <the seams of a dress> <the seams of a boat>
2 a : a raised or sunken line : GROOVE, FURROW, WRINKLE  b : a layer (as of rock) between clearly different layers <coal seams>
— seam·less \-ləs\ adj

— at the seams : to the full or entire extent : COMPLETELY <falling apart at the seams>

2seam vb
1 : to join with a seam
2 : to mark with a line, scar, or wrinkle <creeks seam the valley> <a face seamed with age>

sea·man \ˈsē-mən\ n
1 : SAILOR, MARINER
2 : a naval enlisted person with a rank below those of petty officers; esp : an enlisted person with a rank just below that of petty officer third class

seaman apprentice n : a naval enlisted person with a rank just below that of seaman

seaman recruit n : a naval enlisted person of the lowest rank

sea·man·ship \ˈsē-mən-ˌship\ n : the art or skill of handling, working, and navigating a ship

sea mile n : NAUTICAL MILE

sea monkey n : a brine shrimp that hatches from a dormant egg and is sometimes raised in aquariums

sea·mount \ˈsē-ˌmau̇nt\ n : a submarine mountain

seam·stress \ˈsēm(p)-strəs\ n : a woman who sews especially for a living

seamy \ˈsē-mē\ adj seam·i·er; -est : not pleasing or presentable : SORDID <the seamy side of the city>
— seam·i·ness n

sé·ance \ˈsā-ˌän(t)s\ n
1 : a meeting for discussion : SESSION
2 : a meeting to receive the communications of spirits

sea otter n : a large marine otter of northern Pacific coasts that feeds mostly on shellfish (as clams, crabs, and sea urchins) and can grow to nearly six feet (two meters) in length

sea·plane \ˈsē-ˌplān\ n : an airplane designed to take off from and land on the water

sea·port \-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ n : a port, harbor, or town within reach of seagoing ships

sea·quake \ˈsē-ˌkwāk\ n : a submarine earthquake

1sear \ˈsi(ə)r\ vb
1 : to cause withering or drying : PARCH, SHRIVEL <harsh winds that sear and burn>
2 a : to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden heat  b : to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat <sear a steak>

2sear n : a mark or scar left by searing

1search \ˈsərch\ vb
1 a : to go through or look carefully and thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something <search a room> <search for a lost child>  b : to look in the pockets or the clothing of for something hidden <search an arrested person>
2 : to find or come to know by or as if by careful investigation or examination — usually used with out
3 : to use a computer to find information in (as a database, network, or website)  synonyms see SEEK
— search·er n

— search·ing·ly \ˈsər-chiŋ-lē\ adv

2search n : an act of searching : an attempt to get, find, or seek out

search engine n : computer software used to search data (as text or a database) for specified information; also : a website that uses such software

search·light \ˈsərch-ˌlīt\ n : a device for casting a beam of light; also : a beam of light cast by it

search warrant n : a warrant making legal a search of a specified place (as a house) for stolen goods or unlawful possessions (as illegal drugs)

sea·scape \ˈsē-ˌskāp\ n
1 : a view of the sea
2 : a picture representing a scene at sea

Sea Scout n : one enrolled in the Boy Scouts of America program that provides training in seamanship

sea serpent n : a large marine animal resembling a snake often reported to have been seen but never proved to be real

sea·shell \ˈsē-ˌshel\ n : the shell of a marine animal and especially a mollusk

sea·shore \-ˌshō(ə)r, -ˌshȯ(ə)r\ n : the shore of a sea : SEACOAST

sea·sick \-ˌsik\ adj : sick or as if sick in the stomach from the pitching or rolling of a ship
— sea·sick·ness n

sea·side \-ˌsīd\ n : the land bordering the sea : SEACOAST

sea slug n
1 : SEA CUCUMBER
2 : any of several marine mollusks that have no shell

1sea·son \ˈsēz-ən\ n
1 a : a suitable or natural time or occasion <a season for all things>  b : an indefinite period of time : WHILE <willing to wait a season>
2 a : a period of the year associated with something in particular that happens every year <the baseball season>  b : a period marked by special activity especially in some field <tourist season>  c : a period in which a place is most often visited  d : one of the four quarters into which the year is commonly divided — compare AUTUMN 1, SPRING, 1SUMMER 1, WINTER 1  e : the time of a major holiday
3 : SEASONING
4 : the schedule of official games played or to be played by a sports team during a playing season <got through the season undefeated>
— in season
1 : at the right or fitting time
2 : in a state or at the stage of greatest fitness (as for eating) <peaches are in season>
3 : at the legally established time for being hunted or caught

— out of season : not in season <fined for hunting out of season>

2season vb sea·soned; sea·son·ing \ˈsēz-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to make pleasant to the taste by adding seasoning <a seasoned stew>
2 a : to make or become suitable for use (as by drying) <season lumber>  b : to make fit by experience <a seasoned sailor>
— sea·son·er \ˈsēz-nər, -ən-ər\ n

sea·son·able \ˈsēz-nə-bəl, -ən-ə-bəl\ adj : suitable to the season or situation : TIMELY <a seasonable frost> <seasonable advice>
— sea·son·ably \-blē\ adv

sea·son·al \ˈsēz-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or restricted to a particular season <seasonal industries>
— sea·son·al·ly \-nə-lē, -ən-ə-lē\ adv

sea·son·ing \ˈsēz-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ n : something (as a spice or herb) that seasons

season ticket n : a ticket (as to all of a team's games) good for a specified season

sea star n : STARFISH

1seat \ˈsēt\ n
1 a : something (as a chair) intended to be sat in or on  b : the part of something on which one rests in sitting <seat of the trousers> <a chair seat>  c : the part of the body on which a person sits : BUTTOCK 2A
2 a : the place on or at which a person sits <had three seats for the game>  b : a right of sitting usually as a member <a seat in the senate>  c : MEMBERSHIP 1
3 : a place or area where something is located <the seat of the pain> <seats of learning>; esp : a place (as a city) from which authority is exercised <the new seat of the government>
4 : posture in or way of sitting especially on horseback
5 : a part or surface on which another part or surface rests
— seat·ed \-əd\ adj

2seat vb
1 a : to place in or on a seat <seat a guest>  b : to provide seats for <a theater seating 1000 persons>
2 : to repair the seat of or provide a new seat for <seat a chair>
— seat·er n

seat belt n : a strap designed to hold a person in a seat (as in an automobile or airplane)

sea trout n
1 : a trout or char that lives mostly in the ocean but goes up rivers to breed and lay eggs
2 : any of various sea fishes (as the weakfish) that look like trout

sea turtle n : any of various large marine turtles (as the green turtle or the loggerhead) that have paddle-shaped feet to aid in swimming

sea urchin n : any of a class of small marine invertebrate animals that are echinoderms, usually live on or burrow in the sea bottom, and are enclosed in roundish shells covered with spines that can move

sea·wall \ˈsē-ˌwȯl\ n : a wall or bank to prevent sea waves from wearing away the shore

1sea·ward \ˈsē-wərd\ n : the direction or side away from land and toward the open sea

2seaward adj
1 : going or located toward the sea
2 : coming from the sea <a seaward wind>

3seaward also sea·wards \-wərdz\ adv : toward the sea

sea·wa·ter \ˈsē-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : water in or from the sea

sea·way \-ˌwā\ n
1 a : a route for travel on the sea  b : an ocean traffic lane
2 : a rough sea
3 : a deep inland waterway that admits ocean shipping

sea·weed \-ˌwēd\ n : a plant growing in the sea; esp : a marine alga (as a kelp)

sea·wor·thy \-ˌwər-thē\ adj : fit or safe for a sea voyage <a seaworthy ship>
— sea·wor·thi·ness n

se·ba·ceous gland \si-ˈbā-shəs-\ n : any of the skin glands that secrete an oily lubricating substance at the base of hairs or onto the skin

se·cant \ˈsē-ˌkant, -kənt\ n
1 : a straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points
2 : a trigonometric function that is the ratio between the hypotenuse in a right triangle and the side next to an acute angle

se·cede \si-ˈsēd\ vb se·ced·ed; se·ced·ing : to withdraw from an organization (as a nation, church, or political party)

se·ces·sion \si-ˈsesh-ən\ n : the act of seceding

se·ces·sion·ist \-ˈsesh-(ə-)nəst\ n : one who joins in or supports a secession
— se·ces·sion·ism \-ˌniz-əm\ n

— secessionist adj

se·clude \si-ˈklüd\ vb se·clud·ed; se·clud·ing
1 : to keep away from others : SECRETE, HIDE <secluded themselves>
2 : to shut away : SCREEN, ISOLATE <a cottage secluded by forests>

se·clud·ed adj
1 : hidden from view <a secluded valley>
2 : living in seclusion : SOLITARY <secluded monks>
— se·clud·ed·ness n

se·clu·sion \si-ˈklü-zhən\ n
1 : the act of secluding : the state of being secluded
2 : a secluded place
— se·clu·sive \-siv, -ziv\ adj

— se·clu·sive·ly adv

— se·clu·sive·ness n

1sec·ond \ˈsek-ənd also -ənt\ adj
1 : being number two in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
2 a : next to the first in time, order, importance, or rank <second violin> <second place>  b : 1OTHER 2 <elects a mayor every second year>  c : resembling or suggesting an original : ANOTHER <a second Shakespeare> [Middle English second “next to the first in position, order, or time,” from early French secund (same meaning), from Latin secundus “second, following, favorable,” from sequi “to follow” — related to SEQUEL]
— second adv

— sec·ond·ly adv

2second n
1 a : one that is number two in a series — see NUMBER TABLE  b : one next after the first in time, order, importance, or rank
2 : one who assists another (as in a duel or prizefight)
3 : the difference in pitch between the first tone and the second tone of a scale
4 : a damaged or imperfect article (as of merchandise)
5 : the act of seconding a motion
6 : SECOND BASE
7 : the second gear or speed in an automobile
8 pl : a second helping of food

3second n
1 a : the 60th part of a minute of angular measure  b : the 60th part of a minute of time; esp : the international unit of time related to the period of the radiation corresponding to a change between the two levels of the ground state of a particular isotope of the cesium atom
2 : 1INSTANT, MOMENT <I'll be back in a second> [Middle English secounde “the 60th part of a minute,” from Latin secunda (same meaning), derived from earlier secundus (adjective) “second (in order), following, favorable”; so called from the fact that the minute is the first level of division of a degree or hour and this is the second level]

4second vb
1 : to give support or encouragement to : ASSIST
2 : to encourage that something be debated or voted on <second a motion> [from Latin secundare “to give support to, assist,” from secundus (adjective) “second, following, favorable”]
— sec·ond·er n

1sec·ond·ary \ˈsek-ən-ˌder-ē\ adj
1 a : of second rank, importance, or value <secondary considerations>  b : of, relating to, or being the second strongest of the three or four levels of stress <the last syllable of “refrigerate” has secondary stress>
2 a : coming from something original or basic  b : of, relating to, or being the current created by a change in the primary current or the circuit of the created current in an induction coil or transformer <a secondary coil> <secondary voltage>
3 a : of, relating to, or being a second rank or grade in a series  b : of or relating to a secondary school
— sec·ond·ari·ly \ˌsek-ən-ˈder-ə-lē\ adv

2secondary n, pl -ar·ies
1 : the defensive football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage
2 : any of the quill feathers attached to the ulna of the wing of a bird
3 : the coil through which the secondary current passes in an induction coil or transformer — called also secondary coil

secondary color n : a color formed by mixing equal amounts of two primary colors

secondary school n : a school for students above elementary or grammar school level and below college level

secondary sex characteristic n : a physical characteristic (as the growth of breasts in the human female or the showy feathers of a male bird) that appears in members of one sex at puberty or in seasonal breeders at breeding season and is not directly concerned with reproduction

second base n : the base that must be touched second by a base runner in baseball or the position of the player defending the area around it

second baseman n : the player defending the area to the right of second base

second–best adj : next to the best

second–class adj
1 : of or relating to a class next below the first or highest class
2 a : 1INFERIOR 3, MEDIOCRE  b : deprived of wealth or social rank

second cousin n : the child of one's parent's first cousin

second–degree burn n : a burn characterized by pain, blistering, and destruction of the top layers of the skin that is accompanied by the accumulation of blood and fluid in the tissues beneath the burned area

second fiddle n : a person who fills a secondary role

second growth n : forest trees that come up naturally after removal of the first growth by cutting or by fire

sec·ond–guess \ˌsek-əŋ-ˈges, -ən-\ vb
1 : to question or criticize actions or decisions of (someone) often after the results of those actions or decisions are known
2 : PREDICT
— sec·ond–guess·er n

sec·ond·hand \ˌsek-ən-ˈhand\ adj
1 : not original : taken from someone else <secondhand reports>
2 a : having had a previous owner <a secondhand car>  b : selling used goods <a secondhand store>
— secondhand adv

second hand n : the hand marking seconds on a timepiece

secondhand smoke n : tobacco smoke that is exhaled by smokers or is given off by burning tobacco and is inhaled by persons nearby

second lieutenant n : a military commissioned officer of the lowest rank

second person n : a set of words or forms (as pronouns or verb forms) referring to the one to whom the utterance in which they occur is addressed

sec·ond–rate \ˌsek-ən-ˈ(d)rāt\ adj : of second or ordinary quality or value : MEDIOCRE

second–string adj : being a substitute player as distinguished from a regular [from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks]

second wind n : new energy or ability to continue

se·cre·cy \ˈsē-krə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the habit of keeping secrets : SECRETIVENESS
2 : the quality or state of being hidden or concealed

1se·cret \ˈsē-krət\ adj
1 a : hidden or kept from knowledge or view  b : working in secret as a spy or detective : UNDERCOVER <a secret agent>
2 : SECLUDED 1 <a secret valley>
— se·cret·ly adv
synonyms SECRET, COVERT, CLANDESTINE, SURREPTITIOUS, mean done without attracting observation. SECRET implies concealment on any grounds for any reason <met at a secret location>. COVERT stresses the fact of not being open or declared <covert intelligence operations>. CLANDESTINE implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered <a clandestine meeting of conspirators>. SURREPTITIOUS applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority <the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons>.

2secret n
1 a : something that cannot be explained : MYSTERY  b : something kept from the knowledge of others or shared only privately with a few
2 : something taken to be necessary to gain a desired end <the secret of a long life>
— in secret : in a private place or manner

sec·re·tar·i·at \ˌsek-rə-ˈter-ē-ət, -ē-ˌat\ n
1 : the secretaries of an organization
2 : the division of administration of a governmental organization <the United Nations secretariat>

sec·re·tary \ˈsek-rə-ˌter-ē\ n, pl -tar·ies
1 : a person employed to handle records, letters, and routine work for another person
2 : an officer of a business corporation or society who has charge of the letters and records
3 : a government official in charge of a division <Secretary of State>
4 : a desk with a top section for books
— sec·re·tar·i·al \ˌsek-rə-ˈter-ē-əl\ adj

secretary–general n, pl secretaries–general : a principal officer of administration <secretary-general of the United Nations>

1se·crete \si-ˈkrēt\ vb se·cret·ed; se·cret·ing : to produce and give off a secretion <glands that secrete saliva>

2se·crete \si-ˈkrēt, ˈsē-krət\ vb se·cret·ed; se·cret·ing : to deposit or conceal in a hiding place

se·cre·tion \si-ˈkrē-shən\ n
1 a : the process of giving off a substance (as saliva)  b : a substance produced and given off by a gland; esp : one (as an enzyme) that performs a specific useful function in the body
2 : CONCEALMENT 1

se·cre·tive \ˈsē-krət-iv, si-ˈkrēt-\ adj : having a tendency toward secrecy and concealment : not frank or open
— se·cre·tive·ly adv

— se·cre·tive·ness n

secret police n : a police organization operating mostly in secrecy and especially for the political purposes of its government and often using methods of terrorists

Secret Service n : a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security chiefly in charge of stopping crimes against the nation's financial system and protecting the president and other national and visiting world leaders

sect \ˈsekt\ n
1 a : a religious group having beliefs that differ greatly from those of the main body  b : a religious body consisting of members having similar beliefs
2 a : a group of people having the same beliefs or following the same leader  b : PARTY 1  c : FACTION

1sec·tar·i·an \sek-ˈter-ē-ən\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a sect or sectarian
2 : not willing to consider other points of view <a sectarian mind>
— sec·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

2sectarian n
1 : a member of a sect
2 : a person who won't consider the ideas or opinions of others

1sec·tion \ˈsek-shən\ n
1 : a part cut off or separated <a section of an orange>
2 : a part of a written work <the sports section of the newspaper>
3 : the appearance that a thing has or would have if cut straight through <a drawing of a ship in section>
4 : a part of an area, community, or group of people <the business section of town>
5 : one of several parts (as of a bookcase) that may be assembled or reassembled
6 : a part of an orchestra composed of one class of instruments <the brass section> [from Latin section-, sectio “section, the act of cutting,” from secare “to cut” — related to DISSECT, INSECT]  synonyms see PART

2section vb sec·tioned; sec·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to cut or separate into or become cut or separated into parts or sections
2 : to represent in sections (as by a drawing)

sec·tion·al \ˈsek-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to a section  b : local or regional in type <sectional interests>
2 : consisting of or divided into sections <sectional furniture>
— sec·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

sec·tion·al·ism \ˈsek-shnə-ˌliz-əm, -shən-əl-ˌiz-\ n : too much devotion to the interests of a region

sec·tor \ˈsek-tər, -ˌtȯ(ə)r\ n
1 a : the part of a circle included between two radii  b : an area assigned to a military commander to defend
2 : a part of society <the public sector> <the industrial sector>

sec·u·lar \ˈsek-yə-lər\ adj
1 a : not spiritual : WORLDLY <secular concerns>  b : not religious <secular music>  c : of, relating to, or regulated by the state rather than the church <secular courts>
2 : of or relating to members of the clergy who do not belong to a religious community <a secular priest>
— sec·u·lar·ly adv

sec·u·lar·ism \ˈsek-yə-lə-ˌriz-əm\ n : the belief that religion and religious considerations should be ignored
— sec·u·lar·ist \-rəst\ n

— secularist also sec·u·lar·is·tic \ˌsek-yə-lə-ˈris-tik\ adj

sec·u·lar·ize \ˈsek-yə-lə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make secular
2 : to transfer to civil use, possession, or control from that of the church
— sec·u·lar·i·za·tion \ˌsek-yə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

1se·cure \si-ˈkyu̇(ə)r\ adj se·cur·er; se·cur·est
1 : easy in mind : CONFIDENT <secure in the knowledge that help was near>
2 a : providing safety : SAFE <a secure hideaway> <is secure against attack>  b : TRUSTWORTHY, DEPENDABLE <secure foundation>
3 : 1SURE 5A, CERTAIN <victory is secure> [from Latin securus “safe, secure,” literally, “without care,” from se “without” and cura “care” — related to CURE, SURE; see Word History at CURE]
— se·cure·ly adv

2secure vb se·cured; se·cur·ing
1 a : to make safe : GUARD, SHIELD <secure a supply line from enemy raids>  b : to assure payment of
2 a : to take into custody <secure a prisoner>  b : to fasten tightly <secure a door>
3 : to acquire as the result of effort <secure employment>  synonyms see GET

se·cure·ment \si-ˈkyu̇(ə)r-mənt\ n : the act or process of making secure

se·cu·ri·ty \si-ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the state of being secure : SAFETY
2 : something given as a pledge <security for a loan>
3 : a document (as a stock certificate or bond) providing evidence of ownership <government securities>
4 : something that secures : PROTECTION; esp : measures taken to guard against spying or destructive actions <concerns over national security>

se·dan \si-ˈdan\ n
1 : a portable often covered chair that is designed to hold one person and to be carried on poles by two people
2 : an enclosed automobile that seats four to seven persons including the driver in a single compartment and has a permanent top

se·date \si-ˈdāt\ adj : quiet in manner or conduct : STAID, SOBER
— se·date·ly adv

— se·date·ness n

1sed·a·tive \ˈsed-ət-iv\ adj : tending to calm or to ease tension

2sedative n : a sedative medicine

sed·en·tary \ˈsed-ən-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : not migratory : SETTLED <sedentary birds>
2 : doing or requiring much sitting <a sedentary job>

sedge \ˈsej\ n : any of a family of plants of marshy areas that are related to the grasses and have solid often three-sided stems

sed·i·ment \ˈsed-ə-mənt\ n
1 : the material from a liquid that settles to the bottom
2 : material (as stones and sand) deposited by water, wind, or glaciers
— sed·i·ment \-ˌment\ vb

sed·i·men·ta·ry \ˌsed-ə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or containing sediment
2 : formed by or from sediment <sedimentary rock> — compare IGNEOUS, METAMORPHIC

sed·i·men·ta·tion \ˌsed-ə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n : the action or process of depositing sediment

se·di·tion \si-ˈdish-ən\ n : the stirring up of feelings against lawful authority

se·di·tious \si-ˈdish-əs\ adj : of, relating to, or causing sedition <seditious statements>

se·duce \si-ˈd(y)üs\ vb se·duced; se·duc·ing
1 : to persuade to be disobedient or disloyal
2 : to persuade to do wrong <seduced into crime>
3 : to persuade to have sexual intercourse especially for the first time
— se·duc·er n

— se·duc·tion \-ˈdək-shən\ n

se·duc·tive \si-ˈdək-tiv\ adj : tending to seduce : ALLURING, TEMPTING
— se·duc·tive·ly adv

— se·duc·tive·ness n

se·duc·tress \si-ˈdək-trəs\ n : a woman who seduces

sed·u·lous \ˈsej-ə-ləs\ adj : steadily industrious : DILIGENT
— sed·u·lous·ly adv

se·dum \ˈsēd-əm\ n : any of a genus of herbs that have fleshy leaves and clusters of yellow, white, or pink flowers

1see \ˈsē\ vb saw \ˈsȯ\; seen \ˈsēn\; see·ing \ˈsē-iŋ\
1 a : to become aware of by means of the eyes or have the power of sight <see a bird> <a person who cannot see>  b : to give or pay attention <see, the bus is coming>
2 a : to have experience of : UNDERGO <had seen life on a farm>  b : to know or find out by investigation <see what's wrong with the car>  c : to acknowledge or consider something being pointed out <see, I told you it would rain>
3 a : to form a mental picture of : VISUALIZE <I can see it now in my mind>  b : to understand the meaning or importance of <I see what you mean>  c : to be aware of : RECOGNIZE <sees only our faults>  d : to imagine as a possibility <couldn't see him as a crook>
4 a : to provide for <had enough money to see them through>  b : to make sure <see that the job gets done>
5 a : to call on : VISIT <see a sick friend>  b  (1) : to keep company with especially in courtship or dating <had been seeing each other for a year>  (2) : to grant an interview to : RECEIVE <the president will see you>
6 : ACCOMPANY 1, ESCORT <I'll see you home>
— see after : to attend to : care for <saw after my mother>

— see eye to eye : to have a common point of view : AGREE

— see red : to become very angry

— see the light : to discover or realize a truth

— see things : HALLUCINATE

— see through : to learn the true nature of <saw through the scheme>

— see to : to provide for the needs of <saw to the children's education>

2see n
1 : the city in which a bishop's church is located
2 : the area in which a bishop has authority : DIOCESE

see·able \ˈsē-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being seen

1seed \ˈsēd\ n, pl seed or seeds
1 a : the grains of plants used for sowing  b : a fertilized ripened ovule of a flowering plant that contains an embryo and is capable of producing a new plant; also : a plant structure (as a spore or small dry fruit) capable of producing a new plant  c : SEMEN; also : MILT
2 : the children of one individual <the seed of David>
3 : something from which growth takes place : GERM
4 : a competitor who has been seeded in a tournament <the top seed>
— seed adj

— seed·ed \-əd\ adj

— seed·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— go to seed or run to seed : to lose effectiveness : DECAY, DETERIORATE

2seed vb
1 : to produce or shed seeds <weeds that seed freely>
2 : to plant seeds in : SOW <seed a lawn with grass>
3 : to treat (a cloud) with solid particles to convert water droplets into ice crystals in an attempt to produce rain
4 : to remove seeds from
5 : to rank (a player or team) in a tournament on the basis of previous record <was seeded second in the state tournament>

seed·bed \ˈsēd-ˌbed\ n : soil or a bed of soil prepared for planting seed

seed·case \-ˌkās\ n : a dry hollow fruit (as a pod) that contains seeds

seed coat n : the hard protective outer covering of a seed

seed·eat·er \ˈsēd-ˌēt-ər\ n : a bird (as a finch) that eats mostly seeds

seed·er \ˈsēd-ər\ n : a machine for planting or sowing seeds

seed leaf n : COTYLEDON

seed·less \ˈsēd-ləs\ adj : having no seeds <seedless grapes>

seed·ling \ˈsēd-liŋ\ n
1 : a young plant grown from seed
2 : a tree before it becomes a sapling
— seedling adj

seed plant n : a plant that bears seeds : SPERMATOPHYTE

seed·pod \ˈsēd-ˌpäd\ n : 1POD 1

seedy \ˈsēd-ē\ adj seed·i·er; -est
1 : containing or full of seeds <a seedy fruit>
2 : not being in good shape : SHABBY <seedy clothes>
— seed·i·ness n

see·ing \ˈsē-iŋ\ conj : in consideration of the fact that

Seeing Eye trademark — used for a dog trained to guide the blind

seek \ˈsēk\ vb sought \ˈsȯt\; seek·ing
1 : to go to <seek the shade on a sunny day>
2 a : to go in search of : look for <seek out the guilty person>  b : to try to discover <seek the truth>
3 : to ask for : REQUEST <seeks advice>
4 : to try to acquire or gain : aim at <seeking public office>
5 : to make an attempt : TRY <seek to find a way> <sought to improve my work>
— seek·er n
synonyms SEEK, SEARCH, HUNT, mean to look for something. SEEK may imply looking for either material or mental things <seeking new friends> <seeks the truth>. SEARCH suggests looking for something in a careful, thorough way <we searched all over the house for the letter>. HUNT suggests a long pursuit, as if one were going after game <I hunted all day for the right gift>.

seem \ˈsēm\ vb
1 : to give the impression of being : APPEAR <the request seems reasonable>
2 a : to appear to a person's own mind or opinion <can't seem to solve the problem>  b : to appear to be <there seems no reason for worry>

seem·ing \ˈsē-miŋ\ adj : appearing to be real or true : APPARENT <suspicious of their seeming enthusiasm>
— seem·ing·ly adv

seem·ly \ˈsēm-lē\ adj seem·li·er; -est
1 : ATTRACTIVE, HANDSOME
2 : being in good taste : PROPER <seemly behavior>
3 : suitable for the occasion, purpose, or person : FIT <a seemly reply>
— seem·li·ness n

— seemly adv

seen past participle of SEE

see out vb : to continue with until the end : FINISH

seep \ˈsēp\ vb : to flow or pass slowly through small openings : OOZE

seep·age \ˈsē-pij\ n
1 : the process of seeping
2 : a quantity of fluid that has seeped through something

seer \ˈsi(ə)r, especially for sense 1 also ˈsē-ər\ n
1 : someone or something that sees
2 : a person who foresees or foretells events

seer·suck·er \ˈsi(ə)r-ˌsək-ər\ n : a light fabric usually striped and having parallel wrinkles

1see·saw \ˈsē-ˌsȯ\ n
1 a : an up-and-down or backward-and-forward motion or movement  b : a contest or struggle in which now one side now the other has the lead
2 a : a game in which two children or groups of children ride on opposite ends of a plank balanced in the middle so that one end goes up as the other goes down  b : the plank used in the game of seesaw
— seesaw adj

2seesaw vb see·sawed; see·saw·ing
1 : to move like a seesaw
2 : to play on a seesaw

seethe \ˈsēth\ vb seethed; seeth·ing
1 : to churn or foam as if boiling <the river rapids seethed>
2 : to be upset or in a state of great excitement <was seething with rage>

1seg·ment \ˈseg-mənt\ n
1 : any of the parts into which a thing is divided or naturally separates : SECTION, DIVISION
2 a : a part cut off from a geometric figure by a line; esp : the part of a circle enclosed by a chord and an arc  b : a part of a straight line included between two points — called also line segment
— seg·ment·ed \ˈseg-ˌment-əd, seg-ˈment-\ adj

2seg·ment \ˈseg-ˌment\ vb : to separate into segments

seg·men·ta·tion \ˌseg-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ n : the process of dividing into segments; esp : the formation of many cells from a single cell (as in a developing egg)

sego lily \ˌsē-gō-\ n : a western North American herb related to the lilies and having usually white flowers with purplish or yellow markings

seg·re·gate \ˈseg-ri-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing : to separate from others or from the general mass : ISOLATE; esp : to separate by races [from Latin segregatus “set apart,” from segregare “to set apart,” from se- “apart, without” and gregare “gather together into a flock or herd,” from greg-, grex “flock, herd” — related to AGGREGATE, CONGREGATE]

segregated adj
1 a : set apart from others of the same kind or group  b : divided in facilities or administered separately for members of different groups or races  c : restricted to one group or race by a policy of segregation <segregated schools>
2 : practicing or maintaining segregation especially of races

seg·re·ga·tion \ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated
2 : the separation or isolation of a race, class, or group (as by restriction to an area or by separate schools)

seg·re·ga·tion·ist \ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : a person who believes in, practices, or encourages segregation especially of races

sei·gneur \sān-ˈyər\ n, often cap : 1LORD 1, SEIGNIOR

sei·gnior \sān-ˈyȯ(ə)r, ˈsān-ˌyȯ(ə)r\ n : a man of rank or authority

sei·gniory or sei·gnory \ˈsān-yə-rē\ n, pl -gnior·ies or -gnor·ies : the territory of a lord : DOMAIN

1seine \ˈsān\ n : a large fishing net kept hanging in the water by weights and floats

2seine vb seined; sein·ing : to fish with or catch with a seine

seism- or seismo- combining form : earthquake : vibration <seismograph> [Greek seismos “earthquake,” from seiein “to shake”]

seis·mic \ˈsīz-mik, ˈsīs-\ adj : of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake or an earth vibration caused by something else (as an explosion)

seis·mic·i·ty \sīz-ˈmis-ət-ē, sīs-\ n : the relative frequency and distribution of earthquakes

seis·mo·gram \ˈsīz-mə-ˌgram, ˈsīs-\ n : the record of an earth tremor as made by a seismograph

seis·mo·graph \ˈsīz-mə-ˌgraf, ˈsīs-\ n : a device to measure and record vibrations of the earth
— seis·mo·graph·ic \ˌsīz-mə-ˈgraf-ik, ˌsīs-\ adj

— seis·mog·ra·phy \sīz-ˈmäg-rə-fē, sīs-\ n

seis·mol·o·gy \sīz-ˈmäl-ə-jē, sīs-\ n : a science that deals with earthquakes and with artificially produced vibrations of the earth
— seis·mo·log·i·cal \ˌsīz-mə-ˈläj-i-kəl, ˌsīs-\ adj

— seis·mol·o·gist \sīz-ˈmäl-ə-jəst, sīs-\ n

seis·mom·e·ter \sīz-ˈmäm-ət-ər, sīs-\ n : a seismograph that measures the actual movements of the ground

seize \ˈsēz\ vb seized; seiz·ing
1 : to take possession of by force <the wind seized the hat off my head>
2 : to take prisoner : ARREST
3 a : to take hold of suddenly or with force : CLUTCH  b : to understand fully and clearly : COMPREHEND <seize an idea quickly>
4 : to attack or overwhelm suddenly (as with fever)
— seiz·er n

sei·zure \ˈsē-zhər\ n
1 : the act of seizing : the state of being seized
2 : a sudden attack (as of disease); esp : the physical signs (as extreme twitching of muscles) of an episode of abnormal brain activity (as in epilepsy)

se·lag·i·nel·la \sə-ˌlaj-ə-ˈnel-ə\ n : any of a genus of plants that are related to the club mosses and have branching stems and scalelike leaves

sel·dom \ˈsel-dəm\ adv : not often : RARELY

1se·lect \sə-ˈlekt\ vb
1 : to pick out from a number or group : CHOOSE
2 : to choose (a particular action or a section of text on a computer screen) especially using a mouse

2select adj
1 : chosen from a number or group to include the best or most suitable individuals <invited only a few select employees>
2 : of special value or excellence : SUPERIOR, CHOICE <a select hotel>

se·lec·tion \sə-ˈlek-shən\ n
1 : the act of selecting : the state of being selected <selection of the best poem was difficult> <cheered my selection as athlete of the year>
2 a : one that is selected : CHOICE  b : a collection of selected things
3 : any natural or artificial process that tends to favor the survival and reproduction of some individuals but not of others with the result that only the inherited characteristics of the favored individuals continue to be passed on

se·lec·tive \sə-ˈlek-tiv\ adj : of or relating to selection : selecting or tending to select <selective shoppers>

se·lect·man \si-ˈlek(t)-ˌman, -mən; -ˌlek(t)-ˈman\ n : one of a group of town officials elected annually in some of the New England states

se·lec·tor \sə-ˈlek-tər\ n : someone or something that selects

se·le·ni·um \sə-ˈlē-nē-əm\ n : an element that is sensitive to light and is used especially in glass, alloys, and electronic devices — see ELEMENT TABLE

1self \ˈself, Southern also ˈsef\ pron : MYSELF 1, HIMSELF, HERSELF <check that can be paid to self> <a room for self, son, and daughter>

2self \ˈself\ n, pl selves \ˈselvz, Southern also ˈsevz\
1 : a person thought of as an individual apart from everyone else
2 : a particular side of a person's disposition <your better self>
3 : personal interest <without thought of self>

self- combining form
1 a : oneself or itself <self-pitying>  b : of oneself or itself <self-destructive> <self-sacrifice>  c : by oneself or itself <self-made> <self-propelled>
2 a : to, with, for, or toward oneself or itself <self-addressed>  b : of or in oneself or itself <self-evident>  c : from or by means of oneself or itself <self-fertile>

self–act·ing \ˈsel-ˈfak-tiŋ\ adj : acting or capable of acting of or by itself : AUTOMATIC

self–ac·tu·al·ize \ˌsel-ˈfak-ch(ə-w)əl-ˌīz, -sh(ə-w)əl-\ vb : to realize fully one's potential
— self–ac·tu·al·i·za·tion \-ˌfak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌfaksh-wə-\ n

self–ad·dressed \ˌsel-fə-ˈdrest, ˈsel-ˈfad-ˌrest\ adj : addressed for return to the sender <self-addressed envelope>

self–ad·mi·ra·tion \ˌsel-ˌfad-mə-ˈrā-shən\ n : SELF-CONCEIT

self–ap·point·ed \ˌsel-fə-ˈpȯint-əd\ adj : appointed by oneself usually without qualifications <a self-appointed guardian>

self–as·ser·tion \ˌsel-fə-ˈsər-shən\ n
1 : the act of asserting oneself or one's own rights or claims
2 : the act of asserting that one is better than others
— self–as·ser·tive \-ˈsərt-iv\ adj

self–as·sur·ance \ˌsel-fə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s\ n : SELF-CONFIDENCE

self–as·sured \ˌsel-fə-ˈshu̇(ə)rd\ adj : sure of oneself : having self-confidence

self–aware·ness \ˌsel-fə-ˈwa(ə)r-nəs, -ˈwe(ə)r-\ n : an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

self–cen·tered \ˈself-ˈsent-ərd\ adj : interested chiefly in one's own self : SELFISH
— self–cen·tered·ness n

self–con·ceit \ˌself-kən-ˈsēt\ n : an exaggerated opinion of oneself : VANITY
— self–con·ceit·ed \-əd\ adj

self–con·cept \ˈself-ˈkän-ˌsept\ n : the mental image one has of oneself

self–con·fessed \ˌself-kən-ˈfest\ adj : openly admitted by oneself <a self-confessed forger>

self–con·fi·dence \ˈself-ˈkän-fəd-ən(t)s, -fə-ˌden(t)s\ n : confidence in oneself and in one's powers and abilities
— self–con·fi·dent \-fəd-ənt, -fə-ˌdent\ adj

— self–con·fi·dent·ly adv

self–con·scious \ˈself-ˈkän-chəs\ adj : uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others
— self–con·scious·ly adv

— self–con·scious·ness n

self–con·tained \ˌself-kən-ˈtānd\ adj
1 : enough or complete in itself
2 a : showing self-control  b : keeping one's thoughts and feelings to oneself
— self–con·tain·ment \-ˈtān-mənt\ n

self–con·trol \ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl\ n : control over one's own impulses, emotions, or acts
— self–con·trolled \-ˈtrōld\ adj

self–de·cep·tion \ˌself-di-ˈsep-shən\ n : the act of deceiving oneself : the state of being deceived by oneself

self–de·feat·ing \ˌself-di-ˈfēt-iŋ\ adj : acting to defeat its own purpose

self–de·fense \ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s\ n : the act of defending oneself, one's property, or a close relative

self–de·ni·al \ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l\ n : the refusal to satisfy one's own desires

self–de·struc·tion \ˌself-di-ˈstrək-shən\ n : destruction of oneself; esp : SUICIDE 1
— self–de·struc·tive \-ˈstrək-tiv\ adj

self–de·ter·mi·na·tion \ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : free choice of one's own acts without outside pressure
2 : the deciding by the people of a place of the form of government they will have

self–di·rect·ed \ˌself-də-ˈrek-təd, -dī-\ adj : directed by oneself and not by an outside force or agency <a self-directed personality>

self–dis·ci·pline \ˈself-ˈdis-ə-plən\ n : correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement

self–doubt \ˈself-ˈdau̇t\ n : a lack of faith in oneself
— self–doubt·ing \-iŋ\ adj

self–ed·u·cat·ed \ˈself-ˈej-ə-ˌkāt-əd\ adj : educated by one's own efforts without formal instruction

self–em·ployed \ˌsel-fim-ˈplȯid\ adj : earning income from one's own business or profession rather than salary or wages from an employer

self–es·teem \ˌsel-fə-ˈstēm\ n
1 : a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : SELF-RESPECT
2 : an exaggerated opinion of one's own abilities : SELF-CONCEIT

self–ev·i·dent \ˈsel-ˈfev-əd-ənt, -ə-ˌdent\ adj : having no need of proof <self-evident truths>

self–ex·plan·a·to·ry \ˌsel-fik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : understandable without explanation

self–ex·pres·sion \ˌsel-fik-ˈspresh-ən\ n : the expression of one's own personality

self–fer·til·i·za·tion \ˌself-ˌfərt-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n : fertilization of a plant or animal by its own pollen or sperm
— self–fer·til·ize \ˈself-ˈfərt-əl-ˌīz\ vb

self–gov·ern·ment \ˈself-ˈgəv-ər(n)-mənt, -ˈgəv-əm-ənt\ n
1 : control over one's own actions : SELF-CONTROL
2 : government by action of the people making up a community; esp : democratic government
— self–gov·erned \-ˈgəv-ərnd\ adj

— self–gov·ern·ing \-ər-niŋ\ adj

self–harm \ˈself-ˈhärm\ n : the act of purposely hurting oneself (as by cutting or burning the skin) as an emotional coping mechanism

self–help \ˈself-ˈhelp\ n : the act of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without aid of others

self·hood \ˈself-ˌhu̇d\ n : INDIVIDUALITY 1

self–iden·ti·ty \ˌsel-ˌfī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē\ n : INDIVIDUALITY 1

self·ie \ˈsel-fē\ n, pl self·ies : an image of oneself taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks

self–im·age \ˈsel-ˈfim-ij\ n : one's ideas about oneself or one's role

self–im·por·tance \ˌsel-fim-ˈpȯrt-ən(t)s, -ən(t)s\ n : an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance
— self–im·por·tant \-ənt, -ənt\ adj

— self–im·por·tant·ly adv

self–im·posed \ˌsel-fim-ˈpōzd\ adj : imposed on one by oneself : voluntarily assumed

self–im·prove·ment \ˌsel-ˌfim-ˈprüv-mənt\ n : improvement of oneself by one's own actions

self–in·crim·i·na·tion \ˌsel-fin-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n : incrimination of oneself; esp : the giving of evidence or answering of questions which would leave one liable to be tried for a crime

self–in·dul·gence \ˌsel-fin-ˈdəl-jən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being self-indulgent

self–in·dul·gent \ˌsel-fin-ˈdəl-jənt\ adj : pleasing one's own desires too easily

self–in·flict·ed \ˌsel-fin-ˈflik-təd\ adj : inflicted by oneself <a self-inflicted wound>

self–in·ter·est \ˈsel-ˈfin-trəst, -ˈfint-ə-rəst\ n
1 : a concern for one's own advantage <acted out of self-interest and fear>
2 : one's own interest or advantage

self·ish \ˈsel-fish\ adj : taking care of oneself without thought for others
— self·ish·ly adv

— self·ish·ness n

self·less \ˈsel-fləs\ adj : having no concern for self : UNSELFISH
— self·less·ly adv

— self·less·ness n

self–made \ˈself-ˈmād\ adj
1 : made by one's own actions
2 : raised from poverty by one's own efforts <a self-made person>

self–pity \ˈself-ˈpit-ē\ n : pity for oneself; esp : too much attention to one's misfortunes
— self–pity·ing \-ē-iŋ\ adj

self–pol·li·na·tion \ˌself-ˌpäl-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n : pollination of a flower by its own pollen or sometimes by pollen from another flower on the same plant
— self–pol·li·nate \ˈself-ˈpäl-ə-ˌnāt\ vb

self–por·trait \ˈself-ˈpōr-trət, -ˈpȯr-, -ˌtrāt\ n : a portrait of oneself made by oneself

self–pos·sessed \ˌself-pə-ˈzest\ adj : having or showing self-possession : CALM

self–pos·ses·sion \ˌself-pə-ˈzesh-ən\ n : control of one's emotions or reactions : COMPOSURE

self–pres·er·va·tion \ˌself-ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən\ n : the keeping of oneself from destruction or harm

self–pro·claimed \ˌself-prō-ˈklāmd\ adj : SELF-STYLED

self–pro·duced \ˌself-prə-ˈd(y)üst\ adj : produced by oneself or itself

self–pro·pelled \ˌself-prə-ˈpeld\ adj : having within itself the means for its own movement

self–pro·pel·ling \ˌself-prə-ˈpel-iŋ\ adj : SELF-PROPELLED

self–pro·tec·tive \ˌself-prə-ˈtek-tiv\ adj : serving or tending to protect oneself

self–re·gard \ˌsel-fri-ˈgärd\ n : regard for or consideration of oneself or one's own interests

self–re·li·ance \ˌsel-fri-ˈlī-ənts\ n : trust in one's own efforts and abilities
— self–re·li·ant \-ənt\ adj

self–re·proach \ˌsel-fri-ˈprōch\ n : the act of blaming or accusing oneself

self–re·spect \ˌsel-fri-ˈspekt\ n
1 : a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2 : regard for one's own standing or position
— self–re·spect·ing \-ˈspek-tiŋ\ adj

self–re·straint \ˌsel-fri-ˈstrānt\ n : proper control over one's actions or emotions

self–righ·teous \ˈsel-ˈfrī-chəs\ adj : strongly convinced of the rightness of one's actions or beliefs
— self–righ·teous·ly adv

— self–righ·teous·ness n

self–ris·ing flour \ˌsel-ˌfrī-ziŋ-\ n : a mixture of flour, salt, and a leavening agent — called also self-raising flour

self–rule \ˈsel-ˈfrül\ n : SELF-GOVERNMENT 2

self–sac·ri·fice \ˈself-ˈsak-rə-ˌfīs, -fəs\ n : an unselfish giving over of oneself or one's own interest for others
— self–sa·cri·fic·ing \-ˌfī-siŋ\ adj

self·same \ˈself-ˌsām\ adj : exactly the same : IDENTICAL

self–sat·is·fac·tion \ˌself-ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-shən\ n : a usually overly satisfied feeling about oneself or one's achievements

self–sat·is·fied \ˈself-ˈsat-əs-ˌfīd\ adj : feeling or showing self-satisfaction

self–seal·ing \ˈself-ˈsē-liŋ\ adj : capable of sealing itself (as after puncture) <a self-sealing tire>

self–seek·er \ˈself-ˈsē-kər\ n : one who selfishly advances one's own ends
— self–seek·ing \-kiŋ\ n or adj

self–serve \ˈself-ˈsərv\ adj : permitting self-service

self–ser·vice \ˈself-ˈsər-vəs\ n : the serving of oneself (as in a restaurant or gas station) with things to be paid for at a cashier's desk or by means of a mechanism that is operated by coins
— self–service adj

self–start·er \ˈself-ˈstärt-ər\ n : a person who is ambitious

self–styled \ˈself-ˈstī(ə)ld\ adj : called by oneself <self-styled experts>

self–suf·fi·cien·cy \ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being self-sufficient

self–suf·fi·cient \ˌself-sə-ˈfish-ənt\ adj : able to take care of oneself without outside help : INDEPENDENT

self–sup·port \ˌself-sə-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt\ n : independent support of oneself or itself

self–sup·port·ing \-iŋ\ adj : characterized by self-support: as  a : meeting one's needs by one's own efforts or output  b : supporting itself or its own weight <a self-supporting wall>

self–taught \ˈself-ˈtȯt\ adj
1 : having knowledge or skills acquired by one's own efforts without formal instruction <a self-taught musician>
2 : learned by oneself <self-taught knowledge>

self–will \ˈself-ˈwil\ n : a stubborn sticking to one's own desires or ideas
— self–willed \-ˈwild\ adj

self–wind·ing \ˈself-ˈwīn-diŋ\ adj : not needing to be wound by hand <a self-winding watch>

self–worth \-ˈwərth\ n : SELF-ESTEEM

sell \ˈsel\ vb sold \ˈsōld\; sell·ing
1 : to betray a person or duty — often used with out
2 : to exchange in return for money or something else of value <sell groceries>
3 a : to develop a belief in the truth, value, or desirability of <trying to sell a program to Congress>  b : to bring around to a favorable way of thinking <tried to sell the children on reading>
4 : to achieve a sale; also : to achieve satisfactory sales <hoped that the new car would sell>
5 : to be sold or priced <these sell for a dollar apiece>
— sell·er n

— sell short : to put too low a value on the ability, strength, or importance of

sell·out \ˈsel-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : the act or an instance of selling out
2 : a show, contest, or exhibition for which all seats are sold

sell out \(ˈ)sel-ˈau̇t\ vb : to dispose of all of one's goods by sale

sel·vage or sel·vedge \ˈsel-vij\ n : an edge of cloth so woven that it will not ravel

selves plural of 2SELF

se·man·tic \si-ˈmant-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to meaning in language
2 : of or relating to semantics
— se·man·ti·cal·ly \-ˈmant-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

se·man·tics \si-ˈmant-iks\ n sing or pl : the study of meanings and changes of meaning
— se·man·ti·cist \si-ˈmant-ə-səst\ n

sem·a·phore \ˈsem-ə-ˌfō(ə)r, -ˌfȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a device for sending signals that can be seen by the receiver
2 : a system of sending signals with two flags held one in each hand

sem·blance \ˈsem-blən(t)s\ n
1 : outward and often misleading appearance or show
2 : one that resembles another : LIKENESS, IMAGE

se·men \ˈsē-mən\ n : a sticky whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract that contains the sperm

se·mes·ter \sə-ˈmes-tər\ n : either of two terms of about 18 weeks each that make up a school year

semi- \ˌsem-i, ˈsem-, -ˌī\ prefix
1 : half in amount or value <semitone>
2 : occurring halfway through a certain time period <semiannual>
3 : to some extent : partly : incompletely <semitropical>
4 : partial : incomplete <semidarkness> [Latin semi- “half”]

semi·an·nu·al \ˌsem-ē-ˈan-yə(-wə)l, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : occurring every six months or twice a year
— semi·an·nu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

semi·aquat·ic \ˌsem-ē-ə-ˈkwät-ik, ˌsem-ˌī-, -ˈkwat-\ adj : growing well in or very near water; also : living near and often entering water but not living in it

semi·ar·id \ˌsem-ē-ˈar-əd, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : marked by light rainfall; esp : having from about 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 centimeters) of annual precipitation

semi·cir·cle \ˈsem-i-ˌsər-kəl\ n
1 : half of a circle
2 : an object or arrangement of objects in the form of a half circle
— semi·cir·cu·lar \ˌsem-i-ˈsər-kyə-lər\ adj

semicircular canal n : any of the loop-shaped tubes in the ear that contain fluid and tiny hairs and help to maintain the body's sense of balance

semi·clas·si·cal \ˌsem-i-ˈklas-i-kəl, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj
1 : having some of the characteristics of the classical
2 : of or relating to a classical musical composition that has become generally popular

semi·co·lon \ˈsem-i-ˌkō-lən\ n : a punctuation mark that can be used to separate parts of a sentence which need clearer separation than would be shown by a comma, to separate main clauses which have no conjunction between, and to separate phrases and clauses containing commas

semi·con·duc·tor \ˌsem-i-kən-ˈdək-tər, ˌsem-ˌī-\ n : any of a class of solids (as germanium) that have an ability to conduct electricity between that of a conductor and that of an insulator
— semi·con·duct·ing \-tiŋ\ adj

semi·con·scious \ˌsem-i-ˈkän-chəs, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : partially conscious
— semi·con·scious·ness n

semi·dark·ness \ˌsem-i-ˈdärk-nəs, ˌsem-ˌī-\ n : partial darkness

1semi·fi·nal \ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-əl\ adj
1 : coming before the final round in a tournament
2 : of or taking part in a semifinal

2semi·fi·nal \ˈsem-i-ˌfīn-əl\ n : a semifinal match or game
— semi·fi·nal·ist \ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-əl-əst\ n

semi·for·mal \ˌsem-i-ˈfȯr-məl, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : being or suitable for an event that is not too formal

1semi·month·ly \ˌsem-i-ˈmən(t)th-lē, ˌsem-ˌī-\ n : a semimonthly publication

2semimonthly adj : occurring twice a month

3semimonthly adv : twice a month

sem·i·nar \ˈsem-ə-ˌnär\ n
1 : a course of study followed by a group of advanced students
2 : a meeting of a seminar or a room for such meetings
3 : a meeting for giving and discussing information <a sales seminar>

sem·i·nar·i·an \ˌsem-ə-ˈner-ē-ən\ n : a student in a seminary

sem·i·nary \ˈsem-ə-ˌner-ē\ n, pl -nar·ies
1 : a private school at or above the high school level
2 : a school for the training of priests, ministers, or rabbis
Word History The English word seminary and its Latin source seminarium, a derivative of semen, “seed,” both originally denoted a nursery for young plants. Roman authors sometimes used the Latin word figuratively, but English has gone much further in extending the meaning of the word, while the old sense “nursery for plants” is now obsolete. The use of seminary in reference to training schools for Roman Catholic clergy dates from the 16th century. Today the word refers equally to Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish colleges for training priests, ministers, or rabbis. Seminary has also been applied to other kinds of schools. When they were first formed in the 19th century, colleges for women were called “female seminaries” or “seminaries for young ladies.” [Middle English seminary “seedbed, nursery, from Latin seminarium (same meaning), from semen “seed”]

sem·i·nif·er·ous tubule \ˌsem-ə-ˈnif-(ə-)rəs-\ n : any of the coiled threadlike tubes that make up most of the testis and produce sperm cells

Sem·i·nole \ˈsem-ə-ˌnōl\ n : a member of an American Indian people of Florida

semi·of·fi·cial \ˌsem-ē-ə-ˈfish-əl, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : having some official authority or standing

semi·per·me·able \ˌsem-i-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : partially but not freely or entirely permeable; esp : permeable to some usually small molecules but not to other usually larger particles
— semi·per·me·abil·i·ty \-ˌpər-mē-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

semi·pre·cious \ˌsem-i-ˈpresh-əs, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : of less value than a precious stone

semi·pri·vate \ˌsem-i-ˈprī-vət, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : shared with one other or a few others <a semiprivate hospital room>

semi·pro \ˈsem-i-ˌprō, ˈsem-ˌī-\ adj or n : SEMIPROFESSIONAL

semi·pro·fes·sion·al \ˌsem-i-prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ən-əl, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj
1 : engaging in an activity for pay but not as a full-time occupation
2 : engaged in by semiprofessional players <semiprofessional football>
— semiprofessional n

semi·re·li·gious \ˌsem-i-ri-ˈlij-əs, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : somewhat religious in character

semi·skilled \ˌsem-i-ˈskild, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : having or requiring less training than skilled labor and more than unskilled labor

semi·soft \ˌsem-i-ˈsȯft, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : moderately soft; esp : firm but easily cut <semisoft cheese>

semi·sol·id \ˌsem-i-ˈsäl-əd, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : having the qualities of both a solid and a liquid
— semisolid n

semi·sweet \ˌsem-i-ˈswēt, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : slightly sweetened <semisweet chocolate>

Sem·ite \ˈsem-ˌīt\ n : a member of any of a group of peoples of southwestern Asia chiefly represented by the Jews and Arabs

Se·mit·ic \sə-ˈmit-ik\ adj : of or relating to the Semites; esp : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Jews

semi·tone \ˈsem-i-ˌtōn, ˈsem-ˌī-\ n : the smallest difference in pitch between any two tones of a scale

semi·trail·er \ˈsem-i-ˌtrā-lər, ˈsem-ˌī-\ n
1 : a freight trailer that when attached is supported at its forward end by the truck tractor
2 : a trucking rig made up of a tractor and a semitrailer

semi·trop·i·cal \ˌsem-i-ˈträp-i-kəl, ˌsem-ˌī-\ also semi·trop·ic \-ik\ adj : SUBTROPICAL

1semi·week·ly \ˌsem-i-ˈwē-klē, ˌsem-ˌī-\ adj : occurring twice a week
— semiweekly adv

2semiweekly n : a publication that comes out twice a week

sem·o·li·na \ˌsem-ə-ˈlē-nə\ n : a grainy powder that is milled from hard wheat (as durum wheat) and is often used to make pasta (as spaghetti)

sen·ate \ˈsen-ət\ n : an official law-making group or council: as  a : the supreme council of the ancient Roman republic and empire  b : the higher branch of a legislature of a nation, state, or province [Middle English senat “lawmaking council of ancient Rome,” from early French senat (same meaning), from Latin senatus, literally, “council of elders,” from sen-, senex “old” — related to SENIOR]

sen·a·tor \ˈsen-ət-ər\ n : a member of a senate
— sen·a·tor·ship \-ˌship\ n

sen·a·to·ri·al \ˌsen-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : of or relating to a senator or a senate <senatorial office>

send \ˈsend\ vb sent \ˈsent\; send·ing
1 : to cause to go <sent the pupil home> <sent a message>; esp : to set in motion by physical force <sent the ball into right field> <send a rocket to the moon>
2 : to cause to happen <whatever fate may send>
3 : to put or bring into a certain condition <sent them into a rage>
4 a : to cause someone to pass a message on or do an errand — often used with out <send out for lunch>  b : to dispatch a request or order — often used with away <sent away for skates>
— send·er n

— send for : to request by message to come <the principal sent for the child>

— send packing : to send off roughly or in disgrace

send–off \ˈsen-ˌdȯf\ n : a demonstration of goodwill and enthusiasm for the beginning of something new (as a trip)

Sen·e·ca \ˈsen-i-kə\ n : a member of an American Indian people of western New York

sen·e·schal \ˈsen-ə-shəl\ n : an agent or bailiff who managed a lord's estate in feudal times

se·nile \ˈsēn-ˌīl also ˈsen-\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of old age <senile weakness>; esp : showing a loss of mental ability usually associated with old age [from Latin senilis “showing the features of old age,” from sen-, senex “old” — related to SENIOR]

se·nil·i·ty \si-ˈnil-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being senile; esp : the physical and mental weakness of old age

1se·nior \ˈsē-nyər\ n
1 : a person who is older than another <five years my senior>
2 a : a person with higher standing or rank  b : a student in the final year of high school or college [Middle English senior “a person older than another specific person,” from Latin senior (same meaning), from senior (adjective) “older, elder,” from sen-, senex “old” — related to SENATE, SENILE, SENOR, SIR]

2senior adj
1 : being older — used to distinguish a father from a son with the same name <John Doe, Senior>
2 : higher ranking <senior officers> <the senior partner of the law firm>
3 : of or relating to seniors in an educational institution <the senior class>

senior airman n : a temporary rank in the air force just below that of a sergeant

senior chief petty officer n : a naval petty officer with a rank just below that of a master chief petty officer

senior citizen n : an elderly person; esp : one who has retired

se·nior·i·ty \sēn-ˈyȯr-ət-ē, -ˈyär-\ n
1 : the quality or state of being senior
2 : a privileged position arrived at by length of service

senior master sergeant n : a noncommissioned officer in the air force with a rank just below that of chief master sergeant

sen·na \ˈsen-ə\ n
1 : CASSIA 2; esp : one used as a medicine
2 : the dried leaves or pods of various cassias used as a strong laxative

se·nor or se·ñor \sān-ˈyȯ(ə)r\ n, pl senors or se·ño·res \-ˈyō(ə)r-ās, -ˈyȯ(ə)r-\ : a Spanish or Spanish-speaking man — used as a title equivalent to Mr. [from Spanish señor “man, gentleman,” from Latin senior “superior, lord,” from earlier senior (adjective) “elder, older,” from sen-, senex “old” — related to SENIOR]

se·no·ra or se·ño·ra \sān-ˈyōr-ə, -ˈyȯr-\ n : a married Spanish or Spanish-speaking girl or woman — used as a title equivalent to Mrs.

se·no·ri·ta or se·ño·ri·ta \ˌsān-yə-ˈrēt-ə\ n : an unmarried Spanish or Spanish-speaking girl or woman — used as a title equivalent to Miss

sen·sa·tion \sen-ˈsā-shən, sən-\ n
1 a : a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) that results from stimulation of a sense organ  b : awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ  c : an indefinite bodily feeling
2 a : a state of excited interest or feeling  b : a cause of such excitement

sen·sa·tion·al \sen-ˈsā-shnəl, -shən-əl, sən-\ adj
1 : of or relating to sensation or the senses
2 : arousing a strong and usually shallow interest or emotional reaction <sensational news>
3 : exceedingly or unexpectedly excellent or great <a sensational diving catch>
— sen·sa·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

1sense \ˈsen(t)s\ n
1 : a meaning or one of a set of meanings a word, phrase, or story may have
2 a : the power to become aware of by means of sense organs  b : a specialized function or mechanism (as sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch) of the body that involves the action and effect of a stimulus on a sense organ <the pain sense>
3 a : a particular sensation or kind of sensation <a good sense of balance>  b : awareness arrived at through or as if through the senses <a vague sense of danger>  c : an awareness and appreciation of something <a fine sense of humor>
4 a : INTELLIGENCE 1  b : good reason or excuse <no sense in waiting>

2sense vb sensed; sens·ing
1 : to become aware of through the senses
2 : to be or become conscious of <sense danger>
3 : to detect automatically especially in response to a physical quantity (as light or movement)

sense·less \ˈsen(t)-sləs\ adj
1 : 1UNCONSCIOUS 2 <knocked senseless>
2 : FOOLISH, STUPID
3 : POINTLESS 1, MEANINGLESS <a senseless act>
— sense·less·ly adv

— sense·less·ness n

sense organ n : a body part (as an eye or ear) that receives stimuli (as light or sound) in such a way as to excite nerve cells to send information to the brain

sen·si·bil·i·ty \ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : ability to receive sensations : SENSITIVENESS
2 : response to a pleasurable or painful impression (as praise or criticism)
3 : the emotion or feeling of which a person is capable

sen·si·ble \ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : possible to take in by the senses or by reason or understanding <felt a sensible chill> <her distress was sensible from the way she acted>
2 : capable of being made aware of or of feeling <sensible to pain>
3 : AWARE <sensible of the increasing heat>
4 : showing or containing good sense or reason : REASONABLE <a sensible arrangement>
— sen·si·ble·ness n

— sen·si·bly \-blē\ adv

sen·si·tive \ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, ˈsen(t)-stiv\ adj
1 : capable of responding to stimulation
2 a : easily or strongly affected or hurt <a sensitive child>  b : capable of showing very small differences : DELICATE <sensitive scales>  c : readily affected or changed by the action of a certain thing <plants sensitive to light>
— sen·si·tive·ly adv

— sen·si·tive·ness n

sensitive plant n : any of several mimosas with leaves that fold or droop when touched

sen·si·tiv·i·ty \ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being sensitive

sen·si·tize \ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to make or become sensitive

sen·sor \ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r, ˈsen(t)-sər\ n : a device that detects a physical quantity (as a movement or a beam of light) and responds by transmitting a signal

sen·so·ry \ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : of or relating to sensation or to the senses <sensory stimulation>
2 : carrying nerve impulses from the sense organs toward or to the brain : AFFERENT <a sensory nerve>

sensory neuron n : a neuron that transmits nerve impulses from a sense organ (as an eye or nose) toward the central nervous system — compare MOTOR NEURON

sen·su·al \ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, ˈsen-shəl\ adj
1 : relating to or consisting in the pleasing of the senses
2 : devoted to the pleasures of the senses
— sen·su·al·i·ty \ˌsen-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n

— sen·su·al·ly \ˈsench-(ə-)wə-lē, ˈsen-shə-lē\ adv

sen·su·ous \ˈsench-(ə-)wəs\ adj
1 a : having to do with the senses or with things perceived by the senses  b : producing an agreeable effect on the senses <mild sensuous breezes>
2 : able to be easily influenced through the senses
— sen·su·ous·ly adv

— sen·su·ous·ness n

sent past and past participle of SEND

1sen·tence \ˈsent-ən(t)s, -ənz\ n
1 a : JUDGMENT 2; esp : one pronounced by a court in a criminal proceeding and specifying the punishment  b : the punishment set by a court
2 a : a grammatically self-contained group of words that expresses a statement, a question, a command, a wish, or an exclamation  b : a mathematical or logical statement (as an equation) in words or symbols
— sen·ten·tial \sen-ˈten-chəl\ adj

2sentence vb sen·tenced; sen·tenc·ing
1 : to impose a judgment on <sentenced them to prison>
2 : to cause to suffer something

sentence fragment n : a word, phrase, or clause that lacks the self-contained structure of a sentence but is written and punctuated like a complete sentence

sen·ten·tious \sen-ˈten-chəs\ adj : containing or using phrases which sound more important than they are

sen·tient \ˈsen-ch(ē-)ənt\ adj
1 : capable of sensing or feeling <sentient beings>
2 : AWARE <sentient of one's surroundings>

sen·ti·ment \ˈsent-ə-mənt\ n
1 a : a thought or attitude influenced by feeling  b : a certain notion : OPINION
2 : tender feelings of affection or yearning

sen·ti·men·tal \ˌsent-ə-ˈment-əl\ adj
1 a : marked by feeling or sentiment  b : resulting from feeling rather than reason or thought
2 : having an excess of sentiment or sensibility
— sen·ti·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

sen·ti·men·tal·ism \ˌsent-ə-ˈment-əl-ˌiz-əm\ n
1 : a tendency to be sentimental
2 : an overly sentimental idea or statement
— sen·ti·men·tal·ist \-əl-əst\ n

sen·ti·men·tal·i·ty \ˌsent-ə-ˌmen-ˈtal-ət-ē, -mən-\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being sentimental and especially overly sentimental
2 : a sentimental idea or its expression

sen·ti·nel \ˈsent-(ə-)nəl\ n : SENTRY

sen·try \ˈsen-trē\ n, pl sen·tries : 1GUARD 3A; esp : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage

se·pal \ˈsēp-əl, ˈsep-\ n : one of the specialized leaves that form the calyx of a flower

sep·a·ra·ble \ˈsep-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj : capable of being separated or distinguished
— sep·a·ra·bil·i·ty \ˌsep-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

1sep·a·rate \ˈsep-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 a : to set or keep apart <separate the pages with a slip of paper>  b : to make a distinction between : DISTINGUISH <separate fact from fiction>  c : 2SORT 1 <separate mail>  d : to spread widely in space or time : SCATTER <widely separated homesteads>
2 : to end a relationship with that is bound by a contract <separated from the army>
3 : to isolate or become isolated from a mixture <separate cream from milk>
4 : to become divided or detached : come apart
5 : to cease to live together as a married couple
6 : to go in different directions
synonyms SEPARATE, PART, DIVIDE, mean to break into parts or to keep apart. SEPARATE may suggest that things have been put into different groups, or that a thing has been removed from a group, or that something has been put between like things <separate the good eggs from the bad eggs> <a fence separates the yards>. PART suggests that the things to be separated are closely joined in some way <nothing could part the two friends>. DIVIDE suggests separating by cutting or breaking into pieces or sections <divide the pie into six equal servings>.

2sep·a·rate \ˈsep-(ə-)rət\ adj
1 : set or kept apart <the motel contains fifty separate units>
2 : not shared with another : INDIVIDUAL <separate rooms>
3 : having independent existence <the separate pieces of a puzzle>
— sep·a·rate·ly adv

— sep·a·rate·ness n

3sep·a·rate \ˈsep-(ə-)rət\ n : an article of dress designed to be worn interchangeably with others to form different outfits — usually used in plural

sep·a·ra·tion \ˌsep-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of separating : the state of being separated
2 a : a point or line of division  b : a space that comes between things : GAP <the separation between wheel spokes>
3 a : a formal separating of spouses by agreement but without divorce  b : the ending of a relationship that is bound by a contract (as employment or military service)

sep·a·rat·ist \ˈsep(-ə)-rət-əst\ n : a person who favors separation (as from a church or party)
— sep·a·rat·ism \-rə-ˌtiz-əm\ n

— separatist adj

sep·a·ra·tor \ˈsep-ə-ˌrāt-ər\ n : one that separates; esp : a device for separating liquids (as cream from milk) of different densities or liquids from solids

1se·pia \ˈsē-pē-ə\ n
1 : a brown pigment made from the ink of cuttlefishes
2 : a brownish gray

2sepia adj : of the color sepia

se·poy \ˈsē-ˌpȯi\ n : a native of India employed as a soldier in the service of a European power

Sep·tem·ber \sep-ˈtem-bər, səp-\ n : the ninth month of the year
Word History The ancient Romans originally used a calendar which began the year with the month of March. The seventh month of the year was called September, from septem, a Latin word meaning “seven.” The name was spelled Septembre when it was borrowed from early French into Middle English, but eventually the English spelling was changed to that of the original Latin. [Middle English Septembre “the month of September,” from Old English September and early French Septembre (both, same meaning), both from Latin September “the seventh month,” from septem “seven”]

sep·tet also sep·tette \sep-ˈtet\ n
1 : a musical composition for seven instruments or voices
2 : a group or set of seven; esp : the musicians that perform a septet

sep·tic sore throat \ˈsep-tik-\ n : STREP THROAT

septic tank n : a tank in which solid sewage is broken down by bacteria

sep·til·lion \sep-ˈtil-yən\ n US : a number equal to 1 followed by 24 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE; also Brit : a number equal to 1 followed by 42 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE

sep·tu·a·ge·nar·i·an \(ˌ)sep-ˌt(y)ü-ə-jə-ˈner-ē-ən, ˌsep-tə-ˌwaj-ə-\ n : a person who is 70 or more but less than 80 years old
— septuagenarian adj

Sep·tu·a·ges·i·ma \ˌsep-tə-wə-ˈjes-ə-mə, -ˈjā-zə-\ n : the third Sunday before Lent

sep·tum \ˈsep-təm\ n, pl sep·ta \-tə\ : a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue

sep·ul·cher or sep·ul·chre \ˈsep-əl-kər\ n
1 : a place of burial : TOMB
2 : a container for religious relics especially in an altar

se·pul·chral \sə-ˈpəl-krəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the burial of the dead
2 : DISMAL 1, GLOOMY

sep·ul·ture \ˈsep-əl-chu̇(ə)r\ n
1 : BURIAL
2 : SEPULCHER

se·quel \ˈsē-kwəl\ n
1 : an event that follows or comes afterward : RESULT
2 : a book, motion picture, or television program that continues a story begun in a preceding one [Middle English sequel, sequele “follower, series,” from early French sequelle (same meaning), from Latin sequella, sequela “follower,” from sequi “to follow” — related to CONSECUTIVE, PURSUE, 1SECOND, SEQUENCE]

se·quence \ˈsē-kwən(t)s, -ˌkwen(t)s\ n
1 a : a continuous or connected series  b : a set of several shots or scenes developing a single subject (as in a movie) <a chase sequence in a spy movie>
2 : the order in which things are or should be connected, related, or dated <the sequence of events>
3 a : 2RESULT 1, CONSEQUENCE  b : a development that follows something else [Middle English sequence “a hymn, a connected series,” derived from Latin sequentia “state or fact of following, succession,” from sequent-, sequens, a form of the verb sequi “to follow” — related to SEQUEL]

se·quen·tial \si-ˈkwen-chəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence <sequential file systems>
2 : following in sequence
— se·quen·tial·ly \-ˈkwench-(ə-)lē\ adv

se·ques·ter \si-ˈkwes-tər\ vb -tered; -ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to set apart : SEGREGATE <the jury was sequestered until a verdict was reached>
2 : to take custody of (as personal property) until a demand is satisfied

se·ques·tra·tion \ˌsēk-wəs-ˈtrā-shən, ˌsek-\ n : the act of sequestering : the state of being sequestered

se·quin \ˈsē-kwən\ n : a small piece of shiny metal or plastic used as an ornament especially on clothes

se·quined or se·quinned \ˈsē-kwənd\ adj : ornamented with or as if with sequins

se·quoia \si-ˈkwȯi-(y)ə\ n : either of two huge cone-bearing California trees that are related to the bald cypresses and may grow to a height of over 300 feet (90 meters):  a : GIANT SEQUOIA  b : REDWOOD

sera plural of SERUM

se·ra·glio \sə-ˈral-yō\ n, pl -glios : the rooms assigned to women in a Muslim household

se·ra·pe or sa·ra·pe \sə-ˈräp-ē\ n : a colorful woolen shawl worn over the shoulders especially by Mexican men

ser·aph \ˈser-əf\ n, pl ser·a·phim \-ə-ˌfim\ or seraphs : SERAPHIM
— se·raph·ic \sə-ˈraf-ik\ adj

ser·a·phim \ˈser-ə-ˌfim\ n, pl seraphim : one of the 6-winged angels standing in the presence of God

Serb \ˈsərb\ n
1 : a person born or living in Serbia
2 : SERBIAN 2

Ser·bi·an \ˈsər-bē-ən\ n
1 : SERB 1
2 : a Slavic language spoken by the people of Serbia
— Serbian adj

Ser·bo–Cro·atian \ˌsər-(ˌ)bō-krō-ˈā-shən\ n : the Serbian and Croatian languages together with the Slavic speech of Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro considered as a single language with regional variants

sere \ˈsi(ə)r\ adj : being dry and withered <sere leaves>

1ser·e·nade \ˌser-ə-ˈnād\ n : music as sung or played outdoors at night for a woman

2serenade vb -nad·ed; -nad·ing : to entertain with or perform a serenade
— ser·e·nad·er n

ser·en·dip·i·ty \ˌser-ən-ˈdip-ət-ē\ n : the gift of finding valuable or agreeable things not looked for

se·rene \sə-ˈrēn\ adj
1 : showing complete calm
2 a : clear and free of storms <serene skies>  b : shining bright and steady  synonyms see CALM
— se·rene·ly adv

— se·rene·ness \-ˈrēn-nəs\ n

se·ren·i·ty \sə-ˈren-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being serene : PEACEFULNESS

serf \ˈsərf\ n : a servant or laborer of olden times who was treated as part of the land worked on and went along with the land if it was sold [from French serf “a slave bound to a certain piece of land,” from early French, from Latin servus “slave, servant” — related to SERVANT; see Word History at SLAVE]
— serf·dom \-dəm\ n

serge \ˈsərj\ n : a durable cloth woven with diagonal ridges

ser·geant \ˈsär-jənt\ n
1 : a military noncommissioned officer with any of the ranks above corporal in the army or the marines or above airman first class in the air force; esp : an enlisted person with the rank just below that of staff sergeant
2 : a police officer ranking in the U.S. just below captain or sometimes lieutenant [Middle English sergeant “sergeant, attendant, servant,” from early French sergent, serjant (same meaning), from Latin servient-, serviens, a form of the verb servire “to serve”]

sergeant at arms : an officer of a court of law or a lawmaking body appointed to keep order

sergeant first class n : an enlisted person in the army with a rank just below that of master sergeant

sergeant major n, pl sergeants major or sergeant majors
1 : a noncommissioned officer (as in the army) serving as chief enlisted assistant in a headquarters
2 : an enlisted person of the highest rank in the army or marines

sergeant major of the army : a sergeant major who advises the senior commanding officer of the army

sergeant major of the marine corps : a sergeant major who advises the senior commanding officer of the marines

1se·ri·al \ˈsir-ē-əl\ adj
1 : consisting of or arranged in a series, rank, or row <serial order>
2 : appearing in parts or numbers that follow regularly <a serial story>
3 : being or relating to a connection in a computer system in which the bits of a byte are transmitted one at a time over a single wire
— se·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

2serial n
1 : a work appearing (as in a magazine or on television) in parts at regular intervals
2 : one part of a serial work
— se·ri·al·ist \ˈsir-ē-ə-ləst\ n

se·ri·al·ize \ˈsir-ē-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to arrange or publish in serial form

serial number n : a number showing place in a series and used as a means of identification

seri·cul·ture \ˈser-ə-ˌkəl-chər\ n : the production of raw silk by raising silkworms

se·ries \ˈsi(ə)r-ēz\ n, pl series
1 : a number of things or events arranged in order and connected by being alike in some way <a concert series> <a series of talks>
2 : a division of rock formations smaller than a system comprising rocks deposited during an epoch
3 : an arrangement of the parts of or elements in an electric circuit whereby the whole current passes through each part or element without branching
4 : a group of sentence elements of the same rank that follow one after another and are joined together <the phrase “a bowl of oranges, apples, and bananas” has a series of three nouns>
— in series : in a serial arrangement

ser·if \ˈser-əf\ n : any of the short lines crossing the upper and lower ends of the strokes of a printed letter

se·ri·ous \ˈsir-ē-əs\ adj
1 : thoughtful or quiet in appearance or manner
2 a : requiring much thought or work <serious study>  b : of or relating to a matter of importance <a serious novel>
3 : not joking or funny
4 : having important or dangerous possible consequences <a serious injury>
— se·ri·ous·ly adv

— se·ri·ous·ness n
synonyms SERIOUS, SOLEMN, EARNEST, mean not funny or not playful. SERIOUS suggests being concerned about really important things <doctors are serious about finding a cure>. SOLEMN stresses dignity along with full seriousness <a sad and solemn occasion>. EARNEST stresses that one is sincere and has serious intentions <an earnest student working hard for good grades>.

se·ri·ous–mind·ed \ˌsir-ē-ə-ˈsmīn-dəd\ adj : having a serious disposition or trend of thought

ser·mon \ˈsər-mən\ n
1 : a public speech usually by a priest, minister, or rabbi for the purpose of giving religious instruction
2 : a speech on conduct or duty

se·rous membrane \ˈsir-əs-\ n : a thin membrane (as the peritoneum) with cells that secrete a watery fluid

ser·pent \ˈsər-pənt\ n : a usually large snake

ser·pen·tine \ˈsər-pən-ˌtēn, -ˌtīn\ adj
1 : of or resembling a serpent
2 : winding or turning one way and another <a serpentine path through the woods>

ser·rate \ˈse(ə)r-ˌāt, sə-ˈrāt\ adj : having a saw-toothed edge <a serrate leaf>

ser·rat·ed \ˈser-ˌāt-əd, sə-ˈrāt-\ adj : notched or toothed on the edge <a knife with a serrated blade> [derived from Latin serratus, past participle of serrare “to saw,” from serra “a saw” — related to SIERRA]

ser·ried \ˈser-ēd\ adj : crowded or pressed together

se·rum \ˈsir-əm\ n, pl serums or se·ra \ˈsir-ə\
1 : BLOOD SERUM
2 : ANTISERUM

ser·vant \ˈsər-vənt\ n : one that serves others; esp : a person hired to perform household or personal services [Middle English servant “servant,” from early French servant (same meaning), from a form of servir “to serve,” from Latin servire “to be a slave, serve,” from servus “slave, servant” — related to SERF; see Word History at SLAVE]

1serve \ˈsərv\ vb served; serv·ing
1 a : to be a servant  b : to give the service and respect due  c : to work through or perform a term of service <served five years in the marines>  d : to be in prison for or during <served a 10-year sentence>
2 a : to act officially as a clergyman or priest <serve mass>  b : to assist as server at mass
3 a : to be of use : answer a purpose <the tree serves as shelter>  b : to be favorable or convenient <when the time serves>  c : to hold an office : perform a duty <serve on a jury>
4 : to be enough for <a pie that will serve eight people>
5 a : to help persons to food (as at a table or counter)  b : to set out portions of food or drink
6 a : to furnish or supply with something needed or desired  b : to wait on customers
7 : to treat or act toward in a certain way <they served me ill>
8 : to bring to notice, deliver, or carry out as required by law <serve a summons>
9 : to make a serve (as in tennis)
— serve one right : to be deserved

2serve n : the act of putting the ball or shuttlecock in play (as in tennis or badminton)

serv·er \ˈsər-vər\ n
1 : a person who serves food or drink
2 : the player who puts a ball in play
3 : something (as a tray) used in serving food or drink
4 : a computer in a network that is used to provide services (as access to files or the delivery of e-mail) to other computers

1ser·vice \ˈsər-vəs\ n
1 a : the occupation or function of serving <in active service>  b : employment as a servant <entered the queen's service>
2 a : the work or action performed by one that serves <gives good service>  b : 2HELP 1, USE, BENEFIT <be of service to them>  c : availability for use <I'll place a car at your service>
3 : a religious ceremony or rite <the burial service>
4 a : the act of serving  b : a helpful act : good turn <did us a service>  c : useful labor that does not produce goods — usually used in plural <charge for professional services>  d : 2SERVE
5 : a set of articles for a particular use <a tea service>
6 a : a branch of public employment or the people working in it <the consular service>  b : a nation's armed forces <called into the service>
7 : an organization for supplying some public demand or keeping up and repairing something <television sales and service>
— service adj

2service vb ser·viced; ser·vic·ing : to work at taking care of and repairing <service cars>

ser·vice·able \ˈsər-və-sə-bəl\ adj
1 : prepared for or capable of service : USEFUL
2 : lasting or wearing well in use
— ser·vice·abil·i·ty \ˌsər-və-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— ser·vice·able·ness \ˈsər-və-sə-bəl-nəs\ n

ser·vice·ber·ry \ˈsər-vəs-ˌber-ē also ˈsär-\ n
1 : any of various North American trees or shrubs related to the roses that are sometimes grown for their showy white flowers and edible purplish to red fruit — called also Juneberry, shadbush
2 : the fruit of a serviceberry

service charge n : a fee charged for a particular service often in addition to a basic fee

service club n
1 : a club of business or professional men or women organized for their common benefit and active in community service
2 : a recreation center for enlisted persons provided by one of the armed services

ser·vice·man \ˈsər-və-ˌsman, -smən\ n : a member of the armed forces

service mark n : a mark used to identify a service offered to customers

service module n : a part of a space vehicle containing oxygen, water, fuel cells, fuel tanks, and the main rocket engine

service station n : GAS STATION

ser·vice·wom·an \ˈsər-və-ˌswu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who is a member of the armed forces

ser·vile \ˈsər-vəl, -ˌvīl\ adj
1 : of or appropriate to a slave
2 : lacking spirit or independence : SUBMISSIVE
— ser·vile·ly \-və(l)-lē, -ˌvīl-lē\ adv

— ser·vil·i·ty \(ˌ)sər-ˈvil-ət-ē\ n

serv·ing \ˈsər-viŋ\ n : a helping of food or drink <another serving of vegetables>

ser·vi·tor \ˈsər-vət-ər, -və-ˌtȯ(ə)r\ n : a male servant

ser·vi·tude \ˈsər-və-ˌt(y)üd\ n : a condition in which one does not have the freedom to determine one's own life

ses·a·me \ˈses-ə-mē\ n
1 : a hairy herb of warm regions that is grown for its seeds; also : its small somewhat flat seeds that are used as a source of oil and to flavor food
2 : OPEN SESAME

sesqui- combining form : one and a half times <sesquicentennial> [from Latin sesqui- “one and a half,” literally, “and a half,” derived from semi- “half”]

ses·qui·cen·ten·ni·al \ˌses-kwi-sen-ˈten-ē-əl\ n : a 150th anniversary or its celebration
— sesquicentennial adj

ses·sile \ˈses-ˌīl, -əl\ adj
1 : attached directly by the base and not raised upon a stalk <a sessile leaf>
2 : permanently attached and not free to move about : SEDENTARY <sessile coral polyps>

ses·sion \ˈsesh-ən\ n
1 : a meeting or series of meetings of a body (as a court or legislature) for the carrying on of business
2 : the period between the first meeting of a legislative or judicial body and the last meeting
3 : the period during the year or day in which a school has classes

ses·tet \se-ˈstet\ n : a group of six lines of poetry (as the last six lines of a sonnet)

1set \ˈset\ vb set; set·ting
1 : to cause to sit
2 : to give (a fowl) eggs to hatch or provide (eggs) with suitable conditions for hatching
3 a : to put or fix in a place, condition, or position <set a dish on the table> <set a trap> <set a watch>  b : to place (a story or performance) in a specified setting <a book set in a small town>
4 : to direct with fixed attention <had set my heart on a new bike>
5 : to cause to be, become, or do <slaves were set free>
6 : to start on purpose <set a fire>
7 : to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation <set a price> <set a wedding day>
8 a : to establish as the best performance <set a record>  b : to furnish as a pattern or model <set an example>
9 : to restore to normal position or connection <set a broken bone>
10 a : to put in order for immediate use <set the table>  b : to put in order for printing <set type by hand>  c : to put into type or something like type (as on photographic film) <set the first word in italic>
11 : to wave, curl, or arrange hair by wetting and drying
12 : to fix in a setting or frame <set diamonds in a ring>
13 : 2VALUE 1, RATE <set the loss at $2000>
14 : to put and fix in a direction <set our faces toward home once more>
15 : to fix firmly : give rigid form to <set his jaw in determination>
16 : to become or cause to become firm or solid <the gelatin is setting>
17 : to form and bring to maturity <the old tree still sets a good crop of apples>
18 chiefly dialect : SIT 1A, B
19 : to cover and warm eggs to hatch them <the hen has been setting for several days>
20 : to pass below the horizon <the sun sets>
21 : to apply oneself to some activity <set to work>
22 : to have a certain direction in motion : FLOW
23 : to become permanent <if you don't wash that fast the stain will set>
— set about : to begin to do

— set apart
1 : to reserve for a certain use
2 : to make noticeable

— set aside
1 : 1DISCARD 2
2 : to set apart for some purpose : RESERVE, SAVE
3 : ANNUL 2, OVERRULE <the verdict was set aside by the court>

— set eyes on : to catch sight of : SEE <loved her from the minute he set eyes on her>

— set foot in : ENTER 1

— set foot on : to step onto

— set forth
1 : to make known <set forth an idea>
2 : to start out on a journey : SET OUT

— set in motion : to give movement to : BEGIN <set the plan in motion>

— set one's hand to : to become engaged in : UNDERTAKE

— set one's sights on : to determine to get or accomplish <set their sights on winning the game>

— set store : to consider valuable or trustworthy — used with by or on

— set to music : to provide music for

— set upon : to attack usually with violence : ASSAULT

2set n
1 a : the act or action of setting  b : the condition of being set
2 : a number of persons or things of the same kind that belong or are used together <the social set> <a set of dishes>
3 : direction of flow <the set of the wind>
4 : the form or movement of the body or of its parts <the set of the shoulders>
5 : an artificial setting for a scene of a play or movie
6 : a group of tennis games that make up a match
7 : a group of mathematical elements (as numbers or points)
8 : an electronic device <a television set>

3set adj
1 : showing great determination <set against going>
2 : fixed by authority <a set rule>
3 : not very willing to change <set in their ways>
4 a : FIXED 1A, RIGID <a set smile>  b : BUILT-IN <a set tub for washing>
5 : prepared for use or action : READY <are you all set?>

se·ta \ˈsēt-ə\ n, pl se·tae \ˈsē-ˌtē\ : a slender usually rigid or bristly and springy organ or part of an animal or plant

set·back \ˈset-ˌbak\ n : a slowing of progress : a temporary defeat

set down vb
1 : to cause to sit down : SEAT
2 : to place at rest on a surface or on the ground
3 : to land (an airplane) on the ground or water
4 : ESTABLISH 2 <the government set down laws>
5 : to put in writing

set–in \ˌset-ˌin\ adj : cut separately and stitched in <set-in sleeves>

set in vb
1 : 1INSERT 2
2 : to make its appearance : BEGIN <winter set in early>

set·line \ˈset-ˌlīn\ n : a long heavy fishing line to which several hooks are attached in a row

set off vb
1 a : to cause to show up clearly <bright flowers set off by dark shadows>  b : to separate from others : make noticeable <a direct quotation set off by quotation marks>
2 a : to cause to go off or explode <set off an alarm> <set off a firecracker>  b : to cause to start : BEGIN <set an argument off by your remarks>
3 : to start out on a course or a trip <set off for home> <set off in a boat>

set out vb
1 : to begin with a definite purpose : UNDERTAKE <deliberately set out to win>
2 : to start out on a course, a journey, or a career <set out to be a doctor> <set out for Spain>

set·tee \se-ˈtē\ n
1 : a long seat with a back
2 : a medium-sized sofa with arms and a back

set·ter \ˈset-ər\ n
1 : someone or something that sets
2 : a large long-coated dog (as an Irish setter) used in hunting birds that is trained to point on finding game

set theory n : a branch of mathematics that deals with sets and with relations between sets
— set–the·o·ret·ic \-ˌthē-ə-ˈret-ik\ adj

set·ting \ˈset-iŋ\ n
1 : the manner, position, or direction in which something is set <change a thermostat setting>
2 : a frame or holder in which something is mounted <a setting for a diamond>
3 : the background (as time and place) of the action of a story or performance
4 : the articles of tableware required for setting a place at table <two settings of silver>
5 : a batch of eggs for hatching

1set·tle \ˈset-əl\ n : a long wooden bench with arms and a high solid back

2settle vb set·tled; set·tling \ˈset-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to place so as to stay <settled into a chair>
2 a : to establish in a place to live : COLONIZE <settled the West>  b : to make one's home <settle in the country>
3 : to make or become quiet : CALM <rocking settled the baby>
4 : DECIDE 1 <settle the question>
5 : to put in order : make final arrangements <settle an estate> <settle a bill>
6 : to adjust differences <settle a quarrel>
7 a : to come to rest <birds settling on a branch>  b : to descend usually slowly and stay down <mist settling in the valley>
8 a : to sink gradually or to the bottom <the foundations of the house settled> — often used with out <dust particles settling out>  b : to sink in a liquid <sediment settles to the bottom>
9 : to apply oneself — usually used with down <settle down to study>
10 : to take up an ordered life — often used with down <marry and settle down>
— settle for : to be content with <would not settle for a tie score>

set·tle·ment \ˈset-əl-mənt\ n
1 : the act of settling : the condition of being settled
2 : final payment (as of a bill)
3 a : a place or region newly settled  b : a small village
4 : SETTLEMENT HOUSE

settlement house n : an institution providing various community services to people in a crowded part of a city

set·tler \ˈset-lər, -əl-ər\ n : a person who settles in a new region : COLONIST

set·up \ˈset-ˌəp\ n : the way in which something is set up : ORGANIZATION, ARRANGEMENT

set up \(ˈ)set-ˈəp\ vb
1 : to place in position <set up a target>
2 a : 2ERECT 1 <set up a building>  b : to assemble the parts of <set up a machine>
3 : to cause to happen <the wind sets up a humming in the wires>
4 : to put in operation : FOUND, INAUGURATE <set up a school>
5 : to put in operation as a way of living <set up housekeeping>
— set up shop : to establish one's business

sev·en \ˈsev-ən\ n
1 : a number that is one more than six — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the seventh in a set or series <the seven of hearts>
— seven adj or pron

sev·en–league \ˈsev-ən-ˌlēg\ adj : crossing seven leagues at a stride <seven-league boots>

seven seas n pl : all the waters or oceans of the world <had sailed the seven seas>

sev·en·teen \ˌsev-ən-ˈtēn\ n : a number that is one more than 16 — see NUMBER TABLE
— seventeen adj or pron

— sev·en·teenth \-ˈtēn(t)th\ adj or n

seventeen–year locust n : a cicada of the U.S. with a life span of seventeen years in the North and of thirteen years in the South that spends only a few weeks as a winged adult and lives most of its life as a wingless underground nymph which feeds on roots

sev·enth \ˈsev-ən(t)th\ n
1 : one that is number seven in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the difference in pitch between the first tone and the seventh tone of a scale
— seventh adj or adv

sev·en·ty \ˈsev-ən-tē\ n, pl -ties : a number equal to seven times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
— sev·en·ti·eth \-tē-əth\ adj or n

— seventy adj or pron

sev·er \ˈsev-ər\ vb sev·ered; sev·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to put or keep apart : DIVIDE; esp : to cut off or through
2 : to come or break apart

1sev·er·al \ˈsev-(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : separate or distinct from one another : DIFFERENT <federal union of the several states>
2 : being more than two but not very many <several persons>
— sev·er·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2several pron : a small number : more than two but not very many <several of the guests>

sev·er·ance \ˈsev-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n : the act or process of severing : the state of being severed

se·vere \sə-ˈvi(ə)r\ adj se·ver·er; -est
1 a : strict in judgment, discipline, or government <a severe ruler>  b : serious in feeling or manner : GRAVE
2 : not using unnecessary ornament : PLAIN <a severe style>
3 : inflicting pain, distress, or hardship <severe wounds> <a severe winter>
4 : requiring great effort <a severe test>
— se·vere·ly adv

se·ver·i·ty \sə-ˈver-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being severe

sew \ˈsō\ vb sewed; sewn \ˈsōn\ or sewed; sew·ing
1 : to join or fasten by stitches <sew on a button>
2 : to work with needle and thread

sew·age \ˈsü-ij\ n : waste materials carried off by sewers

1sew·er \ˈsō(-ə)r\ n : one that sews

2sew·er \ˈsü-ər, ˈsu̇(-ə)r\ n : a usually covered drain to carry off water and sewage

sew·er·age \ˈsü-ə-rij, ˈsu̇(-ə)r-ij\ n
1 : SEWAGE
2 : the removal and disposal of sewage and surface water by sewers
3 : a system of sewers

sew·ing \ˈsō-iŋ\ n
1 : the act, method, or occupation of one that sews
2 : material that has been or is to be sewed

sewing machine n : a machine for sewing

sew up vb
1 : to get exclusive use or control of
2 : to make certain of

sex \ˈseks\ n
1 : either of two groups into which many living things are divided according to their roles in reproduction and which consist of males or females
2 : the physical and behavioral characteristics that make males and females different from each other
3 : sexual activity; esp : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE [Middle English sex “category of living things according to reproductive roles,” from Latin sexus (same meaning)]

sex- or sexi- combining form : six <sextet> [from Latin sex “six”]

sex·a·ge·nar·i·an \ˌsek-sə-jə-ˈner-ē-ən, (ˌ)sek-ˌsaj-ə-\ n : a person who is 60 or more but less than 70 years old
— sexagenarian adj

sex cell n : an egg cell or a sperm cell

sex chromosome n : either of a pair of chromosomes (as the human X chromosome or the human Y chromosome) in a sexually reproducing organism that are inherited differently in the two sexes and are concerned with the determination of sex

sex gland n : GONAD

sex hormone n : a hormone (as estrogen or testosterone) that affects the growth or function of the reproductive organs or the development of secondary sex characteristics

sex·ism \ˈsek-ˌsiz-əm\ n : distinction and especially unjust distinction based on sex and made against one person or group in favor of another; esp : distinctions made against women
— sex·ist \ˈsek-səst\ adj or n

sex–linked \ˈsek-ˌsliŋ(k)t\ adj
1 : located on one type of sex chromosome but not on the other <a sex-linked gene>
2 : controlled by a sex-linked gene <a sex-linked characteristic>
— sex–link·age \-ˌsliŋ-kij\ n

sex·tant \ˈsek-stənt\ n : a navigational instrument for measuring the angle between the horizon and the sun or a star in order to find out the latitude (as of a ship)

sex·tet \sek-ˈstet\ n
1 : a musical composition for six instruments or voices
2 : a group or set of six

sex·til·lion \sek-ˈstil-yən\ n US : a number equal to 1 followed by 21 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE; also Brit : a number equal to 1 followed by 36 zeros — see NUMBER TABLE

sex·ton \ˈsek-stən\ n : an official of a church who takes care of church buildings and property

1sex·tu·ple \sek-ˈst(y)üp-əl, -ˈstəp-; ˈsek-stəp-\ adj
1 : having six units or members
2 : being six times as great or as many
— sextuple n

2sextuple vb sex·tu·pled; sex·tu·pling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make or become six times as much or as many

sex·tu·plet \sek-ˈstəp-lət, -ˈst(y)üp-; ˈsek-st(y)əp-\ n
1 : a combination of six of a kind
2 : one of six offspring born at one birth

sex·u·al \ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl, ˈsek-shəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to sex or the sexes <sexual differences>
2 : having or involving sex <sexual reproduction>
— sex·u·al·ly \ˈseksh-(ə-)wə-lē, ˈseksh-(ə-)lē\ adv

sexual harassment n : uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature especially by a person in authority toward a subordinate (as an employee or student)

sexual intercourse n : sexual union especially involving penetration of the vagina by the penis

sex·u·al·i·ty \ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being sexual

sexually transmitted disease n : STD

sexual relations n pl : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

sexy \ˈsek-sē\ adj sex·i·er; -est : sexually exciting : EROTIC
— sex·i·ness n

sfor·zan·do \sfȯrt-ˈsän-dō, -ˈsan-\ adj : played with special stress or accent — used as a direction in music

shab·by \ˈshab-ē\ adj shab·bi·er; -est
1 : dressed in worn clothes
2 a : worn and faded from wear <a shabby sofa>  b : ill kept : DILAPIDATED <shabby houses>
3 : not fair or generous <shabby treatment>
— shab·bi·ly \ˈshab-ə-lē\ adv

— shab·bi·ness \ˈshab-ē-nəs\ n

Sha·bu·oth \shə-ˈvü-ˌōt(h), -ˌōs, -əs\ n : a Jewish holiday celebrated in May or June to commemorate the revelation of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai

shack \ˈshak\ n
1 : HUT, SHANTY
2 : a room or similar enclosed structure for a particular person or use <a radio shack>

1shack·le \ˈshak-əl\ n
1 : a ring or band that prevents free use of the legs or arms
2 : something that prevents free action — usually used in plural
3 : a U-shaped metal device for joining or fastening something

2shackle vb shack·led; shack·ling \ˈshak-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to bind with shackles <the guard shackled the prisoner>  b : to make fast with a shackle
2 : to deprive of freedom of action : HINDER <shackled by poverty>
— shack·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

shad \ˈshad\ n, pl shad : any of several sea fishes that are related to the herrings, swim up rivers to lay or fertilize eggs, and include important food fishes

shad·bush \ˈshad-ˌbu̇sh\ n : SERVICEBERRY 1

1shade \ˈshād\ n
1 : partial darkness <the trees cast shade>
2 : space sheltered from the heat and bright light of the sun <sit in the shade of a tree>
3 pl : the shadows that gather as darkness falls <the shades of night>
4 : 1SPIRIT 2B, GHOST
5 : something that blocks off or cuts down light, sun, or heat <a lamp shade> <a window shade>
6 : the darkening of some objects in a painting or drawing to suggest that they are in shade
7 : the darkness or lightness of a color <four shades of brown>
8 : a very small difference or amount <just a shade taller> <shades of meaning>
— shade·less \-ləs\ adj

2shade vb shad·ed; shad·ing
1 : to shelter from light or heat
2 : to mark with changes of light or color <shade a drawing>
3 : to show or begin to have slight differences of color, value, or meaning
— shad·er n

shade tree n : a tree grown chiefly to make shade

1shad·ow \ˈshad-ō\ n
1 : shade within certain bounds <the valley was in shadow>
2 : a reflected image (as in a mirror)
3 : shelter from danger or view
4 a : an imperfect and faint representation  b : an imitation of something
5 : the dark figure cast on a surface by a body that is between the surface and the light <my shadow stays with me>
6 : 1PHANTOM
7 pl : darkness caused by the setting of the sun <twilight shadows>
8 : a shaded part of a picture
9 : a form from which the substance has departed : REMNANT, VESTIGE
10 a : an inseparable companion or follower  b : a person who shadows as a spy or detective
11 : a very little bit : TRACE <not a shadow of a doubt>
12 : a source of gloom or unhappiness
— shad·ow·less \-ləs\ adj

— shad·ow·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2shadow vb
1 : to cast a shadow on
2 : to follow especially secretly : TRAIL
— shad·ow·er \ˈshad-ə-wər\ n

shad·ow·box \ˈshad-ō-ˌbäks\ vb : to box with an imaginary opponent as a form of training

shad·owy \ˈshad-ə-wē\ adj
1 a : not realistic <shadowy dreams of glory>  b : dim as a shadow <the shadowy area between good and bad>
2 : full of shade <a shadowy lane>

shady \ˈshād-ē\ adj shad·i·er; -est
1 : casting a shadow : giving shade
2 : sheltered from the sun's rays <a shady grove>
3 : not right or honest <a shady business deal>
— shad·i·ly \ˈshād-əl-ē\ adv

— shad·i·ness \ˈshād-ē-nəs\ n

shaft \ˈshaft\ n, pl shafts \ˈshaf(t)s, in sense 1c also ˈshavz\
1 a : the long handle of a weapon (as a spear)  b : 1SPEAR 1, LANCE  c or pl shaves \ˈshavz\ : 1POLE 1; esp : one of two poles between which a horse is hitched to pull a vehicle  d : an arrow especially for a longbow
2 : a narrow beam of light
3 : something suggestive of the shaft of an arrow or spear <the shaft or trunk of a tree>
4 : the handle of a tool or instrument (as a hammer or golf club)
5 : a tall monument (as a column)
6 : an opening or passage straight down through the floors of a building <an air shaft>
7 : a commonly cylindrical bar used to support rotating pieces or to transmit power or motion by rotation
8 : a mine opening for finding or mining ore
9 : the midrib of a feather
10 : the part of a hair that is visible above the surface of the skin

1shag \ˈshag\ n
1 a : a shaggy tangled mass or covering  b : a rug or carpeting with long yarns that do not stand up
2 : a strong coarse tobacco cut into fine shreds

2shag vb shagged; shag·ging
1 : to chase after and return a ball
2 : to catch a ball

shag·bark hickory \ˈshag-ˌbärk-\ n : a hickory of the eastern U.S. and Canada with a gray shaggy outer bark that peels off in long strips — called also shagbark

shag·gy \ˈshag-ē\ adj shag·gi·er; -est
1 : covered with or made up of long, coarse, or tangled growth
2 : having a rough or hairy surface
— shag·gi·ly \ˈshag-ə-lē\ adv

— shag·gi·ness \ˈshag-ē-nəs\ n

shah \ˈshä, ˈshȯ\ n : a ruler of Iran until the 1979 revolution

1shake \ˈshāk\ vb shook \ˈshu̇k\; shak·en \ˈshā-kən\; shak·ing
1 : to move irregularly to and fro : QUIVER, TREMBLE <shaking with cold>
2 : to become unsteady : TOTTER
3 : to cause to move in a usually quick jerky manner
4 : to free oneself from <shake off a cold>
5 : to cause to become weaker <shake one's faith>
6 : to force out of a place by quick jerky movements <shake dust from a blanket>
7 : to clasp (hands) in greeting or as a sign of goodwill or agreement
— shak·able \ˈshā-kə-bəl\ adj

— shake a leg : to hurry up

2shake n
1 : an act of shaking
2 pl : a condition of trembling (as from chill)
3 : something produced by shaking; esp : MILK SHAKE
4 : a very brief period of time <ready in two shakes>
5 pl : one that stands out especially in importance, ability, or merit — usually used in the phrase no great shakes
6 : a long shingle
7 : 3DEAL 2 <a fair shake>

shake·down \ˈshāk-ˌdau̇n\ n : a testing under operating conditions of something new (as a ship) for possible faults or for the operators to become more familiar with it <a shakedown cruise>

shak·er \ˈshā-kər\ n
1 : a utensil or machine used in shaking
2 cap : a member of a religious group originating in England and practicing a communal life

Shake·spear·ean or Shake·spear·ian \shāk-ˈspir-ē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Shakespeare or his writings

shake–up \ˈshā-ˌkəp\ n : an act or instance of shaking up; esp : a reorganization that has extreme effects <lost their jobs in an office shake-up>

shake up \(ˈ)shā-ˈkəp\ vb
1 : to jar by or as if by a physical shock <the accident shook up both drivers> <the news shook us up>
2 : to bring about an extensive reorganization of

sha·ko \ˈshak-ō, ˈshāk-\ n, pl sha·kos or sha·koes : a stiff military cap with a high crown and plume

shaky \ˈshā-kē\ adj shak·i·er; -est
1 a : lacking firmness  b : lacking in authority or reliability : QUESTIONABLE <shaky data>
2 : marked by shaking : TREMBLING
3 : likely to give way or break down
— shak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— shak·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

shale \ˈshā(ə)l\ n : a rock with a fine grain formed from clay, mud, or silt
— shal·ey \ˈshā-lē\ adj

shall \shəl, (ˈ)shal\ helping verb past should \shəd, (ˈ)shu̇d\; present sing & pl shall
1 : am or are going to or expecting to : WILL <I shall write today>
2 : is or are compelled to : MUST <they shall not pass>

shal·lop \ˈshal-əp\ n : a small open boat moved by oars or sails

1shal·low \ˈshal-ō\ adj
1 : having little depth <shallow water>
2 : showing little knowledge, thought, or feeling
— shal·low·ly adv

— shal·low·ness n

2shallow n : a shallow place or area in a body of water — usually used in plural

shalt \shəlt, (ˈ)shalt\ archaic present 2nd singular of SHALL

1sham \ˈsham\ n
1 : a trick that deceives : HOAX
2 : something resembling an article of personal or household linen and used in place of or over it
3 : an imitation or counterfeit giving the impression of being real

2sham vb shammed; sham·ming : to act in a deceiving way

3sham adj : not real : FALSE <sham pearls>

sham·ble \ˈsham-bəl\ vb sham·bled; sham·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to walk awkwardly with dragging feet : SHUFFLE
— shamble n

sham·bles \ˈsham-bəlz\ n sing or pl
1 : a place or state of destruction <the hurricane left the city in a shambles>
2 : a scene or state of disorder or confusion : MESS <this room is a shambles> <an economy in shambles>

1shame \ˈshām\ n
1 a : a painful emotion caused by having done something wrong or improper  b : ability to feel shame <have you no shame?>
2 : 1DISHONOR 1, DISGRACE
3 : something that brings disgrace or causes shame or strong regret
4 : something to be regretted : PITY <it's a shame you'll miss the show>

2shame vb shamed; sham·ing
1 : to bring shame to : DISGRACE
2 : to cause to feel shame
3 : to force by causing to feel guilty <they were shamed into confessing>

shame·faced \ˈshām-ˈfāst\ adj
1 : showing modesty : BASHFUL
2 : showing shame : ASHAMED
— shame·faced·ly \-ˈfā-səd-lē, -ˈfāst-lē\ adv

— shame·faced·ness \-ˈfā-səd-nəs, -ˈfās(t)-nəs\ n
Word History The Old English word scamfæst was formed by a combination of the noun scamu, meaning “shame,” and the adjective fæst, meaning “firmly fixed or bound, fast.” The meaning of scamfæst was “bound by shame” or, more simply, “bashful.” Over the course of many years, Old English scamfæst was changed to modern English shamefaced. The change from -fæst to -faced occurred because many people misunderstood -fæst. They substituted a more familiar word for one they did not know. The belief that bashfulness shows in a person's face probably also influenced the change. [an altered form of earlier shamefast, from Old English scamfæst “bound by shame, bashful,” from scamu “shame” and fæst “fixed, fast”]

shame·ful \ˈshām-fəl\ adj
1 : bringing shame <shameful behavior>
2 : arousing the feeling of shame <a shameful sight>
— shame·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— shame·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

shame·less \ˈshām-ləs\ adj
1 : having no shame
2 : showing lack of shame
— shame·less·ly adv

— shame·less·ness n

1sham·poo \sham-ˈpü\ vb : to wash (as the hair) with soap and water or with a special preparation
— sham·poo·er n

2shampoo n
1 : an act or instance of shampooing
2 : a cleaner used in shampooing

sham·rock \ˈsham-ˌräk\ n : a plant of folk legend with leaves composed of three leaflets that is associated with St. Patrick and Ireland; also : any of several plants (as a clover or a wood sorrel) or their leaves that resemble, are worn to represent, or are held to be the shamrock of legend [from Irish seamróg, literally, “little clover”]

shang·hai \shaŋ-ˈhī\ vb shang·haied; shang·hai·ing
1 : to put aboard a ship by force often with the help of liquor or a drug
2 : to put by threat or force into or as if into a place of detention
3 : to put by trickery into an undesirable position [from Shanghai, a major seaport in China; so called because this method was formerly sometimes used to get sailors for ships sailing to eastern Asia]

shank \ˈshaŋk\ n
1 a : the part of the leg between the knee and the ankle in human beings or a similar part in various other vertebrates  b : a cut of meat (as beef or lamb) from usually the upper part of a leg
2 a : the straight shaft (as of a nail, pin, or fishhook)  b : the narrow part of the sole of a shoe beneath the instep
3 : a part of a tool that connects the acting part with a part by which it is held or moved <the shank of a drill bit> <the shank of a key>
4 : a part of something by which it can be attached: as  a : a part that sticks out on the back of a solid button  b : a short stem of thread that holds a sewn button away from the cloth
— shanked \ˈshaŋ(k)t\ adj

shan't \(ˈ)shant, (ˈ)shȧnt\ : shall not

1shanty variant of CHANTEY

2shan·ty \ˈshant-ē\ n, pl shanties : SHACK, HUT

shan·ty·town \-ˌtau̇n\ n : a usually poor town or section of a town made up mostly of shanties

1shape \ˈshāp\ vb shaped; shap·ing
1 : to give a certain form or shape to <shape the dough into loaves>
2 : to change in shape so as to fit neatly and closely <a hat shaped close to the head>
3 : DEVISE 1, PLAN
4 : to make fit especially for some purpose <shaping the minds of future leaders>
5 : to take on or approach a definite form — often used with up
— shap·er n

2shape n
1 : outward appearance : FORM <the shape of a pearl>
2 : the outline of a body : FIGURE <a square shape>
3 : definite form and arrangement <a plan now taking shape>
4 : something having a certain form
5 : the condition in which something or someone is at a certain time <the car was in poor shape>
— shaped \ˌshāpt\ adj

shape·less \ˈshā-pləs\ adj
1 : having no fixed or regular shape
2 a : deprived of usual or normal shape  b : not shapely
— shape·less·ly adv

— shape·less·ness n

shape·ly \ˈshā-plē\ adj shape·li·er; -est : having a regular or pleasing shape <a shapely figure>
— shape·li·ness n

shape up \(ˈ)shā-ˈpəp\ vb : to improve to a good condition or standard <shape up and start studying>

shard \ˈshärd\ n : a piece or fragment of something brittle (as pottery)

1share \ˈshe(ə)r, ˈsha(ə)r\ n
1 : a portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual
2 : the part given or belonging to one of a number owning something together <sold my share of the business>
3 : any of the equal portions or interests into which the property of a corporation is divided <100 shares of stock>

2share vb shared; shar·ing
1 : to divide and distribute in portions <shared the lunch>
2 : to use, experience, or enjoy with others
3 : to give or be given a share : take a part <share in planning the program>  synonyms see PARTAKE
— shar·er n

share·crop \ˈshe(ə)r-ˌkräp, ˈsha(ə)r-\ vb share·cropped; share·crop·ping : to farm or produce as a sharecropper

share·crop·per \ˈshe(ə)r-ˌkräp-ər, ˈsha(ə)r-\ n : a farmer who works land for the owner in return for a share of the value of the crop

share·hold·er \-ˌhōl-dər\ n : one that owns or holds a share in property; esp : STOCKHOLDER

share·ware \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : software with usually only basic capability which is available for trial use at little or no cost but which can be upgraded for a fee

1shark \ˈshärk\ n : any of numerous marine fishes that have rough grayish skin and a skeleton made of cartilage, that usually prey on other animals and are sometimes dangerous to people, and that include some caught for the oil in their livers or for their hide from which a leather is made
— shark·like \ˈshär-ˌklīk\ adj

2shark n
1 : a sly greedy person who takes advantage of others <a loan shark>
2 : a person who outdoes others especially in a certain area <a shark at arithmetic>

shark·skin \ˈshärk-ˌskin\ n
1 : the hide of a shark or leather made from it
2 : a smooth durable material with small woven designs that looks like the hide of a shark

1sharp \ˈshärp\ adj
1 a : having a thin keen edge or fine point <a sharp knife>  b : briskly cold : NIPPING <sharp biting wind>
2 a : alert in understanding : QUICK-WITTED <a sharp student>  b : having very good ability to see or hear <you have sharp eyes>  c : keen in attention to one's own interest sometimes to the point of being dishonest <a sharp customer>
3 a : full of activity or energy : BRISK <keep up a sharp pace>  b : EAGER <a sharp appetite>
4 a : CURT, ANGRY <a sharp reply>  b : causing intense mental or physical distress <a sharp pain> <sharp criticism>
5 : having a strong odor or flavor <sharp cheese>
6 a : ending in a point or edge <sharp features> <sharp mountain peaks>  b : involving an abrupt change <a sharp turn> <a sharp drop in the temperature>  c : clear in outline or detail : DISTINCT <a sharp image>  d : set forth with clarity and distinctness <sharp contrast>
7 a : higher by a half step than the pitch of the note indicated by the letter name  b : higher than the true pitch
8 : STYLISH, DRESSY
— sharp·ly adv

— sharp·ness n
synonyms SHARP, KEEN, ACUTE, mean having or showing alertness and clear understanding. SHARP suggests quick understanding, cleverness, and sometimes trickery <sharp traders>. KEEN suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a mind of deep understanding <a keen observer of human behavior>. ACUTE suggests the power to think clearly and to see small differences <acute powers of reasoning>.

2sharp adv
1 : in a sharp manner : SHARPLY <sang sharp>
2 : at an exact time <arrive by four o'clock sharp>

3sharp n
1 : a musical note or tone one half step higher than the note or tone indicated by the letter name; also : a character ♯ on a line or space of the staff indicating such a note or tone
2 : a needle with a small eye for sewing by hand

4sharp vb
1 : to raise in pitch especially by a half step
2 : to sing or play above the true pitch

sharp·en \ˈshär-pən\ vb sharp·ened; sharp·en·ing \ˈshärp-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to make or become sharp or sharper <sharpen a pencil> <a better lens sharpened the image> <pain that suddenly sharpened>
2 : IMPROVE <sharpen one's skills>
— sharp·en·er \ˈshärp-(ə-)nər\ n

sharp·er \ˈshär-pər\ n : 2CHEAT 2, SWINDLER

sharp–eyed \ˈshär-ˈpīd\ adj : having keen sight; also : keen in observing or seeing through <a sharp-eyed hiker spotted the rare bird>

sharp·shoot·er \ˈshärp-ˌshüt-ər\ n : one skilled in shooting : a good marksman
— sharp·shoot·ing \-ˌshüt-iŋ\ n

sharp–wit·ted \ˈshärp-ˈwit-əd\ adj : having or showing a quick keen mind

shat·ter \ˈshat-ər\ vb
1 : to break or fall to pieces <the window shattered>
2 : to damage badly : RUIN, WRECK <the bad news will shatter their morale>

shat·ter·proof \ˌshat-ər-ˈprüf\ adj : made so as not to shatter <shatterproof glass>

shat·ters \ˈshat-ərz\ n pl : broken pieces <the vase lay in shatters>

1shave \ˈshāv\ vb shaved; shaved or shav·en \ˈshā-vən\; shav·ing
1 a : to cut off in thin layers or shreds  b : to cut off closely
2 a : to cut the hair from (as the head) close to the roots  b : to cut off hair or beard close to the skin
3 : to come close to or touch lightly in passing <the tire shaved the curb>

2shave n
1 : a tool for shaving or cutting thin slices
2 : an act or process of shaving especially the beard
3 : a narrow escape <a close shave>

shav·er \ˈshā-vər\ n
1 : a person who shaves
2 : a tool or machine for shaving; esp : an electric-powered razor
3 : BOY 1, YOUNGSTER

shaves plural of SHAFT

shav·ing \ˈshā-viŋ\ n
1 : the act of one that shaves
2 : something shaved off <wood shavings>

1shawl \ˈshȯl\ n : a square or oblong piece of woven or knitted fabric used especially as a covering for the head or shoulders

2shawl vb : to wrap in or as if in a shawl

Shaw·nee \shȯ-ˈnē, shä-\ n : a member of an American Indian people originally of the central Ohio valley

shay \ˈshā\ n, chiefly dialect : a two-wheeled carriage; esp : CHAISE

1she \(ˈ)shē\ pron : that female one <she is my wife>

2she \ˈshē\ n : a female person or animal — often used in combination <she-cat>

sheaf \ˈshēf\ n, pl sheaves \ˈshēvz\
1 : a bundle of stalks and ears of grain
2 : a group of things often fastened together and resembling a sheaf of grain <a sheaf of arrows> <a sheaf of papers>
— sheaf·like \ˈshē-ˌflīk\ adj

1shear \ˈshi(ə)r\ vb sheared; sheared or shorn \ˈshō(ə)rn, ˈshȯ(ə)rn\; shear·ing
1 : to cut the hair or wool from <shearing sheep>
2 : to deprive of by or as if by cutting off <shorn of power>
3 : to become divided under the action of a shear <the bolt may shear off>
— shear·er n

2shear n
1 a : a cutting tool similar or identical to a pair of scissors but typically larger — usually used in plural  b : any of various cutting tools or machines operating by the action of opposed cutting edges of metal — usually used in plural
2 : an action or force that causes or tends to cause two parts of a body to slide on each other in a direction parallel to their plane of contact

shear·wa·ter \ˈshi(ə)r-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n : any of numerous marine birds related to the petrels and albatrosses that often skim close to the water during flight

sheath \ˈshēth\ n, pl sheaths \ˈshēthz, ˈshēths\
1 : a case for a blade (as of a knife)
2 : a covering especially of a body part that is like a sheath in form or use

sheathe \ˈshēth\ vb sheathed; sheath·ing
1 : to put into a sheath <sheathe your sword>
2 : to cover with something that protects <sheathe a ship's bottom with copper>
— sheath·er n

sheath·ing \ˈshē-thiŋ, -thiŋ\ n : material used to sheathe something; esp : the first covering of boards or of waterproof material on the outside wall of a frame house or on a timber roof

sheath knife n : a knife having a fixed blade and designed to be carried in a sheath

1sheave \ˈshiv, ˈshēv\ n : a grooved wheel : PULLEY

2sheave \ˈshēv\ vb sheaved; sheav·ing : to gather and bind into a sheaf

she·bang \shi-ˈbaŋ\ n : everything involved that is under consideration — usually used in the phrase the whole shebang

1shed \ˈshed\ vb shed; shed·ding
1 : to keep out : REPEL <raincoats shed water>
2 a : to cause (blood) to flow from a cut or wound  b : to pour forth in drops <shed tears>  c : to give off or out <the sun sheds light and heat>
3 a : to cast (as a natural covering) aside <a snake sheds its skin>  b : to let fall (as leaves)
4 : to rid oneself of : DISCARD <shed extra pounds>
— shed·der n

2shed n : a structure built for shelter or storage

she'd \(ˌ)shēd\ : she had : she would

sheen \ˈshēn\ n : a bright or shining condition <the sheen of satin>

sheep \ˈshēp\ n, pl sheep
1 : any of various cud-chewing mammals that are stockier than the related goats and lack a beard in the male; esp : one raised for its wool, skin, or flesh
2 : a weak helpless person who is easily led

sheep·dog \ˈshēp-ˌdȯg\ n : a dog used to tend, drive, or guard sheep

sheep·fold \ˈshēp-ˌfōld\ n : a pen or shelter for sheep

sheep·herd·er \ˈshēp-ˌhərd-ər\ n : a worker in charge of a flock of sheep
— sheep·herd·ing \-ˌhərd-iŋ\ n

sheep·ish \ˈshē-pish\ adj
1 : resembling a sheep (as in being meek or shy)
2 : embarrassed especially over being found out in a fault <a sheepish look>
— sheep·ish·ly adv

— sheep·ish·ness n

sheeps·head \ˈshēps-ˌhed\ n : any of several fishes; esp : a food fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. with broad front teeth

sheep·skin \ˈshēp-ˌskin\ n
1 : the skin of a sheep or leather made from it
2 : DIPLOMA

1sheer \ˈshi(ə)r\ adj
1 : very thin or transparent <sheer stockings>
2 a : being such to the fullest degree : UTTER <sheer nonsense>  b : taken or acting apart from everything else <by sheer force>
3 : very steep : being almost straight up and down <a sheer drop to the sea> [from earlier sheer “shining,” from Middle English sheer “freed from guilt,” probably from an early Norse word skærr “pure”]  synonyms see STEEP
— sheer·ly adv

— sheer·ness n

2sheer adv
1 : in a complete manner : ALTOGETHER
2 : straight up or down with no break : PERPENDICULARLY

3sheer vb : to swerve from a course [perhaps an altered form of shear “to cut, cut off”]

4sheer n : a turn or change in the course of a ship

1sheet \ˈshēt\ n
1 : a broad piece of cloth (as an article of bedding used next to the body)
2 a : a usually rectangular piece of paper  b : an unbound page of a book — usually used in plural  c : a newspaper, magazine, or occasional publication <a gossip sheet>  d : the unseparated postage stamps printed by one impression of a plate on a single piece of paper; also : PANE 2
3 : a broad surface of something <a sheet of ice>
4 : a portion of something that is thin in comparison to its length and width <a sheet of iron> [Old English scēte, scīete “broad piece of cloth, sheet”]
— sheet·like adj

2sheet vb : to cover with a sheet : SHROUD

3sheet n : a rope or chain that regulates the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind [Old English scēata “lower corner of a sail”]

sheet·ing \ˈshēt-iŋ\ n : material in the form of sheets or suitable for forming into sheets

sheet metal n : metal in the form of a sheet

sheet music n : music printed on unbound sheets of paper

Sheet·rock \ˈshēt-ˌräk\ trademark — used for drywall

sheikh or sheik \ˈshēk, for sense 1 also ˈshāk\ n
1 a : an Arab leader, ruler, or prince  b : a leader of a Muslim organization or group
2 usually sheik : a man supposed to be irresistibly attractive to romantic young women
— sheik·dom \-dəm\ n

shek·el \ˈshek-əl\ n
1 : an ancient unit of weight or value; esp : a Hebrew unit equal to about 252 grains troy (about 16.3 grams)
2 : a coin weighing one shekel
3 : the basic unit of money of Israel

shelf \ˈshelf\ n, pl shelves \ˈshelvz\
1 : a flat piece (as of wood or metal) set parallel to and above a floor (as on a wall or in a bookcase) to hold objects
2 : something (as a sandbar or ledge of rock) that suggests a shelf
— shelf·like \ˈshel-ˌflīk\ adj

— on the shelf : in a state of idleness or uselessness

shelf fungus n : BRACKET FUNGUS

shelf life n : the period of time something may be stored and still be good enough to use

1shell \ˈshel\ n
1 a : a hard stiff covering of an animal (as a turtle or beetle)  b : the outer covering of an egg (as of a bird or reptile)
2 : the outer covering of a nut, fruit, or seed especially when hard or tough
3 : shell material or shells especially of mollusks
4 : something like a shell: as  a : a framework or outside structure  b : a bottom crust for a pie <a pastry shell>  c : a concrete arched roof (as over an outdoor stage) <a band shell>
5 : a way of behaving that hides one's feelings <coming out of one's shell>
6 : a shell-bearing mollusk
7 : a narrow light racing boat rowed by one or more persons using long oars
8 a : an object filled with an explosive to be shot from cannon  b : a metal or paper case holding the explosive charge and shot or bullet used in small arms
— shell adj

2shell vb
1 a : to remove from a natural enclosing cover (as a shell or husk) : SHUCK <shell peas>  b : to remove the grains from (as an ear of corn)
2 : to shoot shells at or upon
3 : to fall out of the pod or husk
4 : to collect shells (as from a beach)

she'll \(ˌ)shē(ə)l, shil\ : she shall : she will

1shel·lac \shə-ˈlak\ n
1 : purified lac
2 : a preparation of lac dissolved in alcohol and used as a wood filler or finish

2shellac vb shel·lacked; shel·lack·ing : to coat or treat with shellac

shel·lack·ing \shə-ˈlak-iŋ\ n : a lopsided defeat

shell bean n
1 : a bean grown primarily for its edible seeds — compare SNAP BEAN
2 : the edible seed of a bean

shelled \ˈsheld\ adj
1 : having a shell especially of a specified kind <pink-shelled> <hard-shelled>
2 a : having the shell removed <shelled nuts> <shelled oysters>  b : removed from the cob <shelled corn>

shell·fish \ˈshel-ˌfish\ n : an invertebrate animal that lives in water and has a shell; esp : an edible mollusk (as an oyster) or crustacean (as a crab)

shell shock n : any of numerous nervous conditions appearing in soldiers exposed to modern warfare

shell–shocked \ˈshel-ˌshäkt\ adj
1 : affected with shell shock
2 : mentally confused, upset, or exhausted as the result of being under too much stress

shelly \ˈshel-ē\ adj shell·i·er; -est
1 : full of or covered with shells and especially seashells <a shelly beach>
2 : consisting of a shell or shells <a crab's shelly home>

1shel·ter \ˈshel-tər\ n
1 a : something that covers or protects <an air raid shelter> <a fallout shelter>  b : a place that provides food and lodging (as to the homeless)  c : a place that houses and feeds stray or unwanted animals
2 : the state of being protected <take shelter from a storm>

2shelter vb shel·tered; shel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to be a shelter for : provide with shelter
2 : to find and use a shelter

shelve \ˈshelv\ vb shelved; shelv·ing
1 : to place on a shelf <shelve books>
2 : to put off or aside : DEFER <shelve a project>
— shelv·er n

shelv·ing \ˈshel-viŋ\ n : material to make shelves from; also : the shelves themselves

she·nan·i·gans \shə-ˈnan-i-gənz\ n pl : funny or mischievous activity

1shep·herd \ˈshep-ərd\ n
1 : a person who takes care of sheep
2 : GERMAN SHEPHERD

2shepherd vb : to care for as or as if a shepherd

shep·herd·ess \ˈshep-ərd-əs\ n : a woman who takes care of sheep

shepherd's check n : a pattern of small black-and-white checks especially in a fabric

sher·bet \ˈshər-bət\ n : a frozen dessert of fruit juice to which milk, egg white, or gelatin is added before freezing

sher·iff \ˈsher-əf\ n : an official of a county who is in charge of enforcing the law [Middle English shirreve “sheriff,” from Old English scīrgerēfa “sheriff,” from scīr “shire, county” and gerēfa “a government agent”]

sher·pa \ˈshe(ə)r-pə, ˈshər-\ n : a member of a people living on the high southern slopes of the Himalayas who are known for providing support for foreign trekkers and mountain climbers

sher·ry \ˈsher-ē\ n, pl sherries : a wine with a nutty flavor
Word History It is common to name wines after the part of a country where they are made. The wine called sherry today was first made in a town originally called, in Spanish, Xeres. The English approximation of the Spanish pronunciation was \ˈsher-ēz\, spelled sherris. After a time, people thought that sherris was a plural and so made a singular form, sherry, by cutting off the supposed plural ending. The \sh\ sound symbolized by x in Spanish (later by j) changed to a \ḵ\ or \h\, so that the modern Spanish pronunciation of Jerez is even less like English sherry. [named for Xeres (now spelled Jerez), a city in Spain where the wine was originally made]

she's \(ˌ)shēz\ : she is : she has

Shet·land pony \ˌshet-lən(d)-\ n : any of a breed of small strong short-legged ponies developed in the Shetland Islands and having a thick coat and long mane and tail

Shetland sheepdog n : any of a breed of small dogs that have a long thick coat and look like miniature collies

Shia or Shi·'a \ˈshē-(ˌ)ä\ n, pl Shia or Shi'a also Shi·as or Shi·'as
1 : one of the two main branches of Islam
2 : a Muslim who is a member of the Shia branch of Islam : SHIITE

shib·bo·leth \ˈshib-ə-ləth also -ˌleth\ n
1 a : a slogan especially of a party or group  b : an idea or saying that is commonly believed
2 : some behavior or use of language that identifies a person as belonging to a group

shied past and past participle of SHY

1shield \ˈshē(ə)ld\ n
1 : a broad piece of armor carried on the arm to protect oneself in battle
2 : something that serves as a defense or protection
3 : the ancient mass of hard rock that forms the core of a continent

2shield vb : to cover or screen with or as if with a shield

shield volcano n : a broad rounded volcano that is built up from many layers of lava

shier comparative of SHY

shies plural of SHY

shiest superlative of SHY

1shift \ˈshift\ vb
1 : to exchange for another of the same kind
2 a : to change the place, position, or direction of  b : to make a change in place, position, or direction <the wind shifted>  c : to change the gear rotating the transmission shaft of an automobile
3 : to get along without help : FEND <left the others to shift for themselves>

2shift n
1 : a means or device for getting something done
2 a : 2SLIP 5A  b : CHEMISE 2
3 : the act of shifting
4 : a group of workers who work together during a scheduled period of time; also : the period of time during which they work
5 : GEARSHIFT

shift·er \ˈshif-tər\ n : one that shifts; esp : GEARSHIFT

shift key n : a key on a keyboard that when pressed allows a different set of characters to be produced by the other keys

shift·less \ˈshif(t)-ləs\ adj : lacking in ambition : LAZY
— shift·less·ly adv

— shift·less·ness n

shifty \ˈshif-tē\ adj shift·i·er; -est
1 : not worthy of trust : TRICKY
2 : indicating a tricky character <shifty eyes>
— shift·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— shift·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

Shi·ite or Shi·'ite \ˈshē-ˌīt\ n, pl -ites or -'ites : a Muslim who is a member of the Shia branch of Islam

shil·le·lagh \shə-ˈlā-lē\ n : 1CUDGEL [named for Shillelagh, a town in Ireland noted for its oak trees]

shil·ling \ˈshil-iŋ\ n
1 : a former unit of British money equal to 1/20 pound
2 : a coin equal to 1/20 pound in any of several countries of the Commonwealth of Nations
3 : any of several early American coins
4 a : the basic unit of money of Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda  b : a coin representing this unit

shilly–shally \ˈshil-ē-ˌshal-ē\ vb shilly–shal·lied; shilly–shal·ly·ing : to be unable to make up one's mind : show hesitation

shim·mer \ˈshim-ər\ vb shim·mered; shim·mer·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to shine with a wavering light : GLIMMER
— shimmer n

1shin \ˈshin\ n : the front part of the leg below the knee

2shin vb shinned; shin·ning : SHINNY

shin·bone \ˈshin-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn\ n : TIBIA 1

shin·dig \ˈshin-ˌdig\ n : a big fancy party

shin·dy \ˈshin-dē\ n, pl shindies : 4ROW

1shine \ˈshīn\ vb shone \ˈshōn\ or shined; shin·ing
1 : to give light <the stars shone brightly>
2 : to be glossy : GLEAM <polished the buttons until they shone like gold>
3 : to be outstanding : show talent <on stage where I could really shine>
4 : to cause to give light <shine a flashlight>
5 : to make bright by polishing <shined my shoes>

2shine n
1 : brightness from light given off or reflected
2 : fair weather : SUNSHINE <rain or shine>
3 : LIKING, FANCY <took a shine to them>
4 : a polish given to shoes

shin·er \ˈshī-nər\ n
1 : one that shines
2 : a silvery fish; esp : any of numerous small freshwater American fishes related to the carp
3 : BLACK EYE

1shin·gle \ˈshiŋ-gəl\ n
1 : a small thin piece of building material for laying in overlapping rows as a covering for the roof or sides of a building
2 : a small sign
3 : a woman's short haircut
— shin·gle·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2shingle vb shin·gled; shin·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to cover with or as if with shingles
2 : to cut and shape the hair in a shingle

shin·ing \ˈshī-niŋ\ adj
1 : giving forth or reflecting a steady light : GLOWING
2 : OUTSTANDING 2 <a shining example>  synonyms see BRIGHT
— shin·ing·ly adv

shin·ny \ˈshin-ē\ vb shin·nied; shin·ny·ing : to climb up or down something vertical by grasping it with the arms and legs and moving oneself by repeated jerks <shinnied up the pole>

Shin·to \ˈshin-tō\ n : a religion native to Japan

shiny \ˈshī-nē\ adj shin·i·er; -est : having a smooth glossy surface <a shiny new car>

1ship \ˈship\ n
1 : a large seagoing boat
2 : a ship's crew
3 : AIRSHIP, AIRPLANE, SPACECRAFT

2ship vb shipped; ship·ping
1 a : to place or receive on board a ship for transportation by water  b : to cause to be transported <had her boxes shipped home>
2 : to take into a ship or boat <ship oars>
3 : to sign on as a crew member of a ship
4 : to take in (as water) over the side

-ship \ˌship\ n suffix
1 : state : condition : quality <friendship> <apprenticeship>
2 : position : office : duties <professorship>
3 : art : skill : activity <horsemanship> <penmanship>
4 : one having or entitled to be called by a (specified) title <his Lordship> <her Ladyship>
5 : the whole body of persons included in a class <a large readership> [Old English -scipe “condition, something having a certain quality”]

1ship·board \ˈship-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : the side of a ship
2 : 1SHIP 1 <met on shipboard>

2shipboard adj : existing or taken place on board a ship <a shipboard romance>

ship·build·er \-ˌbil-dər\ n : one who designs or builds ships
— ship·build·ing \-diŋ\ n

ship·load \-ˈlōd, -ˌlōd\ n : as much or as many as a ship will hold <a shipload of corn> <shiploads of immigrants>

ship·mate \-ˌmāt\ n : a fellow sailor

ship·ment \ˈship-mənt\ n
1 : the act of shipping
2 : the goods shipped

ship·pa·ble \ˈship-ə-bəl\ adj : suitable for shipping

ship·per \ˈship-ər\ n : one who ships goods

ship·ping \ˈship-iŋ\ n
1 : the body of ships in one place or belonging to one port or country
2 : the act or business of one that ships goods

ship·shape \ˈship-ˈshāp\ adj : being neat and orderly : TIDY

ship·worm \-ˌwərm\ n : any of various marine clams that have a wormlike body and a shell used for burrowing in underwater wood and that cause damage to ships and wharves

1ship·wreck \-ˌrek\ n
1 : a wrecked ship
2 : the destruction or loss of a ship

2shipwreck vb
1 : to cause to experience shipwreck <a storm that shipwrecked the sailors>
2 : to destroy (a ship) by driving ashore or sinking

ship·yard \ˈship-ˌyärd\ n : a place where ships are built or repaired

shire \ˈshī(ə)r, in place-name compounds ˌshi(ə)r, shər\ n
1 : a county in England
2 : any of a British breed of tall draft horses

shirk \ˈshərk\ vb : to get out of doing especially what one ought to do : AVOID 3, EVADE <shirked their duty>
— shirk·er n

shirr \ˈshər\ vb
1 : to draw cloth together in a shirring
2 : to cook eggs removed from the shell by baking

shirr·ing \ˈshər-iŋ\ n : a decorative gathering (as of cloth) made by drawing up the material along two or more parallel lines of stitching

shirt \ˈshərt\ n
1 : a garment for the upper part of the body usually with a collar, sleeves, a front opening, and a tail long enough to be tucked inside pants or a skirt
2 : UNDERSHIRT

shirt·sleeve \-ˌslēv\ n : the sleeve of a shirt
— in shirtsleeves : wearing a shirt but no coat

shirt·tail \-ˌtāl\ n : the part of a shirt that reaches below the waist especially in the back

shirt·waist \-ˌwāst\ n : a woman's tailored garment (as a dress or blouse) with details copied from men's shirts

shirty \ˈshərt-ē\ adj, chiefly British : being annoyed : ANGRY

shish ke·bab \ˈshish-kə-ˌbäb\ n : cubes of meat marinated and cooked on skewers

1shiv·er \ˈshiv-ər\ n : one of the small pieces into which a brittle thing is broken by great force [Middle English shiver “a small piece of something that is broken”]

2shiver vb shiv·ered; shiv·er·ing \ˈshiv-(ə-)riŋ\ : to break into many small pieces : SHATTER

3shiver vb shiv·ered; shiv·er·ing \ˈshiv-(ə-)riŋ\ : to shake involuntarily (as from cold or fear) [Middle English shiveren, an altered form of chiveren “to tremble, shiver”]

4shiver n
1 : an instance of shivering
2 : a thrill of emotion and especially of fear — usually used in plural with the <a ghost story that would give you the shivers>

shiv·ery \ˈshiv-(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : marked by shivers
2 : causing shivers

shlemiel variant of SCHLEMIEL

shmooze variant of SCHMOOZE

1shoal \ˈshōl\ adj : 1SHALLOW 1 <shoal water> [Old English sceald “shallow”]

2shoal n
1 : a place where a sea, lake, or river is shallow
2 : a sandbank or sandbar just below the surface of the water

3shoal n : 3SCHOOL <a shoal of pilot fish> [Old English scolu “great number”]

shoat \ˈshōt\ n : a young hog and especially one that has been weaned

1shock \ˈshäk\ n : a bunch of sheaves of grain or stalks of corn set on end (as in a field) [Middle English shock “bunch of stalks”]

2shock n
1 : the sudden violent collision of bodies in a fight <the shock of combat>
2 : a violent shake or jerk <an earthquake shock>
3 a : a sudden or violent disturbance of the mind or feelings <the shock of defeat>  b : something that causes such a disturbance <the news came as a shock>  c : a state of being so disturbed <were in shock when they heard the true story>
4 : a state of bodily collapse that is often marked by a drop in blood pressure and volume and that is usually caused by a severe injury, burn, or hemorrhage
5 : the effect of a strong charge of electricity passing through the body of a person or animal [from early French choc “a violent collision, shock,” from choquer (verb) “to strike against,” from earlier choquier (same meaning); probably of Germanic origin]

3shock vb
1 : to strike with surprise, horror, or disgust <were shocked by her behavior>
2 : to affect by electrical shock
3 : to drive into or out of by or as if by a shock <shocked the public into action>
— shock·er n

4shock n : a thick bushy mass <a shock of hair> [from earlier shock (adjective) “bushy,” probably derived from shock (noun) “a bunch of stalks” because of the similarity of the appearance of bushy hair to a bunch of stalks of grain]

shock absorber n : a device for absorbing the energy of sudden shocks in machinery or structures

shock·ing adj : causing horror or disgust <a shocking crime> <shocking behavior>
— shock·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

shock·proof \ˈshäk-ˌprüf\ adj
1 : incapable of being shocked
2 a : resistant to damage by shock  b : unlikely to cause shock <a shockproof switch>

shock wave n : a wave formed by the sudden compression (as by an earthquake or supersonic aircraft) of the substance through which the wave travels

shod·dy \ˈshäd-ē\ adj shod·di·er; -est : poorly done or made <shoddy construction> <shoddy furniture>
— shod·di·ly \ˈshäd-əl-ē\ adv

— shod·di·ness \ˈshäd-ē-nəs\ n

1shoe \ˈshü\ n
1 a : an outer covering for the human foot usually having a thick and somewhat stiff sole and heel and a lighter upper part  b : HORSESHOE 1
2 pl : another's place or point of view <suppose you were in your friend's shoes>
3 : the part of a brake that presses on the wheel of a vehicle

2shoe vb shod \ˈshäd\ also shoed \ˈshüd\; shoe·ing \ˈshü-iŋ\ : to put a shoe on : furnish with shoes; esp : to put a shoe or shoes on a horse

shoe·horn \-ˌhȯrn\ n : a curved piece (as of metal) to help in putting on a shoe

shoe·lace \-ˌlās\ n : a lace or string for fastening a shoe

shoe·mak·er \-ˌmā-kər\ n : a person who makes or repairs shoes

shoe·string \-ˌstriŋ\ n
1 : SHOELACE
2 : a small sum of money <start a business on a shoestring>

shoe tree n : a foot-shaped device that can be put into a shoe to preserve its shape

sho·gun \ˈshō-gən\ n : any of a line of military governors ruling Japan until the revolution of 1867–68

shone past and past participle of SHINE

shoo \ˈshü\ vb : to scare, drive, or send away by or as if by crying shoo <shooed everyone out of the kitchen>

shoo·fly pie \ˈshü-ˌflī-\ n : a pie made of molasses or brown sugar with a crumbly topping

shoo–in \ˈshü-ˌin\ n : one that is a certain and easy winner

shook past of SHAKE

shook–up \ˌshu̇k-ˈəp\ adj : nervously upset : AGITATED

1shoot \ˈshüt\ vb shot \ˈshät\; shoot·ing
1 a : to let fly or cause to be driven forward with force <shoot an arrow>  b : to cause a missile to be driven out of <shoot a gun>  c : to cause a weapon to discharge a missile <shoot at a target>
2 a : to send (a marble) forward by snapping the thumb  b : to hit or throw (as a ball or puck) toward a goal  c : to score by shooting <shoot a basket>  d : 2PLAY 5A <shoot pool>
3 : to strike with a missile from a bow or gun; esp : to kill by so doing <shot a deer>
4 : to push or slide into or out of a fastening <shot the door bolt>
5 a : to push or thrust forward swiftly <lizards shooting out their tongues>  b : to grow rapidly <the corn is shooting up>
6 a : to go, move, or pass rapidly <they shot past on skis>  b : to pass swiftly along <shoot the rapids in a canoe>  c : to stream out suddenly : SPURT  d : to dart with a piercing sensation <shooting pains>
7 : to take the altitude of <shoot the sun with a sextant>
8 : to take a picture or series of pictures or television images of
— shoot·er n

— shoot at or shoot for : to try to accomplish : strive for

— shoot the breeze : 1TALK 5A, CHAT

— shoot the works : to put forth all one's efforts

2shoot n
1 a : a plant stem with its leaves and branches especially when not yet mature  b : OFFSHOOT 1
2 a : an act of shooting  b : a hunting trip or party  c : a shooting match

shooting star n : a meteor appearing as a temporary streak of light in the night sky

shoot–out \ˈshüt-ˌau̇t\ n : a battle fought with handguns or rifles

1shop \ˈshäp\ n
1 : a place of business : OFFICE
2 a : a building or room where goods are sold retail  b also shoppe \ˈshäp\ : a small store offering a specialized line of goods <a gift shop>
3 : a place where workers are doing a particular kind of work especially with machinery <a print shop>
4 a : a school laboratory equipped for industrial arts education  b : INDUSTRIAL ARTS <take shop as a freshman> <metal shop>
5 : SHOPTALK <talk shop>

2shop vb shopped; shop·ping
1 : to visit shops for the purpose of looking over and buying goods
2 : to look for the best buy <shop around for a new car>
— shop·per n

shop·keep·er \ˈshäp-ˌkē-pər\ n : STOREKEEPER 2

shop·lift \-ˌlift\ vb : to steal merchandise on display in stores

shop·lift·er \-ˌlif-tər\ n : a person who shoplifts

shopping center n : a group of retail stores and service establishments usually located in a suburban area and having a large parking lot

shopping mall n : MALL 3

shop·talk \ˈshäp-ˌtȯk\ n : talk about or related to one's work or special interests

shop·worn \-ˌwō(ə)rn, -ˌwȯ(ə)rn\ adj
1 : faded or soiled from being too long in a store
2 : stale from too much use of familiarity <shopworn suggestions>

1shore \ˈshō(ə)r, ˈshȯ(ə)r\ n : the land along the edge of a body of water (as the sea) [Middle English shore “the land on the edge of a body of water”]

2shore vb shored; shor·ing : to support with one or more bracing timbers <shore up a house foundation> [Middle English shoren “to support, brace”]

3shore n : a prop or support placed under or against something to support it

shore·bird \ˈshō(ə)r-ˌbərd, ˈshȯ(ə)r-\ n : any of a group of birds (as a plover or sandpiper) that frequent the seashore

shore·line \-ˌlīn\ n : the line where a body of water touches the shore

shore patrol n : a branch of a navy with guard and police functions

shore·ward \ˈshō(ə)r-wərd, ˈshȯ(ə)r-\ or shore·wards \-wərdz\ adv : toward the shore

shor·ing \ˈshōr-iŋ, ˈshȯr-\ n : a group of things that shore something up

shorn past participle of SHEAR

1short \ˈshȯ(ə)rt\ adj
1 : having little length or height : not long or tall
2 a : not long in time : BRIEF <a short delay>  b : not great in distance <a short walk>
3 : not remembering for long <a short memory>
4 : of, relating to, or being one of the vowel sounds \ə, a, e, i, u̇\ and sometimes \ä\ and \ȯ\
5 a : not coming up to the regular standard or to what is needed <gave short measure> <in short supply>  b : not reaching far enough <the throw was short>  c : not having enough <short of cash>
6 : easily upset <has a short temper>
7 : FLAKY 2, CRUMBLY
8 : cut down to a brief length <a short tax form> <“doc” is short for “doctor”>
— short·ish \-ish\ adj

— in short order : with speed and promptness

2short adv
1 : with suddenness <stopped short>
2 : so as not to reach as far as expected <fell short of the mark>

3short n
1 : a short signal or sound (as in Morse Code)
2 pl  a : pants that reach to the knees or not as far as the knees  b : short underpants
3 : SHORT CIRCUIT
— for short : as an abbreviation <named Katherine or Kate for short>

— in short : as a brief summary

4short vb : SHORT-CIRCUIT

short·age \ˈshȯrt-ij\ n : a lack in the amount needed : DEFICIT <a shortage of cash> <a gasoline shortage>

short·bread \ˈshȯrt-ˌbred\ n : a cookie made of flour, sugar, and lots of shortening

short·cake \-ˌkāk\ n : a dessert made of rich biscuit dough baked and served with sweetened fruit <strawberry shortcake>

short·change \-ˈchānj\ vb
1 : to give less than the correct amount of change to
2 : to give less than due : CHEAT

short–cir·cuit \-ˈsər-kət\ vb : to make a short circuit in or have a short circuit

short circuit n : an electrical connection made between points in an electric circuit between which current does not normally flow

short·com·ing \ˈshȯrt-ˌkəm-iŋ, (ˈ)shȯrt-ˈkəm-\ n : 1FAULT 1B

1short·cut \ˈshȯrt-ˌkət, -ˈkət\ n : a shorter, quicker, or easier way <a shortcut through the woods> <a shortcut to fame>

2shortcut vb -cut; -cut·ting : to take or use a shortcut

short division n : mathematical division in which the steps are performed one after another without writing out the remainders

short·en \ˈshȯrt-ən\ vb short·ened; short·en·ing \ˈshȯrt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to make or become short or shorter
2 : to add shortening to (as pastry dough)
— short·en·er \-nər, -ən-ər\ n

short·en·ing \ˈshȯrt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ n
1 : a making or becoming short or shorter
2 : a fat (as butter or lard) used in baking especially to make pastry flaky or crumbly

short fuse n : a tendency to get angry easily

short–haired \ˈshȯrt-ˌha(ə)rd, -ˌhe(ə)rd\ adj : having short hair or fur <a short-haired cat>

short·hand \ˈshȯrt-ˌhand\ n
1 : a method of rapid writing by using symbols for sounds, words, or phrases
2 : a short or quick way of showing or saying something
— shorthand adj

short·hand·ed \-ˈhan-dəd\ adj : having or working with fewer than the usual number of people

short–haul \-ˌhȯl\ adj : traveling or involving a short distance <short-haul flights>

short·horn \-ˌhȯ(ə)rn\ n : any of a breed of roan, red, white, or red and white beef and dairy cattle that have short horns and were originally developed in England

short–horned grasshopper \ˌshȯrt-ˌhȯrn(d)-\ n : any of a family of grasshoppers with short antennae

short hundredweight n : HUNDREDWEIGHT 1

short–lived \ˈshȯrt-ˈlīvd, -ˌlivd\ adj : living or lasting only a short time <short-lived blooms> <short-lived joy>

short·ly \ˈshȯrt-lē\ adv
1 : in a few words : BRIEFLY
2 : in or within a short time : SOON <will arrive shortly> <shortly after sunset>

short·ness \ˈshȯrt-nəs\ n : the quality or state of being short <shortness of breath>

short–order \ˌshȯrt-ˌȯrd-ər\ adj : preparing or serving food that can be cooked quickly when a customer orders it <a short-order cook>

short–range \-ˈrānj\ adj
1 : involving or taking into account only a short period of time <short-range plans>
2 : relating to or fit for short distances <short-range radar>

short shrift n : little or no attention or consideration <gave the problem short shrift>

short·sight·ed \ˈshȯrt-ˈsīt-əd\ adj
1 : NEARSIGHTED
2 : showing a failure to think ahead : lacking foresight <a shortsighted policy>
— short·sight·ed·ly adv

— short·sight·ed·ness n

short·stop \ˈshȯrt-ˌstäp\ n : the baseball infielder whose position is between second and third base

short story n : a short work of fiction usually dealing with a few characters and a single event

short–tem·pered \ˈshȯrt-ˈtem-pərd\ adj : easily angered

short–term \-ˈtərm\ adj : SHORT-RANGE <short-term goals>

short ton n : a unit of weight equal to 2000 pounds — see MEASURE TABLE

short·wave \ˈshȯrt-ˈwāv\ n : a radio wave with a wavelength between 10 and 100 meters

Sho·shone \shə-ˈshōn(-ē), ˈshō-ˌshōn\ or Sho·sho·ni \shə-ˈshō-nē\ n, pl Shoshones or Shoshoni also Shoshone or Shoshonis : a member of a group of American Indian peoples of California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming

1shot \ˈshät\ n
1 a : an action of shooting  b : an aimed discharge of a weapon (as a gun or cannon)  c : a stroke or throw in a game; esp : an attempt at scoring  d : an injection of something (as a medicine or vaccine) into the body <penicillin shots>
2 a pl shot : something sent by shooting; esp : small lead or steel pellets forming a charge for a shotgun  b : a heavy metal ball thrown for distance in the shot put
3 : the flight of a missile or the distance it travels : RANGE <within rifle shot>
4 : a person who shoots <a good shot>
5 a : 2ATTEMPT 1, TRY <take another shot at the puzzle>  b : CHANCE <has a good shot at winning>
6 a : 1PHOTOGRAPH  b : a single portion of a movie or a television program shot by one camera without stopping
7 a : a small measure or amount of alcoholic liquor  b : a small amount applied at one time : DOSE

2shot past and past participle of SHOOT

3shot adj
1 : marked or streaked with a different color <blue shot with silver> <hair shot with gray>
2 : brought to a state of ruin or uselessness <my nerves were shot> <the tires are shot>

shot·gun \ˈshät-ˌgən\ n : a firearm used to fire small shot at short range

shot put n : a field event in which a heavy metal ball is heaved for distance
— shot–put·ter \-ˌpu̇t-ər\ n

should \shəd, (ˈ)shu̇d\ past of SHALL
1 : ought to <you should study harder> <they should be here soon>
2 : happen to <if you should see them, say hello for me>
3 — used to express what is probable or expected <they should be here by now>
4 — used as a more polite or less assured form of shall <should I turn out the lights?>

1shoul·der \ˈshōl-dər\ n
1 : the part of the body of a person or animal where the arm or foreleg joins the body
2 : a cut of meat including the upper joint of the foreleg and attached parts
3 : the part of a garment at the wearer's shoulder
4 : a part that resembles a person's shoulder <shoulder of a hill>
5 : the edge of a road

2shoulder vb shoul·dered; shoul·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to push with one's shoulder <shouldered him aside>
2 : to accept as one's burden or responsibility <shoulder the blame>

shoulder blade n : the flat triangular bone of the back of the shoulder that forms a joint with the humerus of the upper arm — called also scapula

shoulder strap n : a strap worn over the shoulder to hold up an article or a garment

should·est \ˈshu̇d-əst\ archaic past 2nd singular of SHALL

shouldn't \ˈshu̇d-ənt\ : should not

shouldst \shədst, (ˈ)shu̇dst\ archaic past 2nd singular of SHALL

1shout \ˈshau̇t\ vb
1 : to utter a sudden loud cry <shouted for joy>
2 : to utter in a loud voice <shouted out the answers>
— shout·er n
synonyms SHOUT, SHRIEK, SCREECH, mean to utter a loud cry. SHOUT suggests any kind of loud cry that is meant to be heard either far away or above other noise <we shouted to them across the street>. SHRIEK suggests a high-pitched cry that is a sign of strong feeling <the children shrieked with joy>. SCREECH suggests a drawn-out shriek that is usually without words and is very harsh and unpleasant <the cats fought and screeched>.

2shout n : a loud cry or call

1shove \ˈshəv\ vb shoved; shov·ing
1 : to push with steady force
2 : to push along or away carelessly or rudely <shoved her out of the way>
3 : DEPART 1 — usually used with off <time to shove off for home>
— shov·er n

2shove n : an act or instance of shoving

1shov·el \ˈshəv-əl\ n
1 : a broad scoop with a handle used for lifting and throwing loose material (as dirt or snow)
2 : SHOVELFUL

2shovel vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \ˈshəv-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to lift and throw with a shovel <shovel snow>
2 : to dig or clean out with a shovel <shovel out the sheep pens>
3 : to throw or carry roughly or in a mass as if with a shovel <stop shoveling the food into your mouth>

shov·el·er or shov·el·ler \ˈshəv-(ə-)lər\ n
1 : one that shovels
2 : any of several freshwater ducks having a large and very broad bill

shov·el·ful \ˈshəv-əl-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl shovelfuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ also shov·els·ful \-əlz-ˌfu̇l\ : as much as a shovel will hold

1show \ˈshō\ vb showed; shown \ˈshōn\ or showed; show·ing
1 : to place in sight : present so as to be seen
2 : REVEAL 2 <showed strong feeling>
3 : to give from or as if from a position of authority <we'll show them no mercy>
4 : TEACH 1, INSTRUCT <showed me a few chords on the guitar>
5 : PROVE 2A <that shows we're right>
6 : to give indication or record of <his grades show some improvement>
7 : 2USHER 1, GUIDE <showed them to a seat>
8 : to be noticeable <the patch hardly shows> <the determination showed in her face>
9 : to present (an animal) for judging in a show
10 : to be third or at least third (as in a horse race)
synonyms SHOW, EXHIBIT, DISPLAY, PARADE, mean to present something in a way that will draw attention. SHOW suggests letting another see or examine <show me a picture of your family>. EXHIBIT suggests putting something out in public <the children exhibited their drawings at the fair>. DISPLAY stresses putting something out in the open where others may see it clearly <display sale items in front of the store>. PARADE suggests making a great show of something <look at them parading their new bikes>.

2show n
1 : a display made for effect <a show of strength>
2 a : a false outward appearance <made a show of friendship>  b : a true indication : SIGN <a show of reason>
3 : a ridiculous spectacle
4 : an entertainment or exhibition especially by performers (as on TV or the stage)
5 : a competitive exhibition (as of animals) to demonstrate quality
6 : third place at the finish (as of a horse race)

show·biz \-ˌbiz\ n : SHOW BUSINESS

show·boat \ˈshō-ˌbōt\ n : a river steamboat used as a traveling theater

show business n : the arts, occupations, and companies that make up the entertainment industry

1show·case \-ˌkās\ n : a protective glass case in which things are displayed

2showcase vb : to exhibit especially in an attractive or favorable way <showcase new talent>

show·down \-ˌdau̇n\ n : the test of strength that finally settles a dispute

1show·er \ˈshau̇(-ə)r\ n
1 a : a short fall of rain over a small area  b : a similar fall of sleet, hail, or snow
2 : something resembling a shower <a shower of sparks>
3 : a party where gifts are given especially to a bride or pregnant woman
4 : a bath in which water is sprayed on a person; also : a device for providing such a bath

2shower vb
1 : to rain or fall in or as if in a shower
2 : to bathe in a shower
3 : to wet with fine spray or drops
4 : to provide in great quantity <showered them with attention>

show·man \ˈshō-mən\ n
1 : the producer of a theatrical show
2 : a person having a special skill for presenting something in a dramatic way
— show·man·ship \-ˌship\ n

show–off \ˈshō-ˌȯf\ n
1 : the act of showing off
2 : a person who shows off

show off \(ˈ)shō-ˈȯf\ vb
1 : to display proudly
2 : to try to attract attention by conspicuous behavior

show·piece \ˈshō-ˌpēs\ n : a very fine example used for exhibition

show·place \-ˌplās\ n : a place (as an estate or building) that is regarded as a very fine example

show·room \-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room where merchandise (as new cars) is displayed for sale or where samples are displayed <a carpet showroom>

show·time \ˈshō-ˌtīm\ n : the scheduled or actual time at which a show or something likened to a show begins

show up vb
1 : to reveal the true nature of by uncovering faults : EXPOSE <were shown up for the fools they really are>
2 : to be where one is expected to be : ARRIVE <showed up on time>

showy \ˈshō-ē\ adj show·i·er; -est
1 : attracting attention : STRIKING <showy blossoms>
2 : given to or marked by much outward display : GAUDY <showy jewelry>
— show·i·ly \ˈshō-ə-lē\ adv

— show·i·ness \ˈshō-ē-nəs\ n

shrap·nel \ˈshrap-nəl\ n, pl shrapnel
1 : a shell designed to burst and scatter metal balls with which it is filled along with jagged fragments of the case
2 : metal pieces from an exploded bomb, shell, or mine

1shred \ˈshred\ n
1 a : a long narrow piece cut or torn off : SCRAP <shreds of cloth>  b pl : a shredded, damaged, or ruined condition <the loss tore his confidence to shreds> <reputation was in shreds>
2 : a small amount : BIT <not a shred of evidence>

2shred vb shred·ded; shred·ding : to cut or tear into shreds <shred paper> <shred cabbage>
— shred·der n

shrew \ˈshrü\ n
1 : any of numerous small mammals that are related to the moles, are active mostly at night, and have a long pointed snout, very small eyes, and velvety fur
2 : a scolding or bad-tempered woman
— shrew·ish \ˈshrü-ish\ adj

shrewd \ˈshrüd\ adj : showing quick practical cleverness : ASTUTE <a shrewd observer>; also : marked by clever dealing that takes advantage <a shrewd negotiator>
— shrewd·ly adv

— shrewd·ness n

1shriek \ˈshrēk\ vb
1 : to utter a sharp shrill cry
2 : to cry out in a high-pitched voice  synonyms see SHOUT

2shriek n : a sharp shrill cry

shrift \ˈshrift\ n, archaic : the confession of sins to a priest or the hearing of a confession by a priest

1shrill \ˈshril\ vb : to make a high sharp piercing sound : SCREAM

2shrill adj : having a sharp high sound <a shrill whistle>
— shrill adv

— shrill·ness n

— shril·ly \ˈshril-lē\ adv

3shrill n : a shrill sound

1shrimp \ˈshrimp\ n, pl shrimps or shrimp
1 : any of numerous small mostly marine shellfish that are crustaceans related to the lobsters, that have a long slender body, an abdomen that is very thin from side to side, and long legs, and that include some important as food
2 : a very small or unimportant person or thing
— shrimp·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2shrimp vb : to fish for or catch shrimps

shrimp·er \ˈshrimp-ər\ n
1 : a shrimp fisherman
2 : a boat used in fishing for shrimps

shrine \ˈshrīn\ n
1 : a case or box for sacred relics (as the bones of a saint)
2 : a place in which devotion is paid to a saint or deity <a Buddhist shrine>
3 : a place that is considered sacred <visited the shrines of American independence>

1shrink \ˈshriŋk\ vb shrank \ˈshraŋk\ or shrunk \ˈshrəŋk\; shrunk or shrunk·en \ˈshrəŋ-kən\; shrink·ing
1 : to curl up or withdraw in or as if in fear or pain <shrink in horror>
2 : to make or become smaller <shrink cloth by washing> <meat shrinks in cooking>
— shrink·er n

2shrink n, slang : PSYCHIATRIST

shrink·age \ˈshriŋ-kij\ n : the amount by which something shrinks or becomes less

shrive \ˈshrīv\ vb shrived or shrove \ˈshrōv\; shriv·en \ˈshriv-ən\ or shrived; shriv·ing \ˈshrī-viŋ\
1 : to hear the confession of and administer the Roman Catholic sacrament of penance to : PARDON
2 archaic : to confess one's sins especially to a priest

shriv·el \ˈshriv-əl\ vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to shrink and become dry and wrinkled

1shroud \ˈshrau̇d\ n
1 : the cloth placed over or around a dead body
2 : something that covers or shelters like a shroud <a shroud of secrecy>
3 : one of the ropes that go from the masthead of a ship to the sides to provide support to the mast

2shroud vb : to cover with or as if with a shroud <shrouded in fog>

Shrove·tide \ˈshrōv-ˌtīd\ n : the three days just before Ash Wednesday

Shrove Tuesday \ˈshrōv-\ n : the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday [Middle English schroftewesday “Shrove Tuesday,” from schrof, from shriven “to shrive, give a penance or pardon to,” and tewesday “Tuesday”; shriven, from Old English scrifan “to shrive, prescribe,” from Latin scribere “to write” — related to SCRIBE, TUESDAY; see Word History at TUESDAY]

shrub \ˈshrəb\ n : a woody plant that has several stems and is smaller than most trees

shrub·bery \ˈshrəb-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ber·ies : a group of shrubs or an area where shrubs are growing

shrub·by \ˈshrəb-ē\ adj shrub·bi·er; -est
1 : consisting of or covered with shrubs <a shrubby hillside>
2 : resembling a shrub <a shrubby palm>

shrug \ˈshrəg\ vb shrugged; shrug·ging : to draw or hunch up the shoulders usually to express doubt, uncertainty, or lack of interest
— shrug n

shrug off vb
1 : to brush aside as not important
2 : to take off (a garment) by wriggling out

1shuck \ˈshək\ n
1 : the outer covering of a nut or of an ear of corn
2 : the shell of an oyster or clam

2shuck vb
1 : to remove the shucks of
2 : to throw aside — often used with off

1shud·der \ˈshəd-ər\ vb shud·dered; shud·der·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to tremble with fear or horror or from cold <shuddered just thinking about it>
2 : 1SHAKE 1, QUIVER <the train slowed and shuddered to a halt>

2shudder n : an act of shuddering : SHIVER
— shud·dery \-(ə-)rē\ adj

1shuf·fle \ˈshəf-əl\ vb shuf·fled; shuf·fling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to mix in a disorderly mass
2 : to push out of sight
3 a : to mix cards to change their order in the pack  b : to move from place to place
4 a : to walk or move by sliding or dragging the feet <shuffling along>  b : to move by sliding along or back and forth without lifting <shuffled her feet>
— shuf·fler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2shuffle n
1 a : an act of shuffling  b : a disorderly mass or pile
2 : a sliding or dragging walk

shuf·fle·board \ˈshəf-əl-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a game in which players try to push disks into scoring areas of a diagram marked on a smooth surface

shul \ˈshu̇l\ n : SYNAGOGUE

shun \ˈshən\ vb shunned; shun·ning : to avoid purposely or by habit <shunned her former friends>
— shun·ner n

1shunt \ˈshənt\ vb
1 : to turn off to one side or out of the way : SHIFT
2 : to switch (as a train) from one track to another
— shunt·er n

2shunt n : a method or device for turning or pushing aside; esp : a conductor joining two points in an electrical circuit so as to form a path through which a portion of the current may pass

shush \ˈshəsh, ˈshu̇sh\ vb : to urge to be quiet
— shush n

shut \ˈshət\ vb shut; shut·ting
1 : to move into position so as to close an opening <shut the door>
2 : to close so as to forbid entrance or leaving <shut the cottage for the winter>
3 : to keep in a place by enclosing or by blocking the way out : IMPRISON <shut them in jail>
4 : to close by bringing parts together <shut your eyes>
5 : to stop or cause to stop operation <shut both stores for a week> <the plant shut down>

shut·down \ˈshət-ˌdau̇n\ n : an ending of an activity

shute variant of CHUTE

shut–in \ˈshət-ˌin\ n : a sick person unable to go outdoors

shut·off \ˈshət-ˌȯf\ n
1 : something that shuts off
2 : an instance of shutting off : INTERRUPTION, STOPPAGE

shut off \ˌshət-ˈȯf\ vb
1 : to stop the flow of <shut off the water>
2 a : to stop the operation of <shut the motor off>  b : to cease operating <the light shuts off automatically>
3 : to make or keep separate <shut off from the rest of the world>

shut·out \ˈshət-ˌau̇t\ n : a game in which one side fails to score

shut out \ˌshət-ˈau̇t\ vb
1 : to keep something out : EXCLUDE
2 : to keep an opponent from scoring in a game

1shut·ter \ˈshət-ər\ n
1 : a movable cover for a window that swings on hinges like a door
2 : a device in a camera that opens to allow light to enter when a picture is taken

2shutter vb : to close with or by shutters <kept the house shuttered>

shut·ter·bug \ˈshət-ər-ˌbəg\ n : a photography enthusiast

1shut·tle \ˈshət-əl\ n
1 : an instrument used in weaving to carry the thread back and forth from side to side through the threads that run lengthwise
2 a : a vehicle that goes back and forth regularly over an often short route <the airport shuttle> <space shuttle>  b : an established route used by a shuttle

2shuttle vb shut·tled; shut·tling \ˈshət-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to move or travel back and forth often
2 : to transport in, by, or as if by a shuttle <shuttled the children to school>

shut·tle·cock \ˈshət-əl-ˌkäk\ n : a small and very light cone-shaped object that is used in playing badminton

shut up vb
1 : to cause a person to stop talking
2 : to stop writing or speaking

1shy \ˈshī\ adj shi·er or shy·er \ˈshī(-ə)r\; shi·est or shy·est \ˈshī-əst\
1 a : easily frightened : TIMID  b : not feeling comfortable around people : not wanting or able to call attention to oneself
2 : having less than a full or an expected amount or number <we were about ten dollars shy of our goal>
— shy·ly adv

— shy·ness n
synonyms SHY, BASHFUL, DIFFIDENT, mean feeling awkward around others. SHY suggests not wanting to meet or talk with people either by habit or for special reasons <at the new school I was shy at first>. BASHFUL suggests being shy and afraid like a very young child <they were bashful and would hide when company came>. DIFFIDENT suggests not putting oneself forward because of a lack of self-confidence <in art class he was diffident about his work>.

2shy vb shied; shy·ing
1 : to draw back in sudden dislike or distaste <shied from publicity>
2 : to move quickly to one side in fright <the horse shied>

3shy n, pl shies : a sudden move to one side

shy·ster \ˈshī-stər\ n : a crooked lawyer or politician

si \ˈsē\ n : the seventh note of a scale : TI

1Si·a·mese \ˌsī-ə-ˈmēz, -ˈmēs\ adj : of or relating to Thailand, the Thais, or their language

2Siamese n, pl Siamese
1 : THAI 1
2 : THAI 2

Siamese cat n : any of a breed of slender blue-eyed domestic cats with short hair and a light-colored body and darker ears, paws, tail, and face

Siamese twin n : either of a pair of human or animal twins born joined together

Si·be·ri·an husky \sī-ˌbir-ē-ən-\ n : any of a breed of medium-sized dogs that were developed to pull sleds and that have a thick coat and a bushy tail

1sib·i·lant \ˈsib-ə-lənt\ adj : having or producing the sound of or a sound like the s or the sh in sash

2sibilant n : a sibilant speech sound (as English \s\, \z\, \sh\, \zh\, \ch (=tsh)\, or \j (=dzh)\)

sib·ling \ˈsib-liŋ\ n : one of two or more individuals having the same parents or sometimes only one parent in common

sick \ˈsik\ adj
1 a : affected with disease or ill health  b : of, relating to, or intended for use in sickness <sick pay> <a sick ward>  c : affected with or accompanied by nausea : QUEASY 1 <felt sick to her stomach>
2 a : badly upset by strong emotion <sick with shame> <worried sick>  b : tired of something from having too much of it <sick of their whining>  c : filled with disgust <such gossip makes me sick>
3 : mentally or emotionally unsound or disturbed <sick thoughts>

sick bay n : a place on a ship used as a hospital

sick·bed \ˈsik-ˌbed\ n : the bed on which a sick person lies

sick·en \ˈsik-ən\ vb sick·ened; sick·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become sick

sick·en·ing \ˈsik-(ə-)niŋ\ adj : causing sickness or disgust <a sickening sight>
— sick·en·ing·ly adv

sick·ish \ˈsik-ish\ adj
1 : somewhat nauseated
2 : somewhat sickening <a sickish odor>

1sick·le \ˈsik-əl\ n : a tool with a sharp curved metal blade and a short handle used to cut grass

2sickle vb sick·led; sick·ling \ˈsik-(ə-)liŋ\ : to change into a sickle cell <the ability of red blood cells to sickle>

sickle cell n : an abnormal red blood cell that is crescent-shaped

sickle–cell anemia n : a serious inherited disease in which small blood vessels become blocked with sickle cells and which occurs mostly in people of African, Mediterranean, or southwest Asian ancestry

sick·ly \ˈsik-lē\ adj sick·li·er; -est
1 : somewhat sick : often ailing <was sickly as a child>
2 : caused by or associated with ill health <a sickly complexion>
3 a : tending to produce disease <a sickly climate>  b : appearing as if sick <a sickly flame>  c : not growing well : <a sickly plant>  d : SICKENING <a sickly odor>

sick·ness \ˈsik-nəs\ n
1 : ill health : ILLNESS
2 : a specific disease : MALADY
3 : NAUSEA 1

sick·room \ˈsik-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room in which a sick person stays

1side \ˈsīd\ n
1 a : the right or left part of the trunk of the body <a pain in the side> <stood at her side>  b : the entire right or left half of the animal body <a side of beef>
2 : a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line <set it to one side>
3 : a surface or line forming a border or face of an object <a cube has six sides>
4 : an outer part of a thing considered as facing in a certain direction <the back side of the moon>
5 a : a straight-line segment forming part of the boundary of a geometric figure <side of a square>  b : one of the longer surfaces that form the boundary of a solid <lay the book on its side>  c : either surface of a thin object <one side of a record>
6 : a position or part of something viewed as opposite or different from another <my side of the story> <try to look on the good side> <never saw this side of his personality>
7 : a body of contestants <our side won>
8 : a line of ancestors traced back from either parent <a grandfather on his mother's side>
9 : a side dish ordered separately <a side of fries>
— on the side
1 : in addition to but not included in the main portion <a salad with dressing on the side>
2 : in addition to one's main occupation <selling insurance on the side>

— this side of : short of : ALMOST <behavior just this side of reckless>

2side adj
1 : of, relating to, or located on the side <side window>
2 : going toward or coming from the side <side wind>
3 : being in addition to something more important : INCIDENTAL <a side issue>

3side vb sid·ed; sid·ing
1 : to take the same side <sided with our friend in the argument>
2 : to put siding on <side a house>

side·arm \ˈsīd-ˌärm\ adj : done with the arm extending out to the side <a sidearm pitch in baseball>
— sidearm adv

side·arm \ˈsīd-ˌärm\ n : a weapon (as a sword or revolver) worn at the side or in the belt

side·board \ˈsīd-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a piece of furniture for holding dishes, silverware, and table linen

side·burns \ˈsīd-ˌbərnz\ n pl : hair growing on the side of the face in front of the ears
Word History During the American Civil War, the Union general Ambrose Everett Burnside became known for the long bushy whiskers he wore on the sides of his face. Burnside was a popular figure in the city of Washington during the early days of the war. His unusual appearance caught the public eye, and other men soon began growing long whiskers like his. Such whiskers, which became the fashion throughout America, were originally called burnsides after the general. By the 1880s the order of the two words comprising burnsides was reversed to give sideburns, probably by analogy with “side-whiskers.” [an altered form of burnsides “long whiskers at the side of the face,” named for Ambrose Everett Burnside 1824–1881 American general]

side by side adv : beside one another

side·car \ˈsīd-ˌkär\ n : a car attached to the side of a motorcycle for a passenger

sid·ed \ˈsīd-əd\ adj : having sides often of a stated number or kind <steep-sided mountains> <four-sided figures>

side dish n : food served separately along with the main course

side effect n : an often harmful and unwanted effect (as of a drug) that occurs along with the basic desired effect <the environmental side effects of using chemicals to kill pests>

side·kick \ˈsīd-ˌkik\ n : one who is another's pal, partner, or helper

side·light \-ˌlīt\ n
1 : light from the side
2 : incidental or extra information

side·line \-ˌlīn\ n
1 : a line marking the side of a playing field or court
2 : a business or job done in addition to one's regular occupation

1side·long \ˈsīd-ˌlōŋ\ adv : out of the corner of one's eye <glanced sidelong at the food on the table>

2sidelong \ˌsīd-ˌlȯŋ\ adj
1 : made to one side or out of the corner of one's eye <a sidelong glance>
2 : INDIRECT 2

side·sad·dle \-ˌsad-əl\ n : a saddle for women in which the rider sits with both legs on one side of the horse
— sidesaddle adv

side·show \-ˌshō\ n : a small show off to the side offered in addition to a main show (as of a circus)

side·slip \-ˌslip\ vb : to slide sideways
— sideslip n

side·spin \-ˌspin\ n : motion that causes a ball to spin sideways

side–split·ting \-ˌsplit-iŋ\ adj : very funny <a side-splitting joke>

side·step \-ˌstep\ vb
1 : to take a step to the side
2 : to avoid by a step to the side <sidestep a blow>
3 : to avoid answering or dealing with <sidestep a question>

side street n : a street joining and often ending at a main road

side·stroke \-ˌstrōk\ n : a swimming stroke made while lying on the side by sweeping the arms downward and backward underwater while the legs do a scissors kick

1side·swipe \-ˌswīp\ vb : to hit along the side with a blow that bounces off at an angle <sideswiped a parked car>

2sideswipe n
1 : an instance of sideswiping : a blow from an angle that bounces off
2 : an indirectly related disapproving remark, allusion, or reference <a sideswipe at the senator's voting record>

1side·track \ˈsīd-ˌtrak\ n : SIDING 1

2sidetrack vb
1 : to transfer from a main railroad line to a siding
2 : to turn aside from a main purpose or use <got sidetracked by all the phone calls>

side·walk \ˈsīd-ˌwȯk\ n : a usually paved walk at the side of a street or road

side·wall \-ˌwȯl\ n
1 : a wall forming the side of something
2 : the side of an automotive tire between the tread shoulder and the rim

side·ward \ˈsīd-wərd\ or side·wards \-wərdz\ adv or adj : toward the side

side·ways \ˈsīd-ˌwāz\ adv or adj
1 : from one side <viewed the stage sideways>
2 : with one side forward <turn sideways>
3 : to one side <fell sideways>

side–whis·kers \-ˌhwis-kərz, -ˌwis-\ n pl : whiskers on the side of the face usually worn long

side·wind·er \-ˌwīn-dər\ n : a small rattlesnake of the southwestern U.S. that moves by thrusting its body diagonally forward in a series of flat S-shaped loops

side·wise \ˈsid-ˌwīz\ adv or adj : SIDEWAYS

sid·ing \ˈsīd-iŋ\ n
1 : a short railroad track connected with the main track
2 : material used to cover the outside walls of frame buildings <vinyl siding>

si·dle \ˈsīd-əl\ vb si·dled; si·dling \ˈsīd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to go or move with one side forward <the waiter sidled around the end of the counter>

siege \ˈsēj\ n
1 : the placing of an army around a fortified place or city to force it to surrender
2 : a lasting attack (as of illness)
— lay siege to
1 : to attack militarily
2 : to pursue diligently or persistently <laid siege to his work>

si·en·na \sē-ˈen-ə\ n : an artist's pigment that is either brownish yellow or reddish brown

si·er·ra \sē-ˈer-ə\ n : a range of mountains especially with jagged peaks [from Spanish sierra “a range of jagged mountains,” literally, “a saw,” from Latin serra “a saw” — related to SERRATED]

si·es·ta \sē-ˈes-tə\ n : a nap or rest especially in the afternoon
Word History In the ancient Roman way of keeping track of time, the hours of the day were counted from sunrise to sunset. The hour when the sun was most nearly directly overhead was their sixth hour, or sexta hora in Latin. As Latin developed into Spanish on the Iberian Peninsula, sexta became siesta. In some countries, like Spain, it may be too hot to work in the middle of the day. There it is the custom to take a short nap until the heat begins to lessen. This rest period is called siesta in Spanish, and this word has come directly into English with the same meaning. [from Spanish siesta “an afternoon nap or rest period,” from Latin sexta (hora) “sixth (hour), noon”; so called because the Romans counted the hours from sunrise]

1sieve \ˈsiv\ n : a device with meshes or holes to separate finer particles from coarser ones or solids from liquids

2sieve vb sieved; siev·ing : to put through a sieve : SIFT <sieve the tomatoes to remove the seeds>

sieve tube n : a tube that is composed of an end-to-end series of thin-walled living cells, transports food substances in plants, and is found in the phloem

sift \ˈsift\ vb
1 a : to put through a sieve <sift flour>  b : to separate or separate out by or as if by putting through a sieve
2 : to go through especially to sort out what is useful or valuable <sift evidence> <sift through a pile of papers>
— sift·er n

1sigh \ˈsī\ vb
1 : to take or let out a long loud breath (as in weariness or relief)
2 : to make a sound like sighing <wind sighing in the branches>
3 : YEARN 1 <sighing for the good old days>

2sigh n
1 : an often involuntary act of sighing especially when expressing a feeling
2 : the sound of gently moving or escaping air <the sighs of a summer breeze>

1sight \ˈsīt\ n
1 : something that is seen : SPECTACLE
2 a : something that is worth seeing <showed us the sights of the city>  b : something that is peculiar, funny, or messy <you're a sight>
3 : the process, power, or function of seeing; esp : the animal sense of which the sense organ is the eye and by which the position, shape, and color of objects are perceived
4 : the act of seeing <knows him by sight> <faints at the sight of blood>
5 : the perception of an object within the visual field <lost sight of the plane>
6 : the space over which a person can see <a ship came into sight>
7 : a device that aids the eye in aiming or in finding the direction of an object
8 pl : ASPIRATION 3A, GOAL 2 <set her sights on a career in law>
— out of sight : very good

— sight for sore eyes : someone or something one is very glad to see

2sight vb
1 : to get or catch sight of <several bears were sighted>
2 : to look at through or as if through a sight

sight·ed \ˈsīt-əd\ adj : having sight <clear-sighted>

sight·less \ˈsīt-ləs\ adj : lacking sight : BLIND
— sight·less·ness n

sight·ly \ˈsīt-lē\ adj : pleasant to look at
— sight·li·ness n

sight–read \ˈsīt-ˌrēd\ vb -read \-ˌred\; -read·ing \-ˌrēd-iŋ\ : to read something written in a foreign language or play music without first practicing or studying it

sight·see \ˈsīt-ˌsē\ vb -saw; -see·ing : to go about seeing sights of interest
— sight·se·er \-ˌsē-ər, -ˌsi(ə)r\ n

sight·see·ing \-ˌsē-iŋ\ adj : engaged in, devoted to, or used for seeing things and places of interest <a sightseeing bus>
— sight·seeing n

sight unseen adv : without inspection or estimate of worth <bought it sight unseen>

sig·ma \ˈsig-mə\ n : the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet — Σ or σ or ς

1sign \ˈsīn\ n
1 a : a motion, action, or movement of the hand by which a thought is expressed or a command or wish made known <made a sign for them to be quiet>  b : 1SIGNAL 1  c : SIGN LANGUAGE
2 : a mark having a generally understood meaning and used in place of words
3 : one of the 12 parts of the zodiac
4 a : a symbol (as a flat or sharp) used in musical notation  b : a symbol (as ÷ or √¯) indicating a mathematical operation; also : one of two symbols + and − characterizing a number as positive or negative
5 : a public notice that advertises something or gives information
6 a : something that indicates what is present or is to come <no sign of life> <first signs of spring>  b : something that provides evidence of plant or animal disease [Middle English signe “a gesture that conveys a thought or command,” from early French signe (same meaning), from Latin signum “mark, sign, image” — related to DESIGNATE, 3SEAL, 1SIGNAL, SIGNIFICANT]
synonyms SIGN, MARK, TOKEN, NOTE, SYMPTOM, mean an indication of something that is not readily perceived. SIGN applies to any indication that can be perceived by the senses or by reason <encouraging signs for business>. MARK suggests something characteristic of a thing in contrast to general outward appearance <a mark of good upbringing>. TOKEN applies to something serving as proof of a thing that is without physical form <a token of my affection>. NOTE suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic <a note of sarcasm in her voice>. SYMPTOM suggests an outward indication of an inward change or condition <frequent arguments were a symptom of their growing dislike for one another>.

2sign vb
1 a : to make or place a sign on  b : to represent or indicate by a sign
2 : to write one's name on to show that one accepts, agrees with, or is responsible for <sign a check> <sign a letter> <sign a contract>
3 : to hire by getting to sign something (as a contract) <sign a new ball player>
4 : to use sign language
— sign·ee \ˌsī-ˈnē\ n

— sign·er n

1sig·nal \ˈsig-nəl\ n
1 : an act, event, or word that serves to start some action
2 : a sound or motion of a part of the body made to give warning or command
3 : an object placed to give notice or warning <a traffic signal>
4 a : the message, sound, or effect transmitted in electronic communication (as radio or television)  b : a radio wave or electric current that transmits a message or effect (as in radio or television) [Middle English signal “signal, sign,” derived from Latin signalis “of a sign,” from earlier signum “mark, sign, image” — related to SIGN]

2signal vb sig·naled or sig·nalled; sig·nal·ing or sig·nal·ling \-nə-liŋ\
1 : to notify by a signal
2 : to communicate by or as if by signals
— sig·nal·er n

3signal adj
1 : unusually great <a signal honor> <a signal achievement>
2 : used in signaling <a signal light>
— sig·nal·ly \-nə-lē\ adv

sig·nal·ize \ˈsig-nə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make well-known : point out clearly

sig·nal·man \ˈsig-nəl-mən, -ˌman\ n : a person who sends signals or works with signals

sig·na·ture \ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər\ n
1 : the name of a person written by that person
2 : a notation used in music to indicate the key or the rhythm

sign·board \ˈsīn-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a board with a notice or sign on it

sig·nif·i·cance \sig-ˈnif-i-kən(t)s\ n
1 : 1MEANING 1
2 : the quality of being of notable worth or influence  synonyms see IMPORTANCE

sig·nif·i·cant \sig-ˈnif-i-kənt\ adj
1 : having much importance
2 : probably caused by something other than chance <a statistically significant relationship between vitamin deficiency and disease>
3 : having meaning and especially a hidden or special meaning <gave us a significant wink> [from Latin significant-, significans, present participle of significare “to signify, indicate,” from signum “mark, sign, image” — related to SIGN]
— sig·nif·i·cant·ly adv

significant digit n : any of the digits of a number beginning with the first digit on the left that is not zero and ending with the last on the right that is either not zero or that is a zero but is considered to be exact — called also significant figure

sig·ni·fi·ca·tion \ˌsig-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : the meaning that a term or symbol has or is meant to have

sig·ni·fy \ˈsig-nə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : 2MEAN 2, DENOTE
2 : to show especially by a sign : make known <signified their agreement by nodding>
3 : to have importance : MATTER <doesn't signify much what you wear>

sign in vb : to make a record of one's arrival or presence <use a password to sign in on the computer>

sign language n
1 : a formal language using a system of hand movements for communication (as by the deaf)
2 : a way of communicating mainly by hand and arm movements as often used by people speaking different languages

sign off \(ˈ)sī-ˈnȯf\ vb : to announce the end (as of a program or broadcast)

sign of the cross : a movement of the hand forming a cross especially on forehead, shoulders, and breast to profess Christian faith or ask divine protection or blessing

sign on \(ˈ)sī-ˈnȯn, -ˈnän\ vb
1 : to hire oneself by or as if by a signature <signed on as a member of the crew>
2 : to announce the beginning of broadcasting

sign out vb
1 : to make a record of one's departure <have to sign out before getting off-line>
2 : to record or approve the release or departure of <signed out the library books>

sign·post \ˈsīn-ˌpōst\ n
1 : a post with signs on it to direct travelers
2 : something that points the way

sign up \(ˈ)sī-ˈnəp\ vb : to sign one's name in order to get, do, or take something <signed up for Spanish>
— sign–up n or adj

Sikh \ˈsēk\ n : a believer in a religion of India that was founded about 1500 and that believes in one God and rejects idols and caste
— Sikh·ism \-ˌiz-əm\ n

si·lage \ˈsī-lij\ n : fodder (as hay or corn) fermented (as in a silo) to produce a rich moist feed for livestock

1si·lence \ˈsī-lən(t)s\ n
1 : the state of keeping or being silent — often used as an interjection <“Silence!” demanded the maestro>
2 : the state of there being no sound or noise : STILLNESS <in the silence of the night>
3 a : a state of not mentioning  b : SECRECY 2 <research done in silence>

2silence vb si·lenced; si·lenc·ing
1 : to stop the noise or speech of : cause to be silent <silenced the class>
2 : SUPPRESS 1 <silencing opposing views>

si·lenc·er \ˈsī-lən-sər\ n : a device used on small arms to reduce the sound of firing

si·lent \ˈsī-lənt\ adj
1 : not speaking <stood silent before the court>
2 : tending not to say much <a very silent person>
3 : free from sound or noise : STILL
4 : done or felt without speaking <silent reading> <silent grief>
5 a : making no mention <history is silent about this incident>  b : not active in running a business <a silent partner>
6 : not pronounced <silent “e” in “came”> <the “b” in “doubt” is silent>
7 : made without recorded sound <silent movies>
— si·lent·ly adv
synonyms SILENT, TACITURN, RETICENT, RESERVED, mean tending not to talk. SILENT suggests a habit of never saying more than one must <a silent person who leads by example rather than words>. TACITURN suggests that by nature one dislikes talking and may also prefer being alone <a taciturn farmer who did not welcome visitors>. RETICENT suggests a dislike of talking about one's own business <the new neighbor was reticent about her job>. RESERVED suggests that one is rigid and quiet during conversation <the reserved couple did not join in the lively talk at dinner>.

silent treatment n : an act of completely ignoring a person or thing by being silent especially as a means of expressing contempt or disapproval <gave him the silent treatment after their breakup>

1sil·hou·ette \ˌsil-ə-ˈwet\ n
1 a : a picture (as a drawing or cutout) of the outline of an object filled in with a solid usually black color  b : a profile portrait done in silhouette
2 : the outline of an object seen or as if seen against the light

2silhouette vb -ett·ed; -ett·ing : to represent by a silhouette; also : to show against a light background <ducks silhouetted against the evening sky>
— sil·hou·et·tist \-ˈwet-ist\ n

sil·i·ca \ˈsil-i-kə\ n : a compound that consists of the dioxide of silicon and occurs in various forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand)

sil·i·cate \ˈsil-i-ˌkāt, ˈsil-ə-kət\ n : a chemical salt that consists of a metal combined with silicon and oxygen and is used especially in building materials (as bricks)

sil·i·con \ˈsil-i-kən, ˈsil-ə-ˌkän\ n : a nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element after oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in alloys and electronic devices — see ELEMENT TABLE

silicon dioxide n : SILICA

sil·i·cone \ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn\ n : any of various silicon compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen, are obtained as oily or greasy substances or plastics, and are used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants and varnishes

sil·i·co·sis \ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs\ n : a serious lung disease that is characterized by scar tissue in the lungs and shortness of breath and is caused by inhaling silica dusts for a long time

silk \ˈsilk\ n
1 : a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually to form their cocoons; esp : a strong glossy elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used to weave cloth
2 : thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk
3 : something resembling silk: as  a : the thread produced by a spider  b : the cluster of thin threadlike parts at the end of an ear of corn that are styles of the ovaries

silk·en \ˈsil-kən\ adj
1 : made of or with silk
2 : resembling silk especially in soft smooth feel
3 : pleasantly smooth <a silken voice>

silk moth n : the silkworm moth

silk screen n : a method of printing in which a design is produced by forcing colored ink through a piece of fabric that has been treated so that the ink cannot pass through some parts

silk·worm \ˈsil-ˌkwərm\ n : any of various moth larvae that spin a large amount of silk to make a cocoon; esp : a wrinkled hairless yellowish caterpillar that is the larva of an Asian moth, is raised in captivity on mulberry leaves, and produces a strong silk that is the silk most often used for thread or cloth

silky \ˈsil-kē\ adj silk·i·er; -est
1 : soft and smooth as silk
2 : having or covered with fine soft hairs, plumes, or scales
— silk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— silk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

sill \ˈsil\ n
1 : a horizontal piece (as a timber) that forms the lowest part of a supporting structure: as  a : the horizontal piece at the base of a window  b : the timber or stone at the foot of a door : THRESHOLD
2 : a flat mass of igneous rock injected while melted between other rocks

sil·ly \ˈsil-ē\ adj sil·li·er; -est
1 : weak in mind : FOOLISH
2 : not showing common sense or good judgment : ABSURD <a silly plan>
3 : lacking in seriousness or importance <playing silly games>
4 : being stunned or dazed <scared silly>
— sil·li·ness \ˈsil-ē-nəs\ n

si·lo \ˈsī-lō\ n, pl silos
1 : a trench, pit, or especially a tall cylinder (as of wood or concrete) used for making and storing silage
2 : an underground structure for housing a missile

1silt \ˈsilt\ n
1 : very small particles left as sediment from water; also : a soil made up mostly of silt with little clay
2 : a deposit of sediment (as by a river)
— silty \ˈsil-tē\ adj

2silt vb : to make or become choked, blocked, filled, or covered with silt <the river channel silted up>

Si·lu·ri·an \sī-ˈlu̇r-ē-ən, sə-\ adj : of, relating to, or being a period of the Paleozoic era of geological history marked by the first appearance of land plants; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Silurian n

silvan variant of SYLVAN

1sil·ver \ˈsil-vər\ n
1 : a soft white metallic element that takes a high polish and is a better conductor of heat and electricity than any other substance — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 a : coin made of silver  b : articles (as tableware) made of or plated with silver  c : tableware made of other metals (as stainless steel)
3 : a medium gray
4 : a silver medal awarded as the second prize in a competition

2silver adj
1 : relating to, made of, or yielding silver <silver jewelry> <silver ore>
2 : SILVERY 1

3silver vb sil·vered; sil·ver·ing \ˈsilv-(ə-)riŋ\ : to coat with or as if with silver
— sil·ver·er \ˈsil-vər-ər\ n

silver bromide n : a compound that is easily affected by light and is much used in photography

sil·ver·fish \ˈsil-vər-ˌfish\ n : any of various small wingless insects; esp : one that is found in houses and feeds on paper products, clothing, and other starchy materials

silver fox n : a color form of the common red fox in which the pelt is black tipped with white

silver iodide n : a compound that darkens when exposed to light and is used in photography, rainmaking, and medicine

silver lining n : a consoling or hopeful prospect <looked for the silver lining in a bad situation>

silver nitrate n : a compound used especially in photography and as an antiseptic in medicine

silver plate n
1 : a plating of silver
2 : tableware plated with silver

sil·ver·smith \ˈsil-vər-ˌsmith\ n : a person who makes articles of silver

sil·ver·ware \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n
1 : tableware made of or plated with silver
2 : 1SILVER 2C

sil·very \ˈsilv-(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : having a shine like silver
2 : containing or consisting of silver

Sim·chas To·rah \ˌsim-ḵə-ˈstōr-ə, -ˈstȯr-\ n : a Jewish holiday observed in October or November in celebration of the completion of the annual reading of the Torah [from Hebrew śimḥath tōrāh “rejoicing of the Torah”]

1sim·i·an \ˈsim-ē-ən\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes

2simian n : 1MONKEY 1, 1APE 1

sim·i·lar \ˈsim-(ə-)lər\ adj
1 : having qualities in common
2 : not differing in shape but only in size or position <similar triangles>
— sim·i·lar·ly adv

sim·i·lar·i·ty \ˌsim-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being similar : RESEMBLANCE
2 : a point in which things are similar : CORRESPONDENCE

sim·i·le \ˈsim-ə-(ˌ)lē\ n : a figure of speech in which things different in kind or quality are compared by the use of the word like or as (as in eyes like stars) — compare METAPHOR

si·mil·i·tude \sə-ˈmil-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : a visible likeness
2 : a comparison based on an imagined likeness
3 : SIMILARITY 2

sim·mer \ˈsim-ər\ vb sim·mered; sim·mer·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to stew gently below or just at the boiling point
— simmer n

simmer down vb
1 : to become calm or peaceful
2 : to become reduced by or as if by simmering <a broth simmered down to half>

1sim·per \ˈsim-pər\ vb sim·pered; sim·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to smile in a foolish manner <fans simpering at the star>
2 : to say with a simper <simpered an apology>
— sim·per·er \-pər-ər\ n

2simper n : a silly smile

sim·ple \ˈsim-pəl\ adj sim·pler \-p(ə-)lər\; sim·plest \-p(ə-)ləst\
1 : free from dishonesty or vanity : INNOCENT
2 : not wealthy <simple folks>
3 : lacking in education, experience, or intelligence
4 a : free from complications <a simple melody> <neat simple clothing>  b : consisting of only one main clause and no subordinate clauses <a simple sentence>  c : consisting of only the verb <a simple predicate>
5 : not compound <a simple eye>
6 a : not divided into branches or leaflets <a simple leaf>  b : developing from a single ovary <simple fruits>
7 : 1UTTER, ABSOLUTE <the simple truth>
8 : easy to understand or perform <simple instructions> <a simple explanation>
— sim·ple·ness \-pəl-nəs\ n

simple fraction n : a fraction with whole numbers for the numerator and denominator — compare COMPLEX FRACTION

simple fracture n : a breaking of a bone in such a way that the skin is not broken and bone fragments do not stick out — compare COMPOUND FRACTURE

simple interest n : interest paid or figured on the original amount only of a loan or on the amount of an account

simple machine n : any of various elementary devices formerly considered as the elements of which all machines are composed and including the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw

sim·ple·mind·ed \ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj
1 : UNSOPHISTICATED 1
2 : FOOLISH

simple sugar n : MONOSACCHARIDE

sim·ple·ton \ˈsim-pəl-tən\ n : a person lacking in common sense

sim·plic·i·ty \sim-ˈplis-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being simple
2 : HONESTY, STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS
3 a : clearness of expression  b : the quality or state of being plain
4 : FOLLY 1, SILLINESS

sim·pli·fy \ˈsim-plə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make simple or simpler
— sim·pli·fi·ca·tion \ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— sim·pli·fi·er \ˈsim-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

sim·plis·tic \sim-ˈplis-tik\ adj
1 : SIMPLE 8
2 : characterized by too much simplicity : not involving or dealing with related complexities <a simplistic explanation of the situation>
— sim·plis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sim·ply \ˈsim-plē\ adv
1 a : in a clear manner <stated the directions simply>  b : in a plain manner <simply dressed>  c : in a direct manner : CANDIDLY <told the story as simply as a child would>
2 a : for nothing more than <eats simply to keep alive>  b : without any question : TRULY <simply marvelous>

sim·u·late \ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to give the appearance or effect of : IMITATE

simulated adj : made to look genuine : FAKE <simulated pearls>

sim·u·la·tion \ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of simulating
2 : an object that is not genuine
3 : the imitation by one system or process of the way in which another system or process works <a computer simulation of spaceflight>

sim·u·la·tor \ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt-ər\ n : one that simulates; esp : a device that enables the operator to experience under test conditions events similar to those likely to occur in a real situation

si·mul·ta·neous \ˌsī-məl-ˈtā-nē-əs, -nyəs\ adj
1 : existing or occurring at the same time
2 : satisfied by the same values of the variables <simultaneous equations> [from Latin simul “at the same time, together” and English -taneous (as in instantaneous) — related to ASSEMBLE, ENSEMBLE]
— si·mul·ta·neous·ly adv

1sin \ˈsin\ n
1 : a breaking of a moral law
2 : an action that is or is felt to be bad  synonyms see OFFENSE

2sin vb sinned; sin·ning : to commit a sin

1since \(ˈ)sin(t)s\ adv
1 : from a definite past time until now <has stayed there ever since>
2 : before the present time : AGO <long since dead>
3 : after a time in the past <has since become rich>

2since prep : from or after a specified time in the past <since summer, the team has improved>

3since conj
1 : at a time or times in the past after or later than <has held a job since he graduated> : from the time in the past when <ever since I was a child>
2 : for the reason that : BECAUSE <since you're ready, we'll go now>

sin·cere \sin-ˈsi(ə)r\ adj sin·cer·er; sin·cer·est
1 : TRUSTWORTHY, STRAIGHTFORWARD <a sincere friend>
2 : GENUINE 1, REAL <a sincere interest in painting>
— sin·cere·ly adv

— sin·cer·i·ty \-ˈser-ət-ē, -ˈsir-\ n

sine \ˈsīn\ n : a trigonometric function that for an acute angle in a right triangle is the ratio of the side opposite the angle to the hypotenuse

sin·ew \ˈsin-yü also ˈsin-ü\ n
1 : TENDON; esp : one prepared for use as a cord or thread
2 : solid strength : POWER

sin·ewy \ˈsin-yə-wē also ˈsin-ə-\ adj
1 : full of sinews : STRINGY <sinewy meat>
2 : STRONG 1 <sinewy arms>

sin·ful \ˈsin-fəl\ adj : marked by or full of sin : WICKED
— sin·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— sin·ful·ness n

1sing \ˈsiŋ\ vb sang \ˈsaŋ\ or sung \ˈsəŋ\; sung; sing·ing \ˈsiŋ-iŋ\
1 a : to produce musical sounds by means of the voice  b : to utter with musical sounds <sing a song>  c : 1CHANT 2, INTONE <parts of the mass were sung>
2 : to make pleasing musical sounds <birds singing at dawn>
3 : to make a slight shrill sound <a kettle singing on the stove>
4 : to express enthusiastically <sing the praises of life in the city>
5 : 1BUZZ 1, RING <ears singing from the sudden descent>
6 : to affect or bring to a place or state by singing <sing a baby to sleep> <sing the blues away>
7 : to call aloud : cry out <sing out when you find them>
— sing·able \ˈsiŋ-ə-bəl\ adj

2sing n : a session of group singing

1singe \ˈsinj\ vb singed \ˈsinjd\; singe·ing \ˈsin-jiŋ\ : to burn slightly; esp : to remove hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing briefly over a flame

2singe n : a slight burn : SCORCH

1sing·er \ˈsiŋ-ər\ n : one that sings

2sing·er \ˈsin-jər\ n : one that singes

1sin·gle \ˈsiŋ-gəl\ adj
1 : not married; esp : never having been married
2 : being alone : being the only one <the single survivor of the disaster>
3 : consisting of one <a single standard>
4 : having only one row of petals or ray flowers around the center of a blossom <a single rose>
5 a : consisting of a separate whole : INDIVIDUAL <each single citizen>  b : of, relating to, or involving only one person
6 : being a whole <a single world>
7 : designed for the use of one person only <a single room> <a single bed>
— sin·gle·ness n

2single n
1 a : a separate individual person or thing  b : an unmarried adult  c (1) : a recording having one short tune on each side  (2) : a music recording having two or more tracks that is shorter than a full-length album
2 : a hit in baseball that enables a batter to reach first base safely
3 pl : a game (as of tennis) between two players

3single vb sin·gled; sin·gling \ˈsiŋ-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to select (a person or thing) from a number or group — usually used with out
2 : to make a single in baseball

single bond n : a chemical bond in which one pair of electrons is shared by two atoms in a molecule especially when the atoms can share more than one pair of electrons — compare DOUBLE BOND, TRIPLE BOND

sin·gle–breast·ed \ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈbres-təd\ adj : having a center closing with one row of buttons and no overlapping lapel <single-breasted coat>

single file n : a line of persons or things arranged one behind another
— single file adv

sin·gle–hand·ed \ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈhan-dəd\ adj
1 : managed or done by one person
2 : working alone : lacking help
— sin·gle–hand·ed·ly adv

sin·gle–mind·ed \-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : having only one purpose : DETERMINED <a single-minded devotion to stopping crime>
— sin·gle–mind·ed·ly adv

sin·glet \ˈsiŋ-glət\ n, chiefly British : UNDERSHIRT

sin·gle·tree \ˈsiŋ-gəl-(ˌ)trē\ n : WHIFFLETREE

sin·gly \ˈsiŋ-g(ə-)lē\ adv
1 : by or with oneself : INDIVIDUALLY
2 : in a single-handed manner

1sing·song \ˈsiŋ-ˌsȯŋ\ n : a monotonous rhythm or a monotonous rise and fall of pitch

2singsong adj : having a monotonous rhythm

1sin·gu·lar \ˈsiŋ-gyə-lər\ adj
1 a : of or relating to a separate person or thing : INDIVIDUAL  b : of, relating to, or constituting a word form denoting one person, thing, or instance <a singular noun>  c : of or relating to a single instance or to something considered by itself
2 : EXCEPTIONAL 1
3 : different from general expectations : PECULIAR
— sin·gu·lar·ly adv

2singular n : something that is singular; esp : the singular number, the inflectional form denoting it, or a word in that form

sin·gu·lar·i·ty \ˌsiŋ-gyə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being singular
2 : something that is singular : PECULIARITY
3 : a point or region of infinite density which is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole

sin·is·ter \ˈsin-əs-tər\ adj
1 : especially evil or leading to evil : BAD
2 : threatening evil, harm, or danger : OMINOUS [Middle English sinistre “unlucky, unfavorable,” from Latin sinistr-, sinister “left, on the left side, awkward, unfavorable”; so called because the ancient Romans believed that omens seen on the left side told of bad things to come]
— sin·is·ter·ly adv

1sink \ˈsiŋk\ vb sank \ˈsaŋk\ or sunk \ˈsəŋk\; sunk; sink·ing
1 a : to move or cause to move downward usually so as to be below the surface or swallowed up <feet sinking into deep mud> <sink a ship>  b : to descend gradually lower and lower <the sun sank behind the hills>
2 : to lessen in amount or strength
3 : to fall to or into a lower status (as of quality, worth, or number) : DECLINE <sink into decay>
4 a : to penetrate or cause to penetrate <sank my ax into the tree>  b : to become absorbed <the water sank into the dry ground>
5 : to form by digging or boring <sink a well>
6 : 2INVEST 1 <sank a million dollars in the new company>
7 : to fail in strength, spirits, or health <my heart sank>
— sink·able \ˈsiŋ-kə-bəl\ adj

2sink n
1 a : CESSPOOL  b : 2SEWER
2 : a stationary basin for washing (as in a kitchen) connected with a drain and usually a water supply

sink·er \ˈsiŋ-kər\ n
1 : one that sinks; esp : a weight for sinking a line or net
2 : DOUGHNUT 1

sink·hole \ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl\ n : a hollow place in which drainage collects

sinking fund n : a fund set up for paying off the original amount of a debt when it falls due

sinned past and past participle of SIN

sin·ner \ˈsin-ər\ n : one that sins

sinning present participle of SIN

Si·no- \ˌsī-nō, ˈsī-\ combining form
1 : Chinese
2 : Chinese and <Sino-American> [derived from Greek Sinai “Chinese”]

sin·u·os·i·ty \ˌsin-yə-ˈwäs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being sinuous
2 : something that is sinuous : winding turn

sin·u·ous \ˈsin-yə-wəs\ adj : of a snakelike or wavy form : WINDING
— sin·u·ous·ly adv

si·nus \ˈsī-nəs\ n : a hollow place : CAVITY; esp : any of several cavities in the skull that usually connect with the nostrils

si·nus·itis \ˌsī-n(y)ə-ˈsīt-əs\ n : inflammation of a sinus

Siou·an \ˈsü-ən\ n
1 : an American Indian language stock of central and southeastern North America
2 : a member of any of the American Indian peoples speaking Siouan languages

Sioux \ˈsü\ n, pl Sioux \ˈsü(z)\
1 : DAKOTA
2 : SIOUAN

1sip \ˈsip\ vb sipped; sip·ping
1 : to drink in small quantities or little by little
2 : to take sips from : TASTE
— sip·per n

2sip n
1 : the act of sipping
2 : a small amount taken by sipping

1si·phon also sy·phon \ˈsī-fən\ n
1 : a bent tube through which a liquid can be drawn by means of air pressure up and over the edge of one container and into another container at a lower level
2 : any of various tube-shaped organs in animals and especially mollusks that are used to draw in or pass off fluids

2siphon also syphon vb si·phoned also sy·phoned; si·phon·ing also sy·phon·ing \ˈsīf-(ə-)niŋ\ : to draw off or pass off by or as if by a siphon <siphoned off money for a vacation>

sir \(ˈ)sər\ n
1 : a man having the right to be addressed as sir — used as a title before the given name of a knight or baronet
2 : a title of respect used in addressing a man without using his name [Middle English sir “a man of rank or position,” from sire “a father,” from early French sire “lord, superior,” from Latin senior (adjective) “older, elder” — related to SENIOR]

Sirach \ˈsī-rak\ n : a didactic book of the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

1sire \ˈsī(ə)r\ n
1 : 1FATHER 1A
2 archaic : a male ancestor : FOREFATHER
3 : the male parent of an animal and especially of a domestic animal

2sire vb sired; sir·ing : BEGET 1 — used especially of domestic animals

si·ren \ˈsī-rən for sense 3 also sī-ˈrēn\ n
1 often cap : one of a group of womanlike creatures in Greek mythology that lured mariners to destruction by their singing
2 : a tempting woman
3 : a device often electrically operated for producing a loud shrill warning sound <ambulance siren>
Word History In the Greek epic poem The Odyssey, Homer tells of the adventures of Odysseus on his voyage home after the Trojan War. One of these adventures involves a couple of sea nymphs, called Sirens, who are half woman and half bird. They attract sailors by the beauty of their singing, which causes the ships to crash on the rocks. To avoid such a fate, Odysseus has his sailors' ears filled with wax so that they cannot hear the Sirens' song. He has himself tied to a mast so that he cannot steer the ship toward the rocks. It works. The ship succeeds in getting past the Sirens, who are then so upset that they drown themselves. The word siren lives on, however. It was taken into Latin, French, and English. It has been used for “a tempting woman,” but its chief use is for “a loud-sounding warning device.” Its sound is far from beautiful, but it does signal danger. [Middle English siren “a partly female creature in Greek legend whose beautiful singing lured sailors to their deaths,” from early French siren and Latin siren (both, same meaning), from Greek seirēn (same meaning)]

Sir·i·us \ˈsir-ē-əs\ n : the brightest star in the night sky — called also Dog Star [Middle English Sirius “the brightest star,” from Latin Sirius (same meaning), from Greek Seirios “the brightest star,” literally, “burning, scorching” — see Word History at DOG DAYS]

sir·loin \ˈsər-ˌlȯin\ n : a cut of meat and especially of beef from the part just in front of the rump

sirup variant of SYRUP

si·sal \ˈsī-səl, -zəl\ n
1 : a strong durable white fiber used to make ropes and twine
2 : a widely grown tropical Mexican agave with leaves that produce sisal

sis·sy \ˈsis-ē\ n, pl sissies
1 : a man or boy who appears feminine or behaves in a feminine manner
2 : a fearful or cowardly person
— sissy adj

sis·ter \ˈsis-tər\ n
1 : a female who has one or both parents in common with another individual
2 often cap : a member of a religious community of women : NUN
3 a : a fellow female member of a group  b : a girl or woman who shares a common national or racial origin with another
4 : one that is closely similar to or associated with another <sister schools> <sister ships>
5 chiefly British : 1NURSE 2
— sis·ter·ly adj or adv

sis·ter·hood \ˈsis-tər-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : the state of being a sister
2 : a community or society of sisters

sis·ter–in–law \ˈsis-t(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ, -tərn-ˌlȯ\ n, pl sis·ters–in–law \-tər-zən-\
1 : the sister of one's spouse
2 a : the wife of one's brother  b : the wife of one's spouse's brother

sit \ˈsit\ vb sat \ˈsat\; sit·ting
1 a : to rest on the buttocks or haunches <sit in a chair>  b : to cause to be seated <sit yourself down>  c : 2PERCH 2, ROOST
2 : to provide seats or seating room for <the car sits five people>
3 : to occupy a place as a member of an official body <sit in Congress>
4 : to hold a session <the court is now sitting>
5 : to cover eggs for hatching : 2BROOD 1
6 : to pose for a portrait or photograph : serve as a model
7 : to lie or rest in a condition or location <the vase sits on the table>
8 : to remain inactive <the car sits in the garage>
9 : BABYSIT
— sit on one's hands : to fail to take action

— sit pretty : to be in a highly favorable situation

— sit tight : to keep one's position without change

sit·com \ˈsit-ˌkäm\ n : SITUATION COMEDY

sit–down \ˈsit-ˌdau̇n\ n : a strike in which the workers stop work and refuse to leave their places of employment — called also sit-down strike

site \ˈsīt\ n
1 : local position (as of a building, town, or monument)
2 : the place or scene of an occurrence or event <a picnic site>
3 : WEBSITE

sit–in \ˈsit-ˌin\ n : an act of sitting in seats or on the floor (as in a restaurant or office) as a means of organized protest

Sit·ka spruce \ˌsit-kə-\ n : a tall spruce of the northern Pacific coast of North America with thin reddish brown bark and flat needles; also : its wood

sit·ter \ˈsit-ər\ n : one that sits; esp : a person who babysits

1sit·ting \ˈsit-iŋ\ n
1 : an act of one that sits; esp : a single occasion of continuous sitting <finished the portrait in one sitting>
2 a : a brooding over eggs for hatching  b : SETTING 5
3 : SESSION 1 <sitting of the legislature>

2sitting adj : used in or for sitting <a sitting position>

sitting duck n : an easy or defenseless target

sitting room n : LIVING ROOM

sit·u·ate \ˈsich-ə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to place in a site or situation : LOCATE

sit·u·at·ed \ˈsich-ə-ˌwāt-əd\ adj
1 : placed in a site or situation
2 : provided with money or possessions <not rich but comfortably situated>

sit·u·a·tion \ˌsich-ə-ˈwā-shən\ n
1 a : the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings  b : SITE 1
2 a : a position or place of employment : POST, JOB  b : position in life : STATUS
3 : position with respect to conditions and circumstances <the military situation>
4 : relative position or combination of events and conditions at a particular moment

situation comedy n : a radio or television comedy series that involves a continuing cast of characters in different stories not related to each other

sit–up \ˈsit-ˌəp\ n : an exercise done by lying on the back and rising up to a sitting position by bending forward at the waist without lifting the feet and returning to the original position

six \ˈsiks\ n
1 : a number that is one more than five — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the sixth in a set or series
— six adj or pron

— at sixes and sevens : in disorder : CONFUSED

six–gun \ˈsiks-ˌgən\ n : a revolver with six chambers

six·pence \ˈsik-spən(t)s, U.S. also -ˌspen(t)s\ n
1 : the sum of six pence
2 pl sixpence or six·penc·es : a coin representing six pence

six–shoot·er \ˈsik(s)-ˈshüt-ər\ n : SIX-GUN

six·teen \(ˈ)sik-ˈstēn\ n : a number that is one more than 15 — see NUMBER TABLE
— six·teen adj or pron

— six·teenth \-ˈtēn(t)th\ adj or n

sixteenth note n : a musical note with a time value one sixteenth that of a whole note

sixteenth rest n : a musical rest equal in time to a sixteenth note

sixth \ˈsiks(t)th, ˈsiks(t)\ n, pl sixths
1 : one that is number six in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the difference in pitch between the first tone and the sixth tone of a scale
— sixth adj or adv

— sixth·ly \ˈsiksth-lē, ˈsikst-\ adv

sixth sense n : a special ability to sense something that does not involve the five senses

six·ty \ˈsik-stē\ n, pl sixties : a number that is equal to six times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
— six·ti·eth \-stē-əth\ adj or n

— sixty adj or pron

siz·able or size·able \ˈsī-zə-bəl\ adj : fairly large : CONSIDERABLE
— siz·ably \-blē\ adv

1size \ˈsīz\ n
1 : physical extent or bulk
2 a : the measurements of a thing  b : relative amount or number
3 : one of a series of measures especially of manufactured articles (as of clothing) usually identified by numbers or letters [Middle English sise “a law, a law controlling weights and measures used in the marketplace, a fixed portion of food and drink,” from early French sise (same meaning), from earlier assise “a lawmaking session, legal action,” from asseoir “to seat,” derived from Latin assidere “to sit beside, assist (a judge),” from ad- “toward, near” and sedēre “to sit”]

2size vb sized; siz·ing
1 : to make a particular size
2 : to arrange, grade, or classify according to size
3 : to form a judgment of — used with up <sizing up the candidates>

3size \ˈsīz, ˌsīz\ adj : SIZED 1 <medium-size>

4size \ˈsīz\ n : a gluey material (as a preparation of glue, flour, or varnish) used for filling the pores in a surface (as of plaster), as a stiffener (as of fabric), or as an adhesive [Middle English sise “something gluey used as a filler, stiffener, or adhesive”]

5size vb sized; siz·ing : to apply size to

sized \ˈsīzd, ˌsīzd\ adj
1 : having a specified size <small-sized>
2 : arranged or adjusted according to size

siz·ing \ˈsī-ziŋ\ n : 4SIZE

siz·zle \ˈsiz-əl\ vb siz·zled; siz·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make a hissing sound in or as if in burning or frying
— sizzle n

— siz·zler \-(ə-)lər\ n

ska \ˈskä\ n : popular music of Jamaican origin that combines elements of traditional Caribbean rhythms and jazz [perhaps an alteration of scat “jazz singing with meaningless syllables”]

1skate \ˈskāt\ n : any of numerous rays that have broad winglike fins

2skate n
1 : a metallic runner fitting the sole of a shoe or a shoe with a permanently attached runner used for gliding on ice
2 : ROLLER SKATE

3skate vb skat·ed; skat·ing
1 : to glide along on skates
2 : to slide or move as if on skates
— skat·er n

1skate·board \ˈskāt-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a short board mounted on small wheels that is used for coasting and for performing athletic stunts

2skateboard vb : to ride or perform stunts on a skateboard
— skate·board·er \-ˌbōrd-ər, -ˌbȯrd-\ n

skate park n : an outdoor area having structures and surfaces for roller-skating and skateboarding

skat·ing \ˈskāt-iŋ\ n : the act, art, or sport of gliding on skates

skeet \ˈskēt\ n : trapshooting in which clay targets are thrown in such a way as to simulate the angle of flight of a bird

skein \ˈskān\ n : a looped length of yarn or thread put up in a loose twist after it is taken from the reel

skel·e·tal \ˈskel-ət-əl\ adj : of, relating or attached to, forming, or resembling a skeleton <skeletal muscles> <the skeletal system>

1skel·e·ton \ˈskel-ət-ən\ n
1 : a firm supporting or protecting structure or framework of a living thing; esp : a framework made of bone or sometimes cartilage that supports the soft tissues and protects the internal organs of a vertebrate (as a fish or human being) — compare ENDOSKELETON, EXOSKELETON
2 : a very thin person or animal
3 : something forming a structural framework

2skeleton adj
1 : of, consisting of, or resembling a skeleton <a skeleton hand>
2 : consisting of the smallest possible number of persons who can get a job done <a skeleton crew>

skeleton key n : a key made to open many locks

skep·tic \ˈskep-tik\ n : a person slow to believe or ready to question : DOUBTER

skep·ti·cal \ˈskep-ti-kəl\ adj : relating to or marked by doubt
— skep·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

skep·ti·cism \ˈskep-tə-ˌsiz-əm\ n : an attitude of doubt

1sketch \ˈskech\ n
1 a : a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene  b : a rough draft (as of a story)
2 : a brief description or outline
3 : a short comedy piece

2sketch vb
1 : to make a sketch, rough draft, or outline of
2 : to draw or paint a sketch
— sketch·er n

sketch·book \ˈskech-ˌbu̇k\ n : a book of or for sketches

sketchy \ˈskech-ē\ adj sketch·i·er; -est
1 : of the nature of a sketch : roughly outlined
2 : lacking completeness, clearness, or substance : SLIGHT, VAGUE

skew \ˈskyü\ vb
1 : to take a slanting course : move or turn aside : SWERVE
2 : to distort from a true value or symmetrical form <skewed the facts to fit their theory>

1skew·er \ˈskyü-ər, ˈskyu̇(-ə)r\ n
1 : a long pin for keeping meat in form while roasting or for holding small pieces of meat and vegetables for broiling
2 : something shaped or used like a meat skewer

2skewer vb : to fasten or pierce with or as if with a skewer

skew lines n pl : straight lines that do not intersect and are not in the same plane

skew·ness \ˈskyü-nəs\ n : lack of straightness or of agreement in size, shape, or position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or center

1ski \ˈskē\ n, pl skis : one of a pair of narrow strips of wood, metal, or plastic curving upward in front that are used for gliding over snow or water [from Norwegian ski “a ski,” from an early Norse word skīth “a stick of wood”]

2ski vb skied; ski·ing : to glide on skis
— ski·er n

ski boot n : a boot or shoe used for skiing; esp : a heavy rigid boot that extends above the ankle

1skid \ˈskid\ n
1 : a log or plank for supporting something (as above the ground)
2 : one of the logs, planks, or rails along or on which something heavy is rolled or slid
3 : a device placed under a carriage wheel to prevent its turning
4 : a runner used as part of the landing gear of an airplane or helicopter
5 : the act of skidding : SLIDE

2skid vb skid·ded; skid·ding
1 : to haul along, slide, hoist, or store on skids
2 : to slide without rotating <the wheels skidded>
3 : to fail to grip the roadway; esp : to slip sideways on the road <the car skidded on an icy road>

skid row \-ˈrō\ n : a district of cheap saloons and cheap rooming houses in which vagrants and alcoholics live

skies plural of SKY

skiff \ˈskif\ n : any of various small boats; esp : a flat-bottomed rowboat

ski·ing \ˈskē-iŋ\ n : the art or sport of gliding and jumping on skis

ski jump n
1 : a jump made by a person wearing skis
2 : a specially prepared course or track from which a skier makes a jump
— ski jump vb

— ski jump·er n

ski lift n : a machine that consists usually of a series of bars or seats hanging from a moving cable and that is used to carry skiers or sightseers up a long slope

skill \ˈskil\ n
1 : ability that comes from training or practice
2 : a developed or acquired ability : ACCOMPLISHMENT <reading skills>

skilled \ˈskild\ adj
1 : having skill : EXPERT <skilled workers>
2 : requiring skill and training <a skilled trade>

skil·let \ˈskil-ət\ n : FRYING PAN

skill·ful \ˈskil-fəl\ adj
1 : having or showing skill
2 : accomplished with skill <a skillful defense>
— skill·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— skill·ful·ness n
synonyms SKILLFUL, PROFICIENT, ADEPT, EXPERT, mean having the knowledge and experience needed to succeed at what one does. SKILLFUL suggests being very able at doing a particular job <a skillful truck driver>. PROFICIENT suggests a sure ability that comes from training and practice <a proficient waiter who can handle several tables at once>. ADEPT suggests having a native ability as well as a learned skill at something <she is adept at getting people to work together>. EXPERT suggests having a thorough knowledge of a subject as well as being very skillful at working in it <expert guides led us through the cave>.

1skim \ˈskim\ vb skimmed; skim·ming
1 a : to clear a liquid of scum or floating substance : remove (as film or scum) from the surface of a liquid  b : to remove cream from by skimming
2 : to glance through (as a book) for the chief ideas or the plot
3 : to throw so as to bounce along the surface of water
4 : to pass swiftly or lightly over : glide or skip along, above, or near a surface

2skim n
1 : a thin layer, coating, or film
2 : the act of skimming
3 : something skimmed; esp : SKIM MILK

3skim adj : having the cream removed by skimming

skim·mer \ˈskim-ər\ n : one that skims; esp : a flat scoop or spoon with holes that is used for skimming

skim milk n : milk from which the cream has been removed — called also skimmed milk

skimp \ˈskimp\ vb
1 : to give not enough or barely enough attention or effort to or funds for
2 : to save by or as if by skimping : SCRIMP

skimpy \ˈskim-pē\ adj skimp·i·er; -est : barely enough : SCANTY
— skimp·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adv

— skimp·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ n

1skin \ˈskin\ n
1 a : the outer layer of an animal when separated from the body usually with its hair or feathers : HIDE, PELT  b : a sheet of parchment or fine-grained leather made from a hide  c : 1BOTTLE 1B
2 a : the usually tough and flexible outer layer of an animal body that in vertebrates is made up of two layers including an inner dermis and an outer epidermis  b : an outer covering or surface layer <a sausage skin> <apple skins>
3 : the life or physical well-being of a person <made sure to save his skin>
— skin·less \-ləs\ adj

— skinned \ˈskind\ adj

2skin vb skinned; skin·ning
1 : to strip, scrape, or rub off the skin of <skin an animal> <skinned my knee>
2 : to cover or become covered with or as if with skin
3 : 1CHEAT 1, FLEECE
4 a : to climb up or down <skin up and down a rope>  b : to pass or get by with little room to spare

skin–deep \ˈskin-ˈdēp\ adj
1 : as deep as the skin
2 : not thorough or lasting in impression : SUPERFICIAL

skin–dive \ˈskin-ˌdīv\ vb : to swim underwater with a face mask and flippers and sometimes with a portable breathing device
— skin diver n

— skin–div·ing \-ˌdī-vīŋ\ n

skin·flint \ˈskin-ˌflint\ n : a person who is very stingy in money matters : MISER

skin graft n : skin transferred from a donor area to grow new skin at a place where the skin has been destroyed or stripped away (as by burning); also : the procedure by which such a piece of skin is removed and transferred to a new area

skink \ˈskiŋk\ n : any of a family of mostly small lizards with smooth scales

skin·ner \ˈskin-ər\ n
1 : one that removes and processes or deals in skins, pelts, or hides
2 : a driver of draft animals; esp : MULE SKINNER

skin·ny \ˈskin-ē\ adj skin·ni·er; -est
1 : resembling skin : MEMBRANOUS <a skinny layer>
2 : very thin  synonyms see LEAN
— skin·ni·ness n

skin·ny–dip \ˈskin-ē-ˌdip\ vb : to swim in the nude
— skin·ny–dip·per n

skin·tight \ˈskin-ˈtīt\ adj : closely fitted to the figure

1skip \ˈskip\ vb skipped; skip·ping
1 a : to move or proceed with leaps and bounds  b : to bounce or cause to bounce off one point after another <skipping stones>  c : to leap over lightly
2 : to leave hurriedly or secretly <skip town>
3 a : to pass over or leave out (as a section, item, or step) <skipped the dull parts of the book>  b : to promote or cause to be promoted to a grade higher than the next grade in school  c : to fail to attend <skipped the meeting>

2skip n
1 a : a light bouncing step  b : a manner of moving by alternating hops and steps
2 : a failure to do something; also : something not done

ski pole n : a pole that has an encircling disk set a little above the point and a strap for the hand at the top and is used as an aid in skiing

1skip·per \ˈskip-ər\ n
1 : one that skips
2 : any of various insects that differ from the related butterflies especially in having stout bodies, smaller wings, and usually antennae with curved ends [skip (verb) and -er (noun suffix)]

2skipper n : the master of a ship; esp : the master of a fishing, small trading, or pleasure boat [Middle English skipper “the master of a ship,” from early Dutch schipper (same meaning), from schip “ship”]

1skir·mish \ˈskər-mish\ n
1 : a minor fight between small bodies of troops
2 : a minor dispute or contest

2skirmish vb
1 : to engage in a skirmish
2 : to search about (as for supplies)
— skir·mish·er n

1skirt \ˈskərt\ n
1 a : a free-hanging part of a garment extending from the waist down  b : a separate free-hanging garment usually worn by women and girls covering the body from the waist down  c : either of two flaps on a saddle covering the bars on which the stirrups are hung
2 pl : OUTSKIRTS
3 : a part or attachment serving as a rim, border, or edging

2skirt vb
1 a : to go or pass around or about; esp : to go around or keep away from in order to avoid danger or discovery  b : to escape or miss by a narrow margin
2 : to be, lie, or move along an edge, border, or margin

skit \ˈskit\ n : a humorous story or sketch; esp : a sketch included in a dramatic performance

ski tow n
1 : a machine that consists usually of a moving rope which a skier grasps to be pulled to the top of a slope
2 : SKI LIFT

skit·ter \ˈskit-ər\ vb : to glide or skip lightly or quickly : skim along a surface

skit·tish \ˈskit-ish\ adj
1 : lively or frisky in action
2 : easily frightened : RESTIVE <a skittish horse>
3 : BASHFUL
— skit·tish·ly adv

— skit·tish·ness n

skoal \ˈskōl\ n : 2TOAST 3, HEALTH — often used as an interjection

skul·dug·gery or skull·dug·gery \ˌskəl-ˈdəg-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ger·ies : sneaky or dishonest behavior : TRICKERY

skulk \ˈskəlk\ vb
1 : to move in a sly or secret manner : SNEAK
2 : to hide or conceal oneself from cowardice or fear or with treacherous intention  synonyms see LURK
— skulk·er n

skull \ˈskəl\ n
1 : the case of bone or cartilage that forms the skeleton of the head and face, encloses the brain, and supports the jaws of vertebrates
2 : the location of understanding or intelligence : MIND
— skulled \ˈskəld\ adj

skull and cross·bones \-ˈkrȯs-ˌbōnz\ n, pl skulls and crossbones : a representation of a human skull over crossbones used as a warning of danger to life

skull·cap \ˈskəl-ˌkap\ n : a close-fitting cap; esp : a light cap without brim for indoor wear

1skunk \ˈskəŋk\ n, pl skunks also skunk
1 : any of various black-and-white North American mammals related to the weasels that give off a fluid with a sharp and unpleasant smell when threatened
2 : a mean hateful person [from a word in Massachusett (an extinct Algonguian language spoken in Massachusetts)]

2skunk vb : to defeat completely; esp : to prevent entirely from scoring or succeeding : SHUT OUT

skunk cabbage n : either of two North American herbs that grow in wet areas, bloom in late winter or early spring, and have an odor like that of a skunk

sky \ˈskī\ n, pl skies
1 : the upper atmosphere : the vast arch or dome that seems to spread over the earth
2 : HEAVEN 2
3 : 1WEATHER, CLIMATE <the forecast is for sunny skies tomorrow>

sky blue n : a pale to light blue

sky·cap \ˈskī-ˌkap\ n : one employed to carry hand luggage at an airport

sky·div·ing \-ˌdī-viŋ\ n : the sport of jumping from an airplane and carrying out various body maneuvers before opening a parachute
— sky·dive \-ˌdīv\ vb

— sky·div·er n

1sky–high \-ˈhī\ adv
1 a : high into the air  b : to a high level or degree
2 : in an enthusiastic manner
3 : to bits : APART

2sky–high adj : extremely expensive <prices are sky-high>

sky·jack·er \-ˌjak-ər\ n : a person who takes control of a flying airplane by threat of violence
— sky·jack \-ˌjak\ vb

1sky·lark \ˈskī-ˌlärk\ n : a common Old World lark noted for its continuous song uttered mostly while flying

2skylark vb : to play wild pranks : FROLIC
— sky·lark·er n

sky·light \ˈskī-ˌlīt\ n : a window or group of windows in a roof or ceiling

sky·line \-ˌlīn\ n
1 : the line where earth and sky or water and sky seem to meet : HORIZON
2 : an outline (as of buildings or mountains) against the sky

1sky·rock·et \ˈskī-ˌräk-ət\ n : 1ROCKET 1

2skyrocket vb
1 : to shoot up suddenly <costs have skyrocketed>
2 : to cause to rise or increase rapidly

sky·scrap·er \ˈskī-ˌskrā-pər\ n : a very tall building

sky·ward \ˈskī-wərd\ adv
1 : toward the sky <gaze skyward>
2 : to a higher level

sky·writ·ing \ˈskī-ˌrīt-iŋ\ n : writing formed in the sky by means of smoke or vapor released from an airplane
— sky·writ·er \-ˌrīt-ər\ n

slab \ˈslab\ n : a thick flat piece or slice (as of stone, wood, or bread)

1slack \ˈslak\ adj
1 : CARELESS 2
2 : not energetic <a slack pace>
3 a : not tight : not tense or taut <a slack rope>  b : lacking in firmness : WEAK, SOFT <slack control>
4 : not busy <a slack season>
— slack·ly adv

— slack·ness n

2slack vb
1 a : to be or become slack or careless in performing or doing  b : LESSEN <the wind slacked off>
2 : to avoid work or duty
3 : LOOSEN 2
4 a : to cause to lessen  b : SLAKE 4

3slack n
1 : a stopping of movement or flow
2 : a part of something that hangs loose without strain <take up the slack of a rope>
3 pl : trousers especially for casual wear
4 : a dull season or period : LULL
5 : additional tolerance or relief from pressure <cut me some slack>

slack·en \ˈslak-ən\ vb slack·ened; slack·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to make or become slower or less energetic <slacken speed>
2 : to make less taut : LOOSEN <slacken sail>
3 : to become careless

slack·er \ˈslak-ər\ n : one who avoids work or a duty

slag \ˈslag\ n : waste left after the melting of ores and the separation of the metal from them

slain past participle of SLAY

slake \ˈslāk, senses 3 & 4 are also ˈslak\ vb slaked; slak·ing
1 archaic : ABATE, MODERATE
2 : to relieve or satisfy with water or liquid : QUENCH <slaked our thirst>
3 : to become slaked
4 : to cause (lime) to heat and crumble by treatment with water

sla·lom \ˈsläl-əm\ n
1 : skiing in a zigzag or wavy course between upright poles
2 : a timed skiing race over such a course

1slam vb slammed; slam·ming
1 : to strike or beat hard
2 : to shut with force and noise : BANG <slammed the door>
3 : to set or slap down violently or noisily <slammed the books down on the table>
4 : to make a banging noise
5 : to criticize harshly

2slam n
1 : a heavy blow
2 a : a noisy violent closing  b : a banging noise especially from the slamming of a door
3 : a cutting or violent criticism

slam–bang \ˈslam-ˈbaŋ\ adj
1 : very noisy or violent
2 : having fast-paced often nonstop action

slam dunk n : DUNK SHOT
— slam–dunk \ˈslam-ˈdəŋk\ vb

1slan·der \ˈslan-dər\ n
1 : the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
2 : a false and harmful oral statement about a person
— slan·der·ous \-d(ə-)rəs\ adj

— slan·der·ous·ly adv

2slander vb slan·dered; slan·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to utter slander against : DEFAME
— slan·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

slang \ˈslaŋ\ n
1 : special language used by a particular group
2 : an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed of invented words, changed words, and exaggerated or humorous figures of speech
— slang adj

slangy \ˈslaŋ-ē\ adj slang·i·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or being slang : containing slang
2 : being in the habit of using slang
— slang·i·ness n

1slant \ˈslant\ vb
1 : to turn or incline from a straight line or a level : SLOPE
2 : to interpret or present according to a special viewpoint

2slant n
1 : a slanting direction, line, or plane : SLOPE
2 : something that slants
3 : a way of looking at something <get a new slant on the problem>
— slant adj

— slanty \ˈslant-ē\ adj

slant height n
1 : the distance along the surface of a right circular cone from the edge of the base to the vertex
2 : the altitude of a side of a regular pyramid

slant·ways \ˈslant-ˌwāz\ adv : SLANTWISE

slant·wise \ˈslant-ˌwīz\ adv or adj : so as to slant : in a slanting direction or position

1slap \ˈslap\ n
1 : a quick sharp blow especially with the open hand
2 : a noise like that of a slap

2slap vb slapped; slap·ping
1 a : to strike with or as if with the open hand  b : to make a sound like that of slapping
2 : to put, place, or throw with careless haste or force <slapped the book down on the desk>

3slap adv : 1DIRECTLY 2, SMACK

slap·dash \ˈslap-ˌdash, -ˈdash\ adj : HAPHAZARD, SLIPSHOD

slap·jack \ˈslap-ˌjak\ n
1 : PANCAKE
2 : a card game in which each player tries to be the first to slap his or her hand on any jack that appears faceup

slap shot n : a hard shot in ice hockey that is made with a swinging stroke

slap·stick \ˈslap-ˌstik\ n : comedy stressing horseplay
— slapstick adj

1slash \ˈslash\ vb
1 : to cut by sweeping and pointless blows
2 : to whip or strike with or as if with a cane
3 : to criticize without mercy
4 : to cut slits in (as a skirt) to reveal a different color or material
5 : to reduce sharply : CUT <slash prices>
— slash·er n

2slash n
1 : the act of slashing; also : a long cut or stroke made by slashing
2 : an ornamental slit in a garment
3 : a mark / used to mean “or” (as in and/or), “and or” (as in bottles/cans), or “per” (as in kilometers/hour)

slash pine n : a pine of the southeastern U.S. that is an important source of turpentine, lumber, and pulpwood

slat \ˈslat\ n : a thin narrow flat strip of wood, plastic, or metal <the slats of a venetian blind>
— slat·ted \ˈslat-əd\ adj

1slate \ˈslāt\ n
1 : a piece of construction material (as layered rock) prepared as a shingle for roofing and siding
2 : a dense fine-grained rock formed by compression of shales or other rocks that splits readily into thin layers or plates
3 : a tablet of material (as slate) used for writing on
4 a : a written or unwritten record (as of deeds) <started with a clean slate>  b : a list of candidates for nomination or election
5 a : a dark purplish gray  b : a gray similar in color to common roofing slate
— slate adj

— slate·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2slate vb slat·ed; slat·ing
1 : to cover with slate or a slatelike substance <slate a roof>
2 : to register or schedule for a special purpose or action <slate a meeting>
— slat·er n

slat·tern \ˈslat-ərn\ n : an untidy sloppy woman

slat·tern·ly \-lē\ adj : untidy and dirty through carelessness
— slat·tern·li·ness n

slaty \ˈslāt-ē\ adj
1 : of, containing, or characteristic of slate
2 : of a purplish gray color

1slaugh·ter \ˈslȯt-ər\ n
1 : the act of killing; esp : the butchering of livestock for market
2 : destruction of human lives in large numbers (as in war or a massacre)

2slaughter vb
1 : to kill an animal for food : BUTCHER
2 : to kill without mercy or in large numbers : MASSACRE
— slaugh·ter·er \ˈslȯt-ər-ər\ n

slaugh·ter·house \ˈslȯt-ər-ˌhau̇s\ n : an establishment where animals are butchered

Slav \ˈsläv, ˈslav\ n : a native speaker of a Slavic language

1slave \ˈslāv\ n
1 : a person who is owned by another person and can be sold at the owner's will
2 : a person who has lost self-control and is controlled by something or someone else <a slave to bad habits>
3 : a person who performs difficult or boring work : DRUDGE
— slave adj
Word History In the Middle Ages, Germanic people fought and raided other peoples, especially the Slavic peoples to the east. They took a great many captives there and sold them as slaves throughout Europe. The Slavic people were so common as slaves that writers of the time used the Latin word for “Slav,” Sclavus, to mean “a personal slave.” The Latin word became sclave in Middle English and then slave in Modern English. Of course slavery and slaves had existed long before the Middle Ages. The ancient Romans used the Latin word servus for “slave.” This Latin word is the ancestor of our word servant. In French, servus became serf and was used for a slave who belonged to a piece of land rather than to an individual. Serf has continued to mean this in both French and English, although serfs themselves no longer exist. [Middle English sclave “slave,” from early French esclave (same meaning), derived from Latin Sclavus “Slav”]

2slave vb slaved; slav·ing : to work like a slave : DRUDGE

slave driver n
1 : a supervisor of slaves at work
2 : a harsh boss

slave·hold·er \ˈslāv-ˌhōl-dər\ n : an owner of slaves
— slave·hold·ing \-diŋ\ adj or n

1sla·ver \ˈslav-ər, ˈslāv-\ vb sla·vered; sla·ver·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : DROOL 2, SLOBBER

2slav·er \ˈslā-vər\ n : a person or ship engaged in the slave trade

slav·ery \ˈslāv-(ə-)rē\ n
1 : DRUDGERY, TOIL
2 a : the state of being a slave  b : the practice of slaveholding

1Slav·ic \ˈslav-ik, ˈsläv-\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Slavs or their languages

2Slavic n : a branch of the Indo-European language family including Belarusian, Bulgarian, Czech, Polish, Serbian and Croatian, Slovene, Russian, and Ukrainian

slav·ish \ˈslā-vish\ adj
1 : of or characteristic of a slave
2 : lacking in independence or originality <slavish imitators>
— slav·ish·ly adv

— slav·ish·ness n

1Sla·von·ic \slə-ˈvän-ik\ adj : 1SLAVIC

2Slavonic n : 2SLAVIC

slaw \ˈslȯ\ n : COLESLAW

slay \ˈslā\ vb slew \ˈslü\; slain \ˈslān\; slay·ing : to put to death violently or in great numbers
— slay·er n

slea·zy \ˈslē-zē also ˈslā-\ adj slea·zi·er; -est
1 : not firm in texture : FLIMSY
2 : made carelessly of poor material : SHODDY
— slea·zi·ly \-zə-lē\ adv

— slea·zi·ness \-zē-nəs\ n

1sled \ˈsled\ n
1 : a vehicle usually on runners for transportation especially over snow or ice
2 : a small sled used especially by children for coasting on snow-covered slopes

2sled vb sled·ded; sled·ding : to ride or carry on a sled or sleigh
— sled·der n

sled dog n : a dog trained to draw a usually large sled especially in the Arctic regions

1sledge \ˈslej\ n : 1SLEDGEHAMMER

2sledge n : a strong heavy sled

3sledge vb sledged; sledg·ing : to travel with or transport on a sledge

1sledge·ham·mer \ˈslej-ˌham-ər\ n : a large heavy hammer usually used with both hands
— sledgehammer vb

2sledgehammer adj : marked by directness or strong force <a sledgehammer approach to the problem>

1sleek \ˈslēk\ vb : to make or become sleek

2sleek adj
1 a : smooth and glossy as if polished <sleek dark hair>  b : having a smooth healthy well-groomed look <sleek cattle grazing>
2 : having a prosperous look or manner
— sleek·ly adv

— sleek·ness n

1sleep \ˈslēp\ n
1 : the natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored
2 : a state resembling sleep: as  a : a state of inactivity (as hibernation) like sleep  b : DEATH 4 <put my pet cat to sleep>; also : 1COMA, TRANCE  c : a state marked by loss of feeling followed by tingling <my foot's gone to sleep>
— sleep·like \ˈslē-ˌplīk\ adj

2sleep vb slept \ˈslept\; sleep·ing
1 : to rest or be in a state of sleep
2 : to get rid of or spend in or by sleep <slept off his headache>
3 : to provide sleeping space for <the boat sleeps six>
4 : to have sexual intercourse

sleep·er \ˈslē-pər\ n
1 : one that sleeps
2 : a horizontal beam to support something on or near ground level
3 : SLEEPING CAR
4 : someone or something considered unlikely to succeed that suddenly becomes successful

sleeping bag n : a long fabric bag that is warmly lined for sleeping outdoors or in a camp or tent

sleeping car n : a railroad passenger car having berths for sleeping

sleeping pill n : a drug that is taken as a tablet or capsule to bring on sleep

sleeping sickness n
1 : a serious disease found in tropical Africa that is characterized by fever, headache, sleepiness, and confusion and is passed on by tsetse flies
2 : any of various virus diseases in which sleepiness is a major symptom

sleep·less \ˈslē-pləs\ adj
1 : not able to sleep
2 : marked by the absence of sleep <a sleepless night>
3 : unceasingly alert or active
— sleep·less·ly adv

— sleep·less·ness n

sleep·over \ˈslēp-ō-vər\ n : an overnight stay at another's home or an instance of having others stay at one's own home

sleep·walk \ˈslēp-ˌwȯk\ vb : to walk while or as if while asleep
— sleep·walk·er \-ˌwȯ-kər\ n

sleepy \ˈslē-pē\ adj sleep·i·er; -est
1 : ready to fall asleep
2 : quietly inactive <a sleepy village>
— sleep·i·ly \-pə-lē\ adv

— sleep·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ n
synonyms SLEEPY, SOMNOLENT, DROWSY, mean having the urge or tendency to sleep. SLEEPY may suggest that one is merely aware of a desire to go to sleep <felt sleepy after a long day>. SOMNOLENT is more likely to suggest the slowness or laziness of one who is sleepy by nature <a somnolent child who did not take part in games>. DROWSY suggests strong feelings of numbness and sleepiness that can be hard to get rid of <felt drowsy after a big meal>.

sleepy·head \-ˌhed\ n : a sleepy person

1sleet \ˈslēt\ n : frozen or partly frozen rain
— sleety \ˈslēt-ē\ adj

2sleet vb : to shower sleet

sleeve \ˈslēv\ n
1 : the part of a garment covering the arm
2 : a part that fits over or around something like a sleeve
— sleeved \ˈslēvd\ adj

— sleeve·less \ˈslēv-ləs\ adj

1sleigh \ˈslā\ n : an open usually horse-drawn vehicle with runners for use on snow or ice

2sleigh vb : to drive or travel in a sleigh

sleight \ˈslīt\ n
1 a : sly trickery  b : 1TRICK 1D, STRATAGEM
2 : DEXTERITY, SKILL

sleight of hand : skill especially in juggling or magic tricks
2 : a magic or juggling trick requiring skill with the hands

slen·der \ˈslen-dər\ adj
1 : 1THIN 1, SLIM
2 : limited or not enough in amount : MEAGER <a slender income>
— slen·der·ly adv

— slen·der·ness n

1sleuth \ˈslüth\ n : 2DETECTIVE
Word History In Middle English the word sleuth meant “the track or trail left by an animal or person.” After the 15th century sleuth was seldom used except in such words as sleuth-dog and sleuthhound. These were terms for a dog trained to follow a track or trail. The sleuthhound became well known for its eager and thorough pursuit of an object. Later the word sleuthhound came to be used for a “detective.” The modern word sleuth first came into use as a shortened form of sleuthhound. [a shortened form of sleuthhound “a dog that follows a track or trail by scent,” from Middle English sleuth “a track or trail”; of Norse origin]

2sleuth vb : to act as a detective

1slew \ˈslü\ past of SLAY

2slew variant of 1SLOUGH 1

3slew also slue vb : to turn, twist, or swing about especially out of a course : VEER

4slew n : a large number

1slice \ˈslīs\ n
1 a : a thin flat piece cut from something <a slice of bread>  b : a wedge-shaped piece (as of pie or cake)
2 : the flight of a ball curving to the right when hit by someone right-handed or to the left when hit by someone left-handed

2slice vb sliced; slic·ing
1 a : to cut with or as if with a knife  b : to cut something into slices
2 : to hit a ball so that a slice results
— slic·er n

1slick \ˈslik\ vb : to make sleek or smooth

2slick adj
1 a : having a smooth surface : SLIPPERY <a slick road>  b : having or showing skill and style but no depth <slick writing>
2 a : CLEVER 3; esp : TRICKY 1  b : quick and neat in action : SKILLFUL
— slick·ly adv

— slick·ness n

3slick n : something that is smooth or slippery; esp : a smooth patch of water covered with a film of oil

slick·er \ˈslik-ər\ n
1 : a long loose raincoat often of rubberized cloth or plastic
2 : a sly clever crook

1slide \ˈslīd\ vb slid \ˈslid\; slid·ing \ˈslīd-iŋ\
1 a : to move or cause to move smoothly along a surface  b : to coast on snow or ice  c : to fall or dive feetfirst or headfirst when approaching a base in baseball
2 : to slip and fall by a loss of footing, balance, or support
3 a : to move or pass smoothly and easily  b : to move, pass, or put so as not to be noticed
4 : to become worse gradually

2slide n
1 : the act or motion of sliding
2 : a loosened mass that slides <a rock slide>
3 a : a sloping surface down which a person or thing slides  b : something (as a cover for an opening) that operates or adjusts by sliding
4 a : a small transparent picture or image that can be projected on a screen  b : a small usually rectangular glass or plastic plate used to hold an object to be examined under a microscope

slid·er \ˈslīd-ər\ n
1 : one that slides
2 : a baseball pitch thrown like a fastball but breaking similarly to a curve
3 : a small meat sandwich typically served on a bun; esp : a small hamburger

slide rule n : an instrument used for calculation that in its simple form consists of a ruler with a movable middle piece

slide·way \ˈslīd-ˌwā\ n : a way along which something slides

slier comparative of SLY

sliest superlative of SLY

1slight \ˈslīt\ adj
1 a : having a slim or delicate build : not stout  b : lacking in strength or substance : FLIMSY, FRAIL  c : lacking weight, solidity, or importance : TRIVIAL
2 : small of its kind or in amount
— slight·ly adv

— slight·ness n

2slight vb
1 : to treat with disrespect
2 : to perform or attend to carelessly and without proper attention to detail

3slight n
1 : an act or an instance of slighting
2 : a humiliating discourtesy

slight·ing \ˈslīt-iŋ\ adj : characterized by disregard or disrespect
— slight·ing·ly adv

1slim \ˈslim\ adj slim·mer; slim·mest
1 : of small diameter or thickness in comparison with the height or length
2 a : low in quality or quantity : SLIGHT  b : SCANTY, SMALL <has a slim chance of winning>
— slim·ly adv

— slim·ness n

2slim vb slimmed; slim·ming : to make or become slender

slime \ˈslīm\ n
1 : soft moist earth or clay; esp : sticky slippery or sticky mud
2 : a slippery or sticky substance; esp : one that various animals (as slugs or catfishes) secrete onto their skin

slime mold n : either of two groups of organisms that reproduce by spores and form slimy masses composed of amoeboid cells that fuse to form a giant cell with many nuclei or that gather tightly together without fusing

slimy \ˈslī-mē\ adj slim·i·er; -est
1 a : of, relating to, or resembling slime : VISCOUS  b : covered with or producing slime
2 : VILE 1A, OFFENSIVE
— slim·i·ness n

1sling \ˈsliŋ\ vb slung \ˈsləŋ\; sling·ing \ˈsliŋ-iŋ\
1 : to throw with a sudden sweeping motion <slung the sweater over her shoulder>
2 : to throw with a sling
— sling·er \ˈsliŋ-ər\ n

2sling n
1 a : a short strap with strings fastened to its ends that is whirled round to throw something (as a stone)  b : SLINGSHOT
2 : something (as a rope or chain) used to hoist, lower, support, or carry something; esp : a bandage hanging from the neck to support an arm or hand
3 : a slinging or hurling of or as if of a missile

3sling vb slung \ˈsləŋ\; sling·ing \ˈsliŋ-iŋ\
1 : to put in or move or support with a sling
2 : to hang from two points <sling a hammock>

sling·shot \ˈsliŋ-ˌshät\ n : a forked stick with an elastic band attached for shooting small stones

slink \ˈsliŋk\ vb slunk \ˈsləŋk\; slink·ing : to move or go sneakily : creep along (as in fear or shame)

slinky \ˈsliŋ-kē\ adj slink·i·er; -est
1 : sneakily quiet <slinky movements>
2 : following the lines of the figure in a gracefully flowing manner <slinky dresses>

1slip \ˈslip\ vb slipped; slip·ping
1 a : to move easily and smoothly : SLIDE <slip the knife into its sheath>  b : to move or place quietly or sneakily <slipped from the room>  c : to pass without being noticed or used <let the opportunity slip>
2 a : to get away from <slipped his pursuers>  b : to free from : SHED <the dog slipped its collar>  c : to escape the attention or memory of <it slipped my mind>  d : to express or become expressed unintentionally <the secret slipped out>  e : to cause to slide open : RELEASE <slip a bolt>
3 : to let a knitting stitch pass from one needle to another without working a new stitch
4 a : to slide out of place, away from a support, or from one's grasp  b : to slide so as to fall or lose balance <slipped on the ice>
5 : to cause to slide especially in putting, passing, or inserting easily or quickly <slip into a coat>
6 : to fall from some level or standard usually gradually or by degrees [Middle English slippen “to move by sliding, to move quietly or unnoticed”; of Germanic origin]

2slip n
1 a : a sloping ramp that extends out into the water and serves for landing or repairing ships  b : a place for a ship between two piers
2 : the act or an instance of departing secretly or hurriedly
3 : a mistake in judgment, selected course of action, or way of doing things : BLUNDER, MISSTEP
4 : the act or an instance of slipping down or out of place <a slip on the ice>; also : a sudden mishap
5 a : an undergarment made in dress length with shoulder straps  b : PILLOWCASE

3slip n
1 : a small shoot or twig cut for planting or grafting : CUTTING
2 a : a long narrow strip of material  b : a small piece of paper <a sales slip> [Middle English slippe “a small shoot or twig for planting or grafting”; probably of Germanic origin]

4slip n : thin wet clay used in pottery for casting, for decoration, or as a cement [Old English slypa “slime, paste”]

slip·cov·er \ˈslip-ˌkəv-ər\ n : a removable covering for a piece of furniture

slip·knot \-ˌnät\ n : a knot that slips along a line around which it is made — see KNOT ILLUSTRATION

slip·page \ˈslip-ij\ n
1 : an act, instance, or process of slipping
2 : a loss in transmission of power

slipped disk n : an injury in which one of the disks of cartilage between the vertebrae slips out of place, puts pressure on spinal nerves, and causes back and leg pain

slip·per \ˈslip-ər\ n : a light low shoe without laces that is easily slipped on or off
— slip·pered \-ərd\ adj

slip·pery \ˈslip-(ə-)rē\ adj slip·peri·er; -est
1 : having a surface smooth enough to cause one to slide or lose one's hold
2 : not worthy of trust : TRICKY, CRAFTY
— slip·peri·ness n

slip·shod \ˈslip-ˈshäd\ adj : very careless : SLOVENLY

slip·up \ˈslip-ˌəp\ n
1 : 2MISTAKE 2
2 : MISCHANCE 2

slip up \slip-ˈəp\ vb : to make a mistake : BLUNDER

1slit \ˈslit\ vb slit; slit·ting
1 a : to make a slit in : SLASH  b : to cut off or away : SEVER
2 : to cut into long narrow strips
— slit·ter n

2slit n : a long narrow cut or opening
— slit adj

— slit·less \-ləs\ adj

slith·er \ˈslith-ər\ vb
1 : to slide or cause to slide on or as if on a loose gravelly surface
2 : to slip or slide like a snake

slith·ery \ˈslith-ə-rē\ adj : having a slippery surface, texture, or quality

1sliv·er \ˈsliv-ər\ n
1 : a long slender piece cut or torn off : SPLINTER
2 : a small and narrow portion <a sliver of pie>

2sliver vb sliv·ered; sliv·er·ing \ˈsliv-(ə-)riŋ\ : to cut or form into slivers : SPLINTER

slob \ˈsläb\ n : a dirty, nasty, or rude person
— slob·by \ˈslä-bē\ adj

1slob·ber \ˈsläb-ər\ vb slob·bered; slob·ber·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to let saliva or liquid dribble from the mouth : DROOL
2 : to show feeling in an exaggerated way : GUSH

2slobber n
1 : dripping saliva
2 : silly exaggerated show of feeling

sloe \ˈslō\ n : the tart bluish black globe-shaped fruit of the blackthorn; also : BLACKTHORN

sloe–eyed \ˈslō-ˈīd\ adj
1 : having soft dark bluish or purplish black eyes
2 : having slanted eyes

sloe gin n : a sweet reddish liqueur flavored chiefly with sloes

slog \ˈsläg\ vb slogged; slog·ging
1 : to hit hard : BEAT
2 : to work in a steady determined manner
— slog·ger n

slo·gan \ˈslō-gən\ n
1 : a word or phrase that calls to battle
2 : a word or phrase used by a party, a group, or a business to attract attention
Word History The clans of Scotland were groups of related families that joined together, especially to defend against outsiders. In the old days these outsiders might be other clans, but usually they were the English to the south. When it was time to gather members of the clan for a battle, the Scots would shout the sluagh-gairm, which meant “army cry.” It is made up of the Scottish Gaelic word sluagh, meaning “army,” and ghairm, meaning “call, cry.” This came into English as slogorn and later became slogan. At first slogan meant a “battle cry” or “rallying cry.” Later it came to be used for “a motto or phrase used by a group to attract attention.” [from earlier slogorn “war cry, rallying cry,” from Scottish Gaelic, the ancient language of Scotland, sluagh-gairm “army cry,” from sluagh “army” and ghairm “call, cry”]

slo–mo \ˈslō-ˌmō\ n : SLOW MOTION
— slo–mo adj

sloop \ˈslüp\ n : a sailboat with one mast and a fore-and-aft mainsail and jib

1slop \ˈsläp\ n
1 : soft mud : SLUSH
2 : thin tasteless drink or liquid food — usually used in plural
3 : liquid spilled or splashed
4 a : food waste (as garbage) fed to animals : SWILL  b : waste given off by the body — usually used in plural

2slop vb slopped; slop·ping
1 : to spill on or over
2 : to feed slop to <slop the pigs>

1slope \ˈslōp\ adj : that slants : SLOPING

2slope vb sloped; slop·ing : to take a slanting direction : give a slant to : INCLINE
— slop·er n

3slope n
1 : ground that forms a natural or artificial incline
2 : upward or downward slant or degree of slant
3 : the ratio of the change in a vertical direction to the change in a horizontal direction between any two points on the graph of a straight line

slope–intercept form n : the equation of a straight line in the form y = mx + b where m is the slope of the line and b is its y-intercept

slop·py \ˈsläp-ē\ adj slop·pi·er; -est
1 a : wet so as to spatter easily : SLUSHY  b : wet with or as if with something slopped over
2 : SLOVENLY, CARELESS <a sloppy dresser>
3 : overly sentimental
— slop·pi·ly \ˈsläp-ə-lē\ adv

— slop·pi·ness \ˈsläp-ē-nəs\ n

1slosh \ˈsläsh\ n
1 : SLUSH 1
2 : the slap or splash of liquid

2slosh vb
1 : to struggle through or splash about in or with water, mud, or slush
2 : to move with a splashing motion

1slot \ˈslät\ n : a long narrow opening, groove, or passage : SLIT, NOTCH

2slot vb slot·ted; slot·ting : to cut a slot in

slot car n : a toy racing car that fits into a groove and is guided electrically by remote control

sloth \ˈslȯth, ˈslōth\ n
1 : the quality or state of being lazy
2 : any of several slow-moving mammals of the tropical forests of Central and South America that are related to the armadillos, live in trees, and feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits

sloth·ful \ˈslȯth-fəl, ˈslōth-\ adj : LAZY 1, SLUGGISH, INDOLENT
— sloth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

slot machine n
1 : a machine whose operation is begun when a coin is dropped into a slot
2 : a coin-operated gambling machine that pays off for the matching of symbols on wheels spun by a handle

1slouch \ˈslau̇ch\ n
1 : an awkward, lazy, or unqualified person
2 : a manner of walking, sitting, or standing characterized by an awkward stooping of head and shoulders

2slouch vb : to walk, sit, or stand with a slouch
— slouch·er n

slouchy \ˈslau̇-chē\ adj slouch·i·er; -est : slouching or untidy especially in appearance

1slough \ˈslü, ˈslau̇; in the U.S. (except New England) ˈslü is usual for sense 1; ˈslau̇ is more frequent for sense 2\ n
1 also slew or slue \ˈslü\ : a wet and marshy or muddy place (as a swamp or backwater)
2 : a discouraged, degraded, or hopeless state [Old English slōh “swamp”]

2slough \ˈsləf\ also sluff n
1 : the cast-off skin of a snake
2 : a mass of dead tissue separating from living tissue
3 : something that may be shed or cast off [Middle English slughe “the cast-off skin of a snake”]

3slough \ˈsləf\ also sluff vb
1 a : to cast off or become cast off  b : to cast off one's skin  c : to separate dead tissue from living tissue  d : to get rid of or discard as bothersome, objectionable, or not to one's advantage
2 : to crumble slowly and fall away

Slo·vak \ˈslō-ˌväk, -ˌvak\ n
1 : a member of a Slavic people of Slovakia
2 : the Slavic language of the Slovak people
— Slovak adj

— Slo·va·ki·an \slō-ˈväk-ē-ən, -ˈvak-\ adj or n

slov·en \ˈsləv-ən\ n : a slovenly person : SLOB

Slo·vene \ˈslō-ˌvēn\ n
1 : a member of a Slavic people living largely in Slovenia
2 : the language of the Slovenes
— Slovene adj

— Slo·ve·ni·an \slō-ˈvē-nē-ən\ adj or n

slov·en·ly \ˈsləv-ən-lē\ adj
1 a : untidy especially in dress or person  b : lazily careless
2 : characteristic of a sloven
— slov·en·li·ness n

— slovenly adv

1slow \ˈslō\ adj
1 a : not quick to understand <a slow learner>  b : STUPID  c : naturally slow-moving
2 a : unwilling to take prompt action  b : not easily aroused or excited <was slow to anger>
3 a : moving, flowing, or proceeding without speed or at less than usual speed <traffic was slow>  b : not vigorous or active <a slow fire>  c : taking place at a low rate or over a considerable period of time <slow progress in negotiations>
4 : having qualities that hinder or stop rapid progress or action <a slow racetrack>
5 a : registering behind or below what is correct <the clock is slow>  b : that is behind the time at a specified time or place
6 : lacking in activity or liveliness <a slow market>
— slow·ish \ˈslō-ish\ adj

— slow·ly adv

— slow·ness n

2slow adv : in a slow manner

3slow vb : to make or go slow or slower — often used with down or up

slow·down \ˈslō-ˌdau̇n\ n : a slowing down

slow motion n : action in a film or television picture apparently taking place more slowly than it actually occurred
— slow–motion adj

slow·poke \ˈslō-ˌpōk\ n : a very slow person

sludge \ˈsləj\ n
1 : MUD, MIRE
2 : a muddy or slushy mass; esp : solid matter produced by water and sewage treatment processes
— sludgy \ˈsləj-ē\ adj

1slue variant of 1SLOUGH 1

2slue variant of 3SLEW

1slug \ˈsləg\ n
1 : SLUGGARD
2 a : a small piece of shaped metal (as a bullet)  b : a metal disk used in place of a coin in a coin-operated machine
3 : any of numerous long wormlike land mollusks that are related to the snails but have only an underdeveloped shell or none at all
4 : a single drink of liquor : SHOT [Middle English slugge “a lazy person”; of Scandinavian origin]

2slug n : a heavy blow especially with the fist [perhaps from earlier slug (verb) “to load (a weapon) with slugs”]

3slug vb slugged; slug·ging : to strike heavily with or as if with the fist or a bat

slug·gard \ˈsləg-ərd\ n : a lazy person
— sluggard adj

slugger n : one (as a batter or boxer) that strikes hard or with heavy blows

slug·gish \ˈsləg-ish\ adj : slow in movement or reaction by habit or condition
— slug·gish·ly adv

— slug·gish·ness n

1sluice \ˈslüs\ n
1 : an artificial passage for water with a gate for controlling its flow or changing its direction
2 : a body of water held back by a gate or a stream flowing through a gate
3 : a device (as a floodgate) for controlling the flow of water
4 : a channel that carries off surplus water
5 : a long sloping trough (as for floating logs to a sawmill)

2sluice vb sluiced; sluic·ing
1 : to draw off by or through a sluice
2 a : to wash with or in water running through or from a sluice  b : DRENCH, FLUSH

1slum \ˈsləm\ n : a thickly populated section especially of a city marked by crowding, dirty run-down housing, and generally poor living conditions

2slum vb slummed; slum·ming : to visit slums especially out of curiosity
— slum·mer n

1slum·ber \ˈsləm-bər\ vb slum·bered; slum·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to sleep usually lightly
2 : to exist without being active <a slumbering volcano>
— slum·ber·er \-bər-ər\ n

2slumber n : 1SLEEP

slum·ber·ous or slum·brous \ˈsləm-b(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : very sleepy
2 : causing or tending to cause sleep : SOPORIFIC

slum·lord \ˈsləm-ˌlȯ(ə)rd\ n : a landlord who receives high profits from renting substandard housing

1slump \ˈsləmp\ vb
1 : to drop or slide down suddenly : COLLAPSE
2 : to assume a stooped posture : SLOUCH
3 : to fall off sharply

2slump n : a marked or continued reduction especially in economic activity or prices

slung past and past participle of SLING

slunk past and past participle of SLINK

1slur \ˈslər\ vb slurred; slur·ring
1 a : to slide or slip over without proper mention, consideration, or emphasis  b : to perform hurriedly : SKIMP
2 : to sing or play successive musical notes of different pitch in a smooth or connected manner
3 : to speak unclearly

2slur n
1 a : a curved line connecting notes to be sung or played without a break  b : the combination of two or more slurred tones
2 : a slurring manner of speech

3slur vb slurred; slur·ring
1 : to make an insulting remark about : DISPARAGE
2 : to make unclear : OBSCURE

4slur n
1 a : damaging criticism  b : 1DISHONOR 1, SHAME
2 : a blurred spot in printed matter : SMUDGE

slurp \ˈslərp\ vb : to eat or drink noisily or with a sucking sound
— slurp n

slush \ˈsləsh\ n
1 : partly melted or watery snow
2 : soft mud : MIRE
3 : overly sentimental material

slushy \ˈsləsh-ē\ adj slush·i·er; -est : full of or resembling slush <a slushy road>

sly \ˈslī\ adj sli·er or sly·er \ˈslī(-ə)r\; sli·est or sly·est \ˈslī-əst\
1 a : clever at hiding one's goals or purpose  b : tending to secrecy or concealment
2 : lightly mischievous <a sly smile>  synonyms see CUNNING
— sly·ly adv

— sly·ness n

— on the sly : in a secret manner

1smack \ˈsmak\ n
1 : characteristic or slight taste or flavor
2 : a small quantity [Old English smæc “a characteristic taste or flavor”]

2smack vb : to have a flavor, trace, or suggestion

3smack vb
1 : to close and open the lips noisily especially in eating
2 : to kiss usually loudly
3 : to make or give a sharp slap or blow

4smack n
1 : a quick sharp noise made by rapidly opening and closing the lips
2 : a loud kiss
3 : a sharp slap or blow

5smack adv : in a square and sharp manner : DIRECTLY <hit me smack in the face>

smack–dab \ˈsmak-ˈdab\ adv : EXACTLY 1B <smack-dab in the middle>

1small \ˈsmȯl\ adj
1 : little in size
2 : little in amount <a small supply>
3 : not very much : MINOR <small success>
4 : not important <a small matter>
5 : operating on a limited scale <small dealers>
6 : 1SOFT 1C <a small voice>
7 : not generous : MEAN, PETTY <a small nature>
8 : made up of few or little units <a small crowd>
9 : 1HUMBLE 1, MODEST <a small beginning>
10 : having been humiliated or humbled <felt very small to be caught cheating>
— small·ish \ˈsmȯ-lish\ adj

— small·ness \ˈsmȯl-nəs\ n

2small adv
1 : in or into small pieces <cut the meat small>
2 : in a small manner <most businesses begin small>

3small n : a part smaller and especially narrower than the rest <the small of the back>

small arm n : a firearm fired while held in the hands — usually used in plural

small calorie n : CALORIE 1A

small capital n : a letter having the form of but smaller than a capital letter (as in these words) — called also small cap

small–claims court n : a court intended to simplify the settling of disputes over small debts

small–fry \ˈsmȯl-ˌfrī\ adj
1 : 1MINOR 1, UNIMPORTANT
2 : of or relating to children : CHILDISH

small intestine n : the long narrow part of the intestine between the stomach and the colon in which food is mostly digested, from which digested food is absorbed into the body, and which consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

small–mind·ed \ˈsmȯl-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj
1 : having narrow interests, sympathies, or outlook
2 : typical of a small-minded person : PETTY
— small–mind·ed·ness n

small·mouth bass \ˌsmȯl-ˌmau̇th-\ n : a black bass that lives in clear rivers and lakes and is bronze green above and lighter below — called also smallmouth black bass

small potatoes n : someone or something of trivial importance or worth

small·pox \ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks\ n : a sometimes deadly disease that is caused by a virus, is characterized by fever and a skin rash, and is believed to have been wiped out worldwide as a result of vaccination

small talk n : light or informal conversation

1smart \ˈsmärt\ vb
1 : to cause or feel a sharp stinging pain
2 : to feel mental distress (as regret, resentment, or embarrassment)

2smart adj
1 : causing a sharp stinging sensation
2 : marked by forceful activity or vigorous strength
3 : BRISK 1, SPIRITED <a smart pace>
4 a : mentally alert : BRIGHT <a smart teacher>  b : sharp in scheming : SHREWD
5 a : WITTY, CLEVER  b : IMPUDENT, FLIPPANT
6 a : stylish or elegant in dress or appearance  b : WORLDLY-WISE, KNOWING  c : FASHIONABLE
7 a : being a guided missile <a smart bomb>  b : operating by automation <a smart machine tool>
— smart·ly adv

— smart·ness n

3smart adv : in a smart manner

4smart n : a smarting pain; esp : a stinging pain in one small part of the body

smart al·eck \ˈsmärt-ˌal-ik, -ˌel-\ n : a person who likes to show off in a clever or witty but annoying way
— smart–al·ecky \-ˌal-ə-kē, -ˌel-\ or smart–aleck adj

smart card n : a small plastic card that has a tiny built-in computer chip to store and process data

smart·en \ˈsmärt-ən\ vb smart·ened; smart·en·ing \ˈsmärt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to make smart or smarter; esp : SPRUCE, FRESHEN <smartened themselves for the party>
2 : to make or become more alert or informed <smarten up, before it's too late>

smart·phone \ˈsmärt-ˌfōn\ n : a cell phone that includes additional functions (as e-mail or an Internet browser)

smarty or smart·ie \ˈsmärt-ē\ n, pl smart·ies : SMART ALECK

1smash \ˈsmash\ vb
1 : to break into pieces by violence : SHATTER
2 : to drive, throw, or move violently especially with a destructive effect
3 : to destroy completely : WRECK
4 : to go to pieces suddenly : COLLAPSE
— smash·er n

2smash n
1 a : a heavy blow or attack  b : a hard overhand stroke (as in tennis)
2 : the condition of being smashed
3 a : the action or sound of smashing; esp : a wreck due to collision : CRASH  b : complete collapse : RUIN; esp : BANKRUPTCY
4 : a striking success : HIT <the new play is a smash>

smash·up \ˈsmash-ˌəp\ n
1 : a complete collapse
2 : a destructive collision of motor vehicles

smat·ter·ing \ˈsmat-ə-riŋ\ n
1 : a small amount of knowledge <a smattering of French>
2 : a small scattered number

1smear \ˈsmi(ə)r\ n
1 : a spot made by or as if by an oily or sticky substance : SMUDGE
2 : material smeared on a surface; esp : material prepared for microscopic examination by smearing on a slide — compare PAP SMEAR
3 : a usually unproven charge or accusation

2smear vb
1 a : to spread with something oily or sticky  b : to spread over a surface
2 a : to stain, smudge, or dirty by or as if by smearing  b : to harm the reputation of
3 : to blot out or blur by or as if by smearing
— smear·er n

smeary \ˈsmi(ə)r-ē\ adj
1 : marked by smears
2 : likely to cause smears

1smell \ˈsmel\ vb smelled \ˈsmeld\ or smelt \ˈsmelt\; smell·ing
1 : to become aware of an odor by means of the sense organs located in the nose <smell dinner cooking>
2 : to detect or become aware of as if by the sense of smell <smell trouble>
3 : to use the sense of smell
4 a : to have or give off an odor <the candles smell like roses>  b : to have a disagreeable odor : STINK  c : to give a hint or trace of something <the plan smells of trickery>
— smell·er n

— smell a rat : to have a suspicion of something wrong

— smell blood : to sense an opponent's weakness

— smell the roses : to enjoy life

2smell n
1 : ODOR, SCENT 2
2 : the process or power of becoming aware of an odor; also : the sense by which one detects odor
3 : a special quality associated with a given source : AURA <the smell of adventure>
4 : an act of smelling

smelling salts n pl : a strong-smelling preparation of ammonia in water used to wake someone who has fainted

smelly \ˈsmel-ē\ adj smell·i·er; -est : having a smell and especially a bad smell <smelly socks>

1smelt \ˈsmelt\ n, pl smelts or smelt : any of several very small food fishes that look like the related trouts and live in fresh water or in coastal sea waters

2smelt vb
1 : to melt (as ore) usually in order to separate the metal
2 : REFINE 1, REDUCE

smelt·er \ˈsmel-tər\ n
1 : a person whose work or business is smelting
2 or smelt·ery \-tə-rē\ : an establishment for smelting

smid·gen also smid·geon or smid·gin \ˈsmij-ən\ or smidge \ˈsmij\ n : a small amount : BIT

1smile \ˈsmī(ə)l\ vb smiled; smil·ing
1 : to have, produce, or exhibit a smile
2 a : to look with amusement or ridicule  b : to be fortunate or agreeable <the weather smiled on our plans>
3 : to express by a smile <both parents smiled their approval>
— smil·er n

— smil·ing·ly \ˈsmī-liŋ-lē\ adv

2smile n : a change of facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward especially in expression of amusement, pleasure, approval, or sometimes scorn

1smil·ey \ˈsmī-lē\ adj : exhibiting a smile : frequently smiling

2smiley n : EMOTICON

smirch \ˈsmərch\ vb
1 : to make dirty, stained, or discolored especially by smearing with something that soils
2 : to bring discredit or disgrace on
— smirch n

smirk \ˈsmərk\ vb : to smile in an insincere or smug manner
— smirk n

smirky \ˈsmər-kē\ adj smirk·i·er; -est : suggesting or being a smirk

smite \ˈsmīt\ vb smote \ˈsmōt\; smit·ten \ˈsmit-ən\ or smote; smit·ing \ˈsmīt-iŋ\
1 : to strike sharply or heavily especially with the hand or a hand weapon
2 a : to kill or injure by smiting  b : to attack or afflict suddenly and harmfully <smitten by disease>
3 : to affect like a sudden hard blow <smitten with terror>
4 : CAPTIVATE, TAKE 6 <smitten with the kitten>
— smit·er \ˈsmīt-ər\ n

smith \ˈsmith\ n
1 : a worker in metals : BLACKSMITH
2 : one who constructs, builds, or produces something : MAKER — often used in combination <gunsmith>

smith·er·eens \ˌsmith-ə-ˈrēnz\ n pl : small broken pieces : BITS

smithy \ˈsmith-ē also ˈsmith-\ n, pl smith·ies
1 : the workshop of a smith
2 : BLACKSMITH

1smock \ˈsmäk\ n
1 archaic : a woman's undergarment; esp : CHEMISE 1
2 : a light loose garment worn usually over regular clothing for protection from dirt

2smock vb : to embroider or shirr with smocking

smock·ing \ˈsmäk-iŋ\ n : a decorative embroidery or shirring made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks

smog \ˈsmäg also ˈsmȯg\ n : a thick haze caused by the action of sunlight on air polluted especially by smoke and automobile exhaust fumes [from smoke and fog]

smog·gy \ˈsmäg-ē also ˈsmȯg-ē\ adj smog·gi·er; -est : having a lot of smog

1smoke \ˈsmōk\ n
1 : the gas of burning materials (as coal, wood, or tobacco) made visible by small particles of carbon floating in it
2 : a mass or column of smoke
3 : something that has little substance or value or that doesn't last very long
4 : something that hides
5 a : something to smoke (as a cigarette)  b : an act of smoking tobacco
— smoke·like \ˈsmō-ˌklīk\ adj

2smoke vb smoked; smok·ing
1 a : to give off or exhale smoke  b : to give off too much smoke
2 a : to inhale and exhale the fumes of burning plant material and especially tobacco  b : to use in smoking <smoke a pipe>
3 a : to drive away by smoke  b : to blacken or discolor with smoke  c : to use smoke to give (as meat or cheese) flavor and keep from spoiling
— smok·er n

smoke and mirrors n : something intended to disguise or draw attention away especially from an unpleasant issue

smoke detector n : an alarm that activates automatically when it detects smoke — called also smoke alarm

smoke·house \ˈsmōk-ˌhau̇s\ n : a building where meat or fish is given flavor and kept from spoiling by the use of smoke

smoke jumper n : a forest firefighter who parachutes to locations otherwise difficult to reach

smoke·less \ˈsmō-kləs\ adj : producing or containing little or no smoke <smokeless fuel>

smoke screen n : a screen of or as if of smoke to make observation or detection difficult

smoke·stack \ˈsmōk-ˌstak\ n : a large chimney or pipe for carrying away smoke (as on a factory or ship)

smoke tree n : either of two shrubs or small trees that are related to the cashew and have large clusters of tiny flowers that look like clouds of smoke

smoky also smok·ey \ˈsmō-kē\ adj smok·i·er; -est
1 : giving off smoke especially in large quantities <smoky stoves>
2 : resembling or suggestive of smoke <a smoky flavor>
3 : filled with or darkened by smoke <a smoky room>
— smok·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— smok·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

1smol·der or smoul·der \ˈsmōl-dər\ n : a slow smoky fire

2smolder or smoulder vb smol·dered or smoul·dered; smol·der·ing or smoul·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to burn slowly with smoke and usually without flame <fire was smoldering in the pit>
2 : to exist or continue in a hidden or controlled state <discontent smoldered for years before the revolt>
3 : to burn inwardly <anger smoldered in my heart>

smooch \ˈsmüch\ vb : 1KISS 1, PET
— smooch n

1smooth \ˈsmüth\ adj
1 a : having a continuous even surface : not rough <a smooth skin>  b : not hairy
2 : free from obstacles or difficulties <a smooth path>
3 : even and uninterrupted in flow or flight
4 : flattering but not truthfully so <a smooth talker>
5 a : calm in manner or behavior : SERENE <a smooth disposition>  b : AMIABLE, COURTEOUS
6 : not sharp or harsh <a smooth sherry>
— smooth·ly adv

— smooth·ness n

2smooth vb
1 : to make smooth <smooth the edge of a board>
2 a : to free from what is harsh or disagreeable : POLISH <smoothed out my style>  b : to make calm : SOOTHE
3 : to make (as a fault) seem of little importance in order to avoid bad feelings <smoothed things over with apologies>
4 : to free from trouble or difficulty <smoothed the way for a quick end to the dispute>
5 : to press flat <smoothed down the folds of the tablecloth>
6 : to cause to lie evenly and in order : PREEN <smooths down its feathers>
— smooth·er n

smooth muscle n : muscle that is made up of long thin cells with a single nucleus and no cross stripes, that is found especially in hollow organs and parts (as the bladder and blood vessels), and that is not under voluntary control — called also involuntary muscle; compare STRIATED MUSCLE

smooth–tongued \ˈsmüth-ˈtəŋd\ adj : flattering but not truthfully so

smoothy or smooth·ie \ˈsmü-thē\ n, pl smooth·ies
1 : a smooth-tongued person
2 : a person with well-bred manners

smor·gas·bord \ˈsmȯr-gəs-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a self-service luncheon or supper offering a large variety of foods and dishes [from Swedish smörgåsbord “a buffet meal,” from smörgås “open sandwich” and bord “table”]

smote past of SMITE

smoth·er \ˈsməth-ər\ vb smoth·ered; smoth·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to be overcome or killed through lack of air
2 : to overcome or kill by depriving of air or exposing to smoke or fumes
3 a : to prevent the development or actions of <smother a child with too much care>  b : to cover up : SUPPRESS <smother a yawn>  c : to cover thickly <steak smothered with mushrooms>

1smudge \ˈsməj\ vb smudged; smudg·ing
1 a : to make a smudge on  b : to soil as if by smudging
2 : to make a smudge <a chalk that does not smudge>
3 : to become smudged <charcoal drawings smudge easily>

2smudge n
1 a : a blurry spot or streak : SMEAR  b : 2STAIN 2
2 : a fire made to smoke (as for protecting fruit from frost)
— smudgy \ˈsməj-ē\ adj

smug \ˈsməg\ adj smug·ger; smug·gest : highly satisfied with oneself : COMPLACENT
— smug·ly adv

— smug·ness n

smug·gle \ˈsməg-əl\ vb smug·gled; smug·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to export or import secretly and unlawfully especially to avoid paying taxes <smuggle jewels>
2 : to take, bring, or introduce secretly
— smug·gler \ˈsməg-lər\ n

1smut \ˈsmət\ vb smut·ted; smut·ting
1 : to stain, soil, or affect (a crop or plant) with smut
2 : to become affected by smut

2smut n
1 : matter that soils or blackens; esp : a particle of soot
2 : any of various destructive diseases of plants caused by fungi that transform plant organs (as seeds) into dark masses of spores; also : a fungus that causes a smut
3 : indecent language, pictures, or writing

smut·ty \ˈsmət-ē\ adj smut·ti·er; -est
1 : soiled or tainted with smut <a smutty face>
2 : affected with smut fungus <smutty plants>
3 : OBSCENE 2, INDECENT <smutty jokes>
— smut·ti·ly \ˈsmət-əl-ē\ adv

— smut·ti·ness \ˈsmət-ē-nəs\ n

snack \ˈsnak\ n : a light meal : LUNCH

snack bar n : a public eating place where snacks are served usually at a counter

1snag \ˈsnag\ n
1 a : a tree or branch when stuck underwater and not visible from the surface  b : a standing dead tree
2 : an uneven or broken part sticking out from a smooth surface <caught my sweater on a snag>
3 : a concealed or unexpected difficulty <our plans hit a snag>

2snag vb snagged; snag·ging : to catch on or as if on a snag

snag·gle·tooth \ˈsnag-əl-ˌtüth\ n : a tooth that sticks out, is uneven, or is broken
— snag·gle·toothed \ˌsnag-əl-ˈtütht\ adj

snail \ˈsnā(ə)l\ n
1 : any of numerous small mollusks that are gastropods usually with a spiral shell and that include some living on land and others living in water
2 : a slow-moving person or thing

snail mail n
1 : mail delivered by a postal system
2 : 1MAIL 4

1snake \ˈsnāk\ n
1 : any of numerous limbless reptiles that have a long body and salivary glands often capable of producing venom which is injected through fangs
2 : a mean or treacherous person
— snake·like \ˈsnā-ˌklīk\ adj

2snake vb snaked; snak·ing : to crawl, wind, or move like a snake

snake·bird \ˈsnāk-ˌbərd\ n : ANHINGA

snake·bite \-ˌbīt\ n : the bite of a snake and especially a poisonous snake

snake in the grass : a secretly unfaithful friend

snake plant n : SANSEVIERIA

snake·root \ˈsnā-ˌkrüt, -ˌkru̇t\ n : any of various plants sometimes believed to be a cure for snakebites or illness; also : the root of a snakeroot

snake·skin \ˈsnāk-ˌskin\ n : the skin of a snake or leather made from it

snaky also snak·ey \ˈsnā-kē\ adj
1 : of or resembling a snake
2 : full of snakes
— snak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

1snap \ˈsnap\ vb snapped; snap·ping
1 a : to make a sudden closing of the jaws : seize something sharply with the mouth <fish snapping at the bait>  b : to grasp at something eagerly <snapped at the chance to travel>  c : to take possession of at once — usually used with up <snap up a bargain>
2 : to speak sharply or irritably <snap at a questioner>
3 a : to break or break apart suddenly especially with a sharp sound <the twig snapped> <snapped the bone in two>  b : to give way or cause to give way suddenly under stress <the rope snapped>  c : to bring to a sudden end <snapped the opposing team's winning streak>
4 : to make or cause to make a sharp or crackling sound <snap a whip>
5 a : to close or fit in place with a quick movement <the lid snapped shut>  b : to put into or remove from a position by a sudden movement or with a snapping sound <snap off a switch>  c : to close by snaps or fasteners <snapped up the snowsuit>
6  a : to move briskly or sharply <snapped to attention>  b : to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another) <snapped out of his bad mood>  c : to put (a football) in play especially by passing or handing backward between the legs  d : to take a snapshot of

2snap n
1 : a quick closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting); esp : a biting or snatching with the teeth or jaws
2 : something that is easy and presents no problems : CINCH
3 : a small amount : BIT <don't care a snap>
4 a : a sudden snatching at something  b : a quick short movement  c : a sudden sharp breaking
5 : a sound made by snapping something <shut the book with a snap>
6 : a sudden spell of harsh weather <a cold snap>
7 : a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click <snap of a bracelet>
8 : a thin brittle cookie
9 : SNAPSHOT
10 : smartness of movement or speech : ENERGY
11 : an act or instance of snapping a football

3snap adj
1 : made suddenly or without careful thought <a snap judgment>
2 : shutting or fastening with a click or by means of a device that snaps <a snap lock>
3 : unusually easy <a snap course>

snap·back \ˈsnap-ˌbak\ n : a sudden rebound or recovery

snap back \(ˈ)snap-ˈbak\ vb : to make a quick recovery <snap back after an illness>

snap bean n : a bean grown primarily for its long pods that are cooked as a vegetable while they are still young and tender and before their seeds have become enlarged — compare SHELL BEAN

snap·drag·on \ˈsnap-ˌdrag-ən\ n : a widely grown herb having showy usually pink, red, white, or yellow two-lipped flowers

snap·per \ˈsnap-ər\ n, pl snappers
1 a : something that snaps  b : SNAPPING TURTLE
2 pl also snapper  a : any of a large family of active flesh-eating fishes of warm seas that are important as food and sport fishes  b : any of several immature fishes (as the young of the bluefish) that resemble a snapper

snapping turtle n : either of two large American freshwater turtles that have a large head, powerful jaws, and a long tail

snap·pish \ˈsnap-ish\ adj
1 : marked by snapping irritable speech : IRASCIBLE <a snappish disposition>
2 : apt to bite <a snappish dog>
— snap·pish·ly adv

snap·py \ˈsnap-ē\ adj snap·pi·er; -est
1 : SNAPPISH 1
2 a : quickly made or done  b : full of life : LIVELY  c : briskly cold  d : STYLISH, SMART <a snappy dresser>
— snap·pi·ly \ˈsnap-ə-lē\ adv

snap·shot \ˈsnap-ˌshät\ n : a photograph taken usually with a small hand-held camera

1snare \ˈsna(ə)r, ˈsne(ə)r\ n
1 a : a trap often consisting of a noose for catching small animals or birds  b : something by which one is entangled, trapped, or deceived
2 : one of the catgut strings or metal spirals stretched across the bottom of a snare drum

2snare vb snared; snar·ing
1 : to capture or entangle by or as if by use of a snare
2 : to win by skillful or deceptive measures  synonyms see CATCH
— snar·er n

snare drum n : a small two-headed drum that can be worn at the side while marching and that has a band of snares stretched across the lower head to rattle when the head vibrates to give the drum its special sound

snark \ˈsnärk\ n : an attitude or expression of sarcasm or mockery

1snarl \ˈsnär(-ə)l\ n
1 : a tangle especially of hairs or thread : KNOT
2 : a tangled situation <a traffic snarl> [Middle English snarle “snare, noose,” probably from snarlen “to trap, entangle”]

2snarl vb : to get into a tangle

3snarl vb
1 : to growl with a snapping or showing of teeth
2 : to speak in an angry way
3 : to utter with a snarl [from obsolete snar “to growl”]
— snarl·er n

4snarl n : an angry growl

1snatch \ˈsnach\ vb
1 : to seize or try to seize something quickly or suddenly
2 : to grasp or take suddenly or hastily : GRAB
— snatch·er n

2snatch n
1 a : a brief period <slept in snatches>  b : something brief, hurried, or in small bits
2 : a snatching at or of something

snaz·zy \ˈsnaz-ē\ adj snaz·zi·er; -est : attractive in a flashy way <a snazzy tie>

1sneak \ˈsnēk\ vb sneaked \ˈsnēkt\ or snuck \ˈsnək\; sneak·ing
1 : to go about in a sly or secret manner
2 : to put, bring, or take in a sly manner  synonyms see LURK

2sneak n
1 : a person who acts in a secret or sly manner
2 : the act or an instance of sneaking

3sneak adj
1 : carried on secretly : CLANDESTINE
2 : occurring without warning <a sneak attack>

sneak·er \ˈsnē-kər\ n
1 : one that sneaks
2 : a sports shoe (as of canvas) with a rubber sole

sneak·ing \ˈsnē-kiŋ\ adj
1 : FURTIVE, UNDERHAND
2 a : not openly expressed <a sneaking admiration for an opponent>  b : being a thought, feeling, or suspicion that makes one uneasy <a sneaking feeling we would fail>

sneaky \ˈsnē-kē\ adj sneak·i·er; -est
1 : behaving in a sly or secret manner
2 : marked by secrecy or slyness <a sneaky trick>
— sneak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— sneak·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

1sneer \ˈsni(ə)r\ vb
1 : to smile or laugh with expressions of scorn
2 : to speak or write in a scorning manner
— sneer·er n

2sneer n : a sneering expression or remark

sneeze \ˈsnēz\ vb sneezed; sneez·ing : to force the breath out through the nose or mouth in a sudden violent noisy action
— sneeze n

— sneez·er n

— sneeze at : to treat lightly : DISDAIN

1snick \ˈsnik\ vb : to make or cause to make a snick

2snick n : a slight often metallic sound : CLICK

1snick·er \ˈsnik-ər\ vb snick·ered; snick·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to give a small and often mean or sly laugh

2snicker n : an act or sound of snickering

snide \ˈsnīd\ adj
1 : 2LOW 9B, MEAN <a snide trick>
2 : slyly uncomplimentary or insulting <snide remarks>

1sniff \ˈsnif\ vb
1 : to draw air into the nose in short breaths loud enough to be heard <sniffed at the cheese>
2 : to show or express scorn <sniffed at simple jobs>
3 : to smell or inhale by taking short breaths <sniff perfume>
4 : to detect by or as if by smelling <sniff out trouble>
— sniff·er n

2sniff n
1 : the act or sound of sniffing
2 : an odor or amount sniffed

sniff·ish \ˈsnif-ish\ adj : SCORNFUL, DISDAINFUL <a sniffish boss>
— sniff·ish·ly adv

1snif·fle \ˈsnif-əl\ vb snif·fled; snif·fling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to sniff repeatedly
2 : to speak with or as if with sniffling

2sniffle n
1 pl : a common cold in which the main symptom is a runny nose
2 : an act or sound of sniffling

snig·ger \ˈsnig-ər\ vb snig·gered; snig·ger·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : 1SNICKER
— snigger n

1snip \ˈsnip\ n
1 : a small piece that is snipped off : FRAGMENT
2 : an act or sound of snipping
3 : a rude person

2snip vb snipped; snip·ping : to cut or cut off with or as if with shears or scissors; esp : to clip suddenly or by bits

1snipe \ˈsnīp\ n, pl snipes or snipe : any of several birds that have a long slender bill, live mostly in marshy areas, and are related to the sandpipers

2snipe vb sniped; snip·ing
1 : to shoot at exposed individuals of an enemy's forces from a usually concealed point
2 : to attack with unfair or cutting remarks
— snip·er n

snip·pet \ˈsnip-ət\ n : a small part, piece, or thing

snip·py \ˈsnip-ē\ adj snip·pi·er; -est
1 : SHORT-TEMPERED, SNAPPISH
2 : rudely brief : CURT

snips \ˈsnips\ n pl : hand shears used especially for cutting sheet metal <tin snips>

1snitch \ˈsnich\ n : a person who snitches : TATTLETALE, INFORMER [origin unknown]

2snitch vb : INFORM 2, TATTLE
— snitch·er n

3snitch vb : to take by sly or secret action; esp : PILFER <snitched more candy> [probably alteration of snatch]

sniv·el \ˈsniv-əl\ vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to draw mucus up the nose loud enough to be heard
2 : to cry or whine with sniffling
3 : to speak or act in a whining manner
— sniv·el·er \-(ə-)lər\ n

snob \ˈsnäb\ n
1 : one who imitates, admires, or seeks association with those of higher social position
2 : one who looks down upon those felt to be less important
Word History Snob is an old word in English for “a cobbler, a person who makes or repairs shoes.” Cobblers came to be thought of as representative of all of the working-class or lower-class people. In time the name snob came to be applied to the lower classes as distinguished from the nobility, the landowners, and the rich merchants. From its being used for any member of the lower class, snob soon came to mean “a person who pretends to be a member of a higher class, one who imitates the clothing, speech, and manners of the nobility.” Nowadays the word means “anyone who acts as if he or she were better than others.” [from obsolete snob “a member of the lower classes,” from a dialect word snob “cobbler, shoemaker”]

snob appeal n : the appeal (as from high price) that a product has for a snobbish person

snob·bery \ˈsnäb-(ə-)rē\ n : snobbish conduct

snob·bish \ˈsnäb-ish\ adj : of, relating to, or being a snob <a snobbish attitude>
— snob·bish·ly adv

— snob·bish·ness n

snob·bism \ˈsnäb-ˌiz-əm\ n : SNOBBERY

snob·by \ˈsnäb-ē\ adj snob·bi·er; -est : SNOBBISH

snood \ˈsnüd\ n : a net or fabric bag for holding hair pinned or tied on at the back of the head

1snoop \ˈsnüp\ vb : to look or search especially in a sneaking or meddlesome manner
— snoop·er n

2snoop n : one that snoops

snoopy \ˈsnü-pē\ adj : being in the habit of snooping especially for personal information about others

snoot \ˈsnüt\ n
1 : SNOUT 1
2 : 1NOSE 1A
3 : a snooty person : SNOB

snooty \ˈsnüt-ē\ adj snoot·i·er; -est : SNOBBISH
— snoot·i·ly \ˈsnüt-əl-ē\ adv

— snoot·i·ness \ˈsnüt-ē-nəs\ n

snooze \ˈsnüz\ vb snoozed; snooz·ing : to take a nap : DOZE
— snooze n

snooze button n : a button on an alarm clock that stops and resets the alarm for a short time later to allow for more rest

snore \ˈsnō(ə)r, ˈsnȯ(ə)r\ vb : to breathe with a rough hoarse noise while sleeping
— snore n

— snor·er n

1snor·kel \ˈsnȯr-kəl\ n
1 : a tube or tubes that can be extended above the surface of the water to supply air to and remove exhaust from a submerged submarine
2 : a tube used by swimmers for breathing with the head under water

2snorkel vb snor·keled; snor·kel·ing \-k(ə-)liŋ\ : to swim underwater using a snorkel

1snort \ˈsnȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 a : to force air violently through the nose with a rough harsh sound  b : to express scorn, anger, or surprise by a snort
2 : to take in (a drug) by inhaling through the nose
— snort·er n

2snort n
1 : an act or sound of snorting
2 : a drink of liquor usually taken by itself in one swallow

snot \ˈsnät\ n
1 : nasal mucus
2 : a snotty person

snot·ty \ˈsnät-ē\ adj snot·ti·er; -est
1 : soiled with nasal mucus <a snotty nose>
2 : annoyingly or spitefully unpleasant <a snotty reply>

snout \ˈsnau̇t\ n
1 a : a long nose or muzzle (as of a pig) that sticks out  b : a front part of the head of an animal that sticks out like the snout of a pig  c : the human nose especially when large or ugly
2 : something resembling a snout
— snout·ed \-əd\ adj

snout beetle n : WEEVIL

1snow \ˈsnō\ n
1 a : small white ice crystals formed directly from the water vapor of the air  b : a fall of snow crystals : a mass of snow crystals that have fallen to earth
2 : something resembling snow: as  a : a dessert made of stiffly beaten egg whites, sugar, and fruit <pineapple snow>  b slang : COCAINE

2snow vb
1 : to fall or cause to fall in or as snow <it had been snowing all day>
2 : to cover, shut in, or imprison with or as if with snow <we were snowed in for two days> <the desk was snowed under by papers>
3 : to deceive, persuade, or charm with insincere or flattering talk <couldn't snow her with his compliments>

1snow·ball \ˈsnō-ˌbȯl\ n
1 : a round mass of snow pressed or rolled together
2 : a viburnum widely grown for its ball-shaped clusters of white flowers — called also snowball bush

2snowball vb
1 : to throw snowballs at
2 : to increase or expand at a rapidly accelerating rate <problems snowball when early trouble signs are ignored>

snow·bank \ˈsnō-ˌbaŋk\ n : a mound or slope of snow

snow·bird \-bərd\ n : any of several small birds (as a junco) seen chiefly in winter

snow–blind \-ˌblīnd\ or snow–blind·ed \-ˈblīn-dəd\ adj : affected with snow blindness

snow blindness n : inflammation and inability to stand light caused by glare reflected from snow or ice

snow·blow·er \ˈsnō-ˌblō(-ə)r\ n : a machine in which a rotating device picks up and throws snow aside

snow·board \-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a board like a wide ski ridden in a surfing position over snow
— snowboard vb

— snow·boarder n

— snow·board·ing n

snow·bound \-ˈbau̇nd\ adj : shut in or blockaded by snow

snow·cap \-ˌkap\ n : a covering cap of snow (as on a mountain peak)
— snow·capped \-ˌkapt\ adj

snow·drift \-ˌdrift\ n : a bank of drifted snow

snow·drop \-ˌdräp\ n : a European plant that is related to the amaryllises and produces nodding white flowers that often appear while snow is still on the ground

snow·fall \-ˌfȯl\ n
1 : a fall of snow
2 : the amount of snow that falls in a single storm or in a certain period

snow fence n : a fence placed across the usual path of the wind to protect something (as a road) from snowdrifts

snow·flake \ˈsnō-ˌflāk\ n : a flake or crystal of snow

snow leopard n : a large cat of central Asia with long heavy grayish white fur marked with brownish black spots and rings

snow line n : the lower edge of an area of permanent snow (as a mountain peak)

snow·man \ˈsnō-ˌman, -ˈman\ n : snow shaped to resemble a person

snow·mo·bile \ˈsnō-mō-ˌbēl\ n : any of various motor vehicles for travel on snow
— snow·mo·bil·er \-ˌbē-lər\ n

— snow·mo·bil·ing \-ˌbē-liŋ\ n

snow pea n : a cultivated pea that has flat edible pods; also : the pods

snow·plow \-ˌplau̇\ n : any of various devices used for clearing away snow

1snow·shoe \-ˌshü\ n : a light frame (as of wood or aluminum) strung with a net that is attached to the foot to prevent sinking in soft snow

2snowshoe vb snow·shoed; snow·shoe·ing : to travel on snowshoes

snowshoe hare n : a rather large hare of northern North America with heavily furred hind feet and a coat that is brown in summer but usually white in winter — called also snowshoe rabbit

snow·slide \ˈsnō-ˌslīd\ n : an avalanche of snow

snow·storm \-ˌstȯrm\ n : a storm of falling snow

snow·suit \-ˌsüt\ n : a one-piece or two-piece lined garment worn by children

snow thrower n : SNOWBLOWER

snow tire n : an automobile tire with a tread designed to give added traction on snow

snow tube n : a large inflatable ring-shaped tube used for sliding down a snow-covered slope

snow under vb
1 : to overwhelm especially beyond the ability to absorb or deal with something
2 : to defeat by a large amount

snow–white \ˈsnō-ˈhwīt, -ˈwīt\ adj : white as snow

snowy \ˈsnō-ē\ adj snow·i·er; -est
1 : marked by or covered with snow <a snowy day> <snowy mountaintops>
2 a : whitened by or as if by snow <an orchard snowy with apple blossoms>  b : SNOW-WHITE

snowy owl n : a large chiefly arctic owl that nests on the ground and is white or white spotted with brown

1snub \ˈsnəb\ vb snubbed; snub·bing
1 : to check or stop with a reply that hurts : REBUKE
2 a : to check (as a line) suddenly while running out especially by turning around a fixed object (as a post)  b : to check the motion of by snubbing a line
3 : to deliberately ignore or treat rudely
4 : to put out by crushing
— snub·ber n

2snub n : an act or an instance of snubbing; esp : 2REBUFF

3snub or snubbed \ˈsnəbd\ adj : STUBBY, BLUNT

snub–nosed \ˈsnəb-ˈnōzd\ adj : having a stubby and usually slightly turned-up nose

1snuff \ˈsnəf\ vb
1 : to cut off the burned end of the wick of a candle so as to brighten the light
2 : to put an end to : EXTINGUISH <snuff out a candle> <snuff out a life> [Middle English snoffe “the burned end of a candle wick”]

2snuff vb
1 : to draw forcibly through or into the nostrils
2 : to sniff so as to smell [perhaps derived from Dutch snuffen “to sniff”]

3snuff n : powdered tobacco especially for inhaling through the nostrils [from Dutch snuf, a shortened form of snuftabak “powdered tobacco,” from snuffen “to snuff, sniff” and tabak “tobacco”]
— up to snuff : in good shape

snuff·box \ˈsnəf-ˌbäks\ n : a small box for snuff

1snuf·fle \ˈsnəf-əl\ vb snuf·fled; snuf·fling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to snuff or sniff usually loudly and over and over again
2 : to breathe through a partly blocked nose with a sniffing sound
3 : 1WHINE 1

2snuffle n : the sound made in snuffling

1snug \ˈsnəg\ vb snugged; snug·ging
1 : to settle or lie down : SNUGGLE
2 : to make snug

2snug adj snug·ger; snug·gest
1 a : SEAWORTHY  b : 2TRIM, NEAT  c : fitting closely and comfortably <a snug coat>
2 : enjoying or providing warm secure shelter and comfort : COZY <a snug cottage>
3 : fairly large <a snug fortune>
4 : offering safe concealment <a snug harbor>
— snug adv

— snug·ly adv

— snug·ness n

snug·gery \ˈsnəg-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ger·ies chiefly British : a snug cozy place; esp : a small comfortable room

snug·gle \ˈsnəg-əl\ vb snug·gled; snug·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to curl up comfortably or cozily : CUDDLE
2 : to pull in close especially for comfort or in affection : NESTLE

1so \(ˈ)sō, especially before adj or adv followed by “that” sə\ adv
1 a : in a manner or way that is indicated or suggested <do you really think so> <it so happened that all were wrong> — often used as a substitute for a preceding clause <I didn't like it and told her so>  b : in the same manner or way : ALSO <worked hard and so did we>  c : 1THEN 2 <and so home and to bed>
2 a : to an indicated or suggested amount or way <had never been so happy>  b : very much <I loved them so>  c : to a definite but not specified amount <can only do so much in a day>  d : most certainly : INDEED <you did so do it>  e : most decidedly : SURELY <I so don't believe you>
3 : for a reason that has just been stated : THEREFORE <is honest and so returned the wallet>

2so \(ˈ)sō\ conj
1 a : with the result that <the way you speak is good, so every word is clear>  b : in order that <be quiet so that I can sleep>
2 archaic : provided that
3 : for that reason <don't want to go, so I won't>
4 a — used to introduce a statement or question <so here we are> often to belittle a point under discussion <so what?>  b — used interjectionally to indicate awareness of a discovery <so, that's who did it>
— so as to : in order to <keep quiet so as to not attract attention>

3so \ˈsō\ adj
1 : agreeing with actual facts : TRUE <said things that were not so>
2 : marked by a definite order <my books are always just so>

4so \ˌsō, ˈsō\ pron
1 : such as has been specified : the same <if you have to sign up for the trip, do so as soon as possible>
2 : approximately that <20 years or so>

5so \ˈsō\ n : 1SOL

1soak \ˈsōk\ vb
1 a : to lie covered with a liquid  b : to place in a liquid to wet or as if to wet thoroughly
2 a : to enter or pass through something by or as if by pores : PERMEATE  b : to penetrate or affect the mind or feelings
3 : to draw out by or as if by steeping <soak the dirt out>
4 : to draw in by or as if by suction or absorption <soaked up the sunshine>
5 : to cause to pay too much
— soak·er n
synonyms SOAK, SATURATE, STEEP, DRENCH, mean to pass or to be passed through a liquid. SOAK suggests dunking something in a liquid for a long time in order to soften or clean it <let the dirty rags soak for several hours>. SATURATE stresses soaking something to the point where no more liquid can be absorbed <the sponge is saturated with water>. STEEP applies to the soaking of something so that some part of the thing passes into the liquid <allow the tea to steep for five minutes>. DRENCH suggests a thorough wetting from something that pours down <the rain drenched our clothes>.

2soak n
1 : the act or process of soaking : the state of being soaked
2 : DRUNKARD

so–and–so \ˈsō-ən-ˌsō\ n, pl so–and–sos or so–and–so's \-ən-ˌsōz\ : an unnamed or unspecified person or thing

1soap \ˈsōp\ n
1 : a substance that is usually made by the action of alkali on fat, dissolves in water, and is used for washing
2 : a salt of a fatty acid
3 : SOAP OPERA

2soap vb : to rub soap over or into

soap·ber·ry \ˈsōp-ˌber-ē\ n : any of a genus of mostly tropical woody plants; also : the fruit of a soapberry that is sometimes used as a substitute for soap

soap·box \-ˌbäks\ n : something used as a platform (as on a street) by someone giving a speech to passersby
— soapbox adj

soap opera n : a radio or television drama presented in a series of continuing stories and characters and intended to appeal to the emotions [so called because the advertisers on these programs were usually soap manufacturers — see Word History at HORSE OPERA]

soap·stone \ˈsōp-ˌstōn\ n : a soft stone having a soapy feel and composed essentially of talc, chlorite, and often some magnetite

soap·suds \-ˌsədz\ n pl : 1SUDS 1

soapy \ˈsō-pē\ adj soap·i·er; -est
1 : smeared with or full of soap <a soapy face>
2 : containing or combined with soap
3 : resembling or having the qualities of soap
— soap·i·ness \-pē-nəs\ n

1soar \ˈsō(ə)r, ˈsȯ(ə)r\ vb
1 a : to fly aloft or about <the plane soared into the sky>  b : to sail or hover in the air often at a great height : GLIDE <an eagle soaring in lazy circles>
2 : to rise or increase very noticeably (as in position, value, or price) <admission fees soared>

2soar n : the act of soaring : upward flight

1sob \ˈsäb\ vb sobbed; sob·bing
1 : to weep especially with short gasping sounds
2 : to bring to a specified state by sobbing <sobbed myself to sleep>
3 a : to make a sound like that of sobbing <the wind sobbed through the trees>  b : to utter with sobs <sobbed out their story>

2sob n
1 : an act of sobbing
2 : a sound of or like that of sobbing

1so·ber \ˈsō-bər\ adj so·ber·er \-bər-ər\; so·ber·est \-b(ə-)rəst\
1 a : sparing especially in the use of food and drink  b : not drunk
2 : having a serious attitude : SOLEMN
3 : having a quiet tone or color
4 : well reasoned and balanced <a sober decision>
— so·ber·ly \-bər-lē\ adv

— so·ber·ness n

2sober vb so·bered; so·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\ : to make or become sober

so·bri·ety \sə-ˈbrī-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being sober

so·bri·quet also sou·bri·quet \ˈsō-bri-ˌkā, -ˌket; ˌsō-bri-ˈkā, -ˈket\ n : a descriptive name or phrase : NICKNAME

so–called \ˈsō-ˈkȯld\ adj : commonly or popularly but often inaccurately so named <your so-called friend>

soc·cer \ˈsäk-ər\ n : a football game with 11 players on a side in which a round ball is advanced by kicking it or by hitting it with any part of the body except the hands and arms
Word History Soccer is the world's most popular sport. In most countries, however, its name is not soccer but football. In England, where the modern game started, it is usually called either football or association football. The latter name comes from the fact that the rules of the game were standardized when the Football Association was founded in England in 1863. The word soccer comes from the last three letters of the abbreviation assoc., which stands for “association.” Although the word soccer was first used in England, the only countries where it is now the usual name for the sport are the U.S. and Canada. [by shortening and alteration of association football]

so·cia·bil·i·ty \ˌsō-shə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being sociable : AFFABILITY
2 : the act or an instance of being sociable

1so·cia·ble \ˈsō-shə-bəl\ adj
1 : likely to seek or enjoy companionship : AFFABLE, FRIENDLY <sociable people>
2 : leading to friendliness or pleasant social relations [from early French sociable “social, sociable,” from Latin sociabilis (same meaning), from sociare “to join, associate,” from socius “ally, companion” — related to ASSOCIATE]
— so·cia·bly \-blē\ adv

2sociable n : 2SOCIAL

1so·cial \ˈsō-shəl\ adj
1 a : devoted to or engaged in for sociability <social events> <my social life>  b : 1SOCIABLE 1
2 : of or relating to human society <social institutions>
3 a : tending to form cooperative relationships with others <we are social beings>  b : living or growing by nature in groups or communities <bees are social insects>
4 a : of, relating to, or based on rank in a particular society <not accepted as their social equal>  b : of or relating to fashionable society <a social leader>

2social n : a friendly gathering usually for a special reason <an ice cream social>

social climber n : one who attempts to gain a higher social position or be accepted in fashionable society

so·cial·ism \ˈsō-shə-ˌliz-əm\ n : any of various social systems based on shared or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
— so·cial·ist \ˈsōsh-(ə-)ləst\ n

— socialist or so·cial·is·tic \ˌsō-shə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

— so·cial·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

so·cial·ite \ˈsō-shə-ˌlīt\ n : a person well-known in fashionable society

so·cial·ize \ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make social; esp : to make fit for a social environment
2 : to take part in social activities <socializing with friends after work>
— so·cial·i·za·tion \ˌsōsh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— so·cial·iz·er \ˈsō-shə-ˌlī-zər\ n

so·cial·ly \ˈsōsh-(ə-)lē\ adv
1 : in a social manner <birds living socially together>
2 : with respect to society <socially disadvantaged>

social media n sing or pl : forms of electronic communication (as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (as videos)

social networking n : the creation and maintenance of personal and business relationships especially online

social science n
1 : a science that deals with human society or its elements (as family, state, or race) and with institutions and relationships in an organized community
2 : a science (as economics) dealing with a particular side of human society

social scientist n : a person who specializes in social science

social security n
1 : the idea or system by which the public provides for the security of individuals and their families
2 cap both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

social studies n pl : the studies dealing with human relationships and the way society works (as history, civics, economics, and geography)

social work n : any of various professional activities or methods concerned especially with providing services (as counseling, job training, or financial assistance) designed to promote social well-being (as of the economically disadvantaged)
— social worker n

1so·ci·ety \sə-ˈsī-ət-ē\ n, pl -et·ies
1 : the community life thought of as a system within which the individual lives <rural society>
2 : people for the most part <the benefit of society>
3 : an association of persons for some purpose <the school French society>
4 : a part of a community thought of as a unit set apart by common interests or values; esp : the group or set of fashionable persons
5 : a system or group of living things that depend on each other and usually form a social unit (as a hive of bees)
6 : the state of being with other people
— so·ci·etal \-ət-əl\ adj

2society adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of fashionable society

so·cio·log·i·cal \ˌsō-sē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl, ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə-\ also so·cio·log·ic \-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to sociology or its methods
2 : concerned with or relating to social needs and problems
— so·cio·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

so·ci·ol·o·gist \ˌsō-sē-ˈäl-ə-jəst, ˌsō-shē-\ n : a person who specializes in sociology

so·ci·ol·o·gy \ˌsō-sē-ˈäl-ə-jē, ˌsō-shē-\ n : the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships

1sock \ˈsäk\ n, pl socks also sox \ˈsäks\ : a knitted or woven covering for the foot usually extending above the ankle and sometimes to the knee [Old English socc “a low shoe or slipper,” from Latin soccus (same meaning)]

2sock vb : to hit, strike, or apply forcefully : deliver a blow [origin unknown]

3sock n : a violent blow : PUNCH

sock·et \ˈsäk-ət\ n : an opening or hollow that forms a holder for something <the eye socket> <screwed the light bulb into the socket>

1sod \ˈsäd\ n
1 a : TURF 1  b : the grass-covered and herb-covered surface of the ground
2 : one's native land

2sod vb sod·ded; sod·ding : to cover with sod or turfs

so·da \ˈsōd-ə\ n
1 a : SODIUM CARBONATE  b : SODIUM BICARBONATE
2 a : SODA WATER  b : SODA POP  c : a sweet drink consisting of soda water, flavoring, and often ice cream

soda cracker n : a cracker leavened with bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar

soda fountain n
1 : a device for drawing soda water
2 : the equipment and counter for the preparation and serving of carbonated drinks, sodas, sundaes, and ice cream

soda jerk n : one who prepares and serves soft drinks and ice cream at a soda fountain

so·dal·i·ty \sō-ˈdal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : an organized society or fellowship; esp : a Roman Catholic association for the purposes of devotion or charity

soda pop n : a soft drink consisting of soda water with added flavoring and a sweet syrup

soda water n : a beverage consisting of carbonated water

sod·den \ˈsäd-ən\ adj
1 : heavy with moisture : SOAKED
2 a : dull or lacking in expression  b : SLUGGISH, DULL <sodden minds>
— sod·den·ly adv

so·di·um \ˈsōd-ē-əm\ n : a soft waxy silver-white metallic element that is chemically very active and is common in nature in combined form — see ELEMENT TABLE

sodium bicarbonate n : a white weakly alkaline salt used especially in baking powders and fire extinguishers and in medicine as an antacid — called also baking soda, bicarbonate of soda

sodium carbonate n : a sodium salt used especially in making soaps and chemicals, in water softening, in cleaning and bleaching, and in photography

sodium chloride n : a chemical compound that consists of crystals having equal numbers of sodium and chlorine atoms : SALT 1A

sodium citrate n : a salt used especially to prevent stored blood from clotting

sodium fluoride n : a salt that is added in tiny amounts to drinking water and toothpastes to prevent tooth decay

sodium hydroxide n : a white brittle solid that is strongly alkaline and is used especially in making soap, rayon, and paper

sodium nitrate n : a salt used as a fertilizer and to preserve meat

sodium nitrite n : a salt used especially in the manufacture of dyes and as a meat preservative

sodium sulfate n : a bitter salt used especially in detergents, in the manufacture of rayon, and in dyeing and finishing textiles

sodium thio·sul·fate \-ˌthī-ə-ˈsəl-ˌfāt\ n : a chemical compound used especially in photography to make images permanent and in bleaching

so·fa \ˈsō-fə\ n : a long upholstered seat usually with arms and a back and often convertible into a bed

sofa bed n : a sofa that can be made to serve as a bed

1soft \ˈsȯft\ adj
1 a : having a pleasing, comfortable, or soothing effect : GENTLE, MILD <soft breezes>  b : not bright or glaring <soft lighting>  c : pleasing to the ear : quiet in pitch or volume <soft voices>  d : smooth or delicate in appearance or feel <a soft silk>
2 : demanding little effort : EASY <a soft job>
3 : sounding as in ace and gem — used of c and g
4 : gently or gradually curved or rounded : not harsh or jagged <soft hills>
5 a : having a mild gentle disposition : DOCILE  b : showing sympathetic understanding <took a soft stand toward the rebels>
6 : lacking in strength : FEEBLE <soft from easy living>
7 : mentally weak
8 a : yielding to physical pressure <a soft mattress> <soft metals such as lead>  b : not as hard as others of its kind
9 : free from substances (as calcium and magnesium salts) that prevent lathering of soap <soft water>
10 : occurring at such a speed and in such a way that a destructive crash is avoided <a soft landing on the moon>
— soft·ly adv

— soft·ness \ˈsȯf(t)-nəs\ n

2soft adv : in a soft manner

soft·ball \ˈsȯf(t)-ˌbȯl\ n : baseball played on a small diamond with a ball that is larger than a baseball and that is pitched underhand; also : the ball used in this game

soft–boiled \-ˈbȯi(ə)ld\ adj : lightly boiled so that the contents are soft <soft-boiled eggs>

soft coal n : BITUMINOUS COAL

soft drink n : a sweet flavored beverage containing no alcohol; esp : SODA POP

soft·en \ˈsȯ-fən\ vb soft·ened; soft·en·ing \ˈsȯf-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to make or become soft or softer
2 : to lessen the strength of
— soft·en·er \ˈsȯf-(ə-)nər\ n

soft·heart·ed \ˈsȯft-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : MERCIFUL, SYMPATHETIC
— soft·heart·ed·ly adv

— soft·heart·ed·ness n

soft–serve \ˈsȯf(t)-ˌsərv\ n : smooth soft ice cream made in and dispensed from a freezer in which it is continuously churned

soft–shell \ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel\ or soft–shelled \-ˈsheld\ adj : having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding <soft-shell crabs>

soft–shoe \ˈsȯf(t)-ˈshü\ n : a form of stage dancing developed from tap dancing but done with soft-soled shoes and at a slower tempo and more relaxed rhythm

soft soap n
1 : a partly liquid soap
2 : FLATTERY 2

soft–soap \ˈsȯf(t)-ˈsōp\ vb : to soothe or coax with flattery
— soft–soap·er n

soft·ware \ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r, -ˌtwe(ə)r\ n : the programs and related information used by a computer

soft wheat n : a wheat with soft kernels high in starch but usually low in protein

soft·wood \ˈsȯf-ˌtwu̇d\ n
1 : the wood of a tree (as a pine or fir) that produces cones as compared to that of a tree (as a maple) that is a broad-leaved flowering plant — compare HARDWOOD 1
2 : a tree that produces softwood

softy or soft·ie \ˈsȯf-tē\ n, pl soft·ies
1 : WEAKLING
2 : a silly or sentimental person

sog·gy \ˈsäg-ē, ˈsȯg-\ adj sog·gi·er; -est : heavy with water or moisture : SOAKED, SODDEN
— sog·gi·ly \ˈsäg-ə-lē, ˈsȯg-\ adv

— sog·gi·ness \ˈsäg-ē-nəs, ˈsȯg-\ n

1soil \ˈsȯi(ə)l\ vb : to make or become dirty [Middle English soilen “to corrupt, make dirty,” from early French soiller “to wallow,” from soil “pigsty”]

2soil n
1 a : SOILAGE, STAIN  b : moral soilage : CORRUPTION
2 : something that soils or pollutes

3soil n
1 : firm land : EARTH
2 : the loose surface material of the earth in which plants grow
3 : 1COUNTRY 2B, LAND
4 : an environment in which something may take root and grow <slums are fertile soil for crime> [Middle English soil “earth,” from early French soil (same meaning), derived from Latin solea “sole, sandal, foundation timber”]

soil·age \ˈsȯi-lij\ n : the act of soiling : the state of being soiled

soil·less \ˈsȯi(ə)l-ləs\ adj : carried on without soil <soilless agriculture>

soil science n : the science of soils

soil scientist n : a person who specializes in soil science

soi·ree or soi·rée \swä-ˈrā\ n : an evening party or social gathering

1so·journ \ˈsō-ˌjərn, sō-ˈjərn\ n : a temporary stay

2sojourn vb : to stay as a temporary resident : STOP <sojourned for a month at a resort>
— so·journ·er n

1sol \ˈsōl\ n : the fifth note of the musical scale [from Latin sol “the fifth note of the scale”]

2sol \ˈsäl, ˈsȯl\ n, pl so·les \ˈsō-ˌlās\
1 : the basic unit of money of Peru
2 : a coin representing one sol [American Spanish, from Spanish, “sun,” from Latin]

3sol \ˈsäl, ˈsȯl\ n : a colloid in which tiny solid particles are scattered throughout a liquid [derived from solution]

1so·lace \ˈsäl-əs also ˈsōl-\ n
1 : comfort in times of grief or worry
2 : something that gives comfort

2solace vb so·laced; so·lac·ing
1 : to give solace to : CONSOLE
2 : to make cheerful

so·lar \ˈsō-lər, -ˌlär\ adj
1 : of, derived from, relating to, or caused by the sun
2 : measured by the earth's course in relation to the sun <solar time> <solar year>
3 a : produced or operated by the action of the sun's light or heat <solar energy>  b : using the sun's rays especially to produce heat or electricity <a solar house> [Middle English solar “derived from or related to the sun,” from Latin solaris (same meaning), from sol “sun” — related to SUNDAY; see Word History at SUNDAY]

solar cell n : a photoelectric cell that converts sunlight into electrical energy and is used as a power source

solar collector n : any of various devices for the absorption of solar radiation for the heating of water or buildings or the production of electricity

solar eclipse n : an eclipse of the sun by the moon

solar flare n : a sudden temporary outburst of energy from a small area of the sun's surface

so·lar·i·um \sō-ˈlar-ē-əm, sə-, -ˈler-\ n, pl -ia \-ē-ə\ also -i·ums : a room exposed to the sun

solar panel n : a group of solar cells forming a flat surface (as on a spacecraft)

so·lar plexus \ˈsō-lər-\ n
1 : a network of nerves in the abdomen behind the stomach that contains ganglia sending nerve fibers to the internal organs of the abdomen
2 : the general area of the stomach below the sternum

solar system n : a star with the group of heavenly bodies that revolve around it; esp : the sun with the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit it

solar wind n : the continuous radiation of charged particles from the sun's surface

sold past and past participle of SELL

1sol·der \ˈsäd-ər, ˈsȯd-\ n : a metal or a mixture of metals (as of lead and tin) used when melted to join metallic surfaces

2solder vb sol·dered; sol·der·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to unite or repair with solder
2 : to become joined or renewed by or as if by the use of solder
— sol·der·er \-ər-ər\ n

soldering iron n : a usually electrical device used for soldering

1sol·dier \ˈsōl-jər\ n
1 a : a person in military service and especially in the army  b : an enlisted person
2 : a worker in something strongly believed in
3 : a termite or ant with a large head and jaws that is a member of a caste that protects the colony
— sol·dier·ly adj

2soldier vb sol·diered; sol·dier·ing \ˌsōlj-(ə-)riŋ\ : to serve as or act like a soldier

soldier of fortune : one who follows a military career wherever there is promise of profit, adventure, or pleasure

sol·diery \ˈsōlj-(ə-)rē\ n : a body of soldiers

1sole \ˈsōl\ n
1 : the underside of a foot
2 : the part of footwear on which the sole of the foot rests [Middle English sole “the underside of the foot or shoe,” from early French sole (same meaning), from Latin solea “sandal”]
— soled \ˈsōld\ adj

2sole vb soled; sol·ing : to furnish with a sole <sole shoes>

3sole n : any of various flatfishes that have a small mouth, small fins, and small closely set eyes and that include some fishes used for food [Middle English sole “a type of flatfish,” from early French sole (same meaning), from Latin solea “sandal, a flatfish”]

4sole adj
1 archaic : having no companion : ALONE
2 a : having no sharer <sole owner>  b : being the only one
3 : acting independently and without assistance or interference <the sole judge>
4 : belonging only to the one person, unit, or group named <given sole authority> [Middle English sole “alone,” from early French seul (same meaning), from Latin solus “alone” — related to DESOLATE, SOLITUDE, SOLO]
— sole·ness n

so·le·cism \ˈsäl-ə-ˌsiz-əm, ˈsō-lə-\ n
1 : an ungrammatical combination of words in a sentence
2 : a social blunder

sole·ly \ˈsō(l)-lē\ adv
1 : without another : SINGLY, ALONE
2 : 2ONLY 1A <done solely for money>

sol·emn \ˈsäl-əm\ adj : being serious and dignified in appearance or behavior  synonyms see SERIOUS
— so·lem·ni·ty \sə-ˈlem-nət-ē\ n

— sol·emn·ly \ˈsäl-əm-lē\ adv

sol·em·nize \ˈsäl-əm-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to observe or honor with solemnity
2 : to perform with ceremony; esp : to unite in marriage with religious ceremony
3 : to make solemn : DIGNIFY
— sol·em·ni·za·tion \ˌsäl-əm-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

so·le·noid \ˈsō-lə-ˌnȯid, ˈsäl-ə-\ n : a coil of wire commonly in the form of a long cylinder that when carrying a current acts as a magnet so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows

soli plural of SOLO

so·lic·it \sə-ˈlis-ət\ vb
1 : ENTREAT, BEG; esp : to approach with a request or appeal
2 : to appeal for <solicited the help of neighbors>
3 a : to lead especially into evil  b : to approach for sinful purposes
— so·lic·i·ta·tion \-ˌlis-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n

so·lic·i·tor \sə-ˈlis-ət-ər\ n
1 : one that solicits
2 : a British lawyer
3 : the chief law officer of a city, town, county, or government division

so·lic·i·tous \sə-ˈlis-ət-əs\ adj
1 : full of concern or fears : APPREHENSIVE
2 : very careful
3 : anxiously willing : EAGER
— so·lic·i·tous·ly adv

so·lic·i·tude \sə-ˈlis-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : the state of being solicitous : ANXIETY
2 : too much care or attention

1sol·id \ˈsäl-əd\ adj
1 a : not hollow  b : written as one word <a solid compound>
2 : having, involving, or dealing with solids : CUBIC 2 <a solid geometric shape>
3 a : not loose or spongy : COMPACT <a solid mass of rock>  b : neither gaseous nor liquid <solid ice> <solid waste>
4 : of good sturdy quality or kind <solid comfort> <solid reasons>
5 a : not interrupted <for three solid hours>  b : being in complete agreement : UNANIMOUS, UNITED <solid for pay increases>
6 a : thoroughly dependable : RELIABLE <a solid citizen>  b : earnest or important in purpose <solid reading>
7 : of one material, kind, or color <solid gold>  synonyms see HARD
— solid adv

— sol·id·ly adv

— sol·id·ness n

2solid n
1 : a geometric figure or element (as a cube or a sphere) having three dimensions
2 : a solid substance : a substance that keeps its size and shape

sol·i·dar·i·ty \ˌsäl-ə-ˈdar-ət-ē\ n : unity (as of a group) that produces or is based on shared interests and goals

so·lid·i·fy \sə-ˈlid-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make or become solid, compact, or hard

so·lid·i·ty \sə-ˈlid-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being solid
2 : something solid

solid–state adj
1 : relating to the characteristics and structure of solid material
2 : using semiconductor devices rather than electron tubes <a solid-state radio>

so·lil·o·quize \sə-ˈlil-ə-ˌkwīz\ vb -quized; -quiz·ing : to give a soliloquy : talk to oneself

so·lil·o·quy \sə-ˈlil-ə-kwē\ n, pl -quies
1 : the act of talking to oneself
2 : a dramatic speech that represents a series of unspoken thoughts

sol·i·taire \ˈsäl-ə-ˌta(ə)r, -ˌte(ə)r\ n
1 : a single gem (as a diamond) set alone
2 : a card game played by one person alone

1sol·i·tary \ˈsäl-ə-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : all alone <a solitary traveler>
2 : seldom visited : LONELY
3 : being the only one : SOLE <solitary example>
4 : growing or living alone : not forming part of a group or cluster <flowers at the end of the stalk and solitary> <the solitary wasps>
— sol·i·tari·ly \ˌsäl-ə-ˈter-ə-lē\ adv

— sol·i·tari·ness \ˈsäl-ə-ˌter-ē-nəs\ n

2solitary n, pl -tar·ies : one who lives or seeks to live a solitary life : RECLUSE, HERMIT

sol·i·tude \ˈsäl-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n
1 : the quality or state of being alone or far-off from society : SECLUSION, LONELINESS
2 : a lonely place (as a desert) [Middle English solitude “the state of being alone,” from early French solitude (same meaning), from Latin solitudin-, solitudo (same meaning), from solus “alone” — related to DESOLATE, 4SOLE, SOLO]

1so·lo \ˈsō-lō\ n, pl solos
1 or pl so·li \ˈsō-lē\ : a piece of music written to be performed by one voice or one instrument
2 : an action in which there is only one performer [from Italian solo “a part in music performed without accompaniment,” from solo (adjective) “alone,” from Latin solus “alone” — related to DESOLATE, 4SOLE, SOLITUDE]

2solo adv or adj : without a companion : ALONE

3solo vb so·loed; so·lo·ing \-(ˌ)lō-iŋ, -lə-wiŋ\ : to perform by oneself; esp : to fly an airplane without one's instructor

so·lo·ist \ˈsō-lə-wəst, -(ˌ)lō-əst\ n : one who performs a solo

so·lon \ˈsō-lən, -ˌlän\ n
1 : a wise and skillful giver of a collection of laws
2 : a member of a legislative body

so long \sō-ˈlȯŋ\ interj — used to express good-bye or farewell

so long as conj
1 : during and up to the end of the time that : WHILE <so long as you are here, I feel safe>
2 : provided that <you may go, so long as you behave yourself>

sol·stice \ˈsäl-stəs, ˈsōl-, ˈsȯl-\ n
1 : the point in the apparent path of the sun at which the sun is farthest north or south of the equator
2 : the time of the sun's passing a solstice which occurs on June 22nd and on December 22nd

sol·u·bil·i·ty \ˌsäl-yə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n
1 : the quality or state of being soluble
2 : the amount of a substance that will dissolve in a given amount of another substance

sol·u·ble \ˈsäl-yə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being dissolved in a liquid <sugar is soluble in water>
2 : capable of being solved or explained : SOLVABLE <a soluble problem>

so·lu·tion \sə-ˈlü-shən\ n
1 a : an act or process of solving  b : an answer to a problem : EXPLANATION  c : SOLUTION SET
2 a : an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is dissolved in a liquid  b : a liquid in which something has been dissolved  c : the condition of being dissolved

solution set n : a set of values that are solutions for an equation; also : TRUTH SET

solv·able \ˈsäl-və-bəl, ˈsȯl-\ adj : capable of being solved <a solvable problem>

Sol·vay process \ˈsäl-ˌvā-\ n : a process for making sodium carbonate from common salt using carbon dioxide and ammonia

solve \ˈsälv, ˈsȯlv\ vb solved; solv·ing : to find a solution for <solve a puzzle>

sol·ven·cy \ˈsäl-vən-sē, ˈsȯl-\ n : the quality or state of being solvent

1sol·vent \ˈsäl-vənt, ˈsȯl-\ adj : able to pay all legal debts

2solvent n : a usually liquid substance capable of dissolving one or more other substances

so·mat·ic \sō-ˈmat-ik, sə-\ adj : of, relating to, or affecting the body especially as compared to the mind or the tissue producing the germ cells

somatic cell n : any cell of an animal or plant other than a germ cell

som·ber or som·bre \ˈsäm-bər\ adj
1 : so shaded as to be dark and gloomy
2 : 2MELANCHOLY 1, GRAVE <a somber mood>
3 : dull or dark colored
— som·ber·ly adv

— som·ber·ness n

som·bre·ro \səm-ˈbre(ə)r-ō, säm-\ n, pl -ros : a tall hat with a very wide brim worn especially in the Southwest and Mexico [from Spanish sombrero “a wide-brimmed hat,” from sombra “shade”]

1some \ˈsəm, for sense 2b səm without stress\ adj
1 : being one unknown, unnamed, or unspecified unit or thing <some person knocked>
2 a : being one, a part, or an unspecified number of something (as a class or group) named <some birds can't fly>  b : being of an unspecified amount or number <give me some water> <have some apples>
3 : worthy of notice or consideration <that was some party>

2some \ˈsəm\ pron
1 : a part or quantity of something <some of the milk> <some of the apples>
2 : an indefinite additional amount <ran a mile and then some>

3some \ˈsəm, ˌsəm\ adv
1 : reasonably close to : ABOUT <some eighty houses>
2 a : 2SOMEWHAT <felt some better>  b : to some degree <the cut bled some>

-some \səm\ adj suffix
1 : having the quality or nature of the thing specified <burdensome>
2 : causing a (specified) feeling or condition <fearsome> [Old English -sum “having a particular quality, action, or effect”]

1some·body \ˈsəm-ˌbäd-ē, -bəd-\ pron : one or some person of no certain or known identity <did somebody knock?>

2somebody n : a person of position or importance <wanted to be somebody>

some·day \ˈsəm-ˌdā\ adv : at some future time <may someday travel the world>

some·how \-ˌhau̇\ adv : in one way or another <we'll manage somehow>

some·one \-(ˌ)wən\ pron : 1SOMEBODY <someone took my money>

some·place \-ˌplās\ adv : 1SOMEWHERE 1 <fell someplace over there>

1som·er·sault \ˈsəm-ər-ˌsȯlt\ n : a leap or roll in which a person turns heels over head [from early French sombresaut “somersault,” derived from Latin super “over” and saltus “leap,” from salire “to jump” — related to RESILIENT]

2somersault vb : to perform a somersault

1som·er·set \ˈsəm-ər-ˌset\ n : 1SOMERSAULT

2somerset vb -set·ed; -set·ing : 2SOMERSAULT

1some·thing \ˈsəm(p)-thiŋ, especially in rapid speech or for sense 2 ˈsəmp-əm\ pron
1 : some unnamed or unspecified thing <something must be done about it>
2 : an important person or thing <decided to make something of myself>
— something else : something or someone special or extraordinary

2something adv
1 : 2SOMEWHAT <was something less than perfect>
2 : 2VERY 1 <snores something awful>

1some·time \ˈsəm-ˌtīm\ adv
1 : at some time in the future <I'll do it sometime>
2 : at some unspecified or uncertain point of time <sometime last night>

2sometime adj : having been at an earlier time : FORMER, LATE <sometime mayor>

some·times \ˈsəm-ˌtīmz, (ˌ)səm-ˈtīmz\ adv : at times : now and then : OCCASIONALLY <speaks sometimes very fast>

some·way \ˈsəm-ˌwā\ also some·ways \-ˌwāz\ adv : in some way : SOMEHOW <tried to make him someway understand>

1some·what \ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wät, -ˌ(h)wət; (ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wät, -ˈ(h)wət\ pron : some unspecified part or amount : SOMETHING <somewhat of what you say is true>

2somewhat adv : in some measure : SLIGHTLY <somewhat comfortable>

1some·where \ˈsəm-ˌ(h)we(ə)r, -ˌ(h)wa(ə)r, -(ˌ)(h)wər\ adv
1 : in, at, or to a place unknown or unspecified <mentions it somewhere>
2 : reasonably close to <somewhere around nine o'clock>

2somewhere n : an unnamed place <went to somewhere in France>

some·wheres \ˈsəm-ˌ(h)we(ə)rz, -ˌ(h)wa(ə)rz, -(ˌ)(h)wərz\ adv, chiefly dialect : 1SOMEWHERE

som·no·lence \ˈsäm-nə-lən(t)s\ n : the state of being sleepy or ready to fall asleep : DROWSINESS

som·no·lent \ˈsäm-nə-lənt\ adj : showing signs of not being fully awake  synonyms see SLEEPY

so much as adv : 3EVEN 5 <nobody would so much as look at you>

son \ˈsən\ n
1 a : a male offspring especially of human parents  b : a human male descendant
2 cap : the second person of the Trinity
3 : a man or boy closely associated with or thought of as a child of something (as a country, race, or religion)

so·nar \ˈsō-ˌnär\ n : a device for detecting the presence and location of submerged objects (as submarines) by sound waves

so·na·ta \sə-ˈnät-ə\ n : a piece of music written for instruments and usually having three or four main parts in different styles and different keys

song \ˈsȯŋ\ n
1 : the act or art of singing
2 : poetical composition : POETRY
3 : a short piece of music with words intended to be sung
4 : a characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird)
5 a : a melody for a lyric poem or ballad  b : a poem easily set to music
6 : a small amount <can be bought for a song>

song·bird \-ˌbərd\ n : a bird that utters a series of musical tones

song·fest \ˈsȯŋ-ˌfəst\ n : an informal session of group singing of popular or folk songs

Song of Sol·o·mon \-ˈsäl-ə-mən\ : a collection of love poems forming a book in the Protestant canon of the Old Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

Song of Songs : a collection of love poems forming a book in the canonical Jewish Scriptures and in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and corresponding to the Song of Solomon in the Protestant canon of the Old Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

song sparrow n : a common sparrow of North America that is brownish above and mostly white below and is noted for its sweet cheerful song

song·ster \ˈsȯŋ(k)-stər\ n
1 : a person that sings
2 : a book of songs

song·stress \ˈsȯŋ(k)-strəs\ n : a woman who is a singer

song·writ·er \ˈsȯŋ-ˌrīt-ər\ n : a person who composes words or music or both especially for popular songs

son·ic \ˈsän-ik\ adj : using, produced by, or relating to sound waves

sonic boom n : a sound like that of an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground

son–in–law \ˈsən-ən-ˌlȯ\ n, pl sons–in–law \ˈsən-zən-\ : the husband of one's daughter

son·net \ˈsän-ət\ n : a poem of 14 lines usually rhyming by a fixed scheme

son·ne·teer \ˌsän-ə-ˈti(ə)r\ n : a writer of sonnets

son·ny \ˈsən-ē\ n : a young boy — used chiefly as a term of address

so·nor·i·ty \sə-ˈnȯr-ət-ē, -ˈnär-\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being sonorous : RESONANCE

so·no·rous \sə-ˈnōr-əs, -ˈnȯr-; ˈsän-ə-rəs\ adj
1 : producing sound (as when struck)
2 : full or loud in sound : RESONANT
— so·no·rous·ly adv

soon \ˈsün, especially New England ˈsu̇n\ adv
1 : before long : without delay <soon after sunrise>
2 : in a speedy way <as soon as possible>
3 archaic : before the usual time
4 : by choice <would as soon do it now>

soot \ˈsu̇t, ˈsət, ˈsüt\ n : a black powder formed when something is burned; esp : the fine powder consisting chiefly of carbon that colors smoke

sooth \ˈsüth\ n, archaic : the quality or state of being true : TRUTH, REALITY

soothe \ˈsüth\ vb soothed; sooth·ing
1 : to please by or as if by attention or concern : PLACATE
2 : ALLEVIATE, RELIEVE <the lotion soothed his sunburn>
3 : to bring comfort : calm down <music soothes the soul>

sooth·ing \ˈsü-thiŋ\ adj : tending to soothe <soothing sounds>

sooth·say·er \ˈsüth-ˌsā-ər\ n : a person who claims to foretell events
— sooth·say·ing \-ˌsā-iŋ\ n

sooty \ˈsu̇t-ē, ˈsət-, ˈsüt-\ adj soot·i·er; -est
1 a : of, relating to, or producing soot <sooty fires>  b : soiled with soot <sooty buildings>
2 : of the color of soot <sooty birds>
— soot·i·ness \-ē-nəs\ n

1sop \ˈsäp\ n
1 chiefly dialect : a piece of food dipped or soaked in a liquid (as bread dipped in milk or gravy)
2 : a bribe or gift for soothing or winning approval

2sop vb sopped; sop·ping
1 a : to soak or dip in or as if in liquid  b : to wet thoroughly
2 : to mop or soak up <sopping up gravy with bread>

soph·ism \ˈsäf-ˌiz-əm\ n : a misleading argument that seems reasonable

soph·ist \ˈsäf-əst\ n : one who argues by the use of sophisms

1so·phis·ti·cate \sə-ˈfis-tə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to cause to become sophisticated
— so·phis·ti·ca·tion \-ˌfis-tə-ˈkā-shən\ n

2so·phis·ti·cate \sə-ˈfis-ti-kət, -tə-ˌkāt\ n : a sophisticated person

so·phis·ti·cat·ed \sə-ˈfis-tə-ˌkāt-əd\ adj
1 a : deprived of native or original plainness  b : very complicated : COMPLEX <sophisticated instruments>  c : WORLDLY-WISE, KNOWING <a sophisticated young graduate>
2 a : finely experienced and aware <a sophisticated observer>  b : appealing to one's intelligence <a sophisticated novel>
— so·phis·ti·cat·ed·ly adv

soph·ist·ry \ˈsäf-ə-strē\ n : reasoning or arguments typical of a sophist

soph·o·more \ˈsäf-ˌmō(ə)r, -ˌmȯ(ə)r; ˈsäf-əm-ˌō(ə)r, -ˌȯ(ə)r\ n : a student in his or her second year at a 4-year high school or college

soph·o·mor·ic \ˌsäf-ə-ˈmōr-ik, -ˈmȯr-, -ˈmär-\ adj
1 : conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature <a sophomoric argument>
2 : lacking in maturity, taste, or judgment <sophomoric humor>

So·pho·ni·as \ˌsäf-ə-ˈnī-əs, ˌsō-fə-\ n : ZEPHANIAH

sop·ping \ˈsäp-iŋ\ adj : thoroughly wet

sop·py \ˈsäp-ē\ adj sop·pi·er; -est
1 : soaked through
2 : very wet

1so·pra·no \sə-ˈpran-ō, -ˈprän-\ adj
1 : relating to the soprano voice or part
2 : having a high range <soprano sax> [from Italian soprano “relating to a soprano or soprano part,” from sopra “above,” from Latin supra “above”]

2soprano n, pl -nos
1 : the highest voice part in harmony for four parts with men's and women's voices — compare ALTO 1B, 2BASS 1A, TENOR 2A
2 : the highest singing voice of women or boys; also : a person with this voice

sor·bet \sȯr-ˈbā\ n : a fruit-flavored ice served especially as a dessert

sor·cer·er \ˈsȯrs-(ə-)rər\ n : a person who practices sorcery : WIZARD

sor·cer·ess \ˈsȯrs-(ə-)rəs\ n : a woman who practices sorcery : WITCH

sor·cery \ˈsȯrs-(ə-)rē\ n : the use of powers gotten with the help of or by the control of evil spirits : WITCHCRAFT

sor·did \ˈsȯrd-əd\ adj
1 : very dirty : FILTHY <sordid surroundings>
2 : VILE 1A <a sordid life>
3 : meanly greedy : COVETOUS
— sor·did·ly adv

— sor·did·ness n

1sore \ˈsō(ə)r, ˈsȯ(ə)r\ adj sor·er; sor·est
1 a : causing pain or distress <a sore subject>  b : full of pain : TENDER <sore muscles>  c : hurt or red and swollen so as to be or seem painful <sore runny eyes>
2 : accompanied by difficulties, hardship, or exertion <in a sore situation>
3 : ANGRY 1A <my friend is sore at me>
— sore·ness n

2sore n
1 : a sore spot on the body; esp : one (as an ulcer) with the tissues broken and usually infected
2 : a cause of pain : AFFLICTION

3sore adv : SORELY

sore·head \ˈsō(ə)r-ˌhed, ˈsȯ(ə)r-\ n : a person easily angered or discontented
— sorehead or sore·head·ed \-ˈhed-əd\ adj

sore·ly \ˈsō(ə)r-lē, ˈsȯ(ə)r-\ adv : in a sore manner

sore throat n : a throat that is painful because of inflammation

sor·ghum \ˈsȯr-gəm\ n
1 : any of a genus of Old World tropical grasses that look like corn; esp : one cultivated for grain, forage, or syrup
2 : syrup made from a sorghum

so·ror·i·ty \sə-ˈrȯr-ət-ē, -ˈrär-\ n, pl -ties : a club of women especially at a college [from Latin sororitas “sisterhood,” from earlier soror “sister”]

1sor·rel \ˈsȯr-əl, ˈsär-\ n
1 : a brownish orange to light brown
2 : a sorrel-colored animal; esp : a light reddish brown horse often with cream mane and tail

2sorrel n : any of various plants (as dock or wood sorrel) with sour juice

1sor·row \ˈsär-ō, ˈsȯr-\ n
1 a : sadness felt after a loss (as of something loved)  b : a cause of grief or sadness
2 : a display of grief or sadness
synonyms SORROW, GRIEF, WOE, mean distress of mind. SORROW suggests a feeling that something has been lost and often feelings of guilt and regret <expressed sorrow for having caused the accident>. GRIEF stresses feeling great sorrow usually for a special reason <their grief when their pet died>. WOE suggests feeling hopeless and miserable <all my troubles left me in a state of woe>.

2sorrow vb : to feel or express sorrow : GRIEVE

sor·row·ful \ˈsär-ō-fəl, ˈsȯr-, -ə-fəl\ adj
1 : full of or showing sorrow <a sorrowful good-bye>
2 : expressive of or causing sorrow <sorrowful eyes>
— sor·row·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

sor·ry \ˈsär-ē, ˈsȯr-\ adj sor·ri·er; -est
1 : feeling sorrow or regret
2 : MOURNFUL 2, SAD
3 : causing sorrow, pity, or scorn : WRETCHED
— sor·ri·ness \-ē-nəs\ n

1sort \ˈsȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 a : a group of persons or things that have something in common : CLASS  b : PERSON 1, INDIVIDUAL <not a bad sort>
2 a archaic : method or manner of acting : WAY, MANNER  b : general disposition : NATURE <people of an evil sort>
— all sorts of : many different : all kinds of <knows all sorts of people>

— of sorts or of a sort : of an unimportant or just average kind <a poet of sorts>

— out of sorts
1 : somewhat ill
2 : easily angered : IRRITABLE

2sort vb
1 : to separate and arrange by kind or class : CLASSIFY <sort mail> <sort out socks by color>
2 : AGREE 6, SUIT <our views sort poorly with theirs>
3 : SEARCH <sort through some old papers>
— sort·er n

sor·tie \ˈsȯrt-ē, sȯr-ˈtē\ n : a sudden rushing out of troops from a position of defense against the enemy : SALLY
— sortie vb

sort of \ˌsȯrt-ə(v), -ər\ adv : to a moderate degree : SOMEWHAT <acted sort of wild>

so·rus \ˈsōr-əs, ˈsȯr-\ n, pl so·ri \ˈsō(ə)r-ˌī, ˈsȯ(ə)r-, -ˌē\ : any of the dots on the underside of a fertile fern frond consisting of a cluster of spores

SOS \ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes, ˌes-ə-ˈwes\ n
1 : an international radio code distress signal used by ships and aircraft calling for help
2 : a call for help

1so–so \ˈsō-ˈsō\ adv : fairly well : TOLERABLY, PASSABLY <played the violin only so-so>

2so–so adj : neither very good nor very bad <a so-so performance>

sot \ˈsät\ n : DRUNKARD

sot·to vo·ce \ˌsät-ō-ˈvō-chē\ adv or adj
1 : in a whisper; also : in private
2 : very softly <play the last part sotto voce> [from Italian sottovoce, literally, “under the voice”]

sou \ˈsü\ n : a French bronze coin of the period before 1914 worth 5 centimes

soubriquet variant of SOBRIQUET

1souf·flé \sü-ˈflā, ˈsü-ˌflā\ n : a delicate spongy hot dish lightened in baking by stiffly beaten egg whites <cheese soufflé> [derived from French soufflé, past participle of souffler “to blow up, inflate”]

2soufflé or souf·fléed \-ˈflād, -ˌflād\ adj : puffed by or in cooking <soufflé omelet>

sough \ˈsau̇, ˈsəf\ vb : to make a moaning or sighing sound
— sough n

sought past and past participle of SEEK

1soul \ˈsōl\ n
1 : the spiritual part of a person believed to give life to the body and in many religions thought to live forever
2 a : the necessary part of something  b : a person who leads or stirs others to action : LEADER <the soul of the campaign>
3 a : the part of one's personality having to do with feelings and the sense of what is right and wrong <felt my soul rebel against injustice>  b : spiritual force : FERVOR
4 : PERSON <a kind soul>
5 a : a strong positive feeling conveyed especially by black American performers  b : SOUL MUSIC
— souled \ˈsōld\ adj

2soul adj
1 : of or relating to black Americans or their culture <soul food>
2 : designed for or controlled by blacks <soul radio stations>

soul·ful \ˈsōl-fəl\ adj : full of or expressing feeling <soulful music>
— soul·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— soul·ful·ness n

soul·less \ˈsōl-ləs\ adv : having no soul or no greatness or nobleness of mind or feeling
— soul·less·ly adv

soul music n : music that originated in black American gospel singing, is closely related to rhythm and blues, and is characterized by intensity of feeling and earthiness

soul–search·ing \ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ\ n : examination of one's conscience and especially one's reasons and values

1sound \ˈsau̇nd\ adj
1 a : not diseased or weak : HEALTHY <a sound mind in a sound body>  b : free from imperfection or rot
2 : 1SOLID 4, FIRM <a building of sound construction>
3 : not faulty : VALID, RIGHT <a sound argument>
4 a : THOROUGH 1 <a sound revenge>  b : not disturbed <a sound sleep>  c : SEVERE 3 <a sound beating>
5 : showing good judgment or sense <sound advice> [Old English gesund “free from injury or disease”]
— sound·ly \ˈsau̇n-(d)lē\ adv

— sound·ness \ˈsau̇n(d)-nəs\ n

2sound adv : to the full extent : THOROUGHLY <sound asleep>

3sound n
1 a : the sensation of hearing  b : a particular impression obtained by hearing : NOISE, TONE  c : the energy of vibration that causes the sensation of hearing
2 a : one of the noises that together make up human speech <the sound of “th” in “this”>  b : a series of spoken noises
3 a : meaningless noise  b : the suggestion carried or given by something heard or said <the excuse has a suspicious sound>
4 : hearing distance : EARSHOT <within sound of my voice> [Middle English soun “a sound, something that can be heard,” from early French son (same meaning), from Latin sonus “a sound” — related to UNISON]

4sound vb
1 a : to make or cause to make a sound  b : RESOUND <the auditorium sounded with applause>  c : RESOUND 2 <cheers are sounding throughout the gymnasium>  d : to give a signal by sound <the bugle sounds to battle>
2 : PRONOUNCE 3A <sound each word clearly>
3 : to put into words : VOICE
4 a : to make known : PROCLAIM  b : to order, signal, or indicate by a sound <sound the alarm>
5 : to make or give an impression especially when heard <sounds incredible>

5sound n : a long passage of water that is wider than a strait and often connects two larger bodies of water or forms a channel between the mainland and an island [Old English sund “a sea, swimming”]

6sound vb
1 a : to measure the depth of (as with a sounding line) : FATHOM  b : to look into or investigate the possibility
2 : to try to find out the views or intentions of : PROBE <sounded me out on the idea>
3 : to dive down suddenly <a sounding whale> [Middle English sounden “to measure the depth of,” from early French sonder (same meaning), from sonde “a line used for measuring depths”; probably of Germanic origin]

sound barrier n : the sudden large increase in resistance that the air offers to an aircraft nearing the speed of sound

sound·board \ˈsau̇n(d)-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a thin board under the strings of a musical instrument (as a piano) that vibrates slightly from the sound made by the strings and serves to strengthen the sound given off by the instrument
2 : SOUNDING BOARD 1

sound effects n pl : effects that imitate sounds called for in the script of a play, radio or television program, or motion picture

sound·er \ˈsau̇n-dər\ n : one that sounds; esp : a device for making soundings

sound·ing \ˈsau̇n-diŋ\ n
1 a : measurement of depth especially with a sounding line  b : the depth found by sounding
2 : an investigation, test, or sampling of opinion or intention

sounding board n
1 : a structure behind or over a speaker's platform to make sound uttered from it clear
2 : a means for helping to spread opinions
3 : a person or group on whom new ideas or opinions are tested

sounding line n : a line, wire, or cord weighted at one end for sounding

sound·less \ˈsau̇n-(d)ləs\ adj : making no sound : SILENT
— sound·less·ly adv

sound off vb
1 : to count while marching
2 : to voice one's opinions freely with force

sound pollution n : NOISE POLLUTION

sound·proof \ˈsau̇n(d)-ˈprüf\ adj : designed to prevent sound from entering or leaving
— soundproof vb

sound track n : the area on a motion-picture film that carries the sound record

sound truck n : a truck equipped with a loudspeaker

sound waves n pl : waves formed by compression of the material (as air) through which they travel regardless of whether they can be heard

soup \ˈsüp\ n
1 : a liquid food with a meat, fish, or vegetable stock as a base and often containing pieces of solid food
2 : something like or suggesting soup (as a heavy fog) [from early French supe “soup”; of Germanic origin]

souped–up \ˈsüpt-ˈəp\ adj : improved or increased in power, performance, or appeal <a souped-up car>
— soup up vb

soupy \ˈsü-pē\ adj soup·i·er; -est
1 : resembling soup
2 : thickly foggy or cloudy

1sour \ˈsau̇(ə)r\ adj
1 : having or being an acid or tart taste that is one of the four taste sensations — compare BITTER 1, 3SALT 1B, 1SWEET 1B
2 a : having become acid through spoiling <sour milk>  b : indicating decay : PUTRID <a sour odor>
3 : UNPLEASANT, DISAGREEABLE <a sour look> <played a sour note>
4 : acid in reaction <sour soil>
— sour·ly adv

— sour·ness n

2sour n
1 a : something sour  b : the basic taste sensation produced by acid stimuli
2 : a cocktail made with liquor, lemon or lime juice, sugar, and sometimes soda water

3sour vb : to become or make sour

sour ball n : a round piece of hard candy having a sour flavor

source \ˈsō(ə)rs, ˈsȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 a : a force that gives rise to something : CAUSE <a source of strength>  b : a point where something begins  c : a person or a publication that supplies information
2 : the beginning of a stream of water <the source of the Nile>
3 : a firsthand document or main reference work

sour cherry n : a small cherry tree widely grown for its soft tart bright red to nearly black fruits; also : its fruit

sour cream n : a thick cream soured by the addition of a special kind of bacterium and used especially in cooking

sour·dough \ˈsau̇(ə)r-ˌdō\ n
1 : a dough in which fermentation is active and which is used to start fermentation in other dough (as in making bread)
2 : an old-time prospector in Alaska or northwestern Canada

sour grapes n pl : the act of making something seem unimportant after it becomes impossible to gain

sou·sa·phone \ˈsü-zə-ˌfōn\ n : a large circular tuba that goes over the player's shoulder and has a wide bell that faces forward [named for John Philip Sousa 1854–1932 American band leader and composer]

1souse \ˈsau̇s\ vb soused; sous·ing
1 : 2PICKLE
2 a : to plunge in liquid : IMMERSE  b : to wet thoroughly : DRENCH
3 : to make or become drunk

2souse n
1 : something pickled; esp : seasoned and chopped meat trimmed from pork, fish, or shellfish
2 : an act of sousing : WETTING
3 : DRUNKARD

1south \ˈsau̇th\ adv : to or toward the south

2south adj
1 : situated toward or at the south <the south entrance>
2 : coming from the south <a south wind>

3south n
1 a : the direction to the right of one facing east  b : the compass point opposite to north
2 cap : regions or countries south of a point that is mentioned or understood; esp : the southeastern part of the U.S.

south·bound \ˈsau̇th-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : headed south <a southbound train>

1south·east \sau̇-ˈthēst, nautical sau̇-ˈēst\ adv : to or toward the southeast

2southeast n
1 : the direction between south and east
2 cap : regions or countries southeast of a point that is mentioned or understood

3southeast adj
1 : situated toward or at the southeast <the southeast corner>
2 : coming from the southeast <a southeast wind>

south·east·er \sau̇-ˈthē-stər, sau̇-ˈē-\ n : a storm, strong wind, or gale coming from the southeast

south·east·er·ly \sau̇-ˈthē-stər-lē, sau̇-ˈē-\ adv or adj
1 : from the southeast
2 : toward the southeast

south·east·ern \sau̇-ˈthē-stərn, sau̇-ˈē-\ adj
1 often cap : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Southeast
2 : lying toward or coming from the southeast

South·east·ern·er \sau̇-ˈthē-stə(r)-nər, sau̇-ˈē-\ n : a person born or living in a southeastern region (as of the U.S.)

south·east·ward \sau̇-ˈthēs-twərd, sau̇-ˈēs-\ adv or adj : toward the southeast
— south·east·wards \-twərdz\ adv

south·er·ly \ˈsəth-ər-lē\ adv or adj
1 : toward the south
2 : coming from the south

south·ern \ˈsəth-ərn\ adj
1 cap : of, relating to, or characteristic of the South
2 : lying toward or coming from the south
— south·ern·most \-ˌmōst\ adj

Southern Cross n : four bright stars in the southern hemisphere that are placed as if at the ends of a cross; also : the group of stars of which these four are the brightest

South·ern·er \ˈsəth-ə(r)-nər\ n : a person born or living in the South (as of the U.S.)

southern hemisphere n, often cap S&H : the half of the earth that lies south of the equator

southern lights n pl : AURORA AUSTRALIS

south·land \ˈsau̇th-ˌland, -lənd\ n, often cap : land in the south : the south of a country or region

south·paw \ˈsau̇th-ˌpȯ\ n : a left-handed person; esp : a left-handed baseball pitcher
— southpaw adj

south pole n
1 often cap S&P : the southernmost point of the earth : the southern end of the earth's axis
2 : the pole of a magnet that points toward the south

south–seeking pole n : SOUTH POLE 2

south·ward \ˈsau̇th-wərd\ adv or adj : toward the south
— south·wards \-wərdz\ adv

1south·west \sau̇th-ˈwest, nautical sau̇-ˈwest\ adv : to or toward the southwest

2southwest n
1 : the direction between south and west
2 cap : regions or countries southwest of a point that is mentioned or understood

3southwest adj
1 : coming from the southwest <a southwest wind>
2 : situated toward or at the southwest <the southwest corner>

south·west·er \sau̇(th)-ˈwes-tər\ n : a storm or wind from the southwest

south·west·er·ly \sau̇(th)-ˈwes-tər-lē\ adv or adj
1 : from the southwest
2 : toward the southwest

south·west·ern \sau̇(th)-ˈwes-tərn\ adj
1 : lying toward or coming from the southwest
2 often cap : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Southwest

South·west·ern·er \sau̇(th)-ˈwes-tə(r)-nər\ n : a person born or living in a southwestern region (as of the U.S.)

south·west·ward \sau̇(th)-ˈwes-twərd\ adv or adj : toward the southwest
— south·west·wards \-twərdz\ adv

sou·ve·nir \ˈsü-və-ˌni(ə)r, ˌsü-və-ˈni(ə)r\ n : something that serves as a reminder : MEMENTO

sou'·west·er \sau̇-ˈwes-tər\ n
1 : a long waterproof coat worn especially at sea during stormy weather
2 : a waterproof hat with a wide slanting brim longer in back than in front

1sov·er·eign \ˈsäv-(ə-)rən, ˈsäv-ərn, ˈsəv-\ n
1 : a person, body of persons, or a state possessing sovereignty; esp : a monarch exercising supreme authority in a state
2 : an old British gold coin

2sovereign adj
1 : 1CHIEF 2, HIGHEST <a citizen's sovereign duty>
2 : supreme in power or authority <a sovereign ruler>
3 : politically independent : AUTONOMOUS <a sovereign state>

sov·er·eign·ty \ˈsäv-(ə-)rən-tē, ˈsäv-ərn-, ˈsəv-\ n, pl -ties
1 a : supreme power especially over a politically organized unit : DOMINION  b : freedom from outside control : AUTONOMY  c : the condition of being sovereign or a sovereign
2 : one (as a country) that is sovereign

so·vi·et \ˈsōv-ē-ˌet, ˈsäv-, -ē-ət\ n
1 a : an elected governing council in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
2 pl cap : the people and especially the political and military leaders of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics [from Russian sovet “council”]
— soviet adj, often cap

so·vi·et·ize \ˈsōv-ē-ˌet-ˌīz, ˈsäv-, -ē-ət-\ vb -ized; -iz·ing often cap
1 : to bring under Soviet control
2 : to force to be like the Soviets
— so·vi·et·iza·tion \ˌsōv-ē-ˌet-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌsäv-ē-, -ət-\ n, often cap

1sow \ˈsau̇\ n : an adult female hog; also : the adult female of various other animals (as a bear)

2sow \ˈsō\ vb sowed; sown \ˈsōn\ or sowed; sow·ing
1 a : to plant seed for growth especially by scattering  b : 1PLANT 1A  c : to scatter with or as if with seed  d : to put into a selected environment : DISTRIBUTE
2 : to set in motion : FOMENT <sowing the seeds of suspicion>
3 : to spread over a wide area : DISPERSE, DISSEMINATE
— sow·er \ˈsō(-ə)r\ n

sow·bel·ly \ˈsau̇-ˌbel-ē\ n : fat salt pork or bacon

sow bug \ˈsau̇-\ n : WOOD LOUSE; esp : a wood louse capable of curling itself into a ball

sox plural of SOCK

soy \ˈsȯi\ n
1 : SOY SAUCE
2 : SOYBEAN

soya \ˈsȯi-(y)ə\ n : SOYBEAN

soy·bean \ˈsȯi-ˈbēn, -ˌbēn\ n : a hairy annual Asian plant of the legume family widely grown for its edible seeds rich in oil and proteins, as food for livestock, and for soil improvement; also : its seed

soy sauce n : a brown sauce made from soybeans and used especially in Chinese and Japanese cooking

spa \ˈspä, ˈspȯ\ n
1 a : a mineral spring  b : a resort area with mineral springs
2 : a commercial establishment (as a resort) offering programs and equipment devoted especially to health, fitness, weight loss, beauty, or relaxation [named for Spa, a place in Belgium that has a natural mineral spring and health resort]

1space \ˈspās\ n
1 : a period of time
2 a : a limited extent in one, two, or three dimensions : DISTANCE, AREA, VOLUME  b : an area set apart or available <parking space> <floor space>
3 : the limitless three-dimensional extent in which all things exist and move
4 : the region beyond the earth's atmosphere
5 : a blank area separating words or lines
6 : an available seat on a public vehicle

2space vb spaced; spac·ing : to place with space between <space out the chairs one foot apart>

space–age \ˈspā-ˌsāj\ adj : of or relating to the age of space exploration; esp : 1MODERN 1 <space-age technology>

space cadet n : a person who is confused, forgetful, or very inattentive

space·craft \ˈspā-ˌskraft\ n, pl spacecraft : a vehicle for travel beyond the earth's atmosphere

space·flight \ˈspās-ˌflīt\ n : flight beyond the earth's atmosphere

space heater n : an usually portable device for heating a small area

space·man \ˈspā-ˌsman, -smən\ n
1 : one who travels outside the earth's atmosphere
2 : a visitor to earth from outer space

space medicine n : a branch of medicine concerned with the effects of spaceflight on the human body

space opera n : science fiction that deals with fantastic situations involving space travelers and beings from other worlds [from space and opera, following the pattern of soap opera, horse opera — see Word History at HORSE OPERA]

space out vb : to become inattentive or distracted <spaced out halfway through the lecture>

space·port \ˈspā-ˌspō(ə)rt, -ˌspȯ(ə)rt\ n : a place for testing and launching spacecraft

space·ship \ˈspās-ˌship, ˈspāsh-\ n : SPACECRAFT

space shuttle n : a spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo between earth and space that can be used repeatedly

space station n : an artificial satellite designed to stay in orbit permanently and to be occupied by humans for long periods

space suit n : a suit equipped to make life in space possible for its wearer

space walk n : a period of movement in space outside a spacecraft by an astronaut

spac·ing \ˈspā-siŋ\ n
1 : an arrangement in space
2 : the distance between any two objects in an arranged series

spa·cious \ˈspā-shəs\ adj : large or vast in size or capacity
— spa·cious·ly adv

— spa·cious·ness n
synonyms SPACIOUS, COMMODIOUS, CAPACIOUS, mean larger than the average in size or capacity. SPACIOUS suggests great length and width <a house with a spacious front lawn>. COMMODIOUS stresses that something is roomy and comfortable <a commodious and airy workroom>. CAPACIOUS stresses the ability to hold, contain, or keep more than the average <a capacious closet>.

1spade \ˈspād\ n
1 : a digging tool like a shovel made so that it can be pushed into the ground with the foot
2 : a spade-shaped instrument [Old English spadu “a digging tool”]
— spade·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n

2spade vb spad·ed; spad·ing : to dig with or use a spade

3spade n
1 : a black figure resembling an inverted heart with a short stem at the bottom used to indicate a suit of playing cards
2 : a card of the suit of spades [from Italian spada or Spanish espada, both meaning “broad sword” and both from Latin spatha “blade”]

spade·work \ˈspād-ˌwərk\ n
1 : work done with the spade
2 : the hard plain work that must be done at the beginning of a project

spa·ghet·ti \spə-ˈget-ē\ n : a food made chiefly of a mixture of flour and water dried in the form of thin solid strings
Word History The Italian word spago means “cord, string.” The suffix -etto in Italian, like the suffix -ette in English, means “little one.” Added together, spago and -etto become spaghetto, which means “little string.” “Little string” describes very well the shape of a strand of spaghetti. The word spaghetti is actually the plural form of spaghetto. [from Italian spaghetti “pasta made in long strings,” from spaghetti, plural of spaghetto “little string,” from spago “string”]

spaghetti strap n : very thin fabric shoulder strap

spake \ˈspāk\ archaic past of SPEAK

1spam \ˈspam\ n : unsolicited usually commercial e-mail sent to a large number of addresses

2spam vb : to send spam to
— spam·mer n

1span \ˈspan\ n
1 : the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand; also : an English unit of length equal to 9 inches (about 22.9 centimeters)
2 a : a limited portion of time <span of life>  b : the spread (as of an arch) from one support to another  c : the portion supported to form a span [Old English spann “distance measured by the outstretched hand”]

2span vb spanned; span·ning
1 a : to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extended  b : 2MEASURE 2
2 a : to reach or extend across <a bridge spans the river> <a career that spans four decades>  b : to place or construct a span over

3span n : a pair of animals (as mules) driven together [from Dutch span “a pair of animals driven together,” derived from earlier spannen “to hitch up”]

span·dex \ˈspan-ˌdeks\ n : any of various synthetic elastic textile fibers

1span·gle \ˈspaŋ-gəl\ n
1 : a small piece of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation on clothing
2 : a small glittering object

2spangle vb span·gled; span·gling \ˈspaŋ-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles

Span·glish \ˈspaŋ-glish, -lish\ n : Spanish marked by many borrowings from English; also : any of various combinations of Spanish and English

Span·iard \ˈspan-yərd\ n : a person born or living in Spain

span·iel \ˈspan-yəl\ n : a member of any of several breeds of small or medium-sized mostly short-legged dogs that usually have long wavy hair and large drooping ears

Span·ish \ˈspan-ish\ n
1 : the Romance language of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards
2 Spanish pl : the people of Spain
— Spanish adj

Spanish American n
1 : a person born or living in one of the countries of America in which Spanish is the national language
2 : a person living in the U.S. whose native language is Spanish and whose culture is of Spanish origin
— Spanish–American adj

Spanish moss n : a plant related to the pineapple that forms hanging tufts of grayish green threadlike strands on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina

Spanish omelet n : an omelet made usually with chopped green pepper, onion, and tomato

Spanish rice n : rice cooked with onions, green peppers, and tomatoes

spank \ˈspaŋk\ vb : to strike on the buttocks with the open hand
— spank n

1spank·ing \ˈspaŋ-kiŋ\ adj : BRISK 1, LIVELY <a spanking breeze>

2spanking adv : 2VERY 2 <a spanking clean floor> <spanking new>

span·ner \ˈspan-ər\ n, chiefly British : 2WRENCH 2

1spar \ˈspär\ n
1 : a stout pole
2 : a long rounded usually wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, or yard) to which a sail is fastened [Middle English sparre “a stout pole, a pole used to support a sail on a ship”]

2spar vb sparred; spar·ring
1 : to box or make boxing movements with the fists for practice or in fun
2 : 2SKIRMISH 1 [Middle English sparren “to dart, spring”]

1spare \ˈspa(ə)r, ˈspe(ə)r\ vb spared; spar·ing
1 : to keep from being punished or harmed : show mercy <spared the prisoners>
2 : to free of the need to do something <spare yourself the trouble>
3 : to hold off from doing or spending <spare no cost>
4 : to use or give out in small amounts <more pancakes, please, and don't spare the syrup>
5 a : to give up as not really needed <can you spare me a few minutes> <couldn't spare a dime>  b : to have left over <got there with time to spare> [Old English sparian “to refrain from harming”]

2spare adj spar·er; spar·est
1 : held in reserve <a spare tire>
2 : being over what is needed <spare time>
3 : not generous or wasteful : SPARING
4 : somewhat thin
5 : not abundant or plentiful : SCANTY [Middle English spare “being extra or more than is needed”]
— spare·ly adv

— spare·ness n

3spare n
1 : a spare or duplicate piece or part
2 : the knocking down of all 10 bowling pins with the first two balls in a frame in bowling

spare·ribs \ˈspa(ə)r-ˌ(r)ibz, ˈspe(ə)r-\ n pl : a cut of pork ribs separated from the bacon strips [derived from a German dialect word ribbesper “pickled pork ribs roasted on a spit,” derived from ribbe “rib” and sper “spear, spit”; probably spelled spareribs in English because of the misunderstanding of the meaning of the German word sper]

spar·ing \ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ, ˈspe(ə)r-\ adj : careful in the use of money or supplies
— spar·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

1spark \ˈspärk\ n
1 a : a small bit of a burning material  b : a hot glowing bit struck from a mass
2 : a short bright flash of electricity between two points
3 : 2SPARKLE 1
4 : a small amount that could grow into something larger <still has a spark of decency> [Old English spearca “spark”]

2spark vb
1 : to give off or cause to give off sparks
2 : to cause to get going <the question sparked quite an argument> <sparked the team to victory>

3spark vb : WOO 1, COURT [from earlier spark (noun) “a foolish young man, boyfriend”]
— spark·er n

sparking plug n, British : SPARK PLUG 1

1spar·kle \ˈspär-kəl\ vb spar·kled; spar·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to throw out sparks  b : to give off small flashes of light <the diamond sparkled>
2 : to do or play very well <sparkled at shortstop>
3 : EFFERVESCE 1 <sparkling wine>
4 : to become lively or active <the conversation sparkled>

2sparkle n
1 : a little flash of light
2 : the quality of sparkling
3 : the quality or state of being effervescent

spar·kler \ˈspär-klər\ n
1 : DIAMOND 1B
2 : a firework that throws off very bright sparks as it burns

spark plug n
1 : a device used in an engine to produce a spark that ignites a fuel mixture
2 : one that begins something or drives something forward

sparky \ˈspär-kē\ adj spark·i·er; -est : being lively and active <sparky children>
— spark·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

sparred past and past participle of SPAR

sparring present participle of SPAR

sparring partner n : a person with whom a boxer spars for practice during training

spar·row \ˈspar-ō\ n
1 : any of several small songbirds that have usually brownish or grayish feathers and are related to the finches; esp : HOUSE SPARROW
2 : any of numerous finches (as the song sparrow) that resemble the true sparrows

sparrow hawk n : any of various small hawks

sparse \ˈspärs\ adj spars·er; spars·est : of few and scattered elements; esp : not thickly grown or settled  synonyms see MEAGER
— sparse·ly adv

— sparse·ness n

— spar·si·ty \ˈspär-sət-ē\ n

1Spar·tan \ˈspärt-ən\ n
1 : a person born or living in ancient Sparta
2 : a person of great courage and self-discipline

2Spartan adj
1 : of or relating to Sparta in ancient Greece
2 often not cap  a : marked by strict self-discipline or self-denial <a Spartan athlete>  b : marked by absence of comfort and luxury <a Spartan room>
— spar·tan·ly adv

spasm \ˈspaz-əm\ n
1 : a sudden uncontrolled contracting of muscles <back spasms>
2 : a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or outburst <a spasm of creativity>
— spasm vb

spas·mod·ic \spaz-ˈmäd-ik\ adj
1 a : relating to or affected or characterized by spasm <spasmodic movements>  b : resembling a spasm especially in sudden violence
2 : acting or going now and then : INTERMITTENT <spasmodic activity>
3 : subject to outburst of emotional excitement : EXCITABLE
— spas·mod·i·cal·ly \-ˈmäd-ik(ə-)lē\ adv

spas·tic \ˈspas-tik\ adj : of, relating to, characterized by, or affected with or as if with spasms <spastic colon>

1spat \ˈspat\ past and past participle of SPIT

2spat n, pl spat or spats : a young oyster [origin unknown]

3spat n : a cloth or leather covering for the instep and ankle [a shortened form of spatterdash “a protective covering for the ankle or leg”]

4spat n
1 : a brief unimportant quarrel : DISPUTE
2 : a sound like that of rain falling in large drops

5spat vb spat·ted; spat·ting
1 : to have a spat : QUARREL
2 : to strike with a sound like that of rain falling in large drops

spate \ˈspāt\ n : a sudden flood or rush

spa·tial \ˈspā-shəl\ adj : of or relating to space
— spa·tial·ly \ˈspāsh-(ə-)lē\ adv

1spat·ter \ˈspat-ər\ vb
1 : to splash with drops or small bits of something wet <spatter the paper with paint>
2 : to scatter by splashing <spattered mud all over my coat>

2spatter n
1 : the act or sound of spattering
2 : a drop or splash spattered on something : a spot or stain due to spattering

spat·u·la \ˈspach-ə-lə\ n : an instrument with a thin flexible blade used especially for spreading or mixing soft substances or lifting

spav·in \ˈspav-ən\ n : a swelling of the hock of a horse associated with strain

spav·ined \ˈspav-ənd\ adj
1 : affected with spavin
2 : old and decrepit

1spawn \ˈspȯn, ˈspän\ vb
1 : to deposit or fertilize eggs <fish swimming upstream to spawn>
2 : to produce young especially in large numbers
3 : GENERATE, BRING FORTH
— spawn·er n

2spawn n
1 : the eggs of aquatic animals (as fishes or oysters) that lay many small eggs
2 : PRODUCT 2, OFFSPRING; also : something produced in large quantities

spay \ˈspā\ vb : to remove the ovaries and uterus of (a female animal)

speak \ˈspēk\ vb spoke \ˈspōk\; spo·ken \ˈspō-kən\; speak·ing
1 : to utter words : TALK
2 : to utter in words <speak the truth>
3 : to mention in speech or writing <spoke of being ill>
4 : to serve as spokesperson <spoke for the group>
5 : to express feelings in ways other than by words <actions speak louder than words>
6 : to use or be able to use in talking <speaks Spanish>
— speak·able \ˈspē-kə-bəl\ adj

— to speak of : worth mentioning or noticing <no improvement to speak of>

speak·easy \ˈspē-ˌkē-zē\ n, pl -eas·ies : a place where alcoholic drinks are illegally sold

speak·er \ˈspē-kər\ n
1 : a person who speaks
2 : a person who conducts a meeting (as of a legislature)
3 : LOUDSPEAKER

speak·er·ship \ˈspē-kər-ˌship\ n : the position of speaker of a legislature

speak out vb
1 : to speak loudly and clearly
2 : to speak freely and confidently <was never afraid to speak out on the issues>

speak up vb : SPEAK OUT

1spear \ˈspi(ə)r\ n
1 : a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade used for throwing or jabbing
2 : an instrument with a sharp point and curved hooks used in spearing fish
3 : SPEARMAN

2spear vb : to pierce or strike with or as if with a spear
— spear·er n

3spear n : a usually young blade, shoot, or sprout (as of grass)

spear·fish \ˈspi(ə)r-ˌfish\ vb : to fish with a spear

spear·gun \-ˌgən\ n : a gun that shoots a spear and is used for spearfishing

1spear·head \-ˌhed\ n
1 : the head or point of a spear
2 : a person, thing, or group that is the leading force (as in a development or attack)

2spearhead vb : to serve as leader of <spearhead a campaign for better schools>

spear·man \ˈspi(ə)r-mən\ n : a soldier armed with a spear

spear·mint \-ˌmint, -mənt\ n : a common mint grown for flavoring and especially for its fragrant oil

spec \ˈspek\ n : SPECIFICATION 2A — usually used in plural

1spe·cial \ˈspesh-əl\ adj
1 a : being unusual and especially better in some way <a special occasion>  b : being very dear or liked very well <a special friend>
2 : different from others of the same kind : UNIQUE <a special case>
3 : being or having more than the usual : ADDITIONAL, EXTRA <a special edition>
4 : designed for a certain purpose or occasion <a special diet>
— spe·cial·ly \ˈspesh-(ə-)lē\ adv

2special n
1 : one that is used for a special service or occasion <caught the commuter special to work>
2 : something (as a television program) that is not part of a regular series
3 : a featured dish at a restaurant <the specials of the day>

special delivery n : delivery of mail by messenger for an extra fee

special education n : classes or instruction designed for students with special educational needs

spe·cial·ist \ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst\ n
1 : a person who studies or works at a special occupation or branch of learning <an eye specialist>
2 : an enlisted person in the army with a rank similar to that of corporal
— specialist or spe·cial·is·tic \ˌspesh-ə-ˈlis-tik\ adj

spe·ci·al·i·ty \ˌspesh-ē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : SPECIALTY

spe·cial·i·za·tion \ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən\ n
1 : a making or becoming specialized
2 a : a change in the structure of a body part so that it becomes suited for performing a particular function or of a whole plant or animal so that it is suited for life in a particular environment  b : a body part or an organism changed by specialization

spe·cial·ize \ˈspesh-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to limit one's attention or energy to one business, subject, or study
2 : to undergo specialization

specialized adj
1 : characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
2 : designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation

special relativity n : RELATIVITY 2A

spe·cial·ty \ˈspesh-əl-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a product of a special kind or of special excellence <eggs were the cook's specialty>
2 : something a person specializes in or has special knowledge of

spe·ci·a·tion \ˌspē-shē-ˈā-shən, -sē-\ n : the formation of a new species (as that occurring as a result of isolation in a geographic area)

spe·cie \ˈspē-shē, -sē\ n : money in coin

spe·cies \ˈspē-shēz, -sēz\ n, pl species
1 : a class of things of the same kind and with the same name : KIND
2 : a category of living things that ranks below a genus, is made up of related individuals able to produce fertile offspring, and is identified by a two-part scientific name

1spe·cif·ic \spi-ˈsif-ik\ adj
1 : relating to or being an example of a certain kind of thing <a specific case> <was the question specific or general?>
2 a : restricted to a particular individual, situation, effect, or reaction <a disease specific to humans> <a specific enzyme>  b : having one particular effect or influence (as on a body part or a disease) <quinine is specific for malaria>
3 : clearly and exactly presented or stated <gave them specific directions>
4 : of, relating to, or being a species
— spe·cif·i·cal·ly \-ˈsif-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2specific n
1 : something specially adapted to a purpose or use; esp : a drug or remedy specific for a particular disease
2 pl : things that are specific : DETAILS, PARTICULARS <get down to specifics>

spec·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌspes-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of specifying
2 a : a description of work to be done or materials to be used — usually used in plural <the architect's specifications for a new building>  b : a single specified item

specific gravity n : the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some other substance (as water) taken as a standard when both densities are obtained by weighing in air

specific heat n : the heat in calories required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance one degree Celsius

spec·i·fic·i·ty \ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē\ n : the quality or condition of being specific; esp : the condition of taking part in or of acting as a catalyst in only one or a few chemical reactions <the specificity of an enzyme>

spec·i·fy \ˈspes-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to name or mention exactly and clearly <specify the cause>
2 : to include in a specification <specify oak flooring>

spec·i·men \ˈspes-(ə-)mən\ n
1 : a part or a single thing that shows what the whole thing or group is like : SAMPLE
2 : a portion of material for use in testing or examination <a blood specimen>
3 : PERSON 1, INDIVIDUAL <he's a tough specimen>

spe·cious \ˈspē-shəs\ adj : having a false look of being fair, just, or right <a specious argument>
— spe·cious·ly adv

— spe·cious·ness n

1speck \ˈspek\ n
1 : a small spot or blemish
2 : a very small amount : BIT <just a speck more milk>

2speck vb : to make specks on or in

1speck·le \ˈspek-əl\ n : a small mark (as of color)

2speckle vb speck·led; speck·ling \ˈspek-(ə-)liŋ\ : to mark with speckles

specs \ˈspeks\ n pl : 1GLASS 2B

spec·ta·cle \ˈspek-ti-kəl\ n
1 a : an unusual or impressive public display  b : an object of curious or annoyed attention <made a spectacle of yourself at the party>
2 pl : 1GLASS 2B [Middle English spectacle “spectacle,” from early French spectacle (same meaning), from Latin spectaculum (same meaning), from spectare “to watch,” from specere “to look, look at” — related to AUSPICE, EXPECT]

spec·ta·cled \ˈspek-ti-kəld\ adj
1 : having or wearing glasses
2 : having markings that look like a pair of glasses <a spectacled bear>

spec·tac·u·lar \spek-ˈtak-yə-lər, spək-\ adj : of, relating to, or being a spectacle : exciting to see : SENSATIONAL <a spectacular sunset>
— spec·tac·u·lar·ly adv

spec·ta·tor \ˈspek-ˌtāt-ər, spek-ˈtāt-\ n : a person who looks on (as at a sports event)
— spectator adj

spec·ter or spec·tre \ˈspek-tər\ n
1 : GHOST
2 : something that bothers the mind

spec·tral \ˈspek-trəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or suggesting a specter : GHOSTLY
2 : of, relating to, or made by a spectrum

spec·tro·graph \ˈspek-t(r)ə-ˌgraf\ n : an instrument for spreading radiation (as of light or sound) into a spectrum and photographing or mapping the spectrum

spec·trom·e·ter \spek-ˈträm-ət-ər\ n
1 : an instrument for producing a spectrum
2 : an instrument that spreads particles or radiation into an ordered sequence (as by mass or energy)

spec·tro·pho·tom·e·ter \ˌspek-trō-fə-ˈtäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring the strengths of the light in different parts of a spectrum

spec·tro·scope \ˈspek-trə-ˌskōp\ n : an instrument that produces spectra from or by the use of electromagnetic waves (as of light)
— spec·tros·co·py \spek-ˈträs-kə-pē\ n

spec·trum \ˈspek-trəm\ n, pl spec·tra \-trə\ or spectrums
1 a : the group of different colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet arranged in the order of their wavelengths and seen when white light passes through a prism and falls on a surface or when sunlight is scattered by water droplets to form a rainbow  b : ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
2 : a continuous range or series <a wide spectrum of interests>

spec·u·late \ˈspek-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to think or wonder about a subject <speculating about the future>
2 : to engage in a business deal in which much profit may be made although at a big risk
— spec·u·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

spec·u·la·tion \ˌspek-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : thoughts or guesses about something <much speculation about who the new teacher would be>
2 : the taking of a big risk in business in hopes of making a big profit

spec·u·la·tive \ˈspek-yə-lət-iv, -ˌlāt-\ adj
1 a : of or relating to mental speculation <speculative knowledge>  b : CURIOUS 1 <a speculative glance>
2 : of or relating to financial speculation
— spec·u·la·tive·ly adv

spec·u·lum \ˈspek-yə-ləm\ n, pl -la \-lə\ also -lums : an instrument that is inserted into a bodily passage in order to help in inspection or the giving of medicine

speech \ˈspēch\ n
1 : the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words
2 a : something that is spoken  b : a public talk
3 : a form of communication (as a language or dialect) used by a particular group
4 : the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

speech·less \ˈspēch-ləs\ adj
1 : unable to speak
2 : not speaking for a time : SILENT <speechless with surprise>
— speech·less·ly adv

— speech·less·ness n

1speed \ˈspēd\ n
1 a : the act or state of moving swiftly : SWIFTNESS  b : rate of motion : VELOCITY
2 : quickness in movement or action
3 : a transmission gear in motor vehicles or bicycles <a 10-speed bicycle>
4 : METHAMPHETAMINE; also : a related drug
— up to speed : operating at full effectiveness or capability

2speed vb sped \ˈsped\ or speed·ed; speed·ing
1 a : to move or cause to move fast  b : to go or drive at too high a speed
3 : to increase the speed of : ACCELERATE — often used with up

speed·boat \ˈspēd-ˌbōt\ n : a fast motorboat

speed bump n : a low raised ridge across a roadway (as in a parking lot) to limit vehicle speed

speed dial n : a telephone function by which a stored number can be dialed by pressing only one key
— speed–dial vb

speed·er \ˈspēd-ər\ n : a person who drives faster than the legal speed limit

speed limit n : the highest or lowest speed allowed by law in a certain area

speed of light : a fundamental physical constant that is the speed at which electromagnetic radiation travels in a vacuum and that has a value of 299,792,458 meters per second

speed·om·e·ter \spi-ˈdäm-ət-ər\ n
1 : an instrument that measures speed
2 : an instrument that both measures speed and records distance traveled

speed–read·ing \ˈspēd-ˌrēd-iŋ\ n : a method of reading rapidly by skimming

speed·ster \ˈspēd-stər\ n : one that goes or can go very fast

speed·way \ˈspēd-ˌwā\ n : a racetrack for racing cars or motorcycles

speedy \ˈspēd-ē\ adj speed·i·er; -est : moving or taking place fast
— speed·i·ly \ˈspēd-əl-ē\ adv

— speed·i·ness \ˈspēd-ē-nəs\ n

spe·le·ol·o·gy \ˌspē-lē-ˈäl-ə-jē, ˌspel-ē-\ n : the scientific study or exploration of caves
— spe·le·o·log·i·cal \-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

— spe·le·ol·o·gist \-ˈäl-ə-jist\ n

1spell \ˈspel\ n
1 a : a spoken word or form of words believed to have magic power  b : a state of enchantment
2 : a very strong influence or attraction [Old English spell “talk, tale”]

2spell vb : to put under a spell : BEWITCH

3spell vb spelled \ˈspeld\; spell·ing : to take the place of for a time : RELIEVE <if we spell each other we won't get tired> [Old English spelian “to take the place of, relieve”]

4spell vb spelled \ˈspeld, ˈspelt\; spell·ing
1 a : to name, write, or print the letters of in order  b : to be the letters of <“c-a-t” spells “cat”>
2 : to amount to : MEAN <what you do could spell the difference between life and death> <that usually spells trouble> [Middle English spellen “to mean, signify, read by spelling out letters,” from early French espeleir (same meaning); of Germanic origin]

5spell n
1 : one's turn at work or duty
2 : a period spent in a job or occupation
3 a : a short period of time  b : a stretch of a specified type of weather <a hot spell>
4 : a period of bodily or mental distress or disorder : ATTACK, FIT <a spell of coughing> <fainting spells> [probably an altered form of Old English spale “a substitute”; the spelling probably influenced in Middle English by the similar word spelen “to substitute for, relieve”]

spell·bind \ˈspel-ˌbīnd\ vb -bound \-ˌbau̇nd\; -bind·ing : to hold by or as if by a spell : FASCINATE

spell·bind·er \ˈspel-ˌbīn-dər\ n
1 : a very powerful speaker
2 : one that compels attention

spell·bound \ˈspel-ˈbau̇nd\ adj : held by or as if by a spell

spell–check \ˈspel-ˌchek\ n : the act or process of using a spellchecker to identify possible misspellings; also : the function or capability provided by a spellchecker
— spell–check vb

spell·check·er \ˈspel-ˌchek-ər\ n : a computer program that identifies possible misspellings in a block of text by comparing the text with a database of accepted spellings

spell·er \ˈspel-ər\ n
1 : a person who spells words especially in a certain way <a poor speller>
2 : a book with exercises for teaching spelling

spell·ing \ˈspel-iŋ\ n : the forming of words from letters; also : the letters composing a word

spelling bee n : a spelling contest in which each contestant who spells a word wrong is eliminated

spell out vb
1 : to make very plain <our duties were spelled out>
2 : to write or print in letters and in full

spelt \ˈspelt\ chiefly British past and past participle of SPELL

spe·lunk·er \spi-ˈləŋ-kər, ˈspē-ˌləŋ-\ n : a person who explores or studies caves
— spe·lunk·ing \-kiŋ\ n

spend \ˈspend\ vb spent \ˈspent\; spend·ing
1 : to pay out : EXPEND
2 : to cause or allow (as time) to pass <spent the day with friends>
3 a : 1EXHAUST 1, WEAR OUT  b : to use wastefully : SQUANDER
— spend·er n

spend·able \ˈspen-də-bəl\ adj : available for spending

spending money n : money for small personal expenses

spend·thrift \ˈspen(d)-ˌthrift\ n : one who spends wastefully
— spendthrift adj

spent \ˈspent\ adj
1 : used up
2 : drained of energy

sperm \ˈspərm\ n, pl sperm or sperms
1 : SEMEN
2 : a mobile male gamete that has a long and thin or rounded head and a long thin tail that acts as a flagellum — called also spermatozoon, sperm cell

sper·ma·ce·ti \ˌspər-mə-ˈsēt-ē, -ˈset-\ n : a waxy solid obtained from the oil of some sea-dwelling mammals and especially the sperm whale and used mostly in the past in ointments, cosmetics, and candles

sper·ma·tid \ˈspər-mət-əd\ n : any of the cells produced in meiosis that form sperm cells

sper·mato·gen·e·sis \(ˌ)spər-ˌmat-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs\ n, pl -e·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\ : the process of male gamete formation including meiosis and formation of sperm cells

sper·mato·phyte \(ˌ)spər-ˈmat-ə-ˌfīt\ n : any of a group of plants that produce seeds and include the gymnosperms and flowering plants

sper·ma·to·zo·on \(ˌ)spər-ˌmat-ə-ˈzō-ən, ˌspər-mət-\ n, pl -zoa \-ˈzō-ə\ : SPERM 2

sperm cell n : SPERM 2

sper·mi·cide \ˈspər-mə-ˌsid\ n : a preparation or substance (as in a contraceptive) used to kill sperm

sperm whale n : a large toothed whale with a large chamber in the skull that contains a fluid mixture of spermaceti and oil

1spew \ˈspyü\ vb : to send or come out in a flood or gush

2spew n : matter that is spewed out

sphag·num \ˈsfag-nəm\ n
1 : any of a large genus of mosses that usually grow in wet areas (as bogs) and become compacted with other plant matter to form peat
2 : a mass of sphagnum plants

sphere \ˈsfi(ə)r\ n
1 a : a globe-shaped body : BALL, GLOBE  b : a solid geometric shape whose surface is made up of all the points that are an equal distance from the point that is the shape's center  c : the surface of a sphere
2 : a field of influence or activity <the public sphere>
— sphe·ric·i·ty \sfir-ˈis-ət-ē\ n

spher·i·cal \ˈsfir-i-kəl, ˈsfer-\ adj : relating to or having the form of a sphere or part of a sphere
— spher·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

spher·oid \ˈsfi(ə)r-ˌȯid, ˈsfe(ə)r-\ n : a figure resembling a flattened sphere

sphinc·ter \ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər\ n : a ringlike muscle surrounding a body opening that is able to make the opening smaller or close it

sphinx \ˈsfiŋ(k)s\ n, pl sphinx·es or sphin·ges \ˈsfin-ˌjēz\ : an ancient Egyptian image having the body of a lion and the head of a man, ram, or hawk

sphinx moth n : HAWK MOTH

sphyg·mo·ma·nom·e·ter \ˌsfig-mō-mə-ˈnäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring blood pressure

1spice \ˈspīs\ n
1 : a plant product (as pepper or nutmeg) that has a strong pleasant smell and is used to season or flavor food
2 : something that adds interest <variety is the spice of life>
3 : a fragrant odor : PERFUME

2spice vb spiced; spic·ing : to season with or as if with spices

spice·bush \ˈspīs-ˌbu̇sh\ n : a fragrant shrub of the eastern U.S. and Canada that is related to the laurels and has clusters of small greenish yellow flowers and usually red berries

spick–and–span or spic–and–span \ˌspik-ən-ˈspan\ adj
1 : quite new and unused
2 : very clean and neat <kept the cabin spick-and-span>

spic·ule \ˈspik-yü(ə)l\ n : a small hard needlelike structure; esp : one of the tiny calcium- or silica-containing bodies that support the tissues of various invertebrates and especially sponges

spicy \ˈspī-sē\ adj spic·i·er; -est
1 : flavored with or containing spice
2 : somewhat shocking or indecent <a spicy story>
— spic·i·ly \-sə-lē\ adv

— spic·i·ness \-sē-nəs\ n

spi·der \ˈspīd-ər\ n
1 : any of an order of arachnids that have two or more pairs of abdominal organs for spinning threads of silk used in making cocoons for their eggs, nests for themselves, or webs for catching their prey
2 : a cast-iron frying pan

spider crab n : any of numerous crabs with very long legs and nearly triangular bodies

spider mite n : any of various mites that spin webs and include some that attack plants — called also red spider

spider plant n : any of several plants that are related to the lilies, have long narrow leaves and hanging stems often producing small plants at the end, and are often grown as houseplants

spi·der·web \ˈspīd-ər-ˌweb\ n : the silken web spun by most spiders and used as a resting place and a trap for small prey

spi·dery \ˈspīd-ə-rē\ adj
1 : resembling a spider; also : long and thin like the legs of a spider
2 : resembling a spiderweb <spidery handwriting> <spidery lace>
3 : full of spiders

spied past and past participle of 1SPY

1spiel \ˈspē(ə)l\ vb : to talk in a fast, smooth, and usually colorful manner
— spiel·er \ˈspē-lər\ n

2spiel n : fast smooth usually colorful talk often intended to sell something

spies plural of 2SPY

spiffy \ˈspif-ē\ adj spiff·i·er; -est : fine looking : SMART <a spiffy sports jacket>

spig·ot \ˈspig-ət, ˈspik-ət\ n
1 : a plug used to stop the vent in a barrel
2 : FAUCET

1spike \ˈspīk\ n
1 : a very large nail
2 a : one of the metal objects set in the sole and heel of a shoe (as a baseball shoe) to prevent slipping  b pl : a pair of shoes having spikes
3 : an unbranched antler of a young deer
4 : the act or an instance of spiking (as in volleyball)
5 : a pointed element (as in a graph) [Middle English spike “a large nail”; probably of Scandinavian origin]

2spike vb spiked; spik·ing
1 : to fasten or furnish with spikes
2 : to pierce or cut with or on a spike
3 : to add alcoholic liquor to a drink
4 : to drive (as a volleyball) sharply downward
5 : to increase sharply <battery sales spiked after the storm>

3spike n
1 : an ear of grain
2 : a long usually rather narrow cluster of flowers in which the blossoms grow close to the central stem [Middle English spik “a head of a stalk of grain, ear,” from Latin spica (same meaning)]

spiked \ˈspīkt\ adj
1 : having sharp points
2 : arranged in stiff clumps <spiked hair>

spike·let \ˈspī-klət\ n : one of the small few-flowered spikes that occur in grasses and sedges

spike·nard \ˈspīk-ˌnärd\ n : a North American herb with a fragrant root and clusters of small whitish flowers

spiky also spikey \ˈspī-kē\ adj spik·i·er; -est : of, relating to, or characterized by spikes <spiky barbed wire>
— spik·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

spile \ˈspī(ə)l\ n : a spout inserted in a tree to draw off sap

1spill \ˈspil\ vb spilled \ˈspild, ˈspilt\ also spilt \ˈspilt\; spill·ing
1 : to cause (blood) to flow by wounding or killing
2 a : to cause or allow to fall, flow, or run out by accident <spilled some flour on the floor>  b : to fall or run out so as to be lost or wasted <the milk spilled>  c : to spread beyond limits <crowds spilled into the streets>
3 : to throw off or out <a horse spilled its rider>
4 : to let out : GIVE AWAY <spilled the secret>
— spill·able \ˈspil-ə-bəl\ adj

— spill·er n

— spill one's guts : to make known especially personal information

— spill the beans : to give a secret away by talking without thinking

2spill n
1 a : an act or instance of spilling  b : a fall from a horse or vehicle
2 : something spilled <cleaning up an oil spill>

spill·age \ˈspil-ij\ n
1 : the act or process of spilling
2 : the quantity that spills

spill·way \ˈspil-ˌwā\ n : a passage for extra water to run over or around a dam

1spin \ˈspin\ vb spun \ˈspən\; spin·ning
1 : to draw out and twist into yarn or thread <spun the fleece into thread>
2 a : to produce by drawing out and twisting fibers <spin thread>  b : to form threads or a web or cocoon by giving off a sticky fluid that quickly hardens into silk
3 : to turn or cause to turn round and round rapidly
4 : to feel as if in a whirl <my head was spinning>
5 : to tell using the imagination <spin a yarn>
6 : to move swiftly on wheels or in a vehicle
7 : to make, shape, or produce by or as if by spinning <spun sugar>

2spin n
1 a : the act of spinning something  b : a rapid whirling motion
2 : a short trip in a vehicle <go for a spin>
3 a : a plunging descent or downward spiral  b : a state of mental confusion
4 : a special point of view, emphasis, or interpretation

spin·ach \ˈspin-ich\ n : a widely grown plant with dark green leaves that are used as food; also : the leaves

spi·nal \ˈspīn-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or located near the backbone
2 : of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord

spinal column n : BACKBONE 1

spinal cord n : the cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain along the back in the cavity of the backbone, branches to form the spinal nerves, carries nerve impulses to and from the brain, and helps to control reflex actions

spinal nerve n : any of the paired nerves which arise from the spinal cord and pass to various parts of the body and of which there are normally 31 pairs in human beings

spin·dle \ˈspin-dəl\ n
1 a : a slender round rod or stick with tapered ends by which thread or yarn is twisted in spinning by hand and on which it is wound  b : a device consisting of a long spike fixed so that papers can be stuck on it for filing
2 : something shaped like a spindle: as  a : a network of fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during cell division  b : MUSCLE SPINDLE
3 : something (as an axle or shaft) shaped or turned like a spindle or on which something turns

spin·dly \ˈspin-(d)lē, -dəl-ē\ adj spin·dli·er; -est : of a tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness <spindly legs>

spin·drift \ˈspin-ˌdrift\ n : spray blown from waves

spine \ˈspīn\ n
1 a : BACKBONE 1  b : something resembling a backbone  c : the part of a book to which the pages are attached
2 : a stiff pointed usually sharp projecting part of a plant or animal <protective spines cover the body of a porcupine fish> <cactus spines are formed from leaves> [Middle English spine “thorn, spinal column,” from Latin spina (same meaning) — related to PORCUPINE]

spine·less \ˈspīn-ləs\ adj
1 : having no spines, thorns, or prickles
2 a : having no backbone : INVERTEBRATE  b : lacking spirit, courage, or determination
— spine·less·ly adv

— spine·less·ness n

spin·et \ˈspin-ət\ n : a low piano built with the strings running up and down

spin·na·ker \ˈspin-i-kər\ n : a large triangular sail set on a long light pole and used when sailing with the wind pushing from behind or nearly so

spin·ner \ˈspin-ər\ n
1 : one that spins
2 : a fishing lure that spins when drawn through the water

spin·ner·et \ˌspin-ə-ˈret\ n : an organ especially of a spider or caterpillar that has a small hole through which the sticky fluid produced by the silk glands is forced and hardens to form a silk thread

spinning present participle of SPIN

spinning jen·ny \ˈspin-iŋ-ˌjen-ē\ n : an early machine for spinning wool or cotton by means of many spindles

spinning reel n : a fishing reel that has a moving arm which winds the line around the spool and which locks out of the way during casting so the line can wind off freely

spinning wheel n : a small machine driven by the hand or foot for spinning yarn or thread

spin–off \ˈspin-ˌȯf\ n
1 : something that results from work done to produce a different product : BY-PRODUCT <household products that are spin-offs of space research>
2 : something that imitates or comes from an earlier work or product <a spin-off of a hit TV show>

spin·ster \ˈspin(t)-stər\ n
1 : a woman whose occupation is to spin
2 : an unmarried woman past the usual age for marrying
— spin·ster·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

— spin·ster·ish \-st(ə-)rish\ adj

— spin·ster·ly adv

spiny \ˈspī-nē\ adj spin·i·er; -est
1 : full of difficulties, obstacles, or problems : THORNY
2 : having or covered with spines, thorns, or prickles
— spin·i·ness n

spiny anteater n : ECHIDNA

spiny lobster n : any of several edible crustaceans that differ from the related true lobsters in having a simple unenlarged first pair of legs and a spiny carapace

spi·ra·cle \ˈspir-i-kəl, ˈspī-ri-\ n : any of the openings in the body of an arthropod and especially of an insect through which air enters a trachea

1spi·ral \ˈspī-rəl\ adj
1 : winding or circling around a center and gradually getting closer to or farther away from it <the spiral curve of a watch spring>
2 : winding around an axis like the thread of a screw <a spiral staircase>
— spi·ral·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

2spiral n
1 a : a curve in a plane that winds around a point while getting closer to or farther away from it  b : a curve (as a helix) in space that winds around an axis
2 : a single turn or coil in a spiral object
3 : something having a spiral form

3spiral vb -raled or -ralled; -ral·ing or -ral·ling : to move in a spiral path

spire \ˈspī(ə)r\ n
1 : a blade or stalk (as of grass) that gradually becomes thinner and narrower near the top
2 : a sharp pointed tip (as of a tree or antler)
3 a : a pointed roof especially of a tower  b : STEEPLE
— spired \ˈspī(ə)rd\ adj

spi·rea or spi·raea \spī-ˈrē-ə\ n : any of a genus of shrubs related to the roses and having small usually white or pink flowers in dense clusters

spi·ril·lum \spī-ˈril-əm\ n, pl -ril·la \-ˈril-ə\ : any of a genus of long curved bacteria with a bunch of flagella at both ends; also : any spiral thread-shaped bacterium (as a spirochete)

1spir·it \ˈspir-ət\ n
1 : a force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power : SOUL
2 a cap : HOLY SPIRIT  b : a being (as a ghost) whose existence cannot be explained by the known laws of nature
3 : 1MOOD <in good spirits>
4 : a lively or brisk quality <answered with spirit>
5 : real meaning or intention <the spirit of the law>
6 : an attitude governing one's actions <said in a spirit of fun>
7 a : a distilled alcoholic liquor — usually used in plural  b : a solution in alcohol — often used in plural <spirits of camphor> [Middle English spirit “a life-giving force,” derived from Latin spiritus, literally, “breath”]

2spirit vb : to carry off secretly or mysteriously

spir·it·ed \ˈspir-ət-əd\ adj : full of courage or energy <a spirited discussion>
— spir·it·ed·ly adv

spir·it·less \ˈspir-ət-ləs\ adj : lacking courage or energy
— spir·it·less·ly adv

— spir·it·less·ness n

1spir·i·tu·al \ˈspir-ich-(ə-)wəl, -ich-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of spirit : not bodily or material
2 : of or relating to sacred or religious matters
3 : related or joined in spirit <our spiritual home>
— spir·i·tu·al·i·ty \ˌspir-ich-ə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n

— spir·i·tu·al·ly \ˈspir-ich-(ə-)wəl-ē, -ich-əl-ē\ adv

— spir·i·tu·al·ness n

2spiritual n : a religious song usually of a very emotional character that was developed especially among blacks in the southern U.S.

spir·i·tu·al·ism \ˈspir-ich-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm, -ich-ə-ˌliz-\ n : a belief that the spirits of the dead communicate with the living

spi·ro·chete also spi·ro·chaete \ˈspī-rə-ˌkēt\ n : any of a group of slender coiled bacteria including one that causes syphilis

spi·ro·gy·ra \ˌspī-rə-ˈjī-rə\ n : any of a genus of freshwater green algae with spiral chloroplasts

1spit \ˈspit\ n
1 : a thin pointed rod for holding meat over a fire
2 : a small point of land that runs out into a body of water [Old English spitu “a long rod for holding meat over a fire to cook”]

2spit vb spit or spat \ˈspat\; spit·ting
1 a : to cause (as saliva) to spurt from the mouth : EXPECTORATE  b : to express by or as if by spitting : make a spitting sound
2 a : to give off briskly : EMIT  b : to rain lightly or snow in flurries [Old English spittan “to spit (saliva) from the mouth”]
— spit·ter n

3spit n
1 a : SALIVA  b : the act of spitting
2 : a foamy secretion produced by spittlebugs
3 : perfect likeness <the spit and image of her father>

spit·ball \ˈspit-ˌbȯl\ n
1 : paper chewed and rolled into a ball to be thrown or shot at someone or something
2 : a baseball pitch thrown after the ball has been moistened with spit or sweat

1spite \ˈspīt\ n : dislike or hatred for another person with a wish to torment, anger, or defeat
— in spite of : without being prevented by <failed in spite of all our work> <went ahead in spite of the difficulties>

2spite vb spit·ed; spit·ing : ANNOY, OFFEND <did it to spite me>

spite·ful \ˈspīt-fəl\ adj : filled with or showing spite : MALICIOUS
— spite·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— spite·ful·ness n

spit·fire \ˈspit-ˌfī(ə)r\ n : an easily angered or highly emotional person

spitting image n : perfect likeness

spit·tle \ˈspit-əl\ n
1 : SALIVA
2 : 3SPIT 2

spit·tle·bug \-ˌbəg\ n : any of numerous leaping insects that produce and cover themselves with foam in the young stages

spittle insect n : SPITTLEBUG

spit·toon \spi-ˈtün\ n : a container to spit into

spit up vb : REGURGITATE, VOMIT <the baby spit up twice>
— spit–up n

spitz \ˈspits\ n : a member of any of several breeds of heavy-coated dogs with ears standing straight up and a tail curled over the back

1splash \ˈsplash\ vb
1 a : to cause (something liquid or sloppy) to move and scatter roughly <splash water>  b : to wet, soil, or stain by spattering with something liquid or sloppy <splashed by a passing car>
2 : to move or strike with a splashing sound <splash through a puddle> <a brook splashing over rocks>
3 : to spread or scatter like a splashed liquid <the sunset splashed the sky with red>
— splash·er n

2splash n
1 a : splashed material  b : a spot or smear from or as if from splashed liquid
2 : the sound or action of splashing

splash·down \ˈsplash-ˌdau̇n\ n : the landing of a spacecraft in the ocean

splashy \ˈsplash-ē\ adj splash·i·er; -est
1 : attracting attention or meant to attract attention <would have preferred a less splashy debut>
2 : being bright, bold, and colorful <a splashy shirt> <splashy posters>

splat \ˈsplat\ n : a splattering or slapping sound

splat·ter \ˈsplat-ər\ vb
1 : 1SPATTER 1
2 : to scatter or fall in or as if in drops
— splatter n

splay \ˈsplā\ vb : to spread out or apart <a colt with legs splayed out>

spleen \ˈsplēn\ n
1 : an organ containing many blood vessels that is located near the stomach or intestine of most vertebrates, destroys worn-out red blood cells, filters the blood, and produces some white blood cells
2 : feelings of anger or ill will that are often not expressed

splen·did \ˈsplen-dəd\ adj
1 : having or showing splendor : BRILLIANT
2 : impressive in beauty, grandeur, or excellence <a splendid job> <a splendid palace>
3 : EXCELLENT <had a splendid time at the beach> [from Latin splendidus “splendid, brilliant,” from splendēre “to shine”]
— splen·did·ly adv

— splen·did·ness n
synonyms SPLENDID, GORGEOUS, GLORIOUS, SUBLIME, mean very impressive. SPLENDID suggests that something is far above the ordinary in excellence, beauty, or grandeur <a splendid jewel>. GORGEOUS suggests a rich splendor especially in a display of color <a gorgeous red dress>. GLORIOUS suggests that something is radiant with light or beauty <a glorious sunset>. SUBLIME suggests a noble grandeur almost beyond human understanding <the Grand Canyon is a sublime sight>.

splen·dif·er·ous \splen-ˈdif-(ə-)rəs\ adj : SPLENDID 1

splen·dor \ˈsplen-dər\ n
1 : great brightness : BRILLIANCE <the splendor of the sun>
2 : POMP 1, GLORY <the splendor of ancient Rome>
3 : something splendid <the splendors of the past>
— splen·dor·ous also splen·drous \ˈsplen-d(ə-)rəs\ adj

sple·net·ic \spli-ˈnet-ik\ adj : marked by bad temper : TESTY, GRUMPY

1splice \ˈsplīs\ vb spliced; splic·ing
1 : to unite (as two ropes) by weaving the strands together
2 : to unite (as pieces of film) by connecting the ends together
3 : to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing
— splic·er n

2splice n : a joining or joint made by splicing

1splint \ˈsplint\ n
1 : a thin flexible strip of wood woven together with others in making a chair seat or basket
2 : 1SPLINTER
3 : material or a device used to protect a body part (as a broken arm) and keep it in place

2splint vb : to support and hold in place with or as if with a splint or splints

splint bone n : one of the small slender bones in the leg of a horse

1splin·ter \ˈsplint-ər\ n : a thin piece split or torn off lengthwise : SLIVER
— splinter adj

2splinter vb splin·tered; splin·ter·ing \ˈsplint-ə-riŋ, ˈsplin-triŋ\ : to divide or break into splinters

1split \ˈsplit\ vb split; split·ting
1 a : to divide lengthwise or by layers <split a log>  b : to divide or separate as if by forcing apart <a river split the town> <families were often split up>  c : to mark (a ballot) or cast (a vote) for candidates of different parties
2 a : to burst or break apart or in pieces  b : to affect as if by breaking up or tearing apart <a roar that split the air>
3 a : to divide into shares <we split the profit>  b : to divide into groups or parts <we'll split up; you take the left fork> <they split into two teams>  c : to become separated off <split from the group>
4 : DEPART 1 <split for the party>
5 British : INFORM 2, TELL — usually used with on
— split·ter n

— split hairs : to make small and unimportant distinctions

— split one's sides : to laugh heartily

2split n
1 : a narrow break made by or as if by splitting : CRACK
2 : the act or process of splitting : DIVISION
3 : the act of lowering oneself to the floor or leaping into the air with the legs extended in a straight line and in opposite directions

3split adj : divided by or as if by splitting <a split lip>

split infinitive n : an infinitive with to having a modifier between the to and the verbal (as in “to really start”)

split–lev·el \ˈsplit-ˌlev-əl\ n : a house divided so that the floor in one part is about halfway between two floors in the other

split pea n : a dried pea that has had the outer skin removed and that is split into two parts

split personality n
1 : a mental and emotional disorder in which the personality becomes separated into two or more parts each of which controls behavior part of the time
2 : a double character or nature <a city with a split personality>

split second n : a small fraction of a second : FLASH

split–second adj
1 : occurring in a split second <a split-second decision>
2 : extremely precise <split-second timing>

split·ting \ˈsplit-iŋ\ adj : very severe <a splitting headache>

splotch \ˈspläch\ n : BLOTCH 2, SPOT
— splotch vb

— splotchy \ˈspläch-ē\ adj

1splurge \ˈsplərj\ n : an instance of spending more than usual

2splurge vb splurged; splurg·ing : indulge oneself or spend lavishly

1splut·ter \ˈsplət-ər\ n
1 : a confused noise (as of trying to talk too fast)
2 : a splashing or sputtering sound

2splutter vb
1 : to make a noise as if spitting
2 : to speak or say in haste or confusion

1spoil \ˈspȯi(ə)l\ n : stolen goods : PLUNDER

2spoil vb spoiled \ˈspȯi(ə)ld, ˈspȯi(ə)lt\ also spoilt \ˈspȯi(ə)lt\; spoil·ing
1 : 2PLUNDER, ROB
2 a : to damage badly : RUIN <spoiled my new sweater>  b : to damage the quality or effect of <a quarrel spoiled the party>  c : to decay or lose freshness, value, or usefulness by being kept too long <the milk spoiled>
3 : to damage the disposition of by letting get away with too much <spoil a child>
4 : to have an eager desire <spoiling for a fight>

spoil·age \ˈspȯi-lij\ n : the action of spoiling or the condition of being spoiled

spoil·er \ˈspȯi-lər\ n
1 a : one that spoils  b : one (as a political candidate) having little or no chance of winning but capable of depriving a rival of success
2 : a device (as on an airplane or automobile) used to disrupt airflow and decrease lift
3 : information about the plot of a book, motion picture, or television program that can spoil a reader's or a viewer's sense of surprise or suspense

spoil·sport \ˈspȯi(ə)l-ˌspō(ə)rt, -ˌspȯ(ə)rt\ n : a person who spoils the fun of others

1spoke \ˈspōk\ past and archaic past participle of SPEAK

2spoke n
1 : one of the small bars extending from the hub of a wheel to support the rim
2 : something resembling the spoke of a wheel

spo·ken \ˈspō-kən\ adj
1 : given by or using speech <a spoken message> <the spoken language>
2 : speaking in a specified manner <soft-spoken> <plainspoken>

spokes·man \ˈspōk-smən\ n : a person who speaks for another or for a group

spokes·mod·el \-ˌsmäd-əl\ n : a model who is a spokesman or spokeswoman

spokes·per·son \ˈspōk-ˌspərs-ən\ n : SPOKESMAN

spokes·wom·an \ˈspōk-ˌswu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who speaks for another or for a group

spon·dee \ˈspän-ˌdē\ n : a metrical foot consisting of two accented syllables (as in tom-tom)
— spon·da·ic \spän-ˈdā-ik\ adj

1sponge \ˈspənj\ n
1 a : a springy mass of fibers and spicules that forms the skeleton of a group of aquatic animals and is able to absorb water freely; also : a piece of this material or of a natural or synthetic product with similar properties used especially for cleaning  b : any of the phylum of primitive mostly marine animals that are the source of natural sponges, have a body of loosely connected cells with a skeleton supported by spicules or flexible fibers, and are filter feeders that live permanently attached to a solid surface as adults
2 : a pad (as of folded gauze) used in surgery and medicine (as to soak up fluids or apply medicine)
3 : one who lives on others : SPONGER
4 a : raised dough (as for yeast bread)  b : a whipped dessert usually containing egg whites

2sponge vb sponged; spong·ing
1 : to clean or wipe with or as if with a sponge
2 : to absorb with or like a sponge
3 : to get something or live at the expense of another
— spong·er n

sponge cake n : a light cake made without shortening

spon·gin \ˈspən-jən\ n : a protein that is the main element making up the flexible fibers in sponge skeletons

spongy \ˈspən-jē\ adj spong·i·er; -est : resembling a sponge in appearance or in ability to absorb : soft and full of holes or moisture
— spong·i·ness n

spongy cell n : one of the chlorophyll-containing cells of the spongy layer of a plant leaf

spongy layer n : a layer of loosely packed and irregularly shaped chlorophyll-bearing cells that fills the part of a leaf between the palisade layer and the lower epidermis — called also spongy parenchyma, spongy tissue

1spon·sor \ˈspän(t)-sər\ n
1 : a person who takes the responsibility for some other person or thing
2 : GODPARENT
3 a : a person or an organization that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity  b : a person or an organization that pays the cost of a radio or television program
— spon·sor·ship \-ˌship\ n

2sponsor vb spon·sored; spon·sor·ing \ˈspän(t)s-(ə-)riŋ\ : to act as sponsor for

spon·ta·ne·ity \ˌspänt-ən-ˈē-ət-ē, ˌspänt-ən-, -ˈā-ət-\ n : the quality or state of being spontaneous

spon·ta·ne·ous \spän-ˈtā-nē-əs\ adj
1 : done, said, or produced freely and naturally <spontaneous laughter>
2 : acting or taking place without any outside force or cause
— spon·ta·ne·ous·ly adv

— spon·ta·ne·ous·ness n

spontaneous combustion n : a bursting of material into flame from the heat produced within itself by chemical action (as oxidation)

spontaneous generation n : the coming into existence of living things directly from lifeless matter instead of from other living things

spoof \ˈspüf\ vb : to make good-natured fun of
— spoof n

1spook \ˈspük\ n
1 : GHOST, SPECTER
2 : 2SPY 2

2spook vb : to make or become frightened : SCARE

spooky \ˈspü-kē\ adj spook·i·er; -est
1 : relating to, resembling, or suggesting ghosts <spooky houses>
2 : SKITTISH 2 <a spooky horse>
— spook·i·ness n

spool \ˈspül\ n
1 : a cylinder which has a rim at each end and on which something (as thread, wire, or tape) is wound
2 : material wound on a spool

1spoon \ˈspün\ n
1 : a utensil with a small shallow bowl and a handle that is used especially in eating and cooking
2 : something (as a fishing lure) that resembles a spoon in shape [Old English spōn “a chip of wood”]

2spoon vb : to take up in or as if in a spoon

spoon·bill \ˈspün-ˌbil\ n : any of several wading birds related to the ibises that have a bill with a broad, flat, and rounded tip

spoon bread n : soft bread made of cornmeal mixed with milk, eggs, and shortening and served with a spoon

spoo·ner·ism \ˈspü-nə-ˌriz-əm\ n : a mixing up of usually the initial sounds of two or more words (as in “tons of soil” for “sons of toil”)

spoon–feed \ˈspün-ˌfēd\ vb -fed \-ˌfed\; -feed·ing : to feed by means of a spoon

spoon·ful \ˈspün-ˌfu̇l\ n, pl spoonfuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ also spoons·ful \ˈspünz-ˌfu̇l\ : as much as a spoon can hold

spoor \ˈspu̇(ə)r, ˈspō(ə)r, ˈspȯ(ə)r\ n : a track, a trail, a scent, or droppings especially of a wild animal

spo·rad·ic \spə-ˈrad-ik\ adj : occurring or done now and then
— spo·rad·i·cal·ly \-ˈrad-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

spo·ran·gi·um \spə-ˈran-jē-əm\ n, pl -gia \-jē-ə\ : a sac or case within which spores are produced and stored

1spore \ˈspō(ə)r, ˈspȯ(ə)r\ n : a reproductive body that is produced by fungi and by some plants and microorganisms (as ferns and bacteria) and that usually consists of a single cell and is able to produce a new individual either by developing by itself or after fusion with another spore
— spored \ˈspō(ə)rd, ˈspȯ(ə)rd\ adj

2spore vb spored; spor·ing : to produce or reproduce by spores

spore case n : SPORANGIUM

spo·ro·phyte \ˈspōr-ə-ˌfīt, ˈspȯr-\ n : the individual or generation of a plant having alternating sexual and asexual generations that produces asexual spores — compare GAMETOPHYTE

spo·ro·zo·an \ˌspōr-ə-ˈzō-ən, ˌspȯr-\ n : any of a large group of parasitic one-celled animals (as the parasites that cause malaria) that have a complicated life cycle usually involving both asexual and sexual generations often in different hosts
— sporozoan adj

spor·ran \ˈspȯr-ən, ˈspär-\ n : a pouch usually of skin with the fur on that is worn in front of the kilt by Highlanders in full dress

1sport \ˈspō(ə)rt, ˈspȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 : to amuse oneself : FROLIC
2 : to speak or act in fun
3 : SHOW OFF 1

2sport n
1 a : PASTIME, RECREATION  b : physical activity (as hunting, running, or an athletic game) engaged in for pleasure
2 a : JEST 2  b : 1FUN 3 <make sport of someone>
3 : a person who shows good sportsmanship
4 : an individual that shows a sudden major change from the normal type usually as a result of a mutation <a yellow sport among the red apples>

3sport or sports adj : of, relating to, or suitable for sports <sports equipment>; also : made in a style suitable for casual or informal wear <a sport coat>

sport·ing \ˈspōrt-iŋ, ˈspȯrt-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for sport <sporting events> <sporting dogs>
2 : involving about as much risk as a sports competitor would expect to take <a sporting chance>

sport·ive \ˈspōrt-iv, ˈspȯrt-\ adj : FROLICSOME, PLAYFUL
— sport·ive·ly adv

— sport·ive·ness n

sports car n : a low small usually two-passenger automobile designed for high-speed driving

sports·cast \ˈspō(ə)rt-ˌskast, ˈspȯ(ə)rt-\ n : a broadcast of a sports event
— sports·cast·er n

sports·man \ˈspō(ə)rt-smən, ˈspȯ(ə)rt-\ n
1 : a person who engages in or is interested in sports and especially outdoor sports
2 : 2SPORT 3
— sports·man·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— sports·man·ly \-lē\ adj

sports·man·ship \ˈspō(ə)rt-smən-ˌship, ˈspȯ(ə)rt-\ n : fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behavior in winning or losing

sports medicine n : a field of medicine concerned with the prevention and treatment of injuries and disorders that are related to participation in sports

sports·wear \ˈspō(ə)rt-ˌswa(ə)r, ˈspȯ(ə)rt-, -ˌswe(ə)r\ n : clothes suitable for sports or for casual or informal wear

sports·wom·an \-ˌswu̇m-ən\ n : a woman who engages in or is interested in sports and especially outdoor sports

sports·writ·er \ˈspō(ə)rts-ˌrīt-ər, ˈspȯ(ə)rts-\ n : a person who writes about sports (as for a newspaper)

sport–util·i·ty vehicle \ˈspȯrt-yü-ˈtil-ət-ē-\ n : a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a station wagon but built on a light truck chassis

sporty \ˈspōrt-ē, ˈspȯrt-\ adj sport·i·er; -est : of or relating to sports; also : being or having the look of being suitable for sports <sporty clothes>
— sport·i·ly \ˈspōrt-əl-ē, ˈspȯrt-\ adv

— sport·i·ness \ˈspōrt-ē-nəs, ˈspȯrt-\ n

spor·u·la·tion \ˌspōr-(y)ə-ˈlā-shən, ˌspȯr-\ n : formation of or division into spores

1spot \ˈspät\ n
1 : something bad that others know about one : FAULT
2 a : a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part  b : an area marred or marked (as by dirt)  c : a small diseased or decayed area on the body surface of a plant or animal <spots of rot on a leaf> <spots of chicken pox>
3 a : a small quantity or amount  b : a particular place <a good spot for a picnic> <a sore spot>
4 : a particular position (as in an organization or on a program)
5 : 1SPOTLIGHT 2
6 : a position usually of difficulty or embarrassment <put someone in a spot>
7 : a short broadcast announcement or advertisement
— on the spot
1 : at once : IMMEDIATELY
2 : at the place of action
3 : in a difficult situation

2spot vb spot·ted; spot·ting
1 : to mark or become marked with or as if with spots
2 : to single out : IDENTIFY <spot a friend in a crowd>

3spot adj
1 a : done on the spot <spot coverage of the news>  b : paid upon delivery <spot cash>  c : involving immediate cash payment <the spot market for oil>  d : broadcast between scheduled programs <spot announcements>
2 : made from time to time or in a few places or instances <a spot check>

spot–check \ˈspät-ˌchek\ vb : to make a spot check

spot·less \ˈspät-ləs\ adj : free from spots or blemishes : perfectly clean or pure <a spotless kitchen> <a spotless reputation>
— spot·less·ly adv

— spot·less·ness n

1spot·light \ˈspät-ˌlīt\ n
1 a : a spot of light used to light up a particular area, person, or thing (as on a stage)  b : public notice
2 : a light designed to direct a narrow strong beam of light on a small area

2spotlight vb -light·ed or -lit; -light·ing
1 : to light up with a spotlight
2 : to bring to public attention

spot·ted \ˈspät-əd\ adj : marked with spots <a spotted cat>

spotted fever n : any of various diseases (as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus) that are characterized by fever and spots on the skin

spotted owl n : a rare dark brown owl with white spots above and dark stripes below that is found from British Columbia to southern California and central Mexico

spotted turtle n : a small freshwater turtle of the eastern U.S. with a blackish shell covered with round yellow spots

spot·ter \ˈspät-ər\ n
1 : a person who removes spots
2 : a person who keeps watch : OBSERVER
3 : a person who helps another during exercise (as to prevent injury)

spot·ty \ˈspät-ē\ adj spot·ti·er; -est
1 : having spots
2 : not always the same especially in quality <your work has been spotty>
— spot·ti·ly \ˈspät-əl-ē\ adv

— spot·ti·ness \ˈspät-ē-nəs\ n

spouse \ˈspau̇s also ˈspau̇z\ n : a married person : HUSBAND, WIFE
— spou·sal \ˈspau̇-zəl, -səl\ adj

1spout \ˈspau̇t\ vb
1 : to shoot (as liquid) out with force <wells spouting oil>
2 : to speak with a long and quick flow of words so as to sound important
3 : to flow out with force : SPURT <blood spouted from the wound>
— spout·er n

2spout n
1 : a tube, pipe, or hole through which something (as rainwater) spouts
2 : a sudden strong stream of fluid

1sprain \ˈsprān\ n
1 : a sudden or severe twisting of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments
2 : a condition that results from a sprain and is usually marked by pain and swelling

2sprain vb : to injure by a sudden or severe twist

sprawl \ˈsprȯl\ vb
1 : to lie or sit with arms and legs spread out <sprawled on the couch watching TV>
2 : to spread out in an uneven or awkward way <a sprawling city>
— sprawl n

1spray \ˈsprā\ n : a usually flowering branch or shoot

2spray n
1 : liquid flying in fine drops like water blown from a wave
2 a : a burst of fine mist (as from an atomizer)  b : a device (as an atomizer) for scattering a spray

3spray vb
1 : to scatter or apply as a spray
2 : to scatter spray on or into
— spray·er n

spray gun n : a device for spraying liquids (as paints and insecticides)

1spread \ˈspred\ vb spread; spread·ing
1 a : to open over a larger area <spread out a map>  b : to stretch out : EXTEND <spread her arms wide>
2 a : to scatter over an area <spread fertilizer>  b : to give out over a period or among a group <spread the work over several weeks>  c : to put a layer of on a surface <spread butter on bread>  d : to cover something with <spread the cloth on the table>  e : to prepare for a meal : SET <spread a table>
3 a : to become or cause to become widely known <spread the news> <the panic spread rapidly>  b : to extend the range or occurrence of <spread a disease>
4 : to stretch or move apart <spread one's fingers>
— spread·able \ˈspred-ə-bəl\ adj

2spread n
1 a : the act or process of spreading <the spread of education>  b : the extent of spreading <the spread of a bird's wings>
2 : a very noticeable display in a newspaper or magazine <a two-page spread>
3 a : a food to be spread on bread or crackers <a cheese spread>  b : a very fine meal : FEAST  c : a cloth cover for a table or bed
4 : distance between two points

spread–ea·gle \ˈspred-ˌē-gəl\ vb -ea·gled; -ea·gling \-ˌē-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to stand or move with arms and legs spread wide

spread·er \ˈspred-ər\ n : one that spreads: as  a : an implement for scattering material  b : a small knife used especially for spreading butter

spread·sheet \ˈspred-ˌshēt\ n : an accounting program for a computer; also : the ledger layout simulated by such a program

spree \ˈsprē\ n : an outburst of activity <a buying spree>

sprier comparative of SPRY

spriest superlative of SPRY

sprig \ˈsprig\ n : a small shoot or twig especially with leaves or flowers

spright·ly \ˈsprīt-lē\ adj spright·li·er; -est : full of spirit : LIVELY
— spright·li·ness n

— sprightly adv

1spring \ˈspriŋ\ vb sprang \ˈspraŋ\ or sprung \ˈsprəŋ\; sprung; spring·ing \ˈspriŋ-iŋ\
1 a : to appear or grow quickly <the weeds sprang up overnight>  b : to come from by birth or descent <sprang from an immigrant family>  c : to come into being : ARISE <towns sprang up across the plains>
2 : to move suddenly forward or upward : LEAP <a lion crouched and waiting to spring> <sprang up the path> <sprang to my feet>
3 : to have (a leak) appear
4 a : to move by elastic force <the lid sprang shut>  b : to become warped or bent <the door has sprung>
5 a : to cause to operate suddenly <spring a trap>  b : to produce suddenly <sprung a surprise on us>
6 : 1PAY 1 — usually used with for <spring for a new pair of shoes>
7 : to release or cause to be released from confinement (as jail)

2spring n
1 : a source of supply; esp : a source of water coming up from the ground
2 a : the season between winter and summer including in the northern hemisphere usually the months of March, April, and May  b : a time or season of growth or development
3 : an elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being squeezed or stretched
4 a : the act or an instance of leaping up or forward  b : elastic power or force <the spring in your step>

spring beauty n : a spring herb that sends up a two-leaved stem and has delicate pink flowers

spring·board \ˈspriŋ-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a flexible board usually fastened at one end and used for jumping high in gymnastics or diving
2 : a point of departure <a springboard to success in business>

spring·bok \ˈspriŋ-ˌbäk\ n, pl springbok or springboks : a swift and graceful gazelle of southern African noted for its habit of leaping suddenly into the air

spring·er spaniel \ˌspriŋ-ər-\ n : a medium-sized sporting dog of either of two breeds used chiefly for finding small game and driving it from cover:  a : ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL  b : WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL

spring fever n : a lazy or restless feeling often associated with the coming of spring

spring peeper n : a small brown tree frog of the eastern U.S. and Canada with a shrill piping call

spring roll n : EGG ROLL; also : any of various similar appetizers

spring tide n : a greater than usual tide that occurs at each new moon and full moon

spring·time \ˈspriŋ-ˌtīm\ n : the season of spring

spring·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n : the soft light-colored inner part of an annual ring of wood that is made up of large thin-walled cells and develops early in the growing season — compare SUMMERWOOD

springy \ˈspriŋ-ē\ adj spring·i·er; -est
1 : having an elastic quality <green springy wood>
2 : having or showing a lively and energetic movement <walks with a springy step>
— spring·i·ly \ˈspriŋ-ə-lē\ adv

— spring·i·ness \ˈspriŋ-ē-nəs\ n

1sprin·kle \ˈspriŋ-kəl\ vb sprin·kled; sprin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to scatter in drops or particles <sprinkle water> <sprinkle grass seed over the soil>
2 a : to scatter over or in or among <sprinkle the spaghetti with grated cheese>  b : to wet lightly <sprinkle clothes before ironing>
3 : to rain lightly in scattered drops
— sprin·kler \-k(ə-)lər\ n

2sprinkle n
1 : the act or an instance of sprinkling; esp : a light rain
2 : SPRINKLING

sprin·kling \ˈspriŋ-kliŋ\ n : a very small number or amount

1sprint \ˈsprint\ vb : to run at top speed especially for a short distance
— sprint·er n

2sprint n
1 : a short run at top speed
2 : a race over a short distance

sprite \ˈsprīt\ n : ELF, FAIRY

sprock·et \ˈspräk-ət\ n
1 : one of many points that stick up on the rim of a wheel shaped so as to fit into the links of a chain
2 : a wheel having sprockets

1sprout \ˈsprau̇t\ vb
1 : to grow or spring up as or as if a sprout
2 : to send out new growth <potatoes kept too warm will sprout in the bag>
3 : to send forth or up : cause to develop : GROW

2sprout n
1 a : 2SHOOT 1A; esp : a young shoot (as from a seed or root)
2 pl : edible young shoots especially from recently germinated seeds (as of alfalfa)

1spruce \ˈsprüs\ vb spruced; spruc·ing : to make or make oneself spruce <spruce up a room> <spruce up a bit before going out to dinner>

2spruce adj spruc·er; spruc·est : neat or stylish in appearance
— spruce·ly adv

— spruce·ness n

3spruce n
1 : any of a genus of usually pyramid-shaped evergreen trees that are related to the pines and have soft light wood
2 : the wood of a spruce

sprung past and past participle of SPRING

spry \ˈsprī\ adj spri·er or spry·er \ˈsprī(-ə)r\; spri·est or spry·est \ˈsprī-əst\ : light and easy in motion : NIMBLE, SPRIGHTLY <a spry 75-year-old>
— spry·ly adv

— spry·ness n

spud \ˈspəd\ n : POTATO 2B

spume \ˈspyüm\ n : 1FOAM 1

spu·mo·ni also spu·mo·ne \spu̇-ˈmō-nē\ n : ice cream in layers of different colors and flavors often with candied fruits and nuts [from Italian spumone, a form of spuma “foam”]

spun past and past participle of SPIN

spun glass n : FIBERGLASS

spunk \ˈspəŋk\ n
1 : COURAGE, PLUCK
2 : 1SPIRIT 4
Word History Spunk now means “spirit, readiness to fight against odds, courage.” It is somewhat surprising to learn that it comes from a Latin word for something that seems quite the opposite: “sponge.” The Latin word for “sponge,” spongia, came into Scottish Gaelic, the Celtic language of the Scottish Highlands, as spong and meant “sponge.” But it also came to mean “tinder,” the light, dry material used to start a fire. Tinder was often dry, spongy wood that would ignite easily and looked like sponge. A person who fought courageously and without complaining, especially against strong opponents, was thought of as catching fire. This flaring up of the human spirit was compared to the bursting into flame of tinder. Thus, a person who had this quality was said to have spunk. [from earlier spunk “tinder,” from Scottish Gaelic spong “sponge, tinder,” from Latin spongia “sponge”]

spunky \ˈspəŋ-kē\ adj spunk·i·er; -est : full of spunk : SPIRITED
— spunk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— spunk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

spun sugar n : sugar that has been boiled and spun into fine threads usually for cotton candy

1spur \ˈspər\ n
1 a : a pointed device fastened to the back of a rider's boot and used to urge a horse on  b pl : recognition for achievement
2 : something that makes one want to do something : INCENTIVE
3 a : a stiff sharp pointed part (as a horny spine on the leg of a rooster)  b : a hollow flower part that sticks out especially on a petal (as of a columbine) or on a sepal (as of a larkspur)
4 : a mass of jagged rock coming out from the side of a mountain
5 : a short section of railway track coming away from the main line
— on the spur of the moment : by a sudden decision : without thinking about it long

2spur vb spurred; spur·ring
1 : to urge a horse on with spurs
2 : to move to action : INCITE, STIMULATE

spu·ri·ous \ˈspyu̇r-ē-əs\ adj : not genuine or authentic : FALSE
— spu·ri·ous·ly adv

— spu·ri·ous·ness n

spurn \ˈspərn\ vb : to reject or thrust aside with scorn
— spurn·er n

spur–of–the–moment adj : made or done by the sudden making up of one's mind <a spur-of-the moment decision>

spurred \ˈspərd\ adj
1 : wearing spurs
2 : having one or more spurs <a spurred violet>

1spurt \ˈspərt\ vb
1 : to pour out suddenly : SPOUT
2 : 1SQUIRT 1

2spurt n : a sudden pouring out : JET

3spurt n
1 : a short period of time : MOMENT
2 : a brief burst of effort, activity, or development <a spurt of work> <a growth spurt>

4spurt vb : to make a spurt

Sput·nik \ˈspu̇t-nik, ˈspət-\ n : any of a series of satellites launched by the Soviet Union beginning in 1957

1sput·ter \ˈspət-ər\ vb
1 : to spit or squirt pieces of food or saliva noisily from the mouth
2 : to speak or utter hastily or explosively in confusion or excitement <sputtered out protests>
3 : to make explosive popping sounds <the motor sputtered and died>
— sput·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

2sputter n : the act or sound of sputtering

spu·tum \ˈsp(y)üt-əm\ n, pl spu·ta \-ə\ : material that is spit or coughed up from the lungs and bronchi and is made up mostly of mucus

1spy \ˈspī\ vb spied; spy·ing
1 : to watch, inspect, or examine secretly : act as a spy
2 : to catch sight of : SEE <spied a friend in the crowd>

2spy n, pl spies
1 : one that watches the movement or actions of others especially in secret
2 : a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country

spy·glass \ˈspī-ˌglas\ n : a small telescope

squab \ˈskwäb\ n, pl squabs or squab : a young bird; esp : a young pigeon about four weeks old and ready for use as food

1squab·ble \ˈskwäb-əl\ n : a noisy quarrel usually over unimportant things

2squabble vb squab·bled; squab·bling \ˈskwäb-(ə-)liŋ\ : to quarrel noisily for little or no reason : WRANGLE
— squab·bler \-(ə-)lər\ n

squad \ˈskwäd\ n
1 : a small organized group of soldiers; esp : a small unit that can be easily directed in the field
2 : a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation <a football squad> <a rescue squad>

squad car n : a police car connected by radio with headquarters

squad·ron \ˈskwäd-rən\ n : any of several units of military organization

squal·id \ˈskwäl-əd\ adj
1 : filthy or degraded as a result of neglect or the lack of money
2 : VILE 1A  synonyms see DIRTY
— squal·id·ly adv

— squal·id·ness n

1squall \ˈskwȯl\ vb : to cry out with a harsh sound : SCREAM
— squall·er n

2squall n : a harsh cry or scream

3squall n
1 : a sudden violent wind often with rain or snow
2 : a short-lived commotion

4squall vb : to blow as a squall

squally \ˈskwȯ-lē\ adj squall·i·er; -est : marked by squalls : GUSTY, STORMY

squa·lor \ˈskwäl-ər\ n : filthy or degraded conditions resulting from neglect or lack of money

squa·mous \ˈskwā-məs, ˈskwä-\ adj : of, relating to, or being an epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small flattened scalelike cells

squan·der \ˈskwän-dər\ vb squan·dered; squan·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to spend foolishly or wastefully <squandered all her money on video games>
— squan·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

1square \ˈskwa(ə)r, ˈskwe(ə)r\ n
1 : an instrument having at least one right angle and two straight edges used to draw or test right angles
2 : a rectangle with all four sides equal
3 : any of the four-sided spaces marked out on a board for playing games
4 : the product of a number multiplied by itself <4 is the square of 2>
5 a : an open place or area formed at the meeting of two or more streets  b : 1BLOCK 7A
— on the square
1 : at right angles
2 : in a fair open manner : HONESTLY

— out of square : not at an exact right angle

2square adj squar·er; squar·est
1 a : having four equal sides and four right angles <a square piece of paper>  b : forming a right angle <a square corner>  c : having a square base <a square pyramid>
2 a : being approximately a cube <a square cabinet>  b : of a shape suggesting strength and toughness <a square jaw> <square shoulders>  c : having the shape of a square as its cross section <a square tower>
3 a : being a unit of area that has the shape of a square and sides of a specified unit length <a square foot>  b : being of a specified length in each of two equal dimensions <10 feet square>
4 a : exactly adjusted : well made  b : 1JUST 2A, FAIR <a square deal>  c : leaving no balance : SETTLED  d : being tied in score <the golfers were all square after five holes>  e : large enough to satisfy <three square meals a day>
5 : not knowing or following the latest styles
— square·ness n

3square vb squared; squar·ing
1 : to form with right angles, straight edges, and flat surfaces : make square or rectangular <square a timber>
2 : to bring to a right angle <squared his shoulders>
3 a : to multiply (a number) by itself : to raise (a number) to the second power  b : to find a square equal in area to <square a circle>
4 : to agree or make agree <his story does not square with the facts>
5 : 2BALANCE 1, SETTLE <square an account>
6 : to mark off into squares
7 : 2BRIBE, FIX
8 : to take a fighting stance <the two squared off>

4square adv : in a direct, firm, or honest manner <looked her square in the eye>

square away vb : to put in order or readiness

square bracket n : 1BRACKET 3A

square dance n : a lively dance for sets of four couples who form the sides of a square
— square–dance vb

— square dancer n

— square dancing n

square knot n : a knot made of two reverse half-knots and typically used to join the ends of two cords — see KNOT ILLUSTRATION

square·ly adv
1 : in a plain or honest manner <we must squarely face the problem>
2 a : EXACTLY 1A, PRECISELY <squarely in the middle>  b : so as to make solid contact <hit the ball squarely>
3 : in a square form or manner : so as to be square <a squarely cut dress>

square measure n : a unit or system of units for measuring area — see MEASURE TABLE, METRIC SYSTEM TABLE

square number n : a whole number (as 1, 4, or 9) that is the square of another whole number

square one n : the first stage or starting point <back to square one>

square–rigged \ˈskwa(ə)r-ˈrigd, ˈskwe(ə)r-\ adj : having the principal sails extended on yards fastened in a horizontal position to the masts at their center

square–rig·ger \-ˈrig-ər\ n : a square-rigged ship

square root n : a number that when squared equals a specified number <+3 and -3 are both a square root of 9>

square shooter n : a just or honest person

squar·ish \ˈskwa(ə)r-ish, ˈskwe(ə)r-\ adj : somewhat square in form or appearance

1squash \ˈskwäsh, ˈskwȯsh\ vb
1 : to press or beat into a pulp or a flat mass : CRUSH <squash a beetle>
2 : to put an end to by force : SUPPRESS, SQUELCH <squash a revolt>
3 : 1SQUEEZE 1C, PRESS <squashed into the seat> [from Middle English squachen “to crush, annul,” from early French esquacher (same meaning)]

2squash n
1 : the sudden fall of a heavy soft body or the sound of such a fall
2 : a crushing sound
3 : a crushed mass
4 : a game played in a four-walled court with a racket and a rubber ball

3squash n, pl squash·es or squash : any of various fruits of plants of the gourd family that are used especially as vegetables; also : a plant and typically a vine that produces squashes [a shortened and altered form of earlier isquoutersquash “the squash plant or fruit”; of American Indian origin]

squash bug n : a large black American bug that is destructive to squash vines

squash racquets n : 2SQUASH 4

squashy \ˈskwäsh-ē, ˈskwȯsh-\ adj squash·i·er; -est : easily squashed : SOFT

1squat \ˈskwät\ vb squat·ted; squat·ting
1 : to sit or cause (oneself) to sit on one's heels
2 : to occupy land as a squatter
3 : to crouch close to the ground <a hare squatting in the grass>

2squat n
1 : the act of squatting
2 : a squatting posture

3squat adj squat·ter; squat·test
1 : being in a squatting posture
2 : low to the ground
3 : being short and thick
— squat·ly adv

— squat·ness n

squat·ter \ˈskwät-ər\ n
1 : one that squats
2 a : one that settles on land without right or title or payment of rent  b : one that settles on public land under government regulation with the purpose of acquiring title

squat·ty \ˈskwät-ē\ adj squat·ti·er; -est : 3SQUAT 3, THICKSET

1squawk \ˈskwȯk\ vb
1 : to utter a harsh short scream
2 : to complain or protest loudly or forcefully <students squawked about the new dress code>
— squawk·er n

2squawk n
1 : a harsh short scream
2 : a noisy complaint

1squeak \ˈskwēk\ vb
1 : to make a short shrill cry or noise
2 : to pass, succeed, or win by a narrow margin <barely squeaked by>
3 : to utter in a shrill tone

2squeak n
1 : a sharp shrill cry or sound
2 : 2ESCAPE 1 <a close squeak>

squeaky \ˈskwē-kē\ adj squeak·i·er; -est : making or likely to make a shrill sound <a squeaky door>

1squeal \ˈskwē(ə)l\ vb
1 : to make a long shrill cry or noise
2 a : INFORM 2 <squealed to the teacher>  b : COMPLAIN 1, PROTEST
3 : to utter with or as if with a squeal
— squeal·er n

2squeal n : a long shrill cry or noise

squea·mish \ˈskwē-mish\ adj
1 a : easily made sick : QUEASY  b : affected with nausea : NAUSEATED
2 : easily shocked or disgusted
— squea·mish·ly adv

— squea·mish·ness n

squee·gee \ˈskwē-ˌjē\ n : a blade of leather or rubber set on a handle and used for spreading or wiping liquid material on, across, or off a surface (as a window)
— squeegee vb

1squeeze \ˈskwēz\ vb squeezed; squeez·ing
1 a : to press together from the opposite sides of : COMPRESS <squeeze wet clay into a ball>  b : to get by squeezing <squeeze juice from a lemon>  c : to force or thrust by compression : CROWD <squeezed into the car>
2 a : to force (as by threats) money, goods, or services from <squeezed their tenants mercilessly>  b : to reduce the amount of <rising costs squeezed profits>
3 : to gain or win by a narrow margin
— squeez·er n

2squeeze n
1 : an act or instance of squeezing
2 : financial pressure <put the squeeze on someone>
3 slang : a romantic partner <she's my main squeeze>

1squelch \ˈskwelch\ n
1 : a sound of or as if of a squishy substance under suction <the squelch of mud>
2 : a remark that silences an opponent

2squelch vb
1 a : to fall or stamp on so as to crush  b : to put an end to by force : QUELL, SILENCE
2 : to make or cause to make a sucking sound
3 : to splash through water, slush, or mire
— squelch·er n

squib \ˈskwib\ n : a short humorous or witty writing or speech

squid \ˈskwid\ n, pl squid or squids : any of numerous sea mollusks that are cephalopods and have eight short arms and two usually longer tentacles, a long thin body with a fin on each side, and a slender internal shell

squig·gle \ˈskwig-əl\ n : a short wavy twist or line : CURLICUE

squinch \ˈskwinch\ vb
1 : to screw up (the face or eyes) : SQUINT <squinched in the bright light>
2 : to make more compact
3 : to crouch down or draw together

1squint \ˈskwint\ vb
1 a : to look with a side glance (as in jealousy or disdain)  b : to be cross-eyed
2 : to look or peer with eyes partly closed
— squint·er n

2squint n
1 : inability to direct both eyes to the same object due to a fault of the muscles of the eyeball
2 : the act or an instance of squinting
— squinty \ˈskwint-ē\ adj

squint–eyed \ˈskwint-ˈīd\ adj
1 : having eyes that are partly closed
2 : looking with a side glance (as in envy or ill will)

1squire \ˈskwī(ə)r\ n
1 : one who carries the shield or armor of a knight
2 a : a male servant  b : a lady's escort
3 a : an owner of a country estate  b : JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

2squire vb squired; squir·ing : to attend as a squire or escort

squirm \ˈskwərm\ vb
1 : to twist about like an eel or a worm <squirmed in their seats>
2 : to feel very embarrassed <undeserved praise made us squirm>
— squirmy \ˈskwər-mē\ adj

1squir·rel \ˈskwər(-ə)l, ˈskwə-rəl\ n, pl squirrels also squirrel
1 : any of various small or medium-sized rodents; esp : one with a long bushy tail and strong hind legs used especially for leaping from tree branch to tree branch
2 : the fur of a squirrel
Word History When a squirrel sits up to eat or to look around, it often raises its bushy tail up against its back and over its head as if to shade itself. The ancient Greeks noticed this habit, and they called the animal skiouros. This word was made up of skia, meaning “shadow,” and oura, “tail.” The Romans turned this into the Latin word sciurus, which made its way into early French as esquirel. English squirrel was borrowed from the French. [Middle English squirel “squirrel,” from early French esquirel (same meaning), derived from Latin sciurus (same meaning), from Greek skiouros “squirrel,” from skia “shadow” and oura “tail”]

2squirrel vb -reled or -relled; -rel·ing or -rel·ling : to store up for future use — often used with away <squirreled away all his spare change>

1squirt \ˈskwərt\ vb
1 : to come forth or shoot out in a sudden rapid stream : SPURT
2 : to wet with a sudden rapid stream

2squirt n
1 a : a small quick stream : JET  b : the action of squirting
2 : a disrespectful youngster

squirt gun n : WATER PISTOL

squishy \ˈskwish-ē\ adj squish·i·er; -est : being soft, yielding, and damp

SRO n : a house, apartment building, or residential hotel in which low-income or welfare tenants live in single rooms

S–shaped \ˈes-ˌshāpt, ˈesh-\ adj : having the shape of a capital S

SST \ˌes-(ˌ)es-ˈtē\ n : an airplane used to transport people and goods at supersonic speeds

1-st — see 2-EST

2-st symbol — used after the figure 1 to indicate the ordinal number first <1st> <81st>

1stab \ˈstab\ n
1 : a wound produced by a pointed object or weapon
2 : a thrust of a pointed weapon
3 : EFFORT 2, TRY <I'll take a stab at it>

2stab vb stabbed; stab·bing
1 : to wound or pierce by the thrust of a pointed object or weapon
2 : 1THRUST 1, DRIVE
— stab·ber n

sta·bil·i·ty \stə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the condition of being stable

sta·bi·lize \ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing
1 : to make or become stable, fixed, or firm
2 : to hold steady (as by means of a stabilizer)
— sta·bi·li·za·tion \ˌstā-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

sta·bi·liz·er \ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər\ n : one (as a chemical or a device) that stabilizes something; esp : a fixed surface for stabilizing the motion of an airplane

1sta·ble \ˈstā-bəl\ n
1 : a building in which domestic animals are sheltered and fed; esp : such a building having stalls or compartments <a horse stable>
2 a : the racehorses of one owner  b : a group of athletes (as boxers) under one management [Middle English stable “a place where animals are sheltered,” from early French estable (same meaning), from Latin stabulum (same meaning), from stare “to stand”]

2stable vb sta·bled; sta·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ : to put, keep, or live in or as if in a stable

3stable adj sta·bler \-b(ə-)lər\; sta·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\
1 a : firmly established : FIXED, STEADFAST <a stable community>  b : not easily changed or affected <a stable government>  c : not likely to change suddenly or greatly <a stable income>
2 a : steady in purpose : CONSTANT  b : not subject to insecurity or emotional illness : SANE <stable personalities>
3 : not readily changing in chemical composition or physical state <a stable compound> [Middle English stable “fixed, not moving or changing,” from early French estable (same meaning), from Latin stabilis (same meaning), from stare “to stand”]
— sta·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ n

— sta·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adv

sta·bler \ˈstā-b(ə-)lər\ n : one that keeps a stable

stac·ca·to \stə-ˈkät-ō\ adj
1 : cut short so as not to sound connected <staccato notes>
2 : made up of rapid disconnected elements or sounds <staccato blasts of a horn>
— staccato adv

— staccato n

1stack \ˈstak\ n
1 : a large pile (as of hay, straw, or grain) usually shaped like a cone
2 a : an orderly pile of objects usually one on top of the other <a stack of dishes>  b : a large number or amount
3 : CHIMNEY 1, SMOKESTACK
4 : a structure with shelves for storing books — usually used in plural

2stack vb : to arrange in or form a stack : PILE <stacked the dishes on the table>
— stack·er n

stack·able \ˈstak-ə-bəl\ adj : easily stacked

stack up vb : MEASURE UP 2, COMPARE <see how you stack up against the champion>

sta·di·um \ˈstād-ē-əm\ n, pl -dia \-ē-ə\ or -di·ums
1 : a course for footraces in ancient Greece with rows of seats for spectators
2 pl usually stadiums : a large usually roofless building with rows of seats for spectators at modern sports events
Word History A stadion in ancient Greece was a unit of measurement equal to about 180 meters. One of the most important events in the ancient Olympic Games was a footrace exactly one stadion long. The course on which the race was run, including the raised seats from which spectators watched, was also known as a stadion. This word was later borrowed into Latin as stadium. In time, it also came to be used to refer to larger structures in which different kinds of athletic contests were held. That is how the English word stadium is usually used. [Middle English stadium “a course for races in ancient Greece, a large structure for sports events,” from Latin stadium (same meaning), from Greek stadion “a course for footraces, a unit of measurement”]

1staff \ˈstaf\ n, pl staffs \ˈstafs, ˈstavz\ or staves \ˈstavz, ˈstāvz\
1 a : a pole, stick, rod, or bar used as a support or as a sign of authority <a flag hanging limp on its staff>  b : the long handle of a weapon (as a lance or pike)  c : 1CLUB 1A, CUDGEL
2 : something that is a source of strength <bread is the staff of life>
3 : the five horizontal lines and the spaces between them on which music is written
4 pl staffs  a : a group of persons serving as assistants to or employees under a chief <a hospital staff>  b : military officers who assist a commanding officer in planning and management but who do not take part in actual combat
— staff adj

2staff vb : to supply with a staff or with workers

staff·er \ˈstaf-ər\ n : a member of a staff and especially a newspaper staff

staff sergeant n : a military enlisted person with a rank just below that of platoon sergeant in the army, below that of gunnery sergeant in the marines, and below that of technical sergeant in the air force

1stag \ˈstag\ n, pl stags
1 or pl stag : an adult male deer especially of one of the larger kinds
2 a : a social gathering of men only  b : a man who attends a dance or party unaccompanied by a woman

2stag adj
1 : intended for men only <a stag party>
2 : unaccompanied by someone of the opposite sex
— stag adv

1stage \ˈstāj\ n
1 a : one of the levels into which a structure can be divided  b : a floor of a building  c : a shelf or layer especially as one of a series
2 a : a raised platform  b : a part of a theater including the acting area  c : the small platform of a microscope on which an object is placed for examination
3 a : a center of attention : scene of action  b : the theatrical profession or art
4 a : a place of rest formerly provided for those traveling by stagecoach  b : the distance between stopping places in a journey  c : STAGE COACH <traveling by stage>
5 a : a period or step in a process, activity, or development <an early stage of a disease>  b : one of the periods of the growth and development of a plant or animal <the larval stage of a beetle>; also : an individual in such a stage
6 : one of two or more sections of a rocket each having its own fuel and engine <a three-stage missile>
— on the stage : in or into the acting profession

2stage vb staged; stag·ing : to produce or show publicly on or as if on the stage <stages two plays each year> <stage a track meet>

stage·coach \ˈstāj-ˌkōch\ n : a coach pulled by horses that carries passengers and mail and runs on a schedule between established stops

stage direction n : a playwright's instruction to a director and actors

stage fright n : nervousness felt at appearing before an audience

stage·hand \ˈstāj-ˌhand\ n : a stage worker who handles scenery, properties, or lights

stage manager n : a person who is in charge of the stage and the related details of a theatrical production

stage·struck \ˈstāj-ˌstrək\ adj : fascinated by the stage; esp : having an eager desire to become an actor

stage whisper n : a loud whisper by an actor intended to be heard by the spectators but supposed not to be heard by persons on the stage

1stag·ger \ˈstag-ər\ vb stag·gered; stag·ger·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to move or cause to move unsteadily from side to side as if about to fall
2 a : to begin to doubt and waver : become less confident  b : to cause to doubt, waver, or hesitate : OVERWHELM <were staggered by the problems they had to face>
3 : to place or arrange in a zigzag or alternate but regular way
— stag·ger·er \-ər-ər\ n

2stagger n
1 pl : an abnormal condition of domestic animals associated with damage to the central nervous system and marked by unsteady movements and falling
2 : a reeling or unsteady gait or stance

stag·ger·ing adj : so great as to cause one to stagger : ASTONISHING, OVERWHELMING <a staggering achievement> <staggering medical bills>
— stag·ger·ing·ly \ˈstag-(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adv

stag·hound \ˈstag-ˌhau̇nd\ n : a large heavy hound once used in hunting deer and other large animals

stag·ing \ˈstā-jiŋ\ n
1 : SCAFFOLDING 1
2 : the putting of a play on the stage

stag·nant \ˈstag-nənt\ adj
1 : not flowing in a current or stream : MOTIONLESS
2 : not active or brisk <stagnant business>

stag·nate \ˈstag-ˌnāt\ vb stag·nat·ed; stag·nat·ing : to be or become stagnant
— stag·na·tion \stag-ˈnā-shən\ n

1staid \ˈstād\ adj
1 : not easily changed : SETTLED, FIXED <a staid opinion>
2 a : calm and serious in manner, attitude, or style  b : not bold, bright, or showy <staid colors>
— staid·ly adv

— staid·ness n

2staid past and past participle of STAY

1stain \ˈstān\ vb
1 : to soil or discolor especially in spots
2 : to give color to (as by dyeing) : TINGE
3 a : 1CORRUPT 1 <a fine mind stained by jealousy>  b : 1DISGRACE <the scandal stained his reputation>
— stain·er n

2stain n
1 : a soiled or discolored spot
2 : a mark of guilt or disgrace <bore the stain of their father's crime>
3 : something (as a dye) used in staining: as  a : a dye or pigment capable of penetrating the pores of wood  b : a dye or mixture of dyes used in microscopy to make very small and transparent structures visible, to color tissue elements so that they can be told apart, and to produce specific chemical reactions
— stain·less \ˈstān-ləs\ adj

stained glass n : glass colored or stained for use in windows

stainless steel n : an alloy of steel and chromium that is highly resistant to stain, rust, and corrosion

stair \ˈsta(ə)r, ˈste(ə)r\ n
1 : a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another — often used in plural <ran down the stairs>
2 : one step of a stairway

stair·case \-ˌkās\ n : a flight of stairs with the supporting structures

stair·way \-ˌwā\ n : one or more flights of stairs usually with landings to pass from one level to another

stair·well \-ˌwel\ n : a vertical shaft in which stairs are located

1stake \ˈstāk\ n
1 : a pointed piece (as of wood or metal) driven or to be driven into the ground especially as a marker or support
2 : a post to which a person is bound for execution by burning
3 a : something that is staked for gain or loss  b : the prize in a contest  c : an interest or share in a business
4 : GRUBSTAKE
— at stake : in a position to be lost or won <lots of money at stake>

2stake vb staked; stak·ing
1 a : to mark the limits of by stakes <stake out a mining claim>  b : to tie to a stake  c : to fasten up or support (as plants) with stakes
2 a : 2BET 1  b : to back financially

sta·lac·tite \stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt\ n : a deposit of calcium carbonate resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cavern [from scientific Latin stalactites “stalactite,” from Greek stalaktos (adjective) “dripping”]

sta·lag·mite \stə-ˈlag-ˌmīt\ n : a deposit of calcium carbonate like an inverted stalactite formed on the floor of a cave by the drip of water [from scientific Latin stalagmites “stalagmite,” from Greek stalagma “a drop” or Greek stalagmos “the act or result of dripping”]

1stale \ˈstā(ə)l\ adj stal·er; stal·est
1 : having lost a good taste or quality from age <stale food>
2 : used or heard so often as to be dull <stale news>
3 : not so strong, effective, or energetic as before <felt stale from lack of exercise>
— stale·ly \ˈstā(ə)l-lē\ adv

— stale·ness n

2stale vb staled; stal·ing : to make or become stale

1stale·mate \ˈstā(ə)l-ˌmāt\ n
1 : a position in chess that results in a draw when the only piece to be moved is the king which cannot be moved without being exposed to attack by the other player's piece
2 : a drawn or undecided contest : DEADLOCK <the two sides reached a stalemate in their negotiations>

2stalemate vb stale·mat·ed; stale·mat·ing : to bring into a stalemate <the talks were stalemated over the issue of payment>

1stalk \ˈstȯk\ n
1 : a slender upright object or supporting or connecting structure <the stalk of a goblet>
2 : a plant stem especially of a plant that is not woody <stalks of asparagus>
— stalked \ˈstȯkt\ adj

— stalky \ˈstȯ-kē\ adj

2stalk vb
1 a : to hunt slowly and quietly <stalk deer>  b : to go through (an area) in search of prey <stalk the woods for deer>
2 : to walk in a stiff or proud manner <stalked out of the room>
3 : to pursue obsessively and to the point of harassment
— stalk·er n

3stalk n
1 : the act of stalking
2 : a stalking manner of walking

1stall \ˈstȯl\ n
1 : a compartment for a domestic animal in a stable or barn
2 a : a seat in the choir of a church with back and sides wholly or partly enclosed  b chiefly British : a front orchestra seat in a theater — usually used in plural
3 : a booth, stand, or counter at which articles are displayed for sale
4 : a small compartment <a shower stall>; esp : one with a toilet or urinal [Old English steall “stall for an animal”]

2stall vb
1 : to put into or keep in a stall
2 : to stop or cause to stop usually by accident <stall an engine>
3 : to experience or cause (an aircraft) to experience a stall in flying

3stall n : the condition of an aircraft or a wing of an aircraft in which lift is lost and the aircraft or wing tends to drop

4stall n : a trick to deceive or delay [an altered form of earlier stale “lure”]

5stall vb : to distract attention or make excuses to gain time <try to stall them until I get the place cleaned up>

stal·lion \ˈstal-yən\ n : a male horse; esp : one kept especially for breeding

1stal·wart \ˈstȯl-wərt\ adj : marked by outstanding strength and vigor of mind, body, or spirit <has stalwart common sense> <a stalwart team of rescuers>
— stal·wart·ly adv

2stalwart n
1 : a stalwart person
2 : a loyal supporter (as in politics)

sta·men \ˈstā-mən\ n, pl stamens also sta·mi·na \ˈstā-mə-nə, ˈstam-ə-\ : an organ of a flower that consists of an anther and a filament and produces the pollen

stam·i·na \ˈstam-ə-nə\ n : VIGOR 1, ENDURANCE

sta·mi·nate \ˈstā-mə-nət, ˈstam-ə-, -ˌnāt\ adj : having stamens; esp : having stamens but no pistils <staminate flowers>

1stam·mer \ˈstam-ər\ vb stam·mered; stam·mer·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to speak or utter with involuntary stops and much repeating
— stam·mer·er \-ər-ər\ n

2stammer n : an act or instance of stammering

1stamp \ˈstamp; senses 1b & 2 are also ˈstämp or ˈstȯmp\ vb
1 a : to pound or crush with a heavy instrument  b : to strike or beat forcibly with the bottom of the foot  c : to put an end to or destroy by or as if by stamping with the foot
2 : to walk heavily or noisily
3 a : 1IMPRESS 1, IMPRINT <stamp the bill “paid”>  b : to attach a stamp to <stamp a letter>
4 : to form with a stamp or die
5 : CHARACTERIZE 1 <stamped as reliable workers>
— stamp·er n

2stamp n
1 : a device or instrument for stamping
2 : the mark made by stamping
3 : a sign of a special quality <a stamp of genius>
4 : the act of stamping
5 a : a stamped or printed paper attached to something to show that a tax or fee has been paid  b : POSTAGE STAMP

1stam·pede \stam-ˈpēd\ n
1 : a wild rush or flight of frightened animals
2 : a sudden movement of a crowd of people [from a word in the Spanish of Mexico and the American Southwest, estampida “stampede,” from Spanish estampida “a crash, loud noise,” from estamper “to pound, stamp”]

2stampede vb stam·ped·ed; stam·ped·ing
1 : to run away or cause (as cattle) to run away in panic
2 : to act together or cause to act together suddenly and without thought

stance \ˈstan(t)s\ n
1 : a way of standing or being placed : POSTURE <a soldier with an erect stance>
2 : a way of thinking or feeling <took an opposing stance on the issue>

1stanch also staunch \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch\ vb
1 : to stop the flow of <stanch tears>; also : to stop the flow of blood from (a wound)
2 : to stop in its course <trying to stanch the crime wave>

2stanch variant of 2STAUNCH

stan·chion \ˈstan-chən\ n
1 : an upright bar, post, or support
2 : a device that fits loosely around an animal's neck and limits forward and backward motion (as in a stall)

1stand \ˈstand\ vb stood \ˈstu̇d\; stand·ing
1 a : to support oneself on the feet in an erect position  b : to be a specified height when fully erect <stands six feet two>  c : to rise to one's feet
2 : to take up and keep a usually specified position or attitude <stand aside> <can you stand on your head> <where do we stand on this question>
3 : to be in a particular state or situation <stands accused>
4 chiefly British : to be a candidate : RUN
5 a : to have a relative position in or as if in a scale <stands first in the class>  b : to be in a position to gain or lose <stands to make a profit>
6 a : to rest, remain, or set upright on a base or lower end <a ladder standing against a wall>  b : to occupy a place or location <a house standing on a hill>
7 a : to remain without moving <rainwater standing in stagnant pools>  b : to remain in effect <the order stands>
8 : to exist in a certain form <you must take or leave our offer as it stands>
9 a : to put up with or resist successfully : BEAR <stand pain> <the building stood the pressure of the storm> <this book will stand the test of time>  b : to derive benefit or enjoyment from <you look like you could stand some sleep>  c : to go through the experience of <stand trial>
10 : to perform the duty of <stand guard>
11 : to pay for <I'll stand dinner>
12 : to cause to stand : set upright
— stand·er n

— stand for
1 : to be a symbol for : REPRESENT
2 : to put up with : PERMIT <would not stand for bad manners>

— stand one's ground : to maintain one's position

2stand n
1 : an act or instance of stopping or staying in one place
2 a : a halt for defense or resistance  b : a stop made to give a performance <was booked for a three-night stand>
3 a : a place or post where one stands  b : a position especially with respect to an issue <took a stand against higher taxes>
4 a : the place occupied by a witness testifying in court  b : a row of seats for spectators of an outdoor sport or spectacle  c : a raised platform (as for a speaker)
5 : a small often open-air structure for a small retail business <a hot-dog stand>
6 : a support (as a rack or table) on or in which something may be placed <umbrella stands> <a bicycle stand>
7 : a group of plants growing in a continuous area <a good stand of wheat>

1stan·dard \ˈstan-dərd\ n
1 a : a figure used as an emblem by an organized body of people <the eagle was the Roman legion's standard>  b : the personal flag of the ruler of a state
2 a : something set up by authority or by general consent as a rule for measuring or as a model <a standard of weight> <standards of good manners>  b : the basis of value in a monetary system <the gold standard>
3 : a structure that serves as a support <a lamp standard>

2standard adj
1 : used as or meeting a standard established by law or custom <standard weight>
2 : regularly and widely used <standard practice in the trade>
3 : having recognized and permanent value <standard reference works>
4 : well established by usage in the speech or writing of the educated and widely recognized as acceptable <standard spelling>

stan·dard–bear·er \ˈstan-dərd-ˌbar-ər, -ˌber-\ n
1 : one who bears a standard or banner
2 : the leader of an organization or movement

stan·dard·bred \ˈstan-dərd-ˌbred\ n : any of a U.S. breed of trotting and pacing horses noted for speed and endurance

standard deviation n : the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of differences between the arithmetic mean of a frequency distribution and the values of the variable

stan·dard·ize \ˈstan-dərd-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to compare with or make agree with a standard
— stan·dard·i·za·tion \ˌstan-dərd-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

standard of living : the necessities, comforts, and luxuries that a person or group is accustomed to

standard time n : the time established by law or by general usage over a region or country

1stand·by \ˈstan(d)-ˌbī\ n, pl stand·bys \-ˌbīz\ : one available or to be relied on especially in emergencies

2standby adj
1 : held near at hand and ready for use <standby equipment>
2 : relating to the act of standing by <a standby period>
3 : of or relating to a mode of transportation (as airline service) in which the passengers must wait for an available unreserved spot <a standby ticket>

3standby adv : as a standby passenger <flying standby>

stand by \(ˈ)stan(d)-ˈbī\ vb
1 : to be present <stood by, watching the game>
2 : to be or to get ready to act <ambulances are standing by>
3 : to remain loyal or faithful <stood by us to the end> <stood by his decision>

stand·ee \stan-ˈdē\ n : one who occupies standing room

stand–in \ˈstan-ˌdin\ n
1 : someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied
2 : 1SUBSTITUTE

stand in \(ˈ)stan-ˈdin\ vb : to act as a stand-in

1stand·ing \ˈstan-diŋ\ adj
1 a : not yet cut or harvested <standing timber>  b : upright on the feet or base : ERECT <a standing pose>
2 a : not flowing : STAGNANT <standing water>  b : remaining at the same level, degree, or amount until canceled <a standing offer>  c : continuing in existence or use for an unlimited length of time : PERMANENT <a standing army> <standing committees>
3 : done from a standing position <standing jump> <a standing ovation>

2standing n
1 : the action or position of one that stands
2 : length of existence or service : DURATION <a quarrel of long standing>
3 a : position or rank as compared with others <had the highest standing in the class>  b : good reputation <people of standing in the community>

standing room n : space available for spectators or passengers to stand in after all seats are filled

standing wave n : a vibration of a body or physical system in which the amplitude varies from place to place, is constantly zero at fixed points, and does not appear to move

stand·off \ˈstan-ˌdȯf\ n : a contest or game in which there is no winner : DRAW

stand·off·ish \stan-ˈdȯ-fish\ adj : not friendly : ALOOF

stand·out \ˈstan-ˌdau̇t\ n : one that is well-known or outstanding especially because of excellence

stand out \(ˈ)stan-ˈdau̇t\ vb
1 : to stick out from a surface : PROJECT
2 : to be easily seen or recognized

stand pat vb
1 : to play one's hand as dealt in draw poker without drawing
2 : to oppose or resist change
— stand·pat·ter \ˈstan(d)-ˌpat-ər\ n

— stand·pat·tism \-ˌpat-ˌiz-əm\ n

stand·point \ˈstan(d)-ˌpȯint\ n : a position from which things are viewed and according to which they are compared and judged

stand·still \-ˌstil\ n : a state marked by absence of motion or activity : STOP <traffic was at a standstill>

stand up vb
1 : to rise to a standing position
2 : to remain in good condition <stands up to repeated washings>
3 : to fail to keep an appointment with
— stand up for : to defend against attack or criticism

— stand up to
1 : to meet fairly and fully
2 : to face boldly

stank past of STINK

stan·za \ˈstan-zə\ n : a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a usually repeating pattern of rhythm and rhyme
— stan·za·ic \stan-ˈzā-ik\ adj

sta·pes \ˈstā-pēz\ n, pl stapes or sta·pe·des \ˈstā-pə-ˌdēz\ : STIRRUP 2

staph \ˈstaf\ n : STAPHYLOCOCCUS; also : an infection with staphylococci

staph·y·lo·coc·cus \ˌstaf-(ə-)lō-ˈkäk-əs\ n, pl -coc·ci \-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī, -(ˌ)(s)ē\ : any of a group of round bacteria that cause various diseases (as food poisoning and skin infections) and that occur especially in irregular clusters
— staph·y·lo·coc·cal \-ˈkäk-əl\ also staph·y·lo·coc·cic \-ˈkäk-(s)ik\ adj

1sta·ple \ˈstā-pəl\ n : a usually U-shaped fastener: as  a : a piece of metal with sharp points to be driven into a surface to hold something (as a hook, rope, or wire)  b : a piece of thin wire that is driven through papers and bent over at the ends to fasten them together or driven through thin material to fasten it to something else  c : a usually metal surgical fastener used to hold layers of tissue together (as in the closing of a wound) [Old English stapol “post”]

2staple vb sta·pled; sta·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\ : to fasten with staples

3staple n
1 : a chief product of business or farming of a place
2 a : something in widespread and constant use or demand  b : the chief part of something <potatoes are the staple of their diet>
3 : RAW MATERIAL
4 : textile fiber (as wool or rayon) suitable for spinning into yarn [Middle English staple “a major market town, place for exporting”; of Dutch origin]

4staple adj
1 : used, needed, or enjoyed constantly usually by many individuals
2 : produced regularly or in large quantities <staple crops such as wheat and rice>
3 : 1PRINCIPAL, CHIEF <bamboo is the staple diet of the panda>

sta·pler \ˈstā-p(ə-)lər\ n : a device that staples

1star \ˈstär\ n
1 a : a natural body visible in the sky especially at night that gives off light or shines by reflection  b : a ball-shaped gaseous celestial body (as the sun) of great mass that shines by its own light
2 : a planet or an arrangement of the planets that is believed in astrology to influence one's life — usually used in plural
3 : a figure or thing (as an asterisk or badge) with five or more points that represents or resembles a star
4 a : the principal member of a theater or opera company  b : a very talented or popular performer <football stars> <TV stars>
— star·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2star vb starred; star·ring
1 : to sprinkle or adorn with stars
2 a : to mark with a star as being superior  b : to mark with an asterisk
3 : to present in the role of a star
4 : to play the most important role <will produce and star in a new play>
5 : to perform outstandingly <starred at shortstop in the series>

3star adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a star
2 : being of outstanding excellence : PREEMINENT <star athlete> <our star trumpeter>

1star·board \ˈstär-bərd\ n : the right side of a ship or aircraft looking forward
Word History The word starboard has nothing whatever to do with stars. The star- part of the word used to be spelled stēor- in Old English and referred to the steering oar or rudder of a ship. In those days the rudder was located on the side of the ship to the right of a person facing toward the bow. Nowadays, of course, the rudder is at the stern. The -board part of the word refers not to a plank but to a whole side of a ship. This meaning survives today in the verb to board a ship or airplane. The side opposite the starboard is usually called the port. The name probably comes from the fact that this side faced the port or dock when the ship was steered into a harbor. The port side is sometimes also called the larboard. The lar- part of this word was spelled lade- in Old English. It probably came from the verb laden, meaning “to load.” So the larboard was the side from which the cargo was loaded and unloaded. [Old English stēorbord “starboard, side of a ship from which it is steered,” from stēor “steering oar” and bord “the side of a ship”]

2starboard adj : of, relating to, or situated to starboard

1starch \ˈstärch\ vb : to stiffen with or as if with starch

2starch n
1 : a white odorless tasteless carbohydrate that is the chief form in which carbohydrate is stored in plants, is an important food, and is used also in adhesives, in laundering, and in pharmacy and medicine
2 : a stiff formal manner : FORMALITY
3 : VITALITY 2, SPUNK

starchy \ˈstär-chē\ adj starch·i·er; -est
1 : containing, consisting of, or resembling starch <starchy foods>
2 : consisting of or marked by formality or stiffness
— starch·i·ness n

star–crossed \ˈstär-ˌkrȯst\ adj : UNLUCKY 1, UNFORTUNATE [so called from the idea that stars control the lives and actions of people]

star·dom \ˈstärd-əm\ n : the status or position of a star

1stare \ˈsta(ə)r, ˈste(ə)r\ vb stared; star·ing : to look hard and long often with wide-open eyes <stare at a stranger>  synonyms see GAZE
— star·er n

2stare n : the act or an instance of staring

star·fish \ˈstär-ˌfish\ n : any of a class of echinoderms that have five arms arranged evenly around a central disk and feed largely on mollusks (as oysters)

star fruit n : a green to yellow tropical Asian fruit that has the shape of a 5-pointed star when cut across the middle — called also carambola

star·gaze \-ˌgāz\ vb -gazed; -gaz·ing
1 : to gaze at stars
2 : to stare absentmindedly : DAYDREAM
— star·gaz·er n

1stark \ˈstärk\ adj
1 : STRONG 1, ROBUST
2 a : STIFF 1, MOTIONLESS <stark in death>  b : INFLEXIBLE 3, STRICT <stark discipline>
3 : 1SHEER 2A, UTTER <stark nonsense>
4 a : 1BARREN 2A, DESOLATE <a stark landscape>  b : having few or no ornaments : BARE
5 : UNADORNED, HARSH <stark realism>
— stark·ly adv

2stark adv : WHOLLY, ABSOLUTELY <stark mad>

star·let \ˈstär-lət\ n : a young movie actress

star·light \ˈstär-ˌlīt\ n : the light given by the stars

star·ling \ˈstär-liŋ\ n : any of a family of usually dark-colored birds that tend to flock together; esp : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish black European bird that has been brought to the U.S. and is often considered a pest

star·lit \ˈstär-ˌlit\ adj : lighted by the stars

star–nosed mole \ˈstär-nōzd-\ n : a black long-tailed mole of the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada that is found near or in water and has a bunch of pink fleshy projections surrounding the nostrils which are used as feelers in searching for food

Star of Da·vid \-ˈdā-vəd\ : a 6-pointed star used as a symbol of Judaism

star·ry \ˈstär-ē\ adj star·ri·er; -est
1 : full of stars <starry heavens>
2 : of, relating to, or consisting of stars : STELLAR <starry light>
3 : shining like stars : SPARKLING <starry eyes>

Stars and Bars n sing or pl : the first flag of the Confederate States of America

Stars and Stripes n sing or pl : the flag of the U.S.

star·shine \ˈstär-ˌshīn\ n : STARLIGHT

star·ship \ˈstär-ˌship\ n : a vehicle designed for travel between stars

star–span·gled \ˈstär-ˌspaŋ-gəld\ adj : adorned with stars

1start \ˈstärt\ vb
1 : to move suddenly and sharply : give a sudden twitch or jerk (as in surprise)
2 : to come or bring into being, activity, or operation <who started the rumor> <started a camp for youngsters> <fire started in the cellar> <the game started late>
3 : to stick out or seem to stick out : PROTRUDE <eyes that started from their sockets>
4 : SET OUT 2, BEGIN <start to school>
5 : to take part or cause to take part in a game or contest
6 : to cause to move, act, or operate <start the motor>

2start n
1 a : a quick unwilled bodily reaction  b : a brief and sudden action or movement
2 : a beginning of movement, activity, or development <get an early start>
3 : a lead or advantage at the beginning of a race or competition : HEAD START
4 : a place of beginning

start·er \ˈstärt-ər\ n : someone or something that starts something or causes something else to start <the starter of a motor>

star·tle \ˈstärt-əl\ vb star·tled; star·tling \ˈstärt-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or fright)
2 : to frighten suddenly and usually not seriously <the kitten startles easily>
— startle n

star·tling adj : causing a sudden fright, surprise, or astonishment <a startling discovery>
— star·tling·ly \ˈstärt-liŋ-lē, -əl-iŋ-\ adv

star·va·tion \stär-ˈvā-shən\ n : the act or an instance of starving : the state of being starved

starve \ˈstärv\ vb starved; starv·ing
1 : to suffer or die or cause to suffer or die from lack of food
2 : to suffer or die or cause to suffer or die from a lack of something other than food <a child starving for affection> [Old English steorfan “to die (from any cause)”]

starve·ling \stärv-liŋ\ n : one thin and weakened by or as if by lack of food

1stash \ˈstash\ vb : to store in a usually secret place for future use

2stash n
1 : a hiding place <used the cupboard as a secret stash>
2 : something stored or hidden away <had a stash of money in the closet>

1state \ˈstāt\ n
1 a : manner or condition of being <a state of readiness>  b : condition of mind or disposition <in a highly nervous state>
2 a : a condition or stage of the physical makeup of something <water in the gaseous state>  b : a stage in the growth or development of a plant or animal <the larval state>
3 a : a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory  b : the political organization of such a body of people
4 : one of the units of a nation having a federal government <the United States of America>
5 : the territory of a state
— state·less \-ləs\ adj

2state adj
1 : suitable or used for ceremonies or official occasions <state robes>
2 : of or relating to a national state or to one state of a federal government <a state church> <a state legislature>
3 : of or relating to the government : GOVERNMENTAL <state secrets>

3state vb stated; stat·ing
1 : to set by regulation or authority <the law stated times for inspection>
2 : to express in words <state an opinion>

state bird n : a bird selected (as by the legislature) as an emblem of a state of the U.S.

state·craft \ˈstāt-ˌkraft\ n : the art of conducting government affairs

stat·ed \ˈstāt-əd\ adj
1 : being set or fixed <a stated procedure for elections>
2 : set down clearly <stated goals>

state flower n : a flowering plant selected (as by the legislature) as an emblem of a state of the U.S.

state·hood \ˈstāt-ˌhu̇d\ n : the condition of being a state; esp : the condition or status of one of the states of the U.S.

state·house \ˈstāt-ˌhau̇s\ n : the building in which a state legislature meets

state·ly \ˈstāt-lē\ adj state·li·er; -est : impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size
— state·li·ness n

state·ment \ˈstāt-mənt\ n
1 : the act or process of stating
2 a : something stated : REPORT, ASSERTION  b : PROPOSITION 2
3 : a brief summarized record of activity in a financial account over a particular period of time <a monthly bank statement>
4 : an instruction in a computer program

state·room \ˈstāt-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a private room on a ship or on a railroad car

state·side \ˈstāt-ˌsīd\ adj : of or relating to the U.S. as considered from outside its continental limits

states·man \ˈstāt-smən\ n : a person engaged in fixing the policies and conducting the affairs of a government; esp : one having unusual wisdom and skill in such matters
— states·man·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— states·man·ly \-lē\ adj

— states·man·ship \-ˌship\ n

states' rights n pl : all rights not given to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution nor forbidden by it to the separate states

state·wide \ˈstāt-ˈwīd\ adj : including all parts of a state

1stat·ic \ˈstat-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to bodies at rest or forces that are balanced <static friction>
2 : showing little change <a static population>
3 : marked by a lack of movement, liveliness, or progress
4 : of, relating to, or producing stationary charges of electricity (as those produced by friction)

2static n : noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or electrical disturbances

static electricity n : electricity that consists of isolated stationary charges

static line n : a cord attached to a parachute pack and to an airplane to open the parachute after a jumper clears the plane

1sta·tion \ˈstā-shən\ n
1 : the place or position in which something or someone stands or is assigned to stand or remain
2 : a regular stopping place : DEPOT <drove him to the bus station>
3 a : a post or area of duty or occupation  b : a stock farm or ranch of Australia or New Zealand
4 : social or official position : RANK <a person of high station>
5 : a place for specialized scientific observation and study especially in or near the field or in natural surroundings <a biological station> <a weather station>
6 : a place established to provide a public service <police station> <fire station> <power station>
7 a : a complete collection of radio or television equipment for transmitting or receiving  b : the place in which such a station is located

2station vb sta·tioned; sta·tion·ing \ˈstā-sh(ə-)niŋ\ : to assign to or set in a station or position : POST <station a guard at the door>

sta·tion·ary \ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē\ adj
1 : fixed in a station, course, or position : IMMOBILE <a stationary loudspeaker>
2 : unchanging in condition <a stationary population>

station break n : a pause in a radio or television broadcast for announcement of the identity of the network or station

sta·tio·ner \ˈstā-sh(ə-)nər\ n : one that sells stationery

sta·tio·nery \ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē\ n
1 : materials (as paper, pens, and ink) for writing or typing
2 : letter paper usually accompanied with matching envelopes

sta·tion·mas·ter \ˈstā-shən-ˌmas-tər\ n : an official in charge of the operation of a railroad station

station wagon n : an automobile that has a large open area behind the back seat instead of a trunk and that has a door at the back for loading and unloading things

sta·tis·tic \stə-ˈtis-tik\ n : a single item of information in a statistical collection

stat·is·ti·cian \ˌstat-ə-ˈstish-ən\ n : a person who specializes in statistics

sta·tis·tics \stə-ˈtis-tiks\ n sing or pl : a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection and study of numerical data; also : a collection of such numerical data
— sta·tis·ti·cal \-ˈtis-ti-kəl\ adj

— sta·tis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

stat·u·ary \ˈstach-ə-ˌwer-ē\ n, pl -ar·ies
1 : 1SCULPTURE 1
2 : a collection of statues
— statuary adj

stat·ue \ˈstach-ü\ n : a likeness (as of a person) sculptured, modeled, or cast in a solid substance (as marble)

stat·u·esque \ˌstach-ə-ˈwesk\ adj : resembling a statue especially in size, gracefulness, or beauty; esp : tall and attractive <a statuesque actress>

stat·u·ette \ˌstach-ə-ˈwet\ n : a small statue

stat·ure \ˈstach-ər\ n
1 : natural height (as of a person) in an upright position
2 : quality or status gained by growth, development, or achievement <artists of stature>

sta·tus \ˈstāt-əs, ˈstat-\ n
1 : position or rank in relation to others : STANDING
2 : state or condition with respect to circumstances : SITUATION

sta·tus quo \ˌstāt-ə-ˈskwō, ˌstat-\ n : the way things are now <chose to keep the status quo rather than make changes>

stat·ute \ˈstach-üt, -ət\ n : a law put into effect by the legislative branch of a government

statute mile n : MILE 1

stat·u·to·ry \ˈstach-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj
1 : of or relating to statutes
2 : regulated by statute
3 : punishable by statute

1staunch variant of 1STANCH

2staunch or stanch \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch\ adj
1 a : WATERTIGHT 1, SOUND <a staunch ship>  b : strongly built : SUBSTANTIAL <staunch foundations>
2 : steadfast in loyalty or principle <a staunch friend>  synonyms see FAITHFUL
— staunch·ly adv

1stave \ˈstāv\ n
1 : a wooden stick
2 : one of the narrow strips of wood or iron plates placed edge to edge to form the sides, covering, or lining of a vessel (as a barrel or cask) or structure
3 : STANZA
4 : 1STAFF 3

2stave vb staved or stove \ˈstōv\; stav·ing
1 : to break in the staves of (a cask)
2 : to smash a hole in <stave in a boat>

stave off vb : to force or keep away : fend off <stave off trouble>

staves plural of STAFF

1stay \ˈstā\ n : a strong rope or wire used to steady or brace something (as a mast) [Old English stæg “a strong rope used to steady or support something”]

2stay vb : to fasten (as a smokestack) with stays

3stay vb
1 : to stop going forward : PAUSE
2 : to continue in a place or condition : REMAIN <stayed at home>
3 : to stand firm
4 : to take up residence : LODGE <stayed in a hotel>
5 : 1WAIT 1A
6 : to last out (as a race)
7 : 2CHECK 2, HALT <stay an execution> [Middle English stayen “to stop going forward,” from early French ester “to stand, stay,” from Latin stare “to stand”]

4stay n
1 : the action of halting : the state of being stopped
2 : a stopping of a procedure by court or executive order
3 : a residence or visit in a place

5stay n
1 : something that serves as a prop : SUPPORT
2 : a thin firm strip (as of plastic) used for stiffening a garment (as a corset) or part (as a shirt collar) [from early French estaie “a support, prop”; of Germanic origin]

6stay vb : to provide support for

staying power n : ability, influence, or strength enough to keep going through a difficult task <a candidate with the staying power to make it to the election>

STD \ˌes-ˌtē-ˈdē\ n : any of various diseases (as syphilis and gonorrhea) that are usually transmitted by direct sexual contact and that include some (as hepatitis and AIDS) that may be contracted by other than sexual means

stead \ˈsted\ n
1 : ADVANTAGE 3, SERVICE <their knowledge of French stood them in good stead>
2 : the place usually taken or duty carried out by the one mentioned <acted in the mayor's stead>

stead·fast \ˈsted-ˌfast\ adj
1 a : firmly fixed in place  b : not subject to change <a steadfast purpose>
2 : firm in belief, determination, or allegiance <steadfast friends>  synonyms see FAITHFUL
— stead·fast·ly adv

— stead·fast·ness \-ˌfas(t)-nəs\ n

1steady \ˈsted-ē\ adj stead·i·er; -est
1 a : firm in position : FIXED  b : direct or sure in movement <took steady aim>
2 a : 1REGULAR 3, UNIFORM <a steady pace>  b : not changing much : STABLE <steady prices>
3 a : not easily moved or upset : RESOLUTE  b : constant in feeling, principle, purpose, or attachment : DEPENDABLE
— steadi·ly \ˈsted-əl-ē\ adv

— steadi·ness \ˈsted-ē-nəs\ n

2steady vb stead·ied; steady·ing : to make, keep, or become steady

3steady adv : in a steady manner : STEADILY

4steady n, pl stead·ies : one that is steady; esp : a boyfriend or girlfriend with whom one goes steady

steady state n : a state or condition of a system or process that does not change or changes only slightly over time <on the average a living cell maintains a steady state>

steady state theory n : a theory in astronomy that states that the universe has always existed and has always been expanding

steak \ˈstāk\ n
1 : a slice of meat and especially beef
2 : a slice of a large fish (as swordfish)

1steal \ˈstē(ə)l\ vb stole \ˈstōl\; sto·len \ˈstō-lən\; steal·ing
1 : to come or go secretly or quietly <stole out of the room>
2 a : to take and carry away without right and with the intention of keeping the property of another : ROB  b : to take in a sneaky way and without permission <steal a kiss>  c : to take entirely to oneself or beyond one's proper share <steal the show>
3 a : SMUGGLE 2  b : to accomplish or get in a concealed or unobserved manner <steal a nap>
4 a : to seize, gain, or win by trickery, skill, or daring <the basketball player stole the ball>  b : to gain a base in baseball by running without the aid of a hit or an error
— steal·er n

— steal one's thunder : to grab attention from another especially by presenting an idea or plan first; also : to claim credit for another's idea

2steal n
1 : the act or an instance of stealing
2 : something offered or purchased at a low price : BARGAIN

1stealth \ˈstelth\ n
1 : sly or secret action
2 : a design style intended to make an aircraft difficult to detect by radar

2stealth adj : intended not to attract attention : STEALTHY 2 <a stealth campaign>

stealthy \ˈstel-thē\ adj stealth·i·er; -est
1 : slow, deliberate, and secret in action or character
2 : intended to escape observation : FURTIVE
— stealth·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adv

1steam \ˈstēm\ n
1 a : the invisible vapor into which water is changed when heated to the boiling point  b : the mist formed when water vapor cools
2 : water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating, cooking, or mechanical work; also : the power so generated
3 a : driving force : POWER <arrived under their own steam>  b : built-up tension <let off a little steam>

2steam vb
1 : to rise or pass off as vapor
2 : to give off steam or vapor
3 : to move or travel by or as if by the power of steam <steamed up the river>
4 : to be angry : BOIL <was steaming over the insult>
5 : to expose to the action of steam (as for softening or cooking) <steamed clams>

steam·boat \ˈstēm-ˌbōt\ n : a boat driven by steam

steam engine n : an engine driven by steam

steam·er \ˈstē-mər\ n
1 : a container in which something is steamed
2 a : a ship driven by steam  b : an engine, machine, or vehicle run by steam

steam iron n : a pressing iron with a compartment holding water that is converted to steam by the iron's heat and given off through holes in the bottom onto the fabric being pressed

steam·roll·er \ˈstēm-ˈrō-lər\ n : a machine formerly driven by steam that has wide heavy rollers for pressing down and smoothing roads

steam·ship \ˈstēm-ˌship\ n : STEAMER 2A

steam shovel n : a power machine for digging that was formerly operated by steam

steam turbine n : a turbine that is driven by the pressure of steam discharged at high speed against the turbine blades

steamy \ˈstē-mē\ adj steam·i·er; -est
1 : consisting of, characterized by, or full of steam
2 : hot and humid <steamy weather>
3 : EROTIC
— steam·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

stea·ric acid \stē-ˌar-ik-, ˌsti(ə)r-ik-\ n : acid obtained by the hydrolysis of a hard fat (as tallow) with alkali

stea·rin \ˈstē-ə-rən, ˈsti(ə)r-ən\ n : a chemical compound that is the chief substance in beef fat

steed \ˈstēd\ n : 1HORSE 1A; esp : a lively horse

1steel \ˈstē(ə)l\ n
1 : commercial iron that contains carbon in any amount up to about 1.7 percent as a necessary part
2 : an article (as a sword) made of steel
3 : a hard cold quality <answered with steel in her voice>

2steel vb : to fill with courage or determination

3steel adj
1 : made of or like steel
2 : of or relating to the production of steel

steel·head \ˈstē(ə)l-ˌhed\ n, pl steelhead also steelheads : a rainbow trout that migrates to the sea to mature and returns to rivers to breed — called also steelhead trout

steel wool n : a rough material composed of long fine steel shavings and used especially for cleaning and polishing

steely \ˈstē-lē\ adj steel·i·er; -est
1 : made of steel
2 : resembling steel (as in hardness or color) <a steely gaze>
— steel·i·ness n

steel·yard \ˈstē(ə)l-ˌyärd\ n : a balance on which something to be weighed is hung from the shorter arm of a lever and is balanced by a weight that slides along the longer arm which is marked with a scale

1steep \ˈstēp\ adj
1 : having a very sharp slope : almost straight up-and-down
2 : being or characterized by a very rapid decline or increase
3 : too great or high <steep prices>
— steep·ly adv
synonyms STEEP, PRECIPITOUS, SHEER, mean having a slope that is close to exactly upright. STEEP implies such sharpness of pitch that going up or down is very difficult <a steep hill>. PRECIPITOUS applies to a slope so sharp that it is almost straight up-and-down <the river winds through a precipitous gorge>. SHEER suggests an unbroken precipitous expanse <sheer cliffs that made the climbers hesitate>.

2steep n : a sharply sloping place

3steep vb
1 a : to soak in liquid (as for drawing out a flavor) at a temperature under the boiling point <steep tea>  b : to undergo the process of soaking in a liquid
2 : to fill with or involve deeply <steeped in learning>  synonyms see SOAK

steep·en \ˈstē-pən\ vb steep·ened; steep·en·ing \ˈstēp-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become steeper

stee·ple \ˈstē-pəl\ n
1 : a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and built on top of a church tower
2 : a church tower
— stee·pled \-pəld\ adj

stee·ple·chase \ˈstē-pəl-ˌchās\ n
1 a : a race over the countryside on horses  b : a horse race on a special course with obstacles (as hedges and walls)
2 : a footrace of usually 3,000 meters over hurdles and a water jump [so called from the fact that originally the races were across the countryside in a direct line toward a distant church steeple sighted rising above the other buildings]
— stee·ple·chas·er \-ˌchā-sər\ n

1steer \ˈsti(ə)r\ n
1 : a male domestic ox castrated before sexual maturity and especially one raised for beef
2 : an ox less than four years old

2steer vb
1 : to direct the course or the course of : GUIDE <steer by the stars> <steer a boat> <steer a conversation>
2 : to follow a course of action
3 : to be guided <an automobile that steers well>
— steer·able \ˈstir-ə-bəl\ adj

— steer·er \ˈstir-ər\ n

— steer clear : to keep entirely away <steer clear of arguments>

steer·age \ˈsti(ə)r-ij\ n
1 : the act or practice of steering; also : DIRECTION 1
2 : a section in a passenger ship for passengers paying the lowest fares

steering wheel n : a wheel for steering something by hand

stego·sau·rus \ˌsteg-ə-ˈsȯr-əs\ n : any of a genus of 4-footed plant-eating dinosaurs having bony plates and spikes on the back and tail and whose fossil remains are found in the Upper Jurassic rocks of Colorado and Wyoming

stein \ˈstīn\ n : a pottery mug for beer

stel·lar \ˈstel-ər\ adj
1 : of or relating to the stars <stellar light>
2 a : 1PRINCIPAL, LEADING <a stellar role>  b : OUTSTANDING 3 <a stellar performance>

1stem \ˈstem\ n
1 a : the main stalk of a plant that develops buds and shoots and usually grows above the ground  b : a plant part (as the stalk of a leaf or flower) that supports some other part
2 : the bow of a ship
3 : the basic part of a word to which prefixes or suffixes may be added
4 : something held to resemble a plant stem: as  a : the short upright line from the head of a musical note  b : the part of a tobacco pipe from the bowl outward  c : a main or heavy stroke of a letter  d : the cylindrical support of a piece of stemware (as a wine glass)  e : a shaft of a watch used for winding [Old English stefn, stemn “stem of a plant, stem of a ship”]
— stem·less \-ləs\ adj

— from stem to stern : 1THROUGHOUT 1, THOROUGHLY

2stem vb stemmed; stem·ming
1 : to remove the stem from
2 : to have or trace a beginning or growth : DERIVE <illness that stemmed from unsanitary conditions>

3stem vb stemmed; stem·ming : to make progress against

4stem vb stemmed; stem·ming
1 : to stop or check by or as if by damming <stem the flow of blood from the wound>
2 : to become checked or stopped [Middle English stemmen “to dam up”; of Norse origin]

stem cell n : a simple cell that can become a cell (as a blood cell or skin cell) with a special function

stemmed \ˈstemd\ adj : having a stem

stem·ware \ˈstem-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : glass vessels (as goblets) mounted on a stem

stem–wind·er \ˈstem-ˌwīn-dər\ n
1 : a watch wound by an inside mechanism turned by a knob on the stem
2 : something that is first-rate of its kind; esp : a stirring speech

stench \ˈstench\ n : a very disagreeable smell : STINK 1

1sten·cil \ˈsten(t)-səl\ n
1 : a piece of material (as a sheet of paper) with lettering or a design that is cut out and through which ink or paint is forced onto a surface to be printed
2 : a design or print produced with a stencil

2stencil vb -ciled or -cilled; -cil·ing or -cil·ling \-s(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to paint with a stencil
2 : to produce by a stencil

steno \ˈsten-ō\ n, pl sten·os : STENOGRAPHER

ste·nog·ra·pher \stə-ˈnäg-rə-fər\ n
1 : a writer of shorthand
2 : one employed chiefly to take and make a copy of dictation

ste·nog·ra·phy \stə-ˈnäg-rə-fē\ n : the art or process of writing in shorthand
— steno·graph·ic \ˌsten-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

— steno·graph·i·cal·ly \-ˈgraf-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sten·tor \ˈsten-ˌtȯ(ə)r, ˈstent-ər\ n : any of a genus of trumpet-shaped one-celled animals that are protozoans living in fresh water and moving by means of cilia

sten·to·ri·an \sten-ˈtōr-ē-ən, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : very loud <a stentorian voice> [from Stentōr, a Greek messenger at the time of the Trojan War noted for having a very loud voice]

1step \ˈstep\ n
1 : a rest for the foot in going up or down : STAIR, RUNG
2 a : a movement made by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere  b : a combination of foot or foot and body movements in a repeated pattern  c : manner of walking : STRIDE <knows me by my step>  d : FOOTPRINT  e : the sound of a footstep
3 a : the space passed over in one step  b : a short distance <only a step away>  c : the height of one stair
4 pl : 1COURSE 2, WAY <guided their steps down the path>
5 a : a level or rank in a scale <one step nearer graduation>  b : a stage in a process
6 : an action, proceeding, or measure often occurring as one in a series <took steps to correct the situation>
7 : a musical scale degree
— step·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— stepped \ˈstept\ adj

2step vb stepped; step·ping
1 a : to move or take by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere or by moving each foot in order <step three paces> <stepped ashore>  b : 1DANCE 1
2 a : to go on foot : WALK <step outside>  b : to move briskly <really stepped along>
3 : to press down with the foot <step on a nail>
4 : to come as if at a single step <step into a good job>
5 : to measure by steps
— step·per n

step·broth·er \ˈstep-ˌbrəth-ər\ n : a son of one's stepparent by a former partner

step–by–step \ˌstep-bī-ˈstep\ adj : GRADUAL

step·child \ˈstep-ˌchīld\ n : a child of one's wife or husband by a former partner

step·daugh·ter \-ˌdȯt-ər\ n : a daughter of one's wife or husband by a former partner

step down \(ˈ)step-ˈdau̇n\ vb
1 : to lower the voltage of (a current) using a transformer
2 : to decrease or reduce especially by one or more steps <stepped down the volume>
3 : RESIGN 2, RETIRE <will step down as chairman at the end of this year>
— step–down \-ˌdau̇n\ adj

step·fa·ther \ˈstep-ˌfäth-ər\ n : the husband of one's mother when distinct from one's natural or legal father

step–in \-ˌin\ n : an article of clothing (as a dress or shoes) that can be put on by being stepped into

step·lad·der \-ˌlad-ər\ n : a short ladder that has broad flat steps and two pairs of legs connected by a hinge at the top and that opens at the bottom to become freestanding

step·moth·er \-ˌməth-ər\ n : the wife of one's father when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

step out vb : to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time

step·par·ent \ˈstep-ˌpar-ənt, -ˌper-\ n : a person who is a stepmother or stepfather

steppe \ˈstep\ n : land in regions of wide temperature range (as in southeastern Europe and parts of Asia) that is dry, usually rather level, and covered with grass

step·ping–stone \ˈstep-iŋ-ˌstōn\ n
1 : a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream)
2 : something aiding in progress or advancement <a stepping-stone to success>

step·sis·ter \ˈstep-ˌsis-tər\ n : a daughter of one's stepparent by a former partner

step·son \-ˌsən\ n : a son of one's husband or wife by a former partner

step stool n : a stool with one or two steps beneath the seat

step up vb
1 : to increase the voltage of (a current) using a transformer
2 : to increase or advance <step up production>
3 a : to come forward <stepped up to accept responsibility>  b : to succeed in meeting a challenge (as by greater effort or better performance)
— step–up \ˈstep-ˌəp\ adj

-ster \stər\ n combining form
1 : one that does or handles or operates <teamster>
2 : one that makes or uses <songster> <prankster>
3 : one that is associated with or participates in <gangster>
4 : one that is <youngster> [Old English -estre “female agent”]

1ste·reo \ˈster-ē-ˌō, ˈstir-\ n
1 : stereophonic reproduction
2 : a stereophonic sound system

2stereo adj
1 : of or relating to the seeing of objects in three dimensions
2 : STEREOPHONIC

ste·reo·phon·ic \ˌster-ē-ə-ˈfän-ik, ˌstir-\ adj : of or relating to sound reproduction designed to create the effect of listening to the original

ste·re·op·ti·con \ˌster-ē-ˈäp-ti-kən, ˌstir-\ n : a projector for transparent slides

ste·reo·scope \ˈster-ē-ə-ˌskōp, ˈstir-\ n : an optical instrument that blends two slightly different pictures of the same subject to give the effect of depth

ste·reo·scop·ic \ˌster-ē-ə-ˈskäp-ik\ adj
1 : of or relating to the stereoscope
2 : characterized by the seeing of objects in three dimensions <stereoscopic vision>

1ste·reo·type \ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtīp, ˈstir-\ n
1 : a printing plate made by casting melted metal in a mold
2 : something agreeing with a pattern; esp : an idea that many people have about a thing or a group and that may often be untrue or only partly true

2stereotype vb
1 : to make a stereotype from
2 : to develop a mental stereotype about <unfairly stereotyped salesmen as dishonest>

ste·reo·typed \ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtīpt, ˈstir-\ adj : following a pattern : lacking originality <stereotyped characters in the book>

ster·ile \ˈster-əl\ adj
1 : not able to produce fruit, crops, or offspring : not fertile <sterile soil>
2 : free from microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria and viruses) <a sterile dressing for a wound>
— ste·ril·i·ty \stə-ˈril-ət-ē\ n

ster·il·ize \ˈster-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make sterile: as  a : to deprive of the power of reproduction <had their cat sterilized>  b : to free of microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria) <sterilize the dental instruments>
— ster·il·i·za·tion \ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

ster·il·iz·er \ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər\ n : one that sterilizes something; esp : a device used for sterilizing by steam, boiling water, or dry heat

1ster·ling \ˈstər-liŋ\ n
1 : British money
2 : sterling silver or articles of it [so called from the phrase “a pound sterling,” meaning the British pound as a monetary unit, but originally “a pound (by weight) of sterlings,” from Middle English sterling “silver penny”]

2sterling adj
1 : of or relating to British sterling
2 : being or made of an alloy of 925 parts of silver with 75 parts of copper <sterling silver>
3 : EXCELLENT

1stern \ˈstərn\ adj
1 a : hard and severe in nature or manner <a stern judge>  b : expressing severe displeasure : HARSH <a stern look>
2 : not inviting or attractive : FORBIDDING, GRIM
3 : firm and not changeable : STOUT, RESOLUTE <stern determination>
— stern·ly adv

— stern·ness \ˈstərn-nəs\ n

2stern n
1 : the rear end of a boat
2 : a rear part

ster·num \ˈstər-nəm\ n, pl sternums or ster·na \-nə\ : a flat narrow piece of bone or cartilage in the chest that connects the ribs in most vertebrates other than fishes — called also breastbone

stern–wheel·er \ˈstərn-ˈhwē-lər\ n : a paddle-wheel steamer having a stern wheel instead of side wheels

ste·roid \ˈstir-ˌȯid, ˈster-\ n : any of various chemical compounds that include numerous hormones (as estrogen and testosterone) — compare ANABOLIC STEROID

stetho·scope \ˈsteth-ə-ˌskōp also ˈsteth-\ n : a medical instrument used for listening to sounds produced in the body and especially those of the heart and lungs

Stet·son \ˈstet-sən\ trademark — used for a felt hat with a wide brim and high crown

ste·ve·dore \ˈstēv(-ə)-ˌdō(ə)r, -ˌdȯ(ə)r\ n : a person who loads and unloads boats in port [from Spanish estibador “stevedore,” from estibar “to pack”]

1stew \ˈst(y)ü\ n
1 : food (as meat with vegetables) prepared by slow boiling
2 : a state of excitement, worry, or confusion <in a stew over nothing>

2stew vb
1 : to boil slowly : SIMMER
2 : to become excited or worried : FRET

stew·ard \ˈst(y)ü-ərd, ˈst(y)u̇(-ə)rd\ n
1 : a manager of a large home, estate, or organization
2 : a person employed to manage the supply and distribution of food and attend the needs of passengers (as on a train, airplane, or ship) [Old English stīweard, literally, “keeper of the hall, keeper of the sty,” from stī “hall, sty” and weard “ward, guard, keeper”]

stew·ard·ess \ˈst(y)ü-ərd-əs, ˈst(y)u̇(-ə)rd-\ n : a woman who does the job of a steward; esp : one who attends the needs of passengers (as on an airplane)

stew·ard·ship \ˈst(y)ü-ərd-ˌship, ˈst(y)u̇(-ə)rd-\ n
1 : the office and duties of a steward
2 : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care <stewardship of our natural resources>

1stick \ˈstik\ n
1 : a cut or broken branch of twig especially when dry and dead
2 : a long slender piece of wood or metal: as  a : a club or staff used as a weapon  b : WALKING STICK 1
3 : something used for striking or moving an object in a game
4 : something like a stick in shape or use <a stick of dynamite>
5 : something prepared in a long and slender form <carrot sticks> <a stick of butter>
6 : a person who is dull or lifeless
7 pl : remote usually rural districts <way out in the sticks> [Old English sticca]

2stick vb stuck \ˈstək\; stick·ing
1 a : to stab with something pointed : PIERCE  b : to kill by piercing
2 : to cause to penetrate <stuck a needle in my finger>
3 a : to fasten by pushing in : ATTACH <stuck a flower in my buttonhole>  b : to push out, up, or under <stuck out my hand>
4 : to put or set in a specified place or position <stuck the cap on my head>
5 : to cling to a surface <snowflakes stuck on the windowpane>
6 a : to bring to a halt : prevent the movement or action of <the car got stuck in traffic>  b : 1BAFFLE 1, STUMP <got stuck on the first problem>
7 a : 1CHEAT 1, DEFRAUD  b : to burden with something disagreeable <stuck with the job of cleaning up>
8 : to become fixed in place by or as if by gluing <his foot stuck in the mud>
9 a : to remain in a place, situation, or environment <decided to stick where he was>  b : to hold to something tightly : CLING <she stuck to her story>
10 : to become blocked or jammed <the desk drawer always sticks>
11 : to be unable to proceed (as through fear or conscience) [Old English stician]
— stick one's neck out : to make oneself vulnerable (as to criticism or punishment) by taking a risk

— stick to one's guns : to maintain one's position especially in the face of opposition

— stuck on : infatuated with

stick around vb : to stay or wait about : LINGER

stick·ball \ˈstik-ˌbȯl\ n : baseball played on the street or in a small area with a broomstick and a lightweight ball

stick·er \ˈstik-ər\ n
1 : something that pierces with a point
2 a : something that clings (as a bur) or causes clinging (as glue)  b : a slip of paper with gummed back that clings to a surface

stick figure n : a drawing showing the head of a human being or animal as a circle and all other parts as straight lines

stick insect n : any of various usually wingless insects that have a long body resembling a stick — called also walking stick

stick–in–the–mud \ˈstik-ən-thə-ˌməd\ n : one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive

stick·le·back \ˈstik-əl-ˌbak\ n : any of numerous small scaleless fishes that have two or more sharp spines on the back

stick·ler \ˈstik-(ə-)lər\ n
1 : a person who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something <a stickler for the rules>
2 : something that baffles or puzzles

stick out vb
1 a : to extend out : PROJECT  b : to be noticeable <you will certainly stick out with that red hat and coat>
2 : to put up with : ENDURE <stuck it out to the bitter end>

stick·pin \ˈstik-ˌpin\ n : an ornamental pin worn in a necktie

stick·tight \-ˌtīt\ n : BUR MARIGOLD

stick·up \ˈstik-ˌəp\ n : a robbery at gunpoint : HOLDUP

stick up \ˈstik-ˈəp\ vb
1 : to stand upright or on end : PROTRUDE
2 : to rob at gunpoint
— stick up for : to speak or act in defense of : SUPPORT

sticky \ˈstik-ē\ adj stick·i·er; -est
1 a : 1ADHESIVE, GLUEY <sticky syrup>  b : coated with a sticky substance <the tabletop was sticky>
2 : MUGGY, HUMID <a hot sticky day>
3 : tending to stick <sticky windows>
— stick·i·ly \ˈstik-ə-lē\ adv

— stick·i·ness \ˈstik-ē-nəs\ n

1stiff \ˈstif\ adj
1 a : not easily bent : RIGID  b : not easily moved <stiff muscles> <stiff valves>
2 a : marked by moral courage  b : not easy or graceful in manner
3 : hard fought <a stiff fight>
4 a : exerting great force : STRONG <a stiff wind>  b : POTENT 2B <a stiff dose>
5 : not flowing easily : THICK <beat egg whites until stiff>
6 a : HARSH 3, SEVERE <a stiff penalty>  b : RUGGED <stiff terrain>
7 : EXPENSIVE 2, STEEP <a stiff price>
— stiff·ly adv

— stiff·ness n

2stiff adv
1 : in a stiff manner
2 : to a stiff state or condition <frozen stiff>
3 : to an extreme degree <bored stiff>

3stiff n
1 : CORPSE
2 : PERSON <you lucky stiff>

stiff·en \ˈstif-ən\ vb stiff·ened; stiff·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become stiff or stiffer
— stiff·en·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

sti·fle \ˈstī-fəl\ vb sti·fled; sti·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to kill by depriving of or die from lack of oxygen or air : SMOTHER
2 : to keep in check by deliberate effort : REPRESS <trying to stifle a sneeze>
— sti·fling·ly \-f(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adv

stig·ma \ˈstig-mə\ n, pl stig·ma·ta \stig-ˈmät-ə, ˈstig-mət-ə\ or stigmas
1 a : a mark of shame : STAIN  b : an identifying mark or characteristic; esp : a specific sign that indicates the presence of a disease
2 stigmata pl : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of Jesus when nailed on the cross
3 a : a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal  b : the upper part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they start to grow
— stig·mat·ic \stig-ˈmat-ik\ adj

stig·ma·tize \ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to mark with a stigma; esp : to describe or identify as disgraceful

stile \ˈstī(ə)l\ n
1 : a step or set of steps for passing over a fence or wall
2 : TURNSTILE

sti·let·to \stə-ˈlet-ō\ n, pl -tos or -toes : a slender dagger

1still \ˈstil\ adj
1 a : not moving <lying quiet and still>  b : of, relating to, or being an ordinary photograph rather than a motion picture
2 : uttering no sound : QUIET
3 a : TRANQUIL, CALM  b : free from noise or commotion : PEACEFUL [Old English stille “not moving”]
— still·ness n

2still vb
1 a : to make quiet : CALM <still their fears>  b : to put to an end : SETTLE
2 : to make or become motionless or silent : QUIET

3still adv
1 : without motion <sit still>
2 : up to this or that time <still lives there> <while it's still hot>
3 : in spite of that : NEVERTHELESS <those who take care can still make mistakes>
4 a : 3EVEN 4 <a still more difficult problem>  b : beyond this : IN ADDITION, YET <won still another tournament>

4still n
1 : 1QUIET, SILENCE
2 : a still photograph

5still n
1 : DISTILLERY
2 : a device used in distillation [from earlier still (verb) “to distill,” from Middle English stillen, a shortened form of distillen “to distill”]

still·birth \ˈstil-ˌbərth, -ˈbərth\ n : the birth of a dead baby

still·born \-ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ adj : dead at birth

still life n, pl still lifes : a picture of an arrangement of objects

stilly \ˈstil-ē\ adj : showing stillness : CALM, QUIET

stilt \ˈstilt\ n
1 : one of two poles each with a rest or strap for the foot used to elevate the wearer above the ground in walking
2 : a stake or post used to support a structure above ground or water level

stilt·ed \ˈstil-təd\ adj : not easy and natural <stilted speech>

stim·u·lant \ˈstim-yə-lənt\ n
1 : something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts <a heart stimulant>
2 : STIMULUS 1
— stimulant adj

stim·u·late \ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to make active or more active : ANIMATE, AROUSE <stimulate industry>
2 : to act on as a bodily stimulus or stimulant  synonyms see PROVOKE

stim·u·la·tion \ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the act or result of stimulating

stim·u·lus \ˈstim-yə-ləs\ n, pl -li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\
1 : something that rouses or stirs to action : INCENTIVE
2 : something (as an environmental change) that acts to partly change bodily activity (as by exciting a sensory organ) <heat, light, and sound are common physical stimuli>

1sting \ˈstiŋ\ vb stung \ˈstəŋ\; sting·ing \ˈstiŋ-iŋ\
1 a : to prick painfully especially with a sharp or poisonous stinger <stung by a bee>  b : to affect with or feel quick piercing pain or smart <hail stung their faces>
2 : to cause to suffer mentally <stung with regret>
3 : OVERCHARGE 1, CHEAT <got stung on the deal>
4 : to use a stinger <bees sting>

2sting n
1 a : the act of stinging  b : a wound or pain caused by or as if by stinging
2 : STINGER 2
— sting·less \ˈstiŋ-ləs\ adj

sting·er \ˈstiŋ-ər\ n
1 : one that stings; esp : a piercing blow or remark
2 : a sharp organ of some animals (as bees or scorpions) that is used to wound, paralyze, or kill prey or an enemy by piercing and injecting a poisonous fluid

sting·ray \ˈstiŋ-ˌrā\ n : any of numerous rays that have one or more large sharp stinging spines near the base of the whiplike tail

stin·gy \ˈstin-jē\ adj stin·gi·er; -est
1 : not generous : giving, using, or spending as little as possible
2 : SCANTY, MEAGER <a stingy portion>
— stin·gi·ly \-jə-lē\ adv

— stin·gi·ness \-jē-nəs\ n

1stink \ˈstiŋk\ vb stank \ˈstaŋk\ or stunk \ˈstəŋk\; stunk; stink·ing
1 : to give off or cause to have an unpleasant smell <the garbage pail stinks>
2 : to be very bad or unpleasant <that news really stinks>
— stink·er n

2stink n
1 : a strong unpleasant odor : STENCH
2 : a public outcry against something : FUSS <made a big stink when asked to leave>
— stinky \ˈstiŋ-kē\ adj

stink·bug \ˈstiŋk-ˌbəg\ n : any of various true bugs that give off a bad smell

1stint \ˈstint\ vb
1 : to be sparing or stingy <not stinting with their praise>
2 : to limit in share or portion : cut short in amount <stint the children's allowance>
— stint·er n

2stint n
1 : RESTRICTION 1, LIMITATION <gave without stint>
2 a : a quantity of work assigned  b : a period of time spent at a particular activity <served a brief stint as a waiter>

stipe \ˈstīp\ n : a short stalk supporting the cap of a mushroom

sti·pend \ˈstī-ˌpend, -pənd\ n : a sum of money paid at regular times for services or expenses

stip·ple \ˈstip-əl\ vb stip·pled; stip·pling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to apply (as paint or ink) by repeated small touches
— stipple n

— stip·pler \-(ə-)lər\ n

stip·u·late \ˈstip-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to demand or insist on as part of an agreement

stip·u·la·tion \ˌstip-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n : something required as part of an agreement

stip·ule \ˈstip-yü(ə)l\ n : either of a pair of small leaflike parts at the base of the petiole of a leaf in many plants — see LEAF ILLUSTRATION

1stir \ˈstər\ vb stirred; stir·ring
1 a : to make or cause to make an especially small movement or change of position <the leaves were barely stirring>  b : to disturb the quiet of : AGITATE <the bear stirred up the bees>
2 : to mix, dissolve, or make especially by a continued circular movement <stir the pudding>
3 a : to rouse to action or strong feeling : INCITE <his pleas stirred the crowd>  b : to call forth (as a memory) : EVOKE <stirred thoughts of home>  c : to cause to take place : PROVOKE <stir up trouble>
4 : to be active or busy <not a creature was stirring>
— stir·rer n

2stir n
1 a : a state of disturbance, upset, or action  b : widespread notice and discussion : IMPRESSION
2 : a small movement
3 : a stirring movement

1stir–fry \ˈstər-ˈfrī\ vb : to fry quickly over high heat while stirring continuously

2stir–fry \-ˌfrī\ n : a dish of something stir-fried

stir·ring \ˈstər-iŋ\ adj : MOVING 3, INSPIRING <a stirring speech>

stir·rup \ˈstər-əp also ˈstir-əp or ˈstə-rəp\ n
1 : either of a pair of small light frames often of metal hung by straps from a saddle and used as a support for the foot of a horseback rider
2 : the innermost bone of the chain of three small bones in the middle ear of a mammal — called also stapes

1stitch \ˈstich\ n
1 : a sudden sharp pain especially in the side
2 a : one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in sewing or embroidering  b : a portion of thread left in the material after one stitch
3 : a single loop of thread or yarn around a tool (as a knitting needle)
4 : a series of stitches formed in a particular way
— in stitches : in a state of uncontrollable laughter

2stitch vb
1 a : to join with or as if with stitches <stitched a seam>  b : to make, mend, or decorate with or as if with stitches
2 : to do needlework : SEW
— stitch·er n

stoat \ˈstōt\ n : a common ermine of northern regions especially in its brown summer coat

1stock \ˈstäk\ n
1 a archaic : 1STUMP 2  b archaic : a log or block of wood  c archaic : something without life or consciousness  d : a dull, stupid, or lifeless person
2 a pl : a timber frame with holes to contain the feet or feet and hands of a wrongdoer as public punishment  b : the part of a crossbow or long gun that is held against the shoulder or in the hand when in use
3 a : the main stem of a plant : TRUNK  b : a plant or plant part that is joined to a living branch or stem and makes up the lower or underground parts in a graft
4 a : the original (as a human being, race, or language) from which others descend : SOURCE  b : ANCESTRY 2, LINEAGE
5 a : the equipment or goods of an establishment  b : farm animals : LIVESTOCK
6 a : the ownership element of a corporation divided to give the owners an interest and usually voting power  b : a portion of such stock
7 : a wide band or scarf worn about the neck especially by some members of the clergy
8 a : liquid in which meat, fish, or vegetables have been simmered and which is used to make soup, gravy, or sauce  b : RAW MATERIAL
9 : confidence placed in someone or something
10 : the production and presentation of plays by a stock company
— in stock : in the store and ready for delivery

2stock vb
1 : to fit to or with a stock
2 : to provide with or acquire stock or a stock <stock up on food>
3 : to get or keep a stock of <a store that stocks only the finest goods>

3stock adj
1 : kept regularly in stock <a stock model>
2 : commonly used or brought forward : STANDARD <the stock answer>

1stock·ade \stä-ˈkād\ n
1 : a line of stout posts set firmly to form a defense
2 a : an enclosure or pen made with posts and stakes  b : an enclosure in which prisoners are kept

2stockade vb stock·ad·ed; stock·ad·ing : to protect or surround with a stockade

stock·bro·ker \ˈstäk-ˌbrō-kər\ n : one that handles orders to buy and sell stocks

stock car n : a racing car that is similar to regular cars

stock certificate n : a formal legal document showing evidence of ownership of one or more shares of the stock of a corporation

stock company n
1 : a corporation whose resources are represented by stock
2 : a theatrical company without outstanding stars

stock exchange n
1 : a place where the buying and selling of stocks is conducted
2 : an association of stockbrokers

stock·fish \ˈstäk-ˌfish\ n : fish (as cod, haddock, or hake) dried hard in the open air without salt

stock·hold·er \ˈstäk-ˌhōl-dər\ n : an owner of stocks

stock·ing \ˈstäk-iŋ\ n
1 : a close-fitting usually knit covering for the foot and leg
2 : 1SOCK

stocking cap n : a long knitted cone-shaped cap usually with an ornament at the pointed end

stock market n : STOCK EXCHANGE 1

stock·pile \ˈstäk-ˌpīl\ n : an extra supply especially of something necessary accumulated within a country for use during a shortage
— stockpile vb

stock·room \-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a storage place for supplies or goods used in a business

stock–still \-ˈstil\ adj : very still : MOTIONLESS <stood stock-still>

stocky \ˈstäk-ē\ adj stock·i·er; -est : compact, sturdy, and quite thick in build : THICKSET
— stock·i·ly \ˈstäk-ə-lē\ adv

— stock·i·ness \-ē-nəs\ n

stock·yard \ˈstäk-ˌyärd\ n : a yard in which livestock are kept temporarily for slaughter, market, or shipping

stodgy \ˈstäj-ē\ adj stodg·i·er; -est
1 : moving in a slow struggling way especially as a result of physical bulkiness
2 : having no excitement or interest : DULL, BORING <a stodgy day>
3 : very old-fashioned in attitude or point of view
— stodg·i·ly \ˈstäj-ə-lē\ adv

1sto·ic \ˈstō-ik\ n : one not easily excited or upset

2stoic or sto·i·cal \ˈstō-i-kəl\ adj : unconcerned about pleasure or pain
— sto·ical·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

stoke \ˈstōk\ vb stoked; stok·ing
1 : to stir up or tend (as a fire)
2 : to supply (as a furnace) with fuel
3 : to feed plentifully
— stok·er n

1stole \ˈstōl\ past of STEAL

2stole n
1 : a long narrow band worn around the neck by bishops and priests in ceremonies
2 : a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

stolen past participle of STEAL

stol·id \ˈstäl-əd\ adj : having or expressing little or no feeling : not easily stirred or excited <a stolid person>
— stol·id·ly adv

sto·lon \ˈstō-lən, -ˌlän\ n : a horizontal branch from the base of a plant that produces new plants from buds at its tip or nodes (as in the strawberry) — called also runner

sto·ma \ˈstō-mə\ n, pl sto·ma·ta \-mət-ə\ : a small opening which is surrounded by two guard cells and through which moisture and gases pass in and out of the epidermis of a leaf

1stom·ach \ˈstəm-ək, -ik\ n
1 a : a pouch of the vertebrate digestive system into which food passes from the esophagus for mixing and digestion before passing to the duodenum of the small intestine  b : a cavity with a similar function in an invertebrate animal  c : the part of the body that contains the stomach : BELLY, ABDOMEN
2 a : desire for food caused by hunger : APPETITE  b : 2DESIRE 1, INCLINATION <had no stomach for an argument>

2stomach vb : TOLERATE 1 <could not stomach the smell>

stom·ach·ache \ˈstəm-ək-ˌāk, -ik-\ n : pain in or near the stomach

stom·ach·er \ˈstəm-i-kər\ n : the center front section of an upper part of a woman's dress appearing between the laces of an outer garment (as in 16th century costume)

sto·mate \ˈstō-ˌmāt\ n : STOMA

stomp \ˈstämp, ˈstȯmp\ vb : 1STAMP 2 <stomped angrily out of the room>
— stomp n

— stomp·er n

stomping ground n : a favorite or frequently sought-out place <the museum became my new stomping ground>; also : familiar territory <returned to the stomping grounds of my youth>

1stone \ˈstōn\ n
1 a : earth or mineral matter hardened in a mass  b : a piece of rock not as fine as gravel <throw stones>  c : a piece of rock used for some special purpose (as for a monument or in construction)  d : GEM 1B
2 a : CALCULUS 2A  b : a stony seed or one (as of a plum) enclosed in a stony cover
3 pl usually stone : any of various units of weight; esp : a British unit equal to 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms)

2stone adj : of, relating to, or made of stone

3stone vb stoned; ston·ing
1 : to throw stones at; esp : to kill by hitting with stones
2 : to remove the stones or seeds of (a fruit)
— ston·er n

4stone adv : in a complete manner : ENTIRELY <the soup is stone cold> — often used in combination <they are stone-broke>

Stone Age n : the oldest period in which human beings are known to have existed that is marked by the use of stone tools

stone–blind \ˈstōn-ˈblīnd\ adj : totally blind

stone·cut·ter \-ˌkət-ər\ n
1 : a person who cuts, carves, or puts a finish on stone
2 : a machine for putting a finish on stone
— stone·cut·ting \-ˌkət-iŋ\ n

stone–deaf \-ˈdef\ adj : totally deaf

stone fly n : any of an order of 4-winged insects of which the immature stages have gills and live in water and that are used by fishermen for bait when immature or fully developed

stone–ground \ˈstōn-ˈgrau̇nd\ adj : ground by the use of millstones <stone-ground flour>

stone·ma·son \ˈstōn-ˌmās-ən\ n : a mason who builds with stone

stone's throw n : a short distance <lives within a stone's throw of the school>

stone·ware \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : a clay pottery used for storage utensils, tile, and ornamental wares

stone·washed \-ˌwȯsht, -ˌwäsht\ adj : subjected to a washing process during manufacture that includes using stones especially to create a softer fabric <stonewashed jeans>

stone·work \-ˌwərk\ n
1 : a structure or part built of stone : MASONRY
2 : the shaping, preparation, or setting of stone

stony also ston·ey \ˈstō-nē\ adj ston·i·er; -est
1 a : full of stones <stony soil>  b : hard as stone <a stony seed>
2 : PITILESS, UNFEELING <a stony stare>
— ston·i·ly \ˈstōn-əl-ē\ adv

stood past and past participle of STAND

stooge \ˈstüj\ n
1 : one who follows or serves another without thinking
2 : an actor who usually by asking questions prepares the way for a principal comedian's jokes
— stooge vb

stool \ˈstül\ n
1 a : a seat without back or arms supported by three or four legs or by a central post  b : FOOTSTOOL
2 a : a seat used while urinating or having a bowel movement  b : a mass of bodily waste discharged from the intestine in a bowel movement

stool pigeon n : a person acting as a spy or informer for the police [from stool pigeon “a pigeon tied to a stool and used as a decoy to draw other birds into a net”]

1stoop \ˈstüp\ vb
1 a : to bend down or over  b : to stand or walk with the head and shoulders or the upper part of the body bent forward
2 : to degrade oneself <stoop to lying> [Old English stūpian “to stoop, bend over”]

2stoop n
1 : an act of bending the body forward
2 : a forward bend of the back and shoulders that is temporary or by habit

3stoop n : a porch, platform, or entrance stairway at a house door [from Dutch stoep “porch, stoop”]

1stop \ˈstäp\ vb stopped; stop·ping
1 : to close an opening by filling or blocking it : PLUG <nose stopped up by a cold>
2 : RESTRAIN 1A, PREVENT <stopped me from going>
3 : to interrupt or prevent from continuing or occurring : CHECK <couldn't stop the noise>
4 : to instruct one's bank not to pay <stop payment on a check>
5 : to halt the movement or progress of <stop the car>
6 : to change the pitch of (as a violin string) by pressing with the finger
7 a : to bring action or operation to an end <the motor stopped>  b : to come to an end <sit down when the music stops>
8 : to make a visit <stopping with friends for a week>

2stop n
1 : CESSATION, END <his father put a stop to the arguing>
2 a : a series of similar organ pipes that vary by pitch but have the same tone quality  b : STOP KNOB — often used in phrases like pull out all the stops to suggest holding nothing back
3 : something that delays, blocks, or brings to a halt : IMPEDIMENT, OBSTACLE
4 : a device for halting or limiting motion <the door was held open by a stop>
5 : the act of stopping : the state of being stopped <the train was brought to a sudden stop>
6 : a halt in a journey : STAY <made a quick stop to refuel>
7 : a stopping place <a bus stop>
8 chiefly British : any of several punctuation marks
9 : a consonant in the uttering of which there is a step (as in the “p” of “apt” or the “g” of “tiger”) when the breath passage is completely closed
10 : a function of an electronic device that stops a recording

3stop adj : serving to stop : designed to stop <stop line> <stop signal>

stop bath n : an acid bath used to stop the development of a photographic negative or print

stop·cock \ˈstäp-ˌkäk\ n : a faucet for stopping or regulating flow (as through a pipe)

stop·gap \ˈstäp-ˌgap\ n : something that fills a gap : a temporary substitute

stop knob n : one of the handles by which an organist draws or shuts off a particular stop

stop·light \ˈstäp-ˌlīt\ n : TRAFFIC SIGNAL

stop·over \-ˌō-vər\ n
1 : a stop in the course of one's journey
2 : a stopping place on a journey

stop·page \ˈstäp-ij\ n : the act of stopping : the state of being stopped

1stop·per \ˈstäp-ər\ n
1 : one that brings to a halt : CHECK
2 : one that closes, shuts, or fills up; esp : something used to plug an opening

2stopper vb : to close or fasten with or as if with a stopper

stop·watch \ˈstäp-ˌwäch\ n : a watch having a hand or a digital display that can be started and stopped for exact timing (as of a race)

stor·able \ˈstōr-ə-bəl, ˈstȯr-\ adj : suitable for storage : capable of being stored <storable fruits>

stor·age \ˈstōr-ij, ˈstȯr-\ n
1 a : space or a place for storing  b : an amount stored  c : MEMORY 5
2 a : the act of storing : the state of being stored  b : the price charged for storing something

storage battery n : a cell or connected group of cells that converts chemical energy into electrical energy by reversible chemical reactions and that may be recharged by passing a current through it in the direction opposite to that of its discharge — called also storage cell

1store \ˈstō(ə)r, ˈstȯ(ə)r\ vb stored; stor·ing
1 : LAY AWAY, ACCUMULATE <store vegetables for winter use>
2 : to provide with what is needed : FURNISH, SUPPLY <store a ship with provisions>
3 a : to deposit in a place (as a warehouse) for safekeeping or disposal <stored my furniture until I found a new apartment>  b : to record information in a device (as a computer)
4 : to provide storage room for : HOLD <racks for storing basketballs>

2store n
1 a : something stored <a store of good jokes>  b pl : accumulated supplies (as of food) : STOCK <a ship's stores>
2 : 1VALUE 3, IMPORTANCE <a family that set great store by tradition>
3 : a place where goods are sold : SHOP
— in store : ready for use or action : in preparation <there's a surprise in store for you>

3store adj : purchased from a store : READY-MADE <store clothes> <store bread>

store·house \ˈstō(ə)r-ˌhau̇s, ˈstȯ(ə)r-\ n
1 : a building for storing goods
2 : a large supply : REPOSITORY <a storehouse of information>

store·keep·er \-ˌkē-pər\ n
1 : one who is in charge of stores
2 : one who manages a store or shop

store·room \-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room for the storing of goods or supplies

store·wide \-ˈwīd\ adj : including all or most merchandise in a store <a storewide sale>

1sto·ried \ˈstōr-ēd, ˈstȯr-\ adj
1 : decorated with designs representing scenes from story or history <a storied tapestry>
2 : having an interesting history <a storied castle>

2storied or sto·reyed \ˈstōr-ēd, ˈstȯr-\ adj : having stories <a two-storied house>

stork \ˈstȯ(ə)rk\ n : any of various large mostly African and Asian wading birds that have long stout bills and are related to the herons and ibises

1storm \ˈstȯ(ə)rm\ n
1 a : a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and usually by rain, snow, hail, sleet, or thunder and lightning  b : a heavy fall of rain, snow, or hail  c : a serious disturbance of any element of nature
2 : a disturbed state : a sudden or violent commotion
3 : a heavy discharge of objects <fired a storm of arrows at the castle>
4 : a violent outburst <a storm of protest>
5 : a violent attack on a defended position
— by storm : by or as if by using a bold swift direct movement especially with the intent of defeating or winning over quickly <took the fashion world by storm>

— up a storm : in a remarkable or energetic fashion <dancing up a storm>

2storm vb
1 a : to blow with violence  b : to rain, hail, snow, or sleet heavily
2 : to attack by storm <stormed ashore> <storm the fort>
3 : to show violent feeling : RAGE <storming at the unusual delay>
4 : to rush about violently <the mob stormed through the streets>

storm petrel n : any of various small dark petrels that usually return to land only to nest typically in burrows — called also Mother Carey's chicken

storm window n : a glass window that is placed outside an ordinary window as a protection against severe weather

stormy \ˈstȯr-mē\ adj storm·i·er; -est
1 : relating to, marked by, or being a sign of a storm <a stormy day> <stormy skies>
2 : characterized by or subject to angry or intense disagreements or strong emotional outbursts <a stormy conference>
— storm·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

— storm·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ n

stormy petrel n
1 : STORM PETREL
2 : a person who is fond of conflict or disagreement

1sto·ry \ˈstōr-ē, ˈstȯr-\ n, pl stories
1 a : an account of incidents or events  b : ANECDOTE
2 a : a fictional tale shorter than a novel; esp : SHORT STORY  b : the main tale of a written work
3 : a widely told rumor
4 : FIB, LIE, FALSEHOOD
5 : a news article or broadcast [Middle English storie “tale,” from early French estoire, estorie (same meaning), from Latin historia “tale, history”]

2story also sto·rey \ˈstōr-ē, ˈstȯr-\ n, pl stories also storeys : a set of rooms or an area making up one floor level of a building [Middle English storie, from Latin historia “tale, illustration, story of a building,” from earlier Latin, “tale, history”; probably so called from the use of narrative paintings on the window levels of medieval buildings]

sto·ry·tell·er \ˈstōr-ē-ˌtel-ər, ˈstȯr-\ n : a teller of stories

stoup \ˈstüp\ n
1 : a container (as a large glass) for beverages
2 : a basin for holy water at the entrance of a church

1stout \ˈstau̇t\ adj
1 : strong of character : BRAVE, BOLD
2 : physically or materially strong : STURDY, VIGOROUS
3 : FORCEFUL <a stout attack>
4 : bulky in body : OVERWEIGHT
— stout·ly adv

— stout·ness n

2stout n : a dark heavy beer

stout·heart·ed \ˈstau̇t-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : COURAGEOUS, BOLD
— stout·heart·ed·ly adv

1stove \ˈstōv\ n
1 : an appliance that burns fuel or uses electricity to provide heat (as for cooking or heating)
2 : KILN

2stove past and past participle of 2STAVE

stove·pipe \ˈstōv-ˌpīp\ n
1 : a metal pipe for carrying off smoke from a stove
2 : a tall silk hat

stow \ˈstō\ vb
1 : to put away : STORE <stowed their belongings in the closet>
2 a : ARRANGE 1, PACK <quickly stowed the cargo>  b : 2LOAD 1A <stowed the ships to capacity>
3 : to eat or drink up <stow away a meal>

stow·age \ˈstō-ij\ n
1 a : an act or process of stowing  b : goods stowed or to be stowed
2 a : ability to store  b : a place for storage

stow·away \ˈstō-ə-ˌwā\ n : one who stows away : an unregistered passenger

stow away \ˌstō-ə-ˈwā\ vb : to hide aboard a vehicle to obtain transportation

1strad·dle \ˈstrad-əl\ vb strad·dled; strad·dling \ˈstrad-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to stand, sit, or walk with the legs wide apart
2 : to approve or seem to approve two apparently opposite sides <straddle a question>
— strad·dler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

2straddle n : the act or position of one that straddles

strafe \ˈstrāf\ vb strafed; straf·ing : to fire on at close range and especially with machine guns from low-flying airplanes <strafed the village>
— straf·er n

strag·gle \ˈstrag-əl\ vb strag·gled; strag·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to wander from a course or way : ROVE, STRAY
2 : to trail off from others of its kind <little cabins straggling off into the woods>
— strag·gler \-(ə-)lər\ n

1straight \ˈstrāt\ adj
1 a : free from curves, bends, angles, or unevenness <straight hair> <straight timber>  b : formed by a point moving continuously in the same direction <a straight line>
2 a : holding to a proper course or method <a straight thinker>  b : FRANK, CANDID <a straight answer>
3 : VERTICAL 2, UPRIGHT <the picture isn't quite straight>
4 a : exhibiting truth, fairness, and honesty : JUST <straight dealings>  b : correctly ordered or arranged <set the kitchen straight>; also : CORRECT <get the facts straight>  c : CONSECUTIVE <five straight hours>  d : having nothing added <straight liquor>  e : making no exceptions in one's voting for a political party <voted a straight ticket>  f : not varying from a pattern <writes straight humor>  g : CONVENTIONAL  h : not using or under the influence of drugs  i : 1HETEROSEXUAL
5 : being the only form of payment <on straight commission>
— straight·ness n

2straight adv : in a straight manner, course, or line <came straight home from school>

1straight·away \ˈstrāt-ə-ˌwā\ adj
1 : proceeding in a straight line : continuous in direction : STRAIGHTFORWARD
2 : IMMEDIATE 4 <made a straightaway reply>

2straightaway n : the straight part of a racetrack : STRETCH

3straight·away \ˌstrāt-ə-ˈwā\ adv : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <found an answer straightaway>

straight·edge \ˈstrāt-ˌej\ n : a bar or piece of wood, metal, or plastic with a straight edge for testing straight lines and surfaces or for cutting along or drawing straight lines

straight·en \ˈstrāt-ən\ vb straight·ened; straight·en·ing \ˈstrāt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become straight — usually used with up or out <straighten up a room> <straightened out the problem>
— straight·en·er \ˈstrāt-nər, -ən-ər\ n

straight face n : a face giving no evidence of feeling and especially of amusement
— straight–faced \ˈstrāt-ˈfāst\ adj

1straight·for·ward \(ˈ)strāt-ˈfȯr-wərd\ adj
1 : OUTSPOKEN, CANDID <a straightforward reply>
2 : proceeding in a straight course or manner : DIRECT
— straight·for·ward·ly adv

— straight·for·ward·ness n

2straightforward also straight·for·wards \-wərdz\ adv : in a straightforward manner

straight·way \ˈstrāt-ˈwā, -ˌwā\ adv : RIGHT AWAY, IMMEDIATELY

1strain \ˈstrān\ n
1 a : LINEAGE, ANCESTRY  b : a group of plants or animals that look alike but have characteristics (as the ability to resist disease) that make them slightly different : VARIETY 3B <a strong strain of winter wheat>
2 a : a quality or disposition that is natural or runs through a family <a strain of genius in the family>  b : a small amount : TRACE, STREAK <a strain of sadness>
3 : MELODY 2, TUNE
4 : the manner or style of something said or of a course of action or conduct

2strain vb
1 a : to draw tight : cause to clasp firmly  b : to stretch to maximum extension and tightness
2 a : to try one's hardest : STRIVE  b : to injure or be injured by overuse, misuse, or pressure <strained the heart by overwork> <strain one's back by lifting>
3 a : to pass or cause to pass through or as if through a strainer : FILTER  b : to remove by straining <strain lumps out of the gravy>
4 : to stretch beyond a proper limit <strain the truth>

3strain n
1 : an act of straining or the state of being strained
2 : bodily injury caused by too much tension, effort, or use <heart strain>; esp : one resulting from a wrench or twist and involving severe stretching of muscles or ligaments <back strain>

strained \ˈstrānd\ adj
1 : not easy or natural : FORCED <a strained smile>
2 : brought close to war <strained relations between countries>

strain·er \ˈstrā-nər\ n : one that strains; esp : a device (as a screen or filter) to hold solid pieces while a liquid passes through

strait \ˈstrāt\ n
1 a : a narrow channel connecting two large bodies of water — often used in plural  b : ISTHMUS
2 : a situation of confusion or distress — often used in plural <in difficult straits>

strait·en \ˈstrāt-ən\ vb strait·ened; strait·en·ing \ˈstrāt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to limit or restrict especially in resources <straitened by misfortune>

strait·jack·et also straight·jack·et \ˈstrāt-ˌjak-ət\ n : a cover or outer garment of strong material (as canvas) used to restrict the movement of the arms as a means of controlling a violent prisoner or patient

strait·laced or straight·laced \ˈstrāt-ˈlāst\ adj : very strict or proper in actions, beliefs, or point of view

1strand \ˈstrand\ n : the land bordering a body of water : SHORE, BEACH [Old English strand “shore”]

2strand vb
1 : to run aground : BEACH <boats stranded by the storm>
2 : to leave in a strange or an unfavorable place especially without a way of departing <stranded in a strange city>

3strand n
1 : one of the fibers, threads, strings, or wires twisted or braided to make a cord, rope, or cable
2 : something resembling a strand <a strand of pearls> <a strand of DNA>
3 : one of the elements of a complicated whole <the strands of a legal argument> [Middle English strond “strand, fiber”]

strand·ed \ˈstran-dəd\ adj : having a strand or strands especially of a specified kind or number — usually used in combination <double-stranded DNA>

strange \ˈstrānj\ adj strang·er; strang·est
1 : not native to or naturally belonging in a place
2 a : not known, heard, or seen before <strange surroundings>  b : causing surprise or wonder because not usual : noticeably unusual <strange clothes>
3 : UNEASY 1 <feels strange on the first day of school> [Middle English strange “foreign,” from early French estrange (same meaning), from Latin extraneus, literally, “external, coming from the outside,” from extra “outside” — related to EXTRA-]
— strange·ly adv

— strange·ness n

strang·er \ˈstrān-jər\ n
1 : one who is strange
2 a : FOREIGNER  b : GUEST 1, VISITOR  c : a person with whom or a thing with which one is unacquainted

stran·gle \ˈstraŋ-gəl\ vb stran·gled; stran·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to choke to death by squeezing the throat
2 : to cause (someone or something) to choke or suffocate
3 : to suppress or hinder the rise, growth, or expression of <these rules are strangling my creativity>
4 : to become strangled
5 : to die by or as if by interference with breathing
— stran·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ n

stran·gle·hold \ˈstraŋ-gəl-ˌhōld\ n
1 : an illegal wrestling hold by which one's opponent is choked
2 : a force or influence that chokes or blocks freedom of development or expression

stran·gu·late \ˈstraŋ-gyə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : STRANGLE 1

stran·gu·la·tion \ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : an act or process of strangling
2 : the state of being strangled

1strap \ˈstrap\ n
1 : a band, plate, or loop of metal for tying objects together or for clamping an object in position
2 a : a narrow usually flat strip of a flexible material and especially leather used for fastening, holding together, or wrapping  b : something made of a strap forming a loop <boot strap>  c : a strip of leather used for whipping  d : 1STROP

2strap vb strapped; strap·ping
1 : to fasten with or attach by a strap
2 : to beat or punish with a strap
3 : 2STROP
4 : to cause to suffer from an extreme scarcity <I'm strapped for cash>

strap·less \ˈstrap-ləs\ adj : having no strap; esp : made or worn without shoulder straps <strapless evening gown>

strap·ping \ˈstrap-iŋ\ adj : ROBUST <a strapping young man>

strat·a·gem \ˈstrat-ə-jəm\ n
1 : a trick in war for deceiving and outwitting the enemy
2 : a clever trick or scheme synonyms see TRICK

stra·te·gic \strə-ˈtē-jik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or showing strategy <strategic value of the position> <a strategic retreat>
2 a : required for the conduct of war <strategic supplies>  b : of great importance within a whole or for a planned purpose <mentioned strategic points>
3 : designed or trained to strike at what makes an enemy powerful <strategic bomber>
— stra·te·gi·cal \-ji-kəl\ adj

— stra·te·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adv

strat·e·gist \ˈstrat-ə-jəst\ n : one skilled in strategy

strat·e·gize \-ˌjīz\ vb -gized; -giz·ing : to devise a strategy or course of action <strategized with her teammates>

strat·e·gy \ˈstrat-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : the science and art of employing the forces of a country in peace or war; esp : the science and art of military command exercised to meet the enemy in combat under favorable conditions
2 a : a careful plan or method  b : the art of making or employing plans or tricks to achieve a goal

strat·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌstrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of arranging or becoming arranged in layers or strata
2 : the state of being arranged in layers or strata

strat·i·fy \ˈstrat-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to form, deposit, or arrange in layers <stratified rock>

stra·tig·ra·phy \strə-ˈtig-rə-fē\ n : geology that deals with the beginnings, composition, distribution, and succession of the layers of rock in the earth's crust

stra·to·cu·mu·lus \ˌstrāt-ō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs, ˌstrat-\ n : layered cumulus consisting of large balls or rolls of dark cloud which often cover the whole sky especially in winter

strato·sphere \ˈstrat-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r\ n : an upper portion of the atmosphere above the troposphere where temperature changes little and clouds rarely form

stra·tum \ˈstrāt-əm, ˈstrat-\ n, pl stra·ta \-ə\
1 : a layer of a substance; esp : one of a series of layers <a rock stratum> <a stratum of earth> <the deep stratum of the skin>
2 : a level of society consisting of persons of the same or similar rank or position

stra·tus \ˈstrāt-əs, ˈstrat-\ n, pl stra·ti \ˈstrāt-ˌī, ˈstrat-\ : a cloud form extending over a large area at altitudes of usually 2000 to 7000 feet (600 to 2100 meters)

1straw \ˈstrȯ\ n
1 a : stalks of grain after threshing; also : any dry stalky plant part used like grain straw (as for bedding or in packing) <pine straw>  b : a natural or artificial fiber used for weaving or braiding
2 : a dry coarse stem especially of a cereal grass
3 a : something of small worth or importance <not worth a straw>  b : something too weak to provide help in a desperate situation <clutch at any straw in a crisis>
4 : a tube usually of plastic for sucking up a beverage
— strawy \ˈstrȯ(-)i\ adj

2straw adj
1 : made of straw <a straw hat>
2 : of the pale yellow color of straw

straw·ber·ry \ˈstrȯ-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ n : an edible juicy red fruit of a low-growing herb with white flowers and long slender runners; also : a plant that bears strawberries

straw boss n : a person in charge of a small group of workers

straw vote n : an unofficial vote — called also straw poll

1stray \ˈstrā\ n
1 : a domestic animal that is wandering loose or is lost
2 : a person or thing that strays

2stray vb
1 : to wander from a group or from the proper place : ROAM <the dog strayed from the yard>
2 : to wander from a fixed or chosen route or at random <accidentally strayed off the path>
3 : to become distracted from an argument or chain of thought <strayed from the point>
— stray·er n

3stray adj
1 : having strayed or been lost <a stray dog>
2 : occurring in one place and another or at random <a few stray hairs>

1streak \ˈstrēk\ n
1 : a line or mark of a different color or texture from its background : STRIPE
2 : the color of the fine powder of a mineral obtained by scratching or rubbing against a hard white surface
3 a : a narrow band of light  b : a lightning bolt
4 a : a small amount : TRACE, STRAIN <streak of stubbornness>  b : a brief period or series <a streak of luck> <was on a winning streak>
5 : a narrow layer <a streak of fat in bacon>

2streak vb
1 : to make or have streaks on or in
2 : to move swiftly : RUSH <a jet streaking across the sky>

streak camera n : a camera for recording very fast or short-lived things (as shock waves)

streaked \ˈstrēkt, ˈstrē-kəd\ adj : marked with streaks or lines of color

streaky \ˈstrē-kē\ adj streak·i·er; -est
1 : having or showing streaks
2 : likely to vary : CHANGEABLE <a streaky hitter in baseball>
— streak·i·ness n

1stream \ˈstrēm\ n
1 : a body of running water (as a river or brook) flowing on the earth; also : any body of flowing fluid (as water or gas)
2 : a steady flow <a stream of words>
3 : a ray of light

2stream vb
1 : to flow or cause to flow in or as if in a stream
2 a : to give off a bodily fluid in large amounts <her eyes were streaming>  b : to become wet with a discharge of bodily fluid <streaming with perspiration>
3 : to trail out at full length <hair streaming in the wind>
4 : to pour in large numbers <complaints came streaming in>
5 : to transfer (digital data, such as audio or video material) in a continuous stream especially for immediate processing or playback

stream·er \ˈstrē-mər\ n
1 a : a flag that streams in the wind; esp : PENNANT 1  b : a long narrow wavy strip suggesting a banner floating in the wind
2 pl : AURORA BOREALIS

stream·ing \ˈstrē-miŋ\ adj : playing continuously as data is sent to a computer over the Internet <streaming video>

stream·let \ˈstrēm-lət\ n : a small stream

stream·line \ˈstrēm-ˌlīn\ vb
1 : to design or construct with an outline which makes motion through water or air easier
2 : to bring up to date : MODERNIZE
3 : to make simpler, more effective, or more productive

stream·lined \-ˌlīnd\ adj
1 a : designed or constructed to make or as if to make motion through water or air easier  b : stripped of everything unnecessary : SIMPLIFIED
2 : made more modern

1street \ˈstrēt\ n
1 a : a public way especially in a city, town, or village usually including sidewalks and being wider than an alley or lane  b : the part of a street reserved for vehicles  c : a public way with the property along it <lived on Maple Street>
2 : the people occupying property on a street <the whole street was excited> [Old English strǣt “street,” from Latin strata “paved road,” derived from earlier stratus, past participle of sternere “to spread out”]

2street adj
1 : of or relating to the street or streets <a street door> <a street map> <street clothes>
2 : of or relating to the environment of the street <street people>

street·car \-ˌkär\ n : a passenger vehicle that runs on rails and typically operates on city streets

street·light \-ˌlīt\ n : a light usually on a pole that is one of a series spaced along a public road

street–smart \ˈstrēt-ˌsmärt\ adj : STREETWISE

street smarts n pl : the quality of being streetwise

street·wise \ˈstrēt-ˌwīz\ adj : having the knowledge needed to survive in difficult or dangerous places or situations in a city

strength \ˈstreŋ(k)th\ n
1 : the quality or state of being strong
2 : power to resist force
3 : power to resist attack
4 a : the power to have an effect  b : degree of concentration <the strength of a liquid cleaner>  c : intensity of light, color, sound, or odor
5 : a strong quality <list the strengths and weaknesses of the book>
6 : force as measured in numbers <army at full strength>
7 : something or someone providing force or firmness : 2SUPPORT <her family was her strength>  synonyms see POWER

strength·en \ˈstreŋ(k)-thən\ vb strength·ened; strength·en·ing \ˈstreŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become stronger
— strength·en·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

stren·u·ous \ˈstren-yə-wəs\ adj
1 a : very active : ENERGETIC <leads a strenuous life>  b : FERVENT, ZEALOUS <strenuous protest>
2 : showing or requiring great energy <strenuous tasks>  synonyms see VIGOROUS
— stren·u·ous·ly adv

strep \ˈstrep\ n : STREPTOCOCCUS

strep throat n : a sore throat that is marked by inflammation of the throat and pharynx and by fever and weakness and is caused by infection with streptococci

strep·to·coc·cus \ˌstrep-tə-ˈkäk-əs\ n, pl -coc·ci \-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī, -(ˌ)(s)ē\ : any of various mostly parasitic round bacteria that occur in pairs or chains and include some that cause diseases in human beings and animals

strep·to·my·ces \ˌstrep-tə-ˈmī-ˌsēz\ n, pl streptomyces : any of various mostly soil bacteria including some that form antibiotics as by-products of their metabolism

strep·to·my·cin \ˌstrep-tə-ˈmīs-ən\ n : an antibiotic produced by a soil streptomyces and used especially in the treatment of some infections (as tuberculosis) caused by bacteria

1stress \ˈstres\ n
1 a : a force that acts when one body or part of a body presses on, pulls on, pushes against, or tends to squeeze or twist another body or part of a body  b : the change in shape caused in a body by such a force  c : a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be involved in causing some diseases; also : a state of tension resulting from a stress
2 : special importance given to something : EMPHASIS, WEIGHT <lay stress on a point>
3 : relative force or loudness of sound <“finally” has the stress on the first syllable>
4 : 1ACCENT 4
— stress·less \-ləs\ adj

2stress vb
1 : to subject to physical or emotional stress <stressing the equipment> <this traffic is stressing me out>
2 : to pronounce with stress <stress the last syllable>
3 : EMPHASIZE <stressed the importance of teamwork>
4 : to feel stress <stressing about the big test>

stressed–out \ˈstrest-ˈau̇t\ adj : suffering from high levels of physical or especially psychological stress

stress·ful \ˈstres-fəl\ adj : full of or tending to cause stress
— stress·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

stress mark n : a mark used with (as before, after, or over) a written syllable in the respelling of a word to show that this syllable is to be stressed when spoken : ACCENT MARK

1stretch \ˈstrech\ vb
1 : to extend (as one's body) in a flat position <stretched out on the bed>
2 : to reach out <stretched my arm>
3 a : to extend or become extended in length or width or both : SPREAD <stretched his neck to see what was going on>  b : to extend over a continuous period <the dynasty stretches back several centuries>
4 : to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position <awoke and stretched myself>
5 : to pull tight <stretch the canvas on the frame>
6 a : to enlarge or expand especially by force  b : to make excessive demands on : STRAIN <stretched her already thin patience>
7 : to cause to reach or continue <stretch a wire between two posts>
8 : EXAGGERATE <stretch the truth>
9 : to become extended without breaking
10 : to extend one's body or limbs <stretched before jogging>
— stretch·abil·i·ty \ˌstrech-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— stretch·able \ˈstrech-ə-bəl\ adj

— stretch one's legs : to take a walk in order to relieve stiffness caused by prolonged sitting

2stretch n
1 : an exercise of something beyond ordinary or normal limits <stretch of the imagination>
2 : the extent to which something may be stretched
3 : the act of stretching (as of the body) : the state of being stretched
4 a : an extent in length or area <a stretch of woods>  b : a continuous period of time <silent for a stretch>
5 : a term of imprisonment
6 : either of the straight sides of a racecourse; esp : HOMESTRETCH 1
7 : the ability to be stretched

3stretch adj
1 : easily stretched : ELASTIC <stretch socks>
2 : longer than the standard size <a stretch limousine>

stretch·er \ˈstrech-ər\ n
1 : one that stretches; esp : a device or machine for stretching or expanding something
2 : a device that resembles a cot and is used for carrying a sick, injured, or dead person

stretch receptor n : MUSCLE SPINDLE

strew \ˈstrü\ vb strewed; strewed or strewn \ˈstrün\; strew·ing
1 : to spread (as seeds) by scattering
2 : to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on <strewing the highways with litter>
3 : to spread around as if sowing seeds : DISSEMINATE

stri·at·ed \ˈstrī-ˌāt-əd\ adj : having or showing lines, bands, or grooves

striated muscle n : muscle tissue that is made up of long thin cells with many nuclei and with alternate light and dark stripes, that usually connects to and moves the vertebrate skeleton, and that is mostly under voluntary control — compare SMOOTH MUSCLE, VOLUNTARY MUSCLE

stri·a·tion \strī-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the fact or state of being striated
2 : a tiny groove, scratch, or channel especially when one of a parallel series
3 : any of the alternate dark and light cross bands of a myofibril of striated muscle

strick·en \ˈstrik-ən\ adj
1 : troubled with disease, misfortune, or sorrow
2 : hit or wounded by or as if by an object that was thrown

strict \ˈstrikt\ adj
1 : permitting no avoidance or escape <under strict orders>
2 a : kept with great care : ABSOLUTE <strict secrecy>  b : carefully obeying rules or a code of conduct
3 : completely correct : EXACT, PRECISE <in the strict meaning of the word>
— strict·ly \ˈstrik-(t)lē\ adv

— strict·ness \ˈstrik(t)-nəs\ n

stric·ture \ˈstrik-chər\ n
1 : an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage; also : the narrowed part
2 : a negative criticism : CENSURE

1stride \ˈstrīd\ vb strode \ˈstrōd\; strid·den \ˈstrid-ən\; strid·ing \ˈstrīd-iŋ\
1 : to move with or as if with long even steps <strode across the room>
2 : to take a very long step
— strid·er \ˈstrīd-ər\ n

2stride n
1 : a step or the distance covered by a step
2 : a way of striding
3 : the most effective natural pace — often used in the phrase hit one's stride
4 : a step forward : ADVANCE <made great strides toward their goal>
— in stride : with little or no emotional reaction <took the news in stride>

stri·dent \ˈstrīd-ənt\ adj : harsh sounding : GRATING, SHRILL <a strident voice>
— stri·dent·ly adv

strife \ˈstrīf\ n
1 : bitter sometimes violent disagreement <political strife>
2 : 2STRUGGLE 2, FIGHT

1strike \ˈstrīk\ vb struck \ˈstrək\; struck also strick·en \ˈstrik-ən\; strik·ing \ˈstrī-kiŋ\
1 : to take a course : GO <strike across the field>
2 a : to deliver a stroke or blow : HIT  b : to attack or seize especially with fangs or claws <struck by a snake>
3 : to remove or cancel with or as if with a stroke of the pen <struck out a word in the text>
4 : to lower, take down, or take apart <strike a flag> <strike camp>
5 a : to indicate or become indicated by a clock, bell, or chime <the hour had just struck>  b : to indicate by sounding <the clock struck one>
6 : to pierce or penetrate or to cause to pierce or penetrate <the wind seemed to strike through our clothes>
7 : to make a military attack : FIGHT <strike for freedom>
8 : to seize the bait <a fish struck>
9 : to take root or cause to take root : GERMINATE <some plant cuttings strike quickly>
10 : to stop work for the purpose of forcing an employer to meet demands
11 : to make a beginning : LAUNCH <the orchestra struck into another waltz>
12 : to cause to suffer pain or distress suddenly <struck down at the height of her career>
13 a : to bring into forceful contact <struck my knee against the seat>  b : to come into contact or collision with <the car struck the tree>  c : to fall on <sunlight strikes your face>
14 : to affect with a strong feeling <struck by its beauty>
15 a : to produce by stamping <strike a coin>  b : to cause to ignite by friction <strike a match>
16 : to produce on a musical instrument by hitting or plucking strings <strike a chord on the piano>
17 a : to come to mind <the answer struck me suddenly>  b : to appear remarkable or make a strong impression on : IMPRESS <I was struck by its beauty>
18 a : to come to <strike the main road>  b : to come upon : DISCOVER <strike gold>
19 : to take on : ASSUME <strike a pose>

2strike n
1 : an act or instance of striking
2 a : a stopping of work by a body of workers to force an employer to meet demands  b : a temporary stopping of normal activities in protest against an act or condition <a hunger strike>
3 : a pull on a line by a fish in striking
4 : a stroke of good luck; esp : a discovery of a valuable mineral deposit
5 : a baseball pitch that passes through the strike zone or that is swung at without being hit fair
6 : 1DISADVANTAGE 2A, HANDICAP <their poor attendance was a strike against them>
7 : the knocking down of all the pins with the first ball in bowling
8 : a military attack

strike·bound \ˈstrīk-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : experiencing a strike <a strikebound factory>

strike·break·er \-ˌbrā-kər\ n : a person hired to replace a striking worker

strike·break·ing \-ˌbrā-kiŋ\ n : action designed to break up a strike

strike down vb : to make null and void : ANNUL <struck down the proposal>; esp : to declare (a law) illegal and unenforceable <the court struck down the law>

strike off vb : to produce in an effortless manner <strike off a poem for the occasion>

strike·out \ˈstrī-ˌkau̇t\ n : an out in baseball resulting from a batter's being charged with three strikes

strike out \(ˈ)strī-ˈkau̇t\ vb
1 : to enter upon a course of action <struck out on my own after graduation>
2 : to make an out or cause to make an out in baseball by a strikeout <the shortstop struck out> <the pitcher struck him out with a curve>

strike·over \ˈstrī-ˌkō-vər\ n : an act or instance of striking a typewriter letter, number, or symbol on a spot already occupied by another

strik·er \ˈstrī-kər\ n : a worker on strike

strike up vb
1 : to begin or cause to begin to sing or play <strike up the band>
2 : to cause to begin <strike up a conversation>

strike zone n : the area (as from the armpits to the tops of the knees of a batter) over home plate through which a baseball pitch must pass to be called a strike

strik·ing \ˈstrī-kiŋ\ adj : attracting attention : REMARKABLE, IMPRESSIVE <a striking costume> <a striking resemblance>
— strik·ing·ly adv

1string \ˈstriŋ\ n
1 : a cord usually used to fasten or tie
2 : a thin tough plant structure (as the fiber connecting the halves of a bean pod)
3 a : the gut, wire, or nylon cord of a musical instrument that is plucked, bowed, or struck to produce a sound  b pl : the stringed instruments of an orchestra
4 : the gut, wire, or cord of a racket or shooting bow
5 a : a group of objects threaded on a string <a string of pearls>  b : a series of things arranged in or as if in a line <a string of automobiles>  c : a series of like items (as units of information, marks, or words)  d : the animals and especially horses belonging to or used by one individual
6 : any of several squads of players on a team that are grouped together according to skill <the second string of a football team>
7 : a series in time : SUCCESSION, SEQUENCE
8 pl : requirements or obligations connected with something <an agreement with no strings attached>

2string vb strung \ˈstrəŋ\; string·ing \ˈstriŋ-iŋ\
1 : to equip (as a tennis racket) with strings
2 a : to thread on or as if on a string <string beads>  b : to tie, hang, or fasten with string
3 : to hang by the neck <strung up from a high tree>
4 : to remove the strings of <string beans>
5 a : to extend or stretch like a string <string wires from tree to tree>  b : to set out in a line or series

3string adj : of or relating to stringed musical instruments <the string section of an orchestra>

string along vb
1 : to go along : AGREE <string along with the majority>
2 : DECEIVE 1, FOOL <would string us along with false promises>

string bass n : DOUBLE BASS

string bean n
1 : a bean of one of the older varieties of kidney bean that have stringy fibers on the lines of separation of the pods; also : SNAP BEAN
2 : a very tall thin person

stringed instrument \ˈstriŋd-\ n : any of a group of musical instruments (as the violin, harp, or piano) that is played by plucking or striking or by drawing a bow across tense strings — compare BRASS INSTRUMENT, PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT, WOODWIND 1

strin·gent \ˈstrin-jənt\ adj
1 : tying, drawing, or pressing tight
2 : strict in setting standards or following rules <stringent training>
— strin·gent·ly adv

string·er \ˈstriŋ-ər\ n
1 : one that strings
2 : a long piece of wood or metal used for support or strengthening in a building (as under a floor)

string·ing \ˈstriŋ-iŋ\ n : the material with which a racket is strung

stringy \ˈstriŋ-ē\ adj string·i·er; -est : containing, consisting of, or resembling string <stringy cheese> <stringy hair>
— string·i·ness n

1strip \ˈstrip\ vb stripped \ˈstript\ also stript; strip·ping
1 a : to remove clothing, covering, or surface substance from  b : UNDRESS <stripped and showered>  c : 1PLUNDER, SPOIL <troops stripped the town after capturing it>  d : to take away all duties, honors, or special rights
2 a : to remove a layer that covers : SKIN, PEEL <strip bark from a tree>  b : to remove unimportant material from  c : to remove furniture, equipment, or accessories from
3 : to make bare or clear (as by cutting or grazing)
4 : to tear or damage the screw thread of (as a bolt or nut)
— strip·per n

2strip n
1 : a long narrow piece or area <strips of bacon> <a strip of land>
2 : AIRSTRIP

strip cropping n : the growing of a food crop (as corn) in alternate strips with a crop (as hay) that forms sod and helps keep the soil from being worn away
— strip–crop \-ˌkräp\ vb

1stripe \ˈstrīp\ n : a stroke or blow with a rod or part of a whip

2stripe vb striped \ˈstrīpt\; strip·ing : to make stripes on

3stripe n
1 : a line or long narrow section differing in color or appearance from the background
2 : a piece of braid (as on the sleeve) to indicate military rank or length of service
— stripe·less \ˈstrī-pləs\ adj

striped \ˈstrīpt, ˈstrī-pəd\ adj : having stripes or streaks

striped bass n : a large silvery marine food and sport fish that has black horizontal stripes on the sides, occurs along the Atlantic coast of the U.S., and has been introduced into inland waters (as lakes) along the Pacific coast

strip·ling \ˈstrip-liŋ\ n : a youth just passing from boyhood to manhood

strip mine n : a mine that is worked from the earth's surface by the stripping away of covering material
— strip–mine vb

strive \ˈstrīv\ vb strove \ˈstrōv\ also strived \ˈstrīvd\; striv·en \ˈstriv-ən\ or strived; striv·ing \ˈstrī-viŋ\
1 : to try hard : ENDEAVOR <strive to win>
2 : to struggle against : CONTEND
— striv·er \ˈstrī-vər\ n

strobe \ˈstrōb\ n : a device that produces a very brief strong flash of light (as for photography) and that can be used repeatedly

strode past of STRIDE

1stroke \ˈstrōk\ vb stroked; strok·ing
1 : to rub gently in one direction
2 : to pass the hand over gently in kindness or tenderness [Old English strācian “stroke, caress”]
— strok·er n

2stroke n
1 : the act of striking; esp : a blow with a weapon or instrument
2 : a single unbroken movement; esp : one of a series of repeated or to-and-fro movements
3 : a striking of the ball in a game; esp : a striking or attempt to strike the ball that counts as the scoring unit in golf
4 a : a sudden action or process that results in something being struck <stroke of lightning>  b : an unexpected result <stroke of luck>
5 : sudden weakening or loss of consciousness or the power to feel or move caused by the breaking or blocking (as by a clot) of a blood vessel in the brain — called also apoplexy
6 : one of a series of movements that pushes against something <stroke of an oar>
7 : a vigorous or energetic effort by which something is done, produced, or accomplished <a stroke of genius>
8 : the movement or the distance of the movement in either direction of a mechanical part (as a piston) having a forward and backward motion
9 : the sound of a bell being struck <at the stroke of twelve>
10 a : a mark made by a single movement of a tool <a stroke of the pen>  b : one of the lines of a letter of the alphabet [Middle English stroke “act of striking”]

3stroke vb stroked; strok·ing
1 : to show or cancel with a line <stroked out my name>
2 : 1HIT 1A <gently stroked the ball toward the hole>

stroll \ˈstrōl\ vb : to walk in a leisurely or idle manner : RAMBLE
— stroll n

stroll·er \ˈstrō-lər\ n
1 : one that strolls
2 : a small carriage in which a baby sits and can be pushed around

strong \ˈstrȯŋ\ adj strong·er \ˈstrȯŋ-gər\; strong·est \ˈstrȯŋ-gəst\
1 : having or marked by great physical power : ROBUST
2 : having moral or mental power
3 : having great resources (as of wealth)
4 : of a specified number <an army ten thousand strong>
5 : being great or striking <a strong resemblance>
6 : FORCEFUL, COGENT <strong arguments>
7 : not mild or weak : having much of some quality <strong coffee> <strong acid> <strong glasses>
8 : moving with rapidity or force <strong wind>
9 : ENTHUSIASTIC, ZEALOUS <a strong believer in peace>
10 : not easily captured or overcome <a strong fort>
11 : well established : FIRM <strong traditions>
12 : having a disgusting or powerful odor or flavor : RANK
13 : of, relating to, or being a verb that forms the past tense by a change in the root vowel and the past participle usually by the addition of -en with or without change of the root vowel (as strive, strove, striven or drink, drank, drunk)
— strong adv

— strong·ly \ˈstrȯŋ-lē\ adv
synonyms STRONG, STURDY, TOUGH, mean showing the power to hold out against opposing force. STRONG suggests great power of body or material <a strong person is needed to lift that> <a strong rope for pulling heavy loads>. STURDY suggests the ability to endure pressure or hard use <a sturdy table>. TOUGH suggests firmness and elasticity in a thing <a tough fabric that will last many years> or energetic hardiness or determination in a person <a tough opponent>.

strong·box \ˈstrȯŋ-ˌbäks\ n : a strongly made container for money or valuables

strong force n : the force between the particles of an atomic nucleus that acts to hold the nucleus together and is the strongest known force

strong·hold \ˈstrȯŋ-ˌhōld\ n : FORTRESS

strong–mind·ed \ˈstrȯŋ-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj : very independent in thought and judgment
— strong–mind·ed·ness n

stron·tium \ˈsträn-ch(ē-)əm, ˈstränt-ē-əm\ n : a soft metallic element that can be hammered and shaped, occurs only in combination, and is used in color TV picture tubes and red fireworks — see ELEMENT TABLE

strontium 90 n : a heavy radioactive form of strontium having the mass number 90 that is present in nuclear waste and fallout

1strop \ˈsträp\ n : a usually leather band for sharpening a razor

2strop vb stropped; strop·ping : to sharpen on a strop <strop a razor>

stro·phe \ˈstrō-fē\ n : a division of a poem : STANZA
— stro·phic \ˈstrō-fik, ˈsträf-ik\ adj

strove past and chiefly dialect past participle of STRIVE

struck past and past participle of STRIKE

struc·tur·al \ˈstrək-chə-rəl, ˈstrək-shrəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or affecting structure <structural weaknesses>
2 : used or formed for use in construction <structural steel>
— struc·tur·al·ly \-ē\ adv

structural formula n : an expanded molecular formula showing the arrangement within the molecule of atoms and of bonds

1struc·ture \ˈstrək-chər\ n
1 : the action of building : CONSTRUCTION
2 : something constructed or arranged in a definite pattern of organization
3 : manner of construction : the arrangement or relationship of elements (as particles, parts, or organs) in a substance, body, or system <soil structure> <the structure of a plant> <molecular structure> <social structure> <the structure of a language>
— struc·ture·less \-ləs\ adj

2structure vb struc·tured; struc·tur·ing \ˈstrək-chə-riŋ, ˈstrək-shriŋ\ : to form into a structure : ORGANIZE

stru·del \ˈstrüd-əl, ˈshtrüd-\ n : a pastry made of thin dough rolled up with filling and baked

1strug·gle \ˈstrəg-əl\ vb strug·gled; strug·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make a great effort to overcome someone or something : STRIVE <struggling with the problem>
2 : to proceed with difficulty or with great effort <struggled through the snow>
— strug·gler \-(ə-)lər\ n

2struggle n
1 : 2FIGHT 1A, CONTEST <a power struggle>
2 : a violent or strenuous effort or exertion <a struggle to make ends meet>

struggle for existence : competition (as for food, space, or light) of members of a natural population that tends to eliminate weaker or less efficient individuals and thereby to increase the chance of the stronger or more efficient individuals to pass on their traits

strum \ˈstrəm\ vb strummed; strum·ming : to play a stringed instrument by brushing the strings with the fingers
— strum·mer n

strung past and past participle of STRING

1strut \ˈstrət\ vb strut·ted; strut·ting
1 : to walk in a stiff proud way
2 : to parade (as clothes) with a show of pride
— strut·ter n

2strut n
1 : a bar or brace to resist pressure in the direction of its length
2 : a strutting step or walk

strych·nine \ˈstrik-ˌnīn, -nən, -ˌnēn\ n : a bitter poison that is obtained from certain plants, acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system, and is used especially as a rat poison

1stub \ˈstəb\ n
1 : 1STUMP 2
2 : a pen with a short blunt point
3 : a short part left after a larger part has been broken off or used up <a pencil stub>
4 a : a small part of a check kept as a record of the contents of the check  b : the part of a ticket returned to the user

2stub vb stubbed; stub·bing
1 : to put out (as a cigarette) by crushing
2 : to strike (as one's toe) against an object

stub·ble \ˈstəb-əl\ n
1 : the stem ends of herbs and especially cereal grasses remaining attached to the ground after harvest
2 : a rough surface or growth resembling stubble
— stub·bly \-(ə-)lē\ adj

stub·born \ˈstəb-ərn\ adj
1 a : hard to convince, persuade, or move <stubborn as a mule>  b : having or characterized by a firm idea or purpose : DETERMINED <stubborn courage>
2 : done or continued in a firm and determined manner <stubborn refusal>
3 : difficult to handle, manage, or treat <stubborn hair>  synonyms see OBSTINATE
— stub·born·ly adv

— stub·born·ness \-ərn-(n)əs\ n

stub·by \ˈstəb-ē\ adj : resembling a stub especially in shortness and broadness <stubby fingers>

stuc·co \ˈstək-ō\ n, pl stuccos or stuccoes : a plaster used to cover exterior walls or decorate interior walls
— stuc·coed \-ōd\ adj

stuck past and past participle of STICK

stuck–up \ˈstək-ˈəp\ adj : having too high an opinion of one's own worth or ability : CONCEITED

1stud \ˈstəd\ n
1 : a group of animals and especially horses kept primarily for breeding
2 : a male animal (as a stallion) kept for breeding [Old English stōd]

2stud n
1 : one of the smaller upright supports in the framing of the walls of a building to which the wall materials are fastened
2 a : a knob, pin, bolt, or nail with a large head used for ornament or protection  b : a solid button used on a garment as a fastener or ornament
3 : one of the metal or rubber cleats used on a snow tire to provide a better grip [Old English studu]

3stud vb stud·ded; stud·ding
1 : to furnish (as a wall) with studs
2 : to decorate, cover, or protect with studs
3 : to set or be set thickly together <water studded with islands>

stu·dent \ˈst(y)üd-ənt, chiefly Southern -ənt\ n
1 : SCHOLAR 1; esp : one who attends a school or college
2 : one who studies <a student of life>

student council n : a group elected from a body of students to serve as representatives in student government

student government n : the organization and management of student life, recreation, or discipline by various student organizations in a school or college

stud·ied \ˈstəd-ēd\ adj
1 : carefully thought out or prepared : THOUGHTFUL <your judgments are always studied and fair>
2 : KNOWLEDGEABLE, LEARNED <studied in the craft of blacksmithing>
3 : INTENTIONAL, DELIBERATE <a studied insult>
— stud·ied·ly adv

stu·dio \ˈst(y)üd-ē-ˌō\ n, pl -dios
1 a : the working place of an artist  b : a place for the study of an art
2 : a place where motion pictures are made
3 : a place for the transmission of radio or television programs

studio couch n : an upholstered usually backless couch that can be made to serve as a double bed by sliding from underneath it the frame of a single cot

stu·di·ous \ˈst(y)üd-ē-əs\ adj
1 : devoted to, fond of, or concerned with study <a studious child> <studious habits>
2 : of determined purpose : EARNEST <made a studious effort to obey the rules>
— stu·di·ous·ly adv

— stu·di·ous·ness n

1study \ˈstəd-ē\ n, pl stud·ies
1 : a state of thinking about something steadily : REVERIE
2 a : use of the mind to acquire knowledge <years of study>  b : careful or prolonged consideration <the proposed change is under study>  c : a careful examination or investigation of something; also : a report or publication based on such a study
3 : a building or room devoted to study, reading, or writing
4 a : a division or area of learning : SUBJECT <American studies>  b : the actions or work of a student <returned to her studies after vacation>
5 : a person who learns or memorizes something (as a part in a play) — usually used with an adjective <he's a quick study>

2study vb stud·ied; study·ing
1 : to engage in study or the study of <studied hard> <liked to study geography>
2 : to give close attention to <study a part in a play> <studied the request carefully>

study hall n
1 : a room in a school where students can study
2 : a period in a student's day set aside for study and homework

1stuff \ˈstəf\ n
1 : supplies or equipment that people need or use
2 : writing, conversation, or ideas often of little or temporary worth
3 : something mentioned or understood but not named <sold tons of the stuff>
4 a : basic part of something : SUBSTANCE <the stuff of greatness>  b : body of knowledge <teachers who know their stuff>
5 a : actions or talk of a particular kind <how do they get away with such stuff>  b : special knowledge or ability <a person who has the right stuff will do well here>

2stuff vb
1 a : to fill by or as if by packing things in <was stuffing her pockets with candy>  b : to eat too much <don't stuff yourself with pizza>  c : to fill with a stuffing <stuffed the pillow>
2 : to fill with ideas or information <stuffed their heads with facts>
3 : to fill or block up <a sore throat and stuffed nose>
4 : to put or push into something especially carelessly or with little concern <stuffed the clothes into the drawer>  synonyms see PACK
— stuff·er n

stuff·ing \ˈstəf-iŋ\ n : material used to stuff something; esp : a seasoned mixture used to stuff meat or poultry

stuffy \ˈstəf-ē\ adj stuff·i·er; -est
1 : SULLEN 1, ILL-HUMORED
2 a : lacking fresh air <a stuffy room>  b : stuffed or choked up <had a stuffy feeling in my head>
3 : lacking in pep or interest : DULL, STODGY
4 : SELF-RIGHTEOUS
— stuff·i·ly \ˈstəf-ə-lē\ adv

— stuff·i·ness \ˈstəf-ē-nəs\ n

stul·ti·fy \ˈstəl-tə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to cause to appear or be stupid, foolish, or very unreasonable
2 : to make worthless or useless <stultify creativity>

stum·ble \ˈstəm-bəl\ vb stum·bled; stum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to trip in walking or running
2 a : to walk unsteadily  b : to speak or act in a hesitant or clumsy manner
3 : to come or happen unexpectedly or by chance <stumbled onto the ruins of an old fort>
— stumble n

— stum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

— stum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adv

stum·bling block \ˈstəm-bliŋ-\ n
1 : an obstacle to belief or understanding
2 : an obstacle to progress

1stump \ˈstəmp\ n
1 : the base of a bodily part (as an arm or leg) remaining after the rest is removed
2 : the part of a plant and especially a tree remaining attached to the root after the top is cut off
3 : a part (as of a pencil) remaining after the rest is worn away or lost : STUB
4 : a place or occasion for political public speaking

2stump vb
1 a : 1CHALLENGE 3  b : PERPLEX 1, CONFOUND
2 a : to walk or walk over heavily or clumsily  b : 2STUB 2
3 : to go about making political speeches <stump the state for a candidate> [probably an altered form of earlier stump (noun) “a challenge”]
— stumper n

stumpy \ˈstəm-pē\ adj stump·i·er; -est
1 : short and thick : SQUAT
2 : full of stumps

stun \ˈstən\ vb stunned; stun·ning
1 : to make senseless or dizzy by or as if by a blow
2 : to overcome with astonishment or disbelief <stunned by the news>
— stun n

stung past and past participle of STING

stun gun n : a weapon designed to stun or immobilize (as by electric shock) rather than kill or injure

stunk past and past participle of STINK

stun·ner \ˈstən-ər\ n : one that stuns or is stunning

stun·ning \ˈstən-iŋ\ adj
1 : causing astonishment or disbelief <stunning news>
2 : unusually impressive especially in beauty or excellence <a stunning view> <a stunning effort>
— stun·ning·ly adv

1stunt \ˈstənt\ vb : to hold back the normal growth, development, or progress of [from a dialect word stunt “stubborn, abrupt, stunted,” probably of Scandinavian origin]

2stunt n : an unusual or difficult feat performed or attempted usually to gain attention or publicity [origin unknown]

3stunt vb : to perform stunts

stu·pe·fy \ˈst(y)ü-pə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : ASTONISH, BEWILDER <the strange sight stupefied the crowd>
2 : to make stupid, groggy, or numb <stupefied by the huge meal>

stu·pen·dous \st(y)u̇-ˈpen-dəs\ adj : amazing especially because of great size or height <stupendous gorges>  synonyms see MONSTROUS
— stu·pen·dous·ly adv

— stu·pen·dous·ness n

stu·pid \ˈst(y)ü-pəd\ adj
1 a : dull of mind : DENSE  b : given to unwise decisions or actions : UNTHINKING
2 : dulled in feeling or sensation
3 : showing or resulting from foolish thinking or acting : SENSELESS <a stupid mistake>
4 : not interesting or worthwhile : BORING <a stupid movie>
— stu·pid·ly adv

— stu·pid·ness n

stu·pid·i·ty \st(y)u̇-ˈpid-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being stupid
2 : something (as an idea or act) that is stupid

stu·por \ˈst(y)ü-pər\ n
1 : a condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or feeling <drifted into a pleasant, dreamy stupor>
2 : a state of dullness or lack of interest resulting often from stress or shock

stur·dy \ˈstərd-ē\ adj stur·di·er; -est
1 a : firmly built or made <a sturdy ship>  b : strong and healthy in body : HARDY, ROBUST
2 : 1FIRM 3, RESOLUTE <sturdy self-reliance>
— stur·di·ly \ˈstərd-əl-ē\ adj

— stur·di·ness \ˈstərd-ē-nəs\ n

stur·geon \ˈstər-jən\ n : any of various usually large long-bodied fishes having a thick skin covered with rows of bony plates that are valued especially for their eggs which are made into caviar

1stut·ter \ˈstət-ər\ vb : to speak in an uneven way with involuntary repeating or interruption of sounds
— stut·ter·er \-ər-ər\ n

2stutter n
1 : an act or instance of stuttering
2 : a speech disorder involving stuttering

1sty \ˈstī\ n, pl sties also styes : PIGPEN [Old English stig “a pen for swine”]

2sty or stye \ˈstī\ n, pl sties or styes : a painful red swelling of a skin gland on the edge of an eyelid [a shortened form of obsolete styan “a painful swelling of a gland on the edge of the eyelid,” from Old English stīgend (same meaning), from stīgan “to rise up”]

1style \ˈstī(ə)l\ n
1 a : a way of expressing oneself (as in speaking or writing)  b : a particular way by which something is done, created, or performed <a unique style of horseback riding> <the classical style of dance>
2 a : STYLUS 1  b : a column built so that its shadow indicates the time of day  c : the narrow long middle part of the pistil of a flower which bears the stigma at its tip
3 a : the state of being popular : FASHION <clothes that are always in style>  b : fashionable elegance  c : beauty, grace, or ease of doing something <handled the awkward moment with style>
4 : the custom or plan followed in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and arrangement and display of type
— style·less \-ləs\ adj

2style vb styled; styl·ing
1 : to call by an identifying term : NAME <style themselves scientists>
2 a : to give a particular style to <cuts and styles hair>  b : to design or make in agreement with an accepted way of doing something
— styl·er n

styl·ish \ˈstī-lish\ adj : having style; esp : FASHIONABLE
— styl·ish·ly adv

— styl·ish·ness n

styl·ist \ˈstī-ləst\ n
1 : a person known for an outstanding style <a song stylist> <a prose stylist>
2 : one who develops, designs, or advises on styles <a hair stylist>
— sty·lis·tic \stī-ˈlis-tik\ adj

— sty·lis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

styl·ize \ˈstī(ə)l-ˌīz\ vb styl·ized; styl·iz·ing : to represent or design according to a style or pattern rather than according to nature or tradition

sty·lus \ˈstī-ləs\ n, pl sty·li \ˈstī(ə)l-ˌī\ also sty·lus·es \ˈstī-lə-səz\
1 : an instrument used by the ancients for writing on wax tablets
2 : 1NEEDLE 4

sty·mie \ˈstī-mē\ vb sty·mied; sty·mie·ing : to present an obstacle to : stand in the way of <an unexpected snowstorm stymied travelers' plans>

Sty·ro·foam \ˈstī-rə-ˌfōm\ trademark — used for an expanded stiff plastic

sua·sion \ˈswā-zhən\ n : the act of influencing or persuading <moral suasion>

suave \ˈswäv\ adj suav·er; -est : smoothly polite and agreeable <a suave young man>
— suave·ly adv

— suave·ness n

— sua·vi·ty \ˈswäv-ət-ē\ n

1sub \ˈsəb\ n : 1SUBSTITUTE

2sub vb subbed; sub·bing : to act as a substitute

3sub n : 2SUBMARINE

sub- prefix
1 : under : beneath : below <subsoil> <subfreezing>
2 a : being at a lower rank or secondary level <substation>  b : division or lesser part of <subcommittee> <subtopic>  c : involving a secondary stage or process <sublet> <subcontract>
3 : less than completely, perfectly, or typically : somewhat <subdominant>
4 : bordering upon <subarctic> [from Latin sub- “under, below”]

sub·ant·arc·tic \ˌsəb-ant-ˈärk-tik, -ˈärt-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being a region just outside the antarctic circle <subantarctic islands> <subantarctic seals>

sub·arc·tic \ˌsəb-ˈärk-tik, ˈsəb-ˈärt-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being regions immediately outside of the arctic circle or regions similar to these in climate or conditions of life <subarctic waters> <subarctic plants>

sub·com·mit·tee \ˈsəb-kə-ˌmit-ē, ˌsəb-kə-ˈmit-ē\ n : a part of a committee usually organized for a certain purpose

sub·com·pact \ˈsəb-ˈkäm-ˌpakt\ n : an automobile smaller than a compact

1sub·con·scious \ˌsəb-ˈkän-chəs, ˈsəb-\ adj : existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness <a subconscious motive>
— sub·con·scious·ly adv

2subconscious n : the mental activities just below the limit of consciousness

sub·con·ti·nent \ˈsəb-ˈkänt-ən-ənt, -ˈkänt-nənt, -ˌkänt-\ n : a large area of land smaller than a continent; esp : a major subdivision of a continent <the Indian subcontinent>
— sub·con·ti·nen·tal \ˌsəb-ˌkänt-ən-ˈent-əl\ adj

sub·con·tract \ˈsəb-ˈkän-ˌtrakt, -ˌkän-\ n : a contract between a party to an original contract and a third party who usually agrees to supply work or materials required in the original contract
— sub·con·tract \ˌsəb-ˈkän-ˌtrakt, ˈsəb-; ˌsəb-kən-ˈtrakt\ vb

— sub·con·trac·tor \ˌsəb-ˈkän-ˌtrak-tər, ˈsəb-; ˌsəb-kən-ˈtrak-tər\ n

sub·cu·ta·ne·ous \ˌsəb-kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs\ adj : being, living, occurring, or given under the skin <subcutaneous parasites>

sub·di·vide \ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd\ vb
1 : to divide the parts of something into more parts
2 : to divide into several parts; esp : to divide a piece of land into building lots

sub·di·vi·sion \ˌsəb-də-ˈvizh-ən\ n
1 : the act or process of subdividing
2 : one of the parts into which something is subdivided

sub·dom·i·nant \ˌsəb-ˈdäm(-ə)-nənt, ˈsəb-\ n
1 : something dominant to a lesser or partial degree
2 : the fourth tone of a major or minor scale (as F in the scale of C)
— subdominant adj

sub·due \səb-ˈd(y)ü\ vb sub·dued; sub·du·ing
1 : to overcome in battle <subdued the enemy>
2 : to bring under control especially by willpower <subdued his fears>
3 : to reduce the brightness or strength of : SOFTEN <tried to subdue the light>
— sub·du·er n

subdued adj : lacking in liveliness, intensity, or strength <subdued colors>

sub·en·try \ˈsəb-ˌen-trē\ n : an entry (as in a catalog) made under a more general entry

sub·freez·ing \ˈsəb-ˈfrē-ziŋ\ adj : being or marked by temperature below the freezing point (as of water) <subfreezing weather>

sub·group \ˈsəb-ˌgrüp\ n : a group whose members usually share some common quality that makes them different from the other members of a larger group to which they belong

sub·head \ˈsəb-ˌhed\ n
1 : a heading under which one of the divisions of a subject is listed
2 : a title or headline coming after the main title or headline

sub·head·ing \ˈsəb-ˌhed-iŋ\ n : SUBHEAD

1sub·ject \ˈsəb-jikt\ n
1 a : a person under the authority or control of another  b : a person who owes loyalty to a monarch or state
2 a : a department of knowledge or learning  b : an individual (as a person or a mouse) that is studied or experimented on  c : the person or thing discussed : TOPIC <the subject of an essay>
3 : a noun or term functioning as a noun about which something is stated in the predicate of a sentence <“child” in “the child threw the ball” is the subject>

2subject adj
1 : owing obedience or loyalty to another
2 a : likely to be affected by <subject to temptation>  b : having a tendency <subject to catching colds>
3 : depending on <subject to your approval>

3sub·ject \səb-ˈjekt\ vb
1 a : to bring under control or rule  b : to make responsive to the discipline and control of a superior
2 : to make likely <his poor conduct subjected him to criticism>
3 : to cause or force to put up with something difficult, unpleasant, or inconvenient <unwilling to subject us to embarrassment>
— sub·jec·tion \səb-ˈjek-shən\ n

sub·jec·tive \(ˌ)səb-ˈjek-tiv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a subject
2 : of, relating to, or arising within one's self or mind : PERSONAL <a subjective point of view>
— sub·jec·tive·ly adv

— sub·jec·tiv·i·ty \(ˌ)səb-ˌjek-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

subject matter n : matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study <the poem's subject matter>

sub·ju·gate \ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt\ vb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to bring under control and rule as a subject : CONQUER
2 : to make willing to submit to others : SUBDUE
— sub·ju·ga·tion \ˌsəb-ji-ˈgā-shən\ n

— sub·ju·ga·tor \ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt-ər\ n

1sub·junc·tive \səb-ˈjəŋ(k)-tiv\ adj : of, relating to, or being a verb form that represents an act or state not as fact but as conditional or possible or viewed emotionally (as with doubt or desire) <the verb “were” is in the subjunctive mood in “if I were you, I wouldn't go”>

2subjunctive n : the subjunctive mood of a verb or a verb in this mood

sub·lease \ˈsəb-ˈlēs, -ˌlēs\ n : a lease by a tenant of part or all of leased property to another person
— sublease vb

sub·let \ˈsəb-ˈlet\ vb -let; -let·ting
1 : to lease or rent all or part of a leased or rented property
2 : to hire a third party to perform under a subcontract the work included in an original contract : SUBCONTRACT

sub·li·mate \ˈsəb-lə-ˌmāt\ vb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : 1SUBLIME
2 : to direct the expression of (a desire or emotion) from an unacceptable form to one that is considered proper by one's culture or society
— sub·li·ma·tion \ˌsəb-lə-ˈmā-shən\ n

1sub·lime \sə-ˈblīm\ vb sub·limed; sub·lim·ing : to change or cause to change from a solid to a gaseous form and sometimes back to solid form without passing through a liquid form

2sublime adj sub·lim·er; -est
1 : grand or noble in thought, expression, or manner <sublime truths>
2 : having an impressive quality that inspires awe <sublime beauty>  synonyms see SPLENDID
— sub·lime·ly adv

— sub·lime·ness n

sub·lim·i·nal \(ˌ)səb-ˈlim-ən-əl, ˈsəb-\ adj
1 : not strong enough to produce a sensation or a mental awareness <subliminal stimuli>
2 : existing or functioning below the level of conscious awareness <the subliminal mind> <subliminal advertising>
— sub·lim·i·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

sub·ma·chine gun \ˌsəb-mə-ˈshēn-ˌgən\ n : a lightweight automatic portable firearm

sub·mar·gin·al \ˌsəb-ˈmärj-nəl, ˈsəb-, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : located near or beneath a margin or a marginal part
2 : inadequate for some end or use <farming submarginal land>

1sub·ma·rine \ˈsəb-mə-ˌrēn, ˌsəb-mə-ˈrēn\ adj : UNDERWATER; esp : UNDERSEA <submarine plants>

2submarine n
1 : a naval vessel designed to operate underwater
2 : a large sandwich on a long split roll

sub·ma·ri·ner \ˈsəb-mə-ˌrē-nər, ˌsəb-mə-ˈrē-nər also ˌsəb-ˈmar-ə-\ n : a member of a submarine crew

sub·me·di·ant \ˌsəb-ˈmēd-ē-ənt, ˈsəb-\ n : the sixth tone of a minor or major scale

sub·merge \səb-ˈmərj\ vb sub·merged; sub·merg·ing
1 : to put or go underwater <the whale submerged>
2 : to cover or become covered with or as if with water <floods submerged the town>

sub·merse \səb-ˈmərs\ vb sub·mersed; sub·mers·ing : SUBMERGE

1sub·mers·ible \səb-ˈmər-sə-bəl\ adj : capable of being submerged <submersible pumps>

2submersible n : something that is submersible; esp : 2SUBMARINE 1

sub·mer·sion \-ˈmər-zhən, -shən\ n : the action of submerging : the state of being submerged

sub·min·ia·ture \ˌsəb-ˈmin-ē-ə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, ˈsəb-, -ˈmin-i-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -ˈmin-yə-, -chər\ adj : very small <subminiature electronic equipment>

sub·mis·sion \səb-ˈmish-ən\ n
1 : an act of submitting something (as for consideration or comment); also : something submitted (as a musical composition)
2 : the condition of being humble or obedient
3 : an act of submitting to the authority or control of another

sub·mis·sive \səb-ˈmis-iv\ adj : inclined or willing to submit to others : YIELDING [from Latin submissus, past participle of submittere “to let down,” from sub- “under, below” and mittere “to send, throw” — related to MESSAGE]
— sub·mis·sive·ly adv

— sub·mis·sive·ness n

sub·mit \səb-ˈmit\ vb sub·mit·ted; sub·mit·ting
1 : to subject to a process or treatment <the metal was submitted to analysis>
2 : to present to another for review or decision <submit a question to the court> <submit a report>
3 : to put forward as an opinion, reason, or idea <we submit that the facts have not been established>
4 : to give in to the authority, control, or choice of another  synonyms see YIELD

sub·nor·mal \ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-məl, ˈsəb-\ adj : being lower, smaller, or less than what is considered normal <subnormal temperatures>
— sub·nor·mal·i·ty \ˌsəb-nȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē\ n

— sub·nor·mal·ly \ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-mə-lē, ˈsəb-\ adv

sub·note·book \ˈsəb-ˈnōt-ˌbu̇k\ n : a portable computer similar to but smaller and lighter than a notebook computer

1sub·or·di·nate \sə-ˈbȯrd-ən-ət, -ˈbȯrd-nət\ adj
1 : placed in or occupying a lower class or rank <a subordinate officer>
2 : yielding to or controlled by authority
3 a : of, relating to, or being a clause that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb  b : SUBORDINATING
— sub·or·di·nate·ly adv

— sub·or·di·nate·ness n

2subordinate n : one that is subordinate

3sub·or·di·nate \sə-ˈbȯrd-ən-ˌāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to make subordinate
— sub·or·di·na·tion \-ˌbȯrd-ən-ˈā-shən\ n

— sub·or·di·na·tive \-ˈbȯrd-ən-ˌāt-iv\ adj

sub·or·di·nat·ing \sə-ˈbȯrd-ən-ˌāt-iŋ\ adj : introducing and linking a subordinate clause to a main clause <a subordinating conjunction>

sub·plot \ˈsəb-ˌplät\ n : a subordinate plot in fiction or drama

1sub·poe·na \sə-ˈpē-nə\ n : an order in writing commanding a person named in it to appear in court under a penalty for failure to appear [from the Latin phrase sub poena “under penalty”; used as the beginning words of the order]

2subpoena vb -naed; -na·ing : to serve or summon with a subpoena

sub·po·lar \ˌsəb-ˈpō-lər, ˈsəb-\ adj
1 : SUBARCTIC
2 : SUBANTARCTIC

sub·rou·tine \ˌsəb-(ˌ)rü-ˈtēn\ n : a sequence of computer instructions for performing a specified task that can be used repeatedly

sub–Sa·ha·ran \ˌsəb-sə-ˈhar-ən, ˈsəb-, -ˈher-, -ˈhär-\ adj : of, relating to, or being the part of Africa south of the Sahara

sub·scribe \səb-ˈskrīb\ vb sub·scribed; sub·scrib·ing
1 : to make known one's approval by or as if by signing <we subscribe to your plan>
2 : to agree to give or contribute by signing one's name with the amount promised <subscribe fifty dollars to the fund>
3 a : to enter one's name for a publication or service  b : to receive a periodical or service regularly on order
4 : to feel favorably inclined <I subscribe to your sentiments>
— sub·scrib·er n

sub·script \ˈsəb-ˌskript\ n : a distinguishing symbol (as a letter or number) immediately below or below and to the right or left of another written character
— sub·script adj

sub·scrip·tion \səb-ˈskrip-shən\ n
1 : an act or instance of subscribing
2 : something (as a document containing a signature) that is subscribed
3 : an arrangement for providing, receiving, or making use of something of a continuing or periodic nature on a prepayment plan; esp : a purchase of a certain number of future issues (as of a magazine)

sub·sense \ˈsəb-ˌsen(t)s\ n : a subordinate division of a sense (as in a dictionary)

sub·se·quent \ˈsəb-si-kwənt, -sə-ˌkwent\ adj : following in time, order, or place <subsequent events>
— subsequent n

— sub·se·quent·ly \-ˌkwent-lē, -kwənt-\ adv

sub·ser·vi·ence \səb-ˈsər-vē-ən(t)s\ n
1 : a subordinate place or function
2 : obedience befitting one of a menial position

sub·ser·vi·en·cy \səb-ˈsər-vē-ən-sē\ n : SUBSERVIENCE

sub·ser·vi·ent \səb-ˈsər-vē-ənt\ adj
1 : useful in an inferior capacity : SUBORDINATE
2 : inclined or willing to submit to others : SUBMISSIVE
— sub·ser·vi·ent·ly adv

sub·set \ˈsəb-ˌset\ n : a mathematical set that is a part of another mathematical set <the set of even numbers is a subset of the set of all numbers>

sub·side \səb-ˈsīd\ vb sub·sid·ed; sub·sid·ing
1 : to sink or fall to the bottom : SETTLE
2 : to become quiet or less : ABATE <as the fever subsides> <my anger subsided>
— sub·si·dence \səb-ˈsīd-ən(t)s, ˈsəb-səd-ən(t)s\ n

1sub·sid·iary \səb-ˈsid-ē-ˌer-ē, -ˈsid-ə-rē\ adj : of secondary importance <subsidiary streams>

2subsidiary n, pl -iar·ies : one that is subsidiary; esp : a company wholly controlled by another

sub·si·dize \ˈsəb-sə-ˌdīz, -zə-\ vb -dized; -diz·ing : to aid or furnish with a subsidy
— sub·si·di·za·tion \ˌsəb-səd-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌsəb-zəd-\ n

— sub·si·diz·er n

sub·si·dy \ˈsəb-səd-ē, -zəd-\ n, pl -dies : a grant or gift especially of money; esp : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public

sub·sist \səb-ˈsist\ vb
1 : to have or continue to have existence : BE, PERSIST
2 : to have or get the necessities of life (as food and clothing); esp : to nourish oneself <subsisting on roots and berries>

sub·sis·tence \səb-ˈsis-tən(t)s\ n
1 a : real being : EXISTENCE  b : the condition of remaining in existence : CONTINUATION, PERSISTENCE
2 a : means of subsisting  b : the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life
— sub·sis·tent \-tənt\ adj

sub·soil \ˈsəb-ˌsȯil\ n : a layer of weathered material that lies just under the surface soil

sub·son·ic \ˌsəb-ˈsän-ik, ˈsəb-\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being a speed less than that of sound in air
2 : moving, capable of moving, or using air currents moving at a subsonic speed

sub·spe·cies \ˈsəb-ˌspē-shēz, -sēz\ n : a category in biological classification that ranks just below a species and includes a physically recognizable and geographically separate group of individuals whose members can breed successfully with members of other subspecies of the same species where their ranges overlap
— sub·spe·cif·ic \ˌsəb-spi-ˈsif-ik\ adj

sub·stance \ˈsəb-stən(t)s\ n
1 a : essential nature : ESSENCE <divine substance>  b : the fundamental or essential part, quality, or meaning <the substance of the speech>
2 a : physical material from which something is made  b : material of particular or definite chemical constitution <an oily substance>  c : something (as drugs or alcoholic beverages) considered harmful and usually subject to legal restriction <substance abuse>
3 : material possessions : PROPERTY <a person of substance>

sub·stan·dard \ˌsəb-ˈstan-dərd, ˈsəb-\ adj
1 : varying from or falling short of a standard or norm <substandard housing>
2 : following a pattern of linguistic usage that is not considered standard <substandard English>

sub·stan·tial \səb-ˈstan-chəl\ adj
1 a : consisting of or relating to substance : MATERIAL  b : not imaginary : REAL <the substantial world>  c : IMPORTANT 1, ESSENTIAL <substantial differences>
2 : enough to satisfy and nourish <a substantial meal>
3 a : PROSPEROUS 1 <a substantial farmer>  b : considerable in quantity : significantly large <a substantial increase>
4 : firmly constructed <a substantial building>
— sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan-chē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— sub·stan·tial·ly \-ˈstanch-(ə-)lē\ adv

sub·stan·ti·ate \səb-ˈstan-chē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to give substance or form to : EMBODY
2 : to establish by proof or evidence <substantiate a claim>
— sub·stan·ti·a·tion \-ˌstan-chē-ˈā-shən\ n

1sub·stan·tive \ˈsəb-stən-tiv\ n : a word or word group that functions in a sentence as a noun
— sub·stan·ti·val \ˌsəb-stən-ˈtī-vəl\ adj

2substantive adj
1 : of, relating to, or being completely independent
2 : real rather than apparent <substantive evidence>
3 : having the function of a grammatical substantive <a substantive phrase>
4 : considerable in amount or numbers : SUBSTANTIAL <made substantive progress>
5 : creating and defining rights and duties <substantive law>
6 : involving matters of major or practical importance to all concerned <substantive discussions among world leaders>
— sub·stan·tive·ly adv

sub·sta·tion \ˈsəb-ˌstā-shən\ n
1 : a branch post office
2 : a subsidiary station in which electric current is transformed

1sub·sti·tute \ˈsəb-stə-ˌt(y)üt\ n : a person or thing that takes the place of another
— substitute adj

2substitute vb -tut·ed; -tut·ing
1 : to put in the place of another : REPLACE
2 : to serve as a substitute
— sub·sti·tu·tion \ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən\ n

sub·strate \ˈsəb-ˌstrāt\ n
1 : an underlying layer: as  a : SUBSTRATUM A  b : the base on which an organism lives or over which it moves <the soil is the substrate of most plants>
2 : a substance acted upon (as by an enzyme)

sub·stra·tum \ˈsəb-ˌstrāt-əm, -ˌstrat-\ n : an underlying support or layer: as  a : the material of which something is made  b : a layer beneath the surface layer of soil : SUBSOIL  c : SUBSTRATE B

sub·struc·ture \ˈsəb-ˌstrək-chər\ n : an underlying or supporting part of a structure

sub·sume \səb-ˈsüm\ vb sub·sumed; sub·sum·ing : to include or place within something larger or more general <red and green are subsumed under the term “color”>

sub·teen \ˈsəb-ˈtēn\ n : a child nearing adolescence

sub·ter·fuge \ˈsəb-tər-ˌfyüj\ n
1 : the action of deceiving usually by slyness in order to avoid some unpleasant circumstance (as to escape blame)
2 : a plan or trick that employs sly deception

sub·ter·ra·nean \ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj
1 : being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth
2 : existing or working in secret : HIDDEN

sub·ti·tle \ˈsəb-ˌtīt-əl\ n
1 : a secondary or explanatory title
2 : a printed statement or bit of dialogue appearing on the screen between the scenes of a silent movie or appearing as a translation at the bottom of the screen during the scenes of a movie in a foreign language
— subtitle vb

sub·tle \ˈsət-əl\ adj sub·tler \ˈsət-lər, -əl-ər\; sub·tlest \ˈsət-ləst, -əl-əst\
1 a : DELICATE 1, ELUSIVE <a subtle fragrance>  b : difficult to understand or distinguish <subtle differences in vowel sounds>
2 : marked by a keen ability to understand <a subtle mind>
3 : SLY 1A, CRAFTY <subtle flattery>
4 : working slowly but effectively <a subtle poison> [Middle English sotil, subtile “delicate,” from early French sotil (same meaning), from Latin subtilis “delicate,” literally, “finely woven,” from sub “under, close to” and tela “fabric woven on a loom”]
— sub·tle·ness \ˈsət-əl-nəs\ n

— sub·tly \ˈsət-lē, ˈsət-əl-(l)ē\ adv

sub·tle·ty \ˈsət-əl-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being subtle
2 : something subtle

sub·ton·ic \ˌsəb-ˈtän-ik, ˈsəb-\ n : LEADING TONE

sub·top·ic \ˈsəb-ˌtäp-ik\ n : a topic (as in a composition) that is a division of a main topic

sub·to·tal \ˈsəb-ˌtōt-əl\ n : the sum of part of a series of figures

sub·tract \səb-ˈtrakt\ vb
1 : to take away (as one part or number) from another : DEDUCT <subtract 5 from 9>
2 : to perform a subtraction

sub·trac·tion \səb-ˈtrak-shən\ n
1 : an act or instance of subtracting
2 : the operation of deducting one number from another

sub·trac·tive \səb-ˈtrak-tiv\ adj : being or involving subtraction

sub·tra·hend \ˈsəb-trə-ˌhend\ n : a number that is to be subtracted from another number

sub·trop·i·cal \ˌsəb-ˈträp-i-kəl, ˈsəb-\ also sub·trop·ic \-ˈträp-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone <subtropical forests>

sub·trop·ics \ˌsəb-ˈträp-iks, ˈsəb-\ n pl : subtropical regions

sub·tweet \ˈsəb-ˌtwēt\ n : a usually mocking or critical tweet that alludes to another Twitter user without including the link to the user's account and often without directly mentioning the user's name
— sub·tweet vb

sub·unit \ˈsəb-ˌyü-nət\ n : a unit that forms an individually distinct part of a more comprehensive unit

sub·urb \ˈsəb-ˌərb\ n
1 a : a part of a city or town near its outer edge  b : a smaller community close to a city
2 pl : the area of homes close to or surrounding a city [Middle English suburb “part around the outer edge of a city,” from early French (same meaning), from Latin suburbium (same meaning), from sub “under, close to” and urbs “city”]
— sub·ur·ban \sə-ˈbər-bən\ adj or n

sub·ur·ban·ite \sə-ˈbər-bə-ˌnīt\ n : a person who lives in the suburbs

sub·ur·bia \sə-ˈbər-bē-ə\ n : the suburbs of a city

sub·ver·sion \səb-ˈvər-zhən\ n : the act of overthrowing : the state of being overthrown; esp : an attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly within the country involved
— sub·ver·sive \-ˈvər-siv, -ziv\ adj or n

— sub·ver·sive·ly adv

sub·vert \səb-ˈvərt\ vb
1 : to overturn or overthrow from the foundation
2 : to undermine the morals, allegiance, or faith of : CORRUPT
— sub·vert·er n

sub·way \ˈsəb-ˌwā\ n
1 : an underground passage
2 : a usually electric underground railway

sub·woof·er \-ˈwu̇f-ər\ n : a loudspeaker producing only the lowest frequencies

sub·ze·ro \ˌsəb-ˈzē-rō\ adj : being or marked by temperature below zero

suc·ceed \sək-ˈsēd\ vb
1 a : to come next after another in office or position or in possession of an estate; esp : to inherit sovereignty  b : to follow after another in order
2 a : to turn out well  b : to reach a desired end or object : be successful [Middle English succeden “to come after,” from Latin succedere “to go up, follow after,” from sub- “under, near” and cedere “to go, yield” — related to CONCEDE, NECESSARY]
— suc·ceed·er n

suc·cess \sək-ˈses\ n
1 a : degree or measure of succeeding  b : satisfactory completion of something  c : the gaining of wealth, respect, or fame
2 : a person or thing that succeeds

suc·cess·ful \sək-ˈses-fəl\ adj
1 : resulting or ending in success
2 : gaining or having gained success
— suc·cess·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— suc·cess·ful·ness n

suc·ces·sion \sək-ˈsesh-ən\ n
1 : the order, action, or right of succeeding to a throne, title, or property
2 a : a repeated following of one person or thing after another  b : a series of one-way changes in the composition of a biological community in which one group of plants or animals is replaced by a different group
— suc·ces·sion·al \-ˈsesh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

suc·ces·sive \sək-ˈses-iv\ adj : following in order : following each other without interruption <failed in three successive tries>
— suc·ces·sive·ly adv

— suc·ces·sive·ness n

suc·ces·sor \sək-ˈses-ər\ n : one that follows; esp : a person who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

suc·cinct \(ˌ)sək-ˈsiŋ(k)t, sə-ˈsiŋ(k)t\ adj : marked by short concise expression without wasted words
— suc·cinct·ly adv

— suc·cinct·ness n

1suc·cor \ˈsək-ər\ n : RELIEF 1A

2succor vb suc·cored; suc·cor·ing \ˈsək-(ə-)riŋ\ : to go to the aid of (one in need or distress) : RELIEVE
— suc·cor·er \ˈsək-ər-ər\ n

suc·co·tash \ˈsək-ə-ˌtash\ n : lima or shell beans and green corn cooked together

suc·cu·lence \ˈsək-yə-lən(t)s\ n : the state of being succulent

1suc·cu·lent \ˈsək-yə-lənt\ adj
1 a : full of juice : JUICY <succulent cherries>  b : moist and tasty <a succulent meal>  c : having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture <succulent plants>
2 : rich in interest <a succulent book>
— suc·cu·lent·ly adv

2succulent n : a succulent plant (as a cactus or an aloe)

suc·cumb \sə-ˈkəm\ vb
1 : to yield to force or pressure <succumb to temptation>
2 : 1DIE 1 <many of the early settlers succumbed during the winter>

1such \(ˈ)səch, (ˌ)sich\ adj
1 : of a kind or character to be indicated or suggested <a coat such as a doctor wears>
2 : having a quality already specified <deeply moved by such acts of kindness>
3 : so great : so remarkable <such a storm> <such courage>
4 : of the same class, type, or sort : SIMILAR <opened three such stores>

2such pron
1 : such a person or thing <has a plan if it may be called such>
2 : someone or something stated, implied, or exemplified <such was the result> <such were the Romans>
3 : someone or something of the same kind <ships and planes and such>

3such adv
1 : to such a degree : SO <such tall buildings>
2 : 2VERY 1 <hasn't been in such good spirits lately>

1such·like \ˈsəch-ˌlīk\ adj : of like kind : SIMILAR <the third suchlike event>

2suchlike pron : someone or something of the same sort : a similar person or thing <pencils, pens, and suchlike>

1suck \ˈsək\ vb
1 a : to draw in liquid and especially mother's milk with the mouth  b : to draw liquid from by action of the mouth <suck an orange>; also : to draw something from or consume by such action <suck a candy>  c : to apply the mouth to in order to or as if to suck out a liquid <sucked my thumb>
2 : to take something in or up or remove something from by or as if by suction <plants sucking moisture from the soil>
3 : to act in an overly flattering or attentive manner <suck up to the boss>

2suck n
1 : a sucking movement or force
2 : the act of sucking

suck·er \ˈsək-ər\ n
1 a : one that sucks  b : a part of an animal's body used for sucking or for clinging by suction
2 : a shoot from the roots or lower part of the stem of a plant
3 : any of numerous freshwater fishes related to the carps that usually have thick soft lips for sucking in food
4 : LOLLIPOP
5 : a person easily fooled or cheated
6 : a person irresistibly attracted to something <a sucker for historical novels>

sucker punch vb : to punch (a person) suddenly and usually without any obvious reason
— sucker punch n

suck·ing louse n : any of an order of wingless insects that include the true lice and have mouthparts used for sucking body fluids

suck·le \ˈsək-əl\ vb suck·led; suck·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to give or draw milk from the breast or udder

suck·ling \ˈsək-liŋ\ n : a young mammal still sucking milk from its mother

su·crase \ˈsü-ˌkrās\ n : an enzyme that splits sucrose into glucose and fructose

su·crose \ˈsü-ˌkrōs\ n : a sweet sugar obtained especially from sugarcane or sugar beets

suc·tion \ˈsək-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of sucking
2 a : the action or process of drawing something (as liquid or dust) into a space (as a vacuum cleaner or a pump) by removing air from the space  b : the force caused by suction

suction cup n : a cup of glass or of a flexible material (as rubber) in which a partial vacuum is produced when applied to a surface

sud·den \ˈsəd-ən\ adj
1 a : happening or coming unexpectedly <a sudden shower>  b : changing angle or character all at once <a sudden turn in the road>
2 : marked by or showing haste <a sudden decision>
3 : made or brought about in a short time <a sudden cure>
— sud·den·ly adv

— sud·den·ness \ˈsəd-ən-(n)əs\ n

— all of a sudden : sooner than was expected : SUDDENLY

sudden death n : extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins

su·do·ku \sü-ˈdō-kü\ n : a puzzle in which several numbers are to be filled into a 9x9 grid of squares so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 [from Japanese sūdoku, short for sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru “the numbers must remain single” (i.e., the digits can occur only once)]

1suds \ˈsədz\ n pl
1 : soapy water especially when frothy
2 : the froth on soapy water

2suds vb : to form suds

sudsy \ˈsəd-zē\ adj suds·i·er; -est : full of suds

sue \ˈsü\ vb sued; su·ing
1 : to seek justice from a person by bringing a legal action
2 : to make a request or application : PLEAD — usually used with for or to <the weaker nation sued for peace>
— su·er n

suede also suède \ˈswād\ n
1 : leather rubbed on one side to produce a velvety surface
2 : a cloth fabric that looks and feels like suede [from French gants de Suède “Swedish gloves,” from Suède “Sweden”]

su·et \ˈsü-ət\ n : the hard fat around the kidneys in beef and mutton from which tallow is made

suf·fer \ˈsəf-ər\ vb suf·fered; suf·fer·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to feel or endure pain
2 : to experience something unpleasant <suffer a defeat>
3 : to bear loss or damage <the business suffered during the storm>
4 : 1PERMIT 1, ALLOW
— suf·fer·able \ˈsəf-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj

— suf·fer·able·ness n

— suf·fer·ably \-blē\ adv

— suf·fer·er \ˈsəf-ər-ər\ n

suf·fer·ance \ˈsəf-(ə-)rən(t)s\ n
1 : consent or approval implied by a lack of interference or failure to enforce a prohibition
2 : power or ability to put up with

suf·fer·ing n
1 : the state or experience of one that suffers
2 : a pain or injury endured

suf·fice \sə-ˈfīs\ vb suf·ficed; suf·fic·ing
1 : to meet or satisfy a need : be sufficient <a brief note will suffice>
2 : to be competent or capable
3 : to be enough for

suf·fi·cien·cy \sə-ˈfish-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : sufficient means to meet one's needs
2 : the quality or state of being sufficient : ADEQUACY

suf·fi·cient \sə-ˈfish-ənt\ adj : enough to achieve a goal or fill a need
— suf·fi·cient·ly adv

1suf·fix \ˈsəf-ˌiks\ n : a letter or group of letters that comes at the end of a word and has a meaning of its own
— suf·fix·al \-ˌik-səl\ adj

— suf·fix·less \-ˌiks-ləs\ adj

2suf·fix \ˈsəf-ˌiks, (ˌ)sə-ˈfiks\ vb : to attach as a suffix
— suf·fix·ation \ˌsəf-ˌik-ˈsā-shən\ n

suf·fo·cate \ˈsəf-ə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 a : to stop the breathing of (as by strangling)  b : to deprive of oxygen  c : to make uncomfortable by want of fresh air
2 : to become suffocated; esp : to die or suffer from being unable to breathe or from lack of oxygen
— suf·fo·ca·tion \ˌsəf-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n

suf·frage \ˈsəf-rij\ n : the right of voting; also : the exercise of such right

suf·frag·ette \ˌsəf-ri-ˈjet\ n : a woman who supported voting rights for women when women were not allowed to vote

suf·frag·ist \ˈsəf-ri-jəst\ n : a person who supports extending voting rights especially to women

suf·fuse \sə-ˈfyüz\ vb suf·fused; suf·fus·ing : to spread over or through in the manner of fluid or light
— suf·fu·sion \-ˈfyü-zhən\ n

— suf·fu·sive \-ˈfyü-siv, -ziv\ adj

1sug·ar \ˈshu̇g-ər\ n
1 : a sweet substance that is made up wholly or mostly of sucrose, is colorless or white when pure, is obtained from plants (as sugarcane or sugar beets), is a source of dietary carbohydrate, and is used as a sweetener and preservative of other foods
2 : any of various water-soluble compounds that vary widely in sweetness and make up the simpler carbohydrates

2sugar vb sug·ared; sug·ar·ing \ˈshu̇g-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to make something less hard to take or put up with <sugar advice with praise>
2 : to sprinkle or mix with sugar
3 : to change to crystals of sugar <candy sugars when cooked too long>
4 : to make maple syrup or maple sugar

sugar beet n : a white-rooted beet grown for the sugar in its roots

sugar bush n : woods in which sugar maples are more numerous than other kinds of trees

sug·ar·cane \ˈshu̇g-ər-ˌkān\ n : a tall tropical grass that has a thick jointed stem and is widely grown in warm regions as a source of sugar

sug·ar·coat \ˌshu̇g-ər-ˈkōt\ vb : to coat with or as if with sugar

sug·ar·house \ˈshu̇g-ər-ˌhau̇s\ n : a building where maple sap is boiled to make maple syrup and maple sugar

sug·ar·less \ˈshu̇g-ər-ləs\ adj : containing no sugar <sugarless gum>

sug·ar·loaf \-ˌlōf\ n
1 : refined sugar molded into a cone
2 : a hill or mountain shaped like a sugarloaf
— sugarloaf adj

sugar maple n : a maple tree of eastern North America with hard wood that is much used for cabinetwork and sap that is the chief source of maple syrup and maple sugar

sug·ar·plum \ˈshu̇g-ər-ˌpləm\ n : a round piece of candy

sug·ary \ˈshu̇g-(ə-)rē\ adj
1 : too sweetly sentimental
2 : containing, resembling, or tasting of sugar

sug·gest \sə(g)-ˈjest\ vb
1 a : to put (as a thought) into a person's mind  b : to propose as an idea or possibility <suggest going for a walk>
2 : to call to mind through close connection or association <the fire suggests arson>
— sug·gest·er n

sug·gest·ible \sə(g)-ˈjes-tə-bəl\ adj : easily influenced by suggestion
— sug·gest·ibil·i·ty \-ˌjes-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

sug·ges·tion \sə(g)-ˈjes-chən, -ˈjesh-\ n
1 a : the act or process of suggesting  b : something (as a thought or plan) that is suggested
2 a : the process by which a physical or mental state is influenced by a thought or idea <the power of suggestion>  b : the process by which one thought leads to another especially through association of ideas  c : a way of influencing attitudes and behavior hypnotically
3 : a slight indication <a suggestion of a smile>

sug·ges·tive \sə(g)-ˈjes-tiv\ adj
1 a : giving a suggestion : INDICATIVE <suggestive of a past era>  b : full of suggestions : stimulating thought  c : stirring mental associations
2 : suggesting something improper or indecent
— sug·ges·tive·ly adv

— sug·ges·tive·ness n

sui·cide \ˈsü-ə-ˌsīd\ n
1 a : the act of killing oneself purposely  b : ruin of one's own interests <risking political suicide>
2 : a person who commits or attempts suicide
— sui·cid·al \ˌsü-ə-ˈsīd-əl\ adj

— suicide adj

suing present participle of SUE

1suit \ˈsüt\ n
1 : an action or process in a court for enforcing a right or claim
2 : an act or instance of requesting earnestly; esp : COURTSHIP
3 : a number of things used together : SET
4 a : an outer costume of two or more pieces  b : a costume to be worn for a special purpose or under particular conditions <gym suit>
5 a : all the cards of one kind (as spades or hearts) in a pack of playing cards  b : all the dominoes bearing the same number

2suit vb
1 : to outfit with clothes : DRESS
2 : to make suitable : ADAPT <suit the action to the word>
3 a : to be proper for <a mood that suits the occasion>  b : to be becoming to <that dress suits you>
4 : to meet the needs or desires of : PLEASE <suits me fine>
5 : to be in accordance : AGREE <the job suits with your abilities>
6 : to be appropriate or satisfactory <these prices do not suit>

suit·able \ˈsüt-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : adapted to a use or purpose <food suitable for human consumption>
2 : being fit or right for a use or group <clothes suitable to the occasion> <a movie suitable for children>
3 : QUALIFIED 1, CAPABLE <looking for a suitable replacement>  synonyms see FIT
— suit·abil·i·ty \ˌsüt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— suit·able·ness \ˈsüt-ə-bəl-nəs\ n

— suit·ably \-blē\ adv

suit·case \ˈsüt-ˌkās\ n : a portable case designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles

suite \ˈswēt, sense 2c is also ˈsüt\ n
1 : the personal staff accompanying a ruler, diplomat, or dignitary on official business
2 : a group of things forming a unit or making up a collection: as  a : a group of rooms occupied as a unit  b : a piece of music for an orchestra usually consisting of several independent pieces written in the form of special dances or taken as selections from a larger work (as a ballet)  c : a set of matched furniture for a room <a bedroom suite>

suit·or \ˈsüt-ər\ n
1 : one that petitions or pleads
2 : a party to a suit at law
3 : a man who courts a woman or seeks to marry her

Suk·koth or Suk·kot \ˈsu̇k-əs, -ˌōt, -ˌōth, -ˌōs\ n : a Jewish harvest festival celebrated in September or October to commemorate the temporary shelters used by the Jews during their wanderings in the wilderness

sul·fa \ˈsəl-fə\ adj : of, relating to, or containing sulfanilamide or the sulfa drugs

sulfa drug n : any of various synthetic drugs that stop or slow the growth of bacteria and are derived especially from sulfanilamide

sul·fa·nil·amide \ˌsəl-fə-ˈnil-ə-ˌmīd, -məd\ n : a compound in the form of crystals that is the parent compound of most of the sulfa drugs

sul·fate \ˈsəl-ˌfāt\ n : a compound and especially a salt formed by the reaction of sulfuric acid with another substance

sul·fide \ˈsəl-ˌfīd\ n : a compound of sulfur with one or more other elements : a salt of hydrogen sulfide

sul·fur also sul·phur \ˈsəl-fər\ n : a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is found in proteins, exists in several forms including yellow crystals, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in strengthening rubber, and in medicine for treating skin diseases — see ELEMENT TABLE

sulfur dioxide n : a heavy strong-smelling gas that is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, in preserving things, and as a refrigerant and that is a major substance in air pollution especially in industrial areas

sul·fu·ric \ˌsəl-ˈfyu̇(ə)r-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or containing sulfur

sulfuric acid n : a heavy oily strong acid that is colorless when pure and eats away at many solid substances

sul·fu·rous also sul·phu·rous \ˈsəl-f(y)ə-rəs also for sense 1 ˌsəl-ˈfyu̇r-əs\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or containing sulfur
2  a : of, relating to, or dealing with the fire of hell : INFERNAL  b : FIERY 3A, INFLAMED <a sulfurous sermon>  c : PROFANE 2, BLASPHEMOUS <sulfurous language>

sulfurous acid n : a weak acid known especially in mixtures of sulfur dioxide with water and through its salts and used in bleaching

1sulk \ˈsəlk\ vb : to be silently angry, upset, or irritable

2sulk n
1 : the state of one sulking — often used in plural <had a case of the sulks>
2 : a sulky mood <was in a sulk>

1sulky \ˈsəl-kē\ adj sulk·i·er; -est : acting or tending to act silently angry, upset, or irritable
— sulk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

— sulk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

2sulky n, pl sulk·ies : a light two-wheeled vehicle that is pulled by a horse and has a seat for the driver only and usually no body

sul·len \ˈsəl-ən\ adj
1 a : gloomily or resentfully silent : not sociable  b : suggesting a sullen state <sullen refusal>
2 : dull in sound or color
3 : DISMAL 1, GLOOMY <a sullen sky>
— sul·len·ly adv

— sul·len·ness \ˈsəl-ən-(n)əs\ n

sul·ly \ˈsəl-ē\ vb sul·lied; sul·ly·ing : to make soiled or tarnished

sul·tan \ˈsəlt-ən\ n : a king or ruler especially of a Muslim state

sul·ta·na \(ˌ)səl-ˈtan-ə\ n
1 : a woman who is a member of a sultan's family; esp : a sultan's wife
2 : a pale yellow seedless grape grown for raisins and wine; also : a raisin prepared by drying this grape

sul·tan·ate \ˈsəlt-ən-ˌāt\ n
1 : a state or country governed by a sultan
2 : the power or position of a sultan

sul·try \ˈsəl-trē\ adj sul·tri·er; -est
1 : very hot and humid <a sultry day>
2 : burning hot <sultry sun>
3 : exciting or capable of exciting romantic passion <sultry glances>
— sul·tri·ly \-trə-lē\ adv

— sul·tri·ness \-trē-nəs\ n

1sum \ˈsəm\ n
1 : an indefinite or specified amount of money
2 : the whole amount <the sum of your experience>
3 a : a summary of the chief points or thoughts  b : the main point <the sum and substance of an argument>
4 a : the result of adding numbers <the sum of 5 and 7 is 12>  b : a problem in arithmetic
— in sum : in short : BRIEFLY

2sum vb summed; sum·ming
1 : to calculate the sum of : TOTAL
2 : to reach a sum : AMOUNT — usually used with to

su·mac also su·mach \ˈsü-ˌmak, ˈshü-\ n
1 : a material used in tanning and dyeing made of the leaves and other parts of sumac
2 : any of a genus of trees, shrubs, and woody vines related to the cashew and having leaves turning to brilliant colors in autumn, spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries, and in some cases leaves or berries that are irritating to the skin — compare POISON IVY, POISON OAK, POISON SUMAC

Su·me·ri·an \sü-ˈmer-ē-ən, -ˈmir-\ n
1 : a native of Sumer
2 : the language of the Sumerians that has no known relationships to other languages
— Sumerian adj

sum·ma cum lau·de \ˌsu̇m-ə-ˌku̇m-ˈlau̇d-ə, -ˈlau̇d-ē; ˌsəm-ə-ˌkəm-ˈlȯd-ē\ adv or adj : with highest distinction <graduated summa cum laude> [Latin]

sum·ma·ri·za·tion \ˌsəm-(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən\ n
1 : the act of summarizing
2 : 2SUMMARY

sum·ma·rize \ˈsəm-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing
1 : to tell in or reduce to a summary
2 : to make a summary
— sum·ma·riz·able \ˌsəm-ə-ˈrī-zə-bəl\ adj

— sum·ma·riz·er n

1sum·ma·ry \ˈsəm-ə-rē\ adj
1 : expressing or covering the main points briefly : CONCISE <a summary account>
2 : done without delay or formality : quickly carried out <a summary dismissal>
— sum·mari·ly \(ˌ)sə-ˈmer-ə-lē\ adv

2summary n, pl -ries : a short statement of the main points (as in a book or report)

sum·ma·tion \(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of forming a sum : ADDITION
2 : 1SUM 2, TOTAL
3 : a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions

1sum·mer \ˈsəm-ər\ n
1 : the season between spring and autumn that usually includes the months of June, July, and August in the northern hemisphere
2 : the warmer half of the year
3 : one of the years of one's life <a child of eight summers>
4 : a time of fulfillment

2summer adj : of or for the summer <summer flowers> <a summer job>

3summer vb sum·mered; sum·mer·ing \ˈsəm-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to pass the summer
2 : to keep or carry through the summer; esp : to provide (as cattle or sheep) with pasture during the summer

sum·mer·house \ˈsəm-ər-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 : a house for summer residence
2 : a covered structure in a garden or park designed to provide a shady resting place in summer

summer school n : a school or school session conducted in summer especially to help students make faster progress toward a diploma or degree, to make up credits lost through absence or failure, or to round out professional education

summer squash n : any of various garden squashes closely related to the pumpkins and used as a vegetable while immature and before hardening of the seeds and rind

sum·mer·time \ˈsəm-ər-ˌtīm\ n : the summer season or a period like summer

sum·mer·wood \-ˌwu̇d\ n : the harder and heavier outer portion of an annual ring of wood that is made up of small thick-walled cells and develops late in the growing season — compare SPRINGWOOD

sum·mery \ˈsəm-(ə-)rē\ adj : of, resembling, or fit for summer

sum·mit \ˈsəm-ət\ n
1 : 1TOP 1A, APEX; esp : the highest point (as of a mountain)
2 : the topmost level that can be reached
3 a : the highest level of officials; esp : the diplomatic level of heads of government  b : a conference of the highest-level officials (as heads of government)

sum·mon \ˈsəm-ən\ vb sum·moned; sum·mon·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to call or send for in order to meet : CONVENE
2 : to order to appear before a court of law
3 : to send for <summon a physician>
4 : to call into being <summon up courage>
— sum·mon·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

1sum·mons \ˈsəm-ənz\ n, pl sum·mons·es
1 : the act of summoning; esp : a call by authority to appear at a place named or to attend to some duty
2 : a warning or notice to appear in court
3 : a call, signal, or knock that summons

2summons vb : SUMMON 2

su·mo \ˈsü-mō\ n : a Japanese form of wrestling in which a contestant loses if forced out of the ring or if any part of the body except the soles of the feet touches the ground [Japanese]

sump \ˈsəmp\ n : a pit or reservoir serving as a container or as a drain for liquids

sump·tu·ous \ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs\ adj : involving large expense : LAVISH, LUXURIOUS <a sumptuous feast>
— sump·tu·ous·ly adv

— sump·tu·ous·ness n

sum total n : total result : TOTALITY

sum up vb
1 : to state concisely <a sentence that sums up the important ideas>
2 : to present a summary

1sun \ˈsən\ n
1 a : the star around which the planets revolve, from which they receive heat and light, and which has an average distance from the earth of about 93,000,000 miles (150,000,000 kilometers), a diameter of 864,000 miles (1,390,000 kilometers), and a mass 332,000 times greater than earth  b : a star like the sun
2 : the heat or light given off by the sun : SUNSHINE
3 : one resembling the sun usually in brilliance
4 : the rising or setting of the sun <from sun to sun>
— in the sun : in the public eye

— under the sun : in the world : on earth

2sun vb sunned; sun·ning
1 : to expose to or as if to the rays of the sun
2 : to sun oneself

sun·baked \ˈsən-ˌbākt\ adj
1 : heated, parched, or compressed especially by too much sunlight
2 : baked by exposing to sunshine <sunbaked bricks>

sun·bath \ˈsən-ˌbath, -ˌbȧth\ n : the action of sunbathing

sun·bathe \-ˌbāth\ vb : to expose oneself to sunlight or a sunlamp especially to get a tan
— sun·bath·er \-ˌbā-thər\ n

sun·beam \-ˌbēm\ n : a ray of sunlight

sun·block \-ˌbläk\ n : a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by physically blocking out the sun's rays)

sun·bon·net \-ˌbän-ət\ n : a woman's bonnet with a wide brim framing the face and usually having a ruffle at the back to protect the neck from the sun

1sun·burn \-ˌbərn\ vb -burned \-ˌbərnd\ or -burnt \-ˌbərnt\; -burn·ing
1 : to burn or discolor by the sun
2 : to become sunburned

2sunburn n : a sore red state of the skin caused by too much sunlight

sun·burst \ˈsən-ˌbərst\ n
1 : a flash of sunlight especially through a break in the clouds
2 a : a jeweled pin representing a sun surrounded by rays  b : a design in the form of rays extending from a central point

sun·dae \ˈsən-dē\ n : a serving of ice cream topped with fruit, syrup, or nuts

1Sun·day \ˈsən-dē\ n : the first day of the week : the Christian Sabbath
Word History It was believed in ancient times that there were seven “planets,” including the sun and the moon. The days of the week were named in Latin for these “planets.” One of the days was named dies solis, meaning “day of the sun.” The Latin name was later translated into other languages. Dies solis became sunnandæg in Old English. The modern English Sunday comes from the Old English sunnandæg. [Old English sunnandæg “Sunday,” from sunne “sun” + dæg “day”]

2Sunday adj
1 : of, relating to, or associated with Sunday
2 : 1BEST 1 <Sunday suit>

Sunday school n : a school held on Sunday for religious education

sun·der \ˈsən-dər\ vb sun·dered; sun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ : to break or force apart or in two

sun·dew \ˈsən-d(y)ü\ n : any of a genus of wetland herbs that trap and digest insects with the sticky hairlike glands on their leaves

sun·di·al \-ˌdī(-ə)l\ n : a device to show the time of day by the position of the shadow cast on a marked plate or disk usually by an object with a straight edge

sun·down \-ˌdau̇n\ n : SUNSET 2

sun·down·er \-ˌdau̇-nər\ n, Australian : 2TRAMP 1, HOBO

sun·dries \ˈsən-drēz\ n pl : miscellaneous small articles (as pins or needles)

sun·dry \ˈsən-drē\ adj : MISCELLANEOUS, SEVERAL, VARIOUS <for sundry reasons>

sun·fish \ˈsən-ˌfish\ n
1 : a very large sea fish that is flattened from side to side and has long fins and a small mouth
2 : any of a family of North American freshwater fishes that are related to the perches, are often brightly colored, and usually have a body that is flattened from side to side

sun·flow·er \-ˌflau̇(-ə)r\ n : any of a genus of tall herbs that are often grown for their large showy flower heads with yellow ray flowers and for their oil-rich seeds

sung past and past participle of SING

sun·glass·es \ˈsən-ˌglas-əz\ n pl : glasses to protect the eyes from the sun

sun god n, often cap S&G : a god that represents the sun in various religions

sun goddess n, often cap S&G : a goddess that represents the sun in various religions

sunk past and past participle of SINK

sunk·en \ˈsəŋ-kən\ adj
1 : being submerged; esp : lying at the bottom of a body of water <sunken ships>
2 : fallen in : HOLLOW <sunken cheeks>
3 a : lying in a depression <a sunken garden>  b : constructed below the normal floor level <a sunken living room>

sun·lamp \ˈsən-ˌlamp\ n : an electric lamp that is made to give off radiation of wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared

sun·less \ˈsən-ləs\ adj : lacking sunshine : DARK

sun·light \ˈsən-ˌlīt\ n : the light of the sun : SUNSHINE

sun·lit \-ˌlit\ adj : lighted by or as if by the sun

Sun·ni \ˈsu̇n-(n)ē\ n, pl -nis or -ni
1 : one of the two main branches of Islam
2 : a Muslim who is a member of the Sunni branch of Islam

sun·ny \ˈsən-ē\ adj sun·ni·er; -est
1 : bright with sunshine
2 : MERRY 1 <a sunny smile>
— sun·ni·ly \ˈsən-əl-ē\ adv

— sun·ni·ness \ˈsən-ē-nəs\ n

sun·rise \ˈsən-ˌrīz\ n
1 : the apparent rising of the sun above the horizon; also : the accompanying atmospheric effects (as color)
2 : the time at which the sun rises

sun·roof \-ˌrüf, -ˌru̇f\ n : a panel in the roof of an automobile that can be opened

sun·screen \-ˌskrēn\ n : a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing the sun's rays)

sun·set \-ˌset\ n
1 : the apparent sinking of the sun below the horizon; also : the accompanying atmospheric effects
2 : the time at which the sun sets

sun·shade \-ˌshād\ n : something (as a parasol) used to protect from the sun's rays

sun·shine \-ˌshīn\ n
1 a : the sun's light or direct rays  b : the warmth and light given by the sun's rays
2 : one (as a person or a condition) that spreads warmth, cheer, or happiness
— sun·shiny \-ˌshī-nē\ adj

sun·spot \-ˌspät\ n : one of the dark spots that appear from time to time on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope

sun·stroke \-ˌstrōk\ n : a heatstroke caused by staying in the sun for too long

sun·tan \-ˌtan\ n : a browning of the skin from being exposed to the rays of the sun
— sun·tanned \-ˌtand\ adj

sun·up \-ˌəp\ n : SUNRISE 2

1sun·ward \ˈsən-wərd\ adv : toward the sun <the planet tilted sunward>

2sunward adj : facing the sun

1sup \ˈsəp\ vb supped; sup·ping : to eat dinner : DINE [Old English sūpan, suppan “to eat or drink in gulps”]

2sup n : a mouthful especially of liquid : SIP

3sup vb supped; sup·ping
1 : to eat the evening meal
2 : to make one's supper — used with on or off <supped on roast beef> [Middle English suppen, soupen “to eat the evening meal,” from early French super (same meaning), from supe “soup, sop”]

1su·per \ˈsü-pər\ adj
1 — used as an overall term of approval <a super cook>
2 : very large or powerful <a super atomic bomb>
3 : showing the characteristics of its type to an extreme degree <super secrecy>

2super n
1 : an actor not listed with the regular cast
2 : SUPERINTENDENT, SUPERVISOR

3super adv
1 : 2VERY 1, EXTREMELY <a super fast car>
2 : to a degree exceeding the usual or normal <super critical>

super- prefix
1 a : over and above : higher in quantity, quality, or degree than : more than <superfine> <superhuman>  b : exceeding or so as to exceed what is usual or normal <supercool>  c : bigger, better, or more important than others of the same kind <superhighway> <superstar>
2 a : situated or placed above, on, or at the top of <superimpose>  b : next above or higher <supertonic> [derived from Latin super “over, above”]

su·per·abun·dant \ˌsü-pə-rə-ˈbən-dənt\ adj : more than ample : EXCESSIVE <superabundant zeal> <a superabundant harvest>
— su·per·abun·dance \-dən(t)s\ n

— su·per·abun·dant·ly adv

su·per·an·nu·ate \ˌsü-pə-ˈran-yə-ˌwāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to retire and pension because of age or infirmity
2 : to become retired
3 : to become outdated
— su·per·an·nu·a·tion \-ˌran-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n

su·per·an·nu·at·ed adj : too old for work or use

su·perb \su̇-ˈpərb\ adj : outstandingly excellent, impressive, or beautiful <superb quality> <was a superb pianist>
— su·perb·ly adv

— su·perb·ness n

su·per·cil·ious \ˌsü-pər-ˈsil-ē-əs, -ˈsil-yəs\ adj : coolly and disdainfully proud : SNOBBISH
— su·per·cil·ious·ly adv

— su·per·cil·ious·ness n

su·per·com·put·er \ˈsü-pər-kəm-ˌpyüt-ər\ n : a large very fast mainframe used especially for scientific computations

su·per·con·ti·nent \ˈsü-pər-ˌkänt-ən-ənt, -ˌkänt-nənt\ n : a former large continent which is assumed to have existed and from which other continents broke off and drifted away

1su·per·cool \ˌsü-pər-ˈkül\ vb : to cool below the freezing point while remaining liquid

2supercool adj : extremely cool: as  a : showing extraordinary reserve and self-control  b : being the latest style or fashion <supercool sunglasses>

su·per·fi·cial \ˌsü-pər-ˈfish-əl\ adj
1 a : of or relating to a surface  b : lying on, not going below, or affecting only the surface <superficial wounds>
2 : not thorough : SHALLOW <a superficial inspection>
— su·per·fi·ci·al·i·ty \-ˌfish-ē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n

— su·per·fi·cial·ly \-ˈfish-(ə-)lē\ adv

su·per·fine \ˌsü-pər-ˈfīn\ adj
1 : overly refined or nice
2 : extremely fine <superfine toothbrush bristles>
3 : of high quality or grade — used especially of merchandise

su·per·flu·ity \ˌsü-pər-ˈflü-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : an amount in excess
2 : something unnecessary or superfluous

su·per·flu·ous \su̇-ˈpər-flə-wəs\ adj : going beyond what is enough or necessary : EXTRA [Middle English superfluous “more than is needed,” from Latin superfluus, literally, “running over,” from superfluere “to overflow,” from super- “over, in addition,” and fluere “to flow” — related to FLUID]
— su·per·flu·ous·ly \su̇-ˈpər-flə-wəs-lē\ adv

su·per·glue \ˈsü-pər-ˌglü\ n : a very strong glue
— superglue vb

su·per·heat \ˌsü-pər-ˈhēt\ vb
1 a : to heat (steam) to a higher temperature than the normal boiling point of water  b : to heat a liquid above the boiling point without converting into vapor
2 : to heat very much or excessively

su·per·he·ro \ˈsü-per-ˌhē-rō, -ˌhi(ə)r-ō\ n : a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers; also : a very successful person

su·per·high·way \ˌsü-pər-ˈhī-ˌwā\ n
1 : a highway designed for high-speed traffic
2 : INTERNET

su·per·hu·man \ˌsü-pər-ˈhyü-mən, -ˈyü-\ adj
1 : being above the human : DIVINE <superhuman beings>
2 : going beyond normal human power, size, or capability <a superhuman effort>
— su·per·hu·man·ly adv

— su·per·hu·man·ness n

su·per·im·pose \ˌsü-pə-rim-ˈpōz\ vb : to place or lay over or above something
— su·per·im·po·si·tion \-ˌrim-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n

su·per·in·tend \ˌsü-p(ə-)rin-ˈtend, ˌsü-pərn-\ vb : to be in charge of : DIRECT

su·per·in·ten·dence \ˌsü-p(ə-)rin-ˈten-dən(t)s, ˌsü-pərn-\ n : the act or function of superintending or directing

su·per·in·ten·den·cy \ˌsü-p(ə-)rin-ˈten-dən-sē\ n, pl -cies : the office or post of a superintendent

su·per·in·ten·dent \ˌsü-p(ə-)rin-ˈten-dənt, ˌsü-pərn-\ n : a person who directs, manages, or maintains something

1su·pe·ri·or \su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər\ adj
1 : situated higher up : UPPER
2 : of higher rank, quality, or importance
3 : courageously or calmly indifferent (as to something painful)
4 a : greater in quantity or numbers <escaped by superior speed>  b : excellent of its kind : BETTER <a superior memory>
5 : covering or including more things <a genus is superior to a species>
6 : feeling that one is better or more important than others
— su·pe·ri·or·ly adv

2superior n
1 : one who is above another in rank, station, or office; esp : the head of a religious house or order
2 : one that goes beyond another in quality or merit

su·pe·ri·or·i·ty \su̇-ˌpir-ē-ˈȯr-ət-ē, -ˈär-\ n, pl -ties : the state or fact of being superior

superior vena cava n : the branch of the vena cava that returns blood to the heart from the upper or front part of the body including the head and front limbs

1su·per·la·tive \su̇-ˈpər-lət-iv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or being the form of an adjective or adverb that shows the highest or lowest degree of comparison
2 : better than all others : SUPREME
— su·per·la·tive·ly adv

2superlative n
1 : the superlative degree or a superlative form in a language
2 : the superlative or utmost degree of something
3 : a superlative person or thing

su·per·man \ˈsü-pər-ˌman\ n : a person with extraordinary or superhuman power

su·per·mar·ket \ˈsü-pər-ˌmär-kət\ n : a self-service market selling foods and household merchandise

su·per·mi·cro \-ˌmī-krō\ n : a very fast and powerful microcomputer

su·per·mini \-ˌmin-ē\ n : SUPERMINICOMPUTER

su·per·mini·com·put·er \-ˈmin-ē-kəm-ˌpyüt-ər\ n : a very fast and powerful minicomputer

su·per·nal \su̇-ˈpərn-əl\ adj
1 a : being or coming from on high  b : HEAVENLY 3 <supernal music>
2 : located in or belonging to the sky
— su·per·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

su·per·nat·u·ral \ˌsü-pər-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; esp : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil
2 a : departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to go beyond the laws of nature  b : attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)
— supernatural n

— su·per·nat·u·ral·ly \-ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē, -ˈnach-ər-lē\ adv

su·per·no·va \ˌsü-pər-ˈnō-və\ n : the explosion of a very large star in which the star temporarily gives off up to one billion times more energy than the sun

1su·per·nu·mer·ary \ˌsü-pər-ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrer-ē\ adj : exceeding the usual or needed number : EXTRA

2supernumerary n, pl -ar·ies
1 : a supernumerary person or thing
2 : an actor employed to play a small usually nonspeaking part

su·per·phos·phate \ˌsü-pər-ˈfäs-ˌfāt\ n : a soluble mixture of phosphates used as fertilizer

su·per·pose \ˌsü-pər-ˈpōz\ vb -posed; -pos·ing : to place or lay over or above another especially so as to make all like parts coincide <congruent triangles can be superposed>
— su·per·po·si·tion \-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n

su·per·pow·er \ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r\ n : an extremely powerful nation

su·per·sat·u·rat·ed \ˌsü-pər-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd\ adj : containing an amount of something greater than the amount required for saturation by having been cooled from a higher temperature to a temperature below that at which saturation occurs <a supersaturated solution> <air supersaturated with water vapor>

su·per·scribe \ˈsü-pər-ˌskrīb\ vb -scribed; -scrib·ing
1 : to write (as a name or address) on the outside or cover of
2 : to write or engrave on the top or outside

su·per·script \ˈsü-pər-ˌskript\ n : a distinguishing symbol (as a numeral or letter) written immediately above or above and to the side of another character
— superscript adj

su·per·scrip·tion \ˌsü-pər-ˈskrip-shən\ n
1 : something superscribed
2 : the act of superscribing

su·per·sede \ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd\ vb -sed·ed; -sed·ing
1 : to force out of use as inferior
2 : to take the place, room, or position of : REPLACE
3 : to remove in favor of another [Middle English superceden “to defer,” from early French superceder, from Latin supersedēre “to sit on top of, refrain from,” from super “over, above,” and sedēre “to sit”]
— su·per·sed·er n

— su·per·se·dure \-ˈsē-jər\ n

su·per·sen·si·tive \ˌsü-pər-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv\ adj : HYPERSENSITIVE
— su·per·sen·si·tiv·i·ty \-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē\ n

su·per·ses·sion \ˌsü-pər-ˈsesh-ən\ n : the act of superseding : the state of being superseded

su·per·son·ic \ˌsü-pər-ˈsän-ik\ adj
1 : ULTRASONIC
2 : of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air
3 : moving, capable of moving, or using air currents moving at supersonic speed <a supersonic airplane>
— su·per·son·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

su·per·star \ˈsü-pər-ˌstär\ n : a star (as in sports or the movies) who is considered extremely talented, has great public appeal, and can usually command a high salary
— su·per·star·dom \-dəm\ n

su·per·sti·tion \ˌsü-pər-ˈstish-ən\ n
1 : a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic
2 : an unreasoning fear of nature, the unknown, or God resulting from superstition

su·per·sti·tious \ˌsü-pər-ˈstish-əs\ adj : of, relating to, or influenced by superstition
— su·per·sti·tious·ly adv

su·per·store \-ˌstō(ə)r, -ˌstȯ(ə)r\ n : a very large store often offering a wide variety of goods for sale

su·per·tank·er \ˈsü-pər-ˌtaŋ-kər\ n : a very large cargo ship fitted with tanks for carrying large amounts of liquid

su·per·ton·ic \ˌsü-pər-ˈtän-ik\ n : the second tone of a major or minor scale

su·per·vene \ˌsü-pər-ˈvēn\ vb -vened; -ven·ing : to take place as an additional or unlooked-for development
— su·per·ven·tion \-ˈven-chən\ n

su·per·ve·nient \ˌsü-pər-ˈvē-nyənt\ adj : coming or occurring as something additional or unexpected

su·per·vise \ˈsü-pər-ˌvīz\ vb -vised; -vis·ing : SUPERINTEND, OVERSEE [from Latin supervisus, past participle of supervidēre “to oversee,” from super- “over, above” and vidēre “to see” — related to VISION]

su·per·vi·sion \ˌsü-pər-ˈvizh-ən\ n : the act of supervising; esp : a critical watching and directing (as of activities)

su·per·vi·sor \ˈsü-pər-ˌvī-zər\ n : a person who supervises; esp : an officer in charge of a unit or an operation of a business, government, or school
— su·per·vi·so·ry \ˌsü-pər-ˈvīz-(ə-)rē\ adj

su·per·wom·an \-ˌwu̇m-ən\ n : an exceptional woman; esp : a woman who succeeds in having a career and raising a family

su·pine \su̇-ˈpīn\ adj
1 : lying on the back or with the face upward
2 : showing mental or moral indifference : LAZY
— su·pine·ly adv

— su·pine·ness \-ˈpīn-nəs\ n

supped past and past participle of SUP

sup·per \ˈsəp-ər\ n
1 a : the evening meal especially when dinner is eaten at midday  b : a social affair having a supper
2 : a light meal served late in the evening

supping present participle of SUP

sup·plant \sə-ˈplant\ vb
1 : to take the place of (another) especially by force or treachery
2 a : to root out and supply a substitute for  b : to gain the place of and serve as a substitute for especially by reason of superior excellence or power
— sup·plan·ta·tion \(ˌ)sə-ˌplan-ˈtā-shən\ n

— sup·plant·er \sə-ˈplant-ər\ n

1sup·ple \ˈsəp-əl\ adj sup·pler \ˈsəp-(ə-)lər\; sup·plest \ˈsəp-(ə-)ləst\
1 : readily adaptable to new situations <a supple mind>
2 a : capable of being bent without creases or breaks : PLIANT <supple leather>  b : able to bend or twist with ease : LIMBER <the supple legs of a dancer>
— sup·ple·ness \-əl-nəs\ n

2supple vb sup·pled; sup·pling \ˈsəp-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make soft and easy to bend

1sup·ple·ment \ˈsəp-lə-mənt\ n
1 : something that supplies what is needed or makes an addition <vitamin pills used as dietary supplements>
2 : an arc or angle that when added to a given arc or angle equals 180 degrees
— sup·ple·men·tal \ˌsəp-lə-ˈment-əl\ adj

2sup·ple·ment \ˈsəp-lə-ˌment\ vb : to add to <supplement their incomes by doing odd jobs>
— sup·ple·men·ta·tion \ˌsəp-lə-ˌmen-ˈtā-shən, -mən-\ n

sup·ple·men·ta·ry \ˌsəp-lə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj
1 : added as a supplement : ADDITIONAL
2 : being or relating to a supplement or a supplementary angle

supplementary angle n : one of two angles or arcs whose sum is 180 degrees — usually used in plural

1sup·pli·ant \ˈsəp-lē-ənt\ n : one who asks earnestly

2suppliant adj : humbly asking
— sup·pli·ant·ly adv

sup·pli·cant \ˈsəp-li-kənt\ n : one who asks earnestly
— supplicant adj

— sup·pli·cant·ly adv

sup·pli·cate \ˈsəp-lə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to make a humble appeal; esp : to pray to God
2 : to ask earnestly and humbly
— sup·pli·ca·tion \ˌsəp-lə-ˈkā-shən\ n

1sup·ply \sə-ˈplī\ vb sup·plied; sup·ply·ing
1 : to add as a supplement
2 a : to provide for : SATISFY <enough to supply the demand>  b : to make available for use <supplied the necessary money>  c : to satisfy the needs or wishes of
— sup·pli·er \-ˈplī(-ə)r\ n

2supply n, pl supplies
1 a : the quantity or amount of something that is needed or available <the nation's oil supply>  b : 2STORE 1B — usually used in plural
2 : the act or process of filling a want or need
3 : the quantities of goods or services offered for sale at a particular time or at one price

1sup·port \sə-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 : to endure bravely or quietly : BEAR
2 a : to promote the interests or cause of  b : to uphold or defend as true or right : ADVOCATE <supports fair play>  c : to argue or vote for <support a candidate>  d : 1ASSIST, HELP <bombers supported the ground troops>  e : to provide evidence for : VERIFY <they cannot support the claim>
3 : to pay the costs of : MAINTAIN <supports a large family>
4 a : to hold up or in position or serve as a foundation or prop for <posts support the porch roof>  b : to keep up the price of (as milk or wheat) by buying large amounts to store at a certain price
5 : to keep something going : SUSTAIN <not enough air to support life>
— sup·port·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— sup·port·ive \-ˈpōrt-iv, -ˈpȯrt-\ adj

2support n
1 a : the act or process of supporting : the condition of being supported  b : assistance provided by a company to users of its products <customer support>
2 : someone or something that supports

sup·port·er \sə-ˈpōrt-ər, -ˈpȯrt-\ n : one that supports; esp : one who argues or votes for someone or something

support hose n : elastic stockings

support system n : a network of people who provide someone with practical or emotional support

sup·pose \sə-ˈpōz\ vb sup·posed; sup·pos·ing
1 : to take as true or as a fact for the sake of argument <suppose a fire should break out>
2 : to hold as an opinion : BELIEVE <they supposed they were on the right bus>
3 : to come to a conclusion arrived at by guessing <who do you suppose will win>

sup·posed \sə-ˈpōzd; sense 1 usually -ˈpō-zəd, senses 2 & 3 often -ˈpōst\ adj
1 : believed to be true or real <a supposed cure>
2 : considered probable or certain : EXPECTED <they are supposed to be here tomorrow>
3 : required by or as if by authority <you are supposed to listen to your parents>
— sup·pos·ed·ly \-ˈpō-zəd-lē also -ˈpōz-dlē\ adv

sup·po·si·tion \ˌsəp-ə-ˈzish-ən\ n
1 : something that is supposed
2 : the act of supposing
— sup·po·si·tion·al \-ˈzish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

sup·press \sə-ˈpres\ vb
1 : to put down by authority or force <suppress a rebellion>
2 a : to keep from being known <tried to suppress the news>  b : to stop the publication or distribution of <suppressed the test results>
3 : to hold back : REPRESS <suppress feelings of jealousy> <suppressed a cough>
4 : to slow or stop the growth or development of : STUNT
— sup·press·ible \-ə-bəl\ adj

— sup·pres·sion \-ˈpresh-ən\ n

— sup·pres·sive \-ˈpres-iv\ adj

— sup·pres·sor \-ˈpres-ər\ n

sup·pres·sant \sə-ˈpres-ənt\ n : an agent (as a drug) that tends to suppress or reduce in intensity rather than eliminate something <a cough suppressant>

sup·pu·rate \ˈsəp-yə-ˌrāt\ vb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to form or give off pus
— sup·pu·ra·tion \ˌsəp-yə-ˈrā-shən\ n

supra- prefix
1 : SUPER- 2a <suprarenal>
2 : going beyond <supranational> [derived from Latin supra “above, beyond”]

su·pra·na·tion·al \ˌsü-prə-ˈnash-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : going beyond national boundaries or authority

su·prem·a·cist \sə-ˈprem-ə-səst\ n : a person who believes that one group (as the white race) should control all others

su·prem·a·cy \sə-ˈprem-ə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being supreme
2 : supreme authority or power

su·preme \sə-ˈprēm, sü-\ adj
1 : highest in rank or authority
2 : highest in degree or quality
3 : greatest in degree <giving one's life is the supreme sacrifice> [from Latin supremus, a form of superus “upper,” from super “over, above”]
— su·preme·ly adv

— su·preme·ness n

Supreme Being n : GOD 1

supreme court n : the highest court in a political unit (as the U.S. or one of its states)

sur- prefix : over <surprint> <surtax> [derived from Latin super “over, above”]

sur·cease \ˈsər-ˌsēs, (ˌ)sər-ˈsēs\ n : a stopping of action; esp : a temporary halt

1sur·charge \ˈsər-ˌchärj\ vb
1 a : OVERCHARGE 1  b : to charge an extra fee
2 : 1OVERLOAD
3 : to mark a new value or a surcharge on a stamp

2surcharge n
1 : an additional tax or charge
2 : a burden that is too great
3 a : a mark on top of a stamp that changes the value  b : a stamp bearing such a mark

sur·cin·gle \ˈsər-ˌsiŋ-gəl\ n : a belt or band passing around the body of a horse to bind a saddle or pack fast to the horse's back

sur·coat \ˈsər-ˌkōt\ n : an outer coat or cloak; esp : one worn over armor

1sure \ˈshu̇(ə)r, especially Southern ˈshō(ə)r\ adj
1 : firmly established : STEADFAST <a sure hold>
2 : RELIABLE, TRUSTWORTHY <a sure friend>
3 : having no doubt : CONFIDENT <I'm sure I'm right>
4 : not to be doubted : CERTAIN <sure evidence>
5 a : bound to happen : INEVITABLE <sure disaster>  b : bound as if by fate <we are sure to win> [Middle English seur, sure “safe from danger or harm,” from early French seur (same meaning), from securus “secure” — related to SECURE]
— sure·ness n

— for sure : without doubt : with certainty

— to be sure : it must be admitted

2sure adv
1 : SURELY 1B
2 : SURELY 2

sure·fire \ˌshu̇r-ˌfī(ə)r\ adj : certain to get results

sure–foot·ed \ˈshu̇(ə)r-ˈfu̇t-əd\ adj : not likely to stumble or fall
— sure–foot·ed·ly adv

— sure–foot·ed·ness n

sure·ly \ˈshu̇(ə)r-lē\ adv
1 a : with confidence <answered quickly and surely>  b : without doubt : CERTAINLY <they will surely be heard from again>
2 : beyond question : TRULY <I surely am tired this afternoon>

sure·ty \ˈshu̇r-ət-ē, ˈshu̇(ə)rt-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : sure knowledge : CERTAINTY
2 : a formal agreement to do something : GUARANTEE
3 : one who takes legal responsibility for another's debt or failure in duty

1surf \ˈsərf\ n
1 : waves that break upon the shore
2 : the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

2surf vb
1 : to ride the surf (as on a surfboard)
2 : to scan the offerings of (as television or the Internet) for something of interest

1sur·face \ˈsər-fəs\ n
1 : the outside of an object or body <on the surface of the water> <the earth's surface>
2 : any flat or curved two-dimensional area in space <the surface of a cube>
3 : the outside appearance <on the surface the plan seems good>
— surface adj

2surface vb sur·faced; sur·fac·ing
1 a : to make smooth  b : to apply the surface layer to <surface a road>
2 : to bring or come to the surface
3 : to come into public view <letters that recently surfaced>

surface tension n : the attractive force felt by surface molecules of a liquid from the molecules beneath that tends to draw the surface molecules into the mass of the liquid and makes the liquid take the shape having the least surface area

sur·fac·ing n : material forming or used to form a surface

surf·board \ˈsərf-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a lightweight board used in the sport of surfing
— surf·board·er n

— surf·board·ing \-iŋ\ n

1sur·feit \ˈsər-fət\ n
1 : a supply that is more than enough : EXCESS
2 : an enjoyment of something (as food or drink) beyond what is good or necessary
3 : disgust caused by excess

2surfeit vb : to feed, supply, or enjoy to the point of excess

surf·ing \ˈsər-fiŋ\ n : the sport of riding the surf especially on a surfboard

1surge \ˈsərj\ vb surged; surg·ing
1 : to rise and fall actively
2 : to move in or as if in waves

2surge n
1 : a swelling, rolling, or sweeping forward like that of a wave : an onward rush <a surge of support for the candidate>
2 : a large wave or billow : SWELL

sur·geon \ˈsər-jən\ n : a physician who specializes in surgery

surgeon general n, pl surgeons general : the chief medical officer of a branch of the armed services or of a public health service

sur·gery \ˈsərj-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ger·ies
1 : medical science concerned with the correction of physical defects, the repair and healing of injuries, and the treatment of diseased conditions especially by operations
2 a : the work done by a surgeon  b : OPERATION 3
3 : a room or area where surgery is performed [Middle English surgerie “surgery,” from early French cirurgerie, surgerie (same meaning), from Latin chirurgia (same meaning), derived from Greek cheirourgos “surgeon,” from cheirourgos “doing by hand,” from cheir “hand” and ergon “work”]

sur·gi·cal \ˈsər-ji-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or associated with surgeons or surgery <surgical skills> <surgical equipment> <a surgical fever>
— sur·gi·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sur·ly \ˈsər-lē\ adj sur·li·er; -est : having a rude unfriendly disposition
— sur·li·ness n
Word History The word surly, which describes someone with a very bad temper, was at one time spelled sirly. It comes from the familiar word sir, which has been used for centuries as a title of respect for a gentleman or nobleman. Sirly was originally used to describe a person who behaves in a very proud way—the kind of person who might insist on being called “sir.” It was similar in meaning to the word lordly. Many years of use brought about the changes in spelling and in meaning that have given us the modern word surly. [Middle English serreli “lordly, imperious,” from sir “a man of rank”]

1sur·mise \sər-ˈmīz\ vb sur·mised; sur·mis·ing : to form an idea of based on very little evidence : GUESS

2sur·mise \sər-ˈmīz, ˈsər-ˌmīz\ n : a thought or idea based on little evidence : CONJECTURE

sur·mount \sər-ˈmau̇nt\ vb
1 : OVERCOME 1 <surmount an obstacle>
2 : to get to the top of : CLIMB
3 : to stand or lie at the top of : CROWN <a weather vane surmounts the roof>
— sur·mount·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

sur·name \ˈsər-ˌnām\ n
1 : an added name : NICKNAME
2 : the name held in common by members of a family
— surname vb

sur·pass \sər-ˈpas\ vb
1 : to be greater, better, or stronger than
2 : to go beyond the reach, powers, or capacity of  synonyms see EXCEED
— sur·pass·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

sur·plice \ˈsər-pləs\ n : a loose white outer garment worn at church services

sur·plus \ˈsər-(ˌ)pləs\ n
1 : the amount more than what is required or necessary : EXCESS
2 : an excess of income over spending
— surplus adj

1sur·prise \sə(r)-ˈprīz\ n
1 a : an attack made without warning  b : an act or an instance of coming upon someone suddenly
2 : something that surprises
3 : the state of being surprised : ASTONISHMENT

2surprise also sur·prize vb sur·prised also sur·prized; sur·pris·ing also sur·priz·ing
1 a : to attack without warning  b : to capture by an unexpected attack
2 : to come upon unexpectedly
3 : to fill with wonder or amazement because unexpected
— sur·pris·er n

sur·pris·ing \sə(r)-ˈprī-ziŋ\ adj : causing surprise : AMAZING

sur·pris·ing·ly \-lē\ adv
1 : in a surprising manner : to a surprising degree <a surprisingly fast runner>
2 : it is surprising that <surprisingly, no one disagreed>

1sur·ren·der \sə-ˈren-dər\ vb -dered; -der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to give over to the power, control, or possession of another especially by force
2 : to give oneself over to something  synonyms see YIELD

2surrender n : the giving of oneself or something into the power of another person or thing

sur·rep·ti·tious \ˌsər-əp-ˈtish-əs, ˌsə-rəp-\ adj : done, made, or acquired in secret  synonyms see SECRET
— sur·rep·ti·tious·ly adv

— sur·rep·ti·tious·ness n

sur·rey \ˈsər-ē, ˈsə-rē\ n, pl surreys : a horse-drawn carriage that has two wide seats and four wheels [from earlier Surrey cart, named for Surrey, a county in England where it was first made]

sur·ro·gate \ˈsər-ə-ˌgāt, ˈsə-rə-, -gət\ n
1 : one appointed to act in place of another : DEPUTY
2 : a court officer in some states who handles the settling of wills

1sur·round \sə-ˈrau̇nd\ vb : to enclose on all sides : ENCIRCLE

2surround n : something (as a border) that surrounds

sur·round·ings \sə-ˈrau̇n-diŋz\ n pl : the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded

sur·tax \ˈsər-ˌtaks\ n : an additional tax over and above a general tax

sur·veil·lance \sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s\ n : close watch <under surveillance>

1sur·vey \sər-ˈvā, ˈsər-ˌvā\ vb sur·veyed; sur·vey·ing
1 : to look over and examine closely
2 : to find out the size, shape, and position of (as an area of land)
3 : to gather information from or about
4 : to make a survey

2sur·vey \ˈsər-ˌvā, sər-ˈvā\ n, pl surveys : the act or an instance of surveying or of applying the principles and methods of surveying; also : something that is surveyed

sur·vey·ing \sər-ˈvā-iŋ\ n : a branch of mathematics concerned with finding the area of any part of the earth's surface, the lengths and directions of the boundary lines, and the shape of the surface and with accurately showing the results on paper

sur·vey·or \sər-ˈvā-ər\ n : one that surveys; esp : one whose occupation is surveying land

sur·viv·al \sər-ˈvī-vəl\ n
1 : the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing <survival of half the population after the epidemic>
2 : a continuation of life despite difficult conditions <skills for survival in the desert>
3 : one that survives

survival of the fittest : NATURAL SELECTION

sur·vive \sər-ˈvīv\ vb sur·vived; sur·viv·ing
1 : to remain alive : continue to exist
2 : to remain alive after the death of <survived by three children>
3 : to continue to exist or live after <survived the flood>
— sur·vi·vor \-ˈvī-vər\ n

sus·cep·ti·bil·i·ty \sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being susceptible; esp : lack of ability to resist some outside agent (as a disease-causing germ or drug)
2 a : a susceptible disposition or nature  b pl : one's emotional state : FEELINGS

sus·cep·ti·ble \sə-ˈsep-tə-bəl\ adj
1 : being of such a nature as to permit some action or operation <a theory susceptible to proof>
2 : having little resistance <persons susceptible to colds>
3 : easily affected or impressed <susceptible to flattery>
— sus·cep·ti·bly \-blē\ adv

su·shi \ˈsü-shē, ˈsu̇sh-ē\ n : cold rice formed into any of various shapes and topped or wrapped with pieces of often raw seafood or vegetables

1sus·pect \ˈsəs-ˌpekt, sə-ˈspekt\ adj : regarded with suspicion

2sus·pect \ˈsəs-ˌpekt\ n : one that is suspected; esp : a person suspected of a crime

3sus·pect \sə-ˈspekt\ vb
1 : to have doubts about
2 : to believe to be guilty without proof <suspect someone of theft>
3 : to suppose to be true or likely <I suspect that it will rain>

sus·pend \sə-ˈspend\ vb
1 : to force to give up some right or position for a time <suspend a student from school>
2 a : to stop or do away with for a time <suspend bus service>  b : to put off on certain conditions <suspend a lawbreaker's sentence>
3 a : to hang so as to be free on all sides except at the point of support  b : to keep from falling or sinking by some invisible support <dust suspended in the air>  c : to put or hold in suspension <suspended sediment>

suspended animation n : temporary suspension of the bodily functions necessary to maintain life

sus·pend·er \sə-ˈspen-dər\ n
1 : one that suspends
2 : one of two bands worn across the shoulders to hold up one's pants or skirt — usually used in plural <a pair of suspenders>

sus·pense \sə-ˈspen(t)s\ n
1 : the state of being suspended : SUSPENSION
2 a : mental uncertainty : ANXIETY  b : pleasant excitement caused by wondering what will happen <a novel of suspense>
3 : the state of being undecided
— sus·pense·ful \-fəl\ adj

sus·pen·sion \sə-ˈspen-chən\ n
1 a : the act or an instance of suspending  b : the state of being suspended  c : the period during which someone or something is suspended
2 : the act of hanging : the state of being hung
3 : the state of a substance when its particles are mixed with but not dissolved in a fluid or solid; also : a substance in this state
4 : something suspended
5 : the system of devices (as springs) supporting the upper part of a vehicle on the axles

suspension bridge n : a bridge that has its roadway suspended from two or more cables usually passing over towers and strongly anchored at the ends

1sus·pi·cion \sə-ˈspish-ən\ n
1 : the act or an instance of suspecting or being suspected
2 : a feeling that something is wrong without definite evidence
3 : a small amount  synonyms see DOUBT

2suspicion vb sus·pi·cioned; sus·pi·cion·ing \-ˈspish-(ə-)niŋ\ chiefly substandard : 3SUSPECT

sus·pi·cious \sə-ˈspish-əs\ adj
1 : likely to arouse suspicion : QUESTIONABLE <suspicious behavior>
2 : likely to suspect or distrust <suspicious of strangers>
3 : showing suspicion <a suspicious glance>
— sus·pi·cious·ly adv

— sus·pi·cious·ness n

sus·tain \sə-ˈstān\ vb
1 : to give support or relief to
2 : to supply with nourishment <food sustains our bodies>
3 : to keep up : PROLONG <a book that will sustain your interest>
4 : to support the weight of : CARRY
5 : to keep up the spirits of <hope sustained the people>
6 a : to bear up under : ENDURE  b : 2EXPERIENCE, UNDERGO <sustained a serious wound>
7 a : to support as true, legal, or just  b : to allow or admit as right <the court sustained the motion>
8 : PROVE 2A, CONFIRM
— sus·tain·able \-ˈstā-nə-bəl\ adj

— sus·tain·er n

sus·te·nance \ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s\ n
1 a : means of support, maintenance, or existence  b : NOURISHMENT 1
2 : the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained; esp : a supplying with the necessities of life
3 : something that gives support, help, or strength

1su·ture \ˈsü-chər\ n
1 a : a stitch made with a suture  b : a strand or fiber used to sew parts of the living body  c : the act or process of sewing with sutures
2 : the line of connection in an immovable joint (as between the bones of the skull); also : such a joint

2suture vb su·tured; su·tur·ing \ˈsüch-(ə-)riŋ\ : to unite, close, or secure with sutures <suture a wound>

SUV \ˌes-ˌyü-ˈvē\ n : SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLE

svelte \ˈsfelt\ adj : slender and graceful in form [from French svelte “slender, sleek,” from Italian svelto (same meaning), derived from svellere “to pluck out,” derived from Latin evellere “to pluck”]
— svelte·ly adv

— svelte·ness n

1swab \ˈswäb\ n
1 a : 1MOP 1  b : a wad of absorbent material usually wound around one end of a small stick and used especially for applying medicine or for removing material (as from a wound); also : a sample taken with a swab
2 : SAILOR

2swab vb swabbed; swab·bing : to use a swab on

swad·dle \ˈswäd-əl\ vb swad·dled; swad·dling \ˈswäd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to wrap an infant with swaddling clothes

swaddling clothes n pl : narrow strips of cloth wrapped around an infant to restrict movement

swag \ˈswag\ n : goods acquired by unlawful means

1swag·ger \ˈswag-ər\ vb swag·gered; swag·ger·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to behave in a very proud manner; esp : to walk with a proud strut
2 : 2BOAST 1
— swag·ger·er \-ər-ər\ n

— swag·ger·ing·ly \-(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adv

2swagger n : an act or instance of swaggering

swag·man \ˈswag-mən\ n, chiefly Australian : 2TRAMP 1, HOBO

Swa·hi·li \swä-ˈhē-lē\ n, pl Swahili or Swahilis
1 : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Zanzibar and the adjacent coast of Africa
2 : a Bantu language that is a trade and governmental language over much of East Africa and in the Congo region

swain \ˈswān\ n
1 : 2RUSTIC; esp : 1SHEPHERD 1
2 : a male admirer or lover

1swal·low \ˈswäl-ō\ n
1 : any of a family of small birds that have long pointed wings and usually a deeply forked tail and that feed on insects caught while in flight
2 : any of several birds that look like true swallows [Old English swealwe “the swallow”]

2swallow vb
1 a : to take into the stomach through the mouth and throat  b : to perform the actions used in swallowing something <clear your throat and swallow before answering>
2 : to take in as if by swallowing : ENGULF
3 : to accept or believe without question, protest, or anger <a hard story to swallow>
4 : to keep from expressing or showing : REPRESS <swallowed my anger> [Old English swelgan “to swallow”]
— swal·low·er \ˈswäl-ə-wər\ n

3swallow n
1 : an act of swallowing
2 : an amount that can be swallowed at one time

swal·low·tail \ˈswäl-ō-ˌtāl\ n
1 : a deeply forked and tapering tail (as of a swallow)
2 : any of various usually large butterflies in which the hind wing is elongated into a process that resembles a tail
— swal·low–tailed \ˌswäl-ō-ˈtāld\ adj

swam past of SWIM

swa·mi \ˈswäm-ē\ n
1 : a Hindu priest or religious teacher — used as a title
2 : SEER 2

1swamp \ˈswämp, ˈswȯmp\ n : wet spongy land often partly covered with water

2swamp vb
1 : to fill or become filled with or as if with water
2 : OVERWHELM 2 <was swamped with work>

swamp·land \ˈswäm-ˌpland, ˈswȯm-\ n : 1SWAMP

swampy \ˈswäm-pē, ˈswȯm-\ adj swamp·i·er; -est : consisting of, relating to, or resembling swamp
— swamp·i·ness n

swan \ˈswän\ n, pl swans also swan : any of various large heavy-bodied long-necked usually pure white water birds with webbed feet that are related to but larger than the geese

1swank \ˈswaŋk\ vb : SHOW OFF 2, SWAGGER

2swank n
1 : showy display or pride in dress or manners
2 : ELEGANCE 2

3swank or swanky \ˈswaŋ-kē\ adj swank·er or swank·i·er; -est
1 : marked by showy display : OSTENTATIOUS <a swank limousine>
2 : fashionably elegant <a swank restaurant>
— swank·i·ly \ˈswaŋ-kə-lē\ adv

— swank·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ n

swan song n : a farewell appearance or final act or public statement [from the legend that a dying swan sings a beautiful song]

swap \ˈswäp\ vb swapped; swap·ping : to give in exchange : make an exchange : TRADE
— swap n

sward \ˈswȯ(ə)rd\ n : the grassy surface of land : TURF

1swarm \ˈswȯ(ə)rm\ n
1 : a great number of honeybees leaving together from a hive with a queen to start a new colony elsewhere; also : a colony of honeybees settled in a hive
2 : a large number grouped together and usually in motion <swarms of sightseers> <a swarm of meteors>

2swarm vb
1 : to form and leave a hive in a swarm
2 : to move or gather in a swarm : THRONG <spectators swarmed into the stadium>
3 : to contain or fill with a swarm

swar·thy \ˈswȯr-thē, -thē\ adj swar·thi·er; -est : having a dark complexion
— swar·thi·ness n

1swash \ˈswäsh, ˈswȯsh\ vb
1 : 1BLUSTER 2
2 : to make violent noisy movements
3 : to move with a splashing sound

2swash n
1 : 2SWAGGER
2 : a dashing of water against or upon something

swash·buck·ler \ˈswäsh-ˌbək-lər, ˈswȯsh-\ n : a swaggering or daring soldier or adventurer; also : a story or movie about such a man

swash·buck·ling \ˈswäsh-ˌbək-(ə-)liŋ, ˈswȯsh-\ adj
1 : acting in the manner of a swashbuckler
2 : characteristic of, marked by, or done by swashbucklers <swashbuckling adventure> <a swashbuckling tale>

swas·ti·ka \ˈswäs-ti-kə also swä-ˈstē-kə\ n : a symbol in the form of a cross with the ends of the arms bent at right angles all in the same direction [from a word in Sanskrit (the ancient language of India) svastika “a symbol in the form of a cross with bent arms,” from svasti “well-being”]

swat \ˈswät\ vb swat·ted; swat·ting : to hit with a quick hard blow
— swat n

— swat·ter n

swatch \ˈswäch\ n
1 : a sample piece (as of fabric) or a collection of samples
2 : 1PATCH 3 <swatches of hair>

swath \ˈswäth, ˈswȯth\ or swathe \ˈswäth, ˈswȯth, ˈswāth\ n
1 a : the sweep of a scythe or machine in mowing or the path cut in one course  b : a row of cut grain or grass
2 : a long broad strip or belt
3 : a space destroyed as if by a mowing machine

1swathe \ˈswäth, ˈswȯth, ˈswāth\ vb swathed; swath·ing
1 : to bind, wrap, or swaddle with or as if with a bandage
2 : ENVELOP

2swathe \ˈswäth, ˈswȯth, ˈswāth\ or swath \ˈswäth, ˈswäth, ˈswȯth, ˈswȯth\ n : a band used in swathing

1sway \ˈswā\ n
1 : the action or an instance of swaying or of being swayed
2 : a bending or twisting caused by or as if by swaying
3 : controlling force or influence : RULE

2sway vb
1 a : to swing or cause to swing slowly back and forth  b : to move gently from an upright to a leaning position
2 : to change often between one point, position, or opinion and another
3 : to have a strong influence upon
— sway·er n

sway·backed \ˈswā-ˈbakt\ also sway·back \-ˈbak, -ˌbak\ adj : having an unusually sagging back <a swaybacked mare>
— sway·back n

swear \ˈswa(ə)r, ˈswe(ə)r\ vb swore \ˈswō(ə)r, ˈswȯ(ə)r\; sworn \ˈswō(ə)rn, ˈswȯ(ə)rn\; swear·ing
1 : to make a statement or promise under oath
2 a : to state as true under oath <a sworn statement>  b : to state or promise strongly or sincerely <I swear that I was there>
3 a : to give an oath to <the witness was sworn>  b : to bind by an oath <swore us to secrecy>
4 : to take an oath
5 : to use bad or vulgar language
— swear·er n

— swear by : to place great confidence in

— swear off : to promise to give up <swear off desserts>

swear in vb : to place into office by the giving of an oath

swear·word \ˈswa(ə)r-ˌwərd, ˈswe(ə)r-\ n : a bad or vulgar word

1sweat \ˈswet\ vb sweat or sweat·ed; sweat·ing
1 : to give off salty moisture through the pores of the skin : PERSPIRE
2 : to give off or cause to give off moisture
3 : to collect drops of moisture on the surface <a pitcher of ice water sweats on a hot day>
4 a : to undergo anxiety or stress <sweated through the test>  b slang : to worry about
5 : to get rid of or lose by perspiring <sweat off weight>
6 : to work very hard

2sweat n
1 : hard work
2 : moisture coming from the sweat glands of the skin : PERSPIRATION
3 : moisture gathering in drops on a surface

sweat·band \ˈswet-ˌband\ n
1 : a band lining the edge of a hat or cap to prevent sweat damage
2 : a band of material worn around the head or wrist to absorb sweat

sweat·er \ˈswet-ər\ n
1 : one that sweats or causes sweating
2 : a knitted or crocheted jacket or pullover

sweat gland n : a gland of the skin that gives off perspiration and opens by a tiny pore in the skin

sweat lodge n : a hut, lodge, or cavern heated by steam from water poured on hot stones and used especially by American Indians for ritual or therapeutic sweating

sweat out vb : to suffer or wait through the course of <sweated out the afternoon waiting for the results>

sweat·pants \ˈswet-ˌpan(t)s\ n pl : pants of soft absorbent material worn especially for exercise

sweat·shirt \-ˌshərt\ n : a loose collarless usually long-sleeved pullover or jacket of soft absorbent material

sweat·shop \-ˌshäp\ n : a shop or factory in which employees work long hours at low wages under unhealthy conditions

sweaty \ˈswet-ē\ adj sweat·i·er; -est
1 : causing sweat <sweaty work>
2 : wet or stained with or smelling of sweat <sweaty socks>
— sweat·i·ly \ˈswet-əl-ē\ adv

— sweat·i·ness \ˈswet-ē-nəs\ n

swede \ˈswēd\ n
1 cap  a : a person born or living in Sweden  b : a person of Swedish ancestry
2 chiefly British : RUTABAGA

Swed·ish \ˈswēd-ish\ n
1 : the Germanic language spoken in Sweden
2 Swedish pl : the people of Sweden
— Swedish adj

1sweep \ˈswēp\ vb swept \ˈswept\; sweep·ing
1 a : to remove from a surface with or as if with a broom or brush <sweep the dirt off the rug>  b : to remove or take with a single continuous forceful action <swept the books off the desk>  c : to drive or carry along with great force
2 a : to clean with or as if with a broom or brush <sweep the floor>  b : to move across or along swiftly, violently, or overwhelmingly <a storm swept across the plains>  c : to win all of <the presidential candidate swept the western states>
3 : to move with stately or sweeping movements <swept into the room>
4 : to move or extend in a wide curve or range
— sweep·er n

2sweep n
1 : a long movable pole on a post that is used to raise and lower a bucket (as in a well)
2 a : an act or instance of sweeping  b : a decisive victory  c : a winning of all the contests
3 a : a movement of great range and force  b : a curving or circular course or line  c : 1RANGE 6A, SCOPE <outside the sweep of our vision>
4 : CHIMNEY SWEEP
5 : SWEEPSTAKES

1sweep·ing n
1 : the act or action of one that sweeps
2 pl : things collected by sweeping

2sweeping adj
1 a : moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area  b : having a curving line or form
2 : BROAD 5 <sweeping reforms> <sweeping generalizations>
— sweep·ing·ly \ˈswē-piŋ-lē\ adv

sweep–second hand \ˈswēp-ˌsek-ənd-, -ənt-\ n : a hand marking seconds on a timepiece that is read from the same dial as the minute hand

sweep·stakes \ˈswēp-ˌstāks\ also sweep–stake \-ˌstāk\ n, pl sweepstakes also sweep–stakes
1 a : a race or contest in which the entire prize may be awarded to the winner  b : 2CONTEST, COMPETITION
2 : any of various lotteries

1sweet \ˈswēt\ adj
1 a : pleasing to the taste  b : being or causing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is caused especially by table sugar and is identified especially by the taste buds at the front of the tongue — compare BITTER 1, 3SALT 1B, 1SOUR 1  c : having a relatively large sugar content <sweet wine>
2 a : pleasing to the mind or feelings : AGREEABLE <victory is sweet>  b : marked by gentle good humor or kindliness <a sweet elderly couple>  c : FRAGRANT <a sweet smell>  d : delicately pleasing to the ear or eye <a sweet melody>  e : very good or appealing <a sweet sports car> <a sweet deal>
3 : much loved : DEAR
4 a : not sour, stale, or spoiled <sweet milk>  b : not salt or salted : FRESH <sweet butter>  c : not having too much acid <sweet soil>  d : free from foul gases and odors
5 — used as an intensive <take your own sweet time>
— sweet·ish \-ish\ adj

— sweet·ly adv

— sweet·ness n

— sweet on : in love with

2sweet adv : in a sweet way

3sweet n
1 a : a food (as a candy) having a high sugar content  b British : DESSERT
2 : a sweet taste sensation
3 : a pleasant or agreeable experience, possession, or state
4 : 1DARLING 1

sweet basil n : a mint that has clusters of whitish or purple flowers and leaves often used as a seasoning in cooking

sweet·bread \ˈswēt-ˌbred\ n : the thymus or pancreas of a young animal (as a calf) used as food

sweet·bri·ar also sweet·bri·er \-ˌbrī(-ə)r\ n : a rose with stout curved prickles and white to deep rosy pink flowers — called also eglantine

sweet clover n : any of a genus of herbs of the legume family widely grown for soil improvement or hay

sweet corn n : corn with soft kernels containing a large amount of sugar

sweet·en \ˈswēt-ən\ vb sweet·ened; sweet·en·ing \ˈswēt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become sweet
— sweet·en·er \ˈswēt-nər, -ən-ər\ n

sweet·en·ing n
1 : the act or process of making sweet
2 : something that sweetens

sweet gum n : a North American tree that has lobed leaves, hard wood, and a long-stemmed woody round fruit; also : its wood

sweet·heart \ˈswēt-ˌhärt\ n : a person whom one loves

sweet·meat \-ˌmēt\ n : a food (as a candied fruit or piece of candy) rich in sugar

sweet pea n
1 : a widely grown Italian herb of the legume family with slender climbing stems and large fragrant flowers
2 : the flower of a sweet pea

sweet pepper n : a large mild-flavored thick-walled pepper; also : a pepper plant that bears sweet peppers

sweet potato n
1 : a tropical vine related to the morning glories and having variously shaped leaves and purplish flowers; also : its large sweet starchy root that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable
2 : OCARINA

sweet tooth n : a craving or fondness for sweets

sweet wil·liam \swēt-ˈwil-yəm\ n, often cap W : a widely grown Eurasian pink with small white to deep red or purple flowers that are often spotted or banded and grow in flat clusters on upright stems

1swell \ˈswel\ vb swelled; swelled or swol·len \ˈswō-lən\; swell·ing
1 a : to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit <rivers swollen by rain> <the population swelled>  b : to become abnormally enlarged or puffed up <the sprained ankle swelled badly>  c : to form a bulge or lump
2 : to fill or become filled with pride
3 : to fill or become filled with emotion <his heart was swollen with jealousy>  synonyms see EXPAND

2swell n
1 a : a rounded lump  b : the condition of bulging
2 : a long rolling wave or series of waves in the open sea
3 : a gradual increase and decrease of the loudness of a musical sound; also : a sign marking a swell
4 : a fashionably dressed person

3swell adj : very good : EXCELLENT

swell·ing \ˈswel-iŋ\ n
1 : something that is swollen; esp : a swollen part of the body
2 : the condition of being swollen

1swel·ter \ˈswel-tər\ vb swel·tered; swel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to suffer, sweat, or be faint from heat
2 : to overcome with heat

2swelter n : a state of great heat

swel·ter·ing adj : very hot
— swel·ter·ing·ly adv

swept past and past participle of SWEEP

swept–back \ˈswep(t)-ˈbak\ adj : slanting toward the tail of an airplane to form an acute angle with the body <swept-back wings>

swerve \ˈswərv\ vb swerved; swerv·ing : to turn aside suddenly from a straight line or course
— swerve n

1swift \ˈswift\ adj
1 : moving or capable of moving with great speed <a swift runner>
2 : occurring suddenly or within a very short time <a swift change in weather>  synonyms see FAST
— swift·ly adv

— swift·ness \ˈswif(t)-nəs\ n

2swift adv : in a swift manner

3swift n : any of numerous small mostly dark birds that are related to the hummingbirds but resemble swallows

1swig \ˈswig\ n : a quantity drunk at one time

2swig vb swigged; swig·ging : to drink in long gulps

1swill \ˈswil\ vb
1 : DRENCH
2 : to drink or eat greedily
3 : to feed (as a pig) with swill
— swill·er n

2swill n
1 : food for animals (as pigs) made from scraps of food mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk
2 : GARBAGE, REFUSE
3 : 1SWIG

1swim \ˈswim\ vb swam \ˈswam\; swum \ˈswəm\; swim·ming
1 : to move through water by moving arms, legs, fins, or tail
2 : to float on or in or be covered with or as if with a liquid
3 : to feel dizzy <my head swam in the stuffy room>
4 : to cross by swimming <swim a stream>
— swim·mer n

2swim n
1 : an act or period of swimming
2 : the main current of activity <in the swim of things>

swim bladder n : a gas-filled expandable sac in fish that serves especially to regulate buoyancy which allows fish to remain at different depths without sinking

swimmer's ear n : redness, swelling, and pain of the ear canal that typically occurs when water trapped in the ear canal during swimming becomes infected usually with bacteria

swim·ming \ˈswim-iŋ\ adj : marked by, capable of, or used in or for swimming

swim·ming·ly \ˈswim-iŋ-lē\ adv : very well : SPLENDIDLY

swimming pool n : a large tank built for swimming

swim·suit \ˈswim-ˌsüt\ n : a suit for swimming or bathing

swim·wear \-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : clothing suitable for swimming

1swin·dle \ˈswin-dəl\ vb swin·dled; swin·dling \-(d)liŋ, -dəl-iŋ\ : to get money or property from by dishonest means : CHEAT
— swin·dler \-(d)lər, -dəl-ər\ n

2swindle n : an act or instance of swindling : FRAUD

swine \ˈswīn\ n, pl swine
1 : any of a family of stout-bodied short-legged hoofed mammals with a thick bristly skin and a long snout; esp : a domestic animal developed from the European wild boar and raised for meat
2 : a nasty person

swine·herd \ˈswīn-ˌhərd\ n : a person who tends swine

1swing \ˈswiŋ\ vb swung \ˈswəŋ\; swing·ing \ˈswiŋ-iŋ\
1 a : to move quickly in a sweeping curve <swing an ax>  b : to sway or cause to sway to and fro or turn on an axis or hinge <swung the door open>  c : to face or move in another direction <go forward, then swing to the right>
2 a : to hang or be hung so as to permit swaying or turning  b : to die by hanging  c : to hang freely from support  d : to change quickly between extremes <sales swung up sharply>
3 : to handle successfully : MANAGE <can you swing the purchase of a car>
4 a : to move along with free swaying movements  b : to start up in a smooth vigorous manner <ready to swing into action>  c : to hit at something with a sweeping movement
5 : to be lively, exciting, and up-to-date <a town that really swings>
— swing·er \ˈswiŋ-ər\ n

2swing n
1 : an act of swinging
2 : a swinging movement, blow, or rhythm
3 : the distance that something swings <a pendulum with a 5-foot swing>
4 : a swinging seat usually hung by ropes or chains
5 a : a curving course or outline  b : a course beginning and ending at the same point <a swing through town>  c : a sudden change in state or condition <mood swings>
— swing adj

swin·ish \ˈswī-nish\ adj : of, suggesting, or characteristic of swine : BEASTLY
— swin·ish·ly adv

1swipe \swīp\ vb swiped; swip·ing
1 : to strike or wipe with a sweeping motion
2 : PILFER
3 : to slide (a card with a magnetic strip or bar code) through a slot in a reading device so that information stored on the strip can be processed (as in making a purchase)

2swipe n : a strong sweeping blow

1swirl \ˈswər(-ə)l\ n
1 : a whirling mass or motion : EDDY
2 : whirling confusion <lost in the swirl of events>
3 : a twisting shape, mark, or pattern

2swirl vb
1 : to move with or pass in a swirl
2 : to be marked with or arranged in swirls
3 : to cause to swirl
— swirl·ing·ly \ˈswər-liŋ-lē\ adv

1swish \ˈswish\ vb : to make, move, or strike with a soft rubbing, hissing, or splashing sound

2swish n
1 : a hissing sound (as of a whip cutting the air) or a sound of soft surfaces rubbing against each other
2 : a swishing movement
— swishy \-ē\ adj

Swiss \ˈswis\ n
1 pl Swiss  a : a person born or living in Switzerland  b : a person of Swiss ancestry
2 : a pale yellow firm cheese with many large holes
— Swiss adj

Swiss chard n : a beet of a variety lacking an enlarged root and having large leaves and juicy stalks often cooked as a vegetable; also : the stalks

Swiss steak n : a steak pounded with flour and cooked usually with vegetables and seasonings

1switch \ˈswich\ n
1 : a slender flexible whip, rod, or twig
2 : an act or an instance of switching
3 : a bunch of long hairs at the end of the tail of an animal (as a cow)
4 : a device made usually of two movable rails and necessary connections and designed to turn a train or streetcar from one track to another
5 : a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit

2switch vb
1 : to strike or whip with or as if with a switch
2 : to lash from side to side
3 : to turn, shift, or change by or as if by operating a switch <switch off the light> <switched to a different channel>
4 : to change one for another : EXCHANGE <switch seats>
— switch·er n

switch·back \ˈswich-ˌbak\ n : a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill

switch·blade \-ˌblād\ n : a pocketknife with a spring-operated blade

switch·board \-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a device (as in a telephone exchange) consisting of a panel on which are mounted electric switches so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected, combined, and controlled

switch–hit·ter \-ˌhit-ər\ n : a baseball player who can bat either left-handed or right-handed

switch·man \-mən\ n : one who attends a railroad switch

switch·yard \-ˌyärd\ n : a place where railroad cars are switched from one track to another and trains are made up

1swiv·el \ˈswiv-əl\ n : a device joining two parts so that one or both can turn freely

2swivel vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \ˈswiv-(ə-)liŋ\ : to turn on or as if on a swivel

swivel chair n : a chair that swivels on its base

swollen past participle of SWELL

1swoon \ˈswün\ vb
1 : 2FAINT
2 : to drift or fade gradually
— swoon·er n

— swoon·ing·ly \ˈswü-niŋ-lē\ adv

2swoon n
1 : a partial or total loss of consciousness
2 : a dreamlike state

1swoop \ˈswüp\ vb : to dive or pounce suddenly like a hawk on its prey

2swoop n
1 : an act or instance of swooping
2 : a single quickly effective effort — often used with fell <solved everything at one fell swoop>

swoosh \ˈswüsh, ˈswu̇sh\ vb : to make or move with a rushing sound
— swoosh n

swop chiefly British variant of SWAP

sword \ˈsō(ə)rd, ˈsȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge
2 : the use of force
— sword·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

sword·fish \-ˌfish\ n : a very large ocean fish that has a long swordlike beak formed by the bones of the upper jaw and is an important food and game fish

sword·play \-ˌplā\ n : the art or skill of using a sword especially in fencing

swords·man \ˈsō(ə)rdz-mən, ˈsȯ(ə)rdz-\ n
1 : one who fights with a sword
2 : one skilled in the use of the sword

swords·man·ship \ˈsō(ə)rdz-mən-ˌship, ˈsȯ(ə)rdz-\ n : SWORDPLAY

sword·tail \ˈsō(ə)rd-ˌtāl, ˈsȯ(ə)rd-\ n : a small brightly marked Central American fish often kept in tropical aquariums and bred in many colors

swore past of SWEAR

sworn past participle of SWEAR

swum past participle of SWIM

swung past and past participle of SWING

syc·a·more \ˈsik-ə-ˌmō(ə)r, -ˌmȯ(ə)r\ n
1 : a Eurasian maple with yellowish green flowers that is widely planted as a shade tree
2 : a large spreading tree of the eastern and central U.S. that has light-brown bark peeling off in thin flakes and small round brown fruits hanging on long stalks

sy·co·phant \ˈsik-ə-fənt also -ˌfant\ n : a person who flatters another in order to get ahead
— sy·co·phan·tic \ˌsik-ə-ˈfant-ik\ adj

— sy·co·phan·ti·cal·ly \-ˈfant-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sy·enite \ˈsī-ə-ˌnīt\ n : an igneous rock composed chiefly of feldspar

syl·la·bary \ˈsil-ə-ˌber-ē\ n, pl -bar·ies : a set of written characters each of which stands for a syllable

syl·lab·ic \sə-ˈlab-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being syllables
— syl·lab·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

syl·lab·i·ca·tion \sə-ˌlab-ə-ˈkā-shən\ n : the forming of syllables : the division of words into syllables
— syl·lab·i·cate \-ˈlab-ə-ˌkāt\ vb

syl·lab·i·fi·ca·tion \sə-ˌlab-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : SYLLABICATION

syl·lab·i·fy \sə-ˈlab-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to form or divide into syllables

syl·la·ble \ˈsil-ə-bəl\ n
1 : a unit of spoken language that consists of one or more vowel sounds alone or with one or more consonant sounds preceding or following
2 : one or more letters (as syl, la, and ble) in a word (as syl*la*ble) usually set off from the rest of the word by a centered dot or a hyphen and treated as guides to division at the end of a line

syl·la·bus \ˈsil-ə-bəs\ n, pl -bi \-ˌbī, -ˌbē\ or -bus·es : a brief outline (as of a course of study)

syl·lo·gism \ˈsil-ə-ˌjiz-əm\ n : a brief form for stating an argument that consists of two statements and a conclusion that must be true if these two statements are true
— syl·lo·gis·tic \ˌsil-ə-ˈjis-tik\ adj

sylph \ˈsilf\ n : a slender graceful woman or girl
— sylph·like \ˈsil-ˌflīk\ adj

syl·van also sil·van \ˈsil-vən\ adj
1 a : living or located in the woods or forest  b : of, relating to, or characteristic of the woods or forest
2 : having lots of woods or trees : WOODED

sym·bi·ont \ˈsim-ˌbī-ˌänt, -bē-\ n : an individual living in symbiosis; esp : the smaller member of a symbiotic pair

sym·bi·o·sis \ˌsim-ˌbī-ˈō-səs, -bē-\ n, pl -o·ses \-ˈō-ˌsēz\
1 : the living together in close association of two different kinds of organisms (as a fungus and an alga making up a lichen) especially when such an association is of benefit to both
2 : a cooperative relationship (as between two persons or groups)
— sym·bi·ot·ic \-ˈät-ik\ adj

— sym·bi·ot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sym·bol \ˈsim-bəl\ n
1 : something that stands for something else; esp : something real that stands for or suggests another thing that cannot in itself be pictured or shown <the lion is a symbol of courage>
2 : a letter, character, or sign used instead of a word or group of words <the sign + is the symbol for addition>  synonyms see EMBLEM

sym·bol·ic \sim-ˈbäl-ik\ also sym·bol·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism <a symbolic meaning> <symbolic art>
2 : having the function or meaning of a symbol
— sym·bol·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sym·bol·ism \ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm\ n
1 : the art or practice of using symbols
2 : a system of symbols or representations

sym·bol·ist \ˈsim-bə-ləst\ n
1 : a user of symbols or symbolism (as in poetry)
2 : an expert in the explaining of symbols
— symbolist adj

sym·bol·is·tic \ˌsim-bə-ˈlis-tik\ adj : SYMBOLIC

sym·bol·ize \ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to serve as a symbol of
— sym·bol·i·za·tion \ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

sym·met·ri·cal \sə-ˈme-tri-kəl\ or sym·met·ric \-trik\ adj : having, involving, or showing symmetry
— sym·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sym·me·try \ˈsim-ə-trē\ n, pl -tries
1 : balanced proportions
2 : close agreement in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane or around a central point — compare BILATERAL SYMMETRY, RADIAL SYMMETRY

sym·pa·thet·ic \ˌsim-pə-ˈthet-ik\ adj
1 : fitting one's mood or disposition <a sympathetic atmosphere for quiet study>
2 a : feeling favorable <sympathetic with their aims>  b : marked by kindly or pleased appreciation <a sympathetic study of modern music>
3 : given to or arising from sympathy and sensitivity to others <a sympathetic personality>
4 a : of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system  b : controlled by or acting on the sympathetic nerves
— sym·pa·thet·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sympathetic nervous system n : the part of the autonomic nervous system that is concerned especially with preparing the body to react to situations of stress or emergency, that controls expansion of the pupil of the eye and air passages, increases the heart rate, slows digestion, and narrows most blood vessels, and that is made up of nerve fibers that trigger the release of norepinephrine — compare PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

sympathetic vibration n : a vibration produced in one body by vibrations of exactly the same period in a neighboring body

sym·pa·thize \ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz\ vb -thized; -thiz·ing
1 : to share in suffering or grief : to feel or show sympathy
2 : to be in favor of something
— sym·pa·thiz·er n

sym·pa·thy \ˈsim-pə-thē\ n, pl -thies
1 : a relationship between persons or things in which whatever affects one also affects the other
2 a : the readiness to think or feel alike that makes for a common bond  b : readiness to favor or support
3 : the act of or capacity for entering into or sharing the feelings or interests of another
4 : a showing of sorrow for another's loss, grief, or misfortune

sym·phon·ic \sim-ˈfän-ik\ adj
1 : HARMONIOUS 1
2 : of, relating to, or having the form of a symphony or symphony orchestra
— sym·phon·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sym·pho·ny \ˈsim(p)-fə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color) <a symphony of sounds in the forest>
2 : a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra
3 : SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA [Middle English symphonie “pleasing arrangement of sounds,” from early French symphonie (same meaning), derived from Greek syn- “together” and phōnē “voice, sound” — related to EUPHONY, PHONETIC]

symphony orchestra n : a large orchestra of wind, string, and percussion instruments that plays symphonic works

sym·po·sium \sim-ˈpō-zē-əm also -zh(ē-)əm\ n, pl -sia \-zē-ə, -zh(ē-)ə\ or -siums
1 : a group meeting at which there are several speeches and often a group discussion
2 : a collection of opinions on a subject [from earlier symposium “a social gathering at which there is a free exchange of ideas,” from Latin symposium “a party with much drinking and conversation,” derived from Greek sympinein “to drink together,” from syn- “together with” and pinein “to drink” — related to SYNONYMOUS]

symp·tom \ˈsim(p)-təm\ n
1 : a change in a living thing that indicates the presence of a disease or other physical disorder; esp : one (as a headache) that can be felt or sensed only by the individual affected
2 : something that shows that something else exists : INDICATION  synonyms see 1SIGN
— symp·tom·less \-ləs\ adj

symp·tom·at·ic \ˌsim(p)-tə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 a : being a symptom (as of disease) <an itchy skin rash is symptomatic of poison ivy>  b : concerned with, affecting, or having symptoms <a symptomatic patient>
2 : showing a quality or identity : CHARACTERISTIC
— symp·tom·at·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

syn·a·gogue also syn·a·gog \ˈsin-ə-ˌgäg\ n
1 : a Jewish congregation
2 : the house of worship of a Jewish congregation [Middle English synagoge “a Jewish congregation,” from early French synagoge (same meaning), from Latin synagoga (same meaning), from Greek synagōgē “synagogue, assembly,” from synagein “to bring together,” from syn- “together with” and agein “to lead” — related to SYNONYMOUS]

syn·apse \ˈsin-ˌaps, sə-ˈnaps\ n : the point at which a nerve impulse passes from one neuron to another

syn·ap·sis \sə-ˈnap-səs\ n, pl -ap·ses \-ˌsēz\ : the pairing of homologous chromosomes that occurs in prophase of the first meiotic division and during which crossing-over may occur

syn·chro·nize \ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌnīz, ˈsin-\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to cause to agree in time <synchronize your watches>

syn·chro·nous \ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs, ˈsin-\ adj : happening or existing at the same time : SIMULTANEOUS [from Latin synchronos “synchronous,” from Greek synchronos (same meaning), from syn- “together, along with” and chronos “time” — related to CHRONICLE, SYNONYMOUS]

syn·cline \ˈsin-ˌklīn\ n : a place in the earth's crust where the rock layers curve downward — compare ANTICLINE

syn·co·pate \ˈsiŋ-kə-ˌpāt, ˈsin-\ vb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
1 : to cut short : CLIP, ABBREVIATE
2 : to change or affect (musical rhythm) by syncopation
— syn·co·pa·tor \-ˌpāt-ər\ n

syn·co·pa·tion \ˌsiŋ-kə-ˈpā-shən, ˌsin-\ n
1 : a temporary accenting of a normally weak beat in music to vary the rhythm
2 : a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step

syn·co·pe \ˈsiŋ-kə-(ˌ)pē, ˈsin-\ n
1 : 3FAINT, 2SWOON 1
2 : the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the middle of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)

1syn·di·cate \ˈsin-di-kət\ n
1 : an association of persons involved in some official duty or business
2 : an association of people involved in organized crime
3 : a business concern that sells materials for publication at the same time in a number of newspapers or magazines

2syn·di·cate \ˈsin-də-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to operate as a syndicate
2 : to sell (as a cartoon) for publication in several newspapers or magazines at once; also : to sell the work of (as a writer) in this way <a syndicated columnist>
3 : to join to form a syndicate
— syn·di·ca·tion \ˌsin-də-ˈkā-shən\ n

— syn·di·ca·tor \ˈsin-də-ˌkāt-ər\ n

syn·drome \ˈsin-ˌdrōm\ n : a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition

syn·er·gism \ˈsin-ər-ˌjiz-əm\ n : action between individual parts or forces that produces a total result that is greater than the sum of the individual results
— syn·er·gist \-jəst\ n

syn·er·gis·tic \ˌsin-ər-ˈjis-tik\ adj : of, relating to, or able to act in synergism <synergistic drugs>

syn·od \ˈsin-əd\ n
1 : a meeting of church leaders
2 : the governing or advisory council of a church
— syn·od·al \ˈsin-əd-əl\ adj

— syn·od·i·cal \sə-ˈnäd-i-kəl\ adj

syn·onym \ˈsin-ə-ˌnim\ n : a word having the same or almost the same meaning as another word in the same language
— syn·onym·i·ty \ˌsin-ə-ˈnim-ət-ē\ n

syn·on·y·mize \sə-ˈnän-ə-ˌmīz\ vb -mized; -miz·ing : to list or discuss the synonyms of a word

syn·on·y·mous \sə-ˈnän-ə-məs\ adj
1 : alike in meaning
2 : suggesting the same thing <a brand name that is synonymous with quality> [from Latin synonymus “synonymous,” from Greek synōnymos, literally, “having the same name,” from syn- “together, along with” and onyma, onoma “name” — related to ANONYMOUS, SYMPOSIUM, SYNAGOGUE, SYNCHRONOUS]
— syn·on·y·mous·ly adv

syn·on·y·my \sə-ˈnän-ə-mē\ n, pl -mies
1 a : the study or discussion of synonyms  b : a list or collection of synonyms often defined and discussed
2 : the quality or state of being synonymous

syn·op·sis \sə-ˈnäp-səs\ n, pl -op·ses \-ˈnäp-ˌsēz\ : a brief statement or outline (as of a story)

syn·tac·tic \sin-ˈtak-tik\ or syn·tac·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or according to the rules of syntax
— syn·tac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adv

syn·tax \ˈsin-ˌtaks\ n : the way in which words are put together to form phrases, clauses, or sentences

syn·the·sis \ˈsin(t)-thə-səs\ n, pl -the·ses \-thə-ˌsēz\
1 : the combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole; esp : the production of a substance by union of chemically simpler substances
2 a : the combining of often very different ideas into an ordered whole  b : the product so formed

syn·the·size \ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsīz\ vb -sized; -siz·ing : to combine or produce by synthesis

syn·the·siz·er \-ˌsī-zər\ n
1 : one that synthesizes
2 : a computer-controlled device that creates and modifies sound (as for producing music)

1syn·thet·ic \sin-ˈthet-ik\ adj
1 : relating to or involving synthesis
2 : of, relating to, or produced by chemical synthesis; esp : produced artificially <synthetic drugs> <synthetic fibers>
— syn·thet·i·cal·ly \-ˈthet-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2synthetic n : a product of chemical synthesis

syph·i·lis \ˈsif-(ə-)ləs\ n : a venereal disease that is caused by a spirochete and if left untreated is marked by a series of three stages extending over many years
— syph·i·lit·ic \ˌsif-ə-ˈlit-ik\ adj or n

sy·phon variant of SIPHON

Syr·i·ac \ˈsir-ē-ˌak\ n
1 : a literary language based on an eastern Aramaic dialect and used as the literary and liturgical language by several eastern Christian churches
2 : Aramaic spoken by Christian communities
— Syriac adj

sy·rin·ga \sə-ˈriŋ-gə\ n : MOCK ORANGE

1sy·ringe \sə-ˈrinj also ˈsir-inj\ n : a device used to inject fluids into or withdraw them from the body or its cavities

2syringe vb sy·ringed; sy·ring·ing : to flush or cleanse with or as if with a syringe

syr·inx \ˈsir-iŋks\ n : the sound-producing organ of birds

syr·up or sir·up \ˈsər-əp, ˈsir-əp, ˈsə-rəp\ n
1 : a thick solution of sugar and water often containing a flavoring or a medicine
2 : the juice of a fruit or plant with some of the water removed
— syr·upy \-ē\ adj

sys·op \ˈsis-ˌäp\ n : the administrator of a computer bulletin board [system operator]

sys·tem \ˈsis-təm\ n
1 a : a group of objects or units combined to form a whole and to move or work together <the railroad system> <a park system>  b : a group of bodily organs that together carry on one or more vital functions <the digestive system>  c : the body considered as a functional unit <a system weakened by disease>  d : an orderly plan or method of governing or arranging <a democratic system of government>  e : a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or era
2 a : a set of ideas or statements that explains the order or functioning of a whole  b : a method of classifying, representing, or arranging <a decimal system of numbers>
— sys·tem·less \-ləs\ adj

sys·tem·at·ic \ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik\ adj
1 : relating to or forming a system <systematic thought>
2 : presented or worked out as a system
3 : carried out or acting with thoroughness or regularity <systematic efforts>
— sys·tem·at·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

sys·tem·atize \ˈsis-tə-mə-ˌtīz\ vb -atized; -atiz·ing : to make into or arrange according to a system

sys·tem·ic \sis-ˈtem-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or common to a system: as  a : of or relating to the body as a whole <a systemic disease>  b : concerned with the circulation that supplies blood to the bodily tissues through the aorta rather than the circulation involved in carrying blood through the pulmonary artery

systemic circulation n : the passage of oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart through arteries to all organs and tissues of the body and the return of oxygen-poor blood through veins to the right side of the heart

systems analyst n : a person who studies a procedure or business to find out its goals and purposes and to discover the best ways to accomplish them

sys·to·le \ˈsis-tə-lē\ n : the contraction of the heart by which the blood is forced onward and the circulation kept up — compare DIASTOLE

sys·tol·ic \sis-ˈtäl-ik\ adj : of, relating to, caused by, or occurring during systole <systolic blood pressure>

T

t \tē\ n, pl t's or ts \ˈtēz\ often cap : the 20th letter of the English alphabet
— to a T : in a perfect manner

't \t\ pron : 1IT <'twill do>

1tab \ˈtab\ n
1 a : a short flap or tag used as an aid in filing, pulling, or hanging  b : something inserted
2 a : close watch <keep tabs on fashion trends>  b : 3BILL 2, CHECK
3 : a key on a keyboard especially for arranging information in columns

2tab vb tabbed; tab·bing
1 : to furnish or ornament with tabs
2 : to select or name for a special purpose : DESIGNATE <tabbed as the team's next captain>
3 : to hit the tab key on a keyboard

tab·ard \ˈtab-ərd\ n
1 : a cloak worn by a knight over his armor and ornamented with his arms
2 : a herald's cape or coat ornamented with the lord's arms

tab·by \ˈtab-ē\ n, pl tabbies
1 : a domestic cat with a striped and spotted coat
2 : a female cat
Word History A silk cloth with a striped or wavy pattern was once made in a section of the ancient city of Baghdad in what is now Iraq. The Arabic name for the cloth was 'attābī, from Al-'Attābīya, the name of the part of the city where it was made. Through Latin, the French borrowed this word for the cloth, calling it tabis. This word in turn became tabby in English. People saw a resemblance between the striped or wavy pattern of the silk and cats that had striped or spotted markings on their fur. Thus these cats came to be called tabby cats after the cloth. [from French tabis “a silk fabric with a lustrous wavy finish,” from Latin attabi (same meaning), from Arabic 'attābī (same meaning), from Al-'Attābīya, name of a part of Baghdad where the cloth was made]

tab·er·na·cle \ˈtab-ər-ˌnak-əl\ n
1 a often cap : a tent used as a place of worship by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness with Moses  b archaic : a dwelling place
2 : a locked box used to hold Communion breads
3 : a house of worship

1ta·ble \ˈtā-bəl\ n
1 : TABLET 1A
2 a : a piece of furniture with a smooth flat top fixed on legs  b : food served at a meal  c : a group of people assembled at a table
3 a : an orderly arrangement of facts or figures in rows or columns for quick reference <a table of weights> <the multiplication table>  b : a short list <the table of contents>
4 : PLATEAU 1

2table vb ta·bled; ta·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : TABULATE
2 : to remove a parliamentary motion from consideration for an unspecified period of time
3 : to put on a table

tab·leau \ˈtab-ˌlō, ta-ˈblō\ n, pl tab·leaux \-ˌlōz, -blōz\ also tableaus : a scene or event shown by a group of persons in costume who remain silent and motionless

ta·ble·cloth \ˈtā-bəl-ˌklȯth\ n : a covering spread over a dining table before the places are set

ta·ble·land \ˈtā-bəl-ˌ(l)and\ n : PLATEAU 1

table salt n : salt for use on food and in cooking

ta·ble·spoon \ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün\ n
1 : a large spoon used especially for serving food
2 : a unit of measure used in cooking equal to ½ fluid ounce (about 15 milliliters)

ta·ble·spoon·ful \ˌtā-bəl-ˈspün-ˌfu̇l, ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün-\ n, pl ta·ble·spoon·fuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ also ta·ble·spoons·ful \-ˈspünz-ˌfu̇l, -ˌspünz-\
1 : as much as a tablespoon can hold
2 : TABLESPOON 2

table sugar n : 1SUGAR 1; esp : white sugar granules

tab·let \ˈtab-lət\ n
1 a : a flat slab suited for an inscription  b : 2PAD 4
2 a : a compressed or molded block of a solid material  b : a small usually round mass of material containing medicine <aspirin tablet>
3 a : GRAPHICS TABLET  b or tablet computer : a mobile computing device that has a flat rectangular form, is usually controlled by means of a touch screen, and is typically used for accessing the Internet, watching videos, and reading e-books

table talk n : informal conversation at or as if at a dining table

table tennis n : a game resembling tennis that is played on a table with wooden paddles and a small hollow plastic ball

ta·ble·top \ˈtā-bəl-ˌtäp\ n : the top of a table

ta·ble·ware \ˈtā-bəl-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : utensils (as of china, glass, or silver) for table use

table wine n : a wine suitable for serving with food

tab·loid \ˈtab-ˌlȯid\ n : a newspaper about half the page size of an ordinary newspaper containing short often sensational news stories and many photographs

1ta·boo also ta·bu \tə-ˈbü, ta-\ adj : prohibited by a taboo [from tabu, a word in a language of the people of a South Sea island, meaning “taboo”]

2taboo also tabu n, pl taboos also tabus
1 : a prohibition against touching, saying, or doing something for fear of immediate harm by a superhuman force
2 : a prohibition established by social custom

ta·bor \ˈtā-bər\ n : a small drum with one head used to accompany a pipe played by the same person

tab·u·lar \ˈtab-yə-lər\ adj
1 : having a flat surface
2 a : arranged or entered in a table  b : computed by means of a table

tab·u·late \ˈtab-yə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to count and record in an orderly way <tabulate votes>
— tab·u·la·tion \ˌtab-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— tab·u·la·tor \ˈtab-yə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

ta·chom·e·ter \ta-ˈkäm-ət-ər, tə-\ n : a device for indicating speed of rotation [from Greek tachos “speed” and English meter “an instrument for measuring”]

tac·it \ˈtas-ət\ adj
1 : expressed without words or speech
2 : understood or made known (as by an act or by silence) though not actually expressed <tacit approval>
— tac·it·ly adv

— tac·it·ness n

tac·i·turn \ˈtas-ə-ˌtərn\ adj : tending to not speak  synonyms see SILENT
— tac·i·tur·ni·ty \ˌtas-ə-ˈtər-nət-ē\ n

— tac·i·turn·ly \ˈtas-ə-ˌtərn-lē\ adv

1tack \ˈtak\ vb
1 : to fasten or attach especially with tacks
2 : to join in a slight or hasty manner
3 : to add on in order to complete
4 a : to change the direction of a sailing ship by shifting the sails  b : to change from one tack to another
5 : to follow a zigzag course
— tack·er n

2tack n
1 : a small short sharp-pointed nail usually with a broad flat head
2 a : the direction a ship is sailing as shown by the position the sails are set in <on the port tack>  b : a change of course from one tack to another
3 : a zigzag movement on land
4 : a course or method of action <try a new tack>
5 : a slight or temporary sewing or fastening

3tack n : stable gear; esp : equipment (as a saddle and bridle) for use on a saddle horse

tack·i·ness \ˈtak-ē-nəs\ n : the quality or state of being tacky

1tack·le \ˈtak-əl, nautical often ˈtāk-\ n
1 : a set of special equipment : GEAR <fishing tackle>
2 : an arrangement of ropes and wheels for hoisting or pulling something heavy
3 a : the act or an instance of tackling  b : a football player who is positioned on the line of scrimmage and inside the ends

2tackle vb tack·led; tack·ling \ˈtak-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to seize or take hold of especially in order to stop or throw down
2 : to set about dealing with <tackle a problem>
— tack·ler \-(ə-)lər\ n

1tacky \ˈtak-ē\ adj tack·i·er; -est : somewhat sticky to the touch <tacky varnish>

2tacky adj tack·i·er; -est
1 : SHABBY 2B, SEEDY
2 : marked by lack of style or good taste <a tacky outfit>

ta·co \ˈtäk-ō\ n, pl tacos \-ōz\ : a usually fried tortilla that is folded or rolled and stuffed with a mixture (as of seasoned meat, cheese, and lettuce) [from the Spanish spoken in Mexico taco “taco”]

tac·o·nite \ˈtak-ə-ˌnīt\ n : a flinty rock high enough in iron content to be used as a low-grade iron ore

tact \ˈtakt\ n : the ability to deal with others without offending them
— tact·less \ˈtak-tləs\ adj

— tact·less·ly adv

— tact·less·ness n

tact·ful \ˈtakt-fəl\ adj : having or showing tact
— tact·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— tact·ful·ness n

tac·tic \ˈtak-tik\ n
1 : a method of arranging and moving forces in combat
2 : a planned action for a particular purpose

tac·ti·cal \ˈtak-ti-kəl\ adj : of or relating to tactics
— tac·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

tac·ti·cian \tak-ˈtish-ən\ n : one skilled in tactics

tac·tics \ˈtak-tiks\ n sing or pl
1 a : the science and art of arranging and moving forces in combat  b : the art or skill of using available means to accomplish an end
2 : a system or method of proceeding

tac·tile \ˈtak-təl, -ˌtīl\ adj : of, relating to, or used in the sense of touch [from French tactile or Latin tactilis, both meaning “capable of being touched or felt,” from Latin tangere “to touch” — related to TANGENT, TANGIBLE]

tad \ˈtad\ n
1 : BOY 1
2 : 2BIT 1
— a tad : SOMEWHAT <was a tad rude to us>

tad·pole \ˈtad-ˌpōl\ n : the larva of a frog or toad that has a rounded body and a long tail, breathes with gills, and lives in water — called also pollywog
Word History A young tadpole looks like a large head with a tail. In time it will develop back legs and then front legs. Finally it will lose its tail and become a toad or a frog. Our word for this immature form of a toad or frog comes from Middle English taddepol. This word was a combination of two others, tode, meaning “toad,” and polle, meaning “head.” [Middle English taddepol “tadpole,” from tode “toad” and polle “head”]

tae kwon do \ˈtī-ˈkwän-ˈdō\ n, often cap T&K&D : a Korean art of self-defense resembling karate

taf·fe·ta \ˈtaf-ət-ə\ n : a crisp shiny fabric used especially for women's clothing

taff·rail \ˈtaf-ˌrāl, -rəl\ n : the rail around the stern of a ship

taf·fy \ˈtaf-ē\ n, pl taffies : a candy usually of molasses or brown sugar boiled and pulled until soft and chewy

1tag \ˈtag\ n
1 : a loose hanging piece of cloth : TATTER
2 : a metal or plastic binding on an end of a shoelace
3 : TAG LINE
4 a : something (as a marker) used for identification; specif : HANGTAG  b : a part of a computer file that controls the format or layout of a document or that indicates a hyperlink (as “<it>” to indicate italic type) [Middle English tagge “a hanging piece of loose cloth”; of Germanic origin]

2tag vb tagged; tag·ging
1 : to provide or mark with or as if with a tag
2 : to follow closely and continuously
3 : 2LABEL 3

3tag n
1 : a game in which one player who is it chases the others and tries to touch one of them to make that person it
2 : an act or instance of tagging a runner in baseball [origin unknown]

4tag vb tagged; tag·ging
1 : to touch in a game of tag
2 : to put out (a runner) in baseball by touching with the ball or with the gloved hand holding the ball

Ta·ga·log \tə-ˈgäl-əg, -ˌȯg\ n, pl Tagalog or Tagalogs
1 : a member of the native people of the Philippine island of Luzon
2 : the language of the Tagalog people

tag·along \ˈtag-ə-ˌlȯŋ\ n : one that tags along

tag along \ˌtag-ə-ˈlȯŋ\ vb : to follow another's lead especially in going from one place to another

tag end n : TAIL END

tag line n : a final line (as in a joke)

tag up vb : to touch a base before running in baseball after a fly ball is caught

tai chi \ˈtī-ˈjē, -ˈchē\ n, often cap T&C : an ancient Chinese system of movements performed for meditation or exercise

tai·ga \ˈtī-gə\ n : a moist northern forest that consists mostly of cone-producing trees (as pines, spruces, and firs) and begins where the tundra ends

1tail \ˈtā(ə)l\ n
1 : the rear end or a lengthened growth from the rear end of the body of an animal
2 : something resembling an animal's tail <the tail of a kite> <the tail of a comet>
3 pl : full evening dress for men
4 : the back, last, lower, or rear part of something <the tail of an airplane>
5 : the reverse of a coin
6 : one (as a detective) who follows or keeps watch on someone
7 : a location not far behind <a posse on the outlaw's tail>
— tailed \ˈtā(ə)ld\ adj

— tail·less \ˈtā(ə)l-ləs\ adj

— tail·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2tail adj : being at or coming from the rear

3tail vb
1 : to make or furnish with a tail
2 a : to follow or be drawn behind like a tail  b : to follow closely to observe : SHADOW
— tail·er n

tail·bone \ˈtā(ə)l-ˌbōn\ n : COCCYX

tail end n : the last part <the tail end of summer>

1tail·gate \ˈtā(ə)l-ˌgāt\ n : a panel at the back end of a vehicle (as a station wagon) that can be let down for loading and unloading

2tailgate vb tail·gat·ed; tail·gat·ing : to drive dangerously close behind another vehicle

tail·light \ˈtā(ə)l-ˌlīt\ n : a red warning light mounted at the rear of a vehicle

1tai·lor \ˈtā-lər\ n : a person whose occupation is making or making adjustments in outer garments

2tailor vb
1 : to make or fashion as the work of a tailor
2 : to make or make suitable for a special need or purpose

tai·lor·bird \ˈtā-lər-ˌbərd\ n : any of a genus of warblers mostly of Asia that stitch leaves together to support and hide their nests

tai·lored \ˈtā-lərd\ adj
1 : fashioned or fitted like a tailor's work
2 : CUSTOM-MADE

tai·lor·ing \ˈtā-lə-riŋ\ n
1 a : the business or occupation of a tailor  b : the work or quality of work of a tailor
2 : the making or adapting of something to suit a particular purpose

tai·lor–made \ˌtā-lər-ˈmād\ adj
1 : made by or as if by a tailor; esp : marked by exact fit and simple style
2 : made or as if made to take care of a particular need

tailor's ham \ˈtā-lərz-\ n : a cushion used especially by tailors for pressing curved areas of garments

tailor's tack n : a long loose stitch with a double thread to fasten seams before thorough sewing

tail·piece \ˈtā(ə)l-ˌpēs\ n
1 : a piece added at the end
2 : a device to which the strings of a stringed instrument are fastened

tail pipe n : an outlet by which engine exhaust gases are expelled from a vehicle (as an automobile or jet aircraft)

tail·spin \ˈtā(ə)l-ˌspin\ n : 2SPIN 3

tail wind n : a wind having the same general direction as the course of a moving object (as an aircraft)

1taint \ˈtānt\ vb
1 : to touch or affect slightly with something bad
2 : 2SPOIL 2C, DECAY

2taint n
1 : a trace of decay : STAIN
2 : a spoiling influence
— taint·less \-ləs\ adj

1take \ˈtāk\ vb took \ˈtu̇k\; tak·en \ˈtā-kən\; tak·ing
1 : to lay hold of : GRASP <take my hand>
2 : 2CAPTURE 1 <take a fort>
3 : 1WIN 3A <take first prize>
4 : to get possession of (as by buying, capturing, or killing) <took several trout with hook and line>
5 : to seize and affect suddenly <taken with a fever>
6 : CAPTIVATE, DELIGHT <was much taken with the new neighbors>
7 : 1EXTRACT 4 <take material from an encyclopedia>
8 : SUBTRACT 1 <take 78 from 112>
9 : to put an end to (as life)
10 : to find out by testing or examining <take a patient's temperature>
11 : 1SELECT, CHOOSE <I took the red one>
12 : ASSUME 1 <take office> <take charge>
13 a : to let in and hold : ADMIT, ACCOMMODATE <the boat was taking water fast> <the suitcase won't take another thing>  b : to be affected harmfully by (as a disease) : CONTRACT <take a cold>  c : to become soaked with or make part of itself : ABSORB <this cloth takes dye very well> <plants take up water>
14 : to be guided by : FOLLOW <take my advice>
15 : to introduce into the body <take your medicine>
16 a : to submit to <took the punishment without complaining>  b : WITHSTAND <can take a lot of punishment>
17 a : to subscribe to <takes two newspapers>  b : to enroll in for study <take a course in history> <take piano lessons>  c : to keep from swinging at (a baseball pitch) <take a strike>
18 a : UNDERSTAND 3, INTERPRET <I took it to mean something different>  b : CONSIDER 3 <wanted to be taken for a genius>
19 : to react in a certain way <take pride in one's work> <take offense>
20 : to be formed or used with <this verb takes an object>
21 : to lead, carry, or cause to go along to another place <take a package home> <take me to your leader>
22 a : to make use of <take a vacation>  b : to proceed to occupy <take a chair>
23 : 2NEED 2, REQUIRE <this job takes a lot of time> <I take a larger size>
24 : to obtain an image or copy of <take a photograph> <take fingerprints>
25 : to set out to make, do, or perform <take a walk> <took a new job>
26 : to set out or go <take after the escaped prisoner>
27 : to have effect (as by absorption) <a dye that takes well>
— tak·er n

— take a back seat : to have or put in a lower position <entertainment takes a back seat to food and shelter>

— take advantage of
1 : to use to advantage : profit by
2 : to treat (someone) unfairly : EXPLOIT

— take after
1 : to take as an example : FOLLOW
2 : to look like : RESEMBLE <take after their parents>

— take a hike also take a walk : to go away : LEAVE

— take care : to be careful

— take care of : to attend to or provide for the needs, operation, or treatment of

— take charge : to assume care or control

— take effect
1 : to go into effect
2 : to have an expected or intended effect : be effective

— take five or take ten : to take a break especially from work

— take for : to suppose to be; esp : to suppose mistakenly to be

— take for granted : to assume as true, real, or expected

— take hold : to become attached or established

— take into account : to make allowance for : CONSIDER

— take in vain : to use a name without proper respect

— take no prisoners : to be merciless or relentless

— take one's time : to be slow or unhurried about doing something

— take part : PARTICIPATE, SHARE

— take place : to come about or occur : HAPPEN

— take the floor : to rise (as in a meeting) to speak

— take to
1 : to go to or into <take to the streets in protest>
2 : to be drawn or attracted to

— take to court : to bring before a judicial body; esp : SUE 1

— take to task : to scold for a fault

— take turns : 1ALTERNATE 1

2take n
1 : an act or the action of taking
2 : something taken : PROCEEDS, CATCH
3 a : a scene filmed or televised at one time without stopping the camera  b : a sound recording made during a single recording period
4 : mental response or reaction

take·away \ˈtā-kə-ˌwā\ n
1 chiefly British : TAKEOUT 3
2 : an act or instance of taking possession of the ball or puck from an opposing team

take back vb : RETRACT 2, WITHDRAW <take back an insulting remark>

take·down \ˈtāk-ˌdau̇n\ n : the action or an act of taking down
— take·down \ˌtāk-ˌdau̇n\ adj

take down \(ˈ)tāk-ˈdau̇n\ vb
1 a : to pull to pieces  b : DISASSEMBLE
2 : to lower the spirit or pride of : HUMBLE
3 : to write down or record by mechanical means

take–home pay \ˌtāk-ˌhōm-\ n : the part of one's salary or wages remaining after deductions (as of income tax payments or union dues)

take in vb
1 a : to reduce the length of <take in a slack line>  b : to make smaller by enlarging seams or tucks <take in a coat>
2 a : to receive as a guest or resident  b : to give shelter to
3 : to receive and do at home for pay <take in washing>
4 : to include within fixed limits <the camp took in several acres>
5 : ATTEND 4 <take in a movie>
6 : to observe and think about so as to understand <paused to take the situation in>
7 : to deceive so as to take advantage of <taken in by a hard luck story>

taken past participle of TAKE

take–no–prisoners adj : having a fierce, relentless, or merciless character <take-no-prisoners politics>

take·off \ˈtā-ˌkȯf\ n
1 : 1IMITATION 2; esp : PARODY 1
2 a : a rise or leap from a surface in making a jump or flight in an aircraft or spacecraft  b : an action of starting out
3 : a spot at which one takes off

take off \(ˈ)tā-ˈkȯf\ vb
1 a : 1REMOVE 2 <take your hat off>  b : to take away : DEDUCT <take off 10 percent>
2 : 1RELEASE 1 <take the brake off>
3 : to spend (some time) away from an activity or occupation <took two weeks off in August>
4 a : to start off or away often suddenly <took off without saying goodbye>  b : to begin flight <planes taking off>  c : to develop or grow rapidly

take on vb
1 : to struggle with as an opponent
2 : 1EMPLOY 2 <took on more workers>
3 : to acquire (as an appearance or quality) as one's own <take on weight>
4 : to make an unusual show of one's feelings especially of grief or anger <don't take on so>

take·out \ˈtā-ˌkau̇t\ n
1 : the action or an act of taking out
2 : something taken out or made to be taken out
3 : prepared food packaged to be eaten away from its place of sale

take out \(ˈ)tā-ˈkau̇t\ vb
1 a : to take away : DEDUCT  b : 1REMOVE 4
2 : to find release for : VENT <took out their anger on me>
3 : to conduct or escort into the open or to a public entertainment
4 : to take as payment in another form <took the debt out in goods>
5 : to obtain from the proper authority <take out a charter>
6 : to start on a course : SET OUT

take over \(ˈ)tā-ˈkō-vər\ vb : to get control or possession of or responsibility for something
— take·over \ˈtā-ˌkō-vər\ n

take–up \ˈtā-ˌkəp\ n
1 : a device in a sewing machine for drawing up the slack thread as the needle rises in completing a stitch
2 : a device for winding photographic film on a reel, core, or spool

take up \(ˈ)tā-ˈkəp\ vb
1 : to begin to occupy <took up their positions>
2 : to begin to engage in : UNDERTAKE <took up swimming>
3 : to absorb or incorporate into itself <plants taking up water and minerals>
4 : to pull up or in so as to tighten or to shorten <take up the slack>
— take up for : to take the part or side of

— take up with : to begin to associate with

tak·ings \ˈtā-kiŋz\ n pl, chiefly British : receipts especially of money

talc \ˈtalk\ n : a very soft mineral that consists of a silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel, and is used especially in making talcum powder

tal·cum powder \ˈtal-kəm-\ n : a powder composed of perfumed talc or talc and a mild antiseptic for sprinkling or rubbing over the skin

tale \ˈtā(ə)l\ n
1 : something told <a tale of woe>
2 : a story about an imaginary event <a fairy tale>
3 : a false story : LIE
4 : a piece of harmful gossip <spread tales about us>

tale·bear·er \-ˌbar-ər, -ˌber-\ n : a person who spreads gossip, scandal, or rumors
— tale·bear·ing \-iŋ\ adj or n

tal·ent \ˈtal-ənt\ n
1 : an ancient unit of weight and money
2 : the natural abilities of a person
3 : a special often athletic, creative, or artistic ability
4 : persons of talent in a field or activity [Middle English talent “an ancient unit of weight and money”; in sense 1 from Old English talente (same meaning), from Latin talenta, plural of talentum “unit of weight or money,” from Greek talanton “pan of a scale, weight”; in senses 2–4 so called from the parable of the talents told by Jesus (Matthew 25:14–30)]  synonyms see ABILITY
— tal·ent·ed \-ən-təd\ adj

talent scout n : a person engaged in discovering and recruiting people with special talents

talent show n : a show consisting of a series of performances by amateurs who may be selected for special recognition as performers

tal·is·man \ˈtal-ə-smən, -əz-mən\ n, pl talismans : a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : CHARM

1talk \ˈtȯk\ vb
1 : to express in speech <talk sense>
2 : to speak about : DISCUSS <talk business>
3 : to influence, affect, or cause by talking <talked us into agreeing>
4 : to use for communicating <talk sign language>
5 a : to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words  b : to communicate in any way <the computer talks to the printer>
6 a : to spread gossip  b : to reveal secret information <tried to make the suspect talk>
— talk·er n

— talk back : to answer disrespectfully

2talk n
1 : the act or an instance of talking
2 : a way of speaking
3 : pointless or useless discussion <all talk and no action>
4 : a formal discussion or exchange of views : CONFERENCE
5 : 1RUMOR 1, GOSSIP
6 : the topic of comment or gossip <it's the talk of the town>

talk·a·tive \ˈtȯ-kət-iv\ adj : fond of talking
— talk·a·tive·ness n
synonyms TALKATIVE, LOQUACIOUS, GARRULOUS, VOLUBLE, mean fond of talking. TALKATIVE suggests a regular willingness to talk or join in a conversation <a talkative neighbor>. LOQUACIOUS suggests the ability of a person who speaks easily and smoothly <the loquacious host of a television show>. GARRULOUS suggests a wish to talk that often continues to the point of being foolish and boring <a garrulous person running on about the good old days>. VOLUBLE suggests a ready, rapid, and seemingly endless flow of speech <a voluble salesclerk who told customers more than they cared to know>.

talk down vb : to speak in an overly simple manner as if to a person who does not know much

talking book n : AUDIOBOOK

talk·ing–to \ˈtȯ-kiŋ-ˌtü\ n : an often wordy scolding

talk over vb : DISCUSS 1

talk show n : a radio or television program in which persons engage in discussions or are interviewed

talky \ˈtȯ-kē\ adj : TALKATIVE

tall \ˈtȯl\ adj
1 a : having unusually great height  b : of a specified height <five feet tall>
2 a : large in amount, extent, or degree <a tall order to fill>  b : greatly exaggerated : IMPROBABLE <a tall tale>  synonyms see HIGH
— tall adv

— tall·ness n

tal·lith \ˈtäl-əs, -ət, -əth\ or tal·lis \-əs\ n : a shawl with fringed corners traditionally worn over the head or shoulders by Jewish men especially during morning prayers

tal·low \ˈtal-ō\ n : the solid fat of cattle and sheep used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants

tall ship n : a sailing vessel with at least two masts; esp : SQUARE-RIGGER

1tal·ly \ˈtal-ē\ n, pl tallies
1 : a device for keeping a count
2 a : a recorded account  b : a total recorded
3 : a score or point made (as in a game)

2tally vb tal·lied; tal·ly·ing
1 : to keep a count of
2 : to make a tally : SCORE
3 : CORRESPOND 1, AGREE

tal·ly·ho \ˌtal-ē-ˈhō\ n, pl tallyhos : a call of a huntsman at sight of the fox

Tal·mud \ˈtäl-ˌmu̇d, ˈtal-məd\ n : the writings that declare Jewish law and tradition
— Tal·mu·dic \tal-ˈmüd-ik, -ˈmyüd-, -ˈməd-, täl-ˈmu̇d-\ adj

tal·on \ˈtal-ən\ n : the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

ta·lus \ˈtā-ləs\ n : a pile of rocks broken off from and found at the base of a cliff or steep slope

ta·ma·le \tə-ˈmäl-ē\ n : cornmeal dough rolled with ground meat or beans seasoned usually with chili, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed

tam·a·rack \ˈtam-(ə-)ˌrak\ n
1 : any of several American larches; esp : one of the northern U.S. and Canada
2 : the wood of a tamarack

tam·a·rind \ˈtam-ə-rənd, -rind\ n : a tropical tree of the legume family that has hard yellowish wood, feathery leaves, and red-striped yellow flowers; also : its fruit which has a sour pulp used especially for preserves or as a seasoning in cooking

tam·a·risk \ˈtam-ə-ˌrisk\ n : any of a genus of chiefly desert shrubs of Eurasia and Africa that have small narrow leaves and clusters of tiny flowers

tam·bou·rine \ˌtam-bə-ˈrēn\ n : a shallow drum with one head and loose metal disks at the sides that is played by shaking or striking with the hand

1tame \ˈtām\ adj tam·er; tam·est
1 : changed from the wild state so as to become useful and obedient to human beings : DOMESTICATED <a tame elephant>
2 : made gentle and obedient
3 : lacking spirit or interest : DULL
— tame·ly adv

— tame·ness n

2tame vb tamed; tam·ing
1 a : to make or become tame <tame a lion>  b : to subject to cultivation <wilderness tamed by farmers>
2 : to bring under control : SUBDUE <tame your temper>
— tam·er n

tam–o'–shan·ter \ˈtam-ə-ˌshant-ər\ n : a Scottish cap with a tight headband, wide flat circular crown, and usually a pom-pom [named for Tam o' Shanter, hero of a poem by Robert Burns 1759–1796 Scottish poet]

tamp \ˈtamp\ vb
1 : to drive in or down by a series of blows
2 : to put a check on : LESSEN <tamp down rumors>
— tamp·er n

tam·per \ˈtam-pər\ vb tam·pered; tam·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to interfere in a secret or wrongful way
2 a : to interfere so as to cause a weakening or change for the worse  b : to try foolish or dangerous experiments  synonyms see MEDDLE

tam·pon \ˈtam-ˌpän\ n : a wad of absorbent material (as cotton) placed in a body cavity or canal usually to absorb secretions (as from menstruation) or to stop heavy or uncontrolled bleeding

1tan \ˈtan\ vb tanned; tan·ning
1 : to change hide into leather especially by soaking in a tannin solution
2 : to make or become tan or brown especially by exposing to the sun
3 : THRASH 2A, WHIP

2tan adj tan·ner; tan·nest : of the color tan

3tan n
1 : a brown color given to the skin especially by exposure to the sun
2 : a light yellowish brown
— tan·nish \ˈtan-ish\ adj

tan·a·ger \ˈtan-i-jər\ n : any of numerous small mostly tropical American birds that are often brightly colored — compare SCARLET TANAGER

1tan·dem \ˈtan-dəm\ n
1 a : a two-seated carriage drawn by horses hitched one behind the other  b : TANDEM BICYCLE
2 : a group of two or more arranged one behind the other
Word History Tandem is used to describe many things that involve the connecting of one object to another similar object behind it. A tandem tractor-trailer truck has one trailer hitched behind another, which is attached to the truck body, or tractor. A bicycle built for two is called a tandem bicycle because it has one seat and set of pedals behind another. The first use of the word tandem in English was for a carriage pulled by one horse hitched behind, rather than beside, another. Whoever first used the term in English apparently was making a play on words. The Latin word tandem meant “at length” referring to time, but in English tandem came to mean “at length” or “lengthwise,” referring to position. [from Latin tandem “at length, at last”]

2tandem adv or adj : one behind another

tandem bicycle n : a bicycle for two or more persons sitting tandem

tang \ˈtaŋ\ n
1 : a sharp often lingering flavor
2 : a sharp odor

tan·ge·lo \ˈtan-jə-ˌlō\ n, pl -los : the fruit of a tree that is a hybrid between a tangerine and a grapefruit; also : the tree

1tan·gent \ˈtan-jənt\ adj : touching a curve or surface at only one point <a straight line tangent to a circle> [from Latin tangent-, tangens “touching,” from tangere “to touch” — related to CONTACT, TACTILE, TANGIBLE]

2tangent n
1 : a trigonometric function that for an acute angle in a right triangle is the ratio of the side opposite the angle to the side next to it
2 : a line that is tangent
3 : a sudden change of course <the speaker went off on a tangent>
— tan·gen·tial \tan-ˈjen-chəl\ adj

— tan·gen·tial·ly \-ˈjench-(ə-)lē\ adv

tan·ger·ine \ˈtan-jə-ˌrēn, ˌtan-jə-ˈrēn\ n : any of various mandarin oranges having a usually deep orange skin and pulp; also : a tree producing tangerines

1tan·gi·ble \ˈtan-jə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being touched
2 : capable of being understood and appreciated [from Latin tangibilis “tangible,” from tangere “to touch” — related to CONTACT, TACTILE, TANGENT]
— tan·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌtan-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— tan·gi·bly \ˈtan-jə-blē\ adv

2tangible n : something tangible

1tan·gle \ˈtaŋ-gəl\ vb tan·gled; tan·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make or become involved so as to complicate or confuse : be or become entangled
2 : to twist or become twisted together into a mass hard to straighten out again

2tangle n
1 : a tangled twisted mass (as of vines or hairs) confusedly woven together : SNARL
2 : a complicated or confused state or condition

tan·go \ˈtaŋ-gō\ n, pl tangos : a ballroom dance of Latin-American origin to music in 2/4 time and marked by pauses between steps and a variety of body postures; also : the music for a tango
— tango vb

tan·gram \ˈtaŋ-grəm, ˈtan-\ n : a Chinese puzzle made by cutting a square of thin material into a number of pieces which can be recombined into many different figures

tangy \ˈtaŋ-ē\ adj tang·i·er; -est : having or suggestive of a tang

1tank \ˈtaŋk\ n
1 : a usually large container for holding, transporting, or storing liquids
2 : an enclosed heavily armed and armored combat vehicle that moves on beltlike tracks

2tank vb : to place, store, or treat in a tank

tan·kard \ˈtaŋ-kərd\ n : a tall one-handled drinking vessel; esp : a silver or pewter mug with a lid

tank·er \ˈtaŋ-kər\ n : a vehicle (as a ship, truck, or aircraft) designed for the transportation of liquids

tank top n : a sleeveless collarless shirt with a low neckline

tanned past and past participle of TAN

tan·ner \ˈtan-ər\ n : a person who tans hides

tan·nery \ˈtan-(ə-)rē\ n, pl tan·ner·ies : a place where hides are tanned

tannest superlative of TAN

tan·nic acid \ˌtan-ik-\ n : TANNIN

tan·nin \ˈtan-ən\ n : any of various substances from plants (as the oak or sumac) used in tanning leather, dyeing fabric and yarn, the making of ink, and in medicine

tan·ning \ˈtan-iŋ\ n
1 : the art or process by which an animal skin is tanned
2 : a browning of the skin especially by exposure to the sun
3 : a usually severe whipping

tan·ta·lite \ˈtant-əl-ˌīt\ n : a mineral consisting of a heavy dark shiny oxide of tantalum and other metals

tan·ta·lize \ˈtant-əl-ˌīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing : to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach
— tan·ta·liz·ing·ly \-ˌī-ziŋ-lē\ adv
Word History In Greek mythology, King Tantalus offended the gods, so they punished him in a truly terrible way. He was forced to stand in a lake whose water came up to his neck. But every time Tantalus became thirsty and bent over to drink, the water level dropped so that he could never reach it. Above his head were branches loaded with delicious fruits. Yet every time Tantalus reached up to take a fruit, the branches moved up out of reach, leaving him hungry. Thus, Tantalus was always in torment, and from his name comes the English word for tormenting or teasing someone in a similar way. [from Greek Tantalus, name of a king in mythology]

tan·ta·lum \ˈtant-əl-əm\ n : a gray-white metallic element found in rare minerals and used especially in electronic devices — see ELEMENT TABLE

tan·ta·mount \ˈtant-ə-ˌmau̇nt\ adj : equal in value, meaning, or effect

tan·trum \ˈtan-trəm\ n : a fit of bad temper

1tap \ˈtap\ n
1 : FAUCET, SPIGOT
2 : the procedure of removing fluid from a container or cavity by tapping [Old English tæppa “a plug for a hole (as in a wine cask)”]
— on tap
1 : ready to be drawn <root beer on tap>
2 : on hand : AVAILABLE

2tap vb tapped; tap·ping
1 : to release or cause to flow by making a hole or by drawing a plug from a container or cavity <tap wine from a cask>
2 a : to make a hole in so as to let out or draw off a fluid <tap maple trees>  b : to draw from or upon <tap the nation's resources>
— tap·per n

3tap vb tapped; tap·ping : to strike or cause to strike lightly especially with a slight sound <tap on a window> <tap one's foot> [Middle English tappen “to strike lightly, tap,” from early French taper “to strike with the side of the hand”; of Germanic origin]
— tap·per n

4tap n
1 : a light blow or its sound
2 : a small metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe (as for tap dancing)

tap dance n : a dance tapped out loudly by means of shoes to which taps have been added
— tap–dance vb

— tap dancer n

— tap dancing n

1tape \ˈtāp\ n
1 : a narrow band of woven fabric
2 : a string stretched breast-high above the finishing line of a race
3 : a narrow flexible strip or band; esp : MAGNETIC TAPE
4 : a recording made on magnetic tape

2tape vb taped; tap·ing
1 : to fasten, tie, bind, cover, or support with tape
2 : to measure with a tape measure
3 : TAPE-RECORD

tape deck n : a device used to play back and often to record on magnetic tapes that usually has to be connected to an audio system

tape measure n : a tape marked off in units (as inches or centimeters) and used for measuring

1ta·per \ˈtā-pər\ n
1 a : a long waxed wick used especially for lighting lamps, pipes, or fires  b : a slender candle
2 a : a tapering form or figure  b : gradual lessening of thickness, diameter, or width in a long object  c : a gradual decrease

2taper vb ta·pered; ta·per·ing \ˈtā-p(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to make or become gradually smaller toward one end
2 : to become gradually less and less

tape–re·cord \ˌtā-pri-ˈkȯ(ə)rd\ vb : to make a recording of on magnetic tape <tape-record a concert>

tape recorder n : a device for recording on and playing back magnetic tapes

taper off vb : to stop or lessen gradually

tap·es·try \ˈtap-ə-strē\ n, pl -tries : a heavy cloth that has designs or pictures woven into it and is used especially as a wall hanging
— tap·es·tried \-strēd\ adj

tape·worm \ˈtāp-ˌwərm\ n : any of a group of flatworms that are parasites of the intestines of vertebrate animals including human beings

tap·i·o·ca \ˌtap-ē-ˈō-kə\ n : grains or flakes of starch from the cassava root that are used especially in puddings and as a thickening in liquid foods; also : a food (as pudding) that contains tapioca

ta·pir \ˈtā-pər\ n, pl tapir or tapirs : any of several plant-eating hoofed mammals of tropical America and southeastern Asia that are related to the horse and rhinoceros and have a long flexible snout, a very short tail, and short thick legs

tap·root \ˈtap-ˌrüt, -ˌru̇t\ n : a large main root that grows straight down and gives off many smaller side roots — compare FIBROUS ROOT

taps \ˈtaps\ n sing or pl
1 : the last bugle call at night blown as a signal to put out the lights
2 : a similar call blown at military funerals and memorial services

tap water n : water as it comes from a tap (as in a home)

1tar \ˈtär\ n
1 a : a dark usually thick sticky liquid obtained by distilling wood, coal, or peat  b : a substance that resembles tar; esp : a sticky substance that is formed by burning tobacco
2 : SAILOR
— tar·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2tar vb tarred; tar·ring : to smear with or as if with tar

ta·ran·tu·la \tə-ˈranch-(ə-)lə, -ˈrant-əl-ə\ n : any of a family of large hairy American spiders that usually move slowly and have a sharp bite but are not very poisonous to human beings

tar·dy \ˈtärd-ē\ adj tar·di·er; -est
1 : moving slowly : SLUGGISH
2 : not on time : LATE
— tar·di·ly \ˈtärd-ə-lē\ adv

— tar·di·ness \ˈtärd-ē-nəs\ n

tare \ˈta(ə)r, ˈte(ə)r\ n : a weed of grain fields especially of biblical times

tar·get \ˈtär-gət\ n
1 : a mark to shoot at
2 : a person or thing that is talked about, criticized, or laughed at
3 : a goal to be achieved : OBJECTIVE

tar·iff \ˈtar-əf\ n
1 a : a list of taxes placed by a government on imported or in some countries exported goods  b : a tax or rate of tax set up in a tariff list
2 : a list of rates or charges of a business or public service company

tar·mac \ˈtär-ˌmak\ n : a road, apron, or runway paved with layers of crushed stone covered with tar

1tar·nish \ˈtär-nish\ vb
1 : to make or become dull, dim, or discolored <silver tarnishes>
2 : to bring disgrace or cast doubt on <tarnished the family's good name>

2tarnish n : something that tarnishes; esp : a film of chemically changed material on the surface of a metal (as silver)

ta·ro \ˈtär-ō, ˈtar-, ˈter-\ n, pl taros : a large-leaved tropical Asian plant grown throughout the tropics for its edible starchy rounded underground stem; also : the stem typically cooked as a vegetable or ground into flour

tarp \ˈtärp\ n : TARPAULIN

tar paper n : a heavy paper coated with or soaked in tar for use especially in building

tar·pau·lin \tär-ˈpȯ-lən, ˈtär-pə-\ n : a piece of material (as waterproof canvas) used for protecting exposed objects

tar·pon \ˈtär-pən\ n, pl tarpon or tarpons : a large silvery sport fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and warm coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean

1tar·ry \ˈtar-ē\ vb tar·ried; tar·ry·ing
1 : to be slow in coming or going
2 : to stay in or at a place

2tar·ry \ˈtär-ē\ adj : of, resembling, or covered with tar

1tar·sal \ˈtär-səl\ adj : of or relating to the tarsus

2tarsal n : a tarsal part (as a bone or cartilage)

tar sand n : sand or sandstone that is naturally soaked with heavy sticky portions of petroleum

tar·si·er \ˈtär-sē-ər, -sē-ˌā\ n : any of several small tree-dwelling primate mammals of a group of islands of southeastern Asia that are related to the lemurs, are active at night, and have large eyes and a long tail

tar·sus \ˈtär-səs\ n, pl tar·si \-ˌsī, -ˌsē\
1 : the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg; also : the small bones that support this part of the foot and include bones of the ankle, heel, and arch
2 : the lower and longest part of a bird's leg
3 : the part of the limb of an arthropod (as an insect) most distant from the body

1tart \ˈtärt\ adj
1 : pleasantly sharp or sour to the taste
2 : having a sharp or biting quality <a tart voice>
— tart·ly adv

— tart·ness n

2tart n : a small pie or pastry shell containing jelly, custard, or fruit

tar·tan \ˈtärt-ən\ n
1 : a plaid textile design of Scottish origin
2 : a fabric or garment with tartan design

1tar·tar \ˈtärt-ər\ n
1 : a substance consisting mostly of cream of tartar that is found in the juice of grapes and is deposited in wine casks as a reddish crust or sediment
2 : a hard crust that forms on the teeth and consists of plaque that has become hardened with mineral salts (as of calcium)

2tartar n
1 cap : a member of any of the chiefly Mongolian peoples who invaded parts of Asia and eastern Europe during the Middle Ages
2 : a person who is often angry or violent

tar·tar sauce or tar·tare sauce \ˌtärt-ər-\ n : a sauce made chiefly of mayonnaise and chopped pickles

tase \ˈtāz\ vb : to attack with a stun gun

Ta·ser \ˈtā-zər\ trademark — used for a gun that fires electrified darts to stun and immobilize a person

task \ˈtask\ n : a piece of assigned work
synonyms TASK, DUTY, JOB, CHORE, mean a piece of work to be done. TASK suggests work given by a person in a position of authority <the boss used to give me every hard task>. DUTY stresses that one is responsible for doing the work <the duty of the police is to protect the people>. JOB may suggest that the work is necessary, hard, or important <was given the job of choosing photos for the yearbook>. CHORE suggests a small routine piece of work that is necessary for keeping a house or farm <taking out the garbage is a daily chore>.

task·mas·ter \-ˌmas-tər\ n : one that assigns a task or burdens another with labor

Tas·ma·ni·an devil \(ˌ)taz-ˌmā-nē-ən-\ n : a burrowing marsupial of Tasmania that eats other animals, is about the size of a small dog, and has powerful jaws and a mostly black coat

1tas·sel \ˈtas-əl also especially of corn ˈtäs-, ˈtȯs-\ n
1 : a hanging ornament made of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
2 : something resembling a tassel; esp : the male flower cluster on the top of some plants and especially corn

2tassel vb -seled or -selled; -sel·ing or -sel·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to adorn with or put forth tassels

1taste \ˈtāst\ vb tast·ed; tast·ing
1 : 2EXPERIENCE, UNDERGO <taste the joy of flying>
2 : to test the flavor of something by taking a little into the mouth
3 : to eat or drink especially in small quantities
4 : to recognize by or as if by the sense of taste <can taste the onion in it>
5 : to have a specific flavor <this milk tastes sour>

2taste n
1 a : a small amount tasted  b : a small sample of experience <her first taste of success>
2 : the sense that recognizes and tells apart the sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance and is controlled by taste buds on the tongue
3 a : the quality of a dissolved substance that can be identified by the sense of taste  b : a sensation obtained from a substance in the mouth that is usually produced by the sense of taste in combination with those of touch and smell : FLAVOR
4 : a personal liking <had expensive tastes>
5 a : the ability to choose and enjoy what is good and beautiful <a person of taste>  b : aesthetic quality : STYLE <in bad taste>

taste bud n : any of the sense organs by means of which taste is recognized and which are usually on the surface of the tongue

taste·ful \ˈtāst-fəl\ adj : having or showing good taste
— taste·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— taste·ful·ness n

taste·less \ˈtāst-ləs\ adj
1 : lacking flavor : FLAT <tasteless soup>
2 : not having or showing good taste <a tasteless joke>
— taste·less·ly adv

— taste·less·ness n

tast·er \ˈtā-stər\ n : one that tastes: as  a : a person who has the duty of tasting food or drink prepared for another person especially to test for poison  b : a person who is able to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide

tasty \ˈtā-stē\ adj tast·i·er; -est
1 : pleasing to the taste : SAVORY
2 : very attractive or interesting
— tast·i·ly \-stə-lē\ adv

— tast·i·ness \-stē-nəs\ n

tat \ˈtat\ vb tat·ted; tat·ting : to work at or make by tatting

tat·ter \ˈtat-ər\ n
1 : a part torn and left hanging : SHRED
2 pl : tattered clothing : RAGS
— tatter vb

tat·tered \ˈtat-ərd\ adj
1 : wearing ragged clothes <a tattered barefoot child>
2 : torn in shreds : RAGGED <a tattered flag>

tat·ting \ˈtat-iŋ\ n
1 : a delicate handmade lace formed usually by looping and knotting with a single thread and a small shuttle
2 : the act or process of making tatting

1tat·tle \ˈtat-əl\ vb tat·tled; tat·tling \ˈtat-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to tell secrets : BLAB

2tattle n
1 : idle talk : CHATTER
2 : GOSSIP 2A

tat·tler \ˈtat-lər, -əl-ər\ n : TATTLETALE

tat·tle·tale \ˈtat-əl-ˌtāl\ n : a person who tattles

1tat·too \ta-ˈtü\ n
1 : a call sounded shortly before taps as notice to go to quarters
2 : a rapid rhythmic rapping [from earlier taptoo “a call to go to quarters for the night,” from Dutch taptoe (same meaning), from the phrase tap toe! “taps shut!,” used as a signal that the taps, or faucets, on the wine casks in a barroom were closed for the night]

2tattoo vb : to mark or color the skin with a tattoo [from a word in the native language of Tahiti tatau (noun) “the act of marking or coloring the skin”]

3tattoo n : a mark or figure fixed upon the body by using a needle to put color under the skin

tau \ˈtau̇, ˈtȯ\ n : the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet — Τ or τ

taught past and past participle of TEACH

taunt \ˈtȯnt, ˈtänt\ vb : to provoke or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at
— taunt n

— taunt·er n

— taunt·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

taupe \ˈtōp\ n : a brownish gray

Tau·rus \ˈtȯr-əs\ n
1 : a group of stars between Aries and Gemini usually pictured as a bull
2 a : the second sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person born under the sign of Taurus

taut \ˈtȯt\ adj
1 a : drawn to the limit : not slack <taut rope>  b : HIGH-STRUNG, TENSE <taut nerves>
2 : kept in proper order or condition <a taut ship>  synonyms see TIGHT
— taut·ly adv

— taut·ness n

tau·tol·o·gy \tȯ-ˈtäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word; also : an instance of such repetition <“a beginner who has just started” is a tautology>
— tau·to·log·i·cal \ˌtȯt-əl-ˈäj-i-kəl\ adj

tav·ern \ˈtav-ərn\ n
1 : an establishment where alcoholic liquors are sold to be drunk on the premises
2 : INN

taw \ˈtȯ\ n
1 : a marble used as a shooter
2 : the line from which players shoot at marbles

taw·dry \ˈtȯd-rē, ˈtäd-\ adj taw·dri·er; -est : cheap and showy
— taw·dri·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

— taw·dri·ness \-rē-nəs\ n

1taw·ny \ˈtȯ-nē, ˈtän-ē\ adj taw·ni·er; -est : of the color tawny
— taw·ni·ness n

2tawny n, pl tawnies : a brownish orange to light brown color

1tax \ˈtaks\ vb
1 : to require to pay a tax
2 : to accuse of something <taxed them with carelessness>
3 : to make heavy demands on : STRAIN <taxed our strength>
— tax·er n

2tax n
1 : a charge usually of money set by authority on persons or property for public purposes
2 : something (as an effort or duty) that makes heavy demands : STRAIN

tax·able \ˈtak-sə-bəl\ adj : subject to tax <taxable goods>

tax·a·tion \tak-ˈsā-shən\ n : the action of taxing; esp : the establishing of taxes

1taxi \ˈtak-sē\ n, pl tax·is \-sēz\ also tax·ies : TAXICAB; also : a similarly operated boat or airplane

2taxi vb tax·ied; taxi·ing; tax·is or tax·ies
1 : to operate an airplane slowly on the ground under its own power
2 : to ride in or transport by taxi

taxi·cab \ˈtak-sē-ˌkab\ n : an automobile that carries passengers for a fare usually based on the distance traveled
Word History In the days of horse-drawn vehicles, one type of carriage was called a cabriolet, from a French word meaning “leap.” This name was fitting since the carriage was so light it bounced or “leaped” about on the rough roads of the time. In time the name cabriolet was shortened to cab. These cabs were popular as vehicles carrying passengers for a fee. They were equipped with a taximeter, a device that automatically recorded the distance traveled and showed what fee or “tax” the passenger owed. In time this carriage or “cab” with its taximeter came to be called a taximeter cab. When the automobile took over from carriages the job of carrying passengers for a fee, it took over the name taximeter cab as well. This name was soon shortened to taxicab, and that was later shortened to taxi and sometimes just cab. [from earlier taximeter cab, from French taximètre, literally “tax meter,” and English cab, a shortened form of cabriolet “a one-horse carriage”]

taxi·der·mist \ˈtak-sə-ˌdər-məst\ n : a person who practices taxidermy

taxi·der·my \ˈtak-sə-ˌdər-mē\ n : the skill or occupation of preparing, stuffing, and mounting skins of animals [derived from Greek taxis “arrangement” and Greek derma “skin” and English -y, noun suffix]
— taxi·der·mic \ˌtak-sə-ˈdər-mik\ adj

tax·is \ˈtak-səs\ n, pl tax·es \ˈtak-ˌsēz\ : a reflex movement by a freely moving organism in relation to a stimulus (as a light or a change in temperature); also : a reflex reaction involving such movement — compare TROPISM

tax·on·o·mist \tak-ˈsän-ə-məst\ n : a person who specializes in taxonomy and especially the taxonomy of plants and animals

tax·on·o·my \tak-ˈsän-ə-mē\ n
1 : the study of scientific classification
2 : CLASSIFICATION 2A; esp : orderly classification of living things according to their presumed natural relationships
— tax·o·nom·ic \ˌtak-sə-ˈnäm-ik\ adj

tax·pay·er \ˈtak-ˌspā-ər\ n : one that pays or is responsible for paying a tax

Tay–Sachs disease \ˈtā-ˈsaks-\ n : a hereditary disease that is caused by the absence of an enzyme, is characterized by a buildup of lipids in the nervous tissue, and causes death in early childhood — called also Tay-Sachs

TB \(ˈ)tē-ˈbē\ n : TUBERCULOSIS

T–ball \ˈtē-ˌbȯl\ n : baseball for youngsters in which the ball is batted from a tee rather than being pitched

T cell n : any of the lymphocytes (as a helper T cell) that usually mature in the thymus and take an active part in immune responses — compare B CELL

tea \ˈtē\ n
1 a : a shrub related to the camellias that has fragrant white flowers and is grown mainly in China, Japan, India, and Sri Lanka  b : the leaves and leaf buds of the tea prepared for use in beverages  c : a beverage prepared from tea by soaking the prepared leaves and buds in boiling water
2 : a drink or medicine made by soaking parts (as leaves or dried roots) of plants other than the tea shrub <ginger tea>
3 a : a late afternoon serving of tea and a light meal  b : a party, snack, or meal at which tea is served

tea bag n : a bag usually of filter paper holding enough tea for an individual serving

teach \ˈtēch\ vb taught \ˈtȯt\; teach·ing
1 : to assist in learning how to do something : show how <teach a child to read>
2 : to guide the studies of : INSTRUCT <teach a class>
3 : to give lessons in : instruct pupils in <teach music>
4 : to be a teacher
5 : to cause to learn : cause to know the effects of an action <the experience taught him to be more careful>

teach·able \ˈtē-chə-bəl\ adj : capable of being taught; esp : able and willing to learn
— teach·abil·i·ty \ˌtē-chə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

teach·er \ˈtē-chər\ n : one that teaches; esp : a person whose occupation is to instruct

teach·ing n
1 : the act, practice, or profession of a teacher
2 : something taught; esp : DOCTRINE

tea·cup \ˈtē-ˌkəp\ n : a small cup used with a saucer for hot beverages

teak \ˈtēk\ n
1 : a tall timber tree of southeastern Asia
2 : the hard durable yellowish brown wood of a teak — called also teak*wood \ˈtē-ˌkwu̇d\

tea·ket·tle \ˈtē-ˌket-əl\ n : a covered kettle that is used for boiling water and has a handle and a spout

teal \ˈtē(ə)l\ n, pl teal or teals : any of various small short-necked ducks

1team \ˈtēm\ n
1 : two or more animals used to pull the same vehicle or piece of machinery; also : these animals with their harness and attached vehicle
2 : a number of persons associated together in work or activity

2team vb
1 : to join in a team
2 : to haul with or drive a team
3 : to form a team

team·mate \ˈtēm-ˌmāt\ n : a fellow member of a team

team·ster \ˈtēm(p)-stər\ n : a person who drives a team or truck

team·work \ˈtēm-ˌwərk\ n : the work or activity of a number of persons acting together as a team

tea·pot \ˈtē-ˌpät\ n : a pot that is used for brewing and serving tea and that has a spout

1tear \ˈti(ə)r\ n
1 : a drop of the salty liquid that keeps the eye and the inner eyelids moist
2 pl : an act of crying or grieving <burst into tears> [Old English tēar “a drop of liquid from the eye”]
— teary \ˈti(ə)r-ē\ adj

2tear vb : to fill with tears : shed tears <eyes tearing in the wind>

3tear \ˈta(ə)r, ˈte(ə)r\ vb tore \ˈtō(ə)r, ˈtȯ(ə)r\; torn \ˈtō(ə)rn, ˈtȯ(ə)rn\; tear·ing
1 a : to separate or pull apart by force <tore a page from the pad>  b : to injure by or as if by tearing : LACERATE <tear the skin>
2 : to divide or throw into disorder by the pull of contrary forces <a mind torn by doubts>
3 : to remove by force <children torn from their parents>
4 : to cause by force or violent means <tore a hole in the wall>
5 : to move or act with violence, haste, or force <tearing down the street> [Old English teran “to pull apart”]
— tear·er n

4tear \ˈta(ə)r, ˈte(ə)r\ n
1 : the act of tearing
2 : damage from being torn; esp : a torn place <mending a tear in my sleeve>

tear down vb : to knock down and break into pieces <tear down an old building>

tear·drop \ˈti(ə)r-ˌdräp\ n
1 : 1TEAR 1
2 : something (as a pendent gem) shaped like a dropping tear

tear·ful \ˈti(ə)r-fəl\ adj : flowing with, accompanied by, or causing tears
— tear·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

tear·gas \ˈti(ə)r-ˌgas\ vb : to use tear gas on

tear gas n : any of various substances that cause eye irritation and blind the eyes with tears when released into the air and that are used mostly to scatter mobs

tea·room \ˈtē-ˌrüm, -ˌru̇m\ n : a restaurant serving light meals

1tease \ˈtēz\ vb teased; teas·ing
1 : to untangle and lay parallel by combing or carding <tease wool>
2 a : to annoy continually : PESTER, TORMENT  b : TANTALIZE  c : to make fun of
— teas·er n

— teas·ing·ly \ˈtē-ziŋ-lē\ adv

2tease n
1 a : the act of teasing  b : the state of being teased
2 : one that teases

tea·sel \ˈtē-zəl\ n : an Old World prickly herb with flower heads covered with stiff hooked bracts

tea·spoon \ˈtē-ˌspün, -ˈspün\ n
1 : a small spoon used especially for eating soft foods and stirring beverages
2 : a unit of measure used especially in cooking equal to ⅙ fluid ounce or ⅓ tablespoon (about 5 milliliters)

tea·spoon·ful \ˈtē-ˌspün-ˌfu̇l, -ˈspün-\ n, pl tea·spoon·fuls \-ˌfu̇lz\ also tea·spoons·ful \-ˌspünz-ˌfu̇l, -ˈspünz-\
1 : as much as a teaspoon can hold
2 : TEASPOON 2

teat \ˈtit, ˈtēt\ n : the part of a breast or udder through which milk is drawn : NIPPLE

1tech \ˈtek\ n : TECHNICIAN <lab techs> <a computer tech>

2tech n : TECHNOLOGY

tech·ne·tium \tek-ˈnē-sh(ē-)əm\ n : a radioactive metallic element obtained especially from nuclear fuel as a product of uranium fission — see ELEMENT TABLE

tech·ni·cal \ˈtek-ni-kəl\ adj
1 a : having special knowledge especially of a mechanical or scientific subject <technical experts>  b : used in special fields of knowledge <technical language>
2 : of or relating to a particular subject; esp : of or relating to a practical subject organized on scientific principles <technical training>
3 : existing by laws or rules <a technical knockout>
4 : of or relating to technique <technical skill>
— tech·ni·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

tech·ni·cal·i·ty \ˌtek-nə-ˈkal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : something technical; esp : a detail that means something only to a specialist <a legal technicality>
2 : the quality or state of being technical

technical sergeant n : an enlisted person in the air force with a rank just below a master sergeant

tech·ni·cian \tek-ˈnish-ən\ n
1 : a specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation <a medical technician>
2 : a person skilled in the techniques especially of an art

tech·nique \tek-ˈnēk\ n
1 a : the manner in which details are treated (as by a writer) or basic physical movements are used (as by a dancer)  b : ability to treat such details or use such movements <perfect piano technique>
2 a : technical methods especially in scientific research <laboratory technique>  b : a method of accomplishing a desired aim <a technique for handling complaints>

tech·nol·o·gist \tek-ˈnäl-ə-jəst\ n : a person who specializes in technology

tech·nol·o·gy \tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : the use of science in solving problems (as in industry or engineering)
2 : a technical method of doing something
— tech·no·log·i·cal \ˌtek-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

tech·no–pop \ˈtek-nō-ˌpäp\ n : popular music featuring chiefly the use of synthesizers

tec·ton·ic \tek-ˈtän-ik\ adj : of or relating to tectonics

tec·ton·ics \tek-ˈtän-iks\ n
1 : a branch of geology concerned with the structure of the crust of a planet (as earth) or moon and especially with the formation of folds and faults in it
2 : TECTONISM

tec·to·nism \ˈtek-tə-ˌniz-əm\ n : the process of deformation that produces the earth's continents, ocean basins, mountains, folds, and faults

ted·dy bear \ˈted-ē-\ n : a stuffed toy bear

te·dious \ˈtēd-ē-əs, ˈtē-jəs\ adj : tiring because of length or dullness : BORING
— te·dious·ly adv

— te·dious·ness n

te·di·um \ˈtēd-ē-əm\ n : the quality or state of being tedious : BOREDOM

1tee \ˈtē\ n
1 : the letter t
2 : something shaped like a capital T
— to a tee : in a perfect manner : EXACTLY <the new shirt fits me to a tee>

2tee n
1 a : a small peg on which a golf ball is set to be struck  b : an adjustable post on which a ball is placed for batting (as in T-ball)
2 : the area from which a golf ball is struck in starting play on a hole

3tee vb teed; tee·ing : to place on a tee <teed up the ball>

teem \ˈtēm\ vb : to become filled : ABOUND <a stream teeming with fish>

teen \ˈtēn\ n : TEENAGER
— teen adj

teen·age \ˈtē-ˌnāj\ or teen·aged \-ˌnājd\ adj : of, being, or relating to people in their teens

teen·ag·er \ˈtē-ˌnā-jər\ n : a person in his or her teens

teens \ˈtēnz\ n pl
1 : the numbers 13 through 19; esp : the years 13 through 19 in a lifetime or century
2 : teenage persons : TEENAGERS

tee·ny \ˈtē-nē\ adj tee·ni·er; -est : TINY

teeny·bop·per \ˈtē-nē-ˌbäp-ər\ n : a young teenager who is devoted to popular music and to current fads

tee·ny–wee·ny \ˌtē-nē-ˈwē-nē\ adj : TINY

tee off vb
1 : to hit a golf ball from a tee in starting play on a hole
2 : BEGIN 1, START

teepee variant of TEPEE

tee shirt variant of T-SHIRT

tee·ter \ˈtēt-ər\ vb
1 a : to move unsteadily <teetered on the edge and fell over the side>  b : WAVER 1
2 : 2SEESAW 2
— teeter n

tee·ter·board \-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : 1SEESAW 2B
2 : a board placed on a raised support so that a person standing on one end of the board is thrown into the air if another person jumps on the opposite end

tee·ter–tot·ter \ˈtēt-ər-ˌtät-ər\ n : 1SEESAW 2B

teeth plural of TOOTH

teethe \ˈtēth\ vb teethed; teeth·ing : to experience the emergence of one's teeth through the gums : grow teeth

Tef·lon \ˈtef-ˌlän\ trademark — used for synthetic fluorine-containing resins used especially for nonstick coatings

tele- combining form
1 : at or over a distance <telegram>
2 : television <telecast> [derived from Greek tēle “far off”]

tele·cast \ˈtel-i-ˌkast\ vb -cast also -cast·ed; -cast·ing : to broadcast by television
— telecast n

— tele·cast·er n

tele·com·mute \ˈtel-i-kə-ˌmyüt\ vb : to work at home using an electronic link (as the Internet) with a central office
— tele·com·mut·er n

tele·gram \ˈtel-ə-ˌgram, Southern also -grəm\ n : a message sent by telegraph

1tele·graph \ˈtel-ə-ˌgraf\ n : an electric device or system for sending messages by a code over wires
— tele·graph·ic \ˌtel-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

— tele·graph·i·cal·ly \-ˈgraf-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2telegraph vb
1 : to send by or as if by telegraph <telegraphed a message>
2 : to send a telegram to <telegraphed home for money>
— te·leg·ra·pher \tə-ˈleg-rə-fər\ n

te·leg·ra·phy \tə-ˈleg-rə-fē\ n : the use or operation of a telegraph system or equipment

tele·mar·ket·ing \ˌtel-ə-ˈmär-kət-iŋ\ n : the marketing of goods or services by telephone
— tele·mar·ket·er \-ər\ n

tele·me·ter \ˈtel-ə-ˌmēt-ər\ n : an electrical apparatus used to transmit measurements taken by automatic instruments especially by radio to a distant station
— telemeter vb

te·lem·e·try \tə-ˈlem-ə-trē\ n
1 : the process of transmitting data by telemeter
2 : data transmitted by telemetry

te·lep·a·thy \tə-ˈlep-ə-thē\ n : apparent communication from one mind to another without speech or signs
— tele·path·ic \ˌtel-ə-ˈpath-ik\ adj

— tele·path·i·cal·ly \-ˈpath-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

1tele·phone \ˈtel-ə-ˌfōn\ n : any of several devices for transmitting and receiving sounds over long distances by electricity

2telephone vb -phoned; -phon·ing
1 : to communicate by telephone
2 : to send by telephone
3 : to speak to by telephone

telephone booth n : an enclosure within which one may stand or sit while making a telephone call

tele·pho·to \ˌtel-ə-ˈfōt-ō\ adj : being a camera lens designed to give a large image of a distant object

tele·print·er \ˈtel-ə-ˌprint-ər\ n : a device that produces hard copy from signals received over a communications circuit; esp : TELETYPEWRITER

1tele·scope \ˈtel-ə-ˌskōp\ n : a tubular instrument for viewing distant objects (as objects in outer space) by focusing light rays with mirrors or lenses

2telescope vb -scoped; -scop·ing
1 : to slide or cause to slide one within another like the cylindrical sections of a hand telescope
2 : to run together like the sections of a telescope

tele·scop·ic \ˌtel-ə-ˈskäp-ik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or performed with a telescope
2 : seen or discoverable only by a telescope <telescopic stars>
3 : able to discern objects at a distance <telescopic vision>
4 : having parts that telescope
— tele·scop·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

tele·thon \ˈtel-ə-ˌthän\ n : a long television program usually to raise funds for a charity

Tele·type \ˈtel-ə-ˌtīp\ trademark — used for a teletypewriter

tele·type·writ·er \ˌtel-ə-ˈtīp-ˌrīt-ər\ n : a printing device resembling a typewriter that is used to send and receive signals over telephone lines

tel·evan·ge·list \ˌtel-i-ˈvan-jə-ləst\ n : an evangelist who conducts regularly televised religious programs
— tel·evan·ge·lism \-ˌliz-əm\ n

tele·vise \ˈtel-ə-ˌvīz\ vb -vised; -vis·ing : to broadcast by television <televised the ball game>

tele·vi·sion \ˈtel-ə-ˌvizh-ən\ n
1 : an electronic system of transmitting images with sound over a wire or through space by devices that change light and sound into electrical waves and then change these back into light and sound
2 : a television receiving set
3 : the television broadcasting industry

1tel·ex \ˈtel-ˌeks\ n
1 : a communication service involving teletypewriters connected by wire through automatic exchanges
2 : a message sent by telex

2telex vb
1 : to send (as a message) by telex
2 : to communicate with by telex

tell \ˈtel\ vb told \ˈtōld\; tell·ing
1 : 1COUNT 1A, ENUMERATE
2 a : to describe in detail : NARRATE <tell a story>  b : to give an account <an article telling of her experience>  c : 1SAY 1A, UTTER <tell a lie>
3 a : to make known : REVEAL <tell a secret>  b : to express in words <can't tell you how pleased we are>
4 : to give information to : INFORM <tell me as soon as the package gets here>
5 : 1ORDER 2A, DIRECT <told us to wait>
6 : to find out by observing <can tell the child is honest>
7 : to act as a tattletale <tell on a cheater>
8 : to have a noticeable effect <the pressure began to tell on them>
9 : to be evidence of : INDICATE <smiles telling of success>  synonyms see REVEAL

tell·er \ˈtel-ər\ n
1 : one that tells <a teller of tales>
2 : a person who counts votes (as in a legislative body)
3 : a bank employee who receives and pays out money

tell·ing \ˈtel-iŋ\ adj : producing a noticeable effect : EFFECTIVE <the most telling evidence>
— tell·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

tell off vb : 2SCOLD 2, REPRIMAND <told him off for spreading rumors>

1tell·tale \ˈtel-ˌtāl\ n
1 : TALEBEARER, INFORMER
2 : an outward sign : INDICATION

2telltale adj : indicating or giving evidence of something <telltale fingerprints>

tel·lu·ri·um \tə-ˈlu̇r-ē-əm, te-\ n : an element that occurs in a silvery white brittle form having a metallic shine or in combination with metals and is used especially in alloys and catalysts — see ELEMENT TABLE

telo·phase \ˈtel-ə-ˌfāz, ˈtēl-\ n
1 : the final stage of mitosis and of the second division of meiosis in which two new nuclei form each with a set of chromosomes
2 : the final stage in the first division of meiosis in which half the original number of chromosomes gather at opposite ends of the cell

te·mer·i·ty \tə-ˈmer-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being recklessly or foolishly bold

temp \ˈtemp\ n : TEMPERATURE

1tem·per \ˈtem-pər\ vb tem·pered; tem·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
1 : 2MODERATE 1, SOFTEN <temper justice with mercy>
2 : to control by reducing : SUBDUE <temper one's anger>
3 : to bring (as steel or glass) to the desired hardness or strength by heating and cooling
4 : to be or become tempered

2temper n
1 : characteristic manner of feeling <the temper of the times>
2 : the hardness or toughness of a substance <the temper of a knife blade>
3 a : a characteristic state of mind or state of feeling : DISPOSITION  b : calmness of mind : COMPOSURE <lost my temper>  c : state of feeling or state of mind at a particular time  d : a state of anger <left in a temper>  e : the quality of being easily angered <has a hot temper>

tem·pera \ˈtem-pə-rə\ n : a process of painting in which the colors are mixed with substances (as egg, glue, or gum) other than oil

tem·per·a·ment \ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt\ n
1 : a person's attitude as it affects what he or she says or does <nervous temperament>
2 : the quality of being very excitable or irritable

tem·per·a·men·tal \ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈment-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to temperament <temperamental peculiarities>
2 a : likely to be easily upset <a temperamental movie star>  b : unpredictable in performance <a temperamental motor>
— tem·per·a·men·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

tem·per·ance \ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s, -pərn(t)s\ n
1 : control over one's acts, thoughts, or feelings : MODERATION, RESTRAINT
2 : the use of little or no alcoholic drink

tem·per·ate \ˈtem-p(ə-)rət\ adj
1 : being or kept within limits
2 : not going too far in satisfying one's needs or desires
3 : not drinking much liquor
4 : marked by self-control : RESTRAINED <temperate speech>
5 : having or associated with a climate that is usually mild without extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures
— tem·per·ate·ly adv

— tem·per·ate·ness n

temperate rain forest n : woodland that has a temperate climate with heavy rainfall and that usually includes numerous kinds of trees but differs from a tropical rain forest in having one or two very common major trees

temperate zone n, often cap T&Z : the area or region between the Tropic of Cancer and the arctic circle or the Tropic of Capricorn and the antarctic circle — compare FRIGID ZONE, TORRID ZONE

tem·per·a·ture \ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r, ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-ˌchu̇r, -chər\ n
1 : the degree of hotness or coldness of something (as air, water, or the body) as shown by a thermometer
2 : FEVER 1A <have a temperature>

temperature inversion n : INVERSION 3

tem·pered \ˈtem-pərd\ adj
1 : made moderate <strictness tempered by compassion>
2 : having a particular kind of temper — used in combination <a bad-tempered dog>
3 : brought to the desired state (as of hardness, toughness, or flexibility) <tempered steel> <tempered glass>

tem·pest \ˈtem-pəst\ n
1 : a violent wind; esp : one accompanied by rain, hail, or snow
2 : a violent commotion : UPROAR

tem·pes·tu·ous \tem-ˈpes-chə-wəs, -ˈpesh-\ adj : VIOLENT 1, STORMY <a tempestuous sea> <a tempestuous relationship>
— tem·pes·tu·ous·ly adv

— tem·pes·tu·ous·ness n

tem·plate \ˈtem-plət\ n
1 : a gauge, pattern, or mold (as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made
2 : something that establishes or serves as a pattern

1tem·ple \ˈtem-pəl\ n : a building for worship

2temple n : the flattened space on each side of the forehead of some mammals including human beings

tem·po \ˈtem-pō\ n, pl tem·pi \-pē\ or tempos
1 : the rate of speed at which a musical piece or passage is to be played or sung
2 : rate of motion or activity

tem·po·ral \ˈtem-p(ə-)rəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to time as opposed to eternity
2 a : of or relating to earthly life  b : of or relating to material as opposed to spiritual concerns
— tem·po·ral·ly \-ē\ adv

temporal bone n : a compound bone that is located on the side of the skull of some mammals including human beings and is composed of four major parts

tem·po·rary \ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē\ adj : not permanent : lasting for a limited time <a temporary shortage> [from Latin temporarius “lasting for only a short time,” from tempus “time” — related to 1TENSE]
— tem·po·rari·ly \ˌtem-pə-ˈrer-ə-lē\ adv

tem·po·rize \ˈtem-pə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing
1 : to act to suit the time or occasion : COMPROMISE
2 : to draw out discussions so as to gain time : DELAY
— tem·po·riz·er \ˈtem-pə-ˌrī-zər\ n

tempt \ˈtem(p)t\ vb
1 : to persuade or try to persuade to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain
2 : to risk the dangers of <tempt fate>
3 a : to get to do something <tempted her to taste the cake>  b : to cause to have a certain feeling <was tempted to quit>
— tempt·able \ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl\ adj

— tempt·er n

temp·ta·tion \tem(p)-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act of tempting : the state of being tempted especially to evil
2 : something tempting

tempt·ing \ˈtem(p)-tiŋ\ adj : having a strong attraction <the food all looked tempting>
— tempt·ing·ly adv

tempt·ress \ˈtem(p)-trəs\ n : a woman who tempts

ten \ˈten\ n
1 : a number that is one more than nine — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the tenth in a set or series <the ten of hearts>
3 : something having ten units or members
4 : a 10-dollar bill
— ten adj or pron

ten·a·ble \ˈten-ə-bəl\ adj : capable of being held, maintained, or defended <a tenable argument>

te·na·cious \tə-ˈnā-shəs\ adj
1 a : not easily pulled apart  b : tending to stick
2 a : holding fast or tending to hold fast : PERSISTENT <people tenacious of their opinions> <old ideas are tenacious>  b : RETENTIVE <a tenacious memory>
— te·na·cious·ly adv

— te·na·cious·ness n

te·nac·i·ty \tə-ˈnas-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being tenacious

ten·an·cy \ˈten-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 a : the temporary possession or use of another's property  b : the period of such use or possession
2 : the ownership of property

1ten·ant \ˈten-ənt\ n
1 : one who occupies property of another especially for rent
2 : OCCUPANT

2tenant vb : to hold or occupy as a tenant : INHABIT

tenant farmer n : a farmer who works land owned by another and pays rent either in cash or in shares of produce

Ten Commandments n pl : the commandments of God given to Moses on Mount Sinai

1tend \ˈtend\ vb
1 : to pay attention <tend to business>
2 a : to take care of  b : to help the growth or development of <tend the garden>
3 : to have responsibility for as caretaker <tended sheep>
4 : to manage the operation of or do the necessary work connected with <tend the fire>

2tend vb
1 : to move or turn in a certain direction <the road tends to the right>
2 : to be likely <a person who tends to slouch>

ten·den·cy \ˈten-dən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : a direction or approach toward a place, object, result, or limit
2 : a leaning toward a particular kind of thought or action

1ten·der \ˈten-dər\ adj
1 : having a soft or yielding quality <tender steak>
2 a : physically weak : DELICATE <a tender plant>  b : IMMATURE, YOUNG <children of tender years>
3 : LOVING, AFFECTIONATE <a tender look>
4 : showing care : CONSIDERATE
5 : not harsh or stern : GENTLE, MILD <tender irony>
6 : sensitive to touch : very easily hurt <a tender bruise>
7 : demanding careful and sensitive handling <a tender subject> [Middle English tender “tender, fragile,” from early French tendre (same meaning), from Latin tener “having a soft yielding texture, tender, young”]
— ten·der·ly adv

— ten·der·ness n

2tender vb ten·dered; ten·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to offer in payment
2 : to present for acceptance <tendered my resignation> [Middle English tendren “to offer in payment,” from early French tendre “to stretch out, offer,” from Latin tendere “to stretch” — related to 2TENSE]

3tender n
1 : an offer of money in payment of a debt
2 : an offer made for acceptance; esp : a bid for a contract
3 : something that may by law be offered in payment; esp : MONEY

4tend·er \ˈten-dər\ n : one that tends or takes care: as  a : a ship used to attend other ships (as to supply food)  b : a boat that carries passengers or freight between shore and a larger ship  c : a car attached to a locomotive for carrying fuel and water [from tend “to look after” and -er, noun suffix]

5tender n : an often breaded strip of usually breast meat <chicken tenders> [probably short for tenderloin]

ten·der·foot \ˈten-dər-ˌfu̇t\ n, pl ten·der·feet \-ˌfēt\ also ten·der·foots \-ˌfu̇ts\
1 : a person who is not hardened to a rough outdoor life
2 : BEGINNER

ten·der·heart·ed \ˌten-dər-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : easily moved to love, pity, or sorrow : COMPASSIONATE

ten·der·ize \ˈten-də-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make (meat or meat products) tender by using a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
— ten·der·i·za·tion \ˌten-d(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

— ten·der·iz·er \ˈten-də-ˌrī-zər\ n

ten·der·loin \ˈten-dər-ˌlȯin\ n : a strip of tender meat (as beef or pork) on each side of the backbone

ten·don \ˈten-dən\ n : a tough cord or band of dense white connective tissue that links a muscle to some other part (as a bone)

ten·dril \ˈten-drəl\ n
1 : a slender leafless winding stem by which some climbing plants fasten themselves to a support
2 : something that curls like a tendril <tendrils of hair>

ten·e·ment \ˈten-ə-mənt\ n
1 a : a house used as a dwelling  b : APARTMENT 1, FLAT  c : TENEMENT HOUSE
2 : DWELLING

tenement house n : APARTMENT BUILDING; esp : one housing poorer families in a city

te·net \ˈten-ət\ n : a widely held belief; esp : one held in common by members of a group or profession

ten·fold \ˈten-ˌfōld, -ˈfōld\ adj
1 : having 10 units or members
2 : being 10 times as much or as many
— ten·fold adv

ten·nes·sine \ˈte-nə-ˌsēn\ n : a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element — see ELEMENT TABLE

ten·nis \ˈten-əs\ n : a game played with rackets and a light elastic ball by two players or two pairs of players on a level court divided by a low net

tennis shoe n : a lightweight sneaker suitable for wear when playing tennis

ten·on \ˈten-ən\ n : a projecting part in a piece of material (as wood) for insertion into a mortise to make a joint

1ten·or \ˈten-ər\ n
1 : the general meaning of something spoken or written <the tenor of the book>
2 a : the next to lowest musical part in harmony for four parts — compare ALTO 1B, 2BASS 1A, 2SOPRANO 1  b : the highest natural adult male singing voice or a person who has such a voice  c : a person or instrument performing a part next above a bass part
3 : a continuing in a course, movement, or activity <the tenor of my life>

2tenor adj : relating to or having the range or part of a tenor

ten·pen·ny nail \ten-ˌpen-ē-\ n : a nail three inches (about 7.6 centimeters) long

ten·pin \ˈten-ˌpin\ n
1 : a large bottle-shaped bowling pin
2 pl : a bowling game using 10 tenpins and a large ball

tens digit \ˈtenz-\ n : the numeral (as 5 in 456) in the tens place

1tense \ˈten(t)s\ n : a form of a verb used to show the past, present, or future time of the action or state it denotes [Middle English tens “time, tense,” from early French tens (same meaning), from Latin tempus “time” — related to TEMPORARY]

2tense adj tens·er; tens·est
1 : stretched tight : made rigid <tense muscles>
2 : feeling or showing nervous tension <a tense smile>
3 : marked by strain or uncertainty <a tense moment> [from Latin tensus “stretched tight,” from tendere “to stretch” — related to 2TENDER]  synonyms see TIGHT
— tense·ly adv

— tense·ness n

3tense vb tensed; tens·ing : to make or become tense

ten·sion \ˈten-chən\ n
1 a : the act or action of stretching or the condition or degree of being stretched to stiffness <tension of a muscle>  b : 1STRESS 1C
2 a : a state of mental unrest that is often accompanied by physical signs (as perspiring) of emotion  b : a state of unfriendliness between individuals or groups

ten·sor \ˈten(t)-sər, ˈten-ˌsȯ(ə)r\ n : a muscle that stretches a part

ten–speed \ˈten-ˌspēd\ n : a bicycle with ten possible combinations of gears

tens place n : the place two to the left of the decimal point in a number expressed in the Arabic system of writing numbers <2 is in the tens place in the number 124.6>

1tent \ˈtent\ n
1 : a portable shelter (as of nylon) stretched and supported by poles
2 a : something that resembles a tent or that serves as a shelter; esp : an enclosure placed over the head and shoulders to hold in oxygen or vapors given for medical reasons <an oxygen tent>  b : the web of a tent caterpillar

2tent vb
1 : to live in a tent
2 : to cover with or as if with a tent

ten·ta·cle \ˈtent-i-kəl\ n
1 : any of various long flexible structures that stick out usually around the head or mouth of an animal (as a jellyfish or sea anemone) and are used especially for feeling or grasping
2 : something that resembles a tentacle especially in or as if in grasping or feeling out  b : a sensitive hair on a plant
— ten·ta·cled \-kəld\ adj

ten·ta·tive \ˈtent-ət-iv\ adj
1 : not fully worked out or developed <tentative plans>
2 : HESITANT, UNCERTAIN <a tentative smile>
— ten·ta·tive·ly adv

tent caterpillar n : any of several destructive caterpillars that live in groups and construct large silken webs on trees

tent city n : a group of many tents set up to provide usually temporary shelter (as for displaced or homeless people)

tenth \ˈten(t)th\ n, pl tenths \ˈten(t)s, ˈten(t)ths\
1 : one that is number 10 in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : one of 10 equal parts of something
3 : the one numbered 10 in a countable series
— tenth adj or adv

tenths digit n : the numeral (as 5 in 4.56) in the tenths place in a number expressed in the Arabic system of writing numbers

tenths place n : the first place to the right of the decimal point in a number expressed in the Arabic system of writing numbers <4 is in the tenths place in the number 12.46>

ten·u·ous \ˈten-yə-wəs\ adj : having little substance or strength : FLIMSY, WEAK <a tenuous hold on reality>
— ten·u·ous·ly adv

ten·ure \ˈten-yər\ n : the act, right, manner, or term of holding something (as property, a position, or an office); esp : a status granted after a trial period to a teacher that gives protection from dismissal except for serious cause determined by formal proceedings
— ten·ur·ial \te-ˈnyu̇r-ē-əl\ adj

ten·ured \-yərd\ adj : having tenure <tenured teachers>

te·pee or tee·pee also ti·pi \ˈtē-pē\ n : a cone-shaped tent usually of skins used as a home especially by American Indians of the Great Plains [from thípi, a word in the language of the Dakota Indians meaning “a dwelling tent,” from thí- “to dwell”]

tep·id \ˈtep-əd\ adj
1 : LUKEWARM <a tepid bath>
2 : lacking enthusiasm or conviction : HALFHEARTED <a tepid response>

te·qui·la \tə-ˈkē-lə, tā-\ n : a Mexican liquor made from the fermented juice of an agave

tera- \ˈter-ə\ combining form : trillion <terawatt> [from Greek teras “monster”]

tera·byte \ˈter-ə-ˌbīt\ n : 1024 gigabytes; also : one trillion bytes

tera·watt \ˈter-ə-ˌwät\ n : a unit of power equal to one trillion watts

ter·bi·um \ˈtər-bē-əm\ n : a rare metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

ter·cet \ˈtər-sət\ n : a unit or group of three lines of verse

te·re·do \tə-ˈrēd-ō, -ˈrād-\ n, pl -dos : SHIPWORM

1term \ˈtərm\ n
1 : 1END 1B
2 : a fixed period of time; esp : the time for which something lasts : DURATION <served two terms> <the new school term>
3 pl : conditions that limit the nature and scope of something (as an agreement) <could not accept their terms>
4 a : a word or expression that has an exact meaning in some uses or is limited to a particular field <legal terms>  b pl : words of a particular kind <spoke in glowing terms>
5 a : a mathematical expression (as 3x in x^2 + 3x − y) connected to another by a plus or a minus sign  b : an element (as a numerator) of a fraction or proportion
6 pl  a : personal relationship <on good terms with the neighbors>  b : AGREEMENT 1B <come to terms after much compromise>  c : a state of acceptance or understanding <came to terms with not making the team>
— in terms of : with respect to or in relation to <thinks of everything in terms of money>

— on one's own terms : in accordance with one's wishes : in one's own way <prefers to live on his own terms>

2term vb : to apply a term to : CALL, NAME

1ter·ma·gant \ˈtər-mə-gənt\ n : a nagging woman

2termagant adj : noisily nagging

1ter·mi·nal \ˈtərm-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or forming an end <a terminal pillar of a temple>  b : growing at the end of a branch or stem <a terminal bud>
2 a : of, relating to, or occurring in a term or each term <make terminal payments on a car>  b : leading finally to death <a terminal illness>
3 : occurring at or being the end of a period or series
— ter·mi·nal·ly \-ē\ adv

2terminal n
1 : a part that forms the end
2 : a device attached to the end of a wire or cable or to electrical equipment for making connections
3 a : either end of a transportation line (as a railroad or shipping line) with its offices and freight and passenger stations  b : a freight or passenger station that serves a large area or acts as a junction between lines <a bus terminal>  c : a town at the end of a transportation line
4 : a device (as in a computer system) used for data entry and display

ter·mi·nate \ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 a : to bring or come to an end : CLOSE <terminate a meeting>  b : to form the conclusion of <review questions terminate each chapter>
2 : to serve as a limit or boundary of : BOUND <a fence terminated the yard>
3 : to reach an end point or line <the racecourse terminates at the park entrance>
— ter·mi·na·ble \ˈtərm-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj

— ter·mi·na·tion \ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ n

— ter·mi·na·tor \ˈtər-mə-ˌnāt-ər\ n

ter·mi·nat·ing decimal n : a decimal which can be written as a sequence of digits (as 3.25) or for which all the digits to the right of some place are zero (as 1.40000…) — compare REPEATING DECIMAL

ter·mi·nol·o·gy \ˌtər-mə-ˈnäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : the special terms or expressions used in a field <the terminology of law>

term insurance n : insurance that covers a limited period of time and pays only for losses that occur during that period

ter·mi·nus \ˈtər-mə-nəs\ n, pl ter·mi·ni \-ˌnī, -ˌnē\ or -nus·es
1 : final goal : finishing point
2 : a post or stone marking a boundary
3 a : either end of a transportation line or travel route  b : the station or town at such a place

ter·mite \ˈtər-ˌmīt\ n : any of a group of pale-colored soft-bodied social insects that feed on wood, live in colonies consisting of winged sexual forms, wingless sterile workers, and often soldiers, and that include some very destructive to wooden structures and trees — called also white ant

term paper n : a major written assignment in a school or college course involving a student's individual research and study in a subject area

tern \ˈtərn\ n : any of numerous sea birds that often have a forked tail, black cap, and white or gray body and that in comparison to the related gulls have a smaller and slenderer body and bill and narrower wings

1ter·race \ˈter-əs\ n
1 a : a flat roof or open platform  b : a level area next to a building
2 a : a raised piece of land with the top leveled off  b : one of a group of horizontal ridges made in a hillside to conserve moisture and prevent loss of soil for agriculture
3 : a row of houses on raised ground or a sloping site

2terrace vb ter·raced; ter·rac·ing : to make into a terrace or supply with terraces

ter·ra–cot·ta \ˌter-ə-ˈkät-ə\ n, pl terra–cottas
1 : a glazed or unglazed baked clay used for pottery, statues, and building materials; also : something made of this material
2 : a brownish orange [from Italian terra cotta, literally “baked earth,” derived from Latin terra “earth” and Latin coquere “to cook”]

ter·ra fir·ma \-ˈfər-mə\ n : dry land : SOLID GROUND

ter·rain \tə-ˈrān also te-\ n : the surface features of an area of land <rough terrain>

ter·ra·pin \ˈter-ə-pən, ˈtar-\ n : any of various North American turtles living in fresh or somewhat salty water

ter·rar·i·um \tə-ˈrar-ē-əm, -ˈrer-\ n, pl -ia \-ē-ə\ or -i·ums : a transparent enclosure used for keeping and observing small animals and plants indoors

ter·res·tri·al \tə-ˈres-trē-əl, -ˈres-chəl, -ˈresh-chəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the earth or its living things
2 a : of or relating to land as distinct from air or water <terrestrial transportation>  b : living on or in or growing from land <terrestrial plants> <terrestrial birds>

ter·ri·ble \ˈter-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : causing terror or awe : FEARFUL, DREADFUL <a terrible disaster>
2 a : very great in degree <made a terrible mess of things> <a terrible cold>  b : very bad in quality <terrible music>
— ter·ri·bly \-blē\ adv

ter·ri·er \ˈter-ē-ər\ n : any of various usually small energetic dogs originally used by hunters to drive game animals from their holes
Word History Today most terriers are kept as pets. However, there was a time when the dogs were widely used for hunting. Terriers are usually small dogs with short legs, and they were used to dig game animals such as foxes, badgers, and weasels out of their holes. The dogs were also trained to go into a hole after a game animal and drive it out. The French name for these dogs was chen terrer, meaning “earth dog.” English borrowed only the word terrier, which can be traced back to Latin terra, meaning “earth.” [Middle English terryer “a small dog used for hunting burrowing animals,” from early French (chen) terrer, literally “earth dog,” from terre “earth,” derived from Latin terra (same meaning)]

ter·rif·ic \tə-ˈrif-ik\ adj
1 : causing terror : TERRIBLE <terrific destruction>
2 : very great in degree : EXTRAORDINARY <a car going at terrific speed>
3 : unusually good <makes terrific chili>
— ter·rif·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ter·ri·fy \ˈter-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to fill with terror
— ter·ri·fy·ing·ly \-ˌfī-iŋ-lē\ adv

ter·ri·to·ri·al \ˌter-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj
1 : of or relating to a territory <territorial claims>
2 : organized chiefly for territorial defense <a territorial army>
3 : showing or involving territoriality <territorial birds>
— territorial n

— ter·ri·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

ter·ri·to·ri·al·i·ty \ˌter-ə-ˌtōr-ē-ˈal-ət-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n : the pattern of behavior associated with the defense of an animal's territory

ter·ri·to·ry \ˈter-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ n, pl -ries
1 a : a geographic area belonging to or under the control of a government  b : a part of the U.S. not included within any state but having a separate governing body
2 a : an assigned area <a sales representative's territory>  b : an area that is occupied and defended by an animal or group of animals

ter·ror \ˈter-ər\ n
1 : a state of great fear
2 : a cause of great fear
3 : a dreadful person or thing; esp : an unruly child
4 : violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by a group as a way of achieving its goals

ter·ror·ism \ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm\ n : the use of terror as a means of achieving a goal
— ter·ror·ist \-ər-əst\ adj or n

ter·ror·ize \ˈter-ər-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to fill with terror
2 : to force by threat or violence
— ter·ror·i·za·tion \ˌter-ər-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

ter·ry \ˈter-ē\ n, pl terries : an absorbent fabric with an even surface of uncut loops — called also terry cloth

terse \ˈtərs\ adj ters·er; ters·est : being brief and to the point : CONCISE <a terse summary>; also : CURT, BRUSQUE <dismissed me with a terse “no”>
— terse·ly adv

— terse·ness n

ter·ti·ary \ˈtər-shē-ˌer-ē\ adj
1 : of third rank, importance, or value
2 cap : of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Cenozoic era of geological history marked by the formation of high mountains (as the Alps and Himalayas) and the rise in importance of mammals on land; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE

Tertiary n : the Tertiary period or system of rocks

1test \ˈtest\ n
1 : a means of finding out the nature, quality, or value of something <put the new car to the test>
2 : a procedure or method for identifying something <a test for starch> <allergy tests>
3 : a set of questions or problems designed to find out a person's knowledge, skills, or intelligence
4 : a result of or rating based on a test <uses 80-pound test fishing line>

2test vb
1 : to put to test or proof : TRY <test out your strength>
2 a : to take part in a test <actors testing for roles in the play>  b : to achieve or be assigned a rating on the basis of tests <the class tested high in math>
3 : to use tests as a way to analyze or identify <test for copper>
— test·able \ˈtes-tə-bəl\ adj

3test n : a firm or rigid covering (as a shell) of many invertebrates

tes·ta \ˈtes-tə\ n, pl tes·tae \-ˌtē, -ˌtī\ : the hard outer coat of a seed

tes·ta·ment \ˈtes-tə-mənt\ n
1 cap : either of the two chief parts of the Bible
2 a : actual proof : EVIDENCE <the result is testament to her determination and hard work>  b : an expression of belief : CREED
3 : the legal instructions for the distribution of a person's belongings after death : WILL
— tes·ta·men·ta·ry \ˌtes-tə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj

tes·ta·tor \ˈtes-ˌtāt-ər, tes-ˈtāt-\ n : a person who leaves a will in force at the time of death

test bed n : a vehicle (as an airplane) used for testing new equipment; also : any device, facility, or means for testing something in development

test·cross \ˈtest-ˌkrȯs, ˈtes-\ n : a cross between an individual displaying a recessive trait and one displaying a dominant trait to determine whether or not the dominant trait is heterozygous

test·ed \ˈtes-təd\ adj : examined or qualified through testing <time-tested principles>

1tes·ter \ˈtēs-tər, ˈtes-\ n : a canopy or a frame for a canopy over a bed, pulpit, or altar

2test·er \ˈtes-tər\ n : one that tests

testes plural of TESTIS

tes·ti·cle \ˈtes-ti-kəl\ n : TESTIS

tes·ti·fy \ˈtes-tə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 a : to make a statement based on personal knowledge or belief <could testify to the student's devotion to her studies>  b : to make a formal statement of what one swears is true <testified in court>
2 : to give outward proof : serve as a sign of <yawns testifying to fatigue>
— tes·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

1tes·ti·mo·ni·al \ˌtes-tə-ˈmō-nē-əl\ adj : being a testimonial

2testimonial n
1 a : a recommendation of a product or service  b : a letter of recommendation
2 : something given or said to show affection or respect : TRIBUTE

tes·ti·mo·ny \ˈtes-tə-ˌmō-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : firsthand evidence <according to the testimony of eyewitnesses>
2 : a statement made by a witness under oath especially in a court
3 : a public declaration of religious experience

tes·tis \ˈtes-təs\ n, pl tes·tes \ˈtes-ˌtēz\ : an oval-shaped male reproductive gland that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and that in most mammals is contained within the scrotum

tes·tos·ter·one \te-ˈstäs-tə-ˌrōn\ n : a male hormone produced by the testes that causes the development of the male reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics

test pilot n : a pilot who puts new aircraft through tests

test tube n : a tube of thin glass closed at one end and used especially in chemistry and biology

tes·ty \ˈtes-tē\ adj tes·ti·er; -est : easily annoyed : IRRITABLE
— tes·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

— tes·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ n

tet·a·nus \ˈtet-ə-nəs\ n
1 : a dangerous infectious disease marked by contraction of the muscles especially of the jaws and caused by a poison made by a bacterium that usually enters the body through a wound — compare LOCKJAW
2 : contraction of a muscle for a much longer time than normal that results from rapidly repeated motor nerve impulses

1tête–à–tête \ˈtāt-ə-ˌtāt\ n : a private conversation between two persons [French, literally “head-to-head”]

2tête–à–tête \ˌtāt-ə-ˈtāt\ adv : in private

3tête–à–tête \ˌtāt-ə-ˌtāt\ adj : being face-to-face : PRIVATE

1teth·er \ˈteth-ər\ n : a line by which something (as an animal or a balloon) is fastened so as to limit its range

2tether vb teth·ered; teth·er·ing \ˈteth-(ə-)riŋ\ : to fasten or hold with or as if with a tether <felt tethered to my desk>

teth·er·ball \ˈteth-ər-ˌbȯl\ n : a game played with a ball suspended by a string from an upright pole in which the object is to wrap the string around the pole by striking the ball in a direction opposite to that of one's opponent

tet·ra \ˈte-trə\ n : any of various small brightly colored South American fishes often kept in tropical aquariums

tetra- combining form : four : having four : having four parts [derived from Greek tetra- “four”]

tet·ra·chord \ˈte-trə-ˌkȯ(ə)rd\ n : a series of four tones : half an octave

tet·ra·cy·cline \ˌte-trə-ˈsī-ˌklēn\ n : a yellow crystalline antibiotic produced by a soil bacterium or made synthetically

tet·ra·eth·yl lead \ˌte-trə-ˌeth-əl-ˈled\ n : a heavy oily poisonous liquid added to gasoline to prevent engines from knocking

tet·ra·he·dron \ˌte-trə-ˈhē-drən\ n, pl -drons or tetrahedra \-drə\ : a polyhedron that has four faces
— tet·ra·he·dral \-drəl\ adj

te·tram·e·ter \te-ˈtram-ət-ər\ n : a line of verse consisting of four metrical feet

Teu·ton \ˈt(y)üt-ən\ n
1 : a member of an ancient probably Germanic or Celtic people
2 : a member of a people speaking a Germanic language; esp : GERMAN 1
— Teu·ton·ic \t(y)ü-ˈtän-ik\ adj

Teutonic n : the Germanic languages

Tex–Mex \ˈtek-ˈsmeks\ adj : of, relating to, or being the Mexican-American culture or food found especially in southern Texas [from Texas and Mexico]

1text \ˈtekst\ n
1 : the original words of a work of literature
2 a : the main body of printed or written matter on a page  b : the main part of a book
3 a : a passage from the Bible chosen for the subject of a sermon  b : a subject on which one writes or speaks
4 : matter handled with a computer that is chiefly in the form of words
5 : TEXTBOOK
6 : TEXT MESSAGE

2text vb
1 : to send a text message from one cell phone to another
2 : to communicate by text messaging

text·book \ˈteks(t)-ˌbu̇k\ n : a book used in the study of a subject

tex·tile \ˈtek-ˌstīl, ˈteks-təl\ n : CLOTH 1; esp : a woven or knit cloth

text message n : a short message sent electronically usually from one cell phone to another

text mes·sag·ing \-ˈmes-i-jiŋ\ n : the sending of text messages electronically especially from one cell phone to another

tex·tu·al \ˈteks-chə(-wə)l\ adj : of, relating to, or based on a text
— tex·tu·al·i·ty \ˌteks-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē\ n

— tex·tu·al·ly \ˈtek-chə-(wə)l-ē\ adv

1tex·ture \ˈteks-chər\ n
1 : the structure, feel, and appearance of something (as a fabric) <the smooth texture of silk> <wood with a rough texture>
2 : a quality that identifies something
— tex·tured \-chərd\ adj

2texture vb tex·tured; tex·tur·ing : to give a particular texture to <texture a ceiling>

tex·tur·ize \ˈteks-chə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : 2TEXTURE

1-th — see 1-ETH

2-th or -eth adj suffix — used to form ordinal numbers <hundredth> <fortieth> [Old English -tha, -ta (a suffix used in forming ordinal numbers)]

Thai \ˈtī\ n
1 : a person born or living in Thailand
2 : the official language of Thailand

thal·a·mus \ˈthal-ə-məs\ n, pl thal·a·mi \-ˌmī, -ˌmē\ : a subdivision of the forebrain that receives nerve impulses and sends them on to the appropriate parts of the brain cortex

thal·li·um \ˈthal-ē-əm\ n : a soft poisonous metallic element that has characteristics similar to lead — see ELEMENT TABLE

1than \thən, (ˈ)than\ conj
1 : when compared to the way, extent, or degree in or to which <10 is less than 20> <older than I am> <easier said than done>
2 : different from in kind, manner, or identity <adults other than parents>

2than prep : in comparison with <you are taller than me>

thane \ˈthān\ n
1 : a man in England during the Middle Ages who received lands from the king in return for military service
2 : a lord in Scotland during the Middle Ages

thank \ˈthaŋk\ vb
1 : to express gratitude to <thanked her for the present>
2 : to hold responsible <had only myself to thank for my loss>

thank·ful \ˈthaŋk-fəl\ adj : feeling or showing thanks
— thank·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— thank·ful·ness n

thank·less \ˈthaŋ-kləs\ adj
1 : not appreciated by others <a thankless job>
2 : not showing or feeling gratitude
— thank·less·ly adv

— thank·less·ness n

thanks \ˈthaŋ(k)s\ n pl
1 : kindly or grateful thoughts : GRATITUDE <express my thanks for their kindness>
2 : an expression of gratitude <give thanks before the meal> <many thanks>

thanks·giv·ing \thaŋ(k)s-ˈgiv-iŋ\ n
1 : the act of giving thanks
2 : a prayer expressing gratitude
3 cap : THANKSGIVING DAY

Thanksgiving Day n : a day for giving thanks for divine goodness: as  a : the fourth Thursday in November observed as a legal holiday in the U.S.  b : the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in Canada

thanks to prep : with the help of : BECAUSE OF <arrived early, thanks to good weather>
— no thanks to : not as a result of any help from <we finished, no thanks to you>

thank–you \ˈthaŋ-ˌkyü\ n : a polite expression of one's gratitude

1that \(ˈ)that\ pron, pl those \(ˈ)thōz\
1 a : the person, thing, or idea shown, mentioned, or understood from the situation <that is my father>  b : the time, action, or event specified <after that I went to bed>  c : the kind or thing specified as follows <the purest water is that produced by distillation>
2 : the one farther away <those are elms and these are maples>
3 : the one : the thing : the kind <the richest ore is that found higher up>

2that conj
1 a — used to introduce a noun clause serving especially as the subject or object of a verb <that she has succeeded is certain> <said that I was afraid> <the reason for his absence is that he is ill>  b — used to introduce a clause that modifies a noun or adjective <certain that this is true> <the fact that you are here>  c — used to introduce a clause that modifies an adverb or adverbial expression <will go anywhere that he is invited>
2 — used alone or after so or in order to introduce a clause expressing purpose <saved money so that I could buy a bicycle>
3 — used to introduce a clause giving a reason <delighted that you could visit>
4 — used especially after an expression including the word so or such to introduce a clause naming a result <worked so hard that they became exhausted>

3that \thət, (ˌ)that\ adj, pl those
1 : being the one named or understood <that boy did it>
2 : being the one farther away <this chair or that one>

4that \thət, (ˌ)that\ pron
1 : WHO, WHOM, 2WHICH <the girl that smiled> <the person that you spoke to> <the house that Jack built>
2 : at, in, or on which : by, to, or with which <each year that the awards are given>

5that \ˈthat\ adv
1 : to such an extent <need a nail about that long>
2 : 2VERY 1, EXTREMELY <it's not that important>

1thatch \ˈthach\ vb : to cover with or as if with thatch

2thatch n
1 : a plant material (as straw) used to cover the roof of a building
2 : a mat of plant matter (as grass clippings) that has accumulated on the soil surface of a grassy area (as a lawn)

1thaw \ˈthȯ\ vb
1 : to melt or cause to melt <ice on the pond is thawing>
2 : to become free of the effects of cold temperatures by being exposed to warmth <frozen foods thawed before cooking>

2thaw n
1 : the action, fact, or process of thawing
2 : a period of weather warm enough to thaw ice and snow

1the \thə (especially before consonant sounds and sometimes vowel sounds in Southern speech), thē (before vowel sounds); 1e is often ˈthē\ definite article
1 a — used to indicate that a following noun or term functioning as a noun has been already made known by context or by circumstance <put the cat out>  b — used to indicate that a following noun or term functioning as a noun is a unique or a particular member of its class <the President> <the sun>  c — used before nouns that designate natural phenomena or points of the compass <the night is cold> <wind came from the east>  d — used before a noun denoting time to indicate reference to what is present or immediate or is under consideration <in the future>  e — used before names of some parts of the body or of the clothing as an equivalent of a possessive adjective <how's the arm today> <grabbed me by the collar>  f — used before the name of a branch of human activity <the law>  g — used in prepositional phrases to indicate that the noun in the phrase serves as a basis for calculation <sold by the dozen>  h — used before a proper name (as of a ship or a well-known building) <the Mayflower>  i — used before a proper name to indicate the distinctive characteristics of a person or thing <the John Doe that we know wouldn't lie>  j — used before the plural form of a surname to indicate all the members of a family <the Johnsons>  k — used before the plural form of a numeral that is a multiple of ten to denote a particular decade of a century or of a person's life <life in the twenties>  l — used before the name of something used in daily life to indicate reference to the individual thing, part, or supply thought of as at hand <talked on the telephone>  m — used to designate one of a class as the best, most typical, best known, or most worth singling out <this is the life> <was the player in today's game>
2 a — used with a modified noun to limit the application of the noun to that specified by the modifier <the right answer> <Peter the Great>  b — used before an absolute adjective or an ordinal number <nothing but the best> <payment is due on the first>  c — used before a noun to limit its application to that specified by a following element in the sentence <the poet Wordsworth> <didn't have the time to write>  d — used after a person's name to indicate a characteristic trait or notorious activity specified by the following noun <Jack the Ripper>
3 a — used before a singular noun to indicate that the noun is to be understood as representative of a whole class <good advice for the beginner>  b — used before an adjective functioning as a noun to indicate an abstract idea <an essay on the sublime>
4 — used before a noun or an adjective functioning as a noun to indicate reference to a group as a whole <the rich> <the homeless>

2the adv
1 : than before : than otherwise <none the wiser for attending>
2 a : to what extent <the sooner the better>  b : to that extent <the sooner the better>

the·ater or the·atre \ˈthē-ət-ər, ˈthi-ət-\ n
1 : a building or area for dramatic performances or for showing movies
2 : a place like a theater; esp : a room often with rising rows of seats (as for a lecture)
3 : a place of significant events or action <a theater of war>
4 : plays or the performance of plays <a course in American theater> [Middle English theatre “outdoor structure for watching public performances (in ancient Greece and Rome),” from early French theatre (same meaning), from Latin theatrum (same meaning), from Greek theatron, literally “a place for viewing,” from theasthai “to view,” from thea “action of seeing, sight, view” — related to THEORY]

the·ater·go·er \-ˌgō(-ə)r\ n : a person who frequently goes to the theater

the·at·ri·cal \thē-ˈa-tri-kəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the theater <a theatrical costume>
2 : marked by pretended or excessive emotion <a theatrical speech>
— the·at·ri·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

the·at·ri·cals \thē-ˈa-tri-kəlz\ n pl : the performance of plays

thee \(ˈ)thē\ pron objective case of THOU

theft \ˈtheft\ n : the act of stealing

their \thər, (ˌ)the(ə)r, (ˌ)tha(ə)r\ adj : of or relating to them or themselves <their clothes> <they all have their theories> <their being seen>

theirs \ˈthe(ə)rz, ˈtha(ə)rz\ pron : their one : their ones <the house is theirs> <these books are theirs> <theirs are on the table>

the·ism \ˈthē-ˌiz-əm\ n : belief in the existence of God as creator and ruler of the universe
— the·ist \ˈthē-əst\ n

— the·is·tic \thē-ˈis-tik\ adj

them \(th)əm, (ˈ)them, after p, b, v, f, also əm\ pron objective case of THEY

theme \ˈthēm\ n
1 a : a subject for a work of literature, art, or music <guilt and punishment is the theme of the story>  b : a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern <the house was decorated in a country theme>
2 : a written exercise : COMPOSITION
— the·mat·ic \thi-ˈmat-ik\ adj

theme park n : an amusement park in which the structures and settings are based on a central theme

them·selves \thəm-ˈselvz, them-\ pron
1 : their own selves <nations that govern themselves> <they themselves were present>
2 : their normal or healthy condition <were themselves again after a nights rest>

1then \(ˈ)then\ adv
1 : at that time <it was then believed the world was flat>
2 : soon after that <walked to the door, then turned>
3 a : following next after in order <first came the clowns, then came the elephants>  b : in addition : BESIDES <then there are the pots and pans to wash>
4 a : in that case <take it, then, if you want it so much>  b : according to that <your mind is made up, then>  c : as it appears <the case, then, is closed>  d : as a necessary result <if you were there, then you saw me>

2then \ˈthen\ n : that time <wait until then>

3then \ˈthen\ adj : existing or acting at or belonging to the time mentioned <the then governor>

thence \ˈthen(t)s also ˈthen(t)s\ adv
1 : from that place <proceeding thence directly to class>
2 : from that fact or circumstance <a natural conclusion follows thence>

thence·forth \ˈthen(t)s-ˌfō(ə)rth, -ˌfȯ(ə)rth also ˈthen(t)s-\ adv : from that time forward : THEREAFTER <the park was thenceforth open to residents only>

thence·for·ward \then(t)s-ˈfȯr-wərd also then(t)s-\ also thence·for·wards \-wərdz\ adv : onward from that place or time : THENCEFORTH

the·oc·ra·cy \thē-ˈäk-rə-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance
2 : a country governed by a theocracy

the·od·o·lite \thē-ˈäd-əl-ˌīt\ n : a very precise surveyor's transit

the·ol·o·gy \thē-ˈäl-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies
1 : the study of religion
2 : a set of religious beliefs
— theo·lo·gian \ˌthē-ə-ˈlō-jən\ n

— theo·log·i·cal \-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj

the·o·rem \ˈthē-ə-rəm, ˈthi(-ə)r-əm\ n
1 : a formula, proposition, or statement in mathematics or logic that has been or is to be proved from other formulas or propositions
2 : an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth

the·o·ret·i·cal \ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl, ˌthi(-ə)r-ˈet-\ also the·o·ret·ic \-ik\ adj
1 a : relating to or having the character of theory : ABSTRACT  b : limited to theory or speculation : SPECULATIVE <theoretical physics>
2 : existing only in theory : HYPOTHETICAL <a theoretical situation>
— the·o·ret·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

the·o·rist \ˈthē-ə-rəst, ˈthi(-ə)r-əst\ n : a person who theorizes

the·o·rize \ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -rized; -riz·ing : to form a theory : SPECULATE
— the·o·riz·er n

the·o·ry \ˈthē-ə-rē, ˈthi(-ə)r-ē\ n, pl -ries
1 : the general ideas or principles of an art or science <music theory>
2 : a general principle or set of principles that explains facts or events of the natural world <wave theory of light>
3 : a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action <her method is based on the theory that all dogs can be trained>  b : an ideal set of facts, principles, or circumstances — often used in the phrase in theory <in theory, everyone can receive a score of 100 on the test>
4 : an idea that is the starting point for argument or investigation <the theory of relativity> [from Latin theoria “a looking at or considering of facts, theory,” from Greek theōria “theory, action of viewing, consideration,” from theōrein “to look at, consider,” — related to THEATER]

ther·a·peu·tic \ˌther-ə-ˈpyüt-ik\ adj : of or relating to the treatment of diseases or disorders by using healing agents or methods <therapeutic studies>; also : CURATIVE, MEDICINAL <therapeutic diets>

ther·a·peu·tics \ˌther-ə-ˈpyüt-iks\ n : a branch of medical science dealing with the use of remedies

ther·a·pist \ˈther-ə-pəst\ n : a person who specializes in therapy; esp : a person trained in methods of treatment other than the use of drugs or surgery <a speech therapist>

ther·a·py \ˈther-ə-pē\ n, pl -pies : treatment of an abnormal state of the mind or body

1there \ˈtha(ə)r, ˈthe(ə)r\ adv
1 : in or at that place <stand over there>
2 : to or into that place <went there every year>
3 : at that point or stage <stop right there before you say something you'll regret>
4 : in that matter, respect, or relation <there is where I disagree with you>
5 — used as an interjection to show satisfaction, approval, soothing, or defiance <there, it's finished at last> <so there>

2there \(ˌ)tha(ə)r, (ˌ)the(ə)r also thər\ pron — used to introduce a sentence or clause <there will come a time>

3there \like {h,1}\ n
1 : that place or position <get away from there>
2 : that point <you take it from there>

there·abouts also there·about \ˌthar-ə-ˈbau̇t(s), ˌther-; ˈthar-ə-ˌbau̇t(s), ˈther-\ adv
1 : near that place or time <came from that town or thereabouts>
2 : near that number, degree, or quantity <fifty people or thereabouts>

there·af·ter \tha-ˈraf-tər, the-\ adv : after that <it was returned shortly thereafter>

there·at \tha-ˈrat, the-\ adv
1 : at that place
2 : at that occurrence : on that account

there·by \tha(ə)r-ˈbī, the(ə)r-; ˈtha(ə)r-ˌbī, ˈthe(ə)r-\ adv
1 : by that : by that means <thereby lost her chance to win>
2 : connected with or with reference to that <thereby hangs a tale>

there'd \ˈtherd, ˈther-əd\ : there had : there would

there·for \tha(ə)r-ˈfȯ(ə)r, the(ə)r-\ adv : for or in return for that <ordered a change and gave his reasons therefor>

there·fore \ˈtha(ə)r-ˌfō(ə)r, ˈthe(ə)r-, -ˌfȯ(ə)r\ adv : for that reason : CONSEQUENTLY <he lost the bet, therefore he must pay>

there·from \tha(ə)r-ˈfrəm, the(ə)r-, -ˈfräm\ adv : from that or it <learned much therefrom>

there·in \tha-ˈrin, the-\ adv
1 : in or into that place, time, or thing <the world and all therein>
2 : in that particular or respect <therein they disagreed>

there'll \ˈther(-ə)l\ : there will : there shall

there·of \tha-ˈrəv, -ˈräv, the-\ adv
1 : of that or it <the problem and solution thereof>
2 : from that cause or particular : THEREFROM

there·on \tha-ˈrȯn, -ˈrän, the-\ adv : on that <the highway and structures thereon>

there's \ˈtherz, thərz\ : there is : there has

there·to \tha(ə)r-ˈtü, the(ə)r-\ adv : to that <voiced no complaints thereto>

there·to·fore \ˈthart-ə-ˌfō(ə)r, ˈthert-, -ˌfȯ(ə)r\ adv : up to that time <noticed the theretofore undetected mistake>

there·un·to \tha-ˈrən-tü, the-; ˌthar-ən-ˈtü, ˌther-\ adv, archaic : THERETO

there·upon \ˈthar-ə-ˌpȯn, ˈther-, -ˌpän\ adv
1 : on that matter <they disagreed thereupon>
2 : THEREFORE
3 : immediately after that <saw his bad grades and thereupon cut off his allowance>

there've \ˈtherv, thərv\ : there have

there·with \tha(ə)r-ˈwith, the(ə)r-, -ˈwith\ adv : with that <led a simple life and was happy therewith>

there·with·al \ˈtha(ə)r-with-ˈȯl, ˈthe(ə)r-, -with-\ adv : THEREWITH

1ther·mal \ˈthər-məl\ adj
1 : of or relating to a hot spring <thermal springs>
2 : of, relating to, caused by, or saving heat <thermal energy> <thermal underwear>
— ther·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adv

2thermal n : a rising body of warm air

thermal pollution n : the release of heated liquid (as water used by a factory) into a natural body of water at a temperature harmful to the environment

ther·mo·cou·ple \ˈthər-mə-ˌkəp-əl\ n : a device for measuring temperature in which a pair of wires of different metals (as copper and iron) are joined and the free ends of the wires are connected to an instrument (as a voltmeter) that measures the difference in potential created at the junction of the two metals

ther·mo·gram \ˈthər-mə-ˌgram\ n : a photograph that shows differences in temperature between different parts of an object (as the body or a building)

ther·mo·graph \ˈthər-mə-ˌgraf\ n : a recording thermometer

ther·mom·e·ter \thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring temperature; esp : one consisting of a glass bulb attached to a fine glass tube with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature
— ther·mo·met·ric \ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik\ adj

ther·mo·nu·cle·ar \ˌthər-mō-ˈn(y)ü-klē-ər\ adj : of or relating to the transformations in the nucleus of atoms of low atomic weight (as hydrogen) that require a very high temperature (as in the hydrogen bomb or in the sun) <a thermonuclear reaction> <a thermonuclear weapon>

ther·mo·plas·tic \ˌthər-mə-ˈplas-tik\ adj : capable of softening or melting when heated and of hardening again when cooled <thermoplastic synthetic fibers>

ther·mos \ˈthər-məs\ n : a container (as a bottle) with a vacuum between an inner and an outer wall used to keep material (as liquids) hot or cold

ther·mo·stat \ˈthər-mə-ˌstat\ n : a device that automatically controls temperature
— ther·mo·stat·ic \ˌthər-mə-ˈstat-ik\ adj

— ther·mo·stat·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ther·mo·tax·is \ˌthər-mə-ˈtak-səs\ n : a taxis in which temperature is the stimulus directing the movement of an organism

the·sau·rus \thi-ˈsȯr-əs\ n, pl the·sau·ri \-ˈsȯ(ə)r-ˌī, -ˌē\ or the·sau·rus·es \-ˈsȯr-ə-səz\ : a book of words and their synonyms [from scientific Latin thesaurus “treasury, storehouse, book of words,” from Latin thesaurus “treasure, collection,” from Greek thēsauros (same meaning) — related to TREASURE]

these plural of THIS

the·sis \ˈthē-səs\ n, pl the·ses \ˈthē-ˌsēz\
1 : a statement put forth for discussion or proof : HYPOTHESIS
2 : a long essay presenting the results of original research

Thes·sa·lo·nians \ˌthes-ə-ˈlō-nyənz, -nē-ənz\ n : either of two letters written by St. Paul to the Christians of Thessalonica and included as books in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

the·ta \ˈthāt-ə, ˈthēt-\ n : the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet — Θ or θ

they \(ˈ)thā\ pron
1 : those ones <they won the game>
2 : some people <they say it will be a hard winter>

they'd \(ˌ)thād\ : they had : they would

they'll \(ˌ)thā(ə)l, thel\ : they shall : they will

they're \thər, (ˌ)the(ə)r\ : they are

they've \(ˌ)thāv\ : they have

thi·a·mine \ˈthī-ə-ˌmən, -mēn\ also thi·a·min \-mən\ n : a vitamin of the B complex that is necessary for normal metabolism and nerve function and is found in many plants and animals — called also vitamin B_1

1thick \ˈthik\ adj
1 : having or being of great depth or extent from one surface to its opposite <a thick plank>
2 : heavily built : THICKSET
3 a : having units closely packed together : DENSE <a thick forest>  b : occurring in large numbers : NUMEROUS <flies were thick in the barn>  c : VISCOUS 2 <thick syrup>
4 : marked by haze, fog, or mist <thick weather>
5 : measuring in thickness <12 inches thick>
6 a : not clearly spoken <thick speech>  b : plainly obvious <a thick French accent>
7 : STUPID 1A <too thick to understand>
8 : associated on close terms : INTIMATE <those two are really thick>
9 : going beyond what is proper or enough <the flattery was a bit thick>
— thick·ish \-ish\ adj

— thick·ly adv

2thick n
1 : the most crowded or active part <in the thick of things>
2 : the part of greatest thickness <the thick of the thumb>

3thick adv : in a thick manner : so as to be thick : THICKLY <misfortunes came thick and fast>

thick and thin n : every difficulty and problem <was loyal through thick and thin>

thick·en \ˈthik-ən\ vb thick·ened; thick·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\
1 : to make or become thick, dense, or viscous <thicken gravy with flour>
2 : to become complicated <the plot thickens>
— thick·en·er \-(ə-)nər\ n

thick·en·ing n
1 : the act of making or becoming thick <underwent a gradual thickening>
2 : a thickened part or place
3 : something used to thicken

thick·et \ˈthik-ət\ n
1 : a thick usually small patch of shrubbery, small trees, or underbrush
2 : something resembling a thicket in being crowded together or impenetrable <a thicket of fans>

thick·head·ed \ˈthik-ˈhed-əd\ adj : STUPID 1A

thick·ness \ˈthik-nəs\ n
1 : the quality or state of being thick
2 : the smallest of three dimensions <length, width, and thickness>
3 : the thick part of something
4 : 1LAYER 2 <a single thickness of canvas>

thick·set \ˈthik-ˈset\ adj
1 : closely placed or planted
2 : of short stout build : STOCKY

thick–skinned \-ˈskind\ adj
1 : having a thick skin
2 : not easily bothered by criticism or insult

thief \ˈthēf\ n, pl thieves \ˈthēvz\ : one that steals

thieve \ˈthēv\ vb thieved; thiev·ing : 1STEAL 2A, ROB

thiev·ery \ˈthēv-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : the action of stealing : THEFT

thiev·ish \ˈthē-vish\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a thief
2 : given to stealing
— thiev·ish·ly adv

— thiev·ish·ness n

thigh \ˈthī\ n : the part of the leg that extends from the hip to the knee

thigh·bone \-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn\ n : FEMUR 1

thig·mo·tax·is \ˌthig-mə-ˈtak-səs\ n : a taxis in which contact especially with a solid or rigid surface is the stimulus directing the movement of an organism

thig·mot·ro·pism \thig-ˈmä-trə-ˌpiz-əm\ n : a tropism in which contact especially with a solid or rigid surface is the stimulus directing the movement of an organism

thim·ble \ˈthim-bəl\ n : a cap or cover used in sewing to protect the finger that pushes the needle

1thin \ˈthin\ adj thin·ner; thin·nest
1 : having little extent from one surface to its opposite <thin paper>
2 : having widely scattered units <thin hair>
3 : having too little flesh <a tall thin boy>
4 : less dense than normal <thin air>
5 : lacking substance or strength <thin broth> <thin excuses>
6 : somewhat weak or shrill <a thin voice>  synonyms see LEAN
— thin·ly adv

— thin·ness \ˈthin-nəs\ n

— on thin ice : in a dangerous situation

2thin vb thinned; thin·ning
1 : to make or become thin
2 : to reduce in number especially to prevent crowding <thin young carrots in the garden>

thine \ˈthīn\ pron, archaic : thy one : thy ones

thing \ˈthiŋ\ n
1 a : a matter of concern : AFFAIR <many things to do>  b pl : state of affairs <things are improving>  c : SITUATION 3 <look at this thing another way>  d : EVENT 1A, CIRCUMSTANCE <the flood was a terrible thing>  e : something one does well or likes to do <do your thing>
2 a : 1DEED 1, ACT <do great things>  b : a product of work or activity <likes to build things>  c : the aim of effort or activity <the thing is to get well>
3 : a particular object; esp : a lifeless object <how do you work this thing?>
4 a pl : BELONGINGS <pack your things>  b : an article of clothing <not a thing to wear>
5 a : 1DETAIL 1B <checks every little thing>  b : a material or substance of a particular kind <avoid starchy things>
6 : IDEA 2, NOTION <says the first thing that comes to mind>
7 : 2INDIVIDUAL <poor little thing>
8 : a piece of news or information <couldn't get a thing out of him>
9 : the proper or fashionable way of behaving, talking, or dressing — used with the <it is the thing to wear>
10 : a usually mild fear or obsession <has a thing about snakes>
11 : something (as an activity) that makes a strong appeal to the individual <allowed to do their own thing>

thing·am·a·bob \ˈthiŋ-ə-mə-ˌbäb\ n : THINGAMAJIG

thing·am·a·jig or thing·um·a·jig \ˈthiŋ-ə-mə-ˌjig\ n : something that is hard to classify or whose name is unknown or forgotten

think \ˈthiŋk\ vb thought \ˈthȯt\; think·ing
1 : to form or have in the mind <afraid to think what might happen>
2 : to have as an opinion : BELIEVE <think it's so>
3 : to hold in the mind for some time : PONDER <think the matter over> <think about it>
4 : to call to mind : REMEMBER <never thought to ask> <he never thinks to call home>
5 : to use the power of reason <think before you write your answer>
6 : to have an opinion <they think highly of you>
7 : to have concern <I must think of my family first>
8 : to invent by thinking — usually used with up <always thinking up new schemes>
— think·able \ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl\ adj

— think·er n

— think better of : to reconsider and make a wiser decision

— think much of : to view with satisfaction — usually used in negative constructions <didn't think much of the idea>

1thinking n
1 : the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts
2 a : OPINION 1, JUDGMENT <it is, to my thinking, utter nonsense>  b : 2THOUGHT 2 <the current thinking on the subject>

2thinking adj : marked by use of the power of thinking <thinking citizens>

thinking cap n : a state or mood in which one thinks <put on your thinking cap>

think tank n : an organization formed to think up new solutions especially for social and scientific problems

thin·ner \ˈthin-ər\ n : one that thins; esp : a liquid (as turpentine) used to thin paint

thin–skinned \ˈthin-ˈskind\ adj
1 : having a thin skin <thin-skinned oranges>
2 : easily bothered by criticism or insult

1third \ˈthərd\ adj
1 a : being number three in a series — see NUMBER TABLE  b : being next after the second in time, order, or importance <the third taxi in line>
2 : being one of three equal parts of something <a third share of the money>
— third adv

— third·ly adv

2third n
1 a : one that is number three in a series — see NUMBER TABLE  b : one next after a second in time, order, or importance <the third in line>
2 : one of three equal parts of something <a third of the pie>
3 : the difference in pitch between the first tone and the third tone of a scale
4 : the third forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
5 : THIRD BASE

third base n : the base that must be touched third by a base runner in baseball or the position of the player defending the area around it

third baseman n : the player defending the area around third base

third class n : the class next below second class in a classification
— third–class adj

third degree n : brutal treatment of a prisoner by the police in order to get a confession

third–degree burn n : a burn in which the whole thickness of the skin and sometimes underlying tissues are destroyed with loss of fluid and often shock

third party n
1 : a person other than the main participants <a third party to the legal proceedings>
2 a : a political party operating usually for a limited time in addition to the two major parties in a 2-party system  b : MINOR PARTY

third person n
1 : a set of words or forms (as verb forms or pronouns) referring to someone or something that is neither the speaker or writer of the utterance in which they occur nor the one to whom that utterance is addressed; also : a word or form belonging to such a set
2 : a writing style using verbs and pronouns of the third person

third–rate \ˈthər-ˈdrāt\ adj : of third quality or value; esp : worse than second-rate

third world n, often cap T&W : the poor and underdeveloped nations of the world

1thirst \ˈthərst\ n
1 a : a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat that accompanies a desire for liquids; also : the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that causes thirst  b : a strong desire to drink
2 : a strong desire : CRAVING <a thirst for fame>

2thirst vb
1 : to feel thirsty
2 : to have a strong desire : CRAVE

thirsty \ˈthər-stē\ adj thirst·i·er; -est
1 a : feeling thirst  b : needing moisture <thirsty land>
2 : having a strong desire <thirsty for knowledge>
— thirst·i·ly \-stə-lē\ adv

thir·teen \ˌthər(t)-ˈtēn, ˈthər(t)-\ n : a number that is one more than 12 — see NUMBER TABLE
— thirteen adj or pron

— thir·teenth \-ˈtēn(t)th\ adj or n

thir·ty \ˈthərt-ē\ n, pl thirties
1 : a number equal to three times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 pl : the numbers 30 to 39; esp : the years 30 to 39 in a lifetime or century
— thir·ti·eth \-ē-əth\ n or adj

— thirty adj or pron

1this \(ˈ)this, thəs\ pron, pl these \(ˈ)thēz\
1 : the person, thing, or idea that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned <these are my friends>
2 : the one nearer <this is iron and that is tin>

2this adj, pl these
1 : being the one that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned <this book is mine> <early this morning> <friends all these years>
2 : the nearer at hand <this car or that one> <I like these colors better than those>

3this \ˈthis\ adv : to the degree suggested by something in the present situation <didn't expect to wait this long>

this·tle \ˈthis-əl\ n : any of various prickly plants related to the daisies and having often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers
— this·tly \ˈthis-(ə-)lē\ adj

this·tle·down \ˈthis-əl-ˌdau̇n\ n : the mass of seed-carrying fluffy bristles from the ripe flower head of a thistle

thistle tube n : a usually glass funnel tube with a mouth that spreads out and a bulging top

1thith·er \ˈthith-ər also ˈthith-\ adv : to that place : THERE <I shall go thither>

2thither adj : being on the other and farther side <the thither bank of a river>

tho variant of THOUGH

thole \ˈthōl\ also thole·pin \-ˌpin\ n : a peg or pin on the rim of a boat that holds an oar in place

thong \ˈthȯŋ\ n
1 : a strip of leather used especially for fastening something
2 : a sandal held on the foot by a thong fitting between the toes and connected to a strap across the top or around the sides of the foot

tho·rac·ic \thə-ˈras-ik\ adj : of, relating to, located in, or involving the thorax <the thoracic cavity>

tho·rax \ˈthō(ə)r-ˌaks, ˈthȯ(ə)r-\ n, pl tho·rax·es or tho·ra·ces \ˈthōr-ə-ˌsēz, ˈthȯr-\
1 : the part of the body of a mammal between the neck and the abdomen; also : its cavity in which the heart and lungs lie
2 : the middle of the three main divisions of the body of an insect

tho·ri·um \ˈthōr-ē-əm, ˈthȯr-\ n : a radioactive metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

thorn \ˈthȯ(ə)rn\ n
1 : a woody plant bearing sharp processes (as prickles or spines); esp : HAWTHORN
2 : a sharp stiff process on a plant; esp : a stem modified into a short, stiff, and leafless sharp point
3 : something or someone that causes distress or irritation — often used in the phrase thorn in one's side
— thorned \ˈthȯ(ə)rnd\ adj

— thorn·less \ˈthȯ(ə)rn-ləs\ adj

thorny \ˈthȯr-nē\ adj thorn·i·er; -est
1 : full of or covered with thorns <thorny rose bushes>
2 : full of difficulties <a thorny problem>
— thorn·i·ness n

thor·ough \ˈthər-ō, ˈthə-rō\ adj
1 : marked by or carried out to completion : EXHAUSTIVE <a thorough search>
2 : careful about detail <a thorough worker> [Middle English thorow “thorough,” from Old English thuruh, thurh “through” — related to THRILL, THROUGH; see Word History at THRILL]
— thor·ough·ly adv

— thor·ough·ness n

1thor·ough·bred \ˈthər-ə-ˌbred, ˈthə-rə-\ adj
1 : bred from the best stock through a long line : PUREBRED <thoroughbred dogs>
2 cap : of, relating to, or being a Thoroughbred horse

2thoroughbred n
1 : a purebred or pedigreed animal
2 cap : any of an English breed of light speedy horses kept chiefly for racing

thor·ough·fare \ˈthər-ə-ˌfa(ə)r, ˈthə-rə-, -ˌfe(ə)r\ n
1 : a street or road open at both ends
2 : a main road

thor·ough·go·ing \ˌthər-ə-ˈgō-iŋ, ˌthə-rə-\ adj : THOROUGH 1, COMPLETE <thoroughgoing cooperation>

those plural of THAT

1thou \(ˈ)thau̇\ pron, archaic : the person addressed

2thou \ˈthau̇\ n, pl thou : a thousand of something (as dollars) <paid 15 thou for the car>

1though \(ˈ)thō\ conj : in spite of the fact or possibility that <though it was raining, we went hiking>

2though adv : 2HOWEVER 2, NEVERTHELESS <not for long, though>

1thought past and past participle of THINK

2thought \ˈthȯt\ n
1 : the act or process of thinking
2 : serious consideration : careful attention <give thought to the future>
3 : power of thinking and especially of reasoning and judging
4 : power of imagining <beauty beyond thought>
5 : a product of thinking (as an idea, fancy, or invention) <share your thoughts with us>

thought·ful \ˈthȯt-fəl\ adj
1 a : lost in thought  b : marked by careful thinking <a thoughtful essay>
2 : considerate of the needs of others <a kind and thoughtful friend>
— thought·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— thought·ful·ness n

thought·less \ˈthȯt-ləs\ adj
1 a : not careful and alert  b : done without thinking beforehand <thoughtless actions>
2 : lacking concern for others : INCONSIDERATE <a thoughtless remark>
— thought·less·ly adv

— thought·less·ness n

thought–out \ˈthȯt-ˈau̇t\ adj : produced or arrived at through careful and thorough consideration <a well thought-out plan>

thou·sand \ˈthau̇z-ən(d)\ n, pl thousands or thousand
1 : a number equal to 10 times 100 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : a very large number <thousands of ants>
— thousand adj

thou·sand–leg·ger \ˌthau̇z-ən-ˈ(d)leg-ər, -ˈ(d)lāg-\ n : MILLIPEDE

thousands digit \ˈthau̇z-ən(d)z-\ n : the numeral (as 1 in 1456) in the thousands place

thousands place n : the place four to the left of the decimal point in a number expressed in the Arabic system of writing numbers

thou·sandth \ˈthau̇z-ən(t)th\ n
1 : one of 1000 equal parts of something
2 : the one numbered 1000 in a countable series — see NUMBER TABLE
— thousandth adj

thrall \ˈthrȯl\ n
1 : 1SLAVE 1
2 a : a state of servitude or submission <in thrall to his emotions>  b : a state of complete attention <the play held me in thrall>
— thrall·dom or thral·dom \ˈthrȯl-dəm\ n

thrash \ˈthrash\ vb
1 : THRESH 1
2 a : to strike forcefully especially with a long instrument (as a whip) : FLOG  b : to defeat decisively or severely <thrashed the visiting team>
3 : to move or stir about violently <something was thrashing wildly in the water>
4 : to go over again and again <thrash the matter over> <thrash out a plan>

1thrash·er \ˈthrash-ər\ n : one that thrashes or threshes

2thrasher n : any of various long-tailed American songbirds that have a usually long curved bill and are related to the mockingbird

1thread \ˈthred\ n
1 : a thin fine cord formed by spinning and twisting short fibers into a continuous strand
2 : something that resembles a thread <threads of a spiderweb>
3 : the ridge or groove that winds around a screw
4 : a train of thought that connects the parts in a sequence (as of ideas or events) <lost the thread of the story>
— thread·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2thread vb
1 : to put a thread in working position in <thread a needle>
2 : to pass through in the manner of a thread <thread film through a camera>
3 : to make a way through or between <a river threading narrow valleys>; also : to make (one's way) carefully <had to thread their way between the mountains>
4 : to put together on a thread : STRING <thread beads>
5 : to weave together with or as if with threads : INTERSPERSE <dark hair threaded with gray>
— thread·er n

thread·bare \ˈthred-ˌba(ə)r, -ˌbe(ə)r\ adj
1 : worn so much that the thread shows : SHABBY <threadbare clothes>
2 : barely adequate <a threadbare store with few items> <a threadbare event lacking excitement>
3 : having lost freshness and interest from overuse <threadbare jokes>

thready \ˈthred-ē\ adj
1 : consisting of or bearing fine threads or fibers <a thready bark>
2 : lacking in fullness or vigor : THIN <a thready voice>

threat \ˈthret\ n
1 : an expression of an intent to do harm <stop making threats>
2 : something that threatens <the crumbling cliff was a threat to the village below>
3 : an indication of something impending <the sky held a threat of rain>

threat·en \ˈthret-ən\ vb threat·ened; threat·en·ing \ˈthret-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\
1 : to utter threats : make threats against <threaten trespassers with arrest>
2 : to give signs or warning of <clouds threatening rain>
3 : to be an imminent danger to : MENACE <hunger threatens the town>
4 : to announce as intended or possible <the workers threatened a strike> <threatened to buy a car>
5 : to cause to feel insecure or anxious <felt threatened by his friend's success>
— threat·en·ing·ly \ˈthret-niŋ-lē, -ən-iŋ-\ adv

three \ˈthrē\ n
1 : a number that is one more than 2 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the third in a set or series <the three of hearts>
3 a : something having three units or members  b : THREE-POINTER
— three adj or pron

3–D \ˈthrē-ˈdē\ n : the three-dimensional form or a picture produced in it

three–deck·er \ˈthrē-ˈdek-ər\ n : something made with three floors or layers

three–dimensional adj
1 : of, relating to, or having three dimensions (as length, width, and height)
2 : giving the appearance of depth or varying distances

three·fold \ˈthrē-ˌfōld, -ˈfōld\ adj
1 : having three parts or members
2 : being three times as great or as many
— threefold adv

three–legged race \ˈthrē-ˈleg-əd-, -ˈlegd-\ n : a race between pairs of competitors with each partner having one leg tied to the adjoining leg of the other partner

three·pence \ˈthrep-ən(t)s, ˈthrip-, ˈthrəp-, U.S. also ˈthrē-ˌpen(t)s\ n
1 pl threepence or three·penc·es : a coin worth three pennies
2 : the sum of three British pennies

three·pen·ny \ˈthrep-(ə-)nē, ˈthrip-, ˈthrəp-, U.S. also ˈthrē-ˌpen-ē\ adj : costing or worth threepence

three–pointer n : a basketball shot or field goal from beyond the three-point line

three–point line n : a line on a basketball court forming an arc at a set distance (as 22 feet) from the basket beyond which a field goal counts for three points

three–ring circus n
1 : a circus with performances occurring in three different rings at the same time
2 a : something wild, confusing, or chaotic <five activities at one time turned the classroom into a three-ring circus>  b : something made into a spectacle <the actor's court appearance became a three-ring circus>

three R's n pl : the basic subjects (as reading, writing, arithmetic) taught in elementary school

three·score \ˈthrē-ˈskō(ə)r, -ˈskȯ(ə)r\ adj : SIXTY

three·some \ˈthrē-səm\ n : a group of three

three–toed sloth \ˌthrē-ˌtōd-\ n : any of a genus of sloths having three claws on each foot — compare TWO-TOED SLOTH

three–wheel·er \ˈthrē-ˌhwē-lər, -ˌwē-\ n : any of various vehicles having three wheels

thren·o·dy \ˈthren-əd-ē\ n, pl -dies : a song of mourning or sorrow

thresh \ˈthrash, ˈthresh\ vb
1 : to separate seed from a harvested plant especially by using a machine or tool <thresh wheat>
2 : THRASH 4 <thresh over a problem>
3 : THRASH 3 <threshed about in bed>

thresh·er \ˈthrash-ər, ˈthresh-\ n
1 a : a person who threshes  b : THRESHING MACHINE
2 : THRESHER SHARK

thresher shark n : a large shark that has a very long curved upper lobe on its tail which it often uses in rounding up and stunning fish to feed on

threshing machine n : a machine used for separating grain or seeds from straw

thresh·old \ˈthresh-ˌ(h)ōld\ n
1 : the section of wood or stone that lies under a door
2 a : 1ENTRANCE 2A  b : the place or point of beginning <at the threshold of an adventure>
3 : the point or level at which a physical or mental effect begins to be produced <the threshold of hearing>

threw past of THROW

thrice \ˈthrīs\ adv
1 : three times
2 : to a high degree

thrift \ˈthrift\ n : careful management especially of money

thrift·less \ˈthrift-ləs\ adj : careless in the handling of money or resources

thrift shop n : a shop that sells secondhand articles and is often run by a charity

thrifty \ˈthrif-tē\ adj thrift·i·er; -est
1 : doing well because of hard work and thrift : PROSPEROUS
2 : growing strongly <thrifty cattle>
3 : tending to save money  synonyms see FRUGAL
— thrift·i·ly \-tə-lē\ adv

1thrill \ˈthril\ vb
1 : to experience or cause to experience a sudden strong feeling of excitement <the news thrilled him>
2 : VIBRATE 2, TREMBLE <a voice thrilling with emotion>
Word History Today when we speak of being thrilled, we are referring to a very pleasing experience. But it was not always so. The Old English word thyrlian, which gave us thrill, meant “to pierce” as with an arrow or spear. The Old English word came from an earlier word thyrel, meaning “hole.” Thyrel has also given us two other Modern English words, through and thorough. It has also given us the last half of the word nostril, which literally means “nose hole.” During the Middle English period the verb thyrlian became thirlen and continued to mean “to pierce.” It also was the basis of the new verb thrillen, meaning “to penetrate.” Then a connection was made between the physical sensation of being pierced and the emotional feeling of being suddenly and sharply excited. A new sense was born, which became the chief meaning of our thrill. [Middle English thirlen, thrillen “to pierce,” from Old English thyrlian (same meaning) from thyrel “a hole,” from thurh “through” — related to NOSTRIL, THOROUGH, THROUGH]

2thrill n
1 a : a sudden strong emotion often accompanied by a tingling sensation <gets a thrill of excitement from riding the roller coaster> <felt a thrill of fear>  b : something that thrills <seeing my picture in the newspaper was a thrill>
2 : VIBRATION 1B

thril·ler \ˈthril-ər\ n : one that thrills; esp : a work of fiction or drama with a great deal of action, mystery, adventure, or suspense

thrive \ˈthrīv\ vb thrived or throve \ˈthrōv\; thrived also thriv·en \ˈthriv-ən\; thriv·ing \ˈthrī-viŋ\
1 : to grow vigorously : do well : FLOURISH
2 : to gain in wealth or possessions : PROSPER

throat \ˈthrōt\ n
1 : the part of the neck in front of the spinal column; also : the passage through the neck to the stomach and lungs
2 : something (as an end part) that resembles the throat
— throat·ed \-əd\ adj

throaty \ˈthrōt-ē\ adj throat·i·er; -est : uttered or produced in deep low tones from or as if from low in the throat <a throaty voice>
— throat·i·ly \ˈthrōt-əl-ē\ adv

throb \ˈthräb\ vb throbbed; throb·bing
1 : to beat hard or fast (as from fright or pain) <her injured ankle was throbbing>
2 : to beat or vibrate with a steady rhythm
— throb n

throe \ˈthrō\ n
1 : PANG <death throes> <throes of childbirth>
2 pl : a hard or painful struggle <a state in the throes of revolution>

throm·bo·sis \thräm-ˈbō-səs\ n, pl throm·bo·ses \-ˈbō-ˌsēz\ : the formation or presence of a blood clot within a blood vessel

throm·bus \ˈthräm-bəs\ n, pl throm·bi \-ˌbī, -ˌbē\ : a clot of blood formed within a blood vessel and remaining attached to its place of origin — compare EMBOLUS

1throne \ˈthrōn\ n
1 : the chair of state of a monarch or bishop
2 : royal power and dignity

2throne vb throned; thron·ing : to seat on a throne : ENTHRONE

1throng \ˈthrȯŋ\ n
1 : a large number of people gathered together <a throng of over 3000>
2 : a large number : CROWD <a throng of fans> <a throng of cars>  synonyms see MULTITUDE

2throng vb thronged; throng·ing \ˈthrȯŋ-iŋ\
1 : to crowd upon or into <a celebrity thronged by fans> <shoppers thronged the mall>
2 : to move, pass, or crowd together in great numbers <the commuters thronged towards the station>

1throt·tle \ˈthrät-əl\ vb throt·tled; throt·tling \ˈthrät-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to slow or stop the breathing of : CHOKE, STRANGLE
2 : to reduce the speed of (an engine) by closing the throttle
— throt·tler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

2throttle n
1 : a valve controlling the flow of steam or fuel to an engine
2 : a lever controlling a throttle
— at full throttle : at maximum speed or capacity <jet engines operating at full throttle> <the project is proceeding at full throttle>

1through \(ˈ)thrü\ prep
1 a : in at one side and out at the opposite side of <drove through the town>  b : by way of <left through the window>  c : in the midst of : AMONG <a path through the trees>  d : without stopping for <drove through a red light>
2 a : by means of <succeeded through hard work>  b : because of <failed through lack of planning>
3 : over the whole of <all through the country>
4 a : from the beginning to the end of : DURING <worked through the summer>  b : to and including <Monday through Friday>
5 a : to a point of completion or exhaustion in <got through the book>  b : to a state of official acceptance or approval <got the bill through the legislature> [Old English thurh “through” — related to THOROUGH, THRILL; see Word History at THRILL]

2through \ˈthrü\ adv
1 a : from one end or side to the other <let these people go through, please>  b : over the whole distance <shipped through to Des Moines>
2 a : from beginning to end <read the book through at one sitting>  b : to completion, conclusion, or accomplishment <see the job through>
3 : in or to every part : COMPLETELY <wet through>
4 : into the open : OUT <break through>

3through \ˈthrü\ adj
1 : allowing free or continuous passage <a through road>
2 : going from point of origin to destination without changes or transfers <a through train>
3 : coming from and going to points outside a local area <a lane for through traffic only>
4 : having reached the end <is through with the job>

1through·out \thrü-ˈau̇t\ adv
1 : in or to every part : EVERYWHERE <of one color throughout>
2 : during the whole time or action : from beginning to end <remained loyal throughout>

2throughout prep
1 : in or to every part of <throughout the house>
2 : during the whole time of <throughout the evening>

throve past of THRIVE

1throw \ˈthrō\ vb threw \ˈthrü\; thrown \ˈthrōn\; throw·ing
1 a : to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm <threw the ball over the fence>  b : 3PITCH 5B <threw a no-hitter>
2 a : to cause to fall <a horse jumped and threw its rider>  b : to cast (oneself) heavily or forcefully <threw herself on the sofa>  c : to get the better of : OVERCOME <the problem didn't throw her>
3 a : to put suddenly in a certain condition or position <threw her arms around him> <threw him into prison>  b : to bring to bear : EXERT <threw all their efforts into repairing the house>
4 : to put on or take off quickly <throw on a coat>
5 : to form or shape on a potter's wheel
6 : to move to an open or closed position <throw a switch>
7 : to lose (a game or contest) on purpose
8 : to commit oneself for help, support, or protection <threw himself on the mercy of the court>
9 : to indulge in <threw a temper tantrum>
10 : to give for entertainment <throw a party>
— throw·er \ˈthrō(-ə)r\ n

— throw one's weight around or throw one's weight about : to exercise influence or authority especially to an excessive degree or in an objectionable manner
synonyms THROW, TOSS, FLING, HURL, mean to drive something swiftly through space often by a movement of the arm. THROW is the broadest word and can be used of almost any motion and driving force <throw a ball> <the sudden stop threw the groceries to the floor of the car>. TOSS suggests a light or careless throwing <toss a coin to see which side comes up> <tossed the paper away>. FLING suggests a quick tossing often at no particular target <flung the coat on the chair and ran out of the room>. HURL suggests a throwing with strong force <hurled rocks at the old cans they were using as targets>.

2throw n
1 : an act of throwing
2 : a method of throwing an opponent in wrestling or judo
3 : the distance something is or may be thrown
4 : a loose covering (as for a sofa)
5 : a woman's light wrap

1throw·away \ˈthrō-ə-ˌwā\ n : something that is or is designed to be thrown away especially after one use

2throw·away \ˌthrō-ə-ˌwā\ adj : designed to be thrown away : DISPOSABLE <throwaway cans and bottles>

throw away \ˌthrō-ə-ˈwā\ vb
1 : to get rid of : DISCARD <threw the old ones away>
2 : SQUANDER, WASTE <careful not to throw money away>

throw·back \ˈthrō-ˌbak\ n : something that has changed back to an earlier type or phase

throw off vb : to send out : EMIT <a sparkler throws off sparks>

throw out vb
1 : to reject or get rid of as worthless or unnecessary : THROW AWAY
2 : to remove from a place, position, or participation

throw rug n : a rug of such a size that several can be used (as to fill vacant places) in a room

throw up vb
1 : to build or raise hurriedly or quickly <threw up the window>
2 : to give up : QUIT <just wanted to throw the whole thing up>
3 : 2VOMIT 1

thru variant of THROUGH

thrum \ˈthrəm\ vb thrummed; thrum·ming : to sound or speak with a steady or boring rhythm
— thrum n

thrush \ˈthrəsh\ n : any of a large family of small or medium-sized songbirds that are mostly of a plain color often with spotted underparts

1thrust \ˈthrəst\ vb thrust; thrust·ing
1 : to push or drive with force : SHOVE
2 : to cause to enter or pierce something by pushing <thrust a knife into the bread>
3 : to press or force the acceptance of upon someone <thrust new responsibilities upon her>

2thrust n
1 a : a push or lunge with a pointed weapon  b : a military attack
2 : the force produced by a propeller or jet or rocket engine that drives an aircraft or rocket forward
3 a : a forward or upward push  b : a movement (as by a group of people) in a particular direction

thrust·er \ˈthrəs-tər\ n : one that thrusts; esp : an engine that produces thrust by discharging a jet of fluid or a stream of particles

thru·way \ˈthrü-ˌwā\ n : EXPRESSWAY

1thud \ˈthəd\ vb thud·ded; thud·ding : to move or strike so as to make a dull sound

2thud n
1 : 4BLOW 1
2 : a dull sound : THUMP 1

thug \ˈthəg\ n : RUFFIAN
Word History Thug was the name given by the British in India in the 19th century to a member of a band of thieves and murderers. A thug would pretend to be friendly with a traveler and offer to share a journey. Then as soon as it was safe to do so, the thug would strangle and rob his companion. The word thug comes from ṭhag, a word in the Indian language Hindi meaning one of these robbers. Since thugs made travel dangerous, the British government rounded up most of them, and in a few years they were no longer a threat. The word thug, however, has lasted till today and even taken on the broader meaning of “ruffian.” [from Hindi and Urdu ṭhag, literally “thief”]

thu·li·um \ˈth(y)ü-lē-əm\ n : a soft rare metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE

1thumb \ˈthəm\ n
1 a : the short thick first finger of the human hand next to the index finger  b : the similar structure in lower animals
2 : the part of a glove or mitten that covers the thumb

2thumb vb
1 : to turn pages with the thumb <thumb through a book>
2 : to seek or get a ride in a passing automobile by sticking out one's thumb

thumb drive n : FLASH DRIVE

1thumb·nail \ˈthəm-ˌnāl, -ˈnā(ə)l\ n
1 : the nail of the thumb
2 : a miniature computer graphic sometimes connected by a hyperlink to a larger version

2thumb·nail \ˌthəm-ˌnāl\ adj : 1BRIEF <wrote a thumbnail sketch of the poet>

thumb·print \ˈthəm-ˌprint\ n : an impression made by the thumb

thumb·tack \ˈthəm-ˌtak\ n : a tack with a broad flat head for pressing into a board or wall with the thumb

thump \ˈthəmp\ vb
1 : to strike or beat with something thick or heavy so as to cause a dull sound
2 : to beat heavily : POUND
— thump n

1thun·der \ˈthən-dər\ n
1 : the loud sound that follows a flash of lightning
2 : a noise like thunder

2thunder vb thun·dered; thun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 a : to produce thunder  b : to produce a sound like thunder <horses thundered down the road>
2 : to utter loudly <the people thundered their approval>
— thun·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

thun·der·bolt \ˈthən-dər-ˌbōlt\ n : a flash of lightning and the thunder that follows it

thun·der·clap \-ˌklap\ n
1 : a clap of thunder
2 : something sharp, loud, or sudden like a clap of thunder

thun·der·cloud \-ˌklau̇d\ n : a dark storm cloud that produces lightning and thunder

thun·der·head \-ˌhed\ n : a large cumulus cloud often appearing before a thunderstorm

thunder lizard n : BRONTOSAURUS

thun·der·ous \ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : producing thunder
2 : making a noise like thunder <thunderous applause>
— thun·der·ous·ly adv

thun·der·show·er \ˈthən-dər-ˌshau̇(-ə)r\ n : a shower accompanied by lightning and thunder

thun·der·storm \-ˌstȯ(ə)rm\ n : a storm accompanied by lightning and thunder

thun·der·struck \-ˌstrək\ adj : stunned as if struck by a thunderbolt : ASTONISHED <thunderstruck at the news>

thunk \ˈthəŋk\ vb : to make a flat hollow sound
— thunk n

Thurs·day \ˈthərz-dē\ n : the fifth day of the week
Word History Among the many gods worshiped by the Germanic people who lived in northern Europe in ancient times was one whose name was Thor. Thor was the god of thunder, weather, and crops. In the early Norse language, the fifth day of the week was known as thōrsdagr, literally “day of Thor,” in his honor. The Norse name came into Old English as thursdæg, which in time became the Modern English Thursday. [Old English thursdæg, from early Norse thōrsdagr, literally “day of Thor”]

thus \ˈthəs\ adv
1 : in this or that manner or way <described it thus>
2 : to this degree or extent : so <a mild winter thus far>
3 : because of this or that : HENCE <attendance was poor, thus the meeting was canceled>
4 : as an example

thwack \ˈthwak\ vb : to strike with or as if with something flat or heavy : WHACK
— thwack n

1thwart \ˈthwȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 : to stand in the way of : hinder by opposing <she thwarted me at every opportunity>
2 : to defeat the hopes, desires, or plans of <the goalie thwarted their attempts to score> [Middle English thwerten (verb) “oppose, hinder,” from thwert (adverb) “across”]  synonyms see FRUSTRATE
— thwart·er n

2thwart \ˈthwȯ(ə)rt, nautical often ˈthȯ(ə)rt\ adv : 1ACROSS 1 [Middle English thwert “across”; of Norse origin]

3thwart adj : situated or placed across something else

4thwart n : a rower's seat extending across a boat

thy \(ˌ)thī\ adj, archaic : of, relating to, or done by or to thee or thyself

thyme \ˈtīm also ˈthīm\ n
1 : any of a genus of Eurasian mints with small fragrant leaves; esp : one grown for use in seasoning food
2 : thyme leaves used as a seasoning

thy·mine \ˈthī-ˌmēn\ n : a pyrimidine base that is one of the bases coding hereditary information in DNA — compare ADENINE, CYTOSINE, GUANINE, URACIL

thy·mus \ˈthī-məs\ n, pl thy·mus·es also thy·mi \-ˌmī\ : a gland that is found in the young of most vertebrates usually in the chest near the heart, that before and for a time after birth has very important effects on the production and development of T cells, and that becomes less active and gradually shrinks or disappears with age

1thy·roid \ˈthī-ˌrȯid\ adj : of, relating to, or being the thyroid gland

2thyroid n : a large endocrine gland at the base of the neck of most vertebrates that produces iodine-containing hormones (as thyroxine) that affect growth, development, and metabolism — called also thyroid gland

thyroid–stimulating hormone n : a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that controls the formation and release of the thyroid hormones

thy·ro·tro·pin \ˌthī-rə-ˈtrō-pən\ n : THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE

thy·rox·ine or thy·rox·in \thī-ˈräk-sən, -ˌsēn\ n : an iodine-containing hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland and is used to treat thyroid disorders

thy·self \thī-ˈself\ pron, archaic : YOURSELF

ti \ˈtē\ n : the seventh note of the musical scale

ti·ara \tē-ˈar-ə, -ˈer-, -ˈär-\ n
1 : a crown worn by the pope
2 : a decorative headband worn by women on special occasions

Ti·bet·an \tə-ˈbet-ən\ n
1 : a member of the native race of Tibet
2 : the language of the Tibetan people
— Tibetan adj

tib·ia \ˈtib-ē-ə\ n, pl -i·ae \-ē-ˌē, -ē-ˌī\ also -i·as
1 : the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate leg that is located between the knee and the ankle — called also shinbone
2 : the fourth joint of the leg of an insect between the femur and the tarsus
— tib·i·al \-ē-əl\ adj

tib·io·fib·u·la \ˌtib-ē-ō-ˈfib-yə-lə\ n : a single bone that replaces the tibia and fibula in a frog or toad

tic \ˈtik\ n
1 : a regularly repeated twitching movement of a particular muscle and especially one of the face
2 : a particular form of behavior or speech that is often repeated <“you know” is a verbal tic>

1tick \ˈtik\ n : any of numerous bloodsucking invertebrates that are arachnids larger than the related mites, attach themselves to warm-blooded animals to feed, and include important carriers of infectious diseases [Middle English tyke, teke “tick”]

2tick n
1 : the fabric case of a mattress, pillow, or cushion
2 : TICKING [Middle English tike “a fabric case for a mattress”; probably of Dutch origin]

3tick n
1 : a light rhythmic tap or beat <the tick of a clock>
2 : a small mark used to direct attention to something or to check an item on a list [Middle English tek “a rhythmic tap or beat”]

4tick vb
1 a : to make the sound of a tick or a series of ticks  b : to mark, count, or announce by or as if by ticking beats
2 : to work at a regular or proper pace : RUN
3 : to mark with a written tick : CHECK

5tick n : 1CREDIT 3A, TRUST <bought on tick> [a shortened form of ticket “a slip recording a business deal”]

tick·er \ˈtik-ər\ n
1 : 2WATCH 4
2 a : a telegraphic machine that receives stock prices and news and prints them out on a paper ribbon  b : a strip of information that moves across the top or bottom of a television or computer screen
3 slang : HEART 1A

ticker tape n : the paper ribbon on which a telegraphic ticker prints

1tick·et \ˈtik-ət\ n
1 : 1TAG 4, LABEL <price ticket>
2 : a summons or warning issued to a traffic offender <got a ticket for speeding>
3 : a paper or token showing that a fare or admission fee has been paid
4 : a list of candidates
5 : a slip or card recording a business deal [from obsolete French etiquet “a notice attached to something,” derived from early French estiquier “to attach”; of Dutch origin — related to ETIQUETTE]

2ticket vb
1 : to attach a ticket to : LABEL
2 : to give a traffic ticket to

tick·ing \ˈtik-iŋ\ n : a strong fabric used especially as a covering for mattresses and pillows

1tick·le \ˈtik-əl\ vb tick·led; tick·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to touch a body part lightly so as to cause uneasiness, laughter, or jerky movements
2 : to have a tingling or prickling sensation
3 a : to excite or stir up agreeably : PLEASE <food that tickles your taste buds>  b : to stir to laughter or merriment <were tickled by the clown's antics>
— tick·ler \ˈtik-(ə-)lər\ n

2tickle n
1 : the act of tickling
2 : a tickling sensation
3 : something that tickles

tick·lish \ˈtik-(ə-)lish\ adj
1 : sensitive to tickling
2 : TOUCHY 1 <ticklish about his baldness>
3 : requiring delicate handling <a ticklish subject>
— tick·lish·ly adv

— tick·lish·ness n

tick–tac–toe or tic–tack–toe \ˌtik-ˌtak-ˈtō\ n : a game in which two players by turns put crosses and zeros in compartments of a figure formed by two vertical lines crossing two horizontal lines and each tries to get a row of three crosses or three zeros before the opponent does

tick·tock \ˈtik-ˈtäk, -ˌtäk\ n : the ticking sound of a clock [imitative]

tid·al \ˈtīd-əl\ adj : of or relating to tides : rising and falling or flowing and ebbing at regular times

tidal wave n
1 : an unusually high sea wave that is triggered especially by an earthquake
2 : an unusual rise of water alongshore due to strong winds

tid·bit \ˈtid-ˌbit\ also tit·bit \ˈtit-ˌbit\ n
1 : a small tasty piece of food
2 : a pleasing bit (as of news)

tid·dle·dy·winks or tid·dly·winks \ˈtid-əl-(d)ē-ˌwiŋ(k)s, ˈtid-lē-ˌwiŋ(k)s\ n : a game in which players snap small disks from a flat surface into a small container

1tide \ˈtīd\ n
1 : the alternate rising and falling of the surface of the ocean that occurs twice a day and is caused by the gravitational attraction of the sun and moon occurring unequally on different parts of the earth
2 : the flow of the incoming or outgoing tide
3 : something that rises and falls like the tides of the sea

2tide vb tid·ed; tid·ing : to enable to overcome or put up with a difficulty <money to tide us over>

tide·land \ˈtīd-ˌland, -lənd\ n : land overflowed during high tide

tide pool n : a pool of salt water left (as in a rock basin) when the tide recedes

tide·wa·ter \-ˌwȯt-ər, -ˌwät-\ n
1 : water overflowing land at high tide
2 : low-lying coastal land

tid·ings \ˈtīd-iŋz\ n pl : NEWS 2B <good tidings>

1ti·dy \ˈtīd-ē\ adj ti·di·er; -est
1 : well ordered and cared for
2 : LARGE, SUBSTANTIAL <a tidy price>  synonyms see NEAT

2tidy vb ti·died; ti·dy·ing
1 : to put in order <tidy up the room>
2 : to make things tidy

3tidy n, pl tidies : a fancy covering used to protect the back, arms, or headrest of a chair or sofa from wear or soiling

1tie \ˈtī\ n
1 : a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, uniting, or drawing something closed
2 a : a structural part (as a beam) holding two pieces together  b : one of the cross supports to which railroad rails are fastened
3 : a bond of kinship or affection <family ties>
4 : a curved line joining two musical notes of the same pitch and used to indicate a single tone sustained through the time value of the two notes
5 a : an equality in number : DEADLOCK <the game ended in a tie>  b : a contest that ends with an equal score
6 : NECKTIE

2tie vb tied; ty·ing \ˈtī-iŋ\ or tie·ing
1 a : to fasten, attach, or close by means of a tie  b : to form a knot or bow in <tie your scarf>
2 : to limit the freedom or actions of <responsibilities tied us down>
3 a : to make or have an equal score with in a contest <the two teams tied>  b : to come up with something equal to <tied the score>

tie–dye·ing \ˈtī-ˌdī-iŋ\ n : a hand method of producing patterns in textiles by tying portions of the fabric so that they will not absorb the dye
— tie–dye \-ˌdī\ n

— tie–dyed adj

tie in \(ˈ)tī-ˈin\ vb
1 : to bring into connection with something
2 : to become connected <illustrations that tie in with the text>
— tie–in \ˈtī-ˌin\ n

1tier \ˈti(ə)r\ n : a row, rank, or layer usually arranged in a series one above the other
— tiered \ˈti(ə)rd\ adj

2tier vb
1 : to place or arrange in tiers
2 : to rise in tiers

3ti·er or ty·er \ˈtī(-ə)r\ n : a person or thing that ties

tie–up \ˈtī-ˌəp\ n
1 : a slowing or stopping especially of traffic or business
2 : CONNECTION 2, ASSOCIATION

tie up \(ˈ)tī-ˈəp\ vb
1 : to fasten securely
2 a : to use in such a manner as not to be available for other purposes <money tied up in stocks>  b : to keep from working or going <traffic was tied up for hours>
3 : to have a relationship with something else <this ties up with what you said before>

tiff \ˈtif\ n : a minor quarrel

ti·ger \ˈtī-gər\ n, pl tigers also tiger
1 : a large Asian flesh-eating mammal of the same family as the domestic cat with a coat that is typically light brown to orange with mostly vertical black stripes
2 : any of several large wildcats (as the jaguar or cougar)
3 : a domestic cat with a striped coat

tiger beetle n : any of numerous active beetles with strong jaws that eat other insects, have larvae which build tunnels in the soil, and include some capable of giving a painful bite

tiger cat n
1 : any of various medium-sized wildcats (as the ocelot) with a striped or spotted coat
2 : a striped or sometimes spotted tabby cat

ti·ger·ish \ˈtī-g(ə-)rish\ adj : of or resembling a tiger

tiger lily n : an Asian garden lily that has nodding usually orange-colored flowers spotted with black

tiger moth n : any of a family of stout-bodied moths usually with broad striped or spotted wings

tiger shark n : a large brown or gray shark of warm seas that sometimes attacks human beings

tiger swallowtail n : a large swallowtail of eastern North America that is mostly yellow with black borders and black stripes on the wings

1tight \ˈtīt\ adj
1 : so close in structure as not to allow something (as liquid, gas, or light) to pass through <a tight roof>
2 a : fixed very firmly in place <loosen a tight jar cover>  b : not slack or loose <kept the rope tight> <a tight knot>  c : fitting too closely <tight shoes>
3 : difficult to get through or out of <in a tight spot> <on a tight schedule>
4 a : firm in control <kept a tight hand on affairs>  b : STINGY 1
5 : very closely packed or compressed <a tight bale of hay>
6 : low in supply : SCARCE <money is tight just now>
— tight·ly adv

— tight·ness n
synonyms TIGHT, TAUT, TENSE, mean drawn or stretched to the limit. TIGHT may suggest that one thing is drawn around another as closely as possible <the collar fit snugly around the dog's neck but was not too tight>. TAUT suggests pulling (as of a rope) until there is no give or slack <a taut line between two poles>. TENSE suggests that something is so strained that it cannot function correctly <if your muscles are too tense, you won't be able to run well>.

2tight adv
1 a : in a tight manner <hold on tight>  b : so as to be tight <shut the door tight> <wound the spring tight>
2 : in a deep and uninterrupted manner : SOUNDLY <sleep tight>

tight·en \ˈtīt-ən\ vb tight·ened; tight·en·ing \ˈtīt-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become tight or tighter
— tight·en·er \-nər, -ən-ər\ n

tight·fist·ed \ˈtīt-ˈfis-təd\ adj : STINGY 1

tight–lipped \-ˈlipt\ adj
1 : having the lips closed tight (as in determination)
2 : not liking to speak : TACITURN

tight·rope \-ˌrōp\ n : a rope or wire stretched tight for acrobats to perform on

tights \ˈtīts\ n pl : a garment closely fitted to the body and covering it from the neck down or from the waist down

tight·wad \ˈtīt-ˌwäd\ n : a stingy person

ti·gress \ˈtī-grəs\ n : a female tiger

tike variant of TYKE

til·de \ˈtil-də\ n : a mark ˜ placed especially over the letter n (as in Spanish señor) to indicate a sound that is approximately \ny\

1tile \ˈtī(ə)l\ n
1 pl tiles or tile  a : a flat or curved piece (as of fired clay, stone, or concrete) used especially for roofs or floors  b : a pipe of earthenware used for a drain
2 : a thin piece of material (as linoleum or rubber) for covering floors or walls

2tile vb tiled; til·ing : to cover with tiles

1till or ‘til also til \təl, təl, (ˌ)til\ prep or conj : UNTIL <won't finish till next week> [Old English til “until”]

2till \ˈtil\ vb : to work by plowing, sowing, and raising crops on or in <tilled the land> <help till the soil> [Old English tilian “to work (land) by plowing and raising crops”]
— till·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

3till \ˈtil\ n : a drawer for money

4till \ˈtil\ n : a mixture of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders deposited by a glacier [origin unknown]

till·age \ˈtil-ij\ n
1 : the process of tilling land
2 : cultivated land

1till·er \ˈtil-ər\ n : a person who tills; also : CULTIVATOR

2til·ler \ˈtil-ər\ n : a lever used to turn the rudder of a boat from side to side

1tilt \ˈtilt\ vb
1 : to move or shift so as to slant or tip
2 : to take part in a contest with lances : JOUST
— tilt·er n

2tilt n
1 : a contest on horseback in which two opponents charging with lances try to unhorse each other : JOUST
2 : a contest with words between opponents
3 : 1SPEED 1B <at full tilt>
4 : the act of tilting : the state or position of being tilted

tilth \ˈtilth\ n
1 : TILLAGE 2
2 : the state of a soil with respect to the suitability of its particle size and structure for growing crops

tilt·me·ter \ˈtilt-ˌmēt-ər\ n : an instrument that measures the tilt of the earth's surface

tim·ber \ˈtim-bər\ n
1 a : growing trees or their wood  b — used interjectionally to warn of a falling tree
2 : wood for use in making something
3 : a usually large piece of wood squared or finished for use
— timber adj

tim·ber·land \-ˌland\ n : wooded land especially with timber fit for sale

tim·ber·line \-ˌlīn\ n : the upper limit beyond which trees do not grow (as on mountains) — called also tree line

timber wolf n : GRAY WOLF

tim·bre \ˈtam-bər, ˈtim-\ n : the quality of a sound or musical tone determined by its overtones and different for each voice or instrument

tim·brel \ˈtim-brəl\ n : a small hand drum or tambourine

1time \ˈtīm\ n
1 a : the period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues : DURATION <was gone a long time> <it rained all the time during our vacation>  b : part of the day when one is free to do as one pleases <find time for reading>
2 : a point or period when something occurs : OCCASION <remember the time you entered the pie-eating contest>
3 : a set or usual moment or hour for something to happen, begin, or end <arrived ahead of time>
4 a : a historical period : AGE <in your grandparents' time>  b : conditions of a specified period <times are hard> <move with the times>
5 : a prison sentence <doing time for robbery>
6 : the rhythmic grouping of beats in music shown in the time signature
7 a : a moment, hour, day, or year as indicated by a clock or calendar <what time is it>  b : a system of determining time
8 a : one of a series of repeated instances or actions <told you many times>  b pl : added or accumulated quantities or examples <five times greater>  c pl : equal parts of which an indicated number make up a greater quantity <five times smaller>  d : 2TURN 5B <three times at bat>
9 : a person's experience during a certain period <had the time of their lives> <had quite a time staying in the saddle>
10 : TIME-OUT <called time>
— at times : now and then

— from time to time : once in a while : OCCASIONALLY

— in no time : in the shortest possible time

— in time
1 : early enough
2 : in the course of time : EVENTUALLY
3 : at the correct speed in music

— on time
1 : at the time set
2 : on an installment payment plan

— time after time : over and over again

— time and again : over and over again

2time vb timed; tim·ing
1 : to arrange or set the time or rate at which something happens
2 : to measure or record the time, duration, or rate of <timed the race>

time and a half n : payment of a worker (as for working overtime) at one and one half times the regular wage rate

time capsule n : a container holding historical records or objects representative of current culture that is placed (as in a cornerstone) for preservation until discovery by some future age

time card n : a card used with a time clock to record an employee's starting and quitting times each day

time clock n : a clock that stamps an employee's starting and quitting times on his or her time card

time deposit n : a deposit in a bank that is to be paid after a specified time has gone by

time exposure n : a photograph taken by the exposure of film for a definite time usually of more than one half second

time–hon·ored \ˈtī-ˌmän-ərd\ adj : being in use for a long time <time-honored traditions>

time·keep·er \ˈtīm-ˌkē-pər\ n
1 : a clerk who keeps records of the time worked by employees
2 : an official who keeps track of the playing time in a sports contest

time lag n : the period of time between two related happenings (as a cause and its effect)

time·less \ˈtīm-ləs\ adj : not restricted to a certain time or date
— time·less·ly adv

— time·less·ness n

time·ly \ˈtīm-lē\ adj time·li·er; -est
1 : coming early or at the right time
2 : especially suitable for the time <a timely book>
— time·li·ness n

time machine n : a fictional machine that allows one to travel backward or forward in time

time–out \ˈtī-ˈmau̇t\ n
1 : a stopping of play (as in a game) usually for a short time
2 : a quiet period used especially as a way to discipline children

time·piece \ˈtīm-ˌpēs\ n : a device (as a clock or watch) to measure time

tim·er \ˈtī-mər\ n
1 a : TIMEPIECE  b : TIMEKEEPER 2
2 : a clocklike device that turns something on or off at a set time or gives a signal at the end of a period of time

times \ˌtīmz\ prep : multiplied by <two times seven is fourteen>

time–sav·ing \ˈtīm-ˌsā-viŋ\ adj : designed to get something done quicker
— time–sav·er \-ˌsā-vər\ n

time·scale \ˈtīm-ˌskāl\ n : an arrangement of events used as a measure of the duration or age of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time

time–shar·ing \ˈtīm-ˌshe(ə)r-iŋ, -ˌsha(ə)r-\ n : use of a computer system by many users at the same time

time signature n : a sign used to indicate musical meter and usually written with one number above another with the bottom number indicating the kind of note used as a unit of time and the top number indicating the number of these units in each measure

times sign \ˈtīm(z-)\ n : the symbol × used to indicate multiplication

time·ta·ble \ˈtīm-ˌtā-bəl\ n
1 : a table telling when a plane, bus, or train leaves or arrives
2 : a list showing the order in which something is planned to be done

time–test·ed \-ˌtes-təd\ adj : proven effective over a long period of time <time-tested methods>

time zone n : a geographic region within which the same standard time is used

tim·id \ˈtim-əd\ adj : feeling or showing a lack of courage or self-confidence : SHY
— ti·mid·i·ty \tə-ˈmid-ət-ē\ n

— tim·id·ly \ˈtim-əd-lē\ adv

— tim·id·ness n

tim·ing \ˈtī-miŋ\ n
1 : selection for best effect of the exact moment for beginning or doing something
2 : observation and recording (as by a stopwatch) of the time taken by something

tim·o·rous \ˈtim-(ə-)rəs\ adj : easily frightened : FEARFUL
— tim·o·rous·ly adv

— tim·o·rous·ness n

tim·o·thy \ˈtim-ə-thē\ n : a European grass that has long cylinder-shaped spikes and is widely grown in the U.S. for hay

Tim·o·thy \ˈtim-ə-thē\ n : either of two letters written with regard to pastoral care in the early church and included as books in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

tim·pa·ni also tym·pa·ni \ˈtim-pə-nē\ n pl : a set of two or three kettledrums played by one performer
— tim·pa·nist \-nəst\ n

1tin \ˈtin\ n
1 : a soft shiny bluish white metallic element that is used in combination with other metals, as a protective coating, and in tinfoil — see ELEMENT TABLE
2 a : a container made of metal (as tinplate) <a pie tin>  b : a sealed can holding food
— tin adj

2tin vb tinned; tin·ning
1 : to cover or plate with tin or a mixture of tin with another metal
2 : to put up or pack in tins : CAN

tin can n : a container for food made of metal (as tinplate or aluminum)

tinc·ture \ˈtiŋ(k)-chər\ n
1 : a substance that colors, dyes, or stains
2 : a solution that contains a medical substance (as a drug) mixed with alcohol <tincture of iodine>

tin·der \ˈtin-dər\ n : a material that burns easily and can be used as kindling

tin·der·box \-ˌbäks\ n
1 : a metal box for holding tinder and usually a flint and steel for striking a spark
2 : something that can easily catch fire

tine \ˈtīn\ n : a slender pointed part : PRONG <the tines of a fork>

tin·foil \ˈtin-ˌfȯil\ n : a thin metal sheeting usually of aluminum or an alloy of tin and lead

1tinge \ˈtinj\ vb tinged; tinge·ing or ting·ing \ˈtin-jiŋ\ : to color or flavor slightly

2tinge n : a slight coloring, flavor, or quality <a reddish tinge> <a tinge of mystery>

tin·gle \ˈtiŋ-gəl\ vb tin·gled; tin·gling \ˈtiŋ-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to feel or cause a prickling or thrilling sensation
— tingle n

— tin·gly \-g(ə-)lē\ adj

1tin·ker \ˈtiŋ-kər\ n : a person who travels around and earns a living by repairing household utensils (as pots and pans)

2tinker vb tin·kered; tin·ker·ing \ˈtiŋ-k(ə-)riŋ\ : to repair or adjust something in an unskilled or experimental manner <tinkering with his car>
— tin·ker·er \-kər-ər\ n

tin·kle \ˈtiŋ-kəl\ vb tin·kled; tin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\ : to make or cause to make a series of short high ringing or clinking sounds
— tinkle n

tin liz·zie \-ˈliz-ē\ n : a small cheap early automobile

tin·ny \ˈtin-ē\ adj tin·ni·er; -est : resembling or suggesting tin

tin·plate \ˈtin-ˈplāt\ n : thin sheet iron or steel coated with tin
— tin–plate vb

tin·sel \ˈtin(t)-səl\ n
1 : a thread, strip, or sheet of metal, paper, or plastic used to produce a glittering effect
2 : something that seems attractive but is of little worth

tin·smith \ˈtin-ˌsmith\ n : a worker in tin or sometimes other metals

1tint \ˈtint\ n
1 a : a slight or pale coloring  b : any of various shades of a color
2 : a variation of a color made by adding white to it

2tint vb : to give or apply a tint or color to <tinted glasses>

tin·tin·nab·u·la·tion \ˌtin-tə-ˌnab-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the ringing of bells or a similar sound

tin·type \-ˌtīp\ n : an early photograph consisting of a positive image taken directly on a thin iron plate having a darkened surface

tin·ware \ˈtin-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : objects made of tinplate

ti·ny \ˈtī-nē\ adj ti·ni·er; -est : very small : MINUTE
— ti·ni·ness n

1tip \ˈtip\ vb tipped; tip·ping
1 : TURN OVER 1A <tipped over a glass>
2 : to bend from a straight position : SLANT <the bench tips on the uneven floor>
3 : to raise and tilt forward <tipped his hat> [Middle English tipen “to upset, overturn”]

2tip n : the act or an instance of tipping <a tip of the hat>

3tip vb tipped; tip·ping
1 : to attach a tip to
2 : to cover or decorate the tip of

4tip n
1 : the pointed or rounded end of something
2 : a small piece or part serving as an end, cap, or point [Middle English tip “a pointed end”]
— tipped \ˈtipt\ adj

— on the tip of one's tongue
1 : about to be uttered
2 : just escaping memory

5tip n : a light touch or blow : TAP [Middle English tippe “a light touch or blow”]

6tip vb tipped; tip·ping : to hit a baseball so that it glances off the bat

7tip n : a piece of useful or secret information given <got a tip on how to prepare for the test> [origin unknown]

8tip vb tipped; tip·ping : to give useful or secret information to <someone must have tipped them off>

9tip vb tipped; tip·ping : to give a tip to <tip the waiter> [probably derived from earlier tip (verb) “to strike lightly”]

10tip n : a small sum of money given for a service

tipi variant of TEPEE

1tip–off \ˈtip-ˌȯf\ n
1 : a warning that something is going to happen
2 : a telltale sign

2tip–off n : the start of a basketball game when the ball is thrown in the air and a player from each team jumps up and tries to get the ball

tip·per \ˈtip-ər\ n : one that tips

tip·pet \ˈtip-ət\ n
1 : a long hanging part of a garment (as on a sleeve or cape)
2 : a shoulder cape usually with hanging ends

tip·ple \ˈtip-əl\ vb tip·pled; tip·pling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to drink liquor especially by habit
— tip·pler \-(ə-)lər\ n

tip·sy \ˈtip-sē\ adj tip·si·er; -est : unsteady or foolish from drinking

1tip·toe \ˈtip-ˌtō, -ˈtō\ n
1 : the tip of a toe
2 : the ends of the toes

2tiptoe adv or adj : on or as if on tiptoe

3tiptoe vb tip·toed; tip·toe·ing : to walk on tiptoe

1tip–top \ˈtip-ˈtäp, -ˌtäp\ n : the highest point

2tip–top adj : very good : EXCELLENT <in tip-top shape>
— tip–top adv

ti·rade \tī-ˈrād, ˈtī-ˌrād\ n : a long violent angry speech : HARANGUE

1tire \ˈtī(ə)r\ vb tired; tir·ing
1 : to become weary
2 : to decrease greatly or completely the physical strength of
3 : to wear out the patience or attention of : BORE
synonyms TIRE, WEARY, FATIGUE, EXHAUST, mean to make someone unwilling or unable to continue doing something. TIRE suggests a loss of strength or patience <all that lifting really tired me>. WEARY suggests that one has reached a point where one cannot put up with something anymore <I'm wearied by these endless complaints>. FATIGUE suggests very great tiredness brought about by much effort or strain <the long climb up the mountain greatly fatigued her>. EXHAUST suggests that one's energy of mind or body has been all used up <the race had exhausted him and he fell asleep at once>.

2tire n
1 : a metal hoop that forms the tread of a wheel
2 : a rubber cushion that usually contains compressed air and fits around a wheel <automobile tires>

1tired \ˈtī(ə)rd\ adj
1 : 1WEARY 1
2 : used over and over again <the same tired old excuse>
— tired·ly adv

— tired·ness n

2tired adj : having tires

tire·less \ˈtī(ə)r-ləs\ adj : seeming never to get tired <a tireless worker>
— tire·less·ly adv

tire·some \ˈtī(ə)r-səm\ adj : likely to tire one because of length or dullness : BORING <a tiresome lecture>
— tire·some·ly adv

'tis \ˈtiz, (ˌ)tiz\ : it is

tis·sue \ˈtish-ü\ n
1 : a fine lightweight fabric
2 : a piece of soft absorbent paper
3 : a mass or layer of cells usually of one kind together with the uniting or enclosing substance around and between them that form the basic structural materials of a plant or an animal — compare CONNECTIVE TISSUE

tissue paper n : a thin paper used especially to wrap delicate articles

1tit \ˈtit\ n : TEAT

2tit n : any of various small plump often long-tailed birds of Eurasia and Africa that are related to the chickadees and titmice

ti·tan \ˈtīt-ən\ n
1 cap : one of a family of giants overthrown by the gods of ancient Greece
2 : one of gigantic size, power, or achievement

ti·tan·ic \tī-ˈtan-ik\ adj : enormous in size, force, or power

ti·ta·ni·um \tī-ˈtān-ē-əm, tə-\ n : a silvery gray light strong metallic element found combined in various minerals and used especially in alloys (as in steel) — see ELEMENT TABLE

titbit variant of TIDBIT

1tithe \ˈtith\ vb tithed; tith·ing : to pay or give a tithe [Old English teogothian “to give a tenth part,” from teogotha “tenth”]
— tith·er n

2tithe n : a tenth part (as of one's income) given especially as a contribution to a church

tit·il·late \ˈtit-əl-ˌāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : 1TICKLE 1
2 : to excite pleasurably
— tit·il·la·tion \ˌtit-əl-ˈā-shən\ n

1ti·tle \ˈtīt-əl\ n
1 a : a legal right to the ownership of property  b : the document that is evidence of a right
2 : the name given to something (as a book, song, or job) to identify or describe it
3 : a word or group of words attached to a person's name to show honor, rank, or office
4 : CHAMPIONSHIP 2 <won the batting title>

2title vb ti·tled; ti·tling \ˈtīt-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to call by a title

ti·tled \ˈtīt-əld\ adj : having a title especially of nobility

title page n : a page of a book bearing the title

tit·mouse \ˈtit-ˌmau̇s\ n, pl tit·mice \-ˌmīs\ : any of several small North American songbirds that usually have small bills and long tails, feed on insects, and are related to the chickadees

ti·tra·tion \tī-ˈtrā-shən\ n : the process of finding out the strength of a liquid mixture (as of an acid in water) by dripping another mixture (as of a base) of known strength into a known amount of the first mixture with usually another substance that will change color and measuring the amount of the second mixture required to make the first mixture change color

tit·ter \ˈtit-ər\ vb : to laugh in a nervous manner or while trying to hold the laugh back
— titter n

tit·tle \ˈtit-əl\ n
1 : a point or small sign (as the dot over an i) in writing or printing
2 : a very small part

tit·u·lar \ˈtich-(ə-)lər\ adj : being something in title only : NOMINAL <the titular head of state>
— tit·u·lar·ly adv

Ti·tus \ˈtīt-əs\ n : a letter written on the subject of pastoral care in the early church and included as a book in the New Testament — see BIBLE TABLE

Ti·Vo \ˈtē-(ˌ)vō)\ vb Ti·Voed; Ti·Vo·ing : to record a television program with a DVR

tiz·zy \ˈtiz-ē\ n, pl tizzies : a very excited and mixed-up state of mind

T lymphocyte n : T CELL

TNT \ˌtē-ˌen-ˈtē\ n : a flammable poisonous compound used as a high explosive

1to \tə, tu̇, (ˈ)tü\ prep
1 a — used to indicate movement or something suggesting movement toward a place, person, or thing reached <walked to school> <send data to disk storage> <went back to my first idea>  b — used to indicate direction <a mile to the south> <your back to the window>  c — used to indicate contact <apply polish to the table>  d — used to indicate a limit <the water was up to my waist>
2 — used to indicate purpose, result, or end <came to our aid> <broke to pieces> <sentenced to death>
3 a : 2BEFORE 3 <at quarter to five>  b : 1UNTIL <from nine to five>
4 — used to indicate belonging, accompanying, or responding <the key to the lock> <dance to live music> <not much you could say to that>
5 a — used to indicate a relation of likeness or unlikeness <similar to mine>  b — used to indicate agreement <salt to taste>  c — used to indicate a proportion in terms of number or amount <packed 10 to the box>
6 a — used to indicate the relation of adjective to noun <agreeable to all of us> or verb to complement <sticks to business>  b — used to indicate one that receives an action <spoke to the teacher> <give it to me>
7 : for no one but <had the house to ourselves>
8 — used to mark an infinitive <likes to swim> and often used by itself in place of an infinitive <I didn't mean to>

2to \ˈtü\ adv
1 : in the direction toward <run to and fro>
2 : into contact especially with a frame <snapped her purse to> <wind blew the door to>
3 : to a state of consciousness or awareness <brings him to with smelling salts>

toad \ˈtōd\ n : any of numerous tailless leaping amphibians that lay their eggs in water and are distinguished from the related frogs by living on land more often, by having a build that is shorter and thicker with weaker and shorter hind limbs, and by having skin that is rough, dry and warty rather than smooth and moist

toad·stool \-ˌstül\ n : a fungus that has an umbrella-shaped cap : MUSHROOM; esp : one that is poisonous or unfit for food

1toady \ˈtōd-ē\ n, pl toad·ies : a person who flatters another in the hope of receiving favors

2toady vb toad·ied; toady·ing : to behave like a toady
— toady·ism \-ē-ˌiz-əm\ n

to–and–fro \ˌtü-ən-ˈfrō\ adj : forward and backward

1toast \ˈtōst\ vb
1 : to make crisp, hot, and brown by heat <toast bread>
2 : to warm completely

2toast n
1 : sliced toasted bread
2 a : a person in whose honor other people drink  b : a highly admired person <the toast of the town>
3 : an act of drinking in honor of a person

3toast vb : to suggest or drink to as a toast

toast·er \ˈtō-stər\ n : an electrical appliance for toasting

toaster oven n : an electrical kitchen appliance that bakes, broils, and toasts and that fits on a countertop

toasty \ˈtō-stē\ adj toast·i·er; -est : comfortably warm

to·bac·co \tə-ˈbak-ō\ n, pl -cos
1 : any of a genus of chiefly American plants of the nightshade family that have sticky leaves and tube-shaped flowers; esp : a tall upright tropical American herb with pink or white flowers that is grown for its leaves
2 : the leaves of cultivated tobacco prepared for use in smoking or chewing or as snuff

tobacco mosaic n : any of a group of virus diseases of tobacco and related plants

to–be \tə-ˈbē\ adj : that is to be : FUTURE — often used in combination <a bride-to-be>

To·bi·as \tə-ˈbī-əs\ n : TOBIT

To·bit \ˈtō-bət\ n : a book of Scripture included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha — see BIBLE TABLE

1to·bog·gan \tə-ˈbäg-ən\ n : a long light sled made without runners and curved up at the front

2toboggan vb : to slide on a toboggan

to·coph·er·ol \tō-ˈkäf-ə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl\ n : VITAMIN E

toc·sin \ˈtäk-sən\ n
1 : an alarm bell or the ringing of it
2 : a warning signal

1to·day \tə-ˈdā\ adv
1 : on or for this day
2 : at the present time : NOWADAYS

2today n : the present day, time, or age

tod·dle \ˈtäd-əl\ vb tod·dled; tod·dling \ˈtäd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to walk with short unsteady steps like a young child
— toddle n

tod·dler \ˈtäd-lər, -əl-ər\ n : a young child
— tod·dler·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

to–do \tə-ˈdü\ n, pl to–dos \-ˈdüz\ : 1FUSS, STIR, COMMOTION

1toe \ˈtō\ n
1 a : one of the jointed parts of the front end of a vertebrate foot  b : the front end or part of a foot or hoof  c : the front end or part of something worn on the foot
2 : something that resembles a toe

2toe vb toed; toe·ing : to touch, reach, or kick with the toes

toed \ˈtōd\ adj : having a toe or toes especially of a specified kind or number <five-toed> <round-toed shoes>

toe·hold \ˈtō-ˌhōld\ n : a hold or support for the toes (as in climbing)

toe·nail \-ˌnāl, -ˈnā(ə)l\ n : a nail of a toe

tof·fee also tof·fy \ˈtȯ-fē, ˈtäf-ē\ n, pl toffees also toffies : candy made by boiling sugar and butter together

to·fu \ˈtō-fü\ n : a soft food product prepared by coagulating soybean milk — called also bean curd

to·ga \ˈtō-gə\ n : the loose outer garment worn in public by citizens of ancient Rome

to·geth·er \tə-ˈgeth-ər\ adv
1 : in or into one group, body, or place <gathered together>
2 : in touch or in partnership with each other <in business together> <the doors banged together>
3 a : at one time <they all cheered together>  b : one after the other : in order <work for hours together>
4 a : in or by combined effort <worked together to clear the road>  b : in or into agreement <get together on a plan>  c : in or into an organized or orderly arrangement <pull yourself together>
5 a : to each other <add the numbers together>  b : considered as a whole <all together there were 15 of us>
— to·geth·er·ness n

1tog·gle \ˈtäg-əl\ n : a crosspiece attached to the end of or to a loop in a rope, chain, or belt to prevent slipping or to serve as a fastening or as a grip for tightening <used a stick as a toggle in tightening a rope>

2toggle vb
1 : to fasten with or as if with a toggle
2 : to furnish with a toggle
3 : to switch between two options especially of an electronic device usually by pressing a single button or a simple key combination

toggle bolt n : a bolt that has a nut with wings that close for passage through a small hole and spring open after passing through the hole to keep the bolt from slipping back through

toggle switch n : an electric switch operated by pushing a lever through a small angle

togs \ˈtägz, ˈtȯgz\ n pl : CLOTHING 1; esp : a set of clothes and accessories for a specified use <riding togs> <skiing togs>

1toil \ˈtȯi(ə)l\ n : long hard labor
Word History Even though we have machines to do much of our hard work today, much long, hard toil must still be done by hand. Our Modern English word toil, however, comes from a Latin word for a laborsaving machine. The ancient Romans built a machine for crushing olives to produce olive oil. This machine was called a tudicula. This Latin word was formed from the word tudes, meaning “hammer,” because the machine had little hammers to crush the olives. From this came the Latin verb tudiculare, meaning “to crush or grind.” Early French used this Latin verb as the basis for its verb, spelled toiller, which meant “to make dirty, fight, wrangle.” From this came the noun toyl, meaning “battle, disturbance, confusion.” This early French noun in time was taken into Middle English as toile, meaning “argument, battle.” The earliest sense of our Modern English toil was “a long, hard struggle in battle.” It is natural enough that in time this came to be used to refer to any long hard effort. [Middle English toile “battle, argument,” derived from early French toyl, “battle, disturbance, confusion,” from toiller (verb) “make dirty, fight, wrangle,” from Latin tudiculare “crush, grind,” from tudicula “machine with hammers for beating olives,” from tudes “hammer”]

2toil vb
1 : to work hard and long
2 : to go on with effort <toiling up a steep hill>  synonyms see WORK
— toil·er n

toi·let \ˈtȯi-lət\ n
1 : the act or process of dressing and making oneself neat
2 a : BATHROOM  b : a fixture that consists usually of a bowl that is flushed with water and a seat and is used for defecation and urination

toilet paper n : a thin soft sanitary absorbent paper usually in a roll for bathroom use

toi·let·ry \ˈtȯi-lə-trē\ n, pl -ries : something (as a soap, lotion, toothpaste, or cologne) used in grooming oneself

toilet water n : a scented liquid (as cologne) for use especially after bathing

toil·some \ˈtȯi(ə)l-səm\ adj : requiring much effort

to·ken \ˈtō-kən\ n
1 : an outward sign
2 : something (as an act, gesture, or object) that serves as a sign or symbol <a white flag is a token of surrender>
3 a : SOUVENIR  b : INDICATION 2 <this is only a token of what we hope to accomplish>
4 : a piece resembling a coin that has a special use <a bus token>  synonyms see EMBLEM, {H,1}SIGN
— by the same token : for the same reason

told past and past participle of TELL

tol·er·able \ˈtäl-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈtäl-ər-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being put up with <tolerable pain>
2 : fairly good <a tolerable singing voice>
— tol·er·ably \-blē\ adv

tol·er·ance \ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s\ n
1 a : ability to put up with something harmful or unpleasant  b : the ability to adjust to a food or drug so that its effects are experienced less strongly
2 : sympathy for or acceptance of feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from one's own

tol·er·ant \ˈtäl(-ə)-rənt\ adj : showing tolerance
— tol·er·ant·ly adv

tol·er·ate \ˈtäl-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to allow something to be or be done without making a move to stop it : put up with <refused to tolerate such treatment>
2 : to withstand the action of <plants that tolerate drought> <tolerate a drug>
— tol·er·a·tion \ˌtäl-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n

1toll \ˈtōl\ n
1 : a tax paid for a privilege (as the use of a highway or bridge)
2 : a charge paid for a service
3 : the cost in life or health <the death toll from the hurricane> [Middle English toll “a tax or fee paid to be allowed to do something,” from early French toll (same meaning), derived from Latin telonium “a house where duties on imports are paid and ships' cargoes are checked,” derived from Greek telos “tax, toll”]

2toll vb
1 : to announce or call by the sounding of a bell
2 : to sound with slow strokes <the bell tolls solemnly> [Middle English tollen “to pull, drag, or toll (a bell),” perhaps from Middle English toilen “to struggle”]

3toll n : the sound of a tolling bell

toll·booth \ˈtōl-ˌbüth\ n : a booth where tolls are paid

toll call n : a long-distance telephone call

toll·gate \ˈtōl-ˌgāt\ n : a point where vehicles stop to pay a toll

toll·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : a house or booth where tolls are collected

tom \ˈtäm\ n : the male of various animals: as  a : TOM CAT  b : a male turkey

tom·a·hawk \ˈtäm-i-ˌhȯk\ n : a light ax used as a weapon especially by North American Indians
— tomahawk vb

to·ma·to \tə-ˈmāt-ō also -ˈmät-\ n, pl -toes
1 : a usually large rounded red or sometimes yellow pulpy berry that is eaten as a vegetable
2 : a widely grown South American plant of the nightshade family that produces tomatoes [derived from Spanish tomate “tomato,” from the name for this plant in the ancient language of the Aztecs]

tomb \ˈtüm\ n
1 : 2GRAVE 1
2 : a house or burial chamber for dead people

tom·boy \ˈtäm-ˌbȯi\ n : a girl who enjoys things some people think are more suited to boys
— tom·boy·ish \-ish\ adj

— tom·boy·ish·ness n

tomb·stone \ˈtüm-ˌstōn\ n : GRAVESTONE

tom·cat \ˈtäm-ˌkat\ n : a male domestic cat

tome \ˈtōm\ n : a big thick book

tom·fool·ery \täm-ˈfül-(ə-)rē\ n : playful or foolish behavior

tom·my gun \ˈtäm-ē-ˌgən\ n : SUBMACHINE GUN

1to·mor·row \tə-ˈmär-ō, -ˈmȯr-\ adv : on or for the day after today

2tomorrow n : the day after today

tom–tom \ˈtäm-ˌtäm, ˈtəm-ˌtəm\ n : a usually long and narrow drum commonly beaten with the hands

ton \ˈtən\ n, pl tons also ton
1 a SHORT TON  b : LONG TON
2 : METRIC TON

ton·al \ˈtōn-əl\ adj : of or relating to a musical tone
— ton·al·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

to·nal·i·ty \tō-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the character of a piece of music based on its key or on the relation of its tones and chords to a particular keynote

1tone \ˈtōn\ n
1 a : a musical sound having a definite pitch : the sound of a note  b : WHOLE STEP
2 : accent or pitch of the voice especially when used to express an emotion or a change in meaning <spoke in a sharp tone>
3 : style or manner of expression <reply in a friendly tone> <the author's tone shows his or her attitude toward the subject>
4 a : a shade of color <decorated in soft tones>  b : a color that changes another <gray with a blue tone>
5 a : a healthy state of the body or any of its parts  b : normal tension or ability to respond to stimuli; esp : the state of normal tension of a muscle in which it is partly contracted
6 : general character or quality <the city's upbeat tone> [Middle English tone “a musical sound, a sound from the voice,” from Latin tonus “tension, tone, pitch,” from Greek tonos “act of stretching, tension, tone, pitch”; so called because the pitch of the tone of a stringed musical instrument is related to how tightly the strings are stretched]

2tone vb toned; ton·ing
1 : to give tone to : STRENGTHEN <vitamins to tone up the system>
2 : to soften in color, appearance, or sound — often used with down

tone–deaf \ˈtōn-ˌdef\ adj : not noticing small differences in musical pitch

tone language n : a language (as Chinese) in which changes in tone of words that otherwise sound alike indicate different meanings

tongs \ˈtäŋz, ˈtȯŋz\ n pl : a device for taking hold of something that consists usually of two movable pieces joined at one end

1tongue \ˈtəŋ\ n
1 : a fleshy movable muscular part of the floor of the mouth of most vertebrates that has sensory organs (as taste buds) and small glands and functions especially in taking and swallowing food and in human beings as a speech organ
2 : the flesh of a tongue (as of beef) used as food
3 : the power of communication : SPEECH
4 : LANGUAGE 1A
5 : something resembling a tongue (as in being long and fastened at one end)
— tongue·less \-ləs\ adj

— tongue·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2tongue vb tongued; tongu·ing \ˈtəŋ-iŋ\
1 : to touch or lick with or as if with the tongue
2 : to separate individual notes when playing a wind instrument by interrupting the stream of wind with the tongue

tongue–in–cheek adj : not meant to be taken seriously

tongue in cheek adv : in a tongue-in-cheek manner

tongue–lash·ing \ˈtəŋ-ˌlash-iŋ\ n : a severe scolding

tongue–tied \-ˌtīd\ adj : unable to speak clearly or freely (as from shyness)

tongue twister n : a word, phrase, or sentence that is hard to say because of a series of similar consonant sounds (as in “twin-screw steel cruiser” or “rubber baby-buggy bumpers”)

1ton·ic \ˈtän-ik\ adj
1 : making (as the mind or body) stronger or healthier
2 : relating to or based on the first tone of a scale <tonic chord> <tonic harmony>

2tonic n
1 a : a medicine that increases body tone  b : a liquid to be used on the hair or scalp  c chiefly New England : SODA POP  d : TONIC WATER
2 : the first tone of a scale

tonic water n : a carbonated beverage flavored with a small amount of quinine, lemon, and lime

1to·night \tə-ˈnīt\ adv : on this present night or the night following this present day

2tonight n : the present or the coming night

ton·nage \ˈtən-ij\ n
1 : a tax on ships based on tons carried
2 : ships in terms of the total number of tons that are or can be carried
3 : total weight in tons shipped, carried, or mined

ton·sil \ˈtän(t)-səl\ n : either of a pair of oval-shaped masses of spongy tissue that lie one on each side of the throat at the back of the mouth

ton·sil·lec·to·my \ˌtän(t)-sə-ˈlek-tə-mē\ n, pl -mies : the surgical removal of the tonsils

ton·sil·li·tis \ˌtän(t)-sə-ˈlīt-əs\ n : inflammation of the tonsils

ton·sure \ˈtän-chər\ n : a haircut with the top of the head shaved worn especially by monks [Middle English tonsure “the act of shaving a part of the top of the head,” derived from Latin tonsura “the act of shearing,” from tonsus, past participle of tondēre “to shear”]
— ton·sured \-chərd\ adj

too \(ˈ)tü\ adv
1 : in addition : ALSO <sell the house and the furniture too>
2 : to a degree greater than wanted or needed <the soup is too hot> <this has gone on too long>
3 : 2VERY 1 <the climb was not too hard>

took past of TAKE

1tool \ˈtül\ n
1 : a device (as a hammer, saw, knife, or wrench) used or worked by hand or by a machine
2 a : something used in doing one's job as if it were a tool <a scholar's books are his tools>  b : something that helps to gain an end <hard work is a tool for success>
3 : a person used by another : DUPE  synonyms see IMPLEMENT

2tool vb
1 : to shape, form, or finish with a tool
2 : to equip a plant or industry with machines and tools for production

tool·box \ˈtül-ˌbäks\ n : a chest to store tools in

tool·mak·er \-ˌmā-kər\ n : one (as an animal or a human being) that makes tools
— tool·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ n

tool·shed \-ˌshed\ n : a small building to store tools in

1toot \ˈtüt\ vb
1 : to sound a short blast <a horn tooted>
2 : to blow or sound an instrument (as a horn) especially in short blasts <toot a whistle>
— toot·er n

2toot n : a short blast (as on a horn)

tooth \ˈtüth\ n, pl teeth \ˈtēth\
1 a : one of the hard bony structures that are usually located on the jaws of vertebrates and are used for seizing and chewing food and as weapons  b : any of various usually hard and sharp structures especially around the mouth of an invertebrate
2 a : something like or suggesting the tooth of an animal in shape, arrangement, or action <the tooth of a saw>  b : one of the projections on the rim of a cogwheel that fit between the projections on another part especially to transmit force : COG
— tooth·less \ˈtüth-ləs\ adj

— tooth·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

tooth·ache \ˈtü-ˌthāk\ n : pain in or near a tooth

tooth and nail adv : as hard as one can <fighting tooth and nail>

tooth·brush \ˈtüth-ˌbrəsh\ n : a brush for cleaning the teeth

toothed \ˈtütht\ adj
1 : having teeth especially of a specified kind or number
2 : JAGGED, NOTCHED

toothed whale n : any of a group of whales, dolphins, and porpoises with numerous sharp cone-shaped teeth — compare BALEEN WHALE

tooth·paste \ˈtüth-ˌpāst\ n : a paste for cleaning the teeth

tooth·pick \-ˌpik\ n : a pointed instrument (as a thin piece of wood) for removing substances caught between the teeth

tooth powder n : a powder for cleaning the teeth

tooth·some \ˈtüth-səm\ adj : pleasing to the taste : DELICIOUS <toothsome pies>

toothy \ˈtü-thē\ adj tooth·i·er; -est : having or showing many usually large teeth <a toothy grin>
— tooth·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adv

1top \ˈtäp\ n
1 a : the highest point, level, or part of something <the top of the hill> <sang at the top of her voice>  b : the upper end, edge, or surface <the top of the page> <filled the glass to the top>  c : the stalk and leaves of a plant and especially one with edible roots <beet tops>
2 : an upper piece, lid, or covering <blouses, shirts, and tops> <put the top on the jar>
3 : the highest position <reached the top of the profession> [Old English top “highest point”]
— topped \ˈtäpt\ adj

— on top of : in addition to

2top vb topped; top·ping
1 : to remove or cut the top of <top a tree>
2 : to cover with a top or on the top <topped the sundae with nuts>
3 : to be better than
4 : to go over the top of
5 : to hit the top part of <top a golf ball>

3top adj : of, relating to, or being at the top

4top n : a child's toy that has a point on which it can be made to spin [Old English top “a spinning toy”]

to·paz \ˈtō-ˌpaz\ n : a mineral in the form of usually yellow to brownish yellow crystals that is valued as a gem

top·coat \ˈtäp-ˌkōt\ n : a lightweight overcoat

top dollar n : the highest amount being paid for an article, product, or service <paid top dollar for the tickets>

top–dress \-ˌdres\ vb : to apply material to (as land or a road) without working it in; esp : to scatter fertilizer over (land)

top·dress·ing \-ˌdres-iŋ\ n : a material used to top-dress soil

top·gal·lant \(ˈ)täp-ˈgal-ənt, tə-ˈgal-\ n : a mast or sail next above the topmast or topsail

top hat n : a man's hat with a tall crown

top–heavy \ˈtäp-ˌhev-ē\ adj : having the top part too heavy for the lower part

1to·pi·ary \ˈtō-pē-ˌer-ē\ adj
1 a : relating to or being the art or practice of topiary  b : shaped or created by topiary <a topiary elephant>
2 : characterized by or containing topiary <a topiary garden>

2topiary n, pl -ar·ies
1 : the art or practice of training and trimming trees or shrubs into odd or ornamental shapes
2 : a garden or park containing plants shaped by topiary; also : a plant or plants shaped by topiary

top·ic \ˈtäp-ik\ n
1 : a heading in an outline of a subject or explanation
2 : the subject or a section of a subject (as of a speech or a report)

top·i·cal \ˈtäp-i-kəl\ adj
1 : designed to be applied to or to work on a specific place or part (as of the body) <a topical medicine>
2 a : of or relating to topics <topical outline>  b : referring to the topics of the day or place <topical jokes>
— top·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

topic sentence n : a sentence that states the main thought of a paragraph

top·knot \ˈtäp-ˌnät\ n : a tuft of feathers or hair on the top of the head

top·mast \-ˌmast, -məst\ n : the mast next above the lower mast

top·min·now \-ˌmin-ō\ n : any of several small surface-feeding fishes

top·most \-ˌmōst\ adj : highest of all

top–notch \-ˈnäch\ adj : of the highest quality : FIRST-RATE <a top-notch performance>

top–of–the–line adj : TOP-NOTCH <top-of-the-line camera equipment>

to·po·graph·ic \ˌtäp-ə-ˈgraf-ik, ˌtōp-ə-\ or to·po·graph·i·cal \-ˈgraf-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or showing topography <a topographic map>
— to·po·graph·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

to·pog·ra·phy \tə-ˈpäg-rə-fē\ n
1 : the art or practice of showing on maps or charts the heights and depths of the features of a place
2 : the shape and height and depth of the features of a place

to·pol·o·gy \tə-ˈpäl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of geometric figures that do not change when the figure is twisted or stretched in certain ways
— to·po·log·i·cal \ˌtäp-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl, ˌtōp-\ adj

— to·pol·o·gist \tə-ˈpäl-ə-jist\ n

top·per \ˈtäp-ər\ n
1 : one that tops
2 : TOP HAT

top·ping \ˈtäp-iŋ\ n : a food served on top of another to make it look or taste better

top·ple \ˈtäp-əl\ vb top·pled; top·pling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to fall over from being too heavy at the top
2 : to push over

top·sail \ˈtäp-ˌsāl, -səl\ also top·s'l \-səl\ n
1 : the sail next above the lowermost sail on a mast in a square-rigged ship
2 : the sail set above and sometimes on the gaff in a fore-and-aft rigged ship

top secret adj
1 : protected by a high degree of secrecy <a top secret meeting>
2 : containing information that is very important to the safety and defense of a nation <top secret messages>

top·side \ˈtäp-ˈsīd\ adv : on or onto the deck of a ship

top·soil \-ˌsȯil\ n : surface soil usually including the rich upper layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing

top·spin \-ˌspin\ n : a forward spinning motion of a ball

top·stitch \-ˌstich\ vb : to make a line of stitches on the outside of a garment near a seam

top·sy–tur·vy \ˌtäp-sē-ˈtər-vē\ adv : UPSIDE DOWN
— topsy–turvy adj

toque \ˈtōk\ n : a woman's small hat usually without a brim

tor \ˈtȯ(ə)r\ n : a high rocky hill

To·rah \ˈtōr-ə, ˈtȯr-; ˈtȯi-rə\ n
1 : the wisdom and law contained in Jewish Scripture and other sacred writings and in oral tradition
2 : a scroll containing the first five books of the Old Testament used in a synagogue for religious services

torch \ˈtȯ(ə)rch\ n
1 : a flaming light made of something that burns brightly and usually is carried in the hand
2 : something that guides or gives light or heat like a torch
3 : any of various portable devices for producing a hot flame — compare BLOWTORCH
4 chiefly British : FLASHLIGHT

torch·light \-ˌlīt\ n : the light given by torches

tore past of 3TEAR

to·re·ador \ˈtȯr-ē-ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r, ˈtōr-, ˈtär-\ n : a person who fights bulls : a performer in a bullfight

to·re·ro \tə-ˈre(ə)r-ō\ n, pl -ros : TOREADOR

1tor·ment \ˈtȯr-ˌment\ n
1 : extreme pain or distress of body or mind
2 : a cause of suffering in mind or body

2tor·ment \tȯr-ˈment, ˈtȯr-ˌment\ vb
1 : to cause severe suffering of body or mind to
2 : to cause worry, distress, or trouble to : HARASS
— tor·men·tor \tȯr-ˈment-ər, ˈtȯr-ˌment-\ n

torn past participle of 3TEAR

tor·na·do \tȯr-ˈnād-ō\ n, pl -does or -dos : a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that moves in a narrow path over the land

1tor·pe·do \tȯr-ˈpēd-ō\ n, pl -does
1 : a thin cylindrical self-propelled submarine weapon
2 : a small firework that explodes when thrown against a hard object
Word History The Latin verb torpēre, meaning “to be numb,” gave rise to the noun torpedo, “numbness.” This noun was borrowed into English in the 16th century to refer to a long round fish that gave a numbing electric shock to anyone who touched it. This fish was also called an electric ray, a crampfish, or a numbfish. In the early 19th century, the American inventor Robert Fulton developed a floating device that exploded when it touched a ship. He called this device a torpedo because it reminded him of the electric ray. Since then the torpedo has been modernized and is fired at its target. Although it still looks somewhat like the fish, its effects can certainly be more than numbing. [from Latin torpedo, literally “numbness,” from torpēre “to be numb” — related to TORPID]

2torpedo vb -doed; do·ing \tȯr-ˈpēd-ə-wiŋ\ : to hit or sink with or as if with a torpedo

torpedo boat n : a small very fast boat for firing torpedoes

tor·pid \ˈtȯr-pəd\ adj
1 a : having lost motion or the power of exertion or feeling  b : exhibiting or characterized by topor <a bear torpid in winter sleep>
2 : having too little energy or strength : APATHETIC [from Latin torpidus “having lost motion or power of moving or feeling, numb,” from torpēre “to be numb” — related to TORPEDO; see Word History at TORPEDO]

tor·por \ˈtȯr-pər\ n
1 a : temporary loss or suspension of motion or feeling  b : a state of lowered bodily activity (as during hibernation) that is a response to an unfavorable environmental condition (as cold or drought)
2 : APATHY

tor·rent \ˈtȯr-ənt, ˈtär-\ n
1 : a rushing stream of a liquid <a torrent of rain>
2 : a mountain stream or its channel
3 : a sudden rush like a stream of liquid <a torrent of criticism> [from French torrent “a violent stream of liquid,” from Latin torrent-, torrens (same meaning), from torrens (adjective) “burning, flowing with great force,” derived from torrēre “to heat so as to dry up or burn” — related to TORRID; see Word History at TORRID]

tor·ren·tial \tȯ-ˈren-chəl, tə-\ adj : relating to or resembling a torrent <torrential rains>
— tor·ren·tial·ly \-ˈrench-(ə-)lē\ adv

tor·rid \ˈtȯr-əd, ˈtär-\ adj : very hot and usually dry
— tor·rid·ly adv
Word History The Latin verb torrēre, meaning “to heat so as to dry up or burn,” gave rise to two quite different English words. They are torrid and torrent. The Latin adjective torridus, meaning “dried or burnt by heat,” was formed from torrēre. It became our torrid. Another Latin adjective, torrens, meaning “scorching, burning,” was also formed from torrēre. It, however, gained a second sense of “flowing with great force and speed, rushing.” This second sense led to the use of torrens as a noun for “a rushing or violent stream.” This noun was borrowed into English as torrent. It came to refer not only to rushing water, but also to any kind of outpouring, such as of words, information, sounds, or feelings. [from Latin torridus “dried or burnt by heat, torrid,” derived from torrēre “to heat so as to dry up or burn” — related to TORRENT]

torrid zone n : the area or region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn — compare FRIGID ZONE, TEMPERATE ZONE

tor·sion \ˈtȯr-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of turning or twisting
2 : the state of being twisted

torsion bar n : a long metal piece in an automobile suspension that has one end firmly attached to the frame and the other twisted and connected to the axle and that acts as a spring

tor·so \ˈtȯr-sō\ n, pl torsos or tor·si \-ˌsē\ : the human body except for the head, arms, and legs

torte \ˈtȯrt-ə, ˈtȯ(ə)rt\ n, pl tortes or tor·ten \ˈtȯrt-ən\ : a rich cake

tor·tel·li·ni \ˌtȯrt-ə-ˈlē-nē\ n, pl tortellini also tortellinis : pasta in the form of little ring-shaped cases containing a filling (as of meat or cheese)

tor·ti·lla \tȯr-ˈtē-(y)ə\ n : a thin round of unleavened cornmeal or wheat flour bread [American Spanish, literally “little cake,” from Spanish torta “cake”]

tor·toise \ˈtȯrt-əs\ n : 2TURTLE; esp : a land-dwelling turtle

1tor·toise·shell \ˈtȯrt-əs-ˌshel, -əsh-ˌshel\ n
1 : a spotted hornlike substance that covers the shell of some turtles and is used especially formerly to make ornamental objects
2 : any of several showy butterflies

2tortoiseshell adj
1 : made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in spotted brown and yellow coloring
2 : of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat that consists of patches of black, orange, and light yellow

tor·tu·ous \ˈtȯrch-(ə-)wəs\ adj : having many twists and turns
— tor·tu·ous·ly adv

1tor·ture \ˈtȯr-chər\ n
1 : distress of body or mind
2 : the causing of great pain especially to punish or to obtain a confession [from French torture “causing of intense pain or agony,” from Latin tortura “act of twisting,” from earlier tortus, past participle of torquēre “to twist” — related to DISTORT, EXTORT, RETORT]

2torture vb tor·tured; tor·tur·ing \ˈtȯrch-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to cause great suffering to
2 : to punish or force someone to do or say something by causing great pain
— tor·tur·er \ˈtȯr-chər-ər\ n

tor·tur·ous \ˈtȯrch-(ə-)rəs\ adj : causing great pain
— tor·tur·ous·ly adv

To·ry \ˈtōr-ē, ˈtȯr-\ n, pl Tories
1 : 2CONSERVATIVE
2 : an American on the side of the British during the American Revolution
— Tory adj
Word History In the 17th century, many of the Irish had their property taken from them by the English. Some of them lived by plundering English settlements and robbing English soldiers. Such an outlaw was called a tóraidhe in Gaelic, an early language of Ireland. This word literally meant “one who is pursued” and “robber.” Later, this term was also applied to an armed Irish supporter of the Roman Catholic faith. In English the word was shortened to Tory and was used for a member of the conservative political party in England. Tories strongly supported the authority of the monarch. During the American Revolution, the term Tory was used for an American who supported British authority rather than independence. [from tóraidhe, a word in Irish Gaelic, the original language of Ireland, meaning “robber, pursued man”]

toss \ˈtȯs, ˈtäs\ vb
1 : to throw or swing to and fro or up and down <waves tossed the ship about>
2 : to throw with a quick light motion <toss a ball into the air>
3 : to lift with a sudden motion <toss the head>
4 : to be thrown about rapidly <the river surged and tossed>
5 : to move about restlessly <toss in one's sleep>
6 : to stir or mix lightly <toss a salad>
7 : to drink quickly  synonyms see THROW
— toss n

toss–up \-ˌəp\ n : something that offers no clear choice <it's a toss-up who will win>

tos·ta·da \tō-ˈstäd-ə\ n : a fried tortilla [Mexican Spanish tostada, a feminine form of tostado “fried,” from Spanish tostado “toasted”]

tot \ˈtät\ n : a small child

1to·tal \ˈtōt-əl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the whole of something <a total eclipse of the sun>
2 : making up the whole <the total amount>
3 : being such to the fullest degree <total ruin>
4 : making use of every means to do something <total war>

2total n
1 : a product of addition : SUM
2 : an entire amount

3total vb to·taled or to·talled; to·tal·ing or to·tal·ling
1 : ADD 3
2 : to amount to <donations totaled $120>
3 : to make a total wreck of <totaled the car>

to·tal·i·tar·i·an \(ˌ)tō-ˌtal-ə-ˈter-ē-ən\ adj : of or relating to a political system in which the government has complete control over the people
— to·tal·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

to·tal·i·ty \tō-ˈtal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a combined amount : SUM, WHOLE
2 : the quality or state of being total : ENTIRETY <rejected the scheme in its totality>

to·tal·ly \ˈtōt-əl-ē\ adv
1 : in a total manner : WHOLLY
2 : as a whole

tote \ˈtōt\ vb tot·ed; tot·ing : to carry by hand
— tot·er n

tote bag n : a large handbag

tote board n : an electrically operated board at a racetrack on which betting odds and race results are posted

to·tem \ˈtōt-əm\ n
1 : an object (as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan
2 : something usually carved or painted to represent a totem
— to·tem·ic \tō-ˈtem-ik\ adj

totem pole n : a pole carved and painted with symbols of totems and set up by Indian tribes of the northwest coast of North America

tot·ter \ˈtät-ər\ vb
1 : to sway or rock as if about to fall
2 : to move unsteadily : STAGGER
— tot·tery \-ə-rē\ adj

tou·can \ˈtü-ˌkan, tü-ˈkan\ n : any of a family of mostly fruit-eating birds of tropical America with brilliant coloring and a very large but light bill

1touch \ˈtəch\ vb
1 : to feel or handle (as with fingers) especially so as to be aware of by the sense of touch
2 a : to be or cause to be in contact with something  b : to be or come next to
3 : to hit lightly
4 a : to do harm to  b : to make use of <never touches meat>
5 : to refer to in passing : MENTION <the report touched upon many important points>
6 : to affect the interest of <a matter that touches every parent>
7 : to move emotionally <touched by their friend's kindness>
— touch·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— touch·er n

2touch n
1 : a light stroke or tap
2 : the act or fact of touching or being touched
3 a : the special sense by which one is aware of light pressure especially on the skin <soft to the touch>  b : an impression gotten through the sense of touch <the soft touch of silk>
4 : a state of contact or communication <keeping in touch with friends>
5 : a small amount : TRACE <a touch of garlic in the salad>

touch and go adj : not certain of having a good result <it was touch and go there for a while>

touch·back \ˈtəch-ˌbak\ n : the act of downing a football behind the goal line after receiving a kick or intercepting a pass

touch·down \ˈtəch-ˌdau̇n\ n
1 : the act of touching a football to the ground behind an opponent's goal
2 : the act of scoring six points in American football by carrying the ball over the opponent's goal line
3 : the act or moment of touching down (as with an airplane or spacecraft)

touch down \(ˈ)təch-ˈdau̇n\ vb : to reach the ground : LAND

touch·ing \ˈtəch-iŋ\ adj : causing a feeling of tenderness or pity <a touching story>
— touch·ing·ly adv

touch·line \ˈtəch-ˌlīn\ n : either of the lines that mark the sides of the field of play in rugby and soccer

touch–me–not \ˈtəch-mē-ˌnät\ n : either of two North American impatiens that grow in moist areas

touch off vb : to start by or as if by touching with fire <the announcement touched off riots>

touch pad n : a keypad for an electronic device (as a microwave oven) that consists of a flat surface divided into several differently marked areas which are touched to choose options

touch screen n : a display screen (as for a computer) on which the user selects options by touching the screen

touch·stone \ˈtəch-ˌstōn\ n
1 : a black stone formerly used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak left on the stone when rubbed by the metal
2 : a test for judging something

touch–tone \ˈtəch-ˈtōn, -ˌtōn\ adj : of, relating to, or being a telephone having push buttons that produce tones corresponding to numbers

touch–up \ˈtəch-ˌəp\ n : an act or instance of touching up

touch up \(ˈ)təch-ˈəp\ vb : to improve by or as if by small changes : fix the little imperfections of

touchy \ˈtəch-ē\ adj touch·i·er; -est
1 : easily hurt or insulted
2 : calling for tact or careful handling <a touchy subject>

1tough \ˈtəf\ adj
1 a : able to take great force : flexible and not brittle <tough fibers>  b : not easily chewed <tough meat>
2 : marked by firmness or determination <a tough policy>
3 : able to stand hard work and hardship <tough soldiers>
4 : hard to influence : STUBBORN <a tough bargainer>
5 : very difficult <a tough problem>
6 : having much crime or bad behavior <a tough neighborhood>  synonyms see STRONG
— tough·ly adv

— tough·ness n

2tough n : a tough person : ROWDY

tough·en \ˈtəf-ən\ vb tough·ened; tough·en·ing \ˈtəf-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become tough

tough·ie \ˈtəf-ē\ n
1 : 2TOUGH
2 : a hard problem or question

tou·pee \tü-ˈpā\ n : a small wig worn to cover a bald spot

1tour \ˈtu̇(ə)r, sense 1 is also ˈtau̇(ə)r\ n
1 a : one's turn in a schedule  b : a period of time during which one is on duty or in a certain place
2 : a trip usually ending at the point of beginning <a tour of the city>
3 : a series of related sports events held regularly at varied locations <the golf tour>  synonyms see JOURNEY

2tour vb : to make a tour of : travel as a tourist

tour·ism \ˈtu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm\ n : the practice of traveling for pleasure or the business of encouraging and serving such traveling

tour·ist \ˈtu̇r-əst\ n : a person who travels for pleasure
— tourist adj

tourist class n : economy accommodations (as on a ship)

tour·ma·line \ˈtu̇r-mə-lən, -ˌlēn\ n : a mineral of variable color that makes a striking gem when transparent and cut

tour·na·ment \ˈtu̇r-nə-mənt also ˈtər- or ˈtȯr-\ n
1 : a contest of skill and courage between knights wearing armor and fighting with blunted lances or swords
2 : a contest or series of contests played for a championship

tour·ney \ˈtu̇(ə)r-nē also ˈtər- or ˈtȯr-\ n, pl tourneys : TOURNAMENT

tour·ni·quet \ˈtu̇r-ni-kət, ˈtər-\ n : a device (as a band of rubber) used to stop or slow bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels

tou·sle \ˈtau̇-zəl, -səl\ vb tou·sled; tou·sling \ˈtau̇z-(ə-)liŋ, ˈtau̇s-\ : to put into disorder by rough handling

tout \ˈtau̇t, ˈtüt\ vb : to make much of : PROMOTE

1tow \ˈtō\ vb : to draw or pull along behind [Old English togian “to tow”]

2tow n
1 : a line or rope for towing
2 : an act or instance of towing or the fact or condition of being towed
3 : something (as a barge) that tows or is towed
— in tow : under guidance or protection <taken in tow by a friendly guide>

3tow n
1 : short broken fiber from flax, hemp, or jute used for yarn, twine, or stuffing
2 : yarn or cloth made of tow [Old English tow- “spinning”]

to·ward or to·wards \(ˈ)tō(-ə)rd(z), (ˈ)tȯ(-ə)rd(z), tə-ˈwȯrd(z), (ˈ)twȯrd(z), (ˈ)twōrd(z)\ prep
1 : in the direction of <heading toward town>
2 a : along a course leading to <efforts toward peace>  b : in regard to <attitude toward life>
3 : so as to face <turn the chair toward the window>
4 : not long before : NEAR <toward noon>
5 : as part of the payment for <$100 toward a new sofa>

tow·boat \ˈtō-ˌbōt\ n
1 : TUGBOAT
2 : a compact shallow-draft boat for pushing barges on inland waterways

1tow·el \ˈtau̇(-ə)l\ n : a cloth or piece of absorbent paper for wiping or drying

2towel vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling : to rub or dry with a towel : use a towel to dry off

tow·el·ing or tow·el·ling \ˈtau̇-(ə-)liŋ\ n : material for towels

1tow·er \ˈtau̇(-ə)r\ n
1 : a tall narrow building or structure that may stand by itself or be attached to a larger structure
2 : CITADEL 1
— tow·ered \ˈtau̇(-ə)rd\ adj

2tower vb : to reach or rise to a great height

tow·er·ing adj
1 : rising high : TALL <towering mountain peaks> <towering skyscrapers>
2 : reaching a high point of strength or force <a towering rage>
3 : going beyond proper bounds <towering ambitions>

tow·head \ˈtō-ˌhed\ n : a person with very light blond hair

to·whee \ˈtō-ˌhē, ˈtō-ē, tō-ˈhē\ n : a finch of eastern North America in which the male has a black back, a white belly, and reddish sides; also : any of various related birds mostly of the western U.S. and Canada

tow·line \ˈtō-ˌlīn\ n : a line used in towing

town \ˈtau̇n\ n
1 a : a compactly settled area that is usually larger than a village but smaller than a city  b : CITY 1
2 : the people of a town
— town adj

town clerk n : an official who keeps the town records

town crier n : an official who makes public announcements

town hall n : a public building used for offices and meetings of town government

town house n : a house connected to the next house by a common sidewall

town·ie \ˈtau̇-nē\ n : a permanent resident of a town

town meeting n : a meeting of townspeople to pass laws for the town

towns·folk \ˈtau̇nz-ˌfōk\ n pl : TOWNSPEOPLE

town·ship \ˈtau̇n-ˌship\ n
1 : a unit of local government in some northeastern and north central states
2 : a division of territory in surveys of U.S. public land containing 36 square miles (about 93 square kilometers)

towns·peo·ple \ˈtau̇nz-ˌpē-pəl\ n pl : the people who live in a town or city

tow·path \ˈtō-ˌpath, -ˌpȧth\ n : a path (as along a canal) traveled especially by animals (as horses or mules) towing boats

tow·rope \-ˌrōp\ n : a line used in towing

tow truck n : a truck equipped to move or haul wrecked or broken-down vehicles

tox·emia \täk-ˈsē-mē-ə\ n : an abnormal condition caused by toxic substances in the blood

tox·ic \ˈtäk-sik\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or caused by a poison or toxin
2 : POISONOUS [from Latin toxicus “relating to or caused by a poison,” from earlier toxicum “poison,” from Greek toxikon “a poison put on the tips of arrows,” from toxikos “of a bow and arrows,” from toxon “bow, arrow” — related to INTOXICATE, TOXIN; see Word History at INTOXICATE]
— tox·ic·i·ty \täk-ˈsis-ət-ē\ n

tox·in \ˈtäk-sən\ n : a substance produced by a living organism (as a bacterium) that is very poisonous to other organisms and that usually causes antibody formation — compare ANTITOXIN [derived from Latin tox- “poisonous” and English -in “chemical compound”; tox- from toxicum “poison,” from Greek toxikon “arrow poison,” from toxon “bow, arrow” — related to INTOXICATE, TOXIC; see Word History at INTOXICATE]

tox·oid \ˈtäk-ˌsȯid\ n : a toxin of a disease-causing organism treated so as to destroy its poisonous effects while leaving it still capable of causing antibodies to form when it is injected into the body

1toy \ˈtȯi\ n
1 : something of little or no value or importance
2 : something for a child to play with
3 : something small for its kind; esp : an animal of a breed or variety marked by exceptionally small size
— toy adj

— toy·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2toy vb : to amuse oneself as if with a toy

1trace \ˈtrās\ n
1 : ROAD 2A
2 : a mark left by something that has passed or is past
3 : a very small amount [Middle English trace “a course, a mark left by something that passes,” from early French trace (same meaning), from tracer (verb) “to sketch, show by drawn lines,” derived from Latin tractus, past participle of trahere “to pull, drag” — related to ABSTRACT, ATTRACT, 3TRACE, TRAIT]

2trace vb traced; trac·ing
1 a : 2SKETCH 1  b : to form (as letters) carefully  c : to copy (as a drawing or pattern) by following the lines or letters as seen through a transparent sheet placed over the thing copied  d : to make a graphic record of by a recording instrument <trace the heart action>
2 a : to follow the footprints, track, or trail of  b : to study, follow, or show the development and progress of in detail
— trace·able \ˈtrā-sə-bəl\ adj

3trace n : either of two straps, chains, or lines of a harness for attaching a horse to something (as a wagon or plow) to be pulled [Middle English trais (plural) “two straps used for connecting a horse to a vehicle to be pulled,” from early French tres, plural of trait, literally “act of pulling,” from Latin tractus, past participle of trahere “to pull, drag” — related to ABSTRACT, ATTRACT, 1TRACE, TRAIT]

trace element n : a chemical element present in tiny amounts; esp : one that is used by a living thing and is considered essential to the functions necessary for life

trac·er \ˈtrā-sər\ n
1 a : a person who traces missing persons or property  b : an inquiry sent out in tracing a shipment lost in transit
2 a : ammunition containing a chemical composition to mark the flight of projectiles by a trail of smoke or fire  b : a substance and especially a labeled element or atom used to trace the course of a chemical or biological process

trac·ery \ˈtrās-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : ornamental work with many branching lines

tra·chea \ˈtrā-kē-ə\ n, pl -che·ae \-kē-ˌē, -kē-ˌī\ also -che·as or -chea
1 : the main part of the system of tubes by which air passes to and from the lungs in vertebrates — called also windpipe
2 : one of the tiny air-carrying tubes that form the respiratory system of most insects and many other land-dwelling arthropods (as spiders)
— tra·che·al \-kē-əl\ adj

tra·cheid \ˈtrā-kē-əd, -ˌkēd\ n : a long tube-shaped cell that is found in the xylem of plants, is narrower near the ends, has strong thickened walls, and functions in support and in the transport of water and solutions

tra·cho·ma \trə-ˈkō-mə\ n : a serious contagious eye disease that is marked by swelling of the conjunctiva, is caused by a bacterium, and often results in blindness if left untreated

trac·ing \ˈtrā-siŋ\ n
1 : the act of one that traces
2 : something that is traced

tracing paper n : a thin paper through which something (as a picture) may be traced; also : a thin paper for transferring a clothing pattern to cloth

tracing wheel n : a small plain or toothed wheel attached to a handle and used on tracing paper to trace a clothing pattern

1track \ˈtrak\ n
1 a : a mark left by something that has gone by  b : PATH 1, TRAIL  c : a path along which something is recorded (as on magnetic tape)
2 a : a course laid out for racing  b : the parallel rails of a railroad
3 : the course along which something moves or progresses
4 : awareness of things or the order in which things happen or ideas come <lose track of the time> <keep track of expenses>
5 : either of two continuous metal belts on which a vehicle (as a tank or bulldozer) travels
6 : track-and-field sports; esp : those performed on a running track
— track·less \ˈtrak-ləs\ adj

— in one's tracks : where one is at the moment : on the spot

— on track : achieving or doing what is necessary or expected

2track vb
1 a : to follow the tracks or traces of : TRAIL <track a deer>  b : to search for until found <tracking down the causes of cancer>
2 : to observe the moving path of <track a missile with radar>
3 : to make tracks upon or with <track up the floor> <track mud all over the floor>
— track·er n

track–and–field \ˌtrak-ən-ˈfē(ə)ld\ adj : of, relating to, or being sports events (as racing, throwing, and jumping contests) held on a running track and on an enclosed field

track·ball \ˈtrak-ˌbȯl\ n : a ball that is mounted usually in a computer console so as to be only partially exposed and that is rotated to control the movement of a cursor on a display

1tract \ˈtrakt\ n
1 a : an indefinite stretch of land <a large tract of forest>  b : a defined area of land <a garden tract>
2 : a system of body parts or organs that act together to perform some function <the digestive tract>

2tract n : a pamphlet of political or religious ideas and beliefs

trac·ta·ble \ˈtrak-tə-bəl\ adj : easily led, taught, or controlled <a tractable horse>

tract house n : a house that is one of a number of very similar houses built on a tract of land

trac·tion \ˈtrak-shən\ n
1 : the act of drawing : the state of being drawn
2 : the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves (as of a wheel on a rail)
3 : a pulling force applied to a skeletal structure (as a broken bone) by using a special device <a traction splint>; also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force <a leg in traction>

trac·tor \ˈtrak-tər\ n
1 : a vehicle that has large rear wheels or moves on tracks and is used especially for pulling farm implements
2 : a short truck with no body used in combination with a trailer for hauling freight

1trade \ˈtrād\ n
1 : the business or work in which a person takes part regularly : OCCUPATION
2 : an occupation requiring manual or mechanical skill
3 : the persons working in an occupation, business, or industry
4 : the business of buying and selling items : COMMERCE
5 a : an act or instance of trading : TRANSACTION  b : an exchange of property without use of money : SWAP
6 : a firm's customers
7 : TRADE WIND — usually used in plural

2trade vb trad·ed; trad·ing
1 a : to give in exchange for something else  b : to make an exchange of <traded places>
2 a : to take part in the exchange, purchase, or sale of goods  b : to deal regularly as a customer

3trade adj : of, relating to, or used in trade

trade–in \ˈtrād-ˌin\ n : something given in trade usually as part payment for a purchase

trade in \(ˈ)trād-ˈin\ vb : to turn in as a payment or part payment for a purchase

trade·mark \ˈtrād-ˌmärk\ n
1 : a device (as a word) that points clearly to the origin or ownership of merchandise to which it is applied and that is legally reserved for use only by the owner
2 : something that identifies a person or thing
— trademark vb

trade–off \ˈtrād-ˌȯf\ n
1 : a balancing of things all of which cannot be had at the same time
2 : a giving up of one thing in return for another

trad·er \ˈtrād-ər\ n
1 : a person who trades
2 : a ship engaged in trade

trade route n
1 : one of the sea-lanes used by merchant ships
2 : a route followed by traders (as in caravans)

trade school n : a secondary school teaching the skilled trades

trades·man \ˈtrādz-mən\ n
1 : a worker in a skilled trade : CRAFTSMAN
2 : one who runs a retail store : SHOPKEEPER

trades·peo·ple \-ˌpē-pəl\ n pl : people engaged in trade

trade union n : LABOR UNION
— trade unionist n

trade wind n : a wind blowing almost constantly toward the equator from an easterly direction

trading card n : a card that usually has pictures and information about someone or something and is part of a set that is collected by trading with other people

trading post n : a station or store of a trader or trading company established in a thinly settled region where local products (as furs) are exchanged for manufactured goods

tra·di·tion \trə-ˈdish-ən\ n
1 : the handing down of information, beliefs, or customs from one generation to another
2 : a belief or custom handed down by tradition [Middle English tradicioun “tradition,” from early French tradicion (same meaning) and Latin tradition-, traditio “the action of handing over, tradition,” — related to TREASON; see Word History at TREASON]

tra·di·tion·al \trə-ˈdish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj
1 : handed down from age to age without writing
2 : based on custom <our traditional Thanksgiving dinner>
— tra·di·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

tra·duce \trə-ˈd(y)üs\ vb tra·duced; tra·duc·ing : 2SLANDER
— tra·duc·er n

1traf·fic \ˈtraf-ik\ n
1 : the business of buying and selling : COMMERCE
2 : communication or dealings between persons or groups <had no traffic with the enemy>
3 a : the movement (as of pedestrians or vehicles) through an area or along a route <heavy traffic in the kitchen before dinner> <rush-hour traffic>  b : the vehicles, pedestrians, ships, or planes moving along a route  c : a crowded mass of vehicles <stuck in traffic>
4 a : the passengers or goods carried by train, boat, or airplane  b : the business of carrying passengers or goods

2traffic vb traf·ficked; traf·fick·ing : to carry on traffic : TRADE, DEAL
— traf·fick·er n

traffic circle n : 2ROTARY 2

traffic light n : a visual signal (as a system of green, yellow, and red lights) for controlling traffic

traffic signal n : a signal (as a traffic light) for controlling traffic

tra·ge·di·an \trə-ˈjēd-ē-ən\ n
1 : a writer of tragedies
2 : an actor of tragic roles

trag·e·dy \ˈtraj-əd-ē\ n, pl -dies
1 : a serious drama with a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion
2 : a disastrous event
Word History Tragedy as a form of drama began in ancient Greece. It developed from the public performances of songs and dances at religious festivals. These festivals were held in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. The Greeks called these performances tragōidia, which meant literally “goat song.” The word came from tragos, meaning “goat” and aeidein, meaning “to sing.” These performances were at first given by a chorus. Later, however, it became popular to have one member of the chorus stand apart from the others and give a spoken introduction to or interpretation of the story. This speaker soon took over a larger and larger role in the performances. In time, this person was joined by more speakers until the dramas came to be like our modern plays with many parts acted out. It is not certain why these performances were named with a word for “goat.” One explanation is that a goat was given as a prize to the person presenting the best drama. Another is that the goat was sacred to the god Dionysus and was sacrificed to him at these festivals. The early tragedies were stories of the misfortunes of heroes of legend or history, and that idea of misfortune carries on today in the common meaning of our word tragedy. [Middle English tragedie “tragedy as a drama,” from early French tragedie (same meaning), from Latin tragoedia (same meaning), from Greek tragōidia “a drama about the misfortunes of heroes,” literally “goat song,” from tragos “goat” and aeidein “to sing”]

trag·ic \ˈtraj-ik\ adj
1 : of, marked by, or expressive of tragedy
2 : dealing with or appearing in tragedy <a tragic hero>
3 : very unfortunate : DEPLORABLE <a tragic mistake>
— trag·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

tragic flaw n : a defect in the character of a good person (as the hero of a tragedy) that causes his or her destruction

tragi·com·edy \ˌtraj-i-ˈkäm-əd-ē\ n : a play or situation which blends tragic and comic elements
— tragi·com·ic \-ˈkäm-ik\ also tragi·com·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adj

1trail \ˈtrā(ə)l\ vb
1 : to drag or draw along behind
2 : to lag behind
3 a : to follow upon the scent or trace of : TRACK <dogs trailing a fox>  b : to follow in the tracks of : PURSUE <photographers trailed the actor>
4 : to hang down or rest on or creep over the ground <trailing vines> <a trailing skirt>
5 : to form a trail <smoke trailed from the chimney>
6 : to become less and less : DWINDLE <the voice trailed off>  synonyms see CHASE

2trail n
1 : something that trails or is trailed
2 : a trace or mark left by something that has passed or been drawn along
3 a : a track made by passage : a beaten path  b : a path marked to show a route (as through a forest) <hiking trails>  c : an established course or routine <hit the campaign trail>

trail·blaz·er \ˈtrā(ə)l-ˌblā-zər\ n : someone who prepares the way for others who follow: as  a : PATHFINDER  b : 1PIONEER 1

trail·er \ˈtrā-lər\ n
1 : one that trails
2 a : a vehicle designed to be hauled (as by a tractor)  b : a vehicle designed to serve wherever parked as a dwelling or as a place of business
3 : 2PREVIEW 2

trailing arbutus n : a trailing plant of eastern North America that belongs to the heath family and produces fragrant pink or white flowers in early spring — called also arbutus

trail mix n : a mixture of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit eaten as a snack

1train \ˈtrān\ n
1 : a part of a gown that trails behind the wearer
2 : a number of followers or attendants : RETINUE
3 : a moving file of persons, vehicles, or animals <wagon train>
4 a : an orderly connected series of events, actions, or ideas <train of thought>  b : 2RESULT 1, AFTERMATH
5 : a series of moving machine parts (as gears) for transmitting and modifying motion
6 : a connected line of railroad cars

2train vb
1 : to direct the growth of (a plant) usually by bending, pruning, and tying
2 a : to teach in an art, profession, or trade  b : to teach (an animal) to obey
3 : to make ready for a test of skill or strength
4 : to aim at an object or target <trained their eyes on the horizon>
— train·abil·i·ty \ˌtrā-nə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— train·able \ˈtrā-nə-bəl\ adj

train·ee \trā-ˈnē\ n : a person who is being trained for a job

train·er \ˈtrān-ər\ n
1 : one that trains
2 : a person who treats the minor ailments and injuries of the members of an athletic team

train·ing n
1 : the course followed by one who trains or is being trained
2 : the knowledge, experience, or condition acquired by one who trains  synonyms see EDUCATION

training wheels n pl : a pair of small wheels connected to the rear axle of a bicycle to help a beginning bicyclist keep balance

traipse \ˈtrāps\ vb traipsed; traips·ing : to walk or wander about

trait \ˈtrāt\ n
1 : a quality that sets one person or thing off from another : PECULIARITY 2 <curiosity is one of her notable traits>
2 : an inherited characteristic <dominant and recessive traits> [from early French trait “the act of pulling,” from Latin tractus, past participle of trahere “to pull, drag” — related to 1TRACE, 3TRACE]

trai·tor \ˈtrāt-ər\ n
1 : one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty
2 : one who commits treason [Middle English traitre “traitor,” from early French traitre (same meaning), from Latin traditor (same meaning), derived from tradere “to hand over, betray” — related to TREASON; see Word History at TREASON]

trai·tor·ous \ˈtrāt-ə-rəs, ˈtrā-trəs\ adj
1 : guilty or capable of treason
2 : amounting to treason <traitorous acts>

tra·jec·to·ry \trə-ˈjek-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries : the curve that a body (as a planet in its orbit or a rocket) travels along in space

tram \ˈtram\ n
1 : a cart or wagon running on rails (as in a mine)
2 chiefly British : STREETCAR
3 : an overhead cable car

1tram·mel \ˈtram-əl\ n : something preventing free movement or activity — usually used in plural

2trammel vb -meled or -melled; -mel·ing or -mel·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : to prevent or restrict the free movement of

1tramp \ˈtramp, senses 1 & 2 are also ˈträmp, ˈtrȯmp\ vb
1 : to walk heavily
2 : to tread on forcibly and repeatedly
3 : to travel or wander through on foot <tramp the streets>
— tramp·er n

2tramp \ˈtramp, sense 3 is also ˈträmp, ˈtrȯmp\ n
1 : a homeless wanderer who may beg or steal for a living
2 : a walking trip : HIKE
3 : the sound made by many marching feet
4 : a ship not making regular trips but taking cargo to any port — called also tramp steamer

tram·ple \ˈtram-pəl\ vb tram·pled; tram·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to tramp or tread heavily so as to bruise, crush, or injure <cattle trampled on the young wheat>  b : to crush, injure, or destroy by or as if by treading <trampled the flowers>
2 : to injure or harm by ruthless or heartless treatment <trampling on the right of others>
— tram·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ n

tram·po·line \ˌtram-pə-ˈlēn, ˈtram-pə-ˌlēn\ n : a canvas sheet supported by springs in a metal frame used for springing and landing in acrobatic tumbling

trance \ˈtran(t)s\ n
1 : STUPOR 1
2 : a sleeplike state (as of deep hypnosis)
3 : a state of being so deeply absorbed in something as to be unaware of one's surroundings
— trance·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

tran·quil \ˈtraŋ-kwəl, ˈtran-\ adj : free from disturbance or turmoil : QUIET  synonyms see CALM
— tran·quil·ly \-kwə-lē\ adv

tran·quil·ize also tran·quil·lize \ˈtraŋ-kwə-ˌlīz, ˈtran-\ vb -ized also -lized; -iz·ing also -liz·ing : to make or become tranquil or relaxed; esp : to ease the nervous tension and anxiety of usually by means of drugs

tran·quil·iz·er also tran·quil·liz·er \ˈtraŋ-kwə-ˌlī-zər, ˈtran-\ n : one that tranquilizes; esp : a drug used to reduce anxiety and nervous tension

tran·quil·li·ty or tran·quil·i·ty \tran-ˈkwil-ət-ē, traŋ-\ n : the quality or state of being tranquil

trans- prefix
1 : on or to the other side of : across : beyond <transatlantic>
2 : so or such as to change in form or position or transfer <transliterate> [derived from Latin trans- “across, beyond, so as to change”]

trans·act \tran(t)s-ˈakt, tranz-\ vb
1 : to carry through <transact a sale of property>
2 : 2CONDUCT 2, CARRY ON <transact business>
— trans·ac·tor \-ˈak-tər\ n

trans·ac·tion \tran(t)s-ˈak-shən, tranz-\ n
1 a : something transacted; esp : a business deal  b pl : the record of the meeting of an organization
2 a : an act, process, or instance of transacting  b : an act of communication between two people who influence or change each other

trans·at·lan·tic \ˌtran(t)s-ət-ˈlant-ik, ˌtranz-\ adj
1 : crossing or extending across the Atlantic Ocean <a transatlantic cable>
2 : located or coming from beyond the Atlantic Ocean <our transatlantic friends>

trans·bor·der \ˌtran(t)s-ˈbȯrd-ər\ adj : crossing or reaching across a border

tran·scend \tran(t)s-ˈend\ vb
1 : to rise above or go beyond the limits of : EXCEED
2 : to be greatly superior to : SURPASS

tran·scen·dence \tran(t)s-ˈen-dən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being transcendent

tran·scen·dent \tran(t)s-ˈen-dənt\ adj
1 : superior to or going beyond the usual : EXTRAORDINARY
2 : going beyond the limits of ordinary experience

tran·scen·den·tal \ˌtran(t)s-ˌen-ˈdent-əl, -ən-\ adj : TRANSCENDENT 2
— tran·scen·den·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

trans·con·ti·nen·tal \ˌtran(t)s-ˌkänt-ən-ˈent-əl\ adj : extending or going across a continent <a transcontinental flight>

tran·scribe \tran(t)s-ˈkrīb\ vb tran·scribed; tran·scrib·ing
1 a : to make a written copy of  b : to make a copy of (dictated or recorded matter) by hand or on a machine (as a typewriter)
2 : to represent speech sounds with phonetic symbols
— tran·scrib·er n

tran·script \ˈtran(t)s-ˌkript\ n
1 : a written, printed, or typed copy
2 : an official copy (as of a student's educational record)

tran·scrip·tion \tran(t)s-ˈkrip-shən\ n
1 : an act, process, or instance of transcribing
2 : 1COPY 1, TRANSCRIPT
3 : the process of forming a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a guide — compare TRANSLATION 2

trans·cul·tur·al \tran(t)s-ˈkəlch-(ə-)rəl\ adj : involving or extending across two or more cultures

tran·sept \ˈtran(t)s-ˌept\ n : the section forming the short arm of a church with a cross-shaped floor plan

1trans·fer \tran(t)s-ˈfər, ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər\ vb trans·ferred; trans·fer·ring
1 a : to pass from one person, place, or situation to another  b : to cause to pass from one to another
2 : to give over the possession or ownership of
3 : to move to a different place, region, or situation; esp : to withdraw from one school to enroll at another
4 : to change from one vehicle or transportation line to another [Middle English transferren “to transfer,” from Latin transferre (same meaning), from trans- “across, through” and ferre “to bear, carry” — related to 1DEFER, FERTILE]
— trans·fer·able \tran(t)s-ˈfər-ə-bəl\ adj

— trans·fer·al \-ˈfər-əl\ n

2trans·fer \ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər\ n
1 : a giving over of right, title, or interest in property by one person to another
2 : an act, process, or example of transferring
3 : one that transfers or is transferred
4 : a graphic image transferred by contact from one surface to another
5 : a place where a transfer is made (as from trains to ferries)
6 : a ticket permitting a passenger on a bus or train to continue the journey by another route

trans·fer·ence \tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s\ n : an act, process, or example of transferring

transfer RNA \ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər-\ n : a relatively small RNA molecule that functions in the transfer of a particular amino acid to a growing protein at the site of protein synthesis during genetic translation — compare MESSENGER RNA

trans·fig·u·ra·tion \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : a great change of form or appearance; esp : a change that beautifies, glorifies, or makes more spiritual
2 cap : a Christian festival celebrating Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain as witnessed by three of his disciples

trans·fig·ure \tran(t)s-ˈfig-yər, especially British -ˈfig-ər\ vb -ured; -ur·ing : to change the form or appearance of and usually make more glorious or ideally beautiful

trans·fix \tran(t)s-ˈfiks\ vb
1 : to pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon
2 : to hold motionless by or as if by piercing <stood transfixed by her gaze>

trans·form \tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\ vb
1 a : to change completely in composition, structure, or character  b : to change in outward appearance
2 : to substitute for or change (a mathematical expression) into another using a mathematical rule
— trans·for·ma·tive \-ˈfȯr-mət-iv\ adj

trans·for·ma·tion \ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən, -fȯr-\ n : an act, process, or example of transforming or being transformed
— trans·for·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

trans·form·er \tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər\ n : a device for changing an electric current into one of different voltage

trans·fuse \tran(t)s-ˈfyüz\ vb trans·fused; trans·fus·ing
1 a : to cause to pass from one to another  b : to spread through or be filled with <a room transfused with light>
2 : to transfer (as blood) into a blood vessel of a person or animal

trans·fu·sion \tran(t)s-ˈfyü-zhən\ n
1 : an act, process, or instance of transfusing; esp : the process of transfusing a fluid and especially blood into a blood vessel
2 : something transfused

trans·gen·der \tran(t)s-ˈjen-dər\ adj : of or relating to people who have a gender identity that is not clearly male or clearly female

trans·gress \tran(t)s-ˈgres, tranz-\ vb
1 : to go beyond limits set by : VIOLATE <transgress divine law>
2 : to pass beyond or go over a limit or boundary
3 : to violate a command or law [from early French transgresser “to transgress,” from Latin transgressus, past participle of transgredi “to step across or beyond,” from trans- “across, beyond” and gradi “to step”]
— trans·gres·sive \-ˈgres-iv\ adj

— trans·gres·sor \-ˈgres-ər\ n

trans·gres·sion \tran(t)s-ˈgresh-ən, tranz-\ n : an act, process, or example of transgressing

1tran·sient \ˈtranch-ənt\ adj : not lasting or staying long
— tran·sient·ly adv
synonyms TRANSIENT, TRANSITORY, MOMENTARY, FLEETING, mean lasting or staying only a short time. TRANSIENT applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay <a hotel for transient guests>. TRANSITORY applies to what is by its nature likely to change, pass, or come to an end <fame in the movies is transitory>. MOMENTARY suggests a quick coming and going as a brief interruption of a more lasting state <my feeling of joy was only momentary>. FLEETING applies to something that passes very quickly and cannot be brought back <a happy life with only fleeting moments of sorrow>.

2transient n
1 : a temporary guest
2 : a person traveling about usually in search of work

tran·sis·tor \tranz-ˈis-tər, tran(t)s-\ n
1 : an electronic device that consists of a small block of a semiconductor (as germanium) with at least three electrodes and is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment (as a radio or computer)
2 : a radio having transistors — called also transistor radio

1tran·sit \ˈtran(t)s-ət, ˈtranz-\ n
1 : an act, process, or example of passing through or over : PASSAGE
2 : the transporting of persons or things from one place to another <goods lost in transit>
3 : local transportation of people in public vehicles; also : the vehicles or system used in such transportation
4 : a surveyor's instrument for measuring angles [from Latin transitus “passage, journey,” from transire “to go across, pass,” from trans- “across, beyond” and ire “to go” — related to ISSUE, ITINERARY]

2transit vb : to pass or cause to pass over, through, or across

1tran·si·tion \tran(t)s-ˈish-ən, tranz-\ n
1 : a changing from one state, stage, place, or subject to another
2 : a musical passage leading from one section of a piece to another
— tran·si·tion·al \-ˈish-nəl, -ˈizh-, -ən-əl\ adj

— tran·si·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2transition vb : to make a transition <transitioning to a new school>

transition element n : any of various metallic elements (as chromium, iron, and nickel) that can form bonds using electrons from two energy levels instead of only one

tran·si·tive \ˈtran(t)s-ət-iv, ˈtranz-; ˈtran(t)s-tiv\ adj
1 : having or containing a direct object <a transitive verb>
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by transition
— tran·si·tive·ly adv

tran·si·to·ry \ˈtran(t)s-ə-ˌtōr-ē, ˈtranz-, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : lasting only a short time : SHORT-LIVED, TEMPORARY  synonyms see TRANSIENT
— tran·si·to·ri·ly \ˌtran(t)s-ə-ˈtōr-ə-lē, ˌtranz-, -ˈtȯr-\ adv

trans·late \tran(t)s-ˈlāt, tranz-\ vb trans·lat·ed; trans·lat·ing
1 : to change from one place, state, or form to another : TRANSFORM <translate ideas into action>
2 : to transport miraculously to heaven without death
3 a : to change from one language or set of symbols into another <translate Japanese into English>  b : to express in different words : PARAPHRASE  c : to explain in a clearer way : INTERPRET <needed a lawyer to translate the contract>
4 : to be translated
5 : to have as a result — usually used with into <believes that more homework will translate into better grades>
— trans·lat·able \-ˈlāt-ə-bəl\ adj

— trans·la·tor \-ˈlāt-ər\ n

trans·la·tion \tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən, tranz-\ n
1 : an act, process, or product of translating
2 : the process of forming a protein molecule from information contained in a messenger RNA molecule — compare TRANSCRIPTION 3

trans·lit·er·ate \tran(t)s-ˈlit-ə-ˌrāt, tranz-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to represent or spell in the characters of another alphabet
— trans·lit·er·a·tion \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌlit-ə-ˈrā-shən, (ˌ)tranz-\ n

trans·lu·cen·cy \tran(t)s-ˈlü-sən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being translucent

trans·lu·cent \tran(t)s-ˈlüs-ənt, tranz-\ adj
1 : clear and pure as if shining from within <a translucent lake>
2 : not transparent but clear enough to allow light to pass through <frosted glass is translucent>

trans·mi·gra·tion \ˌtran(t)s-ˌmī-ˈgrā-shən, ˌtranz-\ n : the passing of a soul into another body after death

trans·mis·si·ble \tran(t)s-ˈmis-ə-bəl, tranz-\ adj : capable of being transmitted <transmissible diseases>

trans·mis·sion \tran(t)s-ˈmish-ən, tranz-\ n
1 : an act, process, or example of transmitting
2 : the passage of radio waves in the space between transmitting and receiving stations
3 : the gears by which the power is transmitted from the engine to the axle that gives motion to a motor vehicle
4 : something transmitted

trans·mit \tran(t)s-ˈmit, tranz-\ vb trans·mit·ted; trans·mit·ting
1 a : to transfer from one person or place to another  b : to pass on by or as if by inheritance  c : to cause or allow to spread abroad or to another <transmit a disease>
2 a : to pass or cause to pass through space or a material : allow the passage of  b : to send a signal by radio waves or over a wire [Middle English transmitten “to send to another person or place,” from Latin transmittere (same meaning), from trans- “across, to the other side” and mittere “to send, throw” — related to EMIT]
— trans·mit·ta·ble \-ˈmit-ə-bəl\ adj

— trans·mit·tal \-ˈmit-əl\ n

trans·mit·ter \tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, tranz-\ n : one that transmits; esp : a device that sends out radio or television signals

trans·mu·ta·tion \ˌtran(t)s-myu̇-ˈtā-shən, ˌtranz-\ n : an act or example of transmuting or being transmuted; esp : the changing of one element into another (as of base metals into gold or silver)

trans·mute \tran(t)s-ˈmyüt, tranz-\ vb trans·muted; trans·mut·ing
1 : to change in kind, appearance, or value : CONVERT
2 : to change into another substance or element : to undergo transmutation

trans·oce·an·ic \tran(t)s-ˌō-shē-ˈan-ik, tranz-\ adj
1 : lying or dwelling beyond the ocean <a transoceanic land>
2 : crossing or extending across the ocean <a transoceanic voyage>

tran·som \ˈtran(t)-səm\ n
1 : a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above it
2 : a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom

trans·pa·cif·ic \ˌtran(t)s-pə-ˈsif-ik\ adj
1 : crossing or extending across the Pacific Ocean
2 : located or occurring beyond the Pacific Ocean

trans·par·en·cy \tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē, -ˈper-\ n, pl -cies
1 : the quality or state of being transparent
2 : a picture or design on glass, thin cloth, paper, or film viewed by shining light through it or by projection

trans·par·ent \tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt, -ˈper-\ adj
1 a : transmitting light so that objects lying beyond are entirely visible  b : fine or sheer enough to be seen through <transparent gauze>
2 : easily detected or understood : OBVIOUS <transparent falsehood>
— trans·par·ent·ly adv

tran·spi·ra·tion \tran(t)s-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n : the process by which plants give off water vapor through the stomata in their leaves

tran·spire \tran(t)s-ˈpī(ə)r\ vb tran·spired; tran·spir·ing
1 : to pass or give off in the form of water vapor through stomata in leaves
2 : to become known or apparent : become revealed <it transpired that we had the wrong address>
3 : to come to pass : HAPPEN <what transpired last night>

1trans·plant \tran(t)s-ˈplant\ vb
1 : to dig up and plant in another soil or situation <transplant seedlings>
2 : to remove from one place and settle or introduce elsewhere <transplanted beavers to other parts of the state> <a New Yorker transplanted to the West coast>
3 : to transfer (an organ or tissue) from one part or individual to another
— trans·plan·ta·tion \ˌtran(t)s-ˌplan-ˈtā-shən\ n

— trans·plant·er \tran(t)s-ˈplant-ər\ n

2trans·plant \ˈtran(t)s-ˌplant\ n
1 : something or someone transplanted
2 : the act or process of transplanting

1trans·port \tran(t)s-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt\ vb
1 : to transfer or convey from one place to another
2 : to fill with delight
3 : to send to a penal colony overseas [Middle English transporten “to transport,” from early French transporter or Latin transportare (both, same meaning), from Latin trans- “across, through, so as to change” and portare “to carry” — related to PORTABLE]
— trans·port·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— trans·port·er n

2trans·port \ˈtran(t)s-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : an act or process of transporting : TRANSPORTATION
2 : strong or extremely pleasurable emotion <transports of joy>
3 a : a ship for carrying soldiers or military equipment  b : a vehicle used to transport persons or goods

trans·por·ta·tion \ˌtran(t)s-pər-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : an act, process, or instance of transporting or being transported
2 : exile to a penal colony
3 a : a means or method of transport <was left without transportation when the car died>  b : the public transporting of passengers or goods usually for a price

trans·pose \tran(t)s-ˈpōz\ vb trans·posed; trans·pos·ing
1 : to change the position, order, or sequence of
2 : to write or perform (a musical composition) in a different key
3 : to bring (a term) from one side of an algebraic equation to the other with change of sign <given the equation y = 3 - 2x, transpose the 2x to get y + 2x = 3>
— trans·po·si·tion \ˌtran(t)s-pə-ˈzish-ən\ n

tran·sub·stan·ti·a·tion \ˌtran(t)s-əb-ˌstan-chē-ˈā-shən\ n : the miraculous change by which according to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox belief the consecrated bread and wine at Mass become the body and blood of Christ while maintaining their appearance

trans·ver·sal \tran(t)s-ˈvər-səl, tranz-\ n : a line that intersects a system of lines

trans·verse \tran(t)s-ˈvərs, tranz-; ˈtran(t)s-ˌvərs, ˈtranz-\ adj : lying or being across : set crosswise <transverse beams supporting the floor>
— trans·verse·ly adv

transverse wave n : a wave in which the vibrating element moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of advance of the wave

1trap \ˈtrap\ n
1 : a device for catching animals; esp : one that catches by springing shut suddenly
2 : something by which one is caught unawares
3 a : a device for hurling clay pigeons into the air  b : SAND TRAP
4 : a light usually one-horse carriage with springs
5 : any of various devices for preventing passage of one thing often while allowing something else to proceed; esp : a device for drains or sewers consisting of a bend or chamber in which the liquid forms a seal to prevent the passage of sewer gas
6 pl : a group of percussion instruments (as in a dance band)

2trap vb trapped; trap·ping
1 a : to catch in or as if in a trap <trap a bird>  b : to place in a restricted position : CONFINE <was almost trapped in the burning building>
2 : to provide or set with a trap
3 : to engage in trapping animals (as for fur)  synonyms see CATCH
— trap·per n

trap·door \ˈtrap-ˈdō(ə)r, -ˈdȯ(ə)r\ n : a lifting or sliding door covering or hiding an opening in a roof, ceiling, or floor

trap–door spider n : any of various spiders that build silk-lined underground nests topped with a hinged lid

tra·peze \tra-ˈpēz\ n : a gymnastic or acrobatic device consisting of a short horizontal bar hung from two parallel ropes

trap·e·zoid \ˈtrap-ə-ˌzȯid\ n : a polygon that has four sides and exactly two that are parallel
— trap·e·zoi·dal \ˌtrap-ə-ˈzȯid-əl\ adj

trap·line \ˈtrap-ˌlīn\ n : a line or series of traps especially for fur-bearing animals; also : the route along which such traps are set

trap·pings \ˈtrap-iŋz\ n
1 : an ornamental covering especially for a horse — usually used in plural
2 pl : outward decoration or dress
3 pl : outward signs <all the trappings of success>

trap·shoot·ing \ˈtrap-ˌshüt-iŋ\ n : shooting at clay pigeons sprung into the air from a trap
— trap·shoot·er \-ˌshüt-ər\ n

tra·pun·to \trə-ˈpün-tō, -ˈpu̇n-\ n, pl -tos : a type of quilting in which a design outlined with a single row of stitches is padded from behind to produce a decorative raised effect

trash \ˈtrash\ n
1 : something of little or no value: as  a : 1JUNK 2, RUBBISH  b : silly or worthless talk or works (as books)
2 : a low or worthless person; also : such persons as a group : RABBLE 2
— trashy \ˈtrash-ē\ adj

trau·ma \ˈtrau̇-mə, ˈtrȯ-\ n, pl traumas also trau·ma·ta \-mə-tə\
1 a : a serious bodily injury (as that caused by an accident or violent act) <head trauma>  b : an abnormal psychological or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or injury
2 : a cause of trauma
— trau·mat·ic \trə-ˈmat-ik, trȯ-, trau̇-\ adj

trau·ma·tize \ˈtrau̇-mə-ˌtīz, ˈtrȯ-\ vb -tized; -tiz·ing : to inflict trauma upon <was traumatized by the accident>

tra·vail \trə-ˈvā(ə)l, ˈtrav-ˌāl\ n
1 : work especially of a painful or difficult nature : TOIL
2 : AGONY 1, TORMENT [Middle English travail “hard labor,” from early French travail (same meaning), from travailler (verb) “to torment, labor” — related to TRAVEL; see Word History at TRAVEL]
— travail vb

1trav·el \ˈtrav-əl\ vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to journey from place to place or to a distant place
2 : to move or advance from one place to another <the news traveled fast>
Word History With our modern cars, ships, and airplanes and our many restaurants and hotels, travel today is not difficult. But in the Middle Ages roads were poor and places to eat and sleep were far apart. Travel was hard, uncomfortable work—even torture. In fact, our word travel comes from a Latin word that meant “torture.” Many devices were used in the Middle Ages for torture in an effort to force confessions from persons accused of crimes. One of these devices, called in Latin a tripalium, gave us our word travel. The word tripalium, literally “three stakes,” was derived from Latin tri-, meaning “three” and palus, meaning “stake, pale.” This word is thought to have been the source of the Latin verb tripaliare, meaning “to torture.” In early French the word became travailler, with both the meaning “to torment” and the meaning “to work hard.” This early French word was taken into Middle English as travailen, with the meaning “to work hard” and “to travel.” In time these two meanings became separated into different words, travail, which means “hard work,” and travel, which means “to go on a trip.” [Middle English travailen “torment, labor, strive, journey,” from early French travailler “torment, labor,” from an unrecorded Latin verb tripaliare “to torture,” from Latin tripalium “an instrument of torture,” literally “three stakes,” derived from tri- “three” and palus “stake, pale” — related to 3PALE, TRAVAIL]

2travel n
1 a : the act or means of traveling <air travel is fast>  b : 1JOURNEY, TRIP — often used in plural
2 pl : an account of one's travels

travel agency n : a business that plans and arranges for tours, transportation, and lodgings for travelers
— travel agent n

trav·eled or trav·elled \ˈtrav-əld\ adj
1 : having traveled widely : experienced in travel <a well-traveled reporter>
2 : used by travelers <a heavily-traveled road>

trav·el·er or trav·el·ler \ˈtrav-(ə-)lər\ n : one that travels

traveler's check n : a check that is paid for in advance like a money order, that is difficult to forge, and that will be replaced if lost or stolen

trav·el·ing or trav·el·ling \ˈtrav-(ə-)liŋ\ adj
1 : that travels <a troupe of traveling actors>
2 : used by or accompanying a traveler <a traveling alarm clock> <a traveling companion>

traveling bag n : SUITCASE

traveling salesman n : a traveling representative of a business who solicits orders

trav·el·ogue or trav·el·og \ˈtrav-ə-ˌlȯg, -ˌläg\ n
1 : an illustrated lecture or film about travel
2 : a piece of writing about travel

tra·vers·al \trə-ˈvər-səl\ n : the act or an instance of traversing

1trav·erse \ˈtra-vərs\ n
1 : something that crosses or lies across
2 : a curved or zigzag path along the face of a steep slope
3 : the act or an instance of traversing <stopped to rest in their traverse of the mountain>

2tra·verse \trə-ˈvərs\ vb tra·versed; tra·vers·ing
1 : to go against : OPPOSE
2 a : to pass through, across, or over <traversed the historic fields>  b : to lie or extend across <a bridge traverses the river>
3 : to make a study of : EXAMINE
4 : to move back and forth or from side to side <pedestrians traversing the busy intersection>
5 : to climb or ski at an angle or in a zigzag course

3trav·erse \ˈtra-(ˌ)vərs, trə-ˈvərs\ adj : lying across : TRANSVERSE

trav·er·tine \ˈtrav-ər-ˌtēn, -tən\ n : a mineral consisting of a massive usually layered calcium carbonate formed as deposits from spring waters or especially from hot springs

trav·es·ty \ˈtrav-ə-stē\ n, pl -ties
1 : an imitation that makes crude fun of something
2 : an inferior imitation or likeness <a travesty of justice>
— travesty vb

tra·vois \trə-ˈvȯi, ˈtrav-ˌȯi\ n, pl tra·vois \-ˈvȯiz, -ˌȯiz\ also tra·voises \-ˈvȯiz, -ˌȯiz\ : an animal-drawn vehicle made of two crossed trailing poles used by Plains Indians to transport a load

1trawl \ˈtrȯl\ vb : to fish or catch with a trawl

2trawl n
1 : a large cone-shaped net dragged along the sea bottom in fishing
2 : SETLINE

trawl·er \ˈtrȯ-lər\ n : a boat used for trawling

tray \ˈtrā\ n : an open container with flat bottom and low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles
— tray·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ n

treach·er·ous \ˈtrech-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 a : guilty of treachery  b : likely to betray : UNRELIABLE <a treacherous memory>
2 : giving a false appearance of safety or solidity <a treacherous stretch of bog>
— treach·er·ous·ly adv

treach·ery \ˈtrech-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence : TREASON
2 : an act of treason

trea·cle \ˈtrē-kəl\ n, chiefly British : MOLASSES

1tread \ˈtred\ vb trod \ˈträd\; trod·den \ˈträd-ən\ or trod; tread·ing
1 a : to step or walk on or over  b : to walk along : FOLLOW
2 : to beat or press with the feet : TRAMPLE
3 a : to form by treading : BEAT <tread a path>  b : to perform by stepping or dancing <tread a measure>
— tread·er n

— tread water : to keep the body nearly upright in the water and the head above water by a treading motion of the feet usually aided by the hands

2tread n
1 : a mark made by or as if by treading
2 : the action, manner, or sound of treading or stepping
3 a : the part of a sole that touches the ground  b : the part of a wheel or tire that makes contact with a road or rail; esp : the ridges or grooves on the surface of a tire
4 : the horizontal part of a step

1trea·dle \ˈtred-əl\ n : a lever or other device pressed by the foot to operate a machine

2treadle vb trea·dled; trea·dling \ˈtred-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to operate a treadle on a machine

tread·mill \ˈtred-ˌmil\ n
1 a : a device moved by persons treading on steps set around the rim of a wide wheel or by animals walking on an endless belt  b : a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place for exercise or medical testing
2 : a tiring or monotonous routine

trea·son \ˈtrēz-ən\ n
1 : the betrayal of a trust : TREACHERY
2 : the crime of attempting to overthrow the government of one's country or of attempting to kill or injure the ruler or the ruler's family
Word History The words treason and tradition both come from the same Latin source. The Latin word traditio meant “teaching” or “tradition.” These senses developed from its basic meaning, which was “the act of handing something over.” Tradition is maintained by passing information from one generation to another. One kind of treason is committed when someone who has been entrusted with secret information passes it on to someone else. The word tradition was borrowed directly from the Latin traditio. Treason, on the other hand, came to us through early French, where traditio had changed into the word traisun. [Middle English tresoun “treason,” from early French traisun (same meaning), from Latin tradition-, traditio “the action of handing over, tradition, betrayal,” from tradere “to hand over, betray,” from tra-, trans- “across” and dare “to give” — related to TRADITION, TRAITOR]

trea·son·able \ˈtrēz-nə-bəl, -ən-ə-bəl\ adj : relating to, consisting of, or involving treason
— trea·son·ably \-blē\ adv

1trea·sure \ˈtrezh-ər, ˈtrāzh-\ n
1 : wealth (as money, jewels, or precious metals) stored up or held in reserve
2 : someone or something that is valued highly [Middle English tresor “treasure,” from early French tresor (same meaning), from Latin thesaurus “treasure, collection” — related to THESAURUS]

2treasure vb trea·sured; trea·sur·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to value highly : CHERISH

trea·sur·er \ˈtrezh-rər, ˈtrezh-ər-ər, ˈtrāzh-\ n : an officer of a club, business, or government who has charge of money taken in and paid out

treasure trove \-ˌtrōv\ n
1 : treasure of unknown ownership found buried or hidden
2 : a valuable discovery

trea·sury \ˈtrezh-(ə-)rē, ˈtrāzh-\ n, pl trea·sur·ies
1 a : a place in which stores of wealth are kept  b : the place where collected funds are stored and paid out
2 cap : a government department in charge of finances

1treat \ˈtrēt\ vb
1 : to discuss terms of agreement with : NEGOTIATE <treat with the enemy>
2 a : to have as a subject especially in writing <a book treating of crime>  b : to deal with : HANDLE <roses must be treated with care>
3 a : to pay for another's food or entertainment <I'm treating tonight>  b : to provide with free food, entertainment, or enjoyment <let me treat you with lunch>
4 : to handle, use, or act toward in a usually stated way <treat a horse cruelly> <treat this as top secret>
5 : to give medical or surgical care to <treat a patient> <treat a cold>
6 : to subject to some action or process to bring about a desired result <treat a metal with acid>

2treat n
1 : an entertainment given without expense to those invited
2 : a usually unexpected or unusual source of pleasure or amusement

trea·tise \ˈtrēt-əs\ n : a book or article examining a subject carefully and completely

treat·ment \ˈtrēt-mənt\ n
1 : the act or manner or an instance of treating someone or something <the antiques require careful treatment>
2 : a substance or method used in treating <a beauty treatment> <waste treatment plant>

trea·ty \ˈtrēt-ē\ n, pl treaties : an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation; esp : one between two or more states or rulers

1tre·ble \ˈtreb-əl\ n
1 a : the highest of the four voice parts in vocal music : SOPRANO  b : a singer or instrument having the highest range
2 : a high-pitched or shrill voice, tone, or sound
3 : the upper half of the musical pitch range — compare 2BASS

2treble adj
1 a : having three parts  b : triple in number or amount
2 a : relating to or having the range of a musical treble <treble voice>  b : HIGH-PITCHED, SHRILL
— tre·bly \ˈtreb-(ə-)lē\ adv

3treble vb tre·bled; tre·bling \ˈtreb-(ə-)liŋ\ : to make or become three times the size, amount, or number

treble clef n
1 : a clef that places G above middle C on the second line of the staff
2 : TREBLE STAFF

treble staff n : the musical staff carrying the treble clef

1tree \ˈtrē\ n
1 a : a woody plant that lives for years and has a usually single tall main stem with few or no branches on its lower part  b : a shrub or herb that has a form like a tree <rose trees> <a banana tree>
2 : a piece of wood (as a post or pole) put to a particular use of forming part of a structure or device
3 : something shaped like or arranged in a form like a tree; esp : a diagram or graph in branching form — compare FACTOR TREE, FAMILY TREE 2
— tree·less \-ləs\ adj

— tree·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2tree vb treed; tree·ing
1 : to drive up or as if up a tree
2 : to furnish or fit with a tree <tree an axle>

treed \ˈtrēd\ adj
1 : driven up a tree <a treed animal>
2 : planted or grown with trees : WOODED

tree farm n : an area of forest land managed to ensure continuous commercial production
— tree farmer n

— tree farming n

tree fern n : a tropical fern with a woody stalk and a top of large often feathery fronds

tree frog n : any of numerous often tree-dwelling tailless amphibians (as the spring peeper) that typically have adhesive disks on the toes

tree·hop·per \ˈtrē-ˌhäp-ər\ n : any of several small leaping insects that are related to the leafhoppers and feed on sap from branches and twigs

tree house n : a structure (as a playhouse) built among the branches of a tree

tree line n : TIMBERLINE

tree of heaven : a Chinese tree that is widely planted as a shade and ornamental tree and has leaves divided into many leaflets and ill-smelling male flowers

tree ring n : ANNUAL RING

tree toad n : TREE FROG

tree·top \ˈtrē-ˌtäp\ n
1 : the highest part of a tree
2 pl : the height or line marked by the tops of a group of trees

tre·foil \ˈtrē-ˌfȯil, ˈtref-ˌȯil\ n
1 : any of several herbs (as a clover) of the legume family with leaves that have or appear to have three leaflets
2 : an ornament or symbol shaped like a leaf with three parts

1trek \ˈtrek\ vb trekked; trek·king
1 chiefly South African : to travel or migrate by ox wagon or in a train of such wagons
2 : to make one's way slowly and painfully [from Afrikaans trek, “to travel by ox wagon,” from Dutch trecken “to haul, pull”]
— trek·ker n

2trek n
1 chiefly South African : an organized journey or migration of a group of settlers traveling by ox wagon
2 : a slow or difficult journey

trel·lis \ˈtrel-əs\ n : a frame of lattice used especially as a screen or a support for climbing plants
— trel·lised \ˈtrel-əst\ adj

trem·a·tode \ˈtrem-ə-ˌtōd\ n : any of a class of parasitic flatworms including the flukes
— trematode adj

1trem·ble \ˈtrem-bəl\ vb trem·bled; trem·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to shake uncontrollably (as with fear or cold) : SHIVER
2 : to move, sound, or happen as if shaken <the building trembled from the blast> <my voice trembled>
3 : to have strong fear or doubt <I tremble to think what might happen>
— trem·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ n

2tremble n
1 : a fit or spell of uncontrollable shaking or quivering
2 : a tremor or series of tremors

tre·men·dous \tri-ˈmen-dəs\ adj
1 : causing dread, awe, or terror : DREADFUL
2 : astonishing because of great size, excellence, or power <tremendous problems> <a writer of tremendous talent>  synonyms see MONSTROUS
— tre·men·dous·ly adv

trem·o·lo \ˈtrem-ə-ˌlō\ n, pl -los
1 : the rapid repetition of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a rapid wavering sound
2 : a mechanical device in an organ for causing a rapid wavering sound

trem·or \ˈtrem-ər\ n
1 : a trembling or shaking usually caused by weakness or disease
2 : a quivering or vibrating motion; esp : a small movement of the earth before or after an earthquake

trem·u·lous \ˈtrem-yə-ləs\ adj
1 : marked by or affected with trembling or tremors <tremulous hands>
2 : FEARFUL 2, TIMID <a shy tremulous person>
3 : caused by or displaying nervousness or shakiness <a tremulous smile>

trench \ˈtrench\ n
1 a : a long narrow cut in the ground : DITCH  b : a ditch protected by a bank of earth used to shelter soldiers
2 : a long narrow steep-sided depression in the ocean floor

tren·chant \ˈtren-chənt\ adj
1 : having a sharp edge or point : CUTTING
2 : sharply perceptive : PENETRATING <a trenchant view of the situation>
3 : forceful and effective in expressing ideas <a trenchant analysis>
— tren·chant·ly adv

trench coat n : a loose double-breasted raincoat with deep pockets, belt, and straps on the shoulders

tren·cher \ˈtren-chər\ n : a wooden platter for serving food

tren·cher·man \ˈtren-chər-mən\ n : a hearty eater

trench mouth n : a destructive infectious inflammation of the mouth caused by bacteria

1trend \ˈtrend\ vb
1 : to extend in a general direction
2 : to show a tendency : INCLINE

2trend n
1 : general direction taken <the easterly trend of the shoreline>
2 a : a general tendency or movement <economic trends>  b : a current style or liking <new fashion trends>

trendy \ˈtren-dē\ adj trend·i·er; -est
1 : very fashionable : UP-TO-DATE
2 : marked by passing or shallow appeal or taste

trep·i·da·tion \ˌtrep-ə-ˈdā-shən\ n : a state of alarm or nervousness <approached the abandoned house with trepidation>

1tres·pass \ˈtres-pəs, -ˌpas\ n
1 : 1SIN, OFFENSE
2 : an unlawful act committed on the person, property, or rights of another; esp : unlawful entry on someone else's land

2trespass vb
1 : ERR 1, SIN
2 : to commit a trespass; esp : to enter unlawfully upon the land of another
— tres·pass·er n

tress \ˈtres\ n : a long lock of hair

tres·tle \ˈtres-əl\ n
1 : a braced frame consisting usually of a horizontal piece with spreading legs at each end that supports something (as the top of a table)
2 : a structure of timbers or steel for carrying a road or railroad over a valley

T. rex \ˈtē-ˈreks\ n : TYRANNOSAUR

trey \ˈtrā\ n, pl treys : a card or dice with three spots

tri- combining form
1 : three : having three elements or parts <triangle>
2 : into three <trisect>
3 a : three times <triweekly>  b : every third <trimonthly> [from Latin tri-, tres and Greek tri-, treis “three”]

tri·ac·e·tate \(ˈ)trī-ˈas-ə-ˌtāt\ n : a textile fiber or fabric made by the chemical addition of acetate groups to cellulose

tri·ad \ˈtrī-ˌad also -əd\ n
1 : a union or group of three usually closely related persons or things
2 : a chord made up usually of the first, third, and fifth notes of a scale
— tri·ad·ic \trī-ˈad-ik\ adj

1tri·al \ˈtrī(-ə)l\ n
1 : the action or process of testing or trying
2 : the hearing and judgment of a case in court
3 : a test of faith, patience, or strength
4 : an experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness
5 : 2ATTEMPT 1, EFFORT

2trial adj
1 : of, relating to, or used in a trial
2 : made or done as a test or experiment <a trial run>

trial and error n : the trying of one thing or another until something succeeds

tri·an·gle \ˈtrī-ˌaŋ-gəl\ n
1 : a figure that has three sides and three angles : a polygon that has three sides
2 : a percussion instrument made of a steel rod bent into a triangle open at one corner which is played by striking with a metal rod
3 : a drafting instrument consisting of a thin flat right-angled triangle

tri·an·gu·lar \trī-ˈaŋ-gyə-lər\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or having the form of a triangle
2 : having a triangular base or principal surface <a triangular pyramid>

triangular number n : a power series that gives the expansion of a function f(x) in the neighborhood of a point a provided that in the neighborhood the function is continuous, all its derivatives exist, and the series converges to the function in which case the first term of the series is f(a) and the (n + 1)st term consists of the factor (x - a) raised to the exponent n and multiplied by a coefficient consisting of a fraction whose numerator is the derivative of nth order of f(x) evaluated at a and whose denominator is n!

tri·an·gu·la·tion \(ˌ)trī-ˌaŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən\ n : the method in surveying of making measurements and using trigonometry to find where places are located on the earth's surface using points whose exact location is known and especially by constructing a network of triangles

Tri·as·sic \trī-ˈas-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Mesozoic era of geological history marked by the first appearance of dinosaurs; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks — see GEOLOGIC TIME TABLE
— Triassic n

tri·ath·lon \ˌtrī-ˈath-ˌlän\ n : an athletic contest that is a long-distance race consisting of three phases (as swimming, bicycling, and running)

tri·atom·ic \ˌtrī-ə-ˈtäm-ik\ adj : having three atoms in the molecule <ozone is triatomic oxygen>

trib·al \ˈtrī-bəl\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe
— trib·al·ly \-bə-lē\ adv

tribe \ˈtrīb\ n
1 : a social group made up of many families, clans, or generations that share the same language, customs, and beliefs
2 : a group of persons with a common character, occupation, or interest
3 : a group of related plants or animals

tribes·man \ˈtrībz-mən\ n : a member of a tribe

trib·u·la·tion \ˌtrib-yə-ˈlā-shən\ n
1 : distress or suffering resulting from cruel or unjust treatment or misfortune
2 : a trying experience

tri·bu·nal \trī-ˈbyün-əl, trib-ˈyün-\ n
1 : the seat of a judge
2 : a court of justice
3 : something that decides or determines <the tribunal of public opinion>

tri·bune \ˈtrib-ˌyün, trib-ˈyün\ n
1 : a Roman official who protected plebeian citizens from unjust action by patrician magistrates
2 : a defender of the people especially against injustice
— tri·bune·ship \-ˌship\ n

1trib·u·tary \ˈtrib-yə-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : paying tribute to another : SUBJECT
2 : paid or owed as tribute
3 : contributing or adding to something larger or more important; esp : flowing into a larger stream or lake

2tributary n, pl -tar·ies
1 : a ruler or state that pays tribute to a conqueror
2 : a stream flowing into a larger stream or a lake

trib·ute \ˈtrib-ˌyüt, -yət\ n
1 a : a payment made by one ruler or nation to another to show obedience or to obtain peace or protection  b : a tax to raise money for a tribute  c : the obligation to pay tribute <nations under tribute>
2 : something (as a gift or speech of praise) that is given or performed to show appreciation, respect, or affection <floral tribute>

trice \ˈtrīs\ n : a brief space of time : INSTANT — used chiefly in the phrase in a trice

tri·ceps \ˈtrī-ˌseps\ n, pl triceps : a large muscle along the back of the upper arm that is attached at its upper end by three main parts and that acts to extend the arm at the elbow joint

tri·cer·a·tops \(ˈ)trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäps\ n : any of a genus of large plant-eating 4-footed Cretaceous dinosaurs with three horns, a bony hood or crest on the neck, and hoofed toes

tri·chi·na \trik-ˈī-nə\ n, pl tri·chi·nae \-nē\ also -nas : a small slender nematode worm which enters the body of flesh-eating mammals (as the hog and human beings) when infected meat is eaten and whose larvae travel to and form cysts in striated muscles causing trichinosis

trich·i·no·sis \ˌtrik-ə-ˈnō-səs\ n, pl -no·ses \-ˈnō-ˌsēz\ : a serious and painful disease caused by trichinae

tricho·mo·ni·a·sis \ˌtrik-ə-mə-ˈnī-ə-səs\ n, pl -a·ses \-ˌsēz\ : an infection of the vagina by a protozoan parasite that is marked by itching and a frothy discharge having a bad odor and that also occurs in the male urethra

1trick \ˈtrik\ n
1 a : an action meant to deceive or cheat  b : a mischievous act : PRANK  c : an unwise or childish action  d : a skillful or clever feat designed to puzzle or amuse <a juggler's tricks>
2 : a habitual peculiarity of behavior or manner <a trick of speech>
3 a : a quick or artful way of getting a result : KNACK <the trick is to do it quickly>  b : an instance of getting a desired result <one small adjustment will do the trick>
4 : a technical device (as of an art or craft) <tricks of the trade>
5 : the cards played in one round of a card game
synonyms TRICK, RUSE, WILE, STRATEGEM, mean an indirect means to gain an end. TRICK may imply deception, mischief, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end <a trick to make you look younger>. RUSE stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression <the ruses of smugglers>. WILE suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false temptations <used all of his wiles to gain support>. STRATEGEM implies a trick used to entrap, outwit, or surprise an opponent and suggests a more or less carefully laid-out plan <the chess player's strategems>.

2trick vb
1 : to deceive with tricks : CHEAT
2 : to dress or decorate especially oddly or ornately <tricked out in a gaudy uniform>

3trick adj
1 a : of or relating to or involving tricks or trickery <trick photography>  b : skilled in or used for tricks <a trick horse>
2 a : somewhat defective and unreliable <a trick lock>  b : inclined to give way unexpectedly <a trick knee>

trick·ery \ˈtrik-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies : the use of tricks to deceive or cheat

trick·le \ˈtrik-əl\ vb trick·led; trick·ling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to flow or fall in drops <water trickling from a leaky faucet>  b : to flow in a thin slow stream <syrup trickling from the bottle>
2 a : to move or go one by one or little by little <customers trickled in>  b : to slowly grow less <his excitement trickled away>
— trickle n

trick or treat n : a children's Halloween practice of going around usually in costume asking for treats
— trick–or–treat vb

— trick–or–treat·er n

trick·ster \ˈtrik-stər\ n : one who tricks: as  a : a dishonest person who cheats others by trickery  b : MAGICIAN 2

tricky \ˈtrik-ē\ adj trick·i·er; -est
1 : likely to use or characterized by tricks or trickery
2 : requiring skill or caution : DIFFICULT <a tricky situation>

1tri·col·or \ˈtrī-ˌkəl-ər\ n : a flag of three colors

2tricolor or tri·col·ored \ˈtrī-kəl-ərd\ adj : having, using, or marked with three colors

tri·corn \ˈtrī-ˌkȯ(ə)rn\ adj : having three horns or corners

tri·cot \ˈtrē-kō, ˈtrī-kət\ n : a knitted fabric (as for underwear) that is resistant to runs

tri·cus·pid valve \(ˌ)trī-ˈkəs-pəd-\ n : a valve on the right side of the heart between the atrium and the ventricle that has three flaps and prevents the backward flow of blood from the ventricle to the atrium

tri·cy·cle \ˈtrī-ˌsik-əl\ n : a three-wheeled vehicle usually moved by pedals

tri·dent \ˈtrīd-ənt\ n : a spear with three prongs [from Latin trident-, tridens “trident,” from tridens (adjective) “having three teeth,” from tri- “three” and dens “tooth” — related to DENTAL]
— trident adj

1tried \ˈtrīd\ past and past participle of TRY

2tried adj : found good, faithful, or trustworthy through experience or testing <a tried recipe>

tried–and–true adj : known to be reliable <a tried-and-true friend> <a tried-and-true remedy>

tri·en·ni·al \(ˈ)trī-ˈen-ē-əl\ adj
1 : consisting of or lasting for three years
2 : occurring or being done every three years
— triennial n

— tri·en·ni·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv

1tri·fle \ˈtrī-fəl\ n
1 : something of little value or importance
2 : a dessert of sponge cake spread with jam or jelly covered with a custard and whipped cream
— a trifle : to a small degree : SLIGHTLY <only a trifle annoyed>

2trifle vb tri·fled; tri·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to talk in a joking manner  b : to treat someone or something as unimportant
2 : to waste (as time or money) in trifling or on trifles
3 : to handle something idly : TOY
— tri·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ n

tri·fling \ˈtrī-fliŋ\ adj
1 : having little meaning or seriousness : FRIVOLOUS <trifling talk>
2 : of little value <a trifling sum>

trig \ˈtrig\ n : TRIGONOMETRY

1trig·ger \ˈtrig-ər\ n : a movable lever that activates a device when it is squeezed; esp : the part of the lock of a firearm that releases the hammer and so fires the gun
— trigger adj

— trig·gered \-ərd\ adj

2trigger vb trig·gered; trig·ger·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to fire by pulling a trigger
2 : to begin, stir up, or set in motion as if by pulling a trigger <the remark that triggered the laughter>

trig·o·no·met·ric \ˌtrig-ə-nə-ˈme-trik\ also trig·o·no·met·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or involving trigonometry
— trig·o·no·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adv

trigonometric function n : any of a group of functions (as the sine, cosine, and tangent) that for an acute angle are most easily expressed as ratios between the sides of a right triangle containing the angle

trig·o·nom·e·try \ˌtrig-ə-ˈnäm-ə-trē\ n : a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of the properties of triangles and trigonometric functions and of their practical uses [from scientific Latin trigonometria, literally “triangle measurement,” derived from Greek tri- “three” and Greek gonia “angle” and Greek -metria “art or science of measuring”]

tri·lat·er·al \(ˈ)trī-ˈlat-ə-rəl, -ˈla-trəl\ adj : having three sides

1trill \ˈtril\ n
1 a : the alternation of two musical tones a whole step apart  b : VIBRATO
2 : 1WARBLE 1
3 a : the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as of the tip of the tongue against the teeth)  b : a speech sound produced by a trill

2trill vb
1 : to utter as or with a trill <trilled the letter r>
2 : to play or sing with a trill : QUAVER

tril·lion \ˈtril-yən\ n
1 : a number equal to 1,000 times one billion — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : a very large number <a trillion mosquitoes out tonight>
— trillion adj

— tril·lionth \-yən(t)th\ adj

— trillionth n

tril·li·um \ˈtril-ē-əm\ n : any of a genus of herbs related to the lilies that have three large leaves arranged around the upright stem at the same level and a single flower with three petals at the end of the stem — called also wake-robin

tri·lo·bite \ˈtrī-lə-ˌbīt\ n : any of a group of extinct invertebrate animals that lived in Paleozoic seas, have a body composed of segments and divided lengthwise along the back into three parts, and are classified as arthropods

tril·o·gy \ˈtril-ə-jē\ n, pl -gies : a series of three literary, dramatic, or musical works that are closely related and develop a single theme

1trim \ˈtrim\ vb trimmed; trim·ming
1 : to decorate with ribbons, lace, or ornaments : ADORN <trim a Christmas tree> <a jacket trimmed with leather>
2 : to defeat in a game or contest
3 a : to make trim and neat especially by cutting or clipping <trim the bushes> <trimmed her hair>  b : to free of excess or unnecessary matter by or as if by cutting <trim a steak> <trim a budget>
4 : to cause (as a ship) to take the right position in the water by balancing the load carried
5 : to adjust (as an airplane or submarine) for horizontal movement or for motion upward or downward
6 : to adjust (as a sail) to a desired position
— trim·mer n

2trim adj trim·mer; trim·mest
1 : ready for service or use
2 : slim and physically fit <keeps trim by jogging>
3 : neat, orderly, and compact in line or structure <a trim house>  synonyms see NEAT
— trim·ly adv

— trim·ness n

3trim adv : in a trim manner : TRIMLY

4trim n
1 : good or healthy condition : FITNESS
2 a : material used for ornament or trimming  b : the woodwork in the finish of a building especially around doors and windows
3 a : the position of a ship or boat especially with reference to the horizontal  b : the relation between the plane of a sail and the direction of the ship  c : the position of an airplane at which it will continue in level flight with no adjustments to the controls
4 : something that is trimmed off or cut out
5 : a haircut that neatens a previous haircut

trim·e·ter \ˈtrim-ət-ər\ n : a line of verse consisting of three metrical feet

trim·ming \ˈtrim-iŋ\ n
1 : the action of one that trims
2 : a severe defeat or beating
3 : something that trims, ornaments, or completes <trimmings for a hat> <turkey with all the trimmings>

tri·month·ly \(ˈ)trī-ˈmən(t)th-lē\ adj : occurring every three months

trin·i·ty \ˈtrin-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 cap : the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing as three persons in one Godhead according to some Christian doctrines
2 : TRIAD 1

Trinity Sunday n : the eighth Sunday after Easter

trin·ket \ˈtriŋ-kət\ n
1 : a small ornament (as a jewel or ring)
2 : a thing of little value

1tri·no·mi·al \trī-ˈnō-mē-əl\ n : a polynomial that has three terms

2trinomial adj : consisting of three mathematical terms

trio \ˈtrē-ō\ n, pl tri·os
1 a : a musical composition for three voices or instruments  b : the performers of a musical trio
2 : a group or set of three

tri·ode \ˈtrī-ˌōd\ n : a vacuum tube with three electrodes

1trip \ˈtrip\ n
1 : an act of causing another to stumble or fall
2 a : a traveling from one place to another : JOURNEY <a trip to Europe>  b : a brief errand or journey with a purpose that often takes place on a regular basis <a trip to the dentist>
3 : ERROR 4, MISSTEP
4 a : a quick light step  b : a faltering step : STUMBLE
5 a : the action of releasing something mechanically  b : a device (as a catch) for releasing a mechanism  synonyms see JOURNEY

2trip vb tripped; trip·ping
1 : to move (as in dancing or walking) with light quick steps
2 a : to catch one's foot against something so as to stumble <don't trip over the rock>  b : to cause to stumble <someone must have tripped him>
3 a : to make or cause to make a mistake  b : to catch making a false statement, error, or blunder <questions designed to trip her up>
4 : to release or start a device usually by moving a catch <tripped the fire alarm>

tri·par·tite \(ˈ)trī-ˈpär-ˌtīt\ adj
1 : divided into or made of three parts
2 : made between or involving three parties <a tripartite treaty>

tripe \ˈtrīp\ n
1 : stomach tissue of a cud-chewing animal (as a cow) used as food
2 : something poor, worthless, or ridiculous

1tri·ple \ˈtrip-əl\ vb tri·pled; tri·pling \ˈtrip-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to make or become three times as great or as many : multiply by three <their profits tripled last year>
2 : to make a triple in baseball

2triple n
1 a : a triple sum, quantity, or number  b : a combination, group, or series of three
2 : a hit in baseball that permits a batter to reach third base safely

3triple adj
1 : being three times as great or as many
2 : having three units or parts
3 a : three times repeated  b : having three full revolutions <a triple somersault>

triple bond n : a chemical bond in which three pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms in a molecule — compare DOUBLE BOND, SINGLE BOND

triple jump n : a track-and-field event in which competitors make three jumps in a row after a running start

triple play n : a play in baseball by which three base runners are put out

triple point n : the condition of temperature and pressure under which the gaseous, liquid, and solid forms of a substance change into each other at equal rates so that the amount of each always remains the same

trip·let \ˈtrip-lət\ n
1 : a unit of three lines of verse
2 : a combination, set, or group of three
3 : one of three children or offspring born at one birth
4 : a group of three notes played in the time of two of the same value

1tri·plex \ˈtrip-ˌleks, ˈtrī-ˌpleks\ adj : 3TRIPLE 2

2triplex n : something that has three parts (as an apartment with three floors)

1trip·li·cate \ˈtrip-li-kət\ adj : made in three identical copies

2trip·li·cate \ˈtrip-lə-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to make triple or prepare in triplicate

3trip·li·cate \ˈtrip-li-kət\ n : three copies all alike — used with in <typed in triplicate>

tri·ply \ˈtrip-(ə-)lē\ adv : in a triple degree, amount, or manner

tri·pod \ˈtrī-ˌpäd\ n
1 : something (as a container or stool) resting on three legs
2 : a three-legged stand (as for a camera)

trip·per \ˈtrip-ər\ n
1 chiefly British : one that takes a trip : TOURIST
2 : a tripping device (as for operating a railroad signal)

trip·ping·ly \ˈtrip-iŋ-lē\ adv : in a quick and lively manner

tri·sect \ˈtrī-ˌsekt, trī-ˈsekt\ vb : to divide into three usually equal parts
— tri·sec·tion \ˈtrī-ˌsek-shən, trī-ˈsek-\ n

— tri·sec·tor \ˈtrī-ˌsek-tər, trī-ˈsek-\ n

tri·syl·lab·ic \ˌtrī-sə-ˈlab-ik\ adj : having three syllables
— tri·syl·la·ble \ˈtrī-ˌsil-ə-bəl, (ˈ)trī-ˈsil-\ n

trite \ˈtrīt\ adj trit·er; trit·est : so common that the newness or cleverness has worn off <a trite remark>
— trite·ly adv

— trite·ness n

tri·ti·um \ˈtrit-ē-əm, ˈtrish-ē-\ n : a rare radioactive form of hydrogen having atoms with three times the mass of ordinary light hydrogen atoms

tri·ton \ˈtrīt-ən\ n : any of various large sea snails with a heavy cone-shaped shell; also : the shell of a triton

1tri·umph \ˈtrī-əm(p)f\ n, pl triumphs
1 : an ancient Roman ceremony honoring a victorious general
2 : the joy of victory or success
3 a : a military victory or conquest  b : any great success <a scientific triumph>

2triumph vb
1 : to celebrate victory or success with much rejoicing
2 : to gain victory : WIN

tri·um·phal \trī-ˈəm(p)-fəl\ adj : of, relating to, or honoring a triumph <a triumphal procession>

tri·um·phant \trī-ˈəm(p)-fənt\ adj
1 : VICTORIOUS, CONQUERING <triumphant armies>
2 : rejoicing for or celebrating victory or success <a triumphant shout>
— tri·um·phant·ly adv

tri·um·vir \trī-ˈəm-vər\ n : one of a council or ruling body of three especially in ancient Rome

tri·um·vi·rate \trī-ˈəm-və-rət\ n
1 : government by three persons who share authority and responsibility
2 : the office or term of office of a triumvir
3 : a group of three persons or things having something in common

triv·et \ˈtriv-ət\ n
1 : a three-legged stand : TRIPOD
2 : an ornamental metal or ceramic plate used under a hot dish to protect the table

triv·ia \ˈtriv-ē-ə\ n sing or pl : unimportant matters

triv·i·al \ˈtriv-ē-əl\ adj
1 : 2ORDINARY 2, COMMONPLACE
2 : of little worth or importance : INSIGNIFICANT <a trivial mistake>
— triv·i·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adv
Word History The words trivial and trivia can be traced back to the Latin noun trivium, meaning “a place where three roads meet.” The Latin word was made from tri-, meaning “three,” and via “way, road.” The adjective form of trivium was trivialis. It was used to mean “common, ordinary.” This sense probably developed from the notion that road junctions function as meeting places for people to exchange ordinary bits of news. In the 16th century, the adjective trivial came to be used in English with the same meaning. In time, this adjective also took on the sense of “of little worth or importance.” This is its main meaning today. It wasn't until the 1920s that the word trivia began being used for “unimportant matters.” This word is the plural form of the Latin word trivium. [from Latin trivialis “found everywhere, commonplace, trivial,” from trivium “a place where three roads meet,” from tri- “three” and via “way”]

triv·i·al·i·ty \ˌtriv-ē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being trivial
2 : something trivial : TRIFLE

1tri·week·ly \(ˈ)trī-ˈwē-klē\ adj
1 : occurring or appearing three times a week
2 : occurring or appearing every three weeks
— triweekly adv

2triweekly n : a triweekly publication

tro·chee \ˈtrō-kē\ n : a metrical foot consisting of one accented syllable followed by one unaccented syllable (as in hungry)
— tro·cha·ic \trō-ˈkā-ik\ adj

trod past and past participle of TREAD

trodden past participle of TREAD

Tro·jan \ˈtrō-jən\ n : a person born or living in ancient Troy
— Trojan adj

Trojan horse n
1 : one intended to undermine or subvert from within
2 : a seemingly useful computer program that contains concealed instructions which when activated perform an illicit or malicious action — compare VIRUS 3, WORM 5 [from the large hollow wooden horse filled with Greek soldiers and brought within the walls of Troy as a trick during the Trojan War]

Trojan War n : a 10-year war between the ancient Greeks and Trojans

1troll \ˈtrōl\ vb
1 a : to sing the parts of (as a round)  b : to sing or recite loudly or merrily
2 : to fish for with a hook and line drawn through the water (as behind a slowly moving boat)
3 a : to harass, criticize, or antagonize (others or another) especially by disparaging, mocking, inflammatory, or offensive public statements, online postings, or acts  b : to act as a troll (as on a website) [Middle English trollen “to cause to move round and round”]
— troll·er n

2troll n
1 : a lure or a line with its lure and hook used in trolling
2 : a person who intentionally antagonizes others online by posting inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive comments or other disruptive content

3troll n : a dwarf or giant in Scandinavian folklore living in caves or hills [from Norwegian troll and Danish trold, both meaning “a giant or dwarf of folklore”]

trol·ley also trol·ly \ˈträl-ē\ n, pl trolleys also trollies
1 a : a device for carrying current from a wire to an electrically driven vehicle  b : a streetcar that runs on tracks and gets its electric power through a trolley — called also trolley car
2 : a wheeled carriage running on an overhead rail or track

trom·bone \träm-ˈbōn, (ˌ)trəm-\ n : a brass wind instrument with a section that can slide in and out to make different tones [from Italian trombone, literally “large trumpet,” from tromba “trumpet”]
— trom·bon·ist \-ˈbō-nəst\ n

tromp \ˈträmp, ˈtrȯmp\ vb : 1TRAMP 1, STOMP

1troop \ˈtrüp\ n
1 a : a group of soldiers  b pl : ARMED FORCES, MILITARY
2 : a collection of people or things : COMPANY
3 : a flock of mammals or birds
4 : a unit of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts under an adult leader

2troop vb : to move or gather in crowds

troop·er \ˈtrü-pər\ n
1 : a cavalry soldier
2 a : a police officer who rides a horse  b : a state police officer

tro·phic \ˈtrō-fik\ adj : of or relating to the process of getting and eating food : NUTRITIONAL

tro·phy \ˈtrō-fē\ n, pl trophies
1 : something taken from the enemy in victory or conquest especially when kept and displayed as proof of one's bravery or victory <took the enemy's flags as trophies>
2 : something given in recognition of a victory or as an award for achievement <a golf trophy>
— tro·phied \-fēd\ adj

1trop·ic \ˈträp-ik\ n
1 : either of the two parallels of the earth's latitude that are approximately 23½ degrees north of the equator and approximately 23½ degrees south of the equator
2 pl often cap : the region lying between the two tropics [Middle English tropik (noun) “either of the points at which the sun appears furthest from the equator,” from Latin tropicus (adjective) “of a solstice or equinox,” from Greek tropikos (same meaning), from tropē “turn”; so called because a tropic marks the turning point in the sun's apparent path up the sky]

2tropic adj : TROPICAL

3tro·pic \ˈtrō-pik\ adj : of, relating to, or being a tropism <a tropic movement of a plant>

trop·i·cal \ˈträp-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, occurring in, or used in the tropics
— trop·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

tropical aquarium n : an aquarium kept at a warm and constant temperature and used especially for tropical fish

tropical fish n : any of various small usually brightly colored fishes that occur wild especially in the tropics and are often kept in tropical aquariums

tropical rain forest n : RAIN FOREST 1

tropical storm n : a cyclone in or originating in the tropics that has very strong winds of less than hurricane strength

Tropic of Cancer : the parallel of latitude that is 23½ degrees north of the equator and is the northernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

Tropic of Capricorn : the parallel of latitude that is 23½ degrees south of the equator and is the southernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

tro·pism \ˈtrō-ˌpiz-əm\ n : an automatic movement by an organism unable to move about from place to place and especially by a plant that involves a turning or growing toward or away from a stimulus (as light or moisture); also : a reflex reaction involving such a movement — compare TAXIS
— tro·pis·tic \trō-ˈpis-tik\ adj

tro·po·pause \ˈtrōp-ə-ˌpȯz, ˈträp-\ n : the region at the top of the troposphere

tro·po·sphere \ˈtrōp-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r, ˈträp-\ n : the portion of the atmosphere which extends from the earth's surface to the bottom of the stratosphere and in which temperature generally decreases rapidly with altitude
— tro·po·spher·ic \ˌtrōp-ə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik, ˌträp-, -ˈsfer-\ adj

1trot \ˈträt\ n
1 : a moderately fast gait of a four-footed animal (as a horse) in which a front foot and the opposite hind foot move at the same time
2 : a human jogging pace between a walk and a run

2trot vb trot·ted; trot·ting
1 : to ride, drive, go, or cause to go at a trot
2 : to go along quickly : HURRY

1troth \ˈträth, ˈtrȯth, ˈtrōth, or with th\ n
1 : LOYALTY, FIDELITY
2 : one's pledged word; also : BETROTHAL

2troth vb : BETROTH, PLEDGE

trot·ter \ˈträt-ər\ n : one that trots; esp : a standardbred horse trained for harness racing

trou·ba·dour \ˈtrü-bə-ˌdō(ə)r, -ˌdȯ(ə)r, -ˌdu̇(ə)r\ n : a poet-musician of the Middle Ages in France and Italy

1trou·ble \ˈtrəb-əl\ vb trou·bled; trou·bling \ˈtrəb-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to disturb or become disturbed mentally or spiritually : WORRY <her continued absence troubled him>  b : to produce physical disorder in : AFFLICT <troubled with weak knees>  c : to put to exertion or inconvenience <may I trouble you for the salt>
2 : to put into confused motion <wind troubled the sea>
3 : to make an effort <do not trouble to come>

2trouble n
1 a : the quality or state of being troubled : MISFORTUNE <help people in trouble>  b : an instance of distress or annoyance <made light of their troubles>
2 : disorder or public unrest <labor trouble>
3 : a state or condition of distress, annoyance, or difficulty <in big financial trouble>: as  a : physical distress or ill health : AILMENT <heart trouble>  b : failure to work properly <engine trouble>  c : a condition of doing something badly or with great difficulty <had trouble reading>
4 : an effort made : PAINS <took the trouble to write>
5 a : a cause of distress, annoyance, or inconvenience <don't mean to be any trouble>  b : a negative feature or characteristic <laziness is your biggest trouble>  c : an unpleasant fact <the trouble is, I'm broke>

trou·ble·mak·er \ˈtrəb-əl-ˌmā-kər\ n : a person who causes problems or disagreements

trou·ble·shoot \ˈtrəb-əl-ˌshüt\ vb -shot \-ˌshät\; -shoot·ing
1 : to locate trouble and make repairs (as in machinery)
2 : to find a solution to a problem or disagreement

trou·ble·shoot·er \-ˌshüt-ər\ n : a person who troubleshoots

trou·ble·some \ˈtrəb-əl-səm\ adj
1 : requiring or involving continued or tiring effort, attention, or study : DIFFICULT, BURDENSOME <a troublesome task>
2 : giving trouble or anxiety <troublesome news>
— trou·ble·some·ly adv

trou·blous \ˈtrəb-(ə-)ləs\ adj
1 : full of trouble : STORMY <these troublous times>
2 : causing trouble : TROUBLESOME <troublous dreams>

trough \ˈtrȯf\ n, pl troughs \ˈtrȯfs, ˈtrȯvz\
1 : a long shallow container for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals
2 : a pipe, drain, or channel for water; esp : 1GUTTER 1A
3 : a long and narrow or shallow hollow (as between waves or hills)

trounce \ˈtrau̇n(t)s\ vb trounced; trounc·ing : to thrash or punish severely; esp : to defeat thoroughly

1troupe \ˈtrüp\ n : a company or troop especially of stage performers

2troupe vb trouped; troup·ing
1 : to travel in a troupe
2 : to perform as a member of a theatrical troupe
— troup·er n

trou·ser \ˈtrau̇-zər\ adj : of, relating to, or designed for trousers <trouser pockets>

trou·sers \ˈtrau̇-zərz\ n pl : PANTS 1

trous·seau \ˈtrü-ˌsō\ n, pl trous·seaux \-ˌsōz\ or trous·seaus : the clothes and personal possessions (as household linens) of a bride

trout \ˈtrau̇t\ n, pl trout also trouts
1 : any of various edible fishes that are mostly smaller than the related salmons, are restricted to cool clear fresh water or spend time at sea before returning to fresh water to breed, and are often speckled with dark colors
2 : any of various fishes that resemble the true trouts

1trow·el \ˈtrau̇(-ə)l\ n
1 : a small hand tool consisting of a flat blade with a handle used for spreading and smoothing mortar or plaster
2 : a small hand tool with a curved blade used by gardeners

2trowel vb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling : to smooth, mix, or apply with a trowel

troy \ˈtrȯi\ adj : expressed in troy weight

troy weight n : a series of units of weight based on a pound of 12 ounces and the ounce of 20 pennyweights or 480 grains — see MEASURE TABLE

tru·an·cy \ˈtrü-ən-sē\ n, pl -cies : an act or an instance of being a truant

tru·ant \ˈtrü-ənt\ n
1 : a person who neglects duty
2 : a student who stays out of school without permission
— truant adj

truant officer n : a school officer whose duty is to investigate the continued absences of students

truce \ˈtrüs\ n
1 : a temporary stopping of fighting (as in a war)
2 : a short rest especially from something unpleasant

1truck \ˈtrək\ n
1 : 2BARTER
2 : goods for barter or for small trade
3 : close association <have no truck with such people>
4 : vegetables grown for market
5 a : small articles of little value  b : RUBBISH [from earlier truck (verb) “to exchange goods, swap,” from Middle English trukken (same meaning), from early French troquer (same meaning)]

2truck n : a wheeled vehicle for moving heavy articles [from truck “a small wheel,” from truckle “small wheel, pulley,” from Middle English trokell “caster, wheel,” from Latin trochlea “block of pulleys”]

3truck vb : to transport on or by truck

truck·er \ˈtrək-ər\ n
1 : a person whose business is transporting goods by truck
2 : a truck driver

truck farm n : a farm growing vegetables for market
— truck farmer n

truck garden n : a garden where vegetables are raised for market

truck·load \ˈtrək-ˈlōd, -ˌlōd\ n : a load or amount that fills or could fill a truck

truc·u·lence \ˈtrək-yə-lən(t)s also ˈtrük-\ n : the quality or state of being truculent

tru·cu·lent \ˈtrək-yə-lənt also ˈtrük-\ adj : ready and willing to fight or quarrel
— tru·cu·lent·ly adv

1trudge \ˈtrəj\ vb trudged; trudg·ing : to walk or march steadily and usually with much effort <trudged through deep snow>
— trudg·er n

2trudge n : a long tiring walk : TRAMP

1true \ˈtrü\ adj tru·er; tru·est
1 : completely loyal : FAITHFUL
2 a : agreeing with the facts : ACCURATE <a true description>  b : CONSISTENT 2 <true to character>
3 : fully realized or fulfilled <dreams come true>
4 : properly so called : GENUINE <lichens have no true stems> <true love>
5 : placed or formed accurately : EXACT <true pitch>
6 : being or holding by right : LEGITIMATE <the true owner>  synonyms see REAL

2true n : the quality or state of being accurate (as in adjustment) — used in the phrases in true and out of true

3true vb trued; true·ing also tru·ing : to bring to exactly correct condition as to place, position, or shape <true up a board>

4true adv
1 : in agreement with fact : TRUTHFULLY
2 : in an accurate manner : ACCURATELY <the arrow flew straight and true>
3 : without variation from type <breed true>

true–blue \ˈtrü-ˈblü\ adj : very faithful

true bug n : 1BUG 1B

true–false test \ˈtrü-ˈfȯls-\ n : a test made up of items that are to be marked as true or false

true seal n : HAIR SEAL

truf·fle \ˈtrəf-əl, ˈtrüf-\ n : the dark or light wrinkled fruiting body of a European fungus that grows in the ground; also : a fungus that produces truffles

tru·ism \ˈtrü-ˌiz-əm\ n : an obvious truth

tru·ly \ˈtrü-lē\ adv : in a true manner

1trump \ˈtrəmp\ n
1 : a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is of a different suit; also : the suit whose cards are trumps for a particular hand — often used in plural
2 : TRUMP CARD

2trump vb
1 : to take with a trump <trump another player's card>
2 : to play a trump
3 : to get the better of : OUTDO <trumped her competitors>

trump card n
1 : TRUMP 1
2 : something that gives an advantage <the knowledge of her secret was his trump card>

trumped–up \ˈtrəm(p)-ˈtəp\ adj : MADE-UP 1, FALSE <arrested on trumped-up charges>

trum·pery \ˈtrəm-p(ə-)rē\ n, pl -per·ies : things of no value
— trumpery adj

1trum·pet \ˈtrəm-pət\ n
1 : a wind instrument consisting of a long cylindrical metal tube commonly once or twice curved and ending in a bell
2 : something shaped like a trumpet
3 : a sound like that of a trumpet

2trumpet vb
1 : to blow a trumpet
2 : to make a sound like that of a trumpet

trum·pet·er \ˈtrəm-pət-ər\ n : a trumpet player

trumpeter swan n : a rare pure white swan of western North America with a loud low-pitched call

trumpet vine n : a North American woody vine with feathery leaves and large usually red trumpet-shaped flowers — called also trumpet creeper

1trun·cate \ˈtrəŋ-ˌkāt, ˈtrən-\ adj : having the end square or blunt <a truncate leaf>

2truncate vb trun·cat·ed; trun·cat·ing : to shorten by or as if by cutting off
— trun·ca·tion \trəŋ-ˈkā-shən, trən-\ n

trun·cheon \ˈtrən-chən\ n : a police officer's club

trun·dle \ˈtrən-dəl\ vb trun·dled; trun·dling \ˈtrən-dliŋ, -dəl-iŋ\
1 : to transport in or as if in a wheeled vehicle : HAUL <trundled her off to school>
2 : to move on or as if on wheels <buses trundling through the city>

trundle bed n : a low bed usually on small wheels that can be rolled under a higher bed

trunk \ˈtrəŋk\ n
1 a : the main stem of a tree apart from branches or roots  b : the body of a person or animal apart from the head, arms, and legs : TORSO  c : the main or central part of something <trunk of an artery>
2 a : a box or chest for holding clothes or other articles especially for traveling  b : the enclosed space usually in the rear of an automobile for carrying articles
3 : the long flexible muscular nose of an elephant or a related mammal (as a woolly mammoth)
4 pl : men's shorts worn chiefly for sports <swimming trunks>

1truss \ˈtrəs\ vb
1 a : to tie up tightly : BIND  b : to tie the wings or legs of for cooking <truss a turkey>
2 : to support, strengthen, or stiffen by a truss

2truss n
1 : a rigid framework of beams, bars, or rods <a truss for a roof>
2 : a device worn to hold a hernia in place

1trust \ˈtrəst\ n
1 a : firm belief in the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something  b : a person or thing in which confidence is placed
2 a : confident hope  b : financial credit <bought furniture on trust>
3 a : property held or managed by one person or organization (as a bank) for the benefit of another  b : a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement; esp : one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition
4 a : something (as a public office) held or managed by someone for the benefit of another  b : responsibility for safety and well-being

2trust vb
1 a : to place confidence : DEPEND <trust in God> <trust to luck>  b : to be confident : HOPE
2 : to place in one's care or keeping : ENTRUST <trusted him with my car>
3 a : to rely on the truth of : BELIEVE <never trust a rumor>  b : to place confidence in : rely on <a friend you can trust>  c : to hope or expect with confidence <trusts that a solution will be found soon>
4 : to give financial credit to
— trust·er n

trust company n : a corporation (as a bank) organized to act as a trustee

trust·ee \ˌtrəs-ˈtē\ n : a person who has been given responsibility for someone else's property

trust·ee·ship \ˌtrəs-ˈtē-ˌship\ n : the office or job of a trustee

trust·ful \ˈtrəst-fəl\ adj : full of trust
— trust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

trust·ing \ˈtrəs-tiŋ\ adj : having trust, faith, or confidence
— trust·ing·ly adv

trust·wor·thy \ˈtrəst-ˌwər-thē\ adj : deserving confidence : DEPENDABLE <trustworthy information> <a trustworthy babysitter>
— trust·wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

1trusty \ˈtrəs-tē\ adj trust·i·er; -est : TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE <a Boy Scout's trusty pocketknife>

2trusty \ˈtrəs-tē also ˌtrəs-ˈtē\ n, pl trust·ies : a convict considered trustworthy and allowed special privileges

truth \ˈtrüth\ n, pl truths \ˈtrüthz, ˈtrüths\
1 : the quality or state of being true
2 : a true or accepted statement
3 : the body of real events or facts
4 : agreement with fact or reality
— in truth : in fact : ACTUALLY, REALLY

truth·ful \ˈtrüth-fəl\ adj : telling or being in the habit of telling the truth
— truth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— truth·ful·ness n

truth set n : a set in mathematics or logic that contains all the elements which when substituted into a given statement make it true <the equation x + 7 = 10 has as its truth set the single number 3>

1try \ˈtrī\ vb tried; try·ing
1 : to make an effort to do <I'll try to do my best>
2 a : to examine or investigate in a court of law <try a case>  b : to conduct the trial of
3 a : to put to a test <try out something new> <try your luck>  b : to test to the limit <you're trying my patience>
4 : to melt down (as tallow) and obtain in a pure state : RENDER <try out whale oil from blubber>

2try n, pl tries : an effort to do something : ATTEMPT

try·ing \ˈtrī-iŋ\ adj : hard to bear or put up with <these are trying times>

try on vb : to put on (as a garment) in order to test the fit

try·out \ˈtrī-ˌau̇t\ n : a test of the ability (as of an actor or athlete) to fill a part or meet standards

try out \(ˈ)trī-ˈau̇t\ vb : to take part in a tryout especially for a position on an athletic team or a part in a play

try·pano·some \tri-ˈpan-ə-ˌsōm\ n : any of a genus of parasitic protozoans that infect the blood, are usually transmitted by the bite of an insect, and include some that cause serious diseases (as sleeping sickness)

tryp·sin \ˈtrip-sən\ n : an enzyme from pancreatic juice that helps to break down proteins

tryp·sin·o·gen \trip-ˈsin-ə-jən\ n : the inactive form of trypsin present in the pancreas

tryp·to·phan \ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan\ n : an amino acid that is found in many proteins and is necessary for life but cannot be manufactured by the human body and must be obtained in food

1tryst \ˈtrist, especially British ˈtrīst\ n : a meeting arranged especially by lovers

2tryst vb : to make or keep a tryst

try·works \ˈtrī-ˌwərks\ n : a brick furnace (as on a whaling ship) for melting down blubber to produce whale oil

tsar variant of CZAR

tset·se fly \ˈ(t)set-sē-, ˈtet-, ˈ(t)sēt-, ˈtēt-\ n : any of a genus of two-winged flies found mostly in Africa south of the Sahara Desert and including some forms that pass on disease-causing trypanosomes — called also tsetse

T–shirt also tee shirt \ˈtē-ˌshərt\ n
1 : a cotton undershirt with short sleeves and no collar
2 : a jersey outer shirt designed like a T-shirt

tsk \a t-sound made by suction rather than explosion; often read as ˈtisk\ interj — used to express disapproval

tsk–tsk \ˈtisk-ˌtisk\ vb : to express disapproval of someone or something by or as if by uttering tsk

T square n : a ruler with a piece fixed at right angles at one end used to draw parallel lines

tsu·na·mi \(t)su̇-ˈnäm-ē\ n : a great sea wave produced especially by an earthquake or volcanic eruption under the sea : TIDAL WAVE [Japanese, from tsu “harbor” + nami “wave”]

Tua·reg \ˈtwä-ˌreg\ n, pl Tuareg or Tuaregs : a member of a nomadic people of Africa

tu·a·ta·ra \ˌtü-ə-ˈtär-ə\ n : a large spiny reptile of the islands off the coast of New Zealand that looks like a lizard

1tub \ˈtəb\ n
1 : a wide low container
2 : an old or slow boat
3 a : BATHTUB  b : BATH 1
4 : the amount that a tub will hold

2tub vb tubbed; tub·bing : to wash or bathe in a tub

tu·ba \ˈt(y)ü-bə\ n : a brass musical instrument of lowest pitch with an oval shape and valves for producing different tones

tub·by \ˈtəb-ē\ adj tub·bi·er; -est : 5PLUMP, FLESHY

tube \ˈt(y)üb\ n
1 a : a slender channel within a plant or animal body : DUCT  b : a long hollow cylinder; esp : one to carry fluids  c : the part of a wind instrument that connects the mouthpiece with the open end
2 : a soft container shaped something like a tube whose contents (as toothpaste or glue) can be removed by squeezing
3 : INNER TUBE
4 : ELECTRON TUBE
5 : TELEVISION 2
6 : an article of clothing shaped like a tube <tube socks>
— tubed \ˈt(y)übd\ adj

— tube·like \ˈt(y)ü-ˌblīk\ adj

tube foot n : one of the tiny tubes of most echinoderms (as a starfish or sea urchin) that are part of the water-vascular system and are used especially in movement and grasping

tube·less \ˈt(y)ü-bləs\ adj : lacking a tube; esp : being a tire that does not depend on an inner tube to keep it airtight

tube nucleus n : a nucleus of a pollen grain that is believed to control the growth of the pollen tube

tu·ber \ˈt(y)ü-bər\ n
1 : a short fleshy usually underground stem (as of a potato plant) having tiny scalelike leaves each with a bud at its base that can produce a new plant — compare BULB 1A, CORM
2 : a fleshy root or rhizome that resembles a tuber

tu·ber·cle \ˈt(y)ü-bər-kəl\ n
1 : a small knobby lump or outgrowth especially on a plant or animal
2 : a small diseased growth in an organ or on the skin; esp : one caused by tuberculosis

tu·ber·cu·lar \t(y)u̇-ˈbər-kyə-lər\ adj : of, relating to, or affected with tuberculosis <a tubercular patient>

tu·ber·cu·lin \t(y)u̇-ˈbər-kyə-lən\ n : a sterile liquid that contains substances taken from the bacterium that causes tuberculosis and is used in the diagnosis of the disease

tuberculin test n : a test for sensitivity to tuberculin as a sign of a past or present infection with the bacterium causing tuberculosis

tu·ber·cu·lo·sis \t(y)u̇-ˌbər-kyə-ˈlō-səs\ n : a disease of human beings and some other vertebrates caused by a bacterium and usually marked by wasting, fever, and formation of cheesy tubercles that in human beings occur mostly in the lungs
— tu·ber·cu·lous \t(y)u̇-ˈbər-kyə-ləs\ adj

tube·rose \ˈt(y)ü-ˌbrōz; ˈt(y)ü-bə-ˌrōz, -bə-ˌrōs\ n : an herb related to the agaves and grown for its spike of fragrant white flowers

tu·ber·os·i·ty \ˌt(y)ü-bə-ˈräs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : a rounded lump; esp : one on a bone usually serving for the attachment of muscles or ligaments

tu·ber·ous \ˈt(y)ü-b(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : consisting of, resembling, or producing a tuber
2 : of, relating to, or being a plant tuber

tube worm n : a worm that lives in a tube (as one made of sand grains or calcium carbonate): as  a : any of various land- or water-dwelling worms that are closely related to the earthworms  b : any of a group of worms that may grow to be 9 feet (3 meters) long, are related to the earthworms, and live on the ocean floor near openings that give off very hot mineral-rich water

tub·ing \ˈt(y)ü-biŋ\ n
1 : material in the form of a tube
2 : a series or system of tubes
3 : the sport or activity of riding an inner tube (as down a river or snowy slope)

tu·bu·lar \ˈt(y)ü-byə-lər\ adj
1 : having the form of or consisting of a tube
2 : made or provided with tubes

tu·bule \ˈt(y)ü-(ˌ)byü(ə)l\ n : a small tube; esp : a long slender channel in the body of a living thing

1tuck \ˈtək\ vb
1 a : to pull up into a fold  b : to make a tuck in
2 : to put or fit into a snug or safe place <tucked their money away in the bank> <our lunch tucked in a basket>
3 a : to push in the loose end of so as to hold tightly <tuck in your shirt>  b : to cover by tucking in bedclothes <a child tucked in for the night>

2tuck n
1 : a fold stitched into cloth (as in a garment)
2 : an act or instance of tucking

tuck·er \ˈtək-ər\ vb tuck·ered; tuck·er·ing \ˈtək-(ə-)riŋ\ : to cause to tire <tuckered out by the hard work>

Tues·day \ˈt(y)üz-dē\ n : the third day of the week
Word History The Germanic people who lived in northern Europe in ancient times worshiped many gods. One of the most important of these was a war god whose name in Old English was Tiw. The third day of the week was known as tīwesdæg, “day of Tiw,” in honor of this god. Modern English Tuesday comes from Old English tīwesdæg. [Old English tīwesdæg, literally, “day of Tiw (god of war)”]

tuf·fet \ˈtəf-ət\ n : a low seat

1tuft \ˈtəft\ n
1 : a small cluster of long flexible outgrowths (as of hairs, feathers, or blades of grass) that are attached or close together at the base and free at the opposite end
2 : a bunch of soft fluffy threads cut off short and used as ornament
— tuft·ed \ˈtəf-təd\ adj

2tuft vb
1 : to provide or decorate with a tuft
2 : to make (as upholstery) firm by stitching through the stuffing here and there

1tug \ˈtəg\ vb tugged; tug·ging
1 a : to pull hard  b : to move by pulling hard : DRAG
2 : to tow with a tugboat
— tug·ger n

2tug n
1 a : an act or instance of tugging : PULL  b : a strong pulling force
2 : a struggle between two people or forces
3 : TUGBOAT

tug·boat \ˈtəg-ˌbōt\ n : a strongly built powerful boat used for towing and pushing ships

tug–of–war \ˌtəg-ə(v)-ˈwȯ(ə)r\ n, pl tugs–of–war
1 : a struggle to win
2 : a contest in which two teams pull against each other at opposite ends of a rope

tu·ition \t(y)u̇-ˈish-ən\ n : money paid for instruction (as at a college)

tu·la·re·mia \ˌt(y)ü-lə-ˈrē-mē-ə\ n : a disease especially of rodents, wild rabbits, human beings, and some domestic animals that is caused by a bacterium and passed on by the bites of insects or ticks

tu·lip \ˈt(y)ü-ləp\ n : any of a genus of Eurasian herbs that grow from bulbs, have large lance-shaped leaves, are related to the lilies, and are widely grown for their showy cup-shaped flowers; also : the flower or bulb of a tulip
Word History We often think of the tulip as a Dutch flower. The Dutch certainly do grow many tulips, but they first got the plant from Turkey. The Turkish word for the tulip was tülbent, meaning literally “turban.” Perhaps it was the flower's shape that reminded the Turks of a turban. Or perhaps it was the bright colors and velvety petals. In any case, scientists picking a universal word for the flower chose the scientific Latin tulipa, taken from the Turkish word. The word came into English from the scientific Latin and was spelled tulip. [from scientific Latin tulipa “the tulip,” from Turkish tülbent “tulip,” literally “turban”]

tulip tree n : a tall North American timber tree related to the magnolias and having large greenish yellow tulip-shaped flowers and soft white wood used especially for cabinetwork

tulle \ˈtül\ n : a fine netlike fabric used chiefly for veils, evening dresses, or ballet costumes

1tum·ble \ˈtəm-bəl\ vb tum·bled; tum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to perform gymnastic feats of rolling and turning  b : to turn end over end in falling or in flight <the satellite was tumbling out of control>
2 a : to fall suddenly and helplessly  b : to suffer a sudden downward turn or defeat
3 : to move or go in a hurried or confused way <everyone came tumbling out at closing time>
4 : to come to understand <I thought you'd tumble to what I meant>
5 : to toss about or together into a confused mass <tumble the ingredients lightly>

2tumble n
1 : a messy state or collection
2 : an act or instance of tumbling

tum·ble·bug \ˈtəm-bəl-ˌbəg\ n : a large stout-bodied beetle that rolls dung into small balls, buries them in the ground, and lays its eggs in them

tum·ble·down \ˌtəm-bəl-ˌdau̇n\ adj : DILAPIDATED <a tumbledown shack>

tumble dry vb tumble dried; tumble drying : to dry (as clothes) in a dryer

tum·bler \ˈtəm-blər\ n
1 : a person (as an acrobat) who tumbles
2 : a pigeon that often tumbles backward in flight
3 : a drinking glass <a water tumbler>
4 : a movable part in a lock that must be adjusted (as by a key) before the lock will open

tum·ble·weed \ˈtəm-bəl-ˌwēd\ n : a plant that breaks away from its roots in autumn and is blown about by the wind

tu·mid \ˈt(y)ü-məd\ adj : marked by swelling

tum·my \ˈtəm-ē\ n, pl tummies : 1STOMACH 1C

tu·mor \ˈt(y)ü-mər\ n : an abnormal mass of tissue that arises from normal tissue cells and serves no useful purpose in the body
— tu·mor·ous \ˈt(y)üm-(ə-)rəs\ adj

tump·line \ˈtəm-ˌplīn\ n : a strap placed over the forehead or chest and used to support or help support a pack on the back or to haul a load

tu·mult \ˈt(y)ü-ˌməlt\ n
1 : UPROAR <a great tumult arose in the stands>
2 : great confusion of mind

tu·mul·tu·ous \t(y)u̇-ˈməlch-(ə-)wəs, -ˈməl-chəs\ adj : being or suggesting a tumult <a tumultuous welcome for the astronauts>
— tu·mul·tu·ous·ly adv

tu·mu·lus \ˈt(y)ü-myə-ləs, ˈtəm-yə-\ n, pl -li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ : a mound usually over an ancient grave

tu·na \ˈt(y)ü-nə\ n, pl tuna or tunas
1 : any of several mostly large sea fishes (as an albacore or bonito) related to the mackerels and caught for food and sport
2 : the flesh of a tuna especially when canned for use as food — called also tuna fish

tun·dra \ˈtən-drə also ˈtu̇n-\ n : a treeless plain especially of arctic regions having a permanently frozen layer below the surface soil and plant life made up mostly of mosses, lichens, herbs, and very small shrubs

1tune \ˈt(y)ün\ n
1 : a succession of pleasing musical tones : MELODY
2 : correct musical pitch or consonance <the piano was not in tune>
3 : AGREEMENT 1B, HARMONY <in tune with the times>
4 : general attitude <changed their tune after reading the report>

2tune vb tuned; tun·ing
1 : to adjust in musical pitch <tuned my guitar> <the orchestra was tuning up>
2 : to come or bring into harmony
3 : to adjust a radio or television so that it receives clearly — often used with in
4 : to put (as an engine) in good working order — often used with up

tune·ful \ˈt(y)ün-fəl\ adj : MELODIOUS, MUSICAL
— tune·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

tune in vb
1 : to listen to or view a broadcast <tune in next week for the conclusion>
2 : to pay attention to what is happening or to one's surroundings

tune out vb : to stop paying attention to what is happening or to one's surroundings <thinking about the work and tuning everything else out>

tun·er \ˈt(y)ü-nər\ n
1 : one that tunes <a piano tuner>
2 : something used for tuning; esp : the part of a receiving set that converts radio signals into sound or pictures

tune–up \ˈt(y)ü-ˌnəp\ n : a general adjustment to get everything in good working order <an engine tune-up>

tung oil \ˈtəŋ\ n : an oil that is obtained from the seeds of any of several trees and especially from an Asian tree widely grown in warm regions and that is used chiefly in quick-drying varnishes and paints and for waterproofing

tung·sten \ˈtəŋ-stən\ n : a gray-white heavy hard metallic element that has many characteristics similar to chromium and molybdenum and is used especially for electrical purposes and to harden metal alloys (as steel) — see ELEMENT TABLE [from Swedish tungsten, literally “heavy stone,” from tung “heavy” and sten “stone”]

tu·nic \ˈt(y)ü-nik\ n
1 : a usually belted knee-length garment worn by ancient Greeks and Romans
2 : a shirt or jacket reaching to or just below the hips

tu·ni·cate \ˈt(y)ü-ni-kət, -nə-ˌkāt\ n : any of a major group of marine chordate animals that are filter feeders having a thick covering layer, a reduced nervous system, and only in the larval stage a notochord

tuning fork n : a metal instrument that gives a fixed tone when struck and is useful in tuning musical instruments

1tun·nel \ˈtən-əl\ n : a passage under the ground
— tun·nel·like \-əl-ˌ(l)īk\ adj

2tunnel vb -neled or -nelled; -nel·ing or -nel·ling \ˈtən-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to make a tunnel

tunnel vision n
1 : narrowing of the field of vision resulting in loss of side vision
2 : a tendency to be extremely focused on something or on a part of something (as a problem or plan) while ignoring other factors

tun·ny \ˈtən-ē\ n, pl tunnies also tunny : TUNA

tuppence variant of TWOPENCE

tur·ban \ˈtər-bən\ n
1 : a head covering worn especially by Muslims and made of a long cloth wrapped around the head or around a cap
2 : a woman's small soft hat with no brim
— tur·baned or tur·banned \-bənd\ adj

tur·bid \ˈtər-bəd\ adj : clouded or discolored by sediment <a turbid stream>
— tur·bid·i·ty \ˌtər-ˈbid-ət-ē\ n

tur·bine \ˈtər-bən, -ˌbīn\ n : an engine whose central driving shaft is fitted with a series of blades spun around by the pressure of a fluid (as water, steam, or air) [from French turbine “turbine,” from Latin turbin-, turbo “top (for spinning), whirlwind”]

tur·bo·jet \ˈtər-bō-ˌjet\ n : an airplane powered by turbojet engines

turbojet engine n : a jet engine in which a turbine drives a compressor that supplies air to a burner and hot gases from the burner drive the turbine before being discharged to the rear

tur·bo·prop \ˈtər-bō-ˌpräp\ n : an airplane powered by turboprop engines

turboprop engine n : a jet engine that produces power principally through a propeller driven by a turbine but also usually by the rearward discharge of hot exhaust gases

tur·bu·lence \ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being turbulent; esp : irregular atmospheric motion with up and down currents

tur·bu·lent \ˈtər-byə-lənt\ adj : causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance <a turbulent relationship>
— tur·bu·lent·ly adv

tu·reen \tə-ˈrēn, tyu̇-\ n : a deep bowl from which food (as soup) is served

turf \ˈtərf\ n
1 a : the upper layer of soil bound by grass and plant roots into a thick mat; also : a piece of this  b : an artificial substitute for turf (as on a playing field)  c : 1GRASS 3
2 : the sport or business of horse racing
3 : an area or a place that is or is felt to be under one's control <on my own turf>

tur·gid \ˈtər-jəd\ adj
1 : being in a swollen state
2 : exhibiting turgor <a turgid plant cell>

tur·gor \ˈtər-gər, -ˌgȯ(ə)r\ n : the normal state of firmness and tension of living cells

Turk \ˈtərk\ n : a person born or living in Turkey

tur·key \ˈtər-kē\ n, pl turkeys
1 pl also turkey : a large North American bird that is related to the domestic chicken and is domesticated in most parts of the world
2 : something that is a failure <the new play was a turkey>
3 : a stupid or foolish person
Word History The bird we now call the guinea fowl was once called the turkey. Turkey was the shortened version of turkey-cock and turkey-hen. The guinea fowl's original home was in Africa. However, Europeans discovered that it was good to eat and did well in captivity, so they brought it back to Europe. Some people mistakenly thought that the birds came from Turkey, and the name stuck. Later, when English settlers first arrived in America, they found a large bird living here that was also good to eat. They called this new bird turkey because it reminded them of the turkey they were familiar with back in Europe. [from turkey-cock, an old word for “guinea fowl,” from Turkey, a country in Asia Minor; so called because at one time people thought guinea fowl came from Turkey]

tur·key–cock \ˈtər-kē-ˌkäk\ n : a male turkey

turkey vulture n : an American vulture with a red head and whitish bill — called also turkey buzzard

1Turk·ish \ˈtər-kish\ adj : of or relating to Turkey, the Turks, or Turkish

2Turkish n : the language of the Turks

Turkish towel n : a towel made of cotton terry cloth

tur·mer·ic \ˈtər-mə-rik also ˈtü-mə-, ˈtyü-\ n
1 : an Indian herb related to ginger and having a large yellow underground plant stem
2 : the boiled, dried, and usually ground underground plant stem of turmeric used especially as a flavoring or dye

tur·moil \ˈtər-ˌmȯil\ n : a very confused or disturbed state or condition

1turn \ˈtərn\ vb
1 a : to move or cause to move around an axis or center : ROTATE, REVOLVE <wheels turning slowly> <turn a crank>  b : to bring about a desired end by using a control <turned the volume down>  c : to do by revolving <turn handsprings>  d : to twist out of line or shape : WRENCH <turn an ankle>
2 a : to change in position usually by moving through an arc of a circle <they turned and walked away> <turn the page> <turn a pancake>  b : to examine as if by turning over : think about <turned the problem over in her mind>
3 : to make over (as a garment) by reversing the material and sewing back together <turn a collar>
4 a : to upset the order of <everything was turned topsy-turvy>  b : to set in another and especially opposite direction
5 a : to change course or direction <the road turns to the left> <turning to a different subject>  b : to go around <turn a corner>
6 : to direct toward or away from something <we turned toward home>
7 : to seek out as a source of something <turn to a friend for help>
8 a : to change or cause to change <water turned to ice> <the witch turned the prince into a frog>  b : to cause to spoil : SOUR <the milk had turned>  c : to change in color <leaves turning in the fall>  d : to pass from one state to another : BECOME <hair turned gray> <had just turned fourteen>
9 : TRANSLATE 3A
10 : to give a rounded form to (as on a lathe)
— turn a hair : to be or become upset or frightened

— turn heads : to attract favorable attention

— turn loose : to set free : let go

— turn one's hand or turn a hand : to set to work : apply oneself

— turn one's stomach : to disgust completely : SICKEN <the foul smell turned his stomach>

— turn tail : to turn away so as to flee

— turn the other cheek : to respond to injury or unkindness with patience

— turn the tables : to bring about a switch in the positions or fortunes of two opposing people or sides

— turn the trick : to bring about the desired result

— turn turtle : OVERTURN 1

2turn n
1 : the action or an act of turning about a center
2 a : a change or changing of direction, course, or position <a left turn> <the turn of the tide>  b : a place where something turns <at the turn of the road>  c : a change or changing of general state or condition <took a turn for the better> <a turn in the weather>
3 : a short walk or ride <took a turn through the park>
4 : an act affecting another <one good turn deserves another>
5 a : a period of action or activity : SPELL <a turn as guard>  b : proper place in a waiting line or time in a schedule <wait your turn>
6 : a special purpose <that will serve the turn>
7 a : special quality <a neat turn of phrase>  b : the shape or form in which something is molded : CAST <an odd turn of mind>
8 : a single circle or loop (as of rope passed around an object)
9 : natural or special skill <a turn for languages>
— at every turn : on every occasion : all the time : CONSTANTLY

— by turns : one after another

— in turn : one after the other in order

— out of turn
1 : not in order <play out of turn>
2 : at a wrong time or place <talking out of turn>

— to a turn : precisely right : PERFECTLY

turn·about \ˈtər-nə-ˌbau̇t\ n : a change from one direction or one way of thinking or acting to the opposite

turn·around \ˈtər-nə-ˌrau̇nd\ n
1 : TURNABOUT
2 : the time needed for one complete cycle or round trip from start to destination and back

turn around vb
1 : to act in a sudden, different, or surprising manner <he just turned around and left home>
2 : to change for the better <turned her life around>

turn away vb : to refuse to let in : send away <all the seats were sold and a large crowd had to be turned away>

turn back vb
1 : to go in the reverse direction : RETURN <turned back for home>
2 : to stop the advance of : CHECK <turned back the enemy>

turn·coat \ˈtərn-ˌkōt\ n : a person on one side who goes over to the other

turn down vb
1 : to fold back or down
2 : to lower by turning a control <turn down the heat>
3 : 1REJECT 1 <turned down the job>

turn·er \ˈtər-nər\ n : one that turns; esp : a kitchen tool for lifting and turning foods

turn in vb
1 : to give up or hand back <turned in the art supplies when I was finished>
2 : to hand over to authorities <the escaped prisoner turned himself in>
3 : 1DO 1A <turned in a fine job>
4 : to go to bed

turning point n : a point (as in an action or situation) where an important change occurs

tur·nip \ˈtər-nəp\ n
1 : either of two herbs related to cabbage with thick edible roots:  a : one with usually white roundish roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable when young and tender  b : RUTABAGA
2 : the root of a turnip

turn·off \ˈtər-ˌnȯf\ n
1 : a place where one turns off (as from a road)
2 : something that causes loss of interest or enjoyment <the music was a turnoff>

turn off \ˌtər-ˈnȯf, ˈtər-\ vb
1 : to turn aside <turned off onto a side road>
2 : to stop by or as if by turning a control <turn off the light> <turn the alarm off>
3 : to cause dislike or loss of interest <that sort of thing turns me off>

turn on \(ˈ)tər-ˈnȯn, -ˈnän\ vb
1 : to cause to work by or as if by turning a control <turn the water on> <turn on the computer>
2 : to cause interest or enjoyment <the kind of music that turns me on>
— turn–on n

turn·out \ˈtər-ˌnau̇t\ n : the number of people who attend or who do something (as vote) <a good turnout at the meeting> <expected a light voter turnout>

turn out \ˌtər-ˈnau̇t, ˈtər-\ vb
1 : to put or empty out of a container
2 : to make by or as if by machine <the factory turns out automobiles> <turns out a new story every month>
3 : TURN OFF 2 <who turned out the light?>
4 : to come or go out from home <thousands turned out to see them>
5 : to prove to be <it turned out to be only the cat> <of course, I turned out to be right>

turn·over \ˈtər-ˌnō-vər\ n
1 : an act or the action of turning over
2 : a filled pastry with one half of the crust turned over the other
3 a : movement (as of people) into, through, and out of a place  b : the purchase, sale, and replacement of a stock of goods (as in a store)  c : the number of persons hired to replace those leaving

turn over \ˌtər-ˈnō-vər, ˈtər-\ vb
1 : to shift in position from upright to upside down
2 a : to give to another to take care of : HAND OVER  b : to lose possession of <turned the ball over three times>
3 of one's stomach : to feel sick
4 : to begin or cause to begin to run <turned over the engine>
— turn over a new leaf : to make a change for the better

turn·pike \ˈtərn-ˌpīk\ n
1 : a road one must pay to use
2 : a main road
Word History In the Middle Ages, a spiked barrier would sometimes be placed on a road or bridge to protect against sudden attack. The barrier would have to be turned to allow passage. The Middle English word for such a barrier was turnepike. This word was formed from the verb turnen, meaning “to turn,” and the noun pike, meaning “a sharp-tipped weapon.” With a slight change in spelling, turnpike later came to be used as the word for a simple gate placed across a road. In order to pass through the turnpike, travelers would have to pay a fee or toll. A road on which these tollgates were found was called a turnpike road. Such a road in time became known simply as a turnpike. [Middle English turnepike “a turning frame bearing spikes that is used as a barrier,” from turnen “to turn” and pike “a pointed weapon”]

turn·stile \-ˌstīl\ n : a post having arms which turn around that is set in an entrance or exit so that persons can pass through only on foot one by one

turn·ta·ble \-ˌtā-bəl\ n
1 : a platform that can be turned around
2 : a round flat plate that turns a phonograph record

turn up vb
1 : to be found or happen usually unexpectedly
2 : to raise by or as if by using a control <turn up the heat>
3 : ARRIVE 1 <turned up late>
— turn up one's nose : to show scorn

tur·pen·tine \ˈtər-pən-ˌtīn\ n
1 : a mixture of oil and resin obtained from pines and some related trees
2 : an oil made from turpentine and used especially as a solvent and paint thinner

tur·quoise \ˈtər-ˌk(w)ȯiz\ n
1 : a blue, bluish green, or greenish gray mineral that contains copper and aluminum, takes a high polish, and is used in jewelry
2 : a light greenish blue [Middle English turkeys “turquoise,” from early French turkeise (same meaning), derived from turkeis, literally “Turkish (stone)”; so called because it was first brought to Europe from a part of Turkey]

tur·ret \ˈtər-ət, ˈtə-rət, tu̇r-ət\ n
1 : a little tower often at a corner of a building
2 : a low usually rotating structure (as in a tank, warship, or airplane) in which guns are mounted

1tur·tle \ˈtərt-əl\ n, archaic : TURTLEDOVE [Old English turtla “turtledove,” from Latin turtur (same meaning)]

2turtle n, pl turtles also turtle : any of an order of land, freshwater, and marine reptiles with a toothless horny beak and a bony shell which encloses the body and into which the head, legs, and tail usually may be withdrawn [derived from French tortue “tortoise, turtle,” from Latin tartaruchus “of Tartarus (part of Hades reserved for the wicked),” from Greek tartarouchos (same meaning)]

tur·tle·dove \ˈtərt-əl-ˌdəv\ n : any of several small wild African and Eurasian pigeons noted for cooing

tur·tle·neck \-ˌnek\ n
1 : a high turned-over collar (as of a sweater)
2 : a garment (as a sweater) with a turtleneck

turves plural of TURF

1tusk \ˈtəsk\ n
1 : a very long large tooth (as of an elephant, walrus, or boar) that sticks out when the mouth is closed and is used especially for digging food or as a weapon
2 : a tooth-shaped part
— tusked \ˈtəskt\ adj

2tusk vb : to dig up or gash with a tusk

tusk·er \ˈtəs-kər\ n : an animal with tusks; esp : a male elephant with two normally developed tusks

1tus·sle \ˈtəs-əl\ vb tus·sled; tus·sling \ˈtəs-(ə-)liŋ\ : SCUFFLE 1

2tussle n
1 : a physical contest or struggle
2 : a rough argument or a struggle against difficult odds

tus·sock \ˈtəs-ək\ n : a compact bunch especially of grass or sedge; also : an area of raised solid ground in a marsh or bog that is bound together by plant roots
— tus·socky \-ə-kē\ adj

tussock moth n : any of numerous dull-colored moths that usually have wingless females and larvae with long tufts of hair

tu·te·lage \ˈt(y)üt-ə-lij\ n
1 : an act of guarding or protecting : GUARDIANSHIP
2 : INSTRUCTION

1tu·tor \ˈt(y)üt-ər\ n : a person who has the responsibility of instructing and guiding another

2tutor vb : to teach usually individually

1tu·to·ri·al \t(y)ü-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : of or relating to a tutor or a tutorial

2tutorial n : a paper, book, film or computer program that gives practical information about a subject

tu·tu \ˈtü-tü\ n : a short skirt that extends out and is worn by a ballerina [French tutu “ballerina skirt,” from baby talk tutu “backside”]

tux \ˈtəks\ n : TUXEDO

tux·e·do \ˌtək-ˈsēd-ō\ n, pl -dos or -does : a suit for men to be worn on special occasions
Word History Tuxedo can be traced back to the name of a village in southeastern New York. In the 1880s, an area called Tuxedo Park, near the village of Tuxedo, became a popular vacation community. It was here, around the turn of the century, that young men began wearing a new kind of dress jacket. The new style was soon called tuxedo. [named for Tuxedo Park, a resort in New York State, where the jacket first became popular]

TV \(ˈ)tē-ˈvē\ n : TELEVISION

TV dinner \ˌtē-ˌvē-\ n : a quick-frozen packaged dinner that requires only heating before it is served

twad·dle \ˈtwäd-əl\ n : silly idle talk

twain \ˈtwān\ n
1 : TWO 1
2 : two persons or things : COUPLE, PAIR

1twang \ˈtwaŋ\ n
1 : a harsh quick ringing sound
2 : nasal speech

2twang vb twanged; twang·ing \ˈtwaŋ-iŋ\
1 : to sound or cause to sound with a twang
2 : to speak with a nasal twang

'twas \ˈtwəz, ˈtwäz\ : it was

tweak \ˈtwēk\ vb
1 : to pinch and pull with a sudden jerk and twist
2 : to make small adjustments in or to <tweak the controls>
3 : to injure slightly
— tweak n

tweed \ˈtwēd\ n
1 : a rough woolen cloth
2 pl : tweed clothing (as a suit)

tweedy \ˈtwēd-ē\ adj : of or resembling tweed

1tween \ˈtwēn\ prep : 1BETWEEN

2tween n : 1PRETEEN

1tweet \ˈtwēt\ n
1 : a chirping sound
2 : a post made on the Twitter online message service

2tweet vb
1 : CHIRP
2 : to post a message to the Twitter online message service

tweet·er \ˈtwēt-ər\ n : a small loudspeaker that responds only to high sound frequencies and produces sounds of high pitch — compare WOOFER

twee·zers \ˈtwē-zərz\ n pl : a small instrument that is used like pincers in grasping or pulling something

twelfth \ˈtwelf(t)th\ n : one that is number 12 in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
— twelfth adj or adv

Twelfth Day n : EPIPHANY

Twelfth Night n : the evening or sometimes the eve of Epiphany

twelve \ˈtwelv\ n
1 : a number equal to one more than 11 — see NUMBER TABLE
2 cap : the twelve original disciples of Jesus
3 : the 12th in a set or series
— twelve adj or pron

twelve·month \-ˌmən(t)th\ n : YEAR

twen·ti·eth \ˈtwent-ē-əth\ n : one that is number 20 in a series — see NUMBER TABLE
— twentieth adj

twen·ty \ˈtwent-ē\ n, pl twenties : a number equal to two times 10 — see NUMBER TABLE
— twenty adj or pron

twen·ty–twen·ty \ˌtwent-ē-ˈtwent-ē\ adj : having normal visual sharpness — often written 20/20

twenty–two \ˌtwent-ē-ˈtü\ n
1 : a firearm cartridge of .22 caliber
2 : a firearm of .22 caliber

twerp \ˈtwərp\ n : a silly or unimportant person

twice \ˈtwīs\ adv : two times <use it twice> <twice as large>

twid·dle \ˈtwid-əl\ vb twid·dled; twid·dling \ˈtwid-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to rotate lightly or idly <twiddle one's thumbs>

twig \ˈtwig\ n : a small shoot or branch usually without its leaves
— twig·gy \ˈtwig-ē\ adj

twi·light \ˈtwī-ˌlīt\ n : the period or the light from the sky between full night and sunrise or between sunset and full night

1twill \ˈtwil\ n : a way of weaving cloth that produces a pattern of diagonal lines

2twill vb : to make (cloth) with a twill weave

1twin \ˈtwin\ adj
1 : born with one other or as a pair at one birth <my twin brother> <twin girls>
2 a : made up of two similar, related, or connected members or parts  b : being one of a pair <a twin city>

2twin vb twinned; twin·ning : to produce or give birth to twins

3twin n : either of two offspring produced at a birth — compare FRATERNAL TWIN, IDENTICAL TWIN

twin bed n
1 : either of a pair of single beds that match
2 : a bed that is big enough for only one person

1twine \ˈtwīn\ n : a string made of two or more strands twisted together

2twine vb twined; twin·ing
1 a : to twist together  b : INTERLACE
2 : to coil or cause to coil around a support

1twinge \ˈtwinj\ vb twinged; twing·ing \ˈtwin-jiŋ\ or twinge·ing : to affect with or feel a sudden sharp pain

2twinge n
1 : a sudden sharp stab of pain
2 : moral or emotional distress <a twinge of regret>

1twin·kle \ˈtwiŋ-kəl\ vb twin·kled; twin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to shine or cause to shine with a flickering or sparkling light
2 : to appear bright with amusement <his eyes twinkled>
3 : to move or flutter rapidly
— twin·kler \-k(ə-)lər\ n

2twinkle n
1 : a very short time
2 : 2SPARKLE 1, FLICKER
— twin·kly \-k(ə-)lē\ adj

twin·kling \ˈtwiŋ-kliŋ\ n : INSTANT <was back in a twinkling>

twin–size \ˈtwin-ˌsīz\ adj : having a size of 39 inches by 75 inches (about 1.0 by 1.9 meters) <a twin-size bed>

1twirl \ˈtwər(-ə)l\ vb : to turn or cause to turn rapidly <twirl a baton>
— twirl·er n

2twirl n : an act of twirling

1twist \ˈtwist\ vb
1 : to unite by winding one thread, strand, or wire around another
2 : 2TWINE 2
3 a : to turn so as to sprain or hurt <twisted my ankle>  b : to change the meaning of <twisted the facts>  c : to pull off, rotate, or break by a turning force <twisted a small branch off the tree>
4 : to follow a winding course

2twist n
1 : a thread, yarn, or cord made by twisting two or more strands together
2 : an act of twisting : the state of being twisted
3 : a spiral turn or curve
4 : a strong personal tendency : BENT
5 : a changing of meaning
6 : something (as a plan of action) that is both surprising and strange

twist·er \ˈtwis-tər\ n
1 : one that twists
2 a : TORNADO  b : WATERSPOUT 2

twist tie n : a tie used for closing or securing (as a plastic bag) by twisting the ends together

1twitch \ˈtwich\ vb
1 : to move or pull with a sudden motion : JERK
2 : 2QUIVER
3 : to undergo a brief muscular contraction <his hand twitched>

2twitch n
1 : an act of twitching
2 a : a brief contraction of muscle fibers  b : a slight jerk of a body part

1twit·ter \ˈtwit-ər\ vb
1 : to make a series of chirping sounds
2 : to talk in a chattering fashion
3 : to make or become very nervous and upset

2twitter n
1 : a nervous upset state
2 : the chirping of birds
3 : a light chattering

twixt \ˈtwikst\ or 'twixt prep : 1BETWEEN [earlier English twix, short for betwix or betwixt]

two \ˈtü\ n, pl twos
1 : a number that is one more than one — see NUMBER TABLE
2 : the second in a set or series
— two adj or pron

two–bit \ˌtü-ˌbit\ adj : not important or valuable

two bits n sing or pl : the value of a quarter of a dollar

two–by–four \ˌtü-bə-ˈfō(ə)r, -ˈfȯ(ə)r\ n : a piece of lumber sawed to approximately 2 by 4 inches (5 by 10 centimeters)

2–D \ˈtü-ˈdē\ n : a two-dimensional form <displayed in 2-D>
— 2–D adj

two–dimensional adj : of, relating to, or having two dimensions (as length and width)

two–faced \ˈtü-ˈfāst\ adj : behaving in a false way that hides one's real feelings or plans

two·fold \-ˌfōld, -ˈfōld\ adj : twice as great or as many
— twofold adv

2, 4–D \ˌtü-ˌfōr-ˈdē, -ˌfȯr-\ n : a white compound used as a weed killer

two–hand·ed \ˈtü-ˈhan-dəd\ adj
1 : used with both hands <a two-handed sword>
2 : requiring two persons <a two-handed saw>

two·pence or tup·pence \ˈtəp-ən(t)s, U.S. also ˈtü-ˌpen(t)s\ n : the sum of two pence

two·some \ˈtü-səm\ n : a group of two persons or things

two–toed sloth \ˌtü-ˌtōd-\ n : any of a genus of sloths that have two claws on each front foot and three on each back foot — compare THREE-TOED SLOTH

two–way adj
1 : moving or acting or allowing movement or action in either direction <two-way traffic> <a two-way street>
2 a : involving two persons or groups <communication is a two-way process>  b : made to send and receive messages <a two-way radio>

two–wheel·er \-ˈhwē-lər, -ˈwē-\ n : a 2-wheeled vehicle (as a bicycle)

two–winged fly \ˌtü-ˌwiŋ(d)-\ n : any of a large order of insects (as the housefly, mosquitoes, and gnats) that produce often headless, eyeless, and legless larvae and that usually use the front wings for flying and have the back wings reduced to balancers

ty·coon \tī-ˈkün\ n : a very wealthy and powerful business person [Japanese taikun “shogun”]

tyer variant of 3TIER

tying present participle of TIE

tyke also tike \ˈtīk\ n : a small child

tympani variant of TIMPANI

tym·pan·ic membrane \tim-ˈpan-ik-\ n : EARDRUM

tym·pa·num \ˈtim-pə-nəm\ n, pl -na \-nə\ also -nums
1 : EARDRUM
2 : a thin membrane of an insect covering an organ of hearing and transmitting vibrations produced by sound waves to it

1type \ˈtīp\ n
1 a : a rectangular block usually of metal with a raised letter or number from which an inked print is made  b : a set of letters or figures that are used for printing or the letters or figures printed by them
2 a : the special things by which members of a group are set apart from other groups <horses of the draft type>  b : a particular kind, class, or group <a seedless type of orange> <I don't like people of that type>

2type vb typed; typ·ing
1 : to write with a keyboard (as on a typewriter or computer)
2 : to identify as belonging to a type

type·write \ˈtī-ˌprīt\ vb -wrote; -writ·ten; -writ·ing : 2TYPE 1

type·writ·er \ˈtī-ˌprīt-ər\ n : a machine that prints letters or figures when a person pushes its keys down

type·writ·ing \ˈtī-ˌprīt-iŋ\ n
1 : the use of a typewriter
2 : printing done with a typewriter

1ty·phoid \ˈtī-ˌfȯid, (ˈ)tī-ˈfȯid\ adj : of, relating to, or being typhoid fever

2typhoid n : TYPHOID FEVER

typhoid fever n : a disease that is caused by a bacterium, is characterized especially by fever, diarrhea, weakness, headache, and an inflamed intestine, and is passed from one person to another in contaminated food or water

ty·phoon \tī-ˈfün\ n : a hurricane occurring in the region of the Philippines or the China Sea

ty·phus \ˈtī-fəs\ n : any of various diseases caused by bacteria that are rickettsias: as  a : a severe disease that is marked by high fever, muscle and joint pain, cough, intense headache, and a red rash, and that is passed on especially by body lice  b : a mild disease that is marked by fever, headache, and red rash and is passed on by fleas

typhus fever n : TYPHUS

typ·i·cal \ˈtip-i-kəl\ adj : combining or showing the special characteristics of a group or kind <a typical school lunch>
— typ·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

typ·i·fy \ˈtip-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : REPRESENT 2
2 : to have or include the special or main characteristics of

typ·ist \ˈtī-pəst\ n : a person who types especially as a job

ty·ran·ni·cal \tə-ˈran-i-kəl, tī-\ also ty·ran·nic \-ˈran-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or characteristic of a tyrant or tyranny <a tyrannical ruler> <tyrannical rule>
— ty·ran·ni·cal·ly \-ˈran-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

tyr·an·nize \ˈtir-ə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to act like a tyrant
— tyr·an·niz·er n

ty·ran·no·saur \tə-ˈran-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r, tī-\ n : a very large North American flesh-eating dinosaur of the Cretaceous period that had small forelegs and walked on its hind legs

ty·ran·no·sau·rus \tə-ˌran-ə-ˈsȯr-əs, (ˌ)tī-\ n : TYRANNOSAUR

tyr·an·nous \ˈtir-ə-nəs\ adj : TYRANNICAL
— tyr·an·nous·ly adv

tyr·an·ny \ˈtir-ə-nē\ n, pl -nies
1 : a government in which all power is in the hands of a single ruler
2 : harsh, cruel, and severe government or conduct
3 : a tyrannical act

ty·rant \ˈtī-rənt\ n
1 : a ruler who has no legal limits on his or her power by law or constitution
2 a : a ruler who exercises total power harshly or cruelly  b : a person who uses authority or power harshly

tyre chiefly British variant of TIRE

ty·ro \ˈtī-rō\ n, pl tyros : a beginner in learning

tzar variant of CZAR

U

u \ˈyü\ n, often cap : the 21st letter of the English alphabet

ubiq·ui·tous \yu̇-ˈbik-wət-əs\ adj : existing or being everywhere at the same time : constantly encountered : WIDESPREAD <a ubiquitous fashion>
— ubiq·ui·tous·ly adv

— ubiq·ui·tous·ness n

— ubiq·ui·ty \-wət-ē\ n

U–boat \ˈyü-ˈbōt\ n : a German submarine

ud·der \ˈəd-ər\ n
1 : a large bag-shaped organ (as of a cow) consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common pouch but with each having a separate nipple
2 : a mammary gland

UFO \ˌyü-(ˌ)ef-ˈō\ n, pl UFO's or UFOs \-ˈōz\ : an unidentified flying object; esp : FLYING SAUCER

ugh \often read as ˈəg or ˈəḵ or ˈə\ interj — used for various sounds that express disgust or horror

ug·li·fy \ˈəg-li-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to make ugly

ug·ly \ˈəg-lē\ adj ug·li·er; -est
1 : horrid or unpleasant especially to the sight : UNSIGHTLY, HIDEOUS
2 : 1OFFENSIVE 3, REPULSIVE <ugly habits>
3 a : likely to cause bother or discomfort : TROUBLESOME <an ugly situation>  b : QUARRELSOME <an ugly disposition>
— ug·li·ness n

ugly duckling n : a person or thing that seems unpromising but later develops great beauty, talent, or worth

ukase \yü-ˈkās, -ˈkāz; ˈyü-ˌkāz, ü-ˈkäz\ n : a ruling especially of a Russian emperor or government

uke \ˈyük\ n : UKULELE

Ukrai·ni·an \yü-ˈkrā-nē-ən\ n
1 : a person born or living in Ukraine
2 : the language of the Ukrainian people
— Ukrainian adj

uku·le·le \ˌyü-kə-ˈlā-lē, ˌü-\ n : a usually four-stringed small guitar popularized in Hawaii
Word History In the 19th century, a former British army officer named Edward Purvis lived in Hawaii as an official at the royal court. Purvis is said to have been given the Hawaiian nickname of ukulele, which means “jumping flea,” because he was small and lively. In 1879 Portuguese immigrants arrived in the Hawaiian Islands. They brought several of their native instruments, among them a small four-stringed guitar. Purvis liked this new instrument. He quickly learned to play it. In time the small guitar became a favorite, and it took the nickname of the man who had made it popular. [from Hawaiian ukulele “ukulele,” literally, “jumping flea,” from uku “flea” + lele “jumping”]

ul·cer \ˈəl-sər\ n : a slow-healing open sore in which tissue breaks down

ul·cer·ate \ˈəl-sə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to cause or become affected with an ulcer <an ulcerated wound>

ul·cer·a·tion \ˌəl-sə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the process of forming or state of having an ulcer
2 : ULCER

ul·na \ˈəl-nə\ n, pl ul·nae \-nē\ or ulnas : the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm; also : a corresponding part of the forelimb of vertebrates
— ul·nar \-nər\ adj

ul·ster \ˈəl-stər\ n : a long loose heavy overcoat

ul·te·ri·or \ˌəl-ˈtir-ē-ər\ adj : kept hidden in order to achieve a particular result <ulterior motives>

ul·ti·ma \ˈəl-tə-mə\ n : the last syllable of a word

1ul·ti·mate \ˈəl-tə-mət\ adj
1 a : 1FARTHEST <the ultimate reaches of the universe>  b : last in a progression : FINAL  c : 1EXTREME 1 <the ultimate sacrifice>
2 : arrived at as the last result <the ultimate damage of the hurricane>
3 a : 1BASIC 1 <ultimate control>  b : incapable of further division or separation : ELEMENTAL <ultimate particles>
4 : being the greatest : MAXIMUM <the ultimate speed of an airplane>
— ultimate n

— ul·ti·mate·ly adv

2ultimate n : ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Ultimate Frisbee n, often not cap : a game played between two teams in which a plastic disk is advanced by being thrown from player to player — called also ultimate

ul·ti·ma·tum \ˌəl-tə-ˈmāt-əm, -ˈmät-\ n, pl -tums or -ta \-ə\ : a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action

ul·tra \ˈəl-trə\ adj : going beyond others : EXTREME

ultra- prefix
1 : beyond : exceeding the range or limits of <ultraviolet>
2 : more than is usual <ultramodern> [derived from Latin ultra “beyond”]

ul·tra·high frequency \ˌəl-trə-ˈhī-\ n : any radio frequency in the range between 300 and 3000 megahertz — abbreviation UHF

ul·tra·light \ˈəl-trə-ˌlīt\ adj : very light in mass or weight <an ultralight alloy> <an ultralight sweater>

ul·tra·ma·rine \ˌəl-trə-mə-ˈrēn\ n : a vivid blue

ul·tra·mod·ern \ˌəl-trə-ˈmäd-ərn\ adj : very modern in idea, style, or direction
— ul·tra·mod·ern·ist \-ər-nəst\ n

ul·tra·son·ic \ˌəl-trə-ˈsän-ik\ adj : relating to or being vibrations that are of the same kind as sound waves but have too high a frequency to be heard by the human ear
— ul·tra·son·i·cal·ly \-ˈsän-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

ul·tra·sound \ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd\ n
1 : ultrasonic vibrations
2 : the use of ultrasound for medical diagnosis or treatment and especially a technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for examining internal body structures and detecting abnormalities in the body

ul·tra·vi·o·let \ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-ə-lət\ adj
1 : located beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end and having a wavelength shorter than those of visible light but longer than those of X-rays
2 : relating to, producing, or using ultraviolet radiation
— ultraviolet n

ul·va \ˈəl-və\ n : SEA LETTUCE

um \a prolonged m sound, əm\ interj — used to express hesitation <well, um, I don't know>

um·bel \ˈəm-bəl\ n : a flat-topped or ball-shaped flower cluster (as in the carrot) in which the stalks of the individual flowers all grow from about the same point on the main stem like the ribs of an umbrella

um·ber \ˈəm-bər\ n
1 : an artist's pigment that is either greenish brown or reddish brown
2 : a medium to dark brown or yellowish brown
— umber adj

um·bil·i·cal cord \ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəl-\ n : a cord that contains blood vessels and connects the navel of a fetus with the placenta of the mother

um·bil·i·cus \ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəs\ n, pl -bil·i·ci \-ˈbil-ə-ˌkī, -ˌkē, -ˌsī\ or -bil·i·cus·es : NAVEL

um·bra \ˈəm-brə\ n, pl umbras or um·brae \-brē, -ˌbrī\
1 : a shaded area
2 : the cone-shaped part of the shadow of a celestial body from which the light of the sun is completely blocked

um·brage \ˈəm-brij\ n : RESENTMENT, OFFENSE <take umbrage at a remark>

um·brel·la \ˌəm-ˈbrel-ə\ n
1 : a collapsible covering for protection against weather consisting of fabric stretched over a hinged frame coming out from a center pole; esp : a small one for carrying in the hand
2 : something resembling an umbrella in shape or purpose [from Italian ombrella “umbrella,” from Latin umbella, literally, “little shade,” from umbra “shade, shadow”]

Um·bri·an \ˈəm-brē-ən\ n : a member of a people of ancient Italy occupying Umbria
— Umbrian adj

umi·ak \ˈü-mē-ˌak\ n : an open Eskimo boat made of an open frame covered with hide

um·laut \ˈu̇m-ˌlau̇t, ˈüm-\ n
1 : the change of a vowel brought about by a following sound
2 : a diacritical mark ¨ placed especially over a German vowel to indicate umlaut

um·pire \ˈəm-ˌpī(ə)r\ n
1 : one having authority to decide an argument or a question
2 : an official in a sport (as baseball) who rules on plays
— umpire vb
Word History From the Latin word par, meaning “equal,” came the early French word per, which also meant “equal.” Per was combined with the prefix non-, nom-, meaning “not,” to form the early French word nomper, which meant “without equal.” Nomper came into Middle English as a noun, noumpere. The meaning of noumpere was “a person who is not equal, a person who has authority over others.” Many people who heard the words a noumpere thought they were actually hearing an oumpere. Because of that misunderstanding, the letter n in time came to be dropped from noumpere. Other changes over the course of many years have given us the modern word umpire. [Middle English oumpere, an altered form of noumpere “one having authority to decide an issue or dispute,” from early French nounpier, nompere (adjective) “single, odd, without equal,” from non-, nom- “not” and per “equal,” from Latin par “equal” — related to COMPARE, PAIR, PAR, PEER]

ump·teen \ˈəm(p)-ˈtēn, ˌəm(p)-\ adj : numerous but not fixed in amount <umpteen million things to do>

1un- \ˌən, ˈən\ prefix
1 : not <unskilled> <unkindness>
2 : opposite of : contrary to <unconstitutional> <ungodly> [Old English un- “not”]

2un- prefix
1 : do the opposite of : reverse <undress>
2 : remove a specified thing from <unburden> [Old English un-, on-, an altered form of and- “against”]

- unabsorbed

- unabsorbent

- unacademic

- unaccented

- unaccepted

- unacclimated

- unaccredited

- unachieved

- unacquainted

- unadaptable

- unadapted

- unadjusted

- unadmirable

- unadventurous

- unadvertised

- unaesthetic

- unaffectionate

- unaffiliated

- unaffordable

- unafraid

- unaggressive

- unaided

- unair–conditioned

- unalike

- unaltered

- unambiguous

- unambitious

- unamusing

- unanchored

- unannounced

- unanswered

- unanticipated

- unapologetic

- unapparent

- unappeased

- unappetizing

- unappreciated

- unappreciative

- unapproved

- unarmored

- unarticulated

- unartistic

- unashamed

- unaspiring

- unassailed

- unassigned

- unassisted

- unassociated

- unathletic

- unattainable

- unattended

- unauthentic

- unauthorized

- unavailable

- unawakened

- unbaptized

- unbeloved

- unbleached

- unblemished

- unbranded

- unbreakable

- unbridgeable

- unbridged

- unbruised

- unbrushed

- unburied

- unburnable

- unburned

- unburnt

- unbusinesslike

- unbusy

- unbuttered

- uncalibrated

- uncalled

- uncanceled

- uncapitalized

- uncared–for

- uncaring

- uncarpeted

- uncataloged

- uncatchable

- uncaught

- uncelebrated

- uncensored

- uncensured

- uncertified

- unchallenged

- unchallenging

- unchanged

- unchaperoned

- unchecked

- unchristened

- unclaimed

- uncleaned

- unclear

- unclouded

- uncluttered

- uncoated

- uncoiled

- uncollected

- uncollectible

- uncolored

- uncombed

- uncombined

- uncomic

- uncommercial

- uncompassionate

- uncompensated

- uncompleted

- uncomplicated

- unconcealed

- unconfined

- unconfirmed

- unconfuse

- uncongenial

- unconnected

- unconquered

- unconsecrated

- unconsolidated

- uncontaminated

- uncontested

- uncontradicted

- uncontrolled

- unconverted

- unconvinced

- unconvincing

- uncooked

- uncooperative

- uncoordinated

- uncorrectable

- uncorrected

- uncorrupt

- uncountable

- uncourageous

- uncreative

- uncredited

- uncrippled

- uncritical

- uncritically

- uncrowded

- uncultivated

- uncultured

- uncured

- uncurious

- uncurtained

- uncustomary

- undamaged

- undamped

- undated

- undecidable

- undecipherable

- undeciphered

- undeclared

- undecorated

- undefeated

- undefended

- undefiled

- undefinable

- undefined

- undemanding

- undemocratic

- undenominational

- undependable

- undescribable

- undeserved

- undeserving

- undesired

- undetectable

- undetected

- undetermined

- undeterred

- undeveloped

- undigested

- undignified

- undiluted

- undiminished

- undimmed

- undiplomatic

- undisciplined

- undisclosed

- undiscovered

- undiscriminating

- undisguised

- undismayed

- undisputable

- undisputed

- undissolved

- undistinguished

- undisturbed

- undivided

- undomestic

- undomesticated

- undoubtable

- undramatic

- undrinkable

- undyed

- uneager

- uneaten

- uneconomic

- unedifying

- unembarrassed

- unemotional

- unemphatic

- unenclosed

- unendurable

- unenforceable

- unenforced

- unenlarged

- unenterprising

- unenthusiastic

- unenthusiastically

- unescapable

- unessential

- unethical

- unexamined

- unexceptional

- unexcited

- unexciting

- unexcused

- unexpended

- unexpired

- unexplainable

- unexplained

- unexploded

- unexplored

- unexposed

- unexpressed

- unexpurgated

- unextraordinary

- unfaltering

- unfashionable

- unfelt

- unfeminine

- unfenced

- unfermented

- unfertile

- unfertilized

- unfilled

- unfiltered

- unflattering

- unfocused

- unforced

- unforeseeable

- unforeseen

- unforested

- unforgivable

- unforgiving

- unframed

- unfree

- unfrozen

- unfulfilled

- unfunny

- unfurnished

- unfussy

- ungentle

- ungentlemanly

- unglazed

- ungoverned

- ungraceful

- ungracefully

- ungraded

- ungrammatical

- unguided

- unhampered

- unharmed

- unharvested

- unhatched

- unhealed

- unheated

- unheeded

- unheeding

- unhelpful

- unheroic

- unhesitating

- unhindered

- unhomogenized

- unhonored

- unhopeful

- unhoused

- unhurt

- unidentifiable

- unidentified

- unidiomatic

- unilluminating

- unimaginable

- unimaginably

- unimaginative

- unimpaired

- unimpeded

- unimportant

- unimposing

- unimpressed

- unimpressive

- unincorporated

- unindexed

- unindustrialized

- uninfected

- uninflected

- uninfluenced

- uninformative

- uninformed

- uninhabitable

- uninhabited

- uninitiated

- uninjured

- uninoculated

- uninspected

- uninspired

- uninspiring

- uninstructed

- uninstructive

- uninsulated

- uninsured

- unintegrated

- unintelligible

- unintelligibly

- unintended

- unintentional

- unintentionally

- uninteresting

- uninterrupted

- uninvited

- uninviting

- uninvolved

- unjoined

- unjointed

- unjustifiable

- unjustified

- unkept

- unlabeled

- unladylike

- unlamented

- unleavened

- unlicensed

- unlikable

- unlined

- unlit

- unliterary

- unlivable

- unlovable

- unloved

- unloving

- unmalicious

- unmaliciously

- unmanageable

- unmapped

- unmarked

- unmarketable

- unmasculine

- unmatched

- unmeasurable

- unmeasured

- unmelodious

- unmentioned

- unmindful

- unmixed

- unmodified

- unmotivated

- unmounted

- unmovable

- unmusical

- unnamed

- unneeded

- unnewsworthy

- unnoticeable

- unnoticed

- unobjectionable

- unobservable

- unobserved

- unobstructed

- unobtainable

- unofficial

- unofficially

- unopened

- unopposed

- unordered

- unoriginal

- unowned

- unpainted

- unpalatable

- unpardonable

- unpasteurized

- unpatriotic

- unpaved

- unpeeled

- unperceived

- unperceptive

- unperformed

- unpersuasive

- unperturbed

- unplanned

- unplayable

- unpleased

- unpleasing

- unplowed

- unpoetic

- unpolarized

- unpolished

- unpolluted

- unposed

- unprejudiced

- unpremeditated

- unprepared

- unpreparedness

- unprepossessing

- unpressed

- unprivileged

- unprocessed

- unproductive

- unprogrammed

- unprogressive

- unprompted

- unprovable

- unproved

- unproven

- unprovoked

- unpruned

- unpunished

- unquenchable

- unquestioned

- unraised

- unranked

- unrated

- unreachable

- unready

- unrealistic

- unrealized

- unreasonable

- unreasonableness

- unrecognizable

- unrecognized

- unreconcilable

- unreconciled

- unrecorded

- unrecoverable

- unrecyclable

- unredeemable

- unredeemed

- unrefined

- unreflective

- unreformed

- unregistered

- unregulated

- unrehearsed

- unrelated

- unreliable

- unrelieved

- unreluctant

- unremarkable

- unremarkably

- unremembered

- unremovable

- unrepeatable

- unrepentant

- unrepentantly

- unreported

- unrepresented

- unrequited

- unresistant

- unresolvable

- unresolved

- unresponsive

- unrestful

- unrestricted

- unreturnable

- unrevealed

- unreviewed

- unrevised

- unrewarded

- unrewarding

- unrhymed

- unrhythmic

- unripened

- unromantic

- unromantically

- unruled

- unrushed

- unsafe

- unsaid

- unsalable

- unsalaried

- unsalted

- unsanctioned

- unsanitary

- unsatisfactorily

- unsatisfactoriness

- unsatisfactory

- unsatisfied

- unsatisfying

- unscarred

- unscented

- unscreened

- unsealed

- unseasoned

- unseaworthy

- unsecured

- unseeded

- unsegmented

- unselected

- unsensational

- unsent

- unsentimental

- unseparated

- unserved

- unsexual

- unshaded

- unshakable

- unshaken

- unshapely

- unshared

- unsharp

- unshaven

- unshorn

- unsigned

- unsinkable

- unsized

- unskillful

- unslaked

- unsmiling

- unsociable

- unsoiled

- unsold

- unsoldierly

- unsolicited

- unsolicitous

- unsolvable

- unsolved

- unsorted

- unsounded

- unsown

- unspecialized

- unspecifiable

- unspecific

- unspecified

- unspectacular

- unspent

- unspiritual

- unsplit

- unspoiled

- unspoilt

- unspoken

- unsportsmanlike

- unstained

- unsterile

- unsterilized

- unstinted

- unstrained

- unstratified

- unstructured

- unstylish

- unsubdued

- unsubstantiated

- unsubtle

- unsubtly

- unsuitable

- unsuited

- unsullied

- unsupervised

- unsupportable

- unsupported

- unsure

- unsurpassable

- unsurpassed

- unsurprised

- unsuspected

- unsuspecting

- unsuspicious

- unsustainable

- unsweetened

- unsympathetic

- unsystematic

- untainted

- untalented

- untamable

- untamed

- untanned

- untarnished

- untaxed

- unteachable

- untended

- untested

- unthreatening

- unthrifty

- untilled

- untiring

- untraceable

- untraditional

- untrained

- untranslated

- untraveled

- untraversed

- untreated

- untrimmed

- untroubled

- untrusting

- untrustworthy

- untwisted

- untypical

- unusable

- unvaccinated

- unvaried

- unvarying

- unventilated

- unverifiable

- unvulcanized

- unwanted

- unwarranted

- unwashed

- unwatchable

- unwavering

- unweaned

- unwearable

- unweathered

- unwed

- unweighted

- unwelcome

- unwilled

- unwomanly

- unwon

- unworkable

- unworked

- unworn

- unworried

- unwounded

- unwoven

- unwrinkled

un·abashed \ˌən-ə-ˈbasht\ adj : not abashed : not embarrassed or ashamed
— un·abash·ed·ly \-ˈbash-əd-lē\ adv

un·abat·ed \ˌən-ə-ˈbāt-əd\ adj : not abated : at full strength or force
— un·abat·ed·ly adv

un·able \ˌən-ˈā-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not able : INCAPABLE

un·abridged \ˌən-ə-ˈbrijd\ adj
1 : not abridged : COMPLETE <an unabridged reprint of a novel>
2 : complete of its class : not based on one larger <an unabridged dictionary>

un·ac·cept·able \ˌən-ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl, -ak-\ adj : not acceptable : not pleasing or welcome
— un·ac·cept·ably \-blē\ adv

un·ac·com·mo·dat·ed \ˌən-ə-ˈkäm-ə-ˌdāt-əd\ adj : not accommodated : UNPROVIDED

un·ac·com·pa·nied \ˌən-ə-ˈkəmp-(ə-)nēd\ adj : not accompanied; esp : being without instrumental accompaniment

un·ac·count·able \ˌən-ə-ˈkau̇nt-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : INEXPLICABLE, STRANGE
2 : not to be called to account : not responsible
— un·ac·count·ably \-blē\ adv

un·ac·count·ed \ˌən-ə-ˈkau̇nt-əd\ adj : not accounted : UNEXPLAINED — often used with for <their absence was unaccounted for>

un·ac·cus·tomed \ˌən-ə-ˈkəs-təmd\ adj
1 : UNUSUAL, UNFAMILIAR <unaccustomed scenes>
2 : not used to something : not accustomed <unaccustomed to travel>

un·adorned \ˌən-ə-ˈdȯ(ə)rnd\ adj : not adorned : lacking decoration : SIMPLE

un·adul·ter·at·ed \ˌən-ə-ˈdəl-tə-ˌrāt-əd\ adj : not adulterated : PURE, UNMIXED <unadulterated foods> <unadulterated beauty> <unadulterated happiness>

un·ad·vised \ˌən-əd-ˈvīzd\ adj : done without proper consideration

un·af·fect·ed \ˌən-ə-ˈfek-təd\ adj
1 : not influenced or changed mentally, physically, or chemically
2 : free from false behavior intended to impress others : GENUINE
— un·af·fect·ed·ly adv

— un·af·fect·ed·ness n

un·alien·able \ˌən-ˈāl-yə-nə-bəl, -ˈā-lē-ə-nə-\ adj : INALIENABLE

un·aligned \ˌən-əl-ˈīnd\ adj : not associated with other nations

un·al·loyed \ˌən-əl-ˈȯid\ adj : not alloyed : UNMIXED, PURE <unalloyed metals> <unalloyed happiness>

un·al·ter·able \ˌən-ˈȯl-t(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not capable of being altered or changed <unalterable opposition>
— un·al·ter·ably \-blē\ adv

un–Amer·i·can \ˌən-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən\ adj : not American

unan·i·mous \yu̇-ˈnan-ə-məs\ adj
1 : being of one mind : agreeing completely <the councillors were unanimous in their approval of the report>
2 : agreed to by all <a unanimous vote>
— una·nim·i·ty \ˌyü-nə-ˈnim-ət-ē\ n

— unan·i·mous·ly \yu̇-ˈnan-ə-məs-lē\ adv

un·an·swer·able \ˌən-ˈan(t)s-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not answerable; esp : IRREFUTABLE <the arguments were unanswerable>

un·ap·peal·ing \ˌən-ə-ˈpē-liŋ\ adj : not appealing : UNATTRACTIVE

un·ap·peas·able \ˌən-ə-ˈpē-zə-bəl\ adj : not to be appeased : IMPLACABLE

un·apt \ˌən-ˈapt, ˈən-\ adj
1 : UNSUITABLE, INAPPROPRIATE <an unapt quotation>
2 : not accustomed and not likely <unapt to run from danger>
3 : not qualified or skilled <unapt students>
— un·apt·ly \-ˈap-(t)lē\ adv

un·arm \ˌən-ˈärm, ˈən-\ vb : DISARM 1

un·armed \ˌən-ˈärmd, ˈən-\ adj : not armed or armored <unarmed civilians>; also : not using or involving a weapon <unarmed robbery>

un·asked \ˌən-ˈas(k)t, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not asked <unasked questions>
2 : not asked for <unasked advice>

un·as·sail·able \ˌən-ə-ˈsā-lə-bəl\ adj : not assailable : not open to doubt, attack, or question
— un·as·sail·ably \-blē\ adv

un·as·ser·tive \ˌən-ə-ˈsərt-iv\ adj : not assertive : MODEST, SHY

un·as·sum·ing \ˌən-ə-ˈsü-miŋ\ adj : not pretentious : MODEST <an unassuming manner> <an unassuming neighborhood>
— un·as·sum·ing·ly adv

un·at·tached \ˌən-ə-ˈtacht\ adj
1 : not attached
2 : not married or engaged

un·at·trac·tive \-ˈtrak-tiv\ adj : not attractive : PLAIN
— un·at·trac·tive·ly adv

— un·at·trac·tive·ness n

un·avail·ing \ˌən-ə-ˈvā-liŋ\ adj : of no use : not successful : FUTILE
— un·avail·ing·ly adv

un·avoid·able \ˌən-ə-ˈvȯid-ə-bəl\ adj : not avoidable : INEVITABLE <the accident was unavoidable>
— un·avoid·ably \-blē\ adv

1un·aware \ˌən-ə-ˈwa(ə)r, -ˈwe(ə)r\ adv : UNAWARES

2unaware adj : not aware : IGNORANT
— un·aware·ness n

un·awares \ˌən-ə-ˈwa(ə)rz, -ˈwe(ə)rz\ adv
1 : without knowing : UNINTENTIONALLY
2 : without warning : by surprise <taken unawares>

un·backed \ˌən-ˈbakt, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not backed
2 : lacking support or aid <a plan unbacked by the voters>

un·bal·ance \ˌən-ˈbal-ən(t)s\ vb : to put out of balance

un·bal·anced \ˌən-ˈbal-ən(t)st\ adj
1 : not in a state of balance
2 : not completely sane
3 : not adjusted so as to make credits equal to debits <an unbalanced account>

un·bar \ˌən-ˈbär, ˈən-\ vb -barred; -bar·ring : to remove a bar from : UNBOLT

un·bear·able \ˌən-ˈbar-ə-bəl, ˈən-, -ˈber-\ adj : greater than can be borne <unbearable pain>
— un·bear·ably \-blē\ adv

un·beat·able \ˌən-ˈbēt-ə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being defeated

un·beat·en \ˌən-ˈbēt-ən\ adj
1 : not pounded, beaten, or whipped
2 : not defeated

un·beaut·i·ful \-ˈbyüt-i-fəl\ adj : not beautiful : UNATTRACTIVE
— un·beau·ti·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

un·be·com·ing \ˌən-bi-ˈkəm-iŋ\ adj : not becoming <an unbecoming dress>; esp : UNSUITABLE, IMPROPER <unbecoming conduct>
— un·be·com·ing·ly adv

un·be·knownst \ˌən-bi-ˈnōn(t)st\ also un·be·known \-ˈnōn\ adj : happening without one's knowledge : UNKNOWN <events unbeknownst to me>

un·be·lief \ˌən-bə-ˈlēf\ n : the withholding or absence of belief : DOUBT

un·be·liev·able \ˌən-bə-ˈlē-və-bəl\ adj
1 : too unlikely for belief <an unbelievable story>
2 : very significant or impressive <made an unbelievable catch in center field>
— un·be·liev·ably \-blē\ adv

un·be·liev·er \ˌən-bə-ˈlē-vər\ n
1 : one who does not believe in a particular religious faith : INFIDEL
2 : one who does not believe : DOUBTER
— un·be·liev·ing \-ˈlē-viŋ\ adj

— un·be·liev·ing·ly adv

un·bend \ˌən-ˈbend\ vb -bent \-ˈbent\; -bend·ing
1 : to free from being bent : make or become straight
2 : RELAX 3

un·bend·ing \ˌən-ˈben-diŋ\ adj
1 : INFLEXIBLE 2, RESOLUTE
2 : not relaxed and easy in manner : ALOOF

un·bi·ased \ˌən-ˈbī-əst, ˈən-\ adj : free from bias; esp : IMPARTIAL, UNPREJUDICED <an unbiased opinion>

un·bid·den \ˌən-ˈbid-ən\ also un·bid \-ˈbid\ adj : not bidden : UNASKED, UNINVITED <she barged in unbidden>

un·bind \ˌən-ˈbīnd\ vb -bound \-ˈbau̇nd\; -bind·ing
1 : UNFASTEN, UNTIE, LOOSE
2 : to set free : RELEASE

un·blush·ing \ˌən-ˈbləsh-iŋ\ adj
1 : not blushing
2 : UNABASHED, SHAMELESS <unblushing greed>
— un·blush·ing·ly adv

un·bolt \ˌən-ˈbōlt, ˈən-\ vb : to open or unfasten by withdrawing a bolt

un·born \ˌən-ˈbȯ(ə)rn\ adj : not born; esp : still to appear : FUTURE <unborn generations>

un·bos·om \ˌən-ˈbu̇z-əm\ vb
1 : to give expression to : DISCLOSE, REVEAL
2 : to reveal one's thoughts or feelings

un·bound \ˌən-ˈbau̇nd\ adj
1 a : not fastened or tied up <unbound hair>  b : not kept within bounds <unbound spirit>
2 : not having a binding <an unbound book>

un·bound·ed \ˌən-ˈbau̇n-dəd\ adj : having no bounds or limits <unbounded space> <unbounded enthusiasm>

un·bowed \ˌən-ˈbau̇d, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not bowed down <unbowed heads>
2 : not conquered <unbowed by failure>

un·braid \ˌən-ˈbrād\ vb : UNRAVEL 1

un·branched \ˌən-ˈbrancht\ adj : free from or not divided into branches <a tree with a straight unbranched trunk> <a leaf with unbranched veins>

un·bri·dled \ˌən-ˈbrīd-əld\ adj : UNRESTRAINED, UNGOVERNED <unbridled enthusiasm>

un·bro·ken \ˌən-ˈbrō-kən\ adj
1 : not broken : WHOLE
2 : not tamed; esp : not trained for use <unbroken colts>
3 : not interrupted : CONTINUOUS <an unbroken row of trees> <unbroken sleep>

un·buck·le \ˌən-ˈbək-əl\ vb : to unfasten the buckle of (as a belt)

un·budg·ing \ˌən-ˈbəj-iŋ\ adj : not budging : resisting movement or change
— un·budg·ing·ly adv

un·built \ˌən-ˈbilt\ adj
1 : not yet built <an unbuilt house>
2 : not built on <an unbuilt plot>

un·bur·den \ˌən-ˈbərd-ən\ vb
1 : to free or bring relief from a burden
2 : to free oneself from (as cares)

un·but·ton \ˌən-ˈbət-ən\ vb : to unfasten the buttons of (as a garment)

un·but·toned \ˌən-ˈbət-ənd\ adj
1 a : not buttoned  b : not provided with buttons
2 : free and unrestricted in action or expression <the musician's unbuttoned energy>

un·cage \ˌən-ˈkāj, ˈən-\ vb : to release from or as if from a cage

un·called–for \ˌən-ˈkȯl(d)-ˌfȯ(ə)r\ adj
1 : not called for : UNNECESSARY
2 a : not justified <your jealousy is uncalled-for>  b : IMPOLITE, RUDE <uncalled-for comments>

un·can·ny \ˌən-ˈkan-ē\ adj
1 : MYSTERIOUS
2 : being beyond what is normal <an uncanny sense of direction>
— un·can·ni·ly \-ˈkan-əl-ē\ adv

— un·can·ni·ness \-ˈkan-ē-nəs\ n

un·cap \ˌən-ˈkap\ vb : to remove a cap or covering from

un·ceas·ing \ˌən-ˈsē-siŋ\ adj : never ceasing : CONTINUOUS, INCESSANT
— un·ceas·ing·ly adv

un·cer·e·mo·ni·ous \ˌən-ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əs\ adj : acting without or lacking ordinary courtesy : ABRUPT <an unceremonious departure>
— un·cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ly adv

un·cer·tain \ˌən-ˈsərt-ən, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not definite or fixed <an uncertain quantity>
2 a : not sure <uncertain of the truth>  b : not known for sure <an uncertain claim>
3 : likely to change : not dependable <uncertain weather>
— un·cer·tain·ly adv

un·cer·tain·ty \ˌən-ˈsərt-ən-tē\ n
1 : lack of certainty
2 : something that is uncertain  synonyms see DOUBT

un·chain \ˌən-ˈchān, ˈən-\ vb : to free by or as if by removing a chain : set loose

un·change·able \ˌən-ˈchān-jə-bəl\ adj : not changing or to be changed : IMMUTABLE <unchangeable facts>
— un·change·able·ness n

— un·change·ably \-blē\ adv

un·chang·ing \ˌən-ˈchān-jiŋ\ adj : not changing or capable of change : CONSTANT <unchanging beliefs>

un·charged \ˌən-ˈchärjd\ adj : having no electric charge

un·char·i·ta·ble \ˌən-ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : not charitable; esp : severe in judging others <uncharitable comments>
— un·char·i·ta·ble·ness n

— un·char·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

un·chart·ed \ˌən-ˈchärt-əd\ adj : not recorded or located on a map, chart, or plan : UNKNOWN <vast uncharted wilderness>

un·chaste \ˌən-ˈchāst\ adj : not chaste : lacking in chastity
— un·chas·ti·ty \-ˈchas-tət-ē\ n

un·chris·tian \ˌən-ˈkris-chən\ adj
1 : not of the Christian faith
2 a : not suitable to or like a Christian  b : UNCIVILIZED 1, BARBAROUS

un·civ·il \ˌən-ˈsiv-əl\ adj
1 : not civilized : BARBAROUS
2 : lacking in courtesy : ILL-MANNERED <uncivil remarks>

un·civ·i·lized \ˌən-ˈsiv-ə-ˌlīzd\ adj
1 : not civilized : lacking culture or refinement
2 : far from civilization : WILD

un·clad \ˌən-ˈklad\ adj : not clothed : UNDRESSED, NAKED

un·clasp \ˌən-ˈklasp\ vb : to release from a clasp

un·clas·si·fied \ˌən-ˈklas-ə-ˌfīd\ adj : not classified; esp : not requiring special treatment for purposes of security <unclassified documents>

un·cle \ˈəŋ-kəl\ n
1 : the brother of one's father or mother
2 : the husband of one's aunt

un·clean \ˌən-ˈklēn\ adj
1 : not pure and innocent : WICKED
2 : prohibited by religious law for use or contact
3 : 1DIRTY 1, FILTHY
— un·clean·ness \-ˈklēn-nəs\ n

un·clean·ly \ˌən-ˈklen-lē\ adj : UNCLEAN 1, DIRTY
— un·clean·li·ness n

un·clench \ˌən-ˈklench\ vb : to open from a clenched position : RELAX <unclenched my hands>

Un·cle Sam \ˌəŋ-kəl-ˈsam\ n
1 : the U.S. government thought of or represented as a person
2 : the American nation or people

Uncle Tom \-ˈtäm\ n : a black person eager to win the approval of white people and willing to cooperate with them [from Uncle Tom, name of a slave in the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe]

un·clinch \ˌən-ˈklinch\ vb : UNCLENCH

un·cloak \ˌən-ˈklōk\ vb
1 : to remove a cloak or cover from
2 : REVEAL 1, UNMASK

un·clog \ˌən-ˈkläg, -ˈklȯg\ vb : to free from a difficulty or obstruction

un·close \ˌən-ˈklōz\ vb : 2OPEN 1A

un·clothe \ˌən-ˈklōth\ vb : to strip of clothes or a covering

un·coil \ˌən-ˈkȯi(ə)l, ˈən-\ vb : to release or become released from a coiled state : UNWIND

un·com·fort·able \ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə(r)-bəl, -ˈkəm(p)-fə(r)t-ə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 : causing discomfort <an uncomfortable chair>
2 : feeling discomfort : UNEASY
— un·com·fort·ably \-blē\ adv

un·com·mit·ted \ˌən-kə-ˈmit-əd\ adj : not committed; esp : not pledged to a particular belief, allegiance, or program <uncommitted voters>

un·com·mon \ˌən-ˈkäm-ən, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not ordinarily found or experienced : UNUSUAL <not uncommon to catch a cold>
2 : EXTRAORDINARY, REMARKABLE, EXCEPTIONAL <has uncommon ability>
— un·com·mon·ly adv

— un·com·mon·ness \-ən-nəs\ n

un·com·mu·ni·ca·tive \ˌən-kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt-iv, -ni-kət-\ adj : not tending to talk or give out information : RESERVED

un·com·pet·i·tive \ˌən-kəm-ˈpet-ət-iv\ adj : not competitive : unable to compete
— un·com·pet·i·tive·ness n

un·com·plain·ing \ˌən-kəm-ˈplā-niŋ\ adj : not complaining : PATIENT <uncomplaining acceptance>
— un·com·plain·ing·ly adv

un·com·pli·men·ta·ry \ˈən-ˌkäm-plə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\ adj : not complimentary <an uncomplimentary remark>

un·com·pro·mis·ing \ˌən-ˈkäm-prə-ˌmī-ziŋ\ adj : not making or accepting a compromise : UNYIELDING
— un·com·pro·mis·ing·ly adv

un·con·cern \ˌən-kən-ˈsərn\ n : lack of care or interest : INDIFFERENCE <unconcern for world problems>

un·con·cerned \ˌən-kən-ˈsərnd\ adj
1 : not involved : not having a part or interest
2 : not anxious or upset : free of worry
— un·con·cern·ed·ly \-ˈsər-nəd-lē\ adv

un·con·di·tion·al \ˌən-kən-ˈdish-nəl, -ˈdish-ən-əl\ adj : not limited : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED <unconditional surrender>
— un·con·di·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

un·con·quer·able \ˌən-ˈkäŋ-k(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : incapable of being conquered or overcome <unconquerable difficulties>
— un·con·quer·ably \-blē\ adv

un·con·scio·na·ble \ˌən-ˈkänch-(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj
1 : not guided or controlled by conscience <an unconscionable villain>
2 : not being in agreement with what is right or just : UNREASONABLE, EXCESSIVE
— un·con·scio·na·bly \-blē\ adv

1un·con·scious \ˌən-ˈkän-chəs, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not aware <unconscious of having made a mistake>
2 : having lost consciousness <knocked unconscious by a fall>
3 : not realized : not consciously done <an unconscious mistake> <unconscious humor>
— un·con·scious·ly adv

— un·con·scious·ness n

2unconscious n : the part of one's mental life of which one is not aware but which may influence behavior

un·con·sid·ered \ˌən-kən-ˈsid-ərd\ adj
1 : not considered or worth consideration
2 : not resulting from consideration or study <unconsidered opinions>

un·con·sti·tu·tion·al \ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)üsh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : not according to or agreeing with the constitution of a state or society
— un·con·sti·tu·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌt(y)ü-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n

— un·con·sti·tu·tion·al·ly \-ˈt(y)üsh-nə-lē, -ən-əl-ē\ adv

un·con·trol·la·ble \ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl\ adj : incapable of being controlled : UNGOVERNABLE
— un·con·trol·la·bly \-blē\ adv

un·con·ven·tion·al \ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention <unconventional behavior>
— un·con·ven·tion·al·i·ty \-ˌven-chə-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n

— un·con·ven·tion·al·ly \-ˈvench-nə-lē, -ən-əl-ē\ adv

un·cork \ˌən-ˈkȯ(ə)rk, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to draw a cork from
2 a : to release from a sealed or shut up state <uncork a surprise>  b : to let go : RELEASE <uncork a wild pitch>

un·count·ed \ˌən-ˈkau̇nt-əd\ adj
1 : not counted <a stack of uncounted bills>
2 : too many to be counted : INNUMERABLE

un·cou·ple \ˌən-ˈkəp-əl\ vb -cou·pled; -cou·pling \-ˈkəp-(ə-)liŋ\ : DISCONNECT <uncouple railroad cars>

un·couth \ˌən-ˈküth\ adj
1 : strange, awkward, and clumsy in shape or appearance
2 : vulgar in conduct or speech : RUDE

un·cov·er \ˌən-ˈkəv-ər\ vb
1 : to make known : DISCLOSE, REVEAL <uncover a plot>
2 : to expose to view by removing some covering <uncover the ruins of an ancient city>
3 a : to take the cover from <uncover the box>  b : to remove the hat from  c : to take off one's hat as a sign of respect

un·cov·ered \ˌən-ˈkəv-ərd\ adj : not covered or supplied with a covering

un·cre·at·ed \ˌən-krē-ˈāt-əd\ adj
1 : not occurring by creation : ETERNAL
2 : not yet created

un·cross \ˌən-ˈkrȯs\ vb : to change from a crossed position <uncrossed my legs>

un·crown \ˌən-ˈkrau̇n\ vb : to take the crown from : DEPOSE, DETHRONE

unc·tion \ˈəŋ(k)-shən\ n
1 : the act of anointing as a ceremony of healing
2 : exaggerated earnestness of language or manner

unc·tu·ous \ˈəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)s, ˈəŋ(k)sh-wəs\ adj
1 : smooth and greasy like an ointment : OILY
2 : too smooth, polite, and agreeable in speech or manner
— unc·tu·ous·ly adv

— unc·tu·ous·ness n

un·curl \ˌən-ˈkər(-ə)l, ˈən-\ vb : to make or become straightened out from a curled or coiled position

un·cut \ˌən-ˈkət, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not cut down or cut into
2 : not shaped by cutting <an uncut diamond>
3 : not having the folds of the leaves slit <uncut books>
4 : not shortened <an uncut text>

un·daunt·ed \ˌən-ˈdȯnt-əd, -ˈdänt-\ adj : not discouraged or frightened : FEARLESS
— un·daunt·ed·ly adv

un·de·ceive \ˌən-di-ˈsēv\ vb : to free from deception or error

un·de·cid·ed \ˌən-di-ˈsīd-əd\ adj
1 : not yet decided : not settled <the question is still undecided>
2 : not having decided : uncertain what to do <still undecided about it>
— un·de·cid·ed·ly adv

un·de·mon·stra·tive \ˌən-di-ˈmän(t)-strət-iv\ adj : not demonstrative : RESERVED

un·de·ni·able \ˌən-di-ˈnī-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : plainly true : INCONTESTABLE
2 : positively excellent or genuine
— un·de·ni·ably \-blē\ adv

1un·der \ˈən-dər\ adv
1 : in or into a position below or beneath something <the duck surfaced, then went under again>
2 : below some quantity, level, or average <ten dollars or under> — often used in combination <underplayed the part>
3 : in or into a losing, lower, or unconscious state or condition <kept my disappointment under> <put the patient under for surgery>
4 : so as to be covered or hidden <turned under by the plow>

2un·der \ˌən-dər, ˈən-\ prep
1 : below or beneath and topped or sheltered by <under sunny skies> <under a tree> <wearing a sweater under my jacket>
2 a : bound by the authority or guidance of <served under the general>  b : affected or influenced by the action or result of <the disease is under treatment>
3 : within the group or division of <under this heading>
4 a : less or lower than (as in size, amount, or rank) <all masses under 90 kilograms> <nobody under a colonel>  b : below the required level of <under legal age>

3un·der \ˈən-dər\ adj
1 a : lying or placed below — often used in combination <the sea's undercurrents> <the underside of a car>  b : facing or bulging downward — often used in combination <the undersurface of a leaf>
2 : lower in position or authority : SUBORDINATE — often used in combination <the undersecretary of defense>
3 : lower than usual, proper, or desired in amount or quality — often used in combination <undernourished children>

un·der·achiev·er \ˌən-də-rə-ˈchē-vər\ n : one (as a student) that fails to do as well as expected

un·der·ac·tive \ˌən-də-ˈrak-tiv\ adj : having an abnormally low level of activity <an underactive gland>

un·der·age \ˌən-də-ˈrāj\ adj : of less than mature or legal age

1un·der·arm \ˌən-də-ˌrärm\ adj
1 : 2UNDERHAND 2 <an underarm toss>
2 : placed under or on the underside of the arm <underarm seams>

2un·der·arm \ˌən-də-ˈrärm\ adv : with an underarm motion

3un·der·arm \ˈən-də-ˌrärm\ n
1 : ARMPIT
2 : the part of a garment that covers the underside of the arm

un·der·bel·ly \ˈən-dər-ˌbel-ē\ n : the underpart of a body or mass <the underbelly of a bomber>; also : an area open to attack or damage <the army's underbelly>

un·der·bid \ˌən-dər-ˈbid\ vb -bid; -bid·ding
1 : to bid less than a competing bidder
2 : to bid too low (as in cards)
— un·der·bid·der n

un·der·body \ˈən-dər-ˌbäd-ē\ n : the lower part or underside of something (as an animal or car)

un·der·bred \ˌən-dər-ˈbred\ adj : marked by lack of good breeding : ILL-BRED

un·der·brush \ˈən-dər-ˌbrəsh\ n : shrubs and small trees growing among large trees : UNDERGROWTH

un·der·car·riage \ˈən-dər-ˌkar-ij\ n
1 : a supporting structure or underside (as of an automobile)
2 : the landing gear of an airplane

un·der·charge \ˌən-dər-ˈchärj\ vb : to charge too little <was undercharged by the salesclerk>
— un·der·charge \ˈən-dər-ˌchärj\ n

un·der·class·man \ˌən-dər-ˈklas-mən\ n : a student in the first or second year of a four-year high school or college

un·der·clothes \ˈən-dər-ˌklō(th)z\ n pl : UNDERWEAR

un·der·cloth·ing \-ˌklō-thiŋ\ n : UNDERWEAR

un·der·coat \-ˌkōt\ n
1 : a coat or jacket worn under another
2 : a growth of short hair or fur partly concealed by a longer growth of usually coarse hairs <a dog's undercoat>
3 : a coat of paint under another
— undercoat vb

un·der·cov·er \-ˌkəv-ər\ adj : acting or performed in secret <an undercover scheme>; esp : employed or engaged in spying or secret investigation <an undercover agent>
— undercover adv

un·der·cur·rent \-ˌkər-ənt, -ˌkə-rənt\ n
1 : a current below the upper currents or surface <undercurrents of water>
2 : a hidden current of opinion or feeling often different from the one openly shown

1un·der·cut \ˌən-dər-ˈkət\ vb -cut; -cut·ting
1 : to cut away the underpart of something or material beneath something
2 : to offer to sell at lower prices than or to work for lower wages than <undercut a competitor>
3 : to strike so as to give a backspin or height to the shot <a tennis player undercutting the ball>

2un·der·cut \ˈən-dər-ˌkət\ n : the action or result of undercutting

un·der·de·vel·oped \ˌən-dər-di-ˈvel-əpt\ adj
1 : not developed normally or enough <underdeveloped muscles>
2 : having a low level of industrial production and standard of living <the underdeveloped nations>

un·der·dog \ˈən-dər-ˌdȯg\ n : the loser or predicted loser in a struggle

un·der·done \ˌən-dər-ˈdən\ adj : not thoroughly cooked : RARE

un·der·draw·ers \ˈən-dər-ˌdrȯ(-ə)rz\ n pl : UNDERPANTS

un·der·dress \ˌən-dər-ˈdres\ vb : to dress more simply or informally than is appropriate for an occasion

un·der·es·ti·mate \ˌən-də-ˈres-tə-ˌmāt\ vb
1 : to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number <underestimate the cost of a new building>
2 : to place too low a value on : UNDERRATE <underestimate an opponent>
— un·der·es·ti·mate \-mət\ n

— un·der·es·ti·ma·tion \-ˌres-tə-ˈmā-shən\ n

un·der·ex·pose \ˌən-də-rik-ˈspōz\ vb : to expose for less time than is needed <the film was underexposed>
— un·der·ex·po·sure \-ˈspō-zhər\ n

un·der·feed \ˌən-dər-ˈfēd\ vb -fed \-ˈfed\; -feed·ing : to feed with too little food

un·der·foot \-ˈfu̇t\ adv
1 : under the feet <flowers trampled underfoot>
2 : close about one's feet : in the way <a puppy always underfoot>

un·der·fur \ˈən-dər-ˌfər\ n : the thick soft undercoat of fur lying beneath the longer and coarser hair of a mammal

un·der·gar·ment \ˈən-dər-ˌgär-mənt\ n : a garment to be worn under another

un·der·gird \ˌən-dər-ˈgərd\ vb : to make secure : brace up : STRENGTHEN <a life undergirded by religion>

un·der·go \ˌən-dər-ˈgō\ vb -went \-ˈwent\; -gone \-ˈgȯn also -ˈgän\; -go·ing \-ˈgō-iŋ\
1 : ENDURE 2 <undergo an operation>
2 : to pass through : EXPERIENCE <undergoing a change>

un·der·grad·u·ate \ˌən-dər-ˈgraj-(ə-)wət, -ə-ˌwāt\ n : a student at a college or university who has not yet received a degree

1un·der·ground \ˌən-dər-ˈgrau̇nd\ adv
1 : below the surface of the ground <an underground passage>
2 : in or into hiding or secret operation <the political party went underground>

2un·der·ground \ˈən-dər-ˌgrau̇nd\ n
1 : a space under the surface of the ground; esp : SUBWAY 2
2 : a secret political group; esp : an organized body working in secret to overthrow a government or an occupying power

3un·der·ground \ˈən-dər-ˌgrau̇nd\ adj
1 : being, growing, operating, or located below the surface of the ground <an underground stream>
2 : conducted secretly

Underground Railroad n : a system of cooperation in the U.S. before 1863 by which slaves were secretly helped to reach the North or Canada

un·der·growth \ˈən-dər-ˌgrōth\ n : low growth on the floor of a forest including seedlings and saplings, shrubs, and herbs

1un·der·hand \ˈən-dər-ˌhand\ adv
1 : in an underhand or secret manner
2 : with an underhand motion <throw underhand>

2underhand adj
1 : done in secret or so as to deceive : SLY <underhand methods>
2 : performed with the hand kept below the level of the shoulder <an underhand pitch>

un·der·hand·ed \ˌən-dər-ˈhan-dəd\ adj or adv : 1UNDERHAND, 2UNDERHAND 1
— un·der·hand·ed·ly adv

— un·der·hand·ed·ness n

un·der·lay \ˌən-dər-ˈlā\ vb -laid \-ˈlād\; -lay·ing
1 : to cover, line, or cross the bottom of <shingles underlaid with tar paper>
2 : to raise or hold up by something laid under
— un·der·lay \ˈən-dər-ˌlā\ n

un·der·lie \ˌən-dər-ˈlī\ vb -lay \-ˈlā\; -lain \-ˈlān\; -ly·ing \-ˈlī-iŋ\
1 : to lie or be located under
2 : to form the foundation of : SUPPORT <ideas underlying the revolution>

un·der·line \ˈən-dər-ˌlīn, ˌən-dər-ˈlīn\ vb
1 : to draw a line under : UNDERSCORE
2 : EMPHASIZE
— un·der·line \ˈən-dər-ˌlīn\ n

un·der·ling \ˈən-dər-liŋ\ n : one who is under the orders of another : SUBORDINATE

un·der·ly·ing \ˌən-dər-ˌlī-iŋ\ adj
1 : lying under or below <the underlying rock>
2 : 1FUNDAMENTAL 1

un·der·mine \ˌən-dər-ˈmīn\ vb
1 : to dig out or wear away the earth beneath <undermine a wall>
2 : to weaken or ruin secretly or gradually <undermine a government>

un·der·most \ˈən-dər-ˌmōst\ adj : lowest in position compared to others
— undermost adv

1un·der·neath \ˌən-dər-ˈnēth\ prep
1 : right under <wore their bathing suits underneath their clothes>
2 : under the control of

2underneath adv
1 : under or below an object or an outside part <soaked through the jacket to the shirt underneath>
2 : on the lower side <a pot blackened underneath>

un·der·nour·ished \ˌən-dər-ˈnər-isht, -ˈnə-risht\ adj : supplied with too little food for health and growth
— un·der·nour·ish·ment \-ˈnər-ish-ment, -ˈnə-rish-\ n

un·der·pants \ˈən-dər-ˌpan(t)s\ n pl : short or long pants worn under an outer garment

un·der·part \-ˌpärt\ n : a part lying on the lower side (as of a bird or mammal)

un·der·pass \-ˌpas\ n : a passage underneath something (as for a road passing under another road)

un·der·pay \ˌən-dər-ˈpā\ vb -paid \-ˈpād\; -pay·ing : to pay too little

un·der·pin \-ˈpin\ vb
1 : to give support to <underpin an argument with evidence>
2 : to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of <underpin a structure>

un·der·pin·ning \ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ\ n
1 : the foundation used for support of a structure
2 : 1PROP, SUPPORT
3 : a person's legs — usually used in plural

un·der·play \ˌən-dər-ˈplā\ vb : to handle carefully; esp : to play a role without much force

un·der·priv·i·leged \-ˈpriv-(ə-)lijd\ adj : having fewer privileges than others : POOR

un·der·pro·duc·tion \-prə-ˈdək-shən\ n : the production of less than enough to satisfy the demand or of less than the usual supply

un·der·rate \ˌən-də(r)-ˈrāt\ vb : to rate too low : UNDERVALUE

un·der·score \ˈən-dər-ˌskō(ə)r, -ˌskȯ(ə)r\ vb
1 : to draw a line under : UNDERLINE
2 : EMPHASIZE
— underscore n

un·der·sea \ˈən-dər-ˈsē\ adj
1 : being or carried on under the sea or under the surface of the sea <undersea oil deposits> <undersea warfare>
2 : designed for use under the surface of the sea <undersea fleet>

un·der·sec·re·tary \ˌən-dər-ˈsek-rə-ˌter-ē\ n : a secretary right under a principal secretary <undersecretary of state>

un·der·sell \ˌən-dər-ˈsel\ vb -sold \-ˈsōld\; -sell·ing : to sell articles cheaper than <undersell a competitor>

un·der·shirt \ˈən-dər-ˌshərt\ n : a collarless undergarment for the upper body

un·der·shorts \-ˌshȯrts\ n pl : underpants for men or boys

un·der·side \ˈən-dər-ˌsīd, ˌən-dər-ˈsīd\ n : the side or part lying underneath

un·der·signed \ˈən-dər-ˌsīnd\ n, pl undersigned : one who signs his or her name at the end of a document <the undersigned testifies> <the undersigned all agree>

un·der·sized \ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd\ adj : smaller than is usual or standard <undersized fruit>

un·der·skirt \ˈən-dər-ˌskərt\ n : a skirt worn under an outer skirt; esp : 1PETTICOAT

un·der·stand \ˌən-dər-ˈstand\ vb -stood \-ˈstu̇d\; -stand·ing
1 a : to get the meaning of : COMPREHEND  b : to have thorough acquaintance with <understand the arts>
2 : to have reason to believe : GATHER, INFER <I understand that they will arrive today>
3 : to take as meaning something not openly made known : INTERPRET, EXPLAIN <understand the letter to be a refusal>
4 : to have a sympathetic attitude <my cousin doesn't understand about these things>
5 : to supply in thought as if expressed <“to be married” is commonly understood after the word “engaged”>
— un·der·stand·able \-ˈstan-də-bəl\ adj

— un·der·stand·ably \-blē\ adv

1un·der·stand·ing \ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ\ n
1 : knowledge and ability to judge : INTELLIGENCE <a person of understanding>
2 a : agreement of opinion or feeling  b : something agreed to by both sides and entered into silently or without ceremony <an understanding between two nations over trade>
3 : one's belief about something based upon what is known
4 : SYMPATHY

2understanding adj : having or showing understanding : TOLERANT, SYMPATHETIC <you seem very understanding>
— un·der·stand·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adv

un·der·state \ˌən-dər-ˈstāt\ vb
1 : to represent as less than is the case <understate taxable income>
2 : to state mildly especially on purpose
— un·der·state·ment \-mənt\ n

un·der·stat·ed \ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd\ adj : expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion

un·der·stood \ˌən-dər-ˈstu̇d\ adj
1 : fully known
2 : agreed upon
3 : IMPLICIT 1

un·der·sto·ry \ˈən-dər-ˌstōr-ē, -ˌstȯr-\ n : the layer of plants and especially the trees and shrubs between the forest canopy and the ground cover

un·der·study \ˈən-dər-ˌstəd-ē, ˌən-dər-ˈstəd-ē\ vb : to study another actor's part in order to be his or her substitute in an emergency
— understudy n

un·der·sur·face \ˈən-dər-ˌsər-fəs\ n : UNDERSIDE

un·der·take \ˌən-dər-ˈtāk\ vb -took \-ˈtu̇k\; -tak·en \-ˈtā-kən\; -tak·ing
1 : to take upon oneself as a task : enter upon <undertake a journey>
2 : to take on as a duty : AGREE, CONTRACT <undertake to deliver a package>

un·der·tak·er \ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kər\ n : a person whose business is to prepare the dead for burial or cremation and to take charge of funerals

un·der·tak·ing \ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ, ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kiŋ; sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ only\ n
1 a : the act of a person who undertakes something  b : the business of an undertaker
2 : something undertaken

un·der·throw \-ˌthrō\ vb : to throw (a ball or pass) short of the intended receiver in football

un·der·tone \ˈən-dər-ˌtōn\ n
1 : a low or quiet tone
2 : a faint color as seen through and changing another color

un·der·tow \ˈən-dər-ˌtō\ n : a current beneath the surface of the water that moves away from or along the shore while the surface water above it moves toward the shore

un·der·val·ue \ˌən-dər-ˈval-yü\ vb
1 : to value below the real worth
2 : to set little value on
— un·der·val·u·a·tion \-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n

un·der·wa·ter \ˈən-dər-ˈwȯt-ər, -ˈwät-\ adj : lying, growing, worn, performed, or operating below the surface of the water <underwater plants> <an underwater cave>
— un·der·wa·ter \-ˈwȯt-, -ˈwät-\ adv

under way adv
1 : in or into motion <a ship getting under way>
2 : in progress <preparations are under way>

un·der·wear \ˈən-dər-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : clothing or an article of clothing worn next to the skin and under other clothing

un·der·weight \ˌən-dər-ˈwāt\ adj : weighing less than what is normal, average, or necessary

underwent past of UNDERGO

un·der·wood \ˈən-dər-ˌwu̇d\ n : UNDERBRUSH

un·der·world \ˈən-dər-ˌwərld\ n
1 : the place of the souls of the dead
2 : the side of the earth opposite to one
3 : the world of organized crime

un·der·write \ˈən-də(r)-ˌrīt, ˌən-də(r)-ˈrīt\ vb -wrote \-ˌrōt, -ˈrōt\; -writ·ten \-ˌrit-ən, -ˈrit-ən\; -writ·ing \-ˌrīt-iŋ, -ˈrīt-\
1 : to write under or at the end of something else
2 : to set one's name to (an insurance policy) and thereby agree to insure against specified loss or damage
3 : to agree to
4 a : to agree to purchase (as security issue) usually on a fixed date at a fixed price with a plan of distribution to the public  b : to guarantee financial support of <underwrite an expedition>
— un·der·writ·er \ˈən-də(r)-ˌrīt-ər\ n

un·de·sir·able \ˌən-di-ˈzī-rə-bəl\ adj : not desirable : UNWANTED
— un·de·sir·abil·i·ty \-ˌzī-rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— undesirable n

— un·de·sir·able·ness \-ˈzī-rə-bəl-nəs\ n

— un·de·sir·ably \-blē\ adv

un·de·vi·at·ing \ˌən-ˈdē-vē-ˌāt-iŋ, ˈən-\ adj : keeping a true course : UNSWERVING

un·dies \ˈən-dēz\ n pl : UNDERWEAR; esp : women's underwear

un·di·rect·ed \ˌən-də-ˈrek-təd, -ˌdī-\ adj : not directed <undirected efforts>

un·do \ˌən-ˈdü, ˈən-\ vb -did \-ˈdid\; -done \-ˈdən\; -do·ing \-ˈdü-iŋ\
1 : to make or become unfastened or loosened : OPEN, UNTIE <undo a knot>
2 : to destroy the effect of : NULLIFY, REVERSE
3 a : to cause the ruin of <your stubbornness undid you> <undone by greed>  b : to disturb the calmness of : UPSET <she's come undone>
— un·do·er n

un·do·ing \ˌən-ˈdü-iŋ\ n
1 : an act or instance of unfastening
2 a : 1RUIN 1 <parental neglect helped lead to their undoing>  b : a cause of ruin <my quick temper was my undoing>
3 : REVERSAL, ANNULMENT

un·done \ˌən-ˈdən\ adj : not done <an undone task>

un·doubt·ed \ˌən-ˈdau̇t-əd\ adj : not doubted or open to doubt : CERTAIN <undoubted proof of guilt>
— un·doubt·ed·ly adv

un·drape \ˌən-ˈdrāp, ˈən-\ vb : to strip of drapery : UNCOVER, UNVEIL

un·dreamed \-ˈdrem(p)t, -ˈdrēmd\ also un·dreamt \-ˈdrem(p)t\ adj : not dreamed : not thought of <advances in science undreamed of a few years ago>

1un·dress \ˌən-ˈdres\ vb : to remove the clothes or covering of : STRIP, DISROBE

2undress n
1 : ordinary dress
2 : a state of nudity

un·dressed \ˌən-ˈdrest, ˈən-\ adj
1 : partially dressed or wearing clothing that is ordinary or unsuitable
2 : not fully processed or finished <undressed hides>
3 : not cared for or tended <an undressed wound> <undressed fields>

un·due \ˌən-ˈd(y)ü\ adj
1 : not due
2 : EXCESSIVE <undue profit>

un·du·lant \ˈən-jə-lənt, ˈən-d(y)ə-\ adj : rising and falling in waves

undulant fever n : a human disease that is caused by a bacterium and is marked by weakness, chills, weight loss, and a fever that comes and goes and is passed on by contact with infected domestic animals

un·du·late \ˈən-jə-ˌlāt, ˈən-d(y)ə-\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to form or move in waves : FLUCTUATE
2 : to rise and fall in volume, pitch, or rhythm
3 : to present a wavy appearance [from Latin undula “small wave,” derived from earlier unda “wave”]

un·du·la·tion \ˌən-jə-ˈlā-shən, ˌən-d(y)ə-\ n
1 : the action of undulating
2 : a wavy appearance or form : WAVINESS

un·du·ly \ˌən-ˈd(y)ü-lē, ˈən-\ adv : in an undue manner; esp : EXCESSIVELY <unduly upset>

un·dy·ing \ˌən-ˈdī-iŋ\ adj : not dying : IMMORTAL, PERPETUAL <undying gratitude>

un·earned \ˌən-ˈərnd, ˈən-\ adj : not gained by labor, service, or skill <unearned income>

un·earth \ˌən-ˈərth, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to drive or draw from the earth : dig up <unearth buried treasure>
2 : to bring to light : DISCOVER <unearth a secret>

un·earth·ly \ˌən-ˈərth-lē, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not of or belonging to the earth <unearthly terrain>
2 : SUPERNATURAL 2, WEIRD, TERRIFYING <an unearthly scream>
— un·earth·li·ness n

un·easy \ˌən-ˈē-zē\ adj
1 : not easy in manner : AWKWARD <uneasy among strangers>
2 : disturbed by pain or worry : RESTLESS <rain made the crew uneasy>
— un·eas·i·ly \-ˈēz-ə-lē\ adv

— un·eas·i·ness \-ˈē-zē-nəs\ n

un·ed·u·cat·ed \ˌən-ˈej-ə-ˌkāt-əd\ adj : seriously lacking in education and especially in formal schooling  synonyms see IGNORANT

un·em·ploy·able \ˌən-im-ˈplȯi-ə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being employed; esp : not capable of holding a job
— unemployable n

un·em·ployed \ˌən-im-ˈplȯid\ adj
1 : not being used <unemployed tools>
2 : not employed : having no job <unemployed workers>
— unemployed n

un·em·ploy·ment \ˌən-im-ˈplȯi-mənt\ n : the state of being out of work

un·end·ing \ˌən-ˈen-diŋ, ˈən-\ adj : having no ending : ENDLESS
— un·end·ing·ly adv

un·equal \ˌən-ˈē-kwəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 a : not of the same measurement, quantity, or number as another  b : not like or not the same as another in value or worth
2 : 1VARIABLE 3, UNEVEN
3 : badly balanced or matched <an unequal fight>
4 : INADEQUATE, INSUFFICIENT <unequal to the task>
— un·equal·ly \-kwə-lē\ adv

un·equaled or un·equalled \ˌən-ˈē-kwəld, ˈən-\ adj : not equaled : UNPARALLELED <an artist of unequaled talent>

un·equiv·o·cal \ˌən-i-ˈkwiv-ə-kəl\ adj : leaving no doubt : CLEAR, UNAMBIGUOUS <an unequivocal refusal>
— un·equiv·o·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

un·err·ing \ˌən-ˈe(ə)r-iŋ, -ˈər-, ˈən-\ adj : making no errors : CERTAIN, UNFAILING
— un·err·ing·ly adv

un·even \ˌən-ˈē-vən, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not even : not level or smooth : RUGGED, RAGGED <large uneven teeth> <uneven handwriting>
2 : varying from the straight or parallel
3 : not constant : IRREGULAR <uneven earnings>
4 : varying in quality <an uneven performance>
— un·even·ly adv

— un·even·ness n

un·event·ful \ˌən-i-ˈvent-fəl\ adj : not eventful : lacking happenings that are interesting or worth noting <an uneventful vacation>
— un·event·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

un·ex·am·pled \ˌən-ig-ˈzam-pəld\ adj : having no example or match : UNPRECEDENTED <an unexampled record of achievement>

un·ex·cep·tion·able \ˌən-ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adj : UNIMPEACHABLE

un·ex·pect·ed \ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd\ adj : not expected : UNFORESEEN <an unexpected happening>
— un·ex·pect·ed·ly adv

— un·ex·pect·ed·ness n

un·fad·ing \ˌən-ˈfād-iŋ\ adj
1 : not losing color or freshness
2 : not losing value or effectiveness
— un·fad·ing·ly adv

un·fail·ing \ˌən-ˈfā-liŋ, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not likely to fail : CONSTANT, UNFLAGGING <unfailing support>
2 : not likely to run out or be used up : EVERLASTING, INEXHAUSTIBLE <an unfailing supply>
3 : INFALLIBLE 2 <the unfailing mark of an amateur>
— un·fail·ing·ly adv

un·fair \ˌən-ˈfa(ə)r, ˈən-, -ˈfe(ə)r\ adj
1 : not fair, honest, or just : UNJUST, DISHONEST <an unfair trial>
2 : not fair in doing business <unfair to workers>
— un·fair·ly adv

— un·fair·ness n

un·faith·ful \ˌən-ˈfāth-fəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not observing vows, allegiance, or duty : DISLOYAL <an unfaithful friend>
2 : not faithful to marriage vows
3 : INACCURATE <an unfaithful translation>
— un·faith·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— un·faith·ful·ness n

un·fa·mil·iar \ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər\ adj
1 : not well-known : STRANGE <an unfamiliar place>
2 : not well acquainted <unfamiliar with the subject>
— un·fa·mil·iar·i·ty \-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē, -ˌmil-ē-ˈ(y)ar-\ n

un·fas·ten \ˌən-ˈfas-ən\ vb : to make loose: as  a : UNPIN, UNBUCKLE  b : UNDO 1 <unfasten a button>  c : DETACH <unfasten the boat from its moorings>

un·fath·om·able \ˌən-ˈfath-ə-mə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being fathomed:  a : IMMEASURABLE  b : impossible to understand

un·fa·vor·able \ˌən-ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adj
1 : expressing disapproval <unfavorable comments>
2 : likely to make difficult or unpleasant <unfavorable weather for a camping trip>
— un·fa·vor·ably \-blē\ adv

un·feel·ing \ˌən-ˈfē-liŋ\ adj
1 : lacking feeling : INSENSATE
2 : lacking kindness or sympathy : HARD-HEARTED, CRUEL
— un·feel·ing·ly adv

— un·feel·ing·ness n

un·feigned \ˌən-ˈfānd\ adj : not false or pretended : GENUINE <an unfeigned interest in people>
— un·feigned·ly \-ˈfā-nəd-lē, -ˈfān-dlē\ adv

un·fet·ter \ˌən-ˈfet-ər\ vb : to free from fetters <unfetter the prisoner>

un·fil·ial \ˌən-ˈfil-ē-əl, ˈən-, -ˈfil-yəl\ adj : not observing the duties of a child to a parent
— un·fil·ial·ly adv

un·fin·ished \ˌən-ˈfin-isht\ adj : not finished; esp : not brought to the desired state <unfinished furniture>

1un·fit \ˌən-ˈfit\ adj
1 : UNSUITABLE <food that is unfit to eat>
2 : not qualified : INCAPABLE, INCOMPETENT <removed unfit candidates by testing>
3 : physically or mentally unhealthy <unfit for army service>

2unfit vb : to make unfit : DISABLE, DISQUALIFY

un·flag·ging \ˌən-ˈflag-iŋ\ adj
1 : not flagging : TIRELESS <unflagging enthusiasm>
2 : UNRELENTING 2
— un·flag·ging·ly adv

un·flap·pa·ble \ˌən-ˈflap-ə-bəl\ adj : not easily upset or panicked : unusually calm

un·fledged \ˌən-ˈflejd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not feathered or ready for flight
2 : not fully developed : IMMATURE <an unfledged writer>

un·flinch·ing \ˌən-ˈflin-chiŋ\ adj : not flinching or shrinking : STEADFAST
— un·flinch·ing·ly adv

un·fold \ˌən-ˈfōld\ vb
1 a : to spread or cause to spread or straighten out from a folded position or arrangement <unfolded the map>  b : UNWRAP
2 : 2BLOOM 1
3 : DEVELOP 1A <as the story unfolds>
4 : to open out or cause to open out gradually to the view or understanding <new technology unfolds before us>

un·fol·low \ˌən-ˈfäl-ō\ vb : to stop subscribing to the feed of (someone or something) on social media : to stop following

un·for·get·ta·ble \ˌən-fər-ˈget-ə-bəl\ adj : not to be forgotten : lasting in memory
— un·for·get·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

un·formed \ˌən-ˈfȯ(ə)rmd\ adj
1 : not arranged in regular shape, order, or relations; esp : SHAPELESS
2 : IMMATURE, UNDEVELOPED <an unformed thought>

1un·for·tu·nate \ˌən-ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət\ adj
1 a : not fortunate : UNLUCKY  b : showing, accompanied by, or resulting in misfortune <an unfortunate experience> <unfortunate investments>
2 a : UNSUITABLE, INFELICITOUS <an unfortunate choice of words>  b : DEPLORABLE 1 <an unfortunate lack of taste>
— un·for·tu·nate·ly adv

2unfortunate n : an unfortunate person

un·found·ed \ˌən-ˈfau̇n-dəd, ˈən-\ adj : lacking a sound base : GROUNDLESS <unfounded suspicions>

un·fre·quent·ed \ˌən-frē-ˈkwent-əd; ˌən-ˈfrē-kwənt-, ˈən-\ adj : not often visited or traveled over

un·friend \ˌən-ˈfrend\ vb : to remove (someone) from a list of designated friends on a person's social networking website

un·friend·ly \ˌən-ˈfren-(d)lē\ adj
1 : not friendly or kind : HOSTILE <an unfriendly greeting>
2 : not agreeable <an unfriendly environment>
— un·friend·li·ness n

un·fruit·ful \ˌən-ˈfrüt-fəl\ adj
1 : not bearing fruit or offspring
2 : not producing a desired result <unfruitful efforts>

un·furl \ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l\ vb : to loose from a furled state : open or spread : UNFOLD <unfurl sails> <unfurl a flag>

un·gain·ly \ˌən-ˈgān-lē\ adj : CLUMSY 1A, AWKWARD
— un·gain·li·ness n

un·glued \ˌən-ˈglüd\ adj
1 : emotionally upset : DISTRAUGHT
2 : in a state of complete failure

un·god·ly \ˌən-ˈgäd-lē also -ˈgȯd-\ adj
1 a : denying God : IMPIOUS, IRRELIGIOUS  b : SINFUL, WICKED
2 : OUTRAGEOUS <gets up at an ungodly hour>
— un·god·li·ness n

un·gov·ern·able \ˌən-ˈgəv-ər-nə-bəl\ adj : not capable of being governed, guided, or controlled <an ungovernable temper>  synonyms see UNRULY

un·gra·cious \ˌən-ˈgrā-shəs\ adj
1 : not courteous : RUDE <ungracious treatment>
2 : not pleasing : DISAGREEABLE <an ungracious task>
— un·gra·cious·ly adv

— un·gra·cious·ness n

un·grate·ful \ˌən-ˈgrāt-fəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not thankful for favors <an ungrateful child>
2 : not pleasing : DISAGREEABLE <an ungrateful task>
— un·grate·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— un·grate·ful·ness n

un·ground·ed \ˌən-ˈgrau̇n-dəd\ adj
1 : UNFOUNDED, BASELESS
2 : not instructed or informed

un·guard·ed \ˌən-ˈgärd-əd\ adj
1 : open to attack : UNPROTECTED
2 : not cautious : UNWARY <unguarded comments>
— un·guard·ed·ly adv

un·guent \ˈəŋ-gwənt, ˈən-; ˈən-jənt\ n : a soothing or healing salve : OINTMENT

1un·gu·late \ˈəŋ-gyə-lət, ˈən-, -ˌlāt\ adj
1 : having hooves
2 : of or relating to the ungulates

2ungulate n : any of a group of typically plant-eating 4-footed hoofed mammals (as cows, sheep, pigs, horses, camels, and rhinoceroses)

un·hal·lowed \ˌən-ˈhal-ōd, ˈən-\ adj : UNHOLY, UNCONSECRATED <unhallowed ground>

un·hand \ˌən-ˈhand, ˈən-\ vb : to remove the hand from : let go

un·hand·some \ˌən-ˈhan(t)-səm\ adj : not handsome: as  a : not beautiful : HOMELY  b : UNBECOMING, UNSEEMLY <an unhandsome habit>  c : lacking in courtesy or taste <unhandsome language>
— un·hand·some·ly adv

un·handy \ˌən-ˈhan-dē\ adj
1 : hard to handle : INCONVENIENT
2 : lacking in skill : AWKWARD

un·hap·py \ˌən-ˈhap-ē\ adj
1 : not fortunate : UNLUCKY <an unhappy mistake>
2 : not cheerful : SAD
3 : INAPPROPRIATE <an unhappy color combination>
— un·hap·pi·ly \-ˈhap-ə-lē\ adv

— un·hap·pi·ness \-ˈhap-i-nəs\ n

un·har·ness \ˌən-ˈhär-nəs\ vb : to remove a harness from <unharness a horse>

un·health·ful \ˌən-ˈhelth-fəl\ adj : UNHEALTHY 1

un·healthy \ˌən-ˈhel-thē\ adj
1 : not conducive to good health : not healthful <an unhealthy climate>
2 : not in good health : SICKLY, DISEASED
3 a : RISKY, UNSOUND <an unhealthy economy>  b : INJURIOUS, BAD
— un·health·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adv

— un·health·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

un·heard \ˌən-ˈhərd\ adj
1 : not heard by the ear
2 : not given a hearing

un·heard–of \-ˌəv, -ˌäv\ adj : previously unknown : UNPRECEDENTED <moving at unheard-of speeds>

un·hinge \ˌən-ˈhinj\ vb
1 : UNSETTLE 2, DISRUPT <a mind unhinged by grief>
2 : to remove (as a door) from the hinges

un·hitch \ˌən-ˈhich\ vb : to free from or as if from being hitched

un·ho·ly \ˌən-ˈhō-lē, ˈən-\ adj : not holy : PROFANE, WICKED
— un·ho·li·ness n

un·hook \ˌən-ˈhu̇k\ vb
1 : to remove from a hook
2 : to unfasten the hooks of

un·horse \ˌən-ˈhȯ(ə)rs\ vb : to cause to fall from a horse : OVERTHROW, UNSEAT

un·hur·ried \ˌən-ˈhər-ēd, -ˈhə-rēd\ adj : not hurried : LEISURELY <an unhurried pace>
— un·hur·ried·ly adv

uni·cam·er·al \ˌyü-ni-ˈkam-(ə-)rəl\ adj : having or consisting of a single legislative body

uni·cel·lu·lar \ˌyü-ni-ˈsel-yə-lər\ adj : having or consisting of a single cell <unicellular microorganisms>

uni·corn \ˈyü-nə-ˌkȯ(ə)rn\ n : an imaginary animal generally represented with the body and head of a horse and a single horn in the middle of the forehead [Middle English unicorne “unicorn,” from early French unicorne (same meaning), derived from Latin unicornis “having one horn,” from uni- “one” and cornu “horn” — related to 3CORN, UNIVERSE]

uni·cy·cle \ˈyü-ni-ˌsī-kəl\ n : a vehicle having a single wheel and usually moved forward by pedals

1uni·form \ˈyü-nə-ˌfȯrm\ adj
1 : not varying <uniform temperature>
2 : of the same form with others <uniform procedures in the courts>
— uni·form·ly adv

2uniform vb : to dress with a uniform

3uniform n : uniform dress worn by members of a particular group (as an army or a police force)

uni·for·mi·tar·i·an·ism \ˌyü-nə-ˌfȯr-mə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n : a principle in geology that states that processes going on in nature at the present time can explain geological changes in the past

uni·for·mi·ty \ˌyü-nə-ˈfȯr-mət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state or an instance of being uniform

uniform resource locator n : URL

uni·fy \ˈyü-nə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : UNITE 1A
— uni·fi·ca·tion \ˌyü-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

uni·lat·er·al \ˌyü-ni-ˈlat-ə-rəl, -ˈla-trəl\ adj : done or carried out by only one of two or more parties <unilateral disarmament>
— uni·lat·er·al·ly \-ē\ adv

un·im·peach·able \ˌən-im-ˈpē-chə-bəl\ adj : not impeachable : not to be doubted or questioned : IRREPROACHABLE <an unimpeachable reputation> <information from an unimpeachable source>
— un·im·peach·ably \-blē\ adv

un·in·hib·it·ed \ˌən-in-ˈhib-ət-əd\ adj : not inhibited; esp : marked by an open showing of feelings and informal behavior <an uninhibited party>
— un·in·hib·it·ed·ly adv

un·in·stall \ˌən-in-ˈstȯl\ vb : to remove (software) from a computer system especially by using a specially designed program

un·in·tel·li·gent \ˌən-in-ˈtel-ə-jənt\ adj : lacking intelligence : UNWISE, STUPID <an unintelligent use of your money>
— un·in·tel·li·gent·ly adv

un·in·ter·est·ed \ˌən-ˈint-ə-ˌres-təd, ˈən-; -ˈin-trəs-, -ˌtres-; -ˈint-ərs-, -ˈint-ə-rəs-\ adj : not interested : not paying attention

union \ˈyün-yən\ n
1 a : an act or instance of uniting two or more things into one <the union of Scotland and England> <union of a man and woman in marriage>  b : COMBINATION 1 <the union of science and technology to solve modern problems>
2 a : something (as a nation) formed by a combining of parts or members  b : LABOR UNION  c : the mathematical set that contains all of the elements which are included in at least one of two or more sets <the union of the set {1, 2, 3} and the set {3, 4, 5} is the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}>
3 : a device for connecting parts (as pipes)

Union adj : of, relating to, or being the side favoring the federal union in the American Civil War <the Union army>

union·ism \ˈyün-yə-ˌniz-əm\ n
1 : the principle or policy of forming or keeping a union
2 cap : support of a strong federal union before or during the American Civil War
3 : a theory or policy that supports labor unions
— union·ist \-yə-nəst\ n, often cap

union·ize \ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to form into a labor union
— union·i·za·tion \ˌyün-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

union jack n
1 : a flag consisting of the part of a national flag that signifies union; esp : a U.S. flag consisting of a blue field with one white star for each state
2 cap U&J : the state flag of the United Kingdom

union suit n : an undergarment with shirt and pants in one piece

unique \yu̇-ˈnēk\ adj
1 a : being the only one of its kind  b : PECULIAR 1
2 : very unusual : NOTABLE <his talent is unique>
3 : being the one and only possible result of one or more mathematical operations <a unique solution>; also : having only one possible result <addition of integers is unique>
— unique·ly adv

— unique·ness n

uni·sex \ˈyü-nə-ˌseks\ adj : suitable or designed for both males and females <unisex clothing>

uni·sex·u·al \ˌyü-nə-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsek-shəl\ adj
1 : having only male or only female sex organs
2 : UNISEX

uni·son \ˈyü-nə-sən, -zən\ n
1 : sameness of musical pitch
2 : the condition of being tuned or sounded at the same pitch or at an octave <sing in unison rather than in harmony>
3 : exact agreement : ACCORD <all are in unison on the next move> [from early French unisson “having the same musical pitch,” from Latin unisonus “having the same sound,” from uni- “one” (from unus “one”) and sonus “a sound” — related to 3SOUND, UNITE]

1unit \ˈyü-nət\ n
1 a : the first and smallest natural number : ONE  b : a single quantity regarded as a whole in calculation
2 : a definite quantity (as of length, time, or value) used as a standard of measurement <the dollar is the unit of U.S. money>
3 a : a single thing or person or group that is a part of a whole  b : a part or arrangement of parts performing one function <a train drawn by two diesel units>  c : a part of a school course with a central theme

2unit adj : being, relating to, or measuring one unit of <unit length> <unit angle>

uni·tard \ˈyü-nə-ˌtärd\ n : a close-fitting one-piece garment for the torso and legs and often for the arms and feet [uni- “one” + -tard (as in leotard)]

uni·tar·i·an \ˌyü-nə-ˈter-ē-ən\ n, often cap : one who believes that God exists only in one person
— unitarian adj, often cap

— uni·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n, often cap

uni·tary \ˈyü-nə-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 a : of or relating to a unit  b : based on or marked by unity or units
2 : having the character of a unit : WHOLE

unite \yu̇-ˈnīt\ vb unit·ed; unit·ing
1 a : to put or come together to form a single unit  b : to cause to cling together <unite two pieces of wood>  c : to link by a legal or moral bond
2 : to become one or as if one <two elements unite to form a compound>
3 : to join in action : act as if one <unite in song> [Middle English uniten “to unite,” from early French uniter (same meaning), from Latin unitus, past participle of unire “to unite, make into one,” from earlier unus “one” — related to INCH, OUNCE, UNISON]  synonyms see JOIN
— unit·er n

unit·ed \yu̇-ˈnīt-əd\ adj
1 : made one : COMBINED
2 : relating to or produced by joint action <a united drive against drug abuse>
3 : being in agreement : HARMONIOUS <a united family>
— unit·ed·ly adv

unit·ize \ˈyü-nət-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to form into a unit

units digit n : the numeral (as 6 in 456) occupying the units place

units place n : the place immediately to the left of the decimal point in a number expressed in the Arabic system of writing numbers — called also ones place

uni·ty \ˈyü-nət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being one
2 : the state of those that are in full agreement : HARMONY
3 a : a mathematical quantity or combination of quantities treated as equivalent to one in a calculation <called the distance between earth and the sun unity and calculated other distances as multiples>  b : IDENTITY ELEMENT
4 : the combination or arrangement of parts in a work of art or literature that produces a total effect

1uni·valve \ˈyü-ni-ˌvalv\ adj : having a shell made up of only one piece

2univalve n : a univalve mollusk shell or a mollusk having such a shell

uni·ver·sal \ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl\ adj
1 : including or covering all or a whole without limit or exception <universal human characteristics>
2 : present or existing everywhere or under all conditions <the family is a universal social unit>
3 a : including or involving a major part or the greatest portion <universal customs>  b : very broad in range <a universal genius>
4 : adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) <a universal wrench>
— uni·ver·sal·ly \-s(ə-)lē\ adv

universal donor n : a person with blood group O blood which can be donated to any recipient

uni·ver·sal·i·ty \ˌyü-nə-(ˌ)vər-ˈsal-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being universal (as in range, occurrence, or appeal)

uni·ver·sal·ize \ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-sə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make universal : GENERALIZE
— uni·ver·sal·i·za·tion \-ˌvər-sə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n

universal joint n : a shaft coupling capable of transmitting rotation from one shaft to another not in a straight line with it

Universal Product Code n : a bar code that identifies a product's type and price for entry into a computer or cash register (as at a supermarket checkout)

universal recipient n : a person with blood group AB blood who can receive blood from any donor

universal resource locator n : URL

universal set n : a set that contains all elements relating to a particular discussion or problem

uni·verse \ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs\ n
1 : the whole body of things observed or assumed : COSMOS
2 : UNIVERSAL SET [from Latin universum “whole body of things that exist,” from universus “whole, entire,” literally, “turned into one,” from uni- “one” and versus “turned toward,” from vertere “to turn” — related to ANNIVERSARY, CONVERSE, UNICORN, VERSATILE]

uni·ver·si·ty \ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-sət-ē, -ˈvər-stē\ n, pl -ties : a school that offers courses leading to a degree (as a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree) and where research is done

un·just \ˌən-ˈjəst, ˈən-\ adj : not just : UNFAIR <an unjust way of picking the winner>
— un·just·ly adv

— un·just·ness \-ˈjəs(t)-nəs\ n

un·kempt \ˌən-ˈkem(p)t\ adj
1 : not combed
2 : lacking in order or neatness : UNTIDY

un·kind \ˌən-ˈkīnd\ adj : not kind or sympathetic <an unkind remark>
— un·kind·ly adv

— un·kind·ness \-ˈkīn(d)-nəs\ n

un·kind·ly \ˌən-ˈkīn-(d)lē\ adj : UNKIND
— un·kind·li·ness n

un·know·able \ˌən-ˈnō-ə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not knowable <some facts in the case may remain unknowable>

un·know·ing \ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ\ adj : not knowing
— un·know·ing·ly adv

1un·known \ˌən-ˈnōn\ adj : not known; also : having an unknown value <an unknown quantity>

2unknown n
1 : something that is unknown
2 : a symbol (as x, y, or z) representing a quantity whose value is unknown <an equation with two unknowns>

un·lace \ˌən-ˈlās, ˈən-\ vb : to loose by undoing a lacing

un·lade \ˌən-ˈlād\ vb -lad·ed; -laded or -lad·en \-ˈlād-ən\; -lad·ing
1 : to take the load or cargo from
2 : UNLOAD 1A

un·lash \ˌən-ˈlash\ vb : to untie the lashing of : LOOSE, UNDO

un·latch \ˌən-ˈlach\ vb
1 : to open or loose by lifting the latch
2 : to become loosed or opened

un·law·ful \ˌən-ˈlȯ-fəl, ˈən-\ adj : not lawful : being against the law : ILLEGAL
— un·law·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— un·law·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

un·lead·ed \ˌən-ˈled-əd\ adj : not mixed with lead or lead compounds <unleaded gasoline>

un·learn \ˌən-ˈlərn\ vb : to put out of one's knowledge or memory

un·learned \ˌən-ˈlər-nəd for sense 1, ˌən-ˈlərnd for senses 2 & 3\ adj
1 : not learned : UNEDUCATED, ILLITERATE <a good but unlearned man>
2 : not learned by study : not known <lessons unlearned by many>
3 : not learned by previous experience <breathing is unlearned behavior>

un·leash \ˌən-ˈlēsh\ vb : to free from or as if from a leash <unleash a dog> <the storm unleashed its fury>

un·less \ən-ˌles, ˌən-, in some contexts ən-, əm-, or əŋ-\ conj : except on the condition that : if not <she will fail unless she works harder>

un·let·tered \ˌən-ˈlet-ərd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not having knowledge especially of the kind gained from books
2 : ILLITERATE 1  synonyms see IGNORANT

1un·like \ˌən-ˈlīk, ˈən-\ adj
1 : marked by differences <people are all unlike>
2 : UNEQUAL 1A <contributed unlike amounts>
— un·like·ness n

2unlike prep
1 : different from <feeling completely unlike a hero>
2 : not typical of <it was unlike her to be late>
3 : in a different manner from <behaving unlike all the other children>

un·like·li·hood \ˌən-ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d, ˈən-\ n : the quality or state of being unlikely

un·like·ly \ˌən-ˈlī-klē, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not likely : IMPROBABLE <an unlikely story>
2 : likely to fail : UNPROMISING <an unlikely place for fishing>
— un·like·li·ness n

un·lim·ber \ˌən-ˈlim-bər, ˈən-\ vb : to prepare for action or performance

un·lim·it·ed \ˌən-ˈlim-ət-əd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : lacking any controls <unlimited freedom>
2 : 1INFINITE 1 <there is an unlimited number of natural numbers>
3 : not bounded by exceptions : UNDEFINED <an unlimited and unconditional surrender>

un·link \ˌən-ˈliŋk, ˈən-\ vb : to unfasten the links of : SEPARATE, DISCONNECT

un·list·ed \ˌən-ˈlis-təd, ˈən-\ adj : not appearing on a list <an unlisted telephone number>

un·load \ˌən-ˈlōd, ˈən-\ vb
1 a : to take away or off : REMOVE <unload cargo from a hold>  b : to take a load from <unload a ship>; also : to rid or set free : UNBURDEN <unload your mind of worries>
2 : to get rid of or be freed of a load or burden <the ship is unloading now>
3 : to sell in large quantities : DUMP <unload surplus goods>

un·lock \ˌən-ˈläk, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to open or unfasten through release of a lock <unlock the door> <the chest won't unlock>
2 : to set free : RELEASE <unlock a flood of emotions>
3 : to make known <scientists unlocking the secrets of nature>

un·looked–for \ˌən-ˈlu̇kt-ˌfȯ(ə)r, ˈən-\ adj : UNEXPECTED <an unlooked-for bonus>

un·loose \ˌən-ˈlüs, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to make looser : RELAX <unloose a grip>
2 : to set free <the new rules unloosed a flood of complaints>

un·loos·en \ˌən-ˈlüs-ən, ˈən-\ vb : UNLOOSE

un·love·ly \ˌən-ˈləv-lē, ˈən-\ adj : having no charm or appeal : DISAGREEABLE <an unlovely story about betrayal>

un·lucky \ˌən-ˈlək-ē, ˈən-\ adj
1 : marked by bad luck or failure <an unlucky day>
2 : likely to bring misfortune <an unlucky number>
3 : having or meeting with misfortune <unlucky people>
4 : causing distress or regret
— un·luck·i·ly \-ˈlək-ə-lē\ adv

— un·luck·i·ness \-ˈlək-ē-nəs\ n

un·make \ˌən-ˈmāk, ˈən-\ vb -made \-ˈmād\; -mak·ing
1 : to cause to disappear : DESTROY <a reputation can be quickly unmade>
2 : to remove from rank or office : DEPOSE

un·man \ˌən-ˈman, ˈən-\ vb : to deprive of vigor or courage

un·man·ly \ˌən-ˈman-lē, ˈən-\ adj : not manly: as  a : being of weak character : COWARDLY  b : EFFEMINATE

un·manned \ˌən-ˈmand, ˈən-\ adj : having no crew aboard <an unmanned spacecraft>

un·man·ner·ly \ˌən-ˈman-ər-lē, ˈən-\ adj : IMPOLITE
— unmannerly adv

un·mar·ried \ˌən-ˈmar-ēd\ adj : not married:  a : not now or previously married  b : being divorced or widowed

un·mask \ˌən-ˈmask, ˈən-\ vb : to strip of a mask or a disguise : EXPOSE <unmask a traitor>

un·men·tion·able \ˌən-ˈmench-(ə-)nə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not fit or proper to be talked about

un·mer·ci·ful \ˌən-ˈmər-si-fəl, ˈən-\ adj : not merciful : MERCILESS, CRUEL
— un·mer·ci·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

un·mis·tak·able \ˌən-mə-ˈstā-kə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not capable of being mistaken or misunderstood : CLEAR, OBVIOUS
— un·mis·tak·ably \-blē\ adv

un·mit·i·gat·ed \ˌən-ˈmit-ə-ˌgāt-əd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not lessened or made less severe <unmitigated poverty>
2 : ABSOLUTE 3, DOWNRIGHT <an unmitigated liar>

un·mor·al \ˌən-ˈmȯr-əl, -ˈmär-, ˈən-\ adj : having no moral quality or relation : being neither moral nor immoral
— un·mor·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adv

un·moved \ˌən-ˈmüvd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not moved : remaining in the same place
2 : holding to the same position <unmoved by their arguments>
3 : not disturbed emotionally <unmoved by the sad news>

un·muf·fle \ˌən-ˈməf-əl, ˈən-\ vb : to free from something that muffles

un·muz·zle \ˌən-ˈməz-əl, ˈən-\ vb : to remove a muzzle from

un·nat·u·ral \ˌən-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not following nature or a normal course of events
2 a : not being in agreement with normal feelings or behavior  b : lacking ease and naturalness
— un·nat·u·ral·ly \-ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē, -ˈnach-ər-lē\ adv

— un·nat·u·ral·ness \-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl-nəs\ n

un·nec·es·sar·i·ly \ˌən-ˌnes-ə-ˈser-ə-lē\ adv
1 : not by necessity <spent money unnecessarily>
2 : to an unnecessary degree <an unnecessarily harsh punishment>

un·nec·es·sary \ˌən-ˈnes-ə-ˌser-ē, ˈən-\ adj : not necessary

un·nerve \ˌən-ˈnərv, ˈən-\ vb -nerved; -nerv·ing : to deprive of nerve, courage, or self-control <the accident unnerved me>

un·num·bered \ˌən-ˈnəm-bərd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : COUNTLESS
2 : not having an identifying number <unnumbered pages>

un·ob·tru·sive \ˌən-əb-ˈtrü-siv, -ziv\ adj : not obtrusive or bold : INCONSPICUOUS
— un·ob·tru·sive·ly adv

un·oc·cu·pied \ˌən-ˈäk-yə-ˌpīd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not busy : UNEMPLOYED
2 : not occupied : EMPTY

un·or·ga·nized \ˌən-ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīzd, ˈən-\ adj : not organized: as  a : not formed or brought into an ordered whole  b : not organized into unions <unorganized labor>

un·or·tho·dox \ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks, ˈən-\ adj : not orthodox : not usual <an unorthodox teaching method>

un·pack \ˌən-ˈpak, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to separate and remove things packed <got home and unpacked>
2 : to open and remove the contents of <unpack a trunk>

un·paid \ˌən-ˈpād\ adj
1 : not paid <an unpaid volunteer>
2 : not paying a salary <an unpaid position>

un·paired \ˌən-ˈpa(ə)rd, -ˈpe(ə)rd, ˈən-\ adj : not paired; esp : not matched or mated <an unpaired shoe>

un·par·al·leled \ˌən-ˈpar-ə-ˌleld, -ləld, ˈən-\ adj : having no parallel; esp : having no equal or match : UNSURPASSED <a scene of unparalleled beauty>

un·par·lia·men·ta·ry \ˌən-ˌpär-lə-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˌpärl-yə-, -ˈmen-trē\ adj : not being in agreement with parliamentary practice

un·pile \ˌən-ˈpī(ə)l, ˈən-\ vb : to take or pull out from a pile

un·pin \ˌən-ˈpin, ˈən-\ vb : to remove a pin from : UNFASTEN

un·pleas·ant \ˌən-ˈplez-ənt, ˈən-\ adj : not pleasant : not friendly or agreeable : DISPLEASING
— un·pleas·ant·ly adv

— un·pleas·ant·ness n

un·plug \ˌən-ˈpləg, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to remove (as an electric plug) from a socket or opening
2 : to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug <unplug the television>
3 : to temporarily refrain from using electronic devices (as computers or smartphones)

un·plugged \ˌən-ˈpləgd\ adj : ACOUSTIC 2 <an unplugged performance>

un·plumbed \ˌən-ˈpləmd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not tested or measured with a plumb line
2 : not explored completely <many unplumbed areas in science>

un·po·lit·i·cal \ˌən-pə-ˈlit-i-kəl\ adj : not interested or active in politics

un·pop·u·lar \ˌən-ˈpäp-yə-lər, ˈən-\ adj : not popular : disliked by many people
— un·pop·u·lar·i·ty \ˌən-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē\ n

un·prec·e·dent·ed \ˌən-ˈpres-ə-ˌdent-əd, ˈən-\ adj : having no precedent : not done or experienced before <an unprecedented achievement>

un·pre·dict·able \ˌən-pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl\ adj : not predictable
— un·pre·dict·abil·i·ty \-ˌdik-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— un·pre·dict·ably \-ˈdik-tə-blē\ adv

un·pre·tend·ing \ˌən-pri-ˈtend-iŋ\ adj : UNPRETENTIOUS

un·pre·ten·tious \ˌən-pri-ˈten-chəs\ adj : not pretentious : not showy : SIMPLE, MODEST <pleasant but unpretentious homes>
— un·pre·ten·tious·ly adv

un·prin·ci·pled \ˌən-ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəld, -sə-bəld, ˈən-\ adj : lacking moral principles : UNSCRUPULOUS

un·print·able \ˌən-ˈprint-ə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : unfit to be printed

un·pro·fes·sion·al \ˌən-prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj : not professional; esp : not up to the standards of one's profession
— un·pro·fes·sion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

un·prof·it·able \ˌən-ˈpräf-ət-ə-bəl, -ˈpräf-tə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not profitable
— un·prof·it·ably \-blē\ adv

un·prom·is·ing \ˌən-ˈpräm-ə-siŋ, ˈən-\ adj : appearing unlikely to prove worthwhile or successful
— un·prom·is·ing·ly adv

un·pro·tect·ed \ˌən-prə-ˈtek-təd\ adj
1 : lacking protection or defense <unprotected troops> <skin unprotected from the sun's rays>
2 : performed without the use of birth control to prevent pregnancy; also : performed without the use of a condom to prevent the spread of a sexually transmitted disease <unprotected sex>

un·qual·i·fied \ˌən-ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfīd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not fit : not having required qualifications <unqualified for the job>
2 : not having any exceptions : ABSOLUTE <an unqualified denial>
— un·qual·i·fied·ly \-ˌfī(-ə)d-lē\ adv

un·ques·tion·able \ˌən-ˈkwəs-chə-nə-bəl, -ˈkwesh-, in rapid speech -ˈkwesh-nə-; ˈən-\ adj : not questionable : INDISPUTABLE <unquestionable evidence>
— un·ques·tion·ably \-blē\ adv

un·ques·tion·ing \ˌən-ˈkwəs-chə-niŋ, -ˈkwesh-, ˈən-\ adj : not questioning : accepting without thinking or doubting <unquestioning obedience>
— un·ques·tion·ing·ly adv

un·qui·et \ˌən-ˈkwī-ət, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not quiet : AGITATED, TURBULENT
2 : UNEASY 2
— un·qui·et·ly adv

— un·qui·et·ness n

un·quote \ˈən-ˌkwōt\ n — used orally to mark the end of a direct quotation

un·rav·el \ˌən-ˈrav-əl, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to separate the threads of : DISENTANGLE <unravel a snarl>
2 : SOLVE <unravel a mystery>
3 : to become unraveled

un·read \ˌən-ˈred, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not read <an unread book>
2 : not well informed through reading : UNEDUCATED

un·read·able \ˌən-ˈrēd-ə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 : too dull or unattractive to read <a long, unreadable essay>
2 : ILLEGIBLE <unreadable handwriting>

un·re·al \ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l, -ˈri(-ə)l, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not real, actual, or genuine : ILLUSORY
2 : FANTASTIC 2

un·re·al·i·ty \ˌən-rē-ˈal-ət-ē\ n
1 a : the quality or state of being unreal : NONEXISTENCE <an air of unreality about the place>  b : something unreal or imaginary : FIGMENT
2 : inability to deal with reality

un·rea·soned \ˌən-ˈrēz-ənd\ adj : not founded on reason or reasoning <unreasoned fears> <an unreasoned decision>

un·rea·son·ing \ˌən-ˈrēz-niŋ, -ən-iŋ, ˈən-\ adj : not reasoning; esp : not using or showing the use of reason as a guide or control <unreasoning fear>

un·reel \ˌən-ˈrē(ə)l, ˈən-\ vb : to unwind from or as if from a reel

un·re·gen·er·ate \ˌən-ri-ˈjen-(ə-)rət\ adj : not feeling or showing sorrow or the willingness to reform <an unregenerate criminal>

un·re·lent·ing \ˌən-ri-ˈlent-iŋ\ adj
1 : not softening or giving in easily : HARD, STERN
2 : not letting up or weakening in energy or pace <our unrelenting struggle for freedom>
— un·re·lent·ing·ly adv

un·re·mit·ting \ˌən-ri-ˈmit-iŋ\ adj : not stopping : UNCEASING <unremitting pain>

un·re·served \ˌən-ri-ˈzərvd\ adj
1 : not held in reserve : not kept back <unreserved enthusiasm>
2 : having or showing no reserve in manner or speech
— un·re·serv·ed·ly \-ˈzər-vəd-lē\ adv

un·rest \ˌən-ˈrest, ˈən-\ n : lack of rest : a disturbed or uneasy state : TURMOIL

un·re·strained \ˌən-ri-ˈstrānd\ adj
1 : not restrained : not held back <unrestrained praise for the political candidate>
2 : free of outside forces or limits

un·re·straint \ˌən-ri-ˈstrānt\ n : lack of restraint

un·righ·teous \ˌən-ˈrī-chəs, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not righteous : SINFUL, WICKED
2 : UNJUST
— un·righ·teous·ly adv

— un·righ·teous·ness n

un·ripe \ˌən-ˈrīp, ˈən-\ adj : not ripe : IMMATURE <unripe fruit>

un·ri·valed or un·ri·valled \ˌən-ˈrī-vəld, ˈən-\ adj : having no rival : INCOMPARABLE, UNEQUALED <a palace of unrivaled magnificence>

un·roll \ˌən-ˈrōl, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to unwind a roll of : open out <unroll a carpet>
2 : DISCLOSE <the government unrolled a new program>
3 : to become unrolled or spread out : UNFOLD <a view of mountains unrolled before them>

un·round \ˌən-ˈrau̇nd, ˈən-\ vb : to pronounce a sound without or with decreased rounding of the lips
— un·round·ed adj

un·ruf·fled \ˌən-ˈrəf-əld, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not upset or disturbed <a speaker unruffled by noisy children>
2 : not ruffled : SMOOTH <unruffled water>

un·ruly \ˌən-ˈrü-lē, ˈən-\ adj un·rul·i·er; -est : not yielding easily to rule or restriction : UNCONTROLLABLE <an unruly temper> <an unruly horse>
synonyms UNRULY, UNGOVERNABLE, WILLFUL, HEADSTRONG, mean not yielding to discipline or control. UNRULY suggests a lack of self-control or control by others and also often suggests bad behavior <unruly children broke the lamp>. UNGOVERNABLE suggests either a loss of control or an inability to be controlled by oneself or by others <sometimes an ungovernable rage comes over them>. WILLFUL suggests a strong determination to have one's own way <a willful disregard for the rights of others>. HEADSTRONG suggests stubbornness and lack of patience with suggestions, advice, or control by others <a headstrong refusal to listen to experienced workers>.

un·sad·dle \ˌən-ˈsad-əl, ˈən-\ vb : to remove the saddle from a horse

un·sat·u·rat·ed \ˌən-ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd, ˈən-\ adj : not saturated: as  a : capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something <an unsaturated solution>  b : able to form products by combining chemically with other substances; esp : containing double or triple bonds between carbon atoms <an unsaturated fat>

un·saved \ˌən-ˈsāvd, ˈən-\ adj : not saved; esp : not rescued from eternal punishment

un·sa·vory \ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē, ˈən-\ adj
1 : having little or no taste
2 : having a bad taste or smell
3 : morally bad

un·say \ˌən-ˈsā, ˈən-\ vb -said \-ˈsed\; -say·ing \-ˈsā-iŋ\ : to take back something said : RETRACT

un·scathed \ˌən-ˈskāthd, ˈən-\ adj : completely unharmed : not injured

un·schooled \ˌən-ˈsküld, ˈən-\ adj : not schooled : UNTAUGHT, UNTRAINED

un·sci·en·tif·ic \ˌən-ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik\ adj : not scientific: as  a : not being in agreement with the principles and methods of science <an unscientific poll>  b : not showing scientific knowledge or familiarity with scientific methods <an unscientific explanation>
— un·sci·en·tif·i·cal·ly \-ˈtif-i-k(ə-)lē\ adv

un·scram·ble \ˌən-ˈskram-bəl, ˈən-\ vb : to make orderly or clear again <trying to unscramble a mix-up with the test scores> <unscramble a radio message>

un·screw \ˌən-ˈskrü, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to remove the screws from
2 : to loosen or withdraw by turning <unscrew a lightbulb>

un·scru·pu·lous \ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs, ˈən-\ adj : not scrupulous : UNPRINCIPLED
— un·scru·pu·lous·ly adv

— un·scru·pu·lous·ness n

un·seal \ˌən-ˈsē(ə)l, ˈən-\ vb : to break or remove the seal of

un·sea·son·able \ˌən-ˈsēz-nə-bəl, -ˈsēz-ən-ə-\ adj
1 : happening or coming at the wrong time : UNTIMELY <an unseasonable visit>
2 : not normal for the season of the year <unseasonable weather>
— un·sea·son·ably \-blē\ adv

un·seat \ˌən-ˈsēt, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to throw from one's seat especially on horseback
2 : to remove from a place or position; esp : to remove from political office

un·seem·ly \ˌən-ˈsēm-lē, ˈən-\ adj : not seemly : not polite or proper <unseemly arguing in public>

un·seen \ˌən-ˈsēn, ˈən-\ adj : not seen : INVISIBLE

un·seg·re·gat·ed \ˌən-ˈseg-ri-ˌgāt-əd, ˈən-\ adj : not segregated; esp : free from racial segregation

un·self·ish \ˌən-ˈsel-fish, ˈən-\ adj : not selfish : GENEROUS
— un·self·ish·ly adv

— un·self·ish·ness n

un·set·tle \ˌən-ˈset-əl, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to move or loosen from a settled state
2 : to make uneasy <change unsettles him>

un·set·tled \ˌən-ˈset-əld, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not settled : not fixed (as in position or nature) <unsettled weather>
2 : not calm : DISTURBED <unsettled waters>
3 : not decided in mind : UNDETERMINED <unsettled about what to do>
4 : not paid <an unsettled account>
5 : not lived in by settlers <an unsettled region>

un·shaped \ˌən-ˈshāpt, ˈən-\ adj : not shaped; esp : not finished to final form <an unshaped timber> <unshaped ideas>

un·shap·en \ˌən-ˈshā-pən, ˈən-\ adj : UNSHAPED

un·sheathe \ˌən-ˈshēth, ˈən-\ vb : to draw from or as if from a sheath <unsheathe a sword>

un·ship \ˌən-ˈship, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to remove from a ship
2 : to remove or become removed from position <unship an oar>

un·shod \ˌən-ˈshäd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : BAREFOOT
2 : not shod <an unshod horse>

un·sight·ly \ˌən-ˈsīt-lē, ˈən-\ adj : unpleasant to the sight : UGLY <an unsightly scar>
— un·sight·li·ness n

un·skilled \ˌən-ˈskild, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not skilled; esp : not skilled in a branch of work : lacking mechanical training <an unskilled worker>
2 : not requiring skill <unskilled jobs>
3 : marked by lack of skill <an unskilled painting>

un·sling \ˌən-ˈsliŋ, ˈən-\ vb -slung \-ˈsləŋ\; -sling·ing \-ˈsliŋ-iŋ\ : to remove from being slung

un·snap \ˌən-ˈsnap, ˈən-\ vb : to loosen or free by or as if by undoing a snap

un·snarl \ˌən-ˈsnär(-ə)l, ˈən-\ vb : to remove a snarl in

un·so·cial \ˌən-ˈsō-shəl, ˈən-\ adj : having or showing a lack of desire for the company of others

un·so·phis·ti·cat·ed \ˌən(t)-sə-ˈfis-tə-ˌkāt-əd\ adj
1 : not sophisticated <was still innocent and unsophisticated>
2 : not complex : PLAIN, SIMPLE <unsophisticated designs>
— un·so·phis·ti·ca·tion \-ˌfis-tə-ˈkā-shən\ n

un·sought \ˌən-ˈsȯt, ˈən-\ adj : not searched for or asked for <unsought advice>

un·sound \ˌən-ˈsau̇nd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not healthy or whole <an unsound horse>
2 : not mentally normal : not wholly sane <of unsound mind>
3 : not firmly made, placed, or fixed <an unsound structure>
4 : not based on truth or logic <unsound arguments>
— un·sound·ly \-ˈsau̇n-(d)lē\ adv

— un·sound·ness \-ˈsau̇n(d)-nəs\ n

un·spar·ing \ˌən-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ, -ˈspe(ə)r-, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not merciful or forgiving : HARD, RUTHLESS <unsparing attacks>
2 : not stingy : LIBERAL <unsparing in their gifts to charity>
— un·spar·ing·ly adv

un·speak·able \ˌən-ˈspē-kə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 : impossible to express in words <unspeakable beauty of the sunset>
2 : extremely bad <unspeakable conduct>
— un·speak·ably \-blē\ adv

un·spot·ted \ˌən-ˈspät-əd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not spotted : free from spot or stain
2 : free from moral stain <an unspotted record in public office>

un·sta·ble \ˌən-ˈstā-bəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not stable : not firm or fixed : FLUCTUATING <unstable prices> <an unstable tower> <unstable weather>
2 : readily changing in chemical composition or physical state or properties (as by breaking down into parts) <an unstable atomic nucleus>

un·steady \ˌən-ˈsted-ē, ˈən-\ adj : not steady : UNSTABLE
— un·steadi·ly \-ˈsted-əl-ē\ adv

— un·steadi·ness \-ˈsted-ē-nəs\ n

un·stick \ˌən-ˈstik, ˈən-\ vb -stuck \-ˈstək\; -stick·ing : to free from being stuck or bound

un·stint·ing \ˌən-ˈstint-iŋ, ˈən-\ adj : giving or being given freely or generously <unstinting praise>
— un·stint·ing·ly adv

un·stop \ˌən-ˈstäp, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to free from blockage : OPEN <unstop a drain>
2 : to remove a stopper from

un·strap \ˌən-ˈstrap, ˈən-\ vb : to remove or loosen a strap from

un·stressed \ˌən-ˈstrest, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not bearing a stress or accent <unstressed syllables>
2 : not stressed

un·string \ˌən-ˈstriŋ, ˈən-\ vb -strung \-ˈstrəŋ\; -string·ing \-ˈstriŋ-iŋ\
1 : to loosen or remove the strings of
2 : to remove from a string <unstrung the beads>
3 : to damage mentally or emotionally <unstrung by bad news>

un·stud·ied \ˌən-ˈstəd-ēd, ˈən-\ adj : not studied or planned with a certain effect in mind : NATURAL, UNFORCED <moved with an unstudied grace>

un·sub·stan·tial \ˌən(t)-səb-ˈstan-chəl\ adj : lacking substance, firmness, or strength

un·suc·cess·ful \ˌən(t)-sək-ˈses-fəl\ adj : not successful : not having or producing success
— un·suc·cess·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

un·suit·able \ˌən-ˈsüt-ə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not suitable or fitting : UNBECOMING, INAPPROPRIATE
— un·suit·ably \-blē\ adv

un·sung \ˌən-ˈsəŋ, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not sung
2 : not celebrated or praised (as in song or verse) <unsung heroes>

un·swerv·ing \ˌən-ˈswər-viŋ, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not swerving or turning aside
2 : 1STEADY 3A <unswerving loyalty>

un·sym·met·ri·cal \ˌən(t)-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl\ adj : not symmetrical : ASYMMETRIC

un·tan·gle \ˌən-ˈtaŋ-gəl, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to remove a tangle from : DISENTANGLE <untangle a knot>
2 : to straighten out : RESOLVE <untangle a mystery>

un·tapped \ˌən-ˈtapt\ adj
1 : not tapped <an untapped keg>
2 : not drawn upon or used <as yet untapped markets>

un·taught \ˌən-ˈtȯt, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not instructed or trained : IGNORANT
2 : 1NATURAL 1 <untaught animal behavior>

un·ten·a·ble \ˌən-ˈten-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : not able to be defended <an untenable position>
2 : not able to be occupied <untenable apartments>

un·teth·er \ˌən-ˈteth-ər, ˈən-\ vb : to free from a tether

un·think·able \ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj : not to be thought of or considered as possible <unthinkable cruelty>

un·think·ing \ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kiŋ, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not thinking : INATTENTIVE, THOUGHTLESS <unthinking people who litter the streets>
2 : not having the power of thought
— un·think·ing·ly adv

un·thought–of \ˌən-ˈthȯt-ˌəv, -ˌäv, ˈən-\ adj : not thought of : not considered : not imagined

un·thread \ˌən-ˈthred, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to draw or take out a thread from
2 : to loosen the threads or connections of
3 : to make one's way through <unthread a maze>

un·throne \ˌən-ˈthrōn, ˈən-\ vb -throned; -thron·ing : to remove from or as if from a throne

un·ti·dy \ˌən-ˈtīd-ē, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not neat : CARELESS
2 a : not neatly organized or carried out  b : marked by a lack of neatness
— un·ti·di·ly \-ˈtīd-əl-ē\ adv

— un·ti·di·ness \-ˈtīd-ē-nəs\ n

un·tie \ˌən-ˈtī, ˈən-\ vb -tied; -ty·ing or -tie·ing
1 : to free from something that ties or fastens : UNBIND <untie a horse>
2 a : to undo the knotted parts of <untied her scarf>  b : to straighten out : RESOLVE <untie a traffic jam>
3 : to become loosened or unbound <the strings untied easily>

1un·til \ən-ˌtil, -təl, -ˌtel, ˌən-, in some contexts ən-, əm-, or əŋ-\ prep
1 : up to the time of <stayed until morning>
2 : BEFORE 3 <doesn't open until ten>

2until conj : up to the time that <played until it got dark> <ran until I was breathless>

un·time·ly \ˌən-ˈtīm-lē, ˈən-\ adj
1 : occurring or done before the expected, natural, or proper time : PREMATURE <untimely death>
2 : coming at the wrong time <an untimely joke>

un·ti·tled \ˌən-ˈtīt-əld, ˈən-\ adj : not named <an untitled poem>

un·to \ˌən-tə, ˈən-tü\ prep : 1TO

un·told \ən-ˈtōld, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not told : not revealed <untold secrets> <a story yet untold>
2 : not counted : VAST, NUMBERLESS <untold wealth>

1un·touch·able \ˌən-ˈtəch-ə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 a : not to be touched or handled  b : not to be criticized or controlled
2 : lying beyond the reach

2untouchable n : one that is untouchable; esp : a member of the lowest social class in India

un·touched \ˌən-ˈtəcht\ adj
1 : not touched or handled
2 : not described or dealt with
3 a : not tasted  b : being in the first state or condition <an untouched wilderness>

un·to·ward \ˌən-ˈtō(-ə)rd, ˈən-, -ˈtȯ(-ə)rd; ˌən-tə-ˈwȯ(ə)rd\ adj
1 : hard to manage : STUBBORN, WILLFUL <an untoward child>
2 : causing trouble : UNLUCKY <an untoward accident>

un·tried \ˌən-ˈtrīd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not tested or proved by experience or trial <untried soldiers>
2 : not yet tried in court <a long list of untried cases>

un·trod·den \ˌən-ˈträd-ən\ also un·trod \-ˈträd\ adj : not trod : UNTRAVERSED

un·true \ˌən-ˈtrü, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not faithful : DISLOYAL
2 : not meeting a standard of correctness : not level or exact
3 : not agreeing with the facts : FALSE <an untrue statement>
— un·tru·ly \-ˈtrü-lē\ adv

un·truth \ˌən-ˈtrüth, ˈən-\ n
1 : lack of truthfulness : FALSITY
2 : something that is untrue : FALSEHOOD, LIE

un·truth·ful \ˌən-ˈtrüth-fəl, ˈən-\ adj : not containing or telling the truth : FALSE, INACCURATE <untruthful reports>
— un·truth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— un·truth·ful·ness n

un·tuck \ˌən-ˈtək, ˈən-\ vb : to free from a tuck or from being tucked up

un·tu·tored \ˌən-ˈt(y)üt-ərd, ˈən-\ adj : having no formal learning or training

un·twine \ˌən-ˈtwīn, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to unwind the twisted or tangled parts of : DISENTANGLE
2 : to remove by unwinding
3 : to become untangled or unwound

un·twist \ˌən-ˈtwist, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to separate the twisted parts of : UNTWINE
2 : to become untwined

un·used \ˌən-ˈyüzd, ˈən-, in the phrase “unused to” usually -ˈyüs(t)\ adj
1 : not accustomed <unused to crowds>
2 a : not having been used before <an unused paintbrush>  b : not being in use : IDLE  c : available for future use <unused vacation time>

un·usu·al \ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl, -ˈyü-zhəl\ adj : not usual : UNCOMMON, RARE
— un·usu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

— un·usu·al·ness n

un·ut·ter·able \ˌən-ˈət-ə-rə-bəl, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not capable of being pronounced
2 : not capable of being put into words : INEXPRESSIBLE <unutterable sorrow>
— un·ut·ter·ably \-blē\ adv

un·val·ued \ˌən-ˈval-yüd, -yəd, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not important or prized : DISREGARDED
2 : not having an estimated value <a box of unvalued goods>

un·var·nished \ˌən-ˈvär-nisht, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not adorned or exaggerated : PLAIN <the unvarnished truth>
2 : not varnished

un·veil \ˌən-ˈvā(ə)l, ˈən-\ vb
1 a : to remove a veil or covering from <unveil a statue>  b : DISCLOSE, REVEAL <unveiled their plans>
2 : to throw off a veil

un·voiced \ˌən-ˈvȯist, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not actually said : UNSPOKEN <an unvoiced agreement>
2 : VOICELESS 2

un·war·rant·able \ˌən-ˈwȯr-ənt-ə-bəl, -ˈwär-, ˈən-\ adj : not justifiable : INEXCUSABLE

un·wary \ˌən-ˈwa(ə)r-ē, -ˈwe(ə)r-, ˈən-\ adj : not alert : easily fooled or surprised : HEEDLESS, GULLIBLE <the unwary buyer>
— un·wari·ly \-ˈwar-ə-lē, -ˈwer-\ adv

— un·wari·ness \-ˈwar-ē-nəs, -ˈwer-\ n

un·wea·ried \ˌən-ˈwi(ə)r-ēd, ˈən-\ adj : not tired or bored : FRESH

un·well \ˌən-ˈwel, ˈən-\ adj : being in poor health : AILING, SICK

un·whole·some \ˌən-ˈhōl-səm, ˈən-\ adj : bad for the well-being of the body, mind, or soul : UNHEALTHY <unwholesome food>

un·wieldy \ˌən-ˈwē(ə)l-dē, ˈən-\ adj : not easily handled or managed because of size or weight : AWKWARD, CUMBERSOME <an unwieldy tool>

un·will·ing \ˌən-ˈwil-iŋ, ˈən-\ adj : not willing
— un·will·ing·ly adv

— un·will·ing·ness n

un·wind \ˌən-ˈwīnd, ˈən-\ vb -wound \-ˈwau̇nd\; -wind·ing
1 a : to cause to uncoil : wind off  b : to become uncoiled or untangled
2 : to make or become free of tension : RELAX <wanted to unwind after a hard day>

un·wise \ˌən-ˈwīz, ˈən-\ adj : not wise : FOOLISH
— un·wise·ly adv

un·wit·ting \ˌən-ˈwit-iŋ, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not intended : INADVERTENT <an unwitting mistake>
2 : not knowing : UNAWARE
— un·wit·ting·ly adv

un·wont·ed \ˌən-ˈwȯnt-əd, -ˈwōnt-, ˈən-\ adj : being out of the ordinary : RARE, UNUSUAL

un·world·ly \ˌən-ˈwər(-ə)l-dlē, -ˈwərl-lē, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not of this world; esp : 1SPIRITUAL 1
2 : not wise in the ways of the world : UNSOPHISTICATED
— un·world·li·ness \-ˈwərl-(d)lē-nəs\ n

un·wor·thy \ˌən-ˈwər-thē, ˈən-\ adj : lacking in excellence or worth : UNDESERVING
— un·wor·thi·ly \-thə-lē\ adv

— un·wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

un·wrap \ˌən-ˈrap, ˈən-\ vb : to remove the wrapping from

un·writ·ten \ˌən-ˈrit-ən, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not put in writing : ORAL, TRADITIONAL <an unwritten law>
2 : containing no writing : BLANK <unwritten pages>

un·yield·ing \ˌən-ˈyē(ə)l-diŋ, ˈən-\ adj
1 : not soft or flexible : HARD
2 : marked by firmness or stubbornness

un·yoke \ˌən-ˈyōk, ˈən-\ vb
1 : to free from a yoke <unyoke oxen>
2 : to take apart : DISCONNECT

un·zip \ˌən-ˈzip, ˈən-\ vb -zipped; -zip·ping : to open by means of a zipper

1up \ˈəp\ adv
1 a : in or to a higher position or level; esp : away from the center of the earth <held up my hand>  b : from beneath a surface (as ground or water) <pulling up weeds>  c : from below the horizon <watched the moon come up>  d : in or into an upright position <stand up>  e : out of bed <stayed up late>
2 : with greater force <speak up>
3 a : in or into a better or more advanced state <worked our way up in the world>  b : at an end <our time was up>  c : in or into a state of greater activity <stir up a fire>  d : to or at a greater rate, speed, or amount <prices went up>
4 a : into existence, evidence, or knowledge <the missing ring turned up>  b : into consideration <brought the matter up>
5 : into possession or control <gave himself up>
6 : ENTIRELY, COMPLETELY <eat it up> <the house burned up>
7 : in or into storage <lay up supplies> <put our boat up for the winter>
8 : so as to arrive or approach <came up the drive>
9 : in or into parts <tear up paper>
10 : to a stop <pull up> <drew up at the curb>
11 : for each side <score was 15 up>

2up adj
1 a : risen above the horizon or ground <the sun was up>  b : being out of bed  c : higher than usual <the river is up> <prices are up>  d : raised so as to be open : LIFTED <windows are up>  e : put together : BUILT <the house is up>  f : grown above a surface <the corn is up>  g : moving or going upward <the up escalator>
2 a : being on one's feet and busy <was eager to be up and doing>  b : well prepared <the team was up for the game>  c : going on : taking place <find out what is up>
3 : well informed <always up on the news>
4 : being ahead of an opponent <was three games up in the series>
5 a : presented for or under consideration <up for reelection>  b : charged before a court <was up for robbery>  c : being the one whose turn it is <you're up next>
— up to
1 : capable of performing or dealing with <feels up to the role>
2 : engaged in <what are they up to>
3 : being the responsibility of <it's up to me>

3up \(ˌ)əp, ˈəp\ prep
1 : to, toward, or at a higher point of <up the hill>
2 a : toward the beginning of <going up the river>  b : toward the northern or upper end or part of <sailed up the coast>
3 : along the course of <walking up the street>

4up \ˈəp\ n
1 : an upward course or slope
2 : a period or state of success <had had my ups and downs>

5up vb upped or in sense 1 up; upped; up·ping; ups or in sense 1 up
1 : to act suddenly or surprisingly <up and left town>
2 : to rise from a lying or sitting position
3 : to move or cause to move upward : ASCEND, RAISE <upped the prices>

up–and–down adj
1 : marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface
2 : 1PERPENDICULAR 1

1up·beat \ˈəp-ˌbēt\ n : an unaccented beat in a musical measure; esp : the last beat of the measure

2upbeat adj : OPTIMISTIC, CHEERFUL <a story with an upbeat ending>

up·braid \ˌəp-ˈbrād\ vb : to criticize or scold severely

up·bring·ing \ˈəp-ˌbriŋ-iŋ\ n : the process or way of bringing up and training <had a strict upbringing>

up·com·ing \ˌəp-ˌkəm-iŋ\ adj : coming soon

1up–coun·try \ˌəp-ˌkən-trē\ adj : of or relating to the interior of a country or a region
— up–country \ˈəp-\ n

2up–coun·try \ˈəp-ˈkən-trē\ adv : to or in the interior of a country or a region

1up·date \ˌəp-ˈdāt\ vb : to bring up to date

2up·date \ˈəp-ˌdāt\ n
1 : an act or instance of updating
2 : an up-to-date version, account, or information

up·draft \ˈəp-ˌdraft, -ˌdrȧft\ n : an upward movement of gas (as air)

up·end \ˌə-ˈpend\ vb : to set, stand, or rise on end

1up·grade \ˈəp-ˌgrād\ n
1 : an upward grade or slope
2 : 2RISE 4 <crime has been on the upgrade>

2up·grade \ˈəp-ˌgrād, ˌəp-ˈgrād\ vb
1 : to raise to a higher grade or position
2 : to improve or replace especially software or a device for increased usefulness
— up·grad·abil·i·ty or up·grade·abil·i·ty \ˌəp-ˌgrād-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— up·grad·able or up·grade·able \ˌəp-ˈgrād-ə-bəl\ adj

up·heav·al \ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl, (ˌ)ə-ˈpē-\ n
1 : the action or an instance of heaving or lifting up from beneath especially of part of the earth's crust
2 : an instance of violent disorder or change <emotional upheaval>

1up·hill \ˈəp-ˈhil\ adv
1 : in an upward direction
2 : against difficulties

2up·hill \ˌəp-ˌhil\ adj
1 : being on high ground
2 : going up : ASCENDING
3 : DIFFICULT 1 <an uphill struggle>

up·hold \(ˌ)əp-ˈhōld\ vb -held \-ˈheld\; -hold·ing
1 : to give support to <promise to uphold the law>
2 a : to keep elevated  b : to lift up
— up·hold·er n

up·hol·ster \(ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-stər, (ˌ)ə-ˈpōl-\ vb -stered; -ster·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\ : to provide with or as if with upholstery
— up·hol·ster·er \-stər-ər\ n

up·hol·stery \(ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-st(ə-)rē, (ˌ)ə-ˈpōl-\ n, pl -ster·ies : materials (as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft covering especially for a seat

up·keep \ˈəp-ˌkēp\ n : the act or cost of maintaining in good condition : MAINTENANCE

up·land \ˈəp-lənd, -ˌland\ n : high land especially at some distance from the sea
— upland adj

1up·lift \(ˌ)əp-ˈlift\ vb
1 : to lift up : ELEVATE
2 : to improve the spiritual, mental, or social condition of

2up·lift \ˈəp-ˌlift\ n
1 : an act, process, or result of uplifting; esp : the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface
2 : moral or social improvement or a movement to make such improvement

up·load \ˌəp-ˈlōd, ˈəp-ˌ\ vb : to transfer (information) from a computer to a remote computer or other device

up·most \ˈəp-ˌmōst\ adj : being in the highest or most important position

up·on \ə-ˈpȯn, -ˈpän, -(ˌ)pən\ prep : 1ON

upped past and past participle of UP

1up·per \ˈəp-ər\ adj
1 : higher in physical position, rank, or order <the upper lip> <upper management>
2 : being the smaller and more restricted branch of a two-house legislature
3 cap : of, relating to, or being a later geologic period or formation <the Upper Cretaceous period>
4 : being toward the interior : further inland <the upper Amazon>
5 : NORTHERN <upper New York state>

2upper n
1 : the parts of a shoe or boot above the sole
2 : an upper tooth or set of teeth
3 : an upper berth

3upper n : a stimulant drug; esp : AMPHETAMINE

up·per·case \ˌəp-ər-ˈkās\ adj : 1CAPITAL 2
— uppercase n

upper class n : the highest class in society
— upper–class adj

up·per·class·man \ˌəp-ər-ˈklas-mən\ n : a student in the third or fourth year of a four-year college or a high school

upper crust n : the highest social class or group

up·per·cut \ˈəp-ər-ˌkət\ n : a swinging blow (as in boxing) directed upward with a bent arm
— uppercut vb

upper hand n : the position of being ahead or in control

up·per·most \ˈəp-ər-ˌmōst\ adv : in or into the highest or most prominent position
— uppermost adj

upping present participle of UP

up·pish \ˈəp-ish\ adj : UPPITY

up·pi·ty \ˈəp-ət-ē\ adj : acting as if better or more important than others : ARROGANT

up·raise \(ˌ)ə-ˈprāz\ vb : to raise or lift up : ELEVATE

1up·right \ˈəp-ˌrīt\ adj
1 a : 1VERTICAL 2 <an upright posture>  b : having the main axis or a main part perpendicular
2 : living by high moral standards : HONORABLE
— up·right·ness n
synonyms UPRIGHT, HONEST, JUST, mean having or showing a great concern for what is right. UPRIGHT suggests having high moral standards in all areas of life <an upright person whose life was an example to the whole town>. HONEST suggests dealing with others in a fair and truthful way <an honest merchant who would not cheat anyone>. JUST stresses that one's fairness comes from conscious choice and is practiced steadily <a just principal who knows she must treat all students equally>.

2upright n
1 : an upright or vertical position
2 : something upright

upright piano n : a piano whose strings run vertically

up·rise \ˌə-ˈprīz\ vb up·rose \-ˈprōz\; up·ris·en \-ˈpriz-ən\; up·ris·ing \-ˈprī-ziŋ\
1 : to rise to a higher position
2 : to get up (as from sleep or a sitting position)

up·ris·ing \ˈəp-ˌrī-ziŋ\ n : an act or instance of rising up  synonyms see REBELLION

up·riv·er \ˈəp-ˈriv-ər\ adv or adj : toward or at a point nearer the start of a river

up·roar \ˈəp-ˌrō(ə)r, -ˌrȯ(ə)r\ n : a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance
Word History The -roar part of the word uproar has no connection with the sounds made by some animals and crowds. The first use of uproar was as the translation of the Dutch word oproer, meaning “uprising, rebellion, revolt.” Thus, the first meaning of uproar was the same as the Dutch meaning of oproer. Nowadays, this sense of uproar is no longer used. Because people thought that the roar of uproar referred to loud cries and sounds, they began to use the word to mean “a noisy disturbance or commotion.” This is the sense of uproar that has survived. [from Dutch oproer “revolt, uprising,” from op “up” and roer “motion”; the English spelling and meaning influenced by the similarity of the English roar to Dutch roer]

up·roar·i·ous \ˌə-ˈprōr-ē-əs, -ˈprȯr-\ adj
1 : marked by uproar
2 : extremely funny
— up·roar·i·ous·ly adv

up·root \(ˌ)ə-ˈprüt, -ˈpru̇t\ vb : to remove by or as if by pulling up by the roots <uproot a vine> <families uprooted by war>

1up·set \(ˌ)əp-ˈset\ vb -set; -set·ting
1 : to force or be forced out of the usual position : OVERTURN
2 a : to worry, anger, or cause unhappiness to <the news upset me>  b : to make somewhat ill <spicy food upsets my stomach>
3 a : to throw into disorder  b : to defeat unexpectedly

2up·set \ˈəp-ˌset\ n
1 : an act or result of upsetting : a state of being upset
2 a : a minor illness <a stomach upset>  b : a period of worry or unhappiness

3up·set \(ˌ)əp-ˈset\ adj : emotionally disturbed or shaken up <was too upset to talk>

up·shot \ˈəp-ˌshät\ n : final result : OUTCOME

up·side down \ˌəp-ˌsīd-ˈdau̇n\ adv
1 : with the upper part underneath and the lower part on top
2 : in or into great disorder
— upside–down adj

upside–down cake n : a cake baked with a layer of fruit (as pineapple) on the bottom and served fruit side up

up·si·lon \ˈyüp-sə-ˌlän, ˈəp-, -lən\ n : the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet — Υ or υ

1up·stage \ˈəp-ˈstāj\ adv or adj : toward or at the part of the stage or set farthest from the audience or the motion-picture or television camera

2up·stage \ˌəp-ˈstāj\ vb : to steal attention away from <children upstaging adult performers>

1up·stairs \ˈəp-ˈsta(ə)rz, -ˈste(ə)rz\ adv
1 : up the stairs : to or on a higher floor
2 : to or at a higher position or level

2up·stairs \ˈəp-ˈsta(ə)rz, -ˈste(ə)rz\ adj : located on an upper floor <the upstairs bedroom>

3up·stairs \ˈəp-ˈsta(ə)rz, -ˈste(ə)rz; ˈəp-ˌsta(ə)rz, -ˌste(ə)rz\ n : the part of a building above the ground floor

up·stand·ing \ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ, ˈəp-ˌstan-\ adj
1 : 1VERTICAL 2
2 : 1HONEST 3

up·start \ˈəp-ˌstärt\ n : a person who has risen suddenly (as from a low position to wealth or power); esp : one who makes a great show of success

up·state \ˈəp-ˌstāt\ adj : of, relating to, or typical of a part of a state away from a large city and especially to the north
— upstate n or adv

up·stream \ˈəp-ˈstrēm\ adv or adj : at or toward the beginning of a stream : against the current <salmon swimming upstream>

up·stroke \ˈəp-ˌstrōk\ n : an upward stroke (as of a pen)

up·surge \ˈəp-ˌsərj\ n : a rapid or sudden rise <an upsurge of popularity>

up·sweep \ˈəp-ˌswēp\ vb -swept \-ˌswept\; -sweep·ing : to sweep upward : curve or slope upward
— upsweep n

up·swept \ˈəp-ˌswept\ adj : swept upward <an upswept hairdo>

up·swing \ˈəp-ˌswiŋ\ n : an upward swing; esp : a marked increase or improvement (as in activity) <business is on the upswing>

up·take \ˈəp-ˌtāk\ n
1 : 1UNDERSTANDING 1, COMPREHENSION <quick on the uptake>
2 : a process especially in a living organism of absorbing and combining with something <oxygen uptake>

up·tight \ˈəp-ˈtīt, (ˌ)əp-ˈtīt, ˌəp-ˌtīt\ adj : being tense, nervous, or uneasy

up·tilt \ˌəp-ˈtilt\ vb : to tilt upward

up to prep
1 : as far as a named part or place <sank up to my hips>
2 : in accordance with <the game was not up to our standards>
3 a : to the limit of <come in sizes up to 10>  b : as many or as much as <carry up to 10 tons>
4 : 1UNTIL, TILL <from dawn up to dusk>

up–to–date adj
1 : coming up to the present time <up-to-date maps>
2 : knowing, being, or making use of what is new or modern <up-to-date methods>
— up–to–date·ness n

up·town \ˈəp-ˈtau̇n\ adv : toward, to, or in the upper part of a town <took the bus uptown>
— uptown adj

up·trend \ˈəp-ˌtrend\ n : a rise especially in business or activity

1up·turn \ˈəp-ˌtərn, ˌəp-ˈtərn\ vb
1 : to turn up or over <an upturned boat>
2 : to turn or direct upward <upturned faces>

2up·turn \ˈəp-ˌtərn\ n : an upward turning (as toward better conditions or higher prices)

1up·ward \ˈəp-wərd\ or up·wards \-wərdz\ adv
1 : in a direction from lower to higher <the land rises upward>
2 : toward a higher or better condition <worked my way upward in the business>
3 : toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate <prices shot upward>

2upward adj : directed toward or located in a higher place or level : ASCENDING
— up·ward·ly adv

upwards of also upward of adv : more than <upwards of half a million people>

up·well·ing \ˌəp-ˈwel-iŋ\ n : the process or an example of rising or appearing to rise to the surface and flowing outward; esp : the process of movement of deeper cooler layers of ocean water that are often rich in nourishing substances to the surface

up·wind \ˈəp-ˈwind\ adv or adj : in the direction from which the wind is blowing

ura·cil \ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌsil, -səl\ n : a pyrimidine base that is one of the four bases coding hereditary information in RNA — compare ADENINE, CYTOSINE, GUANINE, THYMINE

ura·ni·nite \yu̇-ˈrā-nə-ˌnīt\ n : a mineral that is a black oxide of uranium, contains also various metals (as thorium and lead), and is the chief ore of uranium

ura·ni·um \yȯ-ˈrā-nē-əm\ n : a silvery heavy radioactive metallic element — see ELEMENT TABLE
Word History The ancient Greek word ouranos meant “sky, heaven.” It was fitting, then, for the Greeks to name their god of heaven Ouranos and their muse of astronomy Ourania. In Latin these names became Uranus and Urania. Uranus was the father of the god Saturn and the grandfather of Jupiter. In 1781 the English astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered by telescope the seventh planet of our solar system. It was the custom to name planets after Roman gods. Following this custom, the German astronomer Johann Bode suggested the name Uranus for this planet. It seemed a good idea since the fifth planet was called Jupiter and the sixth was Saturn. Eight years after the discovery of Uranus, the German chemist Martin Klaproth discovered a new element. He called it uranium after the new planet Uranus. [scientific Latin; named for the planet Uranus, from Latin Uranus, name of the god of heaven]

uranium hexa·flu·o·ride \-ˌhek-sə-ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīd\ n : a compound of uranium and fluorine that is used in one major process for the separation of uranium 235 from ordinary uranium

uranium 238 n : the most stable form of uranium that has an atomic mass number of 238, breaks down in a series of nuclear changes into a form of lead, and can absorb neutrons and then go through a series of nuclear transformations to change into a form of plutonium

uranium 235 n : a light form of uranium of mass number 235 that when bombarded with neutrons splits rapidly into smaller atoms with the release of neutrons and atomic energy

Ura·nus \ˈyu̇r-ə-nəs, yu̇-ˈrā-\ n : the planet seventh in order from the sun — see PLANET TABLE

ur·ban \ˈər-bən\ adj : of, relating to, typical of, or being a city <urban life> <an urban area>

ur·bane \ˌər-ˈbān\ adj : very polite and smooth in manner
— ur·ban·i·ty \-ˈban-ət-ē\ n

ur·ban·ite \ˈər-bə-ˌnīt\ n : one living in a city

ur·ban·ize \ˈər-bə-ˌnīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to cause to have an urban appearance <urbanized areas>
2 : to cause to take on an urban way of life <urbanized the peasant population>
— ur·ban·i·za·tion \ˌər-bə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ n

urban renewal n : a construction program for replacing or restoring old or run-down buildings in an urban area

urban sprawl n : the spreading of urban structures into areas surrounding a city

ur·chin \ˈər-chən\ n
1 : a mischievous child
2 : SEA URCHIN

-ure n suffix
1 : act : process : being <exposure>
2 : office : function; also : body performing (such) a function <legislature> [derived from Latin -ura (noun suffix) “-ure”]

urea \yu̇-ˈrē-ə\ n : a soluble nitrogen-containing compound that is the chief solid substance in the urine of mammals and is an end product of protein breakdown

ure·ter \ˈyu̇r-ət-ər\ n : a tube that carries urine from a kidney to the bladder or cloaca

ure·thra \yu̇-ˈrē-thrə\ n, pl -thras or ure·thrae \-thrē\ : a canal that in most mammals carries off urine from the bladder and in the male serves as a passage for the release of semen from the body
— ure·thral \-thrəl\ adj

1urge \ˈərj\ vb urged; urg·ing
1 : to ask for or support earnestly <continually urging reform>
2 : to try to persuade <urge a guest to stay longer>
3 : to force or drive to some course or activity (as greater speed) <riders urging their horses on>

2urge n
1 : the act or process of urging
2 : a strong desire especially to achieve a goal <the urge to win>

ur·gen·cy \ˈər-jən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being urgent

ur·gent \ˈər-jənt\ adj
1 a : calling for immediate attention : PRESSING <an urgent need for food>  b : indicating an urgent desire or need <an urgent manner>
2 : urging very earnestly
— ur·gent·ly adv

uric \ˈyu̇(ə)r-ik\ adj : of, relating to, or found in urine

uric acid n : a white odorless nitrogen-containing acid that is present only in small quantities in the urine of mammals but is the chief form in which nitrogen is eliminated from the body especially of birds, reptiles, and insects

uri·nal \ˈyu̇r-ən-əl\ n : a container for receiving urine; also : a place for urinating

uri·nal·y·sis \ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈnal-ə-səs\ n, pl -nal·y·ses \-ə-ˌsēz\ : the analysis of urine

uri·nary \ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj
1 : relating to, occurring in, affecting, or making up the organs of the urinary tract
2 : of, relating to, or used for urine

urinary tract n : the body organs and passages through which urine passes and which consist of the tubes and cavity of the kidney, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra

uri·nate \ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to release or give off urine
— uri·na·tion \ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈnā-shən\ n

urine \ˈyu̇r-ən\ n : waste material that is secreted by the kidneys, is rich in the end products of protein breakdown, and is usually a yellowish liquid in mammals but semisolid in birds and reptiles

URL \ˌyü-ˌär-ˈel, ˈərl\ n : an address (as of a document or website) on the Internet [uniform resource locator or universal resource locator]

urn \ˈərn\ n
1 : a container that has the form of a vase on a base and often is used for keeping the ashes of the dead
2 : a closed vessel usually with a faucet for serving a hot beverage <coffee urn>

Ur·sa Ma·jor \ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər\ n : the northern group of stars that is the easiest to pick out, is located near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line pointing in the direction of the North Star — called also Great Bear

Ursa Mi·nor \-ˈmī-nər\ n : the group of stars that includes the north pole of the heavens and the stars which form the Little Dipper with the North Star at the tip of the handle — called also Little Bear

us \(ˈ)əs\ pron objective case of WE

us·able \ˈyü-zə-bəl\ adj : suitable or fit for use <usable waste>

us·age \ˈyü-sij, -zij\ n
1 a : usual practice or procedure  b : the way in which words and phrases are actually used
2 a : the action of using : USE <increasing usage of the nation's highways>  b : manner of treating <restaurant dishes receive rough usage>  synonyms see HABIT

USB \ˌyü-(ˌ)es-ˈbē\ n : a system for connecting a computer to another device (as a printer, keyboard, or mouse) by using a special kind of cord [Universal Serial Bus]

1use \ˈyüs\ n
1 a : the act or practice of using something : APPLICATION <put knowledge to use>  b : the fact or state of being used <a dish in daily use>  c : way of using <the proper use of tools>
2 a : the privilege or benefit of using something <gave me the use of their car>  b : the ability or power to use something (as a limb) <after the operation you'll again have the use of your leg>
3 a : a particular service or end <no use in crying all the time>  b : the quality of being useful <old clothes that are still of some use>  c : a reason or need to use <took only what he had use for>
4 : LIKING <had no use for modern art>

2use \ˈyüz\ vb used \ˈyüzd, in the phrase “used to” usually ˈyüs(t)\; us·ing \ˈyü-ziŋ\
1 : to put into action or service : EMPLOY <pronunciations used by different people> <used care in handling the antiques>
2 : to take into the body regularly <never uses tobacco>
3 : to carry out an action by means of : UTILIZE <use caution>
4 : to make use of : CONSUME 2 <the car uses a lot of gas>
5 : to behave toward : TREAT <used the prisoners cruelly>
6 — used in the past tense with to to show a former practice, fact, or state <claims winters used to be harder>
— us·er \ˈyü-zər\ n

used \ˈyüzd, in the phrase “used to” usually ˈyüs(t)\ adj
1 : employed in accomplishing something <a much used excuse>
2 : that has been used; esp : SECONDHAND 2A <used cars>
3 : having the habit of doing or experiencing <is used to flying>

use·ful \ˈyüs-fəl\ adj
1 : capable of being put to use : USABLE <useful scraps of material>
2 : having practical value <a useful invention>
— use·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— use·ful·ness n

use·less \ˈyüs-ləs\ adj : having or being of no use
— use·less·ly adv

— use·less·ness n

user name n : a sequence of characters that identifies a user when logging onto a computer or website — called also user ID

use up vb : to make complete use of : EXHAUST <used up all the supplies>

1ush·er \ˈəsh-ər\ n : a person who leads other persons to seats (as in a theater or at a wedding)

2usher vb ush·ered; ush·er·ing \ˈəsh-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to lead to a place
2 : to cause to enter : INTRODUCE <usher in a new era>

usu·al \ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl, ˈyüzh-əl\ adj : done, found, or used in the ordinary course of events : NORMAL, REGULAR <less than the usual fee> <the usual route to work>
— usu·al·ly \ˈyüzh-(ə-)wə-lē, ˈyüzh-(ə-)lē, in rapid speech ˈyüz-lē\ adv

usu·rer \ˈyü-zhər-ər, ˈyüzh-rər\ n : one who lends money especially at a very high rate of interest

usu·ri·ous \yu̇-ˈzhu̇r-ē-əs, -ˈzu̇r-\ adj : practicing, involving, or being usury <usurious interest>

usurp \yu̇-ˈsərp also -ˈzərp\ vb : to seize and hold by force or without right <usurp power from the king>

usu·ry \ˈyüzh-(ə-)rē\ n, pl usu·ries
1 : the lending of money with an interest charge for its use
2 : a rate of interest that is very high or higher than the usual rate

uten·sil \yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl\ n
1 : a device or container used in a household and especially a kitchen
2 : an article serving a useful purpose <writing utensils>  synonyms see IMPLEMENT

uter·ine \ˈyüt-ə-ˌrīn, -rən\ adj : of, relating to, or affecting the uterus <the uterine lining> <uterine cancer>

uter·us \ˈyüt-ə-rəs\ n, pl uter·us·es or uteri \-ˌrī\ : the muscular organ of a female mammal in which the young develop before birth — called also womb

util·i·tar·i·an \(ˌ)yü-ˌtil-ə-ˈter-ē-ən\ adj
1 : of or relating to utility
2 : aiming at usefulness rather than beauty <utilitarian furniture>

1util·i·ty \yü-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being useful : USEFULNESS
2 : something useful or designed for use
3 a : PUBLIC UTILITY  b : a public service (as power or water) provided by a public utility
4 : a program designed to perform or aid in especially routine actions (as copying files or editing text) on a computer

2utility adj
1 : capable of serving as a substitute in various roles or positions <utility infielder>
2 : being of a usable but poor quality <utility beef>
3 : serving chiefly for usefulness rather than beauty : UTILITARIAN
4 : designed for general use <utility bag>

uti·lize \ˈyüt-əl-ˌīz\ vb -lized; -liz·ing : to make use of especially for a certain job
— uti·li·za·tion \ˌyüt-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ n

ut·most \ˈət-ˌmōst, especially Southern -məst\ adj
1 : located at the farthest or most distant point
2 : of the greatest or highest degree, quantity, number, or amount <a matter of the utmost urgency> [Old English ūtmest “outermost,” from ūt “out” and -mest (a superlative adjective suffix similar to -est)]
— utmost n

uto·pia \yu̇-ˈtō-pē-ə\ n
1 often cap : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions
2 : an impractical scheme for social improvement
— uto·pi·an \-pē-ən\ adj or n
Word History In 1516 the English statesman Sir Thomas More published a book that compared the condition of his England to that of a perfect and imaginary country, Utopia. Everything that was wrong in England was perfect in Utopia. More was trying to show how people could live together in peace and happiness if they only did what he thought was right. But the name he gave his imaginary country showed that he did not really believe perfection could ever be reached. Utopia means, literally, “no place,” since it was formed from the Greek ou, meaning “no, not,” and topos, “place.” Since More's time, utopia has come to mean “a place of ideal perfection.” Over the years many books similar to Utopia have been written, and many plans for perfect societies proposed, most of them impractical. Utopia has also come to mean any such scheme or plan. [from Utopia, name of an imaginary ideal country in a book Utopia written by Sir Thomas More 1478–1535 English statesman and author; from Greek ou “not, no” and Greek topos “place”]

1ut·ter \ˈət-ər\ adj : complete in extent or degree : TOTAL <an utter impossibility> <utter strangers>
— ut·ter·ly adv

2utter vb
1 : to send forth usually as a sound <uttered a laugh>
2 : to express in words <forced to utter the truth>

ut·ter·ance \ˈət-ə-rən(t)s\ n
1 : something uttered; esp : an oral or written statement
2 : the action of uttering with the voice : SPEECH
3 : power, style, or manner of speaking

ut·ter·most \ˈət-ər-ˌmōst\ adj : UTMOST 2
— uttermost n

uvu·la \ˈyü-vyə-lə\ n, pl -las or uvu·lae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ : the small fleshy fingerlike part hanging down from the back part of the roof of the mouth

V

v \ˈvē\ n, pl v's or vs often cap
1 : the 22nd letter of the English alphabet
2 : five in Roman numerals

va·can·cy \ˈvā-kən-sē\ n, pl -cies
1 : something (as an office or hotel room) that is vacant
2 : empty space
3 : the state of being vacant

va·cant \ˈvā-kənt\ adj
1 : not filled, used, or lived in <a vacant house>
2 : free from duties or care <a few vacant hours>
3 : showing lack of thought <a vacant stare>
— va·cant·ly adv

va·cate \ˈvā-ˌkāt, vā-ˈkāt\ vb va·cat·ed; va·cat·ing : to leave vacant

1va·ca·tion \vā-ˈkā-shən, və-\ n
1 : a period during which activity (as of a school) is stopped for a time
2 : a period spent away from home or business in travel or amusement

2vacation vb -tioned; -tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\ : to take or spend a vacation
— va·ca·tion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ n

va·ca·tion·ist \vā-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəst\ n : a person taking a vacation

va·ca·tion·land \vā-ˈkā-shən-ˌland\ n : a place where many people go on vacation

vac·ci·nate \ˈvak-sə-ˌnāt\ vb -nat·ed; -nat·ing : to give a vaccine to usually by injection
— vac·ci·na·tor \-ˌnāt-ər\ n

vac·ci·na·tion \ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən\ n
1 : the act of vaccinating
2 : the scar left by vaccinating

vac·cine \vak-ˈsēn, ˈvak-ˌsēn\ n : a preparation of killed, weakened, or fully infectious microbes that is given (as by injection) to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease
Word History Toward the end of the 18th century, Edward Jenner, an English physician, made an important discovery. He observed that dairymaids who had the disease cowpox did not get smallpox, a much more serious disease. Working from this observation, he injected a person with material taken from another person's cowpox sores. He found out that this injection protected that person against the dreaded smallpox. He reported these findings in an article in which he used the Latin translation of cowpox, variolae vaccinae. The Latin word vaccinae was formed from the adjective vaccinus meaning “of or relating to cows.” This word, in turn, was based on the noun vacca, meaning “cow.” The cowpox material used for injections was then called vaccine. The injection itself was called vaccination. From this noun we created the verb vaccinate and the noun vaccinator. [from Latin vaccinus (adjective) “of or from cows,” from vacca “cow” — related to BUCKAROO, VAQUERO]

vac·il·late \ˈvas-ə-ˌlt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing : to hesitate between courses or opinions : be unable to choose
— vac·il·la·tion \ˌvas-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n

— vac·il·la·tor \ˈvas-ə-ˌlāt-ər\ n

va·cu·ity \va-ˈkyü-ət-ē, və-\ n, pl -ities
1 : an empty space
2 : the quality or state of being vacuous

vac·u·ole \ˈvak-yə-ˌwōl\ n : a cavity in bodily tissues or in the cytoplasm of a cell that is usually filled with fluid
— vac·u·o·lar \ˌvak-yə-ˈwō-lər, -ˌlär\ adj

vac·u·ous \ˈvak-yə-wəs\ adj : lacking ideas or intelligence
— vac·u·ous·ly adv

1vac·u·um \ˈvak-yüm, -yu̇-əm, -yəm\ n, pl vac·u·ums or vac·ua \-yə-wə\
1 a : a space completely empty of matter  b : a space from which most of the air has been removed (as by a pump)
2 : VACUUM CLEANER [from Latin vacuum “emptiness,” from vacuus “empty”]

2vacuum adj : of, containing, producing, or using a partial vacuum <the vacuum method of making coffee>

3vacuum vb : to use a vacuum cleaner on

vacuum bottle n : THERMOS

vacuum cleaner n : an electrical appliance for cleaning (as floors or rugs) by suction

vac·u·um–packed \ˌvak-yüm-ˈpakt, -yu̇-əm-, -yəm-\ adj : having much of the air removed before being sealed

vacuum pump n : a pump for removing gas from an enclosed space

vacuum tube n : an electron tube from which most of the air has been removed

1vag·a·bond \ˈvag-ə-ˌbänd\ adj : moving from place to place without a fixed home [Middle English vagabond “moving about with no fixed home,” from early French vacabund (same meaning), from Latin vagabundus (same meaning), from vagari “to wander about” — related to EXTRAVAGANT]

2vagabond n : a person who leads a vagabond life

va·ga·ry \ˈvā-gə-rē; və-ˈge(ə)r-ē, -ˈga(ə)r-\ n, pl -ries : an odd or unpredictable idea or happening

va·gi·na \və-ˈjī-nə\ n, pl -nas also -nae \-nē\ : a canal that leads from the uterus to the outside opening of the female sex organs
— vag·i·nal \ˈvaj-ən-əl\ adj

va·gran·cy \ˈvā-grən(t)-sē\ n, pl -cies : the state or action of being vagrant

1va·grant \ˈvā-grənt\ n : a person who has no steady job and wanders from place to place

2vagrant adj
1 : wandering about from place to place
2 : having no fixed course <vagrant breezes>

vague \ˈvāg\ adj vagu·er; vagu·est
1 : not clearly expressed <a vague answer>
2 : not clearly understood or sensed <only a vague idea of where we were>
3 : not clearly outlined : INDISTINCT, SHADOWY <vague figures in the mist>
— vague·ly adv

— vague·ness n

vain \ˈvān\ adj
1 : having no success : USELESS <a vain attempt to escape>
2 : proud of one's looks or abilities
— vain·ly adv

— vain·ness n

— in vain
1 : without success
2 : in an unholy way

vain·glo·ri·ous \(ˈ)vān-ˈglōr-ē-əs, -ˈglȯr-\ adj : being vain and boastful : showing vainglory
— vain·glo·ri·ous·ly adv

— vain·glo·ri·ous·ness n

vain·glo·ry \ˈvān-ˌglōr-ē, -ˌglȯr-\ n : too much pride especially in what one has done

va·lance \ˈval-ən(t)s, ˈvāl-\ n : a short drapery or wood or metal frame (as across the top of a window)

vale \ˈvā(ə)l\ n : VALLEY

vale·dic·to·ri·an \ˌval-ə-ˌdik-ˈtōr-ē-ən, -ˈtȯr-\ n : the student usually of the highest rank in a graduating class who gives the farewell speech at graduation ceremonies

vale·dic·to·ry \ˌval-ə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē\ adj : of or relating to a leaving : expressing a farewell

va·lence \ˈvā-lən(t)s\ n : the combining power of an atom as shown by the number of electrons in its outermost energy level that are lost, gained, or shared in the formation of chemical bonds

val·en·tine \ˈval-ən-ˌtīn\ n
1 : a sweetheart given something as a sign of affection on Valentine's Day
2 : a gift or greeting sent or given on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day also Valentine Day n : February 14 observed in honor of St. Valentine and as a time for exchanging valentines

va·let \ˈval-ā, va-ˈlā, ˈval-ət\ n
1 : a male servant who takes care of a man's clothes and does personal services
2 : a hotel employee who does personal services for guests

Val·hal·la \val-ˈhal-ə\ n : the hall of Odin in Norse mythology to which the Valkyries take heroes killed in battle [derived from an early Norse word Valhǫll, literally “hall of the slain,” from valr “those slain (in battle)” and hǫll “hall”]

1val·iant \ˈval-yənt\ adj
1 : boldly brave
2 : done with courage : HEROIC
— val·iant·ly adv

2valiant n : a valiant person

val·id \ˈval-əd\ adj
1 : legally binding
2 : founded on truth or fact <a valid argument>
— val·id·ly adv

val·i·date \ˈval-ə-ˌdāt\ vb -dat·ed; -dat·ing : to make valid
— val·i·da·tion \ˌval-ə-ˈdā-shən\ n

va·lid·i·ty \və-ˈlid-ət-ē, va-\ n : the quality or state of being valid

va·lise \və-ˈlēs\ n : SUITCASE

Val·kyr·ie \val-ˈkir-ē\ n : any of the maidens in Norse mythology who take slain heroes to Valhalla

val·ley \ˈval-ē\ n, pl valleys : an area of lowland between ranges of hills or mountains

val·or \ˈval-ər\ n : personal bravery in the face of danger  synonyms see COURAGE

val·or·ous \ˈval-ə-rəs\ adj : having or showing valor : BRAVE

1val·u·able \ˈval-yə(-wə)-bəl\ adj
1 : worth a large amount of money <a valuable necklace>
2 : of great use or service <valuable advice>
— val·u·able·ness n

— val·u·ably \-blē\ adv

2valuable n : a possession (as a jewel) of great value — usually used in plural

val·u·a·tion \ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən\ n : the value placed on something

1val·ue \ˈval-yü\ n
1 : a fair return in goods, services, or money for something exchanged
2 : the amount of money something is worth
3 : worth, utility, or importance in comparison with something else
4 : a numerical quantity that is assigned or is found by calculation or measurement <find the value of x>
5 : the length of time a musical note is to be held
6 : the lightness or darkness of a color
7 : something (as a belief) that is valuable or desirable
— val·ue·less \-yü-ləs, -yə-\ adj

2value vb val·ued; valu·ing
1 : to estimate the worth of <was valued at $200>
2 : to think highly of <values your advice>
— valu·er \-yə-wər\ n

value judgment n : a judgment assigning a value (as good or bad) to something

valve \ˈvalv\ n
1 : a bodily structure (as in a vein or the heart) that closes temporarily to prevent passage of material or that allows movement of a fluid in one direction only
2 a : a mechanical device by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material in bulk may be controlled by a movable part; also : the movable part of such a device  b : a device in a brass musical instrument for quickly changing the tube length in order to make the tone higher or lower
3 : one of the separate pieces that make up the shell of some animals (as clams) and are often hinged
4 : one of the pieces into which a ripe seed capsule or pod separates
— valved \ˈvalvd\ adj

val·vu·lar \ˈval-vyə-lər\ adj : of, relating to, or affecting a valve especially of the heart <valvular heart disease>

vam·pire \ˈvam-ˌpī(ə)r\ n
1 : the body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of sleeping persons
2 : VAMPIRE BAT

vampire bat n : any of three bats of Mexico and Central and South America that feed on blood especially of domestic animals and sometimes carry and pass on diseases (as rabies); also : any of several other bats that do not feed on blood but are sometimes said to do so

1van \ˈvan\ n : VANGUARD [a shortened form of vanguard]

2van n
1 : a usually closed wagon or truck for transporting goods or animals
2 : an enclosed motor vehicle shaped like a box that is used for a variety of purposes and has rear or side doors and side panels often with windows [a shortened form of caravan “vehicle”]

va·na·di·um \və-ˈnād-ē-əm\ n : a grayish metallic element found combined in minerals and used especially to form alloys (as of steel) — see ELEMENT TABLE

Van Al·len belt \va-ˌnal-ən-, və-\ n : a belt of high-energy charged particles that surrounds the earth in the magnetosphere [named for James A. Van Allen born 1914 American physicist]

van·dal \ˈvan-dəl\ n
1 cap : a member of a Germanic people overrunning Gaul, Spain, and northern Africa in the fourth and fifth centuries a.d.
2 : a person who destroys or damages property on purpose
Word History The Vandals were a Germanic people who originally lived in northern Europe. In the fourth and fifth centuries, however, other barbarian peoples, especially the Huns, forced the Vandals to migrate westward and southward through what are now the lands of France and Spain. They finally settled in northern Africa. But as they migrated, the Vandals did not just pass through an area. They destroyed many cities and towns. They probably were no worse than other barbarians, but they became widely known for destruction. This probably happened because they invaded and looted the city of Rome in 455. They destroyed or ruined much of what they could not take with them. The Vandals were later defeated by the Roman army but their bad reputation caused their name to be used for “a deliberately destructive person.” [from Latin Vandalii (plural) “The Vandals”; of Germanic origin]

van·dal·ism \ˈvan-dəl-ˌiz-əm\ n : intentional destruction or damage to property

van·dal·ize \ˈvan-dəl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to destroy or damage property on purpose

Van de Graaff generator \ˌvan-də-ˌgraf-\ n : a device for producing high voltages by building up charge in the inside of a hollow sphere [named for Robert J. Van de Graaff 1901–1967 American physicist]

Van·dyke \van-ˈdīk\ n : a trim pointed beard

vane \ˈvān\ n
1 : a movable device attached to something high to show which way the wind is blowing
2 : a thin flat or curved object that is rotated about an axis by a flow of fluid (as air or water) or that rotates to cause a fluid to flow or that changes the direction of a flow of fluid <the vanes of a windmill>
3 : the web or flat expanded part of a feather
— vaned \ˈvānd\ adj

van·guard \ˈvan-ˌgärd\ n
1 : the troops moving at the head of an army
2 : the forefront of an action or movement [Middle English vauntgard “the troops moving at the head of an army,” from early French vantgarde, avantgarde (same meaning), derived from avant- “fore-, in front” and garde “guard”]

va·nil·la \və-ˈnil-ə, -ˈnel-\ n : a flavoring made from the long pods of a tropical American climbing orchid; also : this orchid or one of the same genus

vanilla bean n : the long pod of a vanilla orchid

van·ish \ˈvan-ish\ vb : to pass from sight or existence
— van·ish·er n

vanishing cream n : a cosmetic like cold cream but less greasy

vanishing point n : a point at which parallel lines seem to meet (as in a drawing)

van·i·ty \ˈvan-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : something that is vain
2 : the quality or fact of being vain
3 a : 3COMPACT 1  b : DRESSING TABLE

van·quish \ˈvaŋ-kwish, ˈvan-\ vb : to defeat and subdue completely  synonyms see CONQUER
— van·quish·er n

van·tage \ˈvant-ij\ n : a position giving advantage or a wide view

vantage point n : POINT OF VIEW

vape \ˈvāp\ vb : to inhale vapor through the mouth from a usually battery-operated electronic device that heats up and vaporizes a liquid or solid

vap·id \ˈvap-əd\ adj : being dull or uninteresting
— vap·id·ly adv

va·por \ˈvā-pər\ n
1 : fine particles of matter (as fog or smoke) floating in the air and clouding it
2 : a substance in the gaseous state

va·por·ize \ˈvā-pə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to turn from a liquid or solid into vapor
— va·por·i·za·tion \ˌvā-pə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ n

va·por·iz·er \ˈvā-pə-ˌrī-zər\ n : a device that vaporizes something (as water or a liquid containing medicine)

va·por·ware \ˈvā-pər-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r\ n : a computer-related product that has been widely advertised but has not and may never become available

vapour chiefly British variant of VAPOR

va·que·ro \vä-ˈke(ə)r-ō\ n, pl -ros : COWBOY [from Spanish vaquero “cowboy,” from vaca “cow,” from Latin vacca “cow” — related to BUCKAROO, VACCINE; see Word History at VACCINE]

1vari·able \ˈver-ē-ə-bəl, ˈvar-\ adj
1 : able to change : likely to be changed <variable winds>
2 : having the characteristics of a variable
3 : not true to the usual or normal type <a variable species of wheat>
— vari·abil·i·ty \ˌver-ē-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē, ˌvar-\ n

— vari·able·ness \ˈver-ē-ə-bəl-nəs, ˈvar-\ n

— vari·ably \-blē\ adv

2variable n
1 a : a quantity that may take on any one of a set of values  b : a mathematical symbol representing a variable
2 : something that is variable
3 : a factor in a scientific experiment that may be subject to change <controlled all variables except temperature>

variable star n : a star whose brightness changes usually in more or less regular periods

vari·ance \ˈver-ē-ən(t)s, ˈvar-\ n
1 : the quality or state of being variable or variant : DIFFERENCE <yearly variance in growth>
2 : the fact or state of being in disagreement : DISPUTE
3 : the square of the standard deviation
— at variance : not in harmony or agreement

1vari·ant \ˈver-ē-ənt, ˈvar-\ adj : differing from others of its kind or class

2variant n
1 : an individual that shows variation from a type or norm
2 : one of two or more different spellings or pronunciations of the same word

vari·a·tion \ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, ˌvar-\ n
1 a : a change in form, position, or condition  b : amount of change or difference
2 : the repeating of a musical passage with a change in rhythm, tune, harmony, or key <variations on a theme by Haydn>
3 a : change in the characteristics that are usual for a species or group  b : an individual or group showing variation
— vari·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

vari·col·ored \ˈver-i-ˌkəl-ərd, ˈvar-\ adj : having various colors <varicolored marble>

var·i·cose \ˈvar-ə-ˌkōs\ adj : abnormally swollen or made larger or wider <varicose veins>

var·ied \ˈver-ēd, ˈvar-\ adj
1 : having many forms or types : DIVERSE
2 : VARIEGATED 1
— var·ied·ly adv

var·ie·gat·ed \ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgāt-əd, ˈver-i-ˌgāt-, ˈvar-\ adj
1 : having patches, stripes, or marks of different colors <variegated flowers>
2 : full of variety <a variegated career>

va·ri·ety \və-ˈrī-ət-ē\ n, pl -et·ies
1 : the quality or state of having different forms or types
2 : a number or collection of different things : ASSORTMENT
3 a : something differing from others of the class to which it belongs  b : any of various groups of plants or animals within a species that are separated from other groups by characteristics not constant enough or too unimportant to separate species

variety meat n : an edible part (as the liver or tongue) of a slaughter animal other than skeletal muscle

variety show n : entertainment made up of separate performances (as dances and songs) that follow one another

variety store n : a retail store carrying a variety of goods

var·i·ous \ˈver-ē-əs, ˈvar-\ adj
1 : of different kinds
2 : different one from another : UNLIKE <animals as various as cat and mouse>
3 : having many different characteristics <spring is a various season>
4 : made up of an indefinite number greater than one <stopped at various places along the way>
— var·i·ous·ly adv

— var·i·ous·ness n

var·let \ˈvär-lət\ n : a dishonest or tricky person

var·mint \ˈvär-mənt\ n
1 : an animal that is considered a pest
2 : an unlikable person : RASCAL

1var·nish \ˈvär-nish\ n
1 a : a liquid that when spread and allowed to dry on a surface forms a hard shiny typically transparent coating  b : the covering or shiny coating given by varnish
2 : false outward appearance

2varnish vb : to cover with or as if with varnish

var·si·ty \ˈvär-sət-ē, -stē\ n, pl -ties : the main team representing a college, school, or club in contests [an altered form of versity, itself an old, shortened form of university]

varve \ˈvärv\ n : a pair of layers of alternately finer and coarser silt or clay believed to be deposited annually in a body of still water

vary \ˈver-ē, ˈvar-\ vb var·ied; vary·ing
1 : to make a minor or partial change in
2 : to give variety to
3 : to show or undergo change
4 a : to be different  b : to change in bodily structure or function away from what is usual for members of a group
— vary·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adv

varying hare n : SNOWSHOE HARE

vas·cu·lar \ˈvas-kyə-lər\ adj : of or relating to a tube or channel for carrying a body fluid (as blood of an animal or sap of a plant) or to a system of such channels or tubes; also : supplied with or made up of such channels or tubes <a vascular system> <vascular tissue>

vascular bundle n : a unit of the vascular system of a higher plant (as a fern or flowering plant) consisting usually of xylem and phloem together with parenchyma cells and fibers

vascular plant n : a plant having a specialized system for carrying fluids that includes xylem and phloem

vascular ray n : a band of tissue in a root or stem of a vascular plant that looks in cross section like a spoke of a wheel and that carries fluids along a radius away from the center of the root or stem

vas·cu·lum \ˈvas-kyə-ləm\ n : an often cylinder-shaped box usually of metal that is used for the temporary storage of plants collected in the field

vas def·er·ens \ˈvas-ˈdef-ə-rənz, -ˌrenz\ n, pl va·sa def·er·en·tia \ˌvā-zə-ˌdef-ə-ˈren-ch(ē-)ə\ : a bodily tube especially in a higher vertebrate that serves to carry sperm

vase \ˈvās, ˈvāz\ n : an often round container of greater depth than width used chiefly for ornament or for flowers

Vas·e·line \ˈvas-ə-ˌlēn, ˌvas-ə-ˈlēn\ trademark — used for petroleum jelly

vas·sal \ˈvas-əl\ n : a person in the Middle Ages who received protection and land from a lord in return for loyalty and service

vast \ˈvast\ adj : very great in extent, size, amount, degree, or intensity <a vast stretch of desert> <vast knowledge>  synonyms see ENORMOUS
— vast·ly adv

— vast·ness \ˈvas(t)-nəs\ n

vasty \ˈvas-tē\ adj vast·i·er; -est : VAST, IMMENSE

vat \ˈvat\ n : a large container (as a tub) especially for holding liquids in manufacturing processes

vaude·ville \ˈvȯd(-ə)-vəl, ˈväd-, ˈvōd-, -ˌvil\ n : theatrical entertainment made up of a variety of songs, dances, and comic acts
Word History In the 15th century, a number of humorous songs became popular in France. The songs were said to have been written by a man who lived in the valley of the River Vire, which is located in northwest France. The songs became known as chansons de vau de Vire, meaning “songs of the valley of Vire.” Other people were soon writing and performing similar songs. Before long, people no longer connected such songs with the valley of Vire. The name chansons de vau de Vire was shortened to one word, vaudevire. Further changes in spelling and pronunciation have given us the modern word vaudeville, which refers not only to humorous songs, but also to other forms of popular entertainment. [from French vaudeville “a humorous song or skit,” derived from early French vaudevire “a song that makes fun of something,” from chansons de vau de Vire “songs of the valley of Vire”]

1vault \ˈvȯlt\ n
1 a : an arched structure of stone or concrete forming a ceiling or roof  b : an arch or dome suggesting a vault <the vault of the sky>
2 : a room or compartment for storage or safekeeping <a bank vault>
3 : a burial chamber

2vault vb : to leap or leap over with the aid of the hands or a pole
— vault·er n

3vault n : an act of vaulting : LEAP

vaunt·ed \ˈvȯnt-əd, ˈvänt-\ adj : much praised or boasted about <the team's vaunted offense>

VCR \ˌvē-(ˌ)sē-ˈär\ n : a device for recording (as television programs) on videocassettes and playing them back [videocassette recorder]

've \v, əv\ vb : HAVE <we've been there>

veal \ˈvē(ə)l\ n : a young calf or its flesh for use as meat

vec·tor \ˈvek-tər\ n
1 : a quantity that has magnitude and direction and that is usually represented by a line segment with the given direction and with a length representing the magnitude
2 : an organism (as an insect) that carries and passes on a disease-causing microbe

vee·jay \ˈvē-ˌjā\ n : an announcer of a program (as on television) that features music videos

veer \ˈvi(ə)r\ vb : to change direction or course <the highway veers inland at this point>
— veer n

veg·an \ˈvē-gən\ n : a strict vegetarian who does not use animals or dairy products for food
— vegan adj

— veg·an·ism \ˈvē-gə-ˌniz-əm\ n

1veg·e·ta·ble \ˈvej-tə-bəl, ˈvej-ət-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, consisting of, or growing like plants <vegetable growth>
2 : made from, obtained from, or containing plants or plant products <vegetable soup>

2vegetable n
1 : 2PLANT 1
2 : a leafy plant (as the cabbage, bean, or potato) usually without woody tissue grown for an edible part that is usually eaten as part of a meal; also : such an edible part

vegetable oil n : an oil obtained from plant parts and especially from seeds or fruits

1veg·e·tar·i·an \ˌvej-ə-ˈter-ē-ən\ n
1 : a person who refrains from eating meat and lives on a diet made up of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and sometimes eggs or dairy products
2 : HERBIVORE

2vegetarian adj
1 : of or relating to vegetarians
2 : consisting wholly of vegetables <a vegetarian diet>

veg·e·tar·i·an·ism \ˌvej-ə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n : the theory and practice of living on a vegetarian diet

veg·e·tate \ˈvej-ə-ˌtāt\ vb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to live or grow in the manner of a plant
2 : to lead a lazy life by doing little but eating and growing
3 : to establish plant life in or on <vegetated hillsides>

veg·e·ta·tion \ˌvej-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of vegetating
2 : dull or inactive living <a life of tranquil vegetation>
3 : plant life or cover (as of an area)

veg·e·ta·tive \ˈvej-ə-ˌtāt-iv\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or functioning in nutrition and growth rather than reproduction
2 : of, relating to, or involving reproduction by other than sexual means
— veg·e·ta·tive·ly adv

veg·gie \ˈvej-ē\ n : VEGETABLE

veggie burger n : a patty chiefly of vegetable-derived protein used as a meat substitute; also : a sandwich containing such a patty

ve·he·mence \ˈvē-ə-mən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being vehement

ve·he·ment \ˈvē-ə-mənt\ adj
1 : showing great force or energy <a vehement wind>
2 : highly emotional <vehement patriotism>
3 : forcibly expressed <vehement denials>
— ve·he·ment·ly adv

ve·hi·cle \ˈvē-ˌ(h)ik-əl, ˈvē-ə-kəl\ n
1 : a means by which something is passed along, expressed, achieved, or shown <movies are vehicles of ideas>
2 : something used to transport persons or goods <a space vehicle>

ve·hic·u·lar \vē-ˈhik-yə-lər\ adj : of, relating to, or designed for vehicles

1veil \ˈvā(ə)l\ n
1 : a piece of cloth or net worn usually by women over the head and shoulders and sometimes over the face
2 : something that covers or hides like a veil <lift the veil of secrecy>

2veil vb : to cover with or as if with a veil

vein \ˈvān\ n
1 : a long narrow opening in rock filled with mineral matter <a vein of gold>
2 a : one of the blood vessels that carry blood from the capillaries back to the heart  b : one of the vascular bundles forming the framework of a leaf  c : one of the thickened ribs that stiffen the wings of an insect
3 : a wavy band or streak (as of a different color or texture) <a marble with greenish veins>
4 : a style of expression <stories in a romantic vein>

veined \ˈvānd\ adj : marked with or as if with veins : having venation <a veined leaf>

vein·ing \ˈvā-niŋ\ n : a pattern of veins : VENATION

Vel·cro \ˈvel-krō\ trademark — used for a nylon fabric that can be fastened to itself

veld or veldt \ˈfelt, ˈvelt\ n : an area of grassy land with few trees or shrubs especially in southern Africa

vel·lum \ˈvel-əm\ n
1 : a fine-grained lambskin, kidskin, or calfskin prepared especially for writing on or for binding books
2 : a strong cream-colored paper resembling vellum
— vellum adj

ve·loc·i·pede \və-ˈläs-ə-ˌpēd\ n : a lightweight wheeled vehicle (as a tricycle), propelled by the rider — used especially of early forms

ve·loc·i·ty \və-ˈläs-ət-ē, -ˈläs-tē\ n, pl -ties
1 : quickness of motion : SPEED <the velocity of sound>
2 : the rate of change of position along a straight line with respect to time
3 : rate of occurrence or action <the velocity of political change>

ve·lour \və-ˈlu̇(ə)r\ n : a fabric resembling velvet

vel·vet \ˈvel-vət\ n
1 : a fabric with short soft raised fibers
2 : the soft skin covering the developing antler of a deer
— velvet adj

vel·ve·teen \ˌvel-və-ˈtēn\ n : a fabric resembling velvet

vel·vety \ˈvel-vət-ē\ adj : soft, smooth, or thick like velvet <velvety leaves>

ve·na ca·va \ˌvē-nə-ˈkā-və\ n, pl ve·nae ca·vae \ˌvē-ni-ˈkā-vē\ : one of the large veins by which the blood is returned to the right atrium of the heart in an air-breathing vertebrate

ve·nal \ˈvēn-əl\ adj
1 : willing to take bribes <venal officials>
2 : influenced by bribery : CORRUPT <venal conduct>
— ve·nal·i·ty \vi-ˈnal-ət-ē\ n

— ve·nal·ly \ˈvēn-əl-ē\ adv

ve·na·tion \ve-ˈnā-shən, vē-\ n : an arrangement or system of veins <the venation of the hand> <the venation of a leaf>

vend \ˈvend\ vb : to offer for sale (as in a vending machine) : SELL
— vend·er n

ven·det·ta \ven-ˈdet-ə\ n
1 : a feud between different families
2 : a series of acts marked by bitter hostility and motivated by a desire for revenge <waged a personal vendetta against those who opposed his candidacy>

vending machine n : a machine from which one may get merchandise after putting in coins

ven·dor \ˈven-dər\ n : one that sells : SELLER

1ve·neer \və-ˈni(ə)r\ n
1 : a thin layer of wood bonded to other wood usually to provide a finer surface or a stronger structure
2 : a protective or ornamental facing (as of brick)

2veneer vb : to cover with a veneer

ven·er·a·ble \ˈven-ər(-ə)-bəl, ˈven-rə-bəl\ adj
1 : deserving to be venerated — often used as a religious title
2 : deserving honor or respect <a venerable leader>
3 : impressive by reason of age <venerable pines>

ven·er·ate \ˈven-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to show deep respect for <venerated their ancestors>

ven·er·a·tion \ˌven-ə-ˈrā-shən\ n
1 : the act of venerating : the state of being venerated
2 : a feeling of deep respect

ve·ne·re·al \və-ˈnir-ē-əl\ adj : resulting from or contracted during sexual intercourse <a venereal infection>

venereal disease n : a contagious disease (as gonorrhea or syphilis) that is usually acquired through sexual intercourse with someone who already has it

ve·ne·tian blind \və-ˌnē-shən-\ n : a blind having thin horizontal slats that can be adjusted to keep out light or to let light come in between them

ven·geance \ˈven-jən(t)s\ n : punishment given in return for an injury or offense : RETRIBUTION

venge·ful \ˈvenj-fəl\ adj : wanting revenge
— venge·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— venge·ful·ness n

ve·nial \ˈvē-nē-əl, -nyəl\ adj : not being a serious offense : FORGIVABLE <a venial sin>

ven·i·son \ˈven-ə-sən also -ə-zən\ n : the flesh of a deer used as food [Middle English venison “the flesh of a game animal hunted for food,” from early French veneisun “flesh of hunted animals, venison,” from Latin venation-, venatio, “hunting,” from venari “to hunt”]

Venn diagram \ˈven-\ n : a diagram that uses overlapping circles to show collections of mathematical elements and what they have in common

ven·om \ˈven-əm\ n
1 : poison produced by some animals (as a snake, scorpion, or bee) and passed to a victim usually by biting or stinging
2 : 1SPITE, MALICE

ven·om·ous \ˈven-ə-məs\ adj : having or producing venom <venomous snakes>
— ven·om·ous·ly adv

ve·nous \ˈvē-nəs\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or full of veins <a venous rock>
2 : being blood which has passed through the capillaries, given up oxygen to the tissues, and become loaded with carbon dioxide

1vent \ˈvent\ vb
1 a : to provide with an outlet  b : to serve as an outlet for <chimneys vent smoke>
2 : to give expression to <vented her frustration on her sister>

2vent n
1 : an opening (as a flue) for the escape of a gas or liquid or for the relief of pressure
2 : an opportunity or means of release : OUTLET <his writing gives vent to his pent-up feelings>

3vent n : an opening in the lower part of a seam (as of a jacket or skirt)

ven·ti·late \ˈvent-əl-ˌāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to discuss freely and openly <ventilate a complaint>
2 a : to expose to air and especially to a current of fresh air <ventilate stored grain>  b : to provide with ventilation <ventilate a room with fans>

ven·ti·la·tion \ˌvent-əl-ˈā-shən\ n
1 : the act or process of ventilating
2 : circulation of air <a room with good ventilation>
3 : a system or means of providing fresh air

ven·ti·la·tor \ˈvent-əl-ˌāt-ər\ n
1 : a device for letting in fresh air or driving out bad or stale air
2 : RESPIRATOR 2

ven·tral \ˈven-trəl\ adj
1 : of or relating to the belly : ABDOMINAL
2 : being or located on or near the surface of the body that in human beings is the front but in most other animals is the lower surface <a fish's ventral fins>
— ven·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adv

ven·tri·cle \ˈven-tri-kəl\ n
1 : a chamber of the heart which receives blood from an atrium and from which blood is forced into the arteries
2 : one of the cavities in the brain that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord

ven·tril·o·quist \ven-ˈtril-ə-kwəst\ n : a person skilled in speaking in such a way that the voice seems to come from a source other than the speaker [from Latin ventriloquus “ventriloquist,” from ventr-, venter “stomach, belly” and loqui “to speak”; so called from the early belief that the voice is produced in the ventriloquist's stomach]
— ven·tril·o·quism \-ˌkwiz-əm\ n

1ven·ture \ˈven-chər\ vb ven·tured; ven·tur·ing \ˈvench-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to expose to risk <ventured a dollar on the lottery>
2 : to face the risks and dangers of <ventured the stormy sea>
3 : to offer at the risk of being criticized <venture an opinion> <venture to disagree>
4 : to go ahead in spite of danger <ventured down the cliff>
— ven·tur·er \ˈvench-(ə)-rər\ n

2venture n : an undertaking involving chance, risk, or danger; esp : a speculative business enterprise

ven·ture·some \ˈven-chər-səm\ adj
1 : tending to take risks <venturesome explorers>
2 : involving risk : RISKY, DANGEROUS <a venturesome journey>  synonyms see ADVENTUROUS
— ven·ture·some·ness n

ven·tur·ous \ˈvench-(ə-)rəs\ adj : VENTURESOME

ven·ue \ˈven-ˌyü\ n
1 : the place in which a trial is held
2 : LOCALE; also : a place where events of a specific type are held <sport venues>

ve·nule \ˈven-yü(ə)l, ˈvēn-\ n : a small vein; esp : one of the minute veins connecting blood capillaries with larger veins

Ve·nus \ˈvē-nəs\ n : the planet second in order from the sun — see PLANET TABLE

Venus flytrap or Venus's–flytrap n : an insect-eating plant that grows along the Carolina coast and has the tip of each leaf formed into an insect trap

Venus's flower–basket or Venus flower basket n : a tube-shaped sponge with a delicate glassy silica-containing skeleton

ve·ra·cious \və-ˈrā-shəs\ adj
1 : telling the truth : TRUTHFUL, HONEST
2 : being truthful or accurate <a veracious account of the events>
— ve·ra·cious·ly adv

ve·rac·i·ty \və-ˈras-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : devotion to the truth : TRUTHFULNESS <questioned the veracity of the witness>
2 : agreement with truth or fact <described it with veracity>

ve·ran·da or ve·ran·dah \və-ˈran-də\ n : a long open porch usually with a roof

verb \ˈvərb\ n : a word that is usually the grammatical center of a predicate and expresses an act, occurrence, or state of being and that in various languages is inflected (as for agreement with the subject or for tense)

1ver·bal \ˈvər-bəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of words <verbal instructions>
2 : of, relating to, or formed from a verb <a verbal adjective>
3 : spoken rather than written <a verbal agreement>  synonyms see ORAL
— ver·bal·ly \-bə-lē\ adv

2verbal n : a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective

ver·bal·ize \ˈvər-bə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to express in words <found it difficult to verbalize her feelings>

verbal noun n : a noun derived directly from a verb or verb stem

ver·ba·tim \(ˌ)vər-ˈbāt-əm\ adv or adj : in the same words : word for word <wrote down the speech verbatim>

ver·be·na \(ˌ)vər-ˈbē-nə\ n : any of a genus of numerous plants including some that are often grown in gardens for their showy spikes of white, pink, red, or blue flowers

ver·bi·age \ˈvər-bē-ij\ n : many words and especially many hard words used to say very little

ver·bose \(ˌ)vər-ˈbōs\ adj : using more words than are needed <a verbose reply>
— ver·bose·ly adv

— ver·bose·ness n

— ver·bos·i·ty \-ˈbäs-ət-ē\ n

verb phrase n : a verb consisting of a past or present participle preceded by one or more helping verbs

ver·dant \ˈvərd-ənt\ adj : green with growing plants <verdant fields>
— ver·dant·ly adv

ver·dict \ˈvər-(ˌ)dikt\ n
1 : the decision reached by a jury
2 : an opinion held or expressed : JUDGMENT [Middle English verdit, verdict “a decision by a jury,” derived from early French veir “true” and dit “saying, formal pronouncement”; veir from Latin verus “true” and dit from Latin dictum “formal pronouncement,” derived from dicere “to say” — related to DICTATE, VERIFY, VERY]

ver·dure \ˈvər-jər\ n : green vegetation

1verge \ˈvərj\ n : something that borders, limits, or bounds : EDGE <walking on the grassy verge at the side of a country road>
2 : BRINK 2, THRESHOLD <the company was on the verge of bankruptcy>

2verge vb verged; verg·ing : to come near to being <courage verging on recklessness>

verg·er \ˈvər-jər\ n : a minor church official

verier comparative of VERY

veriest superlative of VERY

ver·i·fi·able \ˈver-ə-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adj : able to be verified
— ver·i·fi·ably \-blē\ adv

ver·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌver-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : the act or process of verifying : the state of being verified

ver·i·fy \ˈver-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to prove or check the truth, accuracy, or reality of <verify the claim> [Middle English verifien “to establish the truth of,” from early French verifier (same meaning), from Latin verificare (same meaning), from earlier verus “true” — related to VERDICT, VERY]
— ver·i·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

ver·i·ly \ˈver-ə-lē\ adv : in fact : CERTAINLY

veri·si·mil·i·tude \ˌver-ə-sə-ˈmil-ə-ˌt(y)üd\ n : the appearance of being true or real

ver·i·ta·ble \ˈver-ət-ə-bəl\ adj : ACTUAL, TRUE — often used to stress the appropriateness of a metaphor <a veritable mountain of papers>
— ver·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adv

ver·i·ty \ˈver-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being true or real
2 : something (as a statement) that is true : FACT
3 : the quality or state of being truthful or honest : VERACITY

ver·mi·cel·li \ˌvər-mə-ˈchel-ē, -ˈsel-\ n : a pasta that is thinner than spaghetti [from Italian vermicelli “pasta similar to but thinner than spaghetti,” literally, “little worms,” from verme “worm,” from Latin vermis “worm” — related to VERMIN; see Word History at VERMIN]

ver·mic·u·lite \(ˌ)vər-ˈmik-yə-ˌlīt\ n : any of various minerals that result usually from the expansion of small grains of mica at high temperatures to give a lightweight highly water-absorbent material

ver·mi·form appendix \ˈvər-mə-ˌfȯrm-\ n : APPENDIX 2

ver·mil·ion also ver·mil·lion \vər-ˈmil-yən\ n : a bright reddish orange

ver·min \ˈvər-mən\ n, pl vermin : small common harmful or objectionable animals (as fleas or mice) that are difficult to get rid of
Word History The word vermin is used for any small harmful or annoying insect or animal that is difficult to get rid of or control. Fleas, lice, mice, rats, and even rabbits when they destroy gardens have been called vermin. However, the word vermin comes from a Latin word for a creature that is not usually thought of as troublesome. The word is vermis, meaning “worm.” The word vermicelli, which English borrowed from Italian, can also be traced back to the Latin vermis. The Italians used this word for “thin spaghetti” because the strands look like “little worms,” which is what vermicelli means literally. [Middle English vermin “small animal pests,” from early French vermin (same meaning), derived from Latin vermis “worm” — related to VERMICELLI]

ver·mouth \vər-ˈmüth\ n : a wine flavored with herbs

1ver·nac·u·lar \və(r)-ˈnak-yə-lər\ adj : of, relating to, or using ordinary especially spoken language

2vernacular n
1 : ordinary spoken language rather than literary language
2 : a common name of a plant or animal in contrast to its taxonomic name

ver·nal \ˈvərn-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or occurring in the spring <the vernal equinox>

ver·ni·er \ˈvər-nē-ər\ n : a short scale made to slide along the divisions of an instrument marked for measuring or indicating parts of divisions

vernier caliper n : a measuring device that consists of a main scale with a fixed jaw and a sliding jaw with an attached vernier

ver·sa·tile \ˈvər-sət-əl\ adj : able to do many different kinds of things [from French versatile or Latin versatilis, both meaning “versatile, able to change,” derived from Latin versari “to turn, change, reside (in a place),” from vertere “to turn” — related to CONVERSE, REVERSE, UNIVERSE, VERTICAL, VICE VERSA]
— ver·sa·til·i·ty \ˌvər-sə-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n

verse \ˈvərs\ n
1 : a line of writing in which words are arranged in a rhythmic pattern
2 : writing in which words are arranged in a rhythmic pattern
3 : STANZA
4 : one of the short parts of a chapter of the Bible

versed \ˈvərst\ adj : having knowledge or skill as a result of experience or study <well versed in history>

ver·si·fi·ca·tion \ˌvər-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n : the making of verses

ver·si·fy \ˈvər-sə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to write or turn into verse
— ver·si·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

ver·sion \ˈvər-zhən\ n
1 : a translation especially of the Bible <the Douay version> <the King James version>
2 : an account or description from one point of view <your version of what happened>
3 : a form or variant of a type or original <an experimental version of the car>

ver·sus \ˈvər-səs, -səz\ prep
1 : AGAINST 1A <the champion versus the challenger>
2 : in contrast to or as the alternative of <the tastiness of store-bought versus homemade cookies>

ver·te·bra \ˈvərt-ə-brə\ n, pl -brae \-ˌbrā, -brē, -brə\ or -bras : one of the sections of bone or cartilage that make up the spinal column

ver·te·bral \(ˌ)vər-ˈtē-brəl, ˈvərt-ə-\ adj : of, relating to, or made up of vertebrae : SPINAL

vertebral column n : BACKBONE 1

1ver·te·brate \ˈvərt-ə-brət, -ˌbrāt\ adj
1 : having a spinal column
2 : of or relating to the vertebrates

2vertebrate n : any of a large group of chordates comprising animals (as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes) typically having a bony or cartilaginous backbone which replaces the notochord, a distinct head containing a brain which arises as an enlarged part of the nerve cord, and an internal usually bony skeleton and including some primitive forms (as lampreys) in which the backbone is absent and the notochord persists throughout life

ver·tex \ˈvər-ˌteks\ n, pl ver·ti·ces \ˈvərt-ə-ˌsēz\ also ver·tex·es
1 : the point of a figure that is opposite to and farthest from its base <the vertex of a triangle>
2 : the point where the two sides of an angle meet or where three or more edges of a polyhedron (as a cube) meet

1ver·ti·cal \ˈvərt-i-kəl\ adj
1 : directly overhead
2 : going straight up or down from a level surface
3 : of or relating to persons of higher or lower standing <a vertical social order> [from early French vertical or Latin verticalis, both meaning “relating to a vertex, at the highest point overhead,” from earlier Latin vertic-, vertex “top, highest point, pole (turning point), whirl,” from vertere “to turn” — related to CONVERSE, REVERSE, UNIVERSE, VERSATILE]
— ver·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adv

2vertical n
1 : something (as a line or plane) that is vertical
2 : a vertical direction

vertical angle n : either of a pair of angles that have the same vertex and are on opposite sides of two intersecting straight lines

vertical file n : a collection especially of pamphlets maintained (as in a library) for reference

ver·ti·go \ˈvərt-i-ˌgō\ n, pl -goes or -gos
1 : a sensation in which a person or a person's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily
2 : a confused or bewildered state of mind

verve \ˈvərv\ n : lively enthusiasm

1very \ˈver-ē\ adj ver·i·er; -est
1 : being actual or real
2 a : 2EXACT 1, PRECISE <the very heart of the city>  b : exactly suitable or necessary <the very thing for the purpose>
3 : 2MERE, BARE <the very thought terrified them>
4 : exactly the same <the very one I saw yesterday> [Middle English verray, verry “true, real,” from early French verai (same meaning), derived from Latin verus “true” — related to VERDICT, VERIFY]

2very adv
1 : in actual fact : TRULY <told the very same story>
2 : to a great degree : EXTREMELY <a very hot day>

very high frequency n : a radio frequency in the range between 30 and 300 megahertz — abbreviation VHF

ves·i·cle \ˈves-i-kəl\ n : a small cavity, cyst, or blister usually filled with fluid

ves·pers \ˈves-pərz\ n pl, often cap : a late afternoon or evening church service

ves·sel \ˈves-əl\ n
1 : a hollow utensil (as a cup or bowl) for holding something
2 : a craft bigger than a rowboat for navigation of the water; esp : 1SHIP 1
3 a : a tube or canal (as a vein or artery) in which a body fluid is contained and carried or circulated  b : a tube in the xylem of a vascular plant through which water passes

1vest \ˈvest\ vb
1 : to place or give into the possession or control of some person or authority <powers vested in the presidency>
2 : to clothe in vestments [Middle English vesten “to give into the possession or control of someone,” from early French vestir “to dress with clothes, to give power or authority to,” from Latin vestire “to clothe,” from vestis “clothing, garment”]

2vest n
1 : a sleeveless garment usually worn under a suit coat
2 : a protective garment (as a life preserver) that reaches to the waist
3 : a knitted undershirt for women [from French veste “robe, garment,” from Italian veste (same meaning), from Latin vestis “clothing, garment”]

ves·ti·bule \ˈves-tə-ˌbyü(ə)l\ n : a hall or room between the outer door and the inside part of a building

ves·tige \ˈves-tij\ n
1 a : a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something (as an ancient city or a condition or practice) vanished or lost <vestiges of lost civilizations>  b : the smallest quantity or trace <not a vestige of regret>
2 : a small and imperfectly developed bodily part or organ that is the remains of one that was more fully developed in an earlier stage of the individual, in a past generation, or in a closely related form [from French vestige “sign of something vanished or lost,” from Latin vestigium “footprint” — related to INVESTIGATE]
— ves·ti·gial \ve-ˈstij-(ē-)əl\ adj

vest·ment \ˈves(t)-mənt\ n : an outer garment especially for wear during ceremonies or by an official

ves·try \ˈves-trē\ n, pl vestries : a room in a church building for sacred furnishings (as vestments)

1vet \ˈvet\ n : VETERINARIAN, VETERINARY

2vet n : VETERAN

vetch \ˈvech\ n : any of a genus of twining herbs of the legume family that include plants used to feed domestic animals and to improve soil

vet·er·an \ˈvet-ə-rən, ˈve-trən\ n
1 : a person who has had long experience (as in politics or the arts)
2 : a former member of the armed forces especially during wartime
— veteran adj

Veterans Day n : November 11 observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. in honor of the veterans of U.S. wars

vet·er·i·nar·i·an \ˌvet-ə-rən-ˈer-ē-ən, ˌve-trən-, ˌvet-ən-\ n : a person who is qualified and has been given the authority to treat diseases and injuries of animals

1vet·er·i·nary \ˈvet-ə-rən-ˌer-ē, ˈve-trən-, ˈvet-ən-\ adj : of, relating to, or being the medical care of animals <veterinary medicine>

2veterinary n, pl -naries : VETERINARIAN

1ve·to \ˈvēt-ō\ n, pl vetoes
1 : a forbidding of something by a person in authority
2 a : the power of the head of a government to prevent a bill passed by a legislature from becoming law  b : the use of such authority [from Latin veto “I forbid,” from vetare “to forbid”]

2veto vb : PROHIBIT 1; esp : to use one's power of veto
— ve·to·er \-ˌō(-ə)r\ n

vex \ˈveks\ vb vexed also vext; vex·ing
1 : to bring trouble, distress, or worry to <vexed by thoughts of what could have been>
2 : to annoy continually with little irritations <vexed by the children>

vex·a·tion \vek-ˈsā-shən\ n
1 : the quality or state of being vexed : IRRITATION
2 : the act of vexing : ANNOYANCE
3 : a cause of trouble or worry

vex·a·tious \vek-ˈsā-shəs\ adj : causing vexation : ANNOYING, DISTRESSING <vexatious delays>
— vex·a·tious·ly adv

— vex·a·tious·ness n

vexing adj : causing or likely to cause vexation : VEXATIOUS <a vexing problem>

via \ˌvī-ə, ˌvē-ə\ prep : by way of <entered via the back door>

vi·a·ble \ˈvī-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of living; esp : capable of surviving outside the mother's womb <a viable human fetus>
2 : capable of growing or developing <viable seeds> <viable eggs>
3 a : capable of being put into practice : WORKABLE <a viable solution to the problem>  b : capable of succeeding <a viable candidate>
— vi·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

via·duct \ˈvī-ə-ˌdəkt\ n : a bridge for carrying a road or railroad over something (as a gorge or a highway)

vi·al \ˈvī(-ə)l\ n : a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

vi·and \ˈvī-ənd\ n
1 : an article of food
2 pl : food supplies

vi·at·i·cum \vī-ˈat-i-kəm, vē-\ n, pl -cums or -ca \-kə\
1 : the Christian Eucharist given to a person in danger of death
2 : money or supplies for a journey

vibe \ˈvīb\ n : VIBRATION 3 — usually used in plural <got bad vibes from him>

vibes \ˈvībz\ n pl : VIBRAPHONE

vi·bran·cy \ˈvī-brən-sē\ n : the quality or state of being vibrant

vi·brant \ˈvī-brənt\ adj
1 a : vibrating rapidly  b : having or giving a sense of life, vigor, or activity <a vibrant personality>
2 : sounding as a result of vibration : RESONANT <a vibrant voice>
3 : BRIGHT 2 <a vibrant orange>
— vi·brant·ly adv

vi·bra·phone \ˈvī-brə-ˌfōn\ n : a musical instrument resembling the xylophone but having metal bars and devices for increasing the vibrations
— vi·bra·phon·ist \-ˌfō-nəst\ n

vi·brate \ˈvī-ˌbrāt\ vb vi·brat·ed; vi·brat·ing : to move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side rapidly so as to produce a quivering effect or sound <guitar strings vibrate when plucked>

vi·bra·tion \vī-ˈbrā-shən\ n
1 a : a rapid motion of the particles of an elastic body or substance back and forth (as when a stretched cord produces a musical tone or molecules in the air transmit sounds to the ear)  b : the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated
2 : a trembling motion <vibration of a house caused by a passing truck>
3 : a feeling or impression that someone or something gives off — usually used in plural <good vibrations>
— vi·bra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj

vi·bra·to \vi-ˈbrät-ō, vī-\ n, pl -tos : a slightly trembling effect given to vocal or instrumental tone by slight and rapid variations in pitch

vi·bra·tor \ˈvī-ˌbrāt-ər\ n : one that vibrates or causes vibration

vi·bra·to·ry \ˈvī-brə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-\ adj : consisting of, capable of, or causing vibration

vi·bur·num \vī-ˈbər-nəm\ n : any of a genus of widely distributed shrubs or small trees that are related to the honeysuckles and have white or sometimes pink flowers in broad clusters

vic·ar \ˈvik-ər\ n
1 : a minister in charge of a church who serves under the authority of another minister
2 : a church official who takes the place of or represents a higher official

vic·ar·age \ˈvik-(ə-)rij\ n : a vicar's home

vi·car·i·ous \vī-ˈker-ē-əs, və-, -ˈkar-\ adj
1 : serving or acting for another
2 : done or suffered for the benefit of someone else <a vicarious sacrifice>
3 : sharing in someone else's experience through the use of the imagination or sympathetic feelings <vicarious joy>
— vi·car·i·ous·ly adv

— vi·car·i·ous·ness n

vice \ˈvīs\ n
1 a : evil conduct or habits : WICKEDNESS  b : a moral fault or weakness <dishonesty was his vice>
2 : an unimportant fault <eating too much candy is my vice>
3 : behavior that is unwanted in a domestic animal (as pulling out feathers by a bird)  synonyms see OFFENSE

vice- \(ˈ)vīs, ˌvīs\ prefix : one that takes the place of [derived from Latin vice, a form of vicis “a change, another's place or role or job”]

vice admiral n : a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of admiral

vice presidency n : the office of vice president

vice president n : an official whose rank is next below that of the president and who takes the place of the president when necessary

vice·re·gal \(ˈ)vīs-ˈrē-gəl\ adj : of or relating to a viceroy or viceroyalty
— vice·re·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adv

vice·roy \ˈvīs-ˌrȯi\ n
1 : the governor of a country or province who represents the sovereign
2 : a black and orange North American butterfly resembling but smaller than the monarch

vi·ce ver·sa \ˌvī-si-ˈvər-sə, (ˈ)vīs-ˈvər-\ adv : with the order turned around <exchange money for tokens, rather than vice versa> [from Latin vice versa “with the order turned around,” from vice “in place of, instead” and versa, form of versus “turned,” from vertere “to turn” — related to CONVERSE, REVERSE, VERSATILE]

vi·cin·i·ty \və-ˈsin-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : a surrounding area or district <in the vicinity of her home>
2 : an approximate amount, extent, or degree : NEIGHBORHOOD <walks in the vicinity of 20 miles a week>

vi·cious \ˈvish-əs\ adj
1 a : likely to do evil : WICKED  b : of the nature of evil : IMMORAL
2 : very dangerous <a vicious dog>
3 : having or showing hateful feelings <vicious gossip>
— vi·cious·ly adv

— vi·cious·ness n

vicious circle n : a situation or condition that endlessly repeats itself — called also vicious cycle

vi·cis·si·tude \və-ˈsis-ə-ˌt(y)üd, vī-\ n : a surprising or irregular change

vic·tim \ˈvik-təm\ n
1 : a living being offered as a sacrifice in a religious rite
2 : an individual injured or killed (as by disease or accident)
3 : a person cheated, fooled, or harmed by another

vic·tim·ize \ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make a victim of especially by cheating

vic·tor \ˈvik-tər\ n : one that defeats an enemy or opponent : WINNER

vic·to·ria \vik-ˈtōr-ē-ə, -ˈtȯr-\ n : a low four-wheeled carriage with a folding top and a raised seat in front for the driver [named in honor of Victoria 1819–1901 queen of England]

Vic·to·ri·an \vik-ˈtōr-ē-ən, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : of, relating to, or typical of the reign of Queen Victoria of England or of the literature, art, and tastes of her time

vic·to·ri·ous \vik-ˈtōr-ē-əs, -ˈtȯr-\ adj : having won a victory <a victorious candidate>
— vic·to·ri·ous·ly adv

vic·to·ry \ˈvik-t(ə-)rē\ n, pl -ries
1 : the overcoming of an enemy or opponent
2 : success in a struggle

1vict·ual \ˈvit-əl\ n
1 : food fit for humans
2 pl : supplies of food : PROVISIONS

2victual vb -ualed or -ualled; -ual·ing or -ual·ling
1 : to supply with food
2 : to store provisions

vict·ual·ler or vict·ual·er \ˈvit-əl-ər\ n : one that supplies provisions (as to an army or a ship)

vi·cu·ña or vi·cu·na \vi-ˈkün-yə, vī-; vī-ˈk(y)ü-nə, və-\ n
1 : a wild cud-chewing animal of the Andes that is related to the llama and alpaca
2 : the wool of the vicuña

1vid·eo \ˈvid-ē-ˌō\ n
1 : TELEVISION 1
2 : VIDEOTAPE:  a : a recording of a movie or television program for playing through a television set  b : a videotaped performance of a song
3 : a recording similar to a videotape but stored in digital form (as an optical disk or a computer's hard drive)

2video adj
1 : relating to or used in the sending or receiving of television images <a video channel> — compare 1AUDIO 2B
2 : being, relating to, or involving images on a television screen or computer display <a video terminal>

video camera n : a camera that records video and usually audio; esp : CAMCORDER

vid·eo·cas·sette \ˌvid-ē-ō-kə-ˈset\ n
1 : a case containing videotape for use with a VCR
2 : a recording (as of a movie) on a videocassette

videocassette recorder n : VCR

vid·eo·disc or vid·eo·disk \ˈvid-ē-ō-ˌdisk\ n
1 : a disc similar to a phonograph record on which programs have been recorded for playback on a television set; also : OPTICAL DISK
2 : a recording (as of a movie) on a videodisc

video game n : a game played with images on a video screen

vid·e·og·ra·phy \ˌvid-ē-ˈäg-rə-fē\ n : the practice or art of recording images with a video camera
— vid·e·og·ra·pher \-fər\ n

vid·eo·phone \ˈvid-ē-ə-ˌfōn\ n : a telephone equipped for transmission of a picture as well as sound so that users can see each other

1vid·eo·tape \ˈvid-ē-ō-ˌtāp\ n : a recording of visual images and sound (as of a television production) made on magnetic tape; also : the magnetic tape used for such a recording

2videotape vb : to make a videotape of <videotape a show>

videotape recorder n : a device for recording on videotape — called also video recorder

vie \ˈvī\ vb vied; vy·ing \ˈvī-iŋ\ : to strive to win over another : CONTEND <candidates vying with each other for the voter's support>
— vi·er \ˈvī(-ə)r\ n

Viet·cong \vē-ˈet-ˈkäŋ, -ˈkȯŋ\ n, pl Vietcong : a guerrilla soldier in the Vietnamese Communist movement from the late 1950s to 1975 [from the Vietnamese phrase Viêt Nam công-san “Vietnam communist”]

Viet·nam·ese \vē-ˌet-nə-ˈmēz, ˌvyet-, ˌvē-ət-, ˌvēt-, -na-, -nä, -ˈmēs\ n, pl Vietnamese
1 : a person born or living in Vietnam
2 : the official language of Vietnam
— Vietnamese adj

1view \ˈvyü\ n
1 a : the act of seeing or examining  b : a brief study or description <a view of foreign literature>
2 : OPINION 1 <state your views>
3 : all that can be seen from a certain point <a house with a view of the lake>
4 : range of vision <out of view>
5 : GOAL 2 <with a view to winning honors>
6 : the foreseeable future <no hope in view>
7 : a picture of a place
— in view of : in regard to

2view vb
1 : 1SEE 1A <view a film>
2 : to look at carefully : STUDY <view an exhibit on birds>
— view·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

view·er \ˈvyü-ər\ n : one that views; esp : an optical device used in viewing <a viewer for slides>

view·find·er \ˈvyü-ˌfīn-dər\ n : a device on a camera that shows the view to be included in the picture

view·point \-ˌpȯint\ n : POINT OF VIEW

vig·il \ˈvij-əl\ n
1 a : the day before a religious feast  b : prayers or religious services held in the evening or at night — usually used in plural
2 : an act or period of staying awake at times when one normally would be sleeping <an all-night vigil spent awaiting her return>
3 : an act or period of attentive watching : WATCH <kept vigil at the bedside of his ill son>

vig·i·lance \ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being vigilant

vig·i·lant \ˈvij-ə-lənt\ adj : alert to signs of danger
— vig·i·lant·ly adv

vig·i·lan·te \ˌvij-ə-ˈlant-ē\ n : a member of a group of volunteers who decide on their own to stop crime and to punish criminals

vi·gnette \vin-ˈyet, vēn-\ n : a brief description in words : SKETCH

vig·or \ˈvig-ər\ n
1 : active strength or energy of body or mind
2 : active strength or force

vig·or·ous \ˈvig-(ə-)rəs\ adj
1 : having vigor : ROBUST <vigorous youth> <a vigorous plant>
2 : done with force and energy <a vigorous protest>
— vig·or·ous·ly adv

— vig·or·ous·ness n
synonyms VIGOROUS, ENERGETIC, STRENUOUS, mean having or showing great life and force. VIGOROUS suggests active strength and unfailing freshness and health <people who are still vigorous in old age>. ENERGETIC suggests an ability to take lots of activity <energetic travelers always going places>. STRENUOUS suggests the making or meeting of hard and challenging demands <tough athletes doing strenuous exercise>.

Vi·king \ˈvī-kiŋ\ n : one of the Scandinavians who raided or invaded the coasts of Europe in the 8th to 10th centuries

vile \ˈvī(ə)l\ adj vil·er \ˈvī-lər\; vil·est \-ləst\
1 a : morally bad <vile deeds>  b : physically ugly <vile living quarters>
2 : of little worth
3 : very or completely bad <a vile temper> <vile weather>
— vile·ly \ˈvī(ə)l-lē\ adv

— vile·ness n

vil·i·fy \ˈvil-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing : to speak of as wicked
— vil·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌvil-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

— vil·i·fi·er \ˈvil-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ n

vil·la \ˈvil-ə\ n
1 : a country estate
2 : a large expensive house usually located in the country

vil·lage \ˈvil-ij\ n
1 : a place somewhat smaller than a town
2 : the people living in a village

vil·lag·er \ˈvil-ij-ər\ n : a person living in a village

vil·lain \ˈvil-ən\ n
1 : VILLEIN
2 : an evil person : SCOUNDREL
3 : a character in a story or play who opposes the hero

vil·lain·ess \ˈvil-ə-nəs\ n : a woman who is a villain

vil·lain·ous \ˈvil-ə-nəs\ adj
1 : typical of a villain <villainous attacks>; also : WICKED <a villainous enemy>
2 : very objectionable <villainous living conditions>
— vil·lain·ous·ly adv

vil·lainy \ˈvil-ə-nē\ n, pl -lain·ies : conduct or actions of or typical of a villain

vil·lein \ˈvil-ən, ˈvil-ˌān, vil-ˈān\ n
1 : a free peasant
2 : an unfree peasant having the status of a slave to a feudal lord

vil·lus \ˈvil-əs\ n, pl vil·li \ˈvil-ˌī, -ē\ : one of the tiny finger-shaped processes of the mucous membrane of the small intestine through which digested food is absorbed

vim \ˈvim\ n : robust energy and enthusiasm

vin·ai·grette \ˌvin-i-ˈgret\ n : a sauce made of oil, vinegar, and seasonings and used especially on salads, cold meats, or fish

vin·ci·ble \ˈvin-sə-bəl\ adj : capable of being overcome or subdued <vincible obstacles>

vin·cu·lum \ˈviŋ-kyə-ləm\ n, pl -lums or -la \-lə\ : a straight horizontal mark placed over two or more members of a compound mathematical expression and equivalent to parentheses or brackets around them

vin·di·cate \ˈvin-də-ˌkāt\ vb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to free from blame or guilt <evidence that will vindicate me>
2 : CONFIRM 4 <later discoveries vindicated the claim>
— vin·di·ca·tion \ˌvin-də-ˈkā-shən\ n

— vin·di·ca·tor \ˈvin-də-ˌkāt-ər\ n

vin·dic·tive \vin-ˈdik-tiv\ adj
1 : likely to seek revenge <a vindictive person>
2 : intended to cause pain or anguish : SPITEFUL <vindictive remarks>
— vin·dic·tive·ly adv

— vin·dic·tive·ness n

1vine \ˈvīn\ n
1 : GRAPE 2
2 a : a plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground; also : the stem of a vine  b : any of various plants (as a tomato) that resemble vines but lack a special means for climbing [Middle English vine “grape, a climbing plant,” from early French vigne (same meaning), from Latin vinea “vine, vineyard,” derived from vinum “wine” — related to VINEGAR, VINTAGE]

2vine vb vined; vin·ing : to form or grow in the manner of a vine

vin·e·gar \ˈvin-i-gər\ n : a sour liquid obtained from cider, wine, or malt and used to flavor or preserve foods [Middle English vinegre “vinegar,” from early French vin egre (same meaning), literally, “sour wine,” from vin “wine” and egre “sharp, sour, eager”; vin from Latin vinum “wine” and egre from Latin acer “sharp, sour, spirited” — related to EAGER, VINE, VINTAGE]

vinegar eel n : a tiny nematode worm often found in vinegar that has not been pasteurized or other fermenting vegetable substances

vinegar fly n : DROSOPHILA

vin·e·gary \ˈvin-i-g(ə-)rē\ adj : resembling vinegar : SOUR

vine·yard \ˈvin-yərd\ n : a field of grapevines

vin·tage \ˈvint-ij\ n
1 a : the grapes or wine produced during one season  b : 1WINE 1
2 : a period in which something was made or was begun <a violin of 1820 vintage> [Middle English vintage, an altered form of vendage “the grapes picked during a season,” from early French vendage, vendenge (same meaning), from Latin vindemia (same meaning), from vinum “wine, grapes” and demere “to take off” — related to VINE, VINEGAR]
— vintage adj

vint·ner \ˈvint-nər\ n : a person who makes or sells wine

viny \ˈvī-nē\ adj vin·i·er; -est : of, relating to, or resembling vines <viny plants>

vi·nyl \ˈvīn-əl\ n
1 : a chemical obtained from ethylene by the removal of one hydrogen atom
2 : a polymer of a vinyl compound or a product (as a textile fiber) made from such a polymer

vi·ol \ˈvī(-ə)l\ n : an old stringed instrument like the violin

1vi·o·la \vī-ˈō-lə, vē-\ n : VIOLET 1A; esp : any of various garden plants that have white, yellow, purple, or variously colored flowers and that resemble but are smaller than the related pansies

2vi·o·la \vē-ˈō-lə\ n : a stringed musical instrument like a violin but slightly larger and lower in pitch

vi·o·late \ˈvī-ə-ˌlāt\ vb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to fail to keep or observe : BREAK <violate the law>
2 : to do harm or damage to
3 : to treat with great disrespect <violate a house of worship>
4 : DISTURB 1A <don't violate their privacy>
— vi·o·la·tor \-ˌlāt-ər\ n

vi·o·la·tion \ˌvī-ə-ˈlā-shən\ n : an act or an instance of violating : the state of being violated

vi·o·lence \ˈvī-ə-lən(t)s\ n
1 : the use of force in a way that harms a person or property
2 : great force or energy especially of a destructive kind <the violence of the storm caused great fear>

vi·o·lent \ˈvī-ə-lənt\ adj
1 : marked by great force or sudden activity <a violent attack of coughing> <violent storms>
2 a : especially furious or emotional <a violent denial of guilt>  b : INTENSE 1 <violent pain>
3 : caused by force <a violent death>
4 a : acting with or characterized by harmful physical force : exercising or marked by violence <a violent person> <violent actions>  b : having a tendency to carry out acts of violence <violent prison inmates>
— vi·o·lent·ly adv

vi·o·let \ˈvī-ə-lət\ n
1 a : any of a genus of mostly herbs that often produce showy fragrant flowers in the spring and small closed self-pollinated flowers without petals in the summer  b : any of several plants of other genera — compare DOGTOOTH VIOLET
2 : a reddish blue

vi·o·lin \ˌvī-ə-ˈlin\ n
1 : a stringed musical instrument with four strings that is usually held against the shoulder under the chin and played with a bow
2 : VIOLINIST

vi·o·lin·ist \ˌvī-ə-ˈlin-əst\ n : a violin player

vi·o·lon·cel·lo \ˌvī-ə-lən-ˈchel-ō, ˌvē-\ n : CELLO

VIP \ˌvē-ˌī-ˈpē\ n, pl VIPs \-ˈpēz\ : a person of great importance or fame [from very important person]

vi·per \ˈvī-pər\ n
1 : any of a family of poisonous snakes having heavy bodies, broad heads, and hollow tube-shaped fangs and including Old World snakes and the pit vipers
2 : any snake that is poisonous or that is believed to be poisonous

vi·per·ine \ˈvī-pə-ˌrīn\ adj : of, relating to, or resembling a viper

vi·per·ous \ˈvī-pə-rəs\ adj
1 : VIPERINE
2 : having the qualities attributed to a viper : SPITEFUL, MALEVOLENT

vi·ra·go \və-ˈräg-ō, -ˈrāg-; ˈvir-ə-ˌgō\ n, pl -goes or -gos : a scolding quarrelsome woman

vi·ral \ˈvī-rəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or caused by a virus <a viral infection>
2 : quickly and widely spread or popularized especially by person-to-person electronic communication <a viral video>

vir·eo \ˈvir-ē-ˌō\ n, pl -e·os : any of various small insect-eating American songbirds that are chiefly olive-green or grayish in color

1vir·gin \ˈvər-jən\ n : a person who has not had sexual intercourse

2virgin adj
1 : being a virgin
2 : not soiled <virgin snow>; esp : not altered by human activity <virgin soil>
3 : being used or worked for the first time <virgin wool>

1vir·gin·al \ˈvər-jən-əl, ˈvərj-nəl\ adj : of, relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for a virgin; esp : CHASTE 1
— vir·gin·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2virginal n : a musical instrument resembling a small piano with no legs

Vir·gin·ia creeper \vər-ˌjin-yə-, -ˌjin-ē-ə-\ n : a common North American climbing vine related to the grape and having leaves with five leaflets and bluish black berries — called also woodbine

Virginia reel n : an American dance in which two lines of couples face each other and in which all couples in turn do a series of movements

vir·gin·i·ty \(ˌ)vər-ˈjin-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being virgin

Virgo \ˈvər-gō, ˈvi(ə)r-\ n
1 : a group of stars between Leo and Libra usually pictured as a young woman
2 a : the sixth sign of the zodiac — see ZODIAC TABLE  b : a person whose sign of the zodiac is Virgo

vir·ile \ˈvir-əl, ˈvi(ə)r-ˌīl\ adj
1 a : having the nature, powers, or qualities of an adult male : MASCULINE  b : having traditionally masculine qualities especially to a noticeable degree
2 a : VIGOROUS 1, ENERGETIC  b : MASTERFUL 1, FORCEFUL [from early French viril “having the qualities of a man,” from Latin virilis (same meaning), from vir “man, male” — related to VIRTUE]

vi·ril·i·ty \və-ˈril-ət-ē\ n : the quality or state of being virile

vi·rol·o·gy \vī-ˈräl-ə-jē\ n : a branch of science concerned with viruses and diseases caused by viruses
— vi·rol·o·gist \vī-ˈräl-ə-jəst\ n

vir·tu·al \ˈvərch-(ə-)wəl, ˈvər-chəl\ adj : being in effect but not in fact or name <a virtual dictator>
— vir·tu·al·ly \-ē\ adv

virtual reality n : an artificial environment which is experienced through sights and sounds provided by a computer and in which one's actions partly decide what happens in the environment

vir·tue \ˈvər-chü\ n
1 : conduct that agrees with what is morally right
2 : a particular moral quality <justice and charity are virtues>
3 : a desirable quality : MERIT <the virtues of country life> [Middle English vertu, virtu “behavior that fits with what is right or moral,” from early French virtu (same meaning), from Latin virtus “strength, virtue, manly quality,” from vir “man, male” — related to VIRILE]
— by virtue of or in virtue of : through the force of : by authority of

vir·tu·os·i·ty \ˌvər-chə-ˈwäs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : great performing ability in the fine arts

vir·tu·o·so \ˌvər-chə-ˈwō-sō, -zō\ n, pl -sos or -si \-sē, -zē\ : a person who excels in the performance of an art; esp : a skilled musician
— virtuoso adj

vir·tu·ous \ˈvərch-(ə-)wəs\ adj : having or showing moral virtue
— vir·tu·ous·ly adv

— vir·tu·ous·ness n

vir·u·lence \ˈvir-(y)ə-lən(t)s\ n : the quality or state of being virulent

vir·u·lent \ˈvir-(y)ə-lənt\ adj
1 a : marked by a rapid, severe, and often deadly course <a virulent infection>  b : able to overcome or break down the defenses of the body <a virulent germ>
2 : extremely poisonous : NOXIOUS
3 : full of hate : SPITEFUL
— vir·u·lent·ly adv

vi·rus \ˈvī-rəs\ n, pl vi·rus·es
1 : any of a large group of very tiny infectious agents that are too small to be seen with the ordinary light microscope but can often be seen with the electron microscope, that are usually regarded as nonliving complex molecules, that have an outside coat of protein around a core of RNA or DNA, that can grow and multiply only in living cells, and that cause important diseases in plants and animals including human beings — compare FILTERABLE VIRUS
2 : a disease or illness caused by a virus
3 : a computer program that is usually hidden within another seemingly harmless program and that produces copies of itself and inserts them into other programs and usually performs a malicious action (as destroying data) — compare TROJAN HORSE 2, WORM 5 [from Latin virus “poison, venom, secretion”]

1vi·sa \ˈvē-zə also -sə\ n : a mark on a passport that is a sign of approval and permission for a traveler to go ahead

2visa vb vi·saed \-zəd, -səd\; vi·sa·ing \-zə-iŋ, -sə-\ : to give a visa to

vis·age \ˈviz-ij\ n
1 : the face; also : an expression of the face
2 : the outward appearance of a person, animal, or thing

viscera plural of VISCUS

vis·cer·al \ˈvis-ə-rəl\ adj
1 : felt in or as if in the viscera <a visceral belief>
2 : of, relating to, or being the viscera <visceral organs>
— vis·cer·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adv

vis·cid \ˈvis-əd\ adj : VISCOUS

vis·cos·i·ty \vis-ˈkäs-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties : the quality or state of being viscous; esp : the characteristic of a fluid that resists flow <an oil of high viscosity>

vis·count \ˈvī-ˌkau̇nt\ n : a British nobleman ranking below an earl and above a baron

vis·count·ess \ˈvī-ˌkau̇nt-əs\ n
1 : the wife or widow of a viscount
2 : a woman holding the rank of viscount

vis·cous \ˈvis-kəs\ adj
1 : having the characteristic of stickiness
2 : having or marked by viscosity

vis·cus \ˈvis-kəs\ n, pl vis·cera \ˈvis-ə-rə\ : an organ located inside of the body; esp : one (as the heart, liver, or intestine) located in the large cavity of the main part of the body

vise \ˈvīs\ n : any of various tools with two jaws for holding work that close usually by a screw or lever
— vise·like adj

vis·i·bil·i·ty \ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n
1 : the quality or state of being visible
2 : the degree of clearness of the atmosphere

vis·i·ble \ˈviz-ə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being seen <stars visible to the naked eye>
2 : easily seen or understood : OBVIOUS <no visible means of support>
— vis·i·bly \-blē\ adv

1vi·sion \ˈvizh-ən\ n
1 a : something seen in the mind (as during a dream)  b : a vivid picture created by the imagination  c : GHOST
2 a : the act or power of imagination  b : unusual ability to think or plan ahead <people with vision building for the future>
3 a : the act or power of seeing : SIGHT  b : the sense by which the qualities of an object (as color, shape, and size) are perceived through a process in which light rays entering the eye are transformed into signals that pass to the brain
4 : something seen; esp : a lovely or charming sight [Middle English vision “something seen in a dream or trance,” from early French vision (same meaning), from Latin vision-, visio (same meaning), derived from vidēre “to see” — related to CLAIRVOYANCE, EVIDENT, PROVIDE, SUPERVISE, VISIT]

2vision vb vi·sioned; vi·sion·ing \ˈvizh-niŋ, -ə-niŋ\ : IMAGINE 1 <couldn't vision it happening>

1vi·sion·ary \ˈvizh-ə-ˌner-ē\ adj
1 : resembling a vision especially in being impractical <visionary plans for underwater cities>
2 : likely to dream or imagine

2visionary n, pl -ar·ies
1 : a person whose ideas or plans are impractical : DREAMER
2 : a person who sees visions : SEER
3 : one having unusual foresight and imagination <a visionary in the field of computer animation>

1vis·it \ˈviz-ət\ vb vis·it·ed \ˈviz-ət-əd, ˈviz-təd\; vis·it·ing \ˈviz-ət-iŋ, ˈviz-tiŋ\
1 : to go to see in order to comfort or help <visit the sick>
2 a : to pay a call upon as an act of friendship or courtesy  b : to go or come to see on business  c : to live with for a time as a guest
3 : to go to for pleasure <visit the zoo>
4 : to make a visit or frequent or regular visits
5 : 1CHAT 1 <enjoys visiting with the neighbors> [Middle English visiten “to go to a person especially to give comfort,” from early French visiter (same meaning), derived from Latin visere “to go to see,” from vidēre “to see” — related to VISION]

2visit n
1 : a brief stay : CALL <a visit with friends>
2 : a stay as a guest <a weekend visit>
3 : a journey to and brief stay at a place especially for a particular purpose <a visit to the museum>
4 : an official or professional call (as of a doctor to treat a patient)

vis·i·tant \ˈviz-ət-ənt, ˈviz-tənt\ n : one that visits; esp : a visitor from another world

vis·i·ta·tion \ˌviz-ə-ˈtā-shən\ n : an instance of visiting; esp : a visit by an important person for a reason (as an inspection)

vis·i·tor \ˈviz-ət-ər, ˈviz-tər\ n : one (as a guest or tourist) that visits

vi·sor also vi·zor \ˈvī-zər\ n
1 : a movable front upper piece on a helmet
2 : a projecting part (as on a cap or headband) to protect or shade the eyes
— vi·sored \-zərd\ adj

vis·ta \ˈvis-tə\ n
1 : a distant view through an opening or along an avenue : PROSPECT
2 : a mental view over a long period of time

1vi·su·al \ˈvizh-(ə-)wəl, ˈvizh-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or used in vision <visual organs>
2 : received by sight <visual impressions>
3 : VISIBLE 1 <visual objects>
4 : of, relating to, or using visual aids <a visual presentation>
— vi·su·al·ly \-ē\ adv

2visual n : something (as a picture, chart, or film) that appeals to the sight and is used to illustrate, demonstrate, or advertise — usually used in plural

visual aid n : an instructional device (as a chart, map, or model) that appeals chiefly to vision; esp : an educational movie or filmstrip

visual field n : the entire space visible at a given instant without moving the eyes — called also field of vision

vi·su·al·i·za·tion \ˌvizh-(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌvizh-ə-lə-\ n
1 : the formation of visual mental images
2 : the act or process of putting into visual form

vi·su·al·ize \ˈvizh-(ə-)wə-ˌlīz, ˈvizh-ə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make visible; esp : to form a mental image of

visual purple n : a red or purple pigment in the retina of various vertebrates including human beings that is sensitive to dim light and functions in night vision

vi·tal \ˈvīt-əl\ adj
1 : concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life <the heart and lungs are vital organs>
2 : full of vitality : ANIMATED
3 : characteristic of life or of living things <vital activities>
4 : destructive of life : FATAL <a vital wound>
5 : of first importance <a vital clue> [Middle English vital “alive, full of life, relating to life,” from Latin vitalis “of life,” from vita “life”]
— vi·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adv

vital capacity n : the breathing capacity of the lungs expressed as the number of cubic inches or cubic centimeters of air that can be forcibly exhaled after one full act of breathing in

vi·tal·i·ty \vī-ˈtal-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 a : the property by which the living can be separated from the nonliving : LIFE  b : capacity to live and develop
2 : energy of mind or body
3 a : the ability to last  b : lively and animated spirit

vi·tal·ize \ˈvīt-əl-ˌīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to give vitality to <the good news vitalized his supporters>

vi·tals \ˈvīt-əlz\ n pl
1 : vital organs (as the heart and liver)
2 : essential parts

vital signs n : the pulse rate, body temperature, number of breaths taken per minute, and often blood pressure of a person

vital statistics n pl : statistics about births, deaths, marriages, health, and disease

vi·ta·min \ˈvīt-ə-mən\ n : any of various substances that are necessary in very small amounts to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, that are important to the control of growth and development by activating and assisting in the function of enzymes, and that are present naturally in many foods or in some cases are produced within the body

vitamin A n : any of several vitamins or a mixture of them that are found especially in green and orange vegetables (as carrots or spinach) and animal products (as egg yolk, butter, or liver) and are needed especially for good vision

vitamin B n
1 : VITAMIN B COMPLEX
2 : THIAMINE

vitamin B complex n : a group of vitamins that are found widely in foods and are essential for normal function of certain enzymes and for growth — called also B complex

vitamin B1 \-ˈbē-ˈwən\ n : THIAMINE

vitamin B6 \-ˈbē-ˈsiks\ n : PYRIDOXINE; also : a closely related compound

vitamin B12 \-ˈbē-ˈtwelv\ n : a member of the vitamin B complex that contains cobalt, occurs especially in liver, and is needed for normal blood formation, nerve function, and growth; also : any of several other compounds with similar activity

vitamin B2 \-ˈbē-ˈtü\ n : RIBOFLAVIN

vitamin C n : a vitamin that is present especially in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables and is needed by the body to prevent scurvy — called also ascorbic acid

vitamin D n : any of several vitamins that are needed for normal bone and tooth structure, and are found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or are produced in response to ultraviolet light

vitamin E n : any of various oily liquid compounds that can be dissolved in fats, are found especially in plants, and are necessary in the body to prevent infertility and the breakdown of muscles

vitamin K n : any of several vitamins that are needed in order for blood to clot properly

vi·tel·line membrane \vī-ˈtel-ən-, -ˌēn-, -ˌīn-\ n : a membrane that encloses an egg and that in mammals is a thick transparent noncellular layer

vi·ti·ate \ˈvish-ē-ˌāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to harm the quality of : SPOIL <grammatical errors vitiated the impact of her writing>
2 : to destroy the effect or force of <fraud vitiates a contract>
— vi·ti·a·tion \ˌvish-ē-ˈā-shən\ n

vit·re·ous humor \ˈvi-trē-əs-\ n : the clear colorless transparent jelly that fills the eyeball behind the lens

vit·ri·ol \ˈvi-trē-əl\ n : something (as written or spoken words) thought to be as harsh and burning as acid

vit·tles \ˈvit-əlz\ n pl : VICTUALS

vi·tu·per·ate \vī-ˈt(y)ü-pə-ˌrāt, və-\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to criticize harshly : SCOLD

vi·tu·per·a·tion \(ˌ)vī-ˌt(y)ü-pə-ˈrā-shən\ n : lengthy harsh bitter criticism or abuse

vi·va·ce \vē-ˈväch-ā, -ē\ adv or adj : in a brisk spirited manner — used as a direction in music

vi·va·cious \və-ˈvā-shəs also vī-\ adj : full of life and good spirits  synonyms see LIVELY
— vi·va·cious·ly adv

— vi·va·cious·ness n

vi·vac·i·ty \və-ˈvas-ət-ē also vī-\ n : the quality or state of being vivacious

vi·var·i·um \vī-ˈvar-ē-əm, -ˈver-\ n, pl -ia \-ē-ə\ or -i·ums : a terrarium used especially for small animals

viv·id \ˈviv-əd\ adj
1 : very strong or bright <a vivid red>
2 : having the appearance of vigorous life <a vivid sketch of the children>
3 : producing a strong or clear impression : SHARP; esp : producing distinct mental pictures <a vivid description>
4 : acting clearly and powerfully <a vivid imagination>  synonyms see GRAPHIC
— viv·id·ly adv

— viv·id·ness n

viv·i·fy \ˈviv-ə-ˌfī\ vb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to put life into : ANIMATE <rains that vivified the parched land>
2 : to make vivid
— viv·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌviv-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ n

vi·vip·a·rous \vī-ˈvip-(ə-)rəs, və-\ adj : giving birth to living young from within the body rather than laying eggs <nearly all mammals and some reptiles are viviparous>

vivi·sec·tion \ˌviv-ə-ˈsek-shən\ n : the operating or experimenting on a living animal for scientific or medical study

vix·en \ˈvik-sən\ n : a female fox

viz·ard \ˈviz-ərd, -ˌärd\ n : a mask for disguise or protection

vi·zier \və-ˈzi(ə)r\ n : a high official in a Muslim country

vizor variant of VISOR

VJ \ˈvē-ˌjā\ n : VEE JAY

vlog \ˈvlȯg, ˈvläg\ n : a blog that also contains recorded video [from video and blog]

vo·cab \ˈvō-ˌkab\ n : VOCABULARY

vo·cab·u·lary \vō-ˈkab-yə-ˌler-ē\ n, pl -lar·ies
1 : a list or collection of words defined or explained
2 : a stock of words used in a language, by a group or individual, or in relation to a subject

1vo·cal \ˈvō-kəl\ adj
1 : uttered by the voice : ORAL
2 : composed or arranged for or sung by the human voice <vocal music>
3 : speaking freely or loudly : OUTSPOKEN <a vocal opponent of the new law>
4 : of, relating to, or resembling the voice
— vo·cal·ly \-kə-lē\ adv

2vocal n
1 : a vocal sound
2 : a piece of vocal music

vocal cords n pl : either of two pairs of elastic folds of tissue in the larynx of which the lower pair produce the voice when air exhaled from the lungs causes them to vibrate

vo·cal·ic \vō-ˈkal-ik\ adj
1 : marked by or consisting of vowels
2 : of, relating to, or functioning as a vowel

vo·cal·ist \ˈvō-kə-ləst\ n : 1SINGER

vo·cal·i·za·tion \ˌvō-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ n : an act, process, or instance of vocalizing

vo·cal·ize \ˈvō-kə-ˌlīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to give voice to; esp : 1SING 1A
— vo·cal·iz·er \ˈvō-kə-ˌlī-zər\ n

vo·ca·tion \vō-ˈkā-shən\ n
1 : a strong desire or leaning for a certain career or course of action; esp : a divine call to the religious life
2 a : the work a person regularly does : OCCUPATION  b : the persons in a particular occupation [Middle English vocacioun “a strong inclination to a particular course of action or way of life,” from early French vocaciun (same meaning), from Latin vocation-, vocatio “summons,” derived from vocare “to call” — related to ADVOCATE, PROVOKE, REVOKE]

vo·ca·tion·al \vō-ˈkā-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or concerned with a vocation
2 : of, relating to, or involved in training in a skill or trade to be followed as a career <vocational school>
— vo·ca·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adv

vo·cif·er·ate \vō-ˈsif-ə-ˌrāt\ vb -at·ed; -at·ing : to cry out loudly : SHOUT

vo·cif·er·ous \vō-ˈsif-(ə-)rəs\ adj : making a loud outcry : NOISY, CLAMOROUS
— vo·cif·er·ous·ly adv

vod·ka \ˈväd-kə\ n : a colorless alcoholic liquor [Russian, literally, “little water,” from voda “water”]

vogue \ˈvōg\ n
1 : the quality or state of being popular
2 : a period in which something is popular or in fashion
3 : something in fashion at a particular time
— vogue adj

1voice \ˈvȯis\ n
1 a : sound produced by vertebrates in the larynx or syrinx; esp : sound so produced by human beings (as in speaking)  b : the power of speaking <lost my voice>
2 a : musical sound produced by the vocal cords  b : the ability to sing <a singer with a great voice>  c : 1SINGER <one of the finest voices of our time>  d : one of the melodic parts in a vocal or instrumental composition  e : condition of the vocal organs for singing <in good voice>
3 : a sound like a vocal sound <the voice of the cricket>
4 : a medium of expression <the newspaper was the voice of optimism>
5 a : wish, choice, or opinion openly or formally expressed <the law was passed despite many opposing voices>  b : the right to express a wish, choice, or opinion <students want a voice in school affairs>
6 : a grammatical form showing the relation between the subject of a verb and the action which the verb expresses
— with one voice : in total agreement

2voice vb voiced; voic·ing
1 : to express in words <voice a complaint>
2 : to vibrate the vocal cords in pronouncing <voice a consonant>

voice box n : LARYNX

voiced \ˈvȯist\ adj
1 : having a voice especially of a specified kind — often used in combination <soft-voiced>
2 : uttered with the vocal cords vibrating <a voiced consonant like \v\>

voice·less \ˈvȯi-sləs\ adj
1 : having no voice
2 : not voiced <a voiceless consonant like \f\>
— voice·less·ness n

voice mail n : an electronic communication system in which spoken messages are recorded for later playback to the intended recipient; also : such a message

voice–over \ˈvȯi-ˌsō-vər\ n : the voice in a film or television program of a person who is heard but not seen or not seen actually talking

1void \ˈvȯid\ adj
1 : containing nothing : EMPTY <void space>
2 : being without something specified : DEVOID <a person void of common sense>
3 : of no legal force or effect <a void contract>

2void n
1 : empty space
2 : a feeling of want or hollowness

3void vb : to make void <void a contract>

voile \ˈvȯi(ə)l\ n : a soft sheer fabric used for summer dresses and for curtains

vol·a·tile \ˈväl-ət-əl\ adj
1 : easily becoming a vapor at a fairly low temperature <a volatile solvent>
2 : likely to change suddenly or quickly <a volatile temper> <the stock market is volatile>
— vol·a·til·i·ty \ˌväl-ə-ˈtil-ət-ē\ n

vol·ca·nic \väl-ˈkan-ik, vȯl- also -ˈkān-\ adj
1 a : of, relating to, or produced by a volcano <a volcanic eruption>  b : made of materials from volcanoes <volcanic dust>
2 : explosively violent <a volcanic rage>

vol·ca·no \väl-ˈkā-nō, vȯl-\ n, pl -noes or -nos : a vent in the earth's crust from which melted or hot rock and steam come out; also : a hill or mountain composed entirely or in part of the material thrown out
Word History The ancient Greeks and Romans had many gods and goddesses. Each of these deities was in charge of a special kind of work or an aspect of nature. Many of the happenings in nature were explained in myth as the actions of one or more of these gods or goddesses. The Roman god of fire was known as Vulcanus in Latin (Vulcan in English). He was thought to live inside Mount Etna, a volcano on the island of Sicily. Vulcan was a giant who worked as a blacksmith, forging the thunderbolts for Jupiter, king of the gods. The smoke and occasional fiery rocks and lava that came from Mount Etna were thought to be from Vulcan's forge. That is how his name came to be applied to a mountain that sometimes spews forth fire and smoke. [from Italian or Spanish; Italian vulcano “volcano,” from Spanish vulcán, from Latin Volcanus, Vulcanus “Vulcan (Roman god of fire)”]

vole \ˈvōl\ n : any of various small rodents that are closely related to the lemmings and muskrats but in general look like fat mice or rats and that are sometimes harmful to crops

vo·li·tion \vō-ˈlish-ən, və-\ n : the act or power of making one's choices or decisions : WILL <they do not do this of their own volition>
— vo·li·tion·al \-ˈlish-nəl, -ən-əl\ adj

1vol·ley \ˈväl-ē\ n, pl volleys
1 : a group of missiles (as arrows or bullets) passing through the air
2 : a firing of a number of weapons (as rifles) at the same time
3 : a bursting forth of many things at once <a volley of praise>
4 : the act of volleying

2volley vb vol·leyed; vol·ley·ing
1 : to shoot in a volley
2 : to hit an object (as a ball) while it is in the air before it touches the ground

vol·ley·ball \ˈväl-ē-ˌbȯl\ n : a game played by volleying a large air-filled ball over a net; also : the ball used to play this game

volt \ˈvōlt\ n : a unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to the difference in potential between two points in a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power used between these two points is equal to one watt

volt·age \ˈvōl-tij\ n : potential difference measured in volts

vol·ta·ic \väl-ˈtā-ik, vōl-, vȯl-\ adj : of, relating to, or producing direct electric current by chemical action (as in a battery) : GALVANIC <voltaic cell>

volt·me·ter \ˈvōlt-ˌmēt-ər\ n : an instrument for measuring in volts the difference in potential between different points of an electrical circuit

vol·u·ble \ˈväl-yə-bəl\ adj : having a smooth and fast flow of words in speaking  synonyms see TALKATIVE
— vol·u·bil·i·ty \ˌväl-yə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

— vol·u·bly \ˈväl-yə-blē\ adv

vol·ume \ˈväl-yəm, -yüm\ n
1 : 1BOOK 2A
2 : one of a series of books forming a complete work or collection <the fifth volume of an encyclopedia>
3 : an amount of space as measured in cubic units <the volume of a container>
4 : a large amount : MASS <volumes of smoke> <a volume of criticism poured in>
5 : the degree of loudness of a sound <turn up the volume>
Word History The earliest books were written on long rolls made from a plant called papyrus. The Roman name for such a roll was volumen, a word which came from the verb volvere, meaning “to roll.” Later, books were made of a material called parchment, which, unlike papyrus, could be folded and bound together. This advance made it unnecessary to use rolls anymore. The French word volume, which came from the Latin volumen, was originally used to refer to papyrus rolls but later was used for bound books as well. The French word was borrowed into English in the 14th century. By the 16th century, volume had also come to mean “the size (of a book).” This meaning led to a more general sense, “the quantity or amount (of anything).” In the 19th century, volume acquired still another meaning, “the strength or loudness of a sound.” [Middle English volume “a book, a scroll of papyrus,” from early French (same meaning), from Latin volumen “roll, scroll,” from volvere “to roll” — related to REVOLVE]

vo·lu·mi·nous \və-ˈlü-mə-nəs\ adj
1 a : having or marked by great volume or bulk : LARGE <a voluminous discharge of lava>  b : FULL 3B <voluminous curtains>
2 : filling or capable of filling a large volume or several volumes <voluminous research>
— vo·lu·mi·nous·ly adv

— vo·lu·mi·nous·ness n

vol·un·tari·ly \ˌväl-ən-ˈter-ə-lē\ adv : of one's own free will <admitted voluntarily that he was guilty>

1vol·un·tary \ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē\ adj
1 : done, given, or made with one's own free will <voluntary assistance>
2 : not accidental : INTENTIONAL <voluntary manslaughter>
3 : of, relating to, or controlled by the will <voluntary behavior>
synonyms VOLUNTARY, INTENTIONAL, DELIBERATE, WILLING, mean done or brought about of one's own will. VOLUNTARY suggests free choice <joining the club is voluntary> or control by the will <voluntary blinking of the eyes>. INTENTIONAL suggests that something is done for a reason and only after some thought <intentional misbehavior>. DELIBERATE suggests that one is fully aware of what one is doing and of the likely results of the action <a deliberate insult>. WILLING suggests a readiness and eagerness to go along with the wishes of another <willing obedience>.

2voluntary n, pl -tar·ies : a musical piece played usually on the organ at a religious service

voluntary muscle n : muscle (as most striated muscle) that is under voluntary control

1vol·un·teer \ˌväl-ən-ˈti(ə)r\ n : a person who volunteers for a service

2volunteer adj : being, consisting of, or engaged in by volunteers <a volunteer fire department> <volunteer activities>

3volunteer vb
1 : to offer voluntarily <volunteered my services>
2 : to offer oneself as a volunteer <volunteered to do the job>

vo·lup·tuous \və-ˈləp-chə(-wə)s\ adj : giving pleasure to the senses
— vo·lup·tuous·ly adv

— vo·lup·tuous·ness n

vol·vox \ˈväl-ˌväks\ n : any of a genus of single-celled green algae with flagella that form ball-shaped colonies

1vom·it \ˈväm-ət\ n : an act of throwing up the contents of the stomach through the mouth; also : the matter thrown up

2vomit vb : to throw up the contents of the stomach through the mouth
— vom·it·er n

voo·doo \ˈvüd-ü\ n, pl voo·doos
1 : a religion that is based on African ancestor worship and practiced chiefly in Haiti
2 : a person who deals in spells and magic [from Louisiana French voudou “voodoo”; of African origin]
— voodoo adj

voo·doo·ism \ˈvüd-(ˌ)ü-ˌiz-əm\ n
1 : VOODOO 1
2 : the practice of witchcraft
— voo·doo·ist \ˈvüd-ˌü-əst\ n

vo·ra·cious \vȯ-ˈrā-shəs, və-\ adj
1 : having a huge appetite : RAVENOUS <voracious fish>
2 : very eager <a voracious reader>
— vo·ra·cious·ly adv

— vo·rac·i·ty \-ˈras-ət-ē\ n

vor·tex \ˈvȯr-ˌteks\ n, pl vor·ti·ces \ˈvȯrt-ə-ˌsēz\ also vor·tex·es : a mass of whirling fluid forming a cavity in the center toward which things are drawn : WHIRLPOOL

vor·ti·cel·la \ˌvȯrt-ə-ˈsel-ə\ n, pl vor·ti·cel·lae \-ˈsel-ē\ or -cellas : any of a genus of ciliates that look like a bell on the end of a stalk

vo·ta·ry \ˈvōt-ə-rē\ n, pl -ries : a devoted follower; esp : a devout or eager worshipper

1vote \ˈvōt\ n
1 a : a formal expression of opinion or will (as by ballot in an election)  b : the result reached by voting  c : 1BALLOT 1
2 : the general opinion expressed by voters <the vote is to lower taxes>
3 : the right to cast a vote : SUFFRAGE <gave women the vote>
4 a : the act or process of voting <bring the issue to a vote>  b : a method of voting <a voice vote>
5 a : VOTER  b : a group of voters with a common interest or quality <the farm vote>
— vote·less \-ləs\ adj

2vote vb vot·ed; vot·ing
1 : to express one's wish or choice by a vote : cast a vote
2 : to elect, decide, pass, defeat, grant, or make legal by a vote
3 : to declare by general agreement
4 : to put forth as a suggestion <I vote we all go home>

vot·er \ˈvōt-ər\ n : one that votes or has the legal right to vote

voting machine n : a mechanical device for recording and counting votes cast in an election

vo·tive \ˈvōt-iv\ adj : consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire <a votive prayer>

votive candle n
1 : a candle lit in devotion or gratitude
2 : a small squat candle — called also votive

vouch \ˈvau̇ch\ vb
1 : to give a guarantee <vouch for the truth of a story>
2 : to supply supporting evidence or testimony

vouch·er \ˈvau̇-chər\ n
1 : one who vouches for another
2 : a paper that records a business dealing (as payment of a bill or credit for a future purchase)

vouch·safe \vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌsāf\ vb vouch·safed; vouch·saf·ing : to grant as a special favor

1vow \ˈvau̇\ n : a solemn promise or statement

2vow vb
1 : to make a vow or as a vow
2 : to bind or make holy by a vow

vow·el \ˈvau̇(-ə)l\ n
1 : a speech sound produced without obstruction or audible friction in the mouth
2 : a letter (as a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y) representing a vowel

1voy·age \ˈvȯi-ij, ˈvȯ(-)ij\ n : a journey especially by water from one place or country to another

2voyage vb voy·aged; voy·ag·ing : to take a trip : TRAVEL
— voy·ag·er n

vul·ca·nize \ˈvəl-kə-ˌnīz\ vb -nized; -niz·ing : to treat rubber or similar plastic material chemically in order to give it useful properties (as elasticity or strength)

vul·gar \ˈvəl-gər\ adj
1 : generally used, applied, or accepted
2 : of or relating to common speech : 1VERNACULAR <the vulgar name of a plant>
3 : of or relating to the common people <the vulgar opinion of the time>
4 a : lacking in good manners or taste : COARSE <a loud vulgar belch>  b : morally crude  c : tastelessly showy : PRETENTIOUS
5 : offensive in language : OBSCENE <a vulgar joke>
— vul·gar·ly adv

vul·gar·ism \ˈvəl-gə-ˌriz-əm\ n : a vulgar expression

vul·gar·i·ty \ˌvəl-ˈgar-ət-ē\ n, pl -ties
1 : the quality or state of being vulgar
2 : something vulgar

vul·gar·ize \ˈvəl-gə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make vulgar

Vul·gate \ˈvəl-ˌgāt\ n : a Latin version of the Bible authorized and used by the Roman Catholic Church

vul·ner·a·ble \ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being physically or emotionally wounded
2 : open to attack or damage <a vulnerable position>
— vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəln-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ n

vul·ture \ˈvəl-chər\ n
1 : any of various large birds that feed mostly on animals found dead and that are related to the hawks and eagles but have weaker claws and the head usually naked
2 : a greedy or predatory person

vul·va \ˈvəl-və\ n, pl vul·vae \-ˌvē, -ˌvī\ : the parts of the female genital organs that are on the outside of the body

vying present participle of VIE

W

w \ˈdəb-əl-(ˌ)yü, -yə, ˈdəb(-ə)-yə\ n, often cap : the 23rd letter of the English alphabet

Wac \ˈwak\ n : a member of a U.S. Army unit created for women during World War II and discontinued in the 1970s

wacky \ˈwak-ē\ adj wacki·er; -est : ODD 5, CRAZY
— wacki·ly \ˈwak-ə-lē\ adv

— wacki·ness \ˈwak-ē-nəs\ n

1wad \ˈwäd\ n
1 : a small mass, bundle, or tuft <a wad of cotton>
2 : a soft pad or plug used to hold a powder charge in a gun or cartridge
3 a : a roll of paper money  b : a large amount (as of money) <spent a wad on clothes>

2wad vb wad·ded; wad·ding
1 : to form into a wad or wadding <wad up a handkerchief>
2 : to stuff or line with soft material

wad·ding \ˈwäd-iŋ\ n
1 : wads or material for making wads
2 : a soft mass or sheet of fibers used for stuffing or padding

1wad·dle \ˈwäd-əl\ vb wad·dled; wad·dling \ˈwäd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to walk with short steps swaying from side to side <ducks waddling to the water>
2 : to move slowly and awkwardly <the big boat waddled upstream>
— wad·dler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

2waddle n : an awkward swaying walk

wade \ˈwād\ vb wad·ed; wad·ing
1 : to step in or through a substance (as water, mud, or sand) that is thicker than air
2 a : to move or proceed slowly or with difficulty <wade through a dull book>  b : to attack or work energetically <waded into their chores>
3 : to pass or cross by wading <wade a stream>

wad·er \ˈwād-ər\ n
1 : one that wades
2 : WADING BIRD
3 pl : high waterproof boots or trousers for wading

wa·di \ˈwäd-ē\ n : the bed or valley of a stream in regions of southwestern Asia and northern Africa that is usually dry except during the rainy season

wading bird n : any of various long-legged birds (as herons, storks, and ibises) that wade in water in search of food

Waf \ˈwaf\ n : a member of the women's branch of the U.S. Air Force formed after World War II and discontinued in the 1970s

wa·fer \ˈwā-fər\ n
1 a : a thin crisp cake or cracker  b : a round thin piece of bread used in the sacrament of Communion
2 : something (as a piece of candy or a computer chip) resembling a wafer especially in thin round form

waf·fle \ˈwäf-əl, ˈwȯf-\ n : a crisp cake with an indented crust made by cooking batter in a waffle iron

waffle iron n : a cooking utensil with two hinged metal parts that shut upon each other to make a grid-shaped pattern on a waffle being cooked

1waft \ˈwäft, ˈwaft\ vb : to move or be moved lightly by or as if by the action of wind or waves

2waft n : a slight breeze : PUFF

1wag \ˈwag\ vb wagged; wag·ging : to move or swing to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky movements <the dog wagged its tail> <wagged his finger as he scolded> [Middle English waggen “to be in motion, move about”]
— wag·ger n

2wag n : a wagging movement

3wag n : JOKER 1, WIT [probably a shortened form of obsolete waghalter “a person who should be hanged”]

1wage \ˈwāj\ vb waged; wag·ing
1 : to engage in or carry on <wage war> <wage a campaign>
2 : to be in the process of occurring <the battle waged for several hours>

2wage n
1 : a payment for work or services usually calculated on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis — often used in plural
2 sing or pl : something given or received because of one's actions : REWARD

1wa·ger \ˈwā-jər\ n
1 : something (as a sum of money) risked on an uncertain event : BET
2 : something (as the outcome of a game or race) on which a bet is made : GAMBLE

2wager vb wa·gered; wa·ger·ing \ˈwāj-(ə-)riŋ\ : to bet on the outcome of a contest or question
— wa·ger·er \ˈwā-jər-ər\ n

wage scale n : a list of wage rates for related tasks; also : the general level of wages for an area or region

wag·gery \ˈwag-ə-rē\ n, pl -ger·ies
1 : mischievous fun
2 : JEST 1; esp : PRACTICAL JOKE

wag·gish \ˈwag-ish\ adj : displaying or done in a spirit of good-humored mischief <waggish pranks>

wag·gle \ˈwag-əl\ vb wag·gled; wag·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\ : 1WAG
— waggle n

wag·on \ˈwag-ən\ n
1 a : a usually four-wheeled vehicle for transporting goods or passengers; esp : one drawn by animals  b : PATROL WAGON
2 : a low four-wheeled vehicle with an open rectangular body for the play or use of a child
3 : STATION WAGON
— wag·on·er \ˈwag-ə-nər\ n

— on the wagon : choosing not to drink alcoholic beverages

wa·gon·load \ˈwag-ən-ˌlōd\ n
1 : a load that fills or could fill a wagon <a wagonload of apples>
2 : a very large amount <a wagonload of choices>

waif \ˈwāf\ n : a stray person or animal; esp : a homeless child

1wail \ˈwā(ə)l\ vb
1 : to express sorrow by mournful cries : LAMENT
2 : to make a sound like a mournful cry
3 : to express dissatisfaction : COMPLAIN
— wail·er \ˈwā-lər\ n

2wail n
1 : a long cry or sound of grief or pain
2 : a sound like a wail <the wail of a siren>

wain \ˈwān\ n : a heavy wagon or two-wheeled cart for farm use

wain·scot \ˈwān-skət, -ˌskōt, -ˌskät\ n
1 : a usually paneled wooden lining of the wall of a room
2 : the lower three or four feet (about one meter) of an interior wall when finished differently from the rest

wain·scot·ing or wain·scot·ting \ˈwān-ˌskōt-iŋ, -ˌskät-, -skət-\ n
1 : WAINSCOT
2 : material used to line a surface with wainscot

waist \ˈwāst\ n
1 a : the usually narrowed part of the body between the chest and hips  b : the narrow front part of the abdomen of some insects (as a wasp)
2 : the central portion of something that is usually thinner or narrower than the ends <the waist of a ship> <the waist of a violin>
3 : a garment or the part of a garment that covers the body from the neck to the waist
— waist·ed \ˈwā-stəd\ adj

waist·band \ˈwās(t)-ˌband\ n : a band (as of trousers or a skirt) fitting around the waist

waist·coat \ˈwes-kət, ˈwās(t)-ˌkōt\ n, chiefly British : 2VEST 1

waist·line \ˈwāst-ˌlīn\ n
1 a : WAIST 1A  b : body circumference at the waist
2 : the part of a garment surrounding the waist

1wait \ˈwāt\ vb
1 a : to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something : AWAIT <wait your turn> <wait for orders>  b : to pause to let someone catch up <hey, wait for me>
2 : POSTPONE, DELAY <wait dinner for a guest>
3 : to serve as a waiter or waitress <wait tables> <wait at a luncheon>
— wait on also wait upon
1 a : to work for as a servant  b : to supply the wants of : SERVE <wait on a customer>
2 : to make a formal call on
3 : to wait for

— wait up : to delay going to bed : stay up <I'll be late; don't wait up>

2wait n
1 a : a hidden position : AMBUSH — used chiefly in the expression lie in wait  b : a state of watchful expectation
2 : an act or period of waiting <a long wait in line>

wait·er \ˈwāt-ər\ n : one that waits; esp : a person who waits tables (as in a restaurant)

waiting list n : a list containing names of people who are waiting (as for admission to an organization or school)

waiting room n : a room or area (as in a doctor's office) for the use of persons (as patients) waiting

wait–list \ˈwāt-ˌlist\ vb : to put on a waiting list

wait·per·son \ˈwāt-ˌpərs-ən\ n : a waiter or waitress

wait·ress \ˈwā-trəs\ n : a woman who waits tables (as in a restaurant)
— waitress vb

wait·staff \ˈwāt-ˌstaf\ n : a staff of servers at a restaurant

waive \ˈwāv\ vb waived; waiv·ing
1 : to give up claim to <waived her right to answer>
2 : to let pass <waive the fee>
3 : to dismiss with or as if with a wave of the hand <waived the problem aside>

waiv·er \ˈwā-vər\ n
1 : the act of intentionally giving up a right, claim, or privilege
2 : a document containing a declaration of a waiver

1wake \ˈwāk\ vb woke \ˈwōk\ also waked \ˈwākt\; wo·ken \ˈwō-kən\ or waked also woke; wak·ing
1 : to be or remain awake
2 : to stand watch over (as a dead body); esp : to hold a wake over
3 : to arouse from or as if from sleep : AWAKE — often used with up [from Old English wacan “to awake” and Old English wacian “to be awake”]
— wak·er n

2wake n : a time before a dead person is buried when people gather to remember him or her and often to view the body

3wake n
1 : a track or path left by a moving body (as a ship) in the water
2 : AFTERMATH 2 [of Germanic origin]
— in the wake of
1 : close behind and following the same course
2 : as a result of

wake·ful \ˈwāk-fəl\ adj : not sleeping or able to sleep
— wake·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— wake·ful·ness n

wak·en \ˈwā-kən\ vb wak·ened; wak·en·ing \ˈwāk-(ə-)niŋ\ : AROUSE 1

wake–rob·in \ˈwā-ˌkräb-ən\ n : TRILLIUM

wake–up call n
1 : something (as a telephone call from a hotel employee to a guest) that serves to wake up a sleeper
2 : something that serves to alert a person to a problem, danger, or need

Wal·dorf salad \ˌwȯl-ˌdȯrf-\ n : a salad usually containing apples, celery, nuts, and mayonnaise [named for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City]

wale \ˈwā(ə)l\ n : a narrow raised surface or ridge; esp : one of a series of even ribs on a fabric (as corduroy)

1walk \ˈwȯk\ vb
1 : to move or cause to move along on foot at a natural slow gait <walk to town> <walk a horse up a hill>
2 : to pass over, through, or along by walking <walk the streets>
3 : to perform or accomplish by walking <walk guard>
4 : to take or cause to take first base with a base on balls
— walk off with
1 : 1STEAL 2
2 : to win or gain especially without difficulty <walked off with the state championship>

— walk over : to disregard the wishes or feelings of

2walk n
1 : a going on foot <go for a walk>
2 : a place, path, or course for walking
3 : distance to be walked <it's a long walk>
4 a : manner of living : CONDUCT, BEHAVIOR  b : social or economic status <various walks of life>
5 a : manner of walking  b : a way of moving by a four-footed animal in which there are always at least two feet on the ground; esp : a slow way of moving by a horse in which the feet strike the ground in the sequence of left hind foot, left front foot, right hind foot, right front foot
6 : BASE ON BALLS
— walk in the park : an easy or pleasurable experience : PICNIC

walk·able \ˈwȯ-kə-bəl\ adj : capable of or suitable for being walked <a very walkable city> <a walkable distance>

walk·er \ˈwȯ-kər\ n
1 : one that walks
2 : something used in walking; esp : a framework that supports a baby learning to walk or an infirm or disabled person

walk·ie–talk·ie \ˌwȯ-kē-ˈtȯ-kē\ n : a small portable radio set for receiving and sending messages

walk–in \ˌwȯ-ˌkin\ adj : large enough to be walked into <a walk-in closet>

walking stick n
1 : a stick used in walking
2 : STICK INSECT

Walk·man \ˈwȯk-mən, -ˌman\ trademark — used for a small portable audio player listened to by means of headphones or earphones

walk·out \ˈwȯ-ˌkau̇t\ n
1 : 2STRIKE 2A
2 : the action of leaving a meeting or organization as an expression of disapproval

walk out \(ˈ)wȯ-ˈkau̇t\ vb
1 : to go on strike
2 : to leave suddenly often as an expression of disapproval
— walk out on : 1ABANDON 3, DESERT

walk–up \ˈwȯ-ˌkəp\ n : an apartment or office building without an elevator
— walk–up adj

walk·way \ˈwȯ-ˌkwā\ n : a path or passageway for pedestrians <a walkway over the busy street>

1wall \ˈwȯl\ n
1 : a structure (as of brick or stone) meant to enclose or shut off a space; esp : a side of a room or building
2 : something resembling a wall; esp : something that acts as a barrier or defense <a tariff wall>
3 : a layer of material that encloses space <the heart wall> <the walls of a container>
— walled \ˈwȯld\ adj

2wall vb
1 : to provide, separate, or surround with or as if with a wall <wall in the garden>
2 : to close off an opening with or as if with a wall <wall up a door>

wal·la·by \ˈwäl-ə-bē\ n, pl wallabies also wallaby : any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos

wall·board \ˈwȯl-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a building material (as of wood pulp, gypsum, or plastic) made in large stiff sheets and used especially for inside walls and ceilings

wal·let \ˈwäl-ət\ n
1 : a bag or sack for carrying things on a journey
2 : a small flat folding pocketbook with compartments (as for coins, paper money, and cards); also : BILLFOLD

wall·eye \ˈwȯ-ˌlī\ n : a large vigorous North American freshwater food and sport fish with large eyes that is related to the perches but resembles the true pike — called also walleyed pike

wall·flow·er \ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r\ n : a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains alone (as at a dance)

1wal·lop \ˈwäl-əp\ n
1 : a powerful blow or impact
2 : the ability to hit hard

2wallop vb
1 : to beat thoroughly : TROUNCE
2 : to hit with force : SOCK
— wal·lop·er n

1wal·low \ˈwäl-ō\ vb
1 : to roll about in or as if in deep mud <elephants wallowing in the river>
2 : to devote oneself to something pleasurable
3 : to become or remain helpless <allowed them to wallow in their ignorance>
— wal·low·er \ˈwäl-ə-wər\ n

2wallow n
1 : an act of wallowing
2 : a muddy or dust-filled area where animals wallow

wall·pa·per \ˈwȯl-ˌpā-pər\ n : decorative paper for covering the walls of a room
— wallpaper vb

Wall Street \ˈwȯl-\ n : the powerful financial interests that control or influence the U.S. economy [from Wall Street in New York City, site of a major stock trading exchange]

wall–to–wall adj
1 : covering the entire floor <wall-to-wall carpeting>
2 : filling an entire space <a beach that was wall-to-wall sunbathers>

wal·nut \ˈwȯl-(ˌ)nət\ n
1 a : an edible nut of any of a genus of trees related to the hickories; esp : the large nut of a Eurasian tree  b : a tree that produces walnuts — compare BLACK WALNUT  c : the usually reddish to dark brown wood of a walnut that is widely used for cabinetwork and veneers
2 : a medium reddish brown
Word History Long before walnut trees were introduced into England, they were cultivated for their tasty nuts in southern Europe. The nut tree native to the more northern areas of Europe was the hazel. In order to tell apart the native hazelnut and the less familiar walnut, Old English called the walnut wealhhnutu, which means “foreign nut.” This word is a compound of wealh, “foreigner” and hnutu “nut.” The Old English word wealh has supplied us with another word as well. While wealh meant “foreigner” in a general sense, it was applied specifically by the Anglo-Saxon invaders of Britain to the native people they found living on the island. Wealh gave rise to the modern forms Welsh, Welshman, and Welshwoman. [Old English wealhhnutu, literally “foreign nut,” from Wealh “Welshman, foreigner” + hnutu “nut” — related to WELSH]

Wal·pur·gis Night \väl-ˈpu̇r-gəs-\ n : the evening before May 1 on which witches were believed to gather [named for Saint Walburga (German Walpurgis) died 779 an English saint whose feast day falls on May Day]

wal·rus \ˈwȯl-rəs, ˈwäl-\ n, pl walrus or wal·rus·es : a large mammal of cold northern seas that is related to the seals and has long ivory tusks, a tough wrinkled hide with a thick layer of blubber below, stiff whiskers, and flippers used in swimming, diving, and moving about on land

1waltz \ˈwȯl(t)s\ n : a ballroom dance in ¾ time with strong accent on the first beat; also : music for a waltz

2waltz vb
1 a : to dance a waltz  b : to dance a waltz with
2 a : to proceed easily and successfully : BREEZE <waltzed through the test>  b : to approach boldly <can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves>

wam·pum \ˈwäm-pəm\ n
1 : beads of polished shells formerly used by North American Indians as money and ornaments
2 : MONEY 1 [from wamponpeag, a word in an American Indian language literally meaning “white strings”]

wan \ˈwän\ adj wan·ner; wan·nest
1 a : 1PALE 1B, SICKLY <a wan complexion>  b : lacking vitality : FEEBLE
2 : 1DIM 1, FAINT <a wan light>
3 : showing little effort : LANGUID <a wan smile>
— wan·ly adv

— wan·ness \ˈwän-nəs\ n

wand \ˈwänd\ n
1 : a slender rod used in performing magic
2 : a light rod or tube

wan·der \ˈwän-dər\ vb wan·dered; wan·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to move about without a purpose
2 : to follow a winding course : MEANDER
3 a : to get off the right course : STRAY <wandered away>  b : to lose one's normal mental concentration <her mind wandered>
— wander n

— wan·der·er \-dər-ər\ n
synonyms WANDER, ROAM, RAMBLE, MEANDER, mean to move about from place to place without a reason or plan. WANDER suggests that one does not follow a fixed course while moving about <the nomads wandered in the desert for hundreds of years>. ROAM suggests a carefree wandering over a wide area often for pleasure <I roamed over the hills and through the meadows>. RAMBLE suggests that one wanders in a careless way and without concern for where one goes <tourists rambling through the park>. MEANDER suggests following a winding course and may also suggest moving lazily <the youngsters meandered on the way home>.

wandering Jew n : any of several creeping or trailing plants often grown for their showy leaves

wan·der·lust \ˈwän-dər-ˌləst\ n : strong longing to travel

1wane \ˈwān\ vb waned; wan·ing
1 : to grow gradually smaller or less <the moon wanes>
2 : to lose power, prosperity, or influence <the nation waned as its commerce declined>
3 : to draw toward an end <summer is waning>

2wane n
1 : the act or process of waning
2 : a period or time of waning; esp : the period from the full phase of the moon to the new moon

wan·gle \ˈwaŋ-gəl\ vb wan·gled; wan·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\ : to achieve or obtain by sly, tricky, or indirect methods <wangled a free ticket to the show>

1want \ˈwȯnt also ˈwänt, ˈwənt\ vb
1 : to be without : LACK <this coat is wanting a button>
2 : to feel or have the need of : REQUIRE <our house wants painting>
3 : to desire, wish, or long for something <wanted a chance to play>
4 : OUGHT 2 <you want to be very careful>
5 : to seek in order to arrest <was wanted for murder>

2want n
1 a : a lack of a required or usual amount  b : a state of great poverty
2 : something wanted : NEED, DESIRE

want ad n : a newspaper advertisement stating that something (as an employee, job, or item) is wanted

1want·ing adj
1 : not present or noticeable : ABSENT, LACKING
2 a : falling below standards or expectations  b : lacking in ability : DEFICIENT

2wanting prep
1 : 1WITHOUT 2A <a book wanting a cover>
2 : 1MINUS 1 <a month wanting two days>

wan·ton \ˈwȯnt-ən, ˈwänt-\ adj
1 : FRISKY, PLAYFUL <a wanton kitten>
2 : INDECENT, LEWD
3 a : MERCILESS, INHUMANE <wanton cruelty>  b : being without just cause : MALICIOUS <a wanton attack>
4 : UNRESTRAINED 1, EXTRAVAGANT <a life of wanton luxury>
— wan·ton·ly adv

— wan·ton·ness \-ən-nəs\ n

wa·pi·ti \ˈwäp-ət-ē\ n, pl wapiti or wapitis : ELK 2

1war \ˈwȯ(ə)r\ n
1 a : a state or period of armed hostile conflict between states, nations, or groups  b : the science of warfare
2 a : a state of hostility, antagonism, or conflict  b : a struggle between opposing forces or for a particular goal <a war on disease>

2war vb warred; war·ring
1 : to engage in warfare <warring nations>
2 : to be in conflict

1war·ble \ˈwȯr-bəl\ n
1 : low pleasing sounds forming a melody
2 : the action of warbling : TRILL

2warble vb war·bled; war·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to sing with trills
2 : to express by warbling

war·bler \ˈwȯr-blər\ n
1 : one that warbles
2 a : any of numerous small Old World songbirds many of which are noted for their melodious song and which are closely related to the thrushes  b : any of numerous small brightly colored American songbirds with a usually weak and unmusical song

war·bon·net \ˈwȯr-ˌbän-ət\ n : a long feathered ceremonial American Indian headdress

war cry n : a cry or yell used by fighters in battle

1ward \ˈwȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : the action or process of guarding or of being under guard; esp : CUSTODY 1
2 a : a division in a hospital; esp : a large room in a hospital where a number of patients stay  b : a division (as a cell or block) of a prison
3 : an electoral or administrative division of a city
4 : a person (as a child) under the protection of a court or guardian

2ward vb
1 : to keep watch over : GUARD
2 : to turn aside : DEFLECT — usually used with off <ward off a cold>

1-ward \wərd\ also -wards \wərdz\ adj suffix
1 : that moves, tends, faces, or is directed toward <windward>
2 : that occurs or is located in the direction of <rearward> [Old English -weard (adjective suffix) “being or moving in the direction of”]

2-ward or -wards adv suffix
1 : in a (specified) direction <rearwards> <afterward>
2 : toward a (specified) point, position, or area <skyward>

war·den \ˈwȯrd-ən\ n
1 : one who has charge or care of something : GUARDIAN, KEEPER
2 : the governor of a town, district, or fortress
3 : an official charged with special duties or with the enforcement of specified laws or regulations <game warden> <air-raid warden>
4 : an official in charge of a prison
5 a : a lay officer of an Episcopal parish  b : any of various British college officials

ward·er \ˈwȯrd-ər\ n : WATCHMAN, WARDEN

ward·robe \ˈwȯr-ˌdrōb\ n
1 : a room, closet, or chest where clothes are kept
2 : a collection of clothes (as of one person or for one activity)

ward·room \ˈwȯr-ˌdrüm, -ˌdru̇m\ n : the space in a warship assigned to the officers except the captain as living quarters or a dining room

ware \ˈwa(ə)r, ˈwe(ə)r\ n
1 a : manufactured articles or products of art or craft : GOODS — often used in combination <tinware>  b : an article of merchandise <peddlers hawking their wares>
2 : items (as dishes) made from fired clay : POTTERY <earthenware>

ware·house \ˈwa(ə)r-ˌhau̇s, ˈwe(ə)r-\ n : a building for the storage of goods
— ware·house·man \-ˌhau̇-smən\ n

war·fare \ˈwȯr-ˌfa(ə)r, -ˌfe(ə)r\ n
1 a : military fighting between enemies : WAR  b : activity undertaken by one country or group to weaken or destroy another <economic warfare>
2 : a struggle between competitors : CONFLICT <industrial warfare>

war·head \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌhed\ n : the section of a missile containing the charge

war–horse \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌhȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 : a horse used in war : CHARGER
2 : a veteran soldier or politician

warier comparative of WARY

wariest superlative of WARY

war·like \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌlīk\ adj
1 : fond of war <warlike people>
2 : of, relating to, or used in war <warlike preparations>

war·lock \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌläk\ n : a man who practices witchcraft : SORCERER, WIZARD

war·lord \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌlȯ(ə)rd\ n
1 : an important military leader
2 : a military leader who governs an area by force

1warm \ˈwȯ(ə)rm\ adj
1 a : having or giving off heat to a moderate or adequate degree <warm food> <a warm stove>  b : serving to keep in heat (as of the body) <warm clothes>  c : feeling or causing sensations of heat <warm from exertion> <a long warm walk>
2 a : showing or marked by strong feeling : ARDENT <a warm hug>  b : marked by tense excitement or anger <a warm political campaign>
3 : marked by or tending toward injury, distress, or pain <gave the enemy a warm reception>
4 a : newly made : FRESH <a warm scent>  b : near to a goal, answer, or object sought <not there yet but getting warm>
5 : of a color in the range yellow to orange to red
— warm·ly adv

— warm·ness n

2warm vb
1 : to make or become warm <warm yourself in front of the fire>
2 a : to give a feeling of warmth or pleasure to <it warms my heart to see you>  b : to experience feelings of affection or pleasure <warmed to her young guests>
3 : to reheat for eating <warm over some potatoes>
4 a : to make or become ready for action or performing by doing special exercises or actions beforehand <swimmers warm up before a race>  b : to become increasingly interested or enthusiastic <a speaker warming to his topic>

warm–blood·ed \ˈwȯrm-ˈbləd-əd\ adj
1 : able to keep up a relatively high and constant body temperature that is mostly independent of that of the surrounding environment <birds and mammals are warm-blooded>
2 : warm in feeling
— warm–blood·ed·ness n

warm·er \ˈwȯr-mər\ n : one that warms; esp : a device for keeping something warm <a foot warmer>

warm front n : an advancing edge of a warm air mass

warm·heart·ed \ˈwȯ(-ə)rm-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : marked by warmth of feeling
— warm·heart·ed·ness n

warming pan n : a long-handled covered pan filled with hot coals and used to warm beds in earlier times

war·mon·ger \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌməŋ-gər, -ˌmäŋ-\ n : one who urges or attempts to stir up war
— war·mon·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\ n

warmth \ˈwȯ(ə)rm(p)th\ n
1 : the quality or state of being warm in temperature
2 a : the quality or state of being warm in feeling <enjoyed the warmth of their praise>  b : a glowing effect produced by the use of warm colors

warm–up \ˈwȯr-ˌməp\ n
1 : the act or an instance of warming up
2 : a practice or set of exercises done before a game, contest, or workout

warn \ˈwȯ(ə)rn\ vb
1 a : to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil  b : to give advice to : COUNSEL
2 : to order to go or stay away <warned us off their land>
— warn·er n

warn·ing \ˈwȯr-niŋ\ n
1 : the act of warning : the state of being warned <he had warning of his illness>
2 : something that warns <storm warnings>
— warning adj

— warn·ing·ly adv

warning coloration n : bright color patterns on an animal (as an insect) that serve to warn possible predators that the animal is undesirable as prey (as by being poisonous or bad-tasting)

1warp \ˈwȯ(ə)rp\ n
1 : a series of yarns going lengthwise in a loom and crossed by the woof
2 : a twist or curve in something once flat or straight <a warp in a door>

2warp vb
1 a : to turn or twist out of shape  b : to cause to judge, choose, or act wrongly : PERVERT
2 : to arrange so as to form a warp <warp yarns>
— warp·er n

war·path \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌpath, -ˌpȧth\ n : the route taken by a group of American Indians on their way to fight the enemy
— on the warpath : ready to fight or argue

warp knit n : a knit fabric produced by a machine in which the knitting is done with the yarns running in a lengthwise direction — compare WEFT KNIT
— warp knitting n

1war·rant \ˈwȯr-ənt, ˈwär-\ n
1 : evidence or a reason for thinking, deciding, or doing something : JUSTIFICATION
2 : evidence of permission; esp : a legal paper giving an officer the power to carry out the law
3 : a certificate of appointment issued to an officer of lower rank than a commissioned officer

2warrant vb
1 : to declare or insist with certainty <I'll warrant they know the answer>
2 : to guarantee something to be as it appears or is represented to be
3 : to give legal or official approval to : AUTHORIZE
4 : to call for : REQUIRE <this report warrants careful study>
— war·rant·able \-ə-bəl\ adj

— war·ran·tor \ˌwȯr-ən-ˈtȯ(ə)r, ˌwär-, -ənt-ər\ n

warrant officer n : a military or naval officer with any of the ranks between those of commissioned officers and those of noncommissioned officers; esp : a warrant officer of lowest rank

war·ran·ty \ˈwȯr-ənt-ē, ˈwär-\ n, pl -ties : a written statement guaranteeing the good condition of a product and stating the maker's responsibility for the repair or replacement of faulty parts

warred past and past participle of WAR

war·ren \ˈwȯr-ən, ˈwär-\ n : a place where rabbits breed

warring present participle of WAR

war·rior \ˈwȯr-yər; ˈwȯr-ē-ər, ˈwär-ē-\ n : a person who is or has been in warfare

war·ship \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌship\ n : a ship armed for combat

wart \ˈwȯ(ə)rt\ n
1 : a small hard growth on the skin often caused by a virus
2 : something that sticks out (as on a plant) and resembles a wart
— warty \ˈwȯrt-ē\ adj

wart·hog \ˈwȯ(ə)rt-ˌhȯg, -ˌhäg\ n : a wild African hog with large tusks and in the male two pairs of rough warty growths on the face

war·time \ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌtīm\ n : a period when a war is going on

wary \ˈwa(ə)r-ē, ˈwe(ə)r-\ adj wari·er; -est : very cautious; esp : being on guard against danger or trickery <wary of strangers>  synonyms see CAREFUL
— wari·ly \ˈwar-ə-lē, ˈwer-\ adv

— wari·ness \ˈwar-ē-nəs, ˈwer-\ n

was past 1st & 3rd singular of BE

1wash \ˈwȯsh, ˈwäsh\ vb
1 : to clean with water and usually a cleaning substance (as soap or detergent) <wash clothes> <wash your hands>
2 a : to wet thoroughly with liquid  b : to pass water over or through especially so as to carry off material from the surface or interior
3 : to flow along or splash or overflow against <waves wash the shore>
4 : to pour or flow in a stream or current <the river washes against its banks>
5 : to move or carry by the action of water <several trees were washed away by the flood>
6 : to cover or smear lightly with a liquid (as whitewash or varnish)
7 : to run water over in order to separate out valuable matter <wash sand for gold>
8 : to hold up under washing <this dress washes well>
9 : to stand a test for truthfulness <that story won't wash>
10 : to be worn away by washing <the heavy rain caused the bridge to wash out>

2wash n
1 : the act or process or an instance of washing
2 : articles to be or being washed
3 a : a piece of ground washed by the sea or river  b Western : the dry bed of a stream
4 : worthless especially liquid waste : REFUSE
5 a : a thin coat of paint (as watercolor)  b : a liquid used for coating a surface (as a wall) or for washing
6 : material carried along or deposited by running water
7 a : BACKWASH  b : a disturbance in the air produced by the passage of a wing or propeller

3wash adj : WASHABLE <wash fabric>

wash·able \ˈwȯsh-ə-bəl, ˈwäsh-\ adj : capable of being washed without damage <a washable silk>
— wash·abil·i·ty \ˌwȯsh-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē, ˌwäsh-\ n

wash–and–wear adj : of, relating to, or being a fabric or garment needing little or no ironing after washing

wash·ba·sin \ˈwȯsh-ˌbās-ən, ˈwäsh-\ n : WASHBOWL

wash·board \ˈwȯsh-ˌbō(ə)rd, ˈwäsh-, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd\ n : a grooved board to scrub clothes on

wash·bowl \-ˌbōl\ n : a large bowl for water that is used to wash one's hands and face

wash·cloth \-ˌklȯth\ n : a cloth for washing one's face and body

washed–out \ˈwȯsh-ˈtau̇t, ˈwäsh-\ adj
1 : faded in color
2 : empty of life or energy : EXHAUSTED

washed–up \ˈwȯsh-ˈtəp, ˈwäsh-\ adj : no longer successful, popular, or needed

wash·er \ˈwȯsh-ər, ˈwäsh-\ n
1 : a ring (as of metal) used to make something fit tightly or to prevent rubbing
2 : one that washes; esp : WASHING MACHINE

wash·er·wom·an \ˈwȯsh-ər-ˌwu̇m-ən, ˈwäsh-\ n : a woman who takes in washing

wash·ing \ˈwȯsh-iŋ, ˈwäsh-\ n : articles washed or to be washed

washing machine n : a machine used especially for washing clothes and household linen

washing soda n : a transparent crystalline sodium carbonate combined chemically with water

Washington's Birthday n
1 : February 22 formerly observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.
2 : the third Monday in February observed as a legal holiday in most states of the U.S. — called also Presidents' Day

wash·out \ˈwȯsh-ˌau̇t, ˈwäsh-\ n
1 a : the washing away of earth (as from a road)  b : a place where earth is washed away
2 : a complete failure

wash out \(ˈ)wȯsh-ˈau̇t, (ˈ)wäsh-\ vb
1 : to fade or cause to fade by or as if by laundering
2 : to exhaust the strength or energy
3 : to fail to measure up to a standard
4 : to destroy by the force or action of water

wash·room \ˈwȯsh-ˌrüm, ˈwäsh-, -ˌru̇m\ n : a room with sinks and toilets : LAVATORY

wash·stand \-ˌ(s)tand\ n
1 : a stand holding articles for washing one's face and hands
2 : WASHBOWL

wash·tub \-təb\ n : a tub for washing or soaking clothes

wash up vb
1 : to wash one's face and hands
2 : to bring to an end the force or value of <a scandal would wash you up as a sports hero>
3 : to be deposited by or as if by waves <seaweed washed up on the shore>

wasn't \ˈwəz-ənt, ˈwäz-\ : was not

wasp \ˈwäsp, ˈwȯsp\ n : any of numerous winged insects related to the bees and ants that have a slender body with the abdomen attached by a narrow stalk and that in females and workers are usually capable of giving a very painful sting

WASP or Wasp n, sometimes disparaging : an American of northern European and Protestant background

wasp·ish \ˈwäs-pish, ˈwȯs-\ adj
1 : easily annoyed : SNAPPISH
2 : like a wasp in form; esp : very thin
— wasp·ish·ly adv

— wasp·ish·ness n

wasp waist n : a very slender waist
— wasp–waist·ed \ˈwäsp-ˈwā-stəd, ˈwȯsp-\ adj

1was·sail \ˈwäs-əl also wä-ˈsā(ə)l\ n
1 : an early English toast to someone's health
2 : wild drinking : REVELRY [Middle English wæs hæil, washayl, “a toast to someone's health,” from early Norse ves heill “be well,” from heill “healthy” — related to 3HAIL, 1HALE]

2wassail vb
1 : to go on a wild drinking spree : CAROUSE
2 : to drink to the health of

was·sail·er \ˈwä-sə-lər also wä-ˈsā-lər\ n : one that carouses : REVELER

wast \wəst, (ˈ)wäst\ archaic past 2nd singular of BE

wast·age \ˈwā-stij\ n : loss, decrease, or destruction of something (as by use, decay, erosion, or leakage); esp : wasteful or avoidable loss of something valuable

1waste \ˈwāst\ n
1 a : a region that has few people or is empty of most signs of life : DESERT  b : uncultivated land
2 a : the act or an instance of wasting  b : the state of being wasted
3 a : material left over, rejected, or thrown away  b : an unwanted product obtained in the course of a manufacturing or chemical process  c : material (as carbon dioxide in the lungs or urine in the kidneys) produced in and of no further use to the living body

2waste vb wast·ed; wast·ing
1 : to destroy completely
2 : to wear away or grow smaller gradually
3 : to spend carelessly or uselessly : SQUANDER
4 : to lose or cause to lose weight, strength, or energy <illness caused her to waste away>

3waste adj
1 : being wild and without people or crops : DESOLATE, BARREN
2 : being in a ruined condition
3 : thrown away as worthless after being used
4 : of no further use to a person, animal, or plant <means by which the body gives off waste materials>

waste·bas·ket \ˈwās(t)-ˌbas-kət\ n : an open container for trash and especially wastepaper

waste·ful \ˈwāst-fəl\ adj : given to or marked by waste : PRODIGAL <a wasteful use of our natural resources>
— waste·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— waste·ful·ness n

waste·land \ˈwāst-ˌland\ n
1 : land that is not cultivated or not fit for the cultivation of crops
2 : an ugly often ruined place or area

waste·pa·per \ˈwās(t)-ˈpā-pər\ n : paper thrown away as used, not needed, or not fit for use

wast·er \ˈwā-stər\ n : one that uses or uses up carelessly or needlessly

wast·rel \ˈwā-strəl\ n : SPENDTHRIFT

1watch \ˈwäch, ˈwȯch\ vb
1 : to stay awake especially during the night (as at the bedside of a sick person)
2 : to be on the alert or on the lookout
3 : to keep guard <watch outside the door>
4 : to keep one's eyes on : keep in view <watch a game>
5 : to keep in view so as to prevent harm or warn of danger <watch a brush fire carefully>
6 : to keep oneself informed about <watch his career>
7 : to be on the alert for the chance to make use of <watched her opportunity and took it>
— watch·er n

2watch n
1 a : the act of keeping awake to guard, protect, or attend  b : a state of alert and continuous attention <a tornado watch>  c : close observation <kept a watch over the prisoner>
2 a : WATCHMAN  b : a body of watchmen
3 a : a period during which a part of a ship's company is on duty  b : the part of a ship's company on duty during a watch
4 : a portable timepiece designed to be worn (as on the wrist) or carried in the pocket

watch·dog \ˈwäch-ˌdȯg, ˈwȯch-\ n
1 : a dog kept to guard property
2 : one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or dishonesty

watch·ful \ˈwäch-fəl, ˈwȯch-\ adj : continually on the lookout especially for danger
— watch·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— watch·ful·ness n

watch·mak·er \ˈwäch-ˌmā-kər, ˈwȯch-\ n : one that makes or repairs watches or clocks
— watch·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ n

watch·man \-mən\ n : a person assigned to watch : GUARD

watch out vb : to be on the lookout <watch out for cars>

watch·tow·er \ˈwäch-ˌtau̇(-ə)r, ˈwȯch-\ n : a tower for a lookout

watch·word \-ˌwərd\ n
1 : a secret word used as a signal or password
2 : a motto used as a slogan or cry for common support

1wa·ter \ˈwȯt-ər, ˈwät-\ n
1 : the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is a major part of all living material and that is an odorless and tasteless compound having two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen per molecule
2 pl : an area of seawater bordering on and under the control of a country <sailing Canadian waters>
3 : travel or transportation on water <came by water>
4 : the level of water at a particular state of the tide : TIDE
5 : a liquid containing or resembling water; esp : a watery fluid (as tears, urine, or sap) formed or circulating in a living body
— wa·ter·less \-ləs\ adj

2water vb
1 : to wet or supply with water <water horses> <water the lawn>
2 : to weaken by or as if by the addition of water <someone watered down the punch>
3 : to form or give off water or watery matter (as tears or saliva) <smog makes my eyes water>

water bed n : a bed whose mattress is a plastic bag filled with water

water beetle n : any of numerous oval flattened beetles (as a whirligig beetle) that are found in water and swim by means of their fringed hind legs which act together as oars

wa·ter·bird \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌbərd\ n : a swimming or wading bird

water blister n : a blister containing clear watery fluid

wa·ter·borne \-ˌbōrn, -ˌbȯrn\ adj : supported, carried, or passed on by water <waterborne diseases>

wa·ter·buck \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌbək, ˈwät-\ n, pl waterbuck or waterbucks : an African antelope commonly found near streams or wet areas

water buffalo n : an Asian buffalo that is often domesticated and somewhat resembles a large ox

water bug n : any of various insects that live in or near water or in moist places

water chestnut n : a whitish crunchy vegetable used especially in Chinese cooking that is the peeled underground stem of an Asian sedge; also : the sedge or its underground stem

water clock n : a device or machine for measuring time by the fall or flow of water

water closet n
1 : a compartment or room with a toilet bowl
2 : a toilet bowl with its fixtures

wa·ter·col·or \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌkəl-ər, ˈwät-\ n
1 : a paint whose liquid part is water
2 : a picture painted with watercolor
3 : the art of painting with watercolor
— wa·ter·col·or·ist \-ˌkəl-ə-rəst\ n

wa·ter·course \-ˌkō(ə)rs, -ˌkȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 : a channel in which water flows
2 : a stream of water (as a river or brook)

wa·ter·craft \-ˌkraft\ n : craft for water transportation

wa·ter·cress \-ˌkres\ n : a plant that is related to the mustards and the cabbage, grows especially in clear running water, and has crisp peppery-tasting leaves used especially in salads; also : the leaves of a watercress

water cycle n : HYDROLOGIC CYCLE

wa·ter·er \ˈwȯt-ər-ər, ˈwät-\ n : one that waters <an automatic plant waterer>

wa·ter·fall \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfȯl, ˈwät-\ n : a fall of water usually from a great height

water flea n : any of various small active dark or brightly colored freshwater crustaceans (as a daphnia)

wa·ter·fowl \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfau̇l, ˈwät-\ n, pl -fowl also -fowls : a bird that is found in or near water; esp : a swimming bird (as a duck or goose) often hunted as game

wa·ter·front \-ˌfrənt\ n : land or a section of a town bordering on a body of water

water gas n : a poisonous flammable gaseous mixture that consists chiefly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, that is usually made by blowing air and then steam over red-hot coke or coal, and that is used as a fuel

water glass n : a glass container (as a drinking glass) for holding water

water hole n : a natural hole or hollow containing water especially for drinking

water hyacinth n : a floating water plant often clogging waterways in the southern U.S.

water ice n : a frozen dessert of water, sugar, and flavoring

water jump n : an obstacle (as in a steeplechase) consisting of a pool, stream, or ditch of water

water lily n : any of a family of water plants with rounded floating leaves and usually showy flowers

wa·ter·line \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌlīn, ˈwät-\ n : a line marked on the outside of a ship that matches the surface of the water when the ship floats evenly

wa·ter·logged \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌlȯgd, ˈwät-, -ˌlägd\ adj : so filled or soaked with water as to be heavy or hard to manage <a waterlogged boat>

1wa·ter·mark \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌmärk, ˈwät-\ n
1 : a mark that shows the height to which water has risen
2 : a mark (as the maker's name or trademark) made in paper during manufacture and visible when the paper is held up to the light

2watermark vb : to mark with a watermark

wa·ter·mel·on \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌmel-ən, ˈwät-\ n
1 : a large oblong or rounded fruit with a hard outer shell, a sweet red juicy pulp, and usually many seeds
2 : a widely grown African vine of the gourd family that produces watermelons

water moccasin n : a poisonous pit viper of the southern U.S. that is closely related to the copperhead — called also cottonmouth, cottonmouth moccasin

water ouzel n : DIPPER 2

water park n : an amusement park with pools and wetted slides for recreation

water pistol n : a toy pistol designed to squirt a stream of water

water polo n : a game similar to soccer that is played in water by teams of swimmers

wa·ter·pow·er \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r, ˈwät-\ n : the power of moving water used to run machinery (as for generating electricity)

1wa·ter·proof \-ˌprüf\ adj : not letting water through; esp : covered or treated with a material to prevent penetration by water

2waterproof n, chiefly British : RAINCOAT

3waterproof vb : to make waterproof

water rat n : a rodent that is found in or near water

wa·ter–re·pel·lent \ˌwȯt-ə(r)-ri-ˈpel-ənt, ˌwät-\ adj : treated with a finish that resists but does not completely prevent penetration by water

wa·ter–re·sis·tant \-ri-ˈzis-tənt\ adj : WATER-REPELLENT

wa·ter·shed \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌshed, ˈwät-\ n
1 : a dividing ridge (as a mountain range) separating one drainage area from others
2 : the area that drains into a river or lake

water–ski \-ˌskē\ vb : to ski on water while being towed by a speedboat
— wa·ter–ski·er n

water ski n : a ski used in water-skiing

wa·ter·slide \-ˌslīd\ n : a continuously wetted chute (as at an amusement park) down which people slide into a pool

water snake n : any of various snakes found in or near fresh waters and feeding largely on water-dwelling animals

water spaniel n : a rather large spaniel of either of two breeds with heavy curly coats

wa·ter·spout \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌspau̇t, ˈwät-\ n
1 : a pipe for carrying off water from a roof
2 : a column of rotating wind extending from a cloud down to a cloud of spray torn up from the surface of a body of water by the winds

water strider n : any of various long-legged bugs that move about swiftly on the surface of the water

water table n : the upper limit of the portion of the ground completely soaked with water

wa·ter·tight \ˌwȯt-ər-ˈtīt, ˌwät-\ adj
1 : made to keep water out <a watertight compartment>
2 : allowing no possibility for doubt or uncertainty <a watertight case against the accused>

water vapor n : water in a gaseous form especially when below boiling temperature and spread through the atmosphere

water–vascular system n : a system of vessels in echinoderms containing a circulating watery fluid that is used especially for the movement of tentacles and tube feet

wa·ter·way \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwā, ˈwät-\ n
1 : a channel for water
2 : a body of water through which ships can travel

wa·ter·weed \-ˌwēd\ n : any of various water plants (as elodea) usually with small flowers

wa·ter·wheel \-ˌhwēl, -ˌwēl\ n : a wheel made to turn by a flow of water against it

water wings n pl : an air-filled device to give support to the body of a swimmer

wa·ter·works \ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwərks, ˈwät-\ n pl : a system of reservoirs, pumps, and pipes for supplying water (as to a city)

wa·tery \ˈwȯt-ə-rē, ˈwät-\ adj
1 a : consisting of or filled with water <a watery hole>  b : containing or giving out water or a thin liquid <a watery mixture> <watery eyes>
2 : being like water especially in thinness, sogginess, paleness, or lack of taste <watery lemonade> <watery soup>

watt \ˈwät\ n : a unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second [named for James Watt 1736–1819 Scottish engineer]

watt·age \ˈwät-ij\ n : amount of power expressed in watts

1wat·tle \ˈwät-əl\ n : a framework of poles interwoven with slender branches or reeds and used in building; also : material for such a framework
— wat·tled \-əld\ adj

2wattle vb wat·tled; wat·tling \ˈwät-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 : to form or build of or with wattle
2 a : to weave (as branches) together to form wattle  b : to unite or make solid by weaving together light flexible material

3wattle n : a fleshy flap of skin hanging usually from the neck (as of a bird)

1wave \ˈwāv\ vb waved; wav·ing
1 : to float or shake in an air current : FLUTTER <flags waving in the breeze>
2 : to signal or salute with the hand or with something held in it
3 : BRANDISH <waved a pistol and made threats>
4 : to move before the wind with a wavelike motion <a field of waving grain>
5 : to follow or cause to follow a curving line or take a wavy form <waved her hair>

2wave n
1 : a moving ridge on the surface of water
2 : a wavelike formation or shape <a wave in the hair>
3 : the action or process of making wavy or curly
4 : a waving motion <a wave of the hand>
5 : a steady flowing movement <a wave of color swept the speaker's face>
6 : a sudden or rapid increase <a wave of buying>
7 : a disturbance similar to a wave in water that transfers energy progressively from point to point <a light wave>
8 : a period of hot or cold weather
— wave·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

Wave \ˈwāv\ n : a woman serving in the navy

wave·length \ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th\ n
1 : the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point
2 : a certain line of thought or behavior that reveals a common understanding <coworkers who are on the same wavelength>

wave·let \ˈwāv-lət\ n : a little wave : RIPPLE

wave pool n : a large swimming pool with a machine that produces waves

wa·ver \ˈwā-vər\ vb wa·vered; wa·ver·ing \ˈwāv-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to go back and forth between choices
2 : to weave or sway to and fro
3 : to move unsteadily
— wa·ver·er \ˈwā-vər-ər\ n

wavy \ˈwā-vē\ adj wav·i·er; wav·i·est : having or moving in waves <wavy hair>
— wav·i·ness \-vē-nəs\ n

1wax \ˈwaks\ n
1 : a yellowish moldable substance produced by bees and used by them for making the honeycomb — called also beeswax
2 : any of various substances like the wax of bees [Old English weax “wax produced by bees”]
— wax·like \ˈwak-ˌslīk\ adj

2wax vb : to treat or rub with wax

3wax vb
1 : to grow larger, stronger, fuller, or more numerous
2 : BECOME 1 <waxed angry as I heard the story> [Old English weaxan “to increase”]

wax bean n : a kidney bean with pods that are yellow when ripe for use as snap beans

waxed paper or wax paper n : paper treated with wax to make it resistant to water and grease and used especially as a wrapping

wax·en \ˈwak-sən\ adj : of or like wax

wax museum n : a place where wax figures (as of famous persons) are exhibited

wax myrtle n : any of several trees or shrubs with fragrant leaves; esp : an evergreen shrub or small tree of the eastern U.S. that produces small hard berries with a thick coating of white wax used for candles — compare BAYBERRY 1

wax·wing \ˈwak-ˌswiŋ\ n : any of a genus of American and Eurasian birds that are mostly brown or gray with a showy crest, velvety feathers, and sometimes red waxy material on the tip of the lower wing feathers

wax·work \-ˌswərk\ n
1 : a figure in wax usually of a person
2 pl : WAX MUSEUM

waxy \ˈwak-sē\ adj wax·i·er; -est
1 : full of or covered with wax <a waxy surface> <waxy berries>
2 : resembling wax : WAXEN <a waxy complexion>
— wax·i·ness n

1way \ˈwā\ n
1 a : a track for travel : PATH  b : an opening for passage (as through a crowd or a gate) <no way out>
2 a : a course traveled : ROUTE  b : DIRECTION 3 <come this way> <the wrong way>
3 a : a course of action <chose the easy way>  b : opportunity or power of doing as one pleases <have your own way>  c : POSSIBILITY 1 <there are no two ways about it>
4 a : the manner in which something is done or happens <this way of thinking> <a new way of painting>  b : a noticeable part or detail <a good worker in many ways>  c : 1STATE 1A <the way things are>
5 : a particular or typical manner of behavior <it's just his way> <has a nice way with his pets>
6 a : 1DISTANCE 1B <a short way down the road>  b : progress along a course <earning her way through school> <made her way with difficulty>
7 : LOCALITY <visit when you are out our way>
8 : CATEGORY 1 <get what you need in the way of supplies>
— by the way : aside or apart from that : INCIDENTALLY <by the way, did you hear what happened today?>

— by way of
1 : for the purpose of <mentioned her by way of example>
2 : by the route through : VIA

— in one's way also in the way
1 : in or along one's course
2 : in a position to hinder or obstruct

— on the way or on one's way : moving along in one's course : in progress <we were on our way home>

— out of the way
1 : IMPROPER <said nothing out of the way during dinner>
2 : in or to a place away from public view <found a cottage that was out of the way>
3 : brought to an end : done fully <got his homework out of the way>

2way adv
1 a : 1FAR 1 <is way ahead of the class>  b : 1FAR 2 <ate way too much>  c : 2VERY 2 <way cool>
2 : all the way <pull the switch way back>

way·far·er \ˈwā-ˌfar-ər, -ˌfer-\ n : a traveler especially on foot
— way·far·ing \-ˌfar-iŋ, -ˌfer-\ adj

way·lay \ˈwā-ˌlā\ vb -laid \-ˌlād\; -lay·ing : to attack from a hiding place

way–out \ˈwā-ˈau̇t\ adj : very unusual or odd <way-out ideas>

-ways \ˌwāz\ adv suffix : in such a way, course, direction, or manner <sideways> [derived from Middle English way “course, route”]

way·side \ˈwā-ˌsīd\ n : the side or border of a road or path
— wayside adj

way station n : a station or stopping place along a line of travel (as a railroad line)

way·ward \ˈwā-wərd\ adj
1 : tending to do as one pleases : DISOBEDIENT <wayward children>
2 : not following a rule or regular course of action
— way·ward·ly adv

— way·ward·ness n

we \(ˈ)wē\ pron
1 : I and one or more others
2 : I — used by a monarch or an editor or writer

weak \ˈwēk\ adj
1 a : lacking physical strength  b : easily upset or nauseated <a weak stomach>
2 : not able to stand much weight, pressure, or strain <a weak rope>
3 a : lacking strength of mind or character  b : resulting from or showing a lack of mental or moral firmness <a weak policy>
4 : not rich in some usual or important element <weak tea>
5 : not able to stand the test of logic <a weak argument>
6 : lacking skill or ability <weak in math>
7 : lacking in force of expression <a weak writing style>
8 : not having or using authority <weak government>
9 : of, relating to, or being a verb or verb conjugation that forms the past tense and past participle by adding the suffix -ed or -d or -t
10 : of, relating to, or being the lightest of three levels of stress in pronunciation <a weak syllable>
11 : ionizing only slightly in solution <weak acids>
— weak·ly adv
synonyms WEAK, FEEBLE, FRAIL, mean not strong enough to stand pressure or hard effort. WEAK can be used of either a temporary or permanent loss of strength or power <felt weak after the illness> <I have weak lungs>. FEEBLE stresses very great and pitiful weakness <an old feeble dog>. FRAIL can be used of a person who since birth has had a delicate body <a frail child always getting sick> or of any kind of fragile construction <a frail antique chair>.

weak·en \ˈwē-kən\ vb weak·ened; weak·en·ing \ˈwēk-(ə-)niŋ\ : to make or become weak or weaker

weak·fish \ˈwēk-ˌfish\ n : a common fish of the eastern coast of the U.S. that is an important food and sport fish; also : any of several related fishes used for food

weak force n : a fundamental force experienced by elementary particles that causes some forms of radioactivity and also causes some types of particles to break down into other particles

weak·ling \ˈwē-kliŋ\ n : one that is weak in body, character, or mind
— weakling adj

weak·ly \ˈwē-klē\ adj weak·li·er; -est : not strong or healthy

weak–mind·ed \ˈwēk-ˈmīn-dəd\ adj
1 : lacking in judgment or good sense
2 : FEEBLEMINDED

weak·ness \ˈwēk-nəs\ n
1 : the quality or state of being weak
2 : a weak point : FAULT, DEFECT <a person with few weaknesses>
3 a : a special desire or fondness <has a weakness for chocolate>  b : an object of special desire or fondness <movies are my weakness>

1weal \ˈwē(ə)l\ n : a sound or prosperous state : WELL-BEING [Old English wela “healthy state”]

2weal n : WELT [an altered form of wale “a streak or ridge made on the skin from a blow”]

wealth \ˈwelth\ n
1 : a great amount of money or possessions : AFFLUENCE
2 : a large amount or number : PROFUSION <a wealth of detail>

wealthy \ˈwel-thē\ adj wealth·i·er; -est
1 : having wealth : RICH
2 : marked by plenty : ABUNDANT
— wealth·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

wean \ˈwēn\ vb
1 : to get a child or young animal used to food other than its mother's milk
2 : to turn (one) away from something long desired or followed <wean a person from a bad habit>

weap·on \ˈwep-ən\ n
1 : something (as a gun, knife, or club) used to injure, defeat, or destroy
2 : something with which one fights or struggles against another

weap·on·ry \ˈwep-ən-rē\ n : weapons as a whole

1wear \ˈwa(ə)r, ˈwe(ə)r\ vb wore \ˈwō(ə)r, ˈwȯ(ə)r\; worn \ˈwō(ə)rn, ˈwȯ(ə)rn\; wear·ing
1 a : to use as an article of clothing, adornment, or assistance <wears blue jeans all the time> <wears glasses>  b : to carry on the person <wear a watch>
2 : to have or show an appearance of <wore a happy smile>
3 a : to damage, destroy, or make less by use or by scraping or rubbing <wore the shoes to pieces>  b : to produce gradually by wearing <wear a hole in the rug>  c : to tire or weaken : FATIGUE <soldiers worn by the strain of war>
4 : to stand up under use <a silk that wears well>
5 a : to lessen or end with the passage of time <the effect of the medicine wore off> <the day wore on>  b : to reach a certain condition gradually <the blade wore dull>
— wear·er n

2wear n
1 a : the act of wearing : USE  b : the state of being worn
2 : clothing or an article of clothing usually of a particular kind or for a special occasion or use <children's wear>
3 : wearing quality : durability under use
4 : the result of wearing or use <a carpet showing signs of wear>

wear·able \ˈwar-ə-bəl, ˈwer-\ adj : capable of being worn : suitable to be worn
— wear·abil·i·ty \ˌwar-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē, ˌwer-\ n

wear and tear n : the loss or damage that occurs to something in the course of normal use

wea·ri·some \ˈwir-ē-səm\ adj : causing weariness : TIRESOME <a wearisome lecture>
— wea·ri·some·ly adv

— wea·ri·some·ness n

wear out vb
1 : to tire gradually <worn out from exercising>
2 : to make or become useless by wear

1wea·ry \ˈwi(ə)r-ē\ adj wea·ri·er; -est
1 : worn out in strength, energy, or freshness
2 : showing or marked by weariness
3 : having one's patience, interest, or pleasure exhausted <weary of their attacks>
4 : WEARISOME
— wea·ri·ly \ˈwir-ə-lē\ adv

— wea·ri·ness \ˈwir-ē-nəs\ n

2weary vb wea·ried; wea·ry·ing : to become or make weary  synonyms see TIRE

wea·sel \ˈwē-zəl\ n, pl weasels
1 or pl weasel : any of various small slender active mammals that are related to the minks, eat small animals (as mice and birds), and in northern regions turn white in winter — compare ERMINE 1
2 : a sneaky, untrustworthy, or dishonest person

weasel word n : a word used in order to mislead a person or to avoid a straight answer

1weath·er \ˈweth-ər\ n
1 : the state of the atmosphere in regard to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness
2 : disagreeable atmospheric conditions <stormy weather>
— under the weather : somewhat ill or drunk

2weather vb weath·ered; weath·er·ing \ˈweth-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to change by exposure to the weather <shingles weathered to a silvery gray>
2 : to bear up against and come safely through <weather a storm>

3weather adj : 1WINDWARD

weath·er–beat·en \ˈweth-ər-ˌbēt-ən\ adj
1 : toughened or colored by the weather <a weather-beaten face>
2 : worn or damaged by exposure to the weather <a weather-beaten old barn>

weath·er·cock \-ˌkäk\ n : a weather vane shaped like a rooster

weath·er·ing \ˈweth-(ə-)riŋ\ n : the action of the forces of nature that changes the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects; esp : the physical and chemical breakdown of earth materials at or near the earth's surface

weath·er·man \ˈweth-ər-ˌman\ n : a person who reports and forecasts the weather : METEOROLOGIST

weath·er·per·son \-ˌpərs-ən\ n : WEATHERMAN

weath·er·proof \ˌweth-ər-ˈprüf\ adj : able to stand up under exposure to weather
— weatherproof vb

weather station n : a station for taking, recording, and reporting observations of the weather

weather strip n : a strip of material used to seal a door or window around the edges — called also weather stripping
— weath·er–strip vb

weather vane n : VANE 1

1weave \ˈwēv\ vb wove \ˈwōv\ or weaved; wo·ven \ˈwō-vən\ or weaved; weav·ing
1 a : to form by lacing together strands of material; esp : to make on a loom by lacing together threads going lengthwise with threads going crosswise <weave cloth>  b : to form into a fabric <weave wool into tweeds>
2 : 1SPIN 2B <a caterpillar weaves a cocoon>
3 a : to make by or as if by lacing together parts <wove an exciting adventure tale>  b : to insert as a part : work in <weave a moral into a tale>
4 : to move back and forth or from side to side <weaving his way through a crowd of holiday shoppers>

2weave n : a pattern or method of weaving

weav·er \ˈwē-vər\ n
1 : one that weaves
2 : WEAVER BIRD

weaver bird n : any of numerous Old World birds that resemble finches and usually build a complicated nest by weaving together plant materials

1web \ˈweb\ n
1 : a fabric on a loom or in the process of being removed from a loom
2 a : COBWEB 1B, SPIDERWEB  b : a network of threads spun especially by the larvae of various insects (as tent caterpillars) and usually serving as a nest or shelter  c : something that catches and holds one <spies caught in a web of plots>
3 : a membrane of an animal or plant; esp : one uniting toes (as of many waterbirds)
4 : NETWORK 2
5 cap : WORLD WIDE WEB

2web vb webbed; web·bing
1 : to make or form a web
2 : to cover or provide with webs or a web

webbed \ˈwebd\ adj : having or being toes or fingers joined by webs <the webbed feet of ducks>

web·bing \ˈweb-iŋ\ n : a strong closely woven tape used especially for straps, harness, or upholstery

web·cam \ˈweb-ˌkam\ n, often cap : a camera used in transmitting live images over the World Wide Web

web–foot·ed \ˈweb-ˈfu̇t-əd\ adj : having webbed feet

web·i·sode \ˈweb-ə-ˌsōd\ n : an episode (as of a television series) that is shown over the Internet instead of being broadcast [from World Wide Web and episode]

web·mas·ter \-ˌmas-tər\ n : a person responsible for the creation or maintenance of a website especially for a company or organization

Web page n : the information found at a single World Wide Web address

web·site \ˈweb-ˌsīt\ n : a group of World Wide Web pages usually containing links to each other and made available online by an individual, company, or organization

wed \ˈwed\ vb wed·ded also wed; wed·ding
1 : to take, give, or join in marriage : MARRY
2 : to unite firmly as if by marriage

we'd \(ˌ)wēd\ : we had : we should : we would

wed·ding \ˈwed-iŋ\ n : a marriage ceremony usually with accompanying festivities : NUPTIALS

1wedge \ˈwej\ n
1 : a piece of wood or metal with a pointed edge used especially to split wood or rocks and to lift heavy weights
2 : something (as a piece of pie or land) shaped like a triangle
3 a : something (as a policy or action) that causes a separation or break <the decision drove a wedge between them>  b : something that serves to open the way for an action or development

2wedge vb wedged; wedg·ing
1 : to fasten or tighten by or as if by driving in a wedge
2 a : to press or force into a narrow space <wedged a stick into the crack>  b : to force (one's way) into or through <wedged his way into the crowd>
3 : to separate or force apart with or as if with a wedge

wed·lock \ˈwed-ˌläk\ n : the state of being married

Wednes·day \ˈwenz-dē\ n : the fourth day of the week
Word History Many gods were worshipped by the Germanic people who lived in northern Europe in ancient times. The chief of all the Germanic gods was one who is now usually called Odin. His name in Old English was Woden, and the fourth day of the week was called wōdnesdæg, “day of Woden,” or “Woden's day” in his honor. The Old English wōdnesdæg eventually became the Modern English Wednesday. [Old English wōdnesdæg, literally, “Woden's day”]

wee \ˈwē\ adj
1 : very small : TINY
2 : very early <the wee hours of the morning>

1weed \ˈwēd\ n : a plant that tends to grow thickly where it is not wanted and to choke out more desirable plants

2weed vb
1 : to remove weeds from <weed a garden>
2 : to get rid of (something unwanted) <weed out the troublemakers>
— weed·er n

weeds \ˈwēdz\ n pl : mourning clothes

weedy \ˈwēd-ē\ adj
1 : full or consisting of weeds <a weedy field>
2 : like a weed especially in having strong rapid growth
3 : very skinny

week \ˈwēk\ n
1 a : seven days in a row <was sick for a week>  b : a period of seven days beginning with Sunday and ending with Saturday <the last week of the month>
2 : the working or school days of the calendar week

week·day \ˈwēk-ˌdā\ n : a day of the week except Sunday or except Saturday and Sunday

1week·end \ˈwē-ˌkend\ n : the end of the week; esp : the period between the close of one working or school week and the beginning of the next

2weekend vb : to spend the weekend at a specified place

1week·ly \ˈwē-klē\ adj
1 : occurring, done, produced, or published every week
2 : figured by the week <a weekly wage>
— weekly adv

2weekly n, pl weeklies : a weekly publication

weep \ˈwēp\ vb wept \ˈwept\; weep·ing
1 : to show emotion and especially sorrow by shedding tears : CRY
2 : to give off liquid slowly or in drops : OOZE <a tree weeping sap>
— weep·er n

weep·ing \ˈwē-piŋ\ adj
1 : TEARFUL
2 : having slender drooping branches

weeping willow n : an Asian willow with slender drooping branches

wee·vil \ˈwē-vəl\ n : any of a family of mostly small beetles that have the head long and usually curved downward to form a snout bearing the jaws at the tip and that include many that feed on and are very harmful to plants or plant products (as nuts, fruit, and grain) especially as larvae — called also snout beetle; compare BOLL WEEVIL
— wee·vily or wee·vil·ly \ˈwēv-(ə-)lē\ adj

weft \ˈweft\ n
1 a : 1WOOF 1  b : yarn used for the woof
2 a : woven fabric  b : an article of woven fabric

weft knit n : a knit fabric in which the knitting is done with the yarns running in a crosswise or circular direction (as in ordinary hand knitting) — compare WARP KNIT
— weft knitting n

weigh \ˈwā\ vb
1 a : to find the heaviness of <weighed the bag of onions on a scale>  b : to have weight or a certain weight <he weighs 200 pounds>
2 a : to consider carefully : PONDER <weigh your chances of winning>  b : to be important : COUNT <the evidence will weigh heavily against him>
3 : to raise before sailing <weigh anchor>
4 : to measure on or as if on a scale <weigh out several pounds of rice>
5 : to press down with or as if with a weight <her worries weigh heavily on her>
— weigh·er n

1weight \ˈwāt\ n
1 a : the amount that something weighs  b : the standard amount that something should weigh <fined for selling meat under weight>
2 a : a quantity or portion weighing usually a certain amount <equal weights of flour and butter>  b : a heavy object (as a metal ball) used in athletic exercises and contests
3 a : a unit (as a pound or kilogram) of weight or mass — see MEASURE TABLE; see METRIC SYSTEM TABLE  b : an object (as a piece of metal) of known weight for balancing a scale in weighing other objects
4 a : something heavy : LOAD  b : a heavy object used to hold, press down, or balance something else <clock weights>
5 : a mental or emotional burden <had a weight on my conscience>
6 : the force with which a body is attracted toward the earth or a heavenly body by gravitation
7 a : the importance given to something <opinions that carry weight>  b : the greater or more impressive part <the weight of the evidence is for a verdict of guilty>

2weight vb
1 : to load or make heavy with a weight
2 : to trouble with a burden <weighted down with cares>

weight·less \ˈwāt-ləs\ adj : having little weight : lacking apparent gravitational pull
— weight·less·ness n

weight lifter n : one who lifts barbells in competition or as an exercise
— weight lifting n

weighty \ˈwāt-ē\ adj weight·i·er; -est
1 : having much weight : HEAVY
2 a : of much importance : SERIOUS <weighty problems>  b : showing seriousness : SOLEMN <a weighty expression on her face>
3 : having the power to influence or persuade <weighty arguments>
— weight·i·ly \ˈwāt-əl-ē\ adv

— weight·i·ness n

wei·ma·ra·ner \ˌvī-mə-ˈrän-ər, ˈwī-mə-ˌrän-ər\ n : any of a German breed of large gray short-haired sporting dogs [German, from Weimar, a city in Germany]

weir \ˈwa(ə)r, ˈwe(ə)r, ˈwi(ə)r\ n
1 : a fence set in a stream to catch fish
2 : a dam in a stream to raise the water level or change the direction and course of its flow

weird \ˈwi(ə)rd\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or caused by witchcraft or magic
2 : very unusual or strange : FANTASTIC
— weird·ly adv

— weird·ness n
Word History The belief in some form of fate, a force that cannot be explained, predicted, or controlled, has been a part of many cultures. When people understood very little of the laws of nature, such a belief may have helped to make it easier to live with life's misfortunes even if it did not make life any more comfortable. The Old English word for “fate” was wyrd. When the English began translating Latin works, they used this word for the Roman Fates, goddesses who were believed to control the events in human lives. When the Fates were described as “weird sisters,” the first use of weird as an adjective occurred. People practicing witchcraft were thought to be controlling the wyrd, and in time the Modern English word weird came to refer to things that seemed to happen by magic or that were strange, unusual, or mysterious. [Old English wyrd (noun) “fate”]

weirdo \ˈwi(ə)rd-ō\ n, pl weird·os : a strange person

1wel·come \ˈwel-kəm\ interj — used to greet a guest or newcomer upon arrival

2welcome vb wel·comed; wel·com·ing
1 : to greet in a warm and friendly manner
2 : to receive or accept with pleasure <welcomes a challenge>
— wel·com·er n

3welcome adj
1 : received gladly <a welcome visitor>
2 : giving pleasure : PLEASING <welcome news>
3 : willingly permitted to do, have, or enjoy something <anyone is welcome to use the pool>
4 — used in the phrase “You're welcome” as a reply to an expression of thanks

4welcome n : a friendly greeting or reception

1weld \ˈweld\ vb
1 : to join pieces of metal or plastic by heating and allowing the edges to flow together or by hammering or pressing together
2 : to join as if by welding <welded together in friendship>
3 : to become or be capable of being welded <certain metals weld easily>
— weld·er n

2weld n
1 : a welded joint
2 : union by welding

wel·fare \ˈwel-ˌfa(ə)r, -ˌfe(ə)r\ n
1 : the state of doing well especially in relation to happiness, well-being, or success <must look out for your own welfare>
2 a : aid in the form of money or necessities for people in need  b : a program through which such aid is distributed
— welfare adj

welfare state n : a social system in which the government takes on much of the responsibility for the individual and group welfare of its people

1well \ˈwel\ n
1 : a source of supply <was a well of information>
2 : a hole made in the earth to reach a natural deposit (as of water, oil, or gas)
3 : an open space extending up through floors of a structure (as for a staircase)
4 : something suggesting a well

2well vb : to rise to the surface and flow out

3well adv bet·ter \ˈbet-ər\; best \ˈbest\
1 : so as to be right : in a satisfactory way <did well on the test>
2 : in a friendly or generous way <they always speak well of you>
3 : in a skillful or expert manner <plays the trumpet well>
4 : by as much as possible : COMPLETELY <we are well aware of the problem>
5 : with reason or courtesy <cannot well refuse>
6 : in such a way as to be pleasing : as one would wish <everything has gone well this week>
7 : without trouble <we could well afford it>
8 : in a thorough manner <shake well before using>
9 : in a familiar manner <knew them well>
10 : by quite a lot <was well ahead> <well over a million>
— as well
1 : in addition : ALSO <other features as well>
2 : with the same result <might as well tell them now>

4well interj
1 — used to begin a conversation or continue one that was interrupted
2 — used to express surprise or doubt

5well adj
1 : being in a satisfactory or good state <all is well>
2 : free or recovered from ill health : HEALTHY <he's not a well man>
3 : FORTUNATE 1 <it was well that we left>

we'll \(ˌ)wē(ə)l\ : we shall : we will

well–be·ing \ˈwel-ˈbē-iŋ\ n : the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous : WELFARE

well·born \-ˈbȯrn\ adj : coming from a good family : of gentle or noble birth

well–bred \-ˈbred\ adj : having or showing good manners : POLITE

well–dis·posed \-dis-ˈpōzd\ adj : having a good disposition

well–done \-ˈdən\ adj
1 : done right
2 : cooked thoroughly <a well-done steak>

well–fixed \-ˈfikst\ adj : having plenty of money or property <his family was well-fixed>

well–found·ed \-ˈfau̇n-dəd\ adj : based on good reasons

well·head \ˈwel-ˌhed\ n : the top of or a structure built over a well

well–heeled \ˈwel-ˈhē(ə)ld\ adj : having plenty of money

well–known \ˈwel-ˈnōn\ adj : known by many people

well–mean·ing \-ˈmē-niŋ\ adj : having or based on good intentions

well·ness \-nəs\ n : the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal <lifestyles that promote wellness>

well–nigh \-ˈnī\ adv : ALMOST, NEARLY

well–off \-ˈȯf\ adj
1 : being in good condition or in a good situation
2 : WELL-TO-DO

well–read \-ˈred\ adj : well informed by much reading

well–round·ed \-ˈrau̇n-dəd\ adj : including many details or much variety <a well-rounded education>

well–spo·ken \-ˈspō-kən\ adj
1 : having a good command of language : speaking well and especially courteously
2 : spoken in a fitting and proper manner <well-spoken words>

well·spring \ˈwel-ˌspriŋ\ n
1 : a source of continual supply
2 : FOUNTAINHEAD 1

well–to–do \ˌwel-tə-ˈdü\ adj : having plenty of money and possessions : PROSPEROUS

well–wish·er \ˈwel-ˌwish-ər, -ˈwish-\ n : a person who wishes good fortune to another

Welsh \ˈwelsh also ˈwelch\ n
1 Welsh pl : people born or living in Wales
2 : the Celtic language of the Welsh people [Old English Wealh “Welshman, foreigner”; of Celtic origin — related to WALNUT; see Word History at WALNUT]
— Welsh adj

Welsh cor·gi \-ˈkȯr-gē\ n : a Welsh dog that has a foxy head, short legs, and long body and occurs in two breeds:  a : CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI  b : PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI

Welsh·man \ˈwelsh-mən\ n : a person born or living in Wales

Welsh rabbit n : melted cheese served over toast or crackers

Welsh rare·bit \-ˈra(ə)r-bət, -ˈre(ə)r-\ n : WELSH RABBIT

Welsh springer spaniel n : any of a breed of red and white or orange and white springer spaniels

welt \ˈwelt\ n : a ridge or lump raised on the skin (as by a blow)

1wel·ter \ˈwel-tər\ vb wel·tered; wel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to twist or roll one's body about
2 : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
3 : to become deeply sunk or bogged down <weltered in misery>

2welter n
1 : a state of wild confusion
2 : a confused jumble <a welter of information>

wel·ter·weight \ˈwel-tər-ˌwāt\ n : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of 147 pounds

wen \ˈwen\ n : a cyst formed by blocking a skin gland and filled with fatty material

wench \ˈwench\ n
1 : a young woman : GIRL
2 : a female servant

wend \ˈwend\ vb : to go one's way : PROCEED <wending their way home>

went past of GO

wept past and past participle of WEEP

were past 2nd sing, past pl, or past subjunctive of BE

we're \(ˌ)wi(ə)r, (ˌ)wər\ : we are

weren't \(ˈ)wərnt, ˈwər-ənt\ : were not

were·wolf \ˈwi(ə)r-ˌwu̇lf, ˈwe(ə)r-, ˈwər-\ n, pl were·wolves \-ˌwu̇lvz\ : a person changed or able to change into a wolf
Word History Many countries have legends about people who changed into savage wolflike creatures. Often these people were thought to keep their human shape during the day. At night, however, they were transformed into hungry monsters that killed and then ate their human victims. A full moon was sometimes seen as the force that turned people into werewolves. People who changed into these monsters were thought to have inherited the condition or to have been bitten by another werewolf. No one is sure how these stories got started or why so many different groups of people believed in them. We are sure, though, that Modern English werewolf comes from Old English werwulf, a compound of wer, meaning “man,” and wulf, “wolf.” [Old English werwulf “werewolf,” from wer “man” and wulf “wolf”]

wert \(ˈ)wərt\ archaic past 2nd singular of BE

1west \ˈwest\ adv : to or toward the west

2west adj
1 : situated toward or at the west <the west entrance>
2 : coming from the west <a west wind>

3west n
1 : the direction of sunset : the compass point opposite to east
2 cap : regions or countries west of a point that is mentioned or understood

west·bound \ˈwes(t)-ˌbau̇nd\ adj : going west <a westbound train>

west·er \ˈwes-tər\ vb west·ered; west·er·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\ : to turn or move westward

1west·er·ly \ˈwes-tər-lē\ adv or adj
1 : toward the west <the ship sailed westerly> <a westerly direction>
2 : from the west <the wind blew westerly> <a westerly breeze>

2westerly n, pl -lies : a wind blowing from the west

1west·ern \ˈwes-tərn\ adj
1 cap : of, relating to, or resembling that of the West
2 : lying toward or coming from the west <a western storm>

2western n : a story, film, or radio or television show about life in the western U.S. in the last part of the 19th century

West·ern·er \ˈwes-tə(r)-nər\ n : a person born or living in the West (as of the U.S.)

western hemisphere n, often cap W&H : the half of the earth including North America, South America, and surrounding waters

western hemlock n : a hemlock of commercial importance as a timber tree that ranges from Alaska to California; also : its wood

western omelet n : an omelet made with chopped ham, green pepper, and onion

western saddle n, often cap W : a large saddle having a deep broad seat and a high front and back

West Highland white terrier n : any of a breed of small white long-haired terriers developed in Scotland

1west·ward \ˈwes-twərd\ adv or adj : toward the west
— west·wards \-twərdz\ adv

2westward n : westward direction or part

1wet \ˈwet\ adj wet·ter; wet·test
1 : containing, covered with, or soaked with liquid (as water)
2 : RAINY <wet weather>
3 : not yet dry <wet paint>
— wet·ly adv

— wet·ness n

— all wet : completely wrong : MISTAKEN

2wet n
1 : 1WATER 1
2 : MOISTURE
3 : rainy weather : RAIN

3wet vb wet or wet·ted; wet·ting
1 : to make or become wet
2 : to urinate in or on <wet his pants>

wet blanket n : one that discourages or puts an end to enthusiasm or pleasure

wet·land \ˈwet-ˌland\ n : land or areas (as marshes or swamps) having much soil moisture — usually used in plural

wet suit n : a rubber suit for swimmers that traps a layer of water against the body to save body heat (as while swimming in cold water)

we've \(ˌ)wēv\ : we have

1whack \ˈhwak, ˈwak\ vb : to hit or cut with a hard noisy blow <whacked the ball into left field>
— whack·er n

2whack n
1 : a hard noisy blow; also : its sound
2 : 2TRY, ATTEMPT <take a whack at it>
— out of whack : not in good working order or shape <the compass was out of whack>

1whack·ing \ˈhwak-iŋ, ˈwak-\ adj : very big <a whacking sum of money>

2whacking adv : 2VERY 1 <a whacking good story> <a whacking big diamond>

1whale \ˈhwā(ə)l, ˈwā(ə)l\ n, pl whales or whale : a water-dwelling mammal (as a humpback whale or a killer whale) that is a cetacean of usually very large size with a torpedo-shaped body, front limbs modified into flippers but no hind limbs, and a tail flattened and extended to the sides as flukes and that usually breathes through an opening on top of the head — compare BALEEN WHALE, TOOTHED WHALE
2 : something large enough to catch attention <it made a whale of a difference> [Old English hwæl “whale”]

2whale vb whaled; whal·ing : to hunt whales

3whale vb whaled; whal·ing
1 : THRASH 2A
2 : to hit hard <whaled the ball> [origin unknown]

whale·boat \ˈhwā(ə)l-ˌbōt, ˈwā(ə)l-\ n : a long narrow rowboat formerly used by whalers for hunting whales

whale·bone \-ˌbōn\ n : BALEEN

whalebone whale n : BALEEN WHALE

whale oil n : an oil obtained from the blubber of whales and formerly used especially in lamps

whal·er \ˈhwā-lər, ˈwā-\ n : a person or ship that hunts for whales

whale shark n : a harmless shark of warm waters that feeds chiefly on plankton, may sometimes grow to a length of up to 60 feet (18.3 meters), and is the largest known fish

wharf \ˈhwȯrf, ˈwȯrf\ n, pl wharves \ˈhwȯrvz, ˈwȯrvz\ also wharfs : a structure built on the shore at which ships can load and unload

1what \(ˈ)hwät, (ˈ)hwət, (ˈ)wät, (ˈ)wət\ pron
1 a : which thing or things <what happened?>  b : which sort of thing or person <what is this?> <what are they — doctors?>
2 — used to ask one to repeat something said but not properly heard or understood <you said what?>
3 — used to express surprise or excitement <what, no breakfast?>
4 — used to direct attention to something that the speaker is about to say <you know what?>
5 : that which <do what you're told>
6 : 1WHATEVER 1 <say what you will>
— what for : 1WHY

— what have you : 1WHATNOT

— what if
1 : what would happen if <what if they find out?>
2 : what does it matter if <so what if they do? I don't care>

2what adv
1 : in what way : HOW <what does it matter>
2 — used before one or more phrases that tell a cause <what with school and sports, she kept busy>

3what adj
1 a — used to ask about the identity of a person, object, or matter <what books do you read>  b : how remarkable or surprising <what an idea>
2 : 2WHATEVER 1

1what·ev·er \hwät-ˈev-ər, (ˌ)hwət-, wät-, (ˌ)wət-\ pron
1 : anything that <take whatever you need>
2 : no matter what <whatever you do, don't cheat>
3 : 1WHAT 1B — used to express surprise or bewilderment <whatever made you think that>

2whatever adj
1 : any and all : any . . . that <take whatever action is needed>
2 : of any kind at all <no food whatever>

1what·not \ˈhwät-ˌnät, ˈhwət-, ˈwät-, ˈwət-\ pron : any of various other things that might also be mentioned <hummingbirds and hawks and owls and whatnot>

2whatnot n : a light open set of shelves

what·so·ev·er \ˌhwät-sə-ˈwev-ər, ˌhwət-, ˌwät-, ˌwət-\ pron or adj : WHATEVER

wheat \ˈhwēt, ˈwēt\ n
1 : a cereal grain that can be made into a fine white flour used mostly in breads, baked goods (as cakes and crackers), and pastas (as macaroni or spaghetti) and that is used in animal feeds
2 : any of a genus of grasses grown in most temperate areas for the wheat they produce; esp : a grass with long dense flower spikes and white to dark red grains that is the chief source of wheat and is known only in cultivation

wheat·en \ˈhwēt-ən, ˈwēt-\ adj : containing or made from wheat <wheaten bread>

wheat germ n : the embryo of the wheat kernel separated in milling and used especially as a source of vitamins and protein

wheat rust n : a harmful disease of wheat caused by rust fungi; also : a fungus causing a wheat rust

whee interj — used to express delight or high spirits

whee·dle \ˈhwēd-əl, ˈwēd-\ vb whee·dled; whee·dling \ˈhwēd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ, ˈwēd-\
1 : to get (someone) to think or act a certain way by flattering or coaxing <wheedled them into agreeing>
2 : to gain or get by coaxing or flattering <wheedled money from his friend>

1wheel \ˈhwē(ə)l, ˈwē(ə)l\ n
1 : a disk or circular frame turning on a central point
2 : a device (as a bicycle or potter's wheel) whose main part is a wheel
3 : something resembling a wheel (as in being round) <a wheel of cheese>
4 : a curving or circular movement
5 : a moving or essential part of something compared to a machine <the wheels of government>
6 : a person of importance <he was a big wheel in town>
7 pl slang : AUTOMOBILE <he borrowed my wheels for an upcoming date>
— wheeled \ˈhwē(ə)ld, ˈwē(ə)ld\ adj

2wheel vb
1 : to turn on or as if on a central point : REVOLVE
2 : to change direction as if turning on a central point <wheeled about to face her opponent>
3 : to move in a circle or curve
4 : to carry or move on wheels or in a vehicle <wheel a load into the barn>
— wheel and deal : to make deals or do business especially in a clever or energetic manner

wheel and axle n : a simple machine consisting of a grooved wheel turned by a cord or chain with a firmly attached axle (as for winding up a weight) together with supports

wheel·bar·row \ˈhwē(ə)l-ˌbar-ō, ˈwē(ə)l-\ n : a small cart that has two handles and usually one wheel, is used for carrying small loads, and is usually pushed

wheel·base \-ˌbās\ n : the distance between the front and rear axles of a motor vehicle

wheel·chair \-ˌche(ə)r, -ˌcha(ə)r\ n : a chair with wheels used especially by sick, injured, or disabled people to get about

wheel·er \ˈhwē-lər, ˈwē-\ n : one of a team of horses that pulls from the position nearest the front wheels of a wagon

wheel·house \-ˌhau̇s\ n : PILOTHOUSE

1wheeze \ˈhwēz, ˈwēz\ vb wheezed; wheez·ing
1 : to breathe with difficulty especially with a whistling sound
2 : to make a sound like wheezing

2wheeze n : a wheezing sound

wheezy \ˈhwē-zē, ˈwē-\ adj wheez·i·er; -est
1 : tending to wheeze <a wheezy infant>
2 : making or having the sound of wheezing <a wheezy cough> <wheezy old cars>

whelk \ˈhwelk, ˈwelk, ˈwilk\ n : any of numerous large marine snails; esp : one used for food in Europe

whelm \ˈhwelm, ˈwelm\ vb : OVERWHELM 2

1whelp \ˈhwelp, ˈwelp\ n
1 : one of the young of a flesh-eating animal and especially a dog
2 : a young person

2whelp vb : to give birth to whelps

1when \(ˈ)hwen, hwən, (ˈ)wen, wən\ adv
1 : at what time <when will you return>
2 : at or during which time <a time when things were upset>

2when conj
1 a : at or during the time that : WHILE <went fishing when we were on vacation>  b : just at the moment that <left when the bell rang>  c : every time that <my mouth waters when I see food>
2 : in the event that : IF <when players cheat, they are disqualified>
3 : in spite of the fact that : ALTHOUGH <went outside when she should have done her chores>

3when \ˌhwen, ˌwen\ pron : what or which time <since when have you known that>

1whence \(ˈ)hwen(t)s, (ˈ)wen(t)s\ adv : from what place, source, or cause <whence come all these doubts>

2whence conj : from or out of which place, source, or cause <the land whence they came>

1when·ev·er \hwe-ˈnev-ər, hwə-, we-, wə-\ conj : at any or every time that <stop whenever you wish>

2whenever adv : at whatever time <come tomorrow or whenever>

when·so·ev·er \ˈhwen(t)-sə-ˌwev-ər, ˈwen(t)-\ conj : WHENEVER

1where \(ˈ)hwe(ə)r, (ˈ)hwa(ə)r, (ˌ)hwər, (ˈ)we(ə)r, (ˈ)wa(ə)r, (ˌ)wər\ adv
1 : at, in, or to what place <where are we going>
2 : at, in, or to what situation, position, direction, or circumstances <where will this course of action lead>

2where conj
1 a : at, in, or to what place <knows where the house is>  b : at, in, or to what situation, position, direction, or circumstances <see where that behavior leads>
2 : 2WHEREVER 1 <sit where you please>
3 : at, in, or to which place <the town where we live>
4 a : at, in, or to the place at, in, or to which <stay where you are>  b : in a situation or circumstances in which <no good where careful work is needed>

3where \ˈhwe(ə)r, ˈhwa(ə)r, ˈwe(ə)r, ˈwa(ə)r\ n : what place, source, or cause <where are you from>

1where·abouts \-ə-ˌbau̇ts\ also where·about \-ˌbau̇t\ adv : about where <whereabouts is the house>

2whereabouts n sing or pl : the place where a person or thing is <do you know their whereabouts>

where·as \hwer-ˈaz, hwar-, wer-, war-, (ˌ)hwər-, (ˌ)wər\ conj
1 : in view of the fact that : SINCE
2 : while just the opposite <water puts out fire, whereas gasoline feeds it>

where·at \-ˈat\ conj
1 : at or toward which
2 : as a result of which

where·by \hwe(ə)r-ˈbī, hwa(ə)r-, we(ə)r-, wa(ə)r-, (ˌ)hwər-, (ˌ)wər-\ conj : by, through, or in agreement with which

1where·fore \ˈhwe(ə)r-ˌfō(ə)r, ˈhwa(ə)r-, ˈwe(ə)r-, ˈwa(ə)r-, -ˌfȯ(ə)r\ adv
1 : for what reason or purpose : WHY
2 : THEREFORE

2wherefore n : an answer or statement giving an explanation : REASON <the whys and wherefores>

where·from \-ˌfrəm, -ˌfräm\ conj : from which

1where·in \hwer-ˈin, hwar-, wer-, war-, (ˌ)hwər-, (ˌ)wər-\ adv : in what : in what way <wherein was I wrong>

2wherein conj : in which <the city wherein we live>

where·of \-ˈəv, -ˈäv\ conj
1 : of what <knows whereof she speaks>
2 : of which or whom <wrote many books whereof the best are lost>

where·on \-ˈȯn, -ˈän\ conj : on which <the base whereon the vase rests>

where·so·ev·er \ˈhwer-sə-ˌwev-ər, ˈhwar-, ˈwer-, ˈwar-\ conj : WHEREVER 1

where·up·on \ˈhwer-ə-ˌpȯn, ˈhwar-, ˈwer-, ˈwar-, -ˌpän\ conj
1 : on which
2 : and then : at which time

1wher·ev·er \hwer-ˈev-ər, hwar-, wer-, war-, (ˌ)hwər-, (ˌ)wər-\ adv : 1WHERE 1 — used in questions expressing surprise or bewilderment <wherever did you get that hat>

2wherever conj
1 : at, in, or to whatever place <succeeds wherever he goes>
2 : in any situation in which <wherever it is possible, I try to help>

where·with \ˈhwe(ə)r-ˌwith, ˈhwa(ə)r-, ˈwe(ə)r-, ˈwa(ə)r-, -ˌwith\ conj : with or by means of which <we lack tools wherewith to repair the damage>

where·with·al \ˈhwe(ə)r-with-ˌȯl, ˈhwa(ə)r-, ˈwe(ə)r-, ˈwa(ə)r-, -with-\ n : WEALTH 1, RESOURCES; esp : MONEY 1B <the wherewithal to buy a house>

whet \ˈhwet, ˈwet\ vb whet·ted; whet·ting
1 : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone) <whet a knife>
2 : to make keen : STIMULATE <whet the appetite>

wheth·er \ˈhweth-ər, ˈweth-, (ˌ)hwəth-ər, (ˌ)wəth-\ conj
1 a : if it is or was true that <ask whether they are going>  b : if it is or was better <uncertain whether to go or stay>
2 — used to introduce two or more situations of which only one can occur <whether we succeed or fail, we must try> <we're going whether or not you come>

whet·stone \ˈhwet-ˌstōn, ˈwet-\ n : a stone for sharpening blades

whew \often read as ˈhwü, ˈwü, ˈhyü; the interjection is a whistle ending with a voiceless ü\ n : a sound somewhat like a whistle used chiefly to express amazement, discomfort, or relief

whey \ˈhwā, ˈwā\ n : the watery part of milk that separates after the milk has soured and thickened especially in the process of making cheese — compare CURD 1

1which \(ˈ)hwich, (ˈ)wich\ adj
1 : being what one or ones <which tie should I wear> <knew which people had paid>
2 : WHICHEVER <it will not fit, turn it which way you like>

2which pron
1 : what one or ones out of a group <which of those houses do you live in> <they are swimming or canoeing, I don't know which>
2 : WHICHEVER <take which you like>
3 — used to introduce a clause referring to something other than human beings <the books which we bought>

1which·ev·er \hwich-ˈev-ər, wich-\ pron : whatever one or ones out of a group <whichever you prefer>

2whichever adj : being whatever one or ones out of a group : no matter which <whichever way you go>

1whiff \ˈhwif, ˈwif\ n
1 : a quick puff or slight gust <a whiff of air>
2 : a small quantity of odor, gas, or smoke that is breathed in

2whiff vb
1 : to blow out or away in small amounts
2 : to breathe in an odor

whif·fle·tree \ˈhwif-əl-(ˌ)trē, ˈwif-\ n : the swinging bar that connects an animal harness to a vehicle (as a cart) or a plow — called also whippletree

Whig \ˈhwig, ˈwig\ n
1 : a member or supporter of a British political group of the late 17th through early 19th centuries trying to lessen the power of the monarch and to increase the power of the parliament
2 : an American supporting independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution
3 : a member or supporter of a 19th century American political party formed to oppose the Democrats

1while \ˈhwī(ə)l, ˈwī(ə)l\ n
1 : a period of time <stay here for a while>
2 : time and effort used <worth your while>

2while conj
1 a : during the time that <take a nap while I'm out>  b : as long as <enjoy life while we can>
2 : in spite of the fact that : ALTHOUGH <while respected, the mayor is not liked>

3while vb whiled; whil·ing : to cause to pass pleasantly or without boredom <while away the time>

1whi·lom \ˈhwī-ləm, ˈwī-\ adv, archaic : FORMERLY

2whilom adj : FORMER <your whilom friends>

whilst \ˈhwī(ə)lst, ˈwī(ə)lst\ conj, chiefly British : 2WHILE

whim \ˈhwim, ˈwim\ n : an odd or sudden wish, desire, or change of mind

1whim·per \ˈhwim-pər, ˈwim-\ vb whim·pered; whim·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\ : to utter weak interrupted cries <whimpered in pain>

2whimper n : a whimpering cry

whim·si·cal \ˈhwim-zi-kəl, ˈwim-\ adj
1 : full of whims : CAPRICIOUS <a whimsical person always going off somewhere>
2 : resulting from or marked by whim : ERRATIC <whimsical behavior>
— whim·si·cal·i·ty \ˌhwim-zə-ˈkal-ət-ē, ˌwim-\ n

— whim·si·cal·ly \ˈhwim-zi-k(ə-)lē, ˈwim-\ adv

whim·sy also whim·sey \ˈhwim-zē, ˈwim-\ n, pl whimsies also whimseys
1 : WHIM, CAPRICE
2 : the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful <the designer's new line of swimwear showed a touch of whimsy>
3 : an imaginative or fantastic object or creation especially in a piece of writing or art

1whine \ˈhwīn, ˈwīn\ vb whined; whin·ing
1 : to make a shrill troubled cry or a similar sound <a child whining> <the electric saw whined as it cut the wood>
2 : to complain with or as if with a whine <always whining about his chores>
— whin·er n

— whin·ing·ly \ˈhwī-niŋ-lē, ˈwī-\ adv

2whine n
1 : a whining cry or sound
2 : a complaint uttered with or as if with a whine
— whiny \ˈhwi-nē, ˈwī-\ adj

1whin·ny \ˈhwin-ē, ˈwin-\ vb whin·nied; whin·ny·ing : to neigh especially in a low or gentle manner

2whinny n, pl whinnies : the neigh of a horse especially when low or gentle

1whip \ˈhwip, ˈwip\ vb whipped; whip·ping
1 : to move, snatch, or jerk quickly and forcefully <whip out a camera>
2 : to strike with something long and thin or flexible
3 : to overcome thoroughly : DEFEAT
4 : to stir up : INCITE <whip up enthusiasm>
5 : to produce in a hurry <whipped up a satisfying meal>
6 : to beat into a thick fluffy mass <whip cream>
7 : to flap about in a lively manner <sails whipped in the strong wind>
— whip·per n

2whip n
1 : a flexible tool for whipping
2 a : a dessert made by whipping some part of the mixture  b : a kitchen utensil used in whipping
3 : a whipping motion
— whip·like \ˈhwip-ˌlīk, ˈwip-\ adj

whip·cord \ˈhwip-ˌkȯ(ə)rd, ˈwip-\ n
1 : a thin tough braided cord
2 : a strong cloth with fine diagonal ridges

whip·lash \-ˌlash\ n
1 : the lash of a whip
2 : injury resulting from a sudden sharp jerking movement of the head and neck (as of a person in a car that is struck from behind by another car)

whip·per·snap·per \ˈhwip-ər-ˌsnap-ər, ˈwip-\ n : a small, unimportant, or overly confident person

whip·pet \ˈhwip-ət, ˈwip-\ n : any of a breed of small swift slender dogs that are often used for hunting small animals or racing

whip·ping boy n : SCAPEGOAT

whip·ple·tree \ˈhwip-əl-(ˌ)trē, ˈwip-\ n : WHIFFLETREE

whip–poor–will \ˈhwip-ər-ˌwil, ˌhwip-ər-ˈwil, ˈwip-, ˌwip-\ n : an insect-eating bird of the eastern U.S. and Canada that is active at night and has a loud repeated call which sounds like its name

1whir also whirr \ˈhwər, ˈwər\ vb whirred; whir·ring : to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a buzzing sound <ceiling fans whirred overhead>

2whir also whirr n : a fluttering or vibrating sound made by something in rapid motion <the whir of machinery>

1whirl \ˈhwər(-ə)l, ˈwər(-ə)l\ vb
1 : to move or drive in a circle or curve especially with force or speed <cars whirling around the track>
2 a : to turn rapidly in circles : SPIN  b : to turn abruptly : WHEEL <whirled around in surprise>
3 : to move or go quickly <whirled down the street>
4 : to become dizzy : REEL <my head is whirling>
— whirl·er \ˈhwər-lər, ˈwər-\ n

2whirl n
1 a : a rapid whirling movement  b : something whirling <a whirl of dust>
2 a : a state of busy movement : BUSTLE <a whirl of activity>  b : a confused mental state
3 : an experimental attempt : TRY <gave it a whirl>

whirl·i·gig \ˈhwər-li-ˌgig, ˈwər-\ n
1 : a toy that has a whirling motion
2 : something that continuously whirls or changes

whirligig beetle n : any of a family of beetles that live mostly on the surface of water where they swim about in circles

whirl·pool \ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül, ˈwər(-ə)l-\ n
1 : water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center into which floating objects are drawn : EDDY
2 : WHIRLPOOL BATH

whirlpool bath n : a bath in which all or part of the body is exposed to forceful whirling currents of hot water

1whirl·wind \-ˌwind\ n : a small windstorm of rapidly rotating air

2whirlwind adj : resembling a whirlwind especially in speed or force <a whirlwind campaign> <a whirlwind romance>

whirly·bird \ˈhwər-lē-ˌbərd, ˈwər-\ n : HELICOPTER

whish \ˈhwish, ˈwish\ vb : to move with a whizzing or swishing sound
— whish n

1whisk \ˈhwisk, ˈwisk\ n
1 : a quick brush or sweep <a whisk of the hand>
2 : a small kitchen utensil used for beating food
3 : WHISK BROOM

2whisk vb
1 : to move easily and quickly <squirrels whisked up the trees>
2 : to move or carry briskly <whisked the children off to bed>
3 : to mix or fluff up by or as if by beating with a whisk <whisk eggs>
4 : to brush or wipe off lightly <whisk the lint off your skirt>

whisk broom n : a small broom with a short handle

whis·ker \ˈhwis-kər, ˈwis-\ n
1 a : a hair of the beard  b pl : the part of the beard growing on the sides of the face or on the chin
2 : one of the long hairs or bristles growing near the mouth of an animal (as a cat or mouse)
— whis·kered \-kərd\ adj

whis·key or whis·ky \ˈhwis-kē, ˈwis-\ n, pl whiskeys or whiskies : an alcoholic liquor made from grain (as rye, corn, or barley) [from uisce beatha, a phrase in Irish (the ancient language of Ireland) and isuge beatha, a phrase in Scottish Gaelic (the ancient language of Scotland), both meaning literally “water of life”]

1whis·per \ˈhwis-pər, ˈwis-\ vb whis·pered; whis·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to speak very softly or under the breath
2 : to tell or utter by whispering <whisper a secret>
3 : to make a series of little noises <whispering leaves>
— whis·per·er \-pər-ər\ n

2whisper n
1 : something said by or as if by whispering; esp : 1RUMOR <whispers of scandal>
2 : an act or instance of whispering
3 : a barely noticeable amount : HINT <showed only a whisper of concern>

whis·pery \ˈhwis-p(ə-)rē, ˈwis-\ adj : resembling a whisper <a whispery voice>

whist \ˈhwist, ˈwist\ n : a card game for four players in two partnerships

1whis·tle \ˈhwis-əl, ˈwis-\ n
1 : a device making a shrill sound <tin whistle> <steam whistle>
2 a : a shrill clear sound made by forcing air through puckered lips  b : a sound or signal produced by a whistle or as if by whistling

2whistle vb whis·tled; whis·tling \ˈhwis-(ə-)liŋ, ˈwis-\
1 : to make a whistle through puckered lips
2 : to move, pass, or go with a shrill sound <an arrow whistled by me>
3 : to blow or sound a whistle <the teakettle whistled>
4 : to utter by whistling <whistle a tune>
— whis·tler \ˈhwis-(ə-)lər, ˈwis-\ n

whit \ˈhwit, ˈwit\ n : the smallest part or particle : BIT <cared not a whit about money>

1white \ˈhwīt, ˈwīt\ adj whit·er; whit·est
1 a : having no color  b : of the color of new snow or milk  c : light or pale in color <white hair> <lips white with fear>  d : pale gray : SILVERY
2 : of, relating to, or being a member of a group or race having light skin
3 : unmarked by writing or printing : BLANK
4 : not intended to cause harm <a white lie> <white magic>
5 : marked by the presence of snow <a white Christmas>
— white·ness n

2white n
1 : the color of fresh snow
2 : a white or light-colored thing or part (as the material around the yolk of an egg or the white part of the eyeball)
3 : one that is or approaches the color white: as  a : white clothing <washed a load of whites>  b pl : TEETH — used in the phrase pearly whites
4 : a person belonging to a light-skinned race

white ant n : TERMITE

white blood cell n : a colorless blood cell (as a lymphocyte) that lacks hemoglobin and contains a nucleus — called also leukocyte, white blood corpuscle, white cell, white corpuscle

white·board \ˈhwīt-ˌbō(ə)rd, -ˌbȯ(ə)rd, ˈwīt-\ n : a hard smooth white surface used for writing or drawing on with markers

white·cap \ˈhwīt-ˌkap, ˈwīt-\ n : the top of a wave breaking into foam — usually used in plural

white cedar n
1 : either of two trees related to the cypresses:  a : an evergreen swamp tree of the eastern coast of the U.S.  b : a common arborvitae especially of eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S.
2 : the wood of a white cedar

white chocolate n : a sweet food made with cocoa butter, sugar, milk, and flavorings

white clover n : a Eurasian clover with heads of white flowers that is widely used in grass-seed mixtures and is an important source of nectar for honey bees

white–collar \ˈhwīt-ˈkäl-ər, ˈwīt-\ adj : of, relating to, or being a member of the class of workers (as clerks and salespersons) whose duties do not require the wearing of work clothes

white crappie n : an edible silvery North American sunfish that is often stocked in small ponds

white dwarf n : a small whitish star of low brightness that has a mass approximately equal to that of the sun but that is many times more dense

white elephant n : something requiring much care and expense and giving little profit or enjoyment [so called from the fact that in India and neighboring countries, light-colored elephants are treated as sacred and kept without being put to work]

white·fish \ˈhwīt-ˌfish, ˈwīt-\ n : any of various freshwater food fishes related to the salmons and trouts and mostly greenish above and silvery white below

white flag n : a flag of plain white used as a flag of truce or as a sign of surrender

white gold n : a pale mixture of gold especially with nickel or palladium that resembles platinum in appearance

white goods n pl
1 : articles of cloth (as sheets, towels, or curtains) used in the bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen
2 : major household appliances (as stoves and refrigerators) that typically are white-colored

white·head \ˈhwīt-ˌhed, ˈwīt-\ n : a small whitish lump in the skin caused by the fluid given off by an oil gland when the canal leading from the gland is blocked

white lead n : a heavy white poisonous carbonate of lead used formerly as a coloring matter in exterior paints

white matter n : whitish nerve tissue especially of the brain and spinal cord that consists largely of nerve fibers enclosed in a fatty material and that lies under the gray matter

whit·en \ˈhwīt-ən, ˈwīt-\ vb whit·ened; whit·en·ing \-ən-iŋ, -niŋ\ : to make or become white or whiter
— whit·en·er \-nər, -ən-ər\ n

white noise n
1 : an even mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range
2 : a constant background noise; esp : one that drowns out other sounds

white oak n : any of various oaks with acorns that mature in one year; also : the hard, strong wood of a white oak that lasts well and is not easily rotted by water

white pages n pl : the section of a telephone directory that lists individuals and businesses alphabetically

white pepper n : a seasoning with a sharp flavor that is prepared by grinding the fruit of the Indian pepper after the black outer husk is removed

white pine n : a tall-growing pine of eastern North America with long needles in clusters of five; also : its wood

white–pine blister rust n : a harmful disease of white pine caused by a rust fungus; also : this fungus

white potato n : POTATO 2B

white rice n : rice from which outer covering and seed coat have been removed

white sauce n : a sauce made from seasoned milk, cream, or broth and thickened with flour

white shark n : GREAT WHITE SHARK

white·tail \ˈhwīt-ˌtāl, ˈwīt-\ n : WHITE-TAILED DEER

white–tailed deer \ˌhwīt-ˌtāl-ˈdi(ə)r, ˌwīt-\ n : a North American deer that has a rather long tail which is white on the underside and antlers which arch forward — called also whitetail deer

white·throat \ˈhwīt-ˌthrōt, ˈwīt-\ n : WHITE-THROATED SPARROW

white–throat·ed sparrow \ˌhwīt-ˌthrōt-əd-, ˌwīt-\ n : a common brown sparrow of eastern North America with black and white stripes on the top of its head and with a white patch on its throat

1white·wash \ˈhwīt-ˌwȯsh, -ˌwäsh, ˈwīt-\ vb
1 : to whiten with whitewash
2 a : to explain away or cover up <refused to whitewash the scandal>  b : to clear of a charge of wrongdoing by offering excuses, hiding facts, or conducting a careless investigation <accused the city council of whitewashing the mayor>
3 : to prevent an opponent in a game or contest from scoring
— white·wash·er n

2whitewash n
1 : a mixture (as of lime and water) for whitening a surface
2 : a clearing or covering up of wrongdoing

white water n : rough foamy water (as in rapids or waterfalls)

whith·er \ˈhwith-ər, ˈwith-\ adv : to what place or situation <whither will they go>

whit·ish \ˈhwīt-ish, ˈwīt-\ adj : somewhat white

whit·low \ˈhwit-ˌlō, ˈwit-\ n : a deep inflammation of a finger or toe usually with pus and located especially near the end or around the nail

Whit·sun·day \ˈhwit-ˈsən-dē, -sən-ˌdā, ˈwit-\ n : PENTECOST 2 [Old English hwīta sunnandæg, literally “white Sunday”; probably so called from the fact that at this season there were many people who were newly baptized and who wore white robes]

Whit·sun·tide \ˈhwit-sən-ˌtīd, ˈwit-\ n : the week beginning with Whitsunday; esp : the first three days of this week

whit·tle \ˈhwit-əl, ˈwit-\ vb whit·tled; whit·tling \-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\
1 a : to shave or cut off chips from the surface of wood with a knife  b : to shape or form by so shaving or cutting
2 : to reduce gradually : PARE <whittle down expenses>
— whit·tler \-lər, -əl-ər\ n

1whiz or whizz \ˈhwiz, ˈwiz\ vb whizzed; whiz·zing
1 : to hum, buzz, or hiss like a speeding object (as an arrow or ball) passing through air
2 : to fly, pass, or move swiftly with a buzzing sound <cars whizzing by> [probably coined in imitation of the sound of a speeding object going by]
— whiz·zer n

2whiz or whizz n, pl whiz·zes : a humming, buzzing, or hissing sound

3whiz n, pl whiz·zes : WIZARD 2 <a math whiz> [probably a shortened and altered form of wizard]

whiz–bang \ˈhwiz-ˌbaŋ, ˈwiz-\ adj : EXCELLENT, FIRST-CLASS <a whiz-bang mechanic>

who \(ˈ)hü, ü\ pron
1 : what or which person or persons <who was elected president> <find out who did it>
2 — used to introduce a clause that talks about a person or persons <my father, who was a lawyer>

whoa \ˈwō, ˈhō, ˈhwō\ imperative verb
1 — used as a command to an animal to stop pulling or moving
2 : step or slow a course of action or a line of thought : pause to consider or reconsider — often used to express a strong reaction (as alarm or astonishment)

who·dun·it \hü-ˈdən-ət\ n : a detective or mystery story presented as a novel, play, or motion picture

who·ev·er \hü-ˈev-ər\ pron : whatever person <whoever wants to come along must be ready>

1whole \ˈhōl\ adj
1 : being in healthy or sound condition : free from sickness or injury : WELL <your care made me whole again>
2 a : having all its proper parts or elements : COMPLETE <whole grain> <whole milk>  b : not cut up or in pieces <a whole roast chicken>
3 : not divided or scattered <your whole attention>
4 : being the total or full amount or extent of something <owns the whole island>
5 : each or all of the <the whole 10 days> [Old English hāl “healthy” — related to 1HALE]

2whole n
1 : a complete amount or sum
2 : something whole or entire <the whole of an apple>
— in whole : to the full or entire extent : WHOLLY

— on the whole
1 : in view of all the facts : all things considered <on the whole you did a good job>
2 : in general : in most cases <children on the whole have more energy than adults>

whole·heart·ed \ˈhōl-ˈhärt-əd\ adj : not lacking in enthusiasm, determination, or devotion : HEARTY <wholehearted effort>
— whole·heart·ed·ly adv

— whole·heart·ed·ness n

1whole hog n : the whole way or farthest limit : ALL <go the whole hog and invite all your friends>

2whole hog adv : to the fullest extent : COMPLETELY <accepted whole hog their explanation of events>

whole language n : a method of teaching reading and writing that emphasizes learning whole words and phrases by encountering them in written or printed work rather than by the method of phonics

whole note n : a musical note equal to one measure of four beats

whole number n : any of the set of nonnegative integers; also : INTEGER

whole rest n : a musical rest equal in time to a whole note

1whole·sale \ˈhōl-ˌsāl\ n : the sale of goods in large quantity usually for resale (as by a store owner)

2wholesale adj
1 : of, relating to, or engaged in the sale of goods in quantity for resale <a wholesale grocer> <wholesale prices>
2 : done on a large scale : GENERAL <wholesale changes in the team's roster>
— wholesale adv

3wholesale vb whole·saled; whole·sal·ing : to sell usually in large amounts for resale
— whole·sal·er n

whole·some \ˈhōl-səm\ adj
1 : helping to keep or improve the good condition of the mind, body, or spirit <a wholesome environment>
2 : sound in body, mind, or morals : HEALTHY <a wholesome family movie>  synonyms see HEALTHFUL
— whole·some·ly adv

— whole·some·ness n

whole step n : the basic unit of measurement of the difference in pitch between two tones equal to that between a C and the D just above it

whole wheat adj : made from or containing wheat kernels that were ground in their entirety <whole wheat bread>

whol·ly \ˈhōl-(l)ē\ adv
1 : to the full or entire extent : COMPLETELY <a wholly different view>
2 : to the exclusion of other things : SOLELY <a book devoted wholly to sports cars>

whom \(ˈ)hüm, üm\ pron objective case of WHO

whom·ev·er \hü-ˈmev-ər\ pron objective case of WHOEVER

whom·so·ev·er \ˌhüm-sə-ˈwev-ər\ pron objective case of WHOSOEVER

1whoop \ˈhüp, ˈhu̇p, least frequently for sense 2 ˈhwüp or ˈhwu̇p\ vb
1 : to shout or call loudly and energetically especially in enthusiasm or enjoyment <the children whooped with joy>
2 : to make the sound that follows an attack of coughing in whooping cough
— whoop it up
1 : to celebrate loudly : CAROUSE
2 : to stir up enthusiasm

2whoop n
1 : a whooping sound
2 : a loud booming cry of a bird (as an owl or crane)

whoop·ee \ˈhwu̇p-ˌē, ˈwu̇p-; ˈhwü-ˌpē, ˈhü-, ˈwü-\ interj — used to express delight or high spirits

whooping cough n : a disease especially of children that is caused by a bacterium and is marked by severe attacks of coughing often followed by a high-pitched gasping intake of breath — called also pertussis

whooping crane n : a large white nearly extinct North American crane that has a loud trumpeting call

whoops variant of OOPS

1whoosh \ˈhwüsh, ˈwüsh, ˈhwu̇sh, wu̇sh\ n : a swift or explosive rush; also : the sound created by such a rush

2whoosh vb : to pass or move along with a whoosh <cars whooshing along the highway>

whop·per \ˈhwäp-ər, ˈwäp-\ n
1 : something unusually large
2 : a monstrous lie

whop·ping \ˈhwäp-iŋ, ˈwäp-\ adj : extremely large <got a whopping increase in his allowance>; also : INCREDIBLE <a whopping success>

whorl \ˈhwȯr(-ə)l, ˈwȯr(-ə)l, ˈhwər(-ə)l, ˈwər(-ə)l\ n
1 : a row of similar parts (as leaves or petals) in a circle around a point and especially a stem
2 : something that whirls or winds around a center <a whorl of smoke>
3 : one of the turns of a shell (as of a snail) having just one valve
4 : a fingerprint in which the central ridges on the skin turn through at least one complete circle

whorled \ˈhwȯr(-ə)ld, ˈwȯr(-ə)ld, ˈhwər(-ə)ld, ˈwər(-ə)ld\ adj : having or arranged in whorls <whorled leaves>

1whose \(ˈ)hüz, üz\ adj : of or relating to whom or which <whose bag is it> <the book whose cover is torn>

2whose pron, sing or pl : whose one : whose ones <whose is it> <whose were they>

who·so \ˈhü-ˌsō\ pron : WHOEVER

who·so·ev·er \ˌhü-sə-ˈwev-ər\ pron : WHOEVER

1why \(ˈ)hwī, (ˈ)wī\ adv : for what cause or reason <why did you do it>

2why conj
1 : the cause or reason for which <know why you did it>
2 : for which : on account of which <the reason why she did it>

3why \ˈhwī, ˈwī\ n, pl whys : 1REASON 1A <explained the whys and wherefores of the sudden price increase>

4why \(ˌ)wī, (ˌ)hwī\ interj — used to express surprise, indecision, approval, disapproval, or impatience <why, I didn't know that>

1wick \ˈwik\ n : a cord, strip, or ring of loosely woven material through which a liquid (as wax or oil) is drawn to the top in a candle, lamp, or oil stove for burning

2wick vb : to absorb or drain (as a fluid or moisture) like a wick <fabric that wicks away sweat>

wick·ed \ˈwik-əd\ adj
1 : morally bad : EVIL
2 : given to mischief : ROGUISH <a wicked glance>
3 a : very unpleasant <a wicked odor>  b : causing or likely to cause harm or trouble <a wicked storm>
— wick·ed·ly adv

— wick·ed·ness n

wick·er \ˈwik-ər\ n
1 : a flexible twig (as of a willow)
2 : WICKERWORK
— wicker adj

wick·er·work \-ˌwərk\ n : something (as a basket or chair) made of interlaced flexible twigs or branches

wick·et \ˈwik-ət\ n
1 : a small gate or door; esp : one in or near a larger one
2 : a small window (as at a ticket office) through which one does business
3 : either of the two sets of three rods topped by two crosspieces at which the ball is bowled in cricket
4 : an arch or hoop (as of wire) through which a ball is hit in croquet

wick·i·up \ˈwik-ē-ˌəp\ n : a cone-shaped hut used by American Indians of the western and southwestern U.S. and consisting of a rough frame covered with reed mats, grass, or branches

1wide \ˈwīd\ adj wider; wid·est
1 a : covering a large area <the whole wide world>  b : extending over, reaching, or affecting a vast area : EXTENSIVE <wide publicity>  c : not limited : COMPREHENSIVE <a job calling for wide experience> <a wide assortment>
2 a : measured across or at right angles to length <cloth 40 feet wide>  b : having a great measure across : BROAD <a wide river>  c : opened as far as possible
3 a : extending or fluctuating considerably between limits <a wide variation>  b : far from the thing in question <a charge wide of the truth>
— wide·ly adv

— wide·ness n

2wide adv
1 : over a great distance or extent : WIDELY <searched far and wide>
2 a : so as to leave much space between <placed wide apart>  b : so as to clear by a wide distance <ran wide around the left end>
3 : to the fullest extent : COMPLETELY <opened his eyes wide>

wide–awake \ˌwīd-ə-ˈwāk\ adj
1 : fully awake
2 : 1ALERT 1B

wide–eyed \ˈwīd-ˈīd\ adj
1 : having the eyes wide open especially with wonder or astonishment
2 : NAIVE 2

wide·mouthed \-ˈmau̇thd, -ˈmau̇tht\ adj
1 : having a wide mouth <widemouthed jars>
2 : having one's mouth opened wide (as in awe)

wid·en \ˈwīd-ən\ vb wid·ened; wid·en·ing \ˈwīd-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become wide or wider : BROADEN

wide·spread \ˈwīd-ˈspred\ adj
1 : scattered or found over a wide area <widespread interest in the election>
2 : spread out over a wide area <widespread wings>

1wid·ow \ˈwid-ō\ n : a woman whose spouse has died
— wid·ow·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ n

2widow vb : to cause to become a widow or widower <widowed by war>

wid·ow·er \ˈwid-ə-wər\ n : a man whose spouse has died

width \ˈwidth, ˈwitth\ n
1 : the measurement of the short or shorter side of something : BREADTH
2 : largeness of area or range
3 : a measured piece of material <a width of cloth> <a width of lumber>

wield \ˈwē(ə)ld\ vb
1 : to put (as a tool) to good use <wield a broom>
2 : to use one's authority by means of <wield influence>  synonyms see HANDLE
— wield·er n

wie·ner \ˈwē-nər, ˈwē-nē\ n : FRANKFURTER [from German Wienerwurst “Vienna sausage,” from Vienna, capital of Austria]

wife \ˈwīf\ n, pl wives \ˈwīvz\
1 dialect : WOMAN 1
2 : a female partner in a marriage

wife·ly \ˈwī-flē\ adj : of, relating to, or suitable for a wife

Wi–Fi \ˈwī-ˈfī\ certification mark — used to certify the ability of wireless computer networking devices to communicate with each other

wig \ˈwig\ n : a manufactured covering of natural or artificial hair for the head

wi·geon or wid·geon \ˈwij-ən\ n, pl wigeon or wigeons or widgeon or widgeons : any of several freshwater ducks with a large white patch on each wing

wig·gle \ˈwig-əl\ vb wig·gled; wig·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to move to and fro with quick jerky or shaking motions : JIGGLE <wiggled my toes>
2 : to move along with twisting and turning movements : WRIGGLE
— wiggle n

wig·gler \ˈwig-(ə-)lər\ n
1 : a larva or pupa of a mosquito — called also wriggler
2 : one that wiggles

wig·gly \ˈwig-(ə-)lē\ adj wig·gli·er; -est
1 : tending to wiggle <a wiggly worm>
2 : WAVY <wiggly lines>

wight \ˈwīt\ n : a living being : CREATURE; esp : HUMAN BEING

1wig·wag \ˈwig-ˌwag\ vb -wagged; -wag·ging : to signal especially by a flag or light waved according to a code

2wigwag n : the art or practice of wigwagging

wig·wam \ˈwig-ˌwäm\ n : a hut used by the American Indians of the Great Lakes region and eastward usually having an arched frame of poles covered with bark, rush mats, or hides

1wild \ˈwī(ə)ld\ adj
1 a : living in a state of nature and not under human control and care <wild animals>  b : growing or produced without human aid and care <wild honey>  c : of or relating to wild organisms <the wild state>
2 : not inhabited or cultivated <wild land>
3 a : not being under control <wild rage> <a wild young stallion>  b : marked by disturbance and confusion <a wild night>  c : going beyond what is usual : FANTASTIC <wild colors> <wild ideas>
4 : not civilized : SAVAGE
5 : being far off the intended course <a wild pitch>
6 : having no basis in fact <a wild guess>
7 : able to represent any card designated by the holder <poker with deuces wild>
— wild·ly \ˈwī(ə)l-(d)lē\ adv

— wild·ness \ˈwī(ə)l(d)-nəs\ n

2wild n : WILDERNESS

3wild adv
1 : in a wild manner : WILDLY
2 : without rules or control <running wild>

wild boar n : an Old World wild hog from which most domestic swine have been developed

wild carrot n : QUEEN ANNE'S LACE

wild·cat \ˈwī(ə)l(d)-ˌkat\ n, pl wildcats or wildcat
1 : any of various small or medium-sized cats (as the lynx or ocelot)
2 : a savage quick-tempered person

wil·de·beest \ˈwil-də-ˌbēst\ n, pl wildebeest also wildebeest : either of two large African antelopes with a head like that of an ox, a short mane, a long tail, and horns that curve downward and outward — called also gnu

wil·der·ness \ˈwil-dər-nəs\ n : an area in which few people live that is not used for farming and is more or less in its natural state

wild·fire \ˈwī(ə)l(d)-ˌfī(ə)r\ n : an uncontrollable fire that destroys a wide area

wild·flower \-ˌflau̇(-ə)r\ n : the flower of a wild plant or the plant bearing it

wild·fowl \-ˌfau̇l\ n : a bird and especially a waterfowl (as a wild duck) hunted as game

wild geranium n : a geranium of the eastern U.S. and Canada with rosy purple flowers

wild–goose chase n : a complicated or lengthy and usually unsuccessful pursuit or search

wild·life \ˈwī(ə)l-ˌ(d)līf\ n : nonhuman living things and especially wild animals living in their natural environment

wild rice n : a tall North American grass that grows in water and produces an edible grain; also : the grain

Wild West n : the western U.S. in its frontier period characterized by roughness and lawlessness

wild·wood \ˈwī(ə)l-ˌ(d)wu̇d\ n : woodland untouched by human activity

1wile \ˈwī(ə)l\ n
1 : a trick intended to deceive or trap
2 : skill in tricking : GUILE synonyms see TRICK

2wile vb wiled; wil·ing : to lure by or as if by a magic spell

1will \wəl, (ə)l, əl, (ˈ)wil\ vb past would \wəd, (ə)d, (ˈ)wu̇d\; present sing & pl will
1 : 1WISH 1 <call it what you will>
2 — used as a helping verb to express (1) desire, willingness, or in negative sentences refusal <will you have another> <no one would do it> <they won't stop>, (2) regular or usual action <will get angry over nothing>, (3) future action <tomorrow we will go shopping>, (4) capacity or ability <the back seat will hold three people>, (5) determination or willfulness <I will go despite the weather>, (6) inevitability <accidents will happen>, or (7) a command <you will do as I say>

2will \ˈwil\ n
1 : firm desire or determination <the will to win>
2 : the desire or choice especially of someone in power or authority <the king's will>
3 : the process or power of wishing, choosing, desiring, or intending
4 : the power of control over one's own actions or emotions <has an iron will>
5 : a legal document that instructs how a person's property is to be divided after death

3will \ˈwil\ vb
1 : to leave by or as if by a will : BEQUEATH <willed the house to his daughter>
2 : to bring about by an act of choice <willed herself to sleep>
3 : 1ORDER 2A <it will happen if God wills it>
4 : to cause or change by an act of will <willed herself to succeed>
5 : to decide on by choice <went wherever they willed>

willed \ˈwild\ adj : having a will especially of a certain kind <strong-willed>

will·ful or wil·ful \ˈwil-fəl\ adj
1 : stubbornly determined to have one's own way <a willful child>
2 : done deliberately : INTENTIONAL <willful obedience>  synonyms see UNRULY
— will·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— will·ful·ness n

wil·lies \ˈwil-ēz\ n pl : a fit of nervousness : JITTERS <gives me the willies>

will·ing \ˈwil-iŋ\ adj
1 : feeling no objection : READY <willing to go>
2 : prompt to act or respond <willing workers>
3 : done, made, or given by choice <a willing sacrifice>  synonyms see 1VOLUNTARY
— will·ing·ly adv

— will·ing·ness n

wil·li·waw \ˈwil-i-ˌwȯ\ n : a sudden violent gust of cold land air common along mountainous coasts of high latitudes

will–o'–the–wisp \ˌwil-ə-thə-ˈwisp\ n
1 : a light that sometimes appears in the night over marshy ground
2 : a false or unreachable goal

wil·low \ˈwil-ō\ n : any of a genus of trees and shrubs that often have narrow leaves, produce catkins for flowers, and include some used for their wood, for making baskets, or as ornamentals
— wil·low·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

wil·lowy \ˈwil-ə-wē\ adj
1 : having many willows <a willowy valley>
2 : resembling a willow; esp : gracefully tall and slender <a willowy young dancer>

will·pow·er \ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r\ n : strong determination <the temptation tested her willpower>

wil·ly–nil·ly \ˌwil-ē-ˈnil-ē\ adv or adj
1 : by force : without choice <rushed us along willy-nilly>
2 : in an unpredictable manner <children running about willy–nilly> [an altered form of the phrase will I nill I or will ye nill ye; nill, an ancient negative form of will, from Old English nyllan, a combination of ne “not” and wyllan “to wish, will”]

1wilt \wəlt, (ˈ)wilt\ archaic present 2nd singular of WILL

2wilt \ˈwilt\ vb
1 : to lose or cause to lose freshness and become limp : DROOP <wilting roses>
2 : to grow weak or faint <was wilting after hours of dancing>

3wilt \ˈwilt\ n : a plant disease (as one caused by a fungus) marked by wilting of the soft parts of the plant

wily \ˈwī-lē\ adj wil·i·er; -est : full of deceit : TRICKY <a wily opponent>  synonyms see CUNNING
— wil·i·ness n

wimp \ˈwimp\ n : a weak and timid person
— wimpy \ˈwim-pē\ adj

wim·ple \ˈwim-pəl\ n : a cloth covering worn over the head and around the neck and chin by women in earlier times and by some nuns today

1win \ˈwin\ vb won \ˈwən\; win·ning
1 : to achieve victory in a contest <I always dream of winning>
2 : to get especially by effort or fortune <won praise for my hard work>
3 a : to gain in or as if in battle or contest <won the championship>  b : to be the victor in <won the war>
4 : to make friendly or favorable to oneself or one's cause <won the voters with her warm sense of humor>

2win n : VICTORY; esp : first place in a horse race

wince \ˈwin(t)s\ vb winced; winc·ing : to shrink back (as from pain) : FLINCH <the cut on my leg caused me to wince> <the crowd winced when the skater fell on the ice>
— wince n

winch \ˈwinch\ n : a machine that has a roller on which a rope, cable, or chain is wound for pulling or lifting

1wind \ˈwind\ n
1 : a movement of air
2 : something that has force or influence <the changing winds of political opinion>
3 : BREATH 2A <the fall knocked the wind out of me>
4 : gas produced in the stomach or the intestines
5 : something unimportant; esp : idle words
6 a : air carrying a scent (as of a hunter or game)  b : slight information especially about something secret <got wind of our plans>
7 pl : the wind instruments of a band or orchestra
8 : the direction from which the wind is blowing [Old English wind “the natural movement of air”]
— in the wind : about to happen : ASTIR, AFOOT

2wind vb
1 : to get a scent of <the dogs winded game>
2 : to cause to be out of breath <the long climb winded us>
3 : to allow to rest so as to recover breath <wind a horse>

3wind \ˈwīnd, ˈwind\ vb wind·ed \ˈwīn-dəd, ˈwin-\ or wound \ˈwau̇nd\; wind·ing : to sound by blowing <wind a horn>

4wind \ˈwīnd\ vb wound \ˈwau̇nd\ also wind·ed; wind·ing
1 : to move in a series of twists and turns <a river winding through the valley>
2 : ENTANGLE 2
3 a : to encircle or cover with something flexible  b : to coil completely or repeatedly about an object : TWINE <wind thread on a spool>
4 : to lift, pull, move, or operate by means of a rope, cable, or chain and a winch <wind up a pail>
5 : to tighten the spring of <wind a clock> <wind up a toy train> [Old English windan “to twist, move with force”]
— wind·er n

5wind \ˈwīnd\ n : something curved or twisted : BEND

6wind \ˈwind\ adj : of or relating to wind instruments <the wind section of an orchestra>

wind·age \ˈwin-dij\ n
1 : the influence of the wind in turning the course of a bullet or shell
2 : the amount of turning aside caused by the wind

windbag n : a person who talks a lot without saying anything important

wind·blown \ˈwin(d)-ˌblōn\ adj : blown or looking as if blown by the wind <windblown seeds> <windblown streets>

wind·break \-ˌbrāk\ n : something (as a growth of trees) that serves as a shelter from the wind

Wind·break·er \-ˌbrā-kər\ trademark — used for a jacket made of material that can resist the wind

wind·burn \-ˌbərn\ n : skin irritation caused by wind
— wind·burned \-ˌbərnd\ adj

wind·chill \-ˌchil\ n : a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human flesh as a given combination of temperature and wind speed — called also windchill factor, windchill index

wind·fall \-ˌfȯl\ n
1 : something (as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind
2 : an unexpected gift, gain, or help

wind·flow·er \-ˌflau̇(-ə)r\ n : ANEMONE 1

1wind·ing \ˈwīn-diŋ\ n
1 : material (as wire) wound or coiled about an object
2 : a single turn of wound material

2winding adj : marked by winding: as  a : having a noticeable curved or spiral form <a winding staircase>  b : having a course that winds <a winding road>

wind·ing–sheet \-ˌshēt\ n : a sheet used to wrap a corpse for burial : SHROUD

wind instrument n : a musical instrument (as a flute or horn) sounded by the vibration of a stream of air and especially by the player's breath

wind·jam·mer \ˈwin(d)-ˌjam-ər\ n : a sailing ship

wind·lass \ˈwin-dləs\ n : a winch used especially on ships for pulling and lifting

wind·mill \ˈwin(d)-ˌmil\ n : a mill or a machine (as for pumping water) worked by the wind turning sails or vanes at the top of a tower

win·dow \ˈwin-dō\ n
1 : an opening in a wall for letting in light or air
2 : WINDOWPANE
3 : an opening in a partition or wall through which business is conducted <a bank teller's window>
4 : a period of time during which a certain condition exists <a window of opportunity>
5 : any of the areas into which a computer display may be divided and on which distinctly different types of information are displayed
— win·dow·less adj
Word History The English word window comes from an early Norse word vindauga. Vindauga was formed by a combination of vindr, meaning “wind,” and auga, meaning “eye.” Vindauga could be translated as “wind's eye.” A window can be thought of as an eye, or hole, through which the wind can enter. [from early Norse vindauga, literally “wind's eye,” from vindr “wind” and auga “eye”]

window box n : a box for growing plants in or by a window

win·dow·pane \ˈwin-dō-ˌpān\ n : a pane in a window

window shade n : a shade or curtain for a window

win·dow–shop \ˈwin-dō-ˌshäp, -də-\ vb : to look at the displays in store windows without going inside to buy
— win·dow–shop·per n

win·dow·sill \-ˌsil\ n : the horizontal piece at the bottom of a window

wind·pipe \ˈwin(d)-ˌpīp\ n : TRACHEA 1

wind·row \ˈwin-ˌ(d)rō\ n
1 : hay raked up into a row to dry
2 : a row of something (as sand or dry leaves) heaped up by or as if by the wind

wind shear n : a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

wind·shield \ˈwin(d)-ˌshēld\ n : a clear screen (as of glass) in front of the riders of a vehicle

wind·storm \-ˌstȯ(ə)rm\ n : a storm with strong wind and little or no rain

wind·swept \-ˌswept\ adj : disturbed by or as if by wind <a windswept beach>

wind tunnel n : a passage like a tunnel through which air is blown at a known speed to investigate air flow around an object (as an airplane part or model) placed in the passage

1wind·up \ˈwīn-ˌdəp\ n
1 a : the act of bringing to an end  b : a last act or part : FINISH
2 : a series of motions (as swinging the arms over the head) made by a pitcher prior to releasing a pitch

2windup adj : having a spring wound by hand <windup toys>

wind up \(ˈ)wīn-ˈdəp\ vb
1 : to bring or come to a conclusion : END <let's wind up the meeting quickly>
2 : to arrive in a place, situation, or state <wound up losing the game> <wound up as millionaires>
3 : to make a windup in pitching a baseball

1wind·ward \ˈwin-(d)wərd\ adj : moving or placed toward the direction from which the wind is blowing

2windward n : the side or direction from which the wind is blowing <sail to windward>

windy \ˈwin-dē\ adj wind·i·er; -est
1 : having strong winds <a windy prairie>
2 : marked by or given to too much talk <a windy speaker>
— wind·i·ness n

1wine \ˈwīn\ n
1 : an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grape juice
2 : an alcoholic beverage made from the usually fermented juice of fruits (as peaches or berries) other than grapes
3 : a dark red color

2wine vb wined; win·ing
1 : to drink wine
2 : to provide with wine <wined and dined my friends>

1wing \ˈwiŋ\ n
1 : one of the movable feathered or membranous paired appendages by means of which a bird, bat, or insect flies
2 : an extension or part resembling a wing in shape, appearance, or position; esp : a flat or broadly expanded plant or animal part <a stem with woody wings>
3 : an extension from the side of an armchair
4 : a part that extends from the side of an airplane
5 : the act or manner of flying : FLIGHT
6 : a part sticking out from a main part <the rear wing of the house>
7 pl : the area at the side of the stage out of sight of the audience
8 : one of the positions or players on each side of a center position or line
9 : a particular group within an organization : FACTION
10 : a unit of a military force and especially an air force
— winged \ˈwiŋd, ˈwiŋ-əd\ adj

— wing·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— on the wing : in flight : FLYING

— under one's wing : under one's protection : in one's care

2wing vb
1 : to pass through in flight
2 : to go with or as if with wings : FLY
3 : to wound in the wing <wing a duck>; also : to wound without killing <wing a deer>
4 : to do or perform without preparation or guidelines <wing it>

wing case n : ELYTRON

wing chair n : an upholstered armchair with a high back and side sections

wing·less \ˈwiŋ-ləs\ adj : having no wings or wings that are not fully developed <wingless insects>

wing·span \ˈwiŋ-ˌspan\ n : the distance between the tips of a pair of wings (as of a bird or an airplane)

wing·spread \-ˌspred\ n : WINGSPAN; esp : the distance between the tips of the fully extended wings of a bird, bat, or insect

1wink \ˈwiŋk\ vb
1 : to close and open one eye quickly as a signal or hint <saw her friend wink and knew it was time to go>
2 : to close and open the eyes quickly : BLINK
3 : to avoid seeing or noting something <wink at a parking violation>
4 : to gleam or shine on and off : TWINKLE

2wink n
1 : a brief period of sleep : NAP <catching a wink>
2 a : a hint or sign given by winking  b : an act of winking
3 : the time of a wink : INSTANT <quick as a wink she did the job>

win·ner \ˈwin-ər\ n : one that wins

1win·ning \ˈwin-iŋ\ n
1 : the act of one that wins : VICTORY
2 : something won; esp : money won in a game or contest — usually used in plural

2winning adj
1 a : of, relating to, or used for or in the act of winning <the winning ticket>  b : successful especially in competition <a winning team>
2 : tending to please or delight <a winning personality>
— win·ning·ly adv

win·now \ˈwin-ō\ vb
1 a : to remove by a current of air the parts separated from grain in threshing  b : to expose grain to a current of air to remove waste
2 : to sort or separate as if by winnowing <winnowed the group of contestants down to five finalists>
— win·now·er \ˈwin-ə-wər\ n

win·some \ˈwin(t)-səm\ adj
1 : having a charming or pleasing quality <a winsome smile>
2 : CHEERFUL 1A <a winsome mood>
— win·some·ly adv

— win·some·ness n

1win·ter \ˈwint-ər\ n
1 : the season between autumn and spring usually including in the northern half of the globe the months of December, January, and February
2 : YEAR 2 <happened many winters ago>
3 : a time or season of idleness or decay

2winter vb win·tered; win·ter·ing \ˈwint-ə-riŋ, ˈwin-triŋ\
1 : to pass or live through the winter <the cattle wintered on the range>
2 : to keep, feed, or manage during the winter <winter livestock>

3winter adj
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for winter <winter clothes>
2 : sown in autumn and harvested in the following spring or summer <winter wheat>

win·ter·green \ˈwint-ər-ˌgrēn\ n
1 a : a low evergreen plant of the heath family with white bell-shaped flowers and spicy red berries — called also checkerberry  b : an oil from the wintergreen or its flavor
2 : any of several plants related to the wintergreen

win·ter·ize \ˈwint-ə-ˌrīz\ vb -ized; -iz·ing : to make ready for winter <winterize the car>

win·ter–kill \ˈwint-ər-ˌkil\ vb : to cause the death of (as a plant) through the effects of winter and especially cold; also : to die as a result of the effects of winter conditions and especially cold

winter melon n : any of several muskmelons (as a casaba or honeydew melon) with smooth rind and sweet white or greenish flesh that keeps well

winter squash n : any of various hard-shelled squashes (as an acorn squash) that keep well in storage

win·ter·time \ˈwint-ər-ˌtīm\ n : the winter season

win·try \ˈwin-trē\ adj win·tri·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or typical of winter <wintry weather>
2 : not warm and friendly : CHEERLESS <a wintry welcome>
— win·tri·ness n

1wipe \ˈwīp\ vb wiped; wip·ing
1 : to clean or dry by rubbing <wipe dishes>
2 : to remove by or as if by rubbing <wipe away tears>
3 : to pass or draw over a surface <wiped my hand across my forehead>
— wip·er n

2wipe n
1 : an act or instance of wiping
2 : something used for wiping

wipe·out \ˈwīp-ˌau̇t\ n
1 : complete destruction
2 : a fall or crash caused usually by losing control <wipeouts on the downhill ski course are common>
3 : total or final defeat <couldn't bear to watch the team's wipeout>

wipe out vb
1 : to destroy completely <crops wiped out by flooding>
2 : to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control <the surfer wiped out>

1wire \ˈwī(ə)r\ n
1 a : metal in the form of a usually flexible thread or slender rod  b : a thread or rod of metal
2 a : a line of wire for conducting electrical current  b : a telephone or telegraph wire or system  c : TELEGRAM, CABLEGRAM
3 a : the finish line of a race  b : the final moment <the game came down to the wire>
— wire·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

— under the wire
1 : at the finish line
2 : at the last moment

— wire to wire or from wire to wire : from start to finish

2wire vb wired; wir·ing
1 : to provide or equip with wire or electricity <wire a house>
2 : to bind, string, or mount with wire
3 : to send or send word to by telegraph <wire me some money right away>

wired adj
1 : reinforced or bound with wire <a wired container>
2 : having a netting or fence of wire <a wired pen for chickens>
3 : extremely excited <were wired after their victory>

wire grass n : any of various grasses or rushes having wiry stems or leaves

wire·haired \ˈwī(ə)r-ˈha(ə)rd, -ˈhe(ə)rd\ adj : having a stiff wiry outer coat of hair <a wirehaired dog>

1wire·less \ˈwī(ə)r-ləs\ adj
1 : having no wire or wires
2 : of or relating to radio communications <a wireless phone>

2wireless n
1 : communication at a distance involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires
2 chiefly British : 1RADIO

wireless telegraphy n : telegraphy carried on by radio waves and without connecting wires — called also wireless telegraph

wire service n : a news organization that sends out news stories by wire to subscribers (as newspapers)

1wire·tap \ˈwī(ə)r-ˌtap\ vb : to tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information
— wire·tap·per n

2wiretap n : the act or an instance of wiretapping

wire·worm \ˈwī(ə)r-ˌwərm\ n : the slender hard-coated larva of various click beetles that is often destructive to plant roots

wiring n
1 : the act of providing or using wire
2 : a system of wires; esp : an arrangement of wires used for electric distribution

wiry \ˈwī(ə)r-ē\ adj wir·i·er \ˈwī-rē-ər\; wir·i·est
1 : resembling wire in form and flexibility <wiry stems>
2 : being slender yet strong and muscular <a wiry physique>

wis·dom \ˈwiz-dəm\ n
1 a : learning acquired over a period of time : KNOWLEDGE  b : ability to see beneath the surface of things : INSIGHT  c : good sense : JUDGMENT
2 : a wise attitude, belief, or course of action

Wisdom n : a didactic book included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and corresponding to the Wisdom of Solomon in the Protestant Apocrypha — see BIBLE TABLE

Wisdom of Sol·o·mon \-ˈsäl-ə-mən\ : a didactic book included in the Protestant Apocrypha — see BIBLE TABLE

wisdom tooth n : the last tooth of the full set of teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaw in a human being

1wise \ˈwīz\ n : MANNER 2B — used in such phrases as in any wise, in no wise, in this wise [Old English wīse “way, manner”]

2wise adj wis·er; wis·est
1 : having or showing wisdom, good sense, or good judgment : SENSIBLE <a wise person> <a wise investment>
2 : having special or secret information : INFORMED <I was wise to their plans>
3 : boldly rude or disrespectful : IMPUDENT [Old English wīs “showing good judgment or intelligence”]
— wise·ly adv

3wise vb wised; wis·ing : to make or become informed or smart — used with up <wise up if you want to get ahead>

-wise \ˌwīz\ adv combining form
1 a : in the manner of  b : in the position or direction of <slantwise> <clockwise>
2 : with regard to : in respect of [derived from Old English wīse “manner”]

wise·acre \ˈwī-ˌzā-kər\ n : SMART ALECK [a modified form of early Dutch wijssegger “one who is thought to be able to foretell events”]

wise·crack \ˈwīz-ˌkrak\ n : a clever, smart, or joking remark
— wisecrack vb

— wise·crack·er n

wise guy \ˈwīz-ˌgī\ n : SMART ALECK

1wish \ˈwish\ vb
1 : to have a desire : long for : WANT <wish you were here> <wish for a puppy>
2 : to form or express a desire concerning <wished them a happy New Year>
3 : to request by expressing a desire <I wish you to go now>
— wish·er n

2wish n
1 a : an act or instance of wishing or desire <a wish to travel>  b : an object of desire : GOAL <I got my wish — a good score on the test>
2 : a wishing of good fortune <sends her best wishes>

wish·bone \ˈwish-ˌbōn\ n : a bone in front of a bird's breastbone that is shaped like a V and consists chiefly of two fused clavicles

wish·ful \ˈwish-fəl\ adj
1 : having a wish : DESIROUS
2 : based on wishes rather than fact <wishful thinking>
— wish·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— wish·ful·ness n

wish list n : a list of desired but often realistically unobtainable items <a wish list of equipment for the school's gymnasium>

wishy–washy \ˈwish-ē-ˌwȯsh-ē, -ˌwäsh-\ adj : lacking spirit, courage, or determination : WEAK <wishy-washy leadership>

wisp \ˈwisp\ n
1 : a small bunch of hay or straw
2 a : a thin piece or strand  b : a faint streak <a wisp of smoke>  c : something weak, slight, or delicate <a wisp of a smile>
— wispy \ˈwis-pē\ adj

wis·te·ria \wis-ˈtir-ē-ə\ also wis·tar·ia \-ˈtir-ē-ə also -ˈter-\ n : any of a genus of mostly woody vines of China, Japan, and the southeastern U.S. that belong to the legume family and have leaves with numerous leaflets and showy blue, white, purple, or rose flowers in long hanging clusters [named for Caspar Wistar 1761–1818 American physician]

wist·ful \ˈwist-fəl\ adj : feeling or showing a timid desire <a wistful look on his face>
— wist·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— wist·ful·ness n

1wit \ˈwit\ vb wist \ˈwist\; wit·ting; present 1st & 3rd sing wot \ˈwät\ archaic : KNOW, LEARN [Old English witan “to know”]

2wit n
1 : ability to think or reason : INTELLIGENCE
2 a : normal mental state — usually used in plural <scared out of my wits>  b : practical good judgment <had the wit to leave quickly>
3 a : a talent for making clever and usually amusing remarks  b : cleverly amusing remarks; also : one noted for making such remarks [Old English wit “mind”]
— at one's wit's end or at one's wits' end : at a loss for a means of solving a problem

witch \ˈwich\ n
1 : a person believed to have magic powers
2 : a mean or ugly old woman

witch·craft \-ˌkraft\ n : the use of sorcery or magic

witch doctor n : a person usually in a primitive society who uses magic to treat sickness and to fight off evil spirits

witch·ery \ˈwich-(ə-)rē\ n, pl -er·ies
1 : WITCHCRAFT
2 : a power to charm or fascinate

witch ha·zel \ˈwich-ˌhā-zəl\ n
1 : any of a genus of shrubs or small trees that produce usually yellow flowers with very thin petals in late fall or early spring; esp : one of eastern North America that blooms in the fall
2 : a soothing alcoholic lotion made from the bark of the witch hazel [from witch, an old name for any of several trees with branches that bend easily, from Old English wice (same meaning)]

witch–hunt \-ˌhənt\ n
1 : a searching out and persecution of persons accused of witchcraft
2 : the searching out and deliberate harassment of those (as political opponents) with unpopular views

witch·ing \ˈwich-iŋ\ adj : of, relating to, or suitable for witchcraft <the witching hour>

with \(ˈ)with, (ˈ)with\ prep
1 a : in opposition to : AGAINST <fought with his sister>  b : FROM 2 <parting with friends>
2 : in shared relation to <talking with a friend> <trade with other countries>
3 : in regard to : TOWARD <angry with her> <on friendly terms with all nations>
4 a : compared to <on equal terms with the others>  b : on the side of <voted with the majority>  c : as well as <I can debate with the best of them>
5 a : in the judgment or opinion of <it's all right with me>  b : in the experience or practice of <with them a promise is a real duty>
6 a : by means of <write with a pen>  b : because of <danced with joy>
7 : having or showing as a manner of action or an accompanying fact <spoke with vigor> <stood there with my hat on>
8 a : in possession of : HAVING <animals with horns>  b : marked by <a person with a hot temper>
9 a : in the company of <went to the movies with us>  b : having or including as a part <costs $5 with the tax> <tea with lemon>
10 a : at the same time as <rose with the sun>  b : in proportion to <the pressure varies with the depth>
11 : in the possession or care of <left the money with your mother>
12 : in spite of <with all her cleverness, she failed>
13 : in the direction of <cut with the grain of the fabric>

with·al \with-ˈȯl, with-\ adv
1 : together with this : BESIDES
2 : on the other hand : NEVERTHELESS

with·draw \with-ˈdrȯ, with-\ vb -drew \-ˈdrü\; -drawn \-ˈdrȯn\; -draw·ing \-ˈdrȯ(-)iŋ\
1 : to take back or away : draw away : REMOVE <withdraw money from the bank>
2 a : to call back : RECALL <withdrew the charge of theft>  b : to take back (one's words) : RETRACT
3 : to go away : RETREAT <withdrew to the country>

with·draw·al \with-ˈdrȯ(-ə)l, with-\ n
1 : an act or instance of withdrawing; esp : a removal of money from a bank account
2 a : the stopping of the use or giving of a drug and especially a habit-forming drug  b : the group of often painful physical and emotional symptoms that occur when use of a habit-forming drug is stopped

with·drawn \with-ˈdrȯn, with-\ adj
1 : removed from immediate or easy approach : ISOLATED <withdrawn mountain communities>
2 : not socially active or interested : INTROVERTED <a shy and withdrawn child>

withe \ˈwith, ˈwith, ˈwīth\ n : a slender flexible branch or twig

with·er \ˈwith-ər\ vb with·ered; with·er·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to shrivel from or as if from loss of bodily moisture and especially sap <the crops withered during the drought>
2 : to lose liveliness, force, or freshness <support for the candidate withered>

with·ers \ˈwith-ərz\ n pl : the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse; also : a corresponding part in other four-footed animals (as dogs)

with·hold \with-ˈhōld, with-\ vb -held \-ˈheld\; -hold·ing
1 : to hold back : RESTRAIN <withhold an angry response>
2 : to refuse to grant, give, or allow <withhold permission>
3 : to deduct (withholding tax) from income
— with·hold·er n

withholding tax n : a deduction (as from one's wages) taken at a source of income (as one's employer) as an advance payment of income tax

1with·in \with-ˈin, with-\ adv
1 : in or into the interior : INSIDE
2 : inside oneself : INWARDLY <look within for imaginative ideas>

2within prep
1 : in or into the inner part of <within the house>
2 : not beyond the bounds or limits of <within sight>

3within n : an inner place or area

with–it \ˈwith-ət\ adj : very aware of what is up-to-date and in fashion

1with·out \with-ˈau̇t, with-\ prep
1 a : 4OUTSIDE 1 <they stood without the castle gates>  b : out of the range or limits of <not without our capabilities>
2 a : not having : in the absence of <without food>  b : not accompanied by or showing <spoke without thinking>

2without adv
1 : on the outside
2 : with something lacking or absent <learn to do without>

3without n : an outer place or area

with·stand \with-ˈstand, with-\ vb -stood \-ˈstu̇d\; -stand·ing : to stand against : RESIST; esp : to oppose successfully

wit·less \ˈwit-ləs\ adj : lacking wit : FOOLISH
— wit·less·ly adv

— wit·less·ness n

1wit·ness \ˈwit-nəs\ n
1 : TESTIMONY 1 <bear false witness>
2 : one who gives evidence especially before a court of law
3 a : one present at an action (as a wedding) who can testify to its having taken place  b : one who has personal knowledge or experience of something
4 : something serving as evidence or proof : SIGN

2witness vb
1 : to give testimony to : TESTIFY
2 : to act as legal witness of <witness a document>
3 : to be or give proof of <their actions witness their guilt>
4 : to have personal knowledge of : see for oneself <had witnessed the accident>

witness stand n : an area from which a witness gives evidence in a court

wit·ted \ˈwit-əd\ adj : having wit or understanding — used in combination <quick-witted>

wit·ti·cism \ˈwit-ə-ˌsiz-əm\ n : a witty saying

witting adj
1 : aware of something : CONSCIOUS <a witting participant>
2 : done deliberately : INTENTIONAL <a witting mistake>

wit·ting·ly \ˈwit-iŋ-lē\ adv : with knowledge or awareness of what one is doing : CONSCIOUSLY <you wittingly insulted them>

wit·ty \ˈwit-ē\ adj wit·ti·er; -est : marked by or full of wit : AMUSING <a witty writer> <a witty remark>
— wit·ti·ly \ˈwit-əl-ē\ adv

— wit·ti·ness \ˈwit-ē-nəs\ n

wives plural of WIFE

wiz \ˈwiz\ n : WIZARD 2

wiz·ard \ˈwiz-ərd\ n
1 : a person skilled in magic : SORCERER, MAGICIAN
2 : a very clever or skillful person <computer wizards> [Middle English wysard “wise man, a person skilled in magic,” from wis, wys “wise,” from Old English wis “wise”]

wiz·ard·ry \ˈwiz-ə(r)-drē\ n, pl -ries
1 : the art or practices of a wizard : SORCERY
2 a : a seemingly magical power or influence <the wizardry of modern computers>  b : extraordinary skill or ability <athletic wizardry>

wiz·en \ˈwiz-ən\ vb wiz·ened; wiz·en·ing : to become shrunken or wrinkled often as a result of aging

1wob·ble \ˈwäb-əl\ vb wob·bled; wob·bling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 a : to move or cause to move with a jerky rocking or side-to-side motion <the baby's head wobbled from side to side>  b : 1TREMBLE 1 <a voice that wobbles>
2 : WAVER 1 <his opinion wobbled>
— wob·bler \ˈwäb-(ə-)lər\ n

— wob·bly \-(ə-)lē\ adj

2wobble n : a wobbling action or movement <the wheel had a bad wobble>

woe \ˈwō\ n
1 : great suffering from loss, misfortune, or trouble
2 : 2TROUBLE 1B <economic woes>  synonyms see SORROW

woe·be·gone \ˈwō-bi-ˌgȯn also -ˌgän\ adj
1 : showing great woe, sorrow, or misery <woebegone faces>
2 : being in a sad state <a woebegone village>

woe·ful \ˈwō-fəl\ adj
1 : full of woe <a woeful tale>
2 : involving or bringing woe <a woeful occurrence>
3 : pitifully bad <woeful ignorance>
— woe·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

— woe·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ n

wok \ˈwäk\ n : a large bowl-shaped cooking utensil used especially in making Chinese food [Chinese]

1woke past and past participle of WAKE

2woke \ˈwōk\ adj, chiefly US slang : aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues especially of racial and social injustice

woken past participle of WAKE

wold \ˈwōld\ n : a high plain or hilly area usually without woods

1wolf \ˈwu̇lf\ n, pl wolves \ˈwu̇lvz\
1 pl also wolf : any of several large bushy-tailed mammals with ears standing straight up that resemble the related dogs, that prey on other animals, and that often live and hunt in packs; esp : GRAY WOLF — compare COYOTE, JACKAL
2 : a person who resembles a wolf in fierceness
— wolf·ish \ˈwu̇l-fish\ adj

— wolf·like \ˈwu̇l-ˌflīk\ adj

2wolf vb : to eat greedily <wolfed down the pizza>

wolf dog n
1 : any of various large dogs formerly kept for hunting wolves
2 : a hybrid offspring of a wolf and a domestic dog

wolf·hound \ˈwu̇lf-ˌhau̇nd\ n : any of several large dogs used especially formerly in hunting large animals (as wolves)

wol·fram \ˈwu̇l-frəm\ n : TUNGSTEN

wol·fram·ite \ˈwu̇l-frə-ˌmīt\ n : a brownish or grayish black mineral that contains tungsten in combination with iron, manganese, and oxygen and that is used as a source of tungsten

wolf spider n : any of various active wandering spiders of which most do not build a web but chase and catch their prey

wol·ver·ine \ˌwu̇l-və-ˈrēn\ n, pl wolverines also wolverine : a mostly dark brown mammal with shaggy fur that is related to the weasels, martens, and sables, eats flesh, and is found chiefly in northern forests

wom·an \ˈwu̇m-ən\ n, pl wom·en \ˈwim-ən\
1 : an adult female person
2 : WOMANKIND
3 : a woman who is a servant or attendant [Old English wīfman “a female person,” from wīf “woman, wife” and man “person”]

wom·an·hood \ˈwu̇m-ən-ˌhu̇d\ n
1 : the state of being a woman
2 : qualities associated with women
3 : WOMANKIND

wom·an·ish \ˈwu̇m-ə-nish\ adj
1 : associated with or characteristic of women
2 : UNMANLY B

wom·an·kind \ˈwu̇m-ən-ˌkīnd\ n : female human beings : women especially as distinguished from men

wom·an·like \ˈwu̇m-ən-ˌlīk\ adj : resembling or typical of a woman : WOMANLY

wom·an·ly \ˈwu̇m-ən-lē\ adj : marked by qualities generally associated with a woman

womb \ˈwüm\ n
1 : UTERUS
2 : a place where something is begun or developed

wom·bat \ˈwüm-ˌbat\ n : any of several stocky burrowing Australian marsupials that resemble small bears

wom·en·folk \ˈwim-ən-ˌfōk\ also wom·en·folks \-ˌfōks\ n pl : women especially of one family or group

women's rights n pl : legal, political, and social rights for women equal to those of men

1won past and past participle of WIN

2won \ˈwȯn\ n, pl won
1 : the basic unit of money of North Korea and South Korea
2 : a coin or bill representing one won

1won·der \ˈwən-dər\ n
1 : something extraordinary or surprising : MARVEL <the pyramid is a wonder of ancient Egypt>
2 a : a feeling (as awe, astonishment, or uncertainty) caused by something extraordinary, mysterious, or new to one's experience  b : the quality of exciting wonder <the charm and wonder of the scene>

2wonder vb won·dered; won·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
1 : to feel surprise or amazement
2 : to have curiosity or doubt <I wondered about that>
— won·der·er \-dər-ər\ n

wonder drug n : a usually newly discovered drug capable of producing a noticeable and favorable change in a patient's condition — called also miracle drug

won·der·ful \ˈwən-dər-fəl\ adj
1 : exciting wonder : MARVELOUS <a sight wonderful to behold>
2 : unusually good : ADMIRABLE <did a wonderful job>
— won·der·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adv

won·der·land \ˈwən-dər-ˌland, -lənd\ n : a place filled with wonders or surprises <a scenic wonderland>

won·der·ment \ˈwən-dər-mənt\ n
1 : AMAZEMENT
2 : curiosity about something

won·drous \ˈwən-drəs\ adj : such as to be marveled at : EXTRAORDINARY <a wondrous place>
— wondrous adv, archaic

— won·drous·ly adv

— won·drous·ness n

1wont \ˈwȯnt, ˈwōnt\ adj : being in the habit of doing <got up early as he is wont to do>

2wont n : usual custom

won't \(ˈ)wōnt, ˈwənt\ : will not

wont·ed \ˈwȯnt-əd, ˈwōnt-\ adj : CUSTOMARY 2 <acted with their wonted politeness>

woo \ˈwü\ vb
1 : to try to gain the love of : COURT
2 : to seek to gain or bring about <political candidates wooing public support>

1wood \ˈwu̇d\ n
1 : a dense growth of trees usually smaller than a forest — often used in plural <a thick woods runs along the ridge>
2 : a hard fibrous substance that is basically xylem and makes up the greater part of the stems, branches, and roots of trees or shrubs beneath the bark; also : this material prepared for some use (as burning or building)
3 : something made of wood; esp : a golf club having a wooden head
— out of the woods : clear of danger or difficulty

2wood adj
1 : WOODEN 1
2 : suitable for cutting or working wood <wood chisels>
3 or woods \ˈwu̇dz\ : living, growing, or existing in woods

wood alcohol n : METHANOL

wood·bine \ˈwu̇d-ˌbīn\ n
1 : a woody climbing Eurasian honeysuckle
2 : VIRGINIA CREEPER

wood·block \ˈwu̇d-ˌbläk\ n : WOODCUT

wood–carv·er \-ˌkär-vər\ n : a person who carves objects of wood
— wood carv·ing \-viŋ\ n

wood·chop·per \-ˌchäp-ər\ n : one that chops wood and especially chops down trees

wood·chuck \-ˌchək\ n : a stocky marmot mostly of Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern U.S. — called also groundhog

wood·cock \-ˌkäk\ n, pl wood·cocks or woodcock : a brownish woodland game bird that has a long bill and is related to the snipes; also : a related and similar bird of Eurasia

wood·craft \-ˌkraft\ n
1 : knowledge about the woods and how to take care of oneself in them
2 : skill in working with or making things of wood

wood·cut \-ˌkət\ n
1 : a printing surface having a raised design carved from a block of wood
2 : a print from a woodcut

wood·cut·ter \-ˌkət-ər\ n : one that cuts wood especially as an occupation

wood duck n : a showy American duck which nests in the hollowed-out spaces of trees and the male of which has a large crest on the head and feathers colored with green, black, purple, white, and brown

wood·ed \ˈwu̇d-əd\ adj : covered with trees

wood·en \ˈwu̇d-ən\ adj
1 : made of wood <a wooden spoon>
2 : lacking in spirit, ease, or charm <written in a wooden style>
— wood·en·ly adv

— wood·en·ness \-ən-(n)əs\ n

wood engraving n
1 : a printing surface consisting of a design cut into a block of wood
2 : a print from a wood engraving

wood frog n : a common North American frog that is found mostly in moist woodlands and is dark brown, yellowish brown, or pink with a black stripe on each side of the head

1wood·land \ˈwu̇d-lənd, -ˌland\ n : land covered with trees and shrubs : FOREST

2woodland adj
1 : growing, living, or occurring in woodland <a woodland bird>
2 : of, relating to, or made up of woodland <woodland areas>

wood·lot \ˈwu̇d-ˌlät\ n : an area of trees kept usually to meet fuel and lumber needs

wood louse n : a small flat grayish crustacean that is an isopod, lives in damp places (as under stones, fallen leaves, and rotting logs), and is often capable of rolling its body into a ball — called also pill bug, sow bug

wood·man \ˈwu̇d-mən\ n : WOODSMAN

wood·peck·er \-ˌpek-ər\ n : any of numerous brightly marked birds with strong claws and stiff tail feathers used in climbing or resting on tree trunks, a long flexible tongue, and a very hard bill used to drill into trees to get insects for food and to dig out holes for nesting

wood·pile \-ˌpīl\ n : a pile of wood and especially firewood

wood rat n : any of numerous soft-furred rodents of North and Central America that have furry tails, large ears, and a tendency to hoard food and debris — compare PACK RAT

wood·shed \-ˌshed\ n : a shed for storing wood and especially firewood

woods·man \ˈwu̇dz-mən\ n : a person who visits or works in the woods; esp : one skilled in woodcraft

wood sorrel n : any of a genus of herbs with acid sap, leaves having leaflets, and flowers with five petals; esp : a stemless herb having leaves with three leaflets that is sometimes considered to be the original shamrock

woodsy \ˈwu̇d-zē\ adj woods·i·er; -est : of, relating to, or suggestive of woods <a woodsy smell>

wood·wind \ˈwu̇d-ˌwind\ n
1 : one of a group of musical instruments including flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and sometimes saxophones — compare BRASS INSTRUMENT, PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT, STRINGED INSTRUMENT
2 pl : the woodwind instruments of a band or orchestra
— woodwind adj

wood·work \-ˌwərk\ n : work made of wood; esp : interior fittings (as window frames or stairways) of wood

wood·work·ing \-ˌwər-kiŋ\ n : the act, process, or occupation of working with wood
— wood·work·er \-kər\ n

woody \ˈwu̇d-ē\ adj wood·i·er; -est
1 : having or covered with trees <a woody piece of land>
2 : of or containing wood or wood fibers <woody plant tissue>
3 : characteristic of or similar to wood <a woody texture>

woo·er \ˈwü-ər\ n : one that woos : SUITOR

1woof \ˈwu̇f, ˈwüf\ n
1 : the threads that cross the warp in a woven fabric
2 : a woven fabric or its texture [Middle English oof “threads, crossing the warp,” from Old English ōwef (same meaning), from ō- “on” (from on) and -wef (related to web “web” and wefan “to weave”)]

2woof \ˈwu̇f\ vb : to make the sound of a woof

3woof n : a deep harsh sound made by a dog [a word created in imitation of the sound]

woof·er \ˈwu̇f-ər\ n : a loudspeaker larger than a tweeter that responds only to low sound frequencies and produces sounds of low pitch — compare TWEETER

wool \ˈwu̇l\ n
1 : the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various mammals and especially the sheep
2 : a fabric or garment made of wool
3 : material that resembles a mass of wool
— wooled \ˈwu̇ld\ adj

1wool·en or wool·len \ˈwu̇l-ən\ adj
1 : made of wool
2 : of or relating to the manufacture or sale of woolen products

2woolen or woollen n
1 : a fabric made of wool
2 : garments of woolen fabric — usually used in plural

wool·gath·er·ing \ˈwu̇l-ˌgath-(ə-)riŋ\ n : the act of daydreaming

1wool·ly also wooly \ˈwu̇l-ē\ adj wool·li·er; -est
1 a : of, relating to, or bearing wool <woolly animals>  b : resembling wool
2 : marked by mental confusion <woolly thinking>
3 : marked by roughness or disorder <the wild and woolly West>
— wool·li·ness n

2wool·ly also wooly or wool·ie \ˈwu̇l-ē\ n, pl wool·lies : a woolen garment; esp : underclothing of knitted wool — usually used in plural

woolly bear n : any of various rather large very hairy moth caterpillars; esp : one that is the larva of a tiger moth

woolly mammoth n : an extinct mammal that was a heavy-coated mammoth of cold northern regions and is known from fossils, from the drawings of prehistoric human beings, and from entire dead frozen bodies dug up in Siberia

woo·zy \ˈwü-zē\ adj woo·zi·er; -est : slightly dizzy, nauseous, or weak

Worces·ter·shire sauce \ˈwu̇s-tər-ˌshir-, -shər-\ n : a sauce whose ingredients include soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic — called also Worcestershire [from Worcestershire, England, where it was originally made]

1word \ˈwərd\ n
1 : a sound or combination of sounds that has meaning and is spoken by a human being
2 : a written or printed letter or letters standing for a spoken word
3 : a brief remark or conversation <could I have a word with you>
4 : 1ORDER 5B <give the word to begin>
5 : NEWS 1 <any word on how they are>
6 : 1PROMISE 1 <I give you my word>
7 : a remark or conversation uttered in anger — usually used in plural <words were exchanged and a fight broke out>
— good word
1 : a favorable statement <put in a good word for me>
2 : good news <what's the good word>

— in a word : in short

— in so many words
1 : in exactly those words <implied that such behavior was unacceptable but didn't say so in so many words>
2 : in plain straightforward language <told him in so many words that he wasn't welcome>

— of few words : not saying more than is necessary <a man of few words>

— of one's word : that can be relied on to keep a promise <a woman of her word>

2word vb : to express in words : PHRASE <worded their request with great care>

word·age \ˈwərd-ij\ n : a quantity or number of words

word·book \ˈwərd-ˌbu̇k\ n : VOCABULARY 1, DICTIONARY

word–for–word adj : being in or following the exact words : VERBATIM <a word-for-word translation>

word for word adv : in the exact words : VERBATIM <repeated the message word for word>

word·ing \ˈwərd-iŋ\ n : the way in which something is put into words

word·less \ˈwərd-ləs\ adj
1 : not expressed in or having words <a wordless picture book>
2 : SILENT 1, SPEECHLESS <sat wordless throughout the meeting>
— word·less·ly adv

— word·less·ness n

word of mouth : spoken communication

word order n : the order or arrangement of words in a phrase, clause, or sentence

word·play \ˈwərd-ˌplā\ n : wit that is based on the clever use of words

word processing n : the production of typewritten documents (as business letters) with automated and usually computerized equipment for preparing text

word processor n : a keyboard-operated terminal usually with a video display and a magnetic storage device for use in word processing; also : software (as for a computer system) to perform word processing

wordy \ˈwərd-ē\ adj word·i·er; -est : using or containing too many words
— word·i·ly \ˈwərd-əl-ē\ adv

— word·i·ness \ˈwərd-ē-nəs\ n

wore past of WEAR

1work \ˈwərk\ n
1 a : the use of one's strength or ability to get something done or to achieve a result : LABOR, TOIL  b : the work done as one's regular job; also : the place of one's employment <didn't go to work today>  c : something to be done : TASK <have work to do>
2 : the energy used when a force is applied over a given distance
3 a : something that results from a particular manner or method of working, operating, or devising <careful police work>  b : something that results from the use or shaping of a particular material <porcelain work>
4 : a fortified structure (as a fort or trench)
5 pl : a place where industrial labor is done : PLANT, FACTORY <cement works>
6 pl : the working or moving parts of a mechanical device <the works of a watch>
7 : something produced by hard work or skill <a writer's first work>
8 : manner of working : WORKMANSHIP <careless work>
9 pl  a : everything available, possessed, or belonging <a hamburger with the works>  b : the harshest treatment possible <gave him the works> [Old English werc, weorc “work, activity directed toward accomplishing something”]
— at work
1 : doing work : BUSY; esp : taking part in one's regular occupation
2 : having effect : OPERATING <medicine at work in the body>

— in the works : in process of preparation, development, or completion <a plan for change is now in the works>

— out of work : without a regular job

2work adj
1 : used for work <a work elephant>
2 : suitable for wear while working <work clothes>

3work vb worked \ˈwərkt\ or wrought \ˈrȯt\; work·ing
1 : to bring about : EFFECT <work a cure>
2 a : to prepare by stirring or shaping <work dough>  b : to bring into a desired form by a manufacturing process <work cold steel>
3 : to set or keep in motion or operation <a pump worked by hand>
4 : to solve by reasoning or figuring <work an arithmetic problem>
5 a : to cause to labor <worked the crew hard>  b : to make use of : EXPLOIT <work a mine>
6 : to pay for with labor <work off a debt>
7 a : to get into or out of a state or position by stages <worked the boat loose>  b : CONTRIVE 3, ARRANGE <work it so that you can leave soon>
8 : EXCITE 1, PROVOKE <worked myself into a rage>
9 a : to make an effort especially for a long period  b : to perform a task requiring extended effort or repeated operations  c : to perform work regularly for wages <works in advertising>
10 : to function or operate properly <hinges work better with oil>
11 : to produce a desired effect : SUCCEED <my plan worked>
12 : to move gradually into a certain position or state <the knot worked loose> [Old English wyrcan “to create, cause to happen, shape”]
— work on : to try to influence or persuade <working on them to change their votes>
synonyms WORK, LABOR, TOIL, mean to exert oneself at a physical or mental task. WORK applies to any effort, pleasant or not, that achieves a goal <worked to discover a cure>. LABOR applies especially to physical work that is often hard and unpleasant <labored for weeks to harvest all the crops>. TOIL applies to work that is long, hard, and very tiring <toiled all day in the hot sun>.

work·able \ˈwər-kə-bəl\ adj
1 : capable of being worked
2 : FEASIBLE <a workable solution to the problem>

work·a·day \ˈwər-kə-ˌdā\ adj : EVERYDAY <workaday clothes> <workaday activities>

work·bench \ˈwərk-ˌbench\ n : a bench on which work is done

work·book \-ˌbu̇k\ n : a book of problems or practice examples for a student to use as part of a course of study

work·day \-ˌdā\ n
1 : a day on which work is performed
2 : the period of time in a day during which work is performed
— workday adj

worked up adj : emotionally excited <all worked up over the football game>

work·er \ˈwər-kər\ n
1 a : one that works  b : a member of the working class
2 : one of the members of a colony of social ants, bees, wasps, or termites that are only partially developed sexually and that perform most of the labor and protective duties of the colony

work·force \ˈwərk-ˌfō(ə)rs, -ˌfȯ(ə)rs\ n : the workers of a specific activity or business <the factory's workforce>

work·horse \ˈwərk-ˌhȯ(ə)rs\ n
1 : a horse used for hard work (as on a farm)
2 a : a person who does most of the work of a group task  b : something that is useful, durable, or dependable

work·house \ˈwərk-ˌhau̇s\ n
1 British : POORHOUSE
2 : a place where persons who have committed minor wrongdoings are kept

1work·ing \ˈwər-kiŋ\ n : the manner of functioning or operating : OPERATION — usually used in plural <the inner workings of the motion picture industry>

2working adj
1 a : doing work especially for a living <working people>  b : being in an operating state <a working model>
2 : good enough to allow work to be done <a working majority> <a working arrangement>

working class n : the class of people who work for wages usually in manual labor
— working–class adj

work·ing·man \ˈwər-kiŋ-ˌman\ n : one who works for wages usually at manual labor or in industry

work·load \ˈwərk-ˌlōd\ n
1 : the amount of work or of working time expected or assigned <students with a heavy workload>
2 : the amount of work performed or capable of being performed usually within a specific period <a machine's workload>

work·man \ˈwərk-mən\ n
1 : WORKINGMAN
2 : a skilled worker (as an electrician or carpenter)

work·man·like \ˈwərk-mən-ˌlīk\ adj : worthy of a good worker <did a workmanlike job on the boat>

work·man·ship \ˈwərk-mən-ˌship\ n
1 : the art or skill of a workman : CRAFTSMANSHIP
2 : the quality of a piece of work <the excellent workmanship of the desk>

work·out \ˈwər-ˌkau̇t\ n : a practice or exercise to test or improve one's fitness especially in athletics

work out \ˌwər-ˈkau̇t, ˈwər-\ vb
1 : to bring about by effort or by clearing up difficulties
2 a : SOLVE <work out a math problem>  b : DEVELOP 2 <work out a plan>
3 : to be successful <our plans for reorganization worked out>
4 : to perform athletic exercises to improve one's fitness <working out at the gym>

work·room \ˈwər-ˌkrüm, -ˌkru̇m\ n : a room used especially for manual work

work·shop \ˈwərk-ˌshäp\ n
1 : a shop where manufacturing or the production of handicrafts is carried on
2 : WORKROOM
3 : a usually brief educational program for a small group of people that focuses especially on techniques and skills in a particular field

work up vb
1 : to stir up <worked up support for the project>
2 : to produce by mental or physical work <worked up a sweat at the gym>

work·week \ˈwərk-ˌwēk\ n : the hours or days of work in a calendar week <a 40-hour workweek> <a 5-day workweek>

world \ˈwər(-ə)ld\ n
1 : the earth and all the people and things upon it
2 : people in general : HUMANITY
3 : the system of created things : UNIVERSE
4 : the concerns of the earth and human affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come
5 : human society <withdraw from the world>
6 : a class of persons sharing a common interest or activity <the musical world>
7 : a part or section of the earth and the people who live in it
8 : the scene of one's life and action <living in your own little world>
9 : a great number or amount <a world of troubles>
10 : a heavenly body (as a planet) especially if lived upon
— in the world : among many possibilities : EVER <what in the world is it>

— out of this world : very good : SUPERB

world beat n : WORLD MUSIC
— world–beat adj

world–class adj : being of the highest degree of excellence in the world <a world-class athlete>

world·ling \ˈwər(-ə)l-dliŋ, ˈwərl-liŋ\ n : a person busy with the affairs of this world

world·ly \ˈwər(-ə)l-dlē, ˈwərl-lē\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or concerned with the affairs of this world rather than with spiritual affairs
2 : WORLDLY-WISE
— world·li·ness n

world·ly–wise \ˈwərl-dlē-ˌwīz, -lē-\ adj : wise as to things and ways of this world

world music n : popular music based on non-Western musical traditions and often having a danceable rhythm
— world–music adj

world war n : a war involving all or most of the chief nations of the world; esp, cap both Ws : either of two such wars of the 20th century

world·wide \ˈwər(-ə)l-ˈdwīd\ adj : going all over the world
— worldwide adv

World Wide Web n : a part of the Internet designed to allow easier navigation of the network through the use of text and graphics that link to other documents

1worm \ˈwərm\ n
1 a : EARTHWORM  b : any of various long creeping or crawling animals (as a grub or tapeworm) that usually have soft bodies
2 : a person who is hated or pitied : WRETCH
3 pl : infection with or disease caused by parasitic worms
4 : something in the form of a coil
5 : a usually small self-contained and self-replicating computer program that invades computers on a network and usually performs a destructive action — compare TROJAN HORSE 2, VIRUS 3
— worm·like \-ˌlīk\ adj

2worm vb
1 : to obtain by cleverness or trickery or by pleading or persuading <wormed the truth out of him>
2 : to move, go, or work slowly in the manner of a worm <wormed out of the trap> <wormed my way into a job>
3 : to rid (as a dog) of parasitic worms

worm·er \ˈwər-mər\ n : a drug used to destroy parasitic worms in an animal

worm gear n : a mechanical linkage consisting of a short rotating screw whose threads fit together with the teeth of a gearwheel

worm·hole \ˈwərm-ˌhōl\ n
1 : a hole or passage made by a worm
2 : a hypothetical object that is thought of as a tunnel connecting points that are widely separated in space and time

worm·wood \ˈwərm-ˌwu̇d\ n
1 : a European plant that is related to the daisies and yields a bitter dark green oil
2 : something bitter or painful <it was wormwood for him to accept charity>

wormy \ˈwər-mē\ adj worm·i·er; -est
1 : containing, swarming with, or damaged by worms <wormy soil> <wormy flour>
2 : resembling or suggestive of a worm <wormy creatures>

worn past participle of WEAR

worn–out \ˈwō(ə)r-ˈnau̇t, ˈwȯ(ə)r-\ adj
1 : useless from long or hard wear <worn-out skates>
2 : very weary <worn-out shoppers>

wor·ried \ˈwər-ēd, ˈwə-rēd\ adj : having worries : marked by or showing worry <very worried about the test> <a worried look>
— wor·ried·ly adv

wor·ri·some \ˈwər-ē-səm, ˈwə-rē-\ adj
1 : causing worry <worrisome news>
2 : given to worrying <worrisome parents>

1wor·ry \ˈwər-ē, ˈwə-rē\ vb wor·ried; wor·ry·ing
1 : to shake and tear or mangle with the teeth <a puppy worrying an old shoe>
2 : to make anxious or upset <his absence worried his friends>
3 : to feel or express great concern : FRET <worrying about her health>
— wor·ri·er n

2worry n, pl worries
1 : ANXIETY 1
2 : a cause of anxiety : TROUBLE

wor·ry·wart \ˈwər-ē-ˌwȯrt, ˈwə-rē-\ n : a person who worries without reasonable cause

1worse \ˈwərs\ adj comparative of BAD or of ILL
1 : of poorer quality, value, or condition <that car is in worse shape than the one you sold>
2 a : more unfavorable, unpleasant, or painful <a worse punishment>  b : more faulty, unsuitable, or incorrect <can't imagine worse ideas>  c : less skillful or efficient <worse than any mechanic I know>
3 : being in poorer health <the child was worse the next day>
4 : bad or evil in greater degree <whether stealing is worse than cheating>

2worse n
1 : something worse <threatened detention and worse>
2 : a greater degree of ill or badness <a turn for the worse>

3worse adv comparative of BAD or BADLY or of ILL : in a worse manner : to a worse extent or degree <slept worse than ever>

wors·en \ˈwərs-ən\ vb wors·ened; wors·en·ing \ˈwərs-niŋ, -ən-iŋ\ : to make or become worse <the weather worsened>

1wor·ship \ˈwər-shəp\ n
1 chiefly British : an important person — used as a title for some officials
2 a : great respect toward a divine being or supernatural power  b : the outward showing of such respect
3 : too great admiration or devotion <worship of money> [Middle English worshipe “worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being,” from Old English weorthscipe “worthiness, respect,” from weorth “worth, worthy” and -scipe “-ship (quality, condition)”]

2worship vb -shipped also -shiped; -ship·ping also -ship·ing
1 : to honor or respect as a divine being or supernatural power
2 : to treat with too great respect, honor, or devotion : IDOLIZE <worshipped popular singers>
3 : to perform or take part in worship
— wor·ship·per or wor·ship·er n

wor·ship·ful \ˈwər-shəp-fəl\ adj : giving worship

1worst \ˈwərst\ adj superlative of BAD or of ILL
1 : most bad, evil, or ill <his worst habit>
2 a : most unfavorable, unpleasant, or painful <the worst problem imaginable>  b : most unsuitable, faulty, unattractive, or ill-conceived <has the worst manners>  c : least skillful or efficient <the worst plumber you can hire>
3 : most wanting in quality, value, or condition <farmed the worst land>
— the worst way : very much <wanted a new bicycle in the worst way>

2worst adv superlative of BAD or BADLY or of ILL
1 : to the greatest degree of badness <sings worst>
2 : to the greatest degree <needed help worst>

3worst n
1 : one that is worst <always chooses the worst>
2 : the greatest degree of ill or badness <if worse comes to worst>

4worst vb : to get the better of : DEFEAT <worsted his opponents>

wor·sted \ˈwu̇s-təd, ˈwər-stəd\ n
1 : a smooth compact yarn from long wool fibers
2 : a fabric made from worsted yarns [named for Worsted (now Worstead) a village in England where the fabric was made]
— worsted adj

wort \ˈwərt, ˈwȯ(ə)rt\ n : a sweet liquid that is drained from mash made from crushed malt or grain meal and that is fermented to make beer and whiskey

1worth \ˈwərth\ prep
1 a : equal in value to <the vase is worth $200>  b : having possessions or income equal to <an actress worth millions>
2 : deserving of <well worth the effort>
3 : capable of <ran for all I was worth>

2worth n
1 a : value in terms of money <furniture of little worth>  b : the equivalent of a certain amount or figure <five dollars worth of gas>
2 : the value of something measured by its qualities <an experience of great worth>
3 : EXCELLENCE 1

worth·less \ˈwərth-ləs\ adj
1 a : lacking worth : VALUELESS  b : USELESS <worthless to continue searching>
2 : deserving of hatred or pity <a worthless coward>
— worth·less·ly adv

— worth·less·ness n

worth·while \ˈwərth-ˈhwī(ə)l, -ˈwī(ə)l\ adj
1 : being worth the time or effort spent <worthwhile preparations>
2 : WORTHY 1A

1wor·thy \ˈwər-thē\ adj wor·thi·er; -est
1 a : having worth or value <a worthy cause>  b : HONORABLE 1 <worthy candidates>
2 : having enough value or excellence <a student worthy of the prize>
— wor·thi·ly \-thə-lē\ adv

— wor·thi·ness \-thē-nəs\ n

2worthy n, pl worthies : a worthy person

wot present 1st & 3rd singular of WIT

would \wəd, əd, d, (ˈ)wu̇d\ vb past of WILL
1 : strongly desire : WISH <I would I were young again>
2 — used as a helping verb to express (1) preference or willingness <I would sooner die than face them>, (2) wish or intent <those who would forbid free access to books>, (3) plan or intention <said they would come>, (4) custom or usual behavior <we would meet often for lunch>, (5) consent or choice <would put it off if they could>, (6) possibility <if they were coming, they would be here now>, (7) completion of a statement of desire, request, or advice <I wish that you would go>, or (8) probability or likelihood in past or present time <would have won if she had not tripped>
3 : COULD <the pitcher would hold two liters>
4 — used as a helping verb to word a polite request or to show doubt or uncertainty <would you please help us> <the explanation would seem satisfactory>
5 : SHOULD <knew I would enjoy the trip> <would be glad to know the answer>

would–be \ˌwu̇d-ˌbē\ adj : desiring, intending, or pretending to be <a would-be poet>

wouldn't \ˈwu̇d-ənt\ : would not

wouldst \wədst, (ˈ)wu̇dst, wətst\ archaic past 2nd singular of WILL

1wound \ˈwünd\ n
1 : an injury involving cutting or breaking of bodily tissue (as by violence, accident, or surgery)
2 : an injury to a person's feelings

2wound vb
1 : to hurt by cutting or breaking bodily tissue <the broken glass wounded several people>
2 : to hurt the feelings or pride of <his remark wounded her>

3wound \ˈwau̇nd\ past and past participle of WIND

1wound·ed \ˈwün-dəd\ n pl : persons that have been wounded

2wounded adj : injured, hurt by, or suffering from a wound <a wounded leg> <wounded feelings>

wove past of WEAVE

woven past participle of WEAVE

wrack \ˈrak\ n : violent or total destruction : RUIN

wraith \ˈrāth\ n
1 : GHOST
2 : a bodiless appearance : SHADOW

1wran·gle \ˈraŋ-gəl\ vb wran·gled; wran·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to have an angry quarrel
2 : to take part in an argument
3 : to herd and care for livestock and especially horses on the range

2wrangle n : an angry, noisy, or lengthy dispute or quarrel

wran·gler \ˈraŋ-g(ə-)lər\ n
1 : a person who quarrels
2 : a ranch hand who takes care of the saddle horses

1wrap \ˈrap\ vb wrapped; wrap·ping
1 a : to cover especially by winding or folding <wrap a baby in a blanket>  b : to enclose and prepare (as for transportation or storage) <wrap a package>  c : 1EMBRACE 1 <wrapped her in my arms>  d : to coil, fold, or draw about something <wrap a rubber band around the sticks>
2 a : to envelop closely or completely : SURROUND <houses wrapped in mist>  b : to involve completely : ENGROSS <they were wrapped up in studying for exams>
3 : to finish filming or recording <wrap a movie>

2wrap n
1 a : a covering that encloses something : WRAPPER  b : material for wrapping <plastic wrap>
2 : an article of clothing that may be wrapped around a person; esp : a warm loose outer garment (as a coat or shawl)
3 pl : SECRECY 2 <a plan kept under wraps>
4 : the completion of a schedule or session for filming or recording

wrap·around \ˈrap-ə-ˌrau̇nd\ adj
1 : made to be wrapped around the body <a wraparound skirt>
2 : made to curve from the front around to the side <wraparound sunglasses>

wrap·per \ˈrap-ər\ n
1 : a covering or enclosure for something
2 : one that wraps
3 : a garment worn wrapped around the body

wrap·ping \ˈrap-iŋ\ n : WRAPPER 1

wrap–up \ˈrap-ˌəp\ n : a summarizing report

wrap up \(ˈ)rap-ˈəp\ vb
1 : SUMMARIZE, SUM UP
2 : to bring to a conclusion <quickly wrapped up the meeting>
3 : to guarantee the success of : CINCH <wrapped up the nomination>

wrath \ˈrath\ n
1 : violent anger
2 : punishment for sin or crime  synonyms see ANGER

wrath·ful \ˈrath-fəl\ adj
1 : filled with wrath : very angry
2 : showing wrath <a wrathful expression>
— wrath·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— wrath·ful·ness n

wreak \ˈrēk\ vb : to bring down in or as if in punishment <wreak revenge on the enemy> <the storm wreaked destruction>

wreath \ˈrēth\ n, pl wreaths \ˈrēthz, ˈrēths\ : something twisted or woven into a circular shape <a wreath of flowers>

wreathe \ˈrēth\ vb wreathed; wreath·ing
1 : to form into a wreath
2 : to crown, decorate, or cover with or as if with a wreath <ivy wreathed the pole>

1wreck \ˈrek\ n
1 : goods cast upon the land by the sea after a shipwreck
2 : 1SHIPWRECK 2
3 : the action of wrecking
4 : a destructive crash <was injured in a car wreck>
5 : the broken remains of something wrecked or ruined
6 : something in a state of ruin or decay <the old house was a wreck>
7 : a person in poor health or spirits

2wreck vb
1 a : to reduce to a state of ruin by or as if by violence <a country wrecked by war> <jealousy wrecked their friendship>  b : 2SHIPWRECK 2
2 : to damage or ruin by a wreck <wrecked the car>

wreck·age \ˈrek-ij\ n
1 a : the act of wrecking  b : the state of being wrecked
2 : the remains of a wreck

wreck·er \ˈrek-ər\ n
1 a : one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships  b : TOW TRUCK
2 : one that wrecks

wren \ˈren\ n
1 : any of a family of small mostly brown singing birds with short rounded wings and a short tail that points upward
2 : any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits

1wrench \ˈrench\ vb
1 : to move with a violent twist
2 : to pull, strain, or tighten with violent twisting or force
3 : to injure by a violent twisting or straining <wrenched my knee while playing football>
4 : to snatch forcibly : WREST

2wrench n
1 a : a violent twisting or pull  b : a sharp twist or sudden jerk that strains muscles or ligaments; also : the injury caused by this
2 : a tool for holding, twisting, or turning (as nuts and bolts)

wrest \ˈrest\ vb
1 : to pull, force, or move by violent wringing or twisting movements
2 : to gain by or as if by force or violence <wrest power from the king>

1wres·tle \ˈres-əl\ vb wres·tled; wres·tling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to struggle with and try to throw down an opponent
2 : to compete against in wrestling
3 : to struggle for control (as of something difficult)
— wres·tler \ˈres-lər\ n

2wrestle n : the action or an instance of wrestling

wres·tling \ˈres-liŋ\ n : the sport in which two contestants wrestle each other

wretch \ˈrech\ n
1 : a miserable unhappy person
2 : a mean or evil person

wretch·ed \ˈrech-əd\ adj
1 : very miserable or unhappy
2 : causing misery or distress <that wretched accident>
3 : deserving of hatred or disgust <a wretched trick>
4 : very poor in quality or ability <wretched work>
— wretch·ed·ly adv

— wretch·ed·ness n

1wrig·gle \ˈrig-əl\ vb wrig·gled; wrig·gling \-(ə-)liŋ\
1 : to twist or move to and fro like a worm : SQUIRM <wriggle in one's chair> <wriggle one's toes>
2 : to move along by twisting and turning <the eel wriggled its way upstream>

2wriggle n
1 : a short or quick twisting motion
2 : a formation or marking having a winding or twisting course or appearance

wrig·gler \ˈrig-(ə-)lər\ n : one that wriggles; esp : WIGGLER 1

wright \ˈrīt\ n : a worker especially in wood — usually used in combination

wring \ˈriŋ\ vb wrung \ˈrəŋ\; wring·ing \ˈriŋ-iŋ\
1 : to squeeze or twist especially so as to make dry or to rid of moisture or liquid <wring wet clothes>
2 : to get by or as if by twisting or pressing <wring the truth out of them>
3 : to twist into an unnatural shape or appearance with a forcible or violent motion <wring a chicken's neck>
4 : to cause pain to as if by wringing : TORMENT <their troubles wrung our hearts>

wring·er \ˈriŋ-ər\ n : one that wrings; esp : a machine or device for squeezing out liquid or moisture <clothes wringer>

1wrin·kle \ˈriŋ-kəl\ n
1 : a crease or small fold on a surface (as of the skin or a piece of cloth)
2 : a clever or new method, trick, or idea
— wrin·kly \-k(ə-)lē\ adj

2wrinkle vb wrin·kled; wrin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\ : to develop or cause to develop wrinkles

wrist \ˈrist\ n : the joint or the region of the joint between the human hand and the arm; also : a corresponding part of a lower animal

wrist·band \ˈris(t)-ˌband\ n : a band or a part of a sleeve encircling the wrist

wrist·let \ˈris(t)-lət\ n : WRISTBAND; esp : a close-fitting knitted band at the end of a glove or sleeve

wrist·watch \ˈris-ˌtwäch\ n : a small watch attached to a bracelet or strap to fasten about the wrist

writ \ˈrit\ n
1 : something written : WRITING <Holy Writ>
2 : a written legal order signed by a court officer

write \ˈrīt\ vb wrote \ˈrōt\; writ·ten \ˈrit-ən\ also writ \ˈrit\; writ·ing \ˈrīt-iŋ\
1 : to form letters or words on a surface with an instrument (as a pen or pencil) <learn to read and write>
2 : to form the letters or the words of (as on paper) <write your name> <write a check>
3 : to spell in writing <words written alike but pronounced differently>
4 : to express in writing <write what you felt about the experience>
5 a : to make up and set down for others to read <write a book>  b : to compose music
6 : to write a letter to <write your senator>
7 : to communicate by letter <writes that they are coming>
8 : to transfer information in a computer to a storage area or output device

write–in \ˈrīt-ˌin\ n
1 : a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
2 : a candidate whose name is written in

write in vb : to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space

write off vb
1 : to take off the books : enter as a loss or expense <write off a bad debt>
2 : to consider to be lost <the candidate has already written off the southern states>; also : DISMISS 3 <wrote off my losing as bad luck>

writ·er \ˈrīt-ər\ n : one that writes especially as a business or occupation

writer's block n : a usually temporary psychological condition in which a writer is unable to proceed with a piece of writing

writer's cramp n : a painful contraction of the muscles of the hand or fingers brought on by too much use in writing

write–up \ˈrīt-ˌəp\ n : a written account (as in a newspaper); esp : a flattering article

write up \(ˈ)rīt-ˈəp\ vb
1 : to write an account of : DESCRIBE
2 : to report (a person) especially for some violation of law or rules

writhe \ˈrīth\ vb writhed; writh·ing : to twist and turn this way and that <writhe in pain>

writ·ing \ˈrīt-iŋ\ n
1 : the act or process of one that writes: as  a : the formation of letters to express words and ideas : HANDWRITING 1  b : the art or practice of literary or musical composition
2 : something (as a letter or book) that is written or printed
3 : a style or form of composition
4 : the occupation of a writer

writing paper n : paper that has a smooth surface so that it can be written on with ink

Writ·ings \ˈrīt-iŋz\ n : the third part of the Jewish scriptures — see BIBLE TABLE

1wrong \ˈrȯŋ\ n
1 : a harmful, unfair, or unjust act
2 : something that is wrong : wrong principles, practices, or conduct <know right from wrong>
3 : the state, position, or fact of being or doing wrong <in the wrong>

2wrong adj
1 : not according to the moral standard : SINFUL, IMMORAL
2 : not agreeing with proper behavior <it was wrong not to thank the hostess>
3 : not suitable <wore the wrong clothes for a wedding>
4 : not according to truth or facts : INCORRECT <a wrong answer on the test>
5 : not satisfactory <there's something wrong about the story's ending>
6 : not in agreement with one's needs, intentions, or expectations <took the wrong bus>
7 : made so as to be placed down or under and not to be seen <the wrong side of a fabric>
— wrong adv

— wrong·ly adv

— wrong·ness n

3wrong vb wronged; wrong·ing \ˈrȯŋ-iŋ\
1 : to do wrong to : INJURE, HARM
2 : to make unjust remarks about

wrong·do·er \ˈrȯŋ-ˈdü-ər\ n : a person who does wrong and especially moral wrong
— wrong·do·ing \-ˈdü-iŋ\ n

wrong·ful \ˈrȯŋ-fəl\ adj
1 : 2WRONG 1 <a wrongful act>
2 : UNLAWFUL <wrongful possession of another's property>
— wrong·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— wrong·ful·ness n

wrong·head·ed \ˈrȯŋ-ˈhed-əd\ adj : stubborn in clinging to wrong opinion or principles
— wrong·head·ed·ly adv

— wrong·head·ed·ness n

wrote past of WRITE

wroth \ˈrȯth also ˈrōth\ adj : filled with wrath : ANGRY

1wrought \ˈrȯt\ past and past participle of WORK

2wrought adj
1 : worked into shape by skill or effort <a carefully wrought report>
2 : decorated with fancy designs
3 : beaten into shape by tools : HAMMERED <wrought metals>
4 : very excited <gets wrought up over nothing>

wrought iron n : a commercial form of iron that is tough but soft and that can be hammered and shaped

wrung past and past participle of WRING

wry \ˈrī\ adj wry·er \ˈrī(-ə)r\; wry·est \ˈrī-əst\
1 : bent, twisted, or turned usually abnormally to one side <a wry nose>
2 a : expressing irony <a wry smile>  b : cleverly humorous <a wry remark>
— wry·ly adv

— wry·ness n

wy·an·dotte \ˈwī-ən-ˌdät\ n : any of a U.S. breed of medium-sized domestic chickens raised especially for meat and eggs

WYSIWYG n : a computer display generated by word-processing software that shows exactly how a printout of the document will appear

X

1x \ˈeks\ n, often cap
1 : the 24th letter of the English alphabet
2 : ten in Roman numerals
3 : an unknown quantity

2x vb x–ed also x'd or xed \ˈekst\; x–ing or x'ing \ˈek-siŋ\
1 : to mark with an x
2 : to cancel with a series of x's

X \ˈeks\ adj, of a motion picture : of such a nature that admission is denied to persons under a certain age (as 17) — used before the adoption of NC-17

x–ax·is \ˈek-ˌsak-səs\ n : the horizontal axis in a plane coordinate system along which or parallel to which abscissas are measured — compare Y-AXIS

X chromosome n : a sex chromosome that is associated with femaleness and usually occurs paired in each female cell and single in each male cell in organisms (as human beings) in which the male normally has two unlike sex chromosomes — compare Y CHROMOSOME

x–co·or·di·nate \ˌeks-kō-ˈȯrd-nət, -ən-ət\ n : ABSCISSA

xe·bec \ˈzē-ˌbek, zi-ˈbek\ n : a usually three-masted Mediterranean sailing ship with long overhanging bow and stern

xe·non \ˈzē-ˌnän, ˈzen-ˌän\ n : a heavy colorless gaseous element that occurs in air in minute quantities and is used especially in specialized electric lamps — see ELEMENT TABLE

xe·no·pho·bia \ˌzen-ə-ˈfō-bē-ə, ˌzēn-\ n : fear of foreigners or foreign things [from Greek xeno- “strange, foreign” (from xenos “foreigner”) and English phobia “an exaggerated fear”]

xe·ric \ˈzir-ik, ˈzer-\ adj : requiring little moisture <xeric woodlands> <a xeric plant>

xe·rog·ra·phy \zə-ˈräg-rə-fē, zir-ˈäg-\ n : a process for copying printed material by the action of light on an electrically charged surface in which the image is developed with a powder
— xe·ro·graph·ic \ˌzir-ə-ˈgraf-ik\ adj

xe·ro·phyte \ˈzir-ə-ˌfīt\ n : a plant (as an agave, cactus, sagebrush, or yucca) suited for growth in dry or desert conditions
— xe·ro·phyt·ic \ˌzir-ə-ˈfit-ik\ adj

xe·rox \ˈzir-ˌäks, ˈzē-ˌräks\ vb : to copy or make a copy on a xerographic copier

Xe·rox \ˈzir-ˌäks, ˈzē-ˌräks\ trademark — used for a xerographic copier

xi \ˈzī, ˈksī\ n : the 14th letter of the Greek alphabet — Ξ or ξ

x–in·ter·cept \ˈek-ˈsint-ər-ˌsept\ n : the abscissa of a point where a line or curve intersects the x-axis — compare Y-INTERCEPT

Xmas \ˈkris-məs also ˈek-sməs\ n : CHRISTMAS [from X, a symbol for Jesus Christ, and -mas, from Christmas; the X is from the Greek letter X “chi,” the first letter in the Greek word Christos “Christ”]

x–ray \ˈeks-ˌrā\ vb, often cap X : to examine, treat, or photograph with X-rays

X–ray \ˈeks-ˌrā\ n
1 : an electromagnetic radiation of an extremely short wavelength that is able to penetrate various thicknesses of solids and to act on photographic film as light does
2 : a photograph taken by the use of X-rays
— X–ray adj
Word History In 1895, a German scientist, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, was experimenting with an electric current passing through a vacuum in a glass tube. He found that a piece of material that glows only when electricity passes through it began to glow even though it was not inside the tube. Röntgen tried to shield the material from the tube. However, he found that the material glowed even when it was shielded by paper or wood. Only a shield of metal stopped the glowing. He guessed that an unknown invisible ray created inside the glass tube was causing this to happen. Since he knew nothing about this mysterious ray, Röntgen called it X-Strahl in German, which translates as X-ray in English. He was using the letter x, which had long been used in mathematics for an unknown value. [from German X-Strahl “X-ray,” from the use of x to represent an unknown value]

xy·lem \ˈzī-ləm, -ˌlem\ n : a tissue of higher plants that carries water and dissolved materials upward, functions also in support and storage, lies deeper inside the plant than the phloem, and usually makes up the woody parts (as of a plant stem) — compare PHLOEM

xy·lo·phone \ˈzī-lə-ˌfōn\ n : a musical instrument consisting of a series of wooden bars varying in length and sounded by striking with two wooden hammers [from Greek xylo- “wood, of wood” (from xylon “wood”) and English -phone “sound, a sound-producing device”]
— xy·lo·phon·ist \-ˌfō-nəst\ n

Y

y \ˈwī\ n, pl y's or ys often cap : the 25th letter of the English alphabet

Y \ˈwī\ n
1 : YMCA
2 : YWCA

1-y also -ey \ē\ adj suffix -i·er; -i·est
1 a : marked by : full of <blossomy> <dirty> <muddy> <clayey>  b : composed of <icy> <waxy>  c : like : like that of <homey> <wintry> <stagy>
2 a : tending to <sleepy> <chatty>  b : causing or performing (a certain) action <teary> [Old English -ig (adjective suffix) “having the character of”]

2-y \ē\ n suffix, pl -ies
1 : state : condition : quality <jealousy>
2 : activity, place of business, or goods dealt with <grocery> <laundry>
3 : whole body or group <soldiery> [derived from Greek -ia (noun suffix) “state, condition, quality”]

3-y n suffix, pl -ies : instance of a (certain) action <entreaty> <inquiry> [derived from Latin -ium (noun suffix) “an instance of a certain action”]

4-y — see -IE

1yacht \ˈyät\ n : a fairly small ship used for pleasure cruising or racing
Word History In the 16th century, the Dutch were being attacked by pirates and smugglers who managed to escape after their raids because their ships were much faster than the heavy warships used by the Dutch. To solve the problem, the Dutch began building smaller, sleeker, faster craft. This new kind of craft was called a jaght (later spelled jacht) in Dutch. The word was derived from the Dutch phrase jachtschip, literally meaning “hunting ship.” In 1660, the Dutch East India Company presented one of these boats to England's King Charles II. He used it for a pleasure boat rather than for chasing pirates. Soon, other wealthy Englishmen wanted boats just like the king's. The style was then copied and improved over the years. The name for this craft also went through a number of changes over the years, from the original jaght, taken from the Dutch, to the yacht spelling we have today. [from obsolete Dutch jaght (now jacht), short for jachtschip, literally, “hunting ship”]

2yacht vb : to race or cruise in a yacht

yacht·ing n : the sport of racing or cruising in a yacht

yachts·man \ˈyät-smən\ n : a person who owns or sails a yacht

ya·hoo \yä-ˈhü\ interj : YIPPEE

yak \ˈyak\ n, pl yaks also yak : a large long-haired wild or domesticated ox of Tibet and nearby elevated parts of central Asia

yam \ˈyam\ n
1 : an edible starchy root that is an important food in tropical areas; also : a plant producing yams
2 : a sweet potato with moist usually orange flesh

yam·mer \ˈyam-ər\ vb yam·mered; yam·mer·ing \-(ə-)riŋ\ : to utter repeated cries of sorrow, distress, or complaint

1yank \ˈyaŋk\ n : a strong sudden pull : JERK

2yank vb : to pull suddenly or forcefully

Yank \ˈyaŋk\ n : YANKEE

Yan·kee \ˈyaŋ-kē\ n
1 : a person born or living in New England
2 : a person born or living in the northern U.S.
3 : a person born or living in the U.S.

Ya·no·ma·mi \ˌyän-ō-ˈmäm-ē\ n, pl Yanomami : a member of the native people living in the rain forests of southern Venezuela and northern Brazil

1yap \ˈyap\ vb yapped; yap·ping
1 : to bark in yaps : YELP
2 : to talk sharply or continuously

2yap n : a quick shrill bark : YELP

1yard \ˈyärd\ n
1 a : a small often enclosed area open to the sky and next to a building  b : the grounds of a building (as the grassy area around a house)
2 a : an enclosure for livestock  b : an area with its buildings and equipment set aside for a particular activity <a navy yard>  c : a system of railroad tracks for keeping and repairing cars [Old English geard “an enclosed space, yard”]

2yard n
1 : any of various units of measure; esp : a unit of length equal in the U.S. to 0.9144 meter — see MEASURE TABLE
2 : a long pole tapered toward the ends that supports and spreads the top of a sail [Old English gierd “twig, measure”]

yard·age \ˈyärd-ij\ n
1 : a total number of yards
2 : the length or size of something measured in yards

yard·arm \ˈyärd-ˌärm\ n : either end of the yard of a square-rigged ship

yard·mas·ter \-ˌmas-tər\ n : the person in charge of a railroad yard

yard sale n : GARAGE SALE

yard·stick \-ˌstik\ n
1 : a measuring stick a yard long
2 : a rule or standard by which something is measured

yar·mul·ke \ˈyäm-ə-kə, ˈyär-məl-\ n : a skullcap worn especially by Jewish males [Yiddish yarmlke “yarmulke”]

1yarn \ˈyärn\ n
1 a : a natural or manufactured fiber (as cotton, wool, or rayon) formed as a continuous strand for use in knitting or weaving  b : a similar strand of another material (as metal, glass, or plastic)
2 : an interesting or exciting story

2yarn vb : to tell a yarn

yaw \ˈyȯ\ vb : to turn suddenly from a straight course : SWERVE, VEER <heavy seas made the ship yaw>
— yaw n

yawl \ˈyȯl\ n : a sailboat having two masts with the shorter one behind the rudder

1yawn \ˈyȯn, ˈyän\ vb
1 : to open wide : GAPE
2 : to open the mouth wide and take a deep breath usually as a reaction to being tired or bored
— yawn·er n

2yawn n : an opening of the mouth wide while taking a deep breath often as an involuntary reaction

1yawp or yaup \ˈyȯp\ vb : to make a loud harsh noise

2yawp also yaup n : a loud harsh noise

yaws \ˈyȯz\ n sing or pl : a tropical contagious skin disease especially of children caused by a bacterium that is a spirochete

y–ax·is \ˈwī-ˌak-səs\ n : the vertical axis in a plane coordinate system along which or parallel to which ordinates are measured — compare X-AXIS

Y chromosome n : a sex chromosome that is associated with maleness and occurs only in male cells paired with an X chromosome in organisms (as human beings) in which the male normally has two unlike sex chromosomes — compare X CHROMOSOME

yclept \i-ˈklept\ or ycleped \-ˈklēpt, -ˈklept\ adj, archaic : being named : CALLED [Old English geclipod, past participle of clipian “to cry out, name”]

y–co·or·di·nate \ˌwī-kō-ˈȯrd-nət, -ən-ət\ n : ORDINATE

1ye \(ˈ)yē\ pron : YOU 1 [Old English gē “you”]

2ye \yē, yə, or like the\ definite article, archaic : THE <Ye Olde Gifte Shoppe> [an altered form of Old English þē “the”; because the handwritten forms of þ and y in old manuscripts looked much alike, early printers used y when the obsolete þ was not available]

1yea \ˈyā\ adv
1 : 1YES 1 — used in oral voting
2 — used to give special force to a phrase that follows <most people, yea everyone, would agree with that>

2yea n
1 : a vote in favor of something
2 : a person casting a yea vote

yeah \ˈye-ə, ˈya-ə\ adv : 1YES

year \ˈyi(ə)r\ n
1 : the period of about 365¼ days required for the earth to make one complete trip around the sun
2 : a period of 365 days or in leap year 366 days beginning January 1
3 : a period of time usually shorter than a calendar year <a school year of nine months>

year·book \-ˌbu̇k\ n
1 : a book published yearly
2 : a school publication recording the history and activities of a graduating class

year·ling \ˈyi(ə)r-liŋ\ n
1 : one and especially an animal that is a year old or in the second year after birth
2 : a racehorse between January 1st of the year after the year in which it was born and the next January 1st
— yearling adj

year·ly \ˈyi(ə)r-lē\ adj
1 : occurring, made, done, or produced every year : ANNUAL
2 : calculated in terms of one year
— yearly adv

yearn \ˈyərn\ vb
1 : to desire eagerly
2 : to feel tenderness or sympathy
— yearn·er n
synonyms YEARN, LONG, PINE, mean to desire something very much. YEARN suggests an eager desire along with restless, painful feelings <yearning to go home>. LONG suggests wanting something with one's whole heart and often striving to get it as well <longing to succeed as a writer>. PINE suggests that one grows weak while continuing to want something that one will never have <pining away for an absent friend>.

yearn·ing n : a tender or eager longing

year–round \ˈyi(ə)r-ˈrau̇nd, ˈyiə-ˈrau̇nd\ adj : being in operation for the whole year <a year-round resort>

yeast \ˈyēst, ˈēst\ n
1 a : a one-celled fungus that produces alcohol during the process of fermentation; also : any of various similar fungi  b : a yellowish foamy material that may occur on the surface of sweet liquids (as fruit juices) undergoing fermentation and that consists chiefly of yeast cells and carbon dioxide  c : a commercial product containing living yeast cells that is used mostly in the making of alcoholic beverages and as a leaven especially in baking bread
2 : something that causes motion or activity
— yeasty \ˈyē-stē, ˈē-stē\ adj

1yell \ˈyel\ vb
1 : to utter a loud cry, scream, or shout
2 : to give a cheer usually as part of a crowd
— yell·er n

2yell n
1 : 2SCREAM 1, SHOUT
2 : a cheer used especially in schools or colleges to encourage athletic teams

1yel·low \ˈyel-ō\ adj
1 a : of the color yellow  b : yellowish from age, disease, or discoloring
2 : COWARDLY 1
— yellow vb

— yel·low·ness n

2yellow n
1 : a color like that of ripe lemons
2 : something yellow or yellowish

yellow fever n : an infectious disease of warm regions (as sub-Saharan Africa) that is marked by fever, headache, muscle aches, yellowness of the skin, and sometimes death and that is caused by a virus transmitted by a mosquito

yel·low·ham·mer \ˈyel-ō-ˌham-ər, ˈyel-ə-\ n : YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER

yel·low·ish \ˈyel-ə-wish\ adj : somewhat yellow

yellow jack n : YELLOW FEVER

yellow jacket n : any of various small social wasps with yellow markings that commonly nest in the ground and can sting repeatedly and painfully

yellow pages n pl, often cap Y&P : the section of a telephone directory that lists businesses and professional firms by category and includes advertising

yellow perch n : 3PERCH 1

yel·low–shaft·ed flicker \ˌyel-ō-ˌshaf-təd-, ˌyel-ə-\ n : a flicker of the form found in the more eastern parts of North America that is golden yellow on the underside of the tail and wings, has a red mark on the back of the neck, and in the male has a black streak on each side of the base of the bill — called also yellowhammer

1yelp \ˈyelp\ n : a sharp quick shrill bark or cry <the yelps of turkeys> [Middle English yelpen “to boast, cry out,” from Old English gielpan “to boast, exult”]

2yelp vb : to utter a yelp or a similar sound <he yelped in pain> <heard the dog yelping again>
— yelp·er n

1yen \ˈyen\ n, pl yen
1 : the basic unit of money of Japan
2 : a coin worth one yen

2yen n : an intense desire : LONGING

yeo·man \ˈyō-mən\ n
1 a : a servant in a royal or noble household  b : a naval petty officer who works as a clerk
2 : a small landowning farmer

yeo·man·ly \ˈyō-mən-lē\ adj : becoming to a yeoman : STURDY, LOYAL

yeo·man·ry \ˈyō-mən-rē\ n : a body of yeomen

-yer — see 2-ER

yer·ba ma·té \ˌyer-bə-ˈmä-ˌtā, ˌyər-\ n : MATÉ

1yes \ˈyes, ˈyeu̇, ˈe-(y)ə are three of many variants\ adv
1 — used to express agreement <are you ready? Yes, I am>
2 — used to correct or contradict what another has said <don't say that! Yes, I will>
3 — used to introduce a phrase with greater force or clearness <we are glad, yes, very glad to see you>
4 — used to show interest or attention <yes, what is it you want>

2yes \ˈyes\ n : a positive reply

ye·shi·va also ye·shi·vah \yə-ˈshē-və\ n, pl yeshivas or ye·shi·vot \-ˌshē-ˈvōt(h)\ : a Jewish school especially for religious instruction

yes–man \ˈyes-ˌman\ n : a person who agrees with every opinion or suggestion of a boss

1yes·ter·day \ˈyes-tərd-ē\ adv
1 : on the day before today
2 : at a time not long past

2yesterday n
1 : the day next before the present
2 : recent time : time not long past

yes·ter·year \ˈyes-tər-ˌyi(ə)r\ n
1 : last year
2 : the recent past

1yet \(ˈ)yet\ adv
1 a : in addition : BESIDES <gives yet another reason>  b : 3EVEN 4 <a yet higher speed>
2 a : up to now : so far <hasn't done much yet>  b : at this time : so soon as now <not time to go yet>  c : 3STILL 2 <is yet a new country>  d : at a later time <may yet see the light>
3 : NEVERTHELESS <strong, yet not strong enough>

2yet conj : despite that fact : BUT <bought more milk yet it was not enough for everyone>

ye·ti \ˈyet-ē, ˈyāt-\ n : ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN

yew \ˈyü\ n
1 : any of a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs that are gymnosperms with short stiff flattened needlelike leaves and seeds having a red juicy covering
2 : the wood of a yew; esp : the heavy fine-grained wood of an Old World yew that is used especially for bows and small articles

Yid·dish \ˈyid-ish\ n : a language that began among the Jews of eastern Europe and is based on German and written in the Hebrew alphabet [from Yiddish yidish, a shortened form of yidish daytsh, literally “Jewish German (language),” derived from early German jüdisch “Jewish” and diutsch “the German language”]
— Yiddish adj

1yield \ˈyē(ə)ld\ vb
1 : to give up possession of on claim or demand : SURRENDER
2 : to give oneself up to a liking, temptation, or habit
3 a : to bear as a natural product <trees that yield fruit>  b : to produce as a result of effort <this soil should yield good crops>  c : to return as profit or interest
4 : to bring good results
5 : to give up and stop fighting <will not yield to their enemy>
6 : to give way to urging, persuasion, or pleading
7 : to give way under physical force so as to bend, stretch, or break
8 : to admit that someone else is better
— yield·er \ˈyēl-dər\ n
synonyms YIELD, SUBMIT, SURRENDER, mean to give way to someone or something that one can no longer oppose. YIELD applies to any kind of giving way or giving in (as to physical force, argument, or persuasion) <the roof yielded to the heavy load of snow> <she refused to yield to the pressure to change her vote>. SUBMIT stresses giving in to the will of another and going against one's own wishes <submitted to the plan but under protest>. SURRENDER applies to a total giving in and the placing of oneself at the mercy of another <finally the lord of the castle surrendered it to the enemy>.

2yield n : something yielded : PRODUCT; esp : the amount or quantity produced or returned <a high yield of wheat per acre>

yield·ing \ˈyēl-diŋ\ adj
1 : not rigid or stiff : FLEXIBLE <a yielding mass>
2 : tending to give in to the wishes of another <a cheerful yielding nature>

y–in·ter·cept \ˈwī-ˈint-ər-ˌsept\ n : the ordinate of a point where a line or curve intersects the y-axis — compare X-INTERCEPT

yip \ˈyip\ vb yipped; yip·ping : to bark sharply, quickly, and often continuously <the poodle ran around yipping>; also : to utter a short sharp cry <yipped with joy>
— yip n

yip·pee \ˈyip-ē\ interj — used to express delight or triumph

YMCA \ˌwī-ˌem-(ˌ)sē-ˈā\ n : an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare originally of young Christian men [Young Men's Christian Association]

YMHA \ˌwī-ˌem-ˌā-ˈchā\ n : an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare originally of young Jewish men [Young Men's Hebrew Association]

yo·del \ˈyōd-əl\ vb -deled or -delled; -del·ing or -del·ling \ˈyōd-liŋ, -əl-iŋ\ : to sing while frequently going back and forth between the range of one's natural voice and a higher range; also : to shout or call in this manner
— yodel n

— yo·del·er \ˈyōd-lər, -əl-ər\ n

yo·ga \ˈyō-gə\ n
1 cap : a Hindu philosophy teaching that by holding back the activity of one's body, mind, and will one can know one's true self and be free
2 : a system of exercises for gaining bodily or mental control and well-being

yo·gi \ˈyō-gē\ also yo·gin \-gən, -ˌgin\ n
1 : a person who practices yoga
2 cap : a follower of Yoga

yo·gurt also yo·ghurt \ˈyō-gərt\ n : a slightly acidic semisolid food that is often flavored and sweetened and is made of milk that has been soured by the addition of bacteria

1yoke \ˈyōk\ n, pl yokes
1 a : a wooden bar or frame by which two work animals (as oxen) are joined at their heads or necks for pulling a plow or load  b : a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions  c : a clamp or brace that holds or unites two parts
2 pl usu yoke : two animals yoked together
3 a : something that brings about a state of hardship, pain, or slavery  b : SLAVERY 2A
4 : a fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of a garment

2yoke vb yoked; yok·ing
1 : to put a yoke on
2 : to attach (a work animal) to something <yoke a horse to a cart>
3 : to join as if by a yoke
4 : to put to work

yoke·fel·low \ˈyōk-ˌfel-ō\ n : a close companion

yo·kel \ˈyō-kəl\ n : a country person with little education or experience

yolk \ˈyōk, ˈyelk also ˈyōlk\ n
1 : the yellow inner mass of stored food in the egg of a bird or reptile
2 : the material stored in an animal ovum that supplies food material to the developing embryo

Yom Kip·pur \ˌyōm-ki-ˈpu̇r, ˌyȯm-, ˌyäm-, -ˈkip-ər\ n : a Jewish holiday observed in September or October with fasting and prayer as ways of making up for sins

1yon \ˈyän\ adj : 2YONDER

2yon adv
1 : 1YONDER
2 : 1THITHER <hither and yon>

yond \ˈyänd\ adv, archaic : 1YONDER

1yon·der \ˈyän-dər\ adv : at or to that place : over there

2yonder adj
1 : more distant <the yonder side of the river>
2 : being at a distance within view <yonder hills>

yore \ˈyō(ə)r, ˈyȯ(ə)r\ n : time long past — usually used in the phrase of yore

York·shire pudding \ˈyȯ(ə)rk-ˌshi(ə)r-, -shər-\ n : batter made from eggs, flour, and milk and baked in meat drippings

Yorkshire terrier n : any of a breed of small toy terriers with long straight silky hair that is mostly bluish gray but tan on the head and chest

you \(ˈ)yü, yə, yē\ pron
1 : the one or ones spoken to <can I pour you a cup of tea> <you are my friends>
2 : 3ONE 2 <you never know what will happen>

you–all \(ˈ)yü-ˈȯl, ˈyü-ˌȯl, ˈyȯl\ pron, chiefly Southern : YOU — usually used in addressing two or more persons

you'd \(ˌ)yüd, (ˌ)yu̇d, yəd\ : you had : you would

you'll \(ˌ)yü(ə)l, (ˌ)yu̇l, yəl\ : you shall : you will

1young \ˈyəŋ\ adj youn·ger \ˈyəŋ-gər\; youn·gest \ˈyəŋ-gəst\
1 a : being in the early stage of life, growth, or development  b : 1JUNIOR 1A
2 : lacking in experience
3 : recently come into being : NEW <young rock strata>
4 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of youth or a young person <young at heart>
— young·ness \ˈyəŋ-nəs\ n

2young n pl
1 : young persons : YOUTH <music that appeals to the young>
2 : immature or recently born offspring <a bear and her young>
— with young : PREGNANT 1 — used of animals

youn·gest \ˈyəŋ-gəst\ n : the least old member especially of a family

young·ish \ˈyəŋ-ish\ adj : somewhat young

young·ster \ˈyəŋ(k)-stər\ n
1 : a young person : YOUTH
2 : CHILD 2A

your \yər, (ˈ)yu̇(ə)r, (ˈ)yō(ə)r, (ˈ)yȯ(ə)r\ adj
1 : of or relating to you or yourself or yourselves <your house> <your contributions> <your friends>
2 : of or relating to one <when you face the north, east is at your right>
3 — used before a title of honor in address <your Honor>

you're \yər, (ˌ)yu̇(ə)r, (ˌ)yō(ə)r, (ˌ)yȯ(ə)r\ : you are

yours \ˈyu̇(ə)rz, ˈyō(ə)rz, ˈyȯ(ə)rz\ pron : your one : your ones — often used with an adverb and as part of the closing of a letter <yours truly>

your·self \yər-ˈself\ pron
1 a : that one that is you <don't hurt yourself> <carry them yourself>  b : your normal or healthy self <you're not yourself today>
2 : ONESELF

your·selves \yər-ˈselvz\ pron pl
1 : those identical ones that are you
2 : your normal or healthy selves

youth \ˈyüth\ n, pl youths \ˈyüthz, ˈyüths\
1 : the time of life when one is young; esp : the period between childhood and adulthood
2 a : a young man  b : young people <the youth of today> — usually used with a plural verb
3 : the quality or state of being young

youth·ful \ˈyüth-fəl\ adj
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for youth
2 : being young and not yet mature
3 : having the freshness and energy of youth <youthful grandparents>
— youth·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— youth·ful·ness n

youth hostel n : HOSTEL 2

you've \(ˌ)yüv, yəv\ : you have

yowl \ˈyau̇(ə)l\ vb : to utter a loud long often mournful cry or howl <the cats were yowling all night>
— yowl n

yo–yo \ˈyō-ˌyō\ n, pl yo–yos
1 : a thick divided disk that is made to fall and rise to the hand by unwinding and rewinding on a string
2 : 1FOOL 1

yt·ter·bi·um \i-ˈtər-bē-əm\ n : a metallic element that occurs in several minerals — see ELEMENT TABLE

yt·tri·um \ˈi-trē-əm\ n : a metallic element that occurs in minerals along with other similar uncommon elements — see ELEMENT TABLE

yu·an \ˈyü-ən, yu̇-ˈän\ n, pl yuan
1 : the basic unit of money in China
2 : a coin or bill worth one yuan

yuc·ca \ˈyək-ə\ n : any of a genus of plants that are related to the agaves, grow in warm dry regions mostly of western North America, have long pointed often stiff leaves, and produce a tall stiff stalk with whitish flowers

yucky \ˈyək-ē\ adj yuck·i·er; -est : DISAGREEABLE, DISTASTEFUL

yule \ˈyü(ə)l\ n, often cap : CHRISTMAS

Yule log n : a large log formerly put on the hearth on Christmas Eve as the foundation of the fire

yule·tide \ˈyü(ə)l-ˌtīd\ n, often cap : the Christmas season

yum·my \ˈyəm-ē\ adj : very pleasing especially to the taste

yurt \ˈyu̇(ə)rt\ n : a light round tent of skins or felt used by nomads in central Asia [from Russian yurta “a domed tent, yurt”; of Turkish origin]

YWCA \ˌwī-ˌdəb-əl-yu̇-(ˌ)sē-ˈā\ n : an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare originally of young Christian women [Young Women's Christian Association]

YWHA \ˌwī-ˌdəb-əl-yu̇-ˌā-ˈchā\ n : an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare originally of young Jewish women [Young Women's Hebrew Association]

Z

z \ˈzē, British & Canadian ˈzed\ n, pl z's or zs often cap
1 : the 26th and last letter of the English alphabet
2 : a brief nap <catch some z's before dinner>

Zach·a·ri·as \ˌzak-ə-ˈrī-əs\ n : ZECHARIAH

1za·ny \ˈzā-nē\ n, pl zanies
1 : 1CLOWN 2
2 : a silly or foolish person

2zany adj za·ni·er; -est
1 : being, typical of, or resembling a zany
2 : fantastically crazy <a zany movie>
— za·ni·ly \ˈzā-nə-lē, ˈzān-əl-ē\ adv

— za·ni·ness \ˈzā-nē-nəs\ n

zap \ˈzap\ vb zapped; zap·ping
1 : to destroy or kill by or as if by shooting
2 : to hit suddenly and forcefully

zeal \ˈzē(ə)l\ n : eager desire in going for a goal

zeal·ot \ˈzel-ət\ n : a zealous person; esp : an overly zealous supporter

zeal·ous \ˈzel-əs\ adj : filled with or showing zeal : marked by passionate support for a person, cause, or ideal
— zeal·ous·ly adv

— zeal·ous·ness n

ze·bra \ˈzēb-rə\ n, pl zebras also zebra
1 : any of several hoofed plant-eating African mammals that are related to the horse, have a hide striped in black or dark brown and white or buff, and are swift runners
2 : a small Indian fish with blue and silver stripes that is often kept in tropical aquariums

ze·bu \ˈzē-b(y)ü\ n : any of various breeds of domestic oxen developed in India that have a large fleshy hump over the shoulders and loose skin with hanging folds and that are able to withstand the harmful effects of heat and insect attack

Zech·a·ri·ah \ˌzek-ə-ˈrī-ə\ n : a prophetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see BIBLE TABLE

zed \ˈzed\ n, chiefly British : the letter z

ze·nith \ˈzē-nəth\ n
1 : the point in the heavens directly overhead
2 : the highest point

Zeph·a·ni·ah \ˌzef-ə-ˈnī-ə\ n : an book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture about the end of the world — see BIBLE TABLE

zeph·yr \ˈzef-ər\ n
1 : a breeze from the west
2 : a gentle breeze

zep·pe·lin \ˈzep-(ə-)lən\ n : a long cylindrical passenger balloon that has a metal frame and is driven through the air by engines carried on its underside

1ze·ro \ˈzē-rō, ˈzi(ə)r-ō\ n, pl zeros also zeroes
1 : the numerical symbol 0 meaning the absence of all magnitude or quantity — see NUMBER TABLE
2 a : a point (as on a scale) from which measurements are made  b : a value or reading of zero; esp : the temperature shown by the zero mark on a thermometer
3 : something or someone of no importance
4 : the lowest point

2zero adj
1 a : of, relating to, or being a zero  b : having no size or quantity <zero growth>
2 : showing no change in the word form <“sheep” is a noun with a zero plural>

3zero vb
1 : to find out or adjust the zero of (as a balance)
2 : to aim or concentrate on a target or goal <zero in on my problems with algebra>

zero gravity n : the state or condition of lacking apparent gravitational pull : WEIGHTLESSNESS

zero hour n
1 : the hour at which a military action is scheduled to start
2 : a moment of crisis

zest \ˈzest\ n
1 : a piece of the peel of a citrus fruit (as an orange or lemon) used as a flavoring
2 : a quality that increases enjoyment <added zest to the performance>
3 : keen enjoyment : RELISH <has a zest for life>
— zest·ful \-fəl\ adj

— zest·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adv

— zest·ful·ness n

— zesty \ˈzes-tē\ adj
Word History Zest was borrowed into English in the 17th century from the French zest (now spelled zeste), meaning “an orange or lemon peel.” Where the French got the word we do not know. The peels of oranges and lemons are sometimes used to add flavor to food and drinks. The earliest uses of zest in English refer to the peel of such fruit used in this way. By the early 18th century, however, zest had developed another meaning. It was used to refer to a quality that adds enjoyment to something, in the same way that the zest of an orange or lemon adds flavor to food. [from obsolete French zest (now zeste) “orange or lemon peel used for flavoring”]

ze·ta \ˈzāt-ə\ n : the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet — Ζ or ζ

1zig·zag \ˈzig-ˌzag\ n : one of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or changes in a course; also : something having the form or appearance of such a series

2zigzag adv : in or by a zigzag path or course

3zigzag adj : having short sharp turns or angles

4zigzag vb zig·zagged; zig·zag·ging : to form, move along, or consist of a zigzag course

zilch \ˈzilch\ n : 3NOTHING, ZERO

zil·lion \ˈzil-yən\ n : a large number <zillions of ants>

zinc \ˈziŋk\ n : a bluish white metallic element that is commonly found in minerals and is used especially in alloys and as a protective coating for iron and steel — see ELEMENT TABLE

zinc oxide n : a white substance that is used as a white pigment, is added to rubber, and is used in medical and cosmetic preparations (as ointments and sunblocks)

zinc sulfide n : a white to yellowish compound used especially as a white coloring matter

zinc white n : a white coloring matter that consists of a compound made up of zinc and oxygen

zing \ˈziŋ\ n
1 : a shrill humming sound
2 : a lively or energetic quality <a musical show with lots of zing>

zin·nia \ˈzin-ē-ə, ˈzin-yə, ˈzēn-\ n : any of a genus of tropical American composite herbs having long-lasting flowers

Zi·on·ism \ˈzī-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n : an international effort working in the beginning for a Jewish homeland and later for the support of Israel
— Zi·on·ist \-nəst\ adj or n

1zip \ˈzip\ vb zipped; zip·ping
1 : to move or act with speed and energy
2 : to travel with a sharp hissing or humming sound
3 : to add energy, interest, or life to — often used with up [a word created to imitate the sound of an object speeding past]

2zip n
1 : a sudden sharp hissing sound
2 : VIM, ENERGY

3zip vb zipped; zip·ping : to close or open with a zipper [from zipper]

4zip n : 1ZERO 1 <won the game 7–zip> [origin unknown]

5zip n, often cap Z&I&P : ZIP CODE

zip code n : a number that identifies each postal delivery area in the U.S.

zip gun n : a crude homemade pistol

zip line n : a cable hung above a slope to which a pulley and harness are attached for a rider

zip·per \ˈzip-ər\ n : a fastener consisting of two rows of metal or plastic teeth on strips of tape and a sliding piece that closes an opening by drawing the teeth together [from Zipper, a former trademark]
— zip·pered \-ərd\ adj

zip·py \ˈzip-ē\ adj zip·pi·er; -est : full of zip : BRISK, SNAPPY

zir·con \ˈzər-ˌkän, -kən\ n : a mineral that consists of a silicate of zirconium and occurs usually as brown or grayish crystals or sometimes as transparent forms which are used as gems

zir·co·ni·um \ˌzər-ˈkō-nē-əm\ n : a steel-gray strong metallic element with a high melting point that is used especially in combination with other metals — see ELEMENT TABLE

zit \ˈzit\ n, slang : PIMPLE [origin unknown]

zith·er \ˈzith-ər, ˈzith-\ n : a stringed instrument with thirty to forty tuned strings that are plucked with the fingers or with a pick

zi·ti \ˈzēt-ē\ n, pl ziti : medium-sized tube-shaped pasta [Italian, plural of zito “a piece of tubular pasta,” probably short for maccheroni di zita, literally, “bride's macaroni”]

zlo·ty \ˈzlȯt-ē, zə-ˈlȯt-ē\ n, pl zlotys \-ēz\
1 : the basic unit of money of Poland
2 : a coin worth one zloty

zo·di·ac \ˈzōd-ē-ˌak\ n
1 : an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of most of the planets and is divided into 12 star groups or signs
2 : a figure showing the signs of the zodiac [Middle English zodiac “zodiac,” from Latin zodiacus (same meaning), derived from Greek zōidion “carved or painted figure, sign of the zodiac,” from zōion “living being, animal, figure”]
— zo·di·a·cal \zō-ˈdī-ə-kəl\ adj

See TABLE

zom·bie also zom·bi \ˈzäm-bē\ n : a person who is believed to have died and been brought back to life without speech or free will [Louisiana Creole or Haitian Creole zonbi, of Bantu origin]

zon·al \ˈzōn-əl\ adj : of, relating to, or having the form of a zone <a zonal boundary>

1zone \ˈzōn\ n
1 : any of five great divisions of the earth's surface with respect to latitude and temperature
2 : a region or area set off from surrounding or neighboring parts
3 : one of the sections of an area or territory created for a particular purpose
4 : an area on a playing field

2zone vb zoned; zon·ing : to divide into zones; esp : to divide (as a city) into sections for different purposes (as manufacturing)

zoo \ˈzü\ n, pl zoos : a garden or park where living usually wild animals are kept for showing to the public

zoo·keep·er \-ˌkē-pər\ n : a person who keeps or cares for animals in a zoo

zoo·log·i·cal \ˌzō-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl\ adj : of, relating to, or concerned with zoology

zoological garden n : ZOO

zoological park n : ZOO

zo·ol·o·gist \zō-ˈäl-ə-jəst, zə-ˈwäl-\ n : a person who specializes in zoology

zo·ol·o·gy \zō-ˈäl-ə-jē, zə-ˈwäl-\ n : a branch of biology concerned with the animal kingdom and animal life

1zoom \ˈzüm\ vb
1 : to speed along with a loud low hum or buzz <cars zooming down the highway>
2 : to gain altitude quickly <the rocket zoomed into the sky>

2zoom n
1 : an act or process of zooming
2 : a zooming sound

zoom lens n : a lens on a camera or projector in which the size of the image can be continuously changed while the image remains in focus

zoo·plank·ton \ˌzō-ə-ˈplaŋ(k)-tən, -ˌtän\ n : plankton that is composed of animals

Zo·ro·as·tri·an \ˌzōr-ə-ˈwas-trē-ən\ adj : of or relating to the Persian prophet Zoroaster or the religion founded by him and marked by belief in a great war between good and evil in the universe
— Zoroastrian n

— Zo·ro·as·tri·an·ism \-trē-ə-ˌniz-əm\ n

zounds \ˈz(w)au̇n(d)z, ˈz(w)ün(d)z\ interj — used as a mild oath

zuc·chi·ni \zu̇-ˈkē-nē\ n, pl -ni or -nis : a smooth cylinder-shaped usually dark green summer squash; also : a plant that bears zucchini

Zu·lu \ˈzü-lü\ n, pl Zulu or Zulus : a member of a Bantu-speaking people of South Africa
— Zulu adj

Zu·ni \ˈzü-nē\ also Zu·ñi \ˈzün-yē\ n, pl Zuni or Zunis also Zuñi or Zuñis : an American Indian people of western New Mexico

zwie·back \ˈswē-ˌbak, ˈswī-, ˈzwē-, ˈzwī-, -ˌbäk\ n : a usually sweet bread made with eggs that is baked and then sliced and toasted until dry and crisp

zy·de·co \ˈzīd-ə-ˌkō\ n : popular music of southern Louisiana that combines tunes of French origin with elements of Caribbean music and blues

zy·gote \ˈzī-ˌgōt\ n : a cell formed by the union of two sex cells; also : the developing individual produced from such a cell
— zy·got·ic \zī-ˈgät-ik\ adj

Abbreviations and Symbols for Chemical Elements

Most of these abbreviations have been entered according to one standard form. There is, however, variation in the use of periods and of capital letters (as mph, m.p.h., Mph, and MPH). Therefore, stylings other than those given in this dictionary are often acceptable.

a absent, acre, alto, answer, are, area, atto-

A ace, ampere, argon

Å angstrom unit

AA associate in arts

AAA American Automobile Association

A and M agricultural and mechanical

AB able-bodied seaman, Alberta, bachelor of arts [modern Latin artium baccalaureus]

abbr abbreviation

ABC American Broadcasting Companies

abl ablative

abp archbishop

abs absolute, abstract

ABS antilock braking system

abstr abstract

ac account, acre

Ac actinium

AC air-conditioning, alternating current, before Christ [Latin ante Christum], area code

acad academic, academy

acc, accus accusative

accel accelerando

acct account, accountant

act active, actor, actual

ACT Australian Capital Territory

AD after date, Alzheimer's disease, anno Domini

ADC aide-de-camp, Aid to Dependent Children

addn addition

adj adjective, adjutant

ad loc to or at the place [Latin ad locum]

ADM admiral

admin administration, administrative

adv adverb

advt advertisement

aero aerodynamic

AF air force, audio frequency

AFDC Aid to Families with Dependent Children

AFL–CIO American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

Afr Africa, African

Ag silver [Latin argentum]

agcy agency

agr, agric agricultural, agriculture

agt agent

AI artificial intelligence

AK Alaska

aka also known as

Al aluminum

AL Alabama, American League

Ala Alabama

Alas Alaska

Alb Albania, Albanian

alc alcohol

ald alderman

alg algebra

alk alkaline

alt alternate, altitude

Alta Alberta

a.m., A.M. ante meridiem

Am America, American, americium

AM master of arts [modern Latin artium magister]

amb ambassador

amdt amendment

Amer America, American

AmerInd American Indian

Amn airman

amt amount

amu atomic mass unit

anat anatomical, anatomy

anc ancient

ann annual

anon anonymous, anonymously

ans answer

ant antonym

Ant Antarctica

anthrop anthropology

AP Associated Press

APB all points bulletin

APO army post office

approx approximate, approximately

appt appointment

Apr April

apt apartment, aptitude

aq aqua, aqueous

ar arrival, arrive

Ar Arabic, argon

AR Arkansas

Arab Arabian, Arabic

arch architect, architectural, architecture

arith arithmetic

Ariz Arizona

Ark Arkansas

arr arranged, arrival, arrive

art article, artificial

ARV American Revised Version

As arsenic

AS American Samoa, Anglo-Saxon

ASAP as soon as possible

ASL American Sign Language

assn association

assoc associate, associated, association

asst assistant

ASV American Standard Version

At astatine

Atl Atlantic

atm atmosphere, atmospheric

at no atomic number

att attached, attention, attorney

attn attention

attrib attributive, attributively

atty attorney

at wt atomic weight

Au gold [Latin aurum]

AU astronomical unit

Aug August

Aus Austria, Austrian

Austral Australia

auth author

aux auxiliary verb

av avenue, average, avoirdupois

AV audiovisual, Authorized Version

avdp avoirdupois

ave avenue

avg average

awd all-wheel drive

AZ Arizona

b bachelor, back, bass, bat, billion, bishop, book, born

B Bible, boron

Ba barium

BA bachelor of arts, batting average

bal balance

Bart baronet

BBC British Broadcasting Corporation

bbl barrel, barrels

BBQ barbeque

BBS bulletin board system

BC before Christ, British Columbia

bcc blind carbon copy

BCE before the Christian Era, before the Common Era

bd board, bound

bd ft board foot

bdl, bdle bundle

Be beryllium

Belg Belgian, Belgium

bet between

bf boldface

bg background, bag

Bh bohrium

Bi bismuth

bib Bible, biblical

biog biographer, biographical, biography

biol biologic, biological, biologist, biology

bk bank, book, break

Bk berkelium

bkt basket, bracket

bl bale, barrel, black, blue

bldg building

blk black, block

blvd boulevard

BM basal metabolism, bowel movement

BMI body mass index

BMR basal metabolic rate

BO best offer, body odor, box office

bor borough

bp baptized, birthplace, bishop

BP batting practice, before the present, blood pressure, blueprint, boiling point

bpl birthplace

BPW Board of Public Works

br branch, brown

Br Britain, British, bromine

Braz Brazil, Brazilian

brb be right back

brig brigade, brigadier

Brit Britain, British

BS, BSc bachelor of science

BSA Boy Scouts of America

bskt basket

Bt baronet

BTW by the way

bu bureau, bushel

Bulg Bulgaria, Bulgarian

bull bulletin

bur bureau

bus business

BVM Blessed Virgin Mary

BWI British West Indies

bx box

BX base exchange

c calorie, carat, cent, centi-, centimeter, century, chapter, circa, circumference, contralto, copyright, cubic, cup, curie

C capacitance, carbon, Celsius, centigrade

ca circa

Ca calcium

CA California

CAD computer-aided design

cal small calorie

Cal California, large calorie

Calif California

Can, Canad Canada, Canadian

canc canceled

C & W country and western

cap capital, capitalize, capitalized

caps capitals, capsule

Capt captain

cat catalog

CATV cable television, community antenna television

Cb columbium

CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

CBS Columbia Broadcasting System

cc cubic centimeter

cd candela, candle, cord

Cd cadmium

CD civil defense

CDR commander

CDT central daylight time

Ce cerium

CE Christian Era, Common Era

cent centigrade, central, century

cert certificate, certification, certified, certify

cf compare [Latin confer]

Cf californium

CF cystic fibrosis

CFC chlorofluorocarbon

cg centigram

CG coast guard

cgs centimeter-gram-second

ch chapter, church

chap chapter

chem chemical, chemist, chemistry

chg change, charge

Chin Chinese

chm, chmn chairman

CIA Central Intelligence Agency

C in C commander in chief

cir circle, circuit, circular, circumference

CIS Commonwealth of Independent States

civ civil, civilian, civilization

CJ chief justice

ck cask, check

cl centiliter, class, clause

Cl chlorine

clk clerk

cm centimeter

Cm curium

Cmdr commander

Cn copernicium

CNA certified nurse's aid

CNMI Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

CNN Cable News Network

CNS central nervous system

co company, county

Co cobalt

CO Colorado, commanding officer

c/o care of

COD cash on delivery, collect on delivery

col colonial, colony, color, colored, column, counsel

Col colonel, Colorado

Colo Colorado

com commercial organization

comm commander, commission, committee, commonwealth, community

comp comparative, compensation, compiled, compiler, composition, compound, comprehensive, comptroller

conc concentrated

cond condition, conductivity

conf conference, confidential

Confed Confederate

cong congress, congressional

conj conjunction

Conn Connecticut

cons consonant

const constant, constitution, constitutional, construction

constr construction

cont containing, contents, continent, continental, continued, control

contr contract, contraction, contralto

CORE Congress of Racial Equality

corp corporal, corporation

corr correct, corrected, correction

cos companies, cosine, counties

cp compare

CP candlepower, chemically pure, Communist Party

CPA certified public accountant

cpd compound

Cpl corporal

CPO chief petty officer

CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPS cycles per second

cr credit, creditor

Cr chromium

cresc crescendo

crit critical, criticism, criticized

CRT cathode ray tube

cryst crystalline, crystallized

Cs cesium

CS civil service

CSA Confederate States of America

csc cosecant

C–Span cable-satellite public affairs network

CST central standard time

ct carat, cent, count, court

CT central time, certified teacher, computed tomography, computerized tomography, Connecticut

ctn carton, cotangent

ctr center, counter

cu cubic

Cu copper [Latin cuprum]

cur currency, current

CV cardiovascular

cwt hundredweight

cyl cylinder

CZ Canal Zone

d date, daughter, day, dead, deceased, depart, departure, diameter; pence, penny [Latin denarius, denarii]

D Democrat, deuterium, doctor

DA district attorney

dag dekagram

dal, daL dekaliter

dam dekameter

Dan Danish

DAR Daughters of the American Revolution

dB decibel

Db dubnium

dbl, dble double

DC da capo, direct current, District of Columbia

DDS doctor of dental surgery

DE Delaware

dec deceased, decrease

Dec December

def definite, definition

deg degree

del delegate, delegation

Del Delaware

Den Denmark

dent dental, dentist, dentistry

dep deposit

dept department

der, deriv derivation, derivative

dg decigram

dia, diam diameter

diag diagonal, diagram

dial dialect

dict dictionary

dif, diff difference

dil dilute

dir direction, director

disc discount

dist distance, district

div divided, dividend, division, divorced

dl deciliter

DL disabled list

dm decimeter

DMD doctor of dental medicine [Latin dentariae medicinae doctor]

DMV Department of Motor Vehicles

dn down

DO doctor of osteopathy

DOA dead on arrival

DOB date of birth

doc document

dom domestic, dominion

DOS disk operating system

doz dozen

DP data processing

dpi dots per inch

dpt department

dr dram, drive, drum

Dr doctor

Ds darmstadtium

DS dal segno

DSL digital subscriber line

DST daylight saving time

DTP diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis

Du Dutch

dup duplex, duplicate

DV Douay Version

DVM doctor of veterinary medicine

DVR digital video recorder

dwt pennyweight

Dy dysprosium

dz dozen

e east, eastern, edge

E energy, English, error, excellent

ea each

EB eastbound

EC European Community

eccl ecclesiastic, ecclesiastical

ecol ecological, ecology

econ economics, economist, economy

Ecua Ecuador

ed edited, edition, editor, education

EDI electronic data interchange

EDT eastern daylight time

edu educational institution

educ education, educational

EEO equal employment opportunity

e.g. for example [Latin exempli gratia]

Eg Egypt, Egyptian

EHF extremely high frequency

el, elev elevation

elec electric, electrical, electricity

elem elementary

ELF extremely low frequency

EM electromagnetic, electron microscope

EMS emergency medical service

enc enclosure

ency, encyc encyclopedia

ENE east-northeast

eng engine, engineer, engineering

Eng England, English

ENS ensign

env envelope

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

EPO erythropoietin

eq equal, equation

Er erbium

ER earned run, emergency room

ERA earned run average, Equal Rights Amendment

Es einsteinium

ESE east-southeast

Esk Eskimo

ESL English as a second language

esp especially

ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network

Esq, Esqr esquire

est established, estimate, estimated

EST eastern standard time

ET eastern time

ETA estimated time of arrival

et al and others [Latin et alii]

etc. et cetera

ETD estimated time of departure

Eu europium

EU European Union

Eur Europe, European

eval evaluation

evap evaporate

ex example, executive, extra

exc excellent, except

exp expense, export, express

ext extension, exterior, extra

f and the following one [following], failure, false, female, feminine, focal length, folio, forte, frequency, from

F Fahrenheit, fluorine, French, Friday

Fah, Fahr Fahrenheit

FAQ Frequently Asked Question

fath fathom

FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation

FD fire department

FDA Food and Drug Administration

Fe iron [Latin ferrum]

Feb February

fem female, feminine

ff and the following ones [following], fortissimo

FICA Federal Insurance Contributions Act

fig figure

fin finish

Finn Finnish

fl fluid

Fl flerovium

FL, Fla Florida

fl dr fluid dram

Flem Flemish

fl oz fluid ounce

Fm fermium

FOB free on board

for foreign, forestry

4WD four-wheel drive

fp freezing point

fpm feet per minute

FPO fleet post office

fps feet per second, foot-pound-second

fr father, friar, from

Fr France, francium, French, Friday

freq frequency, frequent, frequently

FRG Federal Republic of Germany

Fri Friday

frt freight

frwy freeway

FSH follicle-stimulating hormone

ft feet, foot, fort

ft lb foot-pound

F2F face-to-face

fut future

fwd foreword, forward

FWD front-wheel drive

FYI for your information

g acceleration of gravity, good, gram, gravity

G German, giga-

Ga gallium, Georgia

GA Georgia

gal gallon

GB gigabyte, Great Britain

GCD greatest common divisor

GCF greatest common factor

Gd gadolinium

Ge germanium

gen general, genitive

geog geographic, geographical, geography

geol geologic, geological, geology

geom geometric, geometrical, geometry

ger gerund

Ger German, Germany

GHz gigahertz

gi gill

GI gastrointestinal, general issue, government issue

Gib, Gibr Gibraltar

Gk Greek

gm gram

GM general manager, genetically modified

GMT Greenwich mean time

GNP gross national product

GOP Grand Old Party (Republican)

gov government, governmental organization, governor

govt government

gp group

GP general practice, general practitioner

GPA grade point average

GPO general post office

GQ general quarters

gr grade, grain, gram, gravity, gross

Gr Greece, Greek

gro gross

GSA Girl Scouts of America

GSUSA Girl Scouts of the United States of America

gt great

Gt Brit Great Britain

GU Guam

GUI graphical user interface

h hard, hardness, height, hit, hour, husband

H heroin, hydrogen

ha hectare

HAST Hawaii-Aleutian standard time

hd head

HD heavy-duty

HDTV high-definition television

He helium

Heb Hebrew

hf half

Hf hafnium

HF high frequency

hg hectogram

Hg mercury [Latin hydrargyrum, literally, water silver]

hgt height

hgwy highway

HI Hawaii

hist historian, historical, history

hl hectoliter

hm hectometer

HM Her Majesty, Her Majesty's, His Majesty, His Majesty's

HMS Her Majesty's ship, His Majesty's ship

Ho holmium

hon honor, honorable, honorary

hor horizontal

hort horticultural, horticulture

hosp hospital

hp horsepower

HP high pressure

HQ headquarters

hr here, hour

HR home run, House of Representatives

HRH Her Royal Highness, His Royal Highness

Hs hassium

HS high school

ht height

HT high-tension

Hung Hungarian, Hungary

HVAC heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning

hwy highway

Hz hertz

i initial, intransitive, island, isle

I electric current, Indian, interstate, iodine, Israeli

Ia, IA Iowa

ICU intensive care unit

ID Idaho, identification

i.e. that is [Latin id est]

IL, Ill Illinois

ill, illus, illust illustrated, illustration

IM instant message

IMHO in my humble opinion

imp imperative, imperfect

in inch

In Indium

IN Indiana

inc incomplete, incorporated, increase

ind independent, index, industrial, industry

Ind Indian, Indiana

indef indefinite

indic indicative

inf infantry, infinitive

INP International News Photo

INRI Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews [Latin Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum]

INS Immigration and Naturalization Service

inst instant, institute, institution, institutional

instr instructor

int interest, intermediate, international, intransitive

interj interjection

interrog interrogative

intrans intransitive

I/O input/output

IOC International Olympic Committee

IP innings pitched, Internet protocol

Ir iridium, Irish

IR infrared

Ire Ireland

irreg irregular

IRS Internal Revenue Service

is island, isle

ISBN International Standard Book Number

ISP Internet service provider

Isr Israel, Israeli

It Italian, Italy

IT information technology

ital italic, italicized

Ital Italian

IU international unit

IV intravenous, intravenously

IWW Industrial Workers of the World

J joule

Jam Jamaica

Jan January

JC junior college

jct junction

JD doctor of law, juvenile delinquent

JP justice of the peace

Jpn Japan, Japanese

Jr junior

jt, jnt joint

jun junior

junc junction

juv juvenile

JV junior varsity

k karat, kindergarten, knit, kosher — often enclosed in a circle

K kelvin, kilometer, potassium [Latin kalium]

Kan, Kans Kansas

KB kilobyte

kc kilocycle

KC Kansas City

kcal kilocalorie

kc/s kilocycles per second

kg kilogram

kHz kilohertz

KIA killed in action

kJ kilojoule

KJV King James Version

KKK Ku Klux Klan

kl kiloliter

km kilometer

kPa kilopascal

kph kilometers per hour

Kr krypton

KS Kansas

kt karat, knot

kV kilovolt

kW kilowatt

kWh kilowatt-hour

Ky, KY Kentucky

l large, left, line, liter

L Latin, long, loss, losses

La lanthanum, Louisiana

LA law agent, Los Angeles, Louisiana

Lab Labrador

lang language

lat latitude

Lat Latin

lb pound [Latin libra]

lc lowercase

LCD least common denominator, lowest common denominator

LCM least common multiple, lowest common multiple

LD learning disability, learning disabled, lethal dose

leg legal, legato, legislative, legislature

LF low frequency

lg large, long

LGBT lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender

LH left hand, luteinizing hormone

Li lithium

LI Long Island

lib liberal, librarian, library

lieut lieutenant

liq liquid

lit liter, literal, literally

ll lines

LLD doctor of laws [Latin legum doctor]

ln lane

LNG liquefied natural gas

Lond London

long longitude

loq he speaks, she speaks [Latin loquitur]

LPG liquefied petroleum gas

Lr lawrencium

LS left side

LSI large-scale integrated circuit, large-scale integration

Lt lieutenant

ltd limited

ltr letter

Lu lutetium

lv leave

Lv livermorium

m male, married, masculine, mass, meter, mile, milli-, minute, noon [Latin meridies], thousand [Latin mille]

M medium, mega-, monsieur

ma milliampere

MA Massachusetts, master of arts [Latin magister artium]

mach machine, machinery, machinist

mag magazine, magnetism

Maj major

man manual

Man Manitoba

manuf manufacturer

Mar March

masc masculine

Mass Massachusetts

MAT master of arts in teaching

math mathematical, mathematician

mb millibar

Mb megabit

MB megabyte

Mbps megabits per second

mc megacycle

Mc moscovium

MC member of Congress

Md Maryland, mendelevium

MD doctor of medicine [Latin medicinae doctor], Maryland, muscular dystrophy

mdse merchandise

Me Maine

ME Maine

meas measure

mech mechanic, mechanical

med medical, medicine, medieval, medium

mem member, memorial

MeV million electron volts

Mex Mexican, Mexico

mf mezzo forte

MF medium frequency, microfiche

mfd manufactured

mfg manufacturing

mfr manufacturer

mg milligram

Mg magnesium

mgmt, mgt management

mgr manager, monseigneur, monsignor

MHz megahertz

mi mile, miles

MI, Mich Michigan

MIA missing in action

mil military

min minimum, minute, minutes

Minn Minnesota

misc miscellaneous

Miss Mississippi

MKS meter-kilogram-second

ml milliliter

MLB Major League Baseball

Mlle mademoiselle [French]

Mlles mesdemoiselles [French]

MLS Major League Soccer

mm millimeter

MM messieurs [French]

Mme madame [French]

MMes mesdames [French]

Mn manganese

MN magnetic north, Minnesota

mo month

Mo Missouri, molybdenum, Monday

MO Missouri

mol molecular, molecule

mol wt molecular weight

Mon Monday

Mont Montana

mos months

MP melting point

mpg miles per gallon

mph miles per hour

MRE meals ready to eat

mRNA messenger RNA

ms millisecond

MS manuscript, master of science, Mississippi, multiple sclerosis

msec millisecond

MSG monosodium glutamate

msgr monsignor

MSS manuscripts

MST mountain standard time

mt mount, mountain

Mt meitnerium

MT metric ton, Montana, mountain time

mus museum, music

MVP most valuable player

mya million years ago

n nano-, neuter, neutron, north, northern, note, noun

N newton, nitrogen

Na sodium [Latin natrium]

NA North America, not applicable, not available

NAACP National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

natl, nat'l national

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

nav naval, navigation

Nb niobium

NB New Brunswick, northbound

NBC National Broadcasting Company

NC no charge, North Carolina

Nd neodymium

ND, N Dak North Dakota

Ne neon

NE Nebraska, New England, northeast

Neb, Nebr Nebraska

neg negative

Neth Netherlands

neut neuter

Nev Nevada

NF, Nfld Newfoundland

NG national guard, no good

Nh nihonium

NH New Hampshire

Ni nickel

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NJ New Jersey

NL National League, Newfoundland and Labrador

nm nanometer, nautical mile

NM, N Mex New Mexico

NNE north-northeast

NNW north-northwest

no north, northern, number [Latin numero]

No nobelium

nom nominative

Nor Norway, Norwegian

Nov November

NOW National Organization for Women

NOx nitrogen oxide

Np neptunium

NP noun phrase

ns nanosecond

NS Nova Scotia

NT New Testament, Northwest Territories

NTP normal temperature and pressure

num numeral

NV Nevada

NW northwest

NWT Northwest Territories

NY New York

NYC New York City

NZ New Zealand

o ocean, ohm

O Ohio, oxygen

OAS Organization of American States

obj object, objective

obs obsolete

occas occasionally

Oct October

OD officer of the day

OF outfield

off office, officer, official

Og oganesson

OH Ohio

OJ orange juice

OK, Okla Oklahoma

ON, Ont Ontario

op operation, operative, operator, opportunity, opus

OPEC Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

opp opposite

opt optical, optician, optional

OR operating room, Oregon

ord order

Ore, Oreg Oregon

org organization

orig original, originally

Os osmium

OS operating system

OT Old Testament, overtime

oz ounce, ounces [obsolete Italian onza (now onica)]

p page, pages, participle, past, pint

P phosphorus, pressure

Pa pascal, Pennsylvania, protactinium

PA Pennsylvania, personal assistant, public address

Pac Pacific

Pan Panama

para paragraph

part participle, particular

pass passenger, passive

pat patent

path, pathol pathological, pathology

payt payment

pb paperback

Pb lead [Latin plumbum]

PB personal best

PB&J peanut butter and jelly

PBS Public Broadcasting Service

PC Peace Corps, percent, percentage, political correctness, politically correct, postcard

pct percent, percentage

pd paid

Pd palladium

PD police department

PE physical education

PEI Prince Edward Island

pen peninsula

Penn, Penna Pennsylvania

per period, person

perf perfect

perh perhaps

perp perpendicular

pers person, personal

Pers Persia, Persian

PFC, Pfc private first class

pg page

pharm pharmaceutical, pharmacist, pharmacy

PhD doctor of philosophy [Latin philosophiae doctor]

photog photography

phr phrase

phys physical, physics

physiol physiologist, physiology

PI Philippine Islands, private investigator

PIN personal identification number

pizz pizzicato

pk park, peak, peck, pike

pkg package

PKU phenylketonuria

pkwy parkway

pl place, plural

pls please

p.m., P.M. post meridiem

Pm promethium

pmt payment

Po polonium

PO post office

Pol Poland, Polish

pop population

Port Portugal, Portuguese

pos position, positive

poss possessive, possible

pp pages, past participle, pianissimo

ppd postpaid, prepaid

PPS an additional postscript [Latin post postscriptum]

PPV pay-per-view

PQ Province of Quebec

pr pair, price, printed

Pr praseodymium

PR Puerto Rico

pred predicate

pref preface, prefix

prep preparatory, preposition

pres present, president

prev previous, previously

prf proof

prim primary, primitive

prin principal, principle

prob probably, problem

prod product, production

prof professional

pron pronoun, pronunciation

prop property, proposition, proprietor

Prot Protestant

prov province

PS postscript [Latin postscriptum], public school

pseud pseudonym

PST Pacific standard time

psych psychology

psychol psychological

pt part, pint, point

Pt platinum

PT Pacific time, physical therapy, physical training

PTA Parent-Teacher Association

PTO Parent-Teacher Organization, please turn over

PTV public television

Pu plutonium

pub public

pwt pennyweight

PX post exchange

q quart, queen, question

QED which was to be demonstrated [Latin quod erat demonstrandum]

qr quarter

qt quantity, quart

qu, ques question

Que Quebec

quot quotation

r radius, rate, resistance, right

R rabbi, regular, Republican, river

Ra radium

rad radius

R & B rhythm and blues

R & D research and development

Rb rubidium

RBC red blood cell

RC Red Cross, Roman Catholic

rd road, rod

RD rural delivery

RDA recommended daily allowance, recommended dietary allowance

Re rhenium

rec receipt, record, recording, recreation, recreational

rec'd received

ref reference

reg region, regular

rel relative, religion, religious

rep representative, republic

Rep Republican

repl replace, replacement

rept report

req request, require, required

res residence, resident

rev review, revised, revolution

Rev reverend

Rf rutherfordium

RF radio frequency

RFD rural free delivery

RFID radio-frequency identification

Rg roentgenium

Rh rhodium

RH right hand, right-hander

RI Rhode Island

rit ritardando

riv river

rm room

Rn radon

Rom Roman, Romania, Romanian

ROTC Reserve Officers' Training Corps

RP relief pitcher, Republic of the Philippines

rpm revolutions per minute

rps revolutions per second

RR railroad, rural route

RS right side

RSV Revised Standard Version

RSVP please reply [French répondez s'il vous plaît]

rt right, route

rte route

Ru ruthenium

Russ Russia, Russian

RV Revised Version

rwy, ry railway

s saint, second, small

S satisfactory, south, southern, sulfur

SA Salvation Army, South Africa, South America

SASE self-addressed stamped envelope

Sask Saskatchewan

sat satellite, saturated

Sat Saturday

sb substantive

Sb antimony [Latin stibium]

SB bachelor of science [scientific Latin scientiae baccalaureus], southbound

sc science

Sc scandium, Scots, Scottish

SC small capitals, South Carolina

Scand Scandinavia, Scandinavian

sch school

sci science, scientific

Scot Scotland, Scottish

SD, S Dak South Dakota

Se selenium

SE southeast

SEATO Southeast Asia Treaty Organization

sec secant, second, secondary, secretary, section

secy secretary

sel select, selected, selection

sem seminar, seminary

sen senate, senator, senior

Sept, Sep September

ser serial, series, service

sergt sergeant

serv service

sf, sfz sforzando

SF sacrifice fly, science fiction, square feet, square foot

Sg seaborgium

Sgt sergeant

sh share

Si silicon

SI International System of Units [French Système International d'Unités]

sin sine

sing singular

sm small

Sm samarium

SM master of science [scientific Latin scientiae magister]

Sn tin [Latin stannum]

so south, southern

SO strikeout

soc social, society

sociol sociologist, sociology

soph sophomore

sp special, species, specific, spelling

Sp Spain, Spanish

Span Spanish

SPCA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

SPCC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

spec special, specifically

specif specific, specifically

SpEd, SPED special education

sp gr specific gravity

spp species (pl)

sq square

Sr senior, senor, sister, strontium

Sra senora

SRO standing room only

Srta senorita

SS saints, Social Security, steamship

SSE south-southeast

ssp subspecies

SSR Soviet Socialist Republic

SSS Selective Service System

SSW south-southwest

st state

St saint, street

ST standard time

sta station

Ste saint (female) [French sainte]

STEM science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

stud student

sub subscription, suburb

subj subject, subjunctive

suff sufficient, suffix

Sun Sunday

sup superior

supp supplement

supt superintendent

surg surgeon, surgery, surgical

Sw, Swed Sweden, Swedish

SW southwest, southwestern

Switz Switzerland

sym symmetrical

syn synonym, synonymy

syst system

t metric ton, tablespoon, teaspoon, temperature, tense, ton, transitive, true

T tritium, T-shirt

Ta tantalum

tan tangent

tb tablespoon, tablespoonful

Tb terbium

TBA to be announced

tbs, tbsp tablespoon, tablespoonful

Tc technetium

TD touchdown

TDD telecommunications device for the deaf

Te tellurium

tech technical, technically, technological, technology

TEFL teaching English as a foreign language

tel telephone

temp temporary

Tenn Tennessee

ter terrace

terr territory

TESL teaching English as a second language

Tex Texas

TGIF thank God it's Friday

Th thorium, Thursday

Thurs, Thur, Thu Thursday

Ti titanium

Tl thallium

TLC tender loving care

TL;DR too long; didn't read

Tm thulium

TM trademark

tn ton, town

TN Tennessee

tnpk turnpike

tot total

tp township

tpk, tpke turnpike

trans transitive, translated, transmission, transportation

trib tributary

Ts tennessine

TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone

tsp teaspoon, teaspoonful

TTY teletypewriter

Tues, Tue, Tu Tuesday

Turk Turkey, Turkish

TVA Tennessee Valley Authority

TX Texas

u unit

U university, unsatisfactory, uranium

UHF ultrahigh frequency

UK United Kingdom

ult ultimo

UN United Nations

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund [United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, its former name]

univ university

UPC Universal Product Code

UPI United Press International

US United States

USA United States Army, United States of America

USAF United States Air Force

USCG United States Coast Guard

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USMC United States Marine Corps

USN United States Navy

USO United Service Organizations

USPS United States Postal Service

USS United States ship

USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

usu usual, usually

USVI United States Virgin Islands

UT Utah

UV ultraviolet

v velocity, verb, verse, very, victory, voltage, volume

V vanadium, violence, violent, volt

Va Virginia

VA Veterans Administration, Virginia

var variant, various

vb verb, verbal

VD venereal disease

Ven venerable

vert vertical

VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars

VG very good

VHF very high frequency

vi verb intransitive

VI Virgin Islands

vis visual

VISTA Volunteers in Service to America

viz namely [Latin videlicet]

vol volume, volunteer

VP verb phrase, vice president

vs versus

vt verb transitive

Vt, VT Vermont

vv verses

w water, week, weight, white, wide, width, wife, with

W tungsten [German wolfram], watt, west, western

WA Washington

Wash Washington

WB westbound

WBC white blood cell

WC water closet

We, Wed Wednesday

wh white

WH watt-hour

WHO World Health Organization

WI, Wis, Wisc Wisconsin

wk week, work

WNW west-northwest

w/o without

WPM words per minute

WSW west-southwest

wt weight

WV, W Va West Virginia

WW world war

www World Wide Web

WY, Wyo Wyoming

Xe xenon

XL extra large, extra long

XS extra small

y yard, year

Y yttrium

Yb ytterbium

yd yard

YK Yukon Territory

YOB year of birth

yr year, your

YT Yukon Territory

Yug Yugoslavia

z zero

Zn zinc

zool zoological, zoology

ZPG zero population growth

Zr zirconium

Biographical, Biblical, and Mythological Names

Aar·on \ˈar-ən, ˈer-\ brother of Moses and high priest of the Hebrews in the Bible

Aaron Hank 1934–     Henry Louis Aaron American baseball player

Abel \ˈā-bəl\ son of Adam and Eve and brother of Cain in the Bible

Abra·ham \ˈā-brə-ˌham\ patriarch and founder of the Hebrew people in the Bible; also revered by Muslims

Achil·les \ə-ˈkil-ēz\ hero of the Trojan War in Greek mythology

Ad·am \ˈad-əm\ the 1st man in biblical tradition

Ad·ams \ˈad-əmz\ Abigail 1744–1818 née Smith American writer; wife of John Adams

Adams Ansel Easton 1902–1984 American photographer

Adams John 1735–1826 2nd president of the U.S. (1797–1801)

Adams John Quin·cy \ˈkwin-zē, ˈkwin(t)-sē\ 1767–1848 6th president of the U.S. (1825–29); son of John and Abigail Adams

Adams Samuel 1722–1803 patriot in the American Revolution

Ad·dams \ˈad-əmz\ Jane 1860–1935 American social worker; Nobel Prize winner (1931)

Ado·nis \ə-ˈdän-əs, -ˈdō-nəs\ beautiful youth in Greek mythology who is loved by Aphrodite

Ae·ne·as \i-ˈnē-əs\ Trojan hero in Greek and Roman mythology

Ae·o·lus \ˈē-ə-ləs\ god of the winds in Greek mythology

Aes·chy·lus \ˈes-kə-ləs, ˈēs-\ 525–456 B.C. Greek dramatist

Aes·cu·la·pi·us \ˌes-kyə-ˈlā-pē-əs\ god of medicine in Roman mythology — compare ASCLEPIUS

Ae·sop \ˈē-ˌsäp, -səp\ legendary Greek writer of fables

Ag·a·mem·non \ˌag-ə-ˈmem-ˌnän, -nən\ leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War in Greek mythology

Ag·nes \ˈag-nəs\ Saint died 304 A.D. Christian martyr

Ahab \ˈā-ˌhab\ king of Israel in the 9th century B.C. and husband of Jezebel

Ajax \ˈā-ˌjaks\ hero in Greek mythology who kills himself because the armor of Achilles is awarded to Odysseus during the Trojan War

Alad·din \ə-ˈlad-ən\ youth in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments who acquires a magic lamp and ring

Al·bright \ˈȯl-ˌbrīt\ Madeleine 1937–     née Korbel American (Czech-born) diplomat; U.S. secretary of state (1997–2001)

Al·cott \ˈȯl-kət, ˈal-, -ˌkät\ Louisa May 1832–1888 American author

Al·ex·an·der \ˌal-ig-ˈzan-der, ˌel-\ name of eight popes: especially VI 1431–1503 (pope 1492–1503)

Alexander the Great 356–323 B.C. Alexander III king of Macedonia (336–323)

Al·fred \ˈal-frəd, -fərd\ 849–899 Alfred the Great king of the West Saxons (871–899)

Ali Ba·ba \ˌal-ē-ˈbäb-ə\ woodcutter in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments who enters the cave of the Forty Thieves by using the password Sesame

Al·len \ˈal-ən\ Ethan 1738–1789 American Revolutionary soldier

Amerigo Vespucci — see VESPUCCI

Am·herst \ˈam-(ˌ)ərst\ Jeffery 1717–1797 Baron Amherst British general in America

Amund·sen \ˈäm-ən-sən\ Roald 1872–1928 Norwegian explorer and discoverer of the South Pole (1911)

An·a·ni·as \ˌan-ə-ˈnī-əs\ early Christian in the Bible struck dead for lying

An·der·sen \ˈan-dər-sən\ Hans Christian 1805–1875 Danish writer of fairy tales

An·der·son \ˈan-dər-sən\ Marian 1897–1993 American contralto

An·ge·lou \ˈan-jə-ˌlȯ\ Maya 1928–2014 originally Marguerite Johnson American author

Anne \ˈan\ 1665–1714 queen of Great Britain (1702–14)

An·tho·ny \ˈan(t)-thə-nē\ Susan Brownell 1820–1906 American suffragist

An·tig·o·ne \an-ˈtig-ə-nē\ daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta in Greek mythology

An·to·ny \ˈan-tə-nē\ Mark about 82–30 B.C. Mark Anthony; Marcus An·to·ni·us \an-ˈtō-nē-əs\ Roman general and triumvir (43–30)

Aph·ro·di·te \ˌaf-rə-ˈdīt-ē\ goddess of love and beauty in Greek mythology — compare VENUS

Apol·lo \ə-ˈpäl-ō\ god of sunlight, prophecy, music, and poetry in Greek and Roman mythology

Ap·ple·seed \ˈap-əl-ˌsēd\ Johnny 1774–1845 originally John Chap·man \ˈchap-mən\ American pioneer

Aqui·nas \ə-ˈkwī-nəs\ Saint Thomas 1224 (or 1225)–1274 Italian theologian

Ar·chi·me·des \ˌär-kə-ˈmēd-ēz\ about 287–212 B.C. Greek mathematician and inventor

Ares \ˈa(ə)r-ēz, ˈe(ə)r-\ god of war in Greek mythology — compare MARS

Ar·is·toph·a·nes \ˌar-ə-ˈstäf-ə-ˌnēz\ about 450–about 388 B.C. Greek playwright

Ar·is·tot·le \ˈar-ə-ˌstät-əl\ 384–322 B.C. Greek philosopher

Arm·strong \ˈärm-ˌstrȯŋ\ Lance 1971–     American cyclist

Armstrong Louis 1901–1971 Satch·mo \ˈsach-ˌmō\ American jazz musician

Armstrong Neil Alden 1930–2012 American astronaut and 1st man on the moon (1969)

Ar·nold \ˈärn-əld\ Benedict 1741–1801 American Revolutionary general and traitor

Ar·te·mis \ˈärt-ə-məs\ goddess of the moon, wild animals, and hunting in Greek mythology — compare DIANA

Ar·thur \ˈär-thər\ legendary king of the Britons whose story is based on traditions of a 6th century military leader
— Ar·thu·ri·an \är-ˈth(y)u̇r-ē-ən\ adj

Arthur Chester Alan 1829–1886 21st president of the U.S. (1881–85)

As·cle·pi·us \ə-ˈsklē-pē-əs\ god of medicine in Greek mythology — compare AESCULAPIUS

As·tor \ˈas-tər\ John Jacob 1763–1848 American (German-born) fur trader and capitalist

Athe·na \ə-ˈthē-nə\ or Athe·ne \-nē\ goddess of wisdom in Greek mythology — compare MINERVA

At·las \ˈat-ləs\ Titan in Greek mythology forced to bear the heavens on his shoulders

At·ti·la \ə-ˈtil-ə, ˈat-əl-ə\ 406?–453 A.D. king of the Huns

At·tucks \ˈat-əks\ Crispus 1723?–1770 American patriot

Au·du·bon \ˈȯd-ə-ˌbän, -bən\ John James 1785–1851 American (Haitian-born) artist and naturalist

Au·gus·tine \ˈȯ-gə-ˌstēn; ȯ-ˈgəs-tən, ə-\ Saint 354–430 A.D. church father; bishop of Hippo (396–430)

Au·gus·tus \ȯ-ˈgəs-təs, ə-\ or Caesar Augustus or Oc·ta·vi·an \äk-ˈtā-vē-ən\ 63 B.C.–14 A.D. first Roman emperor (27 B.C.–14 A.D.)

Au·ro·ra \ə-ˈrōr-ə, ȯ-ˈrōr-, -ˈrȯr-\ goddess of the dawn in Roman mythology — compare EOS

Aus·ten \ˈȯs-tən, ˈäs-\ Jane 1775–1817 English author

Bac·chus \ˈbak-əs\ — see DIONYSUS

Bach \ˈbäḵ, ˈbäk\ Johann Sebastian 1685–1750 German composer and organist

Ba·con \ˈbā-kən\ Francis 1561–1626 English philosopher and author

Ba·den–Pow·ell \ˌbād-ən-ˈpō-əl\ Robert Stephenson Smyth 1857–1941 Baron Baden-Powell British general and founder of Boy Scout movement

Baf·fin \ˈbaf-ən\ William about 1584–1622 English navigator

Bal·boa \bal-ˈbō-ə\ Vasco Núñez de 1475–1519 Spanish explorer and discoverer of Pacific Ocean (1513)

Baltimore Lord — see George CALVERT

Bal·zac \ˈbȯl-ˌzak, ˈbal-\ Honoré de 1799–1850 French author

Ba·rab·bas \bə-ˈrab-əs\ prisoner in the Bible released in preference to Jesus at the demand of the multitude

Bar·num \ˈbär-nəm\ P. T. 1810–1891 Phineas Taylor Barnum American showman

Bar·rie \ˈbar-ē\ Sir James Matthew 1860–1937 Scottish author

Bar·thol·di \bär-ˈtäl-dē, -ˈtȯl-, -ˈthäl-, -ˈthȯl-\ Frédéric-Auguste 1834–1904 French sculptor of the Statue of Liberty

Bar·ton \ˈbärt-ən\ Clara 1821–1912 founder of American Red Cross Society

Beau·re·gard \ˈbōr-ə-ˌgärd, ˈbȯr-\ Pierre Gustave Toutant 1818–1893 American Confederate general

Beck·et \ˈbek-ət\ Saint Thomas about 1118–1170 Thomas à Becket archbishop of Canterbury (1162–70)

Bee·tho·ven \ˈbā-ˌtō-vən\ Ludwig van 1770–1827 German composer

Bell \ˈbel\ Alexander Graham 1847–1922 American (Scottish-born) inventor of the telephone

Ben·e·dict \ˈben-ə-ˌdikt\ name of 16 popes: especially XIV 1675–1758 (pope 1740–58); XV 1854–1922 (pope 1914–22); XVI 1927–     (pope 2005–13)

Be·nét \bə-ˈnā\ Stephen Vincent 1898–1943 American author

Ben·ja·min \ˈbenj-(ə-)mən\ youngest son of Jacob and ancestor of one of the 12 tribes of Israel in the Bible

Be·o·wulf \ˈbā-ə-ˌwu̇lf\ legendary warrior and hero of the Old English poem Beowulf

Be·ring \ˈbi(ə)r-iŋ, ˈbe(ə)r-\ Vitus 1681–1741 Danish navigator and explorer for Russia

Ber·lin \(ˌ)bər-ˈlin\ Irving 1888–1989 American (Russian-born) composer

Ber·ners–Lee \ˈbər-nərz-ˈlē\ Sir Timothy John 1955–     British inventor

Ber·ni·ni \bər-ˈnē-nē\ Gian Lorenzo 1598–1680 Italian sculptor, architect, and painter

Bes·se·mer \ˈbes-ə-mər\ Sir Henry 1813–1898 English engineer and inventor

Be·thune \bə-ˈth(y)ün\ Mary 1875–1955 née McLeod American educator

Bi·den \ˈbī-dən\ Joseph Robinette, Jr. 1942–     vice president of the U.S. (2009–17)

Bi·zet \bē-ˈzā\ Georges 1838–1875 originally Alexandre-César-Léopold Bizet French composer

Black Hawk \ˈblak-ˌhȯk\ 1767–1838 American Indian chief

Black·well \ˈblak-ˌwel, -wəl\ Elizabeth 1821–1910 American (English-born) physician

Blair \ˈbla(ə)r, ˈble(ə)r\ Tony 1953–     Anthony Charles Lynton Blair British prime minister (1997–2007)

Blake \ˈblāk\ William 1757–1827 English poet and artist

Bloom·er \ˈblü-mər\ Amelia 1818–1894 née Jenks American social reformer

Boc·cac·cio \bō-ˈkäch-(ē-ˌ)ō\ Giovanni 1313–1375 Italian author

Bohr \ˈbō(ə)r, ˈbȯ(ə)r\ Niels 1885–1962 Danish physicist; Nobel Prize winner (1922)

Bo·leyn \bu̇-ˈlin, ˈbu̇l-ən\ Anne 1507?–1536 2nd wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I of England

Bo·lí·var Si·món \sē-ˌmōn-bə-ˈlē-ˌvär, ˌsī-mən-ˈbäl-ə-vər\ 1783–1830 South American liberator

Bon·i·face \ˈbän-ə-fəs, -ˌfās\ name of nine popes: especially VIII about 1235 (or 1240)–1303 (pope 1294–1303)

Boone \ˈbün\ Daniel 1734–1820 American pioneer

Booth \ˈbüth\ John Wilkes 1838–1865 American actor; assassin of Abraham Lincoln

Bo·re·as \ˈbōr-ē-əs, ˈbȯr-\ god of the north wind in Greek mythology

Bot·ti·cel·li \ˌbät-ə-ˈchel-ē\ Sandro 1445–1510 Italian painter

Bow·ie \ˈbü-ē, ˈbō-\ Jim 1796–1836 James Bowie American popular hero of the Texas revolution

Boyle \ˈbȯi(ə)l\ Robert 1627–1691 English physicist and chemist

Brad·bury \ˈbrad-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ Ray Douglas 1920–2012 American author

Brad·dock \ˈbrad-ək\ Edward 1695–1755 British general

Brad·ford \ˈbrad-fərd\ William 1590–1657 Pilgrim leader

Brad·street \ˈbrad-ˌstrēt\ Anne about 1612–1672 American poet

Bra·dy \ˈbrād-ē\ Mathew B. 1823?–1896 American photographer

Brahe \ˈbrä; ˈbrä-hē, -hə\ Tycho 1546–1601 Danish astronomer

Brah·ma \ˈbräm-ə\ creator god of the Hindu sacred triad — compare SHIVA, VISHNU

Brahms \ˈbrämz\ Johannes 1833–1897 German composer

Braille \ˈbrā(ə)l, ˈbrī\ Louis 1809–1852 French blind teacher of the blind

Bran·deis \ˈbran-ˌdīs, -ˌdīz\ Louis Dembitz 1856–1941 American jurist

Brant \ˈbrant\ Joseph 1742–1807 Thayendanegea Mohawk Indian chief

Braun \ˈbrau̇n\ Wernher von 1912–1977 American (German-born) engineer

Brezh·nev \ˈbrezh-ˌnef\ Leonid Ilyich 1906–1982 Russian politician; president of the U.S.S.R. (1960–64; 1977–82)

Bron·të \ˈbränt-ē, ˈbrän-ˌtā\ family of English writers: Charlotte 1816–1855 and her sisters Emily 1818–1848 and Anne 1820–1849

Brooks \ˈbru̇ks\ Gwendolyn Elizabeth 1917–2000 American poet

Brown \ˈbrau̇n\ (James) Gordon 1951–     British prime minister (2007–10)

Brown John 1800–1859 American abolitionist

Brow·ning \ˈbrau̇-niŋ\ Elizabeth Barrett 1806–1861 English poet; wife of Robert Browning

Browning Robert 1812–1889 English poet

Brue·ghel \ˈbrü-gəl, ˈbrȯi-\ Pieter about 1525–1569 Flemish painter

Bru·tus \ˈbrüt-əs\ Marcus Junius 85–42 B.C. Roman politician; one of Julius Caesar's assassins

Bry·an \ˈbrī-ən\ William Jennings 1860–1925 American lawyer and politician

Bu·chan·an \byü-ˈkan-ən, bə-\ James 1791–1868 15th president of the U.S. (1857–61)

Buck \ˈbək\ Pearl S. 1892–1973 née Sydenstricker American author; Nobel Prize winner (1938)

Bud·dha \ˈbüd-ə, ˈbu̇d-\ about 563–about 483 B.C. originally Siddhartha Gautama Indian founder of Buddhism

Buffalo Bill — see William Frederick CODY

Bun·yan \ˈbən-yən\ John 1628–1688 English preacher and author

Bunyan Paul — see PAUL BUNYAN

Bur·bank \ˈbər-ˌbaŋk\ Luther 1849–1926 American horticulturist

Bur·goyne \(ˌ)bər-ˈgȯin, ˈbər-ˌgȯin\ John 1722–1792 British general in America

Burns \ˈbərnz\ Robert 1759–1796 Scottish poet

Burn·side \ˈbərn-ˌsīd\ Ambrose Everett 1824–1881 American general

Burr \ˈbər\ Aaron 1756–1836 vice president of the U.S. (1801–5)

Bush \ˈbu̇sh\ George (Herbert Walker) 1924–2018 41st president of the U.S. (1989–93)

Bush George W. 1946–     George Walker Bush 43rd president of the U.S. (2001–09); son of the preceding

By·ron \ˈbī-rən\ Lord 1788–1824 George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron English poet

Cab·ot \ˈkab-ət\ John about 1450–about 1499 originally Giovanni Ca·bo·to \kä-ˈbōt-ō\ Italian navigator; explored coast of North America for England

Cabot Sebastian 1476?–1557 English navigator; son of John Cabot

Ca·bri·ni \kə-ˈbrē-nē\ Saint Frances Xavier 1850–1917 Mother Cabrini 1st American (Italian-born) saint (1946)

Cae·sar \ˈsē-zər\ (Gaius) Julius 100?–44 B.C. Roman general, political leader, and writer

Cain \ˈkān\ son of Adam and Eve and brother of Abel in the Bible

Calamity Jane \-ˈjān\ 1852?–1903 Martha Jane Burk \ˈbərk\ née Can·nary \ˈkan-ə-rē\ American frontier figure

Cal·houn \kal-ˈhün\ John Caldwell 1782–1850 American politician; vice president of the U.S. (1825–32)

Ca·lig·u·la \kə-ˈlig-yə-lə\ 12–41 A.D. Roman emperor (37–41)

Cal·li·ope \kə-ˈlī-ə-ˌpē\ muse of heroic poetry in Greek mythology

Cal·vert \ˈkal-vərt\ George 1580?–1632 Baron Baltimore English colonist in America

Cal·vin \ˈkal-vən\ John 1509–1564 Jean Calvin or Cau·vin \kō-ˈvaⁿ\ French theologian and reformer

Ca·nute \kə-ˈn(y)üt\ died 1035 Canute the Great Danish king of England (1016–35); of Denmark (1018–35); of Norway (1028–35)

Car·ne·gie \ˈkär-nə-gē, kär-ˈneg-ē\ Andrew 1835–1919 American (Scottish-born) industrialist and philanthropist

Car·roll \ˈkar-əl\ Lewis 1832–1898 pseudonym of Charles Lutwidge Dodg·son \ˈdäd-sən\ English author and mathematician

Car·son \ˈkärs-ən\ Kit 1809–1868 Christopher Carson American frontiersman and guide

Carson Rachel Louise 1907–1964 American scientist and writer

Car·ter \ˈkärt-ər\ Jimmy 1924–     originally James Earl Carter, Jr. 39th president of the U.S. (1977–81); Nobel Prize winner (2002)

Car·tier \kär-ˈtyā, ˈkärt-ē-ˌā\ Jacques 1491–1557 French navigator; explored Saint Lawrence River

Ca·ru·so \kə-ˈrü-sō, -zō\ En·ri·co \en-ˈrē-kō\ 1873–1921 Italian tenor

Car·ver \ˈkär-vər\ George Washington 1861?–1943 American agricultural chemist and agronomist

Ca·sa·no·va \ˌkaz-ə-ˈnō-və, ˌkas-\ Giovanni Giacomo 1725–1798 Italian adventurer

Cas·san·dra \kə-ˈsan-drə\ daughter of Priam in Greek mythology who is endowed with the gift of prophecy but fated never to be believed

Cas·satt \kə-ˈsat\ Mary 1845–1926 American painter

Cas·tro \ˈkas-trō, ˈkäs-\ (Ruz) \ˈrüs\ Fi·del \fē-ˈdel\ 1926–     Cuban leader (1959–2008)

Castro (Ruz) Raúl Modesto 1931–     Cuban leader (2008–  ); brother of Fidel Castro

Cath·er \ˈkath-ər\ Willa 1873–1947 American author

Cath·er·ine \ˈkath-(ə-)rən\ name of 1st, 5th, and 6th wives of Henry VIII of England: Catherine of Aragon 1485–1536; Catherine Howard 1520?–1542; Catherine Parr 1512–1548

Catherine I 1684–1727 wife of Peter the Great; empress of Russia (1725–27)

Catherine II 1729–1796 Catherine the Great empress of Russia (1762–96)

Catherine de Mé·di·cis \-də-ˌmā-də-ˈsēs\ 1519–1589 Italian Ca·te·ri·na de' Me·di·ci \ˌkät-ā-ˈrē-nə-dā-ˈmed-ē-chē\ queen consort of Henry II of France (1547–59) and regent of France (1560–74)

Cav·en·dish \ˈkav-ən-(ˌ)dish\ Henry 1731–1810 English scientist

Ce·ci·lia \sə-ˈsēl-yə, -ˈsil-\ Saint flourished 3rd century A.D. Christian martyr; patron saint of music

Ce·res \ˈsi(ə)r-ˌēz\ goddess of agriculture in Roman mythology — compare DEMETER

Cer·van·tes \sər-ˈvan-ˌtēz\ Miguel de 1547–1616 Spanish author

Cé·zanne \sā-ˈzan\ Paul 1839–1906 French painter

Cha·gall \shə-ˈgäl, -ˈgal\ Marc 1887–1985 Russian painter in France

Cham·plain \(ˈ)sham-ˈplān\ Samuel de 1567–1635 French explorer in America; founder of Quebec

Chap·lin \ˈchap-lən\ Charlie 1889–1977 Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin British actor and producer

Chapman John — see Johnny APPLESEED

Char·le·magne \ˈshär-lə-ˌmān\ 742–814 A.D. Charles the Great or Charles I Frankish king (768–814); emperor of the West (800–814)

Charles \ˈchär(-ə)lz\ name of 10 kings of France: especially II 823–877 A.D. Charles the Bald (reigned 840–77); Holy Roman emperor (875–77); IV 1294–1328 Charles the Fair (reigned 1322–28); V 1337–1380 Charles the Wise (reigned 1364–80); VI 1368–1422 Charles the Mad or the Beloved (reigned 1380–1422); VII 1403–1461 Charles the Well-Served or the Victorious (reigned 1422–61); IX 1550–1574 (reigned 1560–74); X 1757–1836 (reigned 1824–30)

Charles name of two kings of Great Britain: I 1600–1649 (reigned 1625–49); II 1630–1685 (reigned 1660–85) son of Charles I

Charles V 1500–1558 Holy Roman emperor (1519–56); king of Spain as Charles I (1516–56)

Charles Edward Stuart — see Charles Edward STUART

Charles Mar·tel \mär-ˈtel\ about 688–741 A.D. Frankish ruler (719–41); grandfather of Charlemagne

Cha·ryb·dis \kə-ˈrib-dəs, shə-, chə-\ whirlpool off the coast of Sicily thought of in Greek mythology as a monster

Chau·cer \ˈchȯ-sər\ Geoffrey about 1342–1400 English poet

Cha·vez \ˈchä-vəs, -ˌvez\ Cesar Estrada 1927–1993 American labor leader

Che·khov \ˈchek-ˌȯf, -ˌȯv\ Anton Pavlovich 1860–1904 Russian author

Che·ney \ˈchē-nē\ Richard Bruce 1941–     vice president of the U.S. (2001–09)

Cheops — see KHUFU

Ches·ter·ton \ˈches-tərt-ən\ G. K. 1874–1936 Gilbert Keith Chesterton English author

Cho·pin \ˈshō-ˌpan\ Frédéric François 1810–1849 Polish pianist and composer

Chou En–lai or Zhou Enlai \ˈjō-ˈen-ˈlī\ 1898–1976 Chinese Communist politician; premier (1949–76)

Christ Jesus — see JESUS

Chris·tie \ˈkris-tē\ Dame Agatha 1890–1976 née Miller English author

Chur·chill \ˈchər-ˌchil, ˈchərch-ˌhil\ Sir Winston Leonard Spencer 1874–1965 British prime minister (1940–45; 1951–55) Nobel Prize winner (1953)

Clark \ˈklärk\ George Rogers 1752–1818 American soldier and frontiersman

Clark William 1770–1838 American explorer (with Meriwether Lewis)

Clay \ˈklā\ Henry 1777–1852 American politician

Clemens Samuel Langhorne — see Mark TWAIN

Cle·o·pa·tra \ˌklē-ə-ˈpa-trə, -ˈpā-, -ˈpä-\ 69–30 B.C. queen of Egypt (51–30)

Cleve·land \ˈklēv-lənd\ (Stephen) Grover 1837–1908 22nd and 24th president of the U.S. (1885–89; 1893–97)

Clin·ton \ˈklin-tən\ Hillary Rodham 1947–     neé Rodham U.S. secretary of state (2009–13); wife of William Clinton

Clinton William Jefferson 1946–     Bill Clinton 42nd president of the U.S. (1993–2001)

Cly·tem·nes·tra \ˌklīt-əm-ˈnes-trə\ wife of Agamemnon in Greek mythology

Cobb \ˈkäb\ Ty 1886–1961 Tyrus Raymond Cobb American baseball player

Co·chise \kō-ˈchēs\ 1812?–1874 Apache Indian chief

Co·dy \ˈkōd-ē\ William Frederick 1846–1917 Buffalo Bill American hunter, guide, and showman

Co·han \ˈkō-ˌhan\ George Michael 1878–1942 American actor and composer

Cole·ridge \ˈkōl-rij, ˈkō-lə-rij\ Samuel Taylor 1772–1834 English poet

Co·lette \kȯ-ˈlet\ 1873–1954 originally Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette French author

Co·lum·bus \kə-ˈləm-bəs\ Christopher 1451–1506 Italian navigator and discoverer of America for Spain (1492)

Con·fu·cius \kən-ˈfyü-shəs\ 551–479 B.C. Chinese philosopher

Con·rad \ˈkän-ˌrad\ Joseph 1857–1924 British (Ukrainian-born of Polish parents) author

Con·sta·ble \ˈkən(t)-stə-bəl, ˈkän(t)-\ John 1776–1837 English painter

Con·stan·tine I \ˈkän(t)-stən-ˌtēn, -ˌtīn\ after 280–337 A.D. Constantine the Great Roman emperor (306–37)

Cook \ˈku̇k\ Captain James 1728–1779 English navigator

Coo·lidge \ˈkü-lij\ (John) Calvin 1872–1933 30th president of the U.S. (1923–29)

Coo·per \ˈkü-pər, ˈku̇p-ər\ James Fen·i·more \ˈfen-ə-ˌmō(ə)r, -ˌmȯ(ə)r\ 1789–1851 American author

Co·per·ni·cus \kō-ˈpər-ni-kəs\ Nicolaus 1473–1543 Polish astronomer

Cop·land \ˈkō-plənd\ Aaron 1900–1990 American composer

Cop·ley \ˈkäp-lē\ John Sin·gle·ton \ˈsiŋ-gəl-tən\ 1738–1815 American portrait painter

Corn·plan·ter \ˈkȯrn-ˌplan-tər\ about 1732–1836 John O'Bail Seneca Indian leader of partly European ancestry

Corn·wal·lis \kȯrn-ˈwäl-əs\ Charles 1738–1805 1st Marquess Cornwallis British general in America

Co·ro·na·do \ˌkȯr-ə-ˈnäd-ō, ˌkär-\ Francisco Vásquez de about 1510–1554 Spanish explorer of southwestern U.S.

Cor·tés \kȯr-ˈtez, ˈkȯr-ˌtez\ Hernán or Hernando 1485–1547 Spanish conqueror of Mexico

Cous·teau \kü-ˈstō\ Jacques-Yves 1910–1997 French marine explorer

Crane \ˈkrān\ Stephen 1871–1900 American author

Crazy Horse \ˈkrā-zē-ˌhȯrs\ 1842?–1877 Ta-sunko-witko Sioux Indian chief

Crock·ett \ˈkräk-ət\ Davy 1786–1836 David Crockett American frontiersman

Crom·well \ˈkräm-ˌwel, ˈkrəm-, -wəl\ Oliver 1599–1658 English general and political leader; lord protector of England (1653–58)

Cro·nus \ˈkrō-nəs, ˈkrän-əs\ Titan in Greek mythology overthrown by his son Zeus

Cum·mings \ˈkəm-iŋz\ Edward Estlin 1894–1962 known as e. e. cummings American poet

Cu·pid \ˈkyü-pəd\ god of love in Roman mythology — compare EROS

Cu·rie \kyu̇-ˈrē, ˈkyu̇(ə)r-ē\ Marie 1867–1934 née Sklo·dow·ska \sklə-ˈdȯf-skə\ French (Polish-born) chemist; Nobel Prize winner (1903, 1911)

Curie Pierre 1859–1906 French chemist; husband of Marie Curie; Nobel Prize winner (1903)

Cus·ter \ˈkəs-tər\ George Armstrong 1839–1876 American general

Cy·ra·no de Ber·ge·rac \ˌsir-ə-ˌnō-də-ˈber-zhə-ˌrak\ Savinien 1619–1655 French playwright

Cy·rus II \ˈsī-rəs\ about 585–about 529 B.C. Cyrus the Great king of Persia (about 550–529)

Dae·da·lus \ˈded-əl-əs, ˈdēd-\ builder in Greek mythology of the Cretan labyrinth and inventor of wings by which he and his son Icarus escape imprisonment

Da·lí \ˈdä-lē, dä-ˈlē\ Salvador 1904–1989 Spanish painter

Dal·ton \ˈdȯlt-ən\ John 1766–1844 English chemist and physicist

Da·na \ˈdā-nə\ Richard Henry 1815–1882 American author

Dan·aë \ˈdan-ə-ˌē\ imprisoned princess in Greek mythology whom Zeus visits as golden rain; mother of Perseus

Dan·iel \ˈdan-yəl\ prophet in the Bible who is held captive in Babylon and delivered from a den of lions

Dan·te \ˈdän-tā, ˈdan-, -tē\ 1265–1321 Dante Ali·ghie·ri \ˌal-ə-ˈgyer-ē\ Italian poet

Dare \ˈda(ə)r, ˈde(ə)r\ Virginia 1587–? 1st child born in America of English parents

Da·ri·us I \də-ˈrī-əs\ 550–486 B.C. Darius the Great king of Persia (522–486)

Dar·row \ˈdar-ō\ Clarence Seward 1857–1938 American lawyer

Dar·win \ˈdär-wən\ Charles Robert 1809–1882 English naturalist

Da·vid \ˈdā-vəd\ a youth in the Bible who slays Goliath and succeeds Saul as king of Israel

Da·vis \ˈdā-vəs\ Jefferson 1808–1889 president of the Confederate States of America (1861–65)

Davis Miles 1926–1991 American jazz musician

Debs \ˈdebz\ Eugene Victor 1855–1926 American socialist and labor organizer

De·bus·sy \ˌdeb-yu̇-ˈsē, ˌdāb-; də-ˈbyü-sē\ (Achille-) Claude 1862–1918 French composer

De·ca·tur \di-ˈkāt-ər\ Stephen 1779–1820 American naval officer

De·foe \di-ˈfō\ Daniel 1660–1731 English author

De·gas \də-ˈgä\ (Hilaire-Germain-) Edgar 1834–1917 French painter

de Gaulle \di-ˈgōl, -ˈgȯl\ Charles (-André-Marie-Joseph) 1890–1970 French general; president of Fifth Republic (1958–69)

De·li·lah \di-ˈlī-lə\ mistress and betrayer of Samson in the Bible

De·me·ter \di-ˈmēt-ər\ goddess of agriculture in Greek mythology — compare CERES

de Mille \də-ˈmil\ Agnes George 1905–1993 American dancer and choreographer

De·mos·the·nes \di-ˈmäs-thə-ˌnēz\ 384–322 B.C. Athenian orator and statesman

Demp·sey \ˈdemp-sē\ Jack 1895–1983 originally William Harrison Dempsey American boxer

Des·cartes \dā-ˈkärt\ René 1596–1650 French mathematician and philosopher

de So·to \di-ˈsōt-ō\ Hernando about 1496–1542 Spanish explorer in America

Dew·ey \ˈd(y)ü-ē\ George 1837–1917 American admiral

Dewey John 1859–1952 American philosopher and educator

Dewey Melvil 1851–1931 American librarian

Di·ana \dī-ˈan-ə\ ancient Italian goddess of the forest and of childbirth who was identified with Artemis by the Romans

Dick·ens \ˈdik-ənz\ Charles (John Huffam) 1812–1870 pseudonym Boz \ˈbäz, ˈbōz\ English author

Dick·in·son \ˈdik-ən-sən\ Emily Elizabeth 1830–1886 American poet

Di·do \ˈdīd-ō\ legendary queen of Carthage who falls in love with Aeneas and kills herself when he leaves her

Di·Mag·gio \də-ˈmäzh-ē-ō, -ˈmaj-\ Joe 1914–1999 Joseph Paul DiMaggio American baseball player

Di·o·ny·sus \ˌdī-ə-ˈnī-səs, -ˈnē-\ god of wine and ecstasy in classical mythology

Dis·ney \ˈdiz-nē\ Walt 1901–1966 Walter Elias Disney American film producer and cartoonist

Dis·rae·li \diz-ˈrā-lē\ Benjamin 1804–1881 Earl of Bea·cons·field \ˈbē-kənz-ˌfēld\ British politician and author; prime minister (1868; 1874–80)

Dix \ˈdiks\ Dorothea Lynde 1802–1887 American social reformer

Dodgson Charles Lutwidge — see Lewis CARROLL

Donne \ˈdən\ John 1572–1631 English poet and clergyman

Don Qui·xote \ˌdän-kē-ˈ(h)ōt-ē, ˌdäŋ-; dän-ˈkwik-sət\ idealistic and impractical hero of Cervantes' Don Quixote

Dos·to·yev·sky \ˌdäs-tə-ˈyef-skē, -ˈyev-\ Fyodor Mikhaylovich 1821–1881 Russian novelist

Doug·las \ˈdəg-ləs\ Stephen Arnold 1813–1861 American politician

Doug·lass \ˈdəg-ləs\ Frederick 1817–1895 American abolitionist

Doyle \ˈdȯi(ə)l\ Sir Arthur Co·nan \ˈkō-nən\ 1859–1930 British physician and author

Drake \ˈdrāk\ Sir Francis 1540 (or 1543)–1596 English navigator, explorer, and admiral

Drei·ser \ˈdrī-sər, -zər\ Theodore 1871–1945 American author

DuBois \d(y)ü-ˈbȯis\ W.E.B. 1868–1963 William Edward Burghardt American educator and writer

Du·mas \d(y)ü-ˈmä, ˈd(y)ü-ˌmä\ Alexandre 1802–1870 Dumas père \ˈpe(ə)r\ French author

Dumas Alexandre 1824–1895 Dumas fils \ˈfēs\ French author

Dun·can \ˈdəŋ-kən\ Isadora 1877–1927 American dancer

Dü·rer \ˈd(y)u̇r-ər\ Albrecht 1471–1528 German painter and engraver

Dy·lan \ˈdi-lən\ Bob 1941–     originally Robert Allen Zimmerman American singer and songwriter

Ea·kins \ˈā-kənz\ Thomas 1844–1916 American artist

Ear·hart \ˈe(ə)r-ˌhärt, ˈi(ə)r-\ Amelia 1897–1937 American aviator

Earp \ˈərp\ Wyatt 1848–1929 American frontiersman and lawman

Ed·dy \ˈed-ē\ Mary Baker 1821–1910 American founder of the Christian Science religious faith

Ed·i·son \ˈed-ə-sən\ Thomas Alva 1847–1931 American inventor

Ed·ward \ˈed-wərd\ name of eight post-Norman kings of England: I 1239–1307 Edward Longshanks (reigned 1272–1307); II 1284–1327 (reigned 1307–27); III 1312–1377 (reigned 1327–77); IV 1442–1483 (reigned 1461–70; 1471–83); V 1470–1483 (reigned 1483); VI 1537–1553 (reigned 1547–53) son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour; VII 1841–1910 (reigned 1901–10) son of Queen Victoria; VIII 1894–1972 (reigned 1936; abdicated) Duke of Windsor son of George V

Ein·stein \ˈīn-ˌstīn\ Albert 1879–1955 American (German-born) physicist; Nobel Prize winner (1921)

Ei·sen·how·er \ˈīz-ən-ˌhau̇(-ə)r\ Dwight David 1890–1969 American general; 34th president of the U.S. (1953–61)

Elec·tra \i-ˈlek-trə\ sister of Orestes in Greek mythology who aids him in avenging their father's murder

Eli·jah \i-ˈlī-jə\ Hebrew prophet of the 9th century B.C.

El·i·on \ˈel-ē-ən\ Gertrude Belle 1918–1999 American pharmacologist; Nobel Prize winner (1988)

El·iot \ˈel-ē-ət, ˈel-yət\ George 1819–1880 pseudonym of Mary Ann Evans English author

Eliot T. S. 1888–1965 Thomas Stearns Eliot British (American-born) poet and critic; Nobel Prize winner (1948)

Eliz·a·beth I \i-ˈliz-ə-bəth\ 1533–1603 queen of England (1558–1603); daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn

Elizabeth II 1926–     queen of the United Kingdom (1952–    ); daughter of George VI

El·ling·ton \ˈe-liŋ-tən\ Duke 1899–1974 originally Edward Kennedy Ellington American bandleader and composer

Em·er·son \ˈem-ər-sən\ Ralph Waldo 1803–1882 American essayist and poet

En·dym·i·on \en-ˈdim-ē-ən\ beautiful youth in Greek mythology loved by the goddess of the moon

Eos \ˈē-ˌäs\ goddess of the dawn in Greek mythology — compare AURORA

Ep·i·cu·rus \ˌep-i-ˈkyu̇r-əs\ 341–270 B.C. Greek philosopher

Er·ik the Red \ˈer-ik\ flourished 10th century originally Erik Thorvaldson Norwegian explorer of Greenland coast (about 986); father of Leif Eriksson

Eriksson Leif — see LEIF ERIKSSON

Eros \ˈe(ə)r-ˌäs, ˈi(ə)r-\ god of love in Greek mythology — compare CUPID

Esau \ˈē-(ˌ)sȯ\ son of Isaac and Rebekah and elder twin brother of Jacob in the Bible

Es·ther \ˈes-tər\ Hebrew woman in the Bible who as the queen of Persia delivers her people from destruction

Eu·clid \ˈyü-kləd\ flourished about 300 B.C. Greek mathematician

Eu·rip·i·des \yu̇-ˈrip-ə-ˌdēz\ about 484–406 B.C. Greek playwright

Eu·ro·pa \yu̇-ˈrō-pə\ princess in Greek mythology who was carried off by Zeus disguised as a white bull

Eu·ryd·i·ce \yu̇-ˈrid-ə-sē\ wife of Orpheus in Greek mythology

Eve \ˈēv\ the 1st woman in biblical tradition; wife of Adam

Eze·kiel \i-ˈzē-kyəl, -kē-əl\ Hebrew prophet of the 6th century B.C.

Fahr·en·heit \ˈfar-ən-ˌhīt, ˈfär-\ Daniel Gabriel 1686–1736 German physicist

Far·a·day \ˈfar-ə-ˌdā, -əd-ē\ Michael 1791–1867 English chemist and physicist

Far·ra·gut \ˈfar-ə-gət\ David Glasgow 1801–1870 American admiral

Faulk·ner \ˈfȯk-nər\ William 1897–1962 American author; Nobel Prize winner (1949)

Faust \ˈfau̇st\ or Fau·stus \ˈfau̇-stəs, ˈfȯ-\ magician in German legend who sells his soul to the devil for knowledge and power

Fawkes \ˈfȯks\ Guy 1570–1606 English conspirator

Fer·di·nand \ˈfərd-ən-ˌand\ V of Castile or II of Aragon 1452–1516 Ferdinand the Catholic king of Castile (1474–1504); of Aragon (1479–1516); of Naples (1504–16); founder of the Spanish monarchy; husband of Isabella I

Fer·mi \ˈfe(ə)r-mē\ Enrico 1901–1954 American (Italian-born) physicist; Nobel Prize winner (1938)

Fiel·ding \ˈfē(ə)l-diŋ\ Henry 1707–1754 English author

Fill·more \ˈfil-ˌmō(ə)r, -ˌmȯ(ə)r\ Millard 1800–1874 13th president of the U.S. (1850–53)

Fitz·ger·ald \fits-ˈjer-əld\ Ella 1917–1996 American singer

Fitzgerald F. Scott 1896–1940 Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald American author

Flem·ing \ˈflem-iŋ\ Sir Alexander 1881–1955 British bacteriologist; Nobel Prize winner (1945)

Flo·ra \ˈflōr-ə, ˈflȯr-\ goddess of flowers in Roman mythology

Flying Dutchman legendary Dutch mariner condemned to sail the seas until Judgment Day

Ford \ˈfō(ə)rd, ˈfȯ(ə)rd\ Gerald Rudolph 1913–2006 38th president of the U.S. (1974–77)

Ford Henry 1863–1947 American automobile manufacturer

Fos·sey \ˈfȯs-ē\ Dian 1932–1985 American zoologist

Fos·ter \ˈfȯs-tər, ˈfäs-\ Stephen Collins 1826–1864 American songwriter

Fran·cis \ˈfran(t)-səs\ 1936–     originally Jorge Mario Bergoglio pope (2013–  )

Francis of As·si·si \-əv-ə-ˈsis-ē, -ˈsē-zē, -ˈsē-sē, -ˈsiz-ē\ Saint 1181 (or 1182)–1226 Italian friar; founder of Franciscan order

Fran·co \ˈfräŋ-kō, ˈfraŋ-\ Francisco 1892–1975 Spanish general, dictator, and head of Spanish state (1936–75)

Frank \ˈfraŋk, ˈfräŋk\ Anne 1929–1945 German-born diarist during the Holocaust

Frank·lin \ˈfraŋ-klən\ Benjamin 1706–1790 American patriot, author, and inventor

Fred·er·ick I \ˈfred-(ə-)rik\ about 1123–1190 Frederick Bar·ba·ros·sa \ˌbär-bə-ˈräs-ə, -ˈrȯs-\ Holy Roman emperor (1152–90)

Frederick II 1712–1786 Frederick the Great king of Prussia (1740–86)

Fré·mont \ˈfrē-ˌmänt\ John Charles 1813–1890 American general and explorer

French \ˈfrench\ Daniel Chester 1850–1931 American sculptor

Freud \ˈfrȯid\ Sigmund 1856–1939 Austrian neurologist; founder of psychoanalysis

Fried·man \ˈfrēd-mən\ Milton 1912–2006 American economist

Frig·ga \ˈfrig-ə\ or Frigg wife of Odin and goddess of married love and the hearth in Norse mythology

Frost \ˈfrȯst\ Robert Lee 1874–1963 American poet

Ful·ler \ˈfu̇l-ər\ (Richard) Buckminster 1895–1983 American engineer and architect

Fuller (Sarah) Margaret 1810–1850 American author and reformer

Ful·ton \ˈfu̇lt-ən\ Robert 1765–1815 American inventor

Ga·bri·el \ˈgā-brē-əl\ one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition — compare MICHAEL, RAPHAEL, URIEL

Ga·ga·rin \gə-ˈgär-ən\ Yu·ry \ˈyu̇(ə)r-ē\ Alekseyevich 1934–1968 Russian astronaut; 1st man in space (1961)

Gage \ˈgāj\ Thomas 1721–1787 British general in America

Gal·a·had \ˈgal-ə-ˌhad\ knight of the Round Table in medieval legend who finds the Holy Grail

Gal·a·tea \ˌgal-ə-ˈtē-ə\ female figure sculpted by Pygmalion in Greek mythology and given life by Aphrodite in answer to the sculptor's prayer

Ga·len \ˈgā-lən\ 129–about 216 A.D. Greek physician and writer

Ga·li·leo \ˌgal-ə-ˈlē-ō, -ˈlā-\ 1564–1642 Galileo Ga·li·lei \ˌgal-ə-ˈlā-ˌē\ Italian astronomer and physicist

Gall \ˈgȯl\ 1840?–1894 Sioux Indian leader

Ga·ma \ˈgam-ə, ˈgäm-\ Vasco da about 1460–1524 Portuguese navigator and explorer

Gan·dhi \ˈgän-dē, ˈgan-\ Indira 1917–1984 Indian prime minister (1966–77; 1980–84); daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru

Gandhi Mohandas Karamchand 1869–1948 Ma·hat·ma \mə-ˈhät-mə, -ˈhat-\ Gandhi Indian leader

Gar·cía Már·quez \gär-ˈsē-ə-ˈmär-ˌkās\ Gabriel 1927–2014 Colombian author

Gar·field \ˈgär-ˌfēld\ James Abram 1831–1881 20th president of the U.S. (1881)

Gar·i·bal·di \ˌgar-ə-ˈbȯl-dē\ Giuseppe 1807–1882 Italian patriot

Gar·ri·son \ˈgar-ə-sən\ William Lloyd 1805–1879 American abolitionist

Gates \ˈgāts\ Bill 1955–     William Henry Gates III American computer software manufacturer

Gau·guin \gō-gan\ (Eugène-Henri-) Paul 1848–1903 French painter

Gau·ta·ma Bud·dha — see BUDDHA

Geh·rig \ˈger-īg\ Lou 1903–1941 Henry Louis Gehrig American baseball player

Gehry \ˈger-ē\ Frank Owen 1929–     American (Canadian-born) architect

Gei·sel \ˈgī-zəl\ Theodor Seuss 1904–1991 pseudonym Dr. Seuss \ˈsüs\ American author and illustrator

Gen·ghis Khan \ˌjeŋ-gə-ˈskän, ˌgeŋ-\ about 1162–1227 Mongol conqueror

George \ˈjȯ(ə)rj\ name of six kings of Great Britain: I 1660–1727 (reigned 1714–27); II 1683–1760 (reigned 1727–60); III 1738–1820 (reigned 1760–1820); IV 1762–1830 (reigned 1820–30); V 1865–1936 (reigned 1910–36); VI 1895–1952 (reigned 1936–52) father of Elizabeth II

Ge·ron·i·mo \jə-ˈrän-ə-ˌmō\ 1829–1909 Apache Indian leader

Gersh·win \ˈgərsh-wən\ George 1898–1937 American composer

Gid·e·on \ˈgid-ē-ən\ Hebrew hero in the Bible

Gil·bert \ˈgil-bərt\ Sir William Schwenck 1836–1911 English librettist and poet; collaborator with Sir Arthur Sullivan

Gins·burg \ˈginz-ˌbərg\ Ruth Bader 1933–     American jurist

Glad·stone \ˈglad-ˌstōn, chiefly British -stən\ William Ewart 1809–1898 British prime minister (1868–74; 1880–85; 1886; 1892–94)

Glass \ˈglas\ Philip 1937–     American composer

Glenn \ˈglen\ John Herschel 1921–2016 American astronaut and politician; 1st American to orbit the earth (1962)

Go·di·va \gə-ˈdī-və\ an English gentlewoman who in legend rode naked through Coventry to save its citizens from a tax

Goe·thals \ˈgō-thəlz\ George Washington 1858–1928 American engineer who directed the building of the Panama Canal

Goe·the \ˈgə(r)-tə\ Johann Wolfgang von 1749–1832 German author

Gogh, van \van-ˈgō, -ˈgäḵ, -ˈḵȯḵ\ Vincent Willem 1853–1890 Dutch painter

Gol·ding \ˈgōl-diŋ\ William Gerald 1911–1993 English writer; Nobel Prize winner (1983)

Go·li·ath \gə-ˈlī-əth\ Philistine giant who is killed by David in the Bible

Gom·pers \ˈgäm-pərz\ Samuel 1850–1924 American (British-born) labor leader

Goo·dall \ˈgu̇d-ˌȯl\ Jane 1934–     British zoologist

Good·year \ˈgu̇d-ˌyi(ə)r, ˈgu̇j-ˌi(ə)r\ Charles 1800–1860 American inventor

Gore \ˈgō(ə)r, ˈgȯ(ə)r\ Albert, Jr. 1948–     vice president of the U.S. (1993–2001); Nobel Prize winner (2007)

Gor·gas \ˈgȯr-gəs\ William Crawford 1854–1920 American army surgeon

Go·ya (y Lu·cien·tes) \ˈgȯi-ə-ˌē-lü-sē-ˈen-ˌtās\ Francisco José de 1746–1828 Spanish painter

Gra·ham \ˈgrā-əm, ˈgra(-ə)m\ Martha 1893–1991 American dancer and choreographer

Grant \ˈgrant\ Ulysses 1822–1885 originally Hiram Ulysses Grant American general; 18th president of the U.S. (1869–77)

Gre·co, El \el-ˈgrek-ō\ 1541–1614 Doménikos Theotokópoulos Spanish (Cretan-born) painter

Gree·ley \ˈgrē-lē\ Horace 1811–1872 American journalist and politician

Greene \ˈgrēn\ (Henry) Graham 1904–1991 British author

Greene Nathanael 1742–1786 American Revolutionary general

Greg·o·ry \ˈgreg-(ə-)rē\ name of 16 popes: especially I Saint about 540–604 A.D. Gregory the Great (pope 590–604); VII Saint about 1020–1085 (pope 1073–85); XIII 1502–1585 (pope 1572–85)

Grey \ˈgrā\ Lady Jane 1537–1554 queen of England for nine days (1553)

Grey Zane 1872–1939 American novelist

Grieg \ˈgrēg\ Edward Hagerup 1843–1907 Norwegian composer

Grimm \ˈgrim\ Jacob 1785–1863 and his brother Wilhelm 1786–1859 German philologists and folklorists

Gue·va·ra \ge-ˈvär-ə, gā-\ Che 1928–1967 originally Ernesto Guevara Cuban (Argentine-born) revolutionary leader

Guin·e·vere \ˈgwin-ə-ˌvi(ə)r\ legendary wife of King Arthur and lover of Lancelot

Gu·ten·berg \ˈgüt-ən-ˌbərg\ Johannes about 1400–1468 German inventor of printing method from movable type

Ha·des \ˈhād-ˌēz\ — see PLUTO

Ha·dri·an \ˈhā-drē-ən\ 76–138 A.D. Roman emperor (117–138)

Ha·gar \ˈhā-ˌgär, -gər\ mistress of Abraham and mother of Ishmael in the Bible

Hai·le Se·las·sie \ˌhī-lē-sə-ˈlas-ē, -ˈläs-\ 1892–1975 emperor of Ethiopia (1930–36; 1941–74)

Hale \ˈhā(ə)l\ Edward Everett 1822–1909 American author

Hale Nathan 1755–1776 American Revolutionary hero

Hal·ley \ˈhal-ē, ˈhā-lē\ Edmond or Edmund 1656–1742 English astronomer and mathematician

Hal·sey \ˈhȯl-sē, -zē\ William Frederick 1882–1959 American admiral

Ham·il·ton \ˈham-əl-tən\ Alexander 1755–1804 American political leader

Ham·mu·ra·bi \ˌham-ə-ˈräb-ē\ died about 1750 B.C. king of Babylon (about 1792–50)

Han·cock \ˈhan-ˌkäk\ John 1737–1793 American Revolutionary patriot

Han·del \ˈhan-dəl\ George Frideric 1685–1759 British (German-born) composer

Han·dy \ˈhan-dē\ W. C. 1873–1958 William Christopher Handy American blues musician and composer

Han·ni·bal \ˈhan-ə-bəl\ 247–183? B.C. Carthaginian general

Har·ding \ˈhärd-iŋ\ Warren Gamaliel 1865–1923 29th president of the U.S. (1921–23)

Har·dy \ˈhärd-ē\ Thomas 1840–1928 English author

Har·per \ˈhär-pər\ Stephen (Joseph) 1959–     Canadian prime minister (2006–  )

Har·ri·son \ˈhar-ə-sən\ Benjamin 1833–1901 23rd president of the U.S. (1889–93); grandson of William Henry Harrison

Harrison William Henry 1773–1841, 9th president of the U.S. (1841)

Harte \ˈhärt\ Bret 1836–1902 originally Francis Brett Harte American author

Har·vey \ˈhär-vē\ William 1578–1657 English physician and anatomist

Haw·king \ˈhȯ-kiŋ\ Stephen William 1942–2018 British physicist

Haw·thorne \ˈhȯ-ˌthȯ(ə)rn\ Nathaniel 1804–1864 American author

Haydn \ˈhīd-ən\ Franz Joseph 1732–1809 Austrian composer

Hayes \ˈhāz\ Rutherford Birchard 1822–1893 19th president of the U.S. (1877–81)

Hearst \ˈhərst\ William Randolph 1863–1951 American newspaper publisher

Hec·tor \ˈhek-tər\ son of Priam and Hecuba; Trojan hero slain by Achilles in Greek mythology

Hec·u·ba \ˈhek-yə-bə\ wife of Priam in Greek mythology

Hel·en of Troy \ˌhel-ə-nəv-ˈtrȯi\ wife of Menelaus whose abduction by Paris in Greek mythology causes the Trojan War

He·li·os \ˈhē-lē-əs, -ōs\ god of the sun in Greek mythology — compare SOL

Hem·ing·way \ˈhem-iŋ-ˌwā\ Ernest Miller 1899–1961 American author; Nobel Prize winner (1954)

Hen·ry \ˈhen-rē\ name of eight kings of England: I 1068–1135 (reigned 1100–35); II 1133–1189 (reigned 1154–89); III 1207–1272 (reigned 1216–72); IV 1366–1413 (reigned 1399–1413); V 1387–1422 (reigned 1413–22); VI 1421–1471 (reigned 1422–61; 1470–71); VII 1457–1509 (reigned 1485–1509); VIII 1491–1547 (reigned 1509–47)

Henry name of four kings of France: I about 1008–1060 (reigned 1031–60); II 1519–1559 (reigned 1547–59); III 1551–1589 (reigned 1574–89); IV 1553–1610 Henry of Navarre (reigned 1589–1610)

Henry O. 1862–1910 pseudonym of William Sydney Porter American author

Henry Patrick 1736–1799 American patriot and orator

Hen·son \ˈhən(t)-sən\ Matthew Alexander 1866–1955 American arctic explorer

He·phaes·tus \hi-ˈfes-təs, -ˈfēs-\ god of fire and of metalworking in Greek mythology — compare VULCAN

He·ra \ˈhir-ə, ˈhē-rə\ sister and wife of Zeus and goddess of women and marriage in Greek mythology — compare JUNO

Her·cu·les \ˈhər-kyə-ˌlēz\ or Her·a·cles \ˈher-ə-ˌklēz\ hero in Greek mythology noted for his strength and for performing 12 labors imposed on him by Hera

Her·maph·ro·di·tus \(ˌ)hər-ˌmaf-rə-ˈdīt-əs\ son of Hermes and Aphrodite who in Greek mythology is joined with a nymph into one body

Her·mes \ˈhər-mēz\ god of commerce, eloquence, invention, travel, and theft who serves as herald and messenger of the other gods in Greek mythology — compare MERCURY

Her·od \ˈher-əd\ 73–4 B.C. Herod the Great Roman king of Judea (37–4)

Herod An·ti·pas \ˈant-ə-ˌpas, -pəs\ 21 B.C.–39 A.D. Roman governor of Galilee (4 B.C.–39 A.D.); son of Herod the Great

Her·schel \ˈhər-shəl\ Sir (Frederick) William 1738–1822 originally Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel British (German-born) astronomer

Hey·er·dahl \ˈhā-ər-ˌdäl, ˈhī-\ Thor 1914–2002 Norwegian explorer and author

Hi·a·wa·tha \ˌhī-ə-ˈwȯ-thə, ˌhē-ə-, -ˈwäth-ə\ legendary Iroquois Indian chief

Hick·ok \ˈhik-ˌäk\ Wild Bill 1837–1876 originally James Butler Hickok American frontiersman and U.S. marshal

Hi·dal·go (y Cos·ti·lla) \ē-ˈthäl-gō-ē-kȯ-ˈstē-yä\ Miguel 1753–1811 Mexican priest and revolutionary leader

Hil·ton \ˈhilt-ən\ James 1900–1954 English novelist

Hip·poc·ra·tes \hip-ˈäk-rə-ˌtēz\ about 460–about 377 B.C. father of medicine Greek physician

Hi·ro·hi·to \ˌhir-ō-ˈhē-tō\ 1901–1989 emperor of Japan (1926–89)

Hitch·cock \ˈhich-ˌkäk\ Sir Alfred Joseph 1899–1980 British film director

Hit·ler \ˈhit-lər\ Adolf 1889–1945 German (Austrian-born) chancellor and dictator (1933–45)

Hodg·kin \ˈhäj-kin\ Dorothy Mary 1910–1994 née Crowfoot British physicist; Nobel Prize winner (1964)

Holmes \ˈhōmz, ˈhōlmz\ Oliver Wendell 1809–1894 American physician and author

Holmes Oliver Wendell, Jr. 1841–1935 American jurist; son of the preceding

Ho·mer \ˈhō-mər\ flourished 9th or 8th century B.C. Greek epic poet
— Ho·mer·ic \hō-ˈmer-ik\ adj

Homer Winslow 1836–1910 American painter

Hooke \ˈhu̇k\ Robert 1635–1703 English scientist

Hoo·ver \ˈhü-vər\ Herbert Clark 1874–1964 31st president of the U.S. (1929–33)

Hoover John Edgar 1895–1972 American criminologist; director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1924–72)

Hop·per \ˈhäp-ər\ Edward 1882–1967 American artist

Hopper Grace 1906–1992 née Murray American admiral, mathematician, and computer scientist

Hou·di·ni \hü-ˈdē-nē\ Harry 1874–1926 originally Erik Weisz American magician

Hous·ton \ˈ(h)yü-stən\ Sam 1793–1863 Samuel Houston American politician; president of the Republic of Texas (1836–38; 1841–44)

Howe \ˈhau̇\ Elias 1819–1867 American inventor

Howe Julia 1819–1910 née Ward American suffragist and reformer

Hud·son \ˈhəd-sən\ Henry about 1565–1611 English navigator and explorer

Hughes \ˈhyüz also ˈyüz\ (James) Langston 1902–1967 American author

Hus·sein I \hü-ˈsān\ 1935–1999 king of Jordan (1952–99)

Hussein Saddam 1937–2006 president of Iraq (1979–2003)

Hutch·in·son \ˈhəch-ə(n)-sən\ Anne 1591–1643 née Marbury English colonist and religious leader in America

Hutchinson Thomas 1711–1780 American colonial administrator

Hux·ley \ˈhək-slē\ Aldous Leonard 1894–1963 English author

Hy·men \ˈhī-mən\ god of marriage in Greek mythology

Ib·sen \ˈib-sən, ˈip-\ Henrik 1828–1906 Norwegian playwright and poet

Ic·a·rus \ˈik-ə-rəs\ son of Daedalus who in Greek mythology falls into the sea when the wax of his artificial wings melts as he flies too near the sun

Ig·na·tius \ig-ˈnā-sh(ē-)əs\ Saint 1491–1556 Ignatius of Loy·o·la \lȯi-ˈō-lə\ Spanish soldier and priest; founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

In·no·cent \ˈin-ə-sənt\ name of 13 popes: especially II died 1143 (pope 1130–43); III 1160 (or 1161)–1216 (pope 1198–1216); IV died 1254 (pope 1243–54); XI 1611–1689 (pope 1676–89)

Ir·ving \ˈər-viŋ\ Washington 1783–1859 American author

Isaac \ˈī-zik, -zək\ son of Abraham and father of Jacob in the Bible

Is·a·bel·la I \ˌiz-ə-ˈbel-ə\ 1451–1504 queen of Castile (1474–1504) and of Aragon (1479–1504); wife of Ferdinand V of Castile

Isa·iah \ī-ˈzā-ə\ Hebrew prophet of the 8th century B.C.

Ish·ma·el \ˈish-(ˌ)mā-əl, -mē-\ outcast son of Abraham and Hagar in the Bible

Ives \ˈīvz\ Charles Edward 1874–1954 American composer

Jack·son \ˈjak-sən\ Andrew 1767–1845 American general; 7th president of the U.S. (1829–37)

Jackson Thomas Jonathan 1824–1863 Stonewall Jackson American Confederate general

Ja·cob \ˈjā-kəb\ son of Isaac and Rebekah and younger twin brother of Esau in the Bible

James \ˈjāmz\ one of the 12 apostles in the Bible

James the Less one of the 12 apostles in the Bible

James name of two kings of Great Britain: I 1566–1625 (reigned 1603–25); king of Scotland as James VI (reigned 1567–1625); II 1633–1701 (reigned 1685–88)

James Henry 1843–1916 British (American-born) author

Ja·nus \ˈjā-nəs\ god of gates and doors and of all beginnings in Roman mythology and that is pictured with two opposite faces

Ja·son \ˈjās-ən\ hero in Greek mythology noted for his successful quest of the Golden Fleece

Jay \ˈjā\ John 1745–1829 American jurist and statesman; 1st chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1789–95)

Jef·fer·son \ˈjef-ər-sən\ Thomas 1743–1826 3rd president of the U.S. (1801–09)
— Jef·fer·so·nian \ˌjef-ər-ˈsō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj

Jem·i·son \ˈjem-ə-sən\ Mae 1956–     American astronaut

Jer·e·mi·ah \ˌjer-ə-ˈmī-ə\ Hebrew prophet of the 7th–6th century B.C.

Je·sus \ˈjē-zəs, -zəz\ or Jesus Christ \ˈkrīst\ about 6 B.C.–about 30 A.D. source of the Christian religion and Savior in the Christian faith

Jez·e·bel \ˈjez-ə-ˌbel\ queen of Israel and wife of Ahab who is noted for her wickedness in the Bible

Joan of Arc \ˌjō-nə-ˈvärk\ Saint about 1412–1431 the Maid of Orléans French national heroine

Job \ˈjōb\ man in the Bible who has many sufferings but keeps his faith

Jobs \ˈjäbz\ Steven Paul 1955–2011 American computer entrepreneur

Jo·cas·ta \jō-ˈkas-tə\ queen of Thebes in Greek mythology who unknowingly marries her son Oedipus

John \ˈjän\ one of the 12 apostles believed to be the author of the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation

John name of 21 popes: especially XXIII 1881–1963 (pope 1958–63)

John 1167–1216 John Lack·land \ˈlak-ˌland\ king of England (1199–1216)

John Paul name of 2 popes: especially II 1920–2005 (pope 1975–2005)

John·son \ˈjän(t)-sən\ Andrew 1808–1875 17th president of the U.S. (1865–69)

Johnson Lyndon Baines 1908–1973 36th president of the U.S. (1963–69)

Johnson Samuel 1709–1784 Dr. Johnson English lexicographer and author

John the Baptist Saint, 1st century A.D. prophet and baptizer of Jesus in the Bible

Jol·liet or Jo·liet \zhȯl-ˈyā, ˌjō-lē-ˈet\ Louis 1645–1700 French-Canadian explorer in America

Jo·nah \ˈjō-nə\ Hebrew prophet who in the Bible spends three days in the belly of a great fish

Jones \ˈjōnz\ John Paul 1747–1792 American (Scottish-born) naval officer

Jop·lin \ˈjäp-lən\ Scott 1868–1917 American composer

Jor·dan \ˈjȯrd-ən\ Michael 1963–     American basketball player

Jo·seph \ˈjō-zəf also -səf\ son of Jacob in the Bible who rises to high office in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers

Joseph Chief about 1840–1904 Nez Percé Indian chief

Joseph Saint, husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the Bible

Josh·ua \ˈjäsh-(ə-)wə\ Hebrew leader in the Bible who succeeds Moses during the settlement of the Israelites in Canaan

Juan Car·los \ˈ(h)wän-ˈkär-ˌlōs\ 1938–     king of Spain (1975–2014)

Juá·rez \ˈhwär-əs, ˈwär-\ Benito Pablo 1806–1872 president of Mexico (1861–65; 1867–72)

Ju·dah \ˈjüd-ə\ son of Jacob and ancestor of one of the 12 tribes of Israel in the Bible

Ju·das \ˈjüd-əs\ or Judas Is·car·i·ot \-is-ˈkar-ē-ət\ one of the 12 apostles and the betrayer of Jesus in the Bible

Ju·no \ˈjü-nō\ queen of heaven, wife of Jupiter, and goddess of light, birth, women, and marriage in Roman mythology — compare HERA

Ju·pi·ter \ˈjü-pət-ər\ chief god, husband of Juno, and god of light, of the sky and weather, and of the state in Roman mythology — compare ZEUS

Kalb \ˈkälp, ˈkalb\ Johann 1721–1780 Baron de Kalb \di-ˈkalb\ German general in American Revolutionary army

Ka·me·ha·me·ha I \kə-ˌmā-ə-ˈmā-hä\ 1758?–1819 Kamehameha the Great originally Pai·ea \pī-ˈā-ə\ Hawaiian king (1795–1819)

Keats \ˈkēts\ John 1795–1821 English poet

Kel·ler \ˈkel-ər\ Helen Adams 1880–1968 American deaf and blind lecturer and author

Kel·vin \ˈkel-vən\ 1st Baron 1824–1907 William Thomson British mathematician and physicist

Ken·ne·dy \ˈken-əd-ē\ John Fitzgerald 1917–1963 35th president of the U.S. (1961–63)

Kennedy Robert Francis 1925–1968 American politician; attorney general of the U.S. (1961–64); brother of John F. Kennedy

Ke·o·kuk \ˈkē-ə-ˌkək\ 1780?–1848 American Indian chief

Key \ˈkē\ Francis Scott 1779–1843 American lawyer; author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

Keynes \ˈkānz\ John Maynard 1883–1946 1st Baron Keynes of Tilton British economist

Khayyám Omar — see OMAR KHAYYáM

Khru·shchev \kru̇sh-ˈ(ch)ȯf, -ˈ(ch)ȯv, -ˈ(ch)ef\ Ni·ki·ta \nə-ˈkēt-ə\ Sergeyevich 1894–1971 premier of U.S.S.R. (1958–64)

Khu·fu \ˈkü-fü\ or Greek Che·ops \ˈkē-ˌäps\ flourished 25th century B.C. king of Egypt and pyramid builder

Kidd \ˈkid\ William about 1645–1701 Captain Kidd Scottish pirate

King \ˈkiŋ\ Billie Jean 1943–     American tennis player

King Martin Luther, Jr. 1929–1968 American minister and civil rights leader; Nobel Prize winner (1964)

Kip·ling \ˈkip-liŋ\ Rud·yard \ˈrəd-yərd, ˈrəj-ərd\ 1865–1936 English author; Nobel Prize winner (1907)

Kis·sin·ger \ˈkis-ən-jər\ Henry Alfred 1923–     American (German-born) government official; U.S. secretary of state (1973–77); Nobel Prize winner (1973)

Knox \ˈnäks\ John about 1514–1572 Scottish religious reformer

Koch \ˈkȯk, ˈkȯḵ\ Robert 1843–1910 German bacteriologist; Nobel Prize winner (1905)

Koś·ciusz·ko \ˌkäs-ē-ˈəs-ˌkō, kȯsh-ˈchu̇sh-kō\ Tadeusz 1746–1817 Polish patriot and general in American Revolutionary army

Krish·na \ˈkrish-nə\ god worshipped in later Hinduism

Ku·blai Khan \ˌkü-blə-ˈkän, -ˌblī-\ 1215–1294 founder of Mongol dynasty in China; grandson of Genghis Khan

La·fa·yette \ˌläf-ē-ˈet, ˌlaf-\ Marquis de 1757–1834 French general in American Revolutionary army

La·ius \ˈlā-(y)əs, ˈlī-əs\ king of Thebes who in Greek mythology is killed by his son Oedipus

Lan·ce·lot \ˈlan(t)-sə-ˌlät\ legendary knight of the Round Table and lover of Queen Guinevere

Lange \ˈlaŋ\ Dorothea 1895–1965 American photographer

La Salle \lə-ˈsal\ Sieur de 1643–1687 René-Robert Cavelier French explorer in America

La·voi·sier \ləv-ˈwäz-ē-ˌā\ Antoine-Laurent 1743–1794 French chemist

Law·rence \ˈlȯr-ən(t)s, ˈlär-\ Thomas Edward 1888–1935 Lawrence of Arabia British archaeologist, soldier, and author

Laz·a·rus \ˈlaz-(ə-)rəs\ brother of Mary and Martha who in the Bible is raised by Jesus from the dead

Lazarus beggar in the biblical parable of the rich man and the beggar

Le·da \ˈlēd-ə\ Spartan princess in Greek mythology who is courted by Zeus in the form of a swan

Lee \ˈlē\ Ann 1736–1784 English mystic; founder of Shaker society in the U.S.

Lee Henry 1756–1818 Light-Horse Harry American general

Lee Robert Edward 1807–1870 American Confederate general; son of the preceding

Leeu·wen·hoek \ˈlā-vən-ˌhu̇k\ Antonie van 1632–1723 Dutch naturalist

Leif Er·iks·son \ˌlā-ˈver-ik-sən, ˌlē-ˈfer-\ or Er·ics·son flourished 1000 Norwegian explorer; son of Erik the Red

Le·nin \ˈlen-ən\ 1870–1924 originally Vladimir Ilyich Ul·ya·nov \ül-ˈyän-əf, -ˌȯf, -ˌȯv\ Russian Communist leader

Leo \ˈlē-ō\ name of 13 popes: especially I Saint died 461 A.D. Leo the Great (pope 440–61); III Saint died 816 (pope 795–816); XIII 1810–1903 (pope 1878–1903)

Le·o·nar·do da Vin·ci \ˌlē-ə-ˈnärd-ˌōd-ə-ˈvin-chē, ˌlā-, -ˈvēn-\ 1452–1519 Italian painter, sculptor, architect, and engineer

Lew·is \ˈlü-əs\ C. S. 1898–1963 Clive Staples Lewis British author

Lewis John Llewellyn 1880–1969 American labor leader

Lewis Meriwether 1774–1809 American explorer (with William Clark)

Lewis (Harry) Sinclair 1885–1951 American author; Nobel Prize winner (1930)

Lin·coln \ˈliŋ-kən\ Abraham 1809–1865 16th president of the U.S. (1861–65)

Lind·bergh \ˈlin(d)-ˌbərg\ Charles Augustus 1902–1974 American aviator

Lin·nae·us \lə-ˈnē-əs, -ˈnā-\ Carolus 1707–1778 Carl von Lin·né \lə-ˈnā\ Swedish botanist

Lis·ter \ˈlis-tər\ Joseph 1827–1912 English surgeon and medical scientist

Liszt \ˈlist\ Franz 1811–1886 Hungarian pianist and composer

Liv·ing·stone \ˈliv-iŋ-stən\ David 1813–1873 Scottish missionary and explorer in Africa

Lon·don \ˈlən-dən\ Jack 1876–1916 John Griffith London American writer

Long·fel·low \ˈlȯŋ-ˌfel-ō\ Henry Wads·worth \ˈwädz-(ˌ)wərth\ 1807–1882 American poet

Lou·is \ˈlü-ē, ˈlü-əs\ name of 18 kings of France: especially IX Saint 1214–1270 (reigned 1226–70); XI 1423–1483 (reigned 1461–83); XII 1462–1515 (reigned 1498–1515); XIII 1601–1643 (reigned 1610–43); XIV 1638–1715 (reigned 1643–1715); XV 1710–1774 (reigned 1715–74); XVI 1754–1793 (reigned 1774–92; guillotined); XVII 1785–1795 (reigned in name 1793–95); XVIII 1755–1824 (reigned 1814–15; 1815–24)

Lou·is \ˈlü-əs\ Joe 1914–1981 originally Joseph Louis Barrow American boxer

Low \ˈlō\ Juliette 1860–1927 née Gordon American founder of the Girl Scouts

Low·ell \ˈlō-əl\ Amy 1874–1925 American poet

Lowell James Russell 1819–1891 American author

Luke \ˈlük\ physician and companion of the apostle Paul believed to be the author of the third Gospel and the Book of Acts

Lu·ther \ˈlü-thər\ Martin 1483–1546 German Reformation leader

Ly·on \ˈlī-ən\ Mary 1797–1849 American educator

Mac·Ar·thur \mə-ˈkär-thər\ Douglas 1880–1964 American general

Mac·don·ald \mək-ˈdän-əld\ Sir John Alexander 1815–1891 Canadian statesman; 1st prime minister of Dominion of Canada (1867–73; 1878–91)

Ma·chi·a·vel·li \ˌmak-ē-ə-ˈvel-ē\ Niccolò 1469–1527 Italian political philosopher

Ma·cy \ˈmā-sē\ Anne Sullivan 1866–1936 née Sullivan American educator; teacher of Helen Keller

Mad·i·son \ˈmad-ə-sən\ James 1751–1836 4th president of the U.S. (1809–17)

Ma·gel·lan \mə-ˈjel-ən\ Ferdinand about 1480–1521 Portuguese navigator and explorer

Mah·ler \ˈmäl-ər\ Gustav 1860–1911 Austrian composer

Mal·colm X \ˌmal-kə-ˈmeks\ 1925–1965 originally Malcolm Little American civil rights leader

Man·dela \man-ˈdel-ə\ Nelson Rolihlahla 1918–2013 South African political activist; president of South Africa (1994–99); Nobel Prize winner (1993)

Ma·net \ma-ˈnā, mä-\ Édouard 1832–1883 French painter

Mann \ˈman\ Horace 1796–1859 American educator

Mao Ze·dong or Mao Tse-tung \ˌmau̇(d)-zə-ˈdu̇ŋ, ˌmau̇t-sə-\ 1893–1976 Chinese Communist; leader of People's Republic of China (1949–76)

Mar·co·ni \mär-ˈkō-nē\ Guglielmo 1874–1937 Italian physicist and inventor; Nobel Prize winner (1909)

Marco Polo — see POLO

Ma·rie An·toi·nette \mə-ˈrē-ˌan-t(w)ə-ˈnet\ 1755–1793 wife of Louis XVI of France

Mar·i·on \ˈmer-ē-ən, ˈmar-ē-\ Francis 1732?–1795 the Swamp Fox American commander in Revolution

Mark \ˈmärk\ evangelist believed to be the author of the second Gospel

Mark Antony — see ANTONY

Mar·quette \mär-ˈket\ Jacques 1637–1675 Père \ˌpir, ˌper\ Marquette French-born Jesuit missionary and explorer in America

Mars \ˈmärz\ god of war in Roman mythology — compare ARES

Mar·shall \ˈmär-shəl\ George Catlett 1880–1959 American general and diplomat; Nobel Prize winner (1953)

Marshall John 1755–1835 American jurist; chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1801–35)

Marshall Thurgood 1908–1993 American jurist

Mar·tha \ˈmär-thə\ sister of Lazarus and Mary and friend of Jesus in the Bible

Mar·tin \ˈmärt-ən\ Saint 316–397 Martin of Tours \-ˈtu̇(ə)r\ patron saint of France

Martin Paul 1938–     prime minister of Canada (2003–06)

Marx \ˈmärks\ Karl 1818–1883 German political philosopher and socialist

Mary \ˈme(ə)r-ē, ˈma(ə)r-ē, ˈmā-rē\ Saint Mary; Virgin Mary mother of Jesus

Mary sister of Lazarus and Martha in the Bible

Mary I 1516–1558 Mary Tudor; Bloody Mary queen of England (1553–58)

Mary II 1662–1694 joint British sovereign with William III (1689–94)

Mary Mag·da·lene \-ˈmag-də-ˌlən, -ˌlēn\ woman in the Bible who is healed of evil spirits by Jesus and who later sees the risen Christ

Mary, Queen of Scotts 1542–1587 Mary Stuart queen of Scotland (1542–67)

Mas·sa·soit \ˌmas-ə-ˈsȯit\ died 1661 American Indian chief

Math·er \ˈma-thər, ˈmath-\ Cotton 1663–1728 American religious leader and author

Mather Increase 1639–1723 American minister and author; father of Cotton Mather

Ma·tisse \ma-ˈtēs\ Henri 1869–1954 French painter

Mat·thew \ˈmath-yü\ apostle believed to be the author of the first Gospel

Mau·pas·sant \ˌmō-pə-ˈsänt\ (Henri-René-Albert-) Guy de 1850–1893 French author

Mays \ˈmāz\ Willie Howard 1931–     American baseball player

Mc·Au·liffe \mə-ˈkȯl-əf\ Christa Corrigan 1948–1986 American teacher; 1st private citizen in space (1986)

Mc·Car·thy \mə-ˈkär-thē\ Joseph Raymond 1908–1957 American politician

Mc·Clel·lan \mə-ˈklel-ən\ George Brinton 1826–1885 American general

Mc·Clin·tock \mə-ˈklin-tək\ Barbara 1902–1992 American botanist; Nobel Prize winner (1983)

Mc·Cor·mick \mə-ˈkȯr-mik\ Cyrus Hall 1809–1884 American inventor

Mc·Kin·ley \mə-ˈkin-lē\ William 1843–1901 25th president of the U.S. (1897–1901)

Mead \ˈmēd\ Margaret 1901–1978 American anthropologist

Meade \ˈmēd\ George Gordon 1815–1872 American Civil War general

Mea·ny \ˈmē-nē\ George 1894–1980 American labor leader

Me·dea \mə-ˈdē-ə\ woman with magic powers in Greek mythology who helps Jason to win the Golden Fleece and who kills her children when he leaves her

Me·di·ci \ˈme-də-chē\ Lorenzo de' 1449–1492 Lorenzo the Magnificent Florentine statesman, ruler, and patron of the arts

Médicis Catherine de — see CATHERINE DE MÉDICIS

Me·du·sa \mi-ˈdü-sə\ Gorgon in Greek mythology slain by Perseus

Me·ir \me-ˈi(ə)r\ Golda 1898–1978 prime minister of Israel (1969–74)

Mel·ville \ˈmel-ˌvil\ Herman 1819–1891 American author

Men·del \ˈmen-dəl\ Gregor Johann 1822–1884 Austrian botanist

Men·dels·sohn (-Bar·thol·dy) \ˈmen-dəl-sən(-bär-ˈtȯl-dē)\ (Jakob Ludwig) Felix 1809–1847 German composer

Men·e·la·us \ˌmen-əl-ˈā-əs\ king of Sparta, brother of Agamemnon, and husband of Helen of Troy in Greek mythology

Meph·is·toph·e·les \ˌmef-ə-ˈstäf-ə-ˌlēz\ chief devil in the Faust legend

Mer·ca·tor \(ˌ)mər-ˈkāt-ər\ Gerardus 1512–1594 originally Gerhard Kremer Flemish cartographer

Mer·cu·ry \ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē\ god of commerce, eloquence, travel, and theft who serves as messenger of the other gods in Roman mythology — compare HERMES

Mer·kel \ˈmer-kəl\ Angela Dorothea 1954–     née Kasner chancellor of Germany (2005–  )

Mer·lin \ˈmər-lən\ prophet and magician in the legend of King Arthur

Met·a·com \ˈmet-ə-ˌkäm\ or King Philip about 1638–1676 Met·a·com·et \ˌmet-ə-ˈkäm-ət\ American Indian chief; son of Massasoit

Mi·chael \ˈmī-kəl\ one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition — compare GABRIEL, RAPHAEL, URIEL

Mi·chel·an·ge·lo \ˌmī-kə-ˈlan-jə-ˌlō, ˌmik-ə-ˈlan-, ˌmē-kə-ˈlän-\ 1475–1564 Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet

Mi·das \ˈmīd-əs\ legendary king having the power to turn everything he touched into gold

Mil·lay \mil-ˈā\ Edna St. Vincent 1892–1950 American poet

Mil·ler \ˈmil-ər\ Arthur 1915–2005 American playwright

Milne \ˈmil(n)\ A. A. 1882–1956 Alan Alexander Milne English author

Mil·ton \ˈmilt-ən\ John 1608–1674 English poet

Mi·ner·va \mə-ˈnər-və\ goddess of wisdom in Roman mythology — compare ATHENA

Mi·no·taur \ˈmin-ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r, ˈmī-nə-\ monster in Greek mythology shaped half like a man and half like a bull

Min·u·it \ˈmin-yə-wət\ Peter about 1580–1638 Dutch colonial administrator in America

Mitch·ell \ˈmich-əl\ Maria 1818–1889 American astronomer

Mo·lière \mōl-ˈye(ə)r, ˈmōl-ˌye(ə)r\ 1622–1673 originally Jean-Baptiste Poquelin French actor and playwright

Mo·net \mō-ˈnā\ Claude 1840–1926 French painter

Mon·roe \mən-ˈrō\ James 1758–1831 5th president of the U.S. (1817–25)

Mont·calm (de Saint-Vé·ran) \mänt-ˈkäm(-də-ˌsan-vā-ˈrän), -ˈkälm-\ Marquis de 1712–1759 Louis-Joseph de Montcalm-Grozon French field marshal in Canada

Mon·tes·so·ri \ˌmänt-ə-ˈsōr-ē, -ˈsȯr-\ Maria 1870–1952 Italian physician and educator

Mon·te·zu·ma II \ˌmänt-ə-ˈzü-mə\ 1466–1520 last Aztec emperor of Mexico (1502–20)

Moore \ˈmō(ə)r, ˈmȯ(ə)r, ˈmu̇(ə)r\ Marianne Craig 1887–1972 American poet

More \ˈmō(ə)r, ˈmȯ(ə)r\ Sir Thomas 1478–1535 Saint Thomas More English public official and author

Mor·gan \ˈmȯr-gən\ J. P. 1837–1913 John Pierpont Morgan American financier

Mor·ri·son \ˈmȯr-ə-sən\ Toni 1931–2019 originally Chloe Anthony Wofford American novelist; Nobel Prize winner (1993)

Morse \ˈmȯ(ə)rs\ Samuel Finley Breese 1791–1872 American artist and inventor

Mo·ses \ˈmō-zəz also -zəs\ Hebrew prophet and lawgiver who in the Bible freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt

Moses Grandma 1860–1961 Anna Mary Moses née Robertson American painter

Mott \ˈmät\ Lucretia 1793–1880 American reformer

Mo·zart \ˈmōt-ˌsärt\ Wolfgang Amadeus 1756–1791 Austrian composer

Mu·ḥam·mad \mō-ˈham-əd, -ˈhäm- also mü-\ about 570–632 A.D. Arab prophet and founder of Islam

Mun·ro \(ˌ)mən-ˈrō\ Alice 1931–     née Laidlaw Canadian writer; Nobel Prize winner (2013)

Mus·so·li·ni \ˌmü-sə-ˈlē-nē, ˌmu̇s-ə-\ Be·ni·to \bə-ˈnēt-ō\ 1883–1945 Il Du·ce \ēl-ˈdü-chā\ Italian fascist premier (1922–43)

Na·po·leon I \nə-ˈpōl-yən, -ˈpō-lē-ən\ or Napoleon Bo·na·parte \ˈbō-nə-ˌpärt\ 1769–1821 French general and emperor of the French (1804–15)
— Na·po·le·on·ic \nə-ˌpō-lē-ˈän-ik\ adj

Nar·cis·sus \när-ˈsis-əs\ beautiful youth in Greek mythology who pines away for love of his own reflection and is then turned into the narcissus flower

Nash \ˈnash\ Ogden 1902–1971 American poet

Na·tion \ˈnā-shən\ Car·ry \ˈkar-ē\ Amelia 1846–1911 née Moore American temperance agitator

Nav·ra·ti·lo·va \ˌnav-rə-tə-ˈlō-və\ Martina 1956–     American (Czech born) tennis player

Neb·u·cha·drez·zar II \ˌneb-(y)ə-kə-ˈdrez-ər\ or Neb·u·chad·nez·zar \-kəd-ˈnez-\ about 630–562 B.C. Chaldean king of Babylon (605–562)

Neh·ru \ˈne(ə)r-ˌü, ˈnā-rü\ Ja·wa·har·lal \jə-ˈwä-hər-ˌläl\ 1889–1964 Indian nationalist; 1st prime minister of the Republic of India (1947–64)

Nel·son \ˈnel-sən\ Horatio 1758–1805 Viscount Nelson British admiral

Nem·e·sis \ˈnem-ə-səs\ goddess of reward and punishment in Greek mythology

Nep·tune \ˈnep-ˌt(y)ün\ god of the sea in Roman mythology — compare POSEIDON

Ne·ro \ˈnē-ˌrō, ˈni(ə)r-ō\ 37–68 A.D. Roman emperor (54–68)

Nev·el·son \ˈnev-əl-sən\ Louise 1899–1988 American (Russian-born) sculptor

New·ton \ˈn(y)üt-ən\ Sir Isaac 1642–1727 English mathematician and physicist

Nich·o·las \ˈnik-(ə-)ləs\ Saint flourished 4th century A.D. Christian bishop

Nicholas I 1796–1855 czar of Russia (1825–55)

Nicholas II 1868–1918 czar of Russia (1894–1917)

Night·in·gale \ˈnīt-ən-ˌgāl, -iŋ-\ Florence 1820–1910 Lady of the Lamp English nurse and philanthropist

Ni·ke \ˈnī-kē\ goddess of victory in Greek mythology

Ni·o·be \ˈnī-ə-bē\ bereaved mother in Greek mythology who while weeping for her slain children is turned into a stone from which her tears continue to flow

Nix·on \ˈnik-sən\ Richard Mil·hous \ˈmil-ˌhau̇s\ 1913–1994 37th president of the U.S. (1969–74)

No·ah \ˈnō-ə\ biblical builder of the ark in which he, his family, and two animals of every kind survive the Flood

No·bel \nō-ˈbel\ Alfred Bernhard 1833–1896 Swedish manufacturer, inventor, and philanthropist

Nor·man \ˈnȯr-mən\ Jessye 1945–2019 American soprano

Oak·ley \ˈōk-lē\ Annie 1860–1926 originally Phoebe Anne Oakley Moses American sharpshooter

Oba·ma \ō-ˈbäm-ə\ Ba·rack \bə-ˈräk\ Hussein, Jr. 1961–     44th president of the U.S. (2009–17)

Oce·anus \ō-ˈsē-ə-nəs\ Titan who rules over a great river encircling the earth in Greek mythology

O'·Con·nor \ō-ˈkän-ər\ (Mary) Flannery 1925–1964 American writer

O'Connor Sandra Day 1930–     American jurist

Odin \ˈōd-ən\ or Wo·den \ˈwōd-ən\ chief god, god of war, and patron of heroes in Norse mythology

Odys·seus \ō-ˈdis-ē-əs, -ˈdis-yəs, -ˈdish-əs, -ˈdish-ˌüs\ or Ulys·ses \yu̇-ˈlis-ēz\ king of Ithaca and hero in Greek mythology who after the Trojan war wanders for 10 years

Oe·di·pus \ˈed-ə-pəs, ˈēd-\ son of Laius and Jocasta who in Greek mythology kills his father and marries his mother not knowing their identity

Ogle·thorpe \ˈō-gəl-ˌthȯrp\ James Edward 1696–1785 English general and founder of Georgia

O'·Keeffe \ō-ˈkēf\ Georgia 1887–1986 American painter

Olaf V \ˈō-ləf, -ˌläf; ˈü-lȧf\ 1903–1991 king of Norway (1957–91)

Omar Khay·yám \ˌō-ˌmär-ˌkī-ˈ(y)äm, ˌō-mər-, -ˈ(y)am\ 1048–1131 Persian poet and astronomer

O'·Neill \ō-ˈnē(ə)l\ Eugene Gladstone 1888–1953 American playwright; Nobel Prize winner (1936)

Or·pheus \ˈȯr-ˌfyüs, -fē-əs\ poet and musician in Greek mythology who almost rescues his wife Eurydice from Hades by charming Pluto and Persephone with his lyre

Or·well \ˈȯr-ˌwel, -wəl\ George 1903–1950 pseudonym of Eric Arthur Blair English author
— Or·well·ian \ȯr-ˈwel-ē-ən\ adj

Osce·o·la \ˌäs-ē-ˈō-lə, ˌō-sē-\ about 1804–1838 Seminole Indian chief

Otis \ˈōt-əs\ James 1725–1783 American Revolutionary patriot

Ov·id \ˈäv-əd\ 43 B.C.–17 A.D.? Roman poet

Ow·en \ˈō-ən\ Robert 1771–1858 Welsh social reformer

Ow·ens \ˈō-ənz\ Jesse 1913–1980 originally James Cleveland Owens American track-and-field athlete

Paine \ˈpān\ Thomas 1737–1809 American (English-born) political philosopher and author

Pan \ˈpan\ god of pastures, flocks, and shepherds in Greek mythology who is usually represented as having the legs, ears, and horns of a goat

Pan·do·ra \pan-ˈdōr-ə, -ˈdȯr-\ woman in Greek mythology who out of curiosity opens a box and lets loose all of the evils that trouble humans

Pank·hurst \ˈpaŋk-ˌhərst\ Emmeline 1858–1928 née Goulden English suffragist

Par·is \ˈpar-əs\ son of Priam whose abduction of Helen of Troy in Greek mythology leads to the Trojan War

Park·man \ˈpärk-mən\ Francis 1823–1893 American historian

Parks \ˈpärks\ Rosa 1913–2005 née McCauley American civil rights activist

Pas·cal \pas-ˈkal\ Blaise 1623–1662 French mathematician and philosopher

Pas·ter·nak \ˈpas-tər-ˌnak\ Boris Leonidovich 1890–1960 Russian author; Nobel Prize winner (1958)

Pas·teur \pas-ˈtər\ Louis 1822–1895 French chemist and microbiologist

Pat·rick \ˈpa-trik\ Saint flourished 5th century A.D. apostle and patron saint of Ireland

Pat·ton \ˈpat-ən\ George Smith 1885–1945 American general

Paul \ˈpȯl\ Saint died about 67 A.D. Christian missionary and author of several New Testament epistles
— Pau·line \ˈpȯ-ˌlīn\ adj

Paul name of six popes: especially III 1468–1549 (pope 1534–49); V 1552–1621 (pope 1605–21); VI 1897–1978 (pope 1963–78)

Paul Bun·yan \ˈpȯl-ˈbən-yən\ giant lumberjack in American folklore

Pau·ling \ˈpȯ-liŋ\ Linus Carl 1901–1994 American chemist; Nobel Prize winner (1954, 1962)

Pav·lov \ˈpäv-ˌlȯf, ˈpav-, -ˌlȯv\ Ivan Petrovich 1849–1936 Russian physiologist; Nobel Prize winner (1904)

Pa·vlo·va \ˈpav-lə-və, pav-ˈlō-və\ Anna 1881–1931 Russian ballerina

Pea·ry \ˈpi(ə)r-ē\ Robert Edwin 1856–1920 American arctic explorer

Pe·cos Bill \ˌpā-kəs-ˈbil\ cowboy in American folklore known for his extraordinary feats

Peg·a·sus \ˈpeg-ə-səs\ winged horse in Greek mythology

Pei \ˈpā\ Ieoh Ming 1917–2019 American (Chinese-born) architect

Pence \ˈpens\ Mike 1959–     Michael Richard Pence vice pres. of the U.S. (2017–  )

Penn \ˈpen\ William 1644–1718 English Quaker leader and founder of Pennsylvania

Per·i·cles \ˈper-ə-ˌklēz\ about 495–429 B.C. Athenian political leader

Per·ry \ˈper-ē\ Matthew Calbraith 1794–1858 American commodore

Perry Oliver Hazard 1785–1819 American naval officer; brother of the preceding

Per·seph·o·ne \pər-ˈsef-ə-nē\ daughter of Zeus and Demeter who in Greek mythology is abducted by Pluto to rule with him over the underworld

Per·seus \ˈpər-ˌsüs, -sē-əs\ son of Zeus and Danaë and slayer of Medusa in Greek mythology

Per·shing \ˈpər-shiŋ, -zhiŋ\ John Joseph 1860–1948 American general

Pe·ter \ˈpēt-ər\ Saint died about 64 A.D. originally Si·mon \ˈsī-mən-\ one of the 12 apostles in the Bible

Peter I 1672–1725 Peter the Great czar of Russia (1682–1725)

Phil·ip \ˈfil-əp\ Saint, one of the 12 apostles in the Bible

Philip King — see METACOM

Philip name of six kings of France: especially II or Philip Augustus 1165–1223 (reigned 1179–1223); IV 1268–1314 Philip the Fair (reigned 1285–1314); VI 1293–1350 (reigned 1328–50)

Philip name of five kings of Spain: especially II 1527–1598 (reigned 1556–98); V 1683–1746 (reigned 1700–46)

Philip II 382–336 B.C. king of Macedonia (359–336); father of Alexander the Great

Pi·cas·so \pi-ˈkäs-ō, -ˈkas-\ Pablo 1881–1973 Spanish painter and sculptor in France

Pic·card \pi-ˈkär(d)\ Auguste 1884–1962 and his son Jacques 1922–2008 Swiss scientists and developers of the bathyscaphe

Pick·ett \ˈpik-ət\ George Edward 1825–1875 American Confederate general

Pierce \ˈpi(ə)rs\ Franklin 1804–1869 14th president of the U.S. (1853–57)

Pi·late \ˈpī-lət\ Pon·tius \ˈpän-chəs, ˈpən-chəs\ died after 36 A.D. Roman governor of Judea (26–36)

Pin·ker·ton \ˈpiŋ-kər-tən\ Allan 1819–1884 American (Scottish-born) detective

Pis·sar·ro \pə-ˈsär-ō\ Camille 1830–1903 French (West Indian-born) painter

Pitt \ˈpit\ William 1759–1806 The Younger Pitt English prime minister (1783–1801; 1804–06)

Pi·us \ˈpī-əs\ name of 12 popes: especially VII 1742–1823 (pope 1800–23); IX 1792–1878 (pope 1846–78); X Saint 1835–1914 (pope 1903–14); XI 1857–1939 (pope 1922–39); XII 1876–1958 (pope 1939–58)

Pi·zar·ro \pə-ˈzär-ō\ Francisco about 1475–1541 Spanish conqueror of Peru

Pla·to \ˈplāt-ō\ about 428–348 (or 347) B.C. Greek philosopher

Plu·to \ˈplüt-ō\ god of the underworld in Greek mythology

Po·ca·hon·tas \ˌpō-kə-ˈhänt-əs\ about 1595–1617 American Indian friend of the colonists at Jamestown; daughter of Powhatan

Poe \ˈpō\ Edgar Allan 1809–1849 American author

Polk \ˈpōk\ James Knox 1795–1849 11th president of the U.S. (1845–49)

Po·lo \ˈpō-lō\ Mar·co \ˈmär-kō\ about 1254–1324 Venetian merchant and traveler

Poly·phe·mus \ˌpäl-ə-ˈfē-məs\ Cyclops in Greek mythology who is blinded by Odysseus

Ponce de Le·ón \ˌpän(t)-sə-ˌdā-lē-ˈōn, ˌpän(t)s-də-ˈlē-ən\ Juan 1460–1521 Spanish explorer of Florida (1513)

Pon·ti·ac \ˈpänt-ē-ˌak\ about 1720–1769 Ottawa Indian chief

Por·ter \ˈpōrt-ər, ˈpȯrt-\ Cole Albert 1891–1964 American composer and songwriter

Porter Katherine Anne 1890–1980 American author

Porter William Sydney — see O. HENRY

Po·sei·don \pə-ˈsīd-ən\ god of the sea in Greek mythology — compare NEPTUNE

Pot·ter \ˈpät-ər\ (Helen) Beatrix 1866–1943 British author and illustrator

Pound·mak·er \ˈpau̇nd-ˌmāk-ər\ 1826–1886 Cree Indian chief

Pow·ha·tan \ˌpau̇-ə-ˈtan, pau̇-ˈhat-ən\ 1550?–1618 American Indian chief of a confederacy of Algonquian-speaking tribes; father of Pocahontas

Pres·ley \ˈpres-lē, ˈprez-\ Elvis Aaron 1935–1977 American popular singer

Pri·am \ˈprī-əm, -ˌam\ king of Troy during the Trojan War in Greek mythology

Price \ˈprīs\ (Mary) Leontyne 1927–     American soprano

Pro·me·theus \prə-ˈmē-th(y)üs, -thē-əs\ Titan in Greek mythology who is punished by Zeus for stealing fire from heaven and giving it to humans

Pro·teus \ˈprō-ˌt(y)üs, ˈprōt-ē-əs\ sea god in Greek mythology who is capable of assuming different forms

Ptol·e·my \ˈtäl-ə-mē\ name of 15 kings of Egypt 323–30 B.C.

Ptolemy flourished 2nd century A.D. Greco-Egyptian astronomer, geographer, and mathematician in Alexandria

Puc·ci·ni \pü-ˈchē-nē\ Giacomo 1858–1924 Italian composer

Pu·łas·ki \pə-ˈlas-kē, pyü-\ Kazimierz 1747–1779 Polish soldier in American Revolutionary army

Pu·lit·zer \ˈpu̇l-ət-sər, ˈpyü-lət-sər\ Joseph 1847–1911 American (Hungarian-born) journalist

Pyg·ma·lion \pig-ˈmāl-yən, -ˈmā-lē-ən\ sculptor in Greek mythology who creates Galatea

Py·thag·o·ras \pə-ˈthag-ə-rəs, pī-\ about 580–about 500 B.C. Greek philosopher and mathematician

Ra \ˈrä, ˈrȯ\ god of the sun and chief deity of ancient Egypt

Ra·leigh or Ra·legh \ˈrȯl-ē, ˈräl- also ˈral-\ Sir Walter 1554?–1618 English navigator and writer

Ram·ses \ˈram-ˌsēz\ or Ram·e·ses \ˈram-ə-ˌsēz\ name of 12 kings of Egypt: especially II (reigned 1279–1213 B.C.); III (reigned 1187–1156 B.C.)

Ran·dolph \ˈran-ˌdälf\ Asa Philip 1889–1979 American labor and civil rights leader

Ra·pha·el \ˈraf-ē-əl, ˈrā-fē-\ one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition — compare GABRIEL, MICHAEL, URIEL

Ra·pha·el \ˈraf-ē-əl, ˈrā-fē-, ˈräf-ē-\ 1483–1520 originally Raffaello Sanzio or Santi Italian painter

Ras·pu·tin \ra-ˈsp(y)üt-ən, -ˈspu̇t-\ Grigory Yefimovich 1872–1916 Russian mystic

Ra·vel \rə-ˈvel, ra-\ (Joseph) Maurice 1875–1937 French composer

Rea·gan \ˈrā-gən also ˈrē-\ Ronald Wilson 1911–2004 40th president of the U.S. (1981–89)

Re·bek·ah \ri-ˈbek-ə\ wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob in the Bible

Red Cloud \ˈred-ˌklau̇d\ 1822–1909 Sioux Indian chief

Red Jack·et \ˈred-ˌjak-ət\ 1758?–1830 Sa·go·ye·wa·tha \sä-ˌgoi-(y)ə-ˈwäth-ə\ Seneca Indian chief

Reed \ˈrēd\ Walter 1851–1902 American army surgeon

Rem·brandt \ˈrem-ˌbrant also -ˌbränt\ 1606–1669 Rembrandt (Harmenszoon) van Rijn Dutch painter

Rem·ing·ton \ˈrem-iŋ-tən\ Frederic 1861–1909 American painter and sculptor

Re·mus \ˈrē-məs\ son of Mars who in Roman mythology is killed by his twin brother Romulus

Re·noir \ˈren-ˌwär, rən-ˈwär\ (Pierre-) Auguste 1841–1919 French painter

Re·vere \ri-ˈvi(ə)r\ Paul 1735–1818 American patriot and silversmith

Rich·ard \ˈrich-ərd\ name of three kings of England: I 1157–1199 Richard the Lion-Hearted (reigned 1189–99); II 1367–1400 (reigned 1377–99); III 1452–1485 (reigned 1483–85)

Ride \ˈrīd\ Sally Kristen 1951–2012 American astronaut; 1st American woman in space (1983)

Rob·erts \ˈräb-ərts\ John Glover, Jr. 1955–     American jurist; chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (2005–  )

Rob·in Good·fel·low \ˌräb-ən-ˈgu̇d-ˌfel-ō\ mischievous elf in English folklore

Rob·in Hood \ˈräb-ən-ˌhu̇d\ legendary English outlaw who gave to the poor what he stole from the rich

Rob·in·son \ˈräb-ən-sən\ Edwin Arlington 1869–1935 American poet

Robinson Jackie 1919–1972 Jack Roosevelt Robinson American baseball player; 1st black player in the major leagues (1947–56)

Rob·in·son Cru·soe \ˌräb-ə(n)-sən-ˈkrü-sō\ shipwrecked sailor in Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe who lives for many years on a desert island

Ro·cham·beau \ˌrō-ˌsham-ˈbō\ Comte de 1725–1807 French general in American Revolution

Rocke·fel·ler \ˈräk-i-ˌfel-ər, ˈräk-ˌfel-\ John Davison 1839–1937 and his son John Davison, Jr. 1874–1960 American oil magnates and philanthropists

Ro·din \ˈrō-ˌdan\ (François-)Auguste(-René) 1840–1917 French sculptor

Ro·ma·nov \rō-ˈmän-əf, ˈrō-mə-ˌnäf\ Michael 1596–1645 1st czar (1613–45) of Russian Romanov dynasty (1613–1917)

Rom·u·lus \ˈräm-yə-ləs\ son of Mars in Roman mythology who is the twin brother of Remus and the founder of Rome

Rönt·gen or Roent·gen \ˈrent-gən, ˈrənt-, -jən\ Wilhelm Conrad 1845–1923 German physicist; Nobel Prize winner (1901)

Roo·se·velt \ˈrō-zə-vəlt (Roosevelts' usual pronunciation), -ˌvelt also ˈrü-\ (Anna) Eleanor 1884–1962 American lecturer and writer; wife of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Roosevelt Franklin Del·a·no \ˈdel-ə-ˌnō\ 1882–1945 32nd president of the U.S. (1933–45)

Roosevelt Theodore 1858–1919 26th president of the U.S. (1901–09); Nobel Prize winner (1906)

Ross \ˈrȯs\ Betsy 1752–1836 née Griscom reputed maker of 1st American flag

Ros·si·ni \rȯ-ˈsē-nē, rə-\ Gioacchino Antonio 1792–1868 Italian composer

Row·ling \ˈrō-liŋ\ J. K. 1965–     Joanne Kathleen Rowling British author

Ru·bens \ˈrü-bənz\ Peter Paul 1577–1640 Flemish painter

Ru·dolph \ˈrü-ˌdȯlf, -ˌdälf\ Wilma Glodean 1940–1994 American athlete

Rus·sell \ˈrəs-əl\ Bertrand Arthur William 1872–1970 3rd Earl Russell English mathematician and philosopher; Nobel Prize winner (1950)

Ruth \ˈrüth\ woman in the Bible who was one of the ancestors of King David

Ruth Babe 1895–1948 George Herman Ruth American baseball player

Ruth·er·ford \ˈrəth-ə(r)-fərd, ˈrəth-\ Ernest 1871–1937 Baron Rutherford British physicist; Nobel Prize winner (1908)

Sa·bin \ˈsā-bin\ Albert Bruce 1906–1993 American (Polish-born) physician and microbiologist

Sac·a·ga·wea \ˌsak-ə-jə-ˈwē-ə, -ˈwā-ə\ 1786?–1812 Shoshone Indian guide to Lewis and Clark

Sa·dat \sə-ˈdat, -ˈdät\ Anwar el- 1918–1981 president of Egypt (1970–81); Nobel Prize winner (1978)

Sa·gan \ˈsā-gən\ Carl Edward 1934–1996 American astronomer and science writer

Saint Nicholas — see NICHOLAS, SANTA CLAUS

Sal·in·ger \ˈsal-ən-jər\ J. D. 1919–2010 Jerome David Salinger American author

Salk \ˈsȯk, ˈsȯlk\ Jonas Edward 1914–1995 American physician and medical researcher

Sa·lo·me \sə-ˈlō-mē\ niece of Herod Antipas who in the Bible is given the head of John the Baptist as a reward for her dancing

Sa·mo·set \ˈsam-ə-ˌset, sə-ˈmäs-ət\ died about 1653 American Indian leader

Sam·son \ˈsam(p)-sən\ powerful Hebrew hero in the Bible who fights against the Philistines but is betrayed by Delilah

Sam·u·el \ˈsam-yə(-wə)l\ Hebrew judge in the Bible who appoints Saul and then David king

Sand·burg \ˈsan(d)-ˌbərg\ Carl 1878–1967 American author

Sang·er \ˈsaŋ-ər\ Margaret 1883–1966 née Higgins American birth-control activist

San·ta Claus \ˈsant-ē-ˌklȯz, ˈsant-ə-\ plump white-bearded and red-suited old man in modern folklore who delivers presents to good children at Christmastime

Sap·pho \ˈsaf-ō\ flourished about 610–about 580 B.C. Greek poet

Sa·rah \ˈser-ə, ˈsar-ə, ˈsā-rə\ wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac in the Bible

Sar·gent \ˈsär-jənt\ John Singer 1856–1925 American painter

Sat·urn \ˈsat-ərn\ god of agriculture in Roman mythology

Saul \ˈsȯl\ first king of Israel in the Bible

Saul or Saul of Tar·sus \-ˈtär-səs\ the apostle Paul in the Bible

Sche·her·a·zade \shə-ˌher-ə-ˈzäd(-ə), -ˈzäd(-ē)\ fictional wife of a sultan and narrator of the tales in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments

Schin·dler \ˈshind-lər\ Oskar 1908–1974 German humanitarian during the Holocaust

Schu·bert \ˈshü-bərt, -ˌbərt\ Franz Peter 1797–1828 Austrian composer

Schu·mann \ˈshü-ˌmän, -mən\ Clara 1819–1896 née Wieck \ˈvēk\ German pianist and composer; wife of Robert Schumann

Schumann Robert Alexander 1810–1856 German composer

Schweit·zer \ˈshwīt-sər, ˈswīt-, ˈshvīt-\ Albert 1875–1965 French theologian, philosopher, physician, and music scholar; Nobel Prize winner (1952)

Scott \ˈskät\ Dred \ˈdred\ 1795?–1858 American slave

Scott Robert Falcon 1868–1912 British polar explorer

Scott Sir Walter 1771–1832 Scottish author

Scott Winfield 1786–1866 American general

Scyl·la \ˈsil-ə\ nymph in Greek mythology who is changed into a monster and inhabits a cave opposite the whirlpool Charybdis off the coast of Sicily

Se·at·tle \sē-ˈat-əl\ 1786?–1866 American Indian chief

Se·le·ne \sə-ˈlē-nē\ goddess of the moon in classical mythology

Se·quoy·ah or Se·quoia \si-ˈkwȯi-ə\ about 1760–1843 George Guess Cherokee Indian scholar

Ser·ra \ˈser-ə\ Junípero 1713–1784 Spanish missionary in Mexico and California

Se·ton \ˈsēt-ən\ Saint Elizabeth Ann 1774–1821 Mother Seton née Bayley American religious leader

Seu·rat \sə-ˈrä\ Georges 1859–1891 French painter

Sew·ard \ˈsü-ərd, ˈsu̇(-ə)rd\ William Henry 1801–1872 American politician; U.S. secretary of state (1861–69)

Shack·le·ton \ˈshak-əl-tən\ Sir Ernest Henry 1874–1922 British polar explorer

Shake·speare \ˈshāk-ˌspi(ə)r\ William 1564–1616 English playwright and poet

Shaw \ˈshȯ\ George Bernard 1856–1950 British playwright; Nobel Prize winner (1925)

Shaw Robert Gould 1837–1863 American soldier

Shel·ley \ˈshel-ē\ Mary Woll·stone·craft \ˈwu̇l-stən-ˌkraft\ 1797–1851 née Godwin English novelist; wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley

Shelley Percy Bysshe \ˈbish\ 1792–1822 English poet

Shep·ard \ˈshep-ərd\ Alan Bartlett, Jr. 1923–1998 American astronaut; 1st American in space (1961)

Sher·i·dan \ˈsher-əd-ən\ Philip Henry 1831–1888 American general

Sher·lock Holmes \ˈshər-ˌläk-ˈhōmz, -ˈhōlmz\ detective in stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sher·man \ˈshər-mən\ John 1823–1900 American statesman

Sherman William Tecumseh 1820–1891 American general

Shi·va \ˈshiv-ə, ˈshē-və\ or Si·va \ˈshiv-ə, ˈsiv-; ˈshē-və, ˈsē-\ god of destruction and regeneration in the Hindu sacred triad — compare BRAHMA, VISHNU

Sieg·fried \ˈsig-ˌfrēd, ˈsēg-\ hero in Germanic legend who kills a dragon guarding a gold hoard

Si·mon \ˈsī-mən\ or Simon the Zealot one of the 12 apostles in the Bible

Sind·bad the Sailor \ˈsin-ˌbad-\ citizen of Baghdad whose adventures are narrated in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments

Sis·y·phus \ˈsis-ə-fəs\ king of Corinth who in Greek mythology is condemned to roll a heavy stone up a hill in Hades only to have it roll down again as it nears the top

Sit·ting Bull \ˌsit-iŋ-ˈbu̇l\ about 1831–1890 Sioux Indian chief

Siva — see SHIVA

Smith \ˈsmith\ Adam 1723–1790 Scottish economist

Smith Bessie 1894?–1937 American blues singer

Smith John about 1580–1631 English colonist in America

Smith Joseph 1805–1844 American founder of the Mormon Church

Soc·ra·tes \ˈsäk-rə-ˌtēz\ about 470–399 B.C. Greek philosopher

Sol \ˈsäl\ god of the sun in Roman mythology — see HELIOS

Sol·o·mon \ˈsäl-ə-mən\ son of David and 10th-century B.C. king of Israel noted for his wisdom

Soph·o·cles \ˈsäf-ə-ˌklēz\ about 496–406 B.C. Greek playwright

So·to·may·or \ˌsō-tō-ˌmī-ˈȯr, -ˌmā-\ Sonia Maria 1954–     American jurist

Sou·sa \ˈsü-zə, ˈsü-sə\ John Philip 1854–1932 American bandmaster and composer

Spar·ta·cus \ˈspärt-ə-kəs\ died 71 B.C. Roman slave and gladiator; leader of a slave rebellion

Sphinx \ˈsfiŋ(k)s\ monster in Greek mythology having a lion's body, wings, and the head and bust of a woman

Spiel·berg \ˈspēl-ˌbərg\ Steven 1947–     American film director, writer, and producer

Squan·to \ˈskwän-tō\ died 1622 American Indian friend of the Pilgrims

Sta·lin \ˈstäl-ən, ˈstal-, -ˌēn\ Joseph 1879–1953 Soviet Communist party leader (1922–53), premier (1941–53), and dictator

Stan·dish \ˈstan-dish\ Myles or Miles 1584?–1656 American colonist

Stan·ley \ˈstan-lē\ Sir Henry Morton 1841–1904 British explorer in Africa

Stan·ton \ˈstant-ən\ Elizabeth Cady 1815–1902 née Cady American suffragist

Stein \ˈstīn\ Gertrude 1874–1946 American author

Stein·beck \ˈstīn-ˌbek\ John Ernst 1902–1968 American author; Nobel Prize winner (1962)

Steu·ben \ˈst(y)ü-bən, ˈshtȯi-\ Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von 1730–1794 Prussian-born general in American Revolution

Ste·ven·son \ˈstē-vən-sən\ Adlai Ewing 1900–1965 American politician

Stevenson Robert Louis Balfour 1850–1894 Scottish author

Sto·ker \ˈstō-kər\ Bram 1847–1912 Abraham Stoker Irish author

Stowe \ˈstō\ Harriet Beecher 1811–1896 American author

Stra·di·va·ri \ˌstrad-ə-ˈvär-ē, -ˈvar-, -ˈver-\ Antonio 1644?–1737 Italian violin maker

Strauss \ˈstrau̇s, ˈshtrau̇s\ Johann 1804–1849 and his sons Johann, Jr. 1825–1899 and Josef 1827–1870 Austrian composers

Strauss Richard 1864–1949 German composer

Stra·vin·sky \strə-ˈvin-skē\ Igor 1882–1971 American (Russian-born) composer

Stu·art \ˈst(y)ü-ərt, ˈst(y)u̇(-ə)rt\ Charles Edward 1720–1788 the Young Pretender; Bonnie Prince Charlie claimant to the British throne

Stuart Gilbert Charles 1755–1828 American painter

Stuart Jeb 1833–1864 James Ewell Brown Stuart American Confederate general

Stuy·ve·sant \ˈstī-və-sənt\ Peter about 1610–1672 Dutch colonial administrator in America

Sul·li·van \ˈsəl-ə-vən\ Sir Arthur Seymour 1842–1900 English composer; collaborator with Sir William Gilbert

Sullivan Louis Henri 1856–1924 American architect

Sum·ner \ˈsəm-nər\ Charles 1811–1874 American politician

Sun Yat–sen \ˈsu̇n-ˈyät-ˈsen\ 1866–1925 Chinese statesman

Sut·ter \ˈsət-ər, ˈsü-tər\ John Augustus 1803–1880 American (German-born) pioneer in California

Swift \ˈswift\ Jonathan 1667–1745 English (Irish-born) author

Synge \ˈsiŋ\ John Millington 1871–1909 Irish playwright

Taft \ˈtaft\ William Howard 1857–1930 27th president of the U.S. (1909–13); chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1921–30)

Ta·gore \tə-ˈgȯr\ Ra·bin·dra·nath \rə-ˈbin-drə-ˌnät\ 1861–1941 Indian poet; Noble Prize winner (1913)

Tall·chief \ˈtȯl-ˌchēf\ Maria 1925–2013 American dancer

Tan \ˈtan\ Amy 1952–     American novelist

Ta·ney \ˈtȯ-nē\ Roger Brooke 1777–1864 American jurist; chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1836–64)

Tan·ta·lus \ˈtant-əl-əs\ king in Greek mythology who is condemned to stand up to his chin in a pool of water in Hades and beneath fruit-laden boughs only to have the water or fruit go out of reach at each attempt to drink or eat

Tay·lor \ˈtā-lər\ Zachary 1784–1850 American general; 12th president of the U.S. (1849–50)

Tchai·kov·sky \chī-ˈkȯf-skē, chə-, -ˈkȯv-\ Pyotr Ilich 1840–1893 Russian composer

Te·cum·seh \tə-ˈkəm(p)-sə, -sē\ 1768–1813 Shawnee Indian chief

Tek·a·kwitha \ˌtek-ə-ˈkwith-ə\ Ka·teri \ˈkä-tə-rē\ 1656–1680 Lily of the Mohawks beatified Mohawk Indian religious

Ten·ny·son \ˈten-ə-sən\ Alfred 1809–1892 Baron Tennyson known as Alfred, Lord Tennyson English poet

Te·re·sa \tə-ˈrē-sə, -ˈrā-\ Mother 1910–1997 beatified Albanian religious in India; Nobel Prize winner (1979)

Teresa of Ávi·la \ˈäv-i-lə\ Saint 1515–1582 Spanish nun and mystic

Tes·la \ˈtes-lə\ Nikola 1856–1943 American (Croatian-born) electrical engineer and inventor

Thatch·er \ˈthach-ər\ Margaret Hilda 1925–2013 Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven née Roberts British prime minister (1979–90)

The·seus \ˈthē-ˌsüs, -sē-əs\ hero in Greek mythology who kills the Minotaur and conquers the Amazons

Thom·as \ˈtäm-əs\ apostle in the Bible who demanded proof of Jesus' resurrection

Thomas à Becket — see Saint Thomas BECKET

Thomas Aquinas Saint — see AQUINAS

Thor \ˈthȯ(ə)r\ god of thunder, weather, and crops in Norse mythology

Tho·reau \thə-ˈrō, thȯ-; ˈthȯr-ō\ Henry David 1817–1862 American author

Thorpe \ˈthȯrp\ Jim 1888–1953 James Francis Thorpe American athlete

Thur·ber \ˈthər-bər\ James Grover 1894–1961 American author

Ti·be·ri·us \tī-ˈbir-ē-əs\ 42 B.C.–37 A.D. Roman emperor (14–37)

Tocque·ville \ˈtōk-ˌvil, ˈtȯk-, ˈtäk-, -ˌvēl, -vəl\ Alexis (-Charles-Henri Clérel) de 1805–1859 French politician and author

Tol·kien \ˈtȯl-ˌkēn, ˈtōl-, ˈtäl-\ J. R. R. 1892–1973 John Ronald Reuel Tolkien British author

Tol·stoy \tȯl-ˈstȯi, tōl-ˈstȯi, täl-ˈstȯi, ˈtȯl-ˌstȯi, ˈtōl-ˌstȯi, ˈtäl-ˌstȯi\ Leo 1828–1910 Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy Russian author

Tou·louse–Lau·trec \tu̇-ˌlüz-lōˈtrek\ Henri de 1864–1901 French painter

Trots·ky \ˈträt-skē, ˈtrȯt-\ Leon 1879–1940 originally Lev Davidovich Bronstein Russian Communist leader

Tru·man \ˈtrü-mən\ Harry S. 1884–1972 33rd president of the U.S. (1945–53)

Trump \ˈtrəmp\ Donald J. 1946–     Donald J. Trump 45th pres. of the U.S. (2017–  )

Truth \ˈtrüth\ Sojourner 1797?–1883 American abolitionist

Tub·man \ˈtəb-mən\ Harriet about 1820–1913 American abolitionist

Tur·ner \ˈtər-nər\ Joseph Mallord William 1775–1851 English painter

Tut·ankh·a·men \ˌtü-ˌtaŋ-ˈkäm-ən, -ˌtäŋ-\ originally Tut·ankh·a·ten \-ˈkät-ən\ about 1370–1352 B.C. king of Egypt (1361–1352)

Twain \ˈtwān\ Mark 1835–1910 pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clem·ens \ˈklem-ənz\ American author

Tweed \ˈtwēd\ William Marcy 1823–1878 Boss Tweed American politician

Ty·ler \ˈtī-lər\ John 1790–1862 10th president of the U.S. (1841–45)

Ulysses — see ODYSSEUS

Ura·nus \ˈyu̇r-ə-nəs, yu̇-ˈrā-\ the sky personified as a god and father of the Titans in Greek mythology

Ur·ban \ˈər-bən\ name of eight popes: especially II about 1035–1099 (pope 1088–99)

Uri·el \ˈyu̇r-ē-əl\ one of the four archangels named in Hebrew tradition — compare GABRIEL, MICHAEL, RAPHAEL

Val·en·tine \ˈval-ən-ˌtīn\ Saint, 3rd century Christian martyr

Van Bu·ren \van-ˈbyu̇r-ən, vən-\ Martin 1782–1862 8th president of the U.S. (1837–41)

Van Dyck or Van·dyke \van-ˈdīk, vən-\ Sir Anthony 1599–1641 Flemish painter

van Gogh Vincent — see GOGH, VAN

Ve·láz·quez \və-ˈlas-kəs\ Diego Rodríguez de Silva 1599–1660 Spanish painter

Ve·nus \ˈvē-nəs\ goddess of love and beauty in Roman mythology — compare APHRODITE

Ver·di \ˈve(ə)rd-ē\ Giuseppe 1813–1901 Italian composer

Ver·meer \vər-ˈme(ə)r, -ˈmi(ə)r\ Jan or Johannes 1632–1675 Dutch painter

Verne \ˈvərn\ Jules \ˈjülz\ 1828–1905 French author

Ves·puc·ci \ve-ˈspü-chē\ Ame·ri·go \ˌäm-ə-ˈrē-gō\ 1454–1512 Latin Amer·i·cus Ves·pu·cius \ə-ˈmer-ə-kəs-ˌves-ˈpyü-sh(ē-)əs\ Italian navigator for Spain and namesake of America

Vic·to·ria \vik-ˈtōr-ē-ə, -ˈtȯr-\ 1819–1901 Alexandrina Victoria queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1837–1901)

Vinci, da Leonardo — see LEONARDO DA VINCI

Vir·gil also Ver·gil \ˈvər-jəl\ 70–19 B.C. Roman poet

Vish·nu \ˈvish-nü\ god of preservation in the Hindu sacred triad — compare BRAHMA, SHIVA

Vol·ta \ˈvōl-tə, ˈväl-, ˈvȯl-\ Alessandro 1745–1827 Italian physicist

Vol·taire \vōl-ˈta(ə)r, vȯl-, väl-, -ˈte(ə)r\ 1694–1778 originally François-Marie Arouet French author

Vul·can \ˈvəl-kən\ god of fire and metalworking in Roman mythology — compare HEPHAESTUS

Wag·ner \ˈväg-nər\ (Wilhelm) Ri·chard \ˈrik-ˌärt, ˈriḵ-\ 1813–1883 German composer

Walk·er \ˈwȯk-ər\ Alice Malsenior 1944–     American writer

Wal·len·berg \ˈwäl-ən-ˌbərg\ Raoul 1912–1947? Swedish diplomat and hero of the Holocaust

War·hol \ˈwȯr-ˌhȯl, -ˌhōl\ Andy 1928–1987 originally Andrew Warhola American artist and filmmaker

War·ren \ˈwȯr-ən, ˈwär-\ Earl 1891–1974 American jurist; chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1953–69)

Wash·ing·ton \ˈwȯsh-iŋ-tən, ˈwäsh-\ Book·er \ˈbu̇k-ər\ Tal·ia·ferro \ˈtäl-ə-vər\ 1856–1915 American educator

Washington George 1732–1799 American general; 1st president of the U.S. (1789–97)

Watt \ˈwät\ James 1736–1819 Scottish inventor

Wayne \ˈwān\ Anthony 1745–1796 Mad Anthony American general

Web·ster \ˈweb-stər\ Daniel 1782–1852 American politician

Webster Noah 1758–1843 American lexicographer

Wel·ling·ton \ˈwel-iŋ-tən\ Duke of 1769–1852 Arthur Wellesley; the Iron Duke British general and statesman

Wells \ˈwelz\ H. G. 1866–1946 Herbert George Wells English author and historian

Wel·ty \ˈwel-tē\ Eudora 1909–2001 American writer

Wes·ley \ˈwes-lē, ˈwez-\ John 1703–1791 English founder of Methodism

Wes·ting·house \ˈwes-tiŋ-ˌhau̇s\ George 1846–1914 American inventor and industrialist

Whar·ton \ˈhwȯrt-ən, ˈwȯrt-\ Edith 1862–1937 née Jones American author

Whis·tler \ˈhwis-lər, ˈwis-\ James (Abbott) McNeill 1834–1903 American artist

Whit·man \ˈhwit-mən, ˈwit-\ Walt 1819–1892 American poet

Whit·ney \ˈhwit-nē, ˈwit-\ Eli 1765–1825 American inventor

Whit·ti·er \ˈhwit-ē-ər, ˈwit-\ John Greenleaf 1807–1892 American poet

Wie·sel \vē-ˈzel\ Elie 1928–2016 American (Romanian-born) writer; Nobel Prize winner (1986)

Wilde \ˈwī(ə)ld\ Oscar 1854–1900 Irish author

Wil·der \ˈwīl-dər\ Thornton Niven 1897–1975 American author

Wil·liam \ˈwil-yəm\ name of four kings of England: I about 1028–1087 William the Conqueror (reigned 1066–87); II about 1056–1100 William Ru·fus \ˈrü-fəs\ (reigned 1087–1100); III 1650–1702 (reigned 1689–1702); IV 1765–1837 (reigned 1830–37)

Wil·liam Tell \ˌwil-yəm-ˈtel\ legendary Swiss patriot commanded to shoot an apple off his son's head

Wil·liams \ˈwil-yəmz\ Roger 1603?–1683 English colonist; founder of Rhode Island

Williams Ted 1918–2002 Theodore Samuel Williams American baseball player

Williams Tennessee 1911–1983 originally Thomas Lanier Williams American playwright

Williams Venus 1980–     and her sister Serena 1981–     American tennis players

Wil·son \ˈwil-sən\ Edward Osborne 1929–     American biologist

Wilson (Thomas) Wood·row \ˈwu̇d-ˌrō\ 1856–1924 28th president of the U.S. (1913–21); Nobel Prize winner (1919)

Win·throp \ˈwin(t)-thrəp\ John 1588–1649 first governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony

Woden — see ODIN

Woll·stone·craft \ˈwu̇l-stən-ˌkraft\ Mary 1759–1797 English feminist and writer; mother of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Woods \ˈwu̇dz\ Tiger 1975–     Eldrick Woods American golfer

Woolf \ˈwu̇lf\ Virginia 1882–1941 English author

Words·worth \ˈwərdz-(ˌ)wərth\ William 1770–1850 English poet

Wo·vo·ka \wō-ˈvō-kə\ 1858?–1932 Jack Wilson Paiute Indian mystic

Wren \ˈren\ Sir Christopher 1632–1723 English architect

Wright \ˈrīt\ Frank Lloyd 1867–1959 American architect

Wright Or·ville \ˈȯr-vəl\ 1871–1948 and his brother Wilbur 1867–1912 American pioneers in aviation

Wright Richard 1908–1960 American author

Wy·eth \ˈwī-əth\ Andrew Newell 1917–2009 American painter

Xi Jin·ping \ˈshē-ˈjin-ˈpiŋ\ 1953–     general secretary of Chinese Communist Party (2012–  ); president of China (2013–  )

Yeats \ˈyāts\ William Butler 1865–1939 Irish author

Yel·tsin \ˈyelt-sən\ Boris Nikolayevich 1931–2007 president of Russia (1990–99)

York \ˈyȯrk\ Alvin Cullum 1887–1964 American hero in World War I

Young \ˈyəŋ\ Brig·ham \ˈbrig-əm\ 1801–1877 American Mormon leader

Za·har·i·as \zə-ˈhar-ē-əs\ Babe Didrikson 1914–1956 Mildred Ella Zaharias née Didrikson American athlete

Za·pa·ta \sä-ˈpä-tä\ Emiliano 1879–1919 Mexican revolutionary

Zech·a·ri·ah \ˌzek-ə-ˈrī-ə\ Hebrew prophet of the 6th century B.C.

Zeng·er \ˈzeŋ-(g)ər\ John Peter 1697–1746 American (German-born) journalist and printer

Zeph·y·rus \ˈzef-ə-rəs\ god of the west wind in Greek mythology

Zeus \ˈzüs\ chief god, ruler of the sky and weather, and husband of Hera in Greek mythology — compare JUPITER

Geographical Names

This section contains definitions of names of current, historical, and mythological places likely to be of interest to the student. It adds to the general vocabulary by entering many adjectives and nouns formed from these names, such as Florentine at Florence and Libyan at Libya.

In the entries the letters N, E, S, and W singly or in combination indicate direction and are not part of the name. They may represent either the direction (as north) or the adjective derived from it (as northern); thus, west-northwest of Santiago appears as WNW of Santiago and southern California appears as S California. The only other special abbreviations used in this section are U.S. for United States, and U.S.S.R. for Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Ab·er·deen \ˌab-ər-ˈdēn\ city NE Scotland
— Ab·er·do·ni·an \-ˈdō-nē-ən\ adj or n

Ab·i·djan \ˌab-i-ˈjän\ city, seat of government of Cote d'Ivoire

Ab·i·lene \ˈab-ə-ˌlēn\ city NW central Texas

Abu Dha·bi \ˌäb-ü-ˈdäb-ē\ city, capital of United Arab Emirates

Abu·ja \ä-ˈbü-jä\ city, central Nigeria; its capital since 1991

Ab·ys·sin·ia \ˌab-ə-ˈsin-ē-ə, -ˈsin-yə\ — see ETHIOPIA
— Ab·ys·sin·i·an \-ē-ən, -yən\ adj or n

Aca·dia \ə-ˈkād-ē-ə\ or French Aca·die \ȧ-kȧ-dē\ NOVA SCOTIA — an early name
— Aca·di·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Aca·pul·co \ˌäk-ə-ˈpül-kō, ˌak-\ city & port S Mexico on the Pacific

Ac·cra \ə-ˈkrä\ city & port, capital of Ghana

Acon·ca·gua \ˌak-ən-ˈkäg-wə, ˌäk-, -əŋ-\ mountain 22,834 ft. (6960 m.) W Argentina; highest in the Andes & in Western Hemisphere

Ad·dis Aba·ba \ˌad-ə-ˈsab-ə-bə\ city, capital of Ethiopia

Ad·e·laide \ˈad-əl-ˌād\ city, capital of South Australia

Aden \ˈäd-ən, ˈād-, ˈad-\ city & port S Yemen; formerly capital of People's Democratic Republic of Yemen

Aden, Gulf of arm of Indian Ocean between Yemen (Arabia) & Somalia (Africa)

Ad·i·ron·dack \ˌad-ə-ˈrän-ˌdak\ mountains NE New York; highest Mount Marcy 5344 ft. (1629 m.)

Ad·mi·ral·ty \ˈad-mə-rəl-tē, -mrəl-\
1 island SE Alaska
2 islands W Pacific N of New Guinea; part of Papua New Guinea

Adri·at·ic Sea \ˌā-drē-ˈat-ik, ˌad-rē-\ arm of Mediterranean between Italy & Balkan Peninsula

Ae·ge·an Sea \i-ˈjē-ən\ arm of Mediterranean between Asia Minor & Greece

Af·ghan·i·stan \af-ˈgan-ə-ˌstan\ country W Asia E of Iran; capital, Kabul

Af·ri·ca \ˈaf-ri-kə\ continent S of the Mediterranean

Agana — see HAGATNA

Agra \ˈäg-rə, ˈəg-\ city N India SSE of Delhi

Aguas·ca·lien·tes \ˌäg-wäs-ˌkäl-ˈyen-ˌtās\ city central Mexico NE of Guadalajara

Agul·has, Cape \ə-ˈgəl-əs\ cape Republic of South Africa; most southerly point of Africa, at 34° 52′ S latitude

Ahag·gar \ə-ˈhäg-ər, ˌä-hə-ˈgär\ mountains S Algeria in W central Sahara

Ah·mad·a·bad \ˈäm-əd-ə-ˌbäd\ city W India N of Bombay

Ak·ron \ˈak-rən\ city NE Ohio

Al·a·bama \ˌal-ə-ˈbam-ə\ state SE U.S.; capital, Montgomery
— Al·a·bam·i·an \-ˈbam-ē-ən\ or Al·a·bam·an \-ˈbam-ən\ adj or n

Alas·ka \ə-ˈlas-kə\
1 peninsula SW Alaska SW of Cook Inlet
2 state of U.S. in NW North America; capital, Juneau
3 mountain range S Alaska extending from Alaska Peninsula to Yukon boundary
— Alas·kan \-kən\ adj or n

Alaska, Gulf of inlet of Pacific off S Alaska between Alaska Peninsula on W & Alexander Archipelago on E

Al·ba·nia \al-ˈbā-nē-ə, -nyə\ country S Europe in Balkan Peninsula on Adriatic; capital, Tirane

Al·ba·ny \ˈȯl-bə-nē\ city, capital of New York

Al·be·marle Sound \ˈal-bə-ˌmärl\ inlet of the Atlantic in NE North Carolina

Al·bert, Lake \ˈal-bərt\ lake E Africa between Uganda & Democratic Republic of the Congo in course of the Nile

Al·ber·ta \al-ˈbərt-ə\ province W Canada; capital, Edmonton
— Al·ber·tan \-ˈbərt-ən\ adj or n

Al·bu·quer·que \ˈal-b(y)ə-ˌkər-kē\ city central New Mexico

Al·ca·traz \ˈal-kə-ˌtraz\ island California in San Francisco Bay

Al·da·bra \ˈal-də-brə\ island NW Indian Ocean N of Madagascar; belongs to Seychelles

Al·der·ney \ˈȯl-dər-nē\ island in English Channel — see CHANNEL 2

Alep·po \ə-ˈlep-ō\ city N Syria

Aleu·tian \ə-ˈlü-shən\ islands SW Alaska extending 1700 mi. (2735 km.) W from Alaska Peninsula

Al·ex·an·der \ˌal-ig-ˈzan-dər, ˌel-\ archipelago SE Alaska

Al·ex·an·dria \ˌal-ig-ˈzan-drē-ə, ˌel-\
1 city N Virginia S of District of Columbia
2 city N Egypt on the Mediterranean
— Al·ex·an·dri·an \-drē-ən\ adj or n

Al·ge·ria \al-ˈjir-ē-ə\ country NW Africa on Mediterranean; capital, Algiers
— Al·ge·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Al·giers \al-ˈji(ə)rz\ city, capital of Algeria
— Al·ge·rine \ˌal-jə-ˈrēn\ adj or n

Al·lah·a·bad \ˈal-ə-hə-ˌbad, -ˌbäd\ city N India on the Ganges

Al·le·ghe·ny \ˌal-ə-ˈgā-nē\
1 river 325 mi. (523 km.) long W Pennsylvania & SW New York
2 mountains of Appalachian system E U.S. in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, & West Virginia

Al·len·town \ˈal-ən-ˌtau̇n\ city E Pennsylvania

Al·ma·ty \əl-ˈmä-tē\ or Al·ma–Ata \ˌal-mə-ə-ˈtä\ city, former capital of Kazakhstan

Alps \ˈalps\ mountain system central Europe — see MONT BLANC

Al·tai or Al·tay \ˈal-ˌtī\ mountain system central Asia between Mongolia & W China & between Kazakhstan & Russia

Ama·ga·sa·ki \ˌam-ə-gə-ˈsäk-ē\ city Japan in W central Honshu

Am·a·ril·lo \ˌam-ə-ˈril-ō, -ə\ city NW Texas

Am·a·zon \ˈam-ə-ˌzän, -zən\ river 3900 mi. (6275 km.) long N South America flowing from Peruvian Andes into Atlantic in N Brazil

Amer·i·ca \ə-ˈmer-ə-kə\
1 either continent (North America or South America) of Western Hemisphere
2 or the Amer·i·cas \-kəz\ lands of Western Hemisphere including North, Central, & South America & West Indies
3 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
— American adj or n

American Falls — see NIAGARA FALLS

American Samoa or Eastern Samoa islands SW central Pacific; capital, Pago Pago (on Tutuila Island)

Am·man \a-ˈmän, -ˈman\ city, capital of Jordan

Am·ster·dam \ˈam(p)-stər-ˌdam\ city, official capital of the Netherlands

Amur \ä-ˈmu̇(ə)r\ river 1780 mi. (2784 km.) long E Asia flowing into the Pacific & forming part of boundary between China & Russia

An·a·heim \ˈan-ə-ˌhīm\ city SW California E of Long Beach

An·a·to·lia \ˌan-ə-ˈtō-lē-ə, -ˈtōl-yə\ — see ASIA MINOR
— An·a·to·li·an \-ˈtō-lē-ən, -ˈtōl-yən\ adj or n

An·chor·age \ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij\ city S central Alaska

An·da·man \ˈan-də-mən, -ˌman\
1 islands India in Bay of Bengal S of Myanmar & N of Nicobar Islands
2 sea arm of Bay of Bengal S of Myanmar
— An·da·man·ese \ˌan-də-mə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

An·des \ˈan-dēz\ mountain system W South America extending from Panama to Tierra del Fuego — see ACONCAGUA
— An·de·an \ˈan-(ˌ)dē-ən, an-ˈdē-\ adj

— An·dine \ˈan-ˌdēn, -ˌdīn\ adj

An·dor·ra \an-ˈdȯr-ə, -där-ə\ country SW Europe in E Pyrenees between France & Spain; capital, Andorra la Vella
— An·dor·ran \-ən\ adj or n

An·dros \ˈan-drəs\ island, largest of Bahamas

An·gel Falls \ˌān-jəl\ waterfall 3212 ft. (979 m.) SE Venezuela; world's highest waterfall

Ang·kor \ˈaŋ-ˌkȯ(ə)r\ ruins of ancient city NW Cambodia

An·gle·sey \ˈang-gəl-sē\ island NW Wales

An·go·la \aŋ-ˈgō-lə, an-\ country SW Africa S of mouth of Congo River; until 1975 a dependency of Portugal; capital, Luanda
— An·go·lan \-lən\ adj or n

An·i·ak·chak Crater \ˌan-ē-ˈak-ˌchak\ volcanic crater SW Alaska on Alaska Peninsula; 6 mi. (10 km.) in diameter

An·ka·ra \ˈaŋ-kə-rə, äŋ-\ city, capital of Turkey in N central Anatolia

An·nap·o·lis \ə-ˈnap-(ə-)ləs\ city, capital of Maryland

Ann Ar·bor \an-ˈär-bər\ city SE Michigan

An·shan \ˈän-ˈshän\ city NE China

An·ta·nan·a·ri·vo \ˌan-tə-ˌnan-ə-ˈrē-vō\ city, capital of Madagascar

Ant·arc·ti·ca \(ˈ)ant-ˈärk-ti-kə, -ˈärt-i-\ body of land around the South Pole; plateau covered by great ice cap

An·ti·gua \an-ˈtē-gə\ island West Indies in the Leewards; with Barbuda forms independent Antigua and Barbuda; capital, Saint John's

An·til·les \an-ˈtil-ēz\ the West Indies except for the Bahamas — see GREATER ANTILLES,, LESSER ANTILLES
— An·til·le·an \-ˈtil-ē-ən\ adj

An·trim \ˈan-trəm\
1 district E Northern Ireland
2 town in Antrim district

Ant·werp \ˈant-ˌwərp\ city N Belgium

Aomen — see MACAO

Aoraki — see COOK (MOUNT)

Ap·en·nines \ˈap-ə-ˌnīnz\ mountain chain Italy extending length of the peninsula; highest peak Monte Corno (NE of Rome) 9560 ft. (2897 m.)
— Ap·en·nine \-ˌnīn\ adj

Apia \ə-ˈpē-ə\ town, capital of Samoa

Apo, Mount \ˈäp-ō\ volcano Philippines in SE Mindanao 9692 ft. (2954 m.); highest peak in the Philippines

Ap·pa·la·chia \ˌap-ə-ˈlā-chə, -ˈlach-ə, -ˈlā-shə\ region E U.S. including Appalachian Mountains from S central New York to central Alabama

Ap·pa·la·chian Mountains \ˌap-ə-ˈlā-ch(ē-)ən, -ˈlach(-ē)-ən, -ˈlā-sh(ē-)ən\ mountain system E North America extending from S Quebec to central Alabama — see MITCHELL (MOUNT)

Aqa·ba, Gulf of \ˈäk-ə-bə, ˈak-\ arm of Red Sea E of Sinai Peninsula

Aquid·neck \ə-ˈkwid-ˌnek\ or Rhode island SE Rhode Island in Narragansett Bay

Ara·bia \ə-ˈrā-bē-ə\ peninsula of SW Asia including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, & Persian Gulf States

Ara·bi·an Sea \ə-ˈrā-bē-ən\ NW section of Indian Ocean between Arabia & India

Ar·a·fu·ra \ˌar-ə-ˈfu̇r-ə\ sea between N Australia & W New Guinea

Ar·al Sea \ˈar-əl\ inland sea W Asia between Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan; now split into sections and only a fraction of its pre-1960 size

Ar·a·rat \ˈar-ə-ˌrat\ mountain 16,946 ft. (5165 m.) E Turkey near border of Iran

Arc·tic \ˈärk-tik, ˈärt-ik\
1 ocean N of Arctic Circle
2 Arctic regions
3 archipelago N Canada in Nunavut & Northwest Territories

Ar·da·bil or Ar·de·bil \ˌär-də-ˈbēl\ city NW Iran

Ards \ˈärdz\ district E Northern Ireland

Are·ci·bo \ˌä-rā-ˈsē-bō\ city & port N Puerto Rico

Ar·gen·ti·na \ˌär-jən-ˈtē-nə\ country S South America between the Andes & the Atlantic; capital, Buenos Aires
— Argentine \ˈär-jən-ˌtēn, -ˌtīn\ adj or n

— Ar·gen·tin·ean or Ar·gen·tin·i·an \ˌär-jən-ˈtin-ē-ən\ adj or n

Ar·gos \ˈär-ˌgäs, -gəs\ ancient Greek city-state S Greece

Ar·i·zo·na \ˌar-ə-ˈzō-nə\ state SW U.S.; capital, Phoenix
— Ar·i·zo·nan \-nən\ or Ar·i·zo·nian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj or n

Ar·kan·sas \ˈär-kən-ˌsȯ; 1 is also är-ˈkan-zəs\
1 river 1450 mi. (2334 km.) long SW central U.S. flowing SE into the Mississippi
2 state S central U.S.; capital, Little Rock
— Ar·kan·san \är-ˈkan-zən\ adj or n

Ar·ling·ton \ˈär-liŋ-tən\ city N Texas

Ar·magh \är-ˈmä, ˈär-ˌ\
1 district S Northern Ireland
2 town central Armagh district

Ar·me·nia \är-ˈmē-nē-ə, -nyə\
1 region W Asia in mountainous area SE of Black Sea & SW of Caspian Sea divided between Iran, Turkey, & Armenia (country)
2 country W Asia; capital, Yerevan; a republic of U.S.S.R. 1936–91

Arn·hem Land \ˈärn-ˌhem, ˈär-nəm\ region N Australia on N coast of Northern Territory

Ar·no \ˈär-nō\ river 150 mi. (241 km.) long central Italy flowing through Florence

Aru·ba \ə-ˈrü-bə\ Dutch island in Caribbean Sea off coast of NW Venezuela

Ar·vada \är-ˈvad-ə\ city N central Colorado NW of Denver

Ash·ga·bat \ˈäsh-gə-ˌbät\ or Ashkh·a·bad \ˈash-kə-ˌbad, -ˌbäd\ city, capital of Turkmenistan

Asia \ˈā-zhə, -shə\ continent of Eastern Hemisphere N of the Equator — see EURASIA

Asia Mi·nor \-ˈmī-nər\ or Anatolia peninsula in modern Turkey between Black Sea on N & the Mediterranean on S

As·ma·ra \az-ˈmär-ə, -ˈmar-ə\ city, capital of Eritrea

As·syr·ia \ə-ˈsir-ē-ə\ ancient empire W Asia extending along the middle Tigris & over foothills to the E
— As·syr·i·an \-ən\ adj or n

Astana — see NURSULTAN

Asun·ción \ə-ˌsün(t)-sē-ˈōn, (ˌ)ä-\ city, capital of Paraguay on Paraguay River

As·wân \a-ˈswän, ä-\ city S Egypt on the Nile near site of Aswân High Dam

Ata·ca·ma \ˌat-ə-ˈkäm-ə\ desert N Chile

Atchaf·a·laya \(ə-)ˌchaf-ə-ˈlī-ə\ river 225 mi. (362 km.) long S Louisiana flowing S into Gulf of Mexico

Ath·a·bas·ca \ˌath-ə-ˈbas-kə\ river 765 mi. (1231 km.) long NE Alberta flowing into Lake Athabasca on Alberta–Saskatchewan border

Ath·ens \ˈath-ənz\
1 city NE Georgia
2 city, capital of Greece
— Athe·nian \ə-ˈthē-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj or n

At·lan·ta \ət-ˈlant-ə, at-\ city, capital of Georgia

At·lan·tic \ət-ˈlant-ik, at-\ ocean separating North America & South America from Europe & Africa; often divided into North Atlantic and South Atlantic
— Atlantic adj

At·las \ˈat-ləs\ mountains NW Africa extending from SW Morocco to N Tunisia

At·ti·ca \ˈat-i-kə\ ancient state E Greece; chief city Athens
— At·tic \ˈat-ik\ adj

Auck·land \ˈȯ-klənd\ city N New Zealand on NW North Island

Au·gus·ta \ȯ-ˈgəst-ə, ə-\
1 city E Georgia
2 city, capital of Maine

Au·ro·ra \ə-ˈrōr-ə, ȯ-, -ˈrȯr-\
1 city NE central Colorado
2 city NE Illinois

Auschwitz — see OSWIECIM

Aus·tin \ˈȯs-tən, ˈäs-\ city, capital of Texas

Aus·tral·asia \ˌȯs-trə-ˈlā-zhə, ˌäs-, -ˈlā-shə\ Australia (including Tasmania), New Zealand, & Melanesia
— Aus·tral·asian \-zhən, -shən\ adj or n

Aus·tra·lia \ȯ-ˈstrāl-yə, ä-, ə-\
1 continent of Eastern Hemisphere SE of Asia
2 independent country including continent of Australia & island of Tasmania; capital, Canberra
— Aus·tra·lian \-yən\ adj or n

Australian Alps mountain range SE Australia in E Victoria & SE New South Wales; part of Great Dividing Range

Australian Capital Territory district SE Australia including two areas, one containing Canberra (capital of Australia) & the other on Jervis Bay (inlet of the South Pacific); surrounded by New South Wales

Aus·tria \ˈȯs-trē-ə, ˈäs-\ country central Europe; capital, Vienna
— Aus·tri·an \-ən\ adj or n

Aus·tria–Hun·ga·ry \-ˈhəŋ-gə-rē\ country 1867–1918 central Europe including Bohemia, Moravia, Bukovina, Transylvania, Galicia, and what are now Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Crotia, & part of NE Italy
— Aus·tro–Hun·gar·i·an \ˈȯs-(ˌ)trō-ˌhəŋ-ˈgar-ē-ən, ˈäs-, -ˈger-\ adj or n

Aus·tro·ne·sia \ˌȯs-trə-ˈnē-zhə, ˌäs-, -ˈnē-shə\
1 islands of the South Pacific
2 area extending from Madagascar through Malay Peninsula & Malay Archipelago to Hawaii & Easter Island
— Aus·tro·ne·sian \-zhən, -shən\ adj or n

Avon \ˈā-vən, ˈav-ən, in the U.S. also ˈā-ˌvän\ river 96 mi. (154 km.) long central England flowing WSW into the Severn

Ayers Rock — see ULURU

Ayles·bury \ˈālz-b(ə-)rē\ town SE central England

Ayr \ˈa(ə)r, ˈe(ə)r\ or Ayr·shire \-ˌshiər, -shər\ former county SW Scotland

Azer·bai·jan \ˌaz-ər-ˌbī-ˈjän, ˌäz-\ country W Asia & SE Europe bordering on Caspian Sea; capital, Baku; a republic of U.S.S.R. 1936–91
— Azer·bai·ja·ni \-ē\ adj or n

Azores \ˈā-ˌzō(ə)rz, -ˌzȯ(ə)rz; ə-ˈzō(ə)rz, -ˈzȯ(ə)rz\ islands North Atlantic belonging to Portugal & lying 800 mi. (1287 km.) W of Portuguese coast
— Azor·e·an \ā-ˈzōr-ē-ən, ə-, -ˈzȯr-\ adj or n

Bab·y·lon \ˈbab-ə-lən, -ˌlän\ ancient city, capital of Babylonia; site 55 mi. (89 km.) S of Baghdad near the Euphrates
— Bab·y·lo·nian \ˌbab-ə-ˈlō-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj or n

Bab·y·lo·nia \ˌbab-ə-ˈlō-nyə, -nē-ə\ ancient country W Asia in valley of lower Euphrates and Tigris rivers; capital, Babylon
— Bab·y·lo·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj or n

Bac·tria \ˈbak-trē-ə\ ancient country W Asia in present NE Afghanistan
— Bac·tri·an \-ən\ adj or n

Badlands barren region SW South Dakota & NW Nebraska

Baf·fin \ˈbaf-ən\
1 bay of the Atlantic between W Greenland & E Baffin Island
2 island NE Canada in Arctic Archipelago N of Hudson Strait

Bagh·dad \ˈbag-ˌdad\ city, capital of Iraq on the Tigris

Ba·guio \ˌbäg-ē-ˈō\ city, former summer capital of the Philippines in NW central Luzon

Ba·ha·mas \bə-ˈhäm-əz, by outsiders also -ˈhā-məz\ islands in N Atlantic SE of Florida; an independent country; capital, Nassau
— Ba·ha·mi·an \-ˈhā-mē-ən, -ˈhäm-ē-ən\ or Ba·ha·man \-ˈhā-mən, -ˈhäm-ən\ adj or n

Bahia — see SALVADOR

Bah·rain \bä-ˈrān\ islands in Persian Gulf off coast of Arabia; an independent country; capital, Manama
— Bah·raini \-ˈrā-nē\ adj or n

Bai·kal, Lake or Lake Bay·kal \bī-ˈkäl\ lake Russia, in mountains N of Mongolia

Ba·ja California \ˌbä-(ˌ)hä\ peninsula NW Mexico W of Gulf of California

Ba·ku \bä-ˈkü\ city, capital of Azerbaijan on W coast of Caspian Sea

Bal·a·ton \ˈbal-ə-ˌtän, ˈbȯl-ə-ˌtōn\ lake W Hungary

Bal·boa Heights \(ˌ)bal-ˌbō-ə\ town Panama; formerly the center of administration for Canal Zone

Ba·li \ˈbäl-ē\ island Indonesia off E end of Java
— Ba·li·nese \ˌbäl-i-nēz, ˌbal-, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Bal·kans \ˈbȯl-kənz\
1 or Balkan Mountains mountains N Bulgaria extending from Serbia border to Black Sea; highest 7793 ft. (2375 m.)
2 or Balkan Peninsula peninsula SE Europe between Adriatic & Ionian seas on the W & Aegean & Black seas on the E
3 or Balkan States countries occupying the Balkan Peninsula: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Turkey (in Europe)

Bal·ly·cas·tle \ˌbal-ē-ˈkas-əl\ town N Northern Ireland

Bal·ly·me·na \ˌbal-ē-ˈmē-nə\ district NE central Northern Ireland

Bal·ly·mon·ey \ˌbal-ē-ˈmən-ē\ district N central Northern Ireland

Bal·tic Sea \ˈbȯl-tik\ arm of the Atlantic N Europe E of Scandinavian Peninsula

Bal·ti·more \ˈbȯl-tə-ˌmō(ə)r, -ˌmȯ(ə)r; ˈbȯl-(tə-)mər\ city N central Maryland

Ba·lu·chi·stan \bə-ˌlü-chə-ˈstan, -ˈstän; bə-ˈlü-chə-\ arid region S Asia in SW Pakistan & SE Iran

Ba·ma·ko \ˌbäm-ə-ˈkō\ city, capital of Mali on the Niger

Ban·bridge \ban-ˈbrij\ district SE central Northern Ireland

Ban·dar Se·ri Be·ga·wan \ˌbən-dər-ˌser-ē-bə-ˈgä-wən\ town, capital of Brunei

Ban·dung \ˈbän-ˌdu̇ŋ\ city Indonesia in W Java SE of Jakarta

Ban·ga·lore \ˈbaŋ-gə-ˌlō(ə)r, -ˌlȯ(ə)r\ or Ben·ga·lu·ru \ˈbeŋ-gə-ˌlü-rü\ city S India W of Madras

Bang·kok \ˈbaŋ-ˌkäk, baŋ-ˈkäk\ city, capital of Thailand

Ban·gla·desh \ˌbäŋ-gle-ˈdesh, ˌbaŋ-, -ˈdāsh\ country S Asia E of India; formerly part of Pakistan; an independent state since 1971; capital, Dhaka — see EAST PAKISTAN
— Ban·gla·deshi \-ē\ adj or n

Ban·gor \ˈbaŋ-ˌgȯr, ˈban-\ town E Northern Ireland

Ban·gui \bäŋ-ˈgē\ city, capital of Central African Republic

Ban·jul \ˈbän-ˌjül\ or formerly Bath·urst \ˈbath-(ˌ)ərst\ city & port, capital of Gambia

Bao·tou or Pao–t'ou \ˈbau̇-ˈtō\ city N China

Bar·ba·dos \bär-ˈbād-əs, -ōz, -äs, -ōs\ island West Indies in Lesser Antilles E of Windward Islands; an independent country since 1966; capital, Bridgetown
— Bar·ba·di·an \-ˈbād-ē-ən\ adj or n

Bar·bu·da \bär-ˈbüd-ə\ island West Indies; part of independent Antigua and Barbuda

Bar·ce·lo·na \ˌbär-sə-ˈlō-nə\ city NE Spain on the Mediterranean; chief city of Catalonia

Bar·king and Dag·en·ham \ˈbär-kiŋ-ənd-ˈdag-ə-nəm\ borough of E Greater London, England

Bar·na·ul \ˌbär-nə-ˈül\ city S Russia

Bar·net \ˈbär-nət\ borough of N Greater London, England

Bar·ran·qui·lla \ˌbar-ən-ˈkē-(y)ə\ city N Colombia

Barren Grounds treeless plains N Canada W of Hudson Bay

Bar·row, Point \ˈbar-ō\ most northerly point of Alaska & of U.S. at about 71°25′ N latitude

Ba·si·lan \bä-ˈsē-ˌlän\ island S Philippines

Bas·il·don \ˈbaz-əl-dən\ town SE England

Basque Country autonomous region N Spain

Bass \ˈbas\ strait separating Tasmania & continent of Australia

Basse·terre \bas-ˈte(ə)r, bäs-\ seaport Saint Kitts, capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Basutoland — see LESOTHO

Batavia — see JAKARTA

Bathurst — see BANJUL

Bat·on Rouge \ˌbat-ən-ˈrüzh\ city, capital of Louisiana

Ba·var·ia \bə-ˈver-ē-ə, -ˈvar-\ or German Bay·ern \ˈbī-ərn\ state SE Germany bordering on Czech Republic & Austria
— Ba·var·i·an \bə-ˈver-ē-ən, -ˈvar-\ adj or n

Ba·ya·mon \ˌbī-ə-ˈmōn\ city NE central Puerto Rico

Beau·fort \ˈbō-fərt\ sea consisting of part of Arctic Ocean NE of Alaska & NW of Canada

Beau·mont \ˈbō-ˌmänt\ city SE Texas

Bech·u·a·na·land \ˌbech-(ə-)ˈwän-ə-ˌland\
1 region S Africa N of Orange River
2 — see BOTSWANA

Bed·ford·shire \ˈbed-fərd-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Bedford county SE England

Bedloe's — see LIBERTY

Bei·jing \ˈbā-ˈjiŋ\ or Pe·king \ˈpē-ˈkiŋ, ˈpā-\ city, capital of China

Bei·rut \bā-ˈrüt\ city, capital of Lebanon

Be·la·rus \ˌbē-lə-ˈrüs, ˌbyel-ə-\ country central Europe; capital, Minsk
— Be·la·ru·si·an \-ˈrü-sē-ən, -ˈrəsh-ən\ or Be·la·rus·sian \ˈrəsh-ən\ adj or n

Belau — see PALAU

Be·lém \bə-ˈlem\ city N Brazil

Bel·fast \ˈbel-ˌfast, bel-ˈfast\ city, capital of Northern Ireland

Belgian Congo — see CONGO 2

Bel·gium \ˈbel-jəm\ or French Bel·gique \bel-zhēk\ or Flemish Bel·gië \ˈbel-gē-ə\ country W Europe; capital, Brussels
— Bel·gian \ˈbel-jən\ adj or n

Bel·grade \ˈbel-ˌgrād, -ˌgräd, -ˌgrad\ or Beo·grad \ˈbeu̇-ˌgräd\ city, capital of Serbia on the Danube

Be·lize \bə-ˈlēz\ or formerly British Honduras country Central America on the Caribbean; capital, Belmopan
— Be·liz·ean \-ˈlē-zē-ən\ adj or n

Belize City seaport E Belize

Belle·vue \ˈbel-ˌvyü\ city W Washington E of Seattle

Bel·mo·pan \ˌbel-mō-ˈpan\ city, capital of Belize

Be·lo Ho·ri·zon·te \ˈbā-lō-ˌhȯr-ə-ˈzänt-ē, ˈbel-ō-, -ˌhär-\ city E Brazil N of Rio de Janeiro

Be·lo·rus·sia \ˌbel-ō-ˈrəsh-ə, ˌbyel-\ or Bye·lo·rus·sia \bē-ˌel-ō-, ˌbyel-ō-\ former republic of U.S.S.R.; became independent Belarus in 1991
— Belorussian adj or n

Ben·gal \ben-ˈgȯl, beŋ-\ region S Asia including delta of Ganges & Brahmaputra rivers; divided between Bangladesh & India

Bengal, Bay of arm of Indian Ocean between India & Myanmar

Bengaluru — see BANGALORE

Be·nin \bə-ˈnin, -ˈnēn; ˈben-ən\ or formerly Da·ho·mey \də-ˈhō-mē\ country W Africa on Gulf of Guinea; capital, Porto-Novo; seat of government, Cotonou
— Ben·i·nese \bə-ˌnin-ˈēz, -ˌnēn-; ˌben-i-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Ben Nev·is \ben-ˈnev-əs\ mountain 4406 ft. (1343 m.) W Scotland in the Grampians; highest in Great Britain

Beograd — see BELGRADE

Ber·gen \ˈbər-gən, ˈbe(ə)r-\ city & port SW Norway

Be·ring \ˈbi(ə)r-iŋ, ˈbe(ə)r-\
1 sea arm of the North Pacific between Alaska & NE Siberia
2 strait at narrowest point 53 mi. (85 km.) wide between North America (Alaska) and Asia (Russia)

Berke·ley \ˈbər-klē\ city W California on San Francisco Bay N of Oakland

Berk·shire \ˈbərk-ˌshi(ə)r, -ˌshər\ hills W Massachusetts; highest point Mount Greylock 3491 ft. (1064 m.)

Ber·lin \(ˌ)bər-ˈlin\ city, capital of Germany; divided 1945–90 into East Berlin (capital of East Germany) & West Berlin (city of West Germany lying within East Germany)
— Ber·lin·er \-ˈlin-ər\ n

Ber·mu·da \(ˌ)bər-ˈmyüd-ə\ islands W Atlantic ESE of Cape Hatteras; a British colony; capital, Hamilton
— Ber·mu·dan \-ˈmyüd-ən\ or Ber·mu·di·an \-ˈmyüd-ē-ən\ adj or n

Bern \ˈbərn, ˈbe(ə)rn\ city, capital of Switzerland
— Ber·nese \(ˌ)bər-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Bes·sa·ra·bia \ˌbes-ə-ˈrā-bē-ə\ region SE Europe now chiefly in Moldova
— Bes·sa·ra·bi·an \-bē-ən\ adj or n

Beth·le·hem \ˈbeth-li-ˌhem, -lē-həm, -lē-əm\ town of ancient Palestine in Judaea; the present-day town is SW of Jerusalem in the West Bank

Bev·er·ly Hills \ˌbev-ər-lē-ˈhilz\ city SW California within city of Los Angeles

Bex·ley \ˈbek-slē\ borough of E Greater London, England

Bho·pal \bō-ˈpäl\ city N central India

Bhu·tan \bü-ˈtan, -ˈtän\ country S Asia in the Himalayas on NE border of India; capital, Thimphu
— Bhu·ta·nese \ˌbüt-ən-ˈēz, -ˈēs\ adj or n

Bi·ki·ni \bə-ˈkē-nē\ atoll W Pacific in Marshall Islands

Bil·lings \ˈbil-iŋz\ city S central Montana; largest in state

Bi·loxi \bə-ˈlək-sē, -ˈläk-\ city & port SE Mississippi on Gulf of Mexico

Bi·o·ko \bē-ˈō-kō\ or formerly Fer·nan·do Póo \fər-ˌnan-(ˌ)dō-ˈpō\ island portion of Equatorial Guinea in Gulf of Guinea

Bir·ken·head \ˈbər-kən-ˌhed, ˌbər-kən-ˈ\ borough NW England on the Mersey opposite Liverpool

Bir·ming·ham \ˈbər-miŋ-ˌham, British usually -miŋ-əm\
1 city N central Alabama
2 city W central England

Bis·cay, Bay of \ˈbis-ˌkā, -kē\ inlet of the Atlantic between W coast of France & N coast of Spain

Bish·kek \bish-ˈkek\ or 1926–91 Frunze \ˈfrün-zə\ city, capital of Kyrgyzstan

Bis·marck \ˈbiz-ˌmärk\
1 city, capital of North Dakota
2 archipelago W Pacific N of E end of New Guinea

Bis·sau \bis-ˈau̇\ city, capital of Guinea-Bissau

Bi·thyn·ia \bə-ˈthin-ē-ə\ ancient country NW Asia Minor bordering on Sea of Marmara and Black Sea
— Bi·thyn·i·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Bit·ter·root \ˈbit-ər-ˌrüt, -ˌru̇t\ range of the Rockies along Idaho–Montana boundary

Black·burn \ˈblak-bərn\ town NW England

Black Forest forested mountain region Germany along E bank of the upper Rhine

Black Hills mountains W South Dakota & NE Wyoming

Black·pool \ˈblak-ˌpül\ town NW England on Irish Sea

Black Sea or ancient Pon·tus Eux·i·nus \ˈpänt-əs-ˌyük-ˈsī-nəs\ sea between Europe & Asia connected with Aegean Sea through the Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, & Dardanelles

Blanc, Mont — see MONT BLANC

Blan·tyre \ˈblan-ˌtīr\ city S Malawi

Bloem·fon·tein \ˈblüm-fən-ˌtān, -ˌfän-\ city Republic of South Africa, judicial capital of the country

Blue Ridge E range of the Applachians E U.S. extending from S Pennsylvania to N Georgia

Bodh Ga·ya \ˈbȯd-ˈgī-ə\ village NE India; one of the holiest sites of Buddhism

Boe·o·tia \bē-ˈō-sh(ē-)ə\ ancient state E central Greece NW of Attica; chief ancient city, Thebes
— Boe·o·tian \bē-ˈō-shən\ adj or n

Bo·go·tá \ˌbō-gə-ˈtȯ, -ˈtä\ city, capital of Colombia

Bo Hai or Po Hai \ˈbō-ˈhī\ or Gulf of Chih·li \ˈchē-lē, ˈjir-\ arm of Yellow Sea NE China

Bo·he·mia \bō-ˈhē-mē-ə\ region W Czech Republic; once a kingdom; chief city, Prague

Bo·hol \bō-ˈhȯl\ island S central Philippines

Boi·se \ˈbȯi-sē, -zē\ city, capital of Idaho

Bo·liv·ia \bə-ˈliv-ē-ə\ country W central South America; administrative capital, La Paz; constitutional capital, Sucre
— Bo·liv·i·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Bo·lo·gna \bə-ˈlōn-yə\ city N Italy

Bol·ton \ˈbōlt-n\ town NW England

Bombay — see MUMBAI

Bonn \ˈbän, ˈbȯn\ city Germany on the Rhine SE of Cologne; formerly capital of West Germany

Boo·thia \ˈbü-thē-ə\ peninsula N Canada W of Baffin Island; its N tip is most northerly point in mainland North America

Bor·neo \ˈbȯr-nē-ˌō\ island Malay Archipelago SW of the Philippines; divided between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia

Bos·nia \ˈbäz-nē-ə\ region S Europe; with Herzegovina forms independent Bosnia and Herzegovina; capital, Sarajevo
— Bos·ni·an \-nē-ən\ adj or n

Bos·po·rus \ˈbäs-p(ə-)rəs\ or ancient Bosporus Thra·ci·us \-ˈthrā-sh(ē-)əs\ strait 18 mi. (29 km.) long between Turkey in Europe & Turkey in Asia connecting Sea of Marmara & Black Sea

Bos·ton \ˈbȯ-stən\ city, capital of Massachusetts
— Bos·to·nian \bȯ-ˈstō-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj or n

Bot·a·ny Bay \ˈbät-ən-ē, ˈbät-nē\ inlet of South Pacific SE Australia in New South Wales S of Sydney

Both·nia, Gulf of \ˈbäth-nē-ə\ arm of Baltic Sea between Sweden & Finland

Bo·tswa·na \bät-ˈswän-ə\ country S Africa; formerly (as Bechuanaland) dependent on Britain; now independent; capital, Gaborone

Boul·der \ˈbōl-dər\ city N central Colorado

Boulder Dam — see HOOVER DAM

Bourne·mouth \ˈbōrn-məth, ˈbȯrn-, ˈbu̇rn-\ town S England on English Channel

Brad·ford \ˈbrad-fərd\ city N England

Brah·ma·pu·tra \ˌbräm-ə-ˈp(y)ü-trə\ river about 1800 mi. (2900 km.) long S Asia flowing from the Himalayas in Tibet to Ganges Delta

Bra·sí·lia \brə-ˈzil-yə\ city, capital of Brazil

Bra·ti·sla·va \ˌbrat-ə-ˈsläv-ə, ˌbrät-\ city on the Danube; capital of Slovakia

Bra·zil \brə-ˈzil\ country E & central South America; capital, Brasília
— Bra·zil·ian \brə-ˈzil-yən\ adj or n

Braz·za·ville \ˈbraz-ə-ˌvil, ˈbräz-ə-ˌvēl\ city, capital of Republic of the Congo on W bank of lower Congo River

Bre·men \ˈbrem-ən, ˈbrā-mən\ city & port NW Germany

Bren·ner \ˈbren-ər\ pass 4495 ft. (1370 m.) high in the Alps between Austria & Italy

Brent \ˈbrent\ borough of W Greater London, England

Bret·on, Cape \kāp-ˈbret-ən, kə-ˈbret-, -ˈbrit-\ cape Canada; most easterly point of Cape Breton Island & of Nova Scotia

Bridge·port \ˈbrij-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ city SW Connecticut on Long Island Sound

Bridge·town \ˈbrij-ˌtau̇n\ city, capital of Barbados

Brigh·ton \ˈbrīt-ən\ town S England on English Channel

Bris·bane \ˈbriz-bən, -ˌbān\ city & port E Australia; capital of Queensland

Bris·tol \ˈbris-təl\
1 city & port SW England
2 channel between S Wales & SW England

Brit·ain \ˈbrit-ən\
1 the island of Great Britain
2 UNITED KINGDOM

British Columbia province W Canada on Pacific coast; capital, Victoria

British Commonwealth — see COMMONWEALTH, THE

British Empire former empire consisting of Great Britain & the British dominions & dependencies

British Guiana — see GUYANA

British Honduras — see BELIZE

British Indian Ocean Territory British colony in Indian Ocean consisting of Chagos Archipelago

British Isles island group W Europe consisting of Great Britain, Ireland, & nearby islands

British Virgin Islands E islands of Virgin Islands; a British possession

British West Indies islands of the West Indies belonging to the Commonwealth & including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, & Bahamas & Cayman Islands, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, & British Virgin Islands

Brit·ta·ny \ˈbrit-ən-ē\ region NW France SW of Normandy

Brom·ley \ˈbräm-lē\ borough of SE Greater London, England

Bronx \ˈbräŋ(k)s\ or The Bronx borough of New York City NE of Manhattan

Brook·lyn \ˈbru̇k-lən\ borough of New York City at SW end of Long Island

Brooks Range \ˈbru̇ks\ mountains N Alaska

Browns·ville \ˈbrau̇nz-ˌvil\ city S Texas on the Rio Grande

Bru·nei \bru̇-ˈnī, ˈbrü-ˌnī\ country NE Borneo; formerly under British authority; capital, Bandar Seri Begawan
— Bru·nei·an \bru̇-ˈnī-ən\ adj or n

Brus·sels \ˈbrəs-əlz\ city, capital of Belgium

Bu·cha·rest \ˈb(y)ü-kə-ˌrest\ city, capital of Romania

Buck·ing·ham·shire \ˈbək-iŋ-əm-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər, U.S. also -iŋ-ˌham-\ or Buckingham county SE central England

Bu·da·pest \ˈbüd-ə-ˌpest also ˈbyüd-, ˈbu̇d-, -ˌpesht\ city, capital of Hungary

Bue·nos Ai·res \ˌbwā-nə-ˈsa(ə)r-ēz, ˌbō-nə-, -ˈse(ə)r-, -ˈsī(ə)r-\ city, capital of Argentina

Buf·fa·lo \ˈbəf-ə-ˌlō\ city W New York on Lake Erie

Bu·ko·vi·na \ˌbü-kə-ˈvē-nə\ region E central Europe in foothills of E Carpathians of NE Romania & W Ukraine

Bul·gar·ia \ˌbəl-ˈgar-ē-ə, bu̇l-, -ˈger-\ country SE Europe on Black Sea; capital, Sofia
— Bulgarian adj or n

Bull Run \ˈbu̇l-ˈrən\ stream NE Virginia

Bun·ker Hill \ˌbəŋ-kər\ height in Boston, Massachusetts

Bur·bank \ˈbər-ˌbaŋk\ city SW California

Bur·gun·dy \ˈbər-gən-dē\ region E France
— Bur·gun·di·an \(ˌ)bər-ˈgən-dē-ən\ adj or n

Bur·ki·na Fa·so \bu̇r-ˈkē-nə-ˈfä-sō\ or formerly Upper Volta \ˈvōl-tə, ˈvȯl-\ country W Africa N of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, & Togo; capital, Ouagadougou

Bur·ling·ton \ˈbər-liŋ-tən\ city NW Vermont; largest in state

Bur·ma \ˈbər-mə\ — see MYANMAR
— Burmese adj or n

Bu·run·di \bu̇-ˈrün-dē\ country E central Africa; capital, Gitega — see RUANDA-URUNDI
— Bu·run·di·an \-dē-ən\ adj or n

Busan — see PUSAN

Bute \ˈbyüt\ island SW Scotland in Firth of Clyde

Butte \ˈbyüt\ city SW Montana

Byelorussia — see BELORUSSIA

By·zan·tine Empire \ˈbiz-ən-ˌtēn, ˈbīz-, -ˌtīn; bə-ˈzan-ˌtēn, -tīn, bī-\ empire of SE & S Europe and W Asia from 4th to 15th century

By·zan·ti·um \bə-ˈzan-sh(ē-)əm, -ˈzant-ē-əm\ ancient city on site of modern Istanbul

Cabo Verde — see CAPE VERDE

Caer·nar·von \kär-ˈnär-vən\ town & seaport NW Wales

Ca·guas \ˈkäg-ˌwäs\ town E central Puerto Rico

Cai·ro \ˈkī-rō\ city, capital of Egypt
— Cai·rene \kī-ˈrēn\ adj or n

Ca·la·bria \kə-ˈlā-brē-ə, -ˈläb-rē-\ district of ancient Italy consisting of area forming heel of Italian Peninsula
— Ca·la·bri·an \kə-ˈlā-brē-ən, -ˈläb-rē-\ adj or n

Cal·cut·ta \kal-ˈkət-ə\ or Kol·ka·ta \kōl-ˈkät-ä\ city E India on Hugli River
— Cal·cut·tan \-ˈkət-ən\ adj or n

Cal·e·do·nia \ˌkal-ə-ˈdō-nyə, -nē-ə\ — see SCOTLAND
— Cal·e·do·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj or n

Cal·ga·ry \ˈkal-gə-rē\ city SW Alberta, Canada

Ca·li \ˈkäl-ē\ city W Colombia

Cal·i·for·nia \ˌkal-ə-ˈfȯr-nyə\ state SW U.S.; capital, Sacramento
— Cal·i·for·nian \-nyən\ adj or n

California, Gulf of arm of the Pacific NW Mexico

Cal·va·ry \ˈkalv-(ə-)rē\ place outside ancient Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified

Cambay, Gulf of — see KHAMBAT (Gulf of)

Cam·bo·dia \kam-ˈbōd-ē-ə\ or Kam·pu·chea \ˌkam-pə-ˈchē-ə\ or 1970–75 Khmer Republic \kə-ˈme(ə)r-\ country SE Asia in S Indochina; capital, Phnom Penh
— Cam·bo·di·an \-ən\ adj or n

Cambria — see WALES

Cam·bridge \ˈkām-brij\
1 city E Massachusetts W of Boston
2 city E England

Cam·bridge·shire \ˈkām-brij-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Cam·bridge \ˈkām-brij\ county E England

Cam·den \ˈkam-dən\ borough of N Greater London, England

Cam·er·oon or French Cam·er·oun \ˌkam-ə-ˈrün\ country W Africa; capital, Yaoundé
— Cam·er·oo·nian \-ˈrü-nē-ən, -rü-nyən\ adj or n

Ca·mi·guin \ˌkam-ə-ˈgēn\ island Philippines, off N coast of Mindanao

Ca·naan \ˈkā-nən\ the part of ancient Palestine between Jordan River & Mediterranean Sea — sometimes Canaan refers to all of ancient Palestine
— Ca·naan·ite \ˈkā-nə-ˌnīt\ adj or n

Can·a·da \ˈkan-ə-də\ country N North America; capital, Ottawa
— Ca·na·di·an \kə-ˈnād-ē-ən\ adj or n

Canadian Falls — see NIAGARA FALLS

Canadian Shield or Lau·ren·tian Plateau \lȯ-ˈren-chən\ plateau region E Canada & NE U.S. extending from Mackenzie River basin E to Davis Strait & S to S Quebec, S central Ontario, NE Minnesota, N Wisconsin, NW Michigan, and NE New York including the Adirondacks

Canal Zone or Panama Canal Zone strip of territory Panama leased to U.S. for Panama Canal; ceased to exist as a political entity 1979 but remained under U.S. control through 1999

Ca·nary \kə-ˈne(ə)r-ē\ islands in the Atlantic off NW coast of Africa belonging to Spain

Ca·nav·er·al, Cape \kə-ˈnav-(ə-)rəl\ or 1963–73 Cape Ken·ne·dy \ˈken-ə-dē\ cape E Florida in the Atlantic on Canaveral Peninsula E of Indian River

Can·ber·ra \ˈkan-b(ə-)rə, -ˌber-ə\ city, capital of Australia in Australian Capital Territory

Cannes \ˈkan, ˈkän\ port SE France; site of an annual international film festival

Can·ter·bury \ˈkant-ə(r)-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ city SE England

Canton — see GUANGZHOU

Cape Bret·on Island \kāp-ˈbret-ən-, kə-ˈbret-, -ˈbrit-\ island NE Nova Scotia

Cape Coral city SW Florida

Cape Horn — see HORN (CAPE)

Cape of Good Hope — see GOOD HOPE (CAPE OF)

Cape Province or Cape of Good Hope or before 1910 Cape Colony former province S Republic of South Africa; capital, Cape Town

Cape Town \ˈkāp-ˌtau̇n\ city, legislative capital of Republic of South Africa and formerly capital of Cape Province

Cape Verde \ˈvərd\ or Ca·bo Ver·de \ˌkä-bü-ˈverd-ə\ islands in the North Atlantic off W Africa; an independent country; capital, Praia; until 1975 belonged to Portugal
— Cape Verd·ean \ˈvər-dē-ən\ adj or n

Cape York Peninsula \ˈyȯ(ə)rk\ peninsula NE Australia in N Queensland

Ca·pri \ka-ˈprē, kə-; ˈkäp-rē, ˈkap-\ island Italy S of Bay of Naples

Ca·ra·cas \kə-ˈrak-əs, -ˈräk-\ city, capital of Venezuela

Car·diff \ˈkärd-əf\ city, capital of Wales

Ca·rib·be·an Sea \ˌkar-ə-ˈbē-ən, kə-ˈrib-ē-\ arm of the Atlantic; on N & E are the West Indies, on S is South America, & on W is Central America
— Caribbean adj

Car·lisle \kär-ˈlīl, ˈkär-ˌ\ city NW England

Carls·bad Caverns \ˈkär(-ə)lz-ˌbad\ series of caves SE New Mexico

Car·mar·then \kär-ˈmär-thən, kə(r)-\ port S Wales

Car·o·li·na \ˌkar-ə-ˈlī-nə\ English colony on E coast of North America founded 1663 & divided 1729 into North Carolina & South Carolina (the Carolinas)
— Car·o·lin·i·an \-ˈlin-e-ən\ adj or n

Ca·ro·li·na \ˌkär-ə-ˈlē-nə\ city NE Puerto Rico

Car·o·line \ˈkar-ə-ˌlīn, -lən\ islands W Pacific E of S Philippines comprising Palau & the Federated States of Micronesia; formerly part of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Car·pa·thi·an \kär-ˈpā-thē-ən\ mountains E central Europe along boundary between Slovakia & Poland & in N & central Romania; highest Gerlachovsky 8711 ft. (2655 m.)

Car·pen·tar·ia, Gulf of \ˌkär-pən-ˈter-ē-ə, -tar-\ inlet of Arafura Sea N of Australia

Car·rick·fer·gus \ˌkar-ik-ˈfər-gəs\ district E Northern Ireland

Car·roll·ton \ˈkar-əl-tən\ city N Texas

Car·son City \ˈkärs-ən\ city, capital of Nevada

Car·thage \ˈkär-thij\ ancient city N Africa NE of modern Tunis; capital of an empire that once included much of NW Africa, E Spain, & Sicily
— Car·tha·gin·ian \ˌkär-thə-ˈjin-yən, -ˈjin-ē-ən\ adj or n

Ca·sa·blan·ca \ˌkas-ə-ˈblaŋ-kə, ˌkaz-\ city W Morocco on the Atlantic

Cas·cade Range \(ˈ)kas-ˈkād\ mountains NW U.S. in Washington, Oregon, & N California — see RAINIER (MOUNT)

Cas·per \ˈkas-pər\ city central Wyoming

Cas·pi·an Sea \ˈkas-pē-ən\ salt lake between Europe and Asia about 90 ft. (27 m.) below sea level

Cas·tile \kas-ˈtē(ə)l\ or Spanish Cas·ti·lla \kȧ-ˈstē-yȧ\ region & ancient kingdom central & N Spain

Cast·le·reagh \ˈkas-əl-ˌrā\ district E Northern Ireland

Cas·tries \ˈkas-ˌtrēz, -ˌtrēs\ seaport, capital of Saint Lucia

Cat·a·lo·nia \ˌkat-əl-ˈō-nyə, -nē-ə\ region NE Spain bordering on France & the Mediterranean; chief city, Barcelona
— Cat·a·lo·nian \-ˈō-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj or n

Ca·thay \kath-ˈā\ an old name for China

Cats·kill \ˈkat-ˌskil\ mountains in Appalachian system SE New York W of the Hudson

Cau·ca·sus \ˈkȯ-kə-səs\ mountain system SE Europe between Black & Caspian seas in Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, & Armenia

Cay·enne \kī-ˈen, kā-\ city, capital of French Guiana

Cay·man \(ˈ)kā-ˈman, ˈkā-mən\ islands West Indies NW of Jamaica; a British colony

Ce·bu \sā-ˈbü\ island E central Philippines

Ce·dar Rapids \ˈsēd-ər\ city E Iowa

Cel·tic Sea \ˈkel-tik, ˈsel-\ inlet of the Atlantic in British Isles SE of Ireland, SW of Wales, & W of SW England

Central African Republic country N central Africa; capital, Bangui

Central America narrow portion of North America from S border of Mexico to South America
— Central American adj or n

Central Valley valley of Sacramento & San Joaquin rivers in California between Sierra Nevada & Coast Ranges

Cey·lon \si-ˈlän, sā-\
1 island in Indian Ocean off S India
2 — see SRI LANKA
— Cey·lon·ese \ˌsā-lə-ˈnēz, ˌsē-lə-, ˌsel-ə-, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Chad \ˈchad\ country N central Africa; capital, N'Djamena
— Chad·ian \ˈchad-ē-ən\ adj or n

Chad, Lake shallow lake N central Africa at junction of boundaries of Chad, Niger, & Nigeria

Cha·gos Archipelago \ˈchä-gəs\ island group central Indian Ocean; forms British Indian Ocean Territory — see DIEGO GARCIA

Chal·dea \kal-ˈdē-ə\ ancient region SW Asia on Euphrates River & Persian Gulf
— Chal·de·an \-ˈdē-ən\ adj or n

Cham·pagne \sham-ˈpān\ region NE France

Champlain, Lake \sham-ˈplān\ lake between New York & Vermont extending N into Quebec

Chan·di·garh \ˈchən-dē-gər\ city N India N of Delhi

Chan·dler \ˈchand-lər\ city SW central Arizona

Chang \ˈchäŋ\ or traditionally Yang·tze \ˈyaŋ-ˈsē, ˈyaŋ(k)t-ˈsē\ river 3965 mi. (6380 km.) long central China flowing into East China Sea

Chang·chun \ˈchäŋ-ˈchu̇n\ city NE China

Chang·sha \ˈchäŋ-ˈshä\ city SE central China

Channel
1 — see SANTA BARBARA 2
2 islands in English Channel including Jersey, Guernsey, & Alderney & belonging to United Kingdom

Charles \ˈchär(ə)lz\ river 47 mi. (76 km.) long E Massachusetts flowing into Boston harbor

Charles, Cape cape E Virginia N of entrance to Chesapeake Bay

Charles·ton \ˈchärl-stən\
1 seaport SE South Carolina
2 city, capital of West Virginia

Char·lotte \ˈshär-lət\ city S North Carolina

Charlotte Ama·lie \ə-ˈmäl-yə\ city, capital of Virgin Islands of the U.S.; on island of Saint Thomas

Char·lottes·ville \ˈshär-ləts-ˌvil, -vəl\ city central Virginia

Char·lotte·town \ˈshär-lət-ˌtau̇n\ city, capital of Prince Edward Island, Canada

Chat·ta·noo·ga \ˌchat-ə-ˈnü-gə, ˌchat-ən-ˈü-\ city SE Tennessee

Chech·nya \chech-ˈnyä\ area of SE Russia in Europe; capital, Grozny

Chelms·ford \ˈchelmz-fərd, ˈchemz-\ town SE England

Che·lya·binsk \chel-ˈyä-bən(t)sk\ city W Russia

Cheng–chou — see ZHENGZHOU

Cheng·du or Ch'eng–tu \ˈchəŋ-ˈdü\ city SW central China

Chennai — see MADRAS

Cher·no·byl \chər-ˈnō-bəl\ or Chor·no·byl \chȯr-\ site N Ukraine of town abandoned after 1986 nuclear accident

Ches·a·peake \ˈches-(ə-)ˌpēk\ city SE Virginia

Chesapeake Bay inlet of the Atlantic in Virginia & Maryland

Chesh·ire \ˈchesh-ər, -ˌiər\ or Ches·ter \ˈches-tər\ county W England bordering on Wales

Chester city NW England

Chev·i·ot \ˈchev-ē-ət, ˈchē-vē-ət\ hills along English–Scottish border

Chey·enne \shī-ˈan, -ˈen\ city, capital of Wyoming

Chi·ba \ˈchē-bä\ city E Japan in Honshu on Tokyo Bay E of Tokyo

Chi·ca·go \shə-ˈkäg-ō, -ˈkȯg-\ city & port NE Illinois on Lake Michigan
— Chi·ca·go·an \-ˈkäg-ə-wən, -ˈkȯg-\ n

Chi·chén It·zá \chə-ˌchen-ət-ˈsä\ ruined Mayan city SE Mexico in Yucatán Peninsula

Chich·es·ter \ˈchich-əs-tər\ city S England

Ch'i–ch'i–ha–erh — see QIQIHAR

Chihli, Gulf of — see BO HAI

Chi·le \ˈchil-ē\ country SW South America; capital, Santiago
— Chil·ean \ˈchil-ē-ən, chə-ˈlā-ən\ adj or n

Chim·bo·ra·zo \ˌchim-bə-ˈräz-ō, ˌshim-\ mountain 20,561 ft. (6267 m.) W central Ecuador

Chi·na \ˈchī-nə\
1 country E Asia; capital, Beijing — see TAIWAN
2 sea, section of the W Pacific; divided at Taiwan strait into East China & South China seas

Chin–chou or Chinchow — see JINZHOU

Chi·si·nau \ˌkē-shē-ˈnau̇\ or Ki·shi·nev \ˈkish-i-ˌnef\ city central Moldova; its capital

Chit·ta·gong \ˈchit-ə-ˌgäŋ, -ˌgȯŋ\ city SE Bangladesh on Bay of Bengal

Chong·qing or Ch'ung–ch'ing \ˈchu̇ŋ-ˈchiŋ\ or Chung·king \ˈchu̇ŋ-ˈkiŋ\ city SW central China

Christ·church \ˈkrīs(t)-ˌchərch\ city New Zealand on E coast of South Island

Christ·mas \ˈkris-məs\ island E Indian Ocean SW of Java; governed by Australia

Chu·la Vis·ta \ˌchü-lə-ˈvis-tə\ city SW California S of San Diego

Chuuk \ˈchu̇k\ or Truk \ˈtrək, ˈtru̇k\ islands W Pacific in the central Carolines; part of the Federated States of Micronesia

Cin·cin·na·ti \ˌsin(t)-sə-ˈnat-ē, -ˈnat-ə\ city SW Ohio

Ci·u·dad Jua·rez \ˌsē-u̇-thath-ˈhwär-əs, -ˈwär-\ city Mexico on Texas border

Ciudad Trujillo — see SANTO DOMINGO

Clarks·ville \ˈklärks-ˌvil\ city N Tennessee NW of Nashville

Clear·wa·ter \ˈklir-ˌwȯt-ər, ˌwät-\ city W Florida NW of Saint Petersburg

Cleve·land \ˈklēv-lənd\ city & port NE Ohio on Lake Erie

Clyde \ˈklīd\ river 106 mi. (171 km.) long SW Scotland flowing into Firth of Clyde (estuary)

Coast Mountains mountain range W British Columbia, Canada; the N continuation of Cascade Range

Coast Ranges chain of mountain ranges W North America extending along Pacific coast W of Sierra Nevada & Cascade Range & through Vancouver Island into S Alaska to Kenai Peninsula & Kodiak Island

Cod, Cape \-ˈkäd\ peninsula SE Massachusetts

Coim·ba·tore \ˌkȯim-bə-ˈtōr, -ˈtȯr\ city S India

Cole·raine \kōl-ˈrān, ˈkōl-ˌ\
1 district N Northern Ireland
2 port in Coleraine district

Co·logne \kə-ˈlōn\ city W Germany on the Rhine

Co·lom·bia \kə-ˈləm-bē-ə\ country NW South America; capital, Bogotá
— Co·lom·bi·an \-bē-ən\ adj or n

Co·lom·bo \kə-ˈləm-bō\ city, capital of Sri Lanka

Col·o·ra·do \ˌkäl-ə-ˈrad-ō, -ˈräd-\
1 river 1450 mi. (2334 km.) long SW U.S. & NW Mexico flowing from N Colorado into Gulf of California
2 desert SE California
3 plateau region SW U.S. W of Rocky Mountains
4 state W U.S.; capital, Denver
— Col·o·rad·an \-ˈrad-ən, -ˈräd-\ or Co·lo·ra·do·an \-ˈrad-ə-wən, -ˈräd-\ adj or n

Colorado Springs city central Colorado E of Pikes Peak

Co·lum·bia \kə-ˈləm-bē-ə\
1 river 1214 mi. (1953 km.) long SW Canada & NW U.S. flowing S & W from SE British Columbia into the Pacific
2 plateau in Columbia River basin in E Washington, E Oregon, & SW Idaho
3 city, capital of South Carolina

Co·lum·bus \kə-ˈləm-bəs\
1 city W Georgia
2 city, capital of Ohio

Com·mon·wealth, the \ˈkäm-ən-ˌwel(t)th\ or Commonwealth of Nations or formerly British Commonwealth the United Kingdom & most of the countries formerly dependent on it

Commonwealth of Independent States association of the former constituent republics of the U.S.S.R. except for Lithuania, Latvia, & Estonia; Georgia withdrew 2009

Com·o·ros \ˈkäm-ə-ˌrōz\ islands off SE Africa NW of Madagascar; formerly a French possession; an independent country (except for Mayotte Island remaining French) since 1975; capital, Moroni

Con·a·kry \ˈkän-ə-krē\ city, capital of Guinea

Con·cord \ˈkäŋ-kərd\
1 city W California
2 town E Massachusetts NW of Boston
3 city, capital of New Hampshire

Confederate States of America or the Confederacy the 11 Southern states that seceded from the U.S. in 1860 and 1861

Con·go \ˈkäŋ-gō\
1 or Zaire \zä-ˈi(ə)r\ river over 2700 mi. (4344 km.) long W Africa flowing into the Atlantic
2 or officially Democratic Republic of the Congo or 1971–97 Zaire or 1908–60 Belgian Congo country central Africa consisting of most of Congo River basin E of lower Congo River; capital, Kinshasa
3 or officially Republic of the Congo country W central Africa W of lower Congo River; capital, Brazzaville
— Con·go·lese \ˌkäŋ-gə-ˈlēz, -ˈlēs\ adj or n

Con·nacht \ˈkän-ˌȯt\ province W Ireland

Con·nect·i·cut \kə-ˈnet-i-kət\
1 river 407 mi. (655 km.) long NE U.S. flowing S from N New Hampshire into Long Island Sound
2 state NE U.S.; capital, Hartford

Constantinople — see ISTANBUL

Continental Divide line of highest points of land separating the waters flowing W from those flowing N or E and extending SSE from NW Canada across W U.S. through Mexico & Central America to South America where it joins the Andes Mountains

Cook \ˈku̇k\
1 inlet of the Pacific S Alaska W of Kenai Peninsula
2 islands South Pacific SW of Society Islands belonging to New Zealand
3 strait New Zealand between North Island & South Island

Cook, Mount or Maori Ao·ra·ki \au̇-ˈrä-kē\ mountain 12,349 ft. (3764 m.) New Zealand in W central South Island in Southern Alps; highest in New Zealand

Cooks·town \ˈku̇ks-ˌtau̇n\ district central Northern Ireland

Co·pen·ha·gen \ˌkō-pən-ˈhā-gən, -ˈhäg-ən\ city, capital of Denmark

Cor·al Sea \ˈkȯr-əl, ˈkär-\ arm of the W Pacific NE of Australia

Coral Springs city SE Florida

Cór·do·ba \ˈkȯrd-ə-bə, -ə-və\ city N central Argentina

Cor·inth \ˈkȯr-ən(t)th, ˈkär-\
1 region of ancient Greece
2 ancient city, its capital; site SW of present city of Corinth
— Co·rin·thi·an \kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən\ adj or n

Corinth, Gulf of inlet of Ionian Sea central Greece N of the Peloponnese

Cork \ˈkȯ(ə)rk\ city S Ireland

Corn·wall \ˈkȯrn-ˌwȯl, -wəl\ or since 1974 Cornwall and Isles of Scil·ly \ˈsil-ē\ county SW England

Co·ro·na \kə-ˈrō-nə\ city SW California E of Los Angeles

Cor·pus Chris·ti \ˌkȯr-pə-ˈskris-tē\ city & port S Texas

Cor·reg·i·dor \kə-ˈreg-ə-ˌdȯ(ə)r\ island Philippines at entrance to Manila Bay

Cor·si·ca \ˈkȯr-si-kə\ island France in the Mediterranean N of Sardinia
— Cor·si·can \ˈkȯr-si-kən\ adj or n

Cos·ta Me·sa \ˈkōs-tə-ˈmā-sə\ city SW California

Costa Ri·ca \-ˈrē-kə\ country Central America between Nicaragua & Panama; capital, San José
— Cos·ta Ri·can \-ˈrē-kən\ adj or n

Côte d'Ivoire \ˌkōt-dē-ˈvwär\ or English Ivory Coast country W Africa on Gulf of Guinea; official capital, Yamoussoukro; seat of government, Abidjan

Co·to·nou \ˌkō-tō-ˈnü\ city & port S Benin; national seat of government

Cots·wold \ˈkät-ˌswōld\ hills SW central England

Cov·en·try \ˈkäv-ən-trē, ˈkəv-\ city central England

Cow·pens \ˈkau̇-ˌpenz\ town NW South Carolina

Craig·av·on \krā-ˈgav-ən\ district central Northern Ireland

Cra·ter \ˈkrāt-ər\ lake 1932 ft. (589 m.) deep SW Oregon in Cascade Range — see MAZAMA (MOUNT)

Crete \ˈkrēt\ island Greece in E Mediterranean
— Cre·tan \ˈkrēt-ən\ adj or n

Cri·mea \krī-ˈmē-ə, krə-\ peninsula SE Europe extending into Black Sea
— Cri·me·an \krī-ˈmē-ən, krə-\ adj

Cro·atia \krō-ˈā-sh(ē-)ə\ country SE Europe; capital, Zagreb; a republic of Yugoslavia 1946–91
— Croat n

Croy·don \ˈkroid-ən\ borough of S Greater London, England

Cu·ba \ˈkyü-bə\ island in the West Indies; an independent country; capital, Havana
— Cu·ban \-bən\ adj or n

Cum·ber·land \ˈkəm-bər-lənd\ river 687 mi. (1106 km.) long S Kentucky & N Tennessee

Cumberland Gap pass through Cumberland Plateau NE Tennessee

Cumberland Plateau mountain region E U.S.; part of S Appalachian Mountains extending from S West Virginia to NE Alabama

Cum·bria \ˈkəm-brē-ə\ county NW England

Cum·bri·an \-ən\ mountains NW England chiefly in Cumbria county

Cu·par \ˈkü-pər\ town E Scotland

Cu·ri·ti·ba \ˌku̇r-ə-ˈtē-bə\ city S Brazil SW of São Paulo

Cush \ˈkəsh, ˈku̇sh\ ancient country NE Africa in upper Nile valley S of Egypt
— Cush·ite \-ˌīt\ n

— Cush·it·ic \ˌkəsh-ˈit-ik, ku̇sh-\ adj

Cuz·co \ˈkü-skō\ city S central Peru

Cymru — see WALES

Cy·prus \ˈsī-prəs\ island E Mediterranean S of Turkey; an independent country, but since 1974 partitioned along Greek and Turkish ethnic lines; capital, Nicosia
— Cyp·ri·ot \ˈsip-rē-ət, -rē-ˌät\ or Cyp·ri·ote \-ˌōt, -ət\ adj or n

Cy·re·na·ica \ˌsir-ə-ˈnā-ə-kə, ˌsī-rə-\ ancient region N Africa on coast W of Egypt; capital, Cyrene
— Cy·re·na·i·can \-kən\ adj or n

Czecho·slo·va·kia \ˌchek-ə-slō-ˈväk-ē-ə, -ˈvak-\ former country central Europe; capital, Prague; since 1993 divided into the independent states of the Czech Republic & Slovakia
— Czecho·slo·vak \-ˈslō-ˌväk, -ˌvak\ adj or n

— Czecho·slo·va·ki·an \-slō-ˈväk-ē-ən, -ˈvak-\ adj or n

Czech Republic country central Europe; capital, Prague

Daegu — see TAEGU

Daejeon — see TAEJON

Dahomey — see BENIN

Dairen — see DALIAN

Da·kar \ˈdak-ˌär, də-ˈkär\ city, capital of Senegal

Da·ko·ta \də-ˈkōt-ə\
1 or James \ˈjāmz\ river 710 mi. (1143 km.) long North Dakota & South Dakota flowing S into the Missouri
2 territory 1861–89 NW U.S. divided 1889 into states of North Dakota & South Dakota (the Da*ko*tas \də-ˈkōt-əz\ )

Da·lian \ˈdä-ˈlyen\ or Ta–lien \ˈdä-ˈlyen\ or Lü·da or Lü–ta \ˈlü-ˈdä\ or Dai·ren \ˈdī-ˈren\ city NE China

Dal·las \ˈdal-əs, -is\ city NE Texas

Dal·ma·tia \dal-ˈmā-sh(ē-)ə\ region W Balkan Peninsula on the Adriatic
— Dal·ma·tian \-shən\ adj or n

Da·ly City \ˈdā-lē\ city W California S of San Francisco

Da·mas·cus \də-ˈmas-kəs\ city, capital of Syria

Dan·ube \ˈdan-yüb\ river 1771 mi. (2850 km.) long S Europe flowing from SW Germany into Black Sea
— Da·nu·bi·an \da-ˈnyü-bē-ən\ adj

Dar·da·nelles \ˌdärd-ən-ˈelz\ or Hel·les·pont \ˈhel-ə-ˌspänt\ strait NW Turkey connecting Sea of Marmara & the Aegean

Dar es Sa·laam \ˌdär-ˌes-sə-ˈläm\ city, historic capital of Tanzania

Dar·ling \ˈdär-liŋ\ river about 1700 mi. (2735 km.) long SE Australia flowing SW into the Murray

Dar·win \ˈdär-wən\ city Australia, capital of Northern Territory

Da·vao \ˈdäv-ˌau̇, dä-ˈvau̇\ city S Philippines in E Mindanao on Davao Gulf

Dav·en·port \ˈdav-ən-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ city E Iowa

Da·vis \ˈdā-vəs\ strait between SW Greenland & E Baffin Island connecting Baffin Bay & the Atlantic

Day·ton \ˈdāt-ən\ city SW Ohio

Dead Sea \ˈded\ salt lake between Israel & Jordan; 1312 ft. (400 m.) below sea level

Death Valley \ˈdeth\ dry valley E California & S Nevada containing lowest point in U.S. (282 ft. or 86 m. below sea level)

Dec·can \ˈdek-ən, -ˌan\ plateau region S India

Del·a·ware \ˈdel-ə-ˌwa(ə)r, -ˌwe(ə)r, -wər\
1 river 296 mi. (476 km.) long E U.S. flowing S from S New York into Delaware Bay
2 state E U.S.; capital, Dover
— Del·a·war·ean or Del·a·war·ian \ˌdel-ə-ˈwar-ē-ən, -ˈwer-\ adj or n

Delaware Bay inlet of the Atlantic between SW New Jersey & E Delaware

Del·hi \ˈdel-ē\ city N India — see NEW DELHI

De·los \ˈdē-ˌläs\ island Greece
— De·lian \ˈdē-lē-ən, ˈdēl-yən\ adj or n

Del·phi \ˈdel-ˌfī\ ancient town central Greece on S slope of Mt. Parnassus

Democratic Republic of the Congo — see CONGO 2

Denali — see MCKINLEY (MOUNT)

Den·mark \ˈden-ˌmärk\ country N Europe occupying most of Jutland & neighboring islands; capital, Copenhagen

Den·ver \ˈden-vər\ city, capital of Colorado

Der·by \ˈdär-bē, chiefly in the U.S. ˈdər-bē\ city N central England

Der·by·shire \ˈdär-bē-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər, U.S. also ˈdər-\ or Derby county N central England

Der·ry \ˈder-ē\ or Lon·don·der·ry \ˌlən-dən-ˈder-ē; ˈlən-dən-ˌder-ē, -d(ə-)rē\
1 district NW Northern Ireland
2 seaport NW Northern Ireland

Des Moines \di-ˈmȯin\ city, capital of Iowa

De·troit \di-ˈtrȯit\
1 river 31 mi. (50 km.) long between SE Michigan & Ontario connecting Lake Saint Clair & Lake Erie
2 city SE Michigan

Dev·on \ˈdev-ən\ or De·von·shire \-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ county SW England

Dha·ka \ˈdak-ə, ˈdäk-\ city, capital of Bangladesh

Die·go Gar·cia \dē-ˌā-gō-ˌgär-ˈsē-ə\ island in Indian Ocean; chief island of Chagos Archipelago

Di·li \ˈdil-ē\ city & port N Timor, capital of East Timor

Di·nar·ic Alps \də-ˌnar-ik\ range of the E Alps in W Slovenia, W Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, & Montenegro

District of Co·lum·bia \kə-ˈləm-bē-ə\ federal district E U.S. coextensive with city of Washington

Djakarta — see JAKARTA

Dji·bou·ti \jə-ˈbüt-ē\
1 country E Africa on Gulf of Aden
2 city, its capital

Dni·pro·pe·trovs'k or Dne·pro·pe·trovsk \də-ˌnye-prə-pē-ˈtrȯfsk\ city E central Ukraine

Dodge City \ˈdäj\ city S Kansas on Arkansas River

Do·do·ma \dō-ˈdō-mä\ city, NE central Tanzania, the nation's legislative capital

Do·ha \ˈdō-hä\ city & port, capital of Qatar on Persian Gulf

Dom·i·ni·ca \ˌdäm-ə-ˈnē-kə\ island West Indies in the Leeward Islands; an independent country; capital, Roseau

Do·min·i·can Republic \də-ˌmin-i-kən\ country West Indies in E Hispaniola; capital, Santo Domingo
— Dominican adj or n

Don \ˈdän\ river 1224 mi. (1969 km.) long S Russia in Europe

Do·nets'k \də-ˈnetsk, -ˈnyetsk\ city E Ukraine

Dor·ches·ter \ˈdȯr-chə-stər, -ˌches-tər\ town S England

Dor·set \ˈdȯr-sət\ or Dor·set·shire \-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ county S England on English Channel

Dort·mund \ˈdȯ(ə)rt-ˌmu̇nt, -mənd\ city W Germany in the Ruhr

Dou·a·la \dü-ˈä-lə\ seaport W Cameroon

Dou·ro \ˈdōr-ü, ˈdȯr-\ or Spanish Due·ro \ˈdwe(ə)r-ō\ or ancient Du·ri·us \ˈd(y)u̇r-ē-əs\ river 556 mi. (895 km.) long N Spain & N Portugal flowing into the Atlantic

Do·ver \ˈdō-vər\ city, capital of Delaware

Dover, Strait of channel between SE England & N France; the most easterly section of English Channel

Down \ˈdau̇n\ district SE Northern Ireland

Dow·ney \ˈdau̇-nē\ city SW California SE of Los Angeles

Down·pat·rick \dau̇n-ˈpa-trik\ town E Northern Ireland

Dra·kens·berg \ˈdräk-ənz-ˌbərg\ mountain range E Republic of South Africa & Lesotho; highest peak Thabana Ntlenyana 11,425 ft. (3482 m.)

Dres·den \ˈdrez-dən\ city E Germany

Dub·lin \ˈdəb-lən\ or ancient Eb·la·na \ˈeb-lə-nə\ city, capital of Ireland

Dud·ley \ˈdəd-lē\ town W central England

Duis·burg \ˈdü-əs-ˌbərg; ˈd(y)üz-ˌbərg\ city W Germany at junction of Rhine & Ruhr rivers

Du·luth \də-ˈlüth\ city & port NE Minnesota

Dum·fries \ˌdəm-ˈfrēs\ burgh S Scotland

Dun·dee \ˌdən-ˈdē\ city E Scotland

Dun·gan·non \dən-ˈgan-ən\ district W Northern Ireland

Dur·ban \ˈdər-bən\ city and seaport E Republic of South Africa

Dur·ham \ˈdər-əm, ˈdə-rəm, ˈdu̇r-əm\
1 city N central North Carolina
2 county N England on North Sea
3 city in N England

Du·shan·be \d(y)ü-ˈsham-bə, -ˈshäm-\ city, capital of Tajikistan

Düs·sel·dorf \ˈd(y)üs-əl-ˌdȯrf\ city W Germany on the Rhine

Ea·ling \ˈē-liŋ\ borough of W Greater London, England

East An·glia \aŋ-glē-ə\ region E England

East China Sea — see CHINA

Eas·ter \ˈē-stər\ island SE Pacific about 2000 mi. (3200 km.) W of Chilean coast; belongs to Chile

Eastern Cape province SE Republic of South Africa

Eastern Desert desert E Egypt between the Nile & Red Sea

Eastern Ghats \ˈgȯts\ chain of low mountains SE India along coast

Eastern Hemisphere the half of the earth E of the Atlantic Ocean including Europe, Asia, Australia, & Africa

Eastern Roman Empire the Byzantine Empire from 395 to 474

Eastern Samoa — see AMERICAN SAMOA

East Germany the former German Democratic Republic — see GERMANY

East Indies the Malay Archipelago
— East Indian adj or n

East London city S Republic of South Africa

East Pakistan the former E division of Pakistan consisting of E portion of Bengal; now the independent country of Bangladesh

East River strait SE New York connecting upper New York Bay & Long Island Sound and separating Manhattan & Long Island

East Sea — see JAPAN (SEA OF)

East Sus·sex \ˈsəs-iks, U.S. also -ˌeks\ county SE England

East Timor or Ti·mor–Leste \ˈtē-ˌmȯr-ˈlesh-ˌtā, tē-ˈmȯr-\ country SE Asia on E Timor; capital, Dili

Eblana — see DUBLIN

Ebro \ˈā-brō\ river 565 mi. (909 km.) long NE Spain flowing into the Mediterranean

Ec·ua·dor \ˈek-wə-ˌdȯ(ə)r\ country W South America; capital, Quito
— Ec·ua·dor·an \ˌek-wə-ˈdȯr-ən, -ˈdōr-\ or Ec·ua·dor·ean or Ec·ua·dor·ian \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Ed·in·burgh \ˈed-ən-ˌbər-ə, -ˌbə-rə, -b(ə-)rə\ city, capital of Scotland

Ed·mon·ton \ˈed-mən-tən\ city, capital of Alberta, Canada

Edo — see TOKYO

Edom \ˈēd-əm\ ancient country SW Asia S of Judaea & Dead Sea
— Edom·ite \ˈēd-ə-ˌmīt\ n

Egypt \ˈē-jəpt\ country NE Africa & Sinai Peninsula of SW Asia bordering on Mediterranean & Red seas; capital, Cairo

Eire — see IRELAND

Elam \ˈē-ləm\ ancient country SW Asia at head of Persian Gulf E of Babylonia
— Elam·ite \ˈē-lə-ˌmīt\ n

Elbe \ˈel-bə, ˈelb\ river 720 mi. (1159 km.) long N Czech Republic & NE Germany flowing NW into North Sea

El·bert, Mount \ˈel-bərt\ mountain 14,433 ft. (4399 m.) W central Colorado; highest in Colorado & the Rocky Mountains

El·brus, Mount \el-ˈbrüz, -ˈbrüs\ mountain 18,510 ft. (5642 m.) Russia; highest in the Caucasus & in Europe

El·burz \el-ˈbu̇(ə)rz\ mountains N Iran

Eliz·a·beth \i-ˈliz-ə-bəth\ city NE New Jersey

Elles·mere \ˈelz-ˌmi(ə)r\ island N Canada in Nunavut

Ellice — see TUVALU

El Mon·te \el-ˈmän-tē\ city SW California E of Los Angeles

El Paso \el-ˈpas-ō\ city W Texas on Rio Grande

El Sal·va·dor \el-ˈsal-və-ˌdȯ(ə)r, -ˌsal-və-ˈdȯ(ə)r\ country Central America bordering on the Pacific; capital, San Salvador

Ely, Isle of \ˈē-lē\ district E England

En·field \ˈen-ˌfēld\ borough of N Greater London, England

En·gland \ˈiŋ-glənd also ˈiŋ-lənd\ country S Great Britain; a division of United Kingdom; capital, London

English Channel arm of the Atlantic between S England & N France

En·nis·kil·len \ˌen-ə-ˈskil-ən\ town SW Northern Ireland in Fermanagh district

Ephra·im \ˈē-frē-əm\
1 hilly region N Jordan E of Jordan River
2 — see ISRAEL
— Ephra·im·ite \ˈē-frē-ə-ˌmīt\ n

Equatorial Guinea or formerly Spanish Guinea country W Africa including Mbini & Bioko; capital, Malabo

Erie \ˈi(ə)r-ē\
1 city & port NW Pennsylvania
2 canal New York between Hudson River at Albany & Lake Erie at Buffalo; built 1817–25; now superseded by New York State Barge Canal

Erie, Lake lake E central North America in U.S. & Canada; one of the Great Lakes

Er·i·trea \ˌer-ə-ˈtrē-ə, -ˈtrā-\ country NE Africa; capital, Asmara
— Er·i·tre·an \-ən\ adj or n

Escaut — see SCHELDE

Es·con·di·do \ˌes-kən-ˈdēd-ō\ city SW California N of San Diego

Es·fa·han \ˌes-fə-ˈhän, -ˈhan\ or Is·fa·han \ˌis-\ or formerly Is·pa·han \ˌis-pə-\ city W central Iran

Española — see HISPANIOLA

Es·sen \ˈes-ən\ city W Germany in the Ruhr

Es·sex \ˈes-iks\ county SE England on North Sea

Es·to·nia \e-ˈstō-nē-ə, -nyə\ country E Europe on Baltic Sea; capital, Tallinn; a republic of U.S.S.R. 1940–91
— Es·to·nian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj or n

Eswa·ti·ni \ˌes-wä-ˈtē-nē\ or Swa·zi·land \ˈswäz-ē-ˌland\ country SE Africa between Republic of South Africa & Mozambique; an independent kingdom; administrative capital, Mbabane; legislative capital, Lobomba

eThe·kwi·ni \ˈe-te-ˌkwē-nē\ municipality Republic of South Africa including the city of Durban

Ethi·o·pia \ˌē-thē-ˈō-pē-ə\ or historically Ab·ys·sin·ia \ˌab-ə-ˈsin-yə, -ˈsin-ē-ə\ country E Africa; capital, Addis Ababa
— Ethi·o·pi·an \-pē-ən\ adj or n

Et·na, Mount \ˈet-nə\ volcano 10,902 ft. (3323 m.) Italy in NE Sicily

Etru·ria \i-ˈtru̇r-ē-ə\ ancient country central peninsula of Italy

Eu·gene \yü-ˈjēn\ city W Oregon

Eu·phra·tes \yu̇-ˈfrāt-ēz\ river 1700 mi. (2736 km.) long SW Asia flowing from E Turkey & uniting with the Tigris to form the Shatt al Arab

Eur·asia \yu̇-ˈrā-zhə, -shə\ landmass consisting of Europe & Asia
— Eur·asian \-zhən, -shən\ adj or n

Eu·rope \ˈyu̇r-əp\ continent of the Eastern Hemisphere between Asia & the Atlantic

European Union or formerly European Community economic, scientific, & political organization consisting of Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, & Croatia

Ev·ans·ville \ˈev-ənz-ˌvil\ city SW Indiana

Ev·er·est, Mount \ˈev-(ə-)rəst\ mountain 29,035 ft. (8850 m.) S Asia in the Himalayas on border between Nepal & Tibet; highest in the world

Ev·er·glades \ˈev-ər-ˌglādz\ swamp region S Florida

Ex·e·ter \ˈek-sət-ər\ city SW England

Faer·oe or Far·oe \ˈfa(ə)r-ō, ˈfe(ə)r-\ islands NE Atlantic NW of the Shetlands belonging to Denmark
— Faero·ese or Faro·ese \ˌfar-ə-ˈwēz, ˌfer-, -ˈwēs\ adj or n

Fair·banks \ˈfa(ə)r-ˌbaŋks, ˈfe(ə)r-\ city E central Alaska

Fai·sa·la·bad \ˌfī-ˌsäl-ə-ˈbäd, -ˌsal-ə-ˈbad\ or formerly Ly·all·pur \lē-ˌäl-ˈpu̇(ə)r\ city NE Pakistan W of Lahore

Falk·land Islands \ˈfȯ(l)-klənd\ or Spanish Is·las Mal·vi·nas \ˌēz-läz-mäl-ˈvē-näs\ island group SW Atlantic E of S end of Argentina; a British colony; capital, Stanley

Far East the countries of E Asia & the Malay Archipelago — usually thought to consist of Asian countries bordering the Pacific but sometimes also India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet, & Myanmar
— Far Eastern adj

Far·go \ˈfär-gō\ city E North Dakota; largest in state

Faroe — see FAEROE

Fay·ette·ville \ˈfā-ət-ˌvil, ˈfed-vəl\ city SE central North Carolina

Fear, Cape \ˈfi(ə)r\ cape SE North Carolina at mouth of Cape Fear River

Fer·man·agh \fər-ˈman-ə\ district SW Northern Ireland

Fernando Póo — see BIOKO

Fès \ˈfes\ or Fez \ˈfez\ city N central Morocco

Fi·ji \ˈfē-jē\ islands SW Pacific; an independent country; capital, Suva
— Fi·ji·an \-jē-ən\ adj or n

Fin·land \ˈfin-lənd\ country NE Europe; capital, Helsinki
— Fin·land·er n

Flan·ders \ˈflan-dərz\
1 region W Belgium & N France on North Sea
2 semiautonomous region W Belgium

Flat·tery, Cape \ˈflat-ə-rē\ cape NW Washington at entrance to Strait of Juan de Fuca

Flint \ˈflint\ city SE Michigan

Flor·ence \ˈflȯr-ən(t)s, ˈflär-\ or Italian Fi·ren·ze \fē-ˈrent-sā\ or ancient Flo·ren·tia \flə-ˈren-chə, -chē-ə\ city central Italy
— Flor·en·tine \ˈflȯr-ən-ˌtēn, ˈflär-, -ˌtīn\ adj or n

Flor·i·da \ˈflȯr-əd-ə, ˈflär-\ state SE U.S.; capital, Tallahassee
— Flo·rid·i·an \flə-ˈrid-ē-ən\ adj or n

Florida, Straits of channel between Florida Keys on NW & Cuba & Bahamas on S & E connecting Gulf of Mexico & the Atlantic

Florida Keys chain of islands off S tip of Florida

Foochow — see FUZHOU

For·a·ker, Mount \ˈfȯr-i-kər, ˈfär-\ mountain 17,400 ft. (5304 m.) S central Alaska in Alaska Range

For·mo·sa \fȯr-ˈmō-sə, fər-, -zə\ — see TAIWAN
— For·mo·san \-ˈmōs-ən, -ˈmōz-\ adj or n

For·ta·le·za \ˌfȯrt-əl-ˈā-zə\ city & port NE Brazil on the Atlantic

Fort Col·lins \ˈkäl-ənz\ city N Colorado

Fort–de–France \ˌfȯrd-ə-ˈfräns\ city West Indies, capital of Martinique on W coast

Forth \ˈfō(ə)rth, ˈfȯ(ə)rth\ river 116 mi. (187 km.) long S central Scotland flowing E into North Sea through Firth of Forth

Fort Knox \ˈnäks\ military reservation N central Kentucky; location of U.S. Gold Bullion Depository

Fort Lau·der·dale \ˈlȯd-ər-ˌdāl\ city SE Florida

Fort Wayne \ˈwān\ city NE Indiana

Fort Worth \ˈwərth\ city NE Texas

Fox \ˈfäks\ islands SW Alaska in the E Aleutians

Foxe Basin \ˈfäks\ inlet of the Atlantic N Canada in E Nunavut W of Baffin Island

France \ˈfran(t)s\ country W Europe between the English Channel & the Mediterranean; capital, Paris

Frank·fort \ˈfraŋk-fərt\ city, capital of Kentucky

Frank·furt \ˈfraŋk-fərt, ˈfräŋ-ˌfu̇(ə)rt\ or in full Frankfurt am Main \-(ˌ)äm-ˈmīn\ or Frankfort on the Main city W Germany on Main River

Frank·lin \ˈfraŋ-klən\ former district N Canada in Northwest Territories including Arctic Archipelago & Boothia & Melville peninsulas

Fra·ser \ˈfrā-zər, -zhər\ river 850 mi. (1368 km.) long Canada in S central British Columbia flowing into the Pacific

Fred·er·ic·ton \ˈfred-(ə-)rik-tən\ city, capital of New Brunswick, Canada

Free State or formerly Or·ange Free State \ˈär-inj, ˈȯr-, -ənj\ province E central Republic of South Africa

Free·town \ˈfrē-ˌtau̇n\ city, capital of Sierra Leone

Fre·mont \ˈfrē-mänt\ city W California

French Guiana country N South America on the Atlantic; an overseas division of France; capital, Cayenne

French Indochina — see INDOCHINA

Fres·no \ˈfrez-nō\ city S central California SE of San Francisco

Fri·sian Islands \ˈfrizh-ən, ˈfrē-zhən\ island group N Europe in North Sea; divided between Netherlands, Germany, & Denmark

Frunze — see BISHKEK

Fu·ji, Mount \ˈfü-jē\ or Fu·ji·ya·ma \ˌfü-jē-ˈ(y)äm-ə\ mountain 12,388 ft. (3776 m.) Japan in S central Honshu; highest in Japan

Fu·ku·o·ka \ˌfü-kə-ˈwō-kə\ city Japan in N Kyushu

Ful·ler·ton \ˈfu̇l-ərt-ən\ city SW California

Fu·na·fu·ti \ˌfü-nə-ˈfüt-ē\ city, capital of Tuvalu

Fun·dy, Bay of \ˈfən-dē\ inlet of the Atlantic SE Canada between New Brunswick & Nova Scotia

Fu·shun \ˈfü-ˈshu̇n\ city NE China E of Shenyang

Fu·zhou \ˈfü-ˈjō\ or Foo·chow \ˈfü-ˈjō, -ˈchau̇\ city & port SE China

Ga·bon \ga-ˈbōn\ country W Africa on the Equator; capital, Libreville
— Gab·o·nese \ˌgab-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Ga·bo·rone \ˌgäb-ə-ˈrōn\ city, capital of Botswana

Gads·den Purchase \ˈgadz-dən\ area of land S of Gila River in present Arizona & New Mexico purchased 1853 by the U.S. from Mexico

Ga·lá·pa·gos Islands \gə-ˈläp-ə-gəs, -ˈlap-\ island group Ecuador in the Pacific 600 mi. (965 km.) W of South America

Ga·la·tia \gə-ˈlā-sh(ē-)ə\ ancient country central Asia Minor in region around modern Ankara, Turkey
— Ga·la·tian \-shən\ adj or n

Ga·li·cia \gə-ˈlish-(ē-)ə\
1 region E central Europe now divided between Poland & Ukraine
2 region NW Spain on the Atlantic
— Ga·li·cian \-ˈlish-ən\ adj or n

Gal·i·lee \ˈgal-ə-ˌlē\ hilly region N Israel
— Gal·i·le·an \ˌgal-ə-ˈlē-ən\ adj or n

Galilee, Sea of or modern Lake Ti·be·ri·as \tī-ˈbir-ē-əs\ or biblical Lake of Gen·nes·a·ret \gə-ˈnes-ə-ˌret, -rət\ lake N Israel on Syrian border; crossed by Jordan River

Gam·bia \ˈgam-bē-ə\ country W Africa; capital, Banjul
— Gam·bi·an \-bē-ən\ adj or n

Gan·ges \ˈgan-ˌjēz\ river 1550 mi. (2494 km.) long N India flowing from Himalayas SE & E to unite with the Brahmaputra and empty into Bay of Bengal through Ganges Delta — see HUGLI
— Gan·get·ic \gan-ˈjet-ik\ adj

Gao·xiong \ˈgau̇-ˈshyu̇ŋ\ or Kao–hsiung \ˈkau̇-ˈshyu̇ŋ, ˈgau̇-\ city & port SW Taiwan

Garden Grove city SW California

Gar·land \ˈgär-lənd\ city NE Texas NNE of Dallas

Ga·ronne \gə-ˈrän, -ˈrōn\ river 355 mi. (571 km.) long SE France flowing NW

Gary \ˈga(ə)r-ē, ˈge(ə)r-ē\ city NW Indiana on Lake Michigan

Gas·co·ny \ˈgas-kə-nē\ region SW France
— Gas·con \ˈgas-kən\ adj or n

Gas·pé \gas-ˈpā, ˈgas-ˌpā\ peninsula SE Quebec E of mouth of the Saint Lawrence
— Gas·pe·sian \ga-ˈspē-zhən\ adj or n

Gaul \ˈgȯl\ or Latin Gal·lia \ˈgal-ē-ə\ ancient country W Europe chiefly consisting of region occupied by modern France & Belgium but at one time including also Po valley in N Italy

Gau·teng \ˈgau̇-ˌteŋ\ province central NE Republic of South Africa

Ga·za Strip \ˈgäz-ə\ district NE Sinai Peninsula on the Mediterranean

Gee·long \jə-ˈlȯŋ\ city & port SE Australia in S Victoria

Ge·ne·va \jə-ˈnē-və\ city SW Switzerland on Lake Geneva
— Ge·ne·van \-vən\ adj or n

— Gen·e·vese \ˌjen-ə-ˈvēz, -ˈvēs\ adj or n

Geneva, Lake lake on border between SW Switzerland & E France; crossed by the Rhone

Gennesaret, Lake of — see GALILEE (SEA OF)

Gen·oa \ˈjen-ə-wə\ or Italian Ge·no·va \ˈje-nō-vä\ city & port NW Italy
— Gen·o·ese \ˌjen-ə-ˈwēz, -ˈwēs\ or Gen·o·vese \-ə-ˈvēz, -ˈvēs\ adj or n

George·town \ˈjȯ(ə)rj-ˌtau̇n\
1 a W section of Washington, District of Columbia
2 city & port, capital of Guyana

Geor·gia \ˈjȯr-jə\
1 state SE U.S.; capital, Atlanta
2 or Republic of Georgia country SW Asia on Black Sea S of Caucasus Mountains; capital, Tbilisi; a republic of U.S.S.R. 1936–91
— Geor·gian \ˈjȯr-jən\ adj or n

Georgia, Strait of channel Canada & U.S. between Vancouver Island & main part of British Columbia NW of Puget Sound

Georgian Bay inlet of Lake Huron in S Ontario

Ger·man·town \ˈjər-mən-ˌtau̇n\ a NW section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ger·ma·ny \ˈjərm-(ə-)nē\ country central Europe bordering on North & Baltic seas; capital, Berlin; divided 1946–90 into two independent states: Federal Republic of Germany (capital, Bonn) & German Democratic Republic (capital, East Berlin)

Get·tys·burg \ˈget-ēz-ˌbərg\ town S Pennsylvania

Gha·na \ˈgän-ə, ˈgan-ə\ or formerly Gold Coast country W Africa on Gulf of Guinea; capital, Accra
— Gha·na·ian \gä-ˈnā-ən, ga-, -yən; -ˈnī-ən\ or Gha·ni·an \ˈgän-ē-ən, ˈgän-yən, ˈgan-\ adj or n

Ghats \ˈgȯts\ two mountain chains S India — see EASTERN GHATS,, WESTERN GHATS

Ghent \ˈgent\ city NW central Belgium

Gi·bral·tar \jə-ˈbrȯl-tər\ British colony on S coast of Spain including Rock of Gibraltar

Gibraltar, Rock of cape on S coast of Spain in Gibraltar at E end of Strait of Gibraltar

Gibraltar, Strait of passage between Spain & Africa connecting the Atlantic & the Mediterranean

Gi·la \ˈhē-lə\ river 630 mi. (1014 km.) long SW New Mexico and S Arizona flowing W into the Colorado

Gil·bert \ˈgil-bərt\ town SW central Arizona

Gilbert and El·lice Islands \ˈel-əs\ island group W Pacific; until 1976 a British colony; now divided into the independent states of Kiribati and Tuvalu

Gil·e·ad \ˈgil-ē-əd\ mountain region of NE ancient Palestine E of Jordan River; now in NW Jordan
— Gil·e·ad·ite \-ē-ə-ˌdīt\ n

Gi·te·ga \gē-ˈtā-gä\ city, capital of Burundi

Gi·za \ˈgē-zə\ city N Egypt on the Nile SW of Cairo

Gla·cier Bay \ˌglā-shər\ inlet SE Alaska at S end of Saint Elias Range

Glas·gow \ˈglas-kō, ˈglas-gō, ˈglaz-gō\ city S central Scotland on the Clyde
— Glas·we·gian \glas-ˈwē-jən\ adj or n

Glen·dale \ˈglen-ˌdāl\
1 city central Arizona NW of Phoenix
2 city S California NE of Los Angeles

Glouces·ter \ˈgläs-tər, ˈglȯs-\ city SW central England

Glouces·ter·shire \ˈgläs-tər-ˌshi(ə)r, ˈglȯs-, -shər\ or Gloucester county SW central England

Goa \ˈgō-ə\ district W India on Malabar coast belonging to Portugal before 1962

Goat Island island W New York in Niagara River — see NIAGARA FALLS

Go·bi \ˈgō-bē\ desert E central Asia in Mongolia & N China

Godthab — see NUUK

Godwin Austen — see K2

Go·lan Heights \ˌgō-ˌlän, -lən\ hilly region NE of Sea of Galilee

Gol·con·da \gäl-ˈkän-də\ ruined city central India W of Hyderabad

Gold Coast
1 — see GHANA
2 coast region W Africa on N shore of Gulf of Guinea E of Cote d'Ivoire

Golden Gate strait W California connecting San Francisco Bay with Pacific Ocean

Good Hope, Cape of \ˌgu̇d-ˈhōp\ cape S Republic of South Africa on SW coast of Western Cape province

Gorki — see NIZHNIY NOVGOROD

Go·te·borg \ˌyərt-ə-ˈbȯr-ē\ city & port SW Sweden

Gram·pi·an \ˈgram-pē-ən\ hills N central Scotland

Grand Banks shallow area in the W North Atlantic SE of Newfoundland

Grand Canyon gorge of Colorado River NW Arizona

Grand Canyon of the Snake — see HELLS CANYON

Grande, Rio — see RIO GRANDE

Grand Prairie city NE central Texas W of Dallas

Grand Rapids city SW Michigan

Graz \ˈgräts\ city S Austria

Great Australian Bight wide bay on S coast of Australia

Great Barrier Reef coral reef Australia off NE coast

Great Basin region W U.S. between Sierra Nevada & Wasatch Range including most of Nevada & parts of California, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, & Oregon; has no drainage to ocean

Great Bear lake Canada in Northwest Territories draining through Great Bear River into Mackenzie River

Great Brit·ain \ˈbrit-ən\
1 island W Europe NW of France consisting of England, Scotland, & Wales
2 UNITED KINGDOM

Great Dividing Range mountain system E Australia extending S from Cape York Peninsula into Tasmania — see KOSCIUSKO (MOUNT)

Greater An·til·les \an-ˈtil-ēz\ group of islands of the West Indies including Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, & Puerto Rico — see LESSER ANTILLES

Greater London metropolitan county SE England consisting of City of London & 32 surrounding boroughs

Greater Manchester metropolitan county NW England including city of Manchester

Greater Sud·bury or Sudbury \ˈsəd-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ city SE Ontario, Canada

Great Lakes chain of five lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, & Ontario) central North America in U.S. & Canada

Great Plains elevated plains region W central U.S. & W Canada E of the Rockies; extending from W Texas to NE British Columbia & NW Alberta

Great Rift Valley basin SW Asia & E Africa extending with several breaks from valley of the Jordan S to central Mozambique

Great Salt lake N Utah having salty waters & no outlet

Great Slave lake NW Canada in S Northwest Territories drained by Mackenzie River

Great Smoky mountains between W North Carolina & E Tennessee; highest Clingmans Dome 6643 ft. (2025 m.)

Greece \ˈgrēs\ country S Europe at S end of Balkan Peninsula; capital, Athens

Green \ˈgrēn\
1 mountains E North America in the Appalachians extending from S Quebec S through Vermont into W Massachusetts
2 river 730 mi. (1175 km.) long W U.S. flowing from W Wyoming S into the Colorado in SE Utah

Green Bay
1 inlet of NW Lake Michigan 120 mi. (193 km.) long in NW Michigan & NE Wisconsin
2 city NE Wisconsin on Green Bay

Green·land \ˈgrēn-lənd, -ˌland\ island in the North Atlantic off NE North America belonging to Denmark; capital, Nuuk

Greens·boro \ˈgrēnz-ˌbər-ə, -ˌbə-rə\ city N central North Carolina

Green·wich \ˈgrin-ij, ˈgren-, -ich\ borough of SE Greater London, England

Green·wich Village \ˌgren-ich, ˌgrin-, -ij\ section of New York City in Manhattan on lower W side

Gre·na·da \grə-ˈnād-ə\ island West Indies in S Windward Islands; an independent country; capital, Saint George's

Gren·a·dines, The \ˌgren-ə-ˈdēnz\ islands West Indies in central Windward Islands; divided between Grenada & Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Groz·ny \ˈgrȯz-nē, ˈgräz-\ city S Russia in Europe; capital of Chechnya

Gua·da·la·ja·ra \ˌgwäd-ə-lə-ˈhär-ə\ city W central Mexico

Gua·dal·ca·nal \ˌgwäd-əl-kə-ˈnal, ˌgwäd-ə-kə-\ island W Pacific in the SE Solomons

Gua·dal·qui·vir \ˌgwäd-əl-ˈkwiv-ər, -ki-ˈvi(ə)r\ river 408 mi. (656 km.) long S Spain flowing into the Atlantic

Gua·de·loupe \ˈgwäd-əl-ˌüp\ two islands separated by a narrow channel in West Indies in central Leeward Islands; an overseas division of France

Guam \ˈgwäm\ island W Pacific in S Marianas belonging to U.S.; capital, Hagatna
— Gua·ma·ni·an \gwä-ˈmā-nē-ən\ adj or n

Gua·na·ba·ra Bay \ˌgwän-ə-ˈbar-ə, -ˈbär-\ inlet of the Atlantic SE Brazil on which city of Rio de Janeiro is located

Guang·zhou \ˈgwäŋ-ˈjō\ or Can·ton \ˈkan-ˌtän, kan-ˈ\ city & port SE China

Guan·tá·na·mo Bay \gwän-ˈtän-ə-ˌmō\ inlet of the Caribbean in SE Cuba; site of U.S. naval station

Gua·te·ma·la \ˌgwät-ə-ˈmäl-ə\
1 country Central America
2 or Guatemala City city, its capital
— Gua·te·ma·lan \-ˈmäl-ən\ adj or n

Gua·ya·quil \ˌgwī-ə-ˈkē(ə)l, -ˈkil\ city & port W Ecuador

Guay·na·bo \gwī-ˈnä-bō\ city NE central Puerto Rico

Guern·sey \ˈgərn-zē\ island in English Channel — see CHANNEL 2

Gui·a·na \gē-ˈan-ə, -ˈän-ə; gī-ˈan-ə\ region N South America on the Atlantic; includes Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, & nearby parts of Brazil & Venezuela
— Gui·a·nan \-ən\ adj or n

Guin·ea \ˈgin-ē\
1 region W Africa on the Atlantic extending along coast from Gambia to Angola
2 country W Africa N of Sierra Leone & Liberia; capital, Conakry
— Guin·ean \ˈgin-ē-ən\ adj or n

Guinea, Gulf of arm of the Atlantic W central Africa

Guin·ea–Bis·sau \ˌgin-ē-bis-ˈau̇\ country W Africa; an independent state since 1974; capital, Bissau

Gui·yang \ˈgwē-ˈyäŋ\ or Kuei–yang \ˈgwā-ˈyäŋ\ city S China

Gulf States states of U.S. bordering on Gulf of Mexico: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas

Gulf Stream warm current of the Atlantic Ocean flowing from Gulf of Mexico NE along coast of U.S. to Nantucket Island and from there eastward

Guy·ana \gī-ˈan-ə\ or formerly British Guiana country N South America on the Atlantic; independent since 1970; capital, Georgetown
— Guy·a·nese \ˌgī-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Gwangju — see KWANGJU

Hack·ney \ˈhak-nē\ borough of Greater London, England

Ha·des \ˈhād-(ˌ)ēz\ underground abode of the dead in Greek mythology

Ha·gat·na \hə-ˈgät-nyə\ or formerly Aga·na \ä-ˈgän-yä\ town, capital of Guam

Hague, The \thə-ˈhāg\ city SW Netherlands; national seat of government

Haidarabad — see HYDERABAD

Hai·kou \ˈhī-ˈkō\ city & port SE China

Hai·phong \ˈhī-ˈfȯŋ\ city & port N Vietnam

Hai·ti \ˈhāt-ē\
1 — see HISPANIOLA
2 country West Indies in W Hispaniola; capital, Port-au-Prince
— Hai·tian \ˈhā-shən\ adj or n

Ha·le·a·ka·la Crater \ˌhäl-ē-ˌäk-ə-ˈlä\ crater over 2500 ft. (762 m.) deep Hawaii in E Maui

Hal·i·fax \ˈhal-ə-ˌfaks\ municipality & port, capital of Nova Scotia, Canada

Ham·burg \ˈham-ˌbərg, ˈhäm-ˌbu̇(ə)rg\ city N Germany on the Elbe
— Ham·burg·er \-ˌbər-gər, -ˌbu̇r-\ n

Ham·hung or Ham·heung \ˈhäm-ˌhu̇ŋ\ city E central North Korea

Ham·il·ton \ˈham-əl-tən, -əlt-ən\
1 town, capital of Bermuda
2 city & port, S Ontario, Canada on Lake Ontario

Ham·mer·smith and Ful·ham \ˈham-ər-ˌsmith-ənd-ˈfu̇l-əm\ borough of SW Greater London, England

Hamp·shire \ˈham(p)-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ county S England on English Channel

Hamp·ton \ˈham(p)-tən\ city SE Virginia

Hampton Roads channel SE Virginia through which James River flows into Chesapeake Bay

Hang·zhou \ˈhäŋ-ˈjō\ or Hang·chow \ˈhaŋ-ˈchau̇, ˈhäŋ-ˈjō\ or Hang–chou \ˈhäŋ-ˈjō\ city E China

Han·ni·bal \ˈhan-ə-bəl\ city NE Missouri on the Mississippi River

Han·no·ver or Han·o·ver \ˈhan-ˌō-vər, ˈhan-ə-vər; German hä-ˈnō-vər\ city N central Germany

Ha·noi \ha-ˈnȯi, hə-, hä-\ city, capital of Vietnam

Ha·ra·re \hə-ˈrä-rā\ or formerly Salis·bury \ˈsȯlz-ˌber-ē, -b(ə-)rē\ city, capital of Zimbabwe

Har·bin \ˈhär-bən, här-ˈbin\ or Ha–erh–pin \ˈhä-ˈer-ˈbin\ city NE China

Har·in·gey \ˈhar-iŋ-ˌgā\ borough of N Greater London, England

Har·lem \ˈhär-ləm\ section of New York City in N Manhattan

Har·ris·burg \ˈhar-əs-ˌbərg\ city, capital of Pennsylvania

Har·row \ˈhar-ō\ borough of NW Greater London, England

Hart·ford \ˈhärt-fərd\ city, capital of Connecticut

Hat·ter·as, Cape \ˈhat-ə-rəs, ˈha-trəs\ cape, North Carolina on Hatteras Island

Ha·vana \hə-ˈvan-ə\ city, capital of Cuba

Hav·ant \ˈhav-ənt\ town S England

Ha·ver·ing \ˈhāv-(ə-)riŋ\ borough of NE Greater London, England

Ha·waii \hə-ˈwä-(y)ē, -ˈwī-, -ˈwȯ-\
1 or Ha·wai·ian Islands or formerly Sand·wich Islands \ˌsan-(d)wich-\ group of islands central Pacific belonging to U.S.
2 island, largest of the group
3 state of U.S. consisting of Hawaiian Islands except Midway; capital, Honolulu

Hay·ward \ˈhā-wərd\ city W California SE of Oakland

Heb·ri·des \ˈheb-rə-ˌdēz\ islands W Scotland in the North Atlantic consisting of Outer Hebrides (to W) and Inner Hebrides (to E)
— Heb·ri·de·an \ˌheb-rə-ˈdē-ən\ adj or n

Hel·e·na \ˈhel-ə-nə\ city, capital of Montana

Hellespont — see DARDANELLES

Hells Canyon \ˈhelz\ or Grand Canyon of the Snake canyon of Snake River on Idaho–Oregon boundary

Hel·sin·ki \ˈhel-ˌsiŋ-kē, hel-ˈsiŋ-\ city, capital of Finland

Hen·der·son \ˈhen-dər-sən\ city S Nevada

Henry, Cape \ˈhen-rē\ cape E Virginia S of entrance to Chesapeake Bay

Hert·ford·shire \ˈhär-fərd-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər, also ˈhärt-, in the U.S. also ˈhərt-\ or Hertford county SE England

Her·ze·go·vi·na \ˌhert-sə-gō-ˈvē-nə, ˌhərt-, -ˈgō-və-nə\ region S Europe S of Bosnia; now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hi·a·le·ah \ˌhī-ə-ˈlē-ə\ city SE Florida

Hi·ber·nia \hī-ˈbər-nē-ə\ — see IRELAND
— Hi·ber·ni·an \-ən\ adj or n

Hi·ga·shi·ōsa·ka \hē-ˌgä-shē-ō-ˈsäk-ə\ city Japan in S Honshu E of Osaka

High·lands \ˈhī-lən(d)z\ the mountainous N part of Scotland lying N & W of the Lowlands

High Plains the Great Plains especially from Nebraska southward

Hil·ling·don \ˈhil-iŋ-dən\ borough of W Greater London, England

Hi·ma·la·yas, the \ˌhim-ə-ˈlā-əz, hə-ˈmäl-(ə-)yəz\ or the Himalaya mountain system S Asia on border between India & Tibet and in Kashmir, Nepal, & Bhutan — see EVEREST (MOUNT)
— Hi·ma·la·yan \ˌhim-ə-ˈlā-ən, hə-ˈmäl-(ə-)yən\ adj

Hin·du Kush \ˌhin-(ˌ)dü-ˈku̇sh, -ˈkəsh\ mountain range central Asia SW of the Pamirs on border of Kashmir and in Afghanistan

Hin·du·stan \ˌhin-(ˌ)dü-ˈstan, -də-, -ˈstän\
1 a name for N India
2 the subcontinent of India
3 the country of India

Hi·ro·shi·ma \ˌhir-ə-ˈshē-mə, hə-ˈrō-shə-mə\ city Japan in SW Honshu on Inland Sea

His·pan·io·la \ˌhis-pən-ˈyō-lə\ or Spanish Es·pa·ño·la \ˌes-ˌpän-ˈyō-lə\ or formerly Hai·ti \ˈhāt-ē\ island West Indies in Greater Antilles divided between Haiti on W & Dominican Republic on E

Ho·bart \ˈhō-ˌbärt\ city Australia, capital of Tasmania

Ho Chi Minh City \ˌhō-ˌchē-ˌmin, -ˌshē-\ or formerly Sai·gon \sī-ˈgän, ˈsī-ˌgän\ city S Vietnam

Hoh·hot \ˈhō-ˈhōt\ or Hu·he·hot \ˈhü-ˌhā-ˈhōt\ city N China, capital of Inner Mongolia

Hok·kai·do \hä-ˈkīd-ō\ island N Japan N of Honshu

Hol·land \ˈhäl-ənd\
1 county of Holy Roman Empire bordering on North Sea & consisting of area now forming part of W Netherlands
2 — see NETHERLANDS
— Hol·land·er \-ən-dər\ n

Hol·ly·wood \ˈhäl-ē-ˌwu̇d\
1 section of Los Angeles, California, NW of downtown district
2 city SE Florida

Holy Land lands roughly equivalent to ancient Palestine and including holy sites of Jewish, Christian, & Islamic religions

Holy Roman Empire empire consisting mainly of German and Italian territories and existing from 9th or 10th century to 1806

Hon·du·ras \hän-ˈd(y)u̇r-əs\ country Central America; capital, Tegucigalpa
— Hon·du·ran \-ən\ adj or n

Hong Kong \ˈhäŋ-ˌkäŋ, -ˈkäŋ; ˈhȯŋ-ˌkȯŋ, -ˈkȯŋ\ or Chinese Xiang·gang \ˈshyäŋ-ˌgäŋ\ special administrative region China on SE coast including Hong Kong Island & Jiulong Peninsula; formerly a British colony with Victoria as capital

Ho·ni·a·ra \ˌhō-nē-ˈär-ə\ town, capital of Solomon Islands

Ho·no·lu·lu \ˌhän-əl-ˈü-lü, ˌhōn-əl-\ city, capital of Hawaii on Oahu

Hon·shu \ˈhän-shü\ island Japan; largest of the group

Hood, Mount \ˈhu̇d\ mountain 11,235 ft. (3424 m.) NW Oregon in Cascade Range

Hoo·ver Dam \ˌhü-vər\ or Boul·der Dam \ˌbōl-dər\ dam 726 ft. (221 m.) high in Colorado River between Arizona & Nevada — see MEAD (LAKE)

Hor·muz, Strait of \ˈhȯr-ˌməz, hȯr-ˈmüz\ strait connecting Persian Gulf & Gulf of Oman

Horn, Cape \ˈhȯ(ə)rn\ cape S Chile on an island in Tierra del Fuego; the most southerly point of South America at 56° S latitude

Horseshoe Falls — see NIAGARA FALLS

Houns·low \ˈhau̇nz-ˌlō\ borough of SW Greater London, England

Hous·ton \ˈ(h)yü-stən\ city SE Texas

How·rah \ˈhau̇-rə\ city E India on Hugli River opposite Calcutta

Hsi–an — see XI'AN

Huang or Hwang \ˈhwäŋ\ or Yellow river about 3396 mi. (5464 km.) long N China flowing into Bo Hai

Hud·ders·field \ˈhəd-ərz-ˌfēld\ town N England NE of Manchester

Hud·son \ˈhəd-sən\
1 river 306 mi. (492 km.) long E New York flowing S
2 bay, inlet of the Atlantic in N Canada
3 strait NE Canada connecting Hudson Bay & the Atlantic

Hu·gli or Hoo·ghly \ˈhü-glē\ river 120 mi. (193 km.) long E India flowing S into Bay of Bengal; most westerly channel of the Ganges in its delta

Huhehot — see HOHHOT

Hull \ˈhəl\ or Kings·ton upon Hull \ˈkiŋ(k)-stən\ city & port N England

Hun·ga·ry \ˈhəŋ-g(ə-)rē\ country central Europe; capital, Budapest

Hunt·ing·ton Beach \ˈhənt-iŋ-tən\ city SW California

Hunts·ville \ˈhən(t)s-ˌvil, -vəl\ city N Alabama

Hu·ron, Lake \-ˈ(h)yu̇r-ən, ˈ(h)yu̇(ə)r-ˌän\ lake E central North America in U.S. & Canada; one of the Great Lakes

Hy·der·abad \ˈhīd-(ə-)rə-ˌbad, -ˌbäd\
1 or Hai·dar·abad \same\ city S central India
2 city SE Pakistan

Iba·dan \i-ˈbäd-ən, -ˈbad-\ city SW Nigeria

Ibe·ri·an \ī-ˈbir-ē-ən\ peninsula SW Europe occupied by Spain & Portugal

Ice·land \ˈī-slənd, -ˌsland\ island SE of Greenland between Arctic & Atlantic oceans; an independent country; capital, Reykjavik
— Ice·land·er \-ˌslan-dər, -slən-dər\ n

Ida·ho \ˈīd-ə-ˌhō\ state NW U.S.; capital, Boise
— Ida·ho·an \ˌīd-ə-ˈhō-ən\ adj or n

Igua·çú or Igua·zú \ˌē-gwə-ˈsü\ river 745 mi. (1199 km.) long S Brazil flowing W

IJs·sel or Ijs·sel \ˈī-səl\ river 70 mi. (113 km.) long E Netherlands flowing out of Rhine N into IJsselmeer

IJs·sel·meer \ˌī-səl-ˈme(ə)r\ or Lake Ijs·sel freshwater lake N Netherlands separated from North Sea by a dike; part of former Zuider Zee (inlet of North Sea)

Ilium — see TROY

Il·li·nois \ˌil-ə-ˈnȯi also -ˈnȯiz\ state N central U.S.; capital, Springfield
— Il·li·nois·an \-ˈnȯi-ən, -ˈnȯiz-ən\ adj or n

Il·lyr·ia \il-ˈir-ē-ə\ ancient country S Europe and Balkan Peninsula on the Adriatic
— Il·lyr·i·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Im·pe·ri·al Valley \im-ˈpir-ē-əl\ valley SE corner of California & partly in Baja California, Mexico

In·chon or In·cheon \ˈin-ˌchən\ city South Korea on Yellow Sea

In·de·pen·dence \ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s\ city W Missouri E of Kansas City

In·dia \ˈin-dē-ə\
1 subcontinent S Asia S of the Himalayas between Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea
2 country consisting of major portion of the subcontinent; capital, New Delhi
3 or Indian Empire before 1947 those parts of the subcontinent of India under British rule or protection

In·di·an \ˈin-dē-ən\ ocean E of Africa, S of Asia, W of Australia, & N of Antarctica

In·di·ana \ˌin-dē-ˈan-ə\ state E central U.S.; capital, Indianapolis
— In·di·an·an \-ˈan-ən\ or In·di·an·i·an \-ˈan-ē-ən\ adj or n

In·di·a·nap·o·lis \ˌin-dē-ə-ˈnap-(ə-)ləs\ city, capital of Indiana

Indian River lagoon 165 mi. (266 km.) long E Florida between main part of the state & coastal islands

Indian Territory former territory S U.S. in present state of Oklahoma

In·dies \ˈin-dēz\
1 EAST INDIES
2 WEST INDIES

In·do·chi·na \ˈin-(ˌ)dō-ˈchī-nə\
1 peninsula SE Asia including Myanmar, Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, & Vietnam
2 or French Indochina former country SE Asia consisting of area now forming Cambodia, Laos, & Vietnam
— In·do–Chi·nese \-chī-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

In·do·ne·sia \ˌin-də-ˈnē-zhə, -shə\ country SE Asia in Malay Archipelago consisting of Sumatra, Java, S & E Borneo, Sulawesi, W New Guinea, & many smaller islands; capital, Jakarta — see NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES
— In·do·ne·sian \-zhən, -shən\ adj or n

In·dore \in-ˈdō(ə)r, -ˈdȯ(ə)r\ city W central India

In·dus \ˈin-dəs\ river 1800 mi. (2897 km.) long S Asia flowing from Tibet NW & SSW through Pakistan into Arabian Sea

In·gle·wood \ˈiŋ-gəl-ˌwu̇d\ city SW California

In·land Sea \ˈin-ˌland, -lənd\ inlet of the Pacific in SW Japan between Honshu on N and Shikoku and Kyushu on S

Inner Hebrides — see HEBRIDES

Inner Mon·go·lia \män-ˈgōl-yə, mäŋ-, -ˈgō-lē-ə\ region N China

Inside Passage protected shipping route between Puget Sound, Washington, & Skagway, Alaska

In·ver·ness \ˌin-vər-ˈnes\ town NW Scotland

Io·ni·an \ī-ˈō-nē-ən\
1 sea, arm of the Mediterranean between SE Italy & W Greece
2 islands W Greece in Ionian Sea

Io·wa \ˈī-ə-wə\ state N central U.S.; capital, Des Moines
— Io·wan \-wən\ adj or n

Ips·wich \ˈip-(ˌ)swich\ town SE England

Iqa·lu·it \ē-ˈkäl-ü-ət\ town Canada, capital of Nunavut on Baffin Island

Iran \i-ˈrän, -ˈran; ī-ˈran\ or formerly by outsiders Per·sia \ˈpər-zhə\ country SW Asia; capital, Tehran
— Irani \i-ˈrän-ē, -ˈran-\ adj or n

— Ira·nian \ir-ˈā-nē-ən, -ˈan-ē-, -ˈän-ē-\ adj or n

Iraq \i-ˈräk, -ˈrak\ country SW Asia in Mesopotamia; capital, Baghdad
— Iraqi \-ˈräk-ē, -ˈrak-\ adj or n

Ire·land \ˈī(ə)r-lənd\
1 or Latin Hi·ber·nia \hī-ˈbər-nē-ə\ island W Europe in the North Atlantic; one of the British Isles
2 or Ei·re \ˈer-ə\ country occupying major portion of Ireland (island); capital, Dublin

Irish Sea \ˈīr-ish\ arm of the North Atlantic between Great Britain & Ireland

Ir·kutsk \i(ə)r-ˈkütsk, ˌər-\ city S Russia near Lake Baikal

Ir·ra·wad·dy \ˌir-ə-ˈwäd-ē\ river 1300 mi. (2092 km.) long Myanmar flowing S into Bay of Bengal

Ir·tysh \i(ə)r-ˈtish, ˌər-\ river over 2600 mi. (4180 km.) long central Asia flowing NW & N from Altai Mountains in China, through Kazakhstan, & into W central Russia

Ir·vine \ˈər-ˌvīn\ city SW California

Ir·ving \ˈər-viŋ\ city NE Texas NW of Dallas

Isfahan — see ESFAHAN

Is·lam·a·bad \is-ˈläm-ə-ˌbäd, iz-ˈlam-ə-ˌbad\ city, capital of Pakistan

Islas Malvinas — see FALKLAND ISLANDS

Isle of Man — see MAN (ISLE OF)

Isle of Wight \-ˈwīt\ island and administrative subdivision of S England in English Channel

Isle Roy·ale \(ˈ)ī(ə)l-ˈrȯi(-ə)l\ island Michigan in Lake Superior

Isles of Scilly
1 — see CORNWALL AND ISLES OF SCILLY
2 — see SCILLY (ISLES OF)

Is·ling·ton \ˈiz-liŋ-tən\ borough of N Greater London, England

Ispahan — see ESFAHAN

Is·ra·el \ˈiz-rē-əl, -rā-əl, -rəl\
1 kingdom in ancient Palestine consisting of lands occupied by the Hebrew people
2 or Ephra·im \ˈē-frē-əm\ the N part of the Hebrew kingdom after about 933 B.C.
3 country SW Asia; established 1948; capital, Jerusalem
— Is·rae·li \iz-ˈrā-lē\ adj or n

Is·tan·bul \ˌis-təm-ˈbül, -ˌtäm-, -ˌtam-, -ˌtän-\ or formerly Con·stan·ti·no·ple \ˌkän-ˌstant-ən-ˈō-pəl\ city NW Turkey on the Bosporus & Sea of Marmara; former capital of Turkey

Is·tria \ˈis-trē-ə\ peninsula in Croatia & Slovenia extending into the N Adriatic
— Is·tri·an \-trē-ən\ adj or n

It·a·ly \ˈit-əl-ē\ country S Europe including a boot-shaped peninsula and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia; capital, Rome

Itas·ca, Lake \ī-ˈtas-kə\ lake NW central Minnesota; source of the Mississippi

Ivory Coast — see COTE D'IVOIRE
— Ivor·i·an \(ˌ)ī-vȯr-ē-ən\ adj or n

— Ivory Coast·er \ˈkōs-tər\ n

Iwo Ji·ma \ˌē-(ˌ)wō-ˈjē-mə\ or Io To \ˌē-(ˌ)ō-ˈtō\ island Japan in W Pacific SSE of Tokyo

Izhevsk \ˈē-ˌzhefsk\ city W Russia

Iz·mir \iz-ˈmi(ə)r\ or formerly Smyr·na \ˈsmər-nə\ city W Turkey

Iz·ta·pa·la·pa \ˌēs-tä-pä-ˈläp-ä\ former municipality S central Mexico; now part of Mexico City

Jack·son \ˈjak-sən\ city, capital of Mississippi

Jack·son·ville \ˈjak-sən-ˌvil\ city NE Florida

Jai·pur \ˈjī-ˌpu̇r\ city NW India

Ja·kar·ta or Dja·kar·ta \jə-ˈkär-tə\ or formerly Ba·ta·via \bə-ˈtā-vē-ə\ city, capital of Indonesia in NW Java

Ja·mai·ca \jə-ˈmā-kə\ island West Indies in Greater Antilles; an independent country; capital, Kingston
— Ja·mai·can \-kən\ adj or n

James \ˈjāmz\
1 — see DAKOTA
2 river 340 mi. (547 km.) long Virginia flowing E into Chesapeake Bay

James Bay the S extension of Hudson Bay between NE Ontario & W Quebec

James·town \ˈjām-ˌstau̇n\ ruined village E Virginia on James River; first permanent English settlement in America (1607)

Jam·shed·pur \ˈjäm-ˌshed-ˌpu̇(ə)r\ city E India

Ja·pan \jə-ˈpan, ji-, ja-\ country E Asia consisting of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, & other islands in the W Pacific; capital, Tokyo

Japan, Sea of also East Sea arm of the Pacific between Japan & main part of Asia

Ja·va \ˈjäv-ə, ˈjav-ə\ island Indonesia SW of Borneo; chief city, Jakarta
— Ja·van \-ən\ adj or n

— Ja·va·nese \ˌjav-ə-ˈnēz, jäv-, -ˈnēs\ n

Jef·fer·son City \ˈjef-ər-sən\ city, capital of Missouri

Jer·sey \ˈjər-zē\ island in English Channel — see CHANNEL 2
— Jer·sey·ite \-zē-ˌīt\ n

Jersey City city NE New Jersey on Hudson River

Je·ru·sa·lem \jə-ˈrü-s(ə-)ləm, -ˈrüz-(ə-)ləm\ city NW of Dead Sea divided 1948–67 between Israel & Jordan; capital of Israel since 1950 & formerly of ancient kingdom of Israel

Jid·da or Jid·dah \ˈjid-ə\ or Jed·da or Jed·dah \ˈjed-ə\ city W Saudi Arabia on Red Sea

Ji·lin \ˈjē-ˈlin\ or Ki·rin \ˈkē-ˈrin\ city NE China

Ji·nan or Tsi·nan \ˈjē-ˈnän\ city E China

Jin·zhou or Chin–chou or Chin·chow \ˈjin-ˈjō\ city NE China

Jiu·long \ˈjü-ˈlȯŋ\ or Kow·loon \ˈkau̇-ˈlün\
1 peninsula SE China in Hong Kong opposite Hong Kong Island
2 city on Jiulong Peninsula

Jo·han·nes·burg \jō-ˈhan-əs-ˌbərg, -ˈhän-\ city NE Republic of South Africa

Jo·li·et \ˌjō-lē-ˈet\ city NE Illinois

Jor·dan \ˈjȯrd-ən\
1 river 200 mi. (322 km.) long Israel & Jordan flowing S from Syria into Dead Sea
2 country SW Asia in NW Arabia; capital, Amman
— Jor·da·ni·an \jȯr-ˈdā-nē-ən\ adj or n

Juan de Fu·ca, Strait of \ˌ(h)wän-də-ˈfyü-kə\ strait 100 mi. (161 km.) long between Vancouver Island, British Columbia, & Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Juba \ˈjü-bə, -ˌbä\ town, capital of South Sudan

Ju·daea or Ju·dea \ju̇-ˈdē-ə, -ˈdā-\ region of ancient Palestine forming its S division under Persian, Greek, & Roman rule
— Ju·de·an also Ju·dae·an \-ən\ adj or n

Jugoslavia — see YUGOSLAVIA

Ju·neau \ˈjü-nō, jü-ˈnō\ city, capital of Alaska

Ju·ra \ˈju̇r-ə\ mountain range extending along boundary between France & Switzerland N of Lake Geneva

Jut·land \ˈjət-lənd\
1 peninsula N Europe extending into North Sea and consisting of main part of Denmark & N portion of Germany
2 the main part of Denmark

Ka·bul \ˈkäb-əl, kä-ˈbül\ city, capital of Afghanistan

Ka Lae \kä-ˈlä-ā\ or South Cape or South Point most southerly point of Hawaii & of U.S.

Kal·a·ha·ri \ˌkal-ə-ˈhär-ē\ desert region S Africa N of Orange River in S Botswana & NW Republic of South Africa

Kalgan — see ZHANGJIAKOU

Ka·li·man·tan \ˌkal-ə-ˈman-ˌtan, ˌkäl-ə-ˈmän-ˌtän\
1 BORNEO — its Indonesian name
2 the S & E portion of Borneo belonging to Indonesia; formerly part of Netherlands East Indies

Ka·li·nin·grad \kə-ˈlē-nən-ˌgrad\ or German Kö·nigs·berg \ˈkā-nigz-ˌbərg, German ˈkœ̄-niḵs-ˌberk\ city & port N Europe on the Baltic in a part of Russia separated from the rest of the country

Kam·chat·ka \kam-ˈchat-kə\ peninsula 750 mi. (1207 km.) long E Russia

Kam·pa·la \käm-ˈpäl-ə\ city, capital of Uganda

Kampuchea — see CAMBODIA

Kan·da·har \ˈkän-də-ˌhär\ city SE Afghanistan

Ka·no \ˈkän-ō\ city N central Nigeria

Kan·pur \ˈkän-ˌpu̇(ə)r\ city N India on the Ganges

Kan·sas \ˈkan-zəs\ state W central U.S.; capital, Topeka
— Kan·san \-zən\ adj or n

Kansas City
1 city NE Kansas bordering on Kansas City, Missouri
2 city W Missouri

Kao–hsiung — see GAOXIONG

Ka·ra·chi \kə-ˈräch-ē\ city S Pakistan on Arabian Sea

Karaganda — see QARAGHANDY

Kar·a·ko·ram Pass \ˌkär-ə-ˈkōr-əm, -ˈkȯr-\ mountain pass NE Kashmir in Karakoram Range (system connecting the Himalayas with the Pamirs)

Ka·re·lia \kə-ˈrē-lē-ə, -ˈrēl-yə\ region NE Europe in Finland & Russia
— Ka·re·lian \-ˈrē-lē-ən, -ˈrēl-yən\ adj or n

Ka·roo or Kar·roo \kə-ˈrü\ plateau region W Republic of South Africa W of Drakensberg Mountains

Kash·mir \ˈkash-ˌmi(ə)r, ˈkazh-, kash-ˈmi(ə)r, kazh-ˈmi(ə)r\ disputed territory N subcontinent of India; claimed by India & Pakistan
— Kash·miri \kash-ˈmi(ə)r-ē, kazh-\ adj or n

Ka·thi·a·war \ˌkät-ē-ə-ˈwär\ peninsula W India N of Gulf of Khambat

Kath·man·du or Kat·man·du \ˌkat-ˌman-ˈdü\ city, capital of Nepal

Kat·mai, Mount \ˈkat-ˌmī\ volcano 6715 ft. (2047 m.) S Alaska on Alaska Peninsula

Kat·te·gat \ˈkat-i-ˌgat\ arm of North Sea between Sweden & E coast of Jutland Peninsula of Denmark

Kau·ai \kä-ˈwī\ island Hawaii NW of Oahu

Kau·nas \ˈkau̇-nəs, -ˌnäs\ city central Lithuania

Ka·wa·sa·ki \ˌkä-wə-ˈsäk-ē\ city Japan in E Honshu S of Tokyo

Ka·zakh·stan also Ka·zak·stan \kə-ˌzak-ˈstan; kə-ˌzäk-ˈstän, ˌkä-\ country NW central Asia; capital, Nursultan; a republic (Ka*zakh Soviet Socialist Republic \kə-ˌzak, -ˌzäk-\ ) of U.S.S.R. 1936–91
— Kazakh also Ka·zak n

Ka·zan \kə-ˈzan, -ˈzän(-yə)\ city W Russia

Kee·wa·tin \kē-ˈwāt-ən\ former district N Canada in E Northwest Territories NW of Hudson Bay; area now part of Nunavut

Ke·me·ro·vo \ˈkem-ə-rə-və, -ˌrō-və, -rə-ˌvō\ city S central Russia

Ke·nai \ˈkē-ˌnī\ peninsula S Alaska E of Cook Inlet

Kennedy, Cape — see CANAVERAL (CAPE)

Ken·sing·ton and Chel·sea \ˈken-ziŋ-tən-ən-ˈchel-sē, ˈken(t)-siŋ-\ borough of W Greater London, England

Kent \ˈkent\ county SE England
— Kent·ish \ˈkent-ish\ adj

Ken·tucky \kən-ˈtək-ē\ state E central U.S.; capital, Frankfort
— Ken·tuck·i·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Ken·ya \ˈken-yə, ˈkēn-\
1 mountain 17,058 ft. (5199 m.) central Kenya
2 country E Africa S of Ethiopia; capital, Nairobi
— Ken·yan \-yən\ adj or n

Key West \ˈkē-ˈwest\ city SW Florida on Key West (island)

Kha·ba·rovsk \kə-ˈbär-əfsk\ city SE Russia

Kham·bat Gulf of \ˈkəm-bət\ or Gulf of Cam·bay \kam-ˈbā\ inlet of Arabian Sea India N of Bombay

Khar·kiv \ˈkär-kəf, ˈḵar-\ or Khar·kov \ˈkär-ˌkȯf, -ˌkȯv, -kəf\ city NE Ukraine

Khar·toum \kär-ˈtüm\ city, capital of Sudan

Khmer Republic — see CAMBODIA

Khy·ber \ˈkī-bər\ pass 33 mi. (53 km.) long on border between Afghanistan & Pakistan

Ki·bo \ˈkē-bō\ mountain peak 19,340 ft. (5895 m.) of Kilimanjaro NE Tanzania; highest point in Africa

Kiel — see NORD-OSTSEE

Ki·ev \ˈkē-ˌ(y)ef, -ˌ(y)ev, -(y)əf\ or Ukrainian Kyiv \ˈkyē-ü\ city, capital of Ukraine

Ki·ga·li \ki-ˈgäl-ē\ city, capital of Rwanda

Ki·lau·ea \ˌkē-ˌlau̇-ˈā-ə\ volcanic crater Hawaii on Hawaii Island on E slope of Mauna Loa

Kil·i·man·ja·ro \ˌkil-ə-mən-ˈjär-ō, -ˈjar-\ mountain NE Tanzania; highest in Africa — see KIBO

Kil·lar·ney, Lakes of \kil-ˈär-nē\ three lakes SW Ireland

Kings·ton \ˈkiŋ-stən\ city & port, capital of Jamaica

Kingston upon Hull — see HULL

Kingston upon Thames borough of SW Greater London, England

Kings·town \ˈkiŋ-ˌstau̇n\ seaport, capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Kin·sha·sa \kin-ˈshäs-ə\ city, capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kirghiz Republic or Kirgiz Republic — see KYRGYZSTAN

Ki·ri·bati \ˈkir-ə-ˌbas\ island group W Pacific; an independent country; capital, Tarawa

Kirin — see JILIN

Kirk·wall \ˈkər-ˌkwȯl\ town and port N Scotland, capital of Orkney Islands

Kishinev — see CHISINAU

Ki·ta·kyu·shu \kē-ˈtä-kē-ˈü-shü\ city Japan in N Kyushu

Kitch·e·ner \ˈkich-(ə-)nər\ city SE Ontario, Canada

Kit·ty Hawk \ˈkit-ē-ˌhȯk\ town E North Carolina

Klon·dike \ˈklän-ˌdīk\ region NW Canada in central Yukon in valley of Klondike River

Knox·ville \ˈnäks-ˌvil, -vəl\ city E Tennessee

Ko·be \ˈkō-bē, -ˌbā\ city Japan in S Honshu

Ko·di·ak \ˈkōd-ē-ˌak\ island S Alaska E of Alaska Peninsula

Ko·la \ˈkō-lə\ peninsula NW Russia

Königsberg — see KALININGRAD

Ko·rea \kə-ˈrē-ə, especially South kō-\ country E Asia between Yellow Sea & East Sea (Sea of Japan); capital, Seoul; divided after World War II into independent countries of North Korea (capital, Pyongyang) & South Korea (capital, Seoul)
— Korean adj or n

Ko·ror \ˈkȯr-ˌȯr\ town, former capital of Palau

Kos·ci·us·ko, Mount \ˌkäz-ē-ˈəs-kō\ mountain 7310 ft. (2228 m.) SE Australia in SE New South Wales; highest in Great Dividing Range & in Australia

Ko·so·vo \ˈkȯ-sō-ˌvō, ˈkäs-ō-\ country S Europe in Balkan Peninsula; capital, Pristina; an autonomous province of Serbia 1946–2008

Kowloon — see JIULONG

Krak·a·tau \ˌkrak-ə-ˈtau̇\ or Krak·a·toa \-ˈtō-ə\ island & volcano Indonesia between Sumatra & Java

Kra·kow \ˈkräk-ˌau̇, ˈkrak-, ˈkrāk-, -ō, Polish ˈkräk-ˌüf\ city S Poland

Kras·no·dar \ˈkras-nə-ˌdär\ city SW Russia

Kras·no·yarsk \ˌkras-nə-ˈyärsk\ city S central Russia

Kry·vyy Rih \kri-ˈvē-ˈrik\ or Kri·voy Rog \ˌkriv-ˌȯi-ˈrōg, -ˈrȯk\ city SE central Ukraine

K2 \ˈkā-ˈtü\ or God·win Aus·ten \ˌgäd-wə-ˈnȯs-tən, -ˈnäs-tən\ mountain 28,250 ft. (8611 m.) N Kashmir in Karakoram Range; second highest in the world

Kua·la Lum·pur \ˌkwäl-ə-ˈlu̇m-ˌpu̇(ə)r, -ˈləm-\ city, capital of Malaysia

Kuei–yang — see GUIYANG

Kun·lun \ˈkün-lün\ mountain system W China extending E from the Pamirs; highest peak Muztag 25,340 ft. (7724 m.)

Kun·ming \ˈku̇n-ˈmiŋ\ city S China

Kur·di·stan \ˌku̇r-də-ˈstan, ˌkər-, -ˈstän; ˈkər-də-ˌ\ region SW Asia chiefly in E Turkey, NW Iran, & N Iraq
— Kurd \ˈku̇(ə)rd, ˈkərd\ n

— Kurd·ish \-ish\ adj

Ku·ril or Ku·rile \ˈkyu̇r-ˌēl, ˈku̇r-; kyu̇-ˈrē(ə)l, ku̇-\ islands Russia in W Pacific between Kamchatka Peninsula & Hokkaido Island

Ku·wait \kə-ˈwāt\
1 country SW Asia in Arabia at head of Persian Gulf
2 city, its capital
— Ku·waiti \-ˈwāt-ē\ adj or n

Kuybyshev — see SAMARA

Kuz·netsk Basin \ku̇z-ˈnetsk\ or Kuz·bas or Kuz·bass \ˈku̇z-ˌbas\ basin S central Russia

Kwa·ja·lein \ˈkwäj-ə-lən, -ˌlān\ island W Pacific in Marshall Islands

Kwang·ju or Gwang·ju \ˈgwäŋ-ˌjü\ city SW South Korea

Kwa·Zu·lu–Na·tal \kwä-ˈzü-lü-nä-ˈtäl\ province E Republic of South Africa

Kyiv — see KIEV

Kyo·to \kē-ˈōt-ō\ city Japan in W central Honshu; formerly capital of Japan

Kyr·gyz·stan \ˌkir-gi-ˈstan, -ˈstän; ˈkir-gi-ˌ\ country W central Asia; capital, Bishkek; a republic (Kir*giz Republic or Kir*ghiz Republic \(ˌ)kir-ˈgēz\ ) of U.S.S.R. 1936–91

Kyu·shu \kē-ˈü-shü\ island Japan S of W end of Honshu

Lab·ra·dor \ˈlab-rə-ˌdȯ(ə)r\
1 peninsula E Canada between Hudson Bay & the Atlantic divided between the provinces of Quebec & Newfoundland and Labrador
2 the part of the peninsula belonging to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
— Lab·ra·dor·ean or Lab·ra·dor·ian \ˌlab-rə-ˈdȯr-ē-ən, -ˈdōr-\ adj or n

Lac·ca·dive \ˈlak-ə-ˌdēv, -ˌdīv\ islands India in Arabian Sea N of Maldive Islands

Lacedaemon — see SPARTA

La·co·nia \lə-ˈkō-nē-ə, -nyə\ ancient country S Greece in SE Peloponnese; capital, Sparta
— La·co·nian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj or n

La·fay·ette \ˌlaf-ē-ˈet, ˌläf-\ city S Louisiana

La·gos \ˈlā-ˌgäs\ city, former capital of Nigeria

La·hore \lə-ˈhō(ə)r, -ˈhȯ(ə)r\ city E Pakistan

Lake District region NW England containing many lakes & mountains

Lake·wood \ˈlā-ˌkwu̇d\ city central Colorado

Lam·beth \ˈlam-bəth, -ˌbeth\ borough of S Greater London, England

La·nai \lə-ˈnī\ island Hawaii W of Maui

Lan·ca·shire \ˈlaŋ-kə-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Lan·cas·ter \ˈlaŋ-kə-stər\ county NW England
— Lan·cas·tri·an \laŋ-ˈkas-trē-ən, lan-\ adj or n

Lan·cas·ter \ˈlaŋ-kə-stər; ˈlan-ˌkas-tər, ˈlaŋ-\
1 city SW California NE of Los Angeles
2 city NW England

Land's End \ˈlan(d)-ˈzend\ cape SW England; most westerly point of England, at 5° 41′ W longitude

Lan·sing \ˈlan(t)-siŋ\ city, capital of Michigan

Lan·zhou or Lan–chou \ˈlän-ˈjō\ city W China

Laos \ˈlau̇s, ˈlā-ˌäs, ˈlä-ōs\ country SE Asia in Indochina NE of Thailand; capital, Vientiane
— Laotian adj or n

La Paz \lə-ˈpaz, -ˈpäz, -ˈpäs\ city, administrative capital of Bolivia

Lap·land \ˈlap-ˌland, -lənd\ region N Europe above the Arctic Circle in N Norway, N Sweden, N Finland, & Kola Peninsula of Russia
— Lap·land·er \-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ n

La·re·do \lə-ˈrā-(ˌ)dō\ city S Texas on the Rio Grande

Larne \ˈlärn\ district NE Northern Ireland

Las·sen Peak \ˈlas-ən\ volcano 10,457 ft. (3187 m.) N California at S end of Cascade Range

Las Ve·gas \läs-ˈvā-gəs\ city SE Nevada

Latin America
1 Spanish America and Brazil
2 all of the Americas S of the U.S.
— Latin–American adj

— Latin American n

Latin Quarter section of Paris, France S of the Seine

Lat·via \ˈlat-vē-ə\ country E Europe on Baltic Sea; capital, Riga; a republic of U.S.S.R. 1940–91

Lau·ren·tian Mountains \lȯ-ˈren-chən\ hills E Canada in S Quebec N of the Saint Lawrence on S edge of Canadian Shield

Laurentian Plateau — see CANADIAN SHIELD

La·val \lə-ˈval\ city S Quebec NW of Montreal

Law·rence \ˈlȯr-ən(t)s, ˈlär-\ city NE corner of Massachusetts

League of Nations political organization established at the end of World War I; replaced by United Nations 1946

Leb·a·non \ˈleb-ə-nən, -ˌnän\
1 mountains Lebanon (country) running parallel to coast
2 country SW Asia on the Mediterranean; capital, Beirut
— Leb·a·nese \ˌleb-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Leeds \ˈlēdz\ city N England

Lee·ward Islands \ˈlē-wərd\
1 islands Hawaii extending WNW from main islands of the group
2 islands South Pacific in W Society Islands
3 islands West Indies in N Lesser Antilles extending from Virgin Islands (on N) to Dominica (on S)

Le Ha·vre \lə-ˈhävrə\ city N France on English Channel

Leh·man Caves \ˈlē-mən\ limestone caverns E Nevada

Leices·ter \ˈles-tər\ city central England ENE of Birmingham

Leices·ter·shire \ˈles-tər-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Leicester county central England

Lein·ster \ˈlen(t)-stər\ province E Ireland

Leip·zig \ˈlīp-sig, -sik\ city E Germany

Le·na \ˈlē-nə, ˈlā-\ river about 2700 mi. (4345 km.) long E Russia, flowing NE & N from mountains W of Lake Baikal into Arctic Ocean

Leningrad — see SAINT PETERSBURG 2

Le·ón \lā-ˈōn\ city central Mexico

Ler·wick \ˈlər-(ˈ)wik, ˈle(ə)r-\ town and port N Scotland in the Shetlands

Le·so·tho \lə-ˈsō-tō, -ˈsü-(ˌ)tü\ country S Africa surrounded by Republic of South Africa; formerly British territory of Ba*su*to*land \bə-ˈsüt-ə-ˌland\, now an independent country; capital, Maseru

Lesser Antilles islands in the West Indies including Virgin Islands, Leeward Islands, & Windward Islands, Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, & islands in the S Caribbean N of Venezuela — see GREATER ANTILLES

Le·vant \lə-ˈvant\ the countries bordering on the E Mediterranean
— Lev·an·tine \ˈlev-ən-ˌtīn, -ˌtēn, lə-ˈvan-\ adj or n

Lew·es \ˈlü-əs\ town S England

Lew·i·sham \ˈlü-ə-shəm\ borough of SE Greater London, England

Lew·is with Har·ris \ˌlü-ə-swəth-ˈhar-əs, -swəth-\ island NW Scotland in Outer Hebrides

Lex·ing·ton \ˈlek-siŋ-tən\
1 city NE central Kentucky
2 town NE Massachusetts

Ley·te \ˈlāt-ē\ island Philippines S of Samar

Lha·sa \ˈläs-ə, ˈlas-\ city SW China, capital of Tibet

Li·be·ria \lī-ˈbir-ē-ə\ country W Africa on the North Atlantic; capital, Monrovia
— Li·be·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Lib·er·ty \ˈlib-ərt-ē\ or formerly Bed·loe's \ˈbed-ˌlōz\ island SE New York; site of the Statue of Liberty

Li·bre·ville \ˈlē-brə-ˌvil, -ˌvē(ə)l\ city, capital of Gabon

Lib·ya \ˈlib-ē-ə\
1 the part of Africa N of the Sahara & just W of Egypt — an ancient name
2 N Africa W of Egypt — an ancient name
3 country N Africa on the Mediterranean W of Egypt; capital, Tripoli
— Lib·y·an \ˈlib-ē-ən\ adj or n

Libyan desert N Africa W of the Nile in Libya, Egypt, & Sudan

Liech·ten·stein \ˈlik-tən-ˌstīn, -ˌshtīn\ country W Europe between Austria & Switzerland; capital, Vaduz
— Liech·ten·stein·er \-ˌstī-nər, -ˌshtī-\ n

Lif·fey \ˈlif-ē\ river 50 mi. (80 km.) long E Ireland

Li·gu·ria \lə-ˈgyu̇r-ē-ə\ region NW Italy on Ligurian Sea; capital, Genoa
— Li·gu·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Ligurian Sea arm of the Mediterranean N of Corsica

Li·lon·gwe \li-ˈlȯŋ-wā\ city, capital of Malawi

Li·ma \ˈlē-mə\ city, capital of Peru

Lim·a·vady \ˌlim-ə-ˈvad-ē\ district NW Northern Ireland

Lim·po·po \lim-ˈpō-pō\
1 river 1000 mi. (1609 km.) long Africa flowing from Republic of South Africa into Indian Ocean in Mozambique
2 or formerly Northern province NE Republic of South Africa

Lin·coln \ˈliŋ-kən\
1 city, capital of Nebraska
2 city E England

Lin·coln·shire \ˈliŋ-kən-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Lincoln county E England

Line \ˈlīn\ islands Kiribati S of Hawaii; formerly divided between U.S. & United Kingdom

Lis·bon \ˈliz-bən\ or Portuguese Lis·boa \lēzh-ˈvō-ə\ city, capital of Portugal

Lis·burn \ˈliz-(ˌ)bərn\ district E Northern Ireland

Lith·u·a·nia \ˌlith-(y)ə-ˈwā-nē-ə, -nyə\ country E Europe; capital, Vilnius; a republic of U.S.S.R. 1940–91

Lit·tle Rock \ˈlit-əl-ˌräk\ city, capital of Arkansas

Liv·er·pool \ˈliv-ər-ˌpül\ city NW England

Li·vo·nia \lə-ˈvō-nē-ə, -nyə\ city SE Michigan

Lju·blja·na \lē-ˌü-blē-ˈän-ə\ city, capital of Slovenia

Llan·drin·dod Wells \hlan-ˈdrin-ˌdȯd-, lan-\ town E Wales

Lla·no Es·ta·ca·do \ˈlan-(ˌ)ō-ˌes-ta-ˈkäd-ō, ˈlän-\ or Staked Plain \ˈstāk(t)-\ plateau region SE New Mexico & NW Texas

Lo·bam·ba \lō-ˈbäm-bə\ town, legislative capital of Eswatini

Lodz \ˈlüj, ˈlädz\ city central Poland WSW of Warsaw

Lo·fo·ten \ˈlō-ˌfōt-ən\ islands NW Norway

Lo·gan, Mount \ˈlō-gən\ mountain 19,551 ft. (5959 m.) NW Canada in Saint Elias Range; highest in Canada & second highest in North America

Loire \lə-ˈwär\ river 634 mi. (1020 km.) long central France flowing NW & W into Bay of Biscay

Lo·mé \lō-ˈmā\ city, capital of Togo

Lo·mond, Loch \-ˈlō-mənd\ lake S central Scotland

Lon·don \ˈlən-dən\
1 city SE Ontario, Canada
2 city, capital of England & of United Kingdom on the Thames; consists of City of London & Greater London metropolitan county
— Lon·don·er \-də-nər\ n

Londonderry — see DERRY

Long Beach city SW California S of Los Angeles

Long Island island 118 mi. (190 km.) long SE New York S of Connecticut

Long Island Sound inlet of the Atlantic between Connecticut & Long Island, New York

Lon·gueuil \lȯŋ-ˈgā(ə)l\ city Canada in S Quebec E of Montreal

Lor·raine \lə-ˈrān, lȯ-\ region NE France

Los An·ge·les \lȯ-ˈsan-jə-ləs also -ˈsaŋ-g(ə-)ləs\ city SW California

Lou·ise, Lake \lu̇-ˈēz\ lake SW Alberta, Canada

Lou·i·si·ana \lu̇-ˌē-zē-ˈan-ə, ˌlü-ə-zē-, ˌlü-zē-\ state S U.S.; capital, Baton Rouge
— Lou·i·si·an·ian \-ˈan-ē-ən, -ˈan-yən\ or Lou·i·si·an·an \-ˈan-ən\ adj or n

Louisiana Purchase area W central U.S. between Rocky Mountains & the Mississippi purchased 1803 from France

Lou·is·ville \ˈlü-i-ˌvil, -vəl\ city N Kentucky on the Ohio River

Low Countries region W Europe consisting of modern Belgium, Luxembourg, & the Netherlands

Low·ell \ˈlō-əl\ city NE Massachusetts NW of Boston

Lower 48 the continental states of the U.S. excluding Alaska

Low·lands \ˈlō-lən(d)z, -ˌlan(d)z\ the central & E part of Scotland

Lu·an·da \lu̇-ˈan-də\ city, capital of Angola

Lub·bock \ˈləb-ək\ city NW Texas

Lu·bum·ba·shi \ˌlü-büm-ˈbäsh-ē\ city SE Democratic Republic of the Congo

Luck·now \ˈlək-ˌnau̇\ city N India ESE of Delhi

Lüda or Lü–ta — see DALIAN

Lu·ray Caverns \ˈlü-ˌrā, lü-ˈrā\ series of caves N Virginia

Lu·sa·ka \lü-ˈsäk-ə\ city, capital of Zambia

Lü·shun \ˈlü-ˈshu̇n\ or Port Ar·thur \ˈär-thər\ seaport NE China; part of greater Dalian

Lu·ton \ˈlüt-ən\ town SE central England

Lux·em·bourg or German Lux·em·burg \ˈlək-səm-ˌbərg, ˈlu̇k-səm-ˌbu̇(ə)rg\
1 country W Europe bordered by Belgium, France, & Germany
2 city, its capital
— Lux·em·bourg·er \-ˌbər-gər, -ˌbu̇r-\ n

— Lux·em·bourg·ian \ˌlək-səm-ˈbər-gē-ən, ˌlu̇k-səm-ˈbu̇r-\ adj

Lu·zon \lü-ˈzän\ island N Philippines

L'viv \lə-ˈvē-ü, -ˈvēf\ or L'vov \lə-ˈvȯf, -ˈvȯv\ or Polish Lwów \lə-ˈvüf, -ˈvüv\ city W Ukraine

Lyallpur — see FAISALABAD

Lyd·ia \ˈlid-ē-ə\ ancient country W Asia Minor on the Aegean
— Lyd·i·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Lynn \ˈlin\ city NE corner of Massachusetts

Lyon \ˈlyōn\ or Ly·ons \lē-ˈōn, ˈlī-ənz\ city SE central France

Ma·cao or Portuguese Ma·cau \mə-ˈkau̇\ or Chinese Ao·men \ˈau̇-ˈmən\
1 special administrative region on coast of SE China W of Hong Kong
2 city, its capital
— Mac·a·nese \ˌmak-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ n

Mac·e·do·nia \ˌmas-ə-ˈdō-nyə, -nē-ə\
1 region S Europe in Balkan Peninsula in NE Greece, the former Yugoslav section & now independent country of North Macedonia, & SW Bulgaria including territory of ancient kingdom of Macedonia (Mac*e*don \ˈmas-əd-ən, -ə-ˌdän\ )
2 — see NORTH MACEDONIA
— Mac·e·do·nian \ˌmas-ə-ˈdō-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj or n

Mac·gil·li·cud·dy's Reeks \mə-ˌgil-ə-ˌkəd-ēz-ˈrēks\ mountains SW Ireland; highest Carrantuohill 3414 ft. (1041 m.)

Ma·chu Pic·chu \ˌmäch-ü-ˈpēk-chü\ site SE Peru of ancient Inca city

Mac·ken·zie \mə-ˈken-zē\
1 river 1120 mi. (1802 km.) long NW Canada flowing from Great Slave Lake NW into Beaufort Sea
2 former district NW Canada in W Northwest Territories in basin of Mackenzie River; area now split between Northwest Territories & Nunavut

Mack·i·nac, Straits of \ˈmak-ə-ˌnak, -ˌnȯ\ channel N Michigan connecting Lake Huron & Lake Michigan

Ma·con \ˈmā-kən\ city central Georgia

Mad·a·gas·car \ˌmad-ə-ˈgas-kər\ or formerly Mal·a·gasy Re·public \ˌmal-ə-ˌgas-ē\ island country W Indian Ocean off SE Africa; capital, Antananarivo
— Mad·a·gas·can \ˌmad-ə-ˈgas-kən\ adj or n

Ma·dei·ra \mə-ˈdir-ə, -ˈder-\
1 river 2013 mi. (3239 km.) long W Brazil flowing NE into the Amazon
2 islands in the North Atlantic N of the Canary Islands belonging to Portugal
3 island; chief of the Madeira group
— Ma·dei·ran \-ən\ adj or n

Ma·di·nat ash Sha'b \mə-ˈdē-ˌnət-ash-ˈshab\ city S Yemen

Mad·i·son \ˈmad-ə-sən\ city, capital of Wisconsin

Ma·dras \mə-ˈdras, -ˈdräs\ or Chen·nai \ˈchen-ˌī\ city SE India

Ma·drid \mə-ˈdrid\ city, capital of Spain

Ma·du·rai \ˌmäd-ə-ˈrī\ city S India

Ma·gel·lan, Strait of \mə-ˈjel-ən\ strait at S end of South America between mainland & Tierra del Fuego

Magh·er·a·felt \ˈmär-ə-ˌfelt, ˈmaḵ-ə-rə-ˌfelt\ district central Northern Ireland

Maid·stone \ˈmād-stən, -ˌstōn\ town SE England

Main \ˈmīn, ˈmān\ river 325 mi. (523 km.) long S central Germany flowing W into the Rhine

Maine \ˈmān\ state NE U.S.; capital, Augusta
— Main·er \ˈmā-nər\ n

Ma·jor·ca \mə-ˈjȯr-kə, -ˈyȯr-\ or Spanish Ma·llor·ca \mə-ˈyȯr-kə\ island Spain in W Mediterranean
— Ma·jor·can \-ˈjȯr-kən, -ˈyȯr-\ adj or n

Ma·ju·ro \mə-ˈju̇r-ō\ atoll W Pacific; contains capital of Marshall Islands

Mal·a·bar Coast \ˈmal-ə-ˌbär\ region SW India on Arabian Sea

Ma·la·bo \mä-ˈlä-bō\ city, capital of Equatorial Guinea

Ma·lac·ca, Strait of \mə-ˈlak-ə, -ˈläk-\ channel between S Malay Peninsula & island of Sumatra

Ma·la·wi \mə-ˈlä-wē, -ˈlau̇-ē\ or formerly Ny·asa·land \nī-ˈas-ə-ˌland, nē-\ country SE Africa on Lake Malawi; an independent state since 1964; capital, Lilongwe
— Ma·la·wi·an \-ən\ adj or n

Malawi, Lake or Lake Ny·asa \nī-ˈas-ə, nē-\ lake SE Africa in Malawi, Mozambique, & Tanzania

Ma·lay \mə-ˈlā, ˈmā-lā\
1 archipelago SE Asia including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, Moluccas, & Timor; usually thought to include the Philippines & sometimes New Guinea
2 peninsula SE Asia divided between Thailand & Malaysia (country)

Ma·laya \mə-ˈlā-ə, mā-\
1 the Malay Peninsula
2 former country SE Asia on Malay Peninsula; since 1963 part of Malaysia

Ma·lay·sia \mə-ˈlā-zh(ē-)ə, -sh(ē-)ə\
1 the Malay Archipelago
2 the Malay Peninsula & Malay Archipelago
3 country SE Asia, a union of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, & (until 1965) Singapore; capital, Kuala Lumpur
— Ma·lay·sian \mə-ˈlā-zhən, -shən\ adj or n

Mal·dives \ˈmȯl-ˌdēvz, -ˌdīvz\ islands in Indian Ocean S of the Laccadives; formerly under British protection; since 1965 an independent country; capital on Ma*le Atoll \ˈmäl-ē\
— Mal·div·i·an \mȯl-ˈdiv-ē-ən\ adj or n

Ma·li \ˈmäl-ē, ˈmal-ē\ country W Africa; capital, Bamako
— Ma·li·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Mal·ta \ˈmȯl-tə\ islands in the Mediterranean S of Sicily; a former British colony; an independent country since 1964; capital, Valletta
— Maltese adj or n

Malvinas, Islas — see FALKLAND ISLANDS

Mam·moth Cave \ˌmam-əth\ limestone caverns SW central Kentucky

Man, Isle of \ˈman\ island British Isles in Irish Sea; has own legislature & laws

Ma·na·gua \mə-ˈnäg-wə\ city, capital of Nicaragua

Ma·na·ma \mə-ˈnam-ə\ city, capital of Bahrain

Man·ches·ter \ˈman-ˌches-tər, -chə-stər\
1 city S central New Hampshire; largest in state
2 city NW England in Greater Manchester

Man·chu·ria \man-ˈchu̇r-ē-ə\ region NE China S of the Amur
— Man·chu·ri·an \man-ˈchu̇r-ē-ən\ adj or n

Man·hat·tan \man-ˈhat-ən, mən-\
1 island SE New York in New York City
2 borough of New York City consisting chiefly of Manhattan Island

Ma·nila \mə-ˈnil-ə\ city, capital of Philippines in W Luzon

Man·i·to·ba \ˌman-ə-ˈtō-bə\ province central Canada; capital, Winnipeg
— Man·i·to·ban \-ˈtō-bən\ adj or n

Man·i·tou·lin \ˌman-ə-ˈtü-lən\ island 80 mi. (129 km.) long S Ontario in Lake Huron

Ma·pu·to \mä-ˈpü-tō\ city, capital of Mozambique

Mar·a·cai·bo \ˌmar-ə-ˈkī-bō\ city NW Venezuela

Maracaibo, Lake extension of a gulf of the Caribbean NW Venezuela

Mar·a·thon \ˈmar-ə-ˌthän, -thən\ plain E Greece NE of Athens

Mar·i·ana \ˌmar-ē-ˈan-ə, ˌmer-\ islands W Pacific N of Caroline Islands; comprise Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands & Guam

Mariana Trench ocean trench W Pacific extending from SE of Guam to NW of Mariana Islands; deepest in world

Ma·rin·du·que \ˌmar-ən-ˈdü-kā, ˌmär-\ island central Philippines

Maritime Provinces the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, & Prince Edward Island & sometimes thought to include Newfoundland and Labrador

Ma·ri·u·pol' \ˌmar-ē-ˈü-ˌpȯl\ or 1949–89 Zhda·nov \zhə-ˈdän-əf\ city E Ukraine

Mar·ma·ra, Sea of \ˈmär-mə-rə\ sea NW Turkey connected with Black Sea by the Bosporus & with Aegean Sea by the Dardanelles

Marne \ˈmärn\ river 325 mi. (523 km.) long NE France flowing W into the Seine

Mar·que·sas \mär-ˈkā-zəz, -zəs, -səz, -səs\ islands South Pacific belonging to France
— Mar·que·san \-zən, -sən\ adj or n

Mar·ra·kech \mə-ˈräk-ish, ˌmar-ə-ˈkesh\ city central Morocco

Mar·seille \mär-ˈsā\ or Mar·seilles \mär-ˈsā, -ˈsā(ə)lz\ or ancient Mas·sil·ia \mə-ˈsil-ē-ə\ city SE France

Mar·shall Islands \ˈmär-shəl\ islands W Pacific E of the Carolines; formerly part of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; an independent republic in association with U.S.; capital, Majuro
— Mar·shall·ese \ˌmär-shə-ˈlēz, -ˈlēs\ adj or n

Mar·tha's Vineyard \ˌmär-thəz\ island SE Massachusetts off SW coast of Cape Cod WNW of Nantucket

Mar·ti·nique \ˌmärt-ən-ˈēk\ island West Indies in the Windward Islands; an overseas division of France; capital, Fort-de-France

Mary·land \ˈmer-ə-lənd\ state E U.S.; capital, Annapolis
— Mary·land·er \-lən-dər, -ˌlan-\ n

Mas·ba·te \mäz-ˈbät-ē\ island central Philippines

Mas·e·ru \ˈmaz-ə-ˌrü\ city, capital of Lesotho

Mash·had \mə-ˈshad\ city NE Iran

Ma·son–Dix·on Line \ˌmās-ən-ˈdik-sən\ boundary between Maryland & Pennsylvania; was in part boundary between free & slave states

Masqat — see MUSCAT

Mas·sa·chu·setts \ˌmas(-ə)-ˈchü-səts, -zəts\ state NE U.S.; capital, Boston

Mat·a·be·le·land \ˌmat-ə-ˈbē-lē-ˌland\ region SW Zimbabwe

Mat·lock \ˈmat-ˌläk\ town N England

Mat·ter·horn \ˈmat-ər-ˌhȯ(ə)rn, ˈmät-\ mountain 14,691 ft. (4478 m.) on border between Switzerland & Italy

Maui \ˈmau̇-ē\ island Hawaii NW of Hawaii Island

Mau·na Kea \ˌmau̇-nə-ˈkā-ə\ extinct volcano 13,796 ft. (4205 m.) Hawaii in N central Hawaii Island

Mau·na Loa \ˌmau̇-nə-ˈlō-ə\ volcano 13,680 ft. (4170 m.) Hawaii in S central Hawaii Island

Mau·re·ta·nia or Mau·ri·ta·nia \ˌmȯr-ə-ˈtā-nē-ə, ˌmär-, -nyə\ ancient country NW Africa in modern Morocco & W Algeria
— Mau·re·ta·ni·an \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj or n

Mauritania country NW Africa on the Atlantic N of Senegal River; capital, Nouakchott
— Mauritanian adj or n

Mau·ri·tius \mȯ-ˈrish-(ē-)əs\ island in Indian Ocean E of Madagascar; an independent country; capital, Port Louis
— Mau·ri·tian \-ˈrish-ən\ adj or n

May, Cape \ˈmā\ cape S New Jersey at entrance to Delaware Bay

Ma·yon, Mount \mä-ˈyōn\ volcano 8077 ft. (2462 m.) Philippines in SE Luzon

Ma·yotte \mä-ˈyät\ island Comoros; a French dependency

Ma·za·ma, Mount \mə-ˈzäm-ə\ prehistoric mountain SW Oregon the collapse of whose top formed Crater Lake

Mba·bane \ˌem-bə-ˈbän-ā\ town, administrative capital of Eswatini

Mbi·ni \em-ˈbē-nē\ or formerly Río Mu·ni \ˌrē-ō-ˈmü-nē\ mainland portion of Equatorial Guinea

Mc·Al·len \mə-ˈkal-ən\ city S Texas

Mc·Kin·ley, Mount \mə-ˈkin-lē\ or De·na·li \də-ˈnäl-ē\ mountain 20,320 ft. (6194 m.) S central Alaska in Alaska Range; highest in U.S. & North America

Mead, Lake \ˈmēd\ reservoir NW Arizona & SE Nevada formed by Hoover Dam in Colorado River

Mec·ca \ˈmek-ə\ city W Saudi Arabia containing the Great Mosque of Islam

Me·dan \mā-ˈdän\ city Indonesia in N Sumatra

Me·de·llín \ˌmed-əl-ˈēn, ˌmā-thə-ˈyēn\ city NW Colombia

Me·di·na \mə-ˈdē-nə\ city W Saudi Arabia

Med·i·ter·ra·nean \ˌmed-ə-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən, -nyən\ sea 2300 mi. (3700 km.) long between Europe & Africa connecting with the Atlantic through Strait of Gibraltar

Me·kong \ˈmā-ˈkȯŋ, -ˈkäŋ\ river 2600 mi. (4184 km.) long SE Asia flowing from E Tibet S & SE into South China Sea in S Vietnam

Mel·a·ne·sia \ˌmel-ə-ˈnē-zhə, -shə\ islands of the Pacific NE of Australia & S of Micronesia including Bismarck, the Solomons, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, & the Fijis

Mel·bourne \ˈmel-bərn\ city SE Australia, capital of Victoria

Mel·e·ke·ok \ˈmel-ə-ˌkā-ˌȯk\ town, capital of Palau

Me·los or Mi·los \ˈmē-ˌläs\ island Greece

Mel·ville \ˈmel-ˌvil\
1 island N Canada, split between Northwest Territories & Nunavut
2 peninsula Canada in Nunavut

Mem·phis \ˈmem(p)-fəs\
1 city SW Tennessee
2 ancient city N Egypt S of modern Cairo

Mem·phre·ma·gog, Lake \ˌmem-fri-ˈmā-ˌgäg\ lake on border between Canada (Quebec) & U.S. (Vermont)

Men·do·ci·no, Cape \ˌmen-də-ˈsē-nō\ cape NW California

Mer·cia \ˈmər-sh(ē-)ə\ ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom central England
— Mer·cian \ˈmər-shən\ adj or n

Mer·sey \ˈmər-zē\ river 70 mi. (113 km.) long NW England flowing NW & W into Irish Sea

Mer·sey·side \ˈmər-zē-ˌsīd\ metropolitan county NW England; includes Liverpool

Mer·ton \ˈmərt-ən\ borough of SW Greater London, England

Me·sa \ˈmā-sə\ city S central Arizona

Me·sa·bi Range \mə-ˈsäb-ē\ region NE Minnesota that contains iron ore

Mes·o·po·ta·mia \ˌmes-(ə-)pə-ˈtā-mē-ə, -myə\
1 region SW Asia between Euphrates & Tigris rivers
2 the entire Tigris-Euphrates valley
— Mes·o·po·ta·mian \-mē-ən, -myən\ adj or n

Mes·quite \mə-ˈskēt\ city NE Texas E of Dallas

Meuse \ˈmyüz, ˈmə(r)z\ river 580 mi. (933 km.) long W Europe flowing from NE France into North Sea in the Netherlands

Mex·i·co \ˈmek-si-ˌkō\
1 country S North America
2 or Mexico City city, its capital
— Mexican adj or n

Mexico, Gulf of inlet of the Atlantic SE North America

Mi·ami \mī-ˈam-ē, -ˈam-ə\ city & port SE Florida

Miami Beach city SE Florida

Mich·i·gan \ˈmish-i-gən\ state N central U.S.; capital, Lansing
— Mich·i·gan·der \ˌmish-i-ˈgan-dər\ n

— Mich·i·ga·ni·an \-ə-ˈgā-nē-ən, -ˈgan-ē-\ n

— Mich·i·gan·ite \ˈmish-i-gə-ˌnīt\ n

Michigan, Lake lake N central U.S.; one of the Great Lakes

Mi·cro·ne·sia \ˌmī-krə-ˈnē-zhə, -shə\ islands of the W Pacific E of the Philippines & N of Melanesia including Caroline, Kiribati, Mariana, & Marshall groups
— Mi·cro·ne·sian \-zhən, -shən\ adj or n

Micronesia, Federated States of islands W Pacific in the Carolines; part of former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; a republic in association with U.S.; capital, Palikir

Middle East the countries of SW Asia & N Africa — usually thought to include the countries extending from Libya on the W to Afghanistan on the E
— Middle Eastern adj

Mid·dles·brough \ˈmid-əlz-brə\ town N England

Middle West — see MIDWEST

Mid·i·an \ˈmid-ē-ən\ ancient region NW Arabia E of Gulf of Aqaba
— Mid·i·an·ite \-ē-ə-ˌnīt\ n

Mid·lands \ˈmid-lən(d)z\ the central counties of England

Mid·way \ˈmid-ˌwā\ islands central Pacific in Hawaiian group 1300 mi. (2092 km.) WNW of Honolulu belonging to U.S.; not included in state of Hawaii

Mid·west \ˌmid-ˈwest\ or Middle West region N central U.S. including area around Great Lakes & in upper Mississippi valley from Ohio on the E to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, & Kansas on the W
— Mid·wes·tern \ˌmid-ˈwes-tərn\ or Middle Western adj

— Mid·wes·tern·er \ˌmid-ˈwes-tə(r)-nər\ or Middle Westerner n

Mi·lan \mə-ˈlan, -ˈlän\ or Italian Mi·la·no \mi-ˈlän-ō\ city NW Italy
— Mil·a·nese \ˌmil-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Mil·wau·kee \mil-ˈwȯ-kē\ city SE Wisconsin on Lake Michigan

Mi·nas Basin \ˌmī-nəs\ bay central Nova Scotia; NE extension of Bay of Fundy

Min·da·nao \ˌmin-də-ˈnä-ō, -ˈnau̇\ island S Philippines

Min·do·ro \min-ˈdōr-ō, -ˈdȯr-\ island central Philippines

Min·ne·ap·o·lis \ˌmin-ē-ˈap-(ə-)ləs\ city SE Minnesota

Min·ne·so·ta \ˌmin-ə-ˈsōt-ə\ state N central U.S.; capital, Saint Paul
— Min·ne·so·tan \-ˈsōt-ən\ adj or n

Mi·nor·ca \mə-ˈnȯr-kə\ island Spain in W Mediterranean
— Mi·nor·can \mə-ˈnȯr-kən\ adj or n

Minsk \ˈmin(t)sk\ city, capital of Belarus

Mis·sis·sau·ga \ˌmīs-ə-ˈsȯg-ə\ city Canada in S Ontario

Mis·sis·sip·pi \ˌmis-(ə-)ˈsip-ē\
1 river 2340 mi. (3765 km.) long central U.S. flowing into Gulf of Mexico — see ITASCA (LAKE)
2 state S U.S.; capital, Jackson

Mis·sou·ri \mə-ˈzu̇r-ē, -ˈzu̇r-ə\
1 river 2466 mi. (3968 km.) long W U.S. flowing from SW Montana to the Mississippi in E Missouri (state)
2 state central U.S.; capital, Jefferson City
— Mis·sou·ri·an \-ˈzu̇r-ē-ən\ adj or n

Mitch·ell, Mount \ˈmich-əl\ mountain 6684 ft. (2037 m.) W North Carolina in the Appalachians; highest in U.S. E of the Mississippi

Mo·bile \mō-ˈbē(ə)l, ˈmō-ˌbēl\ city SW Alabama on Mobile Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico)

Mo·des·to \mə-ˈdəs-tō\ city central California

Mog·a·di·shu \ˌmäg-ə-ˈdish-ü, -ˈdēsh-\ or Mog·a·di·scio \-ō\ city, capital of Somalia

Mo·hawk \ˈmō-ˌhȯk\ river E central New York flowing into the Hudson

Mo·hen·jo Da·ro \mō-ˌhen-jō-ˈdär-ō\ prehistoric city in valley of the Indus NE of modern Karachi, Pakistan

Mo·ja·ve or Mo·ha·ve \mə-ˈhäv-ē\ desert S California SE of S end of Sierra Nevada

Mold \ˈmōld\ town NE Wales

Mol·da·via \mäl-ˈdā-vē-ə, -vyə\
1 region E Europe in NE Romania & Moldova
2 former republic of U.S.S.R. bordered by Ukraine, Black Sea, & Romania; became independent (as Moldova) 1991
— Mol·da·vian \-vē-ən, -vyən\ adj or n

Mol·do·va \mäl-ˈdō-və, mȯl-\ country E Europe in E Moldavia region; capital, Chisinau
— Mol·do·van \-vən\ adj or n

Mol·o·kai \ˌmäl-ə-ˈkī, ˌmō-lə-\ island Hawaii ESE of Oahu

Mo·luc·cas \mə-ˈlək-əz\ islands Indonesia E of Sulawesi
— Mo·luc·ca \mə-ˈlək-ə\ adj

— Mo·luc·can \-ən\ adj or n

Mom·ba·sa \mäm-ˈbäs-ə\ city & port S Kenya

Mo·na·co \ˈmän-ə-ˌkō also mə-ˈnäk-ō\ country W Europe on Mediterranean coast of France; capital, Monaco
— Mo·na·can \ˈmän-ə-kən, mə-ˈnäk-ən\ adj or n

— Mon·e·gasque \ˌmän-i-ˈgask\ n

Mon·go·lia \män-ˈgōl-yə, mäŋ-, -ˈgō-lē-ə\
1 region E Asia E of Altai Mountains; includes Gobi Desert
2 country E Asia consisting of major portion of Mongolia region; capital, Ulaanbaatar

Mo·non·ga·he·la \mə-ˌnän-gə-ˈhē-lə, -ˌnäŋ-gə-, -ˈhā-lə\ river N West Virginia & SW Pennsylvania

Mon·ro·via \(ˌ)mən-ˈrō-vē-ə\ city, capital of Liberia

Mon·tana \män-ˈtan-ə\ state NW U.S.; capital, Helena
— Mon·tan·an \-ən\ adj or n

Mont Blanc \ˈmōn-ˈbläŋ(k)\ mountain 15,771 ft. (4807 m.) SE France on Italian border; highest in the Alps

Mon·te·ne·gro \ˌmän-tə-ˈnē-(ˌ)grō, -ˈnā-\ country S Europe on the Adriatic Sea; capital, Podgorica; a republic of Yugoslavia 1946–92

Mon·ter·rey \ˌmänt-ə-ˈrā\ city NE Mexico

Mon·te·vi·deo \ˌmänt-ə-və-ˈdā-ō, -ˈvid-ē-ˌō\ city, capital of Uruguay

Mont·gom·ery \(ˌ)mən(t)-ˈgəm-(ə-)rē, män(t)-, -ˈgäm-\ city, capital of Alabama

Mont·pe·lier \mänt-ˈpēl-yər, -ˈpil-\ city, capital of Vermont

Mon·tre·al \ˌmän-trē-ˈȯl, ˌmən-\ city S Quebec, Canada on Montreal Island in the Saint Lawrence

Mont·ser·rat \ˌmän(t)-sə-ˈrat\ island British West Indies in the Leeward Islands

Mo·ra·via \mə-ˈrā-vē-ə\ region E Czech Republic
— Mo·ra·vi·an \mə-ˈrā-vē-ən\ adj or n

Mo·re·no Valley \mə-ˈrē-nō\ city S California

Mo·roc·co \mə-ˈräk-ō\ country NW Africa; a kingdom; capital, Rabat
— Mo·roc·can \-ˈräk-ən\ adj or n

Mo·ro·ni \mȯ-ˈrō-nē\ city, capital of Comoros

Mos·cow \ˈmäs-ˌkau̇, -kō\ or Russian Mos·kva \mäsk-ˈvä\ city, capital of Russia & formerly of U.S.S.R.

Mo·selle \mō-ˈzel\ river about 340 mi. (545 km.) long E France & W Germany

Moyle \ˈmȯi(ə)l\ district N Northern Ireland

Mo·zam·bique \ˌmō-zəm-ˈbēk\
1 channel SE Africa between Mozambique (country) & Madagascar
2 country SE Africa; capital, Maputo
— Mo·zam·bi·can \-ˈbē-kən\ adj or n

Mpu·ma·lan·ga \əm-ˌpü-mä-ˈläŋ-gə\ province NE Republic of South Africa

Mukden — see SHENYANG

Mul·tan \mu̇l-ˈtän\ city NE Pakistan SW of Lahore

Mum·bai \ˈməm-ˌbī\ or formerly Bom·bay \bäm-ˈbā\ city & port W India

Mu·nich \ˈmyü-nik\ or German Mün·chen \ˈm(y)ün-ḵən\ city S Germany in Bavaria

Mun·ster \ˈmən(t)-stər\ province S Ireland

Mur·cia \ˈmər-sh(ē-)ə\ region & ancient kingdom SE Spain
— Mur·cian \-shən\ adj or n

Mur·ray \ˈmər-ē, ˈmə-rē\ river 1609 mi. (2589 km.) long SE Australia flowing W from E Victoria into Indian Ocean in South Australia — see DARLING

Mur·rum·bidg·ee \ˌmər-əm-ˈbij-ē, ˌmə-rəm-\ river almost 1000 mi. (1609 km.) long SE Australia in New South Wales flowing W into the Murray

Mus·cat \ˈməs-ˌkät, -ˌkat, -kət\ or Mas·qat \ˈməs-ˌkät\ city E Arabia, capital of Oman

Myan·mar \ˈmyän-ˌmär\ or unofficially Bur·ma \ˈbər-mə\ country SE Asia; capital, Nay Pyi Taw; historic capital, Yangon (Rangoon)

My·ce·nae \mī-ˈsē-nē\ ancient city S Greece in NE Peloponnese

My·sore \mī-ˈsō(ə)r, -ˈsȯ(ə)r\ city S India

Nab·a·taea or Nab·a·tea \ˌnab-ə-ˈtē-ə\ ancient Arab kingdom SE of Palestine
— Nab·a·tae·an or Nab·a·te·an \-ˈtē-ən\ adj or n

Na·goya \nə-ˈgȯi-ə, ˈnäg-ə-ˌyä\ city Japan in S central Honshu

Nag·pur \ˈnäg-ˌpu̇(ə)r\ city E central India

Nai·ro·bi \nī-ˈrō-bē\ city, capital of Kenya

Na·mib·ia \nə-ˈmib-ē-ə\ or formerly South–West Africa country SW Africa on the Atlantic; capital, Windhoek
— Na·mib·ian \-ən\ adj or n

Nan·chang \ˈnän-ˈjäŋ\ city SE China

Nan·jing \ˈnän-ˈjiŋ\ or Nan·king \ˈnan-ˈkiŋ, ˈnän-\ city E China

Nan·tuck·et \nan-ˈtək-ət\ island SE Massachusetts S of Cape Cod

Na·per·ville \ˈnā-pər-ˌvil\ city NE Illinois W of Chicago

Na·ples \ˈnā-pəlz\ or Italian Na·po·li \ˈnäp-ə-lē\ or ancient Ne·ap·o·lis \nē-ˈap-ə-ləs\ city & port S Italy on Bay of Naples
— Ne·a·pol·i·tan \ˌnē-ə-ˈpäl-ət-ən\ adj or n

Nar·ra·gan·sett Bay \ˌnar-ə-ˈgan(t)-sət\ inlet of the Atlantic SE Rhode Island

Nash·ville \ˈnash-ˌvil, -vəl\ city, capital of Tennessee

Nas·sau \ˈnas-ˌȯ\ city, capital of Bahamas

Na·tal \nə-ˈtal, -ˈtäl\ former province E Republic of South Africa

Na·u·ru \nä-ˈü-rü\ island W Pacific S of the Equator; formerly a shared British, New Zealand, & Australian trust territory; an independent country since 1968
— Na·u·ru·an \-ˈü-rə-wən\ adj or n

Nay Pyi Taw or Nay·pyi·daw \ˈnep-yē-ˌdȯ\ city, capital of Myanmar

Naz·a·reth \ˈnaz-(ə-)rəth\ town of ancient Palestine in central Galilee; now a city of N Israel

N'Dja·me·na \en-ˈjäm-ə-nə\ city, capital of Chad

Neagh, Lough \läḵ-ˈnā\ lake Northern Ireland

Near East the countries of NE Africa & SW Asia
— Near Eastern adj

Ne·bras·ka \nə-ˈbras-kə\ state central U.S.; capital, Lincoln
— Ne·bras·kan \-kən\ adj or n

Neg·ev \ˈneg-ˌev\ desert region S Israel

Ne·gro \ˈnā-grō, ˈne-\ river 1400 mi. (2253 km.) long in E Colombia & N Brazil flowing into the Amazon

Ne·gros \ˈnā-(ˌ)grōs\ island central Philippines

Ne·pal \nə-ˈpȯl, -ˈpäl, -ˈpal\ country Asia on NE border of India in the Himalayas; capital, Kathmandu
— Nep·a·lese \ˌnep-ə-ˈlēz, -ˈlēs\ adj or n

— Ne·pali \nə-ˈpȯl-ē, -ˈpäl-, -ˈpal-\ adj or n

Ness, Loch \ˈnes\ lake NW Scotland

Neth·er·lands \ˈneth-ər-lən(d)z\
1 or the Netherlands or Dutch Ne·der·land \ˈnād-ər-ˌlänt\ also Holland country NW Europe on North Sea; a kingdom; capital, Amsterdam; seat of government, The Hague
2 LOW COUNTRIES — a historical usage
— Neth·er·land \ˈneth-ər-lənd\ adj

— Neth·er·land·er \-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ n

— Neth·er·land·ish \-dish\ adj

Netherlands Antilles islands of the West Indies, formerly an overseas territory of the Netherlands; capital, Willemstad

Netherlands Indies former Dutch possessions in the East Indies including Indonesia

Ne·va \ˈnē-və, ˈnā-\ river 40 mi. (64 km.) long W Russia; flows through Saint Petersburg

Ne·vada \nə-ˈvad-ə, -ˈväd-ə\ state W U.S.; capital, Carson City
— Ne·vad·an \-ˈvad-ən, -ˈväd-ən\ adj or n

Ne·vis \ˈnē-vəs\ island West Indies in the Leeward Islands — see SAINT KITTS

New Amsterdam town founded 1625 on island of Manhattan by the Dutch; renamed New York 1664 by the British

New·ark \ˈn(y)ü-ərk, ˈn(y)u̇(-ə)rk\ city NE New Jersey W of New York City

New Britain island W Pacific in Bismarck group

New Bruns·wick \-ˈbrənz-(ˌ)wik\ province SE Canada; capital, Fredericton

New Cal·e·do·nia \-ˌkal-ə-ˈdō-nyə, -nē-ə\ island SW Pacific SW of Vanuatu; an overseas department of France; capital, Nouméa

New·cas·tle \ˈn(y)ü-ˌkas-əl\ city SE Australia in E New South Wales

Newcastle or New·cas·tle up·on Tyne \n(y)ü-ˈkas-əl-ə-ˌpȯn-ˈtīn\ city N England

New Del·hi \-ˈdel-ē\ city, capital of India S of Delhi

New England section of NE U.S. consisting of states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, & Connecticut
— New En·gland·er \ˈiŋ-glən-dər also ˈiŋ-lən-\ n

New·found·land \ˈn(y)ü-fən-(d)lənd, -ˌ(d)land; ˌn(y)ü-fən-ˈ(d)land\ island Canada in the Atlantic
— New·found·land·er \-(d)lən-dər, -ˈ(d)lan-dər\ n

Newfoundland and Labrador province E Canada consisting of Newfoundland Island and Labrador; capital, Saint John's

New France the possessions of France in North America before 1763

New Guin·ea \ˈgin-ē\
1 island W Pacific N of E Australia divided between Indonesia & independent Papua New Guinea
2 the NE portion of the island of New Guinea together with some nearby islands; now part of Papua New Guinea
— New Guin·e·an \-ˈgin-ē-ən\ adj or n

New·ham \ˈn(y)ü-əm\ borough of E Greater London, England

New Hamp·shire \ˈham(p)-shər, -ˌshi(ə)r\ state NE U.S.; capital, Concord
— New Hamp·shire·man \-mən\ n

— New Hamp·shir·ite \-ˌīt\ n

New Ha·ven \-ˈhā-vən\ city S Connecticut

New Hebrides — see VANUATU

New Jer·sey \ˈjər-zē\ state E U.S.; capital, Trenton
— New Jer·sey·an \-ən\ n

— New Jer·sey·ite \-ˌīt\ n

New Mex·i·co \ˈmek-si-ˌkō\ state SW U.S.; capital, Santa Fe
— New Mex·i·can \-si-kən\ adj or n

New Neth·er·land \-ˈneth-ər-lənd\ former Dutch colony (1613–64) North America along Hudson & lower Delaware rivers; capital, New Amsterdam

New Or·leans \-ˈȯr-lē-ənz, -ˈȯrl-(y)ənz, -(ˌ)ȯr-ˈlēnz\ city SE Louisiana

New·port \ˈn(y)ü-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\
1 town S England in Isle of Wight
2 city SE Wales

Newport News \ˌn(y)ū-ˌpōrt-ˈn(y)üz, -ˌpȯrt-, -pərt-\ city SE Virginia

New Prov·i·dence \-ˈpräv-əd-ən(t)s, -ə-ˌden(t)s\ island NW central Bahamas; chief town, Nassau

New·ry and Mourne \ˈn(y)u̇(ə)r-ē-ənd-ˈmȯrn\ district S Northern Ireland

New South Wales state SE Australia; capital, Sydney

New Spain former Spanish possessions in North America, Central America, West Indies, & the Philippines; capital, Mexico City

New Sweden former Swedish colony (1638–55) North America on W bank of Delaware River

New·town·ab·bey \ˌn(y)üt-ən-ˈab-ē\ district E Northern Ireland

New·town·ards \ˌn(y)üt-ən-ˈärdz\ town E Northern Ireland

Newtown Saint Bos·wells \sənt-ˈbäz-wəlz, -sānt-\ village S Scotland

New World the Western Hemisphere

New York \ˈyȯ(ə)rk\
1 state NE U.S.; capital, Albany
2 or New York City city SE New York (state)
— New York·er \ˈyȯr-kər\ n

New York State Barge Canal — see ERIE

New Zea·land \ˈzē-lənd\ country SW Pacific ESE of Australia; capital, Wellington
— New Zea·land·er \-lən-dər\ n

Ni·ag·a·ra Falls \(ˌ)nī-ˈag-(ə-)rə\ falls New York & Ontario in Niagara River (flowing N from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario)

Nia·mey \nē-ˈäm-ā, nyä-ˈmā\ city, capital of Niger

Ni·caea \nī-ˈsē-ə\ or Nice \ˈnīs\ ancient city W Bithynia; site at modern village in NW Turkey
— Ni·cae·an \nī-ˈsē-ən\ adj or n

— Ni·cene \ˈnī-ˌsēn, nī-ˈsēn\ adj

Ni·ca·ra·gua \ˌnik-ə-ˈräg-wə\
1 lake about 100 mi. (160 km.) long S Nicaragua
2 country Central America; capital, Managua
— Ni·ca·ra·guan \-wən\ adj or n

Nice \ˈnēs\ city & port SE France on the Mediterranean

Nic·o·bar \ˈnik-ə-ˌbär\ islands India in Bay of Bengal S of the Andamans

Nic·o·sia \ˌnik-ə-ˈsē-ə\ city, capital of Cyprus

Ni·ger \ˈnī-jər, nē-ˈzher\
1 river 2600 mi. (4184 km.) long W Africa flowing into Gulf of Guinea
2 country W Africa N of Nigeria; capital, Niamey
— Ni·ger·ien \ˌnī-ˌjir-ē-ˈen, nē-ˈzher-ē-ən\ adj or n

— Ni·ger·ois \ˌnē-zhər-ˈwä, -zher-\ n

Ni·ge·ria \nī-ˈjir-ē-ə\ country W Africa on Gulf of Guinea; capital, Abuja
— Ni·ge·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Nii·hau \ˈnē-ˌhau̇\ island Hawaii WSW of Kauai

Nile \ˈnī(ə)l\ river 4160 mi. (6693 km.) long E Africa flowing from Lake Victoria in Uganda N into the Mediterranean in Egypt

Nil·gi·ri \ˈnil-gə-rē\ hills S India

Nin·e·veh \ˈnin-ə-və\ ancient city, capital of Assyria; ruins in Iraq on the Tigris

Nip·i·gon, Lake \ˈnip-ə-ˌgän\ lake Canada in W Ontario N of Lake Superior

Nizh·niy Nov·go·rod \ˌnizh-nē-ˈnäv-gə-ˌräd, -ˈnȯv-gə-rət\ or 1932–89 Gor·ki \ˈgȯr-kē\ city W Russia

Nord–Ost·see \ˈnȯrt-ˈȯst-ˈzā\ or Kiel \ˈkēl\ canal 61 mi. (98 km.) long N Germany across base of Jutland Peninsula connecting Baltic Sea & North Sea

Nor·folk \ˈnȯr-fək, in the U.S. also -ˌfȯk\
1 city & port SE Virginia
2 county E England on North Sea

Nor·man·dy \ˈnȯr-mən-dē\ region NW France NE of Brittany

North
1 river, estuary of the Hudson between NE New Jersey & SE New York
2 sea, arm of the Atlantic E of Great Britain
3 island N New Zealand

North·al·ler·ton \nȯr-ˈthal-ərt-ən\ town N England

North America continent of Western Hemisphere NW of South America & N of the Equator
— North American adj or n

North·amp·ton \nȯrth-ˈ(h)am(p)-tən\ city central England

North·amp·ton·shire \nȯrth-ˈ(h)am(p)-tən-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Northampton county central England

North Cape cape New Zealand at N end of North Island

North Car·o·li·na \ˌkar-ə-ˈlī-nə\ state E U.S.; capital, Raleigh
— North Car·o·lin·ian \-ˈlin-ē-ən, -ˈlin-yən\ adj or n

North Da·ko·ta \də-ˈkōt-ə\ state N U.S.; capital, Bismarck
— North Da·ko·tan \-ˈkōt-ən\ adj or n

North Down district E Northern Ireland

Northern — see LIMPOPO 2

Northern Cape province W Republic of South Africa

Northern Cook \ˈku̇k\ islands S central Pacific N of Cook Islands

Northern Hemisphere the half of the earth that lies N of the Equator

Northern Ireland region N Ireland comprising 26 districts of Ulster; a division of United Kingdom; capital, Belfast

Northern Mar·i·ana Islands \ˌmar-ē-ˈan-ə-, ˌmer-\ islands W Pacific; commonwealth in association with U.S.; capital, Saipan

Northern Rhodesia — see ZAMBIA

Northern Territory territory N & central Australia; capital, Darwin

North Korea — see KOREA

North Las Vegas city SE Nevada

North Macedonia or formerly Macedonia independent country S central Balkan Peninsula; capital, Skopje; a former republic of Yugoslavia

North Slope region N Alaska between Brooks Range & Arctic Ocean

North·um·ber·land \nȯr-ˈthəm-bər-lənd\ county N England
— North·um·bri·an \-ˈthəm-brē-ən\ adj or n

North·um·bria \nȯr-ˈthəm-brē-ə\ ancient country Great Britain in what is now N England and S Scotland
— North·um·bri·an \-brē-ən\ adj or n

North Vietnam — see VIETNAM

North West province N Republic of South Africa

Northwest Passage sea passage between North Atlantic & North Pacific along N coast of North America

Northwest Territories territory NW Canada consisting of the area of the mainland north of 60° between Yukon & Nunavut; capital, Yellowknife

North York former city Canada in SE Ontario; now part of Toronto

North Yorkshire county N England

Nor·walk \ˈnȯr-ˌwȯk\ city SW California SE of Los Angeles

Nor·way \ˈnȯ(ə)r-ˌwā\ country N Europe in Scandinavia; a kingdom; capital, Oslo

Nor·wich \ˈnȯ(ə)r-(ˌ)wich; ˈnȯr-ich, ˈnär-\ city E England

Not·ting·ham \ˈnät-iŋ-əm, in the U.S. also -ˌham\ city N central England

Not·ting·ham·shire \ˈnät-iŋ-əm-shi(ə)r, -shər, in the U.S. also -ˌham-\ or Nottingham county N central England

Nouak·chott \nu̇-ˈäk-ˌshät\ city, capital of Mauritania

Nou·méa \nü-ˈmā-ə\ city, capital of New Caledonia

No·va Sco·tia \ˌnō-və-ˈskō-shə\ province SE Canada; capital, Halifax
— No·va Sco·tian \-ˈskō-shən\ adj or n

No·vo·kuz·netsk \ˌnō-(ˌ)vō-ku̇z-ˈnetsk\ city S Russia in Asia

No·vo·si·birsk \ˌnō-(ˌ)vō-sə-ˈbi(ə)rsk\ city S Russia in Asia

Nu·bia \ˈn(y)ü-bē-ə\ region NE Africa in Nile valley in S Egypt & N Sudan
— Nu·bi·an \-bē-ən\ adj or n

Nu·ku·a·lo·fa \ˌnü-kə-wə-ˈlȯ-fə\ seaport, capital of Tonga

Nu·mid·ia \n(y)u̇-ˈmid-ē-ə\ ancient country N Africa E of Mauretania in modern Algeria
— Nu·mid·i·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Nu·na·vut \ˈnü-nə-ˌvüt\ semiautonomous territory NE Canada; capital, Iqaluit

Nu·rem·berg \ˈnu̇r-əm-ˌbərg, ˈnyu̇r-\ or German Nürn·berg \ˈnrn-ˌberḵ\ city S Germany

Nur·sul·tan \ˌnu̇r-su̇l-ˈtän\ or formerly As·ta·na \äs-tä-ˈnä\ city, capital of Kazakhstan since 2019

Nuuk \ˈnük\ or Danish Godt·hab \ˈgȯt-ˌhȯp\ town, capital of Greenland on SW coast

Nyasa, Lake — see MALAWI (LAKE)

Nyasaland — see MALAWI

Oa·hu \ə-ˈwä-hü\ island Hawaii; site of Honolulu

Oak·land \ˈō-klənd\ city W California on San Francisco Bay E of San Francisco

Ob' \ˈäb, ˈȯb\ river over 2250 mi. (3620 km.) long W Russia in Asia flowing NW & N into Arctic Ocean

Oce·a·nia \ˌō-shē-ˈan-ē-ə, -ˈā-nē-ə\ lands of the central & S Pacific: Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia including New Zealand, & sometimes Australia & Malay Archipelago
— Oce·a·ni·an \-ˈan-ē-ən, -ˈā-nē-\ adj or n

Ocean·side \ˈō-shən-ˌsīd\ city SW California NNW of San Diego

Oder \ˈōd-ər\ or Odra \ˈȯ-drə\ river about 565 mi. (909 km.) long central Europe flowing from Silesia NW into Baltic Sea

Odes·sa \ō-ˈdes-ə\ city & port S Ukraine on Black Sea

Ohio \ō-ˈhī-ō\
1 river about 981 mi. (1578 km.) long E U.S. flowing from W Pennsylvania into the Mississippi
2 state E central U.S.; capital, Columbus
— Ohio·an \ō-ˈhī-ə-wən\ adj or n

Oka·ya·ma \ˌō-kə-ˈyäm-ə\ city Japan in W Honshu on Inland Sea

Okee·cho·bee, Lake \ˌō-kə-ˈchō-bē\ lake S central Florida

Oke·fe·no·kee \ˌō-kə-fə-ˈnō-kē\ swamp SE Georgia & NE Florida

Okhotsk, Sea of \ō-ˈkätsk\ inlet of the North Pacific E Russia in Asia

Oki·na·wa \ˌō-kə-ˈnä-wə, -ˈnau̇-ə\
1 islands Japan in central Ryukyus
2 island, chief of group
— Oki·na·wan \-ˈnä-wən, -ˈnau̇-ən\ adj or n

Okla·ho·ma \ˌō-klə-ˈhō-mə\ state S central U.S.; capital, Oklahoma City
— Okla·ho·man \-mən\ adj or n

Oklahoma City city, capital of Oklahoma

Old·ham \ˈōl-dəm\ city NW England

Old Point Comfort cape SE Virginia

Ol·du·vai Gorge \ˈōl-də-ˌvī\ canyon N Tanzania SE of Serengeti Plain; site of fossil beds

Old World the half of the earth to the E of the Atlantic Ocean including Europe, Asia, and Africa & especially the continent of Europe

Olym·pia \ə-ˈlim-pē-ə, ō-\
1 city, capital of Washington
2 plain S Greece in NW Peloponnese

Olym·pic \ə-ˈlim-pik, ō-\ mountains NW Washington on Olympic Peninsula; highest Mt. Olympus 7965 ft. (2428 m.)

Olym·pus \ə-ˈlim-pəs, ō-\ mountains NE Greece

Omagh \ˈō-mə\
1 district W Northern Ireland
2 town in Omagh district

Oma·ha \ˈō-mə-ˌhȯ, -ˌhä\
1 city E Nebraska on Missouri River
2 beach NW France in Normandy

Oman \ō-ˈmän, -ˈman\ country SW Asia in SE Arabia; a sultanate; capital, Muscat
— Omani \ō-ˈmän-ē, -ˈman-\ adj or n

Oman, Gulf of arm of Arabian Sea between Oman & SE Iran

Omsk \ˈȯm(p)sk, ˈäm(p)sk\ city SW Russia in Asia

On·tar·io \än-ˈter-ē-ˌō, -ˈtar-\
1 city SW California
2 province E Canada; capital, Toronto
— On·tar·i·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Ontario, Lake lake E central North America in U.S. & Canada; one of the Great Lakes

Oporto — see PORTO

Oran \ȯ-ˈrän\ city & port NW Algeria

Or·ange \ˈȯr-inj, ˈär-, -ənj\
1 city SW California
2 river 1300 mi. (2092 km.) long S Africa flowing W from Drakensberg Mountains into the Atlantic

Orange Free State — see FREE STATE

Or·e·gon \ˈȯr-i-gən, ˈär-, -ˌgän\ state NW U.S.; capital, Salem
— Or·e·go·nian \ˌȯr-i-ˈgō-nē-ən, ˌär-, -nyən\ adj or n

Oregon Trail pioneer route to the NW U.S. about 2000 mi. (3225 km.) long from Missouri to Washington

Ori·no·co \ˌōr-ə-ˈnō-kō, ˌȯr-\ river 1336 mi. (2150 km.) long Venezuela flowing into the Atlantic

Ork·ney \ˈȯrk-nē\ islands N Scotland

Or·lan·do \ȯr-ˈlan-dō\ city central Florida

Osa·ka \ō-ˈsäk-ə\ city Japan in S Honshu

Osh·a·wa \ˈäsh-ə-ˌwä\ city SE Ontario, Canada on Lake Ontario ENE of Toronto

Os·lo \ˈäz-lō, ˈäs-\ city, capital of Norway

Os·wie·cim \ˌȯsh-ˈfyen-chēm\ or German Ausch·witz \ˈau̇sh-ˌvits\ town S Poland W of Krakow

Ot·ta·wa \ˈät-ə-ˌwä, -wə, -ˌwȯ\
1 river 696 mi. (1120 km.) E Canada in SE Ontario & S Quebec flowing E into the Saint Lawrence
2 city, capital of Canada in SE Ontario on Ottawa River

Ottoman Empire \ˌät-ə-mən\ former Turkish sultanate in SE Europe, W Asia, & N Africa

Oua·ga·dou·gou \ˌwäg-ə-ˈdü-ˌgü\ city, capital of Burkina Faso

Outer Hebrides — see HEBRIDES

Over·land Park \ˈō-vər-lənd\ city NE Kansas S of Kansas City

Ox·ford \ˈäks-fərd\ city central England

Ox·ford·shire \ˈäks-fərd-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Oxford county central England

Ox·nard \ˈäk-ˌsnärd\ city SW California

Ozark Plateau \ˈō-ˌzärk\ or Ozark Mountains eroded plateau N Arkansas, S Missouri, & NE Oklahoma with E extension into S Illinois

Pa·cif·ic \pə-ˈsif-ik\ ocean extending from Arctic Circle to the Equator (North Pacific) and from the Equator to the Antarctic regions (South Pacific) & from W North America & W South America to E Asia & Australia
— Pacific adj

Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the grouping of islands in W Pacific formerly under U.S. administration: the Carolines & the Marshalls

Pacific Rim the countries bordering on or located in the Pacific Ocean — used especially of Asian countries on the Pacific

Pa·dang \ˈpä-ˌdäŋ\ city Indonesia in W Sumatra

Pa·dre \ˈpäd-rē, ˈpad-\ island 113 mi. (182 km.) long S Texas in Gulf of Mexico

Pa·go Pa·go \ˌpäŋ-(g)ō-ˈpäŋ-(g)ō, ˌpäg-ō-ˈpäg-ō\ town, capital of American Samoa on Tutuila Island

Painted Desert region N central Arizona

Pak·i·stan \ˈpak-i-ˌstan, ˌpäk-i-ˈstän\ country S Asia NW of India; until 1971 included also an E division E of India; capital, Islamabad — see EAST PAKISTAN
— Pak·i·stani \-ˈstan-ē, -ˈstän-ē\ adj or n

Pa·lau \pə-ˈlau̇\ or Be·lau \bə-\ island group W Pacific in the W Carolines; an independent country since 1994; capital, Melekeok
— Pa·lau·an \pə-ˈlau̇-ən\ n

Pa·la·wan \pə-ˈlä-wən, -ˌwän\ island W Philippines between South China & Sulu seas

Pa·lem·bang \ˌpäl-əm-ˈbäŋ\ city Indonesia in SE Sumatra

Pa·ler·mo \pə-ˈlər-mō, -ˈle(ə)r-\ city Italy, capital of Sicily

Pal·es·tine \ˈpal-ə-ˌstīn, -ˌstēn\ region SW Asia dating back to ancient times with unofficial, disputed, & fluctuating boundaries, but extending from E coast of the Mediterranean up to or beyond the Jordan River
— Pal·es·tin·ian \ˌpal-ə-ˈstin-ē-ən, -ˈstin-yən\ adj or n

Pa·li·kir \ˌpäl-ē-ˈkir\ town, capital of Federated States of Micronesia on Pohnpei Island

Pal·i·sades \ˌpal-ə-ˈsādz\ line of high cliffs 15 mi. (24 km.) long on W bank of the Hudson in SE New York & NE New Jersey

Palm·dale \ˈpäm-ˌdāl, ˈpälm-\ city SW California NE of Los Angeles

Pa·mirs \pə-ˈmi(ə)rz\ elevated mountainous region central Asia in E Tajikistan & on borders of China, India, Pakistan, & Afghanistan; many peaks over 20,000 ft. (6096 m.)

Pam·li·co Sound \ˈpam-li-ˌkō\ inlet of the North Atlantic E North Carolina between main part of the state & offshore islands

Pan·a·ma \ˈpan-ə-ˌmä, -ˌmȯ, ˌpan-ə-ˈmä, -ˈmȯ\
1 country S Central America
2 or Panama City city, its capital on the Pacific
3 canal 40 mi. (64 km.) long Panama connecting Atlantic & Pacific oceans
— Pan·a·ma·ni·an \ˌpan-ə-ˈmā-nē-ən\ adj or n

Panama, Isthmus of or formerly Isthmus of Dar·i·en \ˌdar-ē-ˈen\ strip of land central Panama connecting North America & South America

Panama Canal Zone — see CANAL ZONE

Pa·nay \pə-ˈnī\ island central Philippines

Pan·gaea \pan-ˈjē-ə\ ancient supercontinent that included almost all of Earth's land area

Pan·mun·jom or Pan·mun·jeom \ˌpän-ˌmu̇n-ˈjəm\ village on North Korea–South Korea border

Pao–t'ou — see BAOTOU

Pap·ua, Territory of \ˈpap-yə-wə, ˈpäp-ə-wə\ former British territory consisting of SE New Guinea & offshore islands; now part of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea country SW Pacific combining former territories of Papua & New Guinea; formerly a United Nations trust territory governed by Australia; independent since 1975; capital, Port Moresby

Par·a·guay \ˈpar-ə-ˌgwī, -ˌgwā\
1 river 1584 mi. (2549 km.) long central South America flowing from Brazil S into the Paraná in Paraguay
2 country central South America; capital, Asunción
— Par·a·guay·an \ˌpar-ə-ˈgwī-ən, -ˈgwā-\ adj or n

Par·a·mar·i·bo \ˌpar-ə-ˈmar-ə-ˌbō\ city, capital of Suriname

Pa·ra·ná \ˌpar-ə-ˈnä\ river about 2500 mi. (4022 km.) long central South America flowing S from Brazil into Argentina

Pa·ri·cu·tin \pə-ˈrē-kə-ˌtēn\
1 former village Mexico
2 volcano on site of former village of Paricutin

Par·is \ˈpar-əs\ city, capital of France
— Pa·ri·sian \pə-ˈrizh-ən, -ˈrēzh-\ adj or n

Par·nas·sus \pär-ˈnas-əs\ mountain central Greece

Par·os \ˈpar-ˌäs, ˈper-\ island Greece
— Par·i·an \ˈpar-ē-ən, ˈper-\ adj

Par·ra·mat·ta \ˌpar-ə-ˈmat-ə\ city SE Australia in New South Wales NW of Sydney

Par·thia \ˈpär-thē-ə\ ancient country SW Asia in NE modern Iran
— Par·thi·an \-thē-ən\ adj or n

Pas·a·de·na \ˌpas-ə-ˈdē-nə\
1 city SW California E of Glendale
2 city SE Texas

Pat·a·go·nia \ˌpat-ə-ˈgō-nyə, -nē-ə\ region South America S of about 40° S latitude in S Argentina & S tip of Chile; sometimes thought to include Tierra del Fuego
— Pat·a·go·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj or n

Pat·er·son \ˈpat-ər-sən\ city NE New Jersey

Pat·mos \ˈpat-məs\ island Greece SSW of Samos

Pat·na \ˈpət-nə\ city NE India on the Ganges

Pearl Harbor inlet Hawaii on S coast of Oahu W of Honolulu

Peking — see BEIJING

Pe·li·on \ˈpē-lē-ən\ mountain 5089 ft. (1551 m.) NE Greece

Pel·o·pon·nese \ˈpel-ə-pə-ˌnēz, -ˌnēs\ or Pel·o·pon·ni·sos \ˌpel-ə-pə-ˈnē-səs\ peninsula forming S part of mainland of Greece

Pem·broke Pines \ˈpem-ˌbrōk\ city SE Florida

Pen·nine Chain \ˈpen-ˌīn\ mountains N England; highest Cross Fell 2930 ft. (893 m.)

Penn·syl·va·nia \ˌpen(t)-səl-ˈvā-nyə, -nē-ə\ state E U.S.; capital, Harrisburg

People's Democratic Republic of Yemen — see YEMEN

Pe·o·ria \pē-ˈȯr-ē-ə, -ˈōr-\
1 town SW central Arizona
2 city N central Illinois

Per·ga·mum \ˈpər-gə-məm\ or Per·ga·mus \-məs\ ancient Greek kingdom including most of Asia Minor; at its height 263–133 B.C.; capital, Pergamum (in what is now W Turkey)

Perm \ˈpərm, ˈpe(ə)rm\ city E Russia in Europe

Pernambuco — see RECIFE

Persia — see IRAN

Per·sian Gulf \ˈpər-zhən\ arm of Arabian Sea between Iran & Arabia

Perth \ˈpərth\ city, capital of Western Australia

Pe·ru \pə-ˈrü\ country W South America; capital, Lima
— Pe·ru·vi·an \pə-ˈrü-vē-ən\ adj or n

Pe·ter·bor·ough \ˈpēt-ər-ˌbər-ə, -ˌbə-rə, -b(ə-)rə\ city central England

Pe·tra \ˈpē-trə, ˈpe-trə\ ancient city NW Arabia; site in SW Jordan

Petrograd — see SAINT PETERSBURG 2

Phil·a·del·phia \ˌfil-ə-ˈdel-fyə, -fē-ə\ city SE Pennsylvania
— Phil·a·del·phian \-fyən, -fē-ən\ adj or n

Phil·ip·pines \ˌfil-ə-ˈpēnz, ˈfil-ə-ˌpēnz\ island group approximately 500 mi. (805 km.) off SE coast of Asia; an independent country; capital, Manila
— Phil·ip·pine \-ˈpēn, -ˌpēn\ adj

Phnom Penh \(pə-)ˈnȯm-ˈpen, (pə-)ˈnäm-\ city, capital of Cambodia

Phoe·ni·cia \fi-ˈnish-(ē-)ə, -ˈnēsh-\ ancient country SW Asia on the Mediterranean in modern Syria & Lebanon

Phoe·nix \ˈfē-niks\ city, capital of Arizona

Phry·gia \ˈfrij-(ē-)ə\ ancient country W central Asia Minor

Pied·mont \ˈpēd-ˌmänt\ plateau region E U.S. E of the Appalachians between SE New York & NE Alabama
— Pied·mon·tese \ˌpēd-mən-ˈtēz, -(ˌ)män-, -ˈtēs\ adj or n

Pierre \ˈpi(ə)r\ city, capital of South Dakota

Pie·ter·mar·itz·burg \ˌpēt-ər-ˈmar-əts-ˌbərg\ city E Republic of South Africa

Pikes Peak \ˈpīks\ mountain 14,110 ft. (4301 m.) E central Colorado in a range of the Rockies

Pin·dus \ˈpin-dəs\ mountains W Greece; highest point 8136 ft. (2480 m.)

Pi·sa \ˈpē-zə\ city W central Italy W of Florence

Pit·cairn \ˈpit-ˌka(ə)rn, -ˌke(ə)rn\ island South Pacific; a British colony

Pitts·burgh \ˈpits-ˌbərg\ city SW Pennsylvania

Plac·id, Lake \ˈplas-əd\ lake NE New York

Pla·no \ˈplā-nō\ city NE Texas N of Dallas

Plov·div \ˈplȯv-ˌdif, -ˌdiv\ city S Bulgaria

Plym·outh \ˈplim-əth\
1 town SE Massachusetts
2 city & port SW England

Po \ˈpō\ river 405 mi. (652 km.) N Italy flowing into the Adriatic

Pod·go·ri·ca \ˈpȯd-ˌgȯr-ēt-sä\ city, capital of Montenegro

Po Hai — see BO HAI

Pohn·pei \ˈpōn-ˌpā\ island W Pacific in the E Carolines; part of Federated States of Micronesia

Po·land \ˈpō-lənd\ country central Europe on Baltic Sea; capital, Warsaw
— Pole n

Pol·y·ne·sia \ˌpäl-ə-ˈnē-zhə, -shə\ islands of the central & S Pacific including Hawaii, the Line, Tonga, Cook, & Samoa islands, & often New Zealand among others

Pom·er·a·nia \ˌpäm-ə-ˈrā-nē-ə, -nyə\ region N Europe on Baltic Sea; formerly in Germany, now mostly in Poland

Po·mo·na \ˈpə-ˈmō-nə\ city SW California E of Los Angeles

Pom·peii \päm-ˈpā, -ˈpā-ˌē\ ancient city S Italy SE of Naples destroyed 79 A.D. by eruption of Vesuvius
— Pom·pe·ian \-ˈpā-ən\ adj or n

Pon·ce \ˈpȯn(t)-sā\ city S Puerto Rico

Pon·ta Del·ga·da \ˌpän-tə-del-ˈgäd-ə, -ˈgad-\ city & port Portugal, largest in the Azores

Pont·char·train, Lake \ˈpän-chər-ˌtrān, ˌpän-chər-ˈtrān\ lake SE Louisiana N of New Orleans

Pon·tus \ˈpänt-əs\
1 ancient country NE Asia Minor
2 or Pontus Euxinus — see BLACK SEA
— Pon·tic \ˈpänt-ik\ adj or n

Poole \ˈpül\ town S England on English Channel

Po·po·ca·te·petl \ˌpō-pə-ˌkat-ə-ˈpet-əl\ volcano 17,887 ft. (5452 m.) SE central Mexico

Port Arthur — see LüSHUN

Port–au–Prince \ˌpōrt-ō-ˈprin(t)s, ˌport-\ city, capital of Haiti

Port Jack·son \ˈjak-sən\ inlet of South Pacific SE Australia in New South Wales; harbor of Sydney

Port·land \ˈpōrt-lənd, ˈpȯrt-\
1 city SW Maine; largest in state
2 city NW Oregon

Port Lou·is \ˈlü-əs, ˈlü-ē, lu̇-ˈē\ city, capital of Mauritius

Port Mores·by \ˈmō(ə)rz-bē, ˈmȯ(ə)rz-\ city, capital of Papua New Guinea

Por·to \ˈpȯr-tü\ or Opor·to \ō-ˈpȯrt-ō\ city & port NW Portugal

Por·to Ale·gre \ˌpōrt-ō-ə-ˈleg-rə, ˌpȯrt-\ city & port S Brazil

Port of Spain city NW Trinidad, capital of Trinidad and Tobago

Por·to–No·vo \ˌpōrt-ə-ˈnō-vō, ˌpȯrt-\ city, capital of Benin

Port Phil·lip Bay \ˈfil-əp\ inlet of South Pacific SE Australia in Victoria; harbor of Melbourne

Port Said \sä-ˈēd, ˈsīd\ city & port NE Egypt on the Mediterranean at N end of the Suez Canal

Ports·mouth \ˈpōrt-sməth, ˈpȯrt-\
1 city SE Virginia
2 city S England

Por·tu·gal \ˈpōr-chi-gəl, ˈpȯr-\ country SW Europe; capital, Lisbon

Portuguese India former Portuguese possession on W coast of India; became part of India 1962

Port–Vi·la \ˌpȯr-ˈvē-lä, -vē-ˈlä\ or Vi·la \ˈvē-lä, vē-ˈlä\ city, capital of Vanuatu

Po·to·mac \pə-ˈtō-mək, -mik\ river 287 mi. (462 km.) long flowing from West Virginia into Chesapeake Bay and forming boundary between Maryland & Virginia

Pough·keep·sie \pə-ˈkip-sē, pō-\ city & river port SE New York on the Hudson

Po·wys \ˈpō-əs\ administrative subdivision E central Wales

Prague \ˈpräg\ or Czech Pra·ha \ˈprä-hä\ city, capital of Czech Republic & formerly of Czechoslovakia

Praia \ˈprī-ə\ town, capital of Cape Verde

Prairie Provinces the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, & Saskatchewan

Pres·ton \ˈpres-tən\ town NW England

Pre·to·ria \pri-ˈtōr-ē-ə, -ˈtȯr-\ city Republic of South Africa, administrative capital of the country in municipality of Tshwane

Prib·i·lof \ˈprib-ə-ˌlȯf\ islands Alaska in Bering Sea

Prince Ed·ward Island \ˌed-wərd\ island SE Canada in Gulf of Saint Lawrence; a province; capital, Charlottetown

Prince Ru·pert's Land \ˈrü-pərts\ historical region N & W Canada consisting of drainage basin of Hudson Bay granted 1670 by King Charles II to Hudson's Bay Company

Prince·ton \ˈprin(t)-stən\ town W central New Jersey

Prín·ci·pe \ˈprin(t)-sə-pə\ island W Africa in Gulf of Guinea — see SãO TOMÉ AND PRíNCIPE

Pris·ti·na \ˈprēsh-tē-ˌnä\ town, capital of Kosovo

Pro·vence \prə-ˈvän(t)s\ region SE France on the Mediterranean

Prov·i·dence \ˈpräv-əd-ən(t)s, -ə-ˌden(t)s\ city, capital of Rhode Island

Pro·vo \ˈprō-vō\ city N central Utah

Prud·hoe Bay \ˈprü-dō\ inlet of Beaufort Sea N Alaska

Prus·sia \ˈprəsh-ə\ former kingdom &, later, state Germany; capital, Berlin
— Prus·sian \-ən\ adj or n

Pueb·lo \pü-ˈeb-lō, ˈpweb-, pyü-ˈeb-\ city SE central Colorado SSE of Colorado Springs

Puer·to Ri·co \ˌpōrt-ə-ˈrē-kō, ˌpȯrt-, ˌpwert-\ island West Indies E of Hispaniola; a self-governing commonwealth associated with U.S.; capital, San Juan
— Puer·to Ri·can \-ˈrē-kən\ adj or n

Pu·get Sound \ˌpyü-jət\ arm of the North Pacific W Washington

Pu·ne \ˈpü-nə\ city W India, ESE of Bombay

Pun·jab \ˌpən-ˈjäb, -ˈjab, ˈpen-ˌjäb, -ˌjab\ region in Pakistan & NW India in valley of the Indus

Pu·san \ˈpü-ˌsän\ or Bu·san \ˈbü-\ city SE South Korea

Pyong·yang or Pyeong·yang \ˈpyȯŋ-ˌyaŋ, ˈpyəŋ-, -ˌyäŋ\ city, capital of North Korea

Pyr·e·nees \ˈpir-ə-ˌnēz\ mountains on French–Spanish border extending from Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean; highest Pico de Aneto 11,168 ft. (3404 m.)

Qa·ra·ghan·dy \ˌkär-ə-ˈgän-dē\ or Ka·ra·gan·da \-də\ city central Kazakhstan

Qa·tar \ˈkät-ər, ˈgät-, ˈgət-\ independent country E Arabia on peninsula extending into Persian Gulf; capital, Doha
— Qa·tari \kə-ˈtär-ē, gə-\ adj or n

Qing·dao \ˈchiŋ-ˈdau̇\ or Tsing·tao \ˈchiŋ-ˈdau̇, ˈ(t)siŋ-\ city & port E China

Qi·qi·har \ˈchē-ˈchē-ˈhär\ or Ch'i–ch'i–ha–erh \ˈchē-ˈchē-ˈhä-ˈər\ city NE China

Que·bec \kwi-ˈbek, ki-\ or French Qué·bec \kā-ˈbek\
1 province E Canada
2 city, its capital, on the Saint Lawrence
— Que·bec·er or Que·beck·er \kwi-ˈbek-ər, ki-\ n

Queens \ˈkwēnz\ borough of New York City on Long Island E of Brooklyn

Queens·land \ˈkwēnz-ˌland, -lənd\ state NE Australia; capital, Brisbane
— Queens·land·er \-ər\ n

Que·zon City \ˈkā-ˌsȯn\ city Philippines in Luzon; formerly capital of the country

Qui·to \ˈkē-tō\ city, capital of Ecuador

Ra·bat \rə-ˈbät\ city, capital of Morocco

Rai·nier, Mount \rə-ˈni(ə)r, rā-\ mountain 14,410 ft. (4392 m.) W central Washington; highest in Cascade Range

Raj·pu·ta·na \ˌräj-pə-ˈtän-ə\ or Ra·ja·sthan \ˈräj-ə-ˌstän\ region NW India S of Punjab

Ra·leigh \ˈrȯ-lē, ˈräl-ē\ city, capital of North Carolina

Ran·cho Cu·ca·mon·ga \ˈran-chō-ˌkü-kə-ˈməŋ-gə\ city SW California

Rand — see WITWATERSRAND

Range·ley Lakes \ˈrānj-lē\ chain of lakes W Maine & N New Hampshire

Rangoon — see YANGON

Ra·wal·pin·di \ˌrä-wəl-ˈpin-dē, rau̇l-ˈpin-, rȯl-ˈpin-\ city NE Pakistan NNW of Lahore

Read·ing \ˈred-iŋ\ town S England

Re·ci·fe \rə-ˈsē-fə\ or formerly Per·nam·bu·co \ˌpər-nəm-ˈb(y)ü-kō, ˌper-nəm-ˈbü-\ city NE Brazil

Red \ˈred\
1 river 1018 mi. (1638 km.) long flowing E on Oklahoma–Texas boundary and into the Atchafalaya & the Mississippi in Louisiana
2 sea between Arabia & NE Africa

Red·bridge \ˈred-(ˌ)brij\ borough of NE Greater London, England

Re·gi·na \ri-ˈjī-nə\ city, capital of Saskatchewan, Canada

Re·no \ˈrē-nō\ city NW Nevada

Republic of the Congo — see CONGO 3

Ré·union \rē-ˈyün-yən\ island W Indian Ocean; an overseas division of France; capital, Saint-Denis

Reyk·ja·vik \ˈrāk-(y)ə-ˌvik, -ˌvēk\ city, capital of Iceland

Rhine \ˈrīn\ river 820 mi. (1320 km.) long W Europe flowing from SE Switzerland to North Sea in the Netherlands
— Rhen·ish \ˈren-ish, ˈrē-nish\ adj

Rhine·land \ˈrīn-ˌland, -lənd\ or German Rhein·land \ˈrīn-ˌlänt\ the part of Germany W of the Rhine
— Rhine·land·er \ˈrīn-ˌlan-dər, -lən-\ n

Rhode Is·land \rō-ˈdī-lənd\
1 or officially Rhode Island and Providence Plantations state NE U.S.; capital, Providence
2 — see AQUIDNECK ISLAND
— Rhode Is·land·er \-lən-dər\ n

Rhodes \ˈrōdz\ island Greece in the SE Aegean

Rhodesia — see ZIMBABWE

Rhone \ˈrōn\ river 505 mi. (813 km.) long Switzerland & SE France

Rich·mond \ˈrich-mənd\
1 — see STATEN ISLAND 2
2 city, capital of Virginia

Richmond upon Thames borough of SW Greater London, England

Ri·ga \ˈrē-gə\ city, capital of Latvia

Rio RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Ja·nei·ro \ˈrē-ō-ˌdā-zhə-ˈne(ə)r-ō, -ˌdē-, -də-, -jə-ˈne(ə)r-\ city SE Brazil on Guanabara Bay

Rio Grande \ˌrē-(ˌ)ō-ˈgrand(-ē)\ or Mexican Rio Bra·vo \-ˈbräv-ō\ river 1885 mi. (3034 km.) long SW U.S., forming part of U.S.–Mexico boundary, and flowing into Gulf of Mexico

Río Muni — see MBINI

Riv·er·side \ˈriv-ər-ˌsīd\ city S California

Riv·i·era \ˌriv-ē-ˈer-ə\ coast region SE France & NW Italy

Ri·yadh \rē-ˈ(y)äd\ city, capital of Saudi Arabia

Ro·a·noke \ˈrō-(ə-)ˌnōk\ city W Virginia

Roanoke Island island North Carolina S of entrance to Albemarle Sound

Rob·son, Mount \ˈräb-sən\ mountain 12,972 ft. (3954 m.) W Canada in E British Columbia; highest in the Canadian Rockies

Roch·es·ter \ˈräch-ə-stər, ˈräch-ˌes-tər\ city W New York

Rock·ford \ˈräk-fərd\ city N Illinois

Rocky Mountains \ˈräk-ē\ or the Rock·ies \ˈräk-ēz\ mountains W North America extending SE from N Alaska to central New Mexico — see ELBERT (MOUNT), ROBSON (MOUNT)

Roman Empire the empire of ancient Rome

Ro·ma·nia \rō-ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə\ or Ru·ma·nia \ru̇-\ country SE Europe on Black Sea; capital, Bucharest

Rom·blon \räm-ˈblōn\ island group central Philippines

Rome \ˈrōm\
1 or Italian Ro·ma \ˈrō-mä\ city, capital of Italy
2 the Roman Empire

Ro·sa·rio \rō-ˈzär-ē-ˌō, -ˈsär-\ city E central Argentina on the Paraná

Ro·seau \rō-ˈzō\ seaport, capital of Dominica

Ros·tov–on–Don \rē-ˈstȯf-ˌän-ˈdän, -ˈstȯv-, -ˌȯn-\ city S Russia in Europe

Ros·well \ˈräz-ˌwel, -wəl\ city SE New Mexico

Ro·ta \ˈrōt-ə\ island W Pacific in the Marianas

Rot·ter·dam \ˈrät-ər-ˌdam\ city & port SW Netherlands

Ru·an·da–Urun·di \ru̇-ˈän-də-u̇-ˈrün-dē\ former trust territory E central Africa bordering on Lake Tanganyika and administered by Belgium; divided into Burundi & Rwanda 1962

Rudolf, Lake — see TURKANA (LAKE)

Ruhr \ˈru̇(ə)r\
1 river 146 mi. (235 km.) long W Germany flowing NW & W to the Rhine
2 industrial district W Germany E of the Rhine in valley of Ruhr River

Rumania — see ROMANIA

Rupert's Land PRINCE RUPERT'S LAND

Rush·more, Mount \ˈrəsh-ˌmō(ə)r, -ˌmȯ(ə)r\ mountain 5600 ft. (1707 m.) W South Dakota in Black Hills

Rus·sia \ˈrəsh-ə\
1 former empire largely having the same boundaries as U.S.S.R.; capital, Petrograd (Saint Petersburg)
2 UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS
3 country E Europe & N Asia; capital, Moscow; a republic (Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic) of U.S.S.R. 1922–91

Ru·the·nia \rü-ˈthē-nyə, -nē-ə\ region W Ukraine W of the N Carpathians
— Ru·the·nian \rü-ˈthē-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj or n

Ru·wen·zo·ri \ˌrü-(w)ən-ˈzōr-ē, -ˈzȯr-\ mountain group E central Africa between Uganda & Democratic Republic of the Congo; highest Mount Margherita 16,763 ft. (5109 m.)

Rwan·da or formerly Ru·an·da \ru̇-ˈän-də\ country E central Africa, until 1962 part of Ruanda–Urundi trust territory; capital, Kigali
— Rwan·dan \-dən\ adj or n

Ryu·kyu \rē-ˈ(y)ü-k(y)ü\ islands Japan extending in an arc from Kyushu, Japan, to Taiwan, China
— Ryu·kyu·an \-ˌ(y)ü-ˈk(y)ü-ən\ adj or n

Saar \ˈsär, ˈzär\
1 river about 150 mi. (241 km.) long Europe flowing from E France to W Germany
2 or Saar·land \ˈsär-ˌland, ˈzär-\ region W Europe in valley of Saar River between France & Germany

Sa·bah \ˈsäb-ə\ part of Malaysia in NE Borneo

Sac·ra·men·to \ˌsak-rə-ˈment-ō\
1 river 382 mi. (615 km.) long N California flowing S into Suisun Bay
2 city, capital of California

Sag·ue·nay \ˈsag-ə-ˌnā, ˌsag-ə-ˈnā\ river 105 mi. (169 km.) long Canada in S Quebec flowing E into the Saint Lawrence

Sa·ha·ra \sə-ˈhar-ə, -ˈher-, -ˈhär-\ desert region N Africa extending from Atlantic coast to Red Sea
— Sa·ha·ran \-ən\ adj

Sa·hel \ˈsa-hil, sə-ˈhil\ the S fringe of the Sahara

Saigon — see HO CHI MINH CITY

Saint Al·bans \ˈȯl-bənz\ city SE England

Saint Cath·a·rines \ˈkath-(ə-)rənz\ city Canada in SE Ontario

Saint Christopher — see SAINT KITTS

Saint Clair, Lake \ˈkla(ə)r, ˈkle(ə)r\ lake SE Michigan & SE Ontario connected by Saint Clair River (40 mi. or 64 km. long) with Lake Huron & draining by Detroit River into Lake Erie

Saint Croix \sānt-ˈkrȯi, sənt-\
1 river 129 mi. (208 km.) long Canada & U.S. on border between New Brunswick & Maine
2 island West Indies; largest of Virgin Islands of the U.S.

Saint Eli·as, Mount \ˌsānt-əl-ˈī-əs\ mountain 18,008 ft. (5489 m.) on Alaska–Yukon boundary in Saint Elias Range

Saint George's \ˈjȯr-jəz\ town, capital of Grenada

Saint George's Channel channel British Isles between SW Wales & Ireland

Saint Gott·hard \sānt-ˈgät-ərd, -ˈgäth-, sənt-\
1 pass S central Switzerland in Saint Gotthard Range of the Alps
2 road tunnel 10 mi. (16 km.) long near Saint Gotthard Pass

Saint He·le·na \ˌsānt-əl-ˈē-nə, ˌsānt-hə-ˈlē-\ island South Atlantic; a British colony

Saint Hel·ens \sānt-ˈhel-ənz, sənt-\ town NW England ENE of Liverpool

Saint Helens, Mount volcano S Washington

Saint John \sānt-ˈjän, sənt-\ city & port Canada in New Brunswick

Saint John's \sānt-ˈjänz, sənt-\
1 city, capital of Antigua and Barbuda
2 city, capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Saint Kitts \sānt-ˈkits\ or Saint Chris·to·pher \-ˈkris-tə-fər\ island West Indies in the Leeward Islands; with Nevis forms independent Saint Kitts and Nevis; capital, Basseterre (on Saint Kitts)

Saint Law·rence \sānt-ˈlȯr-ən(t)s, sənt-, -ˈlär-\
1 river 760 mi. (1223 km.) long E Canada in Ontario & Quebec bordering on U.S. in New York and flowing from Lake Ontario NE into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence (inlet of the Atlantic)
2 seaway Canada & U.S. in and along the Saint Lawrence between Lake Ontario & Montreal

Saint Lou·is \sānt-ˈlü-əs, sənt-\ city E Missouri on the Mississippi

Saint Lu·cia \sānt-ˈlü-shə, sənt-\ island West Indies in the Windwards S of Martinique; an independent country; capital, Castries

Saint Paul \ˈpȯl\ city, capital of Minnesota

Saint Pe·ters·burg \ˈpēt-ərz-ˌbərg\
1 city W Florida
2 or 1914–24 Pet·ro·grad \ˈpe-trə-ˌgrad, -ˌgräd\ or 1924–91 Le·nin·grad \ˈlen-ən-ˌgrad, -ˌgräd\ city W Russia in Europe

Saint Thom·as \ˈtäm-əs\ island West Indies, one of Virgin Islands of the U.S.; chief town, Charlotte Amalie

Saint Vin·cent \sānt-ˈvin(t)-sənt, sənt-\ island West Indies in the central Windward Islands; with N Grenadines forms independent Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; capital, Kingstown (on Saint Vincent)

Sai·pan \sī-ˈpan, -ˈpän; ˈsī-ˌpan, -ˌpän\ island W Pacific in S central Marianas; contains capital of Northern Mariana Islands

Sa·kai \(ˈ)sä-ˈkī\ city Japan in S Honshu

Sa·kha·lin \ˈsak-ə-ˌlēn, -lən; ˌsak-ə-ˈlēn\ island SE Russia in W Pacific N of Hokkaido, Japan; until 1945 divided between Japan & U.S.S.R.

Sal·a·mis \ˈsal-ə-məs\
1 ancient city Cyprus on E coast
2 island Greece off Attica

Sa·lem \ˈsā-ləm\ city, capital of Oregon

Sal·ford \ˈsȯl-fərd\ urban area NW England

Sa·li·nas \sə-ˈlē-nəs\ city W California

Salisbury — see HARARE

Salop — see SHROPSHIRE

Salt Lake City city, capital of Utah

Sal·va·dor \ˈsal-və-ˌdȯ(ə)r, ˌsal-və-ˈdȯ(ə)r\ or Ba·hia \bä-ˈē-ə\ city NE Brazil on the Atlantic
— Sal·va·dor·an \ˌsal-və-ˈdȯr-ən, -ˈdōr-\ or Sal·va·dor·ean or Sal·va·dor·ian \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Sal·ween \ˈsal-ˌwēn\ river about 1500 mi. (2415 km.) long SE Asia flowing from Tibet S into Bay of Bengal in Myanmar

Sa·mar \ˈsäm-ˌär\ island central Philippines

Sa·ma·ra \sə-ˈmär-ə\ or 1935–91 Kuy·by·shev \ˈkwē-bə-ˌshef, -ˌshev\ city W Russia, on the Volga

Sam·ar·qand or Sam·ar·kand \ˈsam-ər-ˌkand\ city E Uzbekistan

Sam·ni·um \ˈsam-nē-əm\ ancient country S central Italy
— Sam·nite \ˈsam-ˌnīt\ adj or n

Sa·moa \sə-ˈmō-ə\
1 islands SW central Pacific N of Tonga; divided at longitude 171° W into American Samoa (or Eastern Samoa) & independent Samoa
2 or formerly Western Samoa islands Samoa W of 171° W; an independent country since 1962; capital, Apia
— Sa·mo·an \-ən\ adj or n

Sa·mos \ˈsā-ˌmäs\ island Greece in the Aegean off coast of Turkey
— Sa·mi·an \-mē-ən\ adj or n

San·aa or Sana \ˈsan-ˌä, san-ˈä\ city SW Arabia, capital of Yemen & formerly of Yemen Arab Republic

San An·dre·as Fault \ˌsan-an-ˈdrā-əs\ zone of faults in California extending from N coast SE toward head of Gulf of California

San An·to·nio \ˌsan-ən-ˈtō-nē-ˌō\ city S Texas

San Ber·nar·di·no \ˌsan-ˌbər-nə(r)-ˈdē-nō\ city S California

San Buenaventura — see VENTURA

San Di·ego \ˌsan-dē-ˈā-gō\ coastal city SW California

Sand·wich \ˈsan-(ˌ)(d)wich\ town SE England

Sandwich Islands — see HAWAII

San Fran·cis·co \ˌsan-frən-ˈsis-kō\ city W California on San Francisco Bay & Pacific Ocean

San Joa·quin \ˌsan-wä-ˈkēn, -wȯ-\ river 350 mi. (563 km.) long central California flowing NW into the Sacramento

San Jo·se \ˌsan-ə-ˈzā\ city W California SE of San Francisco

San Jo·sé \ˌsan-ə-ˈzā, -ō-ˈzā, -hō-ˈzā\ city, capital of Costa Rica

San Juan \san-ˈhwän, -ˈwän\ city, capital of Puerto Rico

San Ma·ri·no \ˌsan-mə-ˈrē-nō\
1 small country S Europe surrounded by Italy ENE of Florence near Adriatic Sea
2 town, its capital
— Sam·mar·i·nese \ˌsam-ˌmar-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ n

— San Mar·i·nese \ˌsan-\ adj or n

San Pe·dro Su·la \san-ˌpā-ˌdrō-ˈsü-lə\ city NW Honduras

San Sal·va·dor \san-ˈsal-və-ˌdȯ(ə)r\
1 island central Bahamas
2 city, capital of El Salvador

San·ta Ana \ˌsant-ə-ˈan-ə\ city SW California ESE of Long Beach

San·ta Bar·ba·ra \-ˈbär-b(ə-)rə\
1 city S California
2 or Channel islands California off SW coast

San·ta Clara \-ˈklar-ə, -ˈkler-ə\ city W California NW of San Jose

San·ta Cla·ri·ta \-klə-ˈrēt-ə\ city S California N of Los Angeles

San·ta Fe \ˌsant-ə-ˈfā\ city, capital of New Mexico

Santa Fe Trail pioneer route to the SW U.S. about 1200 mi. (1930 km.) long used especially 1821–80 from vicinity of Kansas City, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico

San·ta Ro·sa \ˌsan-tə-ˈrō-zə\ city W California N of San Francisco

San·ti·a·go \ˌsant-ē-ˈäg-ō, ˌsänt-\ city, capital of Chile

San·to Do·min·go \ˌsant-əd-ə-ˈmiŋ-gō\ or formerly Ci·u·dad Tru·ji·llo \ˌsē-u̇-ˌthä-trü-ˈhē-(y)ō, ˌsē-u̇-ˌdad-\ city, capital of Dominican Republic

São Pau·lo \ˌsä-ō-ˈpau̇-lō\ city SE Brazil

São To·mé \ˌsä-ō-tō-ˈmā\ town, capital of São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe country W Africa; formerly a Portuguese colony; became independent 1975; capital, São Tomé

Sap·po·ro \ˈsäp-ə-ˌrō; sə-ˈpōr-ō, -ˈpȯr-\ city Japan on W Hokkaido

Sa·ra·je·vo \ˈsär-ə-yə-ˌvō\ city SE central Bosnia and Herzegovina, its capital

Sa·ra·tov \sə-ˈrät-əf\ city W Russia, on the Volga

Sa·ra·wak \sə-ˈrä-(ˌ)wä(k), -ˌwak\ part of Malaysia in N Borneo

Sar·din·ia \sär-ˈdin-ē-ə, -ˈdin-yə\ island Italy in the Mediterranean S of Corsica
— Sar·din·ian \-ˈdin-ē-ən, -ˈdin-yən\ adj or n

Sar·gas·so Sea \sär-ˌgas-ō\ area of nearly still water in the North Atlantic lying chiefly between 20° & 35° N latitude & 30° & 70° W longitude

Sas·katch·e·wan \sə-ˈskach-ə-wən, sa-, -ˌwän\ province W Canada; capital, Regina

Sas·ka·toon \ˌsas-kə-ˈtün\ city central Saskatchewan, Canada

Sau·di Ara·bia \ˌsau̇d-ē-ə-ˈrā-bē-ə, ˌsȯd-ē-, sä-ˌüd-ē-\ country SW Asia occupying largest part of Arabian Peninsula; a kingdom; capital, Riyadh
— Saudi adj or n

— Saudi Arabian adj or n

Sault Sainte Ma·rie Canals \ˌsü-(ˌ)sānt-mə-ˈrē\ or Soo Canals \ˌsü\ three ship canals, two in U.S. (Michigan) & one in Canada (Ontario), at rapids in river connecting Lake Superior & Lake Huron

Sa·vaii \sə-ˈvī-ˌē\ island, largest in independent Samoa

Sa·van·nah \sə-ˈvan-ə\ city & port E Georgia

Sa·voy \sə-ˈvȯi\ or French Sa·voie \sȧ-vwȧ\ region SE France SW of Switzerland bordering on Italy
— Sa·voy·ard \sə-ˈvȯi-ˌärd, ˌsav-ˌȯi-ˈärd; ˌsav-ˌwä-ˈyär(d)\ adj or n

Sca·fell Pike \ˈskȯ-ˈfel\ mountain 3210 ft. (978 m.) NW England; highest in Cumbrian Mountains & in England

Scan·di·na·via \ˌskan-də-ˈnā-vē-ə, -vyə\
1 peninsula N Europe occupied by Norway & Sweden
2 Denmark, Norway, Sweden, & sometimes also Iceland & Finland
— Scan·di·na·vian \-vē-ən, -vyən\ adj or n

Scar·bor·ough \ˈskär-ˌbər-ə, -b(ə-)rə\ former city Canada in SE Ontario; now part of Toronto

Schel·de \ˈskel-də\ or Scheldt \ˈskelt\ or Es·caut \e-ˈskō\ river 270 mi. (434 km.) long W Europe flowing from N France through Belgium into North Sea in Netherlands

Schuyl·kill \ˈskü-kəl, ˈskül-ˌkil\ river 131 mi. (211 km.) long SE Pennsylvania flowing SE into the Delaware River at Philadelphia

Scil·ly, Isles of \ˈsil-ē\ island group SW England off Land's End

Sco·tia \ˈskō-shə\ SCOTLAND — the Medieval Latin name

Scot·land \ˈskät-lənd\ or Latin Cal·e·do·nia \ˌkal-ə-ˈdō-nyə, -nē-ə\ country N Great Britain; a division of United Kingdom; capital, Edinburgh

Scotts·dale \ˈskäts-ˌdāl\ city SW central Arizona E of Phoenix

Scyth·ia \ˈsith-ē-ə, ˈsith-\ ancient area of Europe & Asia N & NE of Black Sea & E of Aral Sea
— Scyth·i·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Se·at·tle \sē-ˈat-əl\ city & port W Washington

Seine \ˈsān, ˈsen\ river 480 mi. (772 km.) long N France flowing NW into English Channel

Sel·kirk \ˈsel-ˌkərk\ range of the Rocky Mountains SE British Columbia, Canada; highest peak, 11,555 ft. (3522 m.)

Se·ma·rang \sə-ˈmär-ˌäŋ\ city Indonesia in central Java

Sen·dai \(ˈ)sen-ˈdī\ city Japan in NE Honshu

Sen·e·ca Falls \ˈsen-i-kə\ village W central New York

Sen·e·gal \ˌsen-i-ˈgȯl\
1 river 1015 mi. (1633 km.) long W Africa flowing W into the North Atlantic
2 country W Africa; capital, Dakar
— Sen·e·ga·lese \ˌsen-i-gə-ˈlēz, -ˈlēs\ adj or n

Seoul \ˈsōl\ city, capital of South Korea

Ser·bia \ˈsər-bē-ə\ country S Europe in the Balkans; capital, Belgrade

Serbia and Montenegro or 1992–2003 Yugoslavia former country S Europe; capital, Belgrade

Ser·en·ge·ti Plain \ˌser-ən-ˈget-ē\ area N Tanzania

Seven Hills the seven hills upon and about which was built the city of Rome, Italy

Sev·ern \ˈsev-ərn\ river 210 mi. (338 km.) long Wales & England flowing from E central Wales into Bristol Channel

Se·ville \sə-ˈvil\ or Spanish Se·vi·lla \sā-ˈvē-(y)ä\ city SW Spain

Sey·chelles \sā-ˈshel(z)\ islands W Indian Ocean NE of Madagascar; formerly a British colony; became independent 1976; capital, Victoria
— Sey·chel·lois \ˌsā-shəl-ˈwä\ n

Shang·hai \shaŋ-ˈhī\ municipality & port E China

Shan·non \ˈshan-ən\ river 230 mi. (370 km.) long W Ireland flowing S & W into the North Atlantic

Shar·on, Plain of \ˈsher-ən\ region Israel on the coast

Shas·ta, Mount \ˈshas-tə\ mountain 14,162 ft. (4316 m.) N California in Cascade Range

Shatt al Ar·ab \ˌshat-ˌal-ˈar-əb\ river 120 mi. (193 km.) long SE Iraq formed by flowing together of Euphrates & Tigris rivers and flowing SE into Persian Gulf

Shef·field \ˈshef-ˌēld\ city N England

Shen·an·do·ah \ˌshen-ən-ˈdō-ə, ˌshan-ə-ˈdō-ə\ valley Virginia between the Allegheny & Blue Ridge mountains

Shen·yang \ˈshən-ˈyäŋ\ or traditionally Muk·den \ˈmu̇k-dən, ˈmək-; mu̇k-ˈden\ city NE China; chief city of Manchuria

Sher·brooke \ˈshər-ˌbru̇k\ city Quebec, Canada E of Montreal

Sher·wood Forest \ˌshər-ˌwu̇d\ ancient royal forest central England

Shet·land \ˈshet-lənd\ islands N Scotland NE of the Orkneys

Shi·jia·zhuang or Shih–chia–chuang \ˈshi(ə)r-jē-ˈäj-ˈwäŋ, ˈshē-jē-\ city NE China

Shi·ko·ku \shi-ˈkō-kü\ island S Japan E of Kyushu

Shi·raz \shi-ˈräz\ city SW central Iran

Shreve·port \ˈshrēv-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ city NW Louisiana on Red River

Shrews·bury \ˈsh(r)üz-ˌber-ē, ˈshrōz-\ town W England

Shrop·shire \ˈshräp-shər, -ˌshir\ or 1974–80 Sal·op \ˈsal-əp\ county W England bordering on Wales

Shu·ma·gin \ˈshü-mə-gən\ islands SW Alaska S of Alaska Peninsula

Siam — see THAILAND

Siam, Gulf of — see THAILAND (GULF OF)

Si·be·ria \sī-ˈbir-ē-ə\ region N Asia in Russia between the Urals & the North Pacific
— Si·be·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Sic·i·ly \ˈsis-(ə-)lē\ or Italian Si·ci·lia \sē-ˈchēl-yä\ island S Italy SW of toe of peninsula of Italy; capital, Palermo
— Si·cil·ian \sə-ˈsil-yən\ adj or n

Si·er·ra Le·one \sē-ˌer-ə-lē-ˈōn, ˌsir-ə-\ country W Africa on the North Atlantic; capital, Freetown
— Si·er·ra Le·on·ean \-ˈō-nē-ən\ adj or n

Si·er·ra Ma·dre \sē-ˌer-ə-ˈmäd-rē\ mountain system Mexico including Sierra Madre Oc*ci*den*tal \-ˌäk-sə-ˌden-ˈtäl\ range W of the central plateau, Sierra Madre Ori*en*tal \-ˌōr-ē-ˌen-ˈtäl, -ˌȯr-\ range E of the plateau, & Sierra Madre del Sur \-ˌdel-ˈsu̇(ə)r\ range to the S

Sierra Ne·va·da \-nə-ˈvad-ə, -ˈväd-\
1 mountain range E California & W Nevada — see WHITNEY (MOUNT)
2 mountain range S Spain; highest peak Mulhacén 11,410 ft. (3478 m.), highest in Spain

Sik·kim \ˈsik-əm, -ˌim\ former country SE Asia on S slope of the Himalayas between Nepal & Bhutan; part of India (country) since 1975; capital, Gangtok

Si·le·sia \sī-ˈlē-zh(ē-)ə, -sh(ē-)ə, sə-\ region E central Europe in valley of the upper Oder; formerly chiefly in Germany now chiefly in E Czech Republic & SW Poland
— Si·le·sian \-zh(ē-)ən, -sh(ē-)ən\ adj or n

Silk Road or Silk Route ancient trade route that extended from China to the Mediterranean

Sim·coe, Lake \-ˈsim-kō\ lake Canada in SE Ontario

Si·mi Valley \sē-ˈmē\ city SW California W of Los Angeles

Si·nai \ˈsī-ˌnī\
1 mountain on Sinai Peninsula where, according to the Bible, the Law was given to Moses
2 peninsula, extension of continent of Asia NE Egypt between Red Sea & the Mediterranean

Sin·ga·pore \ˈsiŋ-(g)ə-ˌpō(ə)r, -ˌpȯ(ə)r\
1 island off S end of Malay Peninsula; an independent country
2 city, its capital
— Sin·ga·por·ean \ˌsiŋ-(g)ə-ˈpōr-ē-ən, -ˈpȯr-\ adj or n

Sinkiang Uighur — see XINJIANG UYGUR

Sioux Falls \ˈsü\ city SE South Dakota; largest in state

Skag·ge·rak \ˈskag-ə-ˌrak\ arm of North Sea between S Norway & N Denmark

Skag·way \ˈskag-wā\ city SE Alaska N of Juneau

Skop·je \ˈskȯp-ˌyā\ city, capital of North Macedonia

Sla·vo·nia \slə-ˈvō-nē-ə, -nyə\ region E Croatia
— Sla·vo·ni·an \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj or n

Slo·va·kia \slō-ˈväk-ē-ə, -ˈvak-\ country central Europe; capital, Bratislava; formerly part of Czechoslovakia

Slo·ve·nia \slō-ˈvē-nē-ə, -nyə\ country S Europe; capital, Ljubljana; a republic of Yugoslavia 1946–91

Smyrna — see IZMIR

Snake \ˈsnāk\ river NW U.S. flowing from NW Wyoming into the Columbia in SE Washington

Snow·don \ˈsnōd-ən\ massif 3560 ft. (1085 m.) in Snow*do*nia \snō-ˈdō-nē-ə, -nyə\ (mountainous district) NW Wales; highest point in Wales

So·ci·e·ty \sə-ˈsī-ət-ē\ islands South Pacific belonging to France; chief island, Tahiti

So·fia \ˈsō-fē-ə, ˈsȯ-, sō-ˈfē-\ city, capital of Bulgaria

So·ho \ˈsō-ˌhō\ district of central London, England

So·li·hull \ˌsō-li-ˈhəl\ town central England

Sol·o·mon \ˈsäl-ə-mən\
1 islands W Pacific E of New Guinea divided between Papua New Guinea & independent Solomon Islands (capital, Honiara)
2 sea, arm of Coral Sea W of the Solomons

So·ma·lia \sō-ˈmäl-ē-ə, sə-, -ˈmäl-yə\ country E Africa on Gulf of Aden & Indian Ocean; capital, Mogadishu
— So·ma·li·an \-ˈmäl-ē-ən, -ˈmäl-yən\ adj or n

So·ma·li·land \sō-ˈmäl-ē-ˌland, sə-\ region E Africa consisting of Somalia, Djibouti, & part of E Ethiopia
— So·ma·li \sō-ˈmäl-ē\ n

Som·er·set \ˈsəm-ər-ˌset, -sət\ or Som·er·set·shire \-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ county SW England

So·nor·an \sə-ˈnōr-ən, -ˈnȯr-\ or Sonora desert SW U.S. & NW Mexico

Soo Canals — see SAULT SAINTE MARIE CANALS

South island S New Zealand

South Africa, Republic of country S Africa; formerly (as Union of South Africa) a British dominion; became independent 1961; administrative capital, Pretoria; legislative capital, Cape Town; judicial capital, Bloemfontein
— South African adj or n

South America continent of Western Hemisphere SE of North America and chiefly S of the Equator
— South American adj or n

South·amp·ton \sau̇th-ˈ(h)am(p)-tən\ city S England

South Australia state S Australia; capital, Adelaide
— South Australian adj or n

South Bend \ˈbend\ city N Indiana

South Cape or South Point — see KA LAE

South Car·o·li·na \ˌkar-ə-ˈlī-nə\ state SE U.S.; capital, Columbia
— South Car·o·lin·i·an \-ˈlin-ē-ən, -ˈlin-yən\ adj or n

South China Sea — see CHINA

South Da·ko·ta \də-ˈkōt-ə\ state NW central U.S.; capital, Pierre
— South Da·ko·tan \-ˈkōt-ən\ adj or n

South·end–on–Sea \ˌsau̇-ˌthend-ˌän-ˈsē, -ˌȯn-\ seaside resort SE England E of London

Southern Alps mountain range New Zealand in W South Island extending almost the length of the island

Southern Hemisphere the half of the earth that lies S of the Equator

Southern Rhodesia — see ZIMBABWE

South Korea — see KOREA

South Seas the areas of the Atlantic, Indian, & Pacific oceans in the Southern Hemisphere

South Shields \ˈshē(ə)l(d)z\ seaport N England

South Sudan country E Africa formed from the S part of Sudan 2011; capital, Juba

South Vietnam — see VIETNAM

South·wark \ˈsəth-ərk, ˈsau̇th-wərk\ borough of S Greater London, England

South–West Africa territory Africa; under administration of Union (later Republic) of South Africa 1919–90 — see NAMIBIA

South Yorkshire metropolitan county N England

Soviet Central Asia portion of central & SW Asia formerly belonging to U.S.S.R. and including Kirghiz, Tadzhik, Turkmen, & Uzbek soviet socialist republics & sometimes thought to also include Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Soviet Russia — see UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

Soviet Union — see UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

So·we·to \sō-ˈwāt-ō, -ˈwet-\ residential area NE Republic of South Africa adjoining SW Johannesburg

Spain \ˈspān\ country SW Europe on Iberian Peninsula; a kingdom; capital, Madrid

Spanish America
1 the Spanish-speaking countries of America
2 the parts of America settled and formerly governed by the Spanish

Spanish Guinea — see EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Spanish Sahara — see WESTERN SAHARA

Spar·ta \ˈspärt-ə\ or Lac·e·dae·mon \ˌlas-ə-ˈdē-mən\ ancient city S Greece in Peloponnese; capital of Laconia

Spo·kane \spō-ˈkan\ city E Washington

Spring·field \ˈspriŋ-ˌfēld\
1 city, capital of Illinois
2 city SW Massachusetts
3 city SW Missouri

Sri Lan·ka \(ˈ)srē-ˈläŋ-kə, (ˈ)shrē-\ or formerly Cey·lon \si-ˈlän, sā-\ country having the same boundaries as island of Ceylon; capital, Colombo
— Sri Lan·kan \-kən\ adj or n

Sri·na·gar \sri-ˈnəg-ər\ city N India

Staf·ford \ˈstaf-ərd\ town W central England

Staf·ford·shire \ˈstaf-ərd-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Stafford county W central England

Staked Plain — see LLANO ESTACADO

Stam·ford \ˈstam(p)-fərd\ city SW Connecticut

Stan·ley \ˈstan-lē\ town, capital of Falkland Islands

Stat·en Island \ˈstat-ən\
1 island SE New York SW of mouth of the Hudson
2 or formerly Rich·mond \ˈrich-mənd\ borough of New York City including Staten Island

Sterling Heights city SE Michigan

Stir·ling \ˈstər-liŋ\ town central Scotland

Stock·holm \ˈstäk-ˌhō(l)m\ city, capital of Sweden

Stock·port \ˈstäk-ˌpō(ə)rt, -ˌpȯ(ə)rt\ town NW England

Stock·ton \ˈstäk-tən\ city central California

Stoke–on–Trent \ˌstō-ˌkȯn-ˈtrent, -ˌkän-\ city central England

Stone Mountain mountain 1686 ft. (514 m.) NW Georgia E of Atlanta

Stor·no·way \ˈstȯr-nə-ˌwā\ seaport NW Scotland; chief town of Lewis with Harris Island

Stra·bane \strə-ˈban\ district W Northern Ireland

Strom·bo·li \ˈsträm-bə-lē\ volcano 2500 ft. (758 m.) Italy on Stromboli Island in Tyrrhenian Sea

Stutt·gart \ˈshtu̇t-ˌgärt, ˈstu̇t-, ˈstət-\ city SW Germany

Styx \ˈstiks\ chief river of Hades in Greek mythology

Süchow — see XUZHOU

Su·cre \ˈsü-krā\ city, constitutional capital of Bolivia

Su·dan \sü-ˈdan, -ˈdän\
1 region N Africa S of the Sahara between the Atlantic & the upper Nile
2 country NE Africa S of Egypt; capital, Khartoum
— Su·da·nese \ˌsüd-ən-ˈēz, -ˈēs\ adj or n

Sudbury — see GREATER SUDBURY

Suez, Gulf of arm of Red Sea

Suez, Isthmus of isthmus NE Egypt between Mediterranean & Red seas connecting Africa & Asia

Suez Canal canal 100 mi. (161 km.) long NE Egypt across the Isthmus of Suez

Suf·folk \ˈsəf-ək\ county E England on North Sea

Sui·sun Bay \sə-ˈsün\ inlet of San Francisco Bay, W central California

Su·la·we·si \ˌsü-lə-ˈwā-sē\ island Indonesia E of Borneo

Su·lu \ˈsü-lü\
1 archipelago SW Philippines SW of Mindanao
2 sea W Philippines

Su·ma·tra \su̇-ˈmä-trə\ island W Indonesia S of Malay Peninsula
— Su·ma·tran \-trən\ adj or n

Su·mer \ˈsü-mər\ the S division of ancient Babylonia
— Su·me·ri·an \sü-ˈmer-ē-ən, -ˈmir-\ adj or n

Sun·belt \ˈsən-ˌbelt\ region S & SW U.S.

Sun·da \ˈsün-də\ strait between Java & Sumatra

Sun·der·land \ˈsən-dər-lənd\ seaport N England

Sun·ny·vale \ˈsən-ē-ˌvāl\ city W California

Sun Valley resort center central Idaho

Su·pe·ri·or, Lake \su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər\ lake E central North America in U.S. & Canada; largest of the Great Lakes

Su·ra·ba·ya \ˌsu̇r-ə-ˈbī-ə\ city Indonesia in NE Java

Su·ri·na·me \ˌsu̇r-ə-ˈnäm-ə\ country N South America between Guyana & French Guiana; formerly a territory of the Netherlands; became independent 1975; capital, Paramaribo
— Su·ri·nam·er \ˈsu̇r-ə-ˌnäm-ər, ˌsu̇r-ə-ˈnäm-\ n

— Su·ri·nam·ese \ˌsu̇r-ə-nə-ˈmēz, -ˈmēs\ adj or n

Sur·rey \ˈsər-ē, ˈsə-rē\ city Canada in SW British Columbia

Sut·ton \ˈsət-ən\ borough of S Greater London, England

Su·va \ˈsü-və\ seaport, capital of Fiji on Viti Levu Island

Sverdlovsk — see YEKATERINBURG

Swan·sea \ˈswän-zē\ city & port SE Wales

Swaziland — see ESWATINI

Swe·den \ˈswēd-ən\ country N Europe in Scandinavia bordering on Baltic Sea; a kingdom; capital, Stockholm

Swit·zer·land \ˈswit-sər-lənd\ country W Europe in the Alps; capital, Bern

Syd·ney \ˈsid-nē\ city SE Australia, capital of New South Wales

Syr·a·cuse \ˈsir-ə-ˌkyüs, -kyüz\ city central New York

Syr·ia \ˈsir-ē-ə\
1 ancient region SW Asia bordering on the Mediterranean
2 former French mandate (1920–44) including present Syria & Lebanon
3 country S of Turkey; capital, Damascus
— Syr·i·an \ˈsir-ē-ən\ adj or n

Syrian Desert desert region between Mediterranean coast & the Euphrates in N Saudi Arabia, SE Syria, W Iraq, & NE Jordan

Ta·ble Bay harbor of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

Ta·briz \tə-ˈbrēz\ city NW Iran

Ta·co·ma \tə-ˈkō-mə\ city & port W Washington S of Seattle

Tae·gu \ˈtā-gü\ or Dae·gu \ˈdā-\ city SE South Korea

Tae·jon \ˈtā-ˈjən\ or Dae·jeon \ˈdā-\ city central South Korea NW of Taegu

Ta·gus \ˈtā-gəs\ or Spanish Ta·jo \ˈtä-hō\ or Portuguese Te·jo \ˈtā-zhü\ river 626 mi. (1007 km.) long Spain & Portugal flowing W into the North Atlantic

Ta·hi·ti \tə-ˈhēt-ē\ island South Pacific in Society Islands

Tai·bei \ˈtī-ˈbā\ or Tai·pei \-ˈpā, -ˈbā\ city, capital of (Nationalist) China in N Taiwan

Taichung — see TAIZHONG

T'ai–nan \ˈtī-ˈnän\ city SW Taiwan

Tai·wan \ˈtī-ˈwän\ or formerly For·mo·sa \fȯr-ˈmō-sə, fər-, -zə\
1 island off SE coast of Asia; since 1949 seat of government of (Nationalist) Republic of China; capital, Taibei
2 strait between Taiwan & mainland of China connecting East China & South China seas
— Tai·wan·ese \ˌtī-wə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Tai·yuan \ˈtī-yu̇-ˈän\ city N China

Tai·zhong \ˈtī-ˈju̇ŋ\ or Tai·chung \ˈtī-ˈchu̇ŋ\ city W Taiwan

Ta·jik·i·stan \tä-ˌjik-i-ˈstan, -ˈstän, -ˈjik-i-ˌ, -ˈjēk-\ country W central Asia bordering on China & Afghanistan; capital, Dushanbe; a republic (Ta*dzhik Soviet Socialist Republic \tä-ˈjik-, -ˈjēk-\ or Ta*dzhik*i*stan \same as TAJIKISTAN\ ) of U.S.S.R. 1929–91

Ta·kli·ma·kan or Ta·kla Ma·kan \ˌtäk-lə-mə-ˈkän\ desert W China

Ta–lien — see DALIAN

Tal·la·has·see \ˌtal-ə-ˈhas-ē\ city, capital of Florida

Tal·linn \ˈtal-ən, ˈtäl-\ city, capital of Estonia

Tam·pa \ˈtam-pə\ city W Florida on Tampa Bay (inlet of Gulf of Mexico)

Tan·gan·yi·ka \ˌtan-gən-ˈyē-kə, ˌtaŋ-gən-, -gə-ˈnē-\ former country E Africa; since 1964 part of Tanzania

Tanganyika, Lake lake E Africa between Tanzania & Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tang·shan \ˈdäŋ-ˈshän, ˈtäŋ-\ city NE China

Tan·za·nia \ˌtan-zə-ˈnē-ə, ˌtȧn-\ country E Africa on Indian Ocean; formed 1964 by union of Tanganyika & Zanzibar; legislative capital, Dodoma; historic capital, Dar es Salaam
— Tan·za·ni·an \-ˈnē-ən\ adj or n

Ta·ra·wa \tə-ˈrä-wə, ˈtar-ə-ˌwä\ island central Pacific, contains capital of Kiribati

Tar·ry·town \ˈtar-ē-ˌtau̇n\ village SE New York

Tar·sus \ˈtär-səs\ ancient city of S Asia Minor; now a city in S Turkey

Tash·kent \tash-ˈkent\ city, capital of Uzbekistan

Tas·man Sea \ˈtaz-mən\ the part of the South Pacific between SE Australia & New Zealand

Tas·ma·nia \taz-ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə\ or earlier Van Die·men's Land \van-ˈdē-mənz\ island SE Australia S of Victoria; a state; capital, Hobart
— Tas·ma·nian \-nē-ən, -nyən\ adj or n

Ta·try \ˈtä-trē\ or Ta·tra \ˈtä-trə\ mountains N Slovakia & S Poland in central Carpathian Mountains

Taun·ton \ˈtȯnt-ən, ˈtänt-, ˈtant-\ town SW England

Tbi·li·si \tə-ˈbil-ə-sē\ or Tif·lis \ˈtif-ləs, tə-ˈflēs\ city, capital of Republic of Georgia

Te·gu·ci·gal·pa \tə-ˌgü-sə-ˈgal-pə\ city, capital of Honduras

Teh·ran \ˌtā-ˈran, -ˈrän\ city, capital of Iran; at foot of S slope of Elburz Mountains

Tel Aviv \ˌtel-ə-ˈvēv\ or officially Tel Aviv–Ya·fo \-ˈyä-fō\ city W Israel on the Mediterranean

Tem·pe \tem-ˈpē\ city S central Arizona

Ten·nes·see \ˌten-ə-ˈsē\
1 river 652 mi. (1049 km.) long in Tennessee, N Alabama, & W Kentucky
2 state E central U.S.; capital, Nashville
— Ten·nes·se·an or Ten·nes·see·an \-ən\ adj or n

Te·noch·ti·tlan \tā-ˌnȯch-tē-ˈtlän\ ancient name of Mexico City

Tex·as \ˈtek-səs, -siz\ state S U.S.; capital, Austin
— Tex·an \-sən\ adj or n

Texas Panhandle the NW projection of land in Texas

Thai·land \ˈtī-ˌland, -lənd\ or formerly Si·am \sī-ˈam\ country SE Asia on Gulf of Thailand; capital, Bangkok
— Thai·land·er \ˈtī-ˌlan-dər, -lən-dər\ n

Thailand, Gulf of or formerly Gulf of Siam arm of South China Sea between Indochina & Malay Peninsula

Thames \ˈtemz\ river over 200 mi. (322 km.) long S England flowing E from the Cotswolds into the North Sea

Thar \ˈtär\ desert E Pakistan & NW India (country) E of Indus River

Thebes \ˈthēbz\
1 or The·bae \ˈthē-bē\ ancient city S Egypt on the Nile
2 ancient city E Greece NNW of Athens
— The·ban \ˈthē-bən\ adj or n

Thes·sa·lo·ní·ki \ˌthes-ə-lō-ˈnē-kē\ city N Greece

Thim·phu \thim-ˈpü\ city, capital of Bhutan

Thousand Islands island group Canada & U.S. in the Saint Lawrence River in Ontario & New York

Thousand Oaks city SW California W of Los Angeles

Thrace \ˈthrās\ or ancient Thra·cia \ˈthrā-sh(ē-)ə\ region SE Europe in Balkan Peninsula N of the Aegean now divided between Greece & Turkey; in ancient times extended N to the Danube
— Thra·cian \ˈthrā-shən\ adj or n

Thunder Bay city & port SW Ontario, Canada on Lake Superior

Thur·rock \ˈthər-ək, ˈthə-rək\ former urban district SE England

Tian·jin \tē-ˈän-ˈjin\ or Tien·tsin \tē-ˈen(t)-ˈsin\ city NE China SE of Beijing

Tian Shan or Tien Shan \tē-ˈen-ˈshän, tē-ˈän-\ mountain system central Asia extending NE from Pamirs

Ti·ber \ˈtī-bər\ or Italian Te·ve·re \ˈtā-vā-rā\ or ancient Ti·ber·is \ˈtī-bə-rəs\ river 252 mi. (405 km.) long central Italy flowing through Rome into Tyrrhenian Sea

Tiberias, Lake — see GALILEE (SEA OF)

Ti·bes·ti \tə-ˈbes-tē\ mountains N central Africa in central Sahara in NW Chad; highest 11,204 ft. (3415 m.)

Ti·bet \tə-ˈbet\ or Xi·zang \ˈshē-ˈzäŋ\ region SW China on high plateau (average altitude 16,000 ft. or 4877 m.) N of the Himalayas; capital, Lhasa

Tier·ra del Fue·go \tē-ˈer-ə-ˌdel-f(y)u̇-ˈā-gō\
1 island group off S South America
2 chief island of the group; divided between Argentina & Chile

Tiflis — see TBILISI

Ti·gris \ˈtī-grəs\ river 1180 mi. (1899 km.) long Turkey & Iraq flowing SSE and uniting with the Euphrates to form the Shatt al Arab

Ti·jua·na \ˌtē-ə-ˈwän-ə, tē-ˈwän-\ city NW Mexico on the U.S. border

Tim·buk·tu \ˌtim-ˌbək-ˈtü\ or Tom·bouc·tou \ˌtōn-bük-ˈtü\ town Mali near Niger River

Ti·mor \ˈtē-ˌmȯ(ə)r, tē-ˈmȯ(ə)r\ island Indonesia SE of Sulawesi; W half formerly belonged to Netherlands and is now part of Indonesia; E half belonged to Portugal until 1975, was annexed by Indonesia 1976, and gained independence 2002 as East Timor

Timor–Leste — see EAST TIMOR

Ti·ra·ne or Ti·ra·na \ti-ˈrän-ə\ city, capital of Albania

Ti·rol or Ty·rol \tə-ˈrōl; ˈtī-ˌrōl, tī-ˈrōl; ˈtir-əl\ or Italian Ti·ro·lo \tē-ˈrȯ-lō\ region in E Alps in W Austria & NE Italy
— Ti·ro·le·an or Ty·ro·le·an \tə-ˈrō-lē-ən, tī-; ˌtir-ə-ˈlē-, ˌtī-rə-ˈlē-\ or Ti·ro·lese or Ty·ro·lese \ˌtir-ə-ˈlēz, ˌtī-rə-, -ˈlēs\ adj or n

Ti·ti·ca·ca, Lake \ˌtit-i-ˈkäk-ə\ lake on Bolivia–Peru boundary at altitude of 12,500 ft. (3810 m.)

To·ba·go \tə-ˈbā-gō\ island West Indies NE of Trinidad; part of independent Trinidad and Tobago
— To·ba·go·ni·an \ˌtō-bə-ˈgō-nē-ən, -nyən\ n

To·go \ˈtō-gō\ country W Africa on Gulf of Guinea; capital, Lomé
— To·go·lese \ˌtō-gə-ˈlēz, -ˈlēs\ adj or n

To·kyo \ˈtō-kē-ˌō\ or formerly Edo \ˈē-ˌdō\ city, capital of Japan in SE Honshu on Tokyo Bay
— To·kyo·ite \ˈtō-kē-(ˌ)ō-ˌīt\ n

To·le·do \tə-ˈlēd-ō, -ˈlēd-ə\ city NW Ohio

Tol'·yat·ti \tȯl-ˈyät-ē\ city W Russia; NW of Samara

Ton·ga \ˈtäŋ-(g)ə\ islands SW Pacific E of Fiji Islands; a kingdom; capital, Nukualofa
— Ton·gan \-(g)ən\ adj or n

Ton·kin, Gulf of \ˈtäŋ-kən, ˈtän-ˈkin\ arm of South China Sea E of N Vietnam

To·pe·ka \tə-ˈpē-kə\ city, capital of Kansas

Tor·bay \(ˈ)tȯr-ˈbā\ urban area SW England

To·ron·to \tə-ˈränt-ō, -ˈränt-ə\ city, capital of Ontario, Canada

Tor·rance \ˈtȯr-ən(t)s, ˈtär-\ city SW California

Tor·res \ˈtȯr-əs\ strait between New Guinea & Cape York Peninsula, Australia

Tou·louse \tu̇-ˈlüz\ city SW France

Tower Hamlets borough of E Greater London, England

To·yo·na·ka \ˌtȯi-ə-ˈnäk-ə\ city Japan on Honshu; a suburb of Osaka

Trans·vaal \tran(t)s-ˈväl, tranz-\ former province NE Republic of South Africa

Tran·syl·va·nia \ˌtran(t)s-əl-ˈvā-nyə, -nē-ə\ region W Romania
— Tran·syl·va·nian \-nyən, -nē-ən\ adj or n

Transylvanian Alps a S extension of Carpathian Mountains in central Romania

Tren·ton \ˈtrent-ən\ city, capital of New Jersey

Trin·i·dad \ˈtrin-ə-ˌdad\ island West Indies off NE coast of Venezuela; with Tobago forms (since 1962) the independent country of Trinidad and Tobago; capital, Port of Spain
— Trin·i·da·di·an \ˌtrin-ə-ˈdād-ē-ən, -ˈdad-\ adj or n

Trip·o·li \ˈtrip-ə-lē\
1 city & port NW Lebanon
2 city & port, capital of Libya

Tris·tan da Cu·nha \ˌtris-tən-də-ˈkü-nə, -nyə\ island South Atlantic, chief of the Tristan da Cunha Islands (part of British colony of Saint Helena)

Tri·van·drum \triv-ˈan-drəm\ city S India

Tro·bri·and \ˈtrō-brē-ˌänd\ islands SW Pacific in Solomon Sea belonging to Papua New Guinea

Trois–Ri·vieres \ˌtrwä-ri-ˈvyer\ city S Quebec, Canada

Trond·heim \ˈträn-ˌhām\ city & port central Norway

Troy \ˈtrȯi\ or Il·i·um \ˈil-ē-əm\ or Tro·ja \ˈtrō-jə, -yə\ ancient city NW Asia Minor SW of the Dardanelles

Truk — see CHUUK

Tru·ro \ˈtru̇(ə)r-ō\ city SW England

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands — see PACIFIC ISLANDS (TRUST TERRITORY OF THE)

Tshwa·ne \ˈchwä-nā\ municipality Republic of South Africa including the city of Pretoria

Tsinan — see JINAN

Tsingtao — see QINGDAO

Tuc·son \tü-ˈsän, ˈtü-ˌsän\ city SE Arizona

Tu·la \ˈtü-lə\ city W Russia S of Moscow

Tul·sa \ˈtəl-sə\ city NE Oklahoma

Tu·nis \ˈt(y)ü-nəs\ city, capital of Tunisia

Tu·ni·sia \t(y)ü-ˈnē-zh(ē-)ə, -ˈnizh-(ē-)ə\ country N Africa on the Mediterranean E of Algeria; capital, Tunis
— Tu·ni·sian \-ˈnē-zh(ē-)ən, -ˈnizh-(ē-)ən\ adj or n

Tu·rin \ˈt(y)u̇r-ən, t(y)u̇-ˈrin\ city NW Italy on the Po

Tur·kana, Lake \tər-ˈkan-ə\ or Lake Ru·dolf \ˈrü-ˌdȯlf, -ˌdälf\ lake N Kenya in Great Rift Valley

Tur·key \ˈtər-kē\ country W Asia & SE Europe between Mediterranean & Black seas; capital, Ankara
— Turk n

Turk·men·i·stan \(ˌ)tərk-ˌmen-ə-ˈstan, -ˈstän; -ˈmen-ə-ˌ\ country central Asia; capital, Ashkhabad; a republic (Turk*men Soviet Socialist Republic \ˈtərk-mən\ ) of U.S.S.R. 1925–91
— Turk·me·ni·an \ˌtərk-ˈmē-nē-ən\ adj

Turks and Cai·cos \ˌtərk-sən-ˈkā-kəs\ two groups of islands West Indies at SE end of Bahamas; a British colony

Tu·tu·ila \ˌtüt-ə-ˈwē-lə\ island South Pacific, chief of American Samoa group

Tu·va·lu \tü-ˈväl-ü, -ˈvär-\ or formerly El·lice \ˈel-əs\ islands W Pacific N of Fiji; an independent country; capital, Funafuti — see GILBERT AND ELLICE ISLANDS

Tyne and Wear \ˈtī-nən-ˈ(d)wi(ə)r\ metropolitan county N England

Tyre \ˈtī(ə)r\ ancient city, capital of Phoenicia; now a town of S Lebanon
— Tyr·i·an \ˈtir-ē-ən\ adj or n

Tyrol — see TIROL

Tyr·rhe·ni·an Sea \tə-ˈrē-nē-ən\ the part of the Mediterranean SW of Italy, N of Sicily, & E of Sardinia & Corsica

Ufa \ü-ˈfä\ city W Russia NE of Samara

Ugan·da \yü-ˈgan-də, -ˈgȧn-, -ˈgän-\ country E Africa N of Lake Victoria; capital, Kampala
— Ugan·dan \-dən\ adj or n

Ukraine \yü-ˈkrān, ˈyü-ˌkrān\ country E Europe on N coast of Black Sea; capital, Kiev; a republic of U.S.S.R. 1923–91
— Ukrai·ni·an \yü-ˈkrā-nē-ən\ adj or n

Ulaan·baa·tar or Ulan Ba·tor \ˌü-ˌlän-ˈbä-ˌtȯ(ə)r\ city, capital of Mongolia

Ul·san \ˈül-sän\ city SE South Korea

Ul·ster \ˈəl-stər\
1 region N Ireland (island) consisting of Northern Ireland & N Ireland (country)
2 province N Ireland (country)
3 NORTHERN IRELAND

Ulu·ru \ü-ˈlü-rü\ or Ayers Rock \ˈerz\ outcrop central Australia in SW Northern Territory

Um·bria \ˈəm-brē-ə\ region central Italy in the Apennines

Un·ga·va \ˌən-ˈgav-ə\
1 bay, inlet of Hudson Strait NE Canada
2 peninsula region NE Canada in N Quebec

Union of South Africa — see SOUTH AFRICA (REPUBLIC OF)

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or Soviet Union or Soviet Russia country 1922–91 E Europe & N Asia; a union of 15 now independent republics; capital, Moscow

United Arab Emirates country E Arabia on Persian Gulf; composed of seven emirates; capital, Abu Dhabi

United Kingdom or in full United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland country W Europe in British Isles consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, & Isle of Man; capital, London

United Nations political organization established in 1945 with headquarters in New York City

United States of America or United States country North America bordering on Atlantic, Pacific, & Arctic oceans & including Hawaii; capital, Washington

Upper Volta — see BURKINA FASO

Ural \ˈyu̇r-əl\
1 mountains Russia & Kazakhstan extending about 1640 mi. (2640 km.); usually thought of as dividing line between Europe & Asia; highest about 6214 ft. (1894 m.)
2 river over 1500 mi. ( 2414 km.) long Russia & Kazakhstan flowing from S end of Ural Mountains into Caspian Sea

Uru·guay \ˈ(y)u̇r-ə-ˌgwī, ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌgwā\
1 river about 1000 mi. (1609 km.) long SE South America
2 country SE South America; capital, Montevideo
— Uru·guay·an \ˌ(y)u̇r-ə-ˈgwī-ən, ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈgwā-\ adj or n

Ürüm·qi \ˈ-ˈrm-ˈchē\ or Urum·chi \u̇-ˈru̇m-chē, ˌu̇r-əm-ˈchē\ city NW China

Us·pa·lla·ta \ˌü-spə-ˈyät-ə, -ˈzhät-\ mountain pass S South America in the Andes between Argentina & Chile

Utah \ˈyü-ˌtȯ, -ˌtä\ state W U.S.; capital, Salt Lake City
— Utah·an \-ˌtȯ(-ə)n, -ˌtä(-ə)n\ adj or n

— Utahn \-ˌtȯ(-ə)n, -ˌtä(-ə)n\ n

Uz·bek·i·stan \(ˌ)u̇z-ˌbek-i-ˈstan, -ˈstän; -ˈbek-i-ˌ\ country W central Asia between Aral Sea & Afghanistan; capital, Tashkent; a republic (Uz*bek Soviet Socialist Republic \ˈu̇z-ˌbek, ˈəz-; u̇z-ˈ\ ) of U.S.S.R. 1924–91

Va·duz \vä-ˈdüts\ town, capital of Liechtenstein

Val·dez \val-ˈdēz\ city & port S Alaska

Va·len·cia \və-ˈlen-ch(ē-)ə, -ˈlen(t)-sē-ə\
1 region & ancient kingdom E Spain
2 city, its capital, on the Mediterranean

Val·le·jo \və-ˈlā-ō\ city W California

Valley Forge locality SE Pennsylvania

Val·let·ta \və-ˈlet-ə\ city, capital of Malta

Van·cou·ver \van-ˈkü-vər\
1 city SW Washington on Columbia River opposite Portland, Oregon
2 island W Canada in SW British Columbia
3 city & port SW British Columbia, Canada

Van Diemen's Land — see TASMANIA

Van·u·atu \ˌvan-ˌwä-ˈtü, ˌvän-, -ˈwä-ˌtü\ or formerly New Heb·ri·des \-ˈheb-rə-ˌdēz\ islands SW Pacific W of Fiji; formerly under shared British and French administration; became independent 1980; capital, Port-Vila

Va·ra·na·si \və-ˈrä-nə-sē\ city N India

Vat·i·can City \ˌvat-i-kən\ independent state within Rome, Italy; created 1929 as headquarters for the Pope

Ven·e·zu·e·la \ˌven-əz(-ə)-ˈwā-lə, -ˈwē-\ country N South America; capital, Caracas
— Ven·e·zu·e·lan \-lən\ adj or n

Ven·ice \ˈven-əs\ or Italian Ve·ne·zia \və-ˈnet-sē-ə\ city N Italy on islands in Lagoon of Venice
— Ve·ne·tian \və-ˈnē-shən\ adj or n

Ven·tu·ra \ven-ˈtu̇r-ə, -ˈtyu̇r-\ or officially San Buen·a·ven·tu·ra \ˌsan-ˌbwen-ə-ˌven-\ city & port SW California

Ve·ra·cruz \ˌver-ə-ˈkrüz, -ˈkrüs\ city E Mexico

Ver·mont \vər-ˈmänt\ state NE U.S.; capital, Montpelier
— Ver·mont·er \-ər\ n

Ve·ro·na \və-ˈrō-nə\ city N Italy W of Venice

Ve·su·vi·us \və-ˈsü-vē-əs\ volcano about 4190 ft. (1277 m.) S Italy near Bay of Naples

Vicks·burg \ˈviks-ˌbərg\ city W Mississippi

Vic·to·ria \vik-ˈtōr-ē-ə, -ˈtȯr-\
1 city, capital of British Columbia, Canada on Vancouver Island
2 island N Canada in Arctic Archipelago
3 state SE Australia; capital, Melbourne
4 city & port, Hong Kong; served as capital of Hong Kong colony
5 seaport, capital of Seychelles
— Vic·to·ri·an \-ē-ən\ adj or n

Victoria, Lake lake E Africa in Tanzania, Kenya, & Uganda

Vi·en·na \vē-ˈen-ə\ or German Wien \ˈvēn\ city, capital of Austria on the Danube
— Vi·en·nese \ˌvē-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adj or n

Vien·tiane \(ˈ)vyen-ˈtyän\ city, capital of Laos

Vie·ques \vē-ˈā-kās\ island Puerto Rico off E end of main island

Viet·nam \vē-ˈet-ˈnäm, vyet-, ˌvē-ət-, -ˈnam\ country SE Asia in Indochina; capital, Hanoi; established 1945–46 & divided 1954–75 at 17th parallel into the independent states of North Vietnam (capital, Hanoi) & South Vietnam (capital, Saigon)
— Viet·nam·ese \vē-ˌet-nə-ˈmēz, ˌvyet-, ˌvē-ət-, ˌvēt, -na-, -nä-, -ˈmēs\ adj or n

Vila — see PORT-VILA

Vi·la No·va de Ga·ia \ˈvē-lə-ˈnȯ-və-dē-ˈgī-ə\ city NW Portugal

Vil·ni·us \ˈvil-nē-əs\ city, capital of Lithuania

Vin·land \ˈvin-lənd\ a portion of the coast of North America visited & so-called by Norse voyagers about 1000 A.D.; thought to be located along the North Atlantic in what is now E or NE Canada

Vir·gin·ia \vər-ˈjin-yə, -ˈjin-ē-ə\ state E U.S.; capital, Richmond
— Vir·gin·ian \-yən, -ē-ən\ adj or n

Virginia Beach city SE Virginia

Virginia City locality W Nevada

Vir·gin Islands \ˌvər-jən\ island group West Indies E of Puerto Rico — see BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS,; VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES

Virgin Islands of the United States the W islands of the Virgin Islands; capital, Charlotte Amalie (on Saint Thomas)

Vi·sa·yan \və-ˈsī-ən\ islands central Philippines

Vish·a·kha·pat·nam \vi-ˌshäk-ə-ˈpət-nəm\ or Vis·a·kha·pat·nam \-ˌsäk-\ city E India

Vis·tu·la \ˈvis(h)-chə-lə, ˈvis-tə-lə\ river over 660 mi. (1062 km.) long Poland flowing N from the Carpathians

Vi·ti Le·vu \ˌvēt-ē-ˈlev-ü\ island SW Pacific; largest of the Fiji group

Vlad·i·vos·tok \ˌvlad-ə-və-ˈstäk, -ˈväs-ˌtäk\ city & port SE Russia on an inlet of Sea of Japan

Voj·vo·di·na \ˈvoi-vȯ-ˌdē-nä\ autonomous province N Serbia

Vol·ga \ˈväl-gə, ˈvȯl-, ˈvōl-\ river about 2300 mi. (3700 km.) long W Russia; longest river in Europe

Vol·go·grad \ˈväl-gə-ˌgrad, ˈvȯl-, ˈvōl-\ city S Russia in Europe, on the Volga

Vol·ta \ˈväl-tə, ˈvȯl-\ river about 300 mi. (485 km.) long Ghana flowing from Lake Volta (reservoir) into Gulf of Guinea

Vo·ro·nezh \və-ˈrȯ-nish\ city S central Russia in Europe

Vosges \ˈvōzh\ mountains NE France on W side of Rhine valley; highest 4672 ft. (1424 m.)

Wa·co \ˈwā-kō\ city central Texas

Wad·den·zee \ˌväd-ən-ˈzā\ inlet of the North Sea N Netherlands

Wake \ˈwāk\ island North Pacific; U.S. territory

Wake·field \ˈwāk-ˌfēld\ city N England

Wa·la·chia or Wal·la·chia \wä-ˈlā-kē-ə\ region S Romania between Transylvanian Alps & the Danube

Wales \ˈwā(ə)lz\ or Welsh Cym·ru \ˈkəm-ˌrē\ or Latin Cam·bria \ˈkam-brē-ə\ principality SW Great Britain; a division of United Kingdom; capital, Cardiff

Wal·lo·nia \wä-ˈlō-nē-ə\ semiautonomous region S Belgium

Wal·sall \ˈwȯl-ˌsȯl, -səl\ town W central England

Wal·tham Forest \ˌwȯl-thəm\ borough of NE Greater London, England

Wands·worth \ˈwän(d)z-(ˌ)wərth\ borough of SW Greater London, England

War·ley \ˈwȯr-lē\ town W central England

War·ren \ˈwȯr-ən, ˈwär-\ city SE Michigan

War·saw \ˈwȯr-ˌsȯ\ or Polish War·sza·wa \vär-ˈshäv-ə\ city, capital of Poland

War·wick \ˈwär-ik\ town central England

War·wick·shire \ˈwär-ik-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ or Warwick county central England

Wa·satch \ˈwȯ-ˌsach\ range of the Rockies SE Idaho & N central Utah; highest Mount Timpanogos 12,008 ft. (3660 m.), in Utah

Wash·ing·ton \ˈwȯsh-iŋ-tən, ˈwäsh-\
1 state NW U.S.; capital, Olympia
2 city, capital of U.S.; having the same boundaries as District of Columbia and often referred to as Washington, D.C.
— Wash·ing·to·nian \ˌwȯsh-iŋ-ˈtō-nē-ən, ˌwäsh-, -nyən\ adj or n

Washington, Mount mountain 6288 ft. (1916 m.) N New Hampshire; highest in White Mountains

Wa·ter·bury \ˈwȯt-ə(r)-ˌber-ē, ˈwät-\ city W central Connecticut

Wed·dell \wə-ˈdel, ˈwed-əl\ sea consisting of part of the South Atlantic

Wei·mar Republic \ˈvī-ˌmär\ the German republic 1919–33

Wel·land \ˈwel-ənd\ canal 27 mi. (44 km.) long SE Ontario connecting Lake Erie & Lake Ontario

Wel·ling·ton \ˈwel-iŋ-tən\ city, capital of New Zealand

Wes·sex \ˈwes-iks\ ancient kingdom S England; capital, Winchester

West Bank area Middle East W of Jordan River; occupied by Israel since 1967 with parts having been transferred to Palestinian administration since 1993

West Brom·wich \-ˈbrəm-ij, -ˈbräm-, -ich\ town W central England

West Co·vi·na \kō-ˈvē-nə\ city SW California

Western Australia state W Australia; capital, Perth
— Western Australian adj or n

Western Cape province SW Republic of South Africa

Western Ghats chain of low mountains SW India

Western Hemisphere the half of the earth lying W of the Atlantic Ocean comprising North America, South America, & surrounding waters

Western Isles area of W Scotland consisting of the Outer Hebrides — see HEBRIDES

Western Sahara or formerly Spanish Sahara territory NW Africa; occupied by Morocco

Western Samoa — see SAMOA

West Germany the former Federal Republic of Germany — see GERMANY

West Indies islands lying between SE North America & N South America & consisting of the Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, & Bahamas
— West Indian adj or n

West Midlands metropolitan county W central England; includes Birmingham

West·min·ster \ˈwes(t)-ˌmin(t)-stər\
1 city N central Colorado NW of Denver
2 or City of Westminster borough of W central Greater London, England

West Pakistan the former W division of Pakistan having the same boundaries as present-day Pakistan

West·pha·lia \wes(t)-ˈfāl-yə, -ˈfā-lē-ə\ region W Germany E of the Rhine
— West·pha·lian \-ˈfāl-yən, -ˈfā-lē-ən\ adj or n

West Point U.S. military post SE New York on Hudson River N of New York City

West Quod·dy Head \ˌkwäd-ē\ cape; most easterly point of Maine & of the Lower 48

West Sus·sex \ˈsəs-iks\ county SE England

West Valley City city N Utah S of Salt Lake City

West Virginia state E U.S.; capital, Charleston
— West Virginian adj or n

West York·shire \ˈyȯrk-ˌshi(ə)r, -shər\ metropolitan county NW England including city of Wakefield

White sea NW Russia in Europe

White·horse \ˈhwīt-ˌhȯrs, ˈwīt-\ city, capital of Yukon, Canada

White Mountains mountains N New Hampshire in the Appalachians — see WASHINGTON (MOUNT)

Whit·ney, Mount \ˈhwit-nē, ˈwit-\ mountain 14,495 ft. (4418 m.) SE central California in Sierra Nevada; highest in U.S. outside of Alaska

Wich·i·ta \ˈwich-ə-ˌtȯ\ city S Kansas

Wichita Falls city N Texas

Wien — see VIENNA

Wight, Isle of — see ISLE OF WIGHT

Wil·lem·stad \ˈvil-əm-ˌstät\ city, formerly capital of Netherlands Antilles

Wil·liams·burg \ˈwil-yəmz-ˌbərg\ city SE Virginia

Wil·ming·ton \ˈwil-miŋ-tən\ city N Delaware; largest in state

Wilt·shire \ˈwilt-ˌshi(ə)r, ˈwil-chər, ˈwilt-shər\ county S England

Win·ches·ter \ˈwin-ˌches-tər, -chə-stər\ city S England

Win·der·mere \ˈwin-də(r)-ˌmi(ə)r\ lake NW England in Lake District

Wind·hoek \ˈvint-ˌhu̇k\ city, capital of Namibia

Wind·sor \ˈwin-zər\ city S Ontario, Canada

Wind·ward Islands \ˈwin-dwərd\ islands West Indies in the S Lesser Antilles extending S from Martinique but not including Barbados, Tobago, or Trinidad

Win·ni·peg \ˈwin-ə-ˌpeg\ city, capital of Manitoba, Canada

Winnipeg, Lake lake S central Manitoba, Canada

Win·ni·pe·sau·kee, Lake \ˌwin-ə-pə-ˈsȯ-kē\ lake central New Hampshire

Win·ston–Sa·lem \ˌwin(t)-stən-ˈsā-ləm\ city N central North Carolina

Wis·con·sin \wis-ˈkän(t)-sən\ state N central U.S.; capital, Madison
— Wis·con·sin·ite \-sə-ˌnīt\ n

Wit·wa·ters·rand \ˈwit-ˌwȯt-ərz-ˌrand, -ˌwät-, -ˌränd, -ˌränt\ or Rand \ˈrand, ˈränd, ˈränt\ ridge of gold-bearing rock NE Republic of South Africa

Wol·lon·gong \ˈwu̇l-ən-ˌgäŋ, -ˌgȯŋ\ city SE Australia in E New South Wales S of Sydney

Wol·ver·hamp·ton \ˈwu̇l-vər-ˌham(p)-tən\ town W central England NW of Birmingham

Worces·ter \ˈwu̇s-tər\
1 city E central Massachusetts
2 city W central England

Wran·gell, Mount \ˈraŋ-gəl\ volcano 14,163 ft. (4317 m.) S Alaska in Wrangell Mountains

Wro·claw \ˈvrȯt-ˌsläf, -ˌsläv\ city SW Poland in Silesia

Wu·han \ˈwü-ˈhän\ city E central China

Wu·xi or Wu–hsi \ˈwü-ˈshē\ city E China

Wy·o·ming \wī-ˈō-miŋ\ state NW U.S.; capital, Cheyenne
— Wy·o·ming·ite \-miŋ-ˌīt\ n

Xi'·an or Hsi–an \ˈshē-ˈän, -ˈan\ city E central China

Xianggang — see HONG KONG

Xin·jiang Uy·gur or Sin·kiang Ui·ghur \ˈshin-jē-ˈäŋ-ˈwē-gər\ region W China between the Kunlun & Altai mountains

Xizang — see TIBET

Xu·zhou \ˈshü-ˈjō\ or Sü·chow \ˈshü-ˈjō, ˈsü-; ˈsü-ˈchau̇\ city E China

Yak·i·ma \ˈyak-ə-ˌmȯ\ city S central Washington

Ya·lu \ˈyäl-ü\ river 500 mi. (804 km.) long China (SE Manchuria region) & North Korea

Ya·mous·sou·kro \ˌyä-mü-ˈsü-krō\ town, official capital of Cote d'Ivoire

Yan·gon \ˌyän-ˈgōn\ or formerly Ran·goon \ran-ˈgün, raŋ-\ city, historic capital of Myanmar

Yangtze — see CHANG

Yaoun·dé \yau̇n-ˈdā\ city, capital of Cameroon

Yap \ˈyap, ˈyäp\ island W Pacific in the W Carolines

Ya·ren \ˈyä-ren\ district of Nauru where government offices are located

Ya·ro·slavl \ˌyär-ə-ˈsläv-əl\ city central Russia in Europe, NE of Moscow

Yaz·oo \ya-ˈzü, ˈyaz-ü\ river W central Mississippi

Ye·ka·te·rin·burg \yi-ˈkat-ə-rən-ˌbərg, -ˈkät-, -ˌbərk\ or 1924–91 Sverd·lovsk \sverd-ˈlȯfsk\ city W Russia, in central Ural Mountains

Yellow
1 — see HUANG
2 sea, section of East China Sea between N China, North Korea, & South Korea

Yel·low·knife \ˈyel-ə-ˌnīf\ town, capital of Northwest Territories, Canada

Ye·men \ˈyem-ən\ country S Arabia bordering on Red Sea & Gulf of Aden; capital, Sanaa; before 1990 divided into the independent states of Yemen Arab Republic (capital, Sanaa) & People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (capital, Aden)
— Ye·me·ni \ˈyem-ə-nē\ adj or n

— Ye·men·ite \-ə-ˌnīt\ adj or n

Ye·ni·sey or Ye·ni·sei \ˌyi-ni-ˈsā\ river over 2500 mi. (4022 km.) long central Russia, flowing N into Arctic Ocean

Ye·re·van \ˌyer-ə-ˈvän\ city, capital of Armenia

Yo·ko·ha·ma \ˌyō-kə-ˈhäm-ə\ city Japan in SE Honshu on Tokyo Bay S of Tokyo

Yon·kers \ˈyäŋ-kərz\ city SE New York N of New York City

York \ˈyȯ(ə)rk\ city N England

York, Cape cape NE Australia in Queensland at N tip of Cape York Peninsula

Yo·sem·i·te Falls \yō-ˌsem-ət-ē\ waterfall E California; includes two falls, the upper 1430 ft. (436 m.) & the lower 320 ft. (98 m.)

Youngs·town \ˈyəŋ-ˌstau̇n\ city NE Ohio

Yu·ca·tán \ˌyü-kə-ˈtan, -ˈtän\ peninsula SE Mexico & N Central America including Belize & N Guatemala

Yu·go·sla·via or earlier Ju·go·sla·via \ˌyü-gō-ˈsläv-ē-ə\
1 former country S Europe including Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, & Macedonia; capital, Belgrade
2 — see SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
— Yu·go·slav \ˌyü-gō-ˈsläv, -ˈslav\ or Yu·go·sla·vi·an \-ˈsläv-ē-ən\ adj or n

Yu·kon \ˈyü-ˌkän\
1 river 1979 mi. (3185 km.) long NW Canada & Alaska flowing into Bering Sea
2 territory NW Canada; capital, Whitehorse

Yu·ma \ˈyü-mə\ city SW corner of Arizona on the Colorado

Za·greb \ˈzäg-ˌreb\ city, capital of Croatia

Zaire \zä-ˈi(ə)r also ˈzī(ə)r\
1 river in Africa — see CONGO 1
2 country in Africa — see CONGO 2
— Zair·ean or Zair·ian \zä-ˈir-ē-ən\ adj or n

Zam·be·zi or Zam·be·si \zam-ˈbē-zē\ river about 1700 mi. (2735 km.) long SE Africa flowing from NW Zambia into Mozambique Channel

Zam·bia \ˈzam-bē-ə\ country S Africa N of the Zambezi; formerly (as Northern Rhodesia) dependent on Britain; became independent 1964; capital, Lusaka
— Zam·bi·an \-ən\ adj or n

Zan·zi·bar \ˈzan-zə-ˌbär\ island Tanzania off NE Tanganyika coast; formerly a sultanate; became independent 1963; united 1964 with Tanganyika forming Tanzania

Za·po·rizh·zhya \ˌzäp-ə-ˈrēzh-zhyə\ or Za·po·ro·zh'ye \ˌzäp-ə-ˈrȯ-zhə\ city SE Ukraine

Zetland — see SHETLAND

Zhang·jia·kou \ˈjäŋ-jē-ˈä-ˈkō\ or Kal·gan \ˈkal-ˈgan\ city NE China NW of Beijing

Zhdanov — see MARIUPOL'

Zheng·zhou or Cheng–chou \ˈjəŋ-ˈjō\ city NE central China

Zim·ba·bwe \zim-ˈbäb-wē, -wā\ or formerly Rho·de·sia \rō-ˈdē-zhə, -zhē-ə\ country S Africa S of Zambezi River; capital, Harare
— Zim·ba·bwean \-ən\ adj or n

Zui·der Zee \ˌzīd-ər-ˈzā, -ˈzē\ — see IJSSELMEER

Zu·lu·land \ˈzü-(ˌ)lü-ˌland\ territory E Republic of South Africa on Indian Ocean

Zu·rich \ˈzu̇(ə)r-ik\ city N Switzerland

Tables

Books of the Bible

Chemical Elements

Geologic Time

International Morse Code

Measures and Weights

Metric System

Numbers

Planets

Punctuation Marks

Ship's Bells

Signs of the Zodiac

Books of the Bible

Hebrew Bible

Law

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Prophets

Joshua

Judges

1 & 2 Samuel

1 & 2 Kings

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Ezekiel

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

Writings

Psalms

Proverbs

Job

Song of Songs

Ruth

Lamentations

Ecclesiastes

Esther

Daniel

Ezra

Nehemiah

1 & 2 Chronicles

Christian Canon - Old Testament

Roman Catholic

Protestant

Genesis

Genesis

Exodus

Exodus

Leviticus

Leviticus

Numbers

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy

Joshua

Joshua

Judges

Judges

Ruth

Ruth

1 & 2 Samuel

1 & 2 Samuel

1 & 2 Kings

1 & 2 Kings

1 & 2 Chronicles

1 & 2 Chronicles

Ezra

Ezra

Nehemiah

Nehemiah

Tobit

—

Judith

—

Esther

Esther

Job

Job

Psalms

Psalms

Proverbs

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes

Song of Songs

Song of Solomon

Wisdom

—

Sirach

—

Isaiah

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Lamentations

Baruch

—

Ezekiel

Ezekiel

Daniel

Daniel

Hosea

Hosea

Joel

Joel

Amos

Amos

Obadiah

Obadiah

Jonah

Jonah

Micah

Micah

Nahum

Nahum

Habakkuk

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Zephaniah

Haggai

Haggai

Zechariah

Zechariah

Malachi

Malachi

1 & 2 Maccabees

—

Protestant Apocrypha

1 & 2 Esdras

Tobit

Judith

Additions to Esther

Wisdom of Solomon

Ecclesiasticus or the Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach

Baruch

Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Holy Children

Susanna

Bel and the Dragon

The Prayer of Manasses

1 & 2 Maccabees

Christian Canon - New Testament

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts of the Apostles

Romans

1 & 2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 & 2 Thessalonians

1 & 2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

Hebrews

James

1 & 2 Peter

1, 2, 3 John

Jude

Revelation or Apocalypse

Chemical Elements

Element

Symbol

Atomic Number

Atomic Weight[1]

actinium

Ac

89

(227)

aluminum

Al

13

26.98154

americium

Am

95

(243)

antimony

Sb

51

121.760

argon

Ar

18

39.948

arsenic

As

33

74.92160

astatine

At

85

(210)

barium

Ba

56

137.33

berkelium

Bk

97

(247)

beryllium

Be

4

9.012182

bismuth

Bi

83

208.98038

bohrium

Bh

107

(264)

boron

B

5

10.81

bromine

Br

35

79.904

cadmium

Cd

48

112.41

calcium

Ca

20

40.078

californium

Cf

98

(251)

carbon

C

6

12.011

cerium

Ce

58

140.116

cesium

Cs

55

132.90545

chlorine

Cl

17

35.453

chromium

Cr

24

51.996

cobalt

Co

27

58.93320

copernicium

Cn

112

(285)

copper

Cu

29

63.546

curium

Cm

96

(247)

darmstadtium

Ds

110

(269)

dubnium

Db

105

(262)

dysprosium

Dy

66

162.50

einsteinium

Es

99

(252)

erbium

Er

68

167.259

europium

Eu

63

151.964

fermium

Fm

100

(257)

flerovium

Fl

114

(289)

fluorine

F

9

18.998403

francium

Fr

87

(223)

gadolinium

Gd

64

157.25

gallium

Ga

31

69.723

germanium

Ge

32

72.64

gold

Au

79

196.96657

hafnium

Hf

72

178.49

hassium

Hs

108

(277)

helium

He

2

4.002602

holmium

Ho

67

164.93032

hydrogen

H

1

1.0079

indium

In

49

114.818

iodine

I

53

126.90447

iridium

Ir

77

192.217

iron

Fe

26

55.845

krypton

Kr

36

83.80

lanthanum

La

57

138.90547

lawrencium

Lr

103

(262)

lead

Pb

82

207.2

lithium

Li

3

6.941

livermorium

Lv

116

(293)

lutetium

Lu

71

174.967

magnesium

Mg

12

24.305

manganese

Mn

25

54.93805

meitnerium

Mt

109

(268)

mendelevium

Md

101

(258)

mercury

Hg

80

200.59

molybdenum

Mo

42

95.94

moscovium

Mc

115

(289)

neodymium

Nd

60

144.24

neon

Ne

10

20.180

neptunium

Np

93

(237)

nickel

Ni

28

58.6934

nihonium

Nh

113

(286)

niobium

Nb

41

92.90638

nitrogen

N

7

14.0067

nobelium

No

102

(259)

oganesson

Og

118

(294)

osmium

Os

76

190.23

oxygen

O

8

15.9994

palladium

Pd

46

106.42

phosphorus

P

15

30.973762

platinum

Pt

78

195.084

plutonium

Pu

94

(244)

polonium

Po

84

(209)

potassium

K

19

39.0983

praseodymium

Pr

59

140.90765

promethium

Pm

61

(145)

protactinium

Pa

91

(231)

radium

Ra

88

(226)

radon

Rn

86

(222)

rhenium

Re

75

186.207

rhodium

Rh

45

102.90550

roentgenium

Rg

111

(280)

rubidium

Rb

37

85.4678

ruthenium

Ru

44

101.07

rutherfordium

Rf

104

(261)

samarium

Sm

62

150.36

scandium

Sc

21

44.95591

seaborgium

Sg

106

(266)

selenium

Se

34

78.96

silicon

Si

14

28.0855

silver

Ag

47

107.8682

sodium

Na

11

22.989769

strontium

Sr

38

87.62

sulfur

S

16

32.07

tantalum

Ta

73

180.9479

technetium

Tc

43

(98)

tellurium

Te

52

127.60

tennessine

Ts

117

(293)

terbium

Tb

65

158.92535

thallium

Tl

81

204.3833

thorium

Th

90

(232)

thulium

Tm

69

168.93421

tin

Sn

50

118.71

titanium

Ti

22

47.867

tungsten

W

74

183.84

uranium

U

92

(238)

vanadium

V

23

50.9415

xenon

Xe

54

131.29

ytterbium

Yb

70

173.04

yttrium

Y

39

88.90585

zinc

Zn

30

65.39

zirconium

Zr

40

91.224

1 Weights are based on the naturally occurring isotope compositions and scaled to 12C = 12. For elements lacking stable isotopes, the mass number of the most stable nuclide is shown in parentheses.

Geologic Time

Eras

Periods and Systems

Epochs and Series

Approximate Beginning of Interval
(years ago)

Biological Forms

Phanerozoic Eon

Cenozoic

Quaternary

Holocene

10,000

Pleistocene

1,800,000

Earliest humans

Tertiary

Pliocene

5,000,000

Miocene

24,000,000

Earliest hominids

Oligocene

34,000,000

Eocene

55,000,000

Earliest grasses

Paleocene

65,000,000

Earliest large mammals

Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary (65 million years ago): extinction of dinosaurs

Mesozoic

Cretaceous

Upper

98,000,000

Lower

144,000,000

Earliest flowering plants; dinosaurs dominate the land

Jurassic

208,000,000

Earliest birds

Triassic

248,000,000

Earliest dinosaurs & mammals

Paleozoic

Permian

286,000,000

Carboniferous

Pennsylvanian

320,000,000

Earliest reptiles

Mississippian

360,000,000

Earliest winged insects

Devonian

410,000,000

Earliest amphibians & bony fish

Silurian

438,000,000

Earliest land plants & insects

Ordovician

505,000,000

Earliest corals

Cambrian

544,000,000

Earliest fish

Proterozoic Eon

Precambrian

2,500,000,000

Earliest colonial algae & soft-bodied invertebrates

Archean Eon

Precambrian

3,800,000,000

Earliest surviving fossils of primitive single-celled organisms

Hadean Eon

Precambrian

4,600,000,000

No surviving fossils

International Morse Code

a

· -

b

- · · ·

c

- · - ·

d

- · ·

e

·

f

· · - ·

g

- - ·

h

· · · ·

i

· ·

j

· - - -

k

- · -

l

· - · ·

m

- -

n

- ·

o

- - -

p

· - - ·

q

- - · -

r

· - ·

s

· · ·

t

-

u

· · -

v

· · · -

w

· - -

x

- · · -

y

- · - -

z

- - · ·

á

· - - · -

ä

· - · -

é

· · - · ·

ñ

- - · - -

ö

- - - ·

ü

· · - -

1

· - - - -

2

· · - - -

3

· · · - -

4

· · · · -

5

· · · · ·

6

- · · · ·

7

- - · · ·

8

- - - · ·

9

- - - - ·

0

- - - - -

,

- - · · - - (comma)

.

· - · - · - (period)

?

· · - - · · (question mark)

"

· - · · - · (quotation marks)

:

- - - · · · (colon)

'

· - - - - · (apostrophe)

-

- · · · · - (hyphen)

/

- · · - · (slash)

(

- · - - · (left parenthesis)

)

- · - - · - (right parenthesis)

Measures and Weights[1]

Unit

Abbreviation or Symbol

Equivalents in Other Units of Same System

Metric Equivalent

Weight

Avoirdupois[2]

ton: short ton

2000 pounds, 20 short hundredweight

0.907 metric ton

ton: long ton

2240 pounds, 20 long hundredweight

1.016 metric tons

hundredweight: short hundredweight

cwt

100 pounds, 0.05 short ton

45.359 kilograms

hundredweight: long hundredweight

cwt

112 pounds, 0.05 long ton

50.802 kilograms

pound

lb or lb avdp also #

16 ounces, 7000 grains

0.454 kilogram

ounce

oz or oz avdp

16 drams, 437.5 grains, 0.0625 pound

28.350 grams

dram

dr or dr avdp

27.344 grains, 0.0625 ounce

1.772 grams

grain

gr

0.037 dram, 0.002286 ounce

0.0648 gram

Troy

pound

lb t

12 ounces, 240 pennyweight, 5760 grains

0.373 kilogram

ounce

oz t

20 pennyweight, 480 grains, 0.083 pound

31.103 grams

pennyweight

dwt also pwt

24 grains, 0.05 ounce

1.555 grams

grain

gr

0.042 pennyweight, 0.002083 ounce

0.0648 gram

Apothecaries

pound

lb ap

12 ounces, 5760 grains

0.373 kilogram

ounce

oz ap

8 drams, 480 grains, 0.083 pound

31.103 grams

dram

dr ap

3 scruples, 60 grains

3.888 grams

scruple

s ap

20 grains, 0.333 dram

1.296 grams

grain

gr

0.05 scruple, 0.002083 ounce, 0.0166 dram

0.0648 gram

Capacity

U.S. liquid measure

gallon

gal

4 quarts (231 cubic inches)

3.785 liters

quart

qt

2 pints (57.75 cubic inches)

0.946 liter

pint

pt

4 gills (28.875 cubic inches)

0.473 liter

gill

gi

4 fluid ounces (7.219 cubic inches)

118.294 milliliters

fluid ounce

fl oz

8 fluid drams (1.805 cubic inches)

29.573 milliliters

fluid dram

fl dr

60 minims (0.226 cubic inch)

3.697 milliliters

minim

min

1/60 fluid dram (0.003760 cubic inch)

0.061610 milliliter

U.S. dry measure

bushel

bu

4 pecks (2150.42 cubic inches)

35.239 liters

peck

pk

8 quarts (537.605 cubic inches)

8.810 liters

quart

qt

2 pints (67.201 cubic inches)

1.101 liters

pint

pt

1/2 quart (33.600 cubic inches)

0.551 liter

Length

mile

mi

5280 feet, 1760 yards, 320 rods

1.609 kilometers

rod

rd

5.50 yards, 16.5 feet

5.029 meters

yard

yd

3 feet, 36 inches

0.9144 meter

foot

ft or '

12 inches, 0.333 yard

30.48 centimeters

inch

in or "

0.083 foot, 0.028 yard

2.54 centimeters

Area

square mile

sq mi or mi²

640 acres, 102,400 square rods

2.590 square kilometers

acre

ac

4840 square yards, 43,560 square feet

0.405 hectare

square rod

sq rd or rd²

30.25 square yards, 0.00625 acre

25.293 square meters

square yard

sq yd or yd²

9 square feet, 1296 square inches

0.836 square meter

square foot

sq ft or ft²

144 square inches, 0.111 square yard

0.093 square meter

square inch

sq in or in²

0.0069 square foot, 0.00077 square yard

6.452 square centimeters

Volume

cubic yard

cu yd or yd³

27 cubic feet, 46,656 cubic inches

0.765 cubic meter

cubic foot

cu ft or ft³

1728 cubic inches, 0.0370 cubic yard

0.028 cubic meter

cubic inch

cu in or in³

0.00058 cubic foot, 0.000021 cubic yard

16.387 cubic centimeters

1For U.S. equivalents of the metric units see Metric System table.

2The U.S. uses the avoirdupois units as the common system of measuring weight.

Metric System[1]

Length

Unit

Abbreviation

Equivalent in Base Unit

Approximate U.S. Equivalent

kilometer

km

1,000 meters

0.62 mile

hectometer

hm

100 meters

328.08 feet

dekameter

dam

10 meters

32.81 feet

meter

m

39.37 inches

decimeter

dm

0.1 meter

3.94 inches

centimeter

cm

0.01 meter

0.39 inch

millimeter

mm

0.001 meter

0.039 inch

micrometer

µm

0.000001 meter

0.000039 inch

Area

Unit

Abbreviation

Equivalent in Base Unit

Approximate U.S. Equivalent

square kilometer

sq km or km^2

1,000,000 square meters

0.39 square miles

hectare

ha

10,000 square meters

2.47 acres

are

a

100 square meters

119.60 square yards

square centimeter

sq cm or cm^2

0.0001 square meter

0.16 square inch

Volume

Unit

Abbreviation

Equivalent in Base Unit

Approximate U.S. Equivalent

cubic meter

m³

1.31 cubic yards

cubic decimeter

dm³

0.001 cubic meter

61.02 cubic inches

cubic centimeter

cu cm or cm³ also cc

0.000001 cubic meter

0.061 cubic inch

Capacity

Unit

Abbreviation

Equivalent in Base Unit

Approximate U.S. Equivalents

cubic

dry

liquid

kiloliter

kl

1,000 liters

1.31 cubic yards

28.38 bushels

264.17 gallons

hectoliter

hl

100 liters

3.53 cubic feet

2.84 bushels

26.42 gallons

dekaliter

dal

10 liters

0.35 cubic foot

1.14 pecks

2.64 gallons

liter

l

61.02 cubic inches

0.91 quart

1.06 quarts

cubic decimeter

dm³

1 liter

61.02 cubic inches

0.91 quart

1.06 quarts

deciliter

dl

0.1 liter

6.10 cubic inches

0.18 pint

0.21 pint

centiliter

cl

0.01 liter

0.61 cubic inch

0.34 fluid ounce

milliliter

ml

0.001 liter

0.061 cubic inch

0.27 fluid dram

Mass and Weight

Unit

Abbreviation

Equivalent in Base Unit

Approximate U.S. Equivalent

metric ton

t

1,000,000 grams

1.10 short tons

kilogram

kg

1,000 grams

2.20 pounds

hectogram

hg

100 grams

3.53 ounces

dekagram

dag

10 grams

0.35 ounce

gram

g

0.035 ounce

decigram

dg

0.1 gram

1.54 grains

centigram

cg

0.01 gram

0.15 grain

milligram

mg

0.001 gram

0.015 grain

1 For metric equivalents of U.S. units, see Measures and Weights table.

Table of Numbers

Cardinal Numbers[1]

Name[2]

Symbol

Arabic

Roman[3]

zero or naught or cipher

0

one

1

I

two

2

II

three

3

III

four

4

IV

five

5

V

six

6

VI

seven

7

VII

eight

8

VIII

nine

9

IX

ten

10

X

eleven

11

XI

twelve

12

XII

thirteen

13

XIII

fourteen

14

XIV

fifteen

15

XV

sixteen

16

XVI

seventeen

17

XVII

eighteen

18

XVIII

nineteen

19

XIX

twenty

20

XX

twenty-one

21

XXI

twenty-two

22

XXII

twenty-three

23

XXIII

twenty-four

24

XXIV

twenty-five

25

XXV

twenty-six

26

XXVI

twenty-seven

27

XXVII

twenty-eight

28

XXVIII

twenty-nine

29

XXIX

thirty

30

XXX

thirty-one etc.

31

XXXI

forty

40

XL

fifty

50

L

sixty

60

LX

seventy

70

LXX

eighty

80

LXXX

ninety

90

XC

one hundred

100

C

one hundred and one or one hundred one etc.

101

CI

two hundred

200

CC

three hundred

300

CCC

four hundred

400

CD

five hundred

500

D

six hundred

600

DC

seven hundred

700

DCC

eight hundred

800

DCCC

nine hundred

900

CM

one thousand or ten hundred etc

1,000

M

two thousand etc

2,000

MM

five thousand

5,000

ten thousand

10,000

one hundred thousand

100,000

one million

1,000,000

1The cardinal numbers are used in simple counting or in answer to "how many?" The words for these numbers may be used as nouns (he counted to twelve), as pronouns (twelve were found), or as adjectives (twelve girls).

2In formal contexts the numbers one to one hundred and in less formal contexts the numbers one to nine are commonly written out in words, while larger numbers are given in numerals. A number occurring at the beginning of a sentence is usually written out. Except in very formal writing numerals are used for dates. Arabic numbers from 1,000 to 9,999 are often written without commas (1000 to 9999). Year numbers are always written without commas (1783).

3The Roman numerals are written either in capitals or in lowercase letters.

Ordinal Numbers[4]

Name[5]

Symbol[6]

first

1st

second

2d or 2nd

third

3d or 3rd

fourth

4th

fifth

5th

sixth

6th

seventh

7th

eighth

8th

ninth

9th

tenth

10th

eleventh

11th

twelfth

12th

thirteenth

13th

fourteenth

14th

fifteenth

15th

sixteenth

16th

seventeenth

17th

eighteenth

18th

nineteenth

19th

twentieth

20th

twenty-first

21st

twenty-second

22d or 22nd

twenty-third

23d or 23rd

twenty-fourth

24th

twenty-fifth

25th

twenty-sixth

26th

twenty-seventh

27th

twenty-eighth

28th

twenty-ninth

29th

thirtieth

30th

thirty-first etc.

31st

fortieth

40th

fiftieth

50th

sixtieth

60th

seventieth

70th

eightieth

80th

ninetieth

90th

hundredth or one hundredth

100th

hundred and first or one hundred and first etc.

101st

two hundredth

200th

three hundredth

300th

four hundredth

400th

five hundredth

500th

six hundredth

600th

seven hundredth

700th

eight hundredth

800th

nine hundredth

900th

thousandth or one thousandth

1,000th

two thousandth etc

2,000th

five thousandth

5,000th

ten thousandth

10,000th

hundred thousandth or one hundred thousandth

100,000th

millionth or one millionth

1,000,000th

4The ordinal numbers are used to show the order in which such items as names, objects, and periods of time are considered (the twelfth month; the fourth row of seats; the 18th century).

5Each of the terms for the ordinal numbers except first and second is used for one of a number of parts into which a whole may be divided (a fourth; a sixth; a tenth) and as the denominator in fractions (one fourth; three fifths). When used as nouns the fractions are usually written as two words, although they are usually hyphenated as adjectives (a two-thirds majority). When fractions are written in numerals, the cardinal symbols are used (1/4, 3/5, 5/6).

6The Arabic symbols for the cardinal numbers may be read as ordinals (January 1 = January first; 2 Samuel = Second Samuel). The Roman numerals are sometimes read as ordinals (Henry IV = Henry the Fourth); sometimes they are written with the ordinal suffixes (XIXth Dynasty).

Denominations above One Million

American system[1]

Name

Value In Powers Of Ten

Number Of Zeros[2]

Number Of Groups Of Three 0's After 1,000

billion

10^9

9

2

trillion

10^12

12

3

quadrillion

10^15

15

4

quintillion

10^18

18

5

sextillion

10^21

21

6

septillion

10^24

24

7

octillion

10^27

27

8

nonillion

10^30

30

9

decillion

10^33

33

10

British system[1]

Name

Value In Powers Of Ten

Number Of Zeros[2]

Powers Of 1,000,000

milliard

10^9

9

—

billion

10^12

12

2

trillion

10^18

18

3

quadrillion

10^24

24

4

quintillion

10^30

30

5

sextillion

10^36

36

6

septillion

10^42

42

7

octillion

10^48

48

8

nonillion

10^54

54

9

decillion

10^60

60

10

1The American system of numeration for denominations above one million was modeled on the French system but more recently the French system has been changed to correspond to the German and British systems. In the American system each of the denominations above 1,000 millions (the American billion) is 1,000 times the preceding one (one trillion = 1,000 billions; one quadrillion = 1,000 trillions). In the British system the first denomination above 1,000 millions (the British milliard) is 1,000 times the preceding one, but each of the denominations above 1,000 milliards (the British billion) is 1,000,000 times the preceding one (one trillion = 1,000,000 billions; one quadrillion = 1,000,000 trillions). In recent years, however, British usage reflects widespread and increasing use of the values of the American system in place of those of the British system.

2For ease in reading large numerals, the thousands, millions, and larger denominations are usually separated by commas (21,530; 1,155,465) or especially in technical writing by spaces (1 155 465). Serial numbers (as social security numbers) are often written with hyphens (042-24-4705).

Planets*

Name

Symbol

Mean Distance from the Sun

Period of Revolution

Period of Rotation

Equatorial Diameter

Mass

astronomical units

million miles

million kilometers

days or years

hours or days

miles

kilometers

relative to earth

Mercury

0.39

35.99

57.91

87.97 d.

58.65 d.

3,033

4,879

0.06

Venus

0.72

67.25

108.21

224.70 d.

243.02 d.

7,522

12,104

0.82

Earth

1.000

92.98

149.60

365.26 d.

23.93 h.

7,928

12,756

1.00

Mars

1.52

141.67

227.94

686.99 d.

24.62 h.

4,222

6,794

0.11

Jupiter

5.20

483.78

778.41

11.86 y.

9.92 h.

88,865

142,984

317.82

Saturn

9.54

886.72

1,426.73

29.47 y.

10.66 h.

74,914

120,536

95.16

Uranus

19.19

1,784.32

2,870.97

84.02 y.

17.24 h.

31,770

51,118

14.54

Neptune

30.07

2,795.68

4,498.25

164.79 y.

16.11 h.

30,782

49,528

17.15

*In 2006 the International Astronomical Union defined planet in a way that excluded Pluto, classifying it instead as a dwarf planet. A number of astronomers dislike the change, and discussion continues. However, most of the general public has accepted the change.

Punctuation Marks

.

period (or chiefly Brit full stop)

,

comma

;

semicolon

:

colon

'

apostrophe

‘ ’

quotation marks, single (or chiefly Brit inverted commas)

“ ”

quotation marks, double (or chiefly Brit inverted commas)

« »

guillemets

?

question mark

¿ ?

question marks, Spanish

!

exclamation point

¡ !

exclamation points, Spanish

‽

interrobang

@

at sign

/

slash (or diagonal or slant or solidus or virgule)

\

backslash

...

ellipsis

-

hyphen

double hyphen

–

dash (or en dash)

—

dash (or em dash)

~

swung dash

( )

parentheses

[ ]

brackets, square (or brackets)

< >

brackets, angle

{ }

braces (or curly brackets)

Ship's Bells

Number of Bells

Hour (A.M. or P.M.)

1

12:30

4:30

8:30

2

1:00

5:00

9:00

3

1:30

5:30

9:30

4

2:00

6:00

10:00

5

2:30

6:30

10:30

6

3:00

7:00

11:00

7

3:30

7:30

11:30

8

4:00

8:00

12:00

Signs of the Zodiac

Number

Name

Symbol

Sun Enters^1

1

Aries the Ram

March 21

2

Taurus the Bull

April 20

3

Gemini the Twins

May 21

4

Cancer the Crab

June 22

5

Leo the Lion

July 23

6

Virgo the Virgin

August 23

7

Libra the Balance

September 23

8

Scorpio the Scorpion

October 24

9

Sagittarius the Archer

November 22

10

Capricorn the Goat

December 22

11

Aquarius the Water Bearer

January 20

12

Pisces the Fishes

February 19

1 Though no longer astronomically accurate, these traditional dates continue to be used in astrology.

Signs and Symbols

Biology

○

a female individual—used chiefly in inheritance charts

□

a male individual—used chiefly in inheritance charts

♀

female

♂

male

×

crossed with; hybrid

P_1

parental generation usually consisting of two or more different pure strains

F_1

first filial generation, offspring of a mating between different P_1 strains

F_2

second filial generation, offspring of an F_1 × F_1 mating

Business and Finance

@

at; each <4 apples @ 5¢ = 20¢>

P

principal

i, r

rate of interest

n

number of periods (as of interest) and especially years

/

per

c/o

care of

#

number if it precedes a numeral <track #3>; pounds if it follows <a 5 # sack of sugar>

%

percent

‰

per thousand

©

copyrighted

®

registered trademark

$

dollars

¢

cents

£

pounds

Chemistry

+

signifies “plus,” “and,” “together with”—used between the symbols of substances brought together for, or produced by, a reaction; placed to the right of a symbol above the line, it signifies a charge of positive electricity: Ca++ or Ca2+ denotes the ion of calcium, which carries two positive charges

−

signifies a charge of negative electricity when placed to the right of a symbol above the line: Cl− denotes a chlorine ion carrying a negative charge

—

signifies a single bond—used between the symbols of elements or groups which unite to form a compound (as H—O—H for H_2O)

·

—used to separate parts of a compound regarded as loosely joined (as CuSO_4·5H_2O); the centered dot is also used to denote the presence of a single unpaired electron (as H·)

=

indicates a double bond; placed to the right of a symbol above the line, it signifies two charges of negative electricity (as SO_4=, the negative ion of sulfuric acid, carrying two negative charges)

≡

signifies a triple bond or a triple negative charge

:

—used to indicate an unshared pair of electrons (as :NH_3); also sometimes used to indicate a double bond (as in CH_2:CH_2)

( )

marks groups within a compound [as in C_6H_4(CH_3)2, which contains two methyl groups (CH_3)]

=

gives or forms

→

gives, leads to, or is converted to

forms and is formed from

↓

indicates precipitation of the substance

↑

indicates that the substance is released as a gas

Δ

indicates that heat is required or produced

1, 2, etc.

—used to indicate various quantities (as mass number <12C>, atomic number <6C>, number of atoms or groups <(C_6H_5)2>, or quantity of electric charge <Ca2+>)

I, II, III, etc.

—used to indicate oxidation state <FeIII>

Z

atomic number

(for element symbols see ELEMENT table)

Computers

?

symbol used especially to represent any single character in a keyword search (as in a search for “f?n” to find fan, fin, and fun)

*

symbol used especially to represent zero or more characters in a keyword search (as in a search for “key*” to find key, keys, keyed, keying, etc.)

@

at sign—used to introduce the domain name in an e-mail address

:-) and :-( etc.

emoticons (e.g., smile, frown, etc.)

/ or \

—used to introduce or separate parts of a computer address

.

dot—used to separate parts of a computer address or file name

< >

—used to enclose tags in a markup language (as <title>Dictionary</title>)

Mathematics

+

plus; positive <a + b = c>—also used to indicate omitted figures or an approximation

−

minus; negative

±

plus or minus; positive or negative <the square root of 4a^2 is ±2a> <an age of 120,000 years ±12,000>

×

multiplied by; times <6 × 4 = 24>—also indicated by placing a dot between the factors <6·4 = 24> or by writing the factors one after the other, often enclosed in parentheses <(4)(5)(3) = 60> <−4abc>

÷ or :

divided by <24 ÷ 6 = 4>—also indicated by writing the divisor under the dividend with a line between <24/6 = 4> or by writing the divisor after the dividend with a slash between <3/8>

E

times 10 raised to an indicated exponent <4.52E5 = 4.52 × 10^5>—used especially in electronic displays

=

equals <6 + 2 = 8>

≠

is not equal to

>

is greater than <6 > 5>

<

is less than <3 < 4>

≥

is greater than or equal to

≤

is less than or equal to

≈

is approximately equal to

≡

is identical to

∼

is similar to; the negation of; the negative of

≅

is congruent to

∝

varies directly as; is proportional to

:

is to; the ratio of

∴

therefore

∞

infinity

∠

angle; the angle <∠ ABC>

∟

right angle <∟ ABC>

⊥

the perpendicular; is perpendicular to <AB ⊥ CD>

∥

parallel; is parallel to <AB ∥ CD>

○

circle

△

triangle

□

square

▭

rectangle

√

root—used without an index to indicate a square root (as in √4 = 2) or with an index above the sign to indicate a higher degree (as in 3√3, 5√7); also denoted by a fractional index at the right of a number whose denominator expresses the degree of the root <31/3 = 3√3>

( )

parentheses—used to indicate associated quantities and the order of operations

[ ]

brackets—used to indicate associated quantities and the order of operations

{ }

braces—used to indicate associated quantities and the order of operations

—

(when placed above quantities) vinculum

s

standard deviation of a sample taken from a population

σ

standard deviation of a population

s^2

variance of a sample from a population

σ^2

variance

μ

(1) micrometer (2) arithmetic mean of a population

P

probability

π

pi; the number 3.14159265+; the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter

!

factorial <n! = n(n − 1)(n − 2)…1>

e or ε

(1) the number 2.7182818+; the base of the natural system of logarithms (2) the eccentricity of a conic section

i

the positive square root of minus one √-1

n

an unspecified number (as an exponent) especially when integral

°

degree <60°>

′

minute; foot <30′>—also used to distinguish between different values of the same variable or between different variables (as a′, a″, a‴)

″

second; inch <30″>

0, 1, 2, 3, etc.

—used as exponents placed above and at the right of an expression to indicate that it is raised to a power whose degree is indicated by the figure <a^0 equals 1> <a^1 equals a> <a^2 is the square of a>

−1, −2, −3, etc.

—used as exponents placed above and at the right of an expression to indicate that the reciprocal of the expression is raised to the power whose degree is indicated by the figure <a−1 equals 1/a> <a−2 equals 1/a^2>

θ

angle or measure of an angle

f

function

f−1

the inverse of the function f

|z|

the absolute value of z

[x]

the greatest integer not greater than x

∍ or :

such that <choose a and b ∍ a + b = 6>

∃

there exists <∃ a ∍ a + 2 = 4>

∀

for every, for all <∀ a ∍ a is a real number, a^2 ≥ 0>

∪

union of two sets

∩

intersection of two sets

⊂

is included in, is a subset of

⊃

contains as a subset

∈ or ∊

is an element of

∉

is not an element of

Λ or 0 or { }

empty set, null set

Miscellaneous

&

and

&c

et cetera, and so forth

“ or ”

ditto marks

/

slash (or diagonal)—used to mean “or” (as in and/or), “and/or” (as in dead/wounded), “per” (as in feet/second); used to indicate end of a line of verse; used to separate the figures of a date (4/4/73)

†

died—used especially in genealogies

✠ or +

—used in some service books to indicate where the sign of the cross is to be made; also used by certain Roman Catholic and Anglican prelates as a sign of the cross preceding their signatures

Rx

take—used on prescriptions; prescription; treatment

x or ×

by <3 × 5 cards>

Physics

α

alpha particle

β

beta particle, beta ray

γ

gamma ray, photon

λ

wavelength

μ

micro-; micron; permeability

ν

frequency; neutrino

σ

conductivity; cross section; surface tension

Ω

ohm

Å

angstrom

c

speed of light

e

electron; electronic charge

n

neutron

p

proton

q

charge; quark

X

power of magnification

Reference Marks

*

asterisk or star

†

dagger

§

section or numbered clause

∥

parallels

¶

paragraph

A Handbook of Style

Punctuation

Plurals

Capitals and Italics

Punctuation

Punctuation marks give readers important clues about how combinations of words should be read and understood. Some uses of punctuation marks in American English are discussed and illustrated in the following pages.

Apostrophe

1. The apostrophe is used to indicate the possessive of nouns and indefinite pronouns (anyone, someone, etc.). The possessive of singular nouns and plural nouns that do not end in an s or z sound is usually formed by adding -'s.

the boy's mother

women's voices

the child's skates

people's ideas

The possessive of plural nouns ending in an s or z sound is usually formed by adding only an apostrophe.

dogs' leashes

birds' migrations

2. The apostrophe is used to mark a spot where a letter or digit has been left out of a contracted word or numeral.

didn't

they're

she'd

class of '03

in the '90s

Colon

1. The colon introduces a part of the sentence that identifies something that comes before it.

That year Dad's old obsession was replaced with a new one: jazz.

The problem is this: We don't have enough chairs.

2. The colon introduces a list or series.

Three countries were represented: Britain, France, and Belgium.

3. The colon introduces a part of the sentence that explains, illustrates, clarifies, or restates what has gone before.

Dawn was breaking: the distant peaks were already glowing with the sun's first rays.

4. The colon introduces a long quotation that is not enclosed in quotation marks but is indented to set it off from the rest of the text.

The Rumpole series has been well described as follows:

Horace Rumpole often wins cases despite the disdain of his more aristocratic colleagues. Fond of cheap wine (“Château Thames Embankment”) and….

A colon may also be used before a quotation that is enclosed by quotation marks and is not indented.

The inscription reads: “To our favorite teacher, Mr. Richards.”

5. The colon follows the salutation in formal letters.

Dear Judge Wright:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Comma

1. The comma separates independent clauses (parts of a sentence that could stand as sentences on their own) that are joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as and, but, or, nor, so).

She left a message, and he called her back that afternoon.

The trial lasted for nine months, but the jury took only four hours to reach its verdict.

Occasionally, the comma is also used to separate very short clauses that are not joined by conjunctions.

She came, she saw, she conquered.

2. The comma sometimes sets off adverbial clauses and phrases that begin or interrupt a sentence.

When we heard the news, we whooped with joy.

The teacher, having taken attendance, told us to take out our homework.

If the sentence can be easily read without a comma, the comma may be left out.

In January the roof fell in.

As cars age they become less valuable.

3. The comma sets off words and phrases that suggest a transition or introduce examples, such as indeed, however, furthermore, namely, and for example.

Indeed, no one seemed to have heard of him.

The mystery, however, remains unsolved.

She plans to visit two countries, namely, Mexico and Belize.

4. The comma sets off contrasting expressions within a sentence.

This project will take six months, not six weeks.

5. The comma separates items in a series. Many writers leave out the comma before the last item in a series whenever this would not result in confusion.

Men, women, and children crowded aboard the train.

or

Men, women and children crowded aboard the train.

Her job required her to pack quickly, to travel often, and to have no personal life.

or

Her job required her to pack quickly, to travel often and to have no personal life.

6. The comma separates two or more adjectives that modify a noun.

in a calm, reflective manner

the harsh, damp, piercing wind

The comma is not used between two adjectives when the first adjective modifies the combination of the second adjective plus the noun it modifies.

the lone bald eagle

a good used car

7. The comma is used to set off material that is not an essential part of the sentence but provides additional information.

We visited Gettysburg, site of the famous battle.

A cherished landmark, the Hotel Sandburg was spared.

Its author, Maria Olevsky, was an expert diver.

8. The comma separates a direct quotation from a phrase identifying its speaker or source.

She answered, “I'm leaving.”

“I suspect,” Bob observed, “we'll be hearing more.”

The comma is left out when the quotation ends with a question mark or exclamation point.

“How about another game?” Elaine piped up.

It is usually left out when the quoted phrase itself is the subject or object of the larger sentence.

“Absolutely not” was the reply she received.

9. The comma sets off mild interjections and words used to address someone directly.

Ah, that's my idea of an excellent dinner.

Well, what have we here?

The facts, my friend, are very different.

You may go if you wish, Sam.

10. The comma comes before a question that has been added to a statement or command.

That's obvious, isn't it?

11. The comma is used to avoid confusion that might arise from words placed side by side.

Under Mr. James, Madison High School flourished.

To Mary, Jane was someone special.

12. The comma is used to groups numerals into units of three to separate thousands, millions, and so on.

2,000 case histories

a fee of $12,500

numbering 3,450,000

It is not, however, used in street addresses, page numbers, and four-digit years.

12537 Wilshire Blvd.

page 1415

in 3000 B.C.

13. The comma separates a name from a title or degree.

Sandra H. Cobb, Vice President

Lee Herman Melville, M.D.

It is also often used to separate a name from the abbreviations Jr. and Sr.

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. or Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

14. A comma sets off elements of a place name or address (except for zip codes).

On the way to Austin, Texas, our car broke down.

Write to Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233.

15. A comma separates the day from the year in dates.

The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

When only the month and year are given, the comma is usually left out.

The Wright brothers finally succeeded in keeping an airplane aloft for a few seconds in December 1903.

16. A comma follows the salutation in informal correspondence.

Dear Aunt Sarah,

It also follows the word or words that conventionally come before the signature of a letter.

Sincerely yours,

Dash

1. The dash marks an abrupt change or break in a sentence.

The students seemed happy enough with the new plan, but the parents—there was the problem.

2. The dash is often used in place of commas or parentheses to set off material that is not essential but provides additional information.

The new law will prevent corporations—large and small—from buying influence with campaign contributions.

3. The dash introduces a list.

He speaks three languages—English, French, and Spanish.

4. The dash introduces a part of the sentence that defines something that comes before it.

The motion was tabled—that is, removed indefinitely from consideration.

5. The dash often precedes the information identifying the source of a quotation, either immediately after the quotation or on the next line.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.—Eleanor Roosevelt

or

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
—Eleanor Roosevelt

Ellipsis

1. The ellipsis is used when one or more words have been left out of a quotation.

We the People of the United States…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

2. The ellipsis indicates faltering speech or an unfinished sentence.

“I mean…” he stammered, “like…How?”

Exclamation Point

The exclamation point ends an emphatic phrase, sentence, or interjection.

Without a trace!

There is no alternative!

Encore!

Hyphen

1. The hyphen is often used to link elements in compound words.

secretary-treasurer

fleet-footed

middle-of-the-road

take-up

light-year

quick-freeze

2. The hyphen is used in writing out compound numbers between 21 and 99.

forty-one years old

one hundred forty-one

his forty-first birthday

3. The hyphen is used between numbers and dates with the meaning “(up) to and including.”

pages 128-34

the years 1995-99

4. The hyphen is often used with the meaning to, and, or versus.

the New York-Paris flight

the Lincoln-Douglas debates

a final score of 7-2

5. The hyphen marks a division of a word at the end of a line.

In 1979 smallpox, formerly a great scourge, was declared eradicated by the World Health Or-
ganization.

Parentheses

1. Parentheses can be used to enclose a sentence or a part of a sentence that provides additional information or helps make something clearer.

The discussion was held in private. (The results are still confidential.)

Although we like the restaurant (their pizza is the best), we haven't been there in several months.

Nominations for club officers (president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary) were approved.

Four computers (all outdated models) were replaced.

I'll get back to you tomorrow (Friday).

The diagram (Fig. 3) illustrates the parts of the body.

2. Parentheses enclose numbers or letters indicating individual items in a series.

The clouds in the illustration are (1) cirrus, (2) cumulus, and (3) stratus.

3. Parentheses enclose abbreviations that follow their spelled-out forms, or spelled-out forms that follow their abbreviations.

the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

4. Parentheses indicate alternative terms.

Please sign and return the enclosed form(s).

Period

1. The period ends a sentence or a sentence fragment that is neither a question nor an exclamation.

The bus left five minutes ago.

She asked if we liked to dance.

He said, “I haven't read that book yet.”

Don't forget your homework.

Unlikely. In fact, inconceivable.

2. The period follows most abbreviations and some contractions.

Calif.

Sept.

etc.

e.g.

p.m.

dept.

Dr.

Jr.

Assn.

3. The period is used with a person's initials.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Robert E. Lee

4. The period follows numerals and letters when used without parentheses in outlines and lists.

I. Pollution

A. Principal sources

1. Industrial

2. Residential

B. Proposed solutions

Question Mark

1. The question mark ends a direct question.

What went wrong?

Was anyone seen in the area after 10 p.m.?

“When do they arrive?” she asked.

The question mark does not follow an indirect question.

He asked when the store normally closed.

2. The question mark indicates uncertainty about a fact.

Homer, the Greek epic poet (9th-8th? cent. B.C.)

Quotation Marks, Double

1. Quotation marks enclose direct quotations.

“I'm leaving,” she whispered. “This could last forever.”

He asked, “What went wrong?”

“Mom, we tried that already!” they said in unison.

Quotation marks do not enclose indirect quotations or paraphrases.

She whispered that she was leaving.

2. Quotation marks enclose words or phrases that have been borrowed from others and words or phrases that are very informal or in some way unusual.

They were afraid the patient had “stroked out”—or had had a stroke.

They required a “biodata summary”—that is, a résumé.

He called himself “emperor,” but he was really just a dictator.

3. Quotation marks enclose titles of songs, poems, short stories, essays, chapters of books, episodes of radio and television programs, and articles in newspapers and magazines.

the article “In Search of Sleep” in Newsweek

“The Death of the Hired Man” by Robert Frost

Poe's “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”

Thoreau's famous essay “Civil Disobedience”

The Jungle Book's ninth chapter, “Rikki-tikki-tavi”

M*A*S*H's finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen”

4. Quotation marks are used with other punctuation marks as follows. A period or comma is placed inside the quotation marks. A colon or semicolon is placed outside them. A dash, question mark, or exclamation point is placed inside the quotation marks when it punctuates the quoted matter only, but outside when it punctuates the whole sentence.

He smiled and said, “I'm happy for you.”

“Too easy,” she shot back.

There was only one real “issue”: noise.

She spoke of her “little cottage in the country”; she might better have called it a mansion.

“I can't see how—”) he started to say.

Saturdays there were dances—“sock hops”—in the gym.

He asked, “When did she leave?”

Did you say “Australia”?

She leaped into the air with a joyful “Hooray!”

Save us from his “mercy”!

Quotation Marks, Single

Single quotation marks enclose quotations within quotations.

The witness said, “I distinctly heard him say, ‘Don't be late,’ and then I heard the door close.”

Semicolon

1. The semicolon links independent clauses (parts of a sentence that could stand as sentences on their own) when they are joined without a coordinating conjunction.

Cream the butter and sugar; add the eggs and beat well.

The river overflowed its banks; roads vanished; freshly plowed fields turned into lakes.

2. The semicolon joins two clauses when the second includes a word or phase like however, indeed, thus, in that case, as a result, or on the other hand.

It won't be easy to sort out the facts; a decision must be made, however.

The show started an hour late; as a result, many people requested refunds.

3. The semicolon is often used before introductory expressions such as for example, that is, and namely.

We were fairly successful; that is, we raised more than a thousand dollars.

4. The semicolon separates phrases or items in a series when they contain commas.

The assets include $22 million in land, buildings, and equipment; $34 million in cash and investments; and $8 million in inventory.

The exhibition will travel to Washington, D.C.; Concord, N.H.; Portland, Ore.; and Oakland, Cal.

The votes against were: Megan's group, 8; Brandon's group, 2; Jake's group, 6.

5. The semicolon is placed outside quotation marks and parentheses.

They again demanded “complete freedom”; the demand was again rejected.

She likes rock and roll (the louder the better); he prefers classical.

Slash

1. The slash sometimes stands for or or and/or.

his/her

2. The slash sometimes stands for to or and.

1998/99 or 1998-99

the May/June issue or the May–June issue

3. The slash sometimes stands for per or to.

400,000 tons/year

price/earnings ratio

29 mi/gal

4. The slash separates parts of a date or fraction.

on 9/11/01

a 7/8-mile course

5. The slash is used as a part of some abbreviations.

w/o [for without]

c/o [for care of]

6. The slash is used in Internet addresses.

http://www.Merriam-Webster.com/

Plurals

1. The plurals of most English words are formed by adding -s or -es to the singular; -es is added when the noun ends in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh.

dog → dogs

race → races

voter → voters

book → books

grass → grasses

tax → taxes

blitz → blitzes

branch → branches

dish → dishes

2. The plurals of words that follow other patterns are given at the appropriate entries in the main section of this dictionary.

army → armies

woman → women

ox → oxen

foot → feet

sheep → sheep

phenomenon → phenomena

passerby → passersby

alumnus → alumni

elf → elves

Capitals and Italics

Words and phrases are capitalized or italicized to indicate that they have special significance in particular situations. The following rules and examples describe some of the most common uses of capitals and italics.

Beginnings

1. The first word of a sentence or sentence fragment is capitalized.

The play lasted nearly three hours.

How are you feeling?

So many people, so many opinions.

Bravo!

2. The first word of a direct quotation is capitalized. However, if the quotation is interrupted in mid-sentence, the second part does not begin with a capital.

Hart repeated, “We can only stay a few minutes.”

“We can only stay a few minutes,” repeated Hart, “but we'll come back tomorrow.”

3. The first word of a line of poetry is traditionally capitalized. However, in modern poetry the line beginnings are often lowercased. The poem's original capitalization should always be kept.

Heart, do not bruise the breast
That sheltered you so long;
Beat quietly, strange guest.
—Edna St. Vincent Millay

A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky
—Maya Angelou

4. In a letter, the first word of the salutation and the first of the words that conventionally come before the signature are capitalized.

Dear Catherine:

To whom it may concern:

Sincerely yours,

Proper Nouns and Adjectives

1. Names of persons and places, organizations and their members, conferences and councils, and historical periods and events are capitalized. If you are not sure if something should be capitalized or not, look it up in a dictionary or encyclopedia.

Noah Webster

Christa McAuliffe

New York City

the Rotary Club

all Rotarians

Yalta Conference

Council of Trent

Bronze Age

World War II

Boston Tea Party

2. Words formed from proper nouns are often capitalized. Look up the word in the dictionary when you are not sure.

Bunsen burner

Gregorian calendar

People

3. Words designating languages, nationalities, peoples, races, religious groups, and tribes are capitalized. Designations based on skin color may be capitalized or lowercased.

Spanish

Spaniards

Muslims

Iroquois

Asians

blacks and Hispanics

Black businesses

Jewish holidays

4. Titles that come before the name of a person and epithets or nicknames used instead of a name are capitalized.

President Lincoln

Honest Abe

King Henry VIII

Titles following a name or used alone are usually lowercased.

Henry VIII, king of England

Marcia Ramirez, president of Logex Corp.

Logex Corp.'s president

5. Words of family relationship that come before a person's name or are used in place of it are capitalized; otherwise they are lowercased.

Uncle Fred

Cousin Julia

my mother's birthday

Mother's birthday

Religious Terms

6. Words designating the Supreme Being are capitalized.

Allah

the Almighty

Brahma

in the eyes of God

Jehovah

Plural references to deities are lowercased, however.

the angry gods

7. Personal pronouns referring to the Supreme Being are often capitalized in religious writing.

God gave His Son

Scientific Terms

8. Names of planets and their satellites, stars, constellations, and other specific celestial objects are capitalized. However, the words sun, earth, and moon are usually lowercased unless they occur with other astronomical names.

Jupiter

the North Star

Ursa Major

Mars, Venus, and Earth

life on earth

voyage to the moon

9. Names of geological time divisions are capitalized. The generic terms that follow them are lowercased.

Mesozoic era

Paleocene epoch

Quaternary period

the Upper Cretaceous

Time Periods

10. Names of days of the week, months, and holidays and holy days are capitalized.

Tuesday

January

Veterans Day

Yom Kippur

Easter

Names of the seasons are lowercased.

winter

Titles of Works

11. The first word in the title of a book, magazine, newspaper, play, movie, work of art, or long poem or musical composition is capitalized. The other words in the title are also capitalized, except for articles (a, an, the), coordinating conjunctions (and, or, but, etc.), short prepositions (by, of, on, to, etc.) and the to of infinitives. Prepositions of four or more letters are often capitalized. The entire title is italicized. (Some other kinds of titles are enclosed in quotation marks rather than italicized; see “Quotation Marks, Double”.)

Of Mice and Men

Sports Illustrated

USA Today

Miller's The Crucible

Lawrence of Arabia

Monet's Water-Lily Pool

Eliot's The Waste Land

Trademarks

12. Registered trademarks, service marks, and brand names are capitalized.

Coke

Walkman

Kleenex

Band-Aid

Frisbee

Levi's

Transportation

13. Names of ships, airplanes, and space vehicles are capitalized and italicized.

Titanic

Spirit of St. Louis

Challenger

Apollo 13

14. Names of train lines, types of aircraft, and space programs are capitalized but not italicized.

Metroliner

Boeing 727

Concorde

Pathfinder Program

Other Styling Conventions

1. Italics are often used for letters referred to as letters, words referred to as words, and numerals referred to as numerals.

The g in align is silent.

The word slogan evolved from Scottish Gaelic, the ancient language of Scotland.

The first 2 and the last 0 are barely legible.

2. Foreign words and phrases are italicized.

“The cooking here is wunderbar!”